cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Progress Towards a Model to Describe Jet/Aerodynamic-Surface Interference Effects

A first generation model is presented which relates the pressure distribution on an aerodynamic surface to properties of the jet plume. The characteristics of a jet in a crossflow that are of primary importance in determining the pressure distribution on the aerodynamic surface are assumed to be: (1) a pair of contrarotating vortices associated with a jet in a crossflow, (2) entrainment of crossflow fluid into the jet plume, (3) a wake region near the aerodynamic surface and extending downstream from the jet orifice. The model is applied to the configuration of a round jet exhausting perpendicularly through a flat plate into a uniform crossflow for a range of jet-to-crossflow velocity ratios from 3 to 10. It is demonstrated that the model is capable of describing the measured pressure distribution on the flat plate with model parameters that are compatable with the incomplete description of the vortex pair that is available. The force and moment on the plate are presented as functions of jet-to-crossflow velocity ratio.
Ultrasound-modulated optical tomography in reflection mode with ring-shaped light illumination.

We have succeeded in implementing ring-shaped light illumination ultrasound-modulated optical tomography (UOT) in reflection mode. The system used intense acoustic bursts and a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera-based speckle contrast detection method. In addition, the implementation allows placing the tissue sample below (not within) an acoustic coupling water tank and scanning the tissue without moving the sample. Thus, the UOT system is more clinically applicable than previous transmission-mode systems. Furthermore, we have successfully imaged an ex vivo methylene-blue-dyed sentinel lymph node (SLN) embedded at a depth of 13mm in chicken breast tissue. This UOT system offers several advantages: noninvasiveness, nonionizing radiation, portability, cost effectiveness, and the possibility of combination with ultrasound pulse-echo imaging and photoacoustic imaging. One potential application of the UOT system is mapping SLNs in axillary staging for breast cancer patients.
Measuring online information seeking context, Part 2: Findings and discussion

Context is one of the most important concepts in information seeking and retrieval research. However, the challenges of studying context are great; thus, it is more common for researchers to use context as a post hoc explanatory factor, rather than as a concept that drives inquiry. The purpose of this study was to develop a method for collecting data about information seeking context in natural online environments, and identify which aspects of context should be considered when studying online information seeking. The study is reported in two parts. In this, the second part, results and implications of this research are presented. Part 1 (Kelly, 2006) discussed previous literature on information seeking context and behavior, situated the current study within this literature, and described the naturalistic, longitudinal research design that was used to examine and measure the online information seeking context of seven users during a 14-week period. Results provide support for the value of the method in studying online information seeking context, the relative importance of various measures of context, how these measures change over time, and, finally, the relationship between these measures. In particular, results demonstrate significant differences in distributions of usefulness ratings according to task and topic. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immune Function in Offspring of Nonhuman Primates (Macaca nemestrina) Exposed Weekly to 1.8 g/kg Ethanol during Pregnancy: Preliminary Observations

A preliminary investigation of immune host response was conducted in a group of fetal alcohol-exposed nonhuman primates (Macaca nemestrina) who were part of a broader ongoing study of ethanol teratogenicity. The mothers of the offspring received weekly oral doses of ethanol (1.8 g/kg) for the first 3 or 6 or the entire 24 weeks of gestation. A control group received sucrose solution weekly throughout pregnancy. Four of the 18 ethanol-exposed animals (22%) died or were euthanized after infectious disease or failure to thrive during the first year of life; none of the seven control animals died. This imbalance in survival prompted the present review of immune function in the remaining offspring. Parameters assessed included: (1) white blood cell count (WBC), (2) peripheral blood leucocyte subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD20+, and CD11c+), (3) T-cell proliferation after activation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB), and tetanus toxoid (TT), (4) phagocytic activity of monocytes, and (5) serum immunoglobulin levels and serum antibody titers after TT vaccination. Mean T-cell proliferation to TT was significantly decreased (p = 0.01) in all ethanol-exposed animals relative to controls, with near-significant decreases (p = 0.06) in response to SEB in the ethanol-exposed animals. Lymphocyte proliferation in response to PHA was not altered. Ethanol-exposed animals had significantly lower TT titers than controls after initial vaccination and booster. WBC, leukocyte subsets, serum immunoglobulins, and monocyte phagocytic activity were not significantly different from control values. These preliminary observations suggest that T-cell proliferation and antigen-specific memory responses may be altered in offspring exposed to weekly doses of ethanol in utero and warrant further evaluation for confirmation.
On the frequency distribution of land slope

Slope frequency distributions are computed from Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) of 18 areas from five different geographic and physiographic regions. Over 160,000 slope estimates are used in the definition of the slope frequency distribution for each area. Analysis of several transformations of the slope data indicates that no single transformation is capable of normalizing all slope distributions. This is, in part, due to the arbitrary placement of the boundaries of the map sheets used in the data collection. The square root of sine, however, provides better results than sine, log-tangent, or several other transformations. The degree of (positive) skewness of gradients in degrees correlates with the proportion of slopes below 2° or 5° (rs = + 0·93), as does the kurtosis (rs = + 0·91).
Morphology of Interatrial Defects Created by Interventional Techniques in a Neonatal Animal Model

