cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron microscope radioautography of amino acid incorporation by supraoptic neurons of the rat.

Abstract Electron microscope radioautography of the neurosecretory supraoptic nucleus and neural lobe was conducted after intracisternal injection of three tritiated amino acids: cysteine, arginine, and glycine, into dehydrated rats. Cytoplasmic uptake and localization are similar for the three amino acids: first over the endoplasmic reticulum and later over the Golgi region and elementary granules. Considerable activity was also found in the nucleus. After a longer period of time, activity was detected over some nerve fibers in the neural lobe.
Reading Fictions of Romance: Gender, Sexuality, and Nationalism in Postcolonial India

Through an ethnographic study the A. explores the implications of romance reading for young Indian women's gender, class, and national identities in one urban setting in South India. He demonstrates that the practice of reading Western romance fiction is deeply embedded within patriarchal discourses of feminine respectability that exert control over women's sexuality. Young women's fascination for the commodities of Western material culture in imported romance fiction is located in their desire to experience their identities as cosmopolitan, global consumers. In negotiating the boundaries of tradition, Indian women readers construct romance fiction as modern manuals on sexuality that afford them escape from the burdens of preserving the honor of family and community. The contradictory character of women's interpretations of sexuality in Western romance novels highlights the complex dialectic between postcolonial audiences' resistance to and collusion with the hegemony of global culture.
Thermal conductivity of polyethyl siloxane liquids at high pressures

The thermal conductivities of three polyethyl siloxane liquids have been investigated experimentally at pressures up to 200 mN/m2 in the temperature interval from 20 to 200°C. Equations are proposed for calculations.
General buckling of stiffened circular cylindrical shells according to a layerwise theory

Abstract Analytical solutions for buckling loads of composite cylindrical shells with axial and circumferential stiffeners are presented using a layerwise shell theory. The layerwise shell theory accounts for displacement variations through the thickness of the shell. The effect of stiffeners is averaged over the domain of the shell, and the effect of stiffener eccentricity is taken into account. The Navier solution procedure is used to develop analytical solutions for buckling of stiffened cylindrical shells. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the accuracy of the layerwise shell theory in comparison to single-layer shell theories.
The effect of phytohemagglutinin on rat thymus cells in vitro

Cells obtained from the thymus glands of five strains of rats, ranging in age from five hours to five months, were cultured in the presence of phytohemagglutinin according to the method of Rieke and Schwarz ('64). In these cultures, the large and medium lymphocytes in the inoculum gave rise by mitosis to small lymphocytes. Under the influence of PHA, small lymphocytes were transformed into enlarged cells which in turn acted as precursors of small lymphocytes. However, not all small cells in the cultures nor thymic lymphocytes from newborn rats responded to this mitogenic drug. A progressive increase in responsiveness was detected as donors increased from five hours to 32 days of age.
Governing the innovation process in entrepreneurial firms

Abstract We challenge the implicit assumption that entrepreneurs are the sole owners of their young firms and we suggest that because cutting-edge innovation projects are complex, they create substantial information asymmetry between entrepreneurs and their investors. Linking previous research on governance, entrepreneurship, and innovation, we ask what forms of governance and incentive systems are conducive to spur and implement innovation among young entrepreneurial firms. Using agency theory and building on the rich literature on governance, we make eight practical suggestions regarding the governance of young entrepreneurial firms. We suggest that early and effective governance systems may help entrepreneurs and investors work in alignment with each other's best interests.
A comparison of impression materials for complete-arch fixed partial dentures

This study compared the marginal fit of complete-arch fixed prostheses under simulated clinical conditions. Prostheses were made on casts constructed from three commonly used impression materials; polyether, polyvinyl siloxane (medium-viscosity and putty-wash), and reversible hydrocolloid. A maxillary dentoform with four abutment teeth was used as the master cast and six impressions were made with each material. Individual castings for each abutment were made on the stone casts. The abutment castings were luted together on the casts to provide a complete-arch fixed partial denture using a ticonium framework and acrylic resin. The marginal fit of the abutment castings was measured on the master cast before and after the prostheses were luted together. The polyether and both addition silicone impression materials were significantly more accurate than the reversible hydrocolloid in both situations. All of the single castings were clinically acceptable, but the luted restorations made from reversible hydrocolloids were not.
Anelastic relaxations in the Fe–Mn–N system

