cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use and calibration of Rosemount ice detectors for meteorological research

Abstract Vibrating probe ice detectors made by Rosemount Inc., are used by many researchers for measuring atmospheric icing rates and cloud liquid water contents. The vibration frequency of the probe decreases as ice accretes on it, until the probe is deiced at a factory-set frequency. Rosemount ice detectors are favored because they are readily available, easy to install and simple to operate. They are designed to be used as warning systems for incipient aircraft and antenna icing, and not as precisely calibrated scientific instruments. Calibration cannot be user adjusted, but it can be measured and must be periodically checked if the ice detector is to be used in scientific studies. We briefly describe three models of Rosemount ice detectors that CRREL has used. Methods for collecting and processing the data from these ice detectors are described and evaluated. Procedures developed at CRREL for calibrating Rosemount detectors against a rotating multicylinder in natural icing conditions are presented. Results of calibrations of two model 872B12 Rosemount ice detectors with the rotating multicylinder are presented and discussed. Use of the ice detector record to calculate cloud liquid water content is described.
Computation of Three-Dimensional Compressible Flow From a Rectangular Nozzle with Delta Tabs

A three-dimensional viscous flow analysis is performed using a time-marching Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes code for a 3:1 rectangular nozzle with two delta tabs located at the nozz1e exit plane to enhance mixing. Two flow configurations, a subsonic jet case and a supersonic jet case using the same rate configuration, which were previously studied experimentally, are computed and compared with the experimental data. The experimental data include streamwise velocity and vorticity distributions for the subsonic case, and Mach number distributions for the supersonic case, at various axial locations downstream of the nozzle exit. The computational results show very good agreement with the experimental data. In addition, the effect of compressibility on vorticity dynamics is examined by comparing the vorticity contours of the subsonic jet case with those of the supersonic jet case which were not measured in the experiment.
Modeling the response of greenhouse-grown radish plants to acidic rain

Abstract The emphasis being placed on the need for assessments to determine the impacts of acidic rain has resulted in the initiation of many dose-response studies. Experimental design parameters and model evaluation play important roles in the overall conclusions of such studies. To illustrate the importance of some of these factors, three dose-response studies on radish ( Raphanus sativas L. ) plants exposed to simulated rain were performed in a greenhouse. Significant negative effects on marketable yield occurred from simulated rain having pH levels below 3.8 in one experiment and below 3.4 in another. The apparent threshold level may have been dependent on environmental conditions which affected overall growth rates. In modeling the experimental results, treatments having very high levels of acidity had an overwhelming influence on the dose-response function used to describe the results. Plants treated with the highest acidity levels had reduced leaf area which resulted in lower photosynthesis per plant and may have been responsible for the reduced yields of plants. In addition to acidity, the sulfate to nitrate ratio in simulated rain also influenced radish response. Nitric acid appeared to have a greater effect than sulfuric acid in reducing yield at pH 3.0.
Reported Respiratory Symptoms and Adverse Home Conditions after 9/11 among Residents Living near the World Trade Center

This study investigated whether self-reported damage, dust, and odors in homes near the World Trade Center (WTC) after September 11, 2001, were related to increased rates of respiratory symptoms among residents and if multiple sources of exposure were associated with greater health risk. We mailed questionnaires to homes within 1.5 km of the WTC site (affected area) and in upper Manhattan (control area). Surveys asked about respiratory symptoms, unplanned medical visits, physician diagnoses, medication use, and conditions in the home after 9/11. Adverse home conditions were associated with new-onset (i.e., began after 9/11) and persistent (i.e., remained 1 year after 9/11) upper and lower respiratory symptoms in the affected area (Cumulative Incidence Ratios [CIRs] 1.20-1.71). Residents reporting longer duration of dust/odors or multiple sources of exposure had greater risk for symptoms compared to those reporting shorter duration and fewer sources. These data suggest that WTC-related contamination in the home after 9/11 was associated with new and persistent respiratory symptoms among residents living near the site. While we cannot eliminate potential biases related to self-reported data, we took strategies to minimize their impact, and the observed effects are biologically plausible.
Test generation for combinational logic circuits using information theory

Abstract Application of probability and information theory to test pattern generation for combinational logic circuits is investigated. It is verified that choosing the input probability to maximize the output information reduced to a minimum the number of random patterns to be generated to detect all the faults in the circuit. This result is tested on three examples using a logic simulator. The simulator was implemented using a TRS-80 Color Computer with 16K memory, and the use of microcomputers in fault detection is discussed. This work considers only combinational logic circuits and single stuck-at type faults.
Quasiparticle branch mixing rates in superconducting aluminum

