cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential-Step Chronocoulometric Investigation of the Surface Coverages of Coadsorbed Bi and Hydroxide on Au(111) Electrodes

Bi underpotentially deposited on Au(111) has been studied using potential-step chronocoulometry to determine the actual surface coverage of Bi. In the potential region where this system exhibits catalytic activity for the electroreduction of peroxide to water, the observed coverage is 0.25 monolayer (ML), which agrees well with the coverage of the reported (2 x 2) Bi overlayer observed by scanning probe microscopy in this region. At more cathodic potentials, the coverage increases to 0.67 ML. This coverage agrees with the expected based on the (p x {radical}3) structure proposed from scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and SXS measurements in this region. The electrosorption valency calculated based on these coverages is 3, indicating that the Bi is fully discharged on the surface. Potential-step chronocoulometry has been used at various pH values to determine the surface coverage of hydroxide anion in the presence of underpotentially deposited (upd) Bi. The coverage is negligible in the absence of upd Bi and at potentials where the Bi adlayer condenses. It rises to a peak of 0.17 ML in the region where the coverage is 0.25 ML, indicating that OH{sup -} is coadsorbed with the Bi. 30 refs., 10 figs.
The Effect of Respiratory Inhibitors on NADH, Succinate and Malate Oxidation in Corn Mitochondria

The effect of a series of respiratory inhibitors on the oxidation of NADH in state 4 and state 3 conditions was studied with corn shoot mitochondria. Comparisons were made using malate and succinate as substrates. The inhibitors, rotenone, amytal, antimycin A and cyanide, inhibited oxidation of NADH in state 3 but rotenone and amytal did not inhibit oxidation in state 4. The inhibition by antimycin A was partially overcome by the presence of cytochrome c. The results indicate the presence of alternative pathways available for NADH oxidation depending on the metabolic condition of the mitochondria. Under state 4 conditions, NADH oxidation bypasses the amytal and rotenone sensitive sites but under state 3 conditions a component of the NADH respiration appears to be oxidized by an internal pathway which is sensitive to these inhibitors. Still a third pathway for NADH oxidation is dependent on the addition of cytochrome c and is insensitive to antimycin A. Succinate oxidation was sensitive to cyanide and antimycin A under both state 4 and state 3 conditions as well as amytal and rotenone under state 3 conditions but was not inhibited by amytal and rotenone under state 4 conditions. Malate oxidation was inhibited by cyanide, rotenone and amytal under both state 4 and state 3 conditions. Antimycin A inhibited state 3 but did not appreciably alter state 4 rates of malate oxidation. With all substrates tested inhibition by antimycin A was greatly facilitated by preswelling the mitochondria for 10 min. This was interpreted to indicate that swelling increases the accessibility of antimycin A to the site of inhibition.
Design of loading facilities and holding pens

Abstract Holding pens and loading facilities are used in abattoirs, saleyards, stockyards, and sorting facilities. Long, narrow pens are recommended where animals enter through one end and leave through the other. Constructing the pens on a 60–80° angle eliminates sharp 90° corners. Flooring in holding pens should be non-slip. Indoor holding pens should have even, diffuse lighting that minimizes shadows. Cattle, pigs and sheep have a tendency to move more easily from a dimly illuminated area to a more brightly illuminated area. Facilities should be designed to minimize excessive noise. In large facilities more than one unloading ramp may be required to facilitate prompt unloading. During warm weather prompt unloading is essential because heat rapidly builds up in a stationary vehicle. Ideally, holding pens should be built at truck height to eliminate ramps. The maximum recommended angle for adjustable ramps for cattle, pigs, and sheep is 25°. Twenty degrees is the maximum recommended angle for non-adjustable ramps. For pigs, 15° is recommended. Ramps should have a level dock at the top equal to one animal body length. Stairsteps are recommended on concrete ramps. Recommended dimensions are a 30 cm minimum tread width and a 10 cm rise for cattle, and a 25 cm tread width and 5 cm rise for slaughter weight pigs. Both loading and unloading ramps should have solid fences. The crowd pen that leads to the ramp should also have solid sides and it must never be placed on a ramp. Crowd pens must be level. Single file, curved ramps with solid fences are very efficient for loading cattle onto trucks. Ramps used for unloading only should be 2.5 to 3-m wide to provide animals with a clear exit off the vehicle. In Denmark and other Scandinavian countries trucks used for transporting pigs are equipped with a hydraulic tailgate lift. Well designed holding pens and loading ramps can help reduce bruises and stress.
Cold Neutrons Trapped in External Fields

The properties of inhomogeneous neutron matter are crucial to the physics of neutron-rich nuclei and the crust of neutron stars. Advances in computational techniques now allow us to accurately determine the binding energies and densities of many neutrons interacting via realistic microscopic interactions and confined in external fields. We perform calculations for different external fields and across several shells to place important constraints on inhomogeneous neutron matter, and hence the large isospin limit of the nuclear energy density functionals that are used to predict properties of heavy nuclei and neutron star crusts. We find important differences between microscopic calculations and current density functionals; in particular, the isovector gradient terms are significantly more repulsive than in traditional models, and the spin-orbit and pairing forces are comparatively weaker.
Quasisymmetric expansions of Schur-function plethysms

