cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wholes and Their Covers

Adjectives such as whole and entire lend themselves quite readily to an intuitive characterization: What they have in common is, roughly, a requirement that a predicate hold of all the parts of an individual. This is straightforward enough, but underlying this initially clear intuition are puzzles that relate ultimately to part structure, distributivity, and quantification and scope mechanisms. Despite this natural intuition, the argument advanced here is that DPs containing whole and entire henceforth 'whole adjectives' are obligatorily non­ quantificational expressions. Their apparent quantificational force will be understood instead as a restriction on the tolerance normally extended to exceptions to a predication, building on Brisson' s ( 1 998) theory of nonmaximal interpretations of plurals. To implement this, the notion of covers (Schwarzschild 1 996) will be imported, with some substantial modifications, from the semantics of plurals into the semantics of singulars, and a Brisson-style theory of nonmaximal interpretations of singulars will be developed on that basis. Along the way, the analysis will lead to adopting a particular conception of choice-function indefinites (Winter 1 997, Reinhart 1 997, Kratzer 1 998, Matthewson 1 999). Section 1 makes some observations about whole adjectives, characterizing their interpretive effect in general terms, noting restrictions these adjectives impose on determiners and the anaphoric and scope properties they give rise to. Section 2 argues against analyzing whole adjectives as a species of universal quantifier, and then considers the highly intensional treatment proposed by Moltmann ( 1 997). Section 3 advances an alternative analysis of whole adjectives as 'maximizing modifiers' in the spirit of Brisson, in the process extending the use of covers to the interpretation of singulars and finding reason to permit intermediate existential closure of choice functions (Winter 1 997, Reinhart 1 997). Section 4 concludes.
Retrosigmoid Versus Translabyrinthine Approach for Acoustic Neuroma Resection: An Assessment of Complications and Payments in a Longitudinal Administrative Database

Object Retrosigmoid (RS) and translabyrinthine (TL) surgery remain essential treatment approaches for symptomatic or enlarging acoustic neuromas (ANs). We compared nationwide complication rates and payments, independent of tumor characteristics, for these two strategies. Methods We identified 346 and 130 patients who underwent RS and TL approaches, respectively, for AN resection in the 2010-2012 MarketScan database, which characterizes primarily privately-insured patients from multiple institutions nationwide. Results Although we found no difference in 30-day general neurological or neurosurgical complication rates, in TL procedures there was a decreased risk for postoperative cranial nerve (CN) VII injury (20.2% vs 10.0%, CI 0.23-0.82), dysphagia (10.4% vs 3.1%, CI 0.10-0.78), and dysrhythmia (8.4% vs 2.3%, CI 0.08-0.86). Overall, there was no difference in surgical repair rates of CSF leak; however, intraoperative fat grafting was significantly higher in TL approaches (19.8% vs 60.2%, CI 3.95-9.43). In patients receiving grafts, there was a trend towards a higher repair rate after RS approach, while in those without grafts, there was a trend towards a higher repair rate after TL approach. Median total payments were $16,856 higher after RS approaches ($67,774 vs $50,918, p < 0.0001), without differences in physician or 90-day postoperative payments. Conclusions Using a nationwide longitudinal database, we observed that the TL, compared to RS, approach for AN resection experienced lower risks of CN VII injury, dysphagia, and dysrhythmia. There was no significant difference in CSF leak repair rates. The payments for RS procedures exceed payments for TL procedures by approximately $17,000. Data from additional years and non-private sources will further clarify these trends.
PCRRD: a pipeline-based concurrent round-robin dispatching scheme for Clos-network switches

This paper proposes a pipeline-based concurrent round-robin dispatching scheme, called PCRRD, for Clos-network switches. Our previously proposed concurrent round-robin dispatching (CRRD) scheme provides 100% throughput under uniform traffic by using simple round-robin arbiters, but it has the strict timing constraint that the dispatching scheduling has to be completed within one cell time slot. This is a bottleneck in building high-performance switching systems. To relax the strict timing constraint of CRRD, we propose to use more than one scheduler engine, up to P, so called subschedulers. Each subscheduler is allowed to take more than one time slot for dispatching. Every time slot, one out of P subschedulers provides the dispatching result. The subschedulers adopt our original CRRD algorithm. We show that PCRRD preserves 100% throughput under uniform traffic of our original CRRD algorithm, while ensuring the cell-sequence order. Since the constraint of the scheduling timing is dramatically relaxed, it is suitable for high-performance switching systems even when the switch size increases and port speed is high (e.g., 40 Gbit/s).
The acute response of plasma norepinephrine, renin activity, and arginine vasopressin to short-term nitroprusside and nitroprusside withdrawal in patients with congestive heart failure

