cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional Effects of Endogenous Bradykinin in Congestive Heart Failure

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine the level and functional effects of endogenous bradykinin in congestive heart failure (CHF). Background. There is experimental evidence that bradykinin is increased in several cardiac disease states. However, it is unknown whether plasma levels of bradykinin are elevated in CHF. Further, the cardiac and vascular responses to bradykinin in CHF are unclear. Methods. The circulating levels of bradykinin and the effects of endogenous bradykinin were assessed in eight instrumented, conscious dogs both before and after pacing-induced CHF. Results. Before CHF, the plasma bradykinin level was 53.1 ± 12.4 pg/ml. Blocking endogenous bradykinin with HOE-140 (0.3 mg/kg), a specific bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist, produced no significant alterations in heart rate, left ventricular (LV) end-systolic pressure (Pes), total systemic resistance (TSR), the time constant of LV relaxation (tau) or the maximal rate of LV filling (dV/dtmax). However, coronary blood flow was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). LV contractile performance measured by the slopes of pressure–volume relations was unaffected. After induction of CHF, the plasma bradykinin level increased to 234.2 ± 19.4 pg/ml (p < 0.05). Blocking endogenous bradykinin with HOE-140 reduced coronary blood flow and produced significant increases in Pesand TSR, prolonged tau, decreased dV/dtmaxand elevated minimal LV pressure and mean left atrial pressure. Furthermore, the slopes of pressure–volume relations (p < 0.05) were decreased, indicating depressed contractility with HOE-140 after CHF. Conclusions. Before CHF, endogenous bradykinin results in coronary dilation but has no effect on systemic arterial vasodilation or cardiac performance. After CHF, endogenous bradykinin is significantly increased and, acting through B2-receptors, produces coronary and arterial vasodilation and improves LV relaxation and contractile performance. Thus, endogenous bradykinin may play an important role in preserving cardiovascular function in CHF.
Seasonal Variation in Quality of Eggs Laid by Caged Layers and Their Sisters on the Floor

ABSTRACT EXPERIMENTAL work comparing egg quality characteristics of caged and floor layers is rather limited. Jeffrey and Pino (1943) compared blood spot incidence of caged and floor birds. Their work showed caged birds to have a lower incidence of blood spots than did the birds on the floor. The incidence of blood spots in the eggs from caged birds was 4.01 percent as compared to 11.09 percent in eggs from the floor birds. Jeffrey (1945) reported results contrary to his earlier work when Rhode Island Reds in cages produced eggs with a higher percentage of blood spots than did the floor birds. Gowe (1955) reported no significant differences in egg weight of caged and floor layers. Lower egg production was observed in the caged layers than in the birds on the floor. Lowry et al. (1956) reported higher production in caged birds. The birds had significantly lower mortality, larger eggs, and . . .
Nuclear proliferation: Time to bury plutonium.

Recycling plutonium is dangerous and costly. Britain should take the lead on direct disposal, say Frank von Hippel, Rodney Ewing, Richard Garwin and Allison Macfarlane.
Understory cover/biomass relationships in Alabama forest types

Foliar cover is often selected over biomass as the variable to sample when inventorying agroforestry systems. To assess forage production, biomass and cover must be satisfactorily correlated. Significant cover/biomass relationships were developed for four major Alabama forest types. Conversion factors varied by forest type. These relationships provide practical application of understory cover measurements taken in forest inventories for use in multiresource assessments and in designing agroforestry systems.
Pesticide Poisoning in a Preschool Child: A Case Study Examining Neurocognitive and Neurobehavioral Effects

Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides, has been shown to have adverse effects in humans, particularly neurological effects. Cases of acute pesticide poisoning occur less frequently and are less well documented; specific deficits (e.g., in processing speed, working memory) have not consistently been discussed. This is a case study of a preschooler who underwent a neuropsychological assessment due to a pesticide poisoning. His parents reported attention, speech, social, and gross and fine motor concerns after the poisoning. A number of methods and measures were used, including observational data, neuropsychological, and behavioral and social-emotional measures. Consistent with past research, results from the assessment demonstrated the subtle and not-so-subtle effects of acute pesticide poisoning. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Inflationary finance of budget deficits as an automatic stabilizer

Abstract A rational expectations model is presented to generalize McCallum and Whitaker's (1979) model. The model demonstrates the effectiveness and stability of the full-employment budget deficit and of inflationary finance used to finance this deficit as automatic stabilizers in the determination of current income under rational expectations. Within the same model the problem of optimal dynamic stochastic monetary policy is also briefly explored.
Proterozoic accretionary tectonics at the southern margin of the Archean Wyoming craton

