cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Humidity effects on the fracture mode transition in anodized 2024-T351 aluminium

Diminution de la resistance a la fatigue d'alliage d'Al anodise lorsque la propagation des fissures a lieu en milieu de vapeur, expliquee par la rupture de la couche d'oxyde, exposant l'Al a la vapeur d'eau et a la fragilisation par l'hydroxyde
Structural analysis of a fractional matching problem

Mixed Software Programming refers to a novel software development paradigm resulting from efforts to combine two different programming approaches: Solo Programming and Pair Programming. Solo Programming refers to the traditional practice of assigning a single developer to develop a software module and Pair Programming refers to a relatively new approach where two developers work simultaneously on developing a module. In Mixed Programming, given a set of modules to be developed, a chosen subset of modules may be developed using Solo Programming and the remaining modules using Pair Programming. Motivated by applications in Mixed Software Programming, we consider the following generalization of classical fractional 1-matching problem: Given an undirected simple graph G=(V;E), and a positive number F, find values for x"e,e@?E, satisfying the following: 1.x@?{0,12,1}@?e@?E. 2.@?"e"@?"@d"("i")x"e@?1@?i@?V, where @d(i)={e@?E:e=(i,j)},i@?V. 3.Maximize {2@?"e"@?"Ex"e-F|{i@?V:@?"e"@?"@d"("i")x"e=1}|}. We show that this problem is solvable in strongly polynomial time. Our primary focus in this paper is on obtaining the structure of the optimal solution for an arbitrary instance of the problem.
Rationalising intravenous morphine prescriptions in children

Abstract Aim : To monitor the morphine doses administered, complications and nursing staff satisfaction after the implementation of an intravenous opioid policy for children. Methods : Nursing staff were empowered to administer five incremental doses of intravenous morphine (age >1 year, 0.04 mg kg −1 ; age −1 ) for postoperative analgesia on the surgical wards. Inherent in this policy was a nursing educational process and improved physiological monitoring. An audit was performed after two months. Data were compared with those collected from an historical control group over a three-month period before introduction of the opioid policy Results : There was no difference between mean (SD) daily morphine doses administered before (day 1, 0.087 (0.093); day 2, 0.064 (0.09); day 3, 0.022 (0.07) mg kg −1 ) or after (day 1, 0.090 (0.091); day 2, 0.067 (0.011); day 3, 0.014 (0.047) mg kg −1 ) the protocol was introduced. Ninety percent of children charted protocol morphine were given morphine on day 1, compared to 70% in the pre-protocol group. A larger daily dose of paracetamol was continued until day 3 in the protocol group (39 vs 9 mg kg −1 , p=0.002). No adverse effects in either group were noted. Nursing staff reported a high level of satisfaction with the protocol at a six month review. Conclusion : We report the successful implementation of an intravenous opioid policy. Morphine use did not increase. However the education process resulted in an increased awareness of pain and its management in children. Although potential for drug errors still exists, these errors are a consequence of system error and goals of zero drug error rates should be aggressively sought with systems in place that seek to eliminate the effects of inevitable human error. This opioid protocol is one such system.
Lifecycle Prices and Production

Using scanner data and time diaries, we document how households substitute time for money through shopping and home production. We find evidence that there is substantial heterogeneity in prices paid across households for identical consumption goods in the same metro area at any given point in time. For identical goods, prices paid are highest for middle age, rich, and large households, consistent with the hypothesis that shopping intensity is low when the cost of time is high. The data suggest that a doubling of shopping frequency lowers the price paid for a given good by approximately 10 percent. From this elasticity and observed shopping intensity, we impute the opportunity cost of time for the shopper which peaks in middle age at a level roughly 40 percent higher than that of retirees. Using this measure of the price of time and observed time spent in home production, we estimate the parameters of a home production function. We find an elasticity of substitution between time and market goods in home production of close to two. Finally, we use the estimated elasticities for shopping and home production to calibrate an augmented lifecycle consumption model. The augmented model predicts the observed empirical patterns quite well. Taken together, our results highlight the danger of interpreting lifecycle expenditure without acknowledging the changing demands on time and the available margins of substituting time for money.
Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Trametes versicolor in Women with Breast Cancer

Introduction. Orally administered preparations from the Trametes versicolor (Tv) mushroom have been hypothesized to improve immune response in women with breast cancer after standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Methods. A phase I, two-center, dose escalation study was done to determine the maximum tolerated dose of a Tv preparation when taken daily in divided doses for 6 weeks after recent completion of radiotherapy. Eleven participants were recruited and nine women completed the study. Each cohort was comprised of three participants given one of three doses of Tv (3, 6, or 9 grams). Immune data was collected pre- and postradiation, at 3 on-treatment time points and after a 3-week washout. Results. Nine adverse events were reported (7 mild, 1 moderate, and 1 severe), suggesting that Tv was well tolerated. Immunological results indicated trends in (1) increased lymphocyte counts at 6 and 9 grams/day; (2) increased natural killer cell functional activity at 6 grams/day; (3) dose-related increases in CD8
Stealthy false data injection attacks against state estimation in power systems: Switching network topologies

