cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Launching a Text a Librarian Service: Cornell's Preliminary Experiences

The Cornell University Library's beta Text a Librarian reference service went live in January 2009. This article discusses the initial six months of the service, touching on the issues of beta testing, implementation, staffing, training, and promotion. It then briefly analyzes the number and type of questions and the development of the best texting practices for reference staff.
Comment on “Methane on Mars: A product of H2O photolysis in the presence of CO” by A. Bar-Nun and V. Dimitrov

Abstract Bar-Nun and Dimitrov [Bar-Nun, A., Dimitrov, V., 2006. Icarus 181, 320–322] suggested a sequence of reactions to form methane on Mars. These reactions are based on the study of products in the N 2 –CO–H 2 O mixture irradiated at 185 nm. The suggested scheme was not quantitatively justified by chemical kinetics. One of the key reactions is effectively blocked by O 2 in the martian atmosphere, and another key reaction does not exist. There are no pathways for effective formation of methane in the martian atmosphere.
Gender and self-disclosure revisited: personal and contextual variations in self-disclosure to same-sex acquaintances.

Abstract Male and female American students who differed in masculinity and in femininity self-disclosed to a same-sex stranger in contexts that made either social/expressive motives or instrumental motives salient. The results were consistent with the primary assertion that measures of sex role identity are better predictors of contextual variations in self-disclosure than is sex per se. Sex consistently failed to predict subjects' willingness to self-disclose, both within and across contexts, whereas femininity promoted self-disclosure in the context that was clearly social and expressive in character. Although masculinity failed to exert the expected facilitative impact on self-disclosure within the instrumental context, it nonetheless influenced the results; androgynous subjects, who scored high in both masculinity and femininity, were more self-revealing across contexts than was any other group.
Synthesis, photophysical, and electrochemical properties of the sulfur analogs of the new 4,4′-pyrylogen electron transfer sensitizers

A series of 2,6-diaryl-4,4′-thiapyrylogen bis-tetrafluoroborates have been prepared from 1,5-diketone precursors by treatment with H2S and BF3• Et2O. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of these new sensitizers and 2,6-diphenyl-4,4′-pyrylogen bis-tetrafluoroborate have been compared and observed trends have been rationalized using B3LYP/6-31G(d) calculations.
ANIMIAMI Animation Festival and Conference

In its inaugural year, ANIMIAMI Animation Festival and Conference brought together 13 of the top animation experts who have worked on major motion pictures, video game animation and non-theatrical, commercial animation.
Electron spin resonance measurements on amorphous silicon

Abstract Electron spin resonance (ESR) and related spin-dependent measurements have been very useful probes of defect states in amorphous silicon (a-Si). In this paper we briefly describe spin resonance techniques ( e.g. ESR, light-induced ESR, spin-dependent luminescence and photoconductivity, and electron-nuclear double resonance) and the relevant experimental parameters ( e.g. spin density, line shape, hyperfine coupling, exchange interaction etc.). We then review what has been learned about a-Si usually from the coupled results of spin resonance and other experiments ( e.g. luminescence, conductivity, hydrogen effusion etc.) concerning the nature of states and recombination kinetics of non-equilibrium carriers. We also indicate the potential applications and limitations of the techniques for characterizing material and devices.
Computerized decision support system for kidney paired donation program

In order to assist physicians and other health professionals for health care improvement, clinical decision support systems, through interactive computerized software, become very popular in clinical practice. The crisis associated with kidney organ shortage has triggered an innovative strategy, termed as Kidney Paired Donation (KPD) program, to address a rapidly expanding demand for donor kidneys. KPD program involves how to making optimal decision for allowing patients with incompatible living donors to receive compatible organs by best matching donors. Although some computerized optimization tools are being used in the current KPD program, there still lacks a general decision support system which enables us to evaluate and compare different kidney allocation strategies and effects of policy. In this paper, we discuss a general computer-based KPD decision model that appropriately reflects the real world clinical application. Also, the whole decision process is to be visualized by our Graphical User Interface (GUI) software, which offers a user friendly platform not only to provide a convenient interface for clinicians but also to assess different kidney exchange strategies of clinical importance.
Noise-Tolerant Explicit Stencil Computations for Nonuniform Process Execution Rates

Next-generation HPC computing platforms are likely to be characterized by significant, unpredictable nonuniformities in execution time among compute nodes and cores. The resulting load imbalances from this nonuniformity are expected to arise from a variety of sources—manufacturing discrepancies, dynamic power management, runtime component failure, OS jitter, software-mediated resiliency, and TLB/- cache performance variations, for example. It is well understood that existing algorithms with frequent points of bulk synchronization will perform relatively poorly in the presence of these sources of process nonuniformity. Thus, recasting classic bulk synchronous algorithms into more asynchronous, coarse-grained parallelism is a critical area of research for next-generation computing. We propose a class of parallel algorithms for explicit stencil computations that can tolerate these nonuniformities by decoupling per process communication and computation in order for each process to progress asynchronously while maintaining solution correctness. These algorithms are benchmarked with a 1D domain decomposed (“slabbed”) implementation of the 2D heat equation as a model problem, and are tested in the presence of simulated nonuniform process execution rates. The resulting performance is compared to a classic bulk synchronous implementation of the model problem. Results show that the runtime of this article’s algorithm on a machine with simulated process nonuniformities is 5--99p slower than the runtime of its classic counterpart on a machine free of nonuniformities. However, when both algorithms are run on a machine with comparable synthetic process nonuniformities, this article’s algorithm is 1--37 times faster than its classic counterpart.
Genes invading new populations: a risk assessment perspective.

