cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Substance use and recessions: What can be learned from economic analyses of alcohol?

In this paper, I conduct a review of the economics literature examining the relationship between alcohol use and the macro economy comparing methods, measures and findings. Like illicit drug consumption, the relationship between alcohol use and economic conditions is not entirely straightforward since there are various theoretical explanations for why they might be positively or negatively related. Empirical findings suggest that the relationship between drinking and the economy depends on the type of user and whether use is examined in developing or developed countries. In developed countries, heavy drinkers consume less in a downturn, while light drinkers consume more. This pro-cyclical relationship found for heavy drinking does not hold for developed countries where disposable income is low. The implications for researchers interested in understanding how illicit drug consumption varies with the business cycle are that they must be careful to consider differential responses across user types as well as expensive and inexpensive drugs.
Antiphospholipid antibodies and reproduction

The antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) are acquired antibodies against a phospholipid which has been associated with slow progressive thrombosis and infarction in the placenta. Clinical features (venous or arterial thrombosis, recurrent fetal loss, thrombocytopenia) in conjunction with positive laboratory findings (positive IgG or IgM anticardiolipin antibodies, or positive lupus anticoagulant tests) will satisfy criteria for diagnosis of the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). A number of studies report the incidence of antiphospholipid antibodies in different patient populations: normal obstetrical patients (5.3% of 7278 women), women with recurrent pregnancy loss (20% of 2226 women), women with systemic lupus erythematosus (37% of 1579 women) and, more recently, women undergoing in vitro fertilization (24% of 3343 women). As in all autoimmune syndromes it is possible that APA are secondary to some underlying disease or that they are instrumental in the pathogenesis of the various manifestations. The most commonly proposed mechanisms of antiphospholipid antibody induced thrombosis include decreased prostacycline production by endothelial cells, increased thromboxane production by platelets, and decreased protein C activation. More recently it has been demonstrated that certain phospholipids are exposed on the endothelial surface and may alter implantation during in vitro fertilization. Treatment with subcutaneous heparin and aspirin has been shown to benefit women with recurrent pregnancy loss and APA resulting in successfully deliveries of approximately 75%. Several trials of treatment with heparin and aspirin in women with positive APA undergoing IVF have been completed. Although none of the studies were randomized, prospective, blinded trials there does not appear to be a significant difference in implantation rate, pregnancy rate, or ongoing pregnancy rate. This subject remains, however, an area of active investigation as antiphospholipid antibodies have been shown to interact with syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast layers and could theoretically affect implantation.
On the Statistical Mechanics of the Traveling Salesman Problem

We consider the statistical mechanics of the traveling salesman problem (TSP) and develop some representations to study it. In one representation the mean field theory has a simple form and brings out some of the essential features of the problem. It shows that the system has spontaneous symmetry breaking at any nonzero temperature. In general the phase progressively changes as one decreases the temperature. At low temperatures the mean field theory solution is very sensitive to any small perturbations, due to the divergence of some local susceptibilities. This critical region extends down to zero temperature. We perform the quenched average for a nonmetric TSP in the second representation and the resulting problem is more complicated than the infinite-range spin-glass problem, suggesting that the free energy landscape may be more complex. The role played by “frustration” in this problem appears explicitly through the localization property of a random matrix, which resembles the tight binding matrix of an electron in a random lattice.
Magnetic Susceptibility and Low-Temperature Specific Heat of High-Purity Titanium

Magnetic susceptibility and low-temperature specific-heat measurements have been made on several specimens of polycrystalline high-purity titanium, and in the case of the former measurement, on four single crystals. The calorimetric results are in good agreement with previously published data. A critically assessed average room-temperature susceptibility based on published magnetic susceptibility values [(3.17 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 1)% \ensuremath{\mu}emu/g] is in good agreement with an average of the present results (3.17 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} ${0.01}_{5}$ \ensuremath{\mu}emu/g). The considerable scatter in the published data (3.0-3.36 \ensuremath{\mu}emu/g) is attributed, in part, to the influence of magnetic anisotropy and texture. The magnetic anisotropy of the best of the single crystals measured (${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}=0.52$ \ensuremath{\mu}emu/g) is almost twice as large as that previously reported, and new results for the temperature dependences of ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ in the range 80-400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K are presented. The susceptibility at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K is estimated to be approximately 2.9 \ensuremath{\mu}emu/g. Combining the calorimetric and magnetic results, and using an empirically derived electronic specific-heat enhancement factor, a value of 0.81 \ensuremath{\mu}emu/g was obtained for the spin paramagnetism ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{s}$. Finally, assuming that ${〈{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{total}}〉}_{\mathrm{av}}\ensuremath{\cong}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{s}+{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{orb}}$ (the orbital paramagnetism), we find the latter to be the dominant component of the susceptibility of titanium and equal to ${2.0}_{9}$ \ensuremath{\mu}emu/g.
Advice and Feedback: Elements of Practice for Problem Solving

