cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photoelastic Study of High-Frequency Stress Waves Propagating in Bars and Plates

This paper deals with the photoelastic analysis of stress waves in bars and plates subjected to damped sinusoidal loading. The device used to apply the loading is a piezoelectric transducer which produces about 10 cycles of a decaying sine wave. The wavelength of the stress wave which propagates along the square bar is comparable to the thickness of the bar. A strobotac, or a microflash, is used as light source flashing with a continuously variable delay. The isochromatics and isoclinics can be seen directly by eye as static patterns. More than 100 repetitions of illumination can be used, permitting the use of fine grain film. The specimens are relatively thick, but by using embedded polarizers and analyzers, two-dimensional solutions can be obtained. Good correlations with theoretical computations are shown for phase and group velocities. Stress distributions are determined along the center line and the edge of the bar.
Feasibility and Effectiveness of Low-Energy Catheter Defibrillation in Man

The effectiveness of low energy intraventricular catheter defibrillation was evaluated in 11 patients undergoing coronary artery surgery, in whom ventricular fibrillation occurred after anoxic arrest of 21-42 min. A distal electrode catheter was introduced through an atriotomy into the right ventricular apex. In eight patients the proximal electrode was a saline-soaked sponge placed on the superior vena cava, while in three this electrode formed an integral part of the superior vena cava cannula used in cardiopulmonary bypass. Intraventricular catheter defibrillation was accomplished in nine patients using 5-15 w-sec, considerably less energy than required for paddle defibrillation. There were no apparent short or long-term ill effects. Unsuccessful defibrillation in the two remaining patients was ascribed to difficulties in electrode placement. The effectiveness of low energy intraventricular catheter defibrillation in man, in addition to raising basic electrophysiologic questions, provides background fo...
The Impact of Wave Packets Propagating across Asia on Pacific Cyclone Development

Abstract In this paper, ECMWF 40-yr reanalysis data have been examined to study the influence of upper-level wave packets propagating across Asia into the Pacific on surface cyclone development over the Pacific. Previous studies have shown that in winter, wave packets propagate across Asia over two branches—a northern branch over Siberia and a southern branch along the subtropical jet across southern Asia. Results presented here show that subsequent to the presence of wave packets on either branch, the frequency of occurrence of deep cyclones (defined as cyclones with central pressure below 960 hPa), as well as explosively deepening cyclones (those with a deepening rate of 1 Bergeron or more), are significantly enhanced. This enhancement also clearly follows the wave packet eastward as it propagates across the Pacific. Wave packets from the two branches are found to interfere with each other, such that if wave packets of the appropriate configuration are present on both the northern and southern branch, s...
Genetics of a difference in cuticular hydrocarbons between Drosophila pseudoobscura and D. persimilis

We identify a fixed species difference in the relative concentrations of the cuticular hydrocarbons 2-methyl hexacosane and 5,9-pentacosadiene in Drosophila pseudoobscura and D. persimilis, and determine its genetic basis. In backcross males, this difference is due to genes on both the X and second chromosomes, while the other two major chromosomes have no effect. In backcross females, only the second chromosome has a significant effect on hydrocarbon phenotype, but dominant genes on the X chromosome could also be involved. These results differ in two respects from previous studies of Drosophila cuticular hydrocarbons: strong epistasis is observed between the chromosomes that produce the hydrocarbon difference in males, and the difference is apparently unrelated to the strong sexual isolation observed between these species.
History of resonance scattering theory in acoustics and its applications to target recognition

The Resonance Scattering Theory (RST) was developed for acoustic scattering in 1977 and shortly thereafter was extended to the resonance scattering of elastic waves, and later on to the scattering of electromagnetic waves (radar). Resonance amplitudes in acoustic scattering from submerged elastic objects, which the RST describes in a mathematical fashion, are a dominant feature in the acoustic echoes which can be used to effect an `acoustic resonance spectroscopy' (as pointed out by Andre Derem). Such a spectroscopy can be used for characterizing the target as to its size, shape, and composition, and can ultimately lead to a procedure or a mechanism for (automatic) target recognition.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A review and a synthesis of the fast Fourier transform algorithms for exact analysis of discrete data

Abstract The fast Fourier transform (FFT) has been used to devise efficient algorithms in four types of discrete data problems. These are exact inference on multinomial data, several 2 × 2 tables, unstratified and stratified linear logistic models, and multi-way contingency table data. We review these applications. Normally, FFT algorithms are presented in terms of characteristic functions; we do that in terms of polynomials. A polynomial-based approach is simpler and derives naturally from the fact that exact distributions for many discrete data models, including those reviewed, arise from polynomials. This approach, moreover, facilitates a synthesis of diverse algorithms used in the field of exact inference.
Quality and accountability in the ESRD program.

