cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Late-onset Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Lung Transplant Recipients: Can CMV Serostatus Guide the Duration of Prophylaxis?

Evidence supports the use of 12 months of cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in all at-risk lung transplants; whether cytomegalovirus serostatus can be used to further optimize this duration remains to be determined. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine if cytomegalovirus serostatus of both donor and recipient were associated with late-onset cytomegalovirus. The primary outcome was the proportion of lung transplants that developed cytomegalovirus infection or disease during the 180-day period following 6 months of prophylaxis in each at-risk serotype. Two hundred forty-four consecutive lung transplants were evaluated, 131 were included. The proportion of recipients with cytomegalovirus differed significantly between serotypes (20 of 41 [48.8%] D+/R- vs. 19 of 56 [33.9%] D+/R+ vs. 2 of 34 [5.9%] D-/R+; p < 0.001). In a multivariate model, older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.004-1.099; p = 0.03) and D+/R- serostatus (OR, 3.83; 95% CI 1.674-8.770; p = 0.002) were associated with cytomegalovirus. Among R+ lung transplants, D- serostatus was associated with the absence of cytomegalovirus (OR, 0.12; 95% CI 0.0263-0.563; p = 0.007). These findings suggest that in the valganciclovir era, cytomegalovirus serostatus of both donor and recipient may identify lung transplants at heightened risk for late-onset cytomegalovirus.
Distance between the agonist and noncompetitive inhibitor sites on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor possesses an agonist binding site on each of the two α-subunits and an allosterically coupled noncompetitive inhibitor (NCI) site. The spatial relationships between these sites have been determined by fluorescence energy transfer employing lifetime and steady-state techniques with two donor-acceptor pairs. 6-(5-Dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonamido)hexanoic acid-β-(N-trimethylammonium)ethyl ester (dansyl-C6-choline, an agonist) and bis(choline)-N-(4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-7-yl)-iminodiproprionate (BCNI, a competitive antagonist) were employed as energy donors bound to the agonist sites. Ethidium was employed as a specific probe of the NCI site and served as the energy acceptor for both donors. Under steady-state conditions, energy transfer was measured by monitoring BCNI fluorescence as a function of occupancy of ethidium. Changes in acceptor occupancy were achieved by titrating acetylcholine receptor-donor-acceptor complexes with phencyclidine, a nonfluorescent NCI ligand. Extrapolation of the data to 100% acceptor occupancy yielded a transfer efficiency of 38% for the BCNI-ethidium pair. In the second method, the transfer efficiency of the dansyl-C6-choline-ethidium pair was determined by analysis of the reduction of the donor-excited state fluorescence lifetime. The nanosecond decay rates for dansyl-C6-choline measured in the presence of phencyclidine are characterized by two lifetimes (τ = 6.7; τ2 = 17.1 ns) with an amplitude ratio, a1/a2 = 2.3. In the presence of ethidium, the two lifetimes were proportionally diminished while retaining a comparable ratio of amplitudes. Displacement of ethidium from the NCI site by phencyclidine restored the two lifetimes to their original values. These data indicate that the donors bound to the two agonist sites transferred energy with similar efficiencies to the acceptor. Thus, the lifetime data suggest that the NCI site is approximately equidistant from each of the agonist sites. The corrected efficiency of donor quenching by this method was 34%, a value in close accord with the steady-state measurements. The distance between the agonist sites and the NCI site was calculated to be between 21–35 A for the BCNI/ethidium pair and 22–40 A for the dansyl-C6-choline/ethidium pair. Consideration of these distances with respect to the molecular dimensions of the receptor and location of the agonist sites suggests a location for the NCI site near the ion channel at the extracellular surface of the membrane bilayer.
The Short and Puzzling Life of the Implicit Minority Discount in Delaware Appraisal Law

The implicit minority discount, or IMD, is a fairly new concept in Delaware appraisal law. A review of the case law discussing the concept, however, reveals that it has emerged haphazardly and has not been fully tested against principles that are generally accepted in the financial community. While control share blocks are valued at a premium because of the particular rights and opportunities associated with control, these are elements of value that cannot fairly be viewed as belonging either to the corporation or its shareholders. In corporations with widely dispersed share holdings, the firm is subject to agency costs that must be taken into consideration in determining going concern value. A control block-oriented valuation that fails to deduct such costs does not represent the going concern value of the firm. As a matter of generally accepted financial theory, on the other hand, share prices in liquid and informed markets do generally represent that going concern value, with attendant agency costs factored or priced in. There is no evidence that such prices systematically and continuously err on the low side, requiring upward adjustment based on an implicit minority discount.Given the lack of serious support for the IMD in finance literature, this Article suggests that the Delaware courts may be relying on the IMD as a means to avoid imposing upon squeezed-out minority shareholders the costs of fiduciary misconduct by the controller. Where either past or estimated future earnings or cash flows are found to be depressed as a result of fiduciary misconduct, however, or where such earnings or cash flows fail to include elements of value that belong to the corporation being valued, the appropriate way to address the corresponding reduction in the determination of fair value is by adjusting those subject company earnings or cash flows upward.This approach to the problem of controller opportunism is more direct, more comprehensive in its application, and more in keeping with prevailing financial principles, than the implicit minority discount that the Delaware courts have applied in the limited context of comparable company analysis. The Delaware courts can therefore comfortably dispense with resort to the financially unsupported concept that liquid and informed share markets systematically understate going concern value.
Realtime sampling system for the turntablist version 2: 16padjoystickcontroller

