cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of angular dose distribution on the detection of microcalcifications in digital breast tomosynthesis.

Purpose: Substantial effort has been devoted to the clinical development of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). DBT is a three-dimensional (3D) x-ray imaging modality that reconstructs a number of thin image slices parallel to a stationary detector plane. Preliminary clinical studies have shown that the removal of overlapping breast tissue reduces image clutter and increases detectability of large, low contrast lesions. However, some studies, as well as anecdotal evidence, suggested decreased conspicuity of small, high contrast objects such as microcalcifications. Several investigators have proposed alternative imaging methods for improving microcalcification detection by delivering half of the total dose to the central view in addition to a separate DBT scan. Preliminary observer studies found possible improvement by either viewing the central projection alone or combining all views with a reconstruction algorithm.Methods: In this paper, we developed a generalized imaging theory based on a cascaded linear-system model for DBT to calculate the effect of variable angular dose distribution on the 3D modulation transfer function (MTF) and noise power spectrum (NPS). Using the ideal observer signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), d′, as a figure-of-merit (FOM) for a signal embedded in a uniform background, we compared the detectability of objects with different sizes under different imaging conditions (e.g., angular dose distribution and reconstruction filters). Experimental investigation was conducted for three different angular dose schemes (ADS) using a Siemens NovationTOMO prototype unit.Results: Our results show excellent agreement between modeled and experimental measurements of 3D NPS with different angular dose distribution. The ideal observer detectability index for the detection of Gaussian objects with different angular dose distributions depends strongly on the applied reconstruction filter as well as the imaging task. For detection tasks of small calcifications with reconstruction filters used typically in a clinical setting, variable angular dose distribution with more dose delivered to the central views may lead to higher d′ than a uniform angular dose distribution.Conclusions: The conspicuity of the detection of small calcifications may be improved, under certain imaging conditions, by delivering higher dose toward the central views of a tomosynthesis scan, while also reducing the dose at peripheral angles to keep total administered radiation dose equivalent. The degree of improvement depends on the choice of reconstruction filters as well as the imaging task. The improvement is more substantial for high-frequency imaging tasks and when an aggressive slice-thickness (ST) filter is applied to reduced the high-frequency noise at peripheral angles.
Low-frequency noise in multiple-quantum-point-contact systems.

Electrical-transport measurements were performed on a system consisting of two quantum point contacts (QPC's) in series, where one of the point contacts exhibited low-frequency telegraph noise due to single-impurity effects. We show this system to be ideal for the study of equilibration between the edge states that form at high magnetic fields. We investigate both the adiabatic and nonadiabatic regimes and show that in the transitional magnetic-field range the conductance is compatible with a complete equilibration but between a limited number of edge states only
The contested public lives of middle eastern women

Kapchan, Deborah. Gender on the Market: Moroccan Women and the Revoking of Tradition. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1996. xvii + 325 pp. including appendices, glossary, chapter references, and indexes. $42.50 cloth, $19.95 paperback. Hale, Sondra. Gender Politics in Sudan: Islamism, Socialism, and the State. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1996. xv + 295 pp. including glossary, chapter references, index, and book/author information. $64 cloth.
Effect of Orally Administered Duodenal Fluid on Susceptibility of Newborn Calves to an Escherichia coli Challenge

Abstract This study was to determine if duodenal contents inoculated orally could alter symptomatic diarrhea produced by Escherichia coli [09:K(A)] in neonatal calves. Inoculum was obtained 2h post-prandially from duodenal-cannulated milk-fed calves. Thirty Holstein bull calves obtained within 3h of birth were assigned alternately to a 3×2 factorial experiment. Calves received either 1) no E. coli challenge, 2) challenge at 12h, or 3) challenge at 24h each with or without 200ml duodenal fluid orally with the first feeding of colostrum. Rectal temperature, urine output, milk intake, and fecal dry matter were recorded daily, and body weight and hematocrit every 3rd day for 1 wk. Gamma globulin of serum was determined at 2h of age. Inocula and duodenal tissue and fluid of the last 12 calves were assayed for total anaerobic bacteria, anaerobic and aerobic lactobacilli, coliforms, and total aerobic bacteria. Inoculated calves exhibited lower incidence of diarrhea, greater urine output, lower hematocrit, and superior average daily gain as compared to uninoculated calves. Concentration of gamma globulin in serum of inoculated calves was subnormal. Bacterial populations of tissue and fluid at 7 days were not influenced by treatment.
GP41 Ectodomain Dissociates and Forms a Stable Monomer on Phospholipid Vesicles and Detergent Micelles: Implication for the HIV-1 Env-Mediated Membrane Fusion

