cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social isolation and performance in rehabilitation.

A NUMBER of studies have demonstrated that social isolation affects the behavior of the sick. Suchman [l] found that the discussion of symptoms, usually with a relative, was a prelude to seeking medical care for three-quarters of his respondents. The discussant usually urged the afflicted individual to seek medical care, thus implying that those who are socially isolated are less likely to be propelled toward medical treatment for their symptoms. A similar process has been observed by Freidson [2], who describes an elaborate network of lay consultation or referral which among middle class patients may serve as a bridge between the individual with symptoms and the providers of medical care. The role of social isolation as an obstacle to the utilization of medical services is demonstrated more directly by its negative association with mothers’ attendance at a well-child supervision clinic [3]. An index of alienation including a social isolation subscale was similarly found to be negatively correlated with participation in a polio immunization campaign [4]. In another study severely disabled elderly persons who were socially isolated proved less likely to seek rehabilitation than did their more socially integrated counterparts [5]. Perhaps less readily apparent is the fact that social isolation can affect not merely the seeking of treatment but also its course and outcome. Litman [6] found that orthopedically disabled patients who had engaged in little social participation prior to treatment displayed substantially less motivation in a program of physical rehabilitation than did the more sccially active patients. Sussman et al [7] reports that tuberculosis patients who did not live with a family member were significantly less likely, following treatment, to have achieved adequate medical, vocational, economic, and social rehabilitation. Bolton et al [8] found that having dependents was conducive to successful vocational rehabilitation. Roth and Eddy [9] describe the manner in which lack of social contacts raises the odds against a successful outcome for patients with a variety of ailments in the rehabilitation ward of a large public hospital. A similar finding with respect to the maintenance of rehabilitation gains by chronically ill patients after discharge has been reported [lo]. Coser [I l] found that hospitalized
Five-year Results of Preoperative Paclitaxel with Concurrent Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Pathological Response Predicts for Survival

Materials/Methods: One hundred five patients with LABC (white 46%, non-white 54%), from three different academic institutions, University of Southern California (33), New York University (36), and Vanderbilt (36), were treated neo-adjuvantly with a regimen that combined paclitaxel and concurrent radiotherapy. Paclitaxel dose (30 mg/m) was given intravenously twice a week for 10-12 weeks, with daily radiotherapy to the breast, axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes during weeks 2-7. Radiation dose was 1.8 Gy per fraction to a total dose of 45 Gy with an additional tumor boost of 14 Gy at 2 Gy /fraction. After completion of chemoradiation, pathological response in the breast and axillary lymph nodes was assessed at definitive cancer surgery. Post-operative treatment was left to the discretion of the treating physician.
Agricultural Loan Repayment Performance and its Determinants in the Rural Credit Markets of Imo State, Nigeria

The repayment performance of a total sample of two hundred and twenty (220) rural household agricultural loan beneficiaries from the rural credit markets in Imo State of Nigeria from a study conducted between October 1998 and March 1999 show an overall high repayment percentage of 78.33% with a default rate of about 21.67%. This is adjudged to be very good when compared with results of similar studies which previously reported repayment performance rates as low as 1.05% (1990), 27% (1991) and 33.72% (1991) respectively. Furthermore, this study also reveals that the major repayment determinants of loan repayment of rural borrowers in the rural credit markets include; the amount of loan borrowed, age and the literacy level of the loan beneficiaries as well as the level of loan supervision. Key words: Loan repayment, Credit markets, loan default, determinants [IJARD Vol.3 2002: 37-45]
A "somatic alphabet" approach to "sensitive skin"

The sense of touch is one of the most important sensory system in humans. This paper describes an initial step toward the realization of a fully "sensitive skin" for robots in which somatic sensors of varying modalities such as touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception combine, as if letters in an alphabet, to create a more vivid depiction of the world and foster richer human robot interactions. We have developed a new "sensitive" hand, covered in a lifelike silicone "skin" to explore the importance of touch and the formation of the somatic alphabet in the context of our humanoid robot, Leonardo. From initial tests the populations of these sensors show the potential for similar performance to both the mechanoreceptors in human skin and the cortical neurons in the somatosensory cortex.
GENOMIC CLONING AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE MURINE POLYMERIC RECEPTOR (PIGR) GENE AND PROMOTER REGION

Abstract The role of the polymeric receptor (pIgR) is to transport polymeric IgA across various mucosal epithelial layers. Although several mammalian pIgR cDNAs, including mouse, have been cloned, genomic structure has only been partially analyzed in the human, and neither its 5′-upstream region nor its transcriptional start site is known. We report the isolation and characterization of the murine pIgR gene that spans 32 kb and contains 11 exons. The general organization of the murine gene, including its intron/exon boundaries was similar to its human homolog; however, the second intron was 7.2 kb in the mouse vs. only 0.8 kb in humans. Primer extension and 5′-RACE independently identified the identical transcriptional initiation site. Sequence analysis of 350 base pairs in the 5′-flanking region revealed several motifs, including a TATA box, and putative interferon-γ, HNF-3β and AP1 sites. In summary, we have isolated the murine pIgR gene and described its structure and organization.
Identification of finite impulse response models with continuum regression

