cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A social-network-aided efficient peer-to-peer live streaming system

In current peer-to-peer (P2P) live streaming systems, nodes in a channel form a P2P overlay for video sharing. To watch a new channel, a node depends on the centralized server to join in the overlay of the channel. In today's live streaming applications, the increase in the number of channels triggers users' desire of watching multiple channels successively or simultaneously. However, the support of such watching modes in current applications is no better than joining in different channel overlays successively or simultaneously through the centralized server, which if widely used, poses a heavy burden on the server. In order to achieve higher efficiency and scalability, we propose a Social-network-Aided efficient liVe strEaming system (SAVE). SAVE regards users' channel switching or multichannel watching as interactions between channels. By collecting the information of channel interactions, nodes' interests, and watching times, SAVE forms nodes in multiple channels with frequent interactions into an overlay, constructs bridges between overlays of channels with less frequent interactions, and enables nodes to identify friends sharing similar interests and watching times. Thus, a node can connect to a new channel while staying in its current overlay, using bridges or relying on its friends, reducing the need to contact the centralized server. We further propose the channel-closeness-based chunk-pushing strategy and capacity-based chunk provider selection strategy to enhance the system performance. Extensive experimental results from the PeerSim simulator and PlanetLab verify that SAVE outperforms other systems in system efficiency and server load reduction, as well as the effectiveness of the two proposed strategies.
Likelihood Functions for Stochastic Signals in White Noise

For a general stochastic signal in white noise absolute continuity is proved and the Radon-Nikodym derivative is given. These results were stated in a previous paper (Duncan 1968). Independent of the absolute continuity result, a modification is proved for the hypothesis with signal present. This paper is a sequel to an earlier paper by the author (Duncan 1968) where likelihood functions were obtained for diffusion process signals. While the general result was noted there, in this paper we explicitly prove the more general result and show that the proof easily follows from the techniques used in the previous work. We shall also indicate in a rigorous mathematical way how the hypotheses may be changed using some results for the decomposition of supermartingales.
Energy Transfer Primers with 5- or 6-Carboxyrhodamine-6G as Acceptor Chromophores☆

Energy-transfer (ET) fluorescent primers for DNA sequencing and multiplex genetic analysis (Ju, J., Ruan, C., Fuller, C. W., Glazer, A. N., and Mathies, R. A. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92, 4347-4351) are named according to the convention D-N-A, where D is the donor, N is the number of bases between the donor and the acceptor, and A is the acceptor. Thus, a primer that carries 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) at the 5'-end and 6-carboxy-4', 5'-dichloro-2',7'-dimethoxyfluorescein (JOE) attached to a modified thymidine 10 bases away is designated F10J. We describe here new ET primers, with 5- or 6-carboxyrhodamine-6G (G5 or G6) as acceptors (with FAM as the donor) in place of JOE, with improved match in the electrophoretic mobilities of the DNA fragments extended from the ET dye-labeled primers, and less overlap in the fluorescence emission of the various labeled DNA fragments. This reduced spectral overlap is most likely due to the narrower emission from G5 or G6 in F10G compared to that from JOE in F10J. With single-stranded M13mp18 DNA as the template, a typical run with F10G6 and three other ET primers on a capillary sequencer provided DNA sequences with 99% accuracy in the first 620 bases.
Comparison of glottal area changes as measured from ultrahigh-speed photographs and photoelectric glottographs.

To determine the relationship of information on glottal area function provided by deviations sensed by the photoelectric glottograph to that derived from a frame-by-frame analysis of ultrahigh-spee...
Long-term Safety of Nebulized Lidocaine for Adults With Difficult-to-Control Chronic Cough: A Case Series

Background The long-term safety of patient-administered nebulized lidocaine for control of chronic cough has not been established. Methods We performed a retrospective study of adults who received a prescription and nurse education for nebulized lidocaine for chronic cough between 2002 and 2007. A survey questionnaire inquiring about adverse reactions and the effectiveness of nebulized lidocaine was developed and administered to these individuals after the nebulized lidocaine trial. We conducted two mailings and a postmailing phone follow-up to nonresponders. When adverse events were reported in the questionnaire response, a structured phone interview was conducted to obtain additional details. Results Of 165 eligible patients, 99 (60%) responded to the survey. Responders were a median age of 62 years (range, 29–87 years); 77 (79%) were women, and 80 (82%) were white. The median duration of cough was 5 years before treatment with nebulized lidocaine. Of the patients who used nebulized lidocaine (93% of survey responders), 43% reported an adverse event. However, none of these events required an emergency visit, hospitalization, or antibiotic therapy for aspiration pneumonia. The mean (SD) of the pretreatment cough severity score was 8.4 (1.6) and posttreatment was 5.9 (3.4) ( P Conclusions Adults tolerated self-administration of nebulized lidocaine for difficult-to-control chronic cough. No serious adverse effects occurred while providing symptomatic control in 49% of patients.
Building an inflectional stemmer for Bulgarian