In this paper, I describe a realtime sampling system for the turntablist, and the hardware and software design of the second prototype, 16padjoystickcontroller.
Teaching Managers To Relate: Using Feedback To Bolster Commitment And Morale

Every text, indeed all writing in communication, either does or should stress the centrality of feedback in basic and advanced models of communication. Most work in this area has focused on taking feedback, distilling information and using it to make good decisions. What is lost in the traditional understanding is that feedback can be used to establish good relations. A manager’s feedback can enhance employee/manger relationships, strengthen loyalty and commitment, and increase morale. This paper examines how managers can use feedback to make important and genuine connections with their employees; thereby getting the greatest return on human resources. A theory based “do and don’t do” framework is offered. Establishing any good relationship is simply a matter of knowing what to say, how to say it, when and to whom. It’s 9:00 a.m.; do you know who your employees are?
Selling Stereotypes: Weight Loss Infomercials, Sexism, and Weightism

Research suggests that television reflects the negative cultural stereotypes of women and heavyweight people. The purpose of this study was to analyze the extent to which paid programming reflects the gender role expectations that have been observed in other kinds of programming and, in particular, the gender representations and weight-stereotypic messages in weight loss infomercials. The results show that images of women outnumbered those of men 2:1, thin women appeared 3 times as frequently as heavyweight women, and the “scientific expert” was always a man. Weight loss infomercials contained more references to unrestricted than to restricted eating, promoted weight loss without exercise more than with exercise, and portrayed heavyweight people as unhappy and unattractive. The implications of the findings for weight-related prejudice and stigma are discussed.
An exact correction for accelerometer error in dynamic seismic analysis

abstract An exact method is developed to correct for the accelerometer error in dynamic response calculations. Starting with the equation of motion for the accelerometer, it is shown that the exact response of a damped oscillator can be expressed as a simple combination of the instrument response and the conventional approximate response calculated from the accelerogram. Response calculations were performed for a series of oscillators with natural frequencies ranging from 2 to 16 cps for an assumed pseudo-earthquake acceleration. The results show that the corrected response accurately reproduces the exact response and that large differences may exist between the corrected and uncorrected responses for high-frequency oscillators.
A statistical comparison of Monte Carlo codes TRIM and EVOLVE

Abstract The common variables in both TRIM and EVOLVE Monte Carlo codes were identified and parameterized by grouping them into specific ranges of interest and simple statistical tests were performed on them. In comparing the range distributions, the most significant differences between the two codes were found in the selection procedures and the ranges of the impact parameter and path length.
Helicobacter pylori inflammation and immunity

Gastric inflammation is a significant contributor to the disease process associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. It appears that both bacterial genes and differential host responses make interrelated contributions to gastritis and disease outcome after H. pylori infection. While the cag pathogenicity island (PAI) continues to be a focus for much of this investigation on the bacterial side, other bacterial genes/proteins are certainly important as well. On the host cell side, significant progress is being made defining the eucaryotic signaling cascades induced after host cells interact with H. pylori. The role of host cell cytokines, gastric acid, and mast cells is also being actively studied. Prospects for control of H. pylori associated disease continue to include vaccination. The mechanism(s) for vaccine-mediated control of H. pylori infection and disease remain ill-defined but recent evidence from animal models suggests that the inflammatory response may be involved. Manipulating the host response to H. pylori infection in humans to take advantage of the possible beneficial effects of inflammation, while minimizing its detrimental effects is a significant challenge for the future.
Monoamine oxidase A regulates antisocial personality in whites with no history of physical abuse.

Abstract Objective Preclinical and human family studies clearly link monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) to aggression and antisocial personality (ASP). The 30–base pair variable number tandem repeat in the MAOA promoter regulates MAOA levels, but its effects on ASP in humans are unclear. Methods We evaluated the association of the variable number tandem repeat of the MAOA promoter with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition , ASP disorder (ASPD) traits in a community sample of 435 participants from the Hopkins Epidemiology of Personality Disorders Study. Results We did not find an association between the activity of the MAOA allele and ASPD traits; however, among whites, when subjects with a history of childhood physical abuse were excluded, the remaining subjects with low-activity alleles had ASPD trait counts that were 41% greater than those with high-activity alleles ( P Conclusion The high-activity MAOA allele is protective against ASP among whites with no history of physical abuse, lending support to a link between MAOA expression and antisocial behavior.
Growth of Micro-Crystalline SI:H and (SI,GE):H on Polyimide Substrates using ECR Deposition Techniques