The use of continuum regression (CR) for the identification of finite impulse response (FIR) dynamic models is investigated. CR encompasses the methods of principal component regression (PCR), partial least squares (PLS) and multiple linear regression (MLR). PCR and MLR are at the two extremes of the continuum. In PCR and PLS, cross-validation is used to determine the optimum number of factors or ‘latent variables’ to retain in the regression model. CR allows one to vary the method in addition. Cross-validation then determines both the optimum method and the number of latent variables. The CR ‘prediction error surface’—a function of the method and number of latent variables—is elucidated. The optimal model is defined as the minimum of this surface. Among the cases studied, the optimal model usually comes from the region of the continuum between PCR and PLS. Few derive from the region between PLS and MLR. It is also demonstrated that FIR models identified by CR have frequency domain properties similar to those identified by PCR.
Phase shifts that accompany total internal reflection at a dielectric–dielectric interface

The absolute, average, and differential phase shifts that p- and s-polarized light experience in total internal reflection (TIR) at the planar interface between two transparent media are considered as functions of the angle of incidence phi. Special angles at which quarter-wave phase shifts are achieved are determined as functions of the relative refractive index N. When the average phase shift equals pi/2, the differential reflection phase shift delta is maximum, and the reflection Jones matrix assumes a simple form. For N > square root 3, the average and differential phase shifts are equal (hence deltap = 3 deltas) at a certain angle phi that is determined as a function of N. All phase shifts rise with infinite slope at the critical angle. The limiting slope of the delta-versus-phi curve at grazing incidence (partial partial differential delta/partial partial differential phi)phi=90 degrees = -(2/N)(N2 - 1)1/2 = -2 cos phic, where phic is the critical angle and (partial partial differential2 delta/partial partial differential phi 2)phi=90 degrees = 0. Therefore delta is proportional to the grazing incidence angle theta = 90 degrees - phi (for small theta) with a slope that depends on N. The largest separation between the angle of maximum delta and the critical angle is 9.88 degrees and occurs when N = 1.55377. Finally, several techniques are presented for determining the relative refractive index N by using TIR ellipsometry.
Retrospective Analysis of Infection Rate After Early Reoperation in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Infection is a devastating complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Unavoidable reoperation during the acute recovery phase of hip arthroplasty has the potential for an increased infection rate but the risk is not well established nor is the fate of these infected hips. We therefore report the infection rate for patients undergoing THA who returned to the operating room within 90 days of his or her index procedure for any surgical intervention on the same hip. We identified 60 patients undergoing THA referred to or treated at our institution who required an unplanned and unavoidable return to the operating room during the acute recovery phase. The complications of the initial surgery that resulted in reoperation included instability, periprosthetic fracture, retained hardware, and nerve exploration. We then retrospectively reviewed the medical records to determine the infection rate and implant survivorship. The minimum followup was 1 month (average, 3.7 years; range, 1 month to 7 years) and included all patients who required resection before a minimum 2-year followup. The infection rate for this cohort was 20 of 60 (33%). Six of these 20 retained their implants at 2 years after the reoperation and were considered infection-free. Two-stage reimplantation or resection was eventually performed in 14 of the infected patients. A high percentage of patients undergoing THA developed a deep infection after unavoidable reoperation during the acute recovery phase. The reasons for the reoperations were potentially modifiable complications and situations that deserve further investigation to delineate protocols to minimize the risk of infection in these patients. Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
ICE-CRYSTAL GROWTH

Abstract Laboratory measurements of the rate of ice-crystal growth by sublimation are found to be in good agreement with Houghton's (1950) calculations. With use of Houghton's data for the growth of ice crystals at relatively warm temperatures, and Vonnegut's (1949) data for the reaction rate of silver-iodide particles as sublimation nuclei, it is shown that it is extremely unlikely that summer convective clouds can be overseeded with ground generators.
A distributed function computer for real-time control

Due to advances in hardware technology, processors are no longer the limiting factor in system costs--the software and configuration portions are now dominant. Hardware can be effectively applied to these problems as well: low processor costs have revitalized multiprocessors and multicomputers; the executive functions entailed by such architectures can be facilitated with powerful yet flexible hardware mechanisms. This paper outlines the hardware aspects of an experimental distributed function computer intended to examine these issues in the context of real-time control systems.
Vaginal birth after cesarean section

Abstract Vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) is safe, cost effective, and the preferred obstetrical option for most parturients in health care settings which are equipped to manage intrapartum emergencies. Since 1981, cesarean sections have been the most frequently performed major surgical procedure in the United States. Approximately 1,000,000 cesarean deliveries are performed in the United States per year. The rate of cesarean birth has increased from 4.5% in 1965 to 24.7% in 1988. Approximately 36% of these cesarean sections are elective repeat cesarean sections. [In selected patients, 75% to 81 % of these repeat cesarean sections may achieve a vaginal delivery if encouraged to undergo a trial of vaginal birth after cesarean section.] The advantages, disadvantages, indications, and contraindications, of VBAC are described.
Coherent states via decoherence.

