cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SOCIOLOGY, HISTORY, AND THE ABSTRACT PERSPECTIVE

Our discussion is initiated as a response to the claim that sociologists should become “more historical” in their orientations. The issues are old, but every generation frames its own response. Our response is developed by appeal to intuitive convictions arising out of experience with mathematical models of social phenomena. We make a distinction between historical and sociological processes at a metaphysical level; that is, these two types of processes exemplify different categories of existence. Next we make this point of view concrete by using the idea of a model of social mobility as an example. The discussion then centers on problems related to the search for general laws. We frame a “fallacy of misplaced generality” and against this background discuss how the idea of scope conditions, used in conjunction with formal models, leads to a method for coping with the difficulties inherent in the effort to frame general sociological theories.
Early Modern Philosophy and Biological Thought

The essays collected here address a variety of topics in biological thought as they appear in the writings of Descartes, Gassendi, Regis, Malebranche, and Leibniz.1 Why consider the views of early modern Continental philosophers on biology-related topics? Historical analyses of such topics in this period have tended to focus instead on medical writers and practicing scientists—for example, Paracelsus, van Helmont, Spallanzini, Harvey, and Malpighi. Given the historiographical record, it is reasonable to ask about the added value of speciacally philosophical thought in this domain. These essays suggest at least two possible answers. First, the methodological and metaphysical discussions among philosophers of that era yield insights on the running biological questions and competing responses. Second, we may better grasp emerging early modern notions of science—something these philosophers all consider quite explicitly—by including their writings on biology along with more familiar texts. It is
A double‐blind controlled trial of bovine brain gangliosides in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

We conducted a double-blind controlled study of the effect of brain gangliosides in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nineteen patients received intramuscular gangliosides (40 mg/d) for 6 months, and 21 received placebo. The deterioration rates for approximately 120 clinical and electrophysiologic parameters of neuromuscular function were analyzed, but no statistically significant beneficial effect of the drug was demonstrated. However, the large coefficient of variation for each item indicated that a sample size of several hundred patients would have been necessary to exclude the possibility that the drug produced a 25% slowing of progression of the disease.
A behavioral-systems approach to the treatment of marital jealousy

Abstract This paper describes a model of jealousy as an interactional rather than an individual problem and illustrates how faulty attempts to correct jealousy actually exacerbate and maintain the problem. The model integrates a systems view of molar relationship structures and sequences with a behavioral view of respondent and operant components of jealousy. The three case histories that are presented combine strategic approaches, including therapeutic directives and reframing with behavioral strategies such as cognitive restructuring, negotiation and behavioral rehearsal. How the therapist issues directives, fosters compliance, and handles the values dimension of jealousy are discussed as important considerations in the treatment of jealousy.
Complement studies in nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NSN) and aminonucleoside nephrosis (AN) of the rat

Total complement (CH50) and C1-C9 have been determined in sera and urines of rats with NSN and AN. In NSN, 3 hrs. after injection of antiserum, a significant drop of CH50 and C1-C8 in serum was observed, whereas C9 remained normal. At day 12 CH50 and the complement factors were normal except C1, which was still slightly diminished. In urine, at day 1 only C8 and C9, at day 12 small amounts of C1,C4,C8 and C9 and, less frequently, of C3-C7 could be measured. In AN, at day 12 CH50 and C1-C9 were strikingly diminished in serum. In urine, at day 12 C3,C5,C7,C8 and C9 could be determined regularly, whereas urinary excretion of C1,C4,C2 and C6 was observed in about 50% of the animals. In NSN, the consumption of complement in serum reflects the ongoing immunological process. The low clearances of complement components, compared to AN, may be due to their fixation and inactivation in the kidney. In AN, the reduction of complement in serum may be the result of loss of complement factors in oedema, ascites and urine, and/or of impaired synthesis of these proteins.
Developments in Multiple Comparisons 1966–1976

Abstract This article contains a bibliography of papers on multiple comparisons between 1966 and 1976. A discussion of some of the more important developments during this period precedes the bibliography.
Encoding motion and approximate segmentation in a slicing floorplan tree structure

A new encoding scheme for motion and approximate scene segmentation in video sequences is described. The proposed segmentation partitions the scene into variable size rectangles that can be encoded efficiently in a data structure known as `a slicing floorplan tree' in VLSI design. The motion in each rectangle is represented by size parameters. We describe experiments comparing the compactness of this encoding to motion encoding in MPEG-1, and its quality to motion estimates obtained by standard computer vision techniques. These experiments establish two facts. (1) The proposed representation is flexible enough to describe motion as accurately as the output produced by the best motion algorithms developed by computer vision researchers. (2) The proposed representation is much more compact than the representation of motion in MPEG-1.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Calcium-induced degeneration of axoplasm in isolated segments of rat peripheral nerve

