cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bridging the Divide: An Integrated Model of National Security Education for a New Era of International Governance

This article addresses emerging issues of the new administrative state, international governance, and the development of an institutional capacity for coordinating multiple layers of demand in a dynamic and uncertain global environment. The argument is made for a curricular redesign in the context of a transformative public administration and the development of a new model of integrated military education (inside-out-coherence) for resolving emergent problems of coordination, adaptation, and functional interdependence. The notion of inside-out-coherence is that soldiers (even though they are trained for warfare) should also be availed of critical political as well as administrative knowledge. The new military and public administrator will need to be functionally versatile, must become a master of many roles (technical, political, cultural), and must be able to innovate as well as adapt to the fluid nature of international politics. A new kind of learning is required, but how benign would it be?
CpG ODN 2006 and IL-12 are comparable for priming Th1 lymphocyte and IgG responses in cattle immunized with a rickettsial outer membrane protein in alum.

Abstract Immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides (CpG ODN) stimulate IL-12-dependent Th1 dominated cytokine and enhanced IgG responses when co-delivered with antigen to mice. However, the CpG ODN sequences that are optimal for each mammalian species may differ. Previously, we demonstrated that a CpG ODN containing the GTCGTT motif was optimal for stimulating bovine B cell proliferation, and induced IL-6, IL-12 and IFN-γ production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that the nuclease resistant phosphorothioate modified ODN 2006 (TCGTCGTTTTGTCGTTTTGTCGTT) would induce antigen-specific type 1 cytokine and enhanced IgG responses similar to those induced by IL-12. To test this adjuvant effect, calves were immunized with Anaplasma marginale major surface protein 2 (MSP2) with alum alone or combined with CpG ODN 2006, non-CpG ODN R2006 or IL-12. MSP2-specific IgG1 and IgG2 responses developed more rapidly in calves given IL-12, ODN 2006 or ODN R2006, but the highest IgG1 titers were obtained in CpG ODN-immunized calves. Antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation and frequency of IFN-γ-secreting cells were significantly increased in CpG ODN 2006- or IL-12-treated calves, and antigen-stimulated PBMC from these calves also expressed higher levels of IFN-γ transcripts and lower levels of IL-4 transcripts. No differences in IL-10 mRNA expression were detected among the groups. These results indicate that CpG ODN 2006 is an effective vaccine adjuvant for stimulating both antibody and IFN-γ mediated cellular immune responses in cattle.
Caesium-137 in dried milk products in relation to phytoclimatic zones.

A RECENT evaluation of radiological data gathered by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission's Health and Safety Laboratory includes a statement that the concentration of fission products in commercial milk is essentially independent of total rainfall1,2. However, the precipitation values were presented as arbitrary ranges and the landscape units used were not strictly biological regions. The purpose of this communication is to show that if radiological data from the same source are arranged according to natural landscape units a relationship between phytoclimatic zones and the caesium-137 content of milk is indicated.
The history of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis has claimed its victims throughout much of known human history. It reached epidemic proportions in Europe and North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, earning the sobriquet, "Captain Among these Men of Death." Then it began to decline. Understanding of the pathogenesis of tuberculosis began with the work of Theophile Laennec at the beginning of the 19th century and was further advanced by the demonstration of the transmissibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by Jean-Antoine Villemin in 1865 and the identification of the tubercle bacillus as the etiologic agent by Robert Koch in 1882. Clemens von Pirquet developed the tuberculin skin test in 1907 and 3 years later used it to demonstrate latent tuberculous infection in asymptomatic children. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries sanatoria developed for the treatment of patients with tuberculosis. The rest provided there was supplemented with pulmonary collapse procedures designed to rest infected parts of lungs and to close cavities. Public Health measures to combat the spread of tuberculosis emerged following the discovery of its bacterial cause. BCG vaccination was widely employed following World War I. The modern era of tuberculosis treatment and control was heralded by the discovery of streptomycin in 1944 and isoniazid in 1952.
Non-contact thermoacoustic imaging based on laser and microwave vibrometry

Microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging (TAI), which exploits the high resolution of ultrasound imaging and high contrast of microwave imaging, is an emerging modality in medicine. Traditional TAI employs a relatively narrow-band ultrasound transducer to detect TA signals, which requires acoustic coupling and physical contact between the transducer and the sample. In certain applications, physical contact is either undesirable or not feasible. In this paper, we investigate non-contact TAI, employing either a laser or millimeter-wave (W-band) vibrometer, to remotely detect thermoacoustic-induced surface vibrations. The sensitivity of each vibrometer was first evaluated using a 1 MHz ultrasound transducer embedded inside an Agarose™ gel. The detection thresholds for the laser and microwave vibrometers were 0.02 and 1.3 nm, respectively. The sensitivity and bandwidth of the laser vibrometer were sufficient to detect TA signals from a saline gel and produce an image of embedded Rexolite™ samples. The amplitude and frequency of the surface vibrations depended on the thickness of the gel and depth of the sample. Unlike the laser vibrometer, the W-band vibrometer did not require an optically reflective surface, performing well even with a rough surface. The two types of vibrometers, therefore, are complementary and could be especially useful for non-contact applications in medical imaging or characterization of materials in high-water content media.
The Three-Center, Four-Electron Bond in Hexacoordinated AB6-Type Main Group Molecules: An Alternative Model of Bonding without d-Orbital Participation in the Central Atom

