cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drainage on the Grand Prairie: the birth of a hydraulic society on the Midwestern frontier

Abstract The Grand Prairie of east central Illinois was notorious for a marshy environment that prevented dense agricultural settlement until late in the nineteenth century. While recent historical–geographical scholarship has focused on innovations in drainage technology, drainage-related laws and institutions, and the ecological impacts of wetland reclamation, it has largely failed to account for the persistence of agrarian structure, and its key component, land tenure, on the Grand Prairie. Late-nineteenth-century reclamation efforts were not quite so transformative as previously believed. The same landed elite that dominated in the pre-drainage era quickly emerged atop a system of public drainage that held the key to the region’s economic future. In this paper, we extend Karl Wittfogel and Donald Worster’s theorizations about ‘hydraulic civilizations’ from the realm of irrigation to that of drainage. While drainage was indeed important in shaping the history of east central Illinois, we argue that a distinctive social order in east central Illinois emerged from, and was shaped by, an older agrarian structure that had developed in response to marshy, unpredictable conditions before drainage began in the late 1800s. The beneficiaries of the old order did not yield power easily, and instead skillfully capitalized on the new opportunities presented by drainage enterprises, to create a ‘hydraulic society’ on the prairie. The new order continued to rely on the exploitation of tenant farmers even as the landscape itself was transformed into the intensely managed and highly productive Corn Belt of today.
Finite Difference Schemes for Incompressible Flows in the Velocity-Impulse Density Formulation

We consider finite difference schemes based on the impulse density variable. We show that the original velocity?impulse density formulation of Oseledets is marginally ill-posed for the inviscid flow, and this has the consequence that some ordinarily stable numerical methods in other formulations become unstable in the velocity?impulse density formulation. We present numerical evidence of this instability. We then discuss the construction of stable finite difference schemes by requiring that at the numerical level the nonlinear terms be convertible to similar terms in the primitive variable formulation. Finally we give a simplified velocity?impulse density formulation which is free of these complications and yet retains the nice features of the original velocity?impulse density formulation with regard to the treatment of boundary. We present numerical results on this simplified formulation for the driven cavity flow on both the staggered and non-staggered grids.
Time-reversal symmetry breaking in a model of staggered superconductivity in UPt3

Abstract This paper addresses some experimental consequences of a Ginzburg-Landau model proposed recently for the superconducting phases of UPt 3 . The model assumes finite center-of-mass momentum of the Cooper pairs and has been shown to be consistent with the observed H-T-P phase diagram. Within this framework, we analyze in more detail the low-temperature time-reversal symmetry breaking phases, and determine how they are connected to the observed muon spin rotation anomalies. The results are discussed in the light of differences to other phenomenological models proposed for UPt 3 which are based on point-group representations.
An in vivo pharmacological method for the quantitative evaluation of the central effects of alpha1 adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists

Abstract A new in vivo pharmacological method for the quantitative evaluation of α1-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists has been developed. It consists of recording the myoclonic twitch activity (MTA) of the suprahyoideal muscle of rats anesthetized with urethane. In these animals, the isomers of amphetamine elicited myoclonic twitch activity; their effects were dose-related and the d-isomer was approximately 3.5 times more effective than the l-isomer. While pimozide did not block this response, the postsynaptic α1-antagonist prazosin fully blocked the myoclonic twitch activity induced by d-amphetamine. Other postsynaptic α1-antagonists, such as haloperidol, phenoxybenzamine and clozapine, were also effective in blocking this response to d-amphetamine. Since d-amphetamine elicited myoclonic twitch activity in rats pretreated with reserpine and α-methyl-p-tyrosine, it was concluded that d-amphetamine exerted a direct α1-adrenoceptor stimulation. In rats pretreated with nialamide and pimozide, l-DOPA elicited myoclonic twitch activity which was dose-related. This effect of l-DOPA was promptly and fully blocked by prazosin. It was concluded that this response to l-DOPA resulted from stimulation of α1-adrenoceptors. The relative potencies of four α1-adrenoceptor stimulants, namely, cirazoline, St-587, (−)SKF 89748A and Sgd 101 75 were determined using this method. The results correlated very well with their relative potencies to increase the diastolic blood pressure of pithed rats. Evidence that myoclonic twitch activity is a centrally-mediated response has also been presented. It appears that the method is a simple, sensitive, versatile and easily quantifiable procedure for the evaluation of the central effects of α1-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists.
Kalman Filtering When the Large Bandwidth Control is Not Known