The first step of HIV infection involves the fusion of the viral and target cell membranes, a process mediated by the viral envelope glycoproteins, gp120 and gp41. The binding of gp120 to the cell surface receptors CD4 triggers a cascade of conformational changes that disrupt the gp41-gp120 interactions and allows the insertion of the N-terminal fusion peptide of gp41 into the host cell membrane. The gp41 trimer then rapidly folds into a 6-helix bundle that pulls together the fusion peptide, inserted in the host cell membrane and the transmembrane domain, located in the viral membrane. Very little structural information is known about the pre-fusion state of gp41 notwithstanding its critical importance for the design of fusion inhibitors. To investigate the dynamics and structural properties of such metastable states, we designed a set of protein constructs mimicking the extracellular ectodomain of gp41. We found that the secondary structure of gp41 ectodomain is pronouncedly impacted by the presence of phospholipid vesicles or detergents containing phosphatidyl choline head groups. Our NMR and multi-angle light scattering data attribute these changes to the transition between a trimer in the absence of detergent to a monomer in the presence of a membrane-mimicking environment. The structure of gp41 in a monomeric state was determined by state-of-the-art NMR techniques, including measurements of NOE distance restraints and residual dipolar couplings in weakly aligned solutions. 15N relaxation data provided a detailed view at the backbone dynamics of both the trimeric and monomeric conformations. This stable monomeric state may represent a crucial structural intermediate facilitating both the gp41 conformational change during fusion and the local apposition of the viral and cellular membranes.
Some new bounds related to output feedback pole placement

A number of new results regarding linear output feedback compensation are presented. In particular, it is shown that the rank of an appropriately defined real matrix Ω represents an upper bound on the number of closed-loop poles which can be completely and arbitrarily assigned via constant gain output feedback. A new bound on the minimum number of dynamical elements required for complete and arbitrary closed-loop pole placement is also defined in terms of the observability index of a certain single-input system.
A novel HPLC fluorescence method for the quantification of methylphenidate in human plasma

Abstract A number of analytical methods have been established to quantify methylphenidate (MPH). However, to date no HPLC methods are applicable to human pharmacokinetic studies without the use of mass spectrometry (MS) detection. We developed a sensitive and reliable HPLC-fluorescence method for the determination of MPH in human plasma using 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl) benzoyl chloride (DIB-Cl) as the derivatizing agent. An established GC-MS method was adopted in this study as a comparator assay. MPH was derivatized using DIB-Cl, and separated isocratically on a C18 column using a HPLC system with fluorescence detection (λex = 330 nm, λem = 460 nm). The lower limit of quantification was found to be 1 ng/mL. A linear calibration curve was obtained over the concentrations ranging from 1 ng/mL to 80 ng/mL (r = 0.998). The relative standard deviations of intra-day and inter-day variations were ≤9.10% and ≤7.58%, respectively. The accuracy ranged between 92.59% and 103.06%. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of a subject who received a single oral dose (0.3 mg/kg) of immediate-release MPH and yielded consistent results with that of the GC-MS method. This method is the first HPLC assay with non-MS detection providing sufficient reliability and sensitivity for both pre-clinical and clinical studies of MPH.
The near-infrared spectrum of a Th/Ar hollow cathode lamp

Abstract An analysis is presented for a Th/Ar hollow cathode spectrum covering the 1798– 9180 cm −1 region of the near-infrared. The wave numbers and intensities of the lines should be of use in the calibration of spectra as well as in the level analysis of atomic thorium.
ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY AND THERMOELECTRIC POWER OF PALLADIUM AFTER HYDROGEN DESORPTION

The electrical resistivity and thermoelectric power of desorbed palladium-hydrogen samples have been measured as functions of temperature from 4.2 to 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, and 77 to 273\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, respectively. The thermoelectric power of the desorbed specimens lies intermediate between the values of annealed and cold-worked palladium. An increase in the residual resistivity and a decrease in the value of $\frac{d\ensuremath{\rho}}{\mathrm{dT}}$ is found for the desorbed samples. The results are explained in terms of an experimentally observed expanded lattice.
The hydraulically integrated serial turbidostat algal reactor (HISTAR) for microalgal production

Abstract A hydraulically integrated serial turbidostat algal reactor (HISTAR) for the mass production of microalgae was designed, constructed and preliminarily evaluated. The 9266-l experimental system consists of two enclosed turbidostats hydraulically linked to a series of six open continuous-flow, stirred-tank reactors (CFSTRs). The system was monitored and controlled using GENESIS process control software. A production study was preformed using Isochrysis sp. (C-iso) to assess system stability and production potential under commercial-like conditions. The study was performed at the following target system parameters: system dilution rate of 0.49 per day, pH 7.6, nitrogen=10 mg l −1 , phosphorus=2 mg l −1 , and artificial illumination (photosynthetic photon flux density) from 1000 W metal halide lamps=800 μmol s −1 m −2 . At steady state conditions, daily harvested algal paste was 1454 g (wet), mean areal system productivity=47.8±3.04 g m −2 per day (17.1±1.09 g C m −2 per day) and mean CFSTR6 density=105.5±6.71 mg l −1 .
Lack of involvement of 4-hydroxynorephedrine in phenylpropanolamine-induced anorexia in rats.

