cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Weight loss intervention for individuals with high internal disinhibition: design of the Acceptance Based Behavioral Intervention (ABBI) randomized controlled trial.

Obesity is public health problem associated with significant health risks and healthcare costs. Behavioral weight control programs produce clinically meaningful weight losses, however outcomes have high variability and maintenance continues to be a problem. The current study is an NIH-funded randomized clinical trial testing a novel approach, Acceptance-Based Behavioral Intervention (ABBI), that combines techniques from standard behavioral treatment (SBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We test this approach among individuals reporting high internal disinhibition who typically respond poorly to standard interventions and appear to benefit from ACT components. The ABBI study targets recruitment of 160 overweight or obese adults (BMI of 25–50) who report that they overeat in response to negative emotional states. These individuals are randomly assigned to either (1) ABBI or (2) SBT. Both interventions involve weekly meetings for 22 sessions, bi-weekly for 6 sessions, and then monthly for 3 sessions and both receive the same calorie intake target (1200–1800, depending on starting weight), exercise goal (work up to 250 min per week), and self-monitoring skills training. SBT incorporates current best practice interventions for addressing problematic thoughts and emotions, sometimes called “change” or “control” strategies. ABBI uses acceptance-based techniques based on ACT. Full assessments occur at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Weight loss from baseline to 18 months is the primary outcome. The ABBI study is unique in its focus on integrating acceptance-based techniques into a SBT intervention and targeting a group of individuals with problems with emotional overeating who might experience particular benefit from this novel approach. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01461421 (registered October 25, 2011)
Manipulation of Cloned Yeast DNA

A major advantage of working with yeast is the ability to replace the wild-type chromosomal copy of a gene with a mutant derivative that is constructed in vitro using a cloned copy of the gene. This technique unavailable in most other eukaryotes allows the phenotype of the mutation to be studied under accurate in vivo conditions, with the mutation present in single copy at its normal chromosomal location. In the first protocol, a plasmid harboring both a selectable marker and a cloned gene of interest is integrated at the chromosomal location of the cloned gene via homologous recombination (integrative transformation). Four methods are described for constructing a mutation in vitro in a cloned gene and reintroducing this mutation at the correct chromosomal site. This allows assessment of the genetic consequences of a mutation, and is often used to determine whether or not a gene is essential (by determining if a complete gene deletion is viable). Two of these techniques integrative disruption and one-step gene disruption generate either insertion or deletion mutations. The third technique transplacement is more generally applicable: it can be used to introduce insertion or deletion mutations containing a selectable marker, but it can also be used to introduce nonselectable mutations, such as conditional lethal mutations in an essential gene. Protocols are also provided to allow creation of modified genes by one-step integrative replacement, and also conditional alleles by a copper-inducible double-shutoff procedure.
Safety Concerns in Automatic Control of Heavy-Duty Articulated Vehicles

This paper discusses safety issues of heavy-duty vehicles under automatic steering control. The paper analyzes some fundamental control issues that have to be treated in the transition from a human driver to an automated control system, and focuses on the role of lateral stability as the critical issue to guarantee vehicle safety in both tracking and emergency scenarios. Tire force saturation and steer angle limit are emphasized as the most important nonlinear effects that must be thoroughly understood in developing appropriate controls. Simplified piecewise linear characteristics are proposed for use in design models. A simple differential brake control is formulated to show its effect on reducing trailer swing. The differential brake works towards integrating the effects to control the lateral dynamics, with brake action and steering determined by the road condition as well.
Longitudinal maneuvering control for automated highway systems based on a magnetic reference/sensing system

A reliable estimation algorithm for the absolute velocity of a vehicle has been required in studies by California PATH (Partners for Advanced Transit and Highways) to design stable and robust controller for a vehicle for intelligent vehicle highway systems (IVHS). This paper investigates the feasibility of using magnetic markers, already presented for lateral vehicle guidance in IVHS, for estimating vehicle position and velocity. In this paper, the use of a hybrid observer is proposed. Vehicle longitudinal motion control based on magnetic markers is also considered and evaluated by simulations.
Making a Difference: The Contractual Contributions of Easterbrook and Fischel

George Stigler reportedly once toasted Milton Friedman by saying: "Milton, if you hadn't been born, it wouldn't have made any difference." This multi-edged compliment might have implied that even if Friedman had not been born, the market place of ideas would have supplied his analysis.' Judge Frank Easterbrook and Professor Daniel Fischel do not have the same faith in the market place of ideas for corporate law. Their view instead is that academics (and regulators) "are rewarded for novel rather than accurate beliefs" (p 208). Academics face weaker motivations than market participants because they don't suffer if they lobby for inefficient rules.2 Given these weakened incentives, the publication of The Economic Structure of Corporate Law is an especially noteworthy accomplishment. Easterbrook and Fischel have made a difference in our understanding of corporate law. By illuminating the economic structure of corporate decisions, their book provides a pow-
Measurement of the Cyanophycin Granule Polypeptide Contained in the Blue-Green Alga Anabaena cylindrica

