cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Craft of School Administration and Some Other Rambling Thoughts

In this article, personal reflections, leading to the notion of the craft not art, not Science of educational administration are set forth. Following a growing personal disenchantment with the science of administration and a consideration of adminstration as an art, the craft aspects of administrative work became apparent to the author. The implications of conceiving of administration as a craft for preparation programs are then discussed in the light of this view of administrative practice.
Photopic Luminance Does Not Always Predict Perceived Room Brightness

The perception of room brightness over photopic luminances ranging from 30 cd m-2 to 67 cd m-2 was judged by 12 subjects in an almost uniformly white experimental chamber. Two different illuminants were compared which had different spectral compositions, but were colour matched. Brightness judgements were often opposite to large differences in photopic luminance. These results are inconsistent with models of brightness perception that depend solely on cone receptors. At the luminance levels considered here subjective evaluation of light intensity depends upon both photopic and scotopic spectral contributions. These results imply that aspects of the visual system operate mesopically under most interior lighting conditions.
Cytokines, phagocytes, and pentoxifylline.

Phagocytic cells, such as polymorphonuclear neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, are essential for defense against infection caused by a variety of microorganisms. The mechanisms used by these cells to destroy microbes comprise a potent oxidative armamentarium including superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hypochlorous acid. In addition, granule contents such as proteolytic enzymes, lysozyme, lactoferrin, and myeloperoxidase are released into the phagosome to destroy ingested microorganisms. Inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and IL-6, enhance the phagocytic and microbicidal activity of the cells and increase their stickiness. It has been demonstrated in a variety of animal and clinical studies that activated phagocytes can damage the host they are designed to protect, using the mechanisms described above. Alkylxanthines, including pentoxifylline, are potent inhibitors of this inflammatory damage by two major actions: (a) reduction of the production of inflammatory cytokines (especially TNF) by phagocytes stimulated with a variety of microbial products (e.g., endotoxin); and (b) reversal of the effect of these cytokines on phagocytes. Thus, pentoxifylline counteracts the following effects of inflammatory cytokines on phagocytes: increased adherence, shape change resulting in larger size and rigidity, increased oxidative burst, priming for an enhanced oxidative burst, increased degranulation, and decreased chemotactic movement. In addition, these activities synergize with the normal anti-inflammatory mediator adenosine. Alkylxanthines have the potential to be effective therapy for conditions in which inflammatory cytokines and phagocytes cause damage, including the sepsis syndrome, ARDS, AIDS, and arthritis.
Analytically derived neighborhoods in a rapidly growing West African city: The case of Accra, Ghana

Large numbers of people are currently migrating from the poor, inland areas of West Coast Africa to the major cities of Lagos, Accra, Abidjan, and other budding metropolises (Figures 1 and 2). The infrastructure of the Sub-Saharan African cities is inadequate to service their burgeoning populations. An argument is presented for using scientifically derived neighborhoods as the building blocks for current African urban understanding and planning. In this paper, I will explore the neighborhood concept and use available data and new heterogeneity statistics to derive homogeneous neighborhoods. The statistics are explained and maps of Accra neighborhoods are given.
The Moderating Effects of Privacy Restrictiveness and Experience on Trusting Beliefs and Habit: An Empirical Test of Intention to Continue Using a Social Networking Website

While some online social networking (OSN) websites, such as Facebook, have reported sustained growth, others, such as Bebo, have not. This study investigates the factors that influence users' intentions to continue using these websites. We adapt the theory of reasoned action and develop a model depicting how trusting beliefs, habit, attitude, and subjective norm lead to continuance intention. We propose that trusting beliefs and habit will have differential effects depending on the levels of privacy restrictiveness and site experience. An analysis of data collected from Facebook users shows that the effects of trusting beliefs on continuance intention diminish as OSN users become more experienced, yet, do not diminish when users set privacy controls high. The latter finding contradicts theory positing control and trusting beliefs are substitutes. The finding that the trusting belief-continuance intention relationship is not significant when experience is high demonstrates that trusting beliefs and experience interact. We also show that habit is a stronger predictor when users restrict their personal information. However, contrary to predictions, habit shapes intention among users with both high and low experience. These findings explain how habit and trusting beliefs predict continuance intention in the new OSN environment and have both practical and research implications.
Pancreas divisum: results of minor papilla sphincterotomy