The rate at which pure initial states deteriorate into mixtures is computed for a harmonic oscillator interacting with an environment in thermal equilibrium. The decoherence process resulting from this interaction selects a set of states characterized by maximal stability (or minimal loss of predictive power) which can be quantified by the rate of increase in either linear or statistical entropy. In the weak coupling limit, coherent states are shown to produce the least entropy, thus becoming the natural counterparts of classical points in phase space.
Quantitative test of a quantum theory for the resistive transition in a superconducting single-walled carbon nanotube bundle

The phenomenon of superconductivity depends on the coherence of the phase of the superconducting order parameter. The resistive transition in quasi-one-dimensional superconductors is broad because of a large phase fluctuation. We show that the resistive transition of a superconducting single-walled carbon nanotube bundle is in quantitative agreement with the Langer-Ambegaokar-McCumber-Halperin (LAMH) theory. We also demonstrate that the resistive transition below ${T}_{c}^{*}=0.89{T}_{c0}$ is simply proportional to $\mathrm{exp}[\ensuremath{-}(3\ensuremath{\beta}{T}_{c}^{*}∕T){(1\ensuremath{-}T∕{T}_{c}^{*})}^{3∕2}]$, where the barrier height has the same form as that predicted by the LAMH theory and ${T}_{c0}$ is the mean-field superconducting transition temperature.
The isolation and characterization of a mouse myeloma protein with anti-dextran activity

A myeloma protein in ascitic fluid from BALB/c mice bearing W3129 plasma cell tumors was isolated by affinity chromatography. This protein exhibits anti-dextran activity and has been obtained in highly purified form by selective adsorption on isomaltosyl-Sepharose and elution with isomaltose solution. The isomaltosyl-Sepharose was synthesized from maltose, p-aminophenyl glucoside and cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose by a new procedure utilizing glucosyltransferase and chemical coupling reactions. Results of gel electrophoresis, isoelectrofocusing and agar diffusion experiments showed that the purified myeloma protein consisted of 6 isomeric proteins with each isomer possessing anti-dextran activity. Data from hapten inhibition studies were interpreted to show that the W3129 myeloma protein combines with terminal isomaltosyl units of branched dextrans and oligosaccharides.
The Politics of an Emergent Global Regime for Controlling Tax Competition

This article probes what I call the emergent global regime for controlling tax competition. Since at least the early 1990s, states have perceived that competition for investment, whether through direct subsidies or tax incentives, threatens to undermine the fiscal underpinnings of the modern state, particularly in terms of its provision of social welfare programs. As states have provided financial or fiscal subsidies to capital (especially mobile capital), they have had to compensate through some combination of imposing higher levels of taxation on other actors, running higher deficits, and cutting spending. Each has shown itself to have substantial problems, and the response of states has now come full circle: to reconsider the competition for investment that causes the fiscal problems in the first place.
Perovskite Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6−δ as electrode materials for symmetrical solid oxide electrolysis cells

Abstract Perovskite Sr 2 Fe 1.5 Mo 0.5 O 6− δ (SFM) has been successfully prepared by a microwave-assisted combustion method in air and employed as both anode and cathode in symmetrical solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) for hydrogen production for the first time in this work. Influence of cell operating temperature, absolute humidity (AH) as well as applied direct current (DC) on the impedance of single cells with the configuration of SFM|La 0.9 Sr 0.1 Ga 0.8 Mg 0.2 O 3 (LSGM)|SFM has been evaluated. Under open circuit conditions and 60 vol.% AH, the cell polarization resistance, R P is as low as 0.26 Ω cm 2 at 900 °C. An electrolysis current of 0.88 A cm −2 and a hydrogen production rate as high as 380 mL cm −2 h have been achieved at 900 °C with an electrolysis voltage of 1.3 V and 60 vol.% AH. Further, the cell has demonstrated good stability in the long-term steam electrolysis test. The results showed that the cell electrolysis performance was even better than that of the reported strontium doped lanthanum manganite (LSM) – yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ)|YSZ|Ni–YSZ cell, indicating that SFM could be a very promising electrode material for the practical application of SOEC technology.
Female-to-male transgender adolescents.

