cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concept of Community Fragilities for Tsunami Coastal Inundation Studies

AbstractTsunamis have devastated coastal regions worldwide, with the most recent being the result of the Great Tohoku Japan earthquake and tsunami, which was a M9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake that occurred off the east coast of Japan on March 11, 2011. In this study, a fragility formulation is utilized to develop and illustrate the concept of community fragilities for a community subjected to a wave of a particular height because fragilities are independent of occurrence rate. The fragility formulation for single structures is explained and then extended to the community scale by assigning one of eight archetype structural models and corresponding fragility to each of the buildings in a community. One key feature of the approach is that both the earthquake and tsunami are considered in succession. Three wave forces, i.e., hydrostatic, hydrodynamic, and impulsive wave forces, and the successive hazard loadings, i.e., earthquakes and tsunamis, were considered during the analysis. While debris loading is...
A demonstration of ocean acoustic tomography

Over the past decade oceanographers have become increasingly aware of an intense and compact ocean ‘mesoscale’ eddy structure (the ocean weather) that is superimposed on a generally sluggish large-scale circulation (the ocean climate). Traditional ship-based observing systems are not adequate for monitoring the ocean at mesoscale resolution. A 1981 experiment mapped the waters within a 300 × 300 km square south-west of Bermuda, using a peripheral array of moored midwater acoustic sources and receivers. The variable acoustic travel times between all source–receiver pairs were used to construct the three-dimensional (time-variable) eddy fields, using inverse theory. Preliminary results from inversions are consistent with the shipborne and airborne surveys.
Repair of Fractured Incisal Angles with an Ultraviolet-Light-Activated Fissure Sealant and a Composite Resin: Two-Year Report of 60 Cases

Sixty anterior teeth with Ellis Class II fractures were repaired with an acid etch ultraviolet-light-activated fissure sealant and composite resin technique. Four composite resins were evaluated. The restorations were evaluated at six-month intervals for two years. Apparently, this technique provides a safe and durable restoration, but further clinical and laboratory studies should be conducted.
Interrelationships between lipids, lipoproteins, and blood pressure in children from kindreds with essential hypertension☆

Abstract The interrelationships of blood pressure and plasma lipoproteins in 154 white children aged 8 through 18 years were investigated. The children came from four very large kindreds, each ascertained by one middle-aged man with essential hypertension. Statistical adjustments by multiple regression methods were made for age and body size effects on blood pressure and lipid-lipoprotein levels and the residuals used in subsequent analyses. Small but consistent and statistically significant positive relationships between fourth or fifth phase diastolic blood pressure and plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (C-LDL) levels were identified; higher diastolic blood pressures were associated with higher cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-LDL levels. Only a hint of similar associations with systolic blood pressure was detected. The data suggested a possible inverse relationship between blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (C-HDL): higher C-HDL levels were associated with lower diastolic blood pressure; however, the associations were not statistically significant at the 0.05 level. A principal components analysis generated blood pressure components arithmetically similar to estimates of mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure; both of these components showed relationships to lipid-lipoprotein levels. Because levels of lipid-lipoproteins and blood pressure show evidence of familial clustering, it is possible these interrelationships result from shared genetic or environmental determinants. The associations may have important health consequences, since evidence exists that the level of blood pressure in childhood sets the pattern for later life.
Analytic study on Burgers, Fisher, Huxley equations and combined forms of these equations

Abstract In this work we formally derive travelling wave solutions for the Burgers, Fisher, Huxley equations and combined forms of these equations. The tanh–coth method is used to determine these sets of travelling wave solutions. Kinks and periodic wave solutions are constructed. The proposed scheme can be used to a wide class of nonlinear evolution equations.
On uniqueness and wave propagation in nonlinear heat conductors with memory

Recently, there has been considerable interest in heat conduction in materials with memory. Of particular interest are two theories proposed by Coleman and Gurtin [l] and by Gurtin and Pipkin [2]. The distinguishing feature of both these theories is that they depend on the history of the temperature gradient. Various aspects of these theories have been studies by Nunziato [3, 41, including uniqueness for the linear case, Uniqueness in the linear case was also studied by Finn and Wheeler [5] and by one of the authors [6]. In [5], F inn and Wheeler also established conditions sufficient for disturbances to propagate with finite speed. It is our purpose, here, to study uniqueness and wave propagation in the absence of any linearizing assumptions. The constitutive equations we adopt are a special case of those in [I], since we allow the energy to depend on the current value of the temperature and the summed history of the temperature and temperature gradient, while the heat flux depends also on the current value of the temperature gradient. In Theorem 1, we establish uniqueness of solutions under the conditions that: (1) the conductivity tensor is positive definite, and (2) the heat capacity is positive. For the other results, we consider the case where the heat flux is independent of the current values of the temperature and temperature gradient. Thus, we are then considering a special case of Gurtin and Pipkin’s constitutive equations. For the second case, we first establish in Theorem 2, conditions sufficient for the conductor to possess the Wave Propagation Property (WPP). The WPP (which is made precise in Section 4) is, loosely speaking, a requirement that if a body is disturbed in a bounded set, then for any time t, the disturbed region of the body must be bounded. This property was enunciated in [7], where one of the authors established that if a body possesses the WPP, then solutions to a certain class of boundary-history value problems are unique.
Simultaneous segregation and shape control in crystal pulling with a nonwetted float

