cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the construction and calculation of optimal nonlifting critical airfoils

Numerical calculations are carried out in the hodograph plane to construct optimal critical airfoil shapes and the flow about them. These optimal airfoil shapes give the highest free-stream Mach numberM ∞ for a given thickness ratio δ and tail angle θ t (nonlifting) for which the flow is nowhere supersonic. A relationship betweenM ∞ and δ for various θ t is given. Analytical and numerical solutions to the same problem are found on the basis of transonic small-disturbance theory. These results provide a limiting case asM ∞ →1, δ → 0 and agree well with the calculations of the full problem. Using a numerical method to calculate the flow about general (subsonic) airfoils, a comparison is made between the critical free-stream Mach numbers for some standard airfoil shapes and the optimal free stream Mach number of the corresponding δ and θ t . A significant increase in the critical free-stream Mach number is found for the optimal airfoils.
Design, fabrication and characterization of subwavelength computer-generated holograms for spot array generation

We report the analysis, design, fabrication and experimental characterization of novel subwavelength computer-generated holograms that produce uniform symmetric spot array. We distinguish between a polarization-sensitive and polarization-insensitive far-field reconstruction and show that a linearly polarized incident illumination is required in the former case in order to generate a symmetric reconstruction. The polarization-insensitive case generates a symmetric response independent of the illumination polarization. We show that this response is equivalent to that of a scalar-based computer-generated hologram but with an additional, independent, term that describes the undiffracted zeroth order. These findings simplify the design and optimization of form birefringent computer-generated holograms (F-BCGH) significantly. We present experimental results that verify our analysis and highlight the advantage of these novel elements over scalar-designed elements.
Frequency response areas in the inferior colliculus: nonlinearity and binaural interaction.

The tuning, binaural properties, and encoding characteristics of neurons in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CNIC) were investigated to shed light on nonlinearities in the responses of these neurons. Results were analyzed for three types of neurons (I, O, and V) in the CNIC of decerebrate cats. Rate responses to binaural stimuli were characterized using a 1st- plus 2nd-order spectral integration model. Parameters of the model were derived using broadband stimuli with random spectral shapes (RSS). This method revealed four characteristics of CNIC neurons: (1) Tuning curves derived from broadband stimuli have fixed (i. e., level tolerant) bandwidths across a 50-60 dB range of sound levels; (2) 1st-order contralateral weights (particularly for type I and O neurons) were usually larger in magnitude than corresponding ipsilateral weights; (3) contralateral weights were more important than ipsilateral weights when using the model to predict responses to untrained noise stimuli; and (4) 2nd-order weight functions demonstrate frequency selectivity different from that of 1st-order weight functions. Furthermore, while the inclusion of 2nd-order terms in the model usually improved response predictions related to untrained RSS stimuli, they had limited impact on predictions related to other forms of filtered broadband noise (e. g., virtual space stimuli). The accuracy of the predictions varied considerably by response type. Predictions were most accurate for I neurons, and less accurate for O and V neurons, except at the lowest stimulus levels. These differences in prediction performance support the idea that type I, O, and V neurons encode different aspects of the stimulus: while type I neurons are most capable of producing linear representations of spectral shape, type O and V neurons may encode spectral features or temporal stimulus properties in a manner not easily explained with the low-order model. Supported by NIH grant DC00115.
A DIRECT MICRODETERMINATION FOR SULFIDE.

Abstract The incorporation of sulfide into methylene blue in the presence of acidic N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and ferric chloride has been utilized to provide a direct determination for sulfide at concentrations of 2 to 80 mμmoles per milliliter. No distillation step is required. At concentrations of 10−3M, only slight interference by organic thiols was observed. Advantages in sensitivity, specificity, color stability, and convenience are offered over earlier methods.
Coarse woody debris dynamics in the southern Appalachians as affected by topographic position and anthropogenic disturbance history

Abstract We examined the influence of topography and anthropogenic disturbance associated with European settlement in the southern Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee on contemporary distributions of coarse woody debris in western Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Coarse woody debris (≥10 cm diameter) was sampled on 63 permanent 20 m × 50 m plots, which were classified into one of five anthropogenic disturbance history classes based on published accounts: concentrated settlement, corporate logging, diffuse disturbance, diffuse disturbance with large residual trees present, or primary forest (no documented history of anthropogenic disturbance). Former concentrated settlement areas contained significantly less down deadwood (DDW) than areas with a history of less intense disturbance ( P 3 ha −1 ) and highly decayed (39.2 ± 16.2 m 3 ha −1 ) DDW than areas with a history of anthropogenic disturbance prior to Park Service acquisition in the 1930s (87.1 ± 15.5 and 21.1 ± 5.3 m 3 ha −1 , respectively). Large diameter DDW was most abundant in primary forests (90.1 ± 46.0 m 3 ha −1 ) and least common in forests with a history of concentrated settlement (7.3 ± 3.0 m 3 ha −1 ). Within a disturbance history class, the greatest levels of DDW were found on more mesic sites and/or higher elevations. Our results suggest that areas with a history of anthropogenic disturbance may require well over a century to recover coarse woody debris distributions found in areas of primary forest.
Repair of Gaps in Retroviral DNA Integration Intermediates

