cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Spatial Resolution Imaging of Arp 220 from 3 to 25 Microns

Images of Arp 220 from 3.45 to 24.5 μm with 0farcs5 resolution are presented that clearly separate the nucleus into at least two components. The western component is about 3 times more luminous than the eastern component, but the silicate absorption in the fainter, eastern component is roughly 50% greater than the absorption in the western component. Each component is marginally resolved. The two components seen at 24.5 μm are identified with the two radio components. The western source most likely coincides with the high-extinction disk previously suggested to exist in Arp 220, while the eastern nucleus is identified with a faint, highly reddened source seen in HST 2.2 μm NICMOS images. The two nuclei together account for essentially all of the measured 24.5 μm flux density. Two models are presented, both of which fit the observations. In one the majority of the total luminosity is produced in an extended star formation region, and in the other most of the luminosity is produced in the compact but extincted regions associated with the two nuclei seen at 24.5 μm. In both pictures, substantial luminosity at 100 μm emerges from a component having a diameter of 2"-3" (~1 kpc).
Hot pressing of graded ultrafine-grained alumina bioceramics

Abstract The work presented investigates the processing of high-density functionally gradient alumina bioceramic with continuously decreasing grain size along its thickness. This would serve as a transitional multilayer for implants changing from a lower grade alumina with coarser bulk grain size to a higher quality alumina with finer surface grain size and superior properties. Such an approach could provide economic and performance benefits for ceramic implants in general. A model of disc geometry was used to examine the feasibility of producing this brand of materials. Sequential slip casting was successfully used to deposit green layers of varying particle sizes from 50 to 250 nm. Hot pressing at a range of temperatures (1200–1400 °C) and times (15–120 min) was carried out. Hot pressing temperature was found to have a greatest effect on grain growth and porosity within each layer. Grain growth exponents of 6–8 were obtained, signifying a pinning effect. A near fully dense compact with final grain size increasing from one side of the compact to the other was successfully produced. Surface grain sizes as low as ∼300 nm were obtained.
The Effective Length of the Presidential Primary Season The Impact of Delegate Allocation Rules and Voter Preferences

Scholars interested in the speed with which each of the two major US political parties selects its presidential nominee focus on delegate allocation rules and voter preferences as possible sources ...
Multilateralism compromised: the mysterious origins of GATT Article XXIV

The GATT treaty's loophole for free trade areas in Article XXIV has puzzled and deceived prominent scholars, who trace its postwar origins to US aspirations to promote European integration and efforts to persuade developing countries to endorse the Havana Charter. Drawing from archival records, this article shows that in fact US policymakers crafted the controversial provisions of Article XXIV to accommodate a trade treaty they had secretly reached with Canada. As a result, the free trade area exemption was embedded in the GATT–WTO regime, even though neither the Havana Charter nor the US–Canada free trade agreement was ever ratified. Theoretically, the case is an important example of how Cold War exigencies altered the policy ideas of US officials.
The application of a benchmarking concept

Purpose – Today, the occupancy cost of owner‐operated property is the second or third largest cost factor for many companies. Benchmarking projects that focus on occupancy cost comparisons are, therefore, becoming increasingly important. Such projects must contrast comparable properties since the comparison otherwise cannot produce meaningful results. The paper aims to focus on the issues involved.Design/methodology/approach – An occupancy cost benchmarking concept is explained using the example of a Swiss portfolio of office buildings used for own operations. The chosen approach works primarily with known cost drivers that are used in the selection of suitable benchmarking properties.Findings – The benchmarking concept enables the benchmarking of comparable properties. In addition to a pure benchmarking, it also allows the reasons for cost differences between the properties under consideration and the specific benchmarks to be identified. Recommended actions can be derived from the comparison.Practical i...
The Status of the W. M. Keck Observatory and Ten Meter Telescope

The W. M. Keck Observatory is a joint project of the University of California and the California Institute of Technology to build and operate a new ground-based astronomical telescope. The telescope will be used for observations at both visible and infrared wavelengths. One innovative feature of the telescope is the ten meter diameter primary, mirror (76m2). The mirror is a mosaic of thirty-six hexagonal segments. The fabrication of this large mirror requires 1) fabrication of the individual segments, 2) support of the segments, and 3) active control of the pistons and tilts of the segments. The glass-ceramic segments are 75mm thick and 1.8m in diameter. They will be polished using the technique of Stressed Mirror Polishing. First forces and moments are applied around the edge of the blank to deform the surface. Next a sphere is polished into the stressed blank. Finally the forces and moments are released and the blank elastically deforms to the desired off-axis section of a paraboloid. In the telescope, the segments are supported by whiffietrees which take axial loads and by a post attached to the center of mass with a thin diaphragm which takes radial loads. The relative pistons and tilts of the segments are electronically stabilized by an active servo system. We describe the status of the design and development work and the plans for fabrication.
Levetiracetam Inhibits both ryanodine and IP3 receptor activated calcium induced calcium release in hippocampal neurons in culture

