cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies concerning the inhibition of glucose metabolism in thymus lymphocytes by cortisol and epinephrine.

Thymus lymphocytes from adrenalectomized rats were used to study the documented inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on glucose metabolism of lymphoid tissue. Cortisol (10–6.M) depressed glucose uptake, lactate production, and glycogen levels during aerobic incubation of the cells. The depression of glucose uptake by cortisol was greater than the decrease in production of 14CO2 from 14C—glucose, resulting in an increased specific yield of 14CO2 in the presence of steroid. The fraction of glucose metabolized by the pentose phosphate pathway was increased by cortisol, but the absolute amount of glucose metabolized by this pathway was not altered by the steroid. Cortisol was without effect on anaerobic glycolysis; however, the lack of inhibition was not due to damage to the cells during anoxia since incubation of thymocytes without oxygen for 1 hr at 37 C did not prevent inhibition of aerobic glucose metabolism by the subsequent addition of cortisol. The addition of epinephrine at a concentration of 10-6M si...
Restraint stress potentiates analgesia induced by 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine: comparison with morphine.

mu-Opioid receptor agonists, e.g. morphine, produce analgesia that can be potentiated by restraint stress. Adenosine receptor agonists, e.g. 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), also produce analgesia. To determine if adenosine-induced analgesia is also potentiated by stress, dose- and time-effect curves for NECA (0.01-0.1 mg/kg s.c.) were generated in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats either unrestrained or restrained in Plexiglas cylinders, using the tail-flick assay. Morphine (1.0-5.6 mg/kg s.c.) was also tested for comparison. Both compounds produced dose-dependent increases in tail-flick latencies. This effect of both drugs was potentiated in restrained rats. The opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone (1.0 mg/kg s.c.) blocked completely the effect of morphine in both groups and attenuated the stress-induced potentiation of NECA-induced analgesia. The adenosine receptor antagonist, caffeine (10.0 mg/kg s.c.), blocked the analgesic effect of NECA but not that of morphine. These results indicate that adenosine-mediated analgesia is potentiated by restraint stress and suggest a role for endogenous opioids in the mediation of stress-induced potentiation of analgesia.
Magnetic behavior of heavy rare earth RTiFe11-xCox alloys☆

Abstract A series of novel alloys of the composition RTiFe11-xCox (R= Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, 0.5Er0.5Sm; 0 ≤ x ≤ 11) have been synthesized and investigated magnetically over the temperature range of 77–1100 K. The alloys exhibited the tetragonal ThMn12 structure and were almost single-phase materials for lower cobalt contents. In the range, 0 ≤ x ≤ 3, a very small amount of Fe-Co-Ti phase was present, primarily along the grain boundaries. At higher Co contents, a considerable amount of an extraneous phase of the Th2Ni17 structure was observed. The RTiFe11-xCox alloys possess saturation magnetization (σs) in the range 58–120 emu/g at 295 K. σs decreases with decreasing temperature, exhibiting an antiferromagnetic coupling of rare earth and transition metals. At 77 K, σs is in the range 39–110 emu/g. A characteristic maximum in σs is found for x ≈ 3. For the alloys we studied the easy magnetization direction appears to be axial at 295 K at both the Fe and Co ends. The Curie temperatures (Tc) of the alloys are fairly high and range from 495 K (ErTiFe11) to 1119 K (GdTiFe2Co9). In all these materials Tc is considerably enhanced by Co substitution.
Bacterial utilization of formic and acetic acid in rainwater

Abstract Rain samples were collected aseptically, during 1983 and 1984, in Charlottesville, Virginia to determine the ability of bacteria in precipitation to utilize formate and acetate. The total number of bacteria, as counted by Acridine Orange Direct Counts, was one to two orders of magnitude greater from April to September (105 cells ml−1) than during the rest of the year (103−104 cells ml−1). Formate and acetate concentrations ranged between 6–23 and 3–9 μM, respectively and were higher from June to September. Heterotrophic uptake on the day of collection was not different from the controls, but after incubation at room temperature for a minimum of three days, the turnover rate constants were 0.14 and 0.17 h−1 for formate and acetate, respectively. Total bacterial counts increased an order of magnitude during that interval. These turnover rate constants were used to calculate losses of 44 and 24 μmoll−1day−1 of formic and acetic acid, respectively. Turnover times were 1.5 and 34 days for formate and acetate, respectively. This study demonstrated that there are viable microorganisms in the atmosphere capable of utilizing formate and acetate for growth.
Simulation and training for lean implementation using web-based technology

For lean practitioners, lean simulation games play an important role at the early training stage. The interactive simulation effectively conveys lean concepts via semi-hands-on experiences in a classroom setting; however, it cannot be performed with fewer than minimum participants on site. Furthermore, additional efforts are required, including preparations and bookkeeping. This paper proposes two types of web-based lean simulation games to enhance the accessibility and functionality of the training programmes. First, the web-aided lean simulation employs a web-based Kanban system to interact with physical lean games. The system regulates the procedure and records performance metrics automatically to eliminate non-value-adding efforts. Another solution, the web-based lean simulation, facilitates online virtual simulation games allowing participants at different locations to be trained together. Moreover, fewer than suggested number of participants can run the programme by interacting with virtual players simulated by the server.
Radiographic and hysteroscopic findings of a placental site nodule

