cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SR-2508: A 2-nitroimidazole amide which should be superior to misonidazole as a radiosensitizer for clinical use

Abstract Using a combination of toxicological, pharmacological and radiosensitization experiments on cells in vitro and tumors in vivo , we have selected two 2-nitroimidadole amidos which should prove superior to misoaidazole (MIS) for clinical use. The two drugs, SR-2508 and SR-2555, are considered to be close to the optimum for variants of misonidazole of the same electron affinity; their main difference is a lower lipophilicity than MIS. This lower lipophilicity leads to poorer penetration into neural tissues than that of MIS and this leads, as expected, to lower neurotoxicity of these drugs compared to MIS (as judged by an accelerating rotarod test following 4–5 weeks of daily injections). The in vitro radiosensitization tests on hypoxic Chinese hamster ovary HA-1 cells show that SR-2508 and MIS have the same radiosensitization efficiency but are slightly more potent as radiosensitizers than SR-2555. For the in vivo radiosensitization experiments we used the in vivo-in vitro cloning assay with the EMT6 tumor, the regrowth assay with RIF-1 and KHJJ tumors and the TCD 50 assay with the MDAH/MCa4 carcinoma. All show roughly equivalent levels of radiosensitization of both SR-2508 and SR-2555 to MIS although, as predicted by the in vitro results, SR-2555 is slightly inferior to SR-21.508. We conclude that, although SR-2555 appears to be slightly less neurotoxic than SR-2508, its lower radiosensitizing efficacy is likely to make it less attractive than SR-2508 as a replacement for MIS for clinical use. Extrapolating the neurotoxicity data obtained in the mouse together with pharmacological studies of SR-2508 in spontaneous tumors of the dog, we estimate that levels of SR-2508 of at least 7.5 times those of MIS will be able to be achieved in human tumors for the equivalent level of neurotoxicity. This should enable essentially maximum radlosensitization of the hypoxic cells in human tumors to be obtained in conventional daily fractionation.
Electroconvulsive therapy emergence agitation and succinylcholine dose.

In this prospective study, five patients who had repeatedly shown troublesome restless emergence agitation after each of 20 sessions of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with a succinylcholine dose about .7 mg/kg showed no agitation after 15 ECT sessions in which the succinylcholine dose was increased to about 1.0 mg/kg. The probability that the pattern of response to higher succinylcholine dose resulted from random processes is less than .005. This provides evidence that patients predisposed to emergence agitation are sensitive to seizure-induced metabolic changes in skeletal muscle tissue and that the likelihood of emergence agitation rises with the ratio of skeletal muscle mass to succinylcholine dose. Because ECT-inducted serum lactate elevations are blocked by succinylcholine, emergence agitation might be essentially the same phenomenon as lactate-induced panic.
Lacustrine turbidites as indicators of Holocene storminess and climate: Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Sediment cores from Lake Tahoe permit the discrimination of turbidites initiated by seismic-induced debris flows from those generated by severe storms and associated hyperpycnal currents over the last 7000 years using integrated textural, magnetic, and geochemical signatures. Relative to fine-grained ‘background’ sediments, the majority of Tahoe turbidites exhibit coincident trends of increased mean grain size, increased magnetic susceptibility, decreased TOC, higher δ13Corg and variable C/N. We interpret these characteristics to record the rapid influx of terrigenous sediments within runoff from the watershed triggered by high-intensity storms. Correlation of multiple, individual turbidites between cores suggests a synchronicity of occurrence, supporting the model of extreme hydrologic events as the trigger for most turbidity currents into Lake Tahoe. In contrast, turbidites generated by seismic collapse of steep lake margins would have textural, magnetic and geochemical signatures that would reflect a homogenized mix of autochthonous biogenic debris and multiple older turbidites. Only one of the turbidites in the cores appears to be seismically generated. A second component of this study tested the hypothesis that turbidite clustering reflects phases of increased storminess, paleoprecipitation and lake level. We correlated broad patterns of turbidite frequency in the Tahoe cores with climate proxies from (1) elsewhere in the Tahoe watershed, (2) the western Great Basin (primarily Pyramid Lake) and (3) the San Francisco bay estuary. The reasonable degree of temporal overlap suggests that apparent trends in severe storm frequency recorded by clusters of turbidites provides a measure of long-term regional paleoprecipitation and lake level. A key finding is an extended phase of dryness and a near absence of major storms between ~3000 and ~900 cal yr B.P. in the Tahoe watershed.
Asymptotic distribution of some quadratic functionals of linear stochastic evolution systems

