cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dinero y ciclo economico en la economia argentina

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the responses of real output to monetary shocks in the Argentine economy during 1964-1982. The results, derived from Sims' multivariate analysis of time series, indicate that those responses are statistically significant although real output seems to respond to monetary shocks with some delay. In addition, these responses are compared with those of the U.S. and Germany, countries with smaller variance of monetary shocks. It is found that the total response of real output to monetary shocks in the Argentine economy is much smaller than those of the U.S. and Germany. In this way, the main implication of the equilibrium theory of business cycles relating the effect of aggregate demand on real output to its variance receives some support in this study.
An Alternative Approach to the Lottery Method in Utility Theory for Game Theory

In game theory, in order to properly use mixed strategies, equalizing strategies or the Nash arbitration method, we require cardinal payoffs. We present an alternative method to the possible tedious lottery method of von Neumann and Morgenstern to change ordinal values into cardinal values using the analytical hierarchy process. We suggest using Saaty’s pairwise comparison with combined strategies as criteria for players involved in a repetitive game. We present and illustrate a methodology for moving from ordinal payoffs to cardinal payoffs. We summarize the impact on how the solutions are achieved.
Cross characteristic representations of even characteristic symplectic groups

We classify the small irreducible representations of Sp 2n (q) with q even in odd characteristic. This improves even the known results for complex representations. The smallest representation for this group is much larger than in the case when q is odd. This makes the problem much more difficult.
Recent progress in high gain InAs avalanche photodiodes (Presentation Recording)

InAs possesses nearly ideal material properties for the fabrication of near- and mid-infrared avalanche photodiodes (APDs), which result in strong electron-initiated impact ionization and negligible hole-initiated impact ionization [1]. Consequently, InAs multiplication regions exhibit several appealing characteristics, including extremely low excess noise factors and bandwidth independent of gain [2], [3]. These properties make InAs APDs attractive for a number of near- and mid-infrared sensing applications including remote gas sensing, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), and both active and passive imaging. Here, we discuss our recent advances in the growth and fabrication of high gain, low noise InAs APDs. Devices yielded room temperature multiplication gains >300, with much reduced (~10x) lower dark current densities. We will also discuss a likely key contributor to our current performance limitations: silicon diffusion into the intrinsic (multiplication) region from the underlying n-type layer during growth. Future work will focus on increasing the intrinsic region thickness, targeting gains >1000. This work was supported by the Army Research Office (W911NF-10-1-0391). [1] A. R. J. Marshall, C. H. Tan, M. J. Steer, and J. P. R. David, “Electron dominated impact ionization and avalanche gain characteristics in InAs photodiodes,” Applied Physics Letters, vol. 93, p. 111107, 2008. [2] A. R. J. Marshall, A. Krysa, S. Zhang, A. S. Idris, S. Xie, J. P. R. David, and C. H. Tan, “High gain InAs avalanche photodiodes,” in 6th EMRS DTC Technical Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, 2009. [3] S. J. Maddox, W. Sun, Z. Lu, H. P. Nair, J. C. Campbell, and S. R. Bank, “Enhanced low-noise gain from InAs avalanche photodiodes with reduced dark current and background doping,” Applied Physics Letters, vol. 101, no. 15, pp. 151124–151124–3, Oct. 2012.
Real-time displacement measurements with a Fabry-Perot cavity and a diode laser

We present the basic operating principles of a traceable measurement system suitable for use with atomic force microscopes (AFMs) and nanometer-resolution displacement sensors. Our method is based upon a tunable external-cavity diode laser system which is servo-locked via a phase-modulated heterodyne locking technique to a Fabry-Perot interferometer cavity. We discuss mechanical considerations for the use of this cavity as a displacement metrology system and we describe methods for making real-time (sub 10 ms sampling period) measurements of the optical heterodyne signals. Our interferometer system produces a root-mean-squared (RMS) displacement measurement resolution of 20 pm. Two applications of the system are described. First, the system was used to examine known optical mixing errors in a heterodyne Michelson interferometer. Second, the Fabry-Perot interferometer was integrated into the Z axis of a commercial AFM scanning stage and used to produce interferometer-based images of a 17 nm step height specimen. We also demonstrate atomic resolution interferometer-based images of a 0.3 nm silicon single atomic step-terrace specimen.
Abstraction of Kinetic Models For Biochemical Networks

