cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Ground-Penetrating Radar to Detect Free-Phase Hydrocarbons in Fractured Rocks—Results of Numerical Modeling and Physical Experiments

The suitability of common-offset ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to detect free-phase hydrocarbons in bedrock fractures was evaluated using numerical modeling and physical experiments. The results of one- and two-dimensional numerical modeling at 100 megahertz indicate that GPR reflection amplitudes are relatively insensitive to fracture apertures ranging from 1 to 4 mm. The numerical modeling and physical experiments indicate that differences in the fluids that fill fractures significantly affect the amplitude and the polarity of electromagnetic waves reflected by subhorizontal fractures. Air-filled and hydrocarbon-filled fractures generate low-amplitude reflections that are in-phase with the transmitted pulse. Water-filled fractures create reflections with greater amplitude and opposite polarity than those reflections created by air-filled or hydrocarbon-filled fractures. The results from the numerical modeling and physical experiments demonstrate it is possible to distinguish water-filled fracture reflections from air- or hydrocarbon-filled fracture reflections, nevertheless subsurface heterogeneity, antenna coupling changes, and other sources of noise will likely make it difficult to observe these changes in GPR field data. This indicates that the routine application of common-offset GPR reflection methods for detection of hydrocarbon-filled fractures will be problematic. Ideal cases will require appropriately processed, high-quality GPR data, ground-truth information, and detailed knowledge of subsurface physical properties. Conversely, the sensitivity of GPR methods to changes in subsurface physical properties as demonstrated by the numerical and experimental results suggests the potential of using GPR methods as a monitoring tool. GPR methods may be suited for monitoring pumping and tracer tests, changes in site hydrologic conditions, and remediation activities.
Analysis of Smith-Purcell free-electron lasers

We present an analysis of the beam dynamics in a Smith-Purcell free-electron laser (FEL). In this system, an electron beam interacts resonantly with a copropagating surface electromagnetic mode near the grating surface. The surface mode arises as a singularity in the frequency dependence of the reflection matrix. Since the surface mode is confined very close to the grating surface, the interaction is significant only if the electrons are moving very close to the grating surface. The group velocity of the surface mode resonantly interacting with a low-energy electron beam is in the direction opposite to the electron beam. The Smith-Purcell FEL is therefore a backward wave oscillator in which, if the beam current exceeds a certain threshold known as start current, the optical intensity grows to saturation even if no mirrors are employed for feedback. We derive the coupled Maxwell-Lorentz equations for describing the interaction between the surface mode and the electron beam, starting from the slowly varying approximation and the singularity in the reflection matrix. In the linear regime, we derive an analytic expression for the start current and calculate the growth rate of optical power in time. The analysis is extended to the nonlinear regime by performing a one-dimensional time-dependent numerical simulation. Results of our numerical calculation compare well with the analytic calculation in the linear regime and show saturation behavior in the nonlinear regime. We find that a significant amount of power grows in the surface mode due to this interaction. Several ways to outcouple this power to freely propagating modes are discussed.
Differentiation of rat neonatal ventral prostates grown in a serum-free organ culture system.

BACKGROUND Organ culture methods have long been used in the study of the prostate because effects of drugs and hormones can be examined in the absence of systemic effects. METHODS Neonatal rat ventral prostates (VP) were grown on Millipore filters floating on fluid medium composed of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/Ham's F-12 supplemented with insulin, transferrin, and hydrocortisone, and in the presence or absence of testosterone (T, 10−8 M). RESULTS In the presence of T, ductal lumen formation occurred, ductal branching was extensive, and basal and luminal epithelial cells were identified by immunocytochemistry based on their distinctive cytokeratin profile. In the absence of T, ductal lumen formation did not occur, basal and luminal epithelial cells failed to differentiate, and there was a marked decrease in prostatic organ size relative to glands grown with T. Interestingly, DNA synthesis, as measured by counts per min (CPM) for 3H-thymidine incorporation, showed that DNA synthesis per μg DNA at 7 days of organ culture was not inhibited by lack of T. Androgen receptor expression is another marker of prostatic epithelial differentiation, and it occurred in both the presence and absence of T. CONCLUSIONS Growth and differentiation of the neonatal rat prostate in vitro occur in a manner similar to that of the developing prostate in vivo, demonstrating that organ cultures of neonatal rat ventral prostates provide a faithful model for studying rat prostatic development and differentiation under serum-free conditions. Prostate 32:35–42, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Set Theoretic Properties of Loeb Measure