The kinetic equation is used to compute the elastic and inelastic quasiparticle branch mixing rates for a superconducting film into which quasiparticles are injected via a tunnel barrier from a second superconducting film. Representative graphs are presented of the steady-state quasiparticle distribution, the quasiparticle charge imbalance ${Q}^{*}$ versus injection current, the charge relaxation rate ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{{Q}^{*}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ vs $\frac{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{{k}_{B}{T}_{c}}$ for several values of elastic scattering rate, and the quasiparticle branch relaxation rate ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{Q}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ as a function of energy. The quasiparticle potential developed in the injection film is related to ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{Q}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and thence to ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ a characteristic electron-phonon scattering time. Detailed measurements of ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{Q}$ are reported for films of superconducting A1, some of which were doped with oxygen to give a range of transition temperatures from 1.2 to 2.1 K. From the dependence of ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{{Q}^{*}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ on $\frac{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{{k}_{B}{T}_{c}}$, values are deduced for the gap anisotropy of the films. In the cleanest samples, ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}=0.10\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$ \ensuremath{\mu} sec, a value that is in good agreement with energy-gap relaxation and $2\ensuremath{\Delta}$- phonon (phonons of energy $\ensuremath{\gtrsim}2\ensuremath{\Delta}$) mean-free-path measurements, but a factor of about 4 smaller than that obtained from recombination time measurements and theoretical calculations. The value of ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ in the A1 films increases with the transition temperature ${T}_{c}$ as ${T}_{c}^{5}$ or ${T}_{c}^{6}$, instead of ${T}_{c}^{3}$ as predicted by simple theory. It is suggested that the rapid increase of ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ with ${T}_{c}$ may arise from either a strong dependence of ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}F(\ensuremath{\omega})$ on ${T}_{c}$ or from a small concentration of magnetic impurities.
Cyclic Polyynes as Examples of the Quantum Mechanical Particle on a Ring

Many quantum mechanical models are discussed as part of the undergraduate physical chemistry course to help students understand the connection between eigenvalue expressions and spectroscopy. Typical examples covered include the particle in a box, the harmonic oscillator, the rigid rotor, and the hydrogen atom. This article demonstrates that cyclic polyynes, C10, C14, and C18, effectively illustrate the quantum mechanical model for rotation in two dimensions: the particle on a ring. The exercise presented can be used to facilitate a classroom discussion on the particle-on-a-ring model or it can be used as a homework assignment. In either case, students compare a wavelength calculated from the eigenvalue expression for the particle on a ring to a UV–vis spectrum calculated via molecular modeling software. Spartan is used to perform a density functional theory calculation on the cyclic polyynes. Discussion focuses on how the particle-on-a-ring model works, its limitations, and how the model could be improved.
Application of cylindrical correlation functions to anisotropic scattering from amorphous films

The cylindrical pair correlation function has been utilized as a structural tool in the study of anisotropic phase separation in magnetron sputtered amorphous Fe x Ge 100-x films. Anomalous small-angle x-ray scattering (ASAXS) measurements have been performed with the scattering vector both in and oblique to the plane of the films, to search for anisotropy. The cylindrical correlation function has been calculated from these measurement and indicates that there exist well-defined regions of electron density that are elongated (7 A by 12 A) in the direction of film growth. In addition, for a composition of x=6, these regions are well-correlated on a length scale of 27 A for those correlation vectors oriented in the plane of the film surface, whereas the correlations are far weaker and longer in length for those vectors aligned in the direction of growth. These results are in agreement with a previous qualitative model of packed, prolate ellipsoids oriented in the direction of growth
Patterned neural activity associated with prey capture inNavanax (Gastropoda, Aplysiacea)

1. The sequence of muscle contractions involved in the prey-capture response ofNavanax inermis is described, and correlated with intracellular recordings from neurons of the buccal ganglion. 2. Synaptic coupling of the buccal neurons has been investigated and no direct chemical synaptic contacts were observed between any cells impaled. However, many cells were observed to receive common synaptic input. Depolarization of both circumferential and radial motoneurons had the effect of activating an inhibitory neuron to the circumferential neurons. 3. Firing patterns of buccal neurons were essentially identical in whole animal, pharynxganglion and isolated buccal ganglion preparations, though burst duration varied from experiment to experiment. Pulse train stimulation of the cerebrobuccal connectives elicited the characteristic neural firing patterns in all three preparations.
Basing-Point Pricing and the Stahlwerksverband: An Examination of the “New Competitive School”

In a basing-point pricing system, firms agree to charge customers a base price plus the transport costs from a common location, or basing point. Delivered prices to customers are the same regardless of the location of the seller. In 1949 George Stigler argued that basing-point pricing was an effective means of collusion for industries facing high fixed costs and geographically unstable demand. High fixed costs prevent colluding firms from maintaining stable prices and varying the rate of output to meet demand fluctuations. Geographic market division is infeasible because of the need for firms in low-demand areas to invade neighboring high-demand areas. A cartel with fixed market shares is also difficult to maintain. Firms in low-demand areas would have to invade neighboring areas to sell their market quota. It is impossible, however, for the local firm to determine the intentions of the invader destabilizing the cartel. According to Stigler, such problems disappear with basing-point pricing,
Cost-effectiveness of treatment options for prevention of rheumatic heart disease from Group A streptococcal pharyngitis in a pediatric population.