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system, manifested by an increase in heart rate and circulating plasma norepinephrine, can occur in normal subjects when they are given vasodilators. The extent to which this activation occurs in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and whether this activation could account for the hemodynamic rebound sometimes observed following abrupt withdrawal of nitroprusside in such patients are unclear. We prospectively and retrospectively studied the effects of nitroprusside on plasma norepinephrine in 38 patients with CHF to determine if acute vasodilator therapy activates this vasoconstrictor system during or following such treatment. Thirty-six of these patients also had plasma renin activity (PRA) measured and plasma arginine vasopressin was measured in 12 patients. Baseline supine plasma norepinephrine (714 +/- 72 pg/ml, +/- SEM), PRA (15 +/- 2 ng/ml/hr), and arginine vasopressin (10 +/- 1 pg/ml) were increased at least twofold in the CHF patients. Nitroprusside (96 +/- 11 micrograms/min) was infused for 63 +/- 5 minutes after achieving an optimal hemodynamic response: cardiac index increased (2.01 +/- 0.08 to 2.67 +/- 0.1 L/min/m2, p less than 0.001), pulmonary artery wedge pressure decreased (25 +/- 1 to 16 +/- 1 mm Hg, p less than 0.001), mean arterial pressure decreased (83 +/- 1 to 72 +/- 1 mm Hg, p less than 0.001), and heart rate was unchanged. Plasma norepinephrine (632 +/- 43 pg/ml), PRA (18 +/- 3 ng/ml/hr), and arginine vasopressin (11 +/- 1 pg/ml) did not change significantly for the group during peak effect of the vasodilator.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Thermally- and Phase Transformation-Induced Volume Changes of Polymers for Actuator Applications

The potential of using polymer volume changes as a source of actuating power was explored. Volume changes may be induced by allowing the polymer to undergo physical transitions such as glass transition, melting or crystallization, and solid-state phase transformation, or by simply heating or cooling the polymer. When constrained from changing the volume, a polymer can exert a great counteracting stress or pressure on the constraining body. When free to expand or con tract, the polymer may be prescribed to undergo a large change in volume or shape. The magnitudes of the counteracting stresses and the percentages of achievable volume changes were calculated for several commonly used polymers. Methods and procedures for making these calculations were es tablished. The actuating power of polymers was compared with that of metals.
Estradiol entry into endometrial cells in suspension.

Cells from a human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line (HEC-50) were superfused with mixtures of [3H]E2 and [14C]E1 in order to estimate rates of entry and exit of E1 and E2 into and out of cells accorcling to previously published procedures (J. steroid Biochem., 13 (1980) 1379). Proportionality between rates of entry and concentrations of E2 outside the cells, indicative of passive diffusion, was found at levels of E2 ranging from 1 to 100 ng/ml. Effects of albumin and of pure human sex steroid binding protein (SBP) on the rate of entry of E2 were also evaluated in parallel superfusions. In other single tracer experiments, [3H]E2 was used at concentrations as low as 100pg/ml and the effects of plasma proteins on entry were evaluated by measuring steady-state concentrations of E2 and E1 in cells and superfusate. Results from these experiments indicate that albumin, and to a larger extent SBP, reduced the entry of E2 into HEC-50 cells. Similar results were obtained when CG-5 cells, a variant of the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, were superfused with [3H]E2. Further experiments are needed, however, to determine the physiologic role of plasma estrogen binding proteins on the entry and metabolism of E1 and E2 into target cells.
T‐cell–mediated autologous hepatocytotoxicity in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) have been suggested to be responsible for the liver injuries in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, there has been no report of direct evidence to substantiate this hypothesis. In this study, we performed in vitro autologous hepatocytotoxicity assay in 45 patients to examine a possible role of CTLs to HCV-infected live cells. The data were correlated with histology activity index of liver biopsy specimens. Lymphocyte subsets and hepatocyte expression of human major histocompatibility complex antigens class I and class II (HLA-I and HLA-II) were also evaluated. The immunohistochemical study showed more prominent HLA-I expression than HLA-II on hepatocytes (mean score +/- SEM:2.34 +/- 0.11 vs. 0.42 +/- 0.08; P < .01). The lymphocyte subset analysis showed that CD8+ T cells were dominant in the lobular areas showing spotty necrosis, whereas CD4+ T cells were prominent in the portal and periportal areas (P < .01). Most patients had a significant T cell-mediated cytotoxicity to hepatocytes as compared with non-T cells (percentage cytotoxicity +/- SEM:46.4 +/- 2.3 vs. 13.8 +/- 2.7; P < .001). T cell-mediated hepatocytotoxicity had a linear correlation with HAI (P < .05). The T cell-mediated cytotoxicity could be blocked by anti-CD8 (43.7% vs. 18.5%, P < .05) but not by anti-CD4 or anti-HLA-II monoclonal antibodies. These findings strongly suggest that HLA-I-restricted, CD8+ T cell-mediated hepatocytotoxicity is an important pathogenetic mechanism in patients with chronic HCV infection.
Project Performance versus Use of Technologies at Project and Phase Levels