The anelastic behavior of the Fe–Mn–N system is investigated using both internal friction measurements and measurements of stress relaxation at constant strain. The effects of both Mn and N concentrations are studied in the −40 to 150°C temperature range. Results show that all of the damping data could be resolved into four individual Debye peaks, due to stress assisted interstitial diffusion. The stress relaxation data confirm the analysis of the internal friction data. The four Debye peaks are explained by the normal nitrogen Snoek peak in iron, motion of single nitrogen atoms around single manganese atoms, and two types of motion of single nitrogen atoms around a manganese atom pair. Durch Messungen der inneren Reibung und Messungen der Spannungsrelaxation bei konstanter Belastung wird das inelastische Verhalten des Fe–Mn–N-Systems untersucht. Im Temperaturbereich von −40 bis 150°C werden die Einflusse der Mn- sowie der N-Konzentration untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, das alle Dampfungswerte sich in vier einzelne Debye-Maxima auflosen lassen, die durch spannungsinduzierte Zwischengitter-diffusion hervorgerufen werden. Die Spannungsrelaxationswerte bestatigen die Analyse der Werte fur die innere Reibung. Die vier Debye-Maxima werden durch das normale Stickstoff-Snoek-Maximum in Eisen, durch die Wanderung isolierter Stickstoffatome um isolierte Manganatome sowie durch zwei Arten von Wanderung von isolierten Atomen um ein Manganatompaar erklart.
One-year outcomes following coronary computerized tomographic angiography for evaluation of emergency department patients with potential acute coronary syndrome.

Objectives: Coronary computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) has high correlation with cardiac catheterization and has been shown to be safe and cost-effective when used for rapid evaluation of low-risk chest pain patients from the emergency department (ED). The long-term outcome of patients discharged from the ED with negative coronary CTA has not been well studied. Methods: The authors prospectively evaluated consecutive low- to intermediate-risk patients who received coronary CTA in the ED for evaluation of a potential acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients with cocaine use, known cancer, and significant comorbidity reducing life expectancy and those found to have significant disease (stenosis ≥ 50% or ejection fraction < 30%) were excluded. Demographics, medical and cardiac history, labs, and electrocardiogram (ECG) results were collected. Patients were followed by telephone contact and record review for 1 year. The main outcome was 1-year cardiovascular death or nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Results: Of 588 patients who received coronary CTA in the ED, 481 met study criteria. They had a mean (±SD) age of 46.1 (±8.8) years, 63% were black or African American, and 60% were female. There were 53 patients (11%) rehospitalized and 51 patients (11%) who received further diagnostic testing (stress or catheterization) over the subsequent year. There was one death (0.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01% to 1.15%) with unclear etiology, no AMI (0%; 95% CI = 0 to 0.76%), and no revascularization procedures (0%; 95% CI = 0 to 0.76%) during this time period. Conclusions: Low- to intermediate-risk patients with a Thrombosis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score of 0 to 2 who present to the ED with potential ACS and have a negative coronary CTA have a very low likelihood of cardiovascular events over the ensuing year.
The Importance of Twin Studies for Individual Differences Research

Twin research designs and methods are valuable tools for examining genetic and environmental influences on behavioral and medical characteristics. A review of the biological bases of twinning and descriptions of 10 research designs are presented. Findings from a selected sampling of twin studies of learning disabilities, personality and temperament, attitudes, psychopathology, and social behavior are summarized. The findings are discussed with special reference to the activities of mental health practitioners and counselors.
A time-resolved electron spin resonance study of spin trapping: Media effects influencing hydroxyalkyl radical trapping by 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane

Abstract Recent studies (Madden and Taniguchi, 1991) show that the trapping rate constant variation for carbon-centered radicals trapped by 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP) is greater than an order of magnitude in neutral aqueous solutions. Strongly reducing hydroxyalkyl radicals were trapped quickly, while unsubstituted alkyl radicals were trapped slowly. During these studies, pH-dependent trapping rate variations were also observed, suggesting that solution composition also had a strong effect on radical trapping by MNP. Spin trapping of 2-hydroxy-2-propyl radical by MNP was chosen as a model system to determine the cause of these rate variations. Time-resolved ESR studies showed that MNP reduction is important in the formation of the observed spin adducts in aqueous alkaline solutions. This reaction yields both MNP-2-hydroxy-2-propyl and MNP-H spin adducts.
Mitotic trafficking of silicon microparticles

Multistage carriers were recently introduced by our laboratory, with the concurrent objectives of co-localized delivery of multiple therapeutic agents, the “theranostic” integration of bioactive moieties with imaging contrast, and the selective, potentially personalized bypassing of the multiplicity of biological barriers that adversely impact biodistribution of vascularly injected particulates. Mesoporous (“nanoporous”) silicon microparticles were selected as primary carriers in multi-stage devices, with targets including vascular endothelia at pathological lesions. The objective of this study was to evaluate biocompatibility of mesoporous silicon microparticles with endothelial cells using in vitroassays with an emphasis on microparticle compatibility with mitotic events. We observed that vascular endothelial cells, following internalization of silicon microparticles, maintain cellular integrity, as demonstrated by cellular morphology, viability and intact mitotic trafficking of vesicles bearing silicon microparticles. The presence of gold or iron oxide nanoparticles within the porous matrix did not alter the cellular uptake of particles or the viability of endothelial cells subsequent to engulfment of microparticles. Endothelial cells maintained basal levels of IL-6 and IL-8 release in the presence of silicon microparticles. This is the first study that demonstrates polarized, ordered partitioning of endosomes based on tracking microparticles. The finding that mitotic sorting of endosomes is unencumbered by the presence of nanoporous silicon microparticles advocates the use of silicon microparticles for biomedical applications.
The broad utility of soluble peptide libraries for drug discovery.

