cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are female felons treated more leniently by the criminal justice system

This study examines a representative sample of all felonies by persons processed by California criminal courts in 1980 (N=181,197). The analysis attempts to determine the effect of sex on outcome at each point from arrest to type of sentence. The data indicate that females were treated less favorably at the front end of the system but more favorably at conviction and sentencing. However, this conclusion applies to males and females without controls (e.g., without “other things being equal”) since the data base utilized, OBTS, does not provide data needed for controls. The male/female gap increased 165 percent from arrest to incarceration, with the sentencing stage largely accounting for this increase. However, it was found that the male/female gap across the system actually decreased (indicating less favorable treatment for women) for some offenses. There was no consistent pattern by offense to indicate that leniency for females was reserved for less serious or more “feminine” offenses. Leniency was not c...
The development of Fourier Transform Raman spectroscopy

Abstract This paper follows the development of instrumentation for Raman spectroscopy, both FT and dispersive, from the emergence of the laser in the early 1960s to the present day. The relative strengths and weaknesses of the two approaches are discussed with particular emphasis on NIR excitation.
Seroquel, clozapine and chlorpromazine restore sensorimotor gating in ketamine-treated rats.

Sensorimotor gating of the startle reflex – measured by prepulse inhibition (PPI) – is impaired in schizophrenia patients and in rats treated with either dopamine (DA) agonists or with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists. While both typical and atypical antipsychotics restore PPI in DA agonist-treated rats, studies thus far have demonstrated that only atypical antipsychotics restore PPI in rats treated with NMDA antagonists. This model for predicting atypical antipsychotic properties has been studied extensively in rats, and there is interest in moving these studies into humans, where the NMDA antagonist ketamine is also reported to significantly reduce PPI. In anticipation of such studies, and to facilitate the use of this model in humans, we examined the effects of high and low potency typical antipsychotics (haloperidol and chlorpromazine), the atypical antipsychotic clozapine, and the putative atypical antipsychotic, Seroquel, on ketamine-disrupted PPI in rats, across a range of ketamine that produced submaximal, as well as maximal disruptions of PPI. Ketamine dose-dependently reduced PPI, and this effect was significantly opposed by Seroquel, clozapine and chlorpromazine, but not haloperidol. The effects of chlorpromazine on ketamine-disrupted PPI demonstrate that the ability of antipsychotics to restore PPI in NMDA antagonist-treated rats is not specific to clinically atypical antipsychotics. Receptor properties shared by Seroquel, clozapine and chlorpromazine, but not haloperidol, may implicate critical substrates in the NMDA antagonist-induced disruption of PPI.
Ion tracking in photocathode rf guns

Projected next-generation linac-based light sources such as PERL or the TESLA free-electron laser (FEL) generally assume, as essential components of their injector complexes, long-pulse photocathode rf electron guns. These guns, due to the nature in which they are operated, may be more susceptible to ion bombardment damage of their cathodes than conventional rf guns. This paper explores this possibility and presents a basis for future study of the subject.
Type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibition impairs detection of low odor concentrations in mice.

The cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase PDE4A is abundant in the dendrites, soma and axons of olfactory receptor neurons of the mouse, but it is not present in the cilia, where olfactory transduction initiates. Although the function of PDE4A in mammalian olfaction is unknown, patch clamp studies on deciliated olfactory receptor cells in the newt have shown that adrenaline or cAMP analogs can increase the contrast sensitivity to current injection. We used mice to ask whether increasing the levels of cAMP in sensory neurons by inhibiting PDE4A activity with rolipram could lead to changes in the perception of odorants that correspond to the in vitro cellular responses seen in newts. In an automated olfactometer, rolipram treatment (1 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly impaired the detection accuracy of 1-propanol at relatively high dilutions but did not affect detection at lower dilutions. Meanwhile, the ability to discriminate amyl acetate alone from a mixture of amyl acetate + citronellal was not affected by rolipram at any odor dilution. In a different task in which mice were trained to discriminate between cups of scented versus unscented sand, rolipram treatment resulted in poorer discrimination at high and better discrimination at low, odor dilutions. In sum, PDE4 inhibition resulted in a consistent decrement in the ability of mice to detect low concentrations of odorants, but the effects of rolipram on detection of higher concentrations were task-dependent.
Modified radical neck dissection in cancer of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx

A retrospective analysis of 390 determinate radical neck dissections (RND) performed for cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx was carried out. There were 75 patients (19%) who had a modified RND. These were separately analyzed and the outcome was compared to those who had a standard total RND. Our goal was to assess the effectiveness of modified RND in controlling disease in the neck, and to identify its impact on survival and quality of life. Overall neck recurrence rate in the entire modified RND group was 28%, 35% in the partial RND, and 25% in the comprehensive modified RND. Neck recurrence rate was no worse in the comprehensive modified RND for NO and N1 cases, but increased significantly (as compared to the group of patients with standard RND) in the N2 and N3 cases (52% vs. 33%) Treatment of neck recurrences following modified RND was primarily by surgery, with a 48% 3-year disease-free survival. Overall survival was the same for modified RND (68%) and for standard total RND (63%). This was true for all N stages individually. The morbidity of standard total RND is discussed and the goals of modified RND are analyzed. Definitions and a standardized nomenclature for the various types of modified RND are suggested for uniformity of reporting. From the Department of Surgery, Divison of Head and Neck Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York.
A Sequential Integration Method

On illustre l'application de la methode avec un modele reparti d'un pendule flexible. On compare les resultats numeriques entre l'integration simultanee et l'integration sequentielle
The interaction of tetra-iodofluorescein with dogfish muscle lactate dehydrogenase: a chemical and x-ray crystallographic study.

