cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INTENSITY OF REMOVAL OF CATIONS FROM COTTON, CORN, AND SOY BEAN TISSUE BY FRACTIONAL ELECTRODIALYSIS.

In a consideration of the characteristics of various plants a number of empirical studies have been made on the soil fertility requirements, shade tolerance, and food value of plants grown under varying environmental conditions (2, 3, 4, 5). There seemed to be some correlation between the relative strength of ions required by plants for optimum growth and the quality of light required. Certain plants which grow successfully in the shade may utilize relatively more of the weak nutrient ions. It might be expected that plants which have the ability to utilize weak nutrient ions and tolerate shade would synthesize organic compounds of relatively low quality energy value. These general observations lead to a consideration of the application of certain of the modern concepts, which have been useful in chemistry and physics, to soil fertility and mineral nutrition studies of plants. Since every form of energy may be considered as compounded of two factors, one the intensity factor and the other the capacity factor, it is desirable to know the relative importance of these two factors in biological reactions. The data reported are concerned with the intensity factor and only incidentally with the capacity, or quantity factor. It is believed that the life processes are more intimately concerned with the intensity factor of
Hydromagnetic stability of a slim disc in a stationary geometry

The magnetorotational instability originates from the elastic coupling of fluid elements in orbit around a gravitational well. Since inertial accelerations play a fundamental dynamical role in the process, one may expect substantial modifications by strong gravity in the case of accretion on to a black hole. In this paper, we develop a fully covariant, Lagrangian displacement vector field formalism with the aim of addressing these issues for a disc embedded in a stationary geometry with negligible radial flow. This construction enables a transparent connection between particle dynamics and the ensuing dispersion relation for magnetohydrodynamic wave modes. The magnetorotational instability (MRI) — in its incompressible variant — is found to operate virtually unabated down to the marginally stable orbit; the putative inner boundary of standard accretion disc theory. To obtain a qualitative feel for the dynamical evolution of the flow below r_(ms), we assume a mildly advective accretion flow such that the angular velocity profile departs slowly from circular geodesic flow. This exercise suggests that turbulent eddies will occur at spatial scales approaching the radial distance while tracking the surfaces of null angular velocity gradients. The implied field topology, namely large-scale horizontal field domains, should yield strong mass segregation at the displacement nodes of the non-linear modes when radiation stress dominates the local disc structure (an expectation supported by quasi-linear arguments and by the non-linear behaviour of the MRI in a non-relativistic setting). Under this circumstance, baryon-poor flux in horizontal field domains will be subject to radial buoyancy and to the Parker instability, thereby promoting the growth of poloidal field.
Empirical modeling of systematic spectrophotometric errors

Spectrophotometers, as electro-mechanical-optical devices, perform at a finite level of accuracy. This accuracy is limited by such factors as monochromator design, detector linearity, and cost. Generally, both the diagnosis and correction of spectrophotometric errors require a number of calibrated standard reference materials and considerable effort and commitment on the part of the user. A technique using multiple linear regression has been developed, based on the measurement of several suitably chosen standard reference materials, to both diagnose and correct systematic spectrophotometric errors, including photometric zero errors photometric linear and nonlinear scale errors, wavelength linear and nonlinear scale errors, and bandwidth errors. The use of a single chromatic ceramic tile to correct systematic errors improved the colorimetric accuracy of a set of chromatic and neutral tiles by a factor of two for a typical industrial-oriented spectrophotometer. Greater improvement can be achieved by increasing the number of tiles and performing a separate regression at each measured wavelength., These techniques have been extremely useful in improving inter-instrument agreement for instruments with similar geometry.
Estrogen control of uterine carbohydrate metabolism: factors affecting glucose utilization.

The mechanisms by which estradiol- 17β controls uterine glucose metabolism have been further characterized by altering the rate of glucose uptake and the concentration of electron acceptors under in vitro incubation conditions. Results indicate that early estrogen effects on glucose metabolism are manifest via alterations in the rate of glucose transport into uterine tissue slices. Later estrogen effects on glucose metabolism are probably the result of increased availability of NADP+ and eventually elevated glucose-6-phosphate:NADP oxidoreductase activity. The rate of incorporation of l4C into total uterine lipids from glucose-l-14C, glucose- 6-14C and pyruvate-3-14C increases linearly as a function of time after estradiol injection. Dissimilar changes in the total activity of several dehydrogenases occur in the uterus of the ovariectomized rat 12 hr after a single injection of estradiol. (Endocrinology 79: 1069, 1966
Inferior pedicle breast reduction: a retrospective review of technical modifications influencing patient safety, operative efficiency, and postoperative outcomes

