cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communication and interpretation of regional weather forecasts: a survey of the Italian public

The aim of the present study is to contribute to the correctness and effectiveness of weather forecast communication, the importance of which has been steadily growing along with the improvement in numerical weather prediction models and methods as well as the general awareness about the increase of extreme events within a context of global climate change. An extensive survey was conducted among the general users of the weather forecasts issued by the regional meteorological service of Tuscany, Italy (LaMMA Consortium), which resulted in 2388 volunteers responding to the questions aimed at better understanding of how people access, interpret and use weather forecasts. The survey also includes some items investigated in previous research, allowing comparison with similar findings in other countries. The most critical issue concerns the uncertainty information, investigated with the main aim of verifying the existence and relevance of inferential mechanisms in the interpretation of weather icons and maps used in LaMMA forecasts to assess uncertainty. The present study also discusses users' interpretations of the probability of precipitation forecasts and their preferences on how forecast uncertainty is conveyed. Results show that, even if the Italian public is accustomed to strictly deterministic weather forecasts, people attribute uncertainty to them on their own even if lacking any explicit indication, thus suggesting the need to supplement the existing forecasts with both graphical and textual information about uncertainty, particularly in the case of precipitation forecasts.
Human values, ethics, and design

Human values and ethical considerations no longer stand apart from the human-computer interaction (HCI) communityperhaps in some separate field called “computer ethics”—but are fundamentally part of our practice.
A comparison of fluvastatin 40 mg every other day versus 20 mg every day in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Study Objective. To assess the efficacy of fluvastatin administered every other day versus an equivalent dose given daily in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Design. Randomized, nonblinded, crossover study. Setting. Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Patients. Twenty-three patients with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels above 160 mg/dl despite diet therapy. Intervention. Patients received fluvastatin 40 mg every other day or 20 mg/day, all doses taken at bedtime. Each treatment arm was 6 weeks in duration. Measurements and Main Results. A lipid profile was determined at baseline and after each regimen. Both regimens significantly lowered total cholesterol and LDL versus baseline. The LDL levels were lowered by 24% and 21% by fluvastatin 20 mg/day and 40 mg every other day, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in lipid components between regimens. Conclusion. Fluvastatin 40 mg every other day is effective in lowering total cholesterol and LDL in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Three Decades of β-Lactamase Inhibitors

Summary: Since the introduction of penicillin, β-lactam antibiotics have been the antimicrobial agents of choice. Unfortunately, the efficacy of these life-saving antibiotics is significantly threatened by bacterial β-lactamases. β-Lactamases are now responsible for resistance to penicillins, extended-spectrum cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems. In order to overcome β-lactamase-mediated resistance, β-lactamase inhibitors (clavulanate, sulbactam, and tazobactam) were introduced into clinical practice. These inhibitors greatly enhance the efficacy of their partner β-lactams (amoxicillin, ampicillin, piperacillin, and ticarcillin) in the treatment of serious Enterobacteriaceae and penicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections. However, selective pressure from excess antibiotic use accelerated the emergence of resistance to β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. Furthermore, the prevalence of clinically relevant β-lactamases from other classes that are resistant to inhibition is rapidly increasing. There is an urgent need for effective inhibitors that can restore the activity of β-lactams. Here, we review the catalytic mechanisms of each β-lactamase class. We then discuss approaches for circumventing β-lactamase-mediated resistance, including properties and characteristics of mechanism-based inactivators. We next highlight the mechanisms of action and salient clinical and microbiological features of β-lactamase inhibitors. We also emphasize their therapeutic applications. We close by focusing on novel compounds and the chemical features of these agents that may contribute to a “second generation” of inhibitors. The goal for the next 3 decades will be to design inhibitors that will be effective for more than a single class of β-lactamases.
A sound framework for untrusted verification-condition generators

We propose a framework called configurable proof-carrying code, which allows the untrusted producer of mobile code to provide the bulk of the code verifier used by a code receiver to check the safety of the received code. The resulting system is both more flexible and also more trustworthy than a standard proof-carrying code system, because only a small part of the verifier needs to be trusted, while the remaining part can be configured freely to suit the safety policy on one hand, and the structure of the mobile code on the other hand. In this paper we describe formally the protocol that the untrusted verifier must follow in the interaction with the trusted infrastructure. We present a proof of the soundness of the system, and we give preliminary evidence that the architecture is expressive enough to delegate to the untrusted verifier even the handling of loop invariants, indirect jumps and calling conventions.
To Bid or Not to Bid: The Role of Participation Rates in Conservation Auction Outcomes

In this article, I jointly analyze stated willingness to accept values with revealed auction bids from fishing license buybacks in the Chesapeake Bay blue crab fishery in order to better understand the link between participation decisions and conservation outcomes. In contrast with theoretical expectations, I find individuals with the lowest willingness to accept participated in these reverse auctions at lower rates than other eligible individuals, all else being equal. This suggests that who bids in an auction plays an important role in the success of conservation outcomes. These results indicate that market design should expand to consider how, and whether, the economic incentives underlying auction participation align with desired conservation outcomes, both within fisheries and in natural resource management more broadly.
Finding the Hypnotic Virtuoso