The quality of care received by patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States has received considerable public attention during the past several years because of a number of social, economic, and political factors. There has been a lingering impression that the poorer survival of dialysis patients in the United States, compared with their counterparts in other industrialized countries, is because of process factors for which there are opportunities for improvement, rather than just an adverse case mix. Recent reports by the Office of the Inspector General and the General Accounting Office have recommended that the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) improve its oversight of dialysis providers and hold the providers more accountable for their patient care outcomes. This requires the development of validated clinical performance measures that, in turn, should be derived from evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. The dual oversight model, with the state survey agencies agencies performing a quality assurance function to require facilities to meet minimal standards of operation (Medicare's conditions of participation) to prevent patient harm, and with the ESRD Networks performing a quality improvement function to bring processes and outcomes for all patients to a higher level, appears to be sound. HCFA's move toward increased provider accountability has included the development of facility-specific profiles for processes of care (dialysis adequacy) and outcomes (hemoglobin level and standardized mortality ratio), which may trigger state surveyor activities and that will be available for public scrutiny on a HCFA-sponsored web site. The adoption and application of continuous quality improvement methodologies at the dialysis provider level will be an important strategy for favorably positioning the facility in a competitive and demanding health care marketplace.
Toward a Global Theory of Mind: The Potential Benefits of Presenting a Range of IR Theories through Active Learning

Active learning is particularly well-suited to teaching across the range of perspectives inherent in the practice and study of international politics for two key reasons: (1) because of its capacity to highlight how subjective, intersubjective, and contested understandings play an important role in determining outcomes in the ivory tower as well as in the real world and (2) because of the compatibility between underlying theories of knowledge that inform active learning and the newer generation of IR theories including subaltern realism, social constructivism, constitutive theory, and postmodernism. This article explores the potential benefits of presenting these and other norm-oriented theories through active learning. It also discusses ways to overcome barriers to the integration of active learning techniques.
Construction of Metal Butterflies on a Metallacarborane Scaffold. 2. Synthesis and Structures of Hetero-tri- and -tetrametallic Clusters

Treatment of [N(PPh3)2][1,3,6-{Re(CO)3}-3,6-(μ-H)2-1,1-(CO)2-2-Ph-closo-1,2-IrCB9H7] (2a) with {Cu(PPh3)}+ gives two types of polymetallic species: [1,4,7-{Cu(PPh3)}-1,5,6-{Re(CO)3}-4,5,6,7-(μ-H)4-1,1-(CO)2-2-Ph-closo-1,2-IrCB9H5] (4a), containing a V-shaped Re−Ir−Cu trimetallic unit, and [1,3,6-{Cu2(PPh3)2}-3,6-(μ-H)2-1,1-(CO)2-2-Ph-closo-1,2-IrCB9H7] (5a), containing an IrCu2 triangle. In contrast, [N(PPh3)2][1,3,6-{Re(CO)3}-3,6-(μ-H)2-1,1-(CO)2-2-Ph-closo-1,2-RhCB9H7] (2b) with the same copper cation essentially affords only the corresponding RhCu2 species 5b. Reaction of 2a with {Au(PPh3)}+ yields up to three types of polymetallic species, namely, [1,6-{Au2(PPh3)2}-6-(μ-H)-1,1-(CO)2-2-Ph-closo-1,2-IrCB9H8] (7a), which contains an IrAu2 triangle and is thus related to compounds 5, [1,3,6-{Au2(PPh3)2Re(CO)3}-6-(μ-H)-1,1-(CO)2-2-Ph-closo-1,2-IrCB9H7] (8a), in which there is an {Au2IrRe} “butterfly” arrangement of metal atoms that is supported by the carborane, and the tetrametallic [1,3-{Au3(PPh3)3}-1,1...
An interface tracking method for hyperbolic systems of conservation laws

This paper describes a method for tracking contact discontinuities and material interfaces that arise in the solution of hyperbolic systems of conservation laws. Numerical results are presented to show that the fronts are resolved to within a mesh interval and smooth portions of the solution are computed to within the accuracy of the underlying numerical scheme.
Complement resistance in Borrelia burgdorferi strain 297: outer membrane proteins prevent MAC formation at lysis susceptible sites.

Abstract Two variants ofBorrelia burgdorferistrain 297, complement-resistant wild-type (WT297) and complement-sensitive mutant (MUT297), were used as a model to study the mechanism of resistance to the alternative complement pathway in this organism. No difference in the quantity of membrane attack complex (MAC) deposition on WT297 and MUT297 was observed after 2 h incubation with normal human serum (NHS), at which time 4% of WT297 and 95% of MUT297 were killed. The polymerization of C9 bound to WT297 and MUT297 was demonstrated by immunoblotting using an anti-C9 polyclonal antibody. Immunofluorescence and thin-section immunoelectron microscopy showed MAC to be diffusely distributed on the outer membrane of both variants. Furthermore, MAC appeared to be tightly bound to the surface of both variants as demonstrated by elution studies. Protease treatment rendered WT297 susceptible to killing by NHS, suggesting that outer membrane proteins may be associated with complement resistance of WT297. One- and two-dimensional gel electrophoreses showed that proteins of 20 and 30 kDa, and 66 kDa were present in WT297 but were absent or sparse in trypsin-treated WT297 and MUT297. Interestingly, immunoblotting using a polyclonal antibody against C3 showed that C3 fragments appeared to bind different acceptors on WT297 than on trypsin-treated WT297, or MUT297. Therefore, the binding of C3 fragments to acceptors on WT297, in contrast to MUT297, may not direct the formation of the MAC to lysis-susceptible sites on the surface of the bacterium, resulting in the complement resistance of WT297.
The role of 2-methoxyestrone in estrogen action

