cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of FirstClass as a Collaborative Learning Environment.

This paper draws on the authors' experience in using SoftArc Intranet FirstClass TM as a collaborative learning environment and discusses and exemplifies the pros and cons of choosing this system for running online courses. After a short description of FirstClass and its educational uses, the paper focuses on some case studies: two courses developed and run by the Institute for Educational Technology of the Italian Research Council. These are used as a basis for qualitative considerations about the strengths and weaknesses of FirstClass, including occasional comparisons with the performance of similar systems. In the exposition, a distinction is made between the viewpoints of the course student, the course tutor and designer, and the course administrator. The main conclusion is that FirstClass lends itself very well to managing collaborative learning processes at a distance, providing a very simple and easy to understand interface which can be configured by the course designers according to different desi...
Development and characterization of a morphological scoring system for medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryo culture

Abstract Interest in non-mammalian alternatives to in vivo animal teratogenicity testing has dramatically increased. However, few of these alternative screening systems have been critically evaluated or validated. In order to characterize such tests, there is a need for reproducible and standardized means of monitoring and scoring development. To address this need, a morphological scoring system was developed for medaka embryos. This paper presents this scoring system and demonstrates its application in developmental toxicity evaluations. Medaka embryos were collected within 2 h post-fertilization and cultured in Petri dishes in buffered saline until hatching. Thirteen developmentally different features were selected, and up to six morphological stages of each feature were defined and assigned scores of 0 to 5. Control as well as teratogen-exposed (methylnitrosourea, 1–10 mM) embryos were assessed. Morphological scores were calculated at 4 timepoints during development. Scores were significantly related to embryonic age and teratogen-exposed embryos showed dose-dependent decreases in mean score even at doses resulting in low malformation percentages. These results suggest that the use of such scoring systems in fish embryo cultures can provide a standardized index of embryonic development and aid in the detection of growth retardation and dysmorphogenesis. This will allow for quantitative comparisons of growth and development between experimental conditions and possibly to other embryo cultures (e.g., rodent) for which morphological scoring systems have already been established.
Synthesis and structure of ditetrabutylammonium tetrachlorodioxoneptunium(VI)

The reaction of a stock solution of NpO22 + in 2 M HCl with two equivalents of tetrabutylammonium chloride in 6 M HCl results in the preparation of the title compound. This compound, [NBu4]2[NpO2Cl4], is isostructural with the uranium analogue, [NBu4]2[UO2Cl4]. The anion of the complex, [NpO2Cl4]2−, adopts a pseudooctahedral geometry common to six-coordinate actinyl complexes in which the neptunium metal is coordinated by two trans axial oxo groups with Np―O(oxo) bond lengths of 1.733(5)A, and four equatorial chloride ligands with Np–Cl bond lengths in the range 2.637(2)–2.676(2)A. The neptunyl O―Np―O bond angle is 178.6(3)°. Charge balance of the neptunyl tetrachloride anion is maintained by two tetrabutylammonium cations. This complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n (a = 15.416(4), b = 15.362(4), c = 18.479(5)A, β = 108.147(6)°, V = 4158.4(19)A3, Z = 4).
The need to explain

How do reasoners deal with inconsistencies? James (1907) believed that the rational solution is to revise your beliefs and to do so in a minimal way. We propose an alternative: You explain the origins of an inconsistency, which has the side effect of a revision to your beliefs. This hypothesis predicts that individuals should spontaneously create explanations of inconsistencies rather than refute one of the assertions and that they should rate explanations as more probable than refutations. A pilot study showed that participants spontaneously explain inconsistencies when they are asked what follows from inconsistent premises. In three subsequent experiments, participants were asked to compare explanations of inconsistencies against minimal refutations of the inconsistent premises. In Experiment 1, participants chose which conclusion was most probable; in Experiment 2 they rank ordered the conclusions based on their probability; and in Experiment 3 they estimated the mean probability of the conclusions' oc...
An iterative solution to the inverse kinematics of robotic manipulators

Abstract The solution to the inverse kinematics of robotic manipulators is important in the planning of trajectories to be executed by the manipulators in the task space. The problem of inverse kinematics of robotic manipulators involves the determination of a set of feasible joint angles which corresponds to a set of desired spatial coordinates in the task space. The set of desired spatial coordinates in the task space in turn represents the location of a desired point along a prescribed trajectory for the tip of a given manipulator. An iterative solution to the inverse kinematics is presented based on numerical methods for nonlinear algebraic equations. The necessary sets of spatial coordinates of a prescribed trajectory for the tip of both kinematically nonredundant and redundant robotic manipulators are determined using the algorithm. Simulation results from nonredundant and redundant manipulators are presented.
Detection of JC Virus DNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction in Patients with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used in the detection of JC virus (JCV) DNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded brain tissue sections from 24 patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Brain sections from normal autopsies (n = 17) and other neurologic conditions (n = 4) were used as controls. Specific amplified products were detected in 20 (83%) of 24 patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. PCR did not amplify JCV or human beta-globin gene sequences in four patients with characteristic demyelinating lesions of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy that were positive for JCV by in situ hybridization or immunocytochemistry. PCR from biopsy sections resulted in more intense amplification signals than PCR from autopsy tissue. Normal brain sections from 17 autopsies were negative by PCR. Low-grade amplification of JCV was observed in one patient with herpes simplex virus encephalitis. PCR served as a more rapid test for confirmation of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy than in situ hybridization. However, PCR performance was altered by prolonged formalin fixation of tissue and undetermined inhibitors of the amplification reaction. Laboratories and clinicians should be aware of the difficulties encountered when using paraffin-embedded tissue for PCR.
Enhancing patient compliance in the elderly. Role of packaging aids and monitoring.