A function space asymptotic distribution of quadratic functionals induced from an unknown system is obtained in terms of a multi-dimensional Wiener process where the control is a linear transformation of the state that depends smoothly on the unknown parameters. The result is easily specialized to the asymptotic distribution of the family of random variables formed as the upper limit of the integrals of the quadratic terms is varied. The result provides a measure of the dependence of such a quadratic functional on a family of strongly consistent estimates of the unknown parameters, and in some cases it provides an interesting contrast with the case of all known parameters. In this paper, it is shown that, for some linear stochastic evolution systems, there are special feedback control laws where the variance of the asymptotic normal distribution of the average costs is less for the control law based on the estimates of the parameters than for the control law based on the true parameter values. This phenomenon does not occur if the feedback control laws are optimal stationary controls.
Ontogenetic dietary shifts and morphological correlates in striped mullet, Mugil cephalus

Ontogenetic dietary shifts are well studied in fishes. However, these shifts are rarely correlated with habitat and morphology. This study investigates: (1) ontogenetic dietary changes in mullet; and if dietary shifts do occur (2) whether they are correlated with feeding location, feeding behavior and/or feeding morphology. Stomach contents from eight size classes, each with 25 individuals, were analyzed using a gravimetric sieve fractionation procedure, Czechanowski's Quantitative Index and cluster analysis. Core samples (5 mm deep) were also analyzed in the same manner. Morphological characters were measured to detect differences among the size classes. Cluster analysis showed three distinct trophic units for Mugil cephalus in Cross Bayou: (1) 20.0 mm standard length — 30.0 mm SL; (2) 30.0 mm SL — 40.0 mm SL; and (3) 40.0 mm SL — > 100 mm SL. Comparison of the gut contents to the sediment contents for each size class showed an increase in similarity as the fish grew. Mullet gut contents from fish 20–25 mm SL were only 45% similar based on the weights of the prey items to the sediment subsample prey items, while stomach contents from fish > 100 mm SL were 84% similar to the sediment subsample contents. Gill raker length and interraker spacing of four gill arches were allometric with respect to standard length. Prey particle size within size classes appeared to be more correlated with feeding behavior than gill interraker spacing because smaller particles than predicted by the interraker spacing were ingested. It is suggested that smaller fish may be browsing more selectively than larger fish which graze.
Factors contributing to creep strengthening in discontinuously-reinforced materials

Abstract There have been several experimental investigations of the creep behavior of materials with discontinuous reinforcement. For these materials, logarithmic plots of the steady-state or minimum strain rate against the applied stress usually reveal significant curvature such that the stress exponent, determined from the slope of the line, increases with decreasing stress. Plots of this nature are usually interpreted by invoking a threshold stress, σo and replacing the applied stress, σ, with an effective stress, defined as (σ−σo). This paper examines the implications of this approach using published creep data for several aluminum-based materials. It is shown that the introduction of an effective stress leads to a stress exponent that is similar to that observed in the unreinforced matrix material but, nevertheless, the creep rates in the reinforced materials are often significantly slower than in the matrix. This difference is examined with reference to the occurrence of load transfer and substructure strengthening.
Just-World Reasoning in Children's Immanent Justice Judgments.

The present study investigated the belief by Piaget that immanent justice responses occur when fairness judgments override conceptions of physical causality in young (6-8 years) children's understanding of a certain type of story. The structure of Piaget's stimulus stories was analyzed, and they were found to involve 3 narrative elements: motive valence, outcome valence, and causal connection. These 3 factors were crossed to create 8 types of stories, one of which (e.g., a character with a bad motive receives a negative outcome which is noncausally related to the previous motive) was the type used by Piaget. It was predicted that 2 types of stories would yield immanent justice responses: good motive/positive outcome/noncausal and bad motive/negative outcome/noncausal. Subjects received 4 stories and answered the Piagetian immanent justice questions and rated outcome fairness. Subjects were 48 each of children in grades 1, 3, and 5 and 38 college students. Results supported the prediction that children use the belief in a just world in immanent justice judgements. Language: en
Group vs. Individual Performance in a Price-Searching Experiment

Abstract We report results of an experiment evaluating performance of small groups relative to individuals in an iterated monopoly-pricing problem. Profits generated by 10 three-person groups and 18 individuals in six nominal groups are compared. Half of the sessions were conducted under a “coarse-grid” treatment in which price choices were restricted to 25-cent increments. The remaining sessions were conducted under a more complicated “fine-grid” treatment in which price choices were allowed in 5-cent increments. The problem is well suited to an investigation of learning by groups relative to individuals: solutions are not obvious and substantial learning occurs in both environments. Although in the coarse-grid treatment groups perform no better than individuals, in the fine-grid treatment groups respond better to feedback than individuals and generate higher profits in later periods. We conjecture that superior learning by groups is a consequence of error-checking by groups, unhampered by any source of bias that would induce common errors across individuals.
The biology and ecology of tintinnid ciliates. Models for marine plankton

The biology and ecology of tintinnid ciliates. Models for marine plankton Edited by John R. Dolan, David J.S.Montagnes, Sabine Agatha, D. Wayne Coats and Diane K. Stoecker Chichester, UK, John Wile...
Risk of mother-reported child abuse in the first 3 years of life