Objective To report a case of placental site nodule discovered on hysterosalpingogram and evaluated by sonohysterography and hysteroscopy in a patient presenting with infertility. Design Case report. Setting Academic reproductive endocrinology center. Patient(s) A 30-year-old gravida 1 para 1 receiving evaluation for secondary infertility. Intervention(s) Hysterosalpingogram, sonohysterography, and operative hysteroscopy with excision. Main outcome measure(s) Diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine lesion. Result(s) Pathology of the excisional biopsy from operative hysteroscopy revealed a placental site nodule. Conclusion(s) We report one of the first radiographic and hysteroscopic findings of a placental site nodule. This case demonstrates that in addition to the most common causes of uterine filling defects seen on hysterosalpingogram and sonohysterography, rarer lesions like placental site nodule also need to be considered in the differential diagnosis. Placental site nodule is a benign lesion that requires correct diagnosis to distinguish it from other more serious placental findings, but long-term follow-up is unnecessary. Therapy consists of diagnosis and expectant management.
A survivable critical infrastructure control application

A microcontroller-based system is described that utilizes real-time distributed sensor data to adapt a critical infrastructure control application to reflect current environment conditions. The system monitors the behavior of its software execution based on real-time analysis of certified frequency spectra and call-graph transition validations in order to detect and react to uncertified behavior and state transitions. The real-time data used to adapt the application is geographically distributed and redundant. The overall system is outlined with focus on the contingency management of the system. Finally, a basic reliability analysis is given as a tool to evaluate the impact of fail rate assumptions.
Treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections with temafloxacin

Temafloxacin is a new fluoroquinolone that achieves a high urine concentration and has potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against most pathogens associated with urinary tract infections. The clinical efficacy and safety of temafloxacin were assessed in adult females with acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infection in a series of three randomized, double-blind trials. A total of 555 clinically evaluable females of 919 enrolled from 75 centers received temafloxacin 200 or 400 mg once daily for 3 or 7 days, or a control regimen. The latter consisted of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 160 mg/800 mg, ciprofloxacin 250 mg, or norfloxacin 400 mg, each given twice daily for 7-10 days. Clinical cure or improvement occurred in 305 of 308 temafloxacin patients (99%) and in 247 of 247 controls (100%). Corresponding bacterial eradication rates were 99% (289/292) and 96.7% (237/245), respectively. The most frequently observed adverse events were nausea (3.5% of the temafloxacin group, 6.5% of the reference quinolone group, and 6.6% of the trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole group) and headache (5.4%, 3.7%, and 3.1% of the same respective groups). These results demonstrate the clinical efficacy and safety of temafloxacin, given once daily, in a large number of females with acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infection.
Doppler Velocity Detection Limitations in Spectrometer and Swept-Source Fourier-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Recent advances in Doppler and variance techniques have enabled high sensitivity imaging in regions of biological flow to measure blood velocities and vascular perfusion. In recent years, the sensitivity and imaging speed benefits of Fourier domain OCT have become apparent. Spectrometer-based and wavelength-swept implementations have both undergone rapid development. Comparative analysis of the potential benefits and limitations for the various configurations would be useful for matching technology capabilities to specific clinical problems. Here we take a first step in such a comparative analysis by presenting theoretical predictions and experimental results characterizing the lower and upper observable velocity limits in spectrometer-based versus swept-source Doppler OCT. Furthermore, we characterize the washout limit, the velocity at which signal degradation results in loss of flow information. We present comparative results from phantom flow data as well as retinal data obtained with a commercial spectrometer OCT system and a custom high-speed swept-source retinal OCT system.
Anisotropy damping through quantum effects in the early universe

We consider a quantized field in a Bianchi type-I anisotropically expanding universe. A suitable expectation value of the renormalized energy-momentum tensor acts as the source of the metric in the Einstein equations. The coupled set of differential equations is numerically integrated, with the help of several approximations, in the case when the quantized field is the massless conformal scalar field. Boundary conditions are imposed at an initial time t/sub 0/ of the order of the Planck time, with the initial expansion rates varying over a wide range consistent with the constraints. It is found that the expansion rates tend toward isotropy and approach a radiation-filled Friedman expansion in an interval of less than 10/sup 3/ Planck times, for the full range of initial expansion rates considered.
The prevalence of rapid weight gain in infancy differs by the growth reference and age interval used for evaluation

