cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The development of the political philosophy of Merleau-Ponty

This article follows the development of Merleau-Ponty’s political philosophy from his 1947 text, Humanism and Terror, through a number of essays in the Adventures of the Dialectic, to the Preface to Signs published in 1959. It shows the process by which Merleau-Ponty escaped the “grip of marxism” as a philosophy of history. It notes the link between his philosophy of history and the concrete historical events of his times, particularly the Russian Revolution and its degeneration into Stalinism. It suggests a certain analogy between Merleau-Ponty’s reflection on the October Revolution and Kant’s reflection on the French Revolution. The notion of the universal class of the proletariat is the guiding thread in the analyses of both Merleau-Ponty’s proximity to marxism and the process by which he frees himself from its grip. We observe the role that this concept plays in Humanism and Terror and in the essays on Weber and Lukacs in the Adventure of the Dialectic where we eventually see its dissolution. It is argued that Merleau-Ponty arrives at a new conception of historical meaning which is neither totalizing or empiricist. The paper concludes by presenting an outline of the direction that his philosophy of history took after he extricated himself from marxism. This new philosophy took the form of a critical reflection on the role of the “notion of the hero” in 20th century political philosophy in general, particularly in Heidegger and Sartre.
Electronic Transitions and Spin States in the Lower Mantle

The spin state of iron in the predominant lower mantle phases perovskite, its high-pressure polymorph post-perovskite, and its likely companion ferropericlase, is a fundamental parameter that may affect the physical properties and chemical equilibrium of the deep Earth. Recent experimental and theoretical investigations of spin crossovers in iron-bearing silicates revealed a complex picture of electronic transitions in perovskite. Pressure-induced loss of magnetic moment in perovskite was observed in all experimental studies. The detailed nature of the spin crossover, however, remains poorly constrained. Open questions include the sharpness of the spin crossover, its temperature and compositional dependence, and the possibility of coupling between the spin crossover in perovskite and its transformation into post-perovskite. On the other hand, clear evidence has been obtained for relatively sharp spin crossover in ferropericlase at 300 K. Due to limited understanding of the effect of temperature, the occurrence of spin crossover in the lower mantle remains to be determined experimentally. If one or more electronic transitions take place under the relevant pressure and temperature conditions, the associated changes in density and velocity could be partially responsible for the lateral heterogeneity in the mid-lower mantle and the anomalous seismic features in the D" layer. The effect of spin crossover on Fe/Mg partitioning between various iron-bearing phases is likely to be subdued, because of broad spin crossovers under mantle temperatures, the strong affinity of ferric iron for perovskite, the compositional dependence of crossover pressure, and the slow diffusion of iron in perovskite.
Equating emphysema scores and segmentations across CT reconstructions: A comparison study

The extent of pulmonary emphysema is commonly quantified on computed tomography (CT) as the proportion of voxels within the lung region below a fixed attenuation threshold. However, this measure is known to be sensitive to several factors, including changes in imaging protocol. The sensitivity restricts the comparison of emphysema scores between studies, between clinical scans without a standard imaging protocol, and in longitudinal data sets with evolving imaging protocols. Recently proposed image processing methods equate emphysema scores across imaging protocols. This study evaluates the performance of two state-of-the-art emphysema segmentation methods and an approach to correct emphysema scores. Emphysema scores and masks generated on sharp reconstructions are compared to ones generated by standard thresholding on smooth reconstructions, for 22 pairs of CT reconstructions.
Regulation of lac Operon Expression: Reappraisal of the Theory of Catabolite Repression

The physiological state of Escherichia coli with respect to (permanent) catabolite repression was assessed by measuring the steady-state level of beta-galactosidase in induced or in constitutive cells under a variety of growth conditions. Four results were obtained. (i) Catabolite repression had a major effect on fully induced or constitutive expression of the lac gene, and the magnitude of this effect was found to be dependent on the promoter structure; cells with a wild-type lac promoter showed an 18-fold variation in lac expression, and cells with the lacP37 (formerly lac-L37) promoter exhibited several hundred-fold variation. (ii) Exogenous adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphoric acid (cAMP) could not abolish catabolite repression, even though several controls demonstrated that cAMP was entering the cells in significant amounts. (Rapid intracellular degradation of cAMP could not be ruled out.) (iii) Neither the growth rate nor the presence of biosynthetic products altered the degree of catabolite repression; all variation could be related to the catabolites present in the growth medium. (iv) Slowing by imposing an amino acid restriction decreased the differential rate of beta-galactosidase synthesis from the wild-type lac promoter when bacteria were cultured in either the absence or presence of cAMP; this decreased lac expression also occurred when the bacteria harbored the catabolite-insensitive lacP5 (formerly lacUV5) promoter mutation. These findings support the idea that (permanent) catabolite repression is set by the catabolites in the growth medium and may not be related to an imbalance between catabolism and anabolism.
Development efforts in rechargeable batteries for underwater vehicles

