cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computerizing Biblical Literature.

Interpretation of literary texts is a multidimensional task requiring students to master a variety of skills and to acquire factual knowledge in diverse areas. The use of the World Wide Web in conjunction with student computer accounts has allowed me to create a virtual classroom in which students can explore many historical and theoretical aspects of interpretation through the use of HTML tutorials and Web resources. The discussion of the literary text in a community of scholars can take center stage in the physical classroom.
AN EVALUATION OF TWO MODELS OF UNDERGRADUATE STATISTICS

The paper reports on a large scale evaluation of two alternative models of undergraduate statistics courses. The traditional course orientation was compared with a problem-solving orientation in which the emphasis was on real world problem-solving, during the winter and spring quarters of 1973–74. The evaluation battery included behavioral and problem-solving skill measures. The findings indicate that improvements in statistics programs can be made.
Field evaluation of a hexaflumuron bait for population suppression of subterranean termites (Isoptera : Rhinotermitidae)

A baiting procedure that incorporated a matrix containing a chitin synthesis inhibitor, hexaflumuron, was evaluated against field colonies of the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), and the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Wooden stakes were first driven into the soil to detect the presence of termites. Bait tubes were placed in soil where termites were detected. A self-recruiting procedure, in which termites collected from wooden stakes were forced to tunnel through the matrix in the bait tubes, significantly increased bait intake by termites. Approximately 4–1,500 mg of hexaflumuron was needed for 90–100% reduction of field populations containing 0.17–2.8 million foragers per colony.
Investigating Benefits of IntelliDrive in Freeway Operations: Lane Changing Advisory Case Study

Abstract IntelliDrive, the integration of vehicles and the infrastructure through wireless communication, has generated great interest in the transportation community. It is widely expected that IntelliDrive will support significantly improved transportation operations. However, there have been few studies investigating (1) how IntelliDrive will be used to improve operations, and (2) how to estimate expected benefits of IntelliDrive operations applications. In this study, the research team investigated the application of IntelliDrive to address merging conflicts created by freeway on-ramps. Although merging conflicts contribute significantly to freeway congestion, transportation engineers have limited options with existing traffic surveillance and management tools. IntelliDrive offers the potential for more active management of the surface transportation system, providing capabilities that may be of significant benefit in ramp management. In this research, a lane changing advisory algorithm was developed ...
Glycerol carbon contributes to hepatic glucose production during the first eight hours in healthy term infants.

The newborn infant must mobilize endogenous substrate stores to meet the requirements of glucose-dependent organs. High concentrations of free fatty acids and glycerol, and a rapid decrease in the respiratory quotient, indicate that lipids are an important fuel soon after birth. The purpose of the present study was to determine the onset of lipolysis and gluconeogenesis from glycerol in healthy, term, unfed infants. Eight infants were studied from a postnatal age of 3.5 +/- 0.5 h to 7.4 +/- 0.2 h using [6,6-2H2] glucose and [2-13C]glycerol analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Plasma concentrations of glucose, glycerol and insulin averaged 2.9 +/- 0.4 mM, 369 +/- 89 microM and 9.4 +/- 9.4 +/- 3.7 microU.ml-1, respectively. The hepatic glucose production rate averaged 25.0 +/- 3.5 mumol.kg-1 min-1 (4.5 +/- 0.6 mg.kg-1.min-1) and the endogenous plasma appearance rate of glycerol 8.7 +/- 1.2 mumol.kg-1.min. On average, 57.9 +/- 8.4% of the glycerol was converted to glucose, representing 11.1 +/- 2.3% of hepatic glucose output. Thus, lipolysis and gluconeogenesis from glycerol are established within the first 8 h of life in term infants.
Closed Circuit TV as an Incentive for Learning-Handicapped Children.

In a token economy classroom, closed circuit TV was found to be an effective incentive to increase reading behavior of 17 second and third grade children. By satisfying daily minimal page quotas, the children qualified to act during the last half hour of the day in TV skits. The videotapes were then shown to the children on the following morning to stimulate their interest in again qualifying for the privilege.
High power laser damage of standard and bend resistant fibres

Optical fibre coating degradation under high power is directly linked to power dissipated in the bend. Bend insensitive fibres have much weaker heating response to the same input power in the bend than more bend sensitive fibres. Fibre lifetime predictions under high power and bending also are impacted by fibre deployment and the properties of coating material.
Resources for using robotics to inspire interest in engineering

Robotics is a fun and engaging way in which students can be inspired to study and pursue careers in engineering. This paper is a survey on available resources that can be used at middle school, high school, and college levels. These resources include robotics kits, as well as information on other robotics educational materials, such as curricula, that are available online. The different resources are compared, and suggestions are given as to which education levels these resources can be used.
Equity in Automobile Insurance: Optional No-Fault