Abstract Measures of hypnotizability based on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) correlate only moderately with those based on Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C(SHSS:C). Ss(N = 148) scoring in the high range (10-12) on HGSHS:A were classified according to whether they scored in the “virtuoso” range (11-12) or not on a subsequent administration of SHSS:C. Significant group differences were found on items comprising the cognitive distortion subscale of HGSHS:A, whether assessed in terms of overt behavior or subjective impressions of success. The 2 groups also differed on global self-ratings of hypnotic depth and on those subscales of Field's Inventory Scale of Hypnotic Depth concerned with subjective feelings of loss of control, automaticity, transcendence of normal functioning, and fluctuating depth. Assessments of hypnotizability are enhanced when investigators consider subjective involvement as well as behavioral measures of hypnotic response. This is partic...
Energetic Efficiency of Different Dietary Fats For Growth of Young Chicks

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the energetic efficiency of diets containing different feed grade fats for the growth of broiler chicks during the finishing period. The fats were added to the basal diets replacing equicaloric amounts of glucose, based upon metabolizable energy (M.E.) thus increasing the energy and nutrient density of the diet but maintaining the same M.E.:nutrient ratios. Fats tested were corn oil, palm oil, acidulated cotton seed soapstock (A.C.S.S.), coconut oil, tallow, poultry fat, and feed grade animal fat (F.G. A.F.). In one trial all fats were tested at one level (11.6%) and in the second trial all fats except A.C.S.S. and coconut oil were tested at levels of 10 and 20%. Body balance was used to partition gross energy (G.E.) consumed in an effort to estimate the heat increment (H.I.) of the fat supplemented diets. H.I. (plus the heat of activity which could not be determined separately by this technique) was consistently lower for the fat supplemented diets than for the low fat controls. H.I. was greater for the diets containing 20% fat than for those containing lower levels. Energy and nutrient intake was higher for all diets containing fats indicating that feed intake is influenced by H.I. of the diet as well as by energy level. Caloric efficiency (G.E. gained/M.E. consumed) was greater with fat-supplemented diets than with low fat controls and was generally greater with 10% fat than with 20%. There were no consistent differences among the fats tested with regard to efficiency of M.E. utilization for growth or fattening except for poultry fat which consistently exhibited greater efficiency of utilization and lower heat increment than other fats. Results with palm oil were inconsistent. All fats except A.C.S.S. and coconut oil improved weight gains of chicks in one trial but not in the other.
Electromagnetic backscattering from a sparse distribution of lossy dielectric scatterers

Electromagnetic backscattering from a sparse distribution of lossy dielectric particles having random orientation and position is studied. The paper begins by using the Foldy approximation to find an equation for the mean field. From this equation, an effective permittivity for the scattering medium is obtained. The correlation of the scattered field is found by employing the distorted Born approximation, i.e., particles embedded in the effective medium are assumed to be single scatterers. The above method is then used to find the backscattering coefficients from a leaf canopy. The leaf canopy is modeled by a half space of dielectric discs that are small in comparison to a wavelength. Numerical results show that the depolarized cross section is a sensitive function of leaf inclination angle statistics.
Equational Reasoning on x86 Assembly Code

Analysis of software is essential to addressing problems of correctness, efficiency, and security. Existing source code analysis tools are very useful for such purposes, but there are many instances where high-level source code is not available for software that needs to be analyzed. A need exists for tools that can analyze assembly code, whether from disassembled binaries or from handwritten sources. This paper describes an equational reasoning system for assembly code for the ubiquitous Intel x86 architecture, focusing on various problems that arise in low-level equational reasoning, such as register-name aliasing, memory indirection, condition-code flags, etc. Our system has successfully been applied to the problem of simplifying execution traces from obfuscated malware executables.
SU‐FF‐T‐124: Comparison of Eclipse Step‐And‐Shoot IMRT Plans with Direct Aperture Optimized Treatment Plans

