cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental solid particle erosion of silicon nitride: Optical investigation

Abstract An experimental solid particle erosion study was conducted to investigate the erosion of silicon nitride at different angles of attack using optical techniques. During the erosion process, it has been noticed that when silicon carbide abrasive particles came into contact with the target material, a shower of sparks was created due to the high heat generated causing localized melting on the surface of the abrasive particles. Shadow Moire, an inexpensive and easy-to-setup technique, was then used to estimate the depth, width, and circularity of the erosion scars. The same parameters were also measured using a non-contact optical profilometer to evaluate the accuracy of shadow moire technique. A good agreement has been observed where the shadow moire technique was capable of estimating the circularity, maximum depth, and the width to depth ratio of the erosion scars with a maximum error of 15%, 16%, and 12%, respectively.
Progress Toward Airborne GPS Spatial Filtering Powered by Recent Advances in FPGA Technology

Next-generation wireless devices use many coherent antennas to enhance wireless performance at the expense of size, weight, power, cost, and complexity. This has caused many multiantenna signal processing architectures to be unfit for deployment on unmanned aircraft. Recent advances in FPGA technology have reduced the footprint of a 16 antenna signal processor to a feasible size for unmanned aircraft. We are exploring the capabilities of this new technology by demonstrating an adaptive beamformer spatial filtered GPS system. The multiantenna implementation will increase the quality of GPS services and provide resistance to multipath and adversarial spoofing. This paper documents early progress in developing and verifying the firmware for the future demonstration.
On Setting Apartment Rental Rates: A Regression-Based Approach

This study presents a regression-based analysis of apartment rents for a crosssection of properties located in an "edge city" submarket. It attempts to provide a solution for owners and managers of apartments to the thorny problem of setting a property's rental rate. The approach used in this analysis differs from previous studies in at least three important respects: (1) vacancy is treated as part of the dependent variable, (2) the property-specific rental rate generated by the regression analysis is compared to the property's actual effective rent, and (3) each property in the submarket is ranked by the difference between its actual effective rent and its characteristic-adjusted effective rent. This is then followed by several observations concerning the advantages and disadvantages of such an analysis in a practical setting.
Visible luminescent Ln42 nanotorus coordination clusters

Three thermodynamically stable nano-sized complexes containing 42 Ln3+ ions in a single molecule were synthesized via a self-assembly process. The compounds have torus or wheel-like architectures a...
The Principle of Sufficient Reason and Libertarianism: A Critique of Pruss

Alexander Pruss’s Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR) states that every contingent true proposition has an explanation. Pruss thinks that he can plausibly maintain both his PSR and his account of libertarian free will. This is because his libertarianism has it that contingent true propositions reporting free choices are (virtually) self-explanatory. But I don’t think Pruss can plausibly maintain both his PSR and libertarianism without a rift occurring in one or the other. Similar to the old luck/randomness objection, I contend that Pruss’s libertarianism is susceptible to what I call “the inexplicability objection”, which attempts to show that agents’ free choices involve contingent brute facts. Pruss may be able to partially explain a proposition such that Jones freely chose A for reason R, but he cannot adequately explain a contrastive proposition such as that Jones freely chose A for R rather than B for R*. The result is that either PSR is too explanatorily permissive for libertarianism, or libertarianism is too explanatorily impermissive to satisfy PSR. After considering what I take to be Pruss’s best response to the inexplicability objection, I conclude that his attempt to reconcile PSR and libertarianism is unsuccessful.
Financial Disintermediation and Profitability of Global Islamic Banks

Recently Islamic banks are experiencing rapid growth in Islamic countries as well as non-Islamic countries. The profitability of the Islamic banks is based on the different instruments as a share of total financing. Mainly there are two categories of financing instruments are available, first is the trade based and the second is finance based. Modes of trade are instruments having low risk and fixed returns, whereas the modes of finance are instruments having high risk and possibly high returns. This study started with the proposition that both modes have different effects on the profitability as both have different roots in Islamic finance. For the analysis the data is collected which comprises of 19 full-fledged Islamic banks from 7 countries, the study used SEM framework controlling for macroeconomic effects and country effect. The results indicated that modes of finance have positive and modes of trade have a negative effect on the growth of assets and equity of Islamic banks. These results reiterate the faith-based model of Islamic finance and propose Islamic banks to promote the partnership based mode of finance, which is more socially beneficial to the banks and to the economy.
Ambidextrous humanitarian organizations

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life as usual around the globe. Efforts to control the spread of the virus with lockdowns and border closures pushed millions of people into food and social insecurity. Most research on humanitarian organizations have been dominated by the uncertainty and urgency of disaster response operations. However, some humanitarian organizations also operate in long-term continuous aid programs where efficiency is the key goal. We analyzed the operations of food banks in the Feeding America network and The Salvation Army USA, and found them to be ambidextrous organizations. The ambidextrous humanitarian organizations like food banks and Salvation Army, focus on long-term continuous aid programs, specifically pertaining to the sustenance of the communities they serve, but also play a key part as first responders or as local agencies aiding in disaster relief and response. We propose a framework to analyze disaster, development, and sustenance aid supply chains, and identify future research opportunities.
Relative toxicity of six insecticides to Cycloneda sanguinea and Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