Let sμ denote a Schur symmetric function and Qα a fundamental quasisymmetric function. Explicit combinatorial formulas are developed for the fundamental quasisymmetric expansions of the plethysms sμ[sν ] and sμ[Qα], as well as for related plethysms defined by inequality conditions. The key tools for obtaining these expansions are new standardization and reading word constructions for matrices. As one application, we use our expansions to give a new derivation of the (well-known) Schur expansion for h2[hn]. MSC: 05E05, 05E10
A decision-tree strategy for combining diagnostic tests for prediction

In the context of medical screening, various diagnostic tests have been developed for determining whether a disease is presen in an individual. Similarly in the context of toxicological screening, a variety of short-term assays have been developed to predict whether a chemical would be carcinogenic if tested in a long-term bioassay. In both contexts, it is a challenge to combine the results of several predictive tests in a way that improves on the predictivity of the individual tests. Increases in positive predictivity can be accompanied by decreases in negative predictivity and vice versa. This article presents a decision-tree classification model for combining results from several independent short-term or diagnostic tests to quantify the likelihood of a true positive result (patient has disease, or chemical is carcinogenic). The decision-tree strategy determines the most advantageous sequence for conducting the predictive tests. The classification model is based on statistical confidence limits on the predictive probability of disease (carcinogenicity) rather than on the central estimate of the predictive probability. This model is applied to the assessment of the abilities of four short-term tests in the prediction of chemical carcinogenicity under the assumption of independence among the four tests, and is used to demonstrate a testing strategy for the application of three pancreatic cancer diagnostic tests.
Support System Effects on the DLR-F6 Transport Configuration in the National Transonic Facility

An experimental investigation of the DLR-F6 generic transport configuration was conducted in the NASA NTF for use in the Drag Prediction Workshop. As data from this experimental investigation was collected, a large difference in drag values was seen between the NTF test and an ONERA test that was conducted several years ago. After much investigation, it was determined that this difference was likely due to a sting effect correction applied to the ONERA data which NTF does not use. This insight led to the present work. In this study, a computational assessment has been undertaken to investigate model support system interference effects on the DLR-F6 transport configuration. The configurations computed during this investigation were the isolated wing-body, the wing-body with the full support system (blade and sting), the wing-body with just the blade, and the wing-body with just the sting. The results from this investigation show the same trends that ONERA saw when they conducted a similar experimental investigation in the S2MA tunnel. Computational results suggest that the blade contributed an interference type of effect, the sting contributed a general blockage effect, and the full support system combined these effects.
Buckling instabilities in models of viscoelastic free surface flows

Abstract We study here some theoretical model problems, with the goal of obtaining a better understanding of viscoelastic free surface flows and their unique flow instabilities. The first analysis examines the stability of inward radial flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid in a washer-shaped domain, showing that the azimuthal compression in this flow leads to a free surface instability — a crinkling or buckling in the azimuthal direction. This instability is suppressed by surface tension at large wave numbers, and growth rates are strongly attenuated by solvent viscosity. A second analysis shows how thin stress boundary layers can develop in free surface flows, and the final analysis takes the stress localization idea literally, using a thin elastic membrane as a model of stress boundary layer. Under elongation at constant enclosed volume, initially axisymmetric membranes with fixed circular ends, e.g. truncated cones, become unstable with respect to nonaxisymmetric disturbances, again due to azimuthal compressive stresses. The resulting configurations appear similar to those observed in filament stretching experiments.
Cytokines and anti-cytokines

Cytokines manifest multiple biological activities in different target cells, and many cytokines are produced by a variety of cell types in response to different stimuli. Furthermore, the expression of a given cytokine gene is invariably influenced by other cytokines, forming a network of ‘cytokine cascades’. Such cascades may represent important features of cytokine action in the programmed growth, differentiation and function of cells.
Enhancement of functional connectivity, working memory and inhibitory control on multi-modal brain MR imaging with Rifaximin in Cirrhosis: implications for the gut-liver-brain axis.

