cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electronic structure of chemically-prepared LixMn2O4 determined by Mn x-ray absorption and emission spectroscopies

We have performed Mn K-edge X-ray Absorption and Mn L-edge emission spectroscopies on LiMn2O4, its chemically delithiated and lithiated derivatives (λ-MnO2 and Li2Mn2O4, respectively), and two Mn3+ spinel model compounds. These experiments were undertaken to understand the associated changes in atomic and electronic structure occurring when LiMn2O4 is used in a rechargeable lithium cell. Subtle changes in the Mn K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) occur upon delithiation that are consistent with literature reports of the oxidation of Mn3+ to Mn4+, retention of the cubic phase, and contraction of the spinel lattice. Conversely, when LiMn2O4 is lithiated, the XANES changes dramatically due to the concurrent transformation from a cubic to a tetragonal spinel. The spectrum is different from XANES of tetragonal Mn3+ spinels possessing approximately the same degree of tetragonal distortion as Li2Mn2O4. This spectral difference is attributed to the inserted Li+ imparting an increased degree of co...
Electron microscopic investigation of the source and direction of movement of lipid granules appearing in the hepatic perisinusoidal space following partial hepatectomy.

The early sequelae of partial hepatectomy were studied at the ultrastructural level in livers of CFW mice that had been maintained on a normal diet or fed a fat-free diet for four days prior to surgery. Normal-diet animals showed a marked increase in number of small osmiophilic lipid granules in hepatocytes and the space of Disse during the first post-operative hour and at all later intervals studied. This observation generally confirmed similar findings on C3H mice by Trotter ('65), but failed to provide conclusive indications of the source or direction of movement (i.e., from extracellular space into hepatocyte by engulfment, or from hepatocyte to extracellular space by secretion) of the granules in the space of Disse. In livers of fat-free-diet animals, where small lipid granules synthesized in the hepatocyte are recognizable by their osmiophobia (being derived from lipogenesis they are relatively highly saturated), synthesis and secretion by hepatocytes accounted for substantially all lipid granules appearing in the space of Disse during the first three postoperative hours and continued to occur during the fourth hour. This finding demonstrates the importance of the liver cell as a source of lipid granules (presumably very low density lipoproteins) appearing in the space of Disse after hepatectomy. Osmiophilic granules presumed to be of enteric origin, which were present in the space of Disse in very small numbers during the first post-operative hours, increased in number during the fourth hour. The exact fate of these granules and their importance, if any, in the “post-hepatectomy picture” could not be determined from available data.
Comparison of coronary artery calcium progression in African American and white men

Background Although African Americans have a lower prevalence and extent of coronary artery calcium (CAC) than whites, the relationship between ethnicity and CAC progression is unknown. In a prospective rescan substudy of the Prospective Army Coronary Calcium (PACC) Project, we evaluated ethnic differences in the rates of CAC progression over 4 years. Methods Two hundred healthy male PACC Project participants (age, 47.8 ± 2.8 years) with CAC on their original scan volunteered to undergo a second electron beam tomography (EBT) scan and cardiovascular risk factor assessment (interscan interval, 4.3 ± 1.2 y). All results were independently examined and blinded to baseline data. A change in CAC score ≥15%/y was defined as clinically significant progression. The relationship between race and CAC progression was evaluated with multivariable linear and logistic regression models controlling for age and other cardiovascular risk factors. Results African Americans had significantly lower baseline CAC scores (34.3 vs 101.5; P = 0.004); lower follow-up CAC scores (56.6 vs 180.6; P = 0.001); and worse cardiovascular risk profiles. The annualized CAC progression rate was not significantly related to race in the multivariable linear regression model controlling for age, the Framingham risk score, and other cardiovascular risk factors. Significant CAC progression occurred in 43.5% of all participants. The incidence of significant progression of CAC for African American and white men was similar (53.1% vs 52.4%; P = 0.94), even when controlling for age, the Framingham risk score, and other cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion Although African American men have less CAC than white men, CAC progression occurs at a comparable rate over 4 years.
The novel Rho GTPase-activating protein family protein, Rga8, provides a potential link between Cdc42/p21-activated kinase and Rho signaling pathways in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

