cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
By Force of Nature: Explaining the Yield Spread on Catastrophe Bonds

This paper re-examines to which extent catastrophe bond prices can be explained via investor preferences. I show that cat bond spreads equal between two and three times expected losses after controlling for bond-specific characteristics. At the occurrence of Katrina, the model predicts a 15-20% increase in the cost of capital of reinsurance companies and plausible degrees of comovement among different perils. The driving force behind the model is a habit process, in that catastrophes are rare economic shocks that could bring investors closer to their subsistence level. Such preferences may also explain why catastrophe bonds offer higher yield spreads compared to equally-rated corporate bonds.
The zone of compromise for evaluating lay-out arrangements

The arrangement in any physical layout is determined by the interrelationships among the activities. The number of possible arrangements is combinatorial and therefore gets very large as the number of activities increases modestly. Using the mathematics of graph theory, the upper bound to satisfying these interrelationships is developed. The zone of compromise is shown to be the area where the solutions to most practical layout problems are found. Comparisons are drawn to existing rules of thumb and a graphical summary presented.
Use of Pecha Kucha in Marketing Students' Presentations.

This paper discusses the use of a presentation format known as "Pecha Kucha" (which means "chitchat" in Japanese). The objective of the Pecha Kucha assignment is to facilitate student communication of an argument, including stating and supporting a thesis. Throughout the semester, students become comfortable with the format via multiple individual presentations and a final group presentation, leading to a deeper understanding of course content. While the Pecha Kucha assignment discussed was a course component for three terms of an MBA marketing course, the assignment can be tailored for undergraduate courses.
The Utility of Routine Electrolytes in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia Presenting with an Acute Pain Crisis

Background: The evaluation of sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis may include the measurement of the patient’s CBC and reticulocyte count. Twelve clinical criteria have been previously published for patients at risk for electrolyte abnormalities, but a chemistry panel is often ordered as well occasionally without a true indication. Objectives: Our objective was to determine whether routine measurement of electrolytes can be safely avoided in patients with SCA who present to the ED with an acute painful crisis. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients with SCA who presented with a painful crisis. All visits were considered separately. All medical records were reviewed for any electrolyte abnormalities and any treatment(s). Patients with an electrolyte abnormality had their medical record screened for the presence of specific criteria, and if any interventions or consultations were performed due to the results. Results: One hundred twenty-two unique patients were found to have one or more abnormal laboratory value over a total of 337 distinct patient visits, with a total of 686 abnormal values. Of these, only 2 laboratory values caused a change in treatment or disposition, both of which were replacement of potassium for hypokalemia. There were no consultations from the ED to any service other than the admitting team in any of the 337 distinct patient visits. Conclusions: For SCA patients presenting to the ED with a painful vaso-occlusive crisis, measuring electrolytes in the absence of another more specific and established clinical reason, is very likely unnecessary and can be safely avoided.
Sex is dangerous in a world of potential symbionts or the basis of selection for uniparental inheritance

Abstract The genetic necessity for uniparental inheritance of organelle genomes is not entirely obvious. Observations on the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas suggest that extensive degradation of the plastid genome from the male parent occurs after, not before fertilization. This would be compatible with an alternative explanation for the origin of uniparental inheritance. At fertilization, the fusion of naked cells affords genomes of other organisms an opportunity to infect the egg. There may exist enhanced DNA degradation mechanisms in eggs to protect against this, and such mechanisms may also be responsible for degradation of entering organelle DNA, thus producing uniparental inheritance.
Lessons learned and mitigation options for hurricanes

The 2005 hurricane season caused unprecedented levels of damage to coastal communities throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita were of particular interest to petrochemical and refining companies, given the impacts they had to their onshore operations. Floodwaters and extreme winds from these two hurricanes damaged numerous types of assets, including tanks, cooling towers, generator buildings, process towers, pumps, controllers, utility poles, and transformers. They also caused prolonged power outages, supply disruptions, and widespread employee dislocations, all major contributors to both property and business interruption losses. This paper will focus on the nature of wind damages sustained by these two events; the history of the design of these facilities in the context of current practices; the likelihood of such events occurring during the operating life of a plant; and options for mitigating future damage. Also discussed are ways to quantify risks in a manner that will enable operators and owners to make informed, cost-effective decisions regarding mitigation planning and associated reductions in loss exposures. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2007
To 'Joy My Freedom: Southern Black Women's Lives and Labors after the Civil War

Tera Hunter follows African-American working women from their newfound optimism and hope at the end of the Civil War to their struggles as free domestic laborers in the homes of their former master. We witness their drive as they build neighborhoods and networks and their energy as they enjoy leisure hours in dance halls and clubs. We learn of their militance and the way they resisted efforts to keep them economically depressed and medically victimized. Finally, we see the despair and defeat provoked by Jim Crow laws and segregation and how they spurred large numbers of black laboring women to migrate north.
Maturation of Energy Metabolism in the Lamb: Changes in Myosin ATPase and Creatine Kinase Activities

