cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Elective Surgery After Colon Cancer Diagnosis has Higher Risk of Readmission and Death.

Objective We hypothesized colon resection within 30 days of diagnosis of cancer would have higher rates of readmission and cancer specific mortality, unless there was demonstrated evidence of preoperative workup. Summary background data Few studies have examined if negative consequences exist with expedited elective surgery after diagnosis of colon cancer. Surgery in a shorter time frame may result in a lack of appropriate preoperative care. Methods Retrospective analysis of 25,407 patients in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results registry who underwent elective surgical resection for colon cancer from 2010 to 2015. Cohort stratified by age (66-75 vs >75 years). Primary outcomes of interest were 30-day readmission and 5-year colon cancer specific mortality. Relationships between timing of surgery and outcomes were assessed. Results On unadjusted analysis, surgery before 20 days of diagnosis was associated with higher risk of 30-day readmission and colon cancer specific mortality in both age groups. Among those age 66 to 75 years old, adjusting for patient factors and preoperative workup eliminated the risk of 30-day readmission (risk ratio 1.5-0.9 for 0-10 days, risk ratio 1.3-0.9 for 11-20 days). However, the risk for colon cancer specific mortality, although reduced, persisted (hazard ratio 2.2-1.3 for 0-10 days, hazard ratio 2.0-1.2 for 11-20 days). In the cohort older than 75 years, adjusting for patient level factors and preoperative workup eliminated risk of surgery 20 days postop or sooner. Conclusions The risk associated with short time to surgery (within 30 days) may be mitigated if full oncologic workups are provided.
Feedback density and causal complexity of simulation model structure

Measures of simulation model complexity generally focus on outputs; we propose measuring the complexity of a model’s causal structure to gain insight into its fundamental character. This article in...
Lectures on the Orbit Method

Geometry of coadjoint orbits Representations and orbits of the Heisenberg group The orbit method for nilpotent Lie groups Solvable Lie groups Compact Lie groups Miscellaneous Abstract nonsense Smooth manifolds Lie groups and homogeneous manifolds Elements of functional analysis Representation theory References Index.
The One Mind: C.G. Jung and the Future of Literary Criticism

Introduction. A Traditional Approach to Hawthorne and the Problem of Materialism in Eiseley. Primordial Consciousness: Transcendental Monism in Milton's Paradise Lost.Altered States: "The Wanderer" and the Psychology of Sailing. Out-of-Body Experience: Metaphor in Monroe's Metaphysical Trilogy. UFOs: Dr. Jung versus Dr. Greer and the Case of Orfeo M. Angelucci.Synchronicity: Wordsworth's Stolen Boat Episode in The Prelude. Remote Viewing and Channeling: The Sonnets of Shakespeare and "Shakespeare". Amplification and Quaternity in Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time Series."Sublime Allegory": Ways of Seeing in Blake's Milton.Conclusion.
Homeobox genes in mammary gland development and neoplasia

Both normal development and neoplastic progression involve cellular transitions from one physiological state to another. Whereas much is being discovered about signal transduction networks involved in regulating these transitions, little progress has been made in identifying the higher order genetic determinants that establish and maintain mammary cell identity and dictate cell type-specific responses to mammotropic signals. Homeobox genes are a large superfamily of genes whose members function in establishing and maintaining cell fate and cell identity throughout embryonic development. Recent genetic and expression analyses strongly suggest that homeobox genes may perform similar functions at specific developmental transition points in the mammary gland. These analyses also suggest that homeobox genes may play a contributory or causal role in breast cancer.
Pyruvate: ferredoxin oxidoreductase. II. Characteristics of the forward and reverse reactions and properties of the enzyme.

Pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, partially purified from extracts of Clostridium acidiurici , catalyzes the oxidation and the reductive synthesis of pyruvate in addition to the exchange of CO 2 with the carboxyl group of pyruvate. The oxidation of pyruvate requires CoA, high levels of a thiol, and an electron carrier such as clostridial ferredoxin, FAD, or 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. DPN + cannot replace these electron acceptors in the reaction catalyzed by the purified enzyme. The reductive synthesis of pyruvate from acetyl CoA and radioactive bicarbonate requires a reduced electron carrier of low potential such as ferredoxin or methyl viologen and is stimulated by a thiol. The enzyme, whose molecular weight has been estimated to be 215,000, contains a nonheme iron chromophore, equimolar amounts of iron and sulfide, thiamine, and trace amounts of flavin. When a stoichiometric amount of enzyme is incubated with pyruvate, CoA, and thiol, in the absence of added electron acceptor, the enzyme-bound chromophore is reduced.
Earthquake Seismographs and Associated Instruments

