cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Design and Performance of a Pluggable Protocols Framework for CORBA Middleware

To be an effective platform for performance-sensitive real-time and embedded applications, off-the-shelf CORBA middleware must preserve communication layer quality of service (QoS) properties to applications end-toend. However, the standard CORBA’s GIOP/IIOP interoperability protocols are not well suited for applications that cannot tolerate the message footprint size, latency, and jitter associated with general-purpose messaging and transport protocols. It is essential, therefore, to develop standard pluggable protocols frameworks that allow custom messaging and transport protocols to be configured flexibly and used transparently by applications.
Mining associations by linear inequalities

The main theorem is: generalized associations of a relational table can be found by a finite set of linear inequalities within polynomial time. It is derived from the following three results, which were established in ICDMO'02 and are re-developed here. They are: (1) isomorphic theorem: isomorphic relations have isomorphic patterns. Such an isomorphism classifies relational tables into isomorphic classes. (2) A variant of the classical bitmaps indexes uniquely exists in each isomorphic class. We take it as the canonical model of the class. (3) All possible attributes/features can be generated by a generalized procedure of the classical AOG (attribute oriented generalization). Then, (4) the main theorem for canonical model is established. By isomorphism theorem, we had the final result (5).
Which Performance Measures do Investors Value the Most - and Why?

We examine the value relevance of a comprehensive set of summary performance measures including sales, earnings, comprehensive income, and operating cash flows. We find that, while value relevance peaks for measures "above the line," no single measure dominates for firms across the world. Instead, we find a performance measure more relevant when it captures in a more direct and timely fashion information about firms' cash flows. Specifically, for each performance measure by country, we estimate eight attributes commonly used by accounting researchers to assess earnings quality. We find these attributes highly correlated-most of their variance can be explained by only two principal factors. A factor capturing nearness to cash flows is positively associated with a performance measure's value relevance; a factor reflecting the measure's persistence, predictability, smoothness and conservatism is negatively associated. Together, our results suggest that, when it comes to equity valuation, accounting researchers and standard setters should focus not on what performance measure is "best" at one point in time, but on the underlying attributes that investors find most relevant.
A security-enhanced routing algorithm with path randomization

Modern society is becoming increasingly dependent on various communication networks such as the Internet and the sensor networks. These networks need strong security measures to keep the traffic secure. If the security fails, many aspects of the society may suffer. In this paper, we address the network security challenge by focusing on one integral part of the network functionality: routing. Using Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) as our Internal Gateway Protocol (IGP), we aim to create a randomization process in which the packets will be sent through less predictable paths. By using this process we expect to increase the difficulty for a hacker to eavesdrop traffic hence improve network security.
Nutritional evaluation of dry-roasted navy bean flour and mixtures with cereal proteins.

A navy bean flour prepared by dry roasting in a salt bed as a medium of heat exchange was found to have a higher PER than beans which had been autoclaved in the conventional manner. This difference was attributed to a small but significant improvement in the digestibility of the protein. The PER of the roasted beans was higher than the autoclaved beans even in the presence of supplemental methionine. When various proportions of roasted beans and corn were fed at a level of 8.3% protein in the diet, a mixture in which 40% to 60% of the protein was provided by either beans or corn had a PER essentially the same as casein. Diets containing roasted beans and various cereal grains (oats, barley, buckwheat, wheat germ, and rice) were formulated in proportions calculated to give the highest chemical scores. In most cases the PER’s were not significantly different from that of casein, and, in the case of rice, the PER was higher than that of casein. Supplementation of such diets with their first limiting amino acid failed to produce a further enhancement of the PER.
Mirror Anastigmat with Two Concentric Spherical Surfaces

There is given a description of a two-mirror system suitable for imaging a small polychromatic light source at finite distance. The system consists of two-concentric spherical surfaces, convex and concave, respectively. Third-order, spherical aberration, coma, and astigmatism are cancelled. Fifth-order aberrations are calculated explicitly to permit the computation of construction parameters and mounting tolerances according to the image quality required. A numerical example is given.The following theorem is proved: if two of the third-order aberrations, coma, spherical aberration, and astigmatism, of a two-mirror system with spherical surfaces vanish, so does the third. The theorem is applied to the special case of the monocentric system described, but it is proved for heterocentric systems.
Gendered Realities and Women's Leadership Development: Participant Voices from Faith-Based Higher Education

Women who seek high-level administrative leadership positions in various sectors of higher education continue to meet a variety of barriers (Eagly & Carli, 2007). These challenges are especially evident among the 105-member Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), an association of faith-based liberal arts institutions. Seeking to identify, equip, and encourage more women to enter high-level positions of leadership, in 1998 the CCCU launched a series of year-long leadership programs, each of which began with a five-day Women's Leadership Development Institute (WLDI). During four institutes held between 1998 and 2004, the WLDI involved 71 “emerging leaders” in a multifaceted leadership development program specifically intended for women. Survey responses from 53 of the 71 participants were used to assess which experiences in the one-year WLDI project had been most significant in encouraging and preparing participants for higher-level administrative leadership. Multiple regression analyses indi...
SPECT Analysis of Cardiac Perfusion Changes After Whole-Breast/Chest Wall Radiation Therapy With or Without Active Breathing Coordinator: Results of a Randomized Phase 3 Trial