The plasma and tissue concentrations of 2-methoxyestrone (2-MeOE1) and 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) were measured in immature rats. The plasma levels of 2-MeOE1 were found to be high at birth and to decrease through puberty, when the low levels found in the adult rats were achieved. 2-OHE1 was undetectable in the plasma and brain, and barely detectable in the uterus and liver. 2-MeOE1 was undetectable in the brain and uterus, but high in the liver. The affinity of 2-MeOE1 and 2-OHE1 for rat alpha-fetoprotein was found to be low, while the affinity of estradiol, estrone, 4-hydroxyestrone, and 4-fluoroestradiol was high. This data suggests that 2-OHE1 and 2-MeOE1 would be available to estrogen target tissues in the fetal and neonatal rat. Although these metabolites lack uterotropic activity they are capable of acting in the liver. It is suggested that the plasma 2-MeOE1 of neonatal rats acts as a prohormone capable of stimulating the liver and other estrogen target tissues which possess demethylating enzymes. It is pointed out that unlike estradiol the non-steroidal estrogens such as diethylstibestrol (DES) lack the ability to form two sets of catechol and guaicol metabolites, i.e. "C-2" and "C-4" metabolites with their different biological characteristics are not formed by DES.
Inversion algorithms for lattice fermions

Abstract We review various inversion techniques for preconditioning and accelerating the inversion of the Wilson form of the Dirac operator. Furthermore, we discuss why some of the same techniques do not work for the Kogut-Susskind fermions.
A Dark Figure of Corrections: Failure by Way of Participation

Given recent fiscal issues and the continual struggle to reduce the nation’s overuse of incarceration, a renewed focus has been placed on the efforts of community corrections and alternative sancti...
DNA bending and a flip-out mechanism for base excision by the helix–hairpin–helix DNA glycosylase, Escherichia coli AlkA

The Escherichia coli AlkA protein is a base excision repair glycosylase that removes a variety of alkylated bases from DNA. The 2.5 A crystal structure of AlkA complexed to DNA shows a large distortion in the bound DNA. The enzyme flips a 1-azaribose abasic nucleotide out of DNA and induces a 66° bend in the DNA with a marked widening of the minor groove. The position of the 1-azaribose in the enzyme active site suggests an SN1-type mechanism for the glycosylase reaction, in which the essential catalytic Asp238 provides direct assistance for base removal. Catalytic selectivity might result from the enhanced stacking of positively charged, alkylated bases against the aromatic side chain of Trp272 in conjunction with the relative ease of cleaving the weakened glycosylic bond of these modified nucleotides. The structure of the AlkA–DNA complex offers the first glimpse of a helix–hairpin–helix (HhH) glycosylase complexed to DNA. Modeling studies suggest that other HhH glycosylases can bind to DNA in a similar manner.
A Psychometric Approach to the Development of a 5E Lesson Plan Scoring Instrument for Inquiry-Based Teaching

This research centers on the psychometric examination of the structure of an instrument, known as the 5E Lesson Plan (5E ILPv2) rubric for inquiry-based teaching. The instrument is intended to measure an individual’s skill in developing written 5E lesson plans for inquiry teaching. In stage one of the instrument’s development, an exploratory factor analysis on a fifteen-item 5E ILP instrument revealed only three factor loadings instead of the expected five factors, which led to its subsequent revision. Modifications in the original instrument led to a revised 5E ILPv2 instrument comprised of twenty-one items. This instrument, like its precursor, has a scoring scale that ranges from zero to four points per item. Content validity of the 5E ILPv2 was determined through the expertise of a panel of science educators. Over the course of five semesters, three elementary science methods instructors in three different universities collected post lesson plan data from 224 pre-service teachers enrolled in their courses. Each instructor scored their students’ post 5E inquiry lesson plans using the 5E ILPv2 instrument recording a score for each item on the instrument. A factor analysis with maximum likelihood extraction and promax oblique rotation provided evidence of construct validity for five factors and explained 85.5 % of the variability in the total instrument. All items loaded with their theoretical factors exhibiting high ordinal alpha reliability estimates of .94, .99, .96, .97, and .95 for the engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate subscales respectively. The total instrument reliability estimate was 0.98 indicating strong evidence of total scale reliability.
Prostate Cancer Induced by Loss of Apc Is Restrained by TGFβ Signaling

