cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of renal nerves on renal function during development

The present review summarizes recent studies describing the role of renal sympathetic innervation in the regulation of renal function during development. The afferent renal innervation appears early during fetal life and probably precedes the development of efferent renal nerves. There is suggestive evidence that renal nerves are required for the proper development of the kidney and that neurotrophic growth factors play an important role in renal embryogenesis and in renal tubular differentiation. Renal sympathetic innervation modulates renal hemodynamics early during development. Renal nerve stimulation during alpha-adrenoceptor blockade produces renal vasodilation in fetal and newborn animals but not in adults. Unlike the effect of renal nerves on fetal renal hemodynamics which is observed in the young fetus, the role of renal sympathetic nerves in modulating fluid and electrolyte homeostasis seems to develop during late gestation. Recent studies have also shown that renal nerves play an important role in regulating renin secretion during the transition from fetal to newborn life. For example, renal denervation during fetal life suppressed the physiological rise in plasma renin activity associated with delivery and decreased renal renin mRNA levels after birth. Taken together, these studies suggest that renal nerves influence fetal renal development and that the influence of renal sympathetic innervation on renal hemodynamics and function changes with maturation.
On expanding Boolean algebra into a new dual-biform logic algebra

Abstract Some interesting problems, such as those occurring with non-coherent structure functions, require an expansion of existing Bolean algebra that can manipulate special coherent structure functions and their duals. In this paper, we formalize an algebra called A-Algebra (A New Dual Biform Logic Algebra). Some aspects of this algebra lead to the puzzling question, ‘When is the conjunction of a coherent structure function and its complemented-dual function a tautology (ƒ( x )∧ƒ Δ·′ ( x )) ?′. In addition, we suggest that new algorithmic efficiencies may exist through the use of this algebra.
Simulations of rodlike molecules represented by anisotropic Lennard‐Jones potentials

In the interests of carrying out computer simulations efficiently for systems of rodlike molecules, the model proposed by Berne and coworkers, in which each rod is represented by an anisotropic Lennard-Jones potential, was extensively compared with a site-site model. Using this potential, Monte Carlo simulations were carried out for rodlike molecules with aspect ratio (R a ) ranging from 3 to 50. Short rods such as R a 20) show an isotropic phase at only very low Φ < 0.07. The attractive part of the potential makes rodlike molecules associate as well as align even at low Φ. At high Φ around or above the transition, the repulsive potential dominates and the attractive potential becomes secondary. Based on simulation results, some implications for designing molecular composites are offered.
Herbal resources on the Internet.

ABSTRACT Available information on medicinal herbs is often exaggerated, anecdotal, or just wrong, and the growth of the World Wide Web has exacerbated the problem. However, the growing interest in alternative/complementary medicine by the U.S. public and the mainstream medical community has spurred new attempts to apply scientific principles to the analysis of herbal products and to disseminate more accurate information on their use and efficacy. This article identifies and describes important Web sites that provide access to information on herbs. Emphasis is on English-language information for popular Western herbs such as Echinacea and St. John's Wort, highlighting sites trying to bring traditional herbal knowledge into the mainstream of medical practice.
Why is it much easier to nucleate gas bubbles than theory predicts

Bubble nucleation from supersaturated gas solutions generally takes place at much lower supersaturations than are expected from the theory. Furthermore, the same theory predicts that the threshold concentration of gas needed to cause nucleation should be essentially independent of the gas species used, a finding contradicted by experiment. There are two general explanations: first, that the theory is wrong, or second, that there is a previously unidentified factor which is influencing the results of the experiments. Given the success of the fundamental theory in other areas, the second explanation is preferred. The previously unrecognized factor is identified here as being the surface activity of the gases which form the bubbles.
Holocene Changes in Sea Level: Evidence in Micronesia

Investigation of 33 islands, scattered widely across the Caroline and Marshall Island groups in the Central Pacific revealed no emerged reefs in which corals had unquestionably formed in situ, or other direct evidence of postglacial high stands of sea level. Low unconsolidated rock terraces and ridges of reefflat islands, mostly lying between tide levels, were composed of rubble conglomerates; carbon-14 dating of 11 samples from the conglomerates so far may suggest a former slightly higher sea level (nine samples range between 1890 and 3450 and one approaches 4500 years ago). However, recent hurricanes have produced ridges of comparable height and material, and in the same areas relics from World War II have been found cemented in place. Thus these datings do not in themselves necessarily indicate formerly higher sea levels. Rubble tracts are produced by storms under present conditions without any change in datum, and there seems to be no compelling evidence that they were not so developed during various periods in the past.
Ultratrace determination of inorganic selenium without signal calibration.

