cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel 4-D Open-Curve Active Contour and curve completion approach for automated tree structure extraction

We present novel approaches for fully automated extraction of tree-like tubular structures from 3-D image stacks. A 4-D Open-Curve Active Contour (Snake) model is proposed for simultaneous 3-D centerline tracing and local radius estimation. An image energy term, stretching term, and a novel region-based radial energy term constitute the energy to be minimized. This combination of energy terms allows the 4-D open-curve snake model, starting from an automatically detected seed point, to stretch along and fit the tubular structures like neurites and blood vessels. A graph-based curve completion approach is proposed to merge possible fragments caused by discontinuities in the tree structures. After tree structure extraction, the centerlines serve as the starting points for a Fast Marching segmentation for which the stopping time is automatically chosen. We illustrate the performance of our method with various datasets.
Mechanical power-hardware-in-the-loop: Emulation of an aeroderivative twin-shaft turbine engine

This paper presents a method for driving an AC electric motor so that it emulates, at its drive shaft, the steady-state and transient loading and unloading dynamics of an aeroderivative twin-shaft gas turbine engine. This approach allows safe and robust testing of connected equipment, for example an electric generator, without having to install (or risk damage to) an actual gas turbine engine and all of its support systems. The lower inertia constant of an aeroderivative twin-shaft gas turbine relative to a comparably powerful AC motor introduces power, accuracy, and stability limitations in the emulation system. We have studied the performance of the emulation method at reduced scale using two identical 15 kW induction machines on a common shaft in which one machine acts as gas turbine emulation motor and the other one as a generator under test. The speed controller of the vector controlled emulation motor tracks the speed of a real time reference model of an aeroderivative twin-shaft gas turbine engine. Experimental results demonstrate the power and stability limitations that apply to the emulation system.
Enrichment of distinct microfilament-associated and GTP-binding-proteins in membrane/microvilli fractions from lymphoid cells

Lymphocyte microvilli mediate initial adhesion to endothelium during lymphocyte transition from blood into tissue but their molecular organization is incompletely understood. We modified a shear-based procedure to prepare biochemical fractions enriched for membrane/microvilli (MMV) from both human peripheral blood T-lymphocytes (PBT) and a mouse pre-B lymphocyte line (300.19). Enrichment of proteins in MMV relative to post nuclear lysate was determined by LC/MS/MS analysis and label-free quantitation. Subsequent analysis emphasized the 291 proteins shared by PBT and 300.19 and estimated by MS peak area to be highest abundance. Validity of the label-free quantitation was confirmed by many internal consistencies and by comparison with Western blot analyses. The MMV fraction was enriched primarily for subsets of cytoskeletal proteins, transmembrane proteins and G-proteins, with similar patterns in both lymphoid cell types. The most enriched cytoskeletal proteins were microfilament-related proteins NHERF1, Ez...
Effect of Bioflavones upon Metabolism of Iodine and lodinated Compounds in the Rat.

SummaryStudies with bioflavones such as hesperidine methyl chalcone showed that these compounds are capable of altering the thyroidal accumulation of I131 and of diiodoI131-tyrosine. The intragastric administration of various amounts of H.M.C. caused an increased uptake of I131 or I131-tagged material by the thyroid and skin. A reduction in the I131 excreted was observed. When H.M.C. was administered subcutaneously, the excretion of I131 was even more markedly reduced. Studies with other bioflavones such as sodium hesperidine chalcone, eriodictin, and sodium rutin showed these compounds to effect iodine metabolism in the same manner as H.M.C. These studies suggest that the effects observed with H.M.C. upon iodine metabolism may be related to its epinephrine sparing action when present in small amounts. The administration of large amounts of H.M.C. depresses thyroidal accumulation of I131. Paper chromatograms indicate that larger amounts of H.M.C. in the body act as an iodide “trap” and thereby prevent the...
Studies of Prolactin Secretion in Mice by a Homologous Radioimmunoassay

We have developed a sensitive homologous radioimmunoassay for mouse prolactin (mPRL) capable of measuring concentrations of PRL as low as 1 ng/ml of mouse serum and studied PRL secretion in mice under several physiological conditions. Newborn mice of C3H/St strain had low concentration of PRL in sera at 2–5 days of age which increased with age. Adult females of C3H/St strain contained significantly more PRL in their pituitary glands (7.9 μg/mg) than comparable females of C57BL/St strain (5.6 μg/mg); in contrast, however, they had lower PRL levels in sera (26.6 ng/ml) than the C57BL/ St females (84.5 ng/ml). The females of both strains possessed greater concentration of PRL in their pituitary glands, but in sera only C57BL/St females showed higher levels than males. Castration of C3H mice reduced pituitary PRL in both sexes but decreased serum PRL in males only. Stilbestrol in the diet of castrated mice, however, enhanced pituitary and serum PRL levels in either sex. Adult C3H mice had depressed serum conc...
Calcium-dependent signal transduction by the hypertrehalosemic hormone in the cockroach fat body.