The stealthy false data injection attack against the state estimation in a power network is able to compromise the measurements and fool the system operator without being detected by the residue based detector. While the most of the existing articles assume the network topology to be fixed, we show the effects of unfixed topologies on such attacks. Motivated by such effects, we propose a new mechanism in which the system operator is trying to eliminate the possibility of such attacks via strategically shutting down some of the transmission lines by turns and therefore switching the network topologies. We give the conditions that have to be satisfied in order to achieve this elimination. The vulnerable measurements in the network are formulated in the case when this elimination is impossible. Some simulation analysis are shown as well.
Comparative energetics of comb-footed spiders (Araneae: theridiidae)

Abstract Rates of energy expenditure (VO 2 ) were measured in nine species of comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae) to determine if variation in this measure correlates with distribution, habitat, life style, and growth rate. Rates of metabolism in eight of the nine species were equal to or greater than those of other ectothermic poikilotherms of similar size. The lower than expected VO 2 in one species, Latrodectus bishopi , was linked to its restriction to the arid sand-pine scrub habitats of central and southern Florida. There was no detected association between VO 2 ; and latitude nor between web kleptoparasitism and a free-living life style based on interspecific comparisons. Growth rate was positively correlated with VO 2 .
Nonisothermal annual die swelling analysis

The effects of thermal properties of Newtonian liquids on annular die swelling were studied numerically using a finite element method. Fluid viscosity was assumed to be a decreasing exponential in temperature, with a proportionality constant, β, which was assumed to be a material property. Three swelling ratios were found as functions of constant β, Peclet number (Pe), Nusselt number (Nu), and a viscous heat dissipation. The fluid behavior was remarkably different when the viscous heat dissipation was involved or excluded. Explanations are presented for these differences.
Explaining the Race Gap in Satisfaction with Urban Services

Although racial differences in satisfaction with urban services have been observed for decades, perhaps the most consistent finding in the literature on citizen satisfaction and urban service delivery, little systematic effort has been directed at explaining this gap. Using two years of survey data from New York City, the authors find that socioeconomic status (SES) and neighborhood of residence explain only a small part of the gap in satisfaction across a range of urban services. Residents’ trust of government appears to account for a fairly large proportion of the race gap. Still, significant differences in satisfaction remain between Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics for a number of services even after controlling for SES, neighborhood, and trust.
Forces between sulfonate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and zirconia particles in aqueous solutions

An atomic force microscope was used to measure the interaction forces between sulfonate-terminated, siloxane-anchored, organic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on silicon and a 20-micron-sized zirconia sphere in aqueous electrolyte solutions. The jump-in distance and adhesive force were measured in KNO3 solutions with pH ranging from 2 to 9 and ionic strength from 0.45 M to 4.5 × 10−5 M. The observed forces in all cases were larger for sulfonate SAM-covered silicon than for bare silicon. With the sulfonate surface, the force was repulsive at high pH and attractive at low pH, and it increased with decreasing pH and ionic strength. Experimental results were in most cases consistent with predictions from Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory, indicating that DLVO forces play a key role for the interactions between these surfaces under such conditions. The results further indicate that DLVO interactions may contribute to the formation of zirconia and other oxide films via attachment of particles present in aqueous media.
A role for scavenging in the marine biogeochemical cycling of zinc and zinc isotopes

Abstract Zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) are important biologically active trace-metals in the ocean. To date, the marine distributions of these elements have been understood primarily in terms of biological assimilation by growing phytoplankton and regeneration of sinking biological material. Initial studies of Zn and Cd concentrations and stable isotope ratios (δ66Zn and δ114Cd) have therefore focused on their use as simple tracers of assimilation and regeneration in the oceans. However, these two processes are insufficient to explain new data on the marine distribution of Zn and δ66Zn. Here, using the first high-resolution paired marine depth profiles of Zn, Cd, δ66Zn and δ114Cd, we suggest that scavenging of Zn onto organic matter plays a major, yet largely unconsidered, role in the marine cycling of Zn. This hypothesis is supported by culture experiments, which show that Zn released from degrading phytoplankton is rapidly scavenged back onto organic matter, and that adsorbed Zn is isotopically heavier than the dissolved phase by 0.58‰. In contrast, very little Cd or phosphate was scavenged and Cd isotopes were not significantly fractionated during degradation. Our hypothesis is further supported by one-dimensional modeling, which reproduces observed marine δ66Zn profiles with
Dissolution of Irradiated Commercial UO2 Fuels in Ammonium Carbonate and Hydrogen Peroxide