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate, within an at-risk population, parent and child characteristics associated with a mother’s self-reports of severe physical assault and assault on the self-esteem of the child in the first 3 years of life. Design: The study population consisted of a community-based sample of mothers of newborns identified as at-risk for child maltreatment ( n =595). Families were assessed annually from the child’s birth through age 3 using instruments with established psychometric properties. Independent variables investigated included: family socio-demographics, parity, mother’s social support, maternal depression, maternal problem drug or alcohol use, partner violence, child’s age, child’s sex, low birth weight/small for gestational age (SGA), and mother’s perception of child’s demand level. Associations with maltreatment were examined using multivariable methods for longitudinal data. Results: Child severe physical assault was significantly associated with parent characteristics (maternal depression and partner violence); and child characteristics (SGA). Assault to the child’s self-esteem was significantly associated with maternal depression, maternal illicit drug use, partner violence and mother’s perception of child’s demand level. Controlling for family sociodemographic characteristics did not change the associations. Likewise, while mother’s perception of child demand level had an independent association with self-esteem assault, the associations described above persisted while demand level was held constant. In this high-risk sample, abuse was not associated with mother’s age, education, race, parity, or household income level. Conclusions: While characteristics such as SGA can serve as markers for increased abuse risk, they are not amenable to intervention after the child is born. However, certain other risk factors, such as maternal depression and domestic violence are malleable and should be targeted for intervention with the goal of preventing child maltreatment.
Neutron-Induced Damage to Silicon Rectifiers

As transistors become more radiation tolerant, renewed importance must be attached to the degradation of diode performance in a radiation environment. The dominant effect in most rectifiers is the increase in series resistance due to the removal of majority carriers from the conduction process in the base material. The initial conductivity of the base material and recent experimental data on carrier removal rates are used to predict the amount of degradation in the electrical characteristics of a rectifier exposed to a neutron environment; the initial conductivity of the base material may be obtained from diode design information or it may be estimated from the value of the avalanche breakdown voltage. Experimental data are presented which, in general, substantiate the predictions. In particular, diodes with a breakdown voltage of less than 100 volts appear to be usable to neutron fluxes in excess of 1014 n/cm2. Gold doping seems to increase radiation tolerance.
Mega code evaluation: the development of graded criteria

We developed an objective evaluation tool for grading students' performances in the advanced cardiac life support mega code. Specific functions for each student role are delineated. Each function is linked to a point system yielding an actual grade for each role, and pass/fail criteria are based on this grade. Use of the tool can eliminate instructor subjectivity and provide a permanent record of the student's performance.
Ammonium and nitrate uptake by leaves of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum: impact of hydrodynamic regime and epiphyte cover on uptake rates

Seagrasses rely on the uptake of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) from both sediment pore water and the water column for metabolic processes. Rates at which their leaves remove nutrients from the water column may be influenced by physiological factors, such as enzyme kinetics, and physical factors, including water flow and the presence of epiphytes on the leaf surface. While there is some evidence of the individual effects of these factors on uptake rates for individual plants, there is little information on the effects of these factors on seagrasses that are situated in their natural environment. In order to isolate the combined effects of water flow and epiphyte cover on uptake rates for Thalassia testudinum leaves while they were situated in a natural canopy we applied 15N-labeled ammonium and 15N-labeled nitrate in a series of field flume experiments. Hydrodynamic parameters related to thickness of diffusive boundary layers, including bottom shear stress and the rate of turbulent energy dissipation, were estimated from velocity profiles collected with an acoustic Doppler velocimeter. Rates of NH4+ uptake for leaves with and without epiphyte cover were proportional to bottom shear stress and energy dissipation rate, while rates of NO3− uptake were not. For epiphytes, rates of both NH4+ and NO3− uptake were dependent on hydrodynamic parameters. Epiphytes covering the leaf surface reduced rates of NH4+ uptake for seagrass leaves by an amount proportional to the spatial area covered by the epiphytes (∼90%) and although epiphytes reduced NO3− uptake rates, the amount was not proportional to the extent of epiphyte cover. Results suggest that the rate at which seagrass leaves removed ammonium was limited by the rate of delivery to the surface of the leaves and was greatly reduced due to blockage of active uptake sites by epiphytes. Conversely, rates of nitrate uptake for the seagrass leaves were limited by the rate at which the leaves could process nitrate rather than the rate of delivery. Our findings quantitatively demonstrate the potential impact of hydrodynamic regime and epiphyte cover on rates of DIN uptake by T. testudinum leaves and how the importance of these factors in affecting uptake rates can vary depending on the form of DIN being assimilated.
A role for assisted evolution in designing native plant materials for domesticated landscapes

