cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the role of inert gas in incipient boiling liquid metal experiments

Abstract In experimental studies which measure the amount of liquid superheat required to nucleate the liquid alkali metals, a considerable amount of conflicting and for the most part, unexplained data have been presented. The incipient superheat has been shown or postulated to be affected by the pressuretemperature history, liquid velocity, pressure, heat-flux, liquid purity, dissolved gas content, surface conditions, particle radiation, heating method, length of a time of operation, and perhaps others. This paper presents a theoretical study of the effect of inert gas on incipient superheats and illustrates that among other things, the gas diffusion from surface cavities into the liquid solution accounts for the so-called “heat-flux effect”. On the basis of this study, it was determined that almost all of the published data do not include sufficient information to adequately characterize the experimental systems. The non-specification of the inert gas partial pressure in the gas cover blanket, for example, can cause an uncertainty in the incipient superheats as large as 100°C.
The spatial response function of SeaWinds backscatter measurements

Designed to retrieve near-surface winds over the ocean, the SeaWinds scatterometer makes 13.4 GHz Ku-band measurements of the normalized radar backscatter of the Earth’s surface. SeaWinds backscatter measurements are being used in a wide variety of studies, including ocean wind retrieval, sea-ice mapping and classification, iceberg tracking, vegetation, soil moisture, and snow accumulation. Two SeaWinds instruments are currently flying in orbit. Due to the high spatial sampling density, SeaWinds data is ideally suited for the application of reconstruction and resolution enhancement algorithms. Such algorithms require accurate knowledge of the spatial response function of the individual measurements, “slices” and “eggs”. Standard SeaWinds data products from JPL include the locations of the measurements, but not the response functions. In this paper we derive the spatial response function for both egg and slices. The response functions vary with antenna azimuth and orbit location. Because computation of the response function is laborious, methods of tabularizing and interpolating the response function have been developed. These are described in this paper. We provide code and the tables to enable computation the response function using information from standard JPL data products. We hope these will further the development of resolution-enhanced SeaWinds data. Examples of resulting enhanced resolution images are included.
Escherichia coli sequence type 131: epidemiology and challenges in treatment

Escherichia coli ST131 has emerged as a global epidemic, multidrug-resistant clone of E. coli causing extra-intestinal infections. It is now highly prevalent among fluoroquinolone-resistant and CTX-M ESBL-producing E. coli isolates worldwide. Humans are likely the primary reservoir of ST131. Factors associated with its acquisition include residence in long-term care facilities and recent receipt of antimicrobial agents. E. coli ST131 causes a wide array of infections ranging from cystitis to life-threatening sepsis. Fluoroquinolones and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are no longer adequate options for empiric therapy when E. coli ST131 is suspected from risk factors and local epidemiology. Expanded-spectrum cephalosporins, piperacillin-tazobactam and carbapenems are options to treat serious non-ESBL-producing E. coli ST131 infections, while carbapenems are indicated for ESBL-producing infections. There is a growing interest in reevaluating oral agents including fosfomycin and pivmecillinam for less serious...
Extraction, Assay and Partial Purification of a Factor from Tumorous Leaves that Promotes Crown-gall Tumor Growth

A tumor growth factor was extracted from primary pinto bean leaves {Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. “Pinto”) having crown-gall tumors. Application of these extracts to primary pinto bean leaves at day 3 after inoculation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Smith and Town.) Conn resulted in an increase in the diameter of tumors on these leaves after 24 hours that was 25–60 percent greater than that of the controls. No growth promoting activity was detected in comparable extracts from control leaves or from cultures of the bacterium. The tumor growth factor did not affect tumor number when applied in this fashion. The active extracts were fractionated on Sephadex (1–15 columns and an active component obtained which eluted in a volume suggesting a molecular weight in the range of 100–200. A spectrum of the material in this fraction is shown and some of the characteristics of this material are described. Reasons are presented for considering this growth factor to be identical with at least one of the growth factors previously hypothesized to account for the greater tumor growth observed as tumor number is increased in this system.
Microcosm: visual discovery, exploration and analysis of social communities

Social communities play an important role in many domains. While a lot of attention has been given to developing efficient methods for detecting and analyzing social communities, it still remains a great challenge to provide intuitive search interfaces for end-users who wish to discover and explore such communities. Trying to fill the gaps, in this demonstration we present Microcosm: a holistic solution for visual discovery, exploration and analysis of social communities.
Hierarchical optimization and control of a distribution system

A massive number of distributed energy resources (DER), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and smart appliances (loads) is expected to be deployed in the future. To capture the benefits associated with these emerging units, this paper proposes an advanced infrastructure that allows for an accurate and fast monitoring of the distribution electric feeder including various types of residential, commercial, and industrial loads. This scheme allows for optimizing the utilization and operation of the power system over a short term planning period. More precisely, the concept of distributed optimization algorithm through decomposing the problem into small parts is used to achieve the outlined goals. The enabling technologies that facilitate the implementation of the proposed infrastructure are the advanced metering devices and the distributed state estimation (DSE). The meters, basically, gather the system synchronized and non-synchronized data and send them to the DSE, which evaluates the real time model of the system 60 times per seconds. The results of the DSE are used to perform the optimization and set the controls for the system autonomously.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Effective Practices for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