To more readily evaluate the complex biogeochemistry of selenium, a flow-through electrochemical method was developed that can accurately determine Se(IV) concentrations in aqueous samples to part-per-trillion levels without signal calibration. Stripping methods were used in conjunction with a high-efficiency, flow-through cell. The cell was designed with a novel gold working electrode that was separated from a porous counter electrode by a Nafion membrane. Because this design permitted exhaustive deposition of selenium from the sample stream as well as efficient coulometric stripping, determinations obeyed Faraday's law over a reasonably wide range of operating conditions. The method had a minimum quantitation limit of ∼8 ng and a maximum limit of 800 ng for Se(IV). It was reliable for sample volumes as small as 0.5 mL and as high as 20 mL, thereby allowing determinations from part-per-million to just below part-per-billion levels. Interferences from Cu(II) and arsenate were evident, but only when these ...
Adrenergic regulation of chloride secretion across the opercular epithelium: The role of cyclic AMP

Activation of the β-adrenergic receptors of the opercular epithelium ofFundulus heteroclitus stimulates Cl− secretion, while activation of the α-adrenergic receptors inhibits Cl− secretion (Degnan and Zadunaisky, 1979). The possible involvement of adenosine 3′, 5′-monophosphate (cAMP) in these adrenergic responses was investigated. Isolated opercular epithelia incubated in Ringer, containing 10 mM theophylline, had cAMP levels ranging between 5.3 and 19.3 pmoles·mg protein−1 (mean=9.5±1.0 pmoles·mg protein−1). Activation of the β-receptors by 10−5 M isoproterenol increased the mean cAMP level 430% (P<0.001). Blockage of the β-receptors with propranolol greatly reduced the increase in cAMP in response to isoproterenol. Activation of the α-receptors by 10−5 M arterenol stimulated the mean cAMP level 270% (P<0.01). However, when the β-receptors were blocked with propranolol, arterenol had no effect on the cAMP level. The possible involvement of Ca++ in these adrenergic responses was investigated. Neither the stimulatory effect of isoproterenol, nor the inhibitory effect of arterenol on the Cl− secretion were diminished in the absence of extracellular Ca++. The Ca++ ionophore, A23187, and the calmodulin inhibitor, trifluoperazine, had no effects on the Cl− secretion. The Ca++-channel blocker, D600, had a significant inhibitory effect (P<0.005). Guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) had no effect on the Cl− secretion. The results indicate that β-adrenergic stimulation of Cl− secretion across the opercular epithelium is accompanied by an elevation in tissue cAMP levels. α-adrenergic inhibition of Cl− secretion does not involve changes in the tissue cAMP. Neither of these responses appear to require Ca++.
Temporal dissociation of neurotensin/neuromedin N mRNA expression in topographically separate subsets of rat striatal neurons following administration of haloperidol

The expression of the neurotensin/neuromedin N gene in the rat caudate-putamen was studied at 7 and 24 h following the administration of haloperidol using a riboprobe and non-isotopic in situ hybridization histochemistry. As has been reported by others, expression of neurotensin/neuromedin N mRNA in the dorsolateral quadrant of the caudate-putamen was undetectable in controls, robust at 7 h and minimally detectable at 24 h following haloperidol administration. In the dorsomedial and ventrolateral quadrants of the caudate-putamen, barely detectable basal expression of neurotensin/neuromedin N mRNA observed in controls was conspicuously enhanced at 24 h following administration of haloperidol both in terms of numbers of hybridized neurons, which were about 200% of control values, and the amount of chromogen accumulated over individual neurons. The data are consistent with at least two subpopulations of caudate-putamen neurons in which neurotensin/neuromedin N mRNA expression is differentially regulated in response to haloperidol administration.
An integrated system for automatic customer satisfaction analysis in the services industry

Text classification has matured well as a research discipline over the years. At the same time, business intelligence over databases has long been a source of insights for enterprises. With the growing importance of the services industry, customer relationship management and contact center operations have become very important. Specifically, the voice of the customer and customer satisfaction (C-Sat) have emerged as invaluable sources of insights about how an enterprise's products and services are percieved by customers.In this demonstration, we present the IBM Technology to Automate Customer Satisfaction analysis (ITACS) system that combines text classification technology, and a business intelligence solution along with an interactive document labeling interface for automating C-Sat analysis. This system has been successfully deployed in client accounts in large contact centers and can be extended to any services industry setting for analyzing unstructured text data. This demonstration will highlight the importance of intervention and interactivity in real-world text classification settings. We will point out unique research challenges in this domain regarding label-sets, measuring accuracy, and interpretability of results and we will discuss solutions and open questions.
Evidence from Nuclear Masses on Proposed Closed Shells at 20 Nucleons

Combining microwave measurements of sulfur and chlorine masses with mass spectroscopic and nuclear reaction information, the effect of nuclear shell structure on masses in the region of 20 neutrons or protons is investigated. It is found that except for ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{40}$, nuclei with 20 neutrons or protons do not show any special stability.
AN ADDENDUM TO KRAVIS: AN APPRECIATIVE NOTE ON HATING ONE'S WORK

(2013). An Addendum to Kravis: an Appreciative Note on Hating One’s Work. The Psychoanalytic Quarterly: Vol. 82, No. 1, pp. 121-124.
Dependence of curing time, peak temperature, and mechanical properties on the composition of bone cement.

