cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Kasara to Kasila to Kasila Again: Community Rain Rituals Among the Diola of Senegambia

This paper will focus on three rain rituals introduced by women prophets from the 1890s to 1980s. In the first case, of an unnamed prophet in Portuguese Guinea, we must rely on inconsistent written documents and limited research conducted by anthropologists focused on other movements. We know little about the specific format of this Kasara ritual. The better known, Kasila of Alinesitoue Diatta, was performed initially in 1942. Its performance challenged existing hierarchies of age, gender, and wealth that had become increasingly important in Diola society since the onset of the slave trade by opening up the priesthood to all ages, both genders and to rich and poor. This ritual challenged the growing divisions among Diolas based on affiliation with different religious traditions, attitudes toward colonial agricultural schemes, and types of wealth and prestige. Kasila's emphasis on ritual in the village square, eating meals in common, sleeping in the public space, all reaffirmed a sense of community that had been directly challenged by forces associated with colonial rule. The revival of Kasila by Todjai carried the rejection of foreign influences to a far greater extent in the 1980s, while reaffirming the egalitarian nature of this rain ritual within Diola communities.
Factors Related to the Certification of High School Football Coaches

(1971). Factors Related to the Certification of High School Football Coaches. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 50-52.
NF-κB inhibitor MG132 enhances differentiation and collagen expression of dental pulp stem cells (732.1)

Inflammatory response in the dental pulp is mediated by interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, which may alter collagen matrix formation by dental pulp stem cells and lead to a delay or poor h...
Demografía y salud en los censos de población y vivienda: la experiencia latinoamericana reciente

El proposito de este articulo es analizar la experiencia latinoamericana de inclusion en los censos de temas demograficos relacionados con la salud de las personas. Se intenta identificar los datos demograficos y aquellos atingentes al sector para satisfacer sus necesidades de funcionamiento administrativo y la demanda de la poblacion, asi como para el seguimiento y la evaluacion de politicas y programas. En primer lugar, se analizan de manera critica las preguntas censales tradicionales efectuadas a la poblacion en general y a nivel de hogares, particularmente el sexo y la edad, que definen las poblaciones expuestas a enfermarse y morir. Por otra parte, las estadisticas vitales son la fuente natural para obtener estimaciones de mortalidad y fecundidad, pero muchos paises de America Latina estan afectadas por un marcado subregistro, por lo que deben ser sustituidas por otras fuentes, en particular por los censos de poblacion. Con este fin, se ha desarrollado una serie de procedimientos de estimacion indirecta, entre los cuales pueden mencionarse el uso de datos provenientes de preguntas retrospectivas incluidas en censos y encuestas. Se analizan las caracteristicas de los procedimientos de estimacion de la fecundidad y la mortalidad en la infancia, asi como en la poblacion adulta, poniendo de relieve las preguntas que se requieren y los problemas que presenta la recoleccion de datos en terreno. Se hace referencia a la necesidad de informacion de determinadas areas del sector de la salud que se han incorporado recientemente, como la discapacidad y la mortalidad por causas maternas, sobre todo la primera, que se incluyo en todos los censos de la ronda de 2000
Today's Challenge to Health and Physical Education

(1935). Today's Challenge to Health and Physical Education. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 6, No. 8, pp. 10-63.
Static estimation of query sizes in horn programs

Knowledge about relation sizes for queries can be used to improve the performance of deductive database programs, e.g. to plan the order in which body goals are evaluated, or to “map” predicates to processors in distributed systems. For Horn programs, the analysis is complicated by the presence of function symbols and recursion. This paper describes an approach for statically computing upper bound estimates for relation sizes in Horn programs. The techniques are applicable to a wide class of programs that use structural recursion.
Signaling via neurokinin 1 and 2 receptors exerts opposing effects on mast cell pro-inflammatory and Th2-biasing functions. (HYP3P.347)

Following activation via FcϵRI, peripheral tissue mast cells (MCs) initiate and sustain atopic diseases, by secreting proinflammatory and Th2 biasing cytokines. MC express neuropeptide receptors and are exposed to neuroinflammatory mediators. However, the role of neuropeptides in FcϵRI-activated MCs remains mainly unknown. Two of the most potent pro-inflammatory neuropeptides, substance-P (SP) and hemokinin-1 (HK-1), bind with high affinity to the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) and with lower affinity to the NK2R. We addressed in vitro and in vivo the role of the NK1R and NK2R in MC responses initiated via FcϵRI. In vitro, FcϵRI activation of bone marrow derived (BM)MCs from wild type (WT) mice increased NK1R and NK2R expression and HK-1 release, but not release of SP. Utilizing NK1R -/- BMMCs, we determined that the NK1R was necessary for Akt-NFκB signaling and for the secretion of the pro-inflammatory TNF-α, IL-6 and Th2 biasing IL-4 and IL-13. Conversely, inhibition of NK2R signaling in WT BMMCs with GR159897 decreased the release of proinflammatory and Th2 cytokines. In vivo, NK1R signaling was necessary for amplifying IgE-Ag mediated cutaneous and systemic anaphylaxis and chronic asthma. We conclude that NK1R and the NK2R display opposing effects on the inflammatory function of FcϵRI-activated MCs relevant for the control of MC derived atopic disorders.
The uraA locus and homologous recombination in Mycobacterium bovis BCG