Abstract Background The inferior pedicle technique remains the most popular approach to breast reduction in the United States. Modifications to this procedure have enhanced versatility, patient safety, and outcome satisfaction in patients with all degrees of macromastia. Methods A 6-year retrospective review of 241 patients who underwent bilateral inferior pedicle breast reduction was conducted at our institution. Modifications analyzed included methylene blue tattooing to provide preoperative landmarks, preoperative hydrodissection to reduce intraoperative blood loss, incorporation of inframammary darting to reduce tension at the “T-junction,” preservation of superomedial volume for enhanced medial fullness, and dermatome blade–guided tissue resection. Results Inframammary darting reduced the incidence of wound dehiscence. Preoperative hydrodissection reduced intraoperative blood loss by a factor of 2. Dermatome blade use reduced operative times at no increased incidence of postoperative seromas or hematomas. Conclusions Outcomes resulting from these modifications appear to be at least comparable to, and perhaps better than, those previously reported.
On the structure of p-local abelian groups

A uniqueness theorem in terms of numerical invariants is established for certain mixed p-local groups, called B-modules, which include both the balanced projective groups and the torsion A-groups. In general, a B-module does not contain a decomposition basis, and when it does, it reduces to a direct sum of an A-group and a balanced projective group. A special class of B-modules, the members of which are called S-modules, constitutes a natural generalization of S-groups and the following fact is proved: If H is an isotype subgroup of the p-local balanced projective group G with GH countable, then H is an S-module.
UML Profile and Extensions for Complex Approval Systems with Complementary Levels of Abstraction

Abstract Extending the Unified Modelling Language (UML) version 2.0 with a profile and stereotypes that allow the modelling of an approval system with multiple levels, each with inherently dualistic complementarity, allows the high-fidelity characterization of the stacked levels of a real world approval hierarchy. The objective was to extend UML to model the complex, emergent and multi-level decision making which occurs within modern multi- disciplinary projects. At any level of abstraction, the logical and concrete processes of that level allow a consideration of local factors and decisions, generating and establishing a qualitative conclusion as the result. The high degree of certainly in the result creates the absoluteness of the qualitative conclusion, which can then be fed up or down one level of abstraction in order to take part in the local decision making at that level. The profile was applied to ground-breaking and ongoing engineering investigation concerning the expansion of a student busing system as it is proposed to be integrated into a city-wide busing system, where the student busing system can be considered to be a sub-system to the city-wide busing system, but in reality it is a self-standing, independent and complete system in its own right.
The identification of indigo as a pigment produced by a mutant culture of Schizophyllum commune.

Abstract On the basis of solubility tests, chemical analysis, and absorption spectra, a pigment produced by a mutant culture of Schizophyllum commune has been identified as indigo. The pigment is produced on a chemically defined medium with ammonium ion as the nitrogen source.
The moral ecology of South Africa's township youth

Sharlene Swartz, 2009 New York, Palgrave Macmillan $85.00 (hbk), 248 pp. ISBN 978‐0‐2306‐1891‐6 The term ikasi (the title under which the book is published in South Africa by Wits Press) is a verna...
Genetic targeting of relaxin and insl3 signaling in mice.

We studied ligand-receptor interactions between relaxin (RLN), insulin-like 3 peptide (INSL3), and LGR7 and LGR8 receptors. The phenotypic effects of deficiency for Lgr7 and Lgr8 receptors, transgenic overexpression of Rln1 and Insl3, and different combinations of these mutations in mice were analyzed. It was reported that Rln1-deficient mice exhibit abnormal nipple development, prolonged parturition, age-related pulmonary fibrosis, and abnormalities in the testis and prostate. Mutation of Lgr8 or its cognate ligand Insl3 causes cryptorchidism. Mutant females deficient for the Lgr7 receptor have grossly undeveloped nipples and are unable to feed their progeny. Parturition is prolonged in these females, resulting in a significantly higher number of stillborn pups. Histologic analysis of Lgr7 mutant lung tissues demonstrates increased collagen accumulation and perivenular smooth muscle hypertrophy. However, Lgr7-deficient males do not exhibit abnormalities of male reproductive organs as seen in RInl knockout mice. Double-mutant males deficient for Lgr7 and Lgr8 have a normal prostate, suggesting that Lgr8 does not account for differences in Rln1 - / - and Lgr7 - / - phenotypes. We also produced mice with transgenic overexpression of Rln1 under rat insulin 2 promoter. Rln1 transgenic females exhibited increased nipple size, whereas RInl transgenic females deficient in Lgr7 had undeveloped nipples, indicating that Lgr7 is the only receptor for relaxin that mediates this effect. Transgenic overexpression of RInl does not affect gonadal descent in females, and transgenic overexpression of Insl3 does not rescue the mutant phenotype of Lgr7-deficient mice, suggesting the non-overlapping functions of two signaling pathways. In summary, our data indicate that the Insl3/Lgr8 and Rln1/Lgr7 pathways are distinct and separate in vivo. Therefore, we propose to rename Lgr8 as Insl3r (Insl3 receptor) and Lgr7 as Rinr (relaxin receptor).
Failure modes and damage accumulation in laminated composites with free edges

The influence of fiber orientation, stacking sequence, material properties and edge effects on the accumulation of damage and modes of failure in angle-ply and quasi-isotropic composite laminates are studied. Experimental results are presented for graphite-epoxy and graphite-polyimide coupons subjected to tensile load. It is shown that all the parameters studied can have a significant influence on the behavior of the composite.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND DURABILITY OF BONDED-CONCRETE OVERLAYS AND ULTRATHIN WHITETOPPING CONCRETE