In this paper we ask the question: to what extent do basic set theoretic properties of Loeb measure depend on the nonstandard universe and on properties of the model of set theory in which it lies? We show that, assuming Martin's axiom and κ-saturation, the smallest cover by Loeb measure zero sets must have cardinality less than κ. In contrast to this we show that the additivity of Loeb measure cannot be greater than ω 1 . Define cof(H) as the smallest cardinality of a family of Loeb measure zero sets which cover every other Loeb measure zero set. We show that card(⌊log 2 ( H )⌋) ≤ cof ( H) ≤ card(2 H ), where card is the external cardinality. We answer a question of Paris and Mills concerning cuts in nonstandard models of number theory. We also present a pair of nonstandard universes M ≼ N and hyperfinite integer H ∈ M such that H is not enlarged by N , 2 H contains new elements, but every new subset of H has Loeb measure zero. We show that it is consistent that there exists a Sierpinski set in the reals but no Loeb-Sierpinski set in any nonstandard universe. We also show that it is consistent with the failure of the continuum hypothesis that Loeb-Sierpinski sets can exist in some nonstandard universes and even in an ultrapower of a standard universe.
Metabolism of gossypol, biosynthesized from methyl-14C-and carboxyl-14C-labeled sodium acetate, in rat

Stereospecifically labeled radioactive gossypol was biosynthesized by incubating cotton seedlings with either methyl-14C- or carboxyl-14C-labeled sodium acetate. The respective products were purified as gossypol acetic acid. Each radioactive gossypol acetic acid preparation was dissolved in oil and administered by stomach tube to two rats. A negligible amount of radioactivity was found in the expired air of the rats receiving the gossypol biosynthesized from 1-14C-sodium acetate; however, a significant quantity of radioactivity was found in the expired air of rats that received gossypol labeled from 2-14C-acetate. This indicated that the binaphthalene nucleus of the gossypol molecule was not degraded to CO2 in the rat. A low level of radioactivity was found in the urine of rats administered either gossypol preparation. In each rat there was radioactivity found in all the tissues that were analyzed; however, the major portion of the radioactivity was excreted in the feces.
Experimental control of high-dimensional chaos: The driven double pendulum.

Chaos control techniques exploit the sensitivity of chaos to initial conditions by applying feedback perturbations to an accessible system parameter. Most methods apply only one perturbation per period and are thus susceptible to control failure when applied to highly unstable systems. Here we extend a recently developed model-independent, quasicontinuous chaos control technique to stabilize a high-dimensional chaotic system: the driven double pendulum. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
A matrix variance inequality

Abstract In the course of solving a variational problem Chernoff (Ann. Probab. 9 (1981) 533) obtained what appears to be a specialized inequality for a variance, namely, that for a standard normal variable X , Var [ g ( X ) ] ⩾ E [ g ′ ( X ) ] 2 . However, both the simplicity and usefulness of the inequality has generated a plethora of extensions, as well as alternative proofs. All previous papers have focused on a single function. We provide here an inequality for the covariance matrix of k functions, which leads to a matrix inequality in the sense of Loewner.
Inhibition of norepinephrine uptake in patients with major depression treated with paroxetine.

Objective: The study examined whether paroxetine inhibits the human norepinephrine transporter in addition to the human serotonin (5-HT) transporter in patients with major depressive disorder. Method: In an open-label, parallel-group, forced-titration study, 52 outpatients with DSM-IV major depressive disorder and a baseline Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale score ≥20 were randomly assigned to treatment with paroxetine (to 60 mg/day) or desipramine (to 30 mg/ day) in a 3-to-1 ratio, respectively. Norepinephrine and 5-HT transporter function were assayed by using human transporter transfected cells in the presence of serum collected at baseline and the end of each treatment week. Data from 36 patients were analyzed. Results: Paroxetine decreased norepinephrine uptake to 73% of control (27% inhibition) at an average serum concentration of 100 ng/ml and 57% of control (43% inhibition) at 200 ng/ml. Uptake of 5-HT was decreased to less than 15% (greater than 85% inhibition) of control at these paroxetine concentrations. Desipramine decreased norepinephrine uptake to near maximal 15% of control (85% inhibition) at 100 ng/ml. Uptake of 5-HT was decreased to 82% of control (18% inhibition) at 100 ng/ml and 49% of control (51% inhibition) at 500 ng/ml. Conclusions: Paroxetine, currently classified as a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, can act as a 5-HT/norepinephrine uptake inhibitor in vivo. The clinical significance of this action on norepinephrine uptake is currently unknown, but this action may contribute to the broad therapeutic efficacy of paroxetine in the treatment of depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis

A conversation with Aldous Huxley not infrequently put one at the receiving end of an unforgettable monologue. About a year before his lamented death he was discoursing on a favorite topic: Man's unnatural treatment of nature and its sad results. To illustrate his point he told how, during the previous summer, he had returned to a little valley in England where he had spent many happy months as a child. Once it had been composed of delightful grassy glades; now it was becoming overgrown with unsightly brush because the rabbits that formerly kept such growth under control had largely succumbed to a disease, myxomatosis, that was deliberately introduced by the local farmers to reduce the rabbits' destruction of crops. Being something of a Philistine, I could be silent no longer, even in the interests of great rhetoric. I interrupted to point out that the rabbit itself had been brought as a domestic animal to England in 1176, presumably to improve the protein diet of the peasantry.
Catalysts for selective aerobic oxidation under ambient conditions

