cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene expression and cellular content of cathepsin D in Alzheimer's disease brain: Evidence for early up-regulation of the endosomal-lysosomal system

In Alzheimer's disease brains, more than 90% of pyramidal neurons in lamina V and 70% in lamina III displayed 2- to 5-fold elevated levels of cathepsin D (Cat D) mRNA by in situ hybridization compared with neurologically normal controls. Most of these cells appeared histologically normal. The less vulnerable nonpyramidal neuron population in lamina IV had relatively normal message levels. Neuronal populations expressing more Cat D mRNA also displayed quantitatively increased Cat D immunoreactive protein. Cat D mRNA expression was only moderately increased in astrocytes. Degenerating neurons exhibited intense immunoreactivity but lowered Cat D mRNA levels. The upregulation of Cat D synthesis and accumulation of hydrolase-laden lysosomes indicate an early activation of the endosomal-lysosomal system in vulnerable neuronal populations, possibly reflecting early regenerative or repair processes. These abnormalities also represent a basis for altered regulation of amyloid precursor protein processing.
Differential Sorting and Golgi Export Requirements for Raft-associated and Raft-independent Apical Proteins along the Biosynthetic Pathway

Sorting signals for apically destined proteins are highly diverse and can be present within the luminal, membrane-associated, and cytoplasmic domains of these proteins. A subset of apical proteins partition into detergent-resistant membranes, and the association of these proteins with glycolipid-enriched microdomains or lipid rafts may be important for their proper targeting. Recently, we observed that raft-associated and raft-independent apical proteins take different routes to the apical surface of polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (Cresawn, K. O., Potter, B. A., Oztan, A., Guerriero, C. J., Ihrke, G., Goldenring, J. R., Apodaca, G., and Weisz, O. A. (2007) EMBO J. 26, 3737–3748). Here we reconstituted in vitro the export of raft-associated and raft-independent markers staged intracellularly at 19 °C. Surprisingly, whereas release of the raft-associated protein influenza hemagglutinin was dependent on the addition of an ATP-regenerating system and cytosol, release of a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-tagged raft-independent protein (the 75-kDa neurotrophin receptor; YFP-p75) was efficient even in the absence of these constituents. Subsequent studies suggested that YFP-p75 is released from the trans-Golgi network in fragile tubules that do not withstand isolation procedures. Moreover, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that hemagglutinin and YFP-p75 segregate into distinct subdomains of the Golgi complex at 19 °C. Our data suggest that raft-associated and raft-independent proteins accumulate at distinct intracellular sites upon low temperature staging, and that upon warming, they exit these compartments in transport carriers that have very different membrane characteristics and morphologies.
Reactive tabu search in unmanned aerial reconnaissance simulations

We apply a Reactive Tabu Search (RTS) heuristic within a discrete-event simulation to solve routing problems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Our formulation represents this problem as a multiple traveling salesman problem with time windows (mTSPTW), with the objective of maximizing expected target coverage. Incorporating weather and probability of UAV survival at each target as random inputs, the RTS heuristic in the simulation searches for the best solution in each realization of the problem scenario in order to identify those routes that are robust to variations in weather, threat, or target service times. We present an object-oriented implementation of this approach using CACI's simulation language MODSIM.
Remembering Old and New Rulers: Lombards and Carolingians in Carolingian Italian Memory

This article aims at analysing how the chroniclers of Carolingian Italy (774–875) perceived the Franks and the previous rulers, the Lombards (569–774), and what role the ancient past had in the more recent history of Italy. For this period and this part of Italy, there are just two chronicles: the anonymous Historia Langobardorum codicis Gothani and the Historia of Andreas of Bergamo. These texts are the only historical works produced in Carolingian Italy and were composed in two extremely relevant periods: at the beginning and at the end of the Carolingian rule in Italy, respectively. Their relevance also lies in that they express distinct points of view, as the author of the Historia Langobardorum codicis Gothani was probably a member of King Pippin’s court, while Andreas of Bergamo did not belong to any official circle. In two completely different manners, both emphasised acceptance of the Carolingian rule as well as a proud attachment to their Lombard origins.
Radial Elastic Modulus for the Interface between FRP Reinforcing Bars and Concrete

The surface structure of reinforcing elements within a matrix can produce a complex mechanical interaction including mechanical interlocking along the interface. This interaction can be modeled using an interface idealization at a scale in which the details of the surface structure are omitted and the actual interface traction is homogenized over a length characteristic of the surface structure. For some applications such as the reinforcement of concrete with FRP bars, the reinforcing element can be idealized as being a circular cylinder, and the radial elastic interaction can affect the overall behavior, e.g., the “bond response” and failure mode of the composite system. The definition of the radial elastic modulus for the interface of the “homogenized model” requires static equivalence of the actual and homogenized tractions and equal amounts of strain energy in the domains. A unit cell approach is taken idealizing the traction distribution as periodic, and an analytical solution for the strain energy i...
Synergy and antagonism of combinations with quinolones.

