cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Traversing and querying constraint driven temporal networks to estimate construction contingencies

Effective estimation of possible project futures is crucial to the success of construction projects. The focus of this paper is identifying and classifying possible construction crisis scenarios using an interactive simulation. We present a mathematical representation of construction processes, with foundations in temporal constraint networks, that can be used to infer alternative futures of a project as it unfolds. We present algorithms that can traverse the network in time, reason about the constraints driving the construction project, and present the combinatorial possibilities of futures that can emerge from one or more constraint violations during project implementation. The graphical depictions of the traversal results will aid construction managers in anticipating and reacting to crisis scenarios as they evolve in time. We present a case study and illustrate how the proposed algorithms can be used to represent and model uncertainty and estimate contingencies in construction projects. This research is part of a broader framework that integrates construction education, the study of expert decision making, and intelligent decision making aids.
The production and secretion of cortisol by baboon neonates.

The metabolic clearance rate (MCR), transfer constants (p), production (PR) and secretion (SR) rates of cortisol (F) andrortisone (E) were determined by the continuous infusion of {1,23H}F and {4-14C}E into 5 neonates delivered prior to the parturition by cesarean section (164–179 days; term = 184 days) and into 5 newborns delivered spontaneously per vagina at term (166 – 187 days). In spontaneously delivered animals, MCR-E (X ± SE, 34.3 ± 7.0 1/day/kg was greater (P < 0.001) than MCR-F (14.9 ± 1.5 1/day/kg), pF to E (59.7 ± 8.9%) exceeded (P < 0.001) pE to F (17.8 ± 3.0%) and the percentage of F bound to serum proteins other than albumin (57.5 ± 6.2) was greater (P < 0.001) than that of E (27.0 ± 10.3) Although the serum E level (25.6 ± 3.6 μg/100 ml) was similar to that of F (33.5 ± 8.0 μg/100 ml), the PR-E (6.4 ± 1.3 μ/min/kg) was greater (P < 0.001) than PR-F (3.3 ± 0.5 μ/min/kg). Approximately eighty-five percent of the E and 65% of the F produced orginated by secretion. In animals delivered by cesarean section, the serum F concentration (32.4 ± 6.7 μ/100ml), pE to F (13.4 ± 2.8%) pF to E (80.0 ± 12.2%) PR-E (4.5 ± 0.2 μ/min/kg) and SR-E (3.9 ± 0.3 μ/min/kg) were not different from values for spontaneously delivered animals. Serum E levels (35.9 ± 1.6 μ/100 ml) were higher but MCR-F (6.7 ± 0.6 1/day/kg) and MCR-E (18.2 ± 0.41/day/kg) lower in neonates delivered by cesarean section. Serum Cortisol binding capacity (μg F bound/100 ml) was greater (P < 0.025) in neonates delivered by cesarean section (23.6 ± 2.6) than in spontaneously delivered animals (14.4 ± 2.0). As a result of these changes in F and E dynamics, PR-F (1.4 ± 0.3 μ/min/kg) and SR-F (0.9 ± 0.2 μ/min/kg) in neonates delivered by cesarean section were lower (P< 0.01) than corresponding values in spontaneously delivered newborns. It is concluded that the greater F secretion in animals delivered spontaneously than those delivered by cesarean section probably results from increased fetal adrenal 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase activity, which as previously reported, occurs in late gestation in this species.
Long-distance mutual exclusion for planning

Mutual exclusion (mutex) is a powerful mechanism for search space pruning in planning. However, a serious limitation of mutex is that it cannot specify constraints relating actions and facts across different time steps. In this paper, we propose a new class of mutual exclusions that significantly generalizes mutex and can be efficiently computed. The proposed long-distance mutual exclusion (londex) can capture constraints over actions and facts not only at the same time step but also across multiple steps. As a generalization, londex is much stronger than mutex, and provides a general and effective tool for developing efficient planners. We propose two levels of londex. The first level, londex"1, is derived from individual domain transition graphs (DTGs), and the second level, londex"m, is derived from multiple DTGs by taking into account the interactions among them. Londex constraints provide stronger pruning power but also require a large amount of memory. To address the memory problem, we further develop a virtual realization mechanism in which only a small proportion of londex constraints are dynamically generated as needed during the search. This scheme can save a huge amount of memory without sacrificing the pruning power of londex. For evaluation purposes, we incorporate londex into SATPlan04 and SATPlan06, two efficient SAT-based planners. Our experimental results show that londex"m can significantly improve over londex"1 since the former exploits causal dependencies among DTGs. Our experimental results for various planning domains also show significant advantages of using londex constraints for reducing planning time.
Short wavelength (/spl lambda//spl sim/4.3 /spl mu/m) high-performance continuous-wave quantum-cascade lasers