Abstract The anorexic effects of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) appear to be qualitatively different in humans and rats. One factor that may account for these differences is that PPA is excreted essentially unchanged in humans, while nearly 30% is metabolized into 4-hydroxynorephedrine (4-OHN) in rats. To investigate the contribution of 4-OHN to the anorexic properties of PPA, this experiment compared the effects of equal doses (0.0–20.0 mg/kg, IP) of both drugs on eating and drinking during restricted feeding trials in the same group of food-deprived, female rats. Both 15.0 and 20.0 mg/kg of PPA significantly decreased eating when compared to saline vehicle, while 5.0–20.0 mg/kg of the drug reduced prandial drinking. In comparison, only the highest dose of 4-OHN (20.0 mg/kg) significantly suppressed food and water intake. When the percentage of reduction produced by corresponding doses of the two drugs was compared, PPA proved to be more than twice as potent as 4-OHN. It is concluded that, at the doses used, 4-OHN is unlikely to significantly contribute to reductions in deprivation-induced eating produced by the acute administration of PPA.
The UV-inducible RNA-binding Protein A18 (A18 hnRNP) Plays a Protective Role in the Genotoxic Stress Response

We have previously shown that specific RNA-binding proteins (RBP) are activated by genotoxic stress. The role and function of these stress-activated RBP are, however, poorly understood. The data presented here indicate that the RBP A18 heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) is induced and translocated from the nuclei to the cytoplasm after exposure to UV radiation. Using a new in vitro system we identified potential cellular targets for A18 hnRNP. Forty-six mRNA transcripts were identified, most of which are stress- or UV-responsive genes. Two important stress-responsive transcripts, the replication protein A (RPA2) and thioredoxin, were studied in more detail. Northwestern analyses indicate that A18 hnRNP binds specifically to the 3′-untranslated region of RPA2 transcript independently of its poly(A) tail, whereas the poly(A) tail of thioredoxin mRNA reinforces binding. Overexpression of A18 hnRNP increases the mRNAs stability and consequently enhances translation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, cell lines expressing reduced levels of A18 hnRNP are more sensitive to UV radiation. These data suggest that A18 hnRNP plays a protective role against genotoxic stresses by translocating to the cytosol and stabilizing specific transcripts involved in cell survival.
Glycoprotein requirement for neurite outgrowth in goldfish retina explants: effects of tunicamycin.

Abstract The role of glycoproteins in neurite outgrowth in vitro has been examined using the protein glycosylation inhibitor, tunicamycin. The concentration-dependent inhibitory effects of tunicamycin on neuritic outgrowth from goldfish retinal explants closely paralleled its effects on the dolichol pathway of glycoprotein biosynthesis. The neurite membrane assembled in the presence of an intermediate dose of tunicamycin (5 μg/ml) was deficient in carbohydrate, as indicated by a reduced capacity to bind the lectins Concanavalin A, wheat germ agglutinin and ricin. These results suggest that tunicamycin may prove useful in assessing the role of cell surface carbohydrate in neuronal recognition phenomena.
Aluminum oxide films made from evaporated sapphire

Abstract Amorphous insulating films of aluminum oxide prepared by the electron-beam evaporation of sapphire have been studied in metal-insulator-metal (MIM) and metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) devices. The MIS samples have fast surface-state densities that are comparable to those at the interface of silicon with thermally-grown silicon oxide (less than 3 × 10 10 states cm -2 ). The films are, however, relatively highly conducting compared with thermal silicon oxide. The temperature and field dependences of the leakage currents are understandable in terms of the Poole-Frenkel mechanism, characterized by a trap depth at 0.9 eV. The slow states which are responsible for hysteresis in capacitance-voltage characteristics can be reduced by annealing in nitrogen or forming gas at 300°C. Typical flat-band voltages for the AlAl 2 O 3 Si structures lie between -0.7 and +1.3 V. No clear dependence of flat-band voltage on thickness was observed because of slow polarization effects in the aluminum oxide.
Regulation of interferon and Toll-like receptor signaling during macrophage activation by opposing feedforward and feedback inhibition mechanisms.

Activated macrophages and their inflammatory products play a key role in innate immunity and in pathogenesis of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. Macrophage activation needs to be tightly regulated to rapidly mount responses to infectious challenges but to avoid toxicity associated with excessive activation. Rapid and potent macrophage activation is driven by cytokine-mediated feedforward loops, while excessive activation is prevented by feedback inhibition. Here we discuss feedforward mechanisms that augment macrophage responses to Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands and cytokines that are mediated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ). IFN-γ also drives full macrophage activation by inactivating feedback inhibitory mechanisms, such as those mediated by IL-10 and STAT3. Priming of macrophages with IFN-γ reprograms cellular responses to other cytokines, such as type I IFNs and IL-10, with a shift toward pro-inflammatory STAT1-dominated responses. Similar but partially distinct priming effects are induced by other cytokines that activate STAT1, including type I IFNs and interleukin-27. We propose a model whereby opposing feedforward and feedback inhibition loops crossregulate each other to fine tune macrophage activation. In addition, we discuss how dysregulation of the balance between feedforward and feedback inhibitory mechanisms can contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Effect of Hydrophobicity and Electrostatics on Adsorption and Surface Diffusion of DNA Oligonucleotides at Liquid/Solid Interfaces☆

