cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EU Involvement in the Thai Southern Crisis

There is an ongoing conflict in southern Thailand, in three southernmost Thai provinces (Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat). The violence has been going on for many years but the violence got worse in 2004. In the area the Islamic population, who are originally Malays (Malaysians), think that the government of Thailand handles them like the second important people and that they do not have their rights for their original religion and culture. Buddhism is the major religion in Thailand (95% of population), and Buddhism is also highly respected there. The king of Thailand is the head of country’s Buddhists, the monks are highly respected, and their religion is important to them. So, the Islamic population feels that they are not as important as the Buddhists.
Theory and Experiments in Selecting Mode Shapes for Two-Link Flexible Manipulators

The design of a control system is typically based on a model of the actual plant. The achievable performance is thus intimately related to the modelling accuracy. A popular method for modelling flexible manipulators is the assumed-modes method. However, in order to generate an accurate model with a minimal number of modes, appropriate component mode shapes must be selected. This paper explores the selection of component mode shapes to be used in models for two-link flexible manipulators. The theoretical natural frequencies and system mode shapes predicted by these models are compared to those of the experimental Stanford Multi-Link Flexible Manipulator. Strobe photographs taken to capture the experimental system mode shapes are included.
σ-Interpolation Lattice-ordered groups

In [1], Jakubik showed that the class of σ-interpolation lattice-ordered groups forms a radical class, but left open the question of whether the class forms a torsion class. In this paper, we show that this class does indeed form a torsion class.
Identifying the Duty Prohibiting Outsider Trading on Material Non-Public Information

The federal securities laws do not contain a definition of insider trading. As a result, case law has developed in a common law fashion from the existing statutory broad anti-fraud prohibitions. The result has been a tortuous path in defining the reach of the prohibition against trading securities on the basis of non-public information. This article examines outsider trading which occurs when market participants who are not corporate insiders obtain material non-public information and whether they are permitted to enter into securities transactions on the basis of that information. SEC rulemaking adopted a relatively broad reading of the law’s reach to deal with outsider trading. In contrast, the trend in recent cases has been to question that breadth. This article examines recent developments and concludes that the SEC got it right. Namely, trading prohibitions properly extend 'outsider trading' to certain individuals even if they are not under a fiduciary duty to keep the information confidential. The article also explores the range of outsiders who should be covered by trading prohibitions. A final recommendation is that that the confusion in the cases demonstrates that Congress should recognize the need for a statutory definition of both insider and outsider trading.
Visual Data Mining for Business Intelligence Applications

Business intelligence applications require the analysis and mining of large volumes of transaction data to support business managers in making informed decisions. A key dimension of data mining for human decision making is information visualization: the presentation of information in such a way that humans can perceive interesting patterns. Often, such visual data mining is a powerful prelude to using other, algorithmic, data mining techniques. Additionally, visualization is often important to presenting the results of data mining tasks, such as clustering or association rules. There are several challenges to providing useful visualization for business intelligence applications. First, these applications typically involve the navigation of large volumes of data. Quite often, users can get lost, confused, and overwhelmed with displays that contain too much information. Second, the data is usually of high dimensionality, and visualizing it often involves a series of inter-related displays. Third, different visual metaphors may be useful for different types of data and for different applications. This paper discusses VisMine, a content-driven visual mining infrastructure that we are developing at HP Laboratories. VisMine uses several innovative techniques: (1) hidden visual structure and relationships for uncluttering displays; (2) simultaneous, synchronized visual presentations for high-dimensional data; and (3) an open architecture that allows the plugging in of existing graphic toolkits for expanding its use in a wide variety of visual applications. We have applied this infrastructure to visual data mining for various business intelligence applications in telecommunication, e-commerce, and Web information access.
Self-Reconfigurable Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuits Architecture Comprising a Field Programmable Analog Array and a General Purpose Genetic Algorithm IP Core

Development of analog electronics solutions for space avionics is expensive and time-consuming. Lack of flexible analog devices, counterparts to digital Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), prevents analog designers from the benefits of rapid prototyping. This forces them to expensive and lengthy custom design, fabrication, and qualification of application specific integrated circuits (ASIC). This paper describes a recent FPAA design, the Self-Reconfigurable Analog Array (SRAA) that was developed at JPL. It has a large variety of analog building block components in the cells of the array and allows to operate over a wide range of temperature using a built in general purpose genetic algorithm (GA) engine as an intellectual property (IP) core.
The molecular biology of pattern formation in the early embryonic development of Drosophila.

