cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photoemission Studies of NaBr

The recently calculated densities of states for the NaBr valence and conduction bands are compared with the observed energy distributions of photoemitted electrons. The effective width of the observed structure is found to be in agreement with the calculations.
Ab Initio and Density Functional Calculations of 19F NMR Chemical Shifts for Models of Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Ab initio (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations of 19F NMR chemical shifts were performed for models of fluoroaromatic inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase II (CA). DFT gave slightly better agreement with the experimentally measured chemical shifts of the actual inhibitors, suggesting that intramolecular dispersion does contribute significantly to the chemical shifts in these molecules. HF and DFT calculations for the stacked complex of hexafluorobenzene with benzene gave excellent agreement with experimental 19F chemical shifts in this system. The fact that both approaches to this calculation were successful suggests that intermolecular dispersion is not an important contributor to 19F chemical shifts in this system. Electron transfer and electrostatics must, therefore, be responsible for the changes in the 19F NMR spectra observed on complexation. Finally, an unsuccessful attempt was made to apply HF and DFT methods to the calculation of the 19F chemical shift of a pentafluorobenzyl-derived ...
Computers and the analysis of pressure vessels

Abstract The history of the application of the digital computer to the analysis of stresses in modern pressure vessels is traced. Several analytical and non-analytical problems which the extensive use of the digital computer has precipitated are also discussed. The main analytical problems concern, in addition to questions of memory size, running time and so on, the fact that one's computing power is now far ahead of his understanding of the behavior of the materials of construction. The main non-analytical problems concern the verification of the validity of programs and the qualifications of their users. Others involve the certification of programs by neutral parties, the creation of program libraries and access to computers and programs by small manufacturers. Finally, questions are discussed regarding the educational background that is required to prepare for work in a modem, highly computerized pressure vessel design office as well as the types of careers that one can pursue in such an environment.
Investigation on the Expansion of Dental Stone

Calculations based on apparent density measurements and X-ray diffraction data indicated that the porosity of dental stone arose from evaporation of excess water and from micropores created by crystal impingement. The volume of these created micropores was directly related to the linear expansion of the stone.
Distinguishing instrumental and hostile aggression: does it make a difference?

An analogue task of instrumental and hostile aggression during a competitive game, modified to minimize overlap between aggressive responses, was evaluated in 8- to 14-year-old clinically referred boys (n = 33). Postgame interviews indicated that the hostile response, an aversive noise, was perceived by over 80% of subjects as hostile and not instrumental. In contrast, the instrumental response, blocking the opponent's game, was perceived about equally as having instrumental and hostile functions. The hostile aggressive response was uniquely correlated with continuous performance task impulsive commission errors (r = .51), which supported the theoretical relation of hostile aggression to poor impulse control. These results suggest that instrumental and hostile aggression can be distinguished and when precisely defined are distinct in theoretically important ways.
Improving Tumor Uptake and Pharmacokinetics of 64Cu-Labeled Cyclic RGD Peptide Dimers with Gly3 and PEG4 Linkers

Radiolabeled cyclic RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptides represent a new class of radiotracers with potential for early tumor detection and noninvasive monitoring of tumor metastasis and therapeutic response in cancer patients. This article describes the synthesis of two cyclic RGD peptide dimer conjugates, DOTA-PEG4-E[PEG4-c(RGDfK)]2 (DOTA-3PEG4-dimer: DOTA = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid; PEG4 = 15-amino-4,7,10,13-tetraoxapentadecanoic acid) and DOTA-G3-E[G3-c(RGDfK)]2 (DOTA-3G3-dimer: G3 = Gly-Gly-Gly). Integrin αvβ3 binding affinities of cyclic RGD peptides were determined by competitive displacement of 125I-echistatin bound to U87MG human glioma cells and follow the order of DOTA-E{E[c(RGDfK)]2}2 (DOTA-tetramer: IC50 = 10 ± 2 nM) > DOTA-3G3-dimer (IC50 = 62 ± 6 nM) ∼ DOTA-3PEG4-dimer (IC50 = 74 ± 3 nM) > DOTA-E[c(RGDfK)]2 (DOTA-dimer: IC50 = 102 ± 5 nM). The addition of PEG4 and G3 linkers between two cyclic RGD motifs in DOTA-3G3-dimer and DOTA-3PEG4-dimer makes it possible for them...
A Statistical Model of Tropical Cyclone Tracks in the Western North Pacific with ENSO-Dependent Cyclogenesis