We report continuous-wave (CW) operation of a 4.3-/spl mu/m quantum-cascade laser from 80 K to 313 K. For a high-reflectivity-coated 11-/spl mu/m-wide and 4-mm-long laser, CW output powers of 1.34 W at 80 K and 26 mW at 313 K are achieved. At 298 K, the CW threshold current density of 1.5 kA/cm/sup 2/ is observed with a CW output power of 166 mW and maximum wall-plug efficiency of 1.47%. The CW emission wavelength varies from 4.15 /spl mu/m at 80 K to 4.34 /spl mu/m at 298 K, corresponding to a temperature-tuning rate of 0.87 nm/K. The beam full-width at half-maximum values for the parallel and the perpendicular far-field patterns are 26/spl deg/ and 49/spl deg/ in CW mode, respectively.
Heavy metal content in the sediments of the southern part of the coeur d'Alene Lake

Abstract Sediment samples were collected in the southern part of the Coeur d'Alene lake in Northern Idaho, USA. They were analysed for heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cu) using atomic absorption spectroscopy. A survey of heavy metal concentration in the sediments was carried out in order to estimate the extent and degree of heavy metal contamination in the southern part of the Coeur d'Alene lake.
Characterization of a Diamine Exporter in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells and Identification of Specific Polyamine Substrates

Export of the diamine putrescine was studied using inside-out plasma membrane vesicles prepared from Chinese hamster cells. Putrescine uptake into vesicles was a saturable and an ATP- and antizyme-independent process. Excess amounts of a series of diamines or monoacetyl spermidine, but not monoacetyl putrescine, spermidine, or spermine, inhibited putrescine transport. Putrescine uptake into vesicles prepared at pH 7.4 was suppressed at pH 5, compared with pH 7.4; was stimulated approximately 2.5-fold at pH 7.4 in vesicles prepared at pH 6.25, compared with vesicles prepared at pH 7.4; and was not inhibited by valinomycin in the presence of potassium ions. Reserpine and verapamil blocked [3H]putrescine uptake into inverted vesicles. Verapamil treatment caused an increase in intracellular contents of putrescine, cadaverine, and N8-acetylspermidine, in unstressed proliferating cells, or of N1-acetylspermidine, in cells subjected to heat shock to induce acetylation of spermidine at N1. These data indicate that putrescine export in Chinese hamster cells is mediated by a non-electrogenic antiporter capable of using protons as the counter ion. Physiological substrates for this exporter include putrescine, cadaverine, and monoacetyl spermidine and have the general structure NH3+-(CH2)n-NH2 + R at acidic or neutral pH.
Urinary biomarkers for prostate cancer.

Purpose of review The field of urology has been beset by several major trends that have affected the early detection of prostate cancer. These stem primarily from a backlash against overdiagnosis due to PSA based screening efforts, and are epitomized by the US Preventative Services Task Force giving PSA-based prostate cancer screening a ‘D’ recommendation. Consequently, the active surveillance strategy for low risk prostate cancer has become commonplace, leading many to ask how best to follow these patients. More importantly, this public outcry has shifted the focus of early detection from an effort to diagnose any and all prostate cancers to an effort to diagnose only ‘high-risk’ cancer. Along with a trend for minimally invasive procedures, these forces have challenged the early detection field to more efficiently identify clinically significant prostate cancers at an early stage while limiting the number of biopsies.
Nifedipine-associated acute psychosis

A 84-year-old man was given nifedipine for control of angina pectoris. Acute psychosis with paranoid ideation developed soon after he began receiving the medication. All symptoms resolved with discontinuation of nifedipine. This is the second reported case of nifedipine-associated acute psychosis. Alternations in calcium-mediated neurotransmitter release, particularly dopamine, may be responsible. Clinicians should consider nifedipine when presented with a patient with acute psychosis.
Simultaneous measurements of prostacyclin and thromboxane metabolites during the menstrual cycle.

Abstract The balance between prostacyclin and thromboxane is known to be important for reproductive and cardiovascular health but has been difficult to quantify. Whereas their stable urinary metabolites, 6-keto-prostagland in F1&#x0026;#x0026;#x03B1; and thromboxane B 2 , may reflect in part systemic changes, it has been suggested that 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1α, and 11-dehydro-thromboxane B 2 more adequately reflect systemic production. Therefore we report for the first time the simultaneous measurements of 6-keto-prostagland in 2 thromboxane B 2 , 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostagland in F1α and 11-dehydro-thromboxane B 2 during the menstrual cycle. Timed urine collections were obtained from 18 ovulatory women, aged 22 to 40, during the midfollicular and midluteal phases. Serum estradiol, progesterone, urinary pregnanediol glucuronide, estrone glucuronide, and creatinine also were measured. Prostanoid extraction from urine by C 18 and silica Bond Elut columns were then separated by high-performance liquid chromatography before radioimmunoassay. Concentrations of all urinary prostanoids were not significantly different in the follicular phase when compared with the luteal phase. A positive correlation of borderline significance was noted between luteal thromboxane B 2 and pregnanediol glucuronide (r = 0.70) and between luteal estrone glucuronide and 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostagland in F1α (r = 0.68). A significant correlation was found between follicular estrone glucuronide and the 6-keto-prostagland in F1α/ 11-dehydro-thromboxane B 2 ratio (r = 0.83, p
Analytical Tools for Loop Detectors and Traffic Monitoring Systems

