cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A PC-Based Interactive Imaging System Designed for INSAT Data Analysis and Monsoon Studies.

A PC-based interactive image processing system to analyze Indian Geosynchronous Satellite (Insat) data has been developed for Asian monsoon studies. The system, known as a Microbased Image Display and Graphics Enhancement Tool (MIDGET), is designed as a workstation terminal in a supercomputer environment. The MIDGET system is described and the analysis procedures used with the system are discussed. The applications of the MIDGET system include monitoring monsoon evolution and the behavior of organized tropical storms, the analysis of low-frequency intraseasonal oscillations, diagnostic studies of cloudiness, retrieval of monsoon precipitation, and statistical prediction of monsoon cloud bands associated with intraseasonal fluctuations of monsoon rainfall.
The Effects of Sucrose and Lactose on the Sizes of Casein Micelles Reconstituted from Bovine Caseins

Abstract The mass distributions of reconstituted bovine casein micelles formed, in various media, with four preparations of whole casein were determined by sedimentation field flow fractionation. Two of the casein preparations were made from the milk of a single Jersey cow, the other two from the milks of Holstein cows, one being from a single cow, and the other from a herd. All media contained CaCl 2 , KCl, and piperazine-N,N'-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid) (PIPES) buffer, pH 6.75. Most of the experiments were conducted in a medium containing either no sugar, .3 M sucrose, or .3 M lactose. Micelle formation was initiated by adding an equal volume of buffered CaCl 2 to a solution of bovine sodium caseinate in a medium whose composition was identical except that it was free of Ca +2 . After 24h at room temperature, the distribution of apparent micellar protein mass (M Prot , grams of protein per mole micelles) was determined by sedimentation field flow fractionation. The values of apparent micellar protein mass at the maximum of the micelle peak were in the range 10 9 to 10 10 for the Jersey casein preparations and 10 10 and 10 11 for the Holstein casein preparations. Lactose (.3 M ) reduced the apparent micellar protein mass at the peak maximum by 45 to 90%, depending on the preparation. Sucrose reduced the apparent micellar protein mass at the peak maximum for one of the Jersey preparations but increased it somewhat for the Holstein casein from the herd. The results suggest that lactose may affect the micelle size in milk and in products containing casein isolates of milk. We know of no other evidence suggestive of such an effect of lactose. In view of the known positive correlation between increased micelle size and decreased heat stability, the effects of sucrose and lactose on micelle size should be considered when making milk products such as concentrated sterilized milks and sweetened condensed milk.
Estimation of the Transverse Strain Tensor in the Arterial Wall Using IVUS Image Registration

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) elastography is an imaging technique that obtains the local mechanical properties of the artery wall and atherosclerotic plaques through strain measurements using IVUS. Knowledge of these mechanical properties may provide crucial information that can help in estimating plaque composition and its vulnerability. Here, we present a new method to estimate the transverse strain tensor of the arterial wall based on nonrigid image registration using IVUS images. This method registers a pair of images acquired at a vessel site under different levels of luminal pressure. The 2-D displacement field in the vessel cross-section is estimated from image registration; then the displacement field is used to calculate the 2-D local strain tensor. From the strain tensor, the strain in any direction in the cross-section can be obtained; here, the radial and circumferential strain distributions are presented. This strain estimation method has been validated with synthetic motion IVUS images and evaluated using the IVUS images of a polyvinyl alcohol cryogel phantom. The accuracy of the estimated strain and the ability of the method to overcome IVUS system noise are demonstrated.
Characterizing the walnut genome through analyses of BAC end sequences

Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) is an economically important tree for its nut crop and timber. To gain insight into the structure and evolution of the walnut genome, we constructed two bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries, containing a total of 129,024 clones, from in vitro-grown shoots of J. regia cv. Chandler using the HindIII and MboI cloning sites. A total of 48,218 high-quality BAC end sequences (BESs) were generated, with an accumulated sequence length of 31.2 Mb, representing approximately 5.1% of the walnut genome. Analysis of repeat DNA content in BESs revealed that approximately 15.42% of the genome consists of known repetitive DNA, while walnut-unique repetitive DNA identified in this study constitutes 13.5% of the genome. Among the walnut-unique repetitive DNA, Julia SINE and JrTRIM elements represent the first identified walnut short interspersed element (SINE) and terminal-repeat retrotransposon in miniature (TRIM) element, respectively; both types of elements are abundant in the genome. As in other species, these SINEs and TRIM elements could be exploited for developing repeat DNA-based molecular markers in walnut. Simple sequence repeats (SSR) from BESs were analyzed and found to be more abundant in BESs than in expressed sequence tags. The density of SSR in the walnut genome analyzed was also slightly higher than that in poplar and papaya. Sequence analysis of BESs indicated that approximately 11.5% of the walnut genome represents a coding sequence. This study is an initial characterization of the walnut genome and provides the largest genomic resource currently available; as such, it will be a valuable tool in studies aimed at genetically improving walnut.
Analysis of the Syrian electric power system

