cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vanquishing the XCB Question: The Methodological Discovery of the Last Shortest Single Axiom for the Equivalential Calculus

With the inclusion of an effective methodology, this article answers in detail a question that, for a quarter of a century, remained open despite intense study by various researchers. Is the formula XCBee(x,e(e(e(x,y),e(z,y)),z)) a single axiom for the classical equivalential calculus when the rules of inference consist of detachment (modus ponens) and substitution? Where the function e represents equivalence, this calculus can be axiomatized quite naturally with the formulas e(x,x), e(e(x,y),e(y,x)), and e(e(x,y),e(e(y,z),e(x,z))), which correspond to reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity, respectively. (We note that e(x,x) is dependent on the other two axioms.) Heretofore, thirteen shortest single axioms for classical equivalence of length eleven had been discovered, and XCB was the only remaining formula of that length whose status was undetermined. To show that XCB is indeed such a single axiom, we focus on the rule of condensed detachment, a rule that captures detachment together with an appropriately general, but restricted, form of substitution. The proof we present in this paper consists of twenty-five applications of condensed detachment, completing with the deduction of transitivity followed by a deduction of symmetry. We also discuss some factors that may explain in part why XCB resisted relinquishing its treasure for so long. Our approach relied on diverse strategies applied by the automated reasoning program OTTER. Thus ends the search for shortest single axioms for the equivalential calculus.
Customized metadata for Internet information

Several search engines, catalogs, and filtering services aim to help users of the Internet deal with a growing information "overload". However, these tools typically are either generic in scope, or limited to the needs of a particular user without regard for reuse in some related context. We propose an approach and architecture for customized filtering and cataloging which bridges these two extremes. We allow users to create and maintain a metadatabase of information gathered over time by using modular filters created for specific needs or drawn from a standard library. This metadatabase, which may be regarded as a database view of the Internet, can then be accessed to locate information relevant to specific or more generic tasks. Potentially, our approach achieves greater flexibility and specificity as compared to currently available tools. We describe our preliminary design, implementation, and experimentation for our proof of concept prototypical effort.
Reconsidering the Affirmative Obligation of Market Makers

Market makers on exchanges regulated by the U.S. SEC are subject to an affirmative obligation to make “fair and orderly markets,” and in return, they receive certain benefits. Financial economists have long been skeptical, however, of the efficacy of a legal requirement to “do good” and have found little evidence that the requirement contributes to the quality of markets. Moreover, competition across markets reduces the willingness of market makers to stabilize markets, and electronic trading reduces the importance of market makers.
Transformation by Complementation of an Adenine Auxotroph of the Lignin-Degrading Basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

Swollen basiodiospores of an adenine auxotroph of Phanerochaete chrysosporium were protoplasted with Novozyme 234 and transformed to prototrophy by using a plasmid containing the gene for an adenine biosynthetic enzyme from Schizophyllum commune. Transformation frequencies of 100 transformants per {mu}g of DNA were obtained. Southern blot analysis of DNA extracted from transformants demonstrated that plasmid DNA was integrated into the chromosomal DNA in multiple tandem copies. Analysis of conidia and basiodiospores from transformants demonstrated that the transforming character was mitotically and meiotically stable on both selective and nonselective media. Genetic crosses between double mutants transformed for adenine prototrophy and other auxotrophic strains yielded Ade{sup {minus}} progeny, which indicated that integration occurred at a site(s) other than the resident adenine biosynthetic gene.
Asymmetric dislocation/point-defect interactions and the modeling of void swelling

An internally consistent model has been developed for analyzing void swelling during irradiation. The model employs Wigner-Seitz cells around each type of sink, namely dislocation lines, voids, and grain boundaries. Uniform generation of vacancies and interstitials is accounted for, as is diffusion in response to both concentration and radial interaction field gradients. The cells are coupled by equating concentrations and current flows at their peripheries, for arbitrary densities of the various types of sinks. A procedure has been developed for obtaining the best radial interaction fields to replace the actual angularly dependent ones surrounding dislocations. Analytical theoretical support for the chosen value (-1/4 of the average of the square of the actual field) has been developed. Quantitative accuracy has been assessed by comparison with numerical studies employing full angular dependence. The predicted swelling-rate bias factor of approx. 50% is in excellent agreement with available swelling-rate data when one assumes that approx. 16% of the defects initially generated escape close-pair recombination within the cascade. Reasonable theoretical support exists for this survival fraction.
Wh-questions: Moving beyond the first phase

