cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Origin of upper-ocean warming and El Niño change on decadal scales in the tropical Pacific Ocean

The cause of decadal-scale variability in the tropical Pacific Ocean—such as that marked by the 1976–77 shift in the El Nino/Southern Oscillation1,2,3,4,5,6,7—is poorly understood. Unravelling the mechanism of the recent decade-long warming in the tropical upper ocean is a particularly important challenge, given the link to El Nino variability, but establishing the hypothesized interannual/decadal oceanic connections between middle latitudes and tropics has proved elusive8. Here we present observational evidence that Pacific upper-ocean warming and decadal changes in the El Nino/Southern Oscillation after 1976 may originate from decadal mid-latitude variability. In the middle 1970s the North Pacific Ocean is observed to have undergone a clear phase-transition; a ‘see-saw’ subsurface temperature anomaly pattern that rotates clockwise around the subtropical gyre. At middle latitudes a subsurface warm anomaly formed in the early 1970s from subducted surface-waters and penetrated through the subtropics and into the tropics, thus perturbing the tropical thermocline and driving the formation of a warm surface-water anomaly that may have influenced El Nino in the 1980s. The identification of this teleconnection of extratropical thermal anomalies to the tropics, through a subsurface ocean ‘bridge’, may enable improved prediction of decadal-scale climate variability.
De La Salle at Parménie: A Classroom Experience

This article describes the experience of using a Lasallian text in the classroom. The “Encounter at Parmenie” refers to the crisis John Baptist de La Salle faced near the end of his life when he was embroiled in the Clement Affair, rebuffed in his visit to the Christian Schools in the south, and perceived as abandoned by the Brothers in Paris. It explores how these texts fit into a course taught at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, compares the texts used, describes the paper assignment, and excerpts selected student responses.
Do cigarette prices vary by brand, neighborhood, and store characteristics?

a SYNOPSIS Objective. We assessed the price variability of cigarettes by brand, neighbor- hood characteristics (racial/ethnic and youth composition, number of schools, and number of stores), and store type. Methods. Trained research staff purchased three different brands of cigarettes (premium, menthol, and discount—all produced by the same company) at 214 stores in one metropolitan area. We assessed associations between price and neighborhood/store characteristics through multivariate regression, using four price variables as dependent variables—the price of each brand of cigarettes and the mean price across the three brands. Results. We found that the price of cigarettes varied by neighborhood and store characteristics, although this variability differed by brand. For the same brand, the maximum price was 1.7 to 1.8 times higher than the lowest price. We found a positive association between the percentage of a neighborhood that was nonwhite and the price of discount and premium cigarettes as well as the overall mean price of cigarettes, but not with the price of the menthol brand. We found a negative association between the percentage of youth in a neighborhood and the price of premium cigarettes as well as the mean price, but not with the price of the other two brands. In addition, we found a greater likelihood of higher discount brand prices at independent vs. chain-operated stores. Conclusions. Our findings showed that cigarette prices do vary by brand, the youth and racial/ethnic composition in a neighborhood, and store type, sug- gesting that the tobacco industry might vary its marketing strategies based on brand as well as neighborhood and store characteristics.
Kinsey's Biographers: A Historiographical Reconnaissance

FOR ALFRED C. KINSEY, the end came in August 1956. Earlier that year one of his closest associates, Clarence Tripp, made the comment: "Of course now that you're famous, somebody will certainly want to write your biography." Kinsey demurred, snapping, "Nonsense! The progress of science depends upon knowledge. It has nothing to do with personalities."2 Thus Kinsey pungently reiterated the traditional view that, in the history of science, ideas matter more than the people who develop them. As the twenty-first century dawns, American society struggles with the sexual taboos unveiled by Kinsey fifty years ago, and scholars still disagree about his legacy. Even the evolutionary ideas of Charles Darwin, Kinsey's Victorian intellectual master, remain the subject of contemporary school board debate after more than a century. Darwin provided historians with a first-person account of his life through the autobiography he wrote for his grandchildren.3 But Kinsey left neither autobiography nor memoir, so we have no words from his pen about his life, about the joys and sorrows he experienced, about the vicissitudes of his career as he saw them. What we do have is a mountain of personal and
Parametric and Nonparametric Recognition by Computer: An Application to Leukocyte Image Processing