Abstract Comparative studies were conducted on the pattern of degenerative changes in transected rat saphenous nerves and in excised segments of the same nerve incubated at 37°C in dextrose-enriched oxygenated Ringer's solution with varying calcium ion concentrations. Identical features of Wallerian degeneration were observed in the transected nerve and in nerve segments incubated in Ringer's solution. A characteristic initial alteration of this process was the granular disintegration of axoplasmic microtubules and neurofilaments, a phenomenon which was shown to be calcium-dependent in the isolated nerve segments. This primary axonal alteration as well as the associated linear fragmentation of myelin sheaths could be prevented by substitution of equimolar concentrations of magnesium for calcium (Ca-free media) or by the addition of 10 m M EGTA (Ca-chelated media) to Ringer's solution. Furthermore, the granular disintegrative axoplasmic change could be accelerated by the addition of 10 or 50 m M CaCl 2 to Ringer's incubation media or by subjecting the nerve preparations to chemical (detergent) or physical (freeze-thawing) membrane disrupting procedures. These findings support a Ca-influx hypothesis of Wallerian degeneration, whereby degradative axonal membrane alterations and a spontaneous influx of calcium ion into the axoplasm are critical phenomena in the degeneration of isolated axons.
Cystic pancreatic neoplasms: Enucleate or resect?

Asymptomatic cystic pancreatic neoplasms are being detected by abdominal imaging with increasing frequency. Enucleation of small cystic neoplasms can be performed without recurrence but has been associated with a higher incidence of pancreatic fistula. Thus the procedure has been modified to include intraoperative ultrasound imaging and closure of the pancreatic defect. This analysis was performed to determine whether these modifications have improved operative outcome. Thirty patients with mucinous cystic neoplasms (n = 16), serous cystadenomas (n = 10), and cystic islet cell tumors (n = 4) were studied. Enucleation was performed in 11 patients (7 with mucinous cystic neoplasms, 2 with serous cystadenomas and 2 with islet cell tumors), whereas 19 underwent resection of cystic tumors (pancreatoduodenectomy in 8 and distal pancreatectomy in 11). The mean groups did not differ with regard to age (57 years), gender (73% female), presentation (63% incidental), or site (43% head, neck, or uncinate). Patients undergoing enucleation had smaller tumors (2.2 vs. 4.7 cm, P < 0.01) that were less likely to be in the tail (9% vs. 42%). Operative time was significantly shorter in the enucleation group (199 vs. 298 minutes, P < 0.01). Blood loss also was significantly reduced in the enucleation group (114 vs. 450 ml, P < 0.001). Pancreatic fistula rates (27% vs. 26%) and length of hospital stay (12.6 vs. 15.7 days) were similar in the two groupsz. Enucleation of benign cystic pancreatic neoplasms reduces operative time and blood loss without increasing postoperative complications or length of stay. Therefore enucleation should be the standard operation for small benign cystic neoplasms in the uncinate, head, neck, and body of the pancreas.
N-linked carbohydrates act as lumenal maturation and quality control protein tags

Protein modifications such as ubiquitination and phosphorylation commonly serve as sorting tags that control the trafficking and stability of a protein within the cytosol. In recent years, N-linked glycans have emerged as key protein modifications for eukaryotic secretory proteins. These modifications support the recruitment of molecular chaperones and sorting receptors, which recognize specific glycoforms. Therefore, glycanases and carbohydrate transferases work in concert with lectin chaperones and receptors to aid in the maturation and quality control of glycoproteins.
Photochemical Transformation of Benzil Carbonyl Pendant Groups in Polystyrene Copolymers to Benzoyl Peroxide Carbonyl Moieties and the Consequences of Their Thermal and Photochemical Decomposition

When irradiated at >400 nm in air, the benzil carbonyl groups (BZG) of 1-phenyl-2-(4- propenoylphenyl)-1,2-ethanedione/styrene (PCOCO/S) copolymer films are transformed almost quanti- tatively to benzoyl peroxide carbonyl groups (BPG). Subsequent additional irradiation (at 366 nm) or heating (at 91 °C) of the BPG-containing copolymer films generates ester moieties, and significantly more cross-linking than main-chain cleavage is manifested in the copolymer. At 91 °C, the rate of the thermal decomposition of the pendant BPG is 3 times slower than that of noncovalently attached benzoyl peroxide molecules in polystyrene films.
The role of emotional functioning in military-related PTSD and its treatment

This two-part study investigated the cross-sectional and across-treatment relationships among measures of emotional functioning and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology for veterans receiving specialized treatment for military-related PTSD. Cross-sectional analyses revealed overlap among emotion regulation, affective control, depressive symptoms, and PTSD symptoms at pre-treatment. In regression analyses, fear of losing affective control was most predictive of PTSD symptoms. Bivariate analyses of residualized change scores showed that changes in emotion regulation and fear of losing affective control were associated with changes in PTSD and depressive symptoms across treatment. Regression analyses revealed that changes in fear of losing affective control most strongly predicted changes in PTSD and depressive symptoms. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed, including an understanding of the differences between emotion regulation and affective control processes. Future research directions are offered, including improved measurement of emotional functioning and longitudinal research delineating the likely bi-directional relationship between emotional functioning and PTSD.
Reliability of 129I/I ratios produced from small sample masses

