cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Law's Mystery

This is a co-authored article as is the abstract that follows.This article offers an unusual theory about a way of understanding the law and judicial opinions and then puts this theory into practice by analyzing Justice Harlan’s opinion for the Court in Cohen v. California, the 1971 U.S. Supreme Court decision that will always be known as the “Fuck the Draft” opinion. The article is an experiment really, one in which one author offers something to the other to see what she makes of it, and, in this, to teach him what he has said and what value it might have. The theory begins in a recognition of the “law” as resting upon mystery and uncertainty, which is also the source of the law’s enchantment for us, however little we may now acknowledge it. It is this enchantment that we depend upon for law to be authoritative over us, as we hope it will be, rather than authoritarian and reducible to the political and thus to power. In simple terms, the mystery of the law — its being beyond us in this way — is its legitimate authority over us. This law, which discloses itself to us, does so through the openings that language provides. For our culture, judicial opinions are its primary way of doing this. Yet judicial opinions can do this only when judges resist temptations towards control and avoidance and are sufficiently humble before the law that they are willing to become inconsequential to opinions they have written in order to permit the law to speak. In the practice section, the article explores whether it is possible to bring to the surface the tracings of a “great” judicial performance, using “great” in the sense suggested, that is, as revealing an opening through which the law discloses itself. This section describes one reading of a judicial opinion, a reading that aims to discover whether through the performance of the opinion, its author has uncovered something that is “of the essence” of our community. The article finally raises questions about what it would mean to legal education and law practice if judicial opinions were able to be evaluated without destroying the law’s mystery. What would it mean if we thought of judges as preservers of this mystery? What would it mean if readers of an opinion started thinking in terms of their own experience of the opinion rather than as critics of it? And what would it mean if lawyers saw their task as related to the word that upsets all of us, “truth”?
Malleable immunoglobulin genes and hematopathology - the good, the bad, and the ugly: a paper from the 2007 William Beaumont hospital symposium on molecular pathology.

Immunoglobulin gene rearrangement analysis is one of the more commonly performed assays available on the hematopathology menu of clinical molecular pathology laboratories. The analysis of these rearrangements provides useful information on a number of different levels in the evaluation of lymphoproliferations. An appreciation of the various mechanisms involved in the numerous physiological pathways affecting the immunoglobulin genes, and hence antibody molecules, is central to an understanding of B-cell development vis-a-vis the generation of immunological diversity. Knowledge about the intricate complexities of these mechanisms is also germane to an evaluation of testing methodologies. With this information, it is easier to develop an understanding of how contemporary molecular testing of immunoglobulin gene rearrangements has evolved, from historically quite heterogeneous, fairly flawed, and rather ugly approaches to current more-standardized protocols. In addition, recognition of how such genetic changes with good intentions can turn bad has fostered increasing insights into the pathogenesis of B-cell lymphomas and leukemias. Despite the significant improvements in the design of immunoglobulin gene rearrangement assays, numerous pitfalls and caveats remain. Accordingly, it is crucial to consider such testing a tool, and although most useful, it is one of many tools that may be required to build cogent diagnoses.
Distributed virtual leader moving formation control using behavior-based MPC

In this paper we present a virtual leader formation control algorithm in which agents collaboratively adapt the formation and its motion in a distributed fashion. The formation is defined in terms of scaling and rotation parameters as well as agent offsets from of a virtual leader. The leader is virtual in that it is purely an artifact of a distributed optimization framework. Adaptation of the formation and control of the virtual leader is achieved through an MPC framework, which allows individual dynamic constraints to be considered in the optimization. By also defining the virtual leader motion in terms of a parameterized controller, distributed parameter optimization techniques are employed to solve the optimization problem at each iteration of the MPC algorithm. This allows agents to respect the underlying network constraints, forming a distributed implementation which scales well to large numbers of agents.
Basal sliding of Ice Stream B, West Antarctica

A "tethered stake" apparatus is used to measure basal sliding in a borehole on Ice Stream B, West Antarctica, about 300 km upstream (east) from its: grounding line near the head of the Ross Ice Shelf A metal stake, emplaced at the top of a layer of unfrozen till underlying the ice, is connected by a tether line to a metering unit that measures the tether line as it is pulled out from the borehole by the stake as a result of basal sliding. The measured sliding motion includes any actual slip across the ice-till interface and may include in addition a possible contribution from shear deformation of till within about 3 cm of the interface. This 3 cm figure follows from a qualitative model of the movements of the stake in the course of the experiment, based on features of the record of apparent sliding. Alternative but less likely models would increase the figure from 3 cm to 10 cm or 25 cm. In any case it is small compared to the seismically inferred till thickness of 9 m. Measured apparent sliding averages 69% of the total motion of 1.2 m d^(-1) over 26 days of observation if a 3.5 day period of slow apparent sliding (8% of the total motion) is included in the average. The occurrence of the slow period raises the possibility that the sliding motion switches back and forth between c. 80% and c. 8% of the total motion, on a time-scale of a few days. However, it is likely that the period of slow apparent sliding represents instead a period when the stake got caught on the ice sole. If the slow period is therefore omitted, the indicated average basal sliding rate is 83 % of the total motion. In either case, basal sliding predominates as the cause of the rapid ice-stream motion. In the last 2 days of observation the average apparent sliding rate reached 1.17 m d^(-1), essentially 100% of the motion of the ice stream. If till deformation contributes significantly to the ice-stream motion, the contribution is concentrated in a shear zone 3 cm to possibly 25 cm thick at the top of the 9 m thick till layer. These observations, if applicable to the West Antarctic ice sheet in general, pose complications in modeling the rapid ice-streaming motion.
Gene Duplication and Redundancy