Diversity-based methods for catalyst discovery coupled with the knowledge of lead systems for the catalysis of O2-based organic oxidation reactions has led to the development of new species that actually catalyze rapid and selective (non-radical-chain), reductant-free, O2 oxidation under ambient conditions (room temperature and 1.0 atmosphere of air). The first process of focus is selective sulfoxidation of thioethers (organic sulfides). The principal work reviewed here involves homogeneous catalysis, but highly reactive heterogeneous formulations have already been identified. The stoichiometry is that characteristic of dioxygenase enzymes: R2S (thioether)+1/2 O2→R2S(O) (sulfoxide). Oxidative dehydrogenation, a less desirable net process, is not seen. Studies have primarily been conducted with 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), which is both notoriously unreactive and a useful simulant for mustard. Extensive kinetics and product studies have identified the active catalyst, at least in acetonitrile solution, to be Au(III)Cl2NO3(thioether) (1), and the rate limiting step to be reaction of 1 with another molecule of the thioether substrate. Reoxidation of the resulting Au(I) to Au(III) by O2 is a fast subsequent step. The solvent kinetic isotope effect (KH 2 O/KD 2 O=1,0) rate of sulfoxidation when Cl is replaced by Br, and multiparameter fitting of the kinetic data establish that the mechanism of the rate-limiting step itself involves a bimolecular attack of CEES on a Au(III)-bound halide and it does not involve H2O Isotope labeling studies with H2 18O indicate that H2O and not O2 or H2O2 is the source of oxygen in the sulfoxide product. Interestingly, H2O is consumed and subsequently regenerated in the mechanism. Despite the impressive (unique) reactivity attributes above, these recently developed catalytic systems have some limitations that include an induction period and inhibition by sulfoxide product. However, these two difficulties are eliminated in other solvents or in nontoxic developmentally attractive perfluoropolyether (PFPE) media. Another potential problem, is catalyst inactivation by precipitation of the Au as colloidal Au(0), but this can be largely avoided by use of appropriate reaction conditions. Finally, these Au-catalyzed aerobic sulfoxidation reactions can be co-catalyzed by some d-block ions. Cu(II) is particularly effective in this context resulting in substantial increases in reaction rate at low Cu(II) concentrations. Co-catalysis by the d-block ions also results in elimination of the induction period in some cases.
Ultrasound Assessment of Transverse Carpal Ligament Thickness: A Validity and Reliability Study

The transverse carpal ligament (TCL) forms the palmar boundary of the carpal tunnel and plays an important role in carpal tunnel mechanics. TCL hypertrophy has been observed for individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and postulated as a potential etiologic factor. Ultrasound is particularly advantageous for TCL imaging because of its capability of detecting the interfaces between the TCL and other tissues. The purposes of this study were to develop an ultrasound based method to measure the TCL thickness and to test the validity and reliability of this method. Three operators conducted two sessions of ultrasound examination on eight cadaveric specimens and eight healthy volunteers. A custom script was used to calculate TCL thickness along the TCL length from the ultrasound images. The ultrasound based TCL thickness of the cadaveric specimens was compared with the dissection based TCL thickness for validation. The results showed Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.867-0.928, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values of 0.726-0.865, a standard error of measurement of 0.02-0.07 mm and a minimal detectable difference of 0.05-0.15 mm. The high correlation coefficients and small errors indicate that the ultrasound based method is valid for measuring TCL thickness. Furthermore, ultrasound measurements showed excellent intraoperator and interoperator reliability with ICC values as 0.826-0.933 and 0.840-0.882, respectively. The ultrasound based TCL thickness was in the range of 0.93-2.34 (1.54 ± 0.33) mm and agreed well with previous studies. The ultrasound method developed in this study is a valuable tool to examine morphologic properties of healthy and pathologic TCLs.
Increased receptive field size of dorsal horn neurons following chronic spinal cord hemisections in cats

Abstract The somatotopic organization of the 17 dorsal horn was studied using extracellular recordings in normal cats, and in cats with acute or chronic spinal cord hemisection at T13, sparing the dorsal columns. Based on data concerning recovery of function and collateral sprouting of afferents following hemisections, we predicted that the lesion would result in increases in receptive field size and decreases in the specificity of the somatotopic map. In normal animals, the usual mediolateral, rostrocaudal and dorsoventral somatotopic sequences were found. Following acute hemisections (6 h–5 days), there were changes in spontaneous and evoked activity, but receptive field sizes and somatotopic organization remained unchanged. Following chronic hemisections (88–174 days), proximal hindlimb receptive fields in the lateral dorsal horn ipsilateral to the lesion increased dramatically in size and were significantly larger than similar receptive fields on the contralateral side. The largest of these fields extended from the dorsal midline to the middle of the foot. Receptive field sizes elsewhere in the dorsal horn remained unchanged, as did somatotopic organization in general. These findings indicate that hemisections result in a complex series of changes consisting of an early stage of anatomically generalized changes in excitability and a later stage of highly localized changes in receptive field size. Possible mechanisms for these changes, as well as their relationship to recovery of function, are discussed.
Ferroelectric displays—past, present and future