The paper presents a feature-checking theory of wh-movement that attempts to accommodate both adult grammar and the path of acquisition by which children handle long distance movement, indirect questions and partial movement. Partial movement is not a grammatical option in English but it is adopted as an option in development. The account makes several predictions about the performance of children with Specific Language impairment (SLI), and also predicts a particular advantage for children who speak African American English (AAE) over those who speak Mainstream American English (MAE). The empirical data are taken from a study of 590 children, both typically-developing and language-impaired, and both AAE and MAE speaking, aged four to nine years. The tasks involved answering wh-questions after stories as part of the field-testing of a new language assessment instrument. The questions included multi-clause questions with or without medial wh-complementizers. The predictions are borne out that children with language impairment have prolonged difficulty with real long distance movement and medial questions, and that children who speak AAE are at an advantage in avoiding certain errors (partial movement) because of the dialect’s characteristic marking of indirect questions via inversion in the lower clause.
Model railroading and computer fundamentals

Less than one half of one percent of all processors manufactured today end up in computers. The rest are embedded in other devices such as automobiles, airplanes, trains, satellites, and nearly every modern electronic device. Developing software for embedded systems requires a greater knowledge of hardware than developing for a typical desktop application. Despite the great demand for people to develop real-time embedded system software, few universities devote class time to giving students the necessary skills. In this paper I describe a course and stimulating environment for introducing students to this important domain. I make arguments for using real devices rather than simulations and for using a computer-controlled model railroad. I describe the computing and railroad hardware, laboratory assignments, and course project used in my course. Finally, I present a summary of the effectiveness of programming language choice based on an analysis of 13 years of data.
A demonstration of a fall in brain serotonin following central nervous system lesions in the rat.

Abstract Brain serotonin levels were determined 35 days after the placement of bilateral electrolytic lesions in the brains of male albino rats. Destruction of the medial forebrain bundle within the lateral hypothalamus produced a fall of 36 per cent in brain serotonin levels as compared with normal controls. Destruction of the septal region, dorsomedial midbrain tegmentum, and ventral midbrain tegmentum (areas contributing fibers to this region of the medial forebrain bundle) produced decreases of 12–15 per cent. Destruction of areas not related to this region of the medial forebrain bundle or destruction of other fiber tracts did not result in a significant fall in brain serotonin levels. These results are discussed in terms of a possible similarity between sectioning of peripheral and central nerve fibers, and it is suggested that the results may represent evidence for “serotonergic” fibers in the central nervous system. No correlation was found between the effects of a lesion on brain serotonin levels and its effects on the body weight, brain weight, or irritability of the animal.
When Physicians Intervene in Their Relatives’ Health Care

Physicians often struggle with ethical issues surrounding intervention in their relatives' health care. Many editorials, letters, and surveys have been written on this topic, but there is no systematic review of its prevalence. An Ovid Medline search was conducted for articles in English, written between January 1950 and December 2010, using the key words family member, relatives, treatment, prescribing, physician, and ethics. The search identified 41 articles (editorials, letters, and surveys). Surveys were reviewed to explore demographics of these treating physicians and reasons for and against intervention. Physicians often intervene directly or indirectly in the health care of relatives. The most common reasons were convenience, cost savings, and the perception of having greater knowledge or concern than colleagues. Lost objectivity, fear of misdiagnosis, and inability to provide complete care were the main considerations against intervention. The characteristics of treating doctors were nonspecific. Most surveys recommend against this practice except for emergencies or minor ailments. This review included only a few surveys with small sample size and only assessed scientific literature written in English after 1950. Survey data may be biased by physicians' self-reporting. In conclusion, most doctors occasionally intervene in their relatives' care. The decision to do so is determined by multiple factors. Physicians should treat only short-term or minor illnesses within their scope of practice. Future research should evaluate doctors' attitudes toward their relatives, medical student feelings about treating family, and intervention frequencies of medical and nonmedical professionals.
Karl Pearson and R. A. Fisher on Statistical Tests: A 1935 Exchange from Nature

Abstract In 1935, a letter to Nature criticizing the logic of statistical tests provoked published responses from Karl Pearson and R. A. Fisher. Their letters illustrate the attitudes of the two men toward the hypothesis-testing problem soon after the Neyman-Pearson formulation and shortly before Karl Pearson's death.
A year in review: new drugs for older adults in 2011.

