cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Response of Olfactory Bulb Neurons to X-rays as a Function of Nasal Oxygen Concentration

Responses of single olfactory bulb neurons in rats to x-irradiation of the head were examined during the perfusion through the nasal cavities of gas containing various concentrations of oxygen. Response to x-ray was unchanged with oxygen concentrations of from 100 percent down to about 5 percent. Progressively larger response decrements were observed with oxygen concentrations of 2 percent and less.
Desflurane Versus Propofol Anesthesia: A Comparative Analysis in Outpatients

This study compares the induction, hemodynamic, and recovery characteristics of a general anesthetic with desflurane to one with propofol. Sixty outpatients presenting for orthopedic surgery received either a propofol induction of anesthesia followed by desflurane and nitrous oxide (Group 1), a propofol induction followed by propofol infusion and nitrous oxide (Group 2), a desflurane and nitrous oxide induction and maintenance (Group 3), or a desflurane induction and maintenance (Group 4). The quality of induction was inferior in Groups 3 and 4 with more breath-holding and excitation than in Groups 1 and 2. However, there was a more rapid emergence in Group 4 patients than any of the other groups. Group 4 patients were able to say their names (5.6 +/- 2.0 min vs 10.3 +/- 3.3 min, 8.6 +/- 3.1 min, and 9.3 +/- 1.5 min for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively) sooner after the discontinuation of anesthesia. Nonetheless, intermediate recovery was similar in Groups 2 and 4 being numerically but not statistically more rapid than in Groups 1 and 3. This pattern of intermediate recovery was also demonstrated by psychomotor function test results. Although there was no difference between the groups in postoperative narcotic requirement, more patients in Group 3 vomited (50%) than in either Group 2 (0%) or Group 4 (12.5%). Hemodynamically, the anesthetics were very similar. Although desflurane was a difficult drug to use for induction of anesthesia, this study demonstrates that desflurane is a suitable maintenance anesthetic for ambulatory surgery because it provides a rapid awakening and an intermediate recovery similar to propofol.
Mother and father language input to young children: Contributions to later language development.

Abstract There has been little research comparing the nature and contributions of language input of mothers and fathers to their young children. This study examined differences in mother and father talk to their 24 month-old children. This study also considered contributions of parent education, child care quality and mother and father language (output, vocabulary, complexity, questions, and pragmatics) to children's expressive language development at 36 months. It was found that fathers' language input was less than mothers' language input on the following: verbal output, turn length, different word roots, and wh-questions. Mothers and fathers did not differ on type-token ratio, mean length of utterance, or the proportion of questions. At age 36 months, parent level of education, the total quality of child care and paternal different words were significant predictors of child language. Mothers' language was not a significant predictor of child language.
Structural evaluation of potent NKT cell agonists: implications for design of novel stimulatory ligands.

Abstract Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of T cells that are activated by CD1d–glycolipid complexes through a semi-invariant αβ T cell receptor (NKT TCR). Upon activation, NKT cells secrete regulatory cytokines that are implicated in T helper cell responses. α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) is a potent NKT cell agonist when presented by CD1d. Phenyl ring substitutions of the α-GalCer fatty acid moiety were recently found to be superior in eliciting regulatory cytokines. Crystal structures of four new mouse CD1d–lipid complexes (five structures), a new PBS-25 complex, and CD1d with an endogenous ligand, at 1.6–1.9 A resolution, reveal that the α-GalCer phenyl analogues impart minor structural differences to the A′-pocket, while the sphingosine and galactose moieties, important for NKT TCR recognition, remain virtually unchanged. The observed differences in cytokine-release profiles appear to be associated with increased stability of the CD1d–glycolipid complexes rather than increased affinity for the NKT TCR. Furthermore, comparison of mouse CD1d–glycolipid complexes in different crystallographic space groups reveals considerable conformational variation, particularly above the F′-pocket, the primary site of interaction with the NKT TCR. We propose that modifications of the sphingosine moiety or other substitutions that decrease α-GalCer flexibility would stabilize the F′-pocket. Such compounds might then increase CD1d affinity for the NKT TCR and further enhance the stimulatory and regulatory properties of α-GalCer derivatives.
Hooper's Alleged Authorship of A Brief and Clear Confession of the Christian Faith

The question concerning the authorship of A Brief and Clear Confession of the Christian Faith, ascribed to John Hooper, is raised in the only extensive work on Hooper, an unpublished dissertation written at the University of Zurich by W. M. S. West. West covers certain intrinsic difficulties involved in ascribing this work to Hooper and finds that this work
What are Preschool Teachers Reading in Their Classrooms

The present study describes preschool read-alouds in terms of the types of texts to which children are exposed. The methods involved analyzing the genre and instructional foci of 426 titles read by 13 teachers throughout an entire academic year. Additionally, associations between teacher characteristics and texts teachers read in their classrooms were examined. Findings indicated that (a) narrative texts were the dominate genre read-aloud; (b) children's exposure to alphabet books, nursery rhymes, books featuring math concepts, and multicultural content occurred at generally low rates; and (c) few significant associations exist between quantity of books read and teacher characteristics.
electrolyte-free water clearance: a clinical utility in managing osmotic urea diuresis-associated polyuria in tube feeding syndrome