Commercial bone cements usually contain hydroquinone as the polymerization inhibitor and N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine as the accelerator in the benzoyl peroxide-initiated redox polymerization. The former compounds have certain shortcomings in their biocompatibility profile. Measurements of the setting times, polymerization exotherms, and postpolymerization strengths of the cured monomer-polymer compositions show that the hydroquinone can be replaced by food grade di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (BHT). The more reactive 4-N,N-(dimethylamino)phenethanol can replace 4-N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine, yielding cements with shorter setting times and increased strengths. Excessive heat liberated on polymerization can be reduced by partial substitution of higher-molecular-weight methacrylates, e.g., dicyclopentenyloxyethyl methacrylate for methyl methacrylate, but there is a decrease in strength of the resulting polymer. More successful has been the addition to the monomer of 1% or 2% of the chain transfer agent pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercapto-propionate), which lowers the peak temperature without changing the physical properties of the cement. Compositions with short curing times, lower exotherms, and mechanical properties that exceed those of a commercial material have been formulated.
Alternative mating tactics in male white-faced dragonflies ( Leucorrhinia intacta ): plasticity of tactical options and consequences for reproductive success

Alternative tactics used by males to obtain mates usually are associated with genetic and/or phenotypic differences between the behavioral morphs. This system of white-faced dragonfly (Leucorrhinia intacta) alternatives is characterized by plasticity of tactical options for individual males. Males may act either as territorials, and defend small perch-centered territories on the study pond, or they act as transients, spending most of their time in vegetation surrounding the pond and sallying out at intervals in search of mates. The two tactics remain in constant proportions over a broad range of densities, so transients do not result only from a ‘filling in’ of suitable territorial sites. Males adopt tactics independently from day to day, with no significant influences of phenotypic variation, priority of arrival at the breeding site, or prior success in a role. We interpret this system as based on conditional, frequency-dependent choice of alternatives by a population of males not differing significantly in their abilities to employ one tactic or the other, but we cannot exclude entirely the possibility of mixed strategies. Average daily mating success is equal for territorial and transient males, supporting predictions of mixed and conditional ESS hypotheses. Males of each tactic obtain matings daily in proportion to their representation in the population for most data samples. Deviations from the expected mating success provide no information of use in selecting one or the other tactic on subsequent days. We suggest this system of alternatives represents a conditional mating strategy, in which males adopt tactics based on the availability of perches relative to oviposition substrate and on interactions within and between tactics that are influenced by the relative frequencies of territorial and transient males.
Soy isoflavone intake and bone mineral density in breast cancer survivors

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is common among breast cancer survivors due to acute estrogen deprivation. Soy food is a rich source of phytoestrogens, namely isoflavones, known to have both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects. The objective of the study was to assess the association between soy consumption and BMD in breast cancer survivors, which has not previously been evaluated. Forearm BMD was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 60 months post-diagnosis for 1,587 participants of the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study. Soy intakes collected at 6, 18, and 36 months post-diagnosis were averaged, and the association with BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis was evaluated using linear and logistic regression. The mean (standard deviation) intake of isoflavones was 48.1 (28.0) mg/day. Soy intake was inversely associated with BMD and positively associated with osteoporosis. Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of soy isoflavone intake, ≥ 62.64 mg/day, was associated with a reduction of BMD by 1.95 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) −3.54, −0.36 %] and an increased odds ratio of 1.69 for osteoporosis (95 % CI 1.09, 2.61). The inverse association was predominantly seen among women who recently entered menopause (≤5 years). In contrast to observations from general populations, high soy intake (≥62.64 mg of soy isoflavone/day) was associated with lower proximal forearm BMD among breast cancer survivors, particularly during the early years of menopause. Our finding needs to be replicated, particularly in studies with more comprehensive bone density evaluation.
Preparation of Unique 1-D Nanoparticle Superstructures and Tailoring their Structural Features

Designed peptide conjugate molecules are used to simultaneously direct both the synthesis and assembly of gold nanoparticles into various complex 1-D nanoparticle superstructures. We show how synthetic conditions, including reaction time and temperature, can be varied to carefully control the structure of the gold nanoparticle assembly and also the size and density of the nanoparticles within the assembly. We also demonstrate that particle capping agents such as citrate and adenosine triphosphate can be used to adjust the metrics of double-helical gold nanoparticle assemblies, in particular interhelical distances and particle size.
Ionospheric storm forecast for high-frequency communications