Epilepsy affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide, and there is a pressing need to develop new anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and understand their mechanisms of action. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a novel AED and despite its increasingly widespread clinical use, its mechanism of action is as yet undetermined. Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) regulation by both inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP3R) and ryanodine receptors (RyR) has been implicated in epileptogenesis and the maintenance of epilepsy. To this end, we investigated the effect of LEV on RyR and IP3R activated calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) in hippocampal neuronal cultures. RyR-mediated CICR was stimulated using the well-characterized RyR activator, caffeine. Caffeine (10mM) caused a significant increase in [Ca2+]i in hippocampal neurons. Treatment with LEV (33 microM) prior to stimulation of RyR-mediated CICR by caffeine led to a 61% decrease in the caffeine induced peak height of [Ca2+]i when compared to the control. Bradykinin stimulates IP3R-activated CICR-to test the effect of LEV on IP3R-mediated CICR, bradykinin (1 microM) was used to stimulate cells pre-treated with LEV (100 microM). The data showed that LEV caused a 74% decrease in IP3R-mediated CICR compared to the control. In previous studies we have shown that altered Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms play a role in seizure activity and the development of spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges (SREDs). Elevations in [Ca2+]i mediated by CICR systems have been associated with neurotoxicity, changes in neuronal plasticity, and the development of AE. Thus, the ability of LEV to modulate the two major CICR systems demonstrates an important molecular effect of this agent on a major second messenger system in neurons.
Numerical simulation of circulation in gas-liquid column reactors: isothermal, bubbly, laminar flow

The gas-liquid flow inside a circular, isothermal column reactor with a vertical axis has been studied using numerical simulations. The flow is assumed to be in the laminar, bubbly flow regime which is characterized by a suspension of discrete air bubbles in a continuous liquid phase such as glycerol water. The mathematical formulation is based on the conservation of mass and momentum principle for the liquid phase. The gas velocity distribution is calculated via an empirically prescribed relative velocity as a function of void fraction. The interface viscous drag forces are prescribed empirically. For some cases a profile shape is assumed for the void ratio distribution. The influence of various profile shapes is investigated. The results are compared with those where the void ratio distribution is calculated from the conservation of mass equation. The mathematical model has been implemented by modifying a readily available computer code for single-phase newtonian fluid flows. The numerical discretization is based on a finite volume approach. The predictions show a good agreement with measurements. The circulation pattern seems not to be so sensitive to the actual shape of the void fraction profiles, but the inlet distribution of it is important. A significantly different flow pattern results when the void fraction distribution is calculated from the transport equation, as compared to those with a priori prescribed profiles. When the void fraction is uniformly distributed over the whole distributor plate, no circulation is observed. Calculations also show that even the two-phase systems with a few discrete bubbles can be simulated successfully by a continuum model.
Ultralightweight active mirror technology at the University of Arizona