A new statistical model for western North Pacific Ocean tropical cyclone genesis and tracks is developed and applied to estimate regionally resolved tropical cyclone landfall rates along the coasts of the Asian mainland, Japan, and the Philippines. The model is constructed on International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) 1945-2007 historical data for the western North Pacific. The model is evaluated in several ways, including comparing the stochastic spread in simulated landfall rates with historic landfall rates. Although certain biases have been detected, overall the model performs well on the diagnostic tests, for example, reproducing well the geographic distribution of landfall rates. Western North Pacific cyclogenesis is influenced by El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This dependence is incorporated in the model s genesis component to project the ENSO-genesis dependence onto landfall rates. There is a pronounced shift southeastward in cyclogenesis and a small but significant reduction in basinwide annual counts with increasing ENSO index value. On almost all regions of coast, landfall rates are significantly higher in a negative ENSO state (La Nina).
“Contarini's Condition:” Bilateral Pleural Effusions with Markedly Different Characteristics

A leukemic patient presented with bilateral pleural effusions. The effusions were markedly different in their characteristics; left-sided staphylococcal empyema and right-sided lymphocytic effusion. To our knowledge, there are no cases of this type reported in the modern literature. The importance of bilateral diagnostic thoracocentesis in patients on immunosuppressant therapy is emphasized.
The effects of eserine on sodium regulation in crayfish.

Abstract 1. 1. The concentration of sodium in the blood of the crayfish, Orconectes virilis Hagen, is decreased from a mean value of 220 m. equiv/l. to 196 m. equiv/l. over a 24-hr period with the injection of eserine. This is accompanied by an increase in the total outflow of sodium into the medium. 2. 2. The concentration of sodium in the urine is drastically increased 3 hr after the injection of eserine with a partial return to normal at 12 hr. 3. 3. Control injections with water and sucrose cause no change in the concentration of sodium in the urine. 4. 4. Eserine injections caused an increase in the total osmotic concentrationas determined by the freezing point method. 5. 5. The data are discussed in light of evidence that the crayfish kidney is a filtration-reabsorption kidney, and that cholinesterase, found in both kidney and gills of crayfish, is involved in the regulation of sodium.
Palaeo-reversals in groundwater flow and peatland development at Lost River, Minnesota, USA

Raised bogs represent end-products of peatland development that are generally assumed to be decoupled from the regional groundwater system. However, the development of two peat mounds in northern Minnesota was driven by three major reversals in its groundwater-flow regime. A 4000-year record of groundwater flow was reconstructed by stratigraphic studies that utilized both botanical indicators of the surface-water chemistry, and mineral indicators of the pore-water chemistry and chemical weathering regime. The mineral stratigraphy indicated that the peat mounds were initially formed under a discharge (upward flow) regime. During the succeeding moist period, these peat mounds developed into raised bogs as their water-table mounds drove local recharge (downward) flow into the mineral substratum. A major reversal to a prevailing discharge regime at 1200 BP, however, converted the smaller peat mound into a spring fen and weathered the silicate minerals within the peat profile of the larger mound. This reversal...
Reduced development of tolerance to the analgesic effects of morphine and clonidine in PKCγ mutant mice

A variety of second messenger systems have been implicated in the intracellular mechanisms of tolerance development to the analgesic actions of morphine, a mu opioid, and clonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Here, we studied mice that carry a null mutation in the gene encoding a neuronal specific isoform of protein kinase C (PKC), namely, PKC gamma. We used the tail-flick test to construct dose-response curves before and 4 days after chronic morphine (75-mg pellets, subcutaneously (s.c.)) or clonidine treatment (0.3mg/kg, s.c., twice daily). Baseline tail-flick latencies did not differ in PKC gamma mutant and wild-type mice (3-4s). Both morphine and clonidine produced a dose-dependent suppression of the tail-flick response with an ED(50) (effective dose resulting in a 50% reduction of the control response) value (2.0mg/kg for morphine and 0.1mg/kg for clonidine) that was similar for naive mutant and wild-type mice. In contrast, after 4 days of drug delivery, mutant mice showed significantly less rightward shift in the dose-response curve to morphine (six-fold for wild-type and three-fold for mutant mice) and to clonidine (five-fold for wild-type and no shift for the mutant mice). These results indicate that PKC gamma contributes to the development of tolerance to the analgesic effects of both morphine and clonidine. Chronic morphine treatment can also result in sensitization of spinal cord neurons and increased pain behaviors following a noxious insult. To assess the contribution of PKC gamma to this process, we studied the responses of wild-type and mutant mice to an intraplantar injection of formalin (a model of persistent pain) following chronic morphine treatment. Although morphine tolerance increased formalin-evoked persistent pain behavior and Fos-LI in wild-type mice, there was no difference between placebo- and morphine-treated mutant mice, suggesting that PKC gamma also contributes to chronic morphine-induced changes in nociceptive processing.
Hyperfine splitting in lithiumlike bismuth