Gene duplications create one or more copies of a gene in a genome. They are important forces of genome evolution which change genome size and lead to the evolution of new gene functions. Keywords: genome evolution; natural selection; gene knockout
A Point Compression Method for Elliptic Curves Defined over GF(2n)

Here we describe new tools to be used in fields of the form Gf(2 n ), that help describe properties of elliptic curves defined over GF(2 n ). Further, utilizing these tools we describe a new elliptic curve point compression method, which provides the most efficient use of bandwidth whenever the elliptic curve is defined by y 2+xy=x 3+a 2 x 2 +a 6 and the trace of a 2 is zero.
The Method of Integral Relations

The Method of Integral Relations was originally formulated by Dorodnitsyn in 1956 and subsequently applied to a wide variety of current problems in fluid dynamics. It is designed for the solution of problems governed by partial differential equations of elliptic, mixed elliptic-hyperbolic, or parabolic type. It has been used mostly for problems in two independent variables but in recent years has been extended to deal with three dimensional problems.
Unplanned Extubation in the NICU

Unplanned extubation (UE) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a significant patient safety and quality control issue. I describe the implementation of a quality improvement program using multifactorial prevention strategies, including staff education, identification of neonates at risk for UE, extubation and weaning, standardization of procedures, and comprehensive documentation. Additional research on quality improvement with strategies for neonates may prove beneficial in reducing UE rates in neonates.
Measurement of Microscopic Residual Stress Based on the Evolution of Surface Roughness During Shallow Chemical Etching

A new novel experimental method, surface roughness-evolution spectroscopy (SRES), to measure residual stress components in solids with high spatial resolution is presented. It is based on stress-induced surface roughening caused by shallow chemical etching.
Roles of Physical Therapists in Wound Management, Part III: Select Biophysical Technologies and Management of Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulceration

Physical therapists (PTs) have several decades of history of using high-frequency (1and 3-MHz) ultrasound (US) to facilitate healing of musculoskeletal tissues (eg muscle, fascia, tendon, ligament, joint capsule) that become wounded or inflamed following many accidents or sports injuries, but not exposed, because the trauma leaves the skin intact. These US frequencies (often referred to as therapeutic US) transmit acoustic energy, which delivers the nonthermal physical properties of stable cavitation and microstreaming to the closed wound tissues via direct contact gel or water coupling to the skin. With megahertz US, the acoustic pressure waves created by stable cavitation and microstreaming are less forceful than the pressure waves created by unstable cavitation that is associated with low-frequency (kilohertz) US. This is because acoustic pressure is inversely proportional to frequency, and since higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths, at the power (wattage) levels used for megahertz US, less acoustic energy is transmitted to tissues per unit of time. The more prominent unstable cavitation produced by low-frequency US (eg 22.5, 25, and 35 kHz) is a major contributing source of energy by which contact US debrides nonviable, adherent fibrin and slough via fragmentation, emulsification, or a combination. The combination of stable cavitation and microstreaming that are characteristic of megahertz US
Effective Rejection of Fluorescence Interference in Raman Spectroscopy Using a Shifted Excitation Difference Technique

Resonance Raman spectroscopy is a powerful technique for probing the vibrations of particular chromophores in multicomponent systems. By tuning the wavelength of the excitation laser into resonance with an electronic absorption band of only one molecular species, the vibrational Raman scattering from this species can be selectively enhanced. Thus, resonance Raman spectroscopy can provide structural information for chromophores in solution or biological chromophores within their functionally active protein environment. However, since the very nature of the experiment requires that the excitation light be absorbed by the sample, the measurement of resonance Raman spectra is often made difficult by a large fluorescence background in the same spectral region as the Raman scattering. The problem of fluorescence interference from intrinsic sample emission is often further exacerbated in biological samples, where low-concentration impurities with large fluorescence yields can be difficult to remove. Even weak fluorescence, with an effective fluorescence quantum yield of ≈10−4, completely overwhelms resonance Raman signals, which have typical quantum yields of ≈10−7.
The apparent molecular size of native α-crystallin B in non-lenticular tissues