Purpose Cardiac muscle perfusion, as determined by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), decreases after breast and/or chest wall (BCW) irradiation. The active breathing coordinator (ABC) enables radiation delivery when the BCW is farther from the heart, thereby decreasing cardiac exposure. We hypothesized that ABC would prevent radiation-induced cardiac toxicity and conducted a randomized controlled trial evaluating myocardial perfusion changes after radiation for left-sided breast cancer with or without ABC. Methods and Materials Stages I to III left breast cancer patients requiring adjuvant radiation therapy (XRT) were randomized to ABC or No-ABC. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by SPECT scans (before and 6 months after BCW radiation) using 2 methods: ( 1 ) fully automated quantitative polar mapping; and ( 2 ) semiquantitative visual assessment. The left ventricle was divided into 20 segments for the polar map and 17 segments for the visual method. Segments were grouped by anatomical rings (apical, mid, basal) or by coronary artery distribution. For the visual method, 2 nuclear medicine physicians, blinded to treatment groups, scored each segment's perfusion. Scores were analyzed with nonparametric tests and linear regression. Results Between 2006 and 2010, 57 patients were enrolled and 43 were available for analysis. The cohorts were well matched. The apical and left anterior descending coronary artery segments had significant decreases in perfusion on SPECT scans in both ABC and No-ABC cohorts. In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, controlling for pretreatment perfusion score, age, and chemotherapy, ABC was not significantly associated with prevention of perfusion deficits. Conclusions In this randomized controlled trial, ABC does not appear to prevent radiation-induced cardiac perfusion deficits.
Action-Minimizing Orbits in the Parallelogram Four-Body Problem with Equal Masses

In this paper we prove the existence of a new periodic solution for the planar Newtonian four-body problem with equal masses. On this orbit two mass points travel on one star-shaped closed curve while the other two travel on another and have the opposite orientation. The configuration of the masses changes from square to collinear periodically and remains a parallelogram for all time.
Demographic and psychosocial correlates of physical activity in late life

Abstract Introduction: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, increasing physical activity may help prolong health and preserve the quality of life in late adulthood. Physical activity has taken center stage as the behavior most likely to alter health. However, there is little recent population-wide information about the demographic and psychosocial correlates of physical activity in the elderly population. The purpose of the study was to identify the factors associated with older adults' frequency of physical activity. The study may have implications for preventive interventions. Methods: Data for 12,611 community-dwelling people aged ≥65 from the 1996–1997 Canadian National Population Health Survey were examined. Predictors of frequent versus infrequent self-reported physical activity lasting >15 minutes were examined using logistic regression analyses. The predictor variables included geographic location, psychological distress (Generalized Distress Scale), demographic factors (age, gender, educational level, and marital status), perceived social support, chronic medical conditions, physical limitations due to injury, functional limitations, smoking behavior, and body mass index (BMI). Results: Gender (male); younger age; higher levels of education; being unmarried; absence of chronic conditions, injuries, and functional limitations; lower BMI; social support (females); nonsmoking; region; and lower levels of psychological distress were associated with frequent physical activity in late life. Older adults in western Canadian provinces were more active than those in eastern provinces. Conclusions: The results will be useful for the design of interventions aimed at improving older adults' health behavior and other health and functional outcomes, especially for subgroups in particular need. Recommendations for further longitudinal research are presented.
Evaluation of body composition: why and how?

Evaluation of human body composition in vivo remains a critical component in the assessment of nutritional status of an individual. Whereas traditional measurements of standing height and body weight provide information on body mass index and, hence, the risk of some chronic diseases, advanced technologies, such as dual X-ray absorptiometry, air displacement plethysmography and various forms of bioelectrical impedance analysis enable the determination of soft tissue composition (fat and lean) as well as bone. This review summarises the physical bases of these methods and critically evaluates their accuracy in observational and interventional studies. It also discusses a new approach, bioelectrical impedance vector analysis, which assesses the hydration status of an individual, and includes pertinent examples of its novel applications in clinical nutrition.
A radial infusion model for transverse permeability measurements of fiber reinforcement in composite materials

The goal of this article was to develop a method for simultaneously determining the principal values of an unsaturated permeability tensor for fibrous reinforcements which accounts for finite dimension of the inlet gate, when its diameter is comparable or larger than thickness of a fabric preform. An analytic solution for the direct problem of liquid spreading in a transversely orthotropic fabric preform is derived and analyzed. This solution is compared with a point source approximate solution used by other authors. Algorithms for evaluating the principal components of transverse and equivalent in-plane permeability are proposed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Superfluid Helium On-Orbit Transfer Flight Experiment: performance estimates