ABSTRACT Lightweight mirrors for space can be made using a thin flexible substrate for the optical surface and a rigid light-weight frame with actuators for support. The accuracy of the optical surface is actively maintained by adjusting theactuators using feedback from wavefront measurements. The University of Arizona is now is the final stages of fab-ricating two such mirrors. A 2-m NGST Mirror System Demonstrator, with an areal density of 13 kg/m2, is beingbuilt for NASA and will be tested at cryogenic temperatures. A 50 cm development mirror, with an areal density ofonly 5 kg/m2, is also being fabricated. This paper discusses the fabrication processes involved with both of thesemirrors.Keywords: space optics, lightweight mirrors, active optics 1. INTRODUCTION Conventional mirrors use stiff glass blanks that can withstand polishing loads, launch, and the final operat-ing environment. These mirrors are usually made from low expansion glass, formed into closed back shapes thatachieve a good stiffness-to-weight ratio. The sections ofthe structured glass must be thick enough (>> 1 mm) to besafely handled, polished, and launched. The mirror itself must be deep enough (10% of the diameter) to achievegood stiffness. This geometry limits the mass density for large mirrors in operation to greater than 30 kg/m2, al-though there are developmental efforts to improve this. Figures 1 and 2 show two such mirrors, the 8.4-m, 16,000kg primary mirror for the Large Binocular Telescope, and the 2.4-m, 830 kg primary mirror from the Rubble SpaceTelescope.JHB: jburge(i),optics.arizona.edu, 520-621-8182DB: baiocchi(d,optics.arizona.edu, 520-626-6826BC: bcuerden@as.arizona.edu, 520-621-1557
Feasibility of serial intracoronary ultrasound imaging for assessment of progression of intimal proliferation in cardiac transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND Serial quantitative coronary angiography is used to assess progression of coronary disease; however, pathology studies have demonstrated angiographic insensitivity for determining atheroma. Intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) can define and measure the components of the arterial wall and offers the potential for precise quantitative assessment of disease progression on serial examinations. The present study was done to test the feasibility of serially assessing intimal proliferation at the same coronary site with ICUS imaging in cardiac transplant recipients. METHODS AND RESULTS ICUS imaging was done with a 30-MHz, 5F or 4.3F ultrasound imaging catheter at the time of angiography in 70 cardiac allografts (3.8 sites per patient) initially and 1 year later. Mean intimal thickness (IT), luminal area (LA), and total area (TA) of lumen plus intima and an index of intimal thickness (II = TA - LA/TA) were measured at each site. Additionally, vessels were graded using a scale incorporating criteria of intimal thickness and circumferential involvement. Side-by-side comparisons of paired angiograms were performed both to verify the similarity of ICUS imaging site and to detect new angiographic abnormalities. At least one site could be assessed serially by ICUS in 100% of patients, but only 189 of the original 263 coronary sites (72%) (2.7 sites per patient) could be matched satisfactorily on the second study. Thirty-nine patients (56%) had mild IT and 31 patients (44%) had moderate or severe IT on the initial study. Both groups showed the same IT progression the following year (delta = 0.05 +/- 0.13 versus 0.07 +/- 0.15 mm; P = NS). Twenty-seven of the 70 patients (39%) showed progression by ICUS. The 23 patients with ICUS progression and angiographically normal vessels had the same progression in intimal thickening as the 4 patients with ICUS progression but showing angiographic disease (delta = 0.17 +/- 0.13 versus 0.22 +/- 0.10 mm; P = NS). CONCLUSIONS Replication of the intracoronary imaging site by judgment of two observers at an initial study and at a second study 1 year later was possible in at least one vessel site in 100% of the 70 patients and in 72% (189 of 263) of the original imaging sites (2.7 sites per patient). Serial ICUS demonstrates progression of intimal thickening at specific sites in only some cardiac transplant patients. Progression of intimal proliferation can occur in individuals in the presence or absence of initially increased intimal thickening or of angiographic disease at the time of the initial studies. Angiography is insensitive for recognizing early intimal thickening of the coronary vessels.
Grain-Boundary Chemistry Effects on the Intergranular Stress Corrosion of Iron Alloys in Sulfate and Nitrate Solutions

Abstract Intergranular stress corrosion measurements have been made on Fe alloys in 1 M sodium sulfate at electrochemical potentials of +750 to +1250 +1250 mVSCE and in 55% calcium nitrate at 6CPC and +750 +750 mVSCE. Tests were conducted on Fe with variable grain-boundary S and P concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 0.23 monolayers of S and 0 to 0.31 monolayers of P. Compact tension samples were used to measure the subcritical crack growth behavior. The calcium nitrate solutions were considerably more effective in causing crack growth of Fe than was the sodium sulfate solution. Crack growth thresholds, KISCC, of 6 MPam and 3 MPam were observed for Fe with 0.23 monolayers of S and 0.31 monolayers of P, respectively, when tested in calcium nitrate and 13 MPam when tested in sodium sulfate. A clear correlation was observed between the total S+P grain-boundary concentration and KISCC and crack velocity. The crack growth rates were about a factor of 10 faster in nitrate than sulfate. In general, the crack grow...
Progress toward Système International d'Unités traceable force metrology for nanomechanics

Recent experiments with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Electrostatic Force Balance (EFB) have achieved agreement between an electrostatic force and a gravitational force of 10−5 N to within a few hundred pN/μN. This result suggests that a force derived from measurements of length, capacitance, and voltage provides a viable small force standard consistent with the Systeme International d’Unites. In this paper, we have measured the force sensitivity of a piezoresistive microcantilever by directly probing the NIST EFB. These measurements were linear and repeatable at a relative standard uncertainty of 0.8%. We then used the calibrated cantilever as a secondary force standard to transfer the unit of force to an optical lever–based sensor mounted in an atomic force microscope. This experiment was perhaps the first ever force calibration of an atomic force microscope to preserve an unbroken traceability chain to appropriate national standards. We estimate the relative standard uncertainty of the force sensitivity at 5%, but caution that a simple model of the contact mechanics suggests errors may arise due to friction.
Experience with vesicoureteral reflux in children: clinical characteristics

AbstractPurpose: We reviewed our 9-year experience with a large population of children with vesicoureteral reflux who were evaluated and treated according to contemporary concepts.Materials and Methods: From 1985 to 1993 we followed 288 boys and 752 girls with vesicoureteral reflux. If surgery was not performed, patients were on antibiotic prophylaxis and evaluation was done every 18 months with contrast voiding cystography and radionuclide renal imaging. Urine cultures were obtained every 4 months. Two negative voiding cystourethrograms 1 year apart were required to discontinue prophylaxis.Results: The major reasons for initial evaluation were urinary tract infection in 560 children (54%), voiding dysfunction without urinary tract infection in 156 (15%), sibling surveys in 122 (12%) and prenatal hydronephrosis in 23 (2%). In 150 kidneys (10%) in 132 children scarring at presentation was grade 0 in 10 (7%), I in 18 (12%), II in 27 (18%), III in 30 (20%), IV in 48 (32%) and V in 17 (11%). Of these 132 pati...
Symptomatology and analyses of nutrient deficiencies produced on flowering annual plants 1

