cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STRONG AND WEAK POSSIBILITY

The thesis of existentialism holds that if a proposition p exists and predicates something of an object a, then in any world where a does not exist, p does not exist either. If “possibly, p” entails “in some possible world, the proposition that p exists and is true,” then existentialism is prima facie incompatible with the truth of claims like “possibly, the Eiffel Tower does not exist.” In order to avoid this claim, a distinction between two kinds of world-indexed truth –and two associated kinds of modality –is needed. This paper embodies an attempt to develop a full account of just such a distinction.
Higher order Godunov methods for general systems of hyperbolic conservation laws

Abstract We describe an extension of higher order Godunov methods to general systems of hyperbolic conservation laws. This extension allow the method to be applied to problems that are not strictly hyperbolic and exhibit local linear degeneracies in the wave fields. The method constructs an approximation of the Riemann problem from local wave information. A generalization of the Engquist-Osher flux for systems is then used to compute a numerical flux based on this approximation. This numerical flux replaces the Godunov numerical flux in the algorithm, thereby eliminating the need for a global Riemann problem solution. The additional modifications to the Godunov methodology that are needed to treat loss of strict hyperbolicity are described in detail. The method is applied to some simple model problems for which the global analytic structure is known. The method is also applied to the black-oil model for multiphase flow in petroleum reservoirs.
Autocrine regulation of internal anal sphincter tone by renin-angiotensin system: comparison with phasic smooth muscle.

The myogenic control mechanisms that govern the basal tone in the internal anal sphincter (IAS) are not known. The present studies determined the autocrine regulation of ANG II in the IAS. The stud...
It Is a G-Zero, Not a G-20, World

The G-20 supplanted the G-8 as the executive committee of globalization as the emerging and advanced economies came together in the wake of the Wall Street crash to stave off depression. Now, each country is going its own way. In this section we examine whether the G-20 can be saved, and what the countries within it must do to bring the global economy into balance.
IGF-2 Is Necessary for Retinoblastoma-Mediated Enhanced Adaptation after Small-Bowel Resection

Previously, we have demonstrated that genetically disrupting retinoblastoma protein (Rb) expression in enterocytes results in taller villi, mimicking resection-induced adaption responses. Rb deficiency also results in elevated insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) expression in villus enterocytes. We propose that postoperative disruption of Rb results in enhanced adaptation which is driven by IGF-2. Inducible, intestine-specific Rb-null mice (iRbIKO) and wild-type (WT) littermates underwent a 50% proximal small-bowel resection (SBR) at 7-9 weeks of age. They were then given tamoxifen on postoperative days (PODs) 4-6 and harvested on POD 28. The experiment was then repeated on double knockouts of both IGF-2 and Rb (IGF-2 null/iRbIKO). iRbIKO mice demonstrated enhanced resection-induced adaptive villus growth after SBR and increased IGF-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) in ileal villus enterocytes compared to their WT littermates. In the IGF-2 null/iRbIKO double-knockout mice, there was no additional villus growth beyond what was expected of normal resection-induced adaptation. Adult mice in which Rb is inducibly deleted from the intestinal epithelium following SBR have augmented adaptive growth. IGF-2 expression is necessary for enhanced adaptation associated with acute intestinal Rb deficiency.
Reduced rank regression in cointegrated models

Abstract The coefficient matrix of a cointegrated first-order autoregression is estimated by reduced rank regression (RRR), depending on the larger canonical correlations and vectors of the first difference of the observed series and the lagged variables. In a suitable coordinate system the components of the least-squares (LS) estimator associated with the lagged nonstationary variables are of order 1/ T , where T is the sample size, and are asymptotically functionals of a Brownian motion process; the components associated with the lagged stationary variables are of the order T −1/2 and are asymptotically normal. The components of the RRR estimator associated with the stationary part are asymptotically the same as for the LS estimator. Some components of the RRR estimator associated with nonstationary regressors have zero error to order 1/ T and the other components have a more concentrated distribution than the corresponding components of the LS estimator.
Hyperbolic trigonometry and its application in the Poincaré ball model of hyperbolic geometry

Abstract Hyperbolic trigonometry is developed and illustrated in this article along lines parallel to Euclidean trigonometry by exposing the hyperbolic trigonometric law of cosines and of sines in the Poincare ball model of n-dimensional hyperbolic geometry, as well as their application. The Poincare ball model of three-dimensional hyperbolic geometry is becoming increasingly important in the construction of hyperbolic browsers in computer graphics. These allow in computer graphics the exploitation of hyperbolic geometry in the development of visualization techniques. It is, therefore, clear that hyperbolic trigonometry in the Poincare ball model of hyperbolic geometry, as presented here, will prove useful in the development of efficient hyperbolic browsers in computer graphics. Hyperbolic trigonometry is governed by gyrovector spaces in the same way that Euclidean trigonometry is governed by vector spaces. The capability of gyrovector space theory to capture analogies and its powerful elegance is thus demonstrated once more.
The Use of Tagged Partitions in Elementary Real Analysis

(1998). The Use of Tagged Partitions in Elementary Real Analysis. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 105, No. 2, pp. 107-117.
Endovascular treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms.