Concrete overlays have been used for pavement and bridge-deck rehabilitation for many years. The mechanical properties and durability of several plain and fiber-reinforced concrete-overlay mixes were analyzed. Eight different concrete-overlay mix designs were investigated. The materials properties investigated were compressive and splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, bond to concrete (with three different surface roughness characteristics), and durability. Freeze-thaw tests were performed to determine the durability of the concrete mixtures used. Strength and stiffness were investigated from 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. Laboratory tests on the strength and stiffness development of eight candidate concrete-overlay designs showed that high-strength concrete was appropriate for opening overlays to traffic in 24 h or less, but normal-strength concrete may be used if traffic loading may be delayed for 48 or 72 h. For larger projects, where paving continues over several days, normal-strength mixtures may be used when 48 to 72 h or more of curing can be achieved before traffic loading begins, with high-strength mixtures used for the last day's construction. All the high-strength concrete overlay-mixture designs tested appear to have satisfactory strength, stiffness, bond properties, and durability for use in bonded overlay construction. The normal-strength concrete is more economical than the high-strength concrete but develops its design properties more slowly.
ANIONIC FIVE-COORDINATED CYCLIC ORGANOFLUOROSILICATES VARYING IN RING SIZE FROM FIVE- TO SEVEN-MEMBERED

Abstract Synthesis of the potassium crown ether complexes (K, 18-c-6) 3 and 4 of the anionic five-coordinated spirocyclic fluorosilicates from the precursor fluorosilanes has provided additional members of this new class of silicon compounds. Silicates 3 and 4 are monofluoro catecholate derivatives [(CH2) n SiF(O2C6H4)]−, containing the five-membered tetramethylene (n = 4) and six-membered pentamethylene (n = 5) ring system, respectively. X-ray analyses of these fluorosilicates are reported along with that of the previously synthesized related monocyclic anionic fluorosilicates [BiPhSiF3][K, 18-c-6] (1) and [BiBzSiF3][K, 18-c-6] (2). The first structural characterization of a pentacoordinated silicon compound containing a seven-membered ring is provided by 2. The study also yields the first structure of a fluorosilicate containing a six-membered ring (4). The geometries are all trigonal bipyramids. Silicates 2–4 have carbon-containing rings positioned diequatorially, whereas the trifluorosilicate 1, with ...
Reinforcement Pullout Capacity in Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls with Marginal-Quality Soils

Pullout capacity of geotextile reinforcement is an important consideration in the analysis of internal stability of reinforced soil structures, especially those constructed with marginal soils. Precipitation, ground water infiltration, and seasonal variations of water content during the construction process or service life of the structure could result in significant reductions in the matric suction and lead to a reduction in the strength of the soil-geotextile interface. Consequently, the reinforced soil structure may experience unacceptable deformations or even failure during its construction or postconstruction periods. The loss of matric suction in the soil influences both the shear strength of the soil and the soil-reinforcement interface. However, the focus of this study was merely on the latter. Nine pullout tests and 18 interface shear tests were performed to measure the pullout resistance of a reinforcement geotextile in a marginal soil that was compacted at different gravimetric water contents (...
Efficiency calibration of large volume liquid scintillation detectors

Abstract An array of seven large (10 cm thick by 20 cm diameter) NE213 scintillation detectors for use in neutron time-of-flight experiments has been calibrated to determine a matrix of relative detection efficiency as a function of incident neutron energy and detector bias. This matrix is then used to determine the relative efficiency for neutron groups in time-of-flight spectra to which an efficiency-optimizing dynamic bias has been applied.
Subfertility among the very intelligent: an examination of the American Mensa

Abstract Recent data on post-war birth cohorts in the U.S.A. show a negative relationship between IQ and fertility, both actual and expected. Previous investigators (e.g. Bajema, the Reeds and Waller) had found a slightly positive relationship for certain pre-war birth cohorts. This secular change in the relationship between IQ and fertility is replicated here for data on the membership of the American Mensa. Members born before the war exhibit a fertility below but close to that of the equivalent cohorts in the nation as a whole. Members born during and after the war exhibit a fertility that is substantially lower than that of the equivalent national cohorts. Apparently, rising fertility, which characterized the period in which the pre-war birth cohorts bore their children, causes a convergence in birth rates across IQ classes. Declining and/or low fertility, which characterizes the period in which the post-war birth cohorts are bearing their children, has the opposite effect, i.e. a divergence in birth rates across IQ classes, with the lower birth rates in the higher-IQ classes. The membership of Mensa may not be a representative sample of the high-IQ population as a whole, as it seems to attract a disproportionate number of low procreators even for this population. However, there is no reason to believe that changes in fertility rates across cohorts within Mensa, relative to changes in the national fertility rates, do not reliably reflect changes in fertility rates across cohorts within the high-IQ population of the U.S.A. as a whole, again relative to those of the nation, though these rates may be fluctuating around different means.
Characterization of the Effect of Geometry on Single Cell Adhesion Strength Using a Microfluidic Device

