cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Demographic performance predicts invasiveness of species in the Commelinaceae under high-nutrient conditions

Demographic models are powerful tools for making predictions about the relative importance of transitions from one life stage (e.g., seeds) to another (e.g., nonreproductives); however, they have never been used to compare the relative performance of invasive and noninvasive taxa. I use demographic models parameterized from common garden experiments to develop hypotheses about the role of different life stage transitions in determining differences in performance in invasive and noninvasive congeners in the Commelinaceae. I also extended nested life table response experiment (LTRE) analyses to accommodate interactions between nested and unnested factors. Invasive species outperformed their noninvasive congeners, especially under high-nutrient conditions. This difference in performance did not appear to be due to differences in elasticities of vital rates, but rather to differences in the magnitude of stage transitions. Self-compatible invasive species had greater fecundity in high-nutrient environments and a shorter time to first reproduction, and all invasive species had greater vegetative reproduction than their noninvasive congeners. Thus greater opportunism in sexual and asexual reproduction explained the greater performance of invasive species under high-nutrient conditions. Similar common garden experiments could become a useful tool to predict potential invaders from pools of potential introductions. I show that short-term and controlled experiments considering multiple nutrient environments may accurately predict invasiveness of nonnative plant species.
After Myriad: Genetic Testing in the Wake of Recent Supreme Court Decisions about Gene Patents

Genetic testing is becoming more common and more powerful by the day. The costs of the underlying DNA sequencing technology are plummeting, making it likely that tests based on it will become even more pervasive. The use of tests to determine DNA sequence to help make clinical decisions is here to stay. DNA sequencing is also finding new uses in forensics, determination of ancestry, understanding the history and genetic lineages of human populations and many other applications.
New Anticoagulants for Prevention of Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder and a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. Antithrombotic therapy using vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is currently prescribed for prevention of ischemic stroke in patients with AF. A narrow therapeutic range and frequent food and drug interactions underly the need for regular monitoring of anticoagulation intensity and impairs the utility and safety of VKA, stimulating a quest for alternative anticoagulant agents. Recently developed anticoagulants include the direct thrombin inhibitor, dabigatran, and the factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, to name those in the most advanced stages of clinical development. This review focuses on advances in the development of novel antithrombotic agents to provide practical information to clinicians on the use of these new drugs in patients with AF.
Modeling river discharge rates in California watersheds

River discharge rates across all California9s watershed have been modeled using the NASA version of the Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach (CASA) ecosystem model coupled with a surface hydrologic routing scheme previously called the Hydrological Routing Algorithm (HYDRA). To assess CASA-HYDRA9s capability to estimate actual water flows in extreme and non-extreme precipitation years, we have organized hundreds of California river gauge records for comparison to monthly model predictions. Previously, CASA-HYDRA snowmelt algorithms were modified with equations from the USDA Snowmelt Runoff Model, which has been designed to predict daily stream flow in mountain basins where snowmelt is a major runoff factor. Based on model predictions of monthly flow rates across 336 stream gauges statewide, the multi-year model-to-measurement correlation between monthly river flow rates was R 2 =0.72. The model output was 15% higher across all these stream gauges than the measured monthly flow records for 1982–1990. It is plausible that the model would predict higher flow rates statewide than was measured at many gauge locations, due mainly to extensive water diversions for power generation and crop irrigation in the valley growing regions of the state. Predictions for gauges located on the state9s North Coast and Sierra regions showed errors distributed fairly evenly throughout the seasons, whereas results for Central Coast and Southern regions showed higher errors mainly during the summer and fall. Future model applications for land cover and climate change in California are outlined.
Effects of prenatal stress procedures on maternal corticosterone levels and behavior during gestation

Exposing pregnant rats to a signal previously paired with electric shock has frequently been used to examine the effects of prenatal stress on their offspring. To determine to what extent this procedure affects the females themselves, their defecation in the shuttlebox and plasma corticosterone levels in their home cages or after shuttlebox exposure were measured. Defecation was significantly more frequent in females that had received premating avoidance conditioning only on the first 2 days of gestation. There were no indications that avoidance conditioning before mating affected plasma corticosterone levels of rats in their home cages or following reexposure to the shuttleboxes or their response to the stress of the first blood sample. Levels were raised in all groups placed in the boxes, whether they had received avoidance conditioning or only CS exposures before mating. Implications for hypotheses concerning the way in which prenatal stress effects are mediated are discussed.
Serious Assessments in Serious Games

In the past decade the serious games initiative has produced a number of games being used today as adjuncts to institutional training. Many of the games produced through the serious games initiative do not incorporate adaptive assessment to assure the acquisition of real-world skills from virtual training. Detailed performance assessment techniques are often lacking. Successful performance assessment in virtual training requires that students are placed into multiple simulated contexts and are challenged with different tasks to perform under various conditions, to specified standards. The aggregate of training situations must adequately cover the space of real-world situations. This article discusses important concepts related to virtual training performance assessment including critical tasks, performance criteria, forward recommendation, errors of commission, red screen alerts, reusable competency definitions, ill-structured domains, violent domains, and other game design templating. By integrating these concepts into serious game design, trainers can develop sufficiently varying simulated tasks to ensure that serious games meet real-world adaptive needs.
Fluorescence studies of benzo-[a]-pyrene in liposome membrane systems.