Abstract The transient stability of the Syrian electric power system which has 29 buses and three main generating stations is studied. A three-phase fault is studied at two different locations. The effect of fault location, inertia and the damping constants on the stability is studied.
Traumatic Esophageal Perforation

Abstract Thirty-two consecutive unselected patients with traumatic esophageal perforation treated in the past seven years were reviewed. Perforation was due to gunshot wounds, stab wounds, instrumentation, or massive lye ingestion. Of the 12 patients seen in the first four years (Group I) who were treated with primary closure or tube thoracostomy, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics, 5 died. In a second group of 15 patients seen in the last three years (Group II) who received 2,000 to 3,000 calories daily either intravenously or by tube feeding, only 1 patient died; 5 other patients with high, isolated injuries of the cervical esophagus who went home within one week were excluded from Group II. The time from perforation to definitive therapy was approximately the same in both groups, as was the severity and type of perforation. Complications were similar in each group and included abscess, empyema, mediastinitis, hemorrhage, fistula, and pneumonia. Three times the associated injuries per person occurred in Group II as in Group I. Therefore there appeared to be a greater potential for complications and death, but only 1 of the 15 patients died as compared with 5 of the 12 Group I patients. This limited mortality appeared to be due to the increased nutritional regimen.
Assessment of a New Procedure to Prevent Timeout Escape in Preschoolers.

Hanf-model parent training programs (e.g., Forehand, Eyberg, Barkley) include a spank as the primary consequence for timeout escape. Because many agencies provide services to groups for whom a spank is not an option (e.g., foster parents), an alternative back-up was developed, the “two-chair hold” technique. Children referred for treatment of behavior problems (n=22) were assessed using the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory, parent interview, and behavioral observations in the clinic. Related measures t-tests comparing pre- and post-treatment scores indicate that the two-chair technique was successful for decreasing timeout escape and improving overall behavior. However, a greater number of therapy sessions was required to obtain the desired effects than is typical in interventions using a spank as the escape consequence. Clinical issues regarding the use of the two-chair hold technique with defiant preschoolers are discussed.
A novel non-contact s-parameter measurement method for sub-MMW multi-port on-wafer devices

The increasing interest in the development of micromachined components for sub-MMW and terahertz applications calls for a reliable and accurate measurement method for characterization of such components. The conventional on-wafer measurement technique using GSG probes, which require physical contact, are subject to wear and damage of the probe tips due to repeated use. This results in significant measurement errors at sub-MMW and higher frequencies. In addition, characterization of multi-port components using two-port measurement systems require independent measurements of pairs of ports one at a time while all the other ports are terminated with matched loads which are very difficult to realize at sub-MMW and terahertz bands.
A spectrophotometric assay for nanogram quantities of biotin and avidin.

Abstract Parameters and conditions of an enzyme based assay for biotin and avidin are presented. Biotinylated glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase when complexed with avidin becomes inactivated. Thus it was possible to construct a competitive assay system for biotin. The assay is sensitive between 100–500 ng/ml and could detect as little as 10 ng in 0.1 ml with a between run error of 2.4%. It requires a 60 min incubation at 21°C and 5 min to assay. The avidin assay, based on the degree of inactivation of biotinylated-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in relation to the concentration of avidin, could detect as little as 0.25 ng in 0.1 ml or 2.5 ng/ml with an assay time of 10 min with a between run error of 3.9%. Both assays are rapid with significant improvements over other non-isotopic methods in sensitivity and comparable to radioisotopic methods in sensitivity with the added advantage of ease of method.
Characterizing wild bird contact and seropositivity to highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in Alaskan residents

Background Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have infected poultry and wild birds on three continents with more than 600 reported human cases (59% mortality) since 2003. Wild aquatic birds are the natural reservoir for avian influenza A viruses, and migratory birds have been documented with HPAI H5N1 virus infection. Since 2005, clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 viruses have spread from Asia to many countries. Objectives We conducted a cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey in Anchorage and western Alaska to identify possible behaviors associated with migratory bird exposure and measure seropositivity to HPAI H5N1. Methods We enrolled rural subsistence bird hunters and their families, urban sport hunters, wildlife biologists, and a comparison group without bird contact. We interviewed participants regarding their exposures to wild birds and collected blood to perform serologic testing for antibodies against a clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 virus strain. Results Hunters and wildlife biologists reported exposures to wild migratory birds that may confer risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses, although none of the 916 participants had evidence of seropositivity to HPAI H5N1. Conclusions We characterized wild bird contact among Alaskans and behaviors that may influence risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses. Such knowledge can inform surveillance and risk communication surrounding HPAI H5N1 and other influenza viruses in a population with exposure to wild birds at a crossroads of intercontinental migratory flyways.
Multimodal image registration by iteratively searching keypoint correspondences