Several components on the Superfluid Helium On-Orbit Transfer Flight Experiment are analyzed with respect to expected performance. The interaction of the components is then used to calculate an expected transfer efficiency. Steady state conditions are assumed. Transfer efficiencies based on the thermomechanical pump range from 96 to 99 percent plus. Transfer line parasitics lead to lower efficiencies at low flow rates.
Important material considerations in INTOR

Abstract A number of important material-related problems were identified and analyzed during the Phase-I study for INTOR. The first wall and dlvertor collector plate are subjected to severe normal and off-normal conditions. A melt layer is predicted to develop in a bare stainless steel wall under plasma disruptions. Graphite tiles will not melt but they introduce other serious uncertainties into the design. The design strategy for the divertor collector plate focused on separating the surface and high heat flux problems and on utilizing a novel mechanical design concept for attaching tungsten tiles to a stainless steel (or copper) heat sink.
Damage modeling of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer composite pin-joints at extreme temperatures

Abstract A novel finite element based framework was developed to study the effect of extreme temperatures on damage progression in carbon-fiber reinforced composite pin-joints. A progressive damage method that incorporated Hashin-type damage criteria was implemented in the model. Temperature dependent material properties were used to create three material models with properties corresponding to ambient temperatures −55 °C, 20 °C and 82 °C. At −55 °C ambient temperature, joint strength was reduced 8.6% as the relaxation temperature was varied from 20 °C to 100 °C. At 82 °C ambient temperature, joint strength was reduced 3.6% as the relaxation temperature was varied from 20 °C to 100 °C. The model showed that increasing the relaxation temperature decreased the joint strength and increased the matrix tensile damage rate but did not greatly affect other failure modes.
Microorganisms Three Billion Years Old from the Precambrian of South Africa

A minute, bacterium-like, rod-shaped organism, Eobacterium isolatum, has been found organically and structurally preserved in black chert from the Fig Tree Series (3.1 x 109 years old) of South Africa. Filamentous organic structures of probable biological origin, and complex alkanes, which apparently contain small amounts of the isoprenoid hydrocarbons pristane and phytane, are also indigenous to this Early Precambrian sediment. These organic remnants comprise the oldest known evidence of biological organization in the geologic record.
Higher-order sensitivity of heat conduction problems to random data using the spectral stochastic finite element method

The spectral formulation of the stochastic finite element method is applied to the problem of heat conduction in a random medium. Specifically, the conductivity of the medium, as well as its heat capacity are treated as uncorrelated random processes with spatial random fluctuations. This paper introduces the basic concepts of the spectral stochastic finite element method using a simple one-dimensional heat conduction examples. The implementation of the method is demonstrated for both Gaussian and log-normal material properties. Moreover, the case of the material properties being modeled as random variables is presented as a simple digression of the formulation for the stochastic process case. Both Gaussian and log-normal models for the material properties are treated.
Coping with traps of vulnerability: a review of the impact of post-colonial issues on the independence of South Sudan

In a world virtually free of slavery and colonialism and one mainly driven by the sovereign state rationale, allusion to manifestations or the existence of some form of these phenomena within a state is often received with dumbfounding indifference or denial. However, a form of rule that had continued in South Sudan long after the departure of the British in 1956 was colonial both in its quintessence and flair in that it disenfranchised its citizens and denied them the most basic freedoms, services and development. Under this establishment, resistance against the coercive vision of the state was brutally suppressed for many decades. This state of affairs finally ended in July 2011. Nonetheless, there is a miscellany of unresolved post-colonial issues between the two countries that warrant attention. These include security and the demarcation of borders, the issue of ludicrous transit fees for South Sudan's oil exportation through Sudan, citizenship, external debt repayment, etc. These issues are part of t...
Aggregation of chromaffin granules by calpactin at micromolar levels of calcium

Several cytosolic proteins bind to secretory granule membranes in a Ca2+-dependent manner and thus may be involved in the mediation of membrane interactions during exocytosis. One of these proteins, calpactin, is a tetramer consisting of two heavy chains of relative molecular mass (Mr) 36K (p36) and two light chains of 10K (p10). We report here that calpactin promotes the Ca2+-dependent aggregation and fatty acid-dependent fusion of chromaffin granule membranes at a level of Ca2+ that is lower than that reported for other granule-aggregating proteins, and which parallels the Ca2+ requirement for secretion from permeabilized chromaffin cells. We found subunits of calpactin to be inactive in promoting granule aggregation. Two distinct 33K proteolytic fragments of p36, differing at their N termini, also promote granule aggregation but with different Ca2+ sensitivities from calpactin. These differences suggest that the N-terminal portion of p36 modulates the Ca2+/lipid binding sites in the core portion of p36 (ref.5).
THRUST AND MOTION MEASUREMENT OF A ROCKET‐PROPELLED BAR