Abstract This investigation concerns the change in the fluorescence properties of benzo-[a]-pyrene when added to membrane systems. The feasibility of the fluorescence quenching technique using metal ions which have specific transport properties to study diffusion processes of carcinogenic benzo-[a]-pyrene molecules in biomembrane systems is demonstrated.
A database of e-commerce terms: implementation and benefits in producing internationalized software

In this paper, some challenges in producing internationalized software are presented, and a pilot project involving the creation of a terminology database is described.
Cisplatin and Pentoxifylline in Advanced or Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix: A Phase II Trial of the Gynecologic Oncology Group

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the antitumor activity and toxicity of cisplatin and pentoxifylline in previously treated patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Methods. A Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Phase II trial of recurrent squamous cell cervical cancer using standard GOG response and toxicity criteria was performed. Results. A total of 47 patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix were entered. The starting dose was 75 mg/m 2 of cisplatin every 21 days and 1600 mg of pentoxifylline PO every 8 h for nine doses during each course. Forty patients were evaluable for response and 44 were evaluable for toxicity. Of the 40 evaluable patients, 37 had received prior radiotherapy and 35 had received prior chemotherapy. A median of three courses were given (range: 1–7). Among evaluable patients, 1 had a complete response (2.5%) and 3 had a partial response (7.5%) for an overall objective response rate of 10%. The complete responder had not previously had chemotherapy. Grade 3 or 4 toxicity was predominantly nausea and vomiting (32%) and hematologic toxicity (23%). Conclusions. The combination of cisplatin and pentoxifylline at the dose and schedule tested has limited activity in previously treated advanced or recurrent cervical cancer.
Union-Nonunion differentials and establishment size: Evidence from the NLSY

We provide new empirical evidence on union-nonunion differentials using the 1990 wave of the National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth (NLSY) data set which allows us to examine a broader set of fringe benefits than most other studies and provides a rich set of control variables. Our major finding is that the union effect decreases with establishment size for both components of the compensation structure, i.e., wages and fringe benefits.
An Application of the Cellular Method to Silicon

The calculations of Kimball and Mullaney applying the cellular method to elemental silicon are extended to a higher approximation. Although the energy gap is decreased through use of a larger number of harmonics, the values obtained are still much higher than that given by experiment. The proposal of Pearson, Haynes, and Shockley that the highest point of the filled band and the lowest point of the conduction band do not occur at the center of the zone may have a bearing on the results, since the calculations reported here are performed for zero wave number. The effective mass of the conduction electrons is determined under the assumption that the lowest point lies at the center of the zone.
Micro-Computed Tomography of the Lungs and Pulmonary-Vascular System

Three-dimensional imaging of the intact lung and its vasculature is essential if the hierarchical and volumetric aspects of its structures and functions are to be quantitated. Although this is possible with clinical multislice helical CT scanners, the spatial resolution does not scale down adequately for small rodents for which cubic voxel dimensions of 50-100 microm are required. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) provides the necessary spatial resolution of 3D images of the intact thoracic contents. Micro-CT can provide higher resolution so that basic micro-architectural structures, such as alveoli, can be individually visualized and quantitated. Dynamic events, such as the respiratory and cardiac cycles, can be imaged at multiple time points throughout a representative cycle by coordinating the scan sequence (i.e., gating) to the cycle phase of a sequence of cycles. Fusion of the micro-CT image data with other image data, such as micro-SPECT or histology, can enhance the information content beyond the mainly structural information provided by micro-CT. Conventional attenuation-based X-ray imaging can involve significant X-ray exposures at high spatial resolutions, and this could affect the phenotype (e.g., via interstitial fibrosis) and genotype (e.g., via mutation), so its use in longitudinal studies using micro-CT may be limited in some cases. However, because of recent developments in which the phase shift or refraction of X-rays rather than attenuation is used, the X-ray exposure may be significantly reduced.
Adaptive Preferences and Procedural Autonomy

Abstract Capabilities theorists hold that adaptive preference (APs) are problematically shaped by deprivation, and that they thus merit public interrogation. However, it is unclear what differentiates APs from preferences worthy of public respect. Thinking of APs as procedurally non‐autonomous promises grounds on which to distinguish them without compromising respect for moral pluralism. Using examples from gender and development practice, I argue that — despite the appeal of this route — there are deep problems with thinking of APs as non‐autonomous. Conceptions of APs as non‐autonomous do not identify APs in a way consistent with our intuitions and fail to provide appropriate practical guidance to public institutions interested in interrogating APs. I suggest in the conclusion that identifying APs requires a theory of the good.
Global initiatives in rehabilitation medicine

