cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The fine structure of large cell undifferentiated carcinoma of the lung: Evidence for its relation to squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas

The light microscopic diagnosis of large cell undifferentiated carcinoma of the lung is known to be highly subjective and shows poor interobserver reproducibility; the very existence of this tumor as a separate entity has been challenged. The ultrastructure of seven large cell undifferentiated carcinomas was examined in an attempt to determine whether they were merely poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, or actually represented an entirely separate class of tumors. Four large cell undifferentiated carcinomas demonstrated intra- and intercellular lumina and were designated adenocarcinomas. In three cases there were well formed desmosomes with numerous tonofilaments and intercellular bridges. These tumors were classified as squamous cell carcinomas. An eighth tumor metastatic to the abdominal wall also showed the features of squamous carcinoma. In addition, all tumors contained a variable population of primitive cells without identifying features. The large cell undifferentiated carcinomas were compared ultrastructurally with eight cases of poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas classified by light microscopy. These tumors were morphologically similar, but contained fewer primitive cells and greater numbers of differentiated cells. Cells with a clear cytoplasm as seen by light microscopy were present in both the large cell undifferentiated and poorly differentiated groups; these cells contained variable amounts of glycogen but were otherwise similar to the nonclear cells. It is suggested that most of the subcategories of large cell undifferentiated carcinoma represent very poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas and squamous carcinomas.
Purpose of Medication Will Reduce Errors

Abstract: Prescribers sometimes think of prescribing one medication but mistakenly prescribe another. At other times, pharmacists misread prescriptions and dispense the wrong drug. Sometimes patients forget which medication they are supposed to take and choose the wrong one from their array of prescription containers. There is a simple way to greatly lower the chance of these three errors: prescribers should indicate the purpose of the medication on the prescription order and pharmacists should place this information on the label.
N × N optical phased array with 2N phase shifters

Two-dimensional (2-D) integrated optical phased arrays (OPA) have many applications from optical imaging to LiDAR. Conventionally, 2-D beam-steering in an N × N OPA requires N2 phase shifters placed within the phased array aperture, resulting in a high per-element power consumption while limiting the minimum achievable element-to-element spacing. In this paper, we report an OPA architecture, where for 2-D beam-steering in an N × N OPA, only 2N phase shifters outside of the array aperture are used, which significantly reduces the total OPA power consumption and eliminates electrical routing within the aperture. As a proof of concept, an 8 × 8 OPA is implemented that uses 16 phase shifters to perform 2-D beam-steering without tuning the wavelength. Using the aperture size of 77 µm × 77 µm for the implemented OPA transmitter, far-field beam-steering over a range of about 7° is demonstrated.
Low-ionic-strength saline solution-antiglobulin test (LISS-AGT).

CONCLUSIONS The use of low-ionic-strength saline (LISS) solution as an enhancement for antibody screening and crossmatching was first described by Low and Messeter in 1974. This method allowed for a reduced incubation time while maintaining adequate specificity and sensitivity of the antiglobulin test (AGT). Since then, the LISS-AGT tube method has been widely used in antibody detection and identification, as well as compatibility testing. As initially described, the method used red blood cells suspended in LISS. Modifications of the method led to development of the commercially prepared LISS additive solutions in use today. The LISS-AGT can be used effectively to detect alloantibodies of all major blood groups in antibody detection, antibody identification, and crossmatching procedures.
Commercial Bank’s Financial Ratios Analysis

The overall structure of an income statement for a bank is not that much different from a manufacturing or service income statements. The top of the income statement is revenue and the bottom is net income. However, revenue is derived differently from that of regular companies (i.e., manufacturing and services). The three fundamental elements in all analyses that pertain to banks include: (i) liquidity or ability to meet the obligations of liquid funds; (ii) solvency or credit quality and adequacy of the bank’s own resources; and (iii) profitability: ability to generate income/profit from allocated capital.
Trace data from student solutions to genetics problems reveals variance in the processes related to different course outcomes

Problem solving, particularly in disciplines such as genetics, is an essential but difficult competency for students to master. Prior work indicated that trace data can be leveraged to measure the invisible cognitive processes that undergird learning activities such as problem solving. Building on prior work and given the importance and difficulties associated with genetics problem solving, we used unsupervised statistical methods (k-means clustering and feature selection) to characterize the patterns of processes students use during genetics problem solving and the relationship to proximal and distal outcomes. At the level of the individual problem, we found that conclusion processes, such as making claims and eliminating possible solutions, was an important interim step and associated with getting a particular problem correct. Surprisingly, we noted that a different set of processes was associated with course outcomes. Students who performed multiple metacognitive steps (e.g. monitoring, checking, planning) in a row or who engaged in execution steps (e.g. using information, drawing a picture, restating the process) as part of problem solving during the semester performed better on final assessments. We found a third set of practices, making consecutive conclusion processes, metacognitive processes preceding reasoning and reasoning preceding conclusions to be important for success at both the problem level and on final assessments. This suggests that different problem-solving processes are associated with success on different course benchmarks. This work raises provocative questions regarding best practices for teaching problem solving in genetics classrooms.
A comparison of vowel harmony in Xinkan, Jicaquean, and Lencan

