cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS: A PROFITABLE INVESTMENT ALTERNATIVE?

This paper examines the determinants of return on equity for microfinance institutions (MFI), an important source of funds for entrepreneurs in developing countries. Recent research indicates that MFIs need to become financially sustainable without relying on external funding. To meet this objective, MFIs have begun to look to the capital markets as a source of funds. Our findings indicate that investors in MFIs can look at measures similar to those used by traditional financial institutions, like commercial banks, such as operating expense and portfolio yield measures to measure possible performance of a MFI. MFIs that have a larger percentage of women borrowers fare better. Additionally, we find that country specific macroeconomic conditions affect MFI return.
Structure and optoelectronic properties as a function of hydrogen dilution of micro-crystalline silicon films prepared by hot wire chemical vapor deposition

Films prepared by hot wire CVD using H dilution ratio, R=H 2/SiH4, from 1 to 20 were studied by X-ray, Raman, PL, and conductivity measurements. We found that (a) when the dilution ratio reached R=3, the structure transition from amorphous to microcrystalline growth occured; meanwhile, PL spectrum showed a dual-peak at 1.3 and 1.0 eV; (b) the total intensity, band width, and peak position of the low energy PL band decreased with increasing H dilution; (c) both the Raman and PL measured from the transparent substrate side showed that initial growth tends to be amorphous and a portion of μc-Si was formed when R ≥ 5; and (d) the conductivity activation energy first decreased from 0.68 to 0.15 eV when the film transition from a- to μc-Si; then increased slightly with increasing μc-Si fraction. The results demonstrate that the variation of the H-dilution ratio has significant effects on both the film structures and the optoelectric properties.
Partial regularity for the Navier-Stokes equations with a force in a Morrey space

Abstract In the paper, we address the partial regularity of solutions of the Navier–Stokes system. Earlier, we have proved that the one-dimensional parabolic Hausdorff measure of the singular set is zero under the assumption that the force f belongs locally to L 5 / 3 . Here we prove the same statement under a more general assumption that the Morrey norm in L 5 / 7 10 / 7 of the force is sufficiently small. We do so by establishing a fractional integration theorem using the Morrey spaces and by a suitable iteration using a localized version of the Morrey norm.
Inequivalent measures of noncompactness and the radius of the essential spectrum

The Kuratowski measure of noncompactness α on an infinite dimensional Banach space (X,∥·∥) assigns to each bounded set S in X a non-negative real number α(S) by the formula α(S) = inf{δ > 0| S = ∪ n i=1 S i for some S i with diam(S i ) 0 |β(LS) 0 | lim λ -m β(L m B) = 0}. m→∞ m→∞ Our motivation for this study comes from questions concerning eigenvectors of linear and nonlinear cone-preserving maps.
Pulsed dye laser therapy for port-wine stains in children: Psychosocial and ethical issues

The port-wine stain is a disfiguring vascular birthmark that commonly occurs on the face. Amelloration of this condition in children was difficult or impossible until the introduction of the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser in the late 1980s. This article provides an interdisciplinary social and ethical examination of pulsed dye laser therapy for port-wine stain in childhood. Specific issues raised relate to the management of pain during therapy, rationale for care, expectations of treatment, the high costs of care, equity, marketing pressures, and therapeutic activism. Laser therapy in the dermatologic care of children is an exciting innovation that has transformed clinical practice and raised important social, ethical, and health policy issues.
The CLEO II.V silicon vertex detector

Abstract A description of the new silicon tracker installed in the CLEO interaction region is given. This device consists of three layers of double-sided AC-coupled silicon microstrip detectors arranged in an octagonal array. The wafers are readout by 416 CAMEX64/JAMEX64 VLSI amplifier chips. A description of the data acquisition and monitoring systems developed to read out the SVX is provided. A summary of performance and some results are presented.
Treatment outcomes for older depressed patients with earlier versus late onset of first depressive episode: a Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) report.

Objective Controversy exists whether age at onset of the first depressive episode predicts chance of response and remission or the timing of such outcome. In this study of older depressed outpatients, the authors evaluated whether the age at onset of the first major depressive episode (MDE) was related to clinical outcomes. Design Post-hoc dataset analysis for older participants treated with citalopram in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression trial was performed. Side effects, remission rates, and baseline characteristics were compared for participants whose first MDE began at or before age 55 (earlier onset) versus those with their first MDE after age 55 (late onset). Setting Participants were enrolled from 23 psychiatric and 18 primary care settings. Participants There were 574 treatment-seeking outpatients (age range: 55–75 years) with nonpsychotic major depressive disorder who had a baseline 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score of ≥14. Intervention Participants received citalopram treatment for up to 14 weeks. Measurements Remission was defined by a 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Self-Rated score of ≤5 at study exit. Side effects were measured by the Frequency, Intensity, and Burden of Side Effects Rating. Results Of 574 participants, 72.1% had earlier-onset depression and 27.9% had late-onset depression. Remission rates were not statistically different between earlier-onset (30.8%) and late-onset (31.9%) participants. Time to remission did not differ as well. Conclusion The self-reported age at onset of the first MDE being after age 55 was not related to clinical outcomes for participants 55 to 75 years of age.
Development of teaching expertise viewed through the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition

This study was designed to explore development of skill acquisition in dental education, utilizing the Dreyfus and Dreyfus continuum. By identifying what skill progression may be recognized in the expert dental educator; and what experiences appear to influence this growth, the knowledge gained may inform more efficient, effective faculty support, development and life-long learning. Employing a qualitative approach, individual interviews were conducted with experienced educators and analyzed. Open coding of responses revealed that skill acquisition necessary to good teaching, as expressed by these experienced educators, reflects common themes and a learning curve similar to that noted by Dreyfus and Dreyfus and other investigators. In addition to supporting knowledge and technique development, dental faculty described working to share with students a wide range of non-cognitive competencies such as professionalism, communication, and an ethic of care and service. Findings increase understanding of teaching skill acquisition in dental education and may help provide support for health care faculty who desire to become excellent educators.
A numerical study of blood flow using mixture theory

In this paper, we consider the two dimensional flow of blood in a rectangular microfluidic channel. We use Mixture Theory to treat this problem as a two-component system: One component is the red blood cells (RBCs) modeled as a generalized Reiner–Rivlin type fluid, which considers the effects of volume fraction (hematocrit) and influence of shear rate upon viscosity. The other component, plasma, is assumed to behave as a linear viscous fluid. A CFD solver based on OpenFOAM® was developed and employed to simulate a specific problem, namely blood flow in a two dimensional micro-channel, is studied. Finally to better understand this two-component flow system and the effects of the different parameters, the equations are made dimensionless and a parametric study is performed.
Nanodiamonds as vehicles for systemic and localized drug delivery.

Owing to their exceptional biocompatibility and unique surface properties, nanodiamonds (NDs) are shown to be a progressively promising nanomaterial for drug delivery. In this article, NDs as a pla...
A contribution to the study of poisson's ratios and elasticconstants of TiN, ZrN and HfN

Abstract The elastic constants of the group IVB nitrides TiN, ZrN and HfN have beenstudied by X-ray residual stress measurements. Films of the nitrides were deposited onto stainless steel substrates by reactive sputtering and then vacuum annealed. They were studied using Cr Kα radiation and the five available diffraction peaks (111) to (222). Poisson's ratios for bulk material are 0.30, 0.19 and 0.35 for the three nitrides respectively, indicating that the first and last are nearly isotropic which requires ν to be ⅓. Values of the X-ray elastic constants and anisotropy factors were also derived.
SU-E-T-03: Proximity Effects and Intra-Track DSB Interactions within the Repair-Misrepair Fixation (RMF) Model

Purpose: Formulas linking Linear‐Quadratic (LQ) cell survival parameters to double strand break (DSB) induction are derived from the Repair‐ Misrepair‐Fixation (RMF) model for mixed radiation fields. Measured data for several cell lines irradiated by radiations of varying quality are used to examine the impact of proximity effects on intra‐ and inter‐track binary misrepair. Methods: With the RMF, estimates of alpha and beta for any particle type are determined by a well‐defined physical parameter (mean specific energy), two biological parameters (theta and kappa) that are independent of radiation quality, and a biological parameter (sigma) that depends on radiation quality. To minimize the number of ad hoc adjustable parameters, we used the published Monte Carlo Damage Simulation (MCDS) to estimate sigma. The effects of radiation quality on alpha and beta were examined by performing a regression analysis of survival data for 55 and 250 kVp x‐rays (V79 cells), for 55 kVp, 250 kVp and gamma‐rays from 60Co (CHO cells) and human kidney T‐1 cells irradiated by x‐rays, protons, deuterons and alpha particles with an LET up to 200 keV/um. Results: In CHO, V79 and T‐1 cells irradiated by widely varying types of radiation, the probability per unit time DSB formed by the same track interact in pairwise fashion is 100 to 300 times larger than the probability per unit time DSB formed by different tracks interact in pairwise fashion. Conclusion: The RMF is a useful conceptual and mathematical framework to quantify the effects of radiation quality on intrinsic radiation sensitivity for monoenergetic charged particles and mixtures of charged particles of varying quality. Although not an especially important cell killing mechanism for low LET radiations, intra‐track binary misrepair becomes the dominant one‐track cell killing mechanism for intermediate and higher LET radiations.
Optimizing injection gate location and cycle time for the in-mold coating (IMC) process

The standard practice when compression molding Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) exterior automotive body panels is to in-mold coat (IMC) the parts. Consequently, IMC needs to be considered an integral part when improving the process. Selecting the proper IMC injection gate location to obtain a defect-free coated part and properly setting the IMC processing conditions to reduce its cycle time are both key decisions for the IMC process. In the present work, an optimization method that involves metamodeling through either linear regression or artificial neural networks is explored with two purposes: first, to select the injection gate location(s) with the objective of minimizing the potential for surface defects in the coating; and second, to set the mold wall temperature and the initiator concentration to minimize the cure time for a given minimum required flow time.
Weather, climate, and tourism performance: A quantitative analysis