Abstract We report here results of a study on the influence of sample mass on isotope ratios and accuracy of 129 I/I determinations in the AMS system at PRIME Lab, Purdue U. Iodine from four samples, two coal-bed methane brines, one surface water sample and a blank, was extracted and precipitated as AgI, following established methods. The resulting samples were subdivided into four sequences of targets, containing between 1.5 and 0.1 mg of AgI. Beam currents for samples with masses above 0.3 mg did not show a dependence on mass, but fell off strongly for smaller masses. The resulting isotope ratios were within the instrumental error limits and did not vary with sample mass, but accuracy decreased for samples with masses below 0.3 mg. The results demonstrate that the presence of 5000 129 I atoms in the target is sufficient for making a successful AMS determination, a level considerably lower than for other methods used in mass spectrometry. The ability of producing reliable 129 I/I ratios from targets as small as 0.1 mg of AgI enlarges considerably the range of applications possible for this isotopic system.
Pathology of Pentastomid Infections (Sebekia mississippiensis) in Fish

Differential pathogenesis was observed in two species of fish naturally infected with the pentastome Sebekia mississippiensis. Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) showed a mild inflammatory response to developing nymphs, whereas swordtails (Xiphophorus helleri) had an extensive granulomatous inflammatory reaction with accompanying hemorrhage, myositis, and myodegeneration. This suggested that certain species of tropical fish reared in the southeastern United States may be at risk to potentially harmful infections with this parasite.
Thermal Rectification in Bulk Materials Using Rough Contacts: A Thermal Diode

Thermal rectification occurs when a device permits heat to flow preferentially in one direction direction while restricting it in the opposite direction. Thermal rectification can occur whenever an asymmetry is present in a device, and has been demonstrated to arise in bulk materials that have asymmetric geometry, in the contact of two materials with different thermal properties and in nanomaterials. Herein, a thermal diode that utilizes thermal expansion to directionally control interfacial conductance between two contacting surfaces is presented. Essentially, the device consists of two thermal reservoirs contacting a beam with one rough and one smooth end. When the temperature of reservoir in contact with the smooth surface is raised, a similar temperature rise will occur in the beam, causing it to expand, thus increasing the contact pressure at the rough interface and reducing the interfacial contact resistance. However, if the temperature of the reservoir in contact with the rough interface is raised, the large contact resistance will prevent a similar temperature rise in the beam. As a result, the contact pressure will be marginally affected and the contact resistance will not change appreciably. Owing to the decreased contact resistance of the first scenario compared to the second, thermal rectification occurs. A parametric analysis is used to determine optimal device parameters including surface roughness, contact pressure and device length. Modeling predicts rectification factors greater than 2 are possible at thermal biases as small as 3 K.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Light Water Reactor Fuel Degradation Mechanisms at High Burnup: Implications to Generation IV Materials

The proposed designs of GenIV reactors call for high operating temperatures and long exposure times, aimed at increasing thermal efficiency, enabling hydrogen production, decreasing waste and increasing safety, among other goals. These requirements will require imply the materials will be subjected to higher radiation damage doses than seen in light water reactors, requiring an even higher degree of alloys stability. In addition the higher temperatures and exposure times in corrosive environments will require much higher corrosion resistance than current materials. One of the main challenges of designing these materials is that our ability to predict material response in the face of the synergistic effects of temperature, radiation damage and a corrosive environment is limited. However, efforts are underway to understand mechanistically the degradation processes so that they can be extrapolated to conditions beyond the experimental database. In this context, it is interesting to consider the effort made by the nuclear power industry to qualify nuclear fuel for operation at higher burnup in existing light water reactors. In the last two decades, the average discharge burnup of nuclear fuel in light water reactors has increased almost two fold, thereby increasing the reactor exposure time and the amount of radiation damage withstood by the cladding. Experience has shown that the material degradation rates can increase at high burnup, sometimes through the synergistic operation of various processes. Two examples will be given to illustrate the complexity of the problem: (i) The rate of irradiation growth of zirconium alloys increases significantly at high burnup. The mechanism has been shown to depend on the amorphization of intermetallic ZrCrFe precipitates with consequent release of Fe into the Zr matrix. This has been shown to help nucleate component dislocation loops which preferentially absorb vacancies, thereby increasing the net rate of growth. This causes the interstitial and vacancy fluxes both to contribute towards irradiation growth, thus increasing the rate. (ii) One of the most significant obstacles to approval of cladding operation at high burnup is difficulty in the evaluation of the behavior of the fuel during a reactivity initiated accident (RIA). The degradation of the mechanical properties of the zirconium cladding with increasing corrosion and consequent hydrogen ingress, the radiation damage and the microstructure evolution in the fuel all have to be taken into account in evaluating the likelihood of severe fuel failure at high burnup. This problem is still being addressed in various research programs. Such mechanisms and the efforts to qualify nuclear fuel for higher burnup in light water reactors will be reviewed as a means of illustrating the challenges (known and unknown) faced by GenIV reactor materials.
Adhesive bonding study of amorphous LARC™-TPI

