cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract: Imaging through Cluttered Media Using Electromagnetic Interferometry on a Hardware-Accelerated High-Performance Cluster

Detecting concealed objects such as weapons behind cluttered media is essential for security applications. Terahertz frequencies are usually employed for imaging in security checkpoints due to their safe non-ionizing properties for humans. Interferometric images are constructed based on the complex correlation function of the received electric fields from the medium of interest. Interferometric imaging, however, is computationally intensive which makes it impractical for real time requirements. Therefore, it is essential to have efficient implementations of the algorithm using HPC platforms. In this paper, we exploit the capabilities of a 13-node GPU-accelerated cluster using CUDA and MVAPICH2 environments for electromagnetic terahertz interferometric imaging through cluttered media. With efficient load balancing, the experimental results demonstrate the performance gain achieved in comparison to conventional platforms. The results also show potential scalability characteristics for larger HPC systems.
VizTouch: automatically generated tactile visualizations of coordinate spaces

Visual mathematical concepts have long been challenging to access for people with limited or no vision. Given that functions and data plots are typically presented visually; there are few affordable and accessible solutions for individuals with limited or no vision to interpret data in this format. We have developed software that leverages new affordable 3D printing technology to rapidly and automatically generate tactile visualizations. In this paper, we describe development of the VizTouch software through a user-centered design process. We worked with six individuals with low or limited vision to understand the usefulness of 3D printed custom tactile visualizations, and their design. We describe how VizTouch can be used to make data visualizations in education, business, and entertainment accessible.
Sézary syndrome cells overexpress syndecan-4 bearing distinct heparan sulfate moieties that suppress T-cell activation by binding DC-HIL and trapping TGF-β on the cell surface

Because syndecan-4 (SD-4) on effector and memory T cells inhibits T-cell activation by binding dendritic cell–associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan-integrin ligand (DC-HIL) on antigen presenting cells and because malignant cells of the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) subset, Sezary syndrome (SS), exhibit memory T-cell phenotype, we posited SS cells to express SD-4. Indeed, malignant T cells from patients with SS and from CTCL cell lines constitutively expressed SD-4 at high levels, in contrast to T cells from healthy volunteers and patients with other inflammatory skin diseases and to non-CTCL cell lines that did not. SS cells also bound to DC-HIL at a level higher than normal T cells activated in vitro, resulting in their inhibited proliferation to anti–CD3 antibody. SD-4 on SS cells also trapped transforming growth factor-β1 to their cell surface, enhancing their ability to inhibit activation of syngeneic and allogeneic normal T cells. All of these inhibitory properties were dependent on overexpression of distinct heparan sulfate (HS) moieties by SD-4 on SS cells. Finally, we showed toxin-conjugated DC-HIL to abrogate the ability of SS cells to proliferate in vitro. These findings indicate that SD-4 bearing distinct HS moieties plays a pathogenic role in SS and may be targeted for treatment.
A temperature profile of the auroral zone daytime atmosphere from rocket spectral data

Temperatures of the auroral zone daytime atmosphere have been deduced from the rocket spectral data of the Δv = −1 band sequence of the first negative group of N2+. Temperatures have been obtained by a comparison of the observed profiles with the synthetic profiles computed for a wide range of temperatures for the case of resonance scattering of sunlight by pre-existing N2+ ions. A temperature profile constructed in the region 129 to 212 km gives a temperature gradient of 4.9°K/km. A comparative study with the temperature profiles of the twilight and night-time atmosphere shows good agreement.
Genes involved in the RNA interference pathway are differentially expressed during sea urchin development

RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) is a conserved gene silencing mechanism that involves double-stranded RNA as a signal to trigger the sequence-specific degradation of target mRNA, resulting in posttranscriptional silencing and/or translational repression. Bioinformatic searches in the sea urchin genome database identified homologs of Drosha, DGCR5, Dicer, TRBP, Exportin-5, and Argonautes. Quantitative, real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated that all mRNA accumulate in eggs and in variable levels throughout early development. Whole-mount in situ RNA hybridization showed that all of the important players of the RNAi silencing pathway have abundant mRNA accumulation in oocytes and eggs, but have distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns throughout development. Sequence analysis revealed that each of the four Argonautes examined contain conserved residues important for RNAseH activity within the Piwi domain. This study elucidated that genes involved in the RNAi silencing pathway have dynamic expression and, thus, may have regulatory roles during germ cell development and embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 236:3180–3190, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dress Rehearsal: A Bourdieusian Analysis of Body Work in Career Portfolio Programs.