Abstract Walsh NE. Global initiatives in rehabilitation medicine. Global initiatives in rehabilitation medicine present significant challenges, as well as great opportunities for the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. These initiatives are international in focus, from multiple countries, include many different medical specialties, and will impact physiatrists. The Bone and Joint Decade is a global multidisciplinary initiative that aims to reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disorders. Its aim is to improve the health-related quality of life of people with or at risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a unified and standard classification system for describing health domains and health-related states with quantifiable assessment measures. The ICF is a significant change from current medical models to patient- and rehabilitation-oriented models of evaluating function, disability, and health status. Medical Professionalism in the New Millennium: A Physician Charter helps define medicine's contract with society. The demand for medical professionalism is the result of unparalleled challenges facing the physician on a daily basis. The Physician Charter provides a reaffirmation of the Hippocratic oath in modern terms. The Maintenance of Certification is a response of organized medicine to the demand for physician competence during an entire career. This is a means of establishing safeguards to protect the public and of delivering a criterion standard for health care. These initiatives will have a profound influence on our future. I encourage each of you to participate in your own future through these activities.
Hox Genes in the Lung

Hox genes are a specific subgroup of homeobox containing genes that are characterized by their structural and functional homology to homeotic genes of the fruit fly Drosophila (1). These genes play important roles in pattern formation along the anterior-posterior axis in the developing embryo in both invertebrates and vertebrates (2). The proteins encoded by Hox genes contain the DNA-binding homeodomain (3), and are therefore believed to act as transcription factors that regulate the expression of other genes during morphogenesis (4, 5). More than 100 of other genes have been identified in mammals that encode homeodomain proteins (6, 7) of which the Hox genes are the best characterized. A growing number of animals with genetically induced aberrant Hox gene expression is providing insight into the crucial function of Hox genes in axial patterning; it is also becoming clear that Hox genes are important in the development of internal organs and the differentiation of tissues.
Heats of immersion in the thorium oxide-water system at elevated temperatures

The surface properties of ThO/sub 2/ were studied by heat of immersion calorimetry at 25 to 200/sup 0/C. Results show that the integral heat of immersion of thorium oxide contains contributions which reflect considerable interaction with several layers of water adjacent to the oxide surface. It would be desirable to know the heat capacity changes which occur in the multilayer adsorption of water on an oxide surface. However, such data are not available and their acquisition would be an extremely difficult task. Structuring (a negative ..delta..Cp) of several layers of water (by increased hydrogen bonding) adjacent to an oxide surface could explain an increase in the heat of immersion as the immersion temperature is increased. The more energetic, heterogeneous, high-surface-area samples are expected to induce more order in the adjacent water layers than the less energetic samples. This interpretation is similar to that offered for the temperature dependence of the heat of solution of the alkali halides. (JRD)
A microcomputer interface for a digital audio processor-based data recording system

An inexpensive interface is described that performs direct transfer of digitized data from the digital audio processor and video cassette recorder based data acquisition system designed by Bezanilla (1985, Biophys. J., 47:437–441) to an IBM PC/XT microcomputer. The FORTRAN callable software that drives this interface is capable of controlling the video cassette recorder and starting data collection immediately after recognition of a segment of previously collected data. This permits piecewise analysis of long intervals of data that would otherwise exceed the memory capability of the microcomputer.
Investigation Of Aeroacoustic Mechanisms By Remote Thermal Imaging

A hush house is a hangar-like structure designed to isolate, from the surrounding environment, the noise produced by extended aircraft engine operations during diagnostic testing. While hush houses meet this intended need by suppressing audible noise, they do emit significant subaudible acoustic energy which has caused structural vibrations in nearby facilities. As a first step in mitigating the problems associated with hush house induced vibrations, it is necessary to identify the mechanism responsible for the low frequency acoustic emissions. It was hypothesized that the low frequency acoustic waves are a result of acoustic Cherenkov radiation. This radiation is in the form of a coherent wave produced by the engine exhaust gas flow. The speed of sound in the exhaust gas is quite high as a result of its elevated temperature. Therefore, the gas flow is sonic or subsonic relative to its own sound speed, but is supersonic relative to sound speed in the surrounding cooler air and, as a result, produces acoustic Cherenkov radiation. To confirm this hypothesis, thermographic surveys were conducted to image the thermal structure of the engine exhaust gas within the hush house. In the near-field, these images revealed that the exhaust gases did not behave like a high Reynolds number turbulent jet, but rather, the transition to turbulence is delayed by a suppression in growth of the self-excited instability wave as a result of acoustic Cherenkov radiation.
Evidence for collectively phase-locked Shapiro steps in stacked Nb/AlAlOx/Nb Josephson junctions