Summary: Studies have been carried out to assess maturation of myofibrillar and mitochondrial proteins in fetal (113 to 140 days gestation), neonatal (30 min to 21 days postpartum), and adult sheep hearts.Ca++-activated myosin ATPase activity was ˜20% lower in fetal than in adult left ventricular myocardium (1.13 ± 0.06, n = 12, versus 1.36 ± 0.07, n = 9, μmoles P1 per g protein per sec; P < 0.025). In fetal and neonatal hearts (but not in adult hearts), myosin ATPase activity was slightly higher (˜14%; P < 0.001) in right ventricular tissue than in left ventricular tissue. In contrast to these small changes in myosin ATPase activity, large changes indicative of maturation of energy metabolism occurred in the creatine kinase system: between 115 days gestation and 21 days postpartum, total creating kinase activity increased nearly 8-fold (0.2 to 1.6 IU/mg cardiac mass), the MM-creatine kinase isozyme increased 7-fold (0.2 to 1.5 IU/mg wet weight), and mitochondrial creatine kinase increased more than 25-fold (< 0.01 to 0.27 IU/mg wet weight). The total creatine pool, but not the ATP pool, increased (from ˜6 to ˜15 nmoles/g tissue). Neither the concentration nor isozyme distribution of lactate dehydrogenase, a glycolytic enzyme, changed during this 7-wk period of development. Speculation: We speculate that changes in biochemical composition of energy-utilizing and -producing proteins, coupled with alterations in the structure and cellular distribution of mitochondria and myofibrils, contribute to the changes in mechanical performance characteristic of the maturing heart.
Prior Capsule Endoscopy Improves the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Yield of Single-Balloon Enteroscopy

Although there is substantial literature addressing double-balloon enteroscopy, evidence is more limited with regard to the clinical utility of single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in evaluating and treating small-bowel diseases. We sought to determine the diagnostic and therapeutic yield of SBE in patients with suspected small-bowel disorders, as well as the impact of preceding capsule endoscopy (CE) on these outcomes. We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database at a tertiary-care academic medical center between 2011 and 2013 for all patients referred for SBE. A total of 150 patients underwent 170 SBE procedures during the study period. The most frequent indications for SBE included anemia, overt or occult gastrointestinal bleeding, and suspected mass. CE was performed prior to SBE in 113 of 150 patients (75 %). The overall diagnostic yield for small-bowel disease by CE was 62 %. Therapeutic interventions included hemostasis, polypectomy, and foreign body removal. Total diagnostic and therapeutic yield of SBE was 60 and 28 %, respectively. The diagnostic yield of SBE with prior CE was 68 versus 44 % for SBE without prior CE (P = 0.002). The therapeutic yield of SBE with prior CE was 35 versus 12 % without prior CE (P = 0.001). One endoscopic complication was observed out of 170 procedures, and there were no deaths. SBE appears to be a safe and effective technique for the diagnosis and treatment of small-bowel disease; however, we recommend performing a CE prior to SBE to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic yield of the procedure.
Studies on creatine determination by α-naphthol-diacetyl reaction.

Abstract 1. 1. For estimation of creatine in the presence of other guanidino compounds the following factors are important: ( a ) time, ( b ) temperature, ( c ) wavelength, and ( d ) addition of alcohol. 2. 2. In the absence of alcohol, creatine, arginine, glycocyamine, and guanidine all react with α-naphthol-diacetyl in alkali to form a redcolored solution. Creatine uniquely forms an intensive color in a short time. Lowering the temperature retards all reaction rates but not at the same proportion; it delays the reactions with arginine, glycocyamine, and guanidine to a greater extent than that of creatine. 3. 3. An improved procedure for the estimation of creatine in the presence of other guanidino compounds is presented.
Mapping Topoisomerase Sites in Mitochondrial DNA with a Poisonous Mitochondrial Topoisomerase I (Top1mt)

Mitochondrial topoisomerase I (Top1mt) is a type IB topoisomerase present in vertebrates and exclusively targeted to mitochondria. Top1mt relaxes mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) supercoiling by introducing transient cleavage complexes wherein the broken DNA strand swivels around the intact strand. Top1mt cleavage complexes (Top1mtcc) can be stabilized in vitro by camptothecin (CPT). However, CPT does not trap Top1mtcc efficiently in cells and is highly cytotoxic due to nuclear Top1 targeting. To map Top1mtcc on mtDNA in vivo and to overcome the limitations of CPT, we designed two substitutions (T546A and N550H) in Top1mt to stabilize Top1mtcc. We refer to the double-mutant enzyme as Top1mt*. Using retroviral transduction and ChIP-on-chip assays with Top1mt* in Top1mt knock-out murine embryonic fibroblasts, we demonstrate that Top1mt* forms high levels of cleavage complexes preferentially in the noncoding regulatory region of mtDNA, accumulating especially at the heavy strand replication origin OH, in the ribosomal genes (12S and 16S) and at the light strand replication origin OL. Expression of Top1mt* also caused rapid mtDNA depletion without affecting mitochondria mass, suggesting the existence of specific mitochondrial pathways for the removal of damaged mtDNA.
Massive transfusion of blood in the surgical patient

