cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Comparison of Single-Level Cervical Plate Fusion and Interbody Cage Fusion

Anterior cervical graft fusion alone or supplemented with an anterior cervical plate instrumentation may be used to treat the diseased cervical spine. An anterior cervical plate is intended to restore the mechanical integrity of the operated spine and decrease graft complications. An alternative method to single-level graft fusion is to use an interbody fusion device. The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability of a single-level graft-plated cervical construct with an interbody cage device.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Between the market and the state: dilemmas of french policy for the electronics industry☆

Abstract This case study of the French electronics industry suggests the limits on a government's ability to shape the growth of a domestic industry that forms an integral part of an international market-place. The French state has been unable to alter the structure of the international industry or isolate French firms from its pressure. As a result its efforts to force firms to conform to the political goals of the state has slowly weakened them in the market-place and endangered the long-term basis of French strategy in the industry.
Postpartum depression beyond the early postpartum period.

Objective: To review the literature concerning maternal postpartum depression beyond the early postpartum period. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted using Cinahl, Medline, and PsychInfo electronic databases. Keywords included postpartum depression, postpartum depressive symptoms, course, prevalence, incidence , and remission . Study Selection: Studies selected included incidence of maternal depression or depressive symptoms, existing in the early postpartum period, and measured again at postpartum points from 6 months through 2 1/2 years after delivery. Only studies published in English were included. Twenty‐three articles were located, and a recent relevant study conducted by the current author also was included. Data Extraction: Studies were reviewed and data organized according to year, sample characteristics, time of depression assessment, instrument used, cutoff score, rate of depression, and factors associated with depression at later postpartum time points. Data Synthesis: For a significant percentage of women, postpartum depressive symptoms continue for months or even years after giving birth. Factors associated with postpartum depression at later time points are identified. Conclusions: Continued evaluation of women with elevated depression levels at initial screening, and treatment for women whose depression does not remit spontaneously within the first few weeks or months postpartum is recommended. Further research is needed to understand the phenomenon of persistent postpartum depression.
Generalization of the Glashow-Iliopoulos-Maiani mechanism: Horizontal and vertical flavor mixing

For theories with more than four quarks we generalize the Glashow-Iliopoulos-Maiani mechanism for flavor-change suppression in the gauge sector and the Glashow-Weinberg theorems for the corresponding suppression in the Higgs sector. We note that there is a class of theories in which many but not all flavor changes are naturally suppressed. d↔s and u↔c are in the naturally suppressed category. Such theories have distinctive experimental signatures. We discuss the simplest example where the new mechanism applies: SU(3) × U(1) with six quarks, two with charge 23, four with charge −13. We also indicate how this six-quark system can be incorporated in a full-fledged gauge theory.
Observations of directional gamma prime coarsening during engine operation

Two alloys with negative mismatch parameters, NASAIR 100 and a modified NASAIR 100 called Alloy 3 were run as turbine blades in an experimental ground based Garret TFE731 engine for up to 200 hr. The directional coarsening of gamma prime (rafting) that developed during engine testing was analyzed and compared to previous research from laboratory tests. The blades were found to be rafted normal to the centrifugal stress axis over much of the span, but near the surfaces, the blades were found to be rafted parallel to the centrifugal stress axis for certain cycles. Representative photomicrographs of the blades and the effects of stress and temperature on raft formation are shown.
Fluvoxamine-theophylline interaction: gap between in vitro and in vivo inhibition constants toward cytochrome P4501A2.

Objective Several reports indicate that fluvoxamine decreases the clearance of cytochrome P4501A2 (CYP1A2) substrates. This study compared in vitro and in vivo inhibition potencies of fluvoxamine toward CYP1A2 with an approach based on inhibition constants (Ki) determined in vitro and in vivo. Methods In vitro inhibition constant values were determined with human liver microsomes and complementary deoxyribonucleic acid-expressed CYP1A2 (supersomes). Fluvoxamine in vivo inhibition constants (Kiiv) for CYP1A2 were obtained from an investigation of single-dose theophylline (250 mg) disposition in 9 healthy volunteers receiving steady-state (9 days) fluvoxamine at 3 doses (0, 25, or 75 mg/d) in a randomized crossover design. Results In vitro Ki values based on total inhibitor concentrations were 177 ±56 nmol/L, 121 ±21 nmol/L, and 52 ±13 nmol/L in human liver microsomes with 1 mg/ml protein and 0.5 mg/ml protein and in supersomes with 0.3 mg/ml protein, respectively. The corresponding in vitro Ki values based on unbound fluvoxamine concentrations were 35 nmol/L, 36 nmol/L, and 36 nmol/L. The ratio of 1-methyluric acid formation clearances (control/inhibited) in 8 subjects was positively correlated with fluvoxamine concentration (r2 = 0.87; P < .001) with an intercept near 1. Mean values for Kiiv based on total and unbound plasma concentrations at steady state were 25.3 nmol/L (range, 14–39 nmol/L) and 3.6 nmol/L (range, 2.4–5.9 nmol/L), respectively. Conclusion Comparison of in vitro and in vivo Ki values based on unbound fluvoxamine concentrations suggests that fluvoxamine inhibition potency is approximately 10 times greater in vivo than in vitro. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2001) 70, 415–424; doi: 10.1016/S0009-9236(01)62844-3
The use of 31P NMR to identify color bodies in γ-irradiated bisphenol-A polycarbonate☆

