cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Permeation of binary–liquid mixtures through elastomers

Permeation of binary liquid mixtures through two commercially available elastomers were examined. The four systems studied are benzene–cyclohexane/neoprene, toluene–n-hexane/neoprene, toluene–methanol/nitrile, and toluene–o-xylene/nitrile. Permeation rate–time curves for several mixture compositions were prepared for each system. In the first three systems, the difference in the plasticizing effect of the two liquids on the membrane was very large. The liquid with the smaller plasticizing effect showed a permeation enhancement and the liquid with the larger plasticizing effect experienced a permeation depression. Toluene–o-xylene/nitrile represented a system in which the two liquids plasticized the membrane at almost the same rate. This system showed a permeation depression for both liquids.
Kluver-Bucy syndrome, hypersexuality, and the law.

A 51-year-old right-handed man developed hypersexuality after a second right temporal lobectomy to treat epilepsy. His hypersexuality started with increased marital intercourse and masturbation but he later downloaded child pornography. Hyperphagia and distractibility, other features of the Kluver–Bucy syndrome, also developed. Resection of the amygdala and/or temporal lobe neocortical areas that inhibit other limbic areas may contribute to the pathogenesis of hypersexuality. Neurological factors mitigate the criminal responsibility for hypersexual activity in patients with Kluver–Bucy syndrome. Most previously reported patients were never charged with a crime despite uninvited physical contact in some instances. Our patient was convicted and imprisoned.
Observations of CO2-hydrate decomposition and reformation processes

We observed CO2 hydrate decomposition and reformation (re-growth) through temperature and pressure changes using a microscope. At pressures above CO2 vapor–liquid equilibrium , decomposition from increasing temperatures left small liquid CO2 drops in the solution phase. Conversely, below , decomposition from increasing temperatures was more rapid due to the release of CO2 gas that mechanically broke the hydrate apart. Similarly, hydrate decomposition by a pressure decrease also released CO2 gas that broke the hydrate apart. Reformation occurred more readily only by cooling, not by a pressure increase. A barrier to CO2 nucleation can explain this memory effect by allowing a greater concentration of CO2 to be left in the aqueous solution after hydrate decomposition.
Is rituximab one for all ages and each sex

In this issue of Blood, Pfreundschuh et al report that young males treated with rituximab-based immunochemotherapy in contrast to elderly males benefit as much as females from rituximab immunochemotherapy and patients with more rapid rituximab clearance have reduced therapeutic benefit.
Elevated levels of nonesterified fatty acids in the myocardium of alloxan diabetic rats

Myocardial nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) increase markedly within the first two days after the induction of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in rats by intravenous injection of alloxan. After initial variability, NEFA levels in diabetic hearets remain constant at approximately 450 nmol/g tissue (16 nmol/gmmol lipid P), which is about three times higher than that in control hearts. Nonesterified linoleic acid is significantly increased in diabetic heart whereas both arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids are decreased compared to controls.
Virtual organization clusters: self-provisioned clouds on the grid

Virtual Organization Clusters (VOCs) are a novel mechanism for overlaying dedicated private cluster systems on existing grid infrastructures. VOCs provide customized, homogeneous execution environments on a per-Virtual Organization basis, without the cost of physical cluster construction or the overhead of per-job containers. Administrative access and overlay network capabilities are granted to Virtual Organizations (VOs) that choose to implement VOC technology, while the system remains completely transparent to end users and non-participating VOs. Unlike existing systems that require explicit leases, VOCs are autonomically self-provisioned and self-managed according to configurable usage policies. The work presented here contains two parts: a technology-agnostic formal model that describes the properties of VOCs and a prototype implementation of a physical cluster with hosted VOCs, based on the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) hypervisor. Test results demonstrate the feasibility of VOCs for use with high-throughput grid computing jobs. With the addition of a ''watchdog'' daemon for monitoring scheduler queues and adjusting VOC size, the results also demonstrate that cloud computing environments can be autonomically self-provisioned in response to changing workload conditions.
The Sociology of Space: A Use–Centered View:

The revival of spatial sociology justifies a renewed exploration of the various connections between “space” and “society.” I argue that sociologists must avoid both the reification of space and stu...
3D MR angiography of pulmonary arteries using realtime navigator gating and magnetization preparation

An ECG-triggered magnetization-prepared segmented 3D fast gradient echo sequence was developed to perform pulmonary arterial MR angiography. A selective inversion recovery pulse was used in the magnetization preparation to suppress venous vasculature. A real-time gating technique based on navigator echoes was implemented to reduce respiration effects. Pencil-beam navigator echoes were acquired immediately before and after the readout train and processed in real-time to dynamically measure the diaphragm position, which was used to control data acquisition with an accept-or-reject-reacquire logic. In a study of 10 volunteers, a gated 3D acquisition with 28 slices required on average approximately 4 min of acquisition time, and six to seven segmental arteries related to the interlobar trunk of the pulmonary artery were depicted. The use of SIR pulse reduced venous signal by 99%. The gated acquisitions were superior to the ungated acquisitions (n = 10, P < 0.005). The real-time navigator gating technique is effective for reduction of respiration effects and thereby makes high resolution 3D MRA of the pulmonary arteries feasible.
Outsourcing HR: The Impact of Organizational Characteristics