In the standard Kalman filtering (KF) paradigm it is assumed that the control signal is known, or, alternatively, it is assumed that the dynamical system is in a "free fall." This is problematic when maneuvering targets must be tracked, in which case the input signal is not known to the observer. The KF paradigm for discrete-time control systems is revisited and it is not assumed that the control signal is known. Moreover, a large bandwidth input signal is allowed for. It is shown that under the assumption that, e.g., the measurement and control matrix product CB is full (column) rank - an assumption used in direct adaptive control - it is possible to jointly estimate the input signal and the control system's state. It is not necessary to assume that the control signal is constant and therefore large bandwidth input signals are accommodated. A recursive algorithm for the calculation of the minimum variance estimates of the state and control signal is developed. Similar to classical KF, a linear estimation problem is solved; therefore, the minimum variance estimates of the state and input signal are obtained, and thus, the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) is attained. The filter's gain is constant and whereas in conventional KF the calculation of the covariance of the state estimation error entails the solution of a Riccati equation, the covariances of the state and input estimation errors are determined here by the solution of a Lyapunov equation, and explicit formulae are obtained.
Performance of Membrane Filters Used for TEM Analysis of Asbestos

This article presents findings related to characteristics of membrane filters that can affect the recovery of asbestos and the quality of preparations for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Certain applications and preparation steps can lead to unacceptable performance of membrane filters used in analysis of asbestos by TEM. Unless substantial care is used in the collapsing of mixed-cellulose ester (MCE) filters with an acetone hot block, grid preparations can suffer and fiber recoveries can be compromised. Calibration of the etching depth of MCE filters, especially at differing locations in an asher's chamber, is critical for reliable fiber recovery. Excessive etching of MCE filters with aerosol-deposited asbestos can lead to loss of short fibers, while insufficient etching of MCE filters with aqueous-deposited asbestos can, paradoxically, also lead to loss of short fibers. Interlaboratory precision on MCE filters is improved by aerosol-deposited asbestos, as opposed to aqueous deposition. In comparison, straightforward preparation, improved solvents, and reduced contamination make PC filters an increasingly acceptable alternative. Variations in the geometric configuration during application of carbon films can lead to fiber loss and unacceptable grid quality for either type of filter.
Oxygen-induced restructuring of the rutile TiO2(110)(1×1) surface

Abstract We report scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) results of bulk-reduced rutile TiO 2 single crystals. TiO 2 (110) surfaces, prepared by sputtering and annealing at 850 K in UHV, exhibit a (1×1) surface termination and flat, several-hundred-angstrom-wide terraces. After exposure to oxygen at elevated temperatures (onset ∼470 K), the surfaces are covered with small (typically tens of angstroms wide) terraces with monoatomic step height and the same (1×1) structure. On top and in between these terraces appear patches of an irregular network consisting of interconnected rosettes (width ∼7 A) with pseudohexagonal symmetry. The positions of atoms within the network are consistent with an incomplete TiO 2 (110) layer. This is a kinetically limited, metastable phase that easily transforms into the regular (1×1) structure upon further annealing. Oxygen-induced surface segregation of interstitial Ti atoms from the reduced bulk is invoked for this “restructuring” of the initially flat TiO 2 (110)(1×1) surface.
Using elicitation techniques to estimate the value of ambulatory treatments for major depression.

Estimating the value of spending on medical treatments in a health care system involves relating output, measured in terms of effectiveness, to cost, measured in terms of spending. Although informa...
Shape reconstruction from contours using isotopic deformation

Abstract A method for shape reconstruction from contours using isotopic deformation is presented. The proposed method considers the case where one contour encloses the other contour when they are projected in a common plane, as is the case for terrain contour maps. Unlike many other methods which generate piecewise linear interpolation, the proposed method smoothly interpolates between two contours located in parallel planes. The algorithm runs in O(nk+n log n) time, where n is the total number of vertices in two contours and k is an integer variable less than n which indicates how convoluted the contours are (the larger, the more convoluted). The running time of the algorithm is shown to be worst-case optimal for the class of task defined. The reconstructed shape is free of self-intersections and it can incorporate given feature correspondences. The method is extended to handle bifurcations and is shown to cope easily with some cases which are problematic for some other algorithms. The method proposed is suitable for terrain modeling, since reconstructed shapes generated by the method do not have overhangs. Experimental results are included to illustrate the feasibility of the approach.
Apoptosis: The Nexus of Liver Injury and Fibrosis