Pathological details are lacking of various techniques used for interatrial defect (IAD) creation in lesions requiring mixing or with left atrial hypertension. Therefore, the morphology of the IAD created by different interventional techniques is described. The atrial septa of ten euthanized piglets (seven at <3 days and three at 2 weeks of age) were surgically exposed. In pigs of both ages, a needle-created communication was dilated with angioplasty, cutting, and cryoplasty balloons. A stent was also implanted in a newborn pig. By way of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in newborns, angioplasty and septostomy balloons and a stent created IADs. The morphology of the IAD was directly imaged and the size measured. Newborn piglets had noticeably thinner atrial septa, and a PFO was still present. Static balloon dilation created a circular IAD equivalent to the balloon diameter (3 and 6 mm) in both the created defects of pigs of both ages and the neonatal PFO. A 3-mm cutting balloon (CB) produced a 2-mm triangular IAD (corresponding to atherotomes) in pigs of both ages. Premounted stents, by way of a created defect or PFO, led to circular IADs equivalent to balloon diameter. The 3-mm cryoplasty balloon created a large 5 × 4-mm IAD in the newborn pig; however, the IAD measured only 2 × 1-mm at 2 weeks. By way of a neonatal PFO, a septostomy balloon (inflated to 2 cc) created a 3-mm circular IAD. In neonatal piglet hearts, static balloon angioplasty, CBs, and stents created a predictable IAD. Cryoplasty balloons created highly variable defects.
Learning to teach as an intern: the emotions and the self

Abstract Teaching is at its heart an emotional endeavor, yet the role of emotions in learning to teach is not often explored. Drawing upon the work of Robert Solomon, the authors offer a conception of emotions as evaluative judgments about incidents or objects in the world, and distinguish between emotion and mood. The study paints a picture of the emotional life of 16 intern teachers in their 1st year of teaching. Three sets of emotions, love, anger and contempt, and guilt are examined, leading to a description of a mood of vulnerability woven through the teaching lives of the interns. Implications for those who mentor beginning teachers are presented.
Constituents of Afzelia bella stem bark.

Abstract The stembark of Afzelia bella yielded an acylated dihydroflavonol glycoside identified as 2 R ,3 R - trans -aromadendrin-7- O -β- d -glucopyranoside-6″-(4‴-hydroxy-2‴-methylene butanoate), along with five known flavonoids and the lignan glycoside (+)-isolariciresinol 9- O -xyloside. Their structures were determined by detailed 1D and 2D NMR analyses.
Seventeen psec pulses from a nitrogen laser-pumped short-cavity rhodamine 6G dye laser

We wish to report the generation of 17-psec pulses of 200-kW intensity from a nitrogen-pumped rhodamine 6G short-cavity dye laser. This dye laser has a cavity length of 120 ..mu..m and is axially pumped by the nitrogen laser. (AIP)
Multiset antichains having minimal downsets

Abstract A formula is pointed out for min | A | , where the minimum is taken over all f -element antichains A of subsets of a multiset and A is the downset of A .
Portal vein aneurysms: imaging manifestations and clinical significance

This article will review the computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with portal vein aneurysms (including presentation of several case examples) and discuss imaging criteria and management options. Given the extreme rarity of portal vein aneurysms, as well as a lack of familiarity with the entity on the part of radiologists, the diagnosis can often be overlooked. Appreciation of the most commonly used diagnostic criteria, as well as the role of CT in the appropriate follow-up of these patients, is critical in ensuring appropriate management. In particular, the significance of these aneurysms must be appreciated in the emergency setting, as portal vein aneurysms can rarely present with symptoms of abdominal pain and other complications (such as thrombosis, portal hypertension, rupture, embolism, and compression of the duodenum and inferior vena cava) making surgical repair necessary.
Language evolution in finite populations

We study a simple game-theoretical model of language evolution in finite populations. This model is of particular interest due to a surprising recent result for the infinite population case: under replicator dynamics, the population game converges to socially inefficient outcomes from a set of initial conditions with non-zero Lesbegue measure. If finite population models do not exhibit this feature then support is lent to the idea that small population sizes are a key ingredient in the emergence of linguistic coherence. It has been argued elsewhere that evolution supports efficient languages in finite populations using the method of comparing fixation probabilities of single mutant invaders to the inverse of the population size. We instead analyze an alternative generalization of replicator dynamics to finite populations that leads to the emergence of linguistic coherence in an absolute sense. After a long enough period of time, linguistic coherence is observed with arbitrarily high probability as a mutation rate parameter is taken to zero. We also discuss several variations on our model.
Temporal Analysis of Airborne Particulate Matter Reveals a Dose-Rate Effect on Mortality in El Paso: Indications of Differential Toxicity for Different Particle Mixtures