Abstract Deficiency symptoms were produced on 11 different flowering annual plants grown in sand cultures containing Hoagland's complete and nutrient deficient solutions. Visual observations were recorded and leaf analyses run to establish standard and threshold levels of important macro‐and micro‐elements.
Using first-principles calculations to predict surface resistances to H2 transport through metal alloy membranes

Abstract The net resistance to hydrogen transport through defect-free metal membranes includes intracrystalline resistance associated with diffusion of H through the bulk of the membrane and other resistances associated with surface processes. We introduce quantitative modeling methods based on plane wave density functional theory calculations that assess the relative role of intracrystalline and surface resistances for membranes made from metal alloys. To demonstrate the method, we examine the permeation of hydrogen through Pd 75 Cu 25 films as a function of film thickness, temperature, feed pressure, and transmembrane pressure drop. For membranes that are 1 μm thick, resistances associated with surface processes play a crucial role at all temperatures lower than ∼700 K.
Use of arsenic trioxide as an antivascular and thermosensitizing agent in solid tumors.

Abstract Arsenic trioxide, As 2 O 3 (ATO), has been found to be an effective chemotherapy drug for acute promyelocytic leukemia but its effect on solid tumors has not been fully explored. In the present report, we describe our observation that ATO is a potent antivascular agent and that it markedly enhances the effect of hyperthermia on tumors. The tumor blood perfusion in SCK tumors of A/J mice and FSall tumors of C3H mice was significantly suppressed for up to 24 hours after an i.p. injection of 8 mg/kg ATO. ATO was also found to be able to increase the thermosensitivity of tumor cells in vitro. As a probable consequence of these effects, ATO treatment markedly increased the tumor growth delay caused by hyperthermia at 41.5-42.5°C. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor tissue revealed that the expression levels of several adhesion molecules and TNFa are noticeably increased in tumors 2–6 hours after systemic ATO treatment. It is concluded that ATO is potentially useful to enhance the effect of hyperthermia on tumors at a clinically relevant temperature.
Organizing and implementing a hospital-wide first-responder automated external defibrillation program: strengthening the in-hospital chain of survival *

First-responder automated external defibrillation (AED) in the hospital is consistent with the American Heart Association's (AHA) early defibrillation standard or care. With trained personnel and automated external defibrillators immediately available, early defibrillation should have a greater impact on survival than early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Therefore, in our hospitals we modified basic life support to include automated external defibrillation (BLS-AED) for all personnel who are expected to respond to a cardiac arrest, with rapid defibrillation taking priority over CPR. We describe how we organized and implemented this hospital-wide first-responder BLS-AED program. Planning the process includes gaining support from key leaders who are responsible for resuscitation practice, and identifying the target audience of the training program. Hospital unit needs for AED or conventional defibrillation and equipment must be identified, the training program developed, and existing policies and procedures modified. Several barriers to implementation may exist. Education about the efficacy and safety of AED and experience once the BLS-AED program is in place can overcome attitudes and bias. Concerns about the cost of equipment and training must be addressed. Program evaluation may include patient issues such as measuring the time to the first defibrillation and patient outcome; as well as training and retention issues.
On the analysis of prismatic beams using first-order warping functions

Abstract A one-dimensional theory for isotropic homogeneous beams with a general cross-section is developed that utilizes both deformations in the cross-section plane and warping out of the cross-section plane where these deformation functions are known from Saint-Venant's elasticity solutions for bending and flexure of a prismatic beam (first-order warping functions). In contrast to existing technical beam theories which assume that local cross-section deformations and some stresses can be neglected, the present theory makes no assumption. The finite element model is developed using the resulting differential equations along with a partially weak-form formulation. Full three-dimensional constitutive equations are used. Solutions are found using the finite element method. Numerical results, which are presented for a wide variety of loadings and boundary conditions, show that the calculated stresses and displacements are in excellent agreement with existing elasticity solutions.
Guest Editors' Introduction: Confronting the Hardware Trustworthiness Problem

The emergence of a globalized, horizontal semiconductor business model raises concerns involving the security and trust of the information systems on which modern society is increasingly reliant for mission-critical functionality. Traditionally, hardware-based security techniques and countermeasures modify hardware to prevent attacks and to protect IP blocks or secret keys. Some of the emerging types of attacks covered by this special issue are fundamentally different: the attacker is assumed to maliciously alter the design before or during fabrication.
Introduction to thoracic endografting: imaging, guidewires, guiding catheters, and delivery sheaths.