A subpopulation of pancreas divisum patients may have pancreatic pain or pancreatitis as a result of a stenotic minor papilla. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of minor papilla sphincterotomy in 52 pancreas divisum patients who had disabling chronic pancreatic pain (n = 24), acute recurrent pancreatitis (n = 17), or chronic pancreatitis (n = 11). Patients were symptomatic for a mean time of 5.1 years and had failed to respond to conservative therapy. Minor papilla sphincterotomy was performed with a needle knife over a previously placed minor papilla/dorsal pancreatic duct stent. Clinical improvement was assessed by comparison of symptoms (using a 0 to 10 scale) and number of hospital days per month required for pain or pancreatitis for an equal period of time before and after therapy. The average duration of follow-up was 1.7 years. As compared with the chronic pain and chronic pancreatitis groups, the acute recurrent pancreatitis group had a significant reduction in the mean symptom score and number of hospital days per month. Patients with acute recurrent pancreatitis benefited from minor papilla sphincterotomy more frequently than those with chronic pancreatitis (76.5% versus 27.3%, p = 0.01) or chronic pain (76.5% versus 26.1%, p = 0.002). Complications followed 15% of the procedures; they consisted primarily of mild pancreatitis, although one additional patient died of a pancreatic abscess after a failed cannulation. Fifty percent of patients evaluated at the time of stent removal had stent-induced dorsal duct changes. The results of this study support the performance of minor papilla therapy in pancreas divisum patients who have acute recurrent pancreatitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Utopias: A Brief History from Ancient Writings to Virtual Communities. By Howard P. Segal. (Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012. Pp. xi, 290. $34.95.)

The subtitle of this book promises a “brief history” of utopias from “ancient writings to virtual communities”; however, it falls short of this expansive promise. Howard P. Segal opens with the obs...
ELUCIDATION OF SOME OF LANCZOS' THOUGHTS CONCERNING SPACETIME CURVATURE AND THE LOCAL AND NON-LOCAL PARTS OF THE RIEMANN TENSOR

The central role of the Riemann curvature tensor in Einstein's gravitational theory, including the significance of its invariant decomposition in spacetime (with respect to the duality and trace operations) into essentially local and non-local parts, is considered in the light of some of the thoughts and contributions of Cornelius Lanczos (1893–1974). Also, in this context, the fundamental role of the embedded two-space elements, specified by simple bivectors, in defining the Riemannian curvatures is briefly investigated. In particular, it is shown that the formulation of a bivector form of geodesic deviation for the Riemannian curvatures elucidates some of the insights of Weyl and Lanczos. Finally, some of Lanczos' thoughts relating to the nature of the essentially local and non-local parts of the Riemann tensor are discussed. These considerations are discussed in terms of Lanczos' discovery (1962) of the existence (in all Riemannian spacetimes) of a third order tensor Hijkthat can be regarded as the potential of the non-local (Weyl) part of the Riemann tensor.
Stabilization policy and public sector prices

Abstract This paper analyzes the impact of public sector price increases combined with employment cuts in a dynamic optimizing model. If the government adopts a tough layoff policy, the real wage is highly flexible and the reforms are perceived to be permanent, there is a strong presumption that real output will be higher and inflation lower over all time horizons. Problems may arise during the adjustment process, however, when the reforms are not credible or the real wage adjusts slowly to clear the labor market.
Disorder from disorder in a strongly frustrated transverse-field Ising chain

We study a one-dimensional chain of corner-sharing triangles with antiferromagnetic Ising interactions along its bonds. Classically, this system is highly frustrated with an extensive entropy at $T=0$ and exponentially decaying spin correlations. We show that the introduction of a quantum dynamics via a transverse magnetic field removes the entropy and opens a gap, but leaves the ground state disordered at all values of the transverse field, thereby providing a particularly simple realization of the ``disorder by disorder'' scenario first proposed by Fazekas and Anderson in their search for resonating valence bond states. Our conclusion relies on exact diagonalization calculations as well as on the analysis of a 14th-order perturbation expansion about the large transverse field limit. This test of the perturbation expansion method suggests that it could be applied to studies of frustrated transverse-field magnets in higher dimensions.
Bioavailability studies on para-aminosalicylic acid and its various salts in man. I. Absorption from solution and suspension

The relative bioavailability of PAS and the sodium, potassium, and calcium salts of PAS has been studied. Absorption of PAS and its three salts is essentially complete. Dissolution of PAS appears to be a rate-limiting factor in its absorption. The type of salt administered affects the rate of absorption. Although absorption of all four compounds was complete, the areas under the plasma concentration-time curve, or bioavailable drug, are dependent on the rate of absorption. The data presented show evidence of rate-limited metabolism, especially in the first pass.
Consumption of poisonous plants (Senecio jacobaea, symphytum officinale, pteridium aquilinum, hypericum perforatum) by rats: Chronic toxicity, mineral metabolism, and hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes

Effects of dietary tancy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), comfrey (Symphytum officinale), bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and alfalfa (Medicago saliva) on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes in rats were measured. Tansy ragwort and bracken increased (P < 0.05) the activity of glutathione transferase and epoxide hydrolase. Comfrey and alfalfa increased (P < 0.05) the activity of aminopyrine N-demethylase. Feeding bracken or St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) in conjunction with tansy ragwort did not influence chronic toxicity of tansy ragwort as assessed by rat survival time. Dietary tansy ragwort resulted in increased (P < 0.05) hepatic copper levels; the other plants did not affect copper levels. The results do not suggest any major interaction in the toxicity of tansy ragwort with bracken or St. John's wort.
Radiation swelling behavior and its dependence on temperature, dose rate, and dislocation structure evolution

