cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence that hypothalamic neuropeptide Y gene expression increases before the onset of the preovulatory LH surge.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a 36 amino acid residue peptide, is involved in stimulation of LHRH and LH surges on proestrus and those induced by ovarian steroids in ovariectomized (ovx) rats. Recently, we observed that NPY gene expression in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) was increased before the onset of the LH surge in the ovarian steroid-primed ovx rats. Since the ovarian steroidal milieu during the estrous cycle is markedly different from that prevailing after ovarian steroid injections in ovx rats, we evaluated in cycling rats the temporal relationship between MBH preproNPY mRNA levels and the preovulatory LH surge on the day of proestrus and compared that with diestrus II, concomitant with basal LH levels. PreproNPY mRNA levels in the MBH were measured by solution hybridization/RNAse protection assay, using a cRNA probe. On the day of diestrus II, preproNPY mRNA levels changed little between 1000 and 1800 h. Quite unexpectedly, preproNPY mRNA levels at 1000 h on proestrus were similar to diestrus II levels, despite additional exposure to ovarian steroids during this interval. However, from these low levels at 1000 h, the preproNPY mRNA profile displayed a biphasic rise. During the first phase, preproNPY mRNA rose significantly at 1200 h and remained elevated at 1300 and 1400 h concomitant with basal serum LH levels. Thereafter, a second rise in preproNPY mRNA began at 1500 h, peaked rapidly at 1600 h and declined significantly at 1800 h. This secondary activation of NPY gene expression occurred with a slow, two-fold increase in serum LH at 1500 h, followed by a rapid ascension to peak levels at 1800 h and was associated with an increase at 1400 h of serum progesterone levels which reached their peak at 1800 h. These results demonstrate that a dynamic, biphasic augmentation in hypothalamic NPY gene expression occurs selectively on proestrus, and that the first incremental response is observed some time before the onset of preovulatory LH hypersecretion. Because preproNPY mRNA levels at 1000 h on proestrus were similar to the low levels seen on the preceding diestrous II phase, a neural timing mechanism, and not changes in ovarian hormone levels during this phase may be responsible for the increase in NPY gene expression after 1000 h of proestrus. Because of our previous observations that progesterone can rapidly augment preproNPY mRNA in the MBH and because a rise in serum progesterone occurs hours before the onset of the LH surge, we suggest that the secondary rise in preproNPY mRNA is facilitated by this antecedent increase in serum progesterone. Cumulatively, these results are in accord with the thesis that activation of hypothalamic NPY gene expression is one of the key early neural events initiated by the neural clock that times the preovulatory LHRH and LH surges.
Human White Blood Cells and Hair Follicles Are Good Sources of mRNA for the Pterin Carbinolamine Dehydratase/Dimerization Cofactor of HNF1 for Mutation Detection

Pterin carbinolamine dehydratase/dimerization cofactor of HNF1 (PCD/DCoH) is a protein that has a dual function. It is a pterin 4alpha-carbinolamine dehydratase that is involved in the regeneration of the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin during the phenylalanine hydroxylase- catalyzed hydroxylation of phenylalanine. In addition, it is the dimerization cofactor of HNF1 that is able to activate the transcriptional activity of HNF1. Deficiencies in the gene for this dual functional protein result in hyperphenylalaninemia. Here we report for the first time that the PCD/DCoH mRNA is present in human white blood cells and hair follicles. Taking advantage of this finding, a sensitive, rapid and convenient method for screening mutations occurring in the coding region of this gene has been described.
Persistence by proliferation

The persistence of HIV-1 infected cells in individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) presents an obstacle for cure of infection. ART is the best available remedy for millions of infected people, but treatment must be life-long because HIV establishes latent infection that is unaffected by antiretrovirals and is invisible to immune surveillance. Because decades of treatment may be unsustainable, there is intense interest in reversing latency. If quiescent HIV in CD4+ T cells can be identified and activated without enhancing new infection, HIV-targeted immune response might be able to control or even clear infection. On page 179 in this issue and in this week's Science Express, Maldarelli et al. ( 1 ) and Wagner et al. ( 2 ), respectively, raise a new challenge for these efforts suggesting that proliferation of latently infected cells may be a key factor in sustaining this durable viral reservoir.
Uniqueness criteria of the steady state in automotive catalysis

Abstract Uniqueness and multiplicity criteria for the steady state are derived following previous analyses for a bimolecular Langmuir—Hinshelwood reaction occurring in a porous catalyst, in both the isothermal and non-isothermal cases. The criteria compare well with exact numerical computations in all cases, except when the mass and heat Biot numbers are unequal. Recently reported criteria for the isothermal case are shown to be always much more restrictive than the ones developed here. Also, numerical calculations show that up to five distinct steady state solutions exist for the sphere, in both the isothermal and non-isothermal cases, while only up to three solutions are obtained for the slab catalyst.
A penalty/Newton/conjugate gradient method for the solution of obstacle problems

