cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heat Capacity of Solid He 3

Exploratory specific-heat measurements have been made on solid ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ for the temperature range from 0.3 to 2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and to 1800 bars pressure. The data for the relatively high-pressure hcp $\ensuremath{\beta}{\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ phase could not be represented by a Debye function, since anomalous behavior was found at low temperatures for the smaller molar volumes. Similar effects were found for the same phase in solid ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$. The data for the low-pressure bcc $\ensuremath{\alpha}{\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ phase could be described within experimental accuracy by the sum of a Debye function and an Einstein function representing two degrees of freedom. The characteristic temperatures which are associated with the Debye function and the Einstein function, respectively, were found to be functions of the molar volume, and to be linearly related. These data, together with earlier values of the thermodynamic parameters along the melting line given by other workers, were used to calculate the equation of state for $\ensuremath{\alpha}{\mathrm{He}}^{3}$, and, hence, the thermal expansion and compressibility as a function of temperature and pressure. Several unusual features were found as a result of this analysis; these include the Einstein anomaly in the specific heat of $\ensuremath{\alpha}{\mathrm{He}}^{3}$, the fact that the compressibility of $\ensuremath{\alpha}{\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ is appreciably greater than that of the fluid or $\ensuremath{\beta}{\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ at the same molar volume, and the relatively large difference between the Debye $\ensuremath{\theta}'\mathrm{s}$ for the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and $\ensuremath{\beta}$ phases (about 20%) which differ in molar volume by only 0.5%. These effects do not appear to be due to nuclear ordering. No evidence for a previously predicted negative thermal expansion in $\ensuremath{\alpha}{\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ was found.
Superselective arterial catheterization in the rabbit

Rationale and Objectives. To improve the safety and success of selective and superselective arterial catheterization in the rabbit. Methods. A 2-F catheter introducer system was devised that consisted of the sheath of an 18-gauge, 5.1-cm sheath needle and a hemostatic valve attached to the hub of the sheath. The system was tested in 14 adult male New Zealand white rabbits with regard to case of insertion and facilitation of superselective arterial catheterization. Results. The introducer system was easily placed in all rabbits, and no bleeding was seen around the sheath at the puncture site. Preshaped 2-F polyethylene catheters were readily inserted through the assembly and sheath. The valve prevented bleeding from around the catheter, and the side-arm flush tube served as a route for heparinization. The system greatly facilitated the manipulation of 2-F angiographic catheters. Conclusion. Use of the introducer system with a 2-F polyethylene angiographic catheter improved the success of selective and superselective arterial catheterization in the rabbit.
Novel SAR-reducing add-on cover for MIMO handheld device

In this paper, we present an innovative wave-guiding structure for reducing EM power absorbed by human body. A MIMO handheld device with the proposed wave-guiding structure, constructed of metal patch or photovoltaic panel, can effectively reduce its SAR value. The radiation efficiency and frequency response are affected slightly when the proposed structure is presented. Thus the wave-guiding structure with thin profile can be easily integrated with mobile phone or as an add-on protecting case without modifying the existing antennas. Two types of wave-guiding structures for 2.6 GHz WiMAX MIMO handheld device are constructed and measured. The simulated and the measured results confirm the effectiveness of our proposed SAR-reducing structure.
Development and Interrelationships of Reading Knowledge and Skills during Kindergarten and First Grade.

Abstract A longitudinal study of children learning to read from kindergarten through first grade was conducted. The purpose of the study was to formulate hypotheses regarding the relationship between print awareness and reading during the reading acquisition process. Sixty‐three kindergarten children began the study; there were 47 subjects remaining at the end of first grade. During the fall, winter, and spring of kindergarten and the spring of first grade, children were administered a battery of print awareness, reading sub‐skill and writing measures. The school district provided additional test score information. Analyses of the data resulted in the following hypotheses: (a) print awareness and reading skills are both correlates of reading achievement; (b) print awareness is a consequence of print‐related experiences that in turn facilitate reading acquisition; and (c) print awareness is not a prerequisite to reading achievement. While it is clear that print awareness plays a role in children's transiti...
Sepsis and endotoxemia stimulate intestinal interleukin-6 production

Background. Endotoxemia stimulates tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) production in mucosa of the small intestine, but the effect on IL-6 production is not known. Intestinal IL-6 may be especially important, considering its role in the acute phase response. We tested the influence of endotoxemia and sepsis in mice on intestinal IL-6 and IL-6 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. Methods. Mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS 10 mg/kg) or saline solution. In some experiments animals were pretreated with indomethacin (5 mg/kg) or N-nitro-L-arginine (NNA, 100 mg/kg) before LPS injection. In other experiments, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) ; controls were sham operated. Serum and jejunal mucosa were harvested at intervals during 16 hours, and IL-6 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IL-6 mRNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction. Results. Endotoxemia and sepsis increased serum and mucosal IL-6 and IL-6 mRNA, with maximum levels noted at 1 and 4 hours after LPS and at 8 hours after CLP. Pretreatment of endotoxemic mice with indomethacin or NNA blunted the increase in mucosal IL-6. Conclusions. Results suggest that sepsis and endotoxemia stimulate IL-6 production in small intestinal mucosa and that this response may be transcriptionally regulated. The effect of endotoxemia may be partly mediated by prostaglandins and nitric oxide. The results also suggest that the intestinal mucosa may be a participant in the cytokine response, rather than just a passive bystander. (SURGERY 1995 ;118 :336-42.)
Across island and continents, mammals are more successful invaders than birds (Reply)

