cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanowire Conductive Polymer Gas Sensor Patterned Using Self-Assembled Block Copolymer Lithography

Nanostructured conjugated organic thin films are essential building blocks for highly integrated organic devices. We demonstrate the large-area fabrication of an array of well-ordered 15 nm wide conducting polymer nanowires by using an etch mask consisting of self-assembled patterns of cylinder-forming poly(styrene-b-dimethylsiloxane) diblock copolymer confined in topographic templates. The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) nanowires operated as an ethanol vapor sensor, suggesting that the electronic properties of the organic film were preserved during the patterning processes. The higher sensitivity to ethanol vapor, compared to an unpatterned film with the same thickness, was attributed to the enhanced surface-to-volume ratio of the nanowire array.
Tidal volume of respiration and "sighing" as indicators of breathing irregularities in panic disorder patients.

Keywords: respiratory function; sighing; panic disorder; suffocation false alarm theory
Penetration of Rifampin through Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilms

Rifampin penetrated biofilms formed by Staphylococcus epidermidis but failed to effectively kill the bacteria. Penetration was demonstrated by a simple diffusion cell bioassay and by transmission electron microscopic observation of antibiotic-affected cells at the distal edge of the biofilm.
Computing curvature bounds for bounded curvature subdivision

For a stationary, affine invariant, symmetric, linear and local subdivision scheme that is C^2 apart from the extraordinary point the curvature is bounded if the square of the subdominant eigenvalue equals the subsubdominant eigenvalue. This paper gives a technique for quickly establishing an interval to which the curvature is confined at the extraordinary point. The approach factors the work into precomputed intervals that depend only on the scheme and a mesh-specific component. When the intervals are tight enough they can be used as a test of shape-faithfulness of the given subdivision scheme; i.e., if the limit surface in the neighborhood of the extraordinary point of the subdivision scheme is consistent with the geometry implied by the input mesh.
Minimum mean square error of a generalized Stein estimator

Abstract This paper generalizes Charles Stein's quadratic loss minimizing estimator and derives the minimum value of its risk. It also re-expresses the generalized Stein estimator as the ordinary least squares estimator using an appropriately transformed X matrix.
Extraradicular cemental fragments in the alveolar bone of prehistoric American Indians: report of three cases.

Heretofore unreported, grossly observable structures composed of cementum were found in the superficial alveolar bone—but not attached to the tooth root—in three prehistoric American Indian skeletons from South Dakota. The macroscopic, radiographic, and histologic morphology of these fragments is described and compared with other cemental structures that occur in the alveolar process.
Coincidence Counter Studies of Cosmic-Ray Showers

It has been found that the production curves (counting rate against thickness of lead) of electron-produced and of photon-produced showers are similar and that the average penetrating power of the rays from electron-produced and from photon-produced showers is the same. Shower production curves have been obtained at four elevations and analysis of the curves shows that the absorption per nucleus of the shower-producing radiation (photons) is approximately proportional to the square of the atomic number. Coefficients for lead (0.33 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$), iron, and air have been determined, and a comparison with theory is given. Also the penetrating power of the shower rays emerging from a block of lead has been measured and found to be independent of the elevation and of the thickness of the lead from which the rays emerge.
BRST cohomology and invariants of four-dimensional gravity in Ashtekar variables

We discuss the Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) cohomologies of the invariants associated with the description of classical and quantum gravity in four dimensions, using the Ashtekar variables. These invariants are constructed from several BRST cohomology sequences. They provide a systematic and clear characterization of nonlocal observables in general relativity with unbroken diffeomorphism invariance, and could yield further differential invariants for four-manifolds. The description includes fluctuations of the vierbein fields, but there exists a nontrivial phase which can be expressed in terms of Witten's topological quantum field theory. In this phase, the descent sequences are degenerate, and the corresponding classical solutions can be identified with the conformally self-dual sector of Einstein manifolds. The full theory includes fluctuations which bring the system out of this sector while preserving diffeomorphism invariance.
Silastic Implants for Correction of Pectus Excavatum: A New Technique

Abstract A new technique consisting of the subcutaneous insertion of molded Silastic implants in patients with pectus excavatum deformities is presented. This method of correction should be considered for patients who are devoid of cardiac and respiratory symptoms and for those in whom the only operative indication is cosmetic. The surgical technique is simple, the complication rate is low, and patient tolerance is good. The cosmetic appearance at one year appears excellent.
Weld cracking in Ta-modified cast Inconel 718

Etude d'alliages Inconel 718 ou un atome Ta est substitue par un atome Nb, afin de confirmer si cette substitution induit le domaine de solidification et ameliore la resistance a la fissuration dans les regions de fusion et celles affectees par la chaleur. Determination des susceptibilites et morphologies des fissurations pour des Inconel 718 standards et modifies par Ta. Evaluation comparative
Beyond the code: Energy, carbon, and cost savings using conventional technologies