Abstract Motivated by the search for non-negative solutions of a system of Eikonal equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions, we discuss in this Note a method for the numerical solution of parabolic variational inequality problems for convex sets such as K={v∣v∈H 0 1 (Ω) , v⩾ψ a.e. on Ω}. The numerical methodology combines penalty and Newton's method, the linearized problems being solved by a conjugate gradient algorithm requiring at each iteration the solution of a linear problem for a discrete analogue of the elliptic operator I−μΔ. Numerical experiments show that the resulting method has good convergence properties, even for small values of the penalty parameter. To cite this article: R. Glowinski et al., C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 336 (2003).
Identification of pseudohypacusis using speech recognition thresholds

Objective: To determine the extent to which procedural variations affect pure-tone average-spondee threshold (PTA-SRT) agreement in pseudohypacusis, to propose a theoretical framework to account for threshold differences due to procedural variations, and to devise an effective screening test for identification of pseudohypacusis. Design: The subjects were normally hearing listeners who feigned a hearing loss. One experimental group received an ascending pure-tone (PT) technique combined with an ascending SRT procedure. A second experimental group received an ascending PT technique paired with a descending SRT procedure. A third experimental group received an ascending SRT procedure paired with a descending PT procedure. Results: The group mean difference between the three-frequency PTA and the SRT was 10.6, 2.3, and 41.6 dB for the first, second, and third experimental groups, respectively. Comparison SRTs and PTAs from cooperative patients with hearing loss showed that a two-frequency PTA yielded a more effective test for pseudohypacusis than did a three-frequency PTA. Conclusions: The procedural differences noted in this study are consistent with a loudness bias. It is recommended that clinicians employ an ascending procedure to measure SRTs and a descending procedure to measure PT thresholds to maximize the effectiveness of a screening test for pseudohypacusis based on PTA-SRT differences.
Further electron microscopic observations of bacteriochlorophyll protein crystals.

Two crystal habits of the bacteriochlorophyll protein from Chloropseudomonas ethylicum were examined using thin sectioning and negative staining. The previously published molecular packings were confirmed. The molecular shape suggested by these studies is a noncompact 81.5 A diameter sphere.
Presenting to local and remote audiences: design and use of the TELEP system

The current generation of desktop computers and networks are bringing streaming audio and video into widespread use. A small investment allows presentations or lectures to be multicast, enabling passive viewing from offices or rooms. We surveyed experienced viewers of multicast presentations and designed a lightweight system that creates greater awareness in the presentation room of remote viewers and allows remote viewers to interact with each other and the speaker. We report on the design, use, and modification of the system, and discuss design tradeoffs.
Circulatory and platelet actions of 6,9-Thiaprostacyclin (PGI2-S) in the cat

Abstract A new analog of prostacyclin, 6,9-Thiaprostacyclin was infused intravenously in pentobarbital anesthetized cats in order to determine its hemodynamic and anti-platelet aggregating properties. At an infusion rate of 0.01 μmoles/kg/min, PGI2-S moderately decreased arterial blood pressure without altering heart rate of superior mesenteric artery flow or platelet aggregation responses to ADP. However, at 0.05 μmoles/kg/min, PGI2-S significantly reduced arterial blood pressure and significantly increased heart rate, and superior mesenteric artery flow. Moreover, at 0.05 μmoles/kg/min, PGI2-S inhibited ADP platelet aggregation by 80%. PGI2-S may be a useful agent in circulatory shock.
Monitoring stand structure in mature coastal Douglas-fir forests: effect of plot size

Abstract National and regional interest in the distribution and trends of forest habitat structure and diversity have placed demands on forest inventories for accurate stand-level data. A primary need in the coastal Pacific Northwest of the United States is information on the extent and rate of development of mature forest structure. The objective of this study was to evaluate alternative sampling schemes within a standard national cluster plot design able to efficiently determine density of large live trees and snags, tree mortality, and tree species richness. A simulation approach used stem maps from 19 permanent forest plots dominated by mature Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) of at least 1 ha in size that had been sampled for up to 23 years. Clustered subplots sampling between 0.5 and 81% of the stand area were randomly located in stands to select mapped trees. Estimation error analysis compared the percent difference between sample data and full-stand values by subplot size for 30 iterations per subplot size per stand. Comparison with analyses of regional inventory plots allowed greater inference concerning results. Samples of at least 40% of a stand (four 18 m radius subplots) were required to reduce errors for estimated density of large trees (≥122 cm DBH) below 25% of true density at least 66% of the time. For mortality, subplots sampling at least 50% of a stand were needed to reach errors below 50% of true mortality at least 66% of the time. However, for trees
Electron spin-lattice relaxation and spectral diffusion measurements on tyrosine radicals in proteins