For over two decades the White Oak Laboratory of the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) has been collaborating with the battery industry to develop advanced rechargeable batteries for underwater vehicles. Many underwater vehicles use zinc/silver oxide (Zn/AgO) batteries to supply the required propulsion power. Although Zn/AgO offers the highest energy density (55 watt hours per pound, Wh/lb) of any commercial system, it cannot provide the energy densities required for significantly longer vehicle operation. To address this issue, NSWC is seeking to improve the performance of the Zn/AgO technology as well as developing new, advanced electrochemistries (Li/Li/sub 2/CoO/sub 2/, Li-ion, and molten salt). This paper reviews these efforts.
Early stage breast cancer treatments for younger Medicare beneficiaries with different disabilities

Objective To explore how underlying disability affects treatments and outcomes of disabled women with breast cancer.
GABAB-receptor-mediated inhibition of the N-methyl-D-aspartate component of synaptic transmission in the rat hippocampus

GABA receptor regulation of NMDA-receptor-mediated synaptic responses was studied in area CA1 of the rat hippocampus using extracellular and intracellular recording techniques. Picrotoxin (PTX) was used to suppress GABAA inhibition and 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) was used to suppress non-NMDA receptor-mediated responses. In this manner, we were able to avoid the complicating factors caused by potentials induced by other excitatory and inhibitory amino acid receptors. Under these conditions, large NMDA-receptor-mediated EPSPs were observed. When paired stimuli were given at interstimulus intervals from 100 to 400 msec, powerful inhibition of the second response was observed. This inhibition was reversed by the GABAB antagonists phaclofen and 2-hydroxy-saclofen; it was also depressed by removal of Mg2+ from the bath. Examination of non-NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic responses (determined in the presence of D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate and PTX) showed no such inhibition, thereby supporting the hypothesis that GABAB inhibition of NMDA EPSPs is postsynaptic. This difference in paired-pulse inhibition of NMDA and non-NMDA EPSPs leads us to conclude that there was no evidence of GABAB-mediated presynaptic inhibition of excitatory transmitter release. Intracellular recordings in the presence of DNQX and PTX revealed a phaclofen-sensitive late IPSP that correlated in time with the period of inhibition of NMDA responses. Taken together, these data suggest that paired-pulse-inhibition of NMDA responses is produced by a GABAB-receptor-mediated hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane, causing an enhanced block of the NMDA channels by Mg2+. Regulation of NMDA-mediated synaptic responses by GABAB receptors constitutes a powerful mechanism for control of a major excitatory system in hippocampal pyramidal cells.
Residency application screening tools: A survey of academic medical centers

Purpose The current use and content of screening tools utilized by ASHP-accredited pharmacy residency programs were assessed. Methods A survey consisting of 19 questions assessing residency programs and the screening of pharmacy residency program applicants was e-mailed to residency directors of 362 pharmacy residency programs at 105 University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC)-member institutions. Questions gathered general program demographic information, data related to applicant growth from residency years 2010–11 to 2011–12, and information about the residency screening processes currently used. Results Responses were received from 73 residency program sites (69.5%) of the 105 UHC-member institutions to whom the e-mail was sent. Many sites used screening tools to calculate applicants’ scores and then determined which candidates to invite for an onsite interview based on applicants’ scores and group discussion. Seventy-eight percent ( n = 57) of the 73 responding institutions reported the use of a screening tool or rubric to select applicants to invite for onsite interviews. The most common method of evaluation was individual applicant review before meeting as a group to discuss candidate selection. The most important factor for determining which residency candidate to interview was the overall impression based on the candidate’s curriculum vitae (CV) and letters of recommendation. Conclusion Most residency programs in UHC-member hospitals used a screening tool to determine which applicants to invite for an onsite interview. The most important factor for determining which residency candidate to interview was the overall impression based on the candidate’s CV and letters of recommendation.
Decay of correlations in spin systems

We investigate the decay of initial correlations in a spin system where each spin relaxes independently by an intramolecular mechanism. The equation of motion for the spin density matrix is assumed to be the Redfield equation, which is of the form of a quantum mechanical master equation. Our analysis of this problem is based on the techniques of Shuler, Oppenheim, and coworkers, who have studied the decay of correlations in systems which can be described by classical stochastic master equations. We find that the off-diagonal elements of the reduced spin density matrices approach their equilibrium values faster than the diagonal elements. The Ursell functions, which are a measure of the correlations in the system, decay to their zero equilibrium values faster than the spin density matrix except for the furthest off-diagonal elements. Far off-diagonal matrix elements of the spin density matrix approach equilibrium at the same rate as the Ursell functions, which is the important difference between the quantum mechanical model studied here and the classical models studied earlier.
Direct formation of particles from drops by chemical reaction with gases

