cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning optimization for CPN-based training in robot positioning control

Artificial neural net (ANN) models have been applied to the inverse kinematic problem for controlling robot positions. The selection of ANN training parameters, however, is an important yet complicated step which has to be taken before an ANN model for robot positioning control can be implemented effectively. The objective of this research is to utilize the counterpropagation network (CPN) for inverse kinematic mapping and obtain the best performance possible by systematic adjustment of network parameters. Taguchi statistical methods, efficient methods for analyzing the capability and accuracy of a system, have been used in this study. The working envelope of the robot simulated in this research is 150×150×60 mm3. The optimal accuracy and standard deviation determined by this research are 2.62 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively.
How Behavioral Viruses Afflict Market Strategy

Considers the view that marketing practitioners must understand how behavioural forces affect strategic decisions, in order to avoid mistakes. Argues that such knowledge is just as important as understanding customers and the marketplace. Demonstrates how dysfunctional behavioural forces can cause marketing errors, offering guidelines for preventing them.
ADVANCES IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ATOPY

Atopy is recognized as the second most common allergic skin disease of dogs and is considered to be one of the most frustrating and chronic skin maladies encountered in veterinary practice. The most important components in the diagnosis of this disease are still a complete evaluation of the initial history and physical examination findings. The diagnosis is then best supported with the use of an intradermal skin test (IDST). The results of the IDST serves as an aid in the selection of the most likely offending aeroallergens for use in the specific immunotherapy utilizing either a standard or modified hyposensitization injection protocol.
A Comparison of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients

Between May of 1978 and December of 1980 we have treated 33 patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for a total of 1209 patient weeks. Thirteen patients were diabetic, 14 nondiabetic but with complications that made CAPD the treatment of choice, and six were nondiabetic without complications. Good control of plasma glucose was obtained in diabetics by the use of intraperitoneal insulin. Overall plasma glucose control, as estimated by glycohemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose levels was the same in both groups. Plasma triglyceride levels were normal in most of the diabetic patients and elevated in most of the nondiabetic patients. Visual difficulties did not prevent self dialysis in seven diabetic patients who were legally blind, and these patients spent the least time in hospital and had the least peritonitis. Diabetic patients seem at least as able to cope with CAPD as nondiabetic patients and may derive some special advantages from the technique.
The Truth(s) About Women and Peace

Much has been made in Western culture of the dichotomy between “women's peace” and “men's war.” We can see the importance of this dichotomy in politics, media, education and socialization, where women are expected to be inherently creative, nurturing and peaceful, while men are bold, courageous warriors. For more than a hundred years, these differences have been the foundation for banal arguments that peace is a “women's issue.”
Intrinsic properties of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) cells and their responses to growth factors (bFGF and TGF-β): An in vitro cell culture study

Different intrinsic properties of the constituent cells of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) have been proposed as factors involved in the differential repair mechanisms in these ligaments. To examine this hypothesis, we established primary cell lines from tissue explants. The outgrowth of cells from ACL explants was slower than that from MCL explants. The growth curves of ACL and MCL cultures at both passages 2 and 6 showed a slower rate of proliferation of ACL cells than of MCL cells (P<0.005). DNA synthesis supports the conclusion that these cells have differential proliferation rates in culture. An in vitro wound closure assay was performed by creating a uniform wound of 0.6-mm width in the confluent layer of ACL and MCL cultures. By 48h post-wounding, cell-free zones created in ACL cultures were, partially occupied by single cells in a non-confluent fashion. In contrast, the wounded zone in the MCL cultures was almost completely covered by the cells. Growth factors have been demonstrated to have both mitogenic and metabolic effects on cell cultures. We investigated the possible proliferative response of the ACL and MCL to growth factors, and we analyzed the in vitro effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on fibroblast cell cultures obtained from rabbit knee ligaments. Neither b-FGF nor TGF-β had any significant effect on the cell proliferation of ACL and MCL cultures after 48h. However, TGF-β did have an inhibitory effect on thymidine incorporation, especially at concentrations greater than 1 ng/ml, while b-FGF stimulated thymidine incorporation in ACL and MCL fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. b-FGF altered the cell phenotype to an elongated form, which suggests stimulation of cell migration. This in vivo, study implies a potential use for growth factors in the treatment of ACL and MCL injuries in vivo.
Comprehensive approach to high-resolution KIR typing

