cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fretting causes failure of a WC-Co-coated slide bearing

Abstract A problem of leakage was encountered in hydraulic actuators because of wear in the rod-gland bearing which consisted of a chromium plated steel rod and a silver plated steel gland. To improve the actuator life, the gland was changed to 440C stainless steel and the rod was plasma arc coated with WC-Co. This combination of materials gave a marked improvement in the wear resistance under long stroke cycling but created a new problem associated with rapid short stroke cycling. Fretting induced by the rapid short stroke cycling caused the cobalt-rich phase of the rod coating to cold weld to the gland. Then fatigue failures in the WC-Co coating allowed metal transfer in the bearing and subsequent scoring of the rod. An economical remedy was found in a woven Teflon-fiber liner bonded to the bearing surface of the gland.
Distribution and quantification of venous reflux in lower extremity chronic venous stasis disease with duplex scanning

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use color-flow duplex scanning to identify the anatomic distribution of venous reflux and to quantify venous reflux times in patients with various stages of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Methods: Color-flow-assisted duplex scanning was used to identify the anatomic distribution of venous reflux and to quantify reflux times in the deep and superficial venous systems of patients with symptomatic (CVI). Two hundred two patients with class I to III CVI were examined. Results: Only 11% (22 patients) had a documented history of phlebothrombosis. Of the 403 limbs evaluated, 192 had venous ulcers whereas 211 were classified as having class I or II CVI. Nonocclusive venous obstruction was found in only 16 limbs (4%). Venous ulceration was significantly associated with reflux in multiple venous segments as opposed to reflux in isolated venous segments ( p t ) was determined by summing the reflux times of all the venous segments in a limb. The mean R t of patients with venous ulcerations was significantly longer than the mean R t of limbs with class I and II CVI ( p p p
Model-driven Approaches for in Vitro Combination Therapy using ONYX-015 Replicating Oncolytic Adenovirus

Replicating genetically modified adenoviruses have shown promise as a new treatment approach against cancer. Recombinant adenoviruses replicate only in cancer cells which contain certain mutations, such as the loss of functional p53, as is the case in the virus ONYX-015. The successful entry of the viral particle into target cells is strongly dependent on the presence of the main receptor for adenovirus, the coxsackie- and adenovirus receptor (CAR). This receptor is frequently down-regulated in highly malignant cells, rendering this population less vulnerable to viral attack. It has been shown that the use of MEK inhibitors can up-regulate CAR expression, resulting in enhanced adenovirus entry into the cells. However, inhibition of MEK results in G1 cell cycle arrest, rendering infected cells temporarily unable to produce virus. This forces a tradeoff. While drug mediated up-regulation of CAR enhances virus entry into cancer cells, the consequent cell cycle arrest inhibits production of new virus particles and the replication of the virus. Optimal control-based schedules of MEK inhibitor application should increase the efficacy of this treatment, maximizing the overall tumor toxicity by exploiting the dynamics of CAR expression and viral production. We introduce a mathematical model of these dynamics and show simple optimal control based strategies which motivate this approach.
A new achievable rate region for the 3-user discrete memoryless interference channel

The 3-user discrete memoryless interference channel is considered in this paper. We provide a new inner bound (achievable rate region) to the capacity region for this channel. This inner bound is based on a new class of code ensembles based on asymptotically good nested linear codes. This achievable region is strictly superior to the straightforward extension of Han-Kobayashi rate region from the case of two-users to three-users. This rate region is characterized using single-letter information quantities. We consider examples to illustrate the rate region.
Reliability of Opinionaire Technique Studied Intensively by the Retest Method

Resume Un groupe d'etudiants universitaires a subi pour la seconde fois l'Opinionnaire de Lentz pour la mesure du conservatisme et l'Inventaire de la Personnalite de Bernreuter. Vingt pour cent de toutes les reactions des tests ont ete renversees dans la repetition. Quatre-vingts pour cent de celles-ci se balancent et donc n'influent pas sur le resultat final pour le sujet ou pour la partie du test. Les correlations pour les resultats totaux personnels entre la premiere epreuve et la seconde ont ete pour l'opinionnaire de 0,94 et pour l'inventaire de 0,92, 0,91, 0,90, et 0,915 dans ses divers aspects. Comme mesure de l'opinion des parties individuelles des tests pour chaque groupe le second test donne une correlation de 0,943 pour l'opinionnaire. Le changement des reactions aux parties des tests se montre une fonction des personnes qui subissent le test ainsi que celle des parties auxquelles elles reagissent. La variabilite des personnes est mesuree par le resultat du “changement,” lequel montre une const...
Instructional Objectives: What They Are, What They Aren't

Research has found that presenting an instructional objectiove to the students will influence the learning and retention of information. A useful objective communicates to the student an intended instructional outcome, and should convey a vivid verbal description of what a student willbe able to do that is exactly what the instructor intended. A well-stated objective must include a clear statement of obser- vable performance, and should include any required conditions for performance, and a statement describ- ing the standard by which a student's performance will be evaluated. Often the most difficult task in writing instructional objectives is selecting suitable verbs. Clearly stated, well-written instructional objectives enhance communication and are import- ant to deliver instruction effectively.
Use of preformed nitinol snare to improve transcatheter coil delivery in occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus

Abstract Recent studies have reported the efficacy of transcatheter occlusion of the small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using a Gianturco Coil1–3 as an alternative to either surgery or Rashkind Umbrella placement.4 This report presents our experience using a preformed nitinol snare, delivered via the venous circulation, to hold and manipulate the coil as it is delivered from the arterial side of the PDA. This modification was designed to aid in the positioning of the coil, and to facilitate coil retrieval in the event of unstable or unfavorable position after delivery.
PER prediction for convolutionally coded MIMO OFDM systems — An analytical approach

Packet error rate (PER) prediction for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems is important to link adaptation. However, since the existing prediction methods require curve fitting and parameter calibration for each transmission scheme, they are actually not practical as the number of scheme increases. This paper presents a purely analytical approach to PER prediction for rate-compatible punctured convolutional (RCPC) with bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) MIMO OFDM systems based on the analysis of pairwise error probability (PEP) and the transfer functions of the codes. The accuracy of the proposed method is comparable with which resulting from other heuristic methods.
Clarification of Horner efficiency

Several different definitions of the metric Horner efficiency seem to have come into use. This note is an attempt to clarify and standardize the definition.
A Modular Telerobot Control System for Accident Response

The Accident Response Mobile Manipulator System (ARMMS) is a teleoperated emergency response vehicle that deploys two hydraulic manipulators, five cameras, and an array of sensors to the scene of an incident. It is operated from a remote base station that can be situated up to four kilometers away from the site. Recently, a modular telerobot control architecture called SMART (Sandia's Modular Architecture for Robotic and Teleoperation) was applied to ARMMS to improve the precision, safety, and operability of the manipulators on board. Using SMART, a prototype manipulator control system was developed in a couple of days, and an integrated working system was demonstrated within a couple of months. New capabilities such as camera teleoperation, autonomous tool changeout and dual manipulator control have been incorporated. The final system incorporates twenty-two separate modules and implements eight different behavior modes. This paper describes the integration of SMART into the ARMMS system.
Natural killer cell activity in the rat. Analysis of effector cell morphology and effects of interferon on natural killer cell function in the athymic (nude) rat

Athymic (nude) rats were found to have increased levels of natural killer (NK) activity, 3- to 5-fold higher than in euthymic rats. Studies were performed to determine the nature of the NK cells in these animals and the basis for their increased cytotoxic reactivity. Large granular lymphocytes (LGL), which were previously shown to be the NK cells in euthymic rats, were increased 2- to 7-fold in the peripheral blood and spleen of nude rats. The LGL, enriched by centrifugation on discontinuous Percoll density gradients, were shown to have augmented NK activity similar to that seen with LGL-enriched fractions from euthymic rats. These results indicate that the NK cells in euthymic and athymic rats are morphologically and functionally similar, and that the higher NK activity in nude rats appears to be mainly attributable to an increased proportion of effector cells. In a single-cell cytotoxicity assay, interferon pretreatment of LGL was shown to increase: (a) the percentage of LGL which form conjugates with target cells; (b) the percentage of conjugate-forming cells which kill; and (c) the kinetics of lysis. Different effects were seen depending on the target cell tested.
The interaction of Xe with the Pt (111) surface

Abstract We describe the determination of an empirical potential energy function for the interaction of xenon with the Pt(111) surface using a novel analytic form. The potential is consistent with a wide range of dynamical and equilibrium experimental data. The equilibrium position for a single xenon atom lies directly above a surface platinum atom at a height of 3.3A.
Exhausted T Helper Cells in Lung Transplantation Portend Worse Outcome

Purpose In chronic viral infections, CD4 exhaustion correlates with poor containment of virus. We predicted that high levels of CD4 exhaustion would be beneficial in lung transplantation. Methods and Materials A retrospective review was performed on 96 lung transplant recipients from Feb 2006 to April 2010 with at least 1 bronchoscopy or peripheral blood (PB) in the first post transplant year. CD4 exhaustion was measured using the sample closest to the 1-year post transplant date. CD4 cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood were assessed by flow cytometry and considered exhausted if PD1hi, CD127lo, and GranzymeB negative. Samples were analyzed for the association between exhausted CD4 cells and survival and developing chronic rejection. We performed univariate Kaplan-Meier analyses between CD4 exhaustion and chronic rejection or death. Chronic rejection was defined as BOS 1 or higher by ISHLT criteria. Results A modest rejection free benefit was associated with lower CD4 exhaustion. There was a statistically significant increased freedom from rejection in the patients with a lower degree of CD4 exhaustion in the BALF (p=.04 by Log Rank). Conclusions We hypothesized that high levels of CD4 exhaustion would be fortuitous as this would serve as a biomarker for anergy toward the lung allograft. Our findings indicate that CD4 exhaustion is in fact a negative predictor of lung function. We predict that high levels of CD4 exhaustion are associated with substantial defects in protective immunity thereby leading to impaired pathogen containment. Our findings are consistent with prior reports showing an association with low humoral immunity and chronic rejection. 1-, 3-, and 5-year Rate of Survival and Chronic Rejection Free in Different Levels of Exhausted CD4 in BALF and PB Survival Rate (%) Chronic Rejection Free (%) Exhausted CD4 Frequency 1-year 3-year 5-year 1-year 3-year 5-year Low in BALF 90.6 77.4 65.8 98.1 81.0 67.5 High in BALF 100 84.7 67.8 93.9 63.6 50.0 Low in PB 91.8 77.0 64.6 95.1 73.5 56.6 High in PB 100 86.2 56.6 100 72.4 67.2
Establishment growth of cabbage palm, Sabal palmetto (Arecaceae)

Cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto) go through an establishment phase during which the stem grows downward for a period of time before growing upward. We estimated the duration of this phase for cabbage palms growing in coastal forest in Florida using a matrix model approach. All data were collected over a 2-yr period (1993-1995) in coastal forest at Waccasassa Bay, Florida. The minimum time projected by the model for a plant to develop an aboveground trunk was 14 yr. We estimate that the fastest growing 1, 10, and 50% of plants would develop an aboveground trunk in 33, 42, and 59 yr, respectively. The projected duration of the trunkless phase is surprisingly long but not unlike other palms with similar types of establishment growth. Our estimates are much longer than anecdotal estimates for cabbage palms grown under nursery conditions but are similar to anecdotal estimates for plants grown in field conditions. Management practices that remove cabbage palms with aboveground stems usually leave a population of palms without aboveground stems that serves as temporary reserve for relatively rapid recovery of the palm stand. This may foster the perception by many that cabbage palms are fast growing.
Alcoholism, depression, and life events☆

Alcoholics with and without secondary depression were compared on a wide variety of clinical variables. Subjects with secondary depression reported more fights, arrests, neurotic complaints, suicidal behavior, and recent undesirable life events than subjects with alcoholism alone. The data indicate a close relationship between negative events and the secondary depression of alcoholism. In addition, the findings suggest that the alcoholic with secondary depression is at greater risk for suicide than the alcoholic without a depressive syndrome.
Professional education in urban planning: A framework for growth

Abstract Expanded interest in socio-economic problems have created new opportunities for the urban planning profession. Because of their emphasis on physical and land-use aspects of the city, traditional educational programs in urban planning have been unable to deal adequately with these new opportunities. Changes in program orientation and emphasis to meet these new challenges have started to take place in some urban planning departments. It remains to be seen how effective some of these changes will be over the long run. This paper considers some current aspects of urban planning education. The role of professional education in our society is examined along with the role of science in planning. Based on this analysis, a framework is proposed for the future growth of professional education in urban planning. Because of its strong orientation towards a “science of planning”, this proposal appears to be somewhat different than other changes currently being considered in some urban planning programs.
Conjugal transfer of R plasmids in Neisseria gonorrhoeae

THE appearance of penicillin-resistant, β-lactamase-producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been the cause of considerable concern1. We have recently shown that β-lactamase production by these gonococci is plasmid mediated2. Two distinct R plasmids have been characterised; one, with mass 4.4 × 106 was common in gonococci isolated from military personnel in the Far East and their sexual contacts. The other plasmid with mass 3.2 × 106 was found in a strain isolated from a woman in London3 and we have also found this plasmid species in clinical isolates from Liverpool4. DNA–DNA duplex studies have revealed that both gonococcal R plasmids posses a significant portion (about 40 %) of the transposable sequence, TnA, which includes the β-lactamase gene commonly found on R plasmids of the Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae2.
Experimental studies of condensation processes of silicate materials at low pressures and high temperatures, I. Phase equilibria in the system CaMgSi2O6H2 in the temperature range 1200–1500°C and the pressure range (PH2) 10−6 to 10−9 bar

Phase equilibria in the system CaMgSi2O6H2 in the pressure and temperature ranges 10−9 to 10−6 bar and 1200–1500°C, respectively, have been experimentally determined. The vaporous curve was determined by monitoring evaporation rate and compositional changes as a function of temperature. Crystalline diopside condenses from a gas phase along a vaporous curve with a positive slope of approximately 16°C/log unitPH2 (bars) from about 1360°C atPH2 = 10−9 bar to 1388°C at 3 × 10−7 bar. Partially evaporated diopside at temperatures above its vaporous shows but systematic increase in Ca/Mg with time (and degree of evaporation). There were no chemical changes with time (and degree of evaporation) of diopside within its own stability field. At higher pressures, a liquid condenses from the vapor, with a slope of the liquid-vapor curve of about 50°C/log unitPH2 (bars). The liquidus temperature decreases from 1388°C near the triple point to about 1350°C atPH2 = 10−6 bar and is nearly vertical toPH2 = 1 bar. The Ca/Mg of the liquid exceeds 1 indicating incongruent melting behavior although no additional crystalline phases were observed. Liquid diopside probably also evaporates incongruently. Provided that the phase equilibria of the diopside composition mimic those of other refractory phases condensing from the early solar nebula and that only H2 gas was present, the experimental results indicate that the pressures in the nebula during condensation of crystals from vapor were significantly lower ( 10−4 bar). Alternatively, if the higher pressure estimates are correct, liquid silicate will condense from the vapor, and vapor-liquid and crystal-liquid equilibria were more important during the petrogenetic processes resulting in aggregated silicate materials than suggested previously.
Potential benefits of corrected-errors in AVBL