Abstract The electron spin-lattice relaxation and spectral diffusion properties at 22 K have been examined for three tyrosine radicals: the stable tyrosine radical YD+ in photosystem II (PSII), the tyrosine radical in the B2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase from Escherichia coli, and a model L-tyrosine radical prepared in a frozen glass by UV irradiation at 77 K. The relaxation transients obtained by the method of saturation recovery, where recovery from saturation following a microwave pulse is detected by a low continuous observation microwave level, were compared to those obtained by the inversion-recovery and spin-echo-detected saturation-recovery techniques. The same values for the electron spin-lattice relaxation rate 1 T 1 were obtained by saturation recovery and spin-echo-detected saturation recovery provided that spectral diffusion channels were saturated by a sufficiently long microwave pulse. The inversion-recovery spin-echo method produced relaxation transients that were more rapidly decaying than those of either of the saturation-recovery methods, owing to the presence of spectral diffusion. Two contributions to spectral diffusion were observed. For the UV-generated model L-tyrosine radical, the dominant contribution to spectral diffusion occurred on the time scale of the electron spin-spin relaxation time T2 and was saturated with a microwave pulse lasting only 50 μs. The spectral diffusion processes for the tyrosine radicals in the proteins occurred on the time scale of T1; a saturating microwave pulse of duration greater than 3–5 ms was required to completely saturate these spectral diffusion processes. These slow spectral diffusion processes are likely to involve electron-nuclear spin-spin interactions. It is probable that the large separation between radicals imposed by the dimensions of the protein prevents spectral diffusion paths due to interactions between tyrosine radicals on the time scale of T2. The UV-generated l -tyrosine radical and the tyrosine radical in ribonucleotide reductase exhibited predominantly single-exponential relaxation kinetics when very long saturating pulses were employed. The tyrosine radical in PSII, however, exhibited nonexponential relaxation kinetics even at the extrapolated limit of infinitely long saturating pulses, where contributions from spectral diffusion have been eliminated. We suggest that spin-spin interactions of the tyrosine radical with neighboring paramagnetic site (s) are the source of the deviation from exponential relaxation kinetics in PSII.
Unequal opiate cross-tolerance to morphine in the locomotor-activation model in the mouse.

Abstract Dose-response relationships for the opiate-induced stimulation of locomotion in mice were determined for etorphine, fentanyl, levorphanol, lofentanil and morphine, both before and after the subcutaneous implantation of a morphine pellet for 3 days. In non-tolerant mice, the relative potencies of these drugs compared to morphine paralleled those reported for other in vivo models of the actions of opiates. The most potent was lofentanil (ED 50 = 3.8 μg / kg ), which was approx. 6000 times more potent than morphine (ED 50 = 24.2 mg / kg ). A tolerance-induced 22-fold increase in the ED 50 for morphine resulted in a similar cross-tolerance to levorphanol, but there was less cross-tolerance to fentanyl (4-fold), lofentanil (5-fold) and etorphine (7-fold). The smaller cross-tolerances of etorphine and lofentanil to morphine were not accompanied by changes in the levels of [ 3 H]etorphine or [ 3 H]lofentanil in brain, induced by morphine pellets, although the bound fraction of [ 3 H]lofentanil in brain was slightly decreased (11–15%). The implications of the phenomenon of unequal cross-tolerance for the mechanism of tolerance at the opiate mu receptor are discussed.
Cloaca-like deformity with faecal incontinence after severe obstetric injury--technique and functional outcome of ano-vaginal and perineal reconstruction with X-flaps and sphincteroplasty.

Objective Surgical technique and outcomes report. Summary background data Three to eight per cent of vaginal deliveries are complicated by third- or fourth- degree perineal lacerations, resulting in a cloaca-like deformity in up to 0.3%. These three-dimensional defects result in often debilitating incontinence and symptoms similar to a rectovaginal fistula because of the lack of the distal rectovaginal septum. Method Between 2001 and 2006, 12 women (median age 37, range 20-57) with faecal incontinence and a postobstetric-injury-associated cloaca-like deformity underwent an ano-vaginal and perineal reconstruction with X-flaps and sphincteroplasty without primary faecal diversion. Results The patients presented 13.0 +/- 2.9 years (range 0.5-29 years) after the obstetric injury. The median Cleveland Clinic Florida faecal incontinence score was 16 (range 12-19). In addition, one patient complained of vaginal discharge, another of dyspareunia. All patients had an open rectovaginal communication with a large anterior sphincter defects (mean 160.2 +/- 22.8 degrees, range 113-180). Resting/squeeze pressures were 28.0 +/- 4.4/63.2 +/- 8.1 mmHg, respectively. Pudendal neuropathy was present in five patients. The median length of hospital stay after surgery was 5.3 +/- 0.7 days. Three patients experienced a postoperative rectovaginal fistula, two of which closed spontaneously, whereas the third required faecal diversion and a bulbocavernosus flap. After surgical follow-up of 9.8.3 +/- 2.8 months and long-term follow-up of 38.9.0 +/- 6.9 months, all the patients were satisfied with regards to overall function, continence and cosmetic result. Conclusion Cloaca-like deformity resulting from severe obstetric injury is often not given appropriate attention. Reconstruction of the original anatomy is complex but achieves good results and does not require a prophylactic faecal diversion.
Senior Thesis Camp: Partnerships in Practice at the University of Notre Dame