Recent work with mouse models of prostate cancer (CaP) has shown that inactivation of TGFβ signaling in prostate epithelium can cooperate with deletion of the Pten tumor suppressor to drive locally aggressive cancer and metastatic disease. Here, we show that inactivating the TGFβ pathway by deleting the gene encoding the TGFβ type II receptor (Tgfbr2) in combination with a deletion of the Apc tumor suppressor gene specifically in mouse prostate epithelium, results in the rapid onset of invasive CaP. Micro-metastases were observed in the lymph nodes and lungs of a proportion of the double mutant mice, whereas no metastases were observed in Apc single mutant mice. Prostate-specific Apc;Tgfbr2 mutants had a lower frequency of metastasis and survived significantly longer than Pten;Tgfbr2 double mutants. However, all Apc;Tgfbr2 mutants developed invasive cancer by 30 weeks of age, whereas invasive cancer was rarely observed in Apc single mutant animals, even by one year of age. Further comparison of the Pten and Apc models of CaP revealed additional differences, including adenosquamous carcinoma in the Apc;Tgfbr2 mutants that was not seen in the Pten model, and a lack of robust induction of the TGFβ pathway in Apc null prostate. In addition to causing high-grade prostate intra-epithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), deletion of either Pten or Apc induced senescence in affected prostate ducts, and this restraint was overcome by loss of Tgfbr2. In summary, this work demonstrates that TGFβ signaling restrains the progression of CaP induced by different tumor suppressor mutations, suggesting that TGFβ signaling exerts a general tumor suppressive effect in prostate.
Exploration of virtual dimensionality in hyperspectral image analysis

Virtual dimensionality (VD) is a new concept which was developed to estimate the number of spectrally distinct signatures present in hyperspectral image data. Unlike intrinsic dimensionality which is mainly of theoretical interest, the VD is a very useful and practical notion. It is derived from the Neyman-Pearson detection theory. Unfortunately, its utility in hyperspectral data exploitation has yet to be explored. This paper presents several applications to which the VD is applied successfully. Since the VD is derived from a binary hypothesis testing problem for each spectral band, it can be used for band selection. When the test fails for a band, it indicates that there is a signal source in that particular band which must be selected. By the same token it can be further used for dimensionality reduction. For principal components analysis (PCA) or independent component analysis (ICA), the VD helps to determine the number of principal components or independent components are required for exploitation such as detection, classification, compression, etc. For unsupervised target detection and classification, the VD can be used to determine how many unwanted signal sources present in the image data so that they can be eliminated prior to detection and classification. For endmember extraction, the VD provides a good estimate of the number of endmembers needed to be extracted. All these applications are justified by experiments.
The morphological alteration of particulate glycogen by en bloc staining with uranyl acetate

En bloc staining with unbuffered solutions of aqueous uranyl acetate prior to dehydration greatly altered the appearance of particulate glycogen in human skeletal muscle from cases of McArdle's disease, embryonic mouse myocardium, and chick glycogen body. Some of the effects, in particular the extraction of glycogen particles, could be duplicated by a sodium acetate-acetic acid buffer (pH 4.6). However, partial aggregation of carbohydrate material was produced only by solutions of uranyl acetate, suggesting that the heavy metal exerted effects which were independent of pH. The pattern and degree of glycogen alteration by uranyl acetate differed somewhat between the glycogen body and both skeletal and cardiac muscle. Though these differences are unexplained, the detrimental effects on the morphology of glycogen in all tissues studied indicate that en bloc staining with unbuffered aqueous uranyl acetate should not be considered an innocuous procedure. Examples are presented to indicate that acid extraction of glycogen may be a useful procedure for the differentiation of ribosomes from glycogen within muscle tissues.
Restructuring the Past: Toward an Appreciation of the Social Context of Social Science*

The recent surge of interest in the history of the social sciences reflects the unsettled conditions which obtain within these disciplines. Historical analysis may prove an aid to the resolution of these conditions, but only if it does not fall into the genre generally called “whig history”—mythologized history which functions to legitimate contemporary practices by assimilating all previous developments to a stylized narrative of continuous, inevitable “progress.” Because “whig history” is intrinsic to the “scientific ethos,” its rejection entails a reconsideration of the nature of the scientific enterprise in general, and of social science in particular.
An easily constructed design of combustion apparatus for the microdetermination of carbon and hydrogen in organic compounds

An easily constructed combustion apparatus for the microdetermination of carbon and hydrogen has been designed for use in a research role as well as for routine analysis.
Alignment of Primary Al3Ni Phases in Hypereutectic Al-Ni Alloys with Various Compositions under High Magnetic Field Gradients