Abstract In conventional Czochralski pulling, the dopant concentration and the crystal cross-section tend to vary significantly along the crystal. In the present study an attempt was made to control simultaneously dopant segregation and the crystal cross-section in Czochralski pulling, using a float which is not wetted by the melt. The float differs from a conventional floating crucible in that it is simple to prepare and that it has a very long melt passageway to suppress dopant diffusion between the growth zone and the bulk melt. Besides, the crystal cross-section can also be controlled. Graphite was used as the float material and to allow close observation a low melting-point material, i.e., Pb-doped Sn, was selected for crystal growth. Single crystals were grown with a uniform dopant distribution both in the axial and the radial directions, and with a uniform cross-section.
COMPETING VIEWS OF THE MONEY SUPPLY PROCESS: THEORY AND EVIDENCE

This paper examines three competing approaches to the determination of the money supply. The first approach is labelled the pure portfolio approach, and corresponds to the orthodox approach to the money supply. The second approach is labelled the pure loan demand approach, and corresponds to the Post Keynesian accommodationist view of endogenous money. The third approach is labelled the mixed portfolio-loan demand approach, and corresponds to the Post Keynesian structuralist view of endogenous money. The critical theoretical difference between the latter two models is identified in terms of the importance of the private initiatives of banks in accommodating expansions of loan demand. The paper then provides Granger-causality evidence on the three approaches, and concludes in favor of the mixed portfolio-loan demand approach.
Direction-cosine attitude-control logic for spin-stabilized axisymmetric spacecraft

The developments of this study yield a control logic for the active attitude control of a spinstabilized axisymmetric spacecraft. The derived control logic makes use of direction cosines for attitude definition, and is not restricted by either small angle assumptions or by the kinematic singularities associated with Euler angles. The active torqueing capability is provided by means of a reaction-jet system, and the control logic is simplified by assuming that control torques may be applied impulsively. The control logic formulated is optimal in the sense that each control impulse is delivered in such a manner as to cause a maximum deduction in "system error."
Study of a New Kind Compound Inhibitor

It has a significant practical value to research a compound inhibitor for low temperature for the protecting of power plant devices with low working-temperature. In this paper, a new kind of film-forming inhibitor based on octadecylamine for low temperature has been proposed. Coupon test has been taken with autoclave simulating the on-site water-vapor environment; the film-forming effect of the metal specimen has been evaluated by hydrophobic test, acid copper sulfate drip test and AC impedance test. The result shows that the inhibitor filmed well after compounded, and has an important practical value.
A virtual reality simulator for orthopedic basic skills: A design and validation study

Orthopedic drilling as a skill demands high levels of dexterity and expertise from the surgeon. It is a basic skill that is required in many orthopedic procedures. Inefficient drilling can be a source of avoidable medical errors that may lead to adverse events. It is hence important to train and evaluate residents in safe environments for this skill. This paper presents a virtual orthopedic drilling simulator that was designed to provide visiohaptic interaction with virtual bones. The simulation provides a realistic basic training environment for orthopedic surgeons. It contains modules to track and analyze movements of surgeons, in order to determine their surgical proficiency. The simulator was tested with senior surgeons, residents and medical students for validation purposes. Through the multi-tiered testing strategy it was shown that the simulator was able to produce a learning effect that transfers to real-world drilling. Further, objective measures of surgical performance were found to be able to differentiate between experts and novices.
Mortality attributable to cigarette smoking in the United States

Cigarette smoking is a particularly pernicious behavior because of its high prevalence and mortality risk. We use the powerful methodology of life tables with covariates and employ the National Health Interview Survey-Multiple Cause of Death file to illuminate the interrelations of smoking with other risk factors, and with the combined influences of smoking prevalence and population size on smoking-attributable mortality. We find that the smoking-mortality gap is only modestly affected by other risk factors and excess deaths due to smoking among U.S. adults in the year 2000 were as great as 340,000. Better knowledge of the prevalence and mortality risk associated with cigarette smoking statuses enhances the future health and longevity prospects of the U.S. population.
Pain Relief and Clinical Improvement Temporally Related to the Use of Pentoxifylline in a Patient with Documented Cholesterol Emboli—A Case Report

A sixty-six-year-old man with known severe atherosclerosis was admitted with painful feet and nonblanching purpuric lesions of his toes. He had under gone cardiac catheterization and coronary artery bypass five and three months, respectively, prior to admission. Initial treatment included: stopping the pa tient's lisinopril, increasing his nifedipine dose, and adding pentoxifylline 400 mg po tid. Within twenty-four hours pain was markedly decreased. Skin biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of cholesterol embolism. Pentoxifylline was stopped and intravenous heparin therapy was initiated. Within twenty-four hours, pain re turned. Nitrol paste applied to the top of each foot had no effect. After forty- eight hours, pentoxifylline was restarted. Once again, pain relief was noted within twenty-four hours, and after forty-eight hours both feet were visibly improved. Heparin and analgesics were discontinued. On the ninth hospital day, the patient was able to walk and was discharged to home. The innocuous nature of the ...
Direct Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Formate in High‐Gas‐Capacity Ionic Liquids at Post‐Transition‐Metal Electrodes