Diverse mobile DNA elements are believed to pirate host cell enzymes to complete DNA transfer. Prominent examples are provided by retroviral cDNA integration and transposon insertion. These reactions initially involve the attachment of each element 3′ DNA end to staggered sites in the host DNA by element-encoded integrase or transposase enzymes. Unfolding of such intermediates yields DNA gaps at each junction. It has been widely assumed that host DNA repair enzymes complete attachment of the remaining DNA ends, but the enzymes involved have not been identified for any system. We have synthesized DNA substrates containing the expected gap and 5′ two-base flap structure present in retroviral integration intermediates and tested candidate enzymes for the ability to support repair in vitro. We find three required activities, two of which can be satisfied by multiple enzymes. These are a polymerase (polymerase beta, polymerase delta and its cofactor PCNA, or reverse transcriptase), a nuclease (flap endonuclease), and a ligase (ligase I, III, or IV and its cofactor XRCC4). A proposed pathway involving retroviral integrase and reverse transcriptase did not carry out repair under the conditions tested. In addition, prebinding of integrase protein to gapped DNA inhibited repair reactions, indicating that gap repair in vivo may require active disassembly of the integrase complex.
A SIMPLE EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUE TO MEASURE GAS PHASE DISPERSION IN BUBBLE COLUMNS

A new technique to measure gas phase dispersion in bubble columns is presented. This technique is fairly simple to implement, accurate and inexpensive as compared to conventional methods used in the literature. Nitrogen is used as a tracer and a step change is effected by switching from air to the tracer, nitrogen. The gas phase concentration of oxygen is monitored by means of a polarographic oxygen sensor. The system studied is air-water and the experimental results compare well with the literature data. The technique presents a simple way to measure gas phase axial dispersion in bubble columns and can also be applied to other types of reactors
Role of NAD(P)H : Quinone oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase) in cytotoxicity and induction of DNA damage by streptonigrin

The metabolism, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity of streptonigrin (SN) w ere determined in two human colon carcinoma cell lines: HT-29 with high NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.99.2, DTD) activity and BE with undetectable DTD activity. Dicumarol-sensitive oxidation of NADH was observed with HT-29 cytosol, but not with BE cytosol. Oxygen consumption was also observed using HT-29 cytosol, but was absent with BE cytosol. Dicumarol inhibited oxygen consumption with HT-29 cytosol, but deferoxamine had no effect, suggesting that divalent metal cations were not necessary for efficient auto-oxidation of SN hydroquinone. In cytotoxicity studies, SN was much more toxic to the DTD-rich HT-29 cells than to the DTD-deficient BE cells. Deferoxamine decreased toxicity in both cell lines, implicating hydroxyl radicals produced during Fenton-type reactions as the toxic species. In the genotoxicity assay, SN induced a much higher incidence of DNA strand breaks in HT-29 cells than in BE cells, and deferoxamine protected against DNA strand breaks in both cell lines. Some evidence of DNA repair was also observed in the two cell lines. These results support an important role for DTD in the cytotoxicity of SN in the high DTD HT-29 colon carcinoma cell line.
Magnetic properties of ordered CoPt/SiO2 multilayer films

Abstract The magnetic properties of L1 0 multilayer Co 47 Pt 53 /SiO 2 films have been studied as a function of bilayer thickness and SiO 2 fraction. Under identical annealing conditions, coercivities were found to decrease significantly with decreasing bilayer thickness and decreased with increasing SiO 2 fraction. Measurements on single-layer CoPt films with and without SiO 2 bottom and top layers suggest that the SiO 2 inhibits ordering.
The contribution of elemental carbon to the optical properties of rural atmospheric aerosols

Measurements of carbonaceous aerosol, aerosol light absorption and aerosol light scattering were made at two rural sites in southwestern Pennsylvania during August 1983. Aerosol light absorption ranged from 5.2 × 10−6 m−1 to 6.4 × 10−5 m−1 (average: 1.9 × 10−5 m−1) and accounted for about 13% of the aerosol total light extinction. Elemental carbon, averaging 1.3 μg m−3 at the two sites (and comprising some 36 % of the aerosol carbon), accounted for effectively all (> 95 %) of the aerosol light absorption.
An improved strip sealed continuous rotation scattering chamber