This paper presents two useful analytical tools developed in the course of evaluating the performance of a freeway management system (FMS). The first calibrates speed measurements from loop detectors using only data reported from a given detector and the assumed free flow speed, e.g., the posted speed limit. The approach finds a correction that sets the daily median speed to the expected free flow value, and it proved able to correct for changing performance over time even in the presence of noisy measurements. The results at both dual-loop and single-loop detectors are evaluated using a GPS equipped probe vehicle. The second tool is conceptually similar to the first, using the weekday median value from each week to present clearly on a single plot the time-series evolution over several years of delay, volume, or other system performance measures. Without this weekly median, typical daily variability makes it difficult to present in a single plot the trends over more than a few weeks.
Recalibration and predictive reliability of a solute-transport model of an irrigated stream-aquifer system

Abstract A solute-transport model of an irrigated stream-aquifer system was recalibrated because of discrepancies between prior predictions of ground-water salinity trends during 1971–1982 and the observed outcome in February 1982. The original model was calibrated with a 1-year record of data collected during 1971–1972 in an 18-km reach of the Arkansas River Valley in southeastern Colorado. The model is improved by incorporating additional hydrologic processes (salt transport through the unsaturated zone) and through reexamination of the reliability of some input data (regression relationship used to estimate salinity from specific conductance data). Extended simulations using the recalibrated model are made to investigate the usefulness of the model for predicting long-term trends of salinity and water levels within the study area. Predicted ground-water levels during 1971–1982 are in good agreement with the observed, indicating that the original 1971–1972 study period was sufficient to calibrate the flow model. However, long-term simulations using the recalibrated model based on recycling the 1971–1972 data alone yield an average ground-water salinity for 1982 that is too low by about 10%. Simulations that incorporate observed surface-water salinity variations yield better results, in that the calculated average ground-water salinity for 1982 is within 3% of the observed value. Statistical analysis of temporal salinity variations of the applied surface water indicates that at least a 4-year sampling period is needed to accurately calibrate the transport model.
MDM2 antagonism by nutlin-3 induces death in human medulloblastoma cells

A critical component of the cellular stress response, the p53 tumor suppressor protein must be functional for many cancer therapies to be effective. Adjuvant therapies that augment p53 function are predicted to sensitize tumor cells to cancer therapies that rely upon p53 for their efficacy. Of those strategies currently being explored to enhance p53 function, inhibition of the ubiquitin ligase, MDM2, a negative regulator of p53, has shown promise. Here, we investigated whether MDM2 antagonism might be effective in inducing cell death in human medulloblastoma (MB) cells. Nutlin-3, a small-molecule inhibitor of MDM2, potently induced apoptosis in MB cells with wild-type TP53. Moreover, nutlin-3 potentiated p53 activation and growth impairment of MB cells in combination with the classic DNA-damaging agent doxorubicin. Together, these results support the concept that MDM2 antagonists may be therapeutically beneficial for patients with MB tumors.
Coordinate transformations between sensor and observed vehicle

Transformations are provided for obtaining the orientation of an observed vehicle in the real world coordinate system from the relative orientation data provided by the image analysis system. This ...
Growth Hormone Aggravates Glomerular Sclerosis in the Remnant Kidney of 5/6 Nephrectomized Uremic Rats

Our study evaluated the influence of short-term growth hormone treatment on the remnant kidney in 5/6 nephrectomized uremic rats Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: sham-operated control rats (SC, n=4); sham-operated rats treated with recombinant human growth hormone (SGH, n=4); uremic (5/6 nephrectomized) control rats (UrC, n=6); and uremic rats treated with recombinant human growth hormone (UrGH, n=6). Total food intake, food efficiency, average daily food intake per 100 g body weight, weight gain, increase in body length, creatinine clearance, and kidney weight per 100 g body weight were measured. Glomerular tuft area was determined, and the severity of glomerular sclerosis was scored. Insulin-like growth factor-I was localized in the kidneys by immunostaining. Weight gain, increase in body length, food efficiency, and food intake per unit body weight were greatest in the SGH group; in UrGH animals, food efficiency and food intake per unit body weight were significantly higher than those in UrC rats. Creatinine clearance in uremic rats was significantly reduced compared with that in sham-operated animals. There was no difference in the ratio of kidney weight to body weight among the groups. The average glomerular area was greatest, and the glomerular sclerosis index was highest, in the UrGH group. No insulin-like growth factor-I could be identified in the glomeruli. Growth-hormone treatment augmented daily food intake, and the more rapid progression to glomerular sclerosis in hormone-treated uremic rats is probably due mainly to increased daily protein intake.
The fetal spine