Multiple studies suggest that prospective KIR typing may be beneficial for the outcome of bone marrow transplants, but to date no practical high-resolution KIR typing system has been developed. Here we propose a comprehensive high-resolution typing approach that provides allele level KIR typing. Based on the low-resolution typing obtained by SSO, the 14 KIR loci are divided in groups according to the level of polymorphism in exons coding for extracellular Ig-like domains and cytoplasmic tail. The first group is typed by sequence-specific oligonucleotide only; the second is typed by sequence-based typing (SBT) based on the amplification of a fragment coding the Ig-like domains; and the third is typed by SBT based on amplification of a fragment coding the cytoplasmic tail. SBT for the fourth group includes both the Ig-like and cytoplasmic domains. Because of a considerable number of polymorphisms scattered throughout all nine KIR exons, SBT results may still produce a number of ambiguities, which can be resolved by sequence-specific primers. This combined high-resolution approach was applied to the complete KIR typing of 205 Caucasian hematopoietic stem cell donors in support of the National Marrow Donor Program High-resolution KIR Typing Pilot Project. High-resolution typing of several KIR loci produced numerous novel alleles, whereas some loci demonstrated very limited polymorphism. Several of the novel alleles appeared in more than four donors, suggesting that these alleles are not rare. Our results showed that the comprehensive KIR typing approach presented here provides the balance of high-resolution typing and cost effectiveness.
Compressive and torsional behaviour of Kevlar 49 fibre

The mechanical anisotropy of an aromatic polyamide fibre, Kevlar 49, was studied in tension, compression and torsion. A new technique involved applying small and defined compressive strains to filaments by bonding them to one side of a beam which is subsequently bent to compress the fibres. Using scanning electron and optical microscopy, fibres were shown to form regularly-spaced helical kink bands at 50 to 60° to the fibre axis after the application of small axial compressive strains. Tensile tests of previously-compressed fibres revealed only a 10% loss in tensile strength, after application of as much as 3% compressive strain. A torsion pendulum apparatus was used to measure the shear modulus and an apparent shear strength of fibres. A loss of tensile strength after the application of large (> 10%) torsional shear strains coincided with a loss in recoverable shear strain due to longitudinal fibre splitting. Ratios of tensile-to-compressive strength, tensile-to-shear strength and tensile-to-shear moduli of 5∶1, 17∶1, and 70∶1, respectively, were measured for Kevlar 49.
Inhibition of DNA Binding by NF-κB with Pyrrole-Imidazole Polyamides

Synthetic ligands that bind to predetermined DNA sequences will offer a chemical approach to gene regulation if inhibition of a broad range of transcription factors can be achieved. NF-κB is a transcription factor that regulates a multitude of genes, including those involved in immune, inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic responses. NF-κB binds as heterodimer predominantly in the major groove. We report the design of polyamides that bind in the minor groove and target overlapping portions of an NF-κB binding site (5‘-GGGACTTTCC-3‘). We find that compounds that target the 5‘-GGGACT-3‘ portion of the site can inhibit DNA binding by NF-κB while those that target the 5‘-ACTTTCC-3‘ portion do not. Addition of NF-κB to the list of protein−DNA complexes that can be disrupted by minor groove binding ligands potentially increases the utility of polyamides as regulators of gene expression.
Acoustic power radiation from a rectangular plate with mixed boundary conditions

Abstract The total average acoustic power radiation from one side of a baffled rectangular flat plate, vibrating in its natural modes under two opposing ends fixed and the other two ends simply supported boundary conditions, has been investigated. Numerical results on the acoustic power radiation by the plate have been obtained for various mode orders, aspect ratios, and thickness ratios. Expressions for the acoustic power radiation by plates under specific edge restraints have been derived in terms of the far-field acoustic pressure distribution.
Molecular aspects of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is caused by genetic alterations that disrupt proliferation, apoptosis, senescence and DNA repair. Approximately 10% of ovarian cancers arise in women who have inherited mutations in cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2). The ability to perform genetic testing allows identification of women at increased risk who can be offered prophylactic oophorectomy or other interventions aimed at preventing ovarian cancer. The vast majority of ovarian cancers are sporadic, resulting from the accumulation of genetic damage over a lifetime. Several specific genes involved in ovarian carcinogenesis have been identified, including the p53 tumour suppressor gene and HER2/ neu andPIC3KA oncogenes. The recent availability of expression microarrays has facilitated the simultaneous examination of thousands of genes, and this promises to extend further our understanding of the molecular events involved in the development of ovarian cancers. Hopefully, this knowledge can be translated into effective screening, treatment, surveillance, and prevention strategies in the future.
Correlated responses in body composition to divergent selection for exponential growth rate to 14 or 42 days of age in chickens

Abstract Chicks divergently selected for 14-d (14H and 14L) or 42-d (42H and 42L) exponential growth rate (EGR) over five generations were used to determine correlated responses between growth at different ages and body composition. Regression coefficient estimates across five generations of selection were not significant for any line at either age for percentage total body water or protein. Genetic correlations between EGR from hatching to 14 d of age (EGR14) and 42-d percentage carcass fat were -0.18, -0.57, 0.63, and -0.79 among the 14H, 14L, 42H, and 42L lines, respectively. Genetic correlations between EGR from hatching to 42 d of age (EGR42) and 42-d percentage carcass fat were 0.09, -0.67,0.50, and -0.75 among the 14H, 14L, 42H, and 42L lines, respectively. During the short-term selection experiment, selection for fast EGR14 or EGR42 increased fat at the age of selection. However, selection for fast EGR42 increased body weight and percentage fat at 42 d of age (DOA), whereas selection for fast EGR14 increased body weight but not fat at 42 DOA. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously select for high body weight at, or near, the inflection point of the growth curve without increasing fat deposition or obesity by taking advantage of the lack of a genetic correlation between EGR14 and body fat percentage at later ages.
Mitochondrial diseases: genotype versus phenotype

