cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative discrimination between geological materials with variable density contrast by high resolution X-ray computed tomography: An example using amygdule size-distribution in ancient lava flows

The bubble-size distribution in 2.7 billion year old lava flows can be used as a proof of concept illustrating a new set of techniques for measuring volumes of geological materials with variable density contrasts using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography. Such studies have been limited in the past to high-contrast situations such as vesicles devoid of secondary fill. We present a new dynamic thresholding method for computationally separating amygdules from their basaltic matrix in X-ray images that is based on a technique used in seismology. The technique is sensitive to the gradient of the gray-scale value, rather than an absolute threshold value often applied to an entire set of X-ray images. Additionally, we present statistical methods for extrapolating the volumetric measurement mean and standard deviation of amygdules in the measured samples to the entire population in the flow. To do so, we create additional amygdule sample sets from the original sample set in the process of 'bootstrap' resampling, and use the Central Limit Theorem to calculate the mean and standard deviation of the amygdule population from these sample sets. This suite of methods allows the extension of bubble-size distribution studies typically done on modern flows to the ancient rock record and potentially has many other uses in geosciences where quantitative discrimination between materials with a range of densities is required.
Origin of collectivity in heavy ion collisions

Abstract Collective flow observables at SPS and RHIC are studied. The question on the origin of collectivity is addressed by detailed analysis of transport models.
The methods of reflexivity.

Abstract This paper will explore different uses of the term reflexivity in qualitative research. After discussing the foundational role of phenomenology and hermeneutics in the practices of reflexivity, this paper will present four methodological approaches to reflexivity. Distinctions will be made between personal reflexivity, interpersonal reflexivity, methodological reflexivity, and contextual reflexivity, and examples of research from each perspective will be presented. It will be argued that integration of these perspectives is possible thanks to their common foundation in phenomenology and henneneutics, and an example of such integration in practice will be provided.
Building Biocompatible Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering of the Brain and Spinal Cord

Tissue engineering strategies employing biomaterials have made great progress in the last few decades. However, the tissues of the brain and spinal cord pose unique challenges due to a separate immune system and their nature as soft tissue. Because of this, neural tissue engineering for the brain and spinal cord may require re-establishing biocompatibility and functionality of biomaterials that have previously been successful for tissue engineering in the body. The goal of this review is to briefly describe the distinctive properties of the central nervous system, specifically the neuroimmune response, and to describe the factors which contribute to building polymer hydrogels compatible with this tissue. These factors include polymer chemistry, polymerization and degradation, and the physical and mechanical properties of the hydrogel. By understanding the necessities in making hydrogels biocompatible with tissue of the brain and spinal cord, tissue engineers can then functionalize these materials for repairing and replacing tissue in the central nervous system.
Immunochemical characterization of antibodies to the myelin proteolipid protein (PLP)

The immunochemical specificity of antibodies raised against the bovine myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) and a series of PLP synthetic peptides was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot analyses. Polyclonal rabbit anti-bovine PLP antibodies were cross-reactive with PLP isolated from rat, monkey, and human CNS white matter, as well as with PLP incorporated into rat myelin vesicles. Immunochemical analyses of 11 anti-peptide antisera revealed a more restrictive cross-reactivity pattern with only five of the 11 antisera, against peptides encompassing residues 48-59, 97-105, 183-193, 192-200 and 264-276, cross-reacting with bovine PLP by ELISA. Immunoblot analyses with the anti-peptide antisera demonstrated a similar recognition with four of the 11 antisera against peptides 48-59, 97-105, 192-200 and 264-276 recognizing the myelin PLP. These data suggest that, despite its strong phylogenetic conservation, multiple antigenic sites exist within the PLP molecule, and some of these determinants can be mimicked by synthetic peptides. However, the restrictive cross-reactivities of the anti-peptide antisera suggest that humoral recognition of the myelin PLP is conformationally dependent. The availability of anti-peptide antibodies of predetermined specificity, capable of recognizing the intact protein, should permit detailed examination of PLP topography in various experimental systems.
Unusually Long Duration, Multiple-Doppler Radar Observations of a Front in a Convective Boundary Layer

Abstract Dual-Doppler observations acquired by a network of mobile radars deployed in the Oklahoma panhandle on 3 June 2002 are used to document the kinematic structure and evolution of a front. The data were collected during the International H2O Project on a mission to study the initiation of deep convection. Synchronized scanning allowed for the synthesis of three-dimensional wind fields for nearly 5.5 h of the 1557–0000 UTC period. The front initially moved southward as a cold front, stalled, and later retreated northward as a warm front. Deep convection failed to be initiated along the front. In situ thermodynamic measurements obtained by a mobile mesonet were used to document changes in the density gradient at the surface. This paper examines the relationships among the changes in baroclinity, the thermally direct frontal circulation, updraft intensity, alongfront updraft variability, and the intensity of vortices along the front. Increases in the front-normal density gradient tended to be associate...
Oblique lateral radiographs and bitewings; estimation of organ doses in head and neck region with Monte Carlo calculations