Background New drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may offer tremendous clinical advances by providing health care providers with new treatment strategies. However, additional care must be taken for safe and effective use of these new agents by older adults.
Mental health and substance abuse services preferences among American Indian people of the northern Midwest

This study examines factors that influence preferences between traditional cultural and western mental health and substance use associated care among American Indians from the northern Midwest. Personal interviews were conducted with 865 parents/caretakers of tribally enrolled youth concerning their preferences for traditional/cultural and formal healthcare for mental health or substance abuse problems. Adults strongly preferred traditional informal services to formal medical services. In addition, formal services on reservation were preferred to off reservation services. To better serve the mental health and substance abuse treatment needs of American Indians, traditional informal services should be incorporated into the current medical model.
Field-induced ί textures and magnetic resonance in superfluid 3He-A

Limiting ourselves to two special cases—(a) % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafeart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXafv3ySLgzGmvETj2BSbqefm0B1jxALjhiov2D% aebbfv3ySLgzGueE0jxyaibaiiYdd9qrFfea0dXdf9vqai-hEir8Ve% ea0de9qq-hbrpepeea0db9q8as0-LqLs-Jirpepeea0-as0Fb9pgea% 0lrP0xe9Fve9Fve9qapdbaqaaeGacaGaaiaabeqaamaabaabcaGcba% GabmiBayaajaaaaa!3C6D!\[\hat l\] textures in a semiinfinite space in a tilted magnetic field and (b) in a parallel plate geometry in a normal magnetic field—we determine the magnetic resonance frequencies associated with the spin wave bound states.
An analysis of infrared temperature observations over wheat and calculation of latent heat flux

Abstract From half-hourly averaged observations of net radiation, latent and soil heat fluxes over wheat, the sensible heat flux is calculated as the residual component of the surface energy balance. Then, the aerodynamic surface temperature is obtained by solving iteratively the aerodynamic equation for sensible heat flux, taking into consideration the bluffbody (differences in roughness height for heat and momentum exchange) and the stability (differences in surface and air temperatures) corrections to the aerodynamic resistance. The aerodynamic temperatures are found to be lower (higher) than the infrared thermometric observations under stable (unstable) atmospheric conditions. However, when the infrared temperatures were used in a resistance-energy balance equation to estimate the latent heat flux, then the estimated fluxes showed a high linear correlation (r = 0.96) and a moderate standard error (47 W m−2) under regression analysis with the observed fluxes.
Novel techniques for the treatment of localized prostate cancer: evidence of efficacy?

Radical retropubic prostatectomy and radiation therapy remain the mainstay of treatment for localized prostate cancer. However, with the advent of the Internet, more patients are arriving in physicians’ offices questioning novel techniques for their treatment that they otherwise would not have discovered. This paper discusses several of these techniques, including focal cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, diets, supplements, and hormonal therapy. We also render our opinion on their efficacy for treatment based on the available published studies.
Extraction, Analysis, and Study on the Volatiles in Roselle Tea

The Likens−Nickerson steam distillation procedure was utilized to mimic the preparation of roselle tea. Thermally generated volatiles from roselle were collected and analyzed by GC and GC−MS. There were four differently treated samples: untreated, frozen, hot-air-dried at 50 °C, and hot-air-dried at 75 °C. More than 37 compounds were characterized. They were classified into four groups: fatty acid derivatives, sugar derivatives, phenolic derivatives, and terpenes. Large amounts of the aliphatic C6 lipid derivative, which contributes to the green note aromas, were in the fresh roselle, while only trace amounts were found in the frozen and air-dried samples. In the air-dried roselles, significant amounts of furfural and 5-methyl-2-furfural were formed, while only minimal amounts were detected in the fresh samples. There were no obvious changes in phenolic derivatives (eugenol) among the four samples. Terpenoid and oxide could also be isolated after distillation extraction. The drying process reduced them ...
The Deep Lamp Project: An Investigation of the Precision and Accuracy of the Echelle Wavelength Scales of Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph

The precision and absolute accuracy of the echelle mode wavelength scales of Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) are investigated. The method is to measure deep exposures of the onboard Pt/Cr-Ne hollow cathode calibration lamp. The standard deviation of emission spots from their laboratory wavelengths in a single image is a measure of the internal precision of the pipeline-assigned scales. The average shift of the image as a whole is a measure of the absolute accuracy. While systematic patterns can be identified in all four echelle modes (E140M, E140M, E230M, and E230H), the overall precision (even without compensating for long-range trends with λ) is excellent: of order one-tenth of the resolution element (σ ~ 600 and 300 m s−1, for medium- [M] and high- [H] resolution modes, respectively). Furthermore, the absolute accuracy and its repeatability (assessed in a time series of WAVECAL images) is of order a remarkable 100 m s−1, aside from one of the E230M modes (secondary tilt λ2269) that shows a systematic offset 10 times larger. The excellent precision of the STIS echelle wavelengths could be improved by adding higher order terms to the biquadratic polynomial currently implemented in the CALSTIS pipeline. On the other hand, the existing small distortions might be resolved more naturally by a "physical instrument model," currently under development by the Space Telescope European Coordinating Facility's STIS Calibration Enhancement Project.
International Opportunities and Domestic Protest: Zapatistas, Mexico and the New World Economy

The EZLN (Zapatista Army of National Liberation) uprising in Chiapas, Mexico, in 1994 took advantage of many political opportunities in an economic and politically liberalizing state. Most significantly, the negotiation and passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) generated issues over which to mobilize and created political openings in the system to support mobilization. While NAFTA highlighted the dark side of globalization with its negative effects on living conditions in southern Mexico, it also ushered in political reforms that protected human rights and brought great international attention to Mexico. Many nations were watching to see whether Mexico had reached economic and political maturity. Taken together, these political opportunities provided the context for the EZLN to mobilize as a political movement.
Using existing data to estimate aquifer properties, Great Lakes Region, USA.