The PAK family kinase, Shk1, is an essential regulator of polarized growth in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Here we describe the characterization of a novel member of the RhoGAP family, Rga8, identified from a two-hybrid screen for proteins that interact with the Shk1 kinase domain. Although deletion of the rga8 gene in wild type S. pombe cells results in no obvious phenotypic defects under normal growth conditions, it partially suppresses the cold-sensitive growth and morphological defects of S. pombe cells carrying a hypomorphic allele of the shk1 gene. By contrast, overexpression of rga8 is lethal to shk1-defective cells and causes morphological and cytokinesis defects in wild type S. pombe cells. Consistent with a role for Rga8 as a downstream target of Shk1, we show that the Rga8 protein is directly phosphorylated by Shk1 in vitro and phosphorylated in a Shk1-dependent fashion in S. pombe cells. Fluorescence photomicroscopy of the GFP-Rga8 fusion protein indicates that Rga8 is localized to the cell ends during interphase and to the septum-forming region during cytokinesis. In S. pombe cells carrying the orb2–34 allele of shk1, Rga8 exhibits a monopolar pattern of localization, providing evidence that Shk1 contributes to the regulation of Rga8 localization. Although molecular analyses suggest that Rga8 functions as a GAP for the S. pombe Rho1 GTPase, genetic experiments suggest that Rga8 and Rho1 have a positive functional interaction and that gain of Rho1 function, like gain of Rga8 function, is lethal to Shk1-defective cells. Our results suggest that Rga8 is a Shk1 substrate that negatively regulates Shk1-dependent growth control pathway(s) in S. pombe, potentially through interaction with the Rho1 GTPase.
Assay for methotrexate in nanomolar concentrations with simultaneous detection of citrovorum factor and vincristine.

Abstract A new assay procedure has been developed for methotrexate in plasma samples, using high-pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. A novel feature of this procedure is the reduction of methotrexate with dithionite to yield a highly fluorescent product, tentatively identified as 2,4-diamino-6-methylpteridine. Simultaneous detection of citrovorum factor (folinic acid) by fluorescence has also been demonstrated, and detection of vincristine by uv absorption. The procedure is suitable for simultaneous measurement of methotrexate, citrovorum factor, and vincristine in plasma samples at concentrations as low as 5 × 10−9, 10−6, and 10−7 m , respectively. Sample preparation time is approximately 45 min, and elution time about 30 min.
Personal privacy and secondary-use dilemma (social aspects of automation)

A draft EC directive that threatens an embargo on personal information to any nation that does not satisfy its privacy requirements is discussed. The directive seeks to harmonize privacy laws to allow the free flow of personal data because many different approaches might impede economic ventures among members. A historical outline of the proscription of secondary use of personal information in the US is presented. The interpretation of the secondary use principle and two recent cases that demonstrate the wide range of disagreement on secondary use are also discussed. >
NEWS MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGICAL RISKS: The Case of Pesticides after Silent Spring

The 1962 publication of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring vaulted pesticide risks to a prominent place on the media agenda. This article reports on a study of the relative weight of attention given by the New York Times to alarming or reassuring messages about pesticides in the immediate aftermath of Silent Spring. Theoretically, it uses a combination of inductive and deductive approaches to explain the empirical findings. Three models of media coverage are examined: conflict theory, sensationalism, and problem frame. These models are employed chronologically as analysis revealed a complicated pattern of coverage which first highlighted, then downplayed, risk.
Anger and Gender Effects in Observed Supervisor-Subordinate Dyadic Interactions

This study investigates the effects of a supervisor's anger and supervisor's and subordinate's gender on evaluations made by observers of interacting supervisor-subordinate dyads. In a laboratory experiment, 370 undergraduates viewed one of eight video-tapes representing the conditions of the 2 (gender of supervisor) x 2 (gender of subordinate) x 2 (presence or absence of anger) design and then completed evaluations of the supervisor and the subordinate. A field study using 265 employees from three organizations replicated the laboratory results. In spite of constant dialogue in the interactions across all eight conditions, supervisors expressing anger were rated lower and female supervisors were rated higher by observers. Subordinates were rated higher when interacting with an angry supervisor and when interacting with a male supervisor. Main effects of supervisor's gender may reflect over-evaluation of unexpected, albeit average, performance. The joint supervisor and subordinate effects are interpreted as reflecting a dyadic rating effect in which high ratings assigned to one member of the dyad are accompanied by lower ratings assigned to the other member. Copyright 1997 Academic Press.
Automatic movie skimming with story units via general tempo analysis

A skimming system for movie content exploration is proposed using story units extracted via general tempo analysis of audio and visual data. Quite a few schemes have been proposed to segment video data into shots with low-level features, yet the grouping of shots into meaningful units, called story units here, is important and challenging. In this work, we detect similar shots using key frames and include these similar shots as a node in the scene transition graph. Then, an importance measure is calculated based on the total length of each node. Finally, we select sinks and shots according to this measure. Based on these semantic shots, a meaningful skims can be successfully generated. Simulation results will be presented to show that the proposed video skimming scheme can preserve the essential and significant content of the original video data.
Synthesis and characterization of N-demethylated metabolites of malachite green and leucomalachite green