As an approach to combat the increasing emissions of carbon dioxide in the last 50 years, the sequestration of carbon dioxide gas in ionic liquids has become an attractive research area. Ionic liquids can be made that possess incredibly high molar absorption and specificity characteristics for carbon dioxide. Their high carbon dioxide solubility and specificity combined with their high inherent electrical conductivity also creates an ideal medium for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. Herein, a lesser studied ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate, was used as both an effective carbon dioxide capture material and subsequently as an electrochemical matrix with water for the direct reduction of carbon dioxide into formate at indium, tin, and lead electrodes in good yield (ca. 3 mg h(-1) cm(-2)).
Mesodermal guidance of pioneer axon growth.

Pioneer axons in insect legs are experimentally accessible model systems for the molecular identification and cellular localization of guidance cues regulating the path of axon growth. A detailed study of the Fe2 pioneer axons in the legs of the cockroach was performed to examine the diversity of guidance mechanisms. A detailed microscopic analysis of the axons at various points in their trajectory indicates that the Fe2 axons grow on a mesodermal substratum which contains the cues guiding their growth along a stereotyped path. An identified pair of muscle pioneer cells (MPC) are likely to play an important role in enabling the Fe2 growth cones to respond to mesodermal guidance cues. The addition of heparan sulfate, heparitinase, and phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C to the medium perturbs the in situ path of growth of the Fe2 axons and the location of the MPC in cultured embryos. This indicates a role for heparan sulfate proteoglycans and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins in axon guidance. When these results are compared to those of similar experiments performed on the well-characterized Ti1 axons, they indicate significant differences in the mechanisms that are used for axon guidance. The Fe2 neurons are a good model for elucidating the mechanisms used to guide axon growth on nonmuscle mesodermal substrates often encountered in the periphery of vertebrate embryos.
Risk management in the outdoors: a whole-of-organization approach for education, sport and recreation

Risk management in the outdoors: a whole-of-organization approach for education, sport and recreation, edited by Tracey J. Dickson and Tonia L. Gray, Port Melbourne, Vic., Australia, Cambridge Univ...
A study of personal computer utilization by managers

Abstract Personal computer (PC) utilization has become an important concern due to the PC's widespread and rapid implementation in the work place. A field study evaluated the responses of 105 managers who were PC users. The research model viewed PC utilization as a function of organizational, personal, computer system, and process attributes. Analysis was performed using Pearson correlations and one-way analysis of variance. The two items with the strongest and most consistent correlation with reported computer use time were user satisfaction with (1) the computer system's contribution to job performance and (2) their level of competence with the system. These findings suggest that PC utilization can be interpreted as a function of its perceived costs and benefits.
Critical upstream signals of cytochrome C release induced by a novel Bcl-2 inhibitor.

Cytochrome c release is a central step in the apoptosis induced by many death stimuli. Bcl-2 plays a critical role in controlling this step. In this study, we investigated the upstream mechanism of cytochrome c release induced by ethyl 2-amino-6-bromo-4-(1-cyano-2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-4H-chromene-3-carboxylate (HA14-1), a recently discovered small molecule inhibitor of Bcl-2. HA14-1 was found to induce cytochrome c release from the mitochondria of intact cells but not from isolated mitochondria. Cytochrome c release from isolated mitochondria requires the presence of both HA14-1 and exogenous Ca2+. This suggests that both mitochondrial and extramitochondrial signals are important. In intact cells, treatment with HA14-1 caused Ca2+ spike, change in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) transition, Bax translocation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation prior to cytochrome c release. Pretreatment with either EGTA acetoxymethyl ester or vitamin E resulted in a significant decrease in cytochrome c release and cell death induced by HA14-1. Furthermore pretreatment with RU-360, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter, or with EGTA acetoxymethyl ester, but not with vitamin E, prevented the HA14-1-induced Δψm transition and Bax translocation. This suggests that ROS generation is an event that occurs after the Δψm transition and Bax translocation. Together these data demonstrate that the Ca2+ spike, mitochondrial Bcl-2 presensitization, and subsequent Δψm transition, Bax translocation, and ROS generation are important upstream signals for cytochrome c release upon HA14-1 stimulation. The involvement of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial signals suggests both organelles are crucial for HA14-1-induced apoptosis.
Maitotoxin-induced cell death cascade in bovine aortic endothelial cells: divalent cation specificity and selectivity

The maitotoxin (MTX)-induced cell death cascade in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs), a model for Ca2+ overload-induced toxicity, reflects three sequential changes in plasmalemmal permeabilit...
The Cosmopolitan Hope of Tourism: Critical Action and Worldmaking Vistas

