cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Joint actions of carboxylic acid binary mixtures on Xenopus embryo development: comparison of joint actions for malformation types.

The joint action for malformations induced by 18 binary mixtures of four carboxylic acids was determined, using Xenopus embryos. The acids were selected to evaluate whether joint actions for mixtures changed when the data were analyzed by specific malformations or malformation syndromes as opposed to joint actions determined when any type of malformation was included in the analysis. Each of six binary combinations of the acids were tested three or four times in 96-h staticrenewal tests, starting with late-blastula stage embryos. Toxic unit analysis indicated that all but five of 56 possible analyses showed concentration addition joint actions. Concentration addition was observed for all instances in which microcephaly was included as a malformation (with or without other malformations being included) and for all possible mixtures where only eye defects were evaluated. In five instances, evaluating only abnormal gut coiling, the joint action was response addition, including all three mixtures for the valproic acid and pentanoic acid combination. The other 29 analyses which included abnormal gut coiling showed concentration addition. The results indicate that, for chemicals that are structurally similar and induce the same types of defects in frog embryos, there is no significant change in the joint action when the data is analyzed by specific malformations or syndromes rather than by including all malformations together. Abnormal gut coiling, a malformation induced by most toxic chemicals, appears to be less reliable for joint action determination, especially if it is the primary manifestation of abnormal development.
The Composition of Numbers 32: A New Proposal

Abstract This paper addresses the compositional history of the story of the apportionment of the Transjordan to the Reubenites and Gadites in Numbers 32. After a detailed study of the narrative difficulties within this chapter, it is argued that Numbers 32 contains two independent stories and a post-compilational insertion. Each of the two stories is then analyzed on its own terms and placed within its broader Pentateuchal context.
The resolution of the ultrasound pulsed Doppler for blood velocity measurements

Abstract Pulsed ultrasound Doppler velocity meters (PUDVM) permit noninvasive blood velocity measurements. The emitted ultrasound beam characteristics primarily determine the resolution of the instrument when recording velocity profiles. The sample volume, the small region over which velocity information data are detected, was found to be > 2·3 mm3 depending on the transducer disk dia., distance in front of the disk, sampling time increment, and pulse length. The shape of the sample volume approximates a cylinder in the near field and a frustrum of a cone in the far field. The end surfaces of the sample volume were affected by the emitted pulse shape. Ultrasonic beam cross-sections were found to be smaller than predicted by theory due to the finite threshold levels of the PUDVM. The variation of the sample volume with range was illustrated by steady laminar flow velocity profile measurements in rigid tubes. The accuracy of velocity measurements was within 5 per cent with slightly larger deviations occurring near the walls due to the finite sample volume.
Ultrathin metal films on TiO2(110): metal overlayer spreading and surface reactivity

We have studied the growth of ultrathin (< 50 A) Cu overlayers on stoichiometric TiO2(110) surfaces. Using low energy ion scattering, the growth mode of Cu was determined to be Volmer-Weber type (three-dimensional islands) at room temperature; evidence for cluster growth is observed even at 160 K. A comparison with Fe and Cr metal films shows that the spreading of the films correlates with the heat of formation of the metal oxide of the overlayer. Fe and Cr cause a reduction of the Ti4+ surface cations at the metal/metal oxide interface as observed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. No reduction of the TiO2 cations takes place upon contact with a Cu overlayer.
Patient Preferences for Noninsulin Diabetes Medications: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE An evidence-based synthesis of patient preferences for management of hyperglycemia is needed. Our objective was to systematically review patient preferences for noninsulin diabetes medications in adults with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We searched the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and EconLit databases for articles published on or before 23 January 2013. We included English-language studies of adult patients with type 2 diabetes that assessed patient preferences for diabetes medication treatment. Titles, abstracts, and articles were reviewed by at least two independent reviewers. Study data and quality were abstracted with standard protocols. RESULTS Of 2,811 titles identified in our original search, 10 articles met inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Studies were conducted from 2007 to 2012 among diverse patient populations in the U.S., Sweden, Denmark, and the U.K. Methods used to assess patient preferences included discrete choice experiments (e.g., conjoint analysis), time tradeoff exercises, standard gamble, and patient surveys. Key attributes of diabetes medication associated with patient preferences included treatment benefits (e.g., glycemic control and weight loss/control), treatment burden (e.g., administration, frequency, and cost), and side effects (e.g., weight gain, gastrointestinal effects, and hypoglycemia). CONCLUSIONS Various clinical and quality of life–related factors influence patient preferences for noninsulin diabetes medications. Treatment efficacy with regard to glycemic control and weight loss/control and the risk of treatment-related hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal effects are reported to be important drivers of patient treatment selections. Future work is needed to identify practical methods for incorporating patient preferences into treatment decision making and patient-centered care.
Dynamic instruction sequences monitor for virus detection