Cell adhesion plays a crucial role in a number of fundamental physiological processes and is important in the development of implantable biomaterials. Cell adhesion strength has previously been measured using a range of techniques, including population assays (e.g., centrifugation [1], hydrodynamic flow [2]) and single-cell methods (e.g., AFM [3], micropipette manipulation [4]). Population studies are unable to provide detailed information about individual cell behavior, while the single-cell methods are often time-consuming and difficult to perform. Microfluidic channels present a way to generate well-defined stress fields on cells [5]. The small dimensions of these channels result in low Reynolds numbers that allow for the generation of sufficiently large stresses to detach well-spread cells under laminar flow conditions. In the present work, a microfluidic channel was used to controllably load adhered single-cells to detachment and measure the adhesion strength. Using this assay, the effect of cell geometry on adhesion strength was investigated.© 2007 ASME
Silicon Thin Film Thermal Conductivity in Ballistic and Diffusive Regimes Predicted by Molecular Dynamics

The thermal conductivity of silicon thin films is predicted in the directions parallel and perpendicular to the film surfaces (in-plane and out-of-plane, respectively) using equilibrium molecular dynamics, the Green-Kubo relationship and the Stillinger-Weber interatomic potential. Film thicknesses range from 2 to 220 nm and temperatures from 300 to 1000 K. In this range of temperatures, the relation between the phonon mean free path (Λ) and the film thickness (ds ) spans from the ballistic regime (≫ ds ) to the diffusive, bulk-like regime (≪ ds ). We show that equilibrium molecular dynamics and the Green-Kubo relationship can be applied to the study of the thermal conductivity of thin films in the ballistic, transitional and diffusive regimes. When the film is thin enough, the thermal conductivity becomes orthotropic and decreases with decreasing film thickness as a consequence of the scattering of phonons with the film boundaries. The in-plane thermal conductivity follows the trend observed experimentally at 300 K. In the ballistic limit, in accordance with the kinetic theory, the predicted out-of-plane thermal conductivity varies linearly with the film thickness and is temperature-independent for temperatures near or above Debye’s temperature. This paper was also originally published as part of the Proceedings of the ASME 2005 Pacific Rim Technical Conference and Exhibition on Integration and Packaging of MEMS, NEMS, and Electronic Systems.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The spin spectrometer: Design, instrumentation and response characteristics of 4πγ-ray multidetector system

Abstract Construction of a new type of spectrometer for the investigation of nuclear structure at high angular momentum and of the mechanisms of heavy-ion induced reactions is reported. The spectrometer consists of 72 NaI(Tl) detectors closely packed in a 4π arrangement. It is capable of recording on an event-by-event basis for each detector that fires (1) the identification number, (2) the pulse height, (3) the time of flight, and (4) the pulse width. From these data we can obtain for each event: the γ-ray multiplicity, the total pulse height and thus the total γ-ray energy, the neutron multiplicity, the angular correlations of the emitted γ-rays, and the time relationships between the γ-rays in a cascade. Pulse height spectra of the γ-rays and of the neutrons associated with the above parameters can also be obtained. The geometric arrangement, the performance of the individual detectors, the associated electronics, the data acquisition system, the response of the entire system to incident γ-cascades of given multiplicity and total energy (including the effect of coincidence summing and detector-to-detector scattering), and the response to incident neutrons are discussed for various approximate and realistic inputs. The unfolding of populations of total pulse height and coincidence fold to yield populations in excitation energy and γ-ray multiplicity is described. The unfolding of pulse-height spectra observed in individual detectors to yield γ-ray energy spectra is also discussed.
El the Warrior

There has been no lack of attention focused on the deity El in the Ugaritic texts. In addition to various articles that have dealt with the characteristics and functions of this deity two excellent monographs have appeared by Marvin Pope and Otto Eissfeldt. The thrust of most of the literature pertaining to this deity has been the assumption that while El is father of the gods and the “executive” deity of the pantheon at Ugarit, he is essentially an otiose deity, whose power seems rather limited when compared to that of other deities, whose fear of other gods is obvious, and whose gradual decline in the face of Baal's rise to prominence seems clear.
Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on humoral immune responses to acetylcholine receptors in the rat

Abstract The effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on the humoral immune responses to acetylcholine receptors (AChR) were studied in rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. DMSO was administered during primary, ongoing, and secondary phases of the immune response to AChR. Anti-AChR antibody titers were measured to determine the effect of the treatment. DMSO had pronounced effects on the humoral immune response, which differed depending on the stage of the response and the strength of antigenic stimulation. When given during an ongoing immune response, DMSO suppressed anti-AChR antibody levels by an average of 53–76%. This effect was similar whether DMSO was given by oral, rectal, or intraperitoneal routes. DMSO treatment also suppressed the anti-AChR antibody response to a weak primary antigenic stimulus to a similar extent. In contrast, when administered during a secondary or a strong primary immunization, DMSO enhanced the anti-AChR antibody response 1.7- to 2.8-fold. These results show that DMSO may either enhance or suppress humoral immune responses. Further studies will be required to analyze the cellular mechanisms underlying the actions of DMSO.
Nicotine accelerates reversal of long-term potentiation and enhances long-term depression in the rat hippocampal CA1 region.