This study investigates the relationship between a number of organizational characteristics and the decision to outsource HR. Determinants of the outsourcing of four categories of HR are examined: HR generalists activities (e.g., performance appraisal), transactional activities (e.g., payroll), human capital activities (e.g., training), and recruiting and selection. HR executives in 432 organizations provided data on outsourcing levels and organizational characteristics. Reliance on HR outsourcing was associated with idiosyncratic HR practices, strategic HR involvement, positive HR outcomes, promotional opportunities, demand uncertainty, and pay level. As predicted, however, the impact of organizational characteristics varied among the different types of HR activities outsourced. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Positive Steady-State Solutions of a Competing Reaction-Diffusion System with Large Cross-Diffusion Coefficients

Abstract This paper deals with a coupled system of reaction-diffusion equations modeling the competition of two species with cross diffusion. We discuss the existence of positive steady-state solutions in relation to the intrinsic birth rates a 1 , a 2 of species and the cross diffusion coefficients β 12 , β 21 . Our results show that positive steady-state solutions exist if a 1 and a 2 lie in certain range, or if β 12 and β 21 are sufficiently large.
Melissus of Samos in a New Light: Aristotle's Physics 186a10-16

TIHREE TIMES in the de Sophisticis Elenchis 2 Aristotle attacks Melissus for using false logic. Each time the same argument is called in question. Melissus begins with the true statement (i) that everything that has come into being has a beginning. From this he deduces (2) that everything which-has a beginning has come into being. What puzzles Aristotle is the steps Melissus used to deduce (2) from (I). He finds three possible false logical arguments which Melissus might have followed: (a) In I 67 b 17i 8 Aristotle suggests that Melissus might have said: If what has come to be always has a first beginning, then, by simple inversion, what has a first beginning has come to be. Aristotle illustrates the fallacy here by comparing this inversion to the one employed in saying that if a man in a fever is hot, then a man who is hot is in a fever. (b) In I68b39-40 the following is offered as a possible train of thought employed by Melissus: Since tlhat which has conme into being has a beginning, and since that which comes to an end has a beginning,3 then that which has come into being is identical with that which comes to an end (and one can be substituted for the other in any proposition). If, then, that which has a beginning is one and the sanme as that which comes to an end, then that which has a beginning is one and the same as that which comes into being (by substitution). Clearly, the absurdity here is to equate that which has come into being with that which has come to an end, merely because they share an accidental quality, namely, having a beginning. Following this reasoning, Aristotle points out,4 swans and snow will be identical in all respects (and
A Plain Computed Tomography Scan Is Sufficient to Consider Thrombolysis in Patients With Unknown Time of Onset

Absolutely, yes! This clinical presentation is typical for a severe left middle cerebral artery stroke (unlikely a mimic), computed tomography scan ruled out hemorrhage, and given clinical suspicion of the extent of ischemia, CT findings of normal tissue appearance point to a mismatch favoring a recent time of symptom onset. Let us further examine why to consider thrombolysis in this particular case. Aphasic patients may be brought with no witness as to when it exactly happened, but the way where they were found or how they appear sometimes strongly suggests that the event is fairly recent and that their premorbid function was good. Time has emerged as a criterion for eligibility for systemic thrombolysis because we tested the timeframes in large patient populations. Individual times to completion of ischemic damage or lingering on the edge of reversibility vary greatly.1 Therefore, I do not hold the unknown time of symptom onset as an absolute no-go in my decision for thrombolysis. Rather, I make it my own challenge to ascertain the time interval when it could likely have happened and to arrive at …
Further remarks on the Cripple Creek Volcano, Colorado

Structural evidence, particularly in the deeper mine-workings, indicates that the volcano, which is of Tertiary age, was developed by explosive eruptions at a number of points along intersecting fissure-systems that had been formed in pre-Cambrian granite by east-west compression, probably during the Laramide revolution. The volcanic breccia, which consists principally of phonolitic material, appears to fill several elongate or elliptical funnel-shaped openings that coalesce upward and taper downward into roots. Local adjustments that followed the principal explosive eruptions developed fissure-systems in the breccia parallel and transverse to the older fissure-systems and permitted the intrusion of dikes and irregular masses of latite-phonolite and syenite within the breccia mass. Mild regional readjustment, caused by compression in a nearly north-south direction, ensued and reopened these fissure-systems within and around the breccia mass. It was followed by the relatively widespread intrusion of dikes and irregular masses of phonolite. Local readjustment then recurred repeatedly, mainly along the master fissure-systems, and was followed by three successive intrusions of alkaline basaltic dikes and finally by the formation of mineral veins.
Shock-Induced Electrical Switching in Polymeric Films