The hypertrehalosemic hormones (HrTH) are insect peptides that stimulate the fat body to synthesize trehalose. The present research investigated the relative importance of extra- and intracellular Ca2+ for HrTH signal transduction in the fat body of the cockroach, Blaberus discoidalis. Although trehalose synthesis could be stimulated significantly by B. discoidalis HrTH (Bld-HrTH) in the absence of Ca2+ was necessary to attain a maximum hormonal response. Entry of extracellular Ca2+ mediated by ionophores (A23187, ionomycin) produced no significant hypertrehalosemic effects, whereas release of intracellular Ca2+ by thimerosal or thapsigargin significantly stimulated trehalose synthesis. The hypertrehalosemic effect by thimerosal occurred independently of extracellular Ca2+. Dantrolene inhibits intracellular Ca2+ release, and its presence partially suppressed Bld-HrTH-dependent hypertrehalosemia. In conclusion, the presence of either extracellular Ca2+ or intracellular Ca2+ enhanced the Bld-HrTH response, but agents that affected intracellular Ca2+ release produced the more conclusive effects.
The Odonata of Sulawesi and adjacent islands. Part 7. Libellago and Sclerocypha (Chlorocyphidae)

Abstract The Sulawesi species of the genera Libellago and Sclerocypha are revised. L. asclepiades, L. rufescens, L. xanthocyana and S. bisignata are redescribed, and three species of Libellago- one with four subspecies - are described as new to science, viz. the closely allied L. daviesi sp. nov. from the northern arm of Sulawesi and L. man-ganitu sp. nov. from Sangihe Island, north of Sulawesi, and a complex of four mainly parapatric subspecies allied to L. rufescens, viz., L. celebensis sp. nov. from W part of Central Sulawesi, and nominotypical subspecies, L. celebensis anoa ssp. nov. from NE part of South Sulawesi, L. celebensis dorsonigra ssp. nov. from NE part of South Sulawesi, and L. celebensis orientalis ssp. nov. from extreme E part of South Sulawesi, E part of Central Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi. The status of the genus Sclerocypha is discussed. A key to the species of Chlorocyphidae (except Rhinocypha) known from Sulawesi, is provided.
The Effect of Furnace Parameters on Fire Severity in Standard Fire Resistance Tests

This paper discusses the predicted results obtained from models developed to determine the effects of furnace depth (2.5 m and 0.5 m), type of furnace lining material type (fireclay brick, insulating firebrick and ceramic fibre insulation) and type of fuel (gas or liquid) on fire severity in fire resistance test furnaces using the CAN/ULC-S101, ASTM E119 and ISO 834 time-temperature relationships. The type of fuel used in the furnace and the type of furnace wall lining material significantly affected the heat absorbed by the test specimen while the furnace depth effect was minimal when the furnace was lined with ceramic fibre insulation. Factors to improve the repeatability and reproducibility of the fire severity in fire resistance test furnaces are provided.
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words: The Compact NASA Atlas of the Solar System, and the Cambridge Photographic Guide to the Planets

Planetary spacecraft are sometimes considered to be extensions of our senses. This metaphor is truest in describing spacecraft imaging systems, which serve as our eyes on the planets and their satellites. Two recent books offer to be our guides to the solar system as viewed through the lenses of planetary spacecraft.
Police professionalism and cynicism reconsidered: An assessment of measurement issues

The research explores the empirical relationship between professionalism and cynicism. Assessments of the multidimensionality and scale independence of these two theoretical constructs are made using LISREL estimation procedures. The results of the analysis indicate that professionalism and cynicism map different domains of content with one exception, which involves factor congruence between CALLING, a professional dimension, and COMMITMENT, a cynicism dimension. The analysis also reveals theoretically unexpected relationships where two professionalism factors are shown to exert positive effects on cynicism.
Antitumor agents. 196. Substituted 2-thienyl-1,8-naphthyridin-4-ones: their synthesis, cytotoxicity, and inhibition of tubulin polymerization.

As part of our continuing search for potential anticancer drug candidates in the 2-aryl-1,8-naphthyridin-4-one series, we have synthesized a series of substituted 2-thienyl-1,8-naphthyridin-4-ones. Most compounds showed significant cytotoxic effects (log GI50 < −4.0; log molar drug concentration required to cause 50% growth inhibition) against a variety of human tumor cell lines in the National Cancer Institute's in vitro screen, including cells derived from solid tumors such as non-small-cell lung, colon, central nervous system, melanoma, ovarian, prostate, and breast cancers. The most active compounds (31−33, 40) demonstrated strong cytotoxic effects with ED50 values in the micromolar or submicromolar range in most of the tumor cell lines. The most cytotoxic compounds inhibited tubulin polymerization at concentrations substoichiometric to the tubulin concentration. The most potent inhibitors of polymerization (40, 42, 43) had effects comparable to those of the potent antimitotic natural products podophy...
Chemoenzymatic synthesis and incorporation of l-2-quinoxalylalanine into a tandem β-turn peptide motif

Abstract l -2-Quinoxalylalanine was synthesized chemoenzymatically and incorporated through solid-phase peptide synthesis at both termini of one repeat unit of the carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II. The resulting structure closely resembles members of the quinoxaline class of bis-intercalating antitumor antibiotics and may eventually assist in probing the DNA binding mechanism of the CTD.
Comparison of yearling, two‐year‐old and adult Thoroughbreds using a standardised exercise test