Ultrasonography has made it possible to evaluate the fetal spine in utero. Vertebral ossifications are demonstrable by ultrasonography in the early second trimester. Most spinal defects are apparent by 20–22 weeks menstrual age. Early detection of spinal anomalies allows for parental counseling and appropriate obstetrical management. Realtime equipment allows the fetal spine to be examined in parasagittal, transverse and coronal planes. The transverse plane provides the best view of the three ossification centers that form each fetal vertebra. Evaluation of the neural arch ossifications in the transverse view is crucial in detecting spina bifida defects. Ultrasonography of the fetal spine complements the use of alpha-fetoprotein levels in screening for neural tube defects. Examination of the fetal spine is also important in detecting vertebral ossification defects, particularly in cases of short-limbed dwarfs and infants of diabetic mothers.
Comparisons of soil test phosphorus by Olsen, Bray P1, Mehlich I and Mehlich III methods

Abstract A study was undertaken to evaluate the agreement among different university laboratories performing the Olsen, Bray P1, and Mehlich I tests for P on a diverse group of noncalcareous agricultural soils and to develop relationships among the Olsen, Bray P1, Mehlich I, and Mehlich III soil tests. For each test, the results from the individual laboratories were highly correlated (r2 ≥ 0.90) and in almost all instances the slopes of the equations describing the relationships among laboratories approached one, The results indicate that the Olsen, Bray P1 and Mehlich I soil tests may be performed with a high degree of precision when standard soil test procedures are followed. Of the three most commonly performed tests in the U.S. (Olsen, Bray P1, and Mehlich I), the Olsen and Mehlich I tests were the most highly correlated (r2 = 0.87) although the Mehlich I test removed approximately one and one half times more P than did the Olsen test. Bray P1 and Olsen and Mehlich I P were less highly correlated (r2 ...
Co-Polymerization of Maleimides and Vinyl Ethers: A Structural Study

We report on the thermally-induced and photoinduced polymerization of the electron-donating divinyl ether di(4-vinyloxybutyl)succinate (DVBS) and the electron accepting 1,5-bis(maleimido)-2-methylpentane (BMMP) and their monofunctional analogues, dodecylvinyl ether (DDVE), N-methylmaleimide (NMM), and N-phenylmaleimide (NPM). We focus on the stoichiometry of the monomer constituents consumed in the polymerization and the structural identity and bonding configuration(s) of the polymer products. For both BMMP−DVBS and NMM−DDVE, FTIR and 1H NMR data indicate 1:1 stoichiometry for the resulting polymer. For both systems, the polymers are of the alternating donor and acceptor form (DA)n. This result holds for both photoinduced and thermally induced reactions. Structural NMR studies of polymers synthesized from both mono- and difunctional monomers indicate the presence of both cis and trans conformers of the acceptor at the D−A bond. This finding indicates that thermodynamic factors alone are not sufficient to ...
Concept of operations for knowledge discovery from Big Data across enterprise data warehouses

The success of data-driven business in government, science, and private industry is driving the need for seamless integration of intra and inter-enterprise data sources to extract knowledge nuggets in the form of correlations, trends, patterns and behaviors previously not discovered due to physical and logical separation of datasets. Today, as volume, velocity, variety and complexity of enterprise data keeps increasing, the next generation analysts are facing several challenges in the knowledge extraction process. Towards addressing these challenges, data-driven organizations that rely on the success of their analysts have to make investment decisions for sustainable data/information systems and knowledge discovery. Options that organizations are considering are newer storage/analysis architectures, better analysis machines, redesigned analysis algorithms, collaborative knowledge management tools, and query builders amongst many others. In this paper, we present a concept of operations for enabling knowledge discovery that data-driven organizations can leverage towards making their investment decisions. We base our recommendations on the experience gained from integrating multi-agency enterprise data warehouses at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to design the foundation of future knowledge nurturing data-system architectures.
A simple method for determining KAs of both low and high affinity IgG antibodies

Abstract A rapid and convenient method for measuring affinity constants ( K A ) of IgG antibody–hapten complexes is described. A key advantage of this method is its suitability for quantification of both low and high affinity interactions. A comparison is made of the K A s of the low affinity anti-phosphocholine (PC) antibody T15 ( K A =2.9×10 5 M −1 ) and five heavy chain complementarity determining region 2 (HCDR2) mutant antibodies expressed as IgG2b transfectants. As a demonstration of the general applicability of the technique, colchicine binding to the high affinity monoclonal IgG2a antibody C44 ( K A =1.5×10 9 M −1 ) is measured also; thus the assay is applicable over a four-log range of affinities. The assay, based upon use of fixed Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I strain cells as an adsorbent for antibody-radiolabeled antigen complexes, is conducted over a range of hapten concentrations at constant antibody concentration. The K A is obtained by Scatchard analysis.
Eigenvalue problem for symmetric 3×3 octonionic matrix

The eigenvalue problem of symmetric 3×3 octonionic matrix has been analyzed. We have especially proved explicitly first that octonionic eigenfunctions have six independent solutions in general with four degeneracy each, and second that for different eigenvalues they satisfy a cubic orthogonality relation under some conditions, which has been previously discovered by Dray and Manogue by computer use. For these, the close relationship between the octonion algebra and a Clifford algebra plays a significant role.
The semicrystalline morphology of aliphatic-aromatic polyamide blends