We report on the growth of good quality micro-crystalline Si:H and (Si,Ge):H films on polyimide substrates using a remote plasma ECR deposition technique. We find that under conditions that lead to significant ion bombardment of the substrate, the films are microcrystalline even at relatively low deposition temperatures of about 250 C. A critical factor in inducing micro-crystallinity is the presence of a metal coating layer on polyimide. In the absence of such a coating, the films are amorphous, probably because the uncoated polyimide substrate charges up and prevents any further ion bombardment. The quality of the films was measured using both Raman spectroscopy and by studying the activation energy and low-energy absorption coefficient of the films. The sub gap absorption coefficient was found to follow the crystalline Si absorption curve quite well. The addition of germane to the gas phase shifted the absorption curve to smaller energies.
Survival and growth to reproductive maturity of Coho salmon following embryonic exposure to a model toxicant

Abstract We attempted to determine if fish that survive toxicant exposure are competitively disadvantaged relative to unexposed cohorts. Coho salmon embryos (27 days old) were subjected to a single, short term (3 h) dose of waterborne n-methyl-n′-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) (1 μg/ml), were allowed to hatch, and the surviving fish were reared in freshwater hatchery facilities for 6 months. At smoltification, most of the fish (>20 000) were released from the hatchery and allowed to migrate to their natural saltwater feeding grounds; however, a small number (200) were placed in saltwater net pens for one year. In a parallel experiment, 27-day-old embryos were similarly exposed to MNNG ranging from 1–25 μg/ml, but 250 of these fish were retained in freshwater for 10 months and never exposed to saltwater. From the groups that were allowed to migrate, 0·7–0·9% of the fish returned to the hatchery as sexually precocious males (jacks); 4·6–4·7% as sexually mature adults. The return rate, sex ratio, length, weight and pathological condition of treated fish were not statistically different from those of untreated fish. Similarly, no difference between treated and control groups was noted when the mortality rate, growth rate and pathological condition of fish in saltwater net pens were compared. By contrast, fish retained in freshwater showed a dose-dependent decrease in size. In addition, 10–65% of the treated fish (versus 0% of the control fish) developed peripheral nerve neoplasms (neurofibromas). Tumor-bearing fish were the same size as control fish, but tumor-free fish were significantly smaller than control fish. The results of the complete life cycle study revealed no competitive disadvantages arising from toxicant exposure; however, the results of the interrupted life cycle study revealed measurable adverse effects. The data suggest that an unexplained factor related either to saltwater entry, saltwater residence or parr reversion exerted a modifying effect on the consequences of MNNG exposure. Physiological changes associated with smoltification, parr reversion and dietary differences are discussed as possible explanations for the observed differences in body size and tumor prevalence.
NCAR Auto-Nowcast System

The Auto-Nowcast System (ANC), a software system that produces time- and space-specific, routine (every 5 min) short-term (0‐1 h) nowcasts of storm location, is presented. A primary component of ANC is its ability to identify and characterize boundary layer convergence lines. Boundary layer information is used along with storm and cloud characteristics to augment extrapolation with nowcasts of storm initiation, growth, and dissipation. A fuzzy logic routine is used to combine predictor fields that are based on observations (radar, satellite, sounding, mesonet, and profiler), a numerical boundary layer model and its adjoint, forecaster input, and feature detection algorithms. The ANC methodology is illustrated using nowcasts of storm initiation, growth, and dissipation. Statistical verification shows that ANC is able to routinely improve over extrapolation and persistence.
Site-wide annotation: reconstructing existing pages to be accessible

The Web has become a new information resource for the blind. However, Web accessibility is becoming worse, since page authors tend to care only for the visual appearance. We have developed an Accessibility Transcoding System to solve this problem. This system has the ability to transcode complete pages on annotated sites into totally accessible pages without changing the original pages. However, site-wide annotation authoring is an extremely tedious and time-consuming task. This prevented us from applying our transcoding system to a wide variety of sites. In order to overcome this difficulty, we developed a new algorithm, "Dynamic Annotation Matching". By utilizing this algorithm, our transcoding system can automatically determine appropriate annotations based on each page's layout. We also developed a site-wide annotation-authoring tool, "Site Pattern Analyzer." We evaluated the feasibility of creating site-wide annotations by using the algorithm and the tool, and report on our success here.
Towards quantum frequency conversion via non-degenerate four-wave mixing in nanophotonic waveguides

Low-noise wavelength conversion through non-degenerate four-wave-mixing Bragg scattering in SiN x waveguides is demonstrated. Two 1550 nm pumps are used to achieve tunable conversion of a 980 nm signal over a range of 10 nm.
Topical verapamil and episcleral venous pressure