Developers of native plant propagation materials for wildland restoration may emphasize naturally occurring genetic patterns or, in contrast, the material's empirical performance in comparative field trials. We contend that both approaches have value and need not be mutually exclusive. Anthropogenic influences have pushed many ecosystems across ecological thresholds, to less desirable states, so that actively managing for “domesticated nature” – nature as modified, either intentionally or inadvertently, by humans – is more realistic and more likely to succeed than recreating the original ecosystem. Furthermore, when domesticated nature is the most reasonable objective, empirical performance, together with geographical origin, are plausible criteria for choosing restoration plant material. For altered ecosystems, we suggest that evolution should be assisted by the inclusion of plants that (1) reflect general historical evolutionary patterns, (2) are particularly suited to the modified environment, (3) are ...
Fungi Associated with the Decomposition of the Black Rush, Juncus Roemerianus, in South Florida

To determine what fungi are associated with the decomposition process and what affects certain environmental and sampling variables have on the observed fungal community structure, the fungi associated with Juncus roemerianus in a subtropical environment were examined. A total of 123 fungal taxa was observed on Juncus roemerianus leaves. Thirty-four taxa were at a frequency of occurrence of 1% or more. Of these, 5 taxa (Fusarium spp., Cladosporium cladosporioides, Drechslera hawaiiensis, Alternaria alternata and Geniculosporium sp.) were in excess of 25%. The observed community structure was affected by the condition of the leaf (living, senescent or decomposing leaves), position on the leaf (tip, middle or base of the leaf), season of the year (wet vs dry season) and culture technique. Of less significance was station location within the study site. Comparisons with other studies of Juncus and red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) litter indicated a distinct fungal community structure associated with Juncus in subtropical estuarine environments. 29 references, 10 tables. (ACR)
Benchmark calculations with correlated molecular wave functions. V. The determination of accurate abinitio intermolecular potentials for He2, Ne2, and Ar2

Dimer interactions of helium, neon, and argon have been studied using the augmented correlation consistent basis sets of Dunning and co‐workers. Two correlation methods have been employed throughout; Mo/ller–Plesset perturbation theory through fourth‐order (MP4) and single and double excitation coupled‐cluster theory with perturbative treatment of triple excitations [CCSD(T)]. Full configuration interaction (FCI) calculations were performed on He2 for some basis sets. In general, only valence electrons were correlated, although some calculations which also correlated the n=2 shell of Ar2 were performed. Dimer potential energy curves were determined using the supermolecule method with and without the counterpoise correction. A series of additional basis sets beyond the augmented correlation consistent sets were explored in which the diffuse region of the radial function space has been systematically saturated. In combination with the systematic expansion across angular function space which is inherent to the correlation consistent prescription, this approach guarantees very accurate atomic polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities and should lead to an accurate description of dispersion forces. The best counterpoise‐corrected MP4 values for the well depths of the three dimers are (in microhartrees, empirical values in parentheses) He2, 31.9 (34.6); Ne2, 123 (134); and Ar2, 430 (454). The corresponding CCSD(T) values are He2, 33.1; Ne2, 128; and Ar2, 417. Although these values are very good, the nearly exponential convergence of well depth as a function of basis quality afforded by using the various series of correlation consistent basis sets allows estimation of complete basis set (CBS) limiting values. The MP4 estimated CBS limits are He2, 32.2; Ne2, 126; and Ar2, 447. The corresponding CCSD(T) values are He2, 33.4; Ne2, 130; and Ar2, 430. Equilibrium separations are also reproduced with similar accuracy.
Assessment of Substance Use and Substance- Use Disorders in Schizophrenia

Assessment of substance use and substance-use disorders in schizophrenia presents unique challenges, but remains an important area for professionals working to understand and treat people with dual disorders. This paper reviews assessment of substance use, substance-use disorders, and related domains in people with schizophrenia. The first section includes a review of issues that make assessment of substance use and substance-use disorders particularly challenging in people with schizophrenia. This is followed by a review of measures that can be used to assess substance use and substance-use disorders in schizophrenia, including the strengths and weaknesses of different measures and information on the reliability and validity of each when available. The review concludes with a discussion of assessment considerations and uses of assessment in clinical practice.
Probabilistic Error Modeling for Nano-Domain Logic Circuits

In nano-domain logic circuits, errors generated are transient in nature and will arise due to the uncertainty or the unreliability of the computing element itself. This type of errors - which we refer to as dynamic errors - are to be distinguished from traditional faults and radiation related errors. Due to these highly likely dynamic errors, it is more appropriate to model nano-domain computing as probabilistic rather than deterministic. We propose a probabilistic error model based on Bayesian networks to estimate this expected output error probability, given dynamic error probabilities in each device since this estimate is crucial for nano-domain circuit designers to be able to compare and rank designs based on the expected output error. We estimate the overall output error probability by comparing the outputs of a dynamic error-encoded model with an ideal logic model. We prove that this probabilistic framework is a compact and minimal representation of the overall effect of dynamic errors in a circuit. We use both exact and approximate Bayesian inference schemes for propagation of probabilities. The exact inference shows better time performance than the state-of-the art by exploiting conditional independencies exhibited in the underlying probabilistic framework. However, exact inference is worst case NP-hard and can handle only small circuits. Hence, we use two approximate inference schemes for medium size benchmarks. We demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of these approximate inference schemes by comparing estimated results with logic simulation results. We have performed our experiments on LGSynth'93 and ISCAS'85 benchmark circuits. We explore our probabilistic model to calculate: 1) error sensitivity of individual gates in a circuit; 2) compute overall exact error probabilities for small circuits; 3) compute approximate error probabilities for medium sized benchmarks using two stochastic sampling schemes; 4) compare and vet design with respect to dynamic errors; 5) characterize the input space for desired output characteristics by utilizing the unique backtracking capability of Bayesian networks (inverse problem); and 6) to apply selective redundancy to highly sensitive nodes for error tolerant designs.
Fecal shedding of Clostridium difficile in dogs: a period prevalence survey in a veterinary medical teaching hospital

