cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental and clinical significance of endotoxin-dependent HLA-DR expression on monocytes.

Abstract For much of the last decade, an increasing number of surgeons have been interested in objective assessment of cellular contributors to host defense function. In order to study many of these processes, it is apparently desirable that the cells be isolated to the extent feasible for the purpose of analyzing a more or less pure population of cellular elements. The purpose of this paper is to describe the physiologic activation of mononuclear cells that occurs as a result of the isolation process. Therefore, it follows logically that such cells are therein intrinsically less responsive to further physiologic manipulation in vitro . Analyses of such data without an awareness of this intrinsic aberration will undoubtedly lead to misinterpretation of the capacity of such cells for further modulation by immunostimulants or by the intrinsic processes related to injury, anesthesia, and operation. Furthermore, it may indicate that certain agents, e.g., cytokines, are unable to stimulate cellular function when, in fact, the defense function of the cell has been initially stimulated by the isolation procedure. Fractionation of human peripheral blood over Hypaque-Ficoll and subsequent purification of monocytes by adherence to plastic lead to an increase in the relative density of HLA-DR on monocytes. This increase occurred when carried out in endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-contaminated or LPS-depleted reagents. LPS, added experimentally to whole blood, enhanced HLA-DR expression on monocytes without further manipulation. Monocyte HLA-DR expression measured in whole blood was reduced in patients with major sepsis ( n = 19) compared to normal subjects ( n = 10). After LPS incubation, monocyte HLA-DR expression was enhanced significantly in septic patients who survived ( n = 10) compared to patients who died of sepsis ( n = 9). We suggest again that inappropriate stimulation of HLA-DR on isolated monocytes may result from LPS contamination of reagents as well as from factors intrinsic to isolation procedures. Furthermore, these data suggest the monocyte HLA-DR expression is a useful marker of infection. In the presence of sepsis, the inability to increase monocyte HLA-DR expression in vitro with LPS stimulation appears to be a predictor of mortality.
HIGH ENERGY METAL ION IMPLANTATION USING A NOVEL, BROAD-BEAM, MARX-GENERATOR-BASED ION SOURCE MAGIS

Abstract Ion energy of the beam formed by an ion source is proportional to extractor voltage and ion charge state. Increasing the voltage is difficult and costly for extraction voltage over 100 kV. Here we explore the possibility of increasing the charge states of metal ions to facilitate high-energy, broad beam ion implantation at a moderate voltage level. Strategies to enhance the ion charge state include operating in the regimes of high-current vacuum sparks and short pulses. Using a time-of-flight (TOF) technique we have measured charge states as high as 7 + (73 kA vacuum spark discharge) and 4 + (14 kA short pulse arc discharge), both for copper, with the mean ion charge states about 6.0 and 2.5, respectively. Pulsed discharges can conveniently be driven by a modified Marx generator, allowing operation of “Magis” with a single power supply (at ground potential) for both plasma production and ion extraction.
Nonparametric Bayes and empirical Bayes estimators of mean residual life at age t

Abstract Nonparametric Bayes and empirical Bayes estimators of the mean residual life at age t (⩾0) using Dirichlet process prior are proposed. The proposed empirical Bayes estimators are proved to be ‘asymptotically optimal’ in the sense of Robbins (1955). The rate of asymptotic convergence of optimality is also obtained.
Energetics of the disulfide bridge: An ab initio study

SYNOPSIS The energetics of the Xyx3X; portion of the disulfide bridge have been obtained from an ab initio study of diethyl disulfide. Calculations at the 3-21G* level were done on relaxed structures at every - 30" in X: and X;, and the additional energies for small AX3 were obtained. Complete E(x:, Xi) and Xi( X:, Xi) maps were computed from Fourier series expansions. These results have been used to calculate the energetics of 92 disulfide bridges in known protein structures, and to compare ab initio and molecular mechanics energies for some observed and predicted bridges. The differences found in relative energies and in X; values suggest that present energy functions give a limited description of the structural and energetic properties of the disulfide bridge. 0 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Value of Liquidity

In this study, we examine the relationship between the liquidity of equity and its market value. We find that creating liquid equity claims on relatively illiquid property assets increases value by 12‐22%. However, the fixed costs associated with creating these claims offset these liquidity gains for pools of assets below $100 million. We also estimate that the liquidity of individual properties adds 16% to their value relative to a notional nontradable property asset. Managers can enhance the liquidity of equity and, therefore, the benefits of securitization by increasing size, focus, and institutional ownership. In his seminal article, Coase (1937) addresses the fundamental question of why the corporation exists and prospers as an organizational form. Given that there are significant costs to forming a public corporation, including the cost of a management team and reporting costs, what benefits to public trading outweigh these costs? Coase and many authors that followed concentrate on identifying advantages along the dimensions of reducing contracting, monitoring, and agency costs. However, another branch of the financial economics literature has examined an alternative benefit of the publicly traded corporation: namely, the enhancement of the liquidity of the claims on the assets. Under this paradigm, a firm is viewed as a collection of illiquid assets arising from capital budgeting decisions. Bundling these assets into a corporation and issuing comparatively liquid publicly traded claims to these assets can create value if liquidity is priced.
Rapid growth of single crystals in the solid state utilizing a massive transformation