Abstract The factors which influence the direct formation of solid particles by reaction of sprays with gaseous media were investigated by studying the reaction of single macro-drops of orthophosphoric acid with gaseous ammonia. The composition, temperature and physical nature of the drops were measured or recorded as the reaction proceeded. The controlling resistance for mass-transfer was found to exist within the drop and a diffusion model adequately described the uptake of ammonia for the conditions studied. The maximum uptake of ammonia increased with delay in formation of a permanent solid phase. This delay was increased or altered by (i) reduction in acid concentration, (ii) addition of sulfuric acid, (iii) cyclic exposure of the drop to the gas, and (iv) humidification of the gas.
Metabolizable Energy Value and Utilization of Different Types and Grades of Fat by the Chick

Abstract IT HAS been shown by Sunde (1956) and others that the presence of fat in the diet of the chicken has a beneficial effect upon the efficiency of feed utilization. Waibel (1955) and others have shown that the presence of fat in the diet frequently has a beneficial influence on growth rate also. These effects of added fat in poultry feeds have led to the development of more highly efficient feeds and emphasized the need for more precise information regarding the energy content of fats and the utilization of various types and grades of fats when fed. The energy content of poultry feed ingredients has been studied by Hill and Anderson (1958) and Potter et al. (1958), and it was shown that metabolizable energy is a more valid measure of energy content of poultry feeds than is productive energy. Metabolizable energy values ranging from 2,860 to 3,300 Calories per …
Adaptive message logging for incremental replay of message-passing programs

This paper presents an adaptive message logging algorithm that keeps time and space costs low by logging only a fraction of the messages. The algorithm dynamically tracks dependences among messages to determine which cause domino effects and must be traced. The domino effect can force a replay to start arbitrarily far back in the execution, and domino-free replay allows any part of the execution to be quickly reexecuted. Experiments on an iPSC/860 hypercube indicate that our algorithm logs only 1-10% of the messages, a one to two order of magnitude reduction over past schemes which log every message. The experiments also show that the resulting logs provide a small bound on the amount of reexecution needed to satisfy any replay request. The new logging algorithm thus reduces the overhead of message logging while bounding the response time to replay requests.
Electron correlation in atoms and molecules

Using a modified Rayleigh-Schrodinger perturbation scheme, it is shown that the first order correction to the Hartree-Fock function due to electron correlation effects may be written as Σi>j A(χijφ1...φi−1φi+1...φj−1φj+1...φN−φ1...φN), where the φ's are the Hartree-Fock SCF orbitals, A is the antisymmetrization operator, χij is an antisymmetrized function of two coordinates. It is also shown that each pair function χij may be evaluated by a variational procedure.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Asbestosis

O and experimental exposure to asbestos is associated with the development of peribronchiolar and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.1 L ike other asbestosassociated diseases of the respiratory tract (ie, mesothel ioma and bronchogenic carcinoma), asbestosis appears to involve alterations in differentiation and proliferation o f affected cel l types. W h e t h e r the disease process involves e i ther an increase in replication o f fibroblasts in the lung or an enhanced ability o f individual fibroblasts to produce more collagen or both is uncertain. To address this question, we used a combination o f in vitro and in vivo approaches.
Mapping the magnetostructural quantum phases of Mn3O4.

We present temperature-dependent x-ray diffraction and temperature- and field-dependent Raman scattering studies of single-crystal ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, which reveal the magnetostructural phases that evolve in the spinels due to the interplay between strong spin-orbital coupling, geometric frustration, and applied magnetic field. We present evidence that the magnetoelastic and magnetodielectric behavior in this material is governed by magnetic-field-controlled tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase changes. Most interestingly, for an applied field transverse to the ferrimagnetic ordering direction, $\mathbf{H}\ensuremath{\parallel}[1\overline{1}0]$, we find evidence for a field-tuned quantum phase transition to a tetragonal spin-disordered phase, indicating that a structurally symmetric, spin frustrated phase can be recovered at $T\ensuremath{\sim}0$ for intermediate transverse fields in ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$.
Identification of Dictyostelium G alpha genes expressed during multicellular development.

Abstract Guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-mediated signal transduction constitutes a common mechanism by which cells receive and respond to a diverse set of environmental signals. Many of the signals involved in the developmental life cycle of the slime mold Dictyostelium have been postulated to be transduced by such pathways and, in some cases, these pathways have been demonstrated to be dependent on specific G proteins. Using the polymerase chain reaction, we have identified two additional Dictyostelium G alpha genes, G alpha 4 and G alpha 5, that are developmentally regulated. Transcripts from both of these genes are primarily expressed during the multicellular stages of development, suggesting possible roles in cell differentiation or morphogenesis. The entire G alpha 4 gene was sequenced and found to encode a protein consisting of 345 amino acids. The G alpha 4 subunit is homologous to other previously identified G alpha subunits, including the Dictyostelium G alpha 1 (43% identity) and G alpha 2 (41% identity) subunits. However, the G alpha 4 subunit contains some unusual sequence divergences in residues highly conserved among most eukaryotic G alpha subunits, suggesting that G alpha 4 may be a member of another class of G alpha subunits.
Novel hemotrophic mycoplasma identified in naturally infected California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)

