cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adventures in the Blogosphere

Blogs, social networks, wikis and microblogging are proliferating at unprecedented pace. The numbers reported quantifying user engagement are profound. In this talk, I will present BlogScope ( www.blogscope.net ) a system under development at the University of Toronto, that aims to collect, process and distill in real time the information in social media. I will present the system, its architecture the difficulties encountered and highlight the various research challenges in building the various components of the system. I will also present, Grapevine, BlogScope's sister project that aims to make sense in real time of the social media space. I will detail areas of research related to the scope of these projects and present challenges that could be addressed via the utilization of scientific and statistical database techniques. If time permits, I'll present demos.
Orthotropic Elastic Properties of Wood

Results of a large scale study of orthotropic elastic properties of wood are presented. The general theory for elastic behavior of wood is presented for compression loading at general angles to ring and grain. Experimental work, for four species of wood, utilizing a total of 588 specimens is presented. Comparison of theoretical and measured strain is provided and a statistical analysis of the data is developed. Agreement between the theoretical and experimental strain was reasonably good for loading within a principal orthotropic plane; however, large errors seem to exist for general loading out of the principal planes. The study suggests new research efforts are needed to incorporate the nonhomogeneous characteristics of wood in the theory. Refined experimental techniques are also needed to better evaluate the elastic behavior of wood loaded at general angles to the orthotropic axes.
Ultrasound fetal femur length in relation to intrauterine growth retardation: Part II

Abstract With the establishment of a normal range of values for the growth of the ultrasound fetal femur length, a new approach for the study of growth-retarded fetuses is suggested. Ultrasound femur length was measured on a group of “high-risk” pregnancies, and its ability to differentiate the symmetrically small from the asymmetrically small fetus was studied. A reduced ultrasound fetal femur length correlated in all cases with a shortened crown-heel length in the neonate. By adding this ultrasound parameter to those routinely measured on the fetus, a three-dimensional profile can be constructed.
Singularities in fluid dynamics

Sinqularities in fluid flow my be geometrically unstable. When this instability occurs in a regime governed by the scale invariant Euler equations, the phenomena is repeated on all length scales and leads to chaotic solutions. Turbulence, vortex roll up and fingering are discussed. The increased resolution provided by the method of tracking of discontinuities offers a computational tool for the study of this class of problems.
Towards Understanding User Behavioral Intentions to Use IT Security: Examining the Impact of IT Security Psychological Climate and Individual Beliefs

The advent of technologies such as the Internet, intranets, EDI and extranets moves IT from the locked backroom into offices and homes globally, often placing internal users in an integral role for information security. Consequently, there is a growing need to better understand what influences user behavior for comprehensive IT security development. A complementary view to understanding the influences of user behavior is the organizational context within which users act. Investigating both influences of user behavior and organizational context simultaneously is proposed to best answer the recent calls to use a socio-organizational approach in IT security research. Two prominent bodies of research, the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991) used to frame the influences of user behavior and the organizational behavioral contextual concept of psychological climate, are integrated to develop a multidimensional facet-specific IT security model.
Integrating Computer and Physical Experiment Data

The investigation of complex physical systems utilizing sophisticated computer models has become commonplace with the advent of modern computational facilities. In many applications, experimental data on the physical systems of interest is extremely expensive to obtain and hence is available in limited quantities. The mathematical systems implemented by the computer models often include parameters having uncertain values. This article provides an overview of statistical methodology for calibrating uncertain parameters to experimental data. This approach assumes that prior knowledge about such parameters is represented as a probability distribution, and the experimental data is used to refine our knowledge about these parameters, expressed as a posterior distribution. Uncertainty quantification for computer model predictions of the physical system are based fundamentally on this posterior distribution. Computer models are generally not perfect representations of reality for a variety of reasons, such as inadequacies in the physical modeling of some processes in the dynamic system. The statistical model includes components that identify and adjust for such discrepancies. A standard approach to statistical modeling of computer model output for unsampled inputs is introduced for the common situation where limited computer model runs are available. Extensions of the statistical methods to functional outputs are available and discussed briefly. Keywords: computer experiment; information integration; Bayesian model; calibration; prediction; functional data
EPA and DHA increase the frequency of murine B cell subsets and restore antibody production in obesity upon stimulation with a T-independent antigen (382.5)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the bioactive components of fish oil, exert immunomodulatory properties. The impact of EPA and DHA supplementation on murine B cell funct...
Characterization and culture of sinusoidal endothelium from normal rat liver: lipoprotein uptake and collagen phenotype.