The microstructural changes of the primary Al3Ni phases in hypereutectic Al-Ni alloys solidified under various high magnetic field gradients were investigated. It was found that the application of a magnetic field gradient induced an aligned structure of the primary Al3Ni phases similar to those in a high uniform magnetic field. However, the high magnetic field gradient showed more obvious effect on the alignment of the primary Al3Ni phases than the uniform magnetic field, although this effect strongly depended on the alloy composition.
“Why Does Google Scholar Sometimes Ask for Money?” Engaging Science Students in Scholarly Communication and the Economics of Information

ABSTRACT This article outlines instructional strategies for teaching students about scholarly communication and the economic realities that surround scientific information. Exposing students to the business side of academic communication provides a foundation for understanding how Google relates to library-subscription resources, how research is both shared and discovered, what the role of libraries is in providing access to costly information, and how disparities arise in information access. Such instruction contextualizes search tools such as article databases as well as Google Scholar, and thereby serves as an appropriate starting point for teaching students to use such tools.
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors for treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

THE recent introduction of a unique class of cholesterol-lowering drugs offers new promise for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. These drugs are inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of cholesterol. Relatively low doses of these agents will reduce plasma cholesterol levels markedly, and in short-term studies, they have not been found to produce serious side effects. Thus, in 1987 the Food and Drug Administration approved one HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor — lovastatin. If reductase inhibitors prove to be free of long-term adverse effects, they will undoubtedly be used widely for treating hypercholesterolemia. This review will examine . . .
Objectivity in Educational Research

Objectivity is one of the most cherished ideals of the educational research community. In fact, it is so important that if our work is accused of being subjective, its status as a source of knowledge sinks slowly into the horizon like a setting sun. Yet, though we use the term objective with ease in our conversations and in our literature, its meaning is not particularly clear, nor, I will argue, are the consequences of the tacit, almost unexamined assumptions upon which it rests. When we speak of being objective, just what do we mean? One thing, apparently, is that we have taken pains to try to diminish or eliminate bias. To be objective or to do an objective study is to be or do something that is not primarily about ourselves, but about the world itself. Objectivity means in some contexts being fair, open to all sides of the argument. In other contexts, objectivity refers to a method or procedure through which we acquire information; an objective test is an example of such a procedure. In common discourse, to be objective or to have an objective view is to see things the way they are. When we conceptualize objectivity, we ineluctably imply its opposite, subjectivity, and between the two there is no doubt about which one comes out on top. We want to be objective in our views, objective in our methods, and above all, to have objective knowledge. To use the vernacular, we want to see and to tell it like it is.
Limit laws for the maximum and minimum of stationary sequences

The class of non-degenerate joint limiting distributions for the maximum and minimum of stationary mixing sequences is determined. These limit distributions are of the form, H(x, ∞) −H(x, −y), where H(x,y) is a bivariate extreme value distribution. Unlike the classical result for i.i.d. sequences, the maximum and minimum of stationary mixing sequences may be asymptotically dependent. We also give a sufficient condition for the asymptotic independence of the maximum and minimum. Finally, an example of a stationary sequence satisfying the mixing condition D in Leadbetter but which is not weakly mixing is constructed.
Side‐chain functionalized supramolecular polymers

Over the past two decades, the field of supramolecular polymer chemistry has developed from a curiosity to a mature area of polymer science. Among the most promising subjects in this large field are noncovalently functionalized side-chain polymers that have been investigated extensively as a result of their modular character and ease of synthesis. Side-chain functionalized polymers have the potential for a profound impact on complex materials. For example, for side-chain functionalized polymers based on a single noncovalent interaction, materials for a variety of applications ranging from liquid crystalline and electro-optical materials to drug delivery systems have been reported. Furthermore, materials based on this novel methodology may overcome several shortcomings of current covalent multifunctionalization strategies such as highly complex materials that are extremely difficult or impossible to fabricate with current methods. In this review, basic design requirements, advantages and potential applications are presented. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Left division in the free left distributive algebra on one generator

Abstract Let A be the free algebra on one generator satisfying the left distributive law a ( b c ) = ( a b ) ( a c ) . Using a division algorithm for elements of an extension P of A , we prove some facts about left division in A , one consequence of which is a conjecture of J. Moody: If a , b , c , d ∈ A , a b = c d , a and b have no common left divisors, and c and d have no common left divisors, then a = c and b = d .
A periodic boundary value problem with vanishing Green’s function

Abstract In this work, the authors consider the boundary value problem { y ″ + a ( t ) y = g ( t ) f ( y ) , 0 ≤ t ≤ 2 π , y ( 0 ) = y ( 2 π ) , y ′ ( 0 ) = y ′ ( 2 π ) , and establish the existence of nonnegative solutions in the case where the associated Green’s function may have zeros. The results are illustrated with an example.
Chemical Determination of Pregnancy

