cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Anisotropy on the Performance Sensitivity of the Mesh-Free Random Grid Method for Whole Field Strain Measurement

The recently developed mesh-free random grid method (MFRGM) has been exhibiting very promising characteristics of accuracy, adaptability, implementation flexibility and efficiency. These are essential features enabling material characterization methodologies that depend on the experimental measurement of displacement and strain fields. The aim of the present paper is to present a sensitivity analysis that aids into determining the effects of the material or loading orientation of an anisotropic medium with an open hole and critical computational parameters characterizing the MFRGM in terms of its accuracy performance. First a brief outline of the MFRGM is provided. A sensitivity analysis based on the effect of the orientation angle of an anisotropic medium with an open hole is presented for a realistic choice of experimental (optical) characteristics. Finally, the effects of the mean dot size and dot distance (that are essential experimental parameters of the method) on the strain fields, are presented.
Prolonging lateral hypothalamic anorexia by tube-feeding.

Abstract Male rats sustaining lateral hypothalamic (LH) lesions were anorexic for approximately one week following surgery. They then maintained their body weight at a reduced level (approximately 20% below controls) for the remainder of an 8-week postlesion period of observation. By tube-feeding another group of LH animals, their body weight was held at a control level for the first week postlesion. Following tube-feeding, these animals were anorexic for several weeks while their body weights declined to the same reduced level as that of the LH animals not tube-fed. For both groups of LH animals, achievement of a lowered weight level, rather than a time-dependent recovery process, appeared to underlie the return of food intake to levels sufficient for maintaining body weight. By impeding the loss of body weight, tube-feeding can thus prolong the duration of LH anorexia.
Generating dark solitons through cross-phase modulation in optical fibers

Dark solitons evolving from a dark pulse, which is induced on a long pulse in the normal group-velocity dispersion range by a bright pulse in the anomalous dispersion range through cross-phase modulation in a single-mode fiber, are numerically observed. In most situations dark-soliton evolution is observed after the copropagating bright pulse is filtered. The number of evolving dark solitons and their parameters, including the depth, shifting speed, and shifting direction, are controlled by the intensity and phase profiles of the induced dark pulse at the position where the bright pulse is filtered. The parameters of the induced dark pulse depend on those of the input bright pulse, the relative speed between the input bright pulse and the long pulse, and the position where the bright pulse is filtered. We obtain numerical results by using the beam-propagation method to solve the coupled nonlinear Schrodinger equations. A dark soliton that was almost a black soliton was generated.
Polarized secretion of lysosomal enzymes: co-distribution of cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptors and lysosomal enzymes along the osteoclast exocytic pathway.

The osteoclast is a polarized cell which secretes large amounts of newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes into an apical extracellular lacuna where bone resorption takes place. Using immunocytochemical techniques, we have localized the cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate (Man6P) receptor and lysosomal enzymes in this cell type in order to determine the expression and distribution of this receptor and its ligands. The results demonstrate that the osteoclast expresses large amounts of immunoreactive cation-independent Man6P receptors, despite the fact that most of the lysosomal enzymes it synthesizes are secreted. The lysosomal enzymes and the receptors are co-distributed along the exocytic pathway, i.e., the endoplasmic reticulum, including the perinuclear envelope, the Golgi stacks as well as numerous small transport vesicles that appear to fuse with the ruffled border membrane. Within the Golgi complex, the receptors and lysosomal enzymes were found distributed in two predominant patterns; (a) in all the cisternae, from cis to trans, or (b) predominantly in cis- and trans-Golgi cisternae, with the middle Golgi cisternae being unstained or depleted in antigen. This pattern suggests that enzymes and receptors traverse the Golgi from cis to trans and preferentially accumulate in cis- and in trans-cisternae. This study therefore suggests that, in the osteoclast, Man6P receptors are involved in the vectorial transport and targeting of newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes, presumably via a constitutive pathway, to the apical membrane where they are secreted into the bone-resorbing compartment. This mechanism could insure polarized secretion of lysosomal enzymes into the bone-resorbing lacuna.
ALKANES FROM SURFACE LIPIDS OF SUNFLOWER STEM WEEVIL, Cylindrocopturus adspersus (LECONTE)

The stem weevil,Cylindrocopturus adspersus (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) yields 3% of its body weight as extractable lipids (40 μg/ weevil). The alkane fraction was composed ofn-alkanes (38%) and branched alkanes (62%). The compounds were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The chromatogram contained several single-component peaks (9 of 25). Only seven dimethylalkanes were isolated (17.8%): 9,19- and 9,21-dimethylheptacosane; 9,19- and 9,21-dimethylnonacosane; 9,21- and 11,21-dimethylhentriacontane; and 11,21-dimethyltritriacontane. Important methylalkanes were: 2-methyltetra- and hexacosanes and 10-methylhexa- and octacosanes. Late-eluting gas chromatography peaks were composed of simple alkane mixtures or a single component.
Teaching Bayes to Graduate Students in Political Science, Sociology, Public Health, Education, Economics, …