Abstract The Xinkan, Jicaquean, and Lencan language families are isolates. However, they show similarities in their vowel co-occurrence restrictions within morphemes. This paper compares and contrasts the harmonic patterns in each of these language families and concludes that similarities are likely due to contact between their speakers. This suggests that Xinkan, Jicaquean and Lencan speakers existed in a sort of micro-language area, a small-scale scenario of contact that shows unique indications of contact near or within the more dispersed scenarios of contact and borrowing acknowledged throughout Mesoamerica.
Superheated water hydrolyses of waste silkworm pupae protein hydrolysate: A novel application for natural dyeing of silk fabric

Abstract A large amount of by products are generated during the silk processing, the most abundant of which are silkworm pupae. In general, efforts have been made to use these by-products for different applications such as biogas, fertilizer, human food products, medicines and pupa oil production. In this work a novel application of protein extracted from silkworm pupae was proposed for the coloration of silk fabrics within the context of the circular economy. In particular, for the first time a hydrolysis process at 170 °C for 1 h using only superheated water was performed to extract proteins from silkworm pupae and as a novelty, the same proteins were used to dye silk fabrics. Various parameters such as temperature, time, pH, dyeing time and temperature, protein hydrolysate concentration, mordant type (copper sulfate and ferrous sulfate) and mordanting step (pre-meta-post) were studied and the higher color strength was obtained at pH 3.8, 90 °C, for 60 min dyeing time using 30% o.w.f. protein hydrolysate, 50% o.w.f meta-mordanting. It was demonstrated that the extracted proteins can actually dye, but the color is more intense in the presence of the mordant which plays an anchoring role by formation of complex between protein hydrolysate and silk fabric. Dyed fabrics in the presence of mordant show washing and rubbing fastness from good to excellent, and light fastness from fair to good.
Development of LoRaWAN based Traffic Clearance System for Emergency Vehicles

Nowadays, developments in the Internet of Things based technologies are becoming an essential part of every aspect of human life. It has also become a norm for vehicular traffic management applications. Safe and smart ways to manage ever-increasing road traffic are essential requirements in smart cities or urban environments. Although there are various solutions for traffic management, most of them have limitations in energy efficiency, complexity, and cost. In this paper, a solution is proposed for the quick clearance of the traffic for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances. Our approach having based on the LoRaWAN protocol, which is known for its long-range, low energy needs, low cost, scalable, and wide -area applications. LoRa devices and the TTN gateway are used to communicate with each other and to establish a green corridor for emergency vehicles. Once the green corridor is created, regular traffic is suspended for a short time to enable the emergency vehicle to cross the traffic junctions without delay. To track the location of the vehicle from the traffic signal a web page is also created. The developed system reduces the wait time for emergency vehicles and allows tracking the emergency vehicle.
High-Resolution Mid-Infrared Images of the Nucleus of M81

We observed two nearby galaxies with potential or weak indications of nuclear activity, M32 and M81, with the MIRLIN mid-IR camera at N band (10.79 μm). M32 is not detected, but we give detailed measurements of the nucleus of M81. Our observations of M81 show a bright nuclear point source at N, and comparison to measurements made in the early 1970s gives an increase in nuclear flux of nearly a factor of 2. If the comparison is accurate, the nuclear mid-IR emission must ultimately be powered by a variable, compact source, similar to that in Seyfert galaxies and quasars. M81 has been classified in the literature as a low-luminosity LINER, not a pure Seyfert galaxy. Further, it has been suggested that this and other low-luminosity active galactic nuclei may have intrinsically different spectra than Seyfert galaxies and quasars. However, we find that the relative fluxes in the X-ray, mid-IR, and radio bands, all essentially unaffected by extinction and galaxy pollution, show a nuclear continuum remarkably like that of a bona fide Seyfert galaxy or quasar.
Limit Distribution Theory for the Smooth 1-Wasserstein Distance with Applications

The smooth 1-Wasserstein distance (SWD) $W_1^\sigma$ was recently proposed as a means to mitigate the curse of dimensionality in empirical approximation while preserving the Wasserstein structure. Indeed, SWD exhibits parametric convergence rates and inherits the metric and topological structure of the classic Wasserstein distance. Motivated by the above, this work conducts a thorough statistical study of the SWD, including a high-dimensional limit distribution result for empirical $W_1^\sigma$, bootstrap consistency, concentration inequalities, and Berry-Esseen type bounds. The derived nondegenerate limit stands in sharp contrast with the classic empirical $W_1$, for which a similar result is known only in the one-dimensional case. We also explore asymptotics and characterize the limit distribution when the smoothing parameter $\sigma$ is scaled with $n$, converging to $0$ at a sufficiently slow rate. The dimensionality of the sampled distribution enters empirical SWD convergence bounds only through the prefactor (i.e., the constant). We provide a sharp characterization of this prefactor's dependence on the smoothing parameter and the intrinsic dimension. This result is then used to derive new empirical convergence rates for classic $W_1$ in terms of the intrinsic dimension. As applications of the limit distribution theory, we study two-sample testing and minimum distance estimation (MDE) under $W_1^\sigma$. We establish asymptotic validity of SWD testing, while for MDE, we prove measurability, almost sure convergence, and limit distributions for optimal estimators and their corresponding $W_1^\sigma$ error. Our results suggest that the SWD is well suited for high-dimensional statistical learning and inference.
Position Sensor Harmonics Influence on Highly Integrated Field Oriented Controlled PMSM Drive Torque Output