A novel form of LARC™-TPI has been developed which does not exhibit a crystalline melt as was encountered in earlier fonns of this material. Being amorphous allows the powder to be consolidated at temperatures near its glass transition temperature of 260°C (500°F). Adhesively bonded titanium lap shear specimens were fabricated at temperatures as low as 260°C (500°F). At lower temperatures, the pressures needed to create a well-consolidated bond were high, but as the bonding temperature was increased, the pressure could be decreased. High quality, high strength bonds were prepared at a temperature as low as 280°C (536 °F) with a pressure of only 0.69 MPa (100 psi). At a 350°C (662°F) bonding temperature, only 0.10 MPa (15 psi) was needed to develop very high lap shear strengths.
A 1.6 approximation algorithm for routing multiterminal nets

The problem of connecting a set of n terminals belonging to m (signal) nets that lie on the sides of a rectangle to minimize the total area is discussed. We present an $O(n(m + \log n))$approximation algorithm to solve this problem. Our algorithm generates a solution with area $ \leqq 1.6 * {\operatorname{OPT}}$, where ${\operatorname{OPT}}$ is the area of an optimal solution. The nets are routed according to the following greedy strategy: the wire connecting all points from a net is one whose path crosses the least number of corners of the rectangle. For some nets there are several routes that cross the least number of corners. A subset of these nets is connected by wires whose paths blend with the paths for other nets. The remaining nets are routed using several strategies and $2^6 $ layouts are obtained. The best of these layouts is the solution generated by our algorithm.
Methods of Monitoring and Evaluating Structural Performance

The American Society of Civil Engineers/Structural Engineering Institute Committee on Methods of Monitoring and Evaluating Structural Performance developed a one-day track on bridge testing and health monitoring for Structures Congress 2005. This track consisted of four technical sessions, each on a different monitoring and evaluation approach. These four sessions covered: nondestructive load testing and strength evaluation of bridges; in-service evaluation of bridges; field monitoring for fatigue evaluation of existing bridges; and corrosion in bridges. A subset of the above papers was selected for this special issue of Journal of Bridge Engineering. These papers contribute to the state-of-the-art for nondestructive bridge testing, evaluation and health monitoring.
Androgen receptor affinity chromatography: Synthesis and properties of 17α-epoxypropyl- dihydrotestosterone sepharose

Abstract We have prepared a new affinity chromatography reagent, 17α-epoxypropyl-dihydro-testosterone linked to Thiopropyl-Sepharose, with potential for use in purification of androgen receptor and other specific androgen binding proteins. The linkage is stable, and the ligand has reasonably high affinity for the receptor. Starting with 5α-androstane-3β-ol-17-one, we synthesized in two steps 17α-allyl-dihydrotestosterone, which was then oxidized to 17α-epoxypropyl-DHT yielding 2 diastereomers in about a 4:1 ratio. The 17α-allyl-DHT had about 50% of DHT's affinity for rat uterine androgen receptor, while the affinity of the major epoxide isomer was 9% and that of the minor isomer was 4%. Reaction of the epoxides with Thiopropyl-Sepharose-6B gave about 7 μ mol of covalently bound DHT per ml of beads. These beads took up 83% of the androgen receptor from a rat uterine cytosol in a preliminary study, which more than equalled the performance of identically prepared estradiol beads successfully used for estrogen receptor purification. The use of the new DHT beads in purifications of the androgen receptor and other binding proteins is now being explored by other laboratories.
CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β Is a Major Mediator of Inflammation and Viral Replication in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Macaques

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a major target of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Chronic GIT disease and inflammation are common sequelae to HIV/SIV infection. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms that cause and maintain GIT dysfunction remain unclear. We investigated the contribution of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) to GIT disease and viral replication in jejunum and colon collected at necropsy from 12 SIV-infected (group 1), or 10 uninfected macaques with chronic diarrhea (group 2), and 9 uninfected control macaques (group 3). All group 1 and 2 macaques had chronic diarrhea, wasting, and colitis, but group 1 animals had more severe lesions in the jejunum. C/EBPβ gene expression increased significantly in colon of groups 1 and 2 and in jejunum of only group 1 macaques compared with controls. In group 1 animals, CEBPβ expression was localized predominantly to macrophages and occasionally lymphocytes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed the binding of C/EBPβ and p65 to the SIV long terminal repeat region in colonic lamina propria cells, suggesting a mechanistic link between inflammation and activation of viral replication in vivo. This is the first in vivo study describing the transcriptional changes and immunophenotypic localization of C/EBPβ in the GIT of SIV-infected macaques. More importantly, these data provide a molecular mechanism for persistent inflammation and immune activation leading to increased SIV burden and GIT pathology in SIV-infected macaques and perhaps HIV-infected individuals.
Rawlsian difference principles and economic utilitarianism

