cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compressible laminar MHD flow inside a flat duct with heat transfer

This study is to present an analysis of two-dimensional, steady-state, laminar, compressible flow of an electrical conducting fluid inside a flat duct with a transversely applied magnetic field. The boundary-layer equations for the compressible MHD flow are solved by a new approach based on Morris and Smith's work on non-MHD flow. The compressible boundarylayer equations including the continuity, momentum, and energy equations are reduced to ordinary differential equations which are solved simultaneously by numerical integration. No restrictions are imposed on the Prandtl number. A very general form of viscosity variation with respect to temperature is used in the development of the general equations. A sample problem with the constant wall temperature, the Mach number of 0.8, and the Prandtl number of 0.01 is solved numerically. Investigations include the growth of the dynamic boundary and thermal boundary layers, the development of the velocity and temperature profiles, and the skin friction and heat transfer. The results show that the skin friction and heat transfer are increased with the increase of magnetic field strength. To obtain an estimate of the validity of the method, it is applied to the solution of incompressible flow problems for which some reliable solutions are available.
Kalman filter analysis for quantitative comparison of sensory schemes in bilateral teleoperation systems

An important area of research in the teleoperation literature is to develop systematic methods to quantitatively compare different manipulator designs in application critical tasks. Such quantitative methods are especially important during design of the manipulators to make an informed decision among various design alternatives. In this paper, a novel method to quantitatively compare different sensory schemes for a teleoperation system is introduced. This method evaluates the sensory schemes by comparing the norm of the a posteriori error covariance matrices of the Kalman filters for each configuration. The main advantage of this method is that it allows to quantitatively compare arbitrary sensory configurations.
Culture, Urbanism and Planning

The “culture turn” in planning arrived in the latter part of the 20th century and has since taken hold. It is not that planners were oblivious to the significance of culture in their work, but that...
Using peer evaluation of programs to develop analytical and communication skills

Peer evaluation of programs can be incorporated in programming courses at any level, can be administered in many different ways, and can enhance several dimensions of students' education.
Impact and uncertainties of climate change on the hydrology of the Mara River basin, Kenya/Tanzania

The impact and uncertainty of climate change on the hydrology of the Mara River basin (MRB) was assessed. Sixteen global circulation models (GCMs) were evaluated, and five were selected for the assessment of future climate scenarios in the basin. Observed rainfall and temperature data for the control period (1961–1990) were combined with expected GCMs output using the delta and direct statistical downscaling methods and three greenhouse gas emission scenarios (A1B, A2 and B1). Uncertainties of climate change were addressed through compare and contrast of results across diverse GCMs, future climate scenarios and the two downscaling methods. Both methods produced a relatively similar annual rainfall amount, but their monthly and daily pattern showed considerable differences. The relative advantages and disadvantages of implementing one method over the other were also explored. The hydrologic impact of climate change in the basin was assessed using Soil and Water Assessment Tool. The model was calibrated and validated with observed data in the control period with (Nash–Sutcliff efficiency, coefficient of determination) results of (calibration: 0.68, 0.69) and (validation: 0.43, 0.44) at Mara Mines. Results have shown a statistically significant increase in flow volume of the Mara River flow at Mara Mines for the year 2046–2065 and 2081–2100. With due attention to the limitations, findings of this study have a wider application for water resources sustainability analysis in the MRB in the face of uncertainties due to climate change. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PSA screening and deaths from prostate cancer after diagnosis—a population based analysis

BACKGROUND The United States Preventative Health Task Force recently recommended prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening be abandoned, believing the results of prior studies failed to show benefits that outweighed risks. Prior analyses did not include a complete 10 year follow-up in their analyses. METHODS SEER rate sessions were used to obtain for US White and Black men age-adjusted incidence rates for prostate cancer, in total and by loco-regional and distant (D2) spread for 1983–2009, as well as for prostate cancer diagnoses with associated prostate cancer deaths within 10 years of diagnosis (incidence based mortality rates) for 1983–1999. The SEER-Stat Program was used to tabulate rate estimates and calculate standard errors. The Joinpoint Regression Program was used to provide estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of annual percent changes (APC) and times at which APC changed (joinpoints), as well as to test for parallelism to see if APC's differed between groups of rates. RESULTS All analyses showed a 1991–1993 joinpoint, consistent with an impact of PSA screening. Between 1991 and 1999, incidence based mortality rates showed a decline for Whites of 10.9% (CI 9.2%–12.7%) and for Blacks of 11.6% (CI 9.7%–13.4%); incidence based mortality and D2 spread rate curves were similar (P > 0.05, test for parallelism). CONCLUSION Incidence based mortality declined by about 10% per year between 1991 and 1999 in a fashion similar to that of D2 spread, but not loco-regional spread or overall, incidence. Prostate 73:1365–1369, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The secretion processes in mucous and serous secretory cells of the rat sublingual gland