Malachite green (MG), a triphenylmethane dye used to treat fungal and protozoan infections in fish, undergoes sequential oxidation to produce various N-demethylated derivatives (monodes-, dides(sym)-, dides(unsym)-, trides-, and tetrades-) both before and after reduction to leucomalachite green (LMG). The close structure resemblance of the metabolites with aromatic amine carcinogens implicates a potential genotoxicity from exposure to MG. The availability of the synthetic standards is important for metabolic and DNA adduct studies of MG. This paper describes a simple and versatile method for the synthesis of MG, LMG, and their N-demethylated metabolites. The synthesis involves a coupling of 4-(dimethylamino)benzophenone or 4-nitrobenzophenone with the aryllithium reagents derived from appropriately substituted 4-bromoaniline derivatives, followed by treatment with HCl in methanol. The resulting cationic MG and their leuco analogues showed systematic UV/vis spectral and tandem mass fragmentation patterns consistent with sequential N-demethylation. The extensive (1)H and (13)C spectral assignments of the metabolites were aided by the availability of (13)C(7)-labeled MG and LMG. The results indicate the existence of a resonance structure with the cationic charge located in the central methane carbon (C(7)). The synthetic procedure is general in scope so that it can be extended to the preparation of N-demethylated metabolites of other structurally related N-methylated triphenylmethane dyes.
The Effects of Decision‐Aid Use and Reliability on Jurors' Evaluations of Auditor Liability

This study provides evidence on how auditors' use of decision aids affects jurors' evaluation of auditor legal liability, based on an experiment in which actual jurors responded to a hypothetical audit lawsuit. The results suggest that decision aids can have positive, negative, or neutral effects on auditors' legal liability, depending on how auditors use the decision aid and the reliability of the decision aid. For high‐reliability aids, jurors attributed more responsibility for an audit failure to the auditor when the auditor overrode the recommendation of a decision aid than when the auditor did not use the decision aid. However, jurors attributed lower responsibility to an auditor who relied on the recommendation of a highly reliable decision aid, even though the aid turned out to be incorrect. In contrast to the high‐reliability conditions, auditors' use of the decision aid had virtually no impact on jurors' liability judgments when the reliability of the decision aid was low.
Effect of extremely thin nitrogenous surface films on phosphorus-impurity profiles in silicon

In open-tube diffusion furnaces, nitrogen is often used as a carrier gas for impurities. Nitrogen flowing over silicon wafers at the diffusion temperature creates extremely thin surface films, which act as strong diffusion barriers. Similar barriers are formed on silicon wafers even in capsule-diffusion systems because of the residual atmosphere. Phosphorus-impurity profiles are found to be kinked due to these diffusion barriers. The position and dependence of the kinks on various diffusion parameters such as time, temperature and impurity concentration in the carrier gas are discussed. The kinks are eliminated if the formation of the thin-film barriers is avoided through use of argon or other noble gases. A mathematical model is presented to explain the kinked behavior of the profiles.
Supersonic Mass Flux Measurements via Tunable Diode Laser Absorption and Non-Uniform Flow Modeling

Measurements of mass flux are obtained in a vitiated supersonic ground test facility using a sensor based on line-of-sight (LOS) diode laser absorption of water vapor. Mass flux is determined from the product of measured velocity and density. The relative Doppler shift of an absorption transition for beams directed upstream and downstream in the flow is used to measure velocity. Temperature is determined from the ratio of absorption signals of two transitions (lambda(sub 1)=1349 nm and lambda(sub 2)=1341.5 nm) and is coupled with a facility pressure measurement to obtain density. The sensor exploits wavelength-modulation spectroscopy with second-harmonic detection (WMS-2f) for large signal-to-noise ratios and normalization with the 1f signal for rejection of non-absorption related transmission fluctuations. The sensor line-of-sight is translated both vertically and horizontally across the test section for spatially-resolved measurements. Time-resolved measurements of mass flux are used to assess the stability of flow conditions produced by the facility. Measurements of mass flux are within 1.5% of the value obtained using a facility predictive code. The distortion of the WMS lineshape caused by boundary layers along the laser line-of-sight is examined and the subsequent effect on the measured velocity is discussed. A method for correcting measured velocities for flow non-uniformities is introduced and application of this correction brings measured velocities within 4 m/s of the predicted value in a 1630 m/s flow.
Virtual reality on a WIM: interactive worlds in miniature

This paper explores a user interface technique which augments an immersive head tracked display with a hand-held miniature copy of the virtual environment. We call this interface technique the Worlds in Miniature (WIM) metaphor. By establishing a direct relationship between life-size objects in the virtual world and miniature objects in the WIM, we can use the WIM as a tool for manipulating objects in the virtual environment. In addition to describing object manipulation, this paper explores ways in which Worlds in Miniature can act as a single unifying metaphor for such application independent interaction techniques as object selection, navigation, path planning, and visualization. The WIM metaphor naturally offers multiple points of view and multiple scales at which the user can operate, all without requiring explicit modes or commands. Informal user observation indicates that users adapt to the Worlds in Miniature metaphor quickly and that physical props are helpful in manipulating the WIM and other objects in the environment.
Methadone Maintenance Treatment-A Reply