To be sure, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a challenging and enigmatic human condition that is increasingly affecting families, professionals, and the general public. The recent increased pre...
Combating NEED: Urban Conflict and the Transformations of the War on Poverty and the African American Freedom Struggle in Rocky Mount, North Carolina

This article examines the struggle for control over Rocky Mount's Community Action Program (CAP)— Nash-Edgecombe Economic Development (NEED)—as a turning point in a longstanding urban conflict. For decades, white businessmen and government officials had repeatedly blocked African Americans from using federal policy innovations to promote racial equality and black economic advancement. Implementation of the city's War on Poverty initially followed these well-established patterns. But by the summer of 1967, working-class African American neighborhood organizations, supported by federal and state agencies, loosened the white political establishment's grip on NEED, secured improvements in rental housing regulation, and increased their role within the city's evolving black freedom movement. In exploring these transformations, this essay argues that the CAP should be reevaluated from the perspective of how it altered the course of local economic and political struggles, and how local contests over implementatio...
Measurement of RF Peak-Pulse Power by a Sampling-Comparison Method

A method is described whereby RF peak-pulse power may be measured by comparison with CW power at the same frequency. Comparison is made by first sampling the power in a small portion of the RF pulse width and subsequently sampling the same portion of the CW signal whose power level is accurately known. Sampling is accomplished with a fast SPDT coaxial solid-state switch synchronized with the RF pulse. A time delay network allows the sample to be taken anywhere along the RF pulse width. Estimated maximum error for peak power levels to 10 kw is 3 per cent. High CW levels are not necessary since the switch is used in conjunction with directional couplers to cover the power ranges of interest.
Causal Factors and Potential Solutions for the Persistent Underidentification of Students Having Emotional or Behavioral Disorders in the Context of Schooling

This article examines factors associated with the substantial underidentification, referral and service of the student population having emotional-behavioral adjustment problems in school. The identification of students as emotionally or behaviorally disturbed over the past decade is analyzed in terms of their absolute number and distribution across age-grade levels. These results are contrasted with those for students with autism, which show a highly divergent pattern in both level and distribution. The validity of the EBD categorical certification is evaluated in terms of its ability to identify a unique student subpopulation as distinct from students with social maladjustment and learning disabilities. The professional literature related to disincentives and barriers to the proactive screening and identification of students having behavior problems is discussed. Multiple-gating and universal approaches to the screening-identification of students with EBD are illustrated and some guidelines are offered ...
Theophylline Reversal of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Seizure Inhibition

Oral sustained-release theophylline 200–400 mg, given 10 hours prior to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) increased ECT seizure length in each of eight male patients who had shown unacceptahly short seizures. The increase was on average 13.9 (±6.0, SD) sec (p = .00016 by t test; p = .0000034 by exact probability). The absence of unduly prolonged seizures was attributed to previously demonstrated high seizure thresholds and to relatively low concentrations of theophylline. No adverse effects from theophylline were seen.
The probabilistic-topologic approach to drainage-basin geomorphology

Although the probabilistic-topologic approach to drainage-basin geomorphology that I initiated unifies a wide variety of quantitative empirical geomorphic relationships, some geomorphologists have objected variously that it abandons the scientific method, that its emphasis on topologic properties causes it to miss the geomorphic components of drainage basins, that it lacks physical content, and that it is too complicated to be of practical value. In fact, however, it gives results that are generally simpler, better, and more practical than those given by other methods. It has physical content because it is founded on postulates that are observational statements about actual drainage basins. It emphasizes topologic properties because they dominate the orientation-free planimetric aspects of drainage basins. Finally, it is necessarily probabilistic because of the prominent random element in natural landscapes, which may result from instabilities that amplify small perturbations into large ones.
Deletion map of the coloboma (Cm) locus on mouse chromosome 2.

The extent of the semidominant coloboma (Cm) mutation on mouse Chromosome 2 was determined by deletion mapping using interspecific hybrid mice. The Cm deletion mutation results in ophthalmic dysmorphology and behavioral deficits, including profound hyperactivity, and has been shown to encompass the gene Snap. In addition to Snap, the gene encoding phospholipase Cβ-1 (Plcb-1), which maps 0.60 ± 0.60 cM proximal to Snap, and simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci D2Mit19, D2Mit46, D2Mit28, and D2Mit136 were shown to be deleted at the Cm locus. In contrast, analysis of other closely linked SSRs and genes either proximal (Bmp-2a) or distal (Nec-1) to Snap, as well as a complementation test with the closely linked mutation lethal milk (lm), indicates that these gene sequences are unaffected by the Cm mutation. These data demonstrate that the Cm deletion represents a contiguous gene defect encompassing 1.1 to 2.2 cM that may be probed for genes, both in the mouse and in the syntenic region of human Chr 20, that independently affect elements of neurological behavior and eye development.
Acoustic reflectometry for an in vitro model of a human upper airway using sinusoidal wave packets and the Ware-Aki algorithm.