Inadequate compliance with medications is a significant contributor to the costs of medical care in every therapeutic area. No matter how severe the consequence, there is no assurance that all patients will take their medications as prescribed. Elderly patients are a particular concern because of their common deficits in physical dexterity, cognitive skills and memory, and the number of medications that they are typically prescribed. To overcome problems of compliance in the elderly, healthcare providers are advised to prescribe a simple dosage regimen for all medications to be taken (preferably 1 or 2 doses daily), to help the patient select cues that assist them in remembering to take doses (time of day, meal-time, or other daily rituals), to provide devices to simplify remembering doses (medication boxes), and to regularly monitor compliance. A variety of compliance aids are available to help patients organise their medications (e.g. plastic boxes) or remember dose times (alarms). Medication packaged in standard pharmacy bottles should be identified with special labels, or dose charts can be provided to check the daily schedule. Single-unit doses, widely used in hospitals, may be cumbersome for elderly patients who have difficulty opening the foil-backed wrappers. Medication boxes with compartments that are filled weekly by the patient, family member or a home healthcare provider are useful organisers that simplify the patient's responsibilities for self-administration. Microelectronic devices can provide feedback that shows patients whether they have been taking doses as scheduled. Some systems are also designed to notify patients within a day if doses were omitted. No system is optimal for all patients, but elderly patients deserve a comprehensive assessment of their needs to enhance medication compliance.
Elastic and dynamic response regimes of fluid-impregnated solids with diverse microstructures

Abstract Three major regimes of response are identified for time-dependent deformation of a solid matrix which contains fluid globules free to communicate with each other and adjoining elements or atmosphere. The moduli pertaining to the four limits are estimated from specification of solid and fluid properties (moduli, concentrations, and geometry): alternative techniques are outlined but a rationalized version of the conventional self-consistent approximation is specifically developed and applied to special cases of interest, viz. spherical and flat ellipsoidal fluid inclusions. Characteristic times are identified for each regime which, along with frequent simultaneity of local inter-site and global inter-element diffusion, are emphasized as rendering suspect the classical and mixture theories for wave propagation: especially, the assumption of a single tensor-valued potential, to govern macroscopic fluid flow, has very limited application. Related complications for inelasticity formulations and “effective-stress” laws are discussed; special schemes are suggested to resolve the various difficulties but considerable further study is being undertaken.
Assessment of Filter Dust Characteristics that Cause Filter Failure during Hot-Gas Filtration

The high-temperature filtration of particulates from gases is greatly limited because of the development of dust cakes that are difficult to remove and can bridge between candle filters, causing them to break. Understanding the conditions leading to the formation of cohesive dust can prevent costly filter failures and ensure higher efficiency of solid fuel, direct-fired turbine power generation systems. The University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center is working with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization and the U.S. Department of Energy to perform research to characterize and determine the factors that cause the development of such dust cakes. Changes in the tensile strength, bridging propensity, and plasticity of filter dust cakes were measured as a function of the temperature and a filter pressure drop for a coal and a biomass filter dust. The biomass filter dust indicated that potential filtering problems can exist at temperatures as low as 400{sup o}C, while the coal filter dust showed good filtering characteristics up to 750{sup o}C. A statistically valid model that can indicate the propensity of filters to fail with system operating conditions was developed. A detailed analysis of the chemical aspect of dusts is also presented inmore » order to explore the causes of such stickiness. 16 refs., 10 figs., 3 tabs.« less
Role of Intracellular Polysaccharide in Persistence of Streptococcus mutans

Intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) is accumulated by Streptococcus mutans when the bacteria are grown in excess sugar and can contribute toward the cariogenicity of S. mutans. Here we show that inactivation of the glgA gene (SMU1536), encoding a putative glycogen synthase, prevented accumulation of IPS. IPS is important for the persistence of S. mutans grown in batch culture with excess glucose and then starved of glucose. The IPS was largely used up within 1 day of glucose starvation, and yet survival of the parental strain was extended by at least 15 days beyond that of a glgA mutant; potentially, some feature of IPS metabolism distinct from providing nutrients is important for persistence. IPS was not needed for persistence when sucrose was the carbon source or when mucin was present.
Immunofluorescence of rabbit corneas after collagen cross-linking treatment with riboflavin and ultraviolet A.

