cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intuition in Mathematical Operations Research

The object is to understand how to surmount many of the roadblocks encountered in operations research by viewing the subject against the background of science in general. After disposing of some preliminary issues of logic concerning the sufficiency of a body of knowledge to determine the truth or the probabilities of statements made in its terms, the scientific method is examined, as based on three processes: A, experimental observation; B, deductive-often mathematical-reasoning; C, "concept formation"-that creative act which as noted by H. Poincare transcends the others. It is the special form of intuition known to the innovative mind, perceiving "order," "unity," "harmony," and leading inductively to general principles. It is not to be confused with mechanical pattern recognition; nor is it just "gut feeling." Examples are outlined from the mathematical sciences-as well as the counter-example of sterile analyses, dear to officialdom, often unable to see that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Finally, historical examples in operations research are given, showing how its road-blocks were overcome by the creative application of concept formation.
A Web-Based Multimedia Retrieval System with MCA-Based Filtering and Subspace-Based Learning Algorithms

The popularity of research on intelligent multimedia services and applications is motivated by the high demand of the convenient access and distribution of pervasive multimedia data. Facing with abundant multimedia resources but inefficient and rather old-fashioned keyword-based retrieval approaches, Intelligent Multimedia Systems IMS demand on i effective filtering algorithms for storage saving, computation reduction, and dynamic media delivery; and ii advanced learning methods to accurately identify target concepts, effectively search personalized media content, and enable media-type driven applications. Nowadays, the web based multimedia applications become more and more popular. Therefore, how to utilize the web technology into multimedia data management and retrieval becomes an important research topic. In this paper, the authors developed a web-based intelligent video retrieval system that integrates effective and efficient MCA-based filtering and subspace-based learning to facilitate end users to retrieve their desired semantic concepts. A web-based demo shows the effectiveness of the proposed intelligent multimedia system to provide relevant results of target semantic concepts retrieved from TRECVID video collections.
Built-Up Films of Barium Stearate and Their Optical Properties

The technique of depositing successive single layers of molecules of various stearates on a solid surface is described. Films containing 3001 layers have been built of barium-copper stearate. A photograph shows films built in a series of steps having intervals of 2 molecular layers. The contrast of the steps is plainly visible when the slide is illuminated by polarized light at angles near grazing incidence. By measuring the angles at which films containing known numbers of layers reflect minimum intensity of monochromatic light for the first five interference fringes, the thickness per layer and refractive index can be calculated with great accuracy. The thickness per layer of barium stearate was found to be 24.40A. The presence of traces of foreign substances in the water affect the spacing by 1 to 3 percent. The films are uniaxial crystals, the optic axis being perpendicular to the surface on which the films are built. The refractive index of the ordinary ray, ${n}_{1}$, and of the extraordinary ray in a direction perpendicular to the axis, ${n}_{3}$, are ${n}_{1}=1.491$, ${n}_{3}=1.551$. Equations are given which describe the refraction of the extraordinary ray, the intensity of the rays reflected from the upper surface and from the film solid boundary, the phase change at the boundaries, Brewster's angle, and other special properties of birefringent films. The intensity of the light and dark fringes reflected by films built on a series of glasses of known refractive indices is used as a measure of ${n}_{1}$. Skeleton films. Barium stearate films built at $\mathrm{pH}l7.0$ are composed of a mixture of stearic acid and neutral stearate. The stearic acid can be dissolved by benzene leaving a skeleton of stearate which is birefringent and has refractive indices much lower than those of the normal film. Measurements are given of a skeleton for which ${n}_{1}=1.30$, others for which ${n}_{1}=1.32$, ${n}_{3}=1.39$. Skeletons have been built having ${n}_{1}=1.25$ and 1.22. The skeleton for which ${n}_{1}=1.30$ had 99.2 percent of the thickness of the original film, although only 63.7 percent of its density.
Data compression with nearly uniform output

For any lossless fixed-length compression scheme operating at the optimal coding rate, it is known that the encoder output is not uniform in variational distance, which yet might be desirable in some security schemes. In the case of independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) sources, uniformity in divergence might be achieved if a uniformly distributed sequence, called seed, of length dn negligible compared to the message length n, is shared between the encoder and the decoder. We show that the optimal scaling of dn that jointly ensures an optimal coding rate and a uniform encoder output in divergence, is roughly on the order of √n. We also develop a near optimal achievability scheme using invertible extractors.
Studying polymer thin films with hybrid optical microcavities

Organic and inorganic polymeric thin films have numerous applications, including solar cells, biodetection, and nanocomposites. Improving our understanding of the fundamental material behavior is critical to designing polymers with ideal behavior and increased lifetime. However, there are limited nondestructive characterization methods that are able to perform these high-resolution measurements. In this Letter, we demonstrate a method that is able to detect temperature-induced changes in the refractive index of polystyrene polymer thin films as small as 10−7. This approach is based on optical microcavity resonators. The experimental results agree well with the theoretical simulations.
Wave-front phase estimation from Fourier intensity measurements