This paper proposes the examination of the potential role that corrected-errors can play in asynchronous online video-based learning of troubleshooting education within the context of computer programming language pedagogy.
An inexpensive microcomputer-based image digitizer

An inexpensive (under $600) microcomputer-controlled image analysis system that uses commercially available components is described. Both programming and construction details are provided, as well as a discussion of the utility of the apparatus in studies of animal behavior. The system has been used to record position preferences and activity in animal groupings of various size. Simply by changing the distance between the target and the camera, animals and/or arenas of differing size can be monitored.
The optimal use of the solar powered automobile

Once a solar car has been built and tested, the question arises as to how to race with it. Since most teams are extremely energy limited for a race, strategy becomes critical if one is to win. In Sunrayce '97, most of the terrain, as well as the data on stop signs and stop lights, was known by the Illinois team many months before the race. We needed to determine at what speed we should be traveling during all parts of the race in order to use energy most efficiently and finish the race in the least amount of time. In what way should one optimally accelerate from a stop? Should we cruise at a constant speed, at a constant power, or in some other way? How should one climb and descend hills? Also, given a weather prediction for tomorrow, how much energy should one aim to consume today? These are some of the questions we answer through our analysis. In the next section, some of the prior work is described, followed by derivations of the equations modeling the car. The following section formulates the optimal control problem when the weather conditions are known, followed by solutions for various scenarios of interest. The next two sections first compare the results with different rule of thumb strategies and then obtain the optimal strategy given probabilistic weather predictions using stochastic dynamic programming. A post-race analysis is then provided.
Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein is expressed early and becomes restricted to a somatodendritic domain during neuronal differentiation in culture

Abstract Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is a multi-functional receptor which mediates the endocytotic uptake of several ligands implicated in neuronal pathophysiology. In this study, LRP expression and localization, in cultured hippocampal neurons from 18-day-old rats, were examined by immunofluorescence microscopy. LRP was restricted to the cell bodies and dendrites of mature neurons, where it was uniformly distributed on both dendritic shafts and spines. Immunoreactive protein was detected within the first 24 h of culture and acquired a polarized distribution by the end of the first week. Expression of LRP mRNA by the cultured neurons was demonstrated by Northern blot analysis. Binding studies with the LRP ligand, activated α2-macroglobulin, confirmed that LRP was present and functional on the hippocampal neuron cell surface. These studies demonstrate that neuronal LRP undergoes selective compartmentation during neuronal maturation and suggest that LRP-mediated endocytosis is largely restricted to the somatodendritic compartment.
Spatial constraints on the recognition of phosphoproteins by the tandem SH2 domains of the phosphatase SH-PTP2

The domain organization of many signalling proteins facilitates a segregation of binding, catalytic and regulatory functions. The mammalian SH2 domain protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) contain tandem SH2 domains and a single carboxy-terminal catalytic domain. SH-PTP1 (PTP1C, HCP) and SH-PTP2 (Syp, PTP2C, PTP1D) function downstream from tyrosine kinase-linked insulin, growth factor, cytokine and antigen receptors. As well as directing subcellular localization by binding to receptors and their substrates, the two SH2 domains of these PTPs function together to regulate catalysis. Here we report the structure of the tandem SH2 domains of SH-PTP2 in complex with monophosphopeptides. A fixed relative orientation of the two domains, stabilized by a disulphide bond and a small hydrophobic patch within the interface, separates the peptide binding sites by approximately 40 A. The defined orientation of the SH2 domains in the structure, and data showing that peptide orientation and spacing between binding sites is critical for enzymatic activation, suggest that spatial constraints are important in this multidomain protein-protein interaction.
Human platelet factor 4: subcellular localization and characteristics of release from intact platelets.