Several of the compressed magnetic field generators described at this conference use polymeric films to insulate explosively driven armatures from coils surrounding the armatures. Optimum device performance is achieved when the films remain electrically insulating prior to impact of the armatures but switch to highly conducting states upon impact on the film. We have been studying the electrical switching properties of commercially available polymer films with high dielectric strength. Our objectives were: (1) to develop an experimental capability, (2) to determine if switching was controlled by film conduction or electrode contact, (3) to determine switching characteristics, (4) to determine if typical switching behavior influenced generator performance, and (5) to determine physical mechanisms responsible for such shock-actuated switching.
Synthesis and Self-Alkylation of Isotope-Coded Affinity Tag Reagents

A pair of ICAT reagents, N-(13-iodoacetamido-2,2,3,3,11,11,12,12-octadeutero-4,7,10-trioxa-tridecanyl)biotinamide (8d, ICAT-d8) and N-(13-iodoacetamido-4,7,10-trioxa-tridecanyl)biotinamide (8c, ICAT-d0), and an alternative pair of ICAT reagents, N-(10-iodoacetamido-2,5,5,6,6,9-hexadeutero-4,7-dioxa-decanyl)biotinamide (8b, s-ICAT-d6) and N-(10-iodoacetamido-4,7-dioxa-decanyl)biotinamide (8a, s-ICAT-d0), were successfully synthesized. A mixture of sodium borohydride and cobalt(II) chloride reduced the intermediate dinitrile to the diamine without loss of the deuterium labels, which occurred when Raney nickel was the reducing agent. The problem caused by unsymmetrical biotinylation of the intermediate diamine was solved by using the solid-phase method in which one end of the diamine was attached to a chlorotrityl chloride resin, followed by biotinylation of the resin-bound amine. The self-alkylation of ICAT reagents that accounted for their instability and their limitations in the applications was also studied.
MORPHOLOGY, FINE STRUCTURE AND ONTOGENY OF THE STINGING EMERGENCE OF TRAGIA RAMOSA AND T. SAXICOLA (EUPHORBIACEAE)

A B S T R A C T The ontogeny and ultrastructure of Tragia ramosa and T. saxicola are described. The stinging emergence of T. ramosa and T. saxicola consists of a central stinging cell and three lateral cells. The stinging cell possesses a compound crystal in the apical region which is held in place by cell wall extensions. The stinging cell cytoplasm is characterized by a large central vacuole which contains a proteinaceous substance as determined histochemically. Upon contact, the stinging cell wall is pushed back over the crystal, exposing it to penetrate an individual. This stinging mechanism is unique among stinging emergences. The stinging cell is subepidermal in origin whereas the three lateral cells are epidermal in origin. The morphology, ultrastructure and ontogeny of the stinging emergence of T. ramosa and T. saxicola appear to
A method for isolation of undergraded free and membrane-bound ribosomes from rat lactating mammary gland

Abstract Mammary gland polysomes are difficult to isolate from the lactating rat using methods developed for other species and tissues, most likely due to high calcium-stimulated ribonuclease activity in that tissue. A new method, utilizing ethyleneglycol-bis( β -aminoethylether)- N , N ′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to bind calcium, yields highly aggregated polysomes from lactating rat mammary gland. Fresh mammary tissue is pulverized under liquid nitrogen. Free and membrane-bound polysomes are isolated by differential centrifugation in solutions containing 100 mK KCl, 100 mM MgCl 2 , 75 mM EGTA, 500 μg/ml heparin and 50 mM Tris buffer, pH 8.2 at 5°C. Bound polysomes are released from the endoplasmic reticulum using Triton X-100 and deoxycholate. Polysome profiles are obtained on linear sucrose gradients and scanned at 254 nm. The method gives quantitative recovery of homogenate total RNA. To demonstrate that the method can be used to study nutritional effects on mammary gland polysome aggregation, lactating rats were fasted 22–66 h and then refed a stock diet for 71–95 h. Refeeding increased the percentage of polysomes (trimmers or larger) in the bound fraction from 84±1 to 93±1% ( P P
Retinoic acid receptor γ activates receptor tyrosine kinase Tie1 gene transcription through transcription factor GATA4 in F9 stem cells