BACKGROUND Paraclinoid aneurysms include those that are distal to the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery and proximal to the posterior communicating artery. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with the endovascular treatment of this group of aneurysms, which are difficult to treat surgically. METHODS Between June 1994 and April 1999, 66 patients (56 female, 10 male) with a mean age of 50.1 years (range 13-75, median 51) underwent endovascular treatment for 71 paraclinoid aneurysms. The mean size of the dome was 8.9 mm (range 3-25 mm, median 7) and the of neck was 3.8 mm (range 1.4-8 mm, median 4). Thirteen patients presented with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 4 with previous subarachnoid hemorrhage. Six aneurysms produced mass effect with visual symptoms, 4 presented with transient ischemic attacks, and 44 were incidental. Nine patients had had previous unsuccessful surgery. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia and with systemic heparinization. RESULTS Ninety endovascular procedures were performed on 71 aneurysms: GDC coiling in 78 (including 45 with the remodeling technique), permanent balloon occlusion in 9, and 3 had both GDC coiling and permanent balloon occlusion. In ten aneurysms it was not possible to place coils in the lumen of the aneurysm with the available technology and balloon occlusion was not indicated. Five of these were treated surgically and 5 remain untreated. All patients had immediate post procedure angiography. Of the 61 aneurysms that were treated, 46 (75%) have angiographic follow-up of 6 months or more. Morphological outcome following endovascular therapy for 61 aneurysms at last available follow-up showed > 95% occlusion in 52/61 (85.2%) and <95% in 9/61 (14.8%). Eight patients required surgery, 2 for partial coiling, 2 for refilling of a neck remnant, 2 for persistent mass effect and 2 for coil protrusion. In the 90 procedures performed, 2 (2.2%) patients had major permanent deficits (1 monocular blindness, 1 hemiparesis), 1 (1.1%) had a minor visual field cut, and 2 (2.2%) patients died from major embolic events. CONCLUSION Properly selected paraclinoid aneurysms can be successfully treated by endovascular technology. The morbidity and mortality rate of the endovascular approach in our experience is equal to or better than the published surgical series of similar aneurysms. We recommend that the endovascular approach be given primary consideration in the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms.
Comparison of five extraction methods for measuring PCBs, PBDEs, organochlorine pesticides, and lipid content in serum

An increasing number of studies use blood obtained noninvasively to monitor organohalogen contaminants; however, blood can be difficult to analyze because of its aqueous nature and high protein content. We compared five methods for extracting polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides, and lipids from serum using National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material 1589a PCBs, Pesticides, PBDEs, and Dioxins/Furans in Human Serum. Liquid:liquid (LLE), cavity-dispersed microwave-assisted (MAE), focused microwave-assisted (FME), solid-phase (SPE), and pressurized fluid (PFE) extraction techniques were compared. FME extraction yielded the optimal recovery of internal standards (IS). All methods resulted in similar contaminant concentrations that also agreed with the certified values for SRM 1589a, except for only a few compounds measured by methods other than FME. Based on these findings, the FME method was determined to be the best overall extraction method. One procedural factor was found to affect contaminant concentrations; use of IS carrier solvents that were immiscible with serum (or when the serum was not directly physically mixed with IS) resulted in a 30% underestimation of organohalogen concentrations. This study offers valid, novel extraction alternatives beyond traditional methods (e.g., LLE) for blood contaminant measurements.
Site selection and behavior of sponge and bivalve borers in shells of the cretaceous oysters exogyra cancellata and pycnodonte mutabilis from delaware, U.S.A

In shells of the oysters Exogyra cancellata and Pycnodonte mutabilis from the Mount Laurel and Marshalltown Formations (Campanian‐Maestrichtian), three‐quarters of all valves bear sponge borings (Entobia isp.) borings and 30% have borings of a lithophagid bivalve (Gastrochaenolites isp.). Non‐random distributions of these euendoliths, documented in this paper, may in part be accounted for by differential survival of sponge and lithophagid larvae and spat in varying circumstances. In addition, exterior shell architectures and post‐mortem orientations of shells are inferred to have prompted active geophobic (antigravity), rugophilic (groove‐seeking), and rheophilic (current‐seeking) behavior that enhanced survivorship of the settling larvae.
The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is postsynaptic to substance P-containing axon terminals in the rat superficial dorsal horn