An improved physical model for ionospheric storm propagation is presented. The model uses the Dst index to monitor storm commencement. It also employs a latitude- and storm-strength-dependent propagation speed for the pressure disturbance that propagates from the auroral source region, where energy is deposited at storm commencement, to lower latitudes. The new storm forecast code is embedded in PropMan, an ionospheric program developed at Rockwell Avionics and Communications. The predictions of the new code for maximum usable frequencies during storms are compared with radio sounding data. Improvements are reported in the capability of PropMan to predict maximum usable frequencies in the 24 hours following a storm.
Temporal Control of Activity in White Carneaux and Feral Pigeons

The time course of activity during the interval between food deliveries on fixed-time feeding schedules of 10, 20, 50, and 100 sec. was compared in White Carneaux and feral pigeons. The data were analyzed using a mathematical model of the temporal control of behavior recently proposed by Killeen (1975). This model represents the time course of general activity on fixed-time feeding schedules as the algebraic sum of two exponential functions. The over-all form and height of the activity functions for the White Carneaux and feral pigeons were similar and, with the exception of the results for the 100-sec. schedule, the model accounted for most of the variance in the data. Values of parameters for the model and average response rates varied systematically as a function of the duration of the interfood interval.
Differential Control of the Phosphorylation State of Proline-juxtaposed Serine Residues Ser725 of Stat5a and Ser730 of Stat5b in Prolactin-sensitive Cells

Transcription factors of the Stat family are controlled by protein kinases. Phosphorylation of a positionally conserved tyrosine residue is obligatory for Stat dimerization, nuclear translocation, and specific DNA binding. Studies of Stat1 and Stat3 have suggested that serine phosphorylation may also regulate function. We now identify serine residues located in a conserved PSP motif of Stat5a (Ser725) and Stat5b (Ser730) as major phosphorylation sites, using mutagenesis, phosphoamino acid analysis, and site-specific anti-Stat5-phosphoserine antibodies. Unexpectedly, phosphorylation control of this PSP motif differed between the highly homologous Stat5a and Stat5b proteins. Whereas Ser725 of Stat5a was constitutively phosphorylated both in COS-7 cells and Nb2 lymphocytes, phosphorylation of Ser730 of Stat5b was markedly stimulated by prolactin. The data also suggested the existence of a second major serine phosphorylation site in Stat5a. Interestingly, constitutive phosphorylation of the PSP motif was suppressed by PD98059 but not by staurosporine under conditions in which both agents inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinases. Furthermore, pretreatment of cells with staurosporine, PD98059, H7, or wortmannin did not prevent either Stat5a or Stat5b from becoming maximally serine-phosphorylated after prolactin exposure. We propose that two pathways regulate Stat5 serine phosphorylation, one that is prolactin-activated and PD98059-resistant and one that is constitutively active and PD98059-sensitive and preferentially targets Stat5a. Finally, phosphorylation of the PSP motif of Stat5a or Stat5b was not essential for DNA binding or transcriptional activation of a beta-casein reporter gene in COS-7 cells, suggesting that serine kinase control of Stat5 activity differs from that of Stat1 and Stat3.
Cosmic-ray astrochemistry

Gas-phase chemistry in the interstellar medium is driven by fast ion–molecule reactions. This, of course, demands a mechanism for ionization, and cosmic rays are the ideal candidate as they can operate throughout the majority of both diffuse and dense interstellar clouds. Aside from driving interstellar chemistry via ionization, cosmic rays also interact with the interstellar medium in ways that heat the ambient gas, produce gamma rays, and produce light element isotopes. In this paper we review the observables generated by cosmic-ray interactions with the interstellar medium, focusing primarily on the relevance to astrochemistry.
Influences on diet and physical activity among middle-class African American 8- to 10-year-old girls at risk of becoming obese.

Abstract Objective To understand diet, physical activity, and inactivity influences among preadolescent African American girls at risk of becoming obese. Design Interviews and group qualitative discussions (ie, mixed qualitative research method) were conducted separately with 8- to 10-year-old African American girls and their parents. Setting Greater Houston, Texas. Participants Eight- to 10-year-old African American girls above the 50th percentile body mass index with a home computer (n = 82) and a parent (n = 74). Variables Measured Influences on dietary practices and physical activity/inactivity among preadolescent African American girls. Analysis Discussions were audiotaped, manually recorded, transcribed, and coded. The primary coder analyzed the transcribed notes. The secondary coder reviewed and critiqued the initial coding. Results Parents and girls were concerned about overweight and viewed physical activity as a weight control practice. Mothers facilitated daughters' physical activity, while fathers and siblings were coparticipants. Girls had access to physical activity equipment and facilities. Snack food items and carbonated beverages were often limited by the parents, and water consumption was encouraged. Discrepancies were apparent between girls' and parents' responses. Conclusions and Implications Parental convenience and girls' food preferences influenced dietary intake. Obesity prevention programs should capitalize on parental motivation for their child's health and provide practical strategies to facilitate healthful eating and physical activity.
Measurement of erosion-corrosion synergism with a slurry wear test apparatus