The article describes the process of developing a week long thesis camp for seniors in the College of Arts and Letters at the University of Notre Dame. The library and other university groups worked together to provide the students with workshops, ready access to research assistance, and dedicated space to work on their theses. This inaugural offering was a successful experiment in collaboration.
Analysis of Second Primary Lung Cancers in the SEER Database

Background We sought to examine the outcomes of second primary lung cancers in the large population-based Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. We also sought to study the outcomes of synchronous second non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), classified as stage IVA (M1A) according to the seventh edition of the TNM staging for lung cancer. Methods Data of patients with at least two primary lung cancers were obtained. All available variables potentially associated with the incidence of a second primary lung cancer were examined. The overall survival of patients with synchronous NSCLC was compared with those with metachronous and stage IV NSCLC. Results A small proportion (1.5%) of patients with lung cancer developed a second primary. A second primary is associated with younger age, female gender, earlier stage, and white race. The median survival of patients with metachronous NSCLCs (n = 3352) was worse than those with synchronous NSCLCs (n = 1858) (median survival 22 mo versus 29 mo, respectively; P Conclusions The incidence of second primary lung cancer is lower than that previously reported. Factors associated with good prognosis predict a second primary. Synchronous NSCLCs have an outcome better than a stage IV (M1a) designation. These patients should receive appropriate stage-specific multi-modality therapy suitable for the independent stage of each cancer without considering them unresectable.
Effects of X-irradiation on egg hatchability, larval and pupal survival in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Abstract The effects of X-irradiation upon Manduca sexta egg hatchability and larval survival were studied using LD 50 's. Radiosensitivity declined with age in developing eggs (LD 50 of 9.4 kR in 2.5 to 3-days eggs contrasted to 18.2 kR in 4 to 4.5-day eggs) and in larvae. The dose-response patterns obtained agree with those previously reported for other insects. The maximal (ED 0 ) and minimal (ED 100 ) X-ray exposures resulting in eclosion successes of 100% and 0%, respectively, were utilized throughout pupal-adult development as measures of radiation sensitivity. A pronounced decrease in radiosensitivity was noted through the day of eclosion (Day 0: ED 0 = 7.3 kR; ED 100 = 18.7 kR; Day 22: ED 0 = 45.0 kR, ED 100 = 105.0 kR). X-irradiation during the pupal-adult transformation was observed to inhibit eclosion without disrupting normal metamorphosis.
Maintaining order under the rule of law: occupational templates and the police use of force

The present study develops a theoretical argument that research on police use offorce should begin to examine the phenomenon in terms of police occupational templates above and beyond the traditional escalation of force paradigm. Investigating police use of force through the lenses of occupational templates (e.g., the symbolic assailant and the asshole) may provide insight into the goals of police officers when they applied the force – i.e., whether they primarily wished to control suspects from a distance, or retaliate for an affront to their authority. The study uses an analytical strategy designed to examine a categorical use of force dependent variable, which relaxes the assumptions of rank-order, in an effort to distinguish different applications of force based on a set of independent variables. Though the data are severely limited, the study finds evidence that supports the use of occupational templates in the examination of use of force.
Thiazolidinediones as a novel class of NAD+-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase inhibitors☆

NAD+-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) catalyzes NAD+-dependent oxidation of prostaglandins and other nonprostanoid compounds. This enzyme was found to be dramatically induced in hormone-responsive human prostate cancer cells by androgens [M. Tong, and H. H. Tai, 2000, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.276, 77–81] and could be involved in prostate tumorigenesis. Inhibitors of this enzyme may be of value in determining the utility of these compounds in cancer chemoprevention. Previously, ciglitazone, an antidiabetic thiazolidinedione, was found to be a potent inhibitor of 15-PGDH. Structure–activity analysis of available thiazolidinediones indicated that the nature of the moiety linking to phenyl ring through ether linkage and benzylidene configuration play important roles in inhibitory potency. Furthermore, N-methylation of 2,4-thiazolidinedione abolished the inhibitory activity. A series of benzylidene thiazolidinediones with varied ring structure and methylene bridge to phenyl ring through ether linkage were synthesized and assayed for inhibitory activity. It was found that compound CT-8 (5-[4-(cyclohexylethoxy)benzylidene]-2,4-thiazolidinedione) was the most potent inhibitor effective at nanomolar range. Kinetic studies revealed that inhibition by this compound was noncompetitive with respect to NAD+ and uncompetitive with respect to prostaglandin E2, indicating that the inhibitor interacts with the enzyme at a site distinct from the substrate binding site. This regulatory site appears to overlap with the activator site occupied by imipramine since activation of the enzyme by this activator is competitively inhibited by compound CT-8.
Relationships among Acculturation, Sociodemographic Characteristics and Social Supports in Mexican American Adults

The relationship of acculturation and sociodemographic characteristics to social supports was studied in a representative sample of adult Mexican Americans. The relationship between network charact...
A causal realization theory, part I; linear deterministic systems

