cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Steady-State Heat and Water Vapor Transfer Measurements for Clothing Materials:

Several techniques exist to evaluate the water vapor transport characteristics of clothing materials. The most common techniques include guarded hot plate sweating skin simulants and cup-type moisture vapor transmission rate tests. Theoretically, all such tests measure an identical property, water vapor resistance, but the results from different test methods rarely agree. The reasons for the discrepancies are the different conditions present in each test: in some cases the intrinsic properties of the materials are altered by the test conditions. The results of three studies illustrate important factors to be considered when evaluating the thermal and moisture vapor transport properties of textile materials. Each study concentrates on one particular aspect of the problems encountered in measuring relative performance characteristics of these ma terials. The first study involves an experimental correlation between two kinds of water vapor permeability tests. The second study looks at the influence of air pe...
Reconstituting Membrane Proteins Into Artificial Membranes and Detection of Their Activities

We have successfully purified BR from purple membrane of Halobacterium Salinarium and Cox from the genetically engineered plasmid inserted in Rhodobacter Sphaeroides. The activities of the purified enzymes have shown in lipid vesicles as well as in polymer vesicles and planar membranes. Phosphatidylcholine derived lipid vesicles created the most nature like environment for the enzymes. Triblock copolymer membrane was the alternative choice for membrane protein reconstitution since polymers are more durable, ideal for industrial applications and support enzyme activities better. We also demonstrated the backward function of Cox in vitro by changing proton concentration in the surrounding medium. Langmuir-Blodgett method was used to reconstitute the enzymes into the planar lipid or polymer membranes. The enzyme activities of the enzymes in planar membrane system were tested by impedance spectroscopy.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Increased expression of voltage-activated calcium channels in cultured hippocampal neurons from mouse trisomy 16, a model for Down syndrome

Calcium is an important second messenger that affects metabolic and physiological activities of developing and mature neurons. It has been reported that electrical activity is abnormal in cultured hippocampal and DRG neurons from the trisomy 16 (Ts16) mouse, a model for Down syndrome (trisomy 21-Ts21 in human). Whole-cell voltage-clamp, radiolabeled ligand binding techniques and mRNA measurements were used to study the effect of Ts16 on voltage-dependent calcium currents in cultured fetal hippocampal neurons from the Ts16 mouse. In neither Ts16 nor control diploid neurons were low-voltage-activated calcium currents detected. However, a high-voltage-activated (HVA) calcium current was identified and shown to be dihydropyridine sensitive. The density of this HVA calcium current was 80% greater in Ts16 neurons than in control. This difference correlated with a 70% increase in binding of radiolabeled dihydropyridine, PN200-110, a marker of L-type calcium channels. However, mRNA levels encoding the alpha1C and alpha1D subunits were unchanged in the Ts16 neurons. In contrast, mRNA level of the myo-inositol transporter, the gene for which is located on mouse chromosome 16, was elevated in Ts16 neurons due to a gene-dosage effect. Therefore, it is likely that posttranscriptional regulation of dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-dependent calcium channels is abnormal in Ts16. As dihydropyridine sensitive HVA Ca channels are implicated in heterosynaptic long-term depression and long-term potentiation, the differences reported here, if also present in the Down syndrome brain, may contribute to mental retardation in that disorder.
Child abuse and neglect in American Indian communities

Child abuse and neglect have recently been found to occur among American Indians at rates comparable to other American population groups. Little is known about the clinical spectrum of Indian maltreatment, the psychodynamics and effective treatment modalities. Cultural misunderstanding, modernization, poverty, situational stress, poor parenting skills because of early break-up of Indian families, alcoholism, unusual perceptions of children, handicapped children, and divorce constitute factors associated with maltreatment in cases cited. Old solutions of removing children from families were largely inappropriate and ineffective and are being replaced by local efforts to develop foster homes, supportive family services, and legal procedures to protect children. Communication between agencies involved and mistrust of outsiders plus a lack of trained personnel and available community resources continue to pose major barriers to effective treatment and prevention efforts. Recent federal policies and laws clearly place the responsibility for child welfare in the hands of Indian tribes and tribal courts. The non-Indian health professional has an important but limited role in providing technical expertise and in aiding development of community resources, taking care to support but not usurp the emerging leadership of Indian people.
Effect of Nonlocal Vacuum Ultraviolet Radiation on Hypersonic Nonequilibrium Flow

during the excitation process of the same radiating gas species. This interaction affects the distribution of electronic state populations and, in turn, the radiative transport. The radiative transition rate in the excitation/deexcitation processes and the radiative transport equation must be coupled to account for nonlocal effects. A quasi-steady-state model is presented to predict the electronic state populations of radiating gas species taking into account nonlocal radiation. The definition of the escape factor that is dependent on the incoming radiative intensity from over all directions is presented. To perform accurate and efficient analyses of radiation from a chemically reacting flowfield, thedirect simulation MonteCarloandthefully three-dimensional photonMonteCarloradiative transportmethods are used. The effect of the escape factor on the distribution of electronic state populations of the atomic N and O radiating species is examined in a highly nonequilibrium flow condition, and the corresponding change of the radiative heat flux due to the nonlocal radiation is also investigated. It is found that inclusion of the escape factor increasestheupperelectronicstatepopulationsbyaboutafactorof2withasimilarincreaseintheradiativeheat flux to the vehicle surface.
Activation of the endocannabinoid system by organophosphorus nerve agents

Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, has useful medicinal properties but also undesirable side effects. The brain receptor for THC, CB(1), is also activated by the endogenous cannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG). Augmentation of endocannabinoid signaling by blockade of their metabolism may offer a more selective pharmacological approach compared with CB(1) agonists. Consistent with this premise, inhibitors of the anandamide-degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) produce analgesic and anxiolytic effects without cognitive defects. In contrast, we show that dual blockade of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and FAAH by selected organophosphorus agents leads to greater than ten-fold elevations in brain levels of both 2-AG and anandamide and to robust CB(1)-dependent behavioral effects that mirror those observed with CB(1) agonists. Arachidonic acid levels are decreased by the organophosphorus agents in amounts equivalent to elevations in 2-AG, which indicates that endocannabinoid and eicosanoid signaling pathways may be coordinately regulated in the brain.
In vitro Collagen Synthesis of Tooth Germs from Newborn Rats with Protein-Energy Malnutrition

Mineralization and matrix formation are closely related processes in the growth and development of both incisor and molar tooth germs. Addition of ascorbic acid does not affect in vitro collagen synthesis of tooth germs from protein-energy malnourished rats.
A coordinate gradient descent method for linearly constrained smooth optimization and support vector machines training

Support vector machines (SVMs) training may be posed as a large quadratic program (QP) with bound constraints and a single linear equality constraint. We propose a (block) coordinate gradient descent method for solving this problem and, more generally, linearly constrained smooth optimization. Our method is closely related to decomposition methods currently popular for SVM training. We establish global convergence and, under a local error bound assumption (which is satisfied by the SVM QP), linear rate of convergence for our method when the coordinate block is chosen by a Gauss-Southwell-type rule to ensure sufficient descent. We show that, for the SVM QP with n variables, this rule can be implemented in O(n) operations using Rockafellar's notion of conformal realization. Thus, for SVM training, our method requires only O(n) operations per iteration and, in contrast to existing decomposition methods, achieves linear convergence without additional assumptions. We report our numerical experience with the method on some large SVM QP arising from two-class data classification. Our experience suggests that the method can be efficient for SVM training with nonlinear kernel.
Synthesis of a substituted tetrahydropyrimido[4,5-c][2,7]naphthyridine as a tricyclic 5-deaza nonclassical folate

Condensation of 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxypyrimidine with 1-benzoyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxal-dehyde (4) afforded a mixture of angular and linear tricyclic tetrahydropyrimidonaphthyridines. Separation of the mixture was affected by fractional precipitation. Condensation of 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine with 1-benzoyl-4-chloro-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (5) was regiospecific and afforded only the substituted angular tetra-hydropyrimido[4,5-c][2,7]naphthyridine (2). The vinyl aldehyde 4 and the chlorovinyl aldehyde 5 were prepared by modifications of literature procedures.
Iron(II) Triflate Salts as Convenient Substitutes for Perchlorate Salts: Crystal Structures of [Fe(H2O)6](CF3SO3)2 and Fe(MeCN)4(CF3SO3)2

The most convenient source of anhydrous iron(II) triflate is the acetonitrile solvate isolated from the reaction of finely divided iron metal with triflic acid in acetonitrile. The cyrstalline Fe(MeCN)4(OTf)2 readily loses two MeCN molecules under vacuum to afford Fe(OTf)2·2MeCN, which is stable to air oxidation but absorbs water. Crystals of the hexahydrate containing a hydrogen-bonded, layered structure are obtained from water.
Non-convulsive status epilepticus in a patient with hypocalcemia

Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), a neurological emergency, is reported to account for approximately 25% of patients presenting in status epilepticus. Diagnosis of NCSE can be delayed or missed because of its often subtle presentation. Hypocalcemia has rarely been reported as a precipitator of NCSE and thus should be considered in the differential. We report the case of a 46-year-old man with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism who presented in NCSE secondary to hypocalcemia. As in patients with convulsive status epilepticus, rapid diagnosis and treatment of patients in NCSE is critical to prevent permanent neurological damage.
Yield, Soil Nitrogen Uptake, and Nitrogen Fixation by Soybean from Four Maturity Groups Grown at Three Elevations