Publisher Summary Automation of the acquisition and interpretation of data in microscopy has been a focus in biomedical research for over a decade. In spite of many serious attempts, mechanical perception of microscopic fields with a reliability and cost-benefit ratio that would inspire routine clinical application is not yet a reality. Nevertheless, it is also no longer a speculation. Many facets of the problem of automating cell image analysis are within the grasp of present technology. Available histochemical techniques make it possible to prepare cytological material so that morphological integrity is preserved, key cell constituents are stained differentially, and, if desired, stoichiometrically, and specimens are favorably dispersed for viewing. Scanning microscopes have the requisite sensitivity, resolution, and stability to sample such objects, and make photometric measurements over a wide range of magnifications and wavelengths. Computer-managed microscanners with selective attention and controlled illumination, wavelength, magnification, focus, and stage motion are actively under development. Current generation information-processing facilities permit the rapid manipulation of the hitherto unmanageable quantities of optical information resident in all but the simplest microscopic images. However, the impact of very recent advances in high-speed digital circuitry, electro-optics, and hybrid digital-analog flow/scanning systems on our ability to implement algorithmic approaches to biomedical picture-processing efficiently is yet to be felt, and will likely turn feasibility into practicality. The automatic discrimination of human leukocytes or white blood cells has probably commanded more interdisciplinary effort and skill than any other biological picture-processing problem, perhaps with the exception of chromosome karyotyping. In the process, computer discrimination of leukocytes has become a classic example of the successful application of computer “pattern detection and recognition” to natural imagery and uncontrived scientific problems. The present chapter discusses the evolution and elaboration of these ideas, and subsequent advances in leukocyte discrimination by computer.
Landscape- and regional-scale shifts in forest composition under climate change in the Central Hardwood Region of the United States

Context Tree species distribution and abundance are affected by forces operating at multiple scales. Niche and biophysical process models have been commonly used to predict climate change effects at regional scales, however, these models have limited capability to include site-scale population dynamics and landscape-scale disturbance and dispersal. We applied a landscape modeling approach that incorporated three levels of spatial hierarchy (pixel, landtype, and ecological subsection) to model regional-scale shifts in forest composition under climate change.
A Case Study on the Adoption and Use of Synchronous Virtual Classrooms.

This is a case study of faculty adoption and use of Horizon Wimba Virtual Classroom in online courses at a Southeastern University in the United States.. The purpose of this case study was to explore faculty adoption and use of Horizon Wimba in their online courses. This inquiry is based on Yen et al. (2010) adoption factors (organizational, social, personal and technological) and the features of the virtual classroom. The research questions are 1) What factors and features influence faculty adoption of the Wimba Virtual Classroom? 2) How do faculty rate the Wimba Virtual Classroom using the characteristics of innovation? 3) How do faculty classify themselves using Roger's model of diffusion of innovation? 4) How do faculty use the Wimba Virtual Classroom in their teaching? Roger's diffusion of innovation was used as the theoretical framework for faculty adoption of virtual classroom. In the Fall of 2010, faculty were surveyed and interviewed about their decision to adopt and use Wimba. This case study provides meaningful information for administrators interested in promoting technology enhanced learning on their campuses and for faculty considering adoption.
Multimodal imaging of temporal processing in typical and atypical language development

New approaches to understanding language and reading acquisition propose that the human brain's ability to synchronize its neural firing rate to syllable-length linguistic units may be important to children's ability to acquire human language. Yet, little evidence from brain imaging studies has been available to support this proposal. Here, we summarize three recent brain imaging (functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG)) studies from our laboratories with young English-speaking children (aged 6-12 years). In the first study (fNIRS), we used an auditory beat perception task to show that, in children, the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) responds preferentially to rhythmic beats at 1.5 Hz. In the second study (fMRI), we found correlations between children's amplitude rise-time sensitivity, phonological awareness, and brain activation in the left STG. In the third study (MEG), typically developing children outperformed children with autism spectrum disorder in extracting words from rhythmically rich foreign speech and displayed different brain activation during the learning phase. The overall findings suggest that the efficiency with which left temporal regions process slow temporal (rhythmic) information may be important for gains in language and reading proficiency. These findings carry implications for better understanding of the brain's mechanisms that support language and reading acquisition during both typical and atypical development.
Hyperpolarizability of the C60 fullerene cluster

Motivated by a discrepancy of five orders of magnitude between three different hyperpolarizability measurements on the C60 fullerene, we calculated the optical response of this cluster using a tight-binding Hamiltonian and compared the results to those for a benzene molecule. Our Hamiltonian reproduces the linear polarizability and hyperpolarizability of benzene reasonably well. For C60, our calculations of the bare polarizability agree only with two of the optical response measurements and indicate that the corresponding linear and nonlinear response of C60 is much larger than that of C6H6. We find that screening effects decrease this difference strongly, and also reduce the calculated hyperpolarizability of C60 to a value which is two orders of magnitude below the favored measurements.
Resolving an isotopic boundary within the Australian-Antarctic discordance

