cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bribery Tackle Model

AbstractAimed at tackling bribery, a model is proposed in which it is assumed that detection and removal of a bribe taker from duty be completed within the time interval (t, t +dt), where dt is small. It is also assumed that N(N ≥ 1) is the number of bribe takers who are detected at time t (t > 0) . Then the probability that within the time interval (t, t +dt) a bribe taker of them will be removed from duty is Nµdt and the probability that within this time interval a new case of taking bribe detection is λdt . These courses of action constituted model which gives the intensity of bribery, denoted by or, where PN (t) is the probability that there are exactly N(N ≥ 1) bribe takers had detected at time t (t > 0), PN is the limiting intensity of bribery, λ(λ > 0) is the rate of detection and µ(µ > 0) is the rate of removal from duty with penalty for the bribe takers. A very low intensity of bribery produced by a course of action is said to be bribery is tackled. The intensities PN (t) and PN decrease signifi ...
Companion Animals Symposium: nutrition special needs- the relationship between novel ingredients, environment, and gene expression.

), American Dairy Science Association, Canadian Society of Animal Science, Associacion Mexicana de Produccion, and the Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science in Phoenix, AZ, July 15 to 19, 2012. The committee for this symposium was comprised of J. L. Cline (K9 Crazy Consulting, Pine Bluff, AR), K. R. Kerr (University of Illinois, Urbana), and M. R. C. de Godoy (University of Illinois, Urbana). The pur-pose of the symposium was to explore the potential health benefits of novel ingredients and to review the published evidence supporting their use in dogs and cats. Recent biotechnological advances, including ge-nomic tools that may identify specific mechanisms by which novel ingredients function, were also discussed within the context of their application to companion animal nutrition and health.The first speaker of the symposium was G. Aldrich (Pet Food & Ingredient Technology Inc., Topeka, KS) whose presentation was titled “Alternative ingredi-ents: Which have scientific merit”? (Aldrich, 2012). The basis of his talk was that pressure continues to mount for the development of alternative ingredients and to expand existing ingredient supplies as the num-ber of pets continues to increase worldwide. There are several reasons for the development of alternative ingredients and their inclusion in pet foods. However, the use of such ingredients requires that their safety, efficacy, and utility be demonstrated.The symposium continued with the next speaker, M. R. Lappin (Colorado State University, Fort Collins), discussing the “Benefits of probiotic supplementation in stressful situations in companion animals” (Lappin, 2012). He indicated that there are many products on the market that contain probiotics and claim to be beneficial for dogs or cats. Results of studies with hu-mans, however, vary substantially and he emphasized that biological effects of individual probiotics can vary greatly. He stated that each probiotic should be careful -ly evaluated in well-designed controlled experiments to determine their value for use in pets. He indicated further that whereas some probiotics have been shown to be beneficial, many products currently marketed as probiotics have not been tested experimentally and, thus, may not meet the claims on the product label. Finally, he presented results of 2 studies demonstrating the beneficial effect of a probiotic on pets under stress.The third presentation, by K. R. Kerr (University of Illinois, Urbana) discussed the role of dietary mod-ifications for the treatment and prevention of lower urinary tract signs (
Improved Range Ambiguity Performance in Quad-Pol SAR

Conventional quadrature-polarimetric (quad-pol) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems operating from space are severely constrained by their limited range of useful incident angles and their reduced swath widths particularly at larger incidence. These limitations are due primarily to relatively severe range ambiguities in the cross-polarized measurement channels. The conventional approach for quad-pol SAR systems uses linear polarizations on both transmit and receive. Range ambiguities can be markedly reduced by adopting hybrid-polarimetric architecture. In this approach, the radar transmits circularly polarized waves but receives on orthogonal linear polarizations. The sense of the circular polarization-left or right-is reversed on alternate transmissions. Hybrid-polarimetric quad-pol architecture leads to hardware that is more readily calibrated because neither receive channel is cross polarized with respect to the transmitted polarization; hence, their mean signal levels are the same. The data provided by a hybrid-polarimetric quad-pol SAR may be transformed into the conventional linearly polarized scattering matrix, thus preserving compatibility with the rich heritage of analysis tools developed for such radars.
Who moved my heart? Adaptive responses to disruptive challenges.

The four imaginary charactersDepicted in this story—The mice: “Sniff” and “Scurry,” andThe Littlepeople: “Hem” and “Haw”—Are intended to represent the simple andThe complex parts of ourselves, regardless ofOur age, gender, race or nationalitySometimes we may act likeSniffWho sniffs out change early, orScurryWho scurries into action, orHemWho denies and resists change as he fearsIt will lead to something worse, orHawWho learns to adapt in time when he seesChanging leads to something better!Whatever parts of us we choose to use,We all share something in common:A need to ﬁnd our way in the mazeAnd succeed in changing times.*
Heuristics for model checking Java programs

Model checking of software programs has two goals --- the verification of correct software and the discovery of errors in faulty software. Some techniques for dealing with the most crucial problem in model checking, the state space explosion problem, concentrate on the first of these goals. In this paper we present an array of heuristic model checking techniques for combating the state space explosion when searching for errors. Previous work on this topic has mostly focused on property-specific heuristics closely related to particular kinds of errors. We present structural heuristics that attempt to explore the structure (branching structure, thread interdependency structure, abstraction structure) of a program in a manner intended to expose errors efficiently. Experimental results show the utility of this class of heuristics. In contrast to these very general heuristics, we also present very lightweight techniques for introducing program-specific heuristic guidance.
Regional cerebral glucose metabolic abnormalities in bipolar II depression.