Abstract Six of the basic types of ferroelectric displays that have been proposed and developed in differing degrees over the last 25 years are critically reviewed in terms of the fundamental requirements and characteristics of electronic displays. The advantages and disadvantages of ferroelectric displays are detailed and compared with other display technologies. Future trends and prospects for ferroelectric displays are discussed.
Case report 802

In summary, a case of Ewing's tumor of the proximal phalanx of the long finger of the right hand was presented. This case is unusual because of its location as well as the unusually long clinical course before the correct diagnosis was made. The major point to be stressed is that Ewing's tumor may initially present with a "benign" appearance mimicking a bone cyst [17] or angioma [12]. Timely follow-up of so-called benign lesions, particularly when recurrent swelling occurs, would help in avoiding prolonged delays in diagnosis.
A Review of “Receiving David: The Gift of a Son Who Taught Us How to Live and Love”

The title of this book is a salient signal. Unlike many books written by parents, teachers, or siblings about their personal experiences with other people's disability, Receiving David is first of ...
Influence of surface charge and particle size on the stabilization of colloidal particles by model polyelectrolytes

Abstract In this study, a homologous series of single-stranded DNA homopolymers is used to investigate the effect of polymer molecular weight on the ability of polyelectrolytes to stabilize suspensions of polystyrene latex particles. The critical polymer length (CPL) required for stabilization depends strongly on the average diameter of the latex particles, and is not influenced by the surface charge of the bare particles, at least at 1 M NaCl. The CPL for ∼500 nm latex particles is approximately 80 nucleotides, or greater than two persistence lengths, indicating that a high degree of polymer flexibility is required for the stabilization of these particles. The CPL for ∼100 nm latex particles, on the other hand, is approximately ten nucleotides, or less than 0.3 persistence lengths, suggesting that relatively rigid polymers are capable of stabilizing suspensions of the smaller latex particles. This relationship between CPL and particle size is apparently a result of the larger van der Waals interactions between larger particles. Changes in polymer conformation with particle size appear to be of secondary importance in the stabilization of these lattices.
Localization of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4-R) in neuroendocrine and autonomic control circuits in the brain.

POMC, the precursor of ACTH, MSH, and beta-endorphin peptides, is expressed in the pituitary and in two sites in the brain, in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and the commissural nucleus of the solitary tract of the brain stem. Little is known regarding the functions of melanocortin (ACTH and MSH) peptides in the brain. We report here the detailed neuroanatomical distribution of the MC4-R mRNA in the adult rat brain. The melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3-R), characterized previously, was found to be expressed in arcuate nucleus neurons and in a subset of their presumptive terminal fields but in few regions of the brainstem. The highly conserved MC4-R is much more widely expressed than MC3-R and is pharmacologically distinct. MC4-R mRNA was found in multiple sites in virtually every brain region, including the cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, brainstem, and spinal cord. Unlike the MC3-R, MC4-R mRNA is found in both parvicellular and magnocellular neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus...
Guidelines for applying Porter's five forces framework: a set of industry analysis templates

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide practitioners and students a practical yet comprehensive set of templates for applying Michael Porter's five forces framework for industry analysis. Design/methodology/approach – Based on experiences with practicing managers, small business owners, industry analysts, academics, and students, a set of industry analysis templates that systematically guides an analyst through a comprehensive assessment of the five forces is presented with the following: copies of the templates themselves, descriptions of their structure and use, an example of a completed template (spectator sports industry), and a discussion of possible modifications and extensions. Findings – The industry analysis templates described in this paper retain the comprehensiveness of Porter's framework but in a format much more student/manager-oriented using graphics, visual cues, a uniform structure, and straightforward descriptions of concepts. Template users show evidence of deeper strategic i...
Low-Temperature Phase of Infinite Cholesterics

Fluctuations are shown to dephase an infinite cholesteric to a state in which the molecules are aligned preferentially in a plane perpendicular to a pitch axis, but in which all angles in that plane are probed with equal probability. Correlation functions in this state are calculated.
Pulsed-power volume-heating chemical vapor infiltration

The dynamic behavior of a novel chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) technique called pulsed-power volume-heating CVI is investigated using a diffusion-reaction model. In this technique, a volume-heating source (e.g., RF or microwave) is used to heat the preform. The source power is modulated in time (e.g., square-wave modulation) with a specific period and duty cycle. During the low-power part of the cycle, the temperature of the composite drops, reducing the reaction rate and thus allowing the precursor gas to diffuse into the composite, essentially “refilling” the composite. This alleviates reactant concentration gradients within the composite minimizing density nonuniformities. The high-power part of the cycle is used to achieve rapid reaction rates, thereby minimizing processing time. CVI of a carbon fiber preform with carbon resulting from methane decomposition is taken as an example to illustrate the technique. The results reveal the dependence of density uniformity and processing time on relevant variables such as pulse period, duty cycle, power density level, and methane mole fraction. It is shown that pulsed-power volume-heating CVI can provide a window of operating conditions leading to rapid and complete densification.
On Artin's conjecture