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on earthquake seismographs and associated instruments. Progress in seismograph instrument development in the past quarter century has been quite rapid. One of the first of the new instruments was the torsion seismograph invented by J. A. Anderson and developed jointly by him and H. O. Wood. Direct-recording pendulum seismographs, having periods greater than about 4 seconds, are severely limited as to their maximum useful magnification because of their high sensitivity to earth tilts in the case of the horizontal-component instruments, and to thermal response of the spring in the case of the vertical-component instruments. It is possible to eliminate these long-period drifts by means of a viscous coupling between the pendulum and the optical or mechanical recording elements. Such an instrument was first described by Arnold Romberg. One of the first effective modifications of the moving-conductor transducer (Galitzin) seismograph was made by B. Gutenberg. He shortened the period of the pendulum to 3 seconds (by tilting the base) and increased the magnetic field strength by decreasing the air gap clearance. This resulted in a frequency-response characteristic with higher magnifications for the short-period waves than the standard Galitzin or any other instrument in use at that time. This chapter discusses other such devices as: the variable reluctance electromagnetic pendulum seismograph, electrostatic transducer pendulum seismographs, carrier-current transducer seismographs, linear strain seismograph, remote recording seismographs, and various components present in a seismograph. This chapter ends with the discussion of various seismograph response characteristics.
Protein kinase C (PKC) participates in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity through c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK)-dependent and -independent signaling pathways

This study examines the role of protein kinase C (PKC) and AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) in acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity. Treatment of primary mouse hepatocytes with broad-spectrum PKC inhibitors (Ro-31-8245, Go6983), protected against APAP cytotoxicity despite sustained c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. Broad-spectrum PKC inhibitor treatment enhanced p-AMPK levels and AMPK regulated survival-energy pathways including autophagy. AMPK inhibition by compound C or activation using an AMPK activator oppositely modulated APAP cytotoxicity, suggesting that p-AMPK and AMPK regulated energy survival pathways, particularly autophagy, play a critical role in APAP cytotoxicity. Ro-31-8245 treatment in mice up-regulated p-AMPK levels, increased autophagy (i.e., increased LC3-II formation, p62 degradation), and protected against APAP-induced liver injury, even in the presence of sustained JNK activation and translocation to mitochondria. In contrast, treatment of hepatocytes with a classical PKC inhibitor (Go6976) protected against APAP by inhibiting JNK activation. Knockdown of PKC-α using antisense (ASO) in mice also protected against APAP-induced liver injury by inhibiting JNK activation. APAP treatment resulted in PKC-α translocation to mitochondria and phosphorylation of mitochondrial PKC substrates. JNK 1 and 2 silencing in vivo decreased APAP-induced PKC-α translocation to mitochondria, suggesting PKC-α and JNK interplay in a feed-forward mechanism to mediate APAP-induced liver injury. Conclusion: PKC-α and other PKC(s) regulate death (JNK) and survival (AMPK) proteins, to modulate APAP-induced liver injury. (Hepatology 2014;59:1543-1554)
Application of QR-LS algorithm for one-channel and two-channel acoustic echo cancellation

This paper employs the fast adaptive QR-based least squares adaptive algorithm for one-channel and two-channel acoustic echo cancellation. Adaptive finite impulse response (FIR) filters are employed to model the acoustic echo paths for one channel and two channels acoustic echo paths. Simulation results conducted attest to fast and effective echo cancellation capability of QR-LS algorithm in acoustic echo cancellation applications.
Coronary ischemia increases corticotropin releasing hormone receptor expression in locus coeruleus of female rats (680.5)

Women with coronary artery disease have two times the rate of anxiety as men, and anxiety is a better predictor of future cardiovascular events in women than men. We found that coronary artery ligation (CAL) impairs memory of fear extinction in female, but not male rats. Αdrenergic receptors in the forebrain regulate fear expression and extinction. The locus coeruleus (LC) is the sole source of norepinephrine in cortical and subcortical regions that govern fear expression. Our evidence suggests that adrenergic neurotransmission in the female rat cortex is increased after CAL. The corticotropin releasing hormone receptor, CRF1, stimulates LC activity during stress. Here, we examined the density of CRF1 in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive LC neurons in male and female rats 8 weeks after CAL. Females showed a higher percentage of LC cells with high density CRF1 label (p<0.05). CAL surgery further increased high density CRF1 label in females (p<0.05). The percentage of LC neurons with high density CRF1 was inver...
Eightfold Superstructure in K2Gd2Sb2Se9 and K2La2Sb2S9 Caused by Three-Dimensional Ordering of the 5s2 Lone Pair of Sb3+ Ions