The Proterozoic Cheyenne belt, at the southern margin of the Archean Wyoming craton, consists of strongly deformed lithotectonic blocks bound by major mylonite zones. From north to south and structurally lowest to highest, these blocks include (1) Archean crystalline basement and associated early Proterozoic miogeoclinal rocks; (2) an amphibolite-grade orthogneiss terrane of unknown age containing probable rift-related mafic intrusive rocks; (3) a 1750–1790 Ma, marginal basin(?) succession consisting of upper amphibolite-grade pelitic and volcano-genie schist, associated peraluminous granite, and minor ultramafic rocks; and (4) a 1750–1790 Ma intermediate to mafic plutonic-metamorphic complex interpreted as the deep roots of an island-arc system. The earliest deformation, D1, produced a synmetamorphic, penetrative, horizontal transposition foliation and associated recumbent folds. Tectonic blocks were juxtaposed along major mylonite zones during D2. Macroscopic anil microscopic structures associated with D2 indicate northward thrusting along low-angle mylonite zones of successively deeper crustal blocks over supracrustal rocks of the Wyoming craton at about 1750 Ma. Thrusting occurred at minimum temperatures of 475 °C and produced an inverted metamorphic gradient in pelitic rocks north of the belt. Mylonite zones were subsequently steepened and reactivated under greenschist-facies conditions during a period of dextral strike slip (D3) between 1750 and 1400 Ma. Cataclasis (D4) and brecciation associated with the Laramide orogeny (D5) locally overprint earlier structures. Oblique convergence between an island arc and the Archean continental nucleus may explain accretion, crustal shortening, and subsequent strike slip. The Phanerozoic accretionary events of eastern and western North America provide an analog for this model. Presence of similar lithologies and shear zones south of the Cheyenne belt suggest that the southern margin of the Wyoming craton may have been a long-lived zone of crustal accretion.
Pseudoscalar conversion and X-rays from stars

We consider limits on photon couplings of the form gΦFF to a massless pseudoscalar Φ. Such pseudoscalars can be produced in stellar interiors and then reconverted into photons in the presence of the galactic magnetic field. If the coupling g is large, all stars, especially giants and supergiants, would be copious producers of X-rays. Measurements by the HEAO 1 satellite on α-Ori indicate the coupling g is constrained to be g < 2.5×10−11 GeV−1, a factor of four better than previous limits.
What Descartes Did Not Know

According to Descartes, we come to know about the mind and the body as separate substances by way of philosophical meditation, while we see that mind and body may interact as a union by ??using only life and ordinary conversation?? and ??abstaining from meditating.?? What is significant, indeed, far more significant than has been appreciated by commentators so far, is that we, thereby, are supposed to answer what has come to be considered one of the most central questions of Descartes? philosophy, the question ??How do minds and bodies interact???, not by way of Descartes? official method of meditation through methodological doubt and clear and distinct perception, but by explicitly acting against the recommendations of this method. Since meditation is supposed to provide an unshakeable epistemic foundation for claims to knowledge, this raises the question whether there is any sense in which we, on Descartes? view, can be said to know anything about the mind-body union.
An assessment of techniques for predicting radiation transfer in aqueous media

Abstract Five methods of determining radiative transfer in aqueous suspensions have been compared on the basis of their ability to predict radiative flux and absorption profiles within the suspension, as well as overall absorption and reflection by the suspension. They include the forward scattering technique, the delta-Eddington method, a three-flux technique, the six-flux model, and the more rigorous method of discrete ordinates. Calculations have been performed for a planar aqueous suspension over a wide range of independent parameters which include the scattering albedo, bottom reflectance, overall optical depth, and directional distribution of the incident radiation. Reasonable agreement is obtained between the three-flux, six-flux and discrete ordinate results for the range of conditions. In contrast suspension absorption effects are consistently underpredicted and overpredicted, respectively, by the forward scattering and delta-Eddington methods.
APPLICATION OF THE HARTREE--FOCK VARIATIONAL METHOD TO CENTER-OF-MASS MOTION.

Abstract A one-particle wave equation for c.m. motion is derived from the Hartree-Fock variational principle, assuming that the Hartree-Fock solution defines an exact intrinsic state for c.m. motion. The result is applied to a calculation of the c.m. correction to the mean square charge radius predicted by the shell model.
Bayesian estimation for discrete distributions

(1992). Bayesian estimation for discrete distributions. Journal of Applied Statistics: Vol. 19, No. 4, pp. 533-549.
Dissociation energy of samarium monoxide and its relation to that of europium monoxide

Abstract Because of conflicting results for the dissociation energies ( D 0 0 ) of SmO and EuO determined by several different techniques, D 0 0 (SmO) was redetermined by reference to AlO, TiO, and EuO by means of high temperature mass spectrometry. Derived results for D 0 0 (SmO) from the exchange reactions with AlO, TiO, and EuO were 135.1, 136.3, and 136.9 kcal/mol, respectively, leading to the selected value 136.0 ± 2 kcal/mol. Extensive equilibrium measurements on the gaseous reaction Al + SmO = AlO + Sm with both pulse counting and dc electrometer techniques gave close agreement between second and third law enthalpies, signifying the estimated thermodynamic functions of SmO to be reliable. The new results differ substantially from previously reported data for the reaction Eu + SmO = EuO + Sm, and thereby resolve puzzling discrepancies between the dissociation energies of SmO and EuO.
Gadolinium- and superparamagnetic-iron-oxide-enhanced MR findings of intrapancreatic accessory spleen in five patients.