The hexacoordinated AB6-type main group molecules have long been thought to have sp3d2 hybridization on the central atom, accounting for their molecular geometry (octahedral). However, the s-p-d hybridization does not explain how an energetically unfavorable np → nd excitation in an atom of nonmetallic elements, such as sulfur and phosphorus, can be achieved. In this article, the author has re-examined bonding in SF6 and PF6− (O h symmetry) and proposed that the linear F—S—F and F—P—F bonds in both species are formed via the overlap of the 3p orbital on the central atom with terminal ligand orbitals, resulting in a three-center, four-electron bond. This alternative model, which does not involve d orbitals in bonding, is supported by a partial charge analysis using Allen’s electronegativity approach. SF6 or PF6− can be characterized by several ionic resonance structures containing a postulated SF42+ or PF4+ cation (octet on sulfur or phosphorus). The three-center, four-electron bond model can also be used to study bonding in hexacoordinated AB5E (e.g., halogen pentafluorides) and AB4E2 (e.g., xenon tetrafluoride) explaining well the molecular geometry. The author believes that all the results will be useful in updating chemistry texts.
Aneuploidy Data Review Committee: summary compilation of chemical data base and evaluation of test methodology.

The Aneuploidy Data Review Commi.'ttee is composed of 9 working groups on different aneuploidy test systems (Dellarco et al., 1986); the reports of these working groups comprise the major part of this special issue of Mutation Research. This paper summarizes the conclusions of the committee and the data base of chemical test results. The data base on aneuploidy induction is too small at present for detailed comparisons of assay systems or assessments of chemical activity, but this systematic, critical reveiw of methodology provides guidelines for further test development and validation.
Surface parameters of clean nickel (001) determined by LEED averaging

Abstract The low-energy electron diffraction from clean Ni(001) has been studied in detail over a large range of temperature and diffraction geometries with particular emphasis on the reproducibility of the data and internal consistency of the analysis. Averaging the data at constant momentum transfer extracts the kinematic intensity for both the specular and non-specular beam. The results are analyzed to obtain both structural and electron diffraction parameters. The electron total attenuation coefficient and its energy dependence are determined from both the widths of peaks in the averaged data and from the integrated elastic intensity and are consistent with one another and with previous determinations for Ni(111) and Ni(001). While both the inner potential and the relaxation of the interplanar spacing cause shifts in peak positions, their effects can be separated in the analysis because the latter also causes changes in the relative peak intensities and in the peak shapes. The resulting inner potential, as well as its energy dependence, agree with earlier determinations for Ni(111) and with theoretical calculations to within an uncertainty of about 2 V. From analysis of peak shapes in the averaged data, it is concluded that the surface interplanar spacing is within ±4% of the bulk interplanar spacing at 380 K. This result agrees with estimates obtained from dynamical theories. It is shown that the excess atomic thermal vibrations near the surface, and not experimental uncertainties, limit the accuracy to which this spacing can be determined.
AMBIGUOUS GENITALIA IN A NEWBORN MALE WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Males with Down syndrome have been reported with cryptorchidism and hypospadias but not with frankly feminine external genitalia. We report such a patient. The 3020 g. white infant was the product of a full-term pregnancy in a 33-year-old gravida 2 para 1 mother and was noted to have dysmorphic features consistent with Down syndrome. Newborn examination by a pediatrician revealed a phallus 2 cm in length with urethral opening at its base (apparent clitoromegaly) and separate labial-scrotal folds with palpable masses (apparent testes). Systolic blood pressure was 54 mm Hg and serum sodium and potassium were 139 and 4.8 mEq/L, respectively. All concerned agreed that sex of rearing would be female. Subsequent data included a karyotype of 47, XY + 21. Plasma cortisol and serum testosterone at 8:00 a.m. were 4.2 mcg/dl and 29 mg/dl, respectively. Following the stress of venipuncture, a p.m. ACTH was 114 pg/ml and cortisol was 5.8, which increased to 43.1 mcg/dl 60 minutes after I.V. infusion of Cortrosyn. Diagnostic considerations exclude the rare, non-virilizing forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, but include a 17,20-desmolase enzyme defect in adrenal and testes. Alternatively, the ambiguous genitalia in this male patient may result from gonadotropin deficiency, or yet another rare congenital malformation association with the Down syndrome. To our knowledge, none of these associations have previously been reported.
PNL-Sandia HLW Package Interactions Test: Phase One