Constructing kinetic models that describe the time-dependent behavior of every enzyme-catalyzed reaction in a genome-scale model is a daunting task. Mechanistic knowledge of enzyme kinetics is often unavailable, and estimating a consistent set of rate parameters from time-series data requires a large experimental effort for even a moderately-sized network. Model construction techniques that derive computationally efficient, biochemically meaningful, accurate dynamic models are needed. A new method, Abstraction of Kinetic Models, explores constructing predictive kinetic models of modules, where the primary goal is preserving module-level behavior instead of developing accurate kinetic expressions for each reaction within the module. When eliminating a module variable (e.g. concentration of a particular metabolite), our method compensates by shifting the roles of other metabolites within the module as activators and inhibitors, if needed, and by calculating a new set of parameter values. AKM provides a systematic method for exploring accuracy vs. simplicity tradeoffs during abstract model construction. Validation efforts on two test cases demonstrate such tradeoffs, and show that modest loss of accuracy is attainable when some internal metabolite concentrations are eliminated and when the newly constructed network model compensates for missing variables.
Genetic differentiation between sympatric host races of the apple maggot fly Rhagoletis pomonella

It has been proposed that true fruit flies in the Rhagoletis pomonella species group speciate sympatrically (that is, in the absence of geographic isolation) as a consequence of shifts to previously unexploited host plants1,2. Because Rhagoletis larvae are host-specific fruit parasites and mate selection in these flies is directly coupled to host-plant recognition3–5, variation for larval survivorship and host preference traits can act as genetically based barriers to gene flow. This reduction in gene flow results in the sympatric divergence of fly populations adapted to alternative hosts. The shift of R. pomonella from its native host hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) to domestic apples (Mains pumila) in eastern North America in the past 200 years6 provides an opportunity to determine whether host specialization is sufficient to differentiate populations without earlier periods of geographic isolation. We report finding genetic differentiation between co-occurring hawthorn and apple populations of R. pomonella at a field site near Grant, Michigan. The result confirms that hawthorn and apple flies represent partially reproductively isolated 'host races' and is consistent with a sympatric mode of divergence for these flies.
Pantothenic Acid and Nicotinic Acid as Essential Growth Substances for Morgan's Bacillus (Proteus morganii)

SummaryEvidence has been presented which indicates that pan-tothenic acid and nicotinic acid are the essential growth factors for Proteus morganii.
Hemispheric comparison of PMC altitudes

A middle ultraviolet imager observed the vertical structure of polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) in the northern and southern polar regions during the austral summer of 1997–1998 and the arctic summer of 1999. During 23 transpolar passes, the imager obtained over 15,000 images at latitudes poleward of 55°. The accuracy and stability of the satellite platform and the large database permit the first statistical investigation of the small scale (∼1 km) altitude structure of PMCs on a transpolar scale. During a satellite pass over either polar region, PMCs clustered at different altitudes between 80 and 85 km. Southern clouds had a mean altitude of 83.2±1.4 km above the Earth ellipsoid, while northern clouds had a mean altitude of 82.6d±1.3 km, so southern and northern clouds had the same altitudes to within statistical variations. The mean PMC altitude was 82.7±1.3 km for both hemispheres. In neither hemisphere did cloud altitudes exhibit systematic variation with latitude.
Computerized measurement of myocardial infarct size on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images

Purpose: To validate a computer algorithm for measuring myocardial infarct size on gadolinium enhanced MR images. The results of computer infarct sizing are studied on phase-sensitive and magnitude imaging against a histopathology reference. Materials and Methods: Validations were performed in 9 canine myocardial infarctions determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). The algorithm analyzed the pixel intensity distribution within manually traced myocardial regions. Pixels darker than an automatically determined threshold were first excluded from further analysis. Selected image features were used to remove false positive regions. A threshold 50% between bright and dark regions was then used to minimize partial volume errors. Post-processing steps were applied to identify microvascular obstruction. Both phase sensitive and magnitude reconstructed MR images were measured by the computer algorithm in units of % of the left ventricle (LV) infarction and compared to TTC. Results: Correlations of MR and TTC infarct size were 0.96 for both phase sensitive and magnitude imaging. Bland Altman analysis showed no consistent bias as a function of infarct size. The average error of computer infarct sizing was less than 2% of the LV for both reconstructions. Fixed intensity thresholding was less accurate compared to the computer algorithm. Conclusions: MR can accurately depict myocardial infarction. The proposed computer algorithm accurately measures infarct size on contrast-enhanced MR images against the histopathology reference. It is effective for both phase-sensitive and magnitude imaging.
Raman states as sets for quantum computing

Raman transitions can be induced in quantum dots structures by impinching the crystal with a coherent laser beam whose frequency resonates with a Raman frequency of the crystal. The discrete nature of the frequencies and the fact that a set of Raman frequencies can be mapped unto itself through energy exchanges presents a framework for all-optical quantum computing in quantum dots. In this paper we discuss how the distributive, associative, and communicative laws of logic can be applied to a `Raman Set'. We also present the description and implementation of some basic logic operations such as negation, union and intersection on this set.
Retardation of O diffusion through polycrystalline Pt by Be doping