Abstract The new isostructural compounds, K2Gd2Sb2Se9 and K2La2Sb2S9, were discovered by the molten polychalcogenide salt method. They crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbam with a=11.4880(3) A, b=17.6612(1) A, c=4.2201(1) A, and Z=2 for K2Gd2Sb2Se9 and a=11.2080(5) A, b=16.8781(8) A, c=4.2419(2) A, and Z=2 for K2La2Sb2S9. The compounds have a three-dimensional [M2Sb2Q9]2− framework (M=Gd, La; Q=Se, S) with K+-ion-filled channels running along the c axis. The coordination geometry around the rare earth atom is best described as a bicapped trigonal prism. The Gd3+/La3+ centered trigonal prisms share triangular faces with neighboring prisms forming one-dimensional columns along the c axis. The columns are connected to each other to form sheets by sharing Se/S atoms on the capping sites of the trigonal prisms. Sb3+ ions are stabilized in distorted octahedral sites. The SbQ6(Q=Se, S) octahedra share edges with neighboring octahedra making an infinite chain along the c axis and bridging Gd/La layers together to make the whole framework three-dimensional. In both compounds, Sb atoms appear to be positionally disordered over two crystallographically different sites with half occupancy. This disorder was removed upon elucidation of a 2a×2b×2c superstructure, which more accurately describes the positional ordering of Sb atoms in the structure. The superstructure of K2Gd2Sb2Se9 was refined in the monoclinic space group C2/m with a=22.8783(4) A, b=8.4062(2) A, c=20.970(1) A, β=123.022(1)°, and Z=8. These compounds are semiconductors with band gap values of 1.33 eV for K2Gd2Sb2Se9 and 2.20 eV for K2La2Sb2S9. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate no apparent magnetic coupling between the Gd3+ centers showing Curie–Weiss behavior with μeff=7.96 B.M. K2Gd2Sb2Se9 melts congruently at 598°C while K2La2Sb2S9 decomposes gradually above 400°C. The Raman spectra show the diselenide stretching vibration in K2Gd2Sb2Se9 at 266 cm−1 and the disulfide stretching vibration in K2La2Sb2S9 at 473 cm−1.
Adaptive predictive ANFIS based human arm movement modeling and control in machine-human cooperative GTAW process

Automated Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) systems rely on highly costly precision control of welding conditions to produce repeatable results. Comparably, human welders have advantages in versatility and accessibility, yet fatigue and stress build up quickly thus adversely affecting their ability to produce quality welds. This paper proposes an innovative machine-human cooperative control scheme in which a machine algorithm determines (based on model prediction of human and process responses) adjustments to human welder controlled process. As the first study, this paper aims at accurate control of human arm movement. In particular, an innovative teleoperated virtualized welding platform is utilized to conduct dynamic experiments in order to correlate the human welder arm movement to the visual signal input. Linear model is firstly identified and an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) model is then proposed to improve the model accuracy. To account for the welder's time-varying responses, an adaptive ANFIS model is finally used to model the intrinsic nonlinear and time-varying characteristic of the human welder response. An adaptive nonlinear ANFIS model-based predictive control (MPC) algorithm is then proposed to control the human arm movement. To demonstrate the controller's performance, human control experiments are conducted. Results verified that the proposed controller is able to track varying set-point and under input disturbance.
Ribosomal Helices: Formation in Escherichia coli During Acidic Growth

Abstract Ribosomal helices are formed in 100% of Escherichia coli cells during extended growth in a medium of low buffering capacity. During this time, the pH of the medium gradually decreases from 7.0 to about 5.0. Transfer of cells into preconditioned or acidified medium does not result in helix formation unless acidification is gradual and during active growth. Concomitant with helix formation is a decrease of all major biosynthetic activities and cessation of cell motility. The larger polyribosomes become converted into an inactive helical form and sediment in sucrose gradients with the wall-membrane complex.
Conservation Biology in Action: Case Studies

Conservation biology is a crisis discipline focused on protecting the biological diversity of our world. The field endeavours not only to study biological diversity, but more importantly, to take action – tailored to the threats faced by species and ecosystems, and to local circumstances – that will halt or reverse environmental destruction. Keywords: biological diversity; activism; environmentalism; protected areas; resolution; butterflies; macaws
A Qualitative Study of Interracial Dating Among College Students

We present the results of a qualitative research study involving interracial dating on a university campus. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 college students (10 couples) who currently were involved in interracial dating relationships. Participants repeatedly told us of experiences they had relating to public interaction. These involved dynamics relating to religion, friends and acquaintances, and prejudice and discrimination incidences. Additionally, themes emerged relating to the couple’s interpersonal relationships. These included their own reactions to discriminatory behavior, being thick-skinned about their interracial status, interracial sensitivity experienced by the African-American partner, and experiences of shared culture connectedness. Finally, the couples related common suggestions for future couples who consider interracial dating.
Nicotinic receptor inactivation after acute and repeated in vivo nicotine exposures in rats.

Abstract Nicotine tolerance is often accompanied by an upregulation of brain area nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in both animal and human subjects. This upregulation has been hypothesized to result from repeated or prolonged exposures of these receptors to nicotine. To explore this further, this study examined the level of nAChR desensitization following acute and repeated nicotine administration in the male Lewis rat. Nicotine-stimulated 86 Rb + efflux was measured in synaptosomes prepared from the frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and thalamus. Analysis of receptor functionality was achieved by calculating area-under-the-curve (AUC) for nicotine-induced fractional 86 Rb + efflux. Nicotine-stimulated 86 Rb + efflux from all brain regions was significantly less in rats that received an acute injection of 0.4 mg/kg nicotine (s.c.) 15 min prior to dissection compared to control rats. This decrease in nAChR functional status was also observed in rats treated with 1 day or 14 days of twice-daily nicotine administration. These results are consistent with the concept that acute exposure to nicotine induces rapid desensitization of nAChRs. In addition, following repeated exposure to nicotine, nAChRs did not become tolerant to the loss in receptor function that occurs after an initial nicotine administration. Overall, these data suggest that neuronal adaptations underlying nicotine tolerance may begin upon initial exposure then persist following repeated exposures.
Designing Cross-Sectional Population Pharmacokinetic Studies: Implications for Pediatric and Animal Studies

