cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
N.M.R. and magnetic study (E.P.R. and magnetization) of BaOB2O3SiO2 glasses containing titanium ions

Abstract The structure of the magnetic ions in oxide glasses is usually indirectly inferred from the magnetic properties and magnetic interactions between the ions involved. These measurements include dc and ac susceptibility, EPR, Mossbauer spectroscopy, etc. In this work we have combined low temperature dc magnetization and EPR measurements with NMR structural studies on the host glass constituents to obtain more detailed description of the glass structure. NMR measurements, using the B 11 , Ba 137 , constituent nuclei have been made on two host glasses, Na 2 OB 2 O 3 SiO 2 and BaOB 2 O 3 SiO 2 , containing various concentrations of titanium ions. The concentration of Ti (as TiO 2 ) varied from 0–10 mole %, the vcr [Ti +3 ] [Ti total] range between 0 and 0.8 In addition, low field dc magnetization measurements were carried out at liquid helium temperatures, and x-band EPR spectra obtained over wide temperature ranges. Selected examples of the various behaviors are shown. The most striking result is the extreme sensitivity of the three-fold coordinated B and the Ba resonances to the incorporation of titanium into the glass. The magnetic measurements indicate that at the same time, the titanium ions are acting together in either pairs or larger structures. We suggest that there is a synergistic interaction between the modifier ions (Ba +2 ), the titanium ions, and the non-bridging oxygens which results in their accumulation in micro-heterogeneities. These microheterogeneities we suggest, surround islands of more continuous networks involving the four coordinated boron. This micro-inhomogeneous glass structure is discussed briefly in relation to dc electrical conduction.
Mitigating Climate Change in US Cities: Opportunities and obstacles

This study examines opportunities for and obstacles to the mitigation of climate change in US cities using the example of the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) campaign sponsored by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives. The CCP experience suggests a number of ways in which municipal governments can control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but also highlights several obstacles that make it difficult for local officials to do so. First, climate change is generally framed as a global issue. The CCP experience suggests that climate change is most likely to be reframed as a local issue when the preferred policy response (controlling GHG emissions) can be linked to issues (e.g. air quality) already on the local agenda. Secondly, even when local governments recognise that they should do something to control GHG emissions, institutional barriers make it difficult for municipalities to move from political rhetoric to policy action. Finally, it is questionable whether local initiatives can ...
Cardiovascular effects of D,L-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine in cats.

Abstract Possible cardiovascular effects of d,l -threo-dihydroxyphenylserine (threo-DOPS) were studied in 23 cats in doses of 5–200 mg/kg. To separate the effects of peripheral from central decarboxylation to norepinephrine (NE), the peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor MK-486 was administered to some of the animals prior to the study. No significant effect on heart rate, electrocardiogram, or blood pressure was seen after contaminating NE was removed from the threo-DOPS by an ion-exchange column.
Preparation of compounds isomorphous to TlAlF4

Abstract RbFeF4, TlFeF4 and NH4FeF4 have been prepared from solution and shown to be isomorphous to tetragonal TlAlF4. Decomposition occurs prior to melting making crystal growth difficult. A more stable isomorph RbVF4 has been obtained from a melt of RbF and VF3. X-ray powder data are presented for each compound.
Mouse models of prostate cancer: picking the best model for the question

When the National Institutes of Health Mouse Models of Human Cancer Consortium initiated the Prostate Steering Committee 15 years ago, there were no genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models of prostate cancer (PCa). Today, a PubMed search for “prostate cancer mouse model” yields 3,200 publications and this list continues to grow. The first generation of GEM utilized the newly discovered and characterized probasin promoter driving viral oncogenes such as Simian virus 40 large T antigen to yield the LADY and TRAMP models. As the PCa research field has matured, the second generation of models has incorporated the single and multiple molecular changes observed in human disease, such as loss of PTEN and overexpression of Myc. Application of these models has revealed that mice are particularly resistant to developing invasive PCa, and once they achieve invasive disease, the PCa rarely resembles human disease. Nevertheless, these models and their application have provided vital information on human PCa progression. The aim of this review is to provide a brief primer on mouse and human prostate histology and pathology, provide descriptions of mouse models, as well as attempt to answer the age old question: Which GEM model of PCa is the best for my research question?
Presence of circulating prostate cancer cells in African American males adversely affects survival.