The hemoplasmas are the trivial name for a group of erythrocyte-parasitizing, non-cultivable in vitro bacteria of the genus Mycoplasma that have been described in several mammalian hosts worldwide. This study is the first report of hemoplasmas in marine mammals. EDTA anticoagulated whole blood samples from 137 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and 20 northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) admitted to the Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito, CA; www.marinemammalcenter.org) or live captured in Oregon were collected during 2008. Hemoplasma-specific genomic DNA was detected in blood samples from 12.4% California sea lions tested using PCR. Hemoplasma PCR positive blood specimens also were tested in reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using the hemoplasma-specific primers for the 16S and 23S rRNA genes. The RT-PCR showed the presence the hemoplasmal rRNA, strongly suggesting the presence of potentially viable hemoplasmas in the bloodstream of the animals. BLAST search and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences of the hemoplasma from California sea lions revealed that the organism is a novel hemoplasma species with only 92.1% of its nucleotide similarity to the 16S rRNA gene of the previously described hemoplasma species of alpacas, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae. Thus, due to low level of genetic similarity of the hemoplasma to other described hemoplasmas and the mammalian host in which the hemoplasma was detected we propose that this novel hemoplasma species has been given the provisional name Candidatus Mycoplasma haemozalophi sp. nov.
Treatment of Hot Flashes with Transdermal Estradiol Administration

A randomized prospective double blind study was performed to assess the ability of a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) delivering estradiol (E2) to suppress hot flashes (HFs) in symptomatic postmenopausal women. Patients were given placebo or E2 in four doses for a 20-day period, and serum gonadotropin and estrogen levels and the occurrences of HFs were measured. Administration of placebo had no measurable effect on either estrogen or gonadotropin levels or the occurrence of HFs. A dose-response relationship was found between the rate of E2 administered and the circulating level of E2, with 25, 50, 100, and 200 micrograms/24 h dosages raising the mean E2 concentrations from mean baseline levels of 5-8 pg/ml to 18, 38, 73, and 100 pg/ml, respectively. Estrone levels also increased with TTS application, but to a lesser extent than did E2 levels. Dose-response reductions of FSH and LH with increasing amounts of E2 administration occurred, but gonadotropin levels were not lowered in any of the patients into the ranges found in premenopausal women. TTS application significantly suppressed the occurrence of HFs at the 50 micrograms/24 h dosage and higher. A significant negative correlation (r = 0.6045; P less than 0.001) between E2 levels and the rates of occurrence of HFs was found during hormone administration. Based on this regression, 50% and 100% reductions of HFs should occur at 61 and 122 pg/ml E2. These data indicate that the transdermal delivery of E2 with these systems significantly reduced the occurrence of HFs and allowed definition of the therapeutic range of hormone replacement in terms of lost ovarian function, as reflected by circulating E2 levels.
Optimal Command Generation for Tracking a Class of Discontinuous Trajectories

Commands are found to drive a linear system to optimally track a class of prescribed trajectories, each of which contains a point of discontinuity. The paper focuses on the guidance problem of command generation, to be implemented in a feedforward fashion; the necessary additional control or feedback regulation structure is not studied in detail, but assumed to be provided in applications as a conventional error-feedback regulator. Solutions are found for the infinite-time problem which are optimal with respect to a quadratic performance criterion; suboptimal controls which satisfy a continuity condition are also found. The controls have applications to certain problems in aircraft guidance where command trajectories are piecewise continuous. Several examples are worked out in detail, with comparisons with conventional, nonfeedforward solutions to the problem, and a brief discussion of a simpler, suboptimal solution.
Neutron-nucleus inelastic cross sections from 160 to 375 GeV/c

Abstract We habe measured inelastic cross sections of neutrons on 14 nuclei ranging from hydrogen to uranium for neutron energies between 160 and 375 GeV. The measurements were made with a total absorption calorimeter and have an accuracy of 1%. The results are compared to other data and predictions of the Glauber model. Interaction lengths for high-energy neutrons in composite materials of practical interest are also given.
Effect of lumbar drain placement on recurrence of cerebrospinal rhinorrhea after endoscopic repair.