To determine specific storage and porosity, areally limited and time-consuming aquifer tests are frequently done. Hydrogeologic studies often do not have the resources to collect such data and rely on existing data sources for aquifer properties. An alternative tool for determining these aquifer properties is the analysis of earth tides. The objective of this study was to determine whether existing water-level and barometric-pressure data could be used to determine aquifer properties, such as porosity and specific storage, on a regional scale. In this study, national databases from the Great Lakes Region were queried for continuous records of groundwater-level and barometric-pressure data. Records from 37 selected wells were then analyzed for barometric efficiency and earth-tide responses. Specific-storage (S(s) ) and porosity values were determined, and the quality of the results were assessed with a measure of the "goodness of fit" (percent variance) of reconstruction of the response. Records from wells completed in several aquifer systems were analyzed with varying degrees of success. Aquifer S(s) values ranging from 5.9 × 10(-8) to 3.8 × 10(-6) /m were derived, with percent variance of reconstruction ranging from 1% to 78%. Comparisons with aquifer and laboratory testing of S(s) and porosity are favorable if the percent variance of reconstruction is above about 30%. Although the earth-tide-analysis method is not suitable for every situation, the S(s) and porosity of aquifers can, in many places, be estimated with existing water-level and barometric-pressure data or with data that are relatively inexpensive to collect.
Deep sequencing of amplicons reveals widespread intraspecific hybridization and multiple origins of polyploidy in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata; Asteraceae)

 Premise of the study: Hybridization has played an important role in the evolution and ecological adaptation of diploid and polyploid plants. Artemisia tridentata (Asteraceae) tetraploids are extremely widespread and of great ecological importance. These tetraploids are often taxonomically identifi ed as A. tridentata subsp. wyomingensis or as autotetraploids of diploid subspecies tridentata and vaseyana . Few details are available as to how these tetraploids are formed or how they are related to diploid subspecies.  Methods: We used amplicon sequencing to assess phylogenetic relationships among three recognized subspecies: tridentata , vaseyana , and wyomingensis . DNA sequence data from putative genes were pyrosequenced and assembled from 329 samples. Nucleotide diversity and putative haplotypes were estimated from the high-read coverage. Phylogenies were constructed from Bayesian coalescence and neighbor-net network analyses.  Key results: Analyses support distinct diploid subspecies of tridentata and vaseyana in spite of known hybridization in ecotones. Nucleotide diversity estimates of populations compared to the total diversity indicate the relationships are predominately driven by a small proportion of the amplicons. Tetraploids, including subspecies wyomingensis , are polyphyletic occurring within and between diploid subspecies groups.  Conclusions: Artemisia tridentata is a species comprising phylogenetically distinct diploid progenitors and a tetraploid complex with varying degrees of phylogenetic and morphological affi nities to the diploid subspecies. These analyses suggest tetraploids are formed locally or regionally from diploid tridentata and vaseyana populations via autotetraploidy, followed by introgression between tetraploid groups. Understanding the phylogenetic vs. ecological relationships of A. tridentata subspecies will have bearing on how to restore these desert ecosystems.
Photoactuators and motors based on carbon nanotubes with selective chirality distributions

Direct conversion of light into mechanical work, known as the photomechanical effect, is an emerging field of research, largely driven by the development of novel molecular and polymeric material systems. However, the fundamental impediment is that the previously explored materials and structures do not simultaneously offer fast and wavelength-selective response, reversible actuation, low-cost fabrication and large deflection. Here, we demonstrate highly versatile photoactuators, oscillators and motors based on polymer/single-walled carbon nanotube bilayers that meet all the above requirements. By utilizing nanotubes with different chirality distributions, chromatic actuators that are responsive to selected wavelength ranges are achieved. The bilayer structures are further configured as smart 'curtains' and light-driven motors, demonstrating two examples of envisioned applications.
Views on transit tax financing in the U.S.