Uncertainties involving the distribution of nuclear magnetism that affect the interpretation of ground-state hyperfine splitting (hfs) in hydrogenlike ions can be avoided by also measuring hyperfine splitting in lithiumlike ions. Because a recent experiment looking for hfs in lithiumlike bismuth at the predicted value of 0.7971(2) eV had negative results, we have repeated the calculation using a QED approach based on both screened potentials and the Coulomb potential. We find 0.797 15(13) eV, in good agreement with the previous calculation.
Odontogenic myxoma: histochemical and ultrastructural study

Three cases of odontogenic myxoma are presented, two of which were located in the mandible and one in the maxilla. All cases demonstrated similar morphology by light microscopy. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated positive reaction with antibodies to vimentin and actin, and negative reaction to antibody to S-100 protein. A 127-day-old human tooth bud was used as a control. The ultrastructural features performed on Case 3, when combined with the immunohistochemical findings suggest that the cells comprising odontogenic myxoma are of myofibroblastic origin.
A Theorem of Brown–Halmos Type for Bergman Space Toeplitz Operators

Abstract We study the analogues of the Brown–Halmos theorem for Toeplitz operators on the Bergman space. We show that for f and g harmonic, T f T g = T h only in the trivial case, provided that h is of class C 2 with the invariant laplacian bounded. Here the trivial cases are f or g holomorphic. From this we conclude that the zero-product problem for harmonic symbols has only the trivial solution. Finally, we provide examples that show that the Brown–Halmos theorem fails for general symbols, even for symbols continuous up to the boundary.
Purification and Identification of a Human‐Serum DNA‐Binding Protein Associated with Malignant Diseases

A malignancy-associated human serum DNA-binding protein (C3DP protein), which was previously detected using dodecylsulfate gel electrophoresis, has been purified and characterized. This protein was isolated from human fetal cord serum by DNA-cellulose affinity chromatography, ammonium sulfate fractionations, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, and Sephadex gel filtration. The molecular weight of purified C3DP protein has been shown to be 135000 by ultracentrifugation, gel filtration, and dodecylsulfate gel electrophoresis. Dodecylsulfate gel electrophoresis following disulfide bond reduction has revealed that this protein is composed of three subunits having molecular weights of 74000, 40000 and 22000. Carbohydrate has been demonstrated to be attached to the 74000 and 22000 molecular weight components. Immunochemical studies have revealed that the C3DP protein is a fragment of human complement component C3, which closely resembles C3c.
Equivalence of regularization and truncated iteration in the solution of III-posed image reconstruction problems

Abstract The equivalence of minimum-norm least-squares solutions of systems of linear equations and standard iterative methods of solution is well established. On the other hand, while it is generally understood that truncated iteration is a form of regularization, comparatively few papers have formalized the relationship between direct methods of regularization and truncated iteration. A brief review of such papers is presented. The main result of this paper is to carry this idea one step further and prove that solutions by direct regularization are in fact identical to solutions of a certain type of truncated-iterative method, and conversely. This equivalence is proved by construction for a very general form of regularization method in which the coefficient matrix has full rank and is rectangular.
Differential gene expression analysis in fish exposed to endocrine disrupting compounds

This review discusses various methodologies that can be used to understand, at the gene level, the consequences to fish upon exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). Several approaches for measuring expression of gene transcripts are discussed, including directed approaches, such as Northern blotting and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as well as open-ended approaches, such as differential display RT-PCR, subtractive hybridizations, and gene arrays. Each of these systems has advantages and disadvantages, strengths and weaknesses. Conducting experiments with each of these methods provides important information about the molecular mechanisms that result from exposure to EDCs, information which can be used in risk assessment of polluted sites found in the environment.
Shear‐wave splitting to test mantle deformation models around Hawaii

Seismic anisotropy allows us to study mantle deformation, and it can thus help to constrain mantle flow in the vicinity of hotspots. Hypotheses for the cause of seismic anisotropy in this environment include the “parabolic asthenospheric flow” (PAF) model: radial flow from a mantle plume impinging on a moving lithosphere is dragged by the plate in the direction of absolute plate motion. In map view, this gives a parabolic pattern of flow, opening in the direction of plate motion. We present new shear-wave splitting observations from land and ocean stations around the Hawaiian Islands that can be explained by the parabolic flow model. The observations suggest asthenospheric anisotropy under the Hawaiian islands, which may be explained if dislocation-creep persists to deeper depths there than in other regions, perhaps due to the higher temperatures near hotspots.
Negative appendectomy: a 10-year review of a nationally representative sample.