Abstract Previous studies (Factor, A., Carnahan, J. C., Dorn, S. B. and Van Dort, P. C., Polym. Deg. Stab. , 1994, 45 , 127) suggested that the yellow color formed during γ-irradiated BPA-polycarbonate is due to the formation of several unstable species containing ortho -quinone groups. However, because their reactivity, this could not be confirmed. Recently, it has been reported (Argyropoulos, D. S., Heitner, C. and Morin, F. G., Holzforschung , 1992, 46 , 211) that ortho -quinone groups in wood pulp reacted with trimethyl phosphite to form unique cyclic phosphite esters whose presence could be detected by 31 P NMR. Application of this approach to BPA-polycarbonate and the BPA-polycarbonate cyclic tetramer produced evidence confirming our hypothesis that ortho -quinone groups are indeed present in γ-irradiated BPA-polycarbonate.
Terra Harvest: an open, integrated battlefield unattended ground sensors architecture

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is developing Terra Harvest, an open, integrated battlefield unattended ground sensors (UGS) architecture that will employ multiple, flexible sensors via standards-based integration. The Terra Harvest open architecture separates the UGS system into fundamental components and standardizes internal and external interfaces to optimize interoperability. Other acquisition programs can take advantage of this open architecture to meet challenging mission requirements.
The activity of human reagins exposed to the disinfectant, beta-propiolactone

Abstract The viricidal and bactericidal agent, beta-propiolactone, when admixed with serum in a concentration of 0.2 per cent, does not destroy reagins appreciably. The treatment of serum for Prausnitz-Kustner testing with this agent is recommended as a possible safety measure directed especially toward transmission of viral hepatitis. At this time, although there is some evidence from other sources that beta-propiolactone does inactivate hepatitis B virus in serum, the viricidal action of this compound on this particular virus has not been completely elucidated.
On the pooling of cross-sectional and time-series data in the presence of heteroskedasticity

Abstract We analyze the effect of heteroskedasticity on log-linear aggregation, and its implications for the pooling of cross-section and aggregate time series data. An empirical analysis of food consumption, based on US family budget survey and aggregate time series data, illustrates.
Message frames interact with motivational systems to determine depth of message processing.

Although several theoretical perspectives predict that negatively framed messages will be processed more deeply than positively framed messages, a recent meta-analysis found no such difference. In this article, the authors explore 2 explanations for this inconsistency. One possibility is methodological: the statistics used in the primary studies underestimated framing effects on depth of message processing because the data were maldistributed. The other is theoretical: the absence of a main effect is veridical, but framing interacts with individual differences that predispose individuals to greater or lesser depth of processing. Data from 2 experiments (Ns = 286 and 252) were analyzed via tobit regression, a technique designed to overcome the limitations of maldistributed data. One study showed the predicted main effect for framing, but the other did not. Both studies showed the anticipated interaction: Depth of processing correlated positively with a measure of the behavioral activation system in the adv...
A segment-based approach to protein secondary structure prediction

An outstanding problem in molecular biology is the "protein chain folding" problem. One ultimate goal is to predict the three dimensional structure (the tertiary structure) of a protein from the amino acid sequence (the primary structure). An intermediate problem is to go from primary structure to secondary structure, identifying helix and/or strand subsequences within the amino acid sequence. Secondary structure provides a low resolution representation of protein structure. This thesis addresses using computers to make and evaluate secondary structure predictions. Pattern based secondary structure prediction, which is used to mark turns, is reviewed in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 introduces a new language (A Language for the Prediction of Protein Substructures (ALPPS)) which allows an investigator to divide a protein sequence into segments and explore segments with both patterns and metapattern (patterns of patterns) in a hierarchal manner. Chapters 4 and 5 explore the problem of scoring secondary structure predictions on $\alpha$/$\alpha$ class proteins. Standard residue based scoring and enhancements are described in Chapter 4. A proposal for feature based scoring is introduced in Chapter 5. The intent of feature based scoring is to evaluate a prediction as an approximation of the "known" secondary structure. An application of ALPPS development on $\alpha$/$\alpha$ class proteins and testing using some of the scoring ideas is presented in Chapter 6.
High-speed, low-noise InGaP/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors

We have demonstrated self-aligned InGaP/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT's) with excellent dc, microwave, and noise performance. A 3/spl times/10 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ emitter finger device achieved a cutoff frequency of f/sub T/=66 GHz and a maximum frequency of oscillation of f/sub max/=109 GHz. A minimum noise figure of 1.12 dB and an associated gain of 11 dB were measured at 4 GHz. These results are the highest combined f/sub T/+f/sub max/ and the lowest noise figure reported for an InGaP/GaAs HBT and are attributed to material quality and the use of self-aligned base contacts. These data clearly demonstrate the viability of InGaP/GaAs HBT's for high-speed, low-noise circuit applications.
Design and simulation of dust extraction for composite drilling

