cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
One Size Doesn't Fit All: Diversifying Data Science Course Projects by Student Background and Interests

A key challenge to a data science program is how to tailor its curriculum to accommodate the needs and interests of students from diverse academic backgrounds. To address this challenge, we propose Proj4X, a general project model that gives students the flexibility in choosing subject areas for the projects based on their background and interests, while requiring every project to address the key knowledge and skills covered in the course. Although project-based learning has been well researched, only a few studies have addressed the challenges in managing student-initiated projects. We have applied Proj4X to a graduate database course in our data science program. We used student peer evaluation to measure the performance of projects objectively and study the effect of group size on the performance of projects and the correlation between specific aspects of a project and its overall rating. Student feedback shows that Proj4X can greatly foster the collaboration among students of diverse backgrounds and inspire them to work on a wide range of interesting topics: from satellite tracker, hospital search during pandemic, to wildlife diversity monitoring.
Discourse Analysis: Bulleh Shah’s and Rumi’s Poetry

The present study aims at analyzing the discourse of Sufi poetry, a prominent genre of Sufi Literature. Sufi poets have been publicizing Sufism and their philosophy through poetry. Text and language is central to Sufi literature therefore Sufi poets use poetic language to mesmerize the hearts of people. In this study thematic discourse analysis of Sufi poetry is conducted in qualitative research paradigm whereas Post-structuralism is used as theoretical framework epistemologically. Textual data in form of poetry verses is collected purposively from online resources. The study concludes that poetry of two Sufi poets, Bulleh Shah and Rumi holds common themes of universal love, purification of soul and humility.
Distinctions Between CD8+ and CD4+ T-Cell Regenerative Pathways Result in Prolonged T-Cell Subset Imbalance After Intensive Chemotherapy

Rapid recovery of CD4+ T cells after intensive chemotherapy is limited by an age-dependent decline in thymopoiesis. Here we sought to determine whether similar limitations exist for CD8+ T-cell regeneration. After intensive chemotherapy, CD8+ T cells had a faster effective doubling time than CD4+ T cells (median, 12.6 v 28.2 days, P < .05). Accordingly, at 3 months posttherapy, mean CD8+ T-cell number had returned to baseline, whereas mean CD4+ T-cell number was only 35% of pretherapy values (P < .05). These differences were primarily due to very rapid expansion of CD8+CD57+ and CD8+CD28- subsets. At 3 months posttherapy, there was no relationship between age and CD8+ T-cell number (R = -.02), whereas CD4+ T-cell number was inversely related to age (R = -.66) and there were no discernible differences in CD8+ recovery among patients with or without thymic enlargement, whereas CD4+ recovery was enhanced in patients with thymic enlargement after chemotherapy (P < .01). Therefore thymic-independent pathways of T-cell regeneration appear to rapidly regenerate substantial numbers of CD8+, but not CD4+ T cells, resulting in prolonged T-cell subset imbalance after T-cell depletion. These inherent distinctions between CD4+ v CD8+ T-cell regeneration may have significant implications for immunotherapeutic strategies undertaken to eradicate minimal residual neoplastic disease after cytoreductive chemotherapy.
On the computation of the general l/sub 1/ multiblock problem

The authors present a comprehensive study of the general l/sub 1/ optimal multiblock problem, as well as a new method for computing suboptimal controllers. By formulating the interpolation conditions in a concise and natural way, the general theory is developed in simpler terms and with a minimum number of assumptions. In addition, further insight is gained into the structure of the optimal solution, and different classes of multiblock problems are distinguished. This leads to a conceptually attractive, iterative method for finding approximate solutions that approximates multiblock problems with one-block problems by delay augmentation, unifies the treatment of zero and rank interpolation conditions, provides upper and lower bounds of the optimal objective function by solving one finite dimensional linear program at each iteration, and, for a class of problems, generates suboptimal controllers that achieve the upper bound without order inflation. With this method, both bounds and the solution converge to the optimal, and it does not require the existence of polynomial feasible solutions. >
Leakage reduction in stacked sub-10nm double-gate MOSFETs

In this paper, the effectiveness of transistor stacking (or supply-gating) to reduce the leakage in the standby-mode of operation of sub-10nm double-gate MOSFETs is investigated. For that purpose, device parameters such as symmetric/asymmetric gate-to-source/drain underlap and body thickness are optimized to improve the ON-state current to the OFF-state current ratio. The optimized devices are then used in circuit simulation to analyze the dependence of each major leakage source (direct source-to-drain tunneling, thermionic, and gate oxide leakage currents) on the device geometry (t si and symmetry in L UN ) and input vectors for two- and three-stacked transistors. The analysis shows that supply-gating is effective in reducing direct source-to-drain current as well as thermionic leakage in the stand-by mode of operation for sub-10nm technology.
Testing the noble gas paleothermometer with a yearlong study of groundwater noble gases in an instrumented monitoring well