Abstract Background. We set out to examine which treatment option available in the United States was most cost-effective in treating children with endemic group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent rheumatic heart disease. Methods. Cost-effectiveness was calculated from the societal perspective and expressed in cases of rheumatic heart disease prevented annually in the U.S. pediatric population aged 5 to 17 based on U.S. Census data. We used a decision-analysis model to assess the cost-effectiveness of five treatment options for patients with pharyngitis: (1) “treat all,” (2) “treat none,” (3) “rapid test,” where only patients with a positive rapid antigen test are treated, (4) “culture,” where only patients with a positive throat culture are treated, and (5) “rapid test with culture” or (RTCX), where confirmatory cultures are used on patients with negative rapid tests. Cost data were gathered from existing empirical data or estimated. We performed sensitivity analyses of the antigen test sensitivity and antibiotic effectiveness and examined whether changes in these variables would alter our outcome. Results. The “rapid test” was the most cost-effective option. Using “rapid tests” prevented 85 cases of rheumatic heart disease annually and cost society $727,000 per case prevented. Performing throat cultures instead of “rapid tests” would pick up an additional 11 cases of rheumatic heart disease but would cost $13.7 million for each of these additional cases prevented. The current standard of using throat cultures as a confirmatory test on patients with a negative “rapid” test would detect an additional 21 cases of rheumatic heart disease but cost society an additional $8 million per case prevented. Conclusions. To reduce the incidence of rheumatic heart disease cost-effectively, the management of pediatric pharyngitis may best be accomplished by using antigen testing. The added costs associated with the remaining treatment options may not be justified, especially, as the sensitivity of the antigen tests continues to improve and closely approaches the sensitivity of the practice standard, throat culture.
A Fuzzy Logic-based Methodology for the Acquisition and Analysis of Imprecise Requirements

Two major challenges with requirement analysis in concurrent engineering are: (1) requirements from multiple members of a concurrent engineering team are often conflictingwith each other; and (2) requirements are often imprecise in nature. Existing formal methods for requirement engineering are very limited in addressing these issues. More specifically, they have not fully explored the use of artificial intelligence technique for achieving effective trade-offs among conflicting imprecise requirements. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for specifying imprecise requirements and for characterizing complex relationships among them to facilitate trade-off analysis. Imprecise requirements are represented by the canonical form in test-score semantics in fuzzy logic. A formal approach and a practical method are developed to analyze the complex relationships between requirements. Conflicting requirements can be identified and represented using both qualitative terms and quantitative measures. Multipl...
Primer and interviews: Advances in targeted gene modification

Gene targeting in mice, first reported 25 years ago, has led to monumental advances in the understanding of basic biology and human disease. The ability to employ a similarly straightforward method for gene manipulation in other experimental organisms would make their already significant contributions all the more powerful. Here, we briefly outline the strengths and weaknesses of reverse genetics techniques in non-murine model organisms, ending with a more detailed description of two that promise to bring targeted gene modification to the masses: zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). Dana Caroll, a forefather of zinc finger technology, and Bo Zhang, among the first to introduce TALEN-targeted mutagenesis to zebrafish, discuss their experience with these techniques, and speculate about the future of the field. Developmental Dynamics 240:2688–2696, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation and Characterization of Tetra- and Triacylglucose from the Surface Lipids of Nicotiana miersii

Isolation and characterization of homologous glucolipids with tetra- or triacyclglucose structures from the surface lipids of N. miersii and their plant growth inhibitory activity
The crystal and molecular structure of the bis(tricarbonyliron) derivative of 3,3′-bis(bicyclo[4.2.0] octa-2,4-diene)

Abstract The reaction of bicyclo [2.6.0] deca-2,4,6-triene containing about 5% impurities, mostly cyclooctatetraene, with diiron nonacarbonyl in ether at 22° gave a minor product, 3,3′-bis(bicyclo [4.2.0] octa-2,4-dienetricarbonyliron), [(C 8 H 9 )- Fe(CO) 3 ] 2 , which is composed of two linked units of the previously reported compound. The origin of this new substance is at present unknown. Data were collected using the θ/2θ scan technique and a total of 1788 reflections were measured. The structure was solved by Patterson and Fourier methods. Non-hydrogen atoms were refined anisotropically and hydrogen atoms isotropically to give agreement factors of R 1 = 0.030, and R 2 = 0.039. The space group is P 1 with cell dimensions of a 8.178(2), b 6.800(3), c 9.729(3)», α 101.98(3)°, β 106.99(2)°, γ 95.83(3)°, and V 498.5(3)» 3 with Z = 1. The structure consists of two bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-2,4-dienetricarbonyliron moieties related by an inversion center. The molecule shows some distortion in the usual hexa-1,3-dienetricarbonyliron bond distances and angles. This distortion is probably due to the carboncarbon bond between the two halves of the molecule at the second carbon in the 1,3-diene group.
Oviposition and development of the face fly in feces of six species of animals.