Acoustic reflectometry is often used for estimating the cross-sectional area of a cylindrical cavity when used in combination with an acoustic pulse. The objective of this research is to sweep a spectral bandwidth from 50 Hz to 10 kHz at steps of 50 Hz, with Gaussian sinusoidal wave packets, and to apply the Ware–Aki algorithm. In practice, not only it is difficult to generate a broad spectral bandwidth, but also robust methods are required to compensate for attenuation in the propagating wave and to eliminate a DC offset component generated in its impulse response. This paper looks at using numerical techniques to compute the impulse response and estimate the cross-sectional area as a function of an increment in the frequency response. Preliminary results show that both simulated and reconstructed cross-sectional areas for an in vitro model of a human upper airway may be estimated with an appropriate resolution, suggesting that this method is suitable for such applications.
Neanthes arenaceodentata, a cytogenetic model for marine genetic toxicology

Abstract Genetic toxicants are present in polluted marine environments and may represent a long-term threat to populations of marine organisms. A cytogenetic model is useful to study the effects of these toxicants. The polychaete, Neanthes arenaceodentata, was chosen as such a model because it has a suitable karyotype, is easily cultured, and represents an ecologically important group of organisms. This paper presents details of an in vivo application of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) analysis, a sensitive cytogenetic technique, to this marine worm. In earlier studies, N. arenaceodentata exhibited a dose response to mitomycin C (MMC) at concentrations comparable to those that elicited responses in in vivo mammalian systems. Exposure to 5 × 10−7 MMMC for 48 h increased the frequency of SCE in the worm from a baseline value of 0.14 exchanges/chromosome to 0.5 exchanges/chromosome. Positive SCE responses in the worm have also been demonstrated in this study for other known, direct-acting mutagens such as 5-bromodeoxyuridine and methylmethanesulfonate, as well as for compounds that need metabolic activation luch as benzo[a]pyrene, dimethylnitrosamine and cyclophosphamide. These results imply that N. arenaceodentata can metabolize promutagens and suggest that the worm may be sensitive to a broad spectrum of genetic toxicants. The significance of these findings, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.
Transformation of hairy cell leukemia to high-grade lymphoma: A case report and review of the literature

The coexistence of hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is extremely rare. In the few reports demonstrating such coexistence, the relationship between the 2 entities was mostly inconclusive. We report a case of HCL that transformed to large cell lymphoma. This case has been followed for more than 4 years with immunohistochemical, flow cytometric, and molecular genetic studies on multiple bone marrow biopsy specimens, a splenectomy specimen, and a lymph node biopsy. In our case, the immunophenotype and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase stain confirmed that the large cell lymphoma was of HCL origin. The markedly increased Ki-67 staining (proliferation fraction) in the lymph node biopsy specimen compared to the earlier splenectomy specimen indicated the transformation of a low-grade leukemia to a high-grade lymphoma. The overexpression of p53 in the lymph node implies that p53 mutation was probably involved in the pathogenesis of HCL transformation.
Comparative Antimicrobial Activity of Trovafloxacin Tested against 3049 Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates from the 1997-1998 Respiratory Infection Season

Trovafloxacin is a new fluorinated naphthyridone having expanded activity against Gram-positive and anaerobic pathogens compared with ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin or ofloxacin. A multicenter in vitro trial (201 sites) was initiated in late 1997 to study the comparative activity of trovafloxacin against Streptococcus pneumoniae strains during the recently completed respiratory disease season. Each laboratory was asked to test 20 to 30 recent isolates (3049 strains) by the Etest (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) method with observed phenotypes with elevated trovafloxacin results (MIC, > 1 microgram/mL) confirmed by the monitor laboratory (University of Iowa College of Medicine). Approximately one-third (34.0%) of isolates were penicillin nonsusceptible (12.8% high-level resistance at > or = 2 micrograms/mL). Also 20.4% and 4.5% of strains were resistant to macrolides (erythromycin) and ceftriaxone, respectively. The macrolide resistance rate was lowered to 16.8% when the adverse effect of CO2 incubation was considered. Only 0.3% of S. pneumoniae were vancomycin-nonsusceptible using the current National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards breakpoint ( or = 8 micrograms/mL). The four resistant isolates from different states had alterations in both par C and gyr A. Trovafloxacin had the best potency observed against contemporary pneumococcal isolates, and has a spectrum (> 99.8% susceptible) for an orally administered agent that was comparable to the tested parenteral glycopeptide, vancomycin (> 99.7%). Blood and spinal-fluid culture isolates were generally more susceptible to penicillin (74.4 to 75.6%), other beta-lactams, and erythromycin (84.4%); throat and sputum isolates were significantly more resistant (p < 0.01). Increases in resistance among S. pneumoniae strains to beta-lactams and erythromycin were documented in all geographic regions monitored, other resistances also continue to evolve, and high-level fluoroquinolone resistance remains very rare.
Comparing two groups of ranked objects by pairwise matching