This article examines how career portfolio programs at two secondary schools establish corporeal regimes. Both programs require students to compose portfolios that plot their trajectories through school and into paid work. Prior to graduation, students defend their portfolios before panels of educators and businesspeople. Employing the Bourdieusian concepts of capital and habitus, this article investigates how these programs set up systems that value certain kinds of bodies. Further, it examines how students negotiate these systems and display different kinds of bodies in different kinds of ways. Ultimately, it is argued these disparate bodily performances are read by authorities as indicators of the types of paths students are travelling or should travel into the future.
Fabrication of ceramic films for solid oxide fuel cells via slurry spin coating technique

Abstract Thin ceramic films of samaria-doped ceria (SDC) were deposited on green NiO–SDC substrate via a slurry spin coating technique followed by co-firing. The ceramic films as-prepared are homogenous and dense, without cracks and penetrating pinholes, as observed from cross-sectional SEM images. The thicknesses of the ceramic films for one coating run can be adjusted between 0.8 and 9 μm by altering the spin rate. The film thickness ( h ) is inversely proportional to the logarithm of the spin rate (Log( f )) in the range of 3000–10,000 rpm. The slurry spin coating procedure is largely a competition between the thinning and the drying. Half-cells with both 15 and 25 mm diameters were fabricated. In addition, YSZ electrolyte layer with a thickness of 15 μm was also deposited with a homogeneous and completely dense microstructure by two runs of slurry spin coating.
Two emerging perilymph fistula “syndromes” in children†

This paper proposes two relatively common "syndromes" seen in children with perilymph fistulas using illustrative case reports. One, a 2 1/2-year-old child with bilaterally symmetric progressive sensorineural hearing loss, was found to have bilateral oval and round window fistulas. The other was a child who presented originally with an unexplained unilateral sensorineural loss. It was only when hearing deteriorated in the opposite ear several years later that a perilymph fistula was suspected and confirmed by tympanotomy. The clinical presentations and other details of these cases diverge widely, but may represent two emerging syndromes of perilymph fistulas in children: 1. a congenital or hereditary predisposition, and the other, 2. sudden hearing loss in the "good" ear of children with an unexplained sensorineural hearing loss in the opposite ear.
I-V Characteristics of a Ferroelectric Field Effect Transistor

There are many possible uses for ferroelectric field effect transistors.To understand their application, a fundamental knowledge of their basic characteristics must first be found. In this research, the current and voltage characteristics of a field effect transistor are described. The effective gate capacitance and charge are derived from experimental data on an actual FFET. The general equation for a MOSFET is used to derive the internal characteristics of the transistor: This equation is modified slightly to describe the FFET characteristics. Experimental data derived from a Radiant Technologies FFET is used to calculate the internal transistor characteristics using fundamental MOSFET equations. The drain current was measured under several different gate and drain voltages and with different initial polarizations on the ferroelectric material in the transistor. Two different polarization conditions were used. One with the gate ferroelectric material polarized with a +9.0 volt write pulse and one with a -9.0 volt pulse.
Dual criteria preemptive open‐shop problems with minimum makespan

In this article we present an algorithm for the minimum makespan preemptive open shop, which is superior to existing algorithms in both space and time requirements. We define the more complex generalized open shop and flexible open shop and address the minimum makespan problem on these shops. We show how we can use the algorithm for the minimum makespan open shop to achieve load balancing in simple and generalized open shops without increasing the complexity of the algorithm. Load balancing dictates that the number of busy machines in each period is as even as possible. We also consider preventive maintenance issues in the open shop, and makespan retains its minimum value. In particular we consider the scenario where a machine can be maintained during any period that it happens to be idle. Also we consider the case that a maintenance schedule is prespecified. We show that this problem can be solved via a linear programming formulation that can also take into account release times for the jobs and ready times for the machines. Faster algorithms are presented for open shops with three machines or less. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nutrient intakes and characteristics of normal weight, female military personnel consuming foods reduced in fat or energy content.