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to investigate possible improvements in plan quality and efficiency for step‐and‐shoot IMRT plans computed using a Direct Step‐and‐Shoot (DSS) optimization engine to those calculated by Eclipse TPS. Method and Materials: Eclipse uses a gradient based fluence optimization algorithm for IMRT planning, followed by a Leaf Motion Calculation Algorithm to compute MLC segments, followed by Monitor Units (MU's) calculation for the optimal fluence maps obtained. IMRT plans previously delivered in our clinic for different target complexities ranging from prostate, head and neck and abdomen were re‐planned using the same target and normal tissue constraints with a commercially developed DSS algorithm based IMRT planning prototype software. The DSS planning software was further constrained to produce less than or equal to the number of segments as the clinically treated Eclipse treatment plan. These plans were compared using several dose‐volume based plan comparison parameters for both the PTV and Organs at Risk (OAR), along with the total number of MU's and segments required to deliver a comparable or better plan. For comparison purpose, the DSS plans were scaled to have the same D50 as the Eclipse plans. Results: Our results show that DSS always result in better quality plans than the fluence based optimization. The DSS plans gave more homogenous PTV coverage, reduction of hot spots, and better dose sparing in most OAR's e.g. H&N (spinal cord, brainstem), Pelvis (bladder, rectum). The total MU's calculated by the DSS plans in our cases were sometimes less or greater than the Eclipse plans. Conclusions: For our study DSS consistently resulted in overall better quality, compared to our Eclipse fluence based optimized plans. There was no consistent improvement of plan efficiency. However, further optimization of constraining the number of segments may yield more efficient plans.
Comment on 'Microscopic structural evolution during the liquid-liquid transition in triphenyl phosphite' by R Kurita, Y Shinohara, Y Amemiya and H Tanaka J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 19 (2007) 152101.

In the communication by Kurita et al 2007 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 19 152101, peaks in the liquid diffraction pattern of triphenyl phosphite have been attributed to intermolecular phosphor–phosphor distances. Based on our previous neutron and x-ray diffraction studies we argue that this assignment is incorrect and the peak contributions are likely to be much more complex.
Effects of dietary fat on blood pressure and plasma lipids in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary fat on blood pressure and plasma lipids in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Rats were fed modified AIN-93G diets containing 1) 8.7% beef tallow + 1.3 % corn oil, 2) 9.2% olive oil + 0.8% corn oil, 3) 10% corn oil, 4) 8.5% fish oil + 1.5% corn oil or 5) 3.05% n-3 ethyl ester concentrates (n-3 E) + 0.26% docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester (DHA) with a mixture of beef tallow, olive oil and corn oil to provide fatty acids similar to diet 4. Diets and tap water were provided ad libitum for 12 weeks. Two successive 24-hour urine samples were collected during the 10th week. Increases in blood pressure of SHR fed the diet containing fish oil were significantly attenuated as compared to those fed diets containing beef tallow or corn oil. The reduction of blood pressure was due to n-3 fatty acids in fish oil since the rats fed diet 5 exhibited similar reduction in blood pressure. Plasma triglycerides, cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were significantly reduced in rats fed the diets containing fish oil or n-3 ethyl esters. These results suggest that the dietary n-3 fatty acids provided by fish oil beneficially affect hypertension and plasma lipids.
Influence of anisotropy on the dispersion characteristics of guided ultrasonic plate modes

Dispersion curves are developed for elastic wave propagation in an anisotropic plate of monoclinic or higher symmetry. Emphasis is placed on analytic expressions for various features. Generalization of the isotropic Rayleigh–Lamb dispersion relations are derived for the cases of (a) propagation along a material symmetry axis and (b) propagation in a general direction. Examination of the high‐frequency limit of the lowest symmetric and antisymmetric mode dispersion curves yields expressions for the half‐space surface or Rayleigh wave velocity. It is shown that the dispersion curves for these modes can exhibit multiple crossings in approaching this limit, and an analytic solution is presented for the constant crossing interval that occurs for propagation along symmetry directions. The analytic results are illustrated by extensive numerical calculations for a variety of degrees of anisotropy with emphasis placed on the relationship between the slowness curves governing partial wave propagation and various features of the dispersion curves.
Restraint Results in Teenage Confinement

![Figure][1] A 14-year-old boy presented with exertional syncope. His chest x-ray suggested pericardial calcification (A). Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a thickened pericardium (B), early diastolic septal bounce, marked respiratory variation in AV valve inflow patterns, inferior
Deconstructing the 2012 Human Security Report: Examining narratives on wartime sexual violence:

At a time of increasing attention to the issue of wartime sexual violence, the 2012 Human Security Report (HSR 2012) sought to expose perceived biases in the mainstream narrative. HSR 2012 raised q...
An Evolutionary Examination of the Royal Dutch Shell Logo Semiotic Perspectives

This is a semiotic analysis of the Royal Dutch Shell logo (the Pecten—scallop shell). More specifically, we looked at the evolutionary examination of the corporation’s logo from its inception in 19...
Exact quantum Monte Carlo calculation of the H-He interaction potential

An exact quantum Monte Carlo method is used to calculate the H-He interaction potential under the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. The method used is exact in that it requires no mathematical or physical approximations beyond the Schr\"odinger equation. As in most Monte Carlo methods there is a statistical error which is readily estimated. For the equilibrium internuclear distance of 7.0 bohr the calculated electronic energy is -3.403 7459\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.000 0016 hartrees and the corresponding well depth (\ensuremath{\epsilon}/k) is 6.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5 K. The calculated potential is consistent with low-energy scattering cross-section measurements [J. P. Toennies, W. Welz, and G. Wolf, Chem. Phys. Lett. 44, 5 (1976)] and with low-temperature diffusion measurements [Hardy et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 45, 453 (1980)].
Active Supervision, Precorrection, and Explicit Timing: A High School Case Study on Classroom Behavior.

