cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypersonic Boundary-Layer Instabilities due to Near-Critical Roughness

Measurements of instability and transition were obtained in the wake of a cylindrical roughness within the laminar nozzle-wall boundary layer of the Purdue Mach-6 Quiet Tunnel. Using wall-mounted pressure transducers along the wake centerline, the root-mean-square pressure and power spectra were computed to find evidence of instabilities within the roughness wake. The roughness height was adjusted to explore the case of incipient transition on the nozzle wall. It appeared that small variations in the experimental parameters could have a large effect on transition for the near-critical case. Several dominant disturbance frequencies were identified for a selected set of conditions. These disturbances appear to be due to instabilities developing within the wake of the roughness. The streamwise evolution of these disturbances are reported, as well as the spanwise distribution at one streamwise location within the wake. The experimentally observed disturbances can be used as a test case to continue to develop ...
Performance testing of rectangular parts-nesting heuristics

We compare the performance of a set of rectangular layout heuristics on the basis of their packing densities and time performance, with a view to increase their applicability in manufacturing situations. Among the techniques is a class of heuristics introduced by the authors in an earlier work (Israni And Sanders, 1982). The experimental comparison is made over two attributes defined for the bill of materials; the area and the aspect ratio distributions of the pieces. In addition, some of the heuristics considered permit limited human intervention. Our study shows that the two attributes play a significant part in determining the performance of a heuristic. Length-sorted heuristics are found to perform differently as a class from height-sorted heuristics. The study shows that human intervention, even in limited amounts, usually improves the quality of a solution substantially. The heuristics' worst case time complexities are presented. For certain specific regions of the attributes, the best heuristic has...
Explicit Code and Comprehension Instruction for English Learners.

Explicit code and comprehension instruction is important for English learners (ELs), and several key findings from research on young ELs learning to read initially in English can offer guidelines for developing effective code-based instruction for these children. The authors of this column address comprehension instruction for ELs, suggesting several principles to guide such instruction. They conclude by reminding readers that explicit code and comprehension instruction represents only one element of a multifaceted framework for robust literacy instruction for ELs.
Taxonomy of the Dmanisi Crania

The recent discovery of two hominid crania (D2280 and D2282) from the Georgian early Pleistocene site, Dmanisi, by L. Gabunia and colleagues (Research Article, “Earliest Pleistocene hominid cranial remains from Dmanisi, Republic of Georgia: taxonomy, geological setting, and age,” 12 May, p. [
Development and Validation of an Instrument to Measure Resources and Support for Chronic Illness Self-management A Model Using Diabetes

Purpose Few comprehensive and practical instruments exist to measure the receipt of self-management support for chronic illness. An instrument was developed to measure resources and support for self-management (RSSM) for the survey component of the evaluation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Diabetes Initiative. It includes items to measure an ecological range of RSSM. This article describes the development and validation of the instrument, focusing on individuals' reported access to RSSM from providers and from nonclinical, social, and community sources. Methods Cross-sectional analyses of the second wave of a survey of participants in the Diabetes Initiative (68% response rate, n = 957) were used. Results Confirmatory factor analyses supported grouping the 17 items into 5 subscales, measuring key aspects of RSSM: individualized assessment, collaborative goal setting, enhancing skills, ongoing follow-up and support, and community resources (comparative fit index = 0.97, Tucker-Lewis fit index = 0.99, and root means square error of approximation = 0.06). The overall scale and 5 subscales were internally consistent (Cronbach alpha >or= .70) and were significantly, positively related to diabetes self-management behaviors, supporting their construct validity. Conclusions This instrument shows promise for measuring RSSM. Although it was developed for diabetes programs, its ecological orientation and link to the broad framework of chronic care suggest broader application.
Direct inhibitory action of EGTA-Ca complex on reverse-mode Na/Ca exchange in Myxicola giant axons.

Giant axons from the marine annelid Myxicola infundibulum were internally dialyzed with solutions containing 22Na ions as tracers of Na efflux. In experiments performed in Li-substituted seawater, Na efflux that is dependent on external Ca ion concentration, [Ca2+]o, was measured using dialysis to maintain [Na+]i at 100 mM, which enhances the [Ca2+]o-dependent Na efflux component, (i.e., reverse-mode Na/Ca exchange). When dialysis fluid contained EGTA (1 mM) to buffer the internal Ca concentration, [Ca2+]i, to desired levels, Na efflux lost its normal sensitivity to external calcium. The inhibition was not simply due to the Ca-chelating action of EGTA to produce insufficient [Ca2+]i to activate Na/Ca exchange. The addition of EGTA inhibited Cao-dependent Na efflux even when a large enough excess of [Ca2+]i was present to saturate the EGTA and still produce elevated values of [Ca2+]i. Control experiments showed that these high values of [Ca2+]i resulted in normal Na/Ca exchange in the absence of EGTA. It is concluded that the presence of EGTA itself interferes with the manifestation of reverse-mode Na/Ca exchange in Myxicola giant axons.
Structural and biochemical maturation of the cerebral pallium in rabbit fetuses: morphogenesis and lipids.