The first phase of a complex high-level waste (HLW) package interactions test in a salt environment has been completed. The test system consised of PNL 76-68 HLW glass (loaded with inactive fission products and /sup 238/U) surrounded by a stainless steel waste canister, a TiCode-12 overpack, a bentonite/sand backfill, excess brine leachant, and a bedded rock salt container, all held within a 19-liter autoclave. All components were physically compromised in order to force wasteform-barrier-salt interactions to occur during this 95-day, 250/sup 0/C overtest. Analyses of leachant, wasteform, and all barrier surfaces were performed. Test data included the synergistic effects between barriers and confirmed previous analyses of simpler systems. The glass wasteform exhibited some surface alteration but was not dissolved to any significant degree. The TiCode-12 overpack showed minimal uniform corrosion and no localized attack. Observed mineralogical alteration of the backfill was minimal.
Local Ownership and Radio Market Structure

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 changed the nature of radio markets. Recent policy recommendations from the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Congress have led to questions about localism in local radio markets. This study analyzes station ownership, the number of clusters, radio programming, and audience data from 32 radio markets and compares the information for the years 2000, 2004, 2007, and 2010. The results suggested a degree of stability for the types and size of radio owners, the market power of local radio clusters, and the number and type of formats.
Early effects of statins in patients with coronary artery disease and high C-reactive protein.

Statins improve survival in patients with coronary artery disease, especially those with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). Although some randomized studies have shown a delay in statin-related survival advantage of up to 2 years, recent studies demonstrated early ( 1.7 mg/dl), and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to determine timing of statin benefit in both the overall population and a propensity score-matched subgroup. Cox regressions (multivariable and propensity score approaches) were used to predict mortality. Statins were prescribed for 28.4% of patients. In the first CRP tertile, no early statin benefit was observed (adjusted hazard ratio 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30 to 1.6, p = 0.39), and survival curves separated after >2 years. However, in the second and the third tertiles, statin survival curves separated much earlier (∼3 months and 1 week, respectively) and statins predicted improved survival (second tertile: hazard ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.2, p = 0.17; third tertile: hazard ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.67, p = 0.002). Propensity score analysis confirmed both statin benefit and early timing. Thus, statin use in patients with high CRP provides not only a larger but also a significantly earlier absolute survival benefit than statin use in patients with lower CRP. This provides further evidence of an anti-inflammatory effect of statins.
Visualization of myocardial perfusion defects in single photon emission computerized (SPECT) studies

In this paper, we present a semi-automatic technique to quantize and to visualize myocardial perfusion defects volumetrically. This involves: (1) differentiating the myocardium from encroaching viscera, (2) determining the mass of myocardium, (3) locating and measuring the perfusion defects, and (4) graphically rendering them. First, to differentiate between myocardium and other thoracic structures, we introduce the concept of Maximum Intensity Surface Segmentation (MISS). By locating local maximums in our cardiac Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) image and connecting ones sufficiently close together, we generate the basic shape of the myocardium and the encroaching ones sufficiently close together, we generate the basic shape of the myocardium and the encroaching structures. Second, with the shape of the myocardium determined, we then measure the thickness at each point of the heart wall. Fitting bicubic splines to the measured myocardial thicknesses, we create smooth epicardial and endocardial boundaries for both normal and abnormal regions. Third, using a thresholding technique based on the maximal myocardial activity, we determine the abnormal regions. Finally, with the abnormal regions and the myocardial mass determined, we can calculate the abnormality's size as a percentage of the total myocardial mass. By providing quantitative measurements, our technique meets the physician's long standing need for a volumetric quantitation of the size of myocardial perfusion abnormalities.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of rhizome size, depth of planting and cold storage on Miscanthus x giganteus establishment in the Midwestern USA

High-yielding perennial grasses have been touted as ideal candidates for widespread commercial bioenergy production due to the combination of high productivity and low inputs. Recent research on Miscanthus x giganteus has shown it to be a particularly attractive option for biomass production in the Midwestern USA, however no previous research has been done on optimizing the establishment of M. x giganteus under the growing environment within the Midwest. In side-by-side replicated field experiments, the optimal rhizome size and planting depth of M. x giganteus rhizomes was determined in Urbana, IL USA. In a glasshouse study, the effect of cold storage over time was determined on M. x giganteus rhizomes. Results of this study suggest that to maximize above-ground biomass production of M. x giganteus in the establishment year, rhizomes should be 60–75 g, planted to a depth of 10 cm and kept in cold storage for as little time as possible. These results provide necessary data for maximizing the likelihood of establishing commercially viable M. x giganteus production from rhizome propagation in an area that is projected to be a major contributor to renewable energy goals in the U.S.A.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Isothermal Redox Cycling of Ceria for Solar Fuel Production