Abstract Weather is a component of tourism destinations that impacts demand, provision of services, and destination image. As a result, changes in weather can impact destination performance in a variety of ways. The current study examined the impact of weather variations on weekly (revenue per available room or RevPAR) and annual (number of establishments, annual payroll, first quarter payroll, and number of employees) economic indicators for 5 locations in the United States including San Diego, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Vail, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois and Miami, Florida. Analysis confirmed that weather impacted economic performance in both the short (weekly) and medium (annual) term. These results provide insight into the impacts of weather on tourism destinations and the impact of climate or long term weather change at destinations.
Lipid peroxidation: Pathophysiological and pharmacological implications in the eye

Oxygen-derived free radicals such as hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl species have been shown to oxidize phospholipids and other membrane lipid components leading to lipid peroxidation. In the eye, lipid peroxidation has been reported to play an important role in degenerative ocular diseases (age-related macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy). Indeed, ocular tissues are prone to damage from reactive oxygen species due to stress from constant exposure of the eye to sunlight, atmospheric oxygen and environmental chemicals. Furthermore, free radical catalyzed peroxidation of long chain polyunsaturated acids (LCPUFAs) such as arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid leads to generation of LCPUFA metabolites including isoprostanes and neuroprostanes that may further exert pharmacological/toxicological actions in ocular tissues. Evidence from literature supports the presence of endogenous defense mechanisms against reactive oxygen species in the eye, thereby presenting new avenues for the prevention and treatment of ocular degeneration. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and synthetic peroxides can exert pharmacological and toxicological effects on tissues of the anterior uvea of several mammalian species. There is evidence suggesting that the retina, especially retinal ganglion cells can exhibit unique characteristics of antioxidant defense mechanisms. In the posterior segment of the eye, H2O2 and synthetic peroxides produce an inhibitory action on glutamate release (using [3H]-D-aspartate as a marker), in vitro and on the endogenous glutamate and glycine concentrations in vivo. In addition to peroxides, isoprostanes can elicit both excitatory and inhibitory effects on norepinephrine (NE) release from sympathetic nerves in isolated mammalian iris ciliary bodies. Whereas isoprostanes attenuate dopamine release from mammalian neural retina, in vitro, these novel arachidonic acid metabolites exhibit a biphasic regulatory effect on glutamate release from retina and
Some assembly required: Constructing the elementary units of store-operated Ca2+ entry

The means by which Ca(2+) store depletion evokes the opening of store-operated Ca(2+) channels (SOCs) in the plasma membrane of excitable and non-excitable cells has been a longstanding mystery. Indirect evidence has supported local interactions between the ER and SOCs as well as long-range interactions mediated through a diffusible activator. The recent molecular identification of the ER Ca(2+) sensor (STIM1) and a subunit of the CRAC channel (Orai1), a prototypic SOC, has now made it possible to visualize directly the sequence of events that links store depletion to CRAC channel opening. Following store depletion, STIM1 moves from locations throughout the ER to accumulate in ER subregions positioned within 10-25nm of the plasma membrane. Simultaneously, Orai1 gathers at discrete sites in the plasma membrane directly opposite STIM1, resulting in local CRAC channel activation. These new studies define the elementary units of store-operated Ca(2+) entry, and reveal an unprecedented mechanism for channel activation in which the stimulus brings a channel and its activator/sensor together for interaction across apposed membrane compartments. We discuss the implications of this choreographic mechanism with regard to Ca(2+) dynamics, specificity of Ca(2+) signaling, and the existence of a specialized ER subset dedicated to the control of the CRAC channel.
Initial-retrieval “depth” and the negative recency effect

A novel variation of the probed recall, negative recency paradigm was employed to test the general hypothesis that the amount of learning from an initial recall test is a function of the level of processing used during initial retrieval, and to test specific predictions concerning the role of initial tests in the production and elimination of the negative recency effect. On each of 32 trials, 32 subjects each saw four words followed by a search-mode signal and a probe word. The level of initial retrieval processing (acoustic or semantic) was controlled by the search-mode signal. Initial test response latencies were recorded, and the learning derived from initial tests was assessed by an unexpected final free recall test. Final recall of words initially retrieved in the semantic-search condition showed no negative recency, while final recall of words initially retrieved in the acoustic-search condition did show negative recency. Conditional analyses showed that memory was incremented more by semantic-level initial retrieval than by acoustic-level initial retrieval. Implications of these results for an explanation of negative recency effects and for other learning-from-tests effects are discussed.
Performance validation of a modified magnetic resonance imaging-compatible temperature probe in children

INTRODUCTION:During magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), children are at risk for body temperature variations. The cold MRI environment that preserves the MRI magnet can cause serious hypothermia. On the other hand, hyperthermia may also develop because of radiofrequency-induced heating of the tissues,
High-Altitude Balloon Test of Satellite Solar Occultation Instrument for Monitoring Stratospheric O3, H2O and HNOHNO