We propose and test a disposition path for irradiated nuclear fuel using ammonium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide media. We demonstrate on a 13 g scale that >98% of the irradiated fuel dissolves. Subsequent expulsion of carbonate from the dissolver solution precipitates >95% of the plutonium, americium, and curium and substantial amounts of fission products, effectively partitioning the fuel at the dissolution step. Uranium can be easily recovered from solution by any of several means, such as ion exchange, solvent extraction, or direct precipitation. Ammonium carbonate can be evaporated from solution and recovered for reuse, leaving an extremely compact volume of fission products, transactinides, and uranium. Stack emissions are predicted to be less toxic, less radioactive, chemically simpler, and simpler to treat than those from the conventional PUREX process.
Participation and Rules- The Functions of Zoning

Data from a case study of piecemeal zoning change suggest that the decisions of citizen zoning boards of appeal are neither lawless nor ineffective. The bulk of requests that come before them are for minor dimension or use variances and are typically allowed unless there is local opposition. The proportion of changes granted varies with the degree of clash between a proposed use or structure and the preexisting local land use-the “character of the community” (particularly in single-family residential areas). Expressions of opinion (positive or negative) by current neighbors and other community members are given heavy weight in zoning decisions. Despite criticism of zoning boards as defective and illegitimate legal institutions and calls for their abolition, they have remained popular and extremely resistant to change. This is because zoning boards have evolved beyond their explicit rule enforcement functions to also play important dispute-settling and community maintenance functions in the contemporary urban setting. These functions of zoning can only be understood in terms of a participatory model of legal process where legal rules serve to identify situations and trigger sociopolitical processes as much as they serve as substantive norms to be enforced.
Aminoglycoside dosing in patients by kidney function and area under the curve: the Sawchuk-Zaske dosing method revisited in the era of obesity

Initial dose selection of antimicrobials typically involves the clinical integration of covariates of drug disposition such as age, sex, weight, and kidney function. However, dynamic clinical states and unaccountable confounders necessitate our measurement of systemic concentrations in an individual patient to better inform dose modification. Over the past 50 years, several research groups have formulated weight- and kidney function-based dosing algorithms to measure, assess, and optimize the dosing of aminoglycosides. The lessons learned from older aminoglycosides may be useful and have applications to newer antimicrobials that are dosed on weight and kidney function. This is especially true among obese patients, for whom optimal dosing algorithms have not been well defined. The purpose of this review is to provide healthcare providers a historical perspective of aminoglycoside therapeutic drug monitoring followed by an updated approach to improve dosing of these agents in obese adult patients.
Spinoza on Composition, Causation, and the Mind's Eternity

Spinoza's doctrine of the eternity of the mind is often understood as the claim that the mind has a part that is eternal. I appeal to two principles that Spinoza takes to govern parthood and causation to raise a new problem for this reading. Spinoza takes the composition of one thing from many to require causal interaction among the many. Yet he also holds that eternal things cannot causally interact, without mediation, with things in duration. So the human mind, since it is the idea of a body existing in duration, cannot have an eternal part. In order to solve this problem, I propose an aspectual reading of Spinoza's doctrine of the eternity of the mind: the mind itself is eternal, under one of its aspects.
Probabilistic methods for ranking output documents in conventional Boolean retrieval systems

Abstract Current operational information retrieval systems based on Boolean searching could be radically improved through the incorporation of a weighting mechanism for ranking output documents. However, a number of previous attempts to refine conventional Boolean retrieval systems along these lines have not been fully successful because of their inherent inconsistencies and ambiguities. A detailed account of the research aimed at obtaining a more rigorous methodology is given in this article. The presented approach has been developed by extending well-known probabilistic output ranking methods that are applicable in retrieval systems in which document representations as well as search request formulations are simply sets of index terms. A series of experiments, carried out in recent years to verify some of these methods, have particularly demonstrated the value of a systematic statistical use of relevance feedback information. It is therefore expected that the application of the extended probabilistic document ranking methodology in conventional Boolean systems will also prove to be useful, and that considerable improvements in retrieval performance of these systems will be obtained. A theoretical framework used to derive the proposed output ranking scheme is described in detail. A simple illustrative example is included, followed by a thorough discussion of the suggested approach.
Penicillin effects on iontophoretic responses inAplysia californica

The effect of penicillin on neurons of Aplysia californica was studied using drug concentrations which would be convulsant in mammalian nervous systems. Iontophoretic responses were elicited by the application of acetylcholine, dopamine, gammaaminobutyric acid and serotonin. Low concentrations of penicillin (2mM) consistently and reversibly reduced the chloride-dependent hyperpolarizing responses by approximately 70%, regardless of the transmitter required to evoke them. The short depolarizing responses which are sodium sensitive are slightly reduced by a much higher (10mM) concentration. The extent of the reduction of the excitatory response varied with the transmitter. The slow sodium-dependent depolarizations and the slow potassium-dependent hyperpolarizations were unaffected by the concentrations of penicillin used. The possibility that the convulsant effect of penicillin is due to interference with membrane conductance to chloride is discussed.
Parathyroid hormone activates PKC-δ and regulates osteoblastic differentiation via a PLC-independent pathway