Abstract Suppose ΓX = (X′(1), X′(2),…,X′(n)) and ΓY = (Y′(1), Y′(2),…,Y′(n)) are two groups of stochastically ordered r.v.'s, which can represent, say, the increasing strengths of the members of two chess teams or two tennis teams, etc. Let Π = (Π1, Π2,…,Πn) be a permutation of (1, 2, …, n). Then the statistic S(Π)= Σni=1 I(Y′(i) > X′(Πi) measures the superiority of ΓY over ΓX in matching under Π, where I(y > x) is an indicator function. We study the dependence of ES(Π) = Σn i=1 P(Y′i > X′(Πi) on Π, especially when Π = (1, 2, … n) and when Π is randomly given. A class of special matchings called ‘fair matchings’ is also discussed. These problems are investigated under two models, termed the order statistics model and the linear preference model.
Social Support in Family Reunification: A Qualitative Study

When children are removed from their parents due to child maltreatment, the goal remains to reunite families whenever possible. Although extensive research exists regarding barriers to reunification, little is known about the families who are successfully reunited. The aim of this study was to examine the strengths families found helpful in the process of achieving and maintaining reunification. In-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 reunified families. Thematic coding of these narrative interviews was completed, uncovering the ways the families perceived intrafamilial and external social support that was given and received played an important role in their stories of reunification.
Automating satellite operations at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

A second generation of graphical expert systems are under development at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to support real-time operations in the satellite control centers. Built with a new domain-specific expert system development tool named the Generic Spacecraft Analyst Assistant (GenSAA), these systems have been deployed to assist with a variety of satellite operations functions.
Dinitrile formation in the attempted acylation of malonamide and its alkyl derivatives.

Attempted acylation of malonamide and mono-alkylmalonamides with acetyl chloride and pyridine indicates that no acylation takes place at room temperature. At elevated temperatures, the predominant reaction is dehydration to the corresponding dinitrile. Only one compound, n -butylmalonamide, gave a significant yield of acylated product, identified as N-acetyl-α-cyanocaproamide.
A semiautomatic device for measuring radioactivity on two-dimensional paper chromatograms.

Abstract A technique has been developed for the automatic measurement of radioactivity on areas of paper from paper chromatograms. The positions of radioactive compounds on the chromatograms are determined by radioautography and the appropriate areas are cut out from the chromatogram. The excised chromatogram spots are sandwiched between two continuous bands of thin plastic polyester film in an apparatus designed for this purpose. In another apparatus, the accumulated double band of polyester film bearing the chromatogram spots is automatically passed in a discontinuous manner between two closely opposed detector tubes. Each spot remains stationary between the detector tubes for a predetermined counting period. For each chromatogram spot the number of counts recorded, together with the elapsed time, is automatically printed onto paper tape. The double band of polyester film is then automatically advanced until the next spot lies between the detector tubes, and the cycle is repeated.
Hemodynamic Effects of Hypovolemia in Normal Subjects and Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

Five young normal subjects (NS) and six middle-aged patients with chronic, low-output, congestive heart failure (HFP) were studied before and after 10 minutes of exposure to hypovolemia induced by negative pressure (30 mm Hg) applied to the lower body. ECG, respirometer, and catheters placed in the subclavian artery and superior vena cava permitted measurements of heart rate (HR), respiration rate, arterial and central venous pressures (CVP), and cardiac output (CO). In the group of NS, systemic vascular resistance (SVR) rose moderately, while CVP fell 4.3 mm Hg; CO, stroke volume (SV), stroke work (SW), and central blood volume (CBV) fell about 20%, whereas blood pressure and HR showed little change. In the group of HFP, control hemodynamic values were generally abnormal. In four patients the response to hypovolemia was similar to that of NS. Two patients with advanced heart failure showed no change or a rise in CO, SV, and SW in the face of a fall in CVP (3.1 and 3.7 mm Hg), no change or a fall in SVR, ...
REGIOSELECTIVITY IN HYDROFORMYLATION OF LINEAR AND BRANCHED OCTENES USING HCo(CO)4

La distribution en aldehydes formes par hydroformylation d'une olefine depend de la localisation de la double liaison dans le squelette carbone
Rapid experimentation for testing and tuning a production database deployment

