cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergence rates and asymptotic normality for series estimators

Abstract This paper gives general conditions for convergence rates and asymptotic normality of series estimators of conditional expectations, and specializes these conditions to polynomial regression and regression splines. Both mean-square and uniform convergence rates are derived. Asymptotic normality is shown for nonlinear functionals of series estimators, covering many cases not previously treated. Also, a simple condition for n - consitency of a functional of a series estimator is given. The regularity conditions are straightforward to understand, and several examples are given to illustrate their application.
Eye movement analysis of information processing under different testing conditions

Abstract The study reported herein was designed to use eye movement data, collected during solution of complex figural analogies, to test the premise that enhanced feedback mechanisms and opportunities for dual coding of figural stimulus information result in the allocation of an increased percentage of information-processing resources to rule application activities. Subjects were given items from the Advanced Progressive Matrices under elaborated feedback, subject verbalization, or standard procedures. Results indicate that elaborative testing conditions, involving elaborated feedback or subject verbalization, enhance the rule-governed nature of information processing during inductive reasoning by augmenting feedback and dual coding.
Children's strategies for discovering cause‐effect relationships

This study describes strategies children use to solve a complex problem. The problem asked children to figure out how to control a “vehicle” that they “drove” by pressing particular keys on a computer. The problem can be viewed as scientific in that variables must be identified and hypotheses formulated and tested to discover cause-effect relationships. Subjects were fifth and sixth graders sampled from public and private schools. The primary purpose of the study was to examine the transition between implicit, immature problem-solving strategies and explicit, mature theorizing characteristic of scientific problem solving. The study manipulated the problem perspective subjects were given and the number of cause-effect relationships in the problem. The study's description of children's problem solving highlights “focusing,” problem-solving behavior that is aimed at forming a mental representation, model, or theory about the problem, as a key link between mature and immature reasoning. Subject's school and school X perspective interaction was found to affect problem-solving performance.
Laser beam control and diagnostic systems for the copper-pumped dye laser system at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

The laser system described in the previous paper is used for experiments in which success requires tight tolerances on beam position, direction, and wavefront. Indeed, the optimum performance of the laser itself depends on careful delivery of copper laser light to the dye amplifiers, precise propagation of dye laser beams through restricted amplifier apertures, and accurate monitoring of laser power at key locations. This paper describes the alignment systems, wavefront correction systems, and laser diagnostics systems which ensure that the control requirements of both the laser and associated experiments are met. Because laser isotope separation processes utilize more than one wavelength, these systems monitor and control multiple wavelengths simultaneously.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The effect of intersector dispatching on police patrol performance

Abstract The experiment reported here concerned the relative effect of intersector dispatching on police patrol performance. Using a computer simulation model, it was found that the inclusion of intersector dispatching can have a significant impact on patrol response time. This should be of interest to patrol administrators and researchers who study this area. Despite the anticipated problems in its implementation, intersector dispatching holds great promise for improving patrol operations.
hSMR3A as a Marker for Patients With Erectile Dysfunction

Purpose: We recently reported that Vcsa1 is one of the most down-regulated genes in the corpora of rats in 3 distinct models of erectile dysfunction. Since gene transfer of plasmids expressing Vcsa1 or intracorporeal injection of its mature peptide product sialorphin into the corpora of aging rats was shown to restore erectile function, we proposed that the Vcsa1 gene has a direct role in erectile function. To determine if similar changes in gene expression occur in the corpora of human subjects with erectile dysfunction we identified a human homologue of Vcsa1 (hSMR3A) and determined the level of expression of hSMR3A in patients.Materials and Methods: hSMR3A was identified as a homologue of Vcsa1 by searching protein databases for proteins with similarity. hSMR3A cDNA was generated and subcloned into the plasmid pVAX to generate pVAX-hSMR3A. pVAX-hSMR3A (25 or 100 μg) was intracorporeally injected into aging rats. The effect on erectile physiology was compared histologically and by measuring intracorpore...
Synthesis of (2R, 6R)-(-)-2,6-lupetidine: 2,6-disubstituted piperidines as potentially useful "C2-symmetric" chiral reagents.

Abstract (2 R , 6 R )-(−)-2,6-Lupetidine has been synthesized from ( S )-1,2-epoxypropane and (2 S , 6 S )-(−)-2,6-bis(benzyloxymethyl)piperidine has been synthesized from ( S )-benzyloxymethyl oxirane.
Desktop support without visiting the desktop

The University of Delaware (UD) is implementing PeopleSoft's Human Resources Module for use on campus. A six-member team from Information Technologies (IT) User Services completed the desktop installations for administrative office staff computers. These installations-as well as subsequent upgrades and updates-required substantial planning, complex coordination efforts, and time-consuming office visits.To save staff resources and eliminate the need for the User Services staff to make recurring office calls, we automated the PeopleSoft installation process using the Open Software Associate's (OSA) netDeploy program and the Internet. Administrative staff currently link to a web site to obtain automated PeopleSoft installation and/or updates.
Subversion of Cellular Autophagy by Anaplasma Phagocytophilum

Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, is an obligatory intracellular pathogen. After entry into host cells, the bacterium is diverted from the endosomal pathway and replicates in a membrane-bound compartment devoid of endosomal or lysosomal markers. Here, we show that several hallmarks of early autophagosomes can be identified in A. phagocytophilum replicative inclusions, including a double-lipid bilayer membrane and colocalization with GFP-tagged LC3 and Beclin 1, the human homologues of Saccharomyces cerevisiae autophagy-related proteins Atg8 and Atg6 respectively. While the membrane-associated form of LC3, LC3-II, increased during A. phagocytophilum infection, A. phagocytophilum-containing inclusions enveloped with punctate GFP-LC3 did not colocalize with a lysosomal marker. Stimulation of autophagy by rapamycin favoured A. phagocytophilum infection. Inhibition of the autophagosomal pathway by 3-methyladenine did not inhibit A. phagocytophilum internalization, but reversibly arrested its growth. Although autophagy is considered part of the innate immune system that clears a variety of intracellular pathogens, our study implies that A. phagocytophilum subverts this system to establish itself in an early autophagosome-like compartment segregated from lysosomes to facilitate its proliferation.
Selected abstracts from the literature with commentaries

s 125 Pulmonary Embolism in Younger Adults. Green RM, Meyer TJ, Dunn M. and Glassroth J. Chest 1992;101:1507-1511. To test the hypothesis that the clinical presentation and outcomes are different when pulmonary embolism occurs in younger (age 18 to 40 years) as compared to older (age >40 years) adults, 40 younger patients were compared with older patients. No risk factors could be identified in 28 percent of the younger group. Normal physical examinations were more common (58 vs 28 percent, p = 0.01) among younger as compared with older adults. Hypoxemia was absent in 29 percent of the younger and 3 percent of the o ldergroup (p = 0.004): P~A a)O~ was significantly lower among younger patients even after controlling tbr age. Mortality was decreased seventold (2.5 vs 18 percent, p = 0.03) among younger patients. These data indicate that pulmonary embolism tends to have a subtle presentation in younger adults. When diagnosed and treated, the mortality rate is substantially less among younger as compared with older patients.
LONG-TERM WILDLIFE OPERATIONS: ADAPTATIONS TO TRADITIONAL INCIDENT COMMAND (OR ICS) STRUCTURE. A CASE STUDY OF THE SS JACOB LUCKENBACH.*

ABSTRACT From 2001–2002, oiled birds were found along 220 miles of California's central coastline, with more than 2,000 birds recovered and transported for care. No significant slicks or other obvious sources of oil were observed. Response activities were coordinated to address a prolonged wildlife event, rather than proceeding as a typical short-term oil spill response. This event was part of a long pattern of repeat “mystery” oil spills in this region that puzzled investigators for 10 years, most believing the oil resulted from illegal dumping; but when the 2001/2002 event extended well beyond the winter season, investigators looked deeper. After an extensive investigation by state and federal agencies, the sunken vessel, SS Jacob Luckenbach was identified. A six month, $19 million, multi-agency response operation was undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guard with operations concluding October 2002. To address the 11-month wildlife response for the 2001/2002 season, the Incident Command Structure was modified ...
Mechanical Models for Tubular Reactor Fuel Elements

Cladding deformations were calculated using two models for tubular metallic reactor fuel elements. In the first model, the cyclic dependence of the expansion history was neglected and the strength of both the fuel and cladding materials was accounted for by using equations based on plastic-deformation theory. Exterior cladding deformations did depend on fuel geometries, but were relatively independent of the strength of the fuel material. In the second model, the strength of the fuel material was neglected, but the cyclic dependence of the expansions of the cladding material was accounted for. This model predicted that minus the ratio of the inner-to-exterior cladding strain is equal to the ratio of the inner-to-outer radii times outer-to-inner cladding thicknesses raised to the (1/1 - n) power for cladding materials with stresses, S, related to strains, E, by S = AE/E/sup n/. (auth)
Thyroid carcinoma showing thymus‐like differentiation (CASTLE): Case report with cytomorphology and review of the literature

Thyroid carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE) is a rare tumor of the thyroid gland or adjacent soft tissues of the neck. Given the comparatively good prognosis of CASTLE, it is crucial to distinguish this neoplasm from other more aggressive thyroid neoplasms that can have similar or overlapping cytomorphological features. However, there is little information about the cytomorphology of CASTLE available in the literature. Here we report the cytomorphology and histology of thyroid CASTLE in a 52-year-old woman and present a review of the literature.
Quantification of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 tat mRNA as a marker for assessing the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy

To evaluate the use of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) tat mRNA quantification as a marker for antiretroviral therapy, 10 zidovudine-naive, p24 antibody-positive subjects (Centers for Disease Control classes III and IV) were studied at the start of zidovudine treatment. HIV-1 proviral DNA content and tat mRNA levels were monitored for 20 weeks from the initiation of therapy. Levels of tat mRNA were quantified using an engineered tat cRNA internal control under conditions of linear amplification. Proviral DNA levels increased in 2 patients and decreased in 8 during 20 weeks of therapy. In each case, tat mRNA levels exhibited similar but much more pronounced changes. Results indicate that quantitative measurement of tat mRNA levels is extremely useful for monitoring antiretroviral therapy.
Radial maze performance in young and aged mice: Neurochemical correlates

Abstract Young (8 month) and aged (27–28 month) male C57BL/6J mice were trained in a spatial discrimination task requiring working memory. The mice were tested during three trials daily in an eight-arm radial maze for 36 test days. Correct choices were reinforced with isotonic saline. In contrast to past reports, young mice learned the task. Old mice also learned the task, and no significant age-related differences in performance were observed. Following maze training, the mice were killed, the brains removed, and the specific activities of choline acetyltransferase (E.C.2.3.1.6., ChAT) and L-glutamic acid decarboxylase (E.C.4.1.1.15., GAD) were assayed in the hippocampus, and in frontal, sensorimotor, and cingulate areas of the cerebral cortex. The activities of these neurotransmitter synthetic enzymes did not differ significantly between young and old mice. Correct responding in the radial maze was positively correlated to ChAT activity in the cingulate cortex and negatively correlated to ChAT activity in the sensorimotor cortex. There was a similar pattern of correlation between performance and regional GAD activity, although none of the correlations involving GAD reached statistical significance.
Women take a wider view

Published reports suggest that males significantly outperform females in navigating virtual environments. A novel navigation technique reported in CHI 2001, when combined with a large display and wide field of view, appeared to reduce that gender bias. That work has been extended with two navigation studies in order to understand the finding under carefully controlled conditions. The first study replicated the finding that a wide field of view coupled with a large display benefits both male and female users and reduces gender bias. The second study suggested that wide fields of view on a large display were useful to females despite a more densely populated virtual world. Implications for design of virtual worlds and large displays are discussed. Specifically, women take a wider field of view to achieve similar virtual environment navigation performance to men
The Relationship of Glycine to the Resistance of Chickens to the Roundworm, Ascaridia Galli

Abstract THE influence of protein upon the resistance of poultry to helminthiasis was briefly presented in a review by Riedel (1954). Too, Almquist and Grau (1944) found that with respect to growth protein sources may be omitted from the diet of the chick when a mixture of certain amino acids was substituted. From this fact it is reasonable to assume that the increased resistance in animals encouraged by certain protein supplements may be attributed to specific amino acids rather than the source of protein. The effects of a few amino acids on diseases in poultry have been studied. Briggs, Mills et al. (1942) stated that cystine was instrumental in preventing gizzard erosion in the fowl, and Almquist (1941) noted that choline prevented perosis in chickens. A tryptophane deficiency in chickens was reported by Brown, Wilkening and Schweigert (1948) to promote gall bladder erosion, swelling of seminiferous tubules and degeneration of spleen …
Modeling collecting behavior: The role of set completion

Collecting is a complex behavior that has been studied from a variety of different perspectives. Art objects, stamps, coins, and other established collectibles markets, have been shown over the years to provide some degree of return to the collector in the economics literature. Wonderment over the success of certain collectibles such as Swatch watches and Beanie Babies has received much attention in the popular press. But how does one rationally explain the collecting of matchbook covers, Cracker Jacks toys, belt buckles, salt cellars, Aunt Jemima, etc.? Collecting in the absence of financial gain has received little attention in the economics literature. In the social psychology literature, many individuals are understood to have a natural desire to collect things for various reasons. Financial gain is only one of those reasons. Set completion is another. The reasons for collecting are not always mutually exclusive. For example, a complete set may be worth more in the secondary market, if one exists, than the sum of the individual pieces. This reflects the value of the rarest pieces and the opportunity costs of obtaining them. The model presented in this study explains how set completion motivates collecting behavior, which sheds light on collecting for both financial and nonfinancial reasons. The model accommodates both collectors and noncollectors and illustrates how consumption behavior may vary accordingly. Insight into how manufacturers of collectibles can use this behavior for commercial exploitation is explored.
Nuclear overhauser effects in exchanging systems

Abstract Expressions for the time derivatives of the magnetizations for a system of any number of any types of spin-1/2 nuclei exchanging between two configurations have been developed. Hypothetical examples, illustrating the symbolism and applicability of these expressions, with particular emphasis on possible nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) experiments, are discussed. Among the examples discussed is the conformational exchange in dimethylformamide due to rotation about the CN bond. A more complex phenomenon which could be investigated using the formalism presented herein is the NOE observed on the resonance of a solvated spin-1/2 metal nuclide upon irradiation of the solvent resonance (e.g., protons in water). The effect, if any, that an exchange process would have on measured NOE values is discussed for limiting exchange conditions and for various types of exchange.
Evaluation of the Pan Influenza detection kit utilizing the PLEX-ID and influenza samples from the 2011 respiratory season.