Objective The retinoic acid receptors (RARs) α, β2, and γ regulate specific subsets of target genes during all-trans retinoic acid (RA) induced differentiation of F9 teratocarcinoma stem cells. The Tie1 gene exhibited reduced expression in RA-treated F9 RARγ–/– cells as compared to wild-type (WT) by microarray analysis. Our goal was to analyze the Tie1 gene, which encodes a surface receptor tyrosine kinase expressed in the hematovascular system. Materials and Methods We assessed Tie1, Tie2, Flk1, Runx1, Peg/Mest2, and angiopoietin-1 and 2 mRNA levels and Tie1 promoter activity. Results We showed that RARγ, but not RARα or RARβ2, is required for Tie1 promoter activation by RA. Treatment with a RARγ selective agonist plus a retinoid X receptor agonist (LGD1069) increased Tie1 mRNA levels by 11- ± 2.5-fold 48 hours after RA addition in F9 WT, but not in F9 RARγ–/– cells, by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Multiple putative GATA elements were identified in the Tie1 proximal promoter. RA increased GATA4 transcripts by 12- ± 1-fold in F9 WT at 48 hours, but not in F9 RARγ–/– cells. In addition, transfection of a GATA4 expression vector increased Tie1 promoter/luciferase activity in both RA-treated F9 WT and RARγ–/– cells. Tie1 promoter deletion analyses indicated that a region of the promoter that possessed multiple GATA sites mediated the RA-associated Tie1 transcriptional increase. Conclusions Our results indicate that GATA4 plays a role in the RA/RARγ-associated transcriptional activation of the Tie1 promoter. An understanding of RAR specificity in RA signaling should result in insights into hematopoietic stem cell signaling and potentially in improved therapies for several human diseases.
Effciency of Covariance Matrix Estimators for Maximum Likelihood Estimation

When econometric models are estimated by maximum likelihood, the conditional information matrix variance estimator is usually avoided in choosing a method for estimating the variance of the parameter estimate. However, the conditional information matrix estimator attains the semiparametric efficiency bound for the variance estimation problem. Unfortunately, for even moderately complex models, the integral involved in computation of the conditional information matrix estimator is prohibitively difficult to solve. Simulation is suggested to approximate the integral, and two simulation variance estimators are proposed. Monte Carlo results suggest these estimators are attractive in providing accurate confidence interval coverage rates compared to the standard maximum likelihood variance estimators.
In vitro comparison of fluoride release of six direct core materials

Abstract Statement of Problem: Fluoride has been shown to deter caries and has been incorporated into core build-up materials. However, there is considerable variation in the formulation and release of fluoride from core build-up materials. Purpose: This in vitro study compared the fluoride released by 6 commercially available fluoride-releasing core materials over time. Methods and Material: Ten specimen disks (9 for Corestore) of each of the 6 core materials were fabricated, finished, measured, and immersed in deionized water in individual polystyrene jars. The jars were stored in a humidor at 37°C between test periods. At the same time each day for 7 consecutive days, then at days 14, 22, 28, 59, and 89, the fluoride release was measured from each specimen disk in parts per million by testing the storage medium. The data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison tests ( P Results: Five of the 6 core build-up materials tested showed an initial high concentration of fluoride release during the first day and gradually tapered over the study period. Fuji II LC consistently released more fluoride than any other material throughout the 89-day testing period. Conclusion: Fuji II LC released the most fluoride and was significantly different from the other materials tested. The maximum amount of fluoride was released by 5 of the 6 materials during the first 24 hours and gradually tapered over the 89-day testing period. (J Prosthet Dent 2000;83:629-33.)
Blood and urinary profiles of free-ranging desert mule deer in Arizona.

As a corollary to a more comprehensive study on their ecology, we documented blood and urinary profiles for 10 free-ranging desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki) (five males, five females) captured by net-gun shot from a helicopter during February 1988 in Saguaro National Monument, Arizona. Pursuit with the helicopter for netting deer ranged from 3 to 15 min. Blood profiles included seven hematological characteristics and 12 serum chemistries, electrolytes, hormones and enzymes. Urine samples were assayed for urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. Urinary data were compared as ratios to creatinine. Serum cholesterol was greater (P < 0.05) in males than females. Pursuit time was correlated with serum non-esterified fatty acids (r = 0.67, P < 0.05) and influenced urinary specific gravity (r2 = 0.77, P < 0.004), urea nitrogen : creatinine (r2 = 0.79, P < 0.005), and potassium : creatinine (r2 = 0.42, P = 0.08) ratios. Increasing specific gravity was related to urinary c...
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide enhances polymorphonuclear leukocyte function independent of changes in intracellular calcium.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enhanced expression of C3bi receptors (CR3), phagocytosis of opsonized bacteria, and subsequent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The role of changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in LPS-induced priming was examined by determining the effect of modulators of intracellular calcium on enhanced PMN function, determining the ability of calcium ionophores to reproduce the effects of LPS, and measuring PMN [Ca2+]i following addition of LPS. Inhibition of intracellular calcium-dependent processes with TMB-8 or quin-2 blocked all three measures of LPS-induced priming. LPS did not stimulate an increase in [Ca2+]i, and calcium ionophores failed to reproduce the effect of LPS. Maintenance of [Ca2+i is necessary for LPS priming, but an increase in [Ca2+]i is not a component of the signal transduction pathway leading to PMN priming by LPS.
Three-dimensional heteronuclear NMR studies of RNA.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL heteronuclear NMR has revolutionized solution structure determinations of proteins1-3. But this technique has not been applied to nucleic acids because of difficulties in the synthesis of isotopically (13C and/or 15N) labelled molecules. Here we report the application of three–dimensional heteronuclear NMR to the study of a uniformly 13C/15N or 15N–labelled RNA duplex of defined sequence. These experiments simplify resonance assignment and the analysis of proton–proton nuclear Overhauser effects4 (and therefore distance information) in the molecule. Our results show that it is now possible to determine the structures of larger and more complex RNAs using multidimensional heteronuclear NMR.
Multiplierless suboptimal PR-QMF design