A serious problem preventing the use of high dielectric oxide materials (e.g., barium-strontium-titanate) for capacitors as part of future dynamic random access memory is the oxidation of or the O diffusion through the electrodes. Platinum electrodes do not oxidize, but they allow for rapid O diffusion through the Pt film while the dielectric is deposited and annealed. This causes unwanted oxidation below the Pt film. Using first-principles electronic structure calculations, we first determine the O diffusion mechanism in polycrystalline Pt. We find that O diffuses as interstitial O along the grain boundary (GB) that we study. The calculated barrier is compatible with the experimental estimate. We screen nine elements for their potential to retard O diffusion if added to the Pt in small amounts. Beryllium is the most promising candidate. Be segregates to Pt GB's at interstitial and substitutional sites. As GB interstitial Be diffuses at a rate comparable to that of O and it repels O. This leads to a stuffing of the GB. As substitutionally absorbed Be, Be has a high diffusion barrier, and it forms strong bonds to O. Thus O is trapped in the GB. Preliminary experimental results confirm our theoretical predictions.
Relationships Between Self-reported Physical and Mental Health and Intelligence Performance Across Adulthood

One hundred and twenty-seven adults between 20 and 90 years of age were tested on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale for their digit span memory (forward and backward), fluid intelligence (block design and digit symbol), and crystallized intelligence (vocabulary and information), as well as assessed for self-reported health (Cornell Medical Index, Zung Depression Scale, health habits, and self-ratings of physical and mental health). As expected, across the entire age range there was no correlation between age and digit span memory (r = .03), a strong negative correlation between age and fluid intelligence (r = -.78), and a modest positive correlation between age and crystallized intelligence (r = .27). In addition, older adults reported more physical (r = .36) and mental (r = .32) health problems than did younger adults. Of special interest was the finding that both self-reported physical and mental health accounted for significant variance in intelligence performance, particularly in older adults. Moreover, self-reported health accounted for a considerable portion of observed variance, even when age differences in self-reported health were statistically controlled.
Deglacial climate variability in central Florida, USA

Abstract Pollen and ostracode evidence from lacustrine sediments underlying modern Tampa Bay, Florida, document frequent and abrupt climatic and hydrological events superimposed on deglacial warming in the subtropics. Radiocarbon chronology on well-preserved mollusk shells and pollen residue from core MD02-2579 documents continuous sedimentation in a variety of non-marine habitats in a karst-controlled basin from 20 ka to 11.5 ka. During the last glacial maximum (LGM), much drier and cooler-than-modern conditions are indicated by pollen assemblages enriched in Chenopodiaceae and Carya, with rare Pinus (
A successive route to amphiphilic graft copolymers with a hydrophilic poly(3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) backbone and hydrophobic polystyrene side chains

A successive method for preparing novel amphiphilic graft copolymers with a hydrophilic backbone and hydrophobic side chains was developed. An anionic copolymerization of two bifunctional monomers, namely, allyl methacrylate (AMA) and a small amount of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), was carried out in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with 1,1-diphenylhexyllithium (DPHL) as the initiator in the presence of LiCl ([LiCl]/[DPHL]0 = 2), at −50 °C. The copolymer poly(AMA-co-GMA) thus obtained possessed a controlled molecular weight and a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw /Mn = 1.08–1.17). Without termination and polymer separation, a coupling reaction between the epoxy groups of this copolymer and anionic living polystyrene [poly(St)] at −40 °C generated a graft copolymer with a poly(AMA-co-GMA) backbone and poly(St) side chains. This graft copolymer was free of its precursors, and its molecular weight as well as its composition could be well controlled. To the completed coupling reaction solution, a THF solution of 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane was added, and this was followed by the addition of sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide. This hydroboration changed the AMA units of the backbone to 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, and an amphiphilic graft copolymer with a hydrophilic poly(3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) backbone and hydrophobic poly(St) side chains was obtained. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 1195–1202, 2000
Antigenicity and cross-reactivity of 6-aminopenicillanic acid and penicillin G

A LLERGIC reactions to penicillin are a major clinical problem.‘, 2 Use of penicillin itself as a skin test antigen is not adequate to evaluate clinical sensitization, since a negative test does not exclude the existence of penicillin allerg! and the possibility of a reaction to a subsequent administration.” The identity of the antigenic components of penicillin which determine sensitization is of prime importance for the selection of reagents to diagnose sensitivity states accurately. The molecular “nucleus” of penicillin is 6-aminopenicillanic acid (Fig. 1) . It can be isolated in pure form from penicillin fermentations, and its formation from penicillin by enzymatic hydrolysis has been demonstrated.* The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the antigenicity of 6aminopenicillanic acid in rabbits and to determine its cross-reactivity with penicillin, by use of the tanned-cell hemagglutination and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis techniques for measurement of antibody activity.
Conductive polymer bronzes. Intercalated polyaniline in V2O5 xerogels

La polymerisation vedox de l'audine dans les xerogels le V 2 O 5 ,nH 2 O donne un composite moleculaire contenant la forme protome de la polyaniline; la conductivite electrique et le coefficient le Seebecti du composite diminuent avec la temperature
Functional outcomes of kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic and osteolytic vertebral compression fractures