Abstract A slurry wear test recently developed by the Bureau of Mines was used for the measurement of wear rates and electrochemical corrosion rates during slurry wear in order to establish relationships between erosion and corrosion of metal specimens. Slurries of silica sand and aqueous solutions were continuously fed into the test chamber, where they abraded and corroded the test specimens, a low alloy steel, a stainless steel, and a wear-resistant low alloy steel. Three types of tests were conducted to determine 1. (1) the total erosive-corrosive wear rate, 2. (2) the wear rate due to erosion only, and 3. (3) the electrochemical corrosion rate. The total wear rate was determined from the weight losses and densities and reported in units of volume loss per unit time. The wear rate due to erosion only was determined while cathodically protecting the specimens. The electrochemical corrosion rate was determined by using polarization scans with the test specimen as the working electrode during slurry wear tests. The test parameters were temperature, solids concentration, and impeller speed. The test results showed that the combined effects of erosion and corrosion resulted in total wear rates that were much greater than the additive effects of each process taken alone, thus showing a strong synergism between erosion and corrosion.
Morphology of HDPE/(PEC/PS) blends modified with SEBS copolymers

In this study, immiscible blends of HDPE and an amorphous glassy polymer were compatibilized with styrene-hydrogenated butadiene block copolymers. The glassy phase consisted of either pure PS or a miscible blend of PS and polyether copolymer (PEC); PEC is similar to poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO). The morphology of these two-phase mixtures depended on physical characteristics of the components and the method of fabrication. Suitable copolymers increased the degree of dispersion and minimized heterogeneities resulting from the inherent incompatibility of the individual phases. Further reduction in the phase size and increased adhesion between the components of modified blends were achieved by increasing the composition of PEC in the glassy phase. It was concluded that favorable exothermic mixing between PEC and PS endblocks of the copolymers provided an additional driving force for compatibilization. Results from dynamic mechanical thermal analysis suggests that penetration by the copolymers into the homopolymer phases is not complete.
Influence of selective parasympathectomy of the A-V nodal region on atrioventricular conduction in conscious dogs.

The maximum atrial paced rate with 1:1 atrioventricular conduction (Rmax) was compared before and after selective parasympathectomy of the atrioventricular nodal region (AVNR). Each animal was instrumented with right atrial and right ventricular bipolar electrodes. Rmax determined (1) under quietly resting, control conditions, (2) following β-adrenergic blockade, (3) following muscarinic blockade, and (4) following combined β-adrenergic and muscarinic blockade. During a second surgical procedure approximately two weeks later, parasympathectomy was achieved by dissection and topical application of phenol to the fat pad and underlying epicardium at the inferior left atrial junction with the inferior vena cava; completeness of AVNR parasympathectomy was tested at surgery by supramaximal stimulation of right and left cervical vagi, with and without rapid atrial pacing. AVNR sympathetic innervation remained intact. All studies were conducted while the animals were conscious and quietly resting. Before parasympathectomy, Rmax under control conditions averaged 136 ± b4 beats per minute (bpm). Following β-blockade, Rmax was 126 ± 5 bpm; while with muscarinic blockade, Rmax averaged 373 ± 4 bpm (P < 0.001, with control). With combined β- and muscarinic blockade, Rmax was 300 ± 14. After AVNR parasympathectomy, although the resting heart rate was unchanged, the Rmax under control conditions was 342 ± 10 bpm. β-Blockade reduced this significantly (P < 0.001) to 278 ± 15 bpm. With muscarinic blockade, Rmax averaged 346 ± 11 bpm, which was not different from the control Rmax after AVNR parasympathectomy. Combined β- and muscarinic blockade produced an Rmax of 280 ± 14 bpm. These experiments indicate a selective and differential parasympathetic regulation of the A-V region in conscious, resting dogs. Selective parasympathectomy of the atrioventricular nodal region results in conduction of impulses at very rapid rates to the ventricles.
A Constructive semantic characterization of aggregates in answer set programming

This technical note describes a monotone and continuous fixpoint operator to compute the answer sets of programs with aggregates. The fixpoint operator relies on the notion of aggregate solution. Under certain conditions, this operator behaves identically to the three-valued immediate consequence operator PaggrP for aggregate programs, independently proposed in Pelov (2004) and Pelov et al. (2004). This operator allows us to closely tie the computational complexity of the answer set checking and answer sets existence problems to the cost of checking a solution of the aggregates in the program. Finally, we relate the semantics described by the operator to other proposals for logic programming with aggregates.
Mobile learning for the twenty-first century librarian