PTH exerts major effects upon bone by activating PTH/PTHrP receptors (PTH1Rs) expressed on osteoblasts. The PTH1R is capable of engaging multiple signaling pathways in parallel, including Gs/adenylyl cyclase (AC), Gq/phospholipase C/protein kinase C (PLC/PKC) and a distinct mechanism, involving activation of PKC via a PLC-independent pathway, that depends upon ligand determinants within the PTH(29-34) sequence. The involvement of PLC-dependent vs. PLC-independent PKC activation in PTH action was studied in clonal PTH1R-expressing murine calvarial osteoblasts ("Wt9") using two signal-selective analogs, [G1,R19]hPTH(1-28) and [G1,R19]hPTH(1-34). Both analogs lack PLC signaling but differ in their capacity to activate the PLC-independent PKC pathway. Both hPTH(1-34) and [G1,R19]hPTH(1-34), but not [G1,R19]hPTH(1-28), increased differentiation of Wt9 cells during a 16-day alternate-daily treatment protocol. Wt9 cells expressed PKC-betaI, -delta, -epsilon and -zeta, none of which exhibited net translocation to membranes in response to hPTH(1-34) or either analog. hPTH(1-34) induced activation of membrane-associated PKC-delta, however, and a time- and concentration-dependent increase in cytosolic [phospho-Thr505]PKC-delta which was maximal within 40 s at 100 nM in both Wt9 cells and primary osteoblasts. This response was mimicked by [G1,R19]hPTH(1-34) but not by [G1,R19]hPTH(1-28). Increased expression of bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteocalcin (OC) mRNAs induced by PTH(1-34) and [G1,R19]hPTH(1-34) in Wt9 cells was blocked by rottlerin, a PKC-delta inhibitor. We conclude that PTH1Rs activate PKC-delta by a PLC-independent, PTH(29-34)-dependent mechanism that promotes osteoblastic differentiation.
Conjugated polymers containing 2,3-dialkoxybenzene and iptycene building blocks.

New poly(phenylene ethynylene)s (PPEs) and poly(phenylene vinylene)s (PPVs) that are highly emissive in solution and thin films were prepared utilizing palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling between new 1,4-diiodo-2,3-dialkoxybenzene- and iptycene-containing monomers. The absorption and emission spectra of the resulting polymers consistently showed a significant blue shift relative to the corresponding polymer analogues containing 2,5-dialkoxyphenylenes.
Asymmetric nuclear magnetic resonance lineshapes caused by nonrandom magnetic field inhomogeneities

Abstract The effects which nonrandom magnetic field inhomogeneities have on the lineshape of narrow nuclear magnetic resonances has been investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Such inhomogeneities may easily arise in conventional electromagnets having cylindrical pole pieces. Several simple inhomogeneity geometries have been considered, and the theoretical expectations compared with the observed features of resonance lineshapes in both liquid and solid samples. The findings are of significant practical relevance since the typical resultant lineshape resembles rather strongly that customarily associated with magnetic shift anisotropy effects (chemical or Knight shift).
The Use and Consequences of Verbal Influence Strategies During Interpersonal Disagreements

Interpersonal influence rtfers to the strateps and tactics communicators use to establish, reinforce, or alter one another's cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. It is argued that influence functions to attain instrumental goals, manage the relationship, and preserve desired identities. These threefunctions guided the development of a categoricnl system for classifying 36 verbal influence tactics according to six major strategy types applicable to the context 01 resolving disagreements. Videotaped interactions of 50 married couples were coded for strategy use by eight trained raters. The mostfrequently used strategies were content validation, self-assertions, and other accusations, whereas content invalidation, self-defense, and other-support received far less use. Correlational results between strategy use and consequences revealed that: (a) males were more persuasive when using content validation and self-assertions and less persuasive when using content invalidation and other-accusations, (b) females were more persuasive when using other-support and less persuasive when using content invalidation, and (c) greater communication satisfaction was experienmd by both partners when theother used supportive tactics and did not use accusuto y ones. Analyses of couples' khuvior suggests the predominant interaction pattern was reciprocal rather than compensatory. iewing interpersonal relationships as "negotiated orders" is becoming increasingly popular in the discipline of commuV nication. Implicit within this conceptualization is the assumption that partners exercise influence to establish, reinforce, and alter each other's cognitions, emotions, and behaviors (Seibold, Cantrill, & Meyers, 1985). To date, few investigations have dealt with influence behavior in close relationships; those that have, have focused almost exclusively on compliance-gaining and compliance-resisting techniques in which a source is attempting to achieve instrumental goals. Deborah A. Newton is Assistant Professor andludee K. Burgoon is Professor of Cornrnunication at the University of Arizona, Tucson. An earlier version of this article was presented at the International Communication Association convention, San Francisco, May 1989.
Theory and measurement of ocular chromatic aberration.

