cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supine Bicycle Stress Echocardiography Versus Tomographic Thallium-201 Exercise Imaging for the Detection of Coronary Artery Disease

To compare the accuracy of supine bicycle stress echocardiography (SBSE), a new technique for evaluating coronary disease during peak exercise, with tomographic thallium-201 exercise imaging (SPECT), 71 patients were evaluated by SBSE, SPECT, and coronary arteriography: Twenty patients had normal coronary vessels; 22 had single-vessel, 14 had double-vessel, and 15 had triple-vessel disease. There were no differences in sensitivity (90% vs 92%), specificity (80% vs 65%), and accuracy (87% vs 85%) between SBSE and SPECT for the group of 71 patients. The results were similar in patients with and without prior myocardial infarction and with single-, double-, or triple-vessel disease. There were no differences between SBSE and SPECT for disease detection for the group of 213 individual vessels in sensitivity (88% vs 80%), specificity (87% vs 84%), and accuracy (88% vs 82%), but SBSE was more sensitive for the left anterior descending artery (97% vs 82%, p p p
Exercise hemodynamics and oxygen delivery measurements using rebreathing techniques in heart transplant patients.

Abstract The cardiorespiratory response to graded exercise in cardiac transplant patients differs from that in normal subjects partly because denervated hearts are much less responsive to changes in autonomic nervous system input. Previous studies with transplant patients have shown a delayed and often diminished heart rate response to exercise compared with normal subjects. 1,2 Although it has been assumed that increases in stroke volume, using the Frank-Starling mechanism, compensate for the delayed heart rate response during exercise, little is known about the matching of cardiac output (Q T ) to oxygen uptake (VO 2 ) in cardiac transplant patients. During exercise the metabolic requirements of skeletal muscle, a function of the work load and the size of the active muscle mass, are the major determinants of Q T and systemic O 2 transport. 3 The relation between Q T and VO 2 in normal subjects during exercise has been studied extensively and found to be relatively constant at 5 to 6 liters of blood flow, Q T , per liter of change in VO 2 /min. 4–6 This is approximately a 1:1 ratio between exercise-induced increases in O 2 transport relative to levels at rest. Because the normal heart relies primarily on an increase in heart rate to increase Q T during exercise, with only minimal change in stroke volume, it is reasonable to expect that the transplant patient will have a suboptimal response to exercise. This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of the cardiovascular response to upright bicycle exercise in cardiac transplant patients. In particular, the Q T to VO 2 relation during exercise in the transplant patients was compared with that of normal subjects to determine if Q T was appropriately matched to VO 2 during exercise.
Association of OPRM1 A118G variant with risk of morphine-induced respiratory depression following spine fusion in adolescents

The μ1 opioid receptor (OPRM1) genetic variant A118G results in decreased μ-receptor binding potential in the brain and increases morphine requirement. We hypothesized that OPRM1 A118G polymorphism will affect morphine-induced respiratory depression (MIRD) risk in children receiving morphine. A prospective genotype-blinded study was conducted in 88 healthy adolescents (11-18 years; 67% female, 85% Caucasian) who underwent spine fusion for scoliosis. They were followed for 48 h postoperatively for MIRD, pain scores, morphine consumption and use of analgesic adjuvants. Patients were genotyped for OPRM1 A118G variant-76% were wild type (AA) and 24% heterozygous/homozygous for variant (AG/GG). Multivariable logistic regression showed that the risk of MIRD in patients with AA genotype was significantly higher (odds ratio 5.6, 95% CI: 1.4-37.2, P=0.030). Presence of G allele was associated with higher pain scores (effect size 0.73, P=0.045). This novel association is an important step toward predicting MIRD susceptibility and personalizing morphine use.
Venous contrast extravasation during digital subtraction angiography.

Six episodes of contrast extravasation occurred in 5 patients during intravenous digital subtraction angiography in a period of 9 months. The extravasations were into the mediastinum (3), pericardium (1), and right atrial wall (2). These occurred using a variety of catheters, all the same size (5.0 F—1.67 mm). Three were Katzen catheters, one had a pigtail configuration, and two were straight catheters. We believe that the extravasations are due to three main factors. The first is catheter-related, owing to the small size (5.0 F) creating recoil and marked jet stream effect due to the large volume and pressure that must be delivered through the side holes. The second factor is related to positioning of the catheter in the superior vena cava. Finally, the respiratory phase at the time of injection becomes crucial. Understanding of these factors may help to decrease this potentially serious complication.
Simulated hemodynamic comparison of arteriovenous fistulas

Abstract The hemodynamic consequences of six current types of surgically constructed arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in the human arm are studied with the use of the model of a stationary electric resistance circuit. Variations in arterial and venous resistances and in anastomosis techniques are considered. With this model all possible AVFs can be compared in terms of risk (loss of distal perfusion pressure) and benefit (volume of fistula flow). According to our model the most efficient type of fistula is the end-to-end AVF at the wrist. In patients with abnormally high resistance of the arm arteries this fistula is inadequate for efficient hemodialysis treatment. To reduce the incidence of finger ischemia in more proximal AVFs our model indicates that the arterial anastomosis should be as proximal as possible and/or hemodynamically nonsmooth (i.e., side-to-side). (J VASC SURG 1987;6:39-44.)
Genomics-Driven Oncology: Framework for an Emerging Paradigm