The purpose of this study was to compare exercise measurements in yearling, two-year-old and adult Thoroughbreds using a standardised treadmill incremental exercise test. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak: 128.0 +/- 2.1, 140.0 +/- 2.1, 163.7 +/- 3.4; ml/kg/min +/- se, P less than 0.05), peak packed cell volume (PCV peak: 0.50 +/- 0.01, 0.58 +/- 0.01, 0.64 +/- 0.01 litres/litre +/- se, P less than 0.05) and the maximum number of steps completed in the exercise test (STEPmax: 7.7 +/- 0.1, 8.1 +/- 0.1, 8.6 +/- 0.1; steps +/- se, P less than 0.05) increased with age and degree of physical activity. Peak venous lactate concentration (LACpeak: 21.3 +/- 1.5, 19.5 +/- 1.7, 14.4 +/- 1.7; mmol/litre +/- se, P less than 0.05) and peak respiratory exchange ratio (Rpeak) were significantly higher in both groups of younger horses compared to the adult racehorses. Peak heart rate (HRpeak: 230 +/- 2, 231 +/- 3, 229 +/- 3; beats/min +/- se) did not change with age or training. The rate of change of VO2 between steps in the exercise test (VO2trans) was significantly lower in the adult racehorses at the highest exercise intensities. The slopes of the linear approximation between R (LinR bx), the natural log transformation of venous lactate concentration (LogLAC bx), and heart rate (HR bx) with velocity were significantly lower in the trained adult racehorses. The slope of venous lactate concentration normalised to per cent VO2peak (LogLAC per cent bx) was significantly lower and R breakpoint (R brkpt) normalised to per cent VO2peak was significantly higher in the trained adult racehorses. There was a more rapid decrease in venous lactate and a more rapid return to initial R values in the adult horses relative to the younger, untrained horses. No significant age or training effects were found in the remainder of the post exercise measurements. These results indicate that aerobic power and exercise capacity increased with age and training. Anaerobic power was already well developed even at a young age.
Blanching Effects on the Chemical Composition and the Cellular Distribution of Pectins in Carrots

Carrots were blanched using 4 time-temperature combinations. Galacturonic acid and sugar contents of pectin extracts were determined, and immunocytochemistry experiments clucidated changes in the cell membrane. Blanching decreased galacturonic acid and total sugar contents for all treatments. Carrots subjected to high-temperature short-time (HTST) blanching contained more total galacturonic acid and total sugars in pectins than carrots blanched for a long time at low temperatures (LTLT). Similar trends were observed for methylated pectin and neutral sugars. Immunocytochemistries showed separation of the 3-way junction of cell walls, and LTLT-blanched carrots showed higher levels of JIM 7-labeled pectin (1.6 × 10 -4 particles/nm 3 ) than HTST-treated carrots (5.9 × 10 -3 particles/nm 2 ).
Integrated continuous microfluidic liquid–liquid extraction

We describe continuous flow liquid–liquid phase separation in microfluidic devices based on capillary forces and selective wetting surfaces. Effective liquid–liquid phase separation is achieved by using a thin porous fluoropolymer membrane that selectively wets non-aqueous solvents, has average pore sizes in the 0.1–1 µm range, and has a high pore density for high separation throughput. Pressure drops throughout the microfluidic network are modelled and operating regimes for the membrane phase separator are determined based on hydrodynamic pressure drops and capillary forces. A microfluidic extraction device integrating mixing and phase separation is realized by using silicon micromachining. Modeling of the phase separator establishes the operating limits. The device is capable of completely separating several organic–aqueous and fluorous–aqueous liquid–liquid systems, even with high fractions of partially miscible compounds. In each case, extraction is equivalent to one equilibrium extraction stage.
Self-catalytic solution for single-crystal nanowire and nanotube growth

Vast majority of nanowires is grown by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), metal-organic CVD (MOCVD), or the laser ablation method via the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) route. Others are grown via the oxide-assisted route. In this investigation a self-catalytic synthesis route based on VLS formalism and suitable for the CVD, MBE, MOCVD, or the laser ablation method has been described. Various issues pertaining to growth kinetics, nanowire alignment, diameter distribution, and nanotube formation have been addressed. The strength of the self-catalytic route has been highlighted. As this route does not make use of foreign element catalytic agents to mediate the synthesis, it suffers from difficulties. Attempts have been made to elucidate means to overcome these difficulties. Attempts have also been made to explain the means to separate the nanowires thus produced from the substrate/scaffold, and to control their physicochemical characteristics.
FLEXGene repository: from sequenced genomes to gene repositories for high-throughput functional biology and proteomics

The vast amount of information generated by the human genome sequencing project and related projects has given rise to a new paradigm in experimental biology. This new paradigm invokes the experimentation and data analysis at genome-wide scales, as well as the generation of new technologies and resources that take full advantage of the available sequence information. The Institute of Proteomics at Harvard Medical School is building a comprehensive, characterized, arrayed and flexible gene repository that will allow full exploitation of the genomic information by enabling functional genomics as well as protein expression, purification and analysis at genome wide scale. The FLEXGene repository (Full Length EXpression-ready) will contain clones representing the complete set of open reading frames (ORFs) of different organisms including H. sapiens and several pathogens and model organisms. The clones are constructed using recombination-based cloning technology so that hundreds or thousands of coding regions can be transferred into any expression vector in a parallel and timely mode, allowing the broadest variety of experiments to be carried out.
N-Heterocyclic Carbenes for the Organocatalytic Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone

We report the synthesis of poly(e-caprolactone) utilizing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysts. Sterically unencumbered NHCs were found to be highly effective for the living ring-opening polymerization of e-caprolactone under mild conditions. The NHCs were able to produce poly(e-caprolactone)s with controlled molecular weights, low polydispersities, and well-defined end groups derived from the alcohol initiator. Star-shaped poly(e-caprolactone)s with three and four arms were prepared using NHC organocatalysts and characterized by 1H NMR and GPC.
Mapping Moroccan Literature: The Spatial Practices of Modernity in 'Abdelmajīd Ben Jallūn's Fī al-Tufūla

This article addresses 'Abdelmajīd Ben Jallūn's 1956 autobiographical novel Fī al-Tufūla from the perspective of the spatial theories of the French cultural geographer Henri Lefebvre. Ben Jallūn spent his early childhood in England and brought the sociospatial practices of 20th-century Britain—what Lefebvre would term "abstract space"—to Morocco with him, where he encounters a profoundly different set of sociospatial practices. The paper describes these Moroccan practices and defines them as "labyrinthine space" by examining the differences Ben Jallūn's childhood alter ego encounters when trying to make his way through the city and receive an education. As he grows into adolescence, Ben Jallūn adapts to the labyrinthine spaces of traditional Islamic culture in Morocco and creates a hybrid space of his own; this enables him to have a bird's-eye view of the nascent Moroccan literary scene. He uses this space and the perspective it provides him to create a map of Moroccan literature and in effect creates the idea of "Moroccan literature" as opposed to literatures by authors from various Moroccan cities. Yet this act is itself a political act, an accrual of power to Ben Jallūn.
Di-tert-butylmethylsilyl (DTBMS) trifluoromethanesulfonate. Preparation and synthetic applications of DTBMS esters and enol ethers

Summary DTBMS triflate, readily available from dichloromethylsilane, provides carboxylic esters which resist reduction by hydridoaluminate or acid catalyzed hydrolysis, and vinylogous esters (enol ethers of hydroxymethylene ketones) which resist 1,4-addition of methyllithium.
Socioeconomic Differentials in Health: A Review and Redirection

The social structure and personality perspective provides a theoretical and analytical framework for understanding the persisting association between socioeconomic status (SES) and health outcomes. Current research suggests that health behaviors, stress, social ties, and attitudinal orientations are critical links between social structure and health status. These psychosocial factors are linked more strongly to health status than is medical care and are related systematically to SES. The social distributions of these factors represent the patterned response of social groups to the conditions imposed on them by social structure. Accordingly the elimination of inequalities in health status ultimately may require changes not only in psychosocial factors or health care delivery, but also in socioeconomic conditions. Research is needed that will identify the criticalfeatures of SES which determine health, delineate the mechanisms and processes whereby social stratification produces disease, and specify the psychological and interpersonal processes that can intensify or mitigate the effects of social structure.
Short‐ and long‐term effectiveness of enteral and parenteral nutrition in reversing or preventing protein‐energy malnutrition in advanced neuroblastoma a prospective randomized study

The effectiveness of enteral and parenteral nutrition regimens in preventing or reversing protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and in preventing treatment delays was evaluated in 32 children receiving treatment for newly diagnosed Stage III (3 patients) and IV (29 patients) neuroblastoma. Ten of 18 malnourished patients were randomized to central parenteral nutrition (CPN) and 8 to peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) plus enteral nutrition for 4 weeks and then received enteral nutrition (EN: intense nutrition counselling, oral foods and supplements) for weeks 5 through 10. Ten of 14 nourished patients received EN and 4 CPN for 4 weeks and EN thereafter. Dietary, anthropometric and biochemical measurements were determined for weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10 for 24 patients who completed the protocols. In malnourished patients, both CPN (seven patients) and PPN (seven patients) were effective in reversing PEM in the first 4 weeks; thereafter, EN effectively maintained nutritional gains in both groups. In nourished patients, EN (seven patients) was not as effective as CPN (three patients) in preventing PEM during the first 4 weeks; afterwards, EN maintained gains in the CPN group but did not promote needed increases in weight nor fat reserves in the EN group. Patients supported by parenteral nutrition (PN, weeks 1-4) had fewer treatment delays (2/17, 12%) than EN patients (4/7, 57%, P less than 0.05). These data indicate that PN reverses or prevents PEM and prevents treatment delays during the first 4 weeks of intense oncologic treatment and provides nutritional benefits which can be maintained with EN thereafter.
Validation of an isocratic HPLC method to detect 2-fluoro-β-alanine for the analysis of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity

The efficacy of the chemotherapeutic drug 5'-fluorouracil is reduced by catabolism to 2'-fluoro-beta-alanine (FBAL), a three-step reaction in which dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) catalyzes the rate-limiting step. To study in vitro DPD activity, we developed and validated an isocratic, reverse-phase HPLC method to detect and quantify FBAL without using multiple columns or radiolabeled substrates. Pre-column derivatization of FBAL was performed using o-phthalaldehyde in the presence of two sulfur donors, ethanthiol or beta-mercaptoethanol, and the resulting products assayed. Calibration curves were linear over a range of 10-200 microg/ml and the method was successfully applied to the examination of DPD activity in cultured cells.
How often are atrial septal defects associated with thromboembolism? When should they be looked for?