This paper proposes a multimodal image registration algorithm through searching the best matched keypoints by employing the global information. Keypoints are detected from images from both the reference and test images. For each test keypoint, a certain number of reference keypoints are chosen as mapping candidates. A triplet of keypoint mappings determine an affine transformation, and then it is evaluated with the similarity metric between the reference image and the transformed test image by the determined transformation. An iterative process is conducted on triplets of keypoint mappings, and for every test keypoint updates and stores its best matched reference keypoint. The similarity metric is defined to be the number of overlapped edge pixels over entire images, allowing for global information being incorporated in evaluating triplets of mappings. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can provide more accurate registration than existing methods on EO-IR images.
Effects of artificial crown margin extension and tooth brushing frequency on gingival pocket depth

Abstract The gingival tissues adjacent to the crowned and unrestored teeth were probed to determine individual pocket depths. The findings are listed here. (1)The average pocket depth adjacent to nonrestored teeth was 2.7 mm. The average pocket depth adjacent to teeth having crowns with subgingival margins was 3.4 mm. (2)Fifty-four nonrestored teeth had at least one pocket depth greater than 3 mm., while 84 crowned teeth had at least one or more measurements greater than 3 mm. (3)No positive relationship could be found between tooth brushing frequency and the pocket depth adjacent to teeth restored with complete cast crowns. (4)In nonrestored teeth, pocket depth increased with reduced frequency of tooth brushing. (5)Pocket depth increased with increased age of (a) the patient in both restored and nonrestored teeth and (b) the cast crown.
Effect of filler porosity on the abrasion resistance of nanoporous silica gel/polymer composites

Abstract Objectives. This laboratory study was designed to investigate the effect of controlled nanoporosity on the wear resistance of polymeric composites reinforced with silica gel powders and to determine the mechanisms controlling the abrasive wear properties of these unique nanostructured materials. Methods. Silica gels were prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) using four different catalysts to modify the porous structure of the resulting polysilicate silanation, an organic monomer (TEGDMA) containing various initiators was introduced into the gel powders to form a paste. The various pastes were then polymerized inside a glass mold. A pin-on-disk apparatus was then used to record the specimen length and number of revolutions. Abrasive wear rates were determined by regression analysis and statistical differences were determined by analysis of variance and multiple comparisons. BET was used to characterize the filler pore structure and scanning electron microscopy was used used to visually examine the abraded surfaces. Results. Significant differences (p Significance. Porous particles prepared via sol–gel show some promise as fillers that improve the wear resistance of photopolymerized resins. The wear resistance of the fillers appears to be directly related to nanoporous structure of the gel particles. Unlike conventional dental composites, these materials rely primarily on nanomechanical coupling for improved wear resistance. This new principle should benefit subsequent investigations.
Laryngotracheal stenosis in children

The diagnosis of laryngotracheal stenosis should be suspected in children with stridor, feeding difficulties, or atypical croup. Only half of the children with congenital laryngotracheal stenosis require tracheotomy, and many of these children can be decannulated following uncomplicated surgical therapy. In contrast, tracheotomy-dependent patients with acquired laryngotracheal stenosis require more extensive surgical intervention, which should be carried out as early as possible to provide the best opportunity for developing normal oral communication.
Which Brand Purchasers Are Lost to Counterfeiters? An Application of New Data Fusion Approaches

Firms and organizations often need to collect and analyze sensitive consumer data. A common problem encountered in such evidence-based research is that they cannot collect all essential information from one sample, and they may need to link nonoverlapping data items across independent samples. We propose an automated nonparametric data fusion solution to this problem. The proposed methods are not restricted to specific types of variables and distributions. They require no prior knowledge about how data at hand may behave differently from standard theoretical distributions, and they automate the process of generating suitable distributions that match data, therefore making our methods particularly useful for linking data with complex distributional shapes. In addition, these methods have strong theoretical support; permit highly efficient direct fusion to relate a mixture of continuous, semicontinuous, and discrete variables; and enable nonparametric identification of entire distributions of fusion variables, including higher moments and tail percentiles. These novel and promising features overcome important limitations of existing methods and have the potential to increase fusion effectiveness. We apply the proposed methods to overcome data constraints in a study of counterfeiting. By combining data sets from multiple sources, data fusion provides a feasible approach to studying the relationship between counterfeit purchases and various marketing elements, such as consumers' purchase motivations, behaviors, and attitudes; brand marketing channels; promotions; and advertisements. Therefore, data fusion sheds light on counterfeit purchase behaviors and suggests ways to counter counterfeits that would not be available if these data sets were analyzed separately.
The nature of the voltage-dependent conductance induced by alamethicin in black lipid membranes.