Abstract Sinusoidal endothelial cells from adult rat liver have been isolated by centrifugal elutriation and been established in primary culture. Their identification has made use of a novel process of these cells, the sequestration of human acetoacetylated lowdensity lipoprotein. After its administration in vivo, labeled acetoacetylated low-density lipoprotein within the liver was associated solely with sinusoidal endothelial cells and, when labeled with the stable fluorescent compound 3,3′-dioctadecylindocarbocyanine, provided a means of identifying isolated cells by fluorescence microscopy. In endothelial cell cultures, 90% of the cells were fluorescent and exhibited fenestrae. The collagen phenotype of cultures was assessed by an immunofluorescent approach, which revealed cell-associated type IV collagen only; types I, III, and V were undetectable. In other studies, it was found that these cells lacked factor VIII-R antigen and Weibel-Palade bodies, adding to the evidence that they differ substantially from large-vessel and other capillary endothelia.
The Hilbert 16-th problem and an estimate for cyclicity of an elementary polycycle

Hilbert-Arnold (HA) problem, motivated by Hilbert 16-th problem, is to prove that for a generic k-parameter family of smooth vector fields {\dot x=v(x,\eps)}_{\eps\in B^k} on the 2-dimensional sphere S^2 has uniformly bounded number of limit cycles (isolated periodic solutions), denoted by LC(\eps), over the parameter \eps, i.e. max_{\eps \in B^k} LC(\eps) <= K < \infty for some K. The HA problem can be reduced to so-called Local Hilbert-Arnold (LHA) problem. Suppose that a generic k-parameter family {\dot x=v(x,\eps)}_{\eps \in B^k}, x\in S^2 for some parameter \eps^*\in B^k has a polycycle (separatrix polygon) gamma consisting of equilibrium points as vertices and connecting separatrices as sides. LHA problem is to estimate B(k)--- the maximal number of limit cycles that can be born in a neighbourhood of gamma for a field \dot x=v(x,\eps), where \eps is close to \eps^*.
Book Review: Non-State Actors and Terrorism; Applying the Law of State Responsibility and the Due Diligence Principle

Two page book review of a book arguing that state responsibility should be attributed when states do not take steps to control the actions of terrorists.
A Bacteriological Study of Ophthalmic Ointments

A method was devised to determine the number of bacteria present in a gram of ophthalmic ointment. Eighty-three commercial ophthalmic ointments were tested for contamination by bacteria using this method. Seventy-one of these ointments contained bacteria. Benzyl alcohol was incorporated into several ophthalmic ointments as an antibacterial agent. The benzyl alcohol greatly reduced the number of bacteria present.
Thoracoscopic anterior spinal release and fusion: Evolution of a faster, improved approach

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative parameters and outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with open thoracotomy for anterior release and fusion in the treatment of pediatric spinal deformities. Methods: Twenty-six patients treated with VATS anterior spinal release and posterior spinal fusion by the authors were reviewed retrospectively. Fourteen age- and disease-matched patients who underwent open thoracotomy for anterior spinal release and posterior spinal fusion by the same group of surgeons during the same time period were evaluated for comparison. Patients whose anterior level of exposure extended below the diaphragm were excluded. Results: Blood loss, operative transfusion, and length of postoperative chest tube use all were decreased in the VATS patients compared with thoracotomy patients ( P ≤.05). The average operating time for VATS was less than that for thoracotomy but did not reach statistical significance. However, operating time was significantly shorter in the second 13 VATS patients compared with the first 13 patients. No complications specifically related to the VATS approach were identified. Conclusions: The VATS technique is a safe and comparable alternative to open thoracotomy. Although there is a learning curve for VATS, greater experience could show an advantage in this approach to the anterior spine for the treatment of pediatric spinal deformity. J Pediatr Surg 37:1732-1735. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Solvation Free Energy Calculations Using a Continuum Dielectric Model for the Solvent and Gradient-Corrected Density Functional Theory for the Solute

Electrostatic solvation free energies are calculated using a self consistent reaction field (SCRF) procedure that combines a continuum dielectric model of the solvent with both Hartree−Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) for the solute. Several molecules are studied in aqueous solution. They comprise three groups: nonpolar neutral, polar neutral, and ionic. The calculated values of ΔGel are sensitive to the atomic radii used to define the solute molecular surface, particularly to the value of the hydrogen radius. However, the values of ΔGel exhibit reasonable correlation with experiment when a previously determined, physically motivated set of atomic radii were used to define the van der Waals surface of the solute. The standard deviation between theory and experiment is 2.51 kcal/mol for HF and 2.21 kcal/mol for DFT for the 14 molecules examined. The errors with HF or DFT are similar. The relative difference between the calculated values of ΔGel and experiment is largest for nonpolar neutral m...
The Ahmed shunt versus the Baerveldt shunt for refractory glaucoma: a single-surgeon comparison of outcome.