Hemorrhage remains a leading cause of morbidity and death in both civilian and military trauma. Restoration of effective end-organ perfusion by stopping hemorrhage and restoring intravascular volume in such a way as to minimize acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy, almost always requires the use of blood and/or blood-component therapy. The best method to manage life-threatening hemorrhage is to avoid the circumstance that prompted it or to mitigate blood loss early in the injury cycle; otherwise, blood replacement must suffice. This article reviews current understanding of massive transfusion, along with its attendant unintended consequences, in the management of patients with profound hemorrhage.
Bidirectional canopy reflectance and its relationship to vegetation characteristics

A method for determining the relationship between bidirectional canopy reflectance (CR) of a vegetated area and its characteristics (type and growth stage) is presented. In the method, the three-dimensional CR surface is expressed in terms of spherical harmonics which are weighted by appropriate coefficients, and the coefficients are analyzed by a cluster technique. The method is applied to four vegetation types (soybeans, corn, shinnery oak, and orchard grass) at various stages of growth.
Open system microthermometry ? a technique for the measurement of local specimen temperature in the electron microscope

For a sample in an open system (e.g. the vacuum of the electron microscope) the mass flux leaving the sample due to either sample evaporation, sublimation or thermal degradation will be uniquely controlled by the sample temperature. Classical kinetic theory shows that the mass flux rate depends on sample temperature and vapour pressure. By measuring the local rate of mass loss one can thus arrive directly at the local specimen temperature. Moreover, temperature-dependent kinetics of the phase change from the condensed phase to the vapour phase may be used to determine the local sample temperature over a continuous range of temperature due to heat input to the sample from the sample stage environment and the incident electron beam.
Recent advances in dermatology

Novel therapies for dermatologic diseases are now widely available to the clinician. The topical immune modulators tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are likely to change the way in which inflammatory dermatoses are treated. Antiviral and antitumor effects of imiquimod, another immune-response modifier, are being studied to determine the ways in which it may affect the treatment of cutaneous viral infections and skin cancers. New topical treatments for onychomycosis and the current lack of effective treatments for nondermatophyte onychomycosis indicate the need for more effective treatment for this common disease. Exciting developments in skin substitutes and growth factors for acute and chronic wound care hold much promise for the future.
LOCAL CONTROL AND REDUCED COMPLICATIONS IN SPLIT COURSE IRRADIATION OF PROSTATIC CANCER

Abstract Split course prostatic irradiation is a treatment technique where 4000–4500 rod whole pelvis irradiation is followed by two weeks of rest and an additional 2000–2500 rod by reduced field technique to a total dose of 6000–6500 rod. Eighty-four patients were studied and the results indicated a local regional control rate of 97.6% with an overall 3 year survival without evidence of disease of 96.6% for Stages A and B and 60% for Stage c. Significant complications occurred in 1.2 % of the patients. None of the patients needed surgical correction of a complication other than a perineal abscess. The risk/benefit ratio for pelvic and prostatic irradiation favors split course prostatic irradiation in that it demonstrates a low complication rate, high local regional control, and comparable disease-free survival to continuous irradiation.
Reactive uptake of N 2 O 5 to internally mixed inorganic and organic particles: the role of organic carbon oxidation state and inferred organic phase separations

Abstract. We measured N2O5 reactive uptake onto mixed organic/inorganic submicron particles using organic compounds with a variety of oxidation states (using mainly atomic O : C ratios as a proxy) and molecular weights. The organic mass fraction, organic molecular composition, and relative humidity (RH) were varied to assess their effects separately on the N2O5 uptake coefficient, γ(N2O5). At a constant RH, mixtures of organic components having an O : C 0.8) had a smaller or even negligible impact on N2O5(g) uptake at all RHs probed; however, a few exceptions were observed. Notably, γ(N2O5) for mixtures of ammonium bisulfate with polyethylene glycol (PEG), PEG-300 (O : C = 0.56), decreased nearly linearly as the PEG mass fraction increased at constant RH until leveling off at the value measured for pure PEG. The response of γ(N2O5) to increasing PEG mass fraction was similar to that measured on ambient atmospheric particles as a function of organic mass fraction. The effects of the organic mass fraction on γ(N2O5), for mixtures having an O : C
Wanting more than you have and it’s Consequences for Well-being

Americans have a lot of stuff, but are not necessarily happier for it. One possibility is that even if we want what we have, we want more. Wanting more may increase have-want discrepancies and reduce well-being. In this paper, we introduce the construct wanting more, and show that it negatively predicts well-being. We then identify materialism as a mediator of this relationship. Wanting more negatively effects well-being at least in part because those who want more are more likely to be materialistic. Finally, we show that wanting more than one has and wanting what one has are distinct constructs, and that wanting what one has moderates the relationship between wanting more and well-being. Those who want more are less happy only if they also do not want what they have. Wanting what one has may reduce attention to have-want discrepancies that result from wanting more.
Adaptation and temporal characteristics of the insect visual response

The effects of light adaptation on temporal characteristics of the electroretinogram were studied in two species of diurnal insects. Latency and time to reach peak amplitude (T m ) of the initial deflection of the ERG were the temporal measures used. The experimental regime consisted of repeatedly light-adapting the eye with a conditioning stimulus (S1 and determining the effects of eachS1 on the response to a test stimulus (S2). The compound eyes of the flesh flySarcophaga bullata, and the milkweed bug,Oncopeltus fasciatus, were compared since they differ substantially in ERG waveform and latency of response.
Synthesis, characterization, and mesophase formation of phenylacetoxy cellulose and its halogenated derivatives.