The discharge processes of secretory substances in mucous acinar cells and serous demilune cells were studied in the sublingual gland of nonstimulated rats and rats stimulated to secrete by simultaneous injections of isoproterenol and pilocarpine. In the acinar cells of both stimulated and nonstimulated glands, mucous granules, masses of fused granules and mucus, as a result of the rupture of the granule membranes, discharged into the lumen through breaks formed in the apical cell membrane. The complete discharge of mucus, which occurred in the stimulated glands, left large spaces in the cytoplasm of the acinar cells. These spaces were lined with small vesicles which appeared to form a limiting membrane. The secretory granule discharge was observed in the demilune cells of nonstimulated glands but not in stimulated glands. These serous granules discharged by establishing a continuity between their membranes and the apical cell membrane.
Possibility of an adiabatic transition between ν=1 and quantum Hall states in a narrow wire

Abstract We argue that it is possible, in principle, to create an adiabatic transitionthrough a narrow neck, or point contact, between two differentquantized Hall states that have the same number of edge modes,such as ν=1 and 1 3 . We apply both the compositefermion and the Luttinger liquid formalism to analyze thistransition, and we discuss its physical interpretation. We note that using such adiabatic junctions onecould build a DC step-up transformer, where the output voltageis higher than the input. Difficulties standing in the way of anexperimental implementation of the adiabatic junction areaddressed.
Infra-through-ultrasonic cleaning of microanemometer and acoustic vector sensing elements

Sensor elements employing fine filaments are often vulnerable to particulate fouling when used in certain operational field conditions. Depending on the size, attraction level, thermal and electrical conduction and charge accumulation properties of the particles, erroneous readings can be easily generated in such "dirty" environments. This paper describes the design, development and testing of an ultrasonic system which dynamically rejects highly tenacious electrostatically charged particles of a wide variety of sizes and even water. The paper starts with a brief introduction to the field of acoustic vector sensing, outlining its outstanding characteristics and history. Operational challenges including a statistical analysis of typical Middle-Eastern wind-blown desert sand and charge density are laid out. Several representative subscale hot-wire filaments were fouled with calibrated dust representing desert sand. The fouled elements were then exposed to airflows of 13 ft/s (4m/s) and showed highly erratic, shifted conduction levels with respect to baseline (clean) levels. An ultrasonic cleaning system was designed specifically resonate the filament and cantilever so as to mechanically reject foulants. When operated at resonance, the ultrasonic cleaning system showed 98.6% particulate rejection levels and associated restoration of uncorrupted filament resistance levels to within 2% of baseline resistance measurements. The study concludes with an assessment of such cleaning techniques in various environments.
Primary Current Lineation or Parting Lineation

The terms “primary current lineation” and “parting lineation” have both been applied to the same depositional feature of sedimentary rocks. It is agreed that the origin is a streamlining effect on loose sand grains parallel with current direction. A superficially similar effect is seen on parting planes of certain metamorphic rocks and is due to the intersection of s-surfaces. This lineation is at right angles to the tectonic movement. It is suggested that the term “primary current lineation” be retained for the sedimentary depositional feature to avoid confusion with the lineation imposed by movement within metamorphic rocks.
Manufacturing resource planning: An information systems model

Abstract This paper presents Manufacturing Resource Planning, an information system that will enable the developing and monitoring of strategic plans. Incorporation proven material and capacity requirements planning techniques, strategic planners can determine readily the impact of their plans on the manufacturing resources of the company. Decision making is more coordinated because all managers work from a common data base. However, the attainment of this level of planning sophistication is costly not only in capital outlays for computer software and hardware but also in the time to train users. But those firms who have successfully incorporated this integrated approach to strategic planning feel strongly that the end results justify the expenditures.
Morphological Assortment and the Assembly of Communities of Introduced Passeriforms on Oceanic Islands: Tahiti Versus Oahu

We conducted an ecomorphological analysis on the introduced passeriforms of Ta- hiti and tested for community patterns reported for the introduced passeriforms of Oahu, Hawaii. Although the island of Tahiti is similar to Oahu in size, distance from the equator, and number of passeriform introductions, the two islands differ greatly in rates of introduction success: on Oahu 27 of 43 (63%) introductions have been successful, whereas on Tahiti only 7 of 41 (17%) have been successful. Possible explanations for this difference include unfavorable environmen- tal conditions, differences in the timing of the introductions, differences in the taxonomic diver- sity of the sets of introduced species, and differences in habitat diversity between the islands. Despite the difference in rates of introduction success, the same pattern of morphological over- dispersion seen on Oahu also occurs on Tahiti. The pattern of morphological overdispersion is consistent with the hypothesis that interspecific competition has influenced the assembly of this community.
Is there a relationship between economic conditions and political structure