Objectives:When bitewing radiographs are not possible (e.g. patients with special needs), oblique lateral radiographs may offer an alternative. The aims of this study were to assess the impact of horizontal projection angulation, focus-to-skin distance, exposure time and age of the patient on the equivalent radiation dose of several organs in the head and neck region by means of personal computer X-ray Monte Carlo (PCXMC) calculations and to assess the dose obtained from conventional bitewing radiographs.Methods:PCXMC v. 2.0 software (STUK®, Helsinki, Finland) was used to estimate the equivalent radiation doses and the total effective dose. Three exposure times, five age categories, two focus-to-skin distances and eight horizontal geometric angulations were assumed. The organs involved were the thyroid gland, oesophagus, salivary glands, bone marrow, oral mucosa, skull, cervical spine and skin. A similar calculation was also performed for bitewings taken with a rectangular collimator.Results and conclusio...
Radioiodinated aza-diphenylacetylenes as potential SPECT imaging agents for β-amyloid plaque detection

Two new iodinated fluoro- and hydroxy-pegylated aza-diphenylacetylene derivatives, 1 and 2, targeting beta-amyloid (Abeta) plaques have been successfully prepared. In vitro binding carried out in tissue homogenates prepared from postmortem AD brains with [(125)I]IMPY (6-iodo-2-(4'-dimethylamino)phenyl-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine) as the radioligand indicated good binding affinities (K(i)=9.2 and 16.8 nM for 1 and 2, respectively). Brain penetrations of the corresponding radioiodinated ligands, evaluated in the normal mice, showed good initial brain penetrations (3.55% and 5.67% ID/g for [(125)I]1 and [(125)I]2 at 2 min post-injection). The washout from normal mice brain was relatively fast (0.33% and 0.91% ID/g at 2h post-injection). The specific binding of these radioiodinated ligands to beta-amyloid plaques was clearly demonstrated using film autoradiography of AD brain sections. Taken together, these preliminary results strongly suggest that these novel iodinated aza-diphenylacetylenes may be potentially useful for imaging Abeta plaques in the living human brain.
Production technology for entomopathogenic nematodes and their bacterial symbionts.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis) kill insects with the aid of mutualistic bacteria. The nematode-bacteria complex is mass produced for use as biopesticides using in vivo or in vitro methods, i.e., solid or liquid fermentation. In vivo production (culture in live insect hosts) is low technology, has low startup costs, and resulting nematode quality is high, yet cost efficiency is low. In vitro solid culture, i.e., growing the nematodes and bacteria on crumbled polyurethane foam, offers an intermediate level of technology and costs. In vivo production and solid culture may be improved through innovations in mechanization and streamlining. In vitro liquid culture is the most cost-efficient production method but requires the largest startup capital and nematode quality may be reduced. Liquid culture may be improved through progress in media development, nematode recovery, and bioreactor design. A variety of formulations is available to facilitate nematode storage and application.
Phospholipase D2 (PLD2) Shortens the Time Required for Myeloid Leukemic Cell Differentiation MECHANISM OF ACTION

Cell differentiation is compromised in acute leukemias. We report that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S6 kinase (S6K) are highly expressed in the undifferentiated promyelomonocytic leukemic HL-60 cell line, whereas PLD2 expression is minimal. The expression ratio of PLD2 to mTOR (or to S6K) is gradually inverted upon in vitro induction of differentiation toward the neutrophilic phenotype. We present three ways that profoundly affect the kinetics of differentiation as follows: (i) simultaneous overexpression of mTOR (or S6K), (ii) silencing of mTOR via dsRNA-mediated interference or inhibition with rapamycin, and (iii) PLD2 overexpression. The last two methods shortened the time required for differentiation. By determining how PLD2 participates in cell differentiation, we found that PLD2 interacts with and activates the oncogene Fes/Fps, a protein-tyrosine kinase known to be involved in myeloid cell development. Fes activity is elevated with PLD2 overexpression, phosphatidic acid or phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate. Co-immunoprecipitation indicates a close PLD2-Fes physical interaction that is negated by a Fes-R483K mutant that incapacitates its Src homology 2 domain. All these suggest for the first time the following mechanism: mTOR/S6K down-regulation → PLD2 overexpression → PLD2/Fes association → phosphatidic acid-led activation of Fes kinase → granulocytic differentiation. Differentiation shortening could have a clinical impact on reducing the time of return to normalcy of the white cell counts after chemotherapy in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Progesterone Receptors, their Isoforms and Progesterone Regulated Transcription