In this paper, we describe a program monitor which is able to capture runtime instruction sequences of an arbitrary program. To protect user computer from potentially malicious behavior of that program, we provide a protection mechanism. We intercept certain Win32 API and divert it to a safe version of that API. We also provide a plug-in mechanism to build application based on the captured runtime instruction sequences. The first application of the monitor is a virus detection system. The virus detection plug-in utilizes a classification model to make an intelligent guess based on the information extracted from instruction sequences to decide whether the tested program is benign or malicious. Our test result shows that our dynamic instruction monitor can protect user computer from malicious behavior in general case.
Recombination and redox couples in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract In this review we describe the importance of interfacial electron-transfer reactions from nanoparticle TiO 2 films to redox shuttles (i.e. recombination) in the context of dye-sensitized solar cells. The focus is on the use of outersphere redox couples to perform systematic investigations of recombination reactions. A primary example is a system of cobalt(III/II) tris-bipyridyl complexes. The result of these studies allowed for the development of a relatively simple model to predict the efficiency of DSSCs as a function of redox couple potential and reorganization energy. Results from the new redox systems, which were motivated by the model results, are also presented. In addition, methods of controlling recombination which can lead to high-efficiency solar cells are discussed.
Reggeized pion exchange and the 1425MeV Δ++(1238)π− enhancement in pp → pp π+π− at 7.9 GeV/c☆

Abstract A Reggeized pion exchange model is shown to give a generally adequate description of the decay mode and decay angular distributions of any substantial resonance contribution to the 1425 MeV enhancement. They do not appear to be consistent with those expected of the N∗ (1400), the P11 resonance of π−p phase-shift analysis.
In vivo, vascularized, functional, 3-dimensional cardiac tissue engineering

Abstract Introduction: Engineering cardiac tissue in three dimensions is limited by the ability to supply nourishment to cells in the center of the construct. This study describes a method of engineering contractile three dimensional cardiac tissue with the incorporation of an intrinsic vascular supply. Methods: Silicone tubes were filled with a suspension of neonatal cardiac myocytes in fibrin gel, and surgically placed around the femoral artery and vein of adult rats. At three weeks, the tissues in the chambers were harvested for in vitro contractility evaluation and processed for histologic analysis. Results: By three weeks, the chambers had become filled with living tissue. HandE staining showed large amounts of surviving muscle tissue. Electron micrographs revealed well-organized contractile machinery and a high degree of intercellular connectivity. Immunostaining for vonWillebrand factor demonstrated neovascularization throughout the constructs. With electrical stimulation, the constructs were able to generate an average active force of 263 micronewtons (n = 5) with a maximum of 849 micronewtons. Electrical pacing was successful without fatigue at frequencies of 1 to 5 Hz. In addition, the constructs exhibited positive inotropy in response to the addition of ionic calcium and positive chronotropy in response to epinephrine. Conclusions: As engineering of cardiac replacement tissues proceeds, vascularization is an increasingly important component in the development of three-dimensional structures. This study demonstrates the in vivo survival, vascularization, organization and functionality of transplanted myocardial cells.
Can Doppler systemic venous flow indices predict central venous pressure in children

Tricuspid valve, superior vena cava (SVC), and hepatic vein Doppler patterns may be abnormal in right heart anomalies and have been used to predict high central venous pressure (CVP) in adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of these systemic venous flow indices to CVP in children. Children undergoing cardiac catheterization were studied prospectively using simultaneous recordings of mean CVP with pulsed-Doppler tracings of SVC, hepatic vein, and tricuspid valve flow. Systemic venous Doppler measurements included peak velocities and velocity time integrals for ventricular systole (S), ventricular diastole (D), and ventricular systole (B), and atrial systole (A). Tricuspid inflow Doppler E and A waves were recorded also. Patients with significant tricuspid stenosis or regurgitation, systemic venous obstruction, and nonsinus rhythm were excluded. The 42 patients ranged in age from 0.2 to 21.0 years and in weight from 3.0 to 68.0 kg. Mean CVPs ranged from 1 to 17 mmHg. Catheterization indications included hemodynamic evaluation (25 patients), transplant biopsy, (11 patients), and interventional procedures (6 patients). No SVC or tricuspid valve Doppler measurement correlated with CVP. Hepatic vein peak D, peak B, and peak A significantly correlated with CVP (r = 0.34 - 0.55; P < 0.05, linear regression). For all correlations, the r values were low with significant overlap among patients. Thus, in children, only hepatic vein peak velocities correlate with CVP. Because of the low r values and significant overlap among patients, the currently used Doppler indices have a low sensitivity for predicting CVP in this age group.
Tilt of the Electron Fermi Surface in Bi

Many experiments show that the long axes of the three extremely prolate ellipsoids which represent the electron Fermi surface in bismuth are tilted \ensuremath{\sim}6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} from the trigonal plane of the Brillouin zone; however, the sign of this tilt angle cannot be unambiguously obtained from the literature. We report results obtained from measurements of the de Haas-van Alphen and de Haas-Shubnikov effects and quadratic magneto-resistance which show that the sign of the tilt angle is positive in terms of the usual conventions, which are carefully defined. More explicitly, the long axis of each ellipsoid lies within the \ensuremath{\sim}18\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} angle made by a bisectrix direction and a $\ensuremath{\Gamma}L$ direction in the Brillouin zone. Our results are shown to agree with the most recent band calculations for Bi. Comparison of de Haas-van Alphen results on Bi and Sb samples, each with the same orientation as determined by x rays, shows that, independently of any convertion, the tilt angles of Bi and Sb have opposite signs. We also clarify the procedures for properly orienting a crystal of bismuth by observing either twinning planes or etch pits in the trigonal plane.
Decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase after estradiol treatment of MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells.