Purpose:To assess ultrastructural modifications in keratocytes and inflammatory cell response in rabbit corneas after riboflavin and ultraviolet A exposure using immunoflurescence microscopy.Methods:Twenty adult New Zealand albino rabbits weighing 2.0-3.0 kg were used in this study. Two rabbits serv
The Effects of Weight Loss Attempts, Exercise Initiation, and Dietary Practices on Health Related Quality of Life

This study (N = 98) randomly placed participants in either a higher protein or American Heart Association diet group with each group initiating an aerobic exercise program. Body composition (BC) was measured using four different methodologies (DEXA, BIA, skinfold, BMI) along with height and weight, while Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) changes were measured using the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 (SF-36). There were no significant time/diet interactions in HRQOL scores, body fat measures, and weight with the exception of Role-Physical scores (p = .006) with posttest scores higher in participants in Diet 1. Role-Physical scores changed significantly in participants in Diet 1 (p = .0001) and Diet 2 (p = .026) with higher posttest scores in each group. Social functioning had a significant main effect for time in both groups with pretest scores in both diet groups lower than their respective posttest scores (p = .015). HRQOL pretest scores were not significantly different between groups at baseline (p = .56). ANOVA revealed no significant differences in average calories between groups (p = .88). Analysis revealed no differences in exercise in minutes (p = .66) nor statistically significant changes in BC or weight (p = .65). Conclusions: Improvements in HRQOL were demonstrated in two subscales related to physiological and psychological functioning. These novel findings add to literature suggesting that HRQOL, at least concerning social functioning, work and other daily activities (Role-Physical) may improve by initiating an exercise and dietary program even when weight loss or BC improvements have been unsuccessful.
Electrofocusing of integral membrane proteins in mixtures of zwitterionic and nonionic detergents.

Abstract In an attempt to fractionate mouse liver cytochrome P-450 in its native state, electrofocusing systems were examined under conditions in which the surface net charge of solubilized proteins was preserved. A mixture of the zwitterionic detergent, SB14, and the nonionic detergent, Triton X-100, appeared capable of completely solubilizing intergral membrane proteins. Since charge properties were not altered, it was possible, for the first time, to focus basic membrane proteins in such detergent mixtures. The pH gradients (pI range 7–11) formed in the presence of these detergents were sufficiently stable to allow electrofocusing to the steady state of the solubilized membrane proteins. By the criterion of patter constancy, these conditions were achieved within 15 h, 0–4°C, at 200 V in 6-cm gels of 5% T/15% CBis with 0.1 n H2SO4 and 0.1 n KOH as anolyte and catholyte, respectively. It was expected that the native state of solubilized proteins could be maintained in such systems. Cytochrome P-450 proved to be denatured, however, by concentrations of these detergents required for complete solubilization of mouse liver endoplasmic reticulum.
“Members of the Same Club”: Challenges and Decisions Faced by US IRBs in Identifying and Managing Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of interest (COIs) in research have received increasing attention, but many questions arise about how Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) view and approach these. Methods I conducted in-depth interviews of 2 hours each with 46 US IRB chairs, administrators, and members, exploring COI and other issues related to research integrity. I contacted leaders of 60 IRBs (every fourth one among the top 240 institutions by NIH funding), and interviewed IRB leaders from 34 of these institutions (response rate = 55%). Data were analyzed using standard qualitative methods, informed by Grounded Theory. Results IRBs confront financial and non-financial COIs of PIs, institutions, and IRBs themselves. IRB members may seek to help, or compete with, principal investigators (PIs). Non-financial COI also often appear to be “indirect financial” conflicts based on gain (or loss) not to oneself, but to one's colleagues or larger institution. IRBs faced challenges identifying and managing these COI, and often felt that they could be more effective. IRBs' management of their own potential COI vary, and conflicted members may observe, participate, and/or vote in discussions. Individual IRB members frequently judge for themselves whether to recuse themselves. Challenges arise in addressing these issues, since institutions and PIs need funding, financial information is considered confidential, and COI can be unconscious. Conclusions This study, the first to explore qualitatively how IRBs confront COIs and probe how IRBs confront non-financial COIs, suggests that IRBs face several types of financial and non-financial COIs, involving themselves, PIs, and institutions, and respond varyingly. These data have critical implications for practice and policy. Disclosure of indirect and non-financial COIs to subjects may not be feasible, partly since IRBs, not PIs, are conflicted. Needs exist to consider guidelines and clarifications concerning when and how, in protocol reviews, IRB members should recuse themselves from participating, observing, and/or voting.
Broadband terahertz detection with selected gases