Abstract Training programs typically provide an opportunity for practice and study with informational feedback being provided to facilitate acquisition. Within the context of training persons to use strategic transfer (Phye, 1992) as a tool, two studies were conducted. The roles of advice and feedback in the facilitation of on-line processing during acquisition and subsequent impact on memory-based processing during a delayed problem solving task (Phye, 1990) were studied. Results indicate that corrective feedback improves on-line processing during training and is reflected in acquisition performance and delayed retention. This finding with problem-solving tasks replicates prior research on corrective feedback with declarative knowledge. However, corrective feedback is not superior to advice in terms of influencing memory-based processing on a delayed problem-solving task requiring the use of strategic transfer as a tool.
Competition for political legitimacy at local and national levels among young North Africans in France

Abstract During the last decade, France has experienced new political actions initiated by second generation members of the North African immigrant community. These youths have been reacting against racist killings, police harassment, the rise of the extreme right and social marginalisation. After 1985 various discourses promoting social integration, anti‐racism and voting rights gave rise to diverse forms of political action. Young leaders have constructed new social group identities. They are analysed here as conflicting methods of managing a spoiled identity (Goffman 1986). This article outlines the competition between two major national organisations, SOS Racisme and France Plus, at a time when they both decided to localise their actions in order to gain a larger audience and political recognition. Data collected in Northern France show how local groups reacted after 1988 by building a national federation of grassroots initiatives. This new trend of mobilisation among young North Africans was made pos...
Age‐related changes in the lumbar facet joints

The normal appearance of the lumbar facet joints has been related to the age of the subject. We classified the changes in the menisci, articular cartilage, and subarticular cortical bone with respect to age in 24 cadavers. Normally the meniscus diminishes in size, the articular cartilage thins, and subarticular cortical bone thickens with age. Determination of normality must be made with respect to age.
A primer on anemia evaluation withcase presentations

Anemia represents a common problem encountered in daily clinical practice, affecting 3.4 million Americans. Hence, a structured approach to evaluating anemia is highly relevant in primary care. Multichannel automated analyzers have revolutionized the work of performing complete blood counts (CBCs). However, when interpreting results, clinicians must be aware of limitations encountered with these technologies, which can yield spurious red blood cell (RBC) values in certain clinical circumstances. Automated analyzers identify subpopulations of RBCs that are unexpectedly small or large or have unexpectedly low or high hemoglobin concentrations, thereby signifying aberrant RBC morphologies for review on peripheral blood smear. Results of various blood chemistries help to refine or confirm diagnostic considerations suggested by the CBC, reticulocyte count, and peripheral blood smear. Although tempo of anemia development may strongly support bleeding or hemolysis as the cause of anemia, kinetic changes in RBC mass, even due to these mechanisms, are often more subtle, suggesting possible underproduction causes of anemia. Abnormalities in white blood cell (WBC) counts, platelet counts, and WBC differentials may suggest disorders of trilineage hematopoiesis, although multiple competing factors may coexist, with certain factors affecting RBCs independent of those affecting WBCs and/or platelets. To focus diagnostic considerations, clinicians should consider anemia etiologies categorized by RBC size (mean cell volume, MCV) and morphology (eg, spherocytes, bite cells, schistocytes, target cells, teardrops). These categories include the microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemias. Each of these categories are briefly reviewed, and case presentations are provided to illustrate specific points.
State, Society, and Economic Development in Sports Life Cycles: The Case of Boxing in Korea

This study documents the rise and fall of boxing in Korea since its introduction in 1912. The participation of amateur athletes in boxing has decreased sharply since the 1980s. Also, the popularity of professional boxing among sports fans has diminished in recent decades. I consider boxing as a “product” that is “consumed” by individuals as participants and fans. I apply product life-cycle theory in analyzing the changing popularity of boxing. I argue that changes in the tastes of sports fans are closely linked to economic development, industrialization and standard of living. I present the rise in the popularity of soccer, baseball, and golf as illustrations of the changing tastes of consumers of sports that have accompanied economic development and social changes as well as the changing government policies on sports.
The role of dust deposition in determining surface water distributions of Al and Fe in the South West Atlantic

Abstract Underway dissolved Al and Fe determinations were made on surface-water samples collected between 34°S and 8°N in the southern and tropical Atlantic Ocean using a towed surface-water sampler. The general distribution of dissolved Al, which ranged from ∼8 nM in the sub-tropical gyre to ∼61 nM under the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) north of the Equator, corresponds clearly with atmospheric dust deposition patterns. A striking correlation between Al and surface-water salinities between 28°S and 8°N further indicates that wet deposition is the predominant mechanism of delivery of this atmospheric source. Iron concentrations, in contrast, were more uniform varying between 0.6 and 0.8 nM south of the equator. Highest Fe values (up to 1.4 nM) also were found associated with the maximum dust inputs at the ITCZ, indicating an atmospheric source for this element whose input appears to be limited by the solubility of Fe in sea water. The lowest Fe values (∼0.4 nM) also were observed in the equatorial region and are assumed to result from the biological removal of Fe from nutrient-rich water masses originating in the nearby equatorial and coastal upwelling regions. The high-frequency data acquisition of the towed sampler revealed significant variations (up to 50%) in both Al and Fe concentrations over short distances, most notably along the interface between the South Equatorial and Canary Currents. The high variability of a biologically important trace element such as Fe in these dynamic regions is indicative of the interplay between chemical and biological patchiness in surface waters.
PVM implementation of the symmetric-Galerkin method