AbstractSampling constraints and ethical concerns are two of the issues that prompt the conduct of pediatric/animal cross-sectional pharmacokinetic studies. A simulation study was carried out to investigate the effect of optimization of design features (arrangement of concentrations (n) in time and sample size (N)) on the accuracy and precision of parameter (especially intersubject/interanimal variability) estimation in cross-sectional population pharmacokinetic studies involving drugs administered by single or multiple intravenous bolus input(s). Drugs exhibiting one and two compartment (i.e., 1 CMT and 2 CMT) pharmacokinetics were investigated using N of 20 to 100 and 30 to 150, respectively, n was optimized, using the profile (block) randomized sampling design, for accurate and precise estimation of population pharmacokinetic parameters. N of 50 and 80 was found to be adequate for the estimation of clearance (CL) and its variability ((ωCL) needed for dosage optimization) for the 1 CMT and 2 CMT drugs, ...
The application of dynamical computer models to high energy cascades

Abstract A modification of the quasi-dynamical computer code ADDES has been developed to allow for the simulation of defect production in high energy cascades. In the first of a two-stage modeling process, the cascade is allowed to develop until no atom has more than a relatively high cut-off energy. As atoms fall below the cut-off, they are tagged and removed from consideration during the remainder of the development. The second stage is the evaluation of defect production by energetic atoms tagged in the first stage using a defect yield function determined from dynamical simulations of low energy events. This code is used to simulate defect production in 10 keV cascades in several directions in copper, and the results are compared with those of the binary collision code MARLOWE. Good agreement is obtained when an effective recombination radius of 2.2 lattice parameters is assumed.
Evidence supporting a functional role for intracellular renin in the brain

The brain renin-angiotensin system is implicated in the regulation of blood pressure (BP) and fluid homeostasis. Recent studies reveal that 2 forms of renin are expressed in the brain of rodents and humans: secreted prorenin and a nonsecreted intracellular form of active renin (icREN). Although the intracellular action of renin has long been postulated, no data supporting its role in BP regulation has been reported. Therefore, we directly evaluated whether this form of renin has physiological implications for BP regulation by characterizing transgenic mice expressing human icREN driven by the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter and comparing it with similar mice expressing the secreted form of renin. GFAP-icREN mice express hREN primarily in the brain and at the same level of expression as GFAP-secreted prorenin. Unlike the secreted form, which can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid, no human renin could be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of GFAP-icREN mice. GFAP-icREN mice were then bred with transgenic mice expressing human angiotensinogen, also driven by the GFAP promoter. Double-transgenic mice expressing either the intracellular renin (2.0+/-0.12 mL/10 g/day) or secreted renin (2.8+/-0.3 mL/10 g/day) exhibited an increase in drinking volume compared with nontransgenic littermates (1.5+/-0.1 mL/10 g/day). Both models exhibited an increase in mean arterial pressure (137+/-5 and 133+/-8 mm Hg, respectively) compared with control littermates (115+/-3 mm Hg), which could be rapidly reduced after ICV injection of losartan. These data support the concept of an intracellular form of renin in the brain, which may provoke functional changes in fluid homeostasis and BP regulation.
Sensor Relocation with Mobile Sensors: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation

Mobile sensors are useful in many environments because they can move to increase the sensing coverage. In this paper, we present a mobile sensor prototype in which the Mica2 sensor node is used to control the movement of the robot built with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. We use a sensor relocation application to demonstrate the feasibility of our design. In the sensor relocation application, after a sensor node failure creates a coverage hole, a mobile sensor node is relocated to cover the hole in a timely and energy-efficient way. We present a distributed sensor relocation algorithm and provide novel solutions to implement this algorithm in our mobile sensor platform. Experimental results show that our relocation algorithm can reduce the sensor relocation time and balance the energy consumption of the mobile nodes.
Electron microbeam analysis of calcium distribution in the ciliated protozoan, Spirostomum ambiguum

Electron microprobe analyses of calcium distribution in the ciliated protozoan, Spirostomum ambiguum, indicated several calcium rich sites. One site was an endoplasmic distribution of calcium coincident with phosphorus which corroborates previous findings of hydroxyapatite deposits within Spirostomum. These apatite deposits were distributed throughout the endoplasm, but not within the nuclei or the contractile vacuole. Calcium was also detected within the cortical region. Cortical calcium was in greater concentration in the anterior portion of the organism and decreased towards the posterior end (region containing the contractile vacuole). Phosphorus and potassium were also detected as gradients from the anterior end, whereas magnesium was detected in the same density throughout the cortical region. Line scans of cortical regions suggested (1) distributions of calcium within mitochondria and/or vesicles, and (2) calcium associated with bundles of microfilaments.
A numerical model for the trans-membrane voltage of vesicles