Background Functional neuroimaging studies of bipolar disorder (BD) performed in conjunction with antidepressant treatment trials generally require that patients remain on mood stabilizers to reduce the risk of inducing mania; yet, it is unknown whether the metabolic abnormalities evident in unmedicated BD depressives remain detectable in patients receiving mood stabilizers. This study investigated whether cerebral metabolic abnormalities previously reported in unmedicated BD subjects are evident in depressed bipolar disorder type II (BD II) subjects receiving lithium or divalproex. Methods Using [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron-emission tomography, cerebral glucose metabolism was compared between 13 depressed BD II subjects on therapeutic doses of lithium or divalproex and 18 healthy control subjects. Regional metabolism was compared between groups in predefined regions of interest. Results Metabolism was increased in the bilateral amygdala, accumbens area, and anteroventral putamen, left orbitofrontal cortex and right pregenual anterior cingulate cortex in depressives versus control subjects. Post hoc exploratory analysis additionally revealed increased metabolism in left parahippocampal, posterior cingulate, and right anterior insular cortices in depressives versus control subjects. Correlational analyses showed multiple limbic-cortical-striatal interactions in the BD sample not evident in the control sample, permitting sensitive and specific classification of subjects by discriminant analysis. Conclusions These results confirm previous reports that bipolar depression is associated with abnormally increased metabolism in the amygdala, ventral striatum, orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, and anterior insula, and extend these results to bipolar disorder type II depressives on lithium or divalproex. They also implicate an extended functional anatomical network known to modulate visceromotor function in the pathophysiology of BD II depression.
Construction of a microcumputer-based reaction-rate ratemeter.

Abstract The design and construction of a ratemeter based on a KIM-1 single-board microcomputer are discussed. The reaction monitor signal is digitized with a voltage—frequency converter and the resulting data points are stored in computer memory. Through software, the reaction-rate is calculated by the fixed-time computation method. A unique software—hardware combination is used for conversion from binary to binary-coded decimal format so that the results are printed in decimal notation. The characteristics of the ratemeter are compared with those of earlier ratemeters.
EXPERIMENTAL MEASUREMENT OF THE EQUIVALENCE OF ACTIVE AND PASSIVE GRAVITATIONAL MASS.

A new type of gravitational experiment is reported, and a simple theoretical treatment in terms of Bondi's concepts of active, passive, and inertial mass is used to compare the results with other experiments. A homogeneous Teflon cylinder, which is completely immersed in a mixture of dibromomethane and trichloroethylene prepared to have about the same density as Teflon, was slowly moved back and forth in this liquid. The resultant time-varying gravitational field due to the density difference between the solid Teflon and the displaced liquid was detected by a Cavendish-type torsion balance placed outside of the liquid container. Buoyant forces on the Teflon were measured. The time-varying gravitational field detected by the balance was extrapolated to the condition of neutral buoyancy. The fractional density difference between the Teflon and the liquid required to produce this field was found to be $\frac{\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\rho}}{\ensuremath{\rho}}=(1.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.4)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$. This upper bound of approximately 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ is compared to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$, the best value that can be deduced from other experiments.
Crystal/Defect Structures and Phase Stability in Ba Hexaaluminates

Abstract Computer atomistic simulation techniques have been used to investigate the crystal chemistry, defect structures, and phase relationships in Ba hexaaluminates. Equilibrated lattice energies for several structural models, proposed to explain the nonstoichiometries of Ba hexaaluminates, have been calculated and suggest that Ba hexaaluminate in the magnetoplumbite structure is unstable compared to nonstoichiometric β-alumina type structures. The lack of superstructure in phase I is explained by the very small difference in lattice energies between the structures in which the defect complex of this phase is differently arranged. Our calculations also suggest that the most appropriate structural model for phase II is one which includes both triple Reidinger defects and barium interstitials inside the spinel blocks from the viewpoint of both energy and crystal symmetry.
Light quality distributions and spectral albedo of three maize canopies

Abstract Spectral attenuation patterns of eight narrow wavebands in the region of 0.4–1.1 μm were measured in three maize ( Zea mays L.) canopies. Extinction coefficients were different for visible radiation (PAR) and near-infrared radiation (NIR), but varied little within these spectral regions. Approximately 95% of the visible radiation was intercepted by the canopy and of the available near-infrared 75–80% was intercepted by the canopy. Attenuation patterns and extinction coefficients were different for each of the canopies due to differences in leaf angle and vertical foliage distributions. Visible radiation penetration and albedo were more influenced by canopy morphology than was near-infrared radiation. A single mean value would adequately represent the albedos for each region. Albedo differences within the two spectral regions for the three canopies are attributed to the morphological characteristics of the canopies.
Molecular aspects of the interaction of lactoyl- and glyceroylcholines with acetylcholinesterase.