Hypernatremia is a common problem in critically ill patients. Part of the reason for the inadequate treatment of hypernatremia may be that we tend to replace only the free water deficit (FWD) and neglect replacing ongoing losses of free water. In most cases, ongoing losses of free water occur in the urine, the quantity of which can be easily calculated using the electrolyte free water clearance (EFWC). We report a case of man presenting with tube feeding syndrome (TFS) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). He developed life-threatening hypernatremia from an osmotic urea diuresis that was appropriately treated by replacing both the FWD as well as ongoing free water losses calculated from the EFWC. A 37 year-old man in a persistent vegetative state from a left thalamic hemorrhage status post ventriculostomy and PEG tube placement was admitted with sepsis and HHNS. He was receiving large amounts of Jevity 1.2. He had acute kidney injury due to severe volume depletion from an osmotic urea diuresis. BUN was 200 mg/dL, sodium was 165 mEq/L, glucose was 635 mg/dL, and serum osmolality was 449 mOsm/kg. To prevent the development of cerebral edema from overly rapid correction of hyperosmolality, he was started on an insulin drip and hypernatremia was allowed to persist until the hyperglycemia was fully normalized. This was followed by correcting the hypernatremia over 3 days. He was urinating up to about 4 L/day of mostly electrolyte free water. Using the FWD to arrive at the rate of free water administration, he would only have received 2 L of free water per day and hypernatremia would have persisted. Instead, he required about 4.5 L/day of free water as calculated by the FWD and EFWC together, and his hypernatremia resolved as expected. Our patient presented with a triad of TFS including hypernatremia, dehydration, and azotemia. Rapidly increased fluid loss from sepsis and HHNS initially caused severe hypernatremia. Only by using the combination of FWD and EFWC calculations could we have arrived at the appropriate rate of free water administration.
Thermocouples--the Arizona experience with in-house manufactured probes.

The performance of several different types of multisensor thermocouple probes have been tested to determine the feasibility of each type for use in the hyperthermia clinic. All of the probes tested were manufactured in‐house, and a detailed description of the construction process will be presented. The overall performance of the probes in terms of robustness, calibration, conduction errors, and response time will be described. In particular, this study describes our experience with in‐house manufactured thermocouples over the past several years. The results indicate that when strict quality assurance guidelines are followed, in‐house manufactured thermocouples perform satisfactorily—thereby providing an alternative to purchasing probes and measurement systems from commercial vendors if the proper resources are available.
Endoscopic Removal of an Embedded Biliary Wallstent by Piecemeal Extraction

Expandable metal biliary stents are reserved for patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. Occasionally, these stents may cause complications necessitating removal. We describe successful endoscopic removal of a biliary Wallstent one year after insertion in a patient who initially underwent placement of an expandable metal biliary stent for presumed biliary malignancy. The stent was removed after a stent related bleeding duodenal ulcer formed.
A Fortran package for the planar analysis of limb intersegmental dynamics from spatial coordinate-time data

Abstract Limbs in humans and animals are systems of linked bodies, in which motion of any one part of the linkage exerts forces on the remaining parts. Thus, during natural movements, forces can act on a limb segment even if a segment is not exposed to active muscle forces. Passive reactions arise from forces in tendons, ligaments, and peri-articular tissues, as well as from dynamical limb reactions related to inertial, Coriolis, and centripetal forces. Consequently, limb trajectories are influenced not only by active muscle forces but also by passive, intersegmental forces. For a more complete understanding of movement control, it is important to explain the mechanisms by which active and passive forces are coordinated. To achieve this, an analysis of limb intersegmental dynamics is essential, and here we provide a detailed description of the equations used for the planar analysis of limb intersegmental dynamics from spatial coordinate-time data, as well as the FORTRAN software to perform those calculations.
Progression of hearing loss in bilateral Menière's disease.

Otologists may be reluctant to perform labyrinthectomy in unilateral Meniere's disease, fearing the later development of bilateral disease and severe hearing loss in the previously normal ear. To illuminate this issue, we reviewed audiologic records for 85 patients diagnosed as having bilateral Meniere's disease at the University of Washington Hospital from 1969 to 1986. The progression of hearing loss in each ear was noted, as well as inter/aural relationships. Nine patients experienced a significant reversal, in which the initially better ear surpassed the other ear in hearing deficit, but only one of these patients could at any time have been considered a labyrinthectomy candidate, according to hypothetically liberal audiometric criteria.
Regulation of mouse oocyte growth: probable nutritional role for intercellular communication between follicle cells and oocytes in oocyte growth.