The goal of this study was to determine the fecal prevalence of Clostridium difficile in dogs who were patients at a veterinary medical teaching hospital. Stool specimens collected from 152 dogs (in- and outpatients) were analyzed for the presence of C. difficile. An additional 42 stool specimens were collected and examined from dogs recently housed at local animal shelters. Following culture on selective medium, C. difficile was identified by a latex agglutination test, and the presence of the toxin A and B genes was determined individually by polymerase chain reaction. Clostridium difficile was isolated from the feces of 28 of the veterinary hospital patients (18.4%); isolates from 14 of these patients (50.0%) were toxigenic. Diarrhea was a clinical finding in 5 (35.7%) of the dogs carrying toxigenic isolates of C. difficile, whereas diarrhea was noted in only 2 of 14 dogs (14.3%) shedding nontoxigenic isolates. Three of 14 dogs (2 1.4%) shedding toxigenic isolates of C. difficile were receiving antibiotics at the time of stool collection, whereas 5 of 14 dogs (37.5%) shedding non- toxigenic strains of C. difficile were receiving antibiotics. The carriage rate of C. difficile was significantly higher for animals categorized as inpatients of the veterinary hospital. The carriage rate also provided evidence for an increased risk for fecal shedding with increasing age. Clostridium difficile was not isolated from any of the 42 dogs recently housed at local animal shelters. This study confirms the presence of toxigenic C. difficile in dogs at a veterinary teaching hospital. Additional studies will be required to determine whether prior antibiotic treatment increases the frequency of C. difficile fecal shedding from dogs and whether colonized dogs are a risk for transmission of the organism to susceptible human populations. In human patients, Clostridium difficile is the major cause of antibiotic-as sociated pseudomembranous co- litis. 3 Clostridium difficile is a large gram-positive an- aerobic spore-forming motile rod. Most isolates of C. difficile associated with enterocolitis produce two types of toxins, which damage colonic epithelium: toxin A (enterotoxin) and toxin B (cytotoxin). Toxin A causes hemorrhagic fluid accumulation in rabbit ileum and detachment of its epithelial cells. Toxin B acts syner- gistically with toxin A as a cytotoxin only after the epithelium has been injured by toxin A. 15 As a result, there is a extravasation of plasma proteins and alter- ation of water and electrolyte transport. 14 Clinical con- sequence of infection in humans ranges from asymp- tomatic carriage to cholera-like diarrhea with as many as 20 watery stools per day. 2,19 The great majority of human C. difficile infections appear to be acquired from the environment. Relapses following treatment for human C. difficile -associated
Multifractal features of sea clutter

Sea clutter refers to the backscattered returns from a patch of the sea surface illuminated by a transmitted radar pulse. Since the complicated sea clutter signals depend on the complex wave motions an the sea surface, it is reasonable to study sea clutter from nonlinear dynamics, especially chaos, point of view, instead of simply based on random processes. In the past decade, Dr. Simon Haykin's (1997) group at the McMaster University of Canada carried out analysis of some sea clutter data using chaos theory, based on the the assumption that a chaotic attractor is fully characterized by a non-integer fractal dimension and a positive Lyapunov exponent. Thus, they concluded that sea clutter signals are chaotic. In other words, the complicated sea clutter waveforms are generated by nonlinear deterministic interactions of a few modes (i.e., number of degrees of freedom). However, a numerically estimated non-integral fractal dimension and a positive Lyapunov exponent may not be sufficient indication of chaos. Cowper and Mulgrew (see Proc. UCNN, vol.4, p.2633, July 1999), Noga (see Ph.D thesis, Cambridge University, 1998), and Davies (1994) separately have questioned the chaoticness of the radar sea clutter. We show, using the direct dynamical test for deterministic chaos developed by Gao and Zheng, which is one of the more stringent criteria for low-dimensional chaos, a two minute duration sea clutter data is not chaotic. We also carry out a multifractal analysis of this sea clutter data set, and find that the original sea clutter amplitude signal is approximately multifractal, while the envelope signal, formed by picking up the successive local maxima of the amplitude signal, thus measuring the energy of successive waves on the sea surface, is well modeled as multifractals. These behaviors determine that the amplitude signal follows approximately log-normal distribution while the envelope signal, and thus the energy of the successive waves of the sea surface, is log-normally distributed. Approximate log-normal distributions for the amplitude signal has been observed earlier. However, by using the multiplicative multifractal theory, there is theoretical justification for the log-normal distribution of sea clutter, as discussed. The implications of the multifractal nature of sea clutter may have relevance for the detection of point targets on the sea surface.
A dynamic micro-CT scanner with a stationary mouse bed using a compact carbon nanotube field emission x-ray tube