The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is thought to mediate the postsynaptic effects of excitatory amino acids released from primary afferent terminals in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord where synergistic associations with substance P (SP) have been implicated in the production of hyperalgesia. We examined the electron microscopic dual immunocytochemical localization of SP and the R1 subunit of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR1) in this region to determine the cellular basis for interactions between SP and NMDA receptor ligands. Of 971 profiles immunolabeled for NMDAR1, 40% were dendrites and the remainder were primarily unmyelinated axons and astrocytic processes. In dendrites, NMDAR1-like immunoreactivity (NMDAR1-LI) was associated with synaptic and non-synaptic portions of the plasma membrane, as well as intracellular membranes including smooth endoplasmic reticulum. These NMDAR1-labeled dendrites received synaptic input from unlabeled terminals and from terminals containing SP and/or NMDAR1-LI and they occasionally (25/389) also contained SP. In contrast, of 540 SP-immunoreactive profiles, 60% were axon terminals and the majority (252/324) of these SP-labeled terminals were presynaptic to NMDAR1-containing dendrites. These results provide anatomical evidence that the synergistic nociceptive effects of SP and NMDA ligands are attributed mainly to dual modulation of the activity of single dendritic targets in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. They also suggest that activation of NMDA receptors may also play a role in the modulation of SP neurons, presynaptic release of SP or other neurotransmitters, and in glial function in the dorsal horn.
Using an ontology to simplify data access

When we turn to government for information, we expect it to be timely, thorough, and above all accurate. However, we also demand that government be split in many different ways—federal, state, and local; executive, judicial, and legislative; tax management separated from pensions and health, etc., and that their data be collected at different times by different people. The resulting heterogeneity (especially incompatible data resources) places special demands on government software systems. A good example of the data problem appears in the more than 70 US Federal Statistics (FedStats) agencies that collect information about all aspects of life in the USA. Collectively, these agencies have tens of thousands of databases, stored in numerous formats (database software, web pages, typewritten tables, etc.), with new ones being added every day. Frequently, portions of this data overlap, or are semi-complementary (an individual in one database may be part of a family in another, for example). Often, the classes of data are related, near-identical, or even identical (what is termed salary in one database, for example, might be exactly the same as income in another and wages in a third, but might be quite different from what some other agency means by salary).
Arterial Oxygen Tension (PaO2) Declines During Inhaled Nitric Oxide Dose Reduction (INO DR) in Neonates with Hypoxic Respiratory Failure † 1743

Arterial Oxygen Tension (PaO2) Declines During Inhaled Nitric Oxide Dose Reduction (INO DR) in Neonates with Hypoxic Respiratory Failure † 1743
Analysis of surface cracks in plates and shells using the line-spring model and ADINA

Abstract The line-spring model of Rice and Levy is used in conjunction with thin shell finite elements to analyze surface cracks in plates and cylindrical shells. Implementation of the approach in the finite element code ADINA is discussed in detail. Both linear and nonlinear cases are considered. The stress intensity factor and the J-integral results are obtained for several example problems concerning surface cracked plates and axial and circumferential flaws in cylinders. Comparisons are made with the available literature solutions. Sensitivity of the results relative to the mesh size, integration scheme and other relevant parameters is also investigated.
Studies in char gasification-I A lumped model

Abstract The gasification of char in a steam-oxygen fluidized bed was studied. The char was assumed to be composed of base carbon and ash. The gaseous compounds found were limited to CO, CO 2 , H 2 , H 2 O, O 2 and CH 4 . As the oxygen and hydrogen were assumed not to co-exist, the bed was divided into a shallow combustion zone where the carbon combustion would take place and a gasification zone where no oxygen would be found. A lumped model for the gasification zone was formulated. The thickness of the combustion zone was assumed to be negligible compared to the total height of the reactor. All chemical changes in the gasification zone were described by three reactions: steam gasification, carbon hydrogasification and water-gas shift reaction. The gases and the solids in the gasification zone were assumed to be at uniform temperature. From the results of the model calculations it was concluded that one should use the fairly complicated empirical kinetic expressions developed by Johnson for reliability over a wide range of pressures and residence times. The effects of the reactor pressure, the char residence time and the amount of oxygen in the feed on the gasifier performance were analysed.
Electromagnetic signal processing: an estimation/identification application

Abstract The response of an object subjected to high energy, transient electromagnetic fields sometimes called an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is an important issue in the survivability of electronic systems (e.g. aircraft, computer systems, etc.), especially when the field has been generated by a high-altitude nuclear burst. The characterization of transient response information is a matter of national concern. In this paper, estimation and identification techniques are applied to: (1) improve signal processing at a test facility, and (2) parameterize a particular object response. First, the application of identification-based signal processing techniques to improve signal levels at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Electromagnetic Test Facility is discussed. Models of test equipment are identified and then utilized in processing schemes to enhance or recover the desired signals. Parametric models of objects under test are identified from the enhanced data in order to extrapolate responses to threat levels.
Distribution of nitrogen and defects in SiOxNy/Si structures formed by the thermal nitridation of SiO2/Si