Abstract This paper examines the role and practice of cosmopolitan action – that is as a mediating vision which closely parallels the active discourse of worldmaking. Tourism is an industry built on distinctions between strangers and friends, with inherent potentials for both oppression and empowerment. Critical cosmopolitan theory offers ideas that give us hope for the progressive potential of tourism to transform differences into equity. In popular discourse cosmopolitanism refers to elites, travel, world peace, multicultural education and humanitarianism, in opposition to nationalism, warfare and ethnic hatred. Theorists' analyse cosmopolitanism as mobility, identity, a consciousness or worldview, a global process or as a monolithic cultural companion to global capitalism. Some scholars argue that tourism and tourists have ineffective links to cosmopolitanism, while others see that tourism encompasses cosmopolitan-making or worldmaking processes in terms of travelling people and travelling ideas. This ...
Hemolysin from the Yeastlike Phases of Some Pathogenic Fungi

SummaryOne or more hemolysins were demonstrated in soluble extracts prepared from the yeastlike phases of Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The hemolysin was most active against hen and guinea pig erythrocytes. Some properties of the hemolysin were investigated.
Evolution and Extinction of Partulidae, Endemic Pacific Island Land Snails

The broad outline of the systematics of the endemic Pacific island land snail family Partulidae has been understood for some time. The family is divided into three genera: Eua has four species, confined to Tonga and Samoa; Samoana has about 23 species, widely but sporadically distributed in Polynesia and the Mariana Islands; Partula has about 100 species, distributed from Belau to the Society Islands. This review integrates this systematic and biogeographic knowledge with work on ecology, population genetics and speciation that has concentrated especially on the recently speciated Partula spp. of Moorea in the Society Islands. Explanations of Moorean diversity (much of which seems unrelated to ecological factors) based on parapatric speciation and the evolution of morph ratio clines in the absence of isolation have predominated, although without incontrovertible support. Unitary explanations are probably not appropriate. Rather little is known of the basic biology of partulids. They are generally arboreal; feed on a wide range of partially decayed and living plant material; and are relatively long-lived, slow reproducing, ovoviviparous, cross- or self-fertilizing hermaphrodites. The phylogenetic and geographical origins of the three genera are unknown. Partula may have evolved, somewhere unknown, from Samoana, which evolved from Eua in the Tonga-Samoa region, this being the region of origin of Eua; but the opposite sequence has also been postulated. The question is unresolved. Origins of the Moorean species are better understood as their inter-relationships are relatively clear. Rather few dispersal events probably took place and the Society Island fauna as a whole may be derived from but two colonization events - first by a Samoana sp. and later by a Partula sp., both of which then speciated in situ - with a few intra-archipelago colonization events taking place subsequently, predominantly in a southwesterly direction from the older to the younger islands. Many of the questions posed by the group may never be answered. Some species, notably those of Moorea, are already extinct in the wild; others are severely threatened. Artificial introductions of both plants and animals, combined with urban and agricultural development, have had significant impacts, but ill-conceived biological control programmes, targeted at the Giant African Snail, Achatina fulica, constitute currently the most serious threat. However, significant areas are still open to research. Analysis of DNA variation, combined with modern ideas of Pacific biogeography, should allow the whole range from the broad origins of the fauna to the detailed evolution within groups of species to be addressed. Some species may yet be relatively secure in the wild and allow field studies, but extraction of DNA from museum specimens provides an exciting opportunity to continue unravelling the evolutionary history of these endangered snails and to contribute further to our understanding of evolutionary processes and the biogeography of the Pacific.
Genetic variance contributes to dopamine receptor antagonist-induced inhibition of sucrose intake in inbred and outbred mouse strains.

Abstract Preference and intake of sucrose varies across inbred and outbred strains of mice. Pharmacological analyses revealed that the greatest sensitivity to naltrexone-induced inhibition of sucrose (10%) intake was observed in C57BL10/J and C57BL/6J strains, whereas 129P3/J , SWR/J and SJL/J strains displayed far less sensitivity to naltrexone-induced inhibition of sucrose intake. Given that dopamine D1 (SCH23390) and D2 (raclopride) receptor antagonism potently reduce sucrose intake in outbred rat and mouse strains, the present study examined the possibility of genetic variance in the dose-dependent (50–1600 nmol/kg) and time-dependent (5–120 min) effects of these antagonists upon sucrose (10%) intake in the eight inbred ( BALB/cJ , C3H/HeJ , C57BL/6J , C57BL/10J , DBA/2J , SJL/J , SWR/J and 129P3/J ) and one outbred ( CD-1 ) mouse strains previously tested with naltrexone. SCH23390 significantly reduced sucrose intake across all five doses in 129P3/J and SJL/J mice, across four doses in C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mice, across three doses in DBA/2J , SWR/J , C3H/HeJ and C57BL/10J mice, but only at the two highest doses in CD-1 mice. SCH23390 was 2–3-fold more potent in inhibiting sucrose intake in 129P3/J and SJL/J mice relative to CD-1 mice. In contrast, only the highest equimolar 1600 nmol/kg dose of raclopride significantly reduced sucrose intake in the BALB/cJ , C3H/HeJ , C57BL/6J , C57BL/10J , DBA/2J , SJL/J and 129P3/J , but not the SWR/J and CD-1 strains. The present and previous data demonstrate specific and differential patterns of genetic variability in inhibition of sucrose intake by dopamine and opioid antagonists, suggesting that distinct neurochemical mechanisms control sucrose intake across different mouse strains.
Telos, Chronos, and Hermēneia: The Role of Metanarrative in Leadership Effectiveness through the Production of Meaning