We report on initial progress towards a parallel virtual machine (PVM) implementation of the symmetric-Galerkin boundary integral method. We take advantage of software packages specifically designed to solve linear algebra problems on distributed memory parallel computers. In particular we use linear algebra routines from the ScaLAPACK, PBLAS and BLACS libraries. These routines assume a block cyclic decomposition of the matrix operands. The decomposition of the operands and its impact on the construction of the coefficient matrix are described. Computational results for solving the two-dimensional Laplace equation are presented. This program is being used to simulate the performance of a proximity sensor used in robotics and other applications.
A mouse with targeted ablation of the growth hormone-releasing hormone gene: A new model of isolated growth hormone deficiency

The proliferation of pituitary somatotroph cells and the synthesis and secretion of GH are under the stimulatory control of the hypothalamic peptide GHRH. GHRH is initially synthesized as pre-prohormone and then enzymatically cleaved to its mature form (44 amino acids in humans and 42 in mice). Although mutations in the GHRH receptor cause isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) both in humans and mice, mutations in the GHRH gene have never been described. To determine the consequences of generalized lack of GHRH, we have created a mouse with targeted disruption (knockout) of the GHRH gene (GHRHKO). We have substituted a portion of the gene that encodes for the initial 14 amino acids of the 1-42 GHRH with a neomycin resistance cassette. Heterozygous founder (+/-) mice were mated to obtain -/- animals. The expected Mendelian ratio was conserved (25.8% of offspring were +/+, 52.8% were +/-, and 21.4% were -/-), showing no lethality in the GHRHKO embryos. GHRHKO mice appeared normal at birth. Starting at 3 wk of age, -/- mice showed significant growth retardation. By 12 wk of age, their weight was about 60% of +/+ and +/- littermates. Growth retardation was due to IGHD, as shown by reduced pituitary GH mRNA and protein content, reduced serum IGF-I, and reduced liver IGF-I mRNA. The phenotype of the GHRHKO mice is similar to the one observed in the mouse with mutated GHRH receptor, including pituitary hypoplasia. Heterozygous mice had normal growth, although adult +/- males (but not females) had mild reduction in serum IGF-I. In conclusion, we demonstrate that ablation of the GHRH gene causes IGHD in mice. The GHRHKO mouse will be the new useful model of IGHD.
Suppression of ion transport due to long-lived subwavelength localization by an optical lattice.

We report the localization of an ion by a one-dimensional optical lattice in the presence of an applied external force. The ion is confined radially by a radio frequency trap and axially by a combined electrostatic and optical-lattice potential. Using a resolved Raman sideband technique, one or several ions are cooled to a mean vibrational number $⟨n⟩=(0.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1)$ along the optical lattice. We measure the average position of a periodically driven ion with a resolution down to $\ensuremath{\lambda}/40$, and demonstrate localization to a single lattice site for up to 10 ms. This opens new possibilities for studying many-body systems with long-range interactions in periodic potentials, as well as fundamental models of friction.
Robust iterative learning control synthesized with sliding-mode control for output tracking

This paper is to propose a new design of Iterative learning Control (ILC) for the purpose of output tracking. The novelty lies in the synthesis of ILC with sliding-mode control such that the tracking performance and accuracy can be improved. The considered system is first transformed into two subsystems such that the new design can be applied to broad systems. Based on the transformed systems, an ILC is designed for the first-order derivative of the control signal, instead of the control signal itself. The variable structure functions are therefore integrated such that the chattering can be eliminated accordingly. The convergence of the output-tracking error is also proved. The effectiveness of the new ILC for output tracking is verified in a simulation study.
A novel method for 4D Cone-Beam Computer-Tomography Reconstruction

Image quality of Four Dimensional Cone-Beam Computer-Tomography (4DCBCT) is severely impaired by highly insufficient amount of projection data available for each phase. Therefore, making good use of limited projection data is crucial to solve this problem. Noticing that usually only a portion of the images is affected by motion, we separate the moving part (different between phases) of the images from the static part (identical among all phases) with the help of prior image reconstructed using all projection data. Then we update the moving part and the static part of images alternatively through solving minimization problems based on a global (use full projection data) and several local (use projection data for respective phase) linear systems. In the other word, we rebuild a large over-determined linear system for static part from the original under-determined systems and we reduce the number of unknowns in the original system for each phase as well. As a result, image quality for both static part and moving part are greatly improved and reliable 4D CBCT images are then reconstructed.
Comparative spectroscopic studies of four crotoxin homologs and their subunits.