Although much has been written about the economics of transit tax financing, public views and opinions toward alternative tax sources have received comparatively short shrift. This paper examines the attitudes of transit managers as well as other political groups toward various tax sources available for financing transit services in the U.S.A. From a survey of 129 transit officials, state fuel and vehicle registration taxes are found to be the overwhelming favorites. Administrators for large transit properties generally also favor federal income tax financing of transit, while those for smaller agencies seem to rate sales tax revenues relatively highly. Several other studies have likewise shown sales taxes to be preferred by transit officials. With the planned phase-out of federal operating assistance, it is becoming increasingly imperative that authorizing legislation be enacted allowing jurisdictions to dedicate a range of local revenue sources to transit. While perspectives on transit tax financing were found to vary somewhat among vested interests, in general there seems to be more agreement than dissension on which tax sources should be used.
Low-Current Measurements Using Transistor Logarithmic DC Electrometers

A nine-decade (10-13 to 10-4 amp) and a five-decade (4 × 10-12 to 4 × 10-7 amp) dc logarithmic electrometer have been designed, and their performance evaluated. The problems of drift, linear-to-log conversion accuracy, temperature dependence, and frequency response are considered. An accuracy of better than ±0.6%/decade (~2% of reading) was achieved.
Corpus-based stemming using cooccurrence of word variants

Stemming is used in many information retrieval (IR) systems to reduce variant word forms to common roots. It is one of the simplest applications of natural-language processing to IR and is one of the most effective in terms of user acceptance and consistency, though small retrieval improvements. Current stemming techniques do not, however, reflect the language use in specific corpora, and this can lead to occasional serious retrieval failures. We propose a technique for using corpus-based word variant cooccurrence statistics to modify or create a stemmer. The experimental results generated using English newspaper and legal text and Spanish text demonstrate the viability of this technique and its advantages relative to conventional approaches that only employ morphological rules.
Contract Disputes in Travel and Tourism: When the Online Deal Goes Bad

Abstract This article explores e-commerce contract liability and its impact on the travel and tourism industry. Topics such as, what constitutes a legally-binding contract, and the various methods of accepting contracts online, such as click wrap and electronic signatures, are discussed. Jurisdiction issues particularly pertinent when considering liability related to travel and tourism products are addressed. Numerous tourism related liability cases are cited. The article concludes with recommendations for travel and tourism e-commerce businesses for limiting contract liability.
Advancing Health in Developing Countries: The Role of Social Research

Preface Introduction: Addressing the Health Transition Research Agenda: Can We Connect Findings with Action? The Conceptualization of Behavioral Change An Anthropological Approach to Social Science Research on the Health Transition Behavioral Medicine, Health Behavior, and Health Maintenance Strategies: Applicability to Disease Prevention in the Developing World Research Possibilities on Facilitating the Health Care Transition Case Studies The Rise and Fall of the Cigarette: A Brief History of the Antismoking Movement in the United States Using Social Science to Prevent and Control HIV Infection: The Experience of Britain, Sweden, and the United States The Malaria Transition and the Role of Social Science Research Dietary Management of Diarrhea in Peru Assessment of Health Program Performance to Improve Management: Utilization of Lot Quality Assurance Sampling to Increase Immunization Coverage in Peru Social Science Research and the Improvement of Health Health and Development: What Can Research Contribute? Potential of for Social Science Research to Inform and Influence the Delivery of Health Care in Lesser Developed Countries The Health Transition and Social Science Research: A Summary of Workshop Proceedings Index
Binding of ethylene analogs and cyclic olefins to a Triton X-100 extract from plants: Comparison with in vivo activities

The binding constants of various olefins were determined with a Triton X-100 extract of mung bean sprouts. The olefins tested included compounds that have been reported to induce an ethylene response in vivo as well as olefins reported to block the ethylene response. Both types of compounds were bound by the Triton X-100 extract, and the binding constants in vitro were usually considerably lower than those obtained in in vivo studies as measured by gas phase concentrations. Increased solubility due to Triton X-100 solution appears to be partly responsible. The in vitro binding order of compounds reported to induce an ethylene response was similar to their order of in vivo activity. Also, the compounds which gave an anti-ethylene response in vivo bound to the extract in approximately the same order as their in vivo effectiveness. These results suggest that binding of olefins is not the only factor necessary for an ethylene response. Although binding is necessary for activity, another factor must be involved after binding, and this may be π-acceptance.
Umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry waveform abnormality in fetal gastroschisis

Two cases of notching in the umbilical artery Doppler waveform in a pregnancy with gastroschisis are reported. The etiology of the abnormal Doppler pattern in relation to the displacement of the fetal stomach in this congenital abnormality is discussed. Copyright © 1997 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Carotenoid Value Addition of Cereal Products by Monoculture and Mixed-Culture Fermentation of Phaffia rhodozyma and Sporobolomyces roseus

