cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
2-Amino-N-pyrimidin-4-ylacetamides as A2A receptor antagonists: 2. Reduction of hERG activity, observed species selectivity, and structure-activity relationships.

Previously we have described a series of novel A2A receptor antagonists with excellent water solubility. As described in the accompanying paper, the antagonists were first optimized to remove an unsubstituted furyl moiety, with the aim of avoiding the potential metabolic liabilities that can arise from the presence of an unsubstituted furan. This effort identified a series of potent and selective methylfuryl derivatives. Herein, we describe the further optimization of this series to increase potency, maintain selectivity for the human A2A vs the human A1 receptor, and minimize activity against the hERG channel. In addition, the observed structure−activity relationships against both the human and the rat A2A receptor are reported.
Long-term, low-dose benzo[α]pyrene-induced mutation in human lymphoblasts competent in xenobiotic metabolism

We have studied the mutagenic effects of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) administered in a long-term, low-dose fashion to metabolically competent human lymphoblastoid cells. A continuous dose as low as 0.02 microM for 20 days produced a significant increase in mutant fraction at the 6TG-resistance (HGPRT) locus. The slope of the mutant fraction over time in the 0.02 microM BP-treated culture was twice that observed in the untreated concurrent control; 0.02 microM therefore represents the doubling dose of BP for gene mutation in this cell line. For higher doses of 0.1, 0.5 or 1 microM BP, the rate (or efficiency) of induced mutation was considerably higher for the first 5 or 6 days of exposure than for the last 14-15. This did not appear to be due to a growth disadvantage against early-arising mutants. Comparison to previously published data in the same cell system (Crespi and Thilly, 1984) revealed that the long-term , low-dose protocol (0-1 microM for up to 20 days) was significantly more efficient at inducing mutations than a short-term, high-dose protocol (0-10 microM for 1 day).
Approximate dynamic programming solutions of multi-agent graphical games using actor-critic network structures

This paper studies a new class of multi-agent discrete-time dynamical graphical games, where interactions between agents are restricted by a communication graph structure. The paper brings together discrete Hamiltonian mechanics, optimal control theory, cooperative control, game theory, reinforcement learning, and neural network structures to solve the multi-agent dynamical graphical games. Graphical game Bellman equations are derived and shown to be equivalent to certain graphical game Hamilton Jacobi Bellman equations developed herein. Reinforcement Learning techniques are used to solve these dynamical graphical games. Heuristic Dynamic Programming and Dual Heuristic Programming, are extended to solve the graphical games using only neighborhood information. Online adaptive learning structure is implemented using actor-critic networks to solve these graphical games.
Thermodynamic parameters of CaMgSi2O6-Mg2Si2O6 pyroxenes based on regular solution and cooperative disordering models

Thermodynamic parameters for the reaction: $$\begin{gathered} Mg_2 Si_2 O_6 = Mg_2 Si_2 O_6 \hfill \\ enstatite clinopyroxene \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ in the system CaO-MgO-SiO2 have been deduced from phase equilibrium and enthalpy of solution data. From the regular solution theory, the seventeen currently available reversed experimental compositions of coexisting enstatite and clinopyroxene, presumed to be ordered diopside, lead, by a statistical regression, to the following best fit parameters: ΔHo=6.80 kJ ΔSo=2.75 J/K WHCpx=24.47 kJ (regular solution enthalpy parameter) WVCpx=0.105 J/bar (regular solution volume parameter). The derived parameters are not significantly affected by the (necessary) choice of WOpx in the range 20–50 kJ. The above values are in very good agreement with deductions from the solution calorimetry on synthetic CaMgSi2O6-Mg2Si2O6 clinopyroxenes of Newton et al. (1979), which also places bounds on possible departures from the optimal values of these parameters.
Mesh reinforcement of pancreatic transection decreases incidence of pancreatic occlusion failure for left pancreatectomy: a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Introduction Pancreatic leak or fistula is the most frequent complication following left pancreatectomy. We performed a single-blinded, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial comparing stapled left pancreatectomy with stapled left pancreatectomy using mesh reinforcement of the staple line with either Seamguard® or Peristrips Dry®.
Protective effect of verapamil on vulnerability to ventricular fibrillation during myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion

The effects of verapamil on vulnerability to ventricular fibrillation were studied in 55 chloralose-anaesthetised dogs. Ventricular fibrillation threshold was measured before and during a 10 min period of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and following abrupt release of occlusion.The action of intravenous verapamil (0.01 mg·kg−1·min−1, following a 0.1 mg·kg−1 bolus) on vulnerability to fibrillation was examined before and during coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion. While the infusion of verapamil did not alter the ventricular fibrillation threshold in the nonischaemic myocardium, the vulnerable period threshold was raised and the incidence of spontaneous ventricular fibrillation was reduced both after coronary artery occlusion and release. Since cardiocardiac sympathetic reflexes are elicited in response to coronary artery occlusion, the effect of verapamil on vulnerability during left stellate ganglion stimulation and during noradrenaline infusion was investigated. Verapamil completely prevented the reduction in vulnerable period threshold during sympathetic nerve stimulation or noradrenaline infusion. This study suggests that the antifibrillatory action of verapamil during coronary artery occlusion may be, in part, related to antagonism of enhanced adrenergic input to the heart, while the mechanism of protection during reperfusion is as yet uncertain.
Analytical methods used in studies on continuous separation of ions by countercurrent ion exchange