The paper starts with an overview of the most important approaches to stemming for English as well as for some Slavic languages. Then, the design, implementation and evaluation of an inflectional stemmer for Bulgarian are described. The problem is addressed as a machine-learning task from a large morphological dictionary. A detailed automatic evaluation for different parameter values in terms of under-stemming, over-stemming and coverage is provided.
Strong agonist ligands for the T cell receptor do not mediate positive selection of functional CD8+ T cells

Abstract Positive selection of functional CD8 + T cells expressing an MHC class I-restricted T cell receptor can be induced in fetal thymus organ culture by class I-binding peptides related to the antigenic peptide ligand. Peptides that act as antagonist or weak agonist/antagonist ligands for mature T cells work efficiently in this regard. In the present study, we have investigated whether low concentrations of the original agonist peptide, or variants that still have a strong agonist activity can also mediate positive selection. The antigenic peptide did not Induce positive selection at any concentration tested. A strong agonist variant was capable of stimulating the differentiation of TCR hl CD8 + cells, giving the appearance of phenotypic positive selection. However, these cells lacked biological function, since they could not proliferate In response to antigen. The most efficient positive selection resulted with Ilgands that did not activate mature T cells or stimulate negative selection.
The descriptive epidemiology of infantile spasms among Atlanta children.

Summary: Purpose: To determine the population-based epidemiology of infantile spasms (IS) among Atlanta children. Methods: By using data from a cross-sectional, population-based surveillance system that included 21 EEG laboratories, we identified children born in 1975–1977 in metropolitan Atlanta with IS. Cumulative incidence up to age 2 years was estimated from the number of children with IS born in the study area in 1975–1977, and age-specific prevalence was calculated from the number of children previously diagnosed with IS who lived in the study area at age 10 years. Data regarding coexisting disabilities were available from the surveillance system for developmental disabilities. Results: The cumulative incidence of IS was 2.9/10,000 live births; half of the children with IS had cryptogenic IS. The age-specific prevalence of IS was 2.0/10,000 among 10-year-old children. Eighty-three percent of 10-year-old children with a history of IS had mental retardation (MR, IQ ≤70); 56% of children with a history of IS had profound MR (IQ <20). Developmental outcome did not differ between the children with cryptogenic IS and those with symptomatic IS. Among the 10-year-old children with profound MR who were living in Atlanta at age 10 years, 12% had a history of IS. Fifty percent of children with IS developed Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) before age 11 years. Conclusions: The syndrome of IS is rare in the general population, yet a significant percentage of all children with profound MR and severe childhood epilepsy syndromes in the general population have a history of IS.
Hormonal influence on salivary glands of chimney swift (Chaetura pelagica) in organ culture

Salivary glands from chimney swifts taken at intervals during the reproductive season were maintained in organ culture in a chemically defined medium supplemented with insulin, glucagon, prolactin, corticosterone, testosterone and crude pituitary extract in various combinations. Insulin and corticosterone or glucagon promoted survival of the tissues in vitro and insulin plus corticosterone or glucagon promoted secretory activity. Prolactin, crude pituitary extract or testosterone did not promote secretion. Essenially one hundred percent of the cultured explants survived when incubated at 37°C. However, at 44°C a large proportion of the explants failed to survive except in the presence of insulin plus corticosterone or glucagon. Prolactin did not promote survival at high incubation temperature. Hormones primarily concerned with carbohydrate metabolism appear to play an important role in in vitro survival and secretion. The appearance of secretion in vitro may be owing to the support of secretory processes initiated in vivo prior to the culture period.
New 8-hydroxyflavonoids from Solanum section Androceras

Abstract Five new 8-hydroxyflavonoids have been identified from leaves of Solanum section Androceras: 8-methoxymyricetin 3,7,4′-trimethyl ether; 8-hydroxymyricetin 3,7,4′-trimethyl ether; 8-hydroxymyricetin 8-O-glucosylxyloside 3,7,4′-trimethyl ether; 8-hydroxychrysoeriol 7-methyl ether; 8-hydroxychrysoeriol 7-O-glucoside.
Eddy Diffusion and Zone Spread in Paper Chromatography

Abstract A velocity-independent plate-height term comparable to eddy diffusion has been described for paper chromatography. This term couples with nonequilibrium lateral diffusion and is a major contribution to zone spreading at high solvent velocities. A mechanism is proposed based on random variations in Rf values caused by the inhomogeneous structure of paper. On theoretical and experimental bases it is demonstrated that maximum resolution in paper chromatography can be obtained by control of solvent velocities to values near 1 ± 10−3 cm/sec.
COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF THE PETIOLE AND INFRAGENERIC RELATIONSHIPS IN JATROPHA (EUPHORBIACEAE)