Lack of information regarding technology benefits along with uncertain competitive advantage from new technology have resulted in industry reluctance to implement new technologies. An industry-wide survey was used to collect project data from 200+ capital facility projects on the issue of technology usage and overall project success. 22 research hypotheses are presented and analyzed according to 5 different data class variables: industry sector, total installed cost, public vs. private, greenfield vs. expansion vs. renovation, and typical vs. advanced projects. Findings pertaining to associations between project success and technology usage at the project and phase level are discussed. Results of this research indicate that several technologies may contribute significantly to project performance in terms of cost and schedule success, particularly for certain types of projects. In addition, project schedule success is more closely associated with technology utilization than is project cost success. Findings from this study can provide companies with information on technology benefits and whether to use certain technologies.
Preference for group work in China and the US

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine whether Chinese and US students differ in preference for group work (PGW) and whether the factors contributing to PGW differ in the two countries. Design/methodology/approach – The sample included 412 Chinese and 423 US college students who completed a survey measuring cultural values and motives. Hierarchical regression and simple-slope analyses were used to examine main effects and interactions. Findings – Overall, the US and Chinese students did not differ in PGW. Although US men exceeded US women in PGW, no gender difference occurred in China. PGW was positively associated with others focus (concern for what others think) and helping others in both countries, but the association was stronger in China. In China, but not in the USA, PGW was positively associated with extrinsic motivation and need for achievement. Therefore, despite the general acceptance of group work in the USA, participation in groups is not seen as critical in attaining rewards as i...
Useful Model Systems for the Study of SRN1 Chemistry in the Synthesis of Poly(arylene ether ketone)s

Factors contributing to the occurrence of the SRN1 reaction during the synthesis of poly(arylene ether ketone)s are studied using a variety of analytical techniques. Product analysis of polymerization reactions and magnetic resonance studies on photochemical model systems were performed. The polymerization of 4,4‘-dichlorobenzophenone with 4,4‘-isopropylidenediphenol under basic conditions was run in four amide solvents: 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2(1H)-pyrimidinone (DMPU), 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP), 1,1,3,3-tetramethylurea (TMU) and N,N ‘-dimethylacetamide (DMAc). Molecular weights of the products followed the order Mn(DMAc) > Mn(NMP) > Mn(TMU) > Mn(DMPU). Simulations of time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra were used to identify the radicals produced by photoinduced hydrogen atom abstraction in each of the four solvents. Transient optical absorption was used to quantify the yield of radicals produced by reaction of triplet benzophenone-d10 with each solvent. Time-of-fl...
Mathematical model of pressure-related changes in stenosis cross-sectional area during the cardiac cycle

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pressure losses during the cardiac cycle on the cross-sectional shape of a partially compliant coronary artery stenosis. A mathematical model of pulsatile flow through a partially collapsible stenosis was used to calculate changes in minimum stenosis diameter in response to changes in intraluminal pressure. Nine stenoses were simulated, ranging from 50 to 90% area reduction with different fractions of flexible wall circumference (1/4, 1/3, and 1/2). For typical flow rates during maximum vasodilation the minimum diameter of simulated severe stenoses decreased by over 50% from systole to diastole, thereby substantially altering the cross-sectional area of the stenosis. These results may explain some of the discrepancies that have been reported from pathologic and angiographie studies of coronary artery stenosis morphology.
The ground state energy per particle for infinite particle quantum systems

We give a simple proof that the ground state energy per particle for several interacting particle systems is monotone and bounded as the number of particles increases. Some of the systems for which the proof holds are anharmonic oscillator approximations to |φ|d/4 quantum fields, many body Schrodinger operators with nearest and next to nearest neighbor couplings, and systems whose energy is given by operators which are not restricted to being differential operators.
Light cone hamiltonian in quantum chemistry: Gaussian basis representation for quantum electrodynamics

A rational, closed-form Hamiltonian formulation of quantum electrodynamics is presented in a Gaussian basis representation, obtained using a discretized light-cone field quantization method. This approach illustrates the possibility that traditional methods of quantum chemistry may become applicable for the nonperturbative treatment of problems currently accessible only perturbatively if at all, as for example relativistic many-electron interactions in atoms and molecules. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Role of Crack Morholgy on the Failure Behavior of Laminated Composites

In this study, the failure of the ductile layers from collinear and delaminating cracks that occur in laminated composite systems was studied using a constitutive relationship that accounts for strength degradation resulting from the nucleation and growth of voids. The results indicate that in laminated composites, void nucleation and growth ahead of the cracks occur at a much faster rate due to evolution of much higher stress values at the interface region. For delaminating crack cases, the fracture behavior is strongly influenced by the delamination length. The resistance of the ductile layers to crack extension can be significantly reduced by short delamination lengths.
A note on the accuracy of spectral method applied to nonlinear conservation laws