Abstract Purpose The purposes of this study were to describe dynamic gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of intrapancreatic accessory spleen(s) (IPAS) in five patients and to show how superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) enhancement can be used for definite characterization in two cases. Materials and Methods An MRI database was searched for patients who had pancreatic tail lesions with imaging features compatible with IPAS between June 2005 and July 2007. Five (four male, one female) patients (age: mean±S.D., 58±9.8 years; range, 50–75 years) were identified. All patients were examined with standard gadolinium-enhanced MRI protocol. Additionally, two patients were examined with SPIO-enhanced MRI protocol. All MRI examinations were retrospectively and blindly evaluated by two radiologists for the predetermined findings, and their final diagnoses were noted. Results One pancreatic tail lesion was detected in each patient. All of these lesions were single, focal, well-marginated and located within 3 cm of the distal tail of the pancreas. The mean size (mean±S.D.) of the lesions was (2.02±0.64)×(1.72±0.42) cm2, and all lesions had a rounded morphology. The signal intensity of all lesions was similar to that of the spleen on all sequences, including precontrast, postgadolinium and post-SPIO sequences. The reviewers confidently diagnosed IPAS in two patients who had SPIO-enhanced MRI. In the remaining three patients, the reviewers favored the diagnosis of IPAS based on the findings of standard gadolinium-enhanced MRI; however, they could not definitively exclude the other differential diagnoses. Conclusion The discovery of a well-marginated, rounded mass in the distal aspect of the tail of the pancreas with signal intensity features of the spleen on all precontrast and postgadolinium sequences suggests the diagnosis of IPAS. However, SPIO-enhanced MRI can be used to characterize the lesion and to establish the definite diagnosis of IPAS in case of clinical doubt.
Fuzzy framework for unsupervised video content characterization and shot classification

In this paper we present a fuzzy framework for domain- dependent analysis of video sequences. Fuzzy clustering and clus- ter validation methods are first employed to determine the number of distinct shot patterns and construct a reference model for a program or video domain of interest, using an appropriate training set. This model is subsequently utilized to assign new input data to the avail- able classes by a fuzzy minimum-distance classifier. Additional domain-specific information can be introduced after classification to further enhance the annotations associated with every shot. The main advantage of the approach is that it builds a model for the input video automatically from training data, and thus eliminates the need for extensive user supervision. The fuzzy representation method im- proves the interpretability of the results, and reduces the number of erroneous classifications, since the continuous class affiliations of each input sample provide a confidence measure for the final as- signments. The proposed approach presents a computationally effi- cient, unsupervised method for building browsable semantic de- scriptions of video sequences. Specifically, the algorithm can be used to generate various components of an MPEG-7-compliant de- scription. © 2001 SPIE and IS&T. (DOI: 10.1117/1.1406946)
Myosin Isoform-Specificity of Contractile Elements Formed in Reconstituted Actomyosin Bundles

Forces generated by the contraction of actomyosin bundles underlie diverse physiological processes including muscle contraction, cell migration and cytokinesis. While actomyosin force transmission is well understood in the context of organized sarcomeres found in striated muscle, very little is known about the nature of actomyosin force transmission in non-sarcomeric bundles such as those found in smooth and non-muscle cells. We recently showed that contractile elements spontaneously arise during the contraction of disordered actomyosin bundles reconstituted solely from actin filaments and smooth muscle myosin. In turn, the contraction of disordered actomyosin bundles arises from a several contractile elements linked in series resulting in a bundle contraction velocity linearly proportional to bundle length and a length-independent contractile force. The physical properties of the contractile elements, including the rate of contraction, maximum contractile strain and the maximum force generated, depended on the relative quantities of actin and myosin. Here, we demonstrate that reconstituted actomyosin bundles formed with skeletal muscle myosin form qualitatively similar contractile elements with similar dependencies on myosin concentration. However, the physical properties of the contractile units formed with skeletal muscle myosin dramatically differ from those formed with smooth muscle myosin, in a fashion consistent with differences in the myosin mechanochemistry and thick filament geometry of smooth and skeletal muscle myosin. Contractile elements formed by skeletal muscle myosin contract significantly faster, generate more force and can shorten to greater extents than those formed with smooth muscle myosin. Our results demonstrate that both smooth and skeletal muscle myosin isoforms can facilitate the spontaneous assembly of contractile elements within disordered actomyosin bundles and provide insight into the mechanisms underlying contraction in non-sarcomeric actomyosin bundles.
Superlinear increase of photoluminescence with excitation intensity in Zn-doped GaN