Recently, a variety of degenerative diseases have been attributed to mutations in mitochondrial DNA. Even though these mutations are inherited and present throughout the body, they frequently cause late-onset, tissue-specific disease. This may be explained by a combination of the tissue-specific accumulation of somatic mtDNA mutations with age and the variation between tissues in the expression of nuclear genes that encode mitochondrial functions.
Role of endothelial cell-substrate contact area and fibronectin-receptor affinity in cell adhesion to HEMA/EMA copolymers.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of substrate hydrophobicity on cell-substrate contact area and the affinity between adsorbed fibronectin (Fn) and its receptor. Homo- and copolymer films of hydrophobic ethyl methacrylate (EMA) and hydrophilic hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were spun-cast onto glass slides. Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were plated for 2 h in serum-free medium onto polymers preadsorbed with Fn. Cells were fixed, labeled, and examined by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) to determine the topography of the basal surface as a function of distance from the substrate. Phase contrast microscopy was used to examine the total projected area of adherent cells. The cumulative contact area was greatest on cells attached to surfaces prepared from 0% HEMA and lowest on surfaces with the highest HEMA content. An equilibrium adhesion model used these data together with the critical force for detachment and the Fn density (Burmeister et al., J Biomed Mater Res 1996;30:13-22) to determine the affinity between Fn and its receptor and the bond strength. The affinity and force per bond decreased with increasing HEMA content. These results indicate that differences in the strength of endothelial cell adhesion to polymers are influenced by the conformation of the adsorbed adhesion proteins.
The Structure and Properties of Nanocrystalline Materials: Issues and Concerns

In this article, issues and concerns arising from the present research into nanocrystalline materials are high-lighted.
Extrinsic p-type doping and analysis of HgCdTe grown by molecular beam epitaxy

We have carried out basic research on the extrinsic p-type doping of mercury cadmium telluride epilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The doping is performed with elemental arsenic and gold sources. HgCdTe epilayers of CdTe mole fraction in the range of the long-wavelength and mid-wavelength infrared were grown on (211)B CdTe/Si and CdZnTe substrates. The van der Pauw technique was utilized to study the temperature dependent Hall effect characteristics of the grown epilayers and the photoconductive decay method was used to obtain minority carrier lifetime data. Activation annealing of As at different temperatures was performed. P-type conversion of As doped samples at lower than conventional annealing temperatures was achieved. The influence of the annealing conditions on the Hall effect characteristics of the grown epilayers were studied. As activation in HgCdTe is also studied in the annealing experiments and compared to the current As activation models. We studied the surface and the bulk properties of our p-type doped samples by minority carrier lifetime measurements. Gold doping was achieved by deposition of Au on and its diffusion into samples. We also investigated the effects of vacancies on the mobility of Au dopants in the HgTe lattice by ab-initio pseudo-potential methods. For this study, we first determined the smallest supercell that will produce reliable results. Then total energy calculations were performed on supercells with nearest neighbor, 2 nd nearest neighbor, 3 rd nearest neighbor, etc. vacancies relative to Au sites.
The effect of three broad-spectrum antimicrobials on mononuclear cell responses to encapsulated bacteria: evidence for down-regulation of cytokine mRNA transcription by trovafloxacin

The effect of trovafloxacin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone on cytokine production of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was examined. PBMC responses were measured after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) or killed or viable Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Trovafloxacin inhibited the production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6 and IL-8 by PBMCs after stimulation with either LPS or LTA by 83%. Similar inhibition occurred in PBMCs incubated with killed or live bacteria and trovafloxacin, but not with ciprofloxacin or ceftriaxone. The relevance of this in vitro observation was explored by examining TNF-alpha and IL-6 responses in trovafloxacin-treated mice. Serum concentrations of both cytokines 1 h after LPS challenge were 95% less than serum concentrations in mice that were not given trovafloxacin. Reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction studies of the mechanisms determining cytokine down-regulation demonstrated that trovafloxacin reduced TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 mRNA to levels similar to those of unstimulated cells. These observations indicate that trovafloxacin can consistently and significantly reduce production of cytokines that play an important role in sepsis. In vitro, this effect can occur in the presence of bacteriolysis and is associated with inhibition of transcription of cytokine genes.
Subjective quality assessment of computed radiography hand images.