Abstract New Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic analyses of MORB glasses from the Australian-Antarctic Discordance (AAD) confirm the presence of an abrupt boundary between ‘Indian’ type and ‘Pacific’ type MORB mantle. The transition between these two upper mantle reservoirs is gradational along ∼ 40 km of the easternmost AAD spreading center (i.e. segment B5W) and terminates at its western ridge-transform intersection. Axial lavas dredged immediately west of the B4/B5 transform are unequivocally derived from an ‘Indian’ MORB source, whereas axial lavas dredged east of this transform have a ‘Pacific’ type signature with evidence of an ‘Indian’ MORB imprint. Off-axis sampling of the easternmost AAD spreading segment show these lavas to have been derived from an ‘Indian’ type source; indicating that the isotopic boundary has migrated westward into the AAD in the last 3–4 Myr. Pacific mantle must flow beneath the B5 spreading axis at a rate of ∼ 25 mm/yr in order for it to displace Indian mantle as the source of melt for this segment. The gradational character of the boundary suggests that, as the westward migration of ‘Pacific’ mantle progresses, an increasing memory of a remnant ‘Indian’ signature is incorporated into lavas near the leading edge of the boundary zone. At present, approximately equal proportions of ‘Pacific’ and ‘Indian’ mantle contribute to the isotopic signature of lavas erupted 10 km east of the B4/B5 spreading axis offset at ∼ 126°E. Migration of the boundary could reflect a a continuous, large-scale, westward outflow of upper mantle which has recently arrived beneath the AAD from a shrinking Pacific basin, or, alternatively, the displacement may reflect a small-scale perturbation of a long-term isotopic discontinuity, created and maintained by the mantle dynamics producing the AAD.
FAMILY AND DELINQUENCY: STRUCTURE OR FUNCTION?*

Although much debate and research have been centered on the relative importance of familial structure (for example, presence of parents) and functions (for example, relationship with parents) for delinquency, the discipline has failed to come to terms, both theoretically and empirically, with the inherent complexity of the issues. Recognizing that structure necessitates some functional consequences, the complexity of the issues is explored. Utilizing a city-wide representative sample of black youths and a somewhat systematic sample of white youths, an Automatic Interaction Detection (AID) analysis is used to uncover unsuspected interaction patterns of six independent variables. Interaction with the father emerged as the single most important variable for blacks. However, AID did uncover for blacks important interactions with family size, presence of father, and social class. A somewhat different and more tenuous pattern was found for whites, with social class being the most important variable and father–son interaction showing very little relationship with delinquency. It seems evident, therefore, that structure and function, especially for blacks, are both of importance for delinquency.
Examining the Quality of IEPs for Young Children with Autism

The purpose of this study was to develop an Individual Education Program (IEP) evaluation tool based on Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements and National Research Council recommendations for children with autism; determine the tool’s reliability; test the tool on a pilot sample of IEPs of young children; and examine associations between IEP quality and school, teacher, and child characteristics. IEPs for 35 students with autism (Mage = 6.1 years; SD = 1.6) from 35 different classrooms were examined. The IEP tool had adequate interrater reliability (ICC = .70). Results identified no statistically significant association between demographics and IEP quality, and IEPs contained relatively clear descriptions of present levels of performance. Weaknesses of IEPs were described and recommendations provided.
Endonuclease and exonuclease activities on oligodeoxynucleotides containing spiroiminodihydantoin depend on the sequence context and the lesion stereochemistry

8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (dOG), a well-studied oxidation product of 2′-deoxyguanosine (dG), is prone to facile further oxidation forming spiroiminodihydantoin 2′-deoxyribonucleoside (dSp) in the nucleotide pool and in single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs). Many methods for quantification of damaged lesions in the genome rely on digestion of DNA with exonucleases or endonucleases and dephosphorylation followed by LC-MS analysis of the resulting nucleosides. In this study, enzymatic hydrolysis of dSp-containing ODNs was investigated with snake venom phosphodiesterase (SVPD), spleen phosphodiesterase (SPD) and nuclease P1. SVPD led to formation of a dinucleotide, 5′-d(Np[Sp])-3′ (N = any nucleotide) that included the undamaged nucleotide on the 5′ side of dSp as the final product. This dinucleotide was a substrate for both SPD and nuclease P1. A kinetic study of the activity of SPD and nuclease P1 showed a sequence dependence on the nucleotide 5′ to the lesion with rates in the order dG > dA > dT > dC. In addition, the two diastereomers of dSp underwent digestion at significantly different rates with dSp1 > dSp2; nuclease P1 hydrolyzed the 5′-d(Np[Sp1])-3′ dinucleotide two- to six-fold faster than the corresponding 5′-d(Np[Sp2])-3′, while for SPD the difference was two-fold. These rates are chemically reasoned based on dSp diastereomer differences in the syn vs. anti glycosidic bond orientation. A method for the complete digestion of dSp-containing ODNs is also outlined based on treatment with nuclease P1 and SVPD. These findings have significant impact on the development of methods to detect dSp levels in cellular DNA.
Reframing coalitions as systems interventions: a network study exploring the contribution of a youth violence prevention coalition to broader system capacity.