The results of this investigation into the relationship between political environment and economic well-being are both disappointing and encouraging. PHONE is the only measure of economic well-being which is unambiguously and positively associated with democracies. Why this is true remains a mystery. The two reasons discussed earlier are both plausible, as in a third — namely, increasing availability of telephones reduces the costs of organizing special interest groups. To the extent that active participation of special interests is a necessary condition for the emergence or continuation of democratic government, telephones per capita will be related positively to the incidence of democracy.
Hardware and Software Requirements for a Picture Archiving and Communication System's Diagnostic Workstations

Electronic systems (picture archiving and communications systems [PACS]) for image and multimedia data distribution, archiving, and transmission, represent the future of radiology. The workstation is the point of contact between a PACS and the radiologist or referring physician. Therefore, the acceptance of PACS is highly dependent on workstation functionality and performance. This paper, based on our experience in evaluating commercial workstations and on a review of recent literature, describes hardware and software requirements for diagnostic workstations that could be used for making primary diagnoses in a radiology department. Requirements for PACS workstations for use in referring clinics are also briefly described. These workstations must be able to handle the large volume of images to be viewed efficiently, add new functionality to improve the productivity of physicians, technologists, and other health care providers, and provide enough flexibility to allow the electronic systems to grow as medical imaging technology evolves.
Closure of Wounds Under Tension: The Horizontal Mattress Suture

REPORT OF A CASE A 38-year-old white woman, with a history of basal cell carcinoma, presented for a routine total-body skin examination. A suspicious pigmented lesion was found on the left posterior aspect of the lower leg. An excisional biopsy specimen demonstrated a malignant melanoma, with a depth of 0.5 mm, Clark level 2. It was decided to excise the tumor definitively, with a 2-cm margin. The right inguinal crease was For editorial comment see p 1257. scrubbed and draped in preparation for possible use as a skin-graft donor site. The excision created a defect 5 cm in width (Fig 1). The skin was widely undermined in the fascial plane, but the wound edges could not easily be approximated with manual pressure. At this point, an intraoperative decision needed to be made on whether to attempt a primary closure, and, if so, how to do it. SOLUTION In this case a horizontal mattress suture, using 3-0 nylon
Social Protest in an Urban Barrio: A Study of the Chicano Movement, 1966-1974

This work documents the Chicano movement as it developed within the Mexican American community of East Los Angeles during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The author offers a unique comparative and diachronic analysis of several component organizations of this mass movement. Includes analysis of five protest organizations which developed within the East Los Angeles community. Several questions are addressed concerning the origin, development and evolution of movement organizations. Based upon case materials and actual observations, the author provides an eye-opening view of contemporary social change as well as description and analysis of issues such as: group formation and institutionalization, organizational maintenance, competing belief systems, internal conflicts, eternal support, and relations among rival organizations.
Isometric versus tension measurements

This study was designed to compare the displacement patterns of an isometer, used to determine graft place ment during reconstruction, with the actual tensions on an anterior cruciate ligament substitute. In cadaveric specimens, a Kevlar anterior cruciate ligament substi tute was implanted in three separate femoral sites, each of which was subsequently fixed to two different tibial sites. The initial tension of the Kevlar substitute was set to 22 or 33 N at 20° of knee flexion. The displacement patterns for each position were recorded during passive flexion-extension using the isometer. Using a custom-designed tensiometer, the tensile forces on the substitute after rigid fixation at the tibia and femur were measured. During passive flexion-ex tension, the maximum change in tension of the anterior cruciate ligament substitute, measured by the tensiom eter, was correlated with the maximum change in dis placement between attachment sites, measured by the isometer. The coefficient of determination was equal t...
Magnetosonic wave in the A1 phase of superfluid 3He

Abstract The dispersion of the spin wave as well as the magnetosonic wave in the A 1 phase is determined. The magnetosonic wave is the fourth sound accompanied by the magnetization, which provides almost unique means to determine the spin orientation of the condensate in the A 1 phase.
Can Ni phosphides become viable hydroprocessing catalysts

We prepared higher surface area nickel phosphides than are normally found by reducing nickel phosphate. To do this, we hydrothermally synthesized Ni hydroxy phosphite precursors with low levels of molybdenum substitution. The molybdenum substitution increases the surface area of these precursors. During pretreatment in a sulfiding atmosphere (such as H2S/H2) dispersed islands of MoS2 segregate from the precursor and provide a pathway for H2 dissociation that allows reduction of the phosphite precursor to nickel phosphide at substantially lower temperatures than in the absence of MoS2. The results reported here show that to create nickel phosphides with comparable activity to conventional supported sulfide catalysts, one would have to synthesize the phosphide with surface areas exceeding 400 m2/g (i.e. with nanoparticles less than 30 A in lateral dimension).
Microchip Separation and Electrochemical Detection of Amino Acids and Peptides Following Precolumn Derivatization with Naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxyaldehyde

An integrated microfluidic device is used to derivatize, separate, and amperometrically detect amino acids and peptides in the presence of naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxyaldehyde (NDA). The integrated system offers a rapid (4 min) simultaneous measurements of 5 amino acids (Arg, Lys, Gly, Cys, PhenA) down to the 3.2 μM level in connection to a precolumn reaction chamber, an electrophoretic separation channel, and an end-column thick-film carbon-electrode detector. The effect of the separation voltage, detection potential, reagent concentration, and other variables on the response is examined. Calibration and precision experiments indicate a linear and reproducible response. Applicability for the separation and detection of small peptides is demonstrated. Such on-chip generation of electroactive products offers great promise for detecting other nonelectroactive analytes.
Metaplasia and somatic cell reprogramming

The nature and occurrence of metaplasia is briefly reviewed. A theory of how metaplasia is initiated is presented, depending on the idea that it represents an alteration in the combination of developmental transcription factors that are expressed. Two examples of experimental metaplasia, provoked by over-expression of specific transcription factors, are presented: the transformation of B lymphocytes to macrophages, and of pancreatic exocrine cells to hepatocytes. The formation of induced pluripotential stem cells (iPS cells) is considered an example of the same process, in which the destination state is the embryonic stem cell. It is noted that iPS cell production is a stochastic process, depending on selection to obtain the desired cell type. It is proposed that analogous technology, using the appropriate transcription factors, could be used to bring about transformation to cell types other than embryonic stem cells.
Temperature Dependent Mechanical Properties of Doped Silicon Microcantilevers

This paper reports temperature dependent resonance frequency and quality factor of microcantilevers over the temperature range 25-175degC. Either local heating from integrated solid state resistors or uniform heating on a hotplate were employed. The microcantilevers were made of either boron-doped or phosphorus-doped single crystalline silicon. Both cantilever types showed decreasing resonant frequency with increasing temperature, and the cantilever mechanical quality factor was not a function of temperature over the temperature range tested. The presence of a silicon dioxide layer adjacent to the cantilever can affect the cantilever mechanical response, and so care must be taken to eliminate this layer.
Earth normal modes from a 6.5 magnitude earthquake.

THE Earth normal mode spectrum, between 8 and 39 cycles per hour (c.p.h.), has been obtained with a 20 dB signal-to-noise ratio for a relatively small earthquake (Ms = 6.5), using a low noise broad-band vertical accelerometer of new design. The earthquake occurred in the New Hebrides (18.9° S, 169.3° E) on October 13, 1969, 06 : 56 G.M.T. at a depth of 246 km.
Spectral/ hp least-squares finite element formulation for the Navier-Stokes equations

We consider the application of least-squares finite element models combined with spectral/hp methods for the numerical solution of viscous flow problems. The paper presents the formulation, validation, and application of a spectral/ hp algorithm to the numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations governing two- and three-dimensional stationary incompressible and low-speed compressible flows. The Navier-Stokes equations are expressed as an equivalent set of first-order equations by introducing vorticity or velocity gradients as additional independent variables and the least-squares method is used to develop the finite element model. High-order element expansions are used to construct the discrete model. The discrete model thus obtained is linearized by Newton's method, resulting in a linear system of equations with a symmetric positive definite coefficient matrix that is solved in a fully coupled manner by a preconditioned conjugate gradient method. Spectral convergence of the L2 least-squares functional and L2 error norms is verified using smooth solutions to the two-dimensional stationary Poisson and incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Numerical results for flow over a backward-facing step, steady flow past a circular cylinder, three-dimensional lid-driven cavity flow, and compressible buoyant flow inside a square enclosure are presented to demonstrate the predictive capability and robustness of the proposed formulation.
Observations of a Cold-Core Gulf Stream Ring with an “Explosive” Elliptical Instability

Abstract A large cold-core Gulf Stream ring rapidly elongated approximately three weeks after its formation. Over a four-day period the aspect ratio of the cold core of the ring increased from about 2.8 to 6.4 as it took the form of a slender ellipse. During the next week further elongation occurred; a dipolar structure possibly formed. While the elongation and breakup of the ring may have been influenced by the proximity of the Gulf Stream, the observations support the predictions that isolated, large-enough vortices have an elliptical mode baroclinic instability.
Adolescent Psychological and Academic Adjustment as a Function of Discrepancies Between Actual and Ideal Self-Perceptions

Actual-ideal discrepancies are associated with adolescent emotional distress and there is evidence that the size of discrepancies matters. However, the direction of discrepancies has not been examined, perhaps due to limitations of widely used self-discrepancy measures. Two hundred and twelve 7th, 9th and 11th grade students (59% female) in a public school in Jamaica described their actual and ideal selves in several different domains—friendship, dating, schoolwork, family, sports, and religion/spirituality—using a Pie measure. Students also completed measures of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and academic achievement. Discrepancies favoring the ideal self and those favoring the actual self were linked to depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, and poor school grades in the domains of friendship, dating, and schoolwork. Effects were stronger among older adolescents than among younger adolescents. Theories of actual/ideal self-discrepancies have focused on problems arising when the ideal self overshadows the actual self; however, the present study finds that self-discrepancies, regardless of their direction, are a liability. Implications for self-discrepancy measurement, adolescent development, and clinical practice are discussed.
Using Management by Objectives to Measure Results of Classroom Projects through Authentic Assessment.