A method is described for rapidly growing single crystals in the solid state, utilizing the massive transformation. The technique involves moving a necked specimen through a thermal gradient and it has been shown to be successful in alloys of the Ag-Al system near 24.5 at. % Al. Single crystals of the hcpζ phase have been grown from the b c cβ phase at rates between 0.01 and 1.2 cm sec−1. X-ray observations indicate the development of misorientations and a substructure with increasing crystal growth velocity. Metallographic observations on numerous crystals demonstrate that the occurrence of single crystal growth is closely related to the relationship between the undercooling at the transformation interface and the interface velocity. Favourable conditions require that the velocity of the transformation interface be near the maximum value possible under the imposed thermal conditions. Success in growing a single crystal decreases with increasing undercooling and no crystals could be grown when the undercooling exceeded about 20°C. Solid state crystal growth utilizing the massive transformation has many features in common with crystal growth resulting from undercooled liquids.
The effect of methadone on hippocampal EEG

The following report concerns the effects of methadone on the hippocampal EEG both before and after electrical stimulation of the septum of cats. Initial effects of 3 mg/kg were investigated, as well as recovery trends of the EEG 6 hr after drug administration. A significant difference was found (p<0·042) in the post-stimulation condition using Hoteling's T2 on the group power spectrum of 4 cats after initial injection of methadone when tested against that of 4 cats receiving saline injections. No significant differences were found in other conditions. Gross behavioral data were reported as collected on a 16 mm movie film taken of a cat with no electrodes implanted.
Verification of the QUBYX perfectlum calibration software using a PR-670 spectro radiometer and associated verification facility

At the University of Arizona a research project is underway which addresses consistent color and consistent gray-scale reproduction for digital color displays used in medical image interpretation, specifically for Pathology. Now the University of Arizona can enter the field of ICC Profiling and Color Management. Verification of PerfectLum Software was successful. FIT and LUM tests were performed to verify the conformance and the deviation was quantified. The maximum GSDF Error is about 5.968 %. With respect to the results, all three objectives were met and the PerfectLum calibrated display confirmed to the AAPM TG18 standards.
In-kennel behavior predicts length of stay in shelter dogs

Previous empirical evaluations of training programs aimed at improving dog adoption rates assume that dogs exhibiting certain behaviors are more adoptable. However, no systematic data are available to indicate that the spontaneous behavior of shelter dogs has an effect on adopter preference. The aim of the present study was to determine whether any behaviors that dogs exhibit spontaneously in the presence of potential adopters were associated with the dogs' length of stay in the shelter. A sample of 289 dogs was videotaped for 1 min daily throughout their stay at a county shelter. To account for differences in adopter behavior, experimenters varied from solitary passive observers to pairs of interactive observers. Dogs behaved more attentively to active observers. To account for adopter preference for morphology, dogs were divided into “morphologically preferred” and “non-preferred” groups. Morphologically preferred dogs were small, long coated, ratters, herders, and lap dogs. No theoretically significant differences in behavior were observed between the two different dog morphologies. When accounting for morphological preference, three behaviors were found to have a significant effect on length of stay in all dogs: leaning or rubbing on the enclosure wall (increased median length of stay by 30 days), facing away from the front of the enclosure (increased by 15 days), and standing (increased by 7 days). When combinations of behaviors were assessed, back and forth motion was found to predict a longer stay (increased by 24 days). No consistent behavioral changes were observed due to time spent at the shelter. These findings will allow shelters to focus behavioral modification efforts only on behaviors likely to influence adopters' choices.
Observations on the vegetative anatomy of Austrobaileya: habital, organographic and phylogenetic conclusions

Abstract For the single species of Austrobaileya (Austrobaileyaceae), quantitative and qualitative data are offered on the basis of a mature stem and a root of moderate diameter. Data available hitherto have been based on stems of small to moderate diameter, and roots have not previously been studied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs are utilized for roots, and show compound starch grains. Roots lack sclerenchyma but have relatively narrow vessels and abundant ray tissue. Recent phylogenies group Austrobaileyaceae with the woody families Illiciaceae, Schisandraceae, and Trimeniaceae (these four may be considered Illiciales), and somewhat less closely with the vesselless families Amborellaceae and Winteraceae and the aquatic families Cambombaceae and Nymphaeaceae. The vessel-bearing woody families above share vessels with scalariform perforation plates; bordered bars on plates; pit membrane remnants present in perforations; lateral wall pitting of vessels mostly alternate and opposite; tracheids and/or septate fibre-tracheids present; axial parenchyma vasicentric (sometimes abaxial); rays Heterogeneous Type I; ethereal oil cells present; stomata paracytic or variants of paracytic. Although comparisons between vessel-bearing and vesselless families must depend on fewer features, Amborellaceae and Winteraceae have no features incompatible with their inclusion in an expanded Illiciales.
JACR Commentaries on Translating Research into Practice: Introduction