Abstract This review discusses mechanisms by which progesterone receptors (PR) regulate transcription. We examine available data in different species and tissues regarding: (1) regulation of PR levels; and (2) expression profiling of progestin-regulated genes by total PRs, or their PRA and PRB isoforms. (3) We address current views about the composition of progesterone response elements, and postulate that PR monomers acting through “half-site” elements are common, entailing cooperativity with neighboring DNA-bound transcription factors. (4) We summarize transcription data for multiple progestin-regulated promoters as directed by total PR, or PRA vs. PRB. We conclude that current models and methods used to study PR function are problematical, and recommend that future work employ cells and receptors appropriate to the species, focusing on analyses of the effects of endogenous receptors targeting endogenous genes in native chromatin.
The use of PROLOG in power system restoration

Abstract The feasibility of applying heuristics in the PROLOG language to power system restoration is demonstrated. The ease with which computer software can be implemented in PROLOG is investigated.
Drug therapies for tardive dyskinesia: Part 1.

Abstract Blocking dopamine (DA) receptors in the basal ganglia can cause parkinsonian symptoms, acute dystonia, akathisia, tardive dyskinesia (TD), and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. TD is characterized by abnormal, involuntary, irregular motor movements involving muscles of the head, limbs, or trunk. Many drug therapies have been tried for TD, but none are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The second-generation antipsychotic drugs should be considered as a treatment of first choice for clinically significant TD, because they will also be potentially effective as a primary treatment for the underlying disorder. Dopamine-depleting drugs are effective for TD, but their practical use is severely limited because of tolerability and safety concerns. Various DA-modulating drugs have been tried; clinical evidence of efficacy suggests that amantadine (Symmetrel®) and naloxone (Narcan®) are worthwhile to try. Although efficacy evidence for buspirone (Buspar®) in TD is limited, this drug is safe and well tolerated and would be reasonable to try. Bromocriptine (Parlodel®), selegiline (Deprenyl®), and cholinergic-modulating drugs are not considered effective for TD.
What's different about security in a public cloud?

Most of the problems facing the designers of a public cloud are extensions of what we face in any data center: detecting and preventing intrusions, coping with DoS attacks, and keeping the various services largely isolated from one another. There are some new challenges: how to control the behavior of customers when your privacy guarantees prevent you from looking too closely at what they are doing, how to protect them from network based attacks when you don't know what kind of traffic is normal, and how to guarantee them resources when the behavior of others sharing the hardware is unpredictable. There are also some new advantages: centrally managing software maintenance can assure that patches are installed promptly, and scale permits a permanent staff of experienced trouble shooters to handle what would be rare problems for any individual customer.
Two paraneoplastic syndromes in a patient with ovarian cancer: nephrotic syndrome and paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration.

Abstract Background. A paraneoplastic syndrome—a rare, indirect system disturbance located distant from a neoplasm—has been reported in association with ovarian cancer. Case. Two paraneoplastic syndromes—nephrotic syndrome and paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD)—developed in a patient who had no symptoms from ovarian cancer. She presented with the nephrotic syndrome. Evaluation for metastasis, including computed tomography (CT) scan and ultrasonography, showed a slightly enlarged right ovary and a 2-cm lower paraaortic lymph node on the right side. A 5-cm ovarian mass and multiple paraaortic lymph nodes were excised, and six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel were given. Nephrotic syndrome symptoms had greatly subsided at 6 weeks after surgery. At 7 months after surgery, symptoms of PCD developed yet CT, CA-125 levels, and physical examination showed no evidence of ovarian cancer. Conclusion. To our knowledge, development of two paraneoplastic syndromes in one patient with ovarian cancer has not been reported. Nephrotic syndrome resolved with treatment of the neoplasm whereas PCD did not.
Estimating real-time service process response time using server utilizations

In this paper, we study the algorithms to estimate the response times of service executions during real-time service composition. By using reservation schedules to derive server utilization, we can compute a more realistic response time for each service than its static execution time. Reservation schedules are kept in a system data structure called hierarchical TBTree (hTBTree). Using these response time estimates, integer programming or graph search algorithms can be used to compose a service process which is more likely to meet its end-to-end deadline. We conduct performance study to compare compositions with and without using server utilizations.
Drinking patterns in liver transplant recipients

The study's objective was to evaluate in-depth and follow comprehensively a group of patients receiving liver transplantation. The group consisted of patients with Laennec's cirrhosis and alcohol abuse or dependency. The subjects included 68 of 556 transplant patients, studied over a 7-year period. The results revealed that 13% of the study sample (9 patients) had some relapse into drinking. Only one of these was a severe relapse with an adverse outcome. Four of the most significant relapses occurred in dual diagnosis patients. The patients as a group did as well medically as a comparison group of other transplant recipients.
An introduction to the concept of Randomness Power