A majority of cancers are driven by genomic alterations that dysregulate key oncogenic pathways influencing cell growth and survival. However, the ability to harness tumor genetic information for its full clinical potential has only recently become manifest. Over the past several years, the convergence of discovery, technology, and therapeutic development has created an unparalleled opportunity to test the hypothesis that systematic knowledge of genomic information from individual tumors can improve clinical outcomes for many patients with cancer. Rigorous evaluation of this genomics-driven cancer medicine hypothesis will require many logistic innovations that are guided by overarching conceptual advances in tumor genomic profiling, data interpretation, clinical trial design, and the ethical return of genetic results to oncologists and their patients. The results of these efforts and the rigor with which they are implemented will determine whether and how comprehensive tumor genomic information may become incorporated into the routine care of patients with cancer.
Electrical Synapses Control Hippocampal Contributions to Fear Learning and Memory

The role of electrical synapses in synchronizing neuronal assemblies in the adult mammalian brain is well documented. However, their role in learning and memory processes remains unclear. By combining Pavlovian fear conditioning, activity-dependent immediate early gene expression, and in vivo electrophysiology, we discovered that blocking neuronal gap junctions within the dorsal hippocampus impaired context-dependent fear learning, memory, and extinction. Theta rhythms in freely moving rats were also disrupted. Our results show that gap junction–mediated neuronal transmission is a prominent feature underlying emotional memories.
Assessing Book Knowledge Through Independent Reading in the Earliest Years: Practical Strategies and Implications for Teachers

The purpose of this current study is to build on the previous body of emergent literacy research by investigating the necessity of assessing book knowledge (e.g., print knowledge, interpretive knowledge, and letter identification) in toddlerhood to set up successful literacy development by providing independent storybook reading opportunities. This study suggests strategies that teachers can employ in their toddler classrooms for accomplishing activities such as (i) setting up common and recurring opportunities to read books independently with toddlers and (ii) informally observing and assessing children’s book knowledge. Additionally, implications for practice are provided with detailed examples of how toddlers demonstrate their book knowledge and their understandings about books through independent reading.
A phase II study of adriamycin in previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Twenty patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCC H/N) were treated with Adriamycin (doxorubicin) at a dosage of 60 mg/m2 at 3-week intervals. No patient had received surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy before treatment with Adriamycin. Responses were observed in 44% of 18 evaluable tumors. We conclude that Adriamycin is a highly active drug in SCC H/N when no prior treatment has been administered.
Translucent Cryptography -- An Alternative to Key Escrow and its Implementation via Fractional Oblivious Transfer

We present an alternative to the controversial ``key escrow'''' techniques for enabling law-enforcement and national security access to encrypted communications. Our proposal allows such access with probability $p$ for each message, for a parameter $p$ between $0$ and $1$ to be chosen (say, by Congress) to provide an appropriate balance between concerns for individual privacy, on the one hand, and the need for such access by law-enforcement and national security, on the other. For example, with $p=0.4$, a law-enforcement agency conducting an authorized wiretap which records 100 encrypted conversations would expect to be able to decrypt (approximately) 40 of these conversations; the agency would not be able to decrypt the remaining 60 conversations at all. Different values of $p$ can be chosen for different situations, such as for export. Our proposal can be combined with other ideas, such as secret-sharing, to provide additional flexibility. Our scheme is remarkably simple to implement, as it requires no prior escrowing of keys. We provide an efficient implementation of translucent cryptography. It is based on non-interactive oblivious transfer, as pioneered by Bellare and Micali \cite{BellareMi90a}, who showed how to transfer a message with probability $1/2$. We provide means for non-interactive fractional oblivious transfer, which allows a message to be transmitted with any given probability $p$. Our protocol is based on the Diffie-Hellman assumption and uses just one El Gamal encryption (two exponentiations), regardless of the value of the transfer probability $p$. This makes the implementation of translucent cryptography competitive, in efficiency of encryption, with current suggestions for software key escrow such as the fair Diffie-Hellman system \cite{Micali92}, so that efficiency, at least, is not a barrier to its consideration.
Comparison of slope approximations used in rough surface scattering

Two widely used surface slope approximations are compared to an initially exact method that treats the slopes via a differential operator acting on the characteristic function. The differential operator treatment ceases to be exact when the integrand in the scattering integrals is approximated using a Gaussian directivity approximation and Fresnel phase approximation. Analysis is restricted to the Kirchhoff approximation (single scattering). One of the simpler slope approximations agrees with the more comprehensive differential operator approximation for all backscattering geometries, as well as for specular scattering geometries down to grazing angles comparable to the source beamwidth.
Yes and Lyn play a role in nuclear translocation of the epidermal growth factor receptor