Throughout the past decade, automobile insurance premiums have escalated in many jurisdictions. Excessive litigation and the over-utilization of medical services have been primary forces pushing the price of automobile insurance beyond the reach of many consumers. Nationally, automobile insurance premiums increased an average of 9.6 percent annually, about three times the average rate of increase in the Consumer Price Index, from 1982 through 1988 (see A. M. Best Company, 1990). In Pennsylvania, where major automobile insurance reform has been enacted recently, the rate of increase was almost identical to the national average during this period of time.
Selective modulation of sex steroids

Recent evidence suggest that Sex Steroid Therapy involving estrogen while beneficial, may have adverse effects as well. Both of the known estrogen receptors, estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) and estrogen receptor-beta (ER-beta) have been found in reproductive tissues as well as bone, liver, and brain. These receptors are important targets for endogenous estrogen, estrogen replacement therapy and pharmacological estrogen agonists allowing specific modulation of sex steroids. This article will review the basic mechanisms of sex steroid biosynthesis and detail our current understanding of the action of these hormones on specific hormone responsive tissues. The properties of tibolone, a synthetic steroid will be outlined and its mechanism reviewed.
Stimulation of microsomal N-demethylation by solubilized NADPH-cytochrome c reductase.

Abstract The addition of solubilized NADPH-cytochrome c reductase to phenobarbital pretreated microsomes increases both the Vm value for the N-demethylation of S(+)-N, N-dimethylamphetamine and the total level of reductase activity sedimenting with microsomes. Preliminary data indicate that the increase in Vm is a nonlinear function of added reductase and demonstrates saturation at a N-demethylase level approximately five times greater than the endogenous activity. These results indicate that the added reductase is bound to microsomes and is capable of functionally coupling with the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system.
LATITUDINAL AND ENERGY DEPENDENCE OF ENERGETIC NEUTRAL ATOM SPECTRAL INDICES MEASURED BY THE INTERSTELLAR BOUNDARY EXPLORER

We investigate the latitudinal and energy dependence of the globally distributed 0.5?6 keV energetic neutral atom (ENA) spectra measured by the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) during the first 3 yrs of the mission. Our results are: (1) the ENA spectral indices at the two lowest energies (0.89 and 1.47 keV) exhibit no clear trend with ecliptic latitude ?, while those at ?2.29 and ?3.41 keV exhibit a clear latitudinal pattern; flatter spectra occur above 60? latitude and steeper spectra occur ?30? of the equator. (2) The latitudinal dependence of the spectral indices at different energies can be represented by the cosine function with unique offsets, amplitudes, and phase angles; the higher energy ENA indices transition to successively larger amplitudes within ?45? of the equator. Our results confirm the previously reported latitudinal organization of the ENA spectra and their remarkable similarity to that of the solar wind (SW) speed observed by Ulysses in the inner heliosphere. While earlier studies showed that the ?0.5?6 keV globally distributed ENA spectral indices could be represented as single power laws over much of the sky, our new results indicate that this is an over-simplification because the spectral indices have an energy and latitude dependence. This dependence is an important factor that must be taken into consideration by models and simulations that seek to map the IBEX ENA observations back to the latitudinal profile of the SW speed structure observed in the inner heliosphere.
Current status of implant-based breast reconstruction in patients receiving postmastectomy radiation therapy.

Background Increasing numbers of patients with breast cancer are being treated with postmastectomy radiation therapy. The author reviewed the literature to determine the clinical impact of this increasing use of postmastectomy radiation therapy in patients with breast cancer who desire implant-based breast reconstruction. Methods The author searched the MEDLINE database for articles on breast reconstruction and radiation therapy published between January of 2008 and June of 2011 and reviewed the abstracts of those articles to identify articles with information about the impact of irradiation on implant-based breast reconstruction. This subgroup of articles was reviewed in detail. Results Two hundred eighty-five articles were identified. Nineteen articles were reviewed in detail. Eight articles provided level III evidence; one provided level I or II evidence from high-quality multicenter or single-center randomized controlled trials or prospective cohort studies. Two articles provided level IV evidence from case series and were included in the review because they offered a novel approach or perspective. The most recent studies find a significant need for unplanned or major corrective surgery in irradiated breasts reconstructed with implants. Although breast implant reconstruction in irradiated breasts is associated with high rates of complications, only a minority of patients require conversion to an autologous tissue flap. Conclusion Although the majority of patients who undergo implant-based reconstruction and irradiation ultimately keep the implant reconstruction, patient surveys show that irradiation has a significantly negative effect on patient satisfaction.
CDMA Performance in Tactical Applications

Abstract Dean, R. A., CDMA Performance in Tactical Applications, Digital Signal Processing 12 (2002) 242–251 This paper develops some advantages of IS95-based code division multiple access (CDMA) for military tactical applications by comparing the power efficiency of CDMA to current tactical radios which employ digital FM (DFM) technology. A definition of power efficiency is developed along with a simple model for comparing CDMA with DFM. A power efficiency performance differential is then developed based on modulation, multipath, and power control features. This performance differential is then adapted to show performance gains for intercept, detection, and geolocation. Intercept range is reduced by a factor of 2–6, and detection and geolocation range are reduced by a factor of 10–30 for the examples selected.
The penrose drain: A safe, atraumatic colostomy bridge

Because of the problems associated with the large, bulky bridges presently used for construction of loop ostomies, particularly complications of leaks and skin excoriation, we have studied the use of the Penrose drain as an alternative. This method has been time-tested on 45 patients and has been found to be safe, reliable, and inexpensive and has gained popularity among patients and ostomy nurses. The bulky colostomy bridge should no longer be accepted as a standard of care.
Analysis of six protein structures predicted by comparative modeling techniques.