The need to perform testing and tuning of database instances with production-like workloads (W), configurations (C), data (D), and resources (R) arises routinely. The further W, C, D, and R used in testing and tuning deviate from what is observed on the production database instance, the lower is the trustworthiness of the testing and tuning tasks done. For example, it is common to hear about performance degradation observed after the production database is upgraded from one software version to another. A typical cause of this problem is that the W, C, D, or R used during upgrade testing differed in some way from that on the production database. Performing testing and tuning tasks in principled and automated ways is very important, especially since---spurred by innovations in cloud computing---the number of database instances that a database administrator (DBA) has to manage is growing rapidly.We present Flex, a platform for trustworthy testing and tuning of production database instances. Flex gives DBAs a high-level language, called Slang, to specify definitions and objectives regarding running experiments for testing and tuning. Flex's orchestrator schedules and runs these experiments in an automated manner that meets the DBA-specified objectives. Flex has been fully prototyped. We present results from a comprehensive empirical evaluation that reveals the effectiveness of Flex on diverse problems such as upgrade testing, near-real-time testing to detect corruption of data, and server configuration tuning. We also report on our experiences taking some of the testing and tuning software described in the literature and porting them to run on the Flex platform.
Mechanisms of homologous and heterologous phosphorylation of FFA receptor 4 (GPR120): GRK6 and PKC mediate phosphorylation of Thr347, Ser350, and Ser357 in the C-terminal tail

Free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4), previously known as GPR120, is a G protein-coupled receptor that promotes numerous anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects upon its agonism by long chained unsaturated fatty acids. We have previously demonstrated that agonism of FFA4 with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) facilitates rapid and transient phosphorylation of FFA4 expressed ectopically on the surface of HEK293 cells. However, the precise mechanisms that promote FFA4 phosphorylation remain elusive. In the current study, we examined the mechanisms behind both heterologous and homologous phosphorylation of FFA4 and set out to identify the foci of FFA4 phosphorylation. Our results demonstrate that basal and heterologous phosphorylation of FFA4 are mediated by protein kinase C (PKC), while G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) plays the predominant role in DHA-mediated phosphorylation of FFA4. Furthermore, we identify Thr(347), Ser(350), and Ser(357) in the C-terminal tail as major sites of FFA4 phosphorylation. Concurrent mutation of these three sites leads to a FFA4 receptor that seemingly affects Gαq/11 signaling in a positive manner as demonstrated by heightened intracellular Ca(2+) responses following agonism with DHA. Importantly, this phosphodefective FFA4 mutant lacked the ability to promote β-arrestin-2 recruitment to the cell membrane. Since many of the functionally beneficial physiological effects of FFA4 are noted to be β-arrestin mediated, these findings could provide insight into the structural requirements for FFA4 function.
ECS disruption of avoidance produced by an air blast and tone

Rats were taught to bar press for food in a Skinner box. The amount of time needed to make 10 bar presses increased significantly after a bar press was accompanied by an air blast and loud tone. This increase did not occur if the air blast and tone were followed 8 sec later by an ECS. The technique is simple and effective, and preserves the previously established effects of ECS on recent memory. Hopefully it will prove useful in situations where the investigator wishes to establish a one-trial passive avoidance without the use of painful shock.
The changing role of assessment in evaluating science education reform

This chapter reviews the qualities of existing assessments and their role in the past in evaluating students, programs, and reform efforts, and discusses the shifts in that role with the emergence of new forms of assessment.
Specific binding of deoxycorticosterone by canine kidney cells in culture.

Abstract The Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, an epithelial cell line, have the ability to bind deoxycorticosterone (DOC). Cystosol from MDCK cells exposed to 6nM[H 3 ]-DOC at 4°C bound 0.405 pmol/mg protein. Of this, 0.335 pmol/mg protein was specifically bound, as assessed by displacement by a 100 fold excess of non-radioactive DOC. At 60 nM [H 3 ]-DOC, 5.33 pmol/mg protein was bound; of which 4.01 pmol/mg was specifically bound. This binding could not be attributed to binding by protein in the incubation medium and did not occur in a hamster kidney cell line (BHK). The [H 3 ]-DOC binding was depressed by other steroids with the following order of effectiveness DOC > progesterone ≈ aldosterone > corticosterone > dexamethasone ≈ cortisol ≈ none. By Scatchard analysis, the equilibrium dissociation constant ( K D ), was 10 −7 M with 4–10 × 10 5 cystosol binding sites per cell. Incubation of intact cells at 37°C with [H 3 ]-DOC resulted in the uptake of the steroid into an enriched nuclear fraction such that the amount of [H 3 ]-DOC bound per mg nuclear protein was 3–13 times greater than in the cytosol protein from those cells. Therefore, the DOC binding in MDCK cells resembles in several respects the interaction of a steroid with its specific tissue receptor.
Finite Normalizing Extensions of FSN Rings

Fully semiprimary Noetherian bimodules and their bimodule extensions are examined. In the presence of incomparability of the link graph of prime ideals, certain bimodule extensions preserve the fully semiprimary property. In particular, a finite normalizing extension ring of a fully semiprimary Noetherian ring is also fully semiprimary as a bimodule over the base ring. It is shown that the extension ring is itself a fully semiprimary ring. An application to crossed products over finite groups is given.
The mitral L-wave: a relatively common but ignored useful finding.