Alamethicin induces a conductance in black lipid films which increases exponentially with voltage. At low conductance the increase occurs in discrete steps which form a pattern of five levels, the second and third being most likely. The conductance of each level is directly proportional to salt concentration, inversely proportional to solution viscosity, and nearly independent of voltage. The probability distribution of the five steps is not a function of voltage, but as the voltage is increased, more levels begin to appear. These can be explained as super-positions of the original five, both in position and relative probability. This suggests that the five levels are associated with a physical entity which we call a pore. This point of view is confirmed by the following measurements. The kinetic response of the current to a voltage step is first order, and shows an exponential increase in rate of pore formation and an exponential decrease in rate of pore disappearance with voltage. If these rates are statistical, the number of pores should fluctuate about a voltage-dependent mean. High conductance current fluctuations are too large to be explained by fluctuation in the number of pores alone. But if fluctuations among the five levels are included, the magnitude of the fluctuations at high conductance is accurately predicted. Alamethicin adsorbs reversibly to the membrane surface, and the conductance at a fixed voltage depends on the ninth power of alamethicin concentration and on the fourth power of salt concentration, in the aqueous phase. In our bacterial phosphatidyl ethanolamine membranes, alamethicin added to one side of the membrane produces elevated conductance only when the voltage on that side is increased.
Tte and nante: Markers of psychological distance in Japanese conversation☆

Abstract In the present study uses of colloquial expressions tte and nante are related to the notion of incorporation of information. It is argued that these forms are used when the degree of incorporation of information is low. The degree is considered low if the speaker (i) has acquired information from an outside source, (ii) is not strongly convinced of the truth or credibility of information, and/or (iii) is emotionally detached from information. In other words, tte and nante are used when the speaker feels psychologically distanced from the information. This connotation of psychological distance might come from the expressions' function as quotation markers. What is quoted represents somebody else's voice, from which the speaker is naturally distanced. Furthermore, a quote represents part of a sentence that is not well integrated into the rest of the sentence. What is not well-incorporated grammatically is appropriate in expressing what is not well-incorporated psychologically. In addition, the lexical meaning of nante (‘the likes of’), which signifies repeatability and thus devaluation (If it is repeatable, it must not be so special), adds to the connotation of distance.
Determining Carrier Probabilities for Breast Cancer–Susceptibility Genes BRCA1 and BRCA2

Breast cancer-susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 have recently been identified on the human genome. Women who carry a mutation of one of these genes have a greatly increased chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and they usually develop the disease at a much younger age, compared with normal individuals. Women can be tested to see whether they are carriers. A woman who undergoes genetic counseling before testing can be told the probabilities that she is a carrier, given her family history. In this paper we develop a model for evaluating the probabilities that a woman is a carrier of a mutation of BRCA1 and BRCA2, on the basis of her family history of breast and ovarian cancer in first- and second-degree relatives. Of special importance are the relationships of the family members with cancer, the ages at onset of the diseases, and the ages of family members who do not have the diseases. This information can be elicited during genetic counseling and prior to genetic testing. The carrier probabilities are obtained from Bayes's rule, by use of family history as the evidence and by use of the mutation prevalences as the prior distribution. In addressing an individual's carrier probabilities, we incorporate uncertainty about some of the key inputs of the model, such as the age-specific incidence of diseases and the overall prevalence of mutations. There is some evidence that other, undiscovered genes may be important in explaining familial breast cancer. Users of the current version of the model should be aware of this limitation. The methodology that we describe can be extended to more than two genes, should data become available about other genes.
Regulation of glycolytic flux in an energetically controlled cell-free system: the effects of adenine nucleotide ratios, inorganic phosphate, pH, and citrate.