Abstract An improved design is described of an evacuated chamber having two ports in a horizontal plane. The angle between these ports can be changed continuously through an angular range of 108° from −10° to +170° without disturbing the high vacuum maintained inside. A well known principle of a flexible strip sealed slot is employed here with some refinements which result in reliable operation.
Characterization of multiple deep level systems in semiconductor junctions by admittance measurements

Abstract The small signal admittance, Y, of a junction device, in the presence of deep lying majority carrier traps, is obtained as a solution to a simple differential equation (dC/dχ) = (C2/e)−(ρac/ψac), where C Y/jω is the complex capacitance, x is the distance within the depletion region from the neutral bulk semiconductor, ρac is the a.c. incremental change in charge density at χ when the bias is incremented by ψac. This equation can be numerically integrated with one boundary condition, the flat band capacitance of the bulk semiconductor. An analytic solution to the above differential equation is possible over a wide frequency range without the use of a truncated space charge approximation. The admittance of one half of a junction device can then be modelled by a 3p + 1 lumped element equivalent circuit involving 3p + 2 device parameters, where p is the number of species of deep lying majority carrier traps that are virtually unionized in the bulk. These circuit elements bear simple direct relationships to the deep level parameters. Impedance vs frequency measurements at a single bias and temperature yield only 2p + 1 equations and are not sufficient to define the elements uniquely. One therefore needs p + 1 additional equations for a unique synthesis. We also show how additional equations can be obtained from impedance vs voltage or temperature measurements.
Professionalization of Clinical Ethics Consultation: Defining (Down) the Code

The publication of this code of ethics for clinical ethics consultation (CEC) represents another in a series of great strides toward professionalization made by clinical ethics consultants. The fie...
On super i‐connected graphs

Inclusive connectivity parameters are measures of local connectivity that are natural restrictions of standard graph connectivity and edge connectivity. We examine the i-connectivity analogs of super-k and super-λ graphs. The primary results here concern the graphs G + K2, i.e., the join of an arbitrary graph with K2. We show that G + K2 is super λ1-connected for every v ϵ V(G) and every edge e ϵ E(G). Using these local results, we show G + Kn, n ⩾ 2, is super λ-connected. © 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Immunological and biochemical profiles in response to transfusion therapy in an adenosine deaminase-deficient patient with severe combined immunodeficiency disease.

Abstract A child with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency has been treated with irradiated frozen red blood cells and irradiated cryoprecipitate-removed fresh frozen plasma. This therapy has been beneficial clinically and the patient has been free of infection for 24 months. Partial immune reconstitution has occurred. The cellular immune response has varied greatly between markedly decreased and near normal function. In spite of a progressive increase of immunoglobulins to normal levels, specific antibody production has been very poor and in vitro immune functions have been variable with low or transiently normal responses. Activities of ADA in red cells, lymphocytes, and granulocytes were low at the time of diagnosis and have remained low in lymphocytes and granulocytes despite transfusion of red cells with normal levels of ADA.
Second-Order Effects of Unsteadiness on the Performance of Turbomachines

A 2D, linearized approach is used to investigate second-order effects of unsteadiness on the time-mean efficiency of turbomachinery. The objective is to quantify unsteady losses with a nonzero time-mean and to examine numerical simulations with respect to the modeling of unsteady flow fields and loss mechanisms. Results of simulations constitute the input to the analytical models employed.Two unsteady loss mechanisms, one of inviscid and the other of viscous nature, are considered. The unsteady circulation losses, i.e., the transfer of kinetic energy into the unsteady part of the flow field through vorticity shed at the trailing edge of a blade, was first considered by Keller (1935) and later by Kemp and Sears (1956). The vorticity is shed in response to an unsteady blade circulation and determined from Kelvin’s circulation theorem which is valid in compressible homentropic flow. Use of a numerical simulation to obtain circulation amplitudes avoids the limitations of thin-airfoil theory and yields results more realistic for modern turbomachinery. For the unsteady viscous loss mechanism, i.e., the dissipation in an unsteady boundary layer on the blade surface, Lighthill’s high-reduced-frequency limit (1955) is used to obtain the local velocity distribution in the laminar sublayer and the corresponding time-mean unsteady dissipation. The input to the model is the time-harmonics of the pressure gradient along a blade surface obtained from a simulation. A numerical study of the errors introduced by a departure from the high-reduced-frequency limit is presented. Losses from both sources are found to be small.Copyright © 1992 by ASME
The effects of microbial degradation on ignitable liquids.