Recently, the National Institute of Health launched the ‘‘Roadmap for Medical Research’’ initiative, which is geared to foster translational research (Zerhouni, 2005). The goal of this initiative is to translate the ‘‘remarkable scientific innovations we are witnessing into health gains for the nation’’ (p. 1621). Although this is a new approach in medicine, since 1998 communication scholars have advocated the need for translational practices. The decision of the JACR editor, Tim Sellnow, to publish a series of Commentaries provides an occasion to assess how our discipline has embraced the spirit of translational research 10 years after our first introduction to the concept. The four commentaries to be published in this series highlight the translational research advances made in our discipline. From the 1998 NCA pre-conference that introduced the concept of ‘‘translating research into practice,’’ the 1999 JACR special issue on translational research, the many programs found in the 2001 Western States Communication Association conference dedicated to the theme of research into practice, the 2002 WSCA presidential address, and invited essays in WJC in 1994 1997 on defining evidence, we have grown in our understanding and recognition of the critical nature translational research plays in our world today (Petronio, 1998, 1999, 2002). We have become more sophisticated in the way we think about research translation. We recognize that in order to address everyday problems we need to go beyond the knowledge discovery of the basic research enterprise to interpret and apply research outcomes in an effort to develop effective practices for the betterment of everyday life. Progressing from knowledge discovery to translating results through interpreting, decoding, and deciphering helps locate executable practices that reflect the best kind of knowledge utilization (Petronio, 1999). The most important aspect of translational research is that we yield more than application: we create ways in which to implement new systems, procedures, or routines predicated on research findings that are geared toward developing functional practices to improve our lives.
Current research on thermochemical conversion of biomass at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Abstract The thermochemical research platform at the National Bioenergy Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is primarily focused on conversion of biomass to transportation fuels using non-biological techniques. Research is conducted in three general areas relating to fuels synthesis via thermochemical conversion by gasification: (1) Biomass gasification fundamentals; chemistry and mechanisms of tar formation (2) Catalytic tar reforming and syngas cleaning (3) Syngas conversion to mixed alcohols In addition, the platform supports activities in both technoeconomic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) of thermochemical conversion processes. Results from the TEA and LCA are used to inform and guide laboratory research for alternative biomass-to-fuels strategies. Detailed process models are developed using the best available material and energy balance information and unit operations models created at NREL and elsewhere. These models are used to identify cost drivers which then form the basis for research programs aimed at reducing costs and improving process efficiency while maintaining sustainability and an overall net reduction in greenhouse gases.
Alteration of the mandibular plane during sagittal split advancement: Short- and long-term stability

Objectives We investigated predictors of long- and short-term stability of surgical mandibular advancements with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). Study design Class II patients (n = 127) received mandibular advancement through BSSO with either rigid internal fixation or wire osteosynthesis. We used multiple linear regression analysis to assess the association of predictor variables with post-treatment horizontal and vertical B-point movement through 2 years. Results Counterclockwise rotation of the mandibular plane angulation (MPA) was associated with greater horizontal and vertical relapse at all time periods except 8 weeks. Wire osteosynthesis, larger advancements, younger age, and genioplasty were significantly associated with relapse. Conclusions Surgically closing the MPA is associated with late horizontal and vertical relapse, whereas fixation type is related to early B-point movement. Large advancements with forward and upward repositioning of the mandible, genioplasty, and young age also play a role in relapse after BSSO.
Pulsatile administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone for induction of ovulation

Chronic pulsatile administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was used to induce ovulation in 12 women with various ovulatory disorders. In the first group of eight patients with normal to low baseline levels of gonadotropin, seven responded favorably to the treatment. Follicular maturation was observed in 57% of the treated cycles, and normal ovulatory cycles were induced in 24% of the patients. Two patients became pregnant. The intravenous route of administration was more effective than the subcutaneous one, possibly in response to the GnRH profile after each pulse. (The amplitude of GnRH peaks after an intravenous pulse was four times that seen after a subcutaneous one.) In contrast, follicular maturation and ovulation could not be induced in four women of a second group of patients with normal baseline levels of follicle-stimulating hormone but with high and frequent pulses of luteinizing hormone. The conclusion reached was that pulsatile administration of GnRH can be a new therapeutic tool in the treatment of ovulatory disorders in women who have an insufficient endogenous release of GnRH.
The effects of direct and indirect speech acts on native English and ESL speakers’ perception of teacher written feedback