Apoptosis associated with liver disease is increasingly viewed as a nexus through which many key pathways converge. Apoptotic responses incorporate soluble stimuli, inflammatory cells, resident parenchymal cells, and, it now appears, fibrogenic cells as well. Cellular apoptosis is the first cellular response to many toxic events, and accompanies viral hepatitis, alcohol-induced liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cholestatic liver diseases, and ischemia/reperfusion injury.1–5 Moreover, hepatocyte apoptosis is significantly increased in patients with alcoholic hepatitis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and correlates with disease severity and hepatic fibrosis.1,5 Despite their pervasive concurrence in liver damage, the relationship between apoptosis and either hepatic inflammation or fibrosis has not been fully explored, in part because of the prevailing—and overstated—dogma that cell death by apoptosis is “innocuous.” This presumption has been based primarily on analyses of organ development, where physiologic apoptosis is tightly restricted to discrete subsets of cells both spatially and temporally. In contrast, “pathologic” apoptosis in adult tissues induces large numbers of cells, is non-selective, injures large aggregates of cells, and may be sustained over decades. In contrast to physiologic apoptosis, pathologic apoptosis in liver may not only result from inflammation and fibrosis, but may in turn amplify these responses. In particular, hepatic stellate cells (HSC), the key fibrogenic cell type in liver, contribute to apoptosis and inflammation. Given these emerging and sometimes contradictory observations, a review of the relationship between apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis is timely. Critical insights into these complex relationsmay help promote rationallybased therapies for patients with chronic liver diseases. Furthermore, we anticipate that these concepts will help stimulate further investigation into mechanisms connecting cell death to inflammation and fibrosis.
A Low-Latitude Atmosphere-Ocean Climate Model

Abstract A model of the tropical and subtropical atmosphere which is suitable for long-term integrations is pre-sented. The model includes both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and is coupled to a mixed layer ocean. The atmosphere is assumed to consist of two longitudinally independent cells, one on either side of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). The model equations are integrated over large grid domains so that rapid integration on a computer is possible. The size of the grid box is such that the processes acting in the domain are uniform. The grid boxes considered are 1) the boundary layer inflow region, 2) the ITCZ convective region, 3) the outflow region, and 4) a subsidence region. The mixed layer ocean has variable depth and temperature. Fluxes of heat, momentum and moisture to the mid-latitudes by longitudinally dependent eddies are parameterized. Evaporative and sensible heat fluxes from the surface are included. Condensation occurs in the ITCZ. Solar and terrestial radiative diabat...
The pending arrival of Phase Change Memory: The implications on the memory-storage hierarchy and on future systems development

Phase Change Memory (PCM) technology has been explored for decades, yet today it is looming on the verge of market impact. Commercially available today for very specific applications, the full scope of value remains to be realized, or even defined. PCM offers unique capabilities and features not seen in any other commercial memory or storage technology, yet its immaturity in a well established marketplace makes adoption in the server space challenging. Full utilization will depend not only upon advancements in PCM density and improvements in performance, but also more fundamental changes in the age old DRAM to disk hierarchy and adoption of a new paradigm in how system architecture is approached - technology/system/application co-development. In the age of systems optimized for specific workloads, truly exploiting the value of PCM will depend upon optimizations being made across the entire system stack, from the technology itself, to the system architecture, and in the software stack.
Word-word associations in document retrieval systems

The SMART automatic document retrieval system is used to study association procedures for automatic content analysis. The effect of word frequency and other parameters on the association process is investigated through examination of related pairs and through retrieval experiments. Associated pairs of words usually reflect localized word meanings, and true synonyms cannot readily be found from first or second order relationships in our document collections. There is little overlap between word relationships found through associations and those used in thesaurus construction, and the effects of word associations and a thesaurus in retrieval are independent. The use of associations in retrieval experiments improves not only recall, by permitting new matches between requests and documents, but also precision, by reinforcing existing matches. In our experiments, the precision effect is responsible for most of the improvement possible with associations. A properly constructed thesaurus, however, offers better performance than statistical association methods.
Rooting Activity and Water Use during Vegatative Development of Crested and Western Wheatgrass

Crested wheatgrass [Agropyron desertorum (Fisch. ex. Link) Schult] and western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii Rybd, (Love)] are important cool-season forage species that have contrasting growth patterns. Knowledge of relationships among plant development stage, water use, and rooting activity would aid in understanding the responses of these species to stresses and defoliation. Our objectives were to compare evapotranspiration (ET), rooting activity, and plant water status in relation to Haun development stage of Nordan' crested wheatgrass and Rodan' western wheatgrass (...)
Transfer function analysis of an oscillatory model chemical system

Abstract Oscillation occurring in the time course of a particular model reaction system is examined, utilizing the transfer function method of analysis developed in a previous paper. System properties predicted by the analytic technique correspond with those observed in analog computer solutions of the kinetic equations describing the system. The transfer function approach provides kinetic criteria for the existence of oscillation in terms of loop gain and phase shift, and elucidates the relation between oscillation and bistability, or flip-flop behavior. Although formulated to be biologically feasible, the model oscillating system is purely hypothetical, and is presented primarily as a basis for the development of general principles concerning periodicity and instability in complex reaction systems.
Brief counseling for reducing sexual risk and bacterial STIs among drug users--results from project RESPECT.