Abstract The hydrogen ion concentration exhibited a pronounced effect on the apparent alkali ion concentrations as determined with a Beckman DU spectrophotometer with a flame attachment. Lithium and potassium ions showed a mutual interference, which appeared small, but was sufficient to affect the theoretical evaluation of exchange systems, especially under trace conditions. Control of slit widths eliminated some of the interferences, but further corrective measures had to be applied by the use of prepared calibration curves. Several methods for removing ions quantitatively from the resins were explored. While copper salts were effective elutants, they could not be used in routine analysis because of interference with the lithium and potassium ions analyses and elution with hydrochloric acid was finally chosen. A simple and economical method was found for determining the ultimate capacity of the resin.
Speciation of Subsurface Contaminants by Cone Penetrometry Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

A thermal extraction cone penetrometry gas chromatography/mass spectrometry system (TECP GC/MS) has been developed to detect subsurface contaminants in situ. The TECP can collect soil-bound organics up to depths of 30 m. In contrast to traditional cone penetrometer sample collectors, the TECP extracts organics from soil without bringing the soil to the surface or into a collection chamber. Results show that polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chlorinated pesticides, and explosives can be recovered (60--95%) from wet or dry soil, with extraction efficiency compound-specific. The data are in remarkable agreement with closed cell thermal desorption (TD) experiments, where no organics are lost to the environment during heating. ECP GC/MS results also compare favorably with solvent-extracted GC/MS analyses and can be used to delineate the presence and extent of contamination at hazardous waste sites. Data illustrating TECP dependence on probe temperature and soil moisture as well as carrier gas liner velocity and volume (modified Reynolds number) are shown along with sample analysis data from two hazardous waste sites. The total ion and reconstructed ion current chromatograms are shown for PAHs collected by TECP from a coal tar contaminated soil obtained at a manufactured gas plant in Massachusetts. TECP and TD resultsmore » are within 15% for nonvolatile PAHs and within 50% of the solvent-extracted data.« less
First-principles study of hydrogen adsorption on Ru(0001): Possible occupation of subsurface sites.

We have performed an ab initio pseudopotential total-energy study of hydrogen adsorption on the Ru(0001) surface. It is found that the surface threefold hollow sites have the lowest energy, as expected for close-packed metal surfaces. However, at higher coverage, the occupation of the subsurface octahedral sites is made possible by the repulsive interaction between nearest-neighbor surface hollow sites. Our results resolve the previous controversy of two hydrogen-binding states observed in the measurements of work-function changes and sticking coefficients.
Actions speak louder than looks: Does robot appearance affect human reactions to robot protest and distress?

People will eventually be exposed to robotic agents that may protest their commands for a wide range of reasons. We present an experiment designed to determine whether a robot's appearance has a significant effect on the amount of agency people ascribed to it and its ability to dissuade a human operator from forcing it to carry out a specific command. Participants engage in a human-robot interaction (HRI) with either a small humanoid or non-humanoid robot that verbally protests a command. Initial results indicate that humanoid appearance does not significantly affect the behavior of human operators in the task. Agency ratings given to the robots were also not significantly affected.
Tagged Particle Limit for a Fleming-Viot Type System

We consider a branching system of $N$ Brownian particles evolving independently in a domain $D$ during any time interval between boundary hits. As soon as one particle reaches the boundary it is killed and one of the other particles splits into two independent particles, the complement of the set $D$ acting as a catalyst or hard obstacle. Identifying the newly born particle with the one killed upon contact with the catalyst, we determine the exact law of the tagged particle as $N$ approaches infinity. In addition, we show that any finite number of labelled particles become independent in the limit. Both results can be seen as scaling limits of a genome population undergoing redistribution present in the Fleming-Viot dynamics.
Adaptation Costs, Coordination Costs, and Optimal Firm Size

The problem of determining the scope of a firm (what things are done within the firm) was in part addressed in chapter 4. This chapter considers the role of adaptation and coordination costs in explaining U-shaped cost curves and in determining optimal firm size, where size is defined as the number of individuals participating in the activity of the firm.
ACM associate-degree IT curricular guidance (abstract only)

Directed by the ACM Education Board, the ACM CCECC (Committee for Computing Education in Community Colleges) has produced curricular guidance for associate-degree IT programs consisting of core IT learning outcomes with associated assessment rubrics. The learning outcomes express core IT competencies which should be common to all IT-related associate-degree programs. The three-tiered assessment rubrics provide further clarity and meaningful evaluation metrics for each outcome, as well as facilitate integration into assessment-based curricula. The outcomes have been influenced by current and future needs of business and industry, certifications, related curricula, and government and standards bodies, along with the intent of being adaptable, not overly technology specific, and having reasonable staying power. These results are being made available during the poster session, in the exhibit hall at the committee booth, and online at www.capspace.org.
In vitro cartilage formation: effects of 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) on glycosaminoglycan and collagen synthesis.