A comparison study was performed between the PLEX-ID and the CDC RT-PCR method for the detection and identification of Influenza A viruses using nasopharyngeal samples (N = 75) collected between January and May 2011. Overall agreement was 89.3% (67/75 kappa = 0.57 95% CI 0.3–0.89). Positive percent agreement was 92.3% (60/65); negative percent agreement was 70% (7/10). H1N1 pdm09 identified: 42.6% (32/75) and 54.7% (41/75) by PLEX-ID and CDC RT-PCR, respectively. H3N2 identified: 29.3% (22/75) and 32% (24/75) of samples by PLEX-ID and CDC RT-PCR, respectively. Negatives identified: 16% (12/75) and 13.3% (10/75), by PLEX-ID and CDC RT-PCR respectively. For influenza viruses identified as H1N1 pdm09, Influenza A virus A/NEW YORK/15/2009(H1N1 pdm09) was the most prevalent genotype at 50% (16/32), followed by A/CALIFORNIA/05/2009(H1N1 pdm09) at 18.2% (6/32). Updated assay plates containing additional primers designed for H1N1 pdm09 HA and NA genes were utilized for this evaluation. Among H1N1 pdm09 samples, the HA gene was conserved in 96.9% (31/32) of samples. The NA gene was conserved in 96.9% (31/32).
Effects of endorphins on single myenteric neurons

Methionine-enkephalin, leucine-enkephalin and beta-endorphin were applied in known concentrations to an in vitro preparation of myenteric neurons from the guinea-pig ileum. All 3 substances caused a rapid, reversible and dose related inhibition of the firing of myenteric neurons induced and recorded with extracellular suction electrodes. This inhibition of firing occurred at low agonist concentrations (1-300 nM) and was reversed by naloxone and a benzomorphan narcotic antagonist. The inhibition persisted in solutions which were completely free of calcium ions -- thus indicating that the observed effect is taking place directly on the neuron from which the recording is made, and that calcium ions are not required for this inhibitory action of endorphins on neuronal firing.
Application of the multiple scattering code MACHO to account for several experimental difficulties in deep inelastic neutron scattering data

Abstract A new multiple scattering code MACHO has been developed. In addition to multiple scattering corrections, accurate simulations of the neutron scattering process allow for reliable corrections to be made for scattering from the source continuum and source contaminants, for overlapping inelastic groups, and for slight differences in accelerator beam tuning, even for large samples containing an unknown amount of hydrogen impurity. This new code has been applied to recent elastic and deep inelastic neutron scattering data for 13 C+n and 10 B+n.
Formation of complex colloidal particles: morphologies and mechanisms

Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation is employed to examine the formation of complex colloidal particles. The dependence of the structure of such colloidal particles on the structure of the polymer, the interactions between the solvent and the segments of the polymer, and interactions between the same and/or different segments of the polymer are investigated. Families of shell–core, multicore, patchy, stacked layered, and cylindrical layered particles are obtained. The pathways for the formation of such complex colloidal particles are identified.
Mapping new territory: Toward an understanding of adolescent L2 writers and writing in US contexts

Abstract In this introduction to the special issue on adolescent L2 Writing in the US contexts, we explore how adolescents and their secondary school contexts are distinct from the college-age student writers and settings traditionally studied in the field of second language writing. The article begins by exploring the limited scholarship that has been conducted on this population to date, arguing for a more sustained level of inquiry and discussion into the writing practices and contexts of these young people. We then offer a conceptual model, depicting three vantage points for research on this population: identity negotiation/social interaction; national policies and curricula; and students’ in-school and post-secondary school trajectories. Within this model, we identify interdependent contextual factors, consider the implications of these factors for research, and argue for a recursive and dialogic understanding of these contextual factors at the secondary level. Finally, we introduce the featured articles in the volume and discuss the contribution of this special issue to the field.
Thermal stress analysis of crystal growth in a horizontal Bridgman furnace

The boundary element method is used to predict thermal stress profiles in a two-dimensional, rectangular shaped GaAs crystal grown in a horizontal, two-zone Bridgman furnace. Stress is reported in terms of the excess von Mises yield stress as a criterion that indicates the onset of dislocations. It was observed that the temperature difference between the melting point and the ambient cold zone temperature is directly proportional to the excess stress in the crystal, while the temperature driving force in the hot zone has little influence. An increase in the Peclet number and varying length of the adiabatic zone have little effect on the predicted area of dislocations while decreasing the Biot number results in a larger region of the stress field that violates the von Mises yield stress criterion. The model also predicts dislocation-free Ge crystals for operating conditions which give rise to dislocations in GaAs due to the much higher critical stress of Ge compared with GaAs.
Rapid Quantitative Analysis of Lipids Using a Colorimetric Method in a Microplate Format