Two ladybeetles, Cycloneda sanguinea (L.) and Harmonia axyridis Pallas, were exposed to leaf residues and topical applications of six insecticide formulations commonly used in citrus production in ...
Reality check: working with meaningful projects in and out of the classroom

Though it is not revolutionary to suggest that students of computer science benefit from working on actual, real-world projects as a component of their studies, implementing this idea can be quite difficult for a number of reasons. This paper describes two approaches to making such projects a part of the student experience. One is in a classroom setting, the other in a supervised internship program.
Triply resonant Raman scattering in perovskite semiconductor CsSnI3

We report on the first-order and second-order Raman scattering (SORS) by longitudinal optical (LO) phonons in perovskite semiconductor CsSnI3. The intensity of SORS is stronger than that of the first order. The spectral line shape of SORS is asymmetric and much broader than that of the first order. It is identified that the strong SORS intensity is attributable to the triply enhanced resonant process, which is naturally implemented through the peculiar band structure of this semiconductor compound having two adjacent parallel conduction bands with a separation close to the energy of two LO phonons. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NEW THEORETICAL RESEARCH TRENDS IN CARTOGRAPHY

Cartography has been defined as the art, science, and technology of map-making. Until the middle of the 20th Century, cartography was more an art than a science. Beginning in the 1950's, cartographic researchers began to take a more scientific approach to map-making with Robinson's The Look of Maps. In the 1970's, many researchers adopted a communications paradigm for cartography, understanding maps as tools for the communication of information from cartographer to map user. Under this paradigm, cartographers attempted to find the "optimal" map that would communicate known information to the map-reader with as little "noise" as possible. With the rapid progress in computer technology afforded by the ubiquitous personal computer, in the last decade a number of cartographic researchers, led by Alan MacEachren, have suggested a new way of understanding how maps work No longer seen as simply tools for communicating known information, maps can be employed to discover the unknown patterns in any phenomenon that possesses a spatial dimension. Rather than attempting to construct the "best" map, modern computer technology can allow for the construction of a multitude of representations of a phenomenon that can be used to answer different questions posed by individual researchers and reveal hitherto unrealized patterns in the data (data exploration). This new approach is termed "cartographic visualization". Based upon research in other fields, including computer graphics, the neurophysiology of the eye-brain system, cognitive science, and semiotics (the science of symbol systems), this newest thrust in cartographic theory has opened up broad new horizons for cartographic research. This has energized the discipline and promises to lead to new insights which will enable us to make better maps. This paper outlines these new approaches to cartographic research.
Effect of Pyrrolnitrin on Electron Transport and Oxidative Phosphorylation in Mitochondria Isolated from Neurospora crassa

Pyrrolnitrin, at low concentrations, uncouples oxidative phosphorylation in Neurospora mitochondria. At higher concentrations, pyrrolnitrin inhibits electron transport both in the flavine region and through cytochrome oxidase.
Measuring Landscapes: A Planner's Handbook

Measuring Landscapes presents a comprehensive look at environmental modeling and analysis. With an emphasis on system dynamics and the study of relationships between landscape structure and functio...
Assembly of Proteins to Postsynaptic Densities after Transient Cerebral Ischemia

Transient ischemia leads to changes in synaptic efficacy and results in selective neuronal damage during the postischemic phase, although the mechanisms are not fully understood. The protein composition and ultrastructure of postsynaptic densities (PSDs) were studied by using a rat transient ischemic model. We found that a brief ischemic episode induced a marked accumulation in PSDs of the protein assembly ATPases, N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein, and heat–shock cognate protein-70 as well as the BDNF receptor (trkB) and protein kinases, as determined by protein microsequencing. The changes in PSD composition were accompanied by a 2.5-fold increase in the yield of PSD protein relative to controls. Biochemical modification of PSDs correlated well with an increase in PSD thickness observed in vivo by electron microscopy. We conclude that a brief ischemic episode modifies the molecular composition and ultrastructure of synapses by assembly of proteins to the postsynaptic density, which may underlie observed changes in synaptic function and selective neuronal damage.
Broadband trapped multiple-wire antennas

A vertical monopole consisting of 13 wires and 39 trap circuits, as a 10:1 scale model of an antenna for the 2- to 30-MHz band was built and tested. In the range from 18 to 600 MHz, the measured VSWR referred to 160 \Omega exceeds 4:1 in only a few relatively narrow frequency ranges. The results agree well with a simple design theory, which is based on Schelkunoff's transmission-line equivalence. My belief is that refinement of this approach may lead to antennas that are efficient and reasonably well matched over three or four octaves.
Tree of Letters, “Tree of Life:” How a Letter of the Torah Can Transform (the Human Being Made in) the Image of God1