A laboratory exercise was devised that illustrates the basic laws of motion, challenges the experimenter’s capabilities, and generates class enthusiasm. Many additional variations on this basic experiment can be utilized. For example, inadequate time constants could be used and then corrected for in the digital processing.
A ‘senseless’ immune response to DNA

Antisense oligonucleotides can have dramatic effects, but a recent paper suggests that the mechanism isn't always based on nucleotide sequence interactions.
Systematic evaluation of ground and geostationary magnetic field predictions generated by global magnetohydrodynamic models

[1] In this work a systematic evaluation of ground and geostationary magnetic field predictions generated by a set of global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models is carried out. The evaluation uses four geospace storm events and ground magnetometer station and geostationary GOES data for comparisons between model output and observations. It is shown that metrics analysis of two different geospace parameters, i.e., geostationary and ground magnetic field, show surprising similarities, although the parameters reflect rather different properties of geospace. More specifically, increasing the spatial resolution and inclusion of more realistic inner magnetospheric physics successfully made the model predictions by the BATS-R-US model more accurate. Furthermore, while the OpenGGCM model had a tendency to have larger differences to observations than BATS-R-US in terms of the prediction efficiency, the model provided more accurate representation of the observed spectral characteristics of the ground and geostationary magnetic field fluctuations.
The evolution of relativistic binary pulsars

Abstract We address the question of why two of the four neutron star binaries, PSR 191316 and PSR 153412, have narrow orbits, with binary separation ~ 3R⊙, and relatively low magnetic fields B ~ 1010G. Beginning from a scenario of double helium-star progenitors for binary pulsars, we show that the orbits will be tightened to ~ 3–5 yR⊙ during a common envelope evolution during which the two helium stars expel the common hydrogen envelope. There is then, in the evolution, an “observability premium” if the helium-star, neutron-star intermediate stage is such that the binary is narrow in this stage. If so, accretion onto the neutron star from the helium star wind can lower its magnetic field, lengthening the pulsar spin-down time by doing so. The lower magnetic field B then has a longer spin-down time and, hence, a longer time of observability. Evolution of PSR 191316 from a binary of rather massive, main-sequence mass ~24 M⊙, O-stars proves to be straightforward, and the probability of such evolution in our model looks reasonable. We are unable to carry the lighter binary PSR 153412 through the second common envelope stage, reverse case BB mass transfer, which occurs when light-mass helium stars expand in a red supergiant phase, engulfing the neutron star. We suggest that, in some cases, the binary does not survive in this second common envelope, the neutron star either spiraling in to the helium star, or going into a black hole.
Spaces, Places, and Fields: The Politics of West African Trading in New York City's Informal Economy

This essay analyzes the political and cultural ramifications of transnational spatial practices in New York City. More specifically, it focuses on the conflicts that resulted in the demise of Harlem's African market in October 1994. In the transnational space of contemporary Harlem, the political, cultural, and religious intentionalities of West Africans, African Americans, local elected officials, and local government bodies are articulated in a variety of conflicting spatial practices and ideologies that entail serious social and political consequences. As this essay demonstrates, it is important for anthropologists to acknowledge and confront transnationalism and adapt our theoretical and methodological orientations to it
The problem of fragments: Two interpretative strategies

We do not always talk in complete sentences; we sometimes speak in “fragments”, such as ‘Fire!’, ‘Off with his head’, ‘From Cuba’, ‘Next!’, and ‘Shall we?’. Research has tended to focus on the ellipsis wars — the issue of whether all or most fragments are really sentential or not. Less effort has been put into the question of exactly how fragments are to be interpreted, especially their force. We separate off the issue of fragment interpretation from the issue of systematically accounting for their linguistic properties — the issue of how to generate fragments. We review two projects directed at the issue of fragment interpretation: Stainton (2006), who approaches the issue obliquely (concentrating more on legitimizing the use of fragments and its consequences), and Barton (1990), who approaches the issue of interpretation directly and systematically. We find areas of agreement and disagreement with both studies. In the end we conclude that what may be needed is a more speech act oriented approach, one that fits fragment interpretation into a framework for performing, and communicating through, speech acts in general.
Influence of rete testis fluid deprivation on the kinetic parameters of goat epididymal 5α-reductase