AbstractBackground: Infant rapid weight gain (RWG) may predict subsequent obesity, but there are inconsistencies in the growth references and age intervals used for assessment.Methods: This study evaluated whether the prevalence of RWG (an increase of >0.67 in weight-for-age z-score) differed by growth reference (2006 WHO standards vs 2000 CDC references) and age interval of assessment (0–3, 0–6, 6–12 and 0–12 months). Pooled data from singleton term infants from two observational studies on maternal mood disorders during pregnancy were used (n = 161). Differences in RWG prevalence by growth reference and age interval were tested using Cochran’s Q and McNemar’s tests.Results: The CDC reference produced a higher RWG prevalence (14% of infants additionally categorized as RWG, p < 0.0001) within the 0–3 month age interval compared to the WHO standards; this pattern was reversed for the 6–12 and 0–12 month intervals. RWG prevalence did not differ across age interval within the WHO standards, but did differ wi...
Integrated Model for Refinery Planning, Oil Procuring, and Product Distribution

Refinery production planning is usually performed using the refinery battery limit constraints. Two associated problems are the oil uploading and product distribution problems. These problems have traditionally been solved separately, and they have constraints that could render the solution of the planning problem infeasible or less profitable. The goal of this paper is to explore the benefits of the integration of production planning with these two models.
Design of electric machines for electric vehicles based on driving schedules

This paper presents a specialized design evaluation tool for electric machines intended for use in electric vehicles that seeks to maximize the machine's efficiency in the operating regions that most closely correspond to the vehicle's driving schedules. The influences of different designs on a production battery-electric vehicle are studied. A combination of closed form and finite element analysis is applied in the design process to incorporate both vehicle driving patterns and machine electromagnetic characteristics in order to optimize the machine efficiency optimization in the most frequent operating regions. The total required energy and relative losses of each of the candidate machines is calculated for the driving cycles using the predicted machine and vehicle performance characteristics. Finally, the Nissan Leaf's energy consumption is calculated using simplified combined city/highway driving schedules and compared to the EPA's published range, demonstrating that the developed analytical model can deliver promising accuracy.
A DFT investigation on effects of hydration on the tautomeric equilibria of hypoxanthine

Abstract Computational investigations of the proton transfer in the isolated, mono, and dihydrated forms of hypoxanthine (HX) and the effect of hydration on the transition state structures corresponding to proton transfer from the keto form to the enol form of the molecule have been performed at the DFT level of theory applying the B3LYP hybrid density functional and four basis sets namely 6-31G(d,p), 6-31++G(d,p), 6-311G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p). It is found that in the gas phase, the molecule would exist mainly in the keto prototropic forms. The geometrical parameters of the tautomers are found to converge even with the 6-31G(d,p) basis set. The diffuse functions have an appreciable effect on the relative stability of different tautomers (especially on the hydrated forms) and on the hydrogen bond lengths. The keto-N7H form is predicted to be most stable in all basis sets in the gas phase. Tautomeric equilibria is found to shift towards the keto-N9H form on hydration, and with the 6-31G(d,p) and 6-311G(d,p) basis sets, the keto-N9H form is predicted to be the most stable while with the 6-31++G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets, the keto-N7H form is predicted to remain the most stable. Single point calculations at the B3LYP/cc-pVTZ//B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level show that the relative energies are already converged at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. The transition states corresponding to the proton transfer from the oxo to the hydroxy form for the mono and dihydrated forms were found to have a zwitterionic structure (H3O+…HX− for the monohydrated forms and H5O2+…HX− for the dihydrated forms).
Switches, Switches, Every Where, In Any Drop We Drink

In this issue, Broussard et al. (2013) report genetic switches that regulate cell fate selection; a recombinase attachment site is embedded within a repressor coding sequence, such that integration truncates a proteolysis domain, stabilizing the repressor and setting the switch.
Differential susceptibility of neonatal lymphocytes to the immunosuppressive effects of anaesthesia and surgery

The effect of anaesthesia and surgery on the lymphocyte dose-dependent response to four mitogens was measured in 15 neonates for up to 4 days following surgery. The mitogen response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and staphylococcal protein A (SPA) following anaesthesia and surgery showed varying degrees of immunosuppression depending on the mitogen used. No significant difference was found in the response to PHA throughout the period of study. Lymphocyte responses to Con A were significantly depressed immediately after surgery (P <0.005). All patients showed an increase in PWM and SPA responsiveness after induction of anaesthesia, followed by significant depression immediately after surger (P <0.01) and 24 and 48 h postoperatively. The variability in responsiveness of neonatal lymphocytes to a range of mitogens during and following surgery suggests subtle differential immunosuppressive effects on individual lymphocyte sub-population, particulary T-cell-dependent B-cell responses. The results are further evidence of the particularly complex nature of the immune response of the newborn.
Feedback control of a rotary left ventricular assist device supporting a failing cardiovascular system