Venerable tradition allies the Torah with Wisdom, a “tree of life.”2 The tree of life is an ancient mythic symbol of the earth mother. This essay demonstrates the capacity of the Torah to facilitate a reintegrative return to the mother when, as now, the religious narratives falter that once seemed to ensure the unity of man made in the image of God conceived only as the Father. Participating in the process of this return one discovers beneath the Torah's fractured narrative surface a reduplicative pattern based on the logic of the unconscious, which is founded on the repressed prelinguistic bond with all life formed at the maternal breast. This pattern reflects the recombinant properties that the unconscious shares with the earth, which breaks down and regenerates dead matter as the unconscious breaks down and regenerates the meaning of words. Folded into rhetorical tropes as into a single letter, the Torah's regenerative pattern repeatedly recalls to man what it means to be human, unique among but also o...
Carbon dioxide and temperature effects on pima cotton growth

Abstract Temperature and CO2 are major environmental variables that affect plant growth and development. Limited information is available concerning how these factors affect plants, as well as specific interactions between the two. We conducted two experiments in controlled environmental chambers where temperature and CO2 were controlled and other environmental factors were not limiting. The purpose was to determine how cotton grew and responded to a range of temperatures and CO2 concentrations. During vegetative development, stem growth was quite sensitive to CO2 resulting in more effective early-season light capture. Plants did not develop more nodes when exposed to additional CO2, while node number increased more at higher temperatures. Individual leaf growth was about 18% greater at optimum temperature in 450 μl l−1 than in 350 μl l−1 CO2, but did not increase from 450 μl l−1 CO2 to 700 μl l−1 CO2. However, the time required for a leaf to reach mature size was not influenced by CO2. Leaf area, on the whole plant basis, was about 33% greater on plants grown at optimum temperature in high CO2 than in ambient CO2. The greater leaf area on a whole plant basis was achieved by a combination of larger leaves and additional leaves produced primarily on the branches. There was a 28% increase in number of bolls produced at 700 μl l−1 CO2 at optimum temperature compared with bolls produced at 350 μl l−1 CO2. There was not, however, an increase in boll size due to high CO2. At 35.5°C, little growth response to high CO2 environments occurred at 700 μl l−1 CO2 compared with 350 μl l−1 CO2, but approximately a 45% increase occurred in the plants grown at 18.9–26.9°C. Less total biomass was produced at 35.5°C than at 26.9°C and no bolls were produced in either CO2 environment at the higher temperature. The most important response to temperature and CO2 occurred at high temperatures where the effects of elevated CO2 on plant growth were masked by apparent high-temperature injury that limited growth of all plant organs, particularly, reproductive growth.
Roadmapping the Next Wave of Sustainable IT

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the strategic dimensions and drivers of sustainable IT and roadmaps its likely development as a disruptive innovative force over the next decade as it moves beyond the datacenter and throughout the IT organization, the firm, markets, and society at large. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive view of the emerging industry to inform sustainable IT strategy development and stimulate future research.Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a qualitative three‐phase process to develop the technology roadmap for the sustainable IT industry. The phases are domain analysis, which features a comprehensive literature review and expert panel depth interviews; roadmap development, which involved two technology roadmapping brainstorming sessions; and follow‐up activity, to confirm roadmap session results with the expert panel.Findings – The paper defines the emerging field of sustainable IT and its green IT and sustainable IT services dimensions. It identifies market segm...
Paired-angle-rotation scanning optical coherence tomography forward-imaging probe

We report a novel forward-imaging optical coherence tomography (OCT), needle-probe paired-angle-rotation scanning OCT (PARS-OCT) probe. The probe uses two rotating angled gradient-index lenses to scan the output OCT probe beam over a wide angular arc (∼19° half-angle) of the region forward of the probe. Among other advantages, this probe design is readily amenable to miniaturization and is capable of a variety of scan modes, including volumetric scans. To demonstrate the advantages of the probe design, we have constructed a prototype probe with an outer diameter of 1.65 mm and employed it to acquire four OCT images, with a 45° angle between adjacent images, of the gill structure of a Xenopus laevis tadpole. The system sensitivity was measured to be 93 dB by using the prototype probe with an illumination power of 450 μW on the sample. Moreover, the axial and the lateral resolutions of the probe are 9.3 and 10.3-12.5 μm, respectively.
Ultrasound in the acute scrotum: the truth and the false

A 16-year-old boy was admitted to our emergency department (ED) with a 6-day history of left scrotal swelling associated with pain progressively worsening. About 6 days previously he had a scrotal trauma that occurred during a football match (blow with a ball) leading to left scrotal swelling and local pain that spontaneously disappeared after half an hour but reappeared the day after. His physician suggested oral administration of antibiotic (amoxicillin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local ice …
Investigating Students' Level of Critical Thinking across Instructional Strategies in Online Discussions.