Electric powers are separated in active powers (the dominant 50 or 60 Hz active power and the tiny harmonic active powers) and nonactive powers (the 50 or 60 Hz reactive power and three more distortion powers). When the measurements are taken over a duration τ and the total monitoring time τ is divided in ν equal intervals (τ = νΔτ ) the overall values of powers are obtained by implementing the “aggregation” of the ν values, using the mean or the square root arithmetic mean. This study indicates that when there is a random fluctuation of voltage and current, from one Δτ to the next, the correct apparent power resolution must include a new nonactive power, the Randomness Power.
Morphology of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septum in patients dying after operation

In 1976, we adopted staged surgical management of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: stage 1 = establishment of a systemic to pulmonary artery shunt; stage 2 = open reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary valve; and stage 3 = closure of the shunt and interatrial communication. The morphological features of nine specimens obtained from 10 patients who died were reviewed. Special attention was given to features that might have influenced the poor surgical outcome in these patients. Survival after stage 1 depends on adequate systemic to pulmonary artery blood flow, initially as a combination of ductus arteriosus and shunt flow, with subsequent modification if the ductus closes. After stage 2, survival is influenced by left ventricular function and mitral valve function. The success of final correction (stage 3) depends largely on the morphology of both ventricles and their atrioventricular valves. It appears that the behavior of the ductus arteriosus and the size of the shunt are of vital importance for the survival of the infant. In 3 of the specimens, no right ventricular outflow tract was present, and in 2 others, short chordal attachments of the mitral valve were observed. Staged surgical correction appears to be a satisfactory approach if these considerations are taken into account.
Seasonal variation in hemorrhage and focal neurologic deficit due to intracerebral cavernous malformations

Abstract The objective was to determine if there was seasonal variation in the month of symptom onset in patients with intracerebral cavernous malformations (ICM). Patients seen at our institution between 1989 and 1999 with ICM identified from a radiologic database were included. Demographic data and symptoms at onset were abstracted. Symptomatic patients in this ICM database were included if the month of symptom onset was known. Comparison of proportions of patients presenting in fall and winter and during flu season were performed with the chi squared test and Fisher’s exact test with significance at p
Blocking the ends of transforming DNA enhances gene targeting in Dictyostelium

Abstract Eukaryotic gene targeting by means of gene replacement vectors is often complicated by unwanted plasmid insertion events involving the ends of transforming DNA molecules. These undesirable and often multiple insertions occur both randomly (i.e. non-homologously) and at the targeted locus. By blocking the 3′ ends of transforming DNA with 2′3′ dideoxynucleotides, we have reduced the frequency of end-mediated DNA insertion in Dictyostelium amoebae. As a result, only one copy of the selectable gene is introduced at the target locus to achieve a precise gene disruption.
Ultra-low-power conversion and management techniques for thermoelectric energy harvesting applications

Thermoelectric energy harvesting has increasingly gained acceptance as a potential power source that can be used for numerous commercial and military applications. However, power electronic designers have struggled to incorporate energy harvesting methods into their designs due to the relatively small voltage levels available from many harvesting device technologies. In order to bridge this gap, an ultra-low input voltage power conversion method is needed to convert small amounts of scavenged energy into a usable form of electricity. Such a method would be an enabler for new and improved medical devices, sensor systems, and other portable electronic products. This paper addresses the technical challenges involved in ultra-low-voltage power conversion by providing a solution utilizing novel power conversion techniques and applied technologies. Our solution utilizes intelligent power management techniques to control unknown startup conditions. The load and supply management functionality is also controlled in a deterministic manner. The DC to DC converter input operating voltage is 20mV with a conversion efficiency of 90% or more. The output voltage is stored into a storage device such as an ultra-capacitor or lithium-ion battery for use during brown-out or unfavorable harvesting conditions. Applications requiring modular, low power, extended maintenance cycles, such as wireless instrumentation would significantly benefit from the novel power conversion and harvesting techniques outlined in this paper.
Physical fitness predicts functional tasks in individuals with Down syndrome.