John Rawls's theory, justice as fairness, constitutes an important alternative to a utilitarian theory of social justice. This essay addresses the relationship between utilitarian choice and the difference principle that is central to Rawls's theory. It argues that the difference principle, if applied to utility, is not supportable in the economic utilitarian framework. The Rawlsian result could be consistent with this framework if expressed with respect to income rather than utility. However, the argument in a utilitarian framework is ad hoc and not compelling. The paper presents conditions under which a utilitarian in an initial position, with some similarity to Rawls's original position, would choose the Rawlsian difference principle. The choices coincide only under the unrealistic assumption that redistribution entails no efficiency loss.
Hadamard's principle for displacement discontinuity modeling of cracks

Abstract It is well known that boundary integral formulations degenerate for a body containing flat cracks. The methods used to analyse fracture problems include multi-region approaches and Green's function formulations. Recently a displacement discontinuity method has also been used to solve fracture problems. In this method the displacement discontinuity along the crack surface is related to the applied traction through an integral equation. The technique adapted for solving this equation requires that the gradient of the displacement discontinuity be continuous across the element boundaries. This can be ensured only if the gradients of the displacement discontinuity is also interpolated in addition to the displacement discontinuities. For two dimensional problems this would result in doubling the number of nodal variables. In the proposed method the integral equation relating the displacement discontinuities to the applied traction is solved directly by using the Hadamard's principle. This method requires only that the points at which the stresses are evaluated be distinct from the element nodes. This technique is found to yield satisfactory results for various problems including multi-cracks, non-uniform loading and both infinite space and half space problems.
Compound splint for comminuted mandibular fracture

Maintenance of an adequate airway, control of bleeding, and neurologic evaluation should take precedence over treatment of facial injuries. Comminuted mandibular fractures are rare and require the use of complex splints. Severe lacerations and bone displacement accompany comminuted mandibular fractures. Extraoral facial splints constructed from donor facial moulages can be used along with intraoral splints for these patients. Preaccident photographs and radiographs are excellent aids to help realign the fractured segments. The use of an extraoral "donor" splint in conjunction with an intraoral splint to stabilize comminuted mandibular fracture helps to eliminate unnecessary gross removal of mandibular bone.
High-performance Mo-Si multilayer coatings for extreme-ultraviolet lithography by ion-beam deposition.

An ion-beam deposition system has been used to fabricate Mo-Si multilayer coatings for masks and imaging optics to be used for extreme-ultraviolet lithography. In addition to high reflectivity and excellent profile control, ion-beam deposition has the capability to smooth rough substrates. For example, we achieved reflectivity of 66.8% on a substrate with 0.39-nm roughness. Smoothing can be further enhanced with a second ion source directed at the multilayer coating. The smoothing capabilities relax the requirement on the finish of the mirror and the mask substrates and could dramatically reduce the cost of these components. Thickness profile control is in the ±0.01% range, and the figure error added to the mirror substrate by errors in the multilayer thickness is less than 0.1 nm. Peak reflectivities obtained on smooth substrates are 67.5–68.6%.
[11C]-GR89696, a potent kappa opiate receptor radioligand; in vivo binding of the R and S enantiomers

The R and S enantiomers of [(11)C]GR89696, [(11)C]-methyl 4-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acetyl]-3-[(1-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylate, were synthesized from their appropriate chiral precursors and [(11)C]methyl chloroformate. The [(11)C]-labeled R enantiomer of GR89696, also known as GR103545, demonstrated high affinity in mouse brain with region to cerebellar ratios at 90 minutes of 11.4 and 8.7 for the hypothalamus and olfactory tubercle, respectively. The [(11)C]-labeled S enantiomer showed low affinity and region to cerebellar ratios of 1 for all brain regions. The [(11)C]-labeled GR103545 exhibited a selective and saturable binding for the kappa opioid receptor.
Biodegradable pH-sensing dendritic nanoprobes for near-infrared fluorescence lifetime and intensity imaging.

The overproduction of acidic byproducts is implicated in the development of numerous diseases, and there is currently great interest in developing contrast agents that can image acidic tissue in vivo. Here we report a biodegradable pH-sensing near-infrared (NIR) nanoprobe capable of providing both fluorescence intensity amplification and lifetime information. The pH-sensing NIR nanoprobe is synthesized, in six high yielding and scalable steps, and functions within the tissue transparency window. Both fluorescence intensity and lifetime provided complementary physiological (low pH) and molecular (released fluorophore binding to albumin) information, respectively.
Locomotion and Burrowing in Limbless Vertebrates

GAYMER1 recently described “vermiform” movement as a fifth2,3 and “new” method of locomotion in limbless terrestrial vertebrates. On the basis of X-rays of limbless amphibians (caecilians) he stated that these animals can shorten their bodies by flexing the vertebral column into multiple curves of short radius within the integumentary envelope. The shortened region is apparently fixed against the soil or tunnel walls and the head then moves forward from this stationary zone. The fixed region thus serves in force transmission to the soil, allowing the animal to pull up its posterior trunk, or send the anterior portion further along the path. Gaymer noted that the fixed zone thus formed may also serve as a base for ramming movements.
On the formulation of the virtual mass term in two fluid models

Abstract Quantitative bounds on coefficients of the virtual mass terms were derived for mathematical hyperbolicity and satisfaction of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. The recommended bounds for the coefficients in the present analysis are of a simple and clear nature. One-dimensional numerical simulation showed that a suggested criterion for stability predicts well the onset of instability. It is also concluded that an interfacial momentum transfer term composed of drag and virtual mass terms need not violate the Second Law. Therefore the resulting interfacial momentum term is simpler than recommended by previous studies.
Isoleucine requirement of broiler chicks as affected by the concentrations of leucine and valine in practical diets.