Abstract When subjected to microwave radiation, the I - V characteristics of stacked Josephson junctions should exhibit interesting new features which are absent in a single junction. Evidence for collectively phase-locked Shapiro steps and coherent phase-locking of fluxon motion to the external microwave field has been found in observations on stacked Nb/AlAlO x /Nb Josephson junctions.
Early electrophysiological changes after denervation of fast skeletal muscle

Abstract Denervation of the anterior tibialis was performed on rabbits; the peroneal nerve being sectioned at the level of the knee and at the level of the thigh. Nerve action potentials monitored in the distal nerve stumps indicated functional failure occurred at 54 and 72 hours for knee and thigh sectioned nerve stumps, respectively. However, data from amplitudes of nerve action potentials and conduction velocities did not indicate that the nerves failed in a centrifugal manner, but rather, failure was abrupt down the entire length of the nerve trunk. Muscle action potentials following indirect stimulation were also recorded. Functional failure in neuromuscular transmission tended to occur prior to neuronal failure but was not complete in some animals when nerve conduction failed. Regardless of the site of denervation junctional failure followed a nearly identical time-course. Muscle tension (tetanic) to indirect stimulation indicated a temporal gradient might exist depending upon the length of the distal nerve stump. Junctional failure assessed by this latter technique revealed loss of function at earlier time periods than did assessment of muscle action potentials following indirect (single shock) stimulation.
Influence of body temperature on the set-up and recovery of noise-induced cochlea damage

Hypothermia during exposure to noise reduced hair-cell damage which, on the contrary, was prevented from recovering by narcosis and hypothermia.
High-flow oxygen and bilevel positive airway pressure for persistent dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer: a phase II randomized trial

Abstract Context Dyspnea is one of the most distressing symptoms for cancer patients. The role of high-flow oxygen (HFO) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) in the palliation of dyspnea has not been well characterized. Objectives To determine the feasibility of conducting a randomized trial of HFO and BiPAP in cancer patients and examine the changes in dyspnea, physiologic parameters, and adverse effects with these modalities. Methods In this randomized study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01518140), we assigned hospitalized patients with advanced cancer and persistent dyspnea to either HFO or BiPAP for two hours. We assessed dyspnea with a numeric rating scale (NRS) and modified Borg scale (MBS) before and after the intervention. We also documented vital signs, transcutaneous carbon dioxide, and adverse effects. Results Thirty patients were enrolled (1:1 ratio) and 23 (77%) completed the assigned intervention. HFO was associated with improvements in both NRS (mean 1.9; 95% CI 0.4–3.4; P = 0.02) and MBS (mean 2.1; 95% CI 0.6–3.5; P = 0.007). BiPAP also was associated with improvements in NRS (mean 3.2; 95% CI 1.3–5.1; P = 0.004) and MBS (mean 1.5; 95% CI −0.3, 3.2; P = 0.13). There were no significant differences between HFO and BiPAP in dyspnea NRS (P = 0.14) and MBS (P = 0.47). Oxygen saturation improved with HFO (93% vs. 99%; P = 0.003), and respiratory rate had a nonstatistically significant decrease with both interventions (HFO −3, P = 0.11; BiPAP −2, P = 0.11). No significant adverse effects were observed. Conclusion HFO and BiPAP alleviated dyspnea, improved physiologic parameters, and were safe. Our results justify larger randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings.
Risky Behavior: Cell Phone Use While Driving

In the present experiment we investigated the percentage of drivers who use cell phones while driving in a small city in central New York. We expected that the rates of cell phone use would be comparable to national levels, and that the percentage of cell phone use would be higher as the distance from the police station increased. We took observations of vehicles and drivers at three locations and on two different days of the week. One of the locations was adjacent to the police station whereas the others were located 1 and 1½ miles from the police station. While the overall results were consistent with other estimates of national rates of cell phone use while driving, the differences we found between the rates at the police station and at remote locations were negligible.
The pole orientation of asteroid 433 Eros determined by photometric astrometry

Abstract Refinements to the pole-determination method photometric astrometry (PA) were completed in 1983 ( R. C. Taylor and E. F. Tedesco, 1983, Icarus 54, 13–22 ). A goal is to redo the pole analysis for every asteroid whose pole had been determined from earlier versions of PA: Previous PA poles are reviewed in this paper. Asteroid 433 Eros is in that collection and has redone. The result are prograde rotation; a sidereal period of 0.219588 ± 0.000005 day; and a north pole at 22° longitude, +9° latitude. The uncertainty of the pole is 10°. The pole position of Eros determined by C.D. Vesely (1971, In Physical Studies of Minor Planets (T. Gehrels, Ed.), pp. 133–140, NASA SP-267) and Dunlap (1976, Icarus 28, 69–78) , using earlier versions of photometric astrometry, were within 21 and 7°, respectively, of the present result.
Vertical cavity surface emitting laser-based smart pixels with coplanar bump-bonded contacts