A thermodynamic analysis of continuous fuel production by redox cycling of ceria in a single solar reactor under isothermal conditions is presented. Ceria is partially reduced in a sweep gas flow of purified nitrogen and reoxidized with either steam or carbon dioxide to produce hydrogen or carbon monoxide, respectively. The sweep gas and oxidizer flows are preheated by the product gases. The influence of selected process parameters, including operating temperature, pressure, and the effectiveness of heat recovery, on the solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency is determined. For a solar concentration ratio of 3000, typical of state-of-the-art solar dish concentrators, and operating temperature of 1773 K, 95.5% of the available gas-phase heat must be recovered to reach conversion efficiencies of 10% and 18% for hydrogen and carbon monoxide production, respectively, assuming the flow rate of inert sweep gas is equivalent to that in a counter-current flow arrangement of gas and ceria. The efficiency depends stro...
Superfluid critical behavior in 4He-filled porous media.

We have observed sharp cusplike heat-capacity singularities, coincident with the superfluid transition, in two {sup 4}He-filled aerogel glasses. These features are interpreted as conclusive evidence of genuine critical behavior at the superfluid transition in these systems. The cusplike heat-capacity singularities confirm that {sup 4}He-filled aerogels are not in the same universality class as bulk helium.
In vivo labeling of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in brain with [3H]epibatidine

In vivo imaging of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in brain has been hampered by lack of an adequate radioligand. In the present study, [3H]epibatidine was administered to mice intravenously, and its time-course in brain regions and sensitivity to blockade by nicotinic drugs were studied. The distribution of radioligand accumulation in brain, and the pharmacological characteristics of binding indicate that radiolabeled forms of epibatidine would be exceptionally promising ligands for the study of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in vivo.
Seasonal changes in Arctic sea-ice morphology

The morphology of the Arctic sea-ice cover undergoes large changes over an annual cycle. These changes have a significant impact on the heat budget of the ice cover, primarily by affecting the distribution of the solar radiation absorbed in the ice-ocean system. In spring, the ice is snow-covered and ridges are the prominent features. The pack consists of large angular floes, with a small amount of open water contained primarily in linear leads. By the end of summer the ice cover has undergone a major transformation. The snow cover is gone, many of the ridges have been reduced to hummocks and the ice surface is mottled with melt ponds. One surface characteristic that changes little during the summer is the appearance of the bare ice, which remains white despite significant melting. The large floes have broken into a mosaic of smaller, rounded floes surrounded by a lace of open water. Interestingly, this break-up occurs during summer when the dynamic forcing and the internal ice stress are small During the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) field experiment we had an opportunity to observe the break-up process both on a small scale from the ice surface, and on a larger scale via aerial photographs. Floe break-up resulted in large part from thermal deterioration of the ice. The large floes of spring are riddled with cracks and leads that formed and froze during fall, winter and spring. These features melt open during summer, weakening the ice so that modest dynamic forcing can break apart the large floes into many fragments. Associated with this break-up is an increase in the number of floes, a decrease in the size of floes, an increase in floe perimeter and an increase in the area of open water.
City-County Consolidation and the Rebuilding of Image: The Fiscal Lessons from Indianapolis's UniGov Program

seek to manage rapidgrowth, as well as in those that strug-gle to attract development, commu-nity leaders frequently discuss the need fornew governance systems to meet the complexproblems generated by development or itsabsence. The search for reforms for any areausually includes an a ssessment of Indianap-olis’s experience with unified government, orUniGov. Indianapolis was not the first city tobe joined to suburban areas but was one ofthree major consolidation, or merger, experi-ments in the 1960s and 1970s. The relevancyof Indianapolis’s effort to today’s New Re-gionalism lies in its objective to facilitate ac-tivities that would permit a diverse commu-nity or set of communities to achieve citywide,if not regional, goals (Nunn and Rosentraub1997; ACIR 1987; 1988; 1992). Indianap-olis’s specific contribution to the experimentin governance models was a city-county con-solidation program that co ncentrated a lim-ited or select group of urban services at theregional (defined as county) level while per-mitting most other critical urban services tobe delivered by administra tions and agencies
An enlarged Universe

The Expanding Universe: Astronomy's ‘Great Debate’ 1900–1931. By Robert W. Smith. Pp.220. ISBN 0-521-23212-0. (Cambridge University Press: 1982.) £19, $29.50.
Prediction of lateral distribution of vehicular live loads on bridges with unequally spaced girders

Abstract A more rational and accurate approach for predicting the lateral distribution of vehicular live loads on unequally spaced bridge girders is presented. Modeling of bridge deck and girders is discussed in detail. A better method of deriving the live-load distribution factor is introduced. Both maximum moment condition and maximum shear condition are considered in the derivation of the distribution factors. The derived distribution factors from the present study are compared with those determined from the simplified methods (empirical formulas) as adopted in the current bridge design code. Applicability of the code formulas is carefully examined, and advantages of the proposed refined approach are shown. The paper concludes with a number of real bridge examples.
The Bacillus subtilis Chemoreceptor McpC Senses Multiple Ligands Using Two Discrete Mechanisms