Abstract 1. Chicks were fed on an isoleucine‐deficient diet, with 6 added concentrations of isoleucine to determine their isoleucine requirement and an additional 6 treatments were devised to determine their isoleucine requirement when dietary leucine and valine contents were increased. 2. The diet deficient in isoleucine contained 5.6 g/kg isoleucine with leucine and valine contents of 20.1 and 10.3 g/kg, respectively. Supplementation with leucine and valine increased these to 24.7 and 12.6 g/kg, respectively. 3. The isoleucine requirement was not affected by dietary leucine and valine contents in a diet with 13.4 MJ of ME per kg. Analysis of variance and Least Significant Difference of means indicated an isoleucine requirement of 7.2 g/kg. Non‐linear regression of the same data indicated an isoleucine requirement of 8.44 g/kg, based on weight gain, or 8.19 g/kg based on food efficiency. 4. Reasons for the failure to find an imbalancing effect of branched chain amino acids in practical diets are discussed.
The Adolescent Resilience Model and Interventions to Promote Resilience—Critique:

Dr Joan Haase has paid meticulous attention to methodology in the frequently hazy area of coping and resilience. More important, her emphasis is on the positive side of coping and adaptation. Her w...
Large-scale alcohol production from corn, grain sorghum, and crop residues.

The potential impacts that large-scale alcohol production from corn, grain sorghum, and crop residues may have on U.S. agriculture in the year 2000 are investigated. A one land group interregional linear programming model is used. The objective function is to minimize the cost of production in the agricultural sector, given specified crop demands and constrained resources;The impacts that levels of alcohol production, ranging from zero to 12 billion gallons, have at two projected levels of crop demands, two grain-to-alcohol conversion and two milling methods, wet and dry, rates are considered. At the lower level of crop demands, 1980 crop exports are used and at the higher level of demands, one-half times 1980 crop exports are used. A rate of conversion which reflects current technology, 2.6 gallons of alcohol per bushel of grain, and one which reflects a maximum potential rate of conversion, 3.0 gallons per bushel of grain, are incorporated into the model;The impacts that large-scale fuel alcohol production has on U.S. agriculture are small. The major impacts that occur are the substitution of milling by-products, DDG, gluten feed, and gluten meal, for soybean meal in livestock feed rations. Production of 12 billion gallons of alcohol is estimated to be equivalent to an 18 percent increase in crop exports. Improving the grain-to-alcohol conversion rate from 2.6 to 3.0 gallons per bushels reduces the overall cost of agricultural production by 989 billion when 12 billion gallons of alcohol are produced.
Multivariate adaptive regression splines analysis to predict biomarkers of spontaneous preterm birth.

Objective To develop classification models of demographic/clinical factors and biomarker data from spontaneous preterm birth in African Americans and Caucasians. Design Secondary analysis of biomarker data using multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), a supervised machine learning algorithm method. Setting Analysis of data on 36 biomarkers from 191 women was reduced by MARS to develop predictive models for preterm birth in African Americans and Caucasians. Samples Maternal plasma, cord plasma collected at admission for preterm or term labor and amniotic fluid at delivery. Methods Data were partitioned into training and testing sets. Variable importance, a relative indicator (0–100%) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) characterized results. Results Multivariate adaptive regression splines generated models for combined and racially stratified biomarker data. Clinical and demographic data did not contribute to the model. Racial stratification of data produced distinct models in all three compartments. In African Americans maternal plasma samples IL-1RA, TNF-α, angiopoietin 2, TNFRI, IL-5, MIP1α, IL-1β and TGF-α modeled preterm birth (AUC train: 0.98, AUC test: 0.86). In Caucasians TNFR1, ICAM-1 and IL-1RA contributed to the model (AUC train: 0.84, AUC test: 0.68). African Americans cord plasma samples produced IL-12P70, IL-8 (AUC train: 0.82, AUC test: 0.66). Cord plasma in Caucasians modeled IGFII, PDGFBB, TGF-β1, IL-12P70, and TIMP1 (AUC train: 0.99, AUC test: 0.82). Amniotic fluid in African Americans modeled FasL, TNFRII, RANTES, KGF, IGFI (AUC train: 0.95, AUC test: 0.89) and in Caucasians, TNF-α, MCP3, TGF-β3, TNFR1 and angiopoietin 2 (AUC train: 0.94 AUC test: 0.79). Conclusions Multivariate adaptive regression splines models multiple biomarkers associated with preterm birth and demonstrated racial disparity.
Phaser accumulators: A new reduction construct for dynamic parallelism