Abstract This study explores how second language (L2) learners perceive indirect (hedging or indirect speech acts) and direct written teacher feedback. Though research suggests that indirect speech acts may be more difficult to interpret than direct speech acts ( Champagne, 2001 , Holtgraves, 1999 ), using indirect speech acts is often encouraged in the learning process, with the idea that it helps students discover their own errors ( Ferris, 2007 , Riley and Mackiewitz, 2003 ;). However, it may not be effective with L2 learners who often need more explicit instruction to understand how to revise their writing ( Ferris, 2002 ). To examine the effect of different directness types on identifying requested corrections, native and non-native English-speaking university students were given two essays that contained written teacher feedback that differed in its directness. Participants were asked to identify if the teacher comments were praise or criticism. Two response times and accuracy scores were calculated: one, as participants determined if the teacher comment requested a correction and two, as participants made corrections. After each essay, participants answered additional questions regarding the written teacher feedback. Results show that directness type affected how quickly and accurately participants responded to positive and negative teacher feedback.
Prematurity prevention: the role of cerclage.

Purpose of review To summarize the literature on the value of cervical cerclage for the prevention of preterm birth and present the recent advances in its clinical application. Recent findings The diagnosis of cervical insufficiency is difficult as there are no objective diagnostic criteria. Although widely used, the value of cervical cerclage is still a matter of controversy. The current literature suggests that cerclage placement can prevent preterm delivery in women with a history of at least three second-trimester losses or at least three preterm births and in those with a history of prematurity who have a cervical length of less than 25 mm in the second trimester. It is also possible to improve the perinatal outcome in patients with cervical dilation in the mid-trimester. It is not indicated in multiple pregnancies, however. Further research is needed in methods of excluding inflammation in women with cervical changes on ultrasound prior to cerclage insertion. Transabdominal or laparoscopic cerclage seems to be a promising alternative in women with a history of transvaginal cerclage failure. Summary Strict recommendations on the proper use of cerclage cannot be easily made. Data from randomized trials do not support what the current practice in many cases is.
Stem cell homing.

Purpose of reviewTransplantation of hematopoietic stem cells is dependent upon the successful homing, engraftment and repopulation of stem cells in the bone marrow. Stem cell homing through the circulation to the bone marrow is the critical first step in this process. This review discusses the lates
Development of a Ductile Dental Amalgam

An amalgam that is based on a cadmium-10% nickel alloy is capable of Plastic deformation and it offers a substantial increase in resistance to cracking and tarnishing with some loss in corrosion resistance in saline solution and in hardness. The amalgam has not yet been tested for biologic safety.
Some integral equations with 'nonrational' kernels

Fredholm integral equations of the first and second kind arise in many problems in statistical communication theory. However, almost all cases in which solutions are known, for equations over finite intervals, involve covariance kernels with rational Fourier transforms. We present solutions for two classes of "non-rational" kernels--triangular kernels of the form R(t) = \max [0, 1 - |t|] and Gauss-Markov kernels of the form R(t, s) = f(t)g(s), t \leq s, R(t, s) = f(s)g(t), s \leq t . We also treat kernels that are combinations of the two types.
A sequencing strategy for identifying variation throughout the prion gene of BSE-affected cattle.

Background Classical and atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathies (BSEs) are cattle prion diseases. Distinct bovine prion gene (PRNP) alleles have been associated with classical and atypical BSE susceptibility. However, the full extent of PRNP allele association with BSE susceptibility is not known. A systematic sequence-based genotyping method that detects variation throughout PRNP would be useful for: 1) detecting rare PRNP alleles that may be present in BSE-affected animals and 2) testing PRNP alleles for an association with either classical or atypical BSE susceptibility.
Strong spin-lattice coupling in CrSiTe3

CrSiTe3 has attracted recent interest as a candidate single-layer ferromagnetic semiconductor, but relatively little is known about the bulk properties of this material. Here, we report single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic properties, thermal conductivity, vibrational, and optical spectroscopies and compare our findings with complementary electronic structure and lattice dynamics principles calculations. The high temperature paramagnetic phase is characterized by strong spin-lattice interactions that give rise to glassy behavior, negative thermal expansion, and an optical response that reveals that CrSiTe3 is an indirect gap semiconductor with indirect and direct band gaps at 0.4 and 1.2 eV, respectively. Measurements of the phonons across the 33 K ferromagnetic transition provide additional evidence for strong coupling between the magnetic and lattice degrees of freedom. The Si-Te stretching and Te displacement modes are sensitive to the magnetic ordering transition, a finding that we discuss in terms of the superexchange mechanism. Spin-lattice coupling constants are also extracted.
Equilibrium in the IPO Market