Abstract MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cultures grown in the presence of 17- β estradiol form solid, multicellular nodules, a process that reflects changes in cell–substrate adhesions and loss of growth inhibition. We examined the effects of estradiol on the status of tyrosine phosphorylation in focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the association of FAK with paxillin using immunoprecipitations and then probing western blots for FAK, phosphotyrosine, and paxillin. Culture of MCF-7 cells for seven days in the presence of 1 nM E 2 resulted in decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK compared to controls. The estradiol-induced effect was blocked by 100 nM of the estrogen receptor antagonist 4-hydroxytamoxifen, indicating dephosphorylation of FAK is an estrogen receptor-mediated event. FAK immunoprecipitated from either estradiol or DMSO-treated cells phosphorylated the exogenous substrate poly(Glu,Tyr), suggesting that the potential kinase activity of FAK was not changed by estradiol. Estradiol treatment also resulted in a reduced association between FAK and paxillin. The decreased phosphorylation levels and reduced association between FAK and paxillin may be important steps leading to the loss of stable focal contacts and loss of growth inhibition during MCF-7 nodulation.
Precipitation processes in a β-phase Cu-15 at% Sn shape memory alloy

Etude par microscopie electronique en champ sombre des phases donnant des reflexions supplementaires de Cu-15% at. Sn trempe
Virtual multiprocessor: an analyzable, high-performance architecture for real-time computing

The design of a real-time architecture is governed by a trade-off between analyzability necessary for real-time formalism and performance demanded by high-end embedded systems. We reconcile this trade-off with a novel Real-time Virtual Multiprocessor (RVMP). RVMP virtualizes a single in-order superscalar processor into multiple interference-free different-sized virtual processors. This provides a flexible spatial dimension. In the time dimension, the number and size of virtual processors can be rapidly reconfigured. A simple real-time scheduling approach concentrates scheduling within a small time interval, producing a simple repeating space/time schedule that orchestrates virtualization. RVMP successfully combines the analyzability (hence real-time formalism) of multiple processors with the flexibility (hence high performance) of simultaneous multithreading (SMT).Worst-case schedulability experiments show that more task-sets are provably schedulable on RVMP than on conventional rigid multiprocessors with equal aggregate resources, and the advantage only intensifies with more demanding task-sets. Run-time experiments show RVMP's statically-controlled coarser-grain space/time configurability is as effective as unsafe SMT. Moreover, RVMP provides a real-time formalism that SMT does not currently provide.
Molecular organization and motions of crystalline monoacylglycerols and diacylglycerols: a C-13 MASNMR study

Six saturated acylglycerols (1-myristoyl-sn-glycerol, 1-palmitoyl-sn-glycerol, 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycerol, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-rac-glycerol, and 1,3-dimyristoylglycerol) were studied in their various polymorphic forms (sub-alpha, alpha, beta') by natural abundance C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) with magic angle spinning (MASNMR). C-13 MASNMR does not require single crystals and can observe relatively disordered crystals, distinct advantages over crystallographic diffraction methods. Well resolved spectra were obtained for each acylglycerol, and the chemical shifts of corresponding carbons were different for each crystalline phase and the isotropic liquid phase; moreover, in the case of monoacylglycerols, the symmetrically nonequivalent molecules in the same crystalline structure gave distinct C-13 resonances for the same carbon. The C-13 chemical shifts corresponding to each polymorphic phase were interpreted in terms of differences in intramolecular bond distances, intermolecular interactions (such as H bonding), and molecular motions. Mobilities of the glycerol backbone and acyl chains were assessed by the C-13 linewidths and the C-H dipolar relaxation rates. The chemical shift anisotropy(ies) (delta sigma) of the carbonyl group(s) of each acylglycerol was determined from slow-spinning MAS spectra, and was discussed in terms of the conformational and/or motional changes for the carbonyl carbon(s).
Endoscopic Resection with Ligation Using a Multi-Band Mucosectomy System in Barrett's Esophagus with High-Grade Dysplasia and Intramucosal Carcinoma