— Morphological parameters of maturation of the cerebral pallium in rabbit fetuses ranging between 20 days of gestation (d.g.) and the early neonatal stage are expressed semi-quantitatively and correlated with progressive changes in the brain lipids, glycolipids and nucleic acids. Dual expression of the chemical values, using as referents both the dry weight of the tissue and the DNA unit, reveal the crucial stage in brain development when rapid cell proliferation is replaced by rapid cell growth; this stage in rabbit fetuses occurred between 28 and 30 d.g. Between 20 d.g. and the early neonatal phase the RNA decreased moderately when expressed per unit of DNA. Even at the time of term birth the cortical nerve cells of the rabbit showed signs of immaturity including a relatively small nuclear volume. On the dry weight basis, the lipids of the cerebral pallium exhibited little change in composition during fetal development; however, cerebrosides rose substantially between 30 d.g. and the early neonatal phase. When expressed per unit of DNA, all lipids and glycolipids continued to increase progressively in a pattern characteristic of growth throughout the prenatal period studied. This increase was also apparent when the lipid constituents were expressed per total pallium at the progressive gestational stages. The molar ratios of phospholipids:cholesterol:cerebrosides in the pallium of rabbits of different ages were as follows: in adult rabbits-2.9: 2.6: 1.0, in the newborn-2.9: 1.3: 0.2 and in the 30 d.g. fetuses-3.0: 1.2:0.44. These values reflect the fact that during maturation the content of phospholipids changes little, whereas that of cholesterol and especially erebrosides increases markedly.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of a mechanism-based inhibitor for gelatinase A.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), of which 26 are known, have been implicated in a number of pathological conditions, including tumor metastasis. We have previously described the first mechanism-based inhibitor for MMPs (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 6799−6800), which in chemistry mediated by the active site zinc ion selectively and covalently inhibits MMP-2, -3, and -9. Computational analyses indicated that this selectivity in inhibition of MMPs could be improved by design of new variants of the inhibitor class. We report herein the syntheses of methyl 2-(4-{4-[(2-thiiranylpropyl)sulfonyl]phenoxy}phenyl)acetate (3) and 2-(4-{4-[(2-thiiranylpropyl)sulfonyl]phenoxy}phenyl)acetic acid (4), and show that compound 3 serves as a mechanism-based inhibitor exclusively for MMP-2. This molecule should prove useful in delineating the functions of MMP-2 in biological systems.
Biomechanical comparison of three anatomic ACL reconstructions in a porcine model

Purpose Different tunnel configurations have been used for double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, controversy still exists as to whether three-tunnel DB with double-femoral tunnels and single-tibial tunnel (2F-1T) or with single-femoral tunnel and double-tibial tunnels (1F-2T) better restores intact knee biomechanics than single-bundle (SB) ACL reconstruction. The purpose was to compare the knee kinematics and in situ force in the grafts among SB and two types of three-tunnel DB ACL reconstructions performed in an anatomic fashion.
Dielectrostriction and Piezoresistance Response in Liquid Polymers

Variations of dielectric and resistive responses of a material with deformation are called dielectrostriction and piezoresistance respectively. Both phenomena have the same microscopic foundation — they involve the change of relative positions of polarizable or conductive species, leading to change in the material’s electric properties. Since both dielectrostriction and piezoresistance are determined by the pair distribution function of inclusions, these two phenomena are sensitive to a material’s microstructure, which renders them effective for monitoring liquid polymer and polymer suspension processing and mixing. In this study, a planar sensor is implemented to detect the dielectrostriction effect in shear flow of pure silicone elastomer and piezoresistance effect in silicone/graphite suspensions. In both measurements, the electric responses are found to be scaled with the flow-induced stresses, which constitute new approaches to study the rheological properties of bulk materials and suspensions and compliment each other for revealing the microstructure in various systems.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Counterion-Dependent Excitonic Spectra of Tetra(p-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin Aggregates in Acidic Aqueous Solution