Structures of four related neurotoxins and their purified subunits from the venoms of Crotalus durissus terrificus, C. vegrandi& C. s. scutulatus and C. viridis concolor were examined by circular dichroism (CD), deconvolution Fouriertransform infrared (FI'IR) and fluorescence spectroscopy. CD spectra suggest that in general, the isolated subunits were decreased slightly in a-helix, while they were increased in t-sheet structure, relative to intact toxins. These results were consistent with FTIR results. Fluorescence quenching (50-80%) was also observed in three of the four intact toxins as compared to spectra predicted by summation of free acidic and basic subtmit spectra. It was tempting to conclude from these results that major eonfonnational changes occur in individual subunits upon formation of the dimedc toxins. Intact crotoxin, however, when exposed to urea, yields spectra (CD, FrIR and fluorescence) that are virtually identical to control intact crotoxin. These findings suggest that the enhanced fluorescence exhibited by the isolated subunits, as well as the secondary stmeawal changes in a-helix and t-sheet, are artifacts resulting from irreversible structural changes that occur during subunit isolation by urea ion-exChange chromatography. In spite of these structural changes, LDs0 values of intact crotoxin reassembled from isolated subunits at- unaltered from those of native crotoxin.
Predictors of cyberbullying perpetration among college students

We applied the Theory of Reasoned Action to cyberbullying perpetration.Lower empathy toward victims predicted more favorable attitudes toward cyberbullying.More positive cyberbullying attitudes predicted higher intentions to cyberbully.Higher cyberbullying intentions predicted more frequent cyberbullying perpetration. The present study tested the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) as an explanation for cyberbullying perpetration among 375 (128 male, 246 female) college students. Empathy toward cyberbullying victims was also included in the models. Participants completed the cyberbullying perpetration scale of the Cyberbullying Experiences Survey (Doane, Kelley, Chiang, & Padilla, 2013) that assesses four types of cyberbullying (deception, malice, public humiliation, and unwanted contact). Across all four models, results showed that lower empathy toward cyberbullying victims predicted more favorable attitudes toward cyberbullying perpetration, more favorable attitudes toward cyberbullying predicted higher intentions to cyberbully, and higher cyberbullying intentions predicted more frequent perpetration of cyberbullying behaviors. Injunctive norms regarding cyberbullying (e.g., perception of peers' approval of cyberbullying perpetration) predicted intentions to engage in malice and unwanted contact behaviors. The results demonstrate that the TRA is a useful framework for understanding cyberbullying perpetration.
Exchange processes of volatile organic compounds above a tropical rain forest: Implications for modeling tropospheric chemistry above dense vegetation

[1] Disjunct eddy covariance in conjunction with continuous in-canopy gradient measurements allowed for the first time to quantify the fine-scale source and sink distribution of some of the most abundant biogenic (isoprene, monoterpenes, methanol, acetaldehyde, and acetone) and photooxidized (MVK+MAC, acetone, acetaldehyde, acetic, and formic acid) VOCs in an old growth tropical rain forest. Our measurements revealed substantial isoprene emissions (up to 2.50 mg m−2 h−1) and light-dependent monoterpene emissions (up to 0.33 mg m−2 h−1) at the peak of the dry season (April and May 2003). Oxygenated species such as methanol, acetone, and acetaldehyde were typically emitted during daytime with net fluxes up to 0.50, 0.36, and 0.20 mg m−2 h−1, respectively. When generalized for tropical rain forests, these fluxes would add up to a total emission of 36, 16, 19, 106, and 7.2 Tg/yr for methanol, acetaldehyde, acetone, isoprene, and monoterpenes, respectively. During nighttime we observed strong sinks for oxygenated and nitrogen-containing compounds such as methanol, acetone, acetaldehyde, MVK+MAC, and acetonitrile with deposition velocities close to the aerodynamic limit. This suggests that the canopy resistance (Rc) is very small and not the rate-limiting step for the nighttime deposition of many VOCs. Our measured mean dry deposition velocities of methanol, acetone, acetaldehyde, MVK+MAC, and acetonitrile were a factor 10–20 higher than estimated from traditional deposition models. If our measurements are generalized, this could have important implications for the redistribution of VOCs in atmospheric chemistry models. Our observations indicate that the current understanding of reactive carbon exchange can only be seen as a first-order approximation.
Infant communication and the development of hypnotic responsivity.