In this survey, I criticize the ability of popular asymmetric information-based models to explain the magnitude of the underpricing of initial public offerings (IPOs) that is observed. I suggest that the quantitative magnitude of underpricing can be explained with a market structure in which underwriters want to underprice excessively, issuers are focused on services bundled with underwriting rather than on maximizing the offer proceeds, and there is limited competition between underwriters. Since the technology bubble burst in 2000, U.S. IPO volume has been low. Although regulatory burdens undoubtedly account for some of the decline, I suggest that much of the decline may be due to a structural shift that has lessened the profitability of small independent companies relative to their value as part of a larger, more established organization that can realize economies of scope. I also discuss the long-run performance literature. My interpretation of the evidence is that except for the smallest companies going public, IPOs have long-run returns that are similar to those on seasoned stocks with the same characteristics.
Multidisciplinary pretreatment cancer planning. The Roswell park memorial lecture, march 21, 1984, Roswell park memorial institute, Buffalo, New York

One can estimate that 60% or more of cancer patients stand to benefit from the multidisciplinary treatment of cancer. Different treatments given in sequence mean real benefit in terms of absolute cure or length of disease-free life for many. While the details of treatment techniques can usually be worked out for each patient in expert fashion, the process of planning to fit the three main modalities together into a single plan presents complex problems. To obtain optimum results someone must assemble and coordinate the opinions of the oncologists who are consulted in each case; and someone must do it before treatment begins. Benefit is significantly reduced if the planning process is delayed until recurrence occurs. Those who act as primary physicians in caring for cancer patients have a newly defined major role to play: they must select the oncology team, coordinate the various opinions, and continue to supervise the course of the cancer throughout in order that the patients receive the best care. When a physician prepares for, and accepts, this role of leader-coordinator, and outlines in broad general terms a properly integrated plan from the first, details of therapy fall easily into place.
Microfluidic diffusive filter for apheresis (leukapheresis).

Apheresis is a procedure used to fractionate whole blood into its individual components. Following fractionation, the desired component is isolated and the remaining blood in many cases is returned to the donor. Leukapheresis is one type of apheresis where leukocytes (white blood cells) are selectively removed. This procedure is commonly used for blood transfusions to remove donor leukocytes from being transferred to the recipient. Apheresis also has several therapeutic applications. In this manuscript we discuss the design, fabrication and testing of a continuous flow diffusive filter, fabricated using simple soft lithographic techniques for depletion of leukocytes. This device employs micro sieves that exploit the size and shape difference between the different cell types to obtain depletion of leukocytes from whole blood. Currently, conventional apheresis methods like centrifugation or fiber mesh filtration are commonly used. A theoretical model was developed to determine the optimal shape of the diffuser to ensure that the volumetric flow through individual sieve elements is equal. This device was designed to serve as a passive device that does not require any external manipulation. Results show that for the given device design, isolation of ∼50% of the inlet erythrocytes (red blood cells), along with depletion of >97% of the inlet leukocytes is possible at a flow rate of 5 µl min−1. Simple modifications to the geometry and dimensions of the sieves can be made to obtain isolation of plasma.
Infection as a comorbidity of COPD

The normal lung has several defence mechanisms to deal with microorganisms. Lower respiratory infections in the absence of lung disease are therefore relatively infrequent as compared with upper respiratory tract infections in healthy adults. In the setting of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lower respiratory tract infections, both acute and chronic, occur with increased frequency. As these infections contribute considerably to the clinical course of the patient with COPD, they constitute a significant comorbidity in COPD. Recurrent acute infections by bacterial and/or viral pathogens are now clearly linked with the occurrence of exacerbations of COPD. In addition, the occurrence of pneumonia in COPD has received considerable recent attention as it appears to be increased by the use of inhaled corticosteroids. The role of chronic infection in the pathogenesis of COPD is an active area of research with several different types of pathogens potentially implicated. Additionally, COPD patients with HIV infection have a more rapidly progressive decline in lung function than non-HIV-infected patients. Enhanced understanding of the host-pathogen interaction is needed to better prevent and treat respiratory tract infection in COPD.
MDM2 SNP309 is associated with endometrial cancer risk.