The exploitation of the soybe an [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] -Bradyrhizobium japonicum symbiosis in varied environments requires an understanding of factors that may affect fixed and soil N assimilation. Temperature affects both soybean maturity and N requirement, and soil N availability. Five soybean varieties belonging to four maturity groups (00, IV, VI, and VIII) and their respective nonnodulating isolines were planted at three sites along an elevational transect in Hawaii to study the effect of elevation-associated changes in temperature on yield, soil N uptake, and N= fixation. The mean soil/air temperatures during the experiment were 24/23, 23/21, and 20/IS°C, with 7, 8, and 9°C differentials between mean maximum and mean minimum air temperatures at elevations of 320, 660, and 1050 m , respectively. The soils of the two lower sites were Humoxic Tropohumults and that of the highest site was Entic Dystrandept. The seeds were inoculated at planting with B. japonicum. Plants were harvested at physiological maturity. Average dry matter yield and N accumulation at the highest site was only 48 and 41%, respectively, of that at the lowest site. Early maturing varieties were relatively more affected by high elevation than were later varieties. Within each site, late -maturing varieties produced greater yield and accumulated more N than did the early varieties. Nitrogen fixation contributed 80, 66, and 97% to total plant N at the lowest, intermediate, and highest sites, respectively. Differences between sites in the proportion of N from fixation we re due to differences in the availability and uptake of soil N. Although total N assimilation between varieties differed in some cases by more than 400%, the proportions of N derived from fixation were similar within a site. On a per-day basis, N accumulation was similar among varieties at a site. Since the different maturity groups had similar average N assimilation rates per day within a site, and since soil N mineralization rate per day at a site can be assumed to be constant, the proportion of total N derived from N2 fixation is necessarily constant. Since the proportion of N derived from fixation is yield independent at a site, it may be possible to predict the relative contributions of soil N and symbiotic N2 fixation to soybean through characterization of the processes that affect N availability at a site. Data from in vitro soil N mineralization and a greenhouse pot test indicated that low temperature may have decreased root growth and uptake of soil N, or soil N availability more than it reduced N2 fixation. Additional Index Words: Glycine max, Temperature, Non-nodulating isoline, Symbiotic nitrogen fixation, Bradyrhizobium japonicum.
Mitigation of growth of laser initiated surface damage in fused silica using a 4.6-micron wavelength laser

Surface damage caused by high fluence, 351 nm light to fused silica optics can adversely affect the performance of fusion class laser systems like that of the National Ignition Facility (NIF). It is typically initiated as a small pit and grows in both diameter and depth during normal operation with cracks that extend into the bulk. Mitigation of this growth has been previously reported using a 10.6 micron CO 2 laser. Here, we report growth mitigation with the 4.6 micron light from a frequency-doubled, 9.2 micron CO 2 laser. The motivation for using 4.6 microns is >25 times longer absorption length in fused silica at room temperature compared to that at 10.6 micron. Mitigation of subsurface cracks at 10.6 micron required ablation of material to the depth of the cracks. In contrast, it was possible to mitigate the subsurface cracks using 4.6 micron light without significant ablation of material. Damage sites as large as 500 microns in diameter with cracks extending to 200 microns in depth were successfully mitigated with 4.6 microns.
Outcomes in Patients 65 Years or Older Treated with Trimodality Therapy for Esophageal Carcinoma

Purpose/Objective(s): There is little published information on the results of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery in older patients due to the presumed increased risk for morbidity and mortality. We report our single institutional experience of trimodality therapy in patients with esophageal carcinoma 65 years of age or older. Materials/Methods: Patients treated with preoperative CRT followed by esophagectomy from 2002-2010 were identified for this IRB approved retrospective study. Patient and treatment characteristics, tolerance, response, and survival were analyzed in patients ≥ 65 years of age versus patients 65 years of age (26.1%), 19 patients were >70 years. Median follow up was 27.5 months (range 5.093.8), and 93.3% of patients were treated to a median dose of 50.4 Gy with concurrent non-cisplatin/5-fluorouracil based concurrent chemotherapy. Between groups, there were no differences in gender, performance status, diabetes, cardiac history, pulmonary disease, smoking status, histology, radiation dose, days to completion of CRT, or days from completion of CRT to surgery. Overall peri-operative mortality was low, with no 30 day mortality and 3.5% 60 day mortality; both mortalities occurred in patients >70 years. The median length of post-operative hospital stay for patients >65 years was 15.5 days versus 11.0 days for patients 65 years compared to patients 65 years of age, median survival was 35.2 months and 3 and 5 year overall survival rates were 45.9% and 37.1% respectively. Conclusions: These data suggest that older patients can be appropriately selected for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery when a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach is utilized. Age alone should not preclude consideration for trimodality therapy in patients with esophageal carcinoma.
Phospholemman overexpression inhibits Na+-K+-ATPase in adult rat cardiac myocytes: relevance to decreased Na+ pump activity in postinfarction myocytes

Messenger RNA levels of phospholemman (PLM), a member of the FXYD family of small single-span membrane proteins with putative ion-transport regulatory properties, were increased in postmyocardial i...
The ciliary corona: physical model and simulation of the fine needles radiating from point light sources.