We present a combined theoretical and experimental investigation of the detection of pulsed terahertz waves via field-induced second-harmonic generation in gaseous media. The effects of the probe pulse energy, bias field strength, nonlinear susceptibility of the gases, phase matching, and focusing conditions of the terahertz and optical beams are discussed. The analytical calculation, which is based on a Gaussian-beam approximation, allows for the easy identification of the parameters important for the sensitivity of the terahertz gas sensor. A figure of merit is introduced to characterize the sensitivity of gases. The experimental results are found to be in good agreement with the calculation.
Seven Whitman Letters

Seven Walt Whitman letters are transcribed and commented upon. They are addressed to William Sloane Kennedy, an active literary man of the time, whose acquaintance with the poet, begun in 1880, soon ripened into close friendship.
Do exchange hazards always foster relational governance? An empirical test of the role of communication

This empirical paper explores economic and social origins of relational governance. Previous empirical research has provided substantial support for the positive relationship between exchange hazards (such as transaction specific assets or decision uncertainty) and relational governance. In contrast, we use transaction cost economics to argue that exchange hazards might limit the use of relational governance when power asymmetry exists within a marketing channel. Moreover, from a sociological perspective, a governance mechanism is not determined solely by initial exchange conditions; the process in which the interorganizational exchange emerges and develops also influences it. We argue that the social contact that occurs through inter-organizational communication not only is a critical determinant of relational governance, but it also may moderate opportunism arising from exchange hazards, thus increasing the establishment of relational governance. Overall, the empirical results support our hypotheses.
Wind direction and hurricane-induced ultimate wind loads

Abstract A consensus on the wind directionality issue is needed for the validation by building officials of the wind-tunnel procedure allowed by the ASCE 7-95 Standard, and for the development of provisions for wind loads that use large aerodynamic and climatological databases. As a contribution to the debate needed to achieve such a consensus, we describe an updated method for estimating wind loads that takes into account the directional dependence of the aerodynamic coefficients and the extreme wind climate, and uses the `peaks over threshold' approach for the estimation of extremes. For hurricane-prone regions, assuming epistemic uncertainties are negligible, we estimate mean recurrence intervals (MRIs) of wind loads inducing the design strength, obtained from 50 yr loads via multiplication by a factor specified by the ASCE 7-95 Standard. For typical aerodynamic coefficients with strong directional preference, depending upon location and building orientation those estimated MRIs varied between less than 1000 to more than 10 000 yr. If epistemic uncertainties were taken into account the estimated MRIs would be shorter. We also found that for loads with very large MRIs the common practice of disregarding direction effects is not necessarily conservative from a structural engineering viewpoint.
Intraoperative laryngeal electromyography in children with vocal fold immobility: results of a multicenter longitudinal study.

Objectives To determine whether laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) can predict recurrent laryngeal nerve function return in children and whether LEMG can aid in the management of vocal fold immobility (VFI). Design Prospective case series. Setting Tertiary pediatric aerodigestive centers. Patients Twenty-five children aged 14 days to 7 years at the time of first LEMG (mean age, 21.4 months) with VFI who underwent flexible fiberoptic laryngeal examination, intraoperative LEMG of the thyroarytenoid muscles, and 12-month follow-up. Main Outcome Measures To compare results of LEMG with flexible fiberoptic laryngeal examination in children with vocal fold paresis and to determine if LEMG can predict vocal fold return. Results In children who had a patent ductus arteriosus ligation, the LEMG data suggest that if there is no activity 6 months after injury, then the nerve is unlikely to regain function. In 3 of 3 children with central causes of VFI, normal LEMG findings predicted return of nerve function 2 to 7 months before vocal fold movement on fiberoptic examination. Finally, in 3 of 3 children with idiopathic VFI, LEMG predicted return within 2 to 14 months of vocal folds with normal findings. Conclusions Intraoperative LEMG is a safe, easy-to-use method for determining the likelihood of recurrent laryngeal nerve function return in children who have undergone patent ductus arteriosus ligation, in children with centrally correctable lesions, and in children with idiopathic VFI. More work is needed in the area of pediatric LEMG, but it is possible that LEMG data can be used to aid in management strategies and provide families with more information to make better informed decisions regarding their child's care. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00771186
Informal Health Care Practices of Residents: “Curbside” Consultation and Self-Diagnosis and Treatment

Objective The authors explore the experiences of residents with respect to informal care related to personal health, including “curbside consultation,” self-diagnosis, and self-prescription—self-care practices that run counter to ethical guidelines in medicine.
Light scattering by ellipsoids

Abstract Improved methods are proposed for approximating the total and differential scattering cross sections of ellipsoids of revolution of arbitrary axial ratio and orientation. The methods are based on (a) the Rayleigh-Debye (Rayleigh-Gans) and anomalous diffraction approximations, and (b) the exact Lorenz-Mie relations for spheres. For an ellipsoid of given semiaxes, refractive index, and orientation, equations of the approximations are used to fix the radius and refractive index of its equivalent sphere. Scattering by the sphere is calculated from the Lorenz-Mie relations. This is multiplied by a correction factor to obtain scattering by the ellipsoid. The methods can be viewed as improved versions of the approximations or as extensions of the Lorenz-Mie relations to ellipsoids. For illustration, they are used to predict scattering by randomly oriented ellipsoids.
Integrating Service-Learning into Human Service and Family Science Curriculum