UNLABELLED Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit reduced strength and aerobic capacity, which may limit their ability to perform functional tasks of daily living. PURPOSE This study was conducted to examine the relationship between timed performance on functional tasks of daily living and age, knee isometric strength, and peak aerobic capacity in a group of individuals with DS. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study involving 35 individuals (27 +/- 7.5 yr) with DS. Participants completed an isometric test of knee extensor and flexor strength, an individualized exercise test to measure peak aerobic capacity, and three timed functional tasks of daily living, which included chair rise, gait speed, and stair ascent and descent. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between timed task performance and age, knee isometric strength, and peak aerobic capacity. RESULTS The multiple regression models explained 11-29% of the variance in timed task performance. Knee extensor strength was the most influential variable in predicting timed task performance (squared semipartial correlation coefficient [sr2] = 0.11-0.20), followed by aerobic capacity (sr2 = 0.10-0.14). Age was not a significant predictor of timed task performance. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that physical fitness (defined here as aerobic capacity and knee extensor strength) limits the ability of adults with DS to perform functional tasks of daily living. Randomized controlled trials should be performed to test the probable causal relationship between exercises designed to improve physical fitness and functional tasks of daily living.
Centroid-moment tensor solutions for July-September, 1983

Abstract Centroid-moment tensor solutions are presented for 106 earthquakes that occurred during the third quarter of 1983.
Bias-referenced X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of epoxy-treated aluminum oxides

Abstract Bias-referenced X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results are presented for cleaned and epoxy-treated sapphire and etched A6061 aluminum surfaces. No chemical shifts in the spectra were observed for sapphire or water-soaked or chromic-sulfuric-acid-etched A6061. For phosphoric-acid-anodized (PAA) A6061, a large chemical shift was observed for the epoxy-treated surface. The high binding energies of the PAA surface are concluded to be an artifact caused by the presence of an adsorbed phosphate layer.
Abstract Volterra Equations: A Survey

The aim of this paper is to summarize some of the basic concepts and results, available in the mathematical (and partially) or engineering literature, related to functional or differential functional equations with abstract Volterra operators (causal or nonanticipative, as these operators are called in the engineering literature). Equations such as x(t) = (Vx)(t), x'(t) = (Vx)(t), or (Vx)(t) = (Wx)(t), where V and W are causal operators, are dealt with. Existence, uniqueness of solutions in various function spaces are established. Further results on boundary value problems, stability, or asymptotic behavior are considered. Connections with classical types of functional equations are emphasized. Some applications are briefly indicated.
Revisiting the Psychology of Men Robert Bly and the Mytho-Poetic Movement

During the past 20 years, in the context of the contemporary feminist movement, the study of gender issues has centered on the psychology of women. During this time, male behavior and dynamics have...
Design Issues Of Confined Quantum State Photomultipliers

We present a discussion of the critical issues in the design of a solid state photo-multiplier based on avalanche multiplication of carriers out of confined quantum states. Standard avalanche photodiodes utilize interband impact ionization to provide gain and as such produce electron-hole pairs. As is well known, low noise, high speed performance in these devices is typically frustrated by secondary hole ionization events. In order to overcome these limitations it is desirable to develop an avalanching unipolar solid-state device. Such a scheme is possible based on impact ionization of carriers out of confined quantum states. We present calculations of the impact ionization rate, gain, and dark current in representative GaAs/AlGaAs structures. Our model calculations are based on the average ionization rate calculated from the quantum mechanical transition rate assuming a drifted Maxwellian initial carrier distribution. It is found that the highest gain is attainable in an asymmetric quantum well structure in which the second barrier height is half as large as the initial barrier height. The effect of the electric field, and quantum well doping concentration on the device performance is assessed. Parallels are then drawn between the GaAs/A1GaAs device and a GaN/A1GaN device. It is expected that the GaN/A1GaN materials system is better suited than the GaAs/A1GaAs system for quantum confined state photomultipliers.
Effects of simulated acid rain on phaseolus vulgaris L. (fabaceae)

A B S T R A C T Experiments were performed to determine the effects of simulated acid rain on Phaseolus vulgaris L. At pH values below 3, plants exhibited a failure to attain normal height, had necrotic and wrinkled leaves, excessive and adventitious budding, and premature abscission of primary leaves. Histologically, leaves had smaller cells, less intercellular space, and smaller starch granules within the chloroplasts. Respiration rates of the treated plants increased only slightly at low pH values. Apparent rates of photosynthesis, however, increased dramatically. Both carbohydrate production and root biomass were reduced by low pH treatments, and application of Congo red indicator to the acid-treated leaf tissue showed that the cell contents were acidified to a pH of below 4.0.
A big fish or a small pond? Framing effects in percentages

Abstract This paper presents three studies that demonstrate people’s preference for a large percentage of a small subset over a small percentage of a large subset, when the net overall quantity is equated. Because the division of a set into subsets is often arbitrary, this preference represents a framing effect. The framing effect is particularly pronounced for large percentages. We propose that the effect has two causes: A partial neglect of the subset information, and a non-linear shaped function in the way people perceive percentages.
Personnel management and productivity reform: Taming the civil service in Great Britain and the United States

This paper examines recent efforts to improve public sector productivity through reform of personnel systems and processes in Great Britain and the United States. Productivity efforts in both countries have been stimulated by and implemented in highly politicized environments. They have been attempts to secure the values of not only economy and efficiency but also executive leadership and political responsiveness. The implica-tions of these productivity reforms for the performance and character of the public service have been only dimly understood.
A qualitative analysis of the proteins in the venom of honey bees