Acausal linear systems are studied as well as their controllability and observability properties, and the weighting patterns that they realize. A complete classification is given of all minimal real analytic realizations of a given weighting pattern and of all minimal autonomous realizations of a stationary weighting pattern.
Kernel density estimation on random fields

Abstract Let ZN, N ≥ 1, denote the integer lattice points in the N-dimensional Euclidean space. Asymptotic normality of kernel estimators of the multivariate density of stationary random fields indexed by ZN is established. Appropriate choices of the bandwiths are found. The random fields are assumed to satisfy some mixing conditions. The results apply to many spatial models.
Rapid detection of Phytophthora cinnamomi using PCR with primers derived from the Lpv putative storage protein genes

Phytophthora cinnamomi is an ecologically and economically important pathogen. In this study, PCR assays were developed with primer pair LPV2 or LPV3 for rapid detection and identification of this organism. Both primer pairs were selected from putative storage protein genes. The specificity of these primer pairs was evaluated against 49 isolates of P. cinnamomi, 102 isolates from 30 other Phytophthora spp., 17 isolates from nine Pythium spp. and 43 isolates of other water moulds, bacteria and true fungi. PCR with both primer pairs amplified the DNA from all isolates of P. cinnamomi regardless of origin. The LPV3 primers showed adequate specificity among all other species tested. The LPV2 primers cross-reacted with some species of Pythium and true fungi, but not with any other Phytophthora species. PCR with the LPV3 primers detected the pathogen at levels of a single chlamydospore or 10 zoospores in repeated tests. The PCR assay was at least 10 times more sensitive than the plating method for detection of the pathogen from artificially infested soilless medium, and, to a lesser extent, from naturally infected plants. PCR with LPV3 primers can be a useful tool for detecting P. cinnamomi from soilless media and plant tissues at ornamental nurseries, whereas the LPV2 primers can be an effective alternative for identification of this species from pure culture. Applications of these assays for detection of P. cinnamomi in other environments were also discussed.
Abstract: Hadoop's Adolescence; A Comparative Workloads Analysis from Three Research Clusters

We analyze Hadoop workloads from three different research clusters from an application-level perspective, with two goals: (1) explore new issues in application patterns and user behavior and (2) understand key performance chal- lenges related to IO and load balance. Our analysis sug- gests that Hadoop usage is still in its adolescence. We see underuse of Hadoop features, extensions, and tools as well as significant opportunities for optimization. We see signif- icant diversity in application styles, including some "inter- active" workloads, motivating new tools in the ecosystem. We find that some conventional approaches to improving performance are not especially effective and suggest some alternatives. Overall, we find significant opportunity for simplifying the use and optimization of Hadoop, and make recommendations for future research.
Dynamics and determinants of Quercus alba seedling success following savanna encroachment and restoration.

Abstract The scattered tree layer that defines savannas is important for structuring the understory community and determining patterns of overstory recruitment. However, encroachment by woody plants has altered overstory tree densities and regeneration dynamics. We characterized seedling success of the savanna-forming species Quercus alba within Midwestern (USA) oak savannas that had been degraded by encroachment (control; n = 4) or experimentally restored by removal of encroaching woody vegetation (treatment; n = 4). In early 2004, 981 seedlings were transplanted along transects radiating from tree boles of overstory Q. alba trees to inter-canopy gaps and monitored for three growing seasons. Seedlings in restored sites had greater survival (>2×), height growth (by >50%), and basal diameter growth (by >20%). In general, seedling survival and growth parameters increased with distance from overstory trees and were greatest in inter-canopy gaps of restored sites. By the final growing season (2006), the seedling survival-by-distance from tree correlation was stronger in control (r2 = 0.25) than treatment sites (r2 = 0.18), due to relatively uniform (and greater) survival at all distances from trees in treatment sites. In 2006, growth parameters (seedling height, diameter, Δ height, Δ diameter, and # leaves) were significantly (and more strongly) positively correlated with distance from trees in treatment sites. However, seedling herbivory was also greater after treatment and increased with distance from overstory trees. To understand seedling/microenvironment relationships, we created logistic (survival) and linear regression models (Δ height, Δ basal diameter, # leaves in 2006). Control seedling models had consistently greater predictive power and included more variables, suggesting that savanna restoration may decouple seedlings from their microenvironments, potentially by decreasing competition for limiting resources. Encroachment of the savannas in this study is limiting regeneration of Q. alba, suggesting substantially altered regeneration dynamics from those under which these savannas originally formed. Initial responses from our test of restoration, however, were promising and mechanical encroachment removal may be a means to promote overstory regeneration of this species. Finally, the savannas in this study appear inherently unstable and a scattered canopy tree configuration is unlikely to persist without regular disturbance, even in the restoration sites. Repeated mechanical thinning treatments with selected retention of recruiting Q. alba individuals or reintroduction of understory fire or grazing animals may be potential mechanisms for promoting long-term persistence of savannas at these sites.
Beyond absolutism and relativism in transpersonal evolutionary theory