Abstract The apparent molecular size of the native α-crystallin B in cytosol preparations from rat heart, brain and retina was determined by gel permeation chromatography, detecting the protein by immunochemical assay (ELISA), using an α-crystallin specific antiserum. Native α-crystallin from cytosol preparations of rat lens cortex was used as a reference. α-Crystallin B present in all three cytosol preparations from non-lenticular tissues eluted in a single symmetrical peak, with the same elution volume as α-crystallin from lens cortex cytosol preparations, corresponding to an apparent average molecular size of 0.8 × 106 Da. No other species could be detected. The results indicate that the α-crystallin aggregates characterized by an apparent average molecular mass of 0.8 × 106 Da, and considered to be the native, physiological form of the protein in the lens, are indeed not specific to lens tissue. Furthermore, the size of these α-crystallin aggregates is independent of their polypeptide composition. Aggregates found in the lens, composed of αA and αB polypeptides and their respective phosphorylated forms αAp and αBp, are similar in size to those found in heart, brain and retina, containing the αB but not the αA polypeptide.
Using Historical Knowledge to Reason About Contemporary Political Issues: An Expert–Novice Study

People often justify history's place in the curriculum by its relationship to citizenship, yet there is little research to help educators picture how people use historical knowledge for civic purposes. This expert–novice study used the think-aloud method to examine how eight political scientists and eight high school students employed historical knowledge to reason about a political issue. Findings indicated that detailed historical narrative played an important role for experts’ reasoning, and the experts used narrative to frame the issue, support their positions, and evaluate historical claims. Participating students used narrative as well, but their narratives were lacking in detail. They never used history to frame the problem, contextualize documents, or to support their positions, and they rarely used narrative to evaluate claims. These differences in how experts and novices use history to make sense of the present have implications for history instruction and research in history and civic education.
Strong Motion Station Characterization and Site Effects During the 1999 Earthquakes in Turkey

Abstract The 1999 Kocaeli and Duzce earthquakes in Turkey generated a moderate amount of strong ground motion data. This paper describes the shear-wave velocity profiles measured at a number of strong motion stations in Turkey using the spectral-analysis-of-surface-waves (SASW) method. The shear-wave velocity profiles from SASW testing compare well with deeper profiles developed by microtremor surface wave inversion, but SASW provides more shear-wave velocity resolution near the ground surface. The developed shear-wave velocity profiles are used to define site classifications for each station. For the Kocaeli earthquake, event-specific attenuation relationships are developed. These relationships show considerable amplification of peak ground acceleration and spectral acceleration (at a period of 0.3 s) at deep soil sites in the far field, but no amplification in the near-fault region. For spectral accelerations at longer spectral periods (1.0 and 2.0 s), amplification is indicated in both the near field a...
Early Definitive Spinal Fusion in Young Children: What We Have Learned

Background Early-onset scoliosis, when left untreated, leads to severe deformity. Until the last decade, treatment of progressive curves in young children often consisted of definitive spinal fusion. The recognition of thoracic insufficiency syndrome associated with definitive early fusion has led to the development of new surgical techniques developed to preserve spinal and thoracic growth in young patients with progressive scoliosis.
Registered apprenticeship training in the US construction industry

Purpose – This paper aims to compare the performance of building trades apprenticeship programs in the USA, sponsored jointly by employers and unions, with those sponsored unilaterally by employers. It reviews enrolment and graduation rates, including participation of women and minorities. The article also looks behind the numbers to examine the operation of apprenticeship. It reviews the evolution of joint programs, including institutional arrangements and recent innovations to cope with the challenging characteristics of construction labor markets.Design/methodology/approach – Statistical comparisons by type of program sponsor are carried out using individual‐level data on registered apprenticeship for the period 1996‐2003. Evolution of apprenticeship programs is discussed in a historical perspective.Findings – Joint programs (with union participation) were found to have much higher enrolments and greater participation of women and ethnic/racial minorities. Joint programs also exhibit markedly better pe...
Does introduction of new "easy to use" inhalational devices improve medical personnel's knowledge of their proper use?