Purpose – This paper aims to present a review of selected mobile learning literature and programmatic approaches for librarians interested in developing mobile digital library services in order to equip readers with a framework for understanding and appreciating mobile digital librarianship.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review is culled from distance learning, medical informatics and medical librarianship, internet social studies, and human computer interaction research. Much of the research reviewed focuses on recently released reports as well as library services utilizing mobile technology.Findings – The study finds that mobile learning has seen increased service development, but has not yet evolved to be a robust field in librarianship.Research limitations/implications – The field of mobile digital technology advances very quickly. This research represents the state of mobile learning in mid‐2008.Practical implications – Library and information professionals will gain a sound conceptual gr...
Theory and computer simulation studies of liquid mixtures

Abstract Recent advances in our understanding of the thermodynamics of molecularly simple liquid mixtures based on theory and computer simulation are reviewed. Perturbation theories based on spherical and nonspherical reference fluids are described, and examples are given of comparisons with experiment. Computer simulation studies of model fluid mixtures in which the molecules possess both nonspherical shape and electrostatic forces are proving useful in understanding the role of these molecular effects in thermodynamics, and are briefly discussed. Finally, a summary is given of recent work on the vapour-liquid interface for simple mixtures.
Action of estrogens in the aging brain: Dementia and cognitive aging

Abstract Background Menopause is associated with sharp declines in concentrations of circulating estrogens. This change in hormone milieu has the potential to affect brain functions relevant to dementia and cognitive aging. Scope of review Focused review of published results of randomized clinical trials of estrogen-containing hormone therapy for Alzheimer's disease treatment and dementia prevention, observational research on cognition across the menopause transition, and observational research on the association of hormone therapy and Alzheimer's disease risk. Major conclusions Clinical trial evidence supports conclusions that estrogen therapy does not improve dementia symptoms in women with Alzheimer's disease and that estrogen-containing hormone therapy initiated after about age 65 years increases dementia risk. Hormone therapy begun in this older postmenopausal group does not ameliorate cognitive aging. Cognitive outcomes of midlife hormone exposures are less well studied. There is no strong indication of short-term cognitive benefit of hormone use after natural menopause, but clinical trial data are sparse. Little research addresses midlife estrogen use after surgical menopause; limited clinical trial data imply short-term benefit of prompt initiation at the time of oophorectomy. Whether exogenous estrogen exposures in the early postmenopause affect Alzheimer risk or cognitive aging much later in life is unanswered by available data. Observational results raise the possibility of long-term cognitive benefit, but bias is a concern in interpreting these findings. General significance Estrogen-containing hormone therapy should not be initiated after age 65 to prevent dementia or remediate cognitive aging. Further research is needed to understand short-term and long-term cognitive effects of estrogen exposures closer to the age of menopause.
Machinability comparison of casting methods

Abstract Stiff competition from local and global markets has made many manufacturing firms reduce lead time through the introduction of concurrent engineering principles. Often the existing products and processes are redesigned to reduce lead time. The motivation for the present work is based on changing the casting method to reduce machining allowance, thereby reducing machining time. Before such a change is implemented in a mass-production foundry, its influence on the machinability of the materials must be thoroughly investigated and understood. This paper deals specifically with comparing the machinability of cast iron produced by the green-sand-casting process (which by its inherent nature necessitates a machining allowance of 6–8 mm), with respect to the machinability of cast iron produced by the encapsulated-sand-casting process (which enables the machining allowance to be reduced to 3–4 mm). Several tests, including chemistry, microstructure, microhardness, milling power, drilling force, torque, and drill-bit wear tests have been conducted to compare the cast irons. Two-level factorial design of experiments has been used to develop predictive models for the power consumed in milling and the axial force and torque in drilling. Within the envelope of cutting parameters investigated, the predictor model equations for power, force, and torque are found to approximate the actual response to with 90.9%, 99.3% and 98.5% accuracy, respectively, for green-sand castings, and 93.4%, 97.7% and 98.6% accuracy for encapsuled-sand castings. All the experimental tests and the statistical models for power, force and torque are compared, no significant difference being found between the machinability of green-sand cast iron and encapsulated-sand cast iron.
Research notes and communications: Characteristics distinguishing funded from unfunded business plans evaluated by venture capitalists

Business plans that were funded by venture capitalists were compared to unfunded plans. Comparisons on the basis of plan structure, plan organization, and financial projections indicate that plans which deviate too far from the norm of the variables studied tend to go unfunded. Implications for plan preparation are discussed.
Evidence of the Properties of an Ambiguity Tolerance Measure: The Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance Scale–II (MSTAT–II)