I was trying to draw Bert and Ernie the other day, and it was really difficult. I had pictures of them right next to me, but my drawings were just incredibly crude, more "linguistic" than "vi sual" in the sense that I was portraying key aspects of Bert and Ernie but in pictures that didn't look anything like them. I know that drawing is difficult?every once in awhile, I sit for an hour to draw a scene, and it's always a lot of work to get it to look anything like what I'm seeing?but I didn't realize it would be so hard to draw cartoon characters] This got me to thinking about the students in my statistics classes. When I ask them to sketch a scatterplot of data, or to plot some function, they can never draw a realistic-looking pic ture. Their density functions don't go to zero in the tails, the scatter in their scatterplots does not match their standard devia tions, E(y\x) does not equal their regression line, and so forth. For example, when asked to draw a potential scatterplot of earn ings versus height, they have difficulty with the x-axis (most people are between 60 and 75 inches in height) and having the data consistent with the regression line, while having all earn ings be nonnegative. (Yes, it's better to model on the log scale or whatever, but that's not the point of this exercise.) Anyway, the students just can't make these graphs look right, which has always frustrated me. But my Bert and Ernie expe rience suggests that I'm thinking of it the wrong way. Maybe they need lots and lots of practice before they can draw realistic functions and scatterplots. They'll certainly need lots of practice to learn Bayesian methods.
Molten salt destruction of energetic materials: Emission and absorption measurements

Abstract Spectroscopic aspects of decomposition behaviors of the high explosives LX-17 (92.5 wt % 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) plus 1.5 wt % Kel-F 800 plastic binder), LX-04 (85 wt % octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) plus 15 wt % Viton A plastic binder), and 2,6-Dinitrotoluene (DNT) were investigated when 0.3 or 1.0 g samples were immersed into molten salt baths (700 °C molten LiC1-NaC1-KC1 eutectics). UV-VIS absorption measurements provided an indication of intermediate chemical species present in the salt baths during sample decomposition, and measurements of emission spectra allowed temperatures of soot within reacting DNT gas bubbles to be inferred. The soot temperatures were close to calculated values of adiabatic flame temperatures. In addition to advancing fundamental knowledge, these results are of use for aiding in the design of molten-salt reactors.
The relation between nuclear structural changes and the appearance of free deoxyribonucleic acid in irradiated rat thymocytes

Abstract Concurrent with the microscopically visible loss of nuclear structure in irradiated (1000 r of γ-radiation) thymocytes, there is an increase in the amount of acid-insoluble, but saline-soluble DNA, and a parallel decrease in the amount of deoxyribonucleoprotein. The magnitude of these changes can be increased by raising the concentration of inorganic phosphate in the medium. Some compounds and conditions which are known to decrease phosphate uptake, such as 2,4 dinitrophenol, high concentrations of nicotinamide, low temperature or anaerobiosis, inhibit both the nucleoprotein changes and the loss of nuclear structure. It is suggested that inorganic phosphate displaces histone from DNA in the nuclear chromatin granules and that this disruption of the nucleoprotein complex can explain the loss of nuclear structure and the acquisition of saline-solubility by a part of the DNA. In addition, a possible mechanism by which these changes can cause the death of the cell is discussed.
Radiation imposed limits on superconducting magnets: A data base for copper stabilizers

Two of eight differently prepared copper stabilizer samples, previously irradiated in the RTNS-II at LLNL, the IPNS-1 and the BSR at ORNL, have been irradiated to a fluence of 1.33 /times/ 10/sup 22/ n/m/sup 2/ at RTNS-II. During the course of the irradiation the samples were periodically removed (without warming) for measurements of the transverse magnetoresistance and returned for continued irradiation. This experiment extends the range of neutron-irradiation-induced resistivity by a factor of five over the previous experiments. A simple model is developed which reproduces the magnetoresistance results of all the experiments to an accuracy of 2.5%. 13 refs., 6 figs.
Use of surface-controlled REE sectoral zoning in apatite from Llallagua, Bolivia, to determine a single-crystal SmNd age

Abstract Surface-structure controlled partitioning of REEs between symmetrically nonequivalent crystal faces leads to sectoral zoning between the {0001} and {1010} sectors of vein-filling apatites from Llallagua, Bolivia. Absolute differences in the concentration of the analyzed REEs between these sectors range from a factor of 9.5 in the case of La to a factor of 1.4 for Yb. The two sectors have different concentrations of Sm and Nd as well as significantly different Sm/Nd ratios ( Δ 147 Sm/ 144 Nd= 0.3558 ). A Sm Nd isochron determined from petrographically constrained coeval portions of different sectors gives an age of 43.8 ± 4.7 Ma (95% confidence limits). We believe that this calculated age represents the time of crystallization of the apatite. The application of intracrystalline heterogeneities, that formed due to differential partitioning at the crystal surface, to dating of minerals is germane for any mineral in which sectoral or intrasectoral zoning is exhibited, and may be used with other isotopic systems in which sufficient segregation of parent and daughter nuclides occurs and in which concentrations are sufficient for analysis of small intracrystalline samples.
Effect of total body x-irradiation on glutathione levels in rats.