The microstructural evolution of high-purity steel under irradiation is modeled including a dislocation density that evolves simultaneously with void nucleation and growth. Analysis of the coupled microstructure sinks indicates the evolving dislocation density shapes the rate of void nucleation and the void size distribution so as to enhance steady-swelling behavior at high doses. The incubation dose, to roughly the point of transition to steady-state swelling, is closely related to and even controlled by evolution of the dislocation structure. Incubation is thus a strong function of both the irradiation temperature and the dose rate. The predicted swelling trends versus temperature, flux, and time are closer to experimental results than earlier calculations of void nucleation and growth with a fixed dislocation density.
Sleep dysfunction in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: prevalence and response to GERD therapy, a pilot study.

Summary Background : There is little information on the prevalence of pathological sleep disorders in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and whether pharmacological treatment of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease will lead to improvement in sleep. Aims: This pilot study determined the prevalence of sleep disorder in patients with erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, correlated subjective (questionnaire) and objective (actigraphy – a watch worn on the wrist that monitors motion to help differentiate sleep from awake states) assessment of sleep dysfunction and determined whether therapeutic resolution of oesophageal symptoms was associated with an improvement in sleep. Methods : Eighteen patients with erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease received esomeprazole 40 mg once daily for 8 weeks. Assessments at 0, 4 and 8 weeks included: Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire and ambulatory wrist actigraphy. Results : Unrecognized sleep disturbance occurred in 81% of this cohort of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and erosive oesophagitis. Median reflux syndrome score (heartburn and acid regurgitation) on Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale decreased from 2 at baseline to 0 at weeks 4 and 8 (P ≤ 0.0001). Median global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score decreased from 8.50 at baseline to 4.50 at week 4 (P = 0.002) and to 7.00 at week 8 (P = 0.043). There were no significant changes in actigraphy measurements. Conclusions : Sleep disturbance is common in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease with erosive oesophagitis. This study which is the first to evaluate sleep abnormalities and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease using a validated questionnaire, demonstrates that in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, sleep improvement, may be effected by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease therapy. Actigraphy may be inappropriate for measurement of sleep disturbance in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients.
Delamination of an elastic film from an elastic–plastic substrate during adhesive contact loading and unloading

Abstract Adhesive contact between a rigid sphere and an elastic film on an elastic–perfectly plastic substrate was examined in the context of finite element simulation results. Surface adhesion was modeled by nonlinear springs obeying a force-displacement relationship governed by the Lennard–Jones potential. A bilinear cohesive zone law with prescribed cohesive strength and work of adhesion was used to simulate crack initiation and growth at the film/substrate interface. It is shown that the unloading response consists of five sequential stages: elastic recovery, interface damage (crack) initiation, damage evolution (delamination), film elastic bending, and abrupt surface separation (jump-out), with plastic deformation in the substrate occurring only during damage initiation. Substrate plasticity produces partial closure of the cohesive zone upon full unloading (jump-out), residual tensile stresses at the front of the crack tip, and irreversible downward bending of the elastic film. Finite element simulations illustrate the effects of minimum surface separation (i.e., maximum compressive surface force), work of adhesion and cohesive strength of the film/substrate interface, substrate yield strength, and initial crack size on the evolution of the surface force, residual deflection of the elastic film, film-substrate separation (debonding), crack-tip opening displacement, and contact instabilities (jump-in and jump-out) during a full load–unload cycle. The results of this study provide insight into the interdependence of contact instabilities and interfacial damage (cracking) encountered in layered media during adhesive contact loading and unloading.
Radioimmunoassay of the anabolic agent zeranol I. Preparation and properties of a specific antibody to zeranol

A highly specific antibody has been raised in sheep to an antigen prepared by coupling zeranol hemisuccinate to bovine serum albumin. An assay procedure is described and has been used to measure the cross-reactivity of the antiserum, and evaluate the sensitivity of the assay method. The only compounds which reacted with the antibody were zeranol 100%, zearalanone 100%, zearalenone 19% and zearalenol 19%. The sensitivity of the assay procedure allows the determination of zeranol and/or its main metabolite zearalanone between 100 and 1000 pg.
Prediction Intervals for Screening Using a Measured Correlated Variate

At least I units are required whose values of a performance variable Y fall below the upper specification limit U. They are obtained by screening units on a correlated variable X until m units are obtained whose values of X meet the threshold W. The numbers I and m are specified in advance of screening, and W needs to be determined. Two cases are discussed: one with all parameters known and one with all parameters unknown. The analysis in this paper amounts to the application of a binomial model in addition to the bivariate normal screening model previously discussed in Owen, Mclntire, and Seymour (1975) and in Owen and Su (1977). When the bivariate distribution parameters are unknown, finding W is similar to the prediction interval problem discussed in the literature. Some illustrative tables and examples are included.
Factor structure of the WISC-R for children identified as learning disabled.