Abstract Background Appendectomy remains one of the most common emergency surgical procedures encountered throughout the United States. With improvements in diagnostic techniques, the efficiency of diagnosis has increased over the years. However, the entity of negative appendectomies still poses a dilemma because these are associated with unnecessary risks and costs to both patients and institutions. This study was conducted to show current statistics and trends in negative appendectomy rates in the United States. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the National Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2007. Adult patients (>18 y) having undergone appendectomies were identified by the appropriate International Classification of Diseases 9th revision codes. Patients with incidental appendectomy and those with appendiceal pathologies, also identified by relevant International Classification of Diseases 9th revision codes, were excluded. The remaining patients represent those who underwent an appendectomy without appendiceal disease. The patients then were stratified according to sex, women were classified further into younger (18–45 y) and older (>45 y) based on child-bearing age. The primary diagnoses subsequently were categorized by sex to identify the most common conditions mistaken for appendiceal disease in the 2 groups. Results Between 1998 and 2007, there were 475,651 cases of appendectomy that were isolated. Of these, 56,252 were negative appendectomies (11.83%). There was a consistent decrease in the negative appendectomy rates from 14.7% in 1998 to 8.47% in 2007. Women accounted for 71.6% of cases of negative appendectomy, and men accounted for 28.4%. The mortality rate was 1.07%, men were associated with a higher rate of mortality (1.93% vs .74%; P Conclusions There has been a consistent decline in the rates of negative appendectomy. This trend may be attributed to better diagnostics. Gynecologic conditions involving the ovary are the most common to be misdiagnosed as appendiceal disease in women.
A study of the composition of the lower solar corona.

Some trends in the composition of the lower solar corona due to mixing and diffusion have been examined. Mixing has been treated through plausible inference from the thermal gradient and through analogy with the neutral atmosphere of the earth. These indicate that diffusion may be important in the lower corona. Changes in composition due to pressure and thermal gradients have been calculated with multi-component diffusion equations. Results indicate that (i) large enhancements of heavy elements are possible and (ii) the composition of the corona can show large variations with values of the thermal gradient in the lower corona.
Physical Interactions Between Molecules and Supported Catalysts

Analytic expressions for the interaction potential of a molecule with a supported catalyst are obtained. Particular attention is focused on the region of the boundary line between the metal particle and the substrate.
Contraction theory on Riemannian manifolds

Abstract Contraction theory is a methodology for assessing the stability of trajectories of a dynamical system with respect to one another. In this work, we present the fundamental results of contraction theory in an intrinsic, coordinate-free setting, with the presentation highlighting the underlying geometric foundation of contraction theory and the resulting stability properties. We provide coordinate-free proofs of the main results for autonomous vector fields, and clarify the assumptions under which the results hold. We state and prove several interesting corollaries to the main result, study cascade and feedback interconnections of contracting systems, study some simple examples, and highlight how contraction theory has arisen independently in other scientific disciplines. We conclude by illustrating the developed theory for the case of gradient dynamics.
The humoral immune response of mice exposed to manual metal arc stainless steel-welding fumes.

Arc welding is one of the most common forms of welding and includes the use of stainless steel electrodes that emit fumes containing chromium and nickel. Epidemological studies suggest a correlation between arc welding and adverse respiratory health effects. Studies evaluating the immunotoxic effects of welding fumes are limited due to the large number of variables associated with welding. This work investigates the immunotoxic effects of welding fumes by analyzing the in vivo and in vitro IgM response to a T-dependent antigen after welding fume exposure. Significant decreases in the total IgM activity/106 viable cells and total IgM activity/well were observed in splenocytes exposed to 5 μ g/ml of either total or soluble welding fumes. A significant reduction in the specific IgM activity in lung associated lymph node cells was also observed following four pharyngeal aspirations of 10 mg/kg total or soluble welding fumes to mice. Significant elevations in the absolute lymph node cell numbers for both B- an...
3,5,3'-Triiodothyronine Receptor-Containing Chromatin Fragments: Production by Nuclease Digestion

Nuclear thyroid hormone (T3) receptors are nonhistone proteins which are tightly bound to rat liver chromatin. The solubilization of the T3 receptors by micrococcal nuclease was studied using an assay which allows the delection of in vitro hormone binding and which is independent of the state of solubility of the chromatin. Nuclease digestion produces a receptor containing moiety which sediments at a rate of 5--6S. This form of the receptor is different than that released from chromatin at high ionic strength (3.8S) and potentially represents the stable association of the receptor which other elements of chromatin. Partial release of chromatin compaction by the use of dilute buffer solutions increases the rate of nuclease digestion, facilitates the release of the (5--6S) T3-receptor complex, and allows the isolation of sucrose gradient fractions which are enriched with receptor.
Current Status of Deltabaculoviruses, Cypoviruses and Chloriridoviruses Pathogenic for Mosquitoes

There are a variety of viral pathogens that cause disease in mosquitoes with most belonging to three major groups. The most common viruses of mosquitoes are the baculoviruses (DBVs) (Baculoviridae: Deltabaculovirus), cytoplasmic polyhedrosis viruses (CPVs) (Reoviridae: Cypovirus) and the iridoviruses (MIVs) (Iridoviridae: Chloriridovirus). Baculoviruses and iridoviruses are DNA viruses while cypoviruses are the main RNA viruses in mosquitoes. This review presents an overview of the current status and recent advancements in understanding the biology and molecular features of mosquito pathogenic viruses.
Effects of Storage Time on the Mechanical Properties of Rabbit Peripapillary Sclera After Enucleation