Aggregates of the diacid form of tetra(p-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP) are found to be stabilized in aqueous solution at low pH in the presence of poly(vinyl alcohol). At pH values in the range from about 1 to 4, a split Soret band is observed which is independent of counterion and tentatively assigned to a dimer species. As the pH is made lower than 1, the spectra evolve to reveal the presence of porphyrin aggregates. As in the case of the well-known aggregates of the related tetra(p-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TSPP) diacid, the concentration of spectroscopically distinguishable aggregates increases with increasing ionic strength or decreasing pH. Unlike aggregates of TSPP, however, TCPP aggregates below pH 1 have visible absorption spectra which depend on the counterion, which is Cl- or NO3- in this study. In this work, we present visible absorption, light-scattering, and resonance Raman spectra of TCPP diacid in its monomer, dimer, and aggregated forms and attempt to understand the structural basis for...
Auxin and sugar effects on callus induction and plant regeneration frequencies from mature embryos of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Genetic engineering of cereals currently depends on the use of tissue culture and plant regeneration systems. In wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), immature embryos are the most widely used explant to initiate cultures, but they are inconvenient due to their temporal availability and production requirements. Mature embryos are easily stored and are readily available as mature seeds. However, plant regeneration frequencies from cultures derived from mature embryos are generally low. This research was undertaken to improve callus induction and plant regeneration from wheat mature embryos of cultivar ‘Bobwhite’. The effects of four auxins [2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D): 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid (dicamba); 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram): and 2-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid (2-MCPP)], and the effect of maltose vs. sucrose under filter sterilized and autoclaved conditions were evaluated. All auxin treatments resulted in callus induction except 2 MCPP. A highly significant effect of auxin type on both callus and plantlet production was detected, though interactions were observed. The effect of sugar type was dependent on the type of auxin used. Substitution of sucrose by maltose enhanced the regenration ability of callus from embryos cultured on media containing 2,4-D and picloram, but caused an opposite effect on media containing dicamba. Picloram significantly enhanced callus growth, however, embryogenic response and plant regenerability were low. Relative to 2.4-D, dicamba (18μM) resulted in a twofold increase in the number of plants regenerated per embryo and reduced the amount of time required for plant regeneration by 3–4 wk.
Σ−K+ enhancement in the reaction π−p→ Σ−K+πo

Abstract The reaction π−p→ Σ−K+πo has been studied at incident pion laboratory momentum of 5.0 GeV/c. Evidence is presented that this reaction proceeds through excitation and subsequent Σ−K+ decay of the N*(1570) isobar.
Fear as a Way of Life: Mayan Widows in Rural Guatemala; Voices from Exile: Violence and Survival in Modern Maya History

Fear as. Way of Life: Mayan Widows in Rural Guatemala. Linda Green. New York: Columbia University Press, 1999. xx. 229 pp. glossary, bibliography, index. Voices from Exile: Violence and Survival in Modern Maya History. Victor Montejo. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1999. xvi. 287 pp. notes, bibliography, index.
Patterns of new drug emergence: A comment in light of ‘krokodil’

Philip Jenkins, in his estimable book “Synthetic Panics: the symbolic politics of designer drugs”, writes about the cycles of emergence and subsidence, as if in waves, of new or modified formulations of psychoactive substances. Almost invariably, these drugs emerge from obscurity in a few localities, are produced and used by an unknown but probably small number of experimenters, and then “exposed” by an intrepid reporter or two following up on information from a police or medical contact. Thereafter, the use expands and then most often quickly peaks. The rate at which the pattern unfolds seems to depend upon the ease of synthesis or acquisition, the market potential, and the appearance of relative benefit or adverse effects of its use. Faced with an emergence of a new drug, anti-drug authorities seize on a combination of strategies to reduce it expanding, using an almost standard characterization of the drug as the newest, greatest menace, likely to do more damage than the previous worst-ever drug it is seen to be displacing. The strategies include a mix of criminalization, control of the reactants in the synthesis or the possibilities for drug diversion or prescribing, demonization of the drug’s effects, and dehumanization of its users. Almost invariably, the drug is described as “the most dangerous drug yet”, worse than the previous most dangerous drug yet. And if the drug is being used by marginalized populations, the strategies take their harshest form. Reinerman and Levine demonstrate this point clearly in comparing free-base cocaine used by the rich and its commercialized form, crack, used by the urban poor and minorities (Reinerman & Levine, 2004). In the former case, drug treatment expanded; in the latter, criminal penalties were escalated, creating “…the most massive wave of imprisonment in the history of the United States” (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1995; Reinerman & Levine, 2004). But the macro-level use patterns of drugs as they emerge and their use spreads often have a life of their own, defying efforts for control or receding to become historical footnotes without any assist from the authorities. A paradigmatic example of this approach to curtail and the counterintuitive effects of such efforts can be seen in the U.S. responses to reports of increasing methamphetamine use in the American heartland during the past decade. A parallel example can be seen in looking at the response to the emergence of krokodil use in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Comparison of these two patterns of drug emergence and spread reveals some interesting similarities and differences.
Requirement-driven design: assistance for information traceability in design computing