ABSTRACTThis paper searches for the suboptimal multiplierless orthonormal PR-QMF solutions. It isshown that there are multiplierless PR-QMFs and they perform comparable or better than the known filter banks and DCT based codec for the objective and subjective tests performed. They arevery efficient to implement on VLSI. It is expected that these PR-QMFs will find their applicationsin real-time image-video coding. I. INTRODUCTION The recent research has shown that the block transforms and filter banks have the same origin of linear transformations[1]{2}. The main difference of these decomposition techniques is the durations of the functions in their transform bases. This fact leads to different sets of orthogonality conditions for each one. The filter banks are more adequate than block transforms for the multiresolution property which imposes additional conditions of factorizability in the basis design[3}[4}[5][6}{7]. The optimal block transform, Karhunen-Loeve Transform(KLT), is unique for the given inputstatistics and the transform size. The KLT decorrelates the signal perfectly and the diagonal natureof its coefficient covariance matrix assures the optimality of the basis also for the energy compactionmeasure. It is obvious that the KLT is signal dependent and not used in applications. The fixedblock transforms like Discrete Cosine(DCT), Discrete Sine(DST), Walsh-Hadamard(WHT), Mod-ified Hermite(MHT) and others have been employed in practice and shown that the DCT is thesuperior one. The DCT is the decomposition technique in currently decided image-video codingstandard algorithms[8}.
Neonatal Intestinal Perforation—A Rare Complication of Small Bowel Hemangioma

Intestinal perforation is an extremely rare complication of hemangioma of the small intestine in the neonatal period. This is a case report of a 27-days-old male infant who presented with signs and symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction. Exploratory laparotomy findings revealed intestinal perforation due to solitary hemangioma in the ileum, which led to obstruction from peritoneal reaction and adhesions. There are two reported cases in the literature presenting with ileal perforation in the pediatric age group, but only one previous report mentioned in the neonatal period. Because there are other more common causes of perforation in the neonatal period, intestinal hemangioma in spite of its rarity should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Causative Alternations of Children With Specific Language Impairment

Alternating verbs to indicate or to relinquish cause requires an understanding of semantic and syntactic knowledge. This study evaluated the ability of children with specific language impairment (SLI) to produce the causative alternation in comparison to age peers and to language peers. The children with SLI were proficient in lexically alternating verbs, yet provided fewer passive and periphrastic constructions and more different verbs and adjectival responses. Overgeneralization error data suggest that the semantic systems of some children with SLI were similar to their age comparisons. Individual differences within the SLI group suggested that some children were adept at providing syntactic responses and overgeneralizations, whereas some of the SLI group provided less mature responses of no alternations and no responses. These findings demonstrate a syntactic deficit in the causative alternation for some children with SLI.
Microinjections of GABA agonists into the amygdala complex attenuates kindled seizure expression in the rat.

Abstract The effects of intraamygdala injections of either γ-vinyl GABA or muscimol on the behavioral and electrographic expression of stable, fully generalized, kindled seizures were assessed. Results suggest that intraamygdala administration of GABA agonists preferentially attenuates the behavioral, but not the focal, electrographic expression of kindled seizures elicited from either the insular or entorhinal cortex. These results, in conjunction with those of others, suggest that the amygdala becomes an integral and necessary structure for the expression of seizures kindled from a variety of forebrain areas.
Multibeam bathymetric surveys of submarine volcanoes and mega-pockmarks on the Chatham Rise, New Zealand

Abstract Multibeam bathymetric surveys east of the South Island of New Zealand yield images of submarine volcanoes and pockmarks west of Urry Knolls on the Chatham Rise, and evidence of submarine erosion on the southern margin of the Chatham Rise. Among numerous volcanic cones, diameters of the largest reach c. 2000 m, and some stand as high as 400 m above the surrounding seafloor. The tops of most of the volcanic cones are flat, with hints of craters, and some with asymmetric shapes may show flank collapses. There are hints of both northeast–southwest and northwest–southeast alignments of volcanoes, but no associated faulting is apparent. Near and to the west of these volcanoes, huge pockmarks, some more than c. 1 km in diameter, disrupt bottom topography. Pockmarks in this region seem to be confined to seafloor shallower than c. 1200 m, but we see evidence of deeper pockmarks at water depths of up to 2100 m on profiles crossing the Bounty Trough. The pockmark field on the Chatham Rise seems to be bounde...
Operator-Centered Control of a Semi-Autonomous Industrial Telerobot