Abstract A qualitative separation of the proteins in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) by means of disk electrophoresis has demonstrated that there are no significant differences in the protein content of venoms collected in Florida, Louisiana, and New York. Some seasonal differences in quantity of individual proteins incorporated have been demonstrated. A comparison of the proteins in whole insect extracts and those found in the pure venom indicates an entirely different protein pattern with virtually no cross-matching.
Experimental verification of the Dressier curved-flow equations

The Dressier equations with flow resistance and varying channel width for unsteady free-surface flow over curved beds are presented, and a generalized Bresse profile equation for steady curved-flow is derived. Experimental measurements on steady flow over a highly curved spillway demonstrate that the Dressier equations predict the free surface, the bed pressure, and the tangential flow velocity distribution accurately, but the predictions by the classical Saint-Venant equations are almost meaningless. Since both theories require gradual variations in bed geometry, applications to intervals with rapid changes are not valid. For the small intervals of our spillway geometry where the curvature and its derivative vary rapidly, the Dressier solution shows small, but rapid, variations, whereas the measurements indicate a more gradual variation over wider intervals.
Contributions to Light Extinction During Project MOHAVE

Abstract The contribution of aerosols to light extinction at Meadview, AZ, during summer 1992 was estimated using Mie theory and size-resolved aerosol chemical measurements. Sulfate particle size increased as a function of relative humidity. Twelve-hour average light scattering was estimated to within 15%. Sulfate was the most abundant chemical component in the fine aerosol fraction. On average, Rayleigh scattering, coarse particles, and fine sulfates contributed 39, 21, and 19% to total light extinction. Average estimated light scattering was largely insensitive to assumptions about mixing state, degree of sulfate neutralization and organic carbon water uptake properties. It was estimated that a reduction of Mohave Power Plant (MPP) SO 2 emissions corresponding to a contribution of 19% to ambient sulfate would have resulted in a decrease in total light extinction of between 3.3 and 5.3%.
On the thermal compatibility of metallic pairs in rubbing applications

Abstract This paper presents a theoretical model for the prediction of the variation in heat removal during the dry sliding of metallic surfaces with the inclusion of variable thermal properties. It is shown that the temperature-induced change in the so-called ‘coefficient of heat penetration’ is influential in the nature of heat dissipation at the interface. This change, termed the ‘matching function’, is utilised to propose a possible criterion for the choice of ‘thermally compatible’ materials for rubbing applications. For the optimisation of thermal conditions, this criterion requires the selection of the rubbing pair, so as to maintain, in order of preference, a positive, zero, or slightly negative matching function. A preliminary study of mild steel rubbing against the same material, and against stainless steel, is presented to illustrate the relative effects of both conductivity and the matching function. It is shown that the latter provides an indication of the nature of heat removal during contact. It is proposed that this criterion may be extended to the choice of thermally efficient tribological coatings to enhance the transfer of frictional heat away from the interface. This is directly related to the design of frictional tribo-systems such as brakes and bearings.
Funnel Traps May Be Inappropriate for Many Studies of Semi-Aquatic Snakes

ABSTRACT We conducted a study to test whether funnel traps anchored to brush piles constructed at the edge of aquatic habitats largely devoid of cover would increase the catchability of semi-aquatic snakes in these systems. Brush pile traps captured significantly more snakes and potential snake prey than traps placed in the water along pond banks in 2000, but not in 2001. Changes in pond hydrology during 2001 may explain these disparate results. Additionally, we used quantitative and anecdotal data from our study as well as others in the literature to provide a critical and broad overview of funnel trapping for snakes in aquatic habitats. We conclude that trap design and deployment must address snake mortality and caution against using funnel traps in studies of diet, habitat use, activity, and growth as snakes may actively seek out and forage on prey sequestered in traps.
Glycolysis in pharmacology.

Abstract Several examples of the action of chemical compounds of therapeutic interest on glycolysis have been given in this short review. In most of these cases, the methods and results of Professor Meyerhof have been used as a background in this work. Many developments are possible from this type of work, especially in the explanation of drug action and the control of disease through this knowledge. Therefore, pharmacology owes much to the pioneer investigations of Professor Meyerhof .
Phylogenetic Distribution and Significance of the Hypothalamic Releasing Hormones