Abstract Spectrophotometric and X-ray crystallographic methods have been used to study the interaction of 2,4,5,7-tetra-iodofluorescein and several other fluorescein dyes with dogfish muscle lactate dehydrogenase. Tetra-iodofluorescein binds to dogfish muscle lactate dehydrogenase with an equilibrium constant of dissociation of 4.5 ± 0.5 × 10−5 m. The enzyme perturbs the absorption spectrum of the dye in a manner characteristic of a variety of organic solvents. The spectral changes can be attributed to an environment at the dye binding site which is less polar than water. Spectrophotometric titrations indicate that there are approximately four binding sites per enzyme tetramer, i.e. a single site per 35,000 molecular weight monomer, and that these sites are equal and independent. This dye is an excellent inhibitor of the dehydrogenase. The kinetics of inhibition exhibit a large competitive component with respect to coenzyme (Ki = 1.5 ± 0.5 × 10−5 m) suggesting that the dye and coenzyme bind at a common site. An X-ray crystallographic investigation at 4 A resolution confirms the presence of only one binding site for dye per enzyme monomer and that its position is coincident with that of the adenosine portion of bound NAD+. The orientation of the fluorescein ring system relative to the polypeptide chain of lactate dehydrogenase and the positions of the iodine atoms have been resolved and have enabled identification of certain interactions between the dye and the enzyme. The use of fluorescein dyes in X-ray diffraction studies of dehydrogenases is discussed.
Separation of arabinosyl, ribosyl, and deoxyribosyl purine nucleotides by thin-layer chromatography.

Studies on the cellular metabolism of endogenous nucleosides and structurally related analogs are facilitated by the thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) separation of nucleotides, Complex mixtures of ribosyl and deoxyribosyl nucleotides can be separated by ascending two-dimensional TLC on PEI-cellulose anion-exchange layers”“. Nucleoside mono-, diand triphosphates are first separated in one dimension by stepwise development in solvents of increasing ionic strength4e5. Ribosyl and deoxyribosyl nucleotides then are resolved in the other dimension using borate-containing solvent systems4-“. Nucleosides and bases present in cell extracts interfere with resolution of nucleotides, however, and must be removed by an initial development of the chromatogram. We report here a TLC system which resolves arabinosyl as well as ribosyl and deoxyribosyl nucleotides. Nucleosides and bases do not interfere with resolution of nucleotides and no prior development is required. The system has been used routinely to separate purine nucleotides in our studies of the cellular metabolism of 9-p-Darabinofuranosyladenine, an active antiviral drug.
Harmonic functions of polynomial growth on certain complete manifolds

Given a complete manifold with a particular structure at infinity, we give the dimension of the space of harmonic functions with prescribed polynomial growth.
Prostaglandin E2 induction of monoblastic differentiation utilizes both cAMP and non-cAMP dependent signalling systems.

Abstract U937 cells can be induced to express receptor for complement 5a (C5aR) by sequential 2 day treatments of cells with dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (1,25(OH)2D3) followed by prostaglandin E2. We asked whether the action of prostaglandin E2 to cause maximal C5aR expression required only activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Prostaglandin E2 dose dependently activated PKA in control and 1,25(OH)2D3 treated cells; by 4 h the PKA did not respond to further prostaglandin E2 challenge. We hypothesized that prostaglandin E2 actions transduced via PKA should be complete by 4 h; i.e., C5aR induction should be equivalent in cells treated with prostaglandin E2 for 4 h and for 2 days. All cells were treated for the first 2 days with 1,25(OH)2D3 and the second 2 days with prostaglandin E2 or cAMP analogs. C5aR number was measured after 4 days total culture. 4 h pulse treatments with agents were given at the end of the 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Cells exposed to a 4 h pulse of prostaglandin E2 had only 68.2 ± 4.4% the amount of C5aR seen in cells continuously exposed to prostaglandin E2. Continuous culture with a cAMP analog pair (50 μM each of 8-thiomethyl-cAMP + N6-benzoyl-cAMP), which caused a 41.7% ± 10.8% increase PKA activation above basal, resulted in only 51% ± 16% of the C5aR numbers seen in cells cultured for 2 days with prostaglandin E2, where PKA remained at basal activity. We therefore concluded that C5aR expression caused by prostaglandin E2 could not be ascribed entirely to duration or degree of activation of cAMP-dependent signalling pathways. We investigated the possibility that the calcium sensitive protein kinase C was involved. Cytoplasmic protein kinase C was increased 154% ± 14% above control in cells treated with sequential 2 days treatments of 1,25(OH)2D3 and prostaglandin E2. A 147% ± 2% increase in membrane associated protein kinase C was also seen 10 min after phorbol myristate acetate stimulation in the above treatment group. Finally, phorbol myristate acetate augmented the C5aR induction caused by cAMP analog. We propose that the mechanism of prostaglandin E2 synergism with 1,25(OH)2D3 in causing C5aR induction in U937 cells includes signal transduction not only by the cAMP cascade, but also via protein kinase C modulated pathways.
Multicomponent sorption operations: Bed shrinking and swelling in an ion-exclusion case