Combinations of fluoroquinolones with other antimicrobial agents have been extensively investigated. Combinations of fluoroquinolones with aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, imidazoles, macrolides and clindamycin infrequently show synergy againstEnterobacteriaceae and gram-positive bacteria. These combinations rarely show antagonism. Combinations of rifampin with fluoroquinolones tested againstStaphylococcus aureus have been reported to show synergy and antagonism, and in vitro results have not correlated with results of animal infection experiments. AgainstPseudomonas aeruginosa combinations of antipseudomonas penicillins or imipenem with fluoroquinolones are synergistic for 20 % to 50 % of isolates in vitro and also are synergistic in animal models of infection, whereas combinations of aminoglycosides with fluoroquinolones rarely show synergy againstPseudomonas aeruginosa. Against anaerobic species such asBacteroides fragilis combinations of fluoroquinolones with clindamycin, anti-anaerobic penicillins, cephalosporins or imidazoles are occasionally synergistic but usually indifferent. Ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin combined with antituberculosis agents have activity againstMycobacterium tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria. In general, fluoroquinolones should be combined with other agents not to achieve synergy, which is extremely variable, but to provide activity against bacteria inadequately inhibited by the fluoroquinolones.
Munisipal Darpan: imagining the embodied state and subaltern citizenship in 1890s Calcutta

This article interrogates the way in which the ‘state’ was imagined in Calcutta of the 1890s. Using a rare pamphlet of municipal sanitary propaganda written in the form of a drama, the article reveals a radically different vision of the state than the one available in the extant historiography. In this vernacular imagination of the state, the abstract institutional realities are recast as specific embodied hierarchies and exclusions. Since the text concerned was one intended for public propaganda, such a vision could neither be an idiosyncratic vision of an individual, nor could it be described as the ‘popular understanding’ of the state. Instead, as a piece of governmental propaganda that was presented as a drama, it had to be both the state's vision of itself and what it thought people usually thought it to be. The text thus becomes a window into what might be called a ‘vernacular state’, i.e. the state as it exists and sees itself existing in everyday contexts. The stark lines between ‘state’ and ‘soci...
Reactivity evidence for homologies in pancreatic enzymes

Abstract Ribonucleases from the pancreas of several diverse vertebrate species have been reacted with bromoacetate. An inactivation reaction is found in each case, with the same characteristic features as are exhibited by the corresponding reaction which occurs at the active center of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease. The chymotrypsins and trypsins from pancreas of a number of vertebrates also undergo inactivations with specific reagents, which in the bovine enzyme react with one histidine and one serine in the active center. The rates of these reactions were compared in this series. Exceptionally, in an additional trypsin-like enzyme present in the pancreas of turkey, and also in bovine pancreatic kallikrein, the specific histidine reactivity was absent. Comparison of these reactivities and various other properties of the ribonucleases, the chymotrypsins and the trypsins, indicates that these each form a homologous series of enzymes in the pancreas of vertebrates.
Practice Trends in the Diagnosis and Management of Prostate Cancer in the United States

AbstractPurpose: The American Urological Association first commissioned the Gallup Organization of Princeton, New Jersey to conduct a study to assess urologists' practice patterns in 1991.Materials and Methods: A random sample of 514 American urologists was surveyed by the Gallup Organization regarding practice patterns used in the staging and treatment of prostate cancer. The third annual survey taken during August 1994 asked questions regarding the practice of respondents in their diagnosis and management of prostatic cancer.Results: The survey revealed that 95 percent of the respondents would recommend radical prostatectomy for men younger than 70 years with confirmed clinically localized prostate cancer.Conclusions: In this patient age group, surprisingly, the survey resulted in some interesting facts: 1) 13 percent regard hormonal manipulation for early stage cancer appropriate, 2) the respondents used extensive numbers of diagnostic staging studies in the new prostate cancer patient with a prostate ...
Professor Kiyoshi Kojima's Contributions to FDI Theory: Trade, Growth, and Integration in East Asia

Professor Kojima of Hitotsubashi University is a leading Japanese economist. This article reviews and interprets two of his major ideas; a theory of pro-trade FDI and an extended “flying-geese” theory and explores their theoretical implications. Pro-trade FDI rests on the doctrine of comparative advantage, yet surprisingly Ricardo failed to apply the same logic to FDI flows. Production fragmentation that leads to intraindustry trade is governed by the doctrine. Kojima extends the evolutionary sequence of “importing-domestic production-exporting” to the next phase of “exporting-outward FDIimporting, ”hence a full circle from importing to importing. This structural transformation underlines East Asian industrial dynamism.
Normativity is the mother of intention: Wittgenstein, normative practices and neurological representations