SummaryA study has been made of blood and liver glutathione after 500 r total body x-irradiation. The data show first, that irradiation generally causes a decrease in blood glutathione; and second, in some cases, a decrease in liver glutathione.
Evaluation of Coles' turbulent compressible boundary layer theory.

In conclusion, the relationships linking the pressure gradient, heat, and mass transfer at corresponding stations have been determined and the necessity of PJJL = const shown in the context of Coles' transformation when applied to boundary layers. These laws, when applied to a self-similar boundary-layer flow, are shown to yield a set of necessary conditions for self-similarity. The results are limited by the applicability of the boundary-layer equations, the assumption regarding (bufay)w(bvfoy)w for the high-speed flow, and the conjecture regarding the independence of the pressure gradient and mass transfer.
Endothelin‐1 Concentrations in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Cats with Experimentally Induced Asthma

Background There is a need for biomarkers for diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and prognosis for asthma in cats. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory airway diseases in other species but not the cat. Objective To conduct a prospective experimental study to show that experimentally asthmatic cats, but not control cats without airway inflammation, would have increased concentrations of ET in BALF. Animals Eleven healthy, adult research cats. Methods Prospective experimental study. Six healthy cats without airway inflammation were used as controls. Asthma was induced using Bermuda grass allergen (BGA) in 5 cats. Collection of BALF for total nucleated cell and differential counts was performed. The concentration of ET-1 in cell-free BALF samples was determined. Data were analyzed using a Mann–Whitney U-test with P < .05 considered significant. Results The median [range] BALF total cell numbers, eosinophil numbers, and eosinophil percentages were significantly higher in the cats following experimental induction of asthma (1,870 cells/μL [1,450–3,440], 711 cells/μL [356–1,686] and 38% [20–49]) compared to baseline control parameters (462 cells/μL [239–780], 18 cells/μL [18–62] and 3.5% [0–8]) (P < .01). The median [range] BALF ET concentration was also significantly higher after induction of asthma (1.393 fmol/mL[0.977–2.247]) compared to healthy control cats (0.83250 fmol/mL [0.625–1.038]) (P = .012). Conclusions and Clinical Importance This study suggests that BAL ET-1 concentration can be used to differentiate normal cats from those with experimentally induced asthma. If the same holds true for cats with naturally developing asthma, BAL ET-1 may prove a useful diagnostic biomarker for asthma.
Future of laser biostimulation in America today: microlight 830

For the last two years we have been investigating the use of a 830 nanometer laser for low level laser therapy in chronic pain syndromes. This laser is of low energy and by definition is low level therapy (a laser output which does not exceed 100 milliwatts). This wave length has been carefully selected to be in the 'window' of wavelengths between 650 and 900 nanometers. At this level, the laser energy will penetrate the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous layers to the deep tissue. The tissue effect of this laser energy is not thermal but rather a stimulation of micro-circulation with a secondary effect of blocking pain enzymes and activation of the synthesis of endorphin enzymes. We have experience with approximately 75 patients who have been treated with low level laser therapy. We have engaged in a double- blind study at several General Motors facilities in Michigan to determine the effectiveness of low level laser therapy in this inflammatory condition. Repetitive injuries in the work place have moved from 18% of industrial accidents in 1981 to 52% in 1989. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the number one economic problem in occupational medicine. It is true that 15% of the employees of American automotive plants have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This large number of patients have been treated in the past by standard physiotherapy treatment modalities and ultimately by surgery for failure of conservative therapy. Incidence of 'return to work activities' has been low. We intend to show that low level laser therapy may afford a positive solution to this problem not only therapeutically but prophylactically. Indications for treatment are Chronic Pain Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome of mild to moderate degree.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
From finitary to infinitary second‐order logic

A back and forth condition on interpretations for those second-order languages without functional variables whose non-logical vocabulary is finite and excludes functional constants is presented. It is shown that this condition is necessary and sufficient for the interpretations to be equivalent in the language. When applied to second-order languages with an infinite non-logical vocabulary, excluding functional constants, the back and forth condition is sufficient but not necessary. It is shown that there is a class of infinitary second-order languages whose non-logical vocabulary is infinite for which the back and forth condition is both necessary and sufficient. It is also shown that some applications of the back and forth construction for second-order languages can be extended to the infinitary second-order languages. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
alpha-Hydroxylation of fatty acid in brain. Effects of cerebroside components on the synthesis of cerebronic acid.

