cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Order from Chaos: Will ontologies help you structure your semi-structured data?

There is probably little argument that the past decade has brought the “big bang” in the amount of online information available for processing by humans and machines. Two of the trends that it spurred (among many others) are: first, there has been a move to more flexible and fluid (semi-structured) models than the traditional centralized relational databases that stored most of the electronic data before; second, today there is simply too much information available to be processed by humans, and we really need help from machines. On today’s Web, however, most of the information is still for human consumption in one way or another.
Polarization of neutrons scattered by carbon

Abstract The polarization of neutrons scattered from carbon has been measured at a laboratory scattering angle of 50° for neutron energies between 4.4 and 8.5 MeV. Angular distributions of polarization were obtained at neutron energies of 4.4 and 7.1 MeV. The results show that the polarization reaches a maximum value close to unity at 4.4 and 7.3 MeV.
A new species of Thenardia (Apocynaceae, Apocynoideae) from Chiapas, Mexico, with notes on the genus

A new species,Thenardia chiapensis, is described and illustrated. The new species is the first taxon in the genus to have its fruits, two fused follicles, described and illustrated. In addition, observations ofT. floribunda specimens have revealed the existence of a novel character, coiled filaments, previously undescribed for the genus.
Pine Straw Harvesting Effects on Vadose-Zone Water Content of a Leadvale Silt Loam in Western Arkansas

This study addresses concerns that harvesting marketable pine straw from forests may decrease timber productivity by allowing water to evaporate more quickly from the soil surface. Three harvesting schedules and a control treatment (no straw harvest) were replicated six times on 24 plots (0.18 ha each), and compared to determine harvesting effects on water content of the soil vadose zone in an established (16 yr) loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) plantation (3.0 × 1.5 m2 tree spacing). Pine straw harvesting tended to decrease volumetric soil water content (%) at depths below 20 cm, but the effect was significant (p < .05) only at the 50-cm depth in Weeks 3 and 4 (late June) of the study, when water content at this depth averaged 20.9% for soils where straw was harvested annually, and 30.2% for soils where the straw was never harvested (control). In soils where pine straw had been allowed to accumulate for at least a year after the previous harvest, average water content was not significantly different than in the...
Super-resolution image reconstruction from UAS surveillance video through affine invariant interest point-based motion estimation

In traditional super-resolution methods, researchers generally assume that accurate subpixel image registration parameters are given a priori. In reality, accurate image registration on a subpixel grid is the single most critically important step for the accuracy of super-resolution image reconstruction. In this paper, we introduce affine invariant features to improve subpixel image registration, which considerably reduces the number of mismatched points and hence makes traditional image registration more efficient and more accurate for super-resolution video enhancement. Affine invariant interest points include those corners that are invariant to affine transformations, including scale, rotation, and translation. They are extracted from the second moment matrix through the integration and differentiation covariance matrices. Our tests are based on two sets of real video captured by a small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) aircraft, which is highly susceptible to vibration from even light winds. The experimental results from real UAS surveillance video show that affine invariant interest points are more robust to perspective distortion and present more accurate matching than traditional Harris/SIFT corners. In our experiments on real video, all matching affine invariant interest points are found correctly. In addition, for the same super-resolution problem, we can use many fewer affine invariant points than Harris/SIFT corners to obtain good super-resolution results.
Oscillatory oxidation of Co over a Pt catalyst

We report measurements of the temporal oscillatory oxidation rates of CO over a polycrystalline Pt wire. The experiments were conducted near atmospheric pressure in a clean flow reactor system. Reproducible oscillations in both the temperature of the Pt wire and in the rate of CO2 production were found over a wide range of gas compositions, 0.001 <PCOPO2< 0.045, and temperatures, 150°C < Tg < 350°C, where PCO and po2 are the respective partial pressures of carbon monoxide and oxygen in the gas stream, and Tg is the temperature of the gas. The oscillations are believed to occur between two branches of a Langmuir-Hinshelwood reaction mechanism. It is suggested that the slow formation and removal of subsurface oxygen drives the reaction between the two branches. A simple kinetic model based on this hypothesis gives excellent qualitative agreement with the observed oscillations.
Impulse Breakdown in PMMA under Miegavolt, Nanosecond Excitation

Single impulse dielectric breakdown tests were performed on thick (0.16 to 1.91 cm) polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) specimens using a uniform field geometry with 7.5 cm diameter Bruce contour electrodes. The applied voltage rose within 20 ns to 2 MV, remained there about 30 ns and decayed in about 65 ns. In some cases, specimens were deliberately altered by surface scribing, pin pricking, drilling small dimples, drilling holes in portions of laminated specimens, and combinations of these. Light emission during the breakdown pulse and damage morphology were studied. Results of these experiments include the following: Each specimen contained many partial channels as well as a main breakdown path. The number varied greatly with overvoltage. Specimens 0.16 cm thick (peak field 12 MV/cm) contained about 2000 partial tree-like channels in various stages of growth, while 1.91 cm thick specimens (peak field 1.1 MV/cm) contained about 20 partial channels. In all unaltered specimens, the channels originated at the anode surface. However, when deep cavities were intentionally introduced into the cathode surface, channels originated at these artificially produced defects as well as on the defect-free anode surface. Intense light emission occurred from both the partial channels and the main discharge channel. The main discharge path is formed only after one of the partial discharge channels has grown completely across the specimen.
Testing the Identity of Trends under the Restriction of Monotonicity in Repeated Measures Designs.