Abstract Objective Project RESPECT's brief risk reduction counseling (BRRC) reduced sexual risk and bacterial STIs among at-risk heterosexuals and has been packaged for use with this population. We assessed BRRC's efficacy with RESPECT participants who used drugs and examined BRRC's applicability to present-day users of heroin, cocaine, speedball, or crack. Methods We compared baseline demographic and economic variables, risk behaviors, and prevalence and correlates of bacterial STIs for ever-injectors ([EIs], N = 335) and never-injectors ([NIs], N = 3963). We assessed changes in risk behaviors and bacterial STIs for EIs and NIs at 12 months. We compared prevalence of HSV-2, hepatitis B core antigen virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and trichomonas among EIs with recently reported rates among drug users. Results At baseline, 19% of EIs and 29% of NIs had bacterial STIs. Both groups had similar baseline STI correlates. At 12 months, 4% of EIs and 7% of NIs had bacterial STIs. Twelve-month cumulative incidence of bacterial STIs in BRRC was 21% lower among EIs and 18% lower among NIs compared to the informational condition. At 12 months, EIs reported fewer sexual risk behaviors than at baseline. Baseline positivity rates of trichomoniasis in EIs (female: 15%) and in male and female EIs of HSV-2 (39%, 68%), HBV (41%, 37%), and HCV (60%, 58%) were similar to rates in present-day drug users. Conclusion Efficacy of BRRC in reducing sexual risk and bacterial STIs in EIs, and similar profiles for EIs and present-day drug users suggest evaluating BRRC with present-day drug users.
Measure-compact spaces

Abstract The property measure-compact fits between the Lindelof and realcompact properties, i.e., Lindelof implies measure-compact implies realcompact. Much of the research on measure-compact spaces centers on two themes: one, what properties measure-compactness shares with Lindelof and realcompactness and two, the relationships between measure-compactness and covering properties. The results in this paper can be grouped into four parts illustrating these two themes. First, we show that F σ subsets of measure-compact spaces are measure-compact (Theorem 2.9). This theorem improves results of Okada and Okasaki and answers a question of Wheeler. Second, we prove that perfect preimages of measure-compact spaces are measure-compact (Theorem 2.18). The results analogous to these are true for both Lindelof and realcompact spaces. Third, we examine the relationship between measure-compactness and covering properties. Fourth, we present some examples. Without any extra axioms of set theory, we present a locally compact, realcompact, not measure-compact space; a locally compact, measure-compact, not paracompact space; a normal, metacompact, measure-compact, not paracompact space; and a nonmeasure-compact space which is the union of a measure-compact space and a σ-compact space. The first two examples answer questions of Kirk and Wheeler, respectively. Spaces in the prior literature with the properties of the third and fourth examples used extra set-theoretic axioms.
Miscible mixtures of polychloroprene and epoxidized polyisoprene

Abstract Blends of polychloroprene and epoxidized polyisoprene are demonstrated to be thermodynamically miscible. This miscibility, affirmed by spontaneous interdiffusion between the two polymers, results in the customary single, and composition-dependent, glass transition temperature. Fourier-transform infra-red spectra from the mixture provide direct evidence of specific interaction between the chlorine and the epoxy group. From the invariance of the crystalline melting temperature of the polychloroprene (the equilibrium value of which is determined to be 150°C), a lower limit of 5 × 10−2 is estimated for the interaction parameter.
Temperament in velocardiofacial syndrome.

Background Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) is a microdeletion syndrome caused by a 22q11.2 chromosomal deletion. Methods In this study, parents reported on their own temperament as well as the temperament of their child. Sixty-seven children with VCFS (mean age = 10.8, SD = 2.8; range 6–15), and age-, race- and gender-ratio matched samples of 47 community control participants (mean age = 10.4, SD = 2.6; range 6–15), and 18 sibling control participants (mean age = 12.1, SD = 1.9; range 9–15) took part in the current project. Results Children with VCFS have a temperament that may best be described as modestly difficult; while participants with VCFS were not more difficult across all temperamental domains, children with VCFS were rated by their parents as being: (1) less regular in their daily habits (e.g. eating at the same time each day, etc.); (2) less able to focus/sustain attention; (3) less cheerful/pleasant; (4) less likely to stay with an activity for a long time; and (5) less able to respond flexibly to changes in the environment. Conclusions The best predictors of parent report of behavioural symptoms in children with VCFS were poor concordance between parent and child temperament across general activity level and mood domains.
Enhanced cooling of hydrogen by a buffer gas of alkali-metal atoms

We consider the possibility of enhanced cooling of hydrogen atoms by a buffer gas of alkali-metal atoms Na, K, Rb, and Cs. Ultracold elastic collision cross sections for the Na-H and Rb-H purely spin-polarized pairs are found to be 640 and 860 times larger than that for the H-H pair, respectively. From an analysis of the techniques of production of ultracold sodium and rubidium samples, it seems feasible that the critical conditions for Bose-Einstein condensation of hydrogen could be achieved already at the stage of optical cooling of the sodium or rubidium buffer gas.
What is effective ΔPO2 in a gas-phase diffusion system?☆

