cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IMAGING OF MAGNETIC FLUX LEAKAGE SIGNALS FOR HIGH QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF OIL FIELD TUBULAR PRODUCTS

A recently developed system is described in which transverse and longitudinal magnetic flux leakage (MFL), and gamma-ray wall thick ness measurements made on pipe are transposed onto a 2-dimensional map, via multi-algorithm reduction of the raw data. In this paper the system and its advantages over conventional MFL systems are outlined and exemplified.
Method Effects in Survey and Focus Group Findings: Understanding Smoking Cessation in Low-SES African American Women

The same pool of African American women participated in a survey and in focus groups on motivation to quit smoking. Findings from the two studies were compared to explore potential method effects. Consistent with each method's basic purposes, the survey identified variation in study variables based on accepted theory and association patterns among such variables. The focus groups discovered themes and images salient to the participants and highlighted the situational contexts that gave meaning to smoking and smoking cessation. Survey method limitations included poor sensitivity to topic salience and contextual meanings and a deductive mode that channeled interpretation of results within the boundaries predefined by the study's theoretical framework. Focus group method limitations included an overfocus on the most dramatic and uncommon evidence and lack of systematic ways to identify explanations that may underlie the participants' overt expressions. Together, the multiple findings complemented and explain...
Derivation of genetic interaction networks from quantitative phenotype data

We have generalized the derivation of genetic-interaction networks from quantitative phenotype data. Familiar and unfamiliar modes of genetic interaction were identified and defined. A network was derived from agar-invasion phenotypes of mutant yeast. Mutations showed specific modes of genetic interaction with specific biological processes. Mutations formed cliques of significant mutual information in their large-scale patterns of genetic interaction. These local and global interaction patterns reflect the effects of gene perturbations on biological processes and pathways.
The Poisson bracket for 2D hydrodynamics reduces to the Gardner bracket

Abstract The Hamiltonian structure related to the 2D hydrodynamics of the ideal incompressible fluid is studied. Solutions whose vorticities have a unique extremum are considered. For this class of solutions the corresponding Poisson bracket is reduced to the Gardner-Zakharov-Faddeev bracket by changing the functional variable. The new coordinates have a clear geometrical meaning: Cartesian coordinates of the extremum and the set of distances from it to the vorticity lines.
Time-domain finite difference and EMC study of hot carrier transport in GaAs on a picosecond scale

Abstract It is now possible to use optoelectronic techniques to generate and measure electrical waveforms with subpicosecond risetimes. Though experimental methods have become relatively advanced, simulation techniques for analyzing and modelling such ultrafast transients remain inexact and oversimplified. The simplifications commonly made while developing equivalent circuit models for the experimental structures, prevent accurate simulation of the electrical response during the picosecond regime. In order to obtain a better physical picture, it is essential to develop a more physical model for the microstrip circuits routinely used in such experiments. Furthermore, non-Ohmic transport behavior for the photogenerated carriers within the optoelectronic device also needs to be correctly incorporated. We address both the circuit and device response issues through a novel scheme which combines direct time domain solutions to Maxwell's equations with the ensemble Monte Carlo model for carrier transport. By coupling the electromagnetics with the EMC, we avoid having to make assumptions whose validity breaks down for picosecond transport.
Channel bifurcation and adjustment on the upper Yadkin River, North Carolina (USA)

Abstract The bifurcation of river flow around large stable islands, also known as anabranching, represents a distinctive form of river adjustment that is uncommon in the Appalachian Piedmont province of the eastern U.S. Within this province, highly localized river branching similar to classical anabranching forms exists in one area near the foot of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. This paper examines channel form and processes along a reach of the upper Yadkin River in North Carolina (USA) before and after a flood-induced division of its flow into two subparallel branches, both of which remain active 35 years later. The research draws on aerial photograph analyses, channel surveying, and observations of inset channel benches, flood frequency analysis, and discharge monitoring and modeling to analyze planform history and to track and explain changes in newly excised and losing channels along the bifurcated reach. The characterization of this branched reach resembles some descriptions of gravel-dominated laterally active anabranching, although the match is imperfect. Reductions in valley slope and confinement and the presence of local valley constrictions near the base of the escarpment steeplands have been conducive to long-term sedimentation and a greater likelihood of branching. A period of relatively rapid cross section adjustment occurred on both branches soon after bifurcation, and this may have permitted the losing branch to remain open. Well-stratified benches currently observed along the losing branch are interpreted to be largely the late product of a waning early major adjustment phase and moderate, recent, and perhaps ongoing variations in flow division and appear to be not fully adjusted to prevailing discharges. Coarse benches along the newly excised branch are better-adjusted inset floodplain fragments created primarily by lateral migration and point accretion. Patterns of benchfull flow frequency variation are interpreted to indicate that the flow bifurcation ratio has been neither static nor monotonically changing in recent decades. Further exploration of branching in this environment, otherwise dominated by single-thread meandering patterns, is of importance for a variety of management and ecological concerns.
STAMPS AS MESSENGERS OF POLITICAL TRANSITION