Abstract As states in the U.S. adopt new energy codes, it is important to understand the benefits for each state and its building owners. This paper estimates life-cycle energy savings, carbon emission reduction, and cost-effectiveness of conventional energy efficiency measures in new commercial buildings using an integrated design approach. Results are based on 8208 energy simulations for 12 prototypical buildings in 228 cities, with 3 building designs evaluated for each building–location combination. Results are represented by easy-to-understand mappings that allow for regional and state comparisons. The results show that the use of conventional energy efficiency technologies in an integrated design framework can decrease energy use by 15–20% on average in new commercial buildings, and over 35% for some building types and locations. These energy reductions can often be accomplished at negative incremental life-cycle costs and reduce a building's energy-related carbon footprint by 9–33%. However, generalizing these results on energy use, life-cycle costs, and carbon emissions misses exceptions in the results that show the importance of location-specific characteristics. Also, states do not appear to base energy code adoption decisions on either potential energy savings or life-cycle cost savings.
A STUDY OF THE LATERAL GENICULATE BODY IN THE DIURNAL GROUND SQUIRREL, CITELLUS TRIDECEMLINEATUS TRIDECEMLINEATUS AND IN THE NOCTURNAL GUINEA PIG.

The ground squirrel, Citellus tridecemlineatus tridecemlineatus, is a strictly diurnal species and possesses a pure-cone retina. The present work comprises the results of an investigation of the morphology and the histological structure of the lateral geniculate body of this interesting mammal. The lateral geniculate body of the nocturnal guinea pig was also investigated and a comparison of the two made. In both species, the lateral geniculate body comprises two nuclei: a smaller ventral and a larger dorsal. These nuclei are devoid of lamination — a feature presumably related to the absence of binocular vision in these animals. Only the dorsal nucleus projects to the cortex in both species. Measurements on 1,000 neurons in the dorsal nucleus of both species reveal that neuron population is uniform in size and that on the average the neurons of the guinea pig are a little smaller (ground squirrel, nucleus: 12.36 m; perikaryon: 16.70 m and guinea pig, nucleus: 12 m; perikaryon: 15.82 m). The lateral geniculate body of the guinea pig is smaller than that of the ground squirrel. The dorsal nucleus in the latter species is estimated to contain 74,900 neurons. This is a large number and undoubtedly is related to the fact that the retina is pure-cone with numerous ganglion cells and a large optic nerve.
Filter banks for improved LCD motion

In the past several years much attention has been placed on improving the motion picture quality of liquid crystal displays (LCDs). One pervasive problem is motion blur which occurs due to the inherent sample-and-hold nature of LCD image formation. In this work, we take a signal processing approach to motion blur reduction by pre-processing the data before it is sent to the display. We develop a two-channel non-perfect reconstruction filter bank that is able to reduce the amount of perceivable motion blur. In addition, as in similar works, we discriminate between different regions of the scene and weight the application of the algorithm based on their susceptibility to motion blur. Perceptual tests indicate that our algorithm reduces the amount of perceivable motion blur on LCDs.
The first transannular [4+3] cycloaddition reaction : synthesis of the ABCD ring structure of cortistatins

A 14-membered macrocycle with an allene and a furan strategically located at across the ring from each other is synthesized using an allene ring closing metathesis reaction. Upon treatment of the macrocycle with a catalytic amount of Pd(OAc) 2 and other additives, the first transannular [4+3] cycloaddition occurred to yield 37% of a tetracyclic compound containing the ABCD ring structure of the natural products cortistatins.
Surface abundances of light elements for a large sample of early B‐type stars – I. Spectral observations of 123 stars; measurements of hydrogen and helium lines; infrared photometry

High-resolution spectral observations of 123 B0–B5 stars in the main sequence evolutionary phase were obtained at two observatories, namely the McDonald Observatory (McDO) and the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory (CrAO). Accurate equivalent widths W of two Balmer lines, Hβ and Hγ, and ten He i lines were obtained for all the stars, as well as of the He ii λ4686 line for the hottest ones. A careful analysis of the measured equivalent widths was performed. It is shown that there is a very good agreement between the W values derived from the McDO and CrAO spectra for 14 common stars. A comparison with published data leads to the conclusion that the W values measured earlier by some authors for strong He i lines are very likely to be underestimated. Infrared photometric observations in the J, H, and K bands were performed for 70 programme stars. All these data will be used in other papers: in particular for the Teff and log g determination and for the He, C, N and O abundance analyses.
Rhodamine B and Other Stains as Markers for the Mosquito Fish, Gambusia Affinis

Twenty-two biological stains were screened in an effort to find a marker for the mosquito fish, Gambusia Affinis (Baird & Girard), suitable for short-term population studies. Carbon (India ink) proved to be the best injection marker and lasted up to 17 days when injected into the caudal peduncle; Rhodamine B proved to be the best immersion marker and produced an orange eye f1uorescence detectable up to 17 days. A field test of fish immersed in Rhodamine B (400 ppm for 1 hr) revealed that the eye fluorescence had somewhat shorter duration under field conditions than experienced under laboratory conditions; however, it remained completely reliable for 5 days. Injection-marking with carbon was not field-tested because the procedure was too laborious and time-consuming with a fish as small as G. affinis.
The Strategic Value of High-Cost Customers