We have observed a superlinear increase of photoluminescence (PL) intensity in a narrow range of excitation intensities for Zn-doped GaN. The characteristic intensity at which the abrupt increase occurs increases with increasing temperature. This is unlike the usual observations for defects in semiconductors in which the PL intensity increases linearly with excitation intensity, saturating at high intensity because defects become saturated with photogenerated charge carriers. The observed phenomenon is attributed to a redirection of electron and hole flow from nonradiative centers at low excitation intensity to a recombination path via the Zn${}_{\text{Ga}}$ acceptor at high excitation intensity. This is the same explanation responsible for the abrupt thermal quenching of PL reported earlier [Reshchikov et al., Phys. Rev. B 84, 075212 (2011).]
COMPLICATIONS OF EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION FOR TREATMENT OF CARDIOGENIC SHOCK AND CARDIAC ARREST: A WEIGHTED META-ANALYSIS

Venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used successfully for treatment of cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. The exact complication rate is not well understood, in part due to small study sizes. In the absence of large clinical trials, performance of pooled analysis
The reaction of alkaline hydrogen peroxide with certain acid halides and anhydrides in the presence of benzidine‐type bases

A study has been made of the colour-forming reaction between alkaline hydrogen peroxide and certain acid halides and anhydrides in the presence of benzidine-type bases, which has formed the basis of a colorimetric method for the estimation of phosphonofluoridates and related compounds. The scope of the reaction is indicated, and suggestions are made with regard to its mechanism and the nature of the coloured product.
Anatomic variations of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel

Two hundred seventy-five consecutive carpal tunnel releases were reviewed to identify anomalies of median nerve anatomy. High division of the median nerve was observed in nine cases; in two of these the nerve divided proximally and then rejoined distally as a “closed loop.” In 42 cases the motor branch passed through the flexor retinaculum. Multiple motor branches were present in 13 cases. The palmar cutaneous branch passed through the flexor retinaculum in seven cases. In three cases, the distal communicating sensory ramus between the medial and ulnar nerves arose proximal to the superficial arch. Median nerve anomalies within the region of the carpal tunnel are common. Knowledge of such anomalies is important to avoid iatrogenic injury.
An EPID-based Dosimetric Verification Tool for Electron Beam Therapy

Purpose/Objective(s): Traditional film dosimetry for electron beam therapy is time-consuming and there is a clinical need for a more efficient and robust solutions. The purpose of this study is to systematically investigate a high spatial-resolution (0.2mm) amorphous silicon flat-panel electronic portal imaging device (EPID) for output and dosimetric measurement of electron beam therapy. Materials/Methods: A previously-established EPID dosimetry system for photon beam was extended to measure the dose output factors of electron beam from raw EPID images. To proceed, the responses of the EPID specific to different electron energies from Linac were obtained by using a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation, which provides a comprehensive calibration of the EPID detector. An EPID response kernel was developed to deconvolve the EPID raw images to high spatial resolution electron incident fluence map. This fluence map was further convolved with the MC simulated pencil beam kernel to reconstruct a 2D water-based dose distribution map in water at reference depths for different energies. The EPID-based dosimetry measurement method was tested using electron beams of 6, 9, 12, 16, and 20MeVenergies from a Varian C-serie Linac for dose output measurements. Standard square field measurements with sizes ranging from 2x2 to 15x15cm were validated against film measurements. The technique was also tested for small electron fields of different patient cases. Results: The output factors of 2x2, 3x3, 6x6, and 10x10 cm fields relative to the standard 15x15cm2 fields for all available electron energies (6, 9, 12, 16, and 20MeV) were measured using the EPID. Deliveries with different monitor unit and different dose rate were also tested. The results exhibited good linearity and the dose rate dependency was found less than 1%. Using the proposed calibration method, 2D absolute dose maps were created from EPID measured raw images and compared with the film measurements for QA analysis. The output factors for the four square fields gave an average difference of 1.8% between the film and EPID measurements with a maximum value of 2.7%. Three patient cases with irregular cutout shapes were also tested. The differences for the patient cases were 0.1%, 2.1%, and 1.6%. Conclusions: The EPID with high spatial resolution proved to be an accurate and efficient tool for electron beam therapy. Through the proposed convolution method and comprehensive EPID calibration, accurate 2D dose maps can be generated for independent dosimetric verification of electron beam treatment. Author Disclosure: A. Ding: None. B. Han: None. L. Xing: None.
β-Adrenergic Blockade Exacerbates Sepsis-Induced Changes in Tumor Necrosis Factor α and Interleukin-6 in Skeletal Muscle and is Associated With Impaired Translation Initiation

Background:Sepsis stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. The resultant elevation in plasma catecholamines, both norepinephrine and epinephrine (Epi), might be expected to alter the expression of inflammatory cytokines, which may directly or indirectly influence muscle protein balance. The purpos
Low-lying states of Li3H: Is there an ion-pair minimum?