[1] We report the results of a yearlong noble gas study conducted in 2008–2009 together with continuous physical and chemical measurements collected in a monitoring well in an aquifer in southern Michigan. Conditions near the water table are correlated with noble gas concentrations, corresponding noble gas temperatures (NGTs), and precipitation events. This yearlong study is the first noble gas field test that has employed natural recharge and in situ monitored conditions, with minimal disturbance of the unsaturated zone. This detailed study demonstrates that significant changes in conditions near the water table can occur over a year that can greatly affect NGTs. Results show that precipitation events are detected within hours at the water table, but a lag in pressure response argues for a long time constant for gas transport within the unsaturated zone. There is strong evidence for the depletion of oxygen near the water table, which affects the noble gas air-saturated water component. During reducing conditions there is evidence for significant noble gas degassing. Rain from the passage of Hurricane Ike caused a significant shift in stable isotope ratios and injection of a large quantity of excess air and likely led to a much more oxygen-rich environment in the soil gas. Although individual models can account for NGTs over portions of the record, no single NGT model can account for all features observed over the entire study. It is likely that the NGT temperature proxy must be viewed as an average of recharge conditions over several years.
Forecast Accuracy and Bias

Population projections are typically viewed as forecasts of future population change, regardless of any disclaimers the producers of those projections may make. Given the many critical decisions based on those projections, it is essential to evaluate the forecast accuracy and bias of commonly used projection methods. This chapter provides such an evaluation. We start with a description and discussion of various statistics that can be used to measure forecast accuracy and bias. We then provide an overview of the empirical evidence, focusing on the effects of differences in projection methodology, population size, growth rate, length of base period, length of forecast horizon, and launch year. We consider the possibility of producing forecasts by combining several projections and close with a discussion of uncertainty in population forecasting.
Unexpected, spontaneous conversion of a family of rats, from low-leukemic to high-leukemic inbred line.

Abstract From a nucleus of Sprague-Dawley rats received in 1960 from the National Institutes of Health, we have raised, by brother-to-sister mating, a colony of these animals. The incidence of leukemia in 313 females and 316 males was 1.6% and 1.2%, respectively. About 3 years ago, we observed a relatively high incidence of leukemia in offspring of a healthy female, no. 1. Among the offspring of this female, observed through 12 successive generations, there were 17 leukemias among 44 females (38.6%) and 21 leukemias among 40 males (52.5%), developing at ages varying from 6 to 11.6 months. The most frequent form of leukemia observed was acute myeloid, with a high count of myeloblasts, promyelocytes, and myelocytes; lymphatic form was relatively rare but was observed occasionally; pronounced anemia was common. In most instances, on autopsy, the pathological picture was that of an enlarged spleen and liver, with the exception of those few animals that developed lymphatic leukemia, with thymic and mesenteric lymphoid tumors. We have no satisfactory explanation for this sudden, unexpected conversion of a part of our Sprague-Dawley rat colony from low-leukemic to high-leukemic inbred line. As a working hypothesis, the possibility of a spontaneous activation of a hypothetical oncogenic virus should be considered. The high leukemic C58 inbred line of mice originated in a similar, unexplained manner [MacDowell, E.C. & Richter, M.N. (1935) Arch. Pathol. 20, 709-724]. However, leukemia developing in mice was subsequently found to be caused by a transmissible virus, whereas, thus far at least, no evidence of a transmissible virus has been found in leukemia developing spontaneously in rats.
Contributions of weather and fuel mix to recent declines in US energy and carbon intensity

A recent (1996-2000) acceleration of declines in energy andcarbon intensity in the U.S. remains largely unexplained. This study usesDivisia decomposition and regression to test two candidate explanations -fuel mix and weather. The Divisia method demonstrates that fuel mix doesnot explain the declines in carbon intensity. The fuel mix, both overalland for electricity generation, became slightly more carbon intensiveover the study period (though the slight trend reversed before the end ofthe period). A regression-based correction to the Divisia indices,accounting for variation in heating- and cooling-degree-days, indicatesthat warmer weather accounts for about 30 percent ofthe total declines.This leaves declines of more than 2 percent per year (and an accelerationof more than 1 percent over previous decade) remaining to beexplained.
Protected educational rotations: a valuable paradigm shift in surgical internship.

Objective The first year of surgical training sometimes includes marginally educational or service-related tasks with limited direct interactions with faculty. We instituted a prototype rotation to address the changing needs and expectations of our intern class. This study was designed to evaluate the new rotation 17 months after it was implemented. Design Interns spend 4 weeks in our outpatient surgery center. Elements of the rotation include performance of operative cases and perioperative management of outpatients under direct faculty supervision, daily one-on-one structured teaching sessions with faculty, and call coverage twice monthly. At the conclusion of the rotation, interns make a presentation on a topic of their choosing to a teaching conference. Rotation evaluations and case and work-hour logs for the outpatient surgery rotation (OSR) were compared with those for the remaining intern rotations combined. A faculty survey of the OSR also was conducted. Results The OSR consistently received maximum overall ratings (4 of 4), significantly higher than the average overall score for the remaining rotations (3.17, p Conclusions Changing program requirements, time restrictions, public scrutiny, and increasing awareness for quality of life all obligate a paradigm shift in surgical education. Our outpatient rotation is logistically simple and rewarding both for residents and faculty.
Principles and Practice of Psychiatric Rehabilitation : An Empirical Approach

Part I: Introduction. Who Are People with Psychiatric Disabilities? Stigma and Mental Illness. Definition of Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Part II: Service Approaches. Rehabilitation Assessment. Illness Self-management. Case Management. Medications and Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Housing. Employment and Education. Social Functioning. Family Interventions. Psychosis and Cognitive Impairment. Managing Criminal Justice Involvement. Part III: Special Populations and Problems. Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Dual Diagnosis. Physical Health and Medical Care. Peer Services and Supports. Managing Aggressive Behavior. Part IV: System Considerations. Erasing Stigma and Promoting Empowerment. Cultural Competence in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Policy.
The effect of pH on the binding and acceptor sites of intrinsic factor.

