cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Review of Anatomy of the Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Complex of the Elbow

The importance of both the static and dynamic stabilizers of the medial elbow for the throwing athlete has been demonstrated in recent studies. Furthermore, recent anatomic studies have demonstrated the insertion of the anterior bundle (UCL) to be more distal and elongated, which has implications for surgical reconstruction of the UCL. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent anatomic and biomechanical studies evaluating the anatomy and reconstructions of the medial elbow. Recent literature has highlighted the crucial role of the dynamic stabilizers in resisting valgus force, especially during the throwing motion. The dynamic stabilizers of the medial elbow include the flexor pronator mass, specifically the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS). The clinical importance of these findings cannot be under stated, as unrecognized dynamic stabilizer injury can lead to increased stress on a native or reconstructed UCL in the throwing athlete. The medial ulnar collateral ligament complex of the elbow has a crucial role in providing both static and dynamic elbow stability. Most notably, the anterior bundle (UCL) provides the primary resistance to valgus and rotational stresses, especially during throwing motion. An understanding of the humeral and ulnar footprints and their relationships with surrounding structures is necessary to restore the native isometry of the medial complex of the elbow during UCL reconstruction. The flexor pronator musculature plays an essential role in dynamic stability, and the intimate relationship of the FCU and FDS with the ulnar insertion of the UCL should be considered to optimize recovery and outcomes with repair or reconstruction.
Control of spin dynamics in artificial honeycomb spin-ice-based nanodisks

We report the experimental and theoretical characterization of the angular-dependent spin dynamics in arrays of ferromagnetic nanodisks arranged on a honeycomb lattice. The magnetic field and microwave frequency dependence, measured by broadband ferromagnetic resonance, reveal a rich spectrum of modes that is strongly affected by the microstate of the network. Based on symmetry arguments with respect to the external field, we show that certain parts of the ferromagnetic network contribute to the detected signal. A comparison of the experimental data with micromagnetic simulations reveals that different subsections of the lattice predominantly contribute to the high-frequency response of the array. This is confirmed by optical characterizations using microfocused Brillouin light scattering. Furthermore, we find indications that nucleation and annihilation of vortexlike magnetization configurations in the low-field range affect the dynamics, which is different from clusters of ferromagnetic nanoellipses. Our work opens up new perspectives for designing magnonic devices that combine geometric frustration in gyrotropic vortex crystals at low frequencies with magnonic crystals at high frequencies.
The Two Faces of US Counterterrorism Under Trump

Donald Trump made defeating terrorism one of the defining themes of his campaign for president, but his counterterrorism policies in office have been Janus-faced. On one side is actual counterterrorism. These are policies that have evolved under a Trump administration and are sometimes in place despite, rather than because of the president, but which still exist within a traditional counterterrorism paradigm. The other side is faux counterterrorism—policies dressed up as counterterrorism, and which are intended purely to serve Trump’s political purposes.
Kinetic and mechanistic study of dye sorption onto renewable resource-based doped carbon prepared by a microwave-assisted method

Herein, a facile synthesis of heteroatom doped biochar is reported. The material is characterized and analyzed in detail for its application as a low-cost adsorbent for removal of a toxic dye pollu...
Vivir de otra manera. Una ética para la sostenibilidad

Since the conclusion of the Cancun summit on climate change (November-December 2010), the Editorial Board has contemplated these ideas to provide a basis for guidelines for living that are compatible with sustainable development.
Seasonal Timing of Spermatogenesis and Mating in Squamates: A Reinterpretation

The squamates occur in a variety of climates from tropical to Arctic regions. Being poikilotherms, snakes and lizards in temperate regions, and high elevation tropical environments, must adjust their reproductive biology to reproduce at a time that optimizes offspring survival. The two major components of the reproductive cycle in both males and females are gametogenesis and mating. The reproductive cycle of males is the focus of this study. In snakes in temperate climates, sperm production (spermatogenesis) may occur immediately prior to mating (prenuptial spermatogenesis) or following mating (postnuptial spermatogenesis). In postnuptial spermatogenesis, sperm are produced following the mating season and stored in the efferent testicular ducts (primarily the ductus deferens) until the following spring mating season. Given that most recent phylogenetic reconstructions resolve snakes as a monophyletic group of highly specialized lizards, it is generally assumed that lizards have spermatogenic cycles similar to snakes. Lizard spermatogenic cycles are often described as prenuptial or postnuptial. We propose that the major difference between snake and lizard spermatogenic cycles is the presence of postnuptial spermatogenesis in snakes and the absence of true postnuptial spermatogenesis in lizards. Our interpretation of lizard spermatogenic cycles suggests that all lizards have prenuptial spermatogenesis (i.e., sperm are produced immediately prior to mating). If fertilization occurs months after mating, the female, and not the male, stores the sperm until spring ovulation and fertilization. Using a variety of analytical tools, we analyzed the reproductive strategies of snakes and lizards, and we have concluded that they differ in fundamental ways. Most notably, prenuptial spermatogenesis is the ancestral condition for Squamata with continuous spermatogenesis evolving multiple times independently within lizards and snakes. We also found that postnuptial spermatogenesis evolved early in the evolutionary history of snakes but, we argue, has never evolved in lizards. We suggest that the evolutionary origin of snakes may account for the differences observed in snake versus lizard reproductive cycles, and we present a scenario for the evolution of snake reproductive cycles.
Comparison of Pre-Treatment vs. Post-Treatment Retinal Vessel Density in Children with Amblyopia.