Abstract Purpose To compare the surgical outcome of Baerveldt and Ahmed shunt implants in the treatment of refractory glaucoma. Design Retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative trial. Methods and participants Medical records of 118 consecutive patients who underwent glaucoma shunt implantation (70 Baerveldt, 48 Ahmed) by a single surgeon were reviewed. Main outcome measures The primary outcome measure was surgical success (6 mmHg ≤ intraocular pressure [IOP] ≤ 21 mmHg without additional glaucoma surgery or devastating complication) at 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included mean IOP and number of medications used at the following postoperative visits: day 1, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Additional outcome measures evaluated include visual acuities, prevalence and timing of postoperative choroidal detachment, and clinical bleb encapsulation. Results Survival curve analysis showed success rates of 82.9% of the Ahmed group and 72.9% of the Baerveldt group at 12 months after surgery ( P = 0.257). Patients in the Ahmed group exhibited lower IOPs at 1 day ( P P P P P P = 0.001). Conclusions The Ahmed shunt implant exhibited better control of IOP in the early postoperative period (1 day and 1 week) with patients requiring fewer glaucoma medications at 1 week and 1 month after surgery. There was both a higher prevalence and earlier onset of bleb encapsulation observed with the Ahmed shunt implant.
A determination of the distributions of quadrupole coupling constants in borate glasses using B10 NMR

Abstract A method is presented for extracting the distribution of quadrupolar coupling constants (Qcc) for 3-coordinated boron atoms in glasses containing B2O3. Results are presented for vitreous B2O3 and seven sodium borate glasses. There is essentially no change in the average coupling constant and the distribution of coupling constants, over the composition region from 0–35 mol.% Na2O. It is noted that a distribution in asymmetry parameter (η) can also be obtained and that it should be possible to relate the distributions in Qcc and η to distributions in bond angles and bond lengths in the glasses.
Evaluations of Blom-Singer Tracheoesophageal Puncture Prostheses Performance

Emperical and theoretical approaches to the assessment of Blom-Singer tracheoesophageal puncture prosthesis performance are described in this paper. The results of empirical studies provide new ins...
Two Invariant Tryptophans on the α1 Subunit Define Domains Necessary for GABAA Receptor Assembly

Abstract Two invariant tryptophan residues on the N-terminal extracellular region of the rat α1 subunit, Trp-69 and Trp-94, are critical for the assembly of the GABAA(γ-aminobutyric acid, type A) receptor into a pentamer. These tryptophans are common not only to all GABAA receptor subunits, but also to all ligand-gated ion channel subunits. Converting each Trp residue to Phe and Gly by site-directed mutagenesis allowed us to study the role of these invariant tryptophan residues. Mutant α1 subunits, coexpressed with β2 subunits in baculovirus-infected Sf9 cells, displayed high affinity binding to [3H]muscimol, a GABA site ligand, but no binding to [35S]t-butyl bicyclophosphorothionate, a ligand for the receptor-associated ion channel. Neither [3H]muscimol binding to intact cells nor immunostaining of nonpermeabilized cells gave evidence of surface expression of the receptor. When expressed with β2 and γ2 polypeptides, the mutant α1 polypeptides did not form [3H]flunitrazepam binding sites though wild-type α1 polypeptides did. The distribution of the mutant receptors on sucrose gradients suggests that the effects on ligand binding result from the inability of the mutant α1 subunits to form pentamers. We conclude that Trp-69 and Trp-94 participate in the formation of the interface between α and β subunits, but not of the GABA binding site.
Normal dendritic morphology of frog spinal motoneurons: A Golgi study

Normal dendritic morphology of frog (Rana pipiens) lumbar motoneurons was studied using Golgi silver impregnation. Branching characteristics and quantitative measurements of dendrites were obtained using computer-aided serial reconstruction of a typical lumbar motoneuron over seven adjacent 80-micrometer transverse sections. Dendrites were classified based upon site of dendrite origin from the soma and distribution of the dendritic array within the spinal cord. Eight possible sites of dendritic origin from the soma were identified. Two dendrites, D1 and D2, are planar dendrites which arise from the dorsal aspect of the soma. They are moderately complex, reaching branch order 5-6, and are oriented predominantly in the transverse plane. Input to these dendrites is primarily segmental via dorsal root projections. Three dendrites, D3, D4, and D5, arise laterally from the soma and extend through the lateral funiculus toward the subpial region. Two dendrites, D6 and D7, arise ventrally. D6 extends ventrolaterally and is a simple dendrite reaching branch order 3-4. D7 aborizes extensively in the ventral funiculus and in the central gray, reaching a branch order of 8-9. This dendrite extends rostrally and caudally over a distance of at lest 560 micrometer. Another dendrite (D8) arises from the medial aspect of the soma and projects toward the central canal. Four sites (D1, D2, D6, and D7) almost invariably give rise to dendrites. Dendrites arise at D4 in 66% of the cells examined. Dendrites are found at D3, D5, and D8 much less frequently (6-21%). Total dendritic length (12,043 micrometer) and lengths of the individual dendrites, branch length versus branch order, and number of branches at increasing radii were examined, and Sholl analysis was performed.
Synthetic fluorescent sensors for studying the cell biology of metals

Metals are essential for sustaining all forms of life, but alterations in their cellular homeostasis are connected to severe human disorders, including cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Fluorescent small molecules that respond to metal ions in the cell with appropriate selectivity and sensitivity offer the ability to probe physiological and pathological consequences of the cell biology of metals with spatial and temporal fidelity. Molecular imaging of normal and abnormal cellular metal ion pools using these new chemical tools provides a host of emerging opportunities for visualizing, in real time, aspects of metal accumulation, trafficking, and function or toxicity in living systems. This review presents a brief survey of available synthetic small-molecule sensor types for fluorescence detection of cellular metals.
A Framework for Early Assessment of Functional Failures to Aid in PHM Design