This paper presents work done by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Remotec, Inc., to develop a new operator-centered control system for Remotec`s Andros telerobot. Andros robots are presently used by numerous electric utilities, the armed forces, and numerous law enforcement agencies to perform tasks which are hazardous for human operators. This project has automated task components and enhanced the video graphics display of the robot`s position in the environment to significantly reduce operator workload. The procedure of automating a telerobot requires the addition of computer power to the robot, along with a variety of sensors and encoders to provide information about the robots performance in and relationship to its environment The resulting vehicle serves as a platform for research on strategies to integrate automated tasks with those performed by a human operator. The addition of these capabilities will greatly enhance the safety and efficiency of performance in hazardous environments.
Vulvodynia: Real condition, real pain

Women with vulvodynia know in the most primal way exactly how deeply life-altering this condition is. In search of relief, these women try various therapies: including traditional pharmacologic interventions, home remedies, macrobiotic supplements, relaxation and yoga techniques, pelvic floor massage, cognitive therapy, and even surgical excision of the affected area.
THE EVOLVING NATURE OF "INFANTILE OBSTRUCTIVE CHOLANGIOPATHY"

We report four patients with neonatal conjugated hyperbilirubinemia in whom the nature of the disease varied from that predicted by the initial diagnostic work-up. In two the initial liver biopsy showed paucity of the intrahepatic bile ducts; one cleared her conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and appeared normal at 3 years, but the other proved to have extrahepatic biliary atresia. The initial liver biospy in two additional patients showed bile duct proliferation; both patients had a paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts later in the course of their disease. These cases illustrate the necessity of carefully following patients with neonatal conjugated hyperbilirubinemia to be certain that their courses continue to conform to the original diagnoses.
Quality characteristics of high-moisture pecans stored at refrigeration temperatures.

Pecan nuts (Carya illioensis) in the early stages of maturity contain a high proportion of sap moisture whereas fully mature nuts may contain higher proportions of superficial or imbibed moisture which originates from sources other than the tree. This study was conducted to determine the effects of type and level of moisture on stability and quality characteristics of in-shell pecan nuts stored at −18, −6.5, and 0°C (60–68s relative humidity) in Kraft paper and plastic bags for periods of 6, 12, and 24 wk. Freeze damage, discoloration, and toughening were observed in stored pecans which had been collected early in the harvest season. Quality deterioration was most severe in samples stored in plastic bags at −18°C. Progressive darkening of seed coat color (Gardner color values) was correlated with late harvesting dates and was enhanced during storage by retarding the rate of equilibration of kernal moisture with atmospheric relative humidity. Panel scores indicated significant differences in quality associated with kernel moisture, storage temperature, storage time, and type of packaging. Scores for appearance, color, aroma, texture, and flavor of kernels were adversely affected by high sap moisture. To assure overall retention of sensory qualities, sap moisture content of pecan kernels should be reduced to 10% or less before subjecting to refrigerated storage.
Assessment of the Tempering Behavior of Grade 91 Steel

At any point in the fabrication and installation of Grade 91 components, undesirable metallurgical conditions can develop as a result of incorrect heat treatment. Industry techniques for locating and evaluating these microstructures using nondestructive methods are necessary. Field hardness testing is commonly utilized to characterize Grade 91 steel installed in plants. However, it is apparent that there are numerous variables that can affect the results of field hardness testing. Thus, the results can vary significantly depending on the equipment and procedures used. The present study has been undertaken to identify the accuracy of hardness measurements made under controlled laboratory conditions. Measurements were performed on samples that had been subjected to a range of different tempering conditions. The trend in these data provides information relevant to understanding the metallurgical behavior of this steel. Comparison of the data also indicates how measurements made using different hardness testers and methods can be used to assess component condition.
Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli bacteremia in cancer patients.

Background Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli is a serious threat to cancer patients. We aimed to determine the risk factors associated with the development of MDR E coli bacteremia in cancer patients and the possibility of horizontal transmission. Methods We conducted a 1:2 case-control study of 58 patients with MDR E coli bacteremia. The patient's demographics, clinical characteristics, and antibiotic use were obtained. MDR E coli was defined as resistant strains to quinolones plus 1 of the following: piperacillin, ceftazidime, or cefepime. Repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (Rep-PCR) was used to identify DNA interstrain similarities. Results Conditional multiple logistic analysis showed that admission to the hospital within the 30 days prior to infection and chemotherapy use were risk factors for infection with MDR E coli . Rep-PCR showed that, among the MDR E coli strains recovered, 48.6% showed >95% similarity, representing a possible clonal outbreak. Infection control measures were implemented and controlled this horizontal transmission. Conclusion Prior admission to the hospital and previous chemotherapy were independent risk factors of acquiring MDR E coli . Molecular fingerprinting techniques detected a possible nosocomial clonal outbreak of MDR E coli , which was aborted through infection control measures.
Peat‐based climate reconstructions run into murky waters?