An assay was developed to determine the amount of cyanophycin granules in blue-green algae. The amount of this polypeptide in cells of Anabaena cylindrica was measured as a function of culture age and was compared with changes in other proteinaceous cellular components. The data presented support the notion that the cyanophycin granule is a cellular nitrogen reserve.
A Knowledge-based Theory of the Firm - A Problem-solving Perspective

Knowledge-based theorists have developed two primary arguments to explain the existence of firms: one based on avoiding knowledge transfer and the other based on facilitating knowledge transfer. These arguments are not only contradictory, but also fail to predict when hierarchies supplant markets and when markets prevail. This paper develops a knowledge-based theory of governance choice that addresses these shortcomings by explaining how knowledge formation needs, described by various solution landscapes, dictate governance selection. Governance modes of market, authority-based hierarchy, and consensus-based hierarchy are prominently featured in the theoretical analysis.
Imipramine-mediated effects on levodopa metabolism in man

Abstract The effect of imipramine (IMP) on levodopa ( l -dopa) metabolism was studied in four normal subjects. IMP pretreatment for 3 consecutive days prior to the administration of 500 mg l -dopa moderately decreased the urinary excretion of dopa. Similarly, IMP pretreatment decreased the urinary excretion of dopamine, norepinephrine and their major acid metabolites. In contrast, IMP pretreatment decreased the urinary excretion of serotonin but increased the excretion of its major acid metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. The findings suggest that IMP-mediated decreased excretion of dopa and its metabolites studied is partially related to retarded gastrointestinal absorption of l -dopa and that IMP may alter the metabolic pathway of serotonin during l -dopa administration in man.
TU-E-BRB-07: An EPID Based Dosimetric Verification Tool for SBRT with High Dose Rate FFF Beams.

Purpose: The increasing use of unflattened high dose rate and/or small sized fields in stereotactic body radiosurgery(SBRT) presents a significant challenge and calls for new tools for dosimetric measurements and quality assurance (QA). The purpose of this work is to investigate a high spatial resolution (0.2mm) and high frame rate (50Hz) amorphous silicon flat‐panel electronic portal imaging device(EPID) from Perkin Elmer for SBRT.Methods: A Monte Carlo N‐Particle eXtended (MCNPX) simulation and convolution based calibration procedure has been developed to derive a voxel‐based response function specific to the EPID construct and beam characteristics. Both standard photon beams and flattening filter free (FFF) beams of all energies from Varian TrueBeam STX were studied and the linearity and dose rate dependence were tested. EPID with detailed materials composition was simulated using the MCNPX to generate a scatter kernel composed of dose deposition in the EPID phosphor, and optical photon spreading and to deconvolve the EPID images to high spatial resolutionphoton fluence map. The fluence map was convolved with MCNPX generated kernels to the 3D dose distribution in the phantom and compared with pinpoint ion chamber and film measurements. Results:EPID response showed excellent linearity (R2>0.9998) and dose rate dependence less than 1.8% for up to 2400MU/min. Output factors for field sizes ranging from 1×1 to 20×20cm2 were measured and used to fit the optical photon glare kernel. Fluence profiles deconvolved using MCNPX scattering kernel agrees with the measurements to within 2%. Results of typical pre‐treatment QA test exhibit excellent spatial resolution required for SBRT.Conclusions: The high spatial resolution and high frame rate EPID proved to be an accurate and efficient tool for SBRT QA. Through convolution with MCNPX scattering core and comprehensive EPIDcalibration, accurate 3D dose maps can be generated for independent dosimetric verification of SBRT treatments.
Simultaneous Tether Extraction from Endothelial Cells and Leukocytes: Observation, Mechanics, and Significance

It has been hypothesized, from earlier studies on single-tether extraction from individual leukocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, that during rolling of leukocytes on the endothelium, simultaneous extraction of membrane nanotubes (tethers) occurs, resulting in enhancement of the force decrease on the adhesive bond. In this study, using the micropipette aspiration technique and fluorescence microscopy, we show that tethers are indeed extracted simultaneously when an endothelial cell and a leukocyte are separated after brief contact and adhesion, and the endothelial cell contributes much more to the composite tether length. In addition, the constitutive relationship for simultaneous tether extraction is determined with neutrophils and T-lymphocytes as force transducers, and cytokine-stimulated human umbilical vein and dermal microvascular endothelial cells as substrates, respectively. This relationship is consistent with that derived theoretically from the constitutive equations for single-tether extraction from either cell alone. Moreover, we show that simultaneous tether extraction was likely terminated by receptor-ligand bond dissociation. With a biomechanical model of leukocyte rolling, we predict the force history of the adhesive receptor-ligand bond and show that it is remarkably similar for different leukocyte-endothelial cell pairs. Simultaneous tether extraction therefore represents a generic mechanism for stabilizing leukocyte rolling on the endothelium.
Alternative Donor Transplantation—“Mixing and Matching”: the Role of Combined Cord Blood and Haplo-Identical Donor Transplantation (Haplo-Cord SCT) as a Treatment Strategy for Patients Lacking Standard Donors?