Background: Endoscopic therapy for early neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus (BE) is evolving. Endoscopic resection has an increasing role. We wanted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of multi-band ligation/resection [ER-L] without pre-injection in BE with high-grade dysplasia [HGD] and intramucosal carcinoma [IMCA]. Methods: A cohort of 65 consecutive patients from a single academic medical center, who underwent ER-L as part of endoscopic eradication therapy for BE with HGD/IMCA were studied. ER-L was performed afterendoscopic mapping and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Subsequently, adjunctive ablative therapies including photodynamic therapy, argon plasma coagulation and radiofrequency ablation were applied to achieve complete eradication of all BE. Thereafter biopsy surveillance was performed per protocol. All patients were prescribed a proton-pump inhibitor. Main outcome measurements: Change in histopathological stage; eradication of BE and HGD/IMCA; adverse events. Results: The median number of ER-L applications in each session was 4 (range 1—6) and the mean total number of ER-L sessions was 1.5. Compared with prior forceps biopsy, histopathology from the ER-L specimen changed in 24 (37.5%, p = <0.0001). With median follow-up of 15 months (range 8—42), complete and durable BE eradication was achieved with ER-L alone in 36 (60%) and the remainder with adjunctive ablation therapies. There were nine complications (four (6%) acute bleeding, five (7.5%) strictures, zero perforations). Conclusions: ER-L without submucosal (SM) pre-injection is safe and effective when applied selectively for eradication of BE with HGD/IMCA. There is significant change in pathological stage after ER-L conferring a diagnostic and staging advantage. ER-L may be used adjunctively with ablation therapies.
Perimortem cesarean section

Abstract Perimortem cesarean section probably represents an underem-phasized procedure on the skills list of the emergency physician. Although fraught with emotional and medicolegal overtones, the procedure can yield viable infants in at least 15% of cases and occasionally alters maternal hemodynamics so as to restore the pulse in a clinically dead woman. This article reviews the physiology and hemodynamics of the maternal-fetal unit and discusses prognostic factors for the survival of healthy mother and infant, leading to recommendations for when to perform a perimortem cesarean section. The article then describes the technical aspects of the procedure.
Disconnecting: Understanding decline in universal service

At a time when choices for voice service and funding for universal service were growing, the United States experienced an unprecedented drop in household telephone penetration. Universal service in voice telephony is generally taken for granted in the United States. However, recent data from the FCC shows a significant decline in the number of U.S. households that have a telephone of any kind (including mobile), from a peak in telephone penetration of 95.5% in March 2003 down to 92.9% in November 2005. This decline is both statistically significant and meaningful, as approximately 2.6% of U.S. households could not easily reach 911 for emergencies. This study uses regression analysis of state-level data to determine what drove this decline in universal service. The results demonstrate that the recent decline in universal service in the U.S. is driven by an increase in black population, inadequate consumer protection laws, and increases in wireless telephones per capita. Lifeline effectiveness does not appear to mitigate the decline in penetration, while Link-Up effectiveness may have a limited effect.
Induction of Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis in Cultured Rat Oligodendrocytes by Murine Coronavirus Is Mediated during Cell Entry and Does Not Require Virus Replication

Murine coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) causes demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS) in rats and mice. Apoptotic oligodendrocytes have been detected in the vicinity of the CNS demyelinating lesions in these animals. However, whether MHV can directly induce oligodendrocyte apoptosis has not been documented. Here, we established a rat oligodendrocyte culture that is morphologically and phenotypically indistinguishable from the primary rat oligodendrocytes. Using this culture, we showed that mature rat oligodendrocytes were permissive to MHV infection but did not support productive virus replication. Significantly, oligodendrocytes infected with both live and ultraviolet light-inactivated viruses underwent apoptosis to a similar extent, which was readily detectable at 24 h postinfection as revealed by apoptotic bodies and DNA fragmentation, indicating that MHV-induced apoptosis is mediated during the early stages of the virus life cycle and does not require virus replication. Prior treatment of cells with the lysosomotropic agents NH(4)Cl and chloroquine as well as the vacuolar proton pump-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1, all of which block the acidification of the endosome, prevented oligodendrocytes from succumbing to apoptosis induced by MHV mutant OBLV60, which enters cells via endocytosis, indicating that fusion between the viral envelope and cell membranes triggers the apoptotic cascade. Treatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk blocked MHV-induced apoptosis, suggesting an involvement of the caspase-dependent pathway. Our results, thus, for the first time provide unequivocal evidence that infection of oligodendrocytes with MHV directly results in apoptosis. This finding provides an explanation for the destruction of oligodendrocytes and the damage of myelin sheath in MHV-infected CNS and suggests that oligodendrocyte apoptosis may be one of the underlying mechanisms for the pathogenesis of MHV-induced demyelinating diseases in animals.
A direct comparison of MOCNESS and Video Plankton Recorder zooplankton abundance estimates : Possible applications for augmenting net sampling with video systems