Abstract The use of soluble peptide combinatorial libraries made up of millions, billions, or now even trillions (106, 109 and 1012) of peptides, currently used in a wide range of investigations, is discussed. These include: antibody/peptide antigen studies, the development of new ligands through the use of radio receptor assays, novel enzyme inhibitors, antibacterial and antifungal peptides through the use of microdilution assays, antivirals in plaque assays, and cardiovascular drugs in in vivo studies. The use of a new positional scanning library composed of approximately four trillion decapeptides is illustrated in a radio receptor assay. The criteria by which libraries, in general, can be judged will be described.
Gastric carcinoma presenting as double-channel pylorus on upper gastrointestinal series.

A double-channel pylorus or gastroduodenal fistula is a rare entity frequently acquired in association with penetrating peptic ulcer disease. The diagnosis is made by upper gastrointestinal series or by endoscopy. We report a 59-year-old man who presented with gastric outlet obstruction whose upper gastrointestinal series was typical of benign peptic ulcer disease demonstrating antral ulcers and a double-channel pylorus. At operation, gastric carcinoma infiltrating the pyloric channel and dividing it into two lumens was found. No gastroduodenal fistula was found. The “gastroduodenal fistula” on upper gastrointestinal series had been created by gastric carcinoma protruding into the pyloric channel and dividing the barium flow into two streams. One can no longer assume that a double-channel pylorus is due to benign ulcer disease.
Hearing loss treatment through stem cell therapy

Despite the many challenges cell therapy will revolutionize medicine. With the use of cell therapies, hearing loss can be restored. Cell therapies have also shown great promise in helping to repair catastrophic spinal injuries, and helping victims of paralysis regain movement. Cell therapy can be defined as a group of new techniques, or technologies, that rely on replacing diseased or dysfunctional cells with healthy, functioning ones. These new techniques are being applied to hearing loss and damaged ear components.
Hamel Paradox and Rosenberg Conjecture in Analytical Dynamics

Hamel proposed a seemingly intuitive, simple, straightforward, but incorrect, method of formulating the constrained equation of motion. The method has to do with the direct embedding of the constraint into the kinetic energy of the unconstrained motion. His intention was to caution against its possible adoption. Rosenberg echoed Hamel's warning and followed up to explore more insight of this method. He proposed a conjecture that the Hamel's embedding method would work if the constraint was holonomic. It would not work if the constraint was nonholonomic. We investigate the Hamel paradox and Rosenberg conjecture via the use of the Fundamental Equation of Constrained Motion.
Effect of Different Videotape Instructional Units on Undergraduate Physical Education Majors' Qualitative Analysis of Skill

This study concerned the effects of treatment and sex of subject on the qualitative analysis of skill of undergraduate physical education majors. 29 majors in undergraduate physical education were ...
Psychological Coping with Acute Pain: An Examination of the Role of Endogenous Opioid Mechanisms

This study examined the relationship among endogenous opioids, Monitoring and Blunting coping styles, and acute pain responses. Fifty-eight male subjects underwent a 1-min pressure pain stimulus during two laboratory sessions. Subjects experienced this pain stimulus once under endogenous opioid blockade with naltrexone and once in a placebo condition. Blunting was found to be negatively correlated with pain ratings, but this relationship was significantly more prominent under opioid blockade. Results for coping behaviors subjects used to manage the experimental pain were generally consistent with the Blunting results, indicating that cognitive coping was related more strongly to decreased pain ratings and cardiovascular stress responsiveness under opioid blockade. Overall, the beneficial effects of Blunting and cognitive coping on pain responses did not depend upon endogenous opioids and, in fact, became stronger when opioid receptors were blocked. The relationship between endogenous opioids and coping appears to be dependent upon situational and stimulus characteristics.
Modes of high-latitude electric field variability derived from DE-2 measurements: Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis

[1] In this study we characterize dominant modes of high-latitude electric field variability as a set of two-dimensional empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs), based on a sequential non-linear regression analysis of the electric field derived from plasma drift measurements during the Dynamics Explorer-2 (DE-2) satellite mission (1981–1983). Together with the mean fields, 11 EOFs are capable of representing 68% of the squared electric field in the original data, leaving only a fairly random component as a residual. While such mathematically independent EOFs do not necessarily represent physically independent modes of variability, each of the first two EOFs is actually related to a widely known physically prominent effect on the convection patterns. Variability associated with the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) BY component emerges as the primary mode, and variability associated with the IMF BZ effect emerges as the secondary mode. The tertiary mode reflects variability in the cusp region, but is not significantly correlated with the IMF.
Characterization of Background Concentrations of Contaminants Using a Mixture of Normal Distributions