Abstract To many philosophers, a scientific explanation of our contentful intentional states requires us to identify neurological representations that implement intentional states, and requires a reductive explanation of such representations' contents in terms of objective physical properties. From a Wittgensteinian point of view, however, contentful intentional states are normatively constituted within linguistic, social practices. These cannot be completely accounted for in purely physical terms. I outline this normative thesis, defending it from four objections: that it is not naturalistic, that social norms depend on optional desires to conform, that it over-intellectualizes having intentional states (so excludes animals and infants), and that it cannot account for the causal role of content. I explain the ramifications for scientific psychology and neuroscience, and for interpreting the results of such empirical research. Nothing is objectively a contentful representation, yet some brain states or processes can be normatively constituted as representations with content.
Thermodynamic, transport, and viscoelastic properties of PBX-9501 binder: A molecular dynamics simulations study

Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations were performed on a low-molecular-weight nitroplasticized Estane® mixture representative of the binder used in PBX-9501. Pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) behavior over a wide range of pressures and temperatures above the order-disorder temperature (ODT) of Estane was determined and represented with the empirical Tait and Sun equations of state. The effect of temperature, pressure, and plasticization on transport properties of the mixture was also examined. A combination of molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical reptation models was used to predict the shear stress relaxation modulus G(t) of PBX-9501 binder at 473 K and 1 atm pressure. Data obtained from simulations of the model PBX-9501 binder presented here can be utilized to predict the temperature and pressure dependence of the shear stress relaxation modulus for temperatures above the ODT.
Protein Folding Triggered by Electron Transfer

Rapid photochemical electron injection into unfolded ferricytochrome c titrated with 2.3 to 4.6 M guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl) at pH 7 and 40°C produced unfolded ferrocytochrome, which then converted to the folded protein. Two folding phases were observed: a fast process with a time constant of 40 microseconds (4.6 M GuHCl), and a slower phase with a rate constant of 90 ± 20 per second (2.3 M GuHCl). The activation free energy for the slow step varied linearly with GuHCl concentration; the rate constant, extrapolated to aqueous solution, was 7600 per second. Electron-transfer methods can bridge the nanosecond to millisecond measurement time gap for protein folding.
Ring-Field Vs Full-Field Projection Systems: An Optical Performance Comparison

Full-field (e.g., steppers) and ring-field (e.g., scanners) systems can be expected to differ in resolution, depth of focus, and exposure latitude as a result of their optical and opto-mechanical designs. In this study we compare the results of performance simulation of two exploratory optical systems, both having the same nominal resolution. Working values of resolution and depth of focus are determined based on the approach of B.J. Lin. The impact of wafer unflatness on the focus budget is assessed by measurement of a batch of six-inch wafers. Various focusing algorithms are simulated, leading to a measure of the reduction in focal tolerance due to wafer unflatness for both ring- and full-field systems.
Some approaches to improve the therapeutic effectiveness of adoptive chemoimmunotherapy with spleen cells from melphalan-treated BALB/c mice bearing a large MOPC-315 tumor.

Spleen cells from BALB/c mice that are in the process of eradicating a large MOPC-315 tumor following low-dose L-PAM therapy (L-PAM TuB spleen cells) were previously shown to be capable of bringing about the complete regression of a large (15 to 20 mm) s.c. MOPC-315 tumor in a substantial percentage of T-cell-deficient (athymic nude) mice that had been treated with low-dose L-PAM (adoptive chemo-immunotherapy; ACIT). Here we show that aggressive depletion of CD4+ T-cells by treatment both of spleen-cell donors and of recipients with anti-L3T4 monoclonal antibody (MAb) greatly improved the therapeutic effectiveness of L-PAM TuB spleen cells in ACIT. In the light of the apparent importance of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) for tumor eradication in low-dose L-PAM-treated MOPC-315-tumor bearers, it is interesting that treatment of L-PAM TuB spleen-cell donors with anti-L3T4 MAb was found to result in the generation of enhanced splenic anti-MOPC-315 cytotoxicity. Although most athymic nude mice in which the tumor had apparently completely regressed following ACIT remained tumor-free, approximately 1/3 of the mice relapsed. However, a substantial percentage of the relapsing mice were rescued by a low dose of L-PAM, which was not effective in causing tumor regression in athymic nude mice bearing a comparably large tumor if the mice had not been subjected previously to ACIT. Almost all athymic nude mice that had been „cured” of a large MOPC-315 tumor by ACIT but did not resist a subsequent MOPC-315 tumor challenge were rescued by low dose L-PAM. Thus, the therapeutic effectiveness of L-PAM TuB spleen cells in ACIT may be improved by aggressive depletion of CD4+ T-cells, suggesting that a low dose of L-PAM, which leads to the acquisition of potent splenic-tumor-eradicating immunity in BALB/c mice bearing a large MOPC-315 tumor, does not eliminate completely (or possibly not at all) the inhibitory activity of CD4+ T-cells. In addition, athymic nude mice that are not endowed with fully protective tumor-eradicating immunity following ACIT still have a substantial residual anti-tumor immune potential that can be exploited to bring about eradication of a large tumor burden following low-dose L-PAM therapy.
Differential effects of progestin and relaxin on the synthesis and secretion of immunoreactive prolactin in long term culture of human endometrial stromal cells.