Background Lack of basic inhaler skills by medical personnel has been documented by numerous studies. Consequently, training of patients in correct inhalational technique suffers. Newer dry powder inhalers such as Turbuhaler (budesonide, Astra USA, Westborough, MA) and Diskus (salmeterol, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC) have some advantages over conventional metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) including easier technique of usage. They have been recently marketed with the hope of overcoming this problem. Objective To determine whether introduction of newer "easy to use" dry powder inhalers such as budesonide (Turbuhaler) and salmeterol (Diskus) would result in improvement in medical personnel's knowledge of their proper use. Methods In and around a community-based teaching hospital, interviews were conducted in March 2000 of 50 assorted randomly selected medical personnel. They included 10 respiratory therapists, 10 registered nurses, 10 medical residents, 10 primary care physicians, and 10 pharmacists. Objective evaluation was made of their skills demonstration and knowledge scores for usage of MDIs, budesonide, and salmeterol. Results Mean percentage demonstration scores of different medical personnel for all three devices taken together: respiratory therapist (81.6%), primary care physicians (77.7%), pharmacists (57.7%), registered nurses (54.4%), and medical residents (53.8%). Mean percentage demonstration scores of different inhalers for all medical personnel taken together: MDI (80.9%), salmeterol (64.2%), budesonide (49.9%). Mean percentage knowledge score of all three inhalational devices taken together for respiratory therapist was the best at 76.6%. Registered nurses performed the worst with a score of 52.0%. Mean percentage knowledge scores: MDI (78%), salmeterol (63.2%), and budesonide (52.4%). A repeated measures two-way analysis of variance demonstrated that differences in both demonstration and knowledge scores between inhaler types and between medical personnel were all highly statistically significant ( P Conclusions Demonstration skills and knowledge scores for use of both budedsonide and salmeterol were substantially lower than that for MDI for all medical personnel. Medical personnel responsible for teaching the correct use of inhalational devices are lacking in basic knowledge and user skills. This likely contributes to patient's poor technique when using these devices.
Electron-impact excitation of the beryllium isoelectronic sequence

An analytic atomic independent-particle model potential adjusted to experimental energy levels is used to generate wave functions for the excited states of Be I, B II, C III, N IV, and O V. Using these wave functions in conjunction with the Born approximation and the LS-coupling scheme, the authors calculate optical oscillator strengths, generalized oscillator strengths, and total cross sections for excitations from the 2s/sup 2/(/sup 1/S/sub 0/) ground state. The results are compared with experimental ones and other calculations. Regularities and systematic trends along the isoelectronic sequence are discussed.
Self compatibility in garden Chrysanthemum: occurrence, inheritance and breeding potential

Self compatibility (SC), which was found to occur only rarely in the normally self-incompatible (SI) hexaploid garden chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat., was studied by making a series of self and cross pollinations in progenies of 3 different SC sources. SC was transmitted without exception in 15 F1 progenies from crosses between SC and SI plants. No maternal effects were noted in 10 F1. progenies from reciprocal crosses between SC and SI plants. Selfing or intercrossing of SC plants did not produce any large, uniformly SC progenies. Initial intercrosses between SC and SI plants suggested that SC might be controlled by a single dominant factor. Further crosses suggested that the inheritance of SC was more complex and could be associated with more than 1 gene or be modified by other genes such as the S-genes. Seed yield following self pollination in some progenies gave evidence of a clear separation into SC and SI classes while in other progenies the separation was not so distinct. The condition of pseudoself-compatibility was evident in progenies derived from selfing SC plants or crossing between SC plants. SC was used to produce large quantities of inbred seed which is now available for producing both I1 and I2 generations. By using SC parents, the combined self and cross compatibility was increased as compared to compatibility in progenies derived from SI-SI matings.
Localized delivery to CT-26 tumors in mice using thermosensitive liposomes.

Abstract A heat-sensitive liposomal drug delivery system was tested using Colon-26 (CT-26) cultured cells and tumors in mice. Lucifer yellow iodoacetamide (LY) was used as a fluorescence marker. The heat-sensitive liposomes exploit the temperature-dependence of critical micellar concentrations of the poloxamer, F127. LY release from unilamellar liposomes at different temperatures was measured. Onset of LY release occurred near 33 °C, and reached plateau above 42 °C when 90% of the LY was released. Temperature-treated liposomes were mixed with CT-26 cells to measure the binding of the released LY to cell surface. Temperature-dependency of cell-bound LY corresponds to the release curve. CT-26 tumors were grown subcutaneously in both hind legs of Balb/c mice. Mice received heat-sensitive or plain liposomes via tail vein injections, or no liposomes. For each mouse, one tumor was kept at 31.5 °C, while the counterlateral tumor was heated to 42 °C during injection and for 30 min after. LY released in tumors was determined from fluorescence intensity. Tumors receiving heat-sensitive liposomes plus heat treatment showed 2.5-fold greater fluorescence than all other tumors, which were at the background level. This study demonstrates the possible use of poloxamer-containing liposomes as a heat-sensitive drug delivery system in vivo.
Thermofiltration in hypercholesterolemia treatment: analysis of removal and posttreatment cholesterol recovery