One proactive approach to increasing student engagement in schools is implementing Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) strategies. PBIS focuses on prevention and concentrates on quality-of-life issues that include improved academic achievement, enhanced social competence, and safe learning and teaching environments. This study is a replication of a study that investigated the combination of active supervision, precorrection, and explicit timing. The purpose of the study was to decrease student problem behavior, reduce transition time, and support maintenance of the intervention in the setting. Results show that active supervision, precorrection, and explicit timing decreased student problem behavior, decreased the duration of transitions in two instructional periods, and the intervention was maintained in the setting. Implications, limitations, and future research are discussed.
Observation of ferroelectric domains in LiTaO3

Abstract Periodic and partially reversed 180° domain patterns in LiTaO3 single crystals, engineered through pulse poling, can be directly observed by using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) in secondary electron emission mode. The ESEM technique does not require surface treatment and can be used to observe ferroelectric domains on a natural cracked surface in a bulk material. This is very important since the domain patterns obtained by this technique can truly represent the domain configurations in a bulk. The domain structures are confirmed by chemical etching and scanning electron microscopy. The ESEM gives stable and high resolution images.
Deflection mapping of flames using the moire effect.

A computer simulation was used to perform a sensitivity analysis on the deflection mapping technique based on the moire effect. The refractive index and the temperature of a hot gas mixture were calculated. The accuracy of the method is shown to have strong dependence on the experimental accuracy. The best mode of experimental operation was found to be the construction of the moire image by using a physical grid and a computer simulated grid.
Resistance effect on 230-kv faults at Grand Coulee

Early studies and calculations1,2 concerning the bussing at 230 kv of the generators at the Grand Coulee Power Plant and the lines emanating therefrom indicated that the asymmetrical fault currents to be encountered as the Coulee installation grew would increase very rapidly and the development of ultrahigh interrupting-capacity circuit breakers, as well as means of limiting the fault current, were investigated thoroughly.
Performance of a channelized-ideal observer using Laguerre-Gauss channels for detecting a Gaussian signal at a known location in different lumpy backgrounds

The Bayesian ideal observer gives a measure for image quality since it uses all available statistical information for a given image data. A channelized-ideal observer (CIO), which reduces the dimensionality of integrals that need to be calculated for the ideal observer, has been introduced in the past. The goal of the CIO is to approximate the performance of the ideal observer in certain detection tasks. In this work, a CIO using Laguerre-Gauss (LG) channels is employed for detecting a rotationally symmetric Gaussian signal at a known location in the non-Gaussian distributed lumpy background. The mean number of lumps in the lumpy background is varied to see the impact of image statistics on the performance of this CIO and a channelized-Hotelling observer (CHO) using the same channels. The width parameter of LG channels is also varied to see its impact on observer performance. A Markov-chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is employed to determine the performance of the CIO using large numbers of LG channels. Simulation results show that the CIO is a better observer than the CHO for the task. The results also indicate that the performance of the CIO approaches that of the ideal observer as the mean number of lumps in the lumpy background decreases. This implies that LG channels may be efficient for the CIO to approximate the performance of the ideal observer in tasks using non-Gaussian distributed lumpy backgrounds.
Using Continuous PM2.5 Monitoring Data to Report an Air Quality Index

As stated in 40 CFR 58, Appendix G (2000), statistical linear regression models can be applied to relate PM2.5 continuous monitoring (CM) measurements with federal reference method (FRM) measurements, collocated or otherwise, for the purpose of reporting the air quality index (AQI). The CM measurements can then be transformed via the model to remove any bias relative to FRM measurements. The resulting FRM-like modeled measurements may be used to provide more timely reporting of a metropolitan statistical area's (MSA's) AQI. Of considerable importance is the quality of the model used to relate the CM and FRM measurements. The use of a poor model could result in misleading AQI reporting in the form of incorrectly claiming either good or bad air quality. This paper describes a measure of adequacy for deciding whether a statistical linear regression model that relates FRM and continuous PM2.5 measurements is sufficient for use in AQI reporting. The approach is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) data quality objectives (DQO) process, a seven-step strategic planning approach to determine the most appropriate data type, quality, quantity, and synthesis for a given activity. The chosen measure of model adequacy is r2, the square of the correlation coefficient between FRM measurements and their modeled counterparts. The paper concludes by developing regression models that meet this desired level of adequacy for the MSAs of Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point, NC; and Davenport/Moline/Rock Island, IA/IL. In both cases, a log transformation of the data appeared most appropriate. For the data from the Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point MSA, a simple linear regression model of the FRM and CM measurements had an r2 of 0.96, based on 227 paired observations. For the data from the Davenport/Moline/Rock Island MSA, due to seasonal differences between CM and FRM measurements, the simple linear regression model had to be expanded to include a temperature dependency, resulting in an r2 of 0.86, based on 214 paired observations.
A Sensitivity Analysis of Electrical Resistivity Tomography Array Types Using Analytical Element Modeling