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) impairs daily functioning in cirrhosis, but its functional brain impact is not completely understood. To evaluate the effect of rifaximin, a gut-specific antibiotic, on the gut-liver-brain axis in MHE. Hypothesis: Rifaximin will reduce endotoxemia, enhance cognition, increase activation during working memory(N-back) and reduce activation needed for inhibitory control tasks. Methods: Cirrhotics with MHE underwent baseline endotoxin and cognitive testing, then underwent fMRI, diffusion tensor imaging and MR spectroscopy(MRS). On fMRI, two tasks; N-back (outcome: correct responses) and inhibitory control tests(outcomes: lure inhibition) were performed. All procedures were repeated after 8 weeks of rifaximin. Results were compared before/after rifaximin. Results: 20 MHE patients (59.7 years) were included; sixteen completed pre/post-rifaximin scanning with 92 % medication compliance. Pre-rifaximin patients had cognitive impairment. At trial-end, there was a significantly higher correct 2-back responses, ICT lure inhibitions and reduced endotoxemia(p = 0.002). This was accompanied by significantly higher activation from baseline in subcortical structures (thalamus, caudate, insula and hippocampus) and left parietal operculum (LPO) during N-back, decrease in fronto-parietal activation required for inhibiting lures, including LPO during ICT compared to baseline values. Connectivity studies in N-back showed significant shifts in linkages after therapy in fronto-parietal regions with a reduction in fractional anisotropy (FA) but not mean diffusivity (MD), and no change in MRS metabolites at the end of the trial. A significant improvement in cognition including working memory and inhibitory control, and fractional anisotropy without effect on MD or MRS, through modulation of fronto-parietal and subcortical activation and connectivity was seen after open-label rifaximin therapy in MHE.
Biochemical defense capacity in the spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris) and its lepidopterous prey

Abstract Detoxification capacity was examined in a prey/predator system consisting of a predatory stink bug ( Podisus maculiventris (Say)) and its lepidopterous prey, velvetbean caterpillar ( Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hubner)), tobacco budworm ( Heliothis virescens (Fabricius)), fall armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith)), and corn earworm ( Heliothis zea (Boddie)). Important detoxication enzymes such as microsomal cytochrome P -450-dependent monooxygenases, glutathione transferases, and hydrolases all were active in these insects, the activities being generally lower in the stink bug than in the prey. However, the stink bug had higher levels of cytochrome P -450, microsomal desulfurase, and glutathione transferase (CDNB) activities as compared with those of the prey. In addition, the stink bug contained relatively more high-spin form of cytochrome P -450. There was no correlation between the degree of herbivore polyphagy and detoxifying enzyme activities among the prey, but an apparent connection was observed when allelochemical-oxidizing capacity was considered. The degree of polyphagy was also positively correlated with the level of high-spin P -450 in these insects.
Jury selection in insanity defense cases

Abstract In three studies legal authoritarianism, attitudes toward psychiatrists, and attitudes toward the insanity defense were examined as predictors of conviction-proneness in insanity defense cases. In Study 1 subjects responded to a juror selection survey containing a brief version of a case, a verdict form, and measures of the constructs mentioned above. In Studies 2 and 3 subjects completed measures of the relevant constructs, viewed a videotaped enactment of an insanity defense case, and rendered verdicts. The three studies converge on the conclusion that legal authoritarianism, attitudes toward psychiatrists, and attitudes toward the insanity defense reliably predict conviction-proneness. In addition, Study 2 compares two separate measures of legal authoritarianism and Study 3 examines the reliability and factor structure of a newly devised instrument for assessing attitudes toward psychiatrists and the insanity defense. The implications of these findings for current jury selection procedures are discussed.
Protein phosphatase 6 regulatory subunits composed of ankyrin repeat domains.

Protein phosphatase 6 (PP6) is an essential Ser/Thr phosphatase conserved among eukaryotes. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae homologue of PP6 called Sit4 depends on association with SAPS domain subunits. This study used a human SAPS domain subunit FLAG-PP6R1 to identify endogenous interacting proteins. Mass spectrometry identified coprecipitating proteins as PP6 catalytic subunit and three ankyrin repeat proteins (Ankrd28, Ankrd44, and Ankrd52). These proteins have extensive sequence identity to one another but segregate into separate branches on a phylogenetic tree for vertebrate species, suggesting individual biological functions. Tagged Ankrd28 coprecipitated with PP6, not with PP2A or PP4, and with SAPS domain subunits PP6R1 and PP6R3. Tagged PP6 coprecipitated endogenous SAPS domain subunits and Ankrd28. The C-terminal region of PP6R1 was sufficient to coprecipitate Ankrd28, but not PP6, demonstrating that PP6R1 acts as a scaffold with separate regions for binding to PP6 and to Ankrd28. Endogenous PP6 ho...
Breaking bonds of open-shell species with the restricted open-shell size extensive left eigenstate completely renormalized coupled-cluster method.

The recently developed restricted open-shell, size extensive, left eigenstate, completely renormalized (CR), coupled-cluster (CC) singles (S), doubles (D), and noniterative triples (T) approach, termed CR-CC(2,3) and abbreviated in this paper as ROCCL, is compared with the unrestricted CCSD(T) [UCCSD(T)] and multireference second-order perturbation theory (MRMP2) methods to assess the accuracy of the calculated potential energy surfaces (PESs) of eight single bond-breaking reactions of open-shell species that consist of C, H, Si, and Cl; these types of reactions are interesting because they account for part of the gas-phase chemistry in the silicon carbide chemical vapor deposition. The full configuration interaction (FCI) and multireference configuration interaction with Davidson quadruples correction [MRCI(Q)] methods are used as benchmark methods to evaluate the accuracy of the ROCCL, UCCSD(T), and MRMP2 PESs. The ROCCL PESs are found to be in reasonable agreement with the corresponding FCI or MRCI(Q) PESs in the entire region R = 1-3R e for all of the studied bond-breaking reactions. The ROCCL PESs have smaller nonparallelity error (NPE) than the UCCSD(T) ones and are comparable to those obtained with MRMP2. Both the ROCCL and UCCSD(T) PESs have significantly smaller reaction energy errors (REE) than the MRMP2 ones. Finally, an efficient strategy is proposed to estimate the ROCCL/cc-pVTZ PESs using an additivity approximation for basis set effects and correlation corrections.
Exponentially stabilizing finite-dimensional controllers for linear distributed parameter systems