Abstract African-Americans (AAM) with prostate cancer are more likely to relapse than Caucasian-Americans (CAM) despite controlling for known prognostic factors. One explanation may be that micrometastatic disease in AAM behaves more aggressively than in CAM. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification of the Prostatic Specific Antigen-mRNA (RTPCR PSA-mRNA) results from peripheral blood samples of AAM and CAM with respect to disease outcome. We evaluated the peripheral blood of 246 consecutive patients at the time of radical prostatectomy. The RTPCR PSA-mRNA test for determination of circulating prostate cancer cells was performed. The results were stratified by races and correlated with standard clinico-pathological variables and disease free survival. 27% and 23% of AAM and CAM patients were RTPCR PSA-mRNA positive, respectively. The RTPCR PSA-mRNA status correlated with the pathologic stage in CAM but not in AAM, (p=0.05). There was no association with Gleason score, PSA level, or clinical stage with the RTPCR PSA-mRNA status in either group. AAM with organ-confined prostate cancer were marginally more likely to have circulating prostate cells than similarly staged CAM (24% vs. 17%). In AAM but not CAM who had prostate cancer, the RTPCR PSA-mRNA status correlated with and was an independent predictor of disease-free survival. Our data suggests that, though the likelihood of having circulating prostate cells is the same in AAM and CAM, the presence of circulating prostate cells in AAM is predictive of a worse outcome. This may partially explain the worse prognosis in AAM vs. CAM with clinically localized prostate cancer.
Boundary Layer Flame Stabilization

An initial experimental investigation of boundary layer flame interaction has been carried out . Homogeneous propane-air gas mixtures with laminar free stream flow were studied. The flames were essentially two-d imensional and intersected a boundary layer flowing over a flat plate or airfoil shaped plate. Two distinct types of flame stabilization were found, depending upon the nature of the boundary layer. Experimental nonsteady phenomena of blowoff, flashback, and boundary layer flame oscillation are reported and discussed.
Measurements of airborne aflatoxins during the handling of contaminated corn

Samples of airborne dust generated during the handling' of aflatoxin-contaminated corn were collected and analyzed to assess potential exposures of farmers and other agricultural workers to these mycotoxins. Using high volume total dust samplers and a high volume Andersen sampler, downwind dust samples were collected on glass fiber filters when contaminated corn was transferred by augers from a storage bin into a wagon and back into the storage bin. The aflatoxin B1 content of the 15 dust samples ranged from 12.5 to 204.3 ppb, with an average of 138 ppb; the aflatoxin B2 content ranged from 1.1 to 41.6 ppb, with an average of 24.6 ppb. The B1 and B2 levels of contamination in the bulk corn were 223.9 and 17.5 ppb, respectively. The gravimetric dust concentration in the air ranged from 7 mg/m3 to 417 mg/m3. The samples taken with an Andersen sampler indicate the dust is relatively coarse with only approximately 17% less than 7 µm. An analysis of the dust from each stage showed higher levels of aflatoxins i...
Social anxiety and marijuana-related problems: the role of social avoidance.

Abstract Background People with elevated social anxiety seem vulnerable to marijuana-related impairment. Yet little work has examined core facets of social anxiety that may be especially related to marijuana-related problems. Method The present study examined the relationships between current (past three months) marijuana-related problems and two aspects of social anxiety (fear in social situations and social avoidance) among current (N = 102) marijuana users. Results Although both social fear and social avoidance were significantly correlated with marijuana-related problems, only social avoidance was uniquely related to marijuana problems (after controlling for social fear, sex, negative affect, alcohol problems, and marijuana use frequency). Sex moderated the relationship between social avoidance and marijuana-related problems such that men with greater social avoidance exhibited the greatest severity of marijuana-related problems. Conclusions Avoidance of social situations appears robustly related to marijuana-related problems. This finding has important implications for theoretical models that can inform treatment of co-occurring social anxiety and marijuana problems.
Acoustical and Geological Characteristics of Near- Surface Sediments, Upper Continental Slope of Northern Gulf of Mexico

The continental slope off Texas and Louisiana is the most structurally and sedimentologically complex area in the Gulf of Mexico. This 120,000 km2 area is dominated by diapiric tectonics, resulting in numerous faults, oil and gas seeps, and other geological phenomena that affect near-surface sediments. Bottom gradients range from 0 to 20°. High-resolution seismic surveys, foundation borings, and drop cores reveal several mass-movement features, acoustic wipeout zones, sea floor erosion, faults, hardgrounds, bioherms, reefs, and outcrops. Recent data indicate that most geological activity takes place during relative sea level lowering and low stands.
AMBIENT AIR USED AS THE NONLINEAR MEDIA FOR THZ WAVE GENERATION

We report the first systematic study of broadband THz wave generation with ambient air as the nonlinear media. Generation of pulsed THz waves with mixing the fundamental and the second harmonic beams in air has been previously demonstrated by Cook et al. and Hartmut et al. while different groups obtained different results. To verify the proposed mechanism of strong THz wave generation, we measured dependence of generated THz field on the polarization, amplitude and phase of the individually controlled two beams. Our results confirm that four-wave-mixing rectification is the major mechanism this phenomenon, and the amplitude and polarity of generated THz wave can be controlled by the relative phase of the beams. This work is significant by providing the feasibility of THz wave generation and detection with a standoff distance greater than 50 meters.
What is punctuated equilibrium? What is macroevolution? A response to Pennell et al.