Vertebral body compression fractures secondary to osteoporosis or malignant osteolysis are an increasingly common problem. The primary purpose of our study was to assess functional outcomes of kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic and osteolytic vertebral compression fractures. Our secondary purpose was to compare such functional outcomes in patients with osteoporosis versus multiple myeloma. The 314 consecutive patients prospectively included in our study had progressive and painful compression fractures as a result of osteoporosis or multiple myeloma that were refractory to nonoperative modalities. Of those 314 patients, the 211 (67.2%) patients (155 with osteoporosis and 56 with multiple myeloma) who had complete preoperative and postoperative data formed our final study group. All patients tolerated the kyphoplasty procedure well (that is, there were no adverse events in terms of perioperative patient condition). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 235 weeks (mean 55.0 weeks). Functional outcomes were assessed by the SF-36 and Oswestry Disability Index at baseline and at follow-up examinations. Data were analyzed by Student’s t-test and the level of significance was set at P≤0.05. The average Owestry Disability Index score decreased by 12.6 points (P<0.001) in the overall group, by 11.8 points (P<0.001) at short-term follow-up, and by 8.6 points (P<0.001) at long-term follow-up. All SF-36 sub-scores except for general health and role-emotional showed statistically significant improvement from baseline values at the same time points. There was no statistically significant difference with regard to functional outcome in the osteoporosis and multiple myeloma sub-groups. Kyphoplasty provided a safe and effective treatment for pain and disability in patients with verterbral compression fractures secondary to osteoporosis and multiple myeloma. In addition, we found no statistically significant difference with regard to functional outcome between patients with osteoporosis and multiple myeloma.
Sodium zirconium oxide: molar enthalpy of formation at 298.15 K and molar heat capacity from 5 to 1168 K

The molar heat capacity of Na2ZrO3 was measured from 5 to 305 K by adiabatic calorimetry and from 438 to 1168 K by differential scanning calorimetry. The molar enthalpy of formation was determined by hydrofluoric-acid solution calorimetry. The molar enthalpy of formation at 298.15 K is −(1686.3±2.0) kJ·mol−1. The values at 298.15 K of Cp, mo, [Smo(T)−Smo(0)], and −[Gmo(T)−Hmo(0)]T are 125.88, 125.50, and 54.88 J·K−1·mol−1, respectively. These functions are also calculated from 5 to 1170 K.
The Aero-geochemistry of Cities and Regions

It is convenient to assess the human health and environmental hazards posed by contaminants through analyses of intertwined processes inherent in contaminant generation, transport and deposition at sinks. Contaminant generation has attracted a lot of regulatory interest in many countries. Limits on emissions and standards on operational protocols of industrial facilities, waste disposal systems and various categories of vehicles have been developed and enforced. Contaminant deposition is at the posterior end of the process sequence and is usually of great concern to the public. A sink can serve as a contaminant source under the influence of transport processes. This is frequently the case with air pollutants such as dust that can be reentrained in the atmosphere after deposition. As a medium for contaminant transport, air is more significant than water and soil in terms of contaminant dispersion from sources. Thus, with respect to environmental and human health risk assessment, pollutants that are present in the atmosphere tend to traverse more exposure pathways than those present in surface water or soil. Exposure pathways for air pollutants can be direct inhalation, dermal exposure, and oral intake,
Is the number of lymph nodes removed during PLND related to the prevalence of lymph node invasion

Is the number of lymph nodes removed during PLND related to the prevalence of lymph node invasion?
Modeling the interaction of peroxynitrite with low-density lipoproteins. II: reaction/diffusion model of peroxynitrite in low-density lipoprotein particles.

Peroxynitrite is a possible initiator for the free radical chain reaction that results in peroxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) which is the first step in atherogenisis. This paper reports on the use of a diffusion/reaction model to examine the processes involved in peroxynitrite attack on LDL particles. Results indicate that because of the short distance involved, diffusion is much more rapid than chemical decomposition. Because of this decoupling the free radicals generated by peroxynitrite decomposition may be found at any point in the LDL particle. At the concentrations expected in physiological systems only a small proportion of LDL particles may contain peroxynitrite molecules. However, these particles may still be profoundly effected because of the long reaction chain length expected after initiation.
Thermodynamic modeling of the thermomechanical effects of polymer crystallization: A general theoretical structure

A general theoretical structure is developed based on continuum thermodynamics to model the thermomechanical effects of polymer crystallization. This phase transition, seen in many polymers, involves the gradual transformation of the polymer's microstructure from an unorganized amorphous structure to that of a much more rigid semi-crystalline structure. This smooth transition is captured by a set of integral models which obtain the response by averaging the apparent response of the amorphous portion and a continuum of different crystals. A commonly used empirical relation between the extent of crystallization and volume change is imposed as a restriction on the material, and the implication of the entropy production inequality in the presence of this constraint is evaluated. General representations are provided.
The Use Of Changes In Hair Root Morphology In The Assessment Of Protein-Calorie Malnutrition