Abstract Let F be a family of number fields which are normal and of finite degree over a given number field K. Consider the lattice L(scF) spanned by all the elements of F . The generalized Artin problem is to determine the set of prime ideals of K which do not split completely in any element H of L(scF), H≠K. Assuming the generalized Riemann hypothesis and some mild restrictions on F , we solve this problem by giving an asymptotic formula for the number of such prime ideals below a given norm. The classical Artin conjecture on primitive roots appears as a special case. In another case, if F is the family of fields obtained by adjoining to Q the q-division points of an elliptic curve E over Q , the Artin problem determines how often E( F p) is cyclic. If E has complex multiplication, the generalized Riemann hypothesis can be removed by using the analogue of the Bombieri-Vinogradov prime number theorem for number fields.
Survey of ex situ fruit and leaf volatiles from several Pistacia cultivars grown in California.

BACKGROUND: California is the second largest cultivator of pistachios, producing over 375 million pounds and a revenue of $ 787 million in 2009. Despite the agricultural and economic importance of pistachios, little is known regarding their actual volatile emissions, which are of interest owing to their potential roles as semiochemicals to insect pests. RESULTS: The ex situ volatile analysis of leaves from Pistacia atlantica, P. chinensis, P. lentiscus, P. palaestina, P. terebinthus, P. vera and P. weimannifolia demonstrated emission differences between species as well as between female and male leaves. Leaves from the female P. vera cultivars Bronte, Damghan, II, III, Kerman and Ohadi as well as fruits of P. atlantica, P. chinensis, P. lentiscus, P. palaestina, P. terebinthus and P. vera (cultivars II, III, Kaleh, Kerman, Momtaz and Ohadi) showed differences in the composition and relative quantity of major volatiles. The compounds in highest relative quantities from the various analyses were sabinene, Δ3-carene, β-myrcene, α-phellandrene, limonene, (Z)-ocimene, (E)-β-ocimene and α-terpinolene. CONCLUSION: This is the first ex situ survey of fruit and leaf volatile emissions from California-grown Pistacia species and a number of corresponding cultivars. The study provides an overview of the major and minor volatile emissions and also offers evidence of chemotypes based on monoterpenes. The results highlight the dissimilarity of major components detected between ex situ volatile collection and essential oil analysis. Published 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A tachistoscopic software system for use in remote timesharing applications

A program is described that permits the use of an Imlac PDS-1 display computer, in conjunction with a host timeshare system, as a software-controlled tachistoscope. Alphanumeric and graphic message strings are received from the host computer over a telephone line, and are then displayed for specified periods of time in sequence. The display computer records the S’s responses and reaction time and reports this information back to the host computer for recording and analysis. The system is designed so that the burden of software development for the realization of a specific experimental plan is shifted to the large-capacity host machine, and it can utilize all of the features of standard FORTRAN as implemented on the host computer system.
Synoviocytes are more sensitive than cartilage to the effects of minocycline and doxycycline on IL‐1α and MMP‐13‐induced catabolic gene responses

The objective of this study was to determine the primary articular tissue target of doxycycline and minocycline. Synoviocytes-cartilage cocultures (n = 4) were treated with MMP-13 (25 ng/mL medium) or IL-1 (1.0 ng/mL medium) for 24 h. Doxycycline (4.3, 0.43, 0.043 microM) or minocycline (10, 1.0 or 0.1 microM) were then added and cultures were continued for 96 h. Cartilage and media were analyzed for GAG content. Quantitative PCR was used to measure cartilage MMP-3, MMP-13, aggrecan, COL2A1, ADAMTS-4, and ADAMTS-5 expression, and synoviocyte MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and ADMATS-5 expression. Total and active MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS 4/5 enzymes were measured in culture medium. All concentrations of doxycycline and minocycline diminished GAG accumulation in the media. All concentrations of minocycline, but only the highest concentration of doxycycline decreased MMP-3 and MMP-13 expression in synoviocytes but not cartilage, and basal ADAMTS-5 mRNA levels in both synoviocytes and cartilage. Only minocycline decreased active MMP-13 protein in synoviocytes. In summary, the protective effects of tetracycline compounds are more pronounced in synoviocytes than cartilage, and following minocycline compared to doxycycline. Studies to determine the molecular mechanism of action of the tetracyclines in synoviocytes might lead to the design of targeted therapeutics for the treatment of OA or RA.
Effects of Retinoids on Human Lymphocyte Functions in vitro