We have found that a fair degree of accuracy can be obtained in testing for pregnancy by oxidizing 1 cc. of urine with 1 drop of 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, after which 5 drops of a 1% aqueous solution of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride are added and 5 drops of a 5% aqueous solution of methyl cyanide, followed by 5 drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid. It is then put into a boiling water bath and allowed to react for 25 minutes. After this time the reaction is said to be positive if a russet color develops and a flocculent precipitate appears. A negative reaction is shown by the absence of a precipitate or the presence of a powdery one and usually a straw color. All reagents should be fresh at the time the tests are made.It was found that a modification of this test, which appears to be more sensitive for certain of the hormones, could be adapted to titration methods. This modification is carried out as follows:To 1 cc. of urine, one drop of 0.5% hydrogen peroxide is added and this allowed to stand for 3 min...
Self-selected intake of carbohydrate, fat, and protein by obese (ob/ob) and lean mice☆

Obese mice, self-selecting from three food cups containing carbohydrate, fat and protein supplemented with minerals and vitamins, selected the same proportion of energy from protein (approximately 20%) as did lean mice. Young obese mice also selected the same proportion of carbohydrate and fat as selected by lean mice, but adult obese mice self-selected a higher proportion of energy from fat and a lower proportion from carbohydrate than did lean mice. The high preference by adult obese mice for fat was confirmed in additional studies employing two food cups, one containing a high-carbohydrate diet and the other a high-fat diet. We speculate that the preference by adult obese mice for fat is related to their insulin resistance.
Application of Petroleum Geophysical Well Logging and Sampling Techniques for Evaluating Aquifer Characteristics

The Hilton Head Island Test Well {number_sign}1 was drilled to a depth of 3,833 feet to evaluate the upper Cretaceous section as a potential ground-water source for Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The initial plan was to analyze continuous conventional cores. The interval to be analyzed extended from the top of the Eocene to the base of the Cretaceous (approximately 3,500 feet). However, due to the high cost ($400,000), the decision was made to evaluate aquifer potential using advanced geophysical logs with sidewall cores for calibration. The logging suite consisted of a dual induction resistivity, spontaneous potential, compensated neutron, density log, gamma ray, spectral gamma, multipole array acoustic log, caliper, high resolution dipmeter, and a circumferential borehole imaging log. In addition to the wireline logs, 239 sidewall cores and 12 Formation Multi-Test samples were obtained. The log, sidewall core, and FMT information were integrated into an interpretive package using computer generated logs and simple spreadsheets to calculate aquifer properties. Porosity, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and lithologic data derived from this integrated analysis were then used to select screen zones. Water quality in relation to drinking water standards exceeded expectations. The information obtained from the integrated program allowed estimates to be mademore » about the well`s productivity without the expense of conventional coring, flow testing, and completion of the well.« less
Relaxation labeling algorithm for information integration and its convergence

Relaxation labeling is an iterative and parallel processing scheme, which has been used to implement information integration. In the framework of relaxation labeling, two sources of given information is encoded in a form of constraints and that of certainty measures of the labels, respectively. With this formulation, the information integration is implemented by the relaxation operator by forcing neighborhood constraint satisfaction. Various versions of relaxation labeling algorithm have been proposed by other researchers and their applications to image processing, scene analysis, object identification have produced satisfactory and partially satisfactory results in the past. As an iterative algorithm, the convergence properties of relaxation labeling have been investigated by some researchers. A new relaxation labeling algorithm is developed and presented in this paper. The motivation as well as the performance of the new algorithm is discussed. Its local and global convergence properties are established analytically and numerically. It is also demonstrated that the convergence analysis of the new algorithm can be easily generalized.
P196 Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy of Intrathoracic Parietal Masses – a Safe Alternative to CT-Guided Biopsy?

Background The current gold standard method for sampling intrathoracic lesions is via a CT-guided approach. However, most parietal-attached intrathoracic lesions can be visualised with ultrasound and sampled. Aims A prospective audit of consecutive patients with CT-identified intrathoracic parietal-attached lesions, sampled percutaneously by an ultrasound-guided approach, was carried out to assess efficacy and safety. The lung MDT was instrumental in selecting patients. Materials and Methods Seventeen consecutive patients were audited over a span of 8 months. This cohort included 12 males and 5 females with an age range from 42 to 84 years (median 63 years). The biopsies were performed by 4 skilled investigators assisted by a specialist nurse, using an 18 gauge single-trochar puncture under standard aseptic conditions. A Toshiba Applio ultrasound unit, with Doppler-flow map capabilities was used to avoid vessel puncture. Patients recovered in the radiology department observation ward. Results Interpretable specimens were obtained in 16 patients. A single patient needed a repeat, successful, US-guided procedure. The median duration for the procedure was 26 minutes, with a median observation time before discharge of a further 40 minutes. Two patients developed small pneumothoraces and one patient suffered minor haemoptysis, none of which required admission. Conclusion Where applicable, this technique is safe, fast, avoids radiation and may result in fewer complications compared to the CT-guided approach. Fewer personnel are required and CT scanner time is freed for other uses. Moreover, in the hands of an ultrasound-skilled respiratory physician, this method correctly applied would provide an earlier route to diagnosis for the Lung MDT.
Aerosol recovery following breathholding derived from the distribution of chordlengths in pulmonary tissue