Fourier spectral method can achieve exponential accuracy both on the approximation level and for solving partial differential equations if the solutions are analytic. For a linear partial differential equation with a discontinuous solution, Fourier spectral method produces poor point-wise accuracy without post-processing, but still maintains exponential accuracy for all moments against analytic functions. In this note we assess the accuracy of Fourier spectral method applied to nonlinear conservation laws through a numerical case study. We find that the moments with respect to analytic functions are no longer very accurate. However the numerical solution does contain accurate information which can be extracted by a post-processing based on Gegenbauer polynomials.
Novel very long-chain methyl-branched alcohols and their esters, and methyl-branched alkanes in pupae of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner)

Abstract Four homologous series of very long-chain methyl-branched alcohols were found in the internal lipids of cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, pupae both as free alcohols and as esters. These alcohols were identified based on mass spectra of their TMS and acetate derivatives, and on the Kovats Indices and mass spectra of the alkanes obatained by reduction of their bromide derivatives with LiAlH4. The four homologous series (from C36 to C46) consisted of monomethyl-, two dimethyl- and a trimethyl-branched alcohol series. The major alcohols (with the corresponding alkanes in parentheses) were identified as 24-methyltetracontan-1-ol (17-methyltetracontane), 24,28-dimethyltetracontan-1-ol (13,17-dimethyltetracontane), 24,36-dimethyltetracontan-1-ol (5,17-dimethyltetracontane) and 24,28,36-trimethyltetracontan-1-ol (5,13,17-trimethyltetracontane). The minor components had an odd number of carbon atoms (C37, C39, C41 and C43) in the carbon chain and the methylalkanes formed from their reduction had methyl branches on the 18- and 14,18-positions. The methylalkanes found internally in pupae were similar to those previously reported in larval cuticular lipids (de Renobales and Blomquist, Insect Biochem. 13, 493–502, 1983). Additional novel methylalkanes identified were 2,X-dimethylalkanes, 5,15-dimethylhentriacontane, 5,23-dimethyltritriacontane, 5,17,23-trimethyltritriacontane and 5,15,23-trimethylpentatriacontane. The methyl branching positions of the major methyl-branched alcohols were different from those of the major methylalkanes.
Partner-assisted emotional disclosure for patients with GI cancer: 8-week follow-up and processes associated with change

We recently reported that a partner-assisted emotional disclosure intervention for gastrointestinal cancer led to improvements in relationship quality and intimacy for couples in which the patient initially reported higher levels of holding back from discussing cancer-related concerns. The purposes of the present study were to examine outcomes at 8-week follow-up and process variables that may influence treatment effects. One hundred thirty couples were randomly assigned to either partner-assisted emotional disclosure or an education/support control condition. Participants completed measures of relationship quality, intimacy, and psychological distress before randomization, post-treatment, and 8 weeks later. Patients in the disclosure intervention completed measures of negative affect immediately following each treatment session, and their level of expressiveness during the sessions was rated by trained observers. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Among couples in which the patient initially reported higher levels of holding back, the disclosure intervention led to improvements in relationship quality and intimacy that were maintained at 8-weeks follow-up. High levels of patient expressiveness during the disclosure sessions were associated with improvements in relationship quality and intimacy, and high levels of patient negative affect immediately following the sessions were associated with reductions in psychological distress at the post-test assessment. For couples in which the patient tends to hold back from discussing concerns, partner-assisted emotional disclosure is a beneficial intervention leading to improvements in relationship functioning that maintain over time. Future research is needed to examine methods of enhancing intervention effects, including encouraging patient expressiveness and negative affect during the sessions.
Growth rates and water stability of 2D boronate ester covalent organic frameworks

We examine the growth rates, activation energies, and hydrolytic stability of multiple 2D boronate ester covalent organic frameworks by turbidity measurements, observing a 200-fold range in stability. The rate-determining step in boronate ester 2D COF growth is not in-solution condensation, but rather interlayer polymer stacking through a nucleation–elongation process.
Diet of Chalcides ocellatus (Squamata: Scincidae) from Southern Egypt

ABSTRACT We studied the diet of Chalcides ocellatus (Forskal, 1775) from southern Egypt using stomach contents from a large series of specimens collected during the Yale University Prehistoric Expedition to Nubia. Only 2.5% of specimens contained identifiable prey items. Insect larvae, coleopterans and orthopterans were the most important prey items. The first two of these prey categories are typically among the most important in the diet of this species in other areas of its broad distribution. Males and females differed somewhat in their diets and had a dietary overlap of 0.607. Males had relatively larger head widths than females, but this is likely to be related to sexual selection rather than dietary segregation.
Regulatory mutants of simian virus 40: constructed mutants with base substitutions at the origin of DNA replication.