Abstract The hydrolyses of lactoyl-, glyceroyl- and lactoyl-β-methylcholines by acetylcholinesterase (acetylcholine hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7) ∗∗ were studied using manometric techniques. Although the activity of pS curves of acetylcholine were not parallel to those of lactoylcholines, the hydrolysis of all substrates were catalyzed by the same active sites. The strong acetylcholinesterase inhibitors of acetylcholine hydrolysis were also strong inhibitors of dl -lactoylcholine hydrolysis. l (+)-Lactoylcholine was hydrolyzed at a rate about 1.5 times faster than acetylcholine, while d -(−)-lactoylcholine had a rate of hydrolysis of about 1 6 that of acetylcholine. Acetylcholinesterase was inhibited at high substrate concentrations of lactoycholine (pS optimum: 2.0) or acetylcholine (pS optimum: 2.25). The hyrolyses of dl -glyceroylcholine and dl -lactoyl-β-methylcholine by acetylcholinesterase were not significant. The lack of hydrolysis of dl -lactoyl-βmethylcholine could be interpreted in terms of steric hindrance effected by the β-methyl group in the area of enzyme-substrate interactions. The lack of hydrolysis of dl -glyceroylcholine might be due to the formation of a six-membered chelate ring in which β-hydroxyl hydrogen atom would form a hydrogen bond with the carbonyl keto oxygen. The carbonyl frequencies in the infrared spectra of compounds related to dl -glyceroylcholine and atropine suggest the presence of the chelate ring structure in dl -glyceroylcholine.
The impact of CMP and underlying back-end topographical features on losses in deposited dielectric waveguides

The bending losses in rectangular dielectric waveguides deposited on a chemical mechanical polished (CMP) surface above the metal interconnect/interlayer dielectric stack of a processed Si wafer are modeled and estimated. CMP efficiently removes local topography and microroughness, but leaves long-range surface profile undulations due to variations in the metal pattern density. These surface undulations are then transferred to the waveguides deposited on this surface. A beam propagation method (BPM) waveguide simulation program and an equation for bending loss developed by Marcuse have been used to examine the bending losses seen by waveguides deposited on such a surface. In order to simplify the simulation of the bending losses of the waveguides, the undulations are modeled as a series of arcs, which is shown to be a good approximation. It was determined that under typical conditions, the bending losses may be ignored as they are less than 0.1 dB/cm, which is below the range of typical propagation losses for a straight guide.
Thou Shalt Not Ask Questions: An Approach to Teaching Interviewing Skills

This article describes four components o f an approach used to teach interviewing skills to first-year graduate students. First, students are told that they should not ask or answer questions during their first two interviews. Second, students evaluate, orally and in writing, their own behavior during the interview. Third, students are provided feedback from several sources regarding their interviewing skills and interpersonal styles. Fourth, effects of the interview on the subjects, and changes in their attitudes toward psychotherapy, are evaluated because subjects are acquired from an introductory psychology research pool.
A Comparative Study of Angular Scattering Characteristics of a Class Of Nonplanar Frequency Selective Surfaces

ABSTRACT In this paper we use the Method of Moments to study the transmission properties of a number of frequency selective surfaces (FSS) with 3D elements, such as the tri-dipole, the dipole-loop, the tri-loop, and the bi-loop. The frequency responses of these 3D-FSSs and those of the planar frequency selective surfaces with 2D elements, such as the loop and the window, are presented graphically for normally as well as obliquely incident plane wave illuminations. In general, the 3D-FSSs degrade the wide-angle performance of the original planar loop structure. The non-planar elements do offer the flexibility of widening the bandwidth of the frequency response and introducing multi-band capabilities when the plane wave is incident from a wide angle. However, insofar as the wide-angle response is concerned, the planar loop is still the most robust of all the structures investigated in this study.
On the Onset of HF-Induced Airglow at HAARP

Abstract : Observations of airglow at 630 nm (red line) and 557.7 nm (green line) during the February 2002 campaign at the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) heating facility are analyzed. We find that during injections toward magnetic zenith (MZ) the green and red lines gain ^5 R within ^1 s and ^20 R within ^10 s, respectively. We term this period the onset of the HF-induced airglow. A model of the onset at magnetic zenith is developed. It accounts for background photoelectrons and dissociative recombination of O(+)2. It is shown that heating and acceleration of background electrons dominate the airglow onset. We propose a scenario for the generation of strong Langmuir turbulence for injections outside the Spitze region, including magnetic zenith.
Delhi between Two Empires 1803-1931: Society, Government and Urban Growth

This book is a socio-political history of the city of Delhi from 1803, when it was conquered by the British to 1931 when New Delhi was formally inaugurated.
A community health center dental program in Boston, U.S.A.