Abstract We have determined the transverse chromatic aberration of the human eye by measuring the apparent offset of a two-color vernier viewed foveally through a displaced, pinhole aperture. For the same subjects, we also determined the longitudinal chromatic aberration for foveal viewing by the method of best focus. In both cases, the results were closely predicted by a simple, reduced-eye optical-model for which transverse and longitudinal chromatic aberration are directly proportional, with the constant of proportionality being the amount of displacement of the pinhole from the visual axis. Further measurements revealed that the natural pupil was closely centered on the visual axis for two subjects and slightly displaced in the temporal direction for three other subjects. One implication of these results is that, although the eye has substantial chromatic aberration, the pupil is positioned so as to minimize the transverse component of the aberration for central vision, thereby optimizing foveal image quality for polychromatic objects.
Intrathoracic desmoid tumor: brief report and review of literature

Introduction The chest wall is the most common extraabdominal site for desmoid tumors. However, true intrathoracic desmoid tumors are exceedingly rare with most cases actually representing intrathoracic extension of chest wall tumors. A comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken to identify the prevalence and characteristics of true intrathoracic desmoid tumors. Methods A case of surgical treatment of a true intrapleural desmoid tumor in a 42-year-old woman is reported. A comprehensive MEDLINE search was performed to identify all previously reported cases of intrathoracic desmoid tumor. Results Twenty-two reported cases of true intrathoracic desmoid tumor were identified including the case presented in this report. Of these, 12 were intrapleural in origin. Patient age ranged from 5 to 66 years. Average tumor size was 9.2 cm. All patients underwent surgical resection with negative margins in two-thirds. Twenty-five percent of those patients developed local recurrence. Conclusions Unlike superficial chest wall desmoid tumors which will create a palpable mass, intrapleural tumors will not cause symptoms until they grow large enough to locally invade chest wall or surrounding structures or compress pulmonary parenchyma. Wide local excision (as is generally recommended for most desmoid tumors) is often impossible because of surrounding vascular and neural structures. Therefore, it may be advisable to consider adjuvant therapy, either radiation directed at known positive margins or antiestrogen therapy.
Amperometric detection of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin by redox diacetylenic vesicles on a sol-gel thin-film electrode.

Supramolecular assemblies (bilayer vesicles) prepared from ferrocenic diacetylene lipid and the cell surface receptor ganglioside GM1 are utilized to construct an amperometric biosensor for Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin on a sol−gel thin-film electrode. The bilayer vesicles adsorbed on the sol−gel film provide an open platform for molecular recognition, while the electrochemical communication between the incorporated redox lipids and the electrode is influenced by the binding of the toxin. Cyclic voltammetric studies suggest a facile redox reaction for the adsorbed supramolecular assembly, which allows the sensor to detect enterotoxin up to 3 ppm (3.6 × 10-8 M) concentration. The apparent diffusion coefficients for the redox lipids in the assembly were observed to be in the range of 4.73 × 10-8−2.30 × 10-8 cm/s2. A mechanism of lateral electron transport of redox lipids controlled by biomolecular recognition is proposed.
Automatic colonic polyp shape determination using content-based image retrieval

Polyp shape (sessile or pedunculated) may provide important clinical implication. However, the traditional way of determining polyp shape is both invasive and subjective. We present a less-invasive and automated method to predict the shape of colonic polyps on computed tomographic colonography (CTC) using the content-based image retrieval (CBIR) approach. We classify polyps as either sessile (SS) or pedunculated (PS) in shape. The CBIR uses numerical feature vectors generated from our CTC computer aided detection (CTC-CAD) system to describe the polyps. These features relate to physical and visual characteristics of the polyp. Feature selection was done using a support vector machine classifier on a training set of polyp shapes. The system is evaluated using an independent test set. Using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis, we showed our system is as accurate as a polyp shape classifier. The area under the ROC curve was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [0.77, 0.93]).
Exchange rates and target zone width

Abstract This paper looks at the effect on the exchange rate, in a target zone regime, of changing the width of the band. The main result of the paper is that the exchange rate moves in the same direction as the closest edge of the band does. This effect is stronger, the closer the exchange rate is to the edges of the band.
Initial knowledge: six suggestions

Abstract Although debates continue, studies of cognition in infancy suggest that knowledge begins to emerge early in life and constitutes part of humans' innate endowment. Early-developing knowledge appears to be both domain-specific and task-specific, it appears to capture fundamental constraints on ecologically important classes of entities in the child's environment, and it appears to remain central to the commonsense knowledge systems of adults.
The Cultural Relationship Interview Matrix: Four Activities for Couples:

An understanding of one's own and his or her partner's cultural heritage is an essential aspect to enhancing the relationship. In this article, the authors introduced the Cultural Relationship Interview Matrix. It is a form for couples to complete individually and then to interview each other. The purpose is for bringing awareness to their respective cultural heritage and for enhancing their communication. Four activities and seven tables are included in the suggested exercises.
Persistent or recurrent bronchogenic carcinoma: detection with PET and 2-[F-18]-2-deoxy-D-glucose.