Abstract The synthesis of cerebronic acid from lignoceric acid by rat brain postnuclear fraction is stimulated by sphingosine and psychosine (galactosyl sphingosine), which are the long chain bases of cerebrosides. Maximum stimulation by sphingosine occurred at 80 μM and by psychosine at 160 μM. A further increase in concentration of either of these bases decreased the degree of the stimulation. All newly synthesized cerebronic acid is found as a component of ceramide and cerebroside with or without the addition of these bases. When radioactive psychosine ([6- 3 H]galactosyl sphingosine) was added to the incubation mixture, the incorporation of 3 H into cerebroside was much less than would be expected if psychosine acts as the acceptor of the newly synthesized cerebronic acid. threo -Psychosine (a diastereomer of the naturally occurring compound) stimulated the α-hydroxylation of lignoceric acid as much as erythro -psychosine (the natural form), while glucosyl sphingosine showed only a slight stimulation. d -Cerebronic acid, the naturally occurring isomer and the product of the α-hydroxylation, strongly inhibited the α-hydroxylation. On the other hand, l -cerebronic acid (the enantiomorph of naturally occurring cerebronic acid) and 2-hydroxypalmitic acid (which is not a detectable brain cerebroside component) did not inhibit the reaction. Free cerebronic acid did not accumulate in the system even in the presence of a large excess of d -cerebronic acid. d -[1- 14 C]Cerebronic acid which was added to the incubation system, was not incorporated into ceramide or cerebroside under these conditions. These findings suggest that the newly synthesized cerebronic acid is incorporated into sphingolipids without being released as free acid.
Soup or Art? The role of evidential force in empirical software engineering

Software project managers' decisions should be based on solid evidence, not on common wisdom or vendor hype. What distinguishes the science from the art is the way in which we as managers and practitioners make decisions, by forming rational arguments from the evidence we have - evidence that comes both from our experience and from related research. That is, we move from the part to the whole, examining the body of evidence to determine what we know about the best ways to build good software. This view isn't particular to software engineering or even to mathematical sciences; it's what characterizes good science in general. This article examines the ways in which careful understanding of argumentation and evidence can lead to more effective empirical software engineering - and ultimately to better decision making and higher-quality software products and processes.
Why do Californian striders fly

Discerning the adaptive significance of migratory strategies poses significant challenges, not the least of which is measuring migratory capability in natural populations. We take advantage of a visible migratory dimorphism to study variation in migratory capability in the stream-dwelling water strider, Aquarius remigis. Theory predicts loss of migratory capability in this species because streams have been viewed as stable and persistent habitats. As expected, A. remigis lack wings throughout most of North America. However, Californian populations are noted for unexpectedly high frequencies of winged, migratory morphs. To deduce the adaptive significance of this anomalous regional variation, we compare proportion winged among 37 Californian populations. We discover a strong, positive correlation with altitude, but no correlations with latitude, rainfall or stream size. A common garden experiment reveals that both proportion winged and its reaction norm to temperature differ genetically among populations, and a half-sibling experiment demonstrates that wing morph has high heritability, moderate genetic correlations across environments and a significant genotype by environment interaction. These results support the hypothesis that proportion winged and its reaction norm to temperature have diverged genetically in California. We conclude that high migratory capability is an evolutionary adaptation to the unusual harshness and instability of Californian stream habitats, and particularly to the high elevational gradients and extreme seasonal variation characteristic of montane streams.
Effect of systemic lidocaine on visceral and somatic nociception in conscious horses.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Commonly used analgesics (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, opioids and α2-agonists) have unwanted side effects. An effective alternative with minimal adverse effects would benefit clinical equine pain management. Objectives: To compare the effect of lidocaine or saline on duodenal and rectal distension threshold pressure and somatic thermal threshold in conscious mature horses. Hypothesis: Systemically administered lidocaine would increase somatic and visceral nociceptive thresholds. Methods: Lidocaine (2 mg/kg bwt bolus followed by 50 μg/kg bwt/min for 2 h) or saline was administered to 6 horses each carrying a permanently implanted gastric cannula, in a randomised, blinded cross-over design. Thermal threshold was measured using a probe containing a heater element placed over the withers which supplied heat until the horse responded. A barostatically controlled intraduodenal balloon was distended until a discomfort response was obtained. A rectal balloon was inflated until extruded or signs of discomfort noted. Results: Thermal threshold was increased significantly 30 and 90 mins after the start of lidocaine infusion. There was no change in duodenal distension pressure and a small but clinically insignificant change in colorectal distension pressure in the lidocaine group. Conclusions: At the dose used, systemically administered lidocaine produced thermal antinociception but minimal changes in visceral nociception. Potential relevance: At these doses, lidocaine may play a role in somatic analgesia in horses.
Crystallization and crystal packing analysis of DNA oligonucleotides