Abstract To determine the relationships between glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis and type-specific collagen synthesis, we have investigated mouse limbs cultured in the presence of antiglutamine DON (6-diazo-5-oxo- l -norleucine). When compared to control limbs, ultrastructural examination of the DON-treated limbs shows that newly formed cartilage lacks matrix granules and the collagen fibrils have an altered morphology. Using [35S]sulfate as a precursor, we have found that DON (5 μg/ml) suppresses chondroitin sulfate synthesis to less than 15% of the control level. We have also examined the collagen synthesized in equivalent limbs labeled with [3H]proline. The α-chain patterns from CM-cellulose chromatography were very similar for control and experimental limbs (α1:α2 ∼ 7), suggesting that both (α1)3- and (α1)2α2-type molecules were being produced. The (α1)3 molecules in both cases were identified as type II collagen by fractional salt separation and cyanogen bromide peptide mapping on CM-cellulose columns. We conclude that (1) the synthesis of type II collagen can be dissociated from the production of GAG, and (2) environmental influences can be involved in controlling the fibrillogenesis of collagen.
Don't forget about viruses.

There is a glaring omission in the recent Tree of Life Special Issue (13 June, pp. [1691-1709][1]). For too long, viruses have been overlooked by biologists attempting to frame the big picture of life's history. Earlier views maintained that viruses are not alive because of their lifestyle as obligate parasites, or that viruses are too changeable and inscrutable for inclusion in the tree of life. We argue that these views are no longer tenable. Viruses exhibit the same primary features common to all life forms (e.g., internal homeostatic controls promoting survival, structural organization based on heritable nucleic acids, reproduction, and so on). Furthermore, there are a legion of other obligate parasites that we do include in the tree ( E. coli in our guts and mycorrhizal fungi, for example). Viral inscrutability is diminishing, and although the study of viral origins and evolution is in its infancy, the number of well-supported virus phylogenies is increasing, and, most importantly, there is a growing set of putative homologous genes linking various virus clades to nonvirus life forms, with more homologs likely to be discovered as genome sequencing efforts for diverse taxa continue. Integration of viruses into the tree of life is not just a viral birthright. It also promotes understanding of viral origins and their roles in emergent disease, in genome evolution through horizontal transfer of genes among hosts, and in the ecology of organismal evolution, as the diversification of viruses and their colonization of virtually all habitats and taxa on Earth have been significant in the creation, maintenance, and loss of biodiversity. Life is a clade, and, to be comprehensive, the tree of life must encompass all of the clade's diversity. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.300.5626.1691
Temperature-sensitive zygote defective mutants of Caenorhabditis elegans☆

Abstract Three genetically complementing temperature-sensitive mutants of Caenorhabditis elegans have been studied. Each of the three mutants has two critical times of temperature sensitivity and two distinctive corresponding phenotypes. Exposure to high temperature during gonadogenesis blocks the production of zygotes. Exposure of adults to high temperature interrupts embryogenesis of the zygotes being produced. Each of the mutants carries an autosomal mutation with a maternal effect. These mutants indicate that the individual temperature-sensitive functions are required at least twice during development and that early embryogenesis is dependent on the contribution of these functions from the maternal gonad.
Measuring Affect and Action in Inter National Reaction Models: Empirical Materials From the 1962 Cuban Crisis

The Cuban crisis of October 1962 may be analyzed from several perspectives. The investigator may focus his attention on the unique characteristics of the situation and sequence of events which are outlined here. The analyst of international relations may, as is suggested in this paper, examine these events so as to permit relevant comparisons with other crisis situations, both those resolved by war and those eventually resolved by non-violent means. The conceptual framework for this analysis is a two-step mediated stimulus-response model in which the acts of one nation are considered as inputs to other nations. Such psycho-political variables as perceptions and expressions of hostility are traced over time by means of content analysis of documents to test the consistency of the model. In the Cuban crisis, both sides tended to perceive rather accurately the nature of the adversary's actions and then proceeded to act at an appropriate level. Efforts by either party to delay or reverse the escalation toward ...
Subharmonic oscillations of a mixing layer-wedge system associated with free surface effects

Abstract An unstable mixing layer, in conjunction with free surface wave effects, can give rise to well-defined subharmonic oscillations of the vortex shedding frequency provided certain streamwise phase conditions are satisfied. Visualization of these oscillations, forces acting on the impingement edge, and streamwise evolution of velocity spectra are addressed.
Towards minimal explanations of unsynthesizability for high-level robot behaviors