Abstract In the hippocampal CA1 region, low-frequency stimulation (LFS; 200 pulses at 1 Hz) causes reversal of long-term potentiation (depotentiation, DP) and long-term depression (LTD), both of which are thought to be the cellular substrate of learning and memory. Because nicotine enhances learning and memory, we examined if nicotine modulates DP and LTD in the hippocampal CA1 region. Bath application of nicotine during LFS accelerated DP, that is, potentiated synaptic responses in hippocampal CA1 neurons returned to pre-tetanic control levels more rapidly in the presence of nicotine. Because a similar acceleration of DP was observed using the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-selective antagonist methyllcaconitine (MLA), the nicotine effect appeared to be at least partly mediated by nicotine-induced desensitization of α7 nAChRs. Delivery of LFS in the presence of nicotine or MLA also depressed synaptic responses in a naive pathway and facilitated LTD, that is, the magnitude of LTD was larger when the drug was present during LFS. Thus, these results demonstrate that nicotine facilitates DP and LTD, which may represent, at least in part, the cellular mechanism underlying nicotine-induced cognitive enhancement.
Biocompatibility of heparin-coated extracorporeal bypass circuits: A randomized, masked clinical trial

Cardiopulmonary bypass circuits cause morbidity during cardiac operations. Plasma proteins and cellular components are stimulated by contact with the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit and can cause bleeding and postperfusion syndrome. This is especially true in patients undergoing reoperative cardiac procedures, which carries a higher risk of postoperative bleeding and prolonged ventilation compared with primary cardiac surgical procedures. Recently, cardiopulmonary bypass circuit surfaces have been coated with antithrombotic agents to improve their biocompatibility. This study evaluated the effect of a heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass system (Duraflo II, Baxter Bentley Healthcare Systems, Irvine, Calif.) on thrombin formation, platelet stimulation, and leukocyte activation in patients undergoing reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting or valve operation. Fifty patients were selected and randomly assigned to a standard noncoated control system (n = 26) or the Duraflo heparin-coated system (n = 24). Similar heparin doses were used in both groups (3 mg/kg). The heparin-coated group used a completely heparin-coated bypass circuit including the cardiotomy reservoir; arterial filters were heparin-coated in both groups. Samples were obtained before cardiopulmonary bypass, 30 minutes into cardiopulmonary bypass, 5 minutes after crossclamp removal, and 5 minutes after protamine administration. Thrombin formation (thrombin-antithrombin III by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) and platelet activation (beta-thromboglobulin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays; P-selectin expression by flow cytometry) were assayed. Leukocyte activation was determined by quantitative and qualitative analysis of arterial filters by scanning electron microscopy in six patients from each group. In both circuits, thrombin values increased markedly 30 minutes into cardiopulmonary bypass compared with baseline values (p < 0.001) (heparin-coated, 7 +/- 5 to 96 +/- 115 ng/ml; noncoated, 10 +/- 9 to 115 +/- 125 ng/ml). Platelet activation as measured by beta-thromboglobulin (heparin-coated, 104 +/- 100 to 284 +/- 166 IU/ml; noncoated, 81 +/- 74 to 288 +/- 277 IU/ml) and P-selectin expression (heparin-coated, 1.5% +/- 1.5% to 6.4% +/- 6.1%; noncoated, 1.4% +/- 1.1% to 6.2% +/- 4.3%) also significantly increased 30 minutes into cardiopulmonary bypass compared with baseline values (p < 0.001). Platelet activation and thrombin generation did not differ between the two circuits at any time. Granulocyte activation and platelet deposition did not differ between the two circuits when arterial filters were evaluated. Both groups had similar heparin and protamine administration, blood transfusions, postoperative alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, time to extubation, length of intensive care unit stay, and overall morbidity and mortality. Clinical outcome and blood loss did not differ between the groups. We conclude that heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass circuits did not improve biochemical or clinical markers of biocompatibility in a reoperative patient population.
Are corticosteroids effective in traumatic spinal cord injury