The analytic element method is used to investigate the spatial sensitivity of different electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) arrays. By defining the sensitivity of an array to a subsurface location we were able to generate maps showing the distribution of the sensitivity throughout the subsurface. This allows us to define regions of the subsurface where different ERT arrays are most and least sensitive. We compared the different arrays using the absolute value of the sensitivity and using its spatial distribution. Comparison is presented for three commonly used arrays (Wenner, Schlumberger, and double dipole) and for one atypical array (partially overlapping). Most common monitoring techniques use a single measurement to measure a property at a single location. The spatial distribution of the property is determined by interpolation of these measurements. In contrast, ERT is unique in that multiple measurements are interpreted simultaneously to create maps of spatially distributed soil properties. We define the spatial sensitivity of an ERT survey to each location on the basis of the sum of the sensitivities of the single arrays composing the survey to that location. With the goal of applying ERT for time-lapse measurements, we compared the spatial sensitivities of different surveys on a per measurement basis. Compared are three surveys based on the typical Wenner, Schlumberger, and double dipole arrays, one atypical survey based on the partially overlapping array, and one mixed survey built of arrays that have been shown to be optimal for a series of single perturbations. Results show the inferiority of the double dipole survey compared with other surveys. On a per measurement basis, there was almost no difference between the Wenner and the Schlumberger surveys. The atypical partially overlapping survey is superior to the typical arrays. Finally, we show that a survey composed of a mixture of array types is superior to all of the single array type surveys. By analyzing the spatial sensitivity of the single array, and most significantly the sensitivity of the ERT survey, we set the basis for quantitative measurement of subsurface properties using ERT, with applications to both static and transient hydrologic processes.
The Kustaanheimo–Stiefel map, the Hopf fibration and the square root map on R3 and R4

Abstract We study the Kustaanheimo–Stiefel map (KSM) ψ from U ∗ : = R 4 ∖ { 0 } to X ∗ : = R 3 ∖ { 0 } and the principal circle bundle P = ( U ∗ , ψ , X ∗ , S 1 ) that it induces. We show that the KSM is the appropriate generalization of the squaring map z ↦ z 2 , z ∈ C , and not quaternion-multiplication, in that the KSM induces a principal circle bundle on S 3 → S 2 , namely the Hopf fibration, while quaternion-squaring is degenerate because the dimension of the fibers is not constant. We construct two square root branches from the upper and lower half of R 3 to R 3 ∖ ( x 1 ) − where ( x 1 ) − is the nonpositive x 1 -axis in R 3 and resembles the cut used to define the standard complex square root branches ± z . We glue these two branches together. We introduce what we like to call KS cylindrical coordinates with a 2-dimensional axis of rotation. We also introduce what we call KS torical and spherical coordinates. We use the KS cylindrical coordinates to define the full square root map on an S 1 -cover of R 3 given by ( R 3 × S 1 ) / ∼ , where ∼ is an equivalence relation on ( x 1 ) − × S 1 .
Politics, Science, and the Future of Learning Disabilities:

Leading research scientists and those who interpret science for a general readership (e.g., Trefil, 1996) are quick to acknowledge that science and politics are nearly always mixed, often legitimately, but that the relative influence of one on the other is often off kilter. In fact, observing the triumph of politics over science can be a highly frustrating, if not embittering, experience for researchers in the physical sciences as well as those who study social phenomena. Remember the Superconducting Supercollider? The SSC was supposed to be the next step in the quest to discover the ultimate nature of matter, a quest that began 2,000 years ago with the Greeks. In the largest high-tech construction program ever attempted, the SSC was going to occupy a fifty-two-mile circular tunnel under the plains south of Dallas. Unfortunately, Congress cut off funding for the project in 1993, and today the fourteen miles of completed tunnel are slowly filling with water, a monument to America's inability to focus on long-term goals. Now I don't want you to think I'm bitter about this. The fact that in my darkest hours I think one of humanity's noblest dreams was cut off by an alliance of political hacks and a few scientists whose level of bad judgment was exceeded only by the depth of their envy really shouldn't sway your thinking one way or the other. Whatever we think, the SSC is dead, and we have to turn to the question of what is going to happen in the foreseeable future. (Trefil, 1996, p. 47) We concur with the central message of the article by Kavale and Forness (this issue) that politics, perhaps best known as "advocacy," has overwhelmed the science of learning disabilities and that many of the consequences have been disappointing to researchers, if not undesirable for children. We agree that advances in the field of learning disabilities will come only through careful, systematic, and persistent empirical research (Hallahan, Kauffman, & Lloyd, 1999). We may quibble about a statement here or there, but overall we find ourselves in substantial agreement that learning disabilities have come to mean something that is defined loosely and treated unsystematically, primarily on the basis of advocacy and expedience. Our best strategy now may be to recognize that the scientific vehicles for studying learning disabilities have been overtaken by politics and to focus our efforts on what to do next, just as Trefil (1996) acknowledged the death of the SSC and then shifted his attention to events in the foreseeable future. As Kavale and Forness are quick to recognize, politics cannot be divorced from learning disabilities; a proper or more desirable balance of science and politics is what might be achievable. However, the admixture that leads to the proper or most desirable balance is not immediately obvious, and we are probably well advised to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of various de-grees of tilt toward the scientific or political side.
DFT–SQM force field for cobalt corrinoids