The protein structures of six comparative modeling targets were predicted in a procedure that relied on improved energy minimization, without empirical rules, to position all new atoms. The structures of human nucleoside diphosphate kinase NM23-H2, HPr from Mycoplasma capricolum, 2Fe-2S ferredoxin from Haloarcula marismortui, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), mouse cellular retinoic acid protein I (CRABP1), and P450eryf were predicted with root mean square deviations on Cα atoms of 0.69, 0.73, 1.11, 1.48, 1.69, and 1.73 A, respectively, compared to the target crystal structures. These differences increased as the sequence similarity between the target and parent proteins decreased from about 60 to 20% identity. More residues were predicted than form the common region shared by the two crystal structures. In most cases insertions or deletions between the target and the related protein of known structure were not correctly positioned. One two residue insertion in CRABP1 was predicted in the correct conformation, while a nine residue insertion in EDN was predicted in the correct spatial region, although not in the correct conformation. The positions of common cofactors and their binding sites were predicted correctly, even when overall sequence similarity was low. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the Dual-Monotonicity of Threshold Functions

A necessary condition for a threshold function in terms of comparability was first reported by Paull and McCluskey [4] who have established a chain of conditions later called 1-monotonicity, 2-monotonicity, and k-monotonicity, in general. Each of these conditions entails its predecessors, and is stricter than them; the union of this denumerable set of conditions is called complete monotonicity by Winder. Winder [5] has given an extensive treatment of these ideas and has offered an efficient procedure for the design of threshold devices.
Écriture féminine : Searching for an indefinable practice?

It is well documented that men and women use informal language, such as conversation and correspondence, in rather different ways, reflecting a wide variety of cultural forces and practices. There have been relatively fewattempts to examine gender differences in more formal, published writing. Using two corpora balanced by time period and genre of 300 French literary texts by male and female authors written between the 16th and 20th centuries, this study examines rates of word use and common lexical contexts associated with particular terms in an effort to isolate some characteristics of female writing in this time period. While there are clear differences in the words used by male and female authors not explained by genre or time period, it would appear that the meaning of these words was not significantly altered. It is suggested that these characteristics of earlier practices of feminine writing are indicative of the conscious agency of early women writers in establishing a distinct female literary voice and may inform future proponents of 'ecriture feminine'.
Clinical experience and rationale for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition with lisinopril as the initial treatment for hypertension in older patients

Hypertension is a major health problem for patients over 65 years of age. Control of elevated blood pressure reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates among older hypertensive patients. Increased total peripheral vascular resistance is the primary hemodynamic abnormality in these patients. Initially, diuretics were used alone to lower total peripheral vascular resistance, and thus blood pressure, in older patients. The antihypertensive efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors has been questioned in this age group, in which low-renin hypertension is common. The latter condition might be thought to favor blood pressure control with diuretics and impair the response to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy. However, recent studies with lisinopril, a new long-acting, nonsulfhydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, indicate that reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in older hypertensive patients receiving either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy were not significantly different. These data demonstrate that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor monotherapy can effectively lower blood pressure in older hypertensive patients.
2006 Bernard M. Gordon Prize Lecture*: The Learning Factory: Industry‐Partnered Active Learning

On February 21, 2006, the National Academy of Engineering recognized the achievements of the Learning Factory with the Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education. The co-founders were commended “for creating the Learning Factory, where multidisciplinary student teams develop engineering leadership skills by working with industry to solve real-world problems.” This paper describes the origins, motivation, philosophy, and implementation of the Learning Factory. The specific innovations of the Learning Factory partnership were: active learning facilities, called Learning Factories, that provide experiential reinforcement of engineering science, and a realization of its limitations; strong collaborations with industry through advisory boards, engineers in the classroom, and industry-sponsored capstone design projects; practice-based engineering courses integrating analytical and theoretical knowledge with manufacturing, design, business concepts, and professional skills; and dissemination to other academic institutions (domestic and international), government and industry.
Effects of chemically spiked sediments on estuarine benthic communities: a controlled mesocosm study