PURPOSE. Most people see, around bright lights against dark backgrounds, a radiating pattern of numerous fine, slightly colored needles of light-the so called ciliary corona. The purpose of this study was to try to explain this phenomenon. METHODS. Recently, it has been shown that light-scattering in the eye, measured psychophysically and on human donor lenses, can be explained assuming the presence of specific distributions of small particles in the eye. Light entering the eye is diffracted by these particles. Each such particle causes a circular diffraction pattern on the retina of tens of degrees, much like the well-known Airy pattern. The optics of combining many such diffraction patterns was modeled and the resultant pattern simulated graphically. The simulations were compared with observations on the ciliary corona, as seen by the natural eye. RESULTS. The diffraction discs originating from all the particles coherently superimposed on the retina. Because of phase differences this resulted in breaking the Airy-like discs into a fine spotted pattern when monochromatic light was used. For white (polychromatic) light, the spots line up to form the very fine-line pattern seen in the ciliary corona. Details such as the width and color of the needles follow from the theoretical treatment and were demonstrated by simulations. CONCLUSIONS. The details of the ciliary corona can be understood on the basis of polychromatic light-scattering by the particles predicted to be present in human eye lenses on the basis of light-scattering studies of donor lenses.
Advances in structure elucidation of small molecules using mass spectrometry

The structural elucidation of small molecules using mass spectrometry plays an important role in modern life sciences and bioanalytical approaches. This review covers different soft and hard ionization techniques and figures of merit for modern mass spectrometers, such as mass resolving power, mass accuracy, isotopic abundance accuracy, accurate mass multiple-stage MS(n) capability, as well as hybrid mass spectrometric and orthogonal chromatographic approaches. The latter part discusses mass spectral data handling strategies, which includes background and noise subtraction, adduct formation and detection, charge state determination, accurate mass measurements, elemental composition determinations, and complex data-dependent setups with ion maps and ion trees. The importance of mass spectral library search algorithms for tandem mass spectra and multiple-stage MS(n) mass spectra as well as mass spectral tree libraries that combine multiple-stage mass spectra are outlined. The successive chapter discusses mass spectral fragmentation pathways, biotransformation reactions and drug metabolism studies, the mass spectral simulation and generation of in silico mass spectra, expert systems for mass spectral interpretation, and the use of computational chemistry to explain gas-phase phenomena. A single chapter discusses data handling for hyphenated approaches including mass spectral deconvolution for clean mass spectra, cheminformatics approaches and structure retention relationships, and retention index predictions for gas and liquid chromatography. The last section reviews the current state of electronic data sharing of mass spectra and discusses the importance of software development for the advancement of structure elucidation of small molecules.
Influence of Level, Timing and Duration of Ronidazole Water Medication on Histomoniasis in Turkeys

Levels of 20, 30, 40, 60 and 120 parts per million (p.p.m.) of ronidazole in water were evaluated for therapeutic efficacy against histomoniasis. Three experiments were conducted with Broad Breasted Bronze and/or Large White poults four to nine weeks old. All poults except the unexposed controls were each given approximately 70 or 100 embryonated Heterakis gallinae ova containing Histomonas meleagridis. Ronidazole medications were administered during the following post-exposure periods: 7-13, 7-17, 10-17, 10-20, 10-23, 10-26, 14-20 and 14-24 days. Histomoniasis mortality and lesions were recorded in each experiment during a 28 or a 35-day post-exposure period. Level of ronidazole, timing and duration of medication significantly affected efficacy. Treatments involving 30 to 40 p.p.m. (or more) of ronidazole, initiated 10 days post-exposure and continued for at least 7-10 days were most effective.
Applicability of Dubinin–Astakhov equation to CO2 adsorption on single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract CO 2 adsorption on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was carried out at 273 and 298 K, and the BET, Langmuir, and Dubinin–Astakhov equations were employed to represent the isotherms. Only Dubinin–Astakhov equation could describe the CO 2 adsorption on SWCNTs. The Astakhov exponent is less than 2 for CO 2 adsorption, indicating the presence of heterogeneous porosities. Furthermore, the SWCNTs’ surface area calculated using the CO 2 Dubinin–Astakhov approach at 273 (or 298 K) is fairly consistent with the surface area obtained from N 2 BET approach at 77 K, indicating that the CO 2 molecules are adsorbed on both internal and external surfaces of the tubes.
Play and Communication in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Framework for Early Intervention