Abstract One of two topics explored is the limitations of the daily average in summarizing pollutant hourly profiles. The daily average of hourly measurements of air pollutant constituents provides continuity with previous studies using monitoring technology that only provided the daily average. However, other summary statistics are needed that make better use of all available information in 24-hr profiles. The daily average reflects the total daily dose, obscuring hourly resolution of the dose rate. Air pollutant exposures with comparable total daily doses may have very different effects when occurring at high levels over a few hours as opposed to low levels over a longer time. Alternative data-based choices for summary statistics are provided using principal component analysis to capture the exposure dose rate, while preserving ease of interpretation. This is demonstrated using the earliest hourly particle concentration data available for El Paso from archived records of particulate matter (PM)10. In th...
Cognitive Flexibility and Theory of Mind Outcomes Among Foster Children: Preschool Follow-up Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Young children who experience early adversity are at risk for problems regulating emotions, behavior, and physiology, which in turn place them at risk for later psychopathology, school problems, and peer relation difficulties. Therefore, early parenting interventions are critical in helping this vulnerable population develop adequate self-regulatory capabilities. Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) is an intervention developed to help parents learn to behave in ways that enhance young children's self-regulatory capabilities. In the present study, we found that preschool-aged foster children who had received the ABC intervention showed stronger cognitive flexibility and theory of mind skills, relative to foster children who had received a control intervention. Foster children who had received the ABC intervention showed capabilities in these areas that were not significantly different from a comparison group of children who were never in foster care. These findings are promising in suggesting that the ABC intervention enhances the development of foster children's self-regulatory capabilities.
Complexity and related enhancements for automated theorem-proving programs

In this paper some enhancements for automated theorem-proving programs, techniques which can be combined with the various well known inference rules which are employed in such programs, are given. Proofs of some of the more difficult problems previously sought by use of automated theorem proving were obtained by a program utilizing these enhancements. Among those proven in less than 3 min were: 1. x3 = e implies ((x, y), y) = e. 2. Boolean rings are commutative. 3. Subgroups of index 2 are normal (without case analysis). The most powerful enhancement is that of ordering generated clauses with a heuristic which assigns an integral value to each term that occurs in any clause. The heuristic is designed to favor those clauses containing less “complex” terms. By changing input parameter values the values assigned to terms can be varied to any desired extent which in turn can sharply affect the proof search. Another enhancement is that of dynamic adjunction of demodulators including as a subcase the previous approach which has demodulators occurring only as input clauses. Methods are given for rapidly selecting the possible set of demodulators for use with a generated clause and for controlling the adjunction to reflect potential importance of the demodulator.
Hairy and Enhancer of Split-related with YRPW Motif (HEY)2 Regulates Bone Remodeling in Mice

Notch induces Hairy and Enhancer of Split-related with YRPW motif (Hey)1, Hey2, and HeyL expression in osteoblasts, but the contributions of these genes to the skeletal effects of Notch are not fully understood. HEY1 misexpression has limited skeletal impact, female HeyL null mice display increased bone mass, and Hey2 inactivation is developmentally lethal. To inactivate Hey2 in immature or mature osteoblasts, Hey2loxP/loxP mice were crossed with transgenics expressing CRE under the control of the osterix (Osx-Cre) or osteocalcin (Oc-Cre) promoters to generate Osx-Cre+/−;Hey2Δ/Δ or Oc-Cre+/−;Hey2Δ/Δ mice. Trabecular bone volume increased in 3-month-old Osx-Cre+/−;Hey2Δ/Δ and Oc-Cre+/−;Hey2Δ/Δ male mice and in 1-month-old Oc-Cre+/−;Hey2Δ/Δ female mice, although 3-month-old Oc-Cre+/−;Hey2Δ/Δ females developed osteopenia. Alkaline phosphatase liver/bone/kidney (ALPL) expression and activity were suppressed in osteoblasts from Oc-Cre+/−;Hey2Δ/Δ mice of both sexes. To overexpress HEY2 in osteoblasts, transgenic mice where a 3.6-kb fragment of the rat collagen type-I α1 promoter directs HEY2 expression were created. Three-month-old Hey2 transgenic males exhibited decreased osteoblast activity and increased bone resorption and developed osteopenia at 6 months of age. Hey2 transgenic females exhibited reduced osteoblast number and function, but no changes in bone resorption. HEY2 overexpression in osteoblasts from mice of both sexes inhibited ALPL expression and activity and suppressed osteocalcin transcripts in cells from male mice only. HEY2 overexpression in osteoblasts from male mice enhanced bone resorption by co-cultured splenocytes and induced interleukin-6, a molecule that promotes osteoclastogenesis. In conclusion, HEY2 decreases skeletal mass and regulates bone remodeling in male mice. Background: Notch regulates bone mass and induces Hairy and Enhancer of Split-related with YRPW motif (HEY) in osteoblasts, but the skeletal function of individual HEY proteins is unclear. Results: In male mice, Hey2 inactivation increases bone mass, whereas HEY2 overexpression enhances bone resorption, reducing bone mass. Conclusion: HEY2 regulates skeletal remodeling in male mice, decreasing bone mass. Significance: HEY2 mediates selected skeletal effects of Notch.
Kinetics of formation and utilization of metabolic pools in the biosynthesis of protein and nucleic acid.