Abstract The 1 1 A′, 1 1 A″, 1 3 A′, and 1 3 A″ states of Li 3 H have been investigated at the MCSCF/SOCI level. The global minimum is a planar conformation of 1 A′ symmetry. A local minimum on the same potential surface at a C 3v pyramidal geometry, of mixed ion-pair and covalent character, is found at a relative energy of 20.30 kcal/mol. The barrier height for isomerization is predicted to be 1.3 kcal/mol. The correlation diagram linking states of Li 3 H to those of Li 3 + H, LiH + Li 2 and Li 2 H + Li is presented.
Social interactions and the circadian rhythm in locomotor activity in the cockroach Leucophaea maderae.

The role of social interactions in entrainment has not been extensively studied in the invertebrates. Leucophaea maderae is a gregarious species of cockroach that exhibits extensive social interactions. Social interactions associated with copulation between the sexes have been shown to be regulated by the circadian system. We show here that social interactions between males are also under circadian control. We examined the question of whether or not these rhythmic social contacts could function as zeitgebers capable of regulating circadian phase and period. Animals initially in phase that were housed as groups or pairs of single sex or mixed sex in constant darkness for 2–7 weeks were found to drift out of phase. Their behavior was not significantly different from individual animals maintained in isolation. Further, animals that were initially out of phase by 12 h housed as groups or pairs were not significantly different in phase from animals that were isolated. The results show the circadian clocks of c...
Bereavement after suicide: a study of memorials on the Internet.

This study compared the written memorials on websites posted by survivors of suicide with those written by people who had lost a significant other from natural causes, using a computer program, the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count. Thirteen significant differences were identified and, in addition, 13 differences that approach significance. Memorials written by survivors of suicide had longer sentences and used longer words. They had more death-related words, fewer references to the self or to the deceased ("you"), and more words reflective of anger and sadness. The results suggest the deaths from suicide had a more profound impact on the survivors than the natural deaths and results in greater emotional distress. Language: en
HEPATITIS B VACCINE: IMMUNE RESPONSES IN HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) developed within six months in 80% of haemodialysis patients given either two or three 40 μg doses of hepatitis B vaccine. A total of 89% had anti-HBs after a booster dose given six months later. Anti-HBs titres were higher in patients who received three initial doses than in those who received only two doses, but the proportion of anti-HBs-positive patients was the same in the two groups. Male patients became anti-HBs positive less often than females and their antibody titres were lower.
Upper mantle shear and compressional velocity structure of the Central US Craton : Shear wave low-velocity zone and anisotropy

One-dimensional upper mantle velocity structure is estimated by modeling P, SV and SH body-waveforms sampling the central United States. The resulting model features a thick mantle lid with a positive velocity gradient. A significant shear wave low-velocity zone (6% velocity reduction) is required below the lid however the compressional velocities are not reduced. The paths studied lie along the fast axes of teleseismic shear wave splitting measurements and absolute plate motion. We observe splitting of upper mantle refracted shear-waves, with the transverse component slow relative to the radial component. In order to fit the shear wave arrivals and satisfy teleseismic shear-wave splitting observations we infer azimuthal anisotropy (maximum 1.6%) distributed throughout the mantle lid and low-velocity zone, with increasing anisotropy with depth.
Facial asymmetry: silent sinus syndrome.

A 23-year-old woman presented to the primary care clinic with a 10-month history of progressive left facial asymmetry, sinking of left eye and deepening of the superior palpebral sulcus. She denied headache, periocular pain, double vision, scalp or face tenderness. Her medical history was negative for sinus tumours, trauma, surgery or allergic rhinosinusitis. Physical examination showed left-sided enophthalmos with …
Seismic imaging of deep crust

We introduce here an integral two‐dimensional (2-D) scheme for the processing of deep crustal reflection profiles. This approach, in which migration occurs before stacking, is tailored to the unique character of the data in which nonvertically propagating energy is as important as vertically propagating energy. Since reflector depths range beyond 30 km, the horizontal displacement of reflections which occurs in migration can be as large as reflector depths; under these circumstances, the common‐midpoint (CMP) stack is inadequate. In our scheme, each common‐source trace gather is transformed into a set of traces (beams) corresponding to set of different incidence angles. A correction for wavefront curvature similar to the normal moveout (NMO) correction yields traces (focused beams) which are focused at image points along the direction of arrival. While the method is equivalent to the Kirchhoff integral migration method, and therefore to any complete continuation method, it gives rise to an intermediate da...
Figures in the Distance

The technologies that we have deployed over the past two decades have given us new ability to manage activities at a distance.
The universal-instability theorem

When individual or corporate creatures with partly conflicting preferences cooperate or compromise, form an alliance or make a deal, they exchange support across issues: they support a package of positions, one on each issue involved in the exchange; although none of them favors every position in the package, they agree (in effect) to all the positions because they prefer the package as a whole to the alternative package that would prevail without the exchange. Vote-traders obviously exchange support across issues. So do coalition-government partners; for them the issues concern legislation, portfolio assignments, or both. So, implicitly, do the supporters of a political candidate or legislative leader who builds a winning platform from planks that have too little support to be enacted singly. The participants in an ordinary economic trade also exchange support across issues: if I trade you a banana for a coconut, I have supported your favorite position on the issue of who gets the banana in return for your support of my favorite position on the issue of who gets the coconut. The exchange of support across issues generalized exchange, for short characterizes all political, economic, and other interpersonal activity involving partial conflict of interest. Kadane (1972), Oppenheimer (1972), and Bernholz (1973), building on an insight of Downs (1957), have independently proved that whenever a majority of voters with separable preferences support a package of
Stiffness and strength changes in cohesionless soils due to disturbance