A new feedback control system for a current-based model of the combined cardiovascular system and a rotary left ventricular assist device is presented. The system consists of a suction detection subsystem and a feedback controller subsystem. The suction detection subsystem is based on a Lagrangian Support Vector Machine model. In the absence of suction in the left ventricle, as indicated by the suction detection subsystem, the proposed feedback controller automatically adjusts the pump motor current in order to meet the blood flow requirement of the patient's body at different physiological states. The performance of the feedback control system has been tested to show the ability to autonomously adjust the pump current, while sustaining required cardiac output and mean arterial pressure. Simulation results show that the controller can keep cardiac output and mean arterial pressure within acceptable physiologic ranges under different conditions of the patient activities. Robustness to noise of the controller is also discussed.
The use of casts and other problems in reconstructing the Dryopithecus (Proconsul) africanus wrist complex

Interpretations of the functional significance of the morphology of the Dryophithecus africanus wrist, whether based upon casts or original specimens, differ in descriptions of size and shape of the carpals, and, in particular, articular surfaces of the bones. This paper examines specific difficulties in using the cast material for interpreting detailed anatomy of the wrist complex and reconstructing positional behavioural adaptations. Although the D. africanus forelimb exhibits a mosaic of features, my interpretation of the probable direction and range of movements permitted within some joints of the wrist indicates apparent similarities with quadrupedal, palmigrade primates.
Role of nonconserved charged residues of the AE2 transmembrane domain in regulation of anion exchange by pH

The ubiquitous AE2/SLC4A2 anion exchanger is acutely and independently regulated by intracellular (pHi) and extracellular pH (pHo), whereas the closely related AE1/SLC4A1 of the red cell and renal intercalated cell is relatively pH-insensitive. We have investigated the contribution of nonconserved charged residues within the C-terminal transmembrane domain (TMD) of AE2 to regulation by pH through mutation to the corresponding AE1 residues. AE2-mediated Cl−/Cl− exchange was measured as 4,4′-di-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid-sensitive 36Cl− efflux from Xenopus oocytes by varying pHi at constant pHo, and by varying pHo at near-constant pHi. All mutations of nonconserved charged residues of the AE2 TMD yielded functional protein, but mutations of some conserved charged residues (R789E, R1056A, R1134C) reduced or abolished function. Individual mutation of AE2 TMD residues R921, F922, P1077, and R1107 exhibited reduced pHi sensitivity compared to wt AE2, whereas TMD mutants K1153R, R1155K, R1202L displayed enhanced sensitivity to acidic pHi. In addition, pHo sensitivity was significantly acid- shifted when nonconserved AE2 TMD residues E981, K982, and D1075 were individually converted to the corresponding AE1 residues. These results demonstrate that multiple conserved charged residues are important for basal transport function of AE2 and that certain nonconserved charged residues of the AE2 TMD are essential for wild-type regulation of anion exchange by pHi and pHo.
Cytomegalovirus reactivation and colitis after left ventricular assist device placement

We describe two patients who developed gastrointestinal bleeding due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis after placement of a HeartMate II left ventricular assist device (LVAD). We aim to raise awareness of CMV colitis as a possible cause of gastrointestinal bleeding after LVAD placement and discuss potential mechanisms for CMV reactivation and areas for future research.
Injuries to hired crop workers in the United States—a descriptive analysis of a national probability survey

BACKGROUND: Little empirical data are available examining the injury experience of hired crop workers in the United States (US). This study analyzed work-related injury data collected on these workers from a national survey. METHODS: Data were collected through the National Agricultural Workers Survey (NAWS) for the federal fiscal years 1999, 2002, 2003, and 2004. These data provided descriptive injury characteristics and rate estimates from a sample of 13,604 crop farm workers. RESULTS: The injury rate was 4.3 injuries per 100 week-based full-time equivalents (FTE(WB) ). The majority of the injuries occurred to male (84%) and Mexican born (72%) workers. Shuttle migrants had the highest injury rate at 7.2 injuries/100 FTE(WB) . Workers reporting one or more health conditions and workers reporting one or more musculoskeletal complaints had higher injury. The most common injury events were overexertion from lifting (20%), being struck by hand held objects (13%), and falls to a lower level (10%). Injuries due to falls to a lower level accounted for the highest average number of restricted workdays (45 days). CONCLUSIONS: The use of hand tools, falls, and lifting overexertion injuries were identified as significant causes of injury among hired crop workers. Increased injury risk was also seen for crop workers with existing health or musculoskeletal complaints. These results are useful for targeting injury prevention efforts and future research needs for this unique worker population. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Language: en
Parallel Exact Inference on a CPU-GPGPU Heterogenous System

Exact inference is a key problem in exploring probabilistic graphical models. The computational complexity of inference increases dramatically with the parameters of the graphical model. To achieve scalability over hundreds of threads remains a fundamental challenge. In this paper, we use a lightweight scheduler hosted by the CPU to allocate cliques in junction trees to the GPGPU at run time. The scheduler merges multiple small cliques or splits large cliques dynamically so as to maximize the utilization of the GPGPU resources. We implement node level primitves on the GPGPU to process the cliques assigned by the CPU. We propose a conflict free potential table organization and an efficient data layout for coalescing memory accesses. In addition, we develop a double buffering based asynchronous data transfer between CPU and GPGPU to overlap clique processing on the GPGPU with data transfer and scheduling activities. Our implementation achieved 30X speedup compared with state-of-the-art multicore processors.
Studying the Binomial Distribution Using LabVIEW

This undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory exercise introduces students to the study of probability distributions both experimentally and using computer simulations. Students perform the classic coin toss experiment individually and then pool all of their data together to study the effect of experimental sample size on the binomial distribution. Simulations of the coin toss experiment are also performed using the software package LabVIEW. LabVIEW facilitates the creation of complex computer programs in a short period of time, even by beginner programmers. Histograms in LabVIEW are displayed in real time with students adjusting the number of simulated coin tosses on the fly using a virtual knob or a slider, up to 1 million individual trials. This allows the students to see firsthand the evolution of the binomial distribution into the Gaussian distribution with a large sample size.
N = 4 supergravity theory with local SU(2) × SU(2) invariance

Abstract N = 4 supergravity theory has been formulated in two different equivalent forms, which may be expected to become inequivalent when the internal symmetry is gauged. The extension of the first form to include local SO(4) internal symmetry is known. In this paper the extension of the second form to local SU(2) × SU(2) invariance is given, and is indeed inequivalent to the first form. The second form is in general parity non-conserving, while both forms have scalar field potentials that are unbounded from below.
Influence of developing Brugia pahangi on spontaneous flight activity of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Aedes aegypti (black-eyed Liverpool strain) mosquitoes were infected with microfilariae of Brugia pahangi to evaluate the effect of developing larvae on spontaneous flight activity. Studies using acoustic chambers showed that even low numbers of developing larvae (<10) inhibited mosquito flight activity, especially on days 8 through 10 postinfection. Parasite intensity was inversely correlated with flight activity, and mosquitoes infected with more than 20 larvae could not sustain flight after day 8. Mosquitoes infected with more than 30 larvae did not fly. Low numbers of developing larvae led to an increase in spontaneous flight activity during the first few days after infection. Developing parasites had little influence on the circadian activity patterns of Ae. aegypti.
Recruiting new tor relays with BRAIDS

Tor, a distributed Internet anonymizing system, relies on volunteers who run dedicated relays. Other than altruism, these volunteers have no incentive to run relays, causing a large disparity between the number of users and available relays. We introduce BRAIDS, a set of practical mechanisms that encourages users to run Tor relays, allowing them to earn credits redeemable for improved performance of both interactive and non-interactive Tor traffic. These performance incentives will allow Tor to support increasing resource demands with almost no loss in anonymity: BRAIDS is robust to well-known attacks. Using a simulation of 20,300 Tor nodes, we show that BRAIDS allows relays to achieve 75% lower latency than non-relays for interactive traffic, and 90% higher bandwidth utilization for non-interactive traffic.
Megapixel QWIP focal plane array and 320x256 pixel colocated mid-wave and long-wave dual-band QWIP focal plane array

Mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) 1024x1024 pixel quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) focal planes have been demonstrated with excellent imaging performance. The MWIR QWIP detector array has demonstrated a noise equivalent differential temperature (NEΔT) of 17 mK at a 95K operating temperature with f/2.5 optics at 300K background and the LWIR detector array has demonstrated a NEΔT of 13 mK at a 70K operating temperature with the same optical and background conditions as the MWIR detector array. Both MWIR and LWIR focal planes have shown background limited performance (BLIP) at 90K and 70K operating temperatures respectively, with similar optical and background conditions. In this paper, we will discuss the performance in terms of quantum efficiency, NEΔT, uniformity, operability, and modulation transfer functions.
A prototype IEEE 1451.4 smart transducer interface for sensors and actuators

Analog transducers (sensors or actuators) are widely used in industry. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1451.4 standard defines a mixed-mode communication protocol and the Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) formats for analog transducers. This standard enables the plug-and-play capability of analog transducers and easy integration of analog transducers with measurement and control systems. This paper describes a prototype of the IEEE 1451.4 one-wire interface for analog transducers. The prototype system developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) consists of an IEEE 1451.4-based transducer, a one-wire interface board, and a single board computer (SBC). An example of reading the IEEE 1451.4 TEDS from an IEEE 1451.4-compatible accelerometer is provided to illustrate system functionality.
A comparison of auricular, rectal and pulmonary artery thermometry in dogs with anesthesia‐induced hypothermia