This article focuses on considerations for natal females who present in the adolescent years with concerns related to their gender. They may be individuals previously evaluated in their childhood years who have persisted with gender variance or gender identity disorder (GID) in DSM-IV, 1 or they may be individuals presenting for the first time in their adolescent years. The article discusses how to assess adolescents who come for evaluation and what treatments and other resources are available for them and their families. Where there seem to be differences between boys and girls with gender identity issues, they will be noted. DEVELOPMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS One of the most perplexing challenges facing clinicians who work with gender-variant children is the issue of who will persist and who will desist in the desire or feeling of being the gender opposite to the natal sex. As challenging as it is to have a gender-variant child, parents often articulate the desire to at least know whether their child will persist or desist, so they can be prepared for the outcome. If the child showed all signs of persisting, plans could be made for how to handle pubertal development and the teenaged years ahead of time. If they knew their child would desist in their identification with the opposite natal sex, then they could prepare for that outcome. What do we know about the longitudinal outcome for girls who are gender dysphoric? There are few studies that provide longitudinal follow-up of girls referred for evaluation of gender identity issues in childhood. Most studies look retrospectively at female-to-male (FTM) adults who discuss experiences from their childhood and adolescent years. 2– 4 There are 2 studies of children evaluated in childhood that afford us some longitudinal follow-up on girls with gender dysphoria. The data from the gender clinic in The Netherlands suggest that gender dysphoric girls referred in childhood are less likely to remit than boys. 5 In that study, of 77 children referred in childhood, only 18
Deformation of Individual Aggregates and Flocs

Abstract The production of flocs or aggregates is important to many solid–liquid separation processes; well‐known examples are found in water treatment and mineral processing. When sedimentation is used to remove these aggregates from suspension, a voluminous sludge results. Reduction of the liquid content of such sludges may be key to process economics, either through improved product quality or decreased disposal charges. Although consolidation of sludge blankets has been studied extensively, the deformation of individual aggregates and flocs has not. Indeed, little quantitative information is available regarding the force required to alter the physical conformation of an aggregate or floc. In this study, a technique has been developed to measure compressive force and aggregate volume simultaneously during deformation. These data show that different compression strategies can significantly affect the work requirement per unit volume of interstitial fluid expelled. The technique reported here makes it po...
Palatability of N-oxides of pyrrolizidine alkaloids as a factor in Senecio poisoning.

RECENT chemical studies revealed that pyrrolizidine alkaloids are accompanied in the plants by their N-oxides1. In young growing plants, N-oxides may constitute more than 90 per cent of the alkaloid content, while in the autumn the proportion may be reversed2.
Steps Toward 8M Honeycomb Mirrors IV: Some Aspects Of Design And Fabrication

The tolerances in glass homogeneity, thermal control, and support of the blank, necessary to meet the requirements of telescopes in the best ground-based sites, are defined for a hypothetical 8-m honeycomb mirror spin-casting facility. Homogeneity in expansion coefficient of 10 to the -8th/C and thermal equilibration to 0.1 C are estimated. Laboratory measurements show that both can be met by a ventilated honeycomb of borosilicate or similar glass. Adequate resistance to wind pressure and buffeting can be achieved by an axial support that responds to pressure on the three defining points. Annealing of the blank at the peak cooling rate of 20 C/day will take about six weeks, leading to a temporary stress of 15 kg/sq cm.
Phase sensitivity properties of cascaded digital lattice allpass filters

Abstract The phase sensitivity with respect to coefficient errors is studied for a class of lattice digital allpass filters. It is shown that corresponding to each lattice parameter there is a set of frequencies for which the phase response remains invariant to an arbitrary perturbation of the parameter. In addition, a simple result of sensitivity “amplification” in lossless two-pair networks is derived, which is used to obtain means and bounds on the sensitivity functions for these lattice structures in term of the lattice parameters. From these results some useful coefficient sensitivity properties are inferred. A practical example is included to better understand the interaction of sensitivity mechanisms in lattice allpass filter realizations, in the context of transfer functions realized as the parallel connection of two allpass filters. Finally, it is shown that the order reduction process intrinsic to the lattice synthesis procedure minimizes the L ∞ norm of the phase sensitivity at each step.
Thin wire antennas in chiral media

By immersing conducting wire antennas in chiral media, their radiation characteristics can be tailored and enhanced. As the chirality of the media or length of the wire is increased, current along such antennas is characterised by a decaying rather than sinusoidal distribution. This produces reduced sidelobes, decreased main lobe beamwidths, and forbidden zones in the radiation pattern.
Lack of clinical utility of folate levels in the evaluation of macrocytosis or anemia

Abstract PURPOSE: Folate levels are routinely ordered in the evaluation of macrocytosis with or without frank anemia, yet the value of these tests is questionable. We evaluated the clinical utility of folate testing in routine clinical practice. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all serum and erythrocyte folate assays performed over a one-year period at three hospitals. We determined the frequency of low values, then reviewed the medical records of all patients with low values to determine whether low folate levels changed clinician behavior. We also performed a cost analysis to determine the cost of testing per case in which behavior changed. RESULTS: Only 2.3% of the 2,998 folate levels obtained during the study period were low. The low levels were noted in the record in 53% of cases, and folic acid was prescribed or continued at discharge in only 24%. The cost analysis showed that nearly $10,000 was spent in folate testing per patient in which behavior changed. CONCLUSIONS: Folate values were rarely low in the population tested, and low values infrequently led to a change in clinician behavior. Given the limited clinical value of folate tests, we propose that, in cases of macrocytosis with or without anemia, to minimize cost and prevent missed cases of true folate deficiency, empirical supplementation with folic acid should be used in place of testing for deficiency.
Excitation trapping on two-dimensional percolating clusters

Abstract The trapping problem in disordered condensed phase systems is addressed by calculating the survival probability of a random walker on two-dimensional percolating clusters containing a random distribution of trap sites. The observable is directly determined by numerically solving the Pauli master equation via the Lanczos algorithm and the recursive residue generation method. From the results, we delimit the time and density regimes over which approximations developed for the corresponding statistic on regular lattices and deterministic fractals may be extended. In addition, recent predictions regarding the survival probability's long-time behavior are confirmed for moderately high trap concentrations; it is also shown that on this time scale, the fluctuations in the survival probability become enormous.
Yohimbine-induced cutaneous drug eruption, progressive renal failure, and lupus-like syndrome.