One of the concerns raised over the introduction of genetically modified crops is that transgenes will invade populations of wild relatives, causing ecologically significant changes in fitness. In recent years, this has given rise to several studies estimating hybridization rates and the fitness of crop–wild relative hybrids. These studies have established that transgenes are likely to move to F1 hybrids, albeit at low frequency. Hybridization, however, is not synonymous with introgression, and questions remain as to whether particular transgenes will cause ecologically significant changes in recipient plant populations. Research effort should now focus on estimating any changes in the fitness of a population as a consequence of having a transgene, understanding genotype × environment interactions, and deducing the extent to which pathogens and herbivores (transgene targets) regulate wild relative populations. This will involve a combination of manipulative experiments and empirically motivated mathematical models.
Progressive Nonfluent Aphasia With Dementia: A Case Report

We report a patient with progressive nonfluent aphasia and mild dementia. On 9-month follow-up evaluation, there was significant deterioration in both language and cognition. Unlike in Alzheimer's ...
The Scattering of Protons from Carbon

Using the impulse approximation, a formula has been derived which gives the energy spectra of protons scattered from carbon in terms of the nuclear momentum distribution. Estimates of the errors involved in this formula give values of 5-10 percent for a 340-Mev bombarding energy. A comparison is made with the experimental data of Cladis, and it is concluded that a Gaussian momentum distribution gives a good fit to his results.
Workload Comparison of Intraoral Mask to Standard Mask Ventilation Using a Cadaver Model

Background: The bag-valve mask (BVM) is critical to providing positive pressure ventilation for patients who are not breathing or who are breathing inadequately. This simple hand-held device enable...
Action of New World scorpion venom and its neurotoxins in secretion.

P. L. Fletcher, M. Fletcher, L. K. Fainter and D. M. Terrian. Action of New World scorpion venom and its neurotoxins in secretion. Toxicon 34, 1399-1411, 1996.-New World scorpion venom contains protein toxins specific for ion channels in the plasmalemma of excitable cells. The effects were examined of whole venoms from Tityus serrulatus, T. bahiensis and T. stigmurus, and some purified toxins in isolated nerve endings (synaptosomes) and pancreatic acinar cells. Both systems initiated exocytosis in a dose-dependent response to the venom or its bioactive protein toxins. Actions differed, however, such that pancreatic acinar cells required Calf while cerebrocortical synaptosomes responded by a Ca 2+ -dependent mechanism, except in the case of one toxin, IV-5, that elicited a Ca 2+ -independent response. Membrane depolarization caused by scorpion venom toxins was measured via radioisotopic discharge of tetra[3H]phenylphosphonium bromide. The role of protein kinase C in second-messenger coupling in pancreatic acinar cells is favored over ion-exclusive routes characteristic of synaptosomes.
A nuclear targeting peptide, M9, improves transfection efficiency in fibroblasts.

Background. Nonviral transfection of eukaryotic cells remains inefficient. Liposomes can transport DNA plasmid into the cytoplasm, but the nuclear membrane remains a barrier to efficient plasmid DNA transfection. But normal cells have mechanisms to transport nucleic acids across the nuclear membrane. Cells routinely utilize a transporter to carry mRNA from nucleus to cytoplasm. Materials and methods. We used a modified mRNA transporter, the M9 component of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein-A1, complexed to a DNA carrier to facilitate DNA transfer into the nucleus. We examined the effect of M9 on transfection in 3T3 fibroblasts. Our hypothesis was that the M9 shuttle would increase transfection efficiency by delivering plasmid to the nucleus, after cytoplasmic entry was facilitated by Lipofectamine. Transfection was assessed using plasmids expressing β-galactosidase and green fluorescent protein (GFP). Intracellular location of rhodamine-labeled plasmid was determined by fluoroscopic microscopy. Results. In the fluorescent microscopy experiments, we found that rhodamine-labeled DNA plasmid was sequestered in the cytoplasm in the Lipofectamine-treated cells, but gained access to the nucleus with the addition of M9. At concentrations where neither M9 nor Lipofectamine individually increased plasmid mediated transfection, as evidenced by β-galactosidase activity; their combination increased transfection dramatically by approximately 20-fold, from 2 ± 1 to 32 ± 5. Conclusions. As expected, based on their presumed actions, Lipofectamine and the M9 shuttle synergistically promote efficient cellular transfection. Efficient cellular transfection will be required in clinical applications of gene therapy.
Modulation of activin A action and specificity in the rat gonadotrope by protein kinase C.