Objective: To determine if a correlation exists among auricular, rectal and pulmonary artery (PA) temperatures in hypothermic dogs. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Angiography suite at a college of veterinary medicine. Animals: Sexually intact female research hounds (13.9–25.4 kg; n=8). Measurements and main results: Dogs were anesthetized for instrumentation with a percutaneously placed, thermistor-tipped, PA catheter. Anesthesia was maintained until the core body temperature decreased to 36.6°C (97.8°F). Anesthesia was discontinued, and auricular and rectal temperatures were obtained every 15 minutes until the PA temperature reached 38.3°C (100.9°F). A strong correlation was noted among the 3 methods of temperature measurement (P<0.001; R≥0.846). No statistical difference was detected among measurement methods at baseline, the minimum temperature attained, nor the median temperature attained. However, at the maximum temperature attained, auricular measurements (37.7±0.4°C or 99.8±0.7°F) were lower than either the rectal (38.3±0.3°C or 100.9±0.5°F) or PA (38.3±0.3°C or 100.9±0.5°F) temperature measurements (P=0.001). Conclusion: There is a strong correlation among rectal, auricular and PA temperatures. Auricular temperature may be used to monitor core body temperature during postoperative rewarming; however, it might be slightly lower than core temperature as normothermia is reached.
Surface of Miranda - Identification of water ice

Near-infrared spectrophotometry at 5-percent resolution shows Miranda to have a water-ice surface. Estimates of Miranda's albedo made from the depth of its 2.0-micron absorption band suggest that its visual geometric albedo is likely to be between 10 and 70 percent which when combined with the satellite's visual magnitude, yields a diameter of 500 + or 225 km. There is some evidence that suggests the visual geometric albedo of Miranda may be greater than or equal to 0.3, which implies that its diameter may lie near the lower end of the estimated range. With these results all the Uranian satellites are now known to have water-ice surfaces.
Using Single Informants to Study Group Choice: An Examination of Research Practice in Organizational Buying

Purchasing agents are often employed as individual informants in studies of organizational buying. This practice occurs in spite of the fact that several researchers have identified problems with using individual informants to study group buying behavior. The purpose of this study is to examine the appropriateness of using either single or multiple informants both in non-new task and new task group buying situations. We compare the predictive accuracy of a single-informant, autocracy model with that of a multiperson, majority rule model. The study includes 104 group decisions made by buying centers in organizations. Overall, we find that data from multiple informants significantly outperforms single informant data for both new task and non-new task situations, and that single/key informant data should be used in organizational buying research only with care and caution.
Epidemiologic investigation of Reye syndrome

sudden onset of symptoms followed by a progressive downhill course. In the absence of supporting clinical evidence, it is difficult to accept the congenital nature of the obliterative bronchiolitis in the patient described by the authors of this paper and in those children described by Drs. Williams and Campbell. Marie A. Capitanio, M.D. St. Christopher's Hospital for Children 2600 N. Laurence Philadelplia, Pa. 19133
Deamidation, acylation and proteolysis of a model peptide in PLGA films

Abstract The relative rates of deamidation, acylation and proteolysis (i.e. amide bond cleavage) were determined for a model peptide (VYPNGA) in poly ( dl -lactide-co-glycolide) films. Films were stored at 70 °C and either 95%, 75%, 60%, 45%, 28%, or ∼0% relative humidity and at 37 °C and 95% relative humidity. Peptide degradation products were identified by ESI+ MS/MS and quantitated by LC/MS/MS. Extensive overlap of degradation mechanisms occurred, producing a complex mixture of products. Acylation was the dominant peptide degradation reaction (10–20% of total peptide) at early stages of PLGA hydrolysis and at intermediate relative humidity (60–45% RH). Deamidation and proteolysis were dominant (25–50% and 20–40% of total peptide, respectively) at later stages and at high relative humidity (95–75% RH). Understanding the relative rates of each peptide degradation reaction will allow for improved design of PLGA formulations that preserve the stability of peptide and protein drugs.
Porcine insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein-3 elicits bi-phasic effects on IGF-I stimulated DNA synthesis in neonatal porcine skin fibroblasts