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a central regulator of tumor progression in human cancers. Cetuximab is an anti-EGFR antibody that has been approved for use in oncology. Previously we investigated mechanisms of resistance to cetuximab using a model derived from the non-small cell lung cancer line NCI-H226. We demonstrated that cetuximab-resistant clones (CtxR) had increased nuclear localization of the EGFR. This process was mediated by Src family kinases (SFKs), and nuclear EGFR had a role in resistance to cetuximab. To better understand SFK-mediated nuclear translocation of EGFR, we investigated which SFK member(s) controlled this process as well as the EGFR tyrosine residues that are involved. Analyses of mRNA and protein expression indicated upregulation of the SFK members Yes (v-Yes-1 yamaguchi sarcoma viral oncogene) and Lyn (v-yes-1 Yamaguchi sarcoma viral-related oncogene homolog) in all CtxR clones. Further, immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that EGFR interacts with Yes and Lyn in CtxR clones, but not in cetuximab-sensitive (CtxS) parental cells. Using RNAi interference, we found that knockdown of either Yes or Lyn led to loss of EGFR translocation to the nucleus. Conversely, overexpression of Yes or Lyn in low nuclear EGFR-expressing CtxS parental cells led to increased nuclear EGFR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays confirmed nuclear EGFR complexes associated with the promoter of the known EGFR target genes B-Myb and iNOS. Further, all CtxR clones exhibited upregulation of B-Myb and iNOS at the mRNA and protein levels. siRNAs directed at Yes or Lyn led to decreased binding of EGFR complexes to the B-Myb and iNOS promoters based on ChIP analyses. SFKs have been shown to phosphorylate EGFR on tyrosines 845 and 1101 (Y845 and Y1101), and mutation of Y1101, but not Y845, impaired nuclear entry of the EGFR. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Yes and Lyn phosphorylate EGFR at Y1101, which influences EGFR nuclear translocation in this model of cetuximab resistance.
Modeling cadmium and sulfate adsorption by Fe(OH)3SiO2 mixed oxides

Abstract Adsorption of cadmium and sulfate in a mixed Fe(OH) 3 SiO 2 system was studied using the triple-layer model. The uptake of H4SiO4 dissolved from the SiO2 particles was considered in modeling the cation and anion adsorption. The mixed oxides were formed with a range of Fe(OH)3:SiO2 ratios by controling the precipitation of ferric hydroxide in a suspension of fumed silica (Cab-O-Sil). Observation of the micromorphology of the mixed oxides by transmission electron microscopy showed that Fe(OH)3 formed separately from the SiO2 particles, therefore, an independent oxide model was used to simulate cation and anion adsorption. In this model Cd adsorption occurred on separate Fe(OH)3 and SiO2 surfaces. When the pH was lower than 8, Fe(OH)3 dominated Cd adsorption in the mixed system. Sulfate adsorption on the independent Fe(OH)3 surface was modeled for the mixed oxide system because no sulfate was adsorbed by the SiO2 surface at pH > 4. The uptake of H4SiO4 reduced sulfate adsorption, but it had a negligible effect on cadmium absorption due to a combination of sorbate competition and electrostatic interactions.
Nitrate absorption and assimilation in ryegrass as influenced by calcium and magnesium.

The absorption and assimilation patterns of 15 NO 3 − supplied as the Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ salts to intact ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ) seedlings were compared. No statistically significant effect of ambient cation on the amounts of 15 NO 3 − absorbed was observed in the initial six hours, but during the subsequent six hours, absorption from Ca( 15 NO 3 ) 2 exceeded that from Mg ( 15 NO 3 ) 2 . Lower rates of 15 NO 3 − assimilation were found in roots exposed to Mg( 15 NO 3 ) 2 than in those exposed to Ca( 15 NO 3 ) 2 . It was proposed that Mg 2+ initiated a restriction in 15 NO 3 − reduction in roots, probably as a consequence of a Mg 2+ -induced physiological Ca 2+ deficiency. Lower 15 N translocation rates were also observed from Mg( 15 NO 3 ) 2 . These effects of Mg 2+ in depressing 15 NO 3 − assimilation and translocation occurred prior to an effect on 15 NO 3 − uptake. In shoots, larger amounts of reduced 15 N products occurred with Ca( 15 NO 3 ) 2 than with Mg( 15 NO 3 ) 2 . It was concluded that this was due to enhanced translocation of 15 NO 3 − (and possibly its reduced products) in presence of Ca 2+ rather than to specific cation effects on 15 NO 3 − assimilation in the shoots.
Tracking Project Health Using Completeness and Specificity of Requirements: A Case Study

Requirements play a critical role in the design process. Much of the project time is spent eliciting the requirements. However, it is observed that students primarily only consider requirements while evaluating the concepts. This paper presents a case study conducted with senior mechanical engineering design students in a capstone course to begin to understand requirement evolution throughout a project. Data in the form of weekly requirements was collected from four teams working in parallel on the same industry sponsored project. The paper introduces the concepts of completeness and specificity that could allow the use of requirements as a tool for measuring project health. The findings from the case study reveal that the completeness and specificity of requirements increase from initial week to final week. 1. RESEARCH MOTIVATION: NOVICE USE OF REQUIREMENTS
The nonexistence of colorings