Position sensor signal in field orientation based permanent magnet synchronous machine control is a crucial signal for optimal control (average torque and torque ripple). With the unprecedented level of integration of the machine, and drive, numerous factors influence the harmonic content of the position signal. This paper outlines a preliminary discussion on the influence of these harmonics and presents the position harmonic relationship to output torque ripple through analysis, simulation and experimental data. Further, the effect of control system parameters that influence the behavior of harmonic propagation is also discussed. Controller bandwidth, harmonic order and motor speed are among the major factors that influence the output torque ripple due to position harmonics.
Redistributive Pedagogy: A Case Study in Islamic Finance Education and Student-Centered Learning

A case study of a novel course designed at UConn School of Law in Islamic finance and investment law.
Hemostasis Models: Bleeding Models

There is a delicate balance between thrombosis and hemostasis – primary hemostasis (platelet plug), secondary hemostasis (fibrin clot), and fibrinolysis. On the coagulation side, a balance between procoagulants and anticoagulants and pro-fibrinolytics and anti-fibrinolytics is crucial to maintain physiological hemostasis. Similarly, on the platelet side, a balance between endogenous platelet activators and inhibitors is also critical in the maintenance of hemostasis. When using either antiplatelet or anticoagulants to prevent or treat either arterial or venous thrombosis, a risk of bleeding exists due to the shift in the balance between thrombosis and hemostasis. This chapter focuses on the model systems used to assess hemostasis.
A parameters identification method for Hammerstein systems based on PSO algorithm

The non-linear static components of Hammerstein systems are described by method of polynomial and piecewise linearization method. First, parameters which need to identify through mathematical derivation can be obtained. Then PSO algorithm is used to identify Hammerstein system parameters. Computer simulations demonstrate that parameters identification method based on PSO algorithm has strong robustness to measuring noise and uncertain models.
Abstract 17050: Association of Kidney Dysfunction with Chronotropic Incompetence in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Introduction: Chronotropic incompetence (CI) is an important pathophysiologic factor underlying reduced exercise capacity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but clinical factors associated with CI in HFpEF are unknown. Based on anecdotal clinical experience, we hypothesized that coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with CI in HFpEF. Methods: We studied 157 consecutive HFpEF patients undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and defined CI as maximal heart rate (HR) Results: Of 157 participants, 73% were women, 64% used beta-blockers, 32% had CKD, and 40% had CAD. RER > 1.05 was achieved by 108 (69%) participants, including 79/108 (76%) with CI. Lower estimated GFR, higher B-type natriuretic peptide, and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (but not CAD) were each associated with CI. A 1-SD decrease in GFR was independently associated with CI (adjusted odds ratio = 2.4, 95% confidence interval = [1.3, 4.6]) after adjustment for smoking status, log BNP, and beta blocker usage. Linear regression models demonstrated that GFR was independently and linearly associated with %HR reserve (β=0.31, SE=0.10; P=0.002; Figure). Findings were unchanged after re-calculation of %HR reserve and CI based on alternative formulations used in the literature. Conclusions: CI is common and strongly associated with GFR in HFpEF. Our results indicate that kidney function may mark or contribute to the development of CI in HFpEF. HFpEF patients with CKD may need to be screened for CI prior to starting medications (e.g., beta blockers) that could exacerbate CI.
Perspective-Taking as a Strategy for Improving Intergroup Relations: Evidence, Mechanisms, and Qualifications

In this article, we review empirical research investigating the efficacy of perspective-taking – the active consideration of others' mental states and subjective experiences – as a strategy for navigating intergroup environments. We begin by describing some of the benefits accrued from perspective-taking: more favorable implicit and explicit intergroup evaluations, stronger approach-oriented action tendencies and positive non-verbal behaviors, increased intergroup helping, reduced reliance on stereotype-maintaining mental processes, and heightened recognition of intergroup disparities. We then discuss several of the processes through which perspective-taking operates, focusing specifically on two affective (i.e., parallel and reactive empathy) and two cognitive (i.e., shifts in attributional thinking and self-outgroup merging) mechanisms. We also note several moderating factors based on perceiver characteristics, target characteristics, and features of the surrounding context that qualify the effects of perspective-taking. Finally, we conclude by suggesting potential directions for future research on intergroup perspective-taking.
Identifying Effective IT Project Manager Personality Characteristics