Abstract Limitations of traditional methods of instruction were addressed by integrating community-based service-learning into human service and family science curriculum. Practical ideas and insight that may be of value when implementing or enhancing the quality of a service-learning course are presented, including reflective activities that may be used to facilitate student learning. To evaluate the effectiveness of the course, qualitative data was collected from 24 students and 11 service supervisors. Student integration papers were analyzed, with four emerging themes: 1) learning outcomes, 2) personal and professional growth, 3) benefits to agencies/clients, and 4) recommendations for course improvement.
Middle Archaic Period Domestic Architecture from Southern Peru

Domestic or residential structures ranging in age from 6040 to 6850 years old have discovered at the open air site of Asana in the high sierra of southern Peru. These are the earliest domestic structures known from the high elevation zones of the south central Andes, and they are contemporaneous with sites with structures on the north Chilean littoral. Analysis of site structure and content suggests that during the Middle Archaic the site was a logistical camp within a dry puna-high sierra settlement system.
CREAM CHEESE BY ULTRAFILTRATION

Pasteurized skim milk batches were concentrated by ultrafiltration in an Abcor UF-22s unit at 50°C to a maximum of 27.6% solids. The UF retentate was standardized with 67–69% fat cream and with ultrafiltrate or water to give a mixture according to cream cheese standards. This was inoculated with lactic acid cultures and processed into hot pack cream cheese according to industrial practices. The resulting cheese showed excellent shelf life and smoothness comparable with standard commercial cream cheese, but with much greater hardness of body. Some advantages noted were: greater efficiency in the utilization of milk solids, flexibility of standardization, and elimination of the whey draining steps. Active cultures were necessary to achieve the proper pH. Slower cultures showed difficulty in overcoming the strong, buffering capacity of the hot-pack cream cheese retentate.
Studying Social Class: The Case of Embourgeoisement and the culture of poverty

The question of changing social classes, and in particular of classes in close proximity, has been explored since the early 1960s through various perspectives. This paper examines two of these perspectives, the cultural and the situational , in the context of the culture of poverty debate and the thesis of “embourgeoisement.” Both cases exemplify serious weaknesses in social class research, weaknesses that are traced to the failure of each to deal adequately with the relationship of culture to class structure. A third perspective, the adaptational , is proposed to provide a more viable framework for the analysis of changing social classes by seriously considering the features and processes of class-culture.
N-SHELL CONVERSION ELECTRONS FROM THE 2.33-keV TRANSITION IN $sup 205$Pb.

We have measured the ${N}_{\mathrm{II}}$ and ${N}_{\mathrm{III}}$ conversion electrons from the $\ensuremath{\approx}2.33$-keV transition in $^{205}\mathrm{Pb}$ with a $\ensuremath{\pi}\sqrt{2}$, iron-free, double-focusing $\ensuremath{\beta}$-ray spectrometer and have determined the energy of this transition to be 2.328\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.007 keV. We obtain an $\frac{{N}_{\mathrm{II}}}{{N}_{\mathrm{III}}}$ ratio of 0.70\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25 for this transition and a ratio $\frac{({N}_{\mathrm{II}}+{N}_{\mathrm{III}})}{{L}_{\mathrm{I}}}$, where the ${L}_{\mathrm{I}}$ is from the 26.22-keV $M2$ isomeric transition in$^{205}\mathrm{Pb}$, of ${0.48}_{\ensuremath{-}0.05}^{+0.15}$. These are in very good agreement with predicted conversion ratios and represent the first test of theoretical calculations for the $N$ shell at such low energies.
Novel lipid hydroperoxide-derived hemoglobin histidine adducts as biomarkers of oxidative stress

Hemoglobin (Hb) adducts have long been used as dosimeters of exposure to xenobiotics and endogenously formed reactive metabolites. In this study, hemoglobin chains were separated from each other and their prosthetic heme groups and reacted with 4-oxo-2-nonenal, a major breakdown product of lipid hydroperoxides. The adducts were characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) analysis of the intact proteins and by a combination of liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization/tandem MS (MS/MS) and MALDI-TOF/MS/MS analysis of the tryptic peptides. Covalent modifications were found on both hemoglobin chains. The location was determined to be on H20 of the α-hemoglobin chain and on H63 of the β-hemoglobin chain. Molecular modeling revealed that these two residues were two most solvent accessible H residues present in intact Hb. The proposed reaction mechanism is based on that described for the reaction of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal with proteins. Initial nucleophilic Michael addition is followed by hydration of the resulting aldehyde, cyclization, and two sequential dehydration reactions to give stable furan derivatives. This results in the addition of 136 Da from 4-oxo-2-nonenal to give adducts corresponding to 17VGAH* AGEYGAEALER31 from α-hemoglobin and 62AH* GK65 from β-hemoglobin. These hemoglobin modifications can potentially serve as biomarkers of lipid hydroperoxide-mediated macromolecule damage and may reflect an indirect measurement of the potential for DNA damage in vivo. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil-Pile Interaction for a Small Diameter Pile Embedded in Granular Soil Subjected to Passive Loading