Intercellular communication, as determined by two different assay procedures, was established in vitro between mouse oocytes free of adhering follicle cells and monolayers of either follicle or 3T3 cells. Both of these cell types are known to be able to form homologous gap junctions, and follicle cells naturally form heterologous gap junctions with oocytes in vivo. Monolayers of L cells that are communication deficient did not establish intercellular communication with oocytes as determined by the two different assays for intercellular communication. The diameter of oocytes cultured for 4 days in medium or on monolayers of L cells decreased markedly, 9.7 and 13.1 micron, respectively. In contrast, oocytes cultured for 4 days on follicle cell monolayers increased on the average about 4.7 micron in diameter. Oocytes cultured for 4 days on monolayers of 3T3 cells decreased slightly in diameter, i.e., 2.1 micron. Results from these experiments support a nutritional role for intercellular communication between follicle cells and oocytes in oocyte growth.
Eimeria cicaki sp. n. and Isospora thavari sp. n. from the house lizard Gehyra mutilata Boulenger in Malaysia.

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts and endogenous stages of new species of Eimeria and Isospora from the house lizard, Gehyra mutilata, are described. The ellipsoid to subspherical 2-layered oocysts of E. cicaki averaged 24.0 × 21.0 μm. Polar granules are present. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Ellipsoid sporocysts average 12.2 × 9.0 μm. A sporocyst residuum is present, but the Stieda body is absent. Endogenous stages are in epithelial cells of the small intestine. The subspherical single-layered oocysts of I. thavari average 23.8 × 22.8 μm. The polar granule is present; micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Ellipsoid sporocysts average 12.8 × 9.4 μm. Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. There are endogenous stages in epithelial cells of the small intestine.
Application of computer simulation techniques to macromolecular theories

Abstract A computer simulation method is suggested as a technique for the verification of molecular theories. The method is applied to a three-bead-two-rod model commonly used for modeling polymer molecules. A discrete model is developed and an algorithm for the generation of an equilibrium probability distribution function for the angle between the two rods is formulated. The results tend to support the predictions of equilibrium statistical mechanics when formulated with constraints, rather than the predictions of random walk statistics when constraints are not included in the initial formulation.
1050-2 Computer Modeling for Real-time Interactive Demonstration of Reentry and Induction of Tachycardia: A Teaching Tool

The induction and termination of reentrant tachycardia are difficult to conceive with electrograms only. An interactive computer model based on conduction and refractory time is constructed for real-time simulation of reentry. Written in Microsoft C+ + v. 6.0, 2 pathways (Pl, P2) connected at both ends (A, V) are created. There are 2 cells at each end and 7 cells in each pathway (Figure). There is 1 simulated electrogram each for surface ECG, atrium, the 2 pathways, and ventricle. The cell “on” time (I). “off” time (O), and stimulation threshold can be changed. The cells are in a “ready” state when they are not “on” or “off”, with different designated colors. The model can be “paced” from the pacelsense cells with various coupling intervals (C), and the cells will be sequentially turned “on” after I of the preceding cell, if they are “ready”. After I, the cells become “off” for the duration of O (i.e. refractory time) before returning to “ready”. The simulated electrograms in the respective channels show the P (or A) and ORS (or V) waves corresponding to the “on” state of the pacelsense cells. The “surface ECG” also shows T waves during the “off” state of the Vend. The sum of I of the 7 cells determines the pathway conduction time. 1 of the 2 pathways can also be determined by an equation to simulate the properties of the atrioventricular node: I = AH∞ + D*exp(-C/τ). I and C represent the A2H2and A1A2intervals respectively, AH∞ is the asymptotic cycle length approached as A1, A2increases, and D and τ are constants. AH∞, D, and τ obtained from curve fitting can be changed to simulate clinical cases. Decremental pacing or extrastimuli can induce or terminate reentrant tachycardia of the computer, as seen from the propagation of cell activation and the simulated electrograms. Conclusion It is feasible to create an interactive computer model for real-time simulation of reentry based on the conduction and refractory time of 2 pathways. This model can be a useful teaching tool for reentry. Download : Download high-res image (38KB) Download : Download full-size image
Ontology-based data integration and decision support for product e-Design

Currently, computer-based support tools are widely used to facilitate the design process and have the potential to reduce design time, decrease product cost and enhance product quality. Although there are promising information systems to manage product lifecycle and product-related data, including product data management (PDM) and product lifecycle management (PLM), significant limitations still exist, where information required to make decisions may not be available, may be lacking consistency, and may not be expressed in a general way for sharing between systems. Moreover, there remains little support for decision making that considers multiple complex technical and economical criteria, relations, and objectives in product design. To address these problems, this paper presents a framework for an ontology-based data integration and decision support environment for e-Design. The framework can guide designers in the design process, can make recommendations, and can provide decision support for parameter adjustments.
2013 Literature Update in Hospital Medicine