PRL secretion from human endometrium is a continuous process extending from the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle throughout the entire gestational stage. We have developed a long term primary cell culture system to elucidate the hormonal requirements for this sustained production of PRL. The effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), progesterone, and relaxin (RLX) on the production of immunoreactive PRL were investigated. MPA stimulated cell growth and PRL production rate during days 5–20 of culture. Progesterone was 20–40% less effective in stimulating PRL than MPA. Stimulation of PRL was continued 1–2 weeks after MPA withdrawal. Relaxin did not promote cell growth. However, it induced the PRL production which fluctuated during the long term culture. The maximal response to RLX was 2- to 3-fold higher or similar to that of MPA. Only five of nine endometrial specimens examined responded to RLX alone. The effect of MPA plus RLX was significantly greater than that of MPA or RLX alone. The highest pro...
Optimal control for entry of many classes of customers to an M/M/1 queue

A method is developed for determining the optimal policy for entry of customers from many independent classes of Poisson arrivals to a first-come, first-serve (for customers admitted to the queue) single-server queue with exponential service times. The solution technique utilizes a semi-Markov formulation or the decision problem.
Reducing simulation time using design of experiments

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness of Six Sigma as an innovative tool in software design optimization. The problem of reducing simulation time for characterizing a type of DC motor is studied in this paper. The case study illustrates how Six Sigma tools such as the design of experiments (DOE) method can be used to improve a simulation process.Design/methodology/approach – A first‐principle model for the motor is used for simulation in MATLAB®. Each parameter in the model is assumed to have a known distribution. Using the random number generator in MATLAB®, Monte Carlo analysis is conducted. To reduce simulation time, several factors in the simulation process are identified. A two‐level full factorial DOE matrix is constructed. The Monte Carlo analysis is carried out for each of the parameter set in the DOE matrix. Based on the simulation results and the DOE analysis, the Simulink model is identified as the main contributor to the computational time of the simulation. S...
Auditory pathways of caudal telencephalon and their relation to the song system of adult male zebra finches (Taenopygia guttata)

Auditory information is critical for vocal imitation and other elements of social life in song birds. In zebra finches, neural centers that are necessary for the acquisition and production of learned vocalizations are known, and they all respond to acoustic stimulation. However, the circuits by which conspecific auditory signals are perceived, processed, and stored in long-term memory have not been well documented. In particular, no evidence exists of direct connections between auditory and vocal motor pathways, and two newly identified centers for auditory processing, caudomedial neostriatum (Ncm) and caudomedial hyperstriatum ventrale (cmHV), have no documented place among known auditory circuits. Our goal was to describe anatomically the auditory pathways in adult zebra finch males and, specifically, to show the projections by which Ncm and vocal motor centers may receive auditory input. By using injections of different kinds of neuroanatomical tracers (biotinylated dextran amines, rhodamine-linked dextran amines, biocytin, fluorogold, and rhodamine-linked latex beads), we have shown that, as in other avian groups, the neostriatal field L complex in caudal telencephalon is the primary forebrain relay for pathways originating in the auditory thalamus, i.e., the nucleus ovoidalis complex (Ov). In addition, Ncm and cmHV also receive input from the Ov complex. Ov has been broken down into two parts, the Ov "core" and "shell," which project in parallel to different targets in the caudal telencephalon. Parts of the field L complex are connected among themselves and to Ncm, cmHV, and caudolateral Hv (clHV) through a complex web of largely reciprocal pathways. In addition, clHV and parts of the field L complex project strongly to the "shelf" of neostriatum underneath the song control nucleus high vocal center (HVC) and to the "cup" of archistriatum rostrodorsal to another song-control nucleus, the robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA). We have documented two points at which the vocal motor pathway may pick up auditory signals: the HVC-shelf interface and a projection from clHV to the nucleus interfacialis (NIf), which projects to HVC. These data represent the most complete survey to date of auditory pathways in the adult male zebra finch brain, and of their projections to motor stations of the song system.
Schedule-Based Path-Finding Algorithms for Transit Trip-Planning Systems

Many existing methods for transit assignment and path finding do not support schedule coordination in network search or optimization processes. Other methods do not provide adequate performance that meets the demands for Internet trip-planning applications. Two schedule-based path-finding algorithms (forward search and backward search) are presented for the transit network, in which schedule coordination is an inherent feature. The forward-search algorithm finds the optimal path from an origin to a destination with a planned departure time, and the backward-search algorithm finds the optimal path for an expected arrival time at the destination. In addition, a non-schedule-based minimal-transfer-path algorithm for the transit network is also developed, which is capable of accommodating more path optimization criteria for sophisticated path finding. Facilitated by a uniquely designed network structure based on a geographic information system and an object-oriented data model, these algorithms demonstrated good performance in path finding on a dynamic transit network. These algorithms have been implemented in an Internet transit trip-planning system in the city of Waukesha, Wisconsin.
A Method for Analyzing Harmonic Distribution in A.C. Power Systems