Binding and acceptor site activity of intrinsic factor from depepsinized gastric juice was studied after exposure to a wide range of pH. Binding site activity remained stable when preincubated at pH 1.5 to 9.0 for 2 hours whereas acceptor site activity remained stable when preincubated for 4 hours over a similar pH range. A modest reduction in binding activity occurred at pH 10 during the first hour and at pH 1.5 and 2.5 during the third and fourth hours of preincubation. These results were interpreted as demonstrating the relative stability of the binding and acceptor sites of intrinsic factor over a wide range of pH.
How do parents of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) perceive their therapies

Complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies are commonly used by pediatric patients with chronic medical conditions. Little is known about parents' perceptions of these therapies. This study describes the views of parents of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) regarding conventional and CAM therapies. Parents of children with JIA seen at a pediatric rheumatology clinic were surveyed between June 1 and July 31, 2007. Questionnaires asked about patients' use of over 75 therapies in the past 30 days, their perceived helpfulness (0 = not helpful; 3 = very helpful), perceived side effects (0 = none; 3 = severe), and whether each therapy would be recommended to other patients with JIA (Yes, No, Not sure). Questionnaires were returned by 52/76 (68%) parents; patients' average age was 10.9 years and 87% were Caucasian. Medications were used by 45 (88%) patients; heat (67%) and extra rest (54%) were also commonly used. CAM therapies were used by 48 (92%), e.g., massage (54%), vitamins and other supplements (54%), avoiding foods that worsened pain (35%) and stress management techniques (33%). Among the therapies rated by 3 or more parents, those that scored 2.5 or higher on helpfulness were: biologic medications, methotrexate, naproxen, wheelchairs, orthotics, heat, vitamins C and D, music, support groups and prayer. CAM therapies had 0 median side effects and parents would recommend many of them to other families. JIA patients use diverse therapies. Parents report that many CAM therapies are helpful and would recommend them to other parents. These data can be used in counseling patients and guiding future research.
Pre‐bomb radiocarbon and the reservoir correction for calcareous marine species in the Southern Ocean

Four Antarctic marine mollusc shells, which were collected alive between 1917 and 1940, were analyzed by accelerator mass spectrometry to provide the first pre-bomb radiocarbon measurements of biogenic carbonates from the Southern Ocean. After correcting for the impact of fossil fuel combustion (Suess Effect), radiocarbon activities of the pre-bomb shells averaged −149.8±10.4‰. In contrast, the Δ 14C values for post-bomb molluscs, echinoderms, brachiopods and foraminifera averaged −96.1±25.2‰. These biogenic carbonate Δ 14C values are nearly identical to pre-bomb estimates (-148‰ to −152‰) and post-bomb measurements (−98.4±22.0‰) of the surface waters in the Southern Ocean. Average radiocarbon ages of the biogenic carbonates before and after 1950 (1303±84 years and 811±205 years, respectively), along with those from seals and penguins, indicate that the Antarctic marine radiocarbon reservoir has decreased in age by nearly 500 years during the second half of the 20th century. Marine species and seawater measurements firmly place the radiocarbon reservoir correction at 1300±100 years for calcareous marine fossils which are widespread, abundant and well-preserved organic materials for interpreting ice-sheet, climate and sea level impacts on the Antarctic marine ecosystem during the Holocene.
Use of nasal steroids in managing allergic rhinitis

Intranasal steroids are highly effective drugs for treating patients with allergic rhinitis. First-line use of intranasal steroids is becoming increasingly common, and intranasal steroids can be used alone or in combination with other therapies to achieve optimal improvement in rhinitis symptoms. The major adverse effect of intranasal steroids is local irritation. This article reviews the mechanism of action of corticosteroids, the effects of intranasal steroids on chemical mediators of inflammation, and the risks and benefits associated with their use.
Some thoughts on the application of new technology to resource management needs

A brief insight into the phenomena of technology transfer are reviewed. With this as background material two propositions are stated: Proposition 1. Technology emerges from the human mind into widespread economic reality, with resulting social impacts over a long period of time. This is the process of technological innovation. Proposition 2. There always are some distinctive events, points or stages in this process that mark progress. If they can be identified, progress can be measured and related to time, cost, performance, resource usage, possible impact and other attributes. It is argued that there are at least eight identifiable stages of the process.
Thermoanalytical studies of reactions in solid mixtures of pentaerythritol and oxidizing agents. I. Potassium dichromate and potassium permanganate