Author(s): Feldman, Leonard S; Southern, William; Sharpe, Bradley A; Boonyasai, Romsai Tony; Carbo, Alexander R
Role of Microstructure in Hertzian Contact Damage in Silicon Nitride: II, Strength Degradation

In this Part II of a two-part study of the role of microstructure on Hertzian contact damage in silicon nitride we determine strength degradation properties. As previously, three microstructures are investigated: fine (F), medium (M) and coarse (C), representing a progressive transition from brittle to quasi-plastic damage. In both the F and M materials, failures originate from cone cracks (although limited quasi-plasticity is evident in the latter material). These two materials show abrupt losses in strength at the critical contact loads for cone crack initiation, and steady falloff thereafter at higher contact loads. In the C material, failures occur from critical shear faults within the damage “yield” zones. The strengths in this material fall off much more gradually, without abrupt drop, above about twice the critical load for the onset of yield. Fracture mechanics models for each type of failure mode provide explicit relations for the degraded strength as a function of contact load. These models account for all the essential features in the observed strength degradation data. Particular attention is given to indenter size effects in the strength responses. Sphere radius has a profound influence on the critical loads for the onset of degradation, but relatively little influence on the degraded strengths at higher loads. Implications of the results concerning contact fatigue and wear are briefly considered.
When you care enough to defend the very best: how the greeting card industry manages cultural criticism

The American greeting card industry, in particular industry leader Hallmark Cards, makes substantial efforts to deflect cultural critiques in its communications with the public, demonstrating how culture industries actively manage their negative associations with mass culture as well as the public’s fears of an advancing ‘commodity frontier’. Hallmark frames its cultural production as creative while de-emphasizing its industrial nature, and, whenever possible, aligns itself with the legitimating cultural categories of art and the folk to counter the idea that greeting cards are false, manufactured sentiment. Hallmark also argues that the consumer is sovereign in order to contradict critics’ claims that it imposes its mass-produced cards on the public. The way the greeting card industry seeks to manage cultural anxiety about industrialized culture is discussed, as well as the limits of their response.
Short telomeres and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated deficiency cooperatively increase telomere dysfunction and suppress tumorigenesis.

To examine the role of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (Atm) in telomere function, we generated Atm and telomerase null mice (Atm / mTR / iG6 mice). These mice exhibited increased germ cell death and chromosome fusions compared with either Atm / or mTR / iG6 mice. Furthermore, the Atm / mTR iG6 mice had a delayed onset and reduced incidence of thymic lymphoma compared with Atm / mice. The tumors in the Atm / mTR / iG6 mice showed increased apoptosis and anaphase bridges. Finally, lymphomas from Atm / mTR / iG6 mice were derived from CD8 immature, single-positive T cells, whereas Atm / lymphomas were from CD4CD8 double-positive T cells. We propose that Atm protects short telomeres and that Atm deficiency cooperates with short telomeres, leading to increased cell death, decreased tumorigenesis, and increased overall survival.
Plastic Motion of a Vortex Lattice Driven by Alternating Current

We have measured the response of the vortex system in the low ${T}_{c}$ superconductor $2\mathrm{H}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{NbSe}}_{2}$ to finite frequency drives. In a well-defined range of fields, temperatures, and driving amplitudes the system exhibits novel nonlinear phenomena. Most strikingly, the vortices can move easily in response to currents that are well below the dc critical current if the direction of the current is reversed periodically while the amplitude $I$ is kept fixed, but they do not respond to a current that periodically switches between zero and $I$, while the direction is kept fixed. Pronounced memory effects associated with these phenomena indicate the presence of dynamically generated structural changes in the vortex array.
On the generation of a variable structure airport surface traffic control system

A quantitative methodology for modeling variable-structure decision-making organizations and for characterizing the set of solutions to a particular organizational design problem is presented. The structures considered, deterministically process a set of simultaneous observations. This methodology models variable structures with colored Petri nets, which are used as the basic mathematical framework to generate the set of structures that satisfy design requirements. The designer of a system can describe his/her degree of knowledge about the requirements in a matrix form that is translated into the language of colored Petri nets. Then the set of variable structures that satisfy the designer's requirements as well as some generic constraints are characterized. The approach is illustrated through the modeling and design of a hypothetical airport surface traffic control system. >
RMAC: a reliable multicast MAC protocol for wireless ad hoc networks

This work presents a new MAC protocol called RMAC that supports reliable multicast for wireless ad hoc networks. By utilizing the busy tone mechanism to realize multicast reliability, RMAC has the following three novelties: (1) it uses a variable-length control frame to stipulate an order for the receivers to respond, such that the problem of feedback collision is solved; (2) it extends the traditional usage of busy tone for preventing data frame collisions into the multicast scenario; and (3) it introduces a new usage of busy tone for acknowledging data frames. In addition, we also generalize RMAC into a comprehensive MAC protocol that provides both reliable and unreliable services for all the three modes of communications: unicast, multicast, and broadcast. Our evaluation shows that RMAC achieves high reliability with very limited overhead. We also compare RMAC with other reliable multicast MAC protocols, showing that RMAC not only provides higher reliability but also involves lower cost.
Long-term fracture risk among women with anorexia nervosa: a population-based cohort study.