A novel wave-front sensor that estimates phase from Fourier intensity measurements is described, and an explicit expression is found and numerically evaluated for the Cramer–Rao lower bound on integrated rms wave-front phase estimation error. For comparison, turbulence-aberrated wave-front phases and corresponding noisy Fourier intensity measurements were computer simulated. An iterative phase-retrieval algorithm was then used to estimate the phase from the Fourier intensity measurements and knowledge of the shape of an aperture through which the wave front passed. The simulation error approaches the lower bound asymptotically as the noise is reduced.
A special family of ergodic flows and their\(\bar d - limits\)

A flow built under a step function with a multi-step Markov partition on the base is a direct product of a Bernoulli flow with a finite rotation. A $$\bar d - limit$$ of the flows in this family cannot have two irrationally related rotation factors. $$\bar d - closure$$ of this family is shown to consist of all direct products of Bernoulli flows and flows of rational pure point spectrum with respect to some number.
Choosing a Stabilization Target for CO2

The choice of stabilization target for CO2 concentration depends on the following: what is considered to be ‘dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system’; the forcings that might arise from non-CO2 gases; and the climate sensitivity. These three factors are specified here probabilistically, as probability density functions (pdfs), and combined to produce a pdf for the CO2 concentration target. There is a probability of 17% that the stabilization target should be less than the present level, and the median target is 536 ppm. The effects of reducing the emissions of non-CO2 gases and/or implementing adaptation strategies are considered probabilistically and shown to alter these figures significantly.
Solving system integration and interoperability problems using a model reference systems engineering framework

This paper presents a model-reference systems engineering framework, which is applied on a number of ESC projects. This framework provides an architecture-driven system engineering process supported by a tool kit. This kit is built incrementally using an integrated set of commercial and government developed tools. These tools include project management, systems engineering, military worth-analysis and enterprise collaboration tools. Products developed using these tools enable the specification and visualization of an executable model of the integrated system architecture as it evolves from a low fidelity concept into a high fidelity system model. This enables end users of system products, system designers, and decision-makers; to perform what if analyses on system design alternatives before making costly final system acquisition decisions.
Hysteresis in Force Probe Measurements: a Dynamical Systems Perspective

Abstract Macromolecular binding forces between single protein-ligand pairs have been directly measured with the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) in several recent experiments. In a typical measurement, the AFM probe, or cantilever, is attached to the ligand and exerts a disruptive force on the bond between the macromolecular pair while the receptor is held fixed; the probe is then moved away from the substrate until the bond is broken. When the bond actually breaks, the tip is observed to slip; in fact, the ligand is jumping to a new equilibrium point determined purely by the cantilever, as if the receptor had been instantaneously moved to infinity. This “jumping-off” or “minimum rupture force” is determined by measuring cantilever deflection. In a similar manner, the two molecules can be brought together and the “jumping-on” force can be determined. These two measurements will result in different estimates of the binding force due to hysteresis. This hysteresis is caused by a cusp catastrophe in the space defined by probe position and cantilever stiffness. The phenomena of “jumping-off” in macromolecular rupture experiments and “jumping-on” when molecules are brought together occur when the system passes through a saddle-node bifurcation as the probe position is varied. Probe approach and withdrawal result in different post-bifurcation equilibria, different energy dissipation, and different force measurements.
Lineage specificity of primary cilia in the mouse embryo

Primary cilia are required for vertebrate cells to respond to specific intercellular signals. Here we define when and where primary cilia appear in the mouse embryo using a transgenic line that expresses ARL13B-mCherry in cilia and Centrin 2-GFP in centrosomes. Primary cilia first appear on cells of the epiblast at E6.0 and are subsequently present on all derivatives of the epiblast. In contrast, extraembryonic cells of the visceral endoderm and trophectoderm lineages have centrosomes but no cilia. Stem cell lines derived from embryonic lineages recapitulate the in vivo pattern: epiblast stem cells are ciliated, whereas trophoblast stem cells and extraembryonic endoderm (XEN) stem cells lack cilia. Basal bodies in XEN cells are mature and can form cilia when the AURKA-HDAC6 cilium disassembly pathway is inhibited. The lineage-dependent distribution of cilia is stable throughout much of gestation, defining which cells in the placenta and yolk sac are able to respond to Hedgehog ligands.
Critical Media Literacy: Research, Theory, and Practice in “New Times”

(2000). Critical Media Literacy: Research, Theory, and Practice in “New Times”. The Journal of Educational Research: Vol. 93, New Discoveries in Literacy for The 21st Century, pp. 193-205.
Magnetic moments of small bimetallic clusters: Co n Mn m