What is punctuated equilibrium [or ‘equilibria’ as termed by one of us (N.E.)]? What is macroevolution? These are questions central to evolutionary biology. Yet, recently in an article in Trends Ecol. Evol. by Pennell et al. [1] the former is mischaracterized and the latter is not even defined. Here, we rectify these oversights by providing a definition of macroevolution, an accurate rendition of punctuated equilibrium (PE), and an elucidation of how they must be related. Furthermore, consider the title of [1]: ‘Is there room for punctuated equilibrium…?’ Such a question is flawed: concepts do not battle for lebensraum, although sometimes their opponents and proponents seem compelled to.
A new filter method of CP and windowing in OFDM signals

We introduce a new method of ‘inserting’ CP in this paper. This new method is called filter method since it is obtained as a result of interpreting the underlying pulse shaping filter being rectangular in time domain. However, in this filter method there is no explicit insertion and removal of CP. It is implicitly part of filtering process. The current practice of CP insertion may be interpreted as being a special case of the filter method. One immediate advantage of this filter method is that ‘windowing’ can be implemented as part of filtering as well. This paper is sequel to [5], and provides a way of implementing ‘windowing’ as well as CP in a ‘natural’ way.
THE PURIFICATION AND PROPERTIES OF L-RHAMNULOKINASE.

l-Rhamnulokinase (ATP:l-rhamnulose phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.5.) has been purified 34-fold from extracts of Escherichia coli K40. The purified enzyme catalyzes the phosphorylation of l-rhamnulose, but not of l-rhamnose, in the presence of Mg2+ and adenosine 5′-triphosphate. Uridine triphosphate, cytidine 5′-triphosphate, guanosine 5′-triphosphate, and thymidine triphosphate also can act as phosphoryl donors, but less well than adenosine 5′-triphosphate. The product of the phosphorylation of l-rhamnulose by the enzyme has been isolated and characterized by periodic acid oxidation studies as l-rhamnulose i-phosphate.
Extending urban services in developing countries: Policy options and organizational choices

Governments in developing countries will face serious problems in extending basic social services public facilities and infrastructure for their rapidly growing urban populations during the next decade. The steadily increasing concentration of the poor in cities will exacerbate already severe strains on urban services. Innovative solutions will be needed to meet the growing demands for urban services. In addition to expanding national and municipal efforts governments in developing countries must also explore alternative policies and organizational arrangements for meeting the basic needs of their urban population. Among the potential alternatives are: using market surrogates to improve service delivery; lowering the costs of service provision through changes in regulations and controls on urban development; actively supporting self-help and service upgrading schemes by the poor; promoting public-private cooperation and private sector participation in service delivery; increasing effective demand for services by promoting employment and higher incomes; and enacting and implementing policies that attempt to redistribute migration to small and intermediate-sized cities. Each alternative has advantages and limitations that planners and policy-makers must take into consideration in forging effective urban development strategies. (authors)
Myths of Ethnicity and Nation: Immigration, Work and Identity in the Belize Banana Industry

Moberg's excellent book tells the story of how unionized Belizean workers were replaced with cheaper immigrant workers from neighboring countries. He helps us understand the economic impact of export-oriented development strategies and how they foster ethnic prejudices and social conflict. -- O. Nigel Bolland, Colgate UniversityThe only officially English-speaking country in Central America, Belize has, in recent years, seen its identity challenged by a flood of immigrants from Guatemala and El Salvador -- an influx that has given Belize the highest proportion of immigrants to native population in the hemisphere. In this penetrating study, Mark Moberg examines the conflicts in Belize's ethnic and national identity by focusing on their effects and manifestations in the country's banana export industry.Moberg explains how an array of local and transnational forces -- government strategies for economic growth, the policies of the multinational company that exports Belizean bananas, the actions of plantation owners -- have combined to exploit and manipulate ethnic tensions among workers within the banana industry. The result, Moberg shows, has been the imposition of oppressive and often fatal working conditions designed to create a subservient labor force. Workers, for their part, have responded with an extensive repertoire of everyday resistance, ranging from slander to sabotage and ambush. Moberg explores the ways in which these patterns of labor control and employee resistance reflect the rising ethnic conflicts at the national level and how these, in turn, are rooted in an arduous history of Afro-Caribbean and Hispanic confrontation throughout lower Central America.Myths ofEthnicity and Nation integrates a finely detailed historical and ethnographic analysis of labor relations with a survey of the transnational dilemmas that have come to the forefront in Belize. Its keen insights and thoughtful, empirically based analysis will be of great use to any student of Central American peoples and cultures, Latin American development, ethnicity and nationalism, and the anthropology of work.
City-level characteristics and individual handgun ownership: effects of collective security and homicide

General Social Survey (GSS) data are used in a multilevel analysis to examine the relationship between an individual's decision to own a handgun and his or her city's (a) homicide rate and (b) police strength level. The cities in which respondents lived were identified using special supplementary codes provided by the National Opinion Research Center so that information about surrounding cities could be attached to each GSS respondent. Logistic regression analyses indicate that the likelihood of handgun ownership is increased by higher local homicide rates. The effects are not mediated by the individual's own victimization experiences or fear of crime. Positive macro-level associations previously found between homicide rates and gun ownership levels may be indicative of homicide effects on handgun acquisition rather than the reverse. Larger city police forces discourage handgun ownership, supporting the idea that the provision of greater collective security reduces the felt need of the citizenry to provide their own protection.
Dedicated research time in urology residency: current status.