Aim The establishment success of exotic species is calculated as the fraction of introduced species that have become established, and invasion success is estimated as the fraction of established species that have spread significantly from their points of introduction. Records on species introductions are highly incomplete, so strong conclusions about the tens rule and invasibility of island and continents cannot be drawn. Location Global. Methods Using Jeschke (2008) as an example, we explain the issue of the inadequacy of data to draw conclusions about the tens rule and invasibility of island and continents. Results Lack of adequate data. Main Conclusion Jeschke (2008) probably overestimates the establishment and invasion success rates, so his conclusions about violation of the tens rule and that islands are not more susceptible to invasion than continents are misleading.
Current Epidemiology of Genitourinary Trauma

This article reviews recent publications evaluating the current epidemiology of urologic trauma. The authors briefly explain databases that have been recently used to study this patient population and then discuss each genitourinary organ individually, utilizing the most relevant and up-to-date information published for each one. The conclusion of the article briefly discusses possible future research and development areas pertaining to the topic.
Patient counseling by specialists in internal medicine: Results of a nationwide survey☆

An analysis of patient care data from a national sample of physicians in ten subspecialties of internal medicine was undertaken to determine rates of patient counseling in specialized medical care. The analysis, which was based on 91,226 patient encounters in both ambulatory and hospital settings, revealed that medical specialists employ patient education counseling in 12.3% of encounters, family/social/sexual counseling in 2.7%, and therapeutic listening/reassurance in 14.0%--rates that are 2 to 3 times those for primary care physicians. Among subspecialties, cardiologists have the highest rates of patient education and family/social/sexual counseling, and the second highest rates of therapeutic listening. (Rheumatology is highest in the latter category). Rates of patient education and therapeutic listening are higher for office-based physicians and for ambulatory care (especially ambulatory care provided by board-certified physicians). Patient education is more frequent for ambulatory first visits and consultations, whereas therapeutic listening is more frequent for 'principal care' patients seen in either ambulatory settings or in the hospital. Highest rates of family/social/sexual counseling occur for ambulatory first visits with nephrologists and ambulatory consultations with cardiologists.
Anatomical analysis of growth and developmental patterns in the internode of deepwater rice.

Submergence of the stem induces rapid internodal elongation in deepwater rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. “Habiganj Aman II”). A comparative anatomical study of internodes isolated from airgrown and partially submerged rice plants was undertaken to localize and characterize regions of growth and differentiation in rice stems. Longitudinal sections were examined by light and scanning-electron microscopy. Based on cell-size analysis, three zones of internodal development were recognized: a zone of cell division and elongation at the base of the internode, designated the intercalary meristem (IM); a zone of cell elongation without concomitant cell division; and a zone of cell differentiation where neither cell division nor elongation occur. The primary effects of submergence on internodal development were a threefold increase in the number of cells per cell file resulting from a decrease in the cell-cycle time from 24 to 7 h within the IM; an expansion of the cell-elongation zone from 5 to 15 mm leading to a threefold greater final cell length; and a suppression of tissue differentiation as indicated by reduced chlorophyll content and a lack of secondary wall formation in xylem and cortical sclerenchyma. These data indicate that growth of deepwater-rice internoes involves a balance between elongation and differentiation of the stem. Submergence shifts this balance in favor of growth.
Human degenerative valve disease is associated with up-regulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 receptor-mediated bone formation.