Although bovine manure has heretofore been considered the substrate of choice for propagation of Musca autumnalis De Geer, evidence presented here suggests that oviposition and larval development may successfully occur in manures of other animal species. Fresh bison and swine feces served as substrates for larval development comparable to that of bovine manure, as evidenced by similar pupal weight and percent adult emergence. Oviposition also readily occurred in fresh feces of bison and swine. Horse manure supported satisfactory larval development but was an unsatisfactory oviposition site, apparently because of its coarse texture. Fresh sheep and deer feces were unsatisfactory for larval development and adult oviposition, apparently because of their pelleted form and lower moisture contents. Development and oviposition readily occurred in such lyophilized feces reconstituted to a moisture content comparable to that of fresh bovine manure.
Urinary excretion of mucopolysaccharides in normal individuals and in the marfan syndrome

Abstract A study of the urinary excretion of mucopolysaccharides indicates a normal excretion of approx. 5–10 mg/24 h of a mixture of compounds. Although the major compounds normally excreted are the chondroitin sulfates (A, B, C), evidence is presented for the excretion of chondroitin, heparitin sulfate, and keratosulfate. The excretion appears to be somewhat greater in males and is increased around puberty. In the Marfan syndrome there is a two- to four-fold greater excretion but this is qualitatively similar to that for normal individuals. The mucopolysaccharide excreted in urine represents a small fraction relative to the amount metabolized in the body's connective tissue.
Modeling the Suppression of Sea Lamprey Populations by Use of the Male Sex Pheromone

The suppression of sea lamprey populations, Petromyzon marinus (Linnaeus), was modeled using four different applications of the male sex pheromone: (1) pheromone-baited traps that remove females from the spawning population, (2) pheromone-baited decoys that exhaust females before they are able to spawn, (3) pheromone-enhanced sterile males that increase the proportion of non-fertile matings, and (4) camouflaging of the pheromone emitted by calling males to make it difficult for females to find a mate. The models indicated that thousands of traps or hundreds of thousands of decoys would be required to suppress a population of 100,000 animals. The potential efficacy of pheromone camouflages is largely unknown, and additional research is required to estimate how much pheromone is needed to camouflage the pheromone plumes of calling males. Pheromone-enhanced sterile males appear to be a promising application in the Great Lakes. Using this technique for three generations each of ca. 7 years duration could reduce sea lamprey populations by 90% for Lakes Huron and Ontario and by 98% for Lake Michigan, based on current trapping operations that capture 20 to 30% of the population each year.
Nation-States in Continental Markets: The Political Geography of Free Trade

Abstract Until recently, free trade has been an underexamined topic in the field of political geography. This article argues that neoclassical conceptions of political geography separate economic from political processes and therefore ignore the geopolitical consequences of economic policies. Discourse theory is used to show how the pretensions of value-neutrality and objectivity embedded in neoclassical trade theory obscure the inherently geopolitical consequences for countries engaged in free trade. A review of trade theory from the time of Adam Smith and David Ricardo to the present show that free trade theory does not represent a universal social scientific law with predictable outcomes. Rather, free trade is a specific foreign policy that was used to promote economic nationalism in England in the 19th century and economic continentalism in 20th-century North America. Free trade enhanced national sovereignty in the 19th century and reduces sovereignty in the late 20th century. A case study of the cons...
Managing data latency for consensus over dynamic sensor-networks

In this publication, we propose a computation scheme to compensate for data latency in dynamic networks performing a distributed consensus task. To convey concepts, we apply the proposed methods for localizing a noise source of interest through a distributed sensor network. The solution generalizes past results by dealing with time-varying non-uniform delays with an unknown upper bound. In particular, this publication presents a relatively simple edge-weight adaptation scheme improving consensus for situations where sensors have either synchronized or unsynchronized clocks. Simulations of a noise source localization task are used to demonstrate and quantify benefits in a statistically significant manner. The suggested scheme reduces the mean value of the range error by 10–15%, thus resulting in an improvement in localization performance.
Insect development in milled rice: effects of variety, degree of milling, parboiling and broken kernels

Abstract Parboiled milled rice was less suitable than raw milled rice for progeny production by Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), Cadra cautella (Walker), Lasiodermaserricorne (F.), Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.). The variety ‘Dawn’ was less suitable than ‘Belle Patna’, ‘Nato’ or ‘Bluebelle’ for all species except O. surinamensis and L. serricorne . An increase in milling rendered the rice less suitable for these seven species and for Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Broken kernels did not significantly change the number of progeny from any of the species developing during a test period.
Government and Individual Liberty: The Rehnquist Court's Stop and Frisk Decisions