Objective To gauge the importance of dedicated research time during urology residency and how this influences rank-list preferences when applying for residency. Methods An American Urological Association survey was emailed to US resident members. The online form consisted of 14 questions addressing demographics, career plans, and training program characteristics. Two additional Likert-scale question series evaluated rank-list preferences and the value of dedicated research time during residency. Results A total of 263 of 956 urology residents (27.5%) responded to the survey. More than 70% responders valued the opportunity to be involved with scholarly research and agreed that doing so will enhance their education and/or training. About 88.2% interviewed with at least 1 program with a dedicated research year. About 33.5% preferred or were indifferent to applying to 6-year programs with dedicated research time vs a traditional 5-year program. About 76.4% residents preferred doing an extra year of research in fellowship as opposed to residency. Conclusion Dedicated research time is one of many components influencing rank-list preference. Residents value the opportunity to participate in research, but there is limited interest in an additional year during residency. However, one-third of applicants favor or are willing to accept an additional year of research in urology residency.
NEW CELL SURFACE MARKER OF THE RAT FLOOR PLATE AND NOTOCHORD

Regionally expressed cell surface molecules are thought to mediate contact-dependent interactions that regulate pattern formation and axon pathfinding in the developing vertebrate central nervous system (CNS). We recently isolated monoclonal antibody (mAb) CARO 2 through a screen for positional markers in the developing rat CNS. Between embryonic day (E)11.5 and E13, mAb CARO 2 specifically labels both the floor plate and notochord in the developing spinal cord. In contrast to the distribution of several well-characterized ventral midline markers, mAb CARO 2 labeling is restricted to the apical portion of the floor plate and the outer surface of the notochord. The anterior limit of mAb CARO 2 immunoreactivity corresponds to the midbrain/hindbrain border. Floor plate labeling persists throughout embryogenesis, whereas notochord labeling is not detectable after E13. During later stages of embryonic development (E16–E20) apically restricted floor plate labeling is present only in the rostral spinal cord. In postnatal rats, mAb CARO immunoreactivity is not present in any region of the CNS. Immunoblot analyses show that mAb CARO 2 recognizes an epitope on a 28-kD protein that is enriched in the floor plate, transiently expressed during embryogenesis, and membrane-associated. Consistent with the latter result, mAb CARO 2 labels the surfaces of floor plate cells. These findings suggest that the CARO 2 antigen is a new cell surface marker of the floor plate and notochord which may participate in neural cell patterning and/or axon guidance in the developing rat spinal cord. Dev. Dyn. 1998;211:314–326. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Comparison Of Interferometric And Resonant Ring Fiber Optic Gyroscopes

ABSTRACT Several criteria were used as a basis for comparing the two types of passive fiber optic gyroscopes: shot noise, non-linear optical effects, radiation induced loss, and applicability of digital technology. The comparisons were performed using theoretically imposed performance constraints that are independent of the specific manner in which the two types of gyros are implemented. INTRODUCTION The resonant ring fiber optic gyroscope (RFOG) and the interferometric fiber optic gyroscope (IFOG) have been vigorously developed in the last several years, and comparisons have been made between them. Often, however, the comparisons have been made without holding design values or performance levels fixed. In this paper, we continue a comparison performed by R. Carroll et. al. [1] in which various fundamental physical and technological constraints were contrasted for the two approaches. That arti­ cle found that the RFOG had three areas (reflections, polarization, and Kerr effect) in which the spectral purity of the source (required for its performance) would introduce errors that were not present in the IFOG. On the other hand, the IFOG was found to be more susceptible to errors arising from thermal gradients, and thus would require special winding techniques. We make fundamental and technological comparisons that do not depend on the specific mechanization for either device by considering the idealized gyros of Fig. 1. We choose the size (4-inch diameter), wavelength (1.55 urn), and integration time (1 second) to be able to compare families of plots. To make a single comparison, we choose a rough boundary between rate sensors and inertial sensors as being in the 1 degree per hour range, and assume that there are other errors which will also contribute to the overall budget. The comparisons therefore focus on a theoretical error of 0.1 degree per hour for the idealized gyros we discuss.The basis for the comparisons is a tutorial description [2] in which the fundamental limitations for resonators, interferometers, and ring lasers were briefly summarized. We assume that, within factors of order unity, those limitations describe the essential gyro physics. The implications of those limitations are then examined in four sections: general shot noise considerations, non-linear optical effects, the effects of induced loss in the fiber, and transit time effects on digital techniques.SHOT NOISEThe shot noise considerations can be viewed as an examination of what constitutes an "equivalent" set of IFOG and RFOG instruments. A brief derivation is given in the style of Ezekiel and Arditty [2], and the equivalence is found to depend on an "effective length," given for the two approaches byLeff = Ll - LR. (1)
Trial and error