The aim of the present investigation was to explore the factor structure of the WISC-R for a sample of children identified as learning disabled. The sample of 140 children were between the ages of 6–2 and 14–8 (M = 9–7); 96 were males and 44 females. A principal factor analysis yielded a factor solution similar to that reported for the WISC-R standardization sample. Support for the robustness of the Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, and Freedom from Distractibility factors for this population of learning disabled children resulted.
Phase I Clinical Trials in 85 Patients with Gynecologic Cancer: The M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Experience

Abstract Objective Disseminated gynecologic cancers are usually fatal due to chemoresistance. Recently, rationally developed, targeted agents are entering the early clinical trials setting. We assessed patients with metastatic gynecologic cancers in a dedicated phase I clinical trials clinic in order to determine their outcome. Methods We reviewed records for 89 consecutive patients with gynecologic cancers referred to the Phase I Clinical Trials Program, 85 (96%) of whom were treated on ≥1 trial. Results Cancer diagnoses were ovarian ( N =43), uterine ( N =19), cervix ( N =17), and other. Median age was 58 years; median number of prior cytotoxic regimens, five. Two patients (2.4%) achieved a CR; four (4.7%), a PR; and eight (9.4%), SD≥6 months (total CR/PR/SD ≥ 6 months=16.5%) for the first phase I trial. Twenty-five patients enrolled on a second trial and three, on a third ( N =113 trials total). Combining response data for all trials, of the 85 patients, two achieved CR (2.4%), nine achieved PR (10.6%), and 12 (14%) had SD for ≥6 months. One-year survival was 30% (95% CI, 21% to 44%). There was no difference in time-to-treatment failure (TTF) on phase I versus the patient's last standard treatment. Conclusion Twenty-three of 85 patients (27%) with advanced, heavily pretreated, gynecologic cancers achieved CR/PR/SD≥6 months on a phase I trial, and overall TTF on phase I was comparable to that of last conventional therapy, suggesting that participation in a phase I trial is a reasonable option for these patients.
A shortcut for multiple testing on the directed acyclic graph of gene ontology

Gene set testing has become an important analysis technique in high throughput microarray and next generation sequencing studies for uncovering patterns of differential expression of various biological processes. Often, the large number of gene sets that are tested simultaneously require some sort of multiplicity correction to account for the multiplicity effect. This work provides a substantial computational improvement to an existing familywise error rate controlling multiplicity approach (the Focus Level method) for gene set testing in high throughput microarray and next generation sequencing studies using Gene Ontology graphs, which we call the Short Focus Level. The Short Focus Level procedure, which performs a shortcut of the full Focus Level procedure, is achieved by extending the reach of graphical weighted Bonferroni testing to closed testing situations where restricted hypotheses are present, such as in the Gene Ontology graphs. The Short Focus Level multiplicity adjustment can perform the full top-down approach of the original Focus Level procedure, overcoming a significant disadvantage of the otherwise powerful Focus Level multiplicity adjustment. The computational and power differences of the Short Focus Level procedure as compared to the original Focus Level procedure are demonstrated both through simulation and using real data. The Short Focus Level procedure shows a significant increase in computation speed over the original Focus Level procedure (as much as ∼15,000 times faster). The Short Focus Level should be used in place of the Focus Level procedure whenever the logical assumptions of the Gene Ontology graph structure are appropriate for the study objectives and when either no a priori focus level of interest can be specified or the focus level is selected at a higher level of the graph, where the Focus Level procedure is computationally intractable.
Socioeconomic status and health: education and income are independent and joint predictors of ambulatory blood pressure

Epidemiological research suggests that different indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) such as income and education may have independent and/or interactive effects on health outcomes. In this study, we examined both simple and more complex associations (i.e., interactions) between different indicators of SES and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) during daily life. Our sample consisted of 94 married couples who completed a one-day ABP protocol. Both income and education were independently related to systolic blood pressure and only income was significantly related to diastolic blood pressure. There were also statistical interactions such that individuals with high levels of both income and education evidenced the lowest ABP. Gender moderated these findings. Three-way interactions revealed that, in general, women appear to benefit from either indicator of SES, whereas men appear to benefit more from income. The findings are consistent with epidemiological research and suggest one important physiological mechanism by which income and education may have independent and interactive effects on health.
Flavin-Dependent Alkyl Hydroperoxide Reductase from Salmonella typhimurium. 2. Cystine Disulfides Involved in Catalysis of Peroxide Reduction†