A series of phenylacetoxy cellulosics with degrees of substitution (DS) between 1.4 and 3.0 and different halogenation (2-chloro, 3-chloro, 4-chloro, 2,4-dichloro, 3,4-dichloro, and 4-bromo) were synthesized. All the prepared phenylacetoxy cellulosics were soluble in dimethylformamide (DMF) and DMAc. The solubility increased with increasing DS. Mesophases were observed for all of the phenylacetoxy cellulosics with low to medium DS (DS 1.9) were soluble in methylene chloride (CH2Cl2), whereas those with very low DS or di-halogenation on the phenyl ring were only slightly swollen or partially soluble in CH2Cl2. Non- and mono-halogenated phenylacetoxy cellulosics were soluble in DMSO and formed liquid crystals regardless of the DS, in contrast to CH2Cl2 solutions which display liquid crystalline behavior at medium to high DS (DS > 1.9) only. The solubility of the di-halogenated phenylacetoxy cellulosics in DMSO was limited to approximately 40 wt %.
Stability of lyophilized S-9 preparations.

Abstract Lyophilized S-9 preparations were stored and desiccated at 4 °C and −20 °C for up to 30 weeks. The Ames' Salmonella test and enzyme assays of oxidative-N-demethylation, C-hydroxylation and N-hydroxylation were run on the lyophilized preparation, and the specific activities were compared to S-9 stored at −100 °C. Decreases in enzyme activity did occur in all preparations; however, lyophilized S-9 overall maintained higher activity than S-9 preparations stored at −100 °C.
The disappearing northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens): conservation genetics and implications for remnant populations in western Nevada.

Global amphibian declines suggest a major shift in the amount and quality of habitat for these sensitive taxa. Many species that were once widespread are now experiencing declines either in part of or across their historic range. The northern leopard frog (Rana [Lithobates] pipiens] has undergone significant declines particularly in the western United States and Canada. Leopard frog population losses in Nevada are largely due to habitat fragmentation and the introduction of nonnative fish, amphibian, and plant species. Only two populations remain in the Truckee and Carson River watersheds of western Nevada which represents the western boundary of this species range. We used sequence data for an 812 base pair fragment of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 1 (ND1) gene to support a native origin for western Nevada populations. All frogs had a single haplotype (W07) from the distinct western North America ND1 haplotype clade. Data from seven polymorphic microsatellite loci show that Truckee and Carson River populations are highly differentiated from each other and from leopard frogs collected from eastern Nevada sites. Lack of gene flow among and distinct color morphs among the western Nevada populations likely predates the current geographical isolation. Comparisons with other peripheral L. pipiens populations show western Nevada populations have similar levels of gene diversity despite their contemporary isolation (HE 0.411, 0.482). Restoration of leopard frog populations in these watersheds will be challenging given well-entrenched nonnative bullfrog populations and major changes to the riparian zone over the past century. Declines of once common amphibian species has become a major conservation concern. Contemporary isolation of populations on a species range periphery such as the leopard frog populations in the Truckee and Carson rivers further exacerbate extirpation risk as these populations are likely to have fewer genetic resources to adaptively respond to rapidly changing biotic and abiotic environments.
Natural history of fetal cell microchimerism during and following murine pregnancy

In humans, fetal cells enter the maternal circulation during all pregnancies and can persist for decades. Human studies, however, are often limited by the number of subjects and the availability of healthy and diseased tissues for analysis. We sought to develop a murine model to establish the natural history of fetal cell microchimerism in various maternal tissues during and after healthy pregnancies resulting from congenic and allogenic matings. We bred C57BL/6J and DBA/2J virgin female mice to C57BL/6J males transgenic for the enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP), which shows autosomal dominant inheritance with complete penetrance and is under the control of a ubiquitous chicken beta-actin promoter and a cytomegalovirus enhancer. During pregnancy and at different times after delivery, female mice were sacrificed. Tissues were collected and the presence of the gfp transgene and GFP+ cells was assessed by real-time quantitative PCR and by immunofluorescence. During pregnancy, microchimerism was detected in all tissues from mice carrying GFP+ fetuses. Fetal cells were often mononuclear. The frequency of fetal cells in the lungs was significantly higher compared to other tissues. The level of microchimerism was also significantly higher in congenic compared to allogenic matings. After delivery, the frequency of fetal cells decreased and fetal cells were undetectable at 2 and 3 weeks after the first delivery. However, some mice that had three gestations had detectable fetal cells 3 weeks after their last delivery. Using sensitive methods of detection, we demonstrate that fetal cell microchimerism occurs during all murine pregnancies. We describe a useful model for the study of the consequences of this phenomenon.
Initiation of health behavior discussions during primary care outpatient visits