Objectives The goal of this research was to define the cellular mechanisms involved in myxomatous mitral valve disease and calcific aortic valve disease and to redefine the term degenerative valve disease in terms of an active cellular biology. Background “Degenerative” valvular heart disease is the primary cause of regurgitant and stenotic valvular lesion in the U.S. However, the signaling pathways are not known. We hypothesize that valve degeneration occurs due to an osteoblastic differentiation process mediated by the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (Lrp5) signaling pathway to cause valve thickening. Methods We examined human diseased valves: myxomatous mitral valves (n = 23), calcified tricuspid aortic valves (n = 27), calcified bicuspid aortic valves (n = 23), and control tissue from mitral and aortic valves (n = 40). The valves were examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry for signaling markers important in osteoblast differentiation: Sox9 and Cbfa1 (transcription factors for osteoblast differentiation); Lrp5 and Wnt3 (osteoblast differentiation signaling marker), osteopontin and osteocalcin (osteoblast endochrondral bone matrix proteins), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (a marker of cell proliferation). Cartilage development and bone formation was measured by Alcian blue stain and Alizarin red stain. Computed Scano MicroCT-40 (Bassersdorf, Switzerland) analysis measured calcium burden. Results Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5, osteocalcin, and other osteochrondrogenic differentiation markers were increased in the calcified aortic valves by protein and gene expression (p > 0.001). Sox9, Lrp5 receptor, and osteocalcin were increased in myxomatous mitral valves by protein and gene expression (p > 0.001). MicroCT was positive in the calcified aortic valves and negative in the myxomatous mitral valves. Conclusions The mechanism of valvular heart disease involves an endochondral bone process that is expressed as cartilage in the mitral valves and bone in the aortic valves. Up-regulation of the Lrp5 pathway may play a role in the mechanism for valvular heart disease.
Intra-amygdala infusion of the NPY Y1 receptor antagonist BIBP 3226 attenuates operant ethanol self-administration.

Background: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is the most abundant and widely distributed peptide in the mammalian central nervous system. Evidence suggests that NPY transmission at Y1 receptors may regulate alcohol self-administration in rodent models. The purpose of the present study was to test the involvement of NPY Y1 receptors in the amygdala in the reinforcing effects of alcohol. Methods: Long-Evans rats were trained to self-administer ethanol (10% v/v) vs. water on a concurrent FR-1 schedule of reinforcement using a sucrose fading procedure. After a 1 month baseline period, bilateral injector cannulae were surgically implanted to terminate 1 mm dorsal to the central nucleus of the amygdala. Daily (Monday through Friday) operant self-administration sessions were conducted for 6 months after surgery. Then, the effects of intra-amygdala infusion of the high-affinity nonpeptide NPY Y1 receptor antagonist BIBP 3226 (1, 10, or 20 μMg) were determined on parameters of operant alcohol self-administration. Results: Intra-amygdala administration of 10 μM or 20 μM BIBP 3226 decreased total alcohol-reinforced responding and dose of self-administered ethanol (g/kg) without significantly altering total water responses or intake compared with vehicle control. Response onset was unaffected. Analysis of the temporal pattern of ethanol- and water-reinforced responding showed that BIBP 3226 decreased cumulative ethanol-reinforced responding during the 30 to 60 min period of the sessions. Water-reinforced responses were increased by the low dose of BIBP 3226 (1 μM) during the 50 to 60 min period. Conclusions: Results from this study indicate that alcohol-reinforced responding is reduced by acute blockade of NPY Y1 receptors in the amygdala of rats with a long-term history of alcohol self-administration. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that alcohol self-administration is maintained by NPY neurotransmission at Y1 receptors in the central nucleus of the amygdala.
Mitogenic Signaling Mediated by Oxidants in Ras-Transformed Fibroblasts

NIH 3T3 fibroblasts stably transformed with a constitutively active isoform of p21(Ras), H-RasV12 (v-H-Ras or EJ-Ras), produced large amounts of the reactive oxygen species superoxide (.O2-). .O2- production was suppressed by the expression of dominant negative isoforms of Ras or Rac1, as well as by treatment with a farnesyltransferase inhibitor or with diphenylene iodonium, a flavoprotein inhibitor. The mitogenic activity of cells expressing H-RasV12 was inhibited by treatment with the chemical antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity was decreased and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was not activated in H-RasV12-transformed cells. Thus, H-RasV12-induced transformation can lead to the production of .O2- through one or more pathways involving a flavoprotein and Rac1. The implication of a reactive oxygen species, probably .O2-, as a mediator of Ras-induced cell cycle progression independent of MAPK and JNK suggests a possible mechanism for the effects of antioxidants against Ras-induced cellular transformation.
Surfactant-mediated gelation of hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose: effects of polymer and surfactant structure

Abstract We have investigated the effects of polymer structure, surfactant structure, and system composition on the phase behavior of a nonionic hydrophobically modified cellulose ether (HMHEC) and the rheological properties of selected hydrogels. Specific conditions under which strong hydrogels phase separate out of these systems have been identified. Gel formation is favored when the side chain level on the polymer is ∼210 side chains/backbone. In general, gel strength increases with increasing polymer molecular weight but does not scale with side chain content on the polymer. A mechanism for this is proposed. Stronger gels formed in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) than in sodium octyl sulfate (SOS) or sodium octyl sulfonate (SS), suggesting that the surface activity of a surfactant, which is proportional to the length of its tail group and inversely proportional to its critical micelle concentration (cmc), governs the extent of surfactant binding to the polymer as well as the extent of polymer/polymer hydrophobic association.
A three-dimensional junction-pore-matrix model for capillary permeability