SYNOPSIS. The mammalian hypothalamic releasing factors regulating thyroid, gonadal and adrenal function as well as growth hormone secretion have been isolated, characterized and their nucleotide sequences determined. In general, their hypophysiotropic effects are replicated in lower vertebrates though thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) does not appear to stimulate thyroid function in amphibia and fish. The releasing factors, or peptides structurally related to these substances, are found throughout the CNS of all vertebrates where they likely function as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators. High concentrations of TRH and other neural peptides includingsauvagine, which is related to corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and has CRF-like activity, are found in amphibian skin, a neural crest derived tissue. mRNA extracted from the skin of Xenopus laevis was cloned and led to the identity of the DNA sequence of pre-pro TRH. Molecular variants of somatostatin have been recognized from studies on the pancreatic islets of the anglerfish and catfish. Within mammalian species there is heterogeneity of growth hormone releasing factor (GRF), the 44 (and 40) amino acid peptides isolated from a human(h) pancreatic tumor. In the teleost brain-pituitary, 2 distinct hGRF-like neuronal systems are present. Additionally, various molecular forms of hGRF exist in the fish brain showing structural changes from the human variety.
Recruiting participants for community-based research: the Diabetic Retinopathy Awareness Program.

Abstract PURPOSE: Recruiting participants is a major challenge for population studies. We present the recruitment methods followed by the Diabetic Retinopathy Awareness Program (DRAP), a community-based, randomized, masked, controlled trial to meet and exceed its sample size goals. METHODS: A county-wide multi-media promotional campaign to recruit and enroll participants in the trial was planned and executed from October 1993 through April 1994, with the assistance of the local news media and community and professional groups. A toll-free 800 number recruitment line was established, and postage-paid recruitment postcards distributed. The trial was designed to examine whether a mailed educational intervention could increase compliance with vision care guidelines among persons with diabetes in the community. RESULTS: A total of 2308 persons with diabetes were interviewed for eligibility and 813 enrolled in the intervention trial, exceeding the original recruitment goals of 1800 and 600, respectively. Those who completed the enrollment interview reflected county demographics. During recruitment, newspaper, television and radio stories featured the study; pharmacies and physician offices displayed study materials; public service announcements appeared in local print and broadcast media. The largest single recruitment response was a local television news report, followed by a newspaper story. CONCLUSIONS: These experiences substantiate the need for a comprehensive coordinated approach, using planned multiple sources, to achieve recruitment success. By engaging the lay and professional communities along with the media, recruitment costs can be kept to a minimum. Participant costs can be minimized by employing a toll-free number and eliminating study participant travel, thus allowing for inclusion of traditionally underserved populations. This approach is applicable to other studies, where community-based participation is desired.
The application of microarray technology to the analysis of the cancer genome

The identification of genetic events that are involved in the development of human cancer has been facilitated through the development and application of a diverse series of high resolution, high throughput microarray platforms. Essentially there are two types of array; those that carry PCR products from cloned nucleic acids (e.g. cDNA, BACs, cosmids) and those that use oligonucleotides. Each has advantages and disadvantages but it is now possible to survey genome wide DNA copy number abnormalities and expression levels to allow correlations between losses, gains and amplifications in tumor cells with genes that are over- and under-expressed in the same samples. The gene expression arrays that provide estimates of mRNA levels in tumors have given rise to exon-specific arrays that can identify both gene expression levels, alternative splicing events and mRNA processing alterations. Oligonucleotide arrays are also being used to interrogate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) throughout the genome for linkage and association studies and these have been adapted to quantify copy number abnormalities and loss of heterozygosity events. To identify as yet unknown transcripts tiling arrays across the genome have been developed which can also identify DNA methylation changes and be used to identify DNA-protein interactions using ChIP on Chip protocols. Ultimately DNA sequencing arrays will allow resequencing of chromosome regions and whole genomes. With all of these capabilities becoming routine in genomics laboratories, the idea of a systematic characterization of the sum genetic events that give rise to a cancer cell is rapidly becoming a reality.
THE LIFE HISTORY OF PHYSARUM POLYCEPHALUM

Of the five hundred or more papers which have been published on the Myxomycetes, the great majority are concerned with descriptions of the mature fructifications and the taxonomy of the group; only a few deal with life histories, although the latter are essential as a basis for sound taxonomy. As yet a complete and detailed account of the development from spore to spore of a single species has apparently never been presented. The following account of the life history of Physarum polycephalum is not entirely complete, but is offered with the hope that it may contribute something to our knowledge of a relatively obscure group of organisms.
An Exploratory Study of Elderly Probationers

This exploratory study focuses on elderly offenders on probation. It deals with the characteristics of elderly probationers, the issues connected with their handling by the criminal justice system in general, and the probation in particular. Among other variables the study shows that there are relatively few elderly people on probation; more than half of them have a previous record; among males a large percent committed sex related offenses; generally their educational level is low; most have a manual or semi-skilled occupational background; about one-third of them have a very low income; and many have health problems.
Constructing Authorization Systems Using Assurance Management Framework