Abstract In June 1982 a multi-detector infrared grating spectrometer was carried by a balloon to an altitude of 39 km at Palestine, Texas, where it measured intensities of solar radiation transmitted by the stratosphere before and during sunset. The instrument detected radiation continuously in eight spectral intervals in the infrared, including two in the 9.6 μm absorption band of ozone, two near 6.6 μm in the water vapor absorption band, and one in the 11.3 μm band of nitric acid. These data permitted retrievals of concentrations of ozone, water vapor and nitric acid at 1 km intervals between the altitudes of 25 and 39 km. The ozone retrieval was compared with in-situ measurements made by ECC-sondes, which were available below 32 km. The measurements by the two systems were in good agreement. No in-situ data were available to be compared with the retrieved ozone profile above 32 km or with the water vapor and nitric acid retrievals. However, these retrievals agreed qualitatively with other measurements ...
Photochemistry of planetary ionospheres

The basic photochemical processes in the upper atmospheres and ionospheresof the various bodiesin our solar system (planets, moons and comets)are similar. However, there are many different factors (e.g. gas composition, energy input, gravity) which control/change the relative importance of these controlling processes. The photo-chemistry of the inner planets is reasonably well understood at this time, thus there is good agreement betweenmodel calculations and most of the observationaldata base. The extremely limited informationthat we have available on the ionospheres of the outer planets leads to significant uncertainties about some of the controlling processes. Someimportantquestions(e.g. Is the charge exchangeprocess H+ + H2(v4) -. H2++ H important? Is watervapor influxfrom the rings important?)remainunansweredat this time. In cometary atmospheres the freshly evaporated parent molecules are rapidlyphotodissociated and photoionized, therefore most of the chemical kineticsof cometaryionospheresinvolvetheserapidlymovingand highly reactive ionsand radicals.
Fasciola hepatica: Attempts to immunise rats using fluke eggs and in vitro culture products

Abstract Rats were sensitised on days 0 and 12 by subcutaneous injection of Fasciola hepatica ova and/or the excretion/ secretion products obtained from in vitro maintained adult flukes and then challenged orally with 30 F. hepatica metacercariae on day 14. Worm burdens were determined 3 and 8 weeks after infection. No resistance to challenge infection was detected, but those fluke recovered from rats sensitised with excretion/secretion products were smaller than those from control groups.
Self-generated questions and reading recall: Does training help?

Abstract Several authors have recommended that reading teachers encourage students to ask questions while reading to improve comprehension and recall. This improvement seems to be influenced by the quality of the questions generated, and therefore it has been suggested that poor comprehenders be trained how to construct good questions before using this technique. Trained junior high school students were compared with untrained students on comprehension and recall after both were told to construct questions while reading text passages. Results indicate that training improved the question quality only for those students who had above average pretest free recall scores, although improvements in the question quality were directly related to improvements in reading recall. The implications of these results for teachers and for theories of the development of comprehension strategies are discussed.
Interfacial stabilization of organic-aqueous two-phase microflows for a miniaturized DNA extraction module

Organic-aqueous liquid (phenol) extraction is one of many standard techniques to efficiently purify DNA directly from cells. The cell components naturally distribute themselves into the two fluid phases in order to minimize interaction energies of the biological components with the surrounding solvents. The membrane components and protein partition to the interface between the organic and aqueous phases while the DNA stays in the aqueous phase. The aqueous phase is then removed with a purified DNA sample. This work studies the first steps towards miniaturizing this liquid extraction technique in a microfluidic device. The first step is to understand how the two liquid phases behave in microchannels. Due to the interfacial tension between the two liquid phases, novel approaches must be examined in order to obtain interfacial stability under flow conditions. The stability of the organic-aqueous interface is improved by reducing the interfacial tension between the two phases by incorporating a surfactant into the aqueous phase. The variation of the interfacial tension as a function of surfactant concentration is also quantified in this work. This has led to the ability to create stable stratified microflows in both a dual inlet and three inlet microfluidic systems. Also, the first step in understanding biological interactions at the organic-aqueous interface is investigated using a fluorescently labeled bovine serum albumin protein.
Synthesis and characterization of AgInSe2 for application in thin film solar cells

Abstract AgInSe2 (AIS) films were grown on n-type Si substrates by the ultra-high-vacuum pulsed laser deposition technique from the AIS target synthesized from high-purity materials. The X-ray diffraction and microscopic studies of the films show that films are textured having terrace-like surface morphology. The optical studies of the films show that the optical band gap is about 1.24 eV. The electrical conductivity of AgInSe2/Si films shows excellent diode characteristics. The photoconductivity of the AgInSe2/Si device shows photocurrent of 2.8 mA at a bias-voltage of − 1 V with an open circuit voltage of 0.15 V. This shows that AIS films are very good absorber material for solar cell technology.
The Revolt of the Corporate Owners and the Demobilization of Business Political Action

After half a century of consolidation, managerial control of many large corporations came under increasing attack during the 1980s. Spearheaded by management buyouts and hostile takeovers, ownership groups and interests came to exercise greater influence on company policies and practices. Drawing on a range of sources, this article argues that the reemergence of ownership power and the demand for enhanced shareholder value is redirecting company political action toward more narrowly defined issues of specific company interest. The turnover in ownership is also serving to undercut general business consensus and to demobilize aggregate political action. Continued turbulence in the market for corporate control is reducing action in the market for political control.
Patterns of potential C source utilization by rhizosphere communities