Due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, composite materials have been widely applied in aerospace manufacturing. However, some challenges are facing in fabrication and assembly of the parts with composite materials. One of them is how to collect the dwarf and dust generated from the drilling operation, especially in an open environment when the composite parts are assembled, since a large number of holes need generating to rivet the parts together when the parts with composite materials are assembled in an aircraft structure. The efficiency of dust extraction is crucial to the healthy operating environment and the quality of the assembled component. In this paper, three conceptual designs of automatic dust extraction are proposed and compared, and the best design with the hood fastened on the drilling spindle has been selected and analyzed. Its design parameters have been identified; a systematic procedure has been proposed for the design optimization; the process of the dust extraction has been modeled and simulated using the COSMOSFloWorks. Taguchi method is applied to optimize the design. The process of the dust extraction has been validated through animation.
Thermal-aware layout planning for heterogeneous datacenters

Cooling power represents a significant portion of total power consumption in datacenters. Heterogeneous datacenters deploy clusters of servers with different hardware configurations, each offering its own performance and power characteristics. We observe that heterogeneous datacenters offer a unique opportunity to reduce cooling power through appropriate planning. In this paper we formulate the problem of rack layout for planning of heterogeneous datacenters, where the goal is to identify the best locations of the server racks with different hardware capabilities to improve the supply temperatures of the CRAC units and the total cooling power. We provide optimal solutions that take into account the impact of varying utilizations of datacenters and job scheduling methods. Using state-of-the-art thermal modeling tools, we prove that our methods lead to datacenter layouts with significant improvements in cooling power reduction, between 15.5% – 38.5% based on the datacenter utilizations and an average of 28.3% without any negative side effects.
Modeling inelastic shear lag in steel box beams

Abstract This paper describes a study of inelastic shear lag behavior in steel box beams. Shear lag effects in flanged flexural members are usually recognized as the uneven longitudinal deformation and normal stresses along the flanges. Elastic shear lag behavior has been extensively studied and considered in structural design while the study of inelastic shear lag is limited. Knowing that flanged flexural members likely have plastic deformation at their ultimate limit state, a least-work based method was developed for modeling inelastic shear lag behavior. An effective modulus was formulated and the Poisson’s ratio following the theory of plasticity was used in the inelastic shear lag model. The analytical method was verified using laboratory tests of two steel box beams. Comparison with experimental data indicates the proposed variation method can accurately predict the plastic normal strain distribution and the deflection of steel box beams.
The earned income tax credit and fertility

Government programs designed to provide income safety nets often restrict eligibility to families with children, creating an unintended fertility incentive. This paper considers whether dramatically changing incentives in the earned income tax credit affect fertility rates in the USA. We use birth certificate data spanning the period 1990 to 1999 to test whether expansions in the credit influenced birthrate among targeted families. While economic theory would predict a positive fertility effect of the program for many eligible women, our results indicate that expanding the credit produced only extremely small reductions in higher order fertility among white women.
Psychosocial Issues in Cancer Pain

Cancer pain is a complex and multidimensional experience that affects and is affected by psychological and social factors. This article reviews recent research that points to a number of key psychosocial factors associated with pain, including psychological distress, coping, and social support, as well as the impact of socioeconomic factors on barriers to pain management. We also review recent research suggesting that psychosocial interventions, including education, coping-skills training, and hypnosis, may be useful adjuncts to medical management of pain. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Primate S1 Cortex

All mammals have a region of somatosensory cortex that is called primary somatosensory cortex or S1. The term stands for the cortical representation of touch that was discovered and described first.
A Novel C-Terminal Domain of Drosophila PERIOD Inhibits dCLOCK:CYCLE-Mediated Transcription

The essence of the Drosophila circadian clock involves an autoregulatory feedback loop in which PERIOD (PER) and TIMELESS (TIM) inhibit their own transcription by association with the transcriptional activators dCLOCK (dCLK) and CYCLE (CYC). Because PER, dCLK, and CYC each contain a PAS domain, it has been assumed that these interaction domains are important for negative feedback. However, a critical role for PAS-PAS interactions in Drosophila clock function has not been shown. Nuclear transport of PER is also believed to be an essential regulatory step for negative feedback, but this has not been directly tested, and the relevant nuclear localization sequence (NLS) has not been functionally mapped. We evaluated these critical aspects of PER-mediated transcriptional inhibition in Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells. We mapped the dCLK:CYC inhibition domain (CCID) of PER and discovered that it lies in the C terminus, downstream of the PAS domain. Using deletion mutants and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified a novel NLS in the CCID of PER that is a potent regulator of PER's nuclear transport in S2 cells. We further found that nuclear transport, primarily through this novel NLS, is essential for the inhibitory activity of PER. The data indicate that nuclear PER inhibits dCLK:CYC-mediated transcription through a novel domain that additionally contains a potent NLS.
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx. A critical review of the literature.