Previous studies of postage stamps noted their importance in promoting national identity and the objectives of the state. Neglected in this literature by geographers and others is a discussion of s...
On the design of a random alarm

A random alarm is a signalling device with random interarrival times having a prescribed probability distribution. In this paper, a specific design for a simple, compact, electronic random alarm mechanism is presented. The design can accommodate any chosen continuous distribution of interarrival times, since these times are obtained by appropriate transformation in a device that produces the uniform probability distribution of some physical quantity. Nonstored-table varieties of this type may be constructed by combining an RC charging network with different types of potentiometers. A general prescription is given here for the output potential of the potentiometer as a function of the angle of rotation, where the angle is a uniformly distributed random variable. The ability of nonstored-table mechanisms to realize arbitrary distributions is dependent upon three theoretical asymptotic considerations concerning the normal distribution, the uniform distribution and independence. An empirical investigation with data from twists of a simulated potentiometer is used to verify that these results are sufficiently robust for practical application.
Covenant and Constitutionalism: The Great Frontier and the Matrix of Federal Democracy

Preface Introduction: The New World Experience Part I: The United States: An Almost Covenanted Polity 1. Covenant and the American Founding 2. The Revolution and the Declaration of Independence 3. Constitutions as Covenants Part II: The United States: The Covenant Challenged 4. Covenant and Contending Principles in the Expansion of the United States 5. Slavery and Secession: Covenant versus Compact 6. Covenant and the Challenges of Human Nature 7. The Sum of Covenantal Expressions Part III: Covenant on the Great Frontier 8. The Western Hemisphere: False and Real Frontiers 9. The Southern Hemisphere and the Asian Coast 10. Covenant as a Theo-Political Tradition: A Summary Statement Index
Improving estimation of indoor exposure to inhalable particles for children in the first year of life.

Abstract There is growing scientific evidence linking early childhood exposure to environmental agents with asthma and other illnesses that may not appear until later in life. Unfortunately the direct measurement of personal exposures of children in the first year of life is not possible by existing methodologies. This study developed and evaluated a new methodology to better assess exposure of children to inhalable particles in the first year of life while involved in floor play in the home. We constructed the Pre-Toddler Inhalable Particulate Environmental Robotic (PIPER) sampler. Two series of measurements of inhalable particles were carried out. One collected filter samples of airborne inhalable particles and a second used a real-time total particle mass concentration monitor. Samples were collected for seven residential locations. Duplicate samples were collected with PIPER 20 cm above the floor and from an identical stationary monitor positioned at a height of 110 cm. The mean observed airborne inha...
Tryptophan Metabolism and Kynureninase Induction in Mutants of Neurospora crassa Resistant to 4-Methyl-Tryptophan

Mutants of Neurospora crassa that are resistant to 4-methyl-tryptophan were found to differ in ability to synthesize kynureninase in the presence of the inducers kynurenine, 3-OH-kynurenine, N -formyl-kynurenine, tryptophan, and indole. One strain ( mtr26 ), although incapable of accumulating intracellular pools of these compounds, showed induced synthesis of kynureninase, whereas the second ( mtr21 ) could neither accumulate nor be induced by them. Strain mtr21 , with the suppressor su ( mtr ), could not be induced by indole but was induced by tryptophan and kynurenine derivatives. These results suggest that the mtr mutation, in addition to altering the ability of these strains to concentrate tryptophan and its metabolites, may have some effect on either the intracellular distribution of tryptophan or directly on the synthesis of kynureninase.
The Piety of the English Deists: Their Personal Relationship with an Active God

Most scholars think that the English deists believed in a cold, distant deity uninvolved with his creation. Gerald R. Cragg expressed the common view when he said that the God of the English deists...
Inorganic fibres and microfabricated parts by laser assisted chemical vapour deposition (LCVD) : Structures and properties

Abstract Laser assisted chemical vapour deposition (LCVD) is a new generic process for fabricating advanced inorganic fibres, as well as three-dimensional microsprings and solenoid, directly from the vapour phase. Using high reactor pressures (> 1 bar) and a unique rate control mechanism, chemically pure and structurally uniform boron, carbon, silicon, silicon nitride and carbide, and germanium fibres with small diameters (> 6 μm) and high growth rates (0.3–1.1 mm/s) were obtained. Among others, ultra strong (> 7.5 GPa) boron and stoichiometric silicon carbide fibres were obtained, as well as highly flexible carbon fibres representing a new form of carbon. This paper deals with structure-property relationships relative to market requirements. Growth rates and process economics are comparable to those by which commercial sapphire fibres are obtained from the melt. The process promises to afford new continuous single crystal fibres (including silicon and tantalum carbide) for structural composites uses at temperatures ranging from 1500 to 2200 °C, new sensor fibres (including ZnSe) and fibres for consumable high temperature sensor systems.
Down-regulation of phenobarbital-induced cytochrome P4502B mRNAs and proteins by endotoxin in mice: independence from nitric oxide production by inducible nitric oxide synthase