Thermofiltration, a system of membrane plasmapheresis for LDL apheresis, is used to treat patients with refractory hyperlipidemia. In this system, the separated plasma is warmed to or above physiologic temperature, filtered with a membrane filter, and returned to the patient on-line. Plasma infusion products are not required. In this study one calculated plasma volume was treated weekly, biweekly, or monthly in patients classified as type II hypercholesterolemic. Reduction and sieving of lipoproteins were evaluated. The reduction ratios of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) were 0.30 +/- 0.06 and 0.58 +/- 0.05, respectively (mean +/- S.D.). Sieving coefficients of the plasma filter for HDLc and LDLc were 0.62 +/- 0.12 and 0.03 +/- 0.02, respectively (mean +/- S.D. of 31 treatments). To evaluate the posttreatment recovery the apparent fractional catabolic rates (FCRa) for total cholesterol and LDLc were calculated. FCRa was 0.151 +/- 0.06 and 0.148 +/- 0.06 day-1 for total cholesterol and LDLc, respectively. The ratio of the posttreatment concentration on the seventh day to the concentration immediately pretreatment was found to be significantly higher for HDLc than for LDLc, 0.92 +/- 0.8 vs. 0.77 +/- 0.1 (mean +/- S.D.), due to faster HDLc recovery. The ratio of LDLc/HDLc was lowered for up to 2 weeks after the treatments.
SIMULATION OF FIELD EMISSION FROM SILICON: SELF‐CONSISTENT CORRECTIONS USING THE WIGNER DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION

In this work we outline the methodology by which the Wigner Distribution Function (WDF) may be applied to the simulation of field emission from silicon into the vacuum so that the effects of self‐consistently calculated band bending and scattering on the current‐field characteristics may be assessed. For the first time, current saturation‐like effects are simulated. We analyze this in light of the behavior of the self‐consistent potential and density profiles at high applied fields.
Infertility and the environment: the medical context

Approximately 10 to 15% of the population experiences infertility. Although 85 to 90% of couples or individuals who experience infertility have a diagnosis for their infertility underlying causes of infertility rarely are found. Extensive literature reporting adverse effects of environmental contaminants on wildlife and laboratory animal reproductive tract development and reproductive function and epidemiologic studies with humans suggests that many environmental chemicals and heavy metals may contribute to infertility. This article introduces the medical context in which infertility patients are evaluated and lays the foundation for health care professional and patient conversations and medical education regarding environmental contaminants and human reproductive health for the future. (authors)
Co-occurrence of substance P-like and Leu-enkephalin-like immunoreactivities in neurones and fibres of avian nervous system.

Neuropeptides are frequently found in neurones that also contain another putative transmitter substance such as a biogenic amine or acetylcholine1–5. Such co-existence has led to the suggestion that the roles of neuropeptides in the nervous system may be diverse and may in some systems include a part in conventional neurotransmission as well as an ancillary, or modulatory, role. Recently, several studies have noted the co-occurrence of two peptides within individual neurones of localized regions of the mammalian nervous system6–9. Here, we present the first evidence, based on an indirect immunofluorescence technique allowing the simultaneous visualization of separate tissue antigens, that substance P (SP) and Leu-enkephalin (L-Enk) co-occur within individual neurones of widespread regions of the avian central nervous system.
Anthropology and West African Development: A Political Economic Critique and Auto-Critique

Anthropologists are exploring ways to increase the impact of the discipline on public policy, notably development policy. Sponsors of the panel, "Conflict and Compromise: Perspectives on the Practice of Anthropology" at the 1987 AAA meetings suggest that despite 25 years of practice development anthropology has had minimal impact on policy. Here, cases in which anthropologists have had a significant impact on development policy in West Africa are documented. Some situational and historical constraints to greater impact are then identified; other serious structural problems are explored. A fundamental problem is that development policy is carried out under a paradigm which assumes that Third World populations should adapt to the conditions of production and reproduction imposed by capitalism. Anthropologists who merely accept this paradigm compromise scientific standards and their professional ethics. Improved scientific credibility, greater professional impact, and more ethical practice may be obtained by...
A new approach to mammalian cranial analysis, illustrated by examples of prosimian primates

Latex endocranial casts, which may be made without damaging the skull, reveal much of the information provided by a hemisected skull. Examination of drawings of endocasts superimposed on skulls may provide insight into the biological significance of skull and brain morphology. The high degree of cranial flexion and the globose brain shape of Daubentonia appear to be related to the functional demands of its gnawing mechanism. The broad frontal lobes of indriids are correlated with orbital orientation; differences in frontal lobe sulcal pattern suggest greater elaboration of the motor filed for the hand in indriids than in lemurids. Several features of lorisid cranial anatomy are discussed. It is suggested that, as a first approximation, increased splanchnocranial declination in small prosimians results from the necessity of accommodating relatively large eyes in a skull with a relatively small splanchnocranium.
Apps for improving cardiac auscultation

Cardiac auscultation skills amongst many physicians are lacking. This brief report discusses 2 mobile apps designed to improve cardiac auscultation skills.
Some Predictions on the Performance of Future Supercomputers for Simulation and Control

This talk will discuss what is meant by a supercomputer, some of the reasons why their performance is not as high as we would like, some techniques for improving this performance, and finally some predictions of how fast they will become in the near future, and what sorts of interesting and entertaining things we can do with these faster machines.
Evaluation of sandwich panels with various polyurethane foam-cores and ribs