Abstract The morphology of a series of melt-miscible blends based on the combination of (crystalline) polyamide (PA) 4,6 and (amorphous) PA 6I has been investigated as a function of blend composition and thermal history. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) was used to determine the unit cell structure and crystallinity index in PA 4,6 and the blends: the introduction of PA 6I resulted in no change in unit cell parameters and a monotonic decrease in bulk crystallinity. Dynamic mechanical studies revealed the coexistence of two amorphous phases in the crystallized blends: a mixed phase held between the crystal lamellae (interlamellar) and a PA 6I-rich phase excluded to interfibrillar and interspherulitic regions. There was no evidence of a separate crystal–amorphous interphase layer comprised of pure PA 4,6. Transamidation reactions over longer melt times led to the apparent homogenization of the two amorphous populations owing to the formation of increasingly random copolymers.
Adjuvant therapy for breast cancer with positive axillary nodes designed according to estrogen receptor status.

Abstract This is a preliminary report of the Southwest Oncology Group—Adjuvant Therapy in Operative Breast Cancer with Positive Axillary Nodes—in which therapy is randomized by estrogen receptor (ER) data. ER- patients receive either 1 or 2 years of CMFVP. The ER+ group receive CMFVP for 1 year and/or hormonal therapy. ER+ patients have a significant longer disease-free interval compared to ER — patients ( P = 0.004). There was no significant difference in disease-free interval for ER — patients who receive either 1 or 2 years of CMFVP. The data for ER+ patients is too preliminary to report for disease-free or total survival. Toxicity is acceptable because of frequent monitoring and examinations which results in the low percentage of life-threatening toxicity.
Evaluation of thallium-201 imaging in nontransmural ischemia and infarction

To assess the validity of thallium-201 myocardial imaging in the diagnosis of nontransmural ischemia and infarction, the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery was partially occluded for 60 minutes with a balloon-tip catheter in intact anesthetized dogs in a basal state or during atrial pacing. In vivo scintigrams of myocardium were compared with those obtained in the isolated heart and in the incised ventricle spread flat. None of the animals with partial occlusion with or without pacing demonstrated abnormal scintiscans in vivo. Removal of background by isolating the heart increased positive images to 30%; positive images were associated with an isotope count ratio between ischemic and normal muscle of less than 0.67. Removal of superimposed nonischemic muscle in the heart enface increased image detection after pacing to 11 of 15. Since animals with subendocardial scar failed to demonstrate a cold area in vivo, unfavorable geometry as well as extent and degree of ischemia appear to be important. Thus, thallium radioactivity in superimposed and adjacent myocardium, as well as background, may limit the detection of nontransmural ischemia and scar.
Male-specific SRY and ZFY haplotypes in US beef cattle.

Examines the male-specific sex-determining region of the Y-chromosome (SRY) and zinc finger Y-linked gene haplotypes in beef cattle. Performance of mapping of the SRY gene; Analysis of the genomic DNA; Description of the polymerase chain reaction in the study.
Development of 19 microsatellite loci for Swainson's hawks (Buteo swainsoni) and other buteos

We developed 26 Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) microsatellite primers from CA, AAT, CATC and GAGAA enriched genomic libraries. Primers were tested in 357 Swainson’s hawks from western North America as well as seven other Buteo species. These markers will have broad application in investigations of Buteo population structure and genetic diversity.
On the Interpretation of Terrorist Violence: ETA and the Basque Political Process

Political violence, labeled loosely as “terrorism,” is a seemingly ubiquitous factor in twentieth-century world politics. Coping with it has become a major preoccupation of governments and is the object of considerable international cooperation among them. The purpose of this paper is to examine the case of ETA (Euskadi ta Askatasuna or Basque Country and Freedom) within the Basque nationalist movement in order to underscore several of the conceptual weaknesses in the literature on terrorism while also suggesting avenues for future research.
FDG-PET lymph node staging and survival of patients with FIGO stage IIIb cervical carcinoma

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the outcome of patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) clinical Stage IIIb cervical carcinoma as a function of site of initial regional lymph node metastasis as detected by 2[ 18 F]fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET). Methods and materials Forty-seven patients with FIGO Stage IIIb cervical cancer were evaluated before therapy with whole-body FDG-PET. Most patients were treated with external beam irradiation, intracavitary brachytherapy, and weekly cisplatin for six cycles. Overall and cause-specific survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The pretreatment whole-body FDG-PET demonstrated that all patients had FDG uptake in the cervix. Of 47 patients, 13 (28%) had no evidence of lymph node metastasis, 20 (43%) had metastasis to pelvic lymph nodes only, 7 (15%) had pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastases, and 7 (15%) had metastases to pelvic, para-aortic, and supraclavicular lymph nodes. The 3-year estimate of cause-specific survival was 73% for those with no lymph node metastasis, 58% for those with only pelvic lymph node metastasis, 29% for those with pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastases, and 0% for those with pelvic, para-aortic, and supraclavicular lymph node metastasis ( p = 0.0005). Conclusion The cause-specific survival for patients with FIGO Stage IIIb carcinoma is highly dependent on the extent of lymph node metastasis as demonstrated by whole-body FDG-PET.
Evaluation of characteristics associated with acute splenitis (septic spleen) as markers of systemic infection.