Ambient sediments were collected from a reference site in the North Edisto River, SC and transferred to a laboratory facility to investigate effects of chemical contaminants on estuarine infaunal communities under controlled mesocosm conditions. Sediment contaminant slurries were prepared using dried sediments collected from the reference site and spiked with a metal (copper), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (pyrene), and a pesticide (4,4′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) to yield nominal mean effects range–median (ERM) quotients of <0.01 (no addition), 0.1, and 1.0 and applied to control, low dose (TRT A), and high dose (TRT B) treatment groups, respectively. Sediment samples for contaminant and benthic analyses were collected at the start of the experiment, 1 month after dosing, and 3 months after dosing. Near-nominal mean ERM quotients of 0.001, 0.075, and 0.818 were measured initially after dosing and remained fairly constant throughout the experiment. Measures of benthic condition, diversity, and richness were significantly reduced in both treatment groups relative to the control 1 month after dosing and persisted in TRT B at 3 months. The results demonstrate that benthic community effects can be observed at mean ERM quotients that are about an order of magnitude lower than levels that have been shown to be associated with significant toxicity in acute laboratory bioassays with single species (e.g., amphipods) in other studies.
The making of the Anglo-Hyderabad alliance, 1788–1823

The years between 1765, when Robert Clive acquired the diwani of Bengal, and 1818, when the East India Company's armies defeated and disbanded the powerful Maratha Confederation, saw a transformati...
A MULTI-CHANNEL, LOW VELOCITY, HOT FILM ANEMOMETRY SYSTEM FOR MEASURING AIR FLOWS IN BUILDINGS

ABSTRACT A complete analytical and experimental development of a multi-channel anemometry system is presented. The system consists of an array of low velocity sensors (0.0 m/s to 1.0 m/s), a constant current power supply, and the required data acquisition equipment. The velocity sensors can be scanned simultaneously yielding absolute air velocities and absolute ambient air temperatures at each of the probe positions in the array. One of the key results that this system can produce in the relationship between boundary layer flow and pressure driven frow through a large irregular aperture, such as a doorway, which up until now has been difficult to accomplish with regard to cost and experimental error incurred. The following paper includes a discussion of the basic theory used to develop the thermistor probe model, results from the preliminary simulation, and experimental data from tests. Also included are the techniques used to indirectly calibrate the thermistor probe transducer.
Bortezomib enhances anti-tumor T cell immunity by remodeling Notch system

Meeting abstracts The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment perturbs numerous immune regulatory networks and usurps host antitumor immunity. We discovered that tumor interferes with host hematopoietic Notch system in lung cancer patients. The resultant decrease in immune Notch signaling could be
Eigenvalue comparisons for boundary value problems for second order difference equations

Abstract We consider the eigenvalue problems for boundary value problems of second order difference equations (1) Δ ( r i − 1 Δ y i − 1 ) + λ a i y i = 0 , 1 ⩽ i ⩽ n , y 0 = y n + 1 − δ y n = 0 , and (2) Δ ( r i − 1 Δ y i − 1 ) + μ b i y i = 0 , 1 ⩽ i ⩽ n , y 0 = y n + 1 − δ y n = 0 . Comparison results for the eigenvalues of the problem (1) and the problem (2) are established.
A beam position monitor for use with pulsed charged particle beams

Abstract A simple beam position monitor has been developed; it consists of four pick-up coils symmetrically located on the outside of a beam pipe with a short ceramic section. The behavior of the coils in responding to a pulsed 100 MeV e − linac beam is described and results of calculations are presented which satisfactorily reproduce the behavior of the signals. Calculations are also performed which indicate the nature of the signals to be expected from the coils for lower energy pulsed charged particle beams.
NMR examination of tricyclo[4.2.0.01,3]octane

The structure of the strained tricyclic hydrocarbon tricyclo[4.2.0.01,3]octane was determined by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR involving both proton and carbon signals. The stereochemistry of the molecule was determined by NOE difference spectroscopy. The assigned structure corresponds to the thermodynamically more stable trans form as ascertained by molecular mechanics calculations.
Random cluster models for icosahedral phase alloys

We present results on computer generated random cluster models for icosahedral phase alloys. By the application of physically motivated constraints on the local atomic cluster configurations, the model achieves long range translational order comparable to, or greater than, that found in simple icosahedral alloys such asi-AlMnSi andi-AlLiCu. The parallel and perpendicular space structures are explored in some detail including a comparison with experimental powder diffraction patterns and an examination of the phason fluctuations. The latter are shown to decrease markedly with increased constraint on the local environment, but the remaining phason strain would seem finally not to vanish with increasing model size. Our model is compared with other cluster models for quasicrystalline materials and is shown to possess a density and connectivity very close to those of Elser's (best) model and those predicted by Henley for a canonical tiling. The relation of this model to recently discovered icosahedral phase alloys with resolution limited diffraction peak widths, which are essentially free of phason strain, is also discussed.
Identification of 72-kilodalton type IV collagenase at sites of trophoblastic invasion of macaque spiral arteries