Requirement traceability is the commonly used term to refer to the management of the relationships that exist between design requirements and design solutions, throughout the design life-cycle. Current design computing practice makes only limited use of these relationships. Most of the current methods of computational requirement traceability rely on sequential or ad hoc processes. Such processes force the designers to either juggle the requirement information among many applications, or customize generic applications, such as databases or spreadsheets, to fit their needs. The resulting applications are not only inefficient in their use of requirement information, but also create problems in change management, consistency checking, and design compliance verification. I believe, augmenting architectural design computing environments with requirement traceability functionalities offers opportunities to overcome these drawbacks. This research seeks to answer the following questions: (1) how can requirement traceability be integrated with computer-aided design at a process level; (2) how can a requirement traceability capability be created within computer-aided architectural design; and (3) how can the potential impact of requirement traceability be measured. In addressing the research questions, a computational, hybrid assistance framework for the requirement management process, CHARM in short, is presented. The process captures activities both in requirement specification and design exploration phases to support traceability. Based on the observations in CHARM, a prototype application called DesignTrack, was developed. The capabilities of DesignTrack were evaluated by applying them to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard requirements. This evaluation provides evidence of the practicality and usefulness of CHARM and DesignTrack. This research advances design computing by highlighting the requirement-driven design thinking process and traceability enabled computer-aided design support. CHARM introduces requirement-driven design thinking into computer-aided design. It introduces information traceability as a design task which assists designers to manage information change. The computational structures for requirement traceability utilize relationships between requirements and designs. DesignTrack as a prototype introduces an integrated design development environment for requirement specification and form exploration in the same design session. This effort provides a navigation environment for complex design information spaces.
The Unintended Consequences of Low H1-B Visa Caps: Brain Blocking, Brain Diversion, and Racial Discrimination Against Asian Technology Professionals

American business interests face increasing difficulties as they attempt to compete against global technology-based industries. As the U.S. educational system produces interests face increasing difficulties as they attempt to compete fewer technology workers, many firms look to foreign countries such as India, China, or other Asian countries that have an abundance of skilled professionals. The U.S. Congress created the H-1B visa program in 1990 for educated skilled foreign workers, and manipulated the yearly cap on several occasions. Limits were as high as 195,000 as recently as 2003, but were reduced to 65,000 by 2009. The result of placing a low cap on available H-1B visas places a hardship both on domestic high-technology businesses, which cannot get sufficient quantities of desired workers to fill employment slots, but to the U.S. as well with reduced opportunities to recruit potential educated citizens. An unintended consequence of fewer H-1B visas produces a reduction of overall potential national brain gain optimization that could result from the spillover and agglomeration effects from the exchange of ideas in the marketplace (an effect that I refer to as brain blocking). Further, the brain gain that could have been accrued to the U.S. has been re-routed, either to immigration-friendly countries such as Canada or remains in the Asian professional’s home country if the worker decided to stay there (an effect that I refer to as brain diversion). Further, the imposition of a low H-1B visa cap appears to have similarities to historical race-based immigration restrictions that kept Chinese and other Asian workers out of the domestic workforce in earlier centuries. This paper looks at the development of H-1B visa public policy, the historical record of legislation to restrict Asian immigrant labor into the U.S., and the unintended consequences that result from low caps.
Kinetic model for the radical degradation of tri-halonitromethane disinfection byproducts in water

Abstract The halonitromethanes (HNMs) are byproducts of the ozonation and chlorine/chloramine treatment of drinking waters. Although typically occurring at low concentrations HNMs have high cytotoxicity and mutagenicity, and may therefore represent a significant human health hazard. In this study, we have investigated the radical based mineralization of fully-halogenated HNMs in water using the congeners bromodichloronitromethane and chlorodibromonitromethane. We have combined absolute reaction rate constants for their reactions with the hydroxyl radical and the hydrated electron as measured by electron pulse radiolysis and analytical measurements of stable product concentrations obtained by 60 Co steady-state radiolysis with a kinetic computer model that includes water radiolysis reactions and halide/nitrogen oxide radical chemistry to fully elucidate the reaction pathways of these HNMs. These results are compared to our previous similar study of the fully chlorinated HNM chloropicrin. The full optimized computer model, suitable for predicting the behavior of this class of compounds in irradiated drinking water, is provided.
Competition for p300 Regulates Transcription by Estrogen Receptors and Nuclear Factor-κB in Human Coronary Smooth Muscle Cells

Previous studies suggest that estrogen may prevent expression of cell adhesion molecules implicated in vascular inflammation associated with atherosclerosis. We demonstrate the interaction and reciprocal interference of estrogen receptors (ERs) with p65, the nuclear factor-kappaB component, in smooth muscle cells that express ERalpha and ERss after exposure to 17ss-estradiol for 48 to 72 hours. ER and p65 do not associate directly, as shown by lack of coprecipitation, but instead compete for limiting amounts of p300, a close relative of the CREB-binding protein. Overexpressed p300 significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of ER on p65-dependent transcription as well as the inhibitory effect of p65 on ER-dependent transcription. These actions were ligand-dependent. The expression of both ER and nuclear factor-kappaB-dependent reporter genes was partially rescued from ER/p65 mutual inhibition by transient transfection of smooth muscle cells with a p300 expression vector. These actions of 17ss-estradiol may play an important role in the cytokine-induced expression of immune and inflammatory genes implicated in atherogenesis.
Aerobic and anaerobic degradation of glucose by the estuarine sea anemone, Diadumene leucolena