Multiple hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes are down-regulated at the mRNA and protein levels during inflammation and infection. A body of evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO) produced from inducible NO synthase (NOS2) is responsible for some of these effects. The current study was designed to examine the NO dependencies of the down-regulation of phenobarbital-induced CYP2B mRNAs and proteins by bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) treatment in vivo, using an NOS2-null mouse model. Treatment of C57/BL6 mice with 0.3 mg/kg of LPS maximally suppressed phenobarbital-induced CYP2B9 and 2B10 mRNAs measured 12 hr after injection, whereas 1-10 mg/kg of LPS was required to elevate NO production. Down-regulation of CYP2B mRNAs by 1 mg/kg of LPS was equivalent in wild-type and NOS2-null mice. No effect of LPS in the dose range of 0.3 to 10 mg/kg was observed on microsomal CYP2B protein levels measured 12 hr after treatment, whereas 1 mg/kg of LPS suppressed CYP2B proteins 24 hr after treatment in both wild-type and NOS2-null mice. We conclude that the main mechanism for the down-regulation of CYP2B proteins in mouse liver following moderate- or high-dose LPS treatment is via NO-independent suppression of CYP2B9 and 2B10 mRNAs. Unlike rat hepatocytes, the contribution of a rapid, NO-dependent mechanism of CYP2B protein suppression in mouse liver appears to be minor or non-existent.
Direct comparisons between virtual and experimental powder mixtures

The objective of this research is to develop criteria for improving mixedness by proper selection of the powder components. Our two-pronged approach involves both computation and experimental determination of mixedness. Computation of mixedness utilizes a modular program that incorporates powder components and packs them via dropping and rolling. The virtual mixture is interrogated using concentric shell and tessellation analysis. The experimental determination of mixedness begins with epoxy-embedded microstruc tures. A focused ion beam produces smooth planar cross-sections for mixture analysis of a wide range of materials. Tessellation analysis of high resolution x-ray maps is used to interrogate the mixture, offering us the ability to compute tile area distributions, which allows us to compare the structure of simulated and experimental systems. Having this capability allows us to develop a benchmark for the mixedness possible in a chosen system. In addition, it allows us to develop techniques for improving that benchmark through variation of the powder component characteristics.
On numerical ranges and roots

Existence of the fractional powers is established in Banach algebra setting, in terms of the numerical ranges of elements involved. The behavior of the spectra and (for Hermitian ∗-algebras satisfying some additional hypotheses) the ∗-numerical range under taking these powers also is investigated.  2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
The effect of index of refraction on the position, shape, and intensity of infrared bands in reflection-absorption spectra

Abstract The effect of the index of refraction on the appearance of infrared bands is discussed for a newly developing method of obtaining the infrared spectrum of a thin layer on a metal surface. The term, reflection-absorption spectroscopy, is proposed as a designation for this technique. Band shapes and shifts are calculated for reflection-absorption spectra, using previously published values for the optical constants. Examples are shown which indicate that the variation of index of refraction for an extremely strong band causes considerable changes from the usual transmission spectrum, but that the reflection-absorption spectrum of a weak band is much like the transmission spectrum. The calculations done with published data on the 609 cm−1 band of Cu2O are compared with experimental results obtained with an oxide layer formed on a copper surface.
High-resolution functional optical imaging: sub-millimeter physiology of living tissue

We have developed and applied new optical technologies for imaging the brain’s neuronal and hemodynamic responses to stimulus, including 3D high-resolution Laminar Optical Tomography, video-rate 2-photon microscopy and simultaneous 2D optical imaging and fMRI.
Disturbed visual processing contributes to impaired reading in Alzheimer’s disease

The relationship between visual processing dysfunction and oral reading impairment was investigated in 17 patients with probable or possible Alzheimer's disease (AD). When dementia severity was controlled, a significant relationship was found between single word oral reading impairments and difficulties discriminating words written in different fonts and photographs of objects in different orientations, which are all functions believed to be dependent on the integrity of left ventral temporal-occipital visual association regions. By contrast, there was no significant relationship between reading performance and the score on a test of spatial localization, believed to be more dependent on parietal lobe function. There was also no relationship between reading ability and discrimination of unfamiliar faces, a function thought to engage right inferotemporal lobe structures. In contrast to the significant association between impaired reading and certain visual processes, when dementia severity was controlled, there was no relationship between reading and lexical semantic impairment. These results highlight the contribution of visual processing deficits to impaired oral reading in AD and further suggest that this association may derive from neuropathological changes in areas of the left temporal occipital lobes specialized for high-level visual processing.
Innovative approaches to competitive mineral leasing