Relying on the 1968 “Stop and Frisk” policy, the Rehnquist Court (1986-2005) expanded the powers of national and state law enforcement authorities at the expense of individual liberties. This article views Stop and Frisk as a policy arena that generates consistent contests that can reveal how the Supreme Court advances or restrains individual rights. Combining the Attitudinal and Packer models, we determine whether the justices exhibit consistent ideological patterns and assess whether their interagreements reinforce Stop and Frisk or support individual liberties. The finding of one moderate voting bloc suggests attitude cohesion and stability in decisional output in this policy arena. The implication perhaps is that the absence of a rival “liberal bloc” signals an acceptance of Packer's “crime control” mindset on justice administration over the rival “due process” model. Since the “crime” model remains highly contested as a realistic policy alternative to “due process,” the outcome revealed here is the most plausible. Basandose en la politica de 1968 de “Stop and Frisk,” la Corte de Rehnquist (1986-2005) expandio los poderes de las autoridades, nacionales y estatales, del orden publico a expensas de las libertades individuales. Este articulo considera al “Stop and Frisk” como arena de politicas que genera luchas constantes que pueden revelar como la Corte Suprema promueve o restringe los derechos civiles. Combinando los modelos Actitudinal y Packer, determinamos si los Jueces presentaron patrones ideologicos consistentes y evaluamos si sus acuerdos refuerzan al “Stop and Frisk” o apoyan a las libertades individuales. El hallazgo de un bloque moderado de votacion sugiere una actitud de cohesion y estabilidad en esta arena de politicas. La implicacion quiza es que la ausencia de un “bloque liberal” rival senala una aceptacion de la perspectiva del “control de crimen” de Packer sobre la administracion de la justicia mayor a la del modelo rival del “debido proceso.” Dado que el modelo de “crimen” continua siendo objeto de debate como una alternativa politica viable al “debido proceso,” el resultado revelado aqui es el mas plausible.
GxySBA ABC Transporter of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Its Role in Sugar Utilization and vir Gene Expression

Monosaccharides available in the extracellular milieu of Agrobacterium tumefaciens can be transported into the cytoplasm, or via the periplasmic sugar binding protein, ChvE, play a critical role in controlling virulence gene expression. The ChvE-MmsAB ABC transporter is involved in the utilization of a wide range of monosaccharide substrates but redundant transporters are likely given the ability of a chvE-mmsAB deletion strain to grow, albeit more slowly, in the presence of particular monosaccharides. In this study, a putative ABC transporter encoded by the gxySBA operon is identified and shown to be involved in the utilization of glucose, xylose, fucose, and arabinose, which are also substrates for the ChvE-MmsAB ABC transporter. Significantly, GxySBA is also shown to be the first characterized glucosamine ABC transporter. The divergently transcribed gene gxyR encodes a repressor of the gxySBA operon, the function of which can be relieved by a subset of the transported sugars, including glucose, xylose, and glucosamine, and this substrate-induced expression can be repressed by glycerol. Furthermore, deletion of the transporter can increase the sensitivity of the virulence gene expression system to certain sugars that regulate it. Collectively, the results reveal a remarkably diverse set of substrates for the GxySBA transporter and its contribution to the repression of sugar sensitivity by the virulence-controlling system, thereby facilitating the capacity of the bacterium to distinguish between the soil and plant environments.
DNA strand breaks induced by hydrogen peroxide in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Alkaline elution analysis was used to study the action of H/sub 2/O/sub 2/, added exogenously, on DNA of intact, isolated rat hepatocytes. Addition of a bolus of H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ (0.01-1.0 mM) to monolayer cultures of hepatocytes caused concentration-dependent increases in single-strand DNA breaks (SSDB), which were maximal within 30 min of exposure. Cytotoxicity, as measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, was minimal during a 1-h exposure to H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ concentrations less than 1 mM, but the efflux of oxidized glutathione was increased. Formation of SSDB was nearly linear with respect to H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ concentration in the range 0.1-1.0 mM. No double-strand DNA breaks or DNA-protein crosslinks were identified at H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ concentrations of 1 mM or less. Repair of SSDB in H/sub 2/O/sub 2/-free medium occurred in a rapid, linear manner only for the first 15 min, resulting in disappearance of 65% of the SSDB. A second, slower phase of SSDB rejoining occurred between 20 and 60 min of incubation in H/sub 2/O/sub 2/-free media; at 60 min rejoining was maximal (80% repair). These results define a specific type of DNA damage associated with H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ exposure of hepatocytes and suggest that primary cultures ofmore » rat hepatocytes are a suitable model for characterizing the potential genotoxic effects of oxidants, particularly excess H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ that may occur in the livers of animals exposed chronically to peroxisome proliferators.« less
Hydrothermal synthesis and single-crystal structural characterization of VO(VO3)6(VO(C10H8N2)2)2