Abstract 1. 1. Aerobic and anaerobic glucose degradation was investigated in intact specimens of the estuarine sea anemone, Diadumene leucolena. 2. 2. The aerobic degradation of [U-14C]glucose resulted in radioactivity in Krebs cycle intermediates and in five amino acids (alanine, serine, glycine, aspartate and glutamate). Radioactive carbon dioxide accounted for 50% of the glucose degraded. 3. 3. Anaerobiosis resulted in decreased 14CO2 production and enhanced labelling of succinate with no change in radioactivity in lactate. 4. 4. It is suggested that short-term anaerobiosis results in diminished oxidative metabolism in Diadumene, concomitant with an activation of anaerobic glycolysis.
Steroid Receptor Transcriptional Synergy Is Potentiated by Disruption of the DNA-Binding Domain Dimer Interface

The dimer interface within the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of the steroid receptors stabilizes receptor binding to a palindromic DNA site termed a hormone response element (HRE) and is essential for receptor transcriptional activity when a single HRE drives transcription of a target gene. However, most steroid-responsive genes are driven by multiple HREs, and synergy between HREs is an important determinant of receptor activity. We have examined the effects of mutations within the DBD dimer interface on synergistic transcriptional activation by the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors. As expected, mutations in either the mineralocorticoid receptor or glucocorticoid receptor that destabilized the DBD dimer interface disrupted receptor binding and activity at a single HRE. However, in striking contrast, these same mutations markedly increased receptor synergistic activity on a reporter gene containing multiple HREs and modestly increased DNA binding. Reestablishing intersubunit contacts by compensat...
Evaluation of the histopathology of brain tumor tissue obtained by ultrasonic aspiration

Ultrasonic aspiration has been widely adopted in the resection of tumors of the central nervous system. In the past, the tumor tissue fragments obtained have been discarded. To evaluate these fragments as possible sources of material for histopathological study and tissue culture, we compared the microscopic features and viability in tissue culture of CUSA tissue fragments and biopsies obtained by conventional methods. Two cases (a meningioma and a subependymal astrocytoma) are presented to demonstrate that these tissue fragments retain good preservation of histological detail and tissue culture viability. Because the quantity of tumor tissue available from the CUSA tissue trap is consistently greater than that obtained by standard biopsy methods, utilization of this material may facilitate pathological interpretation by providing a more representative sample of tumor histology as well as providing an adequate and sterile source of material for tissue culture studies.
Clothing design for comfort and work performance in extreme thermal environments.

Assessment of the insulation (clo) value and evaporative impedance (im/clo) value of a clothing system can provide an accurate estimate of the relative advantages of one garment or fabric over another with respect to the thermal protection and/or strain associated with wearing the clothing. There are effects of cut, drape, and fit that must receive special consideration. The techniques presented are a valuable tool in clothing design, and such evaluations are desirable in studies of the man-clothing-job-environment-system for ordinary clothing as well as for such advanced concepts as clothing systems with intrinsic environmental conditioning sources.
Continuous-flow salt gradient dialysis for the preparation of polynucleotide-polypeptide complexes.

Abstract Salt gradient dialysis is a technique frequently employed in the preparation of complexes between polynucleotides and basic polypeptides. Described here are simple arrangements for producing a variety of gradients of solvent composition that vary automatically and continuously. These are more convenient, more flexible and more reproducible than the stepwise gradients employed in the past.
Report On ‘Action Research: Overcoming the Sports Mentality Approach to Assessment/Evaluation’

In this workshop, George Bodner contrasted evaluation with assessment, and presented Action Research as a method for evaluating curriculum changes. He emphasized that any major change in teaching will have some effect; if test scores or other analyses do not reflect this effect, then one must use other tools to uncover it. Bodner defined Action Research as qualitative information-gathering and analysis from all available sources, including reflective journals, comments from students, and personal interviews. In the past few decades, such qualitative research has given way to more quantitative studies, such as analysis of test scores. Bodner argued in his presentation that these quantitative measures are more precise, but less accurate, than Action Research’s subjective, informal methods of evaluation.
Are Successful Applicants to the Roman Catholic Deaconate Psychologically Healthy

The current investigation evaluated psychological and personality profiles of successful applicants to the deaconate in several Roman Catholic dioceses in California. The MMPI-2 and 16PF were administered to 25 applicants between 2004 and 2006 who subsequently entered the permanent deaconate program. Results indicate that these applicants to the deaconate were generally well-adjusted as well as being socially responsible. Findings also suggest some tendency for defensiveness, repression, naivete, and a strong need for affection, as well as for being emotionally stable, genuine, and cooperative.
Comments on “Technology and Organizational Government: A Speculative Inquiry into the Functionality of Management Creeds,” by William G. Scott

The article presents a response to the paper “Technology and Organizational Government: A Speculative Inquiry Into the Functionality of Management Creeds,” by William G. Scott, which was published ...
Feeding behavior during experimentally induced obesity in monkeys.