Anatomical features of the petiole in several species of Jatropha L. (Euphorbiaceae) are presented as evidence in support of infrageneric relationships. A trilacunar 3-trace nodal pattern is typical for the genus. The vascular supply to the stipules is derived from the branching of the two peripheral leaf traces. The number of vascular bundles range from 11 through 9, 7, 5 and 3, and occur in a ring, as free traces, a medullated cylinder, or as U-shaped free traces. The reduction from nine to three bundles is correlated with the gross morphological features while 11, which occurs only in the section Peltatae (Pax) Dehgan & Webster, presents an increase. Reduction in the number of petiolar traces follows the evolutionary advancement of various taxa. This reduction in traces corresponds with south-north distribution of the species and consequential adaptation to colder and more arid climates in Central America and Africa. Smaller leaves, fewer primary veins and fewer vascular traces have resulted as a response to reduced need for water. Presence of dorsal (super-numerary) bundles which supply the petiolar glands in subgenus Jatropha (= Adenoropium Pax) is considered significant, since African taxa of the section (subsection Pubescentes Pax) have retained these bundles despite the loss of petiolar glands. The latter glands are prominent in the South American and Indian species. Sectional lines in the genus can, therefore, be drawn generally on the basis of numerical constancy and relative uniformity in the arrangement of petiolar traces. The continuity of vascular bundles from the stem into the petiole and variations of bundle arrangements are depicted in three-dimensional drawings.
Transport of Chemical and Microbial Compounds from Known Wastewater Discharges: Potential for Use as Indicators of Human Fecal Contamination

The quality of drinking and recreational water is currently (2005) determined using indicator bacteria. However, the culture tests used to analyze forthese bacteria require a long time to complete and do not discriminate between human and animal fecal material sources. One complementary approach is to use chemicals found in human wastewater, which would have the advantages of (1) potentially shorter analysis times than the bacterial culture tests and (2) being selected for human-source specificity. At 10 locations, water samples were collected upstream and at two successive points downstream from a wastewaster treatment plant (WWTP); a treated effluent sample was also collected at each WWTP. This sampling plan was used to determine the persistence of a chemically diverse suite of emerging contaminants in streams. Samples were also collected at two reference locations assumed to have minimal human impacts. Of the 110 chemical analytes investigated in this project, 78 were detected at least once. The number of compounds in a given sample ranged from 3 at a reference location to 50 in a WWTP effluent sample. The total analyte load at each location varied from 0.018 microg/L at the reference location to 97.7 microg/L in a separate WWTP effluent sample. Although most of the compound concentrations were in the range of 0.01-1.0 microg/L, in some samples, individual concentrations were in the range of 5-38 microg/L. The concentrations of the majority of the chemicals present in the samples generally followed the expected trend: they were either nonexistent or at trace levels in the upstream samples, had their maximum concentrations in the WWTP effluent samples, and then declined in the two downstream samples. This research suggests that selected chemicals are useful as tracers of human wastewater discharge.
Flow-Induced Arterial Remodeling Relates to Endothelial Function in the Human Forearm

Background— Chronic changes in blood flow stimulate arterial remodeling, which contributes to the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Experimental studies suggest that remodeling represents a response to local changes in endothelial shear stress and is nitric oxide–dependent. Methods and Results— To investigate determinants of outward arterial remodeling in humans, we measured ulnar artery flow, diameter, and flow-mediated dilation before and after removal of the adjacent radial artery in 53 patients who were undergoing coronary bypass surgery (age 60±11 years; 13% female). Removal of the radial artery increased ulnar artery blood flow by 35% (P=0.009) and increased ulnar artery diameter by 9% (P<0.001) 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. At 1 week, ulnar artery shear stress was increased by 58% (P<0.001), but it was no longer different from baseline at longer-term follow-up. The contralateral ulnar artery was unaffected, which suggests that these findings were not attributable to the systemic effects of medicat...
Psychopolitical Orientations of White and Black Youth: A Test of Five Models.

The undippable flag was a beauty, and the anthem and the vacant motto might not have mattered much, if it weren't for this: a lot of citizens were so ignored and cheated and insulted that they thought they might be in the wrong country, or even on the wrong planet, that some terrible mistake had been made. It might have comforted them some if their anthem and their motto had mentioned fairness or brotherhood or hope or hapiness, had somehow welcomed them to the society and its real estate.
A new method for enzyme membrane preparation based on polyurethane technology: Electrode modification for sensor development

Abstract The new method developed for enzyme membrane preparation is based on cross-linking poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVAL) with triisocyanate (TIC) in the presence of enzyme. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was the only solvent found to dissolve PVAL, TIC and enzyme at room temperature, without completely denaturing the latter. The rate of gelation to form the desired network membrane can be controlled by the amount of solvent used. All the enzymes tested (alkaline phosphatase and alcohol, cholesterol and glucose oxidases) dissolved in DMSO and retained sufficient activity for use in electrochemical sensors. Membranes were formed on both graphite and platinized graphite electrodes. The resulting prototype sensors were examined with regard to feasibility of preparation, adhesion of the gels to the electrode surfaces, swelling properties of the gels in DMSO and aqueous buffers, and their electrochemical properties.
A Speculative Model of AChR Gating at the Frog Neuromuscular Junction