The nutritional implications of consuming reduced fat or reduced energy foods (RED) were examined in 50 women who were participating in a larger study of iron status while enrolled in the U.S. Army Medical Department Officer Basic Course. The subjects recorded their food intake for a 7-day period. Reduced fat or reduced energy foods were identified as foods labeled "reduced-calorie, reduced-fat, diet, or low-calorie". The women were divided into two groups, those eating > 14 RED per week (N = 28) and those eating 14 RED group tended to be Caucasian, single, had a lower body mass index (21.2 vs. 22.5), and exercised more. The mean daily intake of the > 14 RED group was significantly higher in carbohydrate, dietary fiber, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folacin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, and sodium, and significantly lower in cholesterol. The percentage of energy from fat was significantly lower in the > 14 RED group than the 14 RED group used dietary supplements. The > 14 group consumed more dairy products and less sweetened beverages. These results demonstrate that the consumption of reduced fat or energy foods did not have a significant impact on total energy intake in these normal weight women. Individuals consuming these foods may subsequently consume less energy from fat and improve the nutrient composition of their diet by selecting healthier food choices.
Boundary integral approach to the scattering of nonplanar acoustic waves by rigid bodies

The acoustic scattering of an incident wave by a rigid body can be described by a singular Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. This equation is derived by solving the wave equation using generalized function theory, Green's function for the wave equation in unbounded space, and the acoustic boundary condition for a perfectly rigid body. This paper will discuss the derivation of the wave equation, its reformulation as a boundary integral equation, and the solution of the integral equation by the Galerkin method. The accuracy of the Galerkin method can be assessed by applying the technique outlined in the paper to reproduce the known pressure fields that are due to various point sources. From the analysis of these simpler cases, the accuracy of the Galerkin solution can be inferred for the scattered pressure field caused by the incidence of a dipole field on a rigid sphere. The solution by the Galerkin technique can then be applied to such problems as a dipole model of a propeller whose pressure field is incident on a rigid cylinder. This is the groundwork for modeling the scattering of rotating blade noise by airplane fuselages.
Dermatologic disease accounts for a large number of hospital admissions annually.

Abstract Background: Severe skin disease uncommonly requires hospitalization. The number of patients hospitalized for skin disease annually in the United States has never been reported. Objective: We evaluated the number of patients admitted for skin disorders. Method: Using data from 2 national databases, the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-3 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-3 NIS) 1992-1994 and Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) 1990-1996 file, we evaluated the total discharges, total charges, and reimbursement of the dermatology-specific (272, 273, 283, and 284) and -related (263, 264, 265, 266, 271, 277, 278, and 279) diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). Results: In 1994, the HCUP-3 NIS data showed that a total of 468,014 discharges were classified under Dermatology DRGs, whereas in 1996 MEDPAR data gave a figure of 183,310 discharges with a total Medicare reimbursement of $892 million. In both data sets, dermatology-specific DRGs show a decrease over time, although dermatology-related DRGs generally showed an opposite increasing pattern. The top 10 states reimbursed by Medicare in 1996 for the discharges grouped under the DRGs mentioned above were New York, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Conclusion: Many patients are admitted annually for skin disease. The minority are admitted by dermatologists. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;41:970-3.)
Coover's Secret Sharer? Richard Nixon in The Public Burning

(1996). Coover's Secret Sharer? Richard Nixon in The Public Burning. Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction: Vol. 37, No. 2, pp. 82-91.
Risperidone in first-episode psychosis: a longitudinal, exploratory voxel-based morphometric study.

Previous studies have provided evidence supporting a neuroplastic effect of atypical antipsychotics. The present investigation explores the short-term effects of risperidone on brain parenchyma by performing voxel-based morphometry on baseline and 6-week follow-up MRI scans obtained from 15 neuroleptic-naive individuals with first-episode psychosis treated with risperidone and 15 healthy controls. The risperidone-treated subjects demonstrated changes in grey matter and white matter in several brain regions, including superior temporal gyrus. No areas of change were found in controls. The results of this exploratory investigation support the possibility that risperidone has short-term effects on brain parenchyma in individuals with first-episode psychosis.
The use of organic solvents with a glass frit nebulizer for sample introduction in inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry

Abstract A study is presented utilizing a glass frit nebulizer for solution introduction in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The frit nebulizer produces fine aerosols and shows considerable promise for introducing organic solvents into the ICP, yet allows high plasma stability. The influence of rf power and argon gas flow on common organic solvents using the frit nebulizer is studied and compared with a conventional pneumatic nebulizer. An improvement in plasma stability is achieved with the frit nebulizer. The influence of methanol concentration in aqueous solution on sensitivity, linearity and detection limits of cadmium cyclohexanebutyrate was determined. Detection limits are at the ng · ml−1 level while the linear dynamic range is reasonable. The sensitivity was found to be dependent on the methanol concentration.
A colorimetric method for the measurement of the brain ammonia of the mouse: the effect of glutamine on the total measurable ammonia

Abstract A method for brain ammonia analysis has been described. The mean concentration of ammonia nitrogen was found to be 0.46 ± 0.035 mg. (32.2 ± 2.45 μmoles) per 100 g. of mouse brain. The contribution of glutamine hydrolysis by alkali to the brain ammonia concentration was significant, but was relatively constant.
Upper bounds on Poisson tail probabilities