Abstract Patterns of potential C source utilization by microbial communities were tested as a means for differentiating among and within rhizosphere samples of different crops. Utilization of 95 separate sole C sources was determined by inoculating microbial suspensions into BIOLOG plates and quantifying color production from a redox-sensitive dye. Suspensions were produced by shaking excised root samples from wheat, white potato, soybean and sweetpotato grown in hydroponic culture within controlled environmental growth chambers. Distinctive patterns of C source utilization were apparent for each crop type, and the differences among crops were consistent for experiments repeated over 2 years. A temporal shift in C source utilization related to plant development state was observed in soybean. Results indicate that this rapid method is effective for detecting plant dependent differences in rhizosphere communities, and changes in response to plant developmental state.
T regulatory lymphocytes and endothelial function in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.

Author(s): Tan, Hui-Leng; Gozal, David; Samiei, Arash; Bhattacharjee, Rakesh; Wang, Yang; Ramirez, Helena Molero; Bandla, Hari PR; Kulkarni, Richa; Kheirandish-Gozal, Leila | Abstract: BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a low-grade inflammatory disease affecting the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Increasing OSA severity reduces T-regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs) in OSA children. Since Tregs modulate endothelial activation, and attenuate insulin resistance, we hypothesized that Tregs are associated with endothelial and metabolic dysfunction in pediatric OSA.Methods50 consecutively recruited children (ages 4.8-12 years) underwent overnight polysomnography and fasting homeostatic model (HOMA) of insulin resistance was assessed. Percentage of Tregs using flow cytometry, and endothelial function, expressed as the time to peak occlusive hyperemia (Tmax), were examined. In a subgroup of children (n = 21), in vitro Treg suppression tests were performed.ResultsCirculating Tregs were not significantly associated with either BMI z score or HOMA. However, a significant inverse correlation between percentage of Tregs and Tmax emerged (pl0.0001, r = -0.56). A significant negative correlation between Tregs suppression and the sleep pressure score (SPS), a surrogate measure of sleep fragmentation emerged (p = 0.02, r = -0.51) emerged, but was not present with AHI.ConclusionsEndothelial function, but not insulin resistance, in OSA children is strongly associated with circulating Tregs and their suppressive function, and appears to correlate with sleep fragmentation. Thus, alterations in T cell lymphocytes may contribute to cardiovascular morbidity in pediatric OSA.
Ionization of long-lived highly excited atoms by collision with molecules. II☆

Abstract A theoretical treatment of the collisional ionization of a highly excited atom with a molecule is improved by use of the exact form factor of the hydrogen atom in highly excited states. The present treatment is still based on the previously proposed mechanism in which the Rydberg electron is ionized by gain of energy from rotational de-excitation of the molecule in a rotationally excited state. Closer comparison of experiment with theory is made for symmetric- as well as asymmetric-top molecules.
Mechanisms of spatial attention: The relation of macrostructure to microstructure in parietal neglect

Parietal-damaged patients respond abnormally slowly to targets presented in the affected hemifield when preceded by cues in the intact hemifield. This inability to disengage attention from the ipsilesional field to reengage it in the contralesional field has been interpreted as evidence for a distinct “disengage” mechanism, localized in parietal cortex. We present a computational model that accounts for normal attentional effects by interactivity and competition among representations of different locations in space, without a dedicated “disengage” mechanism. We show that when the model is lesioned, it produces the “disengage deficit” shown by parietal-damaged patients. This suggests that the deficit observed in such patients can be understood as an emergent property of interactions among the remaining parts of the system, and need not imply the existence of a dedicated “disengage” mechanism in the normal brain.
Nondestructive Testing of Historic Structures

Nondestructive testing (NDT) of historic structures can be used for architectural archaeology, structural stability analysis, or materials characterization. Four types of physical probes are available: sound, penetrating radiation, visible light, and electromagnetism. Each of these can be utilized in several ways. Additional options involve hybrid techniques that combine probe methods. Widespread application in architectural conservation depends upon overcoming institutional barriers including the lack of standardization, fragmented decision-making, and restrictive contracting procedures that do not take into account the benefits of NDT.
Behavioral consequences of attributional bias.