Abstract The effects of the resin particle shrinking and swelling which occur during sorption operations involving beds of ion exchange resins are elucidated for two multicomponent processes—the elution of a bed uniformly presaturated with a two-solute feed, and the ion exclusion separation of a finite slug of a two-solute feed. The investigation was performed via the numerical integration of finite-difference forms of the relevant equations. Several unique phenomena (shifting of concentration profiles, concentrating effects in certain zones) are seen to arise which would not be revealed by classical “static bed” descriptions. This study indicates that shrinking and swelling effects must be taken into account if an accurate theoretical description of such operations is desired.
Effective normality criteria for algebras of linear type

Abstract The algebras studied here are subalgebras of rings of polynomials generated by 1-forms (so-called Rees algebras), with coefficients in a Noetherian ring. Given a normal domain R and a torsionfree module E with a free resolution, ⋯→F 2 → ψ F 1 → ϕ F 0 →E→0 , we study the role of the matrices of syzygies in the normality of the Rees algebra of E. When the Rees algebra R (E) and the symmetric algebra S(E) coincide, the main results characterize normality in terms of the ideal Ic(ψ)S(E) and of the completeness of the first s symmetric powers of E, where c=rankψ, and s=rankF0−rankE. It requires that R be a regular domain. Special results, under broader conditions on R, are still more effective.
High Speed Interface For Myocardial Sonicated Echocontrast Studies

Quantitative measurement of regional myocardial perfusion would be invaluable for the detection and treatment of ischemic heart disease. Sonicated echocontrast agents now allow 2-D ultrasound scanners to track blood flow, but commercial scanners distort the received signal to produce visually pleasing images. To capture digitized radiofrequency (rf) envelope signal suitable for quantitative analysis before video processing, a real-time system for computer acquisition of echocardiogram data (CAED) was constructed.
ESR detection of low-frequency fluctuations and optical-phonon-induced T1 relaxation for KH2PO4:SeO43−

Using the ${\mathrm{SeO}}_{4}^{3\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ center as a paramagnetic probe, we have measured low-frequency (${10}^{7}$--${10}^{10}$-Hz) fluctuations in the paraelectric phase of ${\mathrm{KH}}_{2}$${\mathrm{PO}}_{4}$. The correlation time \ensuremath{\tau} for these fluctuations, identified with the hopping of protons in O-H...O bonds, was found to exhibit an Arrhenius behavior, with an activation energy \ensuremath{\Delta}E=0.19\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 eV and preexponential factor \ensuremath{\approxeq}1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}14}$ s. The non-Arrhenius behavior reported earlier for this system was ascribed to the omission of (a) inhomogeneous broadening due to proton spin-flip transitions and (b) a line-broadening process that depends exponentially on temperature. The latter process is suggested to be spin-lattice relaxation via optical phonons. The \ensuremath{\Delta}E for this process was found to be essentially the same as that (\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.19 eV) for the proton hopping, suggesting that the energy level of the optical phonon is located close to the top of the barrier. The phonon frequency is estimated to be 1500\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}200 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for ${\mathrm{KH}}_{2}$${\mathrm{PO}}_{4}$ and 1850\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}200 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for ${\mathrm{KD}}_{2}$${\mathrm{PO}}_{4}$. These results are in partial agreement with some recent theoretical calculations and indicate new clues to the mechanism of the ferroelectric transition of these compounds.
Analysis of Shell-Like Structures Using Structured Mesh

Shell-like structures are modeled in traditional finite element method using shell elements. The geometry for such structures is modeled using surfaces that represent the mid-plane. A mesh consisting of planar or curved shell elements is then generated for the surface which can be challenging for complex surface geometries and the resultant mesh sometimes poorly approximates the geometry. In order to avoid the problems associated with mesh generation, several meshless methods and structured grid methods have been proposed in the past two decades. In this paper, a structured grid method called Implicit Boundary Finite Element Method (IBFEM) has been used for the analysis of shell-like structures. Three dimensional elements that use uniform B-spline approximation schemes for representing the solution are used to represent the displacement field. The surfaces representing shell passes through these elements and the equations of these surfaces are used to represent the geometry exactly. B-spline approximations can provide higher order solutions that have tangent and curvature continuity. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance of shell elements using IBFEM and B-spline approximation. The results are compared with traditional shell element solutions.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Overexpression of Twisted Gastrulation Inhibits Bone Morphogenetic Protein Action and Prevents Osteoblast Cell Differentiation in Vitro