To access a continuing medical education exam for this ar-ticle, please visit http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/cme.Addressforcorrespondenceandreprintsrequests:EdmundK. Kerut, M.D., F.A.C.C., Heart Clinic of Louisiana, 1111Medical Center Blvd, Suite N613, Marrero, LA 70072. Fax:504-349-6621; E-mail: kenkerut@pol.net
Hyperinsulinism and sex hormones in young adult African Americans.

Hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and is linked with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), hyperlipidemia, obesity, and hypertension. Sex hormones also play a role in the metabolic alterations associated with the risk for cardiovascular disease. A reduction in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) may be predictive of future NIDDM particularly in women. The postmenopausal decline in estrogen is also associated with an increase in risk factor expression in women. Since African Americans experience a greater prevalence of NIDDM, obesity, and hypertension, conditions associated with hyperinsulinemia, the purpose of this study was to determine if alterations in sex hormone levels are associated with the plasma insulin concentration in young adult African Americans, and to determine if there are sex differences in the effect of insulin on lipids and sex hormones. In a sample of 221 nondiabetic African American men (n = 105) and women (n = 116) with a mean age of 31 years, we examined the relationship of the plasma insulin concentration with the body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, plasma lipids, and sex hormones, including free testosterone, estradiol, and SHBG. Plasma insulin increased with the BMI and other measures of adiposity (P<.001) in men and women. Significant correlations of insulin with plasma lipids were also present in both sexes. There was a significant inverse correlation of insulin with SHBG in both men (r = .28, P = .007) and women (r = .27, P = .02). There was a significant direct correlation of insulin with free testosterone in women (r = .032, P<.001). Stepwise multiple regression analyses with insulin as the dependent variable detected the BMI, triglyceride, and apolipoprotein A1 as significant contributors to the plasma insulin concentration in men. In women, the multiple regression model detected percent body fat, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and free testosterone as significant contributors to plasma insulin. These data on young African Americans demonstrate a significant relationship between hyperinsulinemia and obesity, atherogenic lipid status, and lower SHBG. In the premenopausal women, the lower SHBG is linked with higher free testosterone, favoring a condition of relative androgen excess.
234U/238U mass spectrometry of corals: How accurate is the UTh age of the last interglacial period?

Direct measurement of U and Th by mass spectrometry recently provided a spectacular improvement in the precision of coral dating by the UTh disequilibrium method [1]. Mass spectrometric data also provide a much better resolution for the examination of subtle diagenetic effects revealed by small variations of the 234U/238U ratio. Such perturbations may strongly affect the accuracy of the UTh chronometer. A compilation of all the corals analyzed to date by mass spectrometry shows that most of the corals from terraces of the last interglacial have initial 234U/238U ratios higher than present-day seawater, in contrast to modern, Holocene and last Glacial corals. Some samples that have very high 234U/238U initial ratios, up to 1.2, and high U concentrations, up to 4 ppm, were probably contaminated by continental groundwaters. However, even apparently pristine samples have 234U/238U initial ratios which are still slightly higher than present-day seawater (mean value: 1.160, compared to 1.140–1.150 [2]), with little overlap between the two distributions. This difference in the U initial ratio raises some uncertainty about the accuracy of the UTh age determinations of these corals. In spite of the fact that the 234U230Th ages cluster in a narrow range between 122 and 133 kyr, the data could also be interpreted as resulting from slight contamination of corals that are significantly older than 125 kyr. Two possible explanations may explain these data: (1) All these samples may have been diagenetically altered, since they all come from surface outcrops which have been directly exposed to precipitations or soil waters for 125 kyr. In this case, the true age of these corals remains uncertain, depending on the timing of the alteration process (i.e., initial, late or continuous). (2) The second possibility is that some of the differences in 234U/238U ratios measured in ∼ 125 kyr cold corals, compared to modern seawater, may be due to a higher 234U/238U ratio in seawater 125 kyr ago. This could result from temporal variations in the weathering regimes of continental land masses.
SOLUTION OF THE PERSONNEL CLASSIFICATION PROBLEM WITH THE METHOD OF OPTIMAL REGIONS

The personnel classification problem is identified raathematically with other problems in the social and biological sciences. This mathematical problem is shown to be a special case of the general mathematical problem of linear programming. It is proposed here that the personnel classification problem may be solved directly by methods particularly appropriate to it as well as by the simplex method, which is a standard method for solving the general linear programming problem. The method of optimal regions is derived and illustrated in this paper.
Genetic algorithm-based simulation optimization of stacking algorithms for yard cranes to reduce fuel consumption at seaport container transshipment terminals

This research considers a new problem called the block relocation problem with weights (BRP-W) in which a set of identically-sized items of different, known weights are to be retrieved from a set of last-in-first-out (LIFO) stacks in a specific order using the minimum amount of energy. Our efforts to address this real-world problem resulted in the creation of a sophisticated algorithm—the global retrieval heuristic (GRH) — that decides where to relocate the items that must be moved to allow access to items below them. The GRH was embedded inside a genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization method in a simulation-optimization structure in order to identify the best settings of the GRH for a particular item configuration size. Results from the preliminary experiments described here indicate that the GRH and GA have the potential to be effective tools to solve this very difficult problem.
Differences in health-related quality of life scores after orthotopic liver transplantation with respect to selected socioeconomic factors.