The association between object play and intentional communication was examined in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Meta-analysis of concurrent and longitudinal correlational studies revealed significant associations between object play and intentional communication in young children with ASD. One well-conducted and internally valid, randomized, controlled trial suggests a bidirectional causal relationship between object play and intentional communication. Further experiments are needed to replicate these findings and test a play-as-stronger-cause hypothesis. Findings of the review have implications for development and implementation of effective interventions for young children with ASD when communication is the target and play serves as the context for intervention strategies. One model for conceptualization of treatment is proposed.
Anisometric Shape Factors for Ceramic Microstructures

The weighted average of grain aspect ratios, as given by ellipses of equal moments of inertia, is proposed as a measure of the anisometry of a microstructure. Examples of anisometric α-SiC microstructures are used to test this parameter.
Rawls and Cosmopolitanism. Peoples, Persons, and Human Rights

In The Law of Peoples Rawls extends his social contract theory to the international realm, and with that tries to provide his recipe for a "realistic utopia"—a perpetual peace. In fact, he follows Kant’s "Perpetual Peace" in advocating not one centralized, "world-state," 2 but rather an alliance of many independent, well-ordered member nations (Peoples). 3 Rawls calls such an alliance a "Society of Peoples" and suggests that it, "is reasonably just in that its members follow the reasonably just Law of Peoples in their mutual relations." 4 This strategy also has unique implications for Rawls’s conception of human rights. But, his conception has recently come under fire for its emphasis on Peoples over persons. In this paper I will try to demonstrate that one such attack misses its mark, and that Rawls in fact provides what I argue to be an extremely plausible view of human rights, at least from a social contract perspective.
Leo Strauss's “On Classical Political Philosophy”

Abstract Leo Strauss's “On Classical Political Philosophy” contrasts classical political philosophy with modern political philosophy and present-day political science. Strauss stresses two seemingly contrary features of classical political philosophy: its direct relation to political life and its transcendence of political life. Its direct relation to political life prevented it from taking for granted the necessity and possibility of political philosophy. The classical political philosopher appears as good citizen, umpire among the parties, or ultimately teacher of lawgivers. He was compelled to transcend political life when he realized its ultimate aim can be reached only by the philosophic life. Philosophy must concern itself with political life, yet political philosophy's highest subject must be the philosophic life.
A multi-algorithm, high reliability, extensible steganalyzer using services oriented architecture

Network security has received increased attention in the last decades. Encryption has laid itself as the traditional method to transmit information in secrecy. Although strong encryption is a very secure approach for transmitting information, it can be easily identified that transmitted information is encrypted. Once the information is identified as encrypted, an intruder can block the encrypted transmission. In contrast, Steganography is a viable option to hide information in transmission without being identified. It provides a blanket that hides encrypted information. Thus, it becomes essential to develop mechanisms that reveal if the communicated information has any embedded data. Steganalysis is the art of detecting invisible communication and is a very challenging field due to different types of media and embedding techniques involved. Existing research in Steganalysis has focused on developing individual stego detection algorithms for a particular media type or for a particular embedding technique. In this dissertation we are proposing to develop a unified Steganalyzer that can not only work with different media types such as images and audio, but further is capable of providing improved accuracy in stego detection through the use of multiple algorithms. Our proposed system integrates different steganalysis techniques in a reliable Steganalyzer by using a Services Oriented Architecture (SOA). The SOA architecture not only allows for concurrent processing to speed up the system, but also provides higher reliability than those reported in the existing literature because multiple stego detection algorithms are incorporated simultaneously. Furthermore, the extendable nature of the SOA implementation allows for easy addition of new Steganalysis algorithms to the system in terms of services. The universal steganalysis technique proposed in this dissertation involves two processes; feature extraction and feature classification. An improved 2D Mel-Cepstrum implementation is used for wav files feature extraction. Intra-blocks technique is used for jpeg images feature extraction. The feature classification process is implemented using three different classifiers; neural network classifier, Support Vector Machines classifier, and AdaBoost classifier. The unified steganalyzer is tested for jpeg images and wav audio files. The accuracy of classification ranges from 90.0% to 99.9% depending on the object type and the feature extraction method. In particular, an enhancement of 2D Mel-Cepstrum implementation is introduced that achieves an accuracy of 99.9%. This is significantly better result than the average detection accuracy of 89.9% to 96.7% reported by Liu [1]. Finally, an extensible classifier is introduced that allows adding detection of new embedding techniques to the currently supported embedding techniques, so that the framework will maintain its reliability even if new embedding techniques are introduced.
Retroviruses of Fish, Reptiles, and Molluscs