Abstract The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of porcine IGFBP-3 on IGF-I stimulated DNA synthesis in neonatal porcine skin fibroblasts. IGF-1 stimulated DNA synthesis in skin fibroblasts in a concentration dependent manner. DNA synthesis was maximally stimulated by 5 to 20 fold at 5 nM IGF-I; half-maximal stimulation was observed at approximately 1 nM IGF-I. Co-incubation of IGFBP-3 with a maximally effective dose of IGF-I (10 nM) did not inhibit the stimulatory effects of IGF-I on DNA synthesis. In contrast, when IGFBP-3 at concentrations of 0 to 20 nM was co-incubated with 1 nM IGF-I, a bi-phasic dose response was observed with IGFBP-3 being inhibitory only at a 10 to 20 fold molar excess to IGF-I. Based on the approximately equal molar ratio of IGFBP-3:IGF-I present in the circulation of control and pST-treated pigs our results suggest that IGFBP-3 does not inhibit the mitogenic effects of IGF-I. In summary, these results indicate that the combination of IGFBP-3 with IGF-I optimizes mitogenic signalling via the type I IGF receptor and suggest that IGFBP-3 does not inhibit the effects of ST that are mediated by IGF-I.
Projection of landfill stabilization period by time series analysis of leachate quality and transformation trends of VOCs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate suitability of using the time series analysis for selected leachate quantity and quality parameters to forecast the duration of post closure period of a closed landfill. Selected leachate quality parameters (i.e., sodium, chloride, iron, bicarbonate, total dissolved solids (TDS), and ammonium as N) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (i.e., vinyl chloride, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, chlorobenzene, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylenes, total BTEX) were analyzed by the time series multiplicative decomposition model to estimate the projected levels of the parameters. These parameters were selected based on their detection levels and consistency of detection in leachate samples. In addition, VOCs detected in leachate and their chemical transformations were considered in view of the decomposition stage of the landfill. Projected leachate quality trends were analyzed and compared with the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for the respective parameters. Conditions that lead to specific trends (i.e., increasing, decreasing, or steady) and interactions of leachate quality parameters were evaluated. Decreasing trends were projected for leachate quantity, concentrations of sodium, chloride, TDS, ammonia as N, vinyl chloride, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylenes, and total BTEX. Increasing trends were projected for concentrations of iron, bicarbonate, and chlorobenzene. Anaerobic conditions in landfill provide favorable conditions for corrosion of iron resulting in higher concentrations over time. Bicarbonate formation as a byproduct of bacterial respiration during waste decomposition and the lime rock cap system of the landfill contribute to the increasing levels of bicarbonate in leachate. Chlorobenzene is produced during anaerobic biodegradation of 1,4-dichlorobenzene, hence, the increasing trend of chlorobenzene may be due to the declining trend of 1,4-dichlorobenzene. The time series multiplicative decomposition model in general provides an adequate forecast for future planning purposes for the parameters monitored in leachate. The model projections for 1,4-dichlorobenzene were relatively less accurate in comparison to the projections for vinyl chloride and chlorobenzene. Based on the trends observed, future monitoring needs for the selected leachate parameters were identified.
Optimal segmentation of graphs with exclusive — OR nodes

Computer program software and logic circuit design are among many applications of directed acyclic graphs requiring some form of segmentation due to storage size constraints. In this paper we analyse the segmentation problem with the objective that the expected number of segments accessed on any route from the initial to the terminal node is minimized and no segment is accessed more than once.
Carbon gas production under different electron acceptors in a freshwater marsh soil.

Abstract Dynamics of carbon (C) gas emission from wetlands influence global C cycling. In many freshwater systems such as Louisiana freshwater marsh, soil contents of NO 3 - and SO 4 2 - have increased due to nutrient loading and saltwater intrusion. This could affect C mineralization and the emission of the major greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). In this investigation, a laboratory microcosm study was carried out to elucidate the effects of NO 3 - and SO 4 2 - on CO2 and CH4 production from a freshwater marsh soil located in the Barataria Basin of Louisiana coast, which has been subjected to the Mississippi River diversion and seawater intrusion. Composite soil samples were collected from top 50 cm marsh profile, treated with different levels of NO 3 - (0, 3.2 and 5 mM) or SO 4 2 - (0, 2, and 5 mM) concentrations, and incubated for 214 d under anaerobic conditions. The results showed that the presence of NO 3 - (especially at 3.2 mM) significantly decreased CO2 productions whereas SO 4 2 - did not. On the other hand, both NO 3 - and SO 4 2 - treatments decreased CH4 production but the NO 3 - almost completely inhibited CH4 production (>99%) whereas the SO 4 2 - treatments reduced CH4 production by 78–90%. The overall C mineralization rate constant under the NO 3 - presence was also low. In addition, the results revealed that a large proportion (95%) of anaerobic carbon mineralization in the untreated freshwater soil was unexplained by the reduction of any of the measured major electron acceptors.
Temporal Disruptions in the “Accurate” Speech of Articulatory Defective Speakers and Stutterers

Durational measures of vocalic steady states and transitions were made on phonetically accurate and fluently produced vowel-plosive, consonant-vowel bisyllables embedded in a carrier phrase. In the first experiment, these measures were taken from the speech of ten articulatory defective adult speakers and ten matched normal speakers. The second experiment analyzed durational measures in the speech of ten adult stutterers and ten matched nonstutterers. Using wideband spectrography, durational measurements were used to infer timing of articulatory movements during the subsegments of the VCV sequences. The results of both experiments suggest that the two groups of speech disordered subjects were able to produce transitional shifts appropriate to the phonetic environment but appeared to delay the initiation of coarticulatory movements. Aberrant speech timing may imply an involvement in the planning or integration of articulatory/coarticulatory movements rather than difficulty with movement execution per se.
The dilemma of flood control in the United States

In spite of increasing annual expenditures for flood control, losses from flooding continue to rise in the United States. This seeming contradiction arises from overdependence on federally supported structural solutions to flood problems. Nonstructural controls are initiated reluctantly at local levels of government because of constitutional questions, restrictions of local tax bases, lack of federal subsidies for nonstructural solutions, and the high costs of delineating flood hazard areas. The success of the National Flood Insurance Program is doubtful since only about five percent of the flood-prone communities in the United States have qualified for the regular program. Future reduction of flood losses is dependent upon increasing popular awareness of flood hazards and altering federal subsidy policies to reduce the impact of local land-use regulations.
Commentary on: evidence-based evaluation technique to assess augmentation mammaplasty results: a simple method to objectively analyze mammary symmetry and position.