This longitudinal research conceptualizes community coalitions as events in local intervention systems (Hawe et al. in Am J Commun Psychol 43(3–4):267–276, 2009). It explores the potential contribution coalitions make, through the collaborative activities of their members, to the broader intervention systems in which they are embedded. Using social network analysis, it examines patterns of structural change in a network of 99 organizations focused on youth violence prevention (YVP) over a 5-year period in which 30 of the 99 organizations were involved in a local YVP Coalition. Both longitudinal modeling and cross sectional analyses are used to examine change in system capacity—strong interorganizational networks—related to patterns of network density, centralization, and hierarchy. Somewhat surprisingly, the study found that capacity in the broader YVP Intervention System actually diminished during the 5-year period of the coalition’s operation, though part of the system—the sub-network that made up the YVP Coalition—was marginally strengthened. In this case, therefore, the evidence suggests that power and relational resources in the broader YVP Intervention System were redistributed. The article explores how the definition of capacity related to density and hierarchy may be contextually dependent. Implications for the role of coalitions in building system capacity are discussed.
Proposed Transformer Standards

Discussion of a paper by J. E. Clem published in the January 1937 issue, pages 32–36, and presented for oral discussion at the selected subjects session of the winter convention, New York, N. Y., January 25, 1937.
Chimpanzees’ spontaneous temporal sorting of stimuli on the basis of physical identity

This study asked the question “Would chimpanzees’ choice of stimuli in a sorting task follow any consistent sequence?”. Four stimuli (e.g., two plastic grapes and two hairpins) were presented on each trial. The two chimpanzees were reinforced after placing all four stimuli, one at a time, in a receptacle. The order that stimuli were chosen was classified into one of three sequences: two pairs (e.g., grape, grape, hairpin, hairpin), one pair (e.g., grape, hairpin, hairpin, grape), or no pairs (e.g., grape, hairpin, grape, hairpin). The hypothesis that the number of different sequences would be equal was rejected (p<.001) for both subjects. The sequence of two pairs occurred most frequently. This result was accounted for by two factors: (1) some stimuli were chosen first significantly more often than others, indicating the subjects preferred certain stimuli; (2) when the data reflecting preferences was removed, the hypothesis that the number of different sequences would be equal was rejected again (p<.001) and the sequence of two pairs still occurred most frequently. The results indicate chimpanzees’ choice of stimuli in a sorting task is an organized rather than a random process.
Hoe Creek II Revisited: Boundaries of the Gasification Zone

Abstract Lawrence Livermore Laboratory has completed an exploratory drilling program at the site of the Hoe Creek II Field Experiment on in situ coal gasification. We have used the results to further define the boundaries of the gasification zone. The gasification zone was 12 to 16 m wide and extended at least 7.6 m behind the injection well and 18 m toward the production well. All the coal within 2.9 m of the injection well was gasified despite an override condition that existed almost from the start of forward-combustion gasification. Cavity-spreading mechanisms that do not depend on the product flow paths being at the bottom of the seam are suggested. Natural convection may drive these mechanisms. For these mechanisms to function the injection point must be at the bottom of the coal seam
Distribution of Nucleic Acids

A QUESTION of great interest has been raised by Gulland, Barker and Jordan when they object to a nucleic acid terminology proposed by us1. We suggested that the terms 'chromonucleic' and 'plasmonucleic acid' be used as synonyms for 'desoxyribose' and 'ribose nucleic acid' respectively2. The latter terms are useful because they clearly denote an essential difference in chemical composition of the two known types of nucleic acid; the former terms would be useful because they describe the striking biological distribution of the two nucleic acids.
Effect of vitamin A in vitro on histamine release and structure of mast cells.

Abstract Release of histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells in vitro on their treatment with vitamin A alcohol (retinol) was observed, and the percentage released was correlated with morphological changes shown electron microscopically. The release, up to a maximum of 69, was obtained with concentrations of the vitamin from 37.5 to 300 μg/ml. Morphological effects, increasing as the vitamin concentration increased, were characterized by loss of microvilli and bleb formation on the surface, damage to membranes, depletion of the granule population with appearance of changed granules, loss of intergranular material, and change to more pycnotic nuclei. These findings support a concept of a general effect of vitamin A on membranes and intracellular structures.
On the optimized sensor location performances in the presence of additive white Gaussian Noise

In previous papers we solved the problem of the sensor location optimization based on the minimization of interferences due to wireless communications between sensors. We assumed that each sensor has wireless communication capabilities, in that each sensor reading is characterized in terms of signal to noise ratio. In this paper we extend the previous work in the system of systems context by studying the robustness of the optimized sensor location in the presence of white additive Gaussian Noise (AWGN). We address the question on weather the optimized sensor locations remain the same if the initial reading sensors are only affected by additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The analysis results are verified trough computer simulations.
Estimation of Hydraulic Conductivity Values In a Coastal Aquifer