A reduction is a computation in which a common operation, such as a sum, is to be performed across multiple pieces of data, each supplied by a separate task. We introduce phaser accumulators, a new reduction construct that meshes seamlessly with phasers to support dynamic parallelism in a phased (iterative) setting. By separating reduction computations into the parts of sending data, performing the computation itself, and retrieving the result, we enable overlap of communication and computation in a manner analogous to that of split-phase barriers. Additionally, this separation enables exploration of implementation strategies that differ as to when the reduction itself is performed: eagerly when the data is supplied, or lazily when a synchronization point is reached. We implement accumulators as extensions to phasers in the Habanero dialect of the X10 programming language. Performance evaluations of the EPCC Syncbench, Spectral-norm, and CG benchmarks on AMD Opteron, Intel Xeon, and Sun UltraSPARC T2 multicore SMPs show superior performance and scalability over OpenMP reductions (on two platforms) and X10 code (on three platforms) written with atomic blocks, with improvements of up to 2.5× on the Opteron and 14.9× on the UltraSPARC T2 relative to OpenMP and 16.5× on the Opteron, 26.3× on the Xeon and 94.8× on the UltraSPARC T2 relative to X10 atomic blocks. To the best of our knowledge, no prior reduction construct supports the dynamic parallelism and asynchronous capabilities of phaser accumulators.
Myxococcus—from Single-Cell Polarity to Complex Multicellular Patterns

Myxococcus xanthus creates complex and dynamic multicellular patterns as it swarms. The cells have two polar gliding engines: pulling type IV pili at their leading pole and pushing slime secretory nozzles at their lagging pole. Evidence is presented that slime secretion is vital for cell survival and that the peptidoglycan/cytoskeleton serves as a template to keep both engines oriented in the same direction. Swarming requires that each cell periodically reverse its gliding direction. For the leading pole to become the trailing pole, old engines are inactivated at both ends while new engines are being created at both ends. Reversal is initiated by a small G-protein reversal switch; a pulse of frzE∼P from a reversal clock triggers MglA to bind GTP. Mgl·GTP then recognizes the engines that are currently in use and inactivates both of them. Meanwhile, new engines appear as instructed by the template, and the cell starts to glide in the opposite direction.
Closed-Loop Radar with Adaptively Matched Waveforms

Adaptive and knowledge-based radar focus on improving the performance of the radar receiver through signal processing However, rather than develop transmission waveforms and signal-processing techniques independently, it is useful to consider a closed-loop system complete with an adaptive radar transmitter. In this paper, we summarize and demonstrate a framework being developed at the University of Arizona for implementation of closed-loop radar with adaptive waveforms. This framework integrates a Bayesian channel representation, matched illumination techniques, and sequential hypothesis testing. The result is a closed-loop system that modifies its understanding of the channel based on measured data, customizes waveforms to hasten understanding of the channel, and draws conclusions (such as target classification) when sufficient understanding of the propagation channel is achieved.
A Planar Dual Linear-Polarized Antenna With Integrated Balun

This letter presents a miniature L-band (770-1700 MHz) crossed bowtie antenna with integrated microstrip matching network and balun. Curved bowtie edges are employed for miniaturization and maintain nearly constant input impedance. The antenna provides dual linear polarization with greater than 5 dBi gain and exhibits a return loss greater than 10 dB when placed 1.5 in (λ/10 at 770 MHz) above a ground plane.
Star polymer diffusion in concentrated solutions: Dependence on functionality via the coupling model

The coupling model is formulated in terms of the dynamic constraint entropy, Sc(t), and subsequently compared with measured tracer diffusion coefficients D for linear, 3-arm star, and 12arm star polystyrenes in solutions of poly (vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) /o-fluorotoluene. Inequalities between the dynamic constraint entropies, Scf and Scf′(t), respectively, for f-arm and f′-arm stars, enable us to explain the experimental observation that at constant arm molecular weight, the ratio Dstar/Dlinear decreases substantially with increasing concentration above the entanglement concentration for the PVME. This work indicates that not only the reptation model, but also the coupling model, can account for the experimental observation that in entangled solutions the mechanism for diffusion depends on diffusant architecture.
Missing Data and Convenient Assumptions