A soluble extract from rat skeletal muscles has been used with purified mitochondrial ATPase (F1) to develop steady states with respect to glycolytic flux, the concentrations of glycolytic intermediates and inorganic phosphate, and the concentrations and ratios of adenine nucleotides. Incubations were carried out in media resembling the ionic composition in the cell cytoplasm, in an attempt to evaluate the quantitative contributions of various effectors to the overall control mechanism under simulated in vivo conditions. The primary control reaction of glycolytic flux under the conditions studied could be identified with phosphofructokinase, followed by secondary control of the reaction catalyzed by hexokinase. Glycolytic flux was increased with increasing pH over the range 6.6–7.6, both in the absence and presence of ATPase. Without other added effectors, the glycolyzing extract maintained an ATP/ADP ratio of about 50 in the pH range 7.0–7.6, and phosphofructokinase was incompletely suppressed. Addition of increasing amounts of ATPase markedly stimulated glycolytic flux coincident with lowered steady-state ATP/ADP ratios, and decreased accumulation of hexose monophosphates. Control of flux by the ATP/ADP ratio (and simultaneously altered AMP concentration) was less effective if pH (7.3 to 7.6) or phosphate concentration (2 to 20 mm) was increased. Flux through phosphofructokinase was controlled principally when the ATP/ADP ratios were varied in the range between > 50 and 15. The inhibitory effect of citrate was evaluated. Suppression of glycolytic flux and accumulation of hexose monophosphates were dependent on incubation conditions. If the pH was 7.3 or less, and the phosphate concentration low (2 mm), flux through phosphofructokinase was significantly suppressed even at citrate concentrations less than 50 μm. Simultaneous decrease in the steady-state ATP/ADP ratio and elevation of AMP was ineffective in reversing this inhibition. At higher pH and, more dramatically, when the phosphate concentration was increased, sensitivity to citrate inhibition was markedly diminished. These data, taken together with studies of respiratory control with isolated mitochondria (E. J. Davis, and L. Lumeng, 1975), J. Biol. Chem.250, 2275–2282) strongly suggest that adenine nucleotide control of both glycolysis and respiration is exerted when the ratio of free nucleotides (not protein bound) in the cytosol is in the range of 15 to > 50. The data further suggest that citrate plays an important role in the regulation of glycolysis in muscle when the ATP/ADP ratio is high (and the phosphate concentration is correspondingly low), but that this inhibition is overcome by liberation of inorganic phosphate during muscle contraction.
Partially Matched Spatial Filtering With Simulated Input

Biological specimens are recognized with a matched spatial filter (MSF) made from their simulated pattern. The partial correlations between the simulated pattern and the various sized specimens show that the simplified filter is considerably less sensitive to the size variation while it still retains a high degree of pattern discrimination against other species.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analysis of Monophenol Oxidase Activity Using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection

Abstract A very sensitive, specific and reliable quantitative assay was developed for measuring the rate of hydroxylation of tyrosine by mushroom tyrosinase using high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED). The assay employs N-acetyldopamine (NADA) as cofactor and ascorbate as a reducing agent. The product of the reaction, L-dopa (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine), was readily separated by HPLC-ED from the remaining interacting components. The reaction was linear with time and proportional to the amount of enzyme present. The amount of ascorbate gradually decreased during the hydroxylation of tyrosine, but as long as ascorbate was present in the reaction mixture the levels of L-dopa and NADA were not altered. The data
Evidence for specific polypeptide chain folding in myelin basic protein from reactions between fragments of the protein and monoclonal antibodies.

: The specificities of two monoclonal IgM antibodies (18.25 and 21.14.2) evoked in mice with guinea pig myelin basic protein were examined and interpreted in terms of a specific folding of the protein's polypeptide chain. Studies with guinea pig and rabbit myelin basic protein fragments showed that a region encompassing the central Phe-Phe (87–88) sequence is obligatory, but not sufficient, for reactivity with antibody 18.25. Appreciable reactivity was observed for rabbit peptides 22–95 and 45–151, and lower, but significant, reactivity was shown by peptide 32–95. Only very weak reactivity was seen with peptide 44–95. No reactivity was observed with peptide 1–95 after its lysine residues were acetylated, acetamidinated, orguanidinated. These results have been interpreted in terms of a polypeptide chain folding that creates an epitope within sequence Val-Val-His-Phe-Phe-Lys-Asn-Ile-Val (84–92). The specific conformation of this epitope, which includes probably the Lys-89 and possibly the Asn-90 and Val-92 side chains, could be formed by the association of sequence 84–92 with either sequence Ile-Leu-Asp-Ser-Ile-Gly-Arg-Phe-Phe (37–45) or with sequence Val-Leu-Ser-Arg-Phe (108–112) to form p-sheet structures essentially identical with those that appear to be present in the intact BP [Martenson R. E. J. Neurochem. 46, 1612–1622 (1986)]. The second monoclonal antibody, no. 21.14.2, reacts only with guinea pig myelin basic protein and fragments containing the species-restricted sequence Arg-Ala-Asp-Tyr-Lys-Ser-Lys (129–135). The smallest available fragment that displayed full reactivity was peptide 22–164; peptides 45–167, 89–167, and 119–167, on the other hand, were only about one-fourth as reactive as the intact protein. These results suggest that sequence 22–44 constitutes a region in peptide 22–164 and in the intact protein which stabilizes sequence 129–135 in the appropriate antibody-binding conformation.
Possible latitudinal predation gradient in middle Paleozoic oceans

Molluscan ornament in modern oceans increases with decreasing latitude, in response to greater risk from tropical durophages (shell-crushing predators). The latitudinal gradient is presumed to be associated with the appearance of modern durophages during the Cretaceous, but this is untested. A radiation of durophages during the Devonian may have resulted in sufficient predation pressure to influence prey distribution similarly, although Devonian predators and prey are distantly related to their recent equivalents. This study examines latitudinal variation in ornament in Devonian strophomenide brachiopods to determine if a latitudinal gradient existed. A latitudinal gradient is documented for the Devonian; ornament decreases with increasing latitude. The correlation between proportion of spinose genera and region is −0.947 (p
Enactivism and the Extended Mind