The animation depicts a speculative model of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) gating at the frog neuromuscular junction. Following a nerve impulse, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) is released from synaptic vesicles docked at the active zone of the presynaptic nerve terminal. ACh diffuses across the synaptic cleft to bind to AChRs, ligand-gated channels found at the lips of the postjunctional folds of the muscle, initiating gating, a conformational change that allows ions to flow through the channel and thereby elicit an electrical response in the muscle (the end-plate potential). In the AChR, gating involves a series of small conformational changes that propagate throughout the channel as it moves from "closed" to "open," rather than a synchronous switch in protein configuration. [Resource Details]
The role of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in mediastinal processes other than lung cancer

The role of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration has expanded to include diseases other than lung cancer. In isolated mediastinal adenopathy with a low likelihood of lung cancer, EBUS has sensitivity of 92 %, and can prevent unnecessary mediastinoscopies. The procedure has an established use in sarcoidosis (overall diagnostic yield of 79 %) and in TB lymphadenitis with negative routine cultures. While the evidence in support of EBUS in lymphoma is not as robust, the technique may be used as a minimally invasive first-line diagnostic test. Novel roles for EBUS, such as the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism, have also been described.
Body Electric: Wireless Power Transfer for Implant Applications

The electrical properties of biological cells, tissues, and organs studied in electrophysiology not only provide information about the normal/abnormal activities of human bodies but also provide a means to directly restore, repair, replace, or recreate physiological functions in humans to improve quality of life. For example, cardiac pacemakers, implanted in millions of patients, deliver electrical pulses into the right atrium and/or the right/both ventricles to control abnormal heart rhythms. Electrical activities of neurons such as action potentials (specific waveforms of voltage fired by neurons) have been studied for neurodisorders. Recordings of electric signals spatially and temporally around the brain and central nervous system, such as electroencephalography [(EEG) electrical activities along the scalp from the brain] and evoked potential responses (measurement of the time and waveform changes for nerves in other parts of the body in response to electrical stimulation of the brain), help to understand brain functions and diagnose diseases such as multiple sclerosis (nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord gradually degrade causing problems in muscle control and cognition). As activation to targeted tissues, neurostimulation triggers neurons with electrical voltages or currents to excite signal propagation in the nervous system to restore functions. Sensations such as hearing and vision can be restored by cochlear or retinal implants. Tremors can be controlled with deep brain stimulation in the subthalamic nucleus and the globus pallidus interna areas to manage Parkinson?s Disease and dystonia (both with symptoms of involuntary muscle contractions and tremors). Chronic pain can be inhibited by electrically stimulating the periaqueductal gray and periventricular gray areas in the brain for nociceptive pain, and the ventral posterolateral/posteromedial nucleus for neuropathic pain. Brain?computer interfaces have been developed for motor neuroprosthetics, such as robotic hands, arms, or legs that can be controlled by thoughts with decoded action potentials or EEG signals from the brain for patients with paralysis. Recently, experiments on electrical stimulation in the uperolateral branch of the medial forebrain bundle have found a significant antidepressant effect for major depression, especially treatment-resistant depression.
A CONVENIENT PREPARATION OF 1-BROMO-2-FLUORONAPHTHALENE

(1981). A CONVENIENT PREPARATION OF 1-BROMO-2-FLUORONAPHTHALENE. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 349-352.
The anergic B cell.

In this issue of Blood , Isnardi and colleagues describe a phenotypically distinct population of autoreactive B cells that have become functionally limited upon stimulation, or “anergic.”[1][1] Importantly, these cells are found at increased frequency in some rheumatoid arthritis patients and in
Advanced Photonic Integration and the Revolution in Optical Networks

Advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) have changed the way capacity is added to optical networks. This paper outlines the operational challenges of scaling WDM optical networks to support Internet growth rates using traditional approaches. It describes the advantages PIC-based solutions offer in terms of size, simplicity, power consumption, and reliability. Future directions enabled by advanced photonic integration are considered.
Clinical use of hematopoietic growth factors in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

The use of the recombinant hematopoietic growth factors G-CSF and GM-CSF have shortened the period of neutropenia, or avoided this problem, in many cancer patients who have received cytotoxic therapy. Although these benefits have been particularly striking in the autologous bone marrow and/or autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplant setting, most data suggest that the use of G-CSF and GM-CSF only marginally enhance recovery of the neutrophil count when administered after allogeneic bone marrow infusion. Furthermore, in the allograft setting these expensive agents have not provided benefit in the form of enhanced platelet count recovery, lessening the incidence of graft-versus-host disease, or improvement in overall survival. These data do not justify routine widespread use of G-CSF and GM-CSF and suggest that these agents should be reserved for patients who experience delay in engraftment after allogeneic bone marrow infusion. Administration of erythropoietin, on the other hand, may reduce the need for homologous red blood cell transfusions, and may increase the safety margin for both the allogeneic bone marrow recipient and as well as the donor. Recombinant hematopoietic growth factors targetted specifically to enhance platelet recovery after transplantation (such as interleukin-3, interleukin-6, and interleukin-11) have shown promise after autotransplantation and after conventional dose chemotherapy, and likely will be evaluated in the allogeneic transplant patient.
The noise immunity of gradiometer coils for14N NQR land mine detection: Practical limitations