High-level robot control has recently seen the application of formal methods to the automatic synthesis of correct-by-construction controllers from user-defined specifications. When a specification fails to yield a corresponding controller, existing techniques provide feedback on portions of the specification that cause the failure, but at a coarse granularity. This work provides techniques for extracting minimal explanations of such failures. The approach is shown to provide refinement of the feedback on several example specifications.
The relationship between father involvement in family leisure and family functioning: The importance of daily family leisure.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between fathers’ involvement in family leisure and aspects of family functioning from both a father and young adolescent perspective. The sample consisted of fathers and their adolescent child from 647 families throughout the United States. Results from both the father and youth perspective indicated significant relationships between father involvement in both core and balance family leisure with family cohesion, family adaptability, and overall family functioning. Satisfaction with core family leisure that included the father's involvement was the single strongest predictor of all aspects of family functioning from both perspectives highlighting the importance of regularly occurring home-based family activities such as eating dinner together, participating in hobbies and informal sports or yard activities together, watching television together, or playing board games and video games together. Discussion and implications for fathers, families, prac...
pH-related effects of sodium cyanate on macromolecular synthesis and tumor cell division

In past work, the selective effects of sodium cyanate on macromolecular synthesis in tumors have not been seen with cells in culture. We have explored the possibility that differences in the response of tumor cells to cyanate in vivo and in vitro may be related to the pH in the environment to which cells are exposed. When rat hepatoma (HTC) cells were incubated with sodium cyanate (0.25 mg/ml), there was a greater inhibition of precursor incorporation into RNA and DNA with a decrease in pH from 7.4 to 6.6. At pH 7.4 there was no significant effect of sodium cyanate on the incorporation of [3H]leucine into protein of rat hepatocytes and HTC cells, but at pH 6.6 there were decreases of 50% or greater. The time of response and the reversibility of the inhibitory effects of sodium cyanate were not those anticipated from carbamoylation of amino groups but were compatible with modification of sulfhydryl groups. The uptake of [14C]sodium cyanate in HTC cells and human colon cancer (HT29) cells was greater at pH 6.6 than at 7.4. Over a period of 4 days there was a slower rate of cell division by HTC and HT29 at pH 6.6 than at pH 7.4. The addition of sodium cyanate caused a further reduction in the rate of proliferation, and at a concentration of 0.25 mg sodium cyanate/ml there were decreases in cell numbers. The data suggested that a lower interstitial pH in tumors than normal tissues would result in greater sensitivity to inhibitory effects of sodium cyanate on macromolecular synthesis.
Normal zone propagation experiments on HTS composite conductors

Abstract As high temperature superconductor magnet applications become a reality due to increases in conductor performance, it is important to understand the behavior of normal zones in conductors and magnets in order to design safe magnet systems. Here we study the effects of localized heat pulses in Ag-alloy sheathed Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O x powder-in-tube conductors and Ni-alloy substrated YBa 2 Cu 3 O x coated conductor tapes cooled by N 2 gas. A heater was used to initiate a normal zone. The experimental setup to measure the energy required such that the normal zone propagates and the normal zone propagation velocity in the longitudinal direction is described. Results for both conductor architectures are presented.
Cerebral Hemorrhage in Relation to Birth Asphyxia

The brains of monke guinea pigs asphyxiated at birth pletely resuscitated, and killed a ous times thereafter revealed no chial hemorrhages. However, postnatal distress and other factoring to a moribund state occurro brains revealed petechial hemor.
NMR hybrid relaxation methods of studying chemical, physical, and spin exchange. III. Hybrid relaxation dispersion

Abstract The NMR hybrid relaxation rate for exchanging systems exhibits a dispersion with pulse spacing (HRD), similar to the dependence of spin-echo T 2 values on the 180° pulse spacing. We present a qualitative explanation of HRD, and compare it with its T 2 analog. Exact expressions are complex, and we show the results of computer calculations to illustrate the dependence of HRD on various experimental parameters. Supplementing standard T 1 and T 2 experiments with an HRD measurement allows one more unknown to be derived for two-phase systems, yielding an unambiguous exchange rate. Procedures for curve fitting are described, and illustrated with data on spin exchange for the hemoglobin-water proton system in red cells.
Irreversible inhibition of adenosine triphosphatases, diglyceride kinase and phosvitin kinase of brain by diisopropylphosphorofluoridate.

Abstract High activities of transport ATPase and diglyceride kinase, relative to other preparations, were observed in a deoxycholate-treated particulate fraction from guinea-pig cerebrum. Incubation of the enzyme preparation in various buffers showed an initial inactivation of the diglyceride kinase and a slight activation of the transport ATPase. Both enzymes were irreversibly inhibited on treatment with DFP. In the presence of strophanthidin both enzymes showed similar but not identical rates of inhibition by DFP. The effects of DFP concentration and pH on the inhibitions of both enzymes were similar. ATP protected both enzymes against DFP inactivation, but very much lower concentrations were required for protection of the transport ATPase. Mg 2+ was required for DFP inhibition of transport ATPase but not of diglyceride kinase, even though the latter could be shown to require Mg 2+ for activity. Strophanthidin or K + potentiated the inhibitory effects of DFP on transport ATPase but had no effect on the inhibition of diglyceride kinase. The brain enzyme preparation also contained phosvitin kinase. It was slightly inhibited by DFP during the first few minutes of incubation; no further inhibition was observed on longer incubation. Removal of a sulfhydryl inhibitor from the DFP preparation by fractional distillation did not reduce the inhibitory effect of DFP on the three enzymes. Under conditions in which the rate of inhibition of the transport ATPase by DFP was increased 2.5-fold by strophanthidin there was no increased phosphorylation of the enzyme preparation by [ 32 P]DFP. The possibility that the transport ATPase is a modified form diglyceride kinase, in which water has become the favored phosphate acceptor, is discussed. Tetraethylpyrophosphate showed about the same potency as DFP in inhibiting the transport ATPase.
Primary Progressive Aphasia and Apraxia of Speech