Abstract A diffusive gas transport system for the avian eggshell is described. This model proposes that the effective ambient P O 2 , acting as the pressure head for the inward O 2 flux, must be calculated on the assumption of complete water vapor saturation regardless of the humidity of the ambient environment.
Wide-field CCD imager for the 6.5-m MMT telescope

The conversion of the Multiple Mirror Telescope from six 1.8 m primary mirrors to a single 6.5 m primary will significantly increase its capability for imaging. The f/5 configuration will provide a corrected field of view for imaging that is flat and 30 arcminutes in diameter. The image quality in the absence of atmospheric seeing is 0'.1 over the full field. We are currently designing a camera system to take advantage of this large field. The proposed direct imaging system will be located at the Cassegrain focus of the telescope, behind a three-element refractive corrector. We will use an array of 8 X 4 three-edge-buttable CCDs, each with 2048 X 4096 pixels and two output amplifiers. This will provide a field of view of 24' X 24'. With a new packaging scheme we will reduce the gap along the readout edge to a few millimeters. The pixel size is 15 microns, or 0'.09, well sampling the point-spread- function. In many applications it will be possible to bin the pixels, thus reducing the amount of data (500 Mb per read at full resolution). The back-illuminated CCDs will be thinned and anti- reflection coated to provide high quantum efficiency from 320 to 1000 nm. The camera system will be useful for many studies requiring both a large collecting area and large area coverage on the sky. Planned projects include redshift and photometric surveys of faint galaxies, searches for high-redshift quasars and searches for objects in the outer solar system.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The use of “differential regression” in analysis of variance

The application of a principle of “differential regression”, which is of value in the statistical treatment of some types of experimental data, is illustrated. Briefly stated, the principle involves the use of a separate regression coefficient for each subclass of observations when correcting these observations for the influence of variability in a correlated variate, instead of the use of an average net regression coefficient as employed in the usual variance and covariance analysis.
Lactose permease and the alternating access mechanism.

Crystal structures of the lactose permease of Escherichia coli (LacY) reveal 12, mostly irregular transmembrane α-helices surrounding a large cavity open to the cytoplasm and a tightly sealed periplasmic side (inward-facing conformation) with the sugar-binding site at the apex of the cavity and inaccessible from the periplasm. However, LacY is highly dynamic, and binding of a galactopyranoside causes closing of the inward-facing cavity with opening of a complementary outward-facing cavity. Therefore, the coupled, electrogenic translocation of a sugar and a proton across the cytoplasmic membrane via LacY very likely involves a global conformational change that allows alternating access of sugar- and H+-binding sites to either side of the membrane. Here the various biochemical and biophysical approaches that provide strong support for the alternating access mechanism are reviewed. Evidence is also presented indicating that opening of the periplasmic cavity is probably the limiting step for binding and perha...
Oral idarubicin in patients with late chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

Patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who have failed or cannot receive interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) based regimens or patients with advanced chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) have very limited current therapeutic options. Hence, there is a need to develop new strategies for these patients. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy and toxicity of a chronic low-dose oral idarubicin regimen in these patients as positive data has been generated on this agent in shorter schedules given to patients with other hematological malignancies. Eighteen patients were treated on study. The starting dose of oral idarubicin was 2 to 5 mg/m2 daily depending in initial WBC count. This dose was escalated in the absence of Grade 4 myelosuppression or Grade 3 or 4 extramedullary toxicity. Oral idarubicin was given daily for 28 days followed by a 21 day break off treatment in repeated cycles until there was evidence of disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The dose of idarubicin was adjusted, at 2-week intervals, by 25% to maintain a white blood cell (WBC) count between 2 and 4x10(9)/L and a platelet count of >75x10(9)/L. The dose was reduced by 25% for grade 2 extramedullary toxicity and held until toxicity resolved to grade 2 or better for grade 3 toxicity. Oral idarubicin was then restarted at 75% of the initial dose. Five out of 14 CML patients achieved a complete hematologic remission. No CMML patient responded (median survival 3 months). The overall median survival was 24 months. CML patients had a median survival of 28 months. Major toxicities (myelosuppression, gastrointestinal, cardiac) were infrequent with a median cumulative dose of 1110 mg/m2 (range 54-9750). Five patients have received oral idarubicin for > 1 year with no overt cardiotoxicity, reaching median cumulative dose of 2756 mg/m2 (range 2550-9750) which is higher than those documented in prior studies. We conclude that oral idarubicin is sufficiently safe and active to warrant phase II studies investigating it as part of interferon-based regimens in patients with advanced CML.
Identification of rutin and isoquercitrin in cottonseed