Abstract The research on the development of hypnotic responsivity indicates that it emerges, ex nihilo, sometime after the age of 3. The measures used to assess hypnotic responsivity rely on complex verbal instructions, thus precluding investigation of infancy. Recent research on infancy, however, suggests that the ontogenesis of hypnotic responsivity is likely to be found in fundamental human capacities that emerge in the first weeks and months of life. The aims of the article are threefold: (a) to demonstrate that infants possess capacities on the nonverbal plane of communication that are analogous to those required for hypnosis; (b) to identify situations in infancy that are analogous to the hypnotic context; and (c) to examine dispositional and relational attributes in infancy that may account for later individual differences in hypnotic responsivity.
An Acousto-Optic Processor For Inspecting Cigarette Labels

An acousto-optic correlator is considered to verify that the correct text is present on a product and that the text is not skewed or blurred or mispositioned beyond allowed tolerances. For the case study considered, 20 possible labels exist and the presence of the correct one is to be verified. We need not determine which wrong label is present, although this is possible with modifications. We address the resolution and quantization requirements and the capacity of the system. Initial simulation results and real-time laboratory test results are provided. A space and frequency-multiplexed acousto-optic processor is used and described.
A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF BRIEF RULES, A TIMER, AND PREFERRED TOYS ON SELF-CONTROL

Some children make impulsive choices (i.e., choose a small but immediate reinforcer over a large but delayed reinforcer). Previous research has shown that delay fading, providing an alternative activity during the delay, teaching participants to repeat a rule during the delay, combining delay fading with an alternative activity, and combining delay fading with a countdown timer are effective for increasing self-control (i.e., choosing the large but delayed reinforcer over the small but immediate reinforcer). The purpose of the current study was to compare the effects of various interventions in the absence of delay fading (i.e., providing brief rules, providing a countdown timer during the delay, or providing preferred toys during the delay) on self-control. Results suggested that providing brief rules or a countdown timer during the delay was ineffective for enhancing self-control. However, providing preferred toys during the delay effectively enhanced self-control.
REGIONAL MYOCARDIAL FUNCTION

It has been known for many years that regional ischemia results in myocardial wall motion abnormalities. 8,19 Precise and accurate methods for measuring local three-dimensional myocardial motion with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have been developed using presaturation tagging patterns 3,59,60 and velocity encoded phase maps. 46,54 There has been tremendous improvement in the quality of clinical cardiac MR imaging studies with the advent of breath-hold cine acquisitions with segmented k-space 2 and spiral scanning. 36 The combination of breath-hold imaging with tagging 32 and velocity encoding sequences has made the application of wall motion measurements in patients a simple and reproducible examination. The fundamental improvement in regional function measurement of these techniques over echocardiography is twofold: (1) The same volume of myocardium can be tracked over the heart cycle to map the function in a specific region, and (2) precise quantitative estimates of myocardial shortening can be computed from the images. This article reviews the existing methods for obtaining regional myocardial function measurements with MR imaging.
Dimensional crossover and finite size effects in superconducting films

Abstract Using the Ginzburg-Landau description of dirty and anisotropic superconductors, the dependence of T c and of the upper critical field H ∥ c2 on film thickness are traced back to a finite size effect, corresponding to a dimensional crossover. Since the strength of fluctuations increases with reduced dimensionality, their effect is to decrease the transition temperature. If the film thickness exceeds the low temperature value of the perpendicular correlation length, the crossover can also be seen in the temperature dependence of H ∥ c2 . Our analysis of the experimental data for Fe/V/Fe sandwiches and Pb/Ge superlattices clearly reveals this crossover phenomenon.
Exploratory study of some potential environmental impacts of CO2 sequestration in unmineable coal seams

An initial investigation into the potential environmental impacts of CO2 sequestration in unmineable coal seams has been conducted, focusing on changes in the produced water during enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) production, using a CO2 injection process (CO2-ECBM). A high volatile bituminous coal, Pittsburgh No. 8, was reacted with synthetic produced water and gaseous carbon dioxide at 40C and 50 bar to evaluate the potential for mobilisation of toxic metals during CO2-ECBM/sequestration. Microscopic and X-ray diffraction analysis of the post-reaction coal samples clearly show evidence of chemical reaction and chemical analysis of the synthetic produced water shows substantial changes in composition. These results suggest that changes to the produced water chemistry and the potential for mobilising toxic trace elements from coal beds are important factors to be considered when evaluating deep, unmineable coal seams for CO2 sequestration.
Ultrasound evaluation of female urinary incontinence

Thirty women, 25 with incontinence and five asymptomatic volunteer control subjects, were evaluated urodynamically by a variety of techniques, including ultrasound cystourethrography. The ultrasound evaluation was found to be a helpful adjunct in diagnosis. In comparison with radiologic techniques it offers more safety, more comfort, more privacy, more viewing time, and less cost. Bladder and urethral morphology during voiding activity and the amount and direction of urethrovesical mobility are easily determined by utilizing ultrasound techniques.
Quantum Lattice Representations for Vector Solitons in External Potentials