Background: Lumbar drain (LD) use in the management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea remains controversial. We analyzed the relationship between LD placement and CSF leak recurrence after endoscopic repair. Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted. Patients who underwent CSF leak repair from 1999 to 2010 were identified. Data collected included demographics, body mass index (BMI), history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), associated meningoencephalocele, etiology and site of leak, LD placement, fluorescein and antibiotic use, recurrence, and site of recurrence. Correlation between LD placement and leak recurrence was analyzed. Results: A total of 105 patients underwent CSF leak repair. A total of 68 patients had an LD. Of these 68 patients, 15 (22%) had a recurrent leak. Of the 105 patients, 37 did not have an LD, and 5 of the 37 (14%) recurred. Recurrence rates with and without LD were not significantly different (p = 0.15). Of the 105 patients, 40 (38%) had a spontaneous leak, 15 (14%) had a traumatic leak, and 50 (48%) had an iatrogenic leak. In the spontaneous group, 30 of 40 patients had an LD and 10 of 40 did not. Recurrence was not significant between these subgroups (p = 1.0). LD was used in 11 of 15 patients with traumatic leaks. Of these 15 patients, 4 did not have a drain. Recurrence was not significant between these subgroups (p = 1.0). In 27 of 50 patients with an iatrogenic leak, an LD was placed. Of 50 patients, 23 did not have an LD. There was no statistical significance when the recurrence rates for these subgroups were compared (p = 0.26). Conclusion: In our study, there was no association identified between LD placement and recurrence rates after endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea. © 2012 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
Facilitating Transition Times with Handicapped Preschool Children: A Comparison between Peer-Mediated and Antecedent Prompt Procedures.

We examined the effects of a peer-mediated versus an antecedent prompt condition on the rate of independent movement and appropriate behavior of handicapped preschool children during three classroom transition times. Using an alternating treatments design, results showed that each treatment condition yielded increases in target behaviors; however, the antecedent prompt condition was superior during all three transition settings. In addition, teacher prompts to these children were significantly reduced during the intervention conditions, indicating that the children were making these transitions more independently.
Forget assimilation: introducing subjectivity to German–Jewish history

Between the Enlightenment and the Holocaust, a wide range of German-speaking Jewish subjects shared certain assumptions about a problematic associated with being Jewish and living in a non-Jewish German society (and the concomitant process of relative “assimilation”). The categories of identity and culture that undergirded this problematic became part of a shared lexicon of a German-Jewish “identity crisis”—a lexicon that was handed down to the historiography of German Jews that would develop after the community’s destruction. The author of this contribution challenges the validity of some of these categorical assumptions by setting them against the varied background of German-Jewish experience in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, offering a model of subjectivity (rather than identity) that might allow the historiography to break out of the cyclical repetition in which it currently finds itself. By examining specific exemplars, including Gershom Scholem, Edith Stein, Martin Buber, and others, the author models a reading strategy that would be appropriate for German-Jewish subjectivity.
A note on the distribution of sojourn time in a Markov chain

A general formula for the distribution of sojourn time in a Markov chain bas been derived by Takacs [2]. Some special cases of that distribution are considered in this paper. The methods of deriving the distributions are elementary and quite different from that of Takacs. The cases considered are a two state and a three state Markow chain with cyclic transitions which are Poisson type events with different parameters. A simple generalization top states is also discussed in Section 4.
Post-September 11 Mental Health Service Help Seeking Among a Group of Highly Exposed New York City Parents

The current study examines factors related to mental health help seeking among highly exposed New York City parents of young children (< 5 years) after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Data were gathered from 180 parents through in-depth interviews 9 to 12 months postdisaster. Parents described family disaster-related experiences, mental health, changes in parenting and couple function, and mental health service use. In a multivariate model, child direct exposure to the World Trade Center disaster, as well as parent and child mental health symptoms 1 to 3 months post-September 11, were significant predictors of parent help seeking. Findings suggest the need to design disaster relief services that consider family disaster exposure and postdisaster family mental health symptoms, including the functioning of young children and related parental stress in the postdisaster context.
Methods of analysis and resources available for genetic trait mapping

Methods of genetic linkage analysis are reviewed and put in context with other mapping techniques. Sources of information are outlined (books, web sites, computer programs). Special consideration is given to statistical problems in canine genetic mapping (heterozygosity, inbreeding, marker maps).
Evidence of platelet activation in multiple sclerosis

A fatality in one multiple sclerosis (MS) patient due to acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and a near fatality in another stimulated our interest in platelet function abnormalities in MS. Previously, we presented evidence of platelet activation in a small cohort of treatment-naive MS patients. In this report, 92 normal controls and 33 stable, untreated MS patients were studied. Platelet counts, measures of platelet activation [plasma platelet microparticles (PMP), P-selectin expression (CD62p), circulating platelet microaggragtes (PAg)], as well as platelet-associated IgG/IgM, were carried out. In addition, plasma protein S activity was measured. Compared to controls, PMP were significantly elevated in MS (p < 0.001) and CD62p expression was also markedly elevated (p < 0.001). Both are markers of platelet activation. Platelet-associated IgM, but not IgG, was marginally elevated in MS (p = 0.01). Protein S in MS patients did not differ significantly from normal values. Platelets are significantly activated in MS patients. The mechanisms underlying this activation and its significance to MS are unknown. Additional study of platelet activation and function in MS patients is warranted.
Interpersonal Attraction for the Competitive Person: Unscrambling the Competition Paradox1