Abstract This paper applies qualitative microeconomic analysis to issues facing the designers of auction programs for the leasing for development of governmentally owned resources. This kind of analysis suggests that there are several potentially valuable novel ways of setting lease terms and/or holding the leasing competition.
On The Relationship Between Israel and The Diaspora

*From an address delivered on May 16, 1949 on the occasion of Dr. Alexander M. Dushkin's departure for Israel to assume his duties as Professor of Education and Director of the Undergraduate Department of the Hebew University.
The managerial choice: To be efficient and to be human

The article presents a review of the book “The Managerial Choice: To Be Efficient and to Be Human,” by Frederick Herzberg.
Proton-Induced Single Event Upsets in NMOS Microprocessors

This paper reports an investigation of single event upsets induced in 16-bit NMOS microprocessors by 40-MeV protons. The results obtained in this study are compared with previous reported studies of upset rates in a neutron beam of average energy 14 MeV. The microprocessors investigated were the MC68000 and various versions of the Z8002 and the AMZ8002. Proton fluence per upset was in the range of 2 × 109 to 4 × 1010 protons/cm2, depending on the device type. Device failure ocurred after total fluence of 3.2 × 1010 to 1.7 × 1011 protons/cm2, corresponding to a total dose of 6.0 to 32.2 kRad(Si), again depending on the device type. The typical proton fluence per upset was approximately an order of magnitude less than the previously-measured neutron fluence for upset, meaning the devices are more sensitive to 40-MeV proton upset than to 14-MeV neutron upset. In addition, the sensitivity to upset for some of the microprocessors was dependent on the previous radiation exposure of the device. Large variations in fluence per upset and dose to failure were found between different versions of the same microprocessor type. A limited investigation showed no marked dependence of the upset rate on flux.
Constrained rationality: Situational influences on information acquisition plans and tactics

It is argued that the relative influence of automatic, knowledge‐based, and creative planning processes on conversational behavior should vary as a function of planning constraints. The effects of two potential constraints, instrumental goal priority and instrumental goal complexity, on cognitive and tactical indices of planning were assessed. As expected, increased instrumental goal priority resulted in reduced creative planning, as indicated by the prominence of simple and direct information acquisition plans. Indirect plans which simultaneously addressed instrumental and relational/identity management concerns were used less frequently under these conditions. Manipulation of instrumental goal complexity resulted in similar but less extensive effects on planning. Both types of planning constraints resulted in increased use of direct information acquisition tactics. The results suggest interactants are strategic planners to the extent that situational and cognitive resource constraints allow. The cued‐re...
An Interview with Dr. Taro Komukai, Executive Director and Senior Consultant, InfoCom Research, Japan

Japan is undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to data privacy and security protection. Dr. Komukai explains the key elements of the framework for personal data protection in Japan, recent developments on this front, similarity and differences of the Japanese framework with those of the European Union and the United States, the influence of the Japanese culture on the regulatory framework, and key lessons for other economies from Japan’s experience in developing a regulatory framework to protect privacy online.
UV index forecastability issues

As the art of forecasting the UV Index moves into its second decade, some issues affecting the creation of a valid UV Index forecast have been solved, yet others remain. The forecast of the UV Index is really the combination of multiple forecasts of ozone, clouds, and (in the future) aerosols. Ozone forecasts have improved significantly due to the assimilation of ozone into global numerical weather prediction models. The affects of aerosols on UV radiation are increasingly better understood. Parameterization of other factors affecting the UV radiation reaching the surface (albedo and elevation) have been increasingly studied and their affects better known. Clouds remain to be the primary source of error in UV Index forecasts. Each of these topics will be discussed with their impacts on the resulting UV Index forecast.
Dependence of sea urchin primary mesenchyme cell migration on xyloside- and sulfate-sensitive cell surface-associated components.

Abstract The migration of sea urchin primary mesenchyme cells (PMC) is inhibited in embryos cultured in sulfate-free seawater and in seawater containing exogenous xylosides. In the present study, primary mesenchyme cells and extracellular matrix have been isolated from normal and treated Lytechinus pictus and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus embryos and recombined in an in vitro migration assay to determine whether the cells or the matrix are migration defective. Normal cells were found to migrate on either normal or treated matrix, whereas sulfate-deprived and xyloside-treated PMC failed to migrate in vitro on normal and treated substrata. Migratory ability can be restored to defective cells by returning the PMC to normal seawater, or by exposing the defective cells to materials removed from the surface of normal cells with 1 M urea. The similarity of the results obtained with sulfate-deprived and xyloside-treated PMC suggested that a common molecule may be affected by the two treatments. As a first test of this possibility, xyloside-treated S. purpuratus PMC were given the urea extract prepared from sulfate-deprived S. purpuratus PMC, and this extract did not restore migratory ability. These findings indicate that PMC normally synthesize a surface-associated molecule that is involved in cell migration, and the sensitivity to exogenous xylosides and sulfate deprivation suggests that a sulfated proteoglycan may be involved in primary mesenchyme cell migration.
Cytological responses of root-tip cells of Allium sativum to smoke puffs from various types of cigarettes.