Molecular genetic manipulation of mycobacteria would benefit from the isolation of mycobacterial genes that could serve both as genetic markers and as sequences used to target homologous integration of recombinant DNA into the genome. We isolated the Mycobacterium bovis BCG gene encoding orotidine-59-monophosphate decarboxylase (OMP-DCase) by complementing an Escherichia coli mutant defective in this activity. The BCG OMP-DCase gene (uraA) and the flanking DNA were sequenced. The predicted BCG OMP-DCase protein sequence is closely related to the Myxococcus xanthus OMP-DCase and more distantly related to the other known prokaryotic and eukaryotic OMP-DCases. To investigate whether homologous integration can occur in M. bovis BCG, an improved protocol for transformation of BCG was developed and a linear fragment of mycobacterial DNA containing the uraA locus, marked with a kanamycin resistance gene, was introduced into BCG cells by electroporation. The kanamycin-resistant BCG transformants all contained vector DNA integrated into the genome. The marked DNA had integrated into the homologous uraA locus in approximately 20% of the transformants. These results have implications for understanding the role of mycobacterial genes in disease pathogenesis and for the genetic engineering of improved mycobacterial vaccines. Images
Multielectron ionization of Ne/sup +n/ in ultrastrong laser fields: rescattering and the role of the magnetic field

Neon ionization measurements from 10/sup 14/W/cm/sup 2/ to 10/sup 18/W/cm/sup 2/ quantify rescattering and nonsequential ionization physics as the interaction evolves from a nonrelativistic to relativistic response. A relativistic 3D model is found to be in excellent agreement.
Second neoplasms in survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer are often treatable

Abstract Purpose To estimate the incidence and types of second neoplasms in survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer, as well as the characteristics of those who developed second neoplasms. Methods Survivors who were under age 21 years at initial diagnosis, off therapy, and in remission for 2 years are referred to the Long Term Survivors' Clinic (LTSC) at Children's National Medical Center (CNMC). This review includes patients entered in the clinic database from January 1, 1997 to August 30, 2002. Results Twenty-three (2.3%) of 987 childhood cancer survivors followed in the LTSC had 26 (2.6%) second and third neoplasms. The mean age was 6.7 years at initial diagnosis, 20.3 years at diagnosis of the second neoplasm, and 20.5 years at diagnosis of the third neoplasm. Of 10 female and 13 male patients, 15 were white, six black, one Hispanic, and one Asian. All but two of the patients received radiation. Nineteen neoplasms, including seven thyroid carcinomas, six central nervous system tumors (three meningiomas), three basal cell carcinomas, two breast cancers, and one soft tissue sarcoma, occurred at sites within or contiguous to radiation sites. Five patients died, but the majority of neoplasms were treatable and most patients had good outcomes. Conclusion Indefinite follow-up in a long-term survivors' clinic is indicated for adolescent and adult survivors of childhood cancer, with routine examination and screening for recurrence of the initial cancer as well as late effects, including second neoplasms.
A three-parameter magnetic tape data recording system

Abstract A three-parameter coincidence data collection system has been constructed based on the use of computer compatible magnetic tape. The system was designed for use at the thermal neutron capture gamma-ray facility at the Georgia Institute of Technology Research Reactor. Up to three 12 bit words can be used to describe the coincidence event. The first two words consist of the output from two analog-to-digital converters (ADC) e.g. two 2048 channel energy spectra. The third word consists of the output of a 256 channel ADC e.g. time spectrum, plus four “status registers”. The system is highly versatile and operates in the one-, two- or three-parameter mode. The interfacing logic is based on the use of commercially available circuit boards. Each function of the logic can be tested via commands from a PDP-8 series computer although the device is completely independent of the computer when operating in the data acquisition mode.
An overview of the clinical trials of agents (other than beta-blockers) that potentially limit myocardial infarct size.

In this article, data on mortality have been systematically reviewed from the randomized trials of intracoronary and intravenous (i.v.) thrombolytic therapy, hyaluronidase, i.v. nitrates, and calcium channel blockers in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Such analyses confirm that i.v. streptokinase (SK) reduces short-term mortality by about 20%. Despite a higher incidence of reinfarction in the treated group, this early benefit is maintained long term. The excess reinfarction was observed whether or not SK was followed by anticoagulants or aspirin. The roles of pharmacologic interventions and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in preventing reinfarction and improving survival further are currently being evaluated. The pooled data from the existing trials of hyaluronidase and i.v. nitrates are consistent with a 20-30% reduction in mortality; ideally, these interventions should also be studied in future large randomized trials. Currently, there is no evidence either from individual studies or the aggregate of all the trials that calcium channel blockers reduce mortality. The collective experience from these trials conducted over the last two decades suggests that most interventions in AMI can at best have only moderate effects (10%, 20%, or at best 30%) on mortality. However, such modest effects produced by the widespread use of these agents could prevent several thousand premature deaths each years. Therefore, current and future trials that assess the effects of new or existing cardiovascular treatments on mortality should aim to randomize at least 10,000 average risk patients or a few thousand high risk patients.
Lilith in Myth, Melodrama, and Criminology