Twisted gastrulation (Tsg) is a secreted glycoprotein that binds bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and BMP-4 and can display both BMP agonist and antagonist functions. Tsg acts as a BMP agonist in chondrocytes, but its expression and actions on the differentiation of cells of the osteoblastic lineage are not known. We investigated the effects of Tsg overexpression by transducing murine ST-2 stromal and MC3T3 cells with a retroviral vector where Tsg is under control of the cytomegalovirus promoter and compared them to cells transduced with the parental vector alone. ST-2 cells were cultured in osteoblastic differentiating conditions in the presence or absence of BMP-2. Tsg overexpression precluded the appearance of mineralized nodules induced by BMP-2, led to a delay in the expression of osteoblastic gene markers, and decreased the responsiveness of ST-2 differentiating cells to PTH. BMP-2 induced the phosphorylation of signaling mothers against decapentaplegic-1/5/8, but not ERK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38. ST-2 cells overexpressing Tsg displayed an inhibition of BMP/signaling mother against decapentaplegic signaling. Tsg action was specific to BMP, because Tsg overexpression did not affect TGF-or Wnt/-catenin signaling pathways. Tsg also opposed MC3T3 cell differentiation and the expression of a mature osteoblast phenotype. In conclusion, Tsg overexpression inhibits BMP action in stromal and preosteoblastic cellsand,accordingly,arreststheirdifferentiationtowardthe osteoblastic pathway. (Endocrinology 146: 3875–3882, 2005)
Electron microscopy of crystalline and amorphous Ni-P electrodeposited films: In-situ crystallization of an amorphous solid

Electron microscopy has been used to study the structure of Ni-P electrodeposited thin films with 7, 12, 20 and 22 at. pct P. For the crystalline as-deposited films with 7 and 12 at. pct P (low P films), the crystal structure is fcc and the grains are a supersaturated solid solution of P in Ni. Grain size decreases with increasing P content; the present findings agree with previous ones. For “amorphous” as-deposited films with 20 and 22 at. pet P (high P content films) the amorphous phase is not completely homogeneous and there are regions in which small microcrystals exist. Electron beam heating a low P con-tent film causes the crystalline array of supersaturated Ni grains to decompose to an equilibrium mixture of Ni and Ni3P; both types of grains are randomly oriented. Electron beam heating a high P content film causes the amorphous regions to undergo several complex transformations. The first reaction to occur is: Amorphous (Ni-P) -NixPy + Ni (random) where NixPy is a newly discovered phase with a variable composition. Further beam heating causes a second transformation to equilibrium phases: NixPy + Ni → Ni3P + Ni (random). The microstructure resulting from the above transformations depends on variations in composition of the as-deposited specimens, rates of heating and temperature gradients. The mode of phase transformation in microcrystalline regions and amorphous regions is distinctly different. Crystallization in amorphous regions occurs by a nucleation and growth of NixPy, and Ni; a crystallization front is seen to advance into the amorphous re-gion. Crystallization in microcrystalline regions occurs by nucleation and growth of the Ni3P phase and grain coarsening of the Ni phase. No distinct crystallization front is ob-served.
Don't Be Misled by LEAD

Recently, many researchers have used Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard's Leader Effectiveness and Description instrument of self-perception (LEAD-Self) to measure leadership styles. This may be unfortunate because this instrument appears to have certain confounding variables associated with it, variables that can affect the data and thus lead to questionable results. The author hypothesizes that the vast majority of LEAD-Self instrument respondents consistently score in the high task/high relationship leadership style category, and he suspects that this clustering of scores results from self-deception by the respondents. In a study of doctoral students in educational administration training groups in the Northeast and Midwest, a significantly high number of responses -69% -fell into the high task/high relationship category. These respondents apparently "knew" how they should or wanted to score, and they responded accordingly. The results of this study indicate that the LEAD Self instrument is an inappropr...
Human blood B lymphocytes with receptors for sheep erythrocytes--their relevance in techniques to obtain T cells depleted of mature B cells.

After B lymphocyte depletion, blood lymphocytes (PBMC) from certain individuals will generate substantial quantities of immunoglobulin (Ig) when cultured with pokeweed mitogen (PWM). The present investigations were aimed at analysing the cell subset in these T cell preparations, that was responsible for Ig production especially since the quantity of Ig generated was disproportionate to numbers of contaminating sIg-bearing B cells. Ficoll-Hypaque PBMC from 17 individuals were subjected to overnight sheep erythrocyte rosetting. Rosetted cells were subjected to very slow (100 × g) density gradient centrifugation to isolate T rosettes (and deplete PBMC of B cells). In 6 of these 17 individuals, such enriched T cells repeatedly generated substantial quantities of plasmacytoid cells after an 8-day culture in the presence of PWM and helper factors. Mean values for plasmacytoid cells per 1000 cells recovered were as follows: T cells 168.16±96.7 SD, B cells 226.67±161.1, PBMC 225.67±78.9. In further experiments, contaminating surface immunoglobulin (sIg)-positive B cells (<2% sIg-positive) were removed from the T cell preparations by (i) the “panning” method, i.e. layering T cells on plates precoated with antisera specific for human Ig (polyvalent), and (ii) lysis of B cells with a monoclonal antibody BA-1. In these 6 individuals, removal of B cells by both these techniques completely abolished generation of plasmacytoid cells, thus confirming that it is a contaminating B cell subset which is responsible for Ig production in these T cell preparations. These data indicate that in certain individuals there are B cells that separate out with T cells during the E-rosette isolation procedure. With double immunofluorescence techniques, it became apparent that 4.8±1.3% of TRITC-labeled sIgM-bearing B cells were also labeled with FITC-conjugated monoclonal antibody to the sheep erythrocyte receptor. Kuritani and Cooper have previously demonstrated that PWM-responsive B cell precursors of IgM, IgG, or IgA plasmacytoid cells lack sIgD and, hence, comprise about 10–15% of the total B cells in PBMC. Our data would indicate that in certain individuals, about half this subset forms E-rosettes, which may explain why both E-rosette separated T cells and enriched B cells make similar quantities of plasmacytoid cells.
Review: behavioural interventions promote tobacco cessation in users of smokeless tobacco.