Human artifacts have evolved into incredibly complex systems that rely on both hardware and software to function dependably with limited or no human operator control. As the monetary and human consequences for failure climb with technological progress, Prognostic and Health Management (PHM) systems are developed to help manage, mitigate, detect, and respond to failures. These PHM systems have become as integral and as important as any other subsystem in a complex machine. Methods have been developed to analyze and incorporate risk and reliability in the early stage decision making processes of complex system design. These methods, however, treat the development and capabilities of PHM in the conceptual stage of system design in a peripheral manner at best. The importance of PHM consideration early in system design is significant. The structure of PHM, one of the most complex of the subsystems, can begin to take shape. Design modifications that must be made in light of PHM limitations should be pushed to the earliest stage of design possible, where costs of changes are minimized. In this paper, several risk and reliability based design techniques are discussed in this context. In particular Function Failure Identification Propagation framework (FFIP) provides a systematic process to identify potential failure points and their resulting functional losses. FFIP is selected in this paper as fitting early stage PHM development very well. However, improvements are proposed to the existing FFIP process to better address PHM design needs during the conceptual design stage of a complex system. This paper presents an improved method, which is then applied to a liquid fueled rocket engine architecture. Future work, including using the information gathered here to start the conceptual design of the PHM system, is also discussed.© 2009 ASME
Photoinduced division synchrony in permanently bleached Euglena gracilis.

Ultraviolet light-induced, bleached Euglena clones exhibit synchronous steps of cell division in response to daily cycles of light and dark. The cyclic division activity, in the bleached cells, will persist in constant lighting conditions with a period, independent of temperature, of about 24 h. This persisting rhythm of cell division supports the hypothesis that this phase of the cell cycle may be coupled to the fluctuations of the endogenous circadian clock of the cell.
Genome wide evolutionary analyses reveal serotype specific patterns of positive selection in selected Salmonella serotypes

Background The bacterium Salmonella enterica includes a diversity of serotypes that cause disease in humans and different animal species. Some Salmonella serotypes show a broad host range, some are host restricted and exclusively associated with one particular host, and some are associated with one particular host species, but able to cause disease in other host species and are thus considered "host adapted". Five Salmonella genome sequences, representing a broad host range serotype (Typhimurium), two host restricted serotypes (Typhi [two genomes] and Paratyphi) and one host adapted serotype (Choleraesuis) were used to identify core genome genes that show evidence for recombination and positive selection.
Supersonic noncircular missile computations

The ZEUS program, which solves Euler's equations by spatial marching, is applied to missiles with noncircular cross sections. It incorporates a multiple-zone gridding technique and a second-order extension of Godunov's method. This Godunov method is an upwind scheme based on the Riemann problem for steady, supersonic flow and cast in a control volume formulation. Second-order accuracy is obtained by computing local slopes and adding a predictor step. The scheme fits the bow shock and captures imbedded shocks. Computational speeds can be improved by adopting an approximate Riemann solver. The program is applied to body-alone and body-wing-tail configurations with elliptic cross sections. Computed surface pressure distributions agree well with experiments on the windward and leeward surfaces with some discrepancies at the body shoulder. In this region, the inviscid results do not accurately model the crossflow separation and associated vortex development, but this discrepancy has little effect on the accurate prediction of the aerodynamic coefficients.
Production of cortisol from cortisone by the isolated, perfused fetal rabbit lung.

Abstract Perfusion of the isolated 26 day fetal rabbit lung with 3H-cortisone resulted in its conversion to 3H-cortisol and release into the perfusate. Little conversion of 14C-cortisol to 14C-cortisone occurred. Quantitative study of homogenized fetal rabbit lung revealed the development of both the cofactor and the enzyme for 11β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase activity between 21 and 29 days gestation. These results suggest increasing production of cortisol from cortisone by the fetal rabbit lung as a function of gestational age. This conversion may be of significance with respect to both lung development and parturition, both events being accelerated by cortisol treatment.
The bearing-capacity of a strip foundation on geogrid-reinforced sand

Abstract Laboratory-model test results for the bearing capacity of a strip foundation supported by a sand layer reinforced with layers of geogrid are presented. Based on the present model test results, the bearing-capacity ratio with respect to the ultimate bearing capacity, and at levels of limited settlement of the foundation, has been determined. For practical design purposes, it appears that the bearing-capacity ratio at limited levels of settlement is about 67–70% of the bearing-capacity ratio calculated on the basis of the ultimate bearing capacity.
Euthanasia, Moral Stress, and Chronic Illness in Veterinary Medicine