Primary progressive aphasia is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by progressive language dysfunction. The majority of primary progressive aphasia cases can be classified into three subtypes: nonfluent/agrammatic, semantic, and logopenic variants. Each variant presents with unique clinical features, and is associated with distinctive underlying pathology and neuroimaging findings. Unlike primary progressive aphasia, apraxia of speech is a disorder that involves inaccurate production of sounds secondary to impaired planning or programming of speech movements. Primary progressive apraxia of speech is a neurodegenerative form of apraxia of speech, and it should be distinguished from primary progressive aphasia given its discrete clinicopathological presentation. Recently, there have been substantial advances in our understanding of these speech and language disorders. The clinical, neuroimaging, and histopathological features of primary progressive aphasia and apraxia of speech are reviewed in this article. The distinctions among these disorders for accurate diagnosis are increasingly important from a prognostic and therapeutic standpoint.
The characterization of a distribution function by the second moment of the residual life

Let F(x) be a continuous distribution function with finite variance, and let h2(y) = EF[(T - y)2[T>y] denote the second moment of the residual life. In this paper we show that F(x) is characterized by h2(y).
Initial comparison of SURE/MAP3S sulfur oxide observations with long-term regional model predictions

Abstract Recent data acquisition by the Sulfate Regional Experiment (SURE) program and the Multistate Atmospheric Power Production Pollution Study (MAP3S) Precipitation Chemistry Network has provided a set of data capable of presenting insight into the development of regional model formulations. This paper analyzes some of the relationships implicit in monthly averages of airborne SO2 and SO2−4 concentrations and total sulfur removed by precipitation scavenging and uses these data in evaluating a regional-scale model for sulfur oxide transport, transformation and removal. Comparisons of observed and predicted data indicate that additional model economy can be achieved by removal of some subgrid scale parameterizations, and that it may be important that predictive models distinguish transport, transformation, and removal of sulfur oxides in subcloud and incloud environments.
Ethanol Oxidation by Imidorhenium(V) Complexes: Formation of Amidorhenium(III) Complexes

The reaction of Re(NC6H4R)Cl3(PPh3)2 (R = H, 4-Cl, 4-OMe) with 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) is investigated in refluxing ethanol. The reaction produces two major products, Re(NC6H4R)Cl(dppe)22+ (R = H, 1-H; R = Cl, 1-Cl; R = OMe, 1-OMe) and the rhenium(III) species Re(NHC6H4R)Cl(dppe)2+ (R = H, 2-H; R = Cl, 2-Cl). Complexes 1-H (orthorhombic, Pcab, a = 22.3075(10) A, b = 23.1271(10) A, c = 23.3584(10) A, Z = 8), 1-Cl (triclinic, P1, a = 11.9403(6) A, b = 14.6673(8) A, c = 17.2664(9) A, α = 92.019(1)°, β = 97.379(1)°, γ = 90.134(1)°, Z = 2), and 1-OMe (triclinic, P1, a = 11.340(3) A, b = 13.134(4) A, c = 13.3796(25) A, α = 102.370(20)°, β = 107.688(17)°, γ = 114.408(20)°, Z = 1) are crystallographically characterized and show an average Re−N bond length (1.71 A) typical of imidorhenium(V) complexes. There is a small systematic decrease in the Re−N bond length on going from Cl to H to OMe. Complex 2-Cl (monoclinic, Cc, a = 24.2381(11) A, b = 13.4504(6) A, c = 17.466(8) A, β = 97.06900(0)°, Z = 4...
Effect of renal venous occlusion on intrarenal pressure.

Summary1. When the renal vein is completely occluded, the intrarenal pressure increases about 3-fold, being elevated to the simultaneous pressure in the vein on the renal side of the occlusion. Usually this pressure is somewhat less than the simultaneous diastolic blood pressure. When the vein is partially occluded, intrarenal pressure does not change until the simultaneous pressure in the vein on the renal side of the occlusion rises to the original intrarenal pressure. At this point, as the occlusion is increased, the two pressures rise together and always have the same value. 2. The hypothesis is proposed that the pressure inside the renal peritubular capillaries, venules, uriniferous tubules and lymphatics is normally just above intrarenal pressure, i.e. at 2 5 mm Hg. This situation, it is postulated, permits the process of reabsorption to take place freed from the influence of random or pathological fluctuations in vena cava pressure. Oncotic pressures and cellular metabolic processes, therefore, are...
Multicast capacity for hybrid wireless networks