The Galerkin method is presented as a way to develop finite-dimensional controllers for linear distributed parameter systems (DPS). The direct approach approximates the open-loop DPS and then generates the controller from this approximation; the indirect approach approximates the infinite-dimensional stabilizing controller. The indirect approach is shown to converge to the stable closed-loop system consisting of DPS and infinite-dimensional controller; conditions are presented on the behavior of the Galerkin method for the open loop DPS which guarantee closed-loop stability for large enough finite-dimensional approximations.
MASCULINE ANXIETIES, CULTURAL POLITICS, AND DEBATES OVER INDEPENDENT WOMANHOOD AMONG IDOMA MALE MIGRANTS IN LATE COLONIAL NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract As the population of independent Idoma women in northern Nigerian cities like Kaduna, Zaria, Kafanchan and Kano grew in the late colonial period of the 1950s, their Idoma kinsmen in these urban centres agonized about the implications of their presence for their status and for notions of Idoma cultural propriety. Expressed through the associational platform of the Idoma Hope Rising Union (IHRU), an ethnonationalist association of western-educated Idoma men, these masculine anxieties snowballed into a full-fledged debate on what to do about the independent Idoma women's urban presence. One group petitioned the authorities to repatriate the women to their homelands in Idomaland. They were, the men argued, prostitutes who devalued Idoma womanhood and undermined the institution of marriage among the Idoma. Another group appealed to the authorities not to harass the women, urging rehabilitation instead of repatriation. Although they, too, shared the view that the women were a slight on Idoma cultural a...
Exciplex-based vapor/liquid visualization systems appropriate for automotive gasolines

This paper reports the development of exciplex-based vapor/liquid visualization systems based on exciplexes formed from tertiary amines and fluorine-substituted benzene and/or toluene. These systems are expected to be virtually coevaporative with solvents (fuels) boiling in the temperature range 70 to 110°C and thus are expected to track the vaporization of automotive gasoline effectively. A system consisting of 10% triethylamine/0.5% fluorobenzene/89.5% hexane should be coevaporative with a normal boiling point of 69°C. A system consisting of 10% n-propyldiethylamine/0.5% 4-fluorotoluene/89.5% isooctane should be coevaporative with a normal boiling point of approximately 100°C. Although the coevaporation of these systems is excellent, the exciplexes revert to varying extents to excited monomer at temperatures near 100°C. Thus there is considerable cross talk from the liquid into the vapor spectral region. The tertiary amines generally require excitation at wavelengths below 250 nm; the fluorobenzene or 4-fluorotoluene can be excited at 266 nm. Monomer emission peaks at 290 nm; exciplex emission peaks at 350 nm.
Personal screening for HIV in developing countries.

A study of military recruits in Thailand found that HIV is 30-50 times more transmissible for females-to-males than estimated earlier. Many top AIDS researchers are uncertain about HIV. New knowledge about HIV contradict old assumptions. Public health professionals need to remain open to new thoughts and new programs. A new approach to controlling the HIV epidemic may be voluntary and anonymous HIV testing. Accurate acceptable and inexpensive HIV screening assays to detect HIV antibodies in saliva exist. Political will can make them available through pharmacies grocery stores or medical clinics. It can also advocate the evaluation of extensive self-testing as a strategy to control the HIV epidemic. If people were to use the home testing results to refrain from intercourse with an infected partner home testing might decrease their risk by 95-99%. People whose sexual partners are tested and who use condoms would be at the lowest risk of HIV transmission. Anyone with a positive saliva test should seek a medical practitioner for confirmatory testing with blood. Home testing would greatly reduce the need for widespread venipuncture screening facilities and labor intensive pretest counseling sessions both of which contribute considerably to the cost and inconvenience of testing in many developing countries. It would allow health officials to dedicate more of their scarce resources to HIV-infected patients. The HIV epidemic is gaining momentum despite much technical and financial assistance to support HIV control activities. No large-scale HIV testing is done in Thailand so most people do not know whether they or their sexual partners are HIV seropositive. The recommendation of using condoms for every act of intercourse is unrealistic for married Thai couples (just 5% of such couples always use condoms). Home screening would help prevent individuals from marrying an HIV-infected individual. It would also promote monogamy.
Oligomerization Route to Py−Im Polyamide Macrocycles

Cyclic eight-ring pyrrole−imidazole polyamides are sequence-specific DNA-binding small molecules that are cell permeable and can regulate endogenous gene expression. Syntheses of cyclic polyamides have been achieved by solid-phase and solution-phase methods. A rapid solution-phase oligomerization approach to eight-ring symmetrical cyclic polyamides yields 12- and 16-membered macrocycles as well. A preference for DNA binding by the 8- and 16-membered oligomers was observed over the 12-ring macrocycle, which we attributed to a conformational constraint not present in the smaller and larger systems.
Venous air embolism: an under-recognized and potentially catastrophic complication in orthopaedic surgery.