The flavonol glycosides, rutin and isoquercitrin, have been separated from crushed, delinted cottonseed (kernel and hull) by extensive use of paper chromatography. The identification of these flavonoid pigments has been achieved through paper chromatography, ultraviolet and infrared spectrophotometry, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of their hydrolysis products. Details of the separation and identification have been described.
An analytic spatial filter and a hidden Markov model for enhanced information transfer rate in EEG-based brain computer interfaces

We propose a new classification method, termed the Common Spatial Analytic Pattern, for brain-computer interfaces based on a simple EEG signal source and channelmodel. This blind source separation procedure recovers underlying source signals near the motor cortex which are indicative of motor imagery. A hidden Markov source model is applied to the evolution of the source signals and is used to estimate the type (left or right) of motor imagery performed by a subject. As a whole, the resulting asynchronous classifier offers significant improvement upon the current prevailing techniques in classification. Experiments show information transfer rates between subject and computer as high as 60.9 bits/minute.
The palliation of symptomatic osseous metastases final results of the study by the radiation therapy oncology group

Different dose fractionation irradiation schedules have been evaluated in a randomized Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) study to determine their palliative effectiveness in patients with osseous metastases. The frequency, promptness and duration of pain relief were utilized as measures of response. Ninety percent of patients experienced some relief of pain and 54% achieved eventual complete pain relief. Important prognosticators included the initial pain score and the site of the primary lesions. Administration of steroid or chemotherapy during the one-month on-study period did not influence the frequency of pain relief. The low-dose, short-course schedules were as effective as the high-dose protracted programs.
Paper electrophoretic separation of some diastereomers

Gas chromatography (GC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) have received most attention as techniques for separation of stereoisomers. Indirect separations by GC of diastereomers have been extensively reviewed by Gil-Av and Nurok [1] while Lochmuller and Souter recently reviewed direct GC resolution methods [2]. TLC work involving diastereomeric compounds of various classes: β-methyltryptophans [3], di- and tripeptides [4], some aliphatic compounds [5], and thymidine hydrates [6] have been reported. Although much attention is given to diastereomer separations by GC and TLC, no reports exist of such applications by electrophoresis. This report describes some high voltage electrophoretic separations of diastereomers of several pharmaceutically and biochemically useful compounds.
Drug Treatment of Asthma

Excerpt To the editor: The article "Drug Therapy in the Management of Asthma" by VanArsdel and Paul (Ann Intern Med87:68-74, 1977) is an excellent review. A few points should be clarified regarding...
Two-loop superstrings VI Nonrenormalization theorems and the 4-point function ☆

Abstract The N-point amplitudes for the type II and heterotic superstrings at two-loop order and for N ⩽ 4 massless NS bosons are evaluated explicitly from first principles, using the method of projection onto superperiod matrices introduced and developed in the first five papers of this series. The gauge-dependent corrections to the vertex operators, identified in paper V, are carefully taken into account, and the crucial counterterms which are Dolbeault exact in one insertion point and de Rham closed in the remaining points are constructed explicitly. This procedure maintains gauge slice independence at every stage of the evaluation. Analysis of the resulting amplitudes demonstrates, from first principles, that for N ⩽ 3 , no two-loop corrections occur, while for N = 4 , no two-loop corrections to the low energy effective action occur for R 4 terms in the type II superstrings, and for F 4 , F 2 F 2 , F 2 R 2 , and R 4 terms in the heterotic strings.
The Silencing Mediator of Retinoid and Thyroid Hormone Receptors (SMRT) Regulates Adipose Tissue Accumulation and Adipocyte Insulin Sensitivity in Vivo

The silencing mediator of retinoid and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT) serves as a corepressor for nuclear receptors and other factors. Recent evidence suggests that SMRT is an important regulator of metabolism, but its role in adipocyte function in vivo remains unclear. We generated heterozygous SMRT knock-out (SMRT+/−) mice to investigate the function of SMRT in the adipocyte and the regulation of adipocyte insulin sensitivity. We show that SMRT+/− mice are normal weight on a regular diet, but develop increased adiposity on a high-fat diet (HFD). The mechanisms underlying this phenotype are complex, but appear to be due to a combination of an increased number of smaller subcutaneous adipocytes as well as decreased leptin expression, resulting in greater caloric intake. In addition, adipogenesis of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from these mice was increased. However, adipocyte insulin sensitivity, measured by insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation and insulin-mediated suppression of lipolysis, was enhanced in SMRT+/− adipocytes. These finding suggest that SMRT regulates leptin expression and limits the ability of fat mass to expand with increased caloric intake, but that SMRT also negatively regulates adipocyte insulin sensitivity.
Inventory investment, product cycles, and the imperfectly competitive firm