Upper bounds on the left and right tails of the Poisson distribution are given. These bounds can be easily computed in a numerically stable way, even when the Poisson parameter is large. Such bounds can be applied to variate generation schemes and to numerical algorithms for computing terminal rewards of uniformizable continuous-time Markov chains.
Comment on “On the importance of opal, carbonate, and lithogenic clays in scavenging and fractionating 230Th, 231Pa and 10Be in the ocean” by S. Luo and T.-L. Ku

Luo and Ku have reanalyzed part of the data set we published in 2002 to address the question of the differential scavenging of thorium, protactinium and beryllium by different particulate phases (organic carbon, lithogenic material, opal and calcium carbonate). They conclude upon reanalysis that the data are consistent with their earlier proposal, based on sediment separation experiments, that lithogenic material possesses an affinity for Th some 500 times greater than do biogenic phases. While we welcome new analyses and fresh interpretations of our data set we have to disagree with their conclusion that the partition coefficient (Kd) for adsorption of Th onto lithogenic particles (Kd(Th)_L) is on the order of 2.3×108, and far greater than the Kd for adsorption of Th onto calcium carbonate (Kd(Th)_C). Here we show that such a high value for Kd(Th)_L is inconsistent with a large body of observations. These observations suggest Kd(Th)_L is closer to 1×107, consistent with our previous study.
Locoregional Disease Patterns in Well-Differentiated and Dedifferentiated Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma: Implications for the Extent of Resection?

Background Well-differentiated (WD)/dedifferentiated (DD) liposarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of the retroperitoneum. The frequency of distant metastasis is low and the major burden of disease is locoregional. We sought to define the patterns of locoregional disease to help guide surgical decision making.
Development of Memory Core

Using this memory unit, an analog computer can operate in the same way as a digital computer. Computer size no longer limits the size of the problem which can be handled
Comparison of HMD ownship status symbology and frame of reference orientation during two aircraft control tasks

Recent technological advances allow symbology to be displayed on the pilot's visor. A major benefit of this is that the pilot will be able to take this information with them when they look off-boresight. However, when looking off-boresight the question arises as to what is the best orientation, or frame of reference, for attitude symbology against the horizon (i.e., forward or line-of-sight) in order to maximize interpretation and performance. This study tested five different symbologies (standard HUD, visually coupled acquisition and targeting symbology, arc segmented attitude reference, theta ball, and non-distributed flight reference) of which three have both forward and line-of-sight orientations. The experiment consisted of two different tasks, with the pilots performing either facing the monitor or rotated 90 degree(s) and looking over their shoulder (off-boresight). In the first task, pilots maintained straight and level flight with simulated turbulence. The second task had pilots interpret a static representation of their attitude and respond via a key press, and then the display went live and they had to fly to a new commanded attitude. This second task was similar to a recovery from unusual attitude methodology, except the end state was never straight and level. Instead, a second unknown end state attitude was commanded by the experiment. Results indicate that performance is better when the symbology is forward as opposed to line-of-sight referenced. Further, performance was best in both tasks for the non-distributed flight reference. We discuss these results in terms of implications for helmet-mounted display symbology design.
Fabrication of a Multi-Chip Module of 4H-SiC RESURF-Type JFETs

We fabricated a multi-chip module of 4H-SiC reduced surface field (RESURF)-type lateral JFETs. A single chip consists of 4 unit devices of 2.0 mm × 0.5 mm in size, which were isolated electrically from each other. The multi-chip module consists of 8 chips mounted on an AMC substrate. The drain current and the breakdown voltage of the module are over 3 A and 771 V, respectively. The turn-on time and the turn-off time are 36ns and 166ns, respectively. The module resistance is proportional to the absolute temperature to the 1.05th power.
Multiple Spiral Branches on Late Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars

We present one-dimensional hydrodynamical models that suggest a new mechanism for generating spiral structures around evolved stars. In these models, the pulsation of the star initiates the mass outflow and generates shock waves from a static atmosphere. An orbiting companion perturbs the outflow, creating a long-period series of shocks with different speeds and gas density that form spiral arms around the star. The spacing and number of spirals generated are predictable from pulsation and orbital periods. Companions in close orbits create up to four spiral arms, while companions farther out predominantly form single spiral arms. The interaction also produces a variety of density and temperature structures close to the star in the equatorial plane. This study extends the set of mechanisms for explaining the morphologies of protoplanetary nebulae.
Comprehensive scheme for detection of ventricular fibrillation for implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) detect and defibrillate ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Other therapies which use less energy are also available to terminate VT. Previous studies have shown that ICD rate schemes often misdiagnose VT as VF. In this study, an improved VF classification scheme was designed and tested, which employs the classic rate criteria plus paired signal concordance (PSC); PSC uniquely detects VF where VT and VF rates overlap (220-340 ms). Two signals from a bipolar pair (1 cm) recorded in a unipolar sense exhibit similar signal shape for concordant rhythms, such as sinus rhythm and VT, and disconcordance for VF. Once the rate criterion is met, PSC is measured by the peak normalized cross-correlation coefficient calculated over the depolarization. Variability, measured by a modified range, determined the contextual diagnosis over a passage. Sinus rhythm (20), VT (12), VF (22), atrial fibrillation (10), sinus rhythm with ventricular premature depolarizations (7), and polymorphic VT (4) passages were recorded from 38 patients. Rate-PSC was tested with unfiltered, digitized signals (1-500 Hz, 1,000 samples per second) and with filtered, downsampled signals (1-50 Hz, 100 samples per second). Sensitivity values, or percentage of correct VF detection, and specificity values, or detection of all other rhythms, were generated and compared with simulations of three commercial ICDs programmed to similar settings as rate-PSC and to nominal settings. The sensitivity values for rate-PSC with unfiltered and with filtered signals and for ICDs with 220 ms and with nominal settings were 100%, 100%, 48-80%, and 100%, respectively; the corresponding specificity values were 95%, 83%, 93%, and 7-13%, respectively. It was concluded that the rate-PSC scheme was able to reliably separate VF from other rhythms, even rhythms that have a variable morphology or variable rate. With the confidence of accurate VF detection, use of low-energy therapies for non-VF rhythms will increase device longevity and enhance patient comfort.
Relationships of Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae) Populations of the Lower Colorado River

Two major genically differentiated geographic segments of Thomomys bottae meet along the lower Colorado River in California and Arizona. Maximum divergence recorded between adjacent populations is as high as 35% of the genome as measured by electrophoretic techniques. There is no detectable gene flow between north-south arranged subspecies on either bank of the river due to physiographic barriers. Indirect gene flow through adjoining populations peripheral to the river in the Salton Basin of California and along the Gila River of Arizona is apparent. Populations on opposite banks are remarkably similar genically, suggesting recency of common origin or occasional movement of individuals across the river. The genic pattern of population relatedness is distinct from that indicated by morphology. The genic data are interpreted as more likely reflecting the history of the populations in question whereas the morphology responds more directly to environmentally mediated selection regimes.
Studies in Sickle-Cell Anemia: XXXIV Observations on Enuresis in Childhood and Nocturia in Adults

T I-I I s R E P o R T is a clinical analysis of 10 children who died suddenly during severe crisis. The clinical manifestations and postmortem findings will be cited and the mechanism of sudden death in uncomplicated sickle cell disease will be discussed. Tomlinson 1 in 1945 called attention to a striking clinical picture of abdominal crises terminating fatally in patients with sickle cell anemia. After reviewing a seri~s of 11 such patients, 10 of whom were children, he attributed the deaths to sudden massive hemolysis of sickled red blood cells, clinical shock with constricted peripheral vasculature, congested viscera, and cerebral edema. Four years later Raper ~ described sudden death resulting from multiple capillary blockage by sickled cells in 4 East African children and 1 adult. We feel that it is timely to re-emphasize the vulnerability of the very young child with sickle cell anemia to severe crises which may terminate in early death. Six of the in1 fants in this report were under 20 months of age at the time of their las t hospitalization. The deaths of 6 children in this series were revealed during a comprehensive analy-
Two concepts of providence and two concepts of pity: A reply to Gilbert Faccarello and Jimena Hurtado