Previously reported nitrogen distributions in SiO2 films on Si which have been thermally nitrided at 1000 C have been explained by a kinetic model of the nitridation process which rests upon the effects of interfacial strain. A critical test of this kinetic model is the validity of the predictions regarding nitrogen distributions obtained at other nitridation temperatures. In this work, nitrogen distributions determined via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are reported for samples nitrided at 800 and 1150 C, and are shown to be consistent with the kinetic model. In addition, the intensity of a fluorine marker is found to correlate with the nitrogen distribution, and is postulated to be related to kinetically generated defects in the dielectric film, consistent with the strain-dependent energy of formation of defects proposed recently to explain electrical data.
Are motor response elements additive

Even after appropriate sampling procedures have been used to determine average times required for various motions, critics argue against the procedure of adding these times together to obtain the expected time for a complete sequence of motions. Ghiselli and Brown (1955) suggested that removing a motion from a sequence of several motions did not necessarily reduce the time of the shortened sequence. Consistent with this point of view, Wehrkamp and Smith (1952) showed that the time of a travel motion depended on the type of manipulative movement before and after the travel. And Hall (1956) clearly demonstrated the interactions between motions, which would further argue against simple additivity of movements. For example, he found that for a job of fastening plastic labels to the tops of keys of adding machines, the mean time for grasping correlated significantly with the mean time for transporting rnaterial. Correlations between mocions ranging down to -.93 were reported. Despite this, Buffa and Lyman (1958) timed a sequence of 16 motions; eliminated six, calculated the average time for the six, and predicted quite accurately how much time the remaining 10 in the cycle would require. Who is right? Is there an interaction berween motions? Can the times for motions be cumulated to yield a simple total? The answers to both questions seem to be affirmative, and it will now be shown that no contradiction is involved if it is accepted that there are interactions between motions, yet simple additivity can still yield the total time required for a sequence of such interacting mocions. Moreover, the conditions under which both statements are true can be specified if we apply some deductions of Gulliksen (1950) about combining test scores, supported by empirical analysis by Guilford, Lowell, and Williams ( 1942 ) . Gulliksen concluded that, if a large number of scores are to be combined, or if the scores have high intercorrelations, it makes relatively little difference what positive weights are assigned. Only where a few scores are combined (3 to 10) and the average correlation is low (.5 or less), will differential weightings yield significantly more accurate totals than simple summations of the scores. Moreover, the weights have to vary considerably from each other to make much of a difference. On the basis of a review of the empirical findings, Guilford (1954, p. 447) concluded that "differential weighting . . . usually pays little dividends when there are more than 10 to 20 items [in a test]." Assuming that time scores are not different from other kinds of scores, Gulliksen's and Guilford's conclusions provide a basis for understanding the apparent contradiction between Wehrkamp and Smith's results and those of Buffa and Lyman.
Microscale modeling of kinking nonlinear elastic solids

Recently we identified and classified a class of solids as kinking nonlinear elastic (KNE) because they deform by the formation of kink bands. KNE solids represent a large family that include, among others, layered ternary carbides and nitrides, layered oxides and semiconductors, zinc, cadmium, graphite, ice, and the layered silicates, such as mica, present in nonlinear mesoscopic elastic solids. Herein we present a microscale model that accounts for the mechanical response of KNE solids to compressive stresses and apply it to two very different solids: ${\mathrm{Ti}}_{3}{\mathrm{SiC}}_{2}$ and graphite. Building on the Frank and Stroh model put forth in the 1950's for the formation of kink bands, we developed a comprehensive theory that accounts for the contributions of incipient kink bands (IKBs) and dislocations pile-ups produced by normal glide processes to the nonlinear strains and stored strain energies. The theory provides estimates for the densities of IKBs, the dislocation densities, both from the IKBs and dislocation pileups, as well as the energy dissipated by the motion of the dislocations.
Endocrine control of psychomotor activity in the rat: Effects of chronic dexamethasone upon general activity

Abstract In order to expand previous studies on endocrine control of activity the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, was introduced into the water supply of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The drug produced marked reductions in daily activity patterns which were accompanied by a redistribution of circadian patterns. These changes were reversible, in part, upon discontinuation. Controls for weight loss indicated this was probably not a contributing factor. The present results point to an influence of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis upon long-term general activity patterns.
Early Events in the Development of the Immune System of Xenopus Laevis: Characterization of Lymphocytes in Two-Day-Old Embryos

Abstract Stage 35 Xenopus laevis embryos produce a 19S IgM with an isoelectric diversity in the light chains resembling that of adult 19S IgM light chains. Cells which resemble lymphocytes and have surface IgM are detected beginning at stage 35. These cells contain mRNA which can be translated in vitro to IgM proteins. Using density separation methods, it is possible to obtain a cell population from disrupted early embryos which is considerably enriched for lymphocytes.
Mental Health Needs of Sexual Minority Youth: A Student-Developed Novel Curriculum for Healthcare Providers