The magnetic properties of cobalt-manganese binary clusters ${\mathrm{Co}}_{n}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{m}$ $(n+m=11--29)$ were investigated using a Stern-Gerlach molecular beam deflection technique. One-sided beam deflections, signifying superparamagnetic behavior, were observed at temperatures of $90\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ and higher. In most cases, the magnetic moments of ${\mathrm{Co}}_{n}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{m}$ clusters were similar to those of ${\mathrm{Co}}_{n}$ clusters containing the same total number of atoms. The magnitude of the magnetic moments measured are significantly larger than would be expected based on the susceptibilities of the corresponding bulk ${\mathrm{Co}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}$ alloys.
Let's Dance! Elastic Coordination in Creative Group Work: A Qualitative Study of Modern Dancers

Coordination challenges are an inherent part of group work. They are perhaps more daunting for creative work because coordinating creative work requires allowing for dynamics that seem to “pull the group together,” or integrate, while also fostering dynamics that “pull the group apart,” or de-integrate. During an inductive study of modern dance group rehearsals, these interactions emerged as central to understanding how groups navigate coordinating creative work. Our emergent findings reveal how groups use autonomy and constraints to accomplish elastic coordination throughout a creative project.
Mechanisms of tropospheric microwave propagation for a linear segmented profile of the refractive index

The mechanisms of tropospheric microwave propagation for a linear segmented profile of the refractive index are summarized. There is an attempt to generalize the profile of this type and investigate different radio wave propagation conditions from the standpoint of the coherence theory of microwave tropospheric diffraction. In particular, there is discussion concerned with the whispering gallery modes in the troposphere. It seems unlikely these will be excited. Thus, the reflections from the atmospheric layers and the trapped modes under superrefraction conditions account mainly for the long distance tropospheric propagation from this standpoint.
Prostate specific antigen role and function

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is considered the most sensitive marker available for monitoring prostate cancer progression and response to therapy. In addition to its value as a tumor marker, PSA may have biologic activities involved in cancer growth. The PSA gene was cloned in the 1980s, and it was recognized that PSA is a serine protease homologous to the kallikreins. The aspartic acid residue in the histidine-aspartic acid-serine triad required for kallikrein-type serine protease specificity has been replaced by serine in PSA, conferring on PSA chymotrypsin-like activity instead of the trypsin-like activity of the kallikreins. The major site of PSA expression is the prostate, where it is secreted by the luminal cells of the epithelium. Most prostate cancers also express PSA. Substrates of PSA in the seminal fluid, where PSA is present at >1 mg/ml and is enzymatically active, include seminogelin and fibronectin. The net effect of PSA activity is to liquefy the seminal fluid after ejaculation, which is presumably of some consequence to fertility. Recently, it was discovered that insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) is cleaved by PSA. The biologic effect of this cleavage is the release of IGF, enhancing its mitogenic capabilities. PSA may also enhance cellular growth by a mechanism independent of proteolytic cleavage of IGFBP3. In summary, the proteolytic activities of PSA have just begun to be investigated, but preliminary findings indicate that PSA has biologic relevance in addition to its value as a clinical marker of prostate cancer. Cancer 1995 ; 75 :2021-6.
An Analysis of Needs and a System of Development for an Employee Assistance Programme

Personal problems of employees impair their productivity. These may be family, emotional, alcohol or other drugs, or just living problems. Employee assistance is an action‐oriented programme designed to recognise symptoms of problem employees before they become costly to the employee as well as to the company. Several studies are reviewed, those by government, as well as many private agencies, concerning the effectiveness of establishing employee assistance programmes as opposed to firing and replacing employees who have personal problems that may impair their productivity and performance.
CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS: A CLINICOPATHOLOGIC STUDY.

An investigation of 1,275 autopsy protocols and available clinical records of white, male, chronic schizophrenic patients, 40 years or older, with an average length of hospitalization of over 20 years, showed that (a) the prevalence of coronary heart disease as a cause of death was as high in this group of schizophrenic subjects (31 per cent) as in the comparable section of the general population; (b) the fatality rate (66 per cent) of coronary heart disease, (c) the incidence of sudden death (64 per cent of all deaths from coronary heart disease), (d) the incidence of myocardial rupture (21.7 per cent of all fresh myocardial infarctions) and (e) the incidence of painless heart attacks were higher in schizophrenic patients (60 per cent) than in the general population; (f) myocardial aneurysm was found less commonly in schizophrenic patients (2 per cent of all patients who either died of coronary heart disease or other causes but showed old infarct or old occlusion), and (g) there was an almost complete ab...
A density functional theory study of alkyl group migration in RMn(CO)5 complexes