Abstract VO(VO3)6(VO(C10H8N2)2)2 has been synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of V2O3 with 2,2′-bipyridine. The compound is monoclinic, space group P2 1 n (No. 14), a = 7.579 (2) A, b = 26.713 (8) A, c = 12.776 (3) A, β = 94.97 (2)°, Z = 2. Its structure consists of (VO3)n chains of corner-sharing pentavalent vanadium tetrahedra joined by V4+ square pyramids, with octahedral VO(C10H8N2)2 groups arrayed on the periphery of the chains. The V4+ sites are isolated magnetically, with the compound exhibiting Curie-Weiss behavior in the temperature range 10–300 K. The calculated μeff is 1.68 μ B V 4+ , close to the spin-only value.
Force constancy and its effect on haptic perception of virtual surfaces

The force-constancy hypothesis states that the user of a force-feedback device maintains a constant penetration force when stroking virtual surfaces in order to perceive their topography. The hypothesis was developed to address a real-world data perceptualization problem where the perception of surface topography was distorted when the surface stiffness was nonuniform. Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment I, we recorded the penetration depths of the probe tip while the user stroked two surfaces with equal height but different stiffness values. We found that the data could be quantitatively modeled by the force-constancy hypothesis when the virtual surfaces were neither too soft nor too hard. In Experiment II, we demonstrated that given two adjacent surfaces, their perceived height difference depended on both the surface stiffness values as well as the relative heights of the surfaces. Specifically, we showed that the higher but softer surface could be perceived to be lower, at the same height, or higher than the other surface, depending on how much higher it was than the other surface. The results were consistent with the predictions of the force-constancy hypothesis. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding the interplay of haptic rendering parameters.
Experimental protein malnutrition during gestation and breeding performance of squirrel monkeys,Saimiri sciureus

The report summarizes our four year experience with the breeding of squirrel monkeys, a New World species used widely in experimental research. Breeding squirrel monkeys in captivity has hitherto been considered capricious, with success in most instances not exceeding 50%. By a combination of hand picking the animals, housing in a harem-type situation with one male to several females, and sound nutrition, a success rate of 85–91% live births to number of pregnancies has been achieved. The rate of stillbirths and abortions in the group maintained on a well-balanced diet did not exceed 10% of the total pregnancies. This compares favorably with any successful breeding program with Old World monkeys, whose reproductive physiology is relatively well understood. It is clear from our studies that adequate quantities of proteins are essential for optimum reproduction. Among the pregnant animals maintained on a diet containing about 50% of their normal requirements of protein (8% calories from a protein source), the incidence of abortions increases significantly. In this group, the rate of abortions to total pregnancies ranges from 40.5 to 61.5%. The females maintained on a protein deficient diet during pregnancy are so protein hungry that an extruded fetus is a welcome food and no time is lost in devouring all of the placenta and the fetus. This type of cannibalism has never been observed among the mothers maintained on a high protein regimen.
Pharmacist-Managed Direct Thrombin Inhibitor Protocol Improves Care of Patients with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Use of direct-thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) for the management of patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is challenging. A pharmacist-managed DTI protocol was implemented to standardize and improve the care of patients with HIT. A background study that compared DTI protocol–treated patients to those who did not receive treatment with the DTI protocol found that significantly more of the DTI protocol–treated patients received care that was consistent with level 1 guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians (41% vs 0%). Because outcomes were poor regardless of whether the DTI protocol was used, the protocol was revised to require pharmacist implementation and oversight. A follow-up study compared DTI protocol patients from the background study (non-pharmacist-managed) to the pharmacist-managed DTI protocol group. There were significantly fewer dosing errors, improved nursing documentation, and less reexposure to heparin when the pharmacist was responsible for managing the DTI protoco...
Psychodynamics and psychosomatic symptoms

T HE TERM "psychosomatic" is a clinical, descriptive one which refers to the appearance of physical symptoms in relation to emotional states or mental activity. From a dynamic viewpoint it seems grossly inadequate. In the first place, it indicates little about the particular patient before us in analysis. Secondly, it tells nothing about the psycho-somatic relationship, and thirdly it lumps together, indifferently, manifestations of quite different order and dynamic process. Can we equate, for instance, signs of direct body participation in an affective state--e.g., the crying of joy, the tachycardia of rage, or the pallor of humil ia t ion--with such complex symptoms as aia hyster ica l paralysis? Or such symptom-complexes as asthma or tuberculosis with the somatic symptoms arising out of a hypochondriacal conviction of illness? In one case the somatic symptoms may be the physiological component of a healthy, affective state of simple order; in another the affect may be compulsive or irrational. Or anxiety may be involved. Generally, this is considered an affect, yet resulting from the interplay between "simpler" emotions, so that although a large volume of experimental work may give factual evidence of particular somatic changes being "produced" by particular affects, it does not help too much in understanding the patient, whose emotional states are more complex, or unconscious, or cannot be easily identified either by patient or observer. Still other somatization reactions, such as the "conversion" symptoms, may not only involve affects but conceptualideational complexes in conflict. And even more complex clinical syndromes, such as asthma or tuberculosis, have been related to personality types or "profiles" or groups of character traits. In these cases not only is the psychosomatic relationship often most strained, but the origin and nature of the psychological state is difficult to explain. Most attempts to explain these symptoms have focused on the nature or type of affective-ideational factor, and on the relationship of such particular condition to a type of somatic response. They assume an interaction between more or less definable psychic and somatic events. These theories have been well reviewed in a recent article 1 and it is unnecessary to detail them here. Suffice it to say that the degree of relatedness has been seen to vary from a close, precise specificity (affect --> symptom, personality --> syndrome) to a limited specificity (non-specific anxiety --~ symp-
Liver regeneration is impaired in lipodystrophic fatty liver dystrophy mice.