Abstract Objective To investigate the effect of a single-dose and 2-week administration of topical 0.25% verapamil on episcleral venous pressure (EVP) and intraocular pressure (IOP). Design A prospective, randomized, double-masked, crossover, and placebo-controlled study. Participants One eye of each of 20 normal subjects received topical verapamil or placebo. Intervention The EVP was measured using a pressure chamber episcleral venomanometer. The IOP, EVP, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) were measured at baseline, 1.5 hours after a single drop, and after 2-week, three-times-a-day topical administration of 0.25% verapamil or placebo to one eye. After a 4-week washout period, the treatment to the study eye was reversed, and measurements of EVP, IOP, HR, and BP were repeated. Main outcome measures The EVP, IOP, HR, and BP were measured. Results Ninety minutes after a single drop, the EVP in the verapamil-treated eyes was reduced by 4.8% ( P = P = 0.032). After 2-week topical administration, the EVP was reduced by 9.5% ( P = P = 0.001) in the fellow eyes. The EVP was unchanged in the treated and fellow eyes after a single drop or after a 2-week treatment with placebo. Ninety minutes after topical administration of 0.25% verapamil, the IOP decreased by 7.7% ( P = P = 0.03) in the fellow eyes. After a 2-week administration of topical verapamil, the IOP decreased by 12% ( P = 0.0001) in the treated eyes and by 7.2% ( P = 0.0289) in the fellow eyes. The changes of IOP in the placebo-treated and fellow eyes were not statistically significant after a single-dose and 2-week administration. After topical administration of verapamil, a contralateral effect on IOP and EVP was observed in the fellow, untreated eye. No systemic effect on HR or BP was detected after a single-dose administration of topical verapamil. There were, however, significant reductions in HR and BP after a 2-week treatment with topical 0.25% verapamil. Conclusion These results indicate that a single drop and a 2-week administration of topical 0.25% verapamil decrease IOP and EVP significantly, with more pronounced reduction after a 2-week treatment than after a single-dose treatment.
Large-scale chromatin structure of inducible genes: transcription on a condensed, linear template.

The structure of interphase chromosomes, and in particular the changes in large-scale chromatin structure accompanying transcriptional activation, remain poorly characterized. Here we use light microscopy and in vivo immunogold labeling to directly visualize the interphase chromosome conformation of 1–2 Mbp chromatin domains formed by multi-copy BAC transgenes containing 130–220 kb of genomic DNA surrounding the DHFR, Hsp70, or MT gene loci. We demonstrate near-endogenous transcription levels in the context of large-scale chromatin fibers compacted nonuniformly well above the 30-nm chromatin fiber. An approximately 1.5–3-fold extension of these large-scale chromatin fibers accompanies transcriptional induction and active genes remain mobile. Heat shock–induced Hsp70 transgenes associate with the exterior of nuclear speckles, with Hsp70 transcripts accumulating within the speckle. Live-cell imaging reveals distinct dynamic events, with Hsp70 transgenes associating with adjacent speckles, nucleating new speckles, or moving to preexisting speckles. Our results call for reexamination of classical models of interphase chromosome organization.
Workforce participation among older adults in China: current knowledge and future research directions

According to the 2000 Census of China, more than 50% of individuals aged 60–64 and more than 25% of individuals aged 65 and older participate in the labour force. Despite the high rates of workforce participation among older Chinese, there has been a lack of comprehensive review and discussion on their motivations to work and factors associated with their labour force participation. Based on a systematic review of the English and Chinese literature, this paper examines current knowledge on workforce participation of older Chinese and identifies major themes in the extant literature, including the relationships between work participation and socio-demographic characteristics, health, spousal health, human capital, social capital, and regional socioeconomic development. To move this field forward, this paper further discusses directions for future research.
Which Spectral Acceleration Are You Using

Analysis of the seismic risk to a structure requires assessment of both the rate of occurrence of future earthquake ground motions hazard and the effect of these ground motions on the structure response.These two pieces are often linked using an intensity measure such as spectral acceleration. However, earth scientists typically use the geometric mean of the spectral accelerations of the two horizontal components of ground motion as the intensity measure for hazard analysis, while structural engineers often use spectral acceleration of a single horizontal component as the intensity measure for response analysis. This inconsistency in definitions is typically not recognized when the two assessments are combined, resulting in unconservative conclusions about the seismic risk to the structure.The source and impact of the problem is examined in this paper, and several potential resolutions are proposed.This discussion is directly applicable to probabilistic analyses, but also has implications for deterministic seismic evaluations. DOI: 10.1193/1.2191540
Respiratory responses to sodium selenite.