Abstract This Letter introduces a systematic development of a quantitative vibrational force field (FF) capable of modeling vibrational spectra of cobalt corrinoids (B 12 derivatives). The scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) method is used to refine density functional theory (DFT) based force constants calculated at the B3LYP level of theory. The reliability of the DFT–SQM FF for cobalt corrinoids is tested on a six-coordinate methylcobalamin Im–[Co III –corrin]–CH 3 model. It is shown that the computed frequencies and Raman intensities permit detailed vibrational assignment. This analysis illustrates the utility of DFT–SQM FF in making detailed connections between the structure of cobalt corrinoids and their vibrational spectra.
Plant water relations and photosynthesis during and after drought in a Chihuahuan desert arroyo

In order to understand the physiology and ecology of perennial shrub species occupying the banks of ephemeral streams we studied the plant water relations and gas-exchange characteristics of six perennial shrub species growing along an ephemeral stream (arroyo) in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. Two of the species are restricted to riparian habitats (Brickellia laciniata and Chilopsis linearis), three are classified as semi-riparian (Fallugia paradoxa, Prosopis glandulosa, and Rhus microphylla) and one is considered to be non-riparian (Flourensia cernua). Differences in gas-exchange patterns and water relations emerged among these six species, yet differences among obligate, semi-riparian, and non-riparian classes of species were evident, but not universal. Chilopsis and Brickellia did not develop the low plant water potentials that characterized some semi-riparian (Rhus) and non-riparian species (Flourensia) during periods of drought. Rates of photosynthesis and transpiration were highest in Prosopis throughout the study, and were relatively constant in Chilopsis during and after drought. Whether water became available as channel flow or direct rainfall appeared to play a role in the physiology of these arroyo shrubs.
Cell poking: quantitative analysis of indentation of thick viscoelastic layers

A recently introduced device, the cell poker, measures the force required to indent the exposed surface of a cell adherent to a rigid substratum. The cell poker has provided phenomenological information about the viscoelastic properties of several different types of cells, about mechanical changes triggered by external stimuli, and about the role of the cytoskeleton in these mechanical functions. Except in special cases, however, it has not been possible to extract quantitative estimates of viscosity and elasticity moduli from cell poker measurements. This paper presents cell poker measurements of well characterized viscoelastic polymeric materials, polydimethylsiloxanes of different degrees of polymerization, in a simple shape, a flat, thick layer, which for our purposes can be treated as a half space. Analysis of the measurements in terms of a linear viscoelasticity theory yields viscosity values for three polymer samples in agreement with those determined by measurements on a macroscopic scale. Theoretical analysis further indicates that the measured limiting static elasticity of the layers may result from the tension generated at the interface between the polymer and water. This work demonstrates the possibility of obtaining quantitative viscoelastic material properties from cell poker measurements and represents the first step in extending these quantitative studies to more complicated structures including cells.
Identification and characterization of a novel benzo[a]pyrene-derived DNA adduct.

Abstract The aim of this study was to generate and identify a novel benzo[a]pyrene (BP)-derived DNA adduct found both in vitro and in vivo. To date, the majority of studies have focused on N2-[10β(7β,8a,9a-trihydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene)yl]-deoxyguanosine (anti-BPDE-dG), the major adduct generated following bioactivation of BP. However, a second adduct is also formed following bioactivation of BP which has been speculated to result from further metabolism of 9-OH-BP. In order to identify this second reaction pathway, the ultimate DNA binding species, and the DNA base involved, we have synthesized and characterized a dG-derived DNA adduct arising from further bioactivation of 9-OH-BP in the presence of rat liver microsomes. Analysis of the adducted nucleotides was conducted using both the 32P-postlabeling assay and capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (CE-MS).
Technology adaption in logic synthesis