To evaluate the sensitivity of a non-receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) study in assessing small differences of perceived image quality of hand images acquired by computed radiography (CR) and conventional screen-film systems, hand images were acquired on 12 patients with both conventional screen-film and CR. Each CR image was then processed with three different edge-enhancement algorithms. One conventional film and four CR images were then viewed side by side by five radiologists. Observers rated perceived image quality of each radiograph using a 10-category discrete scale. The study was repeated after 6 weeks using a different block randomization scheme. Despite the small sample size, significant differences (P < .05) in assigned image quality were detected among CR images acquired at low, medium, and high resolutions. Image processing routines did not fully compensate for differences in quality between conventional film and CR-acquired images. The quality rating of the reference conventional image was found to be dependent on the quality of images with which it was compared. Small, highly sensitive study designs can be used to identify radiologists' perceived differences in image quality. "Reference" or "gold standard" quality are important in such studies. Edge-enhancement schemes cannot fully compensate for perceived image quality degradations because of reduced image resolution.
Experience in using POPSIM in a family planning simulation experiment.

POPSIM is an elaborate demographic microsimulation computer model that simulates vital events and contraceptive events on a periodic basis for an open population. Experience with use of POPSIM indicates that it was cumbersome and difficult to set up and required extensive computer operations to process data and obtain final results. The author concludes that simulations using POPSIM should be undertaken for assisting family planning programs only when reasonably accurate estimates of the detailed data needed can be made from censuses surveys or a well established vital registration system. The objectives of most family planning programs in developing countries usually will not be so complicated as to justify the complexity of POPSIM.
Measurement of mental health in substance use disorder outpatients

Few studies have examined mental health (MH) attributes of patients with substance use disorder (SUD). This study examines the internal consistency, concurrent validity, and comparative level of MH attributes (i.e., optimism, life attitudes, spirituality/religiousness, social support, positive mood, hope, and vitality) in patients with SUD compared with the instrument development group. The internal consistency of optimism, spirituality/religiousness, positive mood, hope, and vitality were similar in both groups. Some subscales of the social support and life attitude measures had lower internal consistency than was found for the original samples, although internal consistency of more global constructs were comparable. Patients with SUD had higher positive mood, spirituality/religiousness, and hope scores, whereas social support, life attitudes, and optimism scores were lower than in the original sample. Correlations between MH attributes and recent life problems of patients with SUD generally supported the concurrent validity of the MH measures.
Initial basis for a national planning model

Analysis of pending national policy takes on greater importance each day to supply policy makers with much needed data on the overall economic effect such policies will have on total employment, income, output, tax revenues, and the general price level throughout the economy. This short paper examines the potential for integration of existing modeling technology into a meaningful national planning model to provide a sound set of economic indices leading to enhanced market efficiency and resource use. Initial efforts at integrated modeling and analysis are described, together with indications of their levels of success in replicating the existing economic environment. Emphasis is placed on determination of shadow prices in a growing economy and their incorporation into the systematic development of a national planning model.
Checkpoint for DNA integrity at the first mitosis after oocyte activation.

Activation of oocytes, arrested at the meiosis II (MII) in mammals, initiates meiotic release, mitotic divisions, and development. Unlike most somatic cell types, MII arrested female germ cells lack an efficient DNA integrity checkpoint control. Here we present evidence showing a unique checkpoint for DNA integrity at first mitosis after oocyte activation. Mouse oocytes carrying intact DNA cleaved normally after meiotic release, whereas 50% of oocytes harboring damaged DNA manifested cytofragmentation, a morphological hallmark of apoptosis. If not activated, DNA-damaged MII oocytes did not show apoptotic fragmentation. Further, activated, enucleated oocytes or enucleated fertilized oocytes also underwent cytofragmentation, implicating cytoplasmic coordination of the fragmentation process, independent of the nucleus. Depolymerization of either actin filaments or microtubules induced no cytofragmentation, but inhibited fragmentation upon oocyte activation. During the process of fragmentation, microtubule networks formed, then microtubule asters congregated at discrete locations, around which fragmented cellular bodies formed. Mitotic spindles, however, were not formed inactivated oocytes with damaged or absent DNA; in contrast, normal mitotic spindles were formed in activated oocytes with intact DNA. These results demonstrate that damaged DNA or absence of DNA leads to cytofragmentation after oocyte activation. Further, we found a mechanism of cytoskeletal involvement in the process of cytofragmentation. In addition, possible implication of the present findings in somatic cell cloning and human clinical embryology is discussed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 62: 277–288, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Alkaline CuO Oxidation with a Microwave Digestion System: Lignin Analyses of Geochemical Samples