In this article, we argue for the existence of a relationship between metanarrative and leadership effectiveness that is mediated by personal meaning. After analyzing the relevant literatures, we present a model that attributes this relationship to the capacity of metanarrative to produce meaning through the interpretive frames of Telos (teleological context), Chronos (historical-narrative context), and Hermēneia (interpretive context). We begin with a review of the leadership effectiveness literature followed by a discussion of the theoretical foundations of the concepts of meaning and metanarrative. From this review, we derive a set of propositions that describe the nature of the interrelationships among the constructs of interest and present a theoretical model that captures the proposed relationships. We conclude by suggesting several streams of research designed to evaluate the proposed model and with recommendations for further study.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens VirB6 protein participates in formation of VirB7 and VirB9 complexes required for type IV secretion.

This study characterized the contribution of Agrobacterium tumefaciens VirB6, a polytopic inner membrane protein, to the formation of outer membrane VirB7 lipoprotein and VirB9 protein multimers required for type IV secretion. VirB7 assembles as a disulfide cross-linked homodimer that associates with the T pilus and a VirB7-VirB9 heterodimer that stabilizes other VirB proteins during biogenesis of the secretion machine. Two presumptive VirB protein complexes, composed of VirB6, VirB7, and VirB9 and of VirB7, VirB9, and VirB10, were isolated by immunoprecipitation or glutathione S-transferase pulldown assays from detergent-solubilized membrane extracts of wild-type A348 and a strain producing only VirB6 through VirB10 among the VirB proteins. To examine the biological importance of VirB6 complex formation for type IV secretion, we monitored the effects of nonstoichiometric VirB6 production and the synthesis of VirB6 derivatives with 4-residue insertions (VirB6.i4) on VirB7 and VirB9 multimerization, T-pilus assembly, and substrate transfer. A virB6 gene deletion mutant accumulated VirB7 dimers at diminished steady-state levels, whereas complementation with a plasmid bearing wild-type virB6 partially restored accumulation of the dimers. VirB6 overproduction was correlated with formation of higher-order VirB9 complexes or aggregates and also blocked substrate transfer without a detectable disruption of T-pilus production; these phenotypes were displayed by cells grown at 28 degrees C, a temperature that favors VirB protein turnover, but not by cells grown at 20 degrees C. Strains producing several VirB6.i4 mutant proteins assembled novel VirB7 and VirB9 complexes detectable by nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and two strains producing the D60.i4 and L191.i4 mutant proteins translocated IncQ plasmid and VirE2 effector protein substrates in the absence of a detectable T pilus. Our findings support a model that VirB6 mediates formation of VirB7 and VirB9 complexes required for biogenesis of the T pilus and the secretion channel.
Looking for life in unlikely places: reasons why planets may not be the best places to look for life

A new method is proposed to search for extraterrestrial life adapted to cold environments far from the Sun. To keep warm, using the light from a distant sun, any life-form must grow a system of optical concentrators, lenses or mirrors, to focus sunlight on to its vital parts. Any light not absorbed, or any heat radiation emitted from the vital parts, will be focused by the optical concentrators into a narrow beam pointing back towards the sun. To search for such life-forms, we should scan the sky with optical and infrared telescopes pointing directly away from the Sun. Any living vegetation will be seen as a bright patch in strong contrast to its dark surroundings, like the eyes of a nocturnal animal caught in the headlights of a car. This method of search may be used either with space-based or with ground-based telescopes. Examples of places where the method would work well are the surfaces of Europa, Trojan asteroids or Kuiper Belt objects. Any life-form that adapted successfully to a vacuum environment would be likely to spread widely over objects with icy surfaces in the outer regions of the solar system. Received 1 June 2003, accepted 8 July 2003 Pit-lamping at Europa I leave it to the audience to decide whether this paper is an elaborate hoax, a piece of bad science fiction or a serious contribution to the planning of future space missions. My son, who lived for many years in Canada, informs me that in rural Canada, night-time hunting with a carefully shielded flashlight is called 'pit-lamping '. It is illegal, because it is too effective at turning up game. The reason why it is effective is that the eyes of animals staring into the light act as efficient reflectors. The eye reflects a fraction of the light that is focused on to the retina, and the reflected light is again focused into a narrow beam pointing back to the flashlight. If you are standing behind the flashlight, you can see the eyes as bright red points even when the rest of the animal is invisible. Pit-lamping is too easy and too efficient. It results in extermination of the game, spoiling the fun for other hunters. The same strategy is used legally by sheep- farmers in New Zealand to exterminate rabbits who compete with sheep for grazing land. The farmers drive over the land
Passive and active nanophotonics