E B E M / S Y S T E M A T I C R E V I E W A B S T R A C T M A R C H 2 0 0 3 4 1 : 3 A N N A L S O F E M E R G E N C Y M E D I C I N E 4 1 1 touch sensation were reported for most trials; however, fewer trials reported infectious complications and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The primary outcome was improvement in neurologic function scores. To better compare these scores across trials, the author obtained additional information through personal communication with the authors of 2 trials. Scores were reported as weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Because differences in the many arms of each trial limited the ability to compare mortality, only the 180-day mortality of 2 trials was examined. M A I N R E S U L T S Eight trials were chosen for review representing a total of 1,698 patients. The 8 trials were divided into 5 groups based on steroid dose and duration of treatment. One group did not contain patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury. Of the remaining 4 groups, only 1 included more than 1 trial for meta-analysis. Although all 5 groups were analyzed, the conclusions were based primarily on this multi-trial group, which is the focus of this review. In the group consisting of 4 trials and 797 patients, patients were randomized to receive either high-dose methylprednisolone or placebo for 24 hours after the injury. One trial was only used to discuss complications. The other 3 evaluated neurologic outcomes at varying follow-up intervals. This limited the reviewer from combining results for all 3 outcomes (motor function, pinprick, touch) across all 3 follow-up intervals (6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year). In patients treated with high-dose methylprednisolone, there was no significant improvement in overall motor function scores at 6 weeks patients with acute spinal cord injury when given within 8 hours of injury and should be given to all such patients. The duration of infusion depends on time of patient presentation. Although high-dose methylprednisolone does improve neurologic recovery, it does not improve mortality and is unlikely to lead to complete return of normal neurologic function. Continued research into different methylprednisolone protocols and combinations of agents is still necessary. Cochrane Systematic Review Author
Odor-guided learning and memory in rats: is it ‘special’?

the first 20 trials of each problem after having learned no more than four such problems previously. Rapid progressive improvement is not a special feature of olfactory learning. There remains one feature of olfactory learning that might prompt us to allow it some special status, and ironically this is found in the work of Reid and Morris 3 themselves. It is their finding that serial reversal improvement fails to occur. Such improve- ment emerges quite readily when rats are trained on an analogous visual discrimination 3. One reason for this improvement, it has been suggested, is that the rats come to restrict attention to the relevant stimuli, to abandon position habits, and so on, an interpret- ation that makes Reid and Morris's failure to find the effect all the more puzzling since it is just these processes that they suggest might generate the improvement they observe in the olfactory learning-set procedure. I have no solution to this enigma. All I can do is express the hope that further research will clarify the issue of what conditions are necessary for serial reversal improvement in ol- factory learning; also, given the current state of confusion on this issue, to urge caution about taking the Reid and Morris result as a convincing demon- stration that olfactory learning is in some way special.
Advanced platform-level clock jitter and drift analysis

Platform clock plays a critical role for digital systems with high-speed serial links. Platform-level reference clock performance analysis is required for all system reference clock architectures to support different platform configurations. The paper presents the advanced platform-level clock jitter and drift methodology being often used by system engineers to guarantee the integrity of platform designs. The best known methods of platform-level clock jitter analysis from the clock sources to receivers due to different jitter characteristics in different clock distribution branches are presented. The novel platform-level cascaded PLL analysis for drift calculation and drift budgeting methodology are introduced.
Social Status, Entry and Predation: The Case of British Shipping Cartels 1879–1929

The authors incorporate social status and regional affiliation—two variables of central sociological interest—into an economic analysis of entry and predation. They build on Scott Morton’s [1997] examination of entry and predation in the merchant shipping industry and examine whether the social status of an entrant owner impacts on the predation behavior of the incumbent cartels. They find that high social status entrants are significantly less likely (40%) to be preyed upon than the low social status entrants. They discuss several interpretations of this result. Subsequent analysis supports the hypothesis that cartel members use social status as an indicator of an entrant’s propensity to be a cooperative cartel participant.
Bridging gaps between developers and testers in globally-distributed software development

One of the main challenges in distributed development is ensuring effective communication and coordination among the distributed teams. In this context, little attention has been paid so far to coordination in software testing. In distributed development environments, testing is often performed by specialized teams that operate as independent quality assurance centers. The use of these centers can be advantageous from both an economic and a software quality perspective. These benefits, however, are offset by severe difficulties in coordination between testing and software development centers. Test centers operate as isolated silos and have little to no interactions with developers, which can result in multiple problems that lead to poor quality of software. Based on our preliminary investigation, we claim that we need to rethink the way testing is performed in distributed development environments. We then present a possible research agenda that would help address the identified issues and discuss the main challenges involved.
Gender Stereotypes in Children's Books: Their Prevalence and Influence on Cognitive and Affective Development.

ABSTRACT In the 1960s and 1970s many researchers in the USA noted the prevalence of gender stereotypes in books for children. Numerous studies showed that females were typically portrayed as passive, dependent and generally incapable, and that males were typically portrayed as active, independent and generally competent. Stereotype patterns were consistent across a variety of reading materials, including picture‐books, fiction for older readers and school‐books. Some researchers questioned what the potential effects of such stereotypes might be on readers, but few examined these questions empirically. A review of this literature led us to question whether increased awareness about the potentially harmful effects of gender stereotypes had led to their elimination from books intended for young readers. This paper describes the data we collected on a set of picture‐books. We found that while the prevalence of stereotypes has decreased somewhat, the decreases in quantity and in kind have not been statisticall...
Fluorous synthesis of minor groove binding agents related to distamycin

Minor groove binding agents related to distamycin have been shown to target specific DNA sequences with high affinity. We report a new method for the preparation of these agents using fluorous synthesis in which the fluorous tag is located on what will become the cationic tail of the molecule. We demonstrate that fluorous synthesis yields both simple and complex polyamides in good yields and in high purity.
Fission widths and multi-dimensional barrier penetration☆