Many firms today manage their existing customers differentially based on profit potential, providing fewer incentives to less profitable customers and firing unprofitable customers. Although researchers and industry experts advocate this practice, results have been mixed. We examine this practice explicitly accounting for competition and find that some conventional prescriptions may not always hold. We analyze a setting where customers differ in their cost to serve. We find that when a firm can discriminate among its customers but the rival cannot, customer base composition influences the rival's poaching behavior. Consequently, even though a low-cost customer is more profitable when viewed in isolation, a high-cost customer may be strategically more valuable by discouraging poaching. Therefore, contrary to conventional advice, it can be profitable for a firm to retain unprofitable customers. Moreover, some customers may become more valuable to retain and receive better incentives when they are less profitable. We further show that, in competitive settings, traditional customer lifetime value metrics may lead to poor retention decisions because they do not account for the competitive externality that actions toward some customers impose on the cash flows from other customers. Our results suggest that firms may need to evolve from a segmentation mindset, which views each customer in isolation, to a customer portfolio mindset, which recognizes that the value of different customers is interlinked. This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
Polarized light spatial frequency domain imaging for non-destructive quantification of soft tissue fibrous structures.

The measurement of soft tissue fiber orientation is fundamental to pathophysiology and biomechanical function in a multitude of biomedical applications. However, many existing techniques for quantifying fiber structure rely on transmitted light, limiting general applicability and often requiring tissue processing. Herein, we present a novel wide-field reflectance-based imaging modality, which combines polarized light imaging (PLI) and spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) to rapidly quantify preferred fiber orientation on soft collagenous tissues. PLI utilizes the polarization dependent scattering property of fibers to determine preferred fiber orientation; SFDI imaging at high spatial frequency is introduced to reject the highly diffuse photons and to control imaging depth. As a result, photons scattered from the superficial layer of a multi-layered sample are highlighted. Thus, fiber orientation quantification can be achieved for the superficial layer with optical sectioning. We demonstrated on aortic heart valve leaflet that, at spatial frequency of f = 1mm−1, the diffuse background can be effectively rejected and the imaging depth can be limited, thus improving quantification accuracy.
The effect of thin film variations and transverse curvature on the shape of fingers in a Hele–Shaw cell

The steady‐state shape of a finger penetrating into a viscous fluid that fills the gap between two closely spaced parallel plates is examined. Boundary conditions that take into account variations in the thickness of the thin film and both transverse curvature (across the gap) and lateral curvature (along the interface edge) are applied at the leading edge of the interface. These interface conditions, derived from local solutions in the vicinity of the interface edge, depend on μUn/T, where μ is the viscosity of the original fluid, Un is the normal velocity of the interface edge, and T is the interfacial tension. They also depend on e/R, where e=b/a≪1 is the ratio of gap width to cell width and aR is the lateral radius of curvature. The problem is solved by conformally mapping the domain to a circle. By expanding the solution in terms of analytic functions and satisfying the boundary conditions, the shape of the interface edge and finger width λ are determined. The agreement between numerical and experime...
Mechanical behavior of a cellulose-reinforced scaffold in vascular tissue engineering

Scaffolds constitute an essential structural component in tissue engineering of a vascular substitute for small grafts by playing a significant role in integrating the overall tissue constructs. The microstructure and mechanical properties of such scaffolds are important parameters to promote further cellular activities and neo-tissue development. Cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs), an abundant, biocompatible material, could potentially constitute an acceptable candidate in scaffolding of a tissue-engineered vessel. Inspired by the advantages of cellulose and its derivatives, we have designed a biomaterial comprising CNWs embedded in a matrix of cellulose acetate propionate to fabricate a fully bio-based scaffold. To ensure uniform distribution, CNWs were delicately extracted from a multi-stage process and dispersed in an acetone suspension prior to the composite fabrication. Comparable to carbon nanotubes or kevlar, CNWs impart significant strength and directional rigidity even at 0.2 wt% and almost double that at only 3.0 wt%. To ensure the accuracy of our experimental data and to predict the unusual reinforcing effect of CNWs in a cellulose-based composite, homogenization schemes such as the mean field approach and the percolation technique were also investigated. Based on these comparisons, the tendency of CNWs to interconnect with one another through strong hydrogen bonding confirmed the formation of a three-dimensional rigid percolating network, fact which imparted an excellent mechanical stability to the entire structure at such low filler contents. Hence, our fibrous porous microstructure with improved mechanical properties could introduce a potential scaffold to withstand the physiological pressure and to mimic the profile features of native extracellular matrix in a human vessel. We believe that our nanohybrid design not only could expand the biomedical applications of renewable cellulose-based materials but also could provide a potential scaffold candidate in tissue engineering of small diameter grafts.
Finite decentralization in a Tiebout economy with crowding types