We present a Bayesian approach for characterizing background contaminant concentration distributions using data from sites that may have been contaminated. Our method, focused on estimation, resolves several technical problems of the existing methods sanctioned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) (a hypothesis testing based method), resulting in a simple and quick procedure for estimating background contaminant concentrations. The proposed Bayesian method is applied to two data sets from a federal facility regulated under the Resource Conservation and Restoration Act. The results are compared to background distributions identified using existing methods recommended by the USEPA. The two data sets represent low and moderate levels of censorship in the data. Although an unbiased estimator is elusive, we show that the proposed Bayesian estimation method will have a smaller bias than the EPA recommended method.
A New Kind of School Examination

(1920). A New Kind of School Examination. The Journal of Educational Research: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 33-46.
Alteration of Pentoxifylline Pharmacokinetics by Cimetidine

Pentoxifylline, recently approved for the treatment of intermittent claudication, is hepatically cleared with a high degree of first-pass metabolism. Subsequently, the effect of cimetidine on pentoxifylline pharmacokinetics was studied in humans. Ten healthy subjects received, in random cross-over fashion, pentoxifylline 400 mg as a controlled-release tablet every 8 hours with and without cimetidine 300 mg four times a day for 7 days. Pentoxifylline and metabolite plasma concentrations over one dosing interval were measured on day 7 of each phase. The unavailability of an immediate-release pentoxifylline dosage form prevented a single dose trial. Cimetidine significantly increased (P less than .05) pentoxifylline area under the curve at steady state 26.2% from 675 +/- 97 (mean +/- SEM) to 852 +/- 108 ng. hr/mL. The average steady-state plasma concentration increased 27.4% from 84 +/- 12 to 107 +/- 14 ng/mL (P less than .05). Apparent oral clearance decreased 21.5% from 1309 +/- 304 to 1027 +/- 244 mL/min (P less than .02). Significant alterations in pentoxifylline metabolite concentrations were also observed. The results of this trial suggest cimetidine elevates pentoxifylline plasma concentrations, presumably by decreasing apparent oral clearance, although a reduction in total body clearance or an increase in gastric absorption could not be ruled out.
Software in Ireland: a balance of entrepreneurship and… lifestyle management?

A unique set of circumstances contributes to the recent success of the Irish software industry.
Dual structural and functional phenotypes of the porcine aortic valve interstitial population : characteristics of the leaflet myofibroblast

Abstract The cellular properties of semilunar cardiac valve leaflets may be more complex than previously assumed. In particular, the cells of the leaflet matrix which are likely critical to proper cusp function are a poorly described population to date. We hypothesized that, similar to the matrix cells of atrioventricular valves, aortic valve leaflet interstitial cells (AoLIC's) possess characteristics of both fibroblasts (matrix secretion) and smooth muscle cells (contraction). Porcine AoLIC's were structurally examined for contractile and stress fiber protein assemblies using transmission electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. Contractile function in response to vasoactive stimuli was directly assessed using AoLIC's cultured on flame-polymerized silicone, with cell contraction identified by the appearance of wrinkles in the substratum after challenge with each agent. The structural analyses showed cellular microfilaments were often organized into various contractile arrangements including polygonal networks, and that AoLIC's are rich in smooth muscle-specific α-actin. Incomplete basal laminae often associated with myofibroblasts were observed. Contraction experiments indicated a responsivity of similar latency, but variable peak and duration to 10-7M l -epinephrine, 3.2 × 10-7M angiotensin II, 110 μM carbachol, 50 mM KCl, 3.2 × 10-7M bradykinin, 110 μM isoproterenol, and 5 × 10-7M endothelin I. Soluble and insoluble matrix secretion was confirmed with FITC-conjugated monoclonal antibodies to chondroitin sulfate, fibronectin, and prolyl-4-hydroxylase. These data show that the AoLIC's are best designated as myofibroblasts. The unusual features of the myofibroblast may be central to lifelong aortic leaflet durability.
Cell elastimetry in the study of normal and abnormal movement of human neutrophils

Abstract Cell elastimetry has been applied to the study of normal PMNs and PMNs from patients with previously recognized abnormalities of movement and the results compared with those of PMN movement in a Boyden-type (filter) assay. Normal human PMNs at 4°C, pH 7.5, or incubated with chelators, glycolytic inhibitors, or mitomycin C, showed comparable decreases in both filter chemotaxis and deformability. PMNs incubated with cytochalasin B showed similar dose-dependent effects. Following incubation with endotoxin-activated serum, filter movement was significantly decreased within 15 sec while deformability was unaffected for 1 min. PMNs from subjects with various recognized abnormalities of cell motility were also studied. Three distinct patterns or profiles were seen: (a) decreased PMN movement but normal PMN deformability; (b) decreased PMN movement and deformability; and (c) normal PMN movement but decreased PMN deformability. The data suggest that the elastimetry and filter assays share many factors, but also reflect distinct differences in functional requirements.
Capillary tube leukocyte migration inhibition as a correlate of cell-mediated immunity in the chicken.