The two-component alkyl hydroperoxide reductase enzyme system from Salmonella typhimurium catalyzes the pyridine nucleotide-dependent reduction of alkyl hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide substrates. This system is composed of a flavoenzyme, AhpF, which is related to the disulfide-reducing enzyme thioredoxin reductase, and a smaller protein, AhpC, which lacks a chromophoric cofactor. We have demonstrated that NADH-linked reduction of AhpF under anaerobic conditions converts two cystine disulfide centers to their dithiol forms. The AhpC cystine disulfide center, shown to exist as an intersubunit disulfide bond, is stoichiometrically reducible by NADH in the presence of a catalytic amount of AhpF and can be reoxidized by ethyl hydroperoxide. Disulfide bridges within oxidized AhpF form between Cys129 and Cys132 and between Cys345 and Cys348; the two C-terminal half-cystine residues, Cys476 and Cys489, exist as free thiol groups in oxidized AhpF and play no role in catalysis. Removal of the N-terminal 202-amino acid segment containing the Cys129-Cys132 disulfide center obliterates the ability of AhpF to transfer electrons to 5,5'-dthiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) and AhpC. NADH added anaerobically to AhpF causes spectral changes consistent with preferential reduction of both disulfides relative to flavin reduction; the reduction potentials of the disulfide centers are thus appropriately poised for electron transfer from NADH and flavin to disulfide-containing substrates (AhpC or DTNB), and ultimately to peroxides from AhpC. Blue, neutral flavin semiquinone is also generated in high yields during reductive titrations (91% yield during dithionite titrations), although the relatively slow formation of this species indicates its catalytic incompetence. A long wavelength absorbance band beyond 900 nm attributable to an FADH2-->NAD+ charge transfer interaction is generated during NADH, but not dithionite, titrations and may be indicative of a species directly involved in the catalytic cycle. A catalytic mechanism including the transient formation of cysteine sulfenic acid within AhpC is proposed.
Serum creatinine patterns in coronary bypass surgery patients with and without postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

UNLABELLED Renal dysfunction is common after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We have previously shown that CABG procedures complicated by stroke have a threefold greater peak serum creatinine level relative to uncomplicated surgery. However, postoperative creatinine patterns for procedures complicated by cognitive dysfunction are unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that postoperative cognitive dysfunction is associated with acute perioperative renal injury after CABG surgery. Data were prospectively gathered for 282 elective CABG surgery patients. Psychometric tests were performed at baseline and 6 wk after surgery. Cognitive dysfunction was defined both as a dichotomous variable (cognitive deficit [CD]) and as a continuous variable (cognitive index). Forty percent of patients had CD at 6 wk. However, the association between peak percentage change in postoperative creatinine and CD (parameter estimate = -0.41; P = 0.91) or cognitive index (parameter estimate = -1.29; P = 0.46) was not significant. These data indicate that postcardiac surgery cognitive dysfunction, unlike stroke, is not associated with major increases in postoperative renal dysfunction. IMPLICATIONS We previously noted that patients with postcardiac surgery stroke also have greater acute renal injury than unaffected patients. However, in the same setting, we found no difference in renal injury between patients with and without cognitive dysfunction. Factors responsible for subtle postoperative cognitive dysfunction do not appear to be associated with clinically important renal effects.
Surfaces over Dirichlet Tessellations

Abstract We develop a new class of surfaces, based on the concept of Bezier simplices expressed in terms of Sibson's natural neighbor coordinates. We also show how these surfaces may be utilized for scattered data interpolation.
Detection of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae DNA in hepatic specimens from two dogs with hepatic disease

A 4-year-old Basset Hound and a 6-year-old Doberman Pinscher were referred for diagnostic evaluation following documentation of persistently increased hepatic enzyme activities and hepatic dysfunction. Histologic evaluation of hepatic biopsy specimens from the 2 dogs revealed granulomatous hepatitis in the Basset Hound and lymphocytic hepatitis with fibrosis and copper accumulation in the Doberman Pinscher. No etiologic agents were identified histologically. Bartonella henselae DNA was subsequently amplified from hepatic tissue from the Basset Hound and Bartonella clarridgeiae was amplified from hepatic tissue from the Doberman Pinscher. Amplification was performed with a polymerase chain reaction assay incorporating primers that target a portion of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region. Both dogs were treated with azithromycin, in combination with a variety of other medications and herbal treatments, and improved clinically. Identification of Bartonella DNA in these dogs indicates the need for future prospective studies to determine the clinical relevance of Bartonella spp infection in dogs with hepatic disease.
The removal torque increment on metal cans containing an asphaltic pruning seal compound