Abstract Aerosol recovery (i.e. the ratio of expired to inspired particle number) after breathholding has sometimes been used to estimate the dimensions of pulmonary airspaces. Previously, this required assumptions on the shape of the airspaces in which the aerosol resides. Here we present a model of recovery which depends only on the distribution of chordlengths, i.e. distances between neighboring walls, in lung parenchyma. The model was applied to chordlength distributions measured morphometrically in nine dog lungs. For each lung, we derived a theoretical function, REC chord ( t ), for the aerosol recovery as a function of breathholding time, t . In the nine lungs, REC chord ( t ) closely approximated an exponential function of t . When expressed in terms of the dimensionless parameter T = vt Lm ( v = settling velocity, t = breathholding time, Lm = mean chordlength, i.e. mean linear intercept) there was little difference in the function REC chord ( T ) among the nine lungs, suggesting the possibility of a universal recovery function, REC chord ∗(T) for the population of lungs from which our sample was drawn. Theoretical predictions of aerosol recovery based on the functions REC chord ( T ) were compared with experimental values of aerosol recovery previously obtained in one of the nine lungs. Recovery was measured using deeply inspired boli of 0.6–0.8 μm particles of DEHS. In general, REC chord ( T ) overestimated the experimental recoveries. When Lm was varied to provide the best fit, the overall r.m.s. deviation between REC chord ∗(T) and experimental data was 0.037. The best fit values of Lm were considerably smaller and had a larger coefficient of variation compared with morphometric values. These differences were attributed to uncertainties in the distribution of aerosol within the lung parenchyma following bolus inspiration. Lm is a key morphometric parameter in characterizing lung parenchyma. It is the inverse of the surface to volume ratio and has been used as an index of emphysema. The model presented here, provides a possible method for the non-invasive in vivo determination of this parameter.
Software security vulnerability testing in hostile environments

Traditional Black box software testing can be effective at exposing some classes of software failures. Security class failures, however, do not tend to manifest readily using these techniques. The problem is that many security failures occur in stressed environments, which appear in the field, but are often neglected during testing because of the difficulty to simulate these conditions. Software can only be considered secure if it behaves securely under all operating environments. Hostile environment testing must thus be a part of any overall testing strategy. This paper describes this necessity and a black box approach for creating such environments in order to expose security vulnerabilities.
Effect of low-osmolality intravenous contrast on serum osmolal gap in adults.

Abstract Background Contrast media used today is considered “low-osmolality.” No study has evaluated the effect of intravenous contrast media on the measurement of the osmolal gap in adult patients. Objective To determine if “low-osmolality” intravenous contrast media administered to adult patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis affects the osmolal gap. Methods We performed a prospective pilot study in the Emergency Department of a university-affiliated tertiary care center. Patients were enrolled if they were age ≥18 years and Results Of the 100 patients screened, 18 patients were lost due to withdrawal of consent or missing data. The median of the osmolal gap pre-CT was 8.18 with an interquartile range of 4.76–11.15. The median of the osmolal gap post-CT was 11.23 with an interquartile range of 7.29–14.83. The difference in the osmolal gap was a median of 2.34 (p = 0.0003) with an interquartile range of −1.32–5.97. Conclusion Although the effect in our study was small, clinicians should be aware of the ability of contrast media to increase the osmolal gap.
Production of coronary arteriosclerosis with sex hormones and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in juvenile steelhead and rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri*

Summary Coronary arteries were examined for significant changes in myointimal hyperplasia in one-year old juvenile steelhead or rainbow trout treated with estradiol, testosterone or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). In one experiment juvenile steelhead trout were injected weekly with 2 μg/g HCG, 5μ/g estradiol cypionate or 5μg/g testosterone cypionate for 50 days. Control fish were those killed prior to treatment or injected with fish saline or cottonseed oil. In two experiments juvenile nonanadromous rainbow trout were treated with estrogen and testosterone with the same weekly doses as juvenile steelhead for 42 and 30 days, respectively. In the first experiment juvenile rainbow were injected weekly with 2 μg/g HCG. Juvenile rainbow treated with estradiol, testosterone and HCG and juvenile steelhead treated with testosterone had larger coronary lesions than untreated or control fish. Coronary hyperplastic nodules resembled morphologically those observed previously in sexually mature steelhead and rainbow trout. These data support the hypothesis that reproductive hormones are causal factors in spontaneously occurring arteriosclerosis in spawning Salmo gairdneri .
A computational asset vulnerability model for the strategic protection of the critical infrastructure