Abstract This article illustrates how the social construction of both knowledge and popular culture has been influenced by mythic images of “fair and virginal” good women and “dark and sensual” evil women-what is commonly called the madonna/whore duality. The article examines the myth of Lilith, first wife of Adam, and the images of good and evil women that we can distill from creation myths. We then demonstrate how these images of good and evil women are illustrated in early twentieth century criminology and the 1920s melodrama Lilith.
Oral Use of Absorbable Oxidized Cellulose in the Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Hemorrhage

T h e following report is the second of a series of three dealing with the clin­ ical use of three materials in the con­ trol of hemorrhage associated with tooth extraction. In the first report a series of cases was described in which fibrin foam -with thrombin was used.1 A third report will deal with absorbable gelatin sponge used either with or without thrombin for the same purpose. This investigation was undertaken to find a substance possessing hemostatic powers that can be placed in a tooth socket, either held in by sutures or packed in with sufficient pressure to hold without sutures, and that will not re­ quire removal. Many of the agents used by dentists to arrest hemorrhage are de­ structive to the tissues. Any material such as cotton or gauze that has been used to carry the hemostatic agent has required removal at a later date. There­ fore a substance that can be left in place in the tissue and that either will dissolve or be absorbed without producing marked irritation or interfering with healing to any great extent definitely will have a place in dental surgical oper­ ations. Fibrin foam w ith ' thrombin ful­ filled these requirements and has been used successfully in many types of sur­
Endothelial dysfunction in diabetes: multiple targets for treatment.

Robert Furchgott’s discovery of the obligatory role that the endothelium plays in the regulation of vascular tone has proved to be a major advance in terms of our understanding of the cellular basis of diabetic vascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction, as defined by a reduction in the vasodilatation response to an endothelium-dependent vasodilator (such as acetylcholine) or to flow-mediated vasodilatation, is an early indicator for the development of the micro- and macroangipathy that is associated with diabetes. In diabetes, hyperglycaemia plays a key role in the initiation and development of endothelial dysfunction; however, the cellular mechanisms involved as well as the importance of dyslipidaemia and co-morbidities such as hypertension and obesity remain incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms whereby hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia can alter endothelial function and highlight their effects on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), the endothelium-dependent hyperpolarising factor (EDHF) pathway(s), as well as on the role of endothelium-derived contracting factors (EDCFs) and adipocyte-derived vasoactive factors such as adipose-derived relaxing factor (ADRF).
Determination of Organo−Cobalt Bond Dissociation Energetics and Thermodynamic Properties of Organic Radicals through Equilibrium Studies

Two methods are described and illustrated for the measurement of organo−cobalt bond homolysis energies through reactions of tetra(p-anisyl)porphyrinato cobalt(II), (TAP)CoII•, with organic radicals of the form •C(CH3)(R)CN in the presence of olefins. Thermodynamic values for bond homolysis have been determined directly for (TAP)Co-C(CH3)2CN (ΔH° = 17.8±0.5 kcal mol-1, ΔS° = 23.1 ± 1.0 cal K-1 mol-1) and (TAP)Co-CH(CH3)C6H5 (ΔH° = 19.5 ± 0.6 kcal mol-1, ΔS° = 24.5 ± 1.1 cal K-1 mol-1) from evaluation of the equilibrium constants for the dissociation process (Co−R ⇌ CoII• + R•) in chloroform. The bond homolysis enthalpy for (TAP)Co-C5H9 (ΔH° = 30.9 kcal mol-1) was determined indirectly by measuring the thermodynamic values for the competition reaction (TAP)Co-C(CH3)2CN + C5H8 ⇌ (TAP)Co-C5H9 + CH2C(CH3)CN (ΔH° = 0.9 ± 0.3 kcal mol-1) in conjunction with a thermochemical cycle. This indirect approach was also used to evaluate (TAP)Co-CH(CH3)C6H5 BDE (20.5 kcal mol-1) which agrees favorably with the value dete...
Floodplains within reservoirs promote earlier spawning of white crappies Pomoxis annularis