Abstract The Immersed Interface Method is employed to solve the time-varying electric field equations around a three-dimensional vesicle. To achieve second-order accuracy the implicit jump conditions for the electric potential, up to the second normal derivative, are derived. The trans-membrane potential is determined implicitly as part of the algorithm. The method is compared to an analytic solution based on spherical harmonics and verifies the second-order accuracy of the underlying discretization even in the presence of solution discontinuities. A sample result for an elliptic interface is also presented.
Phylogenetic diagnosis of the African cyprinid genus Clypeobarbus (Ostariophysi: Cyprinidae), with the rehabilitation of Clypeobarbus bomokandi

The subgenus Clypeobarbus Fowler 1936 is elevated to generic rank and distinguished from African '' Barbus'' by the derived presence of a midlateral row of greatly enlarged, shield-like scales edged with dark pig- ment and deepest and widest below the dorsal fin, a dark pigment streak situated posterodorsal to the cleithrum, and the presence of a large occipital fontanel, border laterally by the frontals and parietals and posteriorly by the supra- occipital bone of the neurocranial vault. Seven species are placed within Clypeobarbus, C. pleuropholis (Boulenger 1899), C. congicus (Boulenger 1899), C. pseudognathodon (Boulenger 1915), C. bomokandi (Myers 1924), C. hyp- solepis (Daget 1959), C. schoutedeni (Poll and Lambert 1961), and C. bellcrossi (Jubb 1965), and a redescription is provided for C. bomokandi, which is rehabilitated as a valid species.
The Insulin Receptors of Chick Embryo Show Tissue- Specific Structural Differences which Parallel those of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Receptors*

Since specific binding to receptors and biologicaleffects of insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) aredemonstrable soon after the neural tube closes and organogenesisbegins in the chick embryo, in the present study we haveanalyzed the structural characteristics and specificity of thereceptors for insulin and IGFs at this early stage of development.We show that membranes from newly differentiated chick embryotissues (day 6 brain, day 6 heart, day 8 liver, day 12 skeletalmuscle) as well as whole embryos postneurulation (day 2, stageof 27–30 somites) have two populations of receptors with distinctspecificity: insulin and type I IGF (IGF-I) receptors. Both insulin and IGF-I α-subunits, as estimated by sodiumdodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, had tissuedependentheterogeneity in Mr (liver > heart = skeletal muscle> brain) ranging from 138 kilodaltons (kDa) to 129 kDa. Desialylationof the receptors by treatment with neuraminidaseproduced a significant change in the Mr of the α-subunits ...
Getting started with computer ethics

Computer professionals face dilemmas which demand both technical knowledge and an understanding of ethical principles and skills, but how to best teach these principles and necessary skills to students? ACM's Curriculum '91 and the problems inherent in the growth of information technology call for educators to integrate computer ethics material into the computer science curriculum. Unfortunately, most faculty have neither background information nor experience teaching ethics and professionalism topics.This paper discusses basic instructional issues and provides elementary approaches for inexperienced faculty. Several simple techniques to identify and analyze ethical issues are presented. Next we look at two intermediate techniques suitable for computer science students which have been particularly successful in my classes. Finally, Project ImpactCS' model for teaching computer ethics, a valuable framework for the study of ethics and social principles and skills is summarized. This model leverages ethics experts experience to jump-start computer science faculty.
Intrinsic fluorescence studies of the kinetic mechanism of unfolding of α-lactalbumin on weakly hydrophobic chromatographic surfaces.

The kinetic mechanism of unfolding of calcium depleted bovine α-lactalbumin adsorbed on two weakly hydrophobic chromatographic surfaces, methyl- and ethyl-polyether phases bonded to porous silica, with a solution phase of 3M ammonium sulfate at pH 6.3, has been determined using intrinsic fluorescence and liquid chromatography (LC). The adsorbent has been packed into quartz flow cells which are used for both fluorescence measurements and as a microcolumn for LC. The LC measurements revealed two peaks for α-lactalbumin on both phases, the First being folded and the second unfolded. The rate of unfolding was measured to be 1.75 · 10−3 min−1 on the C1-ether and 7.42 · 10−3 min−1 on the C2-ether phase. Fluorescence studies revealed a slow change in emission maximum fromca. 330 nm to 350 nm and a 4-fold increase in intensity for the protein adsorbed on the two supports. Variation of fluorescence intensity at a given wavelength revealed biphasic kinetics in which the rate law on the surface was deduced as F ⇌ X → U, where F is the folded form, U an unfolded form and X an intermediate. The normalized emission spectra of the three species were calculated and it was found that there was approximately a 20-nm-red shift in the position of the maximum from F to U. The emission maximum for X was close to U on both columns; however, the normalized intensity for X was between F and U. Activation enthalpies and entropies were determined from the temperature dependence of the microscopic rate constants. The formation of the intermediate on the C1-ether phase was entropy driven whereas on the C2-ether phase it was enthalpy driven. Finally, the solution refolding rates of U desorbed from the two supports were found to be identical. The differences observed in the surface kinetics of unfolding on the two supports are related to the hydrophobic differences of the adsorbents.
Effects of sodium and potassium concentrations and pH on equine erythrocyte volume and deformability