We previously reported that mice subjected to partial hepatectomy exhibit rapid development of hypoglycemia followed by transient accumulation of fat in the early regenerating liver. We also showed that disrupting these metabolic alterations results in impaired liver regeneration. The studies reported here were undertaken to further characterize and investigate the functional importance of changes in systemic adipose metabolism during normal liver regeneration. The results showed that a systemic catabolic response is induced in each of two distinct, commonly used experimental models of liver regeneration (partial hepatectomy and carbon tetrachloride treatment), and that this response occurs in proportion to the degree of induced hepatic insufficiency. Together, these observations suggest that catabolism of systemic adipose stores may be essential for normal liver regeneration. To test this possibility, we investigated the hepatic regenerative response in fatty liver dystrophy (fld) mice, which exhibit partial lipodystrophy and have diminished peripheral adipose stores. The results showed that the development of hypoglycemia and hepatic accumulation of fat was attenuated and liver regeneration was impaired following partial hepatectomy in these animals. The fld mice also exhibited increased hepatic p21 expression and diminished plasma levels of the adipose-derived hormones adiponectin and leptin, which have each been implicated as regulators of liver regeneration. Conclusion: These data suggest that the hypoglycemia that develops after partial hepatectomy induces systemic lipolysis followed by accumulation of fat derived from peripheral stores in the early regenerating liver, and that these events may be essential for initiation of normal liver regeneration. (HEPATOLOGY 2010)
Preservation of Functioning Human Thyroid "Organoids" in the Severe Combined Immunodeficient Mouse. III. Thyrotropin Independence of Thyroid Follicle Formation*

The severe combined immunodeficient (scid) mouse allows the in vivo reconstitution of thyroid follicles from thyroid monolayer cells when transplanted sc within an extracellular basement membrane matrix. After 2-3 weeks, these human thyroid organoids show an active microfollicular histology and secrete human thyroglobulin into the murine serum in response to the administration of recombinant human TSH. Furthermore, such organoids survive for more than 3 months in this functional state. To assess whether thyroid follicular reconstitution was TSH dependent, we examined organoid follicular reconstruction in T3-induced hyperthyroid scid mice, in which endogenous murine TSH was presumed to be totally suppressed. By providing water with 12 micrograms/ml T3, we increased the murine serum T3 levels from a mean of 1.9 nmol/liter in controls to greater than 12.0 nmol/liter. After 3 weeks, thyroid cells derived from normal human thyroid monolayers were suspended in an extracellular basement membrane matrix, and the suspension was transplanted sc into scid mice (with or without T3-induced hyperthyroidism) and allowed to reconstitute. Histological examination 4 weeks later showed a similar degree of thyroid follicle formation in mice treated with or without T3, indicating that the hyperthyroid state had caused no interference with thyroid follicle reconstitution. This was further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, which demonstrated normal human thyroid follicle cell polarity in the organoids of both euthyroid and hyperthyroid mice. In addition, using an extracellular basement membrane preparation with reduced growth factor (epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-I, and platelet-derived growth factor) levels also allowed normal thyroid follicle formation in T3-fed mice. These data demonstrate that in vivo thyroid follicle formation is TSH independent and that extrathyroidal epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-I, and platelet-derived growth factor may be relatively unimportant. The factors and molecular mechanisms leading to follicular reorganization of adult human thyroid cells remain to be determined, but are likely to depend largely on intrathyroidal growth factor secretion and cell-cell interaction.
Effects of root nodules and taproots on survival and abundance of Sitona hispidulus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Medicago sativa