Abstract The purpose of this note is to prove the following result about the nonexistence of colorings.
Development of the Hand Active Sensation Test: Reliability and Validity

Abstract Williams PS, Basso M, Case-Smith J, Nichols-Larsen DS. Development of the Hand Active Sensation Test: reliability and validity. Objective To develop and establish the reliability and validity of a new quantitative functional measure of haptic perception in the hand, the Hand Active Sensation Test (HASTe). Design Reliability was assessed by test-retest sessions. Validity was assessed via discriminant analysis, concurrent validity with 2-point discrimination and wrist position test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve construction. Setting Subject preference. Participants Heterogeneous sample of 28 stroke survivors and 28 individually matched controls. Intervention Subjects used 1 hand to manipulate HASTe objects that vary by weight or texture to complete 18 match-to-sample trials. Main Outcome Measures Two-point discrimination threshold, Wrist Position Sense Test (WPST) average error, and HASTe accuracy score. Results Test-retest reliability was strong (intraclass correlation coefficient model 3,1=.77). The HASTe score significantly discriminated the groups ( t =8.3, P r= −.67, P r= −.60, P Conclusions The HASTe is a reliable and valid functional measure of haptic perception, appears to detect impairment of haptic perception even in stroke survivors with no reported sensory deficits, and may provide valuable quantitative clinical data about complex sensory loss and hand function after stroke.
Impact of smoking abstinence on working memory neurocircuitry in adolescent daily tobacco smokers

Rationale Efficient function of neurocircuitry that supports working memory occurs within a narrow range of dopamine neurotransmission. Work in rodents has shown that exposure to nicotine during adolescence leads to nicotine withdrawal emergent alterations in cortical and subcortical dopamine neurotransmission.
Synthesis and properties of [Ru(2)(acac)(4)(bptz)](n+) (n=0,1) and crystal structure of [Ru(2)(acac)(4)(bptz)].

The neutral complex [Ru2(acac)4(bptz)] (I) has been prepared by the reaction of Ru(acac)2(CH3CN)2 with bptz (bptz = 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) in acetone. The diruthenium(II,II) complex (I) is green and exhibits an intense metal−ligand charge-transfer band at 700 nm. Complex I is diamagnetic and has been characterized by NMR, optical spectroscopy, IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal structure data for I are as follows: triclinic, P1, a = 11.709(2) A, b = 13.487(3) A, c = 15.151(3) A, α = 65.701(14)°, β = 70.610(14)°, γ = 75.50(2)°, V = 2038.8(6) A3, Z = 2, R = 0.0610, for 4397 reflections with Fo > 4σFo. Complex I shows reversible Ru2(II,II)−Ru2(II,III) and Ru2(II,III)−Ru2(III,III) couples at 0.17 and 0.97 V, respectively; the 800 mV separation indicates considerable stabilization of the mixed-valence species (Kcom > 1013). The diruthenium(II,III) complex, [Ru2(acac)4(bptz)](PF6) (II) is prepared quantitatively by one-electron oxidation of I with cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate in m...
Insect Metabolism of Photoaldrin and Photodieldrin

Photoaldrin and photodieldrin, sunlight products of adrin and dieldrin, are rapidly metabolized to a more toxic material by flies and mosquito larvae. It is suggested that this conversion is the cause for the enhanced toxicities of the photoproducts.
Quasi-Static Characteristics of a Two-Conductor Multi-Layer Microstrip Transmission Line with Dielectric Overlay and a Notch between the Strips

Different methods for controlling the coupling between a two-conductor microstrip transmission line are investigated in this paper. The transmission line consists of two thin perfectly conducting strips with a rectangular notch between the strips, two layers of dielectric substrate, and a dielectric overlay. The formulation and solution technique are based on the equivalence principle, a free space Green's function, and the method of moments. It has been found that the coupling between the conducting lines can be reduced significantly if dielectric material between the lines is removed. Further reduction in coupling is observed when the relative permittivity of the upper substrate layer is made smaller than that of the lower substrate. Coupling can be maximized if the notch is filled with dielectric material having large relative permittivity compared to that of the substrates. If the strips are covered with a dielectric overlay (or superstrate), the coupling will be substantially increased. Moreover, wit...
Empirical Evidence, Community Standards, and the Boundaries of Obscenity: A Test Case

This article examines the issue of community standards and the role such standards play in demarcating the boundaries of obscenity. A brief discussion of the landmark Miller decision, its impact on obscenity statutes, and a consideration of the criticisms of the Miller decision, particularly those pertaining to the test of obscenity, are discussed. The potential of social science research and empirical evidence to aid in the determination of community standards regarding obscenity is considered. Results are presented from an empirical investigation of community standards on obscenity in a particular local community in the state of Louisiana.
Tensile Deformation of Alloy-22 at Ambient and Elevated Temperatures