Abstract In order to investigate the effects of the induction and remission of obesity on feeding behavior, male rhesus monkeys were made obese by sustained intragastric (IG) feeding of a complete liquid diet. Intragastric diet infusion levels of 100, 125, 145, and 165% of the baseline oral intake of each monkey were successively administered. During the initial overfeeding period (100% of the baseline oral intake), at least one week was required to reduce voluntary oral intake to less than 25% of the baseline levels and complete suppression of oral intake did not occur. This increased total caloric intake (IG infusion plus oral intake) resulted in a rapid rate of weight gain of at least 5 times the baseline rate. With successive increases in caloric infusion level, oral intake was eventually suppressed, and rapid weight gain was sustained. When the IG infusion was abruptly terminated after 50 to 130 days, 3 monkeys refused all food for 14 to 35 days. The monkeys' oral intakes stabilized three to ten weeks after the end of the overfeeding period. The length of this period prior to the resumption of normal oral intake was not related to length of overfeeding nor to the amount of weight gained. The monkeys' body weights dropped rapidly in the initial post-overfeeding period and then stabilized, sometimes at levels higher than their baseline body weights. In 2 monkeys, at the end of overfeeding the amounts infused were gradually reduced in order to determine the calories required to maintain their body weights at peak levels. Significantly fewer kcal/kg were required to maintain peak body weights than were ingested during the baseline periods. Following partial remission and subsequent stabilization of post overfeeding body weights, all monkeys ingested fewer kcal/kg than they had prior to the induction of obesity.
Phylogenetic relationships of the carabid subfamily Harpalinae (Coleoptera) based on molecular sequence data

The carabid subfamily Harpalinae contains most of the species of carabid beetles. This subfamily, with over 19,000 species, radiated in the Cretaceous to yield a large clade that is diverse in morphological form and ecological habit. While there are several morphological, cytological, and chemical characters that unite most harpalines, the placement of some tribes within the subfamily remains controversial, as does the sister group relationships to this large group. In this study, DNA sequences from the 28S rDNA gene and the wingless nuclear protein-coding gene were collected from 52 carabid genera representing 31 harpaline tribes in addition to more than 21 carabid outgroup taxa to reconstruct the phylogeny of this group. Molecular sequence data from these genes, along with additional data from the 18S rDNA gene, were analyzed with a variety of phylogenetic analysis methods, separately for each gene and in a combined data approach. Results indicated that the subfamily Harpalinae is monophyletic with the enigmatic tribes of Morionini, Peleciini, and Pseudomorphini included within it. Brachinine bombardier beetles are closely related to Harpalinae as they form the sister group to harpalines or, in some analyses, are included within it or with austral psydrines. The austral psydrines are the sister group to Harpalinae + Brachinini clade in most analyses and austral psydrines + Brachinini + Harpalinae clade is strongly supported.
Isolating symbols from connection lines in a class of engineering drawings

Abstract The class of drawings considered here is characterized by alternative instances of symbols and connections, includes flow charts and diagrams describing chemical plants, electrical circuits, and digital logic. After preprocessing of the scanned binary image, symbols and connection lines are separated using a few simple yet effective generic drawing properties, such as: (a) symbols contain mostly closed simple shapes, slant lines and open lines, and (b) connection lines contain mostly horizontal and vertical lines with each line end connected to a symbol. Accurate results are achieved in experiments on a set of 24 drawings drawn from four applications and scanned with resolutions varying from 75 to 300 dpi. Such high accuracy of segmentation can form the basis for symbol and connection recognition in any automated drawing understanding system.
Multiwindow method for spectrum estimation and sinusoid detection in an array environment

In many applications (radar, communication, plasma physics) the signal of interest is sinusoidal and is hidden in non-white noise. The multi-window method of spectrum estimation gives a constant false alarm test for the presence of a sinusoid in a time series if the noise can be assumed Gaussian. In this paper we generalize the method to an array and study the resulting test. Expressions for the probabilities of detection and of false alarm are obtained analytically and receiver operation characteristic curves are computed for a particular scenario under different conditions.
Stimulatory effects of prostaglandin E1 on rat anterior pituitary cyclic amp and luteinizing hormone release

Abstract The effect of prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) on rat anterior pituitary cyclic AMP accumulation and luteinizing hormone (LH) release was studied both in vivo and in vitro . Addition of PGE 1 to incubation medium over a concentration range of 10 -6 to 10 -4 M produced a graded increase in pituitary cyclic AMP. At the lowest concentration (10 -6 M) there was no significant increase in LH release, but proportional increments in LH release were seen with increasing concentrations of PGE 1 . Ten minutes after intravenous administration of 5 μg of PGE 1 to adult male rats, pituitary cyclic AMP was substantially increased while serum LH levels were not changed. Administration of a higher dose of PGE 1 (20 μg) produced a greater increase in pituitary cyclic AMP; and, at this dose serum LH was significantly increased. These results suggest that the PGE 1 effect on LH release is mediated by the adenyl cyclase — cyclic AMP system.
Significance of crustal and source region processes on the evolution of compositionally similar calc-alkaline lavas, Mt. Hood, Oregon