Abstract A Video Plankton Recorder (VPR) was mounted on the frame of a 1- m 2 Multiple Opening and Closing Environmental Sensing System (MOCNESS) with 333- μ m mesh nets during May 1997 on a cruise to the southern flank of Georges Bank. Comparison of data from the two gears used a series of sampling hauls taken along a hydrographic mooring line encompassing the tidal front. To maximize species sampling overlap, a second study compared data from the VPR to data from a 1 4 - m 2 MOCNESS with 64- μ m mesh nets. Data sets were modified due to taxa abundance, organism size, or susceptibility to net damage, to contain only zooplankton that both gears sampled quantitatively. Taxa proportional contribution to the total Copepoda abundance was not affected by differing gear. Mean proportional differences ranged from 7% for Calanus to 15% for Pseudocalanus and the other copepoda taxa categories. The VPR produced standardized abundances that averaged two times higher than the MOCNESS nets. The differences in abundance may be decreased by a more accurate calibration of the VPR field of view or adjusted by a calibration factor. Gear comparison results were affected by net mesh size and oceanographic conditions. Results were not influenced by simultaneous, sequential or delayed timing between the samples that were compared. Consideration was given to the improvements possible to plankton surveys, larval feeding studies, and coupled bio-physical modeling, from VPR integration with net samplers.
Centroid-moment tensor solutions for July–September 1989

Abstract Centroid-moment tensor solutions are presented for 169 earthquakes that occurred during the third quarter of 1989. The solutions are obtained using corrections for aspherical Earth structure.
Predicting numbers of eggs in jack pine budworm and spruce budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) egg masses in Michigan.

Simple linear regression equations were developed to predict numbers of eggs in jack pine budworm (JPBW), Choristoneura pinus pinus Freeman, and spruce budworm (SBW), Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens), egg masses in Michigan as a function of egg mass length for two-row, two-row+ (two rows with a partial third row), and three-row egg masses. Regressions based on data collected from different stands and different years were significantly different for each egg row type of each species. However, all data sets for each species were pooled separately to develop prediction models for general application in Michigan. All regression lines for each insect were significant, and the two regression lines for the two insects were significantly different for each egg-row type. For each species, numbers of eggs per egg mass and egg-mass length increased as row number increased. JPBW egg masses had ca. 1.9-fold as many eggs per egg mass and were ca. 2-fold as long as SBW egg masses. Numbers of eggs per millimeter of egg-mass length were somewhat higher for SBW egg masses. Prediction models yielded average absolute errors ranging from 3.2 to 6.7 eggs and from 2.4 to 3.5 eggs, and average relative errors ranging from -3.6 to 1.2% and from 2.3 to 2.5%, for JPBW and SBW egg masses, respectively.
Flint Kaolins in Non-Coal-Bearing Triassic of Sydney Basin, Australia: ABSTRACT

Claystones, similar in composition, texture, and structure to the flint kaolins of the Pennsylvanian of North America, the Westphalian of Europe, and the Permian coal measures of South Africa and Australia, form a persistent marker bed in the non-coal-bearing Triassic Narrabeen Group of the Sydney basin. End_Page 538------------------------------ The claystones are indurated and characteristically possess oolitic textures, although vermicular crystals and brecciated fragments are present in most samples. Well-crystallized kaolinite is the only clay mineral present and is associated invariably with anatase and locally with abundant (> 50 percent) boehmite or siderite. Quartz, either as discrete grains or as chalcedony, is rare or absent. The unit ranges in thickness from 1 to 6 ft and can be traced for more than 50 mi along the southeastern margin of the basin. However, extensive boring downdip has shown that it thins out abruptly in that direction. The underlying sediments consist of red claystones, known locally as the "chocolate shales." Apart from well-crystallized kaolinite and anatase, these claystones contain appreciable quantities of hematite (15-25 percent), but quartz and clay minerals, other than kaolinite, are sparse or absent. The overlying sediments, however, are composed of quartz, illite, and degraded illite as well as kaolinite. The "chocolate shales" are believed to represent a transported laterite or lateritic bauxite and the flint kaolins are considered to be the reduced equivalent, formed by the advent of swampy conditions at the close of deposition of the sedimentary sequence. End_of_Article - Last_Page 539------------
Utility of Marine Benthic Associations as a Multivariate Proxy of Paleobathymetry: A Direct Test from Recent Coastal Ecosystems of North Carolina

Benthic marine fossil associations have been used in paleontological studies as multivariate environmental proxies, with particular focus on their utility as water depth estimators. To test this approach directly, we evaluated modern marine invertebrate communities along an onshore-offshore gradient to determine the relationship between community composition and bathymetry, compare the performance of various ordination techniques, and assess whether restricting community datasets to preservable taxa (a proxy for paleontological data) and finer spatial scales diminishes the applicability of multivariate community data as an environmental proxy. Different indirect (unconstrained) ordination techniques (PCoA, CA, DCA, and NMDS) yielded consistent outcomes: locality Axis 1 scores correlated with actual locality depths, and taxon Axis 1 scores correlated with actual preferred taxon depths, indicating that changes in faunal associations primarily reflect bathymetry, or its environmental correlatives. For datasets restricted to taxa with preservable hard parts, heavily biomineralized mollusks, open ocean habitats, and a single onshore-offshore gradient, the significant correlation between water depth and Axis 1 was still observed. However, for these restricted datasets, the correlation between Axis 1 and bathymetry was reduced and, in most cases, notably weaker than estimates produced by subsampling models. Consistent with multiple paleontological studies, the direct tests carried out here for a modern habitat using known bathymetry suggests that multivariate proxies derived from marine benthic associations may serve as a viable proxy of water depth. The general applicability of multivariate paleocommunity data as an indirect proxy of bathymetry is dependent on habitat type, intrinsic ecological characteristics of dominant faunas, taxonomic scope, and spatial and temporal scales of analysis, highlighting the need for continued testing in present-day depositional settings.
Reliability in Perspective