According to the view that has become known as the extended mind, some token mental processes extend into the cognizing organism’s environment in that they are composed (partly) of manipulative, exploitative, and transformative operations performed by that subject on suitable environmental structures. Enactivist models understand mental processes as (partly) constituted by sensorimotor knowledge and by the organism’s ability to act, in appropriate ways, on environmental structures. Given the obvious similarities between the two views, it is both tempting and common to regard them as essentially variations on the same theme. In this paper, I shall argue that the similarities between enactivist and extended models of cognition are relatively superficial, and the divergences are deeper than commonly thought.
Can differences in bowel function after surgery for rectal cancer be identified by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life instrument

Bowel function is an important outcome after rectal cancer surgery that affects quality of life (QOL). Postoperative bowel function is often assessed with QOL instruments, but their ability to detect functional differences has not been evaluated. This study evaluated the efficacy of the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core (C)-30 and Colorectal (CR)-38 QOL instruments in identifying functional differences among patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery, grouped by clinical and treatment-related factors known to be associated with bowel function. A total of 123 patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery for stage I to III rectal cancer completed the EORTC C-30 and CR-38 a median of 22.9 months after restoration of bowel continuity. The global QOL, Social and Physical Function subscales of the EORTC C-30, and Gastrointestinal (GI) Symptom and Defecation subscales of the EORTC CR-38 were hypothesized to be affected by bowel function. Known factors associated with function (age, sex, radiation, procedure, rectal reconstruction) were used to group patients. Differences in the QOL scores between patient groups were evaluated (t-test or analysis of variance). The global QOL was high, with a mean score of 76.84 ± 18.6. The Defecation subscale detected differences in patients grouped by age (P = .002), use of radiation (P = .04), and procedure type (P = .05). However, the remaining subscales failed to identify any differences. We found neither the EORTC C-30 nor CR-38 to be sensitive instruments in delineating differences in bowel function. The use of a validated instrument designed to assess function in patients with rectal cancer will more effectively and efficiently identify those patients with poor postoperative function.
The effect of race and sleep-disordered breathing on nocturnal BP "dipping": analysis in an older population.

Study objectives BP normally drops (or “dips”) by approximately 10% at nighttime; however, in a number of illnesses there is an increased amount of “nondipping” of nocturnal BP. This study examined whether nondipping in older African Americans and older white subjects is related to the presence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and hypertension. Design Prospective study with a convenience sample. Setting All data were collected in the subjects’ homes. Participants Seventy self-defined African Americans with complaints of snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness, and 70 age-matched and gender-matched white subjects. Measurements and results Sleep was recorded for 2 nights, with 1 night of oximetry. BP was recorded on a separate 24-h period. African Americans had higher dipping ratios than white subjects even after accounting for covariates such as respiratory disturbance index (RDI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), body mass index, and average 24-h mean arterial pressure (p = 0.025). Higher values of RDI ( R 2 = 0.0686, p = 0.021) and ODI ( R 2 = 0.042, p R 2 = 0.0373, p = 0.022). Conclusions These results demonstrated that African Americans tend to be “nondippers,” while white subjects tended to be “dippers.” This nondipping was not a result of weight, gender, or of having SDB. The analyses also confirmed that, in both races, the dipping ratio was greatest in those with SDB and hypertension. The third hypothesis, that RDI would be greatest in the nondipping hypertensive subjects, was true only for the African Americans.
Size and Age at Maturity of Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) in Southeastern South Dakota Impoundments

ABSTRACT Both social and demographic factors can affect size structure of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) populations, but these two factors have not been assessed in South Dakota impoundments. We compared length and age at maturity of bluegill in four southeastern South Dakota impoundments (two with historically low size structure and two with historically high size structure and related bluegill growth patterns to size structure and relative abundance. Despite large differences in size structure and maximum observed total lengths among lakes, all males from three of four populations were mature by age 3, with the only exception being Lake Mitchell (high size structure population; 89% mature). Mean total length at 100% maturity was lower in the two low size structure populations, and bluegill in the two low size structure populations matured at a smaller length than in the two high size structure populations; however, at least 50% of males in all four systems reached sexual maturity by 140mm in all years....
Spinal anaesthesia: The saviour of day surgery?