The identification of ignitable liquid residues in fire debris is a key finding for determining the cause and origin of a suspicious fire. However, the complex mixtures of organic compounds that comprise ignitable liquids are susceptible to microbiological attack following collection of the sample. Biodegradation can result in selective removal of many of the compounds required for identification of an ignitable liquid. Such degradation has been found to occur rapidly in substrates such as soil, rotting wood, or other organic matter. Furthermore, fire debris evidence must often be stored for extended periods at room temperature prior to analysis due to case backlogs and available evidence storage. Hence, extensive damage to ignitable liquid residues by microbes poses a significant threat to subsequent laboratory work. In this work, the effects of microbial degradation of ignitable liquids in soil have been evaluated as a function of time. Key findings include the loss of n-alkanes, particularly C9–C16, which showed the most dramatic decrease in gasoline as well as the petroleum distillates, while branched alkanes remained unchanged. Monosubstituted benzenes also showed the most dramatic loss in gasoline. In the heavy petroleum distillates, n-alkanes with even carbon numbers were degraded more than n-alkanes with odd carbon numbers.
THE THERMOHALINE CIRCULATION AND TROPICAL CYCLONES IN PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE CLIMATES

WHat: About 40 junior faculty discussed interactions between fast (tropical cyclones) and slow (oceanic overturning circulation) extreme events in the climate system and methods using both paleoclimate proxies and models that could improve our understanding of such events. WHen: 8–10 July 2008 WHere: Boulder, Colorado nderstanding the interactions between tropical cyclones and the thermohaline circulation (THC) and their contributions to climate and climate change is an intriguing, challenging, and important area of research. The oceanic overturning circulation is a slow process whereas tropical cyclones are a fast process, and both may be subject to abrupt or long-term changes. The Early Career Scientist Association’s Junior Faculty Forum explored ways to incorporate modeling, observations, and geologic reconstructions into understanding these interacting components of the climate system in past, present, and future climates. Following an extensive review of the current level of knowledge, including plenary talks by invited speakers, the bulk of the meeting was dedicated to two parallel discussion sessions focusing on the oceanic overturning circulation and tropical cyclones. Topic I of the forum focused on the observational needs as well as the modeling and decadal prediction of the THC [or meridional overturning circulation (MOC)]. The terminology used to describe THC has been much discussed and debated. The exact definition and proper use of the terms “THC” and “MOC” have been clarified because of the confusion in the recent literature (e.g., Wunsch 2002), and no ubiquitous metric exists to quantify either. Often, the general term MOC is used to refer specifically to the Atlantic MOC (AMOC), when in reality each ocean basin contains meridional overturning cells that are interconnected through the global circulation. It is agreed in Annex AFFILIATIONS: Done anD Hu—National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado; Farmer—Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York; yin—The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida; bates—University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Frappier—Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts; HalkiDes—NASA JPL, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California; kilbourne—McDaniel College, Westminster, Maryland; sriver—The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania; WooDruFF—MIT/ WHOI Joint Program, Woods Hole, Massachusetts CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: James M. Done, National Center for Atmospheric Research, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000 E-mail: done@ucar@edu DOI:10.1175/2009BAMS2762.1
Self-mention and the projection of multiple identity roles in TESOL graduate student presentations: The influence of the written academic genres

Abstract The purpose of the present study is to shed some light on the subtle interplay between oral and written academic genres in the context of graduate student academic presentations. The analysis was based on a corpus of successful TESOL graduate student academic presentations (n = 20) with a focus on the genre identity roles students encode in their uses of the first person singular pronouns and determiner (I, me, my). The analysis pointed to three main categories of roles (genre roles typical of academic writing, socially-motivated roles, and speech event roles) which comprise the set of identity roles that characterize student presentations as a genre. It also revealed that the academic writing genre roles were far better represented than the other two categories, which suggests that the presenters gave the greatest preference to projecting their scholarly selves in their presentations by staying close to the written academic genres while still giving a glimpse of their personal and social selves in relation to the topic content. The analysis further focused on the identity roles influenced by academic writing with an eye to the roles that dominated in students’ presentations, their function, and linguistic realizations.
Metabolism of substance P and neurokinin A by human vascular endothelium and smooth muscle

Analysis of SP and NKA metabolism by human vascular endothelium, relative to that in human plasma, identified integrative, multiple pathways for the processing of circulating SP (but not NKA) by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE; EC 3.4.15.1), dipeptidyl(amino)peptidase IV (DAP IV; EC 3.4.14.5), and aminopeptidase M (AmM; EC 3.4.11.2). In contrast, SP and NKA, which may diffuse into or be neurally released within the vessel wall, were both metabolized by smooth muscle neutral endopeptidase-24.11 (NEP-24.11; EC 3.4.24.11). Collectively, these studies indicate peptide-specific and site-specific differential processing of SP and NKA by human plasma and vasculature.
Evaluation of host responses to envenomation as a means to assess ectoparasitic pteromalid wasp’s potential for controlling manure-breeding flies