In this paper we report the development of a high resolution dynamic micro-computed tomography (CT) scanner with a stationary mouse bed using a compact carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray tube. The scanner comprises a rotating x-ray tube and detector pair and a stationary and a horizontally positioned small animal bed. The system is optimized for in vivo mouse cardiac imaging. Its performance is evaluated with CT scans of phantoms and free-breathing mice. The modulation transfer function (MTF) at 10% is 5 lp/mm. At single frame acquisition, mouse cardiac micro-CT at 20msec temporal resolution has been demonstrated by prospectively gating the imaging acquisitions to both respiration and cardiac signals.
Response to `Comment on `Proof of One Loop Finiteness of Type I SO(32) Superstring Theory'.'

The preceding Comment by Potting and Shapiro refers to a well-known ambiguity in the open-string theory. Although they raise a valid concern, the ultimate resolution will probably involve a much deeper understanding of the relation between the planar and Moebius loops than is presently in hand.
Implicit analogy: New direct evidence and a challenge to the theory of memory

The authors propose that analogical reasoning may be achieved without conscious or explicit deliberation. The argument would be strengthened by more convincingly demonstrating instances of analogy that do not require explicit deliberation. Recent findings demonstrate that deliberative or explicit strategies are not necessary for flexible expression under novel circumstances (Greene et al. 2001) to include analogical transfer (Gross & Greene 2007). This issue is particularly critical because the existence of relational priming poses a serious challenge to the widely held notion that flexible expression of learned relations requires deliberative processes.
Sexual Polysemy: The Discursive Ground of Talk about Sex and Education in U.S. History

Communication researchers from a range of methodological backgrounds are studying the relationship between communication and sexual health. The present study contributes to this line of research, offering a rhetorical history of the earliest conversations about public sexual education in the United States. By analyzing highly circulated texts from figures representing three of the major ideological positions on public sexual education in the late 19th century (i.e., supporters of vice reformer Anthony Comstock, social purists, and free-love advocates), this study identifies the discursive ground for these early conversations. More specifically, the present article demonstrates how polysemous language (i.e., language containing multiple meanings as intended by authors or interpreted by audiences) often functioned to confuse the debate about public sexual education and disguise race, class, and gender biases in legal and educational policies. This analysis offers communication scholars information about the historical antecedents to contemporary debates about public sexual education content.
Detection of breast micro-metastases in axillary lymph nodes by infrared micro-spectral imaging.

We report the ability of infrared micro-spectral imaging, coupled with completely unsupervised methods of multivariate statistical analysis, to accurately reproduce the histological architecture of axillary lymph nodes and detect metastatic breast cancer cells. The acquisition of spectral data from tissue embedded in paraffin provided spectra free of dispersive artefacts that may be observed for infrared microscopic measurements using a ‘reflection/absorption’ methodology. As a consequence, superior tissue classification and identification of cellular abnormality unattainable for deparaffinised tissue was achieved.
Accountability Policies and Readiness for College for Diverse Students

Following a national trend, state policy has focused on accountability measures such as high-stakes high school exit exams, standards-based reforms, and graduation curriculum requirements. Yet the effect of these accountability policies on students’ readiness for college is relatively untested. In a multilevel model (students within states), the study asked, “Are accountability school reform policies positively or negatively associated with readiness for college for students from different ethnic and income groups?” Exit exam policies and degree of implementation of state standards were not significantly related to academic readiness as measured by composite SAT scores. Math graduation numeric curriculum requirements were negatively related to SAT score for Whites.
Information systems and the stimulation of creativity

The nature of scientific creativity from the point of view of information provision is discussed, and the contributions of current information systems assessed. The changes necessary to enable 'formal' library/information channels to play a fuller part in stimulating creativity are discussed. They include: representation of information for detection of analogies, pat terns and exceptions; interdisciplinary information, and the role of reviews; creation of an information-rich environment, including peripheral material; extension of browsing capabili ties, in both printed and computerized systems; direct involve ment of information users; serendipitous use of literature; individually oriented information access; integration of infor mation systems into formal creativity stimulation techniques. The implications of new information technology, particularly for the convergence of formal and informal communication channels, are considered.The necessity for research (theoretical and practical) on these topics is ...
Mercantilist Policies and the Pattern of World Trade, 1500–1750