It is generally known that both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions are major driving forces for protein adsorption at solid/liquid interfaces, but relatively little is known about how these interactions affect the interfacial behavior of single-stranded DNA molecules. This information is important for the design of DNA hybridization sensors. In this study, total internal reflectance microscopy/fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (TIR/FRAP) was applied to measure the desorption rate constants and the surface diffusion coefficients of a 21-base oligonucleotide on four different surfaces including two cationic amino-silanized and two hydrophobic-silanized surfaces. Adsorption isotherms of the oligonucleotide were determined by using porous glass beads that were identically silanized. The results indicate that the oligonucleotide adsorbs reversibly and interacts strongly with the four surfaces studied. Approximately 50% less oligonucleotide adsorbed on the hydrophobic substrates than on cationic amino-silanized glasses. The desorption rate constant decreases as the density of the hydrophobic silane surface layer increases and it depends on the chemical properties of the substrate. The surface diffusion coefficients depend on the density of the adsorbed oligonucleotides on the hydrophobic surfaces in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) solution (PBS). When ethanol was added to the adsorption buffer, the initial slopes of the adsorption isotherms for hydrophobic dimethyldichlorosilane-treated (DMS) surface as well as the two secondary amino-silanized glasses were lowered. On the other hand, the kinetics of adsorption and surface diffusion of oligonucleotides in the presence of ethanol on all substrates was independent of the substrate properties and the equilibrium adsorption affinity. DNA oligonucleotides have both ionic and hydrophobic characteristics which result in complex adsorption and surface diffusion behavior on glass silanized with a range of ionic and hydrophobic silanes. The orientation of the oligonucleotide lying on the surface and the quantity adsorbed appear to be influenced by whether the surface is cationic or hydrophobic.
Altered responses to modulators of guanine nucleotide binding protein activity in endotoxin tolerance.

The effects of cholera toxin or pertussis toxin and nonhydrolyzable GTP analogs on Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin stimulation of iTxB2 and i6-keto-PGF1α synthesis in control and endotoxin tolerant rat pertioneal macrophages were determined. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin alone had no effect on basal macrophage iTxB2 or i6-keto-PGF1α production, but pertussis toxin (0.1, 1.0 and 10 ng/ml) significantly inhibited endotoxin-stimulated iTxB2 and i6-keto-PGF1α synthesis. Pretreatment with cholera toxin, which did not affect basal iTxB2 or i6-keto-PGF1α synthesis, significantly enhanced endotoxin-induced synthesis of iTxB2 and i6-keto-PGF1α. The effects of pertussis and cholera toxin with or without endotoxin were significantly (P < 0.05) less in macrophages from endotoxin tolerant rats compared to control macrophages. GTP[γ-S] (100 μM) significantly increased iTxB2 synthesis and significantly augmented endotoxin-stimulated iTxB2 synthesis in control macrophages (P < 0.05). However, in macrophages from endotoxin tolerant rats the effect of GTP[γ-S] on iTxB2 synthesis was significantly less (P < 0.05) compared to control macrophages. Collectively, these data suggest that: (1) guanine nucleotide binding regulatory proteins mediate endotoxin-stimulated arachidonic acid metabolism in rat peritoneal macophages; and (2) endotoxin tolerance induces alterations in guanine nucleotide binding protein activity.
Stability of a multi-rate method for numerical integration of ODE's

Abstract This paper derives sufficient conditions for the absolute stability of a certain multi-rate method of numerical integration of systems of first-order ODE's which have been separated into two subsystems, the second system being made up of the faster-response equation. It is assumed that the subsystems are integrated with fourth-order and third-order Runge-Kutta methods, respectively. It is shown that there will be regions of stability, provided the original system is sufficiently diagonally dominant. If the subsystems are weakly coupled, the regions of stability are nearly as large as the classical regions.
Thermodynamic and kinetic factors in the aza-Cope rearrangement of a series of iminium cations

Abstract The effects of C–C bond conformation, double bond geometry, and relative stereochemistry on the kinetic and thermodynamic stability of 30 iminium cations as they undergo an aza-Cope rearrangement have been examined via density functional calculations for the purposes of predicting stereoselectivity in the reaction sequence. DFT predicted transition states were consistent with experimentally observed stereoselectivities. The calculations were then extended to the rearrangements of other iminium cations with varying substitution patterns to identify trends in rearrangement pathways. These trends should provide insight into controlling stereoselectivity in this reaction sequence.
A loss function approach to identifying environmental exceedances

A frequent problem in environmental science is the prediction of extrema and exceedances. It is well known that Bayesian and empirical-Bayesian predictors based on integrated squared error loss (ISEL) tend to overshrink predictions of extrema toward the mean. In this paper, we consider a geostatistical extension of the weighted rank squared error loss function (WRSEL) of Wright et al. (2003), which we call the integrated weighted quantile squared error loss (IWQSEL), as the basis for prediction of exceedances and their spatial location. The loss function is based on an ordering of the underlying spatial process using a spatially averaged cumulative distribution function. We illustrate this methodology with a Bayesian analysis of surface-nitrogen concentrations in the Chesapeake Bay and compare the new IWQSEL predictor with a standard ISEL predictor. We also give a comparison to predicted extrema obtained from a “plug-in” goestatistical analysis.
Acquiring formulaic language: A computational model