In the past decade, haplo-cord stem cell transplantation (SCT) using myeloablative or reduced intensive conditioning regimens has been shown to result in reliable and fast engraftment of neutrophils and platelets comparable to HLA-matched donors and much faster than after cord stem cell transplant. Haplo-cord SCT also has a low incidence of early non-relapse mortality, low incidences of acute and chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), and excellent graft-vs-leukemia (GVL) effects. Favorable long-term outcomes for high-risk patients with hematologic malignancies have been reported, including older patients. Haplo-cord SCT will likely overcome the limitations of cell dose during cord stem cell selection and might significantly expand the use of cord stem cell transplant in the adult population. The comparable survival outcomes of matched related donor (MRD), matched unrelated donor (MUD), and haplo-cord stem cell transplant strongly argue that haplo-cord SCT should be considered as effective alternative stem cell transplant for high-risk patients lacking standard donors. Further improvement in supportive care and incorporation of a better understanding of the human fetal immune development into the haplo-cord SCT are required to further improve this strategy.
An Imperfect Competition Theory of the MNE

The multinational firm, as the central actor in international business, has been studied extensively across countries and intensively within companies. No single theoretical structure can deal with all important aspects of these firms. Nonetheless, some powerful explanatory tools such as the international product cycle and the transactions cost/internalization theory have shed substantial light on MNE activities. The imperfect competition theory presented here explains 6 major MNE decisions (for example, production location and market servicing methods) with a simple model, which can be extended to explore other important issues.
The Ponca tribe of Nebraska: the process of restoration of a federally terminated tribe

The Northern Ponca, a small Plains farming and hunting tribe were legislatively terminated as a federally recognized tribe in 1962. Less than a decade after their termination, they reorganized in an attempt to reverse this decision, and proceeded with legal action to restore their status as a federally recognized tribe. During the 30-year period during which their federal status was lost, their population dispersed, their economic status, health, and general welfare declined, and their ability to practice their culture diminished. This article documents their efforts to restore their federally recognized tribal status, which would enable them to resume eligibility for services to which other Native American tribes are entitled. Following a review of aboriginal Ponca culture and the history of their relations with the United States government, data on the contemporary Northern Ponca are presented. The complex process of achieving restoration is outlined, from the formation of a non-profit tribal corporatio...
Computable Linearizations of Well-partial-orderings

We analyze results on well-partial-orderings from the viewpoint of computability theory, and we answer a question posed by Diana Schmidt. We obtain the following results. De Jongh and Parikh showed that every well-partial-order has a linearization of maximal order type. We show that such a linearization can be found computably. We also show that the process of finding such a linearization is not computably uniform, not even hyperarithmetically.
Light scattering in halide glasses at high temperatures : anomalous scattering and nanoscale inhomogeneities

Abstract The intrinsic light scattering behavior of several halide glasses has been studied as a function of temperature from room temperature to beyond the glass transition temperature, Tg. The Landau-Placzek ratios and the Brillouin shifts and widths were obtained as a function of temperature. Anomalous scattering results were found in the glass transition region both for the Landau-Placzek ratios and the Brillouin shifts. These results are interpreted as evidence of the physical origin of the non-exponential character of structural relaxation kinetics and their relationship to thermally induced nanoscale inhomogeneities.
A low-drag nose-body

In the present investigation of the application of convex-curvature viscous drag reduction to an axisymmetric body, the qualification of a modified mixing-length formulation in several complex two-dimensional and axisymmetric turbulent boundary layers that are primarily curved is followed by the design of a low-drag nose-body for low drag at high subsonic speeds. The longitudinal distribution of the cross-sectional area ratio is found to be critical to boundary layer separation, requiring implementation not over a single long span of curvature but over three short spans. The possibility of a 'net' drag reduction is examined in relation to 'equivalent' nose-bodies.
ON THE IDENTIFICATION OF A LOGICAL INCONSISTENCY IN THE GENERAL THEORY OF CRIME

ABSTRACT Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime is widely tested and commented upon and just as widely misapprehended. Criminologists have paid insufficient attention to the implications of the theory's rootedness in classical criminological and rational choice principles and its steadfast rejection of positivism. As a result, much of the beauty of the theory remains unappreciated. A more serious consequence is that criminologists have overlooked what careful attention to the classical and rational choice underpinnings of the theory discloses: the logical inconsistency of two fundamental claims made by Gottfiredson and Hirschi. This paper shows that on pain of logical inconsistency one cannot simultaneously assert, as Gottfredson and Hirschi wish to do, that rational judgment is the ultimate causal determinant of behavior and that variation in parental management practices explains variation in self-control. The proof consists of a demonstration that parental management practices can explain va...
Methylene blue dye as an alternative to isosulfan blue dye for sentinel lymph node localization.