Root-tips of garlic (Allium sativum) were used to study the effects of tobacco smoke from 11 types of cigarettes on the cytology of the cells. Of the 11 cigarettes utilized, 9 were experimental and 2 were commercial brands. The experimental cigarettes included 1R1, 1A1, 1A2, 1A3, 1A4, FO-24, FO-25, FO-30 and T-5, while of the two commercial brands used, one had 2 cm cellulose acetate filter and the other had a two part filter consisting of 1 cm activated charcoal filter and 1 cm cellulose acetate filter. Young roots from garlic bulbs were exposed to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, and 20 puffs of smoke from the above cigarettes. They were then allowed to grow in distilled water for 20 hours, fixed, stained and finally observed for normal and abnormal mitotic divisions.In general, the cells of roots treated with tobacco smoke displayed disturbances of the spindle apparatus, irregular separation of chromosomes, and lagging of certain chromosomes in moving away from the equatorial plate. Increasing number of puffs resulted in a greater frequency of mitotic abnormalities.These investigations may be of importance in establishing the validity of using the incidence of mitotic abnormalities as an index of the biological effects of tobacco smoke and its constituents. These studies should eventually lead to the identification of smoke constituents responsible for the induction of irregular mitotic divisions and chromosomal aberrations. Any harmful smoke constituents which are detected by this method, could perhaps be eliminated from tobacco before it is used for the manufacture of cigarettes.
The surgical intensive care unit optimal mobility score predicts mortality and length of stay

Objectives:To test if the surgical intensive care unit optimal mobility score predicts mortality and intensive care unit and hospital length of stay.Design:Prospective single-center cohort study.Setting:Surgical intensive care unit of the Massachusetts General Hospital.Patients:One hundred thirteen
Flowable Fill Using Flue Gas Desulfurization Material

Flowable fills are an effective and practical alternative to commonly used compacted earth backfills. Flowable fill is a cementious material, commonly a blend of cement, fly ash, sand, and water, that does not require compaction, may be self-leveling at time of placement, may harden quickly within a few hours, and can be excavated in the future if need be. Many flue gas desulfurization (FGD) materials have low unit weight and good shear strength characteristics and thus hold promise for flowable fill applications. This paper focuses on the potential of using two types of FGD materials (spray dryer and wet fixated FGD material) in flowable fill as a replacement for conventional fly ash. Several design mixes were considered. The design mixes consisted of varying amounts of FGD material, cement, lime, and water. The mixes were tested in the laboratory for flowability, unit weight, moisture content, unconfined compressive strength, erodibility, set-time, penetration, and long-term strength characteristics. Tests were conducted for up to 90 d of curing. Without any additives, the FGD material was observed to be as good as a regular (normal set) flowable fill in terms of placeability, unconfined compressive strength, and diggability. FGD material flowable fill with additives and admixtures compares favorably with the characteristics of conventional quick set flowable fills.
Decomposition pressures in the (α + β) fields of the Li-LiH, Li-LiD, and Li-LiT systems

Abstract Decomposition (“plateau”) pressures of H 2 , D 2 , and T 2 over Li-LiH, Li-LiD, and Li-LiT alloys were determined between 600 and 850°C, for pressures ranging from 3 to 460 Torr, and for alloy compositions falling within the (α + β) miscibility gaps. The measurements were carried out separately for each hydrogen isotope using the same lithium sample and experimental procedures. For each system the ln P vs. 1/ T data form a pair of linear segments, the intersection of which represents the monotectic temperature (694°C for Li-LiH, 690°C for Li-LiD, and 688°C for Li-LiT). For a given temperature plateau pressures were in the order P T 2 > P D 2 > P H 2 . The D H and T H isotope effects in pressures varied from 1.48 and 1.74 at 600°C to 1.34 and 1.45 at 850°C. The results were used to calculate the standard free energies of formation of solid LiH, LiD, and LiT. The tritium gas used in this study had significant amounts of hydrogen and deuterium. A method for correcting the plateau pressures of this mixture to those of pure tritium is presented.
A novel synthesis of fumaric acid‐1‐14C

A simple, two-step synthesis of fumaric acid-1-14C from radioactive potassium cyanide and methyl 2-chloroacrylate is described. The intermediate products, methyl cis and trans 3-cyanoacrylates and the cis and trans 3-cyanoacrylic acids, were hydrolyzed directly to fumaric acid-1-14C in 55-60% yields. D, L-malic acid-COOH-14C was also obtained as a byproduct in 9% yield. A reaction mechanism is proposed.
The ultrastructural demonstration of placental phospholipids in preterm, term and eclamptic pregnancies