Abstract Mutants of simian virus 40 (SV40) with base substitutions at or near the origin of replication of the viral genome have been constructed by bisulfite mutagenesis at the Bgl I restriction site of SV40 DNA, followed by transfection of cells with the Bgl I-resistant ( Bgl I r ) DNA so generated. Based on plaque morphology at different temperatures, the resulting Bgl I r mutants could be classified into four-groups. Class I mutants (designated ar for “altered restriction”) were indistinguishable from wild-type SV40; class II mutants (designated shp for “sharp plaque”) produced small, sharp-edged plaques; class III mutants (designated sp for “small plaque”) produced small plaques at 32 °C, 37 °C and 40 °C; and class IV mutants (designated cs for “cold sensitive”) produced small plaques at 32 °C and wild-type plaques at 37 °C and 40 °C. That the altered plaque morphology of sp and cs mutants was related to mutation at the Bgl I restriction site was demonstrated by co-reversion to wild-type of the plaque phenotype and Bgl I sensitivity. The nucleotide sequence around the original Bgl I site was determined in the DNA from one mutant of each class. In each case a different base-pair substitution was found, at a site outside sequences coding for SV40 proteins. When rates of replication of mutant DNAs were measured during productive infection, ar mutant DNA was synthesized at a rate comparable to that of wild-type SV40 DNA, shp mutant DNA was made at a rate exceeding that of wild-type, sp mutant DNA was synthesized at a lower rate than that of wild type. and cs mutant DNA synthesis was reduced at 32 °C, but about the same as the wild-type rate at 40 °C. These patterns of mutant DNA synthesis were unaltered in cells co-infected with mutant and wild-type virus, i.e. the defects in DNA synthesis were not trans -complementable. We conclude that the defective mutants have single base-pair changes in a cis element that determines the rate of viral DNA replication, presumably within the origin signal itself.
Contingent concession strategies in dyadic bargaining

Abstract This study investigated the relative effects of two parameters of contingent concession strategies (derived from reinforcement and reciprocity theories) on a representative's bargaining. The magnitude of the contingent reward, either low, moderate, or high, and the level of the opening offer, either moderate or extreme, were varied. Further, the effectiveness of these strategies in conditioning concessions over time was studied by employing several sequential bargaining issues. The most important finding was that, contrary to the predictions of a reinforcement strategy, bargainers who rewarded their opponents for conceding did more poorly than bargainers who did not reward. The implications of these and other results are discussed.
Development of a silicon retinal implant: cortical evoked potentials following focal stimulation of the rabbit retina with light and electricity

Abstract There are currently many experimental efforts to develop a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The efforts reported here are part of the Retinal Implant Project, a collaborative effort of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to develop an independent functioning epiretinal prosthesis to restore vision in patients with disease of the outer retina such as RP and AMD. The epiretinal prosthesis will electrically stimulate the inner retina, bypass the damaged photoreceptors, and hopefully result in meaningful vision. One way to monitor the epiretinal implant is to record focal (stimulation of a small area of retina) evoked cortical potentials (EEP) upon electrical current stimulation. EEP recordings have 3 uses: (1) verify that focal retinal electrical stimulation sends a signal to the cortex that is similar to that elicited by light; (2) develop an animal model to chronically monitor the epiretinal implant; and (3) investigate optimal stimulus parameters. Five dutch pelted rabbits were placed under anesthesia and a 250 μm concentric bipolar stimulating electrode was introduced on the vitreal surface of the retina under visual guidance to record the EEP. Stimuli were charge-balanced pulses and recording electrodes were extradural. Focal VEPs were also recorded and compared to the focal EEP to ascertain cortical origin of the EEP, determine similarities of the EEP to the VEP and determine focality of electrical stimulus. EEP recordings were elicited in 3 out of the 5 rabbits. Current amplitudes which produced detectable responses ranged from 50–1000 μA. In our best series, amplitudes increased by 47–206 μV in increasing current from 50–600 μA. In comparing latencies of the focal EEP and focal VEP, the EEP latencies were 60–70 ms faster, favoring a cortical signal origin. In comparing amplitudes, VEP and EEP responses behaved similarly with changes in stimulus strength and stimulating frequency. In conclusion, EEPs were obtained with parameters of electrode size and current threshold level that would be used by the epiretinal implant, enabling use of the EEP response to monitor the epiretinal implant.
Proposed Reference Illite from the Ouachita Mountains of Southeastern Oklahoma1

An exceptionally pure illitic clay is present in outcrops of the Blaylock Formation (Silurian) in the Ouachita Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma. Unweathered claystone samples from this unit in Beavers Bend State Park have been found to consist of a well-crystallized illite or hydrous mica. Impurities commonly found in illites such as non-clay minerals and non-micaceous clay minerals are conspicuously absent. The sample cannot be classified as a mica because it is hydrated and the particle-size distribution is in the clay size range. A detailed examination of the deposit suggests that it may have value as a reference illitic clay mineral.
Application of a bioelectric field model of the ERG to the effect of vitreous haemorrhage.