Summary Although commonly used in inpatients, spinal anaesthesia is often a less popular choice for day cases. This may be for historical reasons, but also because of concerns over delayed recovery and adverse effects. Nevertheless, spinal anaesthesia has many advantages and may be an essential measure if day surgery is to be made available to patients with more severe co-existing pathologies. To be suitable for day surgery, spinal anaesthesia must be modified to reduce the extent and duration of motor block while retaining a useful degree of analgesia. This involves the combination of a low dose of local anaesthetic with an analgesic adjuvant, usually an opioid. This chapter will review some of the wide variety of regimens which have been described. While each have their specific advantages, the addition of 10μg of fentanyl to 5mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine made up to a total volume of 3ml with saline is a simple regimen which will prove suitable for the majority of cases. Spinal anaesthesia provides good postoperative pain relief and minimises postoperative nausea. With an appropriate technique, discharge should be possible within 3–4h. Urinary retention is a possible complication, but should be rare unless an excessive opioid dose is used, while post dural-puncture headache can be limited to 1% or less by the use of suitable spinal needles. Low dose spinal anaesthesia, which also provides excellent haemodynamic stability, can significantly extend the population of patients suitable for day surgery.
Rat sperm plasma membrane mannosidase: localization and evidence for proteolytic processing during epididymal maturation.

Abstract Previous studies from this laboratory have identified a novel α- d -mannosidase on the sperm plasma membranes of several species, including man, which may have a role in fertilization. The polyclonal antibody raised against an isoform of the enzyme purified from rat epididymal fluid was found to cross-react with the α- d -mannosidase activity present in the detergent-solubilized spermatozoa and sperm plasma membranes. In the present study, we have used affinity-purified as well as monospecific anti-mannosidase IgG to demonstrate that the sperm mannosidase is an integral plasma membrane component of the rat sperm and is localized on the periacrosomal region of the sperm head. In addition, we demonstrate proteolytic processing of the membrane-bound α- d -mannosidase during maturation of spermatozoa. The membrane fractions prepared from testis, and spermatozoa from the caput, corpus, and cauda regions of the epididymis, were solubilized in SDS and resolved by SDS-PAGE. The resolved polypeptides, when subjected to Western blot analysis using affinity-purified anti-mannosidase IgG as the primary antibody, revealed the presence of three specific immunoreactive bands (apparent Mr, 135, 125, and 115 kDa) in the membranes from testis, caput, and corpus spermatozoa. However, the cauda sperm plasma membranes showed only one immunoreactive band of apparent Mr 115 kDa. The disappearance of the 135-and 125-kDa forms and the appearance of a sharp 115-kDa band on cauda spermatozoa suggests a precursor-product relationship between various molecular forms of the enzyme. Trypsin treatment of testicular and caput sperm membranes largely converted the precursor forms to the mature (115-kDa) form. The in vitro proteolysis resulted in an elevated level of the α- d -mannosidase activity in the caput (but not cauda) sperm plasma membrane. Inclusion of trypsin inhibitors (benzamidine and aprotinin) largely prevented the conversion of precursor form to the mature form. These data are consistent with the observed increase in the levels of sperm enzyme activity as spermatozoa move from the caput to the cauda region and suggest that the increase is due to the conversion of enzymatically inactive/ less active high molecular weight precursor forms (135 and 125 kDa) into enzymatically active mature form (115 kDa) during sperm maturation.
A new model for fatigue crack propagation in 4340 steel

An investigation on fatigue crack propagation under mode I loading has been performed. Fatigue crack growth data in the case of plane strain mode I have been obtained by performing experiments on compact tension specimens of 4340 steel for increasing ΔKI, decreasing ΔKI, and constant ΔKI loading conditions. Fatigue crack extension predictions have been obtained for Khan's proposed equation [1989], together with the widely used Paris and Erdogan [1963] and Forman [1967] equations. Khan's equation overcomes the drawbacks associated with the Paris and Forman equations, such as the inclusion of all the three stages of fatigue crack propagation, the nondimensionality of the constant, “C”, and also the accuracy in life prediction. Within the context of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics and the types of loading performed at the crack tip, it has been shown that Khan's model can accurately predict the crack growth data from near threshold value to the unstable fracture; these predicted values are much more accurate than those from the Paris and Forman equations.
Tailoring and patterning the grain size of nanocrystalline alloys

Abstract Nanocrystalline alloys that exhibit grain boundary segregation can access thermodynamically stable or metastable states with the average grain size dictated by the alloying addition. Here we consider nanocrystalline Ni–W alloys and demonstrate that the W content controls the grain size over a very broad range: ∼2–140 nm as compared with ∼2–20 nm in previous work on strongly segregating systems. This trend is attributed to a relatively weak tendency for W segregation to the grain boundaries. Based upon this observation, we introduce a new synthesis technique allowing for precise composition control during the electrodeposition of Ni–W alloys, which, in turn, leads to precise control of the nanocrystalline grain size. This technique offers new possibilities for understanding the structure–property relationships of nanocrystalline solids, such as the breakdown of Hall–Petch strength scaling, and also opens the door to a new class of customizable materials incorporating patterned nanostructures.
Role of orexin/hypocretin in conditioned sucrose-seeking in female rats.