Abstract The kinetics of alkyl group migration in RMn(CO) 5 complexes ( R=CH 3 , C 2 H 5 and C 3 H 7 ) were studied. Isomers of CH 3 Mn(CO) 5 with an agostic structure, an η 1 structure, and an η 2 structure were found to be local minima on the system's potential energy surface. Transition states for the inter-conversion of these species were also located. The activation free energy for this migration reaction was compared with experimental data and provides insights into the important steps in the overall reaction mechanism.
Complex extensors and Lagrangian submanifolds in complex Euclidean spaces

Lagrangian //-umbilical submanifolds are the "simplest" Lagrangian submanifolds next to totally geodesic ones in complex-space-forms. The class of Lagrangian //-umbilical submanifolds in complex Euclidean spaces includes Whitney's spheres and Lagrangian pseudo-spheres. For each submanifold M of Euclidean «-space and each unit speed curve F in the complex plane, we introduce the notion of the complex extensor of M in the complex Euclidean «-space via F. The main purpose of this paper is to classify Lagrangian //-umbilical submanifolds of the complex Euclidean «-space by utilizing complex extensors. We prove that, except the flat ones, Lagrangian //-umbilical submanifolds of complex Euclidean «-space with n greater than 2 are Lagrangian pseudo-spheres and complex extensors of the unit hypersphere of the Euclidean w-space. For completeness we also include in the last section the classification of flat Lagrangian //-umbilical submanifolds of complex Euclidean spaces.
On the nature of volume-phase transitions in photo-cross-linked poly(cyclopropylacrylamide) and poly(N-vinylisobutyramide) coatings

Ellipsometry in an inverted configuration was used to characterize the temperature-dependent swelling of thin (100 nm) coatings of photo-cross-linked poly(cyclopropylacrylamide), or poly(CPAAm), and poly(N-vinylisobutyramide), or poly(NVIBAm). Both polymers contained 3 mol% of methacroylaminobenzophenone (MnBP) as the photo-cross-linking unit. Poly(CPAAm-co-MnBP) showed a continuous, 2nd order deswelling transition between 10 and 70 °C with no hysteresis. Poly(NVIBAm-co-MnBP), on the other hand, showed a discontinuous, 1st order deswelling transition at 45 °C with a hysteresis in the swelling curve. The two types of swelling transitions are consistent with the cloud-point measurements of the uncross-linked polymers, which both showed lower-critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior. The LCST for poly(CPAAm-co-MnBP) is located at almost zero polymer concentration, and hence cross-linked poly(CPAAm) cannot cross its cloud point curve during swelling or deswelling. The LCST for poly(NVIBAm-co-MnBP), in contrast, is located at a significant off-zero polymer concentration (>10 wt% polymer), meaning cross-linked poly(NVIBAm) can cross its cloud point curve and experience a discontinuous jump in swelling. Concurrent measurements of the infrared vibrations of the amide groups in both systems further revealed that the amide I band in poly(CPAAm-co-MnBP) showed a single sub-band throughout the swelling transition. Poly(NVIBAm-co-MnBP), on the other hand, showed two distinct sub-bands, one of which grew at the expense of the other throughout the swelling transition, which may explain the off-zero concentration in the cloud point curve and the discontinuous swelling transition.
“Idiographic” vis‐à‐vis “idiodynamic” in the historical perspective of personality theory: Remembering Gordon Allport, 1897–1997

The centenary of Gordon W. Allport provides an occasion for reappraising his special position regarding uniqueness in personality. Allport's theory of personality, as first presented in his 1937 textbook, highlighted the idiographic in conjunction with the nomothetic approach, and the fundamental unit in his formulation was the trait. He described common and unique traits as well as the unique organization of traits. In contradistinction, the idiodynamic orientation, introduced by Saul Rosenzweig in 1951 and, in more detail in 1958, focused on events which over a lifespan constitute an idioverse—a population of phenomenological events. Allport's original emphasis on the idiographic and his later confusion concerning idiodynamics, can, in considerable measure, be understood by recognizing the role of religious spirituality in his conception of the person. That conception, which derived from an early religious indoctrination, asserted itself with renewed vigor in his later years. His scientific conception of personality thus remained unconsummated, subordinated by him to the unsolvable mysteries of ontology which properly belong, he believed, in the domain of faith. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
N-(3-Chloro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-di-hydro-naph-thalen-2-yl)-N-propionylpropionamide.