Euthanasia is a double-edged sword in veterinary medicine. It is a powerful and ultimately the most powerful tool for ending the pain and suffering. Demand for its use for client convenience is morally reprehensible and creates major moral stress for ethically conscious practitioners. But equally reprehensible and stressful to veterinarians is the failure to use it when an animal faces only misery, pain, distress, and suffering. Finding the correct path through this minefield may well be the most important ethical task facing the conscientious veterinarian.
External termination of recurrent bursting in a model of connected local neural sub-networks☆

Abstract Epileptic seizures are characterized by repetitive synchronous neuronal bursting activity. To study external influences on this activity, a simple model of a chain loop of neuronal networks has been developed with the goal of understanding how external stimuli can contribute to reduction or cessation of such abnormal recurrent bursting activity. Using this simulated loop model, one can demonstrate that an external stimulus that normally can initiate repetitive activity can terminate the bursting activity when applied to a chain loop of sub-networks, which has actively propagating bursts. The ability of external currents to terminate activity is dependent upon loop length and the timing of the applied external stimulus. Termination of propagation in long loops (40–64 sub-networks in this model) requires application of multiple simultaneous stimuli to different sub-networks.
Measuring and managing hyperglycemia in pregnancy: From glycosuria to continuous blood glucose monitoring

The need to accurately detect and monitor hyperglycemia in pregnancy is becoming more apparent as the incidence of pregestational and gestational diabetes is increasing, especially among adolescents. The risk of adverse perinatal outcome is markedly worsened when pregnancy is complicated by elevated blood glucose. The appropriate management of both pregestational and gestational diabetes as it relates to blood glucose targets is clear. In the past 5 years, a number of studies have concluded that tight glycemic control throughout pregnancy significantly reduces both fetal and maternal risk. These studies have proposed blood glucose targets between 70 to 120 mg/dL. They have concluded that blood glucose levels should be the basis of moving rapidly to more effective treatments. The key to this approach is the adoption of blood glucose monitoring as an integral part of the treatment regimen. To assure sufficient data on which clinical decisions are made, the type of device, frequency of monitoring, and interpretation of results need to be carefully considered.
Synthesis of ultralarge molecular weight bottlebrush polymers using Grubbs' catalysts

This paper describes two methods to synthesize bottlebrush polymers with molecular weights from 1 million to over 60 million g mol-1 using Grubbs' first and second generation catalysts. In the first method, macromonomers of poly(l-lactide) were synthesized using tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate and terminated on one end with a norbornyl group. Grubbs' first generation catalyst polymerized macromonomers with one poly(l-lactide) chain per norbornene, and Grubbs' second generation catalyst polymerized macromonomers with two poly(l-lactide) chains per norbornene. The predicted and measured molecular weights closely matched each other, and the polydispersities of the bottlebrush polymers were between 1.05 and 1.39. These examples are the first where Grubbs' second generation catalyst can be considered living for ROMP. In the second method, the backbone was polymerized first, and polylactide arms with molecular weights from 15 000 to 50 000 g mol-1 were polymerized from the backbone. Polymers that were shaped as sphere...
In Vivo X-Ray Footprinting of Pre-30S Ribosomes Reveals Chaperone-Dependent Remodeling of Late Assembly Intermediates

Assembly of 30S ribosomal subunits from their protein and RNA components requires extensive refolding of the 16S rRNA and is assisted by 10-20 assembly factors in bacteria. We probed the structures of 30S assembly intermediates in E. coli cells, using a synchrotron X-ray beam to generate hydroxyl radical in the cytoplasm. Widespread differences between mature and pre-30S complexes in the absence of assembly factors RbfA and RimM revealed global reorganization of RNA-protein interactions prior to maturation of the 16S rRNA and showed how RimM reduces misfolding of the 16S 3' domain during transcription in vivo. Quantitative (14)N/(15)N mass spectrometry of affinity-purified pre-30S complexes confirmed the absence of tertiary assembly proteins and showed that N-terminal acetylation of proteins S18 and S5 correlates with correct folding of the platform and central pseudoknot. Our results indicate that cellular factors delay specific RNA folding steps to ensure the quality of assembly.
Rural Waste Management in New South Wales: An Economic Application of the Precautionary Principle

The Precautionary Principle has emerged as a guideline for environmental management in the presence of potentially serious, irreversible damage to the environment. In essence, the lack of full info...
Stress-dependent thermal relaxation effects in micro-mechanical resonators

Thermal relaxation is a key factor in determining the quality factor of micro and nano resonators, which controls the energy dissipation through the coupling of the mechanical and thermal domains. While the literature contains approximate, exact and computational models for quantitative analysis of thermo-elastic coupling, very few techniques are available to ‘tune’ it without changing the material, geometry or operating conditions. In this paper, we develop an analytical model that considers a pre-stress in a flexural resonator to modify the thermal relaxation time and thus increase the quality factor. The effects of length-scale, pre-stress and geometry on the quality factor have been analyzed. The model predicts that significant improvement in terms of dimensionless quality factors is possible by tuning the pre-stress.
Measurement of the actual dose of triamcinolone acetonide delivered by common techniques of intravitreal injection.