Introduction Venous air embolism (VAE) is the entry of air or other medical gases into the central venous system, producing an air embolism to the right heart or pulmonary artery. VAE is a largely iatrogenic complication with potentially devastating sequelae that can occur in a variety of surgical procedures. Method Within orthopaedics, VAE has been associated with both open and arthroscopic surgeries with the patient in a variety of positions (ie, prone, supine, sitting). These articles, as well as reports of VAE in other surgical settings outside of orthopaedics, are examined. Conclusion Diagnosis of VAE requires a high index of suspicion, as clinical presentation ranges from completely asymptomatic to fatal cardiopulmonary collapse. The vigilant surgeon should carefully watch for air entry at the operative site and the astute anesthesiologist must closely monitor end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2). Prevention of VAE is of paramount importance, as management is largely supportive and aimed at inhibiting further air ingress.
Chromosomal translocations: revisited yet again

It is hard today, in 2008, when genetic changes in cancer and specifically hematologic malignancies are accepted as central players, to look back 50 years and realize how different the landscape was then. In 1957, knowledge of the correct chromosome number of man was 1 year old,[1][1] and that DNA
The Influence of Hypertonic Saline Infusions Upon the Fractional Reabsorption of Urate and Other Ions in Normal and Hypertensive Man

Renal hemodynamics and the excretion rates of six ions were studied in a group of 24 normotensive and hypertensive subjects during expansion of extracellular fluid volume (ECF) with intravenous infusions of hypertonic saline. In response to the 2.5% saline infusions arterial blood pressure did not change from control values, but glomerular filtration rate increased, and renal vascular resistance decreased. Accompanying these hemodynamic alterations the urinary excretion rates of sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, and urate increased significantly. Net fractional reabsorption of the six ions fell significantly below control values. The induced changes in net Ca, Mg, K, Cl, and urate reabsorption in all the subjects were directly and significantly related to the simultaneous depression of Na reabsorption. The data indicate that increased excretion and net tubular rejection of urate accompany depression of tubular sodium reabsorption during hypertonic saline infusions in normal and hypertensive...
TH-E-230A-05: Development of An Integrated Software Platform for Treatment Documentation and Outcome Analysis for IGRT

Purpose:Information generated in IGRT is tremendous. The long‐term goal of this work is to develop a software package (named RAPID, Research Analysis Platform and IGRTDatabases) that is capable of storing patient diagnostic, treatment and follow‐up data for IGRT, which documents treatment outcome, and allows dose‐response analysis based on biophysical models. Presented here are several key components of this development. Method and Materials: The RAPID consists of a database,software tools and auxiliary applications. The database, developed using FileMaker software, includes modules for storing demographics, diagnosis, treatment, and follow up data. Diagnostic and planning images of different modalities (e.g., CT, PET, MR, US) and treatment verification images (e.g., CT,US, radiography) can be stored in DICOM format. Using an integrated auxiliary application these images can be brought into the desktop. The database is integrated with another software package, CERR, developed at Washington University, allowing display of contours and dose distributions on planning images. Various software tools are developed to perform dose response analysis that is linked to documented treatment outcome. For example, treatment related toxicity definitions for a given anatomic site were incorporated into the database, allowing standardized documentation of toxicity which, in turn, facilitates dose‐response analysis. Calculations of EUD, TCP and NTCP are enabled based on 3D dose distributions. Results: The newly developed RAPID is found to be useful. Patient data collected in our clinic for two anatomic sites have been entered into the system. Analysis of treatment and follow‐up toxicity was effectively carried out using the RAPID. With a FileMaker server installed to host the database, users can access password‐protected information remotely. Conclusion: We have developed a software platform, RAPID, to facilitate storage and analysis of IGRT clinical outcome data.
Which links should I use?: a variogram-based selection of relationship measures for prediction of node attributes in temporal multigraphs

When faced with the task of forming predictions for nodes in a social network, it can be quite difficult to decide which of the available connections among nodes should be used for the best results. This problem is further exacerbated when temporal information is available, prompting the question of whether this information should be aggregated or not, and if not, which portions of it should be used. With this challenge in mind, we propose a novel utilization of variograms for selecting potentially useful relationship types, whose merits are then evaluated using a Gaussian Conditional Random Field model for node attribute prediction of temporal social networks with a multigraph structure. Our flexible model allows for measuring many kinds of relationships between nodes in the network that evolve over time, as well as using those relationships to augment the outputs of various unstructured predictors to further improve performance. The experimental results exhibit the effectiveness of using particular relationships to boost performance of unstructured predictors, show that using other relationships could actually impede performance, and also indicate that while variograms alone are not necessarily sufficient to identify a useful relationship, they greatly help in removing obviously useless measures, and can be combined with intuition to identify the optimal relationships.
“THE IDENTIFICATION PROBLEM AND THE VALIDITY OF ECONOMIC MODELS”: A COMMENT1

Inasmuch as mathematical propositions refer to reality they are not certain, and inasmuch as they are certain they do not apply to reality.
Acute noncalculous cholecystitis in a three-year-old child: report of a case diagnosed at operation.