Procedures are described for the analysis of profiles of means in repeated measures designs under order restriction for patterns of mean change. The exact likelihood ratio is derived for the case of two groups of subjects, and a computationally simple alternative to the exact likelihood ratio test is provided for designs involving more than two groups. Tables of critical values are provided for the case of simple-order alternatives.
SU-E-T-560: Inter- and Intra-Fraction Variations in Esophageal Dose for Lung Cancer Patients, and the Impact of Setup Technique and Treatment Modality

Purpose: To understand the dose‐response of the esophagus in photon and proton therapy, it is important to appreciate the variations in delivered dose caused by inter‐ and intra‐fraction motion. Methods: Four lungcancer patients were identified who had experienced grade 3 esophagitis during their treatment, and for whom their esophagus was close, but not encompassed by, the treatment volume. Each patient had been treated with proton therapy using 35–37 2Gy fractions, and had received weekly 4DCT imaging.IMRT plans were also created using the same treatment planning constraints. In‐house image registration software was used to deform the esophagus contour from the treatment plan to each phase of the 4DCT for each weekly image set. Daily setup using both bony and soft tissue (GTV) registration was simulated, and the treatment dose calculated for each CT image. Changes to the esophagus DVH relative to the treatment plan were quantified in terms of the relative volume of the esophagus receiving 45, 55, and 65Gy (V45, V55 and V65). Results: For all combinations of treatment modality (photon,proton) and setup method (bony, GTV), intra‐fraction motion resulted in a range of V45, V55 and V65 from 3.6 to 5.5%. Inter‐fraction motion comparing daily exhale or inhale phases showed the range of V45, V55 and V65 from 8.5 to 18.6% (exhale) and 9.8 to 16.3% (inhale). Conclusions: Inter‐fractional motion resulted in larger variations in dose delivered to the esophagus than intra‐fractional motion. The inter‐fraction range for V45, V55 and V65 varied by around 10% between patients. The treatment modality (photon,proton) and setup technique (bony, GTV) had minimal impact on the results.
Dielectric Properties and Phase Transitions of Sodium‐Strontium‐Cadmium Niobates

Solid solution was observed in the system Na1-xSrN CdPNbO3 where N + P = x/2 between ≤ x 0.40 when the ratio of N:P was within the limits 1:2 → 2:1. Solid solution was observed at N:P ratios outside these limits but these materials were not studied extensively. A ferroelectric pseudomonoclinic perovskite phase was observed at 25° C when ≤ x & le; 0.10 in the compositional series studied. At higher values of x a ferroelectric pseudotetragonal phase with c/a 1 appeared between the pseudomonoclinic ferroelectric phase and the para-electric pseudocubic phase which was stable at high temperatures. The pseudotetragonal phase, which exhibited much larger values of €/€0 than the pseudomonoclinic phase, had a large peak in the electrical permittivity when it transformed to the pseudocubic state. The high-temperature phase observed in these materials became a small-cell perovskite structure when the subcell edge length attained 3.942 ± 0.002 A as a result of thermal expansion.
Quasilinearization and the fitting of nonlinear models of drug metabolism to experimental kinetic data

Abstract In recent years it has been shown that the biotransformation of various drugs in the therapeutic dose range is not adequately described by linear models. For enzymatically mediated reactions, for example, the phenomena of saturation and substrate depletion lead to nonlinear effects. A basic task is to fit nonlinear theoretical models to observed data for various metabolic processes. This is done for a process involving Michaelis and Menten kinetics. A numerical experiment is described, and various extensions are suggested.
Engineering Competence? An Interpretive Investigation of Engineering Students' Professional Formation

Background There is growing evidence that engineering students' professional formation is shaped by the interplay of explicit learning activities and various influences from the wider educational context. The unintended outcomes of these processes, or Accidental Competencies, formed the lens for an empirical investigation of this social learning system. Purpose (Hypothesis) The exploratory inquiry addressed the following research questions. What are influences that contribute to engineering students' professional formation? How does it occur and what are resulting competencies and incompetencies Design/Mscethod Data was collected internationally in focus groups with 67 students in their transition from university into professional practice. The students' accounts were analyzed qualitatively using the software NVivo7. From the iterative analysis based on a grounded theory approach, categories and subordinate clusters of influences, mechanisms, and outcomes emerged. Results The following three forms of representation provide an authentic view of the social learning system under investigation: (i) a contextual model of competency formation illustrates the complex nature of the learning processes; (ii) an overview of the coding structure presents seven competence clusters (Flexibility, Interaction, Plan, Professional Realities, Self, Social Context and Technical); and (iii) thick descriptions from the students' accounts trace three characteristics of the complex learning processes (compound influences, ambiguity of outcomes, context-dependent nature of learning outcomes). Conclusions Engineering education is a complex system where a range of influences outside the realm of explicit instruction contribute to the development of students as professional engineers. This study provides an evidence-based framework to consider this complexity in reflective teaching practice and innovative curriculum design.
Evaluating a Hospital Cost-Containment Program in a Paired Experiment