This paper presents a method for a analyzing'charActeristic harmonic current propagation into an AC system. Frequency dependent models of AC network elements and loads have been developed for the appropriate range of frequencies. This methodology is applied to two different systems and the responsesof individual elements and the system as a whole were observed. The harmonic current flows in the systems appear to be related-to certain characteristics of the system and its elements. Input impedance at harmonic frequencies, the magnitude. of shunt capacitances on transmission lines, the size and location of the converters, and the representation of system loads are all found to be factors in cdetermining the magnitude of harmonic current flows in system elements.
Multi-compartment hydrogen deflagration experiments and model development

Abstract Hydrogen deflagration in a multi-compartment containment geometry can produce drastic flame accelerations and local pressure build-ups much higher than expected from single-compartment experiments in the same concentration range. This is attributed to the so-called jet ignition effect occurring downstream of the vent openings in the partition walls inside the containment building. The various parameters affecting jet ignition have been investigated in a comprehensive experimental program. Modelling of the multi-compartment deflagration effects has been achieved with different degrees of perfection by lumped-parameter codes, by distributed-parameter code simulation, and by a combination of both.
Physiological-model-based derivation of the adult and child pharmacokinetic intraspecies uncertainty factors for volatile organic compounds.

The intraspecies uncertainty factor (UF(HH)=10x) is used in the determination of the reference dose or reference concentration and accounts for the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic heterogeneity within the human population. The Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 mandated the use of an additional uncertainty factor (UF(HC)=10x) to take into account potential pre- and postnatal toxicity and lack of completeness of the data with respect to exposure and toxicity to children. There is no conclusive experimental or theoretical justification to support or refute the magnitude of the UF(HH) and UF(HC) nor any conclusive evidence to suggest that a factor of 100 is needed to account for intrahuman variability. This study presents a new chemical-specific method for estimating the pharmacokinetic (PK) component of the interspecies uncertainty factor (UF(HH-PK) and UF(HC-PK)) for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The approach utilizes validated physiological-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models and simplified physiological-model-based algebraic equations to translate ambient exposure concentration to tissue dose in adults and children the ratio of which is the UF(HH-PK) and UF(HC-PK). The results suggest that: (i) the UF(HH-PK) and UF(HC-PK) are chemical specific; (ii) for the chemicals used in this study there is no significant difference between UF(HH-PK) and UF(HC-PK); (iii) the magnitude of UF(HH-PK) and UF(HC-PK) varies between 0.033 and 2.85 with respect to tissue and blood concentrations; (iv) the body weight, the rate of ventilation, the fraction of cardiac output flowing to the liver, the blood : air partition coefficient, and the hepatic extraction ratio are the only parameters that play a critical role in the variability of tissue and blood doses within species; and (v) the magnitude of the UF(HH-PK) and UF(HC-PK) obtained with the simplified steady-state equations is essentially the same with that obtained with PBPK models. Overall, this study suggests that no adult-children differences in the parent chemical concentrations of the VOCs are likely to be observed during inhalation exposures. The physiological-model-based approaches used in the present study to estimate the UF(HH-PK) and UF(HC-PK) provide a scientific basis for their magnitude. They can replace the currently used empirical default approaches to provide chemical-specific UF(HH-PK) in future risk assessments.
Practically Accurate Floating-Point Math

With the right tools, floating-point code can be debugged like any other code, drastically improving its accuracy and reliability.
Optimization of Forcing Parameters of Film Cooling Effectiveness

An optimization strategy is described that combines high-fidelity simulations with response surface construction, and is applied to pulsed film cooling for turbine blades. The response surface is constructed for the film cooling effectiveness as a function of duty cycle, in the range of DC between 0.05 and 1, and pulsation frequency St in the range of 0.2–2, using a pseudo-spectral projection method. The jet is fully modulated and the blowing ratio, when the jet is on, is 1.5 in all cases. Overall 73 direct numerical simulations (DNS) using spectral element method were performed to sample the film cooling effectiveness on a Clenshaw-Curtis grid in the design space. The geometry includes a 35-degree delivery tube and a plenum. It is observed that in the parameter space explored a global optimum exists, and in the present study, the best film cooling effectiveness is found at DC = 0.14 and St = 1.03. In the same range of DC and St, four other local optimums were found. The physical mechanisms leading to the forcing parameters of the global optimum are explored and ingestion of the crossflow into the delivery tube is observed to play an important role in this process. The gradient-based optimization algorithms are argued to be unsuitable for the current problem due to the non-convexity of the objective function.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Nicknames in Prison: Meaning and Manipulation in Inmate Monikers

AbstractEach prison yard is a microcosm of society: a community with its own culture and hierarchy. Prison nicknames are a matter of social negotiation, a common everyday phenomenon with a multiplex nature. One of the authors of this article is currently serving a sentence and has supplied examples based on his own observations and informal interviews with other inmates who were willing to give him information they would not usually confide to outsiders. Knowing and using nicknames (1) gives a sense of unity among prison peers, while (2) representing their individuality, and (3) facilitating communication among them. Nicknames can be friendly, showing peer approval and in-group unity. They can also be cruel and vicious. Nicknames can be bestowed due to appearance, personality, preferences, background, or experience. They are also used for in-group communication about hidden activities or identities.
Patients imaged early during admission demonstrate reduced length of hospital stay: a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing cross-sectional imaging.