This paper explores the role of nanotechnology with focus on nanophotonics in dielectric, metal, and semiconductor inhomogeneous composition materials, devices and subsystems for optical communications, information and signal processing, and sensing.
SELF-PROTECTIVE SAFETY DEVICES: AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

THE LEGAL AND ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF NONUSE OF SELF-PROTECTIVE DEVICES ARE DISCUSSED. THE ANALYSIS DEVELOPS A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR CONSIDERING SUCH DEVICES; EXAMINES, IN THE CONTEXT OF THAT FRAMEWORK, THE USE OF ONE DEVICE--AN AVAILABLE AUTOMOTIVE SEAT BELT--AND PROPOSES A CHANGE IN THE LIABILITY RULE FOR SEAT BELT NONUSE. ACCIDENT AND PREVENTION COSTS PROVIDE THE BEST AVAILABLE INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION IN WHICH THE LAW SHOULD PROCEED ON SELF-PROTECTIVE PRECAUTIONS. FAILURE TO AVOID NEELDESS INJURIES IS AS WASTEFUL AS FAILURE TO AVOID NEELDESS ACCIDENTS.
Sexual behavior in later life.

Objectives: This research tests the influences of age, biological, and psychosocial factors on sexual expression in later life. Method: The American Association of Retired Persons Modern Maturity Sexuality Survey collected data on diagnosed illnesses, treated illnesses, sexual desire, sexual attitudes, partner circumstances, and sexual behavior from 1,384 persons ages 45 and older. Ordered logistic regression models estimate the associations of age, biological, and psychosocial factors with the frequency of five sexual behaviors. Results: Diagnosed illnesses and treatments are generally unrelated to frequency of sexual activity. Sexual attitudes are related to frequency of partnered behavior and sexual desire is related to frequency of masturbation among both women and men. Satisfaction with the physical relationship with a partner is strongly related to behavior. Age remains significant after all other factors are controlled. Discussion: The authors conclude that the nature of sexual expression in later ...
Market equilibrium via a primal--dual algorithm for a convex program

We give the first polynomial time algorithm for exactly computing an equilibrium for the linear utilities case of the market model defined by Fisher. Our algorithm uses the primal--dual paradigm in the enhanced setting of KKT conditions and convex programs. We pinpoint the added difficulty raised by this setting and the manner in which our algorithm circumvents it.
ESTIMATING POSTNATAL DISPERSAL: TRACKING THE UNSEEN DISPERSERS

Postnatal dispersal, defined as dispersal from the natal patch soon after reaching maturity, is common in a variety of insect species. Postnatal dispersal may increase connections among subpopulations and, thus, significantly affect local population dynamics in metapopulation and source–sink contexts. Yet most mark–recapture studies of insects miss the postnatal dispersal phase because it comes soon after eclosion. Cephaloleia fenestrata (Chrysomelidae) is a specialist herbivore of the rolled leaves of Pleiostachya pruinosa (Marantaceae, common name “prayer plant”). Some P. pruinosa patches were flooded prior to the onset of this study, extirpating the majority of C. fenestrata in the flood zone and providing a natural experiment and an opportunity to observe recolonization dynamics. We built a spatially explicit population projection matrix model to simulate spatial population dynamics of C. fenestrata. The model was a poor fit to the empirical data. Adding postnatal dispersal to the model resulted in a much better model fit. This study suggests that 81% of C. fenestrata disperse from the natal site soon after eclosion. Model simulations indicated that postnatal dispersal increases the mean population size in the flood zone more than six-fold and the standard deviation more than three-fold. Herein we present an implicit method of estimating postnatal dispersal when marking animals before the postnatal dispersal phase is problematic.
A Vibrational Spectroscopic Analysis of the Structure of Natural Rubber

Abstract It is not an overstatement to say that natural rubber (NR) is one of the most used polymers. There are numerous studies dealing with the structural aspects of rubber which give rise to its elastic property. However, it should be emphasized that the majority of these studies are generally concerned with rubber in the vulcanized state or, in fact, dealing with the vulcanization process. Relatively few studies have actually been directed at a better understanding of the composition, structure, and properties of raw rubber. This area of study is also important because the composition and the structure of NR differ from synthetic polyisoprene in that the presence of functional groups on main chains and nonrubbery materials, such as proteins, can significantly affect the rheological properties and the processing conditions of rubber before the vulcanization process. Raw rubber can be divided into two different fractions, sol (soluble part) and gel (insoluble part). Of course, this definition depends so...
Effective dose equivalent and effective dose: Comparison for common projections in oral and maxillofacial radiology