Abstract A 2010 study by the National Research Council determined that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lacks adequate risk measures to guide strategic investment decisions for protecting the critical infrastructure. Current threat-driven approaches are hampered by a dearth of historical data that could support robust statistical analysis. This paper presents an asset vulnerability model (AVM) that is designed to address the problem and to provide a strategic risk measure. The AVM risk formulation is predicated on Θ , the probability of failure of an attacker, based on earlier work in game theory. Working within the DHS Risk Management Framework, AVM supports baseline analysis, cost–benefit analysis and the development of decision support tools that convey current risk levels, evaluate alternative protection measures, demonstrate risk reduction across multiple assets, and measure and track improvements over time. Moreover, AVM supports a computational approach for evaluating alternative risk reduction strategies. Seven strategies are examined using AVM: least cost, least protected, region protection, sector protection, highest protective gain, highest consequence and random protection. Experimental results indicate that the highest consequence investment strategy achieves the best protection over time. This paper also summarizes AVM research and demonstrates how it can help guide the strategic protection of the critical infrastructure.
Cloning of L-lactate dehydrogenase and elimination of lactic acid production via gene knockout in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum JW/SL-YS485.

The gene encoding l-lactate dehydrogenase from Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum JW/SL-YS485 was cloned, sequenced, and used to obtain an l-ldh deletion mutant strain (TD1) following a site-specific double-crossover event as confirmed by PCR and Southern blot. Growth rates and final cell densities were similar for strain TD1 and the wild-type grown on glucose and xylose. Lactic acid was below the limit of detection (0.3 mM) for strain TD1 on both glucose and xylose at all times tested, but was readily detected for the wild-type strain, with average final concentrations of 8.1and 1.8 mM on glucose and xylose, respectively. Elimination of lactic acid as a fermentation product was accompanied by a proportional increase in the yields of acetic acid and ethanol. The results reported here represent a step toward using metabolic engineering to develop strains of thermophilic anaerobic bacteria that do not produce organic acids, and support the methodological feasibility of this goal.
Birthdays to remember.

Anniversaries of Charles Darwin's life and work have been used to rewrite and re-energize his theory of natural selection. Janet Browne tracks a century of Darwinian celebrations.
Hemispheric asymmetry in the processing of tactual-spatial material of low verbal codability in normal subjects.

Abstract Two experiments were carried out using a modified Tactual Performance Test (TPT) to investigate patterns of tactual-spatial performance and memory in normal individuals. Right-handed mates were tested using either a right-left-both hands or left-right-both hands order. The left-hand-first group had better tactual-spatial memory than the right-hand-first group. In a second experiment, righthanded males performed the TPT with either the left hand or the right hand on all trials while simultaneously palpating a non-task-related nonsense figure with the opposite hand. The left-hand group had better time scores and memory for TPT figures than did the right hand group. The findings, consistent with previous studies, indicate a saliency of the right hemisphere in tactual-spatial performance and memory and suggest that dichhaptic stimulation may be the preferred method for revealing hemispheric asymmetries in tactual-spatial functioning.
Sails in the North: Further Linguistic Considerations

The Indo-European root *seĝh-, encompassing notions of ‘holding, seizing’, possibly ‘harnessing power’, and its derivative *seĝhlos are proposed as etyma for a northern Gaulish word for ‘sail’ that then spread, with the attendant technology, to adjacent Celtic and Germanic dialects.
Dendrimers Derived from Polyphosphazene-Poly(propyleneimine) Systems: Encapsulation and Triggered Release of Hydrophobic Guest Molecules

Three novel polyphosphazene-functionalized diaminobutane poly(propyleneimine) dendrimers have been prepared and investigated for their properties as prospective hydrophobic drug delivery systems. The solubilization and release properties of these functionalized dendrimers have been investigated by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy by using pyrene as a probe. The introduction of amphiphilic phosphazene groups at the external surface of the dendrimers affects the solubilization and guest release properties compared to the behavior of the parent dendrimers. The release of encapsulated guest molecules is triggered by the addition of sodium chloride solution. It has been established that these novel dendrimeric compounds exhibit useful protective and targeting properties. These properties render the new molecules promising candidates for salt-responsive controlled-release systems, possibly including prospective drug delivery applications.
High pressure shear strength investigation of an anisotropic mica schist rock

Abstract Mica schist of the Wissahickon Formation is tested in tension and compression in order to investigate the nature, causes and effects of friction and intrinsic shear strength (cohesion) and their relation to the compressive strength of this metamorphic rock. The fracture surfaces are examined with the aid of a scanning electron microscope. Special consideration is given to the contribution of foliation planes, which are considered sources of weakness. Shear strength parameters are shown to be a function of confining pressure and petrographic characteristics of the sample. Orientation of weaker foliation planes also has a demonstrable effect on the parameters, which have minimal values when foliation planes are oriented at approximately 55° from the horizontal.