In 1970, a community-based and federally funded dental program was established in Boston. The multiple objectives of this program included the following: provision of dental treatment; education of schoolchildren in dental health; support for community measures of prevention such as water fluoridation; support of job training programs in dental assisting for community residents; employment of community people; and sensitization and training in community health for dental students and auxiliaries. The program provided a number of dental services at a reasonable benefit-cost ratio of 0.87. Other endeavors included the development of a dental health program with community schools and the involvement of dental students in the delivery of care and in screening for children with dental treatment needs.
Nonopioid Agents for Treatment of Acute and Subacute Pain

Objective To review the available nonopioid options for alleviating pain. Design The various categories of adjuvant agents and their mechanisms of action in the treatment of pain are summarized. Material and Methods Adjuvant therapies that directly diminish acute and subacute pain, those that counteract the side effects of opioids, and those that help manage concurrent psychiatric symptoms are discussed, and their recommended doses and adverse effects are outlined. Results Adjuvant medications such as nonopioid analgesics (including acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and antispasmodics can directly decrease pain. The three most common problems associated with opioid therapy are nausea, constipation, and sedation. Adjuvant drugs such as antiemetics, laxatives, and psychostimulants may counteract these side effects of opioids and thereby enable patients to tolerate adequate doses of opioid agents to relieve pain. In addition, adjuvant medications such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, and antipsychotics can be used to treat concomitant psychiatric symptoms that develop and aggravate existing pain. The choice of agents must be individualized to the patient's particular pain condition; once therapy has been initiated, the response must be continually monitored to optimize control of pain. Conclusion Nonopioid adjuvant agents should be considered an integral part of the management of acute and subacute pain.
Structural design concepts for a multimegawatt solar electric propulsion (SEP) spacecraft

As a part of the Space Exploratory Initiative (SEI), NASA-Lewis is studying Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) spacecraft to be used as a cargo transport vehicle to Mars. Two preliminary structural design concepts are offered for SEP spacecraft: a split blanket array configuration, and a ring structure. The split blanket configuration is an expansion of the photovoltaic solar array design proposed for Space Station Freedom and consists of eight independent solar blankets stretched and supported from a central mast. The ring structural concept is a circular design with the solar blanket stretched inside a ring. This concept uses a central mast with guy wires to provide additional support to the ring. The two design concepts are presented, then compared by performing stability, normal modes, and forced response analyses for varying levels of blanket and guy wire preloads. The ring structure configuration is shown to be advantageous because it is much stiffer, more stable, and deflects less under loading than the split blanket concept.
Developmental expression of glycogenolytic enzymes in rabbit tissues: possible relationship to fetal lung maturation.

Glycogen can be degraded in mammalian tissues by one of three isozymes of glycogen phosphorylase, termed muscle (M), liver (L) and brain (B) after the tissues in which they are preferentially expressed in adult animals, or by members of the family of α-glucosidases. In the current study, we have examined the developmental expression of these enzymes and their respective mRNAs in rabbit tissues, with particular emphasis on the developing lung, a tissue in which glycogen serves as an important source of carbon for surfactant phospholipid biosynthesis. Native gel activity assays and RNA blot hybridization analysis revealed that the B isoform of glycogen phosphorylase predominates in fetal and adult lung tissues, accompanied by a low level of expression of the M isoform. Total B and M phosphorylase activities increased during fetal lung development, with a peak at day 28 of gestation, then decreased to the adult level at term. This peak in activity coincided with the peak period of glycogen degradation in developing lung. While the increase in M isozyme activity was correlated with an increase in the level of its mRNA, B isoform mRNA showed no significant alteration during development, suggesting that the increase in B isoform activity is determined by a posttranscriptional mechanism. Analysis of phosphorylase mRNA levels in developing liver, skeletal muscle, brain and heart revealed a diverse expression pattern. The L isozyme mRNA was predominant at all time points in liver, the M isozyme was predominant at all time points in muscle, the B isozyme was predominant at all time points in brain, and heart contained a mixture of B and M mRNA in roughly equal ratios at all time points. Thus, our studies of phosphorylase mRNA in the rabbit provide no evidence for general predominance of the B isozyme in fetal tissues, or for isozyme ‘switching’ from the B to the L or M forms during development, as has been suggested by others. In addition to the increase in phosphorylase activity, acid, but not neutral α-glucosidase activity was found to increase significantly during fetal lung development, again with a peak at day 28 of gestation. Interestingly, RNA blot hybridization analysis with a probe for lysosomal α-glucosidase revealed no change in the level of expression of its 4 kb transcript in developing lung. Instead, we observed induction of a structurally related mRNA of 7.4 kb that peaked at day 28 of gestation. Hybridization with a sucrase/isomaltase-specific oligonucleotide excluded the possibility that the 7.4 kb transcript encodes this protein. The identity of the large glucosidase-like transcript and its potential role in fetal lung glycogenolysis thus remains to be established.
Variation in tumor natural history contributes to racial disparities in breast cancer stage at diagnosis