Abstract Radioimmunoassay of human platelet factor 4 (PF4) was used to clarify the subcellular localization and the characteristics of PF4 release from platelets. The distribution of PF4 antigen in subcellular organelles of human platelets was investigated and found to be localized in the subfraction enriched with α-granules, different from either the dense granules containing 14C-serotonin (5-HT) or the β-glucuronidase containing granules. The release of PF4 antigen was determined in comparison with that of 5-HT, and β-glucuronidase. The spontaneous release of PF4 in normal citrated platelet rich plasma was enhanced by a rise of plasma pH and was greater at 22°C than at 37°C. PF4 was released in parallel with 5-HT during epinephrin-induced secondary aggregation, but aggregated platelets did not take up released PF4. PF4 was released by ADP, whereas under the same conditions β-glucuronidase was not. The percent of PF4 release by thrombin was markedly diminished as compared with that of 5-HT. Aspirin inhibited PF4 and 5-HT release induced by ADP and epinephrine, whereas release induced by collagen and thrombin was not completely inhibited by aspirin. These results provide evidence for three different platelet release mechanisms, dense granule secretion, α-granule secretion, and lysosomal enzyme secretion.
A visual analogue scale technique to measure global vigor and affect

This article describes an easily administered Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) technique that can be used to detect changes in mood and subjective activation. The method yields two summary measures: Global Vigor (GV) and Global Affect (GA), each ranging in value from 0 to 100. The instrument was administered about six times per day in 38 healthy control and 6 depressed patients participating in temporal isolation studies. This yielded a total of 5,734 control subject sessions and 575 patient sessions. For both groups, frequency distributions of GV and GA were shown to be approximately Gaussian, and evidence was obtained suggesting that the instrument was being completed properly. On average, depressives were about 0.6 standard deviations lower than controls in GV and about 1.5 standard deviations lower in GA, confirming the validity of the scales. Measures of GV in controls were shown to be sensitive to both jet lag and diurnal variation, thus confirming the reliability and validity of GV in these situations. In two studies involving more than 50 days of voluntary seclusion, measures of GA were found to show an almost monotonic decline, tracking the decline in mood and confirming the reliability and validity of GA in that situation.
The effect of temperature change on the relations among plasma IGF-I, 41-kDa IGFBP, and growth rate in postsmolt coho salmon

The effect of temperature change on the relations between growth and plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and 41-kDa insulin-like growth factor binding protein (41-kDa IGFBP) were assessed in postsmolt coho salmon. An experiment was initiated by reducing the temperature from 11 to 7 °C for two groups of fish that were subsequently fed at either 0.5% or 1.0% body weight per day. Two additional groups of fish were maintained at 11 °C and fed either 1.0% or 1.75% body weight per day. Fish were weighed and measured, and plasma samples were obtained on four dates: 12, 27, 47, and 63 days after the temperature change. Plasma IGF-I values were significantly lower in cool water groups than warm water groups for the first sample, by the last sampling, there were no significant differences between groups. There were no significant differences between treatment groups for plasma 41-kDa IGFBP levels for the first sampling. Subsequently, significant differences in plasma 41-kDa IGFBP levels between fish fed at different levels, regardless of temperature, were found. On all dates, significant associations were found between growth, plasma IGF-I, and 41-kDa IGFBP for fish held in warm water; however, no such relations were found for fish held in cool water for the first two sampling dates. After 47 and 63 days in cool water, significant relations between growth, plasma IGF-I, and 41-kDa IGFBP were reestablished. These data suggest that associations between growth, plasma IGF-I, and 41-kDa IGFBP were disrupted by a temperature decrease for at least 4 weeks. However, significant relations were reestablished after 47 days of temperature acclimation. These results support further investigation of plasma IGF-I and 41-kDa IGFBP as growth indicators in fish.
Selective diphenylhydantoin suppression of auditory evoked potentials in the cat cerebellar cortex

Abstract Evoked potentials were recorded in Larsell's lobules VI, VIIB and the left paramedian lobule of the cerebellum in adult cats anaesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride (Vetelar ® ) and α-chloralose. Diphenylhydantoin (Dilantin ® ) reduced auditory responses produced by a 2800 Hz 60 dB tone in all three cerebellar areas, 5 mg/kg being below threshold and doses of 20 mg/kg or more completely abolishing the response. In addition, cerebellar responses produced by dropping a 10-g weight on the forepaw or stimulation of the ipsilateral superficial radial nerve were resistant to diphenylhydantoin doses as great as 40 mg/kg. The onset time was 15–30 min and the duration of the depression was in excess of 6 hr in most experiments. Diphenylhydantoin seemed to have no effect on spontaneous cerebellar activity. Ketamine produced a short-lived depression of cerebellar evoked potentials, lasting less than 1 hr. α-Chloralosc produced substantial depression of evoked potentials only at exceedingly large doses, with little effect observed with the doses required for anaesthesia. Therefore, the selective depression of auditory-evoked cerebellar activity is due to diphenylhydantoin.
Effects of Considering Who and Why the Defendant Attacked1

Some people who are accused of a crime admit to the act, but provide an excuse. The effects of an excuse's self-inflictedness level (high, moderate, or low) and the type of victim attacked (one partially responsible for the defendant's excusing condition, or innocent victim) were investigated. After a pretest (N= 26) to choose stimuli, participants (N= 220) read a scenario in which a male attacks another and then, once on trial, gives an excuse for his act. Those giving highly vs. less self-inflicted excuses were more likely to receive a guilty verdict, received higher guilt level ratings, and tended to receive longer sentences; those who hurt an innocent vs. a partially responsible victim were more likely to be found guilty. In addition, the defendant's sentence was influenced by both the type of victim and the self-inflictedness level of the excuse. The influence of perceived responsibility for an act on jurors' decisions is discussed
Thermocoagulation effect of diode laser radiation in the human prostate: Acute and chronic study