Abstract Online discussion questions, which reflect differing instructional strategies, can take many forms and it is important for designers and instructors to understand how the various strategies can impact students' critical thinking levels. For the purpose of the study three instructional strategies used in the development and implementation of online discussion questions were examined: a case-based discussion, a debate, and an open-ended (or topical) discussion. Using a mixed method approach, the study focused on critical thinking levels as described in the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework and operationalized in the Practical Inquiry Model (PIM). The study investigated (1) participants' preferred instructional strategy and rationales for the selection, (2) the contribution of student background and demographic criteria to students' preferred instructional strategy, (3) the contribution of students' strategy preferences in predicting level of critical thinking, based on the Practical Inquiry Model's (PIM) indicators, and (4) comparisons of participants' critical thinking levels across instructional strategies. Implications for the design of online discussions that foster critical thinking are discussed.
Mechanical and thermal properties of graphite platelet/epoxy composites

Abstract Anhydride-cured diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) reinforced with 2.5–5% by weight graphite platelets was fabricated. The structural, mechanical, viscoelastic and thermal properties of these composites were studied and compared. XRD studies indicated that the processing of composites did not change the original d-spacing of pure graphite. Tensile property measurements of composites indicated higher elastic modulus and tensile strength with increasing concentration of graphite platelets. The storage modulus and glass transition temperatures ( T g ) of the composites also increased with increasing platelet concentration, however, the coefficient of thermal expansion decreased with the addition of graphite platelets. The thermal stability was determined using thermogravimetric analysis. The composites showed higher thermal stability in comparison with pure epoxy and increased char concentration for higher graphite concentration. The effects of reinforcement on the damage mechanisms of these composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy.
Critical role of particle/polymer interface in photostability of nano-filled polymeric coatings

Nanoparticle-filled polymeric coatings have attracted great interest in recent years because the incorporation of nanofillers can significantly enhance the mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties of coatings. Due to the small size of the fillers, the volume fraction of the nanoparticle/polymer interfacial area in nano-filled systems is drastically increased, and the interfacial region becomes important in the performance of the nano-filled system. However, techniques used for characterizing nanoparticle/polymer interfaces are limited, and thus, the mechanism by which interfacial properties affect the photostability and the long-term performance of nano-filled polymeric coatings is not well understood. In this study, the role of the nanoparticle/polymer interface on the ultraviolet (UV) stability of a nano-ZnO-filled polyurethane (PU) coating system was investigated. The effects of parameters influencing the particle/polymer interfacial properties, such as size, loading, surface modification of the nanoparticles, on photodegradation of ZnO/PU films were evaluated. The nature of the interfacial regions before and after UV exposures were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based techniques. Results have shown that the interfacial properties strongly affect chemical, thermo-mechanical, and morphological properties of the UV-exposed ZnO/PU films. By combining tapping mode AFM and novel electric force microscopy (EFM), the particle/polymer interfacial regions have been successfully detected directly from the surface of the ZnO/PU films. Further, our results indicate that ZnO nanoparticles can function as a photocatalyst or a photostabilizer, depending on the UV exposure conditions. A hypothesis is proposed that the polymers in the vicinity of the ZnO/PU interface are preferentially degraded or protected, depending on whether ZnO nanoparticles act as a photocatalyst or a photostabilizer in the polymers. This study clearly demonstrates that the particle/polymer interface plays a critical role in the photostability of nano-filled polymeric coatings.
Factors associated with return for routine annual screening in an ovarian cancer screening program.

Abstract Objective. To identify clinical, demographic, dispositional, and attitudinal variables associated with return for routine, annual transvaginal sonography (TVS) screening for ovarian cancer. Methods. Asymptomatic, average to high risk, women ( n =585) participating in a free university-based ovarian cancer screening program completed a baseline interview prior to undergoing an initial TVS screening test. During the baseline interview, demographic (age, education, partner status, race), clinical (family history of ovarian cancer), dispositional (optimism, health values), and attitudinal (perceptions of personal risk for ovarian cancer and effectiveness of screening, intentions to return for repeat routine screening, discomfort during screening, satisfaction with the screening process, ovarian cancer-specific distress) information was obtained. Return for repeat screening was documented from screening program records. Results. Results from both multivariate proportional hazards and logistic regression analyses indicated that stated intentions to return for a repeat screening test within the next year was the strongest predictor of return for repeat screening. Possessing ≥12 years of education was also associated with a greater likelihood of repeat screening in both the proportional hazards and logistic regression analyses. Conclusions. Results provide further support for low education as a risk factor for suboptimal participation in cancer screening. Results also highlight the critical link between intentions to perform a health-protective behavior and subsequent performance of that behavior and suggest that repeat screening could be enhanced by eliciting both an intention to return for annual ovarian cancer screening as well as a specific plan for implementing this intention.
Purification and characterization of ternary complexes containing accurately initiated RNA polymerase II and less than 20 nucleotides of RNA