We study the multicast capacity of a random wireless network consisting of ordinary wireless nodes and base stations, known as a hybrid network. Assume that n ordinary wireless nodes are randomly deployed in a square region and all nodes have the uniform transmission range r and uniform interference range R>r. We further assume that each ordinary wireless node can transmit/receive at W bits/second over a common wireless channel. In addition, there are m additional base stations (neither source nodes nor receiver nodes) placed regularly in this square region and connected by a high-bandwidth wired network. For each ordinary node v, we randomly pick k-1 nodes from the other n-1 ordinary nodes as the receivers of the multicast session at node v. The aggregated multicast capacity is defined as the total data rate of all multicast sessions in this hybrid network.We derive asymptotic upper bounds and lower bounds on multicast capacity of the hybrid wireless networks. The total multicast capacity is O(√n /√log n · √m/k · W) when k = O(n / log n), k = O(m), k / √m → ∞ and m = o(a2 / r2); the total multicast capacity is Θ(√n / √log n · W / √k) when k = O(n/log n), k = Ω(m) and m/k → O. When k = O(n/log n) and k = O(√m), the upper bound for minimum multicast capacity is at most O(r·n/a · √m · W/k) and is at least Ω(W) respectively. When k =Ωα(n/log n), the multicast capacity is Θ(W).
Meperidine-induced changes in the maternal and fetal electroencephalograms of the guinea pig☆

Abstract This study demonstrated that meperidine, when administered to the maternal guinea pig, rapidly crossed the placenta and produced EEG changes not unlike those of the more mature animal. Increased voltage and decrease in frequency were apparent in both mother and fetus following meperidine injection. The maternal responses preceded the fetal response by a relatively brief interval. High doses of meperidine in the mother produced spike and slow waves with clinical signs of convulsions. In the fetus these events were associated with decrease in frequency and voltage depression.
Increased mercury contamination of distilled and natural water samples caused by oxidizing preservatives

Abstract The passage of mercury vapor from ambient air through the walls of conventional polyethylene (CPE), linear polyethylene (LPE), and Teflon (FEP) containers can seriously contaminate solutions of distilled and natural water stored in these containers. The rate of mercury contamination is dramatically increased when the sample solution contains oxidizing agents such as nitric acid or potassium permanganate, which are commonly used as preservatives to prevent loss of mercury(II) ion. The rate of contamination also depends on container material and decreases in the order CPE > LPE > FEP > glass. Freezing the samples in plastic containers is an effective way to prevent mercury contamination. When freezing is not practical, storage in glass containers minimizes sample contamination from ambient mercury vapor.
A Retrospective View of Wear Research and Some Emerging Challenges

Compared to the study of friction, wear research is a much younger endeavor. While there is historical evidence of attempts to create wear-resistant surfaces, like pounding stones into the soles of wooden sandals or attaching metal strips to wooden plowshares, there was little scientific study of wear before the mid-twentieth century when Ragnar Holm conducted his signal work on electrical contact materials [1]. Modern instruments to magnify and study surfaces, and the use of bench-scale apparatus enabled wear research to be brought into the laboratory. Developments in heat treating, coating processes, and cleaner metallurgical practices for steels drove the desire to better quantify and understand the bases for improvements in wear resistance. Trends in wear research are indicated by the subjects of papers from the International Conferences on Wear of Materials. Near-term challenges in wear research include reaching a better understanding of non-steady-state processes of surface damage, reconsidering the traditional definitions for wear modes, and designing, modeling, and testing components under combined wear modes. Challenges for longer-term wear research include improving first-principles materials design and material selection for wear minimization, wear life-prediction for multi-mode systems, integrated surface engineering, and virtual wear testing as a means to avoid high development costs and to cope with the daunting number of choices of materials, lubricants, and surface treatments for wear mitigation.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Demanding patient or demanding encounter?: A case study of a cancer clinic

This paper explores the sociological relevance of demanding encounters between doctors and patients. Borrowing from Potter and McKinlay's [(2005). From a relationship to encounter: an examination of longitudinal and lateral dimensions in the doctor-patient relationship. Social Science & Medicine, 61, 465-479] reconceptualization of the doctor-patient relationship, we suggest an analytic shift away from 'demanding patients' toward 'demanding encounters'. Such a shift places provider-patient conflict within a broader socio-cultural context, emphasizing constraints facing both doctor and patient as they interact in a clinical setting. Specifically, through an ethnographic study of doctor-patient interactions at the oncology clinic of a US University Hospital, we examine the respective influences of new information technologies and patient consumerism in the production of demanding encounters in oncology. Findings suggest that these interconnected socio-cultural realities, in tandem with patient tendencies to challenge physician judgment or expertise, play a role in demanding encounters. We conclude by considering the implications of demanding encounters for doctors, patients and healthcare organizations.
ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL BALANCE IN NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS FOR PLANT CULTURES