Abstract A multi-dimensional fission barrier is constructed which is simple enough to permit a complete partial-wave solution of the coupled-channel scattering problem. By employing it to study the multi-channel barrier resonances it produces, we discover that their widths are not directly related to any simple property of the elements of the transmission matrix, but rather to the eigenvalues of this matrix. Whenever one of these eigenvalues occurs near zero, it produces a resonance with an unexpectedly large width. In this sense, multi-dimensional barriers can cause an unforeseen “enhancement” of resonance widths.
The dietary regulation of the glycolytic enzymes II. Adaptive changes in human jejunum

Abstract The specific effects of dietary sugars on human jejunal glycolytic enzymes were studied in normal volunteers and fasting obese patients. Fructokinase (ketohexokinase, EC 2.7.1.3), Fru- I -P aldolase (ketose- I -phosphate aldehyde-lyase, EC 4.1.2.7), hexokinase (ATP: D -hexose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.1), glucokinase (ATP: D -hexose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.2), and Fru- I ,6-P 2 aldolase (fructose- I ,6-diphosphate D -glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-lyase, EC 4.1.2.13) were measured. Fructose feeding had a specific effect on fructokinase and Fru- I -P aldolase whereas glucose had its major effect on hexokinase and glucokinase. Sucrose gave results intermediate between glucose and fructose. Carbohydrate-free diets gave results intermediate between fasting and carbohydrate diets. There were different responses of the Fru- I -P and Fru- I ,6-P 2 aldolases to different dietary sugars. These data indicate that specific dietary sugars can increase specific jejunal glycolytic enzymes in the human.
Effect of dietary lipids on activities of hepatic steroid metabolizing enzymes (5α-reductase and aromatase) and composition of microsomes

Abstract The effects of dietary fat (saturated, ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids) on the activities of two key steroid metabolizing enzymes, 5α-reductase and aromatase, were examined in the present study. These enzymes are widely speculated to be involved in the initiation of prostate and breast cancer. Weanling male Sprague Dawley rats were fed semi-purified diets containing 14% fat of either beef fat (BF), safflower oil (SO) or fish oil (FO) for 7 wks and enzyme activity and hepatic microsomal phospholipid fatty acid composition were analyzed. 5α-reductase and aromatase activities were differentially modulated by the dietary lipids. Animals fed the FO diet showed significantly higher 5α-reductase activity compared to those fed the BF diet. Rats fed the SO diet had the highest activity of microsomal aromatase compared to animals fed the BF or FO diet. Liver microsomal lipids of animals fed the BF diet had a higher percentage of saturated (stearic, 18:0) and monounsaturated (oleic, 18:1) fatty acids compared to those of SO and FO fed groups while microsomes of animals fed BF and SO diets contained higher percentages of ω-6 fatty acids compared with FO diet group. Feeding FO diet resulted in accumulation of significantly higher levels of ω-3 fatty acids (20:5, 22:5 and 22:6) in the microsomes compared to the BF or SO fed groups. The data suggest that dietary fatty acids may play a role in steroid hormone action through modulating the activities of these two steroid metabolizing enzymes.
Methods of adjusting space systems data and terrestrial measurements

Various space systems use coordinate systems differing among each other as to coordinate origin, orientation, and scale, which brings about systematic differences between results obtained by the different techniques. A reconciliation of these differences can be achieved in a combined adjustment in which certain groups of observations are assigned transformation parameters as unknowns. This method is extended to combined adjustments of three-dimensional and terrestrial data in areas of continental extent.
Extending access to personalized verbal feedback about robots for programming students with visual impairments

This work demonstrates improvements in a software tool that provides verbal feedback about executed robot code. Designed for programming students with visual impairments, the tool is now multi-lingual and no longer requires locally installed text-to-speech software. These developments use cloud and web standards to provide greater flexibility in generating personalized verbal feedback.
Polarographic behavior of warfarin and related compounds

Abstract Polarographic data obtained for Warfarin and related coumarins point to an open structure for Warfarin. The reduction of this compound occurs at a more negative potential than 4-hydroxycoumarin.
Training in laparoscopic renal surgery, in a few weeks of intense exposure.