Peatlands are globally important ecosystems that serve as archives of past environmental change. Peatlands form over thousands of years from the accumulation of decaying plants and hold water, or in some cases, purely rainwater. Therefore, external processes, such as climate, as well as internal processes, such as the rates of peat growth and decay, control the water table in peatlands. However, throughout the previous century and particularly over the past decade, paleoclimatologists have increasingly relied on reconstructions of the water table in rain-fed peatlands to infer changes in rainfall through the Holocene period (the past ∼12,000 years), ignoring the potentially important role of internal processes.
Transverse momentum of secondary particles produced in high-energy nuclear interactions

The spectra of transverse momentum of pions, kaons, protons and Σ-particles produced by 6.3 GeV protons, 16.3 GeV/c pions and 28 GeV/c protons in nuclear emulsion are presented. Shapes of the observed momentum spectra seem to be independent of the type of particle produced in an interaction. The average transverse-momentum values for heavy particles are slightly greater than those of light ones. Present results are compared to previous experimental work and the predictions of the theories of Fermi, Heisenberg and Landau.
The determination of interstitial elements in the refractory metals

Abstract A review is presented of current and potentially applicable methods for the determination of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon in molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, and tantalum.
Spared piriform cortical single-unit odor processing and odor discrimination in the Tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly today. One of the earliest reported signs of Alzheimer's disease is olfactory dysfunction, which may manifest in a variety of ways. The present study sought to address this issue by investigating odor coding in the anterior piriform cortex, the primary cortical region involved in higher order olfactory function, and how it relates to performance on olfactory behavioral tasks. An olfactory habituation task was performed on cohorts of transgenic and age-matched wild-type mice at 3, 6 and 12 months of age. These animals were then anesthetized and acute, single-unit electrophysiology was performed in the anterior piriform cortex. In addition, in a separate group of animals, a longitudinal odor discrimination task was conducted from 3–12 months of age. Results showed that while odor habituation was impaired at all ages, Tg2576 performed comparably to age-matched wild-type mice on the olfactory discrimination task. The behavioral data mirrored intact anterior piriform cortex single-unit odor responses and receptive fields in Tg2576, which were comparable to wild-type at all age groups. The present results suggest that odor processing in the olfactory cortex and basic odor discrimination is especially robust in the face of amyloid β precursor protein (AβPP) over-expression and advancing amyloid β (Aβ) pathology. Odor identification deficits known to emerge early in Alzheimer's disease progression, therefore, may reflect impairments in linking the odor percept to associated labels in cortical regions upstream of the primary olfactory pathway, rather than in the basic odor processing itself.
Effect of a DVD intervention on therapists' mental health practices with older adults.

PURPOSE. We tested the effectiveness of an educational intervention in DVD format aimed at strengthening the mental health practices of occupational therapists working with older adults. METHOD. The DVD intervention was tested in a pretest�posttest design. Occupational therapists (n = 30) completed a brief knowledge and attitude questionnaire; a chart review (n = 383) of therapists� (n = 20) patients at 3 mo before and 3 mo after DVD training was also conducted. RESULTS. Questionnaire data showed that the percentage of therapists with correct answers increased 20%�30% for 5 of the 11 knowledge items. Chart review data showed therapists spoke more often with their older patients about mood, depression, and cognitive impairment; screened more often for depression and cognitive impairment; and reported findings more often to the treatment team after training. CONCLUSION. Educational interventions can significantly improve therapists� mental health practice with older adults
Earthquake and bay: Response of Monterey Bay to the Loma Prieta Earthquake

The magnitude-7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake, which ruptured a segment of the San Andreas fault on October 17, 1989, and caused extensive damage over a large area of central California, also produced substantial motions in nearby Monterey Bay (Figure 1). Earthquake effects included a tsunami, or seismic sea wave, and subsequent surface water oscillations that were detected for about 24 hours following the main shock and widespread, substantial slumping of sediments on the Monterey Bay continental shelf and along the walls of Monterey Submarine Canyon.
Filtered beam search in scheduling

Beam search is a technique for searching decision trees, particularly where the solution space is vast. The technique involves systematically developing a small number of solutions in parallel so as to attempt to maximize the probability of finding a good solution with minimal search effort. In this paper, we systematically study the performance behaviour of beam search with other heuristic methods for scheduling, and the effects of using different evaluation functions to guide the search. We also develop a new variation of beam search, called filtered beam search which is computationally simple yet produces high quality solutions.
Resources for networks in less-industrialized nations

True global connectivity is years away. Countries must first have an internal network, no matter how small, before linking electronically to the rest of the world's networks. The article considers the evolution of the Relcom (Reliable Communications) network in the ex Soviet Union. Relcom is a spin off of the Demos Cooperative, which in 1982 began distributing a version of Unix in the Soviet Union. (Demos is a Russian acronym for interactive portable operating system.) Network related resources-communication infrastructure, software, hardware, people, and sponsorship and applications-differ from one LIN to the next. For example, Relcom and the much smaller Cuban networks use similar technology and both lack capital, but the communication infrastructures, user and technician pools, and applications are quite different. Furthermore, all computer networks, regardless of nation, are shaped and constrained by communication, economic, and education policies. >
Mutualisms and Population Regulation: Mechanism Matters