Wheat seedlings grown for one day in a dilute solution of KNO3, the next day in one of MgHP04, the third day in one of CaSO4, and these changes continued in rotation at twenty-four-hour intervals for four weeks, grew as large and produced approximately as much dry weight as those grown in complete nutrient solutions of the above-named salts and in other three-salt solutions that supplied the same ions. The plants grown in these three single-salt solutions were also much superior to those grown in other types of single-salt solutions that were changed likewise at twenty-fourhour intervals. Altogether, ten diffetent simple nutrient salts were used in the tests, and these were selected to give six different types of nutrient solutions; three or four salts being required for each type, which, with a trace of iron salt added, supplied the essential salt or mineral constituents for plant growth in aqueous solutions. All solutions, with the exception noted below, were of approximately the same osmotic value, this being approximately equal to one atmosphere osmotic pressure. Each singlesalt solution, aside from the trace of iron it contained (this being added as FeSO4), supplied the plants with two essential nutrients, both cation and anion of the salts used being of those atoms or groups of atoms considered necessary for plant growth. It required three days to make one rotation to bring the plants in contact with the three nutrient solutions of their respective types, which supplied them with all the essential elements in nutrient solutions, )iz.: NO3, S0.4, P04, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe. The salts used for the different types' were as follows: Type I, KH2PO4, Ca(N03)2, MgSO4; type II, K2S04, Ca(N03)2, MgHP04; type III, KNO3, CaHP04 (saturated solution plus enough Ca(H2P04)2 to give together 0.2 atmosphere osmotic value), MgSO4; type IV, K2S04, CaHPO4 (saturated solution plus enough Ca(H2PO4)2 to give together 0.2 atmosphere osmotic value), Mg(N03)2; type V, KNO3, CaSO4, MgHP04; type VI, KH2PO4, CaSO4, Mg(NOs)2. The change of the cultures from one solution to another successively within each of the several types at twenty-four-hour intervals covered the
Predictive factors for effective salvage therapy of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of testis.

Abstract Twenty-four patients with metastatic and chemotherapy-refractorynonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis were treated with various chemotherapy regimens upon failure. Eight of the 24 patients (33 %) are alive and disease free after salvage therapy with a median follow-up of sixteen months. Prognostic factors tested included those known to be predictive for initial response to therapy (clinical stage and degree of elevation of the biomarkers). In addition, time to initiation of salvage therapy and response to initial chemotherapy were assessed as variables. Our data suggest that patients with solitary organ metastases following relapse, and response to initial chemotherapy are favorable predictors for response to salvage treatment. All the patients with solitary organ metastases (5/5 [100 %]) but only 3/19 (16 %) of the patients with multiple metastatic sites were salvaged. Patients with delayed initiation of salvage therapy had a reduced likelihood of achieving a complete remission but this was not statistically significant. The variables identified need to be incorporated into future trials testing the efficacy of salvage therapy for patients with nonseminomatous tumors of the testis.
Tobacco exposure and impaired development: A review of the evidence

The relationship between children's exposure to tobacco and their cognitive and behavioral development is reviewed. Prenatal exposure to tobacco has clear and consistent effects on newborn neurobehavioral functioning. The extent to which these early neurobehavioral disturbances portend later impairments of cognitive functioning and academic achievement remains unclear. Inconsistent results and incomplete examination of covarying influences make it difficult to estimate the effects of tobacco on cognitive development. Research designs have not been adequately constructed to discern the extent to which the effects of prenatal exposures may be moderated by regulating postnatal environments. Studies of prenatal exposure on behavioral outcomes (such as behavior problems and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) show a stronger link, even after control for covarying influences. The effects of prenatal tobacco exposure on attention and behavioral regulation are hypothesized to mediate the influence of tobacco on cognition and academic achievement. Animal studies of carbon monoxide and nicotine exposure strongly suggest that these toxins can adversely affect the cognitive performance and behavioral regulation of offspring exposed prenatally. Effects have been demonstrated on neuroanatomical and neurochemical structures and functions. The broad range of effects found for carbon monoxide and nicotine are consistent with the hypothesis that tobacco is neurotoxic in the developing human. MRDD Research Review 1997;3;:257–269. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Impact on Families of Pediatric Resident Departure From a Continuity Clinic Practice

Objective: To determine views of parents whose children were reassigned to new resident pediatricians at a continuity clinic because their previous pediatricians had completed residency. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Hospital-based resident continuity clinic. Participants: Ninety parents whose pediatricians were graduating were interviewed from June through August 1995. Results: Most parents felt they knew their resident pediatrician well and that the resident knew their child well. Sixty-eight parents (76%) were sad about the transition, 33 (37%) were angry, 30 (33%) felt abandoned, and 6 (7%) were relieved. Three fourths of the parents thought it was very important for the family to be involved in the reassignment process, yet less than one fifth had been asked their opinion. Half of the families were experiencing their second or greater transition. Families undergoing their first, vs second or greater transitions, were more likely to feel they knew the resident well (P=.01), and that the resident knew their child well (P=.04). Despite the transitions, 86 (96%) of families stated they would continue to have their child receive medical care at the current site because they knew their child would receive good care. Conclusions: Strong physician-patient-parent relationships develop when residents are the pediatric primary care providers. Parents want to be informed regarding transitions. Pediatricians need to be sensitive to the impact of transitions and to negotiate with families in choosing their future pediatrician. These results have implications for other practice sites where physician turnover occurs. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1997;151:679-683
Carbon isotopic evidence for photosynthesis in Early Cambrian oceans