Much of the controversy over Mercantilist policies has focused on the relevance of political exigencies as against economic principles. Some economists have also attempted to evaluate Mercantilist policies in terms of the difference between various short-run and long-run adjustments. By contrast, the concern here has been with some purely economic but rather basic characteristics of the Mercantilist age. I have attempted to explain Mercantilist policies by the actual pattern of the specie flow, the characteristics of some of the commodity trade, the nature and limitation of foreign investment, and in terms of the existing monetary systems.
Mortal combat: an apparent intraspecific killing by a male Black-capped Chickadee

Much theory about communication in aggressive contexts hinges on the assumption that injury or death is a potential outcome of fighting. However, published accounts of intraspecific killings during competitive interactions between songbirds are extremely rare. Here, we report an observation where one adult Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) appeared to kill another. The two opponents were high-ranking males that had been in the same winter flock, consistent with the prediction that mortal combat is most likely between evenly matched individuals. The interaction occurred when birds were defending territories and had begun nesting activities. A female that had previously been paired with the victim was also present during the interaction. Our observations suggest that the male chickadees were fighting for access to territorial resources or to a female, and indicate that aggressive interactions between songbirds can be costly and potentially fatal.
Ordination as a Tool for Analyzing Complex Data Sets

Ordination, or indirect gradient analysis, has been widely used in plant ecology as a tool for examining relationships between environment and vegetation. Since the classic work of Bray & Curtis (1957) which popularized such applications, the mathematical models underlying ordination methodology have become increasingly sophisticated. Principal Components Analysis provided increased conceptual rigor and objectivity. The realization that the assumptions of linearity implicit in PCA were not consistent with representation of nonlinear species responses along environmental gradients (Beals 1973, Jeglum, Wehrhahn & Swan 1971, Whittaker & Gauch 1973) led to introduction of a series of nonlinear methods including Reciprocal Averaging, RA, (Hill 1973, 1974), Gaussian Ordination, GO, (Gauch, Chase & Whittaker 1974, Ihm & Groenewoud 1975) and Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling, NMDS, (Fasham 1977, Prentice 1977). Subsequent comparative studies (e. g., Fasham 1977, Gauch, Whittaker & Singer 1980) have suggested these nonlinear methods to consistently and accurately recover the structure of simulated data.
THz sheet beam traveling wave tube amplifier for microwave power module (MPM) application: MEMS-fabrications and characteristic analysis

Summary form only given. Terahertz vacuum electronic circuits require submillimeter features of a few microns to a few hundred microns, which pose significant challenges for conventional machining techniques due to tool size and fabrication tolerance requirements. Recently, MEMS techniques of nano CNC milling, lithography, etching, and deposition developed by the semiconductor industry have been applied to microfabrication and integration of vacuum electronic devices. Nano CNC Milling: The Mori Seiki NN1000 (developed by DTL, Davis CA) is a 5-axis CNC mill with nanometer command resolution. We have successfully used the NN1000 to make broadband vacuum electronic devices that transmit frequencies at 220 GHz with 60 to 80 GHz bandwidth and low attenuation (~ 6 dB for 40 mm long circuits). The design of our circuits has features as small as 115μm, and depths of 345 μm. After accounting for tool deflection, tool wear, and spindle vibration, we were able to hold a tolerance of ±0.5 μm, with surface finishes of 40 nm Ra. LIGA: The LIGA process is comprised of photolithography, electrodeposition, mold removal, and surface planarization. The lithography-patterned KMPR mold and the LIGA fabricated circuit on the OFHC substrate have undercuts of ; 89°, and circuit dimensional accuracy of 3 5 μm. DRIE: The metalized silicon structure can also be formed using deep reactive ion etching technique. Photoresist is spun onto the silicon substrate at a thickness of 16 μm. This pattern is then etched through the full thickness of the 770 μm thick silicon wafer (full circuit height). This "through wafer" etch is accomplished using a deep reactive ion etcher with a repeating etch (SF6) and passivation (C4Fg) cycle, commonly referred to as the Bosch process. For quantitative analysis of the applicability of various micro processing techniques to terahertz device applications, we measured the surface roughness on the sidewall of the processed samples using AFM. For example, the surface roughness of the LIGA-fabricated sample is 18 nm (rms) and 30 nm (max.) over the 50 X 50 μm2area. The circuit exhibited transmission in the frequency range 214 GHz 266 GHz with insertion loss fluctuating between 5 to 10 dB in general. Return Loss was a little high and fluctuated + 3 dB around 7.5 dB.
Stability of Pure Homogeneous Deformations of an Elastic Cube under Dead Loading

In a previous paper [1], the problem was considered of the pure homogeneous deformation of a unit cube of incompressible neo-Hookean elastic material by three pairs of equal and opposite forces acting normally on the faces of the cube and distributed uniformly over them. It was found that, for certain specified values of the forces, more than one equilibrium state of pure homogeneous deformation can exist. The stability of each of these states was investigated, with respect to superposed infinitesimal pure homogeneous deformations, with the same principal directions as the equilibrium state. It was found that for certain ranges of values of the applied forces, more than one equilibrium state of pure homogeneous deformation which is stable in this sense can exist. Which of these stable states is actually attained in practice will depend on the order in which the forces are applied.
Revivalism and Separatism in New England, 1740-1800: Strict Congregationalists and Separate Baptists in the Great Awakening