Background: Our study describes the use of methylene blue dye as an alternative to isosulfan blue dye to identify the sentinel lymph node (SLN). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 112 breast cancer patients (113 axillae) who underwent SLN biopsy (SLNB) with methylene blue dye and 99mTc-labeled sulfur colloid for SLN identification. All SLNs were submitted for intraoperative frozen section analysis, hematoxylin and eosin stain, and immunohistochemical evaluation. Patients with a pathologically negative SLN did not undergo further axillary lymph node dissection. Results: Of 112 patients who underwent SLNB, the SLN was identified in 107 (95.5%); 104 (92.8%) were identified by methylene blue dye. In a subset of 99 patients with recorded isotope status in relation to blue nodes, concordant identification with both dye and isotope was observed in 94 (94.9%). Of patients with identified SLNs, 32 (29.9%) of 107 contained metastatic disease, with 31 (96.9%) of 32 identified by methylene blue dye. The SLN was the only positive node in 18 (60.0%) of 30 patients. Conclusions: SLNB with methylene blue dye is an effective alternative to isosulfan blue dye for accurately identifying SLNs in breast cancer patients.
Mechanism of necking as revealed by ultrasonic cavitation of polyethylene single crystals

Abstract Ultrasonic cavitation of polyethylene single crystals and single-crystal aggregates in the form of cakes results in lamella fragmentation and necking involving the transformation of lamellar crystals into fibrillar crystals between 20 to 400 A in diameter. The smaller fibrils (∼20–30 A) have a very smooth appearance, whereas the larger ones (∼100–400 A) contain a beady structure about 100 A periodically spaced along the fibrils. The smoother microfibrils are suggested to contain extended chains that are formed by unfolding of molecules directly from the chain-folded lamellae as well as from the folded-chain crystals contained within the beady fibrils. The presence of the chain-folded crystals within the larger beady fibrils is shown in numerous instances to be due to incorporation of mosaic crystalline blocks originally present, but weakly connected to one another, in the lamellar single crystals. The necking process is deduced by observation to involve primarily a mechanical shearing of mosaic c...
Phenomenological and spectroscopic analysis on the effects of sediment ageing and organic carbon on the fate of a PCB congener spiked to sediment

This study assesses the full cycle transport and fate of a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener spiked to sediment to empirically and spectroscopically investigate the effects of sediment ageing and organic carbon on the adsorption, desorption, and reaction of the PCB. Caesar Creek sediment (CCS) was oxidized to remove amorphous organic carbon (AOC) followed by soot carbon (SC), spiked and aged with 2-chlorobiphenyl (2-ClBP), mixed with various aquatic solutions, and treated on reactive activated carbon (RAC) impregnated with palladized iron. Results showed that 2-ClBP sorption isotherms and kinetic parameters well reflected the critical influence of AOC and SC on the sorption behavior of 2-ClBP. Infrared analysis implied the presence of preferred 2-ClBP sorption sites within the sediment matrix. The shift in the CH vibrational frequencies of 2-ClBP bound to CCS was more apparent in cases of higher organic content (particularly SC) and longer ageing time, which made 2-ClBP more sorbed and strongly bound to CCS and thus made it more difficult to desorb 2-ClBP. The ageing effect on 2-ClBP binding was more prominent in the presence of organic carbon. Only desorbed 2-ClBP was transported to the target RAC for its physical adsorption and chemical dechlorination.
Transoral silastic augmentation of the malar region.

Abstract Silastic implants have been inserted to augment the malar regions via a transoral approach in 7 patients with satisfactory results. No implants have been removed because of infection. The problem of fluid accumulation about the implants and the use of triamcinolone for its treatment in one case is described. The major advantages of this technique are: ease of exposure; safety for the facial and infraorbital nerves; the ability to place the implant medial to the infraorbital nerve; and avoidance of further external scarring.
The rate of reaction of methyl radicals with atomic oxygen

Abstract The absolute rate constant for the reaction of ground state oxygen atoms with methyl radicals is reported. The methyl radicals were generated by the reaction of oxygen atoms with ethylene in a fast flow reactor, and were detected by a photoionization mass spectrometer. For sufficiently long reacton times, the methyl radicals were observed at their steady state concentration. For shorter reaction times, especially at low oxygen atom concentrations, the methyl radical concentration was less than the steady state value. From the observed approach of the methyl radicals totheir steady state concentration, the rate constant for the reaction, O + CH 3 , was determined to be (1.23 ± 0.25) × 10 −10 cm 3 molecule −1 sec −1 , corresponding to one reaction in every two gas kinetic collisions.
Selenoprotein-dependent Up-regulation of Hematopoietic Prostaglandin D2 Synthase in Macrophages Is Mediated through the Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor (PPAR) γ