This study was undertaken to assess the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in activin action in the rat pituitary. Pretreatment with 500 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 22-24 h reduced subsequent FSH and LH release (percentage of total cellular FSH and LH released) in response to 100 nM PMA. This action persisted for 2 days after the pretreatment. Pretreatment with 500 nM 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4 alpha PDD, a phorbol ester which does not activate PKC) did not affect cell responsiveness to 100 nM PMA. Both PKC-down-regulated cells and cells with a full complement of PKC responded similarly to 100 nM GnRH and 100 microM A23187 during this period. Incubation with 50 ng/ml activin A for 48 h significantly increased both FSH release and total FSH (extracellular plus intracellular) compared to corresponding basal values in PMA-pretreated cells, as well as in vehicle-or 4 alpha PDD-pretreated cells. Activin stimulation of basal FSH release and total FSH was significantly more potent in PMA-p...
Distribution of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase in the bovine cornea.

Soluble and particulate fractions of bovine corneal epithelium, stroma and endothelium were prepared and assayed for protein kinase activity. All preparations exhibited measurable activity in the absence of cyclic AMP (cyclic AMP-independent activity) as well as significant enzyme stimulation in its presence (cyclic AMP-dependent activity). The epithelial layer contained over 90% of the total corneal cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity, almost all of it in the soluble fraction. In contrast, over one-third of the endothelial activity was expressed by the particulate fraction. All preparations showed high affinity and high specificity for, cyclic AMP in terms of binding cyclic [3H]AMP and stimulating protein kinase activity. Elution characteristics of soluble preparations on DEAE cellulose columns demonstrated that epithelial and endothelial layers contained predominantly ‘Type II cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, whereas stroma had the ‘Type I enzyme. Each preparation studies also exhibited endogenous substrates for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.
Remote Estimation of Water Clarity in Optically Complex Estuarine Waters

Abstract AVHRR satellite imagery was evaluated as a potential data source for monitoring light attenuation (KPAR), as a measure of turbidity, in Pamlico Sound estuary, North Carolina. In situ water quality data and reflectance imagery collected on 10 different dates were used to calibrate a general optical equation relating satellite-derived reflectance (Rd), nominally R(630 nm) to KPAR. Additional spectral data (e.g., absorption, subsurface reflectance), related reflectance and KPAR to changes in phytoplankton pigments, organic matter, and suspended sediments. Optically, Pamlico Sound, North Carolina is dominated by scattering from suspended sediments, whereas the tributary rivers are dominated by absorption from both dissolved and particulate organic matter. A general relationship developed between Rd and KPAR (r2=0.72) in Pamlico Sound was found useful in a variety of environmental conditions; however a relationship between Rd and suspended sediment concentration was less robust, and affected by changing sediment characteristics. In the rivers, high and variable absorption in the visible wavelengths precluded development of a relationship between Rd and KPAR. The relationship developed between Rd and KPAR in Pamlico Sound is similar to those determined for Delaware Bay and Mobile Bay in previous studies, suggesting possible broader regional application of algorithms for coastal bays and estuaries having similar sediment characteristics, with direct application to SeaWiFS data. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.
Robustness margin computation for large scale systems

Large scale systems have large numbers of inputs and outputs, and include whole chemical plants as well as some unit operations, such as paper machines, polymer film extruders, and adhesive coaters. The importance of ensuring robustness of the closed loop system to model uncertainties increases as the process dimensionality increases; hence developing algorithms for computing robustness margins for large scale systems is of immense practical importance. Computational complexity is a tool of computer scientists which has had impact in understanding large scale optimization problems, both theoretically and in terms of finding computational solutions. Computational complexity theory is used to determine the level of accuracy and computational speed that are obtainable by algorithms for computing robustness margins, and as to which algorithms are likely for providing practical robustness margin computation for large scale systems.
Colonic anastomoses: Bursting strength after corticosteroid treatment

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the effect of corticosteroids on healing colonic anastomoses. METHODS: Bursting pressure measurements were performed on 108 male albino rats receiving corticosteroid treatment. Twelve animals were sacrificed at time zero to determine the bursting pressure of nonoperated, nonsteroid-treated colon. The remaining 96 animals underwent division and reanastomosis of their midtransverse colon. They were then separated into four groups of 24 each. Twelve animals in each group received steroid treatment while the remaining 12 acted as controls. The groups were sacrificed at 4, 6, 8, and 20 days. The bursting pressures of the anastomoses were then noted. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in bursting strength between treated animals and controls at four days (P =0.27). A significant difference occurred at 6, 8, and 20 days (P =0.01, 0.003, 0.009, respectively). The colonic bursting pressure of operated controls returned to that of a normal, nonoperated colon by 20 days. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that steroids do have an adverse effect on colonic anastomotic healing.
Metal ion catalysis of phosphoryl hydrolysis from thiolphosphate monoesters