In the title mol­ecule, C16H14ClNO4, the four essentially planar atoms of the imide group [r.m.s. deviation = 0.0286 (11) A] form a dihedral angle of 77.36 (13)° with the naphtho­quinone group [maximun deviation = 0.111 (2) A for the carbonyl O atom in the naphthalene 1-position] and the two imide carbonyl groups are oriented anti with respect to each other. In the crystal, mol­ecules are connected by weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, as well as π–π stacking inter­actions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.888 (3) A], forming a three-dimensional network.
A generalized differential effective medium theory

Abstract A generalization of the Differential Effective Medium approximation (DEM) is discussed. The new scheme is applied to the estimation of the effective permittivity of a two phase dielectric composite. Ordinary DEM corresponds to a realizable microgeometry in which the composite is built up incrementally through a process of homogenization, with one phase always in dilute suspension and the other phase associated with the percolating backbone. The generalization of DEM assumes a third phase which acts as a backbone. The other two phases are progressively added to the backbone such that each addition is in an effectively homogeneous medium. A canonical ordinary differential equation is derived which describes the change in material properties as a function of the volume concentration φ of the added phases in the composite. As φ→ 1, the Effective Medium Approximation (EMA) is obtained. For φ
Comparison of persistent thallium perfusion defects by quantitative washout analysis with thallium reinjection in patients with coronary artery disease

Thallium reinjection can improve the detection of severely ischemic viable myocardium in patients with coronary artery disease. However, a disadvantage of this method is that it requires the acquisition of 3 separate sets of images and the administration of an additional dose of the radiotracer. Alternatively, quantitative analysis of the regional myocardial washout of thallium-201 can be easily obtained from the conventional postexercise and redistribution images without additional imaging time or radiation exposure to the patient. To determine whether this method can predict the results of thallium reinjection, this study analyzed thallium-201 images of 31 patients who had persistent perfusion defects in qualitative exercise/delayed redistribution single-photon emission computed tomographic thallium studies and who underwent thallium reinjection. The quantitative mean radioactive counts of each myocardial segment that had a persistent perfusion defect in the initial and delayed redistribution on 4-hour short-axis tomographic slices were measured to derive a delayed/initial ratio, and these values were compared with the results of thallium reinjection. The delayed/initial ratio was 1.06 +/- 0.22 in 39 segments that improved, versus 0.58 +/- 0.18 in 43 segments without improvement after reinjection (p or = 0.75, versus only 3 of the 43 segments that showed no improvement (sensitivity, 98%; specificity, 91%). The correlation between the delayed/initial ratio and reinjection results was equally high at any segment location or severity. It is concluded that quantitative regional thallium washout analysis predicts the results of thallium reinjection in segments with persistent thallium defects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
When accessibility meets usability

Making a resource or facility "accessible" to persons with disabilities does not necessarily make it "usable" to all such members of the population. The authors present some valuable lessons learned by National Science Foundation researchers and educators striving to make engaging activities and inviting curricula inclusive of all students, regardless of ability.
Influence of an unexpected perturbation on adaptive gait behavior

During locomotion over uneven terrain, gait must be adapted to avoid a trip. In the event of a foot-obstacle contact, the body reactively responds to the perturbation. However, it is unknown if any proactive adjustments are made in subsequent strides to reduce the likelihood of another contact, and how long any proactive adaptations persist. This study examined gait behavior while stepping over a 10cm obstacle placed in the middle of an 8m walkway. The four obstacle crossings that preceded a spontaneous obstacle contact were compared to the eight obstacle crossings subsequent to the contact. Foot position before the obstacle was not modified following the obstacle contact. However, toe clearance and peak toe elevation increased in the limb that was tripped; the unperturbed limb showed no differences. These findings demonstrate that the sensory information of the perturbed limb proactively influenced the ipsilateral but not the contralateral limb, supporting the idea that the lead and trail limb are controlled independently during obstacle crossing. The proactive adaptation lasted for at least eight trials, suggesting that an unexpected perturbation influences the control of adafptive gait well after obstacle contact.
Development of an immobilized microbe bioreactor for VOC applications

This paper describes the development of a bioprocess system for removing significant concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from contaminated water sources. The core of the system is an immobilized microbe bioreactor in which specific adapted microbial strains can be established within an inert porous packing
A simple model of the interactions of dopamine, acetylcholine and GABA in movement disorders seen in psychiatry

Many of the movement disorders seen in psychiatric patients are determined, in large part, by the dynamic balance of dopamine and acetylcholine in the basal ganglia. Gamma aminobutyric acid has effects on various neurotransmitters in the brain including dopamine and acetylcholine and is therefore relevant to a discussion of movement disorders. Laboratory and clinical data on the effects of gamma aminobutyric acid on dopamine and acetylcholine are discussed, and a simple model of the interactions of these transmitters, with respect to movement disorders seen in psychiatry, is discussed. Some clinical evidence that is consistent with this model is discussed. Guidelines for the use of gamma aminobutyric acid--like drugs for movement disorders seen in clinical practice are also discussed.
In vitro evidence of heterogeneity within pancreatic cancer.