The theme of the 1968 Annual Symposium on Reliability, ``Reliability in Perspective,'' can be discussed from many aspects, ranging from purely technical to top management dialogue. This discussion will be addressed to the role of the reliability practitioner in today's environment.
Besprechungen—Comptes rendus—Reviews

DEMSETZ, HAROLD: Ownership, Control, and the Firm. Oxford and Cambridge: Basil Blackwell 1990.300 pp. $ 14.95.
Reconstruction artifacts in VRX CT scanner images

Variable Resolution X-ray (VRX) CT scanners allow imaging of different sized anatomy at the same level of detail using the same device. This is achieved by tilting the x-ray detectors so that the projected size of the detecting elements is varied to produce reconstructions of smaller fields of view with higher spatial resolution. As with regular CT scanners, the images obtained with VRX scanners are affected by different kinds of artifacts of various origins. This work studies some of these artifacts and the impact that the VRX effect has on them. For this, computational models of single-arm single-slice VRX scanners are used to produce images with artifacts commonly found in routine use. These images and artifacts are produced using our VRX CT scanner simulator, which allows us to isolate the system parameters that have a greater effect on the artifacts. A study of the behavior of the artifacts at varying VRX opening angles is presented for scanners implemented using two different detectors. The results show that, although varying the VRX angle will have an effect on the severity of each of the artifacts studied, for some of these artifacts the effect of other factors (such as the distribution of the detector cells and the position of the phantom in the reconstruction grid) is overwhelmingly more significant. This is shown to be the case for streak artifacts produced by thin metallic objects. For some artifacts related to beam hardening, their severity was found to decrease along with the VRX angle. These observations allow us to infer that in regular use the effect of the VRX angle artifacts similar to the ones studied here will not be noticeable as it will be overshadowed by parameters that cannot be easily controlled outside of a computational model.
Habitual sleep duration and the premature decline of aging-sensitive abilities in young adults

Groups of young habitual long-and short-sleeping college students were tested individually on Botwinick and Storandt’s Copying Digits Task. This was done as a test of the hypothesis that habitual sleep duration is directly related to level of performance on array of agingsensitive abilities. Congruent with this hypothesis, we found that our young long sleepers performed at their age level on this task, whereas the young short sleepers performed on this task as if they were in their mid-40s.
Histospline smoothing the Bayesian bootstrap

SUMMARY This paper describes a version of the Bayesian bootstrap that assigns random Dirichlet mass uniformly across statistically equivalent blocks. The method requires prior knowledge that the underlying distribution is continuous with known compact support. Under these conditions, the resulting analysis has three advantages over traditional bootstrap competitors. First, it takes account of the probability integral transformation. Secondly, it often enables exact expressions for the bootstrap distributions of common statistical functionals; thus small sample properties are known precisely, in contrast to the usual bootstrap situation. Thirdly, it shows consistent superiority in large-scale simulation experiments that compare the global accuracy of confidence intervals for the mean, median, variance and distribution function. The simulation experiments use a goodnessof-fit test as the basis for comparing the performance of competing bootstrap techniques.
Immunological cell type characterization and Th1–Th17 cytokine production in a mouse model of Gaucher disease

Gaucher disease is a lysosomal storage disease resulting from insufficient acid β-glucosidase (glucocerebrosidase, GCase, EC 4.2.1.25) activity and the resultant accumulation of glucosylceramide. Macrophage (Mϕ) lineage cells are thought to be the major disease effectors because of their secretion of numerous cytokines and chemokines that influence other poorly defined immunological cell populations. Increases in several such populations were identified in a Gba1 mouse model (D409V/null; 9V/null) of Gaucher disease including antigen presenting cells (APCs), i.e., Mϕ, dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils (PMNs), and CD4(+) T cells. FACS analyses showed increases in these cell types in 9V/null liver, spleen lung, and bone marrow. T-cells or APCs enhanced activations were evident by positivity of CD40L, CD69, as well as CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHCII on the respective cells. Mϕ, and, unexpectedly, DCs, PMNs, and T cells, from 9V/null mice showed excess glucosylceramides as potential bases for activation of APCs and T cells to induce Th1 (IFNγ, IL12, TNFα,) and Th17 (IL17A/F) cytokine production. These data imply that excess glucosylceramides in these cells are pivotal for activation of APCs and T cell induction of Th1 and Th17 responses and PMN recruitment in multiple organs of this model of Gaucher disease.
Safety and efficacy of perflubron-induced lung growth in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Results of a prospective randomized trial.