We study a model with local public goods in which agents' crowding effects are formally distinguished from their taste types. It has been shown that the core of such an economy can be decentralized with anonymous admission prices (which are closely related to cost share prices). Unfortunately, such a price system allows for an arbitrary relationship between the public goods level in a given jurisdiction and the cost to an agent for joining. Formally, this means that admission prices are infinite dimensional. Attempts to decentralize the core with finite price systems such as Lindahl prices suggest that this is possible only under fairly restrictive conditions. In this paper, we introduce a new type of price system called finite cost shares. This system has strictly larger dimension than Lindahl prices but, in contrast to general cost share prices, is finite. We show that this allows for decentralization of the core under more general conditions than are possible with Lindahl prices.
Synthesis and evaluation of novel thymidine analogs as antitumor and antiviral agents

Two series of thymidine analogs with a hydroxyalkylammonium(amine) moiety have been synthesized and evaluated for antitumor and antiviral activities. The hydroxyalkylammonium(amine) group was introduced at the 5‘ position of the 2‘-deoxyribose residue of thymidine or at a corresponding position in acyclic thymidine analogs. In order to increase the lipophilicity of these compounds and potentially enable them to cross the cell membrane, the free hydroxy group also was esterified with a long hydrocarbon chain. The hexadecanoyl analogs (compounds 1c, 1d, 7c, and 7d) showed moderate antitumor cytotoxicity against SV-28 and KB cell lines (IC50 ∼ 20 μM). Compound 1d showed moderate anti-HIV activity (EC50 = 6.8 μM), while compound 5 showed weak anti-HIV activity (EC50 = 55 μM). None of the compounds showed antiherpes simplex virus activity.
Dual roles in feeding for AMPA/kainate receptors: receptor activation or inactivation within distinct hypothalamic regions elicits feeding behavior

We have previously shown that hypothalamic injections of glutamate, or agonists of its ionotropic receptors (iGluRs), elicit intense feeding responses in satiated rats [Brain Res. 613 (1993) 88, Brain Res. 630 (1993) 41]. While attempting to clarify the role of the AMPA and kainate (KA) receptor subtypes in glutamatergic feeding systems, we discovered that lateral hypothalamic (LH) injection of high doses of the competitive AMPA/KA receptor antagonist, NBQX (10 and 30 nmol), elicited a pronounced feeding response. We questioned whether this effect was due to inactivation of AMPA or possibly KA receptors. To determine whether other AMPA/KA antagonists can also elicit feeding, we tested whether injection of CNQX, another AMPA/KA receptor antagonist, also stimulates eating and whether these feeding stimulatory effects were due to antagonists' actions in the LH or in other hypothalamic sites. Here we report that NBQX and CNQX elicit feeding in a dose dependent manner and are most effective when injected into the perifornical hypothalamus (PFH), or into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and, to a lesser extent, into the LH of satiated rats. In contrast, AMPA was most effective in stimulating feeding when injected into the LH, confirming previous reports. These data suggest that either activation or inactivation of AMPA/KA receptors in distinct but overlapping hypothalamic sites may be sufficient to induce feeding behavior, indicating a broadened role for glutamate in hypothalamic feeding mechanisms.
Opsoclonus — a cerebellar disorder?

The fifteenth autopsied case (the third due to presumed viral encephalitis) of opsoclonus is reported. While opsoclonus generally occurs only in a few specific clinical settings, the anatomical localization and degree of the pathological abnormalities are very variable. This may be because the responsible lesion is biochemically specific but anatomically diffuse and thus, to a variable extent, eludes standard neuropathological techniques.
Thoracic Epidural Teratoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Purpose: Spinal teratomas comprise a rare subset of spinal cord tumors, and here, we describe an even rarer childhood thoracic extradural–intracanalicular teratoma. The clinical presentation, management, and pathophysiology of these tumors are reviewed to promote recognition and guide treatment of these lesions. Methods: We report the case of a 21-month-old boy who presented with marked spasticity, as well as failure to ambulate and meet motor milestones. Additionally, we provide a literature review of spinal teratomas, including their clinical presentation, work-up, pathophysiology, and underlying genetics. Results: An MRI of the spine revealed a large dorsal epidural tumor extending from T3 to T10 with heterogeneous contrast enhancement and severe spinal cord compression. The tumor was resected revealing a cystic mass with tissue resembling hair, muscle, as well as cartilage; pathology confirmed the diagnosis of teratoma. Gross total resection was achieved, and the child eventually gained ambulatory function. Conclusions: Given that spinal teratomas are rare entities that can present with significant neurologic compromise, they must remain on clinicians' differentials. Unfortunately, the exact origin of these tumors remains inconclusive and requires further investigation.
Surgical treatment of insulinomas