Despite widespread interest in ambiguity tolerance and other information-related individual differences, existing measures of ambiguity tolerance are conceptually disparate and are often psychometrically weak. This paper presents evidence of reliability and validity for a 13-item measure of ambiguity tolerance (MSTAT-II) based on a definition of ambiguity tolerance as an orientation, ranging from aversion to attraction, toward stimuli that are complex, unfamiliar, and insoluble. The MSTAT-II addresses each basic type of ambiguous stimulus, contains fewer items than many other scales, and reduces references to specific contexts and objects not directly related to ambiguity. Data from three studies using diverse samples and measures, including other popular ambiguity tolerance scales, were examined, and the results suggest the MSTAT-II may improve upon other paper-and-pencil measures of ambiguity tolerance.
α-l-Iduronidase, β-d-glucuronidase, and 2-sulfo-l-iduronate 2-sulfutase: preparation and characterization of radioactive substrates from heparin

Radioactive disaccharide substrates for alpha-L-iduronidase, beta-D-glucuronidase, and 2-sulfo-L-iduronate 2-sulfatase have been prepared from heparin by deaminative cleavage followed by reduction with NaBT4. Six disaccharides were isolated from this reaction mixture and identified. Acid hydrolysis of the major disaccharide, O-(alpha-L-idopyranosyluronic acid 2-sulfate)-(1 linked to 4)-(2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol-l-t 6-sulfate (IdAs--Ms), produced 48% of O-(alpha-L-idopyranosyluronic acid)-(1 linked to 4)-(2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol-l-t 6-sulfate) (IdA--Ms) and 25% of O-(alpha-L-idopyranosyluronic acid)-(1 linked to 4)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol-l-t. The most-sensitive substrate for determining alpha-L-iduronidase activity was IdA--Ms which, when incubated with leucocyte and skin-fibroblast homogenates prepared from patients having a deficiency of alpha-L-iduronidase (Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I; MPS-I), was hydrolysed to yield 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol-l-t 6-sulfate at a rate 50-times less than that found for normal control-preparations. Similarly, O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyluronic acid)-(1 linked to 4)-(2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol-l-t 6-sulfate) was degraded by whole-cell homogenates prepared from beta-D-glucuronidase-deficient (Mucopolysaccharidosis, Type VII) fibroblasts, to yield 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol-l-t 5-sulfate at a rate 60-times less that that found for MPS-I and normal control-preparations. IdAs--Ms was degraded by 2-sulfo-L-iduronate 2-sulfatase at a rate more than 45-times greater than that found for O-(alpha-L-idopyranosyluronic acid 2-sulfate)-(1 linked to 4)-2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol-l-t. C-6 Sulfation of the anhydro-D-mannitol-l-t residue is an important structural determinant in the mechanism of action of both alpha-L-iduronidase and 2-sulfo-L-iduronate 2-sulfatase on disaccharide substrates.
Breast cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and residual disease

Neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) has become part of the standard treatment of patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Patients who achieve a pathologically complete response (pCR) after NST have improved outcomes compared with patients with residual disease at the primary tumor site or the lymph nodes. Achieving a pCR after NST correlates with improved disease-free and overall survival; therefore the amount of residual disease is a prognostic predictor, and it is an area of ongoing research. In this article, we review the literature on NST to highlight the importance of pCR as a prognostic indicator. We also review the definition of pCR and describe the association between different patient and tumor characteristics, including the breast cancer subtype classification, and its response to chemotherapy. We expand on the clinical impact of residual disease and comment on the importance of quantifying it and the current treatment recommendations for patients with residual disease after NST.
Complex species and pressure dependence of intensity scaling laws for contamination rates of EUV optics determined by XPS and ellipsometry

The goal of our ongoing optics-contamination program is to estimate the magnitude and scaling laws of the contamination rates of optics exposed to extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) radiation in the presence of various contaminant species expected in the EUV-lithography-tool environment by exposing samples to in-band 13.5 nm light from our synchrotron in the presence of fixed partial pressures of admitted gases. We report contamination rate measurements on TiO2-capped samples for species observed in separate resist-outgassing measurements (benzene, isobutene, toluene and tert-butylbenzene) in the pressure range (10 -8 to 10 -5 ) Pa. We use two spatially-resolved surface probe techniques, spectroscopic ellipsometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, to determine the thickness of deposited carbon. The correlation and sensitivities of these techniques are discussed. The high sensitivity of ellipsometry shows that contamination rates for some species have a pronounced non-linear intensity dependence and can be strongly influenced by admixtures of water vapor, while the rates for other species are linear over the same intensity range and are less affected by ambient water. Understanding scaling laws is critical when estimating optic lifetimes or cleaning cycles by extrapolating over the 3-to-6 orders of magnitude between accelerated-testing and tool-environment partial pressures.
Remote sensing of bottom reflectance and water attenuation parameters in shallow water using aircraft and Landsat data