Abstract Incorporation of management principles in the classroom can motivate students to complete project work successfully. Combining the primary management functions–planning and decisionmaking, organizing, leading, and controlling (Robbins & Coulter, 1996)–and the R-A-C-E formula–research, action planning, communication, and evaluation (Marston, 1979)–can increase the application of critical thinking skills in the classroom. Further, authentic assessment and management by objectives can provide educators with techniques to measure the success of the project work.
"Pancake kidney": a renal anomaly complicating aortic reconstruction.

Pancake kidney is a rare fusion anomaly of the kidneys characterized by the presence of a displaced, lobulated pelvic renal mass of dual parenchymatous system without intervening septum. The existence of this anomaly during aortic reconstruction presents a great technical challenge. The surgical management of a 51-year-old man with a 5.0 cm aortic aneurysm and a pancake kidney is described.
Camelina: adaptation and performance of genotypes.

Abstract Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) has shown potential as an alternative and biofuel crop in cereal-based cropping systems. Our study investigated the adaption, performance, and yield stability among camelina genotypes across diverse US Pacific Northwest (PNW) environments. Seven named camelina genotypes and 11 experimental numbered genotypes were evaluated for seed and oil yield in trials at 18 location/year environments that spanned four annual precipitation zones. Locations were rainfed with long-term mean annual precipitation ranging from 242 to 1085 mm. Thirteen trials were spring-planted and five were fall-planted. Oil content was determined on seed from seven trials, seed weight from five trials, plant height and grain density from four trials, and plant lodging from two trials. Yield stability index was determined and related to seed yield across trials and within each of four annual precipitation zones. Seed yields varied from a trial mean of 127 kg/ha at Lind WA during a year of extreme drought to 3302 kg/ha at Pullman WA with the grand mean 1213 kg/ha. Seed yields among genotypes were significantly different (P
Modulation of inflammatory responses after global ischemia by transplanted umbilical cord matrix stem cells.

Rat umbilical cord matrix (RUCM) cells are stem-cell-like cells and have been shown to reduce neuronal loss in the selectively vulnerable brain regions after cardiac arrest (CA). Here, we investigate whether this protection is mediated by the RUCM cells' modulation of the postischemia inflammation responses, which have long been implicated as a secondary mechanism of injury following ischemia. Brain sections were examined immunohistochemically for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, and nestin as markers for astroglia and reactive astrogliosis, Ricinus Communis Agglutinin-1 (RCA-1) as a marker for microglia, and Ki67 as a marker for cell proliferation. Rats were randomly assigned to six experimental groups: (1) 8-minute CA without treatment, (2) 8-minute CA pre-treated with culture medium injection, (3) 8-minute CA pre-treated with RUCM cells, (4) sham-operated CA, (5) medium injection without CA, and (6) RUCM cell transplantation without CA. Groups 1–3 have significantly higher Ki67+ cell counts and higher GFAP+ immunoreactivity in the hippocampal Cornu Ammonis layer 1 (CA1) region compared to groups 4–6, irrespective of treatment. Groups 1 and 2 have highly elevated GFAP+, vimentin+, and nestin+ immunoreactivity, indicating reactive astrogliosis. Strikingly, RUCM cell treatment nearly completely inhibited the appearance of vimentin+ and greatly reduced nestin+ reactive astrocytes. RUCM cell treatment also greatly reduced RCA-1 staining, which is found to strongly correlate with the neuronal loss in the CA1 region. Our study indicates that treatment with stem-cell-like RUCM cells modulates the inflammatory response to global ischemia and renders neuronal protection by preventing permanent damage to the selectively vulnerable astrocytes in the CA1 region. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Vascular smooth muscle responses to endothelial autacoids in rats with chronic coarctation hypertension.