Summary Using a technique for the retention and visualization of aqueously soluble phospholipids the localization of phospholipids has been studied in placentae from preterm, term, and eclamptic pregnancies. Phospholipid accumulations at 32 weeks appear solely in the syncytiotrophoblast, but as gestation increases phospholipids are found in an increased number of tissue compartments. By term, granules are seen in syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast, capillary endothelium, and the subtrophoblastic stroma. Two placentae from eclamptic pregnancies at 32 weeks demonstrate phospholipid localizations very similar to those found in the normal placenta at term. Additional non-staining lipid inclusions are seen within vascular pericytes in placentae from patients with eclampsia. The findings observed in the 32-week placentae from eclamptic pregnancies may be due to accelerated phospholipid metabolism, synthesis, or storage.
Correlations among Perceptual-Motor Ability, Self-Concept and Reading Achievement in Early Elementary Grades.

This study investigated the correlations among measures of perceptual-motor abilities, self-concept, and reading achievement and determined whether perceptual-motor ability and self-concept can predict reading achievement in the early elementary grades. A total of 105 boys and 108 girls from the first, second and third grades were tested on the stabilometer, a modified Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test, a tapping test, the Primary Self-concept Inventoty, and the Science Research Associates Assessment Survey. Intercorrelations across grade levels tended to be low and nonsignificant. The multiple regression procedures yielded no strong predictions of reading achievement. These findings tended to confirm the specificity of perceptual-motor ability, self-concept, and reading achievement.
Exaggerated renal vasoconstriction during exercise in heart failure patients.

Background—During static exercise in normal healthy humans, reflex renal cortical vasoconstriction occurs. Muscle metaboreceptors contribute importantly to this reflex renal vasoconstriction. In patients with heart failure, in whom renal vascular tone is already increased at rest, it is unknown whether there is further reflex renal vasoconstriction during exercise. Methods and Results—Thirty-nine heart failure patients (NYHA functional class III and IV) and 38 age-matched control subjects (controls) were studied. Renal blood flow was measured by dynamic positron emission tomography. Graded handgrip exercise and posthandgrip ischemic arrest were used to clarify the reflex mechanisms involved. During sustained handgrip (30% maximum voluntary contraction), peak renal vasoconstriction was significantly increased in heart failure patients compared with controls (70±13 versus 42±1 U, P=0.02). Renal vasoconstriction returned to baseline in normal humans by 2 to 5 minutes but remained significantly increased in h...
New insights into the allergic march

Purpose of reviewThe allergic march of childhood describes an association between atopic dermatitis, IgE-mediated food allergy, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinitis that begins with an atopic family history. This review summarizes recent insights into the nature of these conditions and their assoc
A queueing model with bonus service for certain customers

Abstract A queueing model is introduced in which the management has a policy, because of economic reasons, of not operating the service counter unless a certain number, R + 1, of customers are available during each busy period. Thus, the first R customers who arrive must wait until the service counter is opened. Such a policy may cause the management to provide or render additional services to the first R customers. Assuming Poisson arrivals and that both regular and additional services follow exponential distributions, explicit expressions are derived for the stationary queue length and busy period distributions and their expected values. In the special case where R = 1, an explicit expression is presented for the stationary distribution of the waiting time.
The McCarthy Scales and Hispanic Children: A Review of Psychometric Research.

Currently, there are over a dozen investigations of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities that have examined the psychometric properties of this cognitive test with Hispanic children. The purposes of this article are to review this knowledge base and to draw conclusions of the usefulness of the McCarthy as an assessment of intelligence for Puerto Rican and Mexican American children. The investigations reviewed include a wide range of McCarthy psychometric studies (e.g., reliability; construct validity; predictive validity) and diverse characteristics of children (e.g., age; language status). Four major conclusions emerge from this review: (a) for Puerto Rican children, the available literature, although encouraging, is too limited in quantity to make any strong conclusions about the McCarthy's utility; (b) for Mexican American children, the psychometric knowledge base is fairly substantial, indicating that the McCarthy has clear promise as a useful psychoeducational assessment tool for English-speak...
The lack of correlation between flat slabs and bathymetric impactors in South America

Flat slab subduction has been attributed to various causes including mantle wedge dynamics, overriding by the upper plate, age of the subducting plate, and subduction of anomalously thick oceanic crust. One often favored explanation for flat slabs is the subduction of buoyant features on the oceanic plate in the form of an aseismic-ridge or oceanic plateau. We show through plate tectonic reconstructions of the Marquesas, Tuamotu, and Austral plateau, assuming that features on the conjugate plate can be used as proxies for subducted bathymetric anomalies, that there is very little correlation between the subduction of such anomalies and historic zones of flat subduction in South America. It is apparent that subduction of a bathymetric anomaly need not lead to a flat slab and not all flat slabs are associated with the subduction of a bathymetric anomaly.
Phenology and spatial and temporal distribution of larval fishes in a partially channelized warmwater stream