J Ebbert Dr J Ebbert, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; ebbert.jon@mayo.edu Do behavioural and pharmacological interventions promote tobacco cessation in users of smokeless tobacco? Studies selected compared a behavioural or pharmacological intervention with a control intervention (usual care, placebo, or a less intensive intervention) or a different intervention for promoting tobacco abstinence in adolescent or adult users of smokeless tobacco (tobacco placed in the mouth and not burned, including moist snuff, chewing tobacco, and betel quid). Outcomes were tobacco abstinence ⩾6 months after the intervention began. Preferred outcomes were total tobacco abstinence (rather than abstinence from smokeless tobacco alone), biochemical validation (rather …
Independent living programs: Do they make a difference?

Children are entering foster care at an alarming rate. There were an estimated 429,000 children in out-of-home care at the end of 1991, which is a 64% increases since 1982 (Tatara, 1990). The largest proportion of children in out-of-home care are between the ages of 13 and 18 (Mech, 1988; Tatara, 1989). Each year, an estimated 16,000 (Sims, 1988) to 18,000 (Ryan, McFadden, Rice, & Warren, 1988) youth are emancipated and leave foster care to assume independence. Many of these young adults are not prepared for self-sufficiency (Barth, 1986, 1990; Festinger, 1983; Westat, 1988). Adolescents from varying out-of-home care settings are eligible for a set of services—Independent Living Programs. The findings of this study suggest that Independent Living Programs may have positive impact on the ability of youth to be self-sufficient at the time of discharge from foster care programs. The youth who participated in the ILP program were more likely to complete high school, have employment history and employment at discharge, and were more likely to be self supporting at the closing of the case.
Transient and Microscale Deformations and Strains Measured under Exogenous Loading by Noninvasive Magnetic Resonance

Characterization of spatiotemporal deformation dynamics and material properties requires non-destructive methods to visualize mechanics of materials and biological tissues. Displacement-encoded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a noninvasive and non-destructive technique used to quantify deformation and strains. However, the techniques are not yet applicable to a broad range of materials and load-bearing tissues. In this paper, we visualize transient and internal material deformation through the novel synchrony of external mechanical loading with rapid displacement-encoded MRI. We achieved deformation measurements in silicone gel materials with a spatial resolution of 100 µm and a temporal resolution (of 2.25 ms), set by the repetition time (TR) of the rapid MRI acquisition. Displacement and strain precisions after smoothing were 11 µm and 0.1%, respectively, approaching cellular length scales. Short (1/2 TR) echo times enabled visualization of in situ deformation in a human tibiofemoral joint, inclusive of multiple variable T(2) biomaterials. Moreover, the MRI acquisitions achieved a fivefold improvement in imaging time over previous technology, setting the stage for mechanical imaging in vivo. Our results provide a general approach for noninvasive and non-destructive measurement, at high spatial and temporal resolution, of the dynamic mechanical response of a broad range of load-bearing materials and biological tissues.
Augmented Ontology-Based Information Retrieval System with External Open Source Resources

As the number of online students has been growing significantly for the last couple of years, generic Web Information Retrieval methods have either maintained an emphasis on serving the general population, or have been lagging in integrating the power of adaptive semantics and personalization via knowledge discovery into real-life working E-learning applications. This paper is devoted to the implementation of an augmented ontology-based information retrieval system with external open-source resources from MIT OpenCourseWare that uses Protege to design and build the structure of HyperManyMedia ontology as means of retrieving documents in two languages, English and Spanish. In addition, this paper deals with clustering the augmented documents, the outcome of the Clustering Analysis is added to the domain ontology as additional leaves under the “SubSubSubconcept = lecture”. From each cluster, we extract the keywords (descriptive terms), then we modify the ontology accordingly by adding the cluster’s terms as semantic terms under the “SubSubSubconcept = lecture” to which these documents belong. This research is implemented and evaluated on a real platform HyperManyMedia at Western Kentucky University.
Identification of albumin mRNPs in the cytosol of fasting rat liver and influence of tryptophan or a mixture of amino acids