We consider a profit-maximizing, imperfectly competitive firm, with downward-sloping demand functions, that can produce multiple products at a single facility. We show that if the firm dedicates production to a single product, both dynamic production, which exploits inventory, and static production, which does not, can be optimal. We also consider sharing the production facility by multiple products. We evaluate the efficiency of scheduling production using simple rotation cycle scheduling, and give a condition for guaranteeing optimality of this scheduling rule. We conclude by studying when dedicated production is preferred over shared production.
Comparison of the utility of CT scans and intravascular ultrasound in endovascular aortic grafting

Using CT scans and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), aortic, aneurysm neck, and endoluminal graft cross-sectional dimensions were compared in a canine model before and after placement of endoluminal grafts in normal aortas (n = 10) and in artificially constructed abdominal aortic aneurysms (n = 15). Measurement of diameters (n = 83) revealed an average difference or bias between imaging modalities of 0.17 ± 0.92 mm. Measurements obtained using IVUS were slightly larger than CT values (8.84 ± 1.0 vs. 8.65 ± 1.1,p <0.03) but correlated very well by linear regression analysis (r=0.948,p <0.02). Analysis of cross-sectional area (n = 44) revealed an average difference or bias of 7.21 ± 7.76 mm2 between the two modalities. Again IVUS measurements were larger than CT measurements (65.0 ± 16.5 vs. 57.9 ± 11.9,p < 0.001) and linear regression analysis showed less correlation (r = 0.897,p < 0.001). Qualitative assessment of the graft and stent characteristics was more precise using IVUS. Graft folding, stent-aorta interfaces, and thrombus formation were easily identified by IVUS, whereas these more subtle characteristics were missed by CT scanning and arteriography. These studies demonstrate that IVUS measurements were slightly larger than CT values; however, both modalities demonstrate small bias and good correlation. Qualitative analysis of the aneurysmal aorta and endoluminal graft using IVUS is comparable to and in some respects more detailed than measurements from CT scanning and arteriography.
Quadratic linear algebras associated with factorizations of noncommutative polynomials and noncommutative differential polynomials

We study certain quadratic and quadratic linear algebras related to factorizations of noncommutative polynomials and differential polynomials. Such algebras possess a natural derivation and give us a new understanding of the nature of noncommutative symmetric functions.
Evaluation of porcelain surface treatments and agents for composite-to-porcelain repair

Abstract Intraoral repairs often involve bonding composite to fractured porcelain. Newer adhesive systems, currently referred to as multipurpose systems, include materials with recommended procedures for repair of porcelain. This laboratory study evaluated various treatment regimens with the ProBond adhesive system. Three different porcelain surface procedures were used: (1) air abrasion with aluminum oxide (50 μm), (2) 8% hydrofluoric acid, and (3) air abrasion and hydrofluoric acid. Eight different treatment procedures were then used to bond 10 composite cylinders to porcelain surfaces in each group. Shear bond strengths (in megapascals) were determined with an Instron testing machine after storage in water for 24 hours at 37° C and after 3 months of storage and thermocycling. The combination of air abrasion and hydrofluoric acid on porcelain surfaces before bonding composite recorded the most consistently effective bond strengths. Four of the treatment regimens in the air abrasion groups yielded low bond strengths at 3 months. This study also indicated that silane treatment of porcelain is critical for development of suitable bond strengths for composite.
On the propagation of waves through porous solids

Abstract This note reexamines Biot's model for the propagation of acoustic waves in a material such as cohensionless sand, infused with a fluid, within the context of mixture theory. Instead of the standard entropy equation that is used in mixture theory, an inequality for the viscous dissipation is employed here due to a conceptual difficulty that one encounters in applying the standard equation to a mixture of sand and a fluid. The wave equations are reformulated by taking the velocity field, instead of the displacement, for the fluid as a primary quantity. By recognizing and thereby exploiting the dependence of the stored energy of the sand on the pore fluid pressure and choosing an appropriate form for the rate of dissipation, a set of governing equations are obtained which are equivalent to those derived by Biot [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 28(1956) 168, 179; J. Appl. Phys. 33(1962) 1482]. A differential equation for the pore fluid pressure is derived and the effects of drag and virtual mass are dealt with in a unified fashion. The procedure allows us to develop generalizations to Biot's equations in a rational manner.
Effects of alcohol consumption on the treatment of depression among elderly patients.