A novel approach for the analysis of lignin in geochemical samples has been developed as an alternative to the alkaline CuO oxidation procedure first developed in 1982. The new procedure utilizes microwave digestion technology, as opposed to conductive heating, to carry out oxidative hydrolysis of six samples in an oxygen-free atmosphere at 150 °C for 90 min. Ethyl acetate is used as the extraction solvent in place of diethyl ether. Additionally, the new method incorporates a simplified extraction procedure that minimizes solvent handling and the amount of glassware needed. Under these novel conditions, the yields and compositions of lignin phenols from four different samples (modern and ancient sediments; woody and nonwoody tissues) match those obtained by the “traditional” procedure. The significant advantages of this new alkaline CuO oxidation method include faster reaction times, the ability to accurately measure and control reaction conditions, added flexibility for the analyst, and a marked increase...
Breaking barriers with sound

The computer, in its many shapes and sizes, is evolving rapidly and pervading our everyday lives like never before. Mobile computing devices have become much more than simply "mobile", increasingly serving as personal and "natural" extensions of us. Therein lies immense potential to reshape the way we think and interact, and especially in how we engage one another creatively, expressively, and socially. This talk explores interaction and social design for music through the computer, told through laptop orchestras, mobile phone orchestras, an audio programming language, designing the iPhone's Ocarina, ecosystems for crowd-sourcing musical creation, and an emerging social dimension where computer, music, and people interact.
Fabrication of long length Bi-2223 superconductor tape using continuous electrophoretic deposition on round and flat substrates

We have developed a continuous fabrication process for producing long lengths of Bi-2223 superconductor tapes. The process involves sequentially electrophoretically depositing and sintering superconductor and then silver layers on a substrate, followed by rolling and thermal processing. Both round and flat silver substrates have been used. Bi-2223 tapes made using flat silver substrates require only a few processing steps. Transport critical current densities at 77K in zero applied magnetic field exceeding 20000 A/cm2 have been obtained.
Feeding Activity and Spawning Time of Striped Bass in the Colorado River Inlet, Lake Powell, Utah

Abstract Striped bass, Morone saxatilis, from Lake Powell, Utah spawned in or near the mixing zone of the reservoir and the Colorado River in 1980 and 1981. The fish did not move through Cataract Canyon rapids just above the reservoir in either year. Of 321 adult striped bass stomachs examined, 30% contained food and 28% contained threadfin shad, Dorosoma petenense. No stomachs contained native threatened or endangered Colorado River fishes.
Effects of perceptual fluency on judgments of truth.

Abstract Statements of the form “Osorno is in Chile” were presented in colors that made them easy or difficult to read against a white background and participants judged the truth of the statement. Moderately visible statements were judged as true at chance level, whereas highly visible statements were judged as true significantly above chance level. We conclude that perceptual fluency affects judgments of truth.
Damköhler number distributions and constituent removal in treatment wetlands

Abstract Using hypothetical wetland simulations and data from the literature, Kadlec [Eco. Eng. 15 (2000) 105] recently demonstrated that plug-flow models commonly used to quantify treatment wetland performance fail to describe conditions other than those under which calibration data are collected. Parameters of these models (removal rate constants ( k ) and background concentrations ( C *)) demonstrate apparent dependence on inlet concentration and hydraulic loading rate which is not alleviated by including dispersion to address non-ideal flow. The phenomenon can be understood as resulting from an interdependence between k and local flow velocity, due to the functional dependence of each on drag-inducing surfaces (and attached biofilms) associated with submerged vegetation and litter. This paper presents a simple method, based on theoretical considerations, for determining C * using inlet–outlet data, independent of the degree of mixing or the nature of the removal processes. This paper also expands upon the hypothetical multi-channel example to suggest a modeling approach in which a wetland is treated conceptually as an ensemble of parallel, non-interacting stream tubes in plug-flow, characterized by a continuous distribution of Damkohler numbers. The Damkohler number distribution (DND) can be estimated from the residence time distribution (RTD) under the assumption of uniform flow path length. For such a wetland, under steady state conditions and with constant inlet concentration, the fraction of a removable pollutant remaining as a function of normalized distance from inlet to outlet is given by the Laplace transform of the DND. Similarly, the DND can be derived from the inverse Laplace transform of the normalized concentration versus normalized distance curve. Given both an RTD and a DND, it is possible to investigate the relationship between k and residence time, and the mechanistic nature of the removal process. Employing these concepts makes it possible to generate an expression for normalized concentration as a function of fractional distance that is unaffected by changes in inlet concentration, and inherently takes into account changes in hydraulic loading rate.
Crack Velocities in Natural Rubber.

Measurements are reported of the limiting velocity of a running crack in biaxially stretched sheets of unfilled and carbon-black-filled natural rubber. The crack velocity was found to increase with the cleavage strain,ey, and also with the strain,ex, parallel to the direction of tearing, reaching values of over 100 m sec−1 at the highest strain levels employed. These crack velocities are shown to be close to those predicted by Mott's theory, i.e., about one-third of the velocity of sound, when a strong strain-dependence is recognized for the velocity of sound in rubber.
Ventricular radius reduction without resection: a computational analysis.