Abstract Yohimbine is an indole alkaloid obtained from the yohimbe tree, a common tree in West Africa. We describe a forty-two-year-old black man in whom a generalized erythrodermic skin eruption, progressive renal failure, and lupus-like syndrome developed following treatment with the drug, Yohimbine. A literature review failed to reveal any reported association of these side effects. We review current information on yohimbine's use in male impotence, reported side effects, and its role as a drug allergen.
A microwave study of Cis-1,2-difluoroethylene oxide: Fluorine substituent effects

Abstract Microwave assignments of the normal, monodeutero, dideutero, oxygen-18 and carbon-13 isotopic species of cis-1,2-difluoroethylene oxide have given a complete structure. The molecular parameters of the r8 structure are r (CO) = 1.409 (4) A , r (CC) = 1.451 (3) A , r (CH) = 1.093 (4) A , r (CF) = 1.347 (7) A , (HCF) = 111.0 (4)°, and (CCO) = 59.01 (20)°. A value of 2.89 (2) D was found for the electric dipole moment. Fluorines have the effect of shortening the adjacent bonds in this ethylene oxide derivative. It is found that a molecular orbital picture of the epoxide ring does not satisfactorily rationalize this shortening in the ring. The molecule provides another example of the apparent constancy of vicinal nonbonded fluorine-fluorine distances in fluorocarbons. An analysis of the HCF angle contraction relative to the HCH angle in ethylene oxide shows the CF bond orientation remains nearly the same while the CH bond moves toward the CF bond. This follows the trend found in a number of simple compounds containing the HCF group. Observation of this effect in cis- and trans-1,2-difluoroethylene does not seem to support the idea of an intramolecular bond between vicinal fluorine atoms.
Natural History of Residual Fragments Following Percutaneous Nephrostolithotomy

Purpose: We reviewed the natural history of residual fragments after percutaneous nephrostolithotomy.Materials and Methods: From April 1999 to January 2007 a total of 728 patients underwent percutaneous nephrostolithotomy at our medical center including 527 with a minimum documented radiographic followup of 6 months. Of these patients 42 (8%) with residual fragments on postoperative computerized tomography were observed rather than subjected to second look flexible nephroscopy. Computerized tomography was reviewed to define location, size and number of residual fragments. The primary study end point was a stone related event defined as growth of a residual fragment, or need for emergency room visit, hospitalization or additional intervention attributable to the residual fragment. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictors of a stone related event.Results: The median residual fragment size was 2 mm (range, 1 to 12). There were 18 patients (43%) who experienced a stone relat...
Alterations in the fine structure of hepatocytes produced by β-3-thienylalanine

The hepatocytes respond to administration of β -3-thienyl- dl -alanine by increase of nucleolar size, disorganization of rough endoplasmic reticulum, hyperplasia of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, decrease of cytoplasmic glycogen, hyperplasia of Golgi complex, and alteration of mitochondria. These changes are interpreted largely as nonspecific compensatory reactions of hepatocytes to a derangement of protein synthesis and as a consequence of production of abnormal proteins.
Two-, three-, and four-coordinate Ag(I) coordination polymers formed by the novel phosphinite PPh2(3-OCH2C5H4N).

The novel phosphinite PPh2(3-OCH2C5H4N) (1) has been synthesized, and its coordination properties to Ag(I) have been studied. When reacted in a 1:1 ratio with Ag(I), coordination polymers with different coordination numbers about the Ag are found depending on the anion. For PPh2(3-OCH2C5H4N)AgBF4 (2), a two-coordinate Ag is observed with a P−Ag−N angle of 167°. Mixed three and four coordination about Ag is observed for PPh2(3-OCH2C5H4N)AgOTf (3), and for the trifluoroacetate derivative, PPh2(3-OCH2C5H4N)Agtfa (4), only a four-coordinate Ag is produced. X-ray crystal-structure determinations for compounds 2−4 have been carried out. The X-ray structures show a wide range of Ag−Ag distances in the polymers, which are dependent on the conformation of the bridging ligand.
In vitro neurotoxic evaluation of root-end-filling materials.