In 1965, Dole and Nyswander published the results of their initial experiences with using the drug methadone as a maintenance treatment for chronic heroin addicts [1]. The results were very encouraging and set off a tide of both medical and public expectations as to the ability to successfully treat what had been seen as an almost untreatable problem. Ten years or so later the authors reviewed what had transpired and concluded that the original hopes had not been realized [2]. Following a hugh expansion in the availability of methadone treatment in the 1970s, numbers seeking admission were now dropping, retention rates had substantially dropped, and both addicts and the public viewed methadone programs with cynicism and alarm rather than hope. The authors attribute these gloomy results to interference with treatment programs by excessive, unreasonable, and rigid governmental rules and regulations. “It is mainly the programs rather than the addicts that have changed.”
A nano-scale quantum dot photodetector by self-assembly

Modern CMOS transistors will not scale well in the next decade due to leakage currents, sources of variation, and platform requirements. To keep the cost per transistor decreasing, and to realize the feasibility of ultra-high density integrated circuits, low power techniques and efficiency optimization are being explored to counter these problems. Parallel to the development of electronic VLSI, using photons as a means of carrying information has been an appealing approach, due to the high speed and broad bandwidth of light, and the elimination of on-chip parasitic and electro-magnetic interference as its electronic counterpart. This paper focuses on photonic integrated circuits to solve the high-density problem, and presents a design for a nano-scale QD optical transducer (QDOT) that will function as a near-field photodetector and that can easily interface into a self- assembled QD integrated circuit (QDIC). The optical transducer consists of a QD between two metal electrodes. The tunneling current between the metal electrodes is mediated by the QD and can be gated by changing the optical signal intensity impinging on the QD. The device can be fabricated via self-assembly using QDs. In this method, a chemistry linker such as DNA or APTES is covalently bound to pre- defined zones on a substrate. The global location of these zones is defined via electron-beam lithography (EBL). Numerical simulations are discussed and ideal characteristics of the device are presented.
Rethinking The Globalization Of Domestic Service Foreign Domestics, State Control, and the Politics of Identity in Taiwan

This article examines the configuration of domestic service within local milieus under globalization. Using Taiwan as a case study, the author argues that the state continues to have an impact even in this age of global interdependence. The management of foreign domestics within employers’ households is not only important for labor control but also central to the state’s administration over alien subjects. The case of Taiwan calls attention to the necessity of bringing the state back into the analysis of gender and carework.
Pt(0) and Pd(0) based metallocryptands: metallophilic hosts for Pb(II) ion

Metallocryptands based on trigonally coordinated Pt(0) or Pd(0) with P2phen [2,9-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,10-phenanthroline] bind Pb(II) ion through very strong, closed-shell metallophilic interactions; their syntheses, characterization and X-ray crystallography are presented.
Comparison of supine and prone craniospinal irradiation in children with medulloblastoma

Abstract Purpose To compare port film rejection and treatment outcome according to craniospinal irradiation (CSI) position for medulloblastoma. Methods and materials We retrospectively searched for patients ≤19 years treated with CSI for medulloblastoma at 1 department. We collected the following data: age; sex; risk group; need for general anesthesia; radiation therapy (RT) dose and fractionation; and the acceptance or rejection of weekly port films during treatment. We also collected data on outcomes, including neuraxis recurrence and possible complications such as myelitis. Results Of 46 children identified, 23 were treated prone (median age, 8.1 years) and 23 supine (median age, 7.2 years). High-risk disease was seen in 26% of prone and 35% of supine patients ( P = .25). There was no difference in use of general anesthesia between those treated prone versus supine (57% vs 61%). The rejection rate of cranial port films in the prone position was 35%, which was significantly higher than the rate of 8% in patients treated supine ( P P = .37) and overall survival ( P = .18) rates were 62% and 67% for prone and 76% and 84% for supine patients. There were no isolated junctional failures or radiation myelitis in either CSI position. Conclusions The supine position for CSI was found to have similar survival outcomes compared with the prone position. A higher proportion of rejected cranial port films was seen in children treated in the prone position.
Building a Global Health Program at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health

This is a report of our experience over the past year in developing our program in global health at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Key steps have included an analysis of our needs and strengths, recruitment of interested faculty from existing departments, strategic meetings of faculty, formation of a vision for a Center for Global Health, design of an introductory cross-disciplinary course taught by faculty from departments in Public Health and other programs at the University of Pittsburgh, and recruitment of a recognized leader in global health to direct the program. Although we have had some successes, the process is still at an early stage. Because of this, our case may be instructive to other schools beginning similar programs.
Metalloproteomics: High-Throughput Structural and Functional Annotation of Proteins in Structural Genomics

Summary A high-throughput method for measuring transition metal content based on quantitation of X-ray fluorescence signals was used to analyze 654 proteins selected as targets by the New York Structural GenomiX Research Consortium. Over 10% showed the presence of transition metal atoms in stoichiometric amounts; these totals as well as the abundance distribution are similar to those of the Protein Data Bank. Bioinformatics analysis of the identified metalloproteins in most cases supported the metalloprotein annotation; identification of the conserved metal binding motif was also shown to be useful in verifying structural models of the proteins. Metalloproteomics provides a rapid structural and functional annotation for these sequences and is shown to be ∼95% accurate in predicting the presence or absence of stoichiometric metal content. The project's goal is to assay at least 1 member from each Pfam family; approximately 500 Pfam families have been characterized with respect to transition metal content so far.
Torque modulates nucleosome stability and facilitates H2A/H2B dimer loss.