The objective of this study was to evaluate three potential core alternatives for glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) foam-core sandwich panels. The proposed system could reduce the initial production costs and the manufacturing difficulties while improving the system performance. Three different polyurethane foam configurations were considered for the inner core, and the most suitable system was recommended for further prototyping. These configurations consisted of high-density polyurethane foam (Type 1), a bidirectional gridwork of thin, interconnecting, GFRP webs that is in-filled with lowdensity polyurethane foam (Type 2), and trapezoidal-shaped, low-density polyurethane foam utilizing GFRP web layers (Type 3). The facings of the three cores consisted of three plies of bidirectional E-glass woven fabric within a compatible polyurethane resin. Several types of small-scale experimental investigations were conducted. The results from this study indicated that the Types 1 and 2 cores were very weak and flexible making their implementation in bridge deck panels less practical. The Type 3 core possessed a higher strength and stiffness than the other two types. Therefore, this type is recommended for the proposed sandwich system to serve as a candidate for further development. Additionally, a finite element model (FEM) was developed using software package ABAQUS for the Type 3 system to further investigate its structural behavior. This model was successfully compared to experimental data indicating its suitability for parametric analysis of panels and their design.
Regulation of coelomic chloride and osmolarity in nereis virens in response to low salinities

Abstract 1. 1. Osmolarity and chloride concentration were measured in coelomic fluid samples taken from Nereis virens acclimated to salinities ranging from 62 to 688 mOsm osmotic content and 28 to 281 mM chloride content. 2. 2. Above 290 mOsm, N. virens is a hyperosmotic conformer. 3. 3. Below 290 mOsm and 156 mM Cl−, N virens regulates both coelomic osmolarity and chloride.
Relation of dietary restraint to bulimic symptomatology: the effects of the criterion confounding of the Restraint Scale.

Studies indicate that various measures of dietary restraint show inconsistent relations to bulimic symptomatology. The present study tested the assertion that this is because the scales differ in the extent to which they reflect the success or failure of dietary efforts. This study also tested the competing hypothesis that criterion confounding of the Restraint Scale produced the inconsistent findings. Data from 117 undergraduates indicated that both the Restraint Scale and the Dutch Restrained Eating Scale were correlated with bulimic pathology, but that the magnitude to the relations were higher for the former. These results supported the dietary success-failure hypothesis, however, this difference disappeared when the two disinhibited eating items from the Restraint Scale were deleted. Thus, the inconsistent findings in prior research appear to be due to the criterion confounding of the Restraint Scale. Implications for the measurement of restraint are discussed.
Effects of detergents on Ca2+-activated neural proteinase activity (Calpain) in neural and non-neural tissue : a comparative study

Calcium activated neutral proteinase (mcalpain) activity was determined in brain and other tissue of rat. More than 60% of the brain mcalpain activity was present in the particulate fraction while only 30% was in cytosol. In contrast, particulate fractions of liver, kidney, muscle, and heart contained about 8–12% of tissue mcalpain activity while 88% was present in cytosol. Removal of the endogenous inhibitor calpastatin increased the tissue mcalpain activity severalfold. Triton X-100 and deoxycholate (DOC) stimulated the neural calpain activity by ten-fold while activity in non-neural tissue was unaffected. Incubation with other detergents, e.g. Triton N-57 and thioglucopyranoside, stimulated brain calpain activity five-fold while Brij-35 did not have any effect. Sodiumdodecylsulphate (SDS), on the other hand, inhibited the enzyme activity. Brain contained the lowest calpain activity compared to non-neural tissue. The calpain activity in muscle, kidney and heart was three-fold greater than liver. Immunoblot identification of the enzyme revealed that calpain was predominantly in the particulate fraction and less in cytosol of brain while it was present mainly in cytosol and less in the pellet fractions of non-neural tissue.
Optical functions of nanocrystalline ZnO containing voidsand doped with Ga

The pulsed laser deposited nanocrystalline ZnO films doped by Ga up to six weight percent are studied by X-ray difraction and generalized spectro-ellipsometry. We report substantial atomic structure modification of heavy Ga-doped ZnO resulted and a concentration dependent increase of inter-planar distance. Measured dielectric function spectra show strong blue-shift of the samples studied. Equilibrium atomic configurations and electron energy structure of ZnO containing defects (voids and Ga impurities) are studied by the density functional theory (DFT) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Atomic geometries are obtained from the total energy minimization method. Optical functions are calculated within the random phase approximation including the quasi-particles corrections and plasma excitation effects. We report energetically favorable paths of the voids growth and aggregation in ZnO. Comparative analysis of experimental and theoretical results indicate that measured blue-shift in ZnO:Ga substantially exceeds the Burstein-Moss shift as used in many previous work to interpret concentration dependence of optical functions in heavy doped ZnO. We demonstrate that additional mechanisms, such as structural and alloying effect, should be involved for quantitative interpretation of optics of the nano-crystalline heavy-doped ZnO films.
Tinkering and Technical Self-Efficacy of Engineering Students at the Community College