Objectives To determine if fractures represent an important problem for women with anorexia nervosa who may fail to achieve peak bone mass and may experience premature bone loss from decreased estrogen levels. Patients and Methods In this population-based retrospective cohort study, we identified 208 Rochester, Minn, residents that were first diagnosed as having anorexia nervosa between 1935 and 1989, whose subsequent fractures were documented in contemporary medical records and compared with expected numbers of fractures (standardized incidence ratios [SIRs]). Results Subjects were followed up for 2689 person-years during which time 45 patients suffered 88 fractures. Fracture risk was increased among the 193 women (SIR, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 2.0–3.9) as well as the 15 men (SIR, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–7.9). The cumulative incidence of any fracture at 40 years after the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa was 57%. Fractures of the hip, spine, and forearm were late complications, occurring on average 38,25, and 24 years, respectively, after diagnosis. Conclusion Young women with anorexia nervosa are at increased risk of fractures later in life. Greater attention should be paid to the skeletal health of these individuals.
Population and Familial Relative Risks of Disease Associated with Environmental Factors in the Presence of Gene-Environment Interaction

With increasing availability of polymorphic DNA markers, family studies can be used to identify linked susceptibility genes for chronic diseases. Nevertheless, in the presence of gene-environment interaction, the ability of family studies to detect associations between exposures and diseases has not been adequately compared with population studies. The authors derive and compare exposure relative risk measures obtained from population studies with those obtained from studying siblings of affected individuals. For multiplicative joint effects on disease risk between the gene and the exposure, it can be shown that exposure relative risks in siblings are identical to those obtained from the population. For less than multiplicative joint effects (e.g., additive) sibling relative risks are less than population relative risks. However, in the presence of more than multiplicative joint effects, it can be shown that sibling relative risks could be much higher than population relative risks, more so for dominant susceptibility genes than recessive ones, and depend on the model of gene-environment interaction. Under these conditions of strong gene-environment interaction, family studies can be useful in searching for exposure-disease associations, in addition to detecting underlying genetic mechanisms.
Adaptive relevance feedback in information retrieval

Relevance Feedback has proven very effective for improving retrieval accuracy. A difficult yet important problem in all relevance feedback methods is how to optimally balance the original query and feedback information. In the current feedback methods, the balance parameter is usually set to a fixed value across all the queries and collections. However, due to the difference in queries and feedback documents, this balance parameter should be optimized for each query and each set of feedback documents. In this paper, we present a learning approach to adaptively predict the optimal balance coefficient for each query and each collection. We propose three heuristics to characterize the balance between query and feedback information. Taking these three heuristics as a road map, we explore a number of features and combine them using a regression approach to predict the balance coefficient. Our experiments show that the proposed adaptive relevance feedback is more robust and effective than the regular fixed-coefficient feedback.
Role of cone angle on the mechanical behavior of cup-stacked carbon nanofibers studied by atomistic simulations

Classical molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the effects of cone angle on mechanical properties and failure mechanisms in thermally-treated cup-stacked CNFs. We find a 22-fold reduction in elastic modulus and 4-fold decrease in tensile strength of cup-stacked CNFs with a wide range of cone angles between 19.2 and 180. Our results show significant elastic stiffening for intermediate angles between 38.9 and 112.9, as well as a minimum in tensile strength at a critical cone angle, due to the competition between weak van-der-Waals forces between layers and strong strengthening mechanisms from surface bonds introduced during thermal treatment. Different failure modes in CNFs subjected to tensile deformation are also predicted as a function of cone angle. This study constitutes an important step toward understanding the origin of strength dispersions observed experimentally in CNFs, and suggests that the design of high-strength CNFs can be optimized structurally by appropriately tuning the cone angle.
On adversarial search spaces and sampling-based planning

Upper Confidence bounds applied to Trees (UCT), a bandit-based Monte-Carlo sampling algorithm for planning, has recently been the subject of great interest in adversarial reasoning. UCT has been shown to outperform traditional minimax based approaches in several challenging domains such as Go and Kriegspiel, although minimax search still prevails in other domains such as Chess. This work provides insights into the properties of adversarial search spaces that play a key role in the success or failure of UCT and similar sampling-based approaches. We show that certain "early loss" or "shallow trap" configurations, while unlikely in Go, occur surprisingly often in games like Chess (even in grandmaster games). We provide evidence that UCT, unlike minimax search, is unable to identify such traps in Chess and spends a great deal of time exploring much deeper game play than needed.
Vascular Calcification Mechanisms