This article makes the case for a breast measurement system as well as for a surgical technique to minimize breast asymmetry during augmentation.1 Their stated objective is to “devise an objective method to evaluate mammary symmetry based on statistical analysis of objective manual breast measurements and validate the method by applying it to results of a randomized controlled trial on the correction of breast asymmetry.” But such reasoning is tautological. To use their measurement system to prove that their adjustable implant method creates better symmetry, they must first validate the measurement system. To use their adjustable implant method to prove their measurement system works, they would have to first validate their surgical technique. So neither conclusion made in this article is justified. Nonetheless, these authors made a Herculean effort in taking measurements and doing statistical analysis. There are 9 measurements to take, and I found them to be relatively easy to do. Repeated measurements were consistent with the original. Such reproducibility is important. Meanwhile, the authors point out that other measurement systems with only 3 or 4 measurements are “very complex,” so it is unlikely that many surgeons would embrace their system either. This system does not measure the most critical determinants of breast shape: base width and the nipple to inframammary fold distance (NIMF). Ideal NIMF is a function of base width, and both NIMF distances must be equal. The NIMF is too long on the patient in the Figure 1, which is why there is too much lower fill, leaving the nipples too high on the breast mound. In Figure 6F, the inframammary folds are even. But because the left nipple is higher, the left NIMF is longer than the right NIMF, and the result is that there is more fill below the plane of the …
Overcoming multimodal effects in optical fiber tip CMOS-compatible Fabry-Pérot sensors

The challenges in multimode fiber sensors of modal interference and averaging over modes are presented and mitigation is discussed. Multimode fiber-tip pressure sensors were fabricated using a CMOS-compatible process, assembled, and characterized.
Improved polarization-mode-dispersion tolerance in duobinary transmission using 2.5 Gb/s MZ modulator in 10.7 Gb/s metro networks

Polarization-mode-dispersion (PMD) tolerance of a duobinary modulation format is investigated. With the use of 2.5 Gb/s Mack Zehnder modulator for modulation and optical pulse shaping of a 64 channels (10.7 Gb/s) dense wavelength division multiplexing metro networks, the electrical filter needed in conventional duobinary is no longer needed. The proposed method cut down in the complexity and cost of the duobinary transceiver. This technique allows the use of 10 Gb/s MZ modulator for 40 Gb/s duobinary transmission. We also used electronic compensation to adaptively compensate for PMD/GVD.
Perforation of the stomach in the newborn infant

Summary 1. A rare case and the only known survival of a perforated gastric ulcer in the newborn period is presented. 2. Early diagnosis, early use of antibiotics, and early surgical repair made survival possible. 3. Serial x-rays are presented which show that the perforation was not congenital.
Neuropeptide degrading enzyme(s) in plasma and brain: effects of in vivo neuroleptic administration.

Summary Degradation of Met-enkephalin (Try-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met) by clevage of the Tyr-Gly bond is enhanced in rodent plasma during a single or multiple dose regimen of chlorpromazine (CPZ). This is observed after five hours from time of last dose and persists as long as twenty hours later. Enhanced plasma protease activity was also observed with fluphenazine but not with imipramine. In contrast, levels of membrane-bound aminopeptidase activity in corpus striatum did not differ significantly after three weeks treatment with CPZ. In Vitro additions of CPZ (up to 100μM) to the plasma and brain preparations did not alter enzyme activity.
Treatment of Esophageal Carcinoma by Combined Preoperative Chemotherapy

Abstract Thirty-four patients with epidermoid carcinoma of the esophagus received a triple-drug regimen preoperatively consisting of cisplatin, vindesine, and bleomycin. Partial response to chemotherapy (greater than 50% reduction in measurable tumor size with concomitant improvement in swallowing function) was noted in 65% of the patients. Of the 34 patients, 28 (82%) had resectable disease. A one-stage high esophagogastrectomy utilizing the end-to-end anastomosis stapling device was performed on all 28 patients. Operation was followed by external radiation therapy to the esophageal bed, to a tumor dose of 5,500 rads delivered in 5 weeks. The postoperative median follow-up is now 14 months (range, 7 to 26 months). Thirteen patients are alive and well, and 10 patients have relapsed, 4 of whom are still alive with disease. Two patients died of postoperative complications, and 1 death was drug related. On the other hand, 5 of the 6 patients with unresected tumors died within 5 months. While the preliminary results are encouraging, longer follow-up will be required to determine whether the response rate to chemotherapy will result in a longer disease-free interval and longer survival.