Significant efforts are in progress to identify and characterize the tensile properties of structural materials for application in hydrogen generation using a thermochemical process known as the sulfur-iodine cycle. Austenitic Alloy-22 has been evaluated for its tensile properties at temperatures ranging from ambient to 1000°C. As expected, the tensile strength was gradually decreased with increasing temperature due to the ease of plastic deformation at these temperatures. However, the failure strain gradually decreased from room temperature to 600°C, possibly due to the occurrence of a phenomenon known as dynamic strain aging. Transmission electron microscopy revealed maximum dislocation density at 600°C. Fractographic evaluation of the tested specimens by scanning electron microscopy showed dimpled microstructures at the primary fracture surface indicating ductile failures. However, at higher temperatures intergranular brittle failures were observed.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
952. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Migrate to Colon Cancer Xenografts: Potential Carriers of Cancer Therapeutics

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are found in the bone marrow and give rise to adipocytes, osteocytes, chondrocytes, and potentially other tissues. It has recently been shown that MSCs have affinity for lung and glioma tumors in xenograft models. We investigated MSC migration to colon cancer xenografts in conjunction with MSC transduction by a lentiviral vector as a way to deliver cancer therapeutics to the local tumor microenvironment. Subcutaneous colon or glioma tumor xenografts were generated in nude mice followed by intravenous infusion of DiOC18 fluorescently labeled MSCs. MSC pluripotentcy was confirmed by in vitro differentiation into osteocytes and adipocytes. Tumors and other organs were harvested 1 wk following MSC infusion and cryosections prepared in order to observe the presence of MSCs. We found that colon cancer tumors were selectively populated by labeled MSCs, compared to liver and spleen. MSCs were also observed to some extent in the lung. The distribution of tumor-associated MSCs were predominately at the tumor periphery and within loose clusters. In glioma xenografts, labeled MSCs were detected to a lesser extent and were mainly distributed as single cells. MSCs were then analyzed for their susceptibility to lentiviral transduction for eventual use to target cancer therapeutics to the tumor mass. We analyzed MSC transduction by a lentiviral vector harboring a luciferase-IRES-GFP cassette over a range of MOI. MSCs were easily transduced, with essentially complete transduction at an MOI of 18, and substantial transduction observed at MOIs as low as 2 when analyzed for GFP expression by flow cytometry. Luciferase expression was likewise high. These studies show that MSCs have the capacity for high lentiviral transduction and the ability to migrate to colon cancer xenografts, suggesting potential use to deliver transgene-expressed anti-cancer therapeutics to solid tumors in vivo.
Analytical treatment of particle-core interaction

Abstract Particle–core interaction is a well-developed model of halo formation in high-intensity beams. In this paper, we present an analytical solution for averaged, single particle dynamics, around a uniformly charged beam. The problem is analyzed through a sequence of canonical transformations of the Hamiltonian, which describes nonlinear particle oscillations. A closed form expression for maximum particle deviation from the axis is obtained. The results of this study are in good agreement with numerical simulations and with previously obtained data.
Computer Modeling of Atomic Force Microscopy Force Measurements: Comparisons of Poisson, Histogram, and Continuum Methods

A computer model of the AFM pull-off process was used to test the Poisson method for calculating bond forces and to compare the Poisson and histogram methods of finding single-molecule bond-rupture forces. The Poisson method appeared to work well, producing accurate individual bond-rupture forces even in the presence of moderate to large amounts of different types of variations or noise, while the histogram method only produced good results at low noise levels, even with large sample sizes. Three cases were found where use of the Poisson model could lead to inaccurate measurement of individual bond forces, the most important being related to the bond-formation probability, which must be low (ideally <5%) for accurate results. The Johnson−Kendall−Roberts (JKR) continuum method was also examined. Poisson and JKR methods are not expected to produce similar results, but are complementary, and if used together may produce accurate measurements of both individual bond-rupture forces and bond-formation probabili...
Morality in Context: A Sociocultural Approach to Enhancing Young Children's Moral Development

This paper addresses how Vygotskian views on children's transition from other-regulation to self-regulation might be used to illustrate how children internalize moral norms and then use the norms in guiding their own behavior. First, Martin Hoffman's research on induction, Diana Baumrind's work on parenting styles, and Lawrence Walker's studies of the role of family interaction in the development of moral reasoning will be examined with the focus on the processes these researchers consider fundamental to children's internalization ofmoral norms. Next, comparisons will be drawn between these processes and those of Vygotsky's sociocultural view as outlined by Diaz, Neal, & Amaya-Williams (1990). Finally, it will be proposed that incorporating Vygotsky's sociocultural theory with Bakhtin's concept of dialogicality extends our understanding of the process through which children internalize interpersonal dialogue and transform it into an internal dialogue which they use as part of a self-regulatory function in guiding their behavior.
High-power 390-nm laser source based on efficient frequency doubling of a tapered diode laser in an external resonant cavity.