Abstract For most of the pteromalid wasps currently used in biocontrol programs, key fundamental aspects of the wasp’s biology are lacking, including information on the factors that make one fly more attractive than another as a host and which flies are best suited for wasp development, and hence mass propagation for later release. This study examined the physiological relationships between two species of filth flies (Musca domestica and Fannia canicularis) and eight species of ectoparasitic wasps (five solitary and three gregarious species). Seven of eight wasp species preferred the larger pupae of house flies over the smaller F. canicularis, and all solitary species induced death in fly hosts within 24 h after injection of venom. In contrast, the gregarious wasps induced a developmental arrest in parasitized hosts, the duration of which was host species dependent. This host arrest was accompanied by an increase in host hemolymph lipids and correlated with clutch sizes of the two gregarious wasps, Nasonia longicornis and Muscidifurax raptorellus. A similar relationship was not observed for any of the solitary species tested. Isolated crude venoms from all wasps induced similar changes in the morphology of cultured insect cells and the venoms displayed overlapping lethality (LC50s), but the time required for venoms from gregarious species to trigger death was significantly longer than solitary wasp venoms. The possible use of host responses to envenomation as parameters to screen the biological control potential of parasitoids is discussed.
MB-19MEDULLOBLASTOMA SUBTYPES SPECIFY INTER-TUMORAL VASCULAR BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER HETEROGENEITY

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant childhood brain tumor, consisting of four molecularly and clinically distinct subtypes. Recent work has advanced our understanding about the basic pathological processes, identifying unique mutations and anatomical locations that contribute to medulloblastoma subtype heterogeneity. Recognizing how subtype-specific genetic alterations dictate treatment response is critical to advancing treatments for all patients. The central nervous system (CNS) contains a unique vascular system that tightly regulates exchange between the blood and brain, termed the blood brain barrier (BBB). How brain tumors specify BBB properties in newly formed blood vessels, and if this dictates tumor behavior remains unanswered. Here we show that WNT-subtype medulloblastomas create a microenvironment that inhibits BBB formation, producing tumors with a highly permeable aberrant vascular network. We found human and mouse WNT-subtype tumors display increased vascularization and hemorrhaging, along with decreased expression of endothelial BBB associated genes. Fenestrated blood vessels, normally associated with peripheral organs, are highly enriched in WNT-subtype tumors, allowing unrestricted exchange of substances between blood and tumor. Canonical Wnt signaling is essential for normal CNS BBB formation and maintenance. WNT-subtype tumors express high levels of secreted Wnt antagonists, creating a microenvironment that is inhibitory to canonical Wnt signaling and BBB formation in neighboring endothelial cells. Differences in BBB status between WNT and SHH-subtype tumors result in differential in vivo treatment response and drug penetration, suggesting the abnormal vasculature might contribute to the excellent clinical prognosis associated with WNT-subtype patients. Our data offer insight into brain tumor-vascular BBB specification, and should benefit ongoing efforts to improve response, survival, and quality of life for all medulloblastoma patients.
Coarsening of Self-Assembled Ge Quantum Dots on Si(001)

The size distribution of self-assembled heteroepitaxial islands is critical to their application as quantum dots in novel devices. In situ, real time UHV transmission electron microscopy studies of Ge island growth on Si(001) show that island coarsening occurs even during growth. With increasing volume, a shape transition from pyramids to domes gives rise to an abrupt change in chemical potential. This leads to a bifurcation in the size distribution and ultimately to a narrow size range. Simulations of coarsening in the presence of a shape transition are in good agreement with experimental results.
On the complex state of the interplanetary medium of July 28–29, 1977

Plasma and magnetic field variations observed on July 28–30, 1977, in the near-earth solar wind are presented and discussed. Both a corotating stream and a driven shock are present. The driver gas seems to be enveloped in the rising speed phase of this stream; this appearance is attributed to a transverse-motion-induced convoluted surface separating the two plasma domains. The magnetic field in the post shock flow (0030–1230 UT of July 29) has a large and geoeffective southward component at times; the Akasofu energy coupling coefficient ‘e’ reaches ∼5.4×1019 ergs/s. In the driver gas (1230 UT of July 29 to 0110 UT of July 30) the magnetic field is dominantly northward and has a profile resembling a magnetic cloud. Significant plasma parameter variations within the driver gas are attributed to structure in the parent solar mass ejection event and to interplanetary kinematics. The density and dynamic pressure decrease by almost 2 orders of magnitude (≳100 to ≲2 cm−3) from just behind the interplanetary shock to ∼3 hours into the driver gas flow.
Long-Term Follow-Up of High-Dose Methotrexate-Based Therapy With and Without Whole Brain Irradiation for Newly Diagnosed Primary CNS Lymphoma