In recent years, psycholinguistic studies have built support for the notion that formulaic language is more widespread and pervasive in adult sentence processing than previously assumed. These findings are mirrored in a number of developmental studies, suggesting that children’s item-based units do not diminish, but persist into adulthood, in keeping with a number of approaches emerging from cognitive linguistics. In the present paper, we describe a simple, psychologically motivated computational model of language acquisition in which the learning and use of formulaic expressions represents the foundation for comprehension and production processes. The model is shown to capture key psycholinguistic findings on children’s sensitivity to the properties of multiword strings and use of lexically specific multiword frames in morphological development. The results of these simulations, we argue, stress the importance of adopting a developmental perspective to better understand how formulaic expressions come to play an important role in adult language use.
Post Stall Propeller Behavior at Low Reynolds Numbers

Limited data exists for propeller and wind turbine post stall aerodynamics. Post stall aerodynamics was observed in small propellers at low Reynolds numbers. First, performance data (thrust, power, and efficiency) for a set variable pitch propellers was acquired in a wind tunnel. The propellers were 6 to 9.9 inches in diameter and were able to pitch to extreme angles. Second detailed geometric characteristics (pitch, chord, airfoil) of the propellers were measured. Finally, PROPID with and without stall delay models was used to simulate the propellers and predict the performance. Comparing the experimental and calculated results identified regions where post stall aerodynamics affected propeller performance.
Another View of ‘Citizen Feedback’ to the Mass Media

LETTER-WRITING has traditionally been an encouraged form of expressing opinion in the United States. The oft-heard advice to "write your congressman," the space which magazines devote to correspondence they'receive, and the importance that newspapers lend to their "letters to the editor" by placing them next to the editorial page seem to legitimize this form of public communication as an intergral part of the democratic process. It is understandable, then, that many individuals direct letters of complaint and demand for change at organizations which they perceive as responsible to the public and important to their lives (Singer, 1973). Quite a bit of research during the past several decades has been devoted to investigating the kinds of people who send letters to various mass media organizations and to noting the kinds of letters they send.' However, no study could be found that examines such "citizen feedback" in terms of the responses which it elicits within the organizations that receive it. This is a report on such an examination. Specifically, it is a study of the nature and organizational functions of a radio station's procedure for dealing with letters addressed to the station or its manager. A "performance program" has been observed with respect to those letters that has two complementary functions for the organization: From the standpoint of internal station operations, the performance program serves to minimize the feedback letters' direct influence upon organizational routines by rejecting in a formularized manner any perceived 1 For an extensive review of past studies, see Williams and Leroy (1974). Current Research This section of POQ is reserved for brief reports of research in progress, discussions of unsolved problems, methodological studies, and public opinion data not extensively analyzed or interpreted. Succinct case histories are welcomed, as well as hypotheses and insights that may be useful to other students of public opinion. Usually, material in this section is shorter, more informal, and more tentative than in preceding pages. Joseph Turow is Assistant Professor of Communication, Purdue University. POQ 41 (1977-78) 534-543
C-C bond-forming reductive elimination from a zirconium(IV) redox-active ligand complex.

Carbon−carbon bond-forming reductive elimination of biphenyl is observed upon two-electron oxidation of the [ZrIVPh2(ap)2]2- dianion. Crossover experiments confirm that the C−C bond-forming step occurs at a single zirconium metal center. The reactivity is enabled by the participation of a redox-active amidophenolate ligand set.
Effects of induced fescue toxicosis on plasma and tissue catecholamine concentrations in sheep

Abstract Sixteen crossbred wethers were distributed among four treatments and fed a control ration based on annual rye-orchardgrass (R-O) for 8 days. Indwelling jugular cannulae were installed and experimental regimes begun the following day (experimental day 1). One-half of the wethers were fed a ration based on endophyte-infected Kentucky-31 fescue while the remainder continued to receive the R-O control diet for 10 days. Spiperone, a dopamine antogonist, was administered to one-half of the wethers receiving each ration on days 8 and 9. Plasma prolactin (PRL), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) were measured in jugular venous blood on days 1,3,5 and 7–10 of the trial. On day 10, the animals were decapitated; and DA, NE, E and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) were determined in hypothalamic and pituitary tissue. Plasma DA was elevated (P
Renal injury in DOCA-salt hypertensive C5-sufficient and C5-deficient mice.