The techniques of molecular biology have been brought to bear on the mysteries of early development in the hope that new approaches would lead to a clearer understanding of how overt pattern is formed from its invisible antecedents. The molecules involved in pattern formation have been made visible by molecular probes and have been manipulated by mutation, genetic engineering, and injection. In the study of Drosophila development, the key discoveries made using molecular techniques have been heavily dependent on the genetic analyses that provided the molecular biologists with working material. In many ways, genetic studies continue to lead the way, guiding molecular biologists to the genes that matter most.
Δ9,10‐Octalin

Δ9,10-octalin solvent: 250 ml. of anhydrous ethylamine product: Δ9,10-octalin byproduct: Δ1,9-octalin product: dimethylamine product: 1-tert-butylcyclohexene Keywords: reduction, CC HC–CH; bis(3-methyl-2-butyl)borane (disiamylborane); dimethylamine; ethylamine; amine vapors
Neutrophil volume distribution width : A new automated hematologic parameter for acute infection

Abstract Context.—The number of band forms and immature neutrophils increases during acute bacterial infection. However, the determination of band counts and other neutrophil morphologic changes, such as the presence of toxic granulation, toxic vacuolization, and Dohle bodies in the cytoplasm, is labor intensive and time consuming, as it requires manual examination by an experienced medical technologist. Objective.—To investigate the value of the neutrophil volume distribution width (NDW), generated by VCS technology of the Coulter LH 750 hematology analyzer, as an additional predictor of acute infection. Design.—Total white blood cell count, percentage of neutrophils, and NDW data from 70 patients with positive blood cultures for bacteria and from 35 age-matched control subjects were retrospectively analyzed. Results.—A significant increase in the NDW was observed in the bacteremic patients compared with the controls (24.7 ± 4.5 vs 19.0 ± 1.5; P < .001). Such increase was observed even in patients with w...
Fluorocarbon Aerosol Propellants IV: Pharmacokinetics of Trichloromonofluoromethane following Single and Multiple Dosing in Dogs

An intravenous dosage form of trichloromonofluoromethane, a common aerosol propellant, was formulated in polyethylene glycol 400 for single and multiple dosing to unanesthetized dogs. A three-compartment open model was proposed for disposition of this compound in dogs with average half-lives of 3.2, 16, and 93 min for three disposition phases. This finding is contrary to several reports where blood levels were monitored for shorter periods. A computer analysis of tissue compartment distribution following a single dose showed that about 2 hr was required to achieve pseudodistribution equilibration, following which more than 90% of the dose remaining in the body was retained in tissue compartments. Pulmonary clearance and volumes of distribution were calculated considering first-pass effect through the lung. The volume of distribution was approximately six times the body weight in terms of blood concentrations, and about 30% of the propellant was cleared from blood passing through the lung in each cycle. Disposition of propellant followed dose-independent kinetics after multiple dosing, and accumulation in tissues continued for a much longer period, resulting in high tissue compartment levels.
On the capacity of the MIMO cognitive interference channel

The cognitive interference channel is a variation of the classical interference channel in which one of the transmitters, the cognitive transmitter, has full and a priori knowledge of the message of the other user, the primary user. This additional knowledge is termed cognition and idealizes the cognitive transmitter learning the messages of the primary user by overhearing its transmissions over a wireless channel. This paper studies the multiple-input multiple-output cognitive interference channel and derives inner and outer bounds for the capacity of this channel model as well as approximate characterizations of the capacity region. In particular, it is shown that capacity can be achieved to within an additive gap which depends on the number of antennas at the cognitive decoder and to within a constant multiplicative factor of two.
A 6-bit 600-MS/s 5.3-mW Asynchronous ADC in 0.13- $\mu{\hbox{m}}$ CMOS

An asynchronous analog-to-digital converter (ADC) based on successive approximation is used to provide a high-speed (600-MS/s) and medium-resolution (6-bit) conversion. A high input bandwidth (>4 GHz) was achieved which allows its use in RF subsampling applications. By using asynchronous processing techniques, it avoids clocks at higher than the sample rate and speeds up a nonbinary successive approximation algorithm utilizing a series nonbinary capacitive ladder with digital radix calibration. The sample rate of 600 MS/s was achieved by time-interleaving two single ADCs, which were fabricated in a 0.13-mum standard digital CMOS process. The ADC achieves a peak SNDR of 34 dB, while only consuming an active area of 0.12mm2 and having power consumption of 5.3 mW
Multipole expansion solution of the Laplace equation using surface data

This paper provides a computational method to model a three-dimensional static electromagnetic field within a finite source free volume starting from discrete field information on its surface. The method uses the Helmholtz vector decomposition theorem and the differential algebraic framework of COSY INFINITY to determine a solution to the Laplace equation. The solution is locally expressed as a Taylor expansion of the field which can be computed to arbitrary order. It provides a natural multipole decomposition of the field which is required for the computation of transfer maps, and also allows to obtain very accurate finite element representations with very small numbers of cells.
Dynamics of spermiogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster: III. Relation between axoneme and mitochondrial derivatives☆