I am grateful to Gilbert Faccarello and Jimena Hurtado for their clear, fair, and comprehensive accounts of my book. I agree with Faccarello that one of the main points of the book is my analysis of Smith’s appropriation of Rousseau. I thought this part would be controversial, and I am very glad that Faccarello found it innovative and convincing. I am also thankful to Hurtado for noticing the stand I take for the practice of intellectual history as a dialogue between the past and the present. Both authors raise some objections, none of which is trivial or superficial. Faccarello focuses on the categorization that is introduced in chapter 2 and used through to the end of the book: the distinction between an Epicurean/Augustinian tradition (Hobbes, Pascal, La Rochefoucauld, Nicole, Mandeville, Melon, Hume and Montesquieu) and a neo-Stoic tradition (Shaftesbury, Butler, Hutcheson, Rousseau, Charles Bonnet, Adam Smith). Faccarello does not disagree with the validity of this distinction in a broad sense, but he proposes a number of counterexamples drawn from Nicole and Boisguilbert, who belong to the Augustinian tradition and yet express views on Providence that are inconsistent with what I describe as Augustinian providentialism. As Faccarello puts it, I distinguish between an Augustinian tradition of Providence as miracle and a neo-Stoic tradition of Providence as law. According to Faccarello, Nicole and Boisguilbert, who are both unambiguously Augustinian, reject the notion of Providence as miracle and embrace the notion of Providence as law. This point is crucial for Faccarello (1986), who has argued that Boisguilbert could be seen as a forerunner of modern political economy because he describes the economic order as a self-regulating mechanism driven by self-interest. No miracle is to be seen or expected here: divine Providence works in ways
Correlates of physical activity in urban Midwestern African-American women.

Background: African-American women are at higher risk than white women of cardiovascular disease and stroke. In addition, fewer African-American women reap the cardiovascular benefits of exercise, because of low physical activity. The study goals were to identify personal, social environmental, and physical environmental correlates of physical activity of urban dwelling, Midwestern, African-American women and to obtain their recommendations for increasing exercise in their communities. Methods: A face-to-face interview (Women and Physical Activity Survey) covering personal, social environmental, and physical environmental correlates of physical activity was administered to 399 volunteer African-American women aged 20 to 50 years, living in Chicago. Physical activity was measured with questions on lifestyle and planned leisure-time activity (exercise) from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Results: The women were from a wide socioeconomic spectrum of education and income. Forty-two percent of the women met current recommendations for moderate or vigorous physical activity; 48% were insufficiently active; and 9% were inactive. The following groups of women were more likely to be physically active: women with at least a high school education; women with perceived good health; women who knew people who exercise; and women who viewed the neighborhood as safe. These findings were statistically significant. Conclusions: Interventions that target urban African-American women must address the safety of the physical environment and personal and social environmental correlates of physical activity, and they should focus especially on inactive women who have less than a high school education or perceive themselves to be in poor health.
Transfer of persistence across reinforced behaviors

Rats barpressed for food on a variable-interval schedule and then received food in a runway for one of three degrees of effort. Finally, all animals again barpressed for food. Requiring five runway shuttles per food pellet produced a greater subsequent rate of barpressing than reward for each shuttle, which, in turn, yielded more barpressing than free food. A follow-up study showed the five-shuttle treatment to produce more subsequent barpressing than a control condition which omitted any runway treatment. Another experiment indicated that the higher rate of barpressing following the five-shuttle treatment was not due to greater conditioned general activity, since the five-shuttle treatment failed to increase the number of grid crossings to the cue of food presentation and produced no more unconditioned barpressing than following free food in the runway. Two possible interpretations of the results were compared: (1) The degree of accustomed effort per reinforcer becomes a generalized component of instrumental behavior, (2) high effort increases the habituation of frustration-produced disruptive responses.
Winning while losing: The Apprentice Boys of Derry walk their beat

Ethno-territorial conflict is a common feature of human affairs, and efforts to understand and mitigate its impacts require an examination of how peoples, communities, and nations ‘‘lose;’’ specifically, what happens as and after they lose in terms of their relationship with place and space, and the associated effects on self and community identity. This article examines recent Apprentice Boys of Derry parades in Northern Ireland as a mechanism by which a community that has lost control of symbolically significant space seeks to demonstrate an ongoing attachment to critical places. Twice-yearly parades allow Protestants to narrate their experience in the town of Derry/Londonderry as a victory, despite circumstantial evidence which suggests otherwise. The ability to claim victory through parading provides members of the Apprentice Boys organization with a raison d’etre, and serves in place of an aggressive agenda to regain control of territorial icons. The article draws upon extensive fieldwork, including interviews with key figures on both sides of the sectarian divide, and explores the nature of the community and the evolution of its parades as Protestants have lost influence in the town since the onset of Northern Ireland’s Troubles. It suggests that, in the study of ethno-territorial conflicts, attention should be paid to the tactics of those who lose hegemony, as their actions affect the potential for conflict management and the likelihood of ongoing strife. 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A method for the rapid determination of trace organic halogens in lipids

Abstract Analytical methods have been developed for the rapid determination of trace lipid-soluble organic halogenated compounds in biological materials. Biological samples are extracted with a methanol-toluene mixture and, after partitioning with water to remove the inorganic halogens, the resulting toluene layers are assayed for their halogen content. A specifically designed instrument is described for the determination of total halogens (Cl, Br, and I) and the bromine content of these toluene extracts. Lipid-soluble organic halogen concentrations down to 1 μg/g wet weight of tissue were routinely assayed by the methods described.
Position Operators and Proper Time in Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