The migration of peripheral blood leukocytes from white leghorn roosters sensitized to mycobacteria was significantly inhibited in the presence of PPD. Positive leukocyte migration inhibition tests (LMIT) preceded positive wattle tests in 11 of 34 chickens. In 1 of 42 chickens a positive wattle test preceded positive LMIT. Repeated injections of PPD alone in some chickens resulted in 20% or more inhibition of migration of leukocytes in the presence of PPD ( P The results of these tests indicate that LMIT in chickens are reproducible and parallel that of the human. The addition of rabbit anti-chicken IgG to the LMIT allowed differentiation of leukocyte migration inhibition due to cell-mediated immunity from that due to cytophilic antibody.
Stabilities and structures of the Li-CO2 and Na-CO2 complexes

The geometries and stabilities of the Li-CO2 and Na-CO2 complexes are calculated using thc self-consistent-field-XXX-Fock method. The minimum energy. C2v structures of Li-CO2 and Na-CO2 are found to be stable by 0.85 and 0.34 eV, respectively, with respect to dissociation to CO2 + alkali atom.
Clinical significance and origin of artifacts in transesophageal echocardiography of the thoracic aorta

Abstract Objectives. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanism and features of artifacts encountered during transesophageal echocardiography of the aorta. Background. Artifacts are an important potential limitation of transesophageal echocardiography of the aorta. Methods. The mechanism of the artifacts was examined by in vitro modeling. The frequency and clinical correlates of artifacts were examined by retrospective review of transesophageal echocardiograms in 36 patients with aortic pathologic lesions. Results. Two classes of artifact were seen: linear artifacts in the ascending aorta, which may mimic intimal flaps, and mirror image artifacts in the transverse and descending thoracic aorta. Linear artifacts in the ascending aorta, seen in 44% of patients, were shown in vitro to be multiple path artifacts caused by reflection of ultrasound within the left atrium. Linear artifacts in the ascending aorta were associated with dilation of the ascending aorta and were more frequent when the aortic diameter exceeded the left atrial diameter (p 80% of patients. Artifacts were equally frequent with the sagittal and transverse imaging planes when biplane transesophageal echocardiography was used. Conclusions. Artifacts occur frequently during transesophageal echocardiography of the aorta. An understanding of why they occur and the features that distinguish them from true abnormalities should enhance the diagnostic accuracy of transesophageal echocardiography for aortic disease.
Central serotonergic function and behavior in the Maudsley Reactive and nonreactive strains: A reevaluation

Confirming earlier research, Maudsley Reactive (MR) male rats had higher concentrations of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) in brain stem than did Maudsley Nonreactive (MNR) rats. Comparisons of MR with a second MNR substrain (MNRA) revealed no strain differences in brain stem serotonin. The two MNR substrains exhibit similar levels of open-field defecation, and both differ substantially from MR animals. The present results suggest that, contrary to previous claims, brain stem serotonin is not consistently related to open-field defecation in the Maudsley strains.
A GPR Agricultural Drainage Pipe Detection Case Study: Effects of Antenna Orientation Relative to Drainage Pipe Directional Trend

ABSTRACT Locating buried drainage pipes is a difficult task confronting farmers and land improvement contractors, especially in the Midwest U.S., where the removal of excess soil water using subsur...
Nucleation and growth of α-Ti on TiB precipitates in Ti–15Mo–2.6Nb–3Al–0.2Si–0.12B

The microstructure was investigated of a β-stabilized Ti–15Mo–2.6Nb–3Al–0.2Si–0.12B alloy at two different aging temperatures, 540°C/8 h and 660°C/8 h. In particular, the heterogeneous nucleation of α-Ti from TiB particles was studied at these aging temperatures. At the lower aging temperature, α-Ti precipitated as needle-like shapes on the TiB phase. In contrast, the higher aged sample exhibited globular α-Ti morphology around the TiB phase. This difference was rationalized in terms of the coarsening behavior of α-Ti around the TiB phase. Various orientation relationships were observed between these two samples. This difference is because of the precipitation of α-Ti on two different TiB planes. In addition, atom probe analysis confirmed the segregation of alpha and beta stabilizing elements to the respective phases. At the lower aging temperature, it was noted that silicon enriched the α-Ti/β-Ti interface when the α-Ti/β-Ti/TiB were all in contact. Upon α-Ti coarsening, silicon enrichment was observed a...
An Innovative Nonanimal Simulation Trainer for Chest Tube Insertion in Neonates

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Competence in the chest tube insertion procedure is vital for practitioners who take care of critically ill infants. The use of animals for training is discouraged, and there are no realistic simulation models available for the neonatal chest tube insertion procedure. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of teaching the chest tube insertion procedure by using an easily constructed, nonanimal simulation model. METHODS: An inexpensive infant chest tube insertion model was developed by using simple hardware. A prospective cohort study with pre-posttest intervention design was conducted with pediatric and combined internal medicine–pediatrics residents. Residents completed a questionnaire about their previous experience of chest tube insertion, knowledge, self-evaluation of knowledge, comfort, and skills; pre, post, and a month after an individualized education session and demonstration of the procedure on the model. Clinical skills were assessed by using a 32-point scoring system when residents performed the procedure on the model immediately after training and a month later. RESULTS: All residents had significant improvement in knowledge and self-evaluation of knowledge, comfort, and skills scores after the education session and training on the model and this improvement was retained after 1 month ( P P = .08). Scores were not significantly different between the levels of trainees. CONCLUSIONS: An educational intervention using an easily constructed and inexpensive chest tube insertion model is effective in improving knowledge, comfort, and skills in trainees. The model can be used repeatedly to maintain proficiency.
Magnetization, resistivity and heat capacity of the anisotropic RVSb3 crystals (R=La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Dy)