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is an unusual laryngeal carcinoma accounting for slightly less than 0.5% of carcinomas. To date, approximately 125 cases have been reported. These tumors most often
Studies of the oxidation state of partially purified adrenal cortex mitochondrial cytochrome P-450 and difference spectra induced by deoxycorticosterone and metopirone.

Abstract Cytochrome P-450 prepared from extracts of adrenal gland cortex mitochondrial acetone powder exists in the oxidized state as it will not complex with carbon monoxide. Both deoxycorticosterone and Metopirone will induce spectra in the preparation in the absence of oxygen and reductase components. Metopirone displaces the deoxycorticosterone-induced difference spectrum of the cytochrome P-450 preparation, but excess deoxycorticosterone does not influence the Metopirone-induced spectrum suggesting different complexing mechanisms for the two compounds. The observations are consistent with the concept that the steroid-induced spectrum is the result of a direct complexing with ferric cytochrome P-450, or a closely associated companion pigment dependent upon the ferric state of cytochrome P-450. Current observations indicate experimentally separable reaction steps in the overall system of 11β-hydroxylation.
The influence of impingement angle on the erosion of ductile metals by angular abrasive particles

Abstract The erosion of ductile metals by angular abrasive particles at grazing angles of incidence is generally accepted as being due to a cutting mechanism. By contrast, a number of widely different mechanisms have been proposed to explain erosion at perpendicular or near-perpendicular angles of impingement. In the present work the influence of the roughness of an eroded surface is examined. It is shown that measurements of surface profile may be combined with the analysis of a grain striking a smooth surface to predict the value of erosion for globally perpendicular impact.
Protection of mice from neurotoxic action of influenza virus by heat inactivated receptor destroying enzyme.

Summary and Conclusion1. Exposure of a solution of partially purified receptor destroying enzyme (RDE) to a temperature of 120°C for 30 minutes completely inactivated its erythrocyte receptor destr...
LAK cell generation in normal subjects: Ficoll‐Hypaque vs. light spin purification

Research in adoptive immunotherapy such as lymphokine-activated killer cell (LAK) generation requires a large number of mononuclear cells (MNCs). The original procedure for generation of LAK cells used a Ficoll-Hypaque (FH) purification of the MNCs collected by a blood separator to remove granulocytes, platelets, and red blood cells. Since the Fenwal CS 3000 blood separator produces MNCs with reduced granulocyte contamination, it is possible that FH purification could be replaced by a light centrifuge spin (LS) purification. We report on a study comparing the MNC recovery, platelet and red cell removal, purification time, in vitro LAK cytotoxicity, and phenotypic characterization of the lymphocytes, collected by FH purification vs. LS purification by using the CS 3000. Six donors were leukapheresed with the CS 3000 using a shortened LAK Cell procedure. Following an LS (3 minutes at 1,000 rpm), the MNC collection was divided into two equal aliquots, one aliquot purified by FH and the other aliquot purified by LS. Both aliquots were then washed, cultured for 5 days in IL-2, and harvested with the CS 3000. Our findings suggest the LS purification resulted in improved 1) postpurification MNC recovery (89% vs. 60%), 2) purification time (54 minutes vs. 129 minutes), and 3) LAK cell generation by phenotype. LS purification was similar to FH purification in 1) platelet removal and 2) in vitro LAK cytotoxicity. We found the LS superior to FH when considering efficiency, economics, simplicity, and LAK cell generation and comparable in platelet removal and in vitro LAK cytotoxicity.
Properties of ribonucleic acid components in ribonucleoprotein particle preparations obtained from an Escherichia coli RCrelaxed strain

When Escherichia coli K35 (RCrelaxed methionine− histidine−) is starved for either histidine or methionine, ribonucleoprotein particles accumulate. Partially purified particles produced during starvation for histidine (histidine-relaxed particles) or for methionine (methionine-relaxed particles) were prepared and their RNA components studied. In vitro methylation experiments, in which S-adenosyl-methionine was employed as methyl donor, indicated that the RNA in methionine-relaxed particles (methionine relaxed RNA) is submethylated, whereas the RNA in histidine relaxed particles (histidine-relaxed RNA) is methylated to almost the same extent as RNA extracted from mature ribosomes. The template activities for polypeptide synthesis in vitro of the two relaxed RNA's were found not to differ significantly from each other, but to be much higher than the template activity of RNA extracted from pre-incubated mature ribosomes. In vitro methylation of methionine-relaxed RNA did not affect its template activity. In both relaxed RNA preparations the template activity was shown to be the property of RNA species sedimenting as a broad peak with a maximum at 10 to 12 s. In RNA-DNA hybridization experiments, the existence of nonribosomal as well as ribosomal RNA sequences in relaxed RNA preparations was demonstrated. The non-ribosomal RNA sequences were shown to bo complementary to 0.4 to 0.5% of the E. coli genome and to be distributed over a range of sedimentation coefficient of 10 to 23 s in such a way as to suggest that they correspond to the species possessing template activity for polypeptide synthesis in vitro.
Dynamics of aging magnetic clouds