Bacillus subtilis can perform chemotaxis toward all 20 l-amino acids normally found in proteins. Loss of a single chemoreceptor, McpC, was previously found to reduce chemotaxis to 19 of these amino acids. In this study, we investigated the amino acid-sensing mechanism of McpC. We show that McpC alone can support chemotaxis to 17 of these amino acids to varying degrees. Eleven amino acids were found to directly bind the amino-terminal sensing domain of McpC in vitro. Sequence analysis indicates that the McpC sensing domain exhibits a dual Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain structure. Using this structure as a guide, we were able to isolate mutants that suggest that four amino acids (arginine, glutamine, lysine, and methionine) are sensed by an indirect mechanism. We identified four candidate binding lipoproteins associated with amino acid transporters that may function in indirect sensing: ArtP, GlnH, MetQ, and YckB. ArtP was found to bind arginine and lysine; GlnH, glutamine; MetQ, methionine; and YckB, tryptophan. In addition, we found that ArtP, MetQ, and YckB bind the sensing domain of McpC, suggesting that the three participate in the indirect sensing of arginine, lysine, methionine, and possibly tryptophan as well. Taken together, these results further our understanding of amino acid chemotaxis in B. subtilis and gain insight into how a single chemoreceptor is able to sense many amino acids.
A new approach for a proxy-level web caching mechanism

In this study we propose a new proxy-level web caching mechanism that takes into account aggregate patterns observed in user object requests. Our integrated caching mechanism consists of a quasi-static portion that exploits historical request patterns, as well as a dynamic portion that handles deviations from normal usage patterns. This approach is more comprehensive than existing mechanisms because it captures both the static and the dynamic dimensions of user web requests. The performance of our mechanism is empirically tested against the popular least recently used (LRU) caching policy using an actual proxy trace dataset. The results demonstrate that our mechanism performs favorably versus LRU. Our caching approach should be beneficial for computer network administrators to significantly reduce web user delays due to increasing traffic on the Internet.
RESPONSE FORMAT AND CODING PROCEDURES IN RESEARCH ON TIME PERSPECTIVE: A METHODOLOGICAL COMMENTARY

The dimension of time perspective for extension of personal future was examined as it may be affected by response format and coding procedures. A total of 75 undergraduate students responded to a questionnaire containing one of three formats for reporting anticipated future life-events, varying in the structure imposed on responding. Temporal estimates of life-event occurrence were coded using two procedures, each of which permitted a near and a far value. Analyses suggest that the greatest degree of caution should occur in considering the representativeness of far estimates of extension provided under an open-event format. While coding procedures each produced a significant near/far difference, cross-procedure comparisons were not as impressive, despite also being significant. Questions can therefore be raised regarding techniques for obtaining time perspective data and preparing them for analysis.
Guided by Intention: Preschoolers' Imitation Reflects Inferences of Causation.

Object use is a ubiquitous characteristic of the human species, and learning how objects function is a fundamental part of development. In this article the authors examine the role that intentionality plays in children's understanding of causal relationships during observational learning of object use. Children observed demonstrations in which causally irrelevant and causally relevant actions were performed to achieve a desired goal. The intentionality of these actions was manipulated using verbal markers. Irrelevant actions were performed either intentionally (“There!”) or accidentally (“Whoops! I didn't mean to do that!”). Three-, 4-, and 5-year-olds, but not 2-year-olds, were less likely to imitate causally irrelevant actions performed accidentally than when they were performed intentionally. This suggests that older children used intentionality to guide causal inference and perceived intentional actions as causally effective and accidental actions as causally ineffective. Findings are discussed from a...
Ultrasonic Study of Three-Phonon Interactions. II. Experimental Results

The intersection of two pulsed ultrasonic beams in isotropic solids is described as an experimental technique capable of yielding direct evidence of certain three-phonon interaction effects. It is shown that a third beam of reasonable intensity is generated at the volume of interaction only when energy and momentum are conserved between the three beams. Polarization effects and beam intensity relationships are in agreement with theoretical predictions. The four-phonon interaction is also examined by ultrasonic techniques, and the process is shown to be much weaker than the three-phonon interaction.
Diagnostic flexible peritoneoscopy: assessment of the contralateral internal inguinal ring during unilateral herniorrhaphy.