A three-dimensional model is presented for the hydraulic conductivity and diffusive permeability of capillary endothelial clefts with a junctional strand with discrete pores and a fiber matrix in its wide parts. The model attempts to provide new insight into long-standing issues concerning the relative importance of open junction discontinuities, restricted slit regions, and matrix components in determining the permeability and selectivity of the capillary wall. The predictions drawn from the model are used to formulate new experiments to test two hypotheses concerning the molecular organization of the junction strand and the location of matrix structures in the wide part of the cleft. Using the three-dimensional theoretical approach recently developed by Tsay, Weinbaum, and Pfeffer (Chem. Eng. Comm.82, 67–102, 1989), the model first explores the behavior of three different molecular models for the junctional strand discontinuities: (i) a more frequent circular pore of 5.5-nm radius formed by isolated missing junction proteins; (ii) a restricted rectangular slit of four to eight missing proteins and 8-nm gap height; and (iii) larger more infrequent breaks of four to eight missing proteins with a gap height of 22 nm, equal to the width of the wide part of the cleft. For the circular and 8-nm gap height pores the primary molecular sieve can be located at the level of the junction strand, whereas for the 22-nm gap height pores, matrix components must be present in at least some portion of the cleft to provide the molecular filter. The water flow through the cross-bridging fibers in the wide part of the cleft is described either by a new exact three-dimensional theory (Tsay and Weinbaum, J. Fluid Mech.226, 125–148, 1991) for an ordered periodic array or by a new approximate theory for a random array of perpendicular fibers. Both this theory and the new approximate theory for diffusion presented herein take into account for the first time the interaction between the fibers and plasmalemma boundaries. The principal predictions of the model are that (i) infrequent larger breaks are most likely required to account for small solute permeability; (ii) these larger breaks must be accompanied by a sieving matrix, but this matrix probably occupies only a small portion of the depth of the cleft and/or its entrance at the luminal surface; (iii) neither junctional pore, restricted slit, or fiber matrix models can by themselves satisfy permeability and selectivity data; and (iv) one-dimensional models are a poor description of a cleft with infrequent larger breaks since the solute will be confined to small wakelike regions on the downstream side of the junction strand discontinuities and thus not fill the wide part of the cleft.
Pilocytic Astrocytoma Survival in Adults: Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program of the National Cancer Institute (S45.004)

Objective: To evaluate differences in survival following diagnosis of pilocytic astrocytoma based on patient age using a large cancer registry. Background Pilocytic astrocytoma is a WHO grade 1 brain tumor common in children but rare in adults. Relatively little is known about the behavior of pilocytic astrocytomas in adult patients, largely due to the rarity of pilocytic astrocytoma in this population. Some data suggest that adults share the excellent prognosis seen in children, while other reports suggest more aggressive tumor behavior in adult patients. Design/Methods: Patients diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma between 1973 and 2008 were identified in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program database. Age-group specific survival was analyzed with overall, expected, and cancer-specific survival rates. Further survival analyses were performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox Proportional Hazards models. Results: 3,066 patients with pilocytic astrocytoma were identified, including 865 patients aged 20 years and older. Survival rates declined significantly with age, from 96.2% 60-month survival in patients 0-19 years (95% CI 95.2-97.0) to 52.9% 60-month survival in adult patients ≥60 years of age (95% CI 38.4-65.5), with a corresponding decrease in expected and cancer-specific survival rates. Gross total resection (GTR) was a positive prognostic indicator in adults, while patients receiving radiation had shorter survival regardless of extent of resection. Conclusions: Pilocytic astrocytoma is associated with higher mortality in adult patients than in children and teens, and survival decreases with increasing age in adults. The morbidity of pilocytic astrocytoma in adults provides rationale for future trials of adjuvant treatment in high-risk patients. Disclosure: Dr. Johnson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Brown has nothing to disclose. Dr. Galanis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hammack has nothing to disclose.
The relationship between a measure of organization for visual patterns and their judged complexity

A descriptive coding system was developed for visual patterns generated from binary and ternary sequences. This coding system took into consideration the repetition of higher-order units, composed of two or more line segments, as well as the actual number of line segments in a pattern. The number of items in the descriptive code of a pattern was called its logon content and was used as an indication of its organization. The hypothesis investigated was that the logon content of a pattern is directly proportional to its judged complexity. Three groups of 15 patterns each were constructed. Group I consisted of patterns generated from ten-digit binary sequences. Group II consisted of patterns generated from binary sequences between 5 and 20 digits long, and Group III consisted of patterns generated from ternary sequences each 16 elements in length. These patterns were ranked in order of complexity by S s (225 per group), and the mean experimental ranks for each pattern were correlated with predicted ranks derived from the organization measures. The correlations were between .85 and .99, provided that the S s were first divided into subgroups on the basis of their ranking of a criterion pattern. One subgroup consisted of S s who consistently considered symmetry, regularity, or repetition of higher order units in their judgments, whereas a second subgroup was composed of S s who considered only the total number of line segments in their judgments. A third group of S s appeared to average these two factors.
Differential thermal analysis of metal-ammonia solutions