A study of the kinetics of formation and utilization of metabolic pools of amino acids and phosphorus in T. utilis has been carried out using 14C-fructose and 32PO4---. The distribution of these tracers among the chemical fractions of the cell during steady-state conditions was first established. The interrelationships among these fractions in the formation of metabolic pools and in the transfer of pool material for protein and nucleic acid synthesis were then determined. The pools were demonstrated to be complex and so the kinetics of formation and transfer of individual pool amino acids were investigated. These investigations and a study of the effects of wxogenous amino acid competitors upon pool amino acids led us to the following conclusions. 1. 1. The carbon of the cold TCA-soluble fraction is mostly contained in amino acids and acts as a metabolic pool for the synthesis of protein and nucleic acid. The TCA-soluble fraction also contains a metabolic pool of phosphorus which supplies phosphorus for nucleic acid and other end products found in the hot TCA-soluble fraction. 2. 2. The results of kinetic investigations permit the distinction between endogenous metabolic pools as essential intermediates for synthesis and reservoir pools not on the main line of synthetic events. The amino acid and phosphorus pools are in the direct line of synthetic events converting exogenous substrate to endogenous macromolecular compounds. 3. 3. The pool amino acids are not free amino acids but are adsorbed to larger molecules and these adsorption sites are intimately connected with the process of protein synthesis. 4. 4. Internal conversion of one pool amino acid to another pool amino acid may occur on a single site prior to incorporation into protein. 5. 5. Nucleic acids are probably not the macromolecules furnishing the adsorption sites since there are more than 3 times as many pool amino acids as there are nucleotides. The protein fraction is the only cellular component present in sufficiently large quantities to furnish the adsorption sites for the pool amino acids. A mixture of nucleic acid and protein is not excluded however.
Influence of a Fine Glass Powder on Cement Hydration: Comparison to Fly Ash and Modeling the Degree of Hydration

This paper reports the results of an investigation carried out to understand the influence of a fine glass powder on cement hydration. The pozzolanicity of the glass powder and a Class F fly ash for comparison was evaluated using strength activity index over a period of time, and a rapid electrical conductivity based method. Flame emission spectroscopy and electrical conductivity tests were used to quantify the alkali release from glass powder, and gain information on the rate of alkali release. It was found that the glass powder releases only a very small fraction of sodium ions into the solution. It was observed that the glass powder modified pastes show higher non-evaporable water contents than the plain paste and fly ash modified pastes, indicating that glass powder facilitates enhancement in cement hydration. An expression has been developed for the change in non-evaporable water content as a result of enhancement in cement hydration and the hydration of the cement replacement material. The efficiency of any cement replacement material with age in the paste system can be quantified using this parameter. Based on this parameter, a 5% cement replacement with glass powder was found to be effective at the chosen water-to-cementing materials ratio (w/cm), whereas at higher replacement levels, the dilution effect dominates. A model to predict the combined degree of hydration of cement pastes incorporating more than one cementing material is outlined. The measured and predicted combined degrees of hydration agree well.
ESTIMATING THE MORTALITY EFFECT OF THE JULY 2006 CALIFORNIA HEAT WAVE

Abstract Objective As a result of the California heat wave in July 2006, county coroners reported that the high temperatures during that period caused approximately 147 deaths. However, heat wave-related deaths are likely to be underreported due to a lack of a clear case definition and the multi-factorial nature of heat-related mortality. Public health policy suggests a need for a careful assessment of mortality following a heat wave. In addition, it is useful to provide a comparison of the mortality impact per degree change during heat waves versus high temperatures observed during non-heat wave periods. Design Daily data were collected for mortality, weather and ozone in seven California counties impacted by the July 2006 heat wave. The association between apparent temperature and daily mortality was assessed using a Poisson regression model and combined across counties in a meta-analysis. These results were then used to estimate the increases in the number of deaths during the heat wave. Results Our analysis indicated that during the July heat wave, there was a 9% (95% CI=1.6, 16.3) increase in daily mortality per 10° Fahrenheit (F) change in apparent temperature for all counties combined. This estimate is almost 3 times larger than the effect estimated for the full warm season of May–September, during the non-heat wave years. Our estimates also determined that actual mortality during the July 2006 heat wave was 2–3 times greater than the coroner estimates. Conclusion This multi-county analysis provides additional evidence that the attributable risk of mortality following a heat wave may be underestimated by examining only direct heat-related deaths. In addition, we have found that the mortality effect per °F is several times higher than that reported during non-heat wave periods.
The risk of social-psychological disruption as an impact of energy development and environmental change

Environmental psychologists and sociologists examining community acceptance of energy development have recently argued that disruption to social-psychological values such as attachment and community- and place-based identity may drive oppositional behaviour to large land use changes. This review supports and expands this argument by showing that social and psychological disruption has been documented throughout sometimes disparate academic literatures as among the most troublesome aspects of large development projects. This collection of literature demonstrates the threat of disruption to place-based identities may spur oppositional behaviour in many cases. In addition, some of these studies have shown that social actors may attempt to influence residents’ perception of these social-psychological risks by framing the effects of development as either congruent or incongruent with certain place and community-based identities. We further discuss the field of risk analysis and its relationship to opposition t...
Surgical infections in patients with chronic renal failure.