Abstract Single crystals of rare-earth vanadium triantimonides RVSb 3 , with R=La–Nd, Sm and Gd–Dy are grown out of solution. The substitution of heavier rare-earths makes the orthorhombic structure contract and accompanies changes in the magnetic properties throughout the series. Characterization of RVSb 3 family was made with single-crystal X-ray diffraction, temperature and field-dependent magnetization M ( T , H ), heat capacity C ( T ) and resistivity ρ ( T ). All of the compounds are metallic, and all, with the exceptions of non-magnetic LaVSb 3 and ferromagnetic CeVSb 3 , show features typical of antiferromagnetic order. Thermodynamic and transport measurements indicate that these materials are highly anisotropic magnetically, due to the crystal electric field splitting of the Hund's ground state, but only manifest a moderate electrical anisotropy. Given the relative scarcity of Ce-based ferromagnets, the temperature-dependent magnetization of CeVSb 3 was measured under applied hydrostatic pressure up to 10 kbar, and T c increases at the rate of 0.14(1) K kbar −1 .
A rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) model of aerosol-exposure brucellosis (Brucella suis): pathology and diagnostic implications

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists Brucella as a potential bioterrorism threat requiring enhanced diagnostic capacity and surveillance (http://emergency.cdc.gov/bioterrorism/). Successful treatment and management of patients after exposure to biological threat agents depends on accurate and timely diagnosis, but many biothreat agents present with similar, vague clinical signs – commonly referred to as ‘flu-like illness’. Diagnosis of brucellosis is notoriously challenging, especially early in infection, and definitive diagnosis may require invasive methods, e.g. bone marrow biopsy. We studied the pathogenesis of Brucella suis aerosol infection in rhesus macaques in an effort to guide the diagnostic algorithm in case of possible intentional exposure of humans. Rhesus proved to be an excellent model for human brucellosis; the data showed that PCR DNA amplification testing of non-invasive diagnostic samples has the potential to definitively detect a point-source outbreak immediately and for several days after exposure.
Lower Extremity Injuries in College Athletes: Relation Between Ligamentous Laxity and Lower Extremity Muscle Tightness

Abstract Objective: Two components of flexibility, muscle tightness, and ligamentous laxity in college athletes were studied to determine whether these factors were associated with the incidence of lower extremity injuries. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: College athletic department. Participants: 201 college athletes. Outcome Measures: College men and women athletes were tested for ligamentous laxity with the Beighton scale and for muscle tightness with a new scale based on the tightness of the iliopsoas, iliotibial band, hamstring, rectus femoris, and gastrocsoleus muscles. Lower extremity injuries incurred during practice and play were recorded during the following year. Results: Of the 201 athletes tested, 71 sustained 115 injuries. For each additional point on the 9-point ligamentous laxity scale (9 = hyperlax), the risk of injury decreased 16%. For each additional point on the 10-point muscle-tightness scale (10 = all muscles tight), the risk of injury increased 23%. The two scores were moderately inversely correlated (Spearman's rho=−0.3; p p p p = .008) and greater muscle tightness ( p = .04). Conclusions: This study introduces a new scale for lower extremity muscle tightness. Tight ligaments and muscles are related to injury in men, but not women, college athletes. A preseason flexibility program may decrease injuries in college men athletes.
Utilization of Feed in Fast- and Slow-Growing Lines of Chickens

Abstract INTRODUCTION FOR several decades geneticists have selected animals for maximum body size and growth rate, but have paid little attention to the physiological changes which underlie, or are correlated with, the observed genetic advances. Since a knowledge of the mechanisms controlling growth is of both scientific and practical interest, development and investigation of experimental and commercial strains of animals selected in divergent directions for growth has begun at a number of stations. At the University of Massachusetts, fifteen generations of breeding have developed, from a single base population, two strains of White Plymouth Rock chickens having vastly different rates of growth. In the twelfth generation, the 8-week body weight of these “high” and “low” lines differed by a factor approaching three (Farrington, 1966). Previous investigation has explored the endocrinological differences which may be related to this drastic divergence in growth rate (Komiyama et al., 1965; Farrington, 1966; Farrington and Mellen,…
Cocaine-induced locomotor activity in rats.