1 E-Rosette formation in vitro, lymphocyte mitogenesis and natural killer (NK) activity of human blood lymphocytes were strongly inhibited by high concentration (10 -4 M) of retinol or retinal. Other retinoids at 10-4 M (retinoic acid and 13-cis-retinoic acid) and lower concentrations (10-7 or 10-9 M) of retinol, retinal and carotenes also inhibited E-rosette formation.2 Lymphocyte transformation responses induced by concanavalin A (Con A) or pokeweed mitogen (PWM) were also inhibited while NK activity was not affected.3 There was a remarkable depression of the total number of viable lymphocytes after incubation with retinol or retinal 10-4 M. However, other retinoids, 10-7 and 10-9 M of retinol and retinal and carotenes did not show marked decrease of lymphocyte number or viability even after prolonged incubation (48 h).4 The mechanism of inhibition by retinol or retinal (10-4 M) is due in part to the decrease of viable lymphocytes. It is unclear how other retinoids, carotenes and lower concentrations (1...
Thalamocortical activity during spreading depression

Abstract Simultaneous recordings from cortex and thalamus were made during the spread of Leao's depression along the cortex of the rabbit. Twenty-six experiments were selected for report, all carried out upon animals under light anesthesia. Unique slow potentials, previously described by Leao (1944) as locally appearing concomitants of the process, were detected in the thalamus; and the sites of coincident appearance in cortex and thalamus correlate well with the anatomical projections between the thalamic nuclei and the cortex of the rodent. Outcroppings of fast paroxysmal discharge were similarly localized to corresponding cortical and thalamic points and support the linkages reported. Results obtained by the strychnine activation method also correlate. Spread of depression or its associated slow potential discharges, originating at a point in the cortex and invading thalamic regions in succession, does not spread cortex to thalamus to cortex, but from successively activated cortical areas to their corresponding thalamic nuclei. Other subcortical centers were not investigated.
One‐year follow‐up of continuation convulsive therapy prescribed for depressed elderly patients

Nine elderly patients with major depression were followed for outcome of continuation ECT. All nine patients had poor response to pharmacotherapy of the index episode, favorable response to acute treatment with ECT and, to varying degrees, previous failure of prophylactic pharmacotherapy. Four of the nine patients complied with continuation ECT as recommended for periods of 9 months to 1 year; these patients remained essentially well during the follow-up period, while the five who stopped the treatment prematurely fared poorly (one died, one required chronic hospitalization and three where rehospitalized acutely). These findings suggest the need for controlled studies of continuation ECT in geriatric depression.
Fatigue-induced disbonds in adhesive lap splices of aluminum and their ultrasonic detection

This paper describes an experimental study of inducing disbonds in adhesively bonded aluminum lap splices by flexural fatigue and the use of ultrasonic methods for detecting such disbonds.Disbonds were imaged using focused beams of high frequency (15MHz) and low frequency (1 MHz) ultrasound. Detectability of disbonds above and below scrim cloth in the adhesive bond was investigated. Ultrasonic NDE results were compared with optical edge-on observations of disbond propagation during mechanical testing and also to other NDE methods such as thermal wave imaging and electronic speckle pattern interferometry. Methods for exploiting focused ultrasonic beam for inspection are discussed.
Endotoxin-Induced Growth Hormone Resistance in Skeletal Muscle

Inflammation-induced skeletal muscle wasting is a serious clinical problem and arises in part because of resistance to GH-stimulated IGF-I expression. Although it is established that in the liver, resistance develops because of impaired signaling through the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) transduction pathway, together with a more distal defect in STAT5 DNA-binding activity, the situation in skeletal muscle is unclear. Accordingly, we set out to characterize the mechanisms behind the skeletal muscle resistance to GH in rats with acute inflammation induced by endotoxin. Endotoxin caused significant declines in GH-stimulated STAT5a/b phosphorylation and IGF-I gene expression, and this occurred despite a lack of change in signaling protein levels or phosphorylation of JAK2. In whole muscle, GH-stimulated phospho-STAT5a/b levels were reduced by half, and in the nucleus, phospho-STAT5b levels were similarly reduced. Furthermore, the binding of phosphorylated STAT5b to DNA was reduced and to a similar extent to the reduction in nuclear phosphorylated STAT5b. Interestingly, GH-induced androgen receptor gene expression was also suppressed. Thus, it appears that skeletal muscle resistance to GH-stimulated IGF-I expression in acute endotoxemia arises from a defect in STAT5b signaling, with a proportionate reduction in STAT5b DNA binding. Finally, it appears that resistance to GH-induced androgen receptor expression also develops and, together with the attenuated GH-induced IGF-I expression, likely plays an important role in the muscle wasting that arises in endotoxin-induced inflammation.
Rules for Modeling Signal-Transduction Systems