Differential thermal analysis measurements have established eutectic and anomaly transition temperatures for Eu-NH 3 and Yb-NH 3 solutions. The dependence of eutectic and anomaly transition heats on composition for Sr-NH 3 solutions provide strong evidence for solid solution formation. The anomaly is interpreted as a peritectoid reaction; solid solution → solid hexammine + solid NH 3 .
Intermittent azoospermia associated with epididymal sarcoidosis

Abstract Objective: To report an unusual case of intermittent azoospermia associated with epididymal sarcoidosis. Design: Retrospective case analysis. Setting: Wilford Hall Medical Center. Patient(s): A 36-year-old male with secondary infertility and epididymal sarcoidosis. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measures(s): An analysis of sperm count in relation to steroid courses. Results(s): Epididymalgia, and to a lesser extent, sperm counts were noted to fluctuate temporally around steroid courses given for pulmonary flares of sarcoidosis. Epididymal sarcoidosis can be associated with intermittent azoospermia. Presumably, epididymal granulomas undergo exacerbations and remissions and cause intermittent ductal obstruction. Conclusions(s): Because of the unpredictable effect of sarcoidosis on the male genital tract, all patients interested in paternity should obtain a semen analysis at the time of disease diagnosis. If oligospermia is noted or if there is clinical evidence of epididymal involvement, the patient should be offered sperm banking for possible future assisted reproductive techniques.
Vitamin intervention for stroke prevention

Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention (VISP) is designed to determine whether the utilization of folic acid, vitamins B(6) and B(12), in addition to other risk factor reducing measures, have a demonstrable effect on prevention of recurrent stroke. The entry criteria are a first-ever nondisabling stroke, the patient signs informed consent with willingness to participate and randomization to a high- or low-dose vitamin intervention regimen. Case acquisition of 3,688 individuals has been completed, half in the high-dose and the other half in the low-dose intervention arm. Follow-up is in progress and the end results are expected within the year. The Vitamins to Prevent Stroke (VITATOPS) is a parallel study based in Australia with similar goals, and, hopefully, the data from the two will be comparable and supportive.
Assessment of Bone Mineral at Appendicular Sites In Females With Fractures of the Proximal Femur

The prediction of hip fractures by measurements at remote sites or the improvement of predictive power by measurements at multiple sites could potentially increase the success of osteoporosis screening programs. In a cross-sectional study on 137 postmenopausal women, we tested the hypothesis that bone assessment at the hip, the forearm, and the tibia are independently associated with osteoporotic fractures of the hip. Bone mineral densities, geometric features, and ultrasound properties were determined with hip dual X-ray absorptiometry, forearm peripheral quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and tibia speed of sound measurement. While the odds ratios for fracture discrimination per standard deviation decrease ranged between 3 and 4 for measurements at the hip, they were only 1.8 at the forearm and 1.4 at the tibia. Measurements at the tibia or the forearm were neither independently associated with osteoporotic hip fractures (p > 0.05) nor could any combination of measurements significantly increase the power for the identification of fractures as measured with receiver operating curves. Women who sustained trochanteric fractures were characterized by a generalized loss of bone mineral. Cervical fractures were associated with a decrease of bone mineral density at the hip, but no significant alterations in bone mass or geometric properties were observed at the tibia or at the forearm. Fracture risk prediction at the hip is therefore preferably performed by measurements at the hip itself. Peripheral QCT at the distal radius and tibial ultrasound seem capable of depicting women with an increased risk for trochanteric but not for cervical fractures. The risk assessment appears not to be improved by including information of cortical or geometric properties of the forearm.
New constraints on R-parity violating parameters from μ→eγ and the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon

Abstract We analyse one-loop contributions to μ → eγ and to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with explicit R -parity violating interactions. We find that in almost all cases the graphs with internal chiralityflip dominate over the graphs in which the chirality flip occurs on th e external (muon) line and we obtain new bounds on products of R -violating couplings of the form λ ′ ijk λ ′ mkj .
Achieving Routine in Organizational Change

We preconceived that uncertainty and the need to discover new framing concepts would frequently face school decision-makers trying to significantly alter their domain. In contrast, however, we found that familiar administrative mechanisms were used to channel consideration of a major decision—that of the computerization of the curriculum. These familiar administrative mechanisms were used in combination with inspired use of language to reinforce the routine frame. Thus, for organizational participants, the very routineness symbolized the unexceptional nature of a change that might otherwise have aroused considerably more attention.
Multiscale edge detection based on a new geometrically intrinsic filter