Abstract The reflectance of shallow water areas to solar illumination is a function of the water depth, the water optical properties and the bottom reflectance. Assuming the water optical properties to be uniform over a given scene area, the signals recorded by a multispectral scanner system may be combined to obtain information on the water attenuation and bottom reflectance parameters without knowledge of the water depth. These techniques are described and evaluated for a test site near North Cat Cay in the Bahamas.
Gastric ulceration following oesophageal stent migration complicating surgical management of oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal, fully covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) allow palliation of dysphagia so as to support nutrition during neoadjuvant therapy. We present a 68-year old man with an oesophageal adenocarcinoma (T3N1M0) who had a fully covered oesophageal SEMS placed prior to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Repeat endoscopy 8 weeks later (for stent removal) showed that the stent had migrated and impacted upon the greater curvature of the stomach with a resultant ulcer. Surgery was delayed and, 10 weeks following the cessation of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, this patient underwent a right thoracoabdominal oesophagogastrectomy. Operative findings included an erosion of the stent-induced gastric ulcer into the body of the pancreas and showed that the ulcerated tumour had become adherent to the thoracic aorta. This report demonstrates that the complications of stent migration can significantly impact upon surgical resection at multiple levels and provides a case for the routine removal of stents used in the neoadjuvant setting.
Crime, Punishment, and the Prison in Modern China

Part 1 The emergence of a modern penal system (1895-1927): the prison reform movement in the late Qing (1895-1911) the model prisons during the warlord era (1911-27). Part 2 Science, crime and punishment under the Guomindang (1927-49): the science of punishment (1927-49) the science of crime (1927-49) prison reform in the Nanjing decade (1927-37) the prison system during the war (1937-49). Part 3 The penal system under the communists (1931-99): prisons in the red areas (1931-49) the emergence of the Laogai (1949-57) epilogue - crime and punishment in the PRC (1957-99).
COX-2 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma is an Initiation Event; While EGF Receptor Expression with Downstream Pathway Activation is a Prognostic Predictor of Survival

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer mortality with over 90% of HCC patients succumbing to the disease. Current systemic therapies have had no measurable impact on survival in this disease; however there are small subsets of patients who benefit from systemic therapy who have been difficult to identify. Improvements in patient stratification and the development of biological therapies have resulted from the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms integral to tumor development and progression. Recent studies have found that COX-2 and EGFR are frequently inappropriately expressed in HCC compared to normal liver expression; however the presence of surface receptors does not always mean that the downstream pathway is active. In this study, we investigate the incidence and impact of activated EGFR downstream messengers phosphorylated akt (pakt) and/or phosphorylated MAPK (pMAPK) on survival in patients with HCC. Thirty consecutive HCC patients treated at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patient data including age, sex, Child’s score, histological type, grade, stage, and survival were analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissues using monoclonal antibodies to COX-2, EGF receptor, pMAPK, and pakt. Histoscores were determined for each marker and evaluated for impact in survival, stage, and tumor grade. The median age was 67 years (39–83) and 67% of patients were male. Median survival was 9.8 months (1–47 months) for the whole group. COX-2 and EGFR expression was present in 90 and 67% of the tumors, respectively. Expression of activated downstream EGFR messengers was present in 53% of tumors (pMAPK 41%, pakt 31%). Median survival was significantly better in patients with downstream messenger expression, 24.4 months, compared to no expression, 4.7 months (P = 0.03). These groups were matched in age, stage, and Child’s score. COX-2 and EGFR expression are commonly seen in HCC. Activated downstream EGFR expression is also common in HCC and is a predictor of improved survival. There may be a therapeutic role for EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in this subset of patients and further investigation is warranted.
Performance prediction of WLAN speech and image transmission

The effects of multipath, noise, and cochannel interference on performance are shown for two wireless local area networks (WLAN). Measured impulse responses from an office environment provided the multipath distortion. The first WLAN system uses frequency hopped (FH) Gaussian frequency shift keying (GFSK) and the second uses direct sequence (DS) differential binary phase shift keying (DBPSK). Both modulations are part of the proposed WLAN IEEE 802.11 standard. Vocoded speech and image quality were predicted for wireless systems through software simulation by relating quality classes to the following system and channel operational parameters: bit error rate (BER), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and carrier-to-interference ratio (CIR). Experimental results are summarized by overlaying image and vocoded speech quality classes on a BER, SNR, and CIR graph.
Eversion of the Urinary Bladder: A Sequel to Third‐Degree Perineal Laceration in the Mare

Two cases of urinary bladder eversion are described in association with third-degree perineal lacerations in the mare. One case of eversion followed surgical repair of the perineal defect. The other occurred spontaneously in a 5-month postpartum mare awaiting repair of a third-degree perineal laceration. Both everted bladders contained the pelvic flexure of the large colon, and in 1 case a bladder rent allowed evisceration. Surgical intervention was required, and was successful in one case.