Purpose. With the recent approval of the first thoracic endoprosthesis in the United States for the treatment of isolated descending thoracic aortic aneurysms, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of physicians interested in getting involved in this emerging technology. However, many of these physicians do not have extensive endovascular experience, are not familiar with the catheters and guidewires used for thoracic endografting procedures, or do not have access to a full complement of endovascular resources. Description. We discuss the basics of catheters, guidewires, and balloons necessary to perform thoracic endovascular procedures. Evaluation. Adequate radiographic visualization of the thoracic aorta and access vessels is essential for all phases of the thoracic endografting procedure. In addition, a vast array of catheters, guidewires, balloons, and sheaths have been designed to assist with endovascular access and delivery of various therapeutic modalities. Conclusions. Each of the different catheters and guidewires serve an important purpose in the conduct of thoracic endografting procedures, and it is important to have a full understanding of these devices to ensure the best results.
Nanomaterials and the environment: uses, methods and measurement

Nanotechnology has emerged as a field of science and engineering which offers many new product possibilities and potential solutions for a variety of problems. Nanomaterials come in many shapes and forms and contribute to potential products that do everything from sense analytes on a molecular level to function as self cleaning surfaces. With new and significant applications, it is likely that nanomaterial containing products may replace many of the products we use on a daily basis, leading to an increased presence of these materials in the environment. This will result in new needs and requirements from detection tools. It is likely that the analytical methods used to monitor nanomaterials in the environment will be very different than those used in risk assessment and exposure studies. This paper briefly outlines the history, impacts, and uses of nanomaterials and discusses possible methods of detection and quantification for environmental samples. The discussions in this article are specific to those matrices relating to wastewaters and sludge.
Whisker experience modulates long‐term depression in neocortical γ‐aminobutyric acidergic interneurons in barrel cortex

Long-term plasticity is believed to be an important mechanism that allows neural circuits to be modulated in an use-dependent manner. However, evidence regarding the role of sensory experience in modulating long-term plasticity of glutamatergic synapses in neocortical GABAergic interneurons is unavailable. Here, we focused on regular-spiking nonpyramidal (RSNP) interneurons and examined spike-pairing-induced plasticity of glutamatergic synapses and its modulation by sensory experiences ex vivo. In our previous studies, RSNP interneurons do not show experience-dependent plasticity of intrinsic properties or alteration of thalamocortical (TC) synapses and exhibit robust modulation by mGluRs. Here we report a spike-pairing-induced long-term depression (spLTD) of glutamatergic synapses in RSNP interneurons of barrels cortex. Using paired recording and thalamic-induced responses, we found that the spLTD was specific for intracortical but not TC synapses. The spLTD was mediated via presynaptic mGluRs. The spLTD was not modulated by chronic or acute administration of NMDAR antagonists but was enhanced by sensory deprivation (via whisker trimming) during a postnatal sensitive period ex vivo. The synapses specific spLTD to intracortical glutamatergic synapses in RSNP cells and their modulation by sensory deprivation may contribute to sensory-dependent remodeling of cortical circuits and redistribution circuit activity along the whisker-related columns. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ethics as Piety

AbstractThis article is meant as a contribution to a larger project about the relations between religion and ethics. It sketches out some approaches to the following questions: assuming that what we call “religion” and “ethics” are in principle distinct from each other, what is the conceptual relationship between them? What are the historical pathways along which the two often seem to converge? What are the social implications of that convergence where it occurs? And when they converge, what remainder escapes the conflation of these two? As a way of opening up these questions, this article compares two recent studies from the anthropology of religion, Joel Robbins’ ethnography of new evangelical Christians in Melanesia, and Charles Hirschkind’s study of a Muslim piety movement in Cairo. The comparison centers on how monotheistic religious traditions tend to objectify ethics in ways that render them cognitively explicit and thus expose them to pressures toward rationalization, generalization, and abstraction. But these traditions also expect ethics to guide everyday life, in all its concrete particularity, with potentially paradoxical consequences. These paradoxes seem to be one source of the restless urgency of those revival movements that identify ethics with piety.
Reducing Specious Recovery of End-to-End Failover for Stream Control Transport Protocol

Using the application of bulk data transfer, we investigate current failover mechanism and permanent failover mechanism for SCTP. We surprisingly find that both failover mechanisms have a hidden danger of spurious recovery that occur on the primary path, which cause traffic sending to the alternate path migrate back to the primary path rashly, this aggressive migration throttles the sending rate. In order to avoid this sending rate slowdown, we first present a major potential change to SCTP - the concept of "failover's robust recovery" using a primary recovery threshold (PRT) and a new failover mechanism called SCTP's robust failover mechanism (SRFM) based on a two-level threshold (i.e., PMR and PRT) to reduce spurious recovery and to further improve performance of failover mechanism.
Complications of Peptic Ulcer Disease in Geriatric Patients