Prior studies have reported a lower retinal vessel density (RVD) in amblyopic vs. non-amblyopic eyes. No studies have shown if amblyopic eye RVD changes following patching therapy. We assessed for ...
VTA Glutamate Neuron Activity Drives Positive Reinforcement Absent Dopamine Co-release

Like ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons, VTA glutamate neuron activity can support positive reinforcement. However, a subset of VTA neurons co-release DA and glutamate, and DA release might be responsible for behavioral reinforcement induced by VTA glutamate neuron activity. To test this, we used optogenetics to stimulate VTA glutamate neurons in which tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and thus DA biosynthesis, was conditionally ablated using either floxed Th mice or viral-based CRISPR/Cas9. Both approaches led to loss of TH expression in VTA glutamate neurons and loss of DA release from their distal terminals in nucleus accumbens (NAc). Despite loss of the DA signal, optogenetic activation of VTA glutamate cell bodies or axon terminals in NAc was sufficient to support reinforcement. These results suggest that glutamate release from VTA is sufficient to promote reinforcement independent of concomitant DA co-release, establishing a non-DA mechanism by which VTA activity can support reward-seeking behaviors.
Melissa A. Wong and Laura Saunders. Instruction in Libraries and Information Centers: An Introduction. Urbana-Champaign, IL: Windsor & Downs Press, 2020. Online.

Within the literature for library and information science (LIS) practitioners, there are a number of books published about information literacy and library instruction ranging from practical instruction cookbooks with activities and lesson plans, to books more focused on critical information literacy. Practitioners and students who are interested in reading about library instruction and teaching information literacy have many choices, but those who are new to the topic may not know where to start. Laura Saunders, an associate professor at the School of Library and Information Science at Simmons University, and Melissa A. Wong, an adjunct instructor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, wrote Instruction in Libraries and Information Centers: An Introduction as an open access textbook that is designed to teach and prepare anyone interested in library instruction, particularly library school students taking coursework in this area. For those who feel shy or intimidated about learning theory, Sanders and Wong take great care in breaking down each theoretical concept and providing ample examples throughout the book. The authors include reflective exercises that allow readers to pause and reflect on the reading. They make learning theory much more accessible and digestible to students and those who are new to these concepts. Each chapter provides the key theories and cites foundational scholarship in education and LIS; so, if there are particular areas that one might want to learn more about, they can explore the further readings.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: An Introduction

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that usually follows minor extremity trauma and is characterized by sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor, and motor/trophic changes. While epidemiological studies are limited, CRPS occurs with an estimated incidence between 5.5 and 29.0 cases per 100,000 person-years and is more common in female patients. The pathophysiology underlying CRPS remains an active area of study, likely varying between patients and even over time in a single patient. Proposed mechanisms include sympathetically maintained pain, peripheral and central sensitization, oxidative stress, autoimmunity, and psychological factors. Changes in presentation are common with increasing duration of symptoms and often include a shift from a warm, edematous, and erythematous limb to a cool, atrophic, and blue/purplish limb with non-dermatomal spreading. This more chronic phase coincides with increased refractoriness to treatment and suggests a transition from peripheral to central mechanisms over time.
Mild changes of hepatic nodular regenerative hyperplasia may cause portal hypertension and be visible on reticulin but not hematoxylin and eosin staining

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) can manifest as alternating parenchymal compression/expansion on hematoxylin and eosin (HE 24 of these (53%) showed them on HE only 3 had concomitant advanced fibrosis. Chemotherapy was the most frequent known cause of NRH; 30 patients lacked any definite etiology. NRH can be difficult to diagnose on biopsy, particularly since mild changes may be visible on reticulin but not HE even these patients can have PHTN. Additionally, NRH is often idiopathic, potentially lowering clinical and pathologic suspicion. Pathologists should have a low threshold for ordering reticulin stains, especially when a patient is known to have PHTN. Sinusoidal dilation, while nonspecific, commonly accompanies NRH.
Deaths Due to Accidental Discharge of a Dropped Handgun