Abstract DSC and TG, supported by IR spectrophotometry and gas chromatography, were applied to the study of reactions in solid mixtures of pentaerythritol (PE), 2,2-bis-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol, and the oxidizing agents potassium dichromate and potassium permanganate. The results indicate that esterification followed by decarbonylation occurred when the mole ratio of oxidizing agent to PE was equal to or greater than 5 : 1. At lower mole ratios evidence for esterification followed by the formation of cyclic acetal intermediates was obtained.
Large‐scale elution fractionation of polymers

Fractionation of polymers is usually done on a very small scale where only viscosity, and possibly molecular weight measurement are made on the fractions. The elution fractionation system offers a possibility of fractionating on a sufficiently large scale to permit a thorough study of physical properties as a function of molecular weight. The elution column method was scaled up to fractionate one pound of polymer. Facilities were made so that the column could operate over a temperature range of 25 to 135°C. Each fraction was eluted by a separate solvent-non-solvent, mixture. The elution column was packed with Celite and the flow of the solvent-non-solvent mixture was controlled by a pumping system. Total fractionation time was 20 hours. The column temperature could be controlled to permit any temperature heating or cooling profile. The large scale elution column has been used to fractionate low and high density polyethylenes, ethylene copolymers, and polybutene-1. Sufficient amount of polymer was obtained in each fraction to permit a study of mechanical properties as a function of molecular weight. From these fractions the effect of synthesized bimodal distributions on the melt flow and physical properties was investigated.
Microwave spectra of T12C14N, T13C14N, and T12C15N in the ground and excited bending vibrational states

Abstract Small concentrations of monomeric TCN have been produced by exchange of HCN and T 2 O inside a quasi-free-space microwave absorption cell. A large number of rotational transitions of T 12 C 14 N, T 13 C 14 N, and T 12 C 15 N in both the 00 0 0 and 01 1 0 vibrational states have been observed in the 100–500 GHz region. These measurements were made possible by the strong interaction between electromagnetic radiation and the rotational motion of molecules in this spectral region and the sensitivity and resolution of the phase-locked millimeter and submillimeter spectrometer used. The spectral constants which result from this work are (in MHz) for T 12 C 14 N: 00 0 0 state; B 0 = 30954.080(8), D 0 = 0.04382(10), 01 1 0 state; B 0 = 31080.410(5), D 0 = 0.04582(8), q 2 (0) = 150.809(7) , q 2 (1) = 0.0041(2) , for T 13 C 14 N: 00 0 0 state; B 0 = 30591.036(7), D 0 = 0.04245(9), 01 1 0 state; B 0 = 30709.082(12), D 0 = 0.04437(16), q 2 (0) = 149.744(17) , q 2 (1) = 0.0032(4) , for T 12 C 15 N: 00 0 0 states; B 0 = 30064.400(12), D 0 = 0.04119(14), 01 1 0 state; B 0 = 30186.560(8), D 0 = 0.04300(14), q 2 (0) = 142.674(12) , q 2 (1) = 0.0042(4) .
In vitro models of the blood-brain barrier to polar permeants: comparison of transmonolayer flux measurements and cell uptake kinetics using cultured cerebral capillary endothelial cells.

Given that the cerebral microvasculature within the brain constitutes the rate-limiting barrier to drug entry, primary cultures of cerebral capillary endothelial cells would appear to offer a potentially useful model system for predicting drug delivery to the central nervous system. In the present study, the predictive capabilities of two potential models of the in vivo blood–brain barrier (BBB) to the passive diffusion of polar permeants were assessed. A comparison of the logarithms of the in vitro transmonolayer permeability coefficients (Pmonolayer) for several polar permeants varying in lipophilicity (from this study and literature data) with the well-established relationship between the logarithms of the in vivo BBB permeability coefficients (log PBBB) and permeant lipophilicity as measured by the logarithm of the octanol/water partition coefficient (log PCoctanol/water) demonstrated that in vitro permeation across these monolayers is largely insensitive to polar permeant lipophilicity as a result of the predominance of the paracellular component in the transmonolayer flux. Conversely, kinetic studies of uptake of the same compounds into monolayers yielded transfer rate constants (kp) reflecting membrane permeability coefficients ranging over several orders of magnitude, similar to the variation in permeant lipophilicity. Furthermore, a linear relationship could be demonstrated between the logarithms of kp zand in vivo BBB log P (slope = 1.42 ± 0.35; r = 0.92). In conclusion, this preliminary investigation suggests that monitoring the kinetics of cell uptake into cerebral capillary endothelial cell monolayers may be superior to transmonolayer flux measurements for predicting the passive diffusion of polar permeants across the BBB in vivo.
Robust minimum distance inference based on combined distances

The minimum disparity estimators proposed by Lindsay (1994) for discrete models form an attractive subclass of minimum distance estimators which achieve their robustness without sacrificing first order efficiency at the model. Similarly, disparity test statistics are useful robust alternatives to the likelihood ratio test for testing of hypotheses in parametric models; they are asymptotically equivalent to the likelihood ratio test statistics under the null hypothesis and contiguous alternatives. Despite their asymptotic optimality properties, the small sample performance of many of the minimum disparity estimators and disparity tests can be considerably worse compared to the maximum likelihood estimator and the likelihood ratio test respectively. In this paper we focus on the class of blended weight Hellinger distances, a general subfamily of disparities, and study the effects of combining two different distances within this class to generate the family of “combined” blended weight Hellinger distances, a...
From neural networks to the brain: autonomous mental development