Abstract Background Mechanical transduction has been shown to promote fetal lung growth. We examined the safety and efficacy of perflubron-induced lung growth (PILG) in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods Infants with left-sided CDH requiring ECMO were eligible. Exclusion criteria included active air leak, intracranial hemorrhage, major congenital anomalies, and oxygenation index >25 for 24hours. Perflubron was instilled endotracheally and continuous positive airway pressure was applied without ventilation. Survival to discharge was the primary outcome. Daily chest radiographs were used to quantify lung size (the secondary outcome). Midway through the study our institutional practice shifted toward earlier repair of CDH. Results Eight infants were randomized to each arm. In the conventional-ventilation arm, six survived to discharge (75%). In the perflubron arm, four survived (50%); the others succumbed to suprasystemic pulmonary hypertension. No adverse events related to perflubron occurred. Within the perflubron group, 4/8 patients had "late repair" (15–19days of life [DOL]) and 4 had "early repair" (2–3 DOL). "Early repair" patients had similar total lung growth, but accelerated growth and shorter ECMO runs. Conclusion PILG is safe in CDH and doubles the total lung size on average (accelerated with early repair). Despite amelioration of pulmonary hypoplasia with PILG, pulmonary hypertension persists.
Comparison of X-ray and ab initio deformation densities in dimethyl-γ-pyrone and triazine trichloride

Abstract Deformation density contour maps for dimethyl-γ-pyrone and for triazine trichloride derived both from X-ray diffraction intensity measurements and from ab initio electronic structure calculations are reported and a detailed comparison discussed. There is generally good agreement between the X-ray and ab initio maps when the electronic structure calculation employs a polarization basis set. Only very gross features of agreement are seen between the maps when split valence basis sets are used. Different regions of the molecule fare differently, but reasonably secure uniform agreement over the majority of the molecular density is obtained with the polarization basis set. The hierarchy of basis sets examined range over STO-3G, 3-21G, 4-31G, 6-31G and 6-31G ∗ . Both approaches show extensive delocalization of the π electron system of these molecules.
Dynamical Systems Theory in Psychology: Assistance for the Lay Reader is Required.

Dynamical Systems Theory (DST) has generated interest and excitement in psychological research, as demonstrated by the recent statement, “…the dynamical perspective has emerged as a primary paradigm for the investigation of psychological processes at different levels of personal and social reality” (Vallacher et al., 2010, p. 263). What is less clear to the authors is the degree to which this excitement is justified. Like many psychology researchers, we were initially unfamiliar with the concepts, terminology, and techniques used in DST modeling (an approach that was developed in physics), which made it difficult to judge applications of DST in the articles we encountered. After reading introductory DST material, we developed some opinions about how authors of DST-related articles could help psychologists who are not familiar with DST [hereafter referred to as “lay reader(s)”] to begin to make judgments about their work. In order for DST to be a useful methodology for psychology research, we believe, DST-based work must be reasonably accessible to other psychologists. Although we are restricting our discussion to the application of DST methodology to clinical psychology research, we believe that the following three recommendations may be applied to the field of psychology more broadly.
A study ofD-region irregularities

Abstract Irregularities in the ionospheric D-region (70–90 km) were studied with partially reflected radio wave pulses on a frequency of 2.4 MHz (λ = 125 m). Irregularity characteristics have been deduced from phase path changes (with a resolution of less than 20 m), the coherence of the phase record, and the space and time correlation functions of the ground diffraction pattern. Incoherent phase records were most common but coherent records were often obtained, particularly between 70 and 80 km at the equinoxes. The principal conclusions are 1. (1) irregularity speed measurements by phase height and by spaced receiver drifts are in good agreement so that the usual factor of two relationships between irregularity motion and ionospheric drifts is applicable 2. (2) there is high correlation between the phase coherence, the fading time and the ground diffraction pattern size, 3. (3) an exponential spatial correlation function provides a better description of the diffraction pattern than a cosine, Gauss or modified Bessel function, and 4. (4)the characteristics of some of the irregularities are consistent with their movement by internal atmospheric gravity waves.
Hormone selective lipase activation in the isolated rabbit heart.

Abstract The synthesis and release of PGs by the isolated perfused rabbit heart upon bradykinin stimulation results from lipase stimulation which liberates arachidonic acid for PG biosynthesis. The [ 14 C]-labelled fatty acids, arachidonate, linoleate, and oleate, when infused into the heart preparation, were efficiently incorporated into the phospholipid pool in the heart, mostly in the 2-position of phosphatidylcholine. On the other hand, [ 14 C]-palmitate was esterified into both the 1- and the 2-position. Bradykinin released bioassayable PG when injected into the rabbit hearts regardless of which fatty acid label was incorporated into the phospholipid pool. However, only [ 14 C]-arachidonic acid (but not [ 14 C]-linoleate, oleate or palmitate) was liberated from the variously labelled hearts upon hormone stimulation. This selective bradykinin effect on fatty acid release suggests that hormone stimulation either activates a specific lipase that distinguishes different fatty acids in the 2-position or activates lipase which is selectively compartmented with arachidonate-containing phospholipids. Ischemia, on the other hand, appeared to non-specifically stimulate tissue lipases, resulting in a non-selective release of oleic as well as arachidonic acid. A disproportionally large release of arachidonic acid was observed accompanying a relatively small PG (10:1 arachidonate: PG ratio) production during ischemia, as compared to bradykinin (3:1 ratio), suggesting distinct mechanisms for PG biosynthesis induced by bradykinin and ischemia. This work was supported by NIH grants: SCOR-HL-17646, HE-14397, HL-20787, and Experimental Pathology training grant (WH) 5 TO1 GM00897-16. Address correspondence to Dr. Philip Needleman, Department of Pharmacology, Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
Legitimizing and Elevating Telework: Chinese Constructions of a Nonstandard Work Arrangement