Research by Spence and Helmreich and their colleagues suggests that competitiveness is self-defeating in terms of achievement. It was presently hypothesized that interpersonally, competitiveness may produce greater attraction than uncompetitiveness. This study manipulated the perceived competitiveness of undergraduate men by varying their WOFO scores and confirmed that competitiveness is a valued interpersonal trait that can engender greater liking by both men and women. The implications of these findings for the paradoxical disadvantage of competitiveness in the area of achievement are discussed.
Practical considerations in equating progress tests

Progress testing offers a unique contribution to medical education assessment in that it provides a tool for monitoring examinees’ growth over time and their progress toward graduation objectives. However, one of the most important psychometric requirements of progress testing has typically been neglected in past applications: scores across the time and test forms are not commonly placed on the same scale. Equating is a method used to achieve this property. This article discusses the basic principles of equating and the particular challenges posed by progress testing. A hybrid equating method, along with the details of a recent application, is presented as a potential solution, and alternate approaches to equating are discussed. It is hoped that future applications of progress testing will both utilize equating and demonstrate its value as a tool in medical education assessment.
Decision support systems in academic planning: important considerations and issues

Abstract Academic planning is becoming a very complex problem due to a variety of changes that have impacted the availability of funds for education. Some of these changes such as demographic shifts, social pressures and technological advances are external to the academic institution affected. These factors make planning increasingly important. This paper describes the use of technologically available tools to combat the problems faced in the planning activities at universities. It proposes the use of mathematical models and forecasting techniques to predict and therefore plan for change with enough leadtime so as to make these changes effective. This paper describes how administrators can allocate limited resources to where they are most effective. A model-based decision support system which is used by the decision-maker in planning and responding quickly to changes is presented. The system includes a number of alternative quantitative techniques that vary in complexity to suit the decision-maker's needs of forecasting change before it happens so as to plan for it. The changes insure the requisite quality of graduates. The system also identifies popular software packages referred to as spreadsheets to evaluate “what if” scenarios of budgets and enrollments.
TAPESTREA: sound scene modeling by example

We present a new paradigm and framework for creating highquality “sound scenes” from a set of recordings. A sound scene is a combination of background and foreground sounds that together evoke the sense of being in a specific environment. The ability to craft and control sound scenes is important in entertainment (movies, TV, games), virtual/augmented reality, art projects (live performances, installations) and other multimedia applications. Existing audio production tools require “untainted” versions of sound components and frequently involve tedious event-by-event editing. No system, to our knowledge, provides an arena for truly flexible “sound scene modeling by example,” where a sound scene can be composed from selected, extracted, and separated components of different existing scenes. We introduce a parametric, unified framework of analysis, transformation and synthesis techniques that allow users to interactively select components from existing sounds, transform these independently, and controllably recombine them to create new sound scenes in real-time. We call this system TAPESTREA: Techniques and Paradigms for Expressive Synthesis, Transformation and Rendering of Environmental Audio.
An isotope-edited FTIR investigation of the role of Ser-L223 in binding quinone (QB) and semiquinone (QB-) in the reaction center from Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

In the photosynthetic reaction center (RC) from the purple bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides, proton-coupled electron-transfer reactions occur at the secondary quinone (QB) site. Several nearby residues are important for both binding and redox chemistry involved in the light-induced conversion from QB to quinol QBH2. Ser-L223 is one of the functionally important residues located near QB. To obtain information on the interaction between Ser-L223 and QB and QB-, isotope-edited QB-/QB FTIR difference spectra were measured in a mutant RC in which Ser-L223 is replaced with Ala and compared to the native RC. The isotope-edited IR fingerprint spectra for the CO and CC modes of QB (QB-) in the mutant are essentially the same as those of the native RC. These findings indicate that highly equivalent interactions of QB and QB- with the protein occur in both native and mutant RCs. The simplest explanation of these results is that Ser-L223 is not hydrogen bonded to QB or QB- but presumably forms a hydrogen bond to a n...
Entry and distribution of hexamethonium in the central nervous system.

Abstract Regional brain distribution of 3 H- or 14 C-labeled hexamethonium was studied after i.v. and intraventricular administration in rabbits and rats by radiochemical and autoradiographic techniques. Hexamethonium was found to penetrate into various brain regions within 5 min after i.v. administration in pharmacologically significant amounts with lower concentrations at 1 hr. Using cellular autoradiography, hexamethonium was seen in arachnoid-pia, and also associated with cellular elements of the CNS. After intraventricular administration, choroid accumulated a significantly higher concentration of hexamethonium than after i.v. administration. Choroid plexus appears to transfer hexamethonium by active transport from the CSF to the circulation.
The effect of opioid drugs on the release of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine from rat striatum following activation of nicotinic-cholinergic receptors.