Abstract In cross sections of developing spermatid tails of D. melanogaster , the angular positions of the mitochondrial derivatives relative to the axoneme are precisely defined at each stage of development. Nearly mature sperm in the coiling stage, however, exhibit a variable angular relation between the axonome and the rest of the tail. A similar variation is also found among cross sections of mature sperm tails. These observations, together with other morphological evidence, are interpreted as indicating limited rotational freedom between the axoneme and the rest of the tail in mature sperm. Such a freedom seems to be related to the swimming pattern of sperm and the fertilization process. It is suspected that specific shapes and natures of mitochondrial derivatives in sperm tails of insects are related to a particular swimming pattern of sperm, which must be highly precise in order to meet the requirements of species-specific modes of fertilization.
A Statistical Approach To Automated Overlay Measurement Precision, Repeatability, And Reproducibility

When registration requirements exceed conventional optical inspection capabilities, the need arises for a more precise method of inspection. The Perkin-Elmer OMSTM overlay measurement system has a specified precision of 0.05 micron, 3 sigma. After exposure and development, a production wafer can be quickly and precisely measured, utilizing non-destructive methods employed by the OMS instrument. After the wafers are measured, corrective inputs can be easily entered into lithographic tools to improve overlay and yield. A statistical approach to data analysis was used to establish the actual level of dynamic precision or repeatability and the reproducibility of the overlay measurement tool. For this study, X and Y distortion measurements taken on production wafers were analyzed. Wafers were printed and developed by normal production methods, using a Micralign M544 projection printer and an AEBLE 150 direct-write E-beam system. Samples from these lots were then used to establish the intra-tool repeatability by repeated measurements on 45 sites on each of three wafers for five days. Another sample was used to establish the inter-tool reproducibility by measuring 441 sites on each of two overlay measurement systems and statistically comparing the data. The results of these analyses will be presented, as well as the methodology.
Wage contingencies, the pattern of negotiation and aggregate implications of alternative contract structures

Abstract A model of long-term contracts is developed in which the choice of the negotiation pattern is endogenized. When disturbances to the economy derive primarily from relative shocks, staggered negotiation is optimal because adjustments made by negotiating agents transmit desirable employment effects into sectors that are looked into previously negotiated contracts. The price level acts as the transmission mechanism. Indexation of wages to the price level enhances the benefits of staggered negotiation because the sector-specific information revealed by the price level acts as a substitute for explicit inclusion in the contract of sector-specific information. The degree of persistence and the level of variation in aggregate output and employment, measures which are commonly used in comparing the merits of synchronized versus staggered regimes, are shown to be inappropriate criteria upon which to judge the optimality of the negotiation pattern.
Lonsdaleite, a Hexagonal Polymorph of Diamond

TWO well known atomic arrangements found among tetrahedrally co-ordinated AX compounds such as silicon carbide (SiC) and zinc sulphide (ZnS) are those based on a cubic close-packed array or on a hexagonal close-packed array of tetrahedra. The two polymorphs are generally designated as the sphalerite and wurtzite types, respectively, from their occurrence in zinc sulphide. The crystal structures of the Group IV elements, carbon, silicon, germanium and α-tin, are based on the cubic close-packed sphalerite arrangement (aside from graphite, tetragonal tin and tetragonal germanium) with all A and X sites occupied by the same kind of atom. The existence of polymorphs analogous to wurtzite among these elements is not surprising, because the two types of structure are so similar geometrically that the energy differences between them must be small. A wurtzite-like polymorph of silicon has already been synthesized1. For carbon a rhombohedral polymorph called beta-diamond, which corresponds to the 3R polytype of wurtzite, has been reported as birefringent lamellae in terrestrial diamonds2,3. The synthesis of a hexagonal wurtzite polymorph of diamond by shock conversion of graphite has been disclosed in a patent application4. A substance earlier called delta-carbon, synthesized at the General Electric Company, has been characterized by Bundy5 as the wurtzite-like polymorph of carbon under the name hexagonal diamond. While the present work was in progress Hanneman et al.6 put forward X-ray evidence for the occurrence of this polymorph in meteorites.
Monthly earnings of engineers, 1929–34

In this, the seventh article1 of a series reporting a survey of employment in the engineering profession by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, data relative to the monthly rate of compensation received by engineers solely for engineering services in which they were engaged at the end of 1929, 1932, and 1934, are presented. Comparisons may be drawn among professional classes, ages, and educational background.
Synthesis of a 5′-thiophosphate analogue of 2-5A, a phosphatase resistant activator of the 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease

Abstract The 5′-thiophosphate analogue of the small oligonucleotide mediator of the anti-picornavirus action of interferon was synthesized and shown to be highly resistant to enzyme 5′-dephosphorylation and to activate the 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease as effectively as parent p5′A2′p5′A2′p5′A itself.
Pitch discrimination and pitch matching abilities of adults who sing inaccurately.