Purpose The aim of this study was to relate the early use of advanced imaging to length of hospital stay. Materials and Methods Among all 33,226 admissions to an urban tertiary care hospital in 2005, the authors identified the 10,005 admissions (30.1%) that included ≥1 advanced imaging study (CT, MRI, or nuclear scintigraphy) during the period from 1 day before admission (day −1) through discharge. The length of stay was calculated, and using the date of the first advanced imaging study performed relative to date of admission (date of service), the residual length of stay (length of stay minus date of service) of each admission was also calculated. For admissions of ≥3 days in duration, the mean length of stay of patients with early imaging (on day −1 or 0) was compared using t test to that of patients with later imaging (on day 1 or 2). For all admissions with advanced imaging, linear regression analysis was applied to length of stay and residual length of stay as a function of date of service. Similar analysis was performed on subgroups classified by examination type (modality and body part) and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision ( ICD-9 ) diagnostic code. Results The mean length of stay was significantly shorter for those imaged on day −1 or 0 compared with day 1 or 2 for all admissions of ≥3 days (8.6 vs 9.0 days, P = .015) and for the following specific subgroups: abdominal CT (8.4 vs 9.7 days, P = .003) and neurologic MR examination types (7.6 vs 8.7 days, P = .03) and abdominal ICD-9 codes (7.5 vs 8.8 days, P = .007). A statistically significant positive correlation was noted between length of stay and date of service for all admissions (slope, 0.27; P ICD-9 codes. Conclusion Early imaging with CT, MRI, or nuclear scintigraphy, particularly on the day before or the day of admission, was associated with significantly shorter lengths of stay of inpatients compared with patients who underwent advanced imaging later.
Metal-insulator transitions between quantum Hall plateaus

Abstract Metal-insulator transitions between quantum Hall (QHE) plateaus due to inelastic scattering are discussed in a smooth random potential within the framework of semiclassical approximation. Inelastic scattering rates due to both electron-phonon and electron-electron interactions are calculated. The electron-phonon scattering rate is dramatically influenced by a strong magnetic field and is found to be linear in temperature for a wide range of temperatures, corresponding to an effective reduction of the Debye temperature. The electron-electron scattering rate is still proportional to the temperature squared. Applying these results to the temperature scaling exponent κ for the width of the transition region between QHE plateaus, we argue that κ= 3 7 is dictated by the inelastic scattering rate and the percolation length, instead of the localization length.
Comparison of long and short fibre injection moulded electrical connector housings

Abstract The adoption of injection moulded fibre-reinforced polymer electrical connector housings is being held back by the mechanical properties of the traditional ‘short fibre’ moulding materials. The recent development of ‘long fibre’ injection moulding materials with improved mechanical properties could change this situation. Long and short fibre electrical connector housings are characterized in terms of mechanical properties (using a novel test), fibre lengths and volume fractions in the as-moulded test part, and microstructure. The four materials reported on include: polyphenylene sulphide ( pps ) reinforced with long and short glass and long and short carbon fibres. The results show a substantial improvement in ‘step strength’ for both long glass and carbon fibres compared to short fibres. Fibre length measurements show the expected relationship between long and short fibres. Strength differences are attributed to the difference in fibre lengths and not to any fibre orientation effects.
Class Group Relations from Burnside Ring Idempotents

Abstract We show that for each finite cohomological Mackey functor on a finite group G there exist explicit relations in the category of finite abelian groups between the evaluations of the Mackey functor at all the subgroups, one for each conjugacy class of nonhypo-elementary subgroups of G . Furthermore, we show that the class groups of the intermediate fields of a Galois extension of number fields form such a Mackey functor on the Galois group, thereby obtaining class group relations by using the presence of the structure of a cohomological Mackey functor.
Miocene Stratigraphy: An Integrated Approach

“Stratigraphy is a magnificent subject—magnificent in its breadth and scope, magnificent in its importance to so many lines of human endeavor. It is essentially that branch of geology which deals with the arrangement, the distribution, and the chronological succession of rock strata (and other associated rock bodies), with respect to any or all of the various characters, properties, and attributes which rocks may possess.“ Hollis D. Hedberg, the leading figure in the field of stratigraphy for over half a century, defined the subject in those words in a paper titled “Stratigraphic Classification and Terminology,” published in Volume 42 of the Bulletin of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists in 1958. Since that time the field has grown tremendously in both breadth and scope and now comfortably incorporates under its aegis such diverse disciplines as paleomagnetic, stable isotopic, and seismic stratigraphy in addition to the more classic biostratigraphy and geochronology.
Anti-anemic agents and cholinesterase activity.