Abstract The relative importance of the genome and environmental factors has not been established in pancreatic carcinogenesis. The identification of in vitro expressions of cancer genes should enhance such clarification. Hyperdiploidy, with the exception of a low incidence (0%–7%) of tetraploidy, has rarely been observed in dermal monolayer cultures from normal individuals without a family history of solid tumors. Hyperdiploidy (incidence over 1% in a culture) was not observed in dermal fibroblast monolayer cultures derived from 143 clinical normals (ages 18–80 years). In vitro hyperdiploidy (7%–14%), with a normal occurrence of tetraploidy (0%–3%), was observed in 6 of 28 patients with acinar adenocarcinoma of the body of the pancreas. No in vitro hyperdiploidy was observed in the remaining pancreatic cancer patients or in the 25 spouses with negative family cancer histories studied. As hyperdiploidy with a normal occurrence of tetraploidy has been previously reported [1] in a familial pancreatic cancer cluster, this chromosomal alteration was considered to be an in vitro expression of genetic predisposition for pancreatic cancer in approximately 20% of this small (28 patients) sample. In vitro studies on a significantly larger patient sample will be required to determine its incidence in a patient group with acinar adenocarcinoma of the body of the pancreas.
On random nonlinear contractions

A fixed point theorem for random nonlinear contraction mappings is proven. The random nonlinear contraction principle is then used to study the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a class of random nonlinear integral equations.
Model studies of SnO2-based gas sensors: Vacancy defects and Pd additive effects

Abstract Surface analytical techniques including X-ray and UV photoemission spectroscopies (XPS, UPS), ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS) and in situ four-point conductance measurements have been used to carry out model studies of tin oxide (SnO2) based gas-sensing processes. Specific results presented here involve the interfacial properties of pure and Pd-dosed SnO2(110) crystals, both in vacuum and following adsorption of oxygen and hydrogen. Emphasis has been placed on experiments that isolate particular mechanistic effects and attempt to evaluate their relative importance in producing a sensing response.
Biomechanical Validation of Medial Pie-Crusting for Soft-Tissue Balancing in Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Balancing a varus knee is traditionally accomplished by releasing the medial soft-tissue sleeve off the tibia. Recently, "pie-crusting" (PC) medial structures has been described. In a biomechanical cadaver study we compared PC to traditional release (TR) to determine their effects on flexion and extension gaps. PC was done in five specimens along the anterior half of the medial soft-tissue sleeve and five along the posterior half, followed by a traditional release. In 90° flexion, valgus laxity after TR was significantly greater than after PC alone. PC of the anterior or posterior aspect of the medial soft-tissue sleeve can effect changes more in flexion than in extension, respectively. Complete TR did not provide more gap opening than PC in extension, but produced more effect in flexion.
Reconsidering Social Studies Curriculum

Abstract In this interpretive essay review of social studies curriculum, the intent is to examine how social studies curriculum has been conceived, formed, and enacted. First, meanings and implications of social studies curriculum as technical project and as social process are explored. Justaposition of the dominant technical view with a social process alternative highlights the major features and limitations of each. Consideration is then given to the broader implications of prevailing conceptions and practice of curriculum, and an alternative conception is suggested that integrates technical, social, and critical dimensions.
Serum cholesterol levels in a multiracial sample of 7,439 preschool children from Arizona.

Abstract Background. The distribution and correlates of serum levels of total cholesterol were studied in cross-sectional analyses of 7,439 1 to 4 year olds examined through the Arizona Department of Health Services. Results. Mean cholesterol levels increased with age, and levels among 2 year olds approached those seen in adolescents. Racial and ethnic differences in cholesterol levels were observed: mean (age-adjusted) levels were 147 mg/dl among American Indians (n = 622), 153 mg/dl among Hispanics (n = 3165), 154 mg/dl among non-Hispanic whites (n = 3448), and 163 mg/dl among blacks (n = 204). Cholesterol levels were not associated either with obesity, as assessed by relative weight or the Quetelet index, or with breast-feeding during infancy. Very overweight (⩾20 kg/m2) 3 and 4 year olds, however, tended to have higher mean levels of cholesterol than did other children. The proportion of children with borderline (170 to 199 mg/dl) or high (⩾200 mg/dl) levels of cholesterol varied by race/ethnicity: borderline (high) levels were seen among 14% (3%) of American Indians and 29% (11%) of blacks. The proportions of white and Hispanic children having cholesterol levels between 170 and 199 mg/dl or ⩾200 mg/dl were midway between those seen among American Indians and blacks. Conclusion. Additional information on the interrelationships of lipids and lipoproteins may aid in the identification of children who will be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
Soil extracellular enzyme activities from a forest harvest and climate manipulation experiment in central Pennsylvania