Abstract A quantum lattice algorithm is developed to examine the effect of an external potential well on exactly integrable vector Manakov solitons. It is found that the exact solutions to the coupled nonlinear Schrodinger equations act like quasi-solitons in weak potentials, leading to mode-locking, trapping and untrapping. Stronger potential wells will lead to the emission of radiation modes from the quasi-soliton initial conditions. If the external potential is applied to that particular mode polarization, then the radiation will be trapped within the potential well. The algorithm developed leads to a finite difference scheme that is unconditionally stable. The Manakov system in an external potential is very closely related to the Gross–Pitaevskii equation for the ground state wave functions of a coupled BEC state at T = 0 K .
Lactate Dehydrogenase Monoclonal Antibody Immunoassay for Detection of Turkey Meat in Beef and Pork

Relative epitope binding positions on turkey muscle LDH of four monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) was determined by comparing the absorbance by sandwich ELISA from different combinations of capture and biotinlabeled detector MAbs. Epitopes for MAbs E6B and B3C were close to each other. Binding of MAb B3C and G4D did not inhibit binding of D5E to LDH, thus a sandwich ELISA using D5E as capture MAb, and biotin-labeled B3C as detector MAb was developed. The LDH MAb sandwich ELISA detected 1% adulteration of turkey breast or thigh muscle in raw beef and pork.
All That Glitters: Class, Conflict, and Community in Cripple Creek

At the turn of the century, Colorado's Cripple Creek District captured the national imagination with the extraordinary wealth of its gold mines and the unquestionable strength of the militant Western Federation of Miners. In All That Glitters, Elizabeth Jameson tells the better-than-fiction story of Cripple Creek, the scene in 1894 of one of radical labor's most stunning victories and in 1903-4 of one of its most crushing defeats. Jameson's sources include working-class oral histories, the Victor and Cripple Creek Daily Press, published by thirty-four of the local labor unions, and the 1900 manuscript census. She connects unions with lodges and fraternal associations, ethnic identity, families, households, and partisan politics. Through these ties, she probes the differences in age, skill, gender, marital status, and ethnicity that strained working-class unity and contributed to the fall of labor in Cripple Creek. Jameson's book will be required reading for western, ethnic, and working-class historians seeking an alternative interpretation of western mining struggles that emphasizes class, gender, and multiple sources of social identity.
Broad Salinity Tolerance as a Refuge from Predation in the Harmful Raphidophyte Alga Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae)

The ability of harmful algal species to form dense, nearly monospecific blooms remains an ecological and evolutionary puzzle. We hypothesized that predation interacts with estuarine salinity gradients to promote blooms of Heterosigma akashiwo (Y. Hada) Y. Hada ex Y. Hara et M. Chihara, a cosmopolitan toxic raphidophyte. Specifically, H. akashiwo's broad salinity tolerance appears to provide a refuge from predation that enhances the net growth of H. akashiwo populations through several mechanisms. (1) Contrasting salinity tolerance of predators and prey. Estuarine H. akashiwo isolates from the west coast of North America grew rapidly at salinities as low as six, and distributed throughout experimental salinity gradients to salinities as low as three. In contrast, survival of most protistan predator species was restricted to salinities >15. (2) H. akashiwo physiological and behavioral plasticity. Acclimation to low salinity enhanced H. akashiwo's ability to accumulate and grow in low salinity waters. In addition, the presence of a ciliate predator altered H. akashiwo swimming behavior, promoting accumulation in low-salinity surface layers inhospitable to the ciliate. (3) Negative effects of low salinity on predation processes. Ciliate predation rates decreased sharply at salinities <25 and, for one species, H. akashiwo toxicity increased at low salinities. Taken together, these behaviors and responses imply that blooms can readily initiate in low salinity waters where H. akashiwo would experience decreased predation pressure while maintaining near-maximal growth rates. The salinity structure of a typical estuary would provide this HAB species a unique refuge from predation. Broad salinity tolerance in raphidophytes may have evolved in part as a response to selective pressures associated with predation.
Reasons for Missing Class

College students and faculty evaluated the reasonableness of 48 circumstances for missing class. For 46% of the items, students and faculty showed significant differences with faculty more strongly...
Identification of thioredoxin-2 as a regulator of the mitochondrial permeability transition.

Thioredoxin-2 (Trx2) is a multifunctional, mitochondria-specific protein, which inhibits cell death. The mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) is a distinct mechanism for cell death activated by oxidants and linked to both necrotic and apoptotic morphologies. We studied mitochondria from Trx2 transgenic mice to determine whether Trx2 protects against oxidantinduced MPT. All experiments were performed in isolated mitochondria. Results showed that Trx2 protected against MPT induced by exogenously added peroxide. Unexpectedly, Trx2 also protected against the MPT induced by Ca 21 in the absence
Spending time or investing time? Involvement in high school curricular and extracurricular activities as strategic action