Artificial neural networks can model cortical local learning and signal processing, but they are not the brain, neither are many special purpose systems to which they contribute. Autonomous mental development models all or part of the brain (or the central nervous system) and how it develops and learns autonomously from infancy to adulthood. Like neural network research, such modeling aims to be biologically plausible. This paper discusses why autonomous development is necessary according to a concept called task muddiness. Then it introduces results for a series of research issues, including the new paradigm for autonomous development, mental architectures, developmental algorithm, a refined classification of types of machine learning, spatial complexity and time complexity. Finally, the paper presents some experimental results for applications, including: vision-guided navigation, object finding, object-based attention (eye-pan), and attention-guided pre-reaching, tour tasks that infants learn to perform early but very perceptually challenging for robots
A hybrid DFT description of the (0001) surface of americium-I

Using a periodic slab model for the (0001) surface of americium-I (Am-I) and the full-potential linear augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) plus local basis implementation of hybrid density functional theory (HYB-DFT), we show that with a fraction of 0.40 Hartree-Fock (HF) exchange, the non-magnetic nature of the Am-I surface is well described and the electronic properties are in good agreement with recent photoemission spectroscopy data. The work function and surface energy of the non-magnetic semi-infinite surface are predicted to 3.46 eV and 1.03 J/m2, respectively. As a function of slab thickness, the surface properties, namely the surface energy, work function, and slab incremental energy converge after five layers. A five layer slab is thus deemed to be sufficient to very accurately model the adsorption of impurities on the surface and adsorbate-induced changes in the work function. A layer-by-layer examination of the nine-layer non-magnetic slab clearly indicates that the 5f electrons are uniformly localized, that is, the 5f electron localization is independent of the position of the layer.
Microbial activity and chemical weathering in the Middendorf aquifer, South Carolina

article i nfo Article history: We use reactive transport modeling to better understand the kinetics of chemical weathering in the Cretaceous Middendorf aquifer of South Carolina, USA, and the relationship of this process to subsurface microbial activity. We constructed a model accounting for the kinetics of mineral dissolution and precipitation, ion exchange, and the CO2 and bicarbonate produced by iron reducing and sulfate reducing bacteria in the aquifer. We then fit the model to observed trends in the chemical composition of groundwater along the aquifer by adjusting the rate constants for the kinetic reactions considered. The modeling portrays weathering in the Middendorf as a slow process by which groundwater gradually reacts toward equilibrium with minerals in the aquifer. The rate constants predicted are 6 to 7 orders of magnitude smaller than measured in laboratory experiments and 3 to 4 orders of magnitude less than those inferred from weathering rates in soils. The rate constants are smaller even than expected by projecting observed trends with the duration of weathering to the geologic age of the Middendorf. Weathering is driven largely by biological activity: about half the acid consumed is CO2 derived from the recharge area, and about half is supplied by iron reducing bacteria in the aquifer; only about 1% of the acid is of atmospheric origin, from CO2 dissolved in rainwater.
Longitudinal neuropsychological changes in a “normal” elderly group

Abstract The need for age-related normative data on neuropsychological measures is clearly important. This longitudinal study examines a “normal” elderly group's performance on the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB) across four years. This report is based on the 59 “normal” elderly volunteers seen in an earlier cross-sectional aging study (Maclnnes et al., 1983). The LNNB Clinical Scales exhibited few signiflcant changes across the four year time period. The test-retest correlations of the LNNB Clinical Scales ranged from .32 to .81. Few differences between males and females were seen. Similarly, being in an older subgroup did not affect the rate of change on the LNNB scores. Although, health status changed very little over the four years, health status at Time 2 did significantly predict 16 of the 17 LNNB Clinical Scales at Time 2. In summary, we found the LNNB accurately identifled the “normal” elderly as normal. Similarly, their performance on the LNNB exhibited little meaningful change across four years.
Salsalate, morphine, and postoperative ileus*