Black women tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a more advanced stage than whites and subsequently experience elevated breast cancer mortality. We sought to determine whether there are racial differences in tumor natural history that contribute to these disparities. We used the University of Wisconsin Breast Cancer Simulation Model, a validated member of the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network, to evaluate the contribution of racial differences in tumor natural history to observed disparities in breast cancer incidence. We fit eight natural history parameters in race-specific models by calibrating to the observed race- and stage-specific 1975-2000 U.S. incidence rates, while accounting for known racial variation in population structure, underlying risk of breast cancer, screening mammography utilization, and mortality from other causes. The best fit models indicated that a number of natural history parameters must vary between blacks and whites to reproduce the observed stage-specific incidence patterns. The mean of the tumor growth rate parameter was 63.6 % higher for blacks than whites (0.18, SE 0.04 vs. 0.11, SE 0.02). The fraction of tumors considered highly aggressive based on their tendency to metastasize at a small size was 2.2 times greater among blacks than whites (0.41, SE 0.009 vs. 0.019, SE 0.008). Based on our simulation model, breast tumors in blacks grow faster and are more likely to metastasize earlier than tumors in whites. These differences suggest that targeted prevention and detection strategies that go beyond equalizing access to mammography may be needed to eliminate breast cancer disparities.
Light scattering from gap excitations and bound states in SmB6.

Gap formation and in-gap bound states are investigated in ${\mathrm{SmB}}_{6}$ using Raman scattering. Below 70 K, we observe an abrupt suppression of electronic scattering below \ensuremath{\sim}290 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ that is not consistent with the predicted temperature dependence of a hybridization gap. We also find that gap formation in ${\mathrm{SmB}}_{6}$ is associated with the appearance of a sharp ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{g}}$(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}_{3}^{+}$) symmetry 130-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ excitation. We discuss several possible interpretations of this excitation, including a ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}_{7}$-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}_{8}$ crystal-field transition and a transition between bound 4${\mathit{f}}^{5}$5d configurations.
The GABA neurons and their axon terminals in rat corpus striatum as demonstrated by GAD immunocytochemistry.

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD, EC 4.1.1.15), the enzyme which catalyzes the α-decarboxylation of L-glutamate to form the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), was localized immunocytochemically in neurons of rat neostriatum, pallidum and entopeduncular nucleus. A large amount of GAD-positive reaction product was observed in both the pallidum and entopeduncular nucleus in light microscopic preparations and was localized ultrastructurally to axon terminals that surrounded dendrites and large somata. In the neostriatum the relative numbers of GAD-positive axon terminals per unit area were substantially less than in the pallidum. GAD-positive terminals predominantly formed symmetric synapses with somata, dendrites and spines, but a small number of them formed asymmetric synapses with either dendrites or spines. The presence of GAD within these terminals is consistent with results of other investigations which have indicated that the striatopallidal and striatoentopeduncular pathways as well as neostriatal local circuit neurons and/or collaterals from neostriatal projection neurons, use GABA as a neurotransmitter. GAD-positive reaction product was also localized within the somata and dendrites of neostriatal and pallidal neurons in colchicine-injected preparations. The GAD-positive somata in the pallidum were medium-sized neurons and since such cells project to the substantia nigra, our results are in agreement with those from other studies which demonstrate a GABAergic, pallidonigral pathway. In the neostriatum, GAD-positive somata were identified light microscopically as medium-sized neurons with either round or fusiform shapes. Electron microscopic examinations also showed GAD-positive reaction product within the perikaryal and dendritic cytoplasm of these neurons, as well as in dendritic spines. These findings are in accord with the results of studies which have indicated that medium-sized, spinous neurons of the neostriatum give rise to a GABAergic, striatonigral pathway. The significance of GAD localization within these neostriatal neurons is discussed in relation to recent findings which show that substance P is contained within this same class of striatonigral projection neuron.
Enzymes of renal origin in urine as indicators of nephrotoxicity.