Renal injury in DOCA-salt hypertensive C5-sufficient and C5-deficient mice. We induced hypertension by uninephrectomy and treatment with desoxycorticosterone (DOCA) and 1% NaCl in the drinking water in congenic mice that differ in the single gene locus responsible for the presence or absence of the complement component C5 and compared them to uninephrectomized normotensive (no DOCA-NaCl) mice. In contrast to C5-sufficient (C5S) mice, C5-deficient (C5D) mice can neither generate C5a nor assemble C5b-9. After four weeks of treatment, DOCA-C5S and -C5D mice developed similar degrees of hypertension; mice receiving no DOCA remained normotensive. Only hypertensive mice developed glomerular injury. Hypertensive DOCA-C5D mice developed more glomerular capillary loop dilatation and larger glomerular capillary tuft volumes than DOCA-C5S mice (1.0 ± 0.1 vs. 0.7 ± 0.03 × 10 6 µm 3 , respectively, P
Dimensionality of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ)

The Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ) is a self-report measure in development by the Obsessive Compulsive Cognitions Working Group (OCCWG), who studies cognitive aspects of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). The aim of this paper was to evaluate the dimensionality of the OBQ in students (n = 995). Two models were tested in a confirmatory framework, corresponding to the OCCWG's (a) original six subscales (87 items), and (b) more recent three subscales (44 items). Both models fit the present data poorly; thus, an exploratory analysis was undertaken. Results revealed one large factor that is relevant, but not unique, to OCD, and three factors that are conceptually consistent with the OCCWG's recent three: (a) distorted beliefs about one's own thoughts, (b) perfectionism, and (c) inflated responsibility. Convergent and divergent validity analyses of the present OBQ factors generally supported the preceding interpretations. Readers are referred to the work of the OCCWG for revisions to the OBQ.
AN EXTREME POINT RESULT FOR RADIUS OF CONVEXITY OF LINEAR EQUATION SOLUTIONS

Abstract Motivated by problems associated with the emerging theory of distributionally robust Monte Carlo simulation, this paper addresses the classical equation Ax = b with n × n matrix A = A ( θ ) and n × 1 vector b = b ( θ ) depending on an m –tuple of parameters θ with components θ i entering in a rank-one manner. For such a system, the following convexity problem is considered: Determine if the second partial derivative of a solution component x i ( θ ) with respect to a specified parameter θ j is positive for all θ in a prescribed hypercube Θ r of radius r ≥ 0. The main result of this paper is an extreme point solution of this problem. To this end, a factorization of the second derivative of x i ( θ ) is provided, which plays a major role in obtaining the so-called radius of convexity. Copyright © 2002 IFAC
Anode acclimation methods and their impact on microbial electrolysis cells treating fermentation effluent

Abstract There is a lack of standardized acclimation procedures for evaluating treatability of different wastewaters, and such tests are often conducted using different types of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). Two different types of MECs (mini or cube) were therefore acclimated using two different substrates (acetate or domestic wastewater) to see the impact of these procedures on the resulting treatment efficiency using the same cellulose fermentation effluent. COD removal was slightly larger using mini MECs (81–86%) than cube MECs (79–82%). Pre-acclimation of mini MECs to domestic wastewater increased COD removal slightly compared to non-acclimated tests with fermentation effluent, but acclimation differences for the cube MECs were not statistically significant. Gas production was not significantly different for cube pre-acclimated MECs compared to those acclimated only to the fermentation effluent. Current densities were higher for the cube reactors than the mini MECs, but they were unaffected by acclimation procedure (pre-acclimation or direct use of fermentation effluent). These results show that mini MECs acclimated to a readily available complex source of organic matter (domestic wastewater) can produce equivalent or slightly superior results for tests with a different complex wastewater (fermentation effluent), and that mini MEC performance is comparable to that of cube MECs. The similarity of reactor performance allows the use of simple and inexpensive mini MECs that can be acclimated to domestic wastewater and subsequently used to test different types of industrial effluents.
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and paranitrophenol (PNP) interactions with gills of Anodonta californiensis and Mytilus californianus: uptake and effects on membrane fluxes

Abstract The effects of pesticides and their breakdown products on membrane fluxes is a subject of interest in assessing the potential ecological impact of these substances. As part of a continuing program we have examined the effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and paranitrophenol (PNP) on divalent cation and primary amine losses from and glycine uptake by gills of the bivalve molluscs Anodonta californiensis (fresh water) and Mytilus californianus (marine). Both 2,4-D and PNP reduce glycine influx into gills of M. californianus . This observation is consistent with the view that glycine is bound to the gill surface as a Mg 2+ complex prior to active transport. For gills of A. californiensis , Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ losses are increased by 10 −3 M 2,4-D relative to that into distilled water. Primary amine losses are increased for both A. californiensis and M. californianus gills at low 2,4-D concentrations. For A. californiensis and M. californianus gills the uptake of both 2,4-D and PNP are reduced by increasing concentrations of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ . In the case of A. californiensis , Ca 2+ has a larger effect than Mg 2+ , which is consistent with the demonstrated stabilizing effect of Ca 2+ on biological membranes. The uptake of PNP is larger than that of 2,4-D and glycine for gills of A. californiensis . The uptake of 2,4-D is reduced by the presence of an excess concentration of glycine but this is probably a physical effect. The uptake of 2,4-D, PNP, and glycine are all passive processes for A. californiensis gills. Glycine does not reduce 2,4-D uptake into M. californianus gills. For M. californianus the transport mechanism for glycine is not the same as that for 2,4-D; the former being active transport and the latter passive transport. However, 2,4-D does interfer with the active transport of glycine.
Use of polymethyl methacrylate plates for electron beam measurements at energies above 1 MeV