Background Previously, we demonstrated that ketorolac, a nonsteroidal antilnflammatory drug (NSAID), prevented postoperative small bowel ileus in a rodent model. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of salsalate, an NSAID without antlplatelet effect, on postoperative ileus alone or in combination with morphine. Methods Forty-eight rats underwent placement of duodenal catheters and were then randomly assigned to one of eight groups (n = 6). Four groups had standardized laparotomy following drug administration, whereas 4 groups underwent the same treatment without laparotomy: control and morphine animals received 0.1 mL alcohol via the catheter, whereas salsalate and salsalate-plus-morphine animals received salsalate (15 mg/kg) dissolved in 0.1 mL alcohol. The animals also received 0.5 mg/kg morphine (morphine and salsalate plus morphine) or the same volume of saline (control and salsalate) subcutaneously. Transit was measured following the injection of a nonabsorbed marker via the duodenal catheter and is defined as the geometric center (GC) of distribution. An additional 20 rats had serosal electrodes placed on the jejunum, and were assigned to one of four treatment groups (control, salsalate, morphine, and salsalate plus morphine; n = 5 each group). Myoelectric activity was recorded until the reappearance of the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) following laparotomy. Results Laparotomy and morphine independently reduced small bowel transit (P = 0.0006 and 0.006, respectively, by three-way analysis of variance [ANOVA]; GC 4.3 ± 0.2 control versus 2.2 ± 0.3 laparotomy versus 3.6 ± 0.4 morphine), but morphine did not further worsen postoperative transit (GC 2.4 ± 0.4; P = 0.42). Although salsalate did not alter baseline transit, pretreatment improved postoperative transit (P = 0.0002; GC 3.6 ± 0.4). This effect was lost with the addition of morphine (GC 2.7 ± 0.2; P = 0.21). The MMCs returned earlier after laparotomy in salsalate-pretreated rats (63 ± 18 minutes salsalate versus 160 ±12 minutes laparotomy; P 0.05). Conclusion Salsalate improves postoperative small bowel motility in a rodent model; however, this effect is masked by morphine.
Transfer of ova to the bursa ovarii and the 'suspended loop' of tube in the rabbit.

IN mammalian species successful ova transfer is possible when the ova are replaced inside the Fallopian tubes or uteri of laparotomized synchronous recipients. In species with confined bursa ovarii, like the mouse, the ova can be transferred into the fat pad adjacent to the bursa ovarii, through the capsular membrane and into the bursa proper1. Intravaginal ova transfer was not successful in cattle2, owing to increased, sensitivity to bacterial infection and pyometra during the luteal phase3. A few cases of intravaginal ova transfer in the rabbit were successful when antibiotics were used4. Intraperitoneal insemination has been successful in several species such as the rabbit5, guinea pig6,7, cattle8, pigeon and hen9. Intraperitoneal ova transfer has not been possible yet.
Interpreting fracture development from diagenetic mineralogy and thermoelastic contraction modeling

Four sets of thin-section scale, Mode I (open mode), cemented microfractures are present in sandstone from the Eocene Misoa Formation, Maracaibo basin, Venezuela. The first set of microfractures is intragranular (F1), formed early during compaction and are filled with quartz cement precipitated at temperatures equal to or higher than 100 8C. The second set of microfractures (F2) is cemented by bituminite–pyrite, formed at temperatures between 60 and 100 8C, and are associated with kerogen maturation and hydrocarbon migration from underlying overpressured source rocks. The third set of microfractures (F3) is fully cemented by either quartz cement or calcite cement. The former has fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures between 149 and 175 8C. These temperatures are mostly higher than maximum burial temperatures (~160 8C), suggesting that upward flow, caused by a pressure gradient, transported silica vertically which crystallized into the fractures. Upward decompression may have also caused a PCO2 drop, which, at constant temperature, allowed simultaneous carbonate precipitation into the third microfracture set. The fourth set of thin-section scale microfractures (F4) is open or partially cemented by siderite– hematite and other iron oxides. The presence of hematite and iron oxides in microfractures is evidence for oxidizing conditions that may be associated with the uplift of the Misoa formation. In order to time and place constraints on the depth of formation of the fourth set of microfractures, we have coupled published quartz cementation kinetic algorithms with uniaxial strain equations and determined if, in fact, they could be associated with the uplift of the formation. Our results suggest that thermoelastic contraction, caused by the formation’s uplift, erosion, and consequent cooling is a feasible mechanism for the origin of the last fracture set. Hence, we infer that meteoric water invasion into the fractures, at the end of the uplift, cause the precipitation of oxides and the transformation of siderite to hematite. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A new derivation for journal bearing stiffness and damping coefficients in polar coordinates

A general derivation for obtaining bearing dynamic coefficients in polar coordinates is presented. It is shown that this derivation is simple and consistent with the commonly used formulae for the linearized stiffness and damping coefficients. What is more important is that the physical meaning of this derivation is clearer and simpler.
The effect of colchicine on regenerating membranellar cilia in Stentor coeruleus.

SYNOPSIS. Stentors treated with toxic substances can be induced to shed their oral bands (19, Fig. 1), complex structures composed of many cilia organized into membranelles. Regenerating membranellar bands were observed in control stentors removed from toxic (urea-containing) medium at about 3.5 hours. At 8 hours regenerated control organisms were indistinguishable from normal unshed stentors. Experimental animals replaced into colchicine medium were inhibited from regeneration at low, nontoxic concentrations of this mitotic spindle inhibitor. Upon removal of the colchicine and replacement of the shed animals into normal medium or normal medium to which GTP had been added, complete and normal regeneration of the membranellar band ensued. Our observations are consistent with many suggesting that colchicine acts by reversibly binding with a protein during processes involving microtubule formation. Colchicine inhibition of membranellar band formation further indicates that oral membranelles are specialized evolutionary homologs to other centriole (= basal body, = kinetosome) derivatives such as mitotic spindle fibers, cilia and flagella, axopods, etc. (structures containing the ubiquitous microtubules of eukaryotic cells).
The biochemical and pharmacological properties of 6-aminodopamine: similarity with 6-hydroxydopamine.