Were the first metazoan reefs ecologically similar to modern tropical reefs, enabling them to persist under oligotrophic conditions? We tested the hypothesis of ecological similarity by employing a geochemical approach. Petrography, cathodoluminescence, trace elements, and stable isotope analyses of primary precipitates of the Lower Cambrian Ajax Limestone, South Australia, indicate preservation of original C isotopic composition. All primary carbonate components exhibit C isotopic values similar to the composition of inorganically precipitated fibrous marine cements, suggesting that archaeocyaths and the calcimicrobe Epiphyton precipitated skeletal carbonate in equilibrium with ambient seawater in the absence of vital effects. Such data do not support the contention that archaeocyaths possessed photosymbionts. However, a +0.55‰ shift in δ 13 C occurs in reefs developed under shallower-water conditions relative to deeper reefs. This shift suggests the stratification of primary production in Early Cambrian oceans. The pattern is similar to that seen in the modern ocean, whereby significant photosynthesis modulates the C isotopic composition of the photic zone.
Extending the fast multipole method to charges inside or outside a dielectric sphere

In this paper, we propose a novel method to extend the fast multipole method (FMM) to calculate the electrostatic potential due to charges inside or outside a dielectric sphere. The key result which allows such an extension is the construction of a small number (two for a 10^-^2 relative error in reaction potentials inside the sphere) of image point charges for source point charges inside or outside the dielectric sphere. Numerical results validate the accuracy and high efficiency of the resulting algorithm.
On block codes with specified maximum distance (Corresp.)

A new class of block codes with specified length and maximum Hamming distance between the codewords is given. It is also shown that the proposed codes have the largest number of words when the maximum Hamming distance specified is 1, 2, or 3.
Individualism/Collectivism and Cultures of Happiness: A Theoretical Conjecture on the Relationship between Consumption, Culture and Subjective Well-Being at the National Level

This theory paper seeks to explain an empirical puzzle presented by past research on the relationship between consumption and subjective well-being (SWB). Research has shown that people in rich countries are, on average, significantly higher in SWB than people in poor countries, which is consistent with a strong link between one's overall level of consumption and one's SWB. However, when individuals within the same country are compared, income has little relationship to SWB above the level at which basic needs can be met, suggesting that higher levels of consumption may not be linked to higher levels of SWB. This link between consumption and SWB when nations are compared to each other, but not when individuals within a given nation are compared to each other, presents a puzzle. As a solution, I propose that economic development leads to higher levels of national average SWB not by increasing consumption (again, with the caveat that this statement excludes situations where basic needs are not being met), but by creating more individualistic cultures which encourage their members to pursue personal happiness over honor and meeting social obligations. Whether or not this is seen as a socially positive development depends in a circular fashion on the cultural values of the person making the judgement.
Lower Bounds on Virtual Crossing Number and Minimal Surface Genus

We compute lower bounds on the virtual crossing number and minimal surface genus of virtual knot diagrams from the arrow polynomial. In particular, we focus on several interesting examples.
Evaluation of Murine Norovirus, Feline Calicivirus, Poliovirus, and MS2 as Surrogates for Human Norovirus in a Model of Viral Persistence in Surface Water and Groundwater

Human noroviruses (NoVs) are a significant cause of nonbacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, with contaminated drinking water a potential transmission route. The absence of a cell culture infectivity model for NoV necessitates the use of molecular methods and/or viral surrogate models amenable to cell culture to predict NoV inactivation. The NoV surrogates murine NoV (MNV), feline calicivirus (FCV), poliovirus (PV), and male-specific coliphage MS2, in conjunction with Norwalk virus (NV), were spiked into surface water samples (n = 9) and groundwater samples (n = 6). Viral persistence was monitored at 25°C and 4°C by periodically analyzing virus infectivity (for all surrogate viruses) and nucleic acid (NA) for all tested viruses. FCV infectivity reduction rates were significantly higher than those of the other surrogate viruses. Infectivity reduction rates were significantly higher than NA reduction rates at 25°C (0.18 and 0.09 log10/day for FCV, 0.13 and 0.10 log10/day for PV, 0.12 and 0.06 log10/day for MS2, and 0.09 and 0.05 log10/day for MNV) but not significant at 4°C. According to a multiple linear regression model, the NV NA reduction rates (0.04 ± 0.01 log10/day) were not significantly different from the NA reduction rates of MS2 (0.05 ± 0.03 log10/day) and MNV (0.04 ± 0.03 log10/day) and were significantly different from those of FCV (0.08 ± 0.03 log10/day) and PV (0.09 ± 0.03 log10/day) at 25°C. In conclusion, MNV shows great promise as a human NoV surrogate due to its genetic similarity and environmental stability. FCV was much less stable and thus questionable as an adequate surrogate for human NoVs in surface water and groundwater.