Accidental deaths due to firearms are relatively uncommon. Only 2400 were recorded in the United States in 1972 [1]. Most of these deaths were due to carelessness or misuse of firearms. A very small number were due to dropping a weapon with resultant discharge. This paper will present twelve cases of this latter type of accident that occurred in Dallas from 1969 to 1973, as well as a discussion of the type of weapon in which such an accident is possible. Seven of the twelve cases will be described in detail since each involves a different type of weapon. As the weapons involved in all twelve cases were handguns, the discussion will be limited to this class of weapon.
Evolution and performance of a single-point mooring for an offshore aquaculture cage

The mooring of aquaculture cages in sheltered-water environments has almost entirely made use of multiple mooring anchors creating an array that holds the cages in a fixed position. Open-ocean aquaculture ventures experience decreased user conflicts, improved water quality, and a lack of established practices that would otherwise constrain innovation from standard sheltered-water practices. Although intricate mooring designs are not necessary in the open ocean, challenges exist owing to the high-energy nature of open-ocean exposure and the need for cost-competitive approaches that offer commercially-viable alternatives to sheltered-water mooring systems. The Gulf of Mexico Offshore Aquaculture Consortium has developed a single-point mooring (SPM) system to moor an aquaculture cage 40 km offshore in the Gulf of Mexico in 25 m of water. The SPM evolved to its present configuration through several previous mooring iterations and lessons learned from each mooring attempt.
Using domain knowledge to constrain structure learning in a Bayesian bioagent detector

A novel procedure for learning a probabilistic model from mass spectrometry data that accounts for domain specific noise and mitigates the complexity of Bayesian structure learning is presented. We evaluate the algorithm by applying the learned probabilistic model to microorganism detection from mass spectrometry data.
A Feminist Policy Analysis Framework

ABSTRACT Most policy analysis models, both inside and outside of social work, approach policy in a gender-neutral manner. This fact belies the many ways our society is organized around gender, which is often regulated through policy. This article outlines a model for looking at policies through a gendered lens by framing a set of questions to be asked in a feminist policy analysis. The complexities and underlying issues inherent in such a model are discussed, as well as the model's implicit goals and values. The model provides an important framework for policy analysts and teaching students about policy.
A fuzzy-petri net formalization of expert information for groundwater risk management

The characterization and management of risk in groundwater contamination problems can be improved using subjective expert information. Petri Nets are graphical and mathematical modeling tools for describing information processing systems whereas Fuzzy Set Theory provides a quantitative environment for representing subjective information. The framework used herein is a Fuzzy-Petri Net (FPN), a synergy of Petri Nets and Fuzzy Set Theory. We demonstrate features of the FPN model used for managing a knowledge base available for the solution of a health risk based design problem of benzene contaminated groundwater. Statements of public-health professionals on the toxic behavior of benzene constitute the FPN's knowledge base ( Ozbek and Pinder, 2000 ). First, the net representation of the knowledge base is utilized to construct a subnet which is based on expert information concerning the inquiry, risk-informed concentration constraints for an optimization problem in this case. The resulting subnet is then exploited to characterize the concentration constraints.
RE-EVALUATION OF FOUR-QUADRANT PUNCH BIOPSIES OF THE CERVIX.

Abstract Two hundred forty-four cases of punch biopsies of the cervix, with a diagnosis of preinvasive, questionably invasive, or minimally invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix were tabulated. These patients had been treated by hysterectomy (213) or therapeutic conization (31). Of 196 lesions originally diagnosed as preinvasive, 3 (1.5 per cent) were found, after treatment, to be seriously invasive. One (3.4 per cent) of 29 questionably invasive, and 2 (10.5 per cent) of 19 minimally invasive, were also found to be seriously invasive. These cases were re-examined, and the diagnoses re-evaluated. Of 163 preinvasive lesions on biopsy, 1 (0.6 per cent) was seriously invasive in the treatment specimen; 1 (4.0 per cent) of 25 questionably invasive, and 1 (9.1 per cent) of 11 minimally invasive turned out to be seriously invasive. A total of 3 (1.5 per cent) of 199 cases were thus seriously invasive. One case was found to be lymphatic extension in the biopsy, and to be markedly invasive in the treatment specimen. The remaining 44 of the originally tabulated cases were excluded, either because of a remaining inadequate number of slides or a biopsy diagnosis now considered less than preinvasive carcinoma. The significance of biopsy adequacy, number of quadrants involved, and the presence of glandular extension, have been discussed. We believe four-quadrant punch biopsies of the uterine cervix, when properly obtained and studied, are adequate in the diagnosis of preinvasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. A diagnostic cone is necessary in patients with a punch biopsy diagnosis of questionably or minimally invasive squamous cell carcinoma before definitive therapy is undertaken.
The importance of fat in the diabetic diet: fat in the diabetic diet