Root-end–filling materials have been tested for toxicity on several cell types, but their toxicity has not been tested on neurons. In this study we evaluated the neurotoxicity in murine cerebral cortical cell cultures of four commonly used root-end–filling materials: mineral trioxide aggregate, amalgam, Super EBA, and Diaket. Standardized amounts of each material were placed on culture-well inserts, allowing the material to be exposed to the culture bathing media without causing physical disruption of the cells. Cell death was quantified by assaying release of the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. Exposure of cortical cultures to freshly mixed or 7-day-old MTA did not cause significant neuronal death, whereas exposure to freshly mixed or 7-day-old amalgam, Super EBA, and Diaket resulted in significant neuronal death (p
A Division Among Theorists in Their Analysis of Profits

The classical economists regarded minimum profits as an element in cost of production, 115. — Walker's rent theory, 118. — Similar views by other Americans, 119. — By Europeans, 121. — Profits regarded as wages of labor by still others, 123. — Distinction needed between earned efficiency profits and unearned scarcity profits, 127. — Efficiency profits recognized by the law, 128. — Patents, trade secrets, invention, 129. — Judgment and risk-taking, 133. — Surplus or scarcity profits differ from efficiency profits, 134. — Are not an element of cost, 135. — Defects of the labor theory, 136.
Risk pooling in a two‐period, two‐echelon inventory stocking and allocation problem

The object of this article is to investigate the risk-pooling effect of depot stock in two-echelon distribution system in which the depot serves n retailers in parallel, and to develop computationally tractable optimization procedures for such systems. The depot manager has complete information about stock levels and there are two opportunities to allocate stock to the retailers within each order cycle. We identify first- and second-order aspects to the risk-pooling effect. In particular, the second-order effect is the property that the minimum stock available to any retailer after the second allocation converges in probability to a constant as the number of retailers in the system increases, assuming independence of the demands. This property is exploited in the development of efficient procedures to determine near-optimal values of the policy parameters.
The Cryotron-A Superconductive Computer Component

The study of nonlinearities in nature suitable for computer use has led to the cryotron, a device based on the destruction of superconductivity by a magnetic field. The cryotron, in its simplest form, consists of a straight piece of wire about one inch long with a single-layer control winding wound over it. Current in the control winding creates a magnetic field which causes the central wire to change from its superconducting state to its normal state. The device has current gain, that is, a small current can control a larger current; it has power gain so that cryotrons can be interconnected in logical networks as active elements. The device is also small, light, easily fabricated, and dissipates very little power.
Trapping of nonthermal positrons in metals.

A study aimed at calculating the probability of a nonthermalized positron being localized at a thermally generated defect is examined. We find that by utilizing the theoretical works of Perkins and Carbotte and McMullen and Stott a significant fraction of positrons are localized before reaching equilibrium with the lattice. These results are compared with both bulk positron lifetime and variable-energy positron data. Implications of these results are discussed.
Polyploidy: genome obesity and its consequences.

Polyploidy is a major evolutionary feature of many plants and some animals (Grant, 1981; Otto & Whitton, 2000). Allopolyploids (e.g. wheat, cotton, and canola) were formed by combination of two or more distinct genomes, whereas autopolyploids (e.g. potato, sugarcane, and banana) resulted from duplication of a single genome. Both allopolyploids and autopolyploids are prevalent in nature (Tate et al., 2004). Recent research has shown that polyploid genomes may undergo rapid changes in genome structure and function via genetic and epigenetic changes (Fig. 1) (Levy & Feldman, 2002; Osborn et al., 2003; Chen, 2007). The former include chromosomal rearrangements (e.g. translocation, deletion, and transposition) and DNA sequence elimination and mutations, whereas epigenetic modifications (chromatin and RNA-mediated pathways) give rise to gene expression changes that are not associated with changes in DNA sequence. Over time, polyploids may become ‘diploidized’ so that they behave like diploids cytogenetically and genetically. Comparative and genome sequence analyses indicate that many plant species, including maize, rice, poplar, and Arabidopsis, are recent or ancient diploidized (paleo-) polyploids. Fig. 1 Diagram of allopolyploid formation and evolution The consequences of polyploidy have been of long-standing interest in genetics, evolution, and systematics (Wendel, 2000; Soltis et al., 2003). Research interest in polyploids has been renewed in the past decade following the discovery of multiple origins and patterns of polyploid formation (Soltis et al., 2003) and rapid genetic changes in resynthesized allotetraploids in Brassica (Song et al., 1995) and wheat (Feldman et al., 1997). Rapid technological advances have also facilitated genomic-scale investigation of polyploids and hybrids (Wang et al., 2006). Many ongoing studies are focused on investigation of: (i) the evolutionary consequence of gene and genome duplications in polyploids; (ii) genomic and gene expression changes in resynthesized allotetraploids; (iii) genetic and gene expression variation in natural populations of polyploids; and (iv) comparison of genetic and gene expression changes in resynthesized and natural polyploids (Wendel, 2000; Osborn et al., 2003; Soltis et al., 2003; Comai, 2005; Chen, 2007). The presentations given at the Polyploidy workshop, Plant and Animal Genome XV Conference (http://www.intl-pag.org/), reflected these current research themes, reporting on ancient polyploidy events in Glycine, expression evolution of duplicate genes in Arabidopsis, gene expression changes in resynthesized Brassica and wheat allopolyploids, hybridization barriers in Arabidopsis, and tissue-specific and stress-induced expression patterns of duplicate genes in cotton and hybrid Populus. ‘… expression of duplicate genes in response to developmental programs is more strongly correlated than that of duplicate genes in response to environmental stresses, suggesting rapid evolution of duplicate genes in response to external factors’
Practical algorithms for self scaling histograms or better than average data collection