ABSTRACT Carotenoid value addition of corn whole stillage by red yeast fermentation has yielded astaxanthin- and β-carotene-enriched distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) for animal feed. In this study, commonly used animal feeds (rice bran, wheat bran, milo whole stillage, and soybean products) were subjected to carotenoid value addition. Phaffia rhodozyma and Sporobolomyces roseus monoculture and mixed-culture submerged fermentation of these substrates supplemented with 5% glycerol were analyzed for astaxanthin, β-carotene, and residual glycerol. Among all the substrates, full-fat rice bran and full-fat soy flour resulted in the highest astaxanthin (80 μg/g by P. rhodozyma) and β-carotene yields (836 μg/g by S. roseus). P. rhodozyma produced the highest astaxanthin yield on each substrate, whereas depending on the substrate, either the mixed culture or S. roseus monoculture produced the highest β-carotene yield. Soy hull was a poor substrate for carotenoid value addition. Both yeasts used glycero...
Changes in carpal tunnel pressures following endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A cadaveric study

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the amount of tissue that must be sectioned to adequately decompress the median nerve during an endoscopic carpal tunnel release procedure. In 6 fresh cadaver forearms, 2 balloons were inserted into the carpal tunnel. The first balloon was filled with saline solution to cause an initial carpal intracanal pressure of 50 mmHg. Pressure measurements were recorded, using the second balloon, at various increments of the flexor retinaculum division at 3 wrist positions (neutral, 35 o ; flexion, 35 o extension). At all increments of sectioning, carpal tunnel pressures in the neutral wrist position were consistently lowest and the values in 35 o extension were greatest. At each wrist flexion/extension angle, the pressure statistically decreased during incremental division of the flexor retinaculum. Incomplete release of the transverse carpal ligament resulted in incomplete decompression in the canal. Sectioning the overlying aponeurosis caused a further significant decrease in intracanal pressure.
Pharmacologic characterization of Botulinum toxin for basic science and medicine

The use of Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is increasing in both clinical and basic science. Clinically, intramuscular injection of nanogram quantities of BoNT is fast becoming the treatment of choice for a spectrum of disorders including movement disorders such as torticollis, blepharospasm, Meige Disease, and hemifacial spasm (Borodic et al., 1991, 1994a; Jankovic and Brin, 1991; Clarke, 1992). Neuroscientists are using BoNTs as tools to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the neurotransmitter release process. Consequently, our ability to accurately and reliably quantify the biologic activity of botulinum toxin has become more important than ever. The accurate measurement of the pharmacologic activity of BoNTs has become somewhat problematic with the most significant problems occurring with the clinical use of the toxins. The biologic activity of BoNTs has been measured using a variety of techniques including assessment of whole animal responses to in vitro effects on neurotransmitter release. The purpose of this review is to examine the approaches employed to characterize, quantify and investigate the actions of the BoNTs and to provide a guide to aid investigators in determining which of these methods is most appropriate for their particular application or use.
An optimal control approach for determination of the heat loss coefficient in a domestic water heating system

Integral collector storage (ICS) solar domestic water heating systems are an alternative to help meet the hot water energy demands in a household. In order to evaluate the potential benefits and contributions from the system, it is important to be certain that the modeling scheme is as accurate as possible. The overall heat loss coefficient (U loss ) plays an important roll in such a scheme and in the performance prediction methodology of the ICS. This paper presents the results of an investigation of the application of optimal control theory to find how U loss varies with time, for a particular non-concentrating ICS system. The time-varying U loss obtained was used in a proposed model, and the resulting simulated ICS performance was compared to the real measured performance and the simulated case when U loss was time-invariant. After comparison, it was determined that the use of a time-varying U loss in the modeling scheme significantly improves the ICS performance prediction.
Hierarchical finite element bases for triangular and tetrahedral elements

We describe a hierarchical basis for the p-version of the finite element method in two and three dimensions. The corresponding stiffness matrices are shown to have good sparsity properties and better conditioning than those generated from existing hierarchical bases.
Ulstermen and loyalist ladies on parade: Gendering unionism in Northern Ireland

This article explores parades as central institutions in the construction and maintenance of unionist ethno-gender identities and a crucial part of politics in Northern Ireland. It presents a brief historical review of the origins of Protestant marches and the organizations which are key to sustaining this tradition. It then analyses the contemporary marches, including the highly contested Portadown parade and the tranquil all-Ireland demonstration,held in Rossnowlagh in the Republic. These overwhelmingly male events are important to the maintenance of the gender order of unionism. The parades reveal the subordinated feminity within unionism: women participate in small numbers by invitation only. At the same time, they reveal competing masculinities: traditional, 'respectable' unionist masculinity is challenged by the more virile loyalism of 'Billy boy' and 'kick the pope' bands and marchers. This analysis explains why these competing masculinities are central, not only to the maintenance of male hegemony...
Comparing Health Information Sharing Preferences of Cancer Patients, Doctors, and Navigators