Abstract The persistently high rate of increase in medical costs and the inadequacies of health service delivery have become the paramount concern of the health industry in this country for the past two decades. In response to the need for cost containment and better service delivery systems, the BC/BS in Kansas City instituted a trial Cooperative Utilization Review Program (CURP) among member hospitals in 1977. This study, employing a hospital behavior model and various statistical procedures, attempts to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the private program, CURP, with a sample of 19,284 inpatients admitted to both “control” and “study” hospitals during the observation period of 1977–78. The paired experiment indicated that CURP was highly cost-effective in deterring unnecessarily lengthy stays in the “study” hospitals as compared with those in the “control” hospitals. Observed were some economies of scale in the operation of CURP.
The Biology Battle: Public Opinion and the Origins of Life

Is the origins of life debate occurring in the United States an illustration of the culture wars? To address this question we examine attitudes toward evolution using data from the 2006 General Social Survey. Multinomial logistic regression models indicate that attitudes about whether humans today evolved from earlier species of life are more fully explained by orthodox Christian doctrine, not religious tradition, as the culture wars thesis suggests. However, an isomorphism between orthodox Christine doctrine and conservative political ideology has not occurred. While a liberal political ideology is strongly related to acceptance of evolution, these data suggest that only a certain group of political conservatives, those who accept orthodox Christian doctrine, reject evolution as sound scientific theory. Additionally, respondents who “don't know” if evolution is “true” or “false” differ from both the believers and skeptics in that they appear to lack the exposure to either science or orthodox Christian doctrine that would give them clear guidance about what to think in regards to evolution.
Cell density-dependent nuclear/cytoplasmic localization of NORPEG (RAI14) protein.

Abstract NORPEG (RAI14), a developmentally regulated gene induced by retinoic acid, encodes a 980 amino acid (aa) residue protein containing six ankyrin repeats and a long coiled-coil domain [Kutty et al., J. Biol. Chem. 276 (2001), pp. 2831–2840]. We have expressed aa residues 1–287 of NORPEG and used the recombinant protein to produce an anti-NORPEG polyclonal antibody. Confocal immunofluorescence analysis showed that the subcellular localization of NORPEG in retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells varies with cell density, with predominantly nuclear localization in nonconfluent cells, but a cytoplasmic localization, reminiscent of cytoskeleton, in confluent cultures. Interestingly, an evolutionarily conserved putative monopartite nuclear localization signal (P270KKRKAP276) was identified by analyzing the sequences of NORPEG and its orthologs. GFP-NORPEG (2–287 aa), a fusion protein containing this signal, was indeed localized to nuclei when expressed in ARPE-19 or COS-7 cells. Deletion and mutation analysis indicated that the identified nuclear localization sequence is indispensable for nuclear targeting.
Enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in the mossy fiber pathway of the hippocampal formation of the tree shrew (Tupaia Glis)

Abstract The distribution of enkephalin-like immunoreactivity within the hippocampal formation of the tree shrew ( Tupaia glis ) has been investigated. By far the most conspicuous immunoreactive structures within the hippocampal formation were components of the mossy fiber pathway. Immunoreactive granule cells within the dentate gyrus could often be seen sending dendrites into the molecular layer and axons into the hilus of the dentate gyrus. Within the regio inferior of Ammon's horn, massive immunoreactive terminal swellings associated with thin fibers were located in the zone just above the pyramidal cell layer. While the mossy fiber pathway was the most intensely labeled portion of the hippocampal formation, occasionally sparse terminals and lightly immunoreactive cell bodies were noted in regio superior. These results indicate that the mossy fiber system may be an important pathway for opiate modulation of hippocampal activity.
Part 1: The Determination of Web Credibility: A Thematic Analysis of Web User's Judgments

This research explored how web users make credibility judgments of web sites. Three focus groups each examined three web sites and were questioned regarding their judgments of each site's credibility. 629 comments were generated by the three focus groups. Each comment was coded into 12 categories representing the factors impacting web credibility judgments: authority, page layout, site motive, URL, crosscheckability, user motive, content, date, professionalism, site familiarity, process, and personal beliefs. Each factor is discussed in terms of its relevance pertaining to web credibility.
Multi system analysis of intravenous calcium and sodium heparin

Abstract A variety of hematologic measurements were completed in normals before and 15 and 60 minutes following an intravenous injection of 1,000 USP units of sodium or calcium heparin. The heparin used for preparation of the calcium salt was from the same batch as the sodium salt. Statistically significant prolongation of APTT, elevation of fibrin split products, and depressed fibrinogen and plasminogen levels were observed 15 minutes after injection in the sodium heparin group. Minor differences were observed at 60 minutes in C'3 levels, Lee and White clotting time, platelet counts, platelet adhesive index, and factor X levels. Although paired comparisons show statistical significant results between the heparin salts, the clinical manifestations of these results may not be evident in most applications.
Simple polyacrylamide-based multiwell stiffness assay for the study of stiffness-dependent cell responses.