In the absence of other causative conditions, an atrial septal defect may be presumed to be the underlying cause of a stroke, especially in younger patients.
Nuclear envelope-chloroplast relationships in algae.

In Ochromonas danica and two related species (Chrysophyceae) and in Rhodomonas lens and Cryptomonas sp. (Cryptophyceae), the chloroplast is surrounded by an outer double-membraned envelope which lies outside the usual double-membraned chloroplast envelope. At the borders of the area where the chloroplast lies adjacent to the nucleus, this outer envelope is continuous with the outer membrane of the nuclear envelope as a double-membraned outfolding, so that the entire chloroplast in these species lies within a double-membraned sac, one wall of which is the nuclear envelope. In Olisthodiscus sp. (Chrysophyceae ?), each of the small peripheral chloroplasts is surrounded by a similar double-membraned outer envelope, but in this species no connections with the nuclear envelope were observed. In the Ochromonadaceae, a characteristic array of tubules is present within the sac in the narrow space which separates the chloroplast from the nucleus. In the other species studied, tubules are present at places between the chloroplast envelope and the outer envelope. In the Cryptophyceae, the starch grains lie outside the chloroplast envelope, but within the outer double-membraned sac. A double-membraned outer envelope appears to be present outside the chloroplasts of the Phaeophyta and Euglenophyta, but seems to be absent in the other groups of algae.
Successful Management of Prolonged γ‐Hydroxybutyrate and Alcohol Withdrawal

A 27-year-old man was admitted with tremulousness, diaphoresis, tachypnea (28 breaths/min), full-body rigidity, irritability, paranoia, and auditory and visual hallucinations 2 days after stopping long-term gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and 8 hours after stopping alcohol intake. He received intravenous fluids and tapering dosages of lorazepam to control agitation and rigidity, and recovered with no significant sequelae after 8 days. Abrupt cessation of GHB after high-dosage abuse can precipitate a clinically significant withdrawal syndrome. Lorazepam should be considered for treatment of GHB withdrawal. Concomitant alcohol abuse may mask early GHB withdrawal symptoms and exacerbate withdrawal.
Optimal treatments for hyperpigmentation

The current treatment of hyperpigmentation relies on multiple modalities to achieve satisfactory cosmetic results. Patients are savvy consumers who often present to physicians asking about the latest treatments and breakthroughs. By combining topical bleaching agents, chemical peels, laser therapy, and adequate photo-protection, many pigmentary disorders can be successfully treated. A review of recent trials and new technologies will be discussed.
An application of a diabetes knowledge scale for low-literate Hispanic/Latinos.

Purpose. The threefold purpose of this study is to assess diabetes knowledge among Hispanic/Latinos attending a culturally sensitive, empowerment-based, diabetes self-management education program; second, to examine the utility of the Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy in Diabetes (SKILLD) scale as an assessment tool for this population; and third, to assess the relationship between hemoglobin A1C and knowledge improvement in the intervention group. Method. A prospective, quasi-experimental, repeated-measure design tested pre- and post-A1C and diabetes knowledge using the SKILLD scale. The sample consisted of 71 in the intervention group and 64 controls. Results. Most participants were female, marginally acculturated, and, on average, 60 years of age. Both groups were similar in baseline diabetes knowledge score (median 6 out of 10), and higher literacy was significantly related to increased baseline knowledge. The intervention group significantly improved at follow-up compared with the controls: Participan...
Quantitative and qualitative comparison of low-temperature, heat-activated cooling systems

This paper compares the quantitative and qualitative performances of three different heat-activated cooling systems, e.g. a silica-gel water adsorption system, a LiBr-H2 O absorption system, and a desiccant air system. Each of these systems can be utilized at relatively low heat source temperatures, but it is unclear which of these systems is best suited to what range of heat source temperature. Our study explores answers to this question by generating quantitative results comparing their relative thermal performance, i.e. COP and refrigeration capacity, and a qualitative comparison based on the size, maturity of technology, safe operation, etc. Each of these systems is assumed to work under the following operating conditions: a condensing temperature of 29 °C, an evaporating temperature of 19 °C, a hot water temperature range of 40-120 °C, and a hot water mass flow rate of 0.4 kg/sec. Individual mathematical models are developed for each system and numerically solved using different techniques. In order to provide a fair comparison between the fundamentally different systems, a UA (overall heat transfer coefficient multiplied by the heat transfer area) value of 1.0 kW/ °C is considered for the heat exchanger that transfers heat from the supplied hot water. Furthermore, to compare systems of similar size, the mass of silica gel in adsorption and desiccant system and mass of LiBr-H2 O solution in absorption system were specified such that each system provides the same amount of refrigeration (8.0 kW) at a source temperature of 90 °C. It is found that the absorption and adsorption cooling systems have a higher refrigeration capacity at heat source temperatures below 90 °C, while the desiccant air system outperforms the others at temperatures above 90 °C.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
VBF board election.