Objective Despite the importance of health promotion, rates of health behavior advice remain low and little is known about how advice is integrated into routine primary care. This study examines how health behavior topics of diet, physical activity and smoking are initiated during outpatient visits.
The Reactions of CCl3O2 with NO and NO2 and the thermal decomposition of CCl3O2NO2

Abstract The reactions of CCl 3 O 2 with NO and NO 2 have been studied by steady-state photolysis of Cl 2 HCCl 3 O 2 N 2 NONO 2 mixtures at ≈ 1 atm: CCl 3 O 2 + NO → CCl 3 O + NO 2 (3), CCl 3 O 2 NO 2 (+ M) ⇌ CCl 3 O 2 NO 2 (+ M) (4, −4); k 4 / k 3 = 0.68, independent of temperature. The thermal decomposition of CCl 3 O 2 NO 2 via the back reaction (−4) was studied from 268–298 K at 1 atm total pressure (mainly N 2 ). The Arrhenius expression is k −4 = 3.7 × 10 15 exp(−11 000/ T )s −1 , though both pre-exponential factor and activation energy may be somewhat larger in the high-pressure regime. CCl 3 O 2 NO 2 should be produced in the stratosphere from reaction (4). In the stratosphere at 220 K, the thermal lifetime of CCl 3 O 2 NO 2 will be > 16 days.
Fabrication and characterization of thin film electrolytes deposited by RF magnetron sputtering for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract Thin film solid electrolytes of La 0.9 Sr 0.1 Ga 0.8 Mg 0.2 O 3− δ (LSGM), Sm 0.2 Ce 0.8 O 1.9 (SDC), and Sc 0.11 Zr 0.89 O 2− δ (ScSZ) were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering onto single crystal sapphire substrates as well as onto porous NiO–SDC anodes at deposition temperatures of RT ≤ T ≤ 500 °C. The electrical conductivities, phase analyses as deposited and after annealing and microstructures of the deposited thin film electrolytes were examined. In addition, the electrochemical performance of single cells composed of Sm 0.5 Sr 0.5 O 3− δ (SSC) + SDC//SDC/ScSZ//NiO + SDC was demonstrated. Impervious and highly dense bilayer thin films of SDC and ScSZ have been successfully prepared on porous NiO–SDC anodes. Maximum power densities of 360 and 240 mW cm −2 from single cells of Sm 0.5 Sr 0.5 O 3− δ (SSC) + SDC//SDC/ScSZ//NiO + SDC were obtained at 600 and 550 °C, respectively, under humid 20% H 2 in Ar (3% H 2 O) and air. RF magnetron sputtering can be applied for depositing high performance thin film electrolytes in low temperature SOFCs.
Prospective evaluation of FDG-PET for detecting pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastasis in uterine corpus cancer.

Abstract Objectives To estimate the sensitivity and specificity of positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose (FDG) for detecting pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastasis in patients with uterine corpus carcinoma before surgical staging. Methods Patients with newly diagnosed FIGO grade 2 or 3 endometrioid, papillary serous, or clear cell adenocarcinoma or uterine corpus sarcoma scheduled for surgical staging, including bilateral pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, were eligible. PET was performed within 30 days of surgery and interpreted independently by two nuclear medicine physicians. The imaging, operative, and pathologic findings for each patient and each nodal site were compared, and the sensitivity and specificity of FDG-PET in predicting nodal metastasis were determined. Results Twenty patients underwent FDG-PET before surgical staging. One patient found to have ovarian carcinoma on final pathology was excluded. Of the 19 primary intrauterine tumors, 16 (84%) exhibited increased FDG uptake. One patient did not undergo lymphadenectomy; her chest CT was suspicious for metastatic disease and FDG-PET showed uptake in multiple nodal and pulmonary foci. Metastatic disease was confirmed by percutaneous nodal biopsy. A total of three pathologically positive nodes were found in 2 of the 18 patients (11%). FDG-PET predicted that 3 patients would have positive lymph nodes (2 true positive and 1 false positive). Analyzed by lymph node regions, FDG-PET had 60% sensitivity and 98% specificity. The sensitivity and specificity by individual patient were 67% and 94%, respectively. Conclusions FDG-PET is only moderately sensitive in predicting lymph node metastasis pre-operatively in patients with endometrial cancer. This imaging modality should not replace lymphadenectomy, but may be helpful for patients in whom lymphadenectomy cannot be, or was not, performed.
Human peak shift: Analysis of the effects of three-stimulus discrimination training

Abstract In a series of studies, the effects of different types of intradimensional discrimination training on human auditory frequency generalization were examined. When subjects were trained with a single S− located on one or the other side of S+, postdiscrimination gradients were displaced away from S−. Subjects trained with two negative stimuli both on one side of S+ showed a greater extent of displacement with true peak shift. In a second experiment the procedures were repeated with two fixed amounts of training: either 12 or 42 training trials. Again the subjects trained with two negative stimuli showed more shift than those trained with one S−, and this effect was independent of amount of training. Experiment 3 showed increased peak shift when two positive stimuli surrounded a central S− as compared to groups with a single S+ and S−. The general conclusion is that training with more difficult, three-stimulus discrimination problems results in enhanced peak shift.
On 3-head versus 2-head finite automata