Opening a copy of The Mathematical Intelligencer you may ask yourself uneasily, “What is this anyway—a mathematical journal, or what?” Or you may ask, “Where am I?“ Or even “Who am I?” This sense of disorientation is at its most acute when you open to Colin Adams’s column. Relax. Breathe regularly. It’s mathematical, it’s a humor column, and it may even be harmless.
Numerous applications of fiber optic evanescent wave Fourier transform infrared (FEW-FTIR) spectroscopy for subsurface structural analysis

A new infrared (IR) interferometric method has been developed in conjunction with low-loss, flexible optical fibers, sensors, and probes. This combination of fiber optical sensors and Fourier Transform (FT) spectrometers can be applied to many fields, including (1) noninvasive medical diagnostics of cancer and other different diseases in vivo, (2) minimally invasive bulk diagnostics of tissue, (3) remote monitoring of tissue, chemical processes, and environment, (4) surface analysis of polymers and other materials, (5) characterization of the quality of food, pharmacological products, cosmetics, paper, and other wood-related products, as well as (6) agricultural, forensic, geological, mining, and archeological field measurements. In particular, our nondestructive, fast, compact, portable, remote and highly sensitive diagnostics tools are very promising for subsurface analysis at the molecular level without sample preparation. For example, this technique is ideal for different types of soft porous foams, rough polymers, and rock surfaces. Such surfaces, as well as living tissue, are very difficult to investigate by traditional FTIR methods. We present here FEW-FTIR spectra of polymers, banana and grapefruit peels, and living tissues detected directly at surfaces. In addition, results on the vibrational spectral analysis of normal and pathological skin tissue in the region of 850 - 4000 cm-1 are discussed.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Galanin Receptor 1 Gene Associates with Tobacco Craving in Smokers Seeking Cessation Treatment

Craving for tobacco is a major challenge for people with nicotine dependence (ND) who try to quit smoking. Galanin (GAL) and its receptors (GALRs) can alter addiction-related behaviors and are therefore good candidates for modulators of behavioral parameters associated with smoking. We performed a genetic association study in 486 subjects (432 European American, EA) recruited for smoking cessation trials. Twenty-six candidate genes for ND-related phenotypes were selected based on the literature. Subjects were assessed using the Minnesota Withdrawal Scale (MWS), which included a specific item for craving, the Fagerstrom Scale of Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and other ND-related instruments. One single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in GALR1, rs2717162, significantly associated with severity of craving in EA samples (p=6.48 × 10−6) and in the combined sample (p=9.23 × 10−6). Individuals with TT and TC genotypes had significantly higher craving scores than CC subjects. We also observed that SNPs in the CHRNA5 locus, rs16969968 and rs684513, which have been associated with ND-related phenotypes in previous studies, were nominally associated with FTND scores, although these results did not meet Bonferroni-adjusted criteria for experiment-wide significance. Our findings suggest that variation at GALR1 associates with differences in the severity of past craving for tobacco among smokers motivated to quit. Taken together with preclinical evidence, these results, if replicated, suggest that GAL and GALRs may be useful therapeutic targets for the pharmacological treatment of ND. Our results also confirm previously reported associations between variation at CHRNA5 and ND.
Entry, Descent, and Landing Performance of the Mars Phoenix Lander

On May 25, 2008, the Mars Phoenix Lander successfully landed on the northern arctic plains of Mars. An overview of a preliminary reconstruction analysis performed on each en-try, descent, and landing phase to assess the performance of Phoenix as it descended is pre-sented and a comparison to pre-entry predictions is provided. The landing occurred 21 km further downrange than the predicted landing location. Analysis of the flight data revealed that the primary cause of Phoenix’s downrange landing was a higher trim total angle of at-tack during the hypersonic phase of the entry, which resulted in Phoenix flying a slightly lift-ing trajectory. The cause of this higher trim attitude is not known at this time. Parachute deployment was 6.4 s later than prediction. This later deployment time was within the varia-tions expected and is consistent with a lifting trajectory. The parachute deployment and in-flation process occurred as expected with no anomalies identified. The subsequent parachute descent and powered terminal landing also behaved as expected. A preliminary reconstruc-tion of the landing day atmospheric density profile was found to be lower than the best apri-ori prediction, ranging from a few percent less to a maximum of 8%. A comparison of the flight reconstructed trajectory parameters shows that the actual Phoenix entry, descent, and landing was close to pre-entry predictions. This reconstruction investigation is currently on-going and the results to date are in the process of being refined.
Outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with connective tissue diseases.