A study was carried out to evaluated the use of changes in hair root morphology in the assessment of protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) among a group of Black West Indian children. Significant differences in mean shaft diameter, mean % anagen, and mean % telogen were found only between the well-nourished and the severely malnourished groups. No significant differences in mean % atrophy, and in mean diameter of anagen bulbs were found among well-nourished children, children with mild-moderated PCM, severely malnourished children, and children hospitalized for conditions with a secondary effect on nutritional status. The method was found to be time consuming; it can be used only for differentiating well-nourished from severel malnourished children; and it cannot be used for determining well-nourished from severely malnourished children; and it cannot be used for determining the prevalence of the different degrees of PCM. For these reasons, the method is not recommended for use in the filed assessment of PCM.
The Role of Environmental Factors in the Etiology of Lymphoma

The final quarter of the twentieth century saw a rise in the incidence of lymphoma, and it is now one of the most common neoplasms in the United States. As our understanding of lymphoma has grown, it has become clear that lymphomagenesis is a complex process and that many of the pathologic subtypes of lymphoma have different etiologies. This has prompted epidemiologists to investigate potential environmental causes of lymphoma. Below is a review of the body of literature that has resulted from these pursuits.
Early events in the replication and integration of DNA into mammalian chromosomes.

Abstract Analysis of DNA produced in pulses of H 3 -thymidine (30 seconds to 2 minutes) indicates that replication of DNA in chromosomes of higher cells proceeds by the production of short segments of perhaps 1000 nucleotides. These segments apparently separate from the template during lysis of cells. However, a large fraction of the DNA remains on the template after a 2-minute pulse. This DNA is linked into chains most of which have sedimentation coefficients in the range of 15–20 S or greater in alkaline sucrose. After a 1-hour chase the new chains have lengths equivalent to the template DNA most of which sediments with a peak at 70–75 S.
Changes During and Following Laboratory Training: A Clinical-Experimental Study

The difficulties in studying any treatment process are legion: vagueness in outcomes; imprecisely described processes; absent or noncomparable control groups; measures which sensitize the subjects; small numbers of (usually self-selected) subjects; and failure to specify a clear theoretical basis for predictions made.This study demonstrates some solutions to these problems. A population of 34 elementary school principals was studied intensively before, during, and after a two-week training laboratory, as were two carefully selected control groups. The underlying theory attempted to specify the contributions of personality variables, organizational press, and involvement in training processes during the laboratory to the explanation of obtained on-the-job change. In general, valid experimental-control differences were found. Changes as a result of the training seem primarily associated with active, "unfrozen" participation at the laboratory, and with reception of feedback. Personality factors, such as ego ...
The controversial world of sirtuins.

The controversy around sirtuins and their functions in aging has drawn in the past few years as much attention, if not more, from the scientific community and the public as they did when first proposed as the key conserved aging regulators in eukaryotes. With some of the basic observations on sirtuin longevity promoting functions being questioned in popular model systems, researchers are wondering if this family of conserved enzymes still holds strong potential as therapeutic targets. This review examines the several controversial issues around sirtuins and their functions in aging, calorie restriction, as well as age-related diseases in light of recent studies in mammalian systems and discusses whether modulators of sirtuins still hold the secret of life.
Comparative genomic analysis identifies divergent genomic features of pathogenic Enterococcus cecorum including a type IC CRISPR-Cas system, a capsule locus, an epa-like locus, and putative host tissue binding proteins

Enterococcus cecorum (EC) is the dominant enteric commensal of adult chickens and contributes to the gut consortia of many avian and mammalian species. While EC infection is an uncommon zoonosis, like other enterococcal species it can cause life-threating nosocomial infection in people. In contrast to other enterococci which are considered opportunistic pathogens, emerging pathogenic strains of EC cause outbreaks of musculoskeletal disease in broiler chickens. Typical morbidity and mortality is comparable to other important infectious diseases of poultry. In molecular epidemiologic studies, pathogenic EC strains were found to be genetically clonal. These findings suggested acquisition of specific virulence determinants by pathogenic EC. To identify divergent genomic features and acquired virulence determinants in pathogenic EC; comparative genomic analysis was performed on genomes of 3 pathogenic and 3 commensal strains of EC. Pathogenic isolates had smaller genomes with a higher GC content, and they demonstrated large regions of synteny compared to commensal isolates. A molecular phylogenetic analysis demonstrated sequence divergence in pathogenic EC genomes. At a threshold of 98% identity, 414 predicted proteins were identified that were highly conserved in pathogenic EC but not in commensal EC. Among these, divergent CRISPR-cas defense loci were observed. In commensal EC, the type IIA arrangement typical for enterococci was present; however, pathogenic EC had a type IC locus, which is novel in enterococci but commonly observed in streptococci. Potential mediators of virulence identified in this analysis included a polysaccharide capsular locus similar to that recently described for E. faecium, an epa-like locus, and cell wall associated proteins which may bind host extracellular matrix. This analysis identified specific genomic regions, coding sequences, and predicted proteins which may be related to the divergent evolution and increased virulence of emerging pathogenic strains of EC.
How could we ever believe science is not political