Vascular calcification is highly correlated with cardiovascular disease mortality, especially in patients with ESRD or diabetes. In addition to the devastating effects of inappropriate biomineralization seen in cardiac valvulopathies, calciphylaxis, and idiopathic arterial calcification, vascular calcification is now recognized as a marker of atherosclerotic plaque burden as well as a major contributor to loss of arterial compliance and increased pulse pressure seen with age, diabetes, and renal insufficiency. In recent years, several mechanisms to explain vascular calcification have been identified including (1) loss of inhibition, (2) induction of bone formation, (3) circulating nucleational complexes, and (4) cell death. Alterations in calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) balance as seen in patients with ESRD promotes vascular calcification via multiple mechanisms and may explain the alarmingly high levels of cardiovascular disease deaths in these patients. Strategies to control Ca and P levels in patients with ESRD have met with early success in preventing progression of vascular calcification. Whether or not vascular calcification can be reversed is not yet known, but exciting new studies suggest that this may be possible in the future.
A group sequential, response-adaptive design for randomized clinical trials

There has been considerable methodological research on response-adaptive designs for clinical trials but they have seldom been used in practice. The many reasons for this are summarized in an article by Rosenberger and Lachin, but the two main reasons generally cited are logistical difficulties and the potential for bias due to selection effects, "drift" in patient characteristics or risk factors over time, and other sources. Jennison and Turnbull consider a group sequential, response-adaptive design for continuous outcome variables that partially addresses these concerns while at the same time allowing for early stopping. The key advantage of a group sequential approach in which randomization probabilities are kept constant within sequential groups is that a stratified analysis will eliminate bias due to drift. In this article we consider binary outcomes and an algorithm for altering the allocation ratio that depends on the strength of the accumulated evidence. Specifically, patients are enrolled in groups of size n(Ak), n(Bk), k=1, 2, ...K, where n(Ak), n(Bk) are the sample sizes in treatment arms A and B in sequential group k. Patients are initially allocated in a 1:1 ratio. After the kth interim analysis, if the z-value comparing outcomes in the two treatment groups is less than 1.0 in absolute value, the ratio remains 1:1; if the z-value exceeds 1.0, the next sequential group is allocated in the ratio R(1) favoring the currently better-performing treatment; if the z-statistic exceeds 1.5, the allocation ratio is R(2), and if the z-value exceeds 2.0, the allocation ratio is R(3). If the O'Brien-Fleming monitoring boundary is exceeded the trial is terminated. Group sample-sizes are adjusted upward to maintain equal increments of information when allocation ratios exceed one. The z-statistic is derived from a weighted log-odds ratio stratified by sequential group. Simulation studies and theoretical calculations were performed under a variety of scenarios and allocation rules. Results indicate that the method maintains the nominal type I error rate even when there is substantial drift in the patient population. When a true treatment difference exists, a modest reduction in the number of patients assigned to the inferior treatment arm can be achieved at the expense of smaller increases in the total sample size relative to a nonadaptive design. Limitations, such as the impact of delays in observing outcomes, are discussed, as well as areas for further research. We conclude that responsive adaptive designs may be useful for some purposes, particularly in the presence of large treatment effects, although allowing early stopping minimizes the benefits. If such a design is undertaken, the randomization and analysis should be stratified in order to avoid bias due to time trends.
INCREASED FIXATION OF SULFUR35 BY CARTILAGE IN VITRO FOLLOWING DEPLETION OF THE MATRIX BY INTRAVENOUS PAPAIN

The uptake in vitro of sulfur-35 by costal cartilage obtained from nine rabbits 11 days after an intravenous injection of crude papain solution was compared with that in costal cartilage from eight normal untreated rabbits. An increased fixation of the isotope was found in treated animals compared with controls. The depletion of cartilage matrix by papain provided an experimental situation to test the hypothesis that the depletion of matrix which occurs in osteoarthritic cartilage can stimulate increased synthesis of chondroitin sulfate. The results give further support to the view that the primary lesion in osteoarthritis occurs in the matrix rather than in the chondrocyte of articular cartilage.
Attachment features and functions in adult romantic relationships

The present research examined the development of attachment bonds in adult romantic relationships using a cross-sectional internet survey (Study 1) and a longitudinal study (Study 2). Results suggested that attachment features and functions emerge in a specific sequence that begins with proximity-seeking, followed by safe haven, and finally secure base. Our cross-sectional data indicated that people who had been in relationships for longer were more likely to use their partners for attachment functions. However, in our longitudinal study, after controlling for relationship length and age, there was relatively little change in attachment features and functions over time. The data also indicated that adult attachment bonds might develop more quickly than has been previously assumed.
Fast and accurate retinal vasculature tracing and kernel-Isomap-based feature selection