Background Coronary artery disease represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with connective tissue disease. Few reports exist on the results of surgical management of coronary artery disease in these patients. Methods The medical records of patients with connective tissue diseases who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution between 1995 and 2002 were reviewed for demographic data, perioperative variables, and postoperative complications. The results were compared with data from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database. Results Forty-four patients were identified from a total of 5,496 cases during the study period (0.8%). There were 35 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 8 with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 1 with scleroderma. Patients with connective tissue diseases were more likely to be women and use immunomodulating agents. They also had a higher incidence of Canadian Cardiovascular Society class IV angina, need for inotropic agents, need for intraaortic balloon pulsation, use of blood transfusions, and leg wound infections. The use of steroids or other immunomodulating agents was associated with increased postoperative complications. Mean follow-up was 35 months. The overall survival and freedom from reintervention at 3 years were 89% and 75%, respectively. Conclusions Coronary artery bypass grafting is a safe treatment modality in patients with connective tissue diseases, with acceptable early results. Wound complications may be a problem in this patient population. Midterm results are less favorable, and reinterventions are frequently required.
Switched-Capacitor Level-Shifting Technique With Sampling Noise Reduction for Rail-to-Rail Input Range Instrumentation Amplifiers

This paper proposes a switched-capacitor Adaptive Level-Shifting (ALS) technique for Instrumentation Amplifiers (IA). When used at the front end of an IA the ALS circuit enables true rail-to-rail input common-mode (CM) range and reduces CMRR requirements for the following IA. In the proposed implementation, two ALS circuits are combined with the two input stages of an Indirect Current-Feedback (ICF) IA. To overcome the limited input differential voltage range of such IAs, the ALS circuits are cross-connected. As a result the IA has a wide input differential range and a true rail-to-rail input CM range. The IA is fabricated in 0.18 μm CMOS process, achieves 70 nV/√Hz noise spectral density, 115 μA supply current, 20 μV input offset voltage, 130 dB CMRR and 20 ppm gain error.
Osmotic forces are not critical for Ca2+-induced secretion from permeabilized human neutrophils

overall stability of the isolated granules did not indicate that swelling alone could effect degranulation. These results suggest that degranulation in permeabilized cells is neither due to nor driven by simple osmotic forces (under resting or stimulated conditions) and emphasize differences obtained by bathing both the granules and plasma membrane (as opposed to membranes alone) in various sol Utes.
U.S. Soviet Policy and the Electoral Connection

The author examines the hypothesis that U.S. Soviet policy is largely driven by electoral considerations rather than by the shifting nature of the Soviet challenge. He combines historical and quantitative analysis to probe the forces that shape these electoral calculations as well as the manner in which they manifest themselves at various stages of the electoral cycle. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of the domestic determinants of America's Soviet policy for the USSR's own foreign policy behavior.
Effect of culture age on 1,3-dinitrobenzene metabolism and indicators of cellular toxicity in rat testicular cells

The metabolism and toxicity of 1,3-dinitrobenzene(1,3-DNB) were examined in rat testicular cells that had been cultured for various amounts of time. The three cell systems utilized were: freshly isolated suspensions of Sertoli/germ cells; the same Sertoli/germ cells co-cultured for 24 hr; and Sertoli cell-enriched monolayers derived from the co-cultures and cultured for 96 hr. Indicators of toxicity were MTT reduction, neutral red incorporation, cellular ATP levels and lactate secretion into the media. 1,3-DNB (5-50 mum) caused a significant concentration-dependent decline in cellular ATP levels in the fresh cell suspension, but not in the cells that had been cultured for longer. No changes were observed either in MTT reduction or neutral red incorporation. Increased secretion of lactate into the media also did not prove to be a sensitive indicator of toxicity. Interestingly, 1,3-DNB metabolism to nitroaniline, nitroacetanilide and a covalently bound species was two to three times greater in the fresh cells, compared with either the 24- or 96-hr cell cultures. The data indicate that time in culture may have significant effects on both the capacity of testicular cells to metabolize 1,3-DNB and susceptibility to toxicity.
Phase verification of power test systems

One aspect of the problem of the measurement of the losses in low power factor devices such as power transformers or power reactors is the verification of the phase angle properties of both the complete system and its various component parts. The use of a digital phase standard as a solution to this and other phase measurement problems is proposed. When a phase standard is synchronized in both phase and frequency, then its precise digital phase shift properties, used in conjunction with passive phase bridges, allow the design of high-power, high-accuracy (better than 0.001), phase verification schemes. Methods using this approach are outlined that use commercially available, easily transportable equipment to provide rapid and accurate phase angle measurements for almost all possible combinations of current and voltage. >
Nonparametric decentralized detection based on weighted count kernel