Abstract Objectives. Effective dose equivalents (H E ) and effective doses (E) for radiographic projections common in dentistry, calculated from the same organ dose distributions, are presented to determine whether the 2 quantities can be directly compared. Study Design. Doses to all organs and tissues in the head, neck, trunk, and proximal extremities were determined for each projection (intraoral full-mouth radiographic survey, panoramic, cephalometric, temporomandibular tomograms, and submentovertex view) by computer simulation with Monte Carlo methods. H E and E were calculated from these complete distributions and by methods prescribed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Results. H E and E computed from complete dose distributions were found comparable within a few percentage points. However, those computed by strict application of ICRP methods were not. Conclusion. For radiographic projections with highly localized dose distributions, such as those common in dentistry, direct comparison of H E and E may not be meaningful, unless both computation algorithms are known. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000;90:538-45)
Notes on Quantum Liouville Theory and Quantum Gravity

There are two motivations to study two-dimensional quantum gravity. First, this theory is a toy model for four-dimensional gravity. Second, two-dimensional quantum gravity is the theory on the world-sheet of both “critical” as well as “non-critical” string theories. Some of our conclusions apply to these two more general situations. Since we would like to draw lessons from this simple theory, which are generic and valid in more complicated systems, we should study it in continuum field theory language. In these notes we review the status of the continuum Liouville approach to quantum gravity. Our understanding of the subject is far from complete. We will point out what we think are the most important open problems, and will speculate about their solutions.
Aerosol Delivery of Interleukin 2 Liposomes Is Nontoxic and Biologically Effective: Canine Studies'

Administration of interleukin 2 (IL-2) has been associated with potent in vitro antitumor effects. However, systemic in vivo toxicity has been problematic. Because local delivery and liposomal formulations of IL-2 may improve the therapeutic index, we used dogs to evaluate and compare immunological activation of inhaled free IL-2 and IL-2 liposomes. Twelve normal dogs were treated with nebulized IL-2 formulations and controls for 2 to 7 weeks. Cellular immune activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) effector leukocytes against tumor cell lines, changes in effector leukocyte populations, and toxicity were monitored. No toxicity was seen with either aerosolized free IL-2 or IL-2 liposomes. Free IL-2 given at 0.5 x 10(6) Biologic Response Modifier Program (BRMP) units twice daily to dogs resulted in increased peripheral blood mononuclear cell activation compared with saline control-treated dogs. IL-2 liposomes given at 0.5 x 10(6) BRMP units twice daily to dogs resulted in significantly increased BAL effector activation compared with IL-2 liposomes given at 1.0 x 10(6) BRMP units once daily (P = 0.018) and empty liposome controls (P = 0.016). The BAL leukocyte cell count was increased significantly after inhalation of IL-2 liposomes versus inhalation of free IL-2 (P = 0.011). BAL effector populations included a greater proportion and total number of lymphocytes and eosinophils after treatment with IL-2 liposomes. Nontoxic activation of pulmonary immune effectors for the treatment of cancer in the lung may be possible using nebulized IL-2 liposomes.
DNA microarray analysis of region-specific gene expression in the mouse epididymis

Microarray analysis was carried out to identify genes with enriched expression in the initial segment region of the mouse epididymis. A set of approximately 15 000 clones developed at the National Institutes for Aging and consisting of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) derived from pre- and peri-implantation embryos, Embryonic Day 12.5 female gonad/mesonephros, and newborn ovary were hybridized with probes generated against the initial segment (epididymal region 1) and the remainder of the epididymis (epididymal regions 2‐5). The median values for the normalized ratios of region 1 to regions 2‐5 from three independent experiments were averaged for each gene/EST using Genespring 5.0 software. The majority of clones showed a ratio of 1.0, suggesting they were expressed at similar levels in all epididymal regions. In addition, 123 clones exhibited 2-fold or higher expression in the initial segment, including Cres3, prostein, lipocalin 2, ALEX3, synaptotagmin-like 4, erm, and milk fat globule factor, whereas 216 clones, including elafin-like 1, lactotransferrin, Sin3B, zinc-finger protein 91, and membranetype frizzled-related protein, showed 2-fold or higher expression in epididymal regions 2‐5. Northern blot analyses of 12 clones predicted by microarray analysis to be either enriched in the initial segment (n 5 8), enriched in epididymal regions 2‐5 (n 5 2), or similar in all regions (n 5 2) were carried out. All clones exhibited the expected region-specific expression, thus confirming the microarray results. The studies presented here show a global survey of region-specific gene expression in the epididymis, identifying 15 287 sequences, the majority of which have not previously been shown to be expressed in this organ. epididymis, male reproductive tract
Analysis of mannitol in pharmaceutical formulations using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with evaporative light‐scattering detection

This study demonstrates the use of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) for the separation of both active and inactive ingredients in pharmaceuticals from a single injection. Excipients commonly used in parenteral formulations were separated using a gradient method employing increasing aqueous composition. An evaporative light-scattering detector (ELSD) provided direct detection of inactive excipients and inorganic salts lacking UV chromophores. Analyses of Gemzar parenteral formulations using optimized isocratic HILIC-ELSD method conditions were performed based on retention time screening from the gradient assay. All of the components were efficiently separated using a TSK-Gel Amide 80 column including gemcitabine, mannitol, and sodium cation demonstrating the qualitative capability of the technique. The method was thoroughly validated for mannitol content to access the quantitative potential of the technique. Validation parameters included linearity, accuracy, specificity, solution stability, repeatability, and intermediate precision. Overall, the method described in this report proved to be very robust and represents a novel technique to conveniently separate and detect the active and inactive components in pharmaceuticals both quickly and accurately.
Analysis and symbolic processing of unrestricted speech