Abstract One of the first ultrastructural changes seen after treatment with many nephrotoxins is sloughing of proximal tubule brush borders. Maltase and alkaline phosphatase in the kidney are localized in the brush border of the proximal tubule. Thus, increased activity of these enzymes in the urine should follow sloughing of brush border into the urine. The object of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that, following treatment with known nephrotoxins, increased urinary maltase and alkaline phosphatase activities could be measured prior to the development of other signs of nephrotoxicity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with HgCl 2 (1 mg/kg), K 2 Cr 2 O 7 (15 mg/kg), or saline, ip. Total enzyme activity was determined in fresh (maltase) or dialyzed (alkaline phosphatase) urine. Maltase and alkaline phosphatase activities were both elevated in the 0- to 4-hr urine samples after K 2 Cr 2 O 7 . After HgCl 2 , increased enzymuria first occurred at 9–24 hr. In both cases, these effects appeared to be reversible, returning to control values by 48 hr. Urine enzymes and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were compared 24 hr after several doses of HgCl 2 . Urinary enzyme activity was significantly increased after 1 mg/kg, before BUN was increased (2 mg/kg). After K 2 Cr 2 O 7 , uranyl acetate, neomycin, folic acid, and carbon tetrachloride, BUN was increased without affecting urinary enzyme activity or at the same dose that increased enzyme excretion. Thus, it appears that increased activities of maltase and alkaline phosphatase in the urine could be used as noninvasive, nondestructive indexes of renal damage, but may be no more sensitive than methods currently available.
Adaptive decentralized congestion avoidance in two-dimensional traffic

Abstract This paper studies congestion avoidance in a simple two-dimensional traffic system, using computer simulation. The mobile objects avoid congestion among themselves using simple congestion-avoiding traffic rules. The objects adaptively avoid congested regions and move towards less congested regions. The objects avoid congestion in decentralized manner based only on congestion levels in their local regions. It is found that the adaptive decentralized congestion-avoiding traffic rules prevent the traffic from undergoing congestion phase transition at low critical density. The congestion avoidance significantly increases the traffic capacity. The congestion-avoiding traffic rules increase the traffic capacity by keeping the emerging congestion and traffic hot spots small, localized, and temporary. Due to congestion avoidance, the travel time of objects is high and the amount of flow is low. The congestion-avoiding traffic eventually undergoes phase transition from free flow to jammed state, but at high critical density.
Effect of phenotypic variation on kin selection

Abstract An expression for the equilibrium of the mean phenotypic value of a quantitative character is derived for a model in which the fitness of an individual depends on its own phenotype and the mean phenotypic value of a group of related individuals. When selection is weak the equilibrium mean is well predicted by Hamilton's k > 1/r rule (k is the ratio of mean fitness gained by recipient of altruistic behavior to mean fitness lost by donor; r is mean coefficient of relationship between donor and recipient). When selection is strong, however, the equilibrium mean depends on the heritability of the character. Low heritability can lead to substantially more “altruism” than predicted by the k > 1/r rule.
Calmodulin and cyclin D anchoring sites on the Src-suppressed C kinase substrate, SSeCKS.

SSeCKS and its human orthologue, Gravin, are large scaffolding proteins that are thought to facilitate mitogenic control by anchoring key signal mediators such as protein kinase (PK) C, PKA, the plasma membrane associated isoform of α-1,4-galactosyltransferase (GalTase), β2-adrenergic receptor, and cyclins. SSeCKS is also a major PKC substrate and phosphatidylserine-dependent PKC binding protein whose phosphorylation sites shares homology with a site in the MARCKS protein that encodes phosphorylation-sensitive calmodulin (CaM) binding activity. In the present study, we mapped the in vitro binding sites for CaM and cyclins on SSeCKS. Four CaM binding sites were identified by binding assays that conform to the so-called 1-5-10 motif. Notably, CaM binding was antagonized by prephosphorylation of SSeCKS by PKC. We also identified two major cyclin binding (CY) sites that overlap a major PKC phosphorylation site in SSeCKS (Ser507/515), and showed that cyclin D binding is attenuated if SSeCKS is prephosphorylated by PKC. These data suggest that the scaffolding activities of SSeCKS are modulated by mitogenically stimulated kinases such as PKC.
The radiology of in-line skating injuries

Injuries from in-line skating (rollerblading) accidents are being seen with increasing frequency in emergency centers as this new sport gains popularity. To determine the types of injuries occurring with in-line skating accidents and the role of radiology in their diagnosis, a retrospective review was carried out. Between January 1, 1990, and October 15, 1994, 56 patients were identified who had been examined in the Emergency Radiology Division of the Massachusetts General Hospital for an in-line skating injury. The radiologic examinations and patient records were reviewed, and follow-up information was obtained. Thirty-five patients had injuries detected radiologically, including 18 with upper extremity fractures or dislocations, 7 with soft tissue injuries alone, including 1 case of ultrasound-diagnosed testicular trauma, 5 with lower extremity fractures, 2 with pelvic fractures, 2 with sacral/coccygeal fractures, 2 with head trauma, 1 with thoracic spine fracture, and 1 with clavicular fracture. The likelihood of injury was associated with the skill level of the skater and use or lack of protective gear.
Epinephrine spray-bottle technique for harvesting skin grafts.