We describe the creation, implementation, and evaluation of an educational module addressing psychiatric illness in sexual minority adolescents, designed to improve knowledge, comfort, and competency of clinicians working with these teens. After performing a comprehensive needs assessment, we created a 12-page written handbook and facilitated training sessions for clinicians that discuss risk factors for the development of psychiatric illness, prevalence of disease, clinical pearls, and local/national resources. This module was presented in multiple academic and clinical venues, with preliminary results indicating that clinicians have improved their knowledge of the needs of and resources for sexual minority teens.
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Molecules on Biochar from Pyrolysis and Gasification of Switchgrass

Organic molecules entrapped in biochar during pyrolysis and gasification of switchgrass have been studied using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Two solvent systems, toluene and a mixture of water/methanol, were used to extract hydrophobic aromatic compounds and hydrophilic polar compounds, respectively. Laser desorption ionization and atmospheric pressure photoionization were used for toluene extracts, while electrospray ionization was used for water/methanol extracts, followed by orbitrap mass spectrometric data acquisition. Molecular compounds previously known in bio-oils were observed for fast pyrolysis biochar, with phenolic and carbohydrate-derived compounds originating from the pyrolysis of lignin and holocellulose, respectively. In contrast, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with various ring sizes were observed for gasification biochar and also for slow pyrolysis biochar in low abundance.
Report of the Committee on Physics of Soil-Moisture, 1938–39 (The validity of the assumption that it is possible to produce different moisture-percentages in field-soils)

[The following members constitute the Committee: Dr. F. J. Alway, University of Minnesota, University Farm, St. Paul, Minnesota Dr. L. D. Baver, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri Dr. G. B. Bodman, University of California, Berkeley, California Dr. T. F. Buehrer, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona Dr. I. A. Denison, National Bureau of Standards, U. S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. Dr. N. E. Edlefsen, University of California, Davis, California Dr. H. J. Fraser, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California Dr. R. E. Horton, Voorheesville, New York Dr. O. W. Israelsen, Utah State Agricultural College, Logan, Utah Dr. P. G. Nutting, U.S. Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. Dr. L. B. Olmstead, Bureau of Chemistry and Soils, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Mr. W. O. Smith, Bureau of Chemistry and Soils, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Mr. E. A. Willis, Bureau of Public Roads, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Dr. F. J. Veihmeyer (Chairman), University of California, Davis, California] The relation between volume of compacted soils and moisture-content recently has come to be used as a criterion of the desirability of use of that soil as an engineering material. Numerous articles have appeared describing the methods used to bring the soil to the desired moisture-content.
Synthesis and characterization of fluoro-substituted polyphenylthiophenes for charge storage applications

Abstract A series of fluoro-substituted phenylthiophene monomers has been synthesized with high isolated yields (71–90%). Generalized coupling reactions have been developed for the series with a Pd(dppf)Cl 2 catalyst and via Zn-complex mediated reactions. The controlled electropolymerization of monomers yielded polymeric materials which, when cycled, exhibited reversible redox reactions in both the n- and p-doped states with high cycling efficiencies. The doping levels and polymerization potentials were strongly correlated with the electronic character of the monomers based on the Hammett model. This methodology suggests a theoretical scheme for the development of other high charge-capacity polymeric materials.
Penetrative convection in a porous medium with internal heat sources

Abstract The problem of penetrative convection in a fluid saturated porous medium that is heated internally is analyzed using the methods of linear instability theory and nonlinear energy theory. Critical Rayleigh numbers for the case of a uniform heat source in a layer with two fixed surfaces are obtained numerically. A comparison of the linear and nonlinear results delimit a band of Rayleigh numbers where subcritical instabilities could arise. It is shown that the solution to the initial-boundary value problem for the backward heat equation in a heat-conducting porous medium depends continuously on the internal heat source.
Craniodental features in male Mandrillus may signal size and fitness: An allometric approach

According to a hypothesis in the broader mammalian literature, secondary sexual characteristics that have evolved to signal fitness and size to other conspecifics should exhibit positive allometry across adult males within a species. Here this hypothesis is tested in the genus Mandrillus. The overbuilding of bony features in larger individuals necessitates a functional explanation as bone is metabolically expensive to produce and maintain. Canine size and size of the maxillary ridge are scaled against a body size surrogate in intraspecific samples of male Mandrillus sphinx (mandrills) and Mandrillus leucophaeus (drills). Areal dimensions are weighted more heavily as they represent the size of a feature as it is viewed by individuals. Measures of the maxillary ridge and canine tooth are significantly correlated with the size surrogate and scale with positive allometry in both samples supporting the hypothesis that these features function to advertise a male's body size and fitness to other males competing for mates and potential discerning females. This is the first study in primates to test for intraspecific positive allometric scaling of bony facial features in adult males based on a theory of fitness signaling and sexual selection.
A NOTE ON THE USE OF CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS FOR ASSESSING GOODNESS-OF-FIT IN SPATIAL INTERACTION MODELS