the incubation of powdered liver with injectable liver extract caused an activation, or perhaps formation, of a cholinesterase which had some of the properties of a specific cholinesterase. This was, in general, of the type found in red blood cells and in the central nervous system.
The function of research in the development of automatic machine tools

THE OXFORD Dictionary defines research as an endeavour to discover facts by scientific study of a subject, or shorter, as a course of critical investigation. Under the general heading it is common practice to draw a dividing line between fundamental and applied research, the former trying to find basic facts and relationships, the latter searching for results which can be put to immediate practical use. Unfortunately, this distinction is not used merely for describing different avenues which a research worker may wish or have to follow. In general usage it also has a flavour of snobbish valuation which associates fundamental research with work at a high academic level, whilst considering applied research only of specific importance for a particular practical problem, and therefore, of limited prestige value. As a result, the engineer who works in the academic world and who has the appropriate knowledge, technique and equipment at his disposal, may be reluctant to embark on work which would be frowned upon by his colleagues and damage rather than enhance his academic reputation. The industrial engineer, on the other hand, will not appreciate research work which is not readily applicable to the solution of his problems. This mentality can do a great deal of harm. Medical research is not possible without some work being carried out at some time or other on the human being; similarly engineering cannot be divorced from its practical associations and the engineer cannot isolate his work completely from machines and devices, even if these machines are designed and built for industrial workshops. A recent report [1], prepared by Professor R. J. Dunning, the Dean of the Columbia School of Engineering, stated that so-called "practical research vastly multiplies basic engineering and scientific knowledge and, therefore, constitutes one of the most truly creative activities in the University". Professor Dunning also said that "the history of science shows that the solution of specific problems has stimulated at least as much fundamental discovery as pure intellectual curiosity has". Moreover, if new materials are to be employed, new techniques introduced and new ideas developed and converted into engineering realities by sound design, this must be based on the results of both fundamental and practical research. Much of the progress achieved in the machine tool field is due on the one hand to basic studies of mechanics of metal cutting, machining conditions, dynamics of high speed operations, etc., and on the other hand to practical investigations into matters such as optimum conditions of lubrication and surface finish of bearings, experiments with all kinds of measuring and control equipment, the balancing of technical performance and competitive cost of different designs, etc. Whilst little of such work can be easily included in the programme of an industrial establishment with its production time schedule, it can be carried out by an organization
Ideal strengths of bcc metals

Abstract We present ab initio ideal strength calculations in body-centered cubic (bcc) tungsten for ‘pencil-glide’ slip on {110}, {112}, and {123} planes and for the {100} cleavage strength. We use these results to analyze the tensile and shear strengths of other bcc metals. In all bcc metals, the minimum shear strength on any plane containing 〈111〉 is ≈0.11/S〈111〉, where S〈111〉 is the elastic compliance for any shear in a 〈111〉 direction. The ideal cleavage strength on {100} for many bcc metals is ≈0.083/s11 where s11 is the single crystal elastic compliance. Comparison of the ideal shear and tensile strengths offers a measure of the inherent ductility or brittleness of a material.
Local morphological and dimensional changes of enzyme-degraded cellulose materials measured by atomic force microscopy

A study of the degradation effects of enzyme treatment on the dimensional changes of cellulose aggregate fibrils (CAFs) with dimensions of ∼100,000 × 3,000 × 300 nm from fully bleached kraft fiber was performed. CAFs were incubated with cellulase for up to 32 h. The insoluble CAFs fragments remaining after enzymatic hydrolysis were then subjected to variable relative humidity (RH). Each sample was imaged by an atomic force microscope (AFM) in tapping mode. The images were analyzed to determine the dimensional changes of the insoluble CAFs. Enzymatic hydrolysis continuously depolymerized the CAFs over 32 h, ultimately causing 20% of the CAFs to become soluble. Compared to initial dimensions of the reference CAFs with no enzymatic treatment, the dimensions of the enzyme treated CAFs were generally more responsive to humidity and exhibited an increased frequency of plastic deformations.
Elastic and inelastic processes in the interaction of 1–10 eV ions with solids: ion transport through surface layers

Abstract We review the escape depth of secondary ions (or neutrals) desorbing from solid surfaces under the impact of electrons, photons or ions. We survey ion (or neutral) transport through many materials, but most are wide band gap insulators such as rare-gas solids and molecular solids. We address the issue of low-energy (
Polarization independent lensing and superbeaming in plasmonic crystals and applications to focal plane arrays