A method is presented to compute the ratio of the vertical to horizontal component of the hydraulic conductivity of a homogeneous aquifer using a finite-element model. The method requires knowledge of: (1) the boundary conditions along a vertical cross section of the aquifer, and (2) the hydraulic head measurements of two vertically separated well screens (preferably at the top and bottom of the aquifer). The method was used to estimate the anisotropy ratio for the aquifer at Port St. Lucie, Florida. The value of the horizontal component of the hydraulic conductivity was also estimated for this region by comparing measured tidally influenced ground-water elevations to calculated elevations.
Studies on Combustion of Single and Double Streams of Methanol and Methanol/Dodecanol Droplets

Results are presented on combustion characteristics of single and double droplet streams injected into hot gas environments. The droplets were composed of methanol/dodecanol mixtures or methanol. A flat-flame burner generated hot gases that were directed down an electrically heated flow tube. Droplets initially about 193 µm in diameter were injected through the center of the flat-flame burner and along the tube, where they ignited. Staged burning was observed for methanol/dodecanol droplets but not for methanol droplets. Burning rates decreased as the number of droplet streams was increased from one to two, and burning rates increased as the initial mass fraction of dodecanol was increased. The experiments indicated that droplet stream interactions influenced sooting and droplet disruption. The data also indicated that liquid species mixing rates were significantly larger in these droplets than in methanol/dodecanol droplets burned in previous reduced-gravity experiments--these differences are attributed ...
Advanced, two-dimensional, high-resolution microchannel plate detector for sounding rocket experiments

We discuss a very high resolution imaging microchannel plate (MCP) detector developed for use in a high resolution ((lambda) /(Delta) (lambda) equals30,000) ultraviolet spectrograph which will fly aboard a NASA sounding rocket. The detector utilizes hybrid anode, referred to as a double delay line, which encodes x-axis position from time delay measurements and y-axis position by charge division. The detector uses low resistance MCP's in a z-stack arrangement to achieve high local count rates and a gain of 2 X 107 electrons per incident photon. The detector has a resolution of 20 micrometers FWHM throughout a 6x1 cm active area. The use of a KBr photocathode and a repeller grid boosts the quantum efficiency of the bare MCP's to over 40% at approximately equals 1100 angstroms.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
/r/ and the construction of place identity on New York City's Lower East Side1

This paper argues that a group of white residents on the Lower East Side of Manhattan use a New York City English (NYCE) feature – non-rhoticity in the syllable coda – in the construction of a place identity, one aspect of identity tied to localness and authenticity. A quantitative analysis confirms that the change in progress towards rhoticity in NYCE (Labov 1966) continues to advance slowly, so that non-rhoticity remains a resource for New Yorkers, imbued with local social meaning. Ethnographic observation of the Lower East Side reveals conflict among residents, which motivates one group to highlight their place identity by using non-rhoticity. These Lower East Siders utilize micro-variation of /r/ in stretches of interview talk, increasing non-rhoticity when discussing neighborhood topics. Results support a social practice approach to stylistic and sociolinguistic variation, where Lower East Siders use /r/ in constructing a place identity in order to present themselves as authentic neighborhood residents.
Oil Price Shocks: Can They Account for the Stagflation in the 1970s?

Using a variant of the IMF's Global Economy Model (GEM), featuring energy as both an intermediate input into production and a final consumption good, this paper examines the macroeconomic implications of large increases in the price of energy. Within a fully optimizing framework with nominal and real rigidities arising from costly adjustment, large increases in energy prices can generate an inflation response similar to that seen in the 1970s if the monetary authority misperceives the economy's supply capacity and workers resist the erosion in their real consumption wages resulting from the price increase. In the absence of either of these two responses, the model suggests that energy price shocks cannot generate the type of stagflation witnessed in the 1970s. Further, even allowing for these two effects, the results do not suggest that the increase in the price of oil in late 1973 and early 1974 can fully explain the extent of the slowing in real activity or the magnitude of the acceleration in inflation experienced in the United States in 1974 and 1975.
Fundamental Liquid Flow Correlations for the Computation of Design Parameters for Ordered Packings

The foundations have been laid out for estimating design parameters in ordered packing materials based on fluid mechanics and mass transfer without any adjustable parameters. Design parameters for heat- and mass-transfer processes over ordered packing materials can be estimated using the knowledge developed on the study of flow patterns and velocity parameters for thin viscous films over complex surfaces. Velocity profiles can be integrated to calculate liquid holdup and interfacial areas. The effect of the size of the structured packing as well as liquid properties on these parameters was explored. Flow visualization experiments were performed to determine the path followed by tracer particles in the liquid film flowing over the inclined corrugations of a packing element. Contact times for tracer particles to travel one wave of the packing element can be evaluated using the packing geometry and the path followed by the particles. Mass-transfer coefficients for the liquid phase were estimated using a pene...
Miscibility windows for poly(styrene-co-vinyl phenol) blends with poly(alkyl methacrylate)s: Further comparisons of theoretical predictions to FTIR experimental data