Abstract Recent studies of science have tended to view the practices of science as including a full range of activities performed by scientists. This article examines several examples of political practices, including those internal to epistemological controversies within science, to externally related funding strategies, to public relations examples related to education policies. A wide range of interest groups are identified in the process and it is argued that while science does, indeed, produce new knowledge, it does so within a fully politicized framework.
Determining transient dipole source from observed field waveforms

Measured electric and magnetic field waveforms can be inverted directly to yield the source dipole moment as a function of time. The ground plane is assumed to be perfectly conducting.
Remembering Amiri Baraka and Stuart Hall

Amiri Baraka's life spanned some of the most volatile and exciting periods in 20th century African American history and for much of that time he was passionately immersed in the fray. He was a man ...
Social Capital, Islam, and the Arab Spring in the Middle East

To what extent do participatory civil society dynamics, rooted in self-assertive social capital, help explain the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011? How do pro-democratic Arab attitudes matter in promoting elite-challenging collective actions? Does Islam support or hinder elite-challenging, self-assertive social capital? To answer these questions, this study systematically examines the variation in self-assertive (emancipative) social capital in Egypt and Jordan from a comparative perspective. By using emancipative social capital theory, this article embarks on an individual-level quantitative analysis derived from the World Values Survey database to explore the empirical nexus between pro-democratic attitudes, elite-challenging actions, and Islamic values in order to partly explain comparatively high-intensive and persistent uprisings in Egypt and relatively low-intensive and less persistent demonstrations in Jordan. The findings offer critical insights in understanding the social capital dimension of the Ar...
Calcination of Calcite: II, Size and Growth Rate of Calcium Oxide Crystallites

The size and the growth rate of CaO crystallites were determined by X-ray diffraction. The crystallites exhibited an extremely rapid rate of growth near 1650°F. Activation energies were obtained from the growth rates by means of the Arrhenius relationship.
Localization of serotonin5A receptors in discrete regions of the circadian timing system in the Syrian hamster

Abstract Endogenous serotonin and serotonergic drugs influence many aspects of circadian rhythms, including phase shifts, onset of locomotor activity, and period length and integrity of rhythms during exposure to constant light. The receptor subtype(s) mediating all of these circadian effects of serotonin has (have) not been identified. Immunoreactivity for the serotonin 5A (5-HT 5A) receptor has recently been identified in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). In this study, we investigated the distribution of the 5-HT 5A receptors in four neural components of the circadian timing system (the SCN, the intergeniculate leaflet, and the median and dorsal raphe nuclei), in the Syrian hamster. Single and dual immunohistochemistry were conducted using an affinity-purified rabbit antibody generated against a peptide sequence unique to the 5-HT 5A receptor, guinea pig anti-5-HT antisera and guinea pig anti-GABA antisera. For single labeling, immunoreactivity was visualized using DAB-nickel as the chromagen. All four regions showed strong, yet distinct, immunoreactivity for the 5-HT 5A receptor. No specific labeling was present in the absorption or omission controls. For double labeling, immunoreactivity was visualized using immunofluorescence with Cy5- and FITC-labeled second antibodies followed by confocal microscopy. In the raphe nuclei, 5-HT-immunoreactivity and 5-HT 5A -immunoreactivity were co-localized in cell bodies and axons. GABA-immunoreactive fibers surrounded some of the 5-HT 5A receptor-immunoreactive cell bodies in the raphe nuclei. In conclusion, the 5-HT 5A receptors are localized within several important neuroanatomical substrates of the circadian timekeeping system, and within the raphe nuclei, appear to be present on serotonin neurons. These findings suggest that some of the circadian effects of 5-HT may be mediated by the 5-HT 5A receptor, which may function as a presynaptic autoreceptor.
The Equity Risk Premium Controversy

The equity risk premium controversy is a puzzle with implications for investors and money managers. Whatever the arguments about a high equity risk premium in the past, there has been a substantial premium over time on average, although typically not as great a realized premium to investors. There is similarly credible evidence that an equivalent or only slightly lower premium may continue into the future.
Memory in sub-clinical obsessive-compulsive checkers

In a series of experiments we extended the research on possible memory deficits in subclinical obsessive-compulsive Ss who reported excessive checking. Using a variety of memory tests we compared 20 subclinical checkers to 20 Ss without obsessive-compulsive symptomatology. Contrary to hypothesis, checkers remembered self-generated words better than read words just as much as did normals, but they were more likely than normals to report thinking they had studied words that, in fact, had not been on the study list. Further, they more often confused whether they read or generated the words at study. Checkers did not appear to perseverate on already-recalled words on repeated free recall tests any more than did normals. However, checkers remembered fewer actions overall and more often misremembered whether they had performed, observed, or written these actions. Such memory deficits may contribute to the development of excessive checking.
Vibrational spectrum, ab initio calculations, conformational stabilities and assignment of fundamentals of 1,2-dibromopropane