The plasticity of macrophages is evident from their dual role in inflammation and resolution of inflammation that are accompanied by changes in the transcriptome and metabolome. Along these lines, we have previously demonstrated that the micronutrient selenium increases macrophage production of arachidonic acid (AA)-derived anti-inflammatory 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) and decreases the proinflammatory PGE2. Here, we hypothesized that selenium modulated the metabolism of AA by a differential regulation of various prostaglandin (PG) synthases favoring the production of PGD2 metabolites, Δ12-PGJ2 and 15d-PGJ2. A dose-dependent increase in the expression of hematopoietic-PGD2 synthase (H-PGDS) by selenium and a corresponding increase in Δ12-PGJ2 and 15d-PGJ2 in RAW264.7 macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages was observed. Studies with organic non-bioavailable forms of selenium and the genetic manipulation of cellular selenium incorporation machinery indicated that selenoproteins were necessary for H-PGDS expression and 15d-PGJ2 production. Treatment of selenium-deficient macrophages with rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ ligand, up-regulated H-PGDS. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated the presence of an active peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-response element in murine Hpgds promoter suggesting a positive feedback mechanism of H-PGDS expression. Alternatively, the expression of nuclear factor-κB-dependent thromboxane synthase and microsomal PGE2 synthase was down-regulated by selenium. Using a Friend virus infection model of murine leukemia, the onset of leukemia was observed only in selenium-deficient and indomethacin-treated selenium-supplemented mice but not in the selenium-supplemented group or those treated with 15d-PGJ2. These results suggest the importance of selenium in the shunting of AA metabolism toward the production of PGD2 metabolites, which may have clinical implications.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide released within the amygdala is involved in Pavlovian auditory fear conditioning.

The effects of CGRP and the CGRP receptor antagonist hCGRP(8-37) injected into the amygdala on both the acquisition and expression of fear behavior to a discrete auditory conditional stimulus (CS) and the training context were assessed. In Experiment 1, pretraining injections of CGRP but not hCGRP(8-37) produced fear-like behavior before any aversive stimuli were presented. While both compounds attenuated freezing to the contextual CS on the test day, neither affected learning about the auditory CS. In Experiment 2, pretesting injections of hCGRP(8-37) (0.63 mM) selectively attenuated freezing to the auditory CS but left freezing to the contextual CS intact. These data suggest that CGRP in the amygdala may selectively contribute to the expression of learning about auditory stimuli during fear conditioning.
Absorption line studies of reflection from horizontally inhomogeneous layers

The article details an inhomogeneous reflecting layer (IRFL) model designed to survey absorption line behavior from a Squires-like cloud cover (which is characterized by convection cell structure). Computational problems and procedures are discussed in detail. The results show trends usually opposite to those predicted by a simple reflecting layer model. Per cent equivalent width variations for the tower model are usually somewhat greater for weak than for relatively strong absorption lines, with differences of a factor of about two or three. IRFL equivalent width variations do not differ drastically as a function of geometry when the total volume of absorbing gas is held constant. The IRFL results are in many instances consistent with observed equivalent width variations of Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus.
The Columbine Victims and the Myth of the Juvenile Superpredator

This study examines the news media coverage of the 1999 Columbine school shootings, as a component of a noted crime myth of the juvenile superpredator. Thematic content analysis was conducted on 683 articles selected from print and broadcast media, revealing four themes of coverage, including the identification and description of the victims, details of victims' deaths, coverage of memorial services, and other special social issues such as race, religion, and gun control. Chronological analysis of article distribution revealed four spikes in volume of coverage, which is associated with media reframing of the victims coverage to maintain the salience of the story. The Columbine victim coverage reaffirms the crime myth of the juvenile superpredator and reifies the punitive juvenile justice solutions suggested in alarmist responses to erroneous fears about growing rates and severity of youth violence. The impact of the superpredator myth on public discourse about Columbine and similar cases is explored.
The temperature decrease of surface sea-water in high latitudes and of abyssal-hadal water in open oceanic basins during the past 75 million years

Oxygen isotopic analysis of Upper Cretaceous belemnites from Alaska and Siberia gave temperatures of about 14°C. Similar measurements on shells of calcareous benthonic Foraminifera from sections of Globigerina-ooze sediments of Tertiary age from the eastern equatorial Pacific gave a temperature of 10·4°C for the Middle Oligocene, decreasing to 2·2°C in the Late Pliocene. Thus, a temperature decrease of both surface water at high latitudes and abyssal-hadal water in open oceanic basins, amounting to about 12°C, appears to have occurred during the past 75 million years. This temperature decrease was probably not linear with time and, although very slow, may have had an important effect on the abyssal and hadal fauna. By comparison, temperatures similar to the present ones may have obtained throughout geologic time in at least some portions of the equatorial thermosphere. If constant temperature is more important for the survival of archaic forms than other factors, the equatorial pelagic fauna should show more archaic affinities than other marine faunas.
A topological view of the Nevanlinna-Pick problem: Solutions of dimension n