One of the current ultimate goals of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the improvement of patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The purpose of this study was to look at the effects of socioeconomic and demographic differences on the short-term and long-term HRQOL outcomes of OLT recipients. Three hundred three adult OLT recipients who were seen at the University of California Los Angeles were administered the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), and a demographic survey. A parsimonious model of 12 socioeconomic and demographic predictors was identified. Their simultaneous influence on each SF-36 and CLDQ HRQOL domain score was evaluated with multivariate linear regression and backward selection. Hepatitis C virus impaired HRQOL; this was shown in the SF-36 Vitality and Bodily Pain domains and in most CLDQ domains. Females experienced more HRQOL impairment only within the CLDQ Abdominal Symptoms domain. OLT recipients who were married had better SF-36 Role–Emotion domain scores. OLT recipients with more than 12 years of education had better SF-36 Physical Functioning scores. Employed OLT recipients had less HRQOL impairment; this was evidenced by better scores in multiple domains of the SF-36 and the CLDQ. OLT patients with health maintenance organization or preferred provider organization insurance had higher HRQOL scores within almost all SF-36 and CLDQ domains. Patients with a mix of public and private insurance had significantly higher HRQOL scores in comparison with those with only public insurance. Identifying patients at higher risk for worse HRQOL scores, less satisfaction with OLT results, and greater problems with fatigue or mental health stressors will assist transplant centers in using their medical teams to develop early interventions and multidisciplinary approaches to improve HRQOL outcomes after OLT. Liver Transpl 17:580–590, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
The isotopic composition of ‘graphitic’ carbon from iron meteorites and some remarks on the troilitic sulfur of iron meteorites

Abstract The carbon isotopic composition of graphite inclusions and finely dispersed carbon from twelve iron meteorites has been studied. The analyses are given as parts permil deviations from the PDB standard. Forty-five analyses of inclusion-graphites from four coarse-grained octahedrites fall in the range from − 4.8 to − 8.2‰; within some of the inclusions a C 13 depletion toward the rim of the nodules is observed. Finely dispersed, residual carbon from four coarse octahedrites, obtained by dissolving the meteorite, shows distinctly lighter isotopic compositions ranging from −5.6 to −24.1%., probably representing a mixture of small inclusions and flakes as well as carbon contained in carbides or in solid solution in the nickel-iron. Graphite inclusions showing C 13 concentrations outside the above range for inclusion-graphites were found in 1. (1) two octahedrites with silicate inclusions, i.e., Four Corners (− 4.0%.) and Pine River (− 8.7%.). 2. (2) the hexahedrite Kendall County (−13.3 to −14.4%.). 3. (3) the ‘ataxite’ Dayton (−11.5 to −11-8%.). This suggests that the average carbon isotopic composition may not be identical for all iron meteorites. The large variability in the C 13 concentration encountered within individual irons contrasts with the isotopic constancy of sulfur observed in meteorites. It is proposed that the differences in the isotope distribution patterns of the two elements may be understood on the basis of the chemical phase relationships in the system Fe-Ni-S-C. However, while δC 13 variations within a meteorite may be discussed within this framework, little can be said as yet about possible causes for the suggested differences in C 13 concentrations between different meteorites.
Factors Affecting Productive and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows in El Salvador

Abstract Data from 19 herds in El Salvador, covering 1967 to 1972, were analyzed to determine factors affecting milk yield. Total data set was 2919 lactation records. Mean performance was 154 d open, 282 d in milk, and 2636 kg milk; mean age of cows was 66 mo. Age of first calf heifers was 34.4 mo. Holstein and Brown Swiss crossbreds and pure Guernseys produced 2710, 2797, and 2737 kg; Mestiza, Criollo and Brahman produced 2439, 2083, and 1974 kg. Mean increases of yield per percent increase of Holstein or Brown Swiss breeding was 9.9 kg. Slight decreases of age at first parturition with upgrading were detected. January through June was most favorable for parturition with mean milk yield 3.6% higher than remaining months; effects of month of parturition seemed greatest for Brahman, Criollo, and Mestiza and least for Brown Swiss. Effects of days open on yields were similar to estimates in the United States, although large for Brahman, Criollo, and Mestiza. Regressions of yield on kilogram concentrates fed and kilogram body weight, pooled within Holsteins and Brown Swiss, were 1.53 and 2.55 kg. Under climate and management conditions of this population, continued upgrading to Holstein and Brown Swiss seemed warranted, as did utilization of feeding and management practices profitable in temperate dairy cattle and milk production areas.
PET/CT Assessment of Response to Therapy: Tumor Change Measurement, Truth Data, and Error.