Differential diagnosis of hypoglycemic patients should include insulinoma. Plasma insulin-to-glucose ratio greater than 0.3 or C-peptide levels of 2 nmol/L or greater suggest insulinoma. Abdominal CT scan can exclude metastatic disease and identify uncommonly large islet cell tumors, but has poor sensitivity for localizing insulinomas; transgastric endoscopic ultrasound is the most sensitive technique. Palpation combined with intraoperative ultrasound identifies most tumors at operation and gives vital information about surrounding structures. If no tumor is found, blind distal pancreatectomy should not be performed, and the patient should be referred to an endocrinologist or endocrine surgeon for diagnostic confirmation and further localization. Laparoscopy is a viable alternative to open tumor resection; laparoscopic ultrasound can facilitate localization and guide safe resection.
A density functional study of H2O–OClO, (H2O)2–OClO and H2O–ClOO complexes

Abstract We have calculated the minimum structures for the complexes of chlorine dioxide with water. We have also computed vibrational and rotational frequencies, as well as binding energies for these complexes. H 2 O–OClO, in which an oxygen atom of OClO is bonded to a hydrogen of H 2 O, has a binding energy of 2.0 kcal mol −1 at the highest level of theory. H 2 O–ClOO, which is bonded through the chlorine of ClOO and a hydrogen of water, has a binding energy of 1.3 kcal mol −1 . We also studied the complex of two waters bound to the OClO molecule in order to explain the reactivity of this molecule in the aqueous phase.
On the dynamics and morphology of extensive tidal mudflats: Integrating remote sensing data with an inundation model of Cook Inlet, Alaska

A new method of integrating satellite remote sensing data and inundation models allows the mapping of extensive tidal mudflats in a sub-Arctic estuary, Cook Inlet (CI), Alaska. The rapid movement of the shorelines in CI due to the large tides (~10 m range) is detected from a series of Landsat imagery taken at different tidal stages, whereas GIS tools are used to identify the water coverage in each satellite image and to extract the coordinates of the shoreline. Then, water level along the shoreline for each satellite image is calculated from the observed water level at Anchorage and the statistics of an inundation model. Several applications of the analysis are demonstrated: 1. studying the dynamics of a tidal bore and the flood/ebb processes, 2. identifying climatic changes in mudflats morphology, and 3. mapping previously unobserved mudflat topographies in order to improve inundation models. The method can be used in other regions to evaluate models and improve predictions of catastrophic floods such as those associated with hurricane storm surges and tsunamis.
Telomerase activity is prognostic in pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia: comparison with adult acute myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND Significantly elevated telomerase activity (TA) has been found in samples from patients with almost all malignant hematologic diseases. The impact of elevated TA on the course of pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (P-AML) is unknown. METHODS Using a modified polymerase chain reaction-based, telomeric repeat-amplification protocol assay, the authors measured TA in bone marrow samples from 40 patients with P-AML and, for comparison, in 65 adult patients with AML (A-AML), excluding patients with French–American–British M3 disease. The results were correlated with patient characteristics and survival. RESULTS TA in patients with P-AML was significantly lower compared with TA in patients with A-AML (P = 0.005). Patients who had P-AML with low TA had a projected 5-year survival rate of 88%, whereas patients who had P-AML with high TA had a projected 5-year survival rate of 43% (P = 0.009). Conversely, patients who had A-AML with very high TA (upper quartile) had significantly longer survival compared with patients who had A-AML with lower TA (P = 0.03). There was no correlation between complete remission rate or disease free survival and TA in P-AML or A-AML. In the A-AML group, when patients were separated by cytogenetic findings (poor prognosis vs. others), it was found that TA was significantly lower in patients with a poor prognosis, but the prognostic value of TA was not independent of cytogenetic status. CONCLUSIONS The current results suggest, that for patients with P-AML, bone marrow TA is a highly significant prognostic factor. Cancer 2003;97:2212–7. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11313
Information theory as a unifying statistical approach for use in marketing research

Abstract Information theory is shown to provide a unified approach to a wide range of problems in marketing research. For instance, this approach can be used to obtain characterizations parallel to those of the Hendry system and other entropic approaches with great economy of assumptions and with the added flexibility that constraints can be easily identified for explicit consideration and implemented as needed. Goodness-of-fit tests and decision modelling structures are supplied from these same stochastic models with a range of applications that include market segmentation and brand shifting choices. A basic approach to these and other procedures is therefore obtainable from information theoretic methods. These methods can be used to address stochastic model selection problems and other probabilistic models of marketing choice — for example, Minimum Discrimination Information (MDI) estimation, Logit, Multiplicative Competitive Interaction (MCI), and other important choice models are also shown in this paper to arise naturally from information theoretic formulations with duality relations developed by Charnes and Cooper providing additional simplifications and interpretations.
«Chemical hyperthyroidism»: the significance of elevated serum thyroxine levels in L. thyroxine treated individuals