Purpose We previously reported a series of patients treated with high-dose methotrexate (MTX) -based chemotherapy, with or without whole brain radiotherapy. The purpose of this report is to update the initial results and provide long-term data regarding overall survival, patterns of relapse, and the risk of treatment-related neurotoxicity. Patients and Methods Fifty-seven patients with an average age of 65 and median Karnofsky performance score of 70 were treated; all patients have been observed longitudinally with serial magnetic resonance imaging scans and neurologic examinations. Results The overall median survival was 51 months with a median follow-up of 115 months for surviving patients. Twenty-five patients relapsed or developed progressive disease; median progression-free survival was 129 months. Seventeen patients developed treatment-related neurotoxicity; all but one had received whole brain radiotherapy as a component of treatment. Seventy-four percent of patients younger than 60 years who recei...
Nonlinear Filtering for Random Signals in Statistically Unknown Noise

resultants are plotted for various R/a ratios at 9 •= 0. Figure 4 shows that the tangential bending moment stress resultants along the hole diminish by roughly a factor of two for each added increment in the R/a ratio. To determine the accuracy of the results obtained, an error analysis was performed. First, a residue was calculated to see how well the boundary conditions (w and M) were satisfied at each of the fourteen points along the outer boundary. Then a measure of the maximum value of the error was found for the calculated deflections and bending moment stress resultants by taking the ratio of the value of deflection or radial bending moment stress resultants at the outer edge on 9 = 0, to their respective maximum values within the plate. The deflection and bending moment residues were of the order of 10 ~, while the values of the error ratios were of the order of 10~, indicating a high degree of accuracy.
rival empires: Islam and the religions of spirit possession among the Òyóo-Yorùbá

Possession religions have frequently been treated as women's means to redress their subordination. Like many other religions so discussed, the Oyoo-Yoruba worship of Sango and Yem⊙ja endures in a predominantly Muslim region. The following discussion will illustrate that such religions, though highly gendered in their symbolism and personnel, need not redress the interests of women or of the deprived alone. For the weak and the strong, they may dramatize a rival construction of collective life. In order to grasp how they do so, we must understand (1) the history of Islam and such possession religions in the particular context and, therefore, (2) the way they constitute each other in that context. As they serve and structure material rivalries in the world, they take on each others' signs and criteria of power. The gendered religious pluralism of the Oyoo-Yoruba illustrates a gestalt common across “the Muslim world” and bears implications for the study of possession religions practiced in conjunction with other “world religions” as well. [women's religion, gender, spirit possession, African Islam, religious conflict, symbolism, syncretism]
Simulations of Realizable Photonic Bandgap Structures with High Refractive Contrast

Abstract : The transfer matrix method (TMM) software (Translight, A. Reynolds) was used to evaluate the photonic band gap (PBG) properties of the periodic arrangement of high permittivity ferroelectric composite (40 wt% Ba0.45Sr0.55TiO3/60 wt% MgO composite, epsilon(sub R) 80, tan delta = 0.0041 at 10 GHz) in air (or Styrofoam, epsilon(sub R) ^ 1) matrix compared to a lower permittivity material (Al2O3, epsilon(sub R) = 11.54, tan delta = 0.00003 at 10 GHz) in air. The periodic structures investigated included a one-dimensional (1D) stack and a three-dimensional (3D) face centered cubic (FCC) opal structure. The transmission spectrum was calculated for the normalized frequency for all incident angles for each structure. The results show that the bandgaps frequency increased and the bandgap width increased with increased permittivity. The effects of orientation of defects in the opal crystal were investigated. It was found by introducing defects propagation bands were introduced. It was concluded that a full PBG is possible with the high permittivity material.
Learning visual dictionaries and decision lists for object recognition

Visual dictionaries are widely employed in object recognition to map unordered bags of local region descriptors into feature vectors for image classification. Most visual dictionaries have been constructed by unsupervised clustering. This paper presents an efficient discriminative approach, called iterative discriminative clustering (IDC), for dictionary learning. In this approach, each dictionary entry is defined by a representative value and a learned distance metric. In IDC algorithm, the dictionary entries are initialized by unsupervised clustering and then locally adapted to improve their discriminative power. Motivated by studies of the characteristics of individual dictionary entries, we employ bagged decision lists (BDL) as our image classifier in order to explore the conjunctions of small number of informative dictionary entries for classification. Experiments on benchmark object recognition datasets show that the system based on the new discriminative dictionaries and BDL classifier give performance comparable or superior to the state-of-art generic object recognition approaches.
Obesity and microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: We hypothesized that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) might have more microvascular invasion (MVI) in their tumors. Methods: Records from 138 consecutive patients who underwent surgery at Columbia University Medical Center from January 1, 2002 to January 9, 2008 were evaluated. Results: 40 patients (29%) had MVI, including 14% with BMI 30 (p = .05). However, only maximum alpha-fetoprotein was significantly associated with overall mortality in a Cox model. Conclusions: MVI was associated with obesity. A better understanding of the mechanism of this association may lead to interventions for the treatment and prevention of HCC.
EVALUATION OF THE PEDIATRIC PATIENT WITH A CARDIAC MURMUR