Abstract Rats were injected SC or IP with a dose of cocaine at 20 mg/kg twice daily or saline (2 ml/kg) for 15 consecutive doses. Horizontal (including ambulatory and repetitive activity) and ambulatory locomotor activities were assessed following the first (acute) and the 15th (chronic) injections. Total locomotor activity (area under curve, AUC) following the acute and the chronic administration of cocaine were comparable, regardless of the route of drug administration. However, the temporal patterns of activity were significantly different; the peak of locomotor activity occured earlier (chronic vs. acute, 20 vs. 40 min after IP; 130 vs. 180 min after SC) following chronic cocaine administration. Furthermore, the peak activity was significantly higher (3-fold after IP and 50% after SC) in chronically than in acutely treated rats, providing evidence for sensitization. In contrast, activity in the late session (240–280 min after SC) was significantly lower following the chronic SC cocaine administration, providing evidence for desensitization. The absolute slope values of the ascending phase and the descending phase were significantly larger following chronic administration of cocaine than that following the acute dosing. The possibility of changes in locomotor activity with alteration of pharmacokinetics on chronic cocaine treatment is discussed.
EPILEPTIFORM CONVULSIONS IN CHILDREN FOLLOWING PREMEDICATION WITH PAMERGAN SP100

SUMMARY Three cases of convulsions are described, occurring in apparently normal children following premedication with Pamergan SP100, which is a proprietary mixture containing promethazine 50 mg, pethidine 100 mg, and hyoscine 0.4 mg in each ampoule. The aetiology is discussed. It is tentatively concluded that the convulsions are due to an idiosyncratic reaction to the promethazine component which is thought to be present in an undesirably high proportion in the mixture.
Hemocyte reactions and early cellular changes during melanotic tumor formation in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract In Drosophila melanogaster tu bw larvae melanotic tumors form as a result of a cell-mediated immune response involving the encapsulation and melanization by hemocytes of portions of the caudal adipose tissue. The tissue-specific encapsulation response is not due to the disintegration of the basement membrane surrounding the adipose tissue as is reported to be the case in other melanotic mutants. Prior to encapsulation large numbers of hemocytes appear in the circulation and begin to differentiate into flattened cells termed lamellocytes. This transformation occurs at a time when changes are noted within the adipose cells. The localized accumulation of blood cells near intact basement membrane suggests that abnormally developing adipose cells acquire altered molecular surfaces or release substances to which the hemocytes respond. The initial reaction of the hemocytes with the adipose tissue is cell lysis, and this is rapidly followed by the aggregation of numerous additional blood cells which eventually cohere to one another to form a multilayered capsule. What little evidence there is of disintegration of the basement membrane occurs only after hemocytes have lysed at the surface, and other blood cells begin to invade the adipose tissue. Melanization occurs first in the intercellular spaces along the plasma membranes of the lysed cells, and progresses from the innermost layers toward the periphery of the encapsulating cells. Since the changes observed in the hemocytes and adipose cells are precocious, occurring to a lesser degree later in normal development, the initial effect of the genetic mutation in tu bw larvae may be an endocrine dysfunction which causes an asynchronous and abnormal development of the caudal adipose tissue and/or the hematopoietic organs.
Cardiac impairment in adrenal insufficiency in the cat. Reduced adenosinetriphosphatase activity of myocardial contractile proteins.

Cardiac contractile protein ATPase activity was studied in cats 10 days after adrenalectomy at a time when the mean arterial blood pressure was 27% lower than that of control cats. The Ca2+-dependent, azide-insensitive ATPase activity of myofibrils isolated from the ventricles of adrenalectomized cats was 63% of the activity of control preparations (P <0.025). Similarly, the specific activities of cardiac actomyosin (myosin B) and myosin from adrenalectomized cats had decreased to 54 and 75% of control values, respectively (P <0.005). The percent reductions in ATPase activities in the three protein preparations from adrenalectomized animals were not significantly different, suggesting that the depression was associated with myosin per se. The reduction in the myosin ATPase activity in adrenal insufficiency was prevented by dexamethasone treatment adequate to prevent the decline in mean arterial blood pressure of the adrenalectomized cats. The reduction in cardiac performance in frank adrenal insufficiency...
Buckling and Growth of Delamination in Thermoset and Thermoplastic Composites

Compression instability growth of through-width delaminations in composite laminates is investigated. A previously developed beam model that incorporates effects of elastic restraint at the ends of the delamination is combined with a finite element superposition model that yields the Mode I (G 1 ) and Mode II (G II ) components of the strain energy release rate. Experimental data were generated for near surface delaminations over a wide range of crack lengths in unidirectional graphite/epoxy and graphite/PEEK laminates
Exact solutions to some minimum time problems with inequality state constraints

A heuristic method is developed for generating exact solutions to certain minimum time problems, with inequality state and control constraints. The control equation is linear and autonomous, with scalar-valued control. The state constraints are also linear inequalities. Assuming knowledge of a finite sequence, in which state and/or control constraints become active along an optimal path, the maximum principle is reduced to a set of equations and inequalities in a finite number of unknowns. A solution to the equations and inequalities determines both the solution path and a proof of its optimality. Certain types of constraint sequences lead to overdetermined equation systems, and this fact is interpreted in terms of the qualitative behavior of solutions to these problems. Two path-planning problems are solved, as illustrations of the solution technique.
A BASIC microcomputer program for plotting the secondary structure of proteins