This is a basic research project whose thrust is both theoretical and practical in nature. The core technology consists of techniques using machine learning and statistical theory as well as fundamental linguistic and phonetic theory. The investigations aim at furthering the understanding of requirements for future speech recognition systems, and in developing strategies for extracting significant information from noisy and/or large quantities of language data.
Effects of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor meloxicam on recovery of ischemia-injured equine jejunum

Objective—To determine the effect of meloxicam and flunixin meglumine on recovery of ischemia-injured equine jejunum. Animals—18 horses. Procedures—Horses received butorphanol tartrate; were treated IV with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (SS; 12 mL; n = 6), flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg; 6), or meloxicam (0.6 mg/kg; 6) 1 hour before ischemia was induced for 2 hours in a portion of jejunum; and were allowed to recover for 18 hours. Flunixin and SS treatments were repeated after 12 hours; all 3 treatments were administered immediately prior to euthanasia. Selected clinical variables, postoperative pain scores, and meloxicam pharmacokinetic data were evaluated. After euthanasia, assessment of epithelial barrier function, histologic evaluation, and western blot analysis of ischemia-injured and control jejunal mucosa samples from the 3 groups were performed. Results—Meloxicam- or flunixin-treated horses had improved postoperative pain scores and clinical variables, compared with SS-treated horses. Recovery of tra...
The Correlation Between Expanded Career Goals and Internship Courses in BSDH Programs: An Assessment

To prepare graduates for leadership roles in the profession of dental hygiene, baccalaureate education is integral. The degree program should not only broaden students9 skill base, but importantly, expose them to a variety of career options. Purpose. To determine if internship placement at alternate sites would impact skill development and future career goals of BSDH-educated dental hygienists. Method. A longitudinal study was conducted of Bachelor of Science dental hygienists who completed the internship course in the years 2003-2005. Additional data will be collected from the 2006 cohort. A survey was administered to 48 students. There were 21(N=21) responses. Students were asked to assess the value of internship as a learning experience, a means to acquire new skills, and as an influence on their future career goals. Results. One hundred percent rated Internship “definitely yes” and “yes” as a valuable learning experience. Students felt they acquired the following skills: Critical Thinking (61.9 %), Interpersonal (71.4 %), Management (61.9 %), Research (57.1 %), Public Speaking (52.3 %). Sixty one percent stated that their Internship influenced their future goals: 57.1% plan to further their education in such areas as education, public health, nutrition, and dental school; thirty-eight percent of the student teachers indicated that they would pursue a career in dental hygiene education. When asked, they indicated “observation of student teachers” and “influence of a mentor and a possible career option” as having the most impact on this decision. Conclusion. It is apparent to date that students benefit from exposure to mentorship in a variety of employment venues. It is anticipated that the additional data will support that the pursuit of alternate practice settings and additional education is directly correlated to the variety of internship experiences.
Dietary fish oil prevents vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress in hyperinsulinemic rats

Background Fish oil has been shown to improve blood pressure (BP) in some disease states by an unknown mechanism. We tested the ability of fish oil to prevent vascular dysfunction in fructose-fed rats, a model of insulin resistance and hypertension. Methods Rats were placed on three diets: 1) regular rat diet (control); 2) diet containing 60% fructose (FFR); or 3) diet containing 60% fructose and 4.4% fish oil (FFR+FO). After 8 weeks, blood, heart, aorta, and mesenteric artery tissue were collected from each animal. Secondary branch segments of mesenteric arteries were isolated for vascular reactivity studies. Results Systolic BP increased significantly in the FFR but was reduced to control levels by the addition of fish oil to the diet. In the mesenteric artery segments from FFR, the dose-response curves to acetylcholine were significantly shifted to the right compared with those of control rats and rats on the fish oil diet. Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein and mRNA was reduced in the FFR aortas and hearts, and this reduction was reversed by the fish oil. Dietary fish oil prevented the hyperlipidemia that occurred in the FFR but did not prevent hyperinsulinemia. Plasma concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, 8-isoprostane, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were significantly elevated in the FFR and were significantly lower in the FFR treated with fish oil. Conclusions These results demonstrate that dietary fish oil prevents vascular dysfunction in FFR and that this effect of fish oil is associated with increased eNOS expression and decreased oxidative stress.
Trickling Filter Stone Gradation and Placement

Tests showed that few fines are produced in placing stone by dropping it into a trickling filter. With stones larger than 2 in. and graded within 0.5 in., 50% void volume could be maintained even at maximum compaction. Any mixture of different-sized stones resulted in a reduction of void volume.