Summary What is more important for a patient with type 2 diabetes (T2D): the carbohydrate content of the diet, or the fat? This article will take the position that we need to be concerned about the fat content in the patient with T2D. T2D presents a problem in overall risk management for both microvascular and macrovascular disease. While glycaemic control is required, the control of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and coagulation abnormalities are required as well. A diet that is somewhat higher in fat, lower in carbohydrate content as opposed to a lower fat, higher carbohydrate diet may be more effective in controlling these abnormalities. If a higher fat diet is chosen, it is important to know the recommended fats.
An examination of humor and endorser effects on consumers' responses to direct‐to‐consumer advertising: The moderating role of product involvement

Purpose – This study aims to examine how product involvement moderates the effects of emotional appeals namely humor and endorsers on consumers' responses to direct‐to‐consumer advertising (DTCA).Design/methodology/approach – This study employed a 2 (Humor: humor vs. non‐humor)×2 (Endorser: celebrity vs expert)×2 (Involvement: high vs low) factorial experimental design. Subjects were 420 allergy/asthma sufferers or non‐sufferers attending a large Southwestern US university as undergraduate and graduate students.Findings – Results confirm that low involvement consumers demonstrate more positive responses than high involvement consumers toward prescription drug ads with emotional appeals. Humor or a celebrity endorser enhances ad and brand attitudes, brand recall, and copy point recall of consumers without medical conditions. However, an expert endorser is found to be more effective in improving ad credibility. A three‐way interaction between humor, endorser, and involvement was evident indicating that the ...
Effects of Whole Egg Consumption on Carotenoids Absorption from Co-Consumed, Carotenoids-Rich Mixed-Vegetable Salad

Dietary lipid is one of the most effective stimulators of carotenoids (CAT) absorption, but very limited data exist on the impact of endogenous food sources of lipid to enhance CAT absorption. Co-c...
Frequency response of a nonlinear closed-loop system

THIS ARTICLE PRESENTS two general concepts which are very valuable in analyzing nonlinear servomechanisms. A graphical procedure is introduced by which the frequency response of a nonlinear closed-loop system can be determined from the describing function. The theory is even valid for the general describing function which is both amplitude and frequency dependent (Fig. 1).
Solving microstructure electrostatics on a proposed parallel computer

Abstract The programming models presented by parallel computers are diverse and changing. We study a new parallel programming model-cooperative shared memory (CSM) with a collaborative effort between chemical engineers and computer scientists. Since CSM machines do not (yet) exist we evaluate our applications and machine designs with the Wisconsin Wind Tunnel (WWT), which runs CSM programs and calculates the performance of hypothetical parallel computers. The application considered is the class of three-dimensional elliptic partial differential equations (Laplace, Stokes, Navier) with solutions represented by boundary integral equations. The parallel algorithm follows naturally from our use of the Completed Double Layer Boundary Integral Equation Method (CDLBIEM). A major result is the demonstration that coding CDLBIEM is much simpler under CSM than with the message passing model, and yet performance (computational times and speed ups) is comparable, a fact that may be of great interest to designers of future machines. With WWT, we can also examine performance as a function of machine parameters such as cache size and network bandwidth and latency. The possibility of tweaking simultaneously the algorithm and architecture to outline pathways of evolution for future parallel machines is an important concept explored in this work.
Scale, Scope, and Structure in the Community Chorus Industry

Choral music is the leading form of public participation in the arts in the United States. This article describes choral music from an organizational perspective, using a strategic management framework to examine total market scale, scope of activity, and internal structure. While many tens of thousands of choruses are embedded in educational and religious institutions, this article focuses on independent, community-based choruses. Data from public and private sources, including the leading national service organization for choruses, shows that an estimated 3,000 of these choruses operate in the U.S. They are typically organized along club models, with significant contributions to finances and governance made by chorus singers. Summary data in the article show variation in governance and program activity within budget ranges and among chorus types including professional, symphonic, volunteer, and children/youth.
Cocco's musical intervention in the US base problems: traversing a realm of everyday cultural sensibilities in Okinawa

This essay intervenes in the political contradiction between the pro-base and anti-base positions in Okinawa while at the same time seeking to provide an alternative to the binary at the level of everyday cultural sensibilities. I will accomplish this task by exploring the activities of charismatic Okinawan musician-artist-activist Cocco. More specifically, locating Cocco's music within – and also outside – a long, complicated genealogy of Okinawan popular music, I will trace how she has grounded the formal political problems of the US military in Okinawa's everyday dilemmas concerning money, memory, and globalization. In my view, Cocco has done so in a way that prods us to move beyond the pro-base/anti-base binary and to navigate an uncharted realm of culture, power, and history. I will also pay attention to how the audience in Okinawa and beyond, as a co-producer of Cocco's music community, has participated in this process. In so doing, I will show how Cocco's music has brought to light possibilities of...
A fatality from idiopathic anaphylaxis