A model of the spatial distribution of ERG potentials was used to determine whether blood in the vitreous could sufficiently attenuate potentials initiated in the retina. This topic is of importance to clinicans in helping to determine the functional status of the retina prior to a possible vitrectomy. The results of the model demonstrated that vitreous haemorrhage could not significantly reduce the ERG. Nor could the vitreous blood account for a reduced ratio of b to a waves when ERG frequencies were considered. A reduced or altered ERG Would be due to another cause(s) and might preclude vitrectomy if the function of the retina were impaired.
Adiabatic hyperspherical study of the helium trimer.

The adiabatic hyperspherical method is used to investigate the spectrum of the helium trimer and to explore effects on the spectrum of varying the helium masses as well as the interaction strength. When a realistic helium dimer potential is adopted, only two isotopic combinations are observed to have three-body bound states: $^{4}\mathrm{He}_{3}$ and $^{4}\mathrm{He}_{2}^{3}$He. By artificially adjusting the dimer potential, we also determine the range of interaction strengths for which halo states can result. The existence of Efimov states for both physical and unphysical systems is also examined. \textcopyright{} 1996 American Institute of Physics.
5-Fr vs. 3-Fr pancreatic stents for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis in high-risk patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background and study aims: Placement of a pancreatic stent is recommended for the prevention of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatitis (ERCP) among high-risk patients. However, it is not known whether there is a particular feature of the pancreatic stent that is associated with a lower incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to examine whether a particular feature of pancreatic stents is associated with lower incidence of PEP. Patients and methods: The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy of pancreatic stents in the prevention of PEP from September 1993 to June 2013. Trials that reported the incidence of PEP in high-risk patients randomized to one vs. another type of pancreatic stent or vs. no stent at all were included in the analysis. Results: Among the 1377 citations identified from the database searches, 6 RCTs involving 561 patients were included. Three RCTs evaluated 5-Fr straight, flanged pancreatic stents, two RCTs evaluated 5-Fr single-pigtail, unflanged stents, and three RCTs evaluated 3-Fr single-pigtail, unflanged stents. The probability of being ranked the best was 50.3 % (SD = 0.5, Markov chain error = 0.003) for 5-Fr single-pigtail, unflanged pancreatic stents, 46.5 % for 5-Fr straight, flanged stents, and 3.1 % for 3-Fr single-pigtail, unflanged stents. Conclusion: The 5-Fr pancreatic stent is superior to the 3-Fr pancreatic stent for the prevention of PEP in high-risk patients. The 5-Fr single-pigtail, unflanged pancreatic stent and 5-Fr straight, flanged pancreatic stent performed similarly and both performed better than the 3-Fr pancreatic stent in preventing PEP, suggesting that stent diameter is more important for the prevention of PEP than type of stent or the presence of flanges.
Spin relaxation in gases due to inhomogeneous static and oscillating magnetic fields.

We have extended a recent theory of spin relaxation in gases due to static magnetic field inhomogeneities to include the effects of oscillating magnetic fields. We use this theory to show how magnetic field inhomogeneities cause spin relaxation under magnetic resonance conditions. We have confirmed some of the main theoretical predictions by experimental observations. Spin relaxation in inhomogeneous magnetic fields can be used as a convenient new way to measure diffusion constants in gases.
Imprisonment of Resonance Radiation in Solids and Gases

The description of the self-imprisonment of resonance radiation in gases or solids and of the density distribution of excited species depends upon a transmission coefficient $T(\ensuremath{\rho})$, the probability that a quantum of emitted radiation will traverse a thickness $\ensuremath{\rho}$ of material. This coefficient is shown to be given by the rapidly convergent series $T(\ensuremath{\rho})=\ensuremath{\Sigma}{n}^{}\frac{{(\ensuremath{-}{k}_{0}\ensuremath{\rho})}^{n}}{n!{(n+1)}^{\frac{1}{2}}}$, where ${k}_{0}$ is a constant characteristic of the excited species and of the temperature. The above expression is used to give the first accurate discussion of resonance radiation confined between infinite parallel planes, and of radiation inside a sphere over a wide range of ${k}_{0}\ensuremath{\rho}$ values.
Racial/Ethnic Identity and Subjective Physical and Mental Health of Latino Americans: An Asset Within?

Social Identity Theory indicates that ethnic identity could benefit minority members in a society because of its promotion of a sense of belonging, or of its buffering of the damage of discrimination. Despite growing investigation about Latinos’ overall health, few studies have simultaneously examined the influence of multiple cultural strength factors, especially racial/ethnic identity, social support, and religious attendance, on these outcomes. Using the National Latino and Asian American Study, we examine the potential predictive value of these cultural strength factors on Latinos’ Self-Rated Mental and Physical Health (SRMH and SRPH). Two separate two-step regression models revealed significant positive effects of racial/ethnic identity on both mental and physical health of Latinos, above and beyond the effect of known demographic and acculturation factors, such as discrimination. Religious attendance had a positive effect on SRMH but not on SRPH. The deteriorating roles of discrimination, in mental health only, and that of Length in the US in both outcomes, however, was primarily not altered by entry of these cultural strength factors. The independent direct effect of racial/ethnic identity among Latinos nationwide may suggest that this cultural strength is an internalized protective asset. Longitudinal data is needed to explore its underlying mechanism and long-term impact.
Beer Consumers' Perceptions of the Health Aspects of Alcoholic Beverages