Currently, most of the in vitro cell research is performed on rigid tissue culture polystyrene (~1 GPa), while most cells in the body are attached to a matrix that is elastic and much softer (0.1 – 100 kPa). Since such stiffness mismatch greatly affects cell responses, there is a strong interest in developing hydrogel materials that span a wide range of stiffness to serve as cell substrates. Polyacrylamide gels, which are inexpensive and cover the stiffness range of all soft tissues in the body, are the hydrogel of choice for many research groups. However, polyacrylamide gel preparation is lengthy, tedious, and only suitable for small batches. Here, we describe an assay which by utilizing a permanent flexible plastic film as a structural support for the gels, enables the preparation of polyacrylamide gels in a multiwell plate format. The technique is faster, more efficient, and less costly than current methods and permits the preparation of gels of custom sizes not otherwise available. As it doesn’t require any specialized equipment, the method could be easily adopted by any research laboratory and would be particularly useful in research focused on understanding stiffness-dependent cell responses.
Experimental Aspects and Their Clinical Application

After laboratory evaluation of nontoxic doses of intravitreal antibiotics, 26 cases of bacterial and fungal endophthalmitis were treated by intravitreal antibiotic or vitrectomy. In 46% of all cases, visual acuity was better than 20/100, whereas 27% had light perception to 20/300 visual acuity, 4% had no light perception, and 23% of the cases were enucleated or eviscerated. Best results have been achieved when the treatment began within 36 hours after symptomatic onset of infection and when the organism involved was not too virulent. We advocate intravitreal antibiotics immediately after intracameral and vitreous tap for culture, to be followed by vitrectomy 24 hours later if the culture is positive. In bacterial endophthalmitis when the vitreous is severely involved and in cases of fungal endophthalmitis, we advocate vitrectomy plus intravitreal antibiotics as the primary procedure.
Electron scattering mechanisms in amorphous ferromagnetic Fe 80 B 20

The temperature dependence of the resistivity of many amorphous metals, including ferromagnetic ones, has been fitted reasonably well to integral power laws (${T}^{2}$ at intermediate temperatures and $T$ at higher temperatures), in agreement with predictions of the extended Ziman theory including electron-ion potential scattering only. The dominant temperature dependence corresponding to electron-magnon scattering is ${T}^{1.5}$, and recent results on some amorphous ferromagnets show satisfactory fits to such a power law. However, it may not be easy to distinguish between exponents differing by only 0.5, so that nonsubjective methods of data analysis should be used. Seven samples of amorphous ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{80}$${\mathrm{B}}_{20}$ from two separate melt-quenching runs were used in this study. A small but measurable difference in the temperature dependence of resistivity was found for the different runs. A nonlinear-least-squares\char22{}finite-difference technique was used to fit the resistivity data to power laws. In the temperature interval $20\ensuremath{\lesssim}T\ensuremath{\lesssim}100$ K, the best half-integral power-law exponent is 1.5. This exponent and its coefficient are consistent with predictions of the effect of the electron-magnon scattering mechanism; however, arguments are presented which weaken the case for the significance of this consistency.
Fine structure of the hamster sperm head.

The fine structure of the principal components of the sperm head of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is described. The acrosome investing the anterior half of the sperm nucleus comprises two regions, the anteriorly located, enlarged region (acrosome cap) and the posteriorly located, thin region (acrosome collar). The acrosome contains substances which are different in electron density. The less electron-dense material is present in the anterior part of the acrosome cap. The electron-dense material is located along the outer acrosome membrane of the posterior part of the acrosome cap and also in the acrosome collar. A cytoplasmic element distributed over the surface of the sperm nucleus is abundant in the regions called perforatorium, subacrosomal ring, and post-nuclear cap. The perforatorium and subacrosmal ring consist of the densely packed cytoplasmic element invested by the inner acrosome membrane. The post-nuclear cap is a layer of densely packed cytoplasmic element tightly adhering to the overlying plasma membrane. At the time of sperm death in the epididymis, uterus, and physiological salt solution (Tyrode's) the acrosome cap and plasma membrane tend to undergo drastic degenerative changes. On the other hand, the nucleus, acrosome collar, perforatorium, and post-nuclear cap remain morphologically unchanged in many spermatozoa during the initial stage of sperm degeneration. Comparisons are made of the structures of the acrosome, perforatorium, and post-nuclear cap of the hamster spermatozoa with those of other mammalian species.
Depletion of Retinyl Esters in the Lungs Coincides with Lung Prenatal Morphological Maturation