Based on a topological property of a certain map we establish that when the (n+1)-point Nevanlinna-Pick problem is solvable, then for any dissipation polynomial of degree n or less, there corresponds an interpolating function with dimension at most n. Our results provide a topological proof for the sufficiency of Pick's criterion for the solvability of the Nevanlinna-Pick problem.
An algorithm for automatic identification of R-fields in bong graphs

Bond graphs may be used to model the power flow in dynamic systems. They are especially attractive for modeling systems which function in coupled energy domains, for example, electromechanical systems. For such systems, bond graphs can be used to provide a natural subdivision into power/energy fields: storage, sources, transformers, and dissipation. In the case of nonlinear dissipative fields, implicit, nonlinear, coupled systems of algebraic equations may arise. Causality assignment on the bond graph provides a basis for detecting implicit formulations. This paper presents an algorithm for detection and solution of these forms within a model, thereby providing an opportunity for efficient numerical solution, and includes a brief introduction to bond graphs via an electromechanical system example.
Immune responses to ragweed pollen antigens.

Abstract 1.1. Series of rabbits were experimentally immunized with either intact grains of whole ragweed pollen or one of its derivative preparations, including saline extracts, soluble cytoplasm obtained by subjecting pollen grains to the disintegrating effects of ultrasonic and supersonic vibrations, ball-mill-ground whole pollen hydrochloride, and ether-soluble fraction ("pollen oil"). 2.2. The antisera obtained from these animals were employed as indicators of antigenic components of ragweed pollen in determinations of patterns of precipitin test reactions employing agar gel diffusion plate techniques (Ouchterlony). 3.3. The interpretation of antigen-antibody precipitin band patterns suggests the following: 3.1.(a) The maximum number of antigenic components in ragweed pollen that could be determined by this technique was six. 3.2.(b) There is both qualitative and quantitative antigenic superiority in the whole ragweed pollen grain, which could not be duplicated with immunization procedures employing preparations of pollen extracts or soluble pollen cytoplasm. 3.3.(c) Conversion of the whole pollen grain to a soluble extract may result in an antigenic alteration involving as many as two pollen constituents. 3.4.(d) Soluble pollen cytoplasm obtained by disrupting the integrity of the ectine and cell walls of the pollen grain by mechanical procedures may undergo a loss of two or three antigenic components. 3.5.(e) Preliminary defatting of the pollen with ether results in only minor antigenic effects, but the addition of glycerin to a saline ragweed extract enhances its antigenicity. 3.6.(f) Ragweed pollen subjected to standard and prolonged extraction procedures contains effective residual antigenicity. 3.7.(g) Ragweed pollen oil contained one antigenic fraction of undetermined nature capable of inducing a serum precipitating antibody response. 4.4. In rabbits passively sensitized with homologous species antiserum to ragweed and subsequently challenged with specific soluble pollen extract, microscopic lesions of periarteritis and panarteritis of the pulmonary vasculature were demonstrated. These lesions could not be found in rabbits receiving either the antiserum or the pollen antigen alone. The development of hypersensitivity vasculitis as a tissue response to the in vivo ragweed pollen antigen-antibody reaction is suggested.
Comments on noncommutative open string theory: V-duality and holography

In this paper we study the interplay of electric and magnetic backgrounds in determining the decoupling limit of coincident D-branes towards a noncommutative Yang-Mills (NCYM) or open string (NCOS) theory. No decoupling limit has been found for NCYM with space-time noncommutativity. It is suggested that there is a new duality, which we call V-duality, which acts on NCOS with both space-space and space-time noncommutativity, resulting from decoupling in Lorentz-boost related backgrounds. We also show that the holographic correspondence, previously suggested by Li and Wu, between NCYM and its supergravity dual can be generalized to NCOS as well.
Marking Space and Time in Itzaj Maya Narrative

Cyclicity has been noted as a key feature of Mayan conceptions of time and space from the Classic period (A.D. 250–900) to the present. Similarly, pattern of repetition and cyclicity have been noted as characteristic of Mayan discourse structure. In this article cyclicity in worldview and in discourse structure is examined in Itzaj Maya narrative, with emphasis on the importance of the schema of the sun's journey to both.
Dynamic response of a packed bed thermal storage system—a model for solar air heating

Abstract A mathematical model for simulating the dynamic temperature response of a packed column to an arbitrary time-dependent inlet air temperature is developed. The model includes axial thermal dispersion as well as intra-particle conduction, features that have usually been neglected but can be important in solar energy applications. Solutions, presented in terms of moments of the temperature response to an impulse of heat at the inlet, can be evaluated by simple numerical quadrature. Results of the model compare favorably with experimental data found in the literature. The model is used to optimize heat storage in a rock bin system subject to a realistic transient inlet temperature.
Thermal performance of three solar air heaters