In the field of biomechanics, little research has been performed to evaluate the effect of storage time on the material properties of ocular tissues. Twenty-four rabbit eyes were divided into six groups with storage times from 3 to 72 hr. A tensile specimen was prepared from the inferior quadrant of each sclera and was subjected to a stress relaxation test. The data were analyzed using linear viscoelastic theory yielding four material parameters (E0, instantaneous elastic modulus; E∞, equilibrium elastic modulus; β, half-width of the Gaussian distribution; τm; mean relaxation time). No statistically significant differences were found in the material properties of each group, which suggests that sclera can be stored up to 3 days without risking mechanical deterioration.
Early Mobility and Walking Program for Patients in Intensive Care Units: Creating a Standard of Care

New technologies in critical care and mechanical ventilation have led to long-term survival of critically ill patients. An early mobility and walking program was developed to provide guidelines for early mobility that would assist clinicians working in intensive care units, especially clinicians working with patients who are receiving mechanical ventilation. Prolonged stays in the intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation are associated with functional decline and increased morbidity, mortality, cost of care, and length of hospital stay. Implementation of an early mobility and walking program could have a beneficial effect on all of these factors. The program encompasses progressive mobilization and walking, with the progression based on a patient's functional capability and ability to tolerate the prescribed activity. The program is divided into 4 phases. Each phase includes guidelines on positioning, therapeutic exercises, transfers, walking reeducation, and duration and frequency of mobility sessions. Additionally, the criteria for progressing to the next phase are provided. Use of this program demands a collaborative effort among members of the multidisciplinary team in order to coordinate care for and provide safe mobilization of patients in the intensive care unit.
Therapeutic Potential of Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibition for Cardiovascular Disease

Several families of phosphodiesterases (PDE), the enzymes catalyzing hydrolysis of cyclic (c) nucleoside monophosphates, namely, 3′5′-cAMP (cAMP) and 3′5′-cGMP (cGMP), have been identified and characterized in recent years.1 Since selective pharmacological inhibitors of isoform 5 (a cGMP-specific PDE), such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil, have become available, the physiological function and interaction of different PDE isoforms,2 their tissue distribution,2 and the therapeutic potential of PDE 5 inhibition have attracted increasing interest.3 The discovery in 1989 of sildenafil, a highly selective inhibitor of PDE 5, was the result of extensive research on chemical agents targeting PDE 5 that might potentially be useful in the treatment of coronary heart disease. Initial clinical studies on sildenafil in the early 1990s were not promising with respect to its antianginal potential. However, a remarkable side effect was reported by a number of volunteers participating in these investigations; sildenafil seemed to enhance penile erections, which soon thereafter became the main focus of further studies. PDE 5 is found in high concentration in smooth muscle cells of the corpora cavernosa.2 Relaxation of smooth muscle cells of penile arteries, arterioles, and sinusoids in response to sexual stimulation results in an increase in blood volume within the rigid tunica albuginea and compression of draining venules, and hence a penile erection. Relaxation of the arterial smooth muscles occurs after stimulation of the enzyme guanylate cyclase by nitric oxide released from nonadrenergic-noncholinergic nerves and endothelial cells, with subsequent formation of cGMP4 (Figure 1). cGMP activates a cGMP-dependent protein kinase, which leads to phosphorylation of ion channels with the final consequence of a reduced cytosolic calcium concentration.5 Thus, sildenafil inhibiting the breakdown of cGMP was found to be effective in a high percentage of male patients suffering from erectile dysfunction.3,6 Synthesis and breakdown of …
Attachment to place: Discriminant validity, and impacts of disorder and diversity

We sought to establish the discriminant validity of related concepts: territoriality and attachment to place. Further, we investigated the contextual determinants of attachment. We hypothesized that persons living in more heterogeneous neighborhoods would be less attached. We also hypothesized that levels of perceived or objective disorder would be negatively associated with attachment levels. The hypotheses were tested using data from a survey of 687 heads of household in Baltimore, Maryland. Data on police activity and neighborhood characteristics were also gathered. A clear territorial dimension and two attachment dimensions (Rooted and Involved; Acquaintanceship) were identified. Regressions of each dimension supported the distinctness of territoriality and attachment, as well as the hypothesized impacts of diversity and disorder on attachment. Not only are some people more attached to place than others but there are also some places to which people can become attached more easily. This study is the first to establish the direct impacts of diversity on attachment to place.
Accidental Presidents: Death, Assassination, Resignation, and Democratic Succession