The use of correlation coefficients to evaluate the accuracy of spatial interaction models is inappropriate unless such models have been fitted using least squares techniques. In other cases the correlation involves an implicit intercept value and a regression coefficient that may significantly modify the interaction model's estimates. Researchers have not acknowledged the role of these two parameters when the correlation is used. A generalized root mean square error is proposed as an alternative indicator of accuracy that may be used with any model.
Olfaction: Intimate neuronal whispers.

It's a touching story of cohabitation and meaningful communication. Two neighbouring fruitfly neurons talk to each other not by means of synaptic junctions but by interactions through the surrounding electrical field. See Article p.66 It has been suggested that the electrical activity of one neuron can influence that of its unlinked neighbour, but this so-called ephaptic effect is widely assumed to be weak and has been relatively little studied. Here, John Carlson and colleagues demonstrate that olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) of fruitflies communicate with one another through large ephaptic signals with significant impact on olfactory behaviour. The sustained response of one ORN is inhibited by the transient activation of its neighbour. The authors also demonstrate that a CO2-sensitive ORN in the malaria mosquito Anopheles can be inhibited by excitation of an adjacent ORN and that lateral inhibition of a CO2 neuron in Drosophila can reduce a behavioural response to CO2. As CO2 is a key cue used by mosquitoes to find human hosts, this work suggests a novel means of insect control. These findings suggest that ephaptic effects may be more widespread than previously appreciated, particularly among neurons housed in confined peripheral sensory compartments such as taste buds.
A Role for Membrane Lipid Polyunsaturation in Chloroplast Biogenesis at Low Temperature

Two different mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana deficient in chloroplast membrane lipid polyunsaturation were indistinguishable in appearance from the wild-type when grown at 22 degrees C. By contrast, leaf tissues of the mutants that developed during growth at 5 degrees C were chlorotic, whereas the wild type was not. This is the first direct evidence that chloroplast lipid polyunsaturation contributes to low-temperature fitness. Chloroplasts from mutant lines grown at 5 degrees C were much smaller than those of the wild-type, and the thylakoid membrane content was reduced by up to 70%. However, there was no discernible effect of low temperature on chloroplasts that developed prior to exposure to low temperatures. These and related observations suggest that the high degree of chloroplast membrane lipid polyunsaturation is required for some aspect of chloroplast biogenesis.
Oral microbiome of deep and shallow dental pockets in chronic periodontitis.

We examined the subgingival bacterial biodiversity in untreated chronic periodontitis patients by sequencing 16S rRNA genes. The primary purpose of the study was to compare the oral microbiome in deep (diseased) and shallow (healthy) sites. A secondary purpose was to evaluate the influences of smoking, race and dental caries on this relationship. A total of 88 subjects from two clinics were recruited. Paired subgingival plaque samples were taken from each subject, one from a probing site depth >5 mm (deep site) and the other from a probing site depth ≤3mm (shallow site). A universal primer set was designed to amplify the V4–V6 region for oral microbial 16S rRNA sequences. Differences in genera and species attributable to deep and shallow sites were determined by statistical analysis using a two-part model and false discovery rate. Fifty-one of 170 genera and 200 of 746 species were found significantly different in abundances between shallow and deep sites. Besides previously identified periodontal disease-associated bacterial species, additional species were found markedly changed in diseased sites. Cluster analysis revealed that the microbiome difference between deep and shallow sites was influenced by patient-level effects such as clinic location, race and smoking. The differences between clinic locations may be influenced by racial distribution, in that all of the African Americans subjects were seen at the same clinic. Our results suggested that there were influences from the microbiome for caries and periodontal disease and these influences are independent.
Towards rational and evidence-based crime policy

Abstract Rational crime policy constitutes a basic goal for society. If, however, evidence-based, cost-efficient crime prevention is the standard, there is little indication that current policies—including programs, laws, and court decisions—are rational. To support that assessment, this article uses an evaluation research perspective to highlight five prominent problems with extant crime policies: (1) a lack of empirical assessment of the need for them; (2) a range of design issues, including gaps between crime theory and policy, and, most notably, the pursuit of silver bullet solutions; (3) a range of implementation issues, including disjunctures between ideal and actual practice; (4) the lack of rigorous impact evaluations and the sometimes misplaced emphasis on them; and (5) a scarcity of cost-efficiency analyses for guiding investment decisions. It then discusses the implications of these problems and suggests steps that can be taken to place crime policy on a more evidence-based foundation.
Body mass index predicts operative time in elective colorectal procedures