Abstract This paper presents practical algorithms for implementing self-scaling histograms. We show that these algorithms can deal well with observations drawn from either continuous or discrete distributions, have fixed storage and low computational overhead, and can faithfully capture the distribution of the data with very low error. As a tool for intrusive large-scale performance measurement, histograms are the ideal compromise between practical limitations (storage, computational cost, interference with the system being measured) and the desire for a complete record of all observations. In practice they are infrequently used because histograms are perceived as cumbersome to use, and it is often hard to decide in advance on appropriate parameters (bucket sizes, range). Use of programming language technology (object-oriented techniques for example) can solve the first problem, and the algorithms presented here can solve the second. The intended goal of these algorithms is to facilitate the change of the most common method of quick-and-dirty metering from simple (but possibly misleading) averages to more informative histograms.
Automatic Recognition of Logical Relations for English, Chinese and Japanese in the GLARF Framework

We present GLARF, a framework for representing three linguistic levels and systems for generating this representation. We focus on a logical level, like LFG's F-structure, but compatible with Penn Treebanks. While less finegrained than typical semantic role labeling approaches, our logical structure has several advantages: (1) it includes all words in all sentences, regardless of part of speech or semantic domain; and (2) it is easier to produce accurately. Our systems achieve 90% for English/Japanese News and 74.5% for Chinese News -- these F-scores are nearly the same as those achieved for treebank-based parsing.
Epigraphic evidence for a ‘Porridge-and-Pot’ tradition on the ancient Middle Nile

Recent scholarship by Randi Haaland and David Edwards has argued that a culinary tradition of ‘Porridge-and-Pot’ distinguished ancient Sahelian Africa from the ‘Bread-and-Oven’ world of Egypt and the Near East. The evidence published thus far in support of this hypothesis has been predominately ethnographic, archaeological and iconographic. This paper introduces hitherto unpublished epigraphic evidence from a lapidary inscription at the ancient Nubian town of Sanam on the Middle Nile. When submitted to lexicographic and linguistic analysis, the inscription provides further support for Haaland and Edwards's hypothesis and simultaneously proposes a new reading of an enigmatic culinary epithet found in several ancient literary papyri. The resulting combination of methods extends the case for a ‘Porridge-and-Pot’ tradition in a new direction by demonstrating that the culinary contrast between Sahelian and Mediterranean Africa was explicitly invoked during the first millennium BC as a marker of social identity.
Significance of vapor phase chemical reactions on CVD rates predicted by chemically frozen and local thermochemical equilibrium boundary layer theories

This paper investigates the role played by vapor-phase chemical reactions on CVD rates by comparing the results of two extreme theories developed to predict CVD mass transport rates in the absence of interfacial kinetic barrier: one based on chemically frozen boundary layer and the other based on local thermochemical equilibrium. Both theories consider laminar convective-diffusion boundary layers at high Reynolds numbers and include thermal (Soret) diffusion and variable property effects. As an example, Na2SO4 deposition was studied. It was found that gas phase reactions have no important role on Na2SO4 deposition rates and on the predictions of the theories. The implications of the predictions of the two theories to other CVD systems are discussed.
Super resolution time delay estimation via MODE-WRELAX

We consider estimating time delays and amplitudes (real- or complex-valued) from the superposition of very closely spaced signals with known shapes. The well-known high resolution MODE (Method Of Direction Estimation) algorithm, which was originally proposed for angle estimation in array processing, is modified and used with our efficient time delay estimation method WRELAX (Weighted Fourier transform and RELAXation based) algorithm to deal with this problem. The proposed method is referred to as MODE-WRELAX. MODE-WRELAX provides better accuracy than MODE and higher resolution than WRELAX. Moreover, it can be used for both complex- and real-valued signals (including those with highly oscillatory correlation functions). Numerical results show that the MODE-WRELAX estimates can approach the corresponding Cramer-Rao bound. Efficient implementation of the algorithm is also discussed.
Mustelus felis Ayres, 1854, a Senior Synonym of the Leopard Shark, Triakis semifasciata Girard, 1855 (Carchariniformes: Triakidae), Invalidated by “Reversal of Precedence”

Mustelus felis Ayres, 1854, is shown to be a senior synonym of the triakid shark Triakis semifasciata Girard, 1855. Conditions exist, however, to allow “reversal of precedence” of the two names, as provided by Article 23.9.1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Thus, Triakis semifasciata Girard, 1855, is regarded as valid, qualifying as a nomen protectum, while the name Mustelus felis Ayres, 1854, is recognized as invalid, qualifying as a nomen oblitum.
A Blackboard-style decision-making system for multi-tier craft control and its evaluation