Summary The walls of uterine spiral arteries are invaded by extravillous trophoblast cells and are thereby converted to the uteroplacental arteries of pregnancy. The mechanisms by which this invasion occurs are not understood, but the extracellular matrices that are breached suggest participation by specific proteinases. In this report we describe the immunohistochemical localization of 72-kd type IV collagenase (gelatinase A or MMP-2) among intra-arterial trophoblast cells and endometrial cells during development of macaque uteroplacental arteries. Cytokeratin-positive trophoblast cells were identified within arteries at each stage studied (between days 22–128 of gestation). Many of these cells, whether located in the arterial lumen or within the vessel wall, were immunoreactive for the proteinase. Early in the invasive process these trophoblast cells were associated with discontinuities of the endothelial basement membrane and later became interspersed with smooth muscle cells of the tunica media. While trophoblast cells comprised the entire thickness of the arterial wall in many locations, typically only a subset of these cells expressed the proteinase. Many endometrial stromal cells were also immunoreactive for the proteinase, as were some arterial endothelial and smooth muscle cells. It is concluded that this, and probably other, proteinases are active throughout gestation in the restructuring of uterine spiral arteries and other endometrial tissues as necessary to accommodate the development of the fetus.
Atom Transfer Radical Copolymerization of Methyl Methacrylate and n-Butyl Acrylate

Copolymers of methyl methacrylate and n-butyl acrylate were prepared using atom transfer radical polymerization catalyzed by CuBr/4,4‘-di(5-nonyl)-2,2‘-bipyridine (dNbpy), CuBr/N,N,N‘,N‘ ‘,N‘ ‘-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA), and CuBr/tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me6TREN). Point estimates and 95% joint confidence intervals of the reactivity ratios were calculated for the copolymerizations catalyzed by CuBr/dNbpy (rMMA = 2.52, rBA = 0.265) and those catalyzed by CuBr/PMDETA (rMMA = 3.15, rBA = 0.37) using previously described least-squares calculations. Semilogarithimic plots of monomer conversion vs time were nearly linear. Plots of Mn vs monomer conversion were linear, and polydispersity decreased with increasing monomer conversion. Copolymerizations were simulated using Predici 5.3.2 in order to better understand the experimentally observed results.
Adsorption of a polyelectrolyte on surfaces with nanometer sized chemical patchiness

The adsorption of a cationic polymer, poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP), from aqueous solutions was investigated on model chemically heterogeneous surfaces. The heterogeneous surfaces were prepared using self-assembly of ω-functionalized alkanethiols on gold substrates such that the surfaces consisted of a patchwise distribution of two types of sites, hydrophobic methyl (A) and hydrophilic carboxylic acid sites (B), that interact differently with P2VP. Microscopic imaging by scanning tunneling microscopy and macroscopic characterization by cyclic voltammetry was used to demonstrate that the domains of A on the surface were of nanometer dimensions and commensurate with the dimensions of the polymer chain. Surface plasmon resonance was used to measure adsorption kinetics of P2VP at the solid-liquid interface under two pH conditions such that the polymer chain was either protonated or uncharged. Under these conditions adsorption of P2VP occurred on a heterogeneous surface containing a distribution of patchy sites that are either more attractive or more repulsive than their surroundings. These experiments represent the first realization of a system modeled or simulated in recent theoretical studies, and the results corroborate predictions of the theory. It is found that the surface heterogeneity does not alter the kinetics during the early stages of adsorption and that the rate of adsorption is same as that measured on a homogeneous surface containing only one type of chemical site (A or B). Presence of the heterogeneity influences the number of polymer chains adsorbed on the surface, and the final adsorption amount on the heterogeneous surface lies between the adsorbed amounts found on the compositionally homogeneous surfaces ofA and B.
Microencapsulation of cryopreserved islets for transplantation1

Abstract Purpose: The development of islet banks and of techniques to immunoisolate islets by encapsulation has the potential to overcome the major barriers to the routine use of islet transplants as an alternative to insulin therapy in diabetic patients. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro function of islets stored by cryopreservation prior to microencapsulation. Method: Islets were isolated from the pancreata of Sprague-Dawley rats and stored frozen at −80°C in the presence of cryoprotectants for 1 month. After thawing and overnight culture, they were tested either unencapsulated or after microencapsulation with poly- l -lysine-alginate membrane using an air-jet syringe pump. Islets were tested for response to glucose stimulation using a perifusion procedure. Results: In the unencapsulated islets, the mean ± SEM rate of insulin secretion increased from a basal value of 832 ± 34 to a peak of 1448 ± 138 pg/6 islets/min, p Conclusion: Islets cryopreserved for 1 month retained viability after thawing and microencapsulation.
Fuel pump promos: continued.