Abstract A surgical technique to cannulate the rete testis of the goat was utilized to examine the effects of rete testis fluid (RTF) deprivation on the enzymatic activity of epididymal 5α-reductase. Kinetic techniques were used to determine whether the regional enzymatic effect of RTF deprivation is to decrease the apparent number of 5α-reductase active sites or the catalytic activity of each active site within the epididymal epithelium. Paired comparisons of (Vmax)app and (Km)app values between control and RTF-deprived epididymides indicated that RTF deprivation affected the value of (Vmax)app with no apparent change in the values of (Km)app in caput, corpus, and cauda epididymal regions. We conclude that RTF deprivation in the goat epididymis for 7 days results in a decreased number of apparent 5α-reductase active sites within the epididymal epithelium.
Examining unproven assumptions of Galton's nature-nurture paradigm.

array of scientific evidence in his conceptualization, for example, a correlation of .62 between cranial capacity and distance from the equator with 20,000 crania representing 122 ethnically distinguishable populations (Beals, Smith, & Dodd, 1984). Templer and Arikawa (2003) reported a correlation of .71 between mean IQ and mean high winter temperature and a correlation of .61 between mean IQ and mean low winter temperature with 129 countries. There are alternative explanations to those of Rushton for such findings. To relegate Rushton’s theory to the realm of absurdity, however, would neither constitute optimal scientific reasoning nor represent an ideal spirit of scholarly disagreement.
Congealed amniotic fluid in the alveoli of lungs of aborted foals

Summary The alveoli of the lungs of 2 aborted foals contained elongated, dense bodies when examined histologically and by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. By light microscopy, the bodies (10 to 40 μm in size) stained intensely with the Gram stain, and up to 10 were present within an alveolus. Electron microscopy determined that such bodies were not cellular in origin but appeared to be a congealed fluid product composed of layers of fibrillar-like material. From the human literature, it was concluded that these intraalveolar bodies were probably congealed amniotic fluid. Resume L'examen histologique et a l'aide du microscope electronique des alveoles de deux avortons equins a montre la presence de corpuscules denses et allonges. Ces corpuscules se colorerent intensement au Gram et on en trouva jusqu'a dix dans un alveole. Le microscope electronique montra que ces formations n'avaient pas une origine cellulaire mais qu'elles paraissaient etre composees d'un gel emprisonnant plusieurs couches d'une structure fibrillaire. En se fondant sur la litterature humaine on pense que ces corpuscules sont formes d'un gel de liquide amniotique. Zusammenfassung Die Alveolen zweier abortierter Fohlen enthielten langliche, dichte Korper, die histologisch und mittels der Transmissionsund Scanning-Elektronenmikroskopie nachgewiesen werden konnten. Lichtmikroskopisch erwiesen sich die Korper (10–40 μ Grosse) als intensiv Gram-gefarbt; bis zu zehn derartiger Gebilde wurden pro Alveolus gefunden. Elektronenmikro-skopisch liess sich zeigen, dass die Korper nicht zellularen Ursprungs waren, sondern dass sie ein Produkt eingedickter Flussigkeit, zusammengesetzt aus Schichten fibrillar aussehenden Materials, darstellen. Aus der humanmedizinischen Literatur wurde geschlossen, dass diese intraalveolaren Korper wahrscheinlich aus eingedickter und geronnener Amnionflussigkeit bestehen.
A sample preparation technique to study the organic phase of tooth enamel under scanning electron microscopy

Abstract The study of the organic phase of heavily mineralized tooth enamel under scanning electron microscope is difficult primarily because of its partial dissolution in demineralizing agents and its instability after demineralization. In this study, enamel from human and rat teeth were treated first with hydrazine to remove the organic phase. A suitable epoxy resin was prepared and then embedded into the voids of deorganified enamel by vacuum impregnation as well as diffusion techniques. After polymerization of the resin samples, the enamel was treated with demineralizing agents such as EDTA, or Cr3SO4 or HCI for different times, which left a resin replica of the organic phase of enamel in each case. Slow and preferential etching of resin replica under a demineralizing agent enabled SEM examination of the larger structures in the deep layers of the enamel, which, otherwise, would be obscured by the dense network of finer structures.
Maturation of evoked climbing fiber input to rat cerebellar purkinje cells (I.).

An analysis of evoked responses of Purkinje cells in developing rat cerebellum to climbing fiber input was conducted to determine which identifying properties of this afferent system are established early in development and which specific features mature with age. Rat pups at various ages were anesthetized with 0.5% halothane and unit recordings made with glass micropipettes. By the third postnatal day, electrical stimulation of the sensorimotor cortex and limbs at low stimulation rates (<1/sec) could elicit distinct burst responses appearing at long latencies (180 msec), indicating that pathways of both ascending and descending climbing fiber systems are intact early in cerebellar cortical development. A distinctive feature maturing over the first 1–1.5 weeks was the characteristic of the all-or-none burst response since before about day 11 the interspike interval, amount of inactivation, and number of spikes in evoked burst responses all varied from stimulation to stimulation. Mean latencies decreased from 180 msec at day 3 to 50 msec by day 10, but did not achieve the adult value of 20 msec until the fourth week. Typically, climbing fiber responses could only follow at stimulation rates of less than 0.2/sec at day 3, but by day 12 could follow up to 10/sec, which is the same as in the adult. The data indicate that the climbing fiber system establishes connectivity from diverse sources and exhibits identifying characteristics similar to the adult early in cerebellar development. Most aspects of the maturation of transmission can be explained if there were a decrease in the time scale of function of the synapses involved, mainly those in the inferior olive.
One-loop two particle scalar top decay: Possible susy remnant at SLC and LEP