The nonparametric decentralized detection problem is investigated, in which the joint distribution of the environmental event and the sensors' observations are not known and only a set of training samples are available. The system features rate constraints, i.e., integer bit constraints on sensors' transmissions, different qualities of observations, additional observations to the fusion center, and multi-level tree-structured network. Our study adopts the kernel-based nonparametric approach proposed by Nguyen, Wainwright, and Jordan with the following generalization. A weighted count kernel is introduced so that the corresponding reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) (over which the fusion center's decision rule is optimized) allows the fusion center's decision rule to count information from sensors and its own observations differently. In order to find the optimal decision rules, our optimization is solved by alternatively and recursively conducting three optimization steps: finding the optimal weight parameters in the weighted count kernel for selecting the best associated RKHS, finding the best optimal decision rule for the fusion center over the identified RKHS, and finding the local decision rules for sensors. Generalization to multilevel tree-structured networks is also discussed. Finally numerical results are provided to demonstrate the performance based on the proposed weighted count kernel.
Understanding the comet Wild 2 mineralogy in samples from the Stardust mission

The status of the solid materials and mineralogical and petrological results of the Stardust mission to comet 81P/Wild 2 are presented. This mission became the first successful samplereturn mission since the Apollo project. This time the challenges were much less related to the availability of state-of-the-art analytical capabilities. Still, dedicated tools had to be developed to manipulate the samples that were all firmly embedded in the tracks they made when decelerating in the silica aerogel tiles of the collector. The comet particles were loosely bonded aggregates that shed their grains along the entire length of these tracks. It appears that most of the original comet minerals survived but interactions of debris with melted aerogel occurred and new minerals were made, adding to the incredibly, and unanticipated, diversity of the comet minerals, including some that so far were know only in meteorites. The latter alone showed that transport distances in the solar nebula extended all the way out to beyond Pluto into the Kuiper Belt of icy, comet-like, bodies. The full extent of the scientific yield of this mission is still unknown, promising but stressing current models of the formation of solar systems.
Immune Response to Poxvirus Infections in Various Animals

The study of infections of vertebrate animals by poxviruses has remained a dynamic area of research for the last century. The host range of poxviruses vary from extremely narrow to exceedingly broad, and they have been shown to enter their host by either the respiratory route or through the skin. The severity of infection varies dramatically from one species to another, causing anywhere from a local, self-limiting infection, to a devastating systemic disease, such as smallpox. Although the immune response to poxvirus infections are very similar to that seen in other viral infections, the poxviruses, unlike most other viruses (with the exception of Herpes viruses), are able to defend themselves. They have been shown to carry a repertoire of proteins involved in immune evasion and immune modulation. Poxviruses encode proteins involved in blocking many of the strategies employed by the host to combat viral infections; they encode for proteins that block activity of many chemokines, cytokines, serine proteases, and even complement. Traditionally, different animal models have been used to study the pathogenesis of poxvirus infections, and the characterization of virulence genes using mutant poxviruses. Additionally, new animal models are being developed to study the possible therapeutic uses many of these poxvirus immune modulating proteins might have. This review discusses the host immune response against poxvirus infections in various animals, the viral counter response to the host, and the animal models used to study poxvirus infection and immune modulating proteins.
Personality Differences and Sex Similarities in American and Indonesian College Students

Abstract Male-female personality differences have been assumed but seldom empirically demonstrated. American and Indonesian college students were assessed for personality traits by the Cattell Clinical Analysis Questionnaire in the appropriate language. Predicted differences based on culture and nationality were found. Despite the cultural differences, similar sex differences were also found. Women of both groups were higher than their male counterparts on warmth, emotionality, prudence, sensitivity, and conformity; men were higher than their counterparts on emotional stability, dominance, and impulsivity. These findings support Chodorow's theory of universal differences in male and female personalities based on the universal role of the woman as the caretaker of the young.
Calcified amorphous tumour of right ventricle.

A 62-year-old woman came to our clinic with a 2 month history of severe exertional dyspnoea. Investigations showed chronic pulmonary embolism and atrial septal defect, along with a right ventricular 3 × 2 cm mobile mass arising from the apex as seen on the preoperative transoesophageal echocardiography (appendix). A subsequent MRI showed the mass to be completely intracavitary and not infi ltrating into the wall (appendix). After standard median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass, a right atriotomy was done. The tricuspid valve was retracted and a long elliptical mass arising from papillary muscles just at the apex was identifi ed (fi gure). It was not infi ltrating the wall, but extended almost to the right ventricular outfl ow tract. The mass was excised in total along with its base, and then sent for further pathological examination. Histology confi rmed a cardiac calcifi ed amorphous tumour (CAT) (appendix). First classifi ed as non-neoplasmic intracardiac masses in 1997, CATs can arise in all four chambers of the heart, and are characterised by nodular calcium deposits over a fi brinous matrix background. The pathogenesis of CATs remains uncertain, and excision is necessary for diff erential diagnosis against common cardiac myxomas. Excision of CATs serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Lancet 2014; 383: 815
Monitoring logging in the tropical forest of Republic of Congo with Landsat imagery