The dynamics of radially expanding magnetic clouds is rigorously analyzed within the framework of ideal MHD. The cloud is modelled as a cylindrically symmetric magnetic flux rope. In the force balance we include the gas pressure gradient and the Lorentz force. Interaction with the ambient solar wind due to expansion of the magnetic cloud is represented by a drag force proportional to the bulk velocity. We consider the self-similar expansion of a polytrope, and reduce the problem to an ordinary nonlinear differential equation for the evolution function. Analyzing the asymptotic behavior of the evolution function, we formulate theoretical expectations for the long-term behavior of cloud parameters. We focus on the temporal evolution of (1) the magnetic field strength; (2) the twist of the field lines; (3) the asymmetry of the total field profile; and (4) the bulk flow speed. We present data from two magnetic clouds observed at 1 AU and 2 AU, respectively, and find good agreement with theoretical expectations. For a peak magnetic field strength at 1 AU of 25 nT and a polytropic index of 0.5, we find that a magnetic cloud can be distinguished from the background interplanetary field up to a distance of about 5 AU. Taking larger magnetic fields and bigger polytropic indices this distance can double.
The comparative gastric acid and pepsin response to histamine, insulin hypoglycemia and feeding in dogs with vagally innervated gastric pouches.

The amounts of acid and of pepsin secreted by the stomach in response to a meal and to two dose levels of histamine and insulin have been compared in eight dogs with vagally-innervated pouches. The greatest acid output occurred after a ‘maximal’ dose of histamine, while the output after a meat meal usually exceeded that after either dose level of insulin. Feeding was better simulated, in the secretion it evoked, by 0·45 µg./kg./min. of histamine than by any other stimulus used. Large doses of histamine appeared to inhibit pepsin secretion in comparison with a submaximal dose. Both doses of insulin stimulated pepsin secretion to a greater degree than did feeding.
Numerical Simulation of Deep-Well Wet Oxidation Reactor Using Steam

A finite element model is developed for the numerical simulation of the start-up of a deep-well wet oxidation reactor using steam. The model is capable of handling different cases of start-up, using saturated steam of arbitrary quality including hot water. The transient temperature field in the well-earth system is studied. The governing equation for the earth is the conductive heat equation. For the reactor, the analysis involves solving the energy balance equations describing the convective and intertube heat transfer, mass balance equations, and thermodynamic relations for the fluid in the tubes. The equations for the reactor and the earth are coupled by the continuity of the temperature and heat flux at the interface between them. A Galerkin finite element formulation is used for the spatial discretization of the heat equation in the earth; a Petrov-Galerkin finite element formulation is employed for the energy balance equations in the reactor tubes. The resulting set of ordinary differential equations is discretized in time and solved by a predictor-multicorrector algorithm. The model is tested on a typical deep-well reactor to study its start-up dynamics. The results can be used to estimate the start-up time and the amount of steam or water required to obtain the necessary initiation temperature for the process.
Leading the dog of selection by its mutational nose

There are two simple caricatures of evolutionary dynamics: the phenotypic caricature focuses on continuous and predictable selection on variability of quantitative traits, whereas the genotypic caricature focuses on discrete, stochastic mutations. Although the apparent contradictions between these pictures were reconciled long ago, our quantitative understanding of the interplay between them is still surprisingly primitive. Indeed, even the simplest models of the dynamics of large asexual populations in which many alleles and many new mutations contribute to the evolving fitness have resisted solution. The PNAS paper by Hallatschek (1) is a substantial advance in the development of the mathematical methods needed to analyze these and more complex models.
Kinetics of a gas-promoted oil agglomeration process

Abstract A turbidmetric method was used to investigate the kinetics of a gas-promoted process for agglomerating an aqueous suspension of coal particles using either heptane or hexadecane as an agglomerant. Suspensions of either Pittsburgh No. S seam coal or Upper Freeport seam coal were mixed with measured quantities of air and an agglomerant in a closed cylindrical tank fitted with baffles and a controllable speed agitator. Agglomeration was monitored by observing the change in turbidity of the suspension. Initial particle concentration, agglomerant dosage, amount of air, and agitator speed were varied among runs. The experimental data were correlated and analyzed by employing a semiempirical rate equation which gave consistent results. During any given run the agglomeration rate (— dN/dt) was proportional to the particle number concentration (N) raised to a power between l.O and 1.3. The rate increased with increasing amounts of either air or agglomerant and with increasing agitator speed. The rate was ...
Discussion: McCulloch-Pitts and related neural nets from 1943 to 1989