Currently over 214,000 patients in the United States have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and require some form of dialysis for lifesaving renal replacement therapy. 39 Despite major advances in dialysis knowledge and technology, patients with ESRD continue to suffer from the debilitating effects of the disease and die prematurely. Infectious complications are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in these individuals. Because of the need for vascular or peritoneal access for dialysis, these patients are at constant risk for graft and catheter infections, as well as wound and other infections. The timely diagnosis and surgical intervention of these infections are crucial for patient survival.
Advanced image processing in scanning probe microscopy

Abstract A single data set in scanning probe microscopy is large, typically in the megabyte range. Interpretation of these large data sets is accomplished by displaying them in image form for visualization. Image processing methods are used both to convert the data sets to visual images and to control the images to clarify features of interest. Image processing can be divided broadly into three categories: point, area, and frame. Although it seems that nearly all point processes and an impressive number of array processes are available on most commercial probe microscopes, many potentially very interesting area and frame processes are not readily available. This work presents images produced using atomic force microscope data sets. Average one-dimensional Fourier transforms of image data are used to show quantitatively tip and measuring system image degradation. The use of histogram slope data as a foundation for real time image quality monitoring is shown.
Langley Aerothermodynamic Facilities Complex: Enhancements and Testing Capabilities

Description, capabilities, recent upgrades, and utilization of the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) Aerothermodynamic Facilities Complex (AFC) are presented. The AFC consists of five hypersonic, blow-down-to-vacuum wind tunnels that collectively provide a range of Mach number from 6 to 20, unit Reynolds number from 0.04 to 22 million per foot and, most importantly for blunt configurations, normal shock density ratio from 4 to 12. These wide ranges of hypersonic simulation parameters are due, in part, to the use of three different test gases (air, helium, and tetrafluoromethane), thereby making several of the facilities unique. The Complex represents nearly three-fourths of the conventional (as opposed to impulse)-type hypersonic wind tunnels operational in this country. AFC facilities are used to assess and optimize the hypersonic aerodynamic performance and aeroheating characteristics of aerospace vehicle concepts and to provide benchmark aerodynamic/aeroheating data fr generating the flight aerodynamic databook and final design of the thermal protection system (TPS) (e.g., establishment of flight limitations not to exceed TPS design limits). Modifications and enhancements of AFC hardware components and instrumentation have been pursued to increase capability, reliability, and productivity in support of programmatic goals. Examples illustrating facility utilization in recent years to generate essentially all of the experimental hypersonic aerodynamic and aeroheating information for high-priority, fast-paced Agency programs are presented. These programs include Phase I of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Advanced Technology Demonstrator, X-33 program, PHase II of the X-33 program, X-34 program, the Hyper-X program ( a Mach 5,7, and 10 airbreathing propulsion flight experiment), and the X-38 program (Experimental Crew Return Vehicle, X-CRV). Current upgrades/enchancements and future plans for the AFC are discussed.
Who Owns What? The Social Media Quagmire

The assumption that participating in social media means abandoning privacy and security is an example of a somewhat false dichotomy "no security and privacy" on the one hand and "no information sharing" on the other. In reality, social media presents an opportunity to share information in many ways, including being selective about with whom that information is shared. This department is part of a special issue on social computing.
Review article: the emerging interplay among the gastrointestinal tract, bile acids and incretins in the pathogenesis of diabetes and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease

Summary Background Recent research has led to an interest in the role of the gut and liver in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Aim To review the role of the gastrointestinal system in glucose homoeostasis, with particular focus on the effects of incretin hormones, hepatic steatosis and bile acids. Methods PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using terms such as incretin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), hepatic steatosis, bile acid and gastric bypass. Additional relevant references were identified by reviewing the reference lists of articles. Results Perturbations of incretin hormones and bile acid secretion contribute to the pathogenesis of T2DM, leading to their potential as therapeutic targets. The incretin hormones (GIP and GLP-1) are deactivated by DPP-4. GLP-1 agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors improve glycaemic control in patients with T2DM. Hepatic steatosis, along with insulin resistance, may precede the development of T2DM, and may benefit from anti-diabetes medications. Bile acids play an important role in glucose homoeostasis, with effects mediated via the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the cell surface receptor TGR5. The bile acid sequestrant colesevelam has been shown to be effective in improving glycaemic control in patients with T2DM. Altered gastrointestinal anatomy after gastric bypass surgery may also affect enterohepatic recirculation of bile acids and contribute to improved glycaemic control. Conclusions Research in recent years has led to new pathways and processes with a role in glucose homoeostasis, and new therapeutic targets and options for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Metastatic tumors involving testis