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-power slow-heating diode laser-induced photocoagulation of prostatic tissue for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, we conducted a series of acute and chronic studies using a diode laser (810 nm) to irradiate human prostate. Methods The study included 6 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy because of malignancy. Laser radiation to the prostate was given transurethrally, in a noncontact mode, at the time of the procedure in 2 patients (acute group): 10 W for 300 seconds on the right side of the prostate and 15 W for 180 seconds on the left. In the remaining 4 patients (chronic group), laser radiation was given at 1, 7, 10, and 12 weeks prior to the prostatectomy. Results In the acute group the average depth of coagulation was 8.5 and 9.0 mm for the laser regimens of 15 W for 180 seconds and the 10 W for 300 seconds, respectively. In the chronic group, the average depth of coagulation was 8.9 mm for both laser regimens studied. In the acute group, there was an ill-defined hemorrhagic ring at the periphery of the lesion. At 1 week, an intact necrotic coagulum was present. At 7 weeks, some of the coagulated tissue had already sloughed off. Longer follow-up at 10 and 12 weeks demonstrated formation of a well-defined cavity with mostly re-epithelialized surface. Conclusions Our findings suggest that noncontact diode laser (810 nm) irradiation can induce in the human prostate significant coagulation necrosis followed by sloughing of tissue and cavitation of the prostatic urethra.
Volumetric and Dimensional Measurements of Vestibular Structures in the Squirrel Monkey

Temporal bones of squirrel monkeys which were sectioned either in the routine horizontal plane or in the exact plane of lateral semicircular canal, were used for the volumetric and dimensional measurements. Endolymphatic volumes of utriculus, sacculus, lateral ampulla, lateral semicircular duct, and some related perilymphatic volumes were measured with the aid of a computer. The sizes of the duct-ampulla junction, ampulla-utriculus junction, duct-utriculus junction, etc. were also measured. The endolymphatic volume in the lateral ampulla was about 50% greater than that in the lateral semicircular duct. The endolymphatic volume involved in the rotation in the lateral canal plane was 2.188 mm3. Among those the utriculus was about half and the other half was the ampulla plus the duct. Furthermore, we measured the circumferences of the membranous semicircular ducts both in freshly dissected materials and in processed temporal bones. A statistically significant difference (p less than 0.01) was found between them. The actual tissue shrinkage factor was 9.2-9.3%.
Attitudes toward the metric system 15 years later.

This follow-up study investigated whether attitudes toward the metric system have changed over the last 15 years. 132 subjects ranging in age from 18 to 45 years participated by filling out a 7-item survey designed to measure attitudes toward the metric system. Each survey item was scored using a 5-point rating, e.g., "the change to the metric system will create more problems than it solves," 1: strongly agree and 5: strongly disagree. Scores were compared to those obtained for a similar sample in 1983. Comparisons using t tests indicated no significant differences between attitude scores from 1983 to 1998 for either men (t64 = .95) or women (t133 = .06).
Farm-to-school programmes in the USA: an examination of state-level enacted, pending and vetoed or dead bills

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the prevalence and distribution of state-level legislation regulating farm-to-school programmes throughout the United States of America (USA). The research is timely given national goals put forth by the Let's Move Campaign and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act to reduce childhood obesity prevalence and improve access to local foods in schools by 2015. Design and methods: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Database of State Legislative and Regulatory Action to Prevent Obesity and Improve Nutrition and Physical Activity and the national Farm-to-School Network's database of legislation were used to conduct an online search of farm-to-school legislation in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia as of March 2012. Setting: Schools. RESULTS: Our search identified a total of 43 bills (33 enacted bills, two pending bills, and eight vetoed or dead bills) that aimed to facilitate farm-to-school programmes. Of the enacted bills, their foci were described according to regional location and statewide or local impact, appropriation of funds, provision of other monetary incentives, establishment of a task force, and preference for purchasing local products. CONCLUSIONS: Given the successes of state-level laws regulating injury- and disease-related risk factors such as seatbelt and helmet use, tobacco use, and water fluoridation, we conclude that state-level legislation regulating dietary risk factors and, importantly, school nutrition environments may hold significant public health promise. Language: en
Computational Fluid Dynamics Study for Modeling Vortex Induced Vibrations Using High Fidelity Turbulence Models

Flow over smooth cylinder at very high Reynolds number, ReD = 2×106, is simulated using the unsteady Scale Adaptive Simulation (SAS) turbulence model. Flow structures and vortex shedding were accurately captured. Grid sensitivity study was performed to compare averaged drag coefficient for a conformal fine mesh as well as non-conformal coarse mesh. Predicted value of drag coefficient was within 8% of the experimental value and Strouhal number compared well with the experimental observations.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Convergence in cascades of neural networks