This paper critically examines Ken Wilber's transpersonal evolutionary theory in the context of the philosophical discourse of postmodernity. The critique focuses on Wilber's refutation of non‐absolutist and non‐universalist approaches to rationality, truth, and morality—such as cultural relativism, pluralism, constructivism or perspectivism—under the charges of being epistemologically self‐refuting and morally pernicious. First, it is suggested that Wilber offers a faulty dichotomy between his absolutist‐universalist metanarrative and a self‐contradictory and pernicious vulgar relativism. Second, it is shown that Wilber's arguments for the self‐refuting and pernicious nature of other non‐absolutist approaches are both fallacious and distorting. Finally, the problematic consequences of absolutist discourse for academic and cross‐cultural dialogue are pinpointed. Taking Wilber's treatment of Nagarjuna's thinking as a paradigmatic example, it is suggested that absolutist thinking both usually leads to “bad”...
Pressure hole errors in the annular flow measurement of the second normal stress difference

There is a critical need to accurately determine viscoelastic fluid material functions, one of which is the second normal stress difference. While it is now generally accepted that this function is non-zero, in contradiction to the Weissenberg hypothesis, numerous investigators have reported values of opposite sign as well as significant unexplained differences in magnitude. Ginn and Metzner (3) have critically examined much of the data and many techniques. They show that the sign of all internally consistent second normal stress difference data is obtained as negative by all techniques except annular flow devices, which uniformly yield positive values. They also note that, even with considerable care, accurate second normal stress difference data are not likely to be obtained using either the parallel plate or cone and plate systems, especially at higher shear rates. The more recent work of Miller and Christiansen (10) seems to improve the accuracy of measurement of the second normal stress difference using both the rim-pressure and integral-force methods of obtaining and analysing cone and plate data. Their results are still somewhat erratic, however, and differ by up to a factor of two. In any event, inertial effects preclude the use of these techniques much above shear rates of 500 sec−1.
Residual toxicity of selected insecticides to heteropteran predaceous species (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae, Nabidae, Pentatomidae) on soybean

Residual toxicity of selected insecticides to the heteropteran predators Geocoris punctipes (Say) adults, Nabis roseipennis Reuter adults, and Podisus maculiuentris (Say) nymphs and adults, was evaluated by exposing predators to soybean foliage (treated in the field) in petri dishes. Toxicity of chlorfenapyr residues on soybean foliage was greater than that of the standard insecticide, permethrin, and another new compound, emamectin benzoate, to all 3 predaceous species. Methyl parathion-treated foliage was significantly more toxic to G. punctipes than were the remaining insecticides, except chlorfenapyr, 6 h after application; however, by 24 h after application, percentage mortality of G. punctipes declined from 100 to 11.7% following exposure to methyl parathion residues. Duration of chlorfenapyr residues was evident up to 72 h after application, and chlorfenapyr-treated foliage was significantly more toxic to G. punctipes than all other insecticides 24 to 72 h after application. Insect predators are highly mobile and spend considerable time searching for prey species on agronomic plants. Thus, insecticides with persistent foliar residues generally discriminate against predaceous species as they search for prey species or when they recolonize fields previously treated with insecticides.
Investigation of information encountering in the controlled research environment

Experimental research of opportunistic acquisition of information (OAI) is difficult to design due to the overall opacity of OAI to both the information users and to the researchers. Information encountering (IE) is a specific type of OAI where during search for information on one topic information users accidentally come across information related to some other topic of interest. Building on our prior descriptive investigation of IE, we developed a conceptual framework that explains IE as stopping of information seeking activities for a foreground problem due to noticing, examining, and capturing of information related to some background problem. With objective to evoke IE in users' information behavior and record users' actions during an IE episode, we created a controlled laboratory situation, intended to trigger participants' experience of IE during an information retrieval task. We report about the methodological challenges experienced in this effort and share lessons learned for future experimental studies of opportunistic acquisition of information.
Thermodynamic properties of ternary fluid mixtures from the improved perturbation theory and van der Waals one-fluid theory—II. Real mixtures

Abstract In this paper, we present a first-order hard sphere perturbation theory of nonideal ternary fluid mixtures. Results are reported for total and excess thermodynamic properties of three ternary mixtures, in which size parameters of the mixture components are the same, but energy parameters differ significantly. Comparisons of theoretical predictions with accurate simulation results for mixture density, internal energy, excess Gibbs free energy, excess volume and excess enthalpy show the very good performance of perturbation theory. We have also checked the accuracy of van der Waals one-fluid theory, which uses an accurate equation of state for the pure fluids. Van der Waals one-fluid theory is successful in predicting excess properties of nearly ideal to moderately nonideal mixtures, but becomes less reliable when the mixtures become highly nonideal. In general, perturbation theory is very reliable in predicting thermodynamic properties of ternary mixtures, and is found to be more accurate than van der Waals one-fluid theory.
Fitting birth-and-death queueing models to data