This article provides a framework for the general assessment and evaluation of pediatric patients recognized to have cardiac murmurs. Cardiac murmurs are a common finding in children and represent the most frequent reason for referral to a cardiology subspecialist. The majority of these patients can be adequately evaluated clinically, yet increasingly more extensive studies are being used in this assessment. The reasons for this pattern of practice are many, including reduced confidence in auscultatory skills, increased availability of diagnostic technology, the increasingly competitive nature of pediatric practice, and increased medicolegal concerns. The only definitive mechanism of diagnosing an innocent murmur is by physical examination. In the majority of patients with a cardiac murmur, a careful history and physical examination should serve to guide further referral and directed evaluation. An inappropriate echocardiographic assessment may rule out significant structural cardiac anomalies but does not provide parents an explanation for the cause of the cardiac murmur. This has resulted in unresolved patient and parental anxiety and inappropriate limitation from sports involvement or inappropriate use of antibiotic prophylaxis. Potentially problematic are adult echocardiographic laboratories unskilled in the evaluation of congenital cardiac anomalies. These laboratories may perform unsedated and inadequate evaluations that may provide a false impression of the absence of a significant cardiac anomaly.
Paradigms of expected failure

This study explores the outsourcing and offshoring of clinical trials and how they interconnect with the dynamics of drug development and regulation in the United States. I focus on the activities of United States-based contract research organizations, which make up a specialized global clinical trials industry focusing on the recruitment of human subjects and investigators. Tracking this industry’s activities in eastern Europe and Latin America, two clinical trial market ‘growth regions,’ I address the strategies of evidence-making that inform clinical trial offshoring. I also show how aspects of the clinical trial model—in which failures to predict safety outcomes or a paradigm of expected failure—are being exported along with the offshored trial. The clinical trials industry is a crucial, highly mobile, and profitable arm of the global pharmaceutical industry. Where state agencies furnish limited or no health care, drug developers claim that trial expansion and experiments have become social goods in themselves. But questions remain: How is drug value and research integrity maintained? And how do the results of clinical trials strengthen or undermine the delivery of affordable and effective interventions? As this essay shows, clinical trials are not only hypothesis-testing instruments; they are operative environments redistributing resources and occasioning tense medical and social fields. In highlighting the inefficiencies and uncertainties of global drug development, this study points to problems in the operational model of drug development and in systems of human protection. It also considers new forms of accountability at the nexus of private sector science and public health.
Characterization of Metacaspases with Trypsin-Like Activity and Their Putative Role in Programmed Cell Death in the Protozoan Parasite Leishmania

In this report, we have characterized two metacaspases of Leishmania donovani, L. donovani metacaspase-1 (LdMC1) and LdMC2. These two proteins show 98% homology with each other, and both contain a characteristic C-terminal proline-rich domain. Both genes are transcribed in promastigotes and axenic amastigotes of L. donovani; however, LdMC1 shows increased mRNA levels in axenic amastigotes. An anti-LdMC antibody was obtained and showed reactivity with a single ∼42-kDa protein band in both promastigote and axenic amastigote parasite whole-cell lysates by Western blotting. Pulse-chase experiments suggest that LdMCs are not synthesized as proenzymes, and immunofluorescence studies show that LdMCs are associated with the acidocalcisome compartments of L. donovani. Enzymatic assays of immunoprecipitated LdMCs show that native LdMCs efficiently cleave trypsin substrates and are unable to cleave caspase-specific substrates. Consistently, LdMC activity is insensitive to caspase inhibitors and is efficiently inhibited by trypsin inhibitors, such as leupeptin, antipain, and Nα-tosyl-l-lysine-chloromethyl ketone (TLCK). In addition, our results show that LdMC activity was induced in parasites treated with hydrogen peroxide, a known trigger of programmed cell death (PCD) in Leishmania and that parasites overexpressing metacaspases are more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide-induced PCD. These findings suggest that Leishmania metacaspases are not responsible for the caspase-like activities reported in this organism and suggest a possible role for LdMCs as effector molecules in Leishmania PCD.
Assessing endothelial dysfunction in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus using a non-invasive heat stimulus.