Selective logging is the most extensive land use in the Congo Basin, with more than 40% of the forest allocated to timber concessions. Little information is available to monitor the spatial expansion of timber extraction and its impacts on tropical forests. As part of the INFORMS project, "An Integrated Forest Monitoring System for Central Africa," we have developed a simple system to monitor the extension of logging roads using multi-temporal Landsat imagery. We also tested the utility of Landsat imagery in estimating logging intensity. This system is being used within the national forest services of the Republic of Congo and Cameroon to monitor logging expansion.
Aquatic therapy: scientific foundations and clinical rehabilitation applications

The aquatic environment has broad rehabilitative potential, extending from the treatment of acute injuries through health maintenance in the face of chronic diseases, yet it remains an underused modality. There is an extensive research base supporting aquatic therapy, both within the basic science literature and clinical literature. This article describes the many physiologic changes that occur during immersion as applied to a range of common rehabilitative issues and problems. Because of its wide margin of therapeutic safety and clinical adaptability, aquatic therapy is a very useful tool in the rehabilitative toolbox. Through a better understanding of the applied physiology, the practitioner may structure appropriate therapeutic programs for a diverse patient population.
Ultrasound propagation model for attenuation reduction and cardiac contrast perfusion visualization

A mathematical model of ultrasound signal propagation through cardiac muscle has been designed and applied to myocardial contrast images of the heart. The fundamental frequency component of the propagating signals serves in the model for attenuation estimation. These estimates are used to reduce the effect of tissue attenuation on the harmonic component of the received signals, which are used for ultrasound contrast perfusion imaging. A new parameter is introduced for automatic mapping and visualization of perfused and nonperfused myocardium and cardiac cavity in contrast echocardiographic images.
Beyond multiple choice exams: Using computerized lexical analysis to understand students' conceptual reasoning in STEM disciplines

Constructed response questions - in which students must use their own language in order to explain a phenomenon - create more meaningful opportunities for instructors to identify their students' learning obstacles than multiple choice questions. However, the realities of typical large-enrollment undergraduate classes restrict the options faculty have for moving towards more learner-focused instruction. We are exploring the use of computerized lexical analysis of students' writing in large enrollment undergraduate biology and geology courses. We have created libraries that categorize student responses with ≫ 90% accuracy. These categories can be used to predict expert ratings of student responses with accuracy approaching inter-rater reliability among expert raters. These techniques also provide insight into students' use of analogical thinking, a fundamental part of scientific modeling. These techniques have potential for improving assessment practices across STEM disciplines.
Active microbiologic surveillance for Acinetobacter baumanii (ACBA) in an intensive care unit (ICU) during an outbreak period; sensitivity and negative predictive value

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A hospital-wide increase of ACBA colonization and infection was noted. The mean rate significantly changed from period 1(January to October 2003) to period 2 (November 2003 to May 2004), with an increase from 0.79 per 1000 patient days (k-pd) to 1.04 /k-pd (p = 0.05). The greatest ACBA incidence was in the adult ICU (7.8 in ICU/5.4 in the non-ICU; RR = 10) and was most frequently cultured from respiratory specimens (0.75 and 0.19 in the non-ICU; RR = 27). The housewide crude mortality rate was 28%; for patients with ACBA in respiratory secretions it was 46%. Along with traditional control methods to increase attention to contact precautions, a program of microbiologic surveillance for ACBA was conducted. METHODS: Weekly prevalence ACBA cultures were obtained from all patients in adult ICUs. Sputum was the preferred source, and the anterior nares site was the alternative. Previously positive ACBA cultures were noted at the time of collection. Sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated using the any positive cultures for ACBA as the “gold standard” for comparison. RESULTS: During the program, 649 cultures were obtained, with 558 negative (86%) and 91 positive 14%). Among the positive results, 73 (80.2%) were from patients with previous ACBA. Of the 18 with newly recognized ACBA (19.8% of positives/ 2.7% of all cultures), 12 (67%) had surveillance cultures preceding clinical cultures, and 6 (33%) had only positive surveillance cultures. For the entire program, the sensitivity was 69% and the NPV was 93%; for sputum specimens, the results were 78% sensitivity and 93% NPV; for nasal cultures, the results were 51% sensitivity and 93% NPV. Specificity and positive predictive value could not be calculated because of the use of cultures as the “gold standard.” CONCLUSIONS: An aggressive program aimed at early identification of ACBA, with the goal of decreased transmission, was logistically complicated and demanded extensive attention from nursing, laboratory, and infection control personnel. Because only 2.7% of all obtained cultures represented an otherwise unrecognized opportunity for potential transmission control, the program was discontinued until a more extensive cost benefit analysis can conducted. Results demonstrated that sputum cultures are superior to nasal cultures for ACBA surveillance. Any Evidence of ACBA Surveillance Cultures Yes No Total Positive 91 0 91 Negative 40 518 558 Total 131 518 649