Integration of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) onto a prefabricated smart pixel chip introduces fabrication problems since they can not be grown on foundry fabricated Si CMOS or GaAs MESFET circuit. This paper presents an approach to flip-chip bump-bonding VCSEL-arrays to a pixel chip in which each VCSEL is bonding directly to the appropriate pixel circuit. Thus, no added area is required and the interconnect capacitance is held to a minimum. The technique requires contacting both the n- and p-mirror of the VCSEL on the same side of the VCSEL chip and in the same plane. This allows bump bonding both contacts to the pixel chip and subsequent removal of the VCSEL chip substrate. The steps required to accomplish the VCSEL coplanar bonding include reactive ion etching of mesas and device separation in BCL3/Cl, electroplating a 4.5 micrometers high gold coplanar contact post, In/Sn alloy solder deposition, bonding to the smart pixel chip, and accurate alignment of the VCSEL and pixel chips, epoxy underfill and at last substrate removal.
Oxidation of thiocyanate to cyanide and sulfate by the lactoperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide system.

Abstract The reaction of thiocyanate and hydrogen peroxide is catalyzed by lactoperoxidase (donor: H2O2 oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.7). The initial products are cyanide and sulfate ions. Cyanide rapidly disappears from the incubation mixture. The oxidation of cyanide by hydrogen peroxide is not catalyzed by lactoperoxidase at pH 5.7, but intermediary compounds produced in the course of the oxidation of thiocyanate react with cyanide. Cyanate, and presumably sulfur dicyanide, are formed. The latter is oxidized by the hydrogen peroxide-lactoperoxidase system to sulfate and cyanide; cyanate is spontaneously hydrolyzed to ammonia. The lactoperoxidase-catalyzed reaction of thiocyanate with hydrogen peroxide resembles the acid-catalyzed rather than the pH-independent reaction.
Fracture mechanics-based failure analysis

Abstract Twenty case studies, involving the application of fracture mechanics to structural integrity, have been reviewed and compared to a similar report published in 1978. Sixteen of the new cases discussed failures, while four were fitness-for-purpose analyses (i.e. evaluation of safe operating conditions of defect-containing structures). In reviewing the case studies, it was found that the calculated value of stress intensity at failure was usually only approximately equal to the reported value of fracture toughness. Furthermore, in a number of cases, the calculated stress intensity was significantly less than the reported fracture toughness, thereby indicating a non-conservative fracture mechanics analysis. The probable cause for this relatively poor correlation was that the inputs into the analyses, particularly fracture toughness, were often approximations. Both reviews suggest that the likelihood of failure is particularly large when there is a defect greater than 25 mm (1.0 in.) in size and when the fracture toughness: yield strength ratio is less than 0.16√m (1.0 √in.). No significant improvement in accuracy of failure analysis was detected compared to the earlier paper.
Degenerate four-wave mixing in a resonant homogeneously broadened system

Detailed measurements have been made of degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) in a resonant homogeneously broadened gas. The measurements were performed in S${\mathrm{F}}_{6}$ using a pulsed C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ laser operated on the 10.4-\ensuremath{\mu} m branch. A pulse width of 1.2 nsec was used to reduce effects of collisional relaxation. Data are also presented for pulse widths of 140 nsec. At high-energy fluences (\ensuremath{\sim}0.1 J/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$) pulse breakup is observed and is believed to arise from multiple-photon effects. The data obtained with the short pulse width are compared to a four-level saturable-absorber model where excellent agreement is obtained when pump absorption is included. The qualitative behavior of DFWM due to dispersion is also demonstrated in the wings of the S${\mathrm{F}}_{6}$ absorption spectrum. Peak reflectivities of 38% were readily obtained. In addition contributions due to a coherent three-level nonlinearity are presented showing a contribution equal to the measured saturable contribution.
Chemotherapy for 'exotic' RNA viruses.

Abstract : In-vitro screening programmes have identified a number of compounds with broad-spectrum antiviraloactivity against 'Exotic' RNA viruses. Among these, ribavirin has been the most extensively evaluated in man and experimental animals. Passive immunization, with convalescent plasma or immunoglobin preparations, is routinely employed for both prophylaxis and treatment of many viral diseases. For treatment of some of the more exotic viral infections, this approach has had variable success. Interest in combination chemotherapy also has recently increased. Combinations of ribavirin and arabinofuranosyladenine (ara- A) exhibit significant synergy against types types 1 and 2 herpes viruses, while ribavirin in combination with amantadine is more effective against influenza infection is tissue culture as well as mice. The number of natural products which nonspecifically activate macrophages, resulting in enhanced host resistance to viral infections, is growing. The progress made to date in the development of drugs, biological response modifiers including interferons, combination chemotherapy and drug delivery promises that effective treatments will be forthcoming and assures a place for chemotherapy in the treatment of life threatening viral diseases.
Do unilateral right and left face contractions induce positive and negative emotions? A further test of Schiff and Lamon's (1989) hypothesis.