Abstract Background : Inguinal hernia is the most common pediatric surgical condition, with 75% of cases presenting unilaterally. No diagnostic study exists to determine preoperatively which children are at risk for subsequent contralateral hernia. The literature is not clear in advising whether surgeons should explore the contralateral side at the time of initial unilateral herniorrhaphy. Methods : Twenty-four patients presenting clinically with a unilateral hernia underwent flexible peritoneoscopy by isolation of the ipsilateral hernia sac and placement of a flexible cystoscope into the peritoneal cavity. After establishing a CO 2 pneumoperitoneum, the contralateral side is checked for patency of the internal inguinal ring. Results : Our study found an open internal inguinal ring in 4 of 24 patients examined (16.7%). The other 20 patients were spared the usual routine contralateral exploration. An open contralateral internal inguinal ring was appreciated in two of nine (22.2%) left herniorrhaphy and 2 of 15 (13.3%) right herniorrhaphy patients. This technique requires an average of 4.5 minutes to perform. With 18- to 32-month follow-up, no hernias have developed on the contralateral side. Conclusion : Diagnostic flexible peritoneoscopy is safe, quick, simple, and could be used to evaluate the contralateral internal inguinal ring in unilateral pediatric herniorrhaphy patients.
Elevated expression of the proapoptotic BCL-2 family member, BAK, in the human endometrium coincident with apoptosis during the secretory phase of the cycle

Abstract Objective: To characterize the distribution of BAK (BCL-2 homologous antagonist/killer) protein in the human endometrium relative to the occurrence of apoptosis. Design: A prospective, controlled study. Setting: An academic hospital. Patient(s): Premenopausal women with histologically normal endometrium who were undergoing hysterectomy and curettage. Intervention(s): Endometrial tissues were collected. Main Outcome Measure(s): Detection of BAK protein by immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses, and of apoptosis by in situ DNA end-labeling. Result(s): BAK protein was detected in secretory endometrium and was confined to the glandular epithelial cells of the functionalis layer. Immunoreactive BAK was absent from most of the cells of the proliferative endometrium. By immunoblot analysis, we confirmed the immunohistochemical data by demonstrating that a 30-kD protein corresponding to BAK was elevated in lysates prepared from secretory, as compared with proliferative, endometrium. The elevated levels of BAK coincided with the onset of apoptosis in endometrial glandular epithelial cells during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. Conclusion(s): BAK protein localizes to glandular epithelial cells on the verge of apoptosis in the human endometrium. Thus, BAK likely functions with other members of the BCL-2 family in the regulation of apoptosis in the human uterus.
Energy Efficient Data Centers Using Evaporative Cooling and Air Side Economizers

Information Technology (IT) data centers consume a large amount of electricity in the US and world-wide. Cooling has been found to contribute about one third of this energy use. The two primary contributors to the data center cooling energy use are the refrigeration chiller (about 50% of cooling) and the Computer Room Air Conditioning units (about 33% of cooling). This paper focuses on a data center configuration that eliminates the use of the chiller plant thereby yielding substantial energy savings. One method of eliminating the chiller plant is to directly pump outdoor air into a data center with some amount of conditioning (particulate filtration). This configuration is can be called Direct Air Side Economizer (ASE). Since computer equipment is usually designed with the assumption that the rack air inlet temperatures are in the 15–32 °C range, the use of ASE is constrained to use only in those geographies where the outdoor air conditions allow such direct air use. One method to reduce the sensible air temperature of the outdoor air that is being ducted into a data center room is water evaporation directly into the air stream. Such a method can be called Evaporative Air Side Economizer (EASE). This paper discusses the benefits of EASE data center configurations in the context of the climate in the USA and realizable energy savings compared with traditional chiller plant based cooling loops. Hour by hour outdoor air temperature data for a typical year and psychometric charts are utilized in conjunction with simple transfer functions to model cooling via evaporative media. Phoenix, a US city in a hot climate is used to illustrate the use of the relatively new method of data center cooling. A comparison to the traditional chiller plant based approach resulted in about 30% of energy savings at the data center level.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Assessment of frequency, transmission, and genitourinary complications of enterobiasis (pinworms).

Background Pinworms are the most common helminth infection in the USA and Western Europe, with prevalence rates in some communities of as high as 30–50%. Pinworms generally live in the gastrointestinal tract, and helminth infestations have been noted in over one-quarter of acute appendectomies on histologic examination. Results & Conclusions Although transmission is often attributed to the ingestion of infective eggs by nail biting and inadequate hand washing, inhalation and ingestion of airborne eggs also occur. The female Enterobius vermicularis migrates nightly to the perianal area to deposit her eggs, but some worms find their way into adjacent orifices, most commonly the female genitourinary tract, producing an array of symptoms. More consideration of this entity is justified in patients presenting with genitourinary complaints not responding to normal therapies. In the treatment of pinworms affecting genitourinary organs, treatment with possibly two oral agents, namely mebendazole and ivermectin, and a topical therapy for the eggs may be warranted.
Concerning the existence of rare light nuclei

Abstract Excellent agreement is obtained in a comparison of experimental results with the predictions of A. I. Baz' concerning the masses of rare light nuclei with a large neutron or proton excess.
Regulation of intestinal glutamine absorption by transforming growth factor-beta