A laboratory and field study of stiffness and strength changes to cohesionless soils due to disturbance has been performed. Laboratory samples were tested in a resonant column torsional shear devic...
Targeted liposomal drug delivery systems for the treatment of B cell malignancies

Nanoparticulate systems have demonstrated significant potential for overcoming the limitations of non-specific adverse effects related to chemotherapy. The treatment of blood malignancies employing targeted particulate drug delivery systems presents unique challenges and considerable research has been focused towards the development of targeted liposomal formulations for B cell malignancies. These formulations are aimed at achieving selectivity towards the malignant cells by targeting several cell surface markers which are over-expressed in that specific malignancy. CD19, CD20, CD22 and CD74 are few of such markers of which CD19, CD22 and CD74 are internalizing and CD20 is non-internalizing. Systems which have been developed to target both types of these cell surface markers are discussed. Specifically, the efficacy and development of targeted liposomes is considered. A number of studies have demonstrated the advantages of targeted liposomal systems encapsulating doxorubicin or vincristine. However, liposomal encapsulation of newer anti-neoplastic agents such as AD 198 which are superior to doxorubicin should be considered.
Reflex control for robot system preservation, reliability and autonomy

Abstract A review of the authors' developments in Reflex Control is presented, with a focus on on-line protection against higher-level software errors. Collision-avoidance reflexes are described, from protection against self-collisions and collisions with static obstacles, to collision prevention in the context of multi-arm coordination. Theory of operation and experimental results are described. It is shown how reflex control can enhance the survivability of complex systems without degrading performance. Further, it is illustrated how the existence of low-level reflex behaviors can simplify the design of higher-level controls and planners. Reflex control is described as a valuable component of robust, autonomous systems.
Conservation of chemically degraded waterlogged wood with sugars

AbstractThe effectiveness of two non-reducing sugars, both analogues of sucrose, to conserve degraded waterlogged wood was examined. The two sugars examined are trehalose and sucralose, both stable and relatively unreactive. The ability of these sugars to conserve a series of degraded tongue depressors was measured by determining the anti-shrink efficiency of each at various concentrations and comparing them to sucrose. The findings of this study indicate that both sucralose and trehalose may be effective conservation treatments for waterlogged archaeological wood and that at moderate concentrations the performance of both is comparable to sucrose. However, sucralose has a lower solubility, and concentrations higher than 60% w/v were not examined, whereas concentrations of up to 100% w/v of trehalose were studied. At these higher concentrations trehalose performed as well, if not better than sucrose, although there were crystalline deposits on the wood surface at these higher concentrations. With modifica...
The effects of a cocarcinogen, ferric oxide, on the metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene in the isolated perfused lung

An isolated perfused New Zealand rabbit lung preparation was used to investigate the effects of a cocarcinogen, ferric oxide (Fe2O3), on the metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a ubiquitous potent carcinogen that has been associated with the increased incidence of human bronchiogenic carcinoma in occupational and urban settings. [14C]-BaP was administered intratracheally to an isolated perfused lung (IPL) preparation with and without Fe2O3 after intraperitoneal pretreatment of the whole animal with BaP or intratracheal pretreatment of the whole animal with Fe2O3 and/or BaP. BaP and its metabolites were isolated from serial blood samples up to 180 min after administration of [14C]BaP to the IPL. BaP and its metabolites were also isolated from lung tissue, washout fluid, macrophage, and trachea bronchi at the end of the perfusion at 180 min. Patterns of BaP metabolites were determined by chromatographic techniques and liquid scintillation counting. Fe2O3 pretreatment to the whole animal or administration of Fe2O3 to the IPL altered BaP metabolism by the perfused lung. Fe2O3 pretreatment to the whole animal resulted in an increase in the total rate of appearance of metabolites of BaP in the blood (ng/g lung X h), while Fe2O3 administration to the IPL resulted in a decrease in the total rate of appearance of BaP metabolites in the blood and inhibited the effect of pretreatment. Administration of Fe2O3 with BaP to the IPL with or without Fe2O3 pretreatment to the whole animal, or BaP administration to the IPL preceded by Fe2O3 pretreatment to the whole animal, enhanced dihydrodiol formation and depressed formation of water-soluble metabolites. Since dihydrodiol formation is considered to be the active pathway of BaP metabolism, these data suggest that pulmonary exposure to a known cocarcinogen, Fe2O3, in the presence of BaP results in increased production of dihydrodiols of BaP, which may be further metabolized to the ultimate carcinogenic form(s) of BaP. Therefore, Fe2O3 can enhance the metabolic activation of BaP by the lung, as well as act as a carrier for penetration and retention of BaP in the lung.
Hierarchical Part Planning Strategy for Environmentally Conscious Machining