MEMBERS of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) are invited to apply to serve on its board. The VBF is the sole charity devoted to providing personal health, welfare and financial support to veterinary professionals through Vet Helpline, the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme, a benevolent fund and the Vetlife website. The VBF is independent of all other veterinary organisations and is managed by a board of 12 elected directors, all of whom are veterinary surgeons. The charity employs a …
Changing psychic structure through treatment: criteria for change.

Abstract The author outlines his clinical observations during the "middle game" of psychoanalysis, leading to recognition that structural change is taking place. "Middle game," "structure," process, and content are defined and critically discussed. Illustrative clinical vignettes are offered. The presentation emphasizes the importance of an active and resolving transference "struggle"; in addition, more traditionally noted criteria are briefly touched on, e.g., development of observing ego and treatment alliance, changes in dream function and communication, and the reviewing of the neurosis and transference during the termination phase as instances of mourning and working through. The concept of optimal psychobiological function in the service of a homeostatic principle is discussed.
Sexual abuse in patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

Few studies have documented the extent and nature of sexual abuse among women who later come to treatment for anorexia nervosa or bulimia. This comparison study reports on a sample of 158 patients admitted to an eating-disorder unit, of whom 60 gave a history of sexual abuse, compared to 98 with no history of abuse. Fifty percent of the anorexic and bulimic patients had suffered sexual abuse, compared to only 28% of patients admitted with other eating-disorder diagnoses; this was a significant difference (p
The Virtuous Social Worker: The Role of “Thirdness” in Ethical Decision Making

The meaning of the term empathy has been refined in the last few decades. The updated understanding of the term impacts the understanding of the social worker–client relationship. The nature and me...
Mariner 10 - Mercury atmosphere

Reduction of data from the three Mariner 10 encounters to this date have allowed identification of helium and hydrogen as atmospheric constituents. Subsolar point densities are estimated at 4500 per cu cm for He and 8 per cu cm for the thermal component of H. A nonthermal component in H with a scale height of about 70 km has been observed near the limb off the subsolar point, providing a total apparent number density of 90 per cu cm. Upper limits on other atmospheric constituents have been reduced an order of magnitude. A very tentative identification of O has been obtained but the uncertainty is large and we require further data reduction for confirmation.
Locating Idle Vehicles in Tandem-Loop Automated Guided Vehicle Systems to Minimize the Maximum Response Time

An automated guided vehicle (AGV) system is a group of collaborating unmanned vehicles which is commonly used for transporting materials within manufacturing, warehousing, or distribution systems. The performance of an AGV system depends on the dispatching rules used to assign vehicles to pickup requests, the vehicle routing protocols, and the home location of idle vehicles, which are called dwell points. In manufacturing and distribution environments which emphasize just-in-time principles, performance measures for material handling are based on response times for pickup requests and equipment utilization. In an AGV system, the response time for a pickup request is the time that it takes for the vehicle to travel from its dwell point to the pickup station. In this article, an exact dynamic programming algorithm for selecting dwell points in a tandemloop multiple-vehicle AGV system is presented. The objective of the model is to minimize the maximum response time for all pickup requests in a given shift. The recursive algorithm considers time restrictions on the availability of vehicles during the shift.
Surgical management of eustachian tube dysfunction and its importance in middle ear effusion.

One of otology9s most significant advances in this century has been the reintroduction by Armstrong1 of the concept and the technique for restoration of middle ear ventilation. Previous attempts by such legendary otologists as Toynbee2 and Politzer3 had been ineffective and short-lived. The consequences of ineffective ventilation of the tympanum have plagued otologists for many years. In many instances, adequate ventilation of the tympanum can be accomplished by appropriate medical management. In others it is necessary to ventilate the tympanum by maintaining a tympanic membrane perforation with a ventilating tube. Problem Otologists are confronted daily with patients whose ears are not functioning optimally because of poor middle ear ventilation and/or middle ear fluid. The middle ear fluid may persist as the residual from a middle ear infection which has not yet been completely treated. (Complete treatment would necessarily require restoration of hearing and eradication of fluid.) It has been estimated that 10% of patients with acute suppurative otitis media treated with appropriate antibiotics and oral or topical nasal vasoconstrictors, with or without initial myringotomy, have residual middle ear fluid.4 Recent data suggest that children with persistent otoscopic, tympanometric, and audiologic changes have restricted development of some auditory processing skills as well as distortion of integrational patterns.5 This was found even when the hearing loss for speech frequencies averaged only 30 dB. In addition to persistent middle ear fluid, otologists are concerned about middle ear vacuum associated with hearing loss or with middle ear atelectasis. The atelectasis is an especially disturbing problem because it is part of a continuum which may progress from asymptomatic middle ear vacuum through varying degrees of reversible atelectasis to irreversible atelectasis or adhesive otitis media (Figure).
Dung Beetle Communities and Seed Dispersal in Primary Forest and Disturbed Land in Amazonia1