Systems which synthesize logic implementations from specifications have moved, under the pressure of production requirements, from Boolean minimizers to procedures attempting to satisfy a wider range of criteria. Gate or cell count, taken as a measure of area, continues to be a major factor in design acceptability, but timing constraints, testability, wirability, and efficient use of available primitives are important as well. Additional information, such as “don't care” conditions, can be used to improve the design quality. This paper describes how these requirements are specified to and enforced by the Logic Synthesis System (LSS), a tool which has been used in production on gate array chips. Trade-offs between varying requirements, and their effect on the logic produced, are discussed and illustrated with a standard set of examples.
The rabbit ear as a temperature sensor

Abstract New Zealand White rabbits were exposed to cold (8°C) and their ears heated selectively by thermal radiation for short periods. Although other skin temperatures remained unchanged, the mild heating of the ears to 30°C inhibited shivering and resulted in a substantial decrease in oxygen consumption and internal body temperature. These observations indicate the presence of thermal receptors in rabbits' ears and their importance in thermoregulation.
A hybrid approach for hemorrhage segmentation in pelvic CT scans

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of death in patients with severe pelvic fractures within the first 24 hours after the injury. Hence, it is vital for physicians to quickly identify hemorrhage and assess bleeding severity. However, it is rather time consuming for physicians to evaluate all the CT images. Therefore, an automated hemorrhage segmentation system is needed to assist physicians. This paper proposes a hybrid approach for hemorrhage segmentation from pelvic CT scans. This approach utilizes region growing technique with integration of contrast information from the previous and subsequent slices. The results show that the method is able to segment hemorrhage well with acceptable results. Hemorrhage volume is also determined. A statistical t-test is conducted to determine if the calculated hemorrhage volume using the proposed method is significantly different from the manually detected volume.
L∞-upper bound of L2-projections onto splines at a geometric mesh☆

Abstract For an integer k ⩾ 1 and a geometric mesh (qi)−∞∞ with q ϵ (0, ∞), let M i,k (x): = k[q i + k ](· − x) + k − 1 , N i,k (x): = (q i + k − q i M i,k (x) k , and let Ak(q) be the Gram matrix (∝Mi,kNj,k)i,jϵz. It is known that ∥Ak(q)−1∥∞ is bounded independently of q. In this paper it is shown that ∥Ak(q)−1∥∞ is strictly decreasing for q in [1, ∞). In particular, the sharp upper bound and lower bound for Ak (q)−1 are obtained: 2k−1⩽‖A k (q) −1 ‖∞⩽ π 2 2k ∑ jϵZ (1+2j) −2k −1 for all q ϵ (0, ∞).
Genetic relationship between acylpeptide hydrolase and acylase, two hydrolytic enzymes with similar binding but different catalytic specificities.

Abstract An 87% identity has been found between the reported cDNA sequence that encodes acylpeptide hydrolase (EC 3.4.19.1) [Mitta, M., Asada, K., Uchimura, Y., Kimizuka, F., Kato, I., Sakiyama, F. & Tsunasawa, S. (1989) J. Biochem. 106, 548-551] and a cDNA transcribed from a locus (DNF15S2) on the short arm of human chromosome 3, reported by Naylor et al. [Naylor, S.L., Marshall, A., Hensel, C., Martinez, P.F., Holley, B. & Sakaguchi, A.Y. (1989) Genomics 4, 355-361]; the DNF15S2 locus suffers deletions in small cell lung carcinoma associated with a reduction or loss of acylase activity (EC 3.5.1.14). Acylpeptide hydrolase catalyzes the hydrolysis of the terminal acetylated amino acid preferentially from small acetylated peptides. The acetylamino acid formed by acylpeptide hydrolase is further processed to acetate and a free amino acid by an acylase. The substrates for the acylpeptide hydrolase and the acylase behave in a reciprocal manner since acylpeptide hydrolase binds but does not process acetylamino acids and the acylase binds acetylpeptides but does not hydrolyze them; however, the two enzymes share the same specificity for the acyl group. These findings indicate some common functional features in the protein structures of these two enzymes. Since the gene coding for acylpeptide hydrolase is within the same region of human chromosome 3 (3p21) that codes for the acylase and deletions at this locus are also associated with a decrease in acylase activity, there is a close genetic relationship between the two enzymes. There could also be a relationship between the expression of these two enzymes and acetylated peptide growth factors in some carcinomas.
The nature and inheritance of sweetness and acidity in the cultivated apple

A survey was made of the sweetness and sourness of the fruits of apple cultivars. Measurements of the concentration of sugars and malic acid in ripe fruits were made and the variation between samples of a cultivar, between cultivars, between years and between cultivars and their tetraploid and colour sports was studied and showed a wide range of variation between cultivars but fairly constant values within cultivars. The study of a number of progenies shows that sweetness and sourness are inherited independently. Sweetness shows a quantitative pattern of inheritance and the progeny mean approximates the mid-parent value. Sourness is controlled by a single gene, with medium and high acidity being dominant to very low, superimposed on a quantitative pattern. The mean sugar and acid concentrations of a progeny and the approximate range of variation can be predicted from the sugar and acid concentrations found in the parents.
BMI and Severity of Clinical and Radiographic Signs of Hip Osteoarthritis