Magnetic resonance measurements in the field, such as for land mine detection using14N nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR), must deal with large levels of environmental radio-frequency interference. One approach to minimize the level of interference which enters the NQR receiver is the use of a coil with no magnetic dipole moment. Such a coil is, ideally, sensitive only to spatial gradients of the magnetic fields and is referred to as a gradiometer. It is straightforward to estimate the amount of reduction one can expect for an ideal gradiometer. Here it is shown that for14N NQR land mine detection in practice, the ultimate level of interference received can be expected to be significantly greater than what one would expect solely due to these spatial gradients. This is due to the fact that it is quite difficult to construct an ideal gradiometer.
Drilling and Completion Cost in the Louisiana Haynesville Shale, 2007–2012

Well construction costs comprise the largest component of the capital expenditures required in onshore development, but detailed cost studies at a play level based on actual cost has never been presented in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate well construction cost in the Louisiana Haynesville shale from 2007 to 2012 and present cost statistics and correlations at a regional and operator level. Over half of the wells constructed in Louisiana’s Haynesville shale since its discovery cost between $8 and $11 million to drill and complete, and the average well cost is $9.95 million. EP Energy LLC realized the lowest average drilling and completion cost at $8.4 million per well, and the highest average cost among leading operators was Swepi LP at $11.1 million per well. We conclude with an empirical analysis of learning effects.
Maternal periodontal disease, systemic inflammation, and risk for preeclampsia

Objective Maternal periodontal disease, a chronic oral infectious and inflammatory disorder, is associated with an increased risk for preeclampsia. Our objective was to determine the relationship between maternal periodontal disease, maternal systemic inflammation, and the development of preeclampsia. Study Design A secondary analysis of data from the Oral Conditions and Pregnancy Study was performed. A cohort of healthy pregnant women enrolled at less than 26 weeks underwent an oral health examination, serum sampling, and delivery follow-up. Periodontal disease was categorized clinically as present or absent. Maternal serum was assayed for C-reactive protein by high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and stratified as elevated (≥ 75th percentile) or not elevated ( 140/90 mmHg and at least 1+ proteinuria on a catheterized urine specimen. Risk ratios (RR) for preeclampsia were calculated, stratified by periodontal disease and C-reactive protein level. Results Thirty-one (4%) of 775 women with complete data developed preeclampsia. Women with CRP ≥ 75th percentile were more likely than those with CRP P Conclusion Maternal periodontal disease with systemic inflammation as measured by C-reactive protein is associated with an increased risk for preeclampsia.
A parameterized model for REE distribution between low-Ca pyroxene and basaltic melts with applications to REE partitioning in low-Ca pyroxene along a mantle adiabat and during pyroxenite-derived melt and peridotite interaction

Low-Ca pyroxenes play an important role in mantle melting, melt-rock reaction, and magma differentiation processes. In order to better understand REE fractionation during adiabatic mantle melting and pyroxenite-derived melt and peridotite interaction, we developed a parameterized model for REE partitioning between low-Ca pyroxene and basaltic melts. Our parameterization is based on the lattice strain model and a compilation of published experimental data, supplemented by a new set of trace element partitioning experiments for low-Ca pyroxenes produced by pyroxenite-derived melt and peridotite interaction. To test the validity of the assumptions and simplifications used in the model development, we compared model-derived partition coefficients with measured partition coefficients for REE between orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene in well-equilibrated peridotite xenoliths. REE partition coefficients in low-Ca pyroxene correlate negatively with temperature and positively with both calcium content on the M2 site and aluminum content on the tetrahedral site of pyroxene. The strong competing effect between temperature and major element compositions of low-Ca pyroxene results in very small variations in REE partition coefficients in orthopyroxene during adiabatic mantle melting when diopside is in the residue. REE partition coefficients in orthopyroxene can be treated as constants at a given mantle potential temperature during decompression melting of lherzolite and diopside-bearing harzburgite. In the absence of diopside, partition coefficients of light REE in orthopyroxene vary significantly, and such variations should be taken into consideration in geochemical modeling of REE fractionation in clinopyroxene-free harzburgite. Application of the parameterized model to low-Ca pyroxenes produced by reaction between pyroxenite-derived melt and peridotite revealed large variations in the calculated REE partition coefficients in the low-Ca pyroxenes. Temperature and composition of starting pyroxenite must be considered when selecting REE partition coefficients for pyroxenite-derived melt and peridotite interaction.
Indeterminacy in the social sciences

It is maintained that a principle of indeterminacy exists in the social sciences which bears some resemblance to the Heisenberg principle in the realm of physics. In the social sciences, however, the principle is grounded not on physical interference, but on the capacity of human beings to alter their behavior on the basis of changing conceptions of their social condition, and so the contention of writers like Nagel ‘that no distinct principle of explanation is involved’ must be rejected. The paper concludes with a brief consideration of the causes of social indeterminacy, which suggests that the phenomenon is ineradicable.
Refractive state and visual acuity in the hooded rat.