We have previously demonstrated that transcription of the adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) late promoter in vitro under UTP-limiting conditions results in pauses by the elongating RNA polymerase II between positions +6 and +17. We report here the purification of complexes between the paused RNA polymerase and a 260 base-pair Ad2 promoter-bearing DNA fragment. The procedure involves sedimentation through sucrose gradients, electrophoresis in agarose gels, and electroelution from the gels; the final complex pool is completely active in chain elongation. We observe a sharp discontinuity in complex stability during purification as a function of the number of bases added to the growing chains: complexes in which the polymerase has added more than ten bases are stable and are active in chain elongation even after the electroelution step, whereas complexes containing seven or fewer bases dissociate very easily. When purified complexes are extensively digested with proteinase K their electrophoretic mobility is increased considerably, yet they remain fully active in chain elongation. If purified complexes are digested with DNase I their electrophoretic mobility does not change. When the nuclease-treated complexes are allowed to continue chain elongation, they are able to add approximately 20 more bases to the nascent chains.
Violence in intimate relationships: A conceptual and empirical examination of sexual and physical aggression

The present paper argues that the perpetration of both sexual and physical aggression by the same person in intimate relationships represents a unique form of intimate partner violence that warrants further theoretical and empirical examination. This paper also provides preliminary empirical evidence demonstrating that men who dual perpetrate represent a distinct group. Dual perpetration is defined as the commission of both sexual and physical aggression by the same person, although not necessarily on the same occasion nor directed toward the same target. The paper is divided into two parts. Part one reviews the correlates of sexual and physical partner aggression identified in past research. These include childhood experiences with family violence and abuse, as well as attitudinal, personality, behavioral and relationship characteristics. Part two reports on an empirical study that examines the similarities and differences between men who commit only physical aggression, only sexual aggression and both forms of aggression (dual perpetration). The paper concludes with a call to integrate research on sexual and physical partner aggression.
Electromagnetic-wave propagation in a bounded magnetoplasma

Dispersion diagrams (ωvs. k) are obtained by numerical solution of the dispersion relation and determinantal equation for electromagnetic waves propagation along the lines of force in a bounded, cold, uniform magnetoplasma for frequencies in the vicinity of the electron cyclotron frequency. The results for slow waves (ω/k<c) are compared with those given by the electrostatic theory. By using a combined numerical and analytical analysis the electrostatic theory is obtained from the electromagnetic one. A solution of the electromagnetic dispersion relation with azimuthal-mode indexm<0 is found to correspond to the right circularly polarized mode of the infinite magnetoplasma. It is shown that there is no counterpart to this mode in the azimuthally symmetricm=0 solution.
Cervical dilation from laminaria tents and synthetic osmotic dilators used for 6 hours before abortion.

Objective To compare thick laminaria tents with two synthetic osmotic devices for softening and dilating the cervix before abortions. Methods This was a randomized clinical trial comparing cervical dilation by thick laminaria tents with two commercially made devices, 3-mm Hypan and 3-mm anhydrous magnesium sulfate-impregnated plastic tents, used for 6 hours. Subjects were 7–14 weeks pregnant, and all 93 were assigned to devices in permuted randomized groups of three. Physicians and patients were not blinded to the type of device used. Need for a tenaculum for insertions, ease of introduction, cramps, removal ease, hourglassing, achieved dilation, and ease of forced dilation were compared. The effects of parity and gestational length on achieved dilation were also analyzed. Results Parity did not affect dilation. Significant positive, linear slopes of regression were found for achieved dilation versus weeks of gestation for thick laminaria tents and magnesium sulfate devices but not for Hypan tents. Forcible dilation was easiest with thick laminaria tents and most difficult with magnesium sulfate devices. Conclusion All devices provided safe cervical dilation and softening, but thick tents were most effective.
The self-assessed literacy index: Reliability and validity

Literacy is associated with many outcomes of research interest as well as with respondents’ ability to even participate in surveys, yet very few surveys attempt to measure it because doing so is often complex, requiring extensive tests. The central goal of this paper is to develop a parsimonious measure of respondents’ reading ability that does not require a complex literacy test. We use data from the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy to identify correlates of reading ability to form a literacy index. These correlates include self-assessments of one’s ability to understand, read and write English, and literacy practices at home. Our literacy index reliably discerns literacy test scores above educational attainment, and the index shows high internal consistency (coefficient alpha = 0.78) and validity. The paper concludes with implications of these findings for survey research practitioners and suggestions for future research.
Effect of several endogenous substances-including porphyrins, hematin, and carbon monoxide-on hepatic clearance of sulfobromophthalein☆