We report the results of theoretical and experimental studies of styrene-co-vinyl phenol (STVPh) copolymer blends with poly(n-octyl methacrylate) (POMA) and poly(n-decyl methacrylate) (PDMA). This work is a natural extension to our recently reported studies of the phase behavior of analogous STVPh blends with poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) and poly(n-hexyl methacrylate) (PHMA) where we employed an association model together with parameters obtained from studies of miscible homopolymer blends. The theoretically calculated miscibility maps for STVPh copolymer blends with the homologous series of poly(n-alkyl methacrylates) (PAMA) are in fine agreement with experiment.
DOES REGENERATION FOLLOW COMPLETE OVARIOTOMY IN THE ALBINO RAT

These two experiments seem to show that in the rat it is easily possible to be certain of getting out the entire ovary in young rats (under forty days old) and that upon complete removal no regeneration occurs.
Treves’ field congenital hernias in children: an unsuspected rare cause of acute small bowel obstruction

The Treves’ field congenital hernias (TFCH) are an unusual cause of bowel obstruction that may result in irreversible damage of the small bowel or a fatal outcome, unless treated timely and properly. We analyzed retrospectively the medical records of four patients who underwent surgery for TFCHs over a period of 9 years. The types of TFCHs, only diagnosed at surgery, were identified as transmesenteric through a defect in Treves’ field in three patients, and as hernia into Treves’ field pouch in one patient. Patients had non-specific clinical manifestations, and imaging findings demonstrated only small bowel obstruction. Delay in accurate preoperative diagnosis, and especially patient-related delay, led to a primary enterectomy–anastomosis for necrotic small bowel in the patients with transmesenteric hernias. One infant with necrotic bowel died postoperatively. It may be difficult to diagnose TFCHs in children preoperatively. Misdiagnosis of bowel obstruction caused by this type of internal hernia might lead to small bowel necrosis or death. The risk of this complication seems to be more influenced by pre-hospital delay. Awareness of the severe consequences of delay in diagnosis, high clinical suspicion, early recognition, and proper surgical intervention are essential in the successful management of TFCHs.
Effects of processing on microstructure and mechanical properties of a titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) fabricated using electron beam melting (EBM), part 1: Distance from build plate and part size

Abstract Selective electron beam melting (EBM) is a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing technique that shows great promise for fabrication of medical devices and aerospace components. Before its potential can be fully realized, however, a comprehensive understanding of processing–microstructure–properties relationships is necessary. Titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) parts were built in a geometry developed to allow investigation of the following two intra-build processing parameters: distance from the build plate and part size. Microstructure evaluation (qualitative prior-β grain size, quantitative α lath thickness), tensile testing, and Vickers microhardness were performed for each specimen. Microstructure and mechanical properties, including microhardness, were not found to vary as a function of distance from the build plate, which was hypothesized to be influenced by the build plate preheating associated with the EBM process. Part size, however, was found to influence ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield strength (YS) by less than 2% over the size range investigated. A second order effect of thermal mass might also have influenced these results. Differences were observed between the EBM Ti–6Al–4V microstructure of this work and the expected acicular or Widmanstatten microstructure normally achieved through annealing above the β transus. Therefore, a different relationship between α lath thickness and mechanical properties might be expected.
Changing the student clerkship from traditional lectures to small group case-based sessions benefits the student and the faculty.

Background Attempts to improve the third year surgery clerkship led to the implementation of faculty-led small group teaching instead of large group lecture-style dissemination of the general surgical curriculum. The intent was to facilitate better faculty-to-student relationships, provide more favorable balance between classroom and clinical surgery, and enhance overall surgical education. Methods Didactic student sessions were reduced from 33 lectures to 8 small group sessions and surgical specialty lectures. A case-based surgical curriculum was utilized and students were organized into small groups led by assigned faculty members. A uniform schedule of topics was prearranged to ensure continuity and avoid duplication of material. The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) surgery subject examination raw score and percentile rank assignments were analyzed for 1 medical graduating class taught using the traditional method and compared with the subsequent class taught in small groups. A survey was administered to assess student and faculty regarding the new format. Results Average NBME percentile rank score for students educated in small groups versus lecture-only groups improved significantly (61.2 vs 55.9, p = 0.04, Student t test). The students reported increased time spent preparing for small group over lecture and more satisfaction with the small group teaching environment. Faculty members reported an increase in time needed to deliver the session but otherwise gave strong positive feedback. Conclusions Concerns that student performance on standardized testing would suffer from the proposed change were not substantiated as performance on NBME subject examinations actually improved. Additional preparation time, method preference, favorable balance of classroom to clinical exposure, and direct interactions with faculty may be responsible for the observed increase in NBME examination percentile scores. Faculty members were overwhelmingly in favor of the new model and the additional direct contact with students may prove beneficial in junior faculty promotion and career development.
ADDITIVE ENDOMORPHISMS OF RINGS