A colorimetric sulfo-phospho-vanillin (SPV) method was developed for high throughput analysis of total lipids. The developed method uses a reaction mixture that is maintained in a 96-well microplate throughout the entire assay. The new assay provides the following advantages over other methods of lipid measurement: (1) background absorbance can be easily corrected for each well, (2) there is less risk of handling and transferring sulfuric acid contained in reaction mixtures, (3) color develops more consistently providing more accurate measurement of absorbance, and (4) the assay can be used for quantitative measurement of lipids extracted from a wide variety of sources. Unlike other spectrophotometric approaches that use fluorescent dyes, the optimal spectra and reaction conditions for the developed assay do not vary with the sample source. The developed method was used to measure lipids in extracts from four strains of microalgae. No significant difference was found in lipid determination when lipid content was measured using the new method and compared to results obtained using a macro-gravimetric method.
Diesel exhaust exposure and lung cancer: adjustment for the effect of smoking in a retrospective cohort study.

Background The extent that cigarette smoking may confound the relationship between diesel exhaust exposure and lung cancer was assessed in a retrospective cohort study of 55,395 U.S. railroad workers followed from 1959 to 1976. Methods The relative risk (RR) of lung cancer due to diesel exhaust was indirectly adjusted using job-specific smoking data from a case-control study of railroad workers who died between 1981–1982 and from a survey of 514 living workers from an active railroad in 1982. Adjustment factors were developed based on the distribution of job-specific smoking rates. Results The unadjusted RR for lung cancer was 1.58 (95% CI = 1.14–2.20) for workers aged 40–44 in 1959, who experienced the longest possible duration of exposure, and the smoking adjusted RR was 1.44 (1.01–2.05). Conclusions After considering differences in smoking rates between workers exposed and unexposed to diesel exhaust in a relatively large blue-collar cohort, there were still elevated risks of lung cancer in workers in jobs with diesel exhaust exposure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 38:399–409, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The asymptotic behaviour of bounded semigroups in a Banach algebra

Let T be an operator on a complex Banach space such that sup {‖ T n ‖: n ≥ 0} where σ( T ) denotes the spectrum of T , and T is the unit circle in ℂ. Esterle proved in [3] that lim n n →∞ ‖ T n − T n +1 ‖ = 0 provided that ‖ T ‖ ≤ 1 and σ{ T } = {1}. Later Katznelson and Tzafriri [6] proved the same result for power-bounded operators such that σ Γ ( T ) = {1}, and in fact they proved a more general result. More precisely, let be an absolutely convergent Taylor series, i.e. , and assume that f is of spectral synthesis for σ Γ ( T ) (in particular f |σ Γ ( T ) ≡ 0). Then lim n →∞ ‖ f ( T ) T n ‖ = 0. Katznelson and Tzafriri prove an analogous result, in which T is replaced by a commuting k -tuple ( T 1 , T 2 , …, T k ) of contractions. In this case they consider functions of the form f ( T 1 , T 2 , …, T k ), where f is either an absolutely convergent Taylor series if k is odd, or an element of a smaller algebra if k is even. The result of Katznelson and Tzafriri was further extended in the case of a single contraction T by Esterle, Strouse and Zouakia[ 4 ], who consider functions f ( T ) where f is allowed to be in a more general function algebra. For instance, if T acts on a Hilbert space, they allow f to be an element of the disk algebra.
Which Patients with AV Block Should Receive CRT Pacing

The benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are well-established, with the majority of large clinical trials focused on individuals with advanced systolic heart failure and patients with prolonged QRS duration. The favorable outcomes from CRT have been expanded from initial investigations in patients with severe heart failure to those with milder degrees of heart failure. More recently, studies have evaluated whether there is benefit from CRT in individuals requiring ventricular pacing but with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. Recent studies have demonstrated that biventricular pacing may be superior to right ventricular (RV) pacing in patients requiring pacing who have normal to mildly depressed left ventricular function. However, pacing-induced cardiomyopathy does not occur in all RV-paced patients. CRT non-responders account for about one-third of patients receiving this therapy. Moreover, the complexity of the procedure carries with it higher complication risks than conventional pacemaker implants, and hence routine CRT implantation may not be justified in the entire population. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the physiology and consequences of RV pacing, the pathophysiology of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy, the benefits of CRT, and the factors that should be considered for CRT implantation in this population.
Recognizing and Combating Emotive Language: Examples Associated With Sport