Abstract In rats fasted for 24–30 hours, albumin mRNA sequences are released from membrane-bound polysomes to enter the free cytosol fraction. A significant portion of these sequences are present in albumin mRNPs, distinguished from free albumin mRNA and 40S subunit complexes by Cs2SO4 equilibrium density centrifugation. Refeeding a mixture of 20 amino acids restores albumin mRNA to membrane-bound polysomes, demonstrating the importance of amino acid supply in the mRNP-polysome equilibrium and in regulation of albumin synthesis.
Passive snow removal at the Pegasus Runway, McMurdo, Antarctica

Abstract A snow management plan is vital to extensive engineering projects in most cold regions. While drifting snow can be troublesome in temporal snow areas, wind borne snow in the perpetual snow fields of polar regions can become an insurmountable problem. Heavy costs can be incurred by damages to infrastructure and continuous maintenance. During the construction phase of the Pegasus glacial ice runway on the McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica, relatively large amounts of snow and ice were cleared in order for the runway surface to meet basic smoothness requirements. At the conclusion of this project, a considerable amount of snow and ice remained adjacent to the runway in two north–south extending berms. Since the runway was originally constructed on an experimental basis, attention was not focused on developing and executing a snow control plan. After the runway was completed and proved to be robust enough to support multi-year, routine flight operations, concern was raised over the possibility of snow accumulation by drifting adjacent to and on the berm area, eventually inundating the runway. The work reported here was intended to explore passive methods to remove some of the berm material and snow adjacent to the berms. We conclude that vortex fences can be used to remove excess snow at this site, when the snow is less than two years old. Considerable control is available using vortex fences since they can be self-orienting into the wind, causing erosion on the leeward side of the fence regardless of the wind direction. However, the snow making up the majority of the berms at the Pegasus site has sintered enough to be classified as firn and is now too well bonded to be removed by passive wind manipulation.
Spatial patterns of human ecosystem productivity in South West Africa (Namibia)

Abstract Understanding the biological, economic and motivational bases for human productivity is essential to more effective development activity in the Third World. One way to develop this understanding is to study spatial patterns of productivity. Productivity is compared for two human ecosystems in Namibia. The first consists of the territory's traditional, communal Third World areas, and the second, the commercial first-world areas. Three kinds of productivity are considered: biological productivity (crops, livestock, wildlife, human population, etc.); economic productivity (production and exchange of goods and services); and needs satisfaction productivity (levels of satisfaction relative to an individual's or a culture's hierarchy of values). Productivity in Namibia is extremely low at present compared to its potential. The productivity in traditional areas is, by most measures, substantially lower than in the commercial areas of the territory. With the possible exception of human reproduction, biological productivity is being severely restricted by Namibia's aridity. In the traditional areas this, in turn, is exacerbated by cultural behaviors, culminating in progressive loss of both soil fertility and useable moisture. Economic productivity throughout the territory is low because of limited capital resources and Western economic sanctions. In traditional areas, this is compounded by conflicting cultural values, physical and economic isolation, inappropriate education, and severe shortage of productive resources. Needs satisfaction productivity is not well measured. Indications are that, in traditional areas, it is particularly low in the areas of job availability, education, health and governance. Causes postulated for these regional differences in productivity include: (1) historic separation of cultures and isolation of the traditional; (2) continuing discrimination against members of traditional cultures; (3) productive limitations of the traditional cultures; and (4) limited availability of productive resources to traditional people, particularly adequate education and capital.
Deleterious outcomes after abrupt transition from insulin glargine to insulin detemir in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Background and objective: Iowa Care (Iowa Medicaid), USA, switched insulin glargine to insulin detemir in subjects with diabetes mellitus without the approval of healthcare providers. This study set out to examine the impact of transition on parameters of diabetes management in type 1 diabetes. Methods: This was a retrospective review of the records of subjects with type 1 diabetes up to August 2007 in whom transition occurred. Subjects completing 6 months of insulin detemir therapy were included. Twenty-four subjects switching from insulin glargine to insuline detemir (group 1) fulfilled the duration with insulin detemir. Glycaemic control (glycosylated haemoglobin [HbA1c]), bodyweight, daily insulin dose (units), total and insulin glargine or insulin detemir and rapid-acting insulin aspart and hypoglycaemic events during the last 4 weeks, pre-switch and again at 6 months post-switch were assessed. Records of 21 agematched subjects and continuing insulin glargine for 6 months (group 2) were examined. Subjects switched from insulin glargine to insulin detemir in the same daily dose. The daily doses of insulin detemir and aspart in group 1 were adjusted by telephone weekly based on blood glucose monitoring until stabilization occurred. Subjects were followed up in the outpatient clinic every 3 months. Results: Subjects in group 1 changed to insulin detemir twice a day because of a significant rise in hypoglycaemia with the daily dose used once a day. Glycaemic control remained stable on continuing insulin glargine; HbAic 7.6 ± 0.3 to 7.8 ± 0.3%, while it worsened on switching to insulin detemir; HbA1c 7.9 ± 0.6 to 8.8 ± 0.8 despite a higher daily dose; insulin detemir 46 ± 9 U/day versus pre-switch insulin glargine 36 ± 8 U/day and group 2 insulin glargine 35 ± 6 U/day; and greater total insulin dose: 80±12 U/day versus 68 ± 10 pre-switch and group 2 insulin glargine 62 ± 10 U/day (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Bodyweight and hypoglycaemic events were not significantly different pre- and post-switch. Conclusion: Switching to insulin detemir from glargine is likely to result in lapse of glycaemic control despite a higher daily insulin dose, increased number of injections and need for frequent evaluations.
Development of a nanoscale heterostructured glucose sensor using modified microfabrication processes