. 1 The effects of food resources on populations of larvae of Sitona hispidulus (F.), a root and nodule herbivore of Medicago sativa L., were investigated in 1983 and 1984. 2 Density-dependent mortality among first-instar larvae indicated that a lack of available root nodules, the primary resource for first instars, contributed to the 66.2±5.2% and 80.7±4.1% mortalities of first-instar larvae in 1983 and 1984, respectively. Initial densities of larvae entering the soil were 31.7±2.4 and 15.6±1.3 per soil sample (10.5 cm diam. ×15 cm deep) in 1983 and 1984, respectively (±SEM). 3 Survivorship and number of first-instar larvae per soil core sample were significantly related to number and biomass of nodules per soil sample. Percentage soil moisture was not consistently correlated with survivorship and number of larvae per soil sample. 4 Numbers of second- and third-instar larvae were not consistently correlated with either nodule or taproot biomass. 5 Numbers of fourth-instar larvae were associated with taproot biomass, suggesting that taproot surface area may also limit population levels of S.hispidulus. No correlations were found between taproot and nodule biomass on any sampling date indicating that high numbers of fourth-instar larvae associated with larger taproots were not merely due to a greater survival of first instars associated with larger taproots. 6 The study suggests that population levels of nodule-herbivores are controlled by the availability of root nodules. A sparse distribution of nodules results in high levels of mortality among nodule-herbivores of Medicago sativa.
Outcomes of sonography-based management of breast cysts

Abstract Background Ultrasound is commonly used during diagnosis of breast lesions. Our purpose was to study the role of sonography for risk stratification of malignancy in the diagnosis and management of palpable breast cysts. Methods This was a cohort study of 176 patients with palpable breast cysts. Sonographic findings were correlated with clinical and pathologic outcomes. Results Mean cyst size was 2.0 ± 1.8 cm. Cysts were simple, complex and probably benign, and complex and suspicious for neoplasm in 82.25%, 10.25% and 7.5% of patients, respectively. Thick cyst wall ( P = 0.0001), mural tumor ( P P = 0.034), and internal septae ( P = 0.031) were predictive of neoplasm. Of cysts >3 cm, 33% were cancerous ( P = 0.000027). After 378 days of follow-up, 26 % of cysts had recurred. Recurrence was more frequent in patients with bilateral or multiple cysts ( P = 0.004). Conclusions Sonography is useful in risk stratification of malignancy in breast cysts. There is a high risk of recurrence after cyst aspiration.
Seismically Induced Lateral Spread Features in the Western New Madrid Seismic Zone

Between December 1811 and March 1812, the largest series of earthquakes recorded in United States struck the Upper Mississippi Embayment, centered near New Madrid, MO. The region was subjected to repeated episodes of wide-scale liquefaction, ground subsidence and uplift, as well as landslides and earth movement towards stream channels. In his 1912 report on the New Madrid earthquakes, Myron Fuller described numerous features that exhibited characteristics and morphology similar to lateral spread features associated with the 1964 Alaska earthquake. However, before this report, no lateral spread features were substantially verified and characterized within the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). The authors have used topographic mapping protocols to identify areas of seismically induced landslippage, including lateral spread features, along Crowley9s Ridge in the western NMSZ. It is thought that the lateral spread features formed in response to liquefaction of underlying confined sand layers during ground shaking associated with the New Madrid earthquakes. Lateral spreads, like other types of landslippage, exhibit fairly specific topographic signatures that can be identified on contour maps. The authors used digital map products in combination with Geographic Information Systems programs to find and delineate areas with topographic signatures representative of lateral spread features. For verification of the features, the authors are using geophysical and field methods, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity, to determine whether the suspect features are indeed lateral spreads.
Neurotransmitter distribution in the second trimester fetal human corpus striatum

Abstract One experimental strategy that may offer hope in the neurodegenerative disorder Huntington's disease (HD) has been neural transplantation. In HD, most of the pathological changes occur in the corpus striatum. Fetal human striatal implants will most likely be the first transplant strategy attempted in clinical trials to replace lost neurons and/or prevent the degeneration of neurons destined to die. The temporal expression of neurotransmitters in the developing human corpus striatum is a key factor in determining the optimum age of transplantable tissue. To this end, an immunocytochemical analysis of various neurotransmitters was performed on second trimester human brains. Antibodies against acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, enkephalin, neuropeptide-Y and substance P were used in ten human fetal brains ranging from 13 to 21 weeks gestation. The presence and pattern of distribution for these neurotransmitters varied in the different parts of the corpus striatum (globus pallidus, putamen, caud...
Envisioning Amazonian frontiers: place-making in a Brazilian boomtown

Located at a strategic crossroads of eastern Amazonia, Maraba has long been known as a volatile, even violent Brazilian boomtown. This study examines the city's sense of place with regard to alternative perceptions of the regional frontier experience: the unstable, resource-extractive “hollow frontier”; the linear, sequential “development frontier”; and the hybrid, socially segmented “post-frontier.” By asking whether, why, and how such understandings resonate with residents, we highlight the social dynamics of place-making. Our interviews suggest that distinctive frontier visions reflect residents' socioeconomic positions and relationships to state-promoted, capital-intensive investment projects. These findings help to explain why citizens favor or oppose dominant forms of regional development.