Purpose To measure the actual dose of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) delivered during intravitreal injection performed by several common techniques. Design Experimental study. Methods A 0.1-ml, 40-mg vial of TA (Kenalog-40; Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Peapack, New Jersey, USA) was prepared according to one of four protocols and the mass determined after drying overnight on waxed paper. In group 1, a 0.1-ml aliquot of TA was dispensed with a 30-gauge needle after shaking the vial 10 or 30 times. Group 2 used a 27-gauge needle. In group 3, the supernatant was removed from the crystals. Group 4 passed the suspension through a 0.2-μm micropore filter and rinsed the crystals with saline. Results There was no statistically significant difference between 30- or 27-gauge needles ( P = 0.83, t test) or between shaking the vial 10 or 30 times before withdrawing the drug ( P = 0.99). A statistically significant difference ( t test, P = 0.001) was found between TA delivered from the initial 60% of each syringe (mean ± SD, 2.7 ± 1.0 mg) to that drawn from the last 40% of each syringe (7.8 ± 3.6 mg). Group 3 had a mean weight of 32.1 ± 7.0 mg and group 4, 10.6 ± 2.1 mg. Conclusions Efforts to achieve a 4.0-mg dose of TA, regardless of method used, are variable and inconsistent. Injecting through a small-gauge needle appears to concentrate the remaining suspension. Techniques to concentrate TA or remove aqueous preservatives by filtering effectively increase the concentration, but these results are variable.
Prairie and Turfgrass Buffer Strips Modify Water Infiltration and Leachate Resulting from Impervious Surface Runoff

Concerns over NO 3 -N concentrations in drinking water and potential subsurface transport of P to surface waters are driving legislation on precautionary N and P application restrictions on turfgrass areas and in recommendations for vegetative plantings within urban environments. Two plant communities and three impervious:pervious surface ratios were examined for effects on leachate water quantity and quality over a 3-yr period. A Kentucky bluegrass blend (Poa pratensis L.) and a mixed forb and grass prairie were monitored for 3 yr for total leachate volumes, total dissolved N (TDN) loading, and soluble PO 4 -P loading. Both types of vegetation provided similar annual groundwater recharge rates. Annual TDN losses from fertilized turf and unfertilized prairie were similar during and after establishment, with postestablishment losses averaging 3.6 and 2.2 kg ha -1 , respectively. Mean annual soluble PO 4 -P losses postestablishment were 0.6 and 0.7 kg ha -1 for fertilized turf and unfertilized prairie, respectively. When compared with the absence of a buffer area, pervious surfaces at least one-half the size of impervious surfaces resulted in at least a 50% reduction in drainage water volumes. Fertilized turfgrass and unfertilized prairie vegetation provided similar groundwater protection and recharge abilities, and both resulted in some natural biogeochemical nutrient cycling.
A nomogram for surface area of guinea pig.

Abstract A study of 146 guinea pigs provided experimental data on surface area, on length from tip of nose to base of spine, and on weight from which a multiple regression equation could be calculated for the estimation of total surface area. A nomogram to determine surface area is presented for guinea pigs. The correlation coefficient between estimated and experimental data on surface area is 0.999. The justification of earlier formulations relating surface area to power functions of weight and length is questioned.
Effective Decision Making in a Life Company

In the recent past life companies have made many decisions which they have had cause to deeply regret. This paper looks at the range of decision making theories available. It then examines recent examples of decisions that had unfavourable consequences and explores why they were taken, and goes on to describe a systematic approach to decision making which can help management assess more objectively the difficult choices confronting them today. The approach does not require espousal of any specific decision theory or method of value measurement. The focus is on the decision making process and the organisation's capacity to handle change. The paper identifies the three requirements for effective decision making.
A model for the formation and stabilization of charged water clathrates

A model for the formation and stabilization of charged water clathrates is presented which accounts for observed anomalies in H(+)(H2O)n ion distributions. These anomalies are observed in both ion cluster and neutral expansions and are consistent with the sizes expected for clathrate ions. That the same sizes are observed in both ion cluster and neutral expansions strongly suggests that a rapid ionic process is responsible for their formation. The proposed model is based on the high mobility and bonding effects of the excess proton in water. Computer simulations suggest that excess proton movement in a water clathrate would be suitable for stabilizing the clathrate structure as well as giving it access to a large number of nearly degenerate proton configurations. The formation of clathrates in charged water clusters of proper size can be ascribed to the following: rapid excess proton movement, a strong preference of the H3O(+) for a three-coordinate bonding structure (which is compatible with hydrogen bonding), and finally, relatively slow processes leading to thermal disorder.
Anticipating stochastic observation loss during optimal target tracking by a small Aerial Vehicle

Motivated by tracking problems involving a fixed-speed, fixed-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that should maintain a nominal distance from ground target, an optimal feedback control is rigorously developed to anticipate both unknown future target trajectories and the possibility for the loss of observations due to sensory interference. Stochasticity is introduced the problem by assuming that the target motion can be modeled as a random walk, and by assuming that the observation times of the target are exponentially distributed. A Bellman equation based on an approximating Markov chain that is consistent with the stochastic kinematics is used to compute a control policy that minimizes the expected value of a cost function based on a nominal UAV-target distance. Numerical simulations illustrate the benefit to anticipating for stochastic observation loss.
Cervical hydrosonography in pregnancy to assess cervical length by transabdominal ultrasound.