This paper presents a new multiscale edge detection algorithm. The algorithm is based on a new nonlinear filter, which produces a scale-space filtering analogous to Gaussian filtering but has several interesting properties such as viewpoint invariance and automatic edge preservation. From this multiscale representation, the algorithm uses a multidimensional morphological operator to compute the position of edges. A mathematical analysis of the algorithm and its efficient software implementation is discussed. Experimental results illustrating the use of the filter to detect multiscale depth and orientation discontinuities on range images and significant edges on intensity images are also presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A replicated monitoring tool

Modeling the reliability of distributed systems requires a good understanding of the reliability of the components. Careful modeling allows highly fault-tolerant distributed applications to be constructed at the least cost. Realistic estimates can be found by measuring the performance of actual systems. An enormous amount of information about system performance can be acquired with no special privileges via the Internet. A distributed monitoring tool called a tattler is described. The system is composed of a group of tattler processes that monitor a set of selected hosts. The tattlers cooperate to provide a fault-tolerant distributed data base of information about the hosts they monitor. They use weak-consistency replication techniques to ensure their own fault-tolerance and the eventual consistency of the data base that they maintain. >
The kinetics of clustering and short-range order in stable solid solutions

Abstract The kinetics of clustering and short-range order in stable solid solutions are examined from the viewpoint of a recent lattice diffusion theory. It is found that short-range order kinetics can be approximated by a single relaxation time but that clustering kinetics display a wide spectrum of relaxation times. For a regular solution, the short-range order relaxation time is is the lattice parameter, D is the chemical or interdiffusion coefficient, T is the temperature, Tc is the critical temperature, and Consequently, if the interdiffusion coefficient shows Arrhenius type behavior when T ⪢ Tc, the relaxation time will also show this behavior and have the same activation energy. As T → Tc, the interdiffusion coefficient generally deviates somewhat from Arrhenius type behavior; the relaxation time, however, will show a much stronger deviation due to the singularity at T = Tc.
Cell Cycle Requirements for Transduction by Foamy Virus Vectors Compared to Those of Oncovirus and Lentivirus Vectors

Retroviral vectors based on foamy viruses (FV) are efficient gene delivery vehicles for therapeutic and research applications. While previous studies have shown that FV vectors transduce quiescent cell cultures more efficiently than oncoviral vectors, their specific cell cycle requirements have not been determined. Here we compare the transduction frequencies of FV vectors with those of onco- and lentiviral vectors in nondividing and dividing normal human fibroblasts by several methods. FV vectors transduced serum-deprived fibroblast cultures more efficiently than oncoretroviral vectors and at rates comparable to those of lentiviral vectors. However, in these cultures FV vectors only transduced a subpopulation of proliferating cells, as determined by bromodeoxyuridine staining for DNA synthesis. In contrast to lentiviral vectors, FV vectors were unable to transduce human fibroblasts arrested by aphidicolin (G(1)/S phase) or gamma-irradiation (G(2) phase), and a partial cell cycle that included mitosis but not DNA synthesis was required. We could not determine if mitosis facilitated nuclear entry of FV vectors, since cell-free vector preparations contained long terminal repeat circles, precluding their use as nuclear markers. In contrast to oncoviral vectors, both FV and lentiviral vectors efficiently transduced G(0) fibroblasts that were later stimulated to divide. In the case of FV vectors, this was due to the persistence of a stable transduction intermediate in quiescent cells. Our findings support the use of FV vectors as a safe and effective alternative to lentiviral vectors for ex vivo transduction of stem cells that are quiescent during culture but divide following transplantation.
Differential regulation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle and liver of neonatal pigs by leucine through an mTORC1-dependent pathway

Neonatal growth is characterized by a high protein synthesis rate that is largely due to an enhanced sensitivity to the postprandial rise in insulin and amino acids, especially leucine. The mechanism of leucine's action in vivo is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of leucine infusion on protein synthesis in skeletal muscle and liver of neonatal pigs. To evaluate the mode of action of leucine, we used rapamycin, an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex-1 (mTORC1). Overnight-fasted 7-day-old piglets were treated with rapamycin for 1 hour and then infused with leucine (400 μmol·kg-1·h-1) for 1 hour. Leucine infusion increased the rate of protein synthesis, and ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E-binding protein-1 (4E-BP1) phosphorylation in gastrocnemius and masseter muscles (P < 0.05), but not in the liver. The leucine-induced stimulation of protein synthesis and S6K1 and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation were completely blocked by rapamycin, suggesting that leucine action is by an mTORC1-dependent mechanism. Neither leucine nor rapamycin had any effect on the activation of the upstream mTORC1 regulators, AMP-activated protein kinase and protein kinase B, in skeletal muscle or liver. The activation of eIF2α and elongation factor 2 was not affected by leucine or rapamycin, indicating that these two pathways are not limiting steps of leucine-induced protein synthesis. These results suggest that leucine stimulates muscle protein synthesis in neonatal pigs by inducing the activation of mTORC1 and its downstream pathway leading to mRNA translation.
Myths of the Archaic State: Evolution of the Earliest Cities, States, and Civilizations

Myths of the Archaic State: Evolution of the Earliest Cities, States, and Civilizations. Norman Yoffee. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2005. 277 pp.
The role of frontopolar cortex in subgoal processing during working memory.