Reservoirs impounded over floodplain rivers are unique because they may include within their upper reaches extensive shallow water stored over preexistent floodplains. Because of their relatively flat topography and riverine origin, floodplains in the upper reaches of reservoirs provide broad expanses of vegetation within a narrow range of reservoir water levels. Elsewhere in the reservoir, topography creates a band of shallow water along the contour of the reservoir where vegetation often does not grow. Thus, as water levels rise, floodplains may be the first vegetated habitats inundated within the reservoir. We hypothesized that shallow water in reservoir floodplains would attract spawning white crappies Pomoxis annularis earlier than reservoir embayments. Crappie relative abundance over five years in floodplains and embayments of four reservoirs increased as spawning season approached, peaked, and decreased as fish exited shallow water. Relative abundance peaked earlier in floodplains than embayments, and the difference was magnified with higher water levels. Early access to suitable spawning habitat promotes earlier spawning and may increase population fitness. Recognition of the importance of reservoir floodplains, an understanding of how reservoir water levels can be managed to provide timely connectivity to floodplains, and conservation of reservoir floodplains may be focal points of environmental management in reservoirs.
Ideals without ccc and without property (M)

We prove a strong version of a theorem of Balcerzak-RoslanowskiShelah by showing, in ZFC, that there exists a simply definable Borel CT-ideal for which both the ccc and property (M) fail. The proof involves Polish group actions. Definition. A Borel ideal is an ideal I on a Polish space X with the following property: for all A E I, there exists a Borel subset B of X such that A C B and B E I. We consider three types of properties for a Borel ideal I on a Polish space X. (1) I has a H' definition if the following set is Hl: C.1 = {c c 2': c is a Borel code for a subset B, of X and B, c I}. (2) For K a cardinal, I satisfies the /c-cc if there does not exist a family of i I-almost disjoint Borel sets that are not in I. The w1-cc is usually called the ccc. (3) I satisfies property (M) if there exists a Borel-measurable function f : X -? 2W with f-1(y) ? I for all y E 2W. Property (M) was introduced in Balcerzak [1]. Obviously, an ideal satisfying property (M) violates the ccc. Both the above paper and the later paper of Balcerzak-Roslanowski-Shelah [2] are concerned with circumstances in which it is possible for both the ccc and property (M) to fail. We refer the reader to these two references for information on these properties-and several other properties of ideals. The latter paper contains the following result. Theorem 1 (Balcerzak-Roslanowski-Shelah [2, 5.6]). Assume that either CH fails or every Al set of reals has the Baire property. Then there exists a Borel a-ideal I*, containing all singletons, such that: (a) I* has a H1 definition; (b) the ccc fails for I*; (c) property (M) fails for I*; (d) I* satisfies the w2-cc. Andrzej Roslanowski presented this result in a seminar talk at Ohio State University in 1993, and asked whether or not it is provable in ZFC. I thank him for bringing this question to my attention, and I thank Ohio State for their support. Received by the editors October 23, 1998 and, in revised form, December 3, 1998. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 03E15.
Anchitherium (Mammalia, Equidae) from Kazakhstan, central Asia

Anchitherium is known from a number of fossil localities in Kazakhstan, spanning a time range from the early Middle Miocene to the early Late Miocene, or some 10 Ma. For the first time these finds, mainly of isolated teeth, are described together for their morphology and compared for their size with finds from elsewhere, chiefly from Central Europe. Dating anchithere finds on the basis of dental size is briefly discussed.
The Ph gene and the origin of tetraploid wheats

None of the diploid species of Triticum and Aegilops, from which tetraploid emmer and timopheevii wheats were presumably derived, presently possess a Ph gene identical to that on the long arm of chromosome 5B of T. aestivum. This suggests that the Ph gene originated at the tetraploid level. Both emmer and Timopheevii completely compensate for the absence of chromosome 5B of T. aestivum clearly due to the presence of a Ph gene identical to that on chromosome 5B. The presence of a similar Ph gene in both the tetraploids and its absence in the putative diploid parents suggests that the tetraploids diverged from a common amphiploid ancestor after the origin of the Ph gene. The possibility of independent origin of the tetraploids involving an unidentified common B genome donor with the Ph gene at the diploid level, however, can not be completely ruled out.
The use of an image guidance system in retrieving lost medial rectus muscles.

Abstract Introduction: Finding a lost medial rectus muscle can be difficult. We present 2 patients in whom image guidance technology assisted in the recovery of a lost medial rectus muscle. Methods: Two patients (ages 19 and 33), both with lost medial rectus muscles, underwent computerized tomography of their heads, faces, and orbits. The muscles were both lost after strabismus surgery 7 and 19 years ago, respectively. These images were then loaded into an image guidance system (LandmarX, Xomed Co, Jacksonville, Fla) and served as a "map" to locate the lost medial rectus muscle intraoperatively. Using a transnasal endoscopic approach, the lamina papyracea was exposed. The area of the lamina closest to the lost medial rectus was identified using a guidance probe. After the periorbita was exposed, the guidance probe was used to confirm the location of the medial rectus muscle. The muscle was then isolated transnasally and passed into the orbit using forceps. It was then sutured onto the globe. Results: The medial rectus was identified transnasally and reattached to the globe in both cases. Adduction improved from complete deficits in both patients to 80% and 50% adduction deficits, respectively. Discussion: The transnasal endoscopic approach to retrieve the medial rectus has been described before. For these patients, image guidance technology successfully identified the appropriate areas for the surgeons to locate the lost muscle. The use of this technique decreased operative times and reduced the extent of the dissection required, which should also reduce long–term scarring. Conclusion: Image guidance technology, with its capability of 3–dimensional images, can be used to assist surgeons in finding lost medial rectus muscles. (J AAPOS 2002;6:309-14)
Thulium anomalies and rare earth element patterns in meteorites and Earth: Nebular fractionation and the nugget effect