Summary Intravenous sodium selenite produced respiratory stimulation, increased minute volume, and a decreased tidal volume which appear to result from reflexes originating in the thorax. “Epinephrine” release could explain the early elevation of oxygen consumption noted after selenite. Respiratory tract fluid is copious and contains albumin. Respiratory failure does not appear to be the primary cause of death.
Reconfigurable magnetoelectronic circuits for threshold logic

Magnetoelectronic devices, which combine ferromagnetic materials with conventional silicon structures, offer the potential to add non-volatile storage to electronic systems, eliminating their vulnerability to data loss due to power supply interruptions. We present a set of circuits, based on the Hybrid Hall Effect device, that combine logic with non-volatile storage. These circuits can be configured on a cycle-by-cycle basis to compute different functions of their inputs, store their outputs indefinitely even in the absence of system power, and can be easily integrated into CMOS systems to provide non-volatile operation without requiring additional supply voltages or other global signals. They exploit the properties of the Hybrid Hall Effect device to efficiently implement threshold logic functions and thereby reduce the number of gates required to implement most Boolean expressions. In this paper, we describe our reconfigurable magnetoelectronic circuits and the interfaces that make them compatible with CMOS systems. The results presented are based on data from fabricated experimental devices, and we discuss how they can be expected to improve as devices scale to nanometer dimensions. Finally, we consider how magnetoelectronic circuits might be integrated into system designs to deliver high performance while tolerating power supply interruptions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anticancer activity of proapoptotic peptides is highly improved by thermal targeting using elastin-like polypeptides

Inducing apoptosis in cancer cells is an effective strategy for cancer therapy. The cationic α-helix forming KLAKLAKKLAKLAK peptide (KLAK) has been known to induce apoptosis by disrupting the mitochondria. In the present study, we have designed a thermally targeted KLAK peptide by genetically engineering the KLAK sequence to the carboxy terminus of the heat responsive biopolymer elastin-like polypeptide (ELP). The cellular internalization of ELP-KLAK was made possible by engineering a cell penetrating peptide sequence (SynB1) to the amino terminus of ELP. The SynB1-ELP1-KLAK fusion polypeptide was cytotoxic against both estrogen receptor positive and negative human breast cancer cell lines. The potency of SynB1-ELP1-KLAK was further enhanced when mild hyperthermia was added to the treatment. In response to hyperthermia, SynB1-ELP1-KLAK selectively triggered apoptosis, which was associated with disruption of the mitochondria. The thermally responsive SynB1-ELP-KLAK polypeptide can have improved tumor targeting by the application of mild hyperthermia. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic properties of ELP can prevent degradation of KLAK in vivo, and the use of SynB1 can mediate tumor cell uptake, thereby augmenting the effect of KLAK.
Preserving the Electroacoustic Music Legacy: A Case Study of the Sal-Mar Construction at the University of Illinois

In the summer of 2008 the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign acquired the papers of Salvatore Martirano (1927–1995), avant-garde composer, faculty member, and performer. This case study examines how the new electroacoustic compositional techniques present in Martirano’s papers and his ground-breaking electronic music instrument, the Sal-Mar Construction, dramatically challenged the archivists to explore access and preservation practices for this unique cultural record. Context plays a key role in the preservation of electroacoustic compositions and instruments, considering that these tend to become ephemeral works of art once the composer ceases to maintain them in working order.
Dynamic Interactions among the Stock Market, Federal Funds Rate, Inflation, and Economic Activity

This paper examines the dynamic interactions among the equity market, economic activity, inflation, and monetary policy under three monetary policy regimes using bivariate and multivariate vector autoregressive cointegrating specifications. The bivariate results for the real stock returns-inflation pair weakly support a negative correlation in the 1970s and 1980s. While the bivariate findings suggest a weak, negative relationship between real returns and the federal funds in the 1970s and 1980s, the multivariate findings strongly support short-term linkages in the 1970s. There appears to be no consistent dynamic relationship between monetary policy and stock prices in that the relationship differs across monetary regimes.
Aggregation of Thionine within AlMCM-48

We report the formation of aggregated thionine molecules encapsulated within an Al-containing mesoporous molecular sieve material (specifically, AlMCM-48) that possesses a cubic pore structure. XRD, UV−vis absorption, fluorescence, and Raman measurements were used, where appropriate, as spectroscopic tools to characterize the AlMCM-48 host sample and the composite system consisting of the host and encapsulated thionine molecules. Due to the size of the cubic pores possessed by the host, aggregates of thionine larger than the dimers, trimers, and so forth, reported hitherto, are likely formed and are more appropriately termed H-aggregates. The structure of the H-aggregate is proposed. Raman band assignments for thionine are made based on both empirical determinations and quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory at the B3LYP level.
Enzymatic Hydrogen Production: Conversion of Renewable Resources for Energy Production

Using the enzymes glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and hydrogenase, we have shown that a variety of sugars that are components of renewable resources can be enzymatically converted to molecular hydrogen. The rates at which hydrogen was evolved paralleled the substrate specificity of GDH. The highest rate of hydrogen production measured was 97.8 μmol/h, and the stoichiometric yield of hydrogen was 98% with 50 mM glucose as the substrate. Lactose, sucrose, cellulose, xylan, steam-exploded aspen wood, and starch also served as substrates for hydrogen production when the corresponding enzymes were included in the reaction mixture to generate the appropriate monosaccharide for which GDH has specificity. The data obtained are discussed in the context of the rate-limiting steps of hydrogen production from renewable sugar and the possible applications of enzymatic hydrogen production.
Canonical systems and their limits on stable curves