Neuroimaging studies have implicated the anterior-most or frontopolar regions of prefrontal cortex (FP-PFC, e.g., Brodmann's Area 10) as playing a central role in higher cognitive functions such as planning, problem solving, reasoning, and episodic memory retrieval. The current functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study tested the hypothesis that FP-PFC subserves processes related to the monitoring and management of subgoals, while maintaining information in working memory (WM). Subjects were scanned while performing two variants of a simple delayed response WM task. In the control WM condition, subjects monitored for the presence of a specific concrete probe word (LIME) occurring following a specific abstract cue word (FATE). In the subgoal WM condition, subjects monitored for the presence of any concrete probe word immediately following any abstract cue word. Thus, the task required semantic classification of the probe word (the subgoal task), while the cue was simultaneously maintained in WM, so that both pieces of information could be integrated into a target determination. In a second control condition, subjects performed abstract/concrete semantic classification without WM demands. A region within right FP-PFC was identified which showed significant activation during the subgoal WM condition, but no activity in either of the two control conditions. However, this FP-PFC region was not modulated by direct manipulation of active maintenance demands. In contrast, left dorsolateral PFC was affected by active maintenance demands, but the effect did not interact with the presence of a subgoal task. Finally, left ventral PFC regions showed activation in response to semantic classification, but were not affected by WM demands. These results suggest a triple dissociation of function within PFC regions, and further indicate that FP-PFC is selectively engaged by the requirement to monitor and integrate subgoals during WM tasks.
The Automated Remote Tracking Of The Florida Manatee (trichechus Manatus)

This paper identifies major electronic, physical, biological and environmental factors involved in the automated r emote tracking of the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus). The current status of the manatee as an endangered species is provided. An analysis of energy media is conducted to identify those with the highest probability of success for this application. The results of a computer-generated direction finding (DF) network analysis are summarized. The possibility of an extra low frequency (ELF) implementation is investigated in some detail since ELF frequencies (unlike any other e lectromagnetic or acoustic frequency) are capable of low attenuation propagation through great distances of both air and water. A recommended remote automated tracking system configuration is presented, and can be broadly classified as VHF time-of
Effect of methionine hydroxy analog supplementation on dairy cattle hoof growth and composition.

Fifty lactating Holstein cows were assigned randomly to one of two treatments, control and control plus approximately 30 g methionine hydroxy analog, and confined on concrete for 11 mo. The control diet consisted of sorghum silage and concentrate fed as a blended ration. Sulfur contents of dry matter were .12% and .16% for control and methionine hydroxy analog rations. Hoof growth and hardness were measured on front and rear right abaxial claws in the dorsal and lateral regions. Hoof growth rates were measured for four periods; summer-fall, fall-winter, winter-spring, and spring-summer, each 70 to 90 days. Hooves of cows fed methionine hydroxy analog grew faster than those of control cows during spring-summer in all regions. Variations of growth rates of hooves were seasonal and tended to follow variations in daily photoperiod. Wear rates were not affected significantly by treatment. Hooves of cows fed methionine hydroxy analog were softer in the top dorsal region at the end of winter-spring and in the dorsal toe region at the end of spring-summer. All other locations were not affected significantly by treatment. The toe region was harder than the top of the hoof. Cows fed methionine hydroxy analog had less cysteine and proline in hoof than control cows and greater percentages of methionine lysine, tyrosine, and glutamic acid. These results suggest that a decrease of disulfide bonding occurred in the hoof tissue of cows fed methionine hydroxy analog. Cows fed methionine hydroxy analog produced more actual milk, milk fat, and 4% fat-corrected milk during 180 days than did control cows.
Rostral ventral medulla modulation of the visceromotor reflex evoked by urinary bladder distension in female rats.

Abstract The present studies examined the involvement of the rostral ventral medulla (RVM) in modulating the visceromotor response (VMR) evoked by urinary bladder distension (UBD) in adult female rats. The VMR was indexed by electromyographic (EMG) responses of the abdominal external oblique muscle to UBD. Experiment 1 showed that the predominant effect of electrical stimulation of the RVM in normal rats was to produce intensity-dependent inhibition of the VMR (54% of sites sampled). Facilitatory, biphasic, or no effects were obtained at the remaining sites. Experiment 2 showed that RVM-induced inhibition of the VMR was significantly attenuated by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of naloxone but not saline vehicle. In experiment 3, we examined the effect of lesions of the RVM in rats with inflamed bladders because previous research has shown that an endogenous opioid inhibitory system is engaged by bladder inflammation. Electrolytic lesions of the RVM but not sham lesions of the RVM significantly increased the VMR to graded UBD in rats with augmented VMRs induced by prior inflammation of the bladder. The present data suggest that the RVM can inhibit the VMR to UBD, acting in part via an opioid-inhibitory system, and that bladder inflammation can recruit the RVM to produce a net inhibitory effect on the VMR to UBD. Perspective Stimulation of the RVM resulted in inhibitory, facilitatory, and biphasic modulation of the visceromotor reflex to urinary bladder distension. Inhibitory effects of stimulation were attenuated by naloxone, and lesions of the RVM enhanced the VMR in rats with inflamed bladders. These data indicate an important role of the RVM in modulating bladder pain.
AN ERGODIC THEORY OF CONSCIOUSNESS