Abstract An Applesoft BASIC program is presented which allows one to readily graph the secondary structure of a protein on the basis of information derived from its amino acid sequence. This applies the Chou/Fasman rules of predictions to the α-helix, β-sheet and coil conformational parameters. The program produces a first approximation and provides the additional feature which permits specific modification in the plotted structure. These modifications produce a plot comparable to the existing data obtained from X-ray crystallography and manual computations.
Characterization of a null-allele for the Gy 4 glycinin gene from soybean*

Summary. A null allele for the Gy4 glycinin gene from the cultivar Raiden was sequenced and compared with a functional Gy4 gene from another cultivar. The results showed that the null phenotype probably resulted from a point mutation that changed the translation initiation codon from ATG to ATA. Transcripts of the mutant gene were detected in total RNA from seed, but the mRNAs did not become associated with polysomes as did functional Gy4 message in the control cultivar. This was probably due to premature dissociation of mutant gY4 mRNA from ribosomes due to nonsense codons during translation of an incorrect reading frame.
Discrete coupled plasmon-phonon modes in finite semiconductor multi-layers

Abstract The coupled intra subband-phonon dispersion in N equally spaced quasi two-dimensional electron gas layers embedded in a polar semiconductor is analysed. The interactions of the Giuliani-Quinn surface plamon excitations with surface and bulk phonons are also investigated.
Multiscale Characterizations of Besov Spaces on Bounded Domains

We characterize the Besov regularity of functions on Lipschitz domains by means of their error of approximation by certain sequences of operators. As an application, we consider wavelet decompositions and we characterize Besov quasi-norms in terms of weighted sequence norms.
Empirical Capacity of a Recognition Channel for Single- and Multipose Object Recognition Under the Constraint of PCA Encoding

The ability of practical recognition systems to recognize a large number of objects is constrained by a variety of factors that include choice of a feature extraction technique, quality of images, complexity and variability of underlying objects and of collected data. Given a feature extraction technique generating templates of objects from data and a resolution of the original images, the remaining factors can be attributed to distortions due to a recognition channel. We define the recognition channel as the environment that transforms reference templates of objects in a database into templates submitted for recognition. If templates in an object database are generated to be statistically independent and the noise in a query template is statistically independent of templates in the database, then the abilities of the recognition channel to recognize a large number of object classes can be characterized by a number called recognition capacity. In this paper, we evaluate the empirical recognition capacity of PCA-based object recognition systems. The encoded data (templates) and the additive noise in query templates are modeled to be Gaussian distributed with zero mean and estimated variances. We analyze both the case of a single encoded image and the case of encoded correlated multiple images. For this case, we propose a model that is orientation and elevation angle (pose) dependent. The fit of proposed models is judged using statistical goodness of fit tests. We define recognition rate as the ratio R=log(M)/n, where M is the number of objects to recognize and n is the length of PCA templates. The empirical capacity of PCA-based recognition systems is numerically evaluated. The empirical random coding exponent is also numerically evaluated and plotted as a function of the recognition rate. With these results, given a value of the recognition capacity and the length of templates (assume large), we can predict the number of distinct object classes that can be stored in an object library and be identified with probability of error close to zero.
A Combinational Approach to the Fusion, De-noising and Enhancement of Dual-Energy X-Ray Luggage Images

X-ray luggage inspection systems play an important role in ensuring air travelers security. However, the false alarm rate of commercial systems can be as high as 20% due to less than perfect image processing algorithms. In an effort to reduce the false alarm rate, this paper proposes a combinational scheme to fuse, de-noise and enhance dual-energy X-ray images for better object classification and threat detection. The fusion step is based on the wavelet transform. Fused images generally reveal more detail information; however, background noise often gets amplified during the fusion process. This paper applies a backgroundsubtraction- based noise reduction technique which is very efficient in removing background noise from fused X-ray images. The de-noised image is then processed using a new enhancement technique to reconstruct the final image. The final image not only contains complementary information from both source images, but is also background-noise-free and contrastenhanced, therefore easier to segment automatically or be interpreted by screeners, thus reducing the false alarm rate in X-ray luggage inspection.
Tell Me a Story

The next time you find yourself struggling with the details of your software's functionality, back up and tell a story. Talking through simple user scenarios can help keep you on the right track.
Phase and Polarization Diversity for Minimum MAI in OCDMA Networks

A novel coherent optical code-division multiple-access (OCDMA) network based on spectral phase coding and on phase and polarization diversity balanced reception is proposed. A rigorous model of the network is developed, which shows that spectral efficiencies of 1 bps/Hz and beyond can be achieved by minimizing multiple-access interference (MAI) and by canceling beat noise. While the system achieves full capacity under bit synchronism, it also offers competitive performance at up to 25% of full capacity, even when completely asynchronous. Tree and ring network configurations assure synchronization, making the proposed system robust in the presence of dispersion and phase noise.