Mouse double-minute 2 homologue (MDM2) is a key negative regulator of p53, a tumor suppressor gene that initiates cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to DNA damage and other cellular stresses. A T > G polymorphism found in the promoter region of MDM2 (SNP309) increases MDM2 expression and thereby attenuates p53 activity. We genotyped the MDM2 polymorphism SNP309 in endometrial cancer case-control studies nested within the Nurses' Health Study (454 cases and 1,132 controls) and the Women's Health Study (137 cases and 411 controls). Due to a significant difference in genotype distribution by ethnicity, we restricted our analyses to Caucasians. We calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using conditional and unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age at menarche, parity and age at first birth, postmenopausal hormone use at diagnosis, age at menopause and menopausal status at diagnosis, first-degree family history of colon cancer, body mass index at diagnosis, and cigarette smoking status at diagnosis. Women with a heterozygous genotype had no greater risk whereas those with a homozygous variant genotype had a greater risk than women with a wild-type genotype for the MDM2 SNP309 (covariate-adjusted odds ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-2.73) for endometrial cancer. We observed no association between age at diagnosis and genotype. Women carrying two copies of the MDM2 SNP309 variant may be at greater risk of endometrial cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(4):983–6)
When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth

This editorial refers to ‘Safety of Contrast Flash-Replenishment Stress-Echocardiography in 500 Patients with a Chest Pain Episode of Undetermined Origin within the Last 5 days’ by Nicola Gaibazzi et al ., pp. 726–732, in this issue. Ultrasound contrast agents (UCA) are safe in humans. The European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) lifted its ban on the use of Sonovue some years ago. This year, the US Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) also withdrew its concerns regarding their clinical use. At this stage, it may be worthwhile to reflect on the putative basis for the original decisions of the EMEA and the FDA to severely limit the use of UCA in patients. Ultrasound has the propensity to produce bio-effects even in the absence of UCA. One mechanism is inertial acoustic cavitation.1,2 Gas bubbles created de novo in biological tissue by insonification can grow to twice their initial size and then have sufficient energy for violent collapse. This can produce shock waves, heat (up to 1000–20 000 °K),3,4 microstreaming, and free-radical generation.5 Luckily, this effect occurs only above a specific threshold depending on the tissue involved.6 The presence of UCA increases the likelihood of inertial cavitation and also decreases the energy threshold required to achieve it. Another bio-effect of ultrasound is sonoporation where small pores are formed in cell membranes.7 This can occur from both inertial and stable acoustic cavitation.8 The degree of sonoporation can be varied through changes in the pulse repetition frequency and ultrasound intensity. Indirect estimates of pore size are commonly in the range of 30–100 nm, although optical studies suggest disruptions in the plasma membrane that can be microns in size.9 These pores may …
Digitally Controlled Beam Attenuator

In digital fluorographic techniques the video camera must accommodate a wide dynamic range due to the large variation in the subject thickness within the field of view. Typically exposure factors and the optical aperture are selected such that the maximum video signal is obtained in the most transmissive region of the subject. Consequently, it has been shown that the signal-to-noise ratio is severely reduced in the dark regions. We have developed a prototype digital beam attenuator (DBA) which will alleviate this and some related problems in digital fluorography. The prototype DBA consists of a 6x6 array of pistons which are individually controlled. A membrane containing an attenuating solu-tion of (CeC13) in water and the piston matrix are placed between the x-ray tube and the subject. Under digital control the pistons are moved into the attenuating material in order to adjust the beam intensity over each of the 36 cells. The DBA control unit which digitizes the image during patient positioning will direct the pistons under hydraulic control to produce a uniform x-ray field exiting the subject. The pistons were designed to produce very little structural background in the image. In subtraction studies any structure would be cancelled. For non-subtraction studies such as cine-cardiology we are considering higher cell densities (eg. 64x64). Due to the narrow range of transmission provided by the DBA, in such studies ultra-high contrast films could be used to produce a high resolution quasi-subtraction display. Additional benefits of the DBA are: 1) reduced dose to the bright image areas when the dark areas are properly exposed. 2) improved scatter and glare to primary ratios, leading to improved contrast in the dark areas.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Designing as reflective conversation with the materials of a design situation

The paper considers what it means to capture design knowledge by embodying it in procedures that are expressible in a computer program, distinguishing several possible purposes for such an exercise. Following the lead of David Marr's computational approach to vision, emphasis is placed on 'phenomenological equivalence' — that is, first defining the functions of designing, and then specifying how people design. The paper goes on to describe design phenomena that a computational strategy of this kind would have to reproduce. All of them are integral to a view of designing as reflective conversation with the materials of a design situation, and depend on the idea of distinctive design worlds constructed by the designer. These phenomena include: the designer's seeing-moving-seeing, the construction of figures from marks on a page, the appreciation of design qualities, the evolution of design intentions in the course of the design process, the recognition of unintended consequences of move experiments, the storage and deployment of prototypes, which must be placed in transaction with the design situation, and communication across divergent design worlds. Considered as performance criteria for a phenomenologically equivalent computational designer, these phenomena are formidable and threatening. Considered as performance criteria for the construction of a computer-based design assistant, however, they may be highly evocative.
Invisible successes, visible failures: Paradoxes of ecosystem management in the Albemarle‐Pamlico estuarine study