We describe methods and issues that are relevant to the measurement of change in tumor uptake of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) or other radiotracers, as measured from positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images, and how this would relate to the establishment of PET/CT tumor imaging as a biomarker of patient response to therapy. The primary focus is on the uptake of FDG by lung tumors, but the approach can be applied to diseases other than lung cancer and to tracers other than FDG. The first issue addressed is the sources of bias and variance in the measurement of tumor uptake of FDG, and where there are still gaps in our knowledge. These are discussed in the context of measurement variation and how these would relate to the early detection of response to therapy. Some of the research efforts currently underway to identify the magnitude of some of these sources of error are described. In addition, we describe resources for these investigations that are being made available through the Reference Image Database for the Evaluation of Response project. Measures derived from PET image data that might be predictive of patient response as well as the additional issues that each of these metrics may encounter are described briefly. The relationship between individual patient response to therapy and utility for multicenter trials is discussed. We conclude with a discussion of moving from assessing measurement variation to the steps necessary to establish the efficacy of PET/CT imaging as a biomarker for response.
Methylprednisolone and acute spinal cord injury: an update of the randomized evidence.

Objectives Randomized trials are widely recognized as providing the most reliable evidence for assessing efficacy and safety of therapeutic interventions. This evidence base is used to evaluate the current status of methylprednisolone (MPSS) in the early treatment of acute spinal cord injury. Methods Medline, CINAHL, and other specified databases were searched for MeSH headings "methylprednisolone and acute spinal cord injury." The Cochrane Library and an existing systematic review on the topic were also searched. Results Five randomized controlled trials were identified that evaluated high-dose MPSS for acute spinal cord injury. Three trials by the NASCIS group were of high methodologic quality, and a Japanese and French trial of moderate to low, methodologic quality. Meta-analysis of the final result of three trials comparing 24-hour high-dose MPSS with placebo or no therapy indicates an average unilateral 4.1 motor function score improvement (95% confidence interval 0.6-7.6, P = 0.02) in patients treated with MPSS. This neurologic recovery is likely to be correlated with improved functional recovery in some patients. The safety of this regimen of MPSS is evident from the spinal cord injury trials and a systematic review of 51 surgical trials of high-dose MPSS. Conclusion High-dose MPSS given within 8 hours of acute spinal cord injury is a safe and modestly effective therapy that may result in important clinical recovery for some patients. Further trials are needed to identify superior pharmacologic therapies and to test drugs that may sequentially influence the postinjury cascade.
A self-restrained approach to nation-building by foreign powers

Nation-building by foreign powers can rarely be accomplished and tends to be very costly, not merely in economic resources and those of political capital, but also in human lives. Foreign powers often attempt to tackle numerous tasks with little discernible effect. Therefore, whatever resources foreign powers are willing and able to commit should be focused on a modest agenda—what is termed in this article a ‘restrained approach‘. A restrained approach focuses first and foremost on pacification and security, it deals with whoever is in power initially and it requires local people to overcome some challenges by themselves. Greatly curtailing foreign ambitions and promises will lead to much greater credibility of drives for democratization; will provide stronger domestic support for such efforts among the taxpayers and donors who have to foot the bills; and will pay off by focusing more resources on the few facets of society that are relatively easy to change.
A four-terminal co-axial pair Maxwell-Wein bridge for the measurement of self-inductance

A four-terminal coaxial-pair Maxwell-Wein bridge has been developed at the National Research Council, Canada. The bridge is suitable for the determination of self-inductance in terms of resistance and capacitance in the inductance range of 100 muH to 10 H at the frequency of 1000 Hz. The bridge is primarily designed to measure the four-terminal definition of the impedance of a self-inductor but may be easily modified to measure one-terminal pair impedance using a suitable adapter.
Maternal Employment during Northern Vietnam's Era of Market Reform

This research explores the relationship between family structure and maternal employment in Vietnam's Red River Delta, a region experiencing economic development and market transition. Analyses of work intensity, measured as working hours and multiple jobholding, demonstrate that women, including mothers of infants and preschoolers, persistently work at high levels of intensity. Work intensity is especially high among women raising teenage children, due to demands for education and other resources exerted upon parents. The findings suggest a reframing of the 'role compatibility' thesis that has guided research on maternal employment. Women's employment is a foremost response to financial pressures in poor households; it is central to the maternal role and even more salient than care work and supervision in contextsfeaturing diverse, alternative forms of childcare. Research exploring the interrelationship in women's lives between the demands of raising children and participating in the workforce has broadened to span several academic disciplines, theoretical bases, and diverse international contexts. Consequently, our understandings of the macro-structural, cultural, and institutional forces that constrain and promote maternal employment have evolved in complexity and diversity over the past three decades. I contribute Vietnamese women's experiences during the transition from socialism to market economy to the theoretical and analytical perspectives that have made meaning of women's working lives in the global South. The stories of Vietnamese women, to this date