One of the commonly stated virtues of modern constitutional democracies is their capacity to ensure reliable and accepted methods of political succession through election. This essay focuses on one particular, though not uncommon, complication in the democratic mode of political suc cession: American vice presidents who assume office as a result of the death, assassination, or resignation of a president. Three basic strategies by "accidental presidents" to establish and enhance their legitimacy are identified. The efforts of accidental presidents provide a framework to assess a democratic theory of succession, for a certain resiliency is necessary to respond to irreg ular modes of succession yet excessive plasticity might threaten election as the privileged method of succession.
Comparison of Chamber 6.6-h Exposures to 0.04–0.08 PPM Ozone via Square-wave and Triangular Profiles on Pulmonary Responses

It has become increasingly well realized that laboratory simulations of air pollution risk assessment need to employ O(3) concentration profiles that more accurately mimic those encountered during summer daylight ambient air pollution episodes. The present study was designed to compare the pulmonary function and symptoms of breathing discomfort responses to a 6.6-h square-wave 0.08-ppm O(3) chamber exposure to those observed in a triangular O(3) exposure profile (mean of 0.08 ppm), as well as to both a 0.06-ppm square-wave and triangular mean 0.06-ppm exposure, and to those observed during a triangular mean 0.04-ppm exposure and to a filtered air (FA) square-wave exposure. Thirty young adults (15 of each gender) served as subjects, each completing all exposures. While the 6.6-h postexposure responses to the acute triangular exposure to a mean O(3) concentration of 0.08 ppm did not differ significantly from those observed in the square-wave exposure, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV)(1.0) and total symptoms severity (TSS) were significantly different from preexposure at 4.6 h (when O(3) concentration was 0.15 ppm) in the triangular exposure, but not until 6.6 h in the square-wave exposure. Thus, significant pulmonary function and symptoms responses were observed over a longer period in the triangular exposure protocol at a mean O(3) concentration of 0.08 ppm. These results support previous evidence that O(3) concentration has a greater singular effect in the total inhaled O(3) dose than do V(E) and exposure duration. Subtracting pulmonary function effects consequent to O(3) exposure to existent 8-h average background levels (e.g., approximately 0.04 ppm, rather than those observed in FA exposures) from those observed at higher concentrations (e.g., approximately 0.08 ppm) represents a means of focusing the regulatory effort on effects that can be controlled. The greatest pulmonary function and symptoms responses observed for a 0.04-ppm triangular exposure were nearly the same as those for the FA square-wave exposure. Thus, results of the present study show that calculating the net pulmonary function effect of exposure to 0.08 ppm with "correction" for FA response, or for that incurred for 0.04 ppm O(3), does not result in any statistically significant difference.
Prevalence of vitamin D depletion among morbidly obese patients seeking gastric bypass surgery

Abstract Background Abnormalities in calcium and vitamin D metabolism have been reported after bariatric surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate vitamin D nutritional status among morbidly obese patients before gastric bypass surgery. Methods We prospectively studied 279 morbidly obese patients seeking gastric bypass surgery for vitamin D nutritional status as assessed by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. In addition, serum samples were analyzed for calcium, alkaline phosphatase (AP), intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Results Mean patient age was 43 ± 9 years; 87% of the study patients were women, and 72% were white. Serum calcium and AP levels were normal in 88% and 89% of the patients, respectively. Vitamin D depletion, defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level ≤ 20 ng/mL, was found in 166 patients (60%). An elevated PTH level was found in 48% of the patients. A significant inverse correlation was found between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and both body mass index ( r = .15; P = .012) and serum PTH level ( r = .45; P P Conclusions Before gastric bypass surgery, a majority of morbidly obese patients have vitamin D depletion and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Studies evaluating the effects of gastric bypass on vitamin D metabolism must consider preoperative vitamin D nutritional status. © 2006 American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Perfusion of the rat ovary in vitro: methodology, induction of ovulation, and pattern of steroidogenesis.

A method for perfusion of the rat ovary in vitro for the study of ovulation was developed and characterized. Immature rats (27-29 days old) were primed with 20 IU of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG). Two days later a laparotomy was performed, the aorta and vena cava were cannulated, the right ovary was isolated, and all vessels connecting with the aorta and vena cava except for the right ovarian artery and vein were ligated. The preparation was placed in the perfusion apparatus and perfused for up to 20 h with oxygenated Medium 199 containing 4% bovine serum albumin (37 degrees C, pH 7.4). The perfusion pressure was 70-90 mm Hg and the average flow was 1 ml . min . ovary. Ovulation was confirmed by oocyte recovery from the apparatus. Nine ovaries were perfused without further treatment (controls); only 1 ovulation occurred in this group. Nine ovaries received luteinizing hormone (LH; 0.1 microgram/ml) 1 h after the start of perfusion; 71 ovulations resulted (range, 3-13/ovary). Ovulations did not begin before 9 h after LH administration. Samples of medium were taken frequently for measurement of progesterone, estradiol and androstenedione. Levels of all three steroids rose rapidly and markedly in response to LH but increased only slightly in control perfusions. This study demonstrates that ovulation in the rat ovary can be induced in vitro and provides a basis for further studies on the mechanism of ovulation.
In situ polymerization of polyamide 66 nanocomposites utilizing interfacial polycondensation. II. Sodium montmorillonite nanocomposites