Abstract We propose an object called ‘sepcanonical system’ on a stable curve X 0 which is to serve as limiting object – distinct from other such limits introduced previously – for the canonical system, as a smooth curve degenerates to X 0 . First, for curves which cannot be separated by 2 or fewer nodes (the so-called ‘2-inseparable’ curves), the sepcanonical system consists of the sections of the dualizing sheaf, and fails to be very ample iff X 0 is a limit of smooth hyperelliptic curves (such X 0 are called 2-inseparable hyperelliptics). For general, 2-separable curves X 0 , this assertion is false, leading us to introduce the sepcanonical system, which is a collection of linear systems on the ‘2-inseparable parts’ of X 0 , each associated to a different twisted limit of the canonical system, where the entire collection varies smoothly with X 0 . To define sepcanonical system, we must endow the curve with extra structure called an ‘azimuthal structure’. We show ( Theorem 6.5 ) that the sepcanonical system is ‘essentially very ample’ unless the curve is a tree-like arrangement of 2-inseparable hyperelliptics. In a subsequent paper [11] we will show that the latter property is equivalent to the curve being a limit of smooth hyperelliptics, and will essentially give defining equation for the closure of the locus of smooth hyperelliptic curves in the moduli space of stable curves.
Cognitive constraints on compositional systems

In this article I explore the relationship between composing and listening. I begin with a problematic story, draw some general conclusions, introduce relevant concepts from Lerdahl and Jackendoff (1983) and related work, propose some cognitive constraints on compositional systems, discuss “pitch space”, and explain why serial (or 12-tone) organizations are cognitively opaque. Most of these topics deserve fuller treatment than is given in these pages. My concern here is just to lay out a basic, if wide-ranging, argument. I am not interested in passing judgement on the composers and compositions that are mentioned, particularly not on the remarkable work by Boulez that I use as a representative example. The thrust of my argument is psychological rather than aesthetic. But since aesthetic issues inevitably impinge on the discussion, I treat them briefly at the end.
Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency in a dog with septic shock.

Objective – To describe a case of hydrocortisone-responsive hypotension and critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) in a dog with septic shock. Case Summary – A dog with aspiration pneumonia developed septic shock with pressor-refractory hypotension. A standard ACTH stimulation test was performed that showed a blunted cortisol response consistent with CIRCI. Reversal of shock was achieved within 2 hours of hydrocortisone administration, and complete weaning from pressors was accomplished over the subsequent 8 hours. The patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital. An ACTH stimulation test performed 1 month after hospital discharge showed normal adrenal responsiveness consistent with resolution of CIRCI. New or Unique Information Provided – This case is the first published report of hydrocortisone-responsive hypotension and transient CIRCI associated with naturally occurring septic shock in a dog.
THE EFFECTS OF INITIAL BELIEF LEVEL ON INOCULATION THEORY AND ITS PROPOSED MECHANISMS

McGuire's inoculation theory employs an analogy to predict the effectiveness of defenses in inducing resistance to persuasion. In discussing this analogy, McGuire states that it is necessary to use beliefs which have not been attacked previously. Many studies have used inoculation theory to predict resistance with beliefs which have been attacked. We argue that McGuire is incorrect in his interpretation of the analogy and discuss an experimental test of different defenses' effectiveness over three belief levels.
Physical Distance and Helping: Some Unexpected Benefits of “Crowding In” on Others1

One hundred and sixty undergraduates (80 males, 80 females) participated in a field experiment designed to examine the influence of invasions of personal space and sex of requester upon subsequent helping. On the basis of previous research, it was predicted that helping would be markedly inhibited by invasions of personal space, and that the magnitude of these effects would be mediated by the sex of the individuals who perpetrated such intrusions. Surprisingly, however, results indicated that subsequent helping was actually facilitated by such invasions. A follow-up investigation replicated these results and suggested that they stemmed from a tendency on the part of subjects to perceive close physical approach by the requester as indicative of a high need for assistance.
Biophysical and pharmacological characterization of voltage-sensitive calcium currents in neonatal rat inferior colliculus neurons.