CONTENTS 1/ Trading Blood for Oil PART I / A HISTORY OF OIL AND THE USE OF MILITARY POWER TO CONTROL SUPPLIES 2 / American Dominance in Oil 3 / Iran, Iraq, World War I and the Interwar Years 4 / World War II 5 / The Cold War 6 / Three Cartels: The Seven Sisters, the Texas Railroad Commission, and OPEC 7 / Another Middle East War and Embargo, Shortages, and Price Rises 8 / The Carter Doctrine 9 / 1980s: European Dependence on Soviet Energy and the Iran-Iraq War 10 / The US-Iraq Wars 11 / The Oil Market Today PART II / MYTHS ABOUT OIL AND ITS MARKET 12 / Myth 1: No Viable Market Exists for Oil 13 / Myth 2: Big Oil Colludes with OPEC to Stick Consumers With High Prices 14 / Myth 3: Global Oil Production Has Peaked and the World Is Running Out of Oil 15 / Myth 4: Oil Is a Special Product or Even Strategic 16 / Myth 5: A Strategic Petroleum Reserve Is Needed in Case of Emergency 17/ Myth 6: The U.S. Should Become Independent of Oil, Foreign Oil, or Overseas Energy 18 / Myth 7: Oil Price Spikes Cause Economic Catastrophes 19/ Myth 8: U.S. Policy Is to Maintain the Flow of Oil At the Lowest Possible Price 20 / Myth 9: Possession of Oil Means Economic and Political Power 21 / Myth 10: The United States Must Defend Autocratic Saudi Arabia because of Oil 22 / Myth 11: Dependence of Europe on Russian Energy Is a Threat to U.S. Security PART III / NO NEED TO USE MILITARY POWER TO SAFEGUARD FOREIGN OIL 23 / Safeguarding Oil with Military Power Is Mercantilism and Imperialism 24 / Threats To or From Oil PART IV / Policy Prescriptions Notes Index About the Author
REFLECTIONS ON TRYING TO THEORIZE FROM ETHNOGRAPHIC DATA

As I suppose is true in all symposia, my comments in this paper are both constrained and enlightened by the particular topic, the particular setting we are in here, and my particular background and occupational niche. A word or two about these issues will help set the stage. First, I'm not an anthropologist. I was trained at the University of Minnesota as a general psychologist with a clinical interest in learning problems of children. Second, I work in an education department; my students are teachers-preservice, inservice, or teachers of teachers. Third, in an attempt to understand more clearly the issues of teaching and learning I got involved, a decade ago, in the direct observation of educational events. Later I was to learn that this was called participant observation, field research, or perhaps even "the microethnography of the classroom," all of which are better activities than collecting "anecdotal records."
Revision of the subgenus Udamochiras of Melaloncha bee-killing flies (Diptera: Phoridae: Metopininae)

The genus Melaloncha Brues is defined and groundplan character states established based on outgroup comparison with Phalacrotophora Enderlein and Melittophora Brues. Major groupings within Melaloncha are recognized, and two subgenera are established: Udamochiras Enderlein (type species M. colossia (Enderlein)) and Melaloncha s.s. (type species M. pulchella Brues). Subgenus Udamochiras is revised and 42 species are recognized, including the following 33 new to science: M. anaticula, M. angustifrons, M. apicula, M. aprica, M. basella, M. biseta, M. brevicarina, M. carinata, M. compressicauda, M. exigua, M. falcata, M. flavilata, M. hamata, M. hansoni, M. horologia, M. individa, M. lobata, M. maculifrons, M. parkeri, M. paxilla, M. premordica, M. rhampha, M. rhypopoda, M. rostrata, M. sinuosa, M. spatula, M. spicula, M. triangularis, M. trua, M. valeria, M. vargasi, M. villosa, M. woodi. Melaloncha simillima Borgmeier is removed from synonymy with M. piliapex Borgmeier and reinstated as a separate species; lectotypes are designated for both. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 140, 1−42
Optimal Surveillance of Diabetic Eye Disease

Although the sequelae of diabetes mellitus occur in many tissues and organs in humans, direct observation of these effects can be most easily done by examining the eye. Retinopathy of diabetes has importance because of the potential for compromising the vision of the patient, and also because it can serve as an indicator of systemic involvement of other organs. Thus, this chapter is devoted to description of the stages of diabetic retinopathy, to describing its course as based on epidemiologic data, to methods of documentation, and to grading for systematic classification of the severity of this outcome. The reason to include this piece in the current volume is because of the major impact of retinopathy itself, and because monitoring it provides a useful surrogate for estimating effects of treatments of diabetes in clinical studies.