Reducing a dilated left ventricle's radius by wedge resection lowers wall stress, improving performance. However, compliance falls, stroke volume improvement is limited, and, later, both functional deterioration and serious dysrhythmias are frequent. These all may result from loss of circumference, loss of contractile mass, and myocardial trauma, none of which would occur in geometric remodeling. One specific technique is bimeridianal restraint, which uses two indenting bars to remodel the left ventricle (LV) as two widely communicating ``lobes‘’ of reduced radius. Computational analysis of this technique, applied to the dilated ventricular dimensions of four pretransplant patients, showed that 20% radius reduction would be accomplished by two ≤ 18 mm wide bars, indenting the epicardium ≤ 8.3 mm with ≤ 6.4 mm greatest outward displacement. Projected stroke volume (SV) for the subject ventricles was then modeled and compared with projections for resected ventricles. Assuming that equally improved contractile fraction will follow equal radius reduction, however that reduction is accomplished, improvement is dramatic: if postresection remodeling SV were 1.0, 1.2, or 1.5 times baseline, then postgeometric remodeling SV would be 1.36 ± 0.06, 1.66 ± 0.05, or 2.14 ± 0.04 times baseline, respectively. These results, preservation of contractile mass and circumferential length, complete reversibility, and minimal operative trauma, warrant study of implementing mechanical designs. ASAIO Journal 1999; 45:160–165.
New views of the Gibbs adsorption equation

Abstract Some underappreciated or often forgotten features and consequences of the classical Gibbs adsorption equation are mentioned. The analog of the adsorption equation for the line of contact of three phases has raised some new and surprising questions, which are discussed.
Two Traditions of Translating Early Irish Literature

In the translation of early Irish materials into English there are two translation traditions, a scholarly and a literary one, diverging markedly in their practices and norms. The effects of the Macpherson controversy, Irish nationalism, and the Irish language movement in defining and polarizing these translation traditions are explored. In historical poetics, analysis must allow for the ways in which historical circumstances may produce a translation system, internally differentiated itself, such that investigation of a part of the translation system will not necessarily be predictive or reflective of the whole. La litterature irlandaise ancienne en traduction anglaise forme deux traditions, l'une litteraire, l'autre erudite, qui divergent par leurs pratiques et par leurs normes. Les effets de la polemique autour de Macpherson, ceux du nationalisme irlandais, et de la renaissance de la langue irlandaise sur l'elaboration et la polarisation de ces traditions, font l'objet d'un examen. La poetique historique rendra compte des circonstances historiques produisant un systeme de traduction, en lui-meme differencie, de telle sorte que l'analyse d'une partie de ce systeme ne soit tenue de predire ni de reflechir le systeme entier.
A threshold model of content knowledge transfer for socioscientific argumentation

This study explores how individuals make use of scientific content knowledge for socioscientific argumentation. More specifically, this mixed-methods study investigates how learners apply genetics content knowledge as they justify claims relative to genetic en- gineering. Interviews are conducted with 45 participants, representing three distinct groups: high school students with variable genetics knowledge, college nonscience majors with little genetics knowledge, and college science majors with advanced genetics knowledge. During the interviews, participants advance positions concerning three scenarios dealing with gene therapy and cloning. Arguments are assessed in terms of the number of justifications offered as well as justification quality, based on a five-point rubric. Multivariate analysis of variance results indicate that college science majors outperformed the other groups in terms of justi- fication quality and frequency. Argumentation does not differ among nonscience majors or high school students. Follow-up qualitative analyses of interview responses suggest that all three groups tend to focus on similar, sociomoral themes as they negotiate socially complex, genetic engineering issues, but that the science majors frequently reference specific science content knowledge in the justification of their claims. Results support the Threshold Model of Content Knowledge Transfer, which proposes two knowledge thresholds around which argumentation quality can reasonably be expected to increase. Research and educational implications of these findings are discussed. C
Empires in Macro-Sociology