Consumers' perceptions about alcohol are shaped by numerous factors. This environment includes advertisements, public service announcements, product labels, various health claims, and warnings about the dangers of alcohol consumption. This study used focus groups and questionnaires to examine consumers' perceptions of alcoholic beverages based on their nutritional value and health benefits. The overall purpose of this study was to examine beer consumers' perceptions of the health attributes and content of alcoholic beverages. Volunteers were surveyed at large commercial breweries in California, Missouri, and New Hampshire. The anonymous, written survey was presented in a self-explanatory format and was completed in 5 to 10 min. The content and style of the survey were derived from focus groups conducted in California. The data are separated by location, gender, and over or under the age of 30. Parametric data on beverage rating were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) while the nonparametric data from True/False or Yes/No questions were analyzed using chi-square. Although statistically significant variances did exist between survey location, gender, and age, general trends emerged in areas of inquiry. The findings indicate that a great opportunity exists to inform consumers about the health benefits derived from the moderate consumption of all alcoholic beverages.
Recruit, Recruit, Recruit: Organizing Benefits for Employees with Unmarried Families

Summary This article argues that librarians should work to adopt domestic partner benefits for employees in unmarried same- and opposite-sex couples given the inequities in compensation manifest in their absence. It provides new information about the domestic partner practices of Tier 1 and Tier 2 institutions based on a spring/fall 2000 telephone survey. The article includes an outline of actions to institute domestic partner benefits in university settings.
Status of the CDF Run II Silicon Detector

A snapshot of the status of the CDF Run II Silicon Detector is presented, with a summary of commissioning issues since the start of Run II, current performance of the detector, and the use of the data in both the trigger and offline reconstruction.
Problems in validating allegations of sexual abuse. Part 2: Clinical evaluation.

Abstract In Part I of their report, the authors discussed factors that influence a child's perception of events in relation to sexual abuse. Part 2 concerns factors that enhance or detract from validating a child's allegations of sexual abuse. Guidelines for conducting the clinical evaluation of sexual abuse are suggested. Situations in which unfounded allegations may arise and the sequelae of false or unsubstantiated allegations are reviewed.
A service positioning matrix

The service positioning matrix shows how the desired nature of the customer’s service encounter activity sequence translates into a recommended service system design. The matrix helps managers think about marketing and operations linkages, roles of the customer and service‐provider in creating and delivering services, facility design and process choice, and the different types of management challenges at each position in the matrix. Concepts such as the service encounter activity sequence and the degree of repeatability in the activity sequence are defined and used in the matrix. Examples are given to illustrate the positioning of service entities within the matrix. An empirical evaluation provides statistical support for the logic of the service positioning matrix. The criteria used in the matrix are meaningful to survey participants. Future research directions and issues are discussed.
Perspective: On the relevance of slower-than-femtosecond time scales in chemical structural-dynamics studies

A number of examples illustrate structural-dynamics studies of picosecond and slower photo-induced processes. They include molecular rearrangements and excitations. The information that can be obtained from such studies is discussed. The results are complementary to the information obtained from femtosecond studies. The point is made that all pertinent time scales should be covered to obtain comprehensive insight in dynamic processes of chemical and biological importance.
Quality of life in young men after radical prostatectomy

Urinary and sexual function and bother are important outcomes following radical prostatectomy (RP). Since urinary and sexual function are age-related, post-operative bother may vary by age. This study explores the disease-specific quality-of-life outcomes in young men compared with older men undergoing RP. Using CaPSURE data, we identified men who underwent RP and completed the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index (PCI) before and 1-year post-RP. Men were stratified by age ( or = 65). Multivariate regression models were created: a linear model for predictors of PCI scores and a logistic model for predictors of severe declines in PCI domains. Younger men scored significantly better than older men in urinary function (P=0.04), urinary bother (P=0.02) and sexual function (P or = 65 years. Men with relationships had less urinary bother (P=0.03) and were less likely to experience severe worsening of urinary bother (OR=0.32, 0.17-0.60) while having a greater risk of severe worsening of sexual bother (OR=2.74, 1.28-5.89). The use of sexual aids was associated with worse sexual bother (P<0.0001) and greater risk of severe worsening of sexual bother (OR=2.29, 1.54-3.30). Baseline PCI scores were independent predictors in all models. One year after RP, younger men (age < 55) have similar, or better, urinary and sexual function and bother. Baseline scores are strongly associated with post-RP scores and severity of declines. Current relationships and use of sexual aids have significant roles in post-RP bother.
End-loaded crossed-slot radiating elements

Three cavity-backed crossed-slot antenna configurations are described that offer simple design, easy frequency tuning, light weight, low loss, and low cost. These antennas are designed for mobile satellite vehicle phased-array applications. The slots in these antennas are end-loaded. The end loading makes the slots effectively longer, and hence reduces their resonant frequency. Therefore, relatively small radiating elements can be achieved for large-angle-scanning phased-array antennas. These antennas have good RF characteristics and provide a relatively wide bandwidth without needing external tuning circuits for impedance matching. Measurements for the return loss and the far-field pattern of these antennas are presented. >
Evaluation of infection-enhancing activity of modified corticoids.