Jennifer Mindell spotted a new venue for cigarette advertising in the UK in 1997—fuel pump handles at petrol (gas) stations.1 In April of this year, I came across the same marketing technique in Somerset, Pennsylvania, USA, at a Turkey Hill Minit Market, where this convenience store and an Exxon gas station are operated jointly. On the day I visited the Minit Market, all of the cigarette ads appearing on the fuel pump handles promoted a special sale of Camel, Winston, and Salem …
Large cysts in lower leg originating in the knee occurring in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Four patients are presented with rheumatoid arthritis who have had long term steroid therapy with unusual cysts in the posterior aspect of the lower portion of the leg connected with the joint cavity. The diagnosis may be confused with thrombophlebitis of the leg veins. Arthrograms clarify the diagnosis. The mechanism formation of these cysts is unclear, but may be due partly to weakening of the connective tissue by prolonged steroid therapy. The cysts disappear and recur with remission and exacerbation of the rheumatoid process. Surgical excision of the cysts relieves the discomfort but recurrence is frequent. Es presentate quatro patientes con arthritis rheumatoide, tractate a longe vista con therapie steroide e exhibiente cystes inusual in le aspecto posterior del parte inferior del gambas. Le cystes es connectite con le cavitate articular del genu. Le diagnose es facile a confunder con thrombophlebitis del venas del gamba. Arthrogrammas servi a clarificar le diagnose. Le mechanismo del formation de iste cystes non es clar, sed il es possibile que il se tracta de un debilitation del tissus conjunctive in consequentia del prolongate therapia con steroides. Le cystes dispare e recurre con remissiones e exacerbationes del processo rheumatoide. Le excision chirurgic del cystes allevia le disconforto, sed recurentias es frequente.
Government resources on the Web: will it change public services?

The Documents Center Web site is designed to fill two major missions. It serves as a reference tool for answering in‐person, telephone, and e‐mail questions asked of the Documents Center staff and as a bibliographic instruction platform for teaching library research skills to graduate and undergraduate students. The Web site has dramatically changed information delivery at the Documents Center, suggesting the need for new statistical measurement standards, a reallocation of staff time, and active library marketing strategies.
Light scatter from contaminated spacecraft windows

Spacecraft windows optical degradation from contamination with condensed particles, presenting light scatter measurement results
Nitroxyl (HNO) acutely activates the glucose uptake activity of GLUT1

Abstract Nitroxyl (HNO) is a molecule of significant interest due to its unique pharmacological properties, particularly within the cardiovascular system. A large portion of HNO biological effects can be attributed to its reactivity with protein thiols, where it can generate disulfide bonds. Evidence from studies in erythrocytes suggests that the activity of GLUT1 is enhanced by the formation of an internal disulfide bond. However, there are no reports that document the effects of HNO on glucose uptake. Therefore, we examined the acute effects of Angeli’s salt (AS), a HNO donor, on glucose uptake activity of GLUT1 in L929 fibroblast cells. We report that AS stimulates glucose uptake with a maximum effective concentration of 5.0 mM. An initial 7.2-fold increase occurs within 2 min, which decreases and plateaus to a 4.0-fold activation after 10 min. About 60% of the 4.0-fold activation recovers within 10 min, and 40% remains after an hour. The activation is blocked by the pretreatment of cells with thiol-reactive compounds, iodoacetamide (0.75 mM), cinnamaldehyde (2.0 mM), and phenylarsine oxide (10 μM). The effects of AS are not additive to the stimulatory effects of other acute activators of glucose uptake in L929 cells, such as azide (5 mM), berberine (50 μM), or glucose deprivation. These data suggest that GLUT1 is acutely activated in L929 cells by the formation of a disulfide bond, likely within GLUT1 itself.
Effects of cochlear loading on the motility of active outer hair cells.

Outer hair cells (OHCs) power the amplification of sound-induced vibrations in the mammalian inner ear through an active process that involves hair-bundle motility and somatic motility. It is unclear, though, how either mechanism can be effective at high frequencies, especially when OHCs are mechanically loaded by other structures in the cochlea. We address this issue by developing a model of an active OHC on the basis of observations from isolated cells, then we use the model to predict the response of an active OHC in the intact cochlea. We find that active hair-bundle motility amplifies the receptor potential that drives somatic motility. Inertial loading of a hair bundle by the tectorial membrane reduces the bundle’s reactive load, allowing the OHC’s active motility to influence the motion of the cochlear partition. The system exhibits enhanced sensitivity and tuning only when it operates near a dynamical instability, a Hopf bifurcation. This analysis clarifies the roles of cochlear structures and shows how the two mechanisms of motility function synergistically to create the cochlear amplifier. The results suggest that somatic motility evolved to enhance a preexisting amplifier based on active hair-bundle motility, thus allowing mammals to hear high-frequency sounds.
The effect of packaging on vitamin stability in cereal grain products—A review

Abstract Vitamin stability is a function of the conditions to which vitamins are exposed in a given food product over time such as moisture content, water activity ( A W), pH, temperature, air or oxygen, light, packaging, and/or the presence of degradative enzymes. Packaging does affect the nutritive value of foods by controlling the degree to which environmental factors connected with processing, storage, and handling can interact with food components. Package-environment interactions (light, oxygen, temperature, moisture) that influence the vitamin content of cereal grain food products (flours, bread, bakery products, pasta, brown rice, ready-to-eat cereals) are reviewed.
A Microprocessor-Based Two-Channel Thromboelastograph