Background Idiopathic anaphylaxis by definition is a form of anaphylaxis where no identifiable stimulus can be found. In our series of over 350 patients with idiopathic anaphylaxis there have been no reported deaths. Objective To report the clinical course of the first fatality in our series from idiopathic anaphylaxis. Methods A patient was evaluated for idiopathic anaphylaxis and started on our previously published protocol of corticosteroids, sympathomimetics, and antihistamines. Results Despite following our protocol–which has been effective in decreasing the number of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit admissions–controlling the disease, and placing a high percentage of patients into remission, the patient with idiopathic anaphylaxis died unexpectedly after experiencing symptoms similar to previous episodes of idiopathic anaphylaxis. Conclusion This is the first reported fatality from idiopathic anaphylaxis in our extensive series.
Impact of potassium, sodium, and salinity on the protein-and free amino acid content of wheat grain

A lysimeter study was conducted on Cajeme wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to investigate the impact of salinity on protein and free amino acid content of the grain. Cross correlations were obtained between 16 different soil-plant-water based parameters and the concentration and total accumulation of amino acids. The results indicated that after 3 years of irrigation, the majority of protein bound and free amino acids increased in concentration in the grain. However, both free tryptophan and free proline revealed decreasing concentrations with increasing salinity. Free tryptophan showed a synergism between total accumulation, yield and concentration. Free proline concentrations decreased in association with increasing protein concentrations. Cross correlations of the 16 soil-plant-water based parameters with free and protein bound amino acids revealed significant correlations for free aspartic acid and glycine with total accumulation but not with concentrations. Only methionine plus cystine was lower than suggested FAO levels for essential amino acids and was lower in the third year than in the first year.
Image reconstruction for two-color microgrid polarimetric imagers

A Fourier domain method for reconstructing passive Stokes imagery from a two-color microgrid polarization imager is presented in this paper. This new filter-based technique is designed to avoid aliased spectrum content caused by sampling in a checkerboard style two-color array. Test results show good agreement between a full microgrid image processed with existing techniques and the same image resampled as one channel of the two-color array and processed with this new technique.12
Size measurement of tissue debris particles generated from pulsed ultrasound cavitational therapy-histotripsy.

Extensive mechanical tissue fractionation can be achieved using successive high intensity ultrasound pulses ("histotripsy"). Histotripsy has many potential medical applications where noninvasive tissue removal is desired (e.g., tumor ablation). There is a concern that debris generated by histotripsy-induced tissue fractionation might be an embolization hazard. The aim of this study is to measure the size distribution of these tissue debris particles. Histotripsy pulses were produced by a 513-element 1 MHz array transducer, an 18-element 750 kHz array transducer and a 788 kHz single element transducer. Peak negative pressures of 11 to 25 MPa, pulse durations of 3 to 50 cycles, pulse repetition frequencies of 100 Hz to 2 kHz were used. Tissue debris particles created by histotripsy were collected and measured with a particle sizing system. In the resulting samples, debris 99% of the total number of tissue particles. The largest particle generated by one of the parameter sets tested was 54 microm in diameter, which is smaller than the clinic filter size (100 microm) used to prevent embolization. The largest particles generated using other parameter sets were larger than 60 microm but the value could not be specified using our current setup. Exposures with shorter pulses produced lower percentages of large tissue debris (>30 microm) in comparison to longer pulses. These results suggest that the tissue debris particle size distribution is adjustable by altering acoustic parameters if necessary.
Conservation of B-class floral homeotic gene function between maize and Arabidopsis

The ABC model of flower development, established through studies in eudicot model species, proposes that petal and stamen identity are under the control of B-class genes. Analysis of B- and C-class genes in the grass species rice and maize suggests that the C- and B-class functions are conserved between monocots and eudicots, with B-class genes controlling stamen and lodicule development. We have undertaken a further analysis of the maize B-class genes Silky1, the putative AP3 ortholog, and Zmm16, a putative PI ortholog, in order to compare their function with the Arabidopsis B-class genes. Our results show that maize B-class proteins interact in vitro to bind DNA as an obligate heterodimer, as do Arabidopsis B-class proteins. The maize proteins also interact with the appropriate Arabidopsis B-class partner proteins to bind DNA. Furthermore, we show that maize B-class genes are capable of rescuing the corresponding Arabidopsis B-class mutant phenotypes. This demonstrates B-class activity of the maize gene Zmm16, and provides compelling evidence that B-class gene function is conserved between monocots and eudicots.
GAS HOLDUP IN BAFFLED BUBBLE COLUMNS OF DILUTE SLURRIES OF FINE POWDERS AND VISCOUS LIQUIDS