A direct proof is given that shows that (one-way) 3-head deterministic finite automata are computationally more powerful than 2-head finite automata.
Transmission line simulator as a basic component of CAD system for VLSI interconnects

A transmission line simulator, UANTL (University of Arizona Simulator for Nonlinear Terminated Transmission Line Network), its algorithm, and its application are presented. The role of UANTL as a basic element of a CAD system for VLSI interconnects is described. UANTL is simpler to use than SPICE because its input data file is not so complex. In the case of simple interconnections composed of two to three conductors, the CPU time required for the simulation with UANTL is, in general, an order less than that required for SPICE simulation. This CPU time savings will increase substantially for interconnections with four or more conductors. >
A rapid and sensitive assay for proviral sequences of a human retrovirus (HTLV) in leukemic cells

Whole cells of cellular DNA from leukemia patients were used in blot hybridization to cloned probes of a human retrovirus HTLV. The results demonstrated the facility of screening large numbers of samples of limited material for the presence of low copy number of HTLV sequences.
Coupled protein diffusion and folding in the cell.

When a protein unfolds in the cell, its diffusion coefficient is affected by its increased hydrodynamic radius and by interactions of exposed hydrophobic residues with the cytoplasmic matrix, including chaperones. We characterize protein diffusion by photobleaching whole cells at a single point, and imaging the concentration change of fluorescent-labeled protein throughout the cell as a function of time. As a folded reference protein we use green fluorescent protein. The resulting region-dependent anomalous diffusion is well characterized by 2-D or 3-D diffusion equations coupled to a clustering algorithm that accounts for position-dependent diffusion. Then we study diffusion of a destabilized mutant of the enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) and of its stable control inside the cell. Unlike the green fluorescent protein control's diffusion coefficient, PGK's diffusion coefficient is a non-monotonic function of temperature, signaling ‘sticking’ of the protein in the cytosol as it begins to unfold. The temperature-dependent increase and subsequent decrease of the PGK diffusion coefficient in the cytosol is greater than a simple size-scaling model suggests. Chaperone binding of the unfolding protein inside the cell is one plausible candidate for even slower diffusion of PGK, and we test the plausibility of this hypothesis experimentally, although we do not rule out other candidates.
Electricity prices and fuel costs: Long-run relations and short-run dynamics

The paper examines the long-run relation and short-run dynamics between electricity prices and three fossil fuel prices – coal, natural gas and crude oil – using annual data for the U.S. for 1960–2007. The results suggest (1) a stable long-run relation between real prices for electricity and coal (2) Bi-directional long-run causality between coal and electricity prices. (3) Insignificant long-run relations between electricity and crude oil and/or natural gas prices. And (4) no evidence of asymmetries in the adjustment of electricity prices to deviations from equilibrium. A number of implications are addressed.
Drug eluting stents for below the knee lesions in patients with critical limb ischemia : long-term follow-up.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term limb preservation and/or healing of ulcers in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and severe infrapopliteal atherosclerotic disease treated with drug eluting stents (DES). Background Percutaneous revascularization has become an effective treatment for CLI in patients with infrapopliteal atherosclerotic disease. Recent reports using DES in patients with CLI have documented excellent short-term infrapopliteal vessel patency. Higher primary patency rates in infrapopliteal vessels treated with DES could translate into better long-term clinical outcomes and improved limb salvage rates. Methods Twenty-four consecutive patients with CLI (defined as rest pain, nonhealing ulcers, or gangrene) because of severe infrapopliteal disease were treated with DES from August 2004 to June 2006. Results Procedural success was achieved in 96% (27/28) of targeted lesions. There were no procedure-related deaths, acute vessel thrombosis events, or need for urgent surgical intervention. There was one case of distal embolization. Clinical follow up, ranging 8-34 months, is available for 100% of patients of which 83% (20/24) achieved limb preservation and healing. Angiographic and/or sonographic follow up, ranging 6-34 months, is available in 79% (19/24) of patients of which 95% (18/19) had patent target vessels. Conclusions DES is a safe and effective long-term option for CLI due to severe infrapopliteal arterial disease. Long-term vascular patency led to a high rate of limb preservation and low amputation rate. A multicenter trial should further elucidate the role of DES in the treatment of CLI.
Using plans to understand natural language

Our ability to build a natural language understanding system is limited by the degree to which we can organize and apply world knowledge. This paper describes a program, called PAM, that has knowledge about people's intentions. PAM uses its knowledge to infer the relationships between sentences in a text. A sample run of the program is presented and is described in detail. The inference mechanisms of PAM are compared to those of other knowledge-application programs.
Purification and Catalytic Properties of a Phytase from Scallion (Allium fistulosum L.) Leaves

Levels of phytase comparable to that in wheat germ were detected in a variety of fresh vegetables. Scallion leaf phytase was purified 31 000-fold to an activity of 500 μmol min-1 mg-1 at 37 °C and had a Km of 200 μM for inositol hexakisphosphate and maximum activity at pH 5.5. The enzyme had a temperature optimum of 51 °C and was inactivated by preincubation for 10 min at 65 °C. The product specificity appeared similar to that of wheat phytase and was not altered by a 10-fold excess of magnesium. Vegetable phytases may be an alternative to seed and microbial phytases for use in the processing of food and feed products. Keywords: Phytase; phosphatase; phytate; inositol phosphates; Allium
Modeling whale entanglement injuries: An experimental study of tissue compliance, line tension, and draw‐length