Self-efficacy in engineering is important because individuals with low self-efficacy have lower levels of achievement and persistence in engineering majors. To examine self-efficacy among community college engineering students, an instrument to specifically measure two important aspects of engineering, tinkering and technical self-efficacy, was given to 94 students. Items on the instrument measured students’ self-perception of abilities in engineering. These items were identified by members of the American Association of Engineering Education as critical to success in engineering. The items included such statements as “I can think outside the box” (Tinkering Scale), and “I can communicate ideas and concepts to others” (Technical Scale). Out of a possible 120 points, the mean score for the Technical Scale was 86.8 and 91.9 for the Tinkering Scale. Low self-efficacy was reported for items on the Tinkering Scale in trouble shooting and generating solutions to problems as well as understanding mechanisms and ...
An intrafascicular electrode for recording of action potentials in peripheral nerves

We are developing a new type of bipolar recording electrode intended for implantation within individual fascicles of mammalian peripheral nerves. In the experiments reported here we used electrodes fabricated from 25 microns diameter Pt wire, 50 microns 90% Pt-10% Ir wire and 7 microns carbon fibers. The electrodes were implanted in the sciatic nerves of rats and in the ulnar nerves of cats. The signal-to-noise ratio of recorded activity induced by nonnoxious mechanical stimulation of the skin and joints was studied as a function of the type of electrode material used, the amount of insulation removed from the recording zone, and the longitudinal separation of the recording zones of bipolar electrode pairs. Both acute and short term (two day) chronic experiments were performed. The results indicate that a bipolar electrode made from Teflon-insulated, 25 microns diameter, 90% Pt-10% Ir wire, having a 1-2 mm long recording zone, can be used for recording of peripheral nerve activity when implanted with one wire inside the fascicle and the other lead level with the first lead, but outside the fascicle. No insulating cuff needs to be placed around the nerve trunk.
Sport-Specific Training Targeting the Proximal Segments and Throwing Velocity in Collegiate Throwing Athletes

Context: The ability to generate, absorb, and transmit forces through the proximal segments of the pelvis, spine, and trunk has been proposed to influence sport performance, yet traditional training techniques targeting the proximal segments have had limited success improving sport-specific performance. Objective: To investigate the effects of a traditional endurance-training program and a sport-specific power-training program targeting the muscles that support the proximal segments and throwing velocity. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: University research laboratory and gymnasium. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 46 (age = 20 ± 1.3 years, height = 175.7 ± 8.7 cm) healthy National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III female softball (n = 17) and male baseball (n = 29) players. Intervention(s): Blocked stratification for sex and position was used to randomly assign participants to 1 of 2 training groups for 7 weeks: a traditional endurance-training group (ET group; ...
Communications Using Chaotic Frequency Modulation

Chaotic Frequency Modulation (CFM) provides the basis for a nonlinear communications system with (1) good noise suppression and (2) analogue signal encryption for private and secure communications links. CFM is a generalization of conventional Wideband Frequency Modulation (WFM) where the information about modulation samples mk are contained in the lengths of the periods pk for the kth cycle of the WFM waveform. A WFM modulator produces waveform periods described by an invertible function of the form pk=F(mk). Chaotic FM uses a map of the pulse periods to produce a noise-like pulse train even with a constant signal. The basis for CFM is a function pk=F(mk; pk−1, pk−2, …, pk−i), where i is the dimensionality of the map. A practical realization for a CFM transmitter employs an autonomous chaotic relaxation oscillator (ACRO) circuit for use as a chaotic voltage-controlled oscillator (CVCO). The ACRO is simple to construct, consisting of only two capacitors, one inductor, a bistable nonlinear element, and a modulated current source. The CVCO period (pk) is a nonlinear function of the current (mk) and the two previous pulse periods. Demodulation requires the use of at least three successive waveform-periods. Experimental and theoretical studies of the CVCO circuit have shown that (1) the ACRO return maps of pulse periods are embedded in three dimensions, (2) chaotic outputs are difficult to decode without prior knowledge of the circuit parameters, and (3) demodulation may be accomplished with a digital signal processor.
Discretization effects in the fundamental matrix computation

A polyhedron represents the solution set of an approximate system modeling the epipolar constraints. We introduce a new robust approach for the computation of the fundamental matrix taking into account the intrinsic errors involved in the discretization process. The problem is modeled as an approximate equation system and reduced to a linear programming form. This approach is able to compute the solution set instead of trying to compute only a single vertex of the solution polyhedron as in previous approaches. Outliers are considered as sample point matches whose errors are much bigger that the expected uncertainty e. We suggest ways to deal with outliers and present an analysis with experiments in synthetic images.
Coenzyme A Hemithioacetals as Easily Prepared Inhibitors of CoA Ester-Utilizing Enzymes

Hemithioacetals are formed by reactions of coenzyme A (CoA) with aldehydes in aqueous solution. Equilibria for hemithioacetal formation with four commercially available aldehydes and rate constants...
New boussinesq system for nonlinear water waves