OBJECTIVE To examine whether elevated intravascular pressure in chronic hypertension alters responses of vascular smooth muscle to agents of endothelial origin. METHODS Coarctation hypertensive, sham normotensive control, and one-kidney, one clip hypertensive (1K1C) rats were used. Tail systolic, carotid and femoral arterial pressures were measured. Responses to histamine, endothelin-1 and the prostacyclin analog iloprost were evaluated in isolated helically cut strips of thoracic and abdominal aortas, with and without endothelium, from all groups. Responses to nitroglycerin were also evaluated in strips of abdominal aortas. RESULTS Thoracic aortas from 1K1C and coarctation hypertensive rats, as well as abdominal aortas from 1K1C rats, but not abdominal aortas from coarctation hypertensive rats were exposed chronically to elevated arterial pressure. Endothelium-dependent maximal relaxation by histamine was significantly depressed in thoracic aortas from both groups of rats, as well as in abdominal aortas from 1K1C rats. Maximal relaxation and sensitivity to histamine were normal in abdominal aortas from coarctation hypertensive rats. Sensitivity to nitroglycerin was impaired in abdominal aortas from 1K1C rats but not in those from coarctation hypertensive rats; maximal relaxation to nitroglycerin was similar in all groups. Relaxation to iloprost was independent of the endothelium, observed only in thoracic aortas and impaired in hypertensive rats. Responses to endothelin-1 were similar in the groups. CONCLUSION Vasorelaxation by histamine, iloprost and nitroglycerin are impaired in hypertension. The impaired relaxation by histamine results from exposure of the vascular endothelium to chronically elevated pressure. This impairment may be related to effects of high pressure in reducing the ability of the endothelium to produce endothelium-derived relaxing factor and inhibit cyclic GMP-dilator mechanisms.
Novel splice site mutations in the gamma glutamyl carboxylase gene in a child with congenital combined deficiency of the vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors (VKCFD).

Congenital combined deficiency of the vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors is a rare bleeding disorder caused by either a defect in the γ-glutamyl carboxylase or the vitamin K epoxide reductase enzyme complex. The diagnosis should be considered when vitamin-K dependent factor activities are decreased and liver dysfunction, vitamin K deficiency, and factitious coumarin ingestion have been excluded. We report a case of VKCFD in a child resulting from compound heterozygosity for two novel splice site mutations of the γ-glutamyl carboxylase gene. Oral vitamin K supplementation resulted in partial resolution of proteins and complete resolution of bleeding. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:92–95. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Life without centrioles: cilia in the spotlight.

Centrioles are critical cellular components that form the architectural core of both centrosomes and basal bodies, the nucleating structures of cilia. New work, including a study in this issue (Basto et al., 2006), highlights the unexpected finding that lack of centrioles does not impede development in the fruit fly. Rather, flies reach maturity but then die because their sensory neurons lack cilia.
Radiometric Observations of Supercooled Liquid Water within a Split Front over the Sierra Nevada

Abstract A storm bearing close structural resemblance to a katafront was observed from the ground with microwave radiometry and a vertically pointing Ka-band radar over the Sierra Nevada of California. The onset and duration of supercooled liquid water was determined and matched to a split front model used to describe the synoptic features of a katafront. Results indicate that prior to the passage of the upper front no supercooled liquid water was observed. This portion of the storm provided the deepest cloud and coldest cloud tops. Supercooled liquid water was most prevalent after the upper front passage, and persisted until the suspected surface front passage. The duration of measured supercooled water was 16 hours. This information broadens the knowledge regarding the presence of supercooled liquid water, and thus possible seeding potential, within winter storms so that treatment can be confined to the period of storms amenable to cloud seeding. Future studies may well confirm the ease with which these...
Application of Fourier descriptors to the unconstrained handwritten digit recognition

This paper presents the results of a comparative study of various Fourier descriptor representations and their use in the recognition of unconstrained handwritten digits. Certain characteristics of five Fourier descriptor representations of handwritten digits are discussed, and illustrations of ambiguous digit classes introduced by use of these Fourier descriptor representations are presented. It is concluded that Fourier descriptors are practically effective only within the framework of an intelligent system capable of reasoning about digit hypotheses. We describe a hypothesis-generating algorithm based on Fourier descriptors which allows the classifier to associate more than one possible digit class with each input. Such hypothesis-generating schemes can be very effective in systems employing multiple classifiers. We compare the performance of the five Fourier descriptor representations based on experiment results produced by the hypothesis-generating classifier for a test set of 14,000 handwritten digits. It is found that some Fourier descriptor formulations are more successful than others for handwritten digit recognition.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ion exchange column americium monitor

Abstract A monitor responsive to the americium content of the waste stream from a cation exchange column in which the recovery of americium takes place provides a continuous indication of column operation. Indicating waste line concentrations from 5×10−7 to 6×10−4g/liter, the monitor allows determination of the proper time to elute the product from the column and indicates undesired process conditions.
Effect of diacylglycerols on osteoclastic bone resorption.