As technologies such as personal health records and symptom trackers become more common, we are seeing an increase in patients actively engaging in health tracking behaviors. Patient collected data can provide valuable insight for healthcare providers, particularly in the area of breast cancer. Thus far, little work has examined whether the health information that patients are willing to track and share aligns with the information needs of healthcare providers. Our work provides a comparison between the health information sharing preferences of breast cancer patients, doctors and navigators. We identify discrepancies between stakeholders' preferences, such as patients' hesitation to share feelings of loneliness, signifying where technology can play an important role in helping patients prioritize the health information shared with providers. We present design implications from this work to guide the development of future health information sharing tools that consider the differing needs of healthcare stakeholders.
Abstract 3340: Expansion of human breast cancer stem /progenitor cell subpopulation through histone deacetylase inhibitors

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL We recently demonstrated that valproic acid, an histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, radiosensitized breast cancer cells grown on plastic with serum while it radioprotected cells grown in stem cell promoting culture conditions (Debeb et al., 2010) and recently, it has been shown that differentiated cancer cells can de-differentiate into the cancer stem cell phenotype (Meyers et al., 2009; Gupta et al., 2009). Based on these data, we hypothesized that HDAC inhibitors can increase the cancer stem cell population via dedifferentiation of differentiated cancer cells. To examine our hypothesis, Sum159 breast cancer cells were FACS-sorted based on ALDH activity and subsequently treated with one of two known HDAC inhibitors, valproic acid or SAHA. After sorting, ALDH-negative cells were treated either with valproic acid, SAHA, or vehicle. After a week, the percentage of ALDH-positive cells (passage 0, P0) was examined with flow cytometry while the remaining cells were passaged and incubated with and without valproic acid or SAHA for a week and the percentage of ALDH-positive cells again evaluated (P1). This was repeated for the third time (P2). Samples from each generation were also used to assay for, mammosphere formation efficiency, cell cycle analysis as well as to assess RNA and protein expression. In P0 cells, a 3-fold increase in ALDH positive cells was seen in valproic acid-treated cells (35.6% vs.12.6%) and a 1.5-fold increase in SAHA-treated cells (41% vs. 28%) compared to vehicle-treated controls. Moreover, HDAC inhibitors significantly increased primary and secondary mammosphere formation by 3.1 to 13.4-fold. Also, while the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase is increased with treatment, the percentage of cells in the S-phase of the cell cycle is significantly reduced. These effects were maintained through multiple passages. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression of Beta-catenin and EMT associated genes like vimentin, fibronectin and n-cadherin was significantly increased with treatment in initial and passaged cells. Further functional endpoint studies are being conducted in-vivo to validate these findings. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3340. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3340
643 ZINC DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Growth failure is a frequent problem in children with congenital heart disease. Since chronic hypozincemia can also cause growth retardation, fasting plasma zincs were obtained in 69 children undergoing cardiac catheterization to determine if zinc deficiency was related to growth delay in these patients. The mean plasma zinc for this group was 87 μg/dl (Range: 46-152) which is comparable to published normals. Ages ranged from 1 day to 21 years. Patients with zinc levels in the low 20% (< 72 μg/dl) were then compared to the remainder of the group for weight percentile, age, use of chronic digoxin for heart failure, and presence of Downs Syndrome. Chi-squared analysis showed: Only 2 patients were on chronic furosemide, a potent zincuric, but one of these had the second lowest zinc, 48 μg/dl. We conclude that hypozincemia is frequently seen in growth retarded children with congenital heart disease. However, this was not related to digoxin therapy for chronic congestive heart failure or the presence of Downs Syndrome in these children.
The public schools as a work environment

This study examined the perceptions of elementary and secondary school teachers, and school board members, of the school as a work environment. The Work Environment Preferencess Scale, an instrument based on Weber's components of bureaucratic organizations, was administered to all the teachers and board members of a small Maine school district. Board members, then secondary teachers, preferred bureaucratic organization and principles. Implications for education are discussed.
Down on main street : Drugs and the small-town vortex

Ethnographic research on social networks-especially that which focuses on rural or small-town drug use-is relatively rare. Drawing on qualitative interviews and focus groups conducted with illicit drug users residing in three counties in west central Ohio, this article examines perceptions of small-town life and the influence of local social networks on drug-using practices. Since chronic drug use is often driven by associations with other users, the combination of small social circles, a limited scope of acquaintances and economic opportunities, inadequate drug treatment, and abundant drug supplies can create a "vortex" effect and magnify drug use in small towns.
Combustion of Aluminum-Based Slurry Agglomerates