Several generalizations emerge from these studies and are illustrated by our three-year-old patient. Cholecystitis in childhood is “very uncommon, probably rare,” and, “Certainly choledocholithiasi...
A wireless-enabled sensor system for distributed radiation detection on Android cellphones

This paper reports a wireless-enabled sensor system for detecting the strength and distribution of radiation in a target area using multiple distributed sensor modules. An Android smartphone is used for the user interface. Each sensing module consists of a microdischarge-based miniaturized radiation detector and its interface circuit, a microcontroller unit and a Bluetooth interface for wireless communications with the phone client. Other types of radiation detectors can also be potentially used. The phone client automatically scans and interrogates the sensor modules in range (up to 100 m possible), and acquires and interprets the radiation data and location coordinates from each module. The prototype of the sensor module has an overall size of 50 × 50 × 35 mm3, and is powered by two 3.6 V CR123A rechargeable lithium ion batteries. The power consumption of each sensor module is 225 mW in active sensing mode which is typically <;20 s per acquisition cycle, and 7 mW in sleeping mode.
Absolute monitoring of DD and DT neutron fluences using the associated-particle technique

Abstract An associated-particle system was constructed for use with a Texas Nuclear neutron generator. Associated-particle and neutron energy spectra were measured simultaneously using this system and an NE-213 proton recoil spectrometer, respectively. The associated-particle system proved to be not only an accurate monitor of DT neutron fluence, but also an accurate monitor of DD contamination in the DT spectrum. The DD and DT neutron fluences calculated from the measured associated-particle counting rates showed the best agreement with the measured neutron fluences when the laboratory distributions were assumed to be isotropic.
Hippocampal Age Differences Reoccur after Modification of Stimulus Configurations in Rabbit Jaw Movement Conditioning

Abstract Rabbits of two age groups, young (3–7 months; n = 7) and aging (40–49 months; n = 7), were implanted with chronic recording electrodes in area CA1 of dorsal hippocampus and trained in a delay conditioned jaw movement (CJM) paradigm (after previously reaching criterion in a trace CJM paradigm with the same conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus). Unlike results from the trace experiment, there was no significant difference in trials to behavioral criterion between the two age groups. There were large, but temporary, differences in the magnitude of conditioning-related hippocampal neural responses early in delay training. Aging rabbits’ hippocampal responses were significantly smaller on Day 2 of delay training than corresponding responses of young rabbits ( p = 0.0008). It is important to note that neural differences were not observed on Days 1 and 3 of delay training or at criterion performance in the prior trace conditioning. These results are interpreted in terms of age-related differences in hippocampal responsiveness to changes in biologically significant stimulus configurations.
Interpolated task characteristics and interference in short-term memory

The effect of variations in interpolated activity on word recall was examined. Two levels of interpolated task difficulty were factorially combined with three levels of similarity of interpolated items to critical items. The interpolated activities involved either verbal (number or word classification) or nonverbal (tone classification) stimuli. Results indicated that interpolated task difficulty was an important factor influencing word recall at all levels of similarity. In addition, the number and word classification tasks did not differ reliably in their effect on recall, although both resulted in poor recall relative to that following a tone classification task.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of lipid signaling: Protein kinase C as a paradigm

The lipid second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG) controls the rate, amplitude, duration, and location of protein kinase C (PKC) activity in the cell. There are three classes of PKC isozymes and, of these, the conventional and novel isozymes are acutely controlled by DAG. The kinetics of DAG production at various intracellular membranes, the intrinsic affinity of specific isoforms for DAG-containing membranes, the coordinated use of additional membrane-binding modules, the intramolecular regulation of DAG sensitivity, and the competition from other DAG-responsive proteins together result in a unique, context-dependent activation signature for each isoform. This review focuses on the spatiotemporal dynamics of PKC activation and how it is controlled by lipid second messengers. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(12): 782–789, 2008
The simulation of inventory control in a fresh apple packing plant

Abstract Trends in the fresh apple industry indicate that apple quality will be a more significant determinant of the apple packing firm's ability to retain market share during the next decade. Because apples are perishable, the firm's ability to accurately coordinate orders and apple supplies enhances the firm's ability to compete in this quality, oriented market. This paper presents a computer simulation model designed to analyze alternative inventory control policies for an apple packing firm. A firm located in the State of New York, USA, is used to illustrate the model's usefulness.
Malignant carotid body tumor.