Two test systems were developed to evaluate the influence of draw-length and tissue compliance on entanglement-induced epidermal abrasion in humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) and right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) tissue samples. Under straight pull abrasion tests, an adult right whale fluke required 3.7 times the load and 15 times the draw-length of a right whale calf flipper to induce epidermal failure whereas a humpback fluke was intermediate between these extremes. A load applied tangentially to the leading edge of the fluke or flipper resulted in a substantial, but reversible, deflection of the leading edge in the direction of the applied load. The maximum possible deformation of the leading edge under shear load, prior to the line slipping relative to the skin, was defined as the tissue compliance limit. Oscillatory abrasion tests revealed that line draw-lengths exceeding the tissue compliance limit resulted in substantially increased tissue abrasion. In actual entanglements, line draw-length relative to the tissue compliance may determine if the line will cut into the body or simply press against the skin. Increasing the entangling line's ability to stretch in response to a load could potentially minimize sliding of the line relative to the skin and help mitigate entanglement injuries.
EFFECT OF X-IRRADIATION ON TRYPANOSOMA LEWISI INFECTION IN THE RAT.

Abstract Studies were carried out to determine the effects of sublethal X-irradiation on the course of Trypanosoma lewisi infection in the white rat. In most experiments the rats were exposed to 300 r total body irradiation 24 hours before inoculation. In one experiment the animals were exposed to a second dose of 200 r total body irradiation on Days 5 or 10 of the infection. Results showed that the single exposure to sublethal irradiation caused a great increase in the parasitemia, an extension of the period of reproduction, and a delay in the appearance of agglutinins. Blood glucose studies showed the development of a hyperglycemia after Day 14 in irradiated and infected animals. A second irradiation dose showed no further effects on the protective mechanisms of the host.
The Effect of the Presence of a Second Animal upon Emotional Behavior in the Male Albino Rat

(1939). The Effect of the Presence of a Second Animal upon Emotional Behavior in the Male Albino Rat. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 265-268.
Oxidation of arsenite by a soil isolate of Alcaligenes.

A strain of Alcaligenes, isolated from soil and grown in nutrient broth in the presence of arsenite, possessed the ability to oxidize arsenite to arsenate. Washed cell suspensions consumed one-half mol of oxygen/mol of arsenite and produced arsenate. The optimum pH for arsenite oxidation was 7.0. The Km for arsenite was 1.5 × 10-4 M and Vmax was 6.7 μl of oxygen/min. The arsenite-oxidizing enzyme system was induced by growth in arsenite. Response of the arsenite-oxidizing enzyme system to respiratory inhibitors suggested that electrons resulting from arsenite oxidation by an oxido-reductase with a bound flavin are transferred via cytochrome c and cytochrome oxidase to oxygen. The presence of the cytochromes in crude extract was confirmed by spectral measurements.
Covalent binding of ethylated analogs of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene to the DNA of mouse embryo fibroblast 10T12 cells

Abstract The carcinogenicity of a number of ethylated analogs of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) has been previously studied. The covalent binding of these compounds to mouse embryo fibroblast 10T 1 2 cell DNA expressed as adducts/106 bases, paralleled the original carcinogenicity studies and in decreasing order of potency were DMBA, 7-ethyl-12-methylbenz[a]anthracene (7-Et,12-MeBA), 7-methyl-12-ethylbenz[a]anthracene (7-Me,12-Et), and 7,12-diethylbenz[a]anthracene (7,12-DEBA). The results demonstrate that a major determinant of the carcinogenicity of these compounds relates to their ability to bind to DNA.
Preventing port site inversion in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

Abstract Objectives Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a safe, controlled method for weight loss in the morbidly obese patient. Inversion or dislodgement of the port leads to difficulty with access for band adjustments and frequently requires reoperation. We report our experience with port fixation to the rectus sheath of the abdominal wall by using port/mesh fixation to prevent port site complications. Methods One hundred and ninety-one morbidly obese patients underwent LAGB between April 2002 and August 2005. The first group had ports fixed to the rectus fascia of the abdominal wall with a standard 4-point suture technique. The second group had ports sutured to a mesh, which was then tacked to the rectus sheath of the abdominal wall. Port site complications were analyzed over a 5-month to 40-month period and compared between the 2 groups. Intraoperative port fixation times were recorded for each technique. Results Thirty-nine patients in the suture fixation group encountered a 20.5% port site complication rate, with 10.3% of the ports becoming dislodged or inverted. The mesh/tack group consisted of 151 patients. The port site complication rate was 5.3%, with only a 1.3% rate of port dislodgement or inversion. The port dislodgement or inversion rates were significantly different between groups ( P = .0049). The average operative times for port insertion were 12 minutes for the sutured technique and 5 minutes for the mesh/tack technique. Conclusions The mesh/tack method of port fixation reduced the incidence of dislodgement and rotation in our patient population, which resulted in greater ease of access for adjustments. Furthermore, the mesh/tack technique is a quick, safe approach for port fixation through a small incision.
Parametric Study of Thermal and Electrical Behavior of 3-D CNT Thin Film Networks