Abstract Background: Some women’s cervices cannot be evaluated because they are obscured by obesity or vertex-presenting fetuses. Measuring cervical length in these cases is difficult or impossible. Technique: We hypothesized that the problem of obscured cervices on transabdominal ultrasound could be resolved by introducing sterile water into the vagina, creating a hydroacoustic window between the vaginal lumen and the cervix. Women with unmeasurable cervices on transabdominal ultrasound had repeat studies after introduction of 60 mL of sterile water into their vaginas, and cervical length measurements taken were compared with those made on transvaginal scans. Experience: Six pregnant women were studied (four singleton, one twin, and one triplet pregnancy). In all cases, previously unidentifiable cervices were seen adequately. No complications were noted. Statistical analysis (kappa 0.66) suggested good correlation between transabdominal cervical hydrosonography and transvaginal measurements of cervical length. Conclusion: Introducing water into the vagina at transabdominal ultrasound can make an obscured cervix visible and measurable.
A hybrid sliding mode strategy for minimum-phase systems with output constraints

A new setpoint control scheme is proposed for single-input systems, where a regulated output must be transferred between two setpoints, with the additional requirement that a set of limited outputs remain within prescribed bounds. The strategy is based on a max-min selector system frequently used in the process control and aerospace fields. The regulators used for the controlled and outputs are of the sliding mode type, where the sliding variable is defined as the difference between an output and its limit. The max and min arrangements enjoy many beneficial properties, including a separation principle allowing the independent design of the sliding regulators, with overall asymptotic stability guarantee. The paper details the stability proof for the separate min and max selector systems and describes the invariance properties leading to limit protection. Some results applicable to the max-min case are also included. Design guidelines, as well as a detailed simulation example, demonstrate practical applicability.
Economic Values and Regional Economic Impacts of Recreational Fisheries in Mississippi Reservoirs

Abstract This study estimated the economic benefit of recreational fisheries on two trophy crappie Pomoxis spp. fisheries in Mississippi. We accomplished this by estimating economic impacts of angler expenditures and angler willingness-to-pay for fishing trips above current expenditures. Anglers spent 91,811 activity days on Sardis Reservoir in 2006 and 46,036 on Grenada Reservoir in 2007. The total economic impacts to the state were estimated at US$5.83 million on Sardis Reservoir and $2.15 million on Grenada Reservoir, supporting 75 and 51 full- and part-time jobs, respectively. Total consumer surplus was $5.57 million and $4.46 million on Sardis and Grenada reservoirs, respectively. Last, we used a model that predicted the effect of average spring water levels on total angling effort to estimate resulting changes in economic benefits. Spring angling effort and associated economic benefits peaked at intermediate water levels and declined at both low and high water levels. Future changes in precipitation...
Carbohydrate malabsorption in infants with diarrhea studied with the breath hydrogen test

Fermentation of malabsorbed carbohydrate (CHO) reaching the colon was studied by measuring peak breath hydrogen (H 2 ) production between feedings in 28 H 2 -producing hospitalized infants with diarrhea. Patients who required fewer than six days of hospitalization had lower breach H 2 values when tested soon after admission than those who required longer stays. Patients hospitalized for more than five days had lower H 2 amounts at discharge than on admission. Peak breath H 2 values decreased when glucose was substituted for glucose polymers in formulas, or when the formula was fed by continuous drip via a nasogastric tube instead of by orally administered bolus. Glucose-positive and acidic stools were encountered occasionally and were associated with decreased H 2 levels. The responses of H 2 levels, stool pH, and glucose excretion after changes in patient management or intestinal metabolism of CHO reflect alterations in the balance between proximal intestinal absorption and distal colonic fermentation. Malabsorbed CHO that reaches a competent colon is utilized via microbial conversion, as indicated by high H 2 levels, in the absence of glucose-positive and acidic stools. The presence of glucose in the feces or acidic stools indicates an inability of the colon to completely metabolize and absorb CHO or its products of fermentation.
Low‐frequency sound generation from breaking waves: Experimental measurements and modeling.