Abstract In certain supergravity-based scenarios the lightest super-partner of the top quark, the lightest scalar top quark, has a rest mass less than that of the top quark itself. Here, we consider such scenarios from the standpoint of the various mass and mixing parameter dependences of the attendant one-loop twow-particle scalar top quark decay modes. We give a complete set of formulae for assessing these dependences. We illustrate our formulae in a typical model scenario. In this way, the full range of the parameter space relevant to SLC and LEP is made accessible.
Rapidly Reversible Hydrophobization: An Approach to High First-Pass Drug Extraction

We have investigated a rapidly reversible hydrophobization of therapeutic agents for improving first-pass uptake in locoregional drug therapy. This approach involves the attachment of a hydrophobic moiety to the drug by highly labile chemical linkages that rapidly hydrolyze upon injection. Hydrophobization drastically enhances cell-membrane association of the prodrug and, consequently, drug uptake, while the rapid lability protects nontargeted tissues from exposure to the highly active agent. Using the membrane-impermeable DNA intercalator propidium iodide, and melphalan, we report results from in vitro cellular internalization and toxicity studies. Additionally, we report in vivo results after a single liver arterial bolus injection, demonstrating both tumor targeting and increased survival in a mouse tumor model.
Method for calculating surface electronic structure of noble and transition metals

We present a new method for the calculation of the electronic structure of noble and transition-metal surfaces that is based upon the linear combination of muffin-tin orbitals (LCMTO) technique. We adopt the by now common technique of using film calculations to accurately simulate the electronic structure at the surface of bulk $d$-band metals. A central feature of our method is the introduction of a new basis consisting of (a) muffin-tin orbitals plus (b) additional functions we call "plane-wave orbitals," which are constructed from the exact solutions of Schr\"odinger's equation in the regions exterior to the film. This method has the virtue of being able to treat non-muffin-tin potentials, yet reproduces, in the limit of a muffin-tin potential, exactly the same results as the more conventional film Green's-function method of Kar and Soven and of Kohn. This parallels the relationship of the bulk LCMTO method to the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method, and we conclude, therefore, that our method is the proper generalization (for films) of the bulk LCMTO technique. We also outline a linearization scheme, based on one successfully used in recent bulk LCMTO calculations, to achieve the computational speed necessary for self-consistent film calculations.
Declining Appeal of Foreign Medical Education for U.S. Students.

Concerns over the poor educational standards of some foreign medical schools and the cost of postgraduate education at a time of a projected physician surplus in the United States have led to efforts to pass federal legislation that would limit or remove access of U.S. graduates of foreign medical schools to residency programs in the United States. However, the need for such legislation has been diminished since the appeal of foreign medical education for U.S. students is on the decline. In this paper, the author reviews the economic and educational environment that in the mid-1970s led to the growth in the numbers of U.S. students who sought foreign medical education and contrasts it with the environment in the mid-1980s. Recent data are cited that support a reversal of that earlier trend.
Whole-genome linkage analysis in mapping alcoholism genes using single-nucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellites

There is currently a great interest in using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genetic linkage and association studies because of the abundance of SNPs as well as the availability of high-throughput genotyping technologies. In this study, we compared the performance of whole-genome scans using SNPs with microsatellites on 143 pedigrees from the Collaborative Studies on Genetics of Alcoholism provided by Genetic Analysis Workhsop 14. A total of 315 microsatellites and 10,081 SNPs from Affymetrix on 22 autosomal chromosomes were used in our analyses. We found that the results from the two scans had good overall concordance. One region on chromosome 2 and two regions on chromosome 7 showed significant linkage signals (i.e., NPL ≥ 2) for alcoholism from both the SNP and microsatellite scans. The different results observed between the two scans may be explained by the difference observed in information content between the SNPs and the microsatellites.
Micronutrient Supplementation Trials and the Reduction of Cancer and Cerebrovascular Incidence and Mortality

Epidemiological evidence suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of various forms of cancer, most likely contributable to their vitamin and mineral content. It is believed that the vitamins and minerals in these foods contribute to a reduced risk of cancer. The population of Linxian, China is known to have one of the highest rates of esophageal/gastric cardia cancer in the world. Recent intervention studies from this particular geographic area for the first time have indicated that vitamin and mineral supplementation, specifically beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium, may play a role in the reduction of cancer risk.
Introducing 3D conjugated acceptors with intense red absorption: homoleptic metal(II) complexes of di(phenylacetylene) azadipyrromethene