Emotive language frequently appears in sporting contexts because it arouses feelings within its participants, listeners, and readers. The use of emotive language frequently provokes criticism because some people abuse emotive language to manipulate individuals, environments, and events. In addition, many individuals fail to understand how and when to use emotive terms properly. This makes its use on some occasions debatable and important to study. This article aims to examine the concept of emotive language and demonstrate how descriptive language can also prompt emotional reactions. The article distinctively attempts to aid the understanding of emotive language by analyzing two major forms, that cloud issues and obfuscate thought, through the lens of sport. They are euphemisms and doublespeak. Importantly, this article also identifies how educators can improve their writing and help others recognize and call attention to the inappropriate use of emotive language. Finally, it identifies future areas we co...
The actions of insulin on cardiac contractility

Abstract This review summarizes the effects of insulin on cardiac contractility of the normal, failing, anoxic and ischemic heart. In animal experiments under aerobic conditions a variety of effects of insulin on cardiac contractile force have been described which are frequently contradictory. The use of different insulin preparations of unknown purity make the interpretation of these findings rather difficult. The protective effects of insulin in the isolated heart on the rate of production of spontaneous heart failure require both glucose and insulin for maximal effect and are probably related to an improved cardiac carbohydrate utilization produced by insulin. Other cardiac effects of insulin independent of glucose could be due to ionic readjustments produced by insulin which are glucose independent.
Lipopolysaccharide and cytokines inhibit rat cardiomyocyte contractility in vitro

Abstract Background Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is thought to be the result of detrimental effects of inflammatory mediators on the cardiac muscle. Here we studied the effects of prolonged (24 ± 4 h) exposure of adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM) to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukins-1 (IL-1) and IL-6. Materials and methods We measured sarcomere shortening (SS) and cellular calcium (Ca 2+ ) transients (ΔCa i , with fura-2 AM) in isolated cardiomyocytes externally paced at 5 Hz at 37°C. Results SS decreased after incubation with LPS (100 μg/mL), IL-1 (100 ng/mL), and IL-6 (30 ng/mL), but not with lesser doses of these mediators, or TNF (10–100 ng/mL). A combination of LPS (100 μg/mL), TNF, IL-1, and IL-6 (each 100 ng/mL; i.e., “Cytomix-100”) induced a maximal decrease in SS and ΔCa i . Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ load (Ca SR , measured with caffeine) was unchanged by Cytomix-100; however, SR fractional release (ΔCa i /Ca SR ) was decreased. Underlying these effects, Ca 2+ influx into the cell (via L-type Ca 2+ channels, LTCC) and Ca 2+ extrusion via Na + /Ca 2+ exchange were decreased by Cytomix-100. SR Ca 2+ pump (SERCA) (SR Ca 2+ ATPase) was not affected. Conclusions Prolonged exposure of ARVM to a mixture of LPS and inflammatory cytokines inhibits cell contractility. The effect is mediated by the inhibition of Ca 2+ influx via LTCC, and partially opposed by the inhibition of Na + /Ca 2+ exchange. Because both mechanisms are commonly seen in animal models of SIC, we conclude that prolonged challenge with Cytomix-100 of ARVM may represent an accurate in vitro model for SIC.
Martian soil and UV radiation: microbial viability assessment on spacecraft surfaces

Abstract Terrestrial microbes may reach the surface of Mars via inadequately sterilized spacecraft landers, rovers, or through accidental impact of orbiters. This investigation was initiated to determine if Martian dust could protect spores of Bacillus subtilis on spacecraft surfaces from the UV radiation that falls onto the Martian surface. A monolayer of washed spores of Bacillus subtilis strain HA 101 were placed onto the surface of aluminum coupons and dried at 30°C for 18 h. After drying dust prepared from sieved simulated Mars soil standard (Mars JSC-1 obtained from NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA), or Fe-montmorillonite was placed on top of the spore monolayer of some of the coupons to a thickness of either 1 mm, 0.5 mm, 100 or 12 μm . The coupons were then exposed to UV radiation from a deuterium lamp (Oriel model 6316) and samples collected periodically to determine survival. The total number of surviving spores was determined using the most probable number (MPN) method. As a control, samples were prepared in triplicate as described above except that the coupons were not exposed to UV radiation. The data indicate that an unprotected monolayer of spores will be killed within minutes when exposed to the UV radiation flux falling onto the surface of Mars, but that if they are covered by either an additional layer of spores or a few microns of dust they will survive for long periods of time. This implies that spore-forming microbes on spacecraft surfaces can be protected by a thin layer of Mars dust and can potentially contaminate the planet.
The cost-effectiveness of hepatitis A vaccination in patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection in the United States.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for patients with chronic hepatitis C. Our aim was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis A vaccination in these patients. The specific strategies evaluated were: no vaccination, targeted vaccination, and universal vaccination. METHODS: Clinical estimates were based on published data. Costs estimates were based on published data and institutional Medicare reimbursement rates. Health-related quality-of-life weights were derived from published data and expert estimates. The target population consisted of patients 45 yr of age with chronic hepatitis C followed every 6 months until death. We adopted a societal perspective. RESULTS: Compared with no vaccination, targeted vaccination was associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $51,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of universal vaccination compared with targeted vaccination was $3,900,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. The results were particularly sensitive to the incidence of hepatitis A, probability of fulminant hepatic failure, and costs of hepatitis A antibody screening and vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted vaccination for hepatitis A in patients with chronic hepatitis C may be a cost-effective strategy to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with hepatitis A superinfection. Universal vaccination is not a cost-effective alternative to targeted vaccination in this target population.
Chemosterilization of adult horn flies.