It has been suggested that the properties of "integration" and "differentiation" are necessary for the emergence of consciousness. We present a dynamical system model that is based on these two conditions. The collection of neurons are partitioned into clusters on which we define a map that reflects the communication between clusters. Such a map displays the forward and backward circuitry between clusters in a probabilistic manner. The presence of "re-entry" guarantees that the map is sufficiently complex, that is, nonlinear and chaotic, to possess numerous invariant sets of clusters, which are referred to as agglomerations. We suggest that an agglomeration that is mixing characterizes a conscious state. The model establishes a theoretical framework that may structure and encourage experimental work.
Highlights of GeV gamma-ray astronomy

Because high-energy gamma rays are primarily produced by high-energy particle interactions, the gamma-ray survey of the sky by the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope offers a view of sites of cosmic ray production and interactions. Gamma-ray bursts, pulsars, pulsar wind nebulae, binary sources, and Active Galactic Nuclei are all phenomena that reveal particle acceleration through their gamma-ray emission. Diffuse Galactic gamma radiation, Solar System gamma-ray sources, and energetic radiation from supernova remnants are likely tracers of high-energy particle interactions with matter and photon fields. This paper will present a broad overview of the constantly changing sky seen with the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Fermi spacecraft.
No Sugar, No Spice

This article discusses some of the main issues raised by woman-to-woman sexual violence. The author emphasizes the challenges of admitting that sexual violence by women occurs, changing laws to acknowledge the seriousness of woman-to-woman sexual abuse, improving agency services for lesbian and bisexual survivors of sexual abuse, and compelling the antiviolence movement to take this issue seriously. A major focus concerns the need for a feminist analysis of sexual violence that accommodates the reality of violence and abuse by females. Similarly, the homophobic, biphobic, and heterosexist context of our lives must be confronted in order to address woman-to-woman sexual violence.
A reviewer's introduction to Staging the new romantic hero in the old cynical theatre: On managers, roles and change in Poland

The idea that organizational behavior theories are dominated by American cultural assumptions is old news (Hofstede, 1980). Unfortunately, this important insight has done little to foster the integration of theories from other cultural perspectives into mainstream organizational behavior. Rather, it has been comfortably marginalized as the study of cultural differences, leaving most published research and theory still dominated by American ethnocentrism. It is a sad fact that the internationalization of organizational and management theories has done considerably more to enrich our store of anecdotes than it has to broaden fundamental organization and management theory. The problem is a formidable one. Nevertheless, one reason for this continuing theoretical ethnocentricity is that Anglo-American rational empiricism has unquestioned dominance in our best academic journals. Thus, I was pleased when the editors of the Journal of Organizational Behavior asked my assistance in reviewing and introducing the following article. Our objective was to bring a work of theory deriving from rather different cultural experiences to the attention of demanding readers steeped in rational empiricism. In my research on the transforming organizations of the formerly communist countries, I have developed a great respect for the theoretical insights of my central and eastern European colleagues, and what can only be called a sheer delight in their style. Unfortunately, the very indirection and witty personal asides that make such insights so compelling when delivered over the dinner table render them unfit for print in a respected Western social science journal. The editors of JOB have commendably decided to provide a vehicle for sharing these insights in this occasional special section. The following article, 'Staging the new romantic hero in the old cynical theatre' by Professors Kostera, Proppe and Szatkowski, draws on the Romantic heritage of Polish culture to introduce the study of managerial rationalizations via the metaphor of the search for a self-image as a romantic hero. In this regard, Polish managers are hardly unique. Yet while metaphors of organization are familiar from Morgan's (1986) work, there has not been much concern with organizational participants' personal uses of metaphors in the maintenance of positive selfimages at work. Why should the study of the rationalizations that organizational participants strive to develop and sustain be so new to us? Don't most managers strive to create romantic myths about themselves? How else to explain the perennial attractiveness of military and sports metaphors, despite ample evidence that complex business and nonprofit enterprises operate quite differently than do battlefields and playing fields? Don't managers generally seek to enhance their esteem in their own eyes and the eyes of others? How else to explain their deep interest in status symbols like titles, parking places, and corner offices? While certain symbolic features of managers'