Abstract Given measurements of the number of customers in a queueing system over a finite time interval, it is natural to try to fit a stationary birth-and-death process model, because it is remarkably tractable, even when the birth and death rates depend on the state in an arbitrary way. Natural estimators of the birth (death) rate in each state are the observed number of transitions up (down) from that state divided by the total time spent in that state. It is tempting to validate the model by comparing the steady-state distribution of the model based on those estimated rates to the empirical steady-state distribution recording the proportion of time spent in each state. However, it is inappropriate to draw strong conclusions from a close fit to the same data, because these two distributions are necessarily intimately related, even if the model assumptions are not nearly satisfied. We elaborate by (i) establishing stochastic comparisons between these two fitted distributions using likelihood-ratio stochastic ordering and (ii) quantifying their difference.
The precise control of manipulators with high joint-friction using base force/torque sensing

Joint friction is a major problem in accurate robot position control, particularly during low-speed, small-amplitude tasks. This paper proposes a simple, practical, and effective method to compensate for joint friction, using a six-axis force/torque sensor mounted under the manipulator. From these measurements, joint torques are estimated and used in a torque controller, which virtually eliminates friction and gravity effects, providing high-precision motion control even for small motions at low speed. The method does not require complex analytical friction models. The method also does not require expensive and unreliable internal joint-torque sensors. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and practicality of the method for an electrical PUMA and hydraulic Schilling Titan II manipulator.
Nitric Oxide Inhibits the Positive Inotropic Response to β-Adrenergic Stimulation in Humans With Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Background Nitric oxide (NO) attenuates the contractile response to β-adrenergic stimulation in cultured cardiac myocytes in vitro and in myocardium in vivo. We tested the hypothesis that NO synthesized in the heart inhibits the positive inotropic response to β-adrenergic stimulation in humans with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Methods and Results Patients with various degrees of LV dysfunction and free from epicardial coronary artery disease were instrumented with an infusion catheter in the left main coronary artery and a high-fidelity micromanometer-tipped catheter in the LV. Measurements included LV pressure, aortic pressure, heart rate, and LV peak +dP/dt. In eight subjects, dobutamine was infused via the left main coronary artery (25 or 50 μg/min) before and concurrent with intracoronary infusion of the NO synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (L-NMMA, 20 μmol/min for 10 minutes). In six other subjects, dobutamine was infused (6, 10, or 15 μg · kg−1 · min−1) via a peripheral vein. Intraco...
Brief paper: Virtual motion camouflage based phantom track generation through cooperative electronic combat air vehicles

As an example of complex cooperative missions, coherent phantom track generation through controlling multiple electronic combat air vehicles is currently an area of great interest to the defense agency for the purpose of deceiving a radar network. However, it has been a challenge to design the optimal or even feasible coherent trajectories for this type of problem due to the high dimensionality and the strong coupling between the phantom and actual vehicles. This problem becomes even more difficult to solve when realistic kinematic, dynamics, and geometric constraints in a three-degree-of-freedom formation have to be considered. This paper describes how an interesting bio-inspired motion strategy can be used to design real-time trajectories for a (1) feasible constant speed coherent mission, (2) maximum-duration constant speed coherent mission, and (3) optimal trajectory mission for general cases. The proposed method will dramatically reduce the dimension of the problem and thus real-time optimal trajectory design can be achieved. Also the fact that fewer equality constraints are involved in solving the formulated nonlinear programming will make the convergence a lot easier.
Secondary successional patterns in a sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) community as they relate to soil disturbance and soil biological activity

The relationship between secondary succession, soil disturbance, and soil biological activity were studied on a sagebrush community (Artemisia tridentata) in the Piceance Basin of northwestern Colorado, U.S.A. Four levels of disturbance were imposed. I: the vegetation was mechanically removed and as much topsoil as possible was left; 2: the vegetation was mechanically removed and the topsoil scarified to a depth of 30 cm; 3: topsoil and subsoil were removed to a depth of 1 m, mixed and replaced; 4: topsoil and subsoil were removed to a depth of 2 m and replaced in a reverse order. Plant species composition, dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzymatic activity, mycorrhizae infection potentials, and percent organic matter were the variables measured. Treatment 4 drastically altered the pattern of vegetation succession. Treatments 2, 3, and 4 started with Salsola iberica as the dominant species but six years later, 3 and to lesser extent 2 changed in the direction of the species composition of 1, dominated by perennial grasses and perennial forbs. Treatment 4 developed a shrub dominated community. The rate of succession was not decreased by the increased levels of disturbance. Both dehydrogenase enzyme activity and mycorrhizae infection potential (MIP) increased with the change from Salsola iberica to a vegetation dominated by either perennial grasses and forbs or shrubs. The intensity of disturbance in 2, 3, and 4 reduced drastically dehydrogenase activity and MIP, but in six years they recovered to levels comparable to 1. Phosphatase enzyme activity and organic matter were unrelated to species composition but related to treatment and time elapsed. In both cases a significant decrease was observed throughout the six-year period.
Coronal Inflows and Sector Magnetism