This paper presents a design for a digital thromboelastograph (TEG). The instrument design is based on the principle of a couette viscometer. The device measures shear elasticity of blood during clot formation. The recording mechanism comprises a two-channel light-beam deflection system and a recording system based on a charge-coupled-device (CCD) array. An 8-bit CMOS microprocessor (NSC800) supervises data acquisition from the CCD array. The two-channel system produces a record on a thermal printer allowing one to observe the time course of coagulation and simultaneously compare two different blood specimens.
Using ontology to support development of software architectures

In this paper we propose an approach to software development that focuses on architecture decisions and involves the use of ontology. In this approach the architecture is captured by an instance of an ontology. The ontology has four major components: architecture assets, architecture decisions, stakeholder concerns, and an architecture roadmap. We illustrate our approach through a case study involving a real-time credit-approval system and the use of Protege, an open-source ontology development tool.
The Changing Landscape of Epidemic Bacterial Meningitis in Africa: New Opportunities for Prevention

Reports of epidemic meningitis in Africa typically lead one to imagine explosive outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis. Discussions of invasive pneumococcal disease generally bring to mind cases of sporadic infection that primarily involve the very young the elderly and the immunocompromised. Reported pneumococcal disease outbreaks mostly have occurred in institutional settings or in closed communities rather than in the general population. Against the background of these presuppositions Leimkugel et al. in this issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases provide an important description of progressively larger annual epidemics of meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae that occurred throughout the Kassena- Nankana District of northern Ghana from 2000 to 2003. Disease occurred in a highly seasonal pattern with cases occurring primarily during the dry seasons of each year. The annual outbreaks of S. pneumoniae meningitis occurred concurrently with the annual epidemics of Neisseria meningitidis meningitis that are characteristic of the African meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa. One intriguing characteristic of these annual outbreaks was that the majority of cases were caused by a single clonal complex of serotype 1 S. pneumoniae. (excerpt)
MINI-EXEC: a portable executive for 8-bit microcomputers

As microprocessor systems and single-chip microcomputers become more complex, so do the software systems developed for them. In many cases, software is being designed that incorporates multiple control functions running asynchronously on a single microprocessor. Here, discussion focuses on the motivation for running such multiple functions under the control of a real-time multitasking executive. A successfully implemented executive whose design is portable and suitable for use on most 8-bit microprocessors is presented.
Moving-average representation of autoregressive approximations

Abstract We study the properties of an MA(∞)-representation of an autoregressive approximation for a stationary, real-valued process. In doing so we give an extension of Wiener's theorem in the deterministic approximation setup. When dealing with data, we can use this new key result to obtain insight into the structure of MA(∞)-representations of fitted autoregressive models where the order increases with the sample size. In particular, we give a uniform bound for estimating the moving-average coefficients via autoregressive approximation being uniform over all integers.
Progressive heart failure after myocardial infarction in mice.

We tested the hypotheses that myocardial infarction in mice would lead to progressively worsening heart failure 12-18 weeks later and that exercise testing would provide a suitable means to evaluate left ventricular function sequentially. C57BL/6 mice (n = 69) underwent left coronary artery ligation (n = 50) or thoracotomy without ligation (n = 19). Sixteen animals (32%) died within 24 h of coronary ligation. Twenty additional animals (40%) died between days 3 and 14, and these mice showed infarct sizes of > 50% of the left ventricle. Fourteen animals (28%) that survived two weeks underwent echocardiography and treadmill testing 12 and 18 weeks after infarction, with no further mortality. Mice were then killed, morphometric assessment made, infarct size evaluated, and myocardial norepinephrine content and expression of BNP and ANF measured. Mice with infarcts >30% of the left ventricle (n = 6; 12% of original cohort) had left ventricular dilation (p 30 % had reduced myocardial norepinephrine levels (MI 30%: 66+/-14 pg/mg wet weight, n = 4; p = 0.005) and increased mRNA content of BNP (p < 0.03) and ANF (p = 0.023). Coronary artery occlusion in mice provides a relevant model of clinical heart failure that is progressive and can be assessed by sequential exercise testing, providing a means to study the development of heart failure and its treatment.
Integrating Theory and Policy: Global Implications of the War in Iraq

War is too important to be left to the generals or to the politicians. In a dynamic world increasing in complexity at a geometric rate, it is no longer prudent to assume that any one professional class alone, no matter their dedication or training, can be the objective repository for all knowledge, analysis, synthesis, and estimative power on how to conduct war. Just as the U.S. Constitution was founded on the concept of separate institutions sharing power, today it is equally critical that multiple sources of information and analysis be assembled and tested prior to decisions that could fundamentally alter world politics. At present the United States is unnecessarily handicapping its national security capabilities by often ignoring highly powerful tools developed by the academic community. Partly this is the result of ignorance of, or distain for, intellectual contributions. Partly it is the result of an academic community failing to communicate to the policy world in satisfactory terms and timeliness. This essay is a very modest attempt to bridge this opportunity gap. Herein we attempt to deal with the long-term global fallout of the war in Iraq—its impact not just on allied relationships today but the world structure in midcentury. After painting on the large canvas and establishing the strategic perspective, we integrate into the analysis a policy-relevant tool that is useful in answering the everyday questions that most vex decision leaders. Before we provide an assessment of the war with its regional and global implications, it is important to show our hand, admit our preferences, and explain our logic. We choose to apply the perspective of Power Transition theory to connect the multilateral distribution of power, the hierarchical structures, and global satisfaction with the initiation of war. Power transition models have a long and well-established empirical record of describing the …
Capsaicin-sensitive vagal afferent fibers do not contribute to histamine H2 receptor agonist-induced gastric acid secretion in anesthetized rats