Abstract The catalytic effect of metal ions on the hydrolysis of ethyl-S-phosphate (1a), cysteamine-S-phosphate (1b), and 2-carboxyethyl-S-phosphate (1c) has been investigated. Fe(III) and Al(III) markedly inhibit the rate of hydrolysis of all three thiolphosphates, decreasing kabs by ca. 102 at pH 3; Zn(II) and Mn(II) are almost without effect on the hydrolysis rates of 1b and 1c; and Cu(II) in less than substrate concentration increases kabs by 102 for 1b and 1c but has no effect on 1a. The requirement of a suitably located ligand for catalysis is obvious. The mechanism of the Cu(II)-catalyzed hydrolysis of 1b has been examined in detail and includes the following pertinent characteristics: (1) rate-determining formation of two hydrolytically labile complexes from monoanion (NH2RSPO3H-) and/or dianion (NH2RSPO32-) and Cu(H2O)12+; (2) product inhibition by cysteamine because of the formation of a catalytically inactive cysteamine-Cu(II) complex; and (3) incursion of an oxidative Cu(II)-catalyzed conversion of cysteamine to cystamine at pH 7, which relieves product inhibition. The synthetic phosphorylating potential of this reaction in acetonitrile-alcohol solvent mixtures indicates its utility in the synthesis of simple phosphate monoesters. A rationale for the effectiveness of Cu(II) catalysis in these systems is offered.
Characterization of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate-haptenated human serum albumin and hemoglobin

Protein haptenation by polyurethane industrial intermediate 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is thought to be an important step in the development of diisocyanate (dNCO)-specific allergic sensitization; however, MDI-haptenated albumins used to screen specific antibody are often poorly characterized. Recently, the need to develop standardized immunoassays using a consistent, well-characterized dNCO-haptenated protein to screen for the presence of MDI-specific IgE and IgG from workers' sera has been emphasized and recognized. This has been challenging to achieve due to the bivalent electrophilic nature of dNCOs, leading to the capability to produce multiple cross-linked protein species and polymeric additions to proteins. In the current study, MDI was reacted with human serum albumin (HSA) and hemoglobin (Hb) at molar ratios ranging from 1:1 to 40:1 MDI/protein. Adducts were characterized by (i) loss of available 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) binding to primary amines, (ii) electrophoretic migration in polyacrylamide gels, (iii) quantification of methylene diphenyl diamine following acid hydrolysis, and (iv) immunoassay. Concentration-dependent changes in all of the above noted parameters were observed, demonstrating increases in both number and complexity of conjugates formed with increasing MDI concentrations. In conclusion, a series of bioanalytical assays should be performed to standardize MDI-antigen preparations across lots and laboratories for measurement of specific antibody in exposed workers that in total indicate degree of intra- and intermolecular cross-linking, number of dNCOs bound, number of different specific binding sites on the protein, and degree of immunoreactivity.
Optoacoustic measurement of central venous oxygenation for assessment of circulatory shock: Clinical study in cardiac surgery patients

Circulatory shock is a dangerous medical condition, in which blood flow cannot provide the necessary amount of oxygen to organs and tissues. Currently, its diagnosis and therapy decisions are based on hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, blood gases) and mental status of a patient, which all have low specificity. Measurement of mixed or central venous blood oxygenation via catheters is more reliable, but highly invasive and associated with complications. Our previous studies in healthy volunteers demonstrated that optoacoustic systems provide non-invasive measurement of blood oxygenation in specific vessels, including central veins. Here we report our first results of a clinical study in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients. We used a medical-grade OPO-based optoacoustic system developed in our laboratory to measure in real time blood oxygenation in the internal jugular vein (IJV) of these patients. A clinical ultrasound imaging system (GE Vivid e) was used for IJV localization. Catheters were placed in the IJV as part of routine care and blood samples taken via the catheters were processed with a CO-oximeter. The optoacoustic oxygenation data were compared to the CO-oximeter readings. Good correlation between the noninvasive and invasive measurements was obtained. The results of these studies suggest that the optoacoustic system can provide accurate, noninvasive measurements of central venous oxygenation that can be used for patients with circulatory shock.
Natural Convection Liquid Cooling of a Substrate-Mounted Protrusion in a Square Enclosure: A Parametric Study

The coupled conduction and natural convection transport from a substrate-mounted heat generated protrusion in a liquid-filled square enclosure is numerically examined. The governing steady two-dimensional equations are solved using a finite-difference method for a wide range of Rayleigh numbers, protrusion thermal conductivities and widths, substrate heights, and enclosure boundary conditions. The results presented apply to liquids with 10 {le} Pr {le} 1,000. It was established that in many situations their may be inappropriate to specify simple boundary conditions on the solid surface and decouple the conduction within the substrate or the protrusion. Higher Rayleigh numbers, protrusion thermal conductivities, and widths enhanced cooling. A variation in the substrate height did not affect the maximum protrusion temperature; however, the flow behavior was considerably altered. An empirical correlation for the maximum protrusion temperature was developed for a wide range of parametric values. The enclosure thermal boundary conditions changed the heat transfer in the solid region to only a small extent. Immersion cooling in common dielectric liquids was shown to be advantageous over air cooling if the thermal conductivity of the protrusion was larger than that of the ligand.
A Study of the Hatching Process in Aquatic Invertebrates. Xiv. an Examination of Hatching in Palaemonetes Vulgaris (Say) 1)