This article presents an approach for decision-making in support of the control of an autonomous system of multiple tiers of robots (e.g., satellite, aerial and ground) based on the Blackboard architectural style. Under the proposed approach, the system evaluates prospective approaches for goal satisfaction (identified by user selected final rules), identifies the lowest-cost solution and determines the best path to achieving the goal, via the analysis of the Blackboard rule and action set. Two different approaches to this rule and action path generation are discussed. This article presents the proposed Blackboard-style architecture for autonomous multi-tier control and describes its implementation. The benefits and drawbacks of the Blackboard-style approach are analysed, its extrapolation to the control of multiple heterogeneous craft is presented and the tradeoffs between the two approaches to rule-path generation are assessed.
Highly-chirped dissipative solitons in anomalous-dispersion fiber lasers

A new modelocking regime governed by the Ginzburg-Landau equation is demonstrated in an anomalous dispersion fiber laser. Output pulses are long, flat-topped, and highly-down-chirped, with energies above 150 nJ and repetition rates below 300 kHz.
A Plastic W-Band MEMS Phase Shifter

A plastic, W-band MEMS phase shifter realized in a WR-10 waveguide architecture with built-in deformable diaphragms has been successfully demonstrated. A prototype device has been fabricated based on a two-cavity Iris filter design with two 1.6 mm in diameter deformable membranes on one side. Experimental results show that a total phase shift of 110deg at 95 GHz has been achieved under membrane deformation from -50 mum to +150 mum with corresponding insertion loss of 2.9 dB and 3.48 dB, respectively. This concept and approach could potentially open up a new class of opportunities in low-cost plastic components for millimeter-wave systems, including electronically scanned radar.
Myocardial Uptake of Circulating Triglycerides in Nondiabetic Patients With Heart Disease

Animal studies indicate that oversupply of fatty acids derived from the action of cardiac lipoprotein lipase (LPL) on plasma lipoproteins may contribute to myocardial dysfunction. However, the contribution of circulating triglycerides to myocardial fatty acid supply in humans is not known. Six postabsorptive nondiabetic subjects who were scheduled for diagnostic coronary angiography were studied. 14C oleate and a lipid emulsion labeled with 3H triolein were infused to assess myocardial uptake of free fatty acids (FFAs) and triglycerides, as well as myocardial spillover of LPL-generated fatty acids. Six paired blood samples were taken from the femoral artery and the coronary sinus. Coronary sinus concentrations of unlabeled triglycerides were slightly, but not significantly, lower than arterial ( P = 0.12), whereas labeled triglyceride concentrations were significantly lower in the coronary sinus than in the artery ( P < 0.05; extraction fraction ≅11%). Triglycerides and FFAs accounted for ∼17% and ∼83%, respectively, of myocardial fatty acid uptake. Systemic and myocardial fractional spillover of LPL-generated fatty acids was 49.0 ± 7% and 34.7 ± 13%, respectively. The myocardium was a minor contributor to systemic triglyceride uptake (∼3%) and a trivial contributor to systemic FFA production (∼0.5%). These results indicate that circulating triglycerides may be a significant source of fatty acids for myocardial respiration.
Effect of Soft Tissue Implantation on the Healing of Static Bony Defects

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUAEFFECTO DEL IMPLANTATION DE TISSUE MOLLE SUPER LE GUARITION DE STATIC DEFECTOS OSSEE.-Musculo, fascia, e pelle de spissitate total esseva implantate in defectos static inducite in tibias de porco de India. Le objectivo del studio esseva determinar le capacitate de tissue autologe de prevenir reossification. Pelle de spissitate total esseva indesirabile pro iste objectivo, viste que cystes se disveloppava in le majoritate del animales. Fascia e musculo esseva efficace in prevenir reossification durante 32 septimanas. Le fascia remaneva viabile durante le periodo experimental, e le musculo esseva reimplaciate per fibrose tissu conjunctive. Per consequente, il pare que fascia e musculo es appropriate materiales de arthroplastia interpositional, viste que nulle reossification esseva notate mesmo in defectos static.
Novel inhibitors for PRMT1 discovered by high-throughput screening using activity-based fluorescence polarization

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) catalyze the posttranslational methylation of arginine using S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl-donor. The PRMT family is widely expressed and has been implicated in biological functions such as RNA splicing, transcriptional control, signal transduction, and DNA repair. Therefore, specific inhibitors of individual PRMTs have potentially significant research and therapeutic value. In particular, PRMT1 is responsible for >85% of arginine methyltransferase activity, but currently available inhibitors of PRMT1 lack specificity, efficacy, and bioavailability. To address this limitation, we developed a high-throughput screening assay for PRMT1 that utilizes a hyper-reactive cysteine within the active site, which is lacking in almost all other PRMTs. This assay, which monitors the kinetics of the fluorescence polarization signal increase upon PRMT1 labeling by a rhodamine-containing cysteine-reactive probe, successfully identified two novel inhibitors selective for PRMT1 over other SAM-dependent methyltransferases.