During strenuous exercise, equine erythrocyte deformability is transiently decreased. Decreased deformability is associated with increased cell volume, decreased cell density and increased intracellular sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations. To better understand these changes, we attempted to reproduce exercise-associated changes in erythrocytes in vitro by adjusting plasma sodium, potassium and pH to levels which occur during racing activity. Increasing plasma sodium to 145 meq/1 and plasma potassium to 8 meq/1 resulted in decreased erythrocyte filterability, increased cell volume, and increased intracellular sodium, potassium and chloride. Incubation of erythrocytes with frusemide and bumetanide, but not ouabain or [(dihydroindenyl)oxy]alkanoic acid (DIOA), attenuated these changes. Decreasing plasma pH to 7.0 also decreased erythrocyte filterability, increased cell volume, and increased intracellular concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloride. Ouabain, but not frusemide or bumetanide, prevented the decrease infilterability and attenuated the increase in intracellular sodium. Addition of DIOA exacerbated the effect of pH on erythrocyte filterability. Therefore, exercise-associated changes in erythrocyte deformability, size and electrolyte concentration can be reproduced in vitro by increasing plasma sodium and potassium concentrations and by decreasing pH.
Generalized susceptibility of the magnetic shape-memory alloy Ni 2 MnGa

We have investigated the generalized susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}(\mathbf{q})$ and Fermi-surface-nesting of the ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{2}\mathrm{MnGa}.$ As the temperature is lowered below the Curie point, a premartensitic transformation takes place when the magnetization reaches about 84% of its $T=0$ saturated value. We show that the spin-split band structure near this magnetization gives rise in $\ensuremath{\chi}(\mathbf{q})$ to a prominent peak at $\mathbf{q}=(\frac{1}{3},\frac{1}{3},0)(2\ensuremath{\pi}/a),$ corresponding to the experimentally observed wave vector for the premartensitic phase.
Port‐Access ™ Mitral Valve Surgery:

Background: The purpose of this study was to review the short-term results of an initial experience with minimally invasive cardiac valve surgery using the Port-AccessTM approach in terms of feasibility, safety, and reproducibility. Methods: Between October 1995 and October 1997, 151 minimally invasive cardiac valve procedures were performed at our institution using the Port-AccessTM approach. The patients' mean age was 58.1 years (range 21 to 91 years) and 50% were male. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 35 (23.2%) patients, mitral valve repair in 56 (37.1%) patients, mitral valve replacement in 36 (23.8%) patients, and complex valve procedures in 24 (15.9%) patients. Results: The operative mortality rate for isolated mitral valve surgery was 1.1% (1/92) and for all mitral valve surgery 3.5% (4/113). The operative mortality rate for isolated aortic valve patients was 5.7% (2/35). For the total group the operating mortality was 4% (6/151). Early complications for mitral valve patients included reoperation for bleeding or tamponade in 5 (4.4%) patients, myocardial infarction in 2 (1.2%) patients, and transient ischemic attack and wound infection in 1 (0.1%) patient each. One patient required reoperation for mitral valve failure that resulted in aortic dissection unrelated to the Endoaortic ClampTM catheter and ultimately led to death. Two (5.6%) aortic valve patients required reoperation for bleeding and two (5.6%) required reoperation for tamponade. Conclusions: Minimally invasive Port-AccessTM techniques can be applied to most patients with valvular heart disease with minimal morbidity and mortality and good postoperative valve function and may be the preferred approach for isolated mitral and aortic valve surgery. (J Card Surg 1998;13:286–289)
Atmospheric and surface variations during westerly wind bursts in the tropical western pacific

An analysis is made of variations in both the surface energy balance and the regional atmospheric dynamic and thermal structure during 44 westerly wind bursts (WWBs) in the western equatorial Pacific Ocean from 1979 to 1995. The study assesses winds, convective available potential energy, cloud properties, precipitation, surface temperature, and surface heat flux while distinguishing between brief (5–25 day periodicity) and sustained (30–90 day) WWBs. Datasets used in the study include fields from the NCEP/NCAR and ECMWF re-analyses, and satellite retrievals of clouds (ISCPP), precipitation (MSU), moisture (TOVS), and surface solar flux. Both brief and sustained WWBs, by definition, experience strong low-level westerly winds that typically induce an increased surface latent-heat flux of approximately 30 W m−2. Enhanced cloud thickness, precipitation, and upper tropospheric easterly wind anomalies accompany surface westerly winds, though maxima in winds lag those in clouds and precipitation by about one day for brief WWBs and four days for sustained events. WWBs of both types experience strong seasonality, occurring frequently in all seasons except boreal summer. Important distinctions between brief and sustained WWBs can also be made. Westerly anomalies typically extend above 200 hPa during brief WWBs but are generally confined to the lower troposphere (below 400 hPa) for sustained events. Sustained WWBs are also preceded by a quiescent period of reduced cloud thickness and surface winds that is accompanied by strong incident solar flux. Convective instability, as judged by a variety of techniques, increases by approximately 30% during this quiescent period. Brief WWBs do not include the precursory surface warming or convective destabilization of sustained WWBs. Notwithstanding the warming episodes before the events, sustained WWBs are associated with a net surface cooling approximately 40% larger than brief WWBs. The relationship between brief and sustained WWBs and the phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) (as judged from outgoing long-wave radiation) is also examined. Results support the classification of events as ‘brief’ and ‘sustained’ as used in this study, with brief WWBs occurring frequently during both wet and dry phases of the MJO, while sustained WWBs occur uniquely during the MJO wet phase. The association of brief and sustained WWBs with the MJO is shown to be independent of the El Niiio Southern Oscillation phase. It is therefore proposed that some, but not all, WWBs may be viewed as the surface signature of the MJO and that the mechanisms responsible for the MJO play an integral role in the formation and sustenance of sustained WWBs.
Characterization of chemically modified carbonaceous electrode materials by x-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy

Abstract An attachment scheme which utilizes cyanuric chloride as a linking agent in the preparation of chemically modified electrodes was investigated by using simultaneous scanning electron microscopy and x-ray fluorescence. Certain contaminants were discovered on the surface of the material following various steps in the reaction scheme used for attachment. The iron storage protein, ferritin, was attached to the surface of spectroscopic-grade graphite rod. Attempts were made to establish the surface distribution of the ferritin and to correlate distribution with surface morphology.
Field and Theoretical Evaluation of Thermal Fatigue Cracking in Flexible Pavements

Thermal cracking in flexible pavement occurs when the tensile stress exceeds the tensile strength of hot-mix asphalt at a given temperature or when fluctuating stresses and strains caused by temperature variation lead to a buildup of irrecoverable deformations over time. The objective of this study was twofold: (a) to quantify the measured strain magnitude associated with thermal fatigue through field measurements and (b) to present a three-dimensional, finite element (FE) model that accurately simulated thermal fatigue in flexible pavement. Results of the experimental program indicated that pavement response to thermal loading was associated with a high strain range, reaching a maximum recorded value of 350 um/m. This finding confirms the hypothesis that the criticality of thermal fatigue arises from the high stress-strain level exhibited in each cycle rather than its frequency, which is usually the critical factor in load-associated fatigue cracking. Moreover, the developed FE model accurately simulated...
Staining Secretory Capillaries of Exocrine Glands with Techniques for Specific Phosphatases

Intercellular secretory capillaries in parotid glands, eccrine sweat glands and intracellular secretory capillaries in parietal cells of gastric glands were demonstrated histo-chemically by the use of the Wachstein-Meisel adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) technique in the rabbit, rat and guinea pig. However, with the Wachstein-Meisel 5-nucleotidase technique, secretory capillaries were not stained. For parotid glands, optimal incubation in ATPase substrate mixture was: in rabbit, 15 min; in rat, 2.5 hr; and in guinea pig, 2 hr. For eccrine sweat glands, optimal incubation was 15 min in rabbit, 30 min in rat and 15 min in guinea pig. For parietal cells of gastric glands, optimal incubation was 3 hr for all three species. Secretory capillaries were best demonstrated in the parotid by using rabbit tissue; in eccrine sweat glands, with rat tissue, and in parietal cells, guinea pig tissue. Since ATPase activity in cell membranes of secretory cells may play a part in the mechanism of transport of secretory produ...
Influenza vaccination among individuals with cancer and their family members.

Background Influenza vaccination for family members of patients with cancer lowers patients' risk of influenza and related complications. Purpose This study aims to examine the utilization of influenza vaccination among such families. Methods Individuals directly or indirectly affected by cancer and a cancer-free control group were identified from the 2005 and 2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey: current patients (CURR-I) and their family members (CURR-F); previous patients (PREV-I) and family members (PREV-F); and individuals in families not affected by cancer (I-F). Logistic regressions with appropriate weighting algorithms for survey data were performed to compare utilization among these five groups, while controlling for confounding factors (e.g., demographics, SES). Results The proportion of those vaccinated was substantially higher among patients with cancer. It was 58.7%, 54.7%, 43.83%, 39.73%, and 29.3% for CURR-I, PREV-I, CURR-F, PREV-F, and I-F, respectively. A similar pattern was observed in analyses stratified by age groups (18–49, 50–64, and ≥65 years). Results from logistic regressions indicated that the CURR-I group was significantly more likely to have influenza vaccine than I-F (OR [CI]=1.62 [1.10, 2.36]; 1.50 [1.11, 2.02]; and 1.42 [1.06, 1.92] for those aged 18–49, 50–64, and ≥65 years, respectively), but the differences between family members of patients with cancer and the control were not significant after controlling for the confounders. A significant difference between PREV-I and I-F was observed for only those aged ≥65 years (OR [CI]=1.47 [1.09, 1.99]). Conclusions Influenza vaccination was underutilized (
Improved likelihood ratio tests and pearson chi-square tests for independence in two dimensional contingency tables

When an I×J contingency table has many cells having very small frequencies, the usual chi-square approximation to the upper tail of the likelihood ratio goodness-of-fit statistic, G2 and Pearson chi-square statistic, X2, for testing independence, are not satisfactory. In this paper we consider the problem of adjusting G2 and X2. Suitable adjustments are suggested on the basis of analytical investigation of asymptotic bias terms for G2 and X2. A Monte Carlo simulation is performed for several tables to assess the adjustments of G2 and X2 in order to obtain a closer approximation to the nominal level of significance.
Adopted children with developmental disabilities: Post-placement family functioning☆