Summary Past research regarding singing ability has provided evidence that both supports and refutes a relationship between pitch discrimination ability and pitch production ability. Researchers have suggested that these skills improve with age. Despite this suggestion, most investigators studying singing ability have included only children as participants. Additionally, although many researchers have studied accurate singers, few have directly studied persons who do not sing accurately. We designed this study to examine the relationship between pitch discrimination ability and pitch production ability in inaccurate adult singers. Fifteen adults, aged 18 to 40 years, that met specific criteria qualified as inaccurate singers. Each participated in two tasks, a pitch discrimination task and a pitch production task. We used the Multi-Dimensional Voice Profile-Advanced (Kay Elemetrics Corporation, Lincoln Park, NJ) to determine the frequency of each participant's vocal productions during the pitch production task. We also used a Pearson product moment correlation to analyze the relationship between pitch discrimination and pitch production accuracy within a semitone of the target frequency. No meaningful relationship was found, and results were not statistically significant. However, the inaccurate singers in this study could be classified into two separate categories, those who discriminated pitches accurately , but produced pitches inaccurately, and those who discriminated pitches inaccurately and produced pitches inaccurately. These findings may be of great importance to music educators and impact the focus of instruction when teaching an inaccurate singer to sing more accurately.
The biology of basal cell carcinomas--a revisit and recent developments.

. This paper will review some of the present information on the biology of basal cell carcinoma. Recent developments include a better understanding of the basement membrane components surrounding the tumor nodules, as well as identifying the most actively dividing cells in solid basal cell carcinoma by autoradiographic techniques. The implications of a recently developed animal model will also be discussed.
Magic Number Clusters of Serine in the Gas Phase

Ion mobility measurements and molecular modeling simulations have been used to examine the conformations of electrosprayed serine clusters. Clusters containing as many as 52 serine amino acid units (and one to four protons) are observed. The distribution of singly charged ions is dominated by a peak corresponding to [8(Ser)+H]+. The measured cross section for this ion is in close agreement with a value that is calculated for tightly packed distorted block geometries that arise from molecular modeling studies of octamers comprising zwitterionic amino acid units. Abundant peaks are observed for [8(Ser)+2H]2+, [16(Ser)+2H]2+, and [24(Ser)+3H]3+ clusters, indicating that the octameric unit is a building block in assembly of larger serine clusters.
Interaction between a vortex and a columnar defect in the London approximation

We calculate the interaction between a vortex and an insulating cylindrical cavity in a type-II superconductor using the London approximation, thus extending the result in an earlier work by Mkrtchyan and Shmidt (Zh. \'Eksp. Teor. Fiz. 61, 367 (1971) [Sov. Phys. JETP 34, 195 (1972)]) to an arbitrarily large cavity radius. In the limit of an infinitely large radius our result reduces to the well-known Bean-Livingston formula for the interaction between a vortex and an insulating wall.
A general frequency stability criterion for multi-input-output, lumped and distributed-parameter feedback systems

The original Nyquist criterion is based on the comparison of the encirclement of the frequency plot of the return ratio function with the number of poles and the number of zeros of the same function to determine the closed-loop stability of a feedback system. The extensions of the return ratio idea to the stability study of multi-variable feedback systems have used the same terminology and followed a similar course. For the multi-input—output case, the use of the Nyquist criterion or its extension is by no means a simple matter. This paper establishes a new frequency stability criterion which converts the Nyquist criterion from a return ratio oriented approach to a return difference oriented one. Instead of examining the encirclement of the return ratio function to a critical point, we examine the phase change of the positive frequency of the return difference function, and the number of zeros of the positive frequency of the return difference function. This result simplifies the stability study of multi-...
Resolving Nationalist Conflicts: Promoting Overlapping Identities and Pooling Sovereignty- The 1998 Northern Irish Peace Agreement

Nationalist and ethnic conflicts are a continuing source of tension in the post–Cold War period. The underlying factors affecting such conflicts are threat perception, ethnic security dilemmas, and lack of trust between nationalist/ethnic groups. The challenge is to find solutions to these conflicts. International institutions can establish trust and reduce the ethnic security dilemma by providing multiple forums of representation, promoting overlapping identities, and pooling sovereignty. Pooling sovereignty across a number of international representative bodies leads to increased access to governmental policymaking, with each party having a stake in government, and leads to a reduction in political tension and conflict. Thus, international parliamentary institutions may provide a solution to these conflicts. The British-Irish Peace Agreement (Good Friday Agreement) of 1998 is examined as an illustration of this argument.
Diminished responsiveness to thyroid hormone in riboflavin-deficient rats.

THE hepatic activity of mitochondrial α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase can be up to 100-fold greater in hyperthyroid rats than thyroidectomized rats1. Both the thyroid hormones, thyroxine or triiodothyronine, or their analogues, enhance enzyme activity and enhancement is blocked by simultaneous administration of actinomycin D and/or puromycin2,3. The enhancement has been suggested as a test for thyroid function4. Here we report that both the basal activity of the enzyme and the maximal activity induced by triiodothyronine are dependent upon adequate dietary intake of riboflavin.
The nature and impact of information relevance and expansivity

Abstract Relevance, narrow information that bears on or is connected to the matter at hand, and expansivity, broad and deep information encompassing multiple perspectives, have traditionally been considered contradictory objectives of management information systems. With the advent of advanced technologies such as executive information systems, this no longer needs to be the case. Seven case studies provide insight into how system attributes and individual perspectives interact to determine these dimensions of information. Based on the study findings, it would seem that there is no dilemma. Relevance must come first. Only with a relevant system is expansivity possible; however, even then, because of the difficulty of developing systems that are not inherently limited to a single perspective, expansivity is elusive. It is only possible when information can be accessed without filtering and when there are few limits on the nature of the categorization, summarization, manipulations, and juxtaposition that is possible.
Insulin regulates neuronal M2 muscarinic receptor function in the ileum of diabetic rats.