This study reports the bulk rare earth element (REEs, La–Lu) compositions of 41 chondrites, including 32 falls and 9 finds from carbonaceous (CI, CM, CO and CV), enstatite (EH and EL) and ordinary (H, L and LL) groups, as well as 2 enstatite achondrites (aubrite). The measurements were done in dynamic mode using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (MC-ICPMS), allowing precise quantification of mono-isotopic REEs (Pr, Tb, Ho and Tm). The CI-chondrite-normalized REE patterns (LaN/LuN; a proxy for fractionation of light vs. heavy REEs) and Eu anomalies in ordinary and enstatite chondrites show more scatter in more metamorphosed (petrologic types 4–6) than in unequilibrated (types 1–3) chondrites. This is due to parent-body redistribution of the REEs in various carrier phases during metamorphism. A model is presented that predicts the dispersion of elemental and isotopic ratios due to the nugget effect when the analyzed sample mass is limited and elements are concentrated in minor grains. The dispersion in REE patterns of equilibrated ordinary chondrites is reproduced well by this model, considering that REEs are concentrated in 200 lm-size phosphates, which have high LaN/LuN ratios and negative Eu anomalies. Terrestrial rocks and samples from ordinary and enstatite chondrites display negative Tm anomalies of �� 4.5% relative to CI chondrites. In contrast, CM, CO and CV (except Allende) show no significant Tm anomalies. Allende CV chondrite shows large excess Tm (� +10%). These anomalies are similar to those found in group II refractory inclusions in meteorites but of much smaller magnitude. The presence of Tm anomalies in meteorites and terrestrial rocks suggests that either (i) the material in the inner part of the solar system was formed from a gas reservoir that had been depleted in refractory dust and carried positive Tm anomalies or (ii) CI chondrites are enriched in refractory dust and are not representative of solar composition for refractory elements. A new reference composition relevant to inner solar system bodies (CI * ) is calculated by subtracting 0.15% of group II refractory inclusions to CI. The observed Tm anomalies in ordinary and enstatite chondrites and terrestrial rocks, relative to carbonaceous chondrites, indicate that material akin to carbonaceous chondrites must have represented a small fraction of the constituents of the Earth. Tm anomalies may be correlated with Ca isotopic fractionation in bulk planetary materials as they are both controlled by addition or removal of refractory material akin to fine-grained group II refractory inclusions.
Graphics In Numerical Control-the User's Challenge

Off-the-shelf graphics equipment and software must be adapted by users to their own application requirements.
Effects of laterality and visual angle on time judgments: a phenomenological investigation of time durations.

20 students from an undergraduate class participated in an experiment designed to study the effects of laterality and visual angle on time judgments. Using a standard two-field tachistoscope , subjects were exposed to two experimental conditions, (1) stimulus cards with a single red or blue dot in the center and several dots clustered on both sides near the center and equidistant from it (visual angle of .6 degrees) and (2) stimulus cards with a single red or blue dot in the center and several dots clustered on both sides away from the center on the edge of the card (visual angle of 2.6 degrees). Five cards containing a single red or blue dot were used to control for response bias. The subjects were asked to indicate whether they saw dots in the left, right, or both fields, and whether they perceived a time duration between fields. No difference in time duration existed, however, as all cards were exposed to both fields for equal durations. The predictions that the judged duration of dot patterns would be more accurate favoring the left visual-field and more accurate where the distance between the point of fixation and stimulus was larger were supported.
On the uniqueness of Nash equilibria

Abstract Although the use of Nash equilibria in economic models has been increasing, little attention has been paid to the uniqueness of these equilibria. This paper presents relatively weak conditions that are sufficient for the existence of a globally unique Nash equilibrium.
Toxicity of sodium pentafluorostannite, a new anticariogenic agent. I. Comparison of the acute toxicity of sodium pentafluorostannite, sodium fluoride, and stannous chloride in mice and/or rats.