Abstract Introduction: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a central role in regulating intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, migration and wound repair but its regulatory effects on mucosal cell amino acid transport have not been well studied. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the regulation mechanisms and intracellular signaling pathways involved in the regulation of TGF-β on glutamine transport in cultured intestinal cells. Methods: [ 3 H]-L-glutamine (50 μM) transport activity and mRNA levels for the intestinal glutamine transporter ATB 0 were measured in cultured intestinal Caco-2 cells. Cells were treated with TGF-β (0 – 50 ng/ml), inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) MEK1 (PD 98059, 0 – 50 μM), the MAPK p38 (SB 203580, 0–10 μM), as well as actinomycin-D (0 – 1 μM) and cycloheximide (0 – 20 μM). Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results: Continuous incubation with IGF-2 stimulated glutamine transport activity in Caco-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Prolonged incubation (up to 12 hours) resulted in a 50% increase in transport activity (0.93 ± 0.20 nmole/mg protein/minute in TGF-β vs. 0.61 ± 0.17 nmole/mg protein/minute in control) and a 1.8-fold increase of glutamine transporter ATB 0 mRNA levels. TGF-β stimulated transport activity by increasing transport maximal capacity (Vmax 9.21 ± 0.51 nmole/mg protein/minute in TGF-β vs. 5.91 ± 0.34 nmole/mg protein/minute in control) without affecting the transport affinity (Km 290 ± 40 μM glutamine in TGF-β vs 305 ± 34 μM glutamine in controls, p = NS). This TGF-β induced glutamine transport activity was individually attenuated by inhibitors of transcription (actinomycin-D), translation (cycloheximide), and MAPK MEK1 (PD 98059). Mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 inhibitor SB 203580 had no effect on this TGF-β stimulation of glutamine transport activity. Conclusion: TGF-β stimulates intestinal glutamine uptake in cultured human intestinal epithelial cells via a mechanism that involves activation of transcription of the transporter gene and translation of the transporter protein. Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK1 cascade is involved in the regulation. This increase in glutamine uptake may occur to support intestinal cell homeostasis and wound repair.
Introducing computer science to K-12 through a summer computing workshop for teachers

In this paper, we describe a one-week summer computing workshop for teachers to improve computer science education in K-12. Our workshop focuses on using Scratch and Alice, two programs used to make simple games and animations, to introduce computing concepts to teachers in computer, technology, math, and science at all K-12 levels to expose students to computing at an early age and to reach more students. During the workshop the teachers developed curriculum materials for the subjects they will teach in the following semesters with the help of our workshop tutors. We present our workshop strategies, lessons learned, and assessment results in this paper.
AMG by element agglomeration and constrained energy minimization interpolation

This paper studies AMG (algebraic multigrid) methods that utilize energy minimization construction of the interpolation matrices locally, in the setting of element agglomeration AMG. The coarsening in element agglomeration AMG is done by agglomerating fine-grid elements, with coarse element matrices defined by a local Galerkin procedure applied to the matrix assembled from the individual fine-grid element matrices. This local Galerkin procedure involves only the coarse basis restricted to the agglomerated element. To construct the coarse basis, one exploits previously proposed constraint energy minimization procedures now applied to the local matrix. The constraints are that a given set of vectors should be interpolated exactly, not only globally, but also locally on every agglomerated element. The paper provides algorithmic details, as well as a convergence result based on a ''local-to-global'' energy bound of the resulting multiple-vector fitting AMG interpolation mappings. A particular implementation of the method is illustrated with a set of numerical experiments.
What's in a war?: Politics as war, war as politics

. This paper combines reflections on the current “state of war” in the Middle East with an epistemological discussion of the meaning and implications of the category “war” itself, in order to dissipate the confusions arising from the idea of a “War on Terror.” The first part illustrates the insufficiency of the ideal type involved in dichotomies which are implicit in the naming and classifications of wars. They point nevertheless to a deeper problem which concerns the antinomic character of a collective institution of violence. The second part discusses the extent to which, in spite of the historical transformations in the means and political objectives of wars, the contemporary confrontation still obeys the rules of warfare described by Clausewitz, particularly with respect to temporality (“friction”). The third part discusses “non-clausewitzian” aspects of the “new wars” defined by Martin Van Creveld and Mary Kaldor, while suggesting that they have left aside the most salient contradiction illustrated by the US interventions, which results from the combination of a claim to universal sovereignty and a reduction of war to generalized police operations.
Future directions in the study of induced plant responses to herbivory

This paper reviews current progress and makes recommendations for future studies of induced plant responses to herbivory in three research areas: the role of induction in structuring herbivore communities, costs associated with the expression of induced responses, and theory and data on the macro-evolution of induced responses. It is argued that although mechanistic approaches will be important for progress, it is also critical to maintain a holistic approach, including a consideration of field environments, multi-species interactions, and patterns over ecological and evolutionary time.
Expert Systems for the Simulation of Gas Turbine Engines