Empire of Difference: The Ottomans in Comparative Perspective. By Karen Barkey. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. 342 pp., $25.99 paperback (ISBN 978-0-521-71533-1). Empire of Difference offers a fresh and challenging interpretation of Ottoman imperial rule, focusing not on its tortuous decline as is emphasized by those writers following Gibbons' footsteps, but rather on its flexibility and for that, its longevity. Through adaptive ideology, management of diversity, and carefully calibrated distribution of rewards across peripheral elites, the empire persisted, even flourished, for centuries. A key metaphor for the imperial form of rule is that of hub (the Ottoman center) and irregular spokes (links of various degrees of thickness to each of the peripheries), without a rim (connection between peripheries). Through the highlighting of key moments of this form of quasi-domination by the imperial center, but with comparable cases in constant juxtaposition, Barkey masterfully traces the mechanisms of Ottoman rule in particular, and imperial rule more generally. I take this opportunity that International Studies Review offers me, however, to elaborate neither on those mechanisms, nor on the impressive scope both historically and comparatively that Barkey's work covers. For that, readers of this review are urged to consult this work and to follow the logic of imperial rule as told by an expert not only in Ottoman studies [as already exemplified by her first book (Barkey 1994)], but in macro-comparative historical sociology (Eisenstadt 1963; Doyle 1986; Mann 1986). Rather, in this review I wish to use this book as a foil in order to expose some conceptual confusions into which the sociological study of empires has fallen. An empire is defined here as a “‘negotiated’ enterprise where the basic configuration of relationships between imperial authorities and peripheries is constructed piece meal” (p. 1). Barkey then contends “that to preserve this structure…an empire needs to maintain [ inter alia ] diversity through a stable relationship with intermediary elites. Empires, it follows, have an “interest” …
Clinical Trials with Alice Strain, Live, Attenuated, Serum Inhibitor-Resistant Intranasal Influenza A Vaccine

Two clinical trials with Alice strain intranasal influenza vaccine were performed. In study no. 1 (utilizing random selection and double-blind control), 50 subjects received a bivalent inactivated influenza vaccine intramuscularly, 99 subjects received Alice strain vaccine intranasally, and 50 subjects received a placebo intranasally. No symptomatology could be attributed to the intranasal route of immunization. Convalescent-phase geometric mean titers of hemagglutination inhibition antibody were higher after intramuscular vaccination; seroconversion occurred in 16 or 17 recipients of the Alice strain, with initial titers of less than 1:8. Clinical and virologic surveillance for 20 weeks after vaccination revealed no influenza A illnesses in participants of the study. In study no. 2, 75% of the subjects with initial nasal antibody titers of less than 1:3 developed measurable nasal antibody after receiving Alice strain vaccine.
Antibacterial Activity of Cabbage Juice Against Lactic Acid Bacteria

Fresh juice of Cecile cultivar cabbage (Brassica oleracea) was inhibitory to the growth of four species (including seven strains) of lactic acid bacteria. Inhibition was eliminated when the cabbage was heated (steamed 10 min) before juice extraction. When Lcuconostoc mes-enteroides C33 was tested in juices of three other cultivars of cabbage, growth inhibition was invariably noted in fresh juices, but was variable in heated juices. Fresh cabbage juice (CJ) adjusted to higher initial pH (6.5–7.5) showed greater antibacterial activities than at pH 5.0 to 6.0. When pH 4.0 precipitate from fresh CJ was added to noninhi-bitory CJ (cabbage heated before extraction), antibacterial activity was restored. A heat-labile and pH-dependent factor seemed responsible for activating a precursor into an inhibitory compound.
Neuronal and extraneuronal release of ATP and NAD+ in smooth muscle

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+) ) are key intracellular constituents involved in energy transfer and redox homeostasis in the cell. ATP is also released in the extracellular space and in the past half century it has been assumed to be the purinergic neurotransmitter in many systems including smooth muscle. In some smooth muscles (i.e., the human urinary bladder detrusor muscle), ATP does appear to be primarily released from nerves upon action potential firings, but in other smooth muscles (i.e., the human large intestine), ATP does not mimic the endogenous purine neurotransmitter. It was recently found that NAD(+) , another ubiquitous intracellular adenine nucleotide, also follows a regulated release in neurosecretory cells, vascular and visceral smooth muscles, and the brain. In some cases, NAD(+) fulfills presynaptic and postsynaptic criteria for a neurotransmitter better than ATP. Therefore, the purine hypothesis of neural regulation in smooth muscle is in need of reevaluation. This article will briefly review the current understanding of neuronal and extraneuronal release of purines in smooth muscle with emphasis on the roles of extracellular ATP and NAD(+) and, further, will discuss more recent information about the likely involvement of multiple purines in smooth muscle neurotransmission.
Social movements and dramatic events: Closing a toxic waste landfill

Abstract When closure of a toxic waste disposal facility is preceded by several years of social movement protest directed toward precisely that end, it would appear that closure demonstrates the success of movement activity. Using archival material, this paper examines events in the years before and after the closing of a toxic waste disposal facility at the BKK Landfill in West Covina, California (USA). A more immediate cause of the closure than the efforts of social movement organizations was the escape of toxic gases that found their way into 21 homes adjacent to the landfill, resulting in a prolonged evacuation lasting up to five months for many of the evacuated families. The evacuation dramatized some of the hazards critics had long complained about, drew news media attention to problems associated with the operation of the landfill, and led to a shift in the balance of power among stakeholders in the controversy.
New accounting guidance for variable interest entities: will the new rules reduce the risk?

Special purpose entities, generally known as SPEs, have been the bane of everyone in the risk management and the asset management business. But they can also be extremely useful. Now, post‐Enron, further rules have been put into place to ensure that SPEs are clearly identifiable and their purpose can be transparent. The author examines how these new rules will work and assesses the likelihood of success.
Large, clear cytoplasmic vacuolation: an under-recognized cytologic clue to distinguish solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas from pancreatic endocrine neoplasms on fine-needle aspiration.