We frequency doubled the single-frequency beam from an external-cavity tapered laser diode operating at 780??nm in a resonant cavity containing a ?-barium borate crystal to generate an output at 390??nm with high efficiency. Output powers as great as 233??mW were obtained, corresponding to an efficiency of 65%/W. The resonant-cavity design was a low-loss three-mirror configuration that provided compensation for astigmatism and coma. The laser diode frequency was locked to the doubling-cavity resonance by use of the Hansch–Couillaud discrimination technique.
Seasonal androgenesis in the male water snake, Nerodia sipedon.

Abstract Seasonal plasma androgen levels in snakes are virtually unknown. Circulating testosterone levels throughout the active season were measured for 3 years by radioimmunoassay in Nerodia sipedon . Levels were highest in spring at the time of mating, decreased significantly in midsummer, and increased again in late summer-fall during maximum spermiogenesis. Levels were not determined over winter; however, field body temperatures, a spring temperature experiment, and renal histological data indicate that levels remain high over winter due to low metabolic clearance rates.
An evaluation system for teaching clinical removable prosthodontics.

Abstract The continuous assessment and updating of clinical evaluations are integral aspects of dental education. The purpose of this article was to describe the development, implementation, and assessment of an evaluation system for clinical removable prosthodontics. A system based on a three-point scale (RST) was adopted and implemented with the intent of maximizing evaluation effectiveness while minimizing stress on students and faculty members. To date, the RST system has improved both the quality of clinical evaluation and the level of clinical learning. The RST clinical evaluation system appears to be defusing students' ardent quests for grades while promoting the teaching potential within the evaluation process. The system also stimulates student self-evaluation, improves the consistency of faculty grading, facilitates student counseling, and permits an in-depth analysis of the evaluation system at regular intervals.
Diffractive method for measurement of coupled amplitude and phase modulation in spatial light modulators

Interferometric techniques have been employed by a number of investigators to determine the phase modulating characteristics of popular spatial light modulators. The technique works well but requires the set-up and operation of a sensitive interferometer. A non-interferometric technique is presented for determining the phase modulating characteristics of spatial light modulators. Examining the far field diffraction pattern distribution for specific input functions allows the phase modulation to be calculated. The degree of phase modulation appears in the Fourier transform as an intensity modulation which can be measured. Results are compared with usual interferometric techniques for a liquid crystal based modulator.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of intravenous contrast for left ventricular opacification and border definition on sensitivity and specificity of dobutamine stress echocardiography compared with coronary angiography in technically difficult patients.

Abstract Background The study evaluates whether Optison used during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) will improve endocardial border definition and whether this will translate to an improvement in sensitivity and specificity of the test in patients with poor echocardiographic windows. DSE is extremely valuable in the workup of patients with coronary artery disease. The test is limited in patients with suboptimal endocardial border visualization. Frequent studies have demonstrated improved endocardial border visualization with intravenous contrast agents at rest. Methods and Results We studied 229 patients: 112 had good rest echocardiography with no contrast and 117 had poor rest echocardiography with Optison injection during DSE. Percentage of endocardial border visualization, wall thickening, sensitivity, and specificity were compared in both groups, as was interobserver variability. Both groups were matched with respect to age, percentage of previous myocardial infarctions, resting wall motion abnormality, percentage of coronary stenosis, and number of diseased coronary arteries. Optison significantly improved endocardial border visualization, especially at peak stress. The ability to measure wall thickening was significantly higher in the contrast DSE group with suboptimal images versus the noncontrast group with optimal images (89% ability to measure wall thickening vs 71%, P =.01). This resulted in a comparable sensitivity (79% vs 71%, P = not significant [NS]), specificity (76% vs 82%, P = NS), and diagnostic accuracy (80% vs 76%, P = NS). Agreement on test interpretation was higher among 3 observers in contrast DSE versus noncontrast DSE groups (79% vs 69%, P =.01). Conclusions In patients with poor echocardiographic windows, the use of Optison during DSE improves endocardial border visualization, which translates to a comparable sensitivity and specificity to noncontrast DSE tests in patients with good echocardiographic windows. (Am Heart J 2001;142:908-15.)
Changes in porcine, ovine, bovine and equine blood progesterone concentrations between collection and centrifugation

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine if different methods of handling porcine, ovine, bovine and equine blood between collection and centrifugation influence measurable progesterone levels. A 2 × 2 × 5 factorial experiment was conducted for each species with heparin (with or without), temperature of incubation (4 and 22°C) and time of incubation (0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h) as the main effects. Following centrifugation, plasma and serum samples were stored at −20°C until progesterone concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Method of handling porcine and equine blood between collection and centrifugation did not affect the levels of progesterone. However, heparinized blood held at 4°C resulted in the most consistent levels of progesterone over time. Progesterone levels were fairly consistent across time in the ovine blood by all methods of handling except heparinized blood incubated at 22°C. By 24 h after collection, plasma progesterone concentrations decreased by 50% for the ovine blood incubated at 22°C with heparin. Decreases were detected by all the methods of handling the bovine blood between collection and centrifugation. The rate of decline, however, was considerably faster for blood held at 22°C than blood held at 4°C. At 12–48 h after collection, the concentrations of progesterone averaged only 5% of the time 0 sample for blood incubated at 22°C. In contrast, at least 30% of the progesterone values in the time 0 sample were detected between 12 and 48 h of incubation for the blood held at 4°C.
Cumulative exposure to medical radiation for children requiring surgery for congenital heart disease