Abstract Integration of environmental considerations into the part planning process occurs at two levels: microplanning (intra-feature) and macroplanning (feature interaction). Microplanning involves the selection of processes, parameters, tooling and catalysts to generate a single geometric feature. Macroplanning involves feature interactions under resource constraints which may have significant consequences in energy and waste generation, including precedence relationships between features and clustering among common setups, tooling and catalysts. This paper presents an overview of a hierarchical part planning strategy for environmentally-conscious machining. A case study of a machined component will be developed to illustrate feature interaction issues. The robustness of process planning under uncertainty in environmental impact evaluation will also be addressed.
The State and Labor in Transnational Activism: The Case of India

This article examines the relationship between the state and informal workers’ transnational labor movements. Using the case of the Self-Employed Women’s Association, I illustrate how Indian informal workers are launching an alternative labor movement that addresses their unique conditions by simultaneously privileging the central role of the nation state and leveraging the power of the transnational arena. Indian informal workers use three types of transnational activism to generate new forms of integration with the Indian state. Doing so helps them increase informal workers’ visibility and integrate their issues into government agendas. To attract state attention, informal workers’ transnational efforts focus on local issues and a commitment to empowerment. These findings highlight the potential for Southern leadership in transnationalism and the role that democratic political structures play in shaping transnational labor efforts.
Effects of Adolescent Universal Substance Misuse Preventive Interventions on Young Adult Depression Symptoms: Mediational Modeling

Depression symptoms are associated with impairments in functioning and have substantial health and economic consequences. Universal substance misuse prevention programs have shown effects on non-targeted mental health-related symptoms, but long-term effects are understudied. This cluster randomized controlled trial examined effects of both the LifeSkills Training (LST) and Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14 (SFP 10-14) interventions, delivered during seventh grade, on age 22 young adult depression symptoms. The study was conducted in US rural Midwestern communities with a randomly-selected sample from a larger study (N = 670). Experimental conditions were LST+SFP 10-14, LST-only, and a control condition. Effects on age 22 depression symptoms were hypothesized as mediated through effects on age 21 relationship problems and illicit use of substances. Structural equation modeling with manifest and latent variables was conducted to test hypotheses; the intervention conditions were combined and compared with the control condition because analyses indicated a comparable pattern of effects between intervention conditions. Significant indirect intervention effects were found on age 22 depression symptoms via effects on the mediating variables (indirect effect: β = -0.06, 95 % CI [-0.10, -0.01], p = 0.011). Effect sizes for the young adult variables were between d = 0.17 and 0.29, which can be considered small, but nontrivial, especially in the context of public health benefits. Results support scaled-up implementation of school-based and family-focused universal substance misuse preventive interventions.
Solvent effects on the luminescing excited states of iridium(III) complexes

Abstract The photoluminescence of cis-dichlorobis(1,10-phenanthioline)iridium(III) chloride and cis-dichlorobis(4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)iridium(III) chloride has been investigated from 2–77 K. Based on spectral band shape, emission decay time, and shift of origin with change in solvent polarity the luminescing excited state of each species can be classified as metal-ligand charge transfer.
Appropriate technology and information services in developing countries

Serious interest in appropriate or intermediate technology is a comparatively recent phenomenon. Until a few years ago, it was generally assumed that the most advanced technology used in the highly developed countries could and should be transferred to the Less Developed Countries (LDC’s) as quickly as possible. This assumption-indeed it was almost an Article of Faith-was shared by experts from both East and West, by donors and recipients alike. The few early critics, the most important of whom was doubtless Rent Dumont, were largely ignored.1 It was not until the early 1970’s that the desirability of direct and massive transfer of advanced technology to the LDC’s began to be widely questioned. By then it was growing increasingly clear that the introduction of highly sophisticated, capital-intensive operations may cause more problems than it solves. Many LDC’s incurred excessive foreign debts in purchasing and maintaining the necessary equipment. They soon discovered that the new, highly mechanized plants did little to solve the massive unemployment from which most LDC’s suffer. Indeed, they often made matters worse by forcing out of business traditional labor-intensive units. Also, the new high-technology operations often performed poorly by any standards. They required a level of support services-from skilled technicians to efficient transportation systems-which do not exist in most LDC’s.2 Among the many technologies thought useful to the LDC’s were those associated with library and information sciences. Librarians from the developed countries generally took one of two approaches in their
Information search and the effects of failure: A test of complexity theory☆