Abstract Background Obesity currently affects more than a third of the United States population and is associated with increased surgical complications. Compared to all other subspecialties, colorectal surgery is the most affected by the increasing trend in obese surgical patients. Operative time has been found to have the greatest impact on hospital costs and physician workload. This study was conducted to determine whether obesity has a direct impact on operative time in elective colorectal procedures using a high-powered, nationally representative patient sample. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 45,362 patients who underwent open and laparoscopic ileocolic resections, partial colectomies, and low pelvic anastomoses using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from 2005–2009. Operative time was the main outcome variable, whereas body mass index (BMI) was the main independent variable. BMI was divided into three classes as follows: normal ( 35). A univariate linear model was used to analyze the relationship while controlling for confounding factors such as demographics and preoperative conditions. Statistical significance was established at P ≤ 0.05. Results Morbidly obese patients were found to have longer operative times than did normal patients across each individual colorectal procedure ( P Conclusions BMI, as an objective measure of obesity, is a direct, statistically significant independent predictor of operative time across elective colorectal procedures.
PHOTO-INDUCED DEGRADATION OF TRACER PHENOLS ADDED TO MARINE SURFACE MICROLAYERS

To determine photochemical reactivity of surface microlayer components and to estimate residence times of phenolic materials at the ocean surface, we evaluated photo-induced degradation of three tracer phenols (phloroglucinol [1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene), TMP (2,4,6-trimethylphenol), and cresol (3-methylphenol)) added to samples of surface microlayers and subsurface waters. When all samples were exposed to the same natural sunlight conditions, first-order degradation rates of phloroglucinol in microlayer samples from surface slicks were always faster than degradation rates in microlayer samples not from slicks or in samples from subsurface seawaters. TMP was less photo-reactive than phloroglucinol, probably because of its lower dissociation to phenoxide ion at seawater pH. Degradation rates of phloroglucinol and TMP in microlayer samples from surface slicks were depressed by the presence of 50 μM NaN3, a common singlet oxygen quencher, suggesting the involvement of photo-induced singlet oxygen. Generally, degradation of cresol was slower than either phloroglucinol or TMP, although it should have had a higher degree of dissociation than TMP at seawater pH; degradation of cresol in seawater may be not via singlet oxygen. Dark control experiments exhibited < 10% decreases in tracer phenol concentrations, indicating that microbial activities had little effect on degradation of these phenols. Because photoreactivity in samples from surface slicks was generally much greater than in other samples, microlayer photochemistry cannot be estimated by simply extrapolating near-surface reaction rates to surface light intensities.
Light Scattering Patterns from Poly- L -alanine Spherulites

Anderson, Brumberger and Marchessault have published photographic light scattering patterns from poly-L-alanine spherulites1 which show the four-leaf clover type Hν pattern (vertically polarized incident light with horizontal analyser) experimentally found for polyethylene and other spherulitic polymers2. Patterns of this sort have been predicted by the theory of scattering from spheres2 and disks3,4.
Collection of separated isotopes for radioactive target production at RIA

The Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA) is designed to deliver unprecedented intensities and a wide variety of radioactive beams. There is interest in collecting many of the highest intensity, long-lived ( t 1 / 2 ≳ 1 day) mass- and recoil-separated beams for the production of radioactive targets or for applications where high specific activity sources are needed. Based on an intensity of ≳ 10 11 / s , collection rates of ∼ 2 μg/day or more are possible. Herein, we consider the primary or parasitic collection of mass-separated beams on either the ISOL mass separator or the recoil separator. Once the desired activity is collected, it may be used directly as a target or will be moved to a hot cell for radiochemical purification and target preparation. A concept for the collection and preparation of radioactive samples is outlined.
Resonance ionization mass spectrometry of sputtered osmium and rhenium atoms

The mass spectrometric analysis of Os and Re was investigated by use of a pulsed primary Ar^+ ion beam to provide sputtered atoms for resonance ionization mass spectrometry. A useful yield of 10^(-2) and a detection limit of 8 ppb were demonstrated for Os concentration measurement. In situ measurements of Os concentration are obtainable by this method at the sub-part-per-million level in conducting and semiconducting materials with a full width at half maximum beam diameter of ~70 µm. An ionization scheme for Os that utilizes three resonant energy levels (including an autoionizing energy level) was investigated and found to have superior sensitivity and selectivity compared to nonresonant and one and two energy level resonant ionization schemes. An elemental selectivity for Os over Re of ≥10^3 was demonstrated. It was found that detuning the ionizing laser from the autoionizing energy level to an arbitrary region in the Ionization continuum resulted in a 5-fold decrease in signal intensity and a 10-fold decrease in elemental selectivity.
PennBench: a benchmark suite for embedded Java