Background Microvascular dysfunction is a key event in the development of atherosclerosis, which predates the clinical manifestations of vascular disease including stroke and myocardial infarction. Dysfunction of the microvasculature can be measured as a decreased microperfusion in response to heat.
Is Multiple Sclerosis a Vascular Disease

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is widely recognized as a progressive, inflammatory neurogenerative disease, for which the causative agent(s) or triggers are not well known. A recent hypothesis is that MS is caused, at least to some extent, by chronic venous insufficiency of the extracranial venous drainage. In this chapter, we explore the historical and modern perspectives on possible vascular etiologies to multiple sclerosis, parallels from other cerebrovascular diseases, and identify future areas of exploration.
Twig Morphology and Host Effects on Reproductive Success of the Twig Girdler Oncideres cingulata (Say) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

ABSTRACT The reproductive success of the twig girdler Oncideres cingulata (Say) was examined relative to twig morphology of the host tree species used for oviposition. There were significant differences in twig morphology between hosts, in twig length, volume, and surface area. Ovipositing beetles appeared to adjust reproductive efforts to these host differences, as reflected by egg density. Twig length was strongly correlated with the number of eggs laid across all host species, although regression analysis found that a model consisting of twig diameter and surface area best accounted for the total number of eggs per twig. Adult emergence was not related consistently to any aspect of twig morphology across host species. However, emergence rates varied between hosts, ranging from 6.1% from eggs laid on birch (Betula nigra L.), 7.7% from American elm (Ulmus americana L.), 10.0% from pecan (Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch), to 28.2% on honey locust (Gleditisia triacanthos L.).
Polarimetric backscattering measurements of herbaceous vegetation: a sensitivity study for soil moisture retrieval

In this paper, the feasibility of soil moisture retrieval from radar backscatter data acquired from surfaces covered with short, dense, and herbaceous vegetation such as soybean is studied. For this purpose, a series of polarimetric measurements were performed on a soybean field at L-, C-, and X-band frequencies over a wide range of incidence angles. In these experiments the University of Michigan polarimetric scatterometer systems were used. The backscatter measurements were conducted for two extreme vegetation conditions: (1) in the middle of the season for a fully grown soybean condition when vegetation biomass is maximum, and (2) toward the end of the season when the leaves were fallen and the plants were drier. For each vegetation condition backscatter measurements were also conducted under different soil moisture conditions to examine the sensitivity of radar backscatter to soil moisture. Simultaneous with the radar measurements, a complete set of ground truth data, including the moisture content, size and number density of leaves, stems, and pods were also collected. The dielectric constant of leaves and stems were also measured at C- and X-band immediately after radar measurements.
Midroelectrode studies of stress-generated potentials in four-point bending of bone

A microelectrode technique has been developed to enable the study of stress-generated potentials (SGP) in bone to a spatial resolution of 5 micrometers. The technique has been used to measure the electrical potentials as a function of bone micromorphology in four-point bending. Electric fields ranging from 30 to 10(3) times greater than is measured by conventional macroscopic methods have been discovered at the Haversian canals for human and bovine cortical bone. The amplitude and direction of the electric field in the osteons depend specifically upon the amplitude and the sign (i.e., compression or tension) of the stress. The implications of this finding with regard to the origin of SGP and their possible physiological significance are considered.
Early Biomedical Computing and the Roots of Evidence-Based Medicine

The heavily computerized evidence-based medicine (EBM) approach to diagnosis and care aims to reorient medical practice toward adhering to standards and protocols generated by mass data analysis. By clarifying the connections between the 1960s National Institutes of Health effort to computerize medicine and the recent proliferation of EBM, this article illuminates the intellectual and institutional challenges of introducing information technology to medicine.
Dynamic interfacial tension minima in finite systems

Abstract A physical model is presented to explain the dramatic interfacial tension minima that may sometimes occur during the equilibration of a surface-active solute between two liquid phases. The effects of bulk phase mass transfer resistances, interfacial sorption kinetics, and finite phase volumes are included. Adsorption and desorption barriers are treated both by linear and Langmuir kinetics. Dynamic interfacial tension minima are predicted whenever the solute mass transfer resistance is higher and/or a large desorption barrier exists in the phase towards which transfer is occurring. Experimental dynamic tension minima for acidic organic phases contacting an alkaline aqueous phase can be rationalized by the existence of desorption barriers. The relevance of such tension minima to interfacial turbulence, spontaneous emulsification, and enhanced oil recovery is discussed.
Assessing Candidate Disposition for Admission into Teacher Education: Can Just Anyone Teach?

Abstract Teacher educators understand that a “highly qualified” teacher must have more than knowledge and skills. Having the disposition or “teacher's heart” is also important. One teachers' college in Arkansas identified dispositions that were valued by its faculty, supported by research, and already existed in its program. Then instruments were selected or developed to assess the extent of each of these dispositions demonstrated by each candidate applying for admission into the teacher education program. Candidates were assessed by responses to interview questions upon entry into and exit from the teacher education program, performances during internship, and self-assessments. Data from these assessments supported a recommendation for continued accreditation from NCATE. The college will continue to conduct validity and reliability studies on the data, and a new self-assessment instrument called DISPOSE (Diagnostic Inventory for Selective Prescription on Self-Evaluation) has been developed and is current...