BACKGROUND. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) and pancreatic endocrine neoplasm (PEN) are uncommon neoplasms that demonstrate characteristic cytologic features. It is also known that both these tumors may share similar morphologic changes. These features not uncommonly pose significant diagnostic challenge for unsuspecting cytopathologists. In the current study, the authors report that recognition of clear cytoplasmic vacuoles in endoscopic ultrasound–guided fine–needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) samples from SPN serves as a useful clue that can distinguish this tumor from PEN. METHODS. The cytologic features from 5 SPN and 20 PEN cases were evaluated. Both Diff-Quik and Papanicolaou stains from these cases were examined. A Fisher exact test of probability was performed to determine differences in the individual cytologic features noted in these 2 tumor types. RESULTS. The results demonstrated that pseudopapillary groups (P = .004); metachromatic matrix material (P = .004); nuclear membrane irregularity (P = .004); and large, clear cytoplasmic vacuoles (P = .001) are noted significantly more frequently in SPN. The authors also demonstrated that large, clear cytoplasmic vacuoles can serve as a powerful cytologic clue for the suspicion of SPN over PEN when there is a paucity of papillary groups within the smears. Large, clear cytoplasmic vacuoles, however, were noted only in Diff-Quik–stained smears, but not in Papanicolaou-;stained smears. CONCLUSIONS. The results of the current study highlight that large, clear cytoplasmic vacuoles can serve as a critical clue with which to distinguish SPN from PEN in diagnostically challenging cases. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Brief report: Improving the validity of assessments of adolescents' feelings of privacy invasion

Studies of privacy invasion have relied on measures that combine items assessing adolescents' feelings of privacy invasion with items assessing parents' monitoring behaviors. Removing items assessing parents' monitoring behaviors may improve the validity of assessments of privacy invasion. Data were collected from 163 adolescents (M age 13 years, 5 months; 47% female; 50% European American, non-Hispanic, 46% African American) and their mothers. A model specifying separate factors for privacy invasion and monitoring behavior fit adolescent-reported and parent-reported data significantly better than a single factor model. Although privacy invasion and monitoring behavior were positively associated, privacy invasion and monitoring behavior correlations were significantly different from one another across all ten variables reported by adolescents and across eight of the nine variables reported by mothers. The pattern of results strongly supports a recommendation for researchers to exclude items assessing monitoring behaviors to provide a more valid assessment of privacy invasion.
A tailored ML-EM algorithm for reconstruction of truncated projection data using few view angles.

Dedicated cardiac single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) systems have the advantage of high speed and sensitivity at no loss, or even a gain, in resolution. The potential drawbacks of these dedicated systems are data truncation by the small field of view (FOV) and the lack of view angles. Serious artifacts, including streaks outside the FOV and distortion in the FOV, are introduced to the reconstruction when using the traditional emission data maximum-likelihood expectation–maximization (ML-EM) algorithm to reconstruct images from the truncated data with a small number of views. In this note, we propose a tailored ML-EM algorithm to suppress the artifacts caused by data truncation and insufficient angular sampling by reducing the image updating step sizes for the pixels outside the FOV. As a consequence, the convergence speed for the pixels outside the FOV is decelerated. We applied the proposed algorithm to truncated analytical data, Monte Carlo simulation data and real emission data with different numbers of views. The computer simulation results show that the tailored ML-EM algorithm outperforms the conventional ML-EM algorithm in terms of streak artifacts and distortion suppression for reconstruction from truncated projection data with a small number of views.
Lessons learned: usability testing a federated search product

Purpose – Usability testing using think aloud protocols was conducted on the MetaLib interface, a new federated search product soon to be offered by the university libraries. The object of the testing was to find problems users might experience with the MetaLib interface in order to improve site usability.Design/methodology/approach – Based on responses to a demographic questionnaire, a representative sample of eight volunteers, diverse with respect to affiliation, discipline, gender, language, and computer expertise was selected. Using the MetaLib interface and guided by a moderator, participants completed real‐world tasks while verbalizing their thoughts. Participants also completed a questionnaire and answered three open‐ended items. Transcripts provided the data for the study, which were used to determine problems and difficulties with the interface.Findings – The usability testing revealed one critical issue, that is, problems with the login. Other issues included problems with primary and secondary ...
Artificial economic life: a simple model of a stockmarket

Abstract We describe a model of a stockmarket in which independent adaptive agents can buy and sell stock on a central market. The overall market behavior, such as the stock price time series, is an emergent property of the agents' behavior. This approach to modelling a market is contrasted with conventional rational expectations approaches. Our model does not necessarily converge to an equilibrium, and can show bubbles, crashes, and continued high trading volume.