Acetylcholine release from cholinergic nerves in the gastrointestinal tract is limited by neuronal M 2 muscarinic receptors. In diabetic animals, M 2 muscarinic receptor function in the ileum is increased, leading to decreased acetylcholine release and smooth muscle contraction in response to nerve stimulation. The mechanisms responsible for increased M 2 muscarinic receptor function are unknown but may contribute to the gastrointestinal dysmotility that occurs frequently in diabetics. In this study, we investigated whether insulin modulates M 2 muscarinic receptor function in the gastrointestinal tract of diabetic rats. M 2 muscarinic receptor function was tested by measuring the ability of an agonist, pilocarpine, to inhibit and an antagonist, methoctramine, to potentiate electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contraction of ileum in vitro. Insulin administration (0.2, 0.6, and 2 U s.c. daily for 7 days) reversed the diabetes-induced increase in M 2 muscarinic receptor function and restored normal contractions to EFS. Insulin had no effect on the function of postjunctional M 3 muscarinic receptors, determined by measuring contractile responses to acetylcholine. These data suggest that insulin tonically inhibits neuronal M 2 muscarinic receptors. Thus, loss of insulin removes this inhibition and increases M 2 muscarinic receptor function leading to decreased acetylcholine release and contraction to EFS. In nondiabetic rats, there was a trend that higher insulin doses (0.6 and 2 U) increased M 2 muscarinic receptor function, suggesting a bell-shaped concentration-response relationship for insulin. In conclusion, lack of insulin or excess insulin increases M 2 muscarinic receptor function in rat ileum. This mechanism may contribute to decreased acetylcholine release in the gastrointestinal tract of diabetics, resulting in dysmotility.
PepA, a secreted protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is necessary for cytotoxicity and virulence.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and a leading cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia. We identified a 73 kDa protein, designated Pseudomonas exoprotein A (PepA), that was secreted by P. aeruginosa strain PA103. PepA was necessary for in vitro killing of epithelial cells as well as virulence in a mouse model of acute pneumonia. Several properties of PepA suggested that it was secreted by a type III system. Secretion occurred without cleavage of a signal peptide and in low-calcium environments in the presence of a divalent cation chelator, as is the case for characterized P. aeruginosa type III secreted proteins. Secretion of PepA was absent from isogenic mutants with defective type III pathways. Finally, amino-terminal peptide sequence analysis indicated that the amino-terminal five residues of PepA were identical to those of ExoS and ExoT, two type III secreted proteins of P. aeruginosa. After secretion, PepA underwent cleavage at two sites, each with the sequence A–X–K–S, suggesting that the cleavage may be caused by a protease. The gene encoding PepA, designated pepA, was cloned and sequenced, and comparisons with the genetic database using BLAST alignments indicated that the nucleotide sequence of pepA and the inferred protein sequence of PepA had no homology to known sequences. A nucleotide sequence identical to the consensus element for binding of ExsA, a transcriptional activator of P. aeruginosa type III secretion genes, was located 84 bp 5′ of the translational start codon. Analysis of transposon insertion mutants indicated that the carboxy terminus was required for cytotoxicity. Examination of respiratory clinical isolates demonstrated that pepA was a variable trait and probably acquired by horizontal transmission. Consistent with this hypothesis was the identification of a putative insertion element 94 bp 5′ of the PepA translational start site. Analysis of G + C content of the PepA coding sequence and the adjacent insertion element suggested that they were acquired together from a different species. In summary, PepA is a secreted protein of P. aeruginosa that is necessary for epithelial cell cytotoxicity in vitro and virulence in a mouse model of pneumonia.
Optimal partitioning of testing time : Theoretical properties and practical implications

This paper deals with optimal partitioning of limited testing time in order to achieve maximum total test score. Nonlinear optimization theory was used to analyze this problem. A general case using a generic item response model is first presented. A special case that applies a response time model proposed by Wang and Hanson (2005) is also presented. Theoretical properties of the optimal solution are derived. Their practical implications to optimal test-taking strategies are also discussed. The theoretical properties are in general agreement with the conventional advice to the examinees on pacing strategy.
Extraction of high molecular weight hydrocarbons from source rocks: an example from the Green River Formation, Uinta Basin, Utah