: Many patients with the complications of peptic ulcer disease are in the geriatric age group. This is partly the result of the overall increase in this segment of the population in recent years, and partly the result of delay in the referral of younger patients with intractable forms of the disease. Hemorrhage is the most common life-threatening manifestation of peptic ulcer in the geriatric patient. Prompt evaluation by esophagogastroscopy and barium x-ray examination is of paramount importance in proper management. Perforation of peptic ulcer is less common in the elderly. When diagnosed, it requires immediate surgical treatment. Pyloric obstruction should be suspected in a patient with chronic nutritional depletion, superimposed acute dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and even shock. Nasogastric decompression of the dilated stomach and re-establishment of fluid and electrolyte balances should be attended to before carrying out definitive surgical treatment. Geriatric patients tolerate major surgery relatively well, but only if special attention is given to associated medical and metabolic abnormalities. Chronic obstructive lung disease with diminished pulmonary reserve is among the most common of these associated disorders. The prevention of serious pulmonary complications demands aggressive management both before and after operation for peptic ulcer. Diminished cardiovascular reserve must be taken into account if postoperative congestive heart failure or pulmonary edema is to be prevented. The presence of renal disease also should be evaluated as a factor in postoperative complications.
Bitstream compression through frame removal and partial reconfiguration

As FPGA logic density continues to increase, new techniques are needed to store initial configuration data efficiently, maintain usability, and minimize cost. In this paper, a novel compression technique is presented for Xilinx Virtex partially reconfigurable FPGAs. This technique relies on constrained hardware design and layout combined with a few simple compression techniques. This technique uses partial reconfiguration to separate a hardware design into two separate regions: a static and partial region. A bitstream containing only the static region is then compressed by removing empty frames. This bitstream will be stored in non-volatile memory and used for initialization. The remaining logic is configured through partial reconfiguration over a communication network. By applying this technique, a high level of compression was achieved (almost 90% for the V4 LX25). This compression technique requires no extra decompression circuitry and compression levels improve as device size increases.
Chronic alcohol ingestion primes the lung for bleomycin-induced fibrosis in mice.

Background Alcohol abuse increases the risk for acute lung injury (ALI). In both experimental models and in clinical studies, chronic alcohol ingestion causes airway oxidative stress and glutathione depletion and increases the expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1), a potent inducer of fibrosis, in the lung. Therefore, we hypothesized that alcohol ingestion could promote aberrant fibrosis following experimental ALI and that treatment with the glutathione precursor s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) could mitigate these effects.
Promotional frames and consumer decision making: It’s what you offer and how you offer it

Consumer research suggests product purchases are influenced by whether a product is seen as hedonic or utilitarian and whether the consumer is given several choices or just one. For example, Okada (2005) found people prefer hedonic alternatives when choices are presented singly, but choose utilitarian options in joint presentations. She theorized that this preference reversal is due to guilt over hedonic purchases.
XPS Studies of Fluorinated Acrylate Polymers and Block Copolymers with Polystyrene

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used to investigate the surface characteristics of various novel fluorinated acrylate homopolymers [1,1-dihydroperfluorooctyl acrylate (PFOA), 1,1-di...
HYDROTHERMAL SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A THREE-DIMENSIONAL ORGANICALLY-TEMPLATED VANADIUM PHOSPHATE H3NCH2CH2NH3 (VO)3(H2O)2(PO4)2( HPO4)

Abstract The title compound [(H3NCH2CH2NH3)][(VO)3(H2O)2(PO4)2(HPO4)] was synthesized from the hydrothermal reaction of V2O5:V:H3PO4:H2NCH2CH2NH2:H2O in the mole ratio of 1:1:10:5:740. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1¯ with unit cell parameters a = 10.187(1), b = 10.241(1), c = 8.2137(7) A, α = 90.398(8), β = 95.930(9) and γ = 117.325(7)°, V = 755.7(1) A3, Z = 2, Dcalc = 2.570 g cm−3, R = 0.0032, Rw = 0.035. The data were collected by using ω-2θ scan technique and the structure was solved by direct method. The structure consists of binuclear units of corner-sharing [VO6] octahedra and square-pyramidal [VO5] units linked by phosphate tetrahedra, forming double extended polyhedral slabs in the (101) plane with these slabs connected by corner-sharing [HPO4] tetrahedra to form a corner-sharing three-dimensional cage structure about the diammonium cations.
Psychoticism and marital satisfaction

Abstract The author has tested the hypothesis that psychoticism, as described in Eysenck's theory of personality, is related to marriage outcome. Thirty happy and 30 unhappy couples answered the Eysencks' EPQ questionnaire. The unhappy husbands and unhappy wives scored significantly higher on the P scale than their happy counterparts respectively. The results suggest that psychoticism (like neuroticism) may impair the marriage satisfaction. In addition, happily married spouses show greater similarity with respect to personality than do unhappily married spouses. Thus the results support the likeness and go counter to the complementaries theories of marital satisfaction.
Membrane Microviscosity Modulates μ-Opioid Receptor Conformational Transitions and Agonist Efficacy