Interfacial polycondensation (IPC) is used to generate polyamide 66 (PA66) nanocomposite using sodium montmorillonite (NaMMT), which offers better thermal stability than organically modified montmorillonite. Several approaches are used to obtain different levels of dispersion for studying the factors affecting dispersion of NaMMT layered-silicates. These approaches include dispersing NaMMT in either aqueous media or in a compatible nonaqueous medium. Moreover, clay slurry was added to the reaction media separately or in combination with the aqueous hexamethylenediamine solution, which includes either excess amine or sodium carbonate as the by-product scavenger, in order to study the effect of sequencing on the dispersion of NaMMT. Several characterization techniques including dynamic mechanical analysis, wide angle X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy are used to examine the structure and relate it to the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Results show that in situ polymerization techniques predominantly give rise to hybrid exfoliated–intercalated NaMMT structure. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dehydration and dehydrogenation of 2-octanol by thorium oxide

The selectivity of 2-octanol reaction by dehydration to octenes vs. dehydrogenation to 2-octanone has been determined for thorium oxide prepared by well-defined and reproducible procedures. The selectivity was very dependent on the catalyst pretreatment. In general, thoria pretreated at 600 °C with hydrogen was a dehydration catalyst while thoria pretreated at 600 °C with oxygen was a more effective catalyst for dehydrogenation. While the pretreatment was the major factor for determining selectivity, the thoria preparative procedure also played a role. The selectivity for 1-octene formation as compared to 2-octene production was also dependent on the pretreatment and on the thoria preparation procedure. Certain thoria preparations were found to be extremely selective for 1-octene formation while others were not very selective. Over some thoria preparations, a large amount of n-octane was formed at an early time on stream.
Uneven and Combined Development: Understanding India’s Software Exports

Abstract The evolution of the Indian software sector is explained by the larger context of uneven and combined development. The imperatives of a market-driven global order suggest an open-ended process of development, making some economic and technological convergence realizable but also generating contradictions at various levels. This paper focuses on differential innovative capability, the uneven diffusion of technical education in India, and the increasing economic integration of the software industry as sources of uneven development. The combined nature of the development process is reflected in the coexistence of the successful software sector with several lagging sectors with all of them being functionally integrated as part of Indian social formation. To cope with the contradictions of such change a balanced development will be critical. To make development more inclusive deep structural problems that plague those outside the orbit of the successful software industry must be resolved.
The semantics of reflected proof

The authors lay the foundations for reasoning about proofs whose steps include both invocations of programs to build subproofs (tactics) and references to representations of proofs themselves (reflected proofs). The main result is the definition of a single type of proof which can mention itself, using a novel technique which finds a fixed point of a mapping between metalanguage and object language. This single type contrasts with hierarchies of types used in other approaches to accomplish the same classification. It is shown that these proofs are valid, and that every proof can be reduced to a proof involving only primitive inference rules. The extension of the results to proofs from which programs (such as tactics) can be derive and to proofs that can refer to a library of definitions and previously proven theorems is shown. It is believed that the mechanism of reflection is fundamental in building proof development systems, and its power is illustrated with applications to automating reasoning and describing modes of computation. >
Requirements That Reflect Social Responsibility

A few simple steps can help app developers think through potential harm, identify mitigating requirements, and ensure that the products they develop maximize good and minimize harm. The Web extra at https://youtu.be/UI-itpTr6Jw is an audio podcast of this column.
Pilot study assessing 18F-fluorothymidine PET/CT in cervical and vaginal cancers before and after external beam radiation ☆