Abstract Flat plates of clear polymethyl methacrylate 1 8 in. thick exposed to an electron beam develop a characteristic coloration whose optical density can be measured with an ordinary photographic densitometer. Calibration of the optical density against electron exposure has been obtained together with information about fading exposure. The energy dependence of the calibration has also been measured. A few examples of the application of this technique to electron beam measurements are given.
Hepatic Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases

Colorectal adenocarcinoma remains the third most common cause of cancer death in the United States, with an estimated 146,000 new cases and 50,000 deaths annually. Survival is stage dependent, and the presence of liver metastases is a primary determinant in patient survival. Approximately 25% of new cases will present with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CLM), and up to one-half will develop CLM during the course of their disease. The importance of safe and effective therapies for CLM cannot be overstated. Safe and appropriately aggressive multimodality therapy for CLM can provide most patients with liver-dominant colorectal metastases with extended survival and an improved quality of life.
Formation and decomposition of hydroxysiliconates in the gas phase

This work describes studies of the formation, structure, and dissociation of hydroxysiliconate ions. Hydroxide adduct ions can be formed in the reaction of halogenated and oxygenated silanes with hydrated hydroxide, OH-(H2O)n. Experiments with mass-selected ions indicate that at least two water solvent molecules are required in order to form a hydroxide adduct of fluorotrimethylsilane. Collision-induced dissociation, ion formation, and ion reactivity studies suggest pentavalent siliconate structures for hydroxide adducts of halogenated silanes but solvated siloxides for the oxygenated species. Electronic structure calculations find three types of hydroxide adduct ions, including the hydroxysiliconate and two forms of solvated siloxides. The relative energies of the ions and the barriers that separate them depend on the substituents on the silanes. Empirical modeling of the cross sections for collision-induced dissociation indicates that loss of HF from fluorinated hydroxide adducts occurs through a loose ...
Effect of normobaric hyperoxia on two indexes of synaptic function in fisher 344 rats

Abstract The physiological response of two central nervous system neurotransmitter receptors to oxidative stress was studied using the rat model of hyperoxia. We show that hyperoxia leads to a decline in the ability of isoproterenol (ISO) to augment GABAergic responses in cerebellar Purkinje neurons in vivo. This effect is reversed by the N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone (PBN). We also show that hyperoxia produces a decline in the ability of oxotremorine (OXO) to stimulate dopamine (DA) release in striatal slices. This effect is accompanied by an increase in hydroxyl radical levels in the CNS reflected in an increase in 2,3-DHBA, suggesting that the change is the result of an increased level of oxidative stress. We also show a time dependent effect of hyperoxia on both β-adrenergic and muscarinic receptor function. We examined the interaction between age and hyperoxia exposure and found that in 12-month-old rats there is a decline in the baseline response prior to oxygen exposure that may interfere with observing a subsequent effect of hyperoxia. Differential effects were observed between the cerebellum and striatum with respect to the interaction of age and time of oxygen exposure. Overall, the data suggest that age and hyperoxia may be acting via a common mechanism because there was no synergistic effect of the two conditions.
Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine: a dawn of a new era.

It is with great honor and pleasure that we introduce to our readers the inaugural issue of Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine (CEEM). CEEM is the official peer-reviewed, open-access, quarterly journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine. CEEM will focus on both basic and clinical research of emergency medicine including pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and simulation. CEEM accepts editorials, original articles, reviews, letters to the editor, case reports, and interesting images in related areas. CEEM will be of interest to healthcare professionals in acute care and emergency medicine, pediatric emergency medicine, emergency medical services, emergency procedures, cardiology, neurology, resuscitation, trauma, and education. CEEM is one of the only journals that covers both basic, preclinical and clinical research fields entirely focusing on acute care and emergency medicine. Recognizing the widespread impact of electronic open access journals and the need to contain costs, CEEM will only be published in electronic form.
Construction of models of dispersive elastodynamic behavior of periodic composites: A computational approach

Abstract A finite element method is described for the construction of continuum models of elastodynamic behavior of periodic composites. The method yields a hierarchy of models including ones which can be used to predict the phenomenon of dispersion of elastic waves in bulk composites; prediction of this effect of small-scale heterogeneity on the macroscopic behavior of composite materials is beyond the scope of the classical effective modulus theories.
Deep hole penetration of rock for oil production using ytterbium fiber laser

This study provides experimental results in investigating the use of a 5.34 kW ytterbium-doped multiclad fiber laser with an emission wavelength of 1.07 microns for creating deep hole configurations in different types of rock for production applications in oil and gas wells. Recent developments in high power fiber lasers offer technical advantages when compared to other industrial lasers that may now allow economic subsurface applications to rock formations, delivering the beam through optical fiber from the surface via the wellbore. Successful applications in this manner would provide an alternative to conventional methods that employ rotary drilling and shaped charge explosives. Various parameters affecting laser penetration into samples of sandstone and limestone were studied and optimized. A maximum penetration depth of 30 cm for 8.9-mm hole diameter was achieved in limestone, while 15 cm penetration depth was achieved in sandstone with the same hole diameter. In all cases, the hole diameter was no greater than the beam diameter applied.
Younger and older adults weigh multiple cues in a similar manner to generate judgments of learning