Schiff and Lamon (1989) proposed that unilateral face contractions induce positive or negative changes in emotion depending on the side of contraction; support for this proposal, however, has been mixed. In a new test, 40 right-handed and 38 left-handed men performed four alternating face contractions (LRLR or RLRL) and, after each one, completed a different version of the Depression Adjective Checklist (Lubin, 1994). A repeated-measures ANCOVA failed to reveal any significant effect of side of face contraction or handedness on direction of emotion change. Instead, regardless of side of contraction, the subjects' negative emotional state increased significantly across the four contractions with the degree of change being significantly related to the subjects' reported level of difficulty in holding the contraction irrespective of whether the more difficult side was the left or the right.
Local infiltration of an angiogenic growth factor does not stimulate the delay phenomenon.

Abstract The role of angiogenesis in the delay phenomenon is unclear. In this study a potent angiogenic growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was used to ascertain the importance of angiogenesis in this phenomenon. bFGF (100 μg) was infiltrated beneath the panniculus carnosus on the dorsum of 50 rats. Another 50 rats received saline vehicle infiltration only. Ten days later a modified McFarlane flap (10 × 3 cm) was elevated and biopsies collected. Flap blood flow was determined by laser Doppler before and after elevation. The mean surviving length (Group I—71.3±4.6 mm and Group II—73.4±5.5 mm) and Doppler flow measurements were comparable between the two groups. Animals treated with bFGF showed marked perivascular changes and proliferation of fibroblasts, but no increase in the number or size of capillaries was seen. This lack of angiogenesis suggests pharmacologically mediated delay may require more than just an angiogenic stimulus.
Wavelength Tunable Surface Plasmon Resonance-Enhanced Optical Transmission Through a Chirped Diffraction Grating

We report the construction and testing of a chirped diffraction grating, which serves as a substrate for surface plasmon-enhanced optical transmission. This grating possesses a spatial variation in both pitch and amplitude along its surface. It was created by plasma oxidation of a curved poly(dimethoxysilane) sheet, which resulted in nonuniform buckling along the polymer surface. A gold-coated replica of this surface elicited an optical response that consisted of a series of narrow, enhanced transmission peaks spread over the visible spectrum. The location and magnitude of these transmission peaks varied along the surface of the grating and coincided with conditions where surface plasmons were excited in the gold film via coupling to one or more of the grating’s diffracted orders. A series of measurements were carried out using optical diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and normal incidence optical transmission to compare the grating topology to the corresponding optical response. In addition, the impa...
Extended K-value Method for Multi-contact Miscible Displacements

Accurate predictions of gas-injection processes usually require a compositional formulation based on an Equation of State (EoS). Because the thermodynamic behavior of multi-component multiphase systems is highly nonlinear and coupling to the flow equations is quite complex, EoS-based simulations can become computationally prohibitive. For immiscible displacements an efficient approximation of the general compositional problem can be used if the phase-equilibrium ratios (K-values) are assumed to be weak functions of composition; however, this assumption is questionable for near-miscible displacements. The standard K-value approach suffers from significant difficulties, both in terms of robustness and accuracy, in the critical region. Here, we describe an extended K-values method that takes advantage of the solution-path invariance in the compositional space with respect to the hydrodynamic properties. Specifically, we propose an additional degree-of-freedom, which captures the composition dependence of the phase behavior, for use in the tabulation and interpolation of the K-values. An important aspect of the method is the use of the so-called Minimal Critical Pressure criteria (MCP), which indicates when a given composition becomes super-critical. We compare results obtained with EoS- and K-values based simulations for several (isothermal) compositional problems, and we demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
The thermal stability of cadmium oxide in internally oxidized silver-cadmium alloys

The results of a metallographic study of the growth of an oxide denuded surface zone and the concurrent particle coarsening which occurs during high temperature annealing of internally oxidized silver-cadmium alloys are presented. A theoretical analysis for the growth of the denuded zone is derived and verified. The kinetic parameters measured for the growth of this zone yield values for the product of the solubility of the oxide particles, Cs, and the diffusion coefficient of cadmium, DCd, which may be utilized directly in analysis of the particle coarsening kinetics. An analysis of the coarsening kinetics of the cadmium oxide particles is presented and a value for the interfacial energy between the oxide and the silver matrix of 450 mJ/m2 is derived.
Lipopolysaccharide pretreatment of cyclosporine-treated rats enhances cardiac allograft survival