We discuss the development of a novel amperometric sensor to detect glucose concentrations in solution. Inorganic, vertically aligned nanowire arrays were employed as the sensing electrode in place of planar electrodes to utilize the unique properties of nanostructures, resulting in enhanced sensing signal from a smaller area. Heterostructured gold/platinum nanowires were used so that the dual functions of the nanoelectrodes for covalent immobilization of glucose oxidase and enhanced oxidation of hydrogen peroxide can be achieved using modified microfabrication methods. Two different enzyme immobilization methods—using self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols and a porous conducting polypyrrole matrix—were investigated as methods for functionalizing the electrodes. Glucose sensing results were compared for planar and nanowire electrodes and the heterostructured nanowire electrodes. The results indicate that the unique structure of the sensing electrode delivers superior sensing performance from a smaller geometric area of electrodes, thus enabling further miniaturization of the sensor.
Characterization of dislocation structures and deformation mechanisms in as-grown and deformed directionally solidified NiAl–Mo composites

In this paper, directionally solidified (DS) NiAl–Mo eutectic composites were strained to plastic strain values ranging from 0% to 12% to investigate the origin of the previously observed stochastic versus deterministic mechanical behaviors of Mo-alloy micropillars in terms of the development of dislocation structures at different pre-strain levels. The DS composites consist of long, [1 0 0] single-crystal Mo-alloy fibers with approximately square cross-sections embedded in a [1 0 0] single-crystal NiAl matrix. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and computational stress state analysis were conducted for the current study. STEM of the as-grown samples (without pre-straining) reveal no dislocations in the investigated Mo-alloy fibers. In the NiAl matrix, on the other hand, a(1 0 0)-type dislocations exist in two orthogonal orientations: along the [1 0 0] Mo fiber axis, and wrapped around the fiber axis. They presumably form to accommodate the different thermal contractions of the two phases during cool down after eutectic solidification. At intermediate pre-strain levels (4–8%), a/2(1 1 1)-type dislocations are present in the Mo-alloy fibers and the pre-existing dislocations in the NiAl matrix seem to be swept toward the interphase boundary. Some of the dislocations in the Mo-alloy fibers appear to be transformed from a(1 0more » 0)-type dislocations present in the NiAl matrix. Subsequently, the transformed dislocations in the fibers propagate through the NiAl matrix as a(1 1 1) dislocations and aid in initiating additional slip bands in adjacent fibers. Thereafter, co-deformation presumably occurs by (1 1 1) slip in both phases. With a further increase in the pre-strain level (>10%), multiple a/2(1 1 1)-type dislocations are observed in many locations in the Mo-alloy fibers. Interactions between these systems upon subsequent deformation could lead to stable junctions and persistent dislocation sources. Finally, the transition from stochastic to deterministic, bulk-like behavior in sub-micron Mo-alloy pillars may therefore be related to an increasing number of multiple a(1 1 1) dislocation systems within the Mo fibers with increasing pre-strain, considering that the bulk-like behavior is governed by the forest hardening of these junctions.« less
Extracting Key Messages from Systematic Reviews

Systematic reviews have become a common method of synthesizing literature to examine the comparative effectiveness of medical interventions. Groups such as the Cochrane Collaboration and the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) conduct dozens of such reviews each year. However, these documents are often hundreds of pages long and the intended audiences, including medical providers and payers, may have difficulty interpreting the often technical terminology used in these reports. In this article, we describe the derivation of "key concepts" on the efficacy of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the treatment of bipolar disorder from a pre- viously published systematic review of the use of AEDs (AED Review) for multiple indications, including mood disorders and chronic pain. With the aid of a multidisciplinary science panel, we derived the key concepts from the source report and subsequent updates of that report. Because we found that the key concepts were still quite technical, we subsequently derived four less technical "key messages" and revised these through multiple additional iterations. The concepts and messages were then tested with key informants and focus groups. At all stages of the process, we found that it was critical to maintain fidelity to the initial systematic review. The structured approach used in the derivation process described here proved to be very helpful in developing key messages and concepts.
Inhibition of the catecholase and cresolase activity of mushroom tyrosinase by azide.