Thin films composed of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been proposed as a possible multifunctional material for aerospace applications, but before these materials can experience industrial acceptance the underlying mechanisms dictating their performance must be understood. Physics-based computational tools must be developed that allow studies in the final part performance, to aid in industrial acceptance. This works presents a full 3D computational modeling approach to study the electrical and thermal behavior of a neat CNT network. The model is based on physics based stochastic distributions for the SWCNT length, diameter, and chirality, SWCNT orientation in a network, and the separation distance between two adjacent overlapping tubes. Previous models did not allow for the physically relevant distributions for nanotube geometry to serve as inputs, and results presented in the present work indicate the sensitivity of the bulk network conductivity to small deviations in the stochastic inputs. The uniqueness of this model lies in its three dimensional nature as previous attempts to predict the behavior of SWCNT thin films assume the film to be a 2D network of CNTs and results show that this is insufficient to accurately predict the thermal and electrical conductive properties. The 3D model is validated against experimental results available in the literature, and comparisons are made between the 3D and 2D network models.© 2010 ASME
Freeing CP: GIS&T and NACIS in the Open Educational Resources Movement

This article positions higher education in geographic information science and technology (GIS&T), including cartography, in relation to the Open Educational Resources (OER) movement. After defining OER and the movement it denotes I compare several initiatives designed to promote free sharing of GIS&T-related educational resources and, in one special case, free provision of graduate education. Finally I consider a justification for conceiving Cartographic Perspectives as an open educational resource, and for freeing it from its current exclusive distribution to NACIS members, subscribers and their patrons.
Cultivation of Bacillus piliformis (Tyzzer) in mouse fibroblasts (3T3 cells)

Abstract Bacillus piliformis was successfully propagated in a continuous mouse-embryo fibroblast cell line (3T3). 3T3 monolayers were successfully inoculated with a variety of infected materials including yolk sac and liver suspensions, minced yolk sac and liver, and primary chicken-embryo liver-cell cultures. An initial decrease in B. piliformis number was noted after inoculation of the cell layer with 2.6 × 10 5 organisms followed by a peak bacterial count at 48 h. Bacillus piliformis remained infectious for mice after 22 passages in 3T3 cell monolayers. Limited growth of B. piliformis was obtained in cell lines of mouse connective-tissue origin (L-929) and mouse liver origin (NCTC 1469).
Dual purpose pyrometer for temperature and solidification velocity measurement

A dual purpose pyrometer is described that allows both accurate radiance temperature measurement and fast temporal response. The system uses two silicon photodiodes with separate optical paths derived from a common spot on the sample. The optical bandwidths and response times of each detection circuit are tailored to the function of each radiometer. The radiance temperature of electromagnetically levitated metallic samples is measured over a narrow optical bandwidth with a high-gain silicon detector. The velocity of solidification of undercooled melts can be deduced from the rise time of the second silicon detector which samples a broad optical bandwidth and has a fast response time. Results from experiments on the undercooling and solidification behavior of electromagnetically levitated pure nickel show that the solidification velocity approaches 17 m/s at high undercooling.
Caspase-2 mediates a Brucella abortus RB51-induced hybrid cell death having features of apoptosis and pyroptosis.

Programmed cell death (PCD) can play a crucial role in tuning the immune response to microbial infection. Although PCD can occur in different forms, all are mediated by a family of proteases called caspases. Caspase-2 is the most conserved caspase; however its function in cell death is ill-defined. Previously we demonstrated that live attenuated cattle vaccine strain Brucella abortus RB51 induces caspase-2-mediated PCD of infected macrophages. However, the mechanism of caspase-2-mediated cell death pathway remained unclear. In this study, we found that caspase-2 mediated proinflammatory cell death of RB51-infected macrophages and regulated many genes in different PCD pathways. We show that the activation of proapoptotic caspases-3 and -8 was dependent upon caspase-2. Caspase-2 regulated mitochondrial cytochrome c release and TNFα production, both of which are known to activate caspase-3 and caspase-8, respectively. In addition to TNFα, RB51-induced caspase-1 and IL-1β production was also driven by caspase-2-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. Interestingly, pore formation, a phenomenon commonly associated with caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis, occurred; however it did not contribute to RB51-induced proinflammatory cell death. Our data suggest that caspase-2 acts as an initiator caspase that mediates a novel RB51-induced hybrid cell death that simulates but differs from typical apoptosis and pyroptosis. The initiator role of the caspase-2-mediated cell death was also conserved in cellular stress-induced cell death of macrophages treated with etoposide, naphthalene, or anti-Fas. Caspase-2 also regulated caspase-3 and -8 activation, as well as cell death in macrophages treated with each of the three reagents. Taken together, our data has demonstrated that caspase-2 can play an important role in mediating a proinflammatory response and a hybrid cell death that demonstrates features of both apoptosis and pyroptosis.