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the endotoxin in gram-negative bacterial cell walls, is a major factor in septic shock. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) appears immediately after LPS release or LPS injection in rats, but when these animals have LPS reinjected for up to 7 days, TNF production is inhibited. Because inhibiting TNF with anti-TNF antibodies prolongs cardiac allograft survival and is synergistic with cyclosporine (CsA), enhanced graft survival could result from inhibiting TNF via LPS pretreatment. Accordingly, heterotopic rat heart transplants were performed in: I, untreated controls: II, LPS pretransplant treatment: III, LPS post-transplant treatment; IV, low-dose CsA post-transplant treatment; V, CsA post-transplant treatment and PBS (LPS vehicle); or VI, LPS pretransplant treatment and low-dose CsA post-transplant treatment, using Brown Norway (BN) donors and Lewis (LEW) recipients. Rejection was defined by a lack of contractions. Results showed that while LPS pre- or post-treatment alone had little allograft survival effect, LPS pretreatment combined with CsA significantly prolonged survival vs control or CsA alone (22.0 +/- 1.6 days vs 6.8 +/- 0.6 days or 13.4 +/- 1.1 days; P < 0.001). Primary MLRs of LPS-pretreated LEW splenocytes cocultured with irradiated BN splenocytes had significantly less [3H]thymidine incorporation than untreated LEW splenocytes (3671 +/- 349 vs 7828 +/- 14 cpm). TNF assays of untreated and PBS-treated LEW spleen cells cocultured with irradiated BN spleen cells had 1.3 and 1.1 pg of TNF/10(6) cells, respectively, in 2 hr, but no TNF from LPS-pretreated LEW cells was detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
ABSOLUTE SHIELDING SCALE FOR 29Si

Abstract Simultaneous T1 measurements for 29Si and 1H or 19F in SiH4 and SiF4 gas lead to spin-rotation constants for 29Si which provide shielding values σ0(29Si, SiH4) = 475.3 ± 10 ppm and σ0(29Si, SiF4) = 482 ± 10 ppm. The absolute shielding in Me4Si liquid reference is 368.5 ± 10 ppm, with which 29Sichemical shifts can be converted to absolute shielding. We find that the 1H absolute shielding scale, the 19F absolute shielding scale and the two completely independent determinations of the 29Si shielding scale are all in agreement.
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Control Lung Inflammation and Monocyte Recruitment in Indirect Acute Lung Injury in Mice

Indirect acute lung injury (ALI, not caused by a direct insult to the lung) represents the first organ dysfunction in trauma patients, with nonpulmonary sepsis being the most common cause of indirect ALI. Dendritic cells (DCs) are thought to participate in a number of inflammatory lung diseases; however, their role in indirect ALI is currently not established. Using a clinically relevant model of indirect ALI induced in mice by hemorrhagic shock followed 24 hours later by polymicrobial septic challenge, we report that mature DC numbers were markedly increased in the lung during indirect ALI. DC depletion induced a significant increase in indirect ALI severity, which was associated with enhanced lung and plasma proinflammatory cytokine concentration and recruitment of proinflammatory CD115 + monocytes in response to increased lung monocyte chemotactic protein-1 production. Among the different DC subpopulations, plasmacytoid DCs, which were induced and activated in the lung during indirect ALI, were responsible for this effect because their specific depletion reproduced the observations made in DC-depleted mice. As the recruitment of monocytes to the lung plays a central deleterious role in the pathophysiology of indirect ALI, our data therefore position plasmacytoid DCs as important regulators of acute lung inflammation.
An improved method for the production of Neurospora crassa spheroplasts and a new method for measuring transport in fragile cells.

Abstract An improved method for the production of Neurospora spheroplasts and a procedure for measuring transport by these fragile structures are described. Using these techniques, the activity of the glucose active transport system in spheroplasts has been measured. The results indicate that removal of the Neurospora cell wall does not affect the activity of this transport system. In light of this finding, it is unlikely that soluble periplasmic components play a role in the glucose active transport system of Neurospora .
Growth and properties of Ni20.3Ti2.7B6 (τ-phase) crystals

Single crystals of Ni20.3Ti2.7B6 1 cm in diameter were grown from the melt by the Czochralski method at 1200–1215°C. Growth parameters and crystal properties are characterized.
THE OBLIGATION TO BE VIRTUOUS: KANT'S CONCEPTION OF THE TUGENDVERPFLICHTUNG

In the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant makes a distinction between duties of virtue and the obligation to be virtuous. For a number of reasons, it may seem as if the latter does not actually require any actions of us not already required by the former. This essay argues that Kant does succeed in describing obligations that we have to prepare for virtuous conduct that are different from simply fulfilling specific duties of virtue, and that in so doing he describes an important element of the moral life.
315 ACTH-PRODUCING INTRACRANIAL TUMOR IN AN INFANT