This issue contains the first of several planned statistical primers on methodological problems commonly encountered by outcomes researchers. Although several resources exist for the interested outcomes researcher, they are often scattered throughout different literatures and, in particular, are not translated to the “outcomes” setting. Much of the empirical basis of outcomes research involves observational data—a setting in which the researcher has no control over what interventions are given and why they are given—yet desires to understand the causes of the interventions. Many clinicians are trained to understand the results of clinical trials in which randomization is used to quantify the efficacy of medical treatments. However, outcomes research not only involves assessing the results of randomized trials to make clinical decisions but also assessing findings from observational studies of medical interventions and policies, financial arrangements, organizational systems, and combinations thereof. A solid understanding of the statistical methods used in outcomes research to aid in drawing conclusions is therefore required. The objectives of the Statistical Primer Series are severalfold. A key goal is to introduce statistical techniques of particular relevance to observational data analyses. Second, the series aims to provide an enhanced understanding of analytical methods specifically within the context of outcomes research. In this setting, representative examples of common problems will be used to illustrate methods. Third, because of the natural complexity of the empirical data that forms the basis of outcomes research, the series will be used to introduce new statistical …
Chemistry of the Nightside Ionosphere of Venus

The present 1D model of the nightside ionosphere of Venus assumes that ionization is maintained by day-to-night transport of atomic ions. Attention is given to the sources and sinks for molecular ions. If the ionosphere is primarily maintained by transport, the ratio of the peak densities of O(+) and O2(+) indicates the downward flux of O(+), independent of the absolute magnitudes of the densities. An examination is conducted of the inbound and outbound portions of six early nightside orbits with low periapsis.
Observers' proficiency at identifying pretense acts based on behavioral cues.

Discriminating what is pretense from what is real is a fundamental problem in development. Research has addressed the proficiency with which adults and children discriminate between play fighting and real fighting, and yet none (to our knowledge) has investigated discrimination of other kinds of pretense and real acts. In addition, little is known about what aspects of pretender behavior (as opposed to pretend content) might cue pretense interpretations. In two experiments, 8–20 s clips showing pretense and real snack behaviors were presented to adult and child participants. All participants distinguished between pretense and real behaviors at better than chance level. Furthermore, certain features (specific looking patterns and mistimed behaviors) were most prominent in the videotapes that were most often correctly identified. This provides empirical support for the suggestion that these cues, as opposed to more commonly cited cues, like smiles, might serve as important indicators of pretense for children and adults.
Metabolism and Testicular Toxicity of 1,3-Dinitrobenzene in Rats of Different Ages

Susceptibility to 1,3-dinitrobenzene (1,3-DNB)-induced testicular damage is known to increase with age. The present study investigated the possibility that age-dependent differences in metabolism and disposition could account for differences in toxicity. [14C]1,3-DNB (25 mg/kg, ip) was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats which were 31, 75, or 120 days of age. Levels of 1,3-DNB and 1,3-DNB metabolites were determined in blood and urine. As animal age increased, peak blood concentrations of 1,3-DNB were lower and declined more slowly indicating an age-dependent decrease in rate of metabolism and a possible increase in volume of distribution. In younger animals, faster elimination rates were associated with higher blood levels of metabolites. Urinary metabolites were generally similar for all age groups with the exception of the diacetamidobenzene metabolite which was significantly lower in the urine of 31 days old rats. There were clear differences in the toxicokinetic profile for 1,3-DNB between the 31 day old rats and the other two age groups. However, differences between the 75 and 120 day old animals were less marked. Testicular damage induced by 1,3-DNB (25 mg/kg, ip) was hardly detectable in the youngest animals, while the intermediate age group showed a moderate lesion particularly in later stages of spermatogenesis. For the oldest animals, testicular damage was more severe, particularly in the earlier stages of spermatogenesis. Overall, the rapid elimination rate could account for the lack of 1,3-DNB toxicity in very young animals. However, simple metabolic differences were less likely to adequately explain the increase in testicular damage found as animal age increased from 75 to 120 days.
Design of a compact photonic-crystal-based polarizing beam splitter

A compact polarizing beam splitter based on a photonic crystal (PC) directional coupler with a triangular lattice of air holes is designed and simulated. In the employed PC structure, transverse-electric (TE) light is confined with the photonic bandgap effect, while transverse-magnetic (TM) light is guided through an index-like effect. Due to the different guiding mechanisms, TM and TE light have strikingly different beat lengths, which is utilized to separate the two polarizations in a directional coupler no longer than 24.2 /spl mu/m. The two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method of computation is used to evaluate the device performance. The extinction ratios are found to be around 20 dB for both TE and TM polarized light.
An enhancement of leaky prediction layered video coding

In this paper, we focus on leaky prediction layered video coding (LPLC). LPLC includes a scaled version of the enhancement layer within the motion compensation (MC) loop to improve the coding efficiency while maintaining graceful recovery in the presence of error drift. However, there exists a deficiency inherent in the LPLC structure, namely that the reconstructed video quality from both the enhancement layer and the base layer cannot be guaranteed to be always superior to that of using the base layer alone, even when no drift occurs. In this paper, we: 1) highlight this deficiency using a formulation that describes LPL; 2) propose a general framework that applies to both LPLC and a multiple description coding scheme using MC and we use this framework to further confirm the existence of the deficiency in LPLC; and 3) furthermore, we propose an enhanced LPLC based on maximum-likelihood estimation to address the previously specified deficiency in LPLC. We then show how our new method performs compared to LPLC.