Abstract There are now over 30 DNA oligonucleotides that have been crystallized and their structure determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. From these studies there is a new wealth of information available to us concerning the fine details of the conformation of DNA molecules and their interactions with other ligands such as antitumor drugs and ions. In addition, the intensive efforts in attempting to crystallize many DNA fragments from several laboratories have resulted in a considerable amount of data related to the crystallization conditions for DNA molecules. Various factors such as the types of metal ion, precipitant, buffer and pH all play important roles in obtaining suitable crystals. We have also analyzed the packings of DNA molecules in the crystal lattice and found that they can be arranged into four different general categories. Those four types of packing interactions are: (1) base-base stacking plus intermolecular hydrogen bonds such as in the crystals of Z-DNA, daunomycin/DNA complex, triostin A/DNA complex, etc.; (2) base pair/A-DNA minor groove stacking, as in several DNA oligomer crystals in the A-DNA conformation; (3) guanine-guanine pairing in the minor groove of B-DNA dodecamers; (4) miscellaneous hydrogen bonding and stacking interactions. Many of those intermolecular interactions are examined in details and their possible biological relevance is discussed.
Withdrawal characteristics following chronic pentobarbital dosing in cat

Abstract Experiments were performed to provide a quantitative description of the barbiturate withdrawal syndrome. Physical dependence was produced in 63 cats by ‘maximally tolerable’ dosing with sodium pentobarbital. After 5 weeks of chronic treatment each animal was placed in an activity monitoring cage and observed closely for signs of barbiturate abstinence. Electroencephalographic monitoring of sleep—wake cycles was performed in 5 of these cats. Most withdrawal signs appeared on 12–18 h and rapidly intensified. These included signs of neural hyper-excitability that involved motor, autonomic and behavioral function. Data are presented describing the incidence, severity and time course of many withdrawal signs. 26 animals (41%) died during abstinence, usually during or immediately following grand mal type convulsions. The importance of quantitating withdrawal phenomena is discussed with respect to investigation of the requirements for physical dependency production, comparison of different drug dependencies, and pre-clinical evaluation of potential treatments of sedative-hypnotic dependence.
Ultra-short pulsed laser ablation of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite

Abstract Highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) targets were irradiated by use of an ultra-short pulsed (pico to femtosecond) Ti:Sapphire laser operating at 825-nm wavelength. The morphology and quality of laser ablated surfaces were characterized by stylus profilometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman spectroscopy. The results were also compared with those obtained in nanosecond pulsed excimer laser ablation. The ablation rates expressed in depth per pulse were substantially higher for ultra-short pulsed lasers, and were in close agreement with the theoretical model predictions of laser–solid interactions in the short-pulse regime. Post-analysis of laser irradiated regions revealed a reduction in thermal effects and a decrease in the formation of diamond-like carbon as the pulse width was shortened. This work demonstrates the clean and precise machining capabilities of ultra-short pulsed lasers for HOPG that could be applied in the areas of thin-film deposition, nanotube synthesis, and dust-free machining.
Type 2 Cardiorenal Syndrome in the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Population

Purpose Type 2 Cardiorenal Syndrome after LVAD has not been well evaluated in patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support. It has been observed over time that a subset of patients continues to develop worsening renal function over time despite maximal medical therapy and LVAD support. It also appears that these patients maintain higher Doppler pressure recordings over time despite aggressive blood pressure management. Methods and Materials We performed a retrospective chart review of all 27 Destination Therapy patients who survived more than one year after HeartMate II implantation between 2008 and 2011. Doppler pressure readings were obtained via manual blood pressure cuff and Doppler Ultrasound and recorded at time of discharge after LVAD implantation and again at one year follow up visit. Renal function was assessed via Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation to estimate GFR at time of discharge and again at one year follow up. Results The mean Doppler pressure recorded at time of discharge post-LVAD implantation was 86.2 mm Hg. The mean doppler pressure recorded at one year post implant was 98.3 mm Hg (p = 0.0191). The mean GFR at time of discharge was 96.28 + 5.99 ml/min while at one year was 71.30 ml/min (p= 0.015). The average increase in beta blocker dose over one year was 82% (p = 0.0091). The average increase in ACE/ARB dose over one year was 114% (p=0.08, NS). Conclusions Cardiorenal Syndrome in the LVAD population is not well understood. We have demonstrated that there is a statistically significant decline in GFR to stage II Chronic Kidney Disease, with a simultaneous rise in doppler pressure over one year in patients after LVAD implantation. It is unclear if the continuous flow LVADs contribute to this phenomenon and what role the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis may play in this patient population, suggesting that further investigation is required.
Mathematical logic: Tool and object lesson for science