Abstract Mt. Hood, Oregon, in the Cascade Range volcanic arc has erupted predominantly andesite lava and pyroclastic-flow deposits over the last 700,000 years. Most lavas belong to the medium-K, calc-alkaline series and show a restricted range of composition (53–63 wt.% SiO2). Least-squares mixing calculations show that fractional crystallization of observed phenocryst phases can account for most major-oxide variation displayed by Mt. Hood lavas. AFC modeling indicates that small amounts of assimilation (Ma/Mc = 0.1–0.15) of high-K2O crustal rock occurred during certain eruptive episodes, but did not have a significant effect on magma composition. Evidence of magma mixing (partially resorbed olivine, plagioclase and pyroxene phenocrysts, magmatic inclusions) is found in lavas erupted throughout the volcano's history. Trace-element mixing calculations indicate that repeated cycles of mixing resulted in the eruption of compositionally similar lavas throughout the history of the volcano. Mt. Hood lavas are unusual in that they do not exhibit depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE) relative to large ion lithophile elements (LILE). Depletion of HFSE relative to LILE is considered a common geochemical characteristic of arc lavas, and is usually attributed to modification of the upper mantle source region by interaction with slab-derived fluids. Calculations of pre-eruptive water contents using an H2O-dependent plagioclase thermometer indicate that Mt. Hood lavas contained up to 6 wt.% H2O prior to eruption. Therefore, the absence of HFSE depletions relative to LILE cannot be attributed to lack of interaction between slab-derived fluids and the source region. An alternate source of such depletions in arc magmas is subducted sediment. Both pelagic and continental margin sediments potentially subducted along the Cascades trench do exhibit depletion in certain HFSE (Nb, Zr) relative to LILE. The absence of HFSE depletions in lavas erupted at Mt. Hood, therefore, appears to reflect negligible subduction of sediment and/or negligible mixing between subducted sediment and the upper mantle source region.
8. Reactivation of latent Epstein–Barr virus in pregnancy: Effects of race and implications for preterm birth

Stress-induced immune dysregulation during pregnancy may contribute to adverse birth outcomes. As a robust indicator of cellular immune competence, we examined EBV reactivation in association with gestational age, race, racial discrimination, and preterm birth among 56 women. We assessed psychosocial factors and serum EBV capsid antigen antibody titers at each trimester and ∼5 weeks postpartum. African–Americans ( n = 38) and Whites ( n = 18) did not differ in age, income, parity, or BMI (ps ⩾ .51). EBV reactivation was lower in 3rd versus 1st trimester ( p = .002). At every timepoint, African–Americans showed greater EBV reactivation than Whites (ps p = .03(1st), .04(2nd), .12(3rd), .06(postpartum)]. Associations of race and discrimination with EBV reactivation were not accounted for by perceived stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, or health behaviors. In the full sample, controlling for race, for every 2-fold increase in EBV antibody titers, the odds of preterm birth were 3.4 times higher (95%CI = 1.4, 11.9, p = .02). In African–Americans, the odds of preterm birth were 4.0 times higher for each 2-fold increase in antibody titers (95%CI = 1.3, 23.6), p = .01]. The ability of the cellular immune response to suppress latent EBV is enhanced in late compared to early gestation. Compared to Whites, African–American women show impaired cellular immune competence across pregnancy and postpartum, particularly those reporting greater racial discrimination. EBV reactivation may be associated with increased odds of preterm birth, particularly among African–Americans.
Clinical judgment of nurses: Gravity of symptom configurations, quantity of symptoms, and extraneous variables

Nurses’ diagnostic decision making is discussed in terms of its importance and the lack of empirical research to determine training needs to prepare nurses for this function. Results of this investigation suggest that nurses base their diagnostic decisions on the number of symptoms present, independent of symptom gravity. Results also suggest that nurses are influenced by extraneous symptoms to various degrees, depending on the gravity or weakness of symptoms. It is concluded that formal training in diagnostic decision making should be an important part of nurses’ preparation.
Effects of low potassium or magnesium concentrations on isolated cardiac tissue

Low potassium and magnesium concentrations not only cause cardiac arrhythmias, but also interfere with the efficacy or enhance the toxicity of drugs commonly used to treat patients with heart disease. Arrhythmias may develop in hypokalemia due to enhanced normal automaticity, abnormal automaticity, or slowed conduction; moreover, hypokalemia is associated with enhanced digitalis toxicity, quinidine-related Torsades de pointes, and interference with the antiarrhythmic activity of quinidine. Hypomagnesemia, especially in the presence of other electrolyte abnormalities, also affects automaticity and is associated with decreased efficacy of digitalis and with quinidine-related Torsades de pointes. Therefore, treatment that controls hypertension without causing electrolyte abnormalities is preferable for patients who are at risk of arrhythmias, or who are receiving drugs such as digitalis or quinidine.
Impersonation and identity:Sommersby, the return of Martin Guerre, and theOdyssey