Abstract Post-placement mother and family functioning was examined in 87 families who had adopted children with developmental disabilities. Using a semistructured interview and self-report questionnaire methodology, the relationships among 9 predictor and 4 outcome variables were assessed. Although, in general, adoptive mothers expressed high satisfaction with the adoptions, several variables did significantly differentiate outcomes perceived as more and less successful. Specifically, the family's initial reactions to the placement were positively related to adjustment approximately 5 years later, whereas demographic variables such as educational level and family income did not predict outcome. The placements with the best self-reported outcomes were ones in which mothers had few reservations and nondepressed functioning at the beginning of placement, were married, had greater experience with handicapping conditions, and had stronger religious beliefs. These results were discussed with reference to their implications for adoption placement and post-placement interventions and services.
Application of the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of rotational behavior to the study of conditioned drug effects.

Abstract In rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra apomorphine reliably induces a response of contralateral rotation. The present study shows that this response can readily be conditioned to a test environment which the rats are briefly exposed to during the onset of the apomorphine-induced rotation. This conditioned response can be repeatedly conditioned. extinguished, and differentially conditioned, thereby providing a useful behavioral model for the study of the conditioning of drug-induced movements.
Some physical properties of hemagglutinating and complement-fixing particles of Semliki Forest virus.

Abstract The hemagglutinating (HA) activity of a partially purified Semliki Forest virus (SFV) preparation was found to be essentially monodisperse with a sedimentation constant of 400 Svedberg, a value similar to that obtained for the infectivity of the virus. One HA unit, as determined by the pattern method, contains 1.4 × 10 5 erythrocyte dimer-forming units. In two highly purified SFV preparations the ratio of the concentration of dimerforming units: concentration of plaque-forming units: concentration of 50-mμ particles was 0.9:0.9:1.0. Thus, the infectious particles are also HA particles, and one HA particle is involved in the formation of an erythrocyte dimer. Infectivity and HA activity were simultaneously inactivated at 37° at approximately the same rate in all cell culture media tested. At 3°, infectivity could be inactivated by prolonged dialysis or ether extraction, without alteration in HA activity. Such differential inactivations caused no significant change in size of virus particles. Alteration of the viral nucleic acid was probably not responsible for either simultaneous or differential inactivation. No complement-fixing antigen with a sedimentation constant smaller than that of the virus particles was detected in crude SFV preparations at either pH 7 or pH 9.
Small and Medium Enterprise Financing in Transition Economies

This paper studies the financing status of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in transition economies. Factors causing financing obstacles are indentified and further analyzed to determine their influence over financing patterns. Bank regulatory practices relevant to SMEs’ access to bank loans and their influence over loan structures are identified. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by exploring the impact of specific bank regulatory practices on credit lending to SMEs in transition economies.
Computer-aided resource planning and scheduling for radiological services

There exists tremendous opportunity in hospital-wide resource optimization based on system integration. This paper defines the resource planning and scheduling requirements integral to PACS, RIS and HIS integration. An multi-site case study is conducted to define the requirements. A well-tested planning and scheduling methodology, called Constrained Resource Planning model, has been applied to the chosen problem of radiological service optimization. This investigation focuses on resource optimization issues for minimizing the turnaround time to increase clinical efficiency and customer satisfaction, particularly in cases where the scheduling of multiple exams are required for a patient. How best to combine the information system efficiency and human intelligence in improving radiological services is described. Finally, an architecture for interfacing a computer-aided resource planning and scheduling tool with the existing PACS, HIS and RIS implementation is presented.
Optimal Capital Accumulation in a Fishery: A Nonlinear Irreversible Investment Model

Abstract A nonlinear two-state variable, two-control variable model of a fishery with irreversible investment and harvest capacity constraints is examined. The model relaxes assumptions of linearity in investment costs and variable harvest profits in an earlier model by C. W. Clark, F. H. Clarke, and G. R. Munro ( Econometrica , 47 , 25-47, 1979. In both the linear and nonlinear models, the optimal capital accumulation paths in new fisheries is characterized by a period in which the physical capital stock level exceeds its long-run sustainable equilibrium. However, unlike the linear model, periods of positive net (but declining gross) investment are optimal in the nonlinear model. This accords with observed capital accumulation paths from a number of fisheries. The paper also finds different effects in optimal harvest policy depending upon whether the linearity appears in the variable profits function or the investment cost function.
A single-antenna wireless passive temperature sensing mechanism using a dielectrically-loaded resonator

A novel wireless temperature sensing mechanism is proposed using a cylindrical cavity resonator loaded with temperature dependent dielectric material. The dielectric constant of the high temperature ceramics increases monotonically with temperature. Therefore, the temperature can be extracted by measuring the change in resonant frequency of the resonator. In order to receive and send signals wirelessly, a patch antenna is connected to the cavity resonator. The resonant frequency of the sensor changes from 11.35 to 11.02 GHz as the dielectric constant of the ceramic material is increased from 4.8 to 5.1. This design benefits from its compact size and has wide advantages in turbine applications.