Close to birth rat fetuses have lungs which are depleted in retinyl esters. Glucocorticoids administered to pregnant rats accelerate this process. We have investigated changes in fetal lung levels of retinol and retinyl palmitate and accompanying morphological changes after administration of dexamethasone to pregnant rats on day 18 of pregnancy. Here we show that this depletion temporarily coincides with prenatal morphological maturation of the lungs. The data presented support the idea that the maturational effect of glucocorticoids in the developing lungs is linked to vitamin A metabolism.
ALCOVE: A Connectionist Model of Human Category Learning

ALCOVE is a connectionist model of human category learning that fits a broad spectrum of human learning data. Its architecture is based on well-established psychological theory, and is related to networks using radial basis functions. From the perspective of cognitive psychology, ALCOVE can be construed as a combination of exemplar-based representation and error-driven learning. From the perspective of connectionism, it can be seen as incorporating constraints into back-propagation networks appropriate for modelling human learning.
Predicted Magnetoelectric Effect in Fe / BaTiO 3 Multilayers: Ferroelectric Control of Magnetism

An unexplored physical mechanism which produces a magnetoelectric effect in ferroelectric-ferromagnetic multilayers is studied based on first-principles calculations. Its origin is a change in bonding at the ferroelectric-ferromagnet interface that alters the interface magnetization when the electric polarization reverses. Using Fe/BaTiO3 multilayers as a representative model, we show a sizable difference in magnetic moments of Fe and Ti atoms at the two interfaces dissimilar by the orientation of the local electric dipole moments. The predicted magnetoelectric effect opens a new direction to control magnetic properties of thin-film layered structures by electric fields.
Quantitation of Hydralazine Hydro-Chloride in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms Using Highc Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract Stability-indicating assay methods for the quantitation of hydralazine hydrochloride based on high-performance liquid chroma-tography using two different columns have been developed. Phenyl-prooanolamine can be used as an internal standard with both columns (μC18 and μphenyl) while hydrochlorothiazide can be used only with μphenyl column. The method is accurate and precise with percent relative standard deviations based on 6 readings of less than 2. The excipients present in the dosage forms did not interfere with the assay method. In combination with hydrochlorothiazide, hydralazine can be quantified only with μphenyl column. Two oral liquid dosage forms prepared in a local hospital using commercially available strawberry syrup/simple syrup decomposed completely in one day.
The development of effective homeothermy and endothermy by nestling starlings

Abstract 1. 1. Loss of body temperature and metabolism were measured in nestling European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris L.) for brood sizes of 1, 3, 5 and 7 at four air temperature ranges. Data were collected for age classes 1–6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 days. 2. 2. A distinction is made between effective homeothermy and effective endothermy as determined for broods under semi-natural conditions vs homeothermy and endothermy determined for isolated chicks. 3. 3. Endothermy developed slowly. Shivering thermogenesis began at about 6 days; peak metabolism was not reached until about 10–12 days. Analysis of variance indicated that brood size, air temperature, age, and all two-way interactions were significant. 4. 4. Homeothermy was achieved earlier than endothermy in chicks for all brood sizes under all test conditions. For a given air temperature effective homeothermy was achieved earlier by individuals within larger broods. This was primarily due to inertial effects retarding heat loss. 5. 5. The homeothermic status of broods of various sizes can be predicted from metabolic abilities of individuals within nests.
Shareholder Value Maximization and Product Market Competition

We investigate product-market competition when managers maximize shareholders value rather than their expected discounted value of profits. If shareholders are imperfectly informed about future profitability, shareholder-value maximization can lead to either more or less aggressive product-market strategies. Lower rivals' profits lead investors to believe that the firm's costs are low relative to those of its rivals and that the industry's prospects are poor. If the former (latter) inference dominates, each firm tries to lower (raise) its rivals' profits to increase its own stock price. We also consider implications for corporate financial structure. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.
Polymorphism exon 1 variant at the locus of the scavenger receptor class B type I gene: influence on plasma LDL cholesterol in healthy subjects during the consumption of diets with different fat contents

Background: The association between polymorphisms in the scavenger receptor class B type I (SRB-I) gene and variations in basal plasma concentrations of cholesterol in humans has recently been described. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether the exon 1 variant (G→A) at the SRB-I gene is associated with the lipid response to the content and quality of dietary fat in healthy subjects. Design: We studied 97 healthy volunteers with exon 1 polymorphism [65 homozygous for allele 1 (1/1) and 32 heterozygous for allele 2 (1/2)]. Both groups consumed 3 diets lasting 4 wk each. The first was a saturated fatty acid (SFA)‐rich diet (38% fat, 20% SFA), which was followed by a carbohydrate (Cho)‐rich diet (30% fat, < 10% SFA, 55% carbohydrate) or a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), olive oil‐rich diet (38% fat, 22% MUFA) according to a randomized crossover design. At the end of each dietary period, plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol and of total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol were measured. Results: Carriers of the 1/2 genotype had a trend toward higher concentrations of LDL cholesterol (P < 0.11) after the SFA‐rich diet than did those who were homozygous for 1/1. Carriers of the mutation showed a significantly greater (P = 0.007) decrease in LDL-cholesterol concentrations (� 23%) in changing from an SFA‐rich diet to a Cho‐rich diet than did noncarriers of the mutation (� 16%). Conclusion: Carriers of the minority allele, 1/2, are more susceptible to the presence of SFA in the diet because of a greater increase in LDL cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;77:809‐13.
Optimal Elimination Methods in the m × n Flow-Shop Scheduling Problem