Summary(1) Chronic latent Besnoitia infection in Golden hamsters is highly sensitive to corticoid effects. (2) Fatal relapse from renewed microbial proliferation can be brought about as early as 6 days after initiation of corticoid therapy. (3) By assay which uses as end point the dose producing relapse on 12th day, potency ratios have been determined for 22 modified progestins and corticoids.
Changes in some nitrogenous constituents of potato tubers during aerobic autolysis

Potato tubers of four cultivars were ground and allowed to undergo aerobic autolysis. Tubers were fractionated before and after autolysis, and distributions of dry matter, N and of free and bound amino acids measured. “Chemically available lysine” and chlorogenic acid were also determined. Extent of “enzymic browning” correlated with loss of free tyrosine but not with “chemically available lysine” content. This last may have been influenced by enzymic oxidation of chlorogenic acid. Losses of S-containing amino acids were observed. Free 4-aminobutyric acid increased and free glutamic acid decreased, suggesting α-decarboxylation of the latter.
Sef interacts with TAK1 and mediates JNK activation and apoptosis.

Sef was recently identified as a negative regulator of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in a genetic screen of zebrafish and subsequently in mouse and humans. By inhibiting FGFR1 tyrosine phosphorylation and/or Ras downstream events, Sef inhibits FGF-mediated ERK activation and cell proliferation as well as PC12 cell differentiation. Here we show that Sef and a deletion mutant of Sef lacking the extracellular domain (SefIC) physically interact with TAK1 (transforming growth factor-β-associated kinase) and activate JNK through a TAK1-MKK4-JNK pathway. Sef and SefIC overexpression also resulted in apoptotic cell death, while dominant negative forms of MKK4 and TAK1 blocked Sef-mediated JNK activation and attendant 293T cell apoptosis. These investigations reveal a novel activating function of Sef that is distinct from its inhibitory effect on FGF receptor signaling and ERK activation.
Dye-sensitized photodynamic inactivation of cells

Living cells may be modified in diverse ways by the combined action of visible light and photosensitizing molecules. The effects appear most frequently as disruptions of subcellular structure, changes in surfacemembrane function or inhibition of mitotic ability. This review concentrates on the four most thoroughly studied cell types—yeast cells,nerve cells, erythrocytes, and cultured tumorcells. Research on these cells indicates that potency of sensitization depends at least as much on the factors affecting an association between sensitizer and cell prior to illumination as on photochemical properties. While sensitizers which permeate may lead to altered DNA, it appears that surfacemembrane modification occurs simultaneously and may be critical in the inactivation mechanism. There is much circumstantial evidence suggesting that excited singlet molecular oxygen acts as an intermediate between photoexcited sensitizer and target alteration. Proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids are all susceptible to photosensitized attack, but the correlation between cellular and molecular modification remains ill‐defined. The use of the photodynamic process as a therapeutic technique, particularly in the treatment of malignant tumors, holds great promise, but awaits further research to develop greater selectivity of action.
A two-species marine algal bioassay for detecting aquatic toxicity of chemical pollutants☆

Abstract A simple, rapid and sensitive two-species marine algal bioassay for determining the toxicity of chemical pollutants was developed. The bioassay employs the marine diatoms Phaeodactylum tricornutum (clone Phaeo) and Cyclotella cryptica (clone 03A), which were selected after screening 40 clones of 32 species for an optimum pair of organisms. These algae are easily grown in the laboratory, and the cells can be differentiated and counted with an electronic particle counter. Alteration of species ratio and/or total biomass were used to determine toxicity. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB, Aroclor 1254) at 10 parts per thousand million (109; ptm) significantly altered species ratio in favor of Phaeo, and 10 ptm of DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane) and 20 ptm of dieldrin produced a significant species alteration opposite to that produced by PCB.
Childhood intracranial neoplasms: supra versus infratentorial location.

Over a 14 yr period, our clinical experience included 92 intracranial neoplasms in children. 53.1 percent of these neoplasms were located supratentorially, while 46 percent were in an infratentorial location. The time honoured concept of predominance of posterior cranial fossa neoplasms, in childhood central nervous system neoplasia, needs revision.
On the relation between radiation and scattering problems for foundations embedded in an elastic half-space

Abstract The relation between the solutions of the boundary-value problems for the dynamic response of embedded foundations to external forces and seismic excitation is examined. It is shown that the contact tractions obtained in the course of calculating the response to external forces can also be used to determine the response of the foundation to an arbitrary seismic excitation.