The McCulloch-Pitts paper “A Logical Calculus of the Ideas Immanent in Nervous Activity” was published in theBulletin of Mathematical Biophysics in 1943, a decade before the work of Hodgkin, Huxley, Katz and Eccles. The McCulloch-Pitts neuron is an extremely simplified representation of neural properties, based simply on the existence of a threshold for the activation of an action potential.
Cytosine arabinoside in the treatment of congenital cytomegalic inclusion disease

Cytosine arabinoside (ARA-C) was used in the treatment of 3 infants with disseminated cytomegalovirus infection. The titer of cytomegalovirus was reduced in vitro 0 to 2 log 10 TCID 50 with 1.0 μg per millitier, and 2 to 3 log 10 TCID 50 with 10 and 100 μg per milliliter of ARA-C. The concentration of cytomegalovirus in the urine of the 3 patients was reduced 2 to 3 logs during therapy, but returned to pretreatment titers or higher within several weeks. Transient hematologic and hepatic toxicity were observed during therapy, and ARA-C had no appreciable beneficial effect on the clinical course of the infants.
Film Balance and Fluorescence Microscopic Investigation of the Effects of Ca2+ on Mixed DMPC/DMPG Monolayers

Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) mixed monolayers at the air-water interface, with and without 5 mM calcium in the subphases, were investigated by pressure-area measurements and simultaneous fluorescence microscopy. Condensed-phase domains were observed over both types of subphases and quantified by analyzing the microscope images. The domains' shape changed and area increased with the mole fraction of DMPG, and hysteresis effects in the compression-decompression cycles were more prevalent on the PG-rich side of the phase diagram. The origin of hysteresis and other nonequilibrium effects in monolayers is discussed, and the equilibrium pressure-composition phase diagram for this binary system is presented which shows a measured liquidus curve and calculated solidus curve. The overall effect of calcium is to facilitate formation of condensed-phase domains.
Preliminary Results towards Developing Thresholds for Pavement Condition Maintenance: Safety Perspective

This paper focuses on examining the relationship between the International Roughness Index (IRI) and crashes to compare thresholds from a safety perspective with fuel efficiency perspective and pavement condition categories. Findings from the literature review include profile elevations captured using a laser profilometer along two test corridors in the State of North Carolina, United States (first one with concrete pavement and the second one with asphalt pavement), traffic volume from travel survey maps, and crash data maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) were used for analysis and identification of preliminary thresholds from the safety perspective for pavement maintenance. Profile elevation data was processed to compute IRI values for each 100-m (330-ft) section along each selected corridor by direction. Crashes (all and under wet-pavement conditions) were identified for each section and added to the database. Scatter plots were generated to observe the trends in the number of all and wet-pavement crashes per mile by IRI. The average number of all crashes per section, wet-pavement crashes per section, all crashes per million vehicle miles travelled (MVMT) and wet- pavement crashes per MVMT were also computed for each corridor. Results obtained indicate that targeting and maintaining lower IRI to improve fuel efficiency may yield similar benefits from a safety perspective. Based on analysis using data for the considered corridors, they do not seem to vary by pavement type.
Fatigue in coccidioidomycosis. Quantification and correlation with clinical, immunological, and nutritional factors

While described in the past, the frequency and degree of fatigue associated with symptomatic coccidioidomycosis has never been quantified. Using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), severe fatigue (FSS score = 41) was found in 65% of cases of active coccidioidomycosis compared to 42% in cohort of control subjects with chronic medical diseases (P=0.024). Fatigue in patients with symptomatic coccidioidomycosis declined significantly over four months (P=0.023). Severe fatigue in patients with symptomatic coccidioidomycosis was significantly associated with low body mass index (BMI; P=0.024) but was not significantly associated with either serum leptin (r2=0.078, P=0.261) or serum TNF-alpha (r2=0.028, P=0.504) concentrations. Severe fatigue is a common condition among patients with active coccidioidomycosis and is associated with a declining BMI.
Identifiying creep mechanisms at low stresses

There are three possible mechanisms occurring in high temperature creep at low stresses: diffusion creep, Harper–Dorn creep and grain boundary sliding. This paper examines the characteristics of these three processes and proposes two sets of measurements that may be used to give an unambiguous identification of the dominant creep mechanism. The approach is applied to published creep data and new measurements are reported for a Mg–0.55%Zr alloy which permit a clear distinction between diffusion creep and grain boundary sliding.
High Pressure Steam Oxidation of Alloys for Advanced Ultra-Supercritical Conditions

A steam oxidation test was conducted at 267 ± 17 bar and 670 °C for 293 h. A comparison test was run at 1 bar. All of the alloys showed an increase in scale thickness and oxidation rate with pressure, and TP304H and IN625 had very large increases. Fine-grained TP304H at 267 bar behaved like a coarse grained alloy, indicative of high pressure increasing the critical Cr level needed to form and maintain a chromia scale. At 267 bar H230, H263, H282, IN617 and IN740 had kp values a factor of one–to-two orders of magnitude higher than at 1 bar. IN625 had a four order of magnitude increase in kp at 267 bar compared to 1 bar. Possible causes for increased oxidation rates with increased pressure were examined, including increased solid state diffusion within the oxide scale and increased critical Cr content to establish and maintain a chromia scale.
Effect of respite care training on the knowledge, attitude, and self-esteem of volunteer providers