We have previously shown that warming and wetting a post-harvest forest soil increased C and N mineralization rates. A series of interacting processes may lead to these observed patterns including shifts in microbial allocation among extracellular enzymes. We monitored soil extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) for 2.5 years in a post-harvest, climate manipulated field experiment. A 2 ha forest in Central Pennsylvania was whole-tree harvested in 2007 and climate manipulations of +2 °C (warmed), and +20% mean monthly historical precipitation (wetted) were added to plots and in combination in a factorial design. The following enzymes were quantified: β-1,4-glucosidase (BG), cellobiohydrolase (CBH), leucine aminopeptidase (LA), N-acetyglucosaminidase (NAG), peroxidase (PER), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO).Soil hydrolase enzymes (BG, CBH, LA, and NAG) all showed greater mean activities than those reported from other studies, including study sites with similar climatic and edaphic characteristics. This is indicative of high overall soil microbial activity after forest harvest. Only BG and NAG showed significant treatment effects with a two-factor interaction (warming+wetting) on BG (p = 0.029) and warmed effect on NAG (p = 0.007). Warming decreased BG relative to ambient and NAG relative to wetted plots. There was substantial variability in the season and time since harvest, but water-extractable organic C (WEOC), C:N, and total N best explained the variability of EEAs over the experiment (p’s < 0.05). Two exoenzyme ratios previously used in the literature, BG:(LA+NAG) and BG:PPO, did not vary among treatments. However, the ratio of nitrogen acquiring enzymes (LA+NAG) to the sum of all other enzymes was higher in single-factor treatments compared to the ambient treatment (p = 0.007). Extracellular enzyme activity in a post-harvest forest soil was affected more by increased temperature than by increased precipitation, warming decreasing BG and NAG. Warming has been shown to decrease EEA in other ecosystem warming studies, but this usually is accompanied by a decrease in soil C and N fluxes (also called “attenuation to heating”). Surprisingly the warming treatment had the opposite effect on soil C and N fluxes, increasing fluxes compared to ambient. This inconsistency indicates a physiological change, including a possible shift towards alternate C and N acquiring enzymes, and that disturbed soil EEAs may not respond to climate change in the same way as undisturbed systems.
Resting state functional connectivity: Its physiological basis and application in neuropharmacology

Abstract Brain structures do not work in isolation; they work in concert to produce sensory perception, motivation and behavior. Systems-level network activity can be investigated by resting state magnetic resonance imaging (rsMRI), an emerging neuroimaging technique that assesses the synchrony of the brain's ongoing spontaneous activity. Converging evidence reveals that rsMRI is able to consistently identify distinct spatiotemporal patterns of large-scale brain networks. Dysregulation within and between these networks has been implicated in a number of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and drug addiction. Despite wide application of this approach in systems neuroscience, the physiological basis of these fluctuations remains incompletely understood. Here we review physiological studies in electrical, metabolic and hemodynamic fluctuations that are most pertinent to the rsMRI signal. We also review recent applications to neuropharmacology – specifically drug effects on resting state fluctuations. We speculate that the mechanisms governing spontaneous fluctuations in regional oxygenation availability likely give rise to the observed rsMRI signal. We conclude by identifying several open questions surrounding this technique. This article is part of the Special Issue Section entitled ‘Neuroimaging in Neuropharmacology’.
Altered metabolism of I131 by the endostyle and notochord of ammocoetes larvae I. Effects of treatment with thyrotropic stimulating hormone

Ammocoetes larvae of the lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, L. were treated with 2 and 6 U.S.P. units of bovine thyrotropic stimulating hormone (TSH) prior to the administration of a tracer dose of I131. The endostyles and notochords were studied for per cent concentration of the isotope and then analyzed by means of radio-chromatography, for the formation of iodinated amino acids. Both the subpharyngeal gland and the notochord of ammocoetes were responsive to TSH. However the two organs reacted differently and independently to the hormone. In the endostyle the mechanisms for I131 accumulation and the formation of iodinated amino acids were affected by TSH. In the notochord, TSH was able to increase the uptake of I131 and the percentage of radioiodide demonstrable by radiochromatography. The activity of the hypophyseal hormone occurred within certain limits of time, and it was influenced by the mode of administration.
Framework chemistry and structure involving electron transfer and europium in zeolites

Abstract The relationship between the zeolite framework and the coordination number and electron-transfer properties of Eu2+ and Eu3+ have been investigated by time-resolved luminescence (TRL) EXAFS, EPR and Mossbauer spectroscopy. TRL-determined lifetimes are sensitive to non-framework oxygen atoms and can be used to help distinguish between coordination involving OH groups and the framework oxygen atoms. The suitability and some of the present limitations of this application of TRL, which is new to the study of zeolites, are described. The average coordination of hydrated Eu3+ in the large-pore zeolite Y is identical to that in aqueous solution, while the coordination number in zeolites A and ZSM-5 is smaller, with framework oxygen atoms displacing water from the Eu3+ coordination sites. Europium metal dissolved in liquid ammonia can be used to generate Eu(NH3)62+ and solvated electrons. With zeolite X, this solution results in the formation of Na43+ and two kinds of defects. These are assigned to an electron trapped in an oxygen vacancy arising from a Lewis acid site and a V-type hole center in which the unpaired electron resides on a non-bridging oxygen atom bonded to silicon.
Nocturnal Low-Level-Jet-Dominated Atmospheric Boundary Layer Observed by a Doppler Lidar over Oklahoma City during JU2003