The object lesson concerns the passage from the foundational aims for which various branches of modern logic were originally developed to the discovery of areas and problems for which logical methods are effective tools. The main point stressed here is that this passage did not consist of successive refinements, a gradual evolution by adaptation as it were, but required radical changes of direction, to be compared to evolution by migration. These conflicts are illustrated by reference to set theory, model theory, recursion theory, and proof theory. At the end there is a brief autobiographical note, including the touchy point to what extent the original aims of logical foundations are adequate for the broad question of the heroic tradition in the philosophy of mathematics concerned with the ‘nature’ of the latter or, in modern jargon, with the architecture of mathematics and our intuitive resonances to it.
Field performance of Populus expressing somaclonal variation in resistance to Septoria musiva

Over 1500 trees from two hybrid poplar clones regenerated from tissue culture and expressing somatic variation in leaf disease resistance in a laboratory leaf disk bioassay were field-tested for 5-11 years to examine their resistance to Septoria leaf spot and canker and to assess their growth characteristics compared with the source clones. Somaclones expressed a wide range of disease reactions and growth rates. Generally, the leaf disk bioassay did not predict the resistance of the trees to stern cankers in the field; however, several selected somaclones outperformed the source clones. Results from this study indicate that somaclonal selection for desirable tree traits, such as disease resistance in Populus , may be feasible if a highly effective selective bioassay can be employed and if the trait is stable in the field. Cell and tissue culture conditions themselves apparently increased the growth rate of some of the regenerated trees compared with the source clones. At this time the cause of the random variation in disease resistance and tree growth is unknown and obtaining disease resistance in Populus using somaclonal selection is difficult and unpredictable.
Mechanism for SOFC anode degradation from hydrogen sulfide exposure

Recent results on solid oxide fuel cells with Ni/YSZ and Ni/GDC anodes reveal a mechanism for permanent performance degradation due to hydrogen sulfide exposure. Our results confirm the temporary performance decline observed by others but also reveal a mechanism for the long term permanent degradation. We find that hydrogen sulfide leads to nickel migration and depletion in the anode, thereby compromising electrical conductivity and cell performance.
Superconductivity in Th-Zr alloys

Abstract Using a fast-quenching technique, a wide range (40–80 at.% Zr) of the body-centred cubic phase is retained for the Th-Zr system. The super-conducting transition temperatures of this phase are higher than those of the close-packed Th-rich or Zr-rich solid solutions.
Design processes and their results

Abstract The approach followed and mental reasoning of engineers while engaged in designing (creating or restructuring a system or artifact) are subject to assumptions which are shown to be unacceptable. The ineffective results of the design process are also demonstrated by many widely available indices. This is caused in part by the limited objectives engineers usually believe govern their work. Effectiveness of recommended solutions must be balanced with the likelihood of implementation and the effectiveness of resources used in design. Many studies of expert and successful engineers and planners indicate that a different approach should be followed. Seven principles emerging from this research suggest how the design method could be modified into a realistic “architecturing” process to meet all three objectives.
Polarized electroabsorption spectroscopy of MEH-PPV oriented by gel processing in polyethylene: polarization anisotropy, the off-axis dipole moment and excited state delocalization

Summary form only given. We present the polarized electric field modulation spectra of dilute blends of MEH-PPV oriented in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, PE. The polarized electroabsorption spectra of the oriented blend demonstratesa field-induced nonlinear refractive index anisotropy in excess of 150:1, with preferred polarization parallel to the draw axis. Because of the orientation, the enhanced order and the dilution of the MEH-PPV conjugated polymer in the polyethylene matrix, the MEH-PPV/PE blend is an ideal system in which to investigate the intrinsic linear and nonlinear optical properties of oriented conjugated polymer chains. The absorption is directly proportional to the imaginary part of X/sup (10)/(w), and the electroabsorption is directly proportional to the imaginary part of X/sup (3)/(w, 0, 0) of the ordered MEH-PPV /spl pi/-electron system. The optical data obtained from the oriented blends is therefore directly relevant to existing theoretical models which do not account for disorder. Using a model for the off-axis transition dipole moment of the conjugated polymer, which is based on the measured off-axis transition dipole moment of transstilbene and the geometric structure of MEH-PPV, we demonstrate that the observed anisotropy of 150:1 in the field-induced absorption requires that the instantaneous excited state wavefunctions are delocalized over a minimum of 50 unit cells (400 /spl Aring/).
A cost-analysis of adopting a healthful diet in a family-based obesity treatment program