The toxicity of sodium pentafluorostannite (NaSn2F5) in mice and rats has been investigated. LD50 values in mice were 18.9, 80.9, and 592.9 mg/kg in fed mice dosed iv, ip, and po, respectively. Signs of toxicity in mice included ataxia, muscle weakness, central nervous system depression, and occasionally tremors. LD50 values in female rats were 12.9, 65.0, and 218.7 mg/kg in fed rats dosed iv and ip and in fasted rats dosed po, respectively. LD50 values in male rats were 12.9, 75.4, 573.1, and 223.1 mg/kg in fed rats dosed iv, ip, and po and in fasted rats dosed po, respectively. Signs, accompanying toxic doses of NaSn2F5, sodium fluoride (NaF), or stannous chloride (SnCl2·2H2O) in the rat were similar and included ataxia, muscle weakness, and CNS depression. Sodium pentafluorostannite was found to be more toxic than either NaF, based on F, or SnCl2·2H2O, based on Sn. Rats given either Sn compound developed pathologic changes in the kidneys grossly visible 4 days following administration. The data suggest that both F and Sn play a role in the acute toxicity of NaSn2F5 in rats.
Exact solutions of Stefan problems for a heat front moving at constant velocity in a quasi-steady state

Abstract A source-and-sink method has been used to solve a Stefan problem imposed with a moving heat front travelling at constant velocity in a fixed direction. The problem is transformed to moving coordinates and Laplace transform is used to develop the exact solution of this problem in quasi-steady state. Twelve cases have been studied that cover constant temperature and flux conditions imposed on the moving front. The interface positions and the temperatures in the medium can be derived in closed forms for eight cases. For the four cases whose solutions cannot be derived in a closed form, procedures for exact solution of the problems are given in great detail. Numerical examples are also provided for a parametric study of the problems.
Responsive and Nonequilibrium Nanomaterials

Nanoscience has been promoted as a major technological revolution, and yet its influence outside of the laboratory has been relatively small. From our survey of recent progress, we conclude that as nanoscience fragments into subdisciplines and researchers become ever more specialized, there is increasingly little advancement toward the emergence of research themes that may unite and elevate nanoscience toward having an impact of the magnitude achieved by the steam engine, electricity, medicine, and the Internet. We suggest that one avenue for nanoscience to break this impasse is to venture beyond static structures into domain of dynamic nanomaterials that organize and/or function when displaced from thermodynamic equilibrium. We highlight recent work from our laboratory in this emerging area and also suggest some possible future applications for responsive and nonequilibrium nanosystems/materials.
Comparison of Electrically-Assisted and Conventional Friction Stir Welding Processes by Feed Force and Torque

The process of friction stir welding involves high tool forces and requires robust machinery; the forces involved make tool wear a predominant problem. As a result, many alternatives have been proposed in decreasing tool forces such as laser assisted friction stir welding and ultra-sound assisted friction stir welding. However, these alternatives are not commercially successful on a large scale due to scalability and capital/maintenance costs.In an attempt to reduce forces in a cost-feasible manner, electrically-assisted friction stir welding (EAFSW) is studied in this work. EAFSW is a result of applying the concept of electrically-assisted manufacturing (i.e., passing high direct electrical current through a workpiece during processing) to the conventional friction stir welding process. The concept of EAFSW is a relatively new adaptation of conventional frictional stir welding, which is well established. The expected benefits are reduction in the feed force and torque, which allow for improved processing productivity as well as the possibility for deeper penetration of the weld.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Implications of a predicted shift from upland oaks to red maple on forest hydrology and nutrient availability

Fire suppression has facilitated the spread of red maple (Acer rubrum L.), a fire-sensitive, yet highly adaptable species, in historically oak-dominated forests of the eastern United States. Here, ...
The cultural halo effect: Black and white women rate black and white men

In an exploratory study, black and white college women rated black and white men on traits associated with masculinity, femininity, and social desirability using the Bem scale. Black women rated black men as more masculine than white men, whereas white women characterized both black and white men as less masculine than the ratings assigned by black women to black men but as more masculine than the ratings assigned by black women to white men. Both black and white women attributed feminine socially desirable traits to black and white men in approximately equal proportions. These data were consistent with a “cultural halo” hypothesis.
Validated gene expression biomarker analysis for biopsy-based clinical trials in ulcerative colitis.

Summary Background Accurate and reproducible measurement of expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in colonic biopsies from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is essential for proof-of-concept and mechanism-of-action studies. Few studies have rigorously established the number of biopsies required for accurate and reproducible biomarker measurements. Aim To validate methods for measuring changes in gene expression in colonic biopsy samples. Methods Twelve colonic biopsies were obtained from each of six healthy controls, six patients with inactive UC and seven patients with active UC. Mayo endoscopic scores were used as a clinical reference standard. Quantitative PCR was used to assess mRNA expression of eight known inflammatory genes. The power to detect a reduction in gene expression in active vs. inactive UC was calculated using a linear mixed effect model. Results mRNA analysis of colonic biopsies is a sensitive and feasible approach for measuring inflammatory gene expression in colonic biopsies. Inflammatory biomarkers correlate with Mayo endoscopic subscores for each colonic region. For most genes, three rectal biopsies from two to four patients are required to detect changes in gene expression corresponding to active vs. inactive UC to achieve a power of 80% with an alpha of 0.05. Conclusion Our data suggest that systematic measurement of inflammatory biomarkers at the mRNA level can be a valuable tool for hypothesis testing, and assessment of clinical activity and response to therapy in ulcerative colitis.
State Immigration Legislation and SNAP Take-Up Among Immigrant Families with Children