The authors examined the effects of alcohol use on the short-term and 3–4-month treatment outcomes of patients with late-life depression. Patients (N = 2,666) were assessed for symptoms of depression, alcohol use, and disability during an initial inpatient hospitalization and then 3–4 months postdischarge. Contrary to our hypothesis that alcohol consumption imparted a significant additive detriment to treatment outcome in patients already suffering from major depression, the results suggest that treatment was effective even in those with concomitant use of alcohol. Moreover, there appeared to be an added benefit when even modest alcohol consumption was decreased among elderly patients suffering from depression.
Three-Dimensional (3-D) Scanning Within Academic Libraries: Exploring and Considering a New Public Service

The article discusses the creation of a three-dimensional (3-D) scanning service within an academic library. Academic libraries generally offer two-dimensional (2-D) or flatbed scanning to their patrons—why not 3-D scanning? Inspired by the routine use of the former, the author investigates the reasoning for offering as a service the latter, defining what it is from a library and information science perspective, how it complements the digital repository and digital scholarship projects being supported within academic libraries, and why libraries should consider it as a public service independently from 3-D printing. A technical description of the scanning equipment and an informal, qualitative account are given from experience using a NextEngine 3-D scanner within an academic library, highlighting some of the challenges and opportunities that such a technology might present. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
Materials characterization and histological analysis of explanted polypropylene, PTFE, and PET hernia meshes from an individual patient

During its tenure in vivo, synthetic mesh materials are exposed to foreign body responses, which can alter physicochemical properties of the material. Three different synthetic meshes comprised of polypropylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials were explanted from a single patient providing an opportunity to compare physicochemical changes between three different mesh materials in the same host. Results from infrared spectroscopy demonstrated significant oxidation in polypropylene mesh while ePTFE and PET showed slight chemical changes that may be caused by adherent scar tissue. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed a significant decrease in the heat of enthalpy and melt temperature in the polypropylene mesh while the ePTFE and PET showed little change. The presence of giant cells and plasma cells surrounding the ePTFE and PET were indicative of an active foreign body response. Scanning electron micrographs and photo micrographs displayed tissue entrapment and distortion of all three mesh materials.
Fuel Effects on Combustion and Emissions of a Direct-Injection Diesel Engine Operating at Moderate to High Engine Speed and Load

It is advantageous to increase the specific power output of diesel engines and to operate them at higher load for a greater portion of a driving cycle to achieve better thermal efficiency and thus reduce vehicle fuel consumption. Such operation is limited by excessive smoke formation at retarded injection timing and high rates of cylinder pressure rise at more advanced timing. Given this window of operation, it is desired to understand the influence of fuel properties such that optimum combustion performance and emissions can be retained over the range of fuels commonly available in the marketplace. It has been shown in previous studies that varying cetane number (CN) of diesel fuel has little effect on ignition delay at high engine load due to the domination of high cylinder temperature on ignition kinetics. The work here experimentally confirms that finding but also shows that emissions and combustion performance vary according to fuel reactivity. Data are examined from a direct-injection single cylinder research engine for eight common diesel fuels including soy-based biodiesel blends at two high load operating points with no exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and at a moderate load with four levels of EGR. It is shown in the work thatmore » at high engine load where combustion is controlled by mixing processes, CN and other fuel properties have little effect on engine performance, although lower CN fuels produce a small increase in noise, smoke and CO emissions. Biodiesel blends increase NOX emissions and decreases CO and smoke emissions at high load, but otherwise have little effect on performance. At moderate load, higher CN fuels are more tolerant to EGR due to their better chemical reactivity at retarded injection timing, but all fuels produce comparable thermal efficiency at advanced combustion phasing regardless of EGR. In contrast to the high load conditions, there was no increase in NOX emissions for biodiesel at the moderate load condition. It is concluded that although higher CN does not significantly alter ignition delay at moderate to high loads it has a dominant influence on the acceptable injection timing range. Apart from CN effects, fuel oxygen content plays an independent role in reducing some emissions. It is therefore recommended that compensation for fuel ignitability and oxygen content be included in combustion control strategies to optimize emissions and performance of future diesel engines.« less
A top down approach to sorting

A top-down approach is presented for the derivation of, and corresponding exposition of sorting algorithms. Work done in automatic program synthesis has produced interesting results about sorting algorithms which suggest this approach. In particular insertion sort and selection sort are seen to be instances of merge sort and Quick sort, and sinking sort and bubble sort are presented as in-place versions of insertion sort and selection sort. This top-down approach is offered as an alternative way of deriving and ultimately teaching about sorting algorithms.
Principal Bundles versus Lie Groupoids in Gauge Theory

This talk discusses the relative merits of using connections in Lie groupoids instead of connections in principal bundles for the description of gauge theories. The basic definitions of groupoids as well as Lie groupoids and Lie algebroids are recalled. After recalling the Atiyah definition of a connection in terms of a splitting of an exact sequence of vector bundles, I review the definitions of connections and curvatures for Lie groupoids. I briefly mention the differences between the group of automorphisms of a Lie groupoid associated to a principal bundle, from the group of gauge transformations of the latter. I discuss the subtle differences arising from this when applied to gauge theories. The final section contains some conjectures and speculations relative to possible use of groupoids in quantizing gauge theories as well as formulating quantum theories on (pseudo-)Riemannian manifolds.