PURPOSE: To assess positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-[fluorine-18]-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) in the differentiation of recurrent bronchogenic carcinoma from fibrosis after therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Any patient treated for bronchogenic carcinoma who had a residual chest radiographic abnormality was eligible. Forty-three patients (mean age, 63.5 years) participated. Chest radiographs and thoracic computed tomographic scans helped localize the abnormality prior to PET. Semiquantitative analysis was performed on FDG PET images with calculated standardized uptake ratios (SURs). Sensitivity, specificity, and confidence intervals for recurrent disease were determined. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients had recurrent or persistent tumor (median SUR, 7.6; range, 1.9-18.7). Eight patients had fibrosis but no evidence of disease (SUR, 1.6; range, 0.6-2.4). The sensitivity for detecting recurrent tumor (SUR > 2.5) was 97.1%, and specificity was 100%. The SUR for recurrent tumor was statistically significantly ...
Central interactions between angiotensin II and PGD2 in the regulation of vasopressin and oxytocin secretion in dehydrated rats

Abstract Brain-derived angiotensin II (ANG II) and prostaglandins have important roles in the regulation of body fluid and blood pressure homeostasis. In the present studies we investigated the central interactions between these two neurochemical products in regulating the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system during dehydration. Intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2; 20 μg/5 μl) to conscious adult male Sprague–Dawley rats deprived of water for 24 h did not alter significantly the already elevated plasma levels of vasopressin or oxytocin. When PGD2 was administered in combination with losartan, an antagonist of ANG II AT1-receptor subtype, however, concentrations of both hormones in plasma became further elevated. Icv administration of ANG II (50 ng/5 μl) increased further the enhanced plasma levels of vasopressin and oxytocin, as expected. Pretreatment with indomethacin (200 μg/5 μl; icv), an inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase, significantly attenuated the ANG II-induced increase in oxytocin secretion only. Independent of the presence of ANG II, however, indomethacin decreased plasma levels of vasopressin, but not oxytocin. These results indicate that a prostaglandin is required for the stimulated release of vasopressin during dehydration and that the elevation of oxytocin secretion in response to ANG II depends largely on activation of cyclo-oxygenase and production of prostaglandins. The oxytocin response to exogenously administered PGD2, however, can be negatively modulated by a mechanism dependent upon ANG II AT1 receptors.
Alpha-bounds of fuzzy numbers

Applications of operators of α-contrast modification of fuzzy sets to fuzzy numbers are studied. It is shown that for a fuzzy number A and for α ∈ (0, 1) an α-upper bound and an α-lower bound of A can be created. Cardinality of the α-boundary region will be called α-flexibility of A . Relationship among α-bounds, strong α-bounds and "ultimate" α-bounds of A is discussed. When α-bounds are trapezoidal fuzzy numbers then α-flexibility of A can be used to assess α-roughness of approximation of A in the knowledge base consisting of trapezoidal fuzzy numbers.
Compensatory nonconformity: Self-uncertainty and low implicit self-esteem increase adoption and expression of minority opinions

Abstract The present studies tested whether people, particularly those who are most vulnerable to self-threats as indicated by low implicit self-esteem, adopt and express minority opinions to compensate for self-uncertainty. In Studies 1 through 3, low implicit self-esteem participants who were made to feel uncertain about themselves as individuals (versus uncertain about a self-irrelevant issue in Study 1, certain about themselves in Study 2, or uncertain about their group memberships in Study 3) expressed more disagreement with others' opinions. Additionally, Study 3 demonstrated that this effect is specific to minority opinions and does not emerge on majority opinions. In Study 4, the relation between self-uncertainty and disagreement with others' opinions was strongest among participants with both low implicit and high explicit self-esteem, who respond to self-threats in particularly defensive ways.
Multiple-injection affinity capillary electrophoresis to examine binding constants between glycopeptide antibiotics and peptides.

Abstract Multiple-injection affinity capillary electrophoresis (MIACE) was used to determine binding constants ( K b ) between vancomycin, ristocetin, and teicoplanin from Streptomyces orientalis , Nocardia lurida , and Actinoplanes teichomyceticus , respectively, and fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-(Gly, Ala, Val, and Phe)- d -Ala- d -Ala peptides. In this technique, separate plugs of sample containing non-interacting standards, peptide one, buffer, and peptide two, were injected into the capillary column and electrophoresed. Peptides migrate through the column at similar electrophoretic mobilities but remain as distinct zones due to the buffer plug between peptides. The electrophoresis is then carried out in an increasing concentration of antibiotic in the running buffer. Continued electrophoresis results in a shift in the migration time of the peptides upon binding to the antibiotic. Analysis of the change in the relative migration time ratio (RMTR) of the resultant complexes relative to the non-interacting standards, as a function of the concentration of antibiotic yields a value for K b . MIACE is a versatile technique that can be used to measure affinity constants between ligands of similar relative molecular mass and charge without the need of separate binding experiments. The findings described, herein, demonstrate the advantages of using MIACE to estimate binding parameters between ligands and receptors.
The natural product honokiol inhibits calcineurin inhibitor-induced and Ras-mediated tumor promoting pathways