Objective To describe cumulative radiation exposure in a large single-center cohort of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and identify risk factors for greater exposure. Study design A detailed medical radiation exposure history was collected retrospectively for patients aged Results A total of 4132 patients were subjected to 134 715 radiation examinations at a median follow-up of 4.3 years (range, 0-8.6 years). Exposure clustered around the time of surgery. The median exposure was 14 radiologic tests (the majority of which were plain film radiographs) at an effective dose of 0.96 mSv (the majority of which was from cardiac catheterization), although this distribution had a very wide range. Almost three-quarters (73.7%) were exposed to 20 mSv/year. Neonates, children with genetic syndromes, and children requiring surgery for cardiomyopathy, pulmonary valve, single ventricle, or tricuspid valve diseases were more likely to have higher exposure levels, and those requiring surgery for aortic arch anomalies or atrioventricular septal defects were more likely to have lower levels. Conclusion Children with CHD requiring surgery are exposed to numerous medical forms of ionizing radiation. Although the majority of patients receive
Primary process thinking, divergent thinking, and coping in children.

The relationships among primary process thinking, divergent thinking, and coping were investigated in fifth-grade children. Specifically, it was hypothesized from psychodynamic theory that access to and integration of primary process thinking would be positively related to divergent thinking and that both integration of primary process and divergent thinking would be predictive of coping ability. The Rorschach (Holt's scoring system) and Alternate Uses Test (spontaneous flexibility score) were administered to 53 fifth-grade children. Zeitlin's Coping Inventory, a teacher's rating scale, was the coping measure. Results confirmed the hypotheses for boys in that the percentage of primary process and the Adaptive Regression score on the Rorschach were significantly related to divergent thinking, r(27) = .33, p < .05 and r(27) = .34, p < .05, respectively. Divergent thinking was significantly related to teachers' ratings of coping ability for boys, r(27) = .58, p < .01. There were no significant relationships ...
On torsion in abelian varieties

(1998). On torsion in abelian varieties. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 26, No. 5, pp. 1675-1678.
More than relationship: Chinese interaction and the principle of kuan‐hsi

Through an interpretive analysis of interviews of Chinese in Taiwan, it is demonstrated that the principle of kuan‐hsi (relations) undergirds the functional aspects of Chinese interpersonal relationships. Originally based on the teachings of Confucian philosophy, and grounded in the notion of the family as microcosm of the larger society, kuan‐hsi has evolved into a social resource in a sense somewhat at odds with the Confucian ideal, that is, more as an interpersonal resource in Chinese society. Findings of the study help to reevaluate the commonly held perceptions that Chinese are collective, concerned with social harmony over the individual, and indirect in their communication.
Taches de Bougie

Background: Posterior segment lesions, including taches de bougie, may be the presenting sign of sarcoidosis. In patients with unrecognized sarcoidosis, taches de bougie may be misinterpreted as the lesions of birdshot chorioretinopathy (BCR) or multifocal choroiditis (MFC). Methods: In a retrospective study, the authors identified 22 patients with taches de bougie and sarcoidosis. A tissue biopsy showed noncaseating granulomas in 17 patients. All available ophthalmic and medical records of these patients were reviewed. Results: Two patterns of taches de bougie were observed. Sixteen patients (73%) had small, discrete white spots in the inferior or nasal periphery, indistinguishable from the lesions of MFC. In six patients (27%), larger, posterior, pale yellow-orange streaks developed that were identical to the lesions of BCR. Visual prognosis was better with posterior streaks. The chest x-ray was normal in 5 of 16 patients with peripheral spots and in 3 of 6 patients with posterior streaks. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme was negative in 5 of 14 patients. Gallium scan showed increased hilar uptake in five patients, three of whom had a normal chest x-ray. Human lymphocyte antigen A29 was positive in one of nine patients. Conclusions: Sarcoidosis should be considered in patients with fundus findings that resemble BCR or MFC. Initial evaluation should include chest x-ray and testing the angiotensin-converting enzyme level. These test results may be negative in patients outside the 20- to 40-year age group for typical sarcoid. Further evaluation with nondirected conjunctival biopsy and whole-body gallium scan may be indicated in certain patients, including (1) those with BCR or MFC with normal chest x-ray and elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme level; (2) patients older than 50 years with MFC; or (3) human lymphocyte antigen A29-negative BCR.
Thermogravimetric investigation of the alkali metal diliturates

Abstract Thermolysis curves for lithium, sodium and cesium diliturates have been obtained. Lithium and sodium diliturates form monohydrates from aqueous solutions while potassium, rubidium, and cesium, diliturates are anhydrous. The cesium and rubidium diliturates form rapidly, are quite dense, and easily handled. Both diliturates are thermally stable to about 300°. Methods for the thermogravimetric determination of rubidium and, cesium have been developed and found to be quite accurate.
NUCLEAR SURFACE PROPERTIES WITH A SIMPLE EFFECTIVE INTERACTION.