AbstractThe soil-structure interaction of piles used to stabilize failing slopes (i.e., subjected to lateral soil movement known as passive piles) was experimentally investigated using a state-of-the-art soil-structure interaction facility. A 102-mm diameter, 1.58-m-long precast concrete pile was installed in well-graded sand. The pile was instrumented with displacement and tilt gauges at the pile head and strain gauges, a flexible shape acceleration array, and thin tactile pressure sheets along the pile length. Furthermore, the three-dimensional (3D) movements of the soil surface and the top of the pile were monitored using two stereo digital image correlation (DIC) systems. By monitoring the relative movement of the soil surface and pile top, the DIC systems track the progression of the soil-pile interaction that occurs as the lateral displacement of the soil increases. The use of advanced sensors allows simultaneous measurement of the pile lateral movement and the soil-pile interaction pressures along ...
‘Errors of Judgment’: The Case of Pain Sensations

Errors of judgment regarding pain sensations are not possible. Christopher Hill, in his paper 'Introspective Awareness of Sensations', argues that we do sometimes commit 'errors of judgment' and he draws on an example that involves the perception of pain to illustrate his point. I analyze Hill's example and draw on other examples of pain sensations to show how errors of judgment are not possible. I argue that pain sensations appear to be causally shaped and in some cases generated solely by beliefs, expectations and dispositional states. Changes in beliefs, expectations and dispositional states appear to change the sensation that is generated. If pain sensations are generated in the way that I suggest, then the fact that some of the influences that causally shape and generate a pain sensation are constantly subject to change means that there may be little 'truth' that can be objectively established regarding a belief about a pain sensation. If there is little 'truth' that can be objectively established about a pain sensation, it will be inaccurate to label an instance of pain avowal as an 'error of judgment', or to speak about judgments concerning pain in terms of truth or error more generally.
Communities of reflection-practice and clash of communities: thoughts on the (re-)design of classes in humanities

Grounded in constructivist instructional philosophy [5] and a view that the purpose of schooling is to prepare students for a changing workplace [7; Partnership for 21st Century Skills, www.21stcenturyskills.org], learning scientists turned to communities of practice (CoPs) to get inspiration for the design of learning activities in classrooms that resemble the 'authentic' and 'real-world' situations found in CoPs outside of schools. For domains that are naturally close to the workforce, like domains in the sciences, technology, engineering, math, and others, it seems a perfect match and classroom environments are transformed to resemble CoPs [4; 6; 9].
Neocortical connectivity during episodic memory formation.

During the formation of new episodic memories, a rich array of perceptual information is bound together for long-term storage. However, the brain mechanisms by which sensory representations (such as colors, objects, or individuals) are selected for episodic encoding are currently unknown. We describe a functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment in which participants encoded the association between two classes of visual stimuli that elicit selective responses in the extrastriate visual cortex (faces and houses). Using connectivity analyses, we show that correlation in the hemodynamic signal between face- and place-sensitive voxels and the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is a reliable predictor of successful face–house binding. These data support the view that during episodic encoding, “top-down” control signals originating in the prefrontal cortex help determine which perceptual information is fated to be bound into the new episodic memory trace.
Detection of skeletal muscle fatigue in patients with heart failure using electromyography.

Patients with heart failure frequently report that leg fatigue limits maximal exercise capacity. However, objective documentation of muscle fatigue has not been obtained in such patients. In normal subjects, muscle fatigue during constant work load exercise is associated with an increase in electrical activity generated per contraction due to use of additional muscle fibers to compensate for fiber fatigue. The present study was performed to determine if this approach can be used to document muscle fatigue in patients with heart failure. Vastus lateralis surface electromyograms were monitored in 8 ambulatory patients with nonedematous heart failure and 6 normal subjects during maximal bicycle exercise (20 W increments every 2 minutes). The electromyogram was stored on tape and subsequently analyzed for integrated root-mean-square voltage/contraction (iRMSV). At each work load, the iRMSV of the first and last 30 seconds of the work load were compared. The maximal work load achieved by patients with heart failure was significantly lower (73 +/- 22 W) than that by normal subjects (150 +/- 15 W; p less than 0.01). Both groups had no significant difference between the initial and final iRMSV at submaximal work loads. However, during the 2 highest work loads, both groups reported leg fatigue and had significant increases in iRMSV, consistent with muscle fiber fatigue (maximal work load: 259 +/- 59 to 279 +/- 58 mv.ms [normals] vs 258 +/- 94 to 283 +/- 93 mv.ms [heart failure]; p less than 0.03). The data indicate that the surface electromyogram can be used to detect skeletal muscle fatigue in patients with heart failure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
ADAPTING STOCHASTIC WEATHER GENERATION ALGORITHMS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE STUDIES