SUMMARY We have previously reported that l-thyroxine treated patients may often have elevated serum T4 concentrations and yet show no clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. We found that such patients had normal serum T3 concentrations. The present study explored the relationship between serum T3 and T4 and dosage of l-thyroxine. Retrospective analysis of 99 patient records was performed. There was an increase of serum T4, serum T3 resin uptake (T3R), and T3 with increasing dose of l-thyroxine. The T3/T4 ratio decreased with increasing dose of l-thyroxine and with increasing T4. This phenomenon was analysed prospectively by starting 23 individuals on l-thyroxine and progressively incrementing the dose until either symptoms of hyperthyroidism developed or T4 levels exceeded the upper unit of the normal range. Once again, there was a progressive increase in serum T4, T3R, and T3 with increasing dose of l-thyroxine. At even the lowest dose of l-thyroxine (0.05 mg), there was a marked fall in T3/T4 ratio as compared to untreated individuals. The T3/T4 ratio fell further with increasing dose but with a fairly weak correlation. The decrease in T3/T4 ratio showed a much stronger correlation with serum T4. Of the 23 individuals, all exceeded the upper limit of the normal range of serum T4. No individual with elevated T4 developed clinical signs of hyperthyroidism unless serum T3 was also elevated beyond the normal range. Of eight individuals who reached elevated T3 levels, six demonstrated clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. We conclude that l-thyroxine treated individuals may show elevated T4 levels and yet be clinically euthyroid as a consequence of a relative decrease in T3 levels. Serum T3 appears to be the most reliable indicator of possible hyperthyroidism in l-thyroxine treated patients.
Development and partial validation of a mouse model for predicting drug hypersensitivity reactions

Animal models that can be used to predict the allergenic potential of drug candidates have not been adequately optimized, validated, or characterized. While initial validation data from an inter-laboratory study of the mouse lymph node proliferation assay (LNPA) appeared promising, no additional investigations in this model have been reported. The objectives of this study were to use positive and negative control drugs to further optimize and validate the LNPA utilizing a non-radioactive endpoint and determine the sensitivity, specificity, and predictivity of the model. Drugs associated with hypersensitivity reactions in the literature were chosen to test in the model in addition to drugs with few or no reports of hypersensitivity. Mice received a subcutaneous injection of drug or vehicle into the scruff of the neck once daily for a period of 3 days. On Day 6, draining lymph nodes were harvested, single cell suspensions prepared, and total cell numbers determined for each animal by flow cytometry. A stimulation index was calculated by dividing the mean total cell number for the drug-treated group by the mean total cell number for the vehicle-treated animals. Based on statistical analysis of the data, animals with a total cell number ≥2.5× the mean of the vehicle group were classified as 'responders'. Based on data generated to date with 12 positive control and six negative control drugs, the model had a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 74%, and a relatively good predictive value (measured by the Receiver Operating Characteristic AUC of 0.80). The data here suggest that this model may be a useful tool for identifying drug candidates with the potential to produce allergic responses in the clinic. Future studies will investigate the mechanism(s) for the lymph node responses in order to develop additional endpoints that may increase the sensitivity and specificity of the model.
Noncentral force model for hexagonal close‐packed crystal lattices (ii)

A Born-von Karman model of the hexagonal close-packed lattice was considered using a combination of central and angular forces between various sets of neighbors. The interactions between nearest neighbors in the plane were regarded as central forces while the interactions between nearest neighbors out of the plane and next nearest neighbors out of the plane were considered to be noncentral, i.e. both central and angular. Three materials with different axial (c/a) ratios were considered: beryllium (1.568), magnesium (1.624), and zinc (1.855). The equations of motions were evolved and the force constants were related to the elastic constants of the material. The eigenvalues of the secular equation were solved for one hundred twenty one (121) points in that portion of the Brillouin zone irreducible under symmetry operations. The frequency spectrum for each material was obtained from these eigenvalues. The temperature dependence of the specific heat of each material was calculated using the appropriate frequency distribution function. The Debye characteristic temperature and the Einstein characteristic temperature were also obtained as a function of temperature. Ein Born-von Karman-Modell eines hexagonal dicht-gepackten Gitters wird mit einer Kombination von Zentral- und Winkelkraften zwischen verschiedenen Gruppen von Nachbarn betrachtet. Die Wechselwirkungen zwischen nachsten Nachbarn in einer Ebene werden als Zentralkrafte angesehen, wahrend die Wechselwirkungen zwischen den nachsten und ubernachsten Nachbarn auserhalb einer Ebene als nichtzentral, d. h. sowohl zentral wie winkel abhangig, angesehen werden. Drei Materialien mit verschiedenem Achsenverhaltnis (c/a) werden berucksichtigt: Beryllium (1,568), Magnesium (1,624) und Zink (1,855). Die Bewegungsgleichungen werden entwickelt und die Kraftkonstanten zu den elastischen Konstanten des Materials in Beziehung gesetzt. Die Eigenwerte der Sakulargleichung werden fur hundertundeinundzwanzig (121) Punkte in dem Teil der Brillouinzone, der unter Symmetrieoperationen irreduzibel ist, gelost. Aus diesen Eigenwerten wird fur jedes Material das Frequenzspektrum erhalten. Die Temperaturabhangigkeit der spezifischen Warme jedes Materials wird mit einer geeigneten Frequenzverteilungsfunktion berechnet. Die charakteristische Debye- und Einsteintemperatur werden ebenfalls als Funktionen der Temperatur erhalten.
Enzymes involved in the utilization of carbohydrates by two strains of myxobacteria.