Two cases of metastatic tumors involving the testis are reported: one from an adenocarcinoma of the prostate and the other from an adenocarcinoma of the colon. The first was found incidentally in the orchiectomy specimen done for prostatic cancer while the other was noted clinically as a part of a widely disseminated disease. Although there are numerous pathways through which tumors may metastasize to the testis, the occurrence of testicular metastasis is extremely rare. The reason for this rarity remains unknown.
Further results on the identification problem for the class of nonlinear systems S_M

For the class of nonlinear systems S_{M} , the structure of the identification problem based on steady-state frequency response is considered. Two approaches using amplitude and phase measurements are presented, one of which requires measurements of only the first two harmonics of the steady-state response. Furthermore it is shown that with a minimum phase restriction the system can be identified from amplitude measurements of the first two harmonics. In each case we obtain a considerable reduction in the number of measurements and inputs required by previous approaches.
Distance measurements from supernovae and dark energy constraints

Constraints on dark energy from current observational data are sensitive to how distances are measured from Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) data. We find that flux averaging of SNe Ia can be used to test the presence of unknown systematic uncertainties, and yield more robust distance measurements from SNe Ia. We have applied this approach to the $\mathrm{\text{nearby}}+\mathrm{SDSS}+\mathrm{ESSENCE}+\mathrm{SNLS}+\mathrm{HST}$ set of 288 SNe Ia, and the ``Constitution'' set of 397 SNe Ia. Combining the SN Ia data with cosmic microwave background anisotropy data from Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe 5 yr observations, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey baryon acoustic oscillation measurements, the data of 69 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) , and the Hubble constant measurement from the Hubble Space Telescope project SHOES, we measure the dark energy density function $X(z)\ensuremath{\equiv}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{X}(z)/{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{X}(0)$ as a free function of redshift (assumed to be a constant at $zg1$ or $zg1.5$). Without the flux averaging of SNe Ia, the combined data using the Constitution set of SNe Ia seem to indicate a deviation from a cosmological constant at $\ensuremath{\sim}95%$ confidence level at $0\ensuremath{\lesssim}z\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.8$; they are consistent with a cosmological constant at $\ensuremath{\sim}68%$ confidence level when SNe Ia are flux averaged. The combined data using the $\mathrm{\text{nearby}}+\mathrm{SDSS}+\mathrm{ESSENCE}+\mathrm{SNLS}+\mathrm{HST}$ data set of SNe Ia are consistent with a cosmological constant at 68% confidence level with or without flux averaging of SNe Ia, and give dark energy constraints that are significantly more stringent than that using the Constitution set of SNe Ia. Assuming a flat Universe, dark energy is detected at $g98%$ confidence level for $z\ensuremath{\le}0.75$ using the combined data with 288 SNe Ia from $\mathrm{\text{nearby}}+\mathrm{SDSS}+\mathrm{ESSENCE}+\mathrm{SNLS}+\mathrm{HST}$, independent of the assumptions about $X(z\ensuremath{\ge}1)$. We quantify dark energy constraints without assuming a flat Universe using the dark energy figure of merit for both $X(z)$ and a dark energy equation-of-state linear in the cosmic scale factor.
Kidney transplantation in the rat.

THIS report describes a new technique for transplantation of the rat kidney from one animal to another by vascular anastomosis1. The rats were all members of an inbred line of the Lewis strain, originally obtained from a colony at the Wistar Institute. Skin grafts from one member of this colony to another are accepted uniformly. In the present experiment, the kidney donor weighed approximately 100 gm. It was first anaesthetized with ‘Cyclopal’ (Upjohn) and then the left kidney, including its vessels and ureter, was exposed through a midline incision. All the vascular branches of the abdominal aorta and vena cava, except the left renal vessels, were tied and divided from the level of the superior mesenteric artery to the origin of the iliac artery and vein.
A microsatellite polymorphism associated with the PLC1 (phospholipase C) locus: identification, mapping, and linkage to the MODY locus on chromosome 20.

Abstract A highly polymorphic (dC-dA) n ·(dG-dT) n dinucleotide repeat at the PLC1 locus on human chromosome 20 has been identified. Primers flanking the dinucleotide repeat were used for PCR amplification of the repeat region in 37 informative kindreds from the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain. Two-point linkage analysis indicates that PLC1 is closely linked to several chromosome 20 markers, including D20S16 ( z max = 41.25; θ ^ = 0.07), D20S17 ( z max = 42.81; θ ^ = 0.09), and ADA ( z max = 57.24; θ ^ = 0.05). Multipoint linkage analysis places the PLC1 locus between D20S18 and D20S17, 11.2 and 6.6 cM, respectively, from these loci (sex-averaged distances). In addition, the PLC1 gene shows linkage to the maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) locus on chromosome 20 with a lod score of 4.57 at θ ^ = 0.089.
Isolation of three copper metallothionein isoforms from the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus)