Formalized rules for protein-protein interactions have recently been introduced to represent the binding and enzymatic activities of proteins in cellular signaling. Rules encode an understanding of how a system works in terms of the biomolecules in the system and their possible states and interactions. A set of rules can be as easy to read as a diagrammatic interaction map, but unlike most such maps, rules have precise interpretations. Rules can be processed to automatically generate a mathematical or computational model for a system, which enables explanatory and predictive insights into the system’s behavior. Rules are independent units of a model specification that facilitate model revision. Instead of changing a large number of equations or lines of code, as may be required in the case of a conventional mathematical model, a protein interaction can be introduced or modified simply by adding or changing a single rule that represents the interaction of interest. Rules can be defined and visualized by using graphs, so no specialized training in mathematics or computer science is necessary to create models or to take advantage of the representational precision of rules. Rules can be encoded in a machine-readable format to enable electronic storage and exchange of models, as well as basic knowledge about protein-protein interactions. Here, we review the motivation for rule-based modeling; applications of the approach; and issues that arise in model specification, simulation, and testing. We also discuss rule visualization and exchange and the software available for rule-based modeling.
Structure and process of diversification, compensation strategy, and firm performance

This study tests six hypotheses on the extent to which a match between compensation and diversification strategies affects firm performance. Using both archival and survey data, results generally support the notion that a firm's compensation strategies make a greater contribution to firm performance if these are attuned to extent and process of corporate diversification. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations for future research on compensation-diversification strategy relations and their interactive effect on firm performance.
A comparison of Eastern Boundary Upwelling Ecosystems

Abstract Coastal upwelling along eastern boundaries has fascinated oceanographers for decades. The strong coupling between atmospheric forcing, ocean circulation, biogeochemical cycling, and food web dynamics encouraged oceanographers to conduct multidisciplinary scientific studies that have since become common. Following that tradition, an interdisciplinary approach is taken to highlight differences between the major Eastern Boundary Upwelling Ecosystems (EBUE’s). Ocean basin-scale settings are important determinants of EBUE characteristics. First, trade winds accumulate heat and mass in the western side of the basins, deepening the thermocline in the west and raising it in the east. Second, and especially prominent in the Pacific, these properties are redistributed eastwards on interannual and multidecadal time scales, reducing the characteristically high biological productivity found in the eastern basin margins. Thirdly, north–south patterns of thermocline doming on the equator and deepening in the subtropical gyres, and high latitude weather-driven mixing makes latitude an important characteristic of each EBUE. As such each EBUE has 3–4 well-defined latitudinally distributed biomes. Many enigmas remain regarding EBUE’s including: (1) Why do EBUE’s differ dramatically in fish but not in primary production? (2) What nutrients or other physical properties limit EBUE primary production? (3) What roles do subsurface oxygen minimum zones play in EBUE ecosystems? (4) What role do euphausiids play in the transfer of energy through EBUE food webs? (5) What are the roles of EBUE food webs in the biogeochemical cycling of elements? (6) How inter-connected are biomes of EBUE ecosystems? and (7) Most importantly for society, how will EBUE’s respond to climate and global change.
An Extension of a Familiar Index of Observer Agreement

A popular index of observer agreement is a/ (a + d) in which a and d represent the number of agreements and disagreements. This article provides a rationale for the extension of the index to the mu...
A Content Analysis of Animation and Animated Spokes-Characters in Television Commercials

Abstract This study employed content analysis to examine animation and animated spokes-characters in television advertising. The majority of spokes-characters observed in this study were humans, animal personifications, or product personifications. Characters were more likely to speak for the product than provide visual demonstration although they did both in more than half the cases. There were far more non-celebrity than celebrity spokes-characters, and a large majority of them were male. Significant differences were found in the use of animation across dayparts, program types, product classes and product categories. Although no increase was evident in the use of animation since the last study was completed, there was evidence to suggest that the role of animation has been changing in the past decade. Findings indicate that animated spokes-characters are being used more often to present high involvement products to adult audiences.
Visualizing Geographic Classifications Using Color

AbstractThis paper presents the cartographic elements of a system for classifying and visualizing high-dimensional geographic datasets. The system has been developed as part of the Land Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) project. The goal of the system is to develop regional and global typologies of coastal zones using large multi-variable datasets. Our implementation bring together statistical clustering algorithms with visualization capabilities to allow easy analysis and comprehension of the result. The two main tasks of the visualization are to allow for discrimination of multiple classes and to show relationships between those classes. These are accomplished in two different visual presentations. In both cases, the system selects colors appropriate to the purpose. In the latter case — showing relationships — the system uses a novel iterative refinement algorithm to select the colors. The result show that the system is successful at both generation the classes and visualizing the relations...
Gasping and autoresuscitation in the developing rat: effect of antecedent intermittent hypoxia.