Extracts prepared from two strains of myxobacteria, grown with glucose as the primary carbon source, have been shown to contain a hexokinase that phosphorylates glucose to a greater extent than fructose. Phosphohexose isomerase, 6-phosphofructokinase, aldolase and a DPN-specific triose phosphate dehydrogenase are also present. In addition a TPN-specific glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and a system catalyzing the reduction of DPN in the presence of 6-phosphogluconate have also been demonstrated.
Experimental investigations of the role of H2O in calc-alkaline differentiation and subduction zone magmatism

Phase relations of natural aphyric high-alumina basalts and their intrusive equivalents were determined through rock-melting experiments at 2 kb, H2O-saturated with fO2 buffered at NNO. Experimental liquids are low-MgO high-alumina basalt or basaltic andesite, and most are saturated with olivine, calcic plagioclase, and either high-calcium pyroxene or hornblende (±magnetite). Cr-spinel or magnetite appear near the liquidus of wet high-alumina basalts because H2O lowers the appearance temperature of crystalline silicates but has a lesser effect on spinel. As a consequence, experimental liquids follow calcalkaline differentiation trends. Hornblende stability is sensitive to the Na2O content of the bulk composition as well as to H2O content, with the result that hornblende can form as a near liquidus mineral in wet sodic basalts, but does not appear until liquids reach andesitic compositions in moderate Na2O basalts. Therefore, the absence of hornblende in basalts with low-to-moderate Na2O contents is not evidence that those basalts are nearly dry. Very calcic plagioclase (>An90) forms from basaltic melts with high H2O contents but cannot form from dry melts with normal are Na2O and CaO abundances. The presence of anorthite-rich plagioclase in high-alumina basalts indicates high magmatic H2O contents. In sum, moderate pressure H2O-saturated phase relations show that magmatic H2O leads to the early crystallization of spinel, produces calcic plagioclase, and reduces the total proportion of plagioclase in the crystallizing assemblage, thereby promoting the development of the calc-alkaline differentiation trend.
Commissioning and operating submerged membrane bioreactors: a designer's perspective

Submerged Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) applications for wastewater treatment have taken off in recent years in New Zealand. From designer perspectives, the membrane modules replace the conventional secondary clarifier, thus eliminating solids settling issues and reducing plant footprint. This paper discusses the recent experiences of Harrison Grierson Consultants Limited designing and commissioning several municipal MBR plants.
Holism and Horizon : Husserl and McDowell on Non-conceptual Content

John McDowell rejects the idea that non-conceptual content can rationally justify empirical claims—a task for which it is ill-fitted by its non-conceptual nature. This paper considers three possible objections to his views: he cannot distinguish empty conception from the perceptual experience of an object; perceptual discrimination outstrips the capacity of concepts to keep pace; and experience of the empirical world is more extensive than the conceptual focusing within it. While endorsing McDowell’s rejection of what he means by non-conceptual content, and appreciating his insight into the experiential synthesis of intuition and conception (in particular, its role in grasping objects), I will argue that Edmund Husserl presents an even more comprehensive account of perceptual experience that explains how we experience the contribution of receptivity and sensibility and how they cooperate in perceptual discrimination. Further, it reveals “horizons”—a unique kind of contents, surplus content (rather than independent non-conceptual content)—beyond the synthesis of intuitive and conceptual contents through which objects are grasped. Such horizons play a constitutive role, making experience with its conceptual dimensions and justificatory potential possible; they in no way function like a bare given that is to fulfill some independent justificatory role. Whereas McDowell focuses on how experience does not take place in isolation from the exercise of conceptual capacities, Husserl complements his view by situating experience in a more encompassing whole and by elucidating the surplus-horizons that exceed the conceptual content of experience; play an inseparable, constitutive role within it; and indicate the limits of conceptual comprehension.
Ascorbic acid biosynthesis in the mammalian kidney.

The egg-laying mammals (Prototheria) synthesize L-ascorbic acid only inkidney, as is characteristic of reptiles. Bandicoots (Marsupialia) synthesize it in both kidney and liver. 2 other species of marsupials (kangaroos) synthesize it primairly in liver, but some individuals also synthesize in kidney.
chronopotentiometry on a rotating disk electrode with periodic current inputs

Abstract Duhamel's theorem can be used to solve chronopotentiometric problems on a rotating disk electrode when the current input is an arbitrary function of time. Periodic state surface concentrations for a two-step pulsed current are calculated by this method. The two-step pulse incorporates single step and periodically reversed pulses as special cases. A comparison of the exact convective diffusion results with the predictions of the Nernst model, and Filinovskii's analytical approximation shows good agreement for the values of the instantaneous limiting current density. A kinetic model is developed for the extraction of kinetic parameters of a first-order irreversible reaction occurring on a rotating disk electrode perturbed by a two-step cathodic current pulse.
Electrical coupling between olfactory glomeruli