Currently, there are 23 million Java-enabled handsets with more than 50 different models from 17-plus suppliers. With the growing popularity of such devices, there is a need in the embedded industry for a set of applications for accurate indications of the performance of embedded Java solutions. To address this problem, we gather a set of 12 Java applications running on PDA and cell phone like devices. We present a machine-independent characterization of the applications, specifically focusing on their memory characteristics. Our focus is motivated by the criticality of memory size constraints and heap footprints on both performance and power budgets.
The effect of intravascular complement activation and brief episodes of hypoxia on protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in C5 sufficient and deficient mice

Our earlier investigations indicated that systemic complement activation with iv cobra venom factor (CVF) or infused zymosan-activated rabbit plasma or rabbit C5a does not significantly increase bronchoalveolar lavage albumin in rabbits (Am Rev Respir Dis 1982; 125:335-340); but that complement activation due to CVF combined with a brief episode of hypoxia increases lavage albumin and is associated with the presence of neutrophils for its expression (J Clin Invest 1985; 75:902-910). In order to determine if intravenous CVF and hypoxia cause similar alterations in mice, and to investigate the time course of the response as well as the importance of C5 fragments to the process, we challenged the B10.D2/nSn strain of C5 sufficient mice (C5+) and the congenic B10.D2/oSn strain of C5 deficient mice (C5-) with intravenous CVF, 15 min of 12% oxygen, or CVF followed by hypoxia. Neither C5+ nor C5- mice had significant increases in lavage protein after either CVF or hypoxia. However, the combined insults significantly increased lavage protein in C5+ but not C5- mice; polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed increased amounts of proteins of low and high molecular weights in lavage fluid from the C5+ strain. While the time course of abnormalities in mice was different from that in rabbits, both meclofenamate pretreatment and neutrophil depletion attenuated the increases in lavage protein after the combined insults in both animal species. Infusion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) with CVF in the C5+ mice also led to significant increases in lavage protein. We conclude that in mice, intravenous complement activation, as an isolated event, does not cause a significant increase in lavage protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Electrodynamics of the current melt-wave erosion boundary in a conducting half-space

An analytic model of the current melt wave in a one-dimensional stationary conductor has been developed to gain insight into the complex problem of melt-wave erosion contact wear in railgun armatures. Unlike two-dimensional models with motion, in which the dominant driving mechanism for the erosion front is current concentration from the velocity skin effect, in one dimension, the driving mechanism is a concentration of current caused by the electrodynamics at the melt-wave erosion boundary. Specifically, as molten material is ejected, current is driven into the remaining solid material at the interface, resulting in a local concentration of current and joule heating at the interface. We derive an expression for the velocity of the melt-wave front in one dimension, and assess the importance of this effect by comparing the erosion speed we obtain with erosion speeds predicted by previous models. The comparison suggests that the electrodynamics of the moving melt-wave boundary has an insignificant effect on melt-wave erosion in solid armature railguns, and as such can be justifiably neglected.
Broadcasting in Mexico

The following article is a companion piece to Walter Emery's “A Comparative Study of Broadcasting Law and Regulations in Mexico and the United States,” which appeared in the Spring issue of the Journal. Based upon the latest official documents and the fruits of a number of visits to Mexico, this description of broadcasting in our nearest neighbor to the South is designed to give “flavor” as well as data. Dr. Emery, a frequent contributor to the Journal, is Professor in the Department of Television and Radio at Michigan State University.
P05: Carcinogenicity study of 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol in Sprague-Dawley rats

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (α-chlorohydrin, 3-MCPD) is a well-known contaminant which has been detected in a wide range of foods and ingredients and is a suspected cause of cancer. In this study, we investigated the carcinogenicity of 3-MCPD in SD rats. Groups of 50 male and 50 female rats were exposed to drinking water containing 0, 25, 100, 400 ppm 3-MCPD for 2 years. Body weights and water consumption of male and female rats given 400 ppm were significantly lower than those of the controls. The incidences of renal tubule adenoma or carcinoma and Leydig cell tumor occurred with dose-related positive trends in male rats. The incidences of renal tubule carcinoma and Leydig cell tumor were significantly increased in 400 ppm males. Incidence of renal tubule adenoma had a positive trend in female rats, with the incidence being significant in 400 ppm group. In conclusion, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of 3-MCPD in male SD rats based on increased incidences of renal tubule carcinoma and Leydig cell tumor. There was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of 3-MCPD in female SD rats based on increased incidences of renal tubule adenoma.
On real parameter stability margins and their computation

A stability margin for linear control systems subject to real parameter variations can be computed from the constraints arising from the conventional Routh-Hurwitz criteria. The proposed stability margin is similar to the real-μ criterion, but with the bound on the real parameter variations given by a differentiable function. If the uncertain parameters are gaussian random variates, then an upper bound on the probability of instability is constructed. A computational procedure is proposed based on polynomial continuation.