Abstract: The influence of membrane microviscosity on μ-opioid agonist and antagonist binding, as well as agonist efficacy, was examined in membranes prepared from SH-SY5Y cells and from a C6 glioma cell line stably expressing the rat μ-opioid receptor (C6μ). Addition of cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHS) to cell membranes increased membrane microviscosity and reduced the inhibitory effect of sodium and guanine nucleotides on the affinity of the full agonists sufentanil and [D-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin (DAMGO) for the μ-opioid receptor. Binding of the antagonists [3H]naltrexone and [3H]diprenorphine and the partial agonist nalbuphine was unaffected by CHS. The effect of CHS on agonist binding was reversed by subsequent addition of cis-vaccenic acid, suggesting that the effect of CHS is the result of increased membrane microviscosity and not a specific sterol—receptor interaction. CHS addition increased the potency of DAMGO to stimulate guanosine-5′-O-(3-[35S]thio)triphosphate binding by fourfold, whereas the potency of nalbuphine was unaffected. However, nalbuphine efficacy relative to that of the full agonist DAMGO was strongly increased in CHS-treated membranes compared with that in control membranes. Membrane rigidification also resulted in an increased efficacy for the partial agonists meperidine, profadol, and butorphanol relative to that of DAMGO as measured by agonist-stimulated GTPase activity in control and CHS-modified membranes. These findings support a regulatory role for membrane microviscosity in receptor-mediated G protein activation.
What About an Unintelligent Singularity?: The technological singularity (Ubiquity symposium)

For years we humans have worried about plagues, asteroids, earthquakes, eruptions, fires, floods, famines, wars, genocides, and other uncontrollable events that could wipe away our civilization. In the modern age, with so much depending on computing and communications, we have added computers to our list of potential threats. Could we perish from the increasing intelligence of computers? Denning thinks that is less of a threat than the apparently mundane march of automated bureaucracies. He also asserts that none of the possible negative outcomes is a forgone conclusion because humans teaming with machines are far more intelligent than either one alone.
The Political Incorporation of Newcomers to Racially Changing Neighborhoods.

Gentrification and black suburbanization represent relatively recent population shifts that are at variance with long-standing demographic trends. The political implications of these shifts are considered by exploring the factors that influence the extent to which racial newcomers become politically active. Blacks who bought homes in a suburb of Washington, DC, were considerably less politically active than whites who gentrified the central city, in spite of the fact that both groups were well educated and essentially middle class in character. Personal characteristics such as age, marital status, education, and income proved to be less predictive of participation than dissatisfaction with neighborhood conditions, perception of racial relations, and previous place of residence.
Retina accumulates more glucose than does the embryologically similar cerebral cortex in diabetic rats.

Aims/hypothesis. The retina is embryologically similar to cerebral cortex and the tissues of both are exposed to similar blood glucose concentrations. Nevertheless, in diabetes the retina develops metabolic abnormalities and microvascular lesions from which cerebrum seems relatively protected. We directly compared glucose concentrations and expression of GLUT-1 (the major carrier transporting glucose from blood into the neural retina and cerebrum) in the two tissues from normal and diabetic rats.¶Methods. Tissue and intracellular glucose were measured using two methods: direct assay of glucose and assay of Amadori products on intracellular proteins. The expression of GLUT-1 was measured using western blots in tissue and in the isolated endothelial luminal membrane of the two vascular beds.¶Results. Both methods assessing intracellular glucose indicate that intracellular concentrations of glucose in diabetes increased significantly in the retina but not in cerebral cortex. Concentrations of free glucose and Amadori product in retinas of diabetic animals were increased above normal by 334 % and 122 %, respectively, whereas there was no statistically significant increase in either parameter in the cerebral cortex of diabetic animals. In contrast to the observed increase in glucose in the retina in diabetes, expression of GLUT-1 on the luminal plasmalemma of the retinal vascular endothelium and in homogenates of whole retina decreased to a statistically significant extent (55 % and 36 %, respectively compared to normal). In the luminal cell membrane of the cerebral vasculature, diabetes did not decrease expression of GLUT-1 but tended to increase it slightly.¶Conclusions/interpretation. Even among tissues that do not require insulin for glucose uptake, tissue glucose concentration varies in diabetes. The greater increase in glucose concentration in retina than in cerebrum in diabetes probably contributes to the tissue differences in biochemical and histopathologic sequelae of the disease. The expression of GLUT-1 in the microvasculature is unlikely to account for the differences in tissue glucose between retina and cerebrum. [Diabetologia (2000) 43: 1417–1423]
On dewetting conditions