Ecosystem management has been deemed a promising approach to environmental management in many settings. The ecosystem approach promises improved use of scientific information, better management coordination, and more meaningful public participation in environmental decision making. Yet, there is little evidence for how well ecosystem management efforts actually achieve their goals. This article presents an in‐depth analysis of one ecosystem management effort, the Albemarle‐Pamlico Estuarine Study (APES), which was part of the National Estuary Program. The APES failed to meet the objectives of ecosystem management in several visible ways. However, this case study reveals that the APES also had many positive results that were less visible to participants and observers. The performance of the APES is explained with reference to seven paradoxes inherent in the concept of ecosystem management. These findings have implications for appropriate expectations and evaluation of other ecosystem management efforts.
Creep and tensile behavior of lead-rich, lead-tin solder alloys

The authors report on the tensile and creep deformation of a series of high-lead solders with 0 to 10% tin, over a temperature range of 0 degrees C to 10 degrees C. In these alloys, the yield strength is strongly influenced by the precipitation of the tin phase, which depends on temperature and tin content. The creep rupture behavior follows the Monkman-Grant relationship. The results are generally consistent with a power-low creep mechanism, controlled by dislocation-core diffusion. There is a clear trend to greater creep resistance (lower creep rate at a given stress and temperature) for alloys of higher tin concentration. It is concluded that the mechanical behavior during thermal cycling tests may depend on cycle frequency and temperature range in a manner determined by the evolution of the precipitate microstructure. >
Virus Detection and Duration of Illness Among Patients With 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in Texas

Knowledge from early outbreaks is limited regarding the virus detection and illness duration of the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infections. During the period from April to May 2009 in Texas, we collected serial nasopharyngeal (NP) and stool specimens from 35 participants, testing by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and culture. The participants were aged 2 months to 71 years; 25 (71%) were under 18. The median duration of measured fever was 3.0 days and of virus detection in NP specimens was 4.2 days; however, few specimens were collected between days 5-9. The duration of virus detection (4.2 days) was similar to the duration of fever (3.5 days) (RR, 1.14; 95% CI, .66-1.95; P = .8), but was shorter than the duration of cough (11.0 days) (RR, .41; 95% CI, .24―.68; P < .001). We detected viral RNA in two participants' stools. All cultures were negative. This investigation suggests that the duration of virus detection was likely similar to the seasonal influenza virus.
A Divided Mind: Observations on the Conscious Properties of the Separated Hemispheres

Contemporary interest in the neuropsychological mechanisms of human consciousness was stimulated in the 1960s by observations of patients who had undergone cerebral commissurotomy in an effort to control the interhemispheric spread of epileptic seizure activity [7- 101. These split-brain studies demonstrated that each cerebral hemisphere could process information outside the realm of awareness of the other half-brain, and thereby suggested that brain bisection produces a state of double consciousness. Speculation concerning double conscious mechanisms in split-brain patients has taken two forms. One is the notion that each cerebral hemisphere in man has evolved a separate cognitive style and mode of information processing [l, 5, 11, 15, 16, 24, 25, 301. The other, which we address here, is the more basic question of whether the mechanisms of human consciousness are actually split following brain bisection [3, 5, 18, 19, 26-29, 331.
Adaptive stabilization of not necessarily minimum phase plants

Abstract We show that a first-order adaptive regulator can stabilize any linear time-invariant plant (LTI) whose transfer function has arbitrary relative degree and order, and is not necessarily minimum phase, provided the dominant slow part of the plant is minimum phase and of relative degree one and the parasitic fast part is stable. The results are extended to r × r multivariable systems whose dominant parts are minimum phase and the spectrum of their high-frequency gains is either in Re[ s ] s ] > 0, and their parasitic fast parts are stable.
A crossed molecular beam study on the formation of hexenediynyl radicals (H2CCCCCCH; C6H3 (X2A′)) via reactions of tricarbon molecules, C3(X1Σg+), with allene (H2CCCH2; X1A1) and methylacetylene (CH3CCH; X1A1)

Crossed molecular beams experiments have been utilized to investigate the reaction dynamics between two closed shell species, i.e. the reactions of tricarbon molecules, C3(X1Σg+), with allene (H2CCCH2; X1A1), and with methylacetylene (CH3CCH; X1A1). Our investigations indicated that both these reactions featured characteristic threshold energies of 40–50 kJ mol−1. The reaction dynamics are indirect and suggested the reactions proceeded via an initial addition of the tricarbon molecule to the unsaturated hydrocarbon molecules forming initially cyclic reaction intermediates of the generic formula C6H4. The cyclic intermediates isomerize to yield eventually the acyclic isomers CH3CCCCCH (methylacetylene reaction) and H2CCCCCCH2 (allene reaction). Both structures decompose via atomic hydrogen elimination to form the 1-hexene-3,4-diynyl-2 radical (C6H3; H2CCCCCCH). Future flame studies utilizing the Advanced Light Source should therefore investigate the existence of 1-hexene-3,4-diynyl-2 radicals in high temperature methylacetylene and allene flames. Since the corresponding C3H3, C4H3, and C5H3 radicals have been identified via their ionization potentials in combustion flames, the existence of the C6H3 isomer 1-hexene-3,4-diynyl-2 can be predicted as well.
An experimental study of the reactive ion etching (RIE) of GaP using BCl3 plasma processing