Abstract Rats were trained to discriminate horizontal vs vertical stripes in a maze, and tested on stripes subtending 0.5°, 1°, 2° and 4° of visual angle at various distances from the choice point. The limit of acuity for most rats was 1° at a distance of 20 and 30 cm from the choice point. The majority of the animals performed best at only one distance from the choice point and the rest over a limited range of distances. Transfer of learning of an easy discrimination was better at the distances associated with maximal acuity than at others.
Chinese meets Malay meets English: origins of Singaporean English word-final high tone

This article investigates the origins of the word-final high tone in Chinese speakers’ Colloquial Singaporean English (CSE). Uniquely among Chinese Englishes, high tone is not attracted to stress, but to word-final position, e.g., hiˈbiscus [LˈMH]. Since this tonal pattern has no convincing match in Singapore’s major Chinese varieties, the author proposes that its ultimate source is indigenous Malay speakers’ phrase-final intonational rise. New recordings provide evidence for transfer via the formerly widespread Malay-based pidgin known as Bazaar Malay, reinforced by the Baba Malay creole of earlier Chinese settlers as well as Indian English. This proposed path of transmission from indigenous Malay > Bazaar Malay > Chinese CSE begs two questions: why did transfer occur from a non-native language, and why did the final high boundary tone become more frequent with each transfer? The author discusses these issues in the light of findings from SLA, third language acquisition, and creole studies, which show th...
The structure and function of A1 and A2B adenosine receptors

Abstract Of the four G protein coupled adenosine receptor (AR) subtypes, the A 1 is best suited for studies of reconstitution with G proteins. Recombinant A 1 receptors extended with hexahistidine and FLAG have been purified to near homogeneity. In reconstitution assays using pure recombinant G protein subunits, the composition of the γ subunit influences coupling to purified A 1 ARs. The least well characterized AR is the A 2B . New data indicate that A 2B ARs can trigger the degranulation of canine and human mast cell lines. Recombinant human A 2B ARs are blocked by the anti-asthma drugs theophylline and enprofylline at concentrations that are used therapeutically to treat asthma. Although A 2B ARs have long been known to stimulate adenylyl cyclase, they also can activate phospholipase C and mobilize Ca 2+ by signaling through Gq/11. There is great potential for new therapies based on compounds that selectively target individual AR subtypes.
ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) CT 2011—executive summary

In August of 2001, under the guidance of Dr. Tom Slovis, the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR) organized the first of an ongoing series of multidisciplinary conferences to discuss current dose issues in pediatric imaging. This first meeting was dedicated to ALARA CT in children [1]. Since then there have been several additional, wellattended, SPR-sponsored ALARA conferences including computed/digital radiography [2], fluoroscopy and interventional radiology [3], emergency medicine [4] and oncology [5]. After a decade we have now come full circle back to CT. The sixth overall ALARA conference, and second ALARA CT conference, organized by Drs. Beverley Newman and Michael Callahan with the help of a superb group of advisers and the indispensable administrative assistance of Karen Schmitt, was held in Dallas, Texas, on March 5–6, 2011, sponsored by the SPR and ACR. Generous financial support for the conference was provided by GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, and Toshiba AmericaMedical Systems. There were 15 course faculty members, including 12 radiologists, 2 medical physicists, and one pediatric emergency medicine physician. There were 130 attendees, including physicians, technologists, physicists and trainees. The conference consisted of six individual sessions, each with its own theme relevant to pediatric CT imaging and radiation dose. There were two lunch and dinner corporate educational sessions representing the four sponsoring vendors, who were each asked to address their approach to problems and solutions regarding dose reduction and ALARA CT in children. The 2011 ALARA CT conference provided an international forum for the presentation of current, clinically relevant issues related to the practice of pediatric CT imaging. This supplement to the Pediatric Radiology journal contains peer-reviewed manuscripts from the material presented at the 2011 ALARA CT conference.
On a new bivariate mean

A new bivariate mean is introduced and studied. The mean under discussion is defined as the degenerate case of the completely symmetric elliptic integral of the second kind. Its relationship with the Schwab–Borchardt mean is established. Four particular cases of the mean in question are discussed. Sharp bounds and the Ky Fan inequalities for the quadruple of new means are established.
Do experienced hearing aid users know how to use their hearing AIDS correctly

Purpose To assess experienced hearing aid users' ability to use their hearing aids correctly. Method In this study, we developed the Practical Hearing Aid Skills Test (PHAST) to objectively test a ...
Primary culture of canine prostate epithelial cells