Initial newspaper reviews of the 1993 filmSommersby were mostly unfavorable, and, when discussed by film critics, the film has usually been judged to be a pale imitation of a more important French film,The Return of Martin Guerre. This article attempts to show thatSommersby achieves a level of originality by conflating the earlier French film with Homer'sOdyssey and in the process depicting a view of the nature of human identity different from what is found in both its major sources. TheOdyssey andThe Return of Martin Guerre treat the self in a commonsense way as an entity withobjective existence, the inner essence of a person.Sommersby, I try to show, posits a more radical view of the self that is best understood by reference to the work of German philosopher Max Stirner and, more importantly, his successor Friendrich Nietzsche, both of whom treat the self as a fictional creation, a mutable entity capable of being created and recreated through acts of human will.Sommersby operates with a similar model of identity that treats the self as mutable, the outcome of an act of self-legislation.
Environmental triggers of thyroiditis: Hepatitis C and interferon-α

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are postulated to develop as a result of a complex interplay between several genetic and environmental influences. The pathogenesis of AITD is still not clearly defined. However, among the implicated triggers (e.g. iodine, infections, medications), more recent data confirmed strong associations of AITD with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and interferon-α (IFNα) therapy. Moreover, it is likely that HCV and IFN act in synergism to trigger AITD in patients. Indeed, approximately 40% of HCV patients develop either clinical or subclinical disease while receiving IFNα. Interferon induced thyroiditis (IIT) can manifest as non-autoimmune thyroiditis (presenting as destructive thyroiditis, or non-autoimmune hypothyroidism), or autoimmune thyroiditis [presenting with clinical features of Graves' disease (GD) or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT)]. Although not yet clearly understood, it is thought that IFNα can induce thyroiditis via both immune stimulatory and direct toxic effects on the thyroid. In view of the high frequency of IIT, routine screening and surveillance of HCV patients receiving IFNα is recommended to avoid the complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias, associated with thyrotoxicosis. In summary, IIT is a common clinical problem that can be readily diagnosed with routine thyroid function screening of HCV patients receiving IFN. The treatment of IIT consists of the standard therapy for differing clinical manifestations of IIT such as GD, HT, or destructive thyroiditis. However, anti-thyroid medications are not recommended in this setting since they can potentially be hepatotoxic.
Effects of the C4‘-Oxidized Abasic Site on Replication in Escherichia coli. An Unusually Large Deletion Is Induced by a Small Lesion†

The C4‘-oxidized abasic site (C4-AP) is produced in DNA as a result of oxidative stress by a variety of agents. For instance, the lesion accounts for ∼40% of the DNA damage produced by the antitumor antibiotic bleomycin. The effect of C4-AP on DNA replication in Escherichia coli was determined using the restriction endonuclease and postlabeling (REAP) method. Three-nucleotide deletion products are the sole products observed following replication of plasmids containing C4-AP under SOS conditions in wild-type cells. Full-length products are formed in varying amounts depending upon the local sequence in wild-type cells under non-SOS-induced conditions. The “A-rule” is followed for the formation of substitution products. C4-AP is the first example of a DNA lesion that produces significant levels of three-nucleotide deletions in a variety of sequence contexts. Experiments carried out in cells lacking specific polymerases reveal that formation of three-nucleotide deletion products results from a coordinated eff...
Trends and considerations in robot-assisted autism therapy

Recent research suggests that children with autism exhibit certain positive social behaviors while interacting with robots that are not observed while interacting with their peers, caregivers, and therapists. This paper explores trends in robot-assisted autism therapy, as well as some of the specific therapies that have been shown to elicit desirable social interactions when working with children with autism. Considerations for the design of robots for use in robot-assisted therapies are also presented. Finally, general conclusions and recommendations are made to help further the work of robot-assisted autism therapy.
Nitric oxide production is diminished in colonic circular muscle from acquired megacolon.

PURPOSE: Nitric oxide modulates human colonic smooth muscle function. To determine whether nitric oxide production is altered in colon from acquired megacolon, we measured cholinergic nerve-mediated contractionsin vitro before and after inhibition of nitric oxide synthase. METHODS: Intramural nerves in circular smooth muscle from histologically normal colon (n=12) and acquired megacolon (n=3) were activated by electrical field stimulation. RESULTS: In controls blockade of nitric oxide synthase by NG-Nitro-L-Arginine induced increases (P<0.05) in amplitude of contractions; these increases in amplitudes were blocked by L-Arginine (analysis of variance;P<0.05). By contrast, blockade of nitric oxide synthase did not increase amplitudes of contractions with circular smooth muscle from acquired megacolon. An immediate phasic contraction was blocked by atropine sulfate. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the concept that nitric oxide production modulates cholinergic nerve-mediated contractions in normal colonic circular muscle, whereas acquired megacolon is associated with altered release of this inhibitory neurochemical. Potential explanations include depletion of tissue L-Arginine, decreased capacity to recycle citrulline to arginine, or decreased release of vasoactive intestinal peptide from circular smooth muscle in acquired megacolon.