Abstract Results of extraction experiments performed on immature Green River Formation source rock samples from the Black Shale Facies (Uinta Basin, Utah) demonstrate the potential of extracting high molecular weight hydrocarbons (HMWHC) with sequential dichloromethane:methanol/soxhlet and p -xylene/sonication techniques. The first soxhlet extraction step with DCM:MeOH removes lower molecular weight alkanes from the source rock while the HMWHC remain in the rock residue. Sonication of the rock residue with p -xylene recovers these HMWHC, showing distinct hydrocarbon distributions and preferences in high temperature gas chromatograms. Extracts obtained by using p -xylene/soxhlet with original source rocks and sequential soxhlet extraction instead of sonication have relatively lower concentrations of HMWHC. Sequential extraction of two other source rock types (Mahogany Shale and Black Shale Facies coal) did not result in detection of similar HMWHC in the extract. This indicates that the presence of these compounds in the Black Shale Facies of the Green River Formation is a primary source signal and a specific characteristic of this source rock.
Distinct Biological Roles for the Notch Ligands Jagged-1 and Jagged-2

Notch signaling is activated in a subset of non-small cell lung cancer cells because of overexpression of Notch3, but the role of Notch ligands has not been fully defined. On the basis of gene expression profiling of a panel of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines, we found that the predominant Notch ligands were JAG1, JAG2, DLL1, and DLL3. Given that Notch ligands reportedly have overlapping receptor binding specificities, we postulated that they have redundant biological roles. Arguing against this hypothesis, we found that JAG1 and JAG2 were differentially regulated; JAG1 expression was dependent upon epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation in HCC827 cells, which require EGFR for survival, whereas JAG2 expression was EGFR-independent in these cells. Furthermore, HCC827 cells underwent apoptosis following depletion of JAG1 but not JAG2, whereas co-culture experiments revealed that depletion of JAG2, but not JAG1, enhanced the ability of HCC827 cells to chemoattract THP-1 human monocytes. JAG2-depleted HCC827 cells expressed high levels of inflammation-related genes, including interleukin 1 (IL1) and a broad range of IL1-regulated cytokines, which was attenuated by inhibition of IL1 receptor (IL1R). Our findings suggest that JAG1 and JAG2 have distinct biological roles including a previously undiscovered role for JAG2 in regulating the expression of cytokines that can promote antitumor immunity.
Hydride generation flow injection using graphite furnace detection: emphasis on determination of tin

Abstract Hydride generation, (HG), using flow injection methods, (FI), provides an ideal way to separate the hydride-forming analytes from a large volume of matrix. By trapping the hydrides on a Pd-coated L'vov platform at low temperature, it can be shown that the full process is at least 80% efficient for As, Bi, Ge, Sb, Se, Sn and Te. While this work was not fully automated, the various functions were conducted on-line. This method has been tested for the determination of Sn in various samples. The Pd-treated stabilized temperature platform furnace, (STPF), was used for in situ trapping and atomization of the analyte. Integrated absorbances were used for the measurement of the analytical signal. The detection limit for Sn was 7 ng l for a 10-ml sample. The analytical precision was 3–5% RSD at 1 ng of Sn. Inter-element interferences were investigated. The method has been applied to the determination of Sn in NIST Steel, River Sediment, Orchard Leaves and Bovine Liver Standard Reference Materials.
Summated potentials evoked by speech sounds for determining cerebral dominance for language

Abstract Ten normal adult right-handed subjects received phonemic combinations (/əpik/,/əpak/, /a/, /pi/, /pa/) and pure tones (2500 and 8000 Hz) binaurally through matched earphones. Fifty responses from electrodes at P 5 , P 6 , C 6 , F 7 and F 8 (referenced to linked mastoids) were summated, and evoked potentials from homologous areas were measured separately and superimposed in order to observe differences. Visual inspection of superimposed responses showed no consistent gross asymmetries that lateralized to either hemisphere. Comparison between amplitude of evoked potentials (N 1 , P 2 ) at P 5 and P 6 were not significant ( P t test). We suggest that our technique may not be a useful clinical test for cerebral dominance.
A decision-driven system to collect the patient history

Abstract We have developed a computer-administered history designed to directly interview hospitalized patients with pulmonary disease. A frame-based decision system is used to direct the history and to generate a one- to five-member differential diagnostic list based only on this history. This system incorporates a cognitive model of question selection and a Bayesian scoring algorithm. Structures to control the choice of questions are embedded in the diagnostic frames and in a QUERY program that makes the final choice of questions. We have compared the behavior of this decision-driven approach with a history taken using a paper questionnaire. The paper-based history presents 182 questions to every patient and captured 75% of 85 pulmonary diseases in its differential lists. The decision-driven system asks 50.7 ± 31.0 (mean ± standard deviation) and captured 74% of 61 pulmonary diseases. Our experience suggests that the use of a computerized diagnostic knowledge base to direct the selection of pertinent questions can substantially reduce the number of questions necessary to collect a diagnostically useful patient history.
Differential enhancement of postischemic segmental systolic thickening by diltiazem