Covariant four-vector position operators ${X}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ are proposed, which form a natural operator generalization of the four-position in relativistic classical mechanics. These ${X}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ are defined by specifying commutation relations of the ${X}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ with the Poincar\'e generators ${P}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ and ${M}^{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$, and thereby extending the Poincar\'e algebra to a larger algebra whose representations are subsequently found. The ${X}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ are shown to be acceptable relativistic position operators within a proper-time dynamical framework. A single Hamiltonian is used for all spins, with a covariant proper-time description. The dynamics is capable of describing the time evolution of states which are not mass eigenstates. An automatic Foldy-Wouthuysen-type diagonalization is achieved for all spin representations, with spin and orbital angular momentum being separately conserved. The connection with the standard theory is made via the specific field equations. In making this connection to the standard theory of half-integral spins, the origin of Zitterbewegung and the nonseparate conservation of spin and angular momentum are clarified. The connection to Maxwell's equations provides an interesting statement of those equations and of gauge invariance. The unphysical representations of negative and imaginary mass and continuous spin are not present in this formalism. Other features are discussed.
Three Representations of Polarization Mode Dispersion

Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) can be described in Jones space, Stokes space, or energy space. The three representations are compared and it is shown that equivalent information required for the prediction of the transmission eye-diagram is contained in the Jones space and energy space descriptions. Isotropic dispersion is suppressed in the Stokes space formulation.
Forecasting vehicle modes of operation needed as input to 'modal' emissions models

Current motor vehicle emission modelling efforts in the United States are focusing on forecasting carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and oxide of nitrogen emissions based on the multivariate distribution of modes of vehicle operations. Examples of variables that describe "modal" operations include power (acceleration x velocity²) thresholds, acceleration rates, cruise speeds, and idle duration. Although these models promise to improve the accuracy of emissions forecasts, we currently lack models to forecast joint distributions of speed and acceleration needed as input. This paper presents interim results of a three-year investigation aimed to develop a statistical model capable of forecasting joint distributions of modal activity. Our initial effort has been to develop an experiment in which modal activity distributions can be collected on freeways and related to various traffic, roadway and control conditions. To streamline a potentially huge full-factorial experiment, we employ the FRESIM simulation model to eliminate second-order effects, leaving only main effects in the experiments. We employ a heuristic hierarchical tree-based regression (HTBR) method to identify important factors. We then parameterise the HTBR model to demonstrate how modes of operation could be forecast given "real" roadway, traffic, and traffic control conditions.
Dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid increase chloroform toxicity.

Dichloro‐ and trichloroacetic acids (DCA and TCA) and chloroform are formed during chlorination disinfection of drinking water. The effects of DCA and TCA treatment on CHCI3 toxicity were assessed in these studies. Male and female rats were gavaged with DCA or TCA (0.92 and 2.45 mmol/kg administered 3 times over 24 h). Three hours after the last dose CHCI3 was injected ip (0.75 mg/kg). Male rats experienced some weight loss (15%) and slight increases of ALT and BUN, but there were no effects of either DCA or TCA on any of these responses. In females, CHCI3 increased plasma ALT and this response was greater (up to threefold) in the DCA group, compared to saline controls. Similarly, BUN was increased by CHCI3 and this was more severe (up to threefold) in both the DCA and TCA pretreated groups. These results show that CHCI3 toxicity is increased by DCA and TCA, and this effect is gender‐specific, occurring only in females. DCA increases both liver and kidney toxicity, whereas TCA affects only kidney toxicity.
Beneath the Veneer of Fragmentation: Television Audience Polarization in a Multichannel World

This study reviews the history of television audience fragmentation in the United States and uses a secondary analysis of Nielsen peoplemeter data to assess the current state of both fragmentation and audience polarization across 62 of the most prominent television networks. Audience fragmentation is more advanced than is generally recognized. Polarization, the tendency of channel audiences to be composed of devotees and nonviewers, is also evident, though modest. Contrary to the “law of double jeopardy,” there are now many examples of both small-but-loyal and small-but-disloyal audiences. Loyalty and audience fragmentation affect network profitability and have social consequences. As recently as 1977, three broadcast networks accounted for over 90% of all the prime-time television watched by Americans (Veronis, 1994). Everyone consumed a similar, broadly appealing, diet of news and entertainment. Since then, an avalanche of programming, much of it targeted to specific segments of the population, has fragmented the audience almost beyond recognition. These changes affect network profitability, but they can have social consequences as well. Theorists have raised two related concerns. One is the fear that nations will be denied a powerful medium of social integration in which all citizens can attend to the nation’s business (Katz, 1996). Another even more worrisome prospect is that technology and advertiser-driven programming will reconfigure the mass audience into many small, relatively exclusive communities of interest that never encounter dissident voices or different points of view (e.g., Sunstein, 2001; Turow, 1997). These concerns map onto two features of audience behavior: fragmenta
Testing Einstein in Space: The Gravity Probe B Relativity Mission