The blood vessels in the retina have a characteristic radiating pattern, while there exists a significant variation dependent on the individual and/or medical condition. Extracting the geometric properties of these blood vessels have several important applications, such as biometrics (for identification) and medical diagnosis. In this paper, we will focus on biometric applications. For this, we propose a fast and accurate algorithm for tracing the blood vessels, and compare several candidate summary features based on the tracing results. Existing tracing algorithms based on a detailed analysis of the image can be too slow to quickly process a large volume of retinal images in real time (e.g., at a security check point). In order to select good features that can be extracted from the traces, we used kernel Isomap to test the distance between different retinal images as projected onto their respective feature spaces. We tested the following feature set: (1) angle among branches, (2) the number of fiber based on distance, (3) distance between branches, and (4) inner product among branches. Our results indicate that features 3 and 4 are prime candidates for use in fast, realtime biometric tasks. We expect our method to lead to fast and accurate biometric systems based on retinal images.
Features of the interaction between twin-cavities with varying separation

In military aircraft weapon bays, experience has shown that an open cavity at moderately high speeds can have a profound efiect on internally carried weapons, their suspension equipment, separation characteristics, and the structural loads on the parent aircraft. Acoustic resonance causes high pressure, ∞uctuating loads in and near the bay, high enough to very quickly fatigue metal parts, and to damage sensitive electronics on smart weapons. When two such cavities are placed in close proximity to one another, it is natural to expect the instabilities from the cavities to interact. This paper presents the results of an experimental study conducted on twin, closely spaced cavities in order to understand the physics of the interaction mechanisms between the instabilities and the changes in these mechanisms as the cavities are moved apart. The following important results emerged from this study: (1). When twin cavities are placed in close proximity they exhibit coupled resonant instability modes that can be distinct from those produced by each cavity resonating by itself. (2). As these twin cavities are moved apart, the Mach number range where resonant instabilities are observed decreases, which is indicative of a decoupling behavior. (3). Prior to an instability mode switch or mode decay, the interaction density metric increases, thus acting as a precursor to a mode change. (4). When multiple instability modes are present at a given operating Mach number, the cross-bicoherence spectrum is dominated by interaction clusters, whereas, when a single instability mode is dominant, the cross-bicoherence spectrum displays a lineal pattern of interactions.
The American Law Institute: Justice Cardozo's Ministry of Justice?

This paper explores an influential reform agenda - the notion of a Ministry of Justice - advanced by Justice Benjamin Nathan Cardozo, one of the American Law Institute's founding members. The article in which Justice Cardozo introduced the concept of a Ministry of Justice was published in the Harvard Law Review the very month that the exploratory committee was formed that ultimately recommended the formation of the American Law Institute, and two years before the Institute itself was founded. This article explores the extent, if any, to which the reform agenda that Justice Cardozo propounded in this famous article was fulfilled by the founding of the Institute.
Compensatory plasticity in the olfactory epithelium: age, timing, and reversibility.

Like other biological systems, olfaction responds “homeostatically” to enduring change in the stimulus environment. This adaptive mechanism, referred to as compensatory plasticity, has been studied...
Nonlinear control of an experimental beam by IMSC

Results are reported from an experiment designed to control the vibratory motion of a beam at NASA, Langley Research Center. The experimental setup consists of a free-free uniform beam acted upon by four electromagnetic force actuators, with the motion being measured by nine displacement sensors. The entire assembly is linked to a CDC Cyber 175 computer which permits on-line real-time computation of the control forces. The control scheme is based on Independent Modal-Space Control (IMSC), whereby the modal forces are computed using a nonlinear, on-off control law. The actuator forces are then synthesized using a linear transformation, resulting in quantized forces. The sensors data is processed by modal filters. It is observed that the controls designed on the basis of the IMSC method are very effective in suppressing the vibratory motion of the beam, even though there is about a 50 percent differene between the actual and the analytically computed frequencies.
Effect of hypophysectomy and pretreatment on uptake and retention of estradiol by the ovary.

SummaryImmature female rats were used after hypophysectomy to study the characteristics of uptake and retention of 3H-estradiol-17β by the ovary. The concentration of radioactivity in the ovary increased progressively up to 3 days following hypophysectomy. In another study uptake and retention of 3Hestradiol was studied at 2, 4 and 8 hr following a single sc injection (.1 μg/100 g body wt). The ovaries of hypophysectomized rats took up and retained highest amount of radioactivity. The results demonstrate the ability of the ovary to incorporate exogenous estrogen in the absence of endogenous estrogen. Evidence also indicates that the ovaries of immature rats are capable of secreting estrogen.
Time Scales of Nearshore Profile Changes

Time scales of nearshore profile change are examined using a unique set of highly accurate surveys collected over a 3% year period at CERC's Field Research Facility. The data are analyzed in terms of the formation and movement of the nearshore bars and with empirical eigenfunctions. The largest and most rapid changes in the profiles occurred during storms. The inner bar (depth of -0.6 to 1.5 m, 1.6 to 4.5 ft) moved offshore during even minor storms and recovered relatively quickly. The outer bar (depth of 3 to 4 m, 9 to 13 ft) formed during the largest storms and recovery was considerably slower, requiring six months or longer. The eigenvector analysis confirmed the importance of storms but identified a seasonal shift of material from the beach and inner bar to the offshore.
Compositional Boundaries for Fossil Hydrocarbons