Obesity might be involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) not only via increased mechanical loading, but also via an inflammatory component possibly causing increased pain and functional disability. The study aim was to examine the relationship between BMI and clinical symptoms as well as radiographic severity of OA in patients scheduled for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). We conducted a cross-sectional study of 855 patients scheduled for a first THA for primary OA at a single centre between November 2001 and December 2006. The primary outcome was clinical and radiographic severity of OA, which was evaluated in four BMI categories (18.5-24.9, 25-29.9, 30-34.9 and ≥ 35 kg/m(2)). We used the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) to assess pain and function. The severity of radiographic hip joint damage was evaluated using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification. Multivariate analyses were performed to adjust for potential confounders. In patients scheduled for THA, increasing BMI was associated with significantly higher levels of pain and functional disability on both HHS (P for trend <0.001) and WOMAC (P for trend <0.001). However, the degree of radiographic joint damage remained similar across BMI categories. These findings emphasize the need to further investigate the potential pathogenic role of obesity and low-grade inflammation in OA and underscore the importance of obesity prevention to avoid early prosthetic replacement of the hip.
Induction of mouse erythroleukemia cells by microinjection of inducing compound.

Abstract Physical microinjection is shown to be a useful procedure for inserting biologically active molecules into mammalian cells. Mouse erythroleukemia cells have been attached to a coverslip, microinjected with the inducer hexamethylene-bisacetamide (HMBA) and incubated for 5–6 days in the absence of inducer. The injected cells appear to undergo normal differentiation and synthesize hemoglobin. This is the first example of a cell being activated to undergo differentiation by direct injection of an inducing compound.
A Model of Motor Neuron Loss: Selective Deficits After Ricin Injection

This study characterizes a model of motor neuron (MN) loss on the molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels. Injection of the toxic lectin Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA I or ricin) caused cellular deficit and loss of function by damaging the sciatic nerve. Since the sciatic nerve supplies movement to most of the lower limb, damaging this motor system models lower limb paralysis and the deficits that occur in diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and infantile progressive spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We used motor-, sensorimotor-, locomotor-, and reflex-based tests to demonstrate loss of function after ricin injection. Loss of function was also demonstrated by decreased retrograde transport, and supported by measurements of muscle wasting. Histochemical and molecular methods were used to characterize sciatic nerve damage in axons and cell bodies, including apoptotic cell death in MNs. This battery of tests documents the extent of the ricin-induced damage and provides a baseline that can be used to judge the efficacy of MN treatment strategies in preclinical studies.
Out with the old, in with the new: immunosuppression minimization in children.

Purpose of reviewTo cover the current literature on immunosuppression minimization strategies in pediatric transplantation, with an emphasis on an application of these strategies in renal transplantation.Recent findingsSafe elimination of certain immunosuppressives carry unprecedented advantages for
Lapse of care as a predictor for morbidity in adults with congenital heart disease.

Abstract Background There is a need for timely transition of patients with congenital heart disease who have reached adulthood. While the American Heart Association guidelines dictate that patients with moderate or great complexity lesions be seen at least every 2 years, lapse in care is common. We sought to assess the frequency and clinical impact of lapse of medical care in adults with moderate or great complexity cardiac lesions diagnosed in childhood. Methods All patients, fulfilling the above criteria, who were seen in an Adult Congenital Heart Disease regional clinic from 2002 to 2005 were questioned as to the length of time from leaving care at a pediatric institution to establishment of subsequent cardiac care. Lapse of medical care, defined as ≥ 2 year interval from leaving a pediatric cardiac care facility, was determined. Variables associated with lapse of medical care were sought. Variables associated with adverse outcome were identified. Results Of 400 patients seen, 158 met inclusion criteria. Of these, lapse of medical care was present in 99 (63%) with a median duration of lapse of medical care of 10 (2–50 years). The most common reason cited for lapse of medical care was that the patient was told there was no need for follow-up (32%). Patients with lapse of medical care were 3.1×( p =0.003) more likely to require urgent cardiac intervention ( p =0.003). Conclusions Lapse of medical care is common in adults with congenital heart disease and is associated with adverse outcome.
The use of motion pictures in the psychological preparation of children for induction of anesthesia.

Prior research on the treatment of phobias and the psychological preparation of children for operations suggested that the stressfulness of anesthesia induction might be ameliorated by a short motion picture showing children behaving calmly during induction. This was tested in a controlled experiment with 38 children undergoing minor elective operations. The anesthetics employed were standard combinations of halothane, nitrous oxide, cyclopropane and oxygen. Children who saw the film shortly before leaving for the operating room were judged to be significantly less upset than the controls while waiting to enter the operating room and while being readied for induction. The differences between the two groups during the induction itself were negligible.