The mid and far infrared and the Raman spectrum of 1,2-dibromopropane is reported in solid, liquid and gas. Several bands reported by earlier workers are not present in the spectrum of the purified material. Ab initio calculations of optimized geometry, energy, dipole moment, molar volume, vibrational spectrum and normal coordinate calculation were performed using the density functional B3LYP/6-311++g(3df,2pd), and the results used to assist a complete assignment of the 81 fundamental modes of vibrations of the three conformers of 1,2-dibromopropane. Relative energies found conformer A the lowest with G and G' at 815.6 and 871.4 cm(-1) higher. The temperature dependence of the Raman spectrum of the liquid was investigated in the CCC bending region and the relative energies determined. It was found that the G' and G conformers lie 236+/-11 and 327+/-11 cm(-1), respectively above the A conformer, leading to the room temperature composition of the liquid as A, 65+/-1; G', 21+/-1; G, 14+/-1%. It is apparent that the calculated highest energy conformer G' is stabilized more than the G conformer in the liquid. The G' conformer has the lowest molar volume effectively changing the interaction distance between conformers in the liquid, and enhancing the effect of its dipole moment.
HIV-1 Tat-induced cerebrovascular toxicity is enhanced in mice with amyloid deposits

HIV-1-infected brains are characterized by elevated depositions of amyloid beta (Aβ); however, the interactions between Aβ and HIV-1 are poorly understood. In the present study, we administered specific HIV-1 protein Tat into the cerebral vasculature of 50-52-week-old double transgenic (B6C3-Tg) mice that express a chimeric mouse/human amyloid precursor protein (Mo/HuAPP695swe) and a mutant human presenilin 1 (PS1-dE9) and are characterized by increased Aβ depositions in the brain. Exposure to Tat increased permeability across cerebral capillaries, enhanced disruption of zonula occludens (ZO)-1 tight junction protein, and elevated brain expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in B6C3-Tg mice as compared with age-matched littermate controls. These changes were associated with increased leukocyte attachment and their transcapillary migration. The majority of Tat-induced effects were attenuated by treatment with a specific Rho inhibitor, hydroxyfasudil. The results of animal experiments were reproduced in cultured brain endothelial cells exposed to Aβ and/or Tat. The present data indicate that increased brain levels of Aβ can enhance vascular toxicity and proinflammatory responses induced by HIV-1 protein Tat.
Scanning tunneling microscope as a probe of the local transport field in mesoscopic systems.

On presente une analyse theorique du champ electrique local associe a la conduction dc dans le systeme mesoscopique a effet tunnel a balayage, par analogie avec les mesures de Kirtley et al. La theorie est fondee sur une analyse de type Landau dans laquelle une distribution donnee des electrons est incidente sur le systeme mesoscopique desordonne. Les resultats sont presentes dans le car d'un film mince contenant des joints de grain dans un modele de jellium
Identifying an aircraft fuel pump failure using bond graph modeling

The Engine Driven Fuel Pump for a particular business jet has been experiencing premature failures. A program to study this problem was initiated to investigate the problem and a system modeling effort became part of the program. The model includes the dynamics from the input shaft driving the pump, the fluid dynamics of the internals of the pump, through the load dynamics between the discharge port of the pump and the fuel injection into the engine. It was essential to identify the failure mechanism and bond graph modeling was the obvious approach for this very dynamic, multi-energy domain problem. This paper develops a model of the overall system and shows how simulation exposes the fundamental issues causing failure.
The role of exchange transfusion in the management of low-birth-weight infants with and without severe respiratory distress syndrome. I. Initial observations.

Exchange transfusions within the first 8 hours of life, as an adjunct to conventional therapy, were evaluated in two groups of infants: (1) infants with birth weights of less than 1,250 gm without severe respiratory distress and (2) infants of any birth weight with evidence of severe respiratory distress syndrome. A total of 63 infants were studied in Group 1. Infants who received an exchange transfusion had a survival rate of 86% as contrasted with a survival rate of 57% in the control group (p
Interleukin-1 induces chondrocyte protease production: the development of collagenase inhibitors.