PROOF. Assume S----Z2, $ A~ ~ A1 is a member of R, and let ~ be an additive endomorphism of R. We will prove y must be a ring endomorphism of $. The map y will send A1 to A1 and will send Z~ ~ A2 to Z2, @ A 2 since mx = 0 implies that my(x) ~ O. It will then suffice to show that y restricted to Z~ ~B A~ is a ring endomorphism. Therefore we will assume A 1 = 0. Products in S are defined by xy = 2n-ix A 2n-ly where the symbol a A b is defined to be a if a = b and 0 ff a ---- 0 or b = 0. It is undefined otherwise. From the definition of a A b ~(a A b) = ~(a) A ~(b) whenever a A b is defined. Therefore
Tax evasion and compliance; from the neo classical paradigm to behavioural economics, a review

Purpose – Tax evasion and tax compliance have been popular research subjects for several decades. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of the literature explaining individual taxpayer's behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – Recognizing Allingham and Sandmo's model as the starting point, important modern behavioural approaches in conjunction with the social disciplines are reviewed. Findings – Synthesis of findings suggests a wide array of factors influencing the tax evasion – tax compliance decision. So far, the most comprehensive explanation incorporating the attributive factors along with their interactions belongs to Kirchler et al.'s “slippery slope framework”. Research limitations/implications – Tax compliance's importance in public finance increases dramatically within the current sovereign debt crisis in the global economic environment. In light of the developments in the front of behavioural economics, further research is needed to validate all hypotheses. Originality/value – The c...
Monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis as a biomarker in environmental health studies

The first studies of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) in the general population were conducted as part of environmental health investigations that began in 1991. MBL was observed as an unexpected finding when blood samples were immunophenotyped by two-colour flow cytometric methods in common use at that time. The initial observations led to a workshop in 1995, at which case definitions were considered and medical follow-up investigations were recommended. Medical follow-ups were conducted in 1997 and 2003. A total of eight cases of confirmed MBL and three cases of presumptive MBL were identified. This review summarizes the findings from those investigations and discusses the issues related to using MBL as a biomarker in environmental health research and population-based studies.
The myth of normality: Consequences for the diagnosis of abnormality and health

Normality, as conceptualized within the field of psychology, represents an inappropriate model for the standardization of diagnostic systems. Normality continues to be confused with health. All human beings represent a composite of strengths and weaknesses. As a result, it should not be anticipated that normal people will be more effective than individuals diagnosed as abnormal in regard to all human characteristics. Creativity is examined as an example of the confusion resulting from ignoring the strengths of abnormal people and the limitations of normal adjustment.
Computed radiography X-ray exposure trends

Rationale and Objectives. Computed radiography provides correct optical density on film, independent of the incident radiation exposure, but it can result in under- or overexposure of the imaging plate. In the current study, we evaluated the radiation exposure trends of computed radiography over a 2-year period for portable chest examinations to determine and compare the radiographic techniques of the computed radiography system relative to conventional screen-film detectors. Methods. A Fuji computed radiography system was interfaced to a digital workstation to track system usage and examination demographics, including examination type and sensitivity number. Hard-copy films were used for diagnosis. The sensitivity number, a value inversely related to incident exposure on the imaging plate, was used to determine whether the proper techniques were used by the technologists. Results. The initial use of the computed radiography system revealed a broad distribution of exposures being used; complaints regarding noisy films (e.g., underexposure) resulted in subsequent overexposure for a significant number of films. A quality-control audit indicating excessive exposure resulted in educational feedback and a tighter distribution of exposures within the optimal range as determined by our radiologists. The average technique was approximately equivalent to a 200-speed system. Conclusion. Computed radiography provides excellent dynamic range and rescaling capabilities for proper film optical density, and thus fewer repeat examinations. However, underexposure results in suboptimal image quality that is related to excessive quantum mottle. Overexposure requires film audits to limit unnecessary radiation exposure. In general, the optimal exposures are achieved with approximately 1.5–2 times the incident detector exposure of a 400-speed rare-earth system. The ability of computed radiography to reduce radiation exposure is unlikely when compared with a typical rare-earth screen-film combination (400 speed) in terms of adequate image quality for the diagnosis of subtle, low-contrast findings. For certain diagnostic procedures (e.g., nasogastric tube placement verification), lower exposures can be tolerated.
Effect of metabolic and other inhibitors on regeneration in Blepharisma undulans