Histone H2A-H2B heterodimers are lost from nucleosomes during transcription by RNA polymerase II. Here Sheinin et al. investigate the behaviour of single nucleosomes subjected to DNA supercoiling and observe a loss of these heterodimers under positive supercoiling, which might have implications for histone turnover during transcription in vivo.
An analysis of a fractal Michaelis-Menten curve

Simple chemical reactions can be described by the Michaelis-Menten response curve relating the velocity V of the reaction and the concentration [S] of the substrate S. To handle more complicated reactions without introducing general polynomial response curves, the rate constants can be considered to be scale dependent. This leads to a new response curve with characteristic sigmoidal shape. But not all sigmoidal curves can be accurately fit with three parameters. In order to get an accurate fit, the lower part of the ∫ shaped curve cannot be too shallow and the upper part can't be too steep. This paper determines an exact mathematical expression for the steepness and shallowness allowed.
Phospholipids biosynthesis by methylations and choline incorporation: effect of 3-deazaadenosine.

Summary Methylation of phospholipids or phosphatidylethanolamine in vivo was greatly reduced in livers of rats or hamsters treated with 3-deazaadenosine. However, it was found that the absolute amounts of phopholipids and phosphatidylcholine remained constant between the livers of control or treated animals. Concomitant with the inhibition of phospholipid methylation, there was a drastic increase in the incorporation of choline into phosphatidylcholine, or phospholipids fraction. In rat liver, the rate of uptake of choline may be determined by its utilization for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis. These observations suggest intricate control mechanisms regulating phospholipids biosynthesis between methylation pathway and incorporation from choline. In the hamster liver, where 3-deazaadenosylhomocysteine is the major nucleosidylhomocysteine present after administration of 3-deazaadenosine, it is apparent that 3-deazaadenosylhomocysteine exerts an inhibitory potency similar to that of adenosylhomocysteine.
The Adequacy of Subendocardial Oxygen Delivery The Interaction of Determinants of Flow, Arterial Oxygen Content and Myocardial Oxygen Need

The interactions of determinants of subendocardial oxygen delivery (flow and oxygen content) and oxygen demand were studied. In open chest dogs, oxygen requirements were increased with aortic stenosis and oxygen delivery reduced with normovolemic anemia. We estimated potential subendocardial flow from a Diastolic Pressure Time Index (DPTI) and oxygen demands from the Tension Time Index (TTI), and detected ischemia with endocardial (Endo) and epicardial (Epi) electrocardiograms (ECG). Subendocardial oxygen delivery per unit of TTI was significantly lowered and Endo ECGs showed ischemia (ST elevation) when Endo/Epi flow ratios (microsphere method) fell below 1.0 ( P 10 g %) in severe aortic stenosis; with mild anemia (Hgb 5-10 g %) and mild aortic stenosis; and with severe anemia (Hgb < 5 g %) without aortic stenosis. Ischemic Endo ECGs occurred with mild supravalvar aortic stenosis and mild anemia despite a 63% (92 to 150 cc/100g/min) average increase in subendocardial flow while Epi ECGs remained normal. Altered flow distributions and abnormal ECGs were always predictable from the ratio: DPTI x O2 content (Supply)/TTI (Demand). These determinants of Supply and Demand are readily obtained from measurements of hemoglobin, saturation, and blood pressure.
Crossveinless-2 Is a BMP Feedback Inhibitor that Binds Chordin/BMP to Regulate Xenopus Embryonic Patterning

Summary Vertebrate Crossveinless-2 (CV2) is a secreted protein that can potentiate or antagonize BMP signaling. Through embryological and biochemical experiments we find that: (1) CV2 functions as a BMP4 feedback inhibitor in ventral regions of the Xenopus embryo; (2) CV2 complexes with Twisted gastrulation and BMP4; (3) CV2 is not a substrate for tolloid proteinases; (4) CV2 binds to purified Chordin protein with high affinity (K D in the 1 nM range); (5) CV2 binds even more strongly to Chordin proteolytic fragments resulting from Tolloid digestion or to full-length Chordin/BMP complexes; (6) CV2 depletion causes the Xenopus embryo to become hypersensitive to the anti-BMP effects of Chordin overexpression or tolloid inhibition. We propose that the CV2/Chordin interaction may help coordinate BMP diffusion to the ventral side of the embryo, ensuring that BMPs liberated from Chordin inhibition by tolloid proteolysis cause peak signaling levels.
Belief in Magic Predicts Children's Selective Trust in Informants