CASE PRESENTATION A 38-year-old woman initially presented with a 3-week history of decreased hearing in the left ear. Evaluationrevealedaleftserousotitismedia,withno evidenceofanasopharyngealmass.Shewastreated forallergicrhinitis,withsubsequentresolutionofher serous effusion. During the third trimester of her subsequent pregnancy, she noted a progressive globussensationandleft-sidedintermittentotalgia. A CT scan after her pregnancy showed a 22-cm enhancing mass at the left carotid bifurcation. In addition, prominent soft tissue was noted in the nasopharynx and tongue base, with bilateral 1-cm level II nodes. She was subsequently referred for furtherevaluationandmanagement.Shehadhadan upper respiratory infection 2 weeks before the CT scanbutnofevers,chills,ornightsweats.Shesmoked one pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years but otherwisewasingoodhealth. Physical examination at the time of referral revealed an obese, anxious woman, with a slightly hyponasal voice. There was a left-sided serous middle ear effusion. No trismus was present, but prominent Waldeyer’s ring lymphoid tissue was. Fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy revealed prominent nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissue abutting the left eustachian tube orifice with purulent exudate. A laryngeal and hypopharyngeal examination was unremarkable. A mildly tender, 2-cm mass was detected at the left carotid bulb, and rubbery, mobile small lymph nodes were found at level II bilaterally. There were no cranial nerve deficits. Question 1: What is your differential diagnosis at this time? Dr. Carroll: The salient features of the history and physical examination of this patient include: unilateral serous otitis in a smoker, neck mass, fullness in Waldeyer’s ring, and progression of symptoms with pregnancy. Initial diagnostic considerations includenasopharyngealororopharyngeal neoplasm (epithelial or lymphoid). Progression of symptoms with pregnancy could be due to benign lymphoid hyperplasia, but an estrogen receptor (+) malignancy such as metastatic breast carcinoma could also be responsible, particularly in a 38-year-old woman. Dr. Stenson: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma with metastatic lymphadenopathy should be the diagnosis of exclusion. Other diagnoses to consider would be lymphoma as well as infection of the adenoid tissue secondary to her recent upper respiratory infection. The finding of an enhanced Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Disorders, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue (A71), Cleveland, Ohio 44195 Head & Neck 26: 301–306 Published online 12 February 2004 in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/hed.20017
Logging and Fragmentation of Broadleaved Deciduous Forests: Are We Asking the Right Ecological Questions?

Duffy and Meier (1992) seem to have raised considerable controversy by suggesting that the understories of old growth broadleaved deciduous forests in the eastern U.S. might be slow to recover from clearcutting. Johnson et al. (1993) vigorously attacked their results on the grounds that the stands sampled by Duffy and Meier (1992) might not be free of anthropogenic disturbance, that logging prior to the 1950s is not comparable to contemporary forestry practice, that species richness and cover are not "very meaningful measurements by themselves," and that sampling only the vernal herbaceous flora neglects the responses of the aestival flora. Elliot and Loftis (1993) and Steinbeck (1993) criticize Duffy and Meier (1992) concerning sample plot numbers and distribution. Duffy (19934 1993b) defended the stand selection and (rather standard) sampling techniques quite well. I would like to comment on the critics, however, because I think the questions they are raising are not the most important, and their criticism neglects what we already know about the ecology of understory herbs and about succession in eastern forests.
Microstructure and modification in borate and tellurite glasses

Abstract Through two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance experiments a detailed picture of the chemical species and their local environments in glasses is obtained. Results are presented on two systems. The structural changes in borate glass upon modification with rubidium oxide, including the relative reactivity of the different boron sites, are monitored. Results are also presented on the composition dependence of the sodium environment in Na2OTeO2 glasses. A qualitative change in the average sodium coordination environment at a sodium oxide composition of 15% is observed, which is interpreted in terms of the appearance of non-bridging oxygen.
Exercise and bone mineral density at the femoral neck in postmenopausal women: A meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials with individual patient data

Objective We conducted a meta-analysis using individual patient data to examine the efficacy of exercise for improving bone mineral density at the femoral neck in postmenopausal women. Study design Ten controlled clinical trials that included 595 subjects (aged 42-92 years) met our criteria for inclusion. Changes in femoral neck bone mineral density were examined by 2-way analysis of variance tests with repeated measures on 1 factor. Results Across all designs and categories, there was an increase in bone mineral density of 0.73% ± 5.52% and 0.45% ± 6.78%, respectively, in the exercise and control subjects. However, comparison of initial and final bone mineral density values between exercise and control subjects revealed no statistically significant effect of exercise on femoral neck bone mineral density ( P > .05). Conclusion Collectively, the exercise protocols that were used in this individual patient data meta-analysis do not improve femoral neck bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
Spermine Synthesis Is Required for Normal Viability, Growth, and Fertility in the Mouse