Abstract Objective To assess dietary costs during a family-based pediatric obesity intervention. Design Families were randomized to one of two groups. Dietary and cost data were collected from a parent or child using three 24-hour recalls: at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Subjects Thirty-one families with an obese 8- to 12-year-old child entered treatment, with complete dietary data provided from 20 families. Intervention The 20-week behavior modification intervention emphasized increasing diet nutrient-density. Families attended group and individual sessions or group sessions. Main outcome measures Energy intake; percent of energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrate; servings and percent servings from food groups classified by nutrient density; and daily food costs. Statistical analyses performed Mixed analyses of variance, with group as the between-subject factor, and time as the within-subject factor. Results No significant effect of group was found in any analyses. Significant decreases in percent overweight were observed at 6 and 12 months for children (−10.0±8.7 and −8.0±10.3, respectively) (mean±standard deviation) and parents (−6.7±10.3 and −5.3±14.1). Energy intake for parents and children combined significantly decreased from baseline (1,881±462) to 6 months (1,412±284), and 1 year (1,338±444). Servings from low-nutrient-dense foods significantly decreased from baseline (34.7±16.2) to 6 months (16.0±8.6) and 1 year (18.6±9.2), causing a significant increase in diet nutrient density. Dietary cost did not change at 6 months, but significantly decreased from baseline to 1 year ($6.77±2.41 to $5.04±1.80). Cost per 1,000 kcal did not significantly change. Applications/Conclusions Adopting a lower-energy, nutrient-dense diet did not increase dietary costs over time. Consequently, cost should not be a barrier in the adoption of a healthful diet. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:645–650, 655–656 .
Pseudomonas Corneoscleral Ulcers

We studied four cases of Pseudomonas corneal ulcers that extended into the sclera despite intensive antibiotic treatment. All four cases required eventual enucleation or evisceration. In addition to the expected limbal perforations and acute endophthalmitis, histopathologic examinations showed scleral necrosis with underlying inflammation in the supraciliary space in three of the four cases. Once Pseudomonas corneal infection has extended into the sclera, we have found that medical treatment is not effective.
Relative spectral sensitivity and reverse purkinje shift in identified L neurons of the ocellar retina

1. The relative spectral sensitivities of identified large second order neurons (L neurons) of the dragonfly ocellus have been examined with dye filled intracellular microelectrodes placed in the brain. 2. Representative L neurons of the four geometric classes present in the median ocellar nerve show essentially similar waveforms in response to white, green and UV light. 3. Details of the retinal projections of these four neuron classes have been established. 4. L neurons exhibit a marked reverse Purkinje shift at low light intensities. Green sensitivity (485 nm) decreased relative to UV sensitivity (360 nm) as the intensity of illumination increased. At a mean intensity of 1.78 × 1012 photons cm−2 s−1 the L neurons are equally sensitive to UV and green light. 5. The reverse Purkinje shift is discussed in relation to data previously obtained for dragonfly receptor cell spectral sensitivity and in relation to its possible functional significance.
Patient-specific models of cardiac biomechanics

Patient-specific models of cardiac function have the potential to improve diagnosis and management of heart disease by integrating medical images with heterogeneous clinical measurements subject to constraints imposed by physical first principles and prior experimental knowledge. We describe new methods for creating three-dimensional patient-specific models of ventricular biomechanics in the failing heart. Three-dimensional bi-ventricular geometry is segmented from cardiac CT images at end-diastole from patients with heart failure. Human myofiber and sheet architecture is modeled using eigenvectors computed from diffusion tensor MR images from an isolated, fixed human organ-donor heart and transformed to the patient-specific geometric model using large deformation diffeomorphic mapping. Semi-automated methods were developed for optimizing the passive material properties while simultaneously computing the unloaded reference geometry of the ventricles for stress analysis. Material properties of active cardiac muscle contraction were optimized to match ventricular pressures measured by cardiac catheterization, and parameters of a lumped-parameter closed-loop model of the circulation were estimated with a circulatory adaptation algorithm making use of information derived from echocardiography. These components were then integrated to create a multi-scale model of the patient-specific heart. These methods were tested in five heart failure patients from the San Diego Veteran's Affairs Medical Center who gave informed consent. The simulation results showed good agreement with measured echocardiographic and global functional parameters such as ejection fraction and peak cavity pressures.
Committee Property Rights, Executive Dominance, and Political Parties in Latin American Legislatures

Motivated by theories of congressional committees in the US context, and building on the growing body of work focusing on the institutional features of legislatures in Latin American presidential systems, this paper explores two previously overlooked aspects of committee politics. Using comparative data from three Latin American countries, it examines the strategic and jurisdictional dynamics in which chamber leaders assign bills to committees and then investigate the factors affecting presidential and partisan success within committees. In general, the authors find that committees have strong property rights and that characteristics of both bills and bill initiators strongly influence the survival of legislation in committee. The results shed light on the effects of institutional design on the policy process in presidential systems.
What Is Forensic Psychology, Anyway?