Abstract Context.—Acute splenitis, also known as acute splenic tumor or septic spleen, is loosely defined as a neutrophilic infiltrate and congestion within the red pulp accompanied by splenomegaly. Standard pathology texts state that the histologic finding of acute splenitis is reflective of septic states. However, this association has seldom been tested in the medical literature. Objective.—The purpose of this study was to determine if sepsis can be predicted by the presence of quantitative characteristics used to identify acute splenitis. Methods.—The postmortem splenic tissue of 20 clinically diagnosed cases of sepsis and 20 noninfectious control cases were retrospectively examined in a blinded fashion for amount of neutrophilic infiltration, weight (obtained from autopsy report), and presence of congestion. Results.—No significant correlation could be found between the parameters of neutrophilic infiltrate or splenic weight and clinically diagnosed septicemia. The presence of splenic congestion was u...
An experimental investigation into strain distribution in 2D and 3D textile composites

Analytical models for textile materials are typically unit cell abstractions, which are incapable of assessing the effects of common fiber architecture defects. Experimental characterization of common defects is thought to be a way to assess the relative importance of a feature for inclusion in more complex analytical models. This paper addresses moire interferometry experiments on idealized textile samples of decreasing abstraction (increasing reality of local features). Since interferometry measures displacements (strains) at a free surface, one must be careful to separate the effects due to textile architecture from those due to free-edge effects. Moire interferometry techniques are shown to be ineffective for testing edges (surfaces which include interlaminar boundaries) of most real-world (non-idealized) textiles due to the inability to characterize the mechanical response due to local variations in microstructure. Thus, there is a need for fabricating samples of a very idealized nature.
Compatibility in insect tissue transplantations. I. Ovarian transplantations and hybrid formation between Drosophila species endemic to Hawaii.

Interspecific larval ovarian transplantation between Drosophila species endemic to Hawaii revealed a remarkable uniformity of the internal environment among species of the picture-winged group, in contrast to the high diversity observed for the mainland species. Various expressions of incompatibility were observed which were far less pronounced than in the case of the mainland species. The suitability of host environment for ovarian growth appears to be correlated with the rapid evolution of the group. The potentiality for gene exchange between species highly diversified morphologically and normally not interbreeding confirms the significance of ethological isolation in preventing species hybridization and indicates the conservative diversity in the genetic architecture of the picture-winged species. The degree of chromosomal asynapsis observed in the hybrids between homosequential species could suggest the existence of differences in the fine structure of chromosomes. It further indicates the significance of point mutation in Hawaiian Drosophila speciation.
A Pilot Study of the Relation between Humor Styles and the Past-Positive and Past-Negative Time Perspectives:

Summary.—Those who use self-enhancing and affiliative humor styles tend to recall positive experiences with their parents and primary caretakers, whereas those who use the self-defeating humor style tend to recall negative experiences with them. Considering the importance of experiences with parents and primary caretakers for life satisfaction and happiness, it was hypothesized that the affiliative and self-enhancing humor styles would be positively correlated with past-positive experiences and negatively correlated with past-negative experiences, and that the self-defeating humor style would be positively correlated with past-negative experiences and negatively correlated with past-positive experiences. The Humor Styles Questionnaire and the Past-Positive and Past-Negative subscales of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory were administered to 114 undergraduates. The hypotheses were partially supported despite the retrospective nature of the Past-Positive and Past-Negative Subscales and the correlation...
The fixed point property for ordered sets

An ordered set P has the fixed point property iff every order-preserving self-map of P has a fixed point. This paper traces the chronological development of research on this property, including most recent developments and open questions. Open image in new window
Correlation between inversion layer mobility and surface roughness measured by AFM

The correlation between inversion layer mobility of MOSFET's and surface micro-roughness of the channel has been studied using split CV measurements and AFM analysis. The mobility at high normal field decreases with increasing the surface roughness over a wide range of roughness from 0.3 nm to 4.3 nm (RMS). The trend is the same even for very thin gate oxides down to 3 nm. Careful AFM measurements are used to show that the gate oxide thickness doesn't affect the surface roughness, supporting the independence of mobility on the gate oxide thickness.
Detection of flunixin in greyhound urine by a kinetic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

A two-step kinetic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed to detect the presence of flunixin in the urine of greyhound dogs. The assay system was developed using polyclonal antiflunixin antisera, a rabbit albumin-flunixin conjugate adsorbed onto polystyrene microtiter strips, and flunixin reference standards for calibration. The parameters were optimized and the performance characteristics were determined. The quantitative intra- and inter-run precisions (%CV) of the analysis of replicate (n -- 10) flunixin-spiked urine samples were 9.9-12.5% and 10.2-13.6%, respectively. The linear dynamic range was 1-100 ng/mL, and the quantitative accuracy, as determined by calculation of percent error of measured flunixin in flunixin-spiked drug-free greyhound urine, was -16% to +14% over this range. The 150 of the ELISA was 17.3 ng/mL. The limit of detection was 25 ng/mL in greyhound urine. The reactivity in the assay system relative to flunixin (100%) was 147% for flunixin glucuronide, 25% for clonixin, and 5% for niflumic acid. The ELISA was capable of detecting total flunixin for up to 72 h in dogs administered flunixin at 0.55 mg/kg orally and up to 96 h in a dog that was administered flunixin at 1.0 mg/kg orally.
Experimental Lyme Arthritis in the Absence of Interleukin-4 or Gamma Interferon