Abstract This paper reports the thermal analysis and the results of thermal performance tests of solar air heaters with V-corrugated absorber plates. Six collector units were used to test three collector types: (a) flow over the absorber, (b) flow on both sides of the absorber, and (c) flow under the absorber. Paired simultaneous testing was used for collectors of the same type to check thermal performance differences which might occur due to construction differences or testing variables. Predictions of collector thermal performance, when using temperatures and environmental data from the tests, were in good agreement with the corresponding measured thermal performance. The predicted performance, particularly with solar glass, indicated very good thermal efficiency for vee corrugated absorber plates.
Choledochal cyst with malignancy: magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatographic features in two cases.

Choledochal cyst is an uncommon congenital malformation most frequently seen in Asian females [1–5]. Irwin and Morison first reported a case of choledochal cyst with underlying cancerous change in 1944 [6]. The risk of developing carcinoma in the cyst has been reported to be between 4% and 28% [4, 5, 7–9]. There have been a few reports on the imaging findings of biliary malignancy occurring in choledochal cysts in which most of the published images were performed with computed tomography (CT) and/or ultrasonography [9–13]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) features of choledochal cyst associated with malignancy have rarely been reported [14]. This report illustrates the MRCP and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography appearances of cholangiocarcinoma in a choledochal cyst and the MRI features of tumor invasion to adjacent organs.
Interdepartmental decision-making in theory and practice: an overview

Abstract This paper examines a special class of behaviour in organizations, namely, social relations between managers of functionally interdependent departments. It is organized around three topics : (1) A discussion of the problem of interdepartmental relations. (2) An overview of theoretical and applied findings on this problem. (3) Some views on the form of future research on this problem.
Magnetic resonance imaging in children with sickle cell disease—detecting alterations in the apparent diffusion coefficient in hips with avascular necrosis

Background Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a common morbidity in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) that leads to pain and joint immobility. However, the diagnosis is often uncertain or delayed.
An Analysis of Utilization, Costs, Funding, and Preadmission Requirements of Small College Health Services

Abstract Sixty-nine small college health services in the Midwest responded to a survey of utilization, costs, funding, and preadmission requirements. The authors report the findings and discuss the implications for the large variability found among institutions.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis and microscopic pathologic margins: how much margin is needed for local cure?

BACKGROUND Total or partial penile amputation is an effective treatment for invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. The authors evaluated the relation between paraffin section microscopic pathologic margins and local recurrence. METHODS Seventeen cases of biopsy proven squamous cell carcinoma of the penis treated with partial or total penectomy were reviewed retrospectively. All resections were performed by one surgeon (K.R.L.). Permanent microscopic pathologic margins and pathologic classification were determined by one pathologist (A.A.R.) using the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM classification of 1997. RESULTS Seven of the 10 patients who underwent a partial penectomy were followed for a mean duration of 33.1 months (range, 3–75 months). The average microscopic pathologic margin was 14.4 mm (range, 0–40 mm) for lesions classified as T1 or greater. Three patients had a microscopic margin ≤ 10 mm. There were no local or regional recurrences in this group of patients. The 7 patients who underwent a total penectomy were followed for a mean duration of 25.2 months (range, 5–76 months). There were no local recurrences and only one inguinal recurrence. The average microscopic pathologic margin was 14.8 mm (range, 0–50 mm) for all stages. There were 4 patients who had microscopic pathologic margins ≤ 10 mm, and all were free of local disease at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS None of the 14 patients followed developed local recurrence. Also, no recurrence occurred in 7 patients who had microscopic margins of ≤10 mm. This suggests that local control can be obtained with margins measuring less than the standard 15–25 mm. Cancer 1999;85:1565–8. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Analysis of the electrocardiograms obtained from 1000 young healthy aviators

Abstract During the course of some investigation 1 on a group of Civil Air Line pilots, the electrocardiographic findings proved to be of more than passing interest because of the relatively large number of deviations from the values generally regarded as being normal. Because of their relatively frequent occurrence in the records from apparently healthy persons, it was not easy to believe that all of these deviations declared some underlying cardiac abnormality. The opportunity to extend this study came a year later when electrocardiograms were obtained from a large number of young aviators at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. Although the primary purpose of this study is to add to our knowledge of the range of the normal electrocardiogram, some attention is also given to an appraisal of the usefulness of electrocardiography in aviation medicine.
Surgical treatment of metachronous second primary lung cancer after complete resection of non–small cell lung cancer