Das Ausschlupfen aus dem Ei von Palaemonetes vulgaris wurde untersucht. Die aussere Membran des Eies wird durch osmotische Schwellung einer inneren Membran gebrochen. Die Prolarve innerhalb der zweiten Membran bleibt mit der ausseren Membran und mit dem Schwimmfuss der Mutter durch den gewohnlichen Eistamm der Decapoda verbunden. Dann quillt die Prolarve auf, bis sie die innere Membran ganz anfullt. Diese Membran bricht uber einem "Eischalensprenger" an der dorsalen Seite des ersten abdominalen Gliedes wenn die Bewegungen des Abdomens der Larve die Spannung der Membran erhoht. Der endgultige Ausbruch aus der inneren Membran ist normalerweise abhangig von Wasserstromungen welche durch die ventilierende Aktion der Schwimmfusse der Mutter erzeugt werden.
Desiccation of Geobacter Sulfurreducens: Membrane Response to Osmotic Stress

Geobacter sulfurreducens is a δ-proteobacterium capable of electron transfer to extracellular compounds and surfaces [1] that has possible technological applications in microbial-based sensors, bioremediation of contaminated environments and harvesting electricity from waste organic matter [2]. Further development of many of these applications requires stabilization and preservation of bacteria as thin films on surfaces. One method of encapsulating bacteria in thin films is through the use of porous latex coatings [2]. However, during the formation of these films, the bacteria are exposed to osmotic stresses.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Erratum to “Predominant role by CaM kinase in NPY Y1 receptor signaling: Involvement of CREB” [Peptides (2002) 87–96]

Erratum to “Predominant role by CaM kinase in NPY Y1 receptor signaling: Involvement of CREB” [Peptides (2002) 87–96] Sulaiman Sheriff a,∗, Asbah F. Qureshy a, William T. Chance a,b,d, John W. Kasckow c,d, Ambikaipakan Balasubramaniam a,d a Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA b Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA c Department of Psychiatry, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA d University of Cincinnati Neurosciences Program, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
TeleBAT: mobile telemedicine for the Brain Attack Team.

Abstract TeleBAT is our application of an integrated mobile telecommunications system (MTS) to the clinical problem of acute stroke. Although efforts are ongoing to educate patients to seek emergency treatment at the first signs of stroke, we sought to shorten time to treatment once the patient is known to the emergency medical system. Ambulance paramedics acquire valuable assessment data about a stroke patient en route to a medical center. We tested the feasibility of using wireless digital cellular communication to provide a stroke neurologist with real-time visual access to the neurological examination of patients conducted during transport to our stroke treatment center. Audio and visual information, and patients vital signs were transmitted from our interfacility ambulance. The MTS was designed to be user-friendly and includes turnkey operation inside the ambulance and flexible access through a internet browser by the clinicians in the hospital. With 4 simultaneous cellular phone connections, each with a bandwidth of 9.6 kilobytes per second, the throughput was a 320×240-pixel image every 2 seconds. The image quality requirement was determined through empirical testing by using a videotaped National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale examination. A framework to assess adequacy was developed and defined as the ability of the clinician to make an identical clinical judgment when visual access to the patient was provided by either audio-visual transmission or by face-to-face examination. We have shown mobile telemedicine linking prehospital providers with a stroke center neurologist and thus have come one step closer to transforming the prehospital phase of transport to a prehospital phase of treatment.
Exploring search-and-rescue in near-earth environments for aerial robots

Homeland security missions executed in near-earth environments are often time consuming, labor intensive and possibly dangerous. Aerial robots performing tasks such as bomb detection, search-and-rescue and reconnaissance could be used to conserve resources and minimize risk to personnel. Flying in environments which are heavily populated with obstacles yields many challenges. Little data exists to guide the design of vehicles and sensor suites operating in these environments. This paper explores the challenges encountered implementing several different sensing technologies in near-earth environments. The results of applying these technologies to control a robotic blimp are presented to direct future work
Fodor's modal argument

Abstract What we do, intentionally, depends upon the intentional contents of our thoughts. For about ten years Fodor has argued that intentional behavior causally depends upon the narrow intentional content of thoughts (not broad). His main reason is a causal powers argument—brains of individuals A and B may differ in broad content, but, if A and B are neurophysically identical, their thoughts cannot differ in causal power, despite differences in broad content. Recently Fodor (Fodor, 1991) presents a new ‘modal’ version of this causal powers argument. I argue that Fodor's argument (in old or new dress) is a non sequitur. It neither establishes the existence of narrow content nor the need for a content other than broad content to explain intentional behavior.
Looks Aren’t Everything FFR B4 U PTCA