The issue of how “forensic psychology” is defined has taken on a new urgency in the context of an application to have forensic psychology designated a “specialty” by the American Psychological Association. To provide a historical perspective, I briefly review early attempts to apply psychological concepts to legal issues, beginning with the McNaughten trial in England in 1843. I then review current conceptualizations of forensic psychology, which have either a broad focus on all psychology–law interactions or focus more narrowly on clinical applications to the legal system. Potential advantages and disadvantages of each conceptualization are briefly discussed. After touching upon the major differences in the “cultures” of psychology and of law, I discuss three law-related areas of contemporary controversy: use of clinically based evidence in the courtroom, “recovered” memories of child abuse, and the use of the criteria-based content analysis technique to evaluate children's claims of sexual abuse. Issues concerning the education and training of psychology–law scholars and practitioners are briefly surveyed. I conclude that a broad conceptualization of forensic psychology is important in terms of relevant ethical standards, but that a more narrow distinction that differentiates between clinicians and researchers or legal scholars also is useful.
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine’s (MDMA’s) Impact on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Objective: Review the current literature assessing the role of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Data Sources: OVID MEDLINE search (1960-February 2014) using the terms MDMA, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Molly, and Ecstasy crossed with posttraumatic stress disorder with backwards citation tracking using references from procured articles. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English language studies assessing MDMA in patients with PTSD. Data Synthesis: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted along with follow-up open-label and extension evaluations. In the 3 RCTs, therapy with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is promising, with reductions in PTSD rating scale scores (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Severity of Symptoms Scale for PTSD Scale), although 2 of 3 trials did not show significant results, and all three had methodological limitations. The direction of effect for all trials was toward benefit in patients who were refractory to other...
A network decomposition approach for approximating the steady-state behavior of Markovian multi-echelon reparable item inventory systems

We develop a method for obtaining approximate steady-state probabilities for large multi-echelon reparable item inventory systems modeled as non-Jacksonian Markovian networks with finite state space. The approximation involves decomposing the network model into smaller overlapping local subnetwork models, solving them in “isolation” and iterating back and forth among the subnetwork models until convergence is obtained. Numerical results show that the method is quite accurate and efficient for this application.
Prion clearance in bigenic mice.

The clearance of prions from the brain was investigated in bigenic mice designated Tg(tTA : PrP+/0)3, in which expression of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) was regulated by oral doxycycline administration. With suppression of PrPC expression, the incubation time for RML prions was prolonged almost threefold from ∼150 to ∼430 days. To determine the clearance rate of disease-causing PrPSc, bigenic mice were given oral doxycycline beginning 98 days after inoculation with RML prions and sacrificed at various time points over the subsequent 56 days. The half-life (t 1/2) for PrPSc was ∼1·5 days in mouse brain, in reasonable agreement with the apparent t 1/2 of 30 h that was determined in a separate study for scrapie-infected mouse neuroblastoma (ScN2a) cells in culture. Both protease-sensitive and -resistant conformers of PrPSc were cleared at the same rate. The t 1/2 value for PrPC clearance from brain was ∼18 h, which was considerably longer than the t 1/2 of 5 h found in ScN2a cells. The capability of the brain to clear prions raises the possibility that PrPSc is normally made at low levels and continually cleared, and that PrPSc may have a function in cellular metabolism. Moreover, these bigenic mice make it possible to determine both components of PrPSc accumulation, i.e. the rates of formation and clearance, for various strains of prions exhibiting different incubation times.
A Unified Approach to Serial Search Spread-Spectrum Code Acquisition--Part II: A Matched-Filter Receiver

The unified theory developed in Part I [1] is employed here in the analysis of a noncoherent, matched-filter (fast-decision-rate) code acquisition receiver in a direct-sequence spread-spectrum system. The results illustrate the dynamic dependence of the mean acquisition time on system parameters, such as the predetection signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the decision threshold settings, and the ratio of the decision rate to the code rate.
Measuring the Value of Review of Pathology Material by a Second Pathologist

In many departments, some cases are reviewed routinely by a second pathologist within the same department before sign-out. The value of this practice is not known. We reviewed and compared the disagreement and amendment rates for cases reviewed by 1 or more pathologists based on the results of blinded review. A total of 8,363 cases underwent blinded review, and of these, 1,087 (13.0%) were reviewed by more than 1 pathologist before sign-out. The disagreement rate for cases reviewed by more than 1 pathologist (4.8%) was significantly lower than for cases reviewed by only 1 pathologist (6.9%; P = .004). The amendment rate decreased to 0.0% from 0.5%, but this decrease was not statistically significant (P = .12). Review of material by a second pathologist before sign-out is associated with a lower disagreement rate. These results suggest second review of surgical pathology is of value, but the best selection of cases to be reviewed remains to be defined.
The Adequacy of Tools for Assessing Reading Competence: A Framework and Review:

Assessment of student performance is critical for developing effective instructional policy and designing programs responsive to individual students’ needs. To gauge the adequacy of available assessment tools for achieving these ends, the Reading First Assessment Committee (RFAC) developed criteria for evaluating the adequacy of reading measures for use in kindergarten through Grade 3 and applied those criteria to a sample of prominently used assessments (Kame’enui et al., 2002). The authors describe the RFAC’s framework, outline its process for judging the technical merits of reading measures, and comment on the current state of assessment tools available to practitioners for supporting effective reading instruction in the primary grades.