A simple three-part density-dependent effective interaction is used to calculate several general properties of the semiinfinite nuclear surface. This interaction, which is referred to here as the modified $\ensuremath{\delta}$ interaction (MDI), is quite similar to one introduced by Skyrme. The three parameters of the MDI are fixed by fitting the binding energy and density of infinite nuclear matter with $N=Z$ and also the ground-state energy of $^{16}\mathrm{O}$, all in first-order perturbation theory.The nuclear surface properties are calculated in several different ways. First, they are extracted directly from the single-particle wave functions of a one-dimensional static Woods-Saxon potential. The diffuseness and depth of the potential are obtained by minimizing the surface energy. This procedure is called the independent particle model (IPM). The resulting surface thickness of 2.2 fm and surface energy of 19.3 MeV and the approximately Fermi shape of the density distribution are in good agreement with empirical results.The calculations were then repeated using the Thomas-Fermi approximation to obtain the density. The resultant surface thickness and surface energy, 2.0 fm and 16.0 MeV, are considerably smaller than the IPM results. Furthermore, the calculated density distribution has a longer "shoulder" inside the nucleus and a shorter "tail" outside than the IPM distribution.
Effect of chronic ethanol intoxication on liver lipid content of rats.

Summary1. Chronic alcoholic intoxication was produced in rats by tube feeding diets in which ethanol was isocalorically substituted for some of the carbohydrate in the control diet. The intoxicated rats uniformly showed an increase of about 36% in liver fat within approximately 30 days. This occurred on diets that were adequate for maintenance of good growth and normal liver lipid concentrations in non-alcoholic animals. 2. Large supplements of the lipotropic vit. B12 and choline, protected against this fatty infiltration of the liver. 3. Chronically intoxicated animals grew at a significantly lower rate than did isocalorically fed non-alcoholic controls on the same diet.
Transcatheter retrieval of an embolized Palmaz stent from the right ventricle of a child

A young girl in whom a Palmaz stent embolized from the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle during a prior cardiac catheterization underwent successful retrieval and repositioning by a transcatheter technique 8 d later. This technique provides an alternative to surgery when intracardiac embolization of a stent occurs. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Vortex breakdown in an axisymmetric flow

The breakdown for both an isolated vortex and a vortex flow in a tube is studied by means of a numerical solution of the axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations for an unsteady, incompressible, and laminar flow. Results are compared to those of other authors and to experiments. Various numerical solution methods and various physical boundary conditions are used in order to explain the existence of different solutions. The computational results reveal that the existence of different solutions is due to slightly different inflow conditions. The numerical problem for the isolated vortex becomes ill-posed at a certain time for the inflow condition of zero axial gradient of the radial velocity component. Different inflow conditions yield breakdown flowfields containing different features of the experimentally observed breakdown structure.
Noncollinear magnetic phases of a triangular-lattice antiferromagnet and of doped CuFeO 2

We obtain the noncollinear ground states of a triangular-lattice antiferromagnet with exchange interactions up to third nearest neighbors as a function of the single-ion anisotropy $D$. At a critical value of $D$, the collinear $\ensuremath{\uparrow}\ensuremath{\uparrow}\ensuremath{\downarrow}\ensuremath{\downarrow}$ phase transforms into a complex noncollinear phase with odd-order harmonics of the fundamental ordering wavevector $\mathbf{Q}$. The observed elastic peaks at $2\ensuremath{\pi}\mathbf{x}\ensuremath{-}\mathbf{Q}$ in both Al- and Ga-doped ${\text{CuFeO}}_{2}$ are explained by a ``scalene'' distortion of the triangular-lattice produced by the repulsion of neighboring oxygen atoms.
Bonding of Polydimethylsiloxane Microfluidics to Silicon-Based Sensors

We investigate bonding polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to silicon using a thin (∼2 μm) intermediate adhesive layer stamped onto a PDMS piece prior to bonding. In particular, we compare as adhesive layers Sylgard 184 and 182 curing agents and a UV curable adhesive (NOA 75). We examine the effect of both curing temperature and duration on curing agent bond strength. Bond strengths for the different adhesives are determined by measuring the average burst pressure at a PDMS-silicon interface using a PDMS test design. We find that Sylgard 184 curing agent gives the highest bond strength with burst pressure of 700 kPa or more for curing at either 60°C for 3 h, 70°C for 30 min, or 90°C for 20 min. Curing at room temperature takes substantially more time with an average burst pressure of 433 and 555 kPa for curing times of 16 and 27 h, respectively. In comparison, Sylgard 182 curing agent takes 32 h at room temperature to achieve a burst pressure of 289 kPa, while NOA 75 with a 50°C 12 h post-UV exposure bake yields a burst pressure of 125 kPa.
The Staff of Oedipus in Henry James's THE JOLLY CORNER

Considered one of Henry James's finest ghost stories, “The Jolly Corner” (1908) describes the return to New York City of Spencer Brydon, the prodigal son of American capitalists, who has spent the ...