Although calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are very useful in preventing allograft rejection, they can mediate a rapid progression of post-transplantation malignancies. The CNI cyclosporine A (CsA) can promote renal tumor growth through activation of the proto-oncogene ras and over-expression of the angiogenic cytokine VEGF; the ras activation also induces over-expression of the cytoprotective enzyme HO-1, which promotes survival of renal cancer cells. Here, we show that the natural product honokiol significantly inhibited CsA-induced and Ras-mediated survival of renal cancer cells through the down-regulations of VEGF and HO-1. Thus, honokiol treatment may help to prevent tumor-promoting effects of CsA in transplant patients.
Rectal bleeding in patients less than 50 years of age.

The study group consisted of 102 patients that presented for evaluation of rectal bleeding. All patients were 50 years of age or less and were evaluated with a flexible endoscope and an anoscope. The findings from each examination were recorded independently. Sigmoidoscopy and anoscopy were performed in 56 patients less than age 40 (group I), and colonoscopy and anoscopy were performed on 46 patients between the ages of 40 but less than 50 years (group II). Anoscopy was superior to flexible endoscopy in detecting hemorrhoids in group I (P<0.001) and group II (P<0.004). The guaiac status of patients was not influenced by the presence of hemorrhoids. Three patients in group I and eight patients in group II had polyps. The likelihood of finding a polyp was not influenced by the guaiac status of the patients. Three patients in group I and one patient in group II had anal fissures that were missed with flexible endoscopy and detected with anoscopy. Five of 102 patients were noted to have diverticula; all of these were in group II. However, this was not felt to be the source of the bleed given the clinical history. Overall, six patients had colitis; all but one of these patients were less than 40 years of age. Flexible endoscopy and anoscopy provide complimentary information in middle-aged adults with rectal bleeding.
Additive effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors and amphetamine on histone H4 acetylation, cAMP responsive element binding protein phosphorylation and ΔFosB expression in the striatum and locomotor sensitization in mice

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) plays an important role in chromatin remodeling in response to a variety of neurochemical signalings and behavioral manipulations, and may be a therapeutic target for modulation of psychostimulant behavioral sensitization. In this study, we investigated the molecular interaction between histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) and psychostimulant in vivo of mice after repeated treatment with the HDACi, butyric acid (BA) and valproic acid (VPA), alone or in combination with amphetamine. Repeated treatment with amphetamine produced HDACi-like effects: enhanced global histone H4 acetylation level by Western blot as well as specific histone H4 acetylation associated with fosB promoter by chromatin immunoprecipitation in the striatum. Conversely, repeated treatment with BA or VPA produced amphetamine-like effects: enhanced cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation at Ser(133) position and increased DeltaFosB protein levels in the striatum. Furthermore, co-administration of BA or VPA with amphetamine produced additive effects on histone H4 acetylation as well as CREB phosphorylation in the striatum. The interplay of HDAC and CREB was also supported by co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrating that repeated treatment with VPA reduced the association of CREB and HDAC1 in the striatum. Finally, the additive effect of VPA/BA and amphetamine on histone H4 acetylation, phosphorylated CREB, and DeltaFosB was associated with potentiated amphetamine-induced locomotor activity. Thus, HDACi may interact additively with psychostimulants at both histone acetylation and CREB phosphorylation through the CREB:HDAC protein complex in the striatum to modulate DeltaFosB protein levels and psychomotor behavioral sensitization.
Recent pulmonary observations in α1-antitrypsin deficiency, primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis C, and other hepatic problems

Patients with metabolic, immunologic, viral, and other types of hepatic disorders can have a spectrum of complicating pulmonary abnormalities. The natural history of these associations is poorly understood. Significant reversibility in hepatic and pulmonary dysfunction, however, has been well documented in the era of organ transplantation. The continued relationship among pulmonologists, hepatologists, and transplant surgeons hopefully will provide enlightening data on these interesting clinical associations, their natural histories, and their response to evolving therapeutic approaches.
Optimal interior Earth–Moon Lagrange point transfer trajectories using mixed impulsive and continuous thrust