Epithelial-cell enriched primary cultures were established from canine prostate by a collagenase digestion and selective attachment procedure. The epithelial cells in primary culture retained differentiated structure and function. The epithelial cells were attached to one another by tight junctions and desmosomes to form “lumenlike structures” that resemble the acini of the intact organ and appeared to contain typical protein synthetic organelles (1,2). The cultures contained significant levels of acid phosphatase and ornithine decarboxylase (2) and retained the ability to metabolize testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and other 5α-reduced metabolites (2–4).
The Role of Government in Disaster Management: The Case of the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill Compensation:

Despite trends toward decentralized disaster management inclusive of local governments, civil organizations, and the private sector, we see centralized management and strong government involvement in the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage and the International Oil Pollution Compensation's compensation for large oil spills around the world including the Hebei Spirit oil spill in Korea. Why does the government inevitably become involved and provide a portion of the compensation when the settlement is to occur between the insured company and the affected groups and individuals? To answer this question I examine government's role in disaster management, broadly, and the role of government in disaster compensation, specifically, examining the case of the Hebei Spirit oil spill that occurred off the coast of Korea in December 2007. We witness some structural constraints as well as local-specific reasons for centralization in the Korean case. The slow progress of compensation wa...
Bortezomib-induced enzyme-targeted radiotherapy (BETR) for AIDS-related malignancies: efficacy assessment by Monte Carlo and dosimetry modeling

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with AIDS-induced lymphomas and Kaposi's sarcoma, and in most patients with these tumors, the viral genome serves as a nearly tumor-specific target. BETR therapy proposes to use Bortezomib to induce Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-thymidine kinase (TK) expression, which can be targeted with iodine labeled 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxy-beta-D-5-iodouracil-arabinofuranoside (FIAU). Monte Carlo is an established procedure for simulating radioactive decay and obtaining the absorbed dose distribution from a spatial configuration of radionuclide decays. We present here the Monte Carlo simulation and dosimetry modeling of spherical tumors using GEANT4 for BETR to examine the issue of efficacy relative to percentage of cells induced to express viral TK, in particular for a level of 1 percent, which is the typical percentage of virally infected tumor cells for the AIDS-induced lymphomas. We constructed a spherical tumor model of spherical cells (15 μm diameter) in a hexagonal lattice of varying sizes (~10, 20, 50, and 150 cells per side). 131I is randomly allowed to decay according to three different models with varying degrees of 131I cell uptake: 100 percent of cells, 10 percent of cells, and 1 percent of cells containing 131I. The energy deposited in each cell is collected and the dose to each cell calculated. Validation was performed, in part, by checking the MC-derived distribution of decaying 131I within the cells, and the spatial distribution of cells. The model can be scaled to the tumor size by maintaining the correct ratio of decaying particles to cells and by increasing the amount of deposited energy per decay. The scaling factor comes from simple spherical modeling results, and reflects the fact that the ionizing particles have more distance to deposit energy as the tumor size increases. Also due to the large energy deposition range of 131I (~1 mm) compared to the cell size, we observe little difference in the dose distribution per cell between the different percentages of active cells. The analysis suggests that potential therapeutic efficacy, as measured by the mean absorbed dose and spatial dose distribution in the tumor will be independent of the fraction of cells in the tumor that express viral TK and concentrate 131I-FIAU. The development of a kinetic model is the next step in this effort to assist in assessing the feasibility of porting Bortezomib-induced viral TK uptake of 131I-FIAU to clinical trials. The kinetic model features multi-step kinetics including Bortezomib uptake, TK expression and [131I]FIAU absorption and retention.
Real-time airborne gamma-ray background estimation using NASVD with MLE and radiation transport for calibration

Abstract Helicopter-mounted gamma-ray detectors can provide law enforcement officials the means to quickly and accurately detect, identify, and locate radiological threats over a wide geographical area. The ability to accurately distinguish radiological threat-generated gamma-ray signatures from background gamma radiation in real time is essential in order to realize this potential. This problem is non-trivial, especially in urban environments for which the background may change very rapidly during flight. This exacerbates the challenge of estimating background due to the poor counting statistics inherent in real-time airborne gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements. To address this challenge, we have developed a new technique for real-time estimation of background gamma radiation from aerial measurements without the need for human analyst intervention. The method can be calibrated using radiation transport simulations along with data from previous flights over areas for which the isotopic composition need not be known. Over the examined measured and simulated data sets, the method generated accurate background estimates even in the presence of a strong, 60 Co source. The potential to track large and abrupt changes in background spectral shape and magnitude was demonstrated. The method can be implemented fairly easily in most modern computing languages and environments.
Characterization of myocardial scars: Electrophysiological imaging correlates in a porcine infarct model