The selection of patients for coronary revascularization procedures is one of the most important and widely studied decisions in cardiovascular medicine. The article by Bech et al1 in the current issue of Circulation is a landmark study that should guide clinicians in more precisely selecting which stenotic lesions should be dilated and which are better left alone. Coronary angiography, once a complicated procedure, was developed to determine whether coronary arteries were narrowed enough to restrict blood flow to the myocardium. Now, coronary angiography is easy, but interpretation of the findings has become increasingly difficult as our knowledge of atherosclerosis has broadened. The problems have centered around 2 questions: how much stenosis is needed to cause a clinically significant reduction in blood flow, and does the severity of stenosis relate to its propensity to cause infarction? The translation of angiographically determined arterial stenosis to physiologically relevant reductions in coronary blood flow dates to the seminal work of Gould et al in 1974.2 He demonstrated in animals that resting coronary blood flow remained normal until 85% to 90% of the coronary cross-sectional area was occluded. This is because blood flow in healthy coronary arteries is regulated by the microcirculation, which has substantial constrictive tone at rest. With progressive stenosis in the upstream coronary, the microcirculation dilates. This fall in microvascular resistance compensates for the stenotic resistance in the large coronary, preserving overall coronary resistance and blood flow at rest. This is one of the reasons that many patients with stenotic lesions have normal resting perfusion scans, normal distal myocardial function, and no resting symptoms. Hyperemic blood flow, however, is progressively limited when the artery is ≥75% obstructed (>50% diameter stenosis), leading to effort angina and distal myocardial dysfunction. Clinicians and third-party payers have subsequently used this degree of stenosis as …
Growth Stimulation of BHK Cells in Culture by Free Biotin in Serum

A dialysate of fetal bovine serum stimulated the growth of BHK cells in a medium containing 1% dialyzed serum. The growth-stimulating activity of the dialysate was separated in a single peak with Biogel P-2 chromatography, and a single active component was further fractionated with paper and thin-layer chromatography. The component was identified as biotin. Pure biotin behaved the same as the active component in the dialysate and had the same growth-stimulating activity. The dialysate contained only the free biotin that was present in serum. Free biotin was found in relatively large amounts in fetal (bovine and human) sera, and only a very small percentage of dialysates of adult (bovine, horse, swine, and human) sera had traces of growth-stimulating activity. The possible role of free biotin in the body is discussed.
Efficacy and Application Strategies for Propiconazole as a New Postharvest Fungicide for Managing Sour Rot and Green Mold of Citrus Fruit.

McKay, A. H., Forster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2012. Efficacy and application strategies for propiconazole as a new postharvest fungicide for managing sour rot and green mold of citrus fruit. Plant Dis. 96:235-242. Few postharvest treatments are available for managing sour rot of citrus caused by Galactomyces citri-aurantii and they are generally not very effective. The demethylation-inhibiting (DMI) triazole fungicides propiconazole and cyproconazole were found to be highly effective and more efficacious than other DMIs evaluated, such as metconazole and tebuconazole, in reducing postharvest sour rot of citrus. Additional studies were conducted with propiconazole as a postharvest treatment because it has favorable toxicological characteristics for food crop registration in the United States and the registrant supports a worldwide registration. Regression and covariance analyses were performed to determine optimal time of application after inoculation and fungicide rate. In laboratory studies, decay incidence increased when propiconazole applications were delayed from 8 to 24 h (lemon) or 18 to 42 h (grapefruit) after inoculation. Effective rates of the fungicide were 64 to 512 µg/ml and were dependent on inoculum concentration of the sour rot pathogen and on the type of citrus fruit. Propiconazole was found to be compatible with sodium hypochlorite at 100 µg/ml and 1 to 3% sodium bicarbonate without loss of efficacy for decay control on lemon. The addition of hydrogen peroxide/peroxyacetic acid at 80 µg/ml slightly decreased the effectiveness of propiconazole. Heated (48°C) solutions of propiconazole did not significantly improve the efficacy compared with solutions at 22°C. In experimental packing-line studies, aqueous in-line drenches applied alone or followed by applications of the fungicide in storage or packing fruit coatings were highly effective, reducing sour rot to between 0 and 1.2% compared with 83.8% decay incidence in the control when treatments were made up to 16 h after inoculation. When the fungicide was applied in either fruit coating, decay was only reduced to 49.1 to 57.1% incidence. Tank mixtures of propiconazole with the citrus postharvest fungicides fludioxonil and azoxystrobin were highly effective in reducing green mold caused by isolates of Penicillium digitatum sensitive or moderately resistant to imazalil and sour rot. Propiconazole will be an important postharvest fungicide for managing sour rot of citrus and potentially can be integrated into current management practices to reduce postharvest crop losses caused by DMI-sensitive isolates of P. digitatum.
Neutrophils are needed for an effective immune response against pulmonary rat coronavirus infection, but also contribute to pathology