Topical epinephrine/saline solution in a concentration of 1:100,000 in a spray bottle can be used to prepare skin graft: donor sites for harvesting of split-thickness skin. Additional wetting of the dermal bed during harvesting achieves minimal blood loss. The spray application of epinephrine/saline solution is superior to the use of epinephrine/saline compresses placed after harvesting. Skin prewetting and continuous misting during harvesting avoid the establishment of vigorous bleeding in die dermal bed from which the skin is taken and thus lessen total blood loss.
Recent research for the control of mycotoxins in cereal

This paper briefly reviews several areas of research at the Northern Regional Research Laboratory. The first study involves the effects of insecticide treatment of sterile and unsterile wheat on the formation of aflatoxin and ochratoxin. In at least one treatment, increased yields were observed (carbon tetrachloridecarbon disulphide). The second study concerns our recent surveys on incidence of ochratoxin, aflatoxin and zearalenone in white and yellow corn (maize). An aflatoxin problem of some magnitude existed in 1971 in the southern part of the United States, even though only 4 per cent of the yearly corn production comes from this region. The third aspect covers the numbers of species of Aspergillus and Penicillium that produce penicillic acid and ochratoxin. Ochratoxin is now known to be produced by the following species of Aspergillus: sulphureus, sclerotiorum, alliaceus, melleus, ostianus, petrakii and ochraceus; also by the following species of Penicillium: viridicatum, commune, cyclopium, purpurresces and variable. The fourth study deals with the effect of ammonia treatment on a laboratory scale on the internal mould flora of corn.
On a question of Igusa, II: Uniform asymptotic bounds for Fourier transforms in several variables

This paper shows that a nontrivial uniform decay estimate for complete exponential sums modulo p r , determined by a polynomial map ${\bf P} = (P_1, P_2)$ follows from the existence of a ‘good P decomposition’ of ${\mathbb Z}_p^n$ , a property that can be proved with geometric methods, and which was introduced in an earlier article by the present author.
A grain-scale study of spall in brittle materials

The evolution of spall for a brittle material is investigated under variance of anisotropy, grain boundary fracture energy, and loading. Because spall occurs in the interior of the specimen, fundamental studies of crack nucleation and growth are needed to better understand surface velocity measurements. Within a cohesive approach to fracture, we illustrate that for anisotropic materials, increases in the fracture energy cause a transition in crack nucleation from triple-points to entire grain boundary facets. Analysis of idealized flaws reveals that while crack initiation and acceleration are strong functions of the fracture energy, flaws soon reach speeds on the order of the Rayleigh wave speed. Finally, simulated surface velocities of spalled configurations are correlated with microstructural evolution. These fundamental studies of nucleation, growth, and spall attempt to link atomic separation to the macroscopic spall strength and provide a computational framework to examine the evolution of spall and the impact on the simulated surface velocity field.
Hierarchical lexical structure and interpretive mapping in machine translation

Large-scale knowledge-based machine translation requires significant amounts of lexical knowledge in order to map syntactic structures to conceptual structures. This paper presents a framework in which lexical knowledge is separated into different levels of representation, which are arranged in a hierarchical model based on principles of knowledge representation and lexical semantics. The proposed methodology is language-independent, and has been used to organize lexical knowledge for both English and Japanese.
A Comparison of Copula Choice: Native Spanish Speakers and Advanced Learners

Research on the acquisition of copula choice has shown that learners are not accurate with this structure, even after several years of instruction (Briscoe, 1995; Ryan & Lafford, 1992). Previous research has also shown that the language development of novice learners can be assessed through a multifeature contextual analysis, similar to those used in sociolinguistic research, thereby allowing for the inclusion of native-speaker variation in the design (Geeslin, 2000). The current investigation compares contextualized questionnaire data from advanced learners of Spanish (N = 28) to data from native Spanish speakers (N = 25). The analysis shows that semantic and pragmatic features interact to predict the appearance of the copula estar, and that the factors that predict the appearance of estar are different for the two groups.
Exact Gravitational Field of a String

The exact spacetime metric representing the exterior of a static cylindrically symmetric string is found. The geometry is conical, with a deficit angle of 8\ensuremath{\pi}G\ensuremath{\mu}, where \ensuremath{\mu} is the linear energy density of the string. The results of Vilenkin, obtained using linearized gravity, are thus shown to be correct to all orders in G\ensuremath{\mu}. Strings with G\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\ge}(1/4) are found to collapse the exterior spacetime, resulting in dimensional reduction.
Electrostatic dust-cyclotron waves in plasmas with opposite polarity grains

Abstract The dispersion relation is derived for electrostatic dust-cyclotron (EDC) waves in a collisional plasma with dust grains having both positive and negative charges. The critical electric fields for excitation of two EDC modes in such a plasma are numerically calculated for a laboratory-type plasma.
Mechanisms involved in spreading depression.