A novel strategy for the design and synthesis of functional materials with excellent acceptor properties is presented. The materials are based on homoleptic metal(II) complexes of azadipyrromethene (aza-DIPY) derivatives, and exhibit intense red absorption and high electron affinity. Their strong accepting properties were demonstrated by fluorescence quenching experiments using poly(3-hexylthiophene) as the donor. DFT calculations showed that the homoleptic metal(II) complexes of 2,8-di(4-tert-butylphenylacetylene)-1,3,5,7-tetraphenylazadipyrromethene had a similar distorted tetrahedral geometry to the complexes of 1,3,5,7-tetraphenylazadipyrromethene, but with additional conjugated ‘arms’ extending in 3 dimensions (3D). A unique feature of these complexes is that the two aza-DIPY ligands are π-stacked with each other, with frontier molecular orbitals delocalized over the two ligands. These complexes can therefore easily accept electrons, delocalize the negative charge over a large conjugated structure and have the potential of transporting charges in 3D. These properties make them attractive alternatives to fullerene derivatives for use as acceptors in organic solar cells, photo-detectors and other optoelectronic applications.
Human Factors in Injury Control

A person's interaction with the environment represents a system for research and focus. Human factors is a discipline dedicated to studying this system. The authors provide a summary of how the field human factors informs and enhances injury control programs. They introduce perception, cognition, and environmental design components that should be considered; review automation and workload issues; and discuss best practice recommendations for increasing safe product use as well. Finally, the authors offer lessons learned from human factors approaches to safety at large and suggest future areas of study. Specifically, they note that investigating behavioral adaptation is important to extend intervention effects. They also note that human factors approaches have been used extensively in occupational and transportation areas but can be applied to other areas of injury control that are worth exploring.
Problems and Prospects in Studying the Psychological Correlates of Brain Lesions

Summary Clear differences occur in purpose, approach, and methodology in clinically-oriented and experimentally-oriented investigations of the psychological effects of brain lesions in spite of the fact that great overlap exists in the substantive content of the two areas. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of these two areas, based on the hypothesis that evaluation of certain limitations which presently exist in each area may provide guidelines for reaching more common ground. The critique of each area is directed toward questions concerning independent variables, dependent variables, and the rationale underlyng various aspects of methodology. Suggestions are made for possible changes of emphasis in each area in order to make them more relevant to each other, to improve the bases of transfer of results between areas, and to achieve the mutual enrichment that may derive from more effective interchange and communication.
Disjunctive cleavage formed at shallow depths in sedimentary rocks

Abstract Work of the past decade concerning tectonic cleavage has focused on nine topics: (1) appropriate terminology for cleavage classification, (2) processes involved in cleavage formation, (3) controls on cleavage distribution and morphology, (4) depth dependence of cleavage formation, (5) controls and causes of cleavage initiation, (6) nature of lithologic changes during cleavage development, (7) relation of cleavage to strain, (8) relation of cleavage to stress and (9) chronology of cleavage development. This paper reviews these issues as they apply to the formation of disjunctive cleavage in sedimentary rocks. Discussion is limited to cleavage that formed at shallow crustal conditions in which rock-water interaction, rather than plastic flow, recrystallization, or grain growth, is the dominant deformation process.
Insertion of the Intraaortic Balloon through the Aortic Arch

Abstract A method for rapidly inserting the balloon catheter of the intraaortic balloon pump directly into the aortic arch in patients undergoing cardiac operations is described.
A histopathologic study of mice immunized with irradiated larvae of Trichinella spiralis.

acteristic inflammatory response in the anterior small intestine (Larsh and Race, 1954). Immunity also has been reported in mice given prior infections with larvae irradiated with dosages ranging from 1750 r to 7000 r (Kim, 1957). It is of particular interest that a demonstrable immunity was evident in those given larvae irradiated with 5250 r and 7000 r since these dosages prevented development beyond the pre-adult stage. These results, and those of Campbell (1955), show that this stage plays a role in stimulating the total immunity of the mouse host. It seemed of value, therefore, to determine, by using larvae irradiated with 7000 r, whether or not the immunity produced by the pre-adults alone, as in the case following normal infections, is associated with serum antibodies and a characteristic inflammatory response in the anterior small intestine. This was the purpose of the present experiment.
Computation of story drifts considering panel zone deformations for multistory steel moment frames with welded flange plate connections

The 2003 International Building Code (IBC) requires that the contribution of panel zone deformations to overall story drifts be included in the mathematical model of the physical steel moment-resisting frame systems. A finite-element model can accurately take the panel zone deformations into consideration for the computation of story drifts, yet the preparation of the model is usually very time consuming. A line-element model significantly simplifies the frame analysis, yet it cannot address the issue of panel zone deformations. These two types of models are statistically evaluated in this paper for steel moment frames with welded flange plate (WFP) connections. A total of 16 beam–column combinations are evaluated for each type of model. The elastic story drift of each beam–column combination is then obtained from each type of model. Finally, adjustment factors are developed to correct the story drifts that are computed using the line-element models for the frames with WFP connections. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of economically optimized culling recommendations and actual culling decisions of Finnish Ayrshire cows.