Abstract Calcium conductances have been found in neonatal inferior colliculus neurons, however the biophysical and pharmacological profiles of the underlying calcium currents have not yet been characterized. In this study, we examined which types of voltage-activated calcium currents comprise the whole-cell inward current of neonatal inferior colliculus neurons (10–22 μm in diameter). On the basis of their voltage-dependence and pharmacological sensitivities, three major components of barium currents were identified. A low threshold voltage-activated current that activated around −70 mV, a mid threshold voltage-activated current that activated near −50 mV, and a high threshold voltage-activated current that activated around −40 mV. Low and mid threshold voltage-activated currents were present in 33% and 41% of the recordings, respectively, whereas high threshold voltage-activated currents were recorded in all inferior colliculus neurons tested. Nickel chloride (50 μM) and U-92032 (1 μM), which both block low threshold voltage-activated currents, reduced the amplitude of low threshold voltage-activated peak currents at a test potential of −60 mV by 72% and 10%, respectively. In addition, 50 μM nickel chloride and 1 μM U-92032 reduced the amplitude of mid threshold voltage-activated peak currents measured at −20 mV by 55% and 21%, respectively. Further pharmacological analysis indicated the presence of multiple types of high threshold voltage-activated currents in neonatal inferior colliculus neurons. The dihydropyridine nimodipine (1 μM), a selective L-type current antagonist, reduced the amplitude of high threshold voltage-activated peak currents by 25%. In addition, FPL 64176 (1 μM), a non-dihydropyridine L-type current agonist caused a dramatic 534% increase in the amplitude of the slow sustained component of the tail current measured at −40 mV. These data indicate that inferior colliculus neurons express L-type channels. ω-Conotoxin GVIA (1 μM), a selective blocker of N-type current, inhibited high threshold voltage-activated peak currents by 28% indicating the presence of N-type channels. ω-Agatoxin IVA (300 nM), a potent P/Q-type antagonist, reduced high threshold voltage-activated peak currents by 27%, suggesting that inferior colliculus neurons express P/Q-type channels. Concomitant application of nimodipine (1 μM), ω-conotoxin GVIA (1 μM) and ω-agatoxin IVA (300 nM) onto inferior colliculus neurons decreased the control high threshold voltage-activated peak currents only by 62%. Thus, inferior colliculus neurons may express at least one more type of calcium current in addition to low and mid threshold voltage-activated currents and L-type, N-type and P/Q-type high threshold currents.
Trace-element budgets in the Ohio/Sunbury shales of Kentucky: Constraints on ocean circulation and primary productivity in the Devonian-Mississippian Appalachian Basin

Abstract The hydrography of the Appalachian Basin in late Devonian–early Mississippian time is modeled based on the geochemistry of black shales and constrained by others' paleogeographic reconstructions. The model supports a robust exchange of basin bottom water with the open ocean, with residence times of less than forty years during deposition of the Cleveland Shale Member of the Ohio Shale. This is counter to previous interpretations of these carbon-rich units having accumulated under a stratified and stagnant water column, i.e., with a strongly restricted bottom bottom-water circulation. A robust circulation of bottom waters is further consistent with the palaeoclimatology, whereby eastern trade-winds drove upwelling and arid conditions limited terrestrial inputs of siliciclastic sediment, fresh waters, and riverine nutrients. The model suggests that primary productivity was high (~ 2 g C m− 2 d− 1), although no higher than in select locations in the ocean today. The flux of organic carbon settling through the water column and its deposition on the sea floor was similar to fluxes found in modern marine environments. Calculations based on the average accumulation rate of the marine fraction of Ni suggest the flux of organic carbon settling out of the water column was approximately 9% of primary productivity, versus an accumulation rate (burial) of organic carbon of 0.5% of primary productivity. Trace-element ratios of V:Mo and Cr:Mo in the marine sediment fraction indicate that bottom waters shifted from predominantly anoxic (sulfate reducing) during deposition of the Huron Shale Member of the Ohio Shale to predominantly suboxic (nitrate reducing) during deposition of the Cleveland Shale Member and the Sunbury Shale, but with anoxic conditions occurring intermittently throughout this period.
Process and controller performance monitoring: overview with industrial applications