Model-driven approach has recently received much attention in developing secure software and systems. In addition, software developers have attempted to employ such an emerging approach in the early stage of software development life cycle. However, security concerns are rarely considered and practiced due to the lack of appropriate systematic mechanisms and tools. In this paper, we introduce a multilayered software development life cycle (SDLC), which is based on an assurance management framework (AMF), focusing on the development of authorization systems. AMF facilitates comprehensive realization of formal security model, security policy specification and verification, generation of security enforcement codes, and rigorous conformance testing. We also articulate our experience in analyzing role-based authorization requirements and realizing those requirements in constructing a role-based authorization system.
Establishing the Reliability and Validity of Measurements of Walking Time Using the Emory Functional Ambulation Profile

Background and Purpose. The Emory Functional Ambulation Profile (E-FAP) measures time to walk in different environments and accounts for use of assistive devices. This study assessed the reliability and validity of walking time measurements using these components. Subjects. Twenty-eight subjects who had strokes and 28 subjects without impairment were recruited. Methods. The E-FAP, Berg Balance Test, Functional Reach Test, and Timed 10-Meter Walk Test were administered in random order during a single data collection session. Results. Interrater reliability for the total E-FAP was ≥.997. Subjects without impairment performed better on all 4 tests than did subjects who had strokes. Increased times on the E-FAP correlated with poor performance on the Berg Balance Test and slow gait speeds on the Timed 10-Meter Walk Test in the subjects who had strokes. The E-FAP scores and the Functional Reach Test scores were not correlated. Conclusion and Discussion. The E-FAP can be administered easily and inexpensively. Because the E-FAP scores differentiated subject groups and correlated with known measures of function, the E-FAP may be a clinically useful measure of ambulation.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF OIL SHALE II. DEPENDENCE ON THE EXTRACTION PROCESS

ABSTRACT Eastern and Western U.S. and Australian oil shales were retorted in a fixed-bed, bench-scale retorter, using nitrogen and carbon dioxide as sweep gases. The resulting shale oils were chemically characterized by GC/MS techniques. Shale oils extracted by nitrogen and carbon dioxide retorting processes were found to have different chemical compositions, even when applied to the same oil shale samples. The extraction process dependent nature of shale oils is fully assessed in this paper and the information may be used for comparison among various extraction processes as well as for choosing appropriate upgrading processes for the crude shale oils.
Reporting of ethics-related methods in epidemiological research

Objective: This paper describes the variety of ways that information about ethics-related methods are included or not included in public health research articles. Methods: Information about the ethics-related content of all articles published in nine highly-respected public health journals in 2006 was extracted. Results: Of 989 primary analyses, 73% of the articles commented on ethics committee approval or exemption, 63% mentioned participant consent and 9% indicated whether or not inducement or compensation was given. 84% of articles mentioned a funding source, but fewer than 4% identified any potential conflict of interest. Reporting rates for committee review and consent were higher for experimental than for observational studies and were comparatively higher in studies conducted among potentially vulnerable populations like children and residents of low income countries. Conclusions: More complete reporting would facilitate the design, evaluation and comparison of future research studies.
Characterization of the meningococcal serogroup X capsule N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase

Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, Y, W135 and X are responsible for most cases of meningococcal meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X has recently emerged as a contributor to outbreaks of disease in Africa, but there is currently no vaccine against serogroup X. Understanding of the biosynthesis of the serogroup X capsular polysaccharide would provide useful tools for vaccine production. The serogroup X polysaccharide is a homopolymer of (α1→4)-linked N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)-1-phosphate. It has been shown that the gene cluster xcbABC encodes synthesis of this polysaccharide. The xcbA gene product has significant homology with sacB, which is responsible for synthesis of the Neisseria serogroup A capsular polysaccharide, an (α1→6)-N-acetylmannosamine-1-phosphate homopolymer. The xcbA protein also shares homology with the catalytic domain of human N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphoryltransferase, a key enzyme in the mannose-6-phosphate receptor pathway. In this study, we show that xcbA in the appropriate background is sufficient for the synthesis of N. meningitidis serogroup X polysaccharide. By ELISA we detected polysaccharide in fractions of Escherichia coli expressing the xcbA gene. We isolated polysaccharide from an E. coli strain expressing XcbA and demonstrated that this polysaccharide has a (13)C-NMR spectrum identical to that of polysaccharide isolated from N. meningitidis Group X. We also demonstrate that the purified XcbA protein is an N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase that transfers N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate from UDP-GlcNAc to the 4-hydroxyl of an N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate oligosaccharide. Oligosaccharides fluorescently labeled at the aglycon are extended by XcbA only after the 4-phosphate occupying the non-reducing GlcNAc has been removed. The minimum size of fluorescent acceptors is a trisaccharide.