Abstract The effect of (Met5)enkephalin, (D-Ala2, D-Met5)enkephalin, (Leu5)enkephalin, (D-Ala2, D-Met5)enkephalin and morphine on the release of [3H]dopamine, endogenous dopamine and [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine produced by the nicotinic-cholinergic agonist, dimethylphenyl piperazinium iodide (DMPP), was examined in rat striatal slices. The DMPP-induced release of [3H]dopamine and endogenous dopamine was reduced by the presence of (Met5)enkephalin, (D-Ala2, D-Met5)enkephalin (1–10 μM) or morphine (10 μM) but not by (Leu5)enkephalin or (D-Ala2, D-Leu5)enkephalin. The DMPP-induced release of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine was reduced by (Leu5)enkephalin, (D-Ala2, D-Leu5)enkephalin, (Met5)enkephalin, (D-Ala2, D-Leu5)enkephalin (1–10 μM), and morphine (10 μM). All three opioids failed to alter the release of [3H]dopamine induced by field stimulation or potassium depolarization (30 mM). The inhibitory effects of opioid peptides and morphine demonstrated in the present study appear to be due to an initial interaction with nicotinic-cholinergic receptors in the striatum.
A note on nonresidually solvable hyperlinear one-relator groups

We prove that various non-residually nite, non-residually solvable groups of the form ha; bjrrw = ri are so c. This paper concerns the so c property discussed in the survey [Pest08]. Particularly, we address Question 4.10 in this paper: the problem of Nate Brown asking whether or not every one relator group is so c. In [Ban10], the rst author proves that the example in [Baum69] of a non-residually nite non-residually solvable one relator group is a so c group. The purpose of this paper is to exhibit more such examples in the following large class of non-residually solvable one-relator groups introduced in [BaMiTro07]. Let F2 = ha; bj i denote the free group on two generators. Let r; w 2 F2 be two elements that do not commute. In [BaMiTro07], the authors show that the group r;w = ha; bjr w = ri = ha; bjr = [r; (r )]i has the same nite quotients as the group
Thermal Stresses Due to Laser Welding in Bridge-Wire Initiators

In ongoing research at the University of Idaho, potential failure mechanisms of airbag initiators are being investigated. Cracking of the cylindrical glass-to-metal seal (GTMS) present in these devices has been observed. These cracks could be a path for moist gas to diffuse into the initiator, potentially leading to bridge-wire degradation and late-fire or no-fire initiator failure. Previous research has shown that cracking may be caused by thermal stresses induced by the GTMS formation process. The goal of this research was to determine if welding of the output-can onto the initiator header could produce stresses in the glass great enough to cause cracking. A finite element analysis solution was chosen to model the transient heat transfer and temperature distribution in the initiator assembly during the welding process. The thermal stresses were calculated with a mechanical analysis once the temperature distribution was determined. Compressive stresses induced by pressing the header assembly into the output-can as part of the manufacturing process were also investigated with a closed-form mechanics of materials solution. The welding thermal stress model initially predicted radial stresses greater than the tangential stresses. This conflicts with observed radial cracks, which would be induced by tangential stresses. Subsequent investigations with an interface region stiffness model showed that when the stiffness of the bond at the pin-glass and glass-header interfaces is decreased, the maximum radial stress is greatly reduced and that the maximum tangential stress stays relatively constant. These predicted stresses were still in excess of the range of glass strengths reported in literature. However, superposition of the compressive stresses due to the press-fit and residual stresses created when the GTMS is formed with these thermal stresses results in the total radial and tangential stresses being on the same order as the reported strengths. It was determined that when initiators are overheated during welding, radial stresses due to thermal expansion cause the bond to fail and separation to occur over a portion of the pin-glass interface. Tangential stresses developed for the same reason are sufficient enough to cause radial cracking, where the bond is still intact.
Reoperation for myocardial revascularization.

At The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, reoperations for myocardial revascularization make up 2.7% of all cardiac operations. Major indications for reoperation include: (a) graft failure, (b) progressive atherosclerosis in grafted or ungrafted vessels, (c) previous incomplete revascularization, and (d) combinations of the other 3. Almost one-half of the candidates satisfy more than 1 of the first 3 indications. Although few in number, late graft closure due to atherosclerosis is seen with increasing frequency. Systemic hypothermia coupled with intermittent cold cardioplegia shortens operating time, enhances myocardial protection, and markedly reduces the occurrence of low cardiac output postoperatively. Recent methods of blood conservation and their potential effect on morbidity are discussed.
Convergent evolution of modularity in metabolic networks through different community structures