Abstract The effect of perivagal capsaicin treatment on gastric acid secretion induced by the histamine H2 receptor agonist, dimaprit dihydrochloride, and the effect of the histamine H1 receptor agonist, 2-thiazolylethylamine dihydrochloride, on gastric acid secretion were studied in acute gastric fistula rats anesthetized with urethane. The integrated secretory response for the 2 h following subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of dimaprit dihydrochloride (5–20 mg/kg) did not differ in capsaicin- compared to vehicle-treated rats. Administration of 2-thiazolylethylamine dihydrochloride (20 mg/kg s.c.) did not modify gastric acid secretion in untreated rats. The present study demonstrates that the previously reported reduction in the secretory response to histamine by perivagal capsaicin treatment is unrelated to histamine H1 or H2 receptor.
0+ levels inA=4n self-conjugate nuclei

A simple model is proposed for sphericalA=4n self-conjugate nuclei. Its important feature is a symmetric four-nucleon correlation in angular momentum space. This correlation prevails in a series of 0+ rotational levels whose spacing can be found from the nuclear radius. Excitation energies of 5.99 and 3.36 MeV are calculated for the low-lying 0+ levels of16O and40Ca, respectively, in excellent accord with experiment. In4He a new 0+ level is predicted at (14.8±1.9) MeV.
Heart Failure at the End of Life: Symptoms, Function, and Medical Care in the Cardiovascular Health Study

Among Cardiovascular Health Study participants who died from coronary heart disease, the authors compared those with incident and definite congestive heart failure (CHF) (n=60; 15%) and those with prevalent or probable CHF (n=70; 17.5%) to those with no history of CHF (n=198; 50%) concerning health status at the end of life. Both CHF groups had worse health status before death than the group without CHF. Patients in the CHF groups were more likely to use benzodiazepines (20% and 19% vs. 6%; p=0.001) and to rate their health as fair or poor (68% and 63% vs. 41%; p<0.001). They were more likely to be hospitalized (33% and 28% vs. 11%; p<0.001), to have activity restrictions (79% and 62% vs. 38%; p<0.001), and to report a wide array of physical symptoms. These data suggest that patients who die from coronary heart disease in the presence of CHF have greater need for hospice or palliative care than those with no history of CHF.
Ceramide synthesis in rat brain: characterization of the synthesis requiring pyridine nucleotide.

Abstract The unusual ceramide synthesis reaction, requiring pyridine nucleotide, in a rat brain preparation ( I. Singh and Y. Koshimoto, 1978 ) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.82, 1287–1293) has been further characterized. The enzyme, found in brain particulate fraction, requires heat-stable and heat-labile factors which are also required for fatty acid α-hydroxylation in brain. The pH optimum is 7.0, and the apparent Km value for lignoceric acid is 12 μ m . The activity was stimulated by 50 m m KCl and 1 m m Mg2+ but inhibited by Ca2+, Mn2+ and strongly inhibited by 1 m m EDTA. Sphingosine at the optimum concentration of 40 μ m stimulated the activity more than threefold. The ceramide synthesis was strongly inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide. In agreement with previous results which suggested the possible involvement of an electron-transfer chain, the synthesis of ceramide under a nitrogen atmosphere was only 1 10 th of the control. CoASH inhibited the reaction, but ATP had no apparent effect. In the presence of 0.5 m m ATP a low concentration of CoASH slightly stimulated the synthesis. The enzyme appears to be present only in brain; rat liver, kidney, and spleen have no similar activity. While the enzyme actively synthesizes ceramide from lignoceric acid, it is not significantly active for palmitic acid. On subcellular fractionation, the crude mitochondrial fraction was the most active although much activity was lost during centrifugation because of inhibition by sucrose. These properties indicate that this reaction is different from the two previously reported ceramide syntheses, one from fatty acyl CoA and sphingosine and the other by the reverse reaction of ceramidase.
The effects of control over high intensity noise on plasma cortisol levels in rhesus monkeys

The effects of control over exposure to high intensity noise on plasma cortisol levels and social behaviors were examined in rhesus monkeys. There were four conditions: control over noise, loss of control over noise, no control over noise, and no noise. Plasma cortisol data indicated that animals with control over high intensity noise stimulation did not differ from animals exposed to no noise at all. Plasma cortisol levels were significantly elevated in animals with no control over high intensity noise and in animals experiencing a loss of control over noise. Animals which experienced loss of control over noise showed increased aggressive behavior while animals with no control over noise showed significantly less social contact than other animals.