Abstract Using mice, we explored the involvement of endogenous substances including δ-aminolevulinic acid, coproporphyrin, protoporphyrin, hematin and carbon monoxide in hepatic dysfunction induced by drugs or chemicals. These substances were administered individually at less than LD 10 doses and sulfobromophthalein (BSP) excretion was studied. δ-Aminolevulinic acid caused significant BSP retention when given 30 min before BSP or after daily treatment for 1 or 6 days. Coproporphyrin administration did not produce significant BSP retention. Protoporphyrin produced significant BSP retention 30 min, but not 24 h before BSP administration. Intravenous administration of hematin 30 min before BSP caused BSP retention. Exposure of mice to air containing 250 to 1900 ppm of carbon monoxide for 4 h caused significant BSP retention. These results, considered together with the knowledge that several recognized hepatotoxins also are known to be porphyrogenic, support the hypothesis that certain endogenous substances such as those studied may contribute to the hepatotoxic effects of selected drugs and chemicals.
The Validity of the Shortform Assessment for Children (SAC)

This study tests the validity of the Shortform Assessment for Children (SAC), a one-page, 48-item measure of a child's overall mental health. Designed as a rapid assessment instrument for child welfare and juvenile justice systems, the SAC measures the broadband constructs of internalizing and externalizing problems using either parents or teachers as respondents. Method: The convergent, divergent, and criterion validity of the SAC (completed by both parents and teachers) was assessed with data gathered on 188 children in two urban child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Results: The validity of the SAC was supported for both parent and teacher respondents. Conclusions: The SAC's brevity, validity, and utility (completed by a teacher or parent) provide an efficient and effective assessment tool for child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Phonon-induced diamagnetic force and its effect on the lattice thermal conductivity

The thermal conductivity of diamagnetic InSb decreases as a magnetic field is increased at low temperatures and is attributed to local dynamic diamagnetism, bringing forth evidence of the magnetic response of phonons.
CXCR4 gene transfer prevents pressure overload induced heart failure

Stem cell and gene therapies are being pursued as strategies for repairing damaged cardiac tissue following myocardial infarction in an attempt to prevent heart failure. The chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) and its ligand, CXCL12, play a critical role in stem cell recruitment post-acute myocardial infarction. Whereas progenitor cell migration via the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is well characterized, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of CXCR4 mediated modulation of cardiac hypertrophy and failure. We used gene therapy to test the effects of CXCR4 gene delivery on adverse ventricular remodeling due to pressure overload. We assessed the effect of cardiac overexpression of CXCR4 during trans-aortic constriction (TAC) using a cardiotropic adeno-associated viral vector (AAV9) carrying the CXCR4 gene. Cardiac overexpression of CXCR4 in mice with pressure overload prevented ventricular remodeling, preserved capillary density and maintained function as determined by echocardiography and in vivo hemodynamics. In isolated adult rat cardiac myocytes, CXCL12 treatment prevented isoproterenol induced hypertrophy and interrupted the calcineurin/NFAT pathway. Finally, a complex involving the L-type calcium channel, β2-adrenoceptor, and CXCR4 (Cav1.2/β2AR/CXCR4) was identified in healthy cardiac myocytes and was shown to dissociate as a consequence of heart failure. CXCR4 administered to the heart via gene transfer prevents pressure overload induced heart failure. The identification of CXCR4 participation in a Cav1.2-β2AR regulatory complex provides further insight into the mechanism by which CXCR4 modulates calcium homeostasis and chronic pressure overload responses in the cardiac myocyte. Together these results suggest that AAV9.CXCR4 gene therapy is a potential therapeutic approach for congestive heart failure.
Radiology medical malpractice suits in gastrointestinal radiology: prevalence, causes, and outcomes

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence, causes, and outcomes of GI malpractice suits in a survey of 8,401 radiologists. The malpractice histories of 8,401 radiologists from 47 states were evaluated from credentialing data of all radiologists participating in the network of One Call Medical Inc. Thirty-two percent of radiologists were defendants in at least one malpractice suit. Of the 4,073 total claims, 346 (8.49 %) were related to the gastrointestinal system. The most frequent primary allegations were failure to diagnose, 65.9 %, and procedural complications, 17.1 %. The commonest missed diagnoses were malignancy, 31.6 %; pneumoperitoneum, 19.3 %; and appendicitis, 14.5 %. Payment to the plaintiff occurred in 75.8 % of claims pertinent to cancer, 73.2 % for missed pneumoperitoneum, and 62.5 % related to appendicitis. Of cases in which a ruling was made in favor of the plaintiff, median payments for pneumoperitoneum was $215,000, for primary cancer $200,000, and for appendicitis $60,000. Among procedurally related errors resulting in judgment against a defending radiologist, 78.6 % of claims regarding retained foreign body, 75 % of barium enema cases, and 62.5 % of liver biopsy resulted in a payment to the plaintiff. Among all resolved cases, the median award was $30,000 for unrecognized foreign body retention, $100,000 for barium enema complications, and $400,000 for liver biopsy complication. Of all GI malpractice claims, failure to diagnose was the most prevalent. Among them, approximately three fourths of claims related to either the diagnosis of primary cancer or for detection of a pneumoperitoneum.
Nutritional requirements for growth of a mouse lymphoma in cell culture