Prolonged depression of segmental systolic thickening after brief coronary artery occlusion may result principally from events during reperfusion rather than during the ischemic interval. Thus, cellular calcium overload at reperfusion may be a mediator of contractile dysfunction after brief ischemia, and reduction of calcium entry by diltiazem, a calcium channel antagonist, may enhance recovery of systolic thickening after brief periods of ischemia. Thirteen awake unsedated dogs instrumented with hemodynamic catheters, left anterior descending coronary artery occluders and five to six pairs of intramyocardial sonomicrometers underwent two 15 min coronary artery occlusions with 24 h reperfusion. The order of infusion of diltiazem (15 micrograms/kg per min) or saline solution was alternated. Systolic thickening, hemodynamic variables and regional myocardial blood flow were measured serially over 24 h. Despite equally severe ischemic dysfunction during coronary occlusion, diltiazem-treated segments with systolic thinning during ischemia recovered control segmental thickening significantly earlier than saline solution-treated segments (at 30 versus 180 min of reperfusion). Blood pressure was mildly decreased during diltiazem treatment; therefore, a second group of 10 dogs underwent a similar occlusion and reflow period during infusion of nitroprusside to lower mean arterial pressure equivalently. Decreases in blood pressure in this group resulted in some improvement in segmental systolic function; however, this did not reach statistical significance at any time. Regional myocardial blood flows were similar in the saline solution- and diltiazem-treated groups during ischemia and reflow. Thus, it is concluded that 1) diltiazem infusion significantly enhanced recovery of segmental systolic thickening after 15 min of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion; 2) the enhancement in segmental systolic function could not entirely be attributed to decreased mean arterial pressure; 3) improvement in postischemic segmental ventricular function was seen only in those segments with systolic thinning during ischemia; thus, segments with the most severe ischemic dysfunction benefited most; and 4) there were no important differences in regional myocardial blood flow during ischemia and reperfusion between saline- and diltiazem-treated animals.
Primary nasopharyngeal interdigitating dendritic cell tumor presentation and response to radiation therapy

We report the case of a primary nasopharyngeal interdigitating dendritic cell tumor (IDDCT). A 25-year old male presented with bilateral decreased hearing, double vision, and ataxia. Flexible nasopharyngoscopy reviewed a large mass obstructing and filling the entire nasopharynx. MRI and PET-CT confirmed the presence of the primary tumor and demonstrated bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of the nasopharynx revealed a hematolymphoid neoplasm with dendritic cell differentiation, most consistent with an IDDCT. The lesion was unresectable. The patient was treated with definitive radiotherapy to 66 Gy to the primary tumor and 50 Gy to the bilateral cervical lymphatics using an IMRT technique. A complete response was achieved and the patient remains disease free at the primary site 23 months after completion of radiotherapy.
Effect of ambient light on electronically displayed medical images as measured by luminance-discrimination thresholds

The effect of ambient light on linearization of gray scales was studied in two experiments by measuring brightness-discrimination thresholds for stimuli as a function of ambient-light level. The luminance and contrast levels of stimuli were chosen to include typical instances encountered in electronically displayed medical images. Three ambient-light levels were used: 4 and 40 lx, which span the range that we found in well-controlled radiologic reading rooms set up with electronic displays, and 148 lx, which represents the low end of the ambient-light range found in light-box reading rooms. In the first experiment, discriminability of some test stimuli was found to change as ambient light increased. The pattern of results suggests that a single linearization function would be clinically acceptable in a reading room with ambient light ranging from 4 up to, at least, 40 lx. At 148 lx, however, the just-noticeable-difference versus intensity function is different enough to require a gray-scale linearization function other than our standard one, which is based on 4-lx ambient light. We attribute these changes in stimulus discriminability to changes in the displayed image produced by ambient light, not to changes in the visual sensitivity of the observer. In the second experiment, which controlled for the display changes produced by ambient light, we found no change in stimulus discriminability as a function of ambient light.
Fluctuating pressure measurements on the fan blades of a turbofan engine during ground and flight tests

As part of a program to investigate fan noise generated by a turbofan engine, miniature pressure transducers were used to measure the fluctuating pressures on the surface of a fan blade on the JT15D engine. Tests were conducted on the ground, with tunnel and in flight. Using narrowband spectra analysis and signal enhancement techniques, comparisons for these various test conditions are presented. Results on the blade pressures are also presented from a flight test in which 41 rods were placed in front of the fan face to excite a known spinning mode in the duct. Results showed that with care, ground tests can be conducted in which the pressure loading on the blades are similar to those in flight. Comparison of pressure transducers on the blade surface also showed that a single transducer would provide much of the information available from this type of measurement.
Production of the neuronal growth-associated protein GAP-43 in a bacterial expression system.