Genetic resistance and susceptibility to experimental Lyme arthritis have been linked with the production of interleukin-4 (IL-4) or gamma interferon (IFN-γ), respectively. To determine the absolute requirement for these cytokines in disease outcome, we compared arthritis development in wild-type, IL-4-deficient (IL-4°), and IFN-γ-deficient (IFN-γ°) mice. While susceptible C3H mice developed swelling of ankle joints during the second week of infection, this swelling was exacerbated in C3H IFN-γ° mice. Their arthritis severity scores at day 21, however, were similar. Resolution of arthritis was also similar between C3H and C3H IFN-γ° mice. Arthritis-resistant DBA mice did not develop ankle swelling during the experimental period. There were no differences in ankle swelling or arthritis severity scores between control DBA mice and DBA IL-4° mice at any of the time points tested. While the presence of spirochetes in various tissues was similar among all strains at day 21, DBA IL-4° mice had a higher presence of spirochetes in blood, heart, and spleen than the DBA, C3H, and C3H IFN-γ° mice did at day 60. DBA IL-4° mice also had impaired ability to produce Borrelia-specific antibody responses, especially immunoglobulin G1. Thus, while IFN-γ and IL-4 are not absolutely required for arthritis susceptibility or resistance, the production of IL-4 does appear to play an important role in Borrelia-specific antibody production and spirochete clearance.
Oxidative stress in obstructive sleep apnoea

Aims Any sustained elevation of oxidative stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) might help explain their increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. We tested the hypothesis that measures of oxidative stress are increased in otherwise healthy subjects with OSA when compared to closely matched OSA-free control subjects. Methods and results Plasma indices of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation [thiobarbituric acidreactive substances (TBARS), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), isoprostanes] were measured in 41 moderatesevere OSA males without other diseases and in 35 matched controls first before sleep, then after 4 h of untreated OSA, and again in the morning after 4 h of effective treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Plasma levels of oxLDL, TBARS, and isoprostanes in OSA patients (n ¼ 34, 26, 17, respectively) were comparable to the controls (n ¼ 28, 27, 15 for the three markers, respectively). Neither untreated OSA nor CPAP treatment nor normal sleep affected levels of any of the three measures of oxidative stress. There was no association between the severity of sleep apnoea and any measure of oxidative stress. Conclusion Otherwise healthy OSA patients, without any other co-morbidities, do not manifest evidence for higher oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Thus, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation do not appear to be key mediators of increased cardiovascular disease in OSA patients.
Classic conditioning and placebo effects in crossover studies.

Objective: To find evidence of classically conditioned placebo effects in a placebo-controlled crossover drug study. Specifically, we tested a prediction of the conditioning model that the placebo response will be greater after drug exposure than before. Methods: Twenty-four patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension and no contraindications to atenolol participated in the study. The study design required randomized assignment to one of three groups: placebo followed by 50 mg atenolol daily, followed by no treatment, each for 1 week; atenolol followed by placebo; and atenolol followed by nothing (to show residual drug effects). Twice-daily blood pressure measurements were made by patients at home; once-weekly measurements of blood pressure and heart rate were made by a research nurse. Results: Before drug treatment, there were no differences in the antihypertensive responses of patients taking placebo and patients taking nothing (difference, 0.98 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, −0.98 to 2.93). After atenolol treatment, placebo treatment produced a significantly greater antihypertensive response than no treatment (difference, −6.09 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, −11.81 to −0.38). Thus the placebo response after atenolol administration was more than a residual drug effect. Similar patterns were observed for heart rate but not for blood pressure readings taken in the office. Conclusions: These observations are consistent with a conditioning model of placebo effects. These findings warrant further investigation in larger studies and in other disease models. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1992) 52, 372–377; doi:10.1038/clpt.1992.157
Color Matching and Color Naming: A Response to Roberts and Schmidtke

In their article ‘In defense of incompatibility, objectivism, and veridicality about color’ P. Roberts and K. Schmidtke offer the results of an experiment supposed to show that if selection of colored samples representing unique hues for subjects (naming) has a greater inter-subject variability than identification of sample pairs with no perceptual difference between them (matching) the result provides support for the philosophical concept of color realism. On examining the results in detail, we find that, according to standard statistical methodology, the relative magnitude of inter-subject variability in the matching experiment is for both tested colors larger than that in the naming experiment, thus invalidating their claims. In addition, we point out several serious shortcomings in the experiment.
Multiply infected vectors.