ACTH-producing brain tumors in infancy are rare. An 8 month male was evaluated for a 4 month history of profound obesity, acne, moon-facies, hypertension, and hirsutism. An IVP and computerized tomographic (CT) scan of the abdomen were normal. Plasma DHEA was 155-299 ng/dl. Dexamethasone (3.75 mg/m2 × 3d) failed to suppress elevated urine 17-OHCS (10.1 mg/24h) and free cortisol (1026 μg/24h), but partially suppressed plasma cortisol from 79 to 32.4 μg/dl and plasma ACTH from 320 to 90 pg/ml. In response to TRF, TSH rose to 1.9 μU/ml, prolactin rose to 8.3 ng/ml and ACTH did not change. Brain CT scan and angiography demonstrated a large subfrontal tumor which appeared to be separate from the pituitary fossa. Craniotomy demonstrated an inoperable highly vascular tumor extending into the sella. Biopsy of the main body of the tumor showed undifferentiated mesenchymal tissue with some gland formation, while tumor superior to the sella histologically resembled pituitary adenoma. Medium from cultured cells from the mesenchymal tissue contained no measurable ACTH while medium from the cultured adenomatous cells contained 111-140 pg ACTH/ml. There was no bioassayable CRF activity in the medium from any cultured cells (assayed by Dr. Monte Greer). Total adrenal weight at autopsy was 15 gm. The brain tumor was a 5×5×6cm mass with a tail extending into pituitary tissue. Serial histologic sections of the mass showed a gradual transition from pituitary adenoma with occasional gland-like structures, to sheets of undifferentiated mesenchymal tissue with venous sinusoids and numerous gland-like structures.
The behavior of inverted pendulum structures during earthquakes

During the Chilean earthquakes of May, 1960, a number of tall, slender structures survived the ground shaking whereas more stable appearing structures were severely damaged. An analysis is made of the rocking motion of structures of inverted pendulum type. It is shown that there is a scale effect which makes tall slender structures more stable against overturning than might have been expected, and, therefore, the survival of such structures during earthquakes is not surprising.
Redesigning the Nuclear Medicine Reading Room

The process of image review and interpretation has become increasingly complex and challenging for today's nuclear medicine physician from many perspectives, especially with regard to workstation integration and reading room ergonomics. With the recent proliferation of hybrid imaging systems, this complexity has increased rapidly, along with the number of studies performed. At the same time, clinicians throughout the health care enterprise are expecting remote access to nuclear medicine images whereas nuclear medicine physicians require reliable access at the point of care to the electronic medical record and to medical images from radiology and cardiology. The authors discuss the background and challenges related to integration of nuclear medicine into the health care enterprise and provide a series of recommendations for advancing successful integration efforts. Also addressed are unique characteristics of the nuclear medicine environment as well as ergonomic, lighting, and environmental considerations in the design and redesign of the modern reading room.
Heating oil company responses to inquiries concerning carbon monoxide toxicity.

Abstract Study objective: Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of poisoning fatalities in the United States. We conducted a survey to sample the quality of the information available to the public from Connecticut heating oil distributors regarding these risks. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional telephone survey of oil distributors in Connecticut was conducted, using a scripted set of questions regarding CO poisoning risk from oil-burning furnaces. We first asked whether such a risk existed and then elicited explanations for confirmation or denial of that risk. We then inquired as to the proper response to a home CO detector alarm. Of 282 calls made, responses were obtained from 91 distributors. Reasons for lack of response included incorrect phone listings, duplicate listings, and unwillingness of the person answering to respond to the questions asked. Results: Nearly one fourth of distributors responding (23%) denied any risk of CO poisoning from oil burners, 43% of these claiming that the odor would provide protective warning before toxic exposure; another 33% stated that CO is a risk only with gas heaters. Of the 77% who confirmed the possibility of CO toxicity, half (49%) minimized the risk, also invoking a "warning odor." In case of CO alarm, only 14% of responders recommended turning off the furnace until the source is found. Five percent did not recommend having ambient CO levels checked at the time of the alarm. Conclusion: Heating oil companies in Connecticut do not uniformly provide correct information regarding CO risks. In our survey a majority of distributors responding offered misplaced "reassurance." As such, they are a potential area for public health intervention and an untapped resource for educating the public on these risks. [Drescher MJ, Bayer MJ, Barko I, Caros L, McCormick MA: Heating oil company responses to inquiries concerning carbon monoxide toxicity. Ann Emerg Med April 1999;33:406-408.]
Enabling eCCRM: content model and management for financial eServices

In the paper a formal content model for the financial services industry as an example of one of the most important eServices industries is presented. Generally, a financial services firm can provide its customers with a great variety and quantity of self-produced and externally bought content. However the challenge is to offer information about the proper subject, at the appropriate sophistication level, the right length, at the right time for the customer's specific situation. Meta information about the customer as well as about available content may be used to match content with customer problems in order to get proper solutions that satisfy or exceed customer needs. The focus of the paper lies on both the theoretical identification of relevant attributes to formally describe finance related content and on an implementation concept. Some implementation issues are also discussed in the context of an ongoing project with Deutsche Bank.