While large-scale climate models (GCMs) are in principle the most appropriate tools for predicting climate changes, at present little confidence can be placed in the details of their projections. Use of tools such as crop simulation models for investigation of potential impacts of climatic change requires daily data pertaining to small spatial scales, not the monthly-averaged and large-scale information typically available from the GCMs. A method is presented to adapt stochastic weather generation models, describing daily weather variations in the present-day climate at particular locations, to generate synthetic daily time series consistent with assumed future climates. These assumed climates are specified in terms of the commonly available monthly means and variances of temperature and precipitation, including time-dependent (so-called ‘transient’) climate changes. Unlike the usual practice of applying assumed changes in mean values to historically observed data, simulation of meteorological time series also exhibiting changes in variability is possible. Considerable freedom in climate change ‘scenario’ construction is allowed. The results are suitable for investigating agricultural and other impacts of a variety of hypothetical climate changes specified in terms of monthly-averaged statistics.
Building and managing an acquisitions program

An overview of an acquisition program in libraries: organization of the acquisition unit, managing resource, managing in times of change, and resources for decision making
Diethylene glycol in health products sold over-the-counter and imported from Asian countries.

Diethylene glycol (DEG), a chemical that has been implicated in multiple medication-associated mass poisonings, can result in renal and neurological toxicity if ingested. Three previous such mass poisonings implicated Chinese manufacturers as the origin of contaminated ingredients. No literature exists on potential DEG or triethylene glycol (TEG), a related compound, contamination of health products imported from Asian countries to the USA. Our primary objective was to quantitatively assess the amount of DEG present in a convenience sampling of these health products. The study’s secondary objectives were to: (1) evaluate for, and quantify TEG levels in these samples; (2) compare DEG and TEG levels in these products directly to levels in medications implicated in previous similar mass poisonings; and (3) to estimate DEG dose (in mg/kg) based on the manufacturer’s instructions and compare these values to toxic doses from past mass poisonings and the literature. A quantitative assessment of DEG and TEG was performed in a convenience sampling of over-the-counter health products imported from Asian countries. Results were converted to volume to volume (v/v) % and compared with DEG levels in medications implicated in previous mass poisonings. Estimated doses (based on the manufacturer’s instructions) of each product with detectable levels of DEG for a 70 kg adult were compared to toxic doses of DEG reported in the literature. Seventeen of 85 (20%) samples were not able to be analyzed for DEG or TEG due to technical reasons. Fifteen of 68 (22%) samples successfully tested had detectable levels of DEG (mean, 18.8 μg/ml; range, 0.791–110.1 μg/ml; and volume to volume (v/v) range, 0.00007–0.01%). Two of 68 (3%) samples had TEG levels of 12.8 and 20.2 μg/ml or 0.0012% and 0.0018% TEG v/v. The product with the highest DEG% by v/v was 810 times less than the product involved in the Panama DEG mass poisoning (8.1%). The lowest reported toxic dose from a past DEG mass poisoning (14 mg/kg) was more than 150 times higher than the highest daily dose estimated in our study (0.09 mg/kg). Sixty-eight of 85 (80%) samples were able to be successfully analyzed for DEG and TEG. DEG and TEG were detectable in 15/68 (22%) and 2/68 (3%) samples, respectively. Based on current standards, these levels probably do not represent an acute public health threat. Additional research focusing on why DEG is found in these products and on the minimum amount of DEG needed to result in toxicity is needed.
Gyres and Jets: Inversion of Tracer Data for Ocean Circulation Structure

Abstract This paper describes a quasi-3D Bayesian inversion of oceanographic tracer data from the South Atlantic Ocean. Initially, one active neutral-density layer is considered with an upper and lower boundary. The available hydrographic data are linked to model parameters (water velocities, diffusion coefficients) via a 3D advection–diffusion equation. A robust solution to the inverse problem can be obtained by introducing prior information about parameters and modeling the observation error. This approach estimates both horizontal and vertical flow as well as diffusion coefficients. A system of alternating zonal jets is found at the depths of the North Atlantic Deep Water, consistent with direct measurements of flow and concentration maps. A uniqueness analysis of the model is performed in terms of the oxygen consumption rate. The vertical mixing coefficient bears some relation to the bottom topography even though the authors do not incorporate topography into their model. The method is extended to a m...
Lung injury and neutrophil density during air embolization in sheep after leukocyte depletion with nitrogen mustard