Seeds from tropical fruiting trees ingested and defecated on the soil surface by primary dispersers (such as primates) are vulnerable to destruction from rodents, insects, and fungi. Burial by dung beetles as an incidental result of their feeding and nesting activities often provides these seeds with refugia from attack. To examine the effect of habitat disturbance on the dung beetle communities involved in this process, I surveyed dung beetles at three sites in the Amazon basin, in the states of Para, Amazonas, and Rondonia, Brazil. Through principal component analysis on measurements of size and behavioral characters of beetles, I determined the relative quality of beetle species as seed dispersers (dispersal defined as horizontal or vertical movement of seeds) and ranked them into seed dispersal guilds. I used correspondence analysis to examine in what habitats (primary forest or varying degrees of disturbed habitat) these guilds were abundant. Most guilds decreased with increasing habitat disturbance, but one guild made up of large nocturnal burrowers (primarily Dichotomius) became more abundant with increasing disturbance (up to the level of highest disturbance surveyed), at which point all dung beetle species became scarce. Clear-cuts had lower species richness, lower abundance, and lower biomass than forested areas. These results imply that clear-cutting is detrimental to all seed dispersal dynamics in tropical rain forests, but that some levels of disturbance allow enough disperser activity to preserve this ecosystem function.
Microwave-Assisted Iodination: Synthesis of Heavily Iodinated 10-Vertex and 12-Vertex Boron Clusters

Microwave-assisted syntheses of heavily iodinated 10-vertex and 12-vertex closo boron clusters are reported. Salts of closo-B10I102−, 1-carba-closo-CHB9H4I5−, 1-carba-closo-CB11H6I6−, 1-carba-closo-CHB11I11−, and B12I122− were prepared in yields of 80% or better. All molecules were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The crystal structure of [Et4N][CHB9H4I5] was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. This salt crystallizes in the monoclinic P2(1)/c space group, a = 9.74427(12) A, b = 20.7512(2) A, c = 13.06589(17) A, b = 101.2176(12)°, V = 2591.52(6) A3, Z = 4, and rc = 2.262 g/cm3.
Regulation of L-selectin-dependent hydrodynamic shear thresholding by leukocyte deformability and shear dependent bond number.

BACKGROUND During inflammation leukocyte attachment to the blood vessel wall is augmented by capture of near-wall flowing leukocytes by previously adherent leukocytes. Adhesive interactions between flowing and adherent leukocytes are mediated by L-selectin and P-selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1 (PSGL-1) co-expressed on the leukocyte surface and ultimately regulated by hydrodynamic shear thresholding. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that leukocyte deformability is a significant contributory factor in shear thresholding and secondary capture. METHODS Cytochalasin D (CD) was used to increase neutrophil deformability and fixation was used to reduce deformability. Neutrophil rolling on PSGL-1 coated planar surfaces and collisions with PSGL-1 coated microbeads were analyzed using high-speed videomicroscopy (250 fps). RESULTS Increased deformability led to an increase in neutrophil rolling flux on PSGL-1 surfaces while fixation led to a decrease in rolling flux. Abrupt drops in flow below the shear threshold resulted in extended release times from the substrate for CD-treated neutrophils, suggesting increased bond number. In a cell-microbead collision assay lower flow rates were correlated with briefer adhesion lifetimes and smaller adhesive contact patches. CONCLUSIONS Leukocyte deformation may control selectin bond number at the flow rates associated with hydrodynamic shear thresholding. Model analysis supported a requirement for both L-selectin catch-slip bond properties and multiple bond formation for shear thresholding.
Segmentation of fat in MRI using a preparatory pair of rectangular RF pulses of opposite direction

A radiofrequency (RF) pulse-based MRI method is introduced as a novel fat (or water) segmentation method that, unlike the mostly used Dixon's method, does not depend on the echo times. A pair of rectangular RF pulses of opposite direction, when the duration of its rectangular pulse and the off-resonance of its carrier frequency are set to specific values, is proposed as a preparatory RF pulse to be used for the quantitative fat segmentation. The optimal duration of its rectangular pulse and its specific off-resonance were first determined theoretically. Then, such pair of rectangular pulses of opposite direction (PROD pulse) was applied in imaging a few phantoms and volunteers. During the imaging experiments, MRI images were dynamically acquired with the PROD pulse while its carrier frequency was varied in a predefined off-resonance range. By analyzing the dynamically acquired signal changes, the theoretical properties of the PROD pulse were confirmed and the utility of the PROD pulse for the fat segmentation was verified. All MRI scans were performed in a clinical 3T system. The PROD pulse, if the duration of each rectangular pulse was set to 1.66ms and its carrier frequency was set to a specific off-resonance (e.g. ±223.5Hz, or -670.5Hz) in 3T, was effective in optimally modulating MRI signals to be used for the fat-water segmentation. Therefore, the PROD pulse can successfully be used as a preparatory RF pulse in MRI to achieve effective fat (or water) segmentation in MRI.
The Quest for Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field within computer science that is attempting to build enhanced intelligence into computer systems. This book traces the history of the subject, from the early dreams of eighteenth-century (and earlier) pioneers to the more successful work of today's AI engineers. AI is becoming more and more a part of everyone's life. The technology is already embedded in face-recognizing cameras, speech-recognition software, Internet search engines, and health-care robots, among other applications. The book's many diagrams and easy-to-understand descriptions of AI programs will help the casual reader gain an understanding of how these and other AI systems actually work. Its thorough (but unobtrusive) end-of-chapter notes containing citations to important source materials will be of great use to AI scholars and researchers. This book promises to be the definitive history of a field that has captivated the imaginations of scientists, philosophers, and writers for centuries.
Some recollections of Charlie Spielberger.