This pilot study explored the effect that respite care training had on volunteers' knowledge about Alzheimer's disease (AD), their attitudes toward the cognitively impaired, and their self-esteem. Volunteer respite providers (n = 52) were recruited and participated in four different day (seven-hour) respite care training programs. The sample was predominantly female (85 percent) and white (90 percent). Knowledge about AD increased significantly after respite training (p < .001), and attitudes toward someone who wanders were also significantly improved (p = .026). Overall, the findings support the immediate effectiveness of the respite training program.
XRD evidence of macroscopic composition inhomogeneities in the graphite–lithium electrode

In situ and ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were carried out on lithiated graphite electrodes at different states of charge. Data were collected from both sides of electrode. We found macroscopic inhomogeneities in the lithium concentration along the electrode thickness even when the electrode was allowed to rest for 24 h. The electrode side facing the lithium counter electrode in the coin type half-cell displays higher lithium concentration as compared to the side opposed to the XRD window. Residual stage 2 compound is found in the supposedly fully lithiated and fully delithiated electrode. It seems that the differences in the chemical potential between stage 2 and stage 1 is too small to average the lithium composition through chemical diffusion at ambient temperature in reasonable times.
Far infrared absorption in fused quartz and soft glass

Abstract We have measured the absorption of 10–100 cm −1 far infrared (i.r.) radiation in fused quartz and soft glass. Soft glass shows a moderate absorption which varies as the square of the frequency; absorption in fused quartz is weaker, varying as the square of the frequency above 30 cm −1 , but falling below the ω 2 curve at lower frequencies. In both materials the magnitude of the absorption, and a lack of change of absorption with temperature indicate a disorder induced absorption. A model is presented involving charges distributed in a continuous medium. For the glass, an independent distribution of charges leads to the quadratic frequency dependence. In fused quartz, an independent distribution of the defects known to exist in the material is sufficient to account for the observed absorption above 30 cm −1 ; correlation among these defects over a distance of 10 A satisfactorily yields the observed frequency dependence below, as well as above, 30 cm −1 .
Resting energy expenditure in severely burned children: Analysis of agreement between indirect calorimetry and prediction equations using the Bland-Altman method

Abstract Introduction Knowledge of a child's resting energy expenditure (REE) is essential in optimizing nutritional support for severely burned children. The provision of adequate nutritional support is vital in order to avoid the consequences of malnutrition or overfeeding. Nutritional requirements for severely burned children are often based on equations for estimates of REE. The accuracy of the predictive equations of REE has been questioned and many authors have advocated the measurement of REE. This study tests the hypothesis that estimates of REE vary significantly from measured REE (MREE) in a population of severely burned children, and are not accurate for determining nutritional requirements. Methods In 91 severely burned children aged between 3 and 18 years, REE was measured by indirect calorimetry (MREE) at the height of the hypermetabolic response and compared with predicted equations (PREE) from the Food and Agriculture/World Health Organization/United Nations University (FAO/WHO/UNU), Schofield- HW and Harris–Benedict. Agreement between indirect calorimetry and predicted equations was assessed following the Bland–Altman method. Results In the entire cohort group, predicted REE from all three equations were significantly lower compared to MREE ( p HW equation showed the lowest mean MREE–PREE difference: 635 ± 526 kcal/day (limits of agreement −608 and 1878 kcal/day; 95% confidence interval for the bias 525–745 kcal/day). Additionally, all three equations under predicted REE and were not significantly different from one another ( p = 0.98). Conclusions Until more accurate predicted equations are developed, we recommend indirect calorimetry measurements for determining resting energy expenditure in severely burned children.
Constraints on the use of polarization and angle-of-incidence to characterize surface photoreactions

Abstract It is demonstrated that for substrates with a large absolute value of the dielectric constant, comparison between surface photoreaction experiments and calculations of both the substrate absorption and the surface electric fields cannot distinguish between a substrate-mediated mechanism and a direct excitation mechanism characterized by a transition moment predominantly parallel to the surface. These two mechanisms cannot be distinguished since the rate for a direct excitation process is related to the incident-beam irradiance, while the rate for a substrate-mediated process is related to the irradiance intercepted by the surface.
Experiences with a continuing education seminar: “Computers for small business”

An ongoing, evening seminar concerning the selection and use of computers in small business is described. The factors affecting the attendee response to each of the four offerings and the course format as currently evolved are discussed.
Spaceborne Studies Of Ocean Circulation

The history and near-term future of ocean remote sensing to study ocean circulation are examined. Seasat provided the first-ever global data sets of sea surface topography (altimeter) and marine winds (scatterometer) and laid the foundation for the next generation of satellite missions planned for the late 1980s. The future missions are the next generation of altimeter and scatterometer to be flown aboard TOPEX (TOPography EXperiment) and NROSS (Navy Remote Sensing System), respectively. The data from these satellites will be coordinated with measurements made at sea to determine the driving forces of ocean circulation and to study the oceans' role in climate variability. The significance of such studies to such matters as climatic changes, fisheries, commerce, waste disposal, and national defense is noted.
The release of a neuroactive agent by the American cockroach after exposure to DDT or electrical stimulation.