Abstract The effects of increasing failure and the structural complexity of decision-making teams on four aspects of information search and utilization were examined. Twenty-four structurally homogeneous dyads and 12 unselected control dyads served as Ss in a complex experimental simulation running for six 30-min periods. Information load was held constant at 7 inputs per period. The proportion of failure inputs was sequentially increased from 1:7 in period 1 through 6:7 in period 6. Dyads in the control condition were not exposed to failure. It was found that structurally simple Ss engaged in more delegated information search than complex Ss. Self-initiated information search initially increased, then remained fairly constant at higher proportions of failure. Contrary to expectations, no differences were found between simple and complex Ss in self-initiated search. Complex dyads exceeded simple dyads on two measures of information utilization. The number of search moves used in integrative decisions produced an inverted U-shaped curve with optimal levels at moderate proportions of failure. Efficiency of information utilization showed a general decrease as failure increased. The data produced limited support for complexity theory and did support, where applicable, the information search theories of Lanzetta and Feather.
Development of an Ultrafiltration-Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (UF-LC/MS) Based Ligand-Binding Assay and an LC/MS Based Functional Assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Shikimate Kinase

Shikimate kinase (SK) and other enzymes in the shikimate pathway are potential targets in the discovery of antimicrobial agents. In the current study, an ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UF-LC/MS) ligand based binding assay and an LC/MS based functional assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis shikimate kinase (MtSK) were developed. Compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 were tested for MtSK (1 μM) at a concentration of 1 μM. In order to evaluate the MtSK inhibitory activity, compounds 1−4 were tested at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 1 μM, and the enzymatic activity was assessed by quantifying shikimate-3-phosphate (S3P) by LC/MS after 60 min incubation with 2 mM shikimic acid as a substrate. The EC50 values of compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 0.30, 0.24, 0.07, and 0.18 μM, respectively. The ligands and the S3P were analyzed using positive and negative electrospray LC/MS, respectively. The calibration curve for S3P was prepared with concentrations ranging from 4 to 125 μg/mL, and the lower detect...
Efficient syntheses of brexane and homobrexane monofunctionalized at C-2

Abstract An efficient, eight-step synthesis of brexan-2-one has been developed (25.5% overall yield). The strategy also provided two convenient routes to homobrexan-2-one. The schemes can be easily adapted to introduce isotopic labels for mechanistic studies.
Vanishing Children: From High Unemployment to Low Fertility in Developed Countries.

During the last four decades the average total fertility rate in OECD countries witnessed a dramatic fall: from 2.9 in 1960 to 2.0 in 1975 and then to 1.6 in the late 1990s (reaching 1.25 in Southern Europe). With the exception of the United States, all advanced countries now have fertility rates well below the replacement rate of 2.1. In the absence of either sharp changes in fertility behavior or large inflows of immigrants, their populations are set to shrink, particularly in Europe. Still, within this generalized fall, cross-national differences in fertility behavior have remained significant. By 2000, fertility rates ranged from 2.1 in the United States and over 1.8 in France and Norway to less than 1.3 in Greece, Italy, and Spain. Most standard accounts attribute the fall in fertility rates to a shift in personal preferences over the size of the family due to either changes in religious beliefs or growing female participation in the labor market. Yet, even though the ideal number of children for men and women 20–34 years old has declined, it is fairly similar across the European Union at around the replacement level of 2.1 (Eurostat, 2001). Hence, the sources of cross-national variation in fertility behavior must lie somewhere else. As women have joined the labor force, fertility rates have adjusted as a function of the institutional structures that shape the job market and determine its long-run unemployment rate. Exploiting the considerable variation of fertility rates and employment conditions across industrial countries, this paper shows that the current demographic transition is ultimately associated with the constraints of the labor market where fertility decisions are taken.
HACCP as a quality assurance tool in a commissary food-service system

Abstract Critical Control Point Analysis of the production of ground beef patties in a commissary food-service system revealed deficiencies in incoming raw product handling practices, weight control, sanitation, and sensory evaluation that are susceptible to correction by the application of quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) principles. Recommendations developed allowed management to be pro-active rather than reactive and are applicable to any food-service system or component of it.
Atomic absorption characteristics of gallium and indium

Abstract The atomic absorption characteristics of Ga and In were studied using a demountable hollow cathode and a Jarrell-Ash 0.5 m grating spectrometer. Gallium was most sensitive in a fuel-lean premixed C 2 H 2 /N 2 O flame at a position in the flame immediately above the burner head. At the 2943.64–2944.18 A unresolved doublet, the detection limit of Ga was 0.3 ppm in aqueous solution. Indium was most sensitive in a fuel-lean premixed C 2 H 2 /air flame at a position of 0.2–0.3 cm above the burner head. When the 3256.09 A line was used, the detection limit for In was 0.3 ppm in aqueous solution. Studies of various extraneous ions at concentrations from 100 to 1500 ppm indicated very few interferences with 100 ppm Ga or In. In the nitrous oxide flame only Bi and Ni caused severe Ga absorbance depression, while Na, K, and PO 4 3− ions caused some absorbance enhancement. In the air-acetylene flame only Ni caused severe depression of In absorbance, while V, Ca, and Mg caused only slight absorbance depression.