Neoplasia has long been recognized as a disease of teleosts (Ferguson, 1989). Neoplasms occur not uncommonly in reptiles (Jacobson, 1981). Similarly/five types of neoplasms have been reported worldwide in many species of bivalve molluscs (Brown et al., 1977). Since the documentation of neoplasms in lower vertebrates, tumors have been reported to arise from all organs and cell types having homologous counterparts in higher vertebrate species (Ferguson, 1989; Haddow and Blake, 1933).
Model for the fracture energy of glassy polymer–polymer interfaces

The increase in the interfacial fracture energy (G c ) with increasing interfacial width (a i ) goes through a transition at a critical value of a i that is unique to each polymer-polymer system. This transition point does not scale with the bulk entanglement spacing (d t ) for different systems, implying that the role of chain friction in reinforcing these interfaces is more important than previously thought. A theoretical model has been developed to calculate G c as a function of the interfacial stress transfer due to individual polymer chains. When including the effects of chain friction only, the model reproduces the nonuniversal behavior of G c with respect to a i /d t but yields poor fits for a i /d t > 1. The effects of entanglements are then added by calculating the fraction of entangled chains as a function of a i /d t . This contribution, although not material specific, matches the qualitative behavior of G c for large values of a i /d t . When both contributions are included in the model, excellent fits are obtained for all data sets.
The effects of induced state negative affect on performance monitoring processes

Previous research suggests that performance-monitoring processes are related to personality traits; relationships with affective states, however, remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend previous findings that induced state negative affect alters electrophysiological reflections of performance monitoring. High-density event-related potentials (ERPs) were obtained from 69 healthy individuals (41 female, 28 male) who completed an Eriksen flanker task and received either encouraging or derogatory feedback based on mean reaction times (RTs) for 30-trial sub-blocks. Affective state, behavioral measures (i.e. error rates, RTs) and ERP measures [i.e. error-related negativity (ERN), post-error positivity (Pe) and N2] were assessed. Reaction times did not differ between feedback groups. Participants who received derogatory feedback committed more errors over time. Despite changes in affect, no significant group differences were demonstrated for behavioral or ERP measures of performance monitoring. Increases in vigilance were associated with more negative N2 amplitudes; no other changes in affective state were associated with changes in ERP measures. Results are consistent with findings suggesting performance-monitoring processes are only slightly affected by changes in affective state and fail to replicate previous studies suggesting the ERN is related to state changes in affect—supporting the possibility of the ERN as an endophenotype.
The relationship between lactate and thiamine levels in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis

Purpose Thiamine functions as an important cofactor in aerobic metabolism and thiamine deficiency can contribute to lactic acidosis. Although increased rates of thiamine deficiency have been described in diabetic outpatients, this phenomenon has not been studied in relation to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In the present study, we hypothesize that thiamine deficiency is associated with elevated lactate in patients with DKA.
Communicative action and the radical constitution: the Habermasian challenge to Hayek, Mises and their descendents

This paper evaluates Jurgen Habermas’s typology of action and his recent call for a radically democratic rule of law. The theory of action that Habermas develops, however, differs significantly from the science of action (praxeology) of the Austrian school. As such, it represents a methodological challenge to Austrian praxeology. Additionally, Habermas’s criticism of the welfare state is shown to be somewhat consistent with Hayek’s criticisms, but his alternative to the welfare state challenges the political vision of many Austrian economists. This paper attempts to demonstrate that both Habermas’s and the Austrian school’s efforts suffer from similar weaknesses and epistemological pretences.
Process partitioning for distributed embedded systems

We present a new technique for partitioning processes in distributed embedded systems. Our heuristic algorithm minimizes both context switch and communication overhead under real-time deadline and process size constraints; it also tries to allocate functions to processors which are well-suited to that function. The algorithm analyzes the sensitivity of the latency of the task graph to changes in vertices hierarchical clustering, splitting and border adjusting. This algorithm can be used for initial partitioning during co-synthesis of distributed embedded systems. Synthesis of examples partitioned by our algorithm with implementations synthesized directly from the original example shows that our partitioning algorithm significantly improves the results obtainable by practical co-synthesis algorithms.
Prediction of Functional Outcome at Six Months Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background Recovery of function such as the ability to walk without an assistive device after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not always automatic. Objective This study investigated whether predetermined variables could be used to identify patients who might have functional limitations at 6 months following THA. Design A prospective, observational cohort design was used. Method Demographics and baseline measures, including age, sex, and preoperative Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) score, were collected 1 to 3 weeks prior to surgery from 40 participants who were scheduled to undergo THA. Six weeks after surgery, a second LEFS score was recorded along with each participant's body mass index and the THA procedure performed; walking speed and balance also were assessed at this time using the 10-Meter Walk Test, the Timed “Up & Go” Test, and the Functional Reach Test. At 6 months following surgery, each participant's functional outcome was determined from the final LEFS score and the need for an assistive device. Classification and regression tree (CART) analyses and logistic regression were used to establish which of the variables could predict outcome at 6 months. Results Body mass index, sex, and age were identified by CART analysis as predictors to classify participants who did not reach successful outcome status. Logistic regression revealed that sex (female) was the only individual variable that predicted outcome at 6 months. Walking speed was the only performance variable identified as a predictor for outcome using CART analysis. Limitations Only a limited number of variables were observed due to the small sample size. Conclusion It is possible to identify those patients who are at risk for an unsuccessful outcome through the use of variables such as body mass index, age, and sex.
Familial Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome

The large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS) is a distinct clinical entity characterized by stepwise progressive sensorineural hearing loss associated with isolated enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct. A correlative clinical, audiologic, vestibular, cytogenetic, and radiographic analysis of a family with inherited LVAS was performed. The male proband and his affected brother are offspring of unaffected parents, and have no other abnormalities. Pedigree analysis suggests autosomal recessive or X-linked inheritance with variable expressivity of LVAS in this family. This study is the first description of familial inheritance of LVAS. LVAS may account for a significant number of patients with nonsyndromal, genetic sensorineural hearing loss. Future molecular analyses of this study family may identify the causative gene(s) in LVAS.
Reassessment of a Putative Fossil Stinkpot (Kinosternidae: Sternotherus) from the Late Miocene (Clarendonian) of Kansas

Abstract The oldest paleontological record of the Stinkpot Musk Turtle, Sternotherus odoratus, from the WaKeeney local fauna (approximately 10 million years ago, Mya) is refuted here. Kinosternids from this fauna are represented only by the genus Kinosternon. Kinosternon sp. probably represents a new taxon, but lack of sufficient material hinders a proper description. A gap of between 9 and 12.5 million years now exists between the first occurrences of Sternotherus (at approximately 4.5–7 Mya) and sister group Kinosternon (between 16 and 17 Mya).
One‐Year Follow‐Up of Plasma Exchange Therapy in 14 Patients with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Fourteen patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) have been followed for one year after plasma exchange therapy. Exchange was performed prior to splenectomy in eight of nine patients with acute ITP and following splenectomy in five patients with chronic ITP. None with chronic ITP showed a response in platelet count as a result of exchange therapy. Four of the nine with acute ITP had poor responses and required splenectomy because of persistent severe thrombocytopenia. Three of these have responded completely and are in remission. One patient with acute ITP had an equivocal response, with a most recent platelet count of 93,000/microliter. The remaining four patients with acute ITP had prompt and complete responses and now have platelet counts above 100,000/microliter without steroid treatment. Although the good responses were temporally associated with the use of plasma but not albumin, the data are not sufficient to conclude that a plasma factor must be infused to obtain a satisfactory result. The overall response after one year was about that expected for acute ITP patients treated with prednisone and early splenectomy. Exchange plasmapheresis may be of value in decreasing the number of patients who require splenectomy, but a randomized, prospective study is needed to adequately assess this possibility.
Factors and mechanisms influencing seed germination in a wetland plant sawgrass

Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) is the predominant plant and vegetation community in the Florida Everglades. Germination of sawgrass seeds in the laboratory or nursery has been difficult and problematic, yet little is known about the physiological mechanistic regulation of the sawgrass seed germination process. In the present study, we examined the factors and mechanisms that influence sawgrass seed germination. We found that removal of seed husk and bracts, pre-soaking with bleach (hypochlorite), breaking the seed coat, or combinations of these treatments promoted the rate and success of germination, whereas presence of seed-encasing structures or treatment with husk/bract extract inhibited germination. We further detected the presence of abscisic acid (ABA) in the husk and bract. Experiments with ABA and gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors fluridone and tetcyclacis suggested that ABA already presented in the pre-imbibed seeds, and not derived through post-dormancy de novo synthesis, contributed to the inhibition of seed germination. Examination of bleach and mechanical treatments indicated the physical barrier presented by the seed-encasing structures provided additional mechanism for the long-term delay of seed germination. Based on the results of this study and others, we discussed the implications of sawgrass seed dormancy and germination in relation to its natural habitat and proposed a hypothesis that the protracted seed dormancy in sawgrass offered an adaptive advantage in the pre-anthropogenic Everglades environment, but may become a liability in the current man-managed Everglades water system.
TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY WITH CEMENT : A LONG-TERM RADIOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS IN PATIENTS WHO ARE OLDER THAN FIFTY AND YOUNGER THAN FIFTY YEARS

The long-term performance of a total of 712 Charnley and STH prostheses was evaluated as a function of the patient's age (older than fifty years or younger than fifty years) and of the underlying disease (osteoarthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or avascular necrosis). In patients who were older than fifty years, there were lower incidences of continuous cement-bone radiolucency about the acetabular component (p = 0.04), wear of the polyethylene acetabular cup (p = 0.03), and resorption of the calcar (p = 0.03). However, larger percentages of younger patients had rheumatoid arthritis or avascular necrosis. In the cohort of patients who had osteoarthrosis, the performance of the prosthesis did not differ significantly between older and younger patients; therefore we attributed the differences that were observed to the disease--that is, to rheumatoid arthritis or avascular necrosis.
Differential effects of spermine and its analogues on the structures of polynucleotides complexed with ethidium bromide.