Apholate, tepa, and an aziridinyl benzoquinone compound [2,5-bis (l-aziridinyl)-3,6-bis (2-methoxyethoxy)- p -benzoquinone] induced sterility in adult male and female horn files, Haematobia irritans (L.), when applied topically or mixed with the diet. Topically, 0.1 µg per fly of the aziridinyl benzoquinone compound and 0.5 µg per fly of apholate effectively sterilized the flies. A diet containing 0.05% tepa or 0.01% apholate produced complete sterility when it was given to adult males and females as a single overnight feeding. Horn flies fed continuously on a diet containing 5 ppm of tepa were completely sterilized. Mating tests indicated that male horn flies sterilized with tepa were not so competitive as untreated males.
Introducing the GRASPIN specification language SEGRAS

Abstract SEGRAS is a novel language for writing formal specifications of concurrent and distributed systems. It integrates algebraic specifications of abstract data types, high-level Petri net specifications of concurrent behavior, and a sort of parametric polymorphism in a common syntactic and semantic framework. The language treats data abstractions with distributed states and state-dependent operations that can dynamically create new data objects and concurrently modify their properties according to a specified dynamic behavior. Interactive construction and formal analysis of SEGRAS specifications is supported by a collection of tools integrated in the GRASPIN environment. This article illustrates some salient features of the language through examples and discusses methodological issues concerned with constructing, analyzing, and executing SEGRAS specifications with the aid of the GRASPIN environment.
Selective mortality in chinook salmon: what is the role of human disturbance?

While many recovery programs for threatened species focus on acute sources of mortality, understanding some of the evolutionary processes of these species may lead to more effective recovery efforts, especially in cases where human-induced disturbances have resulted in artificial selection pressures. We developed a Monte Carlo test to determine whether Snake River spring/summer chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) experienced selective mortality as a function of their juvenile length and timing of downstream migration. Actively migrating juvenile fish (smolts) were captured, tagged, and released in 1995 and 1996 approximately 700 km upstream from the Pacific Ocean, and returning adults were detected at the same location. We analyzed data from two groups of fish: those that migrated downstream in-river and those that were barged downstream as part of the juvenile-salmon transportation program. These groups were further separated into wild and hatchery fish. Length at release was significantly greater in returning adults than in the general population for fish that migrated downstream in-river (both wild and hatchery) or were transported (hatchery only). From the 1995 seaward migration, adult returns of both wild and hatchery fish that migrated in-river were composed of fish released significantly earlier than the general population. In contrast, the opposite trend existed for wild and hatchery transported fish. From the 1996 seaward migration, no significant difference in release date was found between returning adults and the original population for any of the groups analyzed. Fish length at migration is a result of factors encountered in early life stages but selectively determines mortality in the smolt-to-adult stage. Thus freshwater habitat improvements, such as salmon carcass supplementation, directed at increasing nutrient levels and thus fish length may result in an increase in overall survival. The development of hydroelectric dams in the migratory corridors of these fish has disrupted their arrival timing to the estuary. Mitigation efforts designed to shift arrival timing toward that experienced prior to impoundment may confer considerable survival benefits.
Singular integral transforms and fast numerical algorithms

Fast algorithms for the accurate evaluation of some singular integral operators that arise in the context of solving certain partial differential equations within the unit circle in the complex plane are presented. These algorithms are generalizations and extensions of a fast algorithm of Daripa [11]. They are based on some recursive relations in Fourier space and the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), and have theoretical computational complexity of the order O(N) per point, where N2 is the total number of grid points. An application of these algorithms to quasiconformal mappings of doubly connected domains onto annuli is presented in a follow-up paper.
Extensor mechanism allograft reconstruction for extensor mechanism failure following total knee arthroplasty.