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) infiltrate the respiratory tract early after viral infection and can contribute to both host defence and pathology. Coronaviruses are important causes of respiratory tract infections, ranging from mild to severe depending on the viral strain. This study evaluated the role of PMN during a non-fatal pulmonary coronavirus infection in the natural host. Rat coronavirus (RCoV) causes respiratory disease in adult rats, characterized by an early PMN response, viral replication and inflammatory lesions in the lungs, mild weight loss and effective resolution of infection. To determine their role during RCoV infection, PMN were depleted and the effects on disease progression, viral replication, inflammatory response and lung pathology were analysed. Compared with RCoV infection in control animals, PMN-depleted rats had worsened disease with weight loss, clinical signs, mortality and prolonged pulmonary viral replication. PMN-depleted animals had fewer macrophages and lymphocytes in the respiratory tract, corresponding to lower chemokine levels. Combined with in vitro experiments showing that PMN express cytokines and chemokines in response to RCoV-infected alveolar epithelial cells, these findings support a role for PMN in eliciting an inflammatory response to RCoV infection. Despite their critical role in the protection from severe disease, the presence of PMN was correlated with haemorrhagic lesions, epithelial barrier permeability and cellular inflammation in the lungs. This study demonstrated that while PMN are required for an effective antiviral response, they also contribute to lung pathology during RCoV infection.
Geometrical isomers of essential fatty acids in liquid infant formulas.

Abstract Lipid was extracted from liquid infant formulas using diethyl ether-ethanol-hexane. Fatty acid methyl esters were prepared using boron trifluoride catalyzed transesterification. Fatty acid methyl esters were separated by gas-liquid chromatography using a CPSil88 cyanopropylsilicone column. Fatty acids were identified by comparison of retention times with standards and calculated equivalent chain lengths with geometrical isomers of 18:2w6 and 18:3w3 prepared by elaidinization of linseed oil. The levels of linoleic and linolenic acid in all but three samples exceeded 20% and 3% of total fatty acids, respectively. Trans geometrical isomers of linoleic (18:2w6) and linolenic (18:3w3) acids were present in all formulas. The amount of the 18:3 tcc isomer was higher than cct or tct+ctt . Trace amounts of ctc were found. 18:2 tt and 18:3 ttt were not detected. Levels of total trans fatty acids ranged from 0·15% to 1·26%. The isomerization of linoleic acid ranged from 0·17% to 2·4%. Isomerization of linolenic acid ranged from 2·6% to 23·5%. Infant formulas have substantial variations in 18:3w3 isomerization. The most highly isomerized formulas would provide almost one quarter of the 18:3 as isomers. Infants could receive substantial relative amounts of linolenic acid isomers from typical liquid infant formulas.
Ethical issues in the history of prophylactic antibiotic use in neurosurgery

There has always been controversy about the indications for prescribing antibiotics to prevent postoperative sepsis in patients undergoing cranial and spinal surgery. The earlier specialists in infectious diseases warned that the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs was leading to indiscriminate administration for the prevention of wound infection. Three clinical researchers present a review of the history of prophylactic antibiotic use in neurosurgery, including their own work, and raise a number of ethical issues not previously discussed in the literature about: (1) scientific methodology; (2) random selection; (3) prospective study; (4) blinded control; (5) placebo medication; (6) professional equipoise; (7) statististical analysis; (8) informed consent; (9) utilitarian philosophy; and (10) managed care. Also discussed are the dual role of physician and investigator and the ethical dilemma of depending upon meticulous technique versus adopting regimens of prophylactic antibiotics.
Moraxella spp. isolated from field outbreaks of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis: a retrospective study of case submissions from 2010 to 2013

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), also known as pinkeye, is the most costly eye disease of cattle. The principal etiologic agent of IBK is the Gram-negative bacterium Moraxella bovis. However, there have been reports of IBK outbreaks associated with Moraxella bovoculi. A retrospective study of IBK diagnostic cases submitted from July 1, 2010 through October 31, 2013 was conducted. Included in the study were 1,042 Moraxella isolates from 1,538 swabs of lacrimal secretions collected from 282 herds from 30 U.S. states. Moraxella isolates were identified to the species level and were composed of M. bovoculi (701 isolates), M. bovis (295 isolates), Moraxella ovis (5 isolates), and other Moraxella spp. (41). Minimum inhibitory concentrations required for 90% growth inhibition (MIC90) was calculated for representative isolates. The MIC90 values for both M. bovis and M. bovoculi were as follows: ampicillin and ceftiofur: ≤0.25 µg/ml; clindamycin: 2 µg/ml; danofloxacin and enrofloxacin: ≤0.12 µg/ml; florfenicol: 0.5 µg/ml; gentamicin: 1 µg/ml; neomycin: 4 µg/ml; tulathromycin: 2 µg/ml; and tylosin: 8 µg/ml. The MIC90 values for M. bovoculi included the following: chlortetracycline: ≤0.5 µg/ml; oxytetracycline: 4 µg/ml; penicillin: 0.25 µg/ml; spectinomycin: 32 µg/ml; sulfadimethoxine: >256 µg/ml; tiamulin: 1 µg/ml; and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: 4 µg/ml. For M. bovis, MIC90 values included the following: chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline: 1 µg/ml; penicillin: ≤0.12 µg/ml; spectinomycin: 16 µg/ml; sulfadimethoxine: ≤256 µg/ml; tiamulin: ≤0.5 µg/ml; and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: ≤2 µg/ml. The current work describes the frequency of isolation and differences in antimicrobial sensitivity observed among Moraxella isolates from case submissions.
Alternative non‐linear demand estimation methods for probability‐based seismic assessments