We studied the effect of various synthetic diacylglycerols (DAGs) on bone resorption by rat and chick osteoclasts. l-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol (DAG IV), at a concentration of 100 ΜM, caused a significant reduction in resorption pit number in both species at 6 and 24 hours without any toxic effect. Over a 6-hour incubation period, a significant inhibition was seen at 10 and 100 ΜM in both species. 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DAG I) and 1, 2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycerol (DAG III) caused a marked inhibition of resorption by rat osteoclasts at 6 hours, but there was recovery of bone-resorptive ability over a 24-hour incubation period. DAGs with the -rac conformation failed to have any effect on bone resorption. In time-lapse video studies, osteoclast motility was not influenced by any of the DAGs at any of the concentrations used. Our results indicate that DAGs with the -sn conformation inhibit bone resorption, and DAGs with the -rac conformation do not. The finding that DAGs, the physiological activators of protein kinase C (PKC), inhibit bone resorption provides further evidence for an important role of the PKC pathway in the regulation of osteoclast activity.
Abnormal diurnal weight gain among chronically psychotic patients contrasted with acutely psychotic patients and normals.

We found diurnal weight gain to be abnormal among 28 institutionalized chronically psychotic patients. They were weighed daily for 15 days at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. We normalized the diurnal weight gain (NDWG) as a percentage by subtracting the 7 a.m. weight from the 4 p.m. weight, multiplying the difference by 100, and then dividing the result by the 7 a.m. weight. NDWG was 2.8 +/- 1.3% for the 28 study patients, 0.631 +/- 0.405% for 16 acutely psychotic controls, and 0.511 +/- 0.351% for 29 normals. Ninety-three per cent of the study sample had NDWG values above the upper limit of normal. Sex, diagnosis, smoking, baseline weight, blood pressure, and pulse did not explain these observations. NDWG related (N = 28, r = 0.552, P = 0.002) to antipsychotic drug dose. The implications of our findings are discussed.
Maritime transportation research: topics and methodologies

The purpose of this paper is to review and analyze maritime transportation academic research. For articles published in Maritime Policy & Management (MPM) in the period 2001 to 2012, the most frequent topics addressed include shipping performance/management and shipping finance. For articles published in Maritime Economics & Logistics (MEL) in the period 2002 to 2012, the most frequent topics addressed include port performance and shipping performance/management. MPM articles are more likely than MEL articles to utilize the institutional (IS) methodology and MEL articles are more likely than MPM articles to utilize the optimization (OP) methodology. Maritime transportation proposition theoretical research may be particularly useful in undertaking research in maritime transportation areas for which data are unavailable, insufficient, difficult to obtain, or of poor quality. Future maritime transportation research needs to include focus on: (i) maritime shippers, (ii) maritime transport chains, (iii) mariti...
Rate constant and a detailed error analysis for C2H3 + H reaction

The production and reactions of vinyl radicals and hydrogen atoms from the photolysis of vinyl iodide (C2H3I) at 193 nm have been examined employing laser photolysis coupled to kinetic-absorption spectroscopic and gas chromatographic product analysis techniques. The time history of vinyl radicals in the presence of hydrogen atoms was monitored using the 1,3-butadiene (the vinyl radical combination product) absorption at 210 nm. By employing kinetic modeling procedures a rate constant of 1.8 × 10−10 cm2 molecule−1 s−1 for the reaction C2H3 + H has been determined at 298 K and 27 KPa (200 torr) pressure. A detailed error analysis for determination of the C2H3 + H reaction rate constant, the initial C2H3 and H concentrations are performed. A combined uncertainty of ±0.43 × 10−10 cm2 molecule−1 s−1 for the above measured rate constant has been evaluated by combining the contribution of the random errors and the systematic errors (biases) due to uncertainties of each known parameter used in the modeling. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On the existence of epithelial chloride channels in intact frogs and crayfish.

Chloride channels in isolated amphibian skins have been shown to be open (high PCi) when the transepithelial potential (TEP) across the skin is >30 mV, inside positive, and [Cl−] in the external medium is high. In the absence of either of these signals PCl is much lower. Using Cl− efflux as a criterion, it is shown here that when the same cues are presented to intact frogs, channels open as in the in vitro preparation. The augmented efflux is partially inhibited by high I− in both preparations. However, salt-depleted frogs do not show channel opening, differing in this regard from isolated skins. Elevating external [Cl−] resulted in an even larger efflux stimulation in crayfish than in frogs. The TEP in these animals is usually small and sometimes blood negative; it does not appear to play a role in augmenting the efflux. Gluconate and NO3− also caused Cl efflux to increase markedly. Salt-depletion reduced the stimulation by high [Cl−] but did not abolish it as in frogs. Iodide had no effect on chloride efflux in crayfish. The results may indicate that gated channels exist in these animals, but interpretation is complicated by the possibility that the augmented efflux is due to exchange diffusion. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Regulation of nerve growth factor gene expression in primary brain monolayer cultures: effects of dibutyryl cyclic AMP and sodium butyrate