The topic of IT project management success is critical as its failure wastes all levels of organizational resources. The United States has launched a healthcare modernization program to help decrease the cost of healthcare through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The decision to reduce the cost of medical care requires the adoption of new technologies and delivery through successful implementations. Information Technology failure mechanisms are not clearly understood. The assumptions of the IT project management community are that competence and knowledge are the most important ingredients in success. However, the continued failure of moderate technical complex projects suggests there may be other factors influencing successful outcomes. The goal of this study is to identify specific personality traits that support project success. Personality characteristics in the field of behavioral psychology identify extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness as universal characteristics known as the Big-Five traits. The literature cites conscientiousness as an important factor in achieving project success. This study examined the relationship of each of the Big-Five personality traits to the project success factors of on time, desired quality achieved, and within budget. The results of this study demonstrated that conscientiousness represents a strongly correlated project success factor. The evidence of the study identified the personality traits of neuroticism and agreeableness as strongly significant in undermining or achieving project success. This research provides information to guide team member selection and opens several doors for further research.
TLR2 engagement on CD4+ T cells enhances effector functions and protective responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

We have previously demonstrated that mycobacterial lipoproteins engage TLR2 on human CD4(+) T cells and upregulate TCR-triggered IFN-γ secretion and cell proliferation in vitro. Here we examined the role of CD4(+) T-cell-expressed TLR2 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Ag-specific T-cell priming and in protection against MTB infection in vivo. Like their human counterparts, mouse CD4(+) T cells express TLR2 and respond to TLR2 costimulation in vitro. This Th1-like response was observed in the context of both polyclonal and Ag-specific TCR stimulation. To evaluate the role of T-cell TLR2 in priming of CD4(+) T cells in vivo, naive MTB Ag85B-specific TCR transgenic CD4(+) T cells (P25 TCR-Tg) were adoptively transferred into Tlr2(-/-) recipient C57BL/6 mice that were then immunized with Ag85B and with or without TLR2 ligand Pam3 Cys-SKKKK. TLR2 engagement during priming resulted in increased numbers of IFN-γ-secreting P25 TCR-Tg T cells 1 week after immunization. P25 TCR-Tg T cells stimulated in vitro via TCR and TLR2 conferred more protection than T cells stimulated via TCR alone when adoptively transferred before MTB infection. Our findings indicate that TLR2 engagement on CD4(+) T cells increases MTB Ag-specific responses and may contribute to protection against MTB infection.
Scyllac fusion test reactor design

A general design of the system is given. The implosion heating and compression systems (METS) are described. Tritium handling, shielding and activation of the reactor, and safety and environmental aspects are discussed. (MOW)
Behavioral Treatment of Childhood Neurosis

The present study attempted to use behavioral treatment to eliminate the neurotic symptoms of a 5-year-old child. The child's symptoms were assessed on a pre- and post-treatment basis, and in addition, on going observations of the child's symptoms allowed daily evaluation of the treatment program. Behavior therapy focused on altering the current symptom-environment relationships experienced by the child. Follow-ups on the resolution of the child's problems were conducted two months and two years after behavior therapy and indicated that the child was systom free. Therapeutic attempts to resolve the historical conflicts of early childhood and to resolve the contemporary corflicts of current social interaction are discussed as viable but not mutually exclusive therapeutic strategies.
Autocorrelation of gene frequencies under isolation by distance.

ABSTRACT Spatial autocorrelation statistics are used for description of geographic variation of gene frequencies, but the relationship of these indices with the parameters describing the genetic structure of populations is not established. A simple relation is derived here between kinship coefficient and a measure of spatial autocorrelation, Moran9s I . The autocorrelation coefficient of gene frequencies at a given distance is a direct function of the kinship at that distance, and an inverse function of the standardized gene frequency variance, F st . Under isolation by distance, the expected values of Moran9s I for any allele may be calculated by means of Malkcot-Morton function, which predicts an exponential decline of genetic similarity in space. This allows comparison of observed gene frequency patterns with the patterns that should be caused by interaction of short range migration and random genetic drift.
On the Coulomb sum rule in the relativistic nuclear many-body problem☆

Abstract It is shown that in the relativistic many-body theory the Coulomb sum rule value is never exhausted in the space-like momentum transfer region. This implies that the Coulomb sum rule should be used with a particular caution to analyze deep inelastic electron scattering from nuclei.
THE ABO BLOOD GROUP ANTIGENS AND THEIR SECRETION BY HEALTHY AND DISEASED GASTRIC MUCOSA

Summary The water-soluble blood group antigens are a part of the mucous secretions of the gastric mucosa. Current evidence indicates that they are glycoproteins with repeating oligosaccharide side chains attached to a protein or polypeptide core. Variability in their molecular weights and electrophoretic mobility suggests that they form a family of closely related structures. The basis for blood group specificity appears to lie in the sugars forming the free, terminal portion of the oligosaccharide side chains. Their secretion by the gastric mucosa, when measured by antigen titer or fucose content in unfractionated gastric secretion, appears to be unaffected by mucosal disease, but there are limitations in the interpretation of these results. Some potential applications of our knowledge about the blood group substances to studies on the “mucous barrier” are suggested.
Thermochemical investigations of associated solutions. VI. Mole fraction versus volume fraction based equilibrium constants