A study of cap removal torque of a 16 fl.oz. electrolytic tin plate (ETP) container and closure with continuous threads as well as a 0.04 inch polyethylene (PE) liner was conducted. These packages contain a solvent asphaltic pruning seal product. At room temperature the removal torque behaviour was investigated using ETP cans with and without the product at intervals of logarithmic decades of time in days. A SWAN-MATIC capping machine was utilized to provide predetermined application torques of 20, 30 and 40 in. Ibs at 90°, 80° and 70° angles of application. The removal torque of each experimental test was measured by hand using the SECURE PAK tester machine, which provided a maximum torque reading accuracy of up to a tenth of a unit. The study revealed that ETP containers with PE-lined ETP caps, uncontaminated with the product, exhibited logarithmic removal torque decay. However, the ETP container with the asphaltic pruning seal product spilled on the top and threads of the closure showed an increasing trend of removal torque. This occurrence was probably caused by the adhesive effect of the product at the closure.
Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trials: Part 1—Basic Considerations

ABSTRACT Clinical trials in neurology are difficult, complex, usually expensive, and fraught with pitfalls. Clinical trials in multiple sclerosis (MS) are particularly difficult because of the relapsing-remitting nature of the disease, the highly varied distribution of the lesions, and varied signs and symptoms. While the number and quality of MS clinical trials have increased enormously in recent years, they remain controversial and are subject to endless criticism. There is no shortage of individuals willing and eager to criticize clinical trials if they claim a positive result. Conversely, negative trials are rarely published1 and, when they are, they are rarely criticized even though some negative trials are equally deserving of criticism. No trial is perfect, and few scientific endeavors are subject to more rigorous review and criticism than clinical trials. This article—the first in a series—will discuss various aspects of planning, designing, and implementing a clinical trial. (Int J MS Care. 2001;...
Molecular motors: a surprising twist in myosin VI translocation.

A recent study has revealed an unexpected change in conformation of the myosin VI converter domain, essential for twisting the lever arm through a ∼180° rotation to achieve a large step along actin.
The human class II MHC protein HLA-DR1 assembles as empty αβ heterodimers in the absence of antigenic peptide

We have produced the human class II histocompatibility protein, HLA-DR1, as a soluble, secreted glycoprotein in insect cells infected with baculoviruses carrying truncated alpha and beta subunit genes. The peptide-binding site is empty, and the empty molecules are fully competent to bind antigenic peptide. We used the empty molecules to measure an intrinsic rate for peptide association, and to investigate the role of peptide in stabilizing the class II structure. Peptide binding kinetics for the empty molecule are only 10-fold faster than for peptide exchange into an occupied site, suggesting that a conformational change may accompany peptide binding. The native alpha beta heterodimer assembles in the absence of antigenic peptide, but peptide binding stabilizes the empty heterodimer against aggregation and against SDS-induced denaturation.
An application of interactive computer graphics for simulation of vibratory systems

Abstract Computer simulation of two vibratory systems composed of mass. spring, and dashpot el ements is described. The first system has one degree of freedom and it undergoes damped-free vibration. The second system undergoes damped-forced vibration with two degrees of freedom. The use of refresh graphics with full interaction in real time facilitates a comprehensive parametric study of the system and the programs can be used as teaching and design aids.
Joint Discussion 12 Long wavelength astrophysics

The greatest discoveries in astronomy have accompanied technological innovations that have opened new windows of the electromagnetic spectrum. One of the last poorly explored regions lies at wavelengths longer than 3 m (100 MHz) to the ionospheric cutoff around 30 m (10 MHz). In the past, variations in the ionosphere have limited ground-based instruments to small (
In vivo roles of integrins during leukocyte development and traffic: insights from the analysis of mice chimeric for alpha 5, alpha v, and alpha 4 integrins.

Mice chimeric for integrins α5, αV, or α4 were used to dissect the in vivo roles of these adhesion receptors during leukocyte development and traffic. No major defects were observed in the development of lymphocytes, monocytes, or granulocytes or in the traffic of lymphocytes to different lymphoid organs in the absence of α5 or αV integrins. However, in agreement with previous reports, the absence of α4 integrins produced major defects in development of lymphoid and myeloid lineages and a specific defect in homing of lymphocytes to Peyer’s patches. In contrast, the α4 integrin subunit is not essential for localization of T lymphocytes into intraepithelial and lamina propria compartments in the gut, whereas one of the partners of α4, the β7 chain, has been shown to be essential. However, α4-deficient T lymphocytes cannot migrate properly during the inflammatory response induced by thioglycolate injection into the peritoneum. Finally, in vitro proliferation and activation of lymphocytes deficient for α5, αV, or α4 integrins upon stimulation with different stimuli were similar to those seen in controls. These results show that integrins play distinct roles during in vivo leukocyte development and traffic.
Balanced decompositions of a signed graph