In this paper, a new Boussinesq water wave theory is derived which can simulate highly dispersive nonlinear waves, their depth-varying velocities, and wave-induced currents, from very deep, but still finite, depths through the surf zone to the shoreline.. Boussinesq scaling is employed. We removed the irrotationality assumption by using polynomial basis functions for velocity profile which are inserted into basic equations of motion. Keep terms up to the desired approximation level and solve the coupled weighted residual system together with vertically integrated mass equation. The computational cost is similar to normal Boussinesq theories although there are more unknown variables to be solved than that in normal Boussinesq models. Because we can reduce the number of the coupled equations by multiplying some coefficients and subtracting from each other which means the matix to be solved is in similar size as normal Boussinesq models. The models show rapid convergence to exact solutions for linear dispersion, shoaling, and orbital velocities; however, properties may be simultaneously and substantially improved for a given order of approximation using asymptotic rearrangements. This improvement is accomplished using the large numbers of degrees of freedom inherent in the definitions of the polynomial basis functions either to match additional terms in a Taylor series, or to minimize errors over a range. Future work will be focused on rotational performance in 2D model by including viscosity,breaking and turbulence.
Multiattribute Utility Functions Satisfying Mutual Preferential Independence

The construction of a multiattribute utility function is an important step in decision analysis. One of the most widely used conditions for constructing the utility function is the assumption of mu...
Books of Note

Abstract EARTHLY POLITICS: LOCAL AND GLOBAL IN ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE edited by Sheila Jasanoff and Marybeth Long Martello; MIT Press. Cambridge. MA. 2004; 376 pp., $67.00 cloth (ISBN 0-262-10103-3). $27.00 paper (ISBN 0-262-60059-5). URBAN SPRAWI AND PUBLIC HEALTH: DESIGNING, PLANNING, AND BUILDING FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES by Howard Frumkin, Lawrence Frank. and Richard Jackson; Island Press. Washington, DC. 2004; 288 pp., $60.00 cloth (ISBN 1-55963-912-1). $30.00 paper (ISBN 1-55963-305-0).
Selection of mutations altering specificity in restriction-modification enzymes using the bacteriophage P22 challenge-phage system☆

Abstract A method for selecting mutants of site-specific DNA-binding proteins has been applied to the study of the Eco RI and Rsr I restriction-modification enzymes. Catalytically inactive variants of both endonucleases are shown to function as pseudo-repressors in the bacteriophage P22 challenge-phage assay, and, upon further mutagenesis of the gene encoding R· Eco RI, a variant of that enzyme has been selected which appears to bind Eco RI-methylated GAATTC sequences to the exclusion of unmethylated sites: this specificity is the opposite of that belonging to the native enzyme. Variants of the Eco RI methylase have also been found that lack either catalytic activity or both binding and catalytic activities.
Long-term pulmonary consequences of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants treated with exogenous surfactant

The pulmonary outcome for preterm infants 1 years after synthetic surfactant replacement for respiratory distress syndrome was assessed by examining their pulmonary status and the results of pulmonary function tests. A total of 47 infants were followed: 13 infants mean±SD: birth weight, 1960±616 gm; gestation, 32±1.1 weeks) had been assigned to the placebo group and 34 (birth weight=1890±530 gm; gestation=32±2.5 weeks) to surfactant treatment. The infants were examined at 3 to 6 months of age (n=45) and at 9 to 12 months of age (n=36). There were no significant differences between the two groups in predisposing clinical conditions that would lead to chronic lung disease. The infants had similar patterns of growth, respiratory-related illness, and need for theophylline therapy, diuretic therapy, or both. None had hypoxemia by pulse oximetry. Mean (±SEM) values for pulmonary mechanics and energetics in surfactant-treated infants were significantly ( p 2 O/L per second). Lower values (mean±SEM) of resistive work of breathing were also measured in the surfactant-treated group (60.7±12.0 vs 38.2±3.6 gm-cm/kg per breath). The dynamic pulmonary compliance values were in the low-normal range for both groups, and the mean (±SEM) peak-to-peak esophageal pressure values were elevated (11.47±2.26 cm H 2 O in the placebo group; 9.24±0.69 cm H 2 O in the surfactant group). Forced expiratory flow measurements in late infancy demonstrated significant ( p
XML-based MPEG-4 Video Representation, Streaming and Error Resilience

A new XML-based MPEG-4 coding system for video streaming is proposed in this research. The XML technology is applied to MPEG-4 coded video contents to provide more flexibility for video manipulation. To be more specific, for every compressed video file, we generate the corresponding XML document that works as an indexing file as well as a streaming facilitator. This XML-based MPEG-4 coded bitstream can be transmitted over the high level HTTP protocol or the low level IP or RTP protocol. In this work, we will examine the design of this XML-based streaming system, including the overhead of the XML document, its transmission, the processing requirement, and error resilience, etc. Experimental results will be provided to compare the performances of the traditional MPEG-4 streaming solution and the proposed XML-based solution.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.