For solving the flow-shop scheduling problem, this paper examines elimination techniques that reduce the set of solutions to a subset that must contain the optimal solution being sought. The paper shows 1 that the elimination method of Szwarc [Naval Res. Log. Quart. 18, 295-305 1971] removes at least as many solutions as any other method, and is therefore optimal, and 2 how to construct a general counterexample to any procedure that removes more sequences than this optimal method.
Near field of ultrasonic transducers (and how it pertains to acousto-optics)

The acousto-optic methods have given valuable insight to the complicated structure of the near field of ultrasonic transducers. Although the image formed is the result of the change of optical path integrated over essentially a thick grating, the results show interesting details. From the early schlieren photographs made with white light to the signals produced by pulses, surprising results are seen.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Estimates of worst case baseline West Nile virus disease effects in a suburban New York county

Serosurveys conducted where West Nile Virus (WNV) caused health impacts were used to construct a model of potential worst case health impacts in a suburban setting. This model addressed two common public perceptions regarding mosquito control activities and WNV disease: it is not a disease of major consequence, and exposed populations quickly become immune. Comparisons to blood bank infection and serious disease incidence data were similar to some of the serosurvey model results. Accounting for theoretical increasing immunity, even over a 20-year period, did not substantially reduce the potential impacts. The model results were approximately an order of magnitude greater than those actually experienced in Suffolk County, NY; differences in mosquito populations and/or the degree of mosquito control between Suffolk County and serosurvey sites seem to be the reason for the differences.
Stopping Trials Early for Benefit—Not So Fast!

On October 25, 2011, Eli Lilly and Company announced the voluntary withdrawal of Xigris (drotrecogin alfa [activated]) following the negative results of its most recent clinical trial, the PROWESS-SHOCK study. The purpose of this commentary is to briefly review the history of drotrecogin alfa, discuss issues surrounding early cessation of clinical trials for benefit, and highlight the scientific and ethical dilemmas faced when deciding whether or not to stop a trial early for benefit. This review should serve as an introduction to the topic of stopping trials early for benefit.
The Impact of Emotional Priming on MMPI-2 Scale Scores

The current study investigated potential emotional priming effects on Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) scale scores. Participants included 98 college students who completed a personal narrative intended to induce temporary mood states, the MMPI-2, and a mood rating inventory. Results of the mood manipulation indicated that the individuals who first wrote a negative personal narrative reported a less positive mood (d = -.79). However, analysis of variance results indicated no statistically significant differences on MMPI-2 scale scores between groups (median η(2) = .005). Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Electrocardiographic changes due to cardiac enlargement

Abstract In following up 15 patients with congestive heart failure, special effort was directed toward investigating a relationship between cardiac size, estimated from chest x-ray, and corrected orthogonal ECG findings (Frank lead system). In 12 patients, clinical improvement was accompanied by significant increase in QRS voltages represented by the magnitude of the spatial maximal QRS vector, the sum of R wave amplitudes in Leads X and Z (Rx + Rz), and the magnitude of the maximal QRS vector in the transverse plane. In an additional 3 patients, symptoms of congestive heart failure increased with a concomitant increase in heart size. In these patients, QRS voltages decreased. It seems reasonable, therefore, to postulate that these ECG measurements can be used as an indicator of cardiac size and the clinical course of patients with congestive heart failure. It is most likely, though not enough is known, that intracavitary blood mass might be the cause of these ECG changes. This observation provides an additional indicator for evaluation of a patient's clinical course which can be easily obtained and monitored.
What Constitutes an Effective Student Seminar

Abstract “SEMINARS are boring . . . a tradition which no one wants to kill or put out enough effort to make them what they should be”. This statement was made in response to a questionnaire sent to poultry department heads or poultry division chairmen in 49 state universities inviting them to discuss their ideas and opinions on the subject of what constitutes a good student seminar. Callenbach (1959) stated that the first known degree for a poultry major was a Masters of Science degree granted by the Iowa State College in 1906. The need for greater use of demonstration materials, visual aids, recordings and field trips for more effective teaching has been discussed by Coleman (1957), Talmadge (1958), Gwin (1958), Goff and McSpadden (1959), and Davis and Guenthner (1959). West et al. (1961) stated that the best vehicle to attract and motivate students is a strong undergraduate teaching program. Long (1965) concluded . . .
REGULATION OF THYROTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE RECEPTORS IS CELL TYPE SPECIFIC: COMPARISON OF ENDOGENOUS PITUITARY RECEPTORS AND RECEPTORS TRANSFECTED INTO NON-PITUITARY CELLS