We have determined the absolute upper limit of hydrocarbon compositional space for petroleum and other fossil oils. The upper limit for the double-bond equivalent (DBE) to carbon is 90% of the carbon number. The DBE lower limit is zero. Any hydrocarbon molecular formula outside of those boundaries is not observed in hydrocarbon resources, petroleum, coal, and oil shale. These boundaries provide working limits for elemental compositions of fossil fuels for computer searching and model building.
Identification and Distribution of Cross-Pollinating Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Apple Orchards

The size of the cross-pollinating population, the pattern of pollen transfer, fruit set, and the number of seeds per fruit (as a function of distance from the pollinizer) were recorded in ‘Delicious’ apple orchards. In addition, pollen adhering to honey bee foragers and apple blossom stigmata was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Neither fruit set nor seeds per fruit decreased significantly with increasing distance from the pollinizer. SEM revealed that compatible pollen (i.e., pollen from unrelated apple varieties) was being carried by every apple forager. Stigmata from both cultivars also contained a wide range of pollens. Tree-to-tree movement cannot account for these results, which suggests that pollen transfer in apple orchards results from other circumstances. The possibility that pollen transfer in the hive contributes to the cross-pollinating population is discussed.
Immunophoretic Evaluation of Blood Serum Poteins in Chickens. II. Patterns in Vitamin E Deficiency Encephalomalacia.

Summary and Conclusions1. Twenty-five newly hatched or very young chickens were subjected to a purified diet, deficient in vit E or any synthetic antioxidant and supplemented with 4.8% linoleic acid. If permitted to survive, these chicks developed encephalo-malacia between the 10th and 26th day. Forty-two chicks, fed on a conventional stock laboratory diet, developed normally and were well at the time blood samples were examined. 2. Immunophoresis patterns of blood sera from experimental and normal chickens were obtained. 3. In the experimental sera, an antigen-antibody precipitation curve with the mobility of beta lipoprotein persisted whereas this curve did not persist after the 10th day in normal chickens. This curve was interpreted as due to the presence of an abnormal protein, possibly a denatured beta lipoprotein. 4. The role of possible denaturation of beta lipoproteins in the blood serum in the presence of autoxidation products of linoleic acid in the serum as a possible mechanism for production o...
Inhibitory effect of ethylene in ene-yne metathesis: the case for ruthenacyclobutane resting states.

Reaction kinetics and mechanistic studies for ethylene–internal alkyne metathesis promoted by the phosphine-free initiator Ru1 (Piers’s catalyst) is described. The kinetic order of reactants and catalyst was determined. The effect of ethylene was studied at different solution concentrations using ethylene gas mixtures applied at constant pressure. Unlike earlier studies with the second-generation Grubbs complex, ethylene was found to show an inverse first-order rate dependence. Under catalytic conditions, a ruthenacyclobutane intermediate was observed by proton NMR spectroscopy at low temperature. Combined with the kinetic study, these data suggest a catalytic cycle involving a reactive LnRu═CH2 species in equilibrium with ethylene to form a ruthenacyclobutane, a catalyst resting state. Rates were determined for a variety of internal alkynes of varying substitution. Also, at low ethylene pressures, preparative syntheses of several 2,3-disubstituted 1,3-butadienes were achieved. Using the kinetic method, s...
Effect of in vivo addition of selected nitrofurans on acid production in human saliva.

Summary and ConclusionsThe incorporation of 1,000 μg quantities of 5-nitro-2-fural-dehyde-2-β-hydroxyethyl semicarbazone and 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde-2-β-methyl semicarba-zone in paraffin blocks used as salivary stimulants completely prevented acid production in 38 of the 42 saliva samples obtained from caries active individuals. A significant partial reduction in acid formation occurred in the remaining 4 cases. The findings indicate that 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde-2-β-hydroxyethyl semicarbazone and 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde-2-β-methyl semicarbazone are not rapidly destroyed or absorbed by the tissues and fluids of the oral cavity.
Studies of the Transmissibility of Syphilis: The Infectiousness of the Seminal Fluid of Men with Early Syphilis1

A review of the available literature on the infectiousness of seminal fluid indicates that most deductions on the presence of Spirochaeta pallida are based upon evidence which does not adequately control possible factors of misinterpretation. Kemp (1) has recently reviewed the literature, and although recognizing possible inaccuracy of interpretation, states that seminal fluid has been reported as containing Spirochaeta pallida in 14 of 144 specimens studied (9.4%). An independent study of the literature was made particularly with the purpose of analyzing more critically the "positive" reports. The inadequacy of interpretation based solely upon darkfleld examination or silver impregnation methods and the variability of biologic methods of animal inoculation have previously been discussed in detail (2). Suffice it to say that methods based on pathogenicity for animals and performed in sufficient number on similar case material offer the best approach to the study of the biologic facts concerning infectiousness.