The hypothesis that neutrophils are a major mediator of acute lung injury is based in part on the results from leukocyte depletion studies in which peripheral leukopenia is induced by administration of chemotherapeutic agents or antileukocyte serum. Because of valid concerns about the specificity and multiplicity of effects these regimens have in vivo, we designed a correlative structure-function study of the impact of one depletion regimen on the intrapulmonary density of neutrophils in two groups of sheep. We gave one group of four awake sheep repeated injections of nitrogen mustard (0.4 mg/kg body weight on the ninth, sixth, and third day before the experiment) to lower circulating leukocyte counts to < 1% of their normopenic value. The other group of four awake sheep was not treated before the experiment (normopenic sheep). On the day of the experiment, the sheep were anesthetized to measure hemodynamics and lung lymph dynamics, and to take lung tissue for morphologic examination before and during 4 h...
Debye-Scherrer Powder Diffraction using 55 Fe K X-rays on Lithium Fluoride

POWDER and single crystal diffraction of X-rays obtained from radioactive isotopes has been reported by this laboratory1–3. The source was cyclotron-produced 55Fe, laid down in a linear array on a platinum disk1 (Fig. 1). Photons studied were the Ka X-rays from 55Mn, the stable daughter product. The activity of the source was 100 mc., but this was reduced to about 19 mc. by self-attenuation and further reduced to about 13 mc. by natural decay at the time of this work. Experimental geometry used was that of the conventional diffractometer. Detection was by a proportional counter and relatively sophisticated electronics. Other workers (with the loan of this 55Fe source designed by this laboratory for use in the work reported) later also observed the more intensely diffracted beams from metallic (iron foil) samples4.
Cytoarchitecture of the substantia nigra in the rat.

Midbrains of ten young adult rats were sectioned serially in three planes to study the detailed cytoarchitecture of the substantia nigra. These neurons measure 8 to 17 μ in diameter. In comparison, the largest neurons in the midbrain measure 20 to 40 μ; hence, neurons are designated according to size as follows: those measuring 18 to 40 μ, large; 12 to 17 μ, medium; and 8 to 11 μ, small. The substantia nigra of the rat contains non-pigmented neurons in three divisions: pars reticulata, pars compacta, and pars lateralis. The pars reticulata is the largest division and has the longest rostrocaudal extent. It contains neurons of small size medially and of medium size laterally. This finding correlates with described differences in connections. Three-dimensionally, the pars reticulata is an oblate spheroid with the long axis in the rostrocaudal plane. The pars compacta is a triangular layer dorsal to reticulata. It is subdivided into rostral and caudal portions at the level of the fibers of the basal optic root. Neurons in both subdivisions are medium in size, but cells rostrally are darker than those caudally. The pars lateralis is a column of neurons with its long axis located in the rostrocaudal plane. It lies dorsolateral to the pars reticulata and the pars compacta, with occasional connections to both by cellular strands. The pars lateralis has rostral and caudal portions; neurons rostrally are medium in size and round; caudally, however, neurons are variable in size, dark, stellate or fusiform, and have long processes.
The meridional eddy flux of energy

An investigation of a large number of upper-air soundings over regions of North America shows that the eddy transport of sensible heat is poleward in the mid-latitude troposphere, reversing and becoming equatorward in the stratosphere. The eddy transport of sensible heat reaches its maximum in middle latitudes, decreasing both poleward and equatorward. It is shown wherein these results differ from those recently presented by Priestley. The transport of sensible heat has a high seasonal variation, being much stronger in winter than in summer. There are indications that at very low latitudes the eddy sensible-heat transport is directed equatorward. The eddy transport of latent energy is described by means of the same soundings and is found to be poleward throughout middle and high latitudes with a maximum at the ground and decreasing with altitude. The principal seasonal variation in the transport of latent energy appears to be the northward shift of the mid-latitude maximum from winter to summer. This maximum is not very pronounced, the transport in both seasons being relatively constant through middle latitudes.
Intuitive structures: applications of dynamic simulations in early design stages

Developments in digital design have brought a new design freedom into architecture. Emerging tectonic trends, combined with research into new materials and fabrication technologies, make it possible to pursue imaginative designs with new expectations of space and form. However, these innovative designs often exist exclusively as visual propositions, deprived of the deeper structural, constructional, or functional logic necessary for well-developed designs. Similarly, the proliferation of analysis software tools has helped engineers to calculate sophisticated structural models, yet this ability seldom translates back into architecture. Consequently, these two parallel developments, while promising in their individual capabilities, fall short in terms of synergizing into successful designs. To bring these two distinct components together, this paper discusses the strategies for generative design validation using dynamics-based modeling tools that realistically portray physical processes. Through the use of dynamics-based software, a promising direction for generative architectural design emerges. An architectural form not only can be analyzed based on its structural performance, but also can be derived through the process of structural simulations.
A Lagrangean dual ascent algorithm for simple plant location problems

Abstract We propose to strengthen the separable Lagrangean relaxation of the Simple Plant Location Problem (SPLP) by using Benders inequalities generated during a Lagrangean dual ascent procedure. These inequalities are expressed in terms of the 0–1 variables only, and they can be used as knapsack constraints in the pure integer part of the Lagrangean relaxation. We show how coupling this technique with a good primal heuristic can substantially reduce integrality gaps.