Children living with immigrant parents represent the fastest-growing segment of the under-18 population in the United States. Immigrant-family children are much more likely to experience economic deprivation than native-family children. Research shows that immigrant families eligible for federal and state income and work supports, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps), access them at significantly lower rates than do native families. This study constructs an econometric model to identify variables associated with SNAP take-up among eligible immigrant families with citizen children. The results suggest broad-based state legislation restricting immigrant rights reduces program participation among these families. Stronger outreach efforts by state program administrators to promote SNAP among immigrant groups and make it easier for working parents to enroll in the program might encourage greater participation among eligible immigrant families in this important social saf...
Redistricting Using Constrained Polygonal Clustering

Redistricting is the process of dividing a geographic area consisting of spatial units-often represented as spatial polygons-into smaller districts that satisfy some properties. It can therefore be formulated as a set partitioning problem where the objective is to cluster the set of spatial polygons into groups such that a value function is maximized [1]. Widely used algorithms developed for point-based data sets are not readily applicable because polygons introduce the concepts of spatial contiguity and other topological properties that cannot be captured by representing polygons as points. Furthermore, when clustering polygons, constraints such as spatial contiguity and unit distributedness should be strategically addressed. Toward this, we have developed the Constrained Polygonal Spatial Clustering (CPSC) algorithm based on the A* search algorithm that integrates cluster-level and instance-level constraints as heuristic functions. Using these heuristics, CPSC identifies the initial seeds, determines the best cluster to grow, and selects the best polygon to be added to the best cluster. We have devised two extensions of CPSC-CPSC* and CPSC*-PS-for problems where constraints can be soft or relaxed. Finally, we compare our algorithm with graph partitioning, simulated annealing, and genetic algorithm-based approaches in two applications-congressional redistricting and school districting.
Infarction of the testicle in the newborn infant

Summary Two cases of infarction of the testicle in the newborn period are added to the twenty-four cases previously reported in the English literature. In both cases the testicle was excised and shown to have total hemorrhagic infarction of the testicle and contiguous cord. Early recognition and immediate operation are necessary if the testicle is to be preserved.
Two more for the knowledge account of assertion

The Knowledge Account of Assertion (KAA) has received added support recently from data on prompting assertion (Turri 2010) and from a refinement suggesting that assertions ought to express knowledge (Turri 2011). This paper adds another argument from parenthetical positioning, and then argues that KAA’s unified explanation of some of the earliest data adduced in its favor recommends KAA over its rivals.
Magnetic resonance imaging of myocardial contrast enhancement with MS-325 and its relation to myocardial blood flow and the perfusion reserve

Purpose To determine with an intravascular contrast agent the relation between the rate of myocardial signal enhancement during the first pass (upslope) and myocardial blood flow (MBF), and to derive and validate a corrected perfusion reserve (PR) index from the upslope parameter. Materials and Methods Measurements of the upslope parameter for myocardial contrast enhancement with an intravascular contrast agent (MS-325) were performed in a porcine model with ameroid coronary constrictor. MBF was estimated with MRI and was validated against separate invasive measurements with labeled microspheres. PR indices were calculated from the upslope of the tissue curves. A new PR index was corrected by the time delay between appearance of the tracer and the upslope maximum. Results MBFs determined by MRI vs. MBFs measured with microspheres were in agreement within the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the identity relation. The new PR index slightly overestimated the MBF reserve by an average +1.4% (95% CI = −44% to +46%). The uncorrected PR index underestimated the MBF reserve by −33% (95% CI = −92% to +25%). Conclusion A perfusion index derived from the maximum upslope of myocardial contrast enhancement produces accurate estimates of the PR if corrected by the time-to-maximum upslope. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2003;18:544–554. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Discrete Event XML based Simulation Framework for System of Systems Architectures

System of systems (SoS) concept is essential in solving the issues in complex systems where there are heterogeneous independently operable systems. In order for these independent systems to establish an SoS, they need to understand each other through effective communication. Thus, there is a need for a common language which wraps the data that is sent and received from a system within an SoS. This paper presents the application of extensible markup language (XML) to represent data communicated among systems without underlying differences in hardware software of the individual systems. Moreover, since the operation of each system is asynchronous in nature, the entire SoS can be considered as an event driven system. This paper presents a simulation framework to simulate the structure of the systems in an event driven fashion and wraps the data with a common language. The DEVSJAVA software is used as the discrete event simulator. In addition, XML based encapsulation is created in the DEVSJAVA environment to in the SoS.
Plan space analysis: an early warning system to detect plan regressions in cost-based optimizers