Solubilities are reported for carbazole at 25°C in binary mixtures containing dibutyl ether and t-butylcyclohexane. Results of these measurements, combined with literature solubilities for an additional nine systems, are used to test the descriptive ability of two equations derived from the nearly ideal binary solvent model for systems containing specific solute-solvent interactions. Both the volume fraction based and mole fraction based equilibrium constant expressions can describe observed solubilities in all solvent systems studied to within an average deviation of about 2%. Numerical values of the volume fraction equilibrium constant, however, are more independent of the inert hydrocarbon cosolvent.
Similarity renormalization group evolution of three-nucleon forces in a hyperspherical momentum representation

A new framework for computing the similarity renormalization group (SRG) evolution of three-nucleon forces (3NF) in momentum representation is presented. The use of antisymmetric three-particle hyperspherical momentum states ensures unitary evolutions within certain basis truncations, much like antisymmetric harmonic oscillator SRG evolutions. Additionally, in each partial wave the ${\mathbit{T}}_{\mathrm{rel}}$-SRG regulator is exactly represented, similar to recent 3NF momentum representation evolutions. Unitary equivalence is demonstrated for the triton using several chiral two- plus three-nucleon interactions. This method allows for a clean visualization of the evolution of the three-nucleon forces, which manifests the SRG decoupling pattern and low-momentum universality.
The effects of buffers and pH on the thermal stability, unfolding and substrate binding of RecA

The Escherichia coli protein RecA is responsible for catalysis of the strand transfer reaction used in DNA repair and recombination. Previous studies in our lab have shown that high concentrations of salts stabilize RecA in a reverse-anionic Hofmeister series. Here we investigate how changes in pH and buffer alter the thermal unfolding and cofactor binding. RecA in 20mM HEPES, MES, Tris and phosphate buffers was studied in the pH range from 6.5 to 8.5 using circular dichroism (CD), infrared (IR) and fluorescence spectroscopies. The results show all of the buffers studied stabilize RecA up to 50°C above the Tris melting temperature and influence RecA's ability to nucleate on double-stranded DNA. Infrared and CD spectra of RecA in the different buffers do not show that secondary structural changes are associated with increased stability or decreased ability to nucleate on dsDNA. These results suggest the differences in stability arise from decreasing positive charge and/or buffer interactions.
Triazenes as a Stable Diazonium Source for Use in Functionalizing Carbon Nanotubes in Aqueous Suspensions

Organic triazene compounds are stable precursors to diazonium salts for functionalizing single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in aqueous media. This method is particularly useful when a target molecule has functionality that will not tolerate diazotization conditions. We illustrate this by detailing the synthesis of a biotin-containing triazene followed by reaction with SWNTs.
Porosity tuning of carborane-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) via coordination chemistry and ligand design

Two new metal–organic framework (MOF) materials based on boron-rich cluster struts (p-carborane) are reported herein. Cu(I) catalyzed coupling chemistry was used to synthesize carboxylate-based ligands, which are substantially longer than the previously studied dicarboxylated p-carborane, leading to structures with greater porosity. Solvothermal syntheses involving these ligands and Zn salts were used to prepare two new Zn(II)-based MOFs with 2D and 3D open framework structures. Upon thermal activation, these MOFs retain the chemical identity of their frameworks, leading to highly porous materials.
Hiatal hernia and reflux complicating prosthetic speech

(Editorial Comment: The authors have nicely Despite these medical problems, she had not experidocumented the effect of reflux on tracheaoesopha- enced any wound healing complications from her geal fistula function.) laryngectomy. The development of tracheoesophageal puncture and prosthetic speech brought nearly normal communication to laryngectomees. However, complications ranging from minor clinical problems to death have been reported.l-l7 Among these, the seemingly common problem of hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease has not been previously described. Therefore, we report our case of a go-year-old black woman whose achievement of excellent prosthetic speech was complicated by a hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux resulting in expansion of her tracheo
Suggested evolution of tonotopic organization in the frog amphibian papilla.