Supernatants from the P388D1 macrophage cell line as well as human interleukin-1 (IL-1) stimulated primary rabbit articular chondrocytes to produce collagen- (C-ase) and proteoglycan- (PG-ase) degrading proteases. The P388D1 derived factor had a molecular weight of 16 000–20 000 and a pI of 4.5–5.0. Both protease activities were metal dependent and inhibited by EDTA, phenanthroline, and α2-macroglobulin but not by PMSF, TLCK, pepstatin, or α2-antitrypsin. Size exclusion chromatography indicated the molecular weights for latent PG-ase and C-ase were 44 000–56 000 and 34 000–44 000, respectively. Chemical synthesis efforts produced two classes of C-ase inhibitors —thiols and hydroxamic acids. The former had IC50 values of 10−5–10−6M while the latter approached 10−7M.
MEASUREMENT OF FUNCTIONAL STATUS, SELF-ASSESSMENT, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN SCLERODERMA

The impact on the individual patient of specific clinical aspects of scleroderma depends on the duration and stage of illness as well as the interplay among coexisting clinical problems. Thus, as with other multisystem rheumatic diseases, it is difficult to quantify the level of illness in a specific patient with scleroderma, especially if one focuses only on end-organ damage and mortality. The true impact of scleroderma on a patient's lifestyle, functional capacity, and emotional well-being is not well measured by any of the clinical and laboratory parameters traditionally used in the assessment of patients with this disease. This article describes the work to date on the development and validation of instruments to measure these health outcomes in patients with scleroderma and their incorporation into clinical treatment trials.
LR: compact connectivity representation for triangle meshes

We propose LR (Laced Ring)---a simple data structure for representing the connectivity of manifold triangle meshes. LR provides the option to store on average either 1.08 references per triangle or 26.2 bits per triangle. Its construction, from an input mesh that supports constant-time adjacency queries, has linear space and time complexity, and involves ordering most vertices along a nearly-Hamiltonian cycle. LR is best suited for applications that process meshes with fixed connectivity, as any changes to the connectivity require the data structure to be rebuilt. We provide an implementation of the set of standard random-access, constant-time operators for traversing a mesh, and show that LR often saves both space and traversal time over competing representations.
Emotion regulation in autism spectrum disorder: evidence from parent interviews and children's daily diaries.

Background Although emotion dysregulation is not a defining feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), there is a growing consensus that emotional problems play a prominent role in this disorder. Methods The present study examined a wide range of emotion regulation (ER) strategies in 32 individuals with ASD compared to 31 group-matched typically developing (TD) participants in three emotional domains (anger, anxiety, and amusement). Parents of individuals with ASD and TD individuals were interviewed about their child's emotional experience and the use and efficacy of 10 ER strategies. In addition, participants filled out daily diaries on experience and regulation in the same emotional domains. Results Compared to TD individuals, parents reported that individuals with ASD experienced more anger and anxiety and less amusement, made less frequent use of a variety of adaptive ER strategies (e.g. problem solving, cognitive reappraisal), and made more frequent use of maladaptive strategies (e.g. repetitive behavior). Moreover, individuals with ASD were less effective at utilizing adaptive ER strategies. Self-reports showed differences in experience of amusement and in ER strategies for anger and anxiety, but not in experience of anger and anxiety. Conclusions This study provides evidence that individuals with ASD less frequently use adaptive – but more frequently use maladaptive – ER strategies. Implications for ASD treatments that focus on increasing the use of adaptive strategies are discussed.
Lipid sacs as a buoyancy adaptation in an Antarctic fish

THE Notothenioidei, the dominant perciform suborder of Antarctic fishes, is a predominantly benthic group of about 75 species1. They lack a swim bladder, a feature consistent with their mode of life on the bottom of the sea1. Therefore few of them have been able to exploit the enormous biomass of planktonic crustaceans (krill) indigenous to the mid-waters of the Antarctic Ocean2,3. One notable exception, however, is the nototheniid Pleuragramma antarcticum Boulenger which has invaded this highly productive habitat. Unlike other members of this family, Pleuragramma spends its life swimming in the water2,4, at times beneath a cover of sea ice. Although Pleuragramma lacks a swim bladder, it has been observed to remain nearly motionless in the water when placed in an aquarium. Furthermore, its slow swimming speed and general body morphology (Fig. 1) appear to preclude the use of forward motion and associated hydrodynamic lift as a mechanism for maintaining position in the water column. In—1.8 °C seawater, specimens of Pleuragramma weighed between 0.5 and 1 % of their weight in air indicating they were almost neutrally buoyant. We report here that this reduction in density results from the accumulation of lipid in intermuscular and subcutaneous sacs, and from a reduction in skeletal ossification.
Introspection: a low overhead binding technique during self-diagnosing microarchitecture synthesis

Introspection, a zero-overhead binding technique during self-diagnosing microarchitecture synthesis is presented. Given a scheduled control data flow graph (CDFG) introspective binding exploits the spare computation and data transfer capacity in a synergistic fashion to achieve low latency fault diagnostics with near zero area overheads without compromising the performance. The resulting on-chip fault latencies are one ten-thousandth (10/sup -4/) of previously reported system level diagnostic techniques. A novel feature of the proposed technique is the use of spare data transfer capacity in the interconnect network for diagnostics.