In the Drosophila antennal lobe, excitation can spread between glomerular processing channels. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of lateral excitation. Dual recordings from excitatory local neurons (eLNs) and projection neurons (PNs) showed that eLN-to-PN synapses transmit both hyperpolarization and depolarization, are not diminished by blocking chemical neurotransmission, and are abolished by a gap-junction mutation. This mutation eliminates odor-evoked lateral excitation in PNs and diminishes some PN odor responses. This implies that lateral excitation is mediated by electrical synapses from eLNs onto PNs. In addition, eLNs form synapses onto inhibitory LNs. Eliminating these synapses boosts some PN odor responses and reduces the disinhibitory effect of GABA receptor antagonists on PNs. Thus, eLNs have two opposing effects on PNs, driving both direct excitation and indirect inhibition. We propose that when stimuli are weak, lateral excitation promotes sensitivity, whereas when stimuli are strong, lateral excitation helps recruit inhibitory gain control.
Interfacing Java to the virtual interface architecture

User-level network interfaces (UNIs) have reduced the overheads of communication by exposing the buffers used by the network interface DMA engine to the applications. This removes the kernel from the critical path of message transmission and reception, and it reduces the number of data copies performed on that path. Unfortunately, the fact that UNIs require the application to manage buffers explicitly makes it difficult to provide direct access to a UNI from Java, as the language explicitly prevents programs from controlling the location or layout of objects. This paper describes Javia, a Java interface to the Virtual Interface Architecture (VIA), an emerging UNI standard in the industry. Javia implements a special buffer abstraction that allows Java programs to allocate arrays in pinned memory and use them as communication buffers without copy. The location and lifetime of these arrays are controlled through small modifications to the garbage collector. Simple experiments show that Java programs can achieve round-trip times of 21us for small messages and bandwidths of 95Mbytes/sec for 4Kbyte messages.
Predicting survival in cancer patients: the role of cachexia and hormonal, nutritional and inflammatory markers

Background Cancer can lead to weight loss, anorexia, and poor nutritional status, which are associated with decreased survival in cancer patients. Methods Male cancer patients (n0136) were followed for a mean time of 4.5 years. Variables were obtained at baseline: cancer stage, albumin, hemoglobin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, bioavailable testosterone, appetite questionnaire, and weight change from baseline to 18 months. Primary statistical tests included Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression (PHREG). Results Univariate PHREG showed that cancer stage, albumin, hemoglobin, TNF-α, IL-6, and weight change were each significantly associated with mortality risk (P<0.05), but bioavailable testosterone was not. Multivariate PHREG analysis established that weight change and albumin were jointly statistically significant even after adjusting for stage. Conclusion In this sample of male oncology patients, cancer stage, serum albumin, and weight loss predicted survival. High levels of inflammatory markers and hemoglobin are associated with increased mortality, but do not significantly improve the ability to predict survival above and beyond cancer stage, albumin, and weight loss.
Unique continuation properties of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation

Consider the unique continuation problem for the nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation By using the inverse scattering transform and some results from the Hardy function theory, we prove that if u ∈ C ( R ; H 1 ( R )) is a solution of the NLS equation, then it cannot have compact support at two different moments unless it vanishes identically. In addition, it is shown under certain conditions that if u is a solution of the NLS equation, then u vanishes identically if it vanishes on two horizontal half lines in the x–t space. This implies that the solution u must vanish everywhere if it vanishes in an open subset in the x–t space.
The logic potential of molecular electronics in the multicollector transistor

In this article, means of using the phenomena of molecular electronics to perform logic are explored. Emphasis is on the 2-collector transistor, with occasional indications of the logical effects of more collectors.
Respiratory physiology and cytochrome content ofLegionella pneumophila

The cytochrome composition of membrane vesicles ofLegionella pneumophila has been examined by low temperature (77°K) and room temperature difference spectroscopy, and cytochromes of thec, b, a, andd types have been detected. The presence ofc-type cytochrome was verified by formation of the pyridine ferrohemochromogen. A carbon monoxide-bindingc-type cytochrome was detected in CO-reduced minus reduced difference spectra and may also function in cytochromec reductase activity. Respiratory activities were determined for membrane vesicles, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) was the most rapidly oxidized substrate (199 nmol per min per mg protein), followed by succinate and malate. Cytochrome oxidase activity was demonstrated using ascorbate andN,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) (39 nmol per min per mg of protein). High levels of cyanide (K i =10 mM) inhibited NADH oxidation, while low levels of 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (HQNO, 18 and 37 μM) inhibited NADH oxidation by nearly 90%. The respiratory chain appeared to be complex and terminated by at least three terminal oxidases. Superoxide dismutase activity, but not catalase activity, was detected in cellular extracts.