6-aminodopamine was injected intraperitoneally into male Swiss–Webster mice. At 72 h post injection 6-aminodopamine had caused a reduction in the endogenous content of heart norepinephrine, a decrease in the capacity of heart slices to accumulate [3H]-norepinephrine in vitro, and a virtual disappearance of the adrenergic plexus of the mouse iris as viewed by fluorescence histochemistry. Similar data were obtained with the same dose of 6-hydroxydopamine. These data suggest that 6-aminodopamine causes a destruction of sympathetic nerve terminals. Model experiments showed that 6-aminodopamine, like 6-hydroxydopamine, generated H2o2both in vitro and in vivo. 6-Aminodopamine, like 6-hydroxydopamine, also blocked the accumulation of [3H]dopamine into slices of rat brain in vitro.
3-D large eddy simulation for jet aeroacoustics

of the unresolved scales on the resolved scales. A computational grid consisting of 12 million points was used in the present simulation. Mean flow results obtained in our simulation are found to be in excellent agreement with the available experimental data of jets at similar flow conditions. Furthermore, the near field data provided by LES is coupled with the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings method to compute the far field noise. Far field aeroacoustics results are also presented and comparisons are made with another computational study.
Radiative properties of a two-level system in the presence of mirrors

Using a first-order approximation in time-dependent perturbation theory, we evaluate the probability per unit time of spontaneous emission by a two-level system coupled to a Hermitian massless scalar field in the presence of either one or two infinite perfectly reflecting plates (mirrors). We consider the effects of a finite interaction time between the system and the quantized field. Furthermore, using the image method in imaginary time, we study radiative processes at finite temperature. We show that vacuum and thermal fluctuations give independent contributions to the total transition rate and that both are modified by the presence of the mirrors. In the two-parallel-plate geometry, we find that the position average of the spontaneous emission rate is equal to the free-space rate for resonant cavities, but is suppressed in nonresonant cavities.
New Tricks for an Old Dimer

Much of multicellular biology depends on communication through extracellular signaling molecules that bind to membrane receptors and trigger intracellular signaling events and cell behaviors. One of the first paradigm systems for understanding how polypeptide hormones bind and activate their receptors was human growth hormone (hGH). The molecular details of how hGH binds to its receptor and activates components within the cell started to illuminate over 20 years ago based on biophysical, mutational, and high-resolution structural studies showing that a single hGH molecule binds to two identical molecules of the hGH receptor ( 1 , 2 ). On page 710 of this issue, Brooks et al. ( 3 ) propose a fascinating multistep scissor-like mechanical model in which clamping, rotating, tilting, and the splaying apart of different regions of the transmembrane receptor dimer ultimately lead to receptor activation.
Strain-dependent effects of transforming growth factor-β1 and 2 during mouse secondary palate development.

Abstract Cleft palate is a common birth defect affecting 1 in 700 births. Transforming growth factor-βs (TGF-βs) are important signaling molecules, and their functions in murine palate development have received great attention. TGF-β3 is expressed exclusively in palatal epithelial cells and mediates epithelial fusion, whereas the importance of TGF-β1 and 2 in palate have not yet been demonstrated in vivo, since inactivation of Tgf-β1 or Tgf-β2 genes in mice did not reveal significant palate defects. We hypothesized that TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 can compensate each other during palate formation. To test this, we generated Tgf-β1 and Tgf-β2 compound mutant mice and found that approximately 40% of [ Tgf-β1 +/− ; Tgf-β2 −/− ] compound mutant embryos display cleft palate on C57 background. In addition, 26% of Tgf-β2 −/− embryos on 129 background, but not in C57 or Black Swiss, displayed cleft palate. TGF-β1 and 2 functions are required for murine palate development in strain-dependent manner.
Resilience in the Face of Disasters: Bridging Micro- and Macro-Perspectives

This paper discusses the use of risk and resilience theory to understand how individuals and communities respond to natural disasters that present ongoing developmental challenges to personal and collective well-being. In the past two to three decades, mental health workers have developed numerous disaster relief strategies; while economists have become expert at estimating risk. These develops are explored.
An intermediate hybridization in diamond: Edge-shared tetrahedra

Abstract The crystal structure of the diamond is a model for a whole family of Group IV elements and A III B V and A II B VI semiconductor compounds. A common feature of these structures is a connection of tetrahedra at the corners. It takes place in the cubic diamond (sphalerite), hexagonal diamond (wurtzite) and polytypes. Stacking faults and twinning on {1 1 1} planes are well-established defects of the tetrahedral family of structures, based on the connection at the corners. The exact atomic configurations of carbon atoms in disordered chemical vapor deposition diamond materials are unknown. We are responding to the present ambiguity relating to the sp 3 /sp 2 concepts created by the assignment of sp 3 to diamond and sp 2 to graphite structure. We will consider a hypothesis of twinning on the (0 0 1) plane as a new type of defect. The (0 0 1) twinning implies that the tetrahedra share edges. This is contrary to accepted rules of crystal chemistry. The tetrahedra are connected along the 〈1 1 0〉 direction, and the twinning on (0 0 1) creates chains of carbon atoms arranged as rhombi lying in the (1 1 0) plane. The interatomic distance in such four-member rings is anticipated to be an intermediate between diamond and graphite. This particular atomic configuration is considered as an intermediate hybridization in between single and double bonds. We posit that the oriented growth of the diamond on (0 0 1) silicon generates (0 0 1) twins in the diamond structure. Raman spectra from these materials show non-cubic diamond features. We suggest that this demonstrates their connection to twinning.
Social Constraints in Eating Patterns Among The Obese and Overweight