TRH, which does not elevate cyclic AMP, and elevation of cellular cyclic AMP decrease the density (down-regulate) of TRH receptors (TRH-Rs) on pituitary (GH3) cells. In this study we measured the effects of TRH and elevation of cyclic AMP on TRH-Rs expressed in non-pituitary cells transfected with a recently cloned mouse pituitary TRH-R complementary DNA. In stably transfected rat glioma (C6-2) cells and transiently transfected COS-1 cells TRH caused TRH-R down-regulation while elevation of cyclic AMP caused increases in TRH-R density. Hence, the effects of cyclic AMP on TRH-Rs in transfected C6-2 and COS-1 cells are different from those in GH3 cells while the effects of TRH on TRH-R are similar in all three cell types. These data show that regulation of TRH-Rs is cell type specific.
Regulation of collagen gene expression

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the regulation of collagen protein synthesis of the cell, tissue, or whole animal level. Although in many cases these earlier studies pointed the way to the cellular and molecular biological experiments currently in progress. The collagens are a family of related proteins characterized by the repeating tripeptide sequence Gly-X-Y, in which X is often proline and Y is often hydroxyproline, and a triple-helical structure. This minimal definition of a collagen encompasses the twelve commonly recognized collagen types, a number of different collagens not yet accorded a type number, and several proteins whose structures and functions are sufficiently different from the collagens to warrant their exclusion from the collagen gene family. In addition, the effects of growth and differentiation factors on collagen expression during embryogenesis, tissue remodeling, wound repair, and normal morphogenesis are currently subjects of active study. Control of collagen synthesis in cells is complex and reflects both the translational and pre-translational mechanisms that are dependent on the cellular proliferative state. For most of the mediators discussed in this section, the net effect on collagen mRNA abundance has been shown, but the specific mechanisms remain to be established.
Is Economic Growth Criminogenic for Developing Economies? Evidence from Firm Surveys

Several studies have explored the relationship between economy level crime rates or individual level crime and economic growth. However, few studies have examined the relationship between economic growth and crime against firms. Using data for about 12,000 firms in 27 developing countries we find that economic growth is negatively associated with crime. We also find that several macro-economic factors can weaken or strengthen the relationship between crime and economic growth. Results are affirmed using a smaller panel of firms for which data are available. The results are robust to various sensitivity checks.
Characterizing intestinal strictures with acoustic resolution photoacoustic microscopy

Crohn’s disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease, which may cause obstructing intestinal strictures due to inflammation, fibrosis (deposition of collagen), or a combination of both. Identifying the different stages of the disease progression is still challenging. In this work, we indicated the feasibility of non-invasively characterizing intestinal strictures using photoacoustic imaging (PAI), utilizing the uniquely optical absorption of hemoglobin and collagen. Surgically removed human intestinal stricture specimens were investigated with a prototype PAI system. 2D PA images with acoustic resolution at wavelength 532, 1210 and 1310 nm were formulated, and furthermore, the PA histochemical components images which show the microscopic distributions of histochemical components were solved. Imaging experiments on surgically removed human intestinal specimens has demonstrated the solved PA images were significantly different associated with the presence of fibrosis, which could be applied to characterize the intestinal strictures for given specimens.
Everyday Ekphrastic Excursions: Olivier Rolin and Jean-Christophe Bailly

This article examines the role of ekphrasis in Olivier Rolin’s Un chasseur de lions (2008) and Jean-Christophe Bailly’s Le Depaysement, voyages en France (2011). Each work mobilizes ekphrasis in the service of an investigative excursion into real everyday spaces. Olivier Rolin historically reconstructs the enigmatic lion hunter Eugene Pertuiset, depicted in a painting by Edouard Manet. At the same time, he explores the parts of modern-day Paris where the traces of Manet can be discovered. As ekphrastic depictions of Manet’s paintings begin to colour Rolin’s perception of modern-day Paris, Un chasseur opens a trace space that blurs lines between past and present, and between representation and reality. In Le Depaysement, Jean-Christophe Bailly sets out to see to what extent he can — in an increasingly globalized world — perceive what is ‘French’ about France. When he scrutinizes the landscape from a moving train, capturing details on the fly, a kind of spontaneous ekphrasis emerges in his description: grou...
Aquifer Storage Monitoring at Leyden Mine Using Time-Lapse Gravity: A Revisit Seven Years Later

The Leyden mine artificial aquifer storage and recovery system was originally monitored by time-lapse gravity from 2004 to 2005 during the water injection period. We now continue that survey seven years later to assess the effectiveness of water storage. In order to do so we must remove sources of noise associated with a long term time-lapse gravity survey in an area with large anthropogenic effects. Missing time-lapse stations were located and reoccupied by using a combination of differential GPS and satellite image referencing. To correct for effects due to a surface quarry and landfill, surface change corrections are calculated by using digital elevation models from different time periods, analogous to a time-lapse terrain correction. After removing these effects, quantitative analyses by means of binary inversion and surface inversion are used to compare to previous work and map the current distribution of water. Comparisons based on surface inversions suggest that no water has left the system, but rather the water has redistributed itself slightly throughout the mine.
Malignant duodenocolic fistula: Report of two cases, each with one or more other synchronous gastrointestinal cancers