As one progresses from the most primitive to the most derived frogs, one observes remarkable changes in that peculiarly amphibian auditory organ, the amphibian papilla. In all but the most primitive frog, the papilla comprises two patches with separate innervation and apparently corresponding to a spatial separation of frequency sensitivity (i.e. tonotopic organization). The caudal patch is quite variable and in the more derived frogs exhibits an elongation that apparently corresponds to extension of auditory sensitivity to higher frequencies.
Neural network approach of active ultrasonic signals for structural health monitoring analysis

Maintenance is an important issue for aerospace systems, since they are in service beyond their designed lifetime. This requires scheduled inspections and damage repair before failure. Research is in progress to develop a structural health monitoring system (SHMS) to improve this maintenance routine. Ultrasonic testing, utilizing a system of piezoelectric actuators and sensors, is a promising concept Measured wave signals are compared with signals for previously scanned states. Changes to the signal could be the result of damage to the component. This paper focuses on analyzing the differences of states, using artificial neural networks. Neural network analysis has the potential of creating a SHMS of greater ability and processing. Experiments were performed on a thin, flat aluminum panel. Ultrasonic actuators and sensors were installed and a baseline scan was performed on the undamaged panel. Simulated damage was introduced in specific areas, and scans were conducted for several damaged states. Neural networks were created to assess the changing conditions of the panel. The system was later tested on a lap joint specimen to confirm the abilities of the neural network. This form of analysis performed well at locating and quantifying areas of change within the structure. The neural network performance indicated that it has a role in the SHMS of aerospace structures.
The transformation of the Indus Civilization

Suggested explanations for the “eclipse” of the Indus Civilization (2500–1900 B.C.) are reviewed, along with a description of the culture history that accompanies the abandonment of Mohenjo-daro and many other Mature Harappan settlements. New data are presented from Mohenjo-daro which suggest that the process of change that brought about the eventual abandonment of the site began in the later part of the third millennium B.C. Settlement data from the ancient Sarasvati River, Gujarat, and northwestern India suggest that there was no general “eclipse” but a process of deurbanization and a shift eastward in the general distribution of the population.
Cyclopropanation of C60 via a fischer carbene complex

Abstract A new method for the preparation of methanofullerenes is demonstrated by the formation of 1,2-methyl(methoxymethano)fullerene-C 60 by the thermal reaction of C 60 with [methyl(methoxymethylene)]pentacarbonylchromium.
Syphilitic meningitis causing paraparesis in an HIV-negative woman.

Abstract Syphilitic meningitis, which can occur near the time of secondary syphilis is frequently asymptotic. There has been one recent report of an HIV-positive patient who developed syphilitic polyradiculopaty following a recent history of secondary syphillis. We describe an HIV-negative woman in whom paraparesis occured secondary to syphilitic meningitis. Complete recovery followed a course of high-dose intravenous penicillin therapy, emphasizing the treatable nature of this cause of paraparesis.
Esmolol in acute ischemic syndromes

Abstract Background β-Blockers have been shown to reduce both morbidity and mortality rates in patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, because of potential side effects, their use is limited in patients who might benefit the most from such therapy. It was thought that the use of an ultra-short-acting intravenous β-blocker might produce similar results with fewer complications in those patients with relative contraindications to β-blocker therapy. Methods Accordingly, we evaluated the use of esmolol in patients with acute coronary syndromes and relative contraindication to β-blocker therapy in a prospective randomized trial. One hundred eight patients at 21 sites received an infusion of intravenous esmolol or standard therapy on admission and were followed for 6 weeks from the day of admission. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite event consisting of any of the following that occurred during the index hospitalization: death, myocardial (re)infarction, recurrent ischemia, or arrhythmia as well as silent myocardial ischemia assessed by ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. Safety end points including hypotension, bradyarrhythmias, new or worsening congestive heart failure, and bronchospasm were also recorded. Results Event rates for primary end points were similar in the 2 groups: death (2% in the standard care group vs 4% in the group receiving esmolol), myocardial (re)infarction (4% standard vs 7% esmolol), ischemia (12% vs 13%), arrhythmias (4% vs 2%), and silent ischemia (13% vs 15%). There was a higher incidence of transient hypotension in the group receiving esmolol (2% vs 16%), but all such events were noted to resolve after discontinuation of the esmolol infusion. There were no additional differences in safety end points: bradycardia (2% for those receiving standard care vs 9% receiving esmolol), new congestive heart failure (10% vs 16%), bronchospasm (0% vs 7%), and heart block (2% vs 2%). Conclusions The use of an ultra-short-acting β-blocker such as esmolol might offer an alternative to patients with contraindications to standard β-blocker therapy. Although this trial had limited power to detect safety and efficacy differences between the 2 therapies, it was observed that safety end points, which occurred during esmolol administration, resolved readily when the infusions were decreased or discontinued. Additional testing is needed to substantiate these findings. (Am Heart J 2002;144:e9.)
Reaction of dithionite and bisulfite with pyridoxal and pyridoxal enzymes

Abstract Both bisulfite and dithionite produce marked changes in the spectra of pyridoxal, pyridoxal phosphate, and pyridoxal phosphate enzymes. The spectrum of pyridoxal phosphate in bisulfite solutions resembles that of the addition product of pyridoxal phosphate with cysteine. The spectral changes produced by dithionite are distinctly different from those produced by bisulfite and, unlike the latter, are not prevented by acetone. As judged by spectral change, pyridoxal phosphate enzymes appear less reactive with bisulfite than with dithionite, relative to the reactivity of the free coenzyme. The nature of the dithionite reaction and of its products has not been determined. However, the difference spectrum attributable to dithionite reaction with enzyme-bound pyridoxal phosphate, while distinguishable from that of a flavin difference spectrum must be kept in mind in interpreting presumptive flavin difference spectra. In addition, dithionite may be a useful reagent for delineating, by difference spectra, the characteristic low 400 mμ peak of pyridoxal phosphate enzymes.
DNA methylation and cellular reprogramming