The interactions of spermine and polyamine analogues with synthetic polynucleotides of various base sequences complexed with ethidium bromide (EB) were investigated using measurements of fluorescence intensity and steady-state fluorescence polarization. Spermine and polyamine analogues displaced some but not all of the EB bound to poly(dA-dT).poly(dA-dT) or poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC), suggesting that polyamines may stabilize these polynucleotides in a conformation with reduced affinity for EB. Modifications of the aliphatic backbone of spermine have pronounced effects on its ability to displace EB from poly(dA-dT).poly(dA-dT) but not from poly-(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC). Spermine and some but not all of the polyamine analogues caused fluorescence depolarization when they interacted with the complex of EB and poly(dA-dT).poly-(dA-dT). Neither spermine nor any of the analogues, however, induced fluorescence depolarization in the complex of EB with poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) or poly(dA).poly(dT). This suggests that spermine and some spermine analogues induce structural changes specific to alternating A-T sequences.
Commercializing University Research Systems in Economic Perspective: A View from the Demand Side

Universities face incredibly difficult, complex decisions concerning the degree to which they participate in the process of commercializing research. The U.S. government has made an explicit policy decision to allow funded entities to obtain patents and thereby has encouraged participation in the commercialization of federally funded research. The Bayh-Dole Act enables universities to participate in the commercialization process, but it does not obligate or constrain them to pursue any particular strategy with respect to federally funded research. Universities remain in the driver's seat and must decide carefully the extent to which they wish to participate in the commercialization process.The conventional view of the role of patents in the university research context is that patent-enabled exclusivity improves the supply-side functioning of markets for university research results as well as those markets further downstream for derivative commercial end-products. Both the reward and commercialization theories of patent law take patent-enabled exclusivity as the relevant means for fixing a supply-side problem – essentially, the undersupply of private investment in the production of patentable subject matter or in the development and commercialization of patentable subject matter that would occur in the absence of patent-enabled exclusivity.While the supply-side view of the role of patents in the university research context is important, a view from the demand side is needed to fully appreciate the role of patents in the university research context and to fully inform university decisions about the extent to which they wish to participate in the commercialization process. Introducing patents into the university research system, along with a host of other initiatives aimed at tightening the relationship between universities and industry, is also (if not primarily) about increasing connectivity between university science and technology research systems and the demands of industry for both university research outputs (research results and human capital) and upstream infrastructural capital necessary to produce such outputs.In this chapter, I explore how university science and technology research systems perform economically as infrastructural capital and explain how these systems generate social value. I explain how the availability of patents, coupled with decreased government funding, may lead to a slow and subtle shift in the allocation of infrastructure resources.
Diversifying Graduate Education: The Future of Experimental Oncology

Educating future generations of oncology researchers is critical for maintaining and enhancing the development of new therapeutics for the clinical management of cancer. The failure of graduate research programs to recruit and retain diverse pools of students represents a major bottleneck in the preparation of the next generation of cancer researchers. To keep pace with an ever changing and increasingly complex global environment of experimental research, we must all do our part to encourage and support the participation of a diverse body of students in science and technology graduate programs who subsequently enter careers in experimental oncology.
Case Study I:“Synthesis” by Guerino Mazzola

“Synthesis” is a composition for piano, percussion and e-bass. Its global and local organization was driven by classification of local compositions and modulation theory on one hand, and by the presto ® software tool on the other. We describe the overall organization and the four movements.
Canada: Two Nations or One?

You will perhaps think that, with that introduction, I have already answered the question in the title. Don't jump to conclusions! Attendez un peu! When I was elected president of this Association last year, I could scarcely have been more astonished. Obviously, there were dozens of people far better qualified. I asked myself why I had been chosen, and there was only one possible reason that seemed to me to make any sense. The Association was to become bilingual, and I was one of the few senior English-speaking members who could make a respectable noise in French. I hasten to agree that this is a most inadequate reason for my election, but it is still the only one I can think of. Be that as it may, the twin facts that the Association is now to be officially bilingual, and that I can make a respectable noise in French, seem to me to impose upon me a double duty: first, to say something about our bicultural state (you observe how carefully I avoid, so far, the controversial word “nation”), and second, to say at least part of it in French.