A neuroactive substance is released into the blood of American cockroaches ( Periplaneta americana (L.)), during the course of DDT poisoning. The active principle is soluble in water, methanol, and ethanol, but insoluble in nonpolar solvents. Biological activity of the toxicant is destroyed by acetone and alkaline conditions. Although the chemical structure of the toxicant is unknown, it is chemically, chroinatographically, and biologically distinct from acetylcholine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, histamine, γ-aminobutyric acid and 5-hydroxytryptamine. A substance with the same biological, chromatographic, and chemical properties as the DDT-induced agent can be produced in cockroaches by repeated mild electrical shocks. Electrical stimulation of isolated thoracic and abdominal nerve cords also results in the release of the substance into the perfusing saline, as does topical application of DDT to the intactcerci of an isolated central nerve cord. The source of the toxicant is apparently the central nervous system itself during periods of great nervous activity, whether initiated by electrical stimulation or by constant bombardment of sensory-central synapses due to excessive afferent impulses generated in the sensory nerves by direct action of DDT.
ULTRASTRUCTURE AND TAXONOMIC POSITION OF THE RARE VOLVOCALEAN ALGA, CHLORCORONA BOHEMICA1

Chlorcorona bohemica (Fott) Fott was previously of uncertain taxonomic affinities. The cell to cell connections, which are one of the chief features of the colony, are composed of wall extensions from adjacent cells. The outgrowths are connected by a fine fibrous component extending from wall to wall. The structure of the wall itself and the cell to cell connections, are similar to those of Pyrobotrys, although the connections in the latter are not as elongated. In addition, the flagellar apparatus of Chlorocorona is very similar to the flagellar apparatus of Pyrobotrys, and unlike that in other Chlorophyceae examined. These features suggest that Chlorcorona is closely related to Pyrobotrys and should be referred to the family Spondylomoraceae.
Average Circumferential Pressure on Inclined Bodies of Revolution at Hypersonic Speed

the existence of a stability multiplier of the form (1 + qs\ q > 0 and stability can be proved with Popov-type nonlinearities. 2) Let ^S (^-rr/2) denote the strip on the co (p plane between the lines (p = 0 and (p = +n/2(-n/2). Only if either $ n ^g or $ n #° w/2 is nonnull for all co e [0, oo), then a stability multiplier of the RL or RC form is possible and stability of the system with monotone nonlinearities can be inferred by constructing this function. Average Circumferential Pressure on Inclined Bodies of Revolution at Hypersonic Speed
Crystal lattice effects on the orientation and orbital degeneracy of nitric oxide trapped in nitramine single crystals

The orientation, structure, and location of nitric oxide (NO) generated by low-temperature photolysis in single crystals of two nitramines, RDX and HNIW, have been investigated by EPR spectroscopy. Following low-temperature photolysis of single crystals of RDX and of the α- and /?-polymorphs of HNIW, various NO species were observed after annealing up to 300 K. The orientation and orbital degeneracy of NO trapped in crystal lattices of these nitramines were inferred from its g tensor. These data illustrate the use of NO as a probe of reaction-generated stress in single crystals. In addition, analyses of α- and β-HNIW crystal packing and of the orientation and structural differences of NO trapped therein, were used to locate the NO within the α-HNIW crystal lattice, where it is shown to be trapped in intermolecular cavities and to survive storage for over 2 years at ambient temperature.
Roosting Ecology of the Tent‐Roosting Bat Artibeus watsoni (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Southwestern Costa Rica1

We described the plants used as roost resources by Artibeus watsoni in southwestern Costa Rica, assessed roost fidelity, and compared roosting ecology between two sites, Golfito and Corcovado, which vary in the degree of human influence. A total of 349 tents from 25 different plant species were used by A. watsoni as roosts; some plant species (e.g., Carludovica palmata, Asplundia alata, Heliconia imbricata and Calathea lutea) were modified into tents with significantly higher frequency than others. The highest tents above the ground were observed in Philodendron popenoei and Rhodospatha wendlandii, whereas tents in Philodendron grandipes and A. alata were significantly lower than any other species. Asplundia alata and R. wendlandii also had the highest frequency of leaves modified per plant. Fidelity of bats to tents was low, although bats used several tents intermittently within a restricted area. Males generally were more faithful to tents than females, although not significantly so. This observation, along with indirect evidence of leaf modification, suggests that males are primarily responsible for tent construction. The two study sites differed in the plants used for roosting and in tent fidelity. Bats in Corcovado used a greater variety of plant species for tent roosting, whereas bats in Golfito were more faithful, suggesting that roosting resources were scarcer at the latter site.