Two experiments were conducted to examine the behavioral consequences of the “fundamental attribution error.” In the first experiment, subjects viewed a general-knowledge quiz, shown by Ross, Amabile, and Stemmetz (1977) to produce biased attributions of expertise: Questioners are perceived as more knowledgeable than contestants. Subjects were assigned to a partner, either the questioner or the contestant in the quiz. As predicted, (1) subjects tended to conform more to questioners than to contestants, and (2) subjects predicted for themselves a lower score on a general-knowledge test when a score of 23 correct out of 30 was ascribed to questioners than when the same score was ascribed to contestants. In the second experiment, subjects interviewed a target they believed was a questioner from a quiz game. Interviewers who were moderately confident about their attributions of knowledgeablity were more likely to elicit behavior from the target that was consistent with the attribution than were interviewers w...
Nonlinear optical image subtraction for potential industrial applications

Recent advances in optical phase conjugation and energy coupling at optical powers as low as a few milliwatts have added a new dimension to optical image processing. Conventional image processing techniques based on convolution/correlation, matched filtering, and holographic interferometry can now be achieved with much simpler components and usually at much higher efficiency by incorporating these new features. Some of the application concepts that had been impracticable can now be realized. The basic principle and potential industrial applications of real-time image subtraction using dynamic holograms are reviewed. Optical implementations and experimental results on image subtraction, novelty filtering, and defect detection are discussed.
Perfecting Distributive Justice

Luck egalitarianism’s ascent has focused attention on the role that individual choice plays in distributive justice, for the theory invests fundamental moral significance in the distinction between choice and luck. But the theory’s supposed signal virtue has also been the target of withering criticism. Most prominently, Elizabeth Anderson has argued that the foundational role that the theory accords to the distinction between choice and luck is fatal to the theory. In what G. A. Cohen aptly calls her “broadside” against the theory, Anderson categorically – and I believe persuasively – rejects the role that luck egalitarianism accords to choice so conceived. While Anderson and those who have followed her lead make a convincing case that the luck egalitarian account of distributive justice fails, however, it would be a mistake to dismiss the importance of choice to distributive justice on the force of those criticisms. For what luck egalitarianism valorizes and Anderson denigrates is a particular – and particularly formal – conception of choice. Indeed, it is striking that although the formal fact or authenticity of people’s choices is the sine qua non of luck egalitarianism, the actual substance or content of people’s choices is strictly irrelevant according to the view. Anderson quite rightly criticizes luck egalitarianism’s crime of commission, consisting in making so much of whether a distributive outcome can be traced to individuals’ choices. But in my view, luck egalitarianism is no less guilty of a crime of omission, for it fails to give due regard for what choices are made. Anderson, interestingly, is equally guilty of this charge. It is my aim here to substantiate these claims and thus to argue that distributive justice must take seriously the substance or content of individuals’ choices: specifically, justice demands that the state should indemnify people against distributive disadvantages that individuals suffer in virtue of choosing to pursue worthwhile activities. My aim is to make the case for a novel conception of distributive justice, turning not on the authenticity of people’s choices but on the substantive content, and specifically the value, of their choices. This marks out my view as perfectionist. While general political perfectionism has been examined and defended in detail, its implications for distributive justice have been largely overlooked. The goal of this essay, then, is to correct that oversight by sketching a liberal perfectionist account of distributive justice.
Notions of HIV and Medication among Multiethnic People Living with HIV

To help understand why people of ethnic minority groups tend to be less likely than European Americans to take medication for HIV, narratives from 62 multiethnic HIV-positive individuals were coded for mention of taking medication for HIV and reasons for not doing so. Respondents viewed HIV/AIDS and medication in terms of other illnesses and drugs, including colds, cancer, and street drugs. Some recovering drug users expressed concern about ingesting synthetic medication or considered medical regimens as constraining as a drug addiction. Some in the sample also thought antiretroviral medications were toxic, especially when taken in combination. Others thought they should wait to take medication to prevent opportunistic infection until they felt ill. Implications for providers are discussed.
CONCENTRATION-DEPENDENT SHORT-RANGE ORDER IN THE RELAXOR FERROELECTRIC (1-X)PB(SC,TA)O3-XPBTIO3

Using the x-ray diffraction and x-ray absorption fine structure techniques, we have probed $\mathrm{Ti}$, $\mathrm{Ta}$, and $\mathrm{Sc}$ local environments in the solid solution system $(1\ensuremath{-}x{)\mathrm{Pb}(\mathrm{Sc},\mathrm{Ta})\mathrm{O}}_{3}\text{\ensuremath{-}}x{\mathrm{PbTiO}}_{3}$. This system is known to display a variety of ferroelectric behaviors ranging from variable order-disorder, to relaxor, to a mixed phase region, and then finally to normal ferroelectric, as the value of $x$ is increased. We find, in agreement with neutron diffraction studies, no detectable displacements of $\mathrm{Ta}$ or $\mathrm{Sc}$ atoms from their oxygen cage centers in any of these systems. Surprisingly, we find that the $\mathrm{Ti}$ atom is displaced along (111) from its inversion symmetry center for $x=0.05$. However, this average local $\mathrm{Ti}$ displacement gradually changes from (111) to (001) as $x$ increases, whereas the global crystal structure abruptly changes from rhombohedral to tetragonal at $x=0.45$. Our experimental results and theoretical modeling of others together suggest that this system consists of mixed regions, some characterized by a (111) $\mathrm{Ti}$ displacement and others characterized by a (001) $\mathrm{Ti}$ displacement. The displacement averaged over all regions becomes more weighted toward (001) as $x$ increases. Another significant result is that all our samples (with $x$ ranging from 0 to 0.5) have a high degree of local ordering of the $\mathrm{B}$ sites with alternate occupation of $\mathrm{Ta}$ and $\mathrm{Sc}$ atoms.
Successful intracoronary thrombolysis in cocaine-associated acute myocardial infarction

We describe a case of cocaine-associated acute myocardial infarction managed by cardiac catheterization and intracoronary thrombolysis. Based on this and other reported cases, it appears that an invasive approach to the management of cocaine-associated acute myocardial infarction is advantageous over intravenous thrombolysis. Such a strategy would define the pathophysiology of acute myocardial infarction in the setting of cocaine use and allow mechanical intervention should pharmacologic therapy be unsuccessful.
Regulation of 2-acetylaminofluorene-and 3-methylcholanthrene--mediated induction of multidrug resistance and cytochrome P450IA gene family expression in primary hepatocyte cultures and rat liver.