The paper deals with the possibility to develop effective Expert Systems for the simulation, the monitoring and the diagnostics of engines.The work concerns with the development of suitable Knowledge Bases and Expert Systems for different activities.The approach to the problem deals with Expert Systems for engine simulation. These Systems give the operating limits of the engine and the required control laws for reaching assigned values of performance.Other Expert Systems have been developed for fault simulation. The matrices of influence have proved to be suitable for constructing effective Knowledge Bases.Finally Expert Systems for engine diagnostics have been set-up.The paper shows in full detail the methods, the techniques and several applications of the developed codes.Copyright © 1992 by ASME
Pathology of inflammatory bowel disease in children

Summary The pathological diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease in paediatric patients is challenging, both in the differentiation from other intestinal disorders and in the distinction of the two major disease entities, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Mucosa with UC and CD shows evidence of chronic mucosal injury and variable activity. Most children with UC show a typical pattern of diffuse continuous colitis extending from the rectum and limited to the mucosa. However, a number of unusual variations (early presentation, effects of treatment, fulminant colitis, backwash ileitis, discontinuous caecal involvement and upper gastrointestinal tract inflammation) may potentially create confusion with CD. The patterns of involvement and histological appearance of mucosa with CD are more variable and subtle than UC, particularly early in the course of disease. The features most specific for CD are the presence of granulomas, extracolonic involvement, and involvement of deeper layers of the bowel wall.
Perfluorocarboxylic Acids Induce Cytochrome P450 Enzymes in Mouse Liver through Activation of PPAR-α and CAR Transcription Factors

Cytochrome p450 enzymes (Cyps) are major phase-I xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. Cyps are regulated by many environmental chemicals and drugs. However, knowledge about regulation of Cyps by perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), which are persistent in the environment, is limited. Two days after a single i.p. administration (50 mg/kg) of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) increased mRNA expression of Cyp2B10 (20-fold), 3A11 (two-fold), and 4A14 (32-fold), but not Cyp1A1/2 in mouse livers. PFDA and PFOA also markedly increased protein expression of Cyp2B (50-fold) and 4A (10-fold). PFDA increased Cyp4A14 mRNA expression at relatively low doses (0.5 mg/kg), but increased Cyp2B10 mRNA expression only at high doses (> 20 mg/kg). By using constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)-, pregnane-X receptor (PXR)-, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor alpha (PPAR)-α-, and farnesoid X receptor-null mouse models, PPAR-α and CAR were shown to play central roles in the induction of Cyps by PFDA. Specifically, PFDA increased Cyp4A14 mRNA expression in wild-type (WT) mice, but much less in PPAR-α-null mice. PFDA increased Cyp2B10 mRNA expression in WT mice, but not in CAR-null mice. In addition, PFDA increased mRNA expression and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor CAR. Therefore, the current studies provide important insight into understanding the regulatory mechanisms initiated by PFCAs, and may help to better predict and understand the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of various PFCAs. In conclusion, PFCAs increased Cyp2B10 and 4A14 expression by activating PPAR-α and CAR nuclear receptors, respectively. PPAR-α is activated at much lower doses of PFDA than CAR.
Comparisons of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Hospital-Associated MSRA Infections in Sacramento, California

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has long been a common pathogen in healthcare facilities, but in the past decade, it has emerged as a problematic pathogen in the community setting as well. A retrospective case series study of patients from whom MRSA was isolated from December 1, 2003, through May 31, 2004, was conducted at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center. Patient data were collected from electronic medical records and traditional chart reviews to determine whether MRSA acquisition was likely to have been in the community or in the hospital. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed for all confirmed isolates. Skin and soft tissue were the most common infection sites for all MRSA patients. Among the 283 MRSA infections, 127 (44.9%) were defined as community-associated (CA)-MRSA. Ninety-six percent of the CA-MRSA isolates were susceptible to clindamycin. Double-disk diffusion tests were performed to examine inducible clindamycin resistance by erythromycin induction on both CA and hospital-associated (HA) clindamycin-susceptible and erythromycin-resistant isolates. Ten percent (17 of 183) were positive. Most CA-MRSA isolates were identified by PFGE as a unique strain, genotype USA300, which was not genetically related to the predominant genotype, USA100, in the HA-MRSA isolates. Injecting drug users accounted for 49% of CA-MRSA infections but only 19% of the HA-MRSA infections (odds ratio, 4.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.4 to 7.4). Our study shows that a single clone of CA-MRSA accounts for the majority of infections. This strain originated in the community and is not related to MRSA strains from healthcare settings. Injecting drug users could be a major reservoir for CA-MRSA transmission.
Characteristics and Clinical Correlates of a Novel Thyroid-Stimulating Autoantibody

We reported a patient who gave birth to 3 children with transient neonatal hypothyroidism. She had 3 different antibodies (Ab) to the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) in her serum, viz., TSH binding-inh...