Abstract Primary brain cultures composed of a heterogeneous population of cells, most of which reacted with anti-fibronectin and only few with anti-GFAP antiserum, were found to synthesize a mRNA indistinguishable from mouse submandibular gland nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA in hybridization characteristics and electrophoretic behavior in agarose gels. The levels of this mRNA were increased 2.5–10 fold by 1 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db-cAMP) and sodium butyrate within 24 h, but not by 10 μM forskolin, and were unaffected by serum in the culture medium. These observations demonstrate that brain cells synthesize a NGF mRNA in primary culture and that the butyrate moiety of db-cAMP enhances NGF gene expression in these cells, probably by a modification of chromatin structure in and around the NGF gene.
Seven-week embryo with gastroschisis, multiple anomalies, and physiologic hernia suggests early onset of gastroschisis

Gastroschisis is an increasingly common birth defect involving the development of the ventral body wall. Extrusion of the bowel is usually paraumbilical, usually right sided, and associated anomalies are less common than in omphalocele. Recently, hypotheses regarding the timing of the typical gastroschisis defect have come into question. Unlike previous theories, Feldkamp et al. (2007) has postulated that gastroschisis occurs much earlier in development, before abdominal wall closure, which is completed by about 35 days postconception. We present a case of a spontaneously aborted dysmorphic embryo which exhibits features of the normal physiologic herniation of the midgut as well as gastrochisis. The co-existence of the abdominal wall defect in this abnormal embryo with the physiologic hernia supports the early development of this defect and also illustrates the causal heterogeneity of gastroschisis. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Diagnostic Value of Tests That Discriminate Between Exudative and Transudative Pleural Effusions

Study objective To (1) determine appropriate decision thresholds and diagnostic accuracies for pleural fluid (PF) tests that discriminate between exudative and transudative pleural effusions, and (2) evaluate the quality of the primary investigations. Design Formal meta-analysis of studies that report the diagnostic value of pleural fluid tests. Setting Data collected from international academic medical centers. Patients Hospitalized patients undergoing thoracentesis for pleural effusions. Interventions Primary investigators were requested to transmit original data from patients described in their studies. Measurements and results Eight primary studies described 1,448 patients with one or more of the following tests: protein (P)-PF, P-PF/serum ratio (R), bilirubin (BILI)-R, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-PF, LDH-R, cholesterol (C)-PF, C-R, and albumin gradient. We found that all eight tests had similar diagnostic accuracies when evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis except for BILI-R, which was less diagnostically accurate. Decision thresholds determined by ROC analysis differed from previously reported values for LDH-PF (>0.45 upper limits of normal) and C-PF (>45 mg/dL). Paired and triplet test combinations tended to have higher diagnostic accuracies compared with individual tests, but examination of the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals did not identify a clearly superior test combination. Limitations of the primary studies presented a high likelihood of bias affecting their results. Conclusions Several strategies exist for clinicians in utilizing PF tests to classify effusions as exudates or transudates but accurate interpretations of these test results will require better designed studies.
An examination of the feasibility of passive transport from coastal spawning grounds to estuarine nursery areas for English sole

Abstract English sole recruitment has been linked to environmental conditions occurring during their 6–10 week pelagic egg and larval stages, prior to their appearance in nursery estuaries during their first summer. The purpose of this study was to predict the spawning locations of juvenile English sole observed in estuaries to assess the feasibility of passive transport of egg and larval stages. Current meter data were used to back-calculate the transport trajectories of 19 cohorts of English sole observed as juveniles during estuarine trawl surveys. Only six of these cohorts were predicted to be spawned outside the Oregon–Washington shelf system, assuming passive transport of eggs and larvae. Predicted egg and larval trajectories indicate that most of the English sole found in Oregon and Washington estuaries were spawned off the coast of Washington, with some spawning off northern California and central Oregon. Although these results are not consistent with the presumed spawning locations for the Oregon and Washington shelf, they indicate that passive transport assumptions may be adequate to preserve the larvae in the coastal system until settlement.
Micromolding in Capillaries: Applications in Materials Science

Procedures based on micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC) were used to pattern a surface of a substrate with micrometer- and submicrometer-scale structures. An elastomeric stamp made of poly(dimethylsiloxane) and having relief features in its surface was placed on a substrate; contact between the elastomeric stamp and the substrate formed a network of interconnected channels. A fluida precursor to a polymer, a solution, or a suspension of the material to be patternedfilled these channels by capillary action. After the material in the fluid had cross-linked, crystallized, cured, adhered, or deposited onto the surface of the substrate, the elastomeric component was removed. The microstructures remained on the surface in the pattern complementary to that present in the mold. MIMIC was used to fabricate microstructures of organic polymers, inorganic and organic salts, ceramics, metals, and crystalline microparticles.