Abstract Boundary layer wind data observed by a Doppler lidar and sonic anemometers during the mornings of three intensive observational periods (IOP2, IOP3, and IOP7) of the Joint Urban 2003 (JU2003) field experiment are analyzed to extract the mean and turbulent characteristics of airflow over Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A strong nocturnal low-level jet (LLJ) dominated the flow in the boundary layer over the measurement domain from midnight to the morning hours. Lidar scans through the LLJ taken after sunrise indicate that the LLJ elevation shows a gradual increase of 25–100 m over the urban area relative to that over the upstream suburban area. The mean wind speed beneath the jet over the urban area is about 10%–15% slower than that over the suburban area. Sonic anemometer observations combined with Doppler lidar observations in the urban and suburban areas are also analyzed to investigate the boundary layer turbulence production in the LLJ-dominated atmospheric boundary layer. The turbulence kinetic ener...
Single-port access laparoscopic re-staging with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection for endometrial cancer

Abstract Laparo-endoscopic single site surgery (LESS) is a relatively new technique that has been described in recent medical literature to be feasible in the management of benign gynaecological conditions. However, the use of this technique in the management of gynaecological cancers is still controversial. In this case report, we describe the first single port laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy performed in Singapore. This involved a patient who was diagnosed with endometrial cancer after a vaginal hysterectomy for uterovaginal prolapse.
Transgenerational plasticity for sexual reproduction and diapause in the life cycle of monogonont rotifers: intraclonal, intraspecific and interspecific variation in the response to crowding

Summary 1In monogonont rotifers parthenogenetic reproduction allows population growth, and mictic (sexual) reproduction leads to the production of diapausing eggs. When amictic females are exposed to a mixis stimulus, they produce mictic daughters, whose eggs develop into males or, if fertilized, into diapausing eggs. Experiments showed that mictic offspring production is initiated by crowding in females of Brachionus angularis Gosse 1851, Epiphanes senta (O.F. Muller 1773) and Rhinoglena frontalis Ehrenberg 1853, just as it is in Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas 1766 and B. plicatilis Muller 1786. 2In B. calyciflorus, B. angularis, E. senta and R. frontalis, the propensity of amictic females to respond to crowding by producing mictic female offspring is low in the stem female hatching from a diapausing egg, but then increases after some generations. In many cases, only few mictic offspring are produced by crowded females of the second to the fifth generation, but the maximal response occurs only in later generations. Delayed sexual reproduction in early generations from the resting egg may be advantageous, because it first favours rapid population growth and later on maximizes resting egg production. However, it may be disadvantageous, if unpredictable environmental variation causes a population decline when sexual reproduction is still suppressed. 3The extent to which sexual reproduction is delayed varies among and within species. When strains from populations in temporary and permanent habitats were compared, sexual reproduction was significantly delayed in strains from temporary habitats in all species, whereas in B. calyciflorus and R. frontalis mixis was not significantly delayed in strains from permanent habitats. In E. senta mixis was significantly delayed in clones from both habitat types. 4Within all strains there was significant variation among clones in the propensity to produce mictic offspring, the extent to which sexual reproduction was delayed in the first generations after the stem female hatched, or both.
Sulphur isotope ratios of some power plant flue gases: A method for collecting the sulphur oxide

Analyses of flue gases from fossil fuel power plants for both concentrations of sulphur oxides and the distribution of stable sulphur isotopes therein have been made. Apparatus and procedures are described for isokinetically sampling flue gas and collecting adequate samples for mass spectrometry. Results of these measurements are tabulated and their significance discussed.
Genotype-Environment Interaction in Laying Tests of Poultry

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE EVALUATION of poultry laying stock in official random sample tests has assumed an increasingly important role in supplying poultrymen and breeders with information about available varieties. It is well recognized, however, that the results of a single test may not be sufficient by themselves to show which of the tested varieties can be expected to perform best under the wide range of farm environments encountered in practice. The value of random sample test results collected at a single location in a given year thus depends on how consistently the predicted ranking of entries is reproduced under form conditions. A quantitative evaluation of this problem can be made by repeating breeding entries of a given test in several locations. The relative importance of general performance ability of varieties for all locations, and special performance ability of varieties under specific farm conditions, can then be determined by the usual variance …
A nonparametric test for panel count data

SUMMARY Panel count data arise when a recurrent event is under investigation and each study subject is observed only at discrete time points. In this situation, observed data include only the numbers of occurrences of the event of interest between observation time points and no information is available on subjects between their observation time points. We propose a nonparametric test for comparing the point processes characterising the recurrent event when only panel count data are available. The asymptotic distribution of the test statistic is derived and a simulation study is conducted to evaluate its performance. The method is illustrated using data from a medical follow-up study.