Background Definition of myocardial scars as identified by electroanatomic mapping is integral to catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT). Myocardial imaging can also identify scars prior to ablation. However, the relationship between imaging and voltage mapping is not well characterized. Objective The purpose of this study was to verify the anatomic location and heterogeneity of scars as obtained by electroanatomic mapping with contrast-enhanced MRI (CeMRI) and histopathology, and to characterize the distribution of late potentials in a chronic porcine infarct model. Methods In vivo 3-dimensional cardiac CeMRI was performed in 5 infarcted porcine hearts. High-density electroanatomic mapping was used to generate epicardial and endocardial voltage maps. Scar surface area and position on CeMRI were then correlated with voltage maps. Locations of late potentials were subsequently identified. These were classified according to their duration and fractionation. All hearts underwent histopathological examination after mapping. Results The total dense scar surface area and location on CeMRI correlated to the total epicardial and endocardial surface scar on electroanatomic maps. Electroanatomic mapping (average of 1,532 ± 480 points per infarcted heart) showed that fractionated late potentials were more common in dense scars ( Conclusion In vivo, CeMRI can identify areas of transmural and nontransmural dense scars. Fractionated late diastolic potentials are more common on the epicardium than the endocardium in dense scar. These findings have implications for catheter ablation of VT and for targeting the delivery of future therapies to scarred regions.
Responses of Rat Pleural Mesothelia to Increased Intrathoracic Pressure

Direct measurements of pleural fluid hydrostatic and colloid osmotic pressures after infusion of saline, bovine serum albumin, or silicone into the pleural space were coupled with ultrastructural morphometric analyses to assess the response of pleural mesothelial cells to hydrothorax. Increases of hydrostatic pressure, either independent or in combination with decreases of osmotic pressure, served to increase the number of plasmalemmal vesicles in mesothelial cells of both the visceral and parietal pleurae. These results support the hypothesis that an increase in vesicle numerical density represents a response to elevations of extracellular fluid pressures. Fluid resorption from the pleural space with subsequent accumulation within the visceral pleural interstitium was also associated with the formation of invaginations of the mesothelial basal plasmalemma. That the invaginations were not observed in the absence of interstitial fluid accumulation supports the concept that basal surface invaginations repre...
A new methodology for predicting human pharmacokinetics for inhaled drugs from oratracheal pharmacokinetic data in rats.

Prediction of pharmacokinetic (PK) profile for inhaled drugs in humans provides valuable information to aid toxicology safety assessment, evaluate the potential for systemic accumulation on multiple dosing and enable an estimate for the clinical plasma assay requirements.The accuracy in prediction of inhaled human PK profiles for seven inhaled drugs or drug candidates (salmeterol, salbutamol, formoterol, fluticasone propionate, budesonide, CP-325366 and UK-432097) was assessed using rat oratracheal solution and dry powder PK data. The prediction methodology incorporates allometric scaling and mean residence time (MRT) principles with a two compartmental PK approach.Across the range of compounds tested, the prediction of human inhaled maximum concentration (Cmax) and MRT was within 2-fold for 5 of the 7 compounds, providing an accuracy of prediction similar to the current methodologies used to predict human oral Cmax from preclinical data ().Administering as a dry powder formulation slowed the rat lung abs...
Slew Maneuver of a Flexible Spacecraft Using On-Off Thrusters

A closed loop switching function for single-axis slew maneuvers of spacecraft using on-off thrusters is investigated by analytical simulations and experimental demonstrations. The proposed switching function provides flexibility of controlling multiple firing and pointing errors in the presence of modelling errors and structural flexibility. The proposed switching functions for three-axis maneuver of a rigid body are also investigated by analytical simulations. The analytical and experimental results show that the proposed switching function can result in significant improvement of the slew maneuver performance.
Of Golf, Capitalism, and Socialism: An Empirical Analysis

On July 13, 1977, Armen A. Alchian wrote the Wall Street Journal editorial “Of Golf, Capitalism, and Socialism.” The question Alchian posed was why golf is predominant in capitalist societies but not in socialist ones. Alchian explained that golf is not a sport alone but also a lifestyle, “a manifestation of the essential human spirit” (Alchian, Collected Works of Armen A. Alchian, 2006). Because golf’s rules and procedures require self-reliance and independence, it is a purely capitalistic sport. Alchian’s article suggests an interesting hypothesis: is golf, in fact, more prevalent in capitalist countries? Using cross-sectional data from 74 countries we examine the relationship between the number of golf courses in each country and their Economic Freedom of the World Index (EFW) ranking. Alchian argued that if golf were ever to emerge in communist ruled countries it would “surely be where the latent, but suppressed, capitalistic spirit is the strongest” (Alchian, Collected Works of Armen A. Alchian, 2006). He specifically noted the Czech Republic had seven courses prior to World War II and, therefore, it was not surprising that they were a “trouble-some people” (Alchian, Collected Works of Armen A. Alchian, 2006). Thus, we should not be surprised that the Czech Republic made such great economic transitions from the Soviet system. Gwartney and Lawson (Economic Freedom of the World: 2008 Annual Report, 2008) report prior to 1989 the Czech Republic had an estimated EFW ranking of 3 and an EFW ranking of 6.84, as of 2006 while Russia went from 3 to 5.91. The EFW data will determine if the former Soviet countries have experienced enough of a capitalist transition to see golf courses develop while controlling for GDP and population. Atl Econ J DOI 10.1007/s11293-011-9267-1