For both applied and theoretical ecological science, the mutualism between ants and their hemipteran partners is iconic. In this well-studied interaction, ants are assumed to provide hemipterans protection from natural enemies in exchange for nutritive honeydew. Despite decades of research and the potential importance in pest control, the precise mechanism producing this mutualism remains contested. By analyzing maximum likelihood parameter estimates of a hemipteran population model, we show that the mechanism of the mutualism is direct, via improved hemipteran growth rates, as opposed to the frequently assumed indirect mechanism, via harassment of the specialist parasites and predators of the hemipterans. Broadly, this study demonstrates that the management of mutualism-based ecosystem services requires a mechanistic understanding of mutualistic interactions. A consequence of this finding is the counter intuitive demonstration that preserving ant participation in the ant-hemipteran mutualism may be the best way of insuring pest control.
Understanding the clinical implications of minimal residual disease in childhood leukemia.

Improved laboratory techniques now allow a more sensitive detection of leukemia cells at designated intervals throughout therapy. Using flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction, it is possible to detect 1 leukemic cell among 10 4 normal cells (1 leukemia cell in 10,000 normal cells), representing a 100-fold greater sensitivity than morphological examination in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Recently, it has been shown that the molecular presence of persistent acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the end of remission therapy is a poor indicator of clinical outcome. Now similar studies are being performed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). While the sensitivity using flow cytometry is less in AML than in ALL (able to detect 1 leukemic cell among 1000 normal cells in AML), persistent or minimal residual AML provides the clinician guidance with future treatment recommendations. Minimal residual disease (MRD) is now considered an important indicator response of disease response to treatment. As such, MRD onc...
Importance of tropospheric ClNO2 chemistry across the Northern Hemisphere

Laboratory and field experiments have revealed that uptake of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) on aerosols containing chloride produces nitryl chloride (ClNO2) and nitric acid. We incorporate heterogeneous ClNO2 formation into the hemispheric Community Multiscale Air Quality model. This heterogeneous chemistry substantially enhances ClNO2 levels in several areas of the Northern Hemisphere and alters the composition of airborne reactive nitrogen, comprising more than 15% of monthly mean values in some areas. Model results suggest that this heterogeneous chemistry reduces monthly mean total nitrate by up to 25% and enhances monthly mean daily maximum 8 h ozone by up to 7.0 ppbv. The pathway also enhances hydroxyl radical by more than 20% in some locations which in turn increases sulfate and other secondary pollutants. The largest ClNO2 concentrations and impacts occur over China and Western Europe, two areas in which few relevant field measurements have been made.
Generation of quadratic potential force fields from flow fields for distributed manipulation

Distributed manipulation systems induce motions on objects through the application of many external forces. Many of these systems are abstracted as planar programmable force fields. Quadratic potential fields form a class of such fields that lend themselves to analytical study and exhibit useful stability properties. This paper introduces a new methodology to build quadratic potential fields with simple devices using the naturally existing phenomena of airflow, which is an improvement to the traditional use of the complicated programmable actuator arrays. It also provides a basis for the exploitation, in distributed manipulation, of natural phenomena like airflow, which require rigorous analysis and display stability difficulties. A demonstration and verification of the theoretical results for the special case of the elliptic field with airflows is also presented.
Incidence of sport-related traumatic brain injury and risk factors of severity: a population-based epidemiologic study.

Purpose Few studies of sport-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) are population-based or rely on directly observed data on cause, demographic characteristics, and severity. This study addresses the epidemiology of sport-related TBI in a large population.
A 160-kD Systemin Receptor on the Surface of Lycopersicon peruvianum Suspension-Cultured Cells

Systemin, an 18–amino acid polypeptide wound signal, activates defense genes in leaves of young tomato plants and induces rapid alkalinization of media containing suspension-cultured Lycopersicon peruvianum cells. A monoiodinated form of a systemin analog synthesized with Tyr-2 and Ala-15 (Tyr-2,Ala-15–systemin) likewise exhibits similar biological activities. 125 I—Tyr-2,Ala-15–systemin rapidly, reversibly, and saturably bound to suspension-cultured L. peruvianum cells with a K d of 0.17 nM and a Hill coefficient of 0.92. The specificity of binding was assessed with alanine-substituted systemin analogs and was found to correlate with their respective biological activities. Treatment of suspension-cultured cells with methyl jasmonate increased the total binding of 125 I—Tyr-2,Ala-15–systemin more than threefold, suggesting that methyl jasmonate was activating transcription of the gene encoding the binding protein. Treatment of cells with cycloheximide markedly decreased binding of iodinated systemin to the cells, indicating that the binding protein was constantly being synthesized and degraded. A photoaffinity systemin analog, N -(4-[ p -azidosalicylamido]butyl)-3′(2′—Cys-3,Ala-15–systemindithiol)propionamide, specifically labeled a 160-kD cell surface protein, and the labeling was completely inhibited by a 20-fold excess of unlabeled systemin. These data indicate that a 160-kD protein may be the physiological receptor for systemin in suspension-cultured cells.