Convergence of the activation dynamics of a cascade of neural nets is studied. The author presents several mathematical results that guarantee convergence of the cascade, provided each component subnet is convergent. >
Pulmonary hypertensive responses of broilers to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS): evaluation of LPS source and dose, and impact of pre-existing pulmonary hypertension and cellulose micro-particle selection

Abstract Previous studies demonstrated that bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) triggers pulmonary vasoconstriction leading to pulmonary hypertension (PHS, ascites) in broilers. The lungs of broilers are constantly challenged with LPS that can trigger pulmonary vasoconstriction. Among broilers from a single genetic line, some individuals respond to LPS with large increases in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), whereas others fail to exhibit any response to the same supramaximal dose of LPS. In the present study we evaluated the impact of a variety of factors on the magnitude of the PAP response of male broilers to LPS, including: (1) the role of the initial PAP (low vs. high initial PAP); (2) the source of the LPS (Salmonella typhimurium vs. Escherichia coli); (3) the dose of LPS (0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 mg/kg of BW); and (4) the role of micro-particle selection for improved pulmonary vascular capacity (cellulose survivors vs. saline-injected controls). Broilers in the low initial PAP group (21 +/- 0.34 mmHg, mean +/- SEM) did not differ in their pulmonary hypertensive response to LPS compared with broilers in the high initial PAP group (29 +/- 0.55 mmHg, mean +/- SEM). Lipopolysaccharide from S. typhimurium elicited pulmonary hypertensive responses qualitatively similar to those elicited by E. coli LPS. A detailed evaluation revealed that an LPS dose of 0.1 mg/kg of BW elicits a maximal pulmonary hypertensive response in male broilers, and broilers selected by micro-particle injection for a robust pulmonary vascular capacity did not differ in their pulmonary hypertensive response to LPS compared with unselected broilers. This research confirms that the variable pulmonary hypertensive responses among broilers cannot be attributed to the source or dosage of LPS, or to differences in the baseline pulmonary arterial pressure or micro-particle selection before injecting LPS. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that innate rather than acquired variability may influence the profile of chemical mediators released during the inflammatory cascade.
Three-dimensional unrestricted time-dependent Hartree-Fock fusion calculations using the full Skyrme interaction

We present a study of fusion cross sections using a new-generation time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) code that contains no approximations regarding collision geometry and uses the full Skyrme interaction, including all of the time-odd terms. In addition, the code uses the basis-spline collocation method for improved numerical accuracy. A comparative study of fusion cross sections for $^{16}\mathrm{O}+^{16}\mathrm{O}$ is made with the older TDHF results and experiments. We present results using the modern Skyrme forces and discuss the influence of the new terms present in the interaction.
CPMC-Lab : A Matlab Package for Constrained Path Monte Carlo calculations

Abstract We describe CPMC-Lab , a Matlab program for the constrained-path and phaseless auxiliary-field Monte Carlo methods. These methods have allowed applications ranging from the study of strongly correlated models, such as the Hubbard model, to ab initio calculations in molecules and solids. The present package implements the full ground-state constrained-path Monte Carlo (CPMC) method in Matlab with a graphical interface, using the Hubbard model as an example. The package can perform calculations in finite supercells in any dimensions, under periodic or twist boundary conditions. Importance sampling and all other algorithmic details of a total energy calculation are included and illustrated. This open-source tool allows users to experiment with various model and run parameters and visualize the results. It provides a direct and interactive environment to learn the method and study the code with minimal overhead for setup. Furthermore, the package can be easily generalized for auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (AFQMC) calculations in many other models for correlated electron systems, and can serve as a template for developing a production code for AFQMC total energy calculations in real materials. Several illustrative studies are carried out in one- and two-dimensional lattices on total energy, kinetic energy, potential energy, and charge- and spin-gaps. Program summary Program title: CPMC-Lab Catalogue identifier: AEUD_v1_0 Program summary URL: http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEUD_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 2850 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 24 838 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Matlab . Computer: The non-interactive scripts can be executed on any computer capable of running Matlab with all Matlab versions. The GUI requires Matlab R2010b (version 7.11) and above. Operating system: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux. RAM: Variable. Classification: 7.3. External routines: Matlab Nature of problem: Obtaining ground state energy of a repulsive Hubbard model in a supercell in any number of dimensions. Solution method: In the Constrained Path Monte Carlo (CPMC) method, the ground state of a many-fermion system is projected from an initial trial wave function by a branching random walk in an overcomplete basis of Slater determinants. Constraining the determinants according to a trial wave function | Ψ T 〉 removes the exponential decay of the signal-to-noise ratio characteristic of the sign problem. The method is exact if | Ψ T 〉 is exact. Unusual features: Direct and interactive environment with a Graphical User Interface for beginners to learn and study the Constrained Path Monte Carlo method with minimal overhead for setup. Running time: The sample provided takes a few seconds to run, the batch sample a few minutes.
Infrared Study of Coke on Alumina and Zeolite