Two patients had duodenocolic fistulas, each following a carcinoma of the colon in the area of the hepatic flexure that had perforated into the duodenum. The first patient was treated by a radical pancreatoduodenectomy with right colectomy; the second by subtotal colectomy with excision of the duodenal wall and suture. Both patients are alive and without evidence of recurrent disease. In addition, the first patient had two other primary carcinomas, in the cecum and in the stomach, and the second patient had another primary in the sigmoid. The definitive procedure had to be adjusted to encompass all lesions. The radical operation in one stage seems to be the preferred procedure and certainly is most satisfactory as a cancer operation. Our patient treated by this procedure has survived more than 11 years. An intestinal fistula related to colonic carcinoma, even though rare, should not be considered as a separate entity. Treatment of the cancer with anen-bloc resection of the communicating organs should be employed if possible.
The con men: hustling in New York City

Growing up in New York, my father would often take me with him to his office. With his building on Water Street, we would have to change trains a number of times, moving from Metro North to the Sub...
The Neonatal Resuscitation Program: The Evidence Evaluation Process and Anticipating Edition 6

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Heart Association (AHA), has been in existence for 23 years, and the 6th edition of the NRP Textbook will be published soon. Today, more than 3 million perinatal health professionals have received NRP participation cards, and many hospitals are now requiring evidence of NRP completion before permitting physicians to admit newborns or staff to work in delivery areas. This article describes the evolution of the evidence evaluation process, the questions that have been posed over the past 5 years about the most appropriate neonatal resuscitation techniques, the process that the AAP and AHA have implemented to address those questions, and the major changes that have been incorporated into the upcoming edition of the NRP Textbook.
Electrical stimulation and blood flow restriction increase wrist extensor cross-sectional area and flow meditated dilatation following spinal cord injury

To examine the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and blood flow restricted (BFR) exercise on wrist extensors cross-sectional area (CSA), torque and hand functions compared NMES only in individuals with incomplete tetraplegia. The acute effect of an acute bout of NMES with BFR on flow mediated dilation (FMD) was compared with BFR only. Nine men completed 6 weeks twice weekly of bilateral NMES training of the wrist extensor muscles. The right forearm received NMES + BFR (30 % above the resting systolic blood pressure), while the left forearm received NMES only. The CSA of the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscles was measured on ultrasound images. Torque was measured isometrically and hand function with grasp and release test. Another eight men with SCI received NMES+BFR to the right forearm, while the left forearm received BFR only. Immediately, the FMD of the brachial artery was measured. Following training, the ECRL CSA was 17 % greater in the NMES+BFR forearm (mean difference = 0.6 cm2, p = 0.003) compared with the NMES only. The NMES+BFR had a 15 % increase in ECRL CSA (mean increase = 0.58 cm2, p = 0.048). FMD increased (p = 0.05) in the exercise arm (12 ± 3 %) compared with the control arm (6.5 ± 6 %). NMES training with BFR is a strategy that can increase skeletal muscle size. NMES with and without BFR can improve wrist strength and hand function. The acute effects of NMES+BFR may suggest that an increase in FMD may partially contribute to skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
Meta-ana lysis of efficacy of Acarbose in blood glucose control

Objective To get a systematic overview,a meta-analysis of the efficacy in blood glucose co ntrol of Acarbose was performed by comparing Acarbose with placebo,Metformin.M ethods Medline and China Biological Medicine Disk were searched for randomized controlled trials about studying the effect of Acarbose in blood glucose contro l from January,1981to October,2001.Meta-analysis was per-formed cal culating weighted mean difference(WMD)of fasting blood glucose,postprandial b lood glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,and body weight.Results Twelve randomize d controlled trials were identified,among which two were compared Acarbose wit h Metformin,nine were compared Acarbose with placebo,one was compared Acarbose with placebo and Metformin.The WMD between Acarbose and Metformin after treatm ent for fasting blood glucose,postprandial blood glucose,glycosylated hemoglo bin was-0.52mmol/L(95%CT-0.77～0.26),-1.18mmol/L(9 5%CI-1.54～0.81),-0.31mmol/L(95%CI-0.64～0.02)r espectively,among above12trials postprandial blood glucose WMD had significan t difference after treatment.The WMD between Acarbose and placebo after treatm ent for fasting blood glucose was-1.18mmol/L(95%CI-1.25～1.1 1)and for postprandial blood glucose was-2.69mmol/L (95%CI-2.76 ～2.62),was significant,while there were no significant difference WMD o f glycosylated hemoglobin-0.45%(95%CI-0.47～0.44)and body we ight -0.04kg(95%CI -0.08～0.00)Conclusion Acarbose lowers blo od glucose significantly comparing with placebo,Acarbose and Metformin have an equal effect on blood glucose control.But Acarbose lowers postprandial blood g lucose more significant,and it has less adverse-reaction.