Alternative non-linear dynamic analysis procedures, using real ground motion records, can be used to make probability-based seismic assessments. These procedures can be used both to obtain parameter estimates for specific probabilistic assessment criteria such as demand and capacity factored design and also to make direct probabilistic performance assessments using numerical methods. Multiple-stripe analysis is a non-linear dynamic analysis method that can be used for performance-based assessments for a wide range of ground motion intensities and multiple performance objectives from onset of damage through global collapse. Alternatively, the amount of analysis effort needed in the performance assessments can be reduced by performing the structural analyses and estimating the main parameters in the region of ground motion intensity levels of interest. In particular, single-stripe and double-stripe analysis can provide local probabilistic demand assessments using minimal number of structural analyses (around 20 to 40). As a case study, the displacement-based seismic performance of an older reinforced concrete frame structure, which is known to have suffered shear failure in its columns during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, is evaluated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Octahedral Tilting in MM′X4 Metal-Oxide Organic Layer Structures

Three metal-oxide organic frameworks have been synthesized and characterized: vanadium 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, V2O2F0.6(OH)1.4(BDC)·0.4H2O (1); indium 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, In2F2.2(OH)1.8(BDC)·1.6H2O (2); and aluminum 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate Al2F3(OH)(BDC) (3). The three-dimensional structures of 1, 2, and 3 have the same framework topology as the previously reported vanadium (III) 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, VIII2(OH)2F2(BDC). The frameworks consist of inorganic layers constructed from corner sharing ML6 octahedra (M = V, In, Al and L = OH, F) linked by BDC ligands. The structures are related to a general class of perovskite-related layer structures with composition MM′X4. The layers show characteristic distortions that can be related to tilting of the ML6 octahedra. In particular the structure of 1 consists of O−V distances that strongly alternate along the b axis. The electronic consequences of this distortion then create a tilting of the 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate ligand about the a axis. Crystal d...
Investigation of size effect in asphalt mixture fracture testing at low temperature

The Semi-Circular Bending (SCB) fracture test is commonly used to evaluate the low temperature fracture properties of asphalt mixtures. The present work investigates the presence of a size effect in SCB fracture testing of asphalt mixtures. Un-notched and notched geometrically similar SCB specimens of various sizes are tested at−24°C loaded by crack-mouth opening displacement (CMOD). The effect of specimen size on the nominal strength is investigated through the well-established size effect theories and conclusions are drawn regarding the fracture behaviour of mixtures at low temperature.
MONITORING OF COMPLEX VISUAL DISPLAY: V. EFFECTS OF REPEATED SESSIONS AND HEAVY VISUAL LOAD ON HUMAN VIGILANCE.

An earlier experiment on repeated monitoring sessions used a complex visual display with a moderate load of six stimulus sources. Nine consecutive daily sessions, a seven-day rest, and a tenth session were administered. Each daily session was 3 hr. The present study used the same experimental design as the earlier study but extended it by using a heavy visual load of thirty-six stimulus sources that required extensive visual scanning. A single group of twelve subjects was used. Reliable vigilance decrement was found within sessions, but the overall trend with sessions was one of increasing performance level, suggesting learning. The small amount of decrement commonly found for complex monitoring tasks is discussed, and an optimistic note is sounded for man's tolerance of boredom.
Mental health service use among depressed, low-income homebound middle-aged and older adults.

Objectives: This study examined previous mental health service use among low-income homebound middle-aged and older adults who participated in a study testing the feasibility and efficacy of telehealth problem-solving therapy for depression. Method: The sample consisted of 188 homebound adults aged 50 years or older. Data on mental health service use were collected at baseline. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine correlates of different types of outpatient service use within the preceding 12 months. Results: Of the subjects, 56% reported mental health service use. Of the users, 80% had made at least one primary care mental health visit, 21% had visited a psychiatrist, and 25% had received counseling. Higher depressive symptom severity scores were positively associated with a psychiatrist visit only. Discussion: The need to improve low-income homebound older adults’ access to psychotherapy was clearly evident.
Colonial Government, Social Conflict and State Involvement in Africa's Open Economies: The Origins of the Ghana Cocoa Marketing Board, 1939-46

State-controlled cocoa marketing was introduced in the Gold Coast during the Second World War and has had lasting impact. Most accounts of this change have emphasized the influence of metropolitan interests and ideas more conducive to state involvement in colonial economies. Although they explain the new found metropolitan willingness to 'supply' financial and administrative backing for state-controlled economic institutions, they neglect the sources of the Gold Coast government's 'demand' for those institutions. I argue that pressures on the government to mitigate domestic social conflict caused by volatility in the world economy are crucial to understanding the shift to controlled cocoa mar- keting.