Abstract In the blue crab Callinectes sapidus , a direct correlation exists between levels of copper(I)-metallothionein (CuMT) and Cu(I)-hemocyanin during the molt cycle ( Engel and Brouwer, 1987 ). Ths phenomenon makes these organisms unique model systems to study the involvement of MTs in metalloprotein activation and metal detoxification. To further clarify the role of MT in metal-regulatory processes we have determined how many different MT isoforms are present in blue crabs and how these different forms respond to elevated dietary levels of Cu. Anion-exchange HPLC showed two Zn- and Cu-containing MT isoforms, eluting at 40 and 87 mM Tris, in hepatopancreas from control crabs. Three forms (CuMT-I. CuMT-II, and CuMT-III), eluting at 42, 55 and 93 mM Tris, were present in hepatopancreas from Cutreated animals. CuMT-III was induced to a much greater extent than CuMT-I or CuMT-II. Purification of the metal-free MTs by reverse-phase HPLC and amino acid analysis showed that each isoform from Cu-treated animals had a unique amino acid composition indicating the presence of three different Class I MTs. Functional implications of these findings are discussed.
A new approach to radial basis function approximation and its application to QSAR.

We describe a novel approach to RBF approximation, which combines two new elements: (1) linear radial basis functions and (2) weighting the model by each descriptor’s contribution. Linear radial basis functions allow one to achieve more accurate predictions for diverse data sets. Taking into account the contribution of each descriptor produces more accurate similarity values used for model development. The method was validated on 14 public data sets comprising nine physicochemical properties and five toxicity endpoints. We also compared the new method with five different QSAR methods implemented in the EPA T.E.S.T. program. Our approach, implemented in the program GUSAR, showed a reasonable accuracy of prediction and high coverage for all external test sets, providing more accurate prediction results than the comparison methods and even the consensus of these methods. Using our new method, we have created models for physicochemical and toxicity endpoints, which we have made freely available in the form of...
Concurrent patient-partner treatment in pregnancy: an alternative to expedited partner therapy?

Background:Concurrent patient-partner treatment (CPPT) is the provision of treatment to the index patient and their sexual partner(s) and appears to be an effective method of preventing repeat sexually transmitted infections. The objectives of the study were to determine whether CPPT reduces the pre
Viral Hepatitis: Review of Arthritic Complications and Therapy for Arthritis in the Presence of Active HBV/HCV

Chronic infection with hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) virus, which currently affect approximately 7 % of the world population, is encountered with the same frequency among patients with arthritis starting biological or non-biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Treatment with biological agents, including anti-tumor necrosis factor agents, rituximab, and abatacept, without appropriate antiviral therapy has been associated with reactivation of HBV infection which in some cases can lead to life-threatening complications, indicating the need for appropriate screening and treatment of these patients. In this review, the latest data regarding HBV or HCV-related arthritic complications and treatment of rheumatic diseases in the presence of chronic HBV or HCV infection will be critically presented.
Adaptive Slepian-Wolf Decoding Based on Expectation Propagation

A major difficulty that plagues the practical use of Slepian-Wolf (SW) coding (and distributed source coding in general) is that the precise correlation among sources needs to be known a priori. However, belief propagation (BP) algorithm cannot adapt efficiently to the statistical change of the correlation. This paper proposes an adaptive SW decoding scheme which can perform online time-varying correlation estimation at the bit-level by incorporating expectation propagation (EP) algorithm. Moreover, we compare the proposed EP-based approach with Monte Carlo method using particle filtering (PF) algorithm. Our results show that the proposed EP estimator obtains the comparable estimation accuracy with less computational complexity than the PF method.
Palaeosecular Variation of the Geomagnetic Field in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska

Sequences of late Tertiary to Quaternary lava flows at six Aleutian Island sites were sampled for palaeosecular variation (PSV) measurement using palaeomagnetic methods. Due to limitations in probable time span represented by each sequence of flows and statistical constraints, data from only two sites are considered in themselves to be reliable indicators of PSV. When all the data are combined to give greater statistical significance, an angular standard deviation of palaeofield directions of 6 = 10.8" is obtained. This is compatible with other Pacific Ocean PSV data and points to the persistence of the present secular variation low in this region at least into Quaternary time.
Vibrational frequencies and structural determinations of 3,5-dibromo-1,2,4-trithia-3,5-diborolane.