ABSTRACT Experimental gas phase holdup data reported by the authors as taken on two baffled bubble columns and involving slurries of fine powders (average particle diameter ≤90 μm) and dilute suspensions (mass fraction ≤ 20 percent) in viscous fluids are re-examined after correction for a small calculation error in superficial gas velocity. The two bubble columns are: a Plexiglas bubble column, 0.108 m in diameter and 2.25 m tall, equipped with seven 19 mm tubes arranged in equilateral triangular configuration with a pitch of 36.5 mm and a Pyrex glass column, 0.305 m in diameter and 3.24 m tall, equipped with thirty-seven 19 mm tubes arranged in the same configuration. Air and nitrogen are used as gas phase, water and Therminol as liquid phase, and iron oxide powders, glass beads and sand as solid phase. The small column data are at ambient temperature while those belonging to the large column extend from ambient to 473K. These data are examined to assess the influence of column diameter (scale-up), tempe...
The structure and dynamics of adsorbed molecules in microporous solids; a comparison between experiments and computer simulations

A critical evaluation is made of the results of computer simulations of adsorbed molecules in microporous inorganic materials. Structural, thermochemical and dynamic data are compared with the corresponding experimental findings. The systems examined include inert gases and simple alkanes in zeolites Na-Y and silicalite, benzene and pyridine in Na-Y and K-L, respectively, andp-xylene in silicalite. Future developments in the area are also discussed.
Deflationism and the truth conditional theory of meaning

Controversy has arisen of late over the claim that deflationism about truth requires that we explain meaning in terms of something other than truth-conditions. This controversy, it is argued, is due to unclarity as to whether the basic deflationary claim that a sentence and a sentence that attributes truth to it are equivalent in meaning is intended to involve the truth-predicate of the object language for which we develop an account of meaning, or is intended to involve the truth-predicate of the metalanguage in which we develop an account of meaning. The former view is compatible with the truth-conditional theory of meaning for the object language, the latter is incompatible with it. However, the former view is also trivially true; hence we should endorse the claim that any form of deflationism worth being interested in is incompatible with understanding meaning truth-conditionally.
Spherical Microglass Particle Impingement Studies of Thermoplastic Materials at Normal Incidence

Light optical and scanning electron microscope studies were conducted to characterize the erosion resistance of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE). Erosion was caused by a jet of spherical micro-glass beads at normal impact. During the initial stages of damage, the surfaces of these materials were studied using a profilometer. Material buildup above the original surface was observed on PC and PMMA. As erosion progressed, this buildup disappeared as the pit became deeper. Little or no buildup was observed on PTFE and on UHMWPE. UHMWPE and PTFE are the most resistant materials and PMMA the least. Favorable properties for high erosion resistance seem to be high values of ultimate elongation, and strain energy and a low value of the modulus of elasticity. Erosion-rate-versus-time curves of PC and PTFE exhibit incubation, acceleration and steady state periods. A continuously increasing erosion rate period was observed however for PMMA instead of a steady state period. At early stages of damage and at low impact pressure material removal mechanisms appear to be similar to those for metallic materials.
High Speed Frequency Domain Camera

We are developing a system for high bandwidth frequency domain imaging using a high-speed camera together with field programmable gate array processing. Data processing rates are up to 2 gigapixels per second.
Assessing the Precision of Turning Point Estimates in Polynomial Regression Functions

Researchers often report point estimates of turning point(s) obtained in polynomial regression models but rarely assess the precision of these estimates. We discuss three methods to assess the precision of such turning point estimates. The first is the delta method that leads to a normal approximation of the distribution of the turning point estimator. The second method uses the exact distribution of the turning point estimator of quadratic regression functions. The third method relies on Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to provide a finite sample approximation of the exact distribution of the turning point estimator. We argue that the delta method may lead to misleading inference and that the other two methods are more reliable. We compare the three methods using two data sets from the environmental Kuznets curve literature, where the presence and location of a turning point in the income-pollution relationship is the focus of much empirical work.
Activation of maternal centrosomes in unfertilized sea urchin eggs

Centrosomes are undetectable in unfertilized sea urchin eggs, and normally the sperm introduces the cell's microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) at fertilization. However, artificial activation or parthenogenesis triggers microtubule assembly in the unfertilized egg, and this study explores the reappearance and behavior of the maternal centrosome. During activation with A23187 or ammonia, microtubules appear first at the cortex; centrosomal antigen is detected diffusely throughout the entire cytoplasm. Later, the centrosome becomes more distinct and organizes a radial microtubule shell, and eventually a compact centrosome at the egg center organizes a monaster. In these activated eggs, centrosomes undergo cycles of compaction and decompaction in synchrony with the chromatin, which also undergoes cycles of condensation and decondensation. Parthenogenetic activation with heavy water (50% D2O) or the microtubule-stabilizing drug taxol (10 microM) induces numerous centrosomal foci in the unfertilized sea urchin egg. Within 15 min after incubation in D2O, numerous fine centrosomal foci are detected, and they organize a connected network of numerous asters which fill the entire egg. Taxol induces over 100 centrosomal foci by 15 min after treatment, which organize a corresponding number of asters. The centrosomal material in either D2O- or taxol-treated eggs aggregates with time to form fewer but denser foci, resulting in fewer and larger asters. Fertilization of eggs pretreated with either D2O or taxol shows that the paternal centrosome is dominant over the maternal centrosome. The centrosomal material gradually becomes associated with the enlarged sperm aster. These experiments demonstrate that maternal centrosomal material is present in the unfertilized egg, likely as dispersed undetectable material, which can be activated without paternal contributions. At fertilization, paternal centrosomes become dominant over the maternal centrosomal material.
Aminophylline stimulates the incorporation of choline into phospholipid in explants of fetal rat lung in organ culture.