Wielinga et al. (10) provide an important reminder that ticks and other insect vectors are sometimes microbial “zoos” rather than single-pathogen vehicles. A single tick may simultaneously transmit Borrelia and Babesia species (7) or, perhaps, coinfect humans with Borrelia, Babesia, and Ehrlichia species (1, 3). Wielinga et al. report that the frequency of Ixodes ricinus ticks coinfected with Borrelia and Ehrlichia or Anaplasma species is higher than would be expected on the basis of independence between the pathogens, that this frequency increases with tick age, and that the degree of the statistical surplus of coinfections varies with habitat type. Given that the striking surpluses over the 2 to 3 years in the park, forest, and heather habitats (P 0.1), might these differences between the habitats have been mediated by differences between the years in the age structures of the tick populations in the field or the assay samples? Since an individual vector rarely clears an infection, infections accumulate with age, and in a vector population, frequencies of multiply infected vectors typically track seasonal and other environmental influences on age structure (4, 5). Wielinga et al. also point out that pathogens sharing a vector may interact within that vector. Among mosquito-borne pathogens, for instance, transmission of the Rift Valley fever and eastern equine encephalitis viruses by Aedes mosquitos coinfected with Brugia species is enhanced (8, 9); Plasmodium and Wuchereria species coinfect Anopheles punctulatus at higher-than-expected frequencies (2) but suppress each other's devel-opment in Anopheles gambiae (6). Wielinga et al. have drawn attention to an important but neglected set of topics for research, the results of which should improve our understanding and control of vector-borne diseases.
The Spanish Dollar: The World's Most Famous Silver Coin

“Pieces of eight, pieces of eight!” screamed Captain Flint's parrot in Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. Yet, how many of us, who as youngsters dreamed over that tale of adventure, realized that the bird spoke the correct name for what our American and English forefathers called the Spanish dollar?
Determining distance relay Zone-1 reach settings to prevent CCVT transient overreach

This paper presents the results of a study on determining Zone-1 reach settings for transmission line distance relays to prevent overreach resulting from coupling capacitor voltage transformer (CCVT) transients. In particular, this study focused on digital distance relays and determining appropriate relay reach settings to account for the effects of CCVT transients during faults for CCVTs with active ferroresonant suppression circuits. The results of the study presented herein are based on EMTP simulations that were validated by actual relay tests.
Composition, Cooking Loss, Color and Compression of Ground Pork with Dry‐ and Wet‐Milled Corn Germ Meals

Dry- and wet-milled corn germ flour at levels of 0, 2.5 and 5% were added to ground pork of three fat percentages. Raw patties were analyzed for fat, moisture and protein contents and for color. Selected patties, broiled to 77°C, were evaluated for proximate composition, total cooking loss, color and Instron compression. Dry- and wet-milled germ flour addition at the 5% level decreased cooking losses 9 and 7.5%, respectively, when compared with control patties. Instron compression values decreased as the amount of dry-milled germ flour increased. The yellow color (b-value) increased and lightness (L-value) decreased with addition of wet-milled corn germ flour.
The Effect of Words and Actions on American Children's Prosocial Behavior

Summary Fifty-four kindergarten and 54 sixth grade children participated in an investigation of the relative effects of a model's behavior and verbal exhortations on generosity. Following exposure to the model, the children won a nominal, fixed amount of money while playing a game and were given the opportunity to donate to charity. The results indicated that the older children exhibited a higher level of generosity than the young children. The children's generosity was not significantly affected by the model's exhortations or behaviors.
Clinical characteristics of patients with an abnormal clomiphene citrate challenge test.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to identify the clinical characteristics associated with an abnormal clomiphene citrate challenge (CC) test. STUDY DESIGN: The medical records of 123 women seen in a referral-based infertility practice who had a CC test as part of their infertility workup were reviewed. Eighty-five patients had a normal CC test and 38 patients had an abnormal test. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Women with abnormal CC tests were significantly older, had a lower mean body mass index, family history of early menopause, and shorter cycle intervals. Patients with an abnormal CC test had a pregnancy rate significantly lower than other women in this case series. CONCLUSION: Increased age, lower body mass index, shorter cycle intervals, lower cycle day 21 progesterone levels, and decreased pregnancy rates are associated with an abnormal CC test. Women with an abnormal CC test also tended to have a familial history of early menopause.
Near-Optimal Solutions and Large Integrality Gaps for Almost All Instances of Single-Machine Precedence-Constrained Scheduling

We consider the problem of minimizing the weighted sum of completion times on a single machine subject to bipartite precedence constraints in which all minimal jobs have unit processing time and zero weight, and all maximal jobs have zero processing time and unit weight. For various probability distributions over these instances---including the uniform distribution---we show several “almost all”-type results. First, we show that almost all instances are prime with respect to a well-studied decomposition for this scheduling problem. Second, we show that for almost all instances, every feasible schedule is arbitrarily close to optimal. Finally, for almost all instances, we give a lower bound on the integrality gap of various linear programming relaxations of this problem.