We studied the phenology and spatial and temporal dynamics of larval fish abundance with light traps from 5 locations along the length of Luxapalilia Creek, a partially channelized warmwater stream in northeastern Mississippi over 2 spawning seasops (March through August 1992 and 1993). The dominant, early spring spawners were catostomids (early-April to late-May) and darters (mid-March to early-June) whereas summer spawners were mainly cyprinids (mid-May to August) and centrarchids (late-May to August). The relative abundance of larvae collections differed based on: 1) site, 2) location, 3) date, 4) year, and 5) in larval stage. Total numbers of larvae and CPUE were high in mid- to late summer in downstream locations in both years when: 1) temperatures were high, 2) water velocities were low, and 3) depths were shallow compared to upstream locations. More mature larvae (meso- and metalarvae) were more common in the downstream locations whereas less mature larvae (yolk-sac and protolarvae) were more abundant at the upstream locations. The downstream channelized portion of Luxapalila Creek resembled a lentic habitat with littoral zones characterized by slow water velocities, shallow depths, fine sediments, and vegetation. Larvae of darters (Etheostorna and Pcrcina), which require gravel bars and swift currents, were not collected in great numbers downstream, although members of the Ictiobinae (Carpoides and Ictiobus), cyprinidae and centrarchidae (Lepomis spp., Pomoxis spp. and Micropterus spp.) were more abundant downstream than upstream. This suggests that the natural, upstream locations acted as sources of larvae for the channelized downstream location.
Developing smart card applications using the OpenCard Framework

Smart cards provide a compact, secure, and widely used method for identifying ourselves and authenticating our transactions. With their increasing incorporation into credit cards and the cellular industries move toward smart card based GSM networks, they are positioned to become truly pervasive. Unfortunately, until now, teaching smart card development required expensive, specialized hardware and software as well as detailed, and usually proprietary, knowledge of the hardware and operating system of a given brand of smart card. The introduction of Java programmable smart cards along with recent advances in smart card simulators enables educators to leverage their students existing Java skills and begin teaching smart card development today. We present a tutorial on using the Java based OpenCard Framework to communicate with smart cards.
Spectroscopic study of a representative polar cap of buckminsterfullerene: Cyclopentacorannulene

The spectroscopic properties of corannulene and cyclopentacorannulene are examined by use of absorption and steady-state fluorescence measurements. A red shift in the emission maxima of cyclopentacorannulene is noted with respect to the emission maxima in the corannulene spectrum. Similar differences in the absorption spectra of both molecules are also observed. Reasons for the dissimilarities in the absorption and emission spectra of these molecules are discussed. The fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes of the molecules measured in organic solvents are reported. The fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime of cyclopentacorannulene are lower than those of corannulene. This difference is attributed to the highly strained and nonplanar structure of cyclopentacorannulene. The effectiveness of nitromethane as a quencher of corannulene and cyclopentacorannulene fluorescence is examined. In contrast to previously reported results, the fluorescence of these molecules is quenched by nitromethane. Fluorescence quenching of the molecules has been attributed to complex formation in the ground state, i.e., static quenching.
Combined imaging-histological study of cortical laminar specificity of fMRI signals.

Abstract Since the commencement of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), great effort has been put into increasing its spatial resolution and signal specificity from vessel-weighted to more tissue-specific signals. The working assumption is that the “tissue” signals closely mirror changes at the neuronal level. While great progress has been made, the basic and most fundamental questions remain unanswered: where in the gray matter do these “tissue fMRI” changes occur? Recently, the temporal correspondence of hemodynamic-based fMRI signals and neurophysiological activity was explored. The data suggest, although not conclusively, that the local field potential (LFP) response gives a better estimate of changes that accompany increased neuronal activity. LFP are thought to be generated by synaptic activity reflecting input signals into layer IV within a cortical region. If so, the spatial distribution of the fMRI signal should be specific to the corresponding cortical lamina. Here, in a combined imaging and histological study, the spatial characteristics of fMRI signals across the lamina were explored. In a high-resolution fMRI study (0.15 × 0.15 × 2 mm3), the spatial specificity of fMRI signals was correlated with the underlying cortical laminar cytoarchitectonic obtained within the same animal and tissue region. We demonstrate that when surface vessels are excluded high-resolution fMRI signals peak at cortical layer IV.
Catecholamine neurons in the squirrel monkey hypothalamus

Catecholamine neurons were found in the periventricular nucleus, arcuate nucleus, and a region around the mammillothalamic tract in the hypothalamus of the squirrel monkey. These neurons did not fluoresce in control or monoamine-oxidase-inhibited animals, and exhibited fluorescence only after intraventricular injections of alpha-methyl-norepinephrine. Dense accumulations of catecholamine varicosities appeared in the periventricular nucleus, external contact zone of the median eminence, and perivascular region of the median eminence; the arcuate nucleus contained no more than a moderate density of catecholamine varicosities. The median eminence fluorescence had a regional character, with greatest intensity in the caudal portion.
Studies on Trypsin and Chymotrypsin Inhibitory Activities, Hemagglutinating Activity, and Sugars in the Great Northern Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L)

Trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activities, hemagglutinating activity, oligosaccharides, total and reducing sugars were determined in Great Northern beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) flour, albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates. The bean flour and the protein concentrates were further evaluated for hydrogen gas prod action following ingestion in rats. The trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activities were reduced in protein concentrates (75.32 and 84.78% reduction, respectively), and protein isolates (97.98 and 85.39% reduction, respectively), Albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates did not contain raffinose and vertascose while stachyose was present (14.69 mg/g) only in the albumins. Protein concentrates were essentially void of flatulence activity. Hemagglutinating activity was absent in albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates, but was present in the beaii flour.
Real butch: The performance/performativity of male impersonation, drag kings, passing as male, and stone butch realness

Abstract In this essay, I locate the performativity of queer female masculinity in four sites—the theatrical performances of male impersonators in the United States from the 1940s to the 1960s and contemporary US drag kings, the act of passing as male, and stone butch subjectivity. These sites of performativity work on and against what I call ‘stone butch realness'—meaning butch subjectivity that is at once essential and socially constructed. I explore the ways in which masculine gender is expressed by queer female subjects, as well as the ‘reading’ of the gendered subject and how intention and perception alter in relation to historical and social factors. Finally, I argue that male impersonators were performers of stone butch masculinity, while drag kings are parodic performers of maleness.
Effect of Microwave Frequency on Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Tetragonal Barium Titanate

Nanocrystalline tetragonal barium titanate (BaTiO3) with particle sizes ranging from 30 to 100 nm were synthesized via microwave-hydrothermal routes at various fixed microwave frequencies and also using variable frequency with 1−5 s sweep times. The effects of microwave frequency, microwave bandwidth sweep time, and aging time on the microstructure, particle sizes, phase purity, surface areas, and porosities of the as-prepared BaTiO3 were investigated systematically. The crystallized BaTiO3 powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy with an EDS analyzer. The results show that the particle sizes, morphologies, and surface areas of the products are influenced by the microwave frequency and bandwidth sweep time. High microwave frequency (5.5 GHz) and variable frequency (3−5.5 GHz to 1 s) led to spherical particles with narrow and more uniform particle size distr...
Early Influences and Later Outcomes Associated with Developmental Trajectories of Eriksonian Fidelity.

Although Eriksonian theory suggests that adolescents' sense of fidelity is a key component of healthy development, research on this psychosocial construct has been limited. The current study developed an index of youth fidelity, examined the developmental course of this construct, explored the influence of contextual factors on different fidelity trajectories, and tested if trajectories were associated with later indicators of adolescents' positive development. Participants included 1,941 ethnically diverse youth (61% female) participants in the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development who were recruited from schools and youth development programs across the United States. Results suggested that three types of developmental trajectories existed among youth: high and increasing, moderate and increasing, and low and decreasing. Fidelity group membership varied in relation to social relationships and psychosocial and behavioral characteristics (i.e., contribution, substance use, and delinquency). Girls were more likely than boys to be in the highest fidelity trajectories. Directions for future research and implications for enhancing the thriving of adolescents are discussed.
Molecular-dynamics study of the structural correlation of porous silica with use of a parallel computer.

Molecular-dynamics simulations of porous silica, in the density range 2.2\char21{}0.1 g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$, are carried out on a 41 472-particle system using a multiple-instruction multiple-data parallel computer. An effective interatomic potential consisting of two-body and three-body covalent interactions is used. Structural correlation is analyzed using the pair-distribution function, neutron-scattering structure factor, and bond-angle distribution. The internal surface area, pore surface-to-volume ratio, pore-size distribution, fractal dimension, correlation length, and mean-particle size are determined as a function of the density. Structural transition from the condensed amorphous phase to the low-density porous phase is characterized by these quantities. Various dissimilar porous structures are prepared by controlling the preparation condition.
A Musical Technography of John Bischoff

John Bischoff has been part of the formation and growth of electronic and computer music in the San Francisco Bay Area for over three decades. In an interview with the author, he describes his early development as a student of experimental music technology, including the impact of hearing and assisting in the work of David Tudor. Bischoff, like Tudor, explored the unpredictable potentials within electronic components, and he brought this curiosity to bear when he began working on one of the first available microcomputers. He was a key individual at the historical turning point when computer music escaped its institutional restrictions and began becoming widespread.
A Nascent Peace and Security Architecture in the Horn of Africa: Prospects and Challenges

This paper attempts to critically look at the newly launched IGAD Peace and Security Strategy as an emerging peace and security architecture for the Horn of Africa. It examines the new IGAD strategy and points out its prospects and challenges.