Application of unlabelled glutamate to the isolated chicken retina caused an increase in the tissue transparency and a release of labelled glutamate with which the retina had previously been charged. The threshold for both responses was about 0.2 mM. Stimulation with KCI and direct current elicited transparency changes at a threshold of 8 mM and 4–6 V, respectively, and a release of the label at higher KCl concentrations (75 mM) and potentials (15 V). The transparency change caused by glutamate stimulation was severely depressed by MgC12 (10–15 mM) in contrast to the changes elicited by KC1 and direct current which were little affected by Mg ions. It was postulated that glutamate causes transparency changes by acting on neuronal elements. KC1 would act on glia and would only in high concentrations affect neurons. It was furthermore suggested that the propagation of spreading depression is dependent both on the release of glutamate from the intracellular compartment and on the depolarization of neuronal elements resulting from this release.
Embodiment in Mathematics Teaching and Learning: Evidence From Learners' and Teachers' Gestures

Gestures are often taken as evidence that the body is involved in thinking and speaking about the ideas expressed in those gestures. In this article, we present evidence drawn from teachers' and learners' gestures to make the case that mathematical knowledge is embodied. We argue that mathematical cognition is embodied in 2 key senses: It is based in perception and action, and it is grounded in the physical environment. We present evidence for each of these claims drawn from the gestures that teachers and learners produce when they explain mathematical concepts and ideas. We argue that (a) pointing gestures reflect the grounding of cognition in the physical environment, (b) representational gestures manifest mental simulations of action and perception, and (c) some metaphoric gestures reflect body-based conceptual metaphors. Thus, gestures reveal that some aspects of mathematical thinking are embodied.
Strengthening Mechanisms in MLCCs: Residual Stress Versus Crack Tip Shielding

Failure by fracture is a serious problem with multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), and the interior electrodes are known to strengthen MLCCs. Historically, it has been assumed that the dominant strengthening mechanism is crack tip shielding via direct crack tip-electrode interactions. However, we have found that residual stresses arising from differential thermal contraction after device sintering are actually responsible for the observed increase in strength. In addition, the fracture initiation sites in MLCCs are located outside of the electrode array, so the established idea that the electrical and mechanical failure controlling flaw populations are one and the same cannot be true. Weibull distributions were compared from the bending fracture of two populations of MLCCs with barium titanate (X7R) dielectric, nickel electrodes, and the same exterior geometries (but different electrode array configurations). MLCCs had characteristic strengths of 236 MPa versus a strength of 190 MPa for 19- and 3-electrode MLCCs, respectively. Fractography, a critical flaw size computation, an analytical residual stress approximation, and in situ electrical measurements taken during bending were also used to examine the fracture process and demonstrate that residual stress and not crack tip shielding is an important strengthening mechanism in MLCCs.
TASK-BASED LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING

TASK-BASED LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING. Rod Ellis . Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003. Pp. x + 387. $24.95 paper. This book is part of the Oxford University Press series in Applied Linguistics . In the preface, Ellis explains that his goal was to produce a book that “attempts to examine ‘task’ from a variety of perspectives,” noting he was striving in particular for “a rounded, balanced account of how tasks have figured in both SLA and language pedagogy” (p. ix). As Ellis also notes, the book is not a “how to” guide for the teacher or researcher but rather a text that informs about current research and practice on task-based second language research and teaching.
Efficient and Accurate Sound Propagation Using Adaptive Rectangular Decomposition

Accurate sound rendering can add significant realism to complement visual display in interactive applications, as well as facilitate acoustic predictions for many engineering applications, like accurate acoustic analysis for architectural design (Monks et al., 2000). Numerical simulation can provide this realism most naturally by modeling the underlying physics of wave propagation. However, wave simulation has traditionally posed a tough computational challenge. In this paper, we present a technique which relies on an adaptive rectangular decomposition of 3D scenes to enable efficient and accurate simulation of sound propagation in complex virtual environments. It exploits the known analytical solution of the wave equation in rectangular domains, and utilizes an efficient implementation of the discrete cosine transform on graphics processors (GPU) to achieve at least a 100-fold performance gain compared to a standard finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) implementation with comparable accuracy, while also being 10-fold more memory efficient. Consequently, we are able to perform accurate numerical acoustic simulation on large, complex scenes in the kilohertz range. To the best of our knowledge, it was not previously possible to perform such simulations on a desktop computer. Our work thus enables acoustic analysis on large scenes and auditory display for complex virtual environments on commodity hardware.
Hidden talents of natural killers: NK cells in innate and adaptive immunity

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune lymphocytes capable of killing target cells and producing immunoregulatory cytokines. Herein, we discuss recent studies that indicate that NK cells span the conventional boundaries between innate and adaptive immunity. For example, it was recently discovered that NK cells have the capacity for memory-like responses, a property that was previously thought to be limited to adaptive immunity. NK cells have also been identified in multiple tissues, and a subset of cells that specialize in the production of the TH17 cytokine IL-22, NK-22s, was recently described in mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue. Finally, we review work that shows that NK cells develop at sites that were traditionally thought to be occupied only by adaptive immune cells, including the thymus and lymph nodes.