A rational choice perspective on social behavior implies that individuals engage in purposive action with the intention of maximizing their interests in valued objectives. Although adolescents have more often been viewed as products of their environments than as rational actors, the choices they face in allocating time and effort among different activities can influence their ability to achieve important life goals. This article develops a conceptual model of involvement as investment to characterize participation in high school curricular and extracurricular activities and the returns they yield for college matriculation. Data from a national sample of students and schools and multi-level statistical methods are used to explore a set of empirical questions derived from this model. Findings demonstrate that activity involvement displays properties characteristic of social exchange and investment. Involvement in both the formal curriculum and school extracurriculars yields significant returns for college m...
An Evaluation of the Dynamic and Static Multiprocessor Priority Ceiling Protocol and the Multiprocessor Stack Resource Policy in an SMP System

There has been significant study of implementations of a variety of priority inversion control algorithms in uniprocessor systems, but there has been far less work done on the multiprocessor implementations of these algorithms. Herein, we will present such an evaluation of the Multiprocessor Priority Ceiling Protocol (MPCP) and the Multiprocessor Stack Resource Policy (MSRP). To our knowledge, no such empirical evaluation of these two policies has been conducted prior to this. We will show that the results differ from the previous simulation-based studies and that both policies are more or less equally effective. The main difference is the MSRP’s expense. We discuss the efficacy of Ada-2005 and C/POSIX. We also discuss the methods through which we have attempted to overcome Ada’s weakness in mapping tasks to processors.
A Graduate Medical Education Initiative to Promote Professional Excellence Among Residency Program Coordinators.

Background: The authors describe the scope and impact of a professional development program for residency and fellowship program coordinators (PCs) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. PCs are vital in the success of their residency programs, yet few articles to date have addressed their increasingly complex roles. Purpose: This exploratory study examines PCs’ professional characteristics, perceptions that influence professional development meeting attendance, and the impact of the Program Coordinators’ Organization (PCO). Methods: All 44 PCs serving 53 residency and fellowship programs at UAMS were surveyed about their perceptions of the PCO in January 2006. Results: The majority of respondents agreed that the PCO has improved their abilities and interactions with their supervisors, colleagues, and residents and that the PCO has made an institution-wide impact on residency education. Conclusions: Sponsoring a PCO may be an effective tool for organizations to enhance the role of PCs and their graduate medical education programs. Keywords: Education, Medical, Graduate; Staff Development; Internship and Residency.
Identifying Dendritic Processing

In system identification both the input and the output of a system are available to an observer and an algorithm is sought to identify parameters of a hypothesized model of that system. Here we present a novel formal methodology for identifying dendritic processing in a neural circuit consisting of a linear dendritic processing filter in cascade with a spiking neuron model. The input to the circuit is an analog signal that belongs to the space of bandlimited functions. The output is a time sequence associated with the spike train. We derive an algorithm for identification of the dendritic processing filter and reconstruct its kernel with arbitrary precision.
Optoelectronic Class AB Microwave Power Amplifier

Recent power amplifiers for transmit/receive (TR) modules have been configured in the Class AB or push-pull mode with a theoretical efficiency of 78.5% and an operational efficiency of only 20% at X-band (8-12.5 GHz) frequencies. In this paper, we present results of a simulation study of a new scheme of power amplifier, in particular, an optoelectronic (OE) Class AB push-pull microwave power amplifier (MPA). With this amplifier, high circuit efficiency and reasonable output power can be achieved at X-band by utilizing a pair of novel photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSSs) based on intrinsic GaAs instead of the traditional microwave transistors.
Neural precursor cells: applications for the study and repair of the central nervous system.

A combination of gene transfer and intracerebral transplantation techniques has been used in studies of CNS development to provide the most compelling evidence to date that the broad diversity of cell types that exist in the CNS arises from single precursor cells. Although the factors that influence cellular differentiation in vivo remain to be clarified, work conducted in vitro with neural precursors has demonstrated that environmental signals (both soluble factors and substrate molecules) play a pivotal role in these decisions. In particular, FGF-2 appears to be one of the prominent influential factors involved in CNS development (see Temple & Qian, 1995). The generation of immortalized precursor populations that are capable of differentiating into multiple CNS cell types in vivo has significant implications for the treatment of neural dysfunction. Such cells may be manipulated toward a lineage that synthesizes factors of interest and used in grafting strategies to replace substances that are lost after injury or in neurodegenerative disease. Alternatively, precursor cells may be directed to a neuronal lineage and used to functionally repair damaged neural systems. Finally, genetic modification of precursor populations provides a method for introducing therapeutic gene products both into discrete regions of the brain and into widely dispersed areas of the CNS. In considering applications to human disease, it has been reported that nestin is expressed in human neuroepithelial cells (Tohyama et al., 1992), suggesting the existence of neural precursors. Recently, such precursors were in fact isolated by two separate groups (Kirschenbaum et al., 1994; Sabate et al., 1995) and shown to be amenable to gene transfer and to successfully survive transplantation into the brain of experimental animals (Sabate et al., 1995). Such findings encourage the possibility that precursor cells from the human CNS may be utilized in cell replacement or gene therapy strategies directed toward human neurodegenerative disorders. While immortalization techniques have been essential for generating large quantities of precursor cells for study and transplantation, the genetic modification of cells may alter vital cellular properties. Thus, the ability to induce the proliferation of nonimmortalized neural populations in vitro with the use of growth factors (see section on CNS precursor cells above) provides an important alternative approach for developing perpetual neural cell lines. Recent work with such growth factor-responsive precursor cells has suggested their therapeutic potential in the CNS, as evidenced by the finding that FGF-2-responsive cells can successfully engraft and express transgenes in the adult brain (Gage et al., 1995; Sabate et al., 1995; Suhonen et al., 1996). Continuing studies with these cells will provide additional insight into the properties of primary CNS stem cells and increase the range of precursor populations that are useful for exploring the development, function, and plasticity of the CNS.
Pt/[Fe]ZSM-5 modified by Na and Cs cations: an active and selective catalyst for dehydrogenation of n-alkanes to n-alkenes