Objective To clarify the perioperative and oncologic outcome of pulmonary resection for a metachronous second primary lung cancer (MSPLC) following resection of an initial non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Retrospective chart review identified 161 patients (88 men and 73 women) with a median age of 70 years (range, 34-88 years) who underwent pulmonary resection for MSPLC between January 2000 and December 2009. Operative morbidity, mortality, and relevant factors were analyzed with χ 2 test or Fisher exact test and Mann-Whitney U test. Survival was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard method. Results The median interval between the initial and subsequent resection for MSPLC was 42.7 months (range, 7-205 months). There was no operative mortality and postoperative complication rate was 29%. In multivariate analysis, ipsilateral operation ( P = .0002) and a lower predicted preoperative percent forced expiratory volume in the first second ( P = .0035) were significant risk factors for postoperative complications. Five-year overall survival rates after resection of the initial and second metachronous NSCLC were 87.4% and 60.8%, respectively. Significant negative long-term prognostic factors for survival following resection of a MSPLC in multivariate analysis were tumor size >2 cm ( P = .003) and number of pack years of smoking ( P = .005). Metastatic nodal disease ( P = .19) or a sublobar resection ( P = .17) were not associated with worse survival. Conclusions Surgical treatment of a MSPLC can be undertaken with 5-year survival rate of 60%. Expected operative morbidity and mortality are comparable to primary surgery. Tumors 2 cm or smaller are associated with improved survival and freedom from recurrence. Close long-term follow-up of patients who have undergone resection of NSCLC is recommended.
Exposure to dsRNA Elicits RNA Interference in Brachionus manjavacas (Rotifera)

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful technique for functional genomics, yet no studies have reported its successful application to zooplankton. Many zooplankton, particularly microscopic metazoans of phylum Rotifera, have unique life history traits for which genetic investigation has been limited. In this paper, we report the development of RNAi methods for rotifers, with the exogenous introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) through the use of a lipofection reagent. Transfection with dsRNA for heat shock protein 90, the membrane-associated progesterone receptor, and mitogen-activated protein kinase significantly increased the proportion of non-reproductive females. Additionally, a fluorescence-based lectin binding assay confirmed the significant suppression of four of six glycosylation enzymes that were targeted with dsRNA. Suppression of mRNA transcripts was confirmed with quantitative PCR. Development of RNAi for rotifers promises to enhance the ability for assessing genetic regulation of features critical to their life history and represents a key step toward functional genomics research in zooplankton.
An evaluation of digitally enhanced LANDSAT data as applied to mineral and hydrocarbon exploration

Digital enhancement of satellite data from NASA's Land Satellite (LANDSAT) is providing new information useful to a variety of natural resources investigations, including mineral and hydrocarbon exploration. Experience has revealed that digital processing of the satellite's computer compatible tapes is the only feasible and efficient method for extracting the maximum amount of valuable geological information contained in them. This study provided an opportunity to critically evaluate the application of enhanced data in extracting additional geological information from test sites in Central Colorado and northwestern Canada, which are areas of significant metallic mineralization and hydrocarbon potential, respectively.
Efficient, Secure Green: Digital Utopianism and the Challenge of Making the Electrical Grid "Smart"

Electrical grids have long depended upon information infrastructures—systems for exchanging information about electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and use. But only in the last decade has the notion of a “smart grid” captured the imagination of policymakers, business leaders, and technologists. Smart grid promoters promise that information technology will simultaneously improve the efficiency, reliability, and security of the grid. This article shows how these goals have come into tension as the grid’s information infrastructure has shaped, and been shaped by, government policies. It advances a three-part argument. First, digital technology and digital utopianism played a significant and underanalyzed role in restructuring the electricity industry during the 1980s and 1990s. Second, industry restructuring encouraged utilities to deploy information technology in ways that sacrificed reliability, security, and even physical efficiency for economic efficiency. Third, aligning the many goals for a smart grid will require heterogeneous engineering—designing sociopolitical and technological worlds together.
Enhanced Oxygenation Promotes β-Cell Differentiation In Vitro

Despite progress in our knowledge about pancreatic islet specification, most attempts at differentiating stem/progenitor cells into functional, transplantable β cells have met only with moderate success thus far. A major challenge is the intrinsic simplicity of in vitro culture systems, which cannot approximate the physiological complexity of in vivo microenvironments. Oxygenation is a critical limitation of standard culture methods, and one of special relevance for the development of β cells, known for their high O2 requirements. Based on our understanding of islet physiology, we have tested the hypothesis that enhanced O2 delivery (as provided by novel perfluorocarbon-based culture devices) may result in higher levels of β-cell differentiation from progenitor cells in vitro. Using a mouse model of pancreatic development, we demonstrate that a physiological-like mode of O2 delivery results in a very significant upregulation of endocrine differentiation markers (up to 30-fold for insulin one and 2), comparable to relevant in vivo controls. This effect was not observed by merely increasing environmental O2 concentrations in conventional settings. Our findings indicate that O2 plays an important role in the differentiation of β cells from their progenitors and may open the door to more efficient islet differentiation protocols from embryonic and/or adult stem cells. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.