Abstract 1. 1. Inhibitors of aerobic processes such as cyanide and azide have little effect and apparently no specific action upon regeneration though they induce precytolytic damage. Dinitrophenol is also without specific effect. 2. 2. Iodoacetic acid and urethan which presumably affect anaerobic metabolic reactions are effective inhibitors of regeneration, being most effective if applied during the early part of regeneration. 3. 3. Chloramphenicol and RNAase retard regeneration, the latter markedly and primarily during the early part of regeneration. DNAase is without action, perhaps because it does not enter. 4. 4. Colchicine appeared to retard regeneration because of a generalized injury to the cell, not a specific effect. 5. 5. Mercaptoethanol has a powerful inhibitory effect on regeneration, the delay being much greater than the period of exposure to the drug. It apparently inactivates some essential organelle. 6. 6. Strychnine sulfate produces a generalized injury—removal of the pellicle. Retardation of regeneration is probably non-specific, being equally effective at all times during regeneration. 7. 7. The way in which the poisons tested may affect regeneration is considered in view of data on regeneration in the literature.
Activation of distinct multidrug‐resistance (P‐glycoprotein) genes during rat liver regeneration and hepatocarcinogenesis

The multidrug transporter P-glycoproteins are encoded by three multidrug-resistance (mdr) genes in rodents, designated mdr1a (mdr3), mdr1b (mdr1), and mdr2. Only the first two genes are functionally related to multidrug resistance. Activation of rodent mdr genes during liver regeneration and hepatocarcinogenesis has been reported. In mice, mdr1a is activated in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) produced by various carcinogenic protocols, whereas both mdr1a and mdr2 are activated during liver regeneration. In this communication, we report isolating three gene-specific probes for the rat mdr homologues, which were used as probes in an RNase protection assay to demonstrate that mdr1b mRNA was expressed in HCCs induced by two different protocols. Furthermore, high levels of hepatic mdr1b mRNA but only moderate levels of mdr1a and mdr2 mRNA were seen in preneoplastic lesions in rats treated with 2-acetylaminofluorene. Likewise, highly elevated levels of hepatic mdr1b mRNA but only moderately increased levels of mdr1a and mdr2 mRNA were seen after partial hepatectomy. Nevertheless, the general patterns of tissue-specific expression of these three mdr genes were similar in rats and mice. These results reveal a complex hepatic gene expression pattern during hepatocarcinogenesis and hepatic proliferation for this conserved gene family in rodents.
Using Statistical Methods to Assess a Surveillance Program

ABSTRACTThree metrics have been been developed to assess the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) Surveillance Program against its objectives of detecting defects, determining margins and validating predictions. The surveillance metrics use statistical methods and are probabilities or confidences that produce quantitive assessments on a 0 to 1 scale—from no confidence that a given data stream achieves its surveillance program objectives to complete confidence that the data stream fulfills the objectives. These metrics may be compared and rolled up to support NNSA Surveillance Program management decisions.
Prevention of sudden death after repair of tetralogy of fallot: Treatment of ventricular arrhythmias

The majority of sudden deaths after repair of tetralogy of Fallot have been presumed to be due to ventricular arrhythmia; however, it remains to be demonstrated that antiarrhythmic medication reduces the incidence of sudden death. Since 1978, ventricular arrhythmias have been treated aggressively; these include any ventricular arrhythmia on routine electrocardiogram and more than 10 uniform premature ventricular complexes per hour on 24 hour electrocardiogram. A review was undertaken of 488 patients followed up for more than 1 month after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (mean follow-up time 6.1 gears); 13.5% had ventricular arrhythmia on routine electrocardiogram. Ventricular arrhythmia appeared from 2 months to 21 years postoperatively (mean 7.3 g ears). Ventricular arrhythmias were significantly (p
How does canal taper affect root stresses

Aim To examine the effect of specific tapers on root stresses and thus vertical root fracture. Methodology The effect of taper on root stresses was calculated during simulated warm vertical compaction of gutta-percha in a straight rooted premolar for three tapers (0.04, 0.06 and 0.12 mm mm−1) using finite element analysis. Stresses in the dentine were observed whilst the root was filled with three subsequent gutta-percha increments. Each increment was compacted at 10 or 15 N and the gutta-percha cooled down to 37 °C. After filling, composite was polymerized in the access space. A functional occlusal load of 50 N was then applied on the buccal cusp incline. The stress distribution in the root during the occlusal loading was compared with the stresses during filling. Results During filling, the highest stresses were found: (a) at the canal surface; (b) using the smallest taper; (c) in the apical third; and (d) during the first gutta-percha increment. The root stress distribution changed when the functional post-filling load was applied. It generated the highest stresses at the external root surface, with a tensile stress concentration at the lingual surface of the cervical third. Since the stresses during simulated masticatory loading concentrated on the external surface, an increased taper size caused only slightly higher root stress levels. Conclusions With increasing taper, root stresses decreased during root filling but tended to increase for masticatory loading. Root fracture originating at the apical third is likely initiated during filling, whilst fracture originating in the cervical portion is likely caused by occlusal loads.