Pt clusters within [Fe]ZSM-5 channels provide active and stable sites for the selective catalytic dehydrogenation of n-alkanes to n-alkenes. Cs and Na cations titrate acid sites and inhibit skeletal isomerization and cracking side reactions.
RCE networks: an experimental investigation

The author briefly surveys the history of hyperspherical classifiers and restricted Coulomb energy (RCE) networks. The ability of a trained RCE classifier to correctly classify new instances is compared with that of several well-known classifiers. Two unexplored aspects of RCE network classifiers are experimentally examined: (1) the treatment of potential wells on the number of training epochs, storage requirements, and generalization; and (2) rejection of an instance from an unknown class. Modifications to a traditional RCE classifier improve average generalization from 83.2% to 90.7% with comparable computational cost. For comparison, a nearest-neighbor classifier performs at 93% and a feedforward network at 88.4% on the same data. When the improved RCE classifier is compared with its underlying adaptive nearest-neighbor classifier the results show that the incorporation of potential wells into the RCE classifier does not reduce training time, nor pattern storage, nor does it improve generalization to new instances. >
Extracellular Eosinophil Granule Protein Deposition in Ringed Esophagus with Sparse Eosinophils

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) remains difficult to classify because of varying presentations. Not uncommonly, patients present with symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and have esophageal changes on endoscopy resembling EoE but without >15 eosinophils/HPF. Patients with low numbers of eosinophils in esophageal biopsy specimens may have esophageal changes and symptomatic disease brought about by eosinophil granule protein deposition without recognizable intact cells. To determine whether extracellular eosinophil granule protein deposition is present in the esophagi of patients with low eosinophil numbers who have clinical symptoms and characteristic endoscopic esophageal changes of EoE including ringed esophagus (RE). Esophageal biopsy specimens were studied from eight EoE patients with >15 eosinophils per high power field (HPF) and nine patients with RE (<15 eosinophils/HPF). The specimens were analyzed for eosinophil granule proteins, major basic protein 1 (eMBP1) and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), by indirect immunofluorescence. Both EoE and RE showed positive EDN and eMBP1 extracellular deposition; control esophagus showed minimal or none. Comparing EoE and RE, extracellular EDN and eMBP1 were similar except that EDN in EoE was greater in the distal esophagus. This study highlights the importance of assessing eosinophil granule protein deposition in esophageal disease with potential eosinophil involvement. Persistent/progressive esophageal changes may be brought about by eosinophil granule proteins despite low numbers of intact cells. The meaning of “resolution” in EoE may need to be redefined based on numbers of esophageal eosinophils, extracellular eosinophil granule protein deposition, and subsequent clinical course of patients.
Lyme Arthritis Resolution with Antiserum to a 37-Kilodalton Borrelia burgdorferi Protein

A 37-kDa protein from Borrelia burgdorferi (the agent of Lyme disease) was identified as a target for immune-mediated resolution of Lyme arthritis. Studies in a mouse model have shown that arthritis resolution can be mediated by antibodies (against unknown target antigens) within immune sera from actively infected mice. Immune sera from infected mice were therefore used to screen a B. burgdorferi genomic expression library. A gene was identified whose native product is a putative lipoprotein of approximately 37 kDa, referred to here as arthritis-related protein (Arp). Active and passive immunization of mice with recombinant Arp or Arp antiserum, respectively, did not protect mice from challenge inoculation. However, when Arp antiserum was administered to severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice with established infections and with ongoing arthritis and carditis, treatment selectively induced arthritis resolution without affecting the status of carditis or influencing the status of infection, including spirochetemia. The selective arthritis-resolving effect of Arp antiserum mimics the activity of immune serum from immunocompetent mice when such serum is transferred into SCID mice with established infections. The arp gene could not be amplified from unrelated B. burgdorferi isolates but hybridized with those isolates only under very-low-stringency conditions. Arp antiserum reacted against proteins of similar size in a wide range of B. burgdorferi isolates.