We have investigated the direct effect of aminophylline, a cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and of cyclic AMP on choline incorporation into phospholipid in explants of fetal rat lung in organ culture. Explants from 19 day fetal rat lung (term is 22 days) were cultured for 24 or 48 h in F12 medium containing 1.0 mM aminophylline or 0.2 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Explants cultured in F12 medium alone served as controls. Exposure to aminophylline resulted in an 88% increase in choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine (P < 0.01) and a 95% increase in choline incorporation into sphingomyelin (P < 0.001) in the 48-h cultures. Similar changes were noted after 24 h in culture. There was a small increase in the percentage of synthesized phosphatidylcholine which was disaturated. The activities of choline kinase and cholinephosphotransferase in the explants were not significantly altered by exposure to aminophylline. 77 and 53% stimulation of choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin respectively was demonstrated in explants cultured in medium containing cyclic AMP. Aminophylline treatment of explants from 20- and 21-day fetuses resulted in a smaller degree of stimulation of choline incorporation into both phospholipids. These data suggest that aminophylline has a direct stimulatory effect on the incorporation of choline into phospholipid in fetal rat lung and that this effect is probably cyclic AMP mediated.
The dependence of the heavy atom induced quenching of the fluorescence of n-methylacridone upon the solvent

Abstract The quenching constants K and the rate constants k q of the heavy-atom-induced fluorescence quenching of N-methylacridone were obtained from Stern-Volmer plots for nine different solvents. Iodomethane, iodoethane, iodobutane and iodobenzene were used as quenchers. It was found that the solvent dependence of K is due to the varying fluorescence decay times τ f w of the first excited singlet state of N-methylacridone in the solvents, whereas the values of k q are not affected by the solvent, being appreciably smaller than the rate constants of diffusion, k diff . The increase of k q with decreasing ionisation potential of the quencher I Q V is attributed to the CT interactions between the fluorophore 1 A and the heavy-atom quencher Q involving a CT encounter complex 1 (A …Q), with 1 A acting as an acceptor on account of the correlation between k q and I Q V . Assuming that the formation of the encounter complex is diffusion controlled (k 1 ≈k diff ), the kinetics of the quenching process can be interpreted thus that the back-reaction k −1 proceeds at a much faster rate than the heavy-atom-induced spin inversion k isc . The resultant small association constant k 1 /k −1 of the CT encounter complex accounts for the weak CT interaction between N-methylacridone and heavy-atom quencher and the comparatively low values of k q with respect to k diff .
Effectiveness of psychotherapeutic counseling in methadone maintenance

Therapeutic counseling has been widely adovacted with methadone maintenance, but its effectiveness has not been demonstrated. A review of the literature revealed a dearth of scientific investigations comparing treatment outcomes with and without counseling services. The few studies which have been reported seem to suggest that counseling does not significantly change treatment outcomes as measured by the usual indicators of illicit drug use, arrests, employment, and retention in the program. These studies suffered from a number of methodological flaws, however, including failure to adhere to research design, small sample size, poorly matched control groups, inadequate outcome criteria, and absence of post-treatment follow-up. Previous investigators have been nearly unanimous in calling for further studies of this issue. Since the cost of counseling services represents a major portion of treatment program budgets, there is an urgent need to document the effectiveness of these services with definitive studies.
Influence of food on the intravenous and oral dose kinetics of propranolol in the dog.

The intravenous and oral dose kinetics of propranolol were studied in the dog both in a fasted state and immediately after a meal consisting of 100 g of cooked beef liver. Fifty ΜCi of3H-propranolol was administered intravenously simultaneously with a 40-mg oral dose of unlabeled propranolol. Plasma3H-propranolol was measured by specific extraction and liquid scintillation spectrometry, and unlabeled plasma propranolol was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Feeding significantly reduced (25%) the elimination half-life and increased (52%) the systemic clearance of intravenous propranolol. The increase in the systemic clearance of propranolol after feeding was mostly due to an increase (60%) in apparent hepatic blood flow, which appeared to remain elevated for 5–7 hr. The meal had no influence on the apparent volume of distribution or plasma binding. Feeding did not affect the area under the concentration-time curve of oral propranolol, but significantly delayed the rate of oral propranolol absorption, shifting the time to reach peak plasma levels from 60 to 158 min. The results of this study suggest that feeding alters the disposition of propranolol in the dog by producing a sustained increase in hepatic blood flow.
A fast algorithm for computing longest common subsequences