Spermidine is essential for viability in eukaryotes but the importance of the longer polyamine spermine has not been established. Spermine is formed from spermidine by the action of spermine synthase, an aminopropyltransferase, whose gene (SpmS) is located on the X chromosome. Deletion of part of the X chromosome that include SpmS in Gy mice leads to a striking phenotype in affected males that includes altered phosphate metabolism and symptoms of hypophosphatemic rickets, circling behavior, hyperactivity, head shaking, inner ear abnormalities, deafness, sterility, a profound postnatal growth retardation, and a propensity to sudden death. It was not clear to what extent these alterations were due to the loss of spermine synthase activity, since this chromosomal deletion extends well beyond the SpmS gene and includes at least one other gene termed Phex. We have bred the Gy carrier female mice with transgenic mice (CAG/SpmS mice) that express spermine synthase from the ubiquitous CAG promoter. The resulting Gy-CAG/SpmS mice had extremely high levels of spermine synthase and contained spermine in all tissues examined. These mice had a normal life span and fertility and a normal growth rate except for a reduction in body weight due to a loss of bone mass that was consistent with the observation that the derangement in phosphate metabolism is due to the loss of the Phex gene and was not restored. These results show that spermine synthesis is needed for normal growth, viability, and fertility in male mice and that regulation of spermine synthase content is not required.
The recursive approach to time inconsistency

We introduce a new class of finite horizon stochastic decision problems in which preferences change over time, and provide a proof of the existence of a recursively optimal strategy. Recursive optimization techniques dominate many areas of economic dynamics. However, in decision problems in which tastes change over time, the solution technique most commonly applied is not recursive, but rather strategic (subgame perfection). In this paper we argue in favor of the recursive approach, and we take the necessary theoretical steps to make the recursive methodology applicable.
Fast Paxos Made Easy: Theory and Implementation

Distributed consensus is one of the most important building blocks for distributed systems. Fast Paxos is one of the latest variants of the Paxos algorithm for distributed consensus. Fast Paxos allows an acceptor to cast a vote for a value of its choice unilaterally in a fast round, thereby eliminating a communication step for reaching consensus. As a tradeoff, the coordinator must build a quorum that is bigger than the simple majority used in Classic Paxos. This article presents the theory, implementation, and a comprehensive performance evaluation of the Fast Paxos algorithm. The theory is described in an easier-to-understand way compared with the original article by Lamport. In particular, an easy-to-implement value selection rule for the coordinator is derived. In the implementation of Fast Paxos for state-machine replication, a number of additional mechanisms are developed to cope with practical scenarios. Furthermore, the experiments reveal that Fast Paxos is most appropriate for use in a single-client configuration. The presence of two or more concurrent clients even in a local area network would incur frequent collisions, which would reduce the system throughput and increase the mean response time as experienced by clients. Due to frequent collisions, Fast Paxos actually performs worse than Classic Paxos in the presence of moderate to large number of concurrent clients.
Delay dynamic equations with stability

We first give conditions which guarantee that every solution of a first order linear delay dynamic equation for isolated time scales vanishes at infinity. Several interesting examples are given. In the last half of the paper, we give conditions under which the trivial solution of a nonlinear delay dynamic equation is asymptotically stable, for arbitrary time scales.
Systematic racist violence in Russia between ‘hate crime’ and ‘ethnic conflict’:

Racist violence in Russia has recently become a subject of interest to scholars and analysts of Russian politics. What are the similarities and differences between racist violence in Russia and the West? How does the level of Russian racist violence compare to other societies? Do racist hate groups in Russia have similar origins to groups in the West? This article considers these questions. I first demonstrate that Russia is indeed the most dangerous country in Europe for ethnic minorities, and argue that such violence is more ‘systematic’ (structured, ideologically coherent, patterned) than in other developed societies. The high level of violence against ethnic minorities in Russia is ‘over-determined’ by a combination of post-Soviet social and economic social changes, the brutalizing consequences of a long counter-insurgency campaign, and government passivity (and sometimes complicity) in the face of racist violence and hate speech. Thus, Russia’s systematic racist violence is analytically closer to out...
Induction of differentiation of human acute myelogenous leukemia cells: therapeutic implications

A prominent phenotypic abnormality of human acute myelogenous leukemia cells is the inability of the cells to differentiate to functional mature cells; instead, the cells are blocked at an early stage of development and remain in the proliferative pool and rapidly accumulate. Investigation of the induction of myeloid leukemic cell differentiation has made recent advances with the development of several human myelogenous leukemia cell lines. The lines provide models to study the biology of myeloid differentiation and to identify inducers of differentiation of myeloid leukemic blood cells. This review critically examines the inducers of leukemic cell differentiation and their potential therapeutic importance.
Intelligent memory manager: reducing cache pollution due to memory management functions

In this work, we show that data-intensive and frequently-used service functions such as memory allocation and deallocation entangle with application's working set and become a major cause for cache misses. We present our technique that transfers the allocation and de-allocation functions' executions from main CPU to a separate processor residing on chip with DRAM (Intelligent Memory Manager). The results manifested in the paper state that, 60% of the cache misses caused by the service functions are eliminated when using our technique. We believe that cache performance of applications in computer system is poor due to their indulgence for the service functions.