The balanced decomposition number (b.d.n.) δ0(Σ) of a signed graph Σ is the smallest number of balanced subsets into which its edges can be partitioned. (A special case is decomposition of a graph into bipartite subgraphs.) The connected b.d.n. δ1(Σ) is the same, but the subsets must also be connected. The balanced partition number (b.p.n.) π0(Σ) is the smallest size of a partition of the vertices into subsets inducing balanced subgraphs; the connected b.p.n. π1(Σ) is similar but the induced subgraphs must be connected. We use signed graph coloring theory to prove that δ0 = 1 + ⌈log2 π0⌉ and that δ0 is analogous to a critical exponent in the sense of Crapo and Rota. We deduce bounds on δ0 and values for special signed graphs. We show that δ0 is computationally about as complex as the chromatic number. We prove that, for a complete signed graph, δ1 = δ0; more strongly, with three exceptions a minimal balanced decomposition exists into connected and spanning edge sets. And we show that, of δ1 and 1 + ⌈log2 π1⌉, neither is always at least as large as the other.
The Predictive Ability of Geographic Segment Disclosures by U.S. Companies: SFAS No. 131 vs. SFAS No. 14

This research considers whether recent modifications to segment reporting adequately address analysts' concerns regarding the usefulness of geographic data. Forecast errors for models utilizing SFAS No. 131 geographic sales data are compared to forecast errors for models utilizing SFAS No. 14 geographic sales data. The results indicate a significant improvement in the predictive accuracy of geographic sales disclosures provided under SFAS No. 131. Additional analysis suggests this enhanced predictability may be associated with the revised requirements that companies report sales for the country of domicile and for each individually material country. Overall, our findings appear to support the FASB's argument that segment information by country is more informative and useful. Based on our findings, recommendations are presented regarding possible amendments to SFAS No. 131 that may further enhance the predictive ability of geographic segment data.
When Something More Is Too Much: The Case of Paul

This article discusses the case of a boy who, during the course of a five-year treatment, alternated, at times moment to moment, between desiring connection and rejection of that connection. It illustrates how, in the context of an empathic, caring relationship, chaos and thoughts of annihilation arose, rather than a more positive therapeutic outcome. This prompts the question of what happens to a child in the context of a treatment relationship when he repeatedly experiences empathic attunement and understanding before he is ready to receive it; when something more than what one has repeatedly experienced in his interpersonal world does not contribute to an increasing sense of coherence and stability and instead precipitates a crisis for the child.
Role of prolonged surveillance in the eradication of nosocomial scabies in an extended care veterans affairs medical center

Abstract Although general guidelines for control of institutional outbreaks of scabies have been published, little information is available on the long-term efficacy of these measures in extended care facilities. An epidemic of scabies occurred in a comprehensive care Veterans Affairs facility as a result of an unrecognized case of crusted scabies, with a total of 112 persons affected during a 12-month period. The initial outbreak occurred in the acute care units, with highest attack rates among roommates of the index patient ( 11 14 , 78%) and nursing staff ( 27 55 , 49%). Despite sustained infection control measures, secondary outbreaks continued to occur in the extended care units. Factors contributing to the persistence of the epidemic were transfer of patients with unrecognized infestation within the facility, prolonged latency period and atypical manifestations in elderly patients, and failure of scabicide treatment. In addition, a role may be played by carriage of scabies mites by infested staff members before they have symptoms. Control of the epidemic was only achieved with the following: increased awareness and better scabies recognition, restriction of staff rotation in the facility, and improved communication among primary providers and infection control personnel. Prolonged surveillance may be required for eradication of nosocomial scabies in extended care settings.
Real-Time Target Tracking with CPA Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks

The original CPA (closest point of approach) algorithm can localize and track moving targets within a wireless sensor network that has a specific node configuration with respect to the target trajectory. As a target moves through a large network of randomly deployed sensors, the configuration of the nodes triggered along the target trajectory may not meet this requirement and will not localize and track the target correctly. To address this problem, we propose the enhanced CPA (ECPA) algorithm that can correctly compute the bearing of the target trajectory, the relative position between the sensors and the trajectory, and the velocity of the target. To validate ECPA, we designed and implemented the algorithm over a data-centric sensor network. This ECPA software also communicates over a collaborative mixed wireless sensor network with control software for controlling video sensor nodes that capture real-time images or video of the target at its predicted location. Our experimental results show that we can achieve our goals of detecting the target and predicting its location, velocity and direction of travel with reasonable accuracy. In addition, results from the target detection algorithm can be used to predict the future target location so that a camera can capture video of the moving target for identification purposes.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Distribution of Larval Lake Whitefish in Eastern Lake Ontario: Signs of Recovery?

The lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) is one of the native Lake Ontario fishes that declined severely over the past century. Recent evidence of larval lake whitefish production in a historic spawning area (Chaumont Bay) might signal a recovery of this species in New York waters. We surveyed coastal and open water areas to evaluate densities and estimate total abundance of larval lake whitefish in Chaumont Bay. Other historic spawning areas and embayments with appropriate spawning and nursery habitat were also surveyed, but only a few larvae were found outside of Chaumont Bay. Lake whitefish larvae were found in every embayment sampled within Chaumont Bay, with larval densities of nearly 600/1000 m2 in some samples. Greatest abundances occurred in the northern sectors and near the mouth of the bay. Open water densities were generally less than half that of nearshore sites. The total bay-wide estimate for 2005 was approximately 644,000 lake whitefish larvae, but dropped to 230,000–400,000 in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Mean larval growth rates (0.36 mm/day) did not differ by year, but were consistently higher in early May than in late April. Lake whitefish production in Chaumont Bay is encouraging for this species, but the cause and persistence of the decline after 2005 can be determined only by continued monitoring. Other possible bottlenecks of survival may exist at juvenile and adult stages and could significantly affect recruitment dynamics. This species is sensitive to normal climatic fluctuations and increased variability associated with global climatic change could make winter nursery conditions unfavorable for this species.
Statistical Methods for Characterizing Ground‐Water Quality

The benefits from ground-water quality monitoring ultimately depend on the statistical methods used to analyze data. The methods must match both the information expectations of users and the characteristics of the water variables to which they are applied. The primary objective of regulatory ground-water monitoring is detecting changes in quality. To select appropriate statistical tests for change, one must know whether the water quality variables of concern are seasonal, normally distributed, and serially dependent. This paper provides guidance in analyzing limited background data sets to determine these three characteristics. Recommended procedures to detect seasonality were periodograms, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis test. To test for normality, the skewness coefficient is recommended. To detect serial dependence, sample auto correlation coefficients may be tested for significance.
Toboggan-based intelligent scissors with a four-parameter edge model

Intelligent Scissors is an interactive image segmentation tool that allows a user to select piece-wise globally optimal contour segments that correspond to a desired object boundary. We present a new and faster method of computing the optimal path by over-segmenting the image using tobogganing and then imposing a weighted planar graph on top of the resulting region boundaries. The resulting region-based graph is many times smaller than the previous pixel-based graph, thus providing faster graph searches and immediate user interaction. Further tobogganing provides an new systematic and predictable framework for computing edge model parameters, allowing subpixel localization as well as a measure of edge blur.
Analysis of the flow in inhomogeneous particle beds using the spatially averaged two-fluid equations

Abstract The drag force term appearing in two-fluid models for fluid–particle flows is commonly closed by expressing it as a function of the local quantities, such as the local particle volume fraction, the local slip velocity between the particle and fluid phases, and the local mean-squared fluctuating velocity of the particles. The adequacy of such closures for inhomogeneous suspensions has been debated in the literature and some researchers have suggested the need for additional terms involving spatial gradients in these quantities. To test this proposition, simulations of flow in inhomogeneous steady beds of particles have been performed using the lattice-Boltzmann method. The particle beds consisted of disordered assemblies with a density profile on a scale much larger than the particle radius. Inhomogeneous beds with a controlled density profile were generated in three different ways, (i) by inhomogeneous stretching of the particle bed in one direction, (ii) by applying an inhomogeneous force to the particle phase during random motion of the particles, and (iii) by taking snapshots of a direct simulation of a traveling wave in a fluidization simulation. The global structure of the three beds was comparable, while assessment of the radial distribution functions showed that the three beds exhibited clearly different microscopic structures. The force profiles along the inhomogeneous direction of the particle bed were obtained from the flow simulations. These were analyzed by applying spatial averaging in a manner identical to the averaging procedure that is used to derive the two-fluid model equations. The force profiles were compared to predictions based on flow simulations of homogeneous disordered particle beds over a range of volume fractions. To assess the role of the microstructure of the particle bed also simulations were executed where the homogeneous disordered bed was modified by either applying homogeneous stretching or by applying a lubrication force during generation of the particle bed. This study demonstrated that the microscopic structure of the particle bed has a severe impact on the closure of the drag force. Our computations did not reveal any evidence supporting the need for terms involving gradients in particle volume fraction in the drag force closure.
Clinical Evaluation of the Supraosseous Gingivae Before and After Crown Lengthening

Background: Despite the broad use of crown-lengthening surgery (CLS), there is no complete agreement as to the desired amount of exposed sound tooth structure needed to accommodate both the restorative needs and the reformation of the supraosseous gingiva (SOG). Classically, it has been proposed that ∼3 mm of SOG, the amount considered by most to be present before surgery, will be reformed after CLS. The purpose of this study was to test the viability of transsulcular probing (TSP) and to determine whether the SOG that forms after CLS is the same as that measured preoperatively.Methods: Nineteen patients underwent CLS with the surgical tooth acting both as the control and the test site. The SOG dimension was measured by TSP before and 6 months after surgery. Stents were used as fixed reference points. Intraclass correlations were calculated to test for the reliability of TSP measurements versus direct-bone-level (DBL) measurements. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the means for the mean buc...