This paper combines externality theory with social interaction theory to explain differences in the eating behaviors of obese individuals and those of normal weight in a large smorgasbord restaurant. I found that (1) an obese or overweight person, who ate at the smorgasbord regularly, was likely to eat alone or with other obese or overweight people, but seldom with those of normal weight. (2) Comparisons of normal weight accompanied those obese or overweight people who frequented the smorgasbord only on special occasions. (3) Among obese and overweight individuals who were regular customers, compansionship did not affect the amount of food consumed or the speed at which it was eaten. (4) But among obese and overweight customers occasionally frequenting the smorgasbord, companionship seemed to affect behavior.
Surgical resection of brain metastases from lung cancer

The role of surgical resection for brain metastases is evolving. The most common primary for brain metastases is lung; in the US in 1992, for example, there were nearly 40,000 deaths with symptomatic brain metastases from lung cancer. We reviewed a series of 25 consecutive patients with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing open resection of one or more symptomatic brain metastases to consider the role of open resection. Twenty-three of the 28 resected lesions were 3 cm or greater in diameter; 19 were solid and nine cystic. Surgical adjuncts included (where indicated): stereotactic biopsy, cyst drainage, and craniotomy; intra-operative ultrasound; and intra-operative evoked potential mapping of the sensorimotor area. Six patients underwent thoracotomy for resection of the lung primary (in all but one case, prior to craniotomy). Except for two patients who had whole brain radiation therapy (WBXRT) prior to referral to Neurosurgery, all patients underwent WBXRT (30 to 60 Gy) postoperatively. The mean survival from date of craniotomy was 13.1 months, with two patients still alive at ten and seventeen months post-craniotomy. Survival comparisons which were significantly different included (1) lung surgery versus no lung surgery (25.7 months versus 9.1 months, P 60 years. These results, when compared with the literature on brain metastases, suggest that aggressive resection of symptomatic metastases from lung cancer (even if multiple) can improve functional survival over conservative management, and that small, asymptomatic lesions are well-controlled by WBXRT. They also confirm the previous finding that surgical treatment of both the lung primary and the brain metastases may afford the greatest period of functional survival for these patients.
The [O III] Emission-Line Nebula of the z = 3.594 Radio Galaxy 4C +19.71*

We have imaged the z = 3.594 radio galaxy 4C +19.71 in the light of the redshifted [O III] 5007 A emission line, using a narrowband filter centered at 2.3 μm with the near-infrared camera on the Keck Telescope. The [O III] nebula of 4C +19.71 has a size of 74 × 9 kpc, and a luminosity of L_(5007) ~ 3 × 10^(37) W. The rest frame equivalent width of the 5007 A line, averaged over the entire nebula, is 560 A. The length of the major axis of the [O III] emission is nearly identical to the separation of the radio lobes seen at 1465 MHz (Rottgering et al.), and the position angle of the nebula is the same as that of the two radio lobes. In addition, 4C + 19.71 follows the optical emission-line versus radio-power correlation seen in other powerful radio galaxies. The [O III] and Lyα emission-line luminosities suggest that the ionized gas mass lies in the range of 2 × 10^8 - 10^9 M_☉. The O/H ratio in the nebula is at least a few tenths solar, and may be as high as a factor of 3 above solar, indicating a previous phase of star formation in 4C +19.71. Thirty-four percent of the total K-band flux is contributed by the 5007 A emission line, and the continuum of 4C +19.71 has a K ~ 19.6 mag. This places 4C +19.71 along the K-z relation found for other radio galaxies and radio-loud quasars. If the continuum is dominated by starlight, the host galaxy has a rest frame visual luminosity of about 40 L*. There are no candidate emission-line objects at the redshift of 4C +19.71 having [O III] rest frame equivalent widths of more than about 2% that of the radio galaxy itself within a volume of 212 Mpc^3.
Basis Functions in Image Reconstruction From Projections: A Tutorial Introduction

The series expansion approaches to image reconstruction from projections assume that the object to be reconstructed can be represented as a linear combination of fixed basis functions and the task of the reconstruction algorithm is to estimate the coefficients in such a linear combination based on the measured projection data. It is demonstrated that using spherically symmetric basis functions (blobs), instead of ones based on the more traditional pixels, yields superior reconstructions of medically relevant objects. The demonstration uses simulated computerized tomography projection data of head cross-sections and the series expansion method ART for the reconstruction. In addition to showing the results of one anecdotal example, the relative efficacy of using pixel and blob basis functions in image reconstruction from projections is also evaluated using a statistical hypothesis testing based task oriented comparison methodology. The superiority of the efficacy of blob basis functions over that of pixel basis function is found to be statistically significant.