Abstract GAP-43, a major protein of neuronal growth cones and certain presynaptic terminals, is a candidate for important functions in both axon growth and synaptic plasticity. To facilitate studies that may elucidate these functions, we have efficiently generated large quantities of GAP-43 by introducing a GAP-43 cDNA into a bacterial expression system driven by T7-RNA polymerase. Two constructs were expressed in this system: one (pT7 Ava-GAP) produces a fusion protein in which the first 16 amino acids of GAP-43 are replaced by 11 amino acids of the phage T7 capsid protein; the other (pT7FL-GAP) produces full length GAP-43. After the bacteria were lysed, both products were soluble, and could be efficiently purified by HPLC chromatography on a C4 reversed-phase column. One liter of bacterial culture yileded 50 mg of purified fusion protein or 10 mg of complete GAP-43. When it was incubated with protein kinase C, the fusion protein was phosphorylated at the same single site (serine 41) that is phosphorylated in cultured neurons. The ability to produce large quatities of GAP-43 by this procedure should expedite future studies investigating its structure, posttranslational modification, and function.
Comments on: Comparing and selecting spatial predictors using local criteria

Bradley et al. (2014) select between competing spatial predictors, including traditional stationary kriging and several non-stationary and reduced rankmodels, based on expected local squared prediction error. The inclusion of reduced rankmodels as candidate predictors warrants further discussion, as the performance of these predictors has recently been questioned by Stein (2014), largely on the basis of the Kullback–Leibler divergence between the low rank approximation and the true data generating measure. Applications in Stein (2014) further show that reduced rank methods can result in inefficient spatial interpolation as measured by mean squared prediction error. In their simulation study (Bradley et al. 2014), focus on evaluating themean squared prediction errors of the Locally Selected Predictor as a number of parameters of the simulation, including the signal to noise ratio and the neighborhood used to select
Time-reversal and symmetry in the thermodynamics of materials with memory

TIME-REVERSAL AND SYMMETRY IN THE THERMODYNAMICS OF MATERIALS WITH MEMORY by Morton E. Gurtin We here study, within the framework of the thermodynamics of materials with memory, the notion of invariance under timereversal. In particular, we establish conditions that are both necessary and sufficient for the infinitesmal entropy production to display such invariance.
Spontaneous transmitter release and ACh sensitivity during glutaraldehyde fixation of rat diaphragm.

Abstract Intracellular recording from phrenic nerve rat diaphragm preparations in vitro in the presence of a 7% solution of glutaraldehyde showed that miniature endplate potential frequency and amplitude were both significantly reduced within 45 sec. of exposure. Muscle membrane potentials did not change significantly within this time. Postsynaptic potentials elicited by iontophoretic application of carbamylcholine were also greatly reduced in amplitude in the presence of glutaraldehyde. We conclude that glutaraldehyde reduces both spontaneous transmitter release and postsynaptic sensitivity to acetylcholine.
Potentiometric Saccharide Detection Based on the pKa Changes of Poly(aniline boronic acid)

A novel approach for the potentiometric detection of saccharides using poly(aniline boronic acid) is presented. A model is described in which the electrochemical potential is sensitive to the change in the pK_a of the conducting polymer as a result of boronic acid−diol complexation. In this system, boronic acid complexation is the mode of transduction and it is manifested as changes in the electrochemical potential of the polymer with remarkable selectivity. Characteristics of both transient and steady-state response associated with the complexation are discussed. The presence of Nafion and fluoride during the electrochemical polymerization of 3-aminophenylboronic acid are shown to impact the sensitivity and the stability of the electrode response. The sensor sensitivity is improved significantly by increasing the concentration of sodium fluoride during the polymerization. Finally, the nature of the selectivity of the boronic acid−diol reaction under these conditions is explored by using molecular orbital calculations.
Relation of regional fat distribution to insulin sensitivity in postmenopausal women.

Abstract Objective: To examine the relation between insulin sensitivity and total and regional body fat in nonobese postmenopausal women. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: A clinical research center. Patient(s): Twenty-seven women in the early postmenopausal period, with a mean (±SD) age of 50.8 ± 4.1 years, who had had their last menstrual period 6 months to 3 years before the study. None were taking hormone replacement therapy, and all had an FSH level of >35 mIU/mL, a body mass index of 2 , and a waist circumference of Intervention(s): Computed tomography scans at the L4–5 vertebral disk space, dual-photon x-ray absorptiometry scans, and euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps were performed. Main Outcome Measure(s): Intraabdominal fat, subcutaneous abdominal fat, sagittal diameter, total body fat, percent body fat, and insulin sensitivity. Result(s): The natural log of insulin sensitivity correlated significantly with intraabdominal fat ( r = −.39), subcutaneous fat ( r = −.43), and sagittal diameter ( r = −.48). After adjusting for total fat, sagittal diameter remained significantly related to insulin sensitivity. Conclusion(s): Central abdominal fat is inversely and independently related to insulin sensitivity after adjusting for total fat in women in the early postmenopausal period. Efforts to reduce either subcutaneous abdominal fat or intraabdominal fat should be helpful in reducing the risk of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in postmenopausal women.