The first at‐sea measurements capable of spatially resolving the individual breaking wave contributions at frequencies below 400 Hz, where collective bubble oscillations are believed to be the dominant sound generation mechanism, were conducted in shallow water (200 m) near San Clemente Island in March/April 1995 using a vertical array deployed from the RP/FLIP. The time‐frequency structure of the noise generated from individual breaking waves was obtained using the endfire beam of a vertical array along with optical measurements of the locations, sizes, and lifetimes of those breaking waves. Strong acoustic bursts in time coincidence with the larger breaking wave events were observed. Approximately one‐third of breaking wave source spectra contained large peaks at 40–60 Hz. Additionally, a theoretical model based on the excitation of an entrained bubble cloud by individual point sources is presented to explain the low‐frequency peaks evident in the measured source spectra. Statistical characterizations o...
“MUTATIONAL SYNERGISM” OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT AND CAFFEINE IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

Shankel, Delbert M. (University of Kansas, Lawrence). “Mutational synergism” of ultraviolet light and caffeine in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 84:410–415. 1962.—When ultraviolet-induced mutations of Escherichia coli B/r develop in the presence of caffeine, there is a large increase in mutant numbers. The development of these “extra” mutants is not affected by the presence of normally occurring purines and pyrimidines, azauracil, azathymine, or 5-methyltryptophan, but many of the mutants can be photoreversed. They are “stabilized” or “lost” during the first hour of postirradiation growth. Enzymatically active materials extracted from E. coli cells do not interfere with the caffeine effect, and variation of the growth temperature during the development of the mutations fails to alter the effect. “Prefeeding” the cells with caffeine prior to irradiation does not produce the response. The effect is observable with both stationary-phase and log-phase populations, but is not observable when a relatively high dosage of ultraviolet light is employed.
Malignancies. At the Hospital of Doctor Albert Schweitzer, Lambaréné, Gabon, 1950-1965.

Records from 1950 through 1965 for 64,297 persons seen at the Hospital of Dr. Albert Schweitzer, Lambarene, Gabon (equatorial West Africa) disclose 196 histologically-proven malignancies. Dominated by carcinomas, chiefly of the genitourinary and alimentary tracts, these malignancies also include substantial numbers of lymphomas and sarcomas. Although primary cancers of the liver were found, no evidence was found at Lambarene of certain other tumors prevalent elsewhere in Africa. No nasopharyngeal or esophageal cancers were recorded; further, few malignancies were recorded for young persons, and for children no evidence was found of leukemias or the malignant lymphoma of Burkitt. A near-constant proportion of numbers of malignancies to total numbers of histopathological reports was found throughout the 16-year period 1950–1965; this result does not support the suggestion of an increased general prevalence of malignancies during recent years. Collectively, the data extend the published information for malignancies in equatorial West Africa, and suggest several directions—both clinical and endemiologic—for studies at Lambarene.
Dynamics and mechanisms of CO production from the reactions of CH2 radicals with O(3P) and O2

A cw CO laser has been used to probe the complete CO vibrational energy distributions in the reactions of CH2 radicals with O(3P) and O2 (3∑−g. The CO formed from the reaction with the atom was concluded to be produced via two equally important channels, O + C H 2 → C O + H 2 → C O + 2H , , with an average vibrational energy of 19 kcal/mole, and an approximate vibrational temperature of ≈104K (for v≤12), which is sufficient to account for previously observed CO stimulated emission from O(3P)+CH2. The population inversion derives mainly from the molecular hydrogen elimination channel. In the reaction of CH2 with molecular oxygen, the CO formed is believed to be produced from both a molecular elimination path giving H2O+CO and from two possible atomic or radical production processes, yielding H+CO+OH. We find from analysis of the CO product vibrational energy distribution that 30% of the CO formed is produced via the former path, and 70% is formed from the latter path. This information is important to the detailed kinetic modeling of acetylene and other hydrocarbon combustion systems.
Changes in dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase during spermatogenesis in the rat

Abstract The levels of dolichyl phosphate and 2,3-dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase were determined in seminiferous tubules of prepuberal rats to assess any changes occurring during early stages of spermatogenesis. Dolichyl phosphate increased in concentration two- to threefold from Day 10 to Day 23 after birth. A method was optimized to measure dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthesis from Δ3-[14C]isopentenyl diphosphate and t,t-farnesyl diphosphate in homogenates of seminiferous tubules. Both dehydrodolichyl mono- and diphosphates were observed as products of the in vitro assay. The specific activity of tubular synthase increased twofold between Day 7 and Day 23 and decreased similarly between Day 23 and Day 60. Since there was a parallel increase in the concentration of tubular dolichyl phosphate and dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase activity during early stages of spermatogenesis, it is proposed that the level of dolichyl phosphate may be controlled at least in part by the regulation of de novo dehydrodolichyl diphosphate biosynthesis. The synthase was also solubilized from tubular membranes with deoxycholate and partially purified by chromatography.
Four dimensional matrix that induces the double Gibbs phenomenon

In 1930 Knopp presented the following matrix characterization for the core of ordinary sequences. If A is a nonnegative regular matrix then the core of [Ax] is contained in the core of [x], provided that [Ax] exists. Patterson in 1999 extended Knopp’s results to double sequences via four dimensional matrices. In a manner similar to the Knopp’s and Patterson’s results we present multidimensional extensions of Bustoz’s singular dimensional Gibbs phenomenon results. These results include a notion of what it means for a four dimensional matrix transformation to induce the double Gibbs phenomenon in s. In addition, necessary and sufficient conditions for a four dimensional matrix to induce the double Gibbs phenomenon is also presented.