In situ infrared studies of coke deposited on alumina or on platinum/alumina, by exposure to acetylene at 250°C, show a carboxylate species in the coke. This carboxylate produces a pair of bands at 1580 and 1460 cm−1. This observation is contrary to literature reports of infrared spectra of coke deposits on zeolites, which are equivalent to conventional spectra of carbonaceous materials and do not indicate the presence of an oxidized species in the coke. Study of the hydroxyl bands of alumina during coke deposition shows that only the higher frequency bands are consumed. These high-frequency hydroxyls are considered to be the more basic. This suggests that carboxylates are not formed on zeolites because none of the hydroxyls in zeolites have a sufficiently basic character. Previous work has shown that the addition of tin to alumina lowers both the production of carboxylate and total coke. This is consistent with the decrease in hydroxyls which tin produces. After severe sulfiding, only small quantities of carboxylates and conventional coke are observed on alumina. Conventional coke, but not carboxylate, is observed on sulfided platinum/alumina.
FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF FOLLICULAR CELLS IN THE GENERATION OF OSMOLARITY-DEPENDENT CL- CURRENTS IN XENOPUS FOLLICLES

1. Osmolarity-dependent (osmo-dependent) ionic currents from follicle-enclosed Xenopus oocytes (follicles) were studied using the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique, combined with intra-oocyte pressure injection of sucrose or polyethylene glycols (PEGs). 2. Intra-oocyte injections of sucrose or PEG (3-25 nmol) generated inward membrane currents (follicles held at -60 mV) associated with an increase in membrane conductance. These currents were carried mainly by chloride ions (ICl(osm)), and were strongly attenuated by increasing the tonicity of the external medium, or by external application of La3+ (0.1-1 mM). 3. The ability to generate ICl(osm) depended on the molecular weight of the injected PEG. Injections of PEG 200 or 300 generated ICl(osm) in 95% of the follicles tested, PEG 600 generated comparable currents in only 20% of the follicles, while similar injections of PEG 1000 did not elicit ICl(osm). 4. Octanol (1-1.5 mM), a gap junction channel blocker, reversibly inhibited 50-90% of the ICl(osm) generated by injections of sucrose or PEG 300. Moreover, sucrose or PEG injections did not elicit ICl(osm) in defolliculated oocytes. 5. It is concluded that an increase in the internal osmolarity of the follicular cells activates a mechanism, probably involving cellular swelling, which leads to the opening of ICl(osm) channels most probably located in the follicular cell membrane.
ERK-regulated αB-crystallin induction by matrix detachment inhibits anoikis and promotes lung metastasis in vivo

Evasion of extracellular matrix detachment-induced apoptosis (‘anoikis’) is a defining characteristic of metastatic tumor cells. The ability of metastatic carcinoma cells to survive matrix detachment and escape anoikis enables them to disseminate as viable circulating tumor cells and seed distant organs. Here we report that αB-crystallin, an antiapoptotic molecular chaperone implicated in the pathogenesis of diverse poor-prognosis solid tumors, is induced by matrix detachment and confers anoikis resistance. Specifically, we demonstrate that matrix detachment downregulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity and increases αB-crystallin protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. Moreover, we show that ERK inhibition in adherent cancer cells mimics matrix detachment by increasing αB-crystallin protein and mRNA levels, whereas constitutive ERK activation suppresses αB-crystallin induction during matrix detachment. These findings indicate that ERK inhibition is both necessary and sufficient for αB-crystallin induction by matrix detachment. To examine the functional consequences of αB-crystallin induction in anoikis, we stably silenced αB-crystallin in two different metastatic carcinoma cell lines. Strikingly, silencing αB-crystallin increased matrix detachment-induced caspase activation and apoptosis but did not affect cell viability of adherent cancer cells. In addition, silencing αB-crystallin in metastatic carcinoma cells reduced the number of viable circulating tumor cells and inhibited lung metastasis in two orthotopic models, but had little or no effect on primary tumor growth. Taken together, our findings point to αB-crystallin as a novel regulator of anoikis resistance that is induced by matrix detachment-mediated suppression of ERK signaling and promotes lung metastasis. Our results also suggest that αB-crystallin represents a promising molecular target for antimetastatic therapies.
Induction of reproductive function in anestrous mares using a dopamine antagonist.

Abstract We investigated the role of dopamine in the regulation of seasonal reproductive activity in mares. Nine seasonal anestrous mares, maintained under a natural photoperiod, were treated daily with a dopamine D2 antagonist, [−]-sulpiride (200 mg/mare, im), beginning February 5 (day of year = 36) until the first ovulation of the year or for a maximum of 58. Nine untreated anestrous mares were maintained under the same conditions. The ovaries were examined by ultrasonography twice a week, and blood was collected three times a week for progesterone, LH, FSH and prolactin determinations. Mean day of first ovulation was significantly advanced for [−]-sulpiride-treated mares than control mares (mean day of year ± SEM = 77.3 ± 7.9 and 110.0 ± 6.8, respectively; P