Plan regressions pose a significant problem in commercial database systems: Seemingly innocuous changes to a query optimizer component such as the cost model or the search strategy in order to enhance optimization results may result in unexpected and detrimental changes to previously satisfactory query plans.Database vendors spend substantial resources on quality assurance to guard against this very issue, yet, testing for plan regressions in optimizers has proven hard and inconclusive. This is due to the nature of the problem: the optimizer chooses a single plan---Best Plan Found (bpf)---from a search space of literally up to hundreds of millions of different plan alternatives. It is standard practice to use a known good bpf and test for changes to this plan, i. e., ensure that no changes have occurred. However, in the vast majority of cases the bpf is not be affected by a code-level change, even though the change is known to affect many plans in the search space.In this paper, we propose a holistic approach to address this issue. Instead of focusing on test suites consisting of BPFS we take the entire search space into account. We introduce a metric to assess the optimizer's accuracy across the entire search space.We present preliminary results using a commercial database system, demonstrate the usefulness of our methodology with a standard benchmark, and illustrate how to build such an early warning system.
The relationship among microsomal enzyme induction, liver weight and histological change in beagle dog toxicology studies.

Abstract The present study represents a retrospective analysis of hepatic microsomal enzyme induction data collected over a period of years for the beagle dog. Comparisons were completed for up to six enzyme activities and P450 content versus histopathological examination of the liver for hepatic changes and serum chemistry data analysis for markers indicative of hepatic injury. In addition, qualitative comparisons were made for these compounds to data reported in the rat by the same authors. In this analysis of canine study data for nine different compounds comprising five different pharmacological classes, significant elevations in several microsomal enzyme activities were observed under study conditions that did not result in liver weight increases, histological changes or serum chemistry changes that would be indicative of hepatocellular or hepatobiliary damage. Despite some species differences in cytochome P450 homologues, for this compound set, there was clearly a general association between the response in dog liver and that of the rat liver. Compounds that elicited significant increases in more than one canine P450 endpoints were also likely to produce an inductive response in rat liver; however, the magnitude of the response and the P450 endpoint involved were not always identical. We conclude that hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme induction in the beagle dog liver is typically a benign adaptive response, which parallels that reported previously in the rat.
Dissecting the Membrane Binding and Insertion Kinetics of a pHLIP Peptide

When it is bound to lipid bilayers, the conformation and location of the membrane pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP) depend on pH. This unique feature allows us to explicitly measure the kinetics leading to different membrane-bound states of pHLIP using a model membrane and stopped-flow technique. Our results show that the membrane association kinetics of pHLIP are multiexponential and are consistent with a parallel membrane interaction mechanism. Interestingly, our results also show that the overall rate at which the membrane-inserted state is formed is almost identical to that of formation of the surface-bound state, while prebinding slows the rate of peptide insertion.
Investigating the relationship between image enhancement and image compression in the context of the multi-scale retinex

Image enhancement and data compression methods arose from the distinct and largely separate disciplines of image processing and communications respectively, yet both are important components of current and future digital imaging systems technology. Here we examine the relationship of these two components with special emphasis on image enhancement and lossy jpeg image compression. When transmission channel capacity is limited, image/data compression is often performed to increase the data throughput. However, this compression has a significant impact on the quality of the final data that is received. In most cases, image enhancement performed after image compression tends to bring out the artifacts injected into the data due to the compression. However, if image enhancement is performed before image compression, there are two issues that arise: (i) image enhancement typically increases the contrast-amount of observable detail-in an image which leads to poorer compression ratios; and (ii) the radiometric information in the original data is typically irretrievably lost. In this paper we address the impact of image enhancement, specifically that of the multi-scale retinex with color restoration (msrcr) on image compression, and vice versa. We also look at the impact of compression on recovering original data from enhanced imagery given certain parameters about the enhancement process. In this context, we also develop an inversion process for the msrcr.
Sex differences in human fatigability: mechanisms and insight to physiological responses

Sex-related differences in physiology and anatomy are responsible for profound differences in neuromuscular performance and fatigability between men and women. Women are usually less fatigable than men for similar intensity isometric fatiguing contractions. This sex difference in fatigability, however, is task specific because different neuromuscular sites will be stressed when the requirements of the task are altered, and the stress on these sites can differ for men and women. Task variables that can alter the sex difference in fatigability include the type, intensity and speed of contraction, the muscle group assessed and the environmental conditions. Physiological mechanisms that are responsible for sex-based differences in fatigability may include activation of the motor neurone pool from cortical and subcortical regions, synaptic inputs to the motor neurone pool via activation of metabolically sensitive small afferent fibres in the muscle, muscle perfusion and skeletal muscle metabolism and fibre type properties. Non-physiological factors such as the sex bias of studying more males than females in human and animal experiments can also mask a true understanding of the magnitude and mechanisms of sex-based differences in physiology and fatigability. Despite recent developments, there is a tremendous lack of understanding of sex differences in neuromuscular function and fatigability, the prevailing mechanisms and the functional consequences. This review emphasizes the need to understand sex-based differences in fatigability to shed light on the benefits and limitations that fatigability can exert for men and women during daily tasks, exercise performance, training and rehabilitation in both health and disease.