The orexin/hypocretin system has recently been implicated in reward-seeking, especially for highly salient food and drug rewards. Given that eating disorders affect women more than men, we reasoned that the orexin system may be strongly engaged in female rats, and during periods of food restriction as we recently reported in male rats. Therefore, the present study examined the involvement of the orexin system in operant responding for sucrose, and in cue-induced reinstatement of extinguished sucrose-seeking, in ad libitum fed vs. food-restricted female subjects. Female Sprague Dawley rats were trained to self-administer sucrose pellets, and we determined the effects of pretreatment with the OxR1 receptor antagonist SB 334867 (SB; 10-30 mg/kg) on fixed ratio (FR) sucrose self-administration, and on cue-induced reinstatement of extinguished sucrose-seeking. SB decreased sucrose self-administration in food-restricted but not in ad libitum-fed females. SB did not alter active lever responding during cue-induced reinstatement of sucrose-seeking in either feeding group. These results confirm our previous results in male rats that signaling at the OxR1 receptor is involved in the sucrose reinforcement and self-administration in food-restricted subjects. However, the finding that SB is ineffective at attenuating cue-induced reinstatement in females, but was effective in food-restricted males, leads us to conclude that food seeking induced by conditioned stimuli engages the orexin system differentially in males and females.
Parity violation: Radiative pion capture in hydrogen

Abstract We investigate radiative pion capture in hydrogen, π − → n γ , as a means of determining the parity-violating πNN coupling constant ƒ π . We include contributions from the lightest baryon resonance [Δ(1232)] and the light vector mesons [ρ, ω, φ]. Our results indicate that, despite their negligible role in parity-conserving amplitudes, the effects of the Δ and ρ may hamper the determination of ƒ π .
Challenges with Graph Interpretation: A Review of the Literature.

With the growing emphasis on the development of scientific inquiry skills, the display and interpretation of data are becoming increasingly important. Graph interpretation competence is, in fact, essential to understanding today’s world and to be scientifically literate. However, graph interpretation is a complex and challenging activity. Graph interpretation competence is affected by many factors, including aspects of graph characteristics, the content of the graph and viewers’ prior knowledge. For instance, the prior theory and expectations that students have may lead to biases and misinterpretation of graphs. One basic controversy that remains unanswered, for example, is what should we teach first in order to make students scientific literate, how to graph or how to interpret a graph? If it is the case that the ability to interpret a graph be developed prior to the ability to create, then it is important to understand what graph interpretation entails. This paper reviews current literature on graph int...
Social Engagement and Immigration Attitudes: Panel Survey Evidence from Germany

This article asks how social engagement influences individuals' immigration concerns. Rates of volunteering, churchgoing, socializing, and helping others are used to predict anti-immigration sentiments. Panel survey data from Germany makes a dynamic 'conditional change' modeling strategy possible; lagged immigration views are included in models to reveal the predictors of over time developments. The most robust findings signal that frequent church attendance reduces immigration concerns; routinely helping others enhances them. And in both instances, these relationships are conditioned by the presence of immigrants in the residential area. Overall, the results position social participation in certain activities as important factors that shape people's views on immigration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Multiple translational containment part II: Exact algorithms

We present exact algorithms for finding a solution to the two-dimensional translational containment problem: find translations for k polygons which place them inside a polygonal container without overlapping. The term kCN denotes the version in which the polygons are convex and the container is nonconvex, and the term kNN denotes the version in which the polygons and the container are nonconvex. The notation (r,k)CN, (r,k)NN, and so forth refers to the problem of finding all subsets of size k out of r objects that can be placed in a container. The polygons have up to m vertices, and the container has n vertices, where n is usually much larger than m. We present exact algorithms for the following: 2CN in ${\it O}(mn\log n)$ time, (r,2)CN in ${\it O}(r^2m\log n)$ time (for $r\gg n$ ), 3CN in ${\it O}(m^3n\log n)$ time, kCN in ${\it O}(m^{2k}n^k\log n)$ or $O((mn)^{k+1})$ time, and kNN in $$ {\it O}((mn)^{2k+1}\mbox{LP}(2k,2k(2k+1)mn+k(k-1)m^2)) $$ time, where LP(a,b) is the time to solve a linear program with a variables and b constraints. All these results are improvements on previously known running times except for the last. The algorithm for kNN is slower asymptotically than the naive ${\it O}((mn)^{2k}\log n)$ algorithm, but is expected to be much faster in practice. The algorithm for 2CN is based on the use of separating line orientations as a means of characterizing the solution. The solution to 3CN also uses a separating line orientation characterization leading to a simple and robust ``carrousel'' algorithm. The kCN algorithm uses the idea of disassembling the layout to the left. Finally, the kNN algorithm uses the concept of subdivision trees and linear programming.