article i nfo Objective: The role of F-18-fluorothymidine (FLT) PET-CT imaging in the evaluation of gynecologic cancers has notbeenestablished.Wesoughttoevaluate(FLT)PET-CTimaging ingynecologic cancersbycomparingstandard uptake values (SUVs) of FLT with F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET in the primary tumor at diagnosis, and as- sess FLT uptake immediately following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (chemoRT). Methods: In this pilot study, patients treated for cervical (5) or vaginal (1) cancer underwent FLT-PET and FDG- PET scanning at diagnosis (FLT1 and FDG1). Five patients (4 cervical and 1 vaginal) also underwent FLT-PET within 1-3 weeks after chemoRT before brachytherapy (FLT2). Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the FLT1 and FDG1 parameters. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 61-years (range, 33-72). Cervical cancers were staged as IB2 (n = 1, 20%), IIB (n = 1, 20%), IIIB (n = 1, 20%) and IVA (n = 2, 40%) and the single vaginal cancer was staged IIIB. The most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma (n = 3, 50%) followed by adenocarcinoma (n = 2, 33%) and clear-cell adenosquamous carcinoma (n = 1, 17%). Median tumor SUVmax at diagnosis was 7.8 on FLT1-PET (3.9-14.2) versus 11.6 (5.9-23.2) on FDG1-PET (p = 0.15). Tumor SUVmax of FLT declined 54%-100% after chemoRT. Conclusion: The tumor SUV of FLT at diagnosis was lower than that of FDG-PET. FLT uptake was markedly de- creased after chemoRT. Results indicate that there may not be a significant effect of inflammation on FLT uptake ingynecologic cancers.FLT may bea useful tool whenassessingtheeffects ofchemoRTongynecologic malignan- cies and planning for postchemoRT brachytherapy treatments.
Detection of chemical agent aerosols

ABSTRACT One ofthe major threats presented by a chemical agent attack is that ofa munition exploding overhead and "raining"aerosols which can contaminate surfaces when they impact. Since contact with these surfaces can be fatal, it is imperative toknow when such an attack has taken place and the likely threat density and location. We present the results of an experimentdesigned to show the utility of a CO2 lidar in detecting such an attack. Testing occurred at Dugway Proving Grounds, Utahand involved the simulation of an explosive airburst chemical attack. Explosions occurred at a height of 30 m and liquiddroplets from two chemicals, PEG-200 (polyethylene glycol 200) and TEP (triethylphosphate), were expelled and fell to theground. The munition was the US Army M9 Simulator, Projectile, Airburst, Liquid (SPAL) system that is designed forchemical warfare training exercises. The instrument that was used to detect the presence of the aerosols was the LaserStandoff Chemical Detector (LSCD) which is a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system that utilizes a rapidly tunable,pulsed CO2 laser. The LIDAR scanned a horizontal path approximately 5-8 m above the ground in order to measure theconcentration of liquid deposition. The LIDAR data were later correlated with card data to determine how well the systemcould predict the location and quantity ofliquid deposition on the ground.Keywords: Standoff Detection, LIDAR
Prognostic factors in metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary

From January 1980 to June 1984, 70 patients with metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary treated with combination chemotherapy were analyzed for prognostic factors influencing objective response and survival. Suspicious germ-cell tumors and neuroendocrine tumors were excluded since patients with these malignancies tend to live longer than those with metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary. Objective response rate to combination chemotherapy was 28%. Median survival of all patients responding to combination chemotherapy was better than those not responding (16 v 3 months). In patients with good performance status, median survival was longer in responders than nonresponding patients (17 v 7 months). External lymph nodes or subcutaneous disease as the only site of disease and good performance status favorably influenced both objective response and survival, while the number of different metastatic sites favorably influenced only survival. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were appreciable but not fatal or a g...
International Perception Of Corruption

The discussion of corruption and bribery in most auditing textbooks focuses only on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act which is an amendment to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As the US moves toward the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and international auditing standards, an understanding of international legislation pertaining to corruption and the perception of corruption in specific countries are important. This paper provides an overview of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Anti-bribery Convention. While prior literature has discussed the impact of both the FCPA and OECD on corruption and bribery, this paper extends prior literature by providing an update on phase II the OECD and examines how the OECD countries are viewed in comparison to non OECD countries using five publicly available measures of corruption. Corruption indices that can be purchased are also identified. Our findings show that the highest ranked OECD countries across the corruption indices are Denmark, Finland and New Zealand while the lowest ranked OECD countries are Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Turkey. One non-OECD country, Singapore, consistently received high scores (low corruption) across the indices.
Nanoporous Polymer Films from Immiscible Polymer Blends: Pore Size and Composition Dependence

Nanoporous polymer films have been prepared using immiscible blends of polyetherimide (PEI) and poly(caprolactone diol) (PCLD). The films were prepared by spin-coating from a common solvent – dichloromethane (DCM). To create the nanoporous films, PCLD was removed by immersing the films in acetone, which dissolves PCLD only. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to study the porous structure. The pore structure of the films was affected by many factors such as composition of the blend, molecular weight, and various processing parameters. The formation of nanometer size pores was mainly due to the fast phase separation process during spin-coating. The pore size and pore size distribution was found to depend on the blend composition.
EARLY CORONARY ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION PREDICTS ACCELERATED PLAQUE PROGRESSION 1 YEAR AFTER CARDIAC TRANSPLANTATION: SERIAL VOLUMETRIC EVALUATION BY INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND

Relationship between the presence of endothelial dysfunction at the time of transplantation and later development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) as assessed by serial volumetric intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analysis has not been reported. Intracoronary acetylcholine (Ach) infusion was