We have remeasured the rate of coronal inflows during 1996-2001, taking into account multiple occurrences per day, and have displayed the results in Carrington stack plots to study their long-term behavior. The stack plots show long-lived recurrence patterns related to the sectorial component of the Sun's large-scale field. In particular, most inflows are parts of streams that last for several months and occur where the sectorial field has strong gradients. The occurrence rate occasionally approaches ~1 hr-1 near sunspot maximum when the sectorial field is strong and the streamer belt is greatly distorted from its flattened equatorial configuration. The link between coronal inflows and sector magnetism suggests that the inflows are by-products of a global recycling process in which nonaxisymmetric open flux is provided by active regions and dissipated by differential rotation, supergranular diffusion, and meridional flow.
Persistence in a discrete-time, stage-structured epidemic model

Discrete-time SI and SIR epidemic models, formulated by Emmert and Allen [J. Differ. Equ. Appl., 10 (2004), pp. 1177–1199] for the spread of a fungal disease in a structured amphibian host population, are analysed. Criteria for persistence of the population as well as for persistence of the disease are established. Global stability results for host extinction and for the disease-free equilibrium are presented.
Calibration of the modulation transfer function of surface profilometers with binary pseudorandom test standards: expanding the application range to Fizeau interferometers and electron microscopes

A modulation transfer function (MTF) calibration method based on binary pseudorandom (BPR) gratings and arrays has been proven to be an effective MTF calibration method for interferometric microscopes and a scatterometer. Here we report on a further expansion of the application range of the method. We describe the MTF calibration of a 6 in. phase shifting Fizeau interferometer. Beyond providing a direct measurement of the interferometer's MTF, tests with a BPR array surface have revealed an asymmetry in the instrument's data processing algorithm that fundamentally limits its bandwidth. Moreover, the tests have illustrated the effects of the instrument's detrending and filtering procedures on power spectral density measurements. The details of the development of a BPR test sample suitable for calibration of scanning and transmission electron microscopes are also presented. Such a test sample is realized as a multilayer structure with the layer thicknesses of two materials corresponding to the BPR sequence. The investigations confirm the universal character of the method that makes it applicable to a large variety of metrology instrumentation with spatial wavelength bandwidths from a few nanometers to hundreds of millimeters.
DELTAEC is also an acoustics teaching tool

A major revision of the Los Alamos thermoacoustics code, renamed DELTAEC, was released in 2007. It takes advantage of a user‐friendly, menu‐driven Windows environment and has indigenous plotting capabilities. DELTAEC is a differential equation solver that analyzes one‐dimensional acoustical networks defined by a series of "segments" representing ducts, compliances, speakers, etc. This talk will relate experiences using this software to teach a first‐year graduate core course on acoustics in fluids. Examples include illustration of effective length and quality factor of Helmholtz resonators, as well as the more challenging standing wave solutions within a resonator of variable cross‐section. The plotting feature allows immediate illustration of the pressure and velocity fields as well as power flow within the resonator. DELTAEC will also adjust gas mixture concentration to match a specified frequency. Segments representing electrodynamic loudspeakers, radiation loading, and flow resistance in porous media will be used to demonstrate the coupled‐oscillatory behavior of a bass‐reflex enclosure's complex electrical impedance vs. frequency. Calculation of the modes of a catenoidal horn of finite length will be presented. The "thermo‐physical property" feature provides fluid and solid properties at the students' choice of pressure, temperature and frequency, making it useful as a "handbook" for other assignments.
Immunocytochemical study of dystrophin at the myotendinous junction

Dystrophin is the protein whose deficiency results in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The protein has homologies with a number of cytoskeletal proteins, is localized at the muscle sarcolemma and it may provide stability to the muscle plasma membrane. Using immunocytochemical techniques, we have studied dystrophin localization at the myotendinous junction, a region of membrane complexity that requires more stability because it is subjected to great mechanical stress during the transmission of contractile force to the tendon. The results showed subsarcolemmal deposits of dystrophin at the junctional folds of the myotendon as well as membrane-associated dystrophin at extrajunctional sarcolemma. The findings suggest that dystrophin may be one of the components linking terminal actin filaments to the subplasmalemmal surface of the junctional folds of the myotendon.
Chemiluminescence as a condition monitoring method for thermal aging and lifetime prediction of an HTPB elastomer

Abstract Chemiluminescence (CL) has been applied as a condition monitoring technique to assess aging related changes in a hydroxyl-terminated-polybutadiene based polyurethane elastomer. Initial thermal aging of this polymer was conducted between 110 and 50 °C. Two CL methods were applied to examine the degradative changes that had occurred in these aged samples: isothermal “wear-out” experiments under oxygen yielding initial CL intensity and “wear-out” time data, and temperature ramp experiments under inert conditions as a measure of previously accumulated hydroperoxides or other reactive species. The sensitivities of these CL features to prior aging exposure of the polymer were evaluated on the basis of qualifying this method as a quick screening technique for quantification of degradation levels. Both the techniques yielded data representing the aging trends in this material via correlation with mechanical property changes. Initial CL rates from the isothermal experiments are the most sensitive and suitable approach for documenting material changes during the early part of thermal aging.