Previously published algorithms for finding the longest common subsequence of two sequences of length n have had a best-case running time of O(n2). An algorithm for this problem is presented which has a running time of O((r + n) log n), where r is the total number of ordered pairs of positions at which the two sequences match. Thus in the worst case the algorithm has a running time of O(n2 log n). However, for those applications where most positions of one sequence match relatively few positions in the other sequence, a running time of O(n log n) can be expected.
Note on slow rotation or rotary oscillation of axisymmetric bodies in hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics

Results for three interrelated problems are obtained by making use of solutions of boundary-value problems obtained in a different context. The first one concerns a thin rigid circular disk rotating in a slow stream of viscous fluid, both when the fluid is conducting and when it is non-conducting. For the case of a conducting fluid formulae are given for both small and large Hartmann numbers. The second problem concerns a disk performing simple harmonic rotary oscillations about its axis of symmetry in a non-conducting viscous fluid which is at rest at infinity. The last problem is that of an arbitrary axisymmetric solid oscillating about its axis of symmetry in a bounded viscous fluid, and the solution is illustrated by the case of an oscillating disk.
The Quasimonotonicity of Linear Differential Systems -The Complex Spectrum

The method of vector Lyapunov functions to determine stability in dynamical systems requires that the comparison system be quasimonotone nondecreasing with respect to a cone contained in the nonnegative orthant. For linear comparison systems in Rn with real spectra, Heikkila solved the problem for n = 2 and gave necessary conditions for n > 2. We previously showed a sufficient condition for n > 2, and here, for systems with complex eigenvalues, we give conditions for which the problem reduces to the nonnegative inverse eigenvalue problem.
Dynamical percolation model of conductance fluctuations in hydrogenated amorphous silicon.

Conductance fluctuations in hydrogenated amorphous silicon ( $a$-Si:H) are simulated using a dynamical model of resistor diffusion on a lattice held at the percolation threshold. A fraction of lattice sites is designated as a trap, such that when a resistor diffuses onto that site it remains localized for a finite period of time. When a distribution of traps based on the defect density of $a$-Si:H is employed, the conductance fluctuations of the resistor network exhibit $1/f$ noise interspersed with random telegraph switching noise, as observed in experimental measurements of $a$-Si:H.
Race and the Law

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by R.T. Ford, volume 19, pp. 12684–12689, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Opto-fluidic detection platform for pathogen detection in water

We prototyped a compact micro-fluidic based flow cytometer for pathogen detection in water. The system uses a pin-photodiode for detection and yielded a detection limit of ∼200MEPE, sufficient to reliably identify and count specifically-tagged pathogens.
Determination of the noise parameters of a linear 2-port

A new algorithm is given for the calculation of the four noise parameters of a linear 2-port from experimental measurements of its noise figure as a function of source admittance. A computer program for performing this calculation is briefly described (more detailed documentation is available).
Development of a Multidirectional Simple Shear Testing Device

A new simple shear testing device capable of applying multidirectional loading to soil specimens has been developed. The Texas A&M University multidirectional simple shear (TAMU-MDSS) device provides the ability to apply a large range of shear stresses and complex loading paths, such as figure-eight and circular patterns, to a cylindrical soil specimen confined by a wire-reinforced membrane. The load and torque experienced by the sample are directly measured by a multi-axis load cell installed above the specimen. Backpressure saturation of the specimen is made possible by the device’s ability to apply pressure in the chamber and backpressure to the water lines. Excess pore pressure is measured by a pressure transducer during the shearing phase of the testing. This paper describes the development of the TAMU-MDSS system and the capabilities of the device and presents test results on saturated clay soil specimens subjected to monotonic, unidirectional cyclic, and multidirectional loading.
Effects of pregnenolone, cyanoketone, and equilenin on the human malignant trophoblast in vitro

Cultures of human malignant trophoblast cells were studied to determine the basis of inhibition of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) secretion and depletion of glycogen following incubation of the cells in the presence of pregnenolone (3β-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one). Incubation of the cells for as long as 3 days with 5 or 10 μg of pregnenolone per ml resulted in decreased protein content, inhibition of DNA synthesis, diminished glucose utilization, and marked accumulation of acellular debris in the medium. These changes became more pronounced with time of incubation and were related to the dose of pregnenolone employed. The effect of pregnenolone on all of the parameters measured was mimicked and potentiated by either equilenin (3-hydroxy-1,3,5(10),6,8-estrapentaen-17-one) or cyanoketone (androst-5-en-2α-cyano-17β-hydroxy-4,4,17α-trimethyl-3-one), inhibitors of pregnenolone conversion to progesterone. These results suggested that the glycogenolysis and inhibition of HCG secretion that occur when the trophblast cells are incubated in the presence of pregnenolone result from toxicity rather than from cellular differentiation, and that prior conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone is not necessary for the manifestation of the toxicity.