Abstract The combustion of aluminum and aluminum/carbon slurry agglomerates was studied in the post-flame region of a flat-flame burner using cinematography. Diameters of the agglomerates after both burnout of the carrier fuel (JP-10) and coalescence of the particles ranged from approximately 300 to 800 microns. Burner operating conditions were varied to provide oxygen mole fractions ranging from 0.10 to 0.25 and gas temperatures from 1500 K to 1800 K. Flame environments both with and without water vapor were considered. Vapor-phase burning with a significant accumulation of oxide product was observed for aluminum slurry agglomerates. Burning times were approximately four times those of pure JP-10 droplet at corresponding initial sizes and test conditions. Exercise of an analytical model which included radiation suggested that gas-phase transport of species from the flame zone and subsequent condensation at the surface is not likely to be the sole mechanism responsible for surface oxide accumulation. The ...
Get Away Special (GAS) educational applications of space flight

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has established the Small Self-Contained Payloads (SSCP) Program, commonly known as the Get Away Special (GAS) Program. One of the prime objectives of the GAS program is to foster enthusiasm in the younger generation in the use of space. The author looks at the history of the program from its initiation through the development phase, its interaction with the educational community, the education-industry relationship, and some educational objectives. The author addresses the programmatic and technical relationships that are established between NASA and the GAS customer, and ends with a brief look into the future. >
Synthesis of a model system for the preparation of phloroglucinol containing natural products

A model system for the synthesis of phloroglucinol containing natural products was synthesized. Key steps include a manganic acetate-mediated cyclization and the facile conversion of an alkene into a β-bromoenone.
Digital Particle Image Velocimetry

Digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) is the digital counterpart of conventional laser speckle velocitmetry (LSV) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques. In this novel, two-dimensional technique, digitally recorded video images are analyzed computationally, removing both the photographic and opto-mechanical processing steps inherent to PIV and LSV. The directional ambiguity generally associated with PIV and LSV is resolved by implementing local spatial cross-correlations between two sequential single-exposed particle images. The images are recorded at video rate (30 Hz or slower) which currently limits the application of the technique to low speed flows until digital, high resolution video systems with higher framing rates become more economically feasible. Sequential imaging makes it possible to study unsteady phenomena like the temporal evolution of a vortex ring described in this paper. The spatial velocity measurements are compared with data obtained by direct measurement of the separation of individual particle pairs. Recovered velocity data are used to compute the spatial and temporal vorticity distribution and the circulation of the vortex ring.
Regulation of pacemaker frequency in the murine gastric antrum.

PGE2 has been linked to the production of gastric arrhythmias such as tachygastria. The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) generate electrical rhythmicity in gastrointestinal muscles, and may therefore be a target for PGE2 in gastric muscles. We cultured ICC from the murine gastric antrum, verified that cells were Kit immunoreactive, and measured spontaneous slow waves. These events were caused by spontaneous inward (pacemaker) currents that were not blocked by nifedipine. Forskolin and 8-bromoadenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) reduced the frequency of pacemaker currents in ICC and of slow waves in intact antral muscles. The effects of forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP were not blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase A, suggesting that cAMP has direct effects on pacemaker activity. PGE2 mimicked the effects of forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP on ICC, but increased slow-wave frequency in intact muscles. Therefore, the chronotropic effects of specific prostaglandin EP receptor agonists were examined. Butaprost and ONO-AE1-329, EP2 and EP4 receptor agonists, mimicked the effects of forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP on ICC and intact muscles. Sulprostone (EP3>EP1 agonist), GR63799, and ONO-AE-248 (EP3 agonists) enhanced the frequencies of pacemaker currents in ICC and slow waves in intact muscles. The effects of sulprostone were not blocked by SC-19220, an EP1 receptor antagonist. These observations suggest that the positive chronotropic effects of PGE2 in intact muscles are mediated by EP3 receptor stimulation. The effects of PGE2 in intact muscles may be dependent upon the relative expression of EP receptors and/or proximity of receptors to sources of PGE2.
Revision of calculations for kaon production in relativistic nuclear collisions

Abstract Due to an elementary mistake in plotting the data, our previous calculations of kaon production in relativistic nuclear collisions are approximately a factor of two too small. The revised results are in good agreement with the data on total kaon yields.
Colchicine-Inhibited Cilia Regeneration: Explanation for Lack of Effect in Tris Buffer Medium

In Stentor coeruleus growth of new, daughter ciliates and experimentaly inducled regeneration of oral membranellar cilia are reversibly inhibited by low, nontoxic concentrations of colchicine. However, if the clulture medium containing colchicine (or Colcemid) is made up in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer, growth of ciliated daughters and regeneration of oral cilia proceed normally. The evidence suggests that the mechanism of this reversal of the effects of colchicine (or Colcemid) is due to a chemical reaction between tris(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane (or its hydrochloride, or both) and colchicine (or Colcemid), wihich reduces the effective concentration of these mitotic spindle inhibitors reaching the stentors.