The recent discovery that a small number of defined factors are sufficient to reprogram somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells has significantly expanded our knowledge of the plasticity of the epigenome. In this review we discuss some aspects of cell fate plasticity and epigenetic alterations, with emphasis on DNA methylation during cellular reprogramming. Recent data suggest that DNA methylation is a major barrier to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell reprogramming. The demethylating agent 5-azacytidine can enhance the efficiency of iPS cells generation and the putative DNA demethylase protein activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID/AICDA) can erase DNA methylation at pluripotency gene promoters, thereby allowing cellular reprogramming. Elucidation of the epigenetic changes taking place during cellular reprogramming will enhance our understanding of stem cell biology and facilitate therapeutic applications.
Pulsed laser‐induced electron and positive‐ion emission from Cu(100) under ultrahigh‐vacuum conditions near the threshold for surface damage

Results are presented from an experimental study of pulsed laser‐induced electron and positive‐ion emission at 590 nm from single‐crystal Cu(100) under ultrahigh‐vacuum conditions near the threshold for surface damage. Below 60 MW/cm2 the electron emission is consistent with a three‐photon photoemission mechanism. Above 60 MW/cm2 thermionic electron emission becomes dominant. Positive ions are produced with a threshold of approximately 60 MW/cm2 and a slope of 9.5 in a log(yield) vs log(power) plot. The kinetic energy distribution of the ions is nonthermal with a maximum at approximately 0.7 eV. Ion production is most likely due to collisions of thermally desorbed atoms with electrons above the surface. Evidence is presented that suggests a critical role of substrate‐emitted electrons in the formation of a laser‐induced surface plasma near its low power threshold. It is also found that electron and ion yields from a given spot on the surface decrease with the number of laser pulses and spot receives. The yield from a previously unirradiated spot decreases by an order of magnitude over the course of approximately the first 25 laser pulses approaching a constant level for subsequent pulses. Enhanced yields from new spots could be eliminated by additional annealing of the surface prior to laser irradiation. These observations are consistent with enhanced charged particle yield from surface defects which are reduced in number by subsequent annealing by the laser.
A comment on “ESR linewidth studies on naphthalene ion in low bulk dielectric constant media”

Abstract It is noted, if one uses the lineshape analysis for unresolved hyperfine splitting proposed by Jones et al. that one must be careful to avoid lineshape distortion from the magnetic field modulation amplitudes and frequencies used. At 100 kHz field modulation the lineshape distortion is significant for linewidths less than ≈ 350 mG and unresolved hyperfine splittings less than ≈ 70 mG.
Analysis of the thermodynamic feasibility of NOx decomposition catalysis to meet next generation vehicle NOx emissions standards

Abstract Free energy minimization calculations are used to determine the thermodynamic equilibrium concentrations of NOx and other species in stoichiometric and lean gas mixtures over a range of temperatures and compositions. Under lean (excess N2 and O2) conditions, the NO decomposition (NO↔(1/2)N2+(1/2)O2) and NO oxidation (NO+(1/2)O2↔NO2) equilibria impose lower bounds on the NOx concentrations achievable by thermodynamic equilibration or NOx decomposition, and these equilibrium NOx concentrations can be practically significant. Assuming a perfect isothermal catalyst acting on a representative diesel exhaust stream collected over the federal test procedure (FTP) cycle, equilibrium NOx levels exceed upcoming California Low Emission Vehicle II (LEV-II) and Tier II NOx emissions standards for automobiles and trucks at temperatures above approximately 800 K. Consideration of a perfect adiabatic catalyst acting on the same diesel exhaust shows that equilibrium NOx values can fall below NOx emissions standards at lower temperatures, but to achieve these low concentrations would require the catalyst to attain 100% approach to equilibrium at very low temperatures. It is concluded that NOx removal based on a thermodynamic equilibrating catalyst under lean exhaust conditions is not practically viable for automotive application, and that to achieve upcoming NOx standards will require selective NOx catalysts that vigorously promote NOx reactions with reductant and do not promote NO decomposition or oxidation. Finally, the ability of a selective NOx catalyst system to reduce NOx concentrations to or below thermodynamic equilibrium values is proposed as a useful measure for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) activity.
Overlapping sphincteroplasty for acquired anal incontinence