A detailed study of the reactive ion etching (RIE) of GaP, through BCl3 based plasma processing is reported. We discuss the effects on the etch rate through the studies of RF power, reactant and carrier gas (Ar) flow and chamber pressure. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization, along with photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, is used to investigate the surface quality and correlate the material damage. Compared to previous dry etching studies, we find that the etching rate is enhanced to 850 nm/min with slight increase in surface roughness. PL spectroscopy indicates a progressive degradation of the surface quality with increased RF power, which is not due to increased surface roughness but presumably due to either a change of the surface state density or depletion layer thickness in GaP. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Subnormothermic preservation in somah: a novel approach for enhanced functional resuscitation of donor hearts for transplant.

Organ preservation at 4°C results in temporally irreversible injury to cellular structure and function. This study was designed to evaluate the possibility of storing hearts at ambient temperatures in novel organ preservation solution Somah to prevent damage and preserve optimum function by maintaining cellular energy over the temperature range of storage. Porcine hearts were stored in Celsior at 4°C and Somah at 4°C, 13°C and 21°C for 5 h thereafter reperfused and reanimated in vitro for 3 h. Heart weights, histopathology, ultrastructure and 2-dimensional echocardiography (2D-Echo) assessments showed preservation of structure in Somah groups. Tissue high-energy phosphate levels in Somah groups after storage were significantly greater than the Celsior hearts (p < 0.05) and highest in the 21°C Somah hearts. Upon reperfusion, myocardial O2 consumption and lactate levels quickly achieved steady state in 21°C hearts, but were delayed in Somah 4/13°C groups and severely depressed in the Celsior group. Inotrope and electroconversion requirements were inversely related to storage temperature. In vitro 2D Echo demonstrated a discordantly attenuated function in the Celsior group, moderate functionality in 4°C Somah group and superior reestablishment of performance in the Somah higher temperature groups. Hearts stored in Somah at 21°C were metabolically and functionally superior to any other groups.
The domestic chicken: Causes and consequences of an egg a day

The domestic laying chicken has been intensely selected to be a persistent ovulator. That is, the tendency for broodiness has been nearly eliminated and, given the appropriate lighting and nutrition, many strains of laying hens produce an egg on almost every day. The regulatory mechanisms involved in coordination of neuroendocrine and ovarian events have been well studied and described. In spite of this, there has been little attention focused on the oocyte itself. Recent findings in mammals have indicated that the oocyte produces several oocyte-specific factors, including growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic factor 15 (BMP15), which influence the surrounding cells and follicular development. Our studies indicate that GDF9 is present in the hen oocyte and influences granulosa cell proliferation. Additionally, Bmp15 mRNA is most abundant in oocytes of small follicles and stimulates an increase in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor mRNA in granulosa cells. BMP15 also enhances yolk uptake in growing follicles by decreasing tight junctions between granulosa cells. These studies indicate that the oocyte likely contributes to follicle development. Commercial laying hens also spontaneously develop ovarian cancer at a high rate, and susceptibility to this disease has been associated with ovulatory events in women. Studies have shown that ovulation, or events associated with ovulation, increase the prevalence of ovarian cancer in hens. Inhibition of ovulation in hens through a hormonal strategy mimicking oral contraceptives results in a decrease of ovarian cancer incidence. Recent studies in women have suggested that some ovarian tumors may arise from the distal oviduct. Gene expression profiles in very early stage tumors from hens show a high expression of oviduct-related genes, supporting the possibility of oviduct origin for some ovarian tumors. Genetic selection for high productivity in commercial laying hens has generated an efficient and valuable food source as well as an important animal model for human ovarian cancer.
Constructing the New Political Criminology: Power, Authority, and the Post Liberal State

The purpose of this paper is to make a case for a new political criminology—that is, to argue that a meaningful and coherent intellectual enterprise is developing across disciplinary lines. This new political criminology is distinctive in three ways: • It is criminology in that it is rooted in conceptions of, and concerns about, the ramifications of street crime. • It is political in that its focus is on the way crime control strategies both reflect and influence the distribution of power within the polity. • It is new in that it is influenced by postmodern understandings of, and disillusionment with, the liberal state.
Making sense of dietary calcium and urinary stone disease

The regulation of dietary and supplemental calcium intake in relation to urinary stone disease is not well understood (1). For instance, why do most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism with markedly increased serum and urinary calcium not have a history of urinary stone disease?