Gasping is a critically important mechanism for autoresuscitation and survival during extreme tissue hypoxia. Evidence of antecedent hypoxia in sudden infant death syndrome suggests that intermitte...
Spatial and temporal patterns in summertime sulfate aerosol acidity and neutralization within a metropolitan area

Abstract A study of sulfate aerosol acidity in Metropolitan Toronto was conducted during the summer of 1986. Fine-fraction aerosol ( 0.9 for 24-h data). However, spatial variations in the magnitude of aerosol acidity were observed during sulfate episodes. For example, the peak concentrations for all sites occurred on 25–26 July 1986. While the 24-h data for sulfate were quite uniform at the three sites (34, 34 and 35 μg m−3), H+ concentrations were 9.4, 8.3 and 6.0 μg m−3 (as H2SO4) for the NE, WNW and Center City sites, respectively. For most of the summertime episodes, the downtown area also had lower aerosol acidity compared to the two sites in suburban areas.
Brainstem Cavernoma Surgery: The State of the Art

N ew developments in technology, namely the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the 1980s, have facilitated surgery for the treatment of cavernous malformations. As evidenced by numerous publications, knowledge about the natural history (9) and genetics (2) of cavernous malformations as well as surgical experiences have skyrocketed, especially reports of brainstem cavernous malformations as in the current review by Gross et al. With a heavy reliance on technology, not unlike other areas in neurosurgery, removal of these deep and eloquent lesions represents a state-of-the-art operation.
Nonequilibrium infrared emission model for the wake flow of re-entry vehicles

A chemical and thermodynamic nonequilibrium emission model has been applied to the problem of a high-velocity re-entry vehicle. The model consists of a "detailed" state-to-state treatment of the translational-tovibrational and vibrational-to-vibrational energy transfer processes occurring in a one-dimensional wake flowfield. The resulting nonequilibrium vibrational populations are used to determine vibrational temperatures for the fundamental modes of molecular species. The mode vibrational temperatures are then used to determine approximate vibrational temperatures of hot bands that are used in a rapid, approximate radiative transfer algorithm to predict infrared emission for fundamental and hot-band emission at moderate spectral resolution (5 cm"). Application of the model to COz 4.3-jun band employs a chemical-kinetics mechanism involving 28 COi vibrational states, from which vibrational temperatures of the ?i, i% and v$ fundamental modes are determined. Approximate vibrational temperatures are then determined for 10,000 hot bands that are included in the spectral emission predictions for the 4.3-jun band. Significant nonequilibrium radiation effects are illustrated for CO2 vibrational bands at 2.7, 4.3, and 15 fim at an altitude of 57.9 km and the 4.3-/*m band at 30.5 km.
Maximum likelihood estimation for mixtures of two gompertz distributions when censoring occurs

In estimating the proportion ‘cured’ after adjuvant treatment, a population of cancer patients can be assumed to be a mixture of two Gompertz subpopulations, those who will die of other causes with no evidence of disease relapse and those who will die of their primary cancer. Estimates of the parameters of the component dying of other causes can be obtained from census data, whereas maximum likelihood estimates for the proportion cured and for the parameters of the component of patients dying of cancer can be obtained from follow-up data. This paper examines, through simulation of follow-up data, the feasibility of maximum likelihood estimation of a mixture of two Gompertz distributions when censoring occurs. Means, variances and mean square error of the maximum likelihood estimates and the estimated asymptotic variance-covariance matrix is obtained from the simulated samples. The relationship of these variances with sample size, proportion censored, mixing proportion and population parameters are conside...
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction and cardiovascular disease prevention: the search for superior treatment

Current US lipid-lowering guidelines indicate that optimal plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are <100 mg/dL, and targeting global risk assessment has significantly increased the number of individuals who are candidates for intensive plasma lipid-lowering therapy. There is accumulating evidence that reduction of plasma LDL-C concentrations to targets even lower than those currently recommended may provide additional benefit in coronary heart disease (CHD) prevention. For example, the Heart Protection Study (HPS) found that statin treatment initiated at a baseline LDL-C plasma level of <100 mg/dL in patients at high risk provided a relative benefit in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular events that was similar to when it was initiated at higher LDL-C plasma levels. In addition, it is becoming clear that CHD risk, and the need for intensive lipid-lowering treatment, may be underestimated in some populations, including individuals with the metabolic syndrome. In the overall primary prevention population, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein measurement has been shown to identify individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events who would not be considered at high risk on the basis of current systems of risk assessment. The increasing focus on intensive plasma lipid lowering to reduce CHD risk has placed a premium on the development of therapies with improved ability to reduce plasma levels of LDL-C.
Incorporating patient preferences into practice guidelines: Management of children with fever without source

Study objective: To evaluate parent preferences for the therapy of young children with fever without source. Participants: Consecutive parents, not in a medical profession, of children less than 36 months old. Setting: Pediatric clinic of a university teaching hospital. Design: During individual interviews at the time of their child's clinic visit parents were presented with a case scenario and two treatment options and the risks, outcomes, and costs associated with each. Main outcome measure: Parent preferences for alternative treatment strategies. Results: All parents correctly identified the management strategy with the higher probability of an adverse outcome. Seventyone percent chose the option with less testing and treatment and the greater risk of an adverse outcome. Parents' reasons for this choice were fewer painful tests and procedures (36%), less time waiting (32%), smaller chance of unnecessary antibiotics (23%), and ability to return if their child's condition deteriorated (22%). Thirty-two percent of parents indicated that cost was a factor in their decision. Age, gender, education, and/or number of children was not assciated with parents' treatment preferences. Conclusion: Parents' preferences may be considered when determining how to manage febrile infants and children.