Telework—the performance of paid labor activities at sites other than conventional workplaces and through the use of communication technologies—has not been considered a legitimate work form in China. Analyzing in-depth interviews thematically, the authors found that teleworkers from the post-80s generation not only legitimized their work form pragmatically and morally but also elevated it as a better choice for more achievement, flexibility, autonomy, efficiency, and professional development. Although they evaluated their choice positively, these teleworkers also acknowledged the unique challenges in cultivating guanxi (building relationships) and careers in China when working remotely. The authors suggest that telework in China offers a contested site for studying the dialectic tensions between traditional Chinese values and Western business discourses.
An Experimental Study on the Use of Multistatic Imaging For Investigating Electromagnetic Wave-object Interaction

Microwave diversity imaging has the potential to become a very useful tool for understanding and analyzing electromagnetic scattering from complex objects. In order for this potential to reach fruition, however, a number of aspects must be dealt with thoroughly: e.g., (1) the method for retrieving the image from scattering measurements must be appropriate for the type of object under investigation; (2) the selection of imaging technique must be made, where possible, so as to obtain direct relationships between image intensity (or texture) and scattering mechanisms of interest; and (3) the effects of measurement parameters, such as imaging aperture and frequency, and processing effects, such as gating and windowing, must be well understood. This paper addresses (2) experimentally, with a basis in image retrieval under the physical optics (PO) approximation. It is shown, via images of single cylinders and simple arrangements of cylinders, that multistatic imaging can lead to better understanding of electrom...
Photoinduced ring opening reactions and subsequent thermal ring closure reactions in the thymine–ammonia system and related systems

The photo-induced ring opening reactions of thymine (Thy) and 1-methylthymine (MeT) with ammonia and with methylamine (MA) at basic pH, and the subsequent ring closure reactions of the resulting adducts, have been studied. In the photo-induced reaction of Thy with ammonia, the dominant product is the E form of N-carbamoyl-3-amino-2-methylacrylamide (IIIa). Heating or acid treatment of aqueous IIIa results in rapid formation of Thy as final product, while allowing IIIa to stand at 4 °C produces Thy and two isomeric Thy hydrates, namely trans- and cis-6-hydroxy-5,6-dihydrothymine (Ia and IIa). The main products in the other reactions have analogous structures and undergo analogous ring closure reactions. Incubation of IIIa (and similar adducts) in phosphate buffer near pH 7 significantly enhances the rate of hydrate formation; other weak acid/conjugate base buffer systems also increase the rate of hydrate formation. A mechanism leading from opened ring adduct (e.g.IIIa) to hydrates (e.g.Ia and IIa) is proposed; ring closure leads initially to a dihydrothymine intermediate containing a 6-amino moiety, while further reaction with water produces the observed hydrates. The results described may be relevant to understanding the fate of cross-links generated by photo-induced reaction of thymine moieties in DNA with lysine residues in nuclear proteins (e.g. histones) when they are formed in a cellular environment. Decomposition of such cross-links, catalyzed by cellular phosphate, could lead to production of thymine hydrates attached to lysine residues contained in the protein partner and concurrent generation of an apyrimidinic site in the DNA partner.
Effect of lidocaine on escape rate in patients with complete atrioventricular block: B. Proximal His bundle block.

Abstract Lidocaine was administered intravenously (a loading dose of 1.5 mg/kg body weight followed by a 3 mg/min infusion) to 10 patients with complete atrioventricular (A-V) block proximal to the His bundle and A-V Junctional escape rhythm. A-V block was not due to an acute myocardial infarction in seven patients (group I) and was due to an acute inferior wall infarction in three patients (group II). Lidocaine had either no or only a slight depressant effect on the rate of the escape pacemaker in patients in group I but caused severe bradycardia or asystole in two of three patients in group II. Lidocaine had no consistent effect on the atrial rate and did not change the QRS duration and H-V intervals in any patient. These observations are consistent with the results of animal studies that showed that lidocaine selectively depressed conduction in Ischemic or depolarized myocardium. The findings also suggest that the use of lidocaine without prior insertion of a pacemaker is unsafe in patients with acute myocardial infarction and complete A-V block proximal to the His bundle.