Abstract An established cell culture of a mouse lymphoma (P-388) was found to require pyruvate and l -serine or glycine for growth from isolated cells in culture. For sustained growth in mass culture, only one of these compounds is essential although all of them are synthesized from glucose under this condition and the cells cannot synthesize pyruvate from serine or glycine or vice versa. Pyruvate can be replaced by α-keto-n-butyrate both for growth in mass culture and from isolated cells.
On the finer structure of the synapse of the Mauthner cell with especial consideration of the ‘Golgi-net’ of bethe, nervous terminal feet and the ‘nervous pericellular terminal net’s of held

In the ‘axone cap’ and on the surface of Mauthner's cell a Golgi net structure was very distinctly demonstrated by means of Levaditi's method; in Heidenhain and other preparations a similar network was brought out. The Golgi net is of glious nature and is in close relation to the nervous elements in the synapse. According to the results of this study, the unmedullated parts of the nerve fibers are also enveloped in a sheath of glious tissue; the finer structure of this glia sheath is as yet unknown.
Enterocyte expression of epidermal growth factor receptor is not required for intestinal adaptation in response to massive small bowel resection

Abstract Purpose Intestinal adaptation after massive small bowel resection (SBR) permits improved absorption of enteral nutrition despite significant loss of bowel length. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) have previously been established to play major roles in the pathogenesis of adaptation. This study tested the hypothesis that EGFR signaling within the epithelial cell compartment (enterocytes) is required for intestinal adaptation. Methods We developed a tamoxifen-inducible Villin-Cre/LoxP recombinant system for enterocyte-directed EGFR deletion using EGFR-floxed mice. Epidermal growth factor receptor–null mice and wild-type littermates underwent either 50% proximal SBR or sham operation. Ileal tissue was harvested on postoperative day 7. To assess for adaptation, villus height and crypt depth as well as rates of crypt cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured. Results Adaptation after SBR occurred normally, as demonstrated by significant increases in villus height, crypt depth, and crypt proliferative and apoptotic index in both the wild-type and EGFR-null mice. Conclusion Enterocyte EGFR expression is not required for the adaptation response to massive SBR. This novel finding suggests that enterocyte proliferation during adaptation is regulated by EGFR signaling in cells other than enterocytes, perhaps within the mesenchymal cell compartment of the bowel wall via factor(s) that are presently unknown.
The Networks That Fight Cyberterrorist Networks

This article analyzes how law enforcement agencies, cyber security labs (i.e., in universities), and other departments or organizations (i.e., the private sector and the U.S. military) create their own networks—and even join forces between one another—in their fight against cyberterrorists. By and large, cyberterrorism refers to electronic attacks against the Internet, information technologies, or other critical infrastructures. In order to engage in malicious activities against the Internet (as well as computer technologies, networks, and infrastructures), cyberterrorists create networks themselves. Hence, this idea of analyzing the social networks of two opposing sides rests on the premise that it takes networks to fight networks.
Implementation of a file management system using a sigma 9 simulator

The implementation of a file system to the TCP (Tiny Control Program) model was an ambitious but reasonable task undertaken by three) individual members of the CSS 662 (Advanced Operating Systems) class. These individuals were Earnie McNair, John Witman, and Mike Treat. As it turned out, however, the scope of such a project was too large for one individual to complete successfully in one quarter's time. In addition, the design specifications for each of the three people working separately on the project proved to be unacceptable for various reasons. Among the more significant factors were the problems of maintaining such a large program, the fact that none of the operating system code was reentrant, and the problem of scheduling file system routines as opposed to user jobs. Following the outline introduced by the class instructor, Mr. Jon Stewart, a completely new file system design was adopted with the individuals that worked on the file system project now combined in a joint effort.
Differential regulation of lubricin/superficial zone protein by transforming growth factor β/bone morphogenetic protein superfamily members in articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes

Objective To investigate the role of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) superfamily members on accumulation of superficial zone protein (SZP) in articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes. Methods Chondrocytes and synoviocytes were isolated from articular cartilage and synovium from calf stifle joints and cultured as monolayers in serum-free chemically defined medium. Articular chondrocytes were isolated from 3 distinct zones of the cartilage: superficial, middle, and deep. Accumulation of SZP in the culture medium in response to various members of the TGFβ/BMP superfamily was demonstrated by immunoblotting and quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results TGFβ stimulated SZP accumulation in both superficial zone chondrocytes and synoviocytes. The 3 isoforms of TGFβ elicited a similar dose response. Inhibition of TGFβ receptor type I kinase by the specific inhibitor SB431542 abolished the TGFβ-stimulated accumulation of SZP. BMPs up-regulated SZP accumulation in the superficial zone; however, the magnitude of the effects was not as great as was observed with TGFβ. There was an additive action between TGFβ and BMP on SZP accumulation. The response of synoviocytes to BMP was stronger than that of superficial zone chondrocytes. Activin up-regulated SZP accumulation in synoviocytes, but not in chondrocytes. Conclusion TGFβ is a critical regulator of SZP accumulation in both superficial zone articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes. TGFβ and BMP have an additive effect. Synoviocytes are more sensitive to BMP family members and activins than are superficial zone articular chondrocytes. Thus, regulation of SZP accumulation by TGFβ /BMP superfamily members is regulated differently in articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes.
Fractures with major vascular injuries from gunshot wounds: implications of surgical sequence.

Background The sequence of surgical repair for penetrating extremity injuries requiring both vascular repair and fracture fixation is controversial. The optimal determination of repair order and its consequences is the purpose of this study. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 27 patients over a 10-year period requiring acute revascularization and fracture fixation for isolated gunshot wound injuries. Injuries to the brachial artery and the femoral and popliteal vessels with accompanying fractures requiring operative stabilization were considered. The Mangled Extremity Severity Score, surgical sequence, limb viability, fasciotomy, incidence of iatrogenic vascular repair disruption, and length of hospitalization were analyzed. Results There were 17 lower and 10 upper extremity injuries, with a mean Mangled Extremity Severity Score of 4.1. Fracture fixation preceded vascular repair in five cases, whereas revascularization preceded bone fixation in 22 cases. A temporary vascular shunt was used in 13 and definitive vascular repair with used in 9 patients. There were no cases of vascular repair, shunt disruption, or amputation after fracture fixation. Four of five (80%) patients with orthopedic fixation before revascularization required fasciotomies, whereas 8 of 22 (36%) patients with revascularization before fixation required fasciotomies, and this difference approached significance (p = 0.10). Patients with fasciotomies had a significantly longer mean length of hospitalization, 18.3 ± 8.6 days compared with 10.8 ± 8.1 days (p = 0.03). Conclusion For patients with combined injuries, priority should be given to revascularization before orthopedic fixation because of shorter hospitalization and a trend toward lower fasciotomy rates. Revascularization before fracture fixation did not result in iatrogenic disruption of the vascular repair.
Phase Transformations in Dicalcium Silicate: III, Effects of Barium on the Stability of Fine‐Grained α′L and β Phases

Fine-grained materials containing both α L '-Ca 2 SiO 4 and β-Ca 2 SiO 4 were fabricated as an analogue to tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (TZP) with the use of barium to stabilize the high-temperature polymorphs of Ca 2 SiO 4 . The microstructure of dense α L '-Ca 2 SiO 4 exhibited none of the twinning or residual strain previously observed in fine-grained β-Ca 2 SiO 4 and there was no evidence of barium-rich grain boundary phases. Materials fired in the α region exhibited large grain sizes. Stress-induced α L ' → β transformation was observed on ground surfaces but not on fracture surfaces
Symbolic Analysis of a Decomposition of Information Processing Machines

In this paper we study the problem of replacing (decomposing) a complex finite state sequential machine by several simpler ones which operate in parallel and yield the same result. In the first part, we give the necessary mathematical background and results. In the second part, we apply these results and derive the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a decomposition for a given machine. If a decomposition exists then the required simpler machines which have to be connected in parallel are given.
The influence of nitrogen level, form, and application method on the growth response ofSpartina alterniflora in North Carolina

The influence of nitrogen level, form, and application method on the growth response of short and tallSpartina alterniflora was determined in a North Carolina salt marsh. The application of various nitrogen levels increased the aerial standing crop of shortSpartina as much as 172%, but had no significant effect on that of the tall form. Band application produced a significantly greater yield response than broadcast application in both height forms. The yield of shortSpartina increased significantly more from ammonium fertilization than from nitrate, while there was no significant effect of nitrogen form on tallSpartina. Band application of ammonium-nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased the yield of shortSpartina more than band application of nitrate-nitrogen and broadcast application of either nitrogen form.
Actions of solvable Lie algebras on rings with no nilpotent elements

Abstract Let R be an algebra with no non-zero nilpotent elements acted on by a finite dimensional solvable restricted Lie algebra L . We examine the relationship between R and the ring of constants R L . In particular, we prove: 1. (1) if R L satisfies a polynomial identity of degree d , then R satisfies a polynomial identity of degree p n d , where n is the dimension of L ; 2. (2) R is Goldie if and only if R L is Goldie; 3. (3) in the case where both R and R L are Goldie, both R and R L have the same Goldie rank and the Goldie localization of R can be obtained by inverting the regular elements of R L .