One’s memory for past test performance (MPT) is a key piece of information individuals use when deciding how to restudy material. We used a multi-trial recognition memory task to examine adult age differences in the influence of MPT (measured by actual Trial 1 memory accuracy and subjective confidence judgments, CJs) along with Trial 1 judgments of learning (JOLs), objective and participant-estimated recognition fluencies, and Trial 2 study time on Trial 2 JOLs. We found evidence of simultaneous and independent influences of multiple objective and subjective (i.e., metacognitive) cues on Trial 2 JOLs, and these relationships were highly similar for younger and older adults. Individual differences in Trial 1 recognition accuracy and CJs on Trial 2 JOLs indicate that individuals may vary in the degree to which they rely on each MPT cue when assessing subsequent memory confidence. Aging appears to spare the ability to access multiple cues when making JOLs.
Association between surgeon characteristics and their preferences for guideline-concordant staging and treatment for rectal cancer.

Abstract Background Rectal cancer guidelines recommend transrectal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging for locoregional staging and neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for Stage II/III disease, but studies show these are underutilized. We examined how surgeon preferences align with guidelines or vary by training. Methods Questionnaires on training, years of practice, and staging/treatment preferences were sent to surgeons practicing in Florida. Results Of 759 surveys distributed, 321 (42%) responded; 158 were excluded because they were trainees, not treating rectal cancer, or not board certified/eligible. Among the remaining 163, 71% were general surgeons, 18% colorectal surgeons, and 11% surgical oncologists. Colorectal surgeons and surgical oncologists were more likely than general surgeons to prefer transrectal ultrasound/magnetic resonance imaging (79% vs 50%; P P Conclusion Increased focus on appropriate use of staging procedures and neoadjuvant CRT within general surgery training/educational programs is warranted.
Observation of Laser-Induced Fluorescence Line Narrowing in Glass: Nd

Laser-induced fluorescence line narrowing has been observed for the first time in a nonresonantly excited rare-earth system. Excitation with the 4727-\AA{} ${A}^{+}$ line into the $^{4}G_{\frac{11}{2}}$ level of ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ in glass results in narrowing of transitions from the $^{4}F_{\frac{3}{2}}$ to both the $^{4}I_{\frac{9}{2}}$ ground manifold and the $^{4}I_{\frac{11}{2}}$ excited manifold. The concentration dependence of the line narrowing provides information regarding resonant ion-ion energy transfer within the inhomogeneously broadened system.
4kV Silicon Carbide MOSFETs

Doubly-implanted SiC vertical MOSFETs were fabricated displaying a blocking voltage of 4.2kV and a specific on-resistance of 23 mΩ-cm2, on a 4.5mm x 2.25mm device. Design variations on smaller (1.1mm x 1.1mm) devices showed on-resistance as low as 17 mΩ-cm2 with a blocking voltage of 3.3kV. Analysis is presented of the on-resistance and temperature dependence (up to 175°C), as well as switching performance. Switching tests taken at 1000V and 6A showed turn-on and turn-off transients of approximately 20-40ns.
Information and Control in Ventures and Alliances

This paper develops a theory of control as a signal of congruence of objectives, and applies it to Þnancial contracting between an investor and a privately informed entrepreneur. We show that formal investor control is (i) increasing in the information asymmetries ex ante, (ii) increasing in the uncertainty surrounding the venture ex post, (iii) decreasing in the entrepreneur’s resources, and (iv) increasing in the entrepreneur’s incentive consict. In contrast, real investor control – that is, actual investor interference – is decreasing in information asymmetries. Control rights are further such that control shifts to the investor in bad states of nature.
Terminal oxidases and growth in plant tissues. III. Terminal oxidation in potato tuber tissue.

Abstract 1. 1. The respiration of freshly cut disks of potato tissue is inhibited by CO. The K values found are similar to those recorded for yeast and other tissue. The inhibition is fully reversed by light. Since the experimental conditions were such as to answer previous criticisms, it is concluded that the bulk of the terminal oxidase of freshly cut potato is cytochrome oxidase. 2. 2. When disks of potato tissue are washed for 4 days, or kept at 25 °C. for 1 day, their sensitivity to CO very largely disappears. CO may even slightly stimulate respiration. A few hours' exposure to light has a similar effect. 3. 3. This insensitivity to CO is not due to, or accompanied by, any oxidation of CO in the tissue. 4. 4. There is a corresponding very large decrease in sensitivity to cyanide. 5. 5. Along with these changes, the rate of respiration increases more than 100%. 6. 6. The dependence of respiration upon oxygen partial pressure, however, decreases only slightly if at all. Such decrease as does occur is probably due to diffusion. 7. 7. The oxygen partial pressure curves for the respiration of both freshly cut and CO-insensitive disks are quite different from that of purified ascorbic oxidase. 8. 8. It is deduced that, after the disks have been cut, their respiration becomes mediated by a new enzyme, which is either a cytochrome system insensitive to CO and cyanide, or a flavoprotein of high oxygen affinity.