It has been reported that the modularity of metabolic networks of bacteria is closely related to the variability of their living habitats. However, given the dependency of the modularity score on the community structure, it remains unknown whether organisms achieve certain modularity via similar or different community structures. In this work, we studied the relationship between similarities in modularity scores and similarities in community structures of the metabolic networks of 1021 species. Both similarities are then compared against the genetic distances. We revisited the association between modularity and variability of the microbial living environments and extended the analysis to other aspects of their life style such as temperature and oxygen requirements. We also tested both topological and biological intuition of the community structures identified and investigated the extent of their conservation with respect to the taxomony. We find that similar modularities are realized by different community structures. We find that such convergent evolution of modularity is closely associated with the number of (distinct) enzymes in the organism’s metabolome, a consequence of different life styles of the species. We find that the order of modularity is the same as the order of the number of the enzymes under the classification based on the temperature preference but not on the oxygen requirement. Besides, inspection of modularity-based communities reveals that these communities are graph-theoretically meaningful yet not reflective of specific biological functions. From an evolutionary perspective, we find that the community structures are conserved only at the level of kingdoms. Our results call for more investigation into the interplay between evolution and modularity: how evolution shapes modularity, and how modularity affects evolution (mainly in terms of fitness and evolvability). Further, our results call for exploring new measures of modularity and network communities that better correspond to functional categorizations.
Electric field enhancement near a surface bump

Abstract The enhancement of an external electric field near a hemispherical bump on a metal surface is calculated. The results provide a simple estimate for the magnitude of the surface enhanced Raman scattering expected in various configurations.
Restoration of a multi-species seabird colony

Nesting herring and great black-backed gulls (Larus argentatus and Larus marinus) were removed from a recently abandoned tern (Sterna sp.) colony through a combination of poisoning and shooting. Following gull control, all three species of tern that had nested in the colony prior to the arrival of the gulls returned and nested in increasing numbers. In addition to the restoration of the terns, removal of the gulls led to colonization and/or significant increases in populations of four other seabirds. Gull numbers were greatly reduced by initial poisoning efforts, but continued immigration from surrounding colonies has required an on-going program of shooting to eliminate territorial birds nesting in areas utilized by terns and other species. In situations calling for active management we advocate rapid, focused intervention, and stress the importance of inter-organizational cooperation, and an active program of public education.
DNQX inhibits phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine induction of the hsp70 heat shock gene in the rat cingulate and retrosplenial cortex

Phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine are known to block NMDA receptor mediated excitotoxicity by non-competitively blocking the NMDA receptor calcium channel. PCP and ketamine have the paradoxical effect of also inducing the heat shock gene, hsp70, in the cingulate and retrosplenial cortex of the rat. The present study shows that DNQX, a specific AMPA receptor antagonist, given as either a 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal dose or into the lateral cerebral ventricle (5 μl of 0.5 mg/ml) significantly diminished PCP (40 mg/kg) and ketamine (80, 100, 120 mg/kg) hsp70 induction in the posterior cingulate and retrosplenial cortex. The most dramatic decrease of hsp70 induction was seen with the intraventricular dose of DNQX. Present findings show that the AMPA receptor has a role in PCP/ketamine induction of hsp70 in the cortex. DNQX inhibition of PCP/ketamine hsp70 induction was likely related to AMPA receptor antagonism which prevented excess calcium influx via voltage-gated calcium channels.
Direct Pair Production by Muons

A measurement was made of the direct pair production cross section for muon primaries between about 8 and 120 Bev. The muons were selected by a magnetic spectrometer and interactions were observed in a multiplate expansion cloud chamber. Results indicate that in the transferredenergy range above about 200 Mev the direct pair cross section is somewhat less than that predicted by the Murota-Ueda-Tanaka theory. This result does not, however, necessarily indicate any breakdown of fundamental electromagnetic theory. Possible theoretical inadequacies are discussed in the text. (auth)
Live Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery

We describe live three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic (3DTTE) findings in a 52-year-old female who had previously undergone an aortopulmonary tunnel operation for anomalous origin of the left coronary artery (ACA) from the pulmonary artery. Three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography clearly delineated the origin of the ACA from the posterolateral aspect of the main pulmonary artery just above the pulmonary valve, the surgically created tunnel, as well as a small defect in the tunnel near the aortic end communicating with the pulmonary artery.
Cave sites, faunal analysis, and Big-Game Hunters of the Great Basin: A caution

Abstract Deposits of inferred natural origin excavated at Mineral Hill Cave, north-central Nevada, exhibit a similarity to the reported evidence for “Big-Game Hunters” from cave sites in the Great Basin. Split bone and charcoal were observed throughout the deposits. In addition, the remains of a number of animal taxa including several Pleistocene genera, which are considered to have been of economic importance, were recovered from the deposits. These findings suggest that the role of natural processes in cave deposition is of crucial importance in understanding cave-site archaeology.