Abstract Optimal interior Earth–Moon Lagrange point transfer trajectories results with fixed flight time using mixed impulsive and continuous thrust propulsion in the framework of the planar Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem are presented. A virtual spacecraft departs geosynchronous or low-Earth orbit and enters a specified Lyapunov orbit around the interior Earth–Moon Lagrange point. For these transfer trajectory designs, a direct transcription and collocation method is employed to reformulate the continuous dynamic optimization problem into a discrete optimization problem, which then is solved using nonlinear programming software. As the design parameters, flight time and relative weighting factor between impulsive and continuous thrust are adjusted in the transfer trajectory design procedure. For practically implementable transfer trajectory designs, the constraints for coast arc and bounded control thrust are applied in the problem formulation as equality and inequality constraints, respectively. In addition, both quadratic performance index and minimum fuel performance index are used to show the relative comparison and analysis in the transfer trajectory design results. According to the relative weighting factor, the transfer trajectories are classified into direct and spiral departure trajectories whose virtual spacecraft directly departs the Earth parking orbit and departs after generating spirals around the Earth, respectively. The convergence of these transfer trajectory design methods are numerically verified by generating varying numbers of nodes and comparing their design results. Especially, the primer vector theory is utilized to analyze the transfer trajectory design results using minimum fuel performance index. Finally, the progressive homotopy continuation method is applied to design low-Earth departure transfer trajectories. These transfer trajectories show that they are numerically and theoretically valid results with the benefit of mixed impulsive and continuous thrust.
Effects of food-related interventions for African American women with type 2 diabetes.

PurposeThe purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize research that tested culturally competent food-related interventions designed for African American women with type 2 diabetes, to review the current state of the literature and suggest recommendations for future research. Many African American women with type 2 diabetes are challenged to change their culturally rooted food habits to achieve diabetes control. Diabetes educators and clinicians who work with African American women need knowledge of effective interventions to assist their clients.MethodsOnline databases and research articles’ reference lists were searched for relevant studies published from 1989 to 2010 that tested culturally competent type 2 diabetes management interventions for African American women, that included at least 1 educational session on diet or nutrition, and that addressed a physiologic outcome, such as glycosylated hemoglobin or fasting blood glucose.ResultsFifteen studies met the inclusion criteria for this review....
Prenatal identification of twin reversed arterial perfusion syndrome in the first trimester

Abstract A twin pregnancy in which a single fetal death was diagnosed in the first trimester is described. Continued growth of the nonviable twin suggested the occurrence of the twin reversed arterial perfusion syndrome. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1989;160:1194-6.)
Efficient spatial interaction: attainable reductions in metropolitan average trip length

We consider the intrinsic levels of spatial interaction necessitated by current North American urban spatial structure and investigate the potential for reducing average commuting trip lengths. In this paper, we use a doubly constrained spatial interaction model to generate critical parametric values which are then used to calculate the effort needed to reduce average trip length by a fixed target for each urban area. The measure of effort is defined as the degree of difficulty to achieve commuting and fuel consumption goals, and compared across a set of 26 US cities. Since the urban structure varies spatially, it is harder for some cities than others to reach a given level of reduced energy consumption.
Role of Emission Character in Auger Electron Diffraction

A review of the interpretation of the angle-dependent Auger intensity pattern by both Auger electron diffraction (AED), which is concerned with identifying the nearby atomic structure, and angle-resolved Auger electron spectroscopy (ARAES), which is concerned with identifying the character of the emitted electron source function, is presented. The importance of the emission character of the Auger electron (in terms of its angular momentum, l, and its magnetic quantum number, m) in understanding the generation of the AED and ARAES patterns is described. Understanding of how the various direct and secondary mechanisms for the Auger electron generation can affect the populations of these states can also be used to help identify the multiplet structure within the Auger lineshape as well as elucidate the core hole generation process.
Computer-mediated communication on the Internet

L'article constitue un panorama de la recherche empirique sur la communication mediatisee par ordinateur (CMO) et l'internet. Il s'organise en trois grandes sections : la premiere section contient une classification des types de CMO en termes de modes et retrace l'histoire et les caracteristiques de neuf modes de CMO sur l'internet : courrier electronique, listes de discussion, Usenet, protocole de conversation par ecran divise, chat, MUDs (Multi-User Dimensions), World Wide Web, techniques audio et video, environnements graphiques de realite virtuelle. La deuxieme section revoit les premieres declarations concernant la CMO d'avant l'internet, notamment au niveau de ses limitations technologiques, a la lumiere de la recherche sur la CMO par l'internet. La troisieme section identifie les nouveaux phenomenes de communication permis par l'internet et examine la recherche sur les opportunites et les defis qu'ils constituent : liberte d'expression, communaute, impacts personnels, confiance et desillusion, vie privee, ethique, conversations a tres grande echelle, democratie electronique, mondialisation, commercialisation. L'A. conclut sur les directions futures de la recherche en CMO.
Highly polarization-sensitive thick gratings for a holographic Stokesmeter

A holographic Stokesmeter has the potential to be useful in high-speed polarization imaging applications. Highly polarization-sensitive gratings are an important component in a robust holographic Stokesmeter. We demonstrate a set of individual holographic gratings in a thick substrate displaying a high contrast in diffraction efficiency as a function of the polarization of the read beam. We confirm that the observed dependence is consistent with the coupled-wave analysis of such gratings. In addition, we performed a numerical analysis of the noise tolerance of such a Stokesmeter, and suggest a heterodyne architecture to further enhance signal-to-noise ratio.