Background: Extensor mechanism disruption following total knee arthroplasty is a rare but devastating complication. The purpose of this study was to report our experience with extensor mechanism allograft reconstruction for chronic extensor mechanism failure. Methods: Fifty consecutive extensor mechanism allograft reconstructions were performed in forty-seven patients with a mean age of 67.6 years who were followed for a mean time of 57.6 months (range, twenty-four to 125 months). The operative technique included the use of a fresh-frozen, correctly sized full extensor mechanism allograft that was tensioned tightly in full extension. Patients were evaluated clinically with use of the Knee Society score, and reconstructions were considered failures if the patient had a score of 30° or if they required revision or removal of the allograft. Results: Nineteen reconstructions (38%) were considered failures, including four revised to a second extensor mechanism allograft due to failure of the allograft, five for deep infection, and ten considered clinical failures secondary to a Knee Society score of 30°. The mean Knee Society score improved from 33.9 to 75.9 points (p < 0.0001). The estimated Kaplan-Meier survivorship with failure for any reason as the end point was 56.2% (95% confidence interval, 39.4% to 70.1%) at ten years. Conclusions: Extensor mechanism disruption following total knee arthroplasty is a difficult complication to treat, with modest outcomes. Extensor mechanism allograft reconstruction is a reasonable option; however, patients must be informed regarding the substantial risk of complications, and although initial extensor mechanism function may be restored, expectations regarding longer-term outcomes are more guarded. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Protein and energy requirements in preterm infants.

Although protein and energy requirements in healthy growing and enterally fed infants are relatively well established, the nutritional requirements of extremely low birth weight infants are considerably less certain. New and emerging data in ELBW infants suggest high rates of energy expenditure and protein losses, which results in significant nutritional deficits and high rates of growth failure. Based on the limited and incomplete available data, energy intakes of 125-130 kcal/kg/d and protein intakes of 3.5-4 g/kg/d appear to be necessary to produce normal growth in ELBW infants. Although these intakes may be difficult to achieve in clinical practice, there is clear evidence that aggressive early nutrition can improve growth outcomes in these infants.
An Adaptation of Bigge's Classification of Learning Theories to Health Education and an Analysis of Theory Underlying Recent Health Education Programs

This paper attempts to examine the practice of health education from the perspective of learning theory. Examples of recent health education programs are discussed in this context. It is suggested that, in general, health education and program rationales are firmly rooted in learning theory, but that goals, educational interventions, and evaluation methods are not always consistent with the learning theory apparently underlying the program. Furthermore, it is suggested that such inconsistencies are relevant to many controversial issues in health education and may have considerable impact on policy development.
Party Strategies and Electoral Systems: Simulating Coalition Governments

organizations and their political dynamics as well as the complexities of contemporary political issues. However, good simulations are not confined to long and administratively complicated events. The one-class simulation can also be a highly effective teaching technique. To help demonstrate this point, this article describes a simulation designed for a one-hour class session for a course in either Comparative Politics or American Government. This simulation shows how many important concepts can be conveyed without expending too much class time. It also provides a nice demonstration of how a topic that students typically find dull can be transformed into a dynamic exercise with concepts that students are more likely to understand and remember. Like any simulation, students are assigned roles, research how they should act and decide, and examine the various sides of the simulation's political topic. There are common features between this simulation and the Shellman (2001) simulation, but instead of taking three days and "multitasking" as the valuable Shellman exercise does, the simulation proposed here is more streamlined, administratively less complex, and saves precious class time for other issues. It should also give instructors a good idea of how to construct other one-class simulations. This simulation focuses on three
Experimental transfusion reactions and disseminated intravascular coagulation produced by incompatible plasma in monkeys.

Hemolytic plasma transfusion reactions were produced in six Macaca irus monkeys. The plasma for these transfusions was obtained from alloimmunized animals with agglutinins of high titer and, in some cases, hemolysins directed against the recipients' red blood cells. The transfusion reactions were characterized by varying degrees of intravascular hemolysis, hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria, and disseminated intravascular coagulation accompanied by marked falls in Factors VIII and V, and fibrinogen. Shortening of euglobulin clot lysis time was seen in three animals. Two animals died and had fibrin thrombi in renal glomeruli, myocardial veins, pulmonary arteries, and hepatic sinusoids.
Zn(II) and Cu(II) adsorption and retention onto iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles: effects of particle aggregation and salinity.

Background Iron oxyhydroxides are commonly found in natural aqueous systems as nanoscale particles, where they can act as effective sorbents for dissolved metals due to their natural surface reactivity, small size and high surface area. These properties make nanoscale iron oxyhydroxides a relevant option for the remediation of water supplies contaminated with dissolved metals. However, natural geochemical processes, such as changes in ionic strength, pH, and temperature, can cause these particles to aggregate, thus affecting their sorption capabilities and remediation potential. Other environmental parameters such as increasing salinity may also impact metal retention, e.g. when particles are transported from freshwater to seawater.
State-Space System Representation of Time-Domain Responses from Electromagnetic Simulations

This paper presents a control systems' methodology to derive rational transfer function models from time-domain simulated data, which will be useful to (a) improve the computational efficiency of time-domain simulators, and (b) synthesize distributed equivalent circuits in microwave applications. The method is applied to model FDTD signatures for highly resonant circuits, such as notch filters and patch antennas, and for the first time, a complete signal model is derived, which encompasses the entire signal, including the initial transients. Excellent model corroboration is achieved with published measured data, expending only a fraction of the simulation effort in comparison with previous methods.