Previous studies by this laboratory have indicated that expression of the multidrug resistance (mdr) gene can be increased in vivo by exposure to a variety of xenobiotics. Because of the nature of these compounds, it was proposed that mdr gene expression might, at least in part, be regulated by the arylhydrocarbon (Ah) receptor. In the present study, we used a primary hepatocyte culture model to examine the relationship between induction of cytochrome P450IA and mdr expression in vitro. Both 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) and 2-acetylamino-fluorene (AAF) were efficient inducers of mdr expression in this model. Induction of mdr gene expression by both MC and AAF obeyed a log10 concentration/response relationship. In contrast, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-P-dioxin did not induce mdr expression at concentrations that yielded maximum induction of cytochrome P450IA expression. These data suggest that mdr induction was not mediated via the Ah receptor. Nuclear run-off analysis indicated that both AAF and MC induced mdr expression by increasing transcription. Primer extension analysis indicated that mdr gene transcription was initiated at one major site 151 bp upstream of the ATG site in both the uninduced and induced state in vivo and in vitro. The sequence of the primer and the site of initiation of gene transcription indicate that the main gene induced was the mdr1b gene.
Analysis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Gag Dimerization-Induced Assembly

The nucleocapsid (NC) domains of retrovirus precursor Gag (PrGag) proteins play an essential role in virus assembly. Evidence suggests that NC binding to viral RNA promotes dimerization of PrGag capsid (CA) domains, which triggers assembly of CA N-terminal domains (NTDs) into hexamer rings that are interconnected by CA C-terminal domains. To examine the influence of dimerization on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag protein assembly in vitro, we analyzed the assembly properties of Gag proteins in which NC domains were replaced with cysteine residues that could be linked via chemical treatment. In accordance with the model that Gag protein pairing triggers assembly, we found that cysteine cross-linking or oxidation reagents induced the assembly of virus-like particles. However, efficient assembly also was observed to be temperature dependent or required the tethering of NTDs. Our results suggest a multistep pathway for HIV-1 Gag protein assembly. In the first step, Gag protein pairing through NC-RNA interactions or C-terminal cysteine linkage fosters dimerization. Next, a conformational change converts assembly-restricted dimers or small oligomers into assembly-competent ones. At the final stage, final particle assembly occurs, possibly through a set of larger intermediates.
Communication Management for the Aircraft

Certain serious problems concerning air safety can be attributed to our poor management of the many ground-to-air intelligence links which terminate in the aircraft. In addition to overburdening the pilot, our present ground-to-air systems do not provide all the functions required for satisfactory aircraft traffic control. This paper describes a possible solution to these problems through a reexamination of our present ground-to-air intelligence-carrying circuits and the design of a Mission and Traffic Control Subsystem which is sufficiently flexible to be utilized in all types of aircraft.
Spatial Characterization of Water Quality in Florida Bay and Whitewater Bay by Multivariate Analyses: Zones of Similar Influence

We apply an objective statistical analysis to a 6-yr, multiparameter dataset iti an c4l'ort lo tlctic~ibe the spatial dependence and inherent variation of water quality patterns in the lilorida Ray-Whitrwalc*r Hny area. Principal component analysis of 16 water quality parameters collected monthly over a 6-yr period resnlted in live prinr.ipaI COIII- ponents (PC) that explained 71.8% of the variance of the original variables. The "organic" coIIIpoIIvIl1 (I'( :,) wils Clllll- posed of TN, TON, APA, and TOC; the "inorganic N" component (PCIl) cuntainecl NO2 , NO:, , m~cl NII,', the "phytoplankton" component (PC,,,) was made up of turbidity, TP, and Chl a; DO and f~~mprra~urc~ wcrv i~~vvrtiely related (PC,); and salinity was the only parameter included in PC,. A cluster analysis of mean and SI) ol' I'(: tswrt~w wadted in the spatial aggregation of 50 fixed monitoring stations in Florida Bay and Whitewater Ilay into nix ZOIW~~ 01' similar influence (ZSI) defined as Eastern Florida Bay. Core Florida Bay, Western Florida Bay, (:oot Ilay, 1111~ IIUIW Mu~~yrovc Fringe, and the Outer Mangrove Fringe. Marked differences in physical, chemical, snd biological charnrtcrlwtics awmg ZSI were ill-ustrated by this technique. Comparison of medians and variability of param-tcr vahan ~JNIWI~ %SI allowed large-scale generalizations as to underlying differences in water quality in these regions. Il'or ~xa~nph+ Kantc:rtl IGrida Bay had lower salinity7 TON, TOC, TP, and Chl a than the Core Bay as a function ol' dil'l'cwwc:eri ~II I'rc~nl~wa~cv inpuls and water residence time. Comparison of medians and variability within ZSI resulted in new I~ypotl~m~~s tm 10 lhe pro- cesses generating these internal patterns. For example, the Core Bay had very high TON, 'I'()(:, a11r1 NI f., ' ~~llll~l!ll~~d~~~~ilS but very low NO,~ 9 leadiig us to postulate the inhibition of nitrification via CO production by 'I'()( i ph~hlysia. We believe that this simple, objective approach to spatial analysis of fixed-station monitoring data~h will arid twlcn~i~bi and managers in the interpretation of factors underlying the observed parameter dislribulion patterns. We alrc~ mprcl tbal this approach will be useful in focussing attention on specific spatial areas of concern and in gvnvraring IWW ideas COI hypothesis testing.
Environmental certification of AT&T-GIS in Augsburg, Germany