Numerous novel and useful optical phenomena have been observed in perforated metal films and other related structures. These structures range from simple two dimensional hole arrays and lamellar gratings to compound gratings, crossed gratings, and more complicated hole array structures with more than one aperture per repeating unit cell. The interesting optical effects observed in these structures include anomalous transmission, absorption and reflection, superbeaming and lensing, light circulation and weaving, and light concentration and trapping. Applications of these structures and optical phenomena include high bandwidth and efficient photodetectors, high brightness LEDs, super lenses, novel polarizers, chemical and biological sensors and high performance solar cells. This work focuses on a topic generally overlooked in research on plasmonic crystals but that greatly limits the range of applications in which these structures can be used as well as the performance enhancements in the applications for which they are currently being used; this topic is the polarization behavior of all of the aforementioned optical effects of plasmonic crystals.
Health behaviors among Ashkenazi Jewish individuals receiving counseling for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

Little of the research involving individuals undergoing testing for BRCA1/2 mutations has examined the effect of genetic counseling and testing on diet, exercise, and vitamin use. This study examined diet, exercise, and vitamin use among 120 Ashkenazi Jewish individuals with a personal and/or family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer who presented for BRCA1/2 genetic counseling and testing. Health behaviors were measured at pre-counseling and 6 months post-results. T-tests or ANOVAs were used to test for association of health behaviors with potential predictors: personal cancer history, anxiety, perceived cancer risk, gene status, and perceived efficacy of health behaviors. Multivariable linear regression analysis found gender (P = .007) and perceived efficacy of a healthy diet (P = .005) to be significantly associated with healthy food consumption; gender (P = .003), education (P = .01), and personal cancer history (P = .02) were significantly associated with unhealthy food consumption; higher age (P < .001) and perceived efficacy (P < .001) were significantly associated with higher vitamin use. Paired t-tests found no significant changes in diet, vitamin use, and exercise as a result of genetic counseling and testing. We conclude that genetic counseling and testing had little impact on health behaviors. Rather, perceived efficacies of certain health behaviors to prevent or delay cancer may be more reliable predictors of those behaviors. Clinicians should assess perceived efficacies of health behaviors in their interventions to improve healthy practices in the BRCA1/2 genetic testing population.
Abnormal regulation of serum lipid fatty acid profiles in short gut rats fed parenteral nutrition with lipid.

Despite absence of essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD), increases in arachidonic acid to linoleic acid ratios occur in serum phospholipid of patients treated with chronic total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The parenteral lipid component of TPN contains abundant linoleate; thus low phospholipid linoleate may reflect increased conversion to arachidonate. Arachidonic acid excess has been associated with a proinflammatory milieu through increased eicosanoid production and might contribute to the increases in inflammatory markers seen in home TPN patients. We investigated fatty acid metabolism in a rodent model of malabsorption. We hypothesized that short gut rats would metabolize parenteral lipid differently from intact rats. We performed laparotomy and 80% small bowel resection (or sham surgery) in rats. Sixteen sham and 16 short gut rats were randomly assigned to TPN with lipid or fat-free TPN. After 5 days, weight loss was similar in all groups. Analysis of serum phospholipids demonstrated that 20:3ω9 (eicosatrienoic acid) was relatively increased in fat-free TPN groups, irrespective of surgery type, as were distal very long chain ω3 class fatty acids, as anticipated. Uniquely, both nutrition (TPN/lipid v fat-free TPN) and surgery type (sham v short gut) were significant in determining arachidonic acid levels. Relatively elevated arachidonate occurred in both groups of fat-free rats, suggesting increased Δ6 and/or Δ5 desaturase activity, as expected. In contrast, giving TPN/lipid lowered arachidonate (suggesting appropriately downregulated desaturases) in sham animals, but not in short gut animals. Ratios of arachidonic and di-homo-γ-linolenic to linoleic acids further suggested increased turnover of precursor ω6 to arachidonic acid in short gut rats given lipid compared with the other groups. These preliminary data show that intravenous (IV) lipid gave rise to serum lipid fatty acid profiles that differed in short gut and sham rats. The short gut rat may have a heightened hepatic desaturase activity, inappropriate for the quantity of linoleic acid provided parenterally. Therefore, the short gut rat is an appropriate model to study further arachidonic acid excess in home TPN patients.
Characterization of the semi-annual-oscillation in mesospheric temperatures at low-latitudes

Abstract Novel measurements of the seasonal variability in mesospheric temperature at low-latitudes have been obtained from Maui, Hawaii (20.8°N, 156.2°W) during a 25-month period from October 2001 to January 2004. Independent observations of the OH (6, 2) Meinel band (peak height ∼87 km) and the O2 (0–1) atmospheric band emission (∼94 km) were made using the CEDAR Mesospheric Temperature Mapper. The data revealed a coherent oscillation in emission intensity and rotational temperature with a well-defined periodicity of 181 ± 7 days. The amplitude of this oscillation was determined to be ∼5–6 K in temperature and ∼8–9% in intensity for both the OH and O2 data sets. In addition, a strong asymmetry in the shape of the oscillation was also observed with the spring maximum significantly larger than the fall peak. These data provide new evidence in support of a semi-annual-oscillation in mesospheric temperature (and airglow emission intensities) and help quantify its seasonal characteristics.