Abstract The inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase by azide is examined as a function of the concentrations of l -tyrosine, l -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine ( l -Dopa), and oxygen at pH 5.6 and 7.0. Mixed inhibition is observed with respect to l -tyrosine, l -Dopa, and oxygen. The data are interpreted in terms of azide combining with both the oxidized and reduced forms of the enzyme. A scheme is presented for the catecholase and cresolase reactions which explains the results of azide inhibition and also the effect of other inhibitors which complex with the copper of tyrosinase. Double-reciprocal plots of oxygen variation with l -tyrosine as the fixed substrate are nonlinear above about 500 μ m oxygen. When l -Dopa is the fixed substrate, no curvature is observed. These results could be explained in terms of negative cooperativity or the presence of two kinetically distinct enzyme forms having different Km values for oxygen. Although the kinetic data do not permit a choice between the two possibilities, the occurrence in all tyrosinase preparations of two forms, resting, bicupric enzyme and “intrinsic oxytyrosinase,” lends support to the latter suggestion.
Serum prolactin concentrations in the adrenalectomized rat: relationships to puberty onset.

The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that prolactin is involved in puberty onset by comparing changes in serum prolactin (PRL) concentrations between weaning age and puberty in normal rats and in rats in which puberty was delayed by means of adrenalectomy at 22 days of age. In intact rats a consistent elevation in serum PRL was observed between 28 and 30 days of age (a rise from a mean of 8.4 ±1.4 ng/ml PRL to 24.6 ± 2.4 ng/ml PRL). After adrenalectomy at 22 days of age there was a depression of PRL lasting several hours. This was followed by an elevation which persisted for the next 48 h. The PRL elevation observed in intact rats between days 28–30 was absent in rats adrenalectomized at 22 days of age. Associated with the absence of the elevation in serum PRL, there was a delay in vaginal opening and ovulation of 4 to 5 days. Replacement therapy with corticosterone in the drinking water (80 μg/ml) resulted in normal vaginal opening and ovulation times but failed to restore the prolacti...
DIFFERENTIATION, ORGANOGENESIS, AND THE TECTONICS OF CELL WALL ORIENTATION. I. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OVULE IN COTTON'

A B S T R A C T This paper, the first of a series of three, raises the general question of the relationship between stress, organogenesis, and cell wall orientation in a growing structure. It outlines a short descriptive chronology of events in the prepollination development of the ovule in cotton and proceeds to a brief experimental comparison of nucellar development in tissue culture with and without integuments. The significance of the integuments as mechanical effectors is discussed in terms of stresses which they induce in the growing ovule. THE EARLY EMBRYOLOGY of the cotton ovule represents a classical botanical problem of differentiation. The origin and maintenance of the female gametophyte within the diploid tissues of the nucellus involves an unambiguous act of singlecell differentiation: that of the single archesporial cell within the genetically homogeneous cell mass of the immature nucellus. The consequences of this event are readily visible in the mature embryo sac, which is the female gametophyte. Current understanding of differentiation is founded upon morphological, physiological, or genetic definitions of the differentiating system. The purpose of this paper then, is to outline a picture of the cotton ovule as a mechanical system. Since the work of Gore (1932) and Ramchan
Transposition of the genitalia and Duhamel's syndrome of caudal regression

Abstract Transposition of the external genitalia is a rare congenital anomaly often associated with gastrointestinal genitourinary abnormalities. The extent to which this case shows an association of Duhamel's syndrome 1 of caudal regression and transposition of the external genitalia is felt worthy of report.
A possible origin for sulfates and sulfur in meteorites

Abstract Two possible origins for the sulfur compounds found in the carbonaceous chondrites are investigated here: oxidation of troilite by dissolved oxygen, and oxidation of troilite by dilute hydrogen peroxide solution. HOOH oxidation is concluded to be a more acceptable explanation for the observed distribution of sulfur compounds than either O 2 oxidation or previously suggested processes.
A wideband frequency-shift keying wireless link for inductively powered biomedical implants

A high data-rate frequency-shift keying (FSK) modulation protocol, a wideband inductive link, and three demodulator circuits have been developed with a data-rate-to-carrier-frequency ratio of up to 67%. The primary application of this novel FSK modulation/demodulation technique is to send data to inductively powered wireless biomedical implants at data rates in excess of 1 Mbps, using comparable carrier frequencies. This method can also be used in other applications such as radio-frequency identification tags and contactless smartcards by adding a back telemetry link. The inductive link utilizes a series-parallel inductive-capacitance tank combination on the transmitter side to provide more than 5 MHz of bandwidth. The demodulator circuits detect data bits by directly measuring the duration of each received FSK carrier cycle, as well as derive a constant frequency clock, which is used to sample the data bits. One of the demodulator circuits, digital FSK, occupies 0.29 mm/sup 2/ in the AMI 1.5-/spl mu/m, 2M/2P, standard CMOS process, and consumes 0.38 mW at 5 V. This circuit is simulated up to 4 Mbps, and experimentally tested up to 2.5 Mbps with a bit error rate of 10/sup -5/, while receiving a 5/10-MHz FSK carrier signal. It is also used in a wireless implantable neural microstimulation system.
CW RF Operation of the FMIT RFQ

The 80-MHz RFQ for the Fusion Materials Irradiation Test Facility prototype accelerator has been rf conditioned for cw operation to the design field level of 17.5 MV/m (1.68 × Kilpatrick limit). Experimental results and operating experience will be discussed.