Children are able to distinguish between regular events that can occur in everyday reality and magical events that are ordinarily impossible. How do children respond to a person who brings about magical as compared with ordinary outcomes? In two studies, we tested children's acceptance of informants' claims when the informants had produced either magical or ordinary outcomes. In Study 1, children's skeptical or credulous stance toward magic predicted their endorsement of the claims made by the informants. Children who were more credulous were likely to accept information from the informant who had produced magical outcomes. In Study 2, a brief manipulation was only partially effective in changing children's initial stance toward magic. Their initial stance toward magic continued to predict their acceptance of information from the informant who had produced magical outcomes.
Halogens in the Giant Planets: Upper Limits to HBr in Saturn and Jupiter

Abstract I have searched for absorptions from the molecule HBr in the 4 μm spectra of Jupiter and Saturn and find upper limits to the mole fraction of HBr to be q (HBr) ≤ 1.6 ppb in Saturn and q (HBr) ≤ 3 ppb in Jupiter, or two and four times the solar abundance of bromine in Saturn and Jupiter, respectively. The upper limit for Saturn is lower than the global abundance of bromine, if, as expected, bromine is enriched in Saturn relative to C1 carbonaceous chondrites. This deficiency is most likely the result of local sinks for HBr. Less likely is a global depletion of bromine, conceivably related to the low condensation temperature of bromine-containing solids in the presolar nebula. Searches for HCl in the 4 μm window are also possible, but require large enrichments of Cl for detection with existing data.
Esophageal disease in scleroderma

Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) causes smooth muscle atrophy and fibrosis of the distal two-thirds of the esophagus. Motility studies show reduced-amplitude or absent peristaltic contractions in this region and normal or decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Patients complain of dysphagia, heartburn, and regurgitation due to reflux and dysmotility. Complications include strictures found in 17% to 29% of patients and Barrett esophagus is 0% to 37%. Candida esophagitis is a complication of PSS not seen with non-PSS reflux. Esophageal disease correlates with pulmonary involvement but not with disease in the stomach or intestines. Whether reflux contributes to the pulmonary disease is an open question. Although manometry is the gold standard for diagnosis, cine-esophagram and scintography are only slightly less sensitive and should be considered for following the patients. Symptoms correlate poorly with evidence of esophagitis or abnormal 24-hour pH recordings. As a result, it is unclear which patients should receive acid-reducing or prokinetic medications and which medication to use. Aspiration precautions are important in those with severe esophageal dysmotility. This review of the literature highlights many areas of uncertainty in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disease in PSS that can be addressed in clinical studies.
Application of Ecological Models to Risks Related to Being Overweight among Nurses

This paper provides a discussion of environmental strategies to improve health behaviors of nurses. Behavioral choices, partly due to social and environmental factors, influence risk of chronic disease. Strategies that modify environments are critical components of public health interventions, particularly those concerned with improving diet and physical activity. Nurses' health behaviors may be especially important, due to their influence as models when caring for patients. Modifications in work environments may enable nurses to acquire and maintain healthy behaviors.
Epidemiologic study of potential adverse drug reactions in dentistry

Abstract The findings of previous studies regarding adverse drug reactions occurring in medicine have created a common concern about dental prescribing. The University of Southern California Dental School conducted a 2-year study, monitoring its patients' drug use in an effort to document the extent of potential dental drug reactions and to prevent their occurrence whenever possible. Of the 2,418 patients in the study population, only 110 cases of possible reactions were encountered and 79 of these were prevented.
Technologies for network architecture and implementation

Systems Network Architecture (SNA) provides a framework or constructing networks of distributed processors and terminals. This paper discusses some of the fundamental properties of network architectures such as SNA, and the evolution of formal descriptive methods that provide precise, complete definitions of the architecture. This has culminated in the development of a programming language, Format and Protocol Language (FAPL), tailored for programming a reference model or meta-implementation of an SNA node. In this form, the architecture specification is itself machine-executable. This property has led to new software technologies that improve quality and productivity in the processes for developing a network architecture and the product implementations derived from it. Automated protocol validation provides the tool necessary to ensure a correct and internally consistent definition of the architecture. This definition can then be used as a standard for testing products to determine compliance with the architecture. Direct implementation of network software by compiling the meta-implementation program is another emerging technology. This paper reviews the current state of work in these areas.
Numerical eigenstates for a two-antidot channel under a magnetic field

We have calculated the single-particle eigenstates of a system designed to model a two-dimensional channel obstructed by a pair of anti-dots, under a transverse magnetic field. The model is relevant to recent experiments in which the conductance of the two-antidot system reveals a conductance minimum which is modulated by oscillations of a constant period in a magnetic field, contrary to the predictions of semiclassical calculations. We show that the modulations are due to the evolution with applied magnetic field of the eigenstates occupying the Fermi level, which alternate between cyclotron resonant states and states which are pinched off in the constricted region between the antidots and the channel edge. The phenomenon is an example of the interplay of the semiclassical cyclotron behavior and the quantum-mechanical nature of the constrictions.
Characterization of planarity of polymer thin films on rough surfaces