To remain competitive, organizations must increasingly apply effective and efficient management systems, sustain satisfactory financial “health,” and achieve exemplary environmental performance. A European directive (EEC Regulation 1836/93) encourages industrial companies to participate in a voluntary community eco-management and audit scheme. The Workstation Products Division (WPD) of AT&T Global Information Solutions (AT&T-GIS) in Augsburg is a PC development and production facility. It is the first company in Germany to achieve both certification of its environmental management system (EMS) and ISO 9001 registration of its quality management system (QMS). Quality in the EMS/QMS integrated management system was redefined as fulfillment of defined and perceived requirements to delight customers and society through economic and environment-friendly processes. The certification of WPD's total quality management system demonstrates leadership in this highly competitive arena.
Selecting facings for pontics

Abstract The five porcelain facings that are most commonly used in fixed prosthesis have been reviewed. The use of porcelain facings in combination with gold alloy backings is encouraged. Emphasis is placed on attaining the optimal biomechanical design. The reverse pin facing can be adapted to the greatest number of situations, followed by the long pin facing. Regardless of the facing used, the proper contour and form of the entire pontic must be developed.
Sphenophorus venatus vestitus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Preference for Bermudagrass Cultivars and Endophytic Perennial Ryegrass Overseed

Sphenophorus venatus vestitus responses to 4 bermudagrass cultivars and endophytic perennial ryegrass-overseeded bermudagrass were evaluated in greenhouse tests. ‘TifEagle’ appeared to be least preferred, compared to ‘Tifway’, ‘Celebration’ and ‘Tifdwarf ’. Pots of ‘TifEagle’ overseeded with endophytic perennial ryegrass had less adult damage and no larvae, compared to that of ‘Tifway.’ Using less susceptible cultivars and overseeding with endophytic turfgrasses can minimize billbug populations in warm season turfgrasses. Se evaluo la respuesta de Sphenophorus venatus vestitus a 4 variedades de cesped Bermuda con centeno (raigras) endofitico perenne sembrado por encima en un ensayo de invernadero. La variedad ‘TifEagle ‘parece ser menos preferida, en comparacion con las variedades ‘Tifway’, ‘Celebration’ y ‘Tifdwarf’. Las macetas de ‘TifEagle’ sembradas con centeno endofitico perenne por encima tuvieron menos dano hecho por los adultos y no tenian larvas, en comparacion con las de ‘Tifway. Al utilizar variedades menos susceptibles y sembrar los cespedes endofitos por encima puede minimizar las poblaciones del picudo en cespedes de estacion calida. View this article in BioOne
Mutation of zebrafish dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 results in motor dysfunction and models maple syrup urine disease

Analysis of zebrafish mutants that demonstrate abnormal locomotive behavior can elucidate the molecular requirements for neural network function and provide new models of human disease. Here, we show that zebrafish quetschkommode (que) mutant larvae exhibit a progressive locomotor defect that culminates in unusual nose-to-tail compressions and an inability to swim. Correspondingly, extracellular peripheral nerve recordings show that que mutants demonstrate abnormal locomotor output to the axial muscles used for swimming. Using positional cloning and candidate gene analysis, we reveal that a point mutation disrupts the gene encoding dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 (Dbt), a component of a mitochondrial enzyme complex, to generate the que phenotype. In humans, mutation of the DBT gene causes maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a disorder of branched-chain amino acid metabolism that can result in mental retardation, severe dystonia, profound neurological damage and death. que mutants harbor abnormal amino acid levels, similar to MSUD patients and consistent with an error in branched-chain amino acid metabolism. que mutants also contain markedly reduced levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate within the brain and spinal cord, which probably contributes to their abnormal spinal cord locomotor output and aberrant motility behavior, a trait that probably represents severe dystonia in larval zebrafish. Taken together, these data illustrate how defects in branched-chain amino acid metabolism can disrupt nervous system development and/or function, and establish zebrafish que mutants as a model to better understand MSUD.