Abstract Our purpose was to compare culling recommendations obtained from an economic-optimization model with actual culling of Finnish Ayrshire cows. The dynamic-programming (DP) model we used optimizes replacement and breeding decisions to maximize the net revenues from cows currently in a herd and their potential replacements over a 5-year decision horizon. Cows were described in the model by five state variables: parity, stage of lactation, month of calving, milk-production level, and days open (pregnancy status). We performed survival analysis to study the effects of those five factors on culling and to compare the actual culling of cows in December 1993 and June 1994 with the optimized replacement recommendations for the same months and for cows in the same herds. The risk of culling increased as a cow grew older, both in the actual herds and in the DP recommendations for December. In the optimized replacements for June, however, the age of a cow did not play a significant role. A cow that had been in milk >270 days had a lower risk of culling than cows in earlier stages of lactation. When 305-day milk production increased by 100 kg, the risk of culling decreased by 4% in the actual herds and by 6 and 12% in the DP recommendations for June and December, respectively. When the days open lengthened by a month, the risk of culling was 2.0- and 1.6-times higher in the actual herds and 1.7- and 2.0-times higher in the DP recommendations for June and December, respectively. Month of calving had a different effect in the optimized recommendations compared with the real-life situation: cows calving from January to August had a lower risk of culling than cows calving in the fall in the actual herds, but the optimization model recommended heavier culling for cows calving between January and August. The DP did not account for diseases and did not allow replacements during the first 2 months of lactation and some of the observed differences could be due to this. However, the results suggested that Finnish farmers might not be taking full advantage of the seasonality in milk pricing and production to maximize the profits of their herds — even though their culling decisions are rational and in quite close agreement with the optimized recommendations.
Effect of Melittin and Gain-of-Function Melittin Analogs, Discovered by High-Throughput Screening, on Bilayer Properties: An Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy Study

Melittin, the main peptide component of European Honey Bee venom, is a 26-amino acid peptide that permeabilizes bacterial and mammalian cells, as well as synthetic lipid vesicles. Melittin is one of the most studied pore forming peptides, and researchers hold it as a framework for designing engineered peptides pores. We have sought to optimize the potency of melittin, by applying orthogonal high throughput screen strategies to select for gain-of-function analogs of melittin. Here we use electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to compare the activity of melittin and one gain-of-function melittin analogue. While EIS studies of melittin show a decrease in admittance with a transient recovery we find a strikingly different bilayer response to the melittin analogue- an exponential decay with a half-life of 15-30 seconds. These experiments demonstrate the remarkable ability of the gain-of-function melittin analogue to form stable pores on lipid bilayers. Thus the engineered analogues have many applications in biotechnology and as anti-cancer therapeutics.
Ultraviolet analysis of the peculiar supergiant HD 112374 = HR 4912.

The ultraviolet energy distribution of the metal-poor supergiant HD 112374 is analyzed based on observations from the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite for the region between 1200 and 2000 A. A discontinuity was found in the UV spectra at 2600 A which confirmed the low-abundance of heavy elements found by Luck et al. (1983). Values for effective temperature and log g in HD112374 were consistent with the star being a very luminous Population II semi-regular variable. The full observational results are presented in a table.
Work Function and Temperature

The change in height of the potential energy barrier at the surface of a metal with the expansion of the metal due to heating is investigated. Also, the change of the normal maximum energy of an electron in a metal is calculated as a function of the temperature of the metal. These calculations show that the work function of a metal is a linear function of its temperature. These results, when combined with the thermionic emission equation, show that the thermionic emission constant is a characteristic of the metal, and is no longer the same for all pure metals. The calculated results for the thermionic emission constants for several metals show fair agreement with the experimentally determined values.
Mosaicism for a specific somatic mitochondrial DNA mutation in adult human brain

The levels of a specific mitochondrial DNA deletion (mtDNA4977) measured in 12 brain regions of 6 normal adults 39 to 82 years old exhibited striking variation among anatomical locations. Comparisons of the same region among individuals showed an increase of mtDNA4977 with age. The three regions with the highest levels, caudate, putamen and substantia nigra, are characterized by a high dopamine metabolism. The breakdown of dopamine by mitochondrial MAO produces H2O2 which can lead to oxygen radical formation. We suggest that mtDNA4977 may be the “tip of the iceberg” of the spectrum of somatic mutations produced by oxidative damage.