Angular dependent total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TRXF) is used to characterize the surface roughness or the extent of planarization of a thin polymer coating on a stainless steel surface with significant roughness. The objective of this work is to explore the use of TRXF as a non-contact and quantitative technique for characterizing surface roughness of thin film coatings. Once developed, this technique is expected to perform equally well on other surface coating materials other than polymers. Unlike optical methods, whether the thin films are transparent or not is not expected to affect the outcome of this measurement. TRXF data were collected with incident angle in the region around the polymer critical angle and were analyzed in conjunction with the results deduced from specular x-ray reflectivity (XR). Comparison between the TRXF results and those obtained from atomic force microscope (AFM) was also made in order to evaluate this TRXF method critically.
Earth‐tides shown by fluctuations of water‐levels in wells in New Mexico and Iowa

It is quite generally known that ocean-tides produce fluctuations of the water-level in wells of the artesian type located close to the seashore by periodically changing the external load on the aquifer [see 1 of “References” at end of paper]. Fluctuations of ground-water as a result of earth-tides, however, are not generally known although they were observed and studied in a flooded coal-mine in Europe [2] as early as 1879, and later 1905 to 1912 in wells in South Africa [3]. The phenomena of earth-tides first came to the attention of the writer in March, 1938, when studying fluctuations of the water-level In an artesian well near Carlsbad, New Mexico, recorded on charts of a water-stage recorder, which had an approximately semidiurnal period. Because of the distance from the ocean, about 500 miles, and the altitude of the water-bearing formation, about 2700 feet, it appeared that the fluctuations could not be the result of ocean-tides. Neither did it appear they could be the result of other natural phenomena such as changing air-pressure or changes in water-level of a nearby lake and river. There was no pumpage from the aquifer, so the fluctuations of the water could not be caused by pumping. T. M. Cramer, Resident Manager of the United States Potash Company at Carlsbad, New Mexico, suggested that the fluctuations must be the result of some lunar attraction. Further study of the fluctuation was made by Dr. C. V. Theis, of the United States Geological Survey, and the writer, whereby the effect of changing air-pressure was eliminated by correcting the water-levels to an assumed constant atmospheric pressure. In this study it was demonstrated after applying the barometric correction that the remaining fluctuations were fairly regular and progressed with the transit of the Moon. It was also demonstrated that the fluctuations were of the greatest amplitude during the period of new Moon. Further work by W. E. Hale, of the United States Geological Survey, and the writer, has shown that the fluctuations were much more regular and of greater amplitude during the periods of new and full Moon than during the first and third quarters. It was, therefore, concluded that they are related to true earth-tides. A preliminary note was published in the Transactions of the American Geophysical Union for 1938 [4].
Stereotactic computed tomographic-guided aspiration and thrombolysis of intracerebral hematoma : protocol and preliminary experience.

Background and Purpose—We review preliminary experience with patients harboring intracerebral hematoma (ICH) treated by stereotactic computed tomographic (CT) guided thrombolysis and aspiration and...
Estimating annual yield from ungaged drainage‐basins and effect of land‐use treatment on surface‐runoff

A promising concept for flood-forecasting is to make use of index-areas as nearly as may be representative of the drainage-basins under consideration, relying on the records of their behavior in the past to show the probable relationship between index-area and main drainage-basin daring and following storms. Obviously, a variation in the storm-pattern, such as would make the index area non-representative of the drainage-basin, by reason of too much or too little rainfall received thereon, would result in misguidance instead of reliable forecasts, and therefore suggests the advisability of using more than one index-area. For example, the drainage-area of Ralston Creek, Iowa, has been shown to serve in some instances as a satisfactory index for Iowa River, and in other instances to be less reliable [see 1 of “References” at end of paper]; likewise for Home Creek, Ohio, of the Muskingum River system [2].
Virus antibody levels in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Antibody titers to a group of viral antigens have been determined in sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), control groups with inflammatory diseases and normals. Mean titers in SLE sera for all viruses tested were significantly greater than in four control groups, but not greater than in active tuberculosis, both by the complement-fixation (CF) and hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) methods. By the CF method, only measles virus showed significantly higher titers in SLE than in all control groups; by the HI method, measles antibody titers were higher in SLE than in all groups but tuberculosis. There was no correlation between antibody titers and gammaglobulin levels. The results indicated a moderate though variable overall hypereactivity in SLE to the viral antigens tested.
Evaluation Of An FTIR/Fluoride Optical Fiber System For Remote Sensing Of Combustion Products