Abstract The vibrational frequencies and corresponding normal mode assignments of 3,5-dibromo-1,2,4-trithia-3,5-diborolane (B2S3Br2) are examined theoretically using the Gaussian98 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of six types of motion predicted by a group theoretical analysis (BS stretch, BBr stretch, SS stretch, SBS bend, BBr wag, B(SSBr) umbrella motion) utilizing the C2v symmetry of the molecule. The vibrational modes of the naturally isotopically substituted (1-10B and 2-10B) forms of B2S3Br2 were also calculated and compared against experimental data. The molecular orbitals of B2S3Br2 are examined. The calculations suggest that a considerable amount of π bonding occurs in B2S2Br2.
Including Students With Disabilities and English Learners in Measures of Educator Effectiveness

The purpose of this essay is to provide an overview of the challenges of accounting for students with disabilities (SWDs) and English learners (ELs) in the evaluation of mainstream teachers. We focus on the two prominent indicators of teaching quality—classroom observations and value-added scores. We begin by describing each indicator and outlining the specific challenges related to the inclusion of SWDs and ELs in mainstream teacher evaluation. We then suggest recommendations for states and districts to ensure that teacher evaluation systems adequately and fairly account for these students. Finally, we provide researchers with a set of recommendations for improving the evidence base surrounding the validity of teacher evaluation measures with regard to SWDs and ELs.
VOR error tolerance, stability, and accuracy

The March, 1965, issue of IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Navigational Electronics published some experimental results of monitoring VOR radial stability which the author had conducted at Ohio University. The data raised some questions concerning VOR error tolerance and stability. During the past 18 months we at Ohio University have continued to collect and analyze VOR data, and we are now in a position to provide the explanation for the phenomena observed. Since alluding to VOR difficulties caused some concern, I am using this mechanism to disseminate our further findings. The original Ohio University momtor system was operated at a diffraction site. This has been augmented to include three line-of-sight (LoS) stations ranging from 150 feet to 40 miles from the VOR transmitter. Receiving equipment was upgraded from that previously used to include Bendix RA21/MN21B VOR receiving systems calibrated by a Collins 479-S3 signal generator. The causes of the four types of disturbances discussed in the original article have been determined and are discussed.
Ethnic Minorities and the Case for Collective Rights

This essay reviews current debates in philosophical liberalism and international law concerning "collective" or group rights and argues that, under certain circumstances, they should be recognized as a means of protecting and preserving ethnic minority cultures from various actions and policies pursued by the states in which they reside. A classification of different ethnic minorities and the rights that adhere to them are suggested. Anthropologists are urged to address rights issues in their writings and provide the ethnographic grounding that is often lacking in discourses on collective rights.
A simple and effective priority scheme for IEEE 802.11

In this letter, we propose an analytical model for a simple priority scheme for real-time applications in IEEE 802.11 by differentiating the initial window size, the window-increasing factor and the maximum backoff stage. Saturation throughputs and saturation delays of different priority classes are derived analytically.
PC-904, a New Semisynthetic Penicillin

Sodium 6{d(−)-α(4-hydroxyl-1,5 naphthyridine-3-carboxamido)phenylacetamido} penicillanate (PC-904) is a new semisynthetic penicillin with broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive cocci and gram-negative bacilli. At a concentration of 1.56 μg/ml, it inhibited 100% of isolates of Proteus mirabilis , 89% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa , 67% of Escherichia coli , and 45% of Enterobacter spp. At a concentration of 12.5 μg/ml, it inhibited 75% of Klebsiella spp. and 67% of Serratia marcescens . PC-904 failed to inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacilli when large inocula were used. Some differences were noted when organisms were tested in different media or at different hydrogen ion concentrations. It is more active than mezlocillin, azlocillin, ticarcillin, carbenicillin, and amoxicillin against E. coli, Klebsiella spp., and P. aeruginosa .
Bacterial Growth and Productivity

Earlier discussions emphasized that dead organic matter, called detritus, exists as a spectrum from dissolved organic compounds, organic colloids, and larger particles of organic matter. Dissolved organic matter is in much greater abundance, by about five to ten times, than is particulate organic matter. All microflora must degrade particulate organic matter enzymati-cally to the dissolved form prior to assimilation for further metabolic breakdown and eventual mineralization to inorganic solutes and gases.
Contourite origin for shelf and upper slope sand sheet, offshore Antarctica

A widespread (3200 km 2 ), thick (10 cm to > 100 cm) sand deposit exists on the continental shelf and upper slope offshore of the Pennell Coast, Antarctica. The sand body occurs at water depths between 200 and 1200 m. The mean grain size of the sand varies from 3AE3 phi to 1AE2 phi, and the composition is dominantly volcanic. The only source for this volcanic material is Cape Adare, a volcanic headland. Sands are transported up to 70 km from Cape Adare by a westward-flowing circumpolar boundary current that impinges on the upper slope and shelf. Radiocarbon dates from the sand and from the glacial unit beneath it indicate that the deposit formed within the past 9000 years. The occurrence of this sand sheet demonstrates the ability of contour currents to assemble extensive sand bodies on the shelf and upper slope and the relatively rapid rate at which these deposits may form.
Effects of ultrasound and ultrasound contrast agent on vascular tissue

Background Ultrasound (US) imaging can be enhanced using gas-filled microbubble contrast agents. Strong echo signals are induced at the tissue-gas interface following microbubble collapse. Applications include assessment of ventricular function and virtual histology.