When defects of the anal sphincter are caused by trauma, surgical correction can be successful even in long-standing cases. At the University of Minnesota, we used overlapping sphincteroplasty in 79 patients with fecal incontinence from 1952 to 1982. There were 62 women and 17 men. Ages ranged from 17 to 68 years. Incontinence had been present from three weeks to 40 years and had been caused by childbirth, previous anorectal surgery, trauma or rectal prolapse. Following overlapping sphincteroplasty, there was one postoperative death and 13 complications. Complications included temporary difficulty in voiding, excessive bleeding, abscess formation, fecal impaction, and hematoma. Seventy-six of the 78 surviving patients were followed for an average of 35 months. Results ranged from excellent to poor with only one failure. From our experience it was concluded that several factors were important for good surgical results. 1) The patient must have intact neuromuscular bundle with detectable voluntary sphincter contraction. 2) If a primary repair has failed, a minimum duration of three months should elapse before overlapping sphincteroplasty is attempted. 3) Scar tissue from the severed muscles should not be excised. 4) The internal and external sphincter muscles should not be separated. 5) A temporary concomitant colostomy is not necessary.
Expressivism and the Limits of Moral Disagreement

This paper argues that expressivism faces serious difficulties giving an adequate account of univocal moral disagreements. Expressivist accounts of moral discourse understand moral judgments in terms of various noncognitive mental states, and they interpret moral disagreements as clashes between competing (and incompatible) attitudes. I argue that, for various reasons, expressivists must specify just what mental states are involved in moral judgment. If they do not, we lack a way of distinguishing moral judgments from other sorts of assessment and thus for identifying narrowly moral disagreements. If they do, we can construct cases of intuitively real dispute that do not rest on the theory’s preferred mental states. This strategy is possible because our intuitions about moral concept-ascription do not track speakers’ noncognitive states. I discuss various ways of developing this basic argument, then apply it to the work of the two most sophisticated proponents of expressivism, Allan Gibbard and Simon Blackburn. I argue that neither is successful in meeting the challenge.
What controls methanol emissions from grassland

Emission of volatile organic compounds, including methanol (CH3OH), from plants can affect atmospheric chemistry and climate. Seasonal variations such as changes in leaf growth result in changes in atmospheric methanol concentrations.Hortnagl et al. sought to test whether the controls on methanol fluxes reported from controlled laboratory experiments at the leaf level applied to in situ conditions at ecosystem scales. They measured methanol fluxes above a managed grassland in the Stubai Valley in Austria and studied controls on methanol exchange by analyzing half hourly and daily average data.
Self Concept and Socio-Economic Status in Elementary School Children.

In an earlier study which was part of a four year longitudinal investigation conducted under a large, federally funded Title III project,' it was found that children of low socio-economic status scored significantly higher than children of middle socio-economic status (Clark and Trowbridge, 1971; Trowbridge 1969, 1970a, 1970b) on a self concept instrument known as the Self Esteem Inventory (Coopersmith, 1967). The number of investigations of the relationship between self concept and socio-economic status (SES) has been increasing, but the relationship remains undetermined. Findings appear to be in conflict. A number of persons have postulated that children of low socio-economic status do actually reflect the negative image society holds of them (Ausubel and Ausubel, 1963; Erickson, 1963; Witty, 1967). Some investigations appear to support this thesis (Deutsch, 1960; Long and Henderson, 1968; Wylie, 1963), while others suggest no significant differences in self concept of children of different SES (Coleman, 1966; McDaniel, 1967; Scott, 1969). Studies by Clark and Trowbridge, 1971; Green and Rohwer, 1971; Soares and Soares, 1969, 1970; Trowbridge, 1969, 1970a, 1970b and Zirkel and Moses, 1971, indicate that by some criteria the self concept of low SES children may be even more positive than that of middle class children.
Cognitive conditioning therapy in the treatment of stuttering.

Abstract A therapy is described in which clients vividly imagine the cognition that usually trigger their stuttering, and then contingently experience a painful shock. With the cessation of shock, alternate desirable cognitions are imagined that are designed to facilitate fluent speech. A case study illustrating the treatment is presented. Stuttering is compared with addictive behaviors such as smoking, and it is concluded that cognitive commonalities exist among seemingly disparate behaviors. The cognitive conditioning framework provides an integrative model that can be usefully applied in a variety of situations.
Effects of Inflammation and Surgery on Amikacin Levels in the Vitreous Cavity

Intraocular injection of amikacin is increasingly used in the treatment of endophthalmitis. We injected 400 μg of amikacin into the vitreous cavity of rabbit eyes to study its pharmacokinetics. Phakic, aphakic, and aphakic vitrectomized eyes were injected, and inflamed eyes were compared to control eyes. Vitreous concentrations were determined at two, eight, 24, and 48 hours, and clearance rates were calculated. Amikacin is cleared considerably more quickly from aphakic (half-life, 14.3 hours) than phakic control eyes (half-life, 25.5 hours) and even more quickly from aphakic vitrectomized eyes (half-life, 7.0 hours). Inflammation substantially increased the rate of clearance in aphakic eyes. In inflamed aphakic and aphakic vitrectomized eyes, vitreous drug levels were equal to or below the minimal inhibitory concentration for most organisms considered sensitive to amikacin at 24 hours. Supplementation of intraocular antibiotics may therefore be required in clinical settings.