Infrared transmitting optical fibers were combined with a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) to perform remote quantitative gas analysis. A glass clad fluoride fiber, 1/2 meter in length, transmitted the infrared radiation to a double pass reflective gas cell, with a total pathlength of 10 cm, and a second fiber returned the absorbed characteristic spectrum back to the instrument. Methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), were readily detected to very low concentrations in nitrogen with this arrangement. The concentration range and lower detection limit are dependent upon the absorption coefficient of each gas, the pathlength of absorption, and the available energy throughput at the detection wavelength. Carbon monoxide had the largest range of detection at this pathlength, with detection capabilities from 100 vol% to 0.3 vol% in nitrogen. Methane was detected from 15 vol% to 0.2 vol% and carbon dioxide was detected from 2.5 vol% to 0.05 vol%. From this study, it was determined that the fluoride fiber/FTIR system can be utilized to remotely detect gases effectively. Proper adjustment of the absorption pathlength will enable each gas to be detected over a broad range of concentrations.
Relationships among running performance, aerobic physiology and organ mass in male Mongolian gerbils.

SUMMARY Relationships among individual variation in exercise capacity, resting metabolism and morphology may offer insights into the mechanistic basis of whole-animal performance, including possible performance trade-offs (e.g. burst versus sustainable exercise, resting `maintenance9 costs versus maximal power output). Although there have been several studies of correlations between performance, metabolism and morphology in fish, birds and squamate reptiles, relatively little work has been done with mammals. We measured several aspects of forced and voluntary locomotor performance in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), along with minimal and maximal aerobic metabolic rates and organ sizes (mainly visceral organs and the musculoskeletal system). Maximal sprint and aerobic speeds and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) during forced exercise were similar to those of other small rodents; basal metabolic rate was below allometric predictions. At all tested speeds, voluntary running had a lower energy cost than forced treadmill running, due primarily to a higher zero-speed intercept of the speed-versus-power (oxygen consumption) relationship during forced running. Incremental costs of transport (slopes of speed-versus-power regressions) were slightly higher during voluntary exercise. Few of the correlations among performance variables, or between performance and organ morphology, were statistically significant. These results are consistent with many other studies that found weak correlations between organismal performance (e.g. VO2max) and putatively relevant subordinate traits, thus supporting the idea that some components within a functional system may exhibit excess capacity at various points in the evolutionary history of a population, while others constitute limiting factors.
Learning versus performance effects of cocaine on discriminative heart rate conditioning in rats

The study examined the effects of cocaine on learning and performance of a classically conditioned heart rate (HR) discrimination in rats involving two auditory conditioned stimuli (CSs). In the discrimination protocol, one CS (CS+) was paired with the shock unconditioned stimulus (US) on a consistent basis and the other CS (CS−) was always presented alone. Four groups received an IP injection of 1, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg cocaine and a fifth group received saline. Shortly after the injections, all groups were given six CS-alone trials, followed by 24 randomly sequenced discrimination conditioning trials (12 CS+ and 12 CS−). Approximately 72 h later, all groups were given six test trials with each CS in the absence of cocaine to evaluate the presence or absence of discrimination learning. All cocaine groups showed impaired discrimination performance on the discrimination conditioning trials, reductions in early pretest CS-alone responses, and reductions in resting HR. However, on the non-drug test trials discrimination performance was normal in all cocaine groups. The results established that in spite of major changes in HR dynamics, learning of the HR discrimination was not affected by cocaine but that cocaine did interfere with the performance of the discrimination. Except for the highest 30 mg group, the performance decrement appeared to be related to a cocaine-produced reduction in the capacity to inhibit bradycardia responding to the safe CS−. It was suggested that this loss of inhibitory control may have been due to cocaine changes in a corticothalamic pathway that controls inhibition of bradycardia to a safe CS−.
Can rational individuals keep money under their mattresses forever

Conditions are given for an infinite horizon consumption-savings model under which savings are bounded away from 0 with probability 1 even in the long-run. That is, with probability 1 there exists a timeT and a minimum level of savingsS such fort > T savings will always be greater thanS.
Role of GABAergic systems in the modulation of intracranial self-stimulation in the rat

Abstract The effects of GABA agonists and antagonists on intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) were studied in rats utilizing an electrode-cannula which permitted infusion of drugs directly into the brain at the same site at which ICSS was elicited (medial forebrain bundle). Muscimol (0.001-0.03 μg) and GABA (3–10 μg) produced a dose-related suppression of ICSS. Following infusion of the same behaviorally active doses used in the ICSS experiments, no significant depression of motor-activity was observed; thus, a selective effect on the reward system was suggested as a mechanism for muscimol- and GABA-induced suppression of ICSS. The GABA antagonist bicuculline blocked the effects of GABA on ICSS but failed to block the effects of muscimol on ICSS. Since muscimol has a higher affinity for the GABA receptor than GABA itself, higher doses of antagonist would be required to block the effects of muscimol at such sites. Unfortunately, higher doses of bicuculline could not be used in this behavioral model. The antagonism of GABA effects on ICSS by bicuculline still implicates GABA receptors as being the site of this activity. Thus, GABAergic systems appear to modulate reinforcement pathways at the level of the medial forebrain bundle.