Abstract Objectives Laparoscopic renal surgery has only recently become popular in the UK and, still, only a handful of pediatric urologists are offering the laparoscopic approach to their patients; therefore, there are only limited places available for training in this discipline. In this institution, which is a major tertiary referral center for pediatric urology having four consultants, one urologist specializes in laparoscopic renal surgery and about 50 laparoscopic ablative renal surgical procedures are performed annually. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the training provided, for three trainees, in light of the complexity of the ablative procedures performed. Patients and methods Patients who required laparoscopic ablative renal surgery from June 2003 to May 2004 were identified from the prospectively maintained database and data were analyzed. During this period of 12 months, 49 operations have been performed laparoscopically. There were three trainees, A, B and C, who joined the mentor, at different times, for a continuous period of 6, 12 and 6 weeks, respectively. The training was one to one and, at an appropriate level of expertise, the trainees were allowed to perform operations independently; they continued to do so after returning to their units. Results There were 22 males and 27 females, age ranging from 8 months to 16 years (mean 3.6 years). There were 25 nephrectomies, 23 via the prone retroperitoneal (PRP) approach and two via the transperitoneal (TP) approach; the mean time taken was 70 min. There were 12 nephroureterectomies, six via the PRP, three via the TP, and the other three via the lateral retroperitoneal (LRP) approach; the mean time taken was 100 min. There were 10 heminephroureterectomies (six upper pole and four lower pole), six via the PRP, three via the TP and one via the LRP approach; the mean time taken was 160 min. Of two bilateral nephrectomies one was via the PRP and one the TP approach, and the mean time taken was 170 min. The mean time to discharge for nephrectomy was 7 h, and for nephroureterectomy, heminephroureterectomy and bilateral nephrectomy 21, 23 and 43 h, respectively. Trainee A had been in pediatric surgery for 4 years and during a period of 6 weeks he assisted in five operations, but did not get the opportunity to perform independently. Trainee B had been in pediatric surgery for 13 years and during a period of 12 weeks he assisted in nine operations and performed three. Trainee C had been in pediatric surgery for 20 years and during a period of 6 weeks he assisted in five operations and performed one. Since returning to their overseas units, trainee B and trainee C have successfully performed two nephrectomies each. Conclusion Retroperitoneoscopic renal surgery is within the grasp of any experienced urologist or urology trainee. With intensive exposure and one-to-one mentoring, 6–12 weeks would be sufficient to achieve adequate competence and confidence to perform a prone retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy.
Inhibitors of the catalytic activity of bovine adrenal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Abstract Purified cow adrenal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (D-glucose-6-phosphate:NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.49) was examined for its reactivity with compounds that reduce its catalytic activity. Varying degrees of inhibition were observed with many steroids such as estrogens, androgens, progesterones, with long chain fatty acids and with thyronine compounds. Lineweaver-Burk plots of individual inhibitor experiments showed that estriol competes with NADP+ and glucose 6-phosphate. 11β-Hydroxyprogesterone and tetraiodothyronine compete with NADP+ but not with glucose 6-phosphate; 16α-hydroxyandrostenedione showed uncompetitive kinetics with both the nucleotide and substrate. Palmitic acid was noncompetitive with the nucleotide and substrate. Double inhibitor experiments indicated that estriol, 11β-hydroxyprogesterone, 16α-hydroxyandrostenedione and tetraiodothyronine bind to the same site(s) in the enzyme. The binding site(s) for palmitic acid is probably separate. Possible models are discussed.
Capacity Expansion with Two Producing Regions and Concave Costs

A deterministic capacity expansion and shipment planning problem is considered for a single commodity that can be produced in two regions. Demand in each region is nondecreasing over a finite time horizon. Demand in a region in a time period must be satisfied, either by the current production capacity there or by a shipment from the other region. Capacity expansion and shipment costs are assumed to be concave and no inventory of stock is allowed. The problem is to find a schedule of capacity expansion in each region and a schedule of shipment between the two regions, such that the total cost over the time horizon is minimized. To solve this problem a dynamic programming algorithm is devised that is more efficient than known conventional procedures.
TU-E-BRB-07: Optimal Treatment Beam Fluence Generation for Volumetric Arc Therapy Using Dose Image Backprojection with Initial Corona Calculation

Purpose: Derive a novel solution to the initial premise that IMRT fluence can be easily calculated using dose image backprojection. Method and Materials: Calculations were performed using MATLAB with the imaging toolbox using parallel beam geometry. A phantom matrix P was constructed with a concave target, simultaneous integrated boost, and organ at risk with respective desired percent doses of 100, 110, and 40. Let R:SP be the backprojection of sinogram S of P. Iterative reconstruction using standard Ratio Method converges on a solution by computing Si+1 = Si * (P / R:SiP). For the novel Corona Method, we compute the corona using iterative backprojection reconstruction using ratios on only the target volumes T, T’ = R:S0T, and then superimpose the organ at risk, P’ = T’ + OAR. Iterative backprojection on P’ is then performed by successive addition correction, Si+1 = Si‐1 + (SO − Si), where SO is the sinogram of P’. Any negative intensities are set to zero during the iteration process. Target coverage is improved using the Compensated Phantom Method by computing a revised target based on the results Z of the process described thus far. We then define a new target T” = T’/Z and superimpose the OAR, such that P” = T” + OAR. The final procedure is to perform additive iteration constrained to contain only positive intensities. Results: Ratio Method: Target and boost areas receive their respective dose goals but the organ at risk unacceptable. Corona Method : OAR acceptable but poor target coverage. Compensated Phantom Method : Acceptable target coverage and the OAR goal is achieved. Conclusion: Dose image backprojection with initial corona calculation significantly reduces the dose to the organ at risk while maintaining acceptable target coverage.