Although he was Charles D. Spielberger in his articles and books, he was Charlie to most of the people who knew him. This article is about Charlie, a person I got to know in 1951 and with whom I co...
INfFLUENCE OF N UT'RIENTS AND SUBSTRATA ON FORMATION OF STRANDS AND SCLEROTIA BY PHYMATOTRICHUM OMNIVORUM1

Phymatotrichum omnivorum formed strands moderately on agar or Gila silt loam soil augmented with Bonner-Addicott solution. No. 70 medium of Ezekiel et al. supported strand formation on soil but not on agar. Strand formation was inhibited by the high concentrations of phosphate and potassium in these media and also by a basal medium which contained dextrose, asparagine, peptone, and MgSO4. Variations in content of nitrogen in the media did not affect strand formation. Branch hyphae formed but failed to aggregate around central hyphae when concentrations of P and K were increased. Subsequent formation of sclerotia along strands occurred only on the surface of soil where the diameter of strands reached 100-300 um in 16-20 da.
The Effect of Thermal Annealing of Au Contacts on 6h-Sic and 4h-Sic

The annealing effects of gold contacts on SiC single crystal substrates have been investigated using SPM and XPS/AES. Ultra-thin Au films with thicknesses of 30 A and 150 A, respectively, were fabricated onto both 4H- and 6H-SiC substrates via rf sputtering. The Au/SiC systems were then undergone a series of annealing with temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 400 °C. This study reveals that the sputtering system can generally produce a thin film of uniformly distributed nano-meter sized granular particles. The size of the particles increases with both the thickness of the ultra-thin film and annealing temperature. The thicker Au film revealed pin-hole damages after 300 °C annealing and severe cracking and spalling after 400 °C. However, the thinner Au film only demonstrated the increase of particle sizes. The atomic ratio of gold to silicon in the surface region decreases with the increase of annealing temperature, which indicates the diffusion of gold into silicon carbide. No significant changes of the Schottky barrier heights have been found for Au contacts onto both 6H- and 4H-SiC in the annealing temperature range. After the 400 °C annealing, a noticeable SiO 2 /SiO x , peak was unveiled in the XPS spectra.
Need for instruction in entrepreneurial journalism: Perspective of full-time freelancers

ABSTRACTRecent moves by journalism programmes to create convergence skills curricula may fall short of helping students to land jobs after they graduate. Students face dwindling prospects of full-time work as employees of news organizations, and that raises the question of whether programmes should teach them to generate their own work. For this study, freelance journalists were surveyed on their perspectives about whether journalism programmes should deliver instruction in entrepreneurial journalism. Most respondents exemplified the shifting career patterns now evident in journalism, as just over three-fourths of them held full-time media or communication jobs prior to their self-employment. Yet, when asked if their college journalism professors had discussed the career option of freelancing or instructed them in how to earn money freelancing, most said this ‘never’ or ‘rarely’ happened. Today, most say that such instruction should occur in order to better prepare student journalists for some of the obst...
Oriental Fruit Moth Parasites in Michigan

A report on the activity of the native parasites of Grapholitha molesta Busck in Michigan orchards since 1929. Data are presented showing an average parasitism of 30 per cent for a period of three years. Twenty-one species of parasites have been reared, .82 per cent of which were Glypta rufiscutellaris Cress. Considerable seasonal variation in the fruit moth population is shown, apparently not closely correlated with the activity of the parasites.
Enhanced collisionless shock formation in a magnetized plasma containing a density gradient.

Two-dimensional hybrid simulations of super-Alfv\'enic expanding debris plasma interacting with an inhomogeneous ambient plasma are presented. The simulations demonstrate improved collisionless coupling of energy to the ambient ions when encountering a density gradient. Simulations of an expanding cylinder running into a step function gradient are performed and compared to a simple analytical theory. Magnetic flux probe data from a laboratory shock experiment are compared to a simulation with a more realistic debris expansion and ambient ion density. The simulation confirms that a shock is formed and propagates within the high density region of ambient plasma.
On the Origins of Vortex Shedding in Two-dimensional Incompressible Flows.

An exegesis of a novel mechanism leading to vortex splitting and subsequent shedding that is valid for two-dimensional incompressible, inviscid or viscous, and external or internal or wall-bounded flows, is detailed in this research. The mechanism, termed the vortex shedding mechanism (VSM) is simple and intuitive, requiring only two coincident conditions in the flow: (1) the existence of a location with zero momentum and (2) the presence of a net force having a positive divergence. Numerical solutions of several model problems illustrate causality of the VSM. Moreover, the VSM criteria is proved to be a necessary and sufficient condition for a vortex splitting event in any two-dimensional, incompressible flow. The VSM is shown to exist in several canonical problems including the external flow past a circular cylinder. Suppression of the von Karman vortex street is demonstrated for Reynolds numbers of 100 and 400 by mitigating the VSM.