SUMMARYComplex processes depend on regulatory control systems to operate. Changes made to the sensor systemand the process itself as well as the natural degradation over time of the equipment may cause somecontrollers’ and process performance to suﬀer. Since there are hundreds of controllers in most complexprocesses, it is virtually impossible to monitor their performance manually. This work reviews the state-of-the-art in controller performance monitoring including both feedforward and feedback control. Theexperiences of the DuPont Company in the deployment of a system for performance monitoring arepresented. Information as to how such a monitoring system is implemented in the operation of a chemicalprocess and examples of its operation are included. Copyright # 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. KEY WORDS : compliance metrics; chemical processes; real-time monitoring; controller performance 1. INTRODUCTIONMost modern industrial plants have hundreds and even thousands of automatic control loops.These loops can be simple proportional-integral-derivative (PID) or more sophisticated model-based linear and non-linear control loops. It has been reported that as many as 60% of allindustrial controllers have performance problems [1]. Having an automated means of detectingwhen a loop is not performing well and then diagnosing the root cause is essential because theyplay a vital role in product quality, safety and ultimately economics.Some of the obstacles that prevent this automatic assessment, from being a part of the day-to-day maintenance program include a lack of: user-friendly interface, readily understandablereport generation, diagnosis information in text form, a single composite index ranking the loopperformance and reliable computational software tools. In addition, education of the operationsstaﬀ is essential to make full use of some of the currently available time and frequencymethodologies.
Voluntary childlessness is increased in women with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: The women's health aspect of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a newer area of study; childbearing issues have received little attention despite the fact that IBD affects women predominantly during their childbearing years. The aim of this study was to better understand patients' considerations about pregnancy-related issues and to examine trends in childbearing so that physicians are able to better tailor their advice to IBD-specific concerns. Methods: Data were gathered from specific questions in 3147 surveys mailed anonymously to all members of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) Illinois Carol Fisher chapter. The subjects were provided a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope and were instructed to return their completed surveys with no identifying information. Subjects were from the Illinois community. Females IBD patients were 15–44 of age and were members of the CCFA Illinois Carol Fisher chapter. Results: In this study, 169 females age 15–44 years with IBD, 110 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 59 with ulcerative colitis (UC), were identified. Most subjects were white. IBD patients had a higher rate of voluntary childlessness (CD 18%, UC 14%) than the 6.2% seen in the general population (P = 0.001 for CD, P = 0.08 for UC). Women with UC had a lower rate of temporary childlessness (CD 28%, UC 13.6%) than the general population (33%) (P = NS and P < 0.0001 for UC).The rates of nonvoluntary childlessness in IBD were similar to the general population. Women with IBD also had fewer children than their state and national counterparts. The state of the patients' IBD, including those who had gone through a previous pregnancy with IBD, did not alter their resolve to have children. The educational level of our subjects was higher than the nationwide and statewide levels; 76% of the subjects used contraception before diagnosis of IBD, and 82% used it after diagnosis. The most common choices were oral contraception, barrier methods, and abstinence. This study was unable to compare the lifetime rates of complications of pregnancy with population-based controls because such data were unavailable. Furthermore, their findings in this study may not be generalized to all ethnic groups because our population was mostly white. Conclusions: Women with IBD had a higher rate of voluntary childlessness and fewer children than the general population. These observations are likely attributable to a higher educational achievement and to racial background of the patients rather than to IBD-related reasons. Although contraception use in patients with IBD was lower that in the general population, use was higher after the diagnosis of IBD than before the diagnosis. Contraceptive choices and adoption rates were similar to the general population. Women with CD were more affected by miscarriages after diagnosis with IBD than those with UC. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2006)
The pineal gland: shedding light on the internal clock

Abstract Many bodily functions display circadian rhythms. These rhythms are generated endogenously but are regulated by environmental lighting. The prominent circadian rhythm in pineal indoleamine metabolism provides a useful system for the pharmacological investigation of circadian rhythms.
Methylmaleic anhydride as a reversible blocking agent during specific arginine modification.

Abstract A method for specific and irreversible modification of arginine in proteins has been devised using a sequential treatment with methylmaleic anhydride and trimeric 2,3-butanedione at pH 8.0. The amino groups blocked by the methylmaleylation are liberated by dialysis at pH 3.5 according to Dixon and Perham. This technique was applied to bovine plasma albumin and bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A to yield proteins with 93 and 75% of their arginines modified. Amino groups were quantitatively recovered. When a parallel procedure was applied to a mixture of standard amino acids 97% of the arginine was derivatized while recoveries of other amino acids were 100 ± 4%.
Enhanced detection of focal brain responses using intersubject averaging and change-distribution analysis of subtracted PET images

Intersubject averaging and change-distribution analysis of subtracted positron emission tomographic (PET) images were developed and tested. The purpose of these techniques is to increase the sensitivity and objectivity of functional mapping of the human brain with PET. To permit image averaging, all primary tomographic images were converted to anatomically standardized three-dimensional images using stereotactic anatomical localization and interslice interpolation. Image noise, measured in control-minus-control subtractions, was strongly suppressed by averaging. Signal-to-noise ratio, measured in stimulus-minus-control subtractions (hand vibration minus eyes-closed rest), rose steadily with averaging, confirming the accuracy of our method of anatomical standardization. Distribution analysis of CBF change images (outlier detection by gamma-2 statistic) was assessed as an omnibus test for state-dependent changes in regional neuronal activity. Sensitivity in detecting the somatosensory response rose steadily...
Planar polygon extraction and merging from depth images

There has been considerable interest recently in building 3D maps of environments using inexpensive depth cameras like the Microsoft Kinect sensor. We exploit the fact that typical indoor scenes have an abundance of planar features by modeling environments as sets of plane polygons. To this end, we build upon the Fast Sampling Plane Filtering (FSPF) algorithm that extracts points belonging to local neighborhoods of planes from depth images, even in the presence of clutter. We introduce an algorithm that uses the FSPF-generated plane filtered point clouds to generate convex polygons from individual observed depth images. We then contribute an approach of merging these detected polygons across successive frames while accounting for a complete history of observed plane filtered points without explicitly maintaining a list of all observed points. The FSPF and polygon merging algorithms run in real time at full camera frame rates with low CPU requirements: in a real world indoor environment scene, the FSPF and polygon merging algorithms take 2.5 ms on average to process a single 640 × 480 depth image. We provide experimental results demonstrating the computational efficiency of the algorithm and the accuracy of the detected plane polygons by comparing with ground truth.