Abstract Dewetting conditions formulated for charge-neutralized liquid films in terms of disjoining pressure (see V.S. Mitlin, J. Colloid Interface Sci., 156 (1993) 491) are discussed. It is shown that the classical Lamb's expression for the critical rupture thickness formulated in terms of the capillary length and contact angle can be derived from our theory by applying the Frumkin equation. It is argued that the thickness range within which the action of conjoining forces may yield film rupture is of the order of 0.5 mm. The complete non-linear model of dewetting is presented; it includes thermal noise which is necessary for simulating the break-up of metastable (about 1000 nm to 0.5 mm thick) films.
Affordances and Limitations of Immersive Participatory Augmented Reality Simulations for Teaching and Learning

The purpose of this study was to document how teachers and students describe and comprehend the ways in which participating in an augmented reality (AR) simulation aids or hinders teaching and learning. Like the multi-user virtual environment (MUVE) interface that underlies Internet games, AR is a good medium for immersive collaborative simulation, but has different strengths and limitations than MUVEs. Within a design-based research project, the researchers conducted multiple qualitative case studies across two middle schools (6th and 7th grade) and one high school (10th grade) in the northeastern United States to document the affordances and limitations of AR simulations from the student and teacher perspective. The researchers collected data through formal and informal interviews, direct observations, web site posts, and site documents. Teachers and students reported that the technology-mediated narrative and the interactive, situated, collaborative problem solving affordances of the AR simulation were highly engaging, especially among students who had previously presented behavioral and academic challenges for the teachers. However, while the AR simulation provided potentially transformative added value, it simultaneously presented unique technological, managerial, and cognitive challenges to teaching and learning.
Plasma testosterone levels and sexual performance of young obese male Zucker rats

Abstract The sexual behavior of obese male Zucker rats was studied at the age of 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, and 16 weeks. Between 12–14 weeks of age, obese rats were treated with 400 μg testosterone propionate daily. Plasma testosterone levels were determined at the age of 10, 14, 16, and 20 weeks. Compared to lean rats, the sexual performance of the obese rats was abnormal at all ages. Plasma testosterone levels of obese rats were significantly lower at the age of 20 weeks but not at the age of 10 and 16 weeks, compared to those of their lean littermates. At the age of 14 weeks, after 2 weeks of testosterone treatment, plasma testosterone concentration rose to levels significantly higher than those of their lean littermates. However, there was no improvement in their sexual behavior following this period of hormone treatment. This study strongly suggests that obese male Zucker rats have abnormal reproductive function at all ages and that testosterone deficiency is not a primary cause of this abnormality.
Neostoicism and the early modern state

(1984). Neostoicism and the early modern state. History of European Ideas: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 206-207.
Maintenance therapy with thalidomide improves overall survival after autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation for multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND High-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplantation improves survival for patients with multiple myeloma (MM); however, most patients develop recurrent disease after undergoing transplantation, and new treatment approaches are needed. The objective of this retrospective review of autologous HPC transplantation for patients with MM was to evaluate the impact of conditioning regimens and posttransplantation therapy on survival. METHODS The authors reviewed 112 patients with MM who received autologous HPC grafts at their institution. Between June 1992 and August 2001, 54 patients received busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide (Bu/Cy/VP-16), and 58 patients received high-dose melphalan (MEL-200) followed by autologous HPC transplantation. After transplantation, 36 patients received thalidomide for maintenance or salvage therapy, and 76 patients received no posttransplantation thalidomide. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 58 months, the median survival was 54 months. There was no statistically significant difference noted with regard to response to conditioning regimen, progression-free survival, or overall survival between the Bu/Cy/VP-16 and MEL-200 cohorts. Patients who received thalidomide after transplantation had improved median survival (65.5 months) compared with patients who did not receive thalidomide (44.5 months; P = .09). When they were separated according to reasons for thalidomide use, patients who received thalidomide as maintenance had improved overall survival compared with patients who received thalidomide as salvage (65 months vs. 54 months; P = .05). CONCLUSIONS Combination chemotherapy provided no advantage over high-dose melphalan in patients with MM who underwent autologous HPC transplantation. The posttransplantation use of thalidomide seemed to improve the survival of patients compared with historical controls from the prethalidomide era. Further prospective trials are underway to confirm the benefit of thalidomide in the posttransplantation setting. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Differential activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase in zones of the adrenal cortex.

Cholesterol metabolism and steroidogenesis in the outer (zona fasciculata/glomerulosa) and inner (zona reticularis) zones of the adrenal cortex were examined in the guinea pig. It is known from previous studies that the content of cholesterol in the inner zone is considerably lower than that in the outer zone, although basal low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor activity is similar in the two zones. To further explore cholesterol metabolism in the guinea pig adrenal cortex, the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis, has been examined for which this paper forms the initial report. It was found that the basal specific activity of HMG-CoA reductase was similar in the outer and inner adrenocortical zones (-230 pmol mevalonate formed/min · mg microsomal protein). The administration of ACTH caused 4- and 5-fold increases in HMG-CoA reductase activity in the outer and inner zones, respectively. In fact, the increase in HMG-CoA redu...