The Gravity Probe B Relativity Mission was successfully launched on April 20, 2004 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a culmination of 40 years of collaborative development at Stanford University and NASA. The goal of the GP-B experiment is to perform precision tests of two independent predictions of general relativity, the geodetic effect and frame dragging. On-orbit cryogenic operations lasted 17.3 months, exceeding requirements. Analysis of the science data is now in progress with a planned announcement of results scheduled for December 2007.
Short- and Long-term Changes in Elk Use and Forage Production in Sagebrush Communities Following Prescribed Burning

Burning shrub and grassland communities often leads to increases in plant production and nutritional quality that benefit herbivores, resulting in increased herbivore use of burned areas. Increased use has been ascribed more specifically to changes in plant community structure, community composition and diversity, nutritional quality, and seasonal availability. These hypotheses can be evaluated more precisely if changes in plant communities following burning are monitored concurrently with changes in herbivore use, especially in longer-term studies. From 1988 to 1999, we examined responses of elk (Cervus elaphus) following prescribed burning of areas burned in 1984 and 1988 that had been formerly dominated by mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) in south-central Montana (USA), with concurrent monitoring of changes in plant production, nutritional quality, and community composition. Elk made increased use of burned sites up to 15 years after burning. Burning transformed big sagebrush-dominated communities into native herbaceous communities that persisted for 15 years without sagebrush reinvasion. Forage biomass and protein content remained higher on burned sites for 15 years, although differences were not significant in every year and declined as time elapsed after burning. Forage production, forage protein, and elk use were temporally correlated, suggesting the possibility that grazing by elk might have contributed to persistence of elevated plant production and protein levels on burned sites.
A finite element simulation of vocal folds vibrations

A computer simulation for vibration of the vocal folds is presented. Free and forced oscillations were studied by imposing an impulse and time varying surface forces. The solution was obtained by a semidiscrete numerical method. A finite-element technique was used for solution of the problem in space and a Crank-Nicholson finite-difference method was used for time integration. Each vocal fold was divided into nine parallel layers of equal thickness where a two-dimensional finite method could be applied and layers were coupled to each other by a string law. Triangular elements of different size were selected such that finger elements appeared in the tip of the fold, where the largest and most probable movement was expected. Two different materials, corresponding to the muscle and cover, were considered in the model of vocal cords. Horizontal and vertical displacements of nodal points were obtained as a function of time. In addition, the response of the system to a sinusoidally varying force was obtained and compared with experimental results of an excised larynx of similar loading for validation of model. >
Ethical Assumptions in Economic Theory: Some Lessons from the History of Credit and Bankruptcy

This paper evaluates the economic assumptions of economic theory via an examination of the capitalist transformation of creditor–debtor relations in the 18th century. This transformation enabled masses of people to obtain credit without moral opprobrium or social subordination. Classical 18th century economics had the ethical concepts to appreciate these facts. Ironically, contemporary economic theory cannot. I trace this fault to its abstract representations of freedom, efficiency, and markets. The virtues of capitalism lie in the concrete social relations and social meanings through which capital and commodities are exchanged. Contrary to laissez faire capitalism, the conditions for sustaining these concrete capitalist formations require limits on freedom of contract and the scope of private property rights.
Association of physical function and physical activity in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective To explore the associations between measures of physical activity (PA) and measures of physical function (PF) in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We hypothesized that the strength of the associations between PA and PF would be moderate, and that after controlling for social and biomedical characteristics, the associations would decrease. Methods Women with RA (n = 47, mean ± SD age 56.5 ± 7.0 years) participated in the cross-sectional analysis of this study. Social and biomedical characteristics explored included age, ethnicity, disease duration, marital and educational status, height, weight, comorbidity, and disease activity. PF was measured by the self-reported Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and by a battery of performance-based measures that included self-selected gait speed, the 5 chair rise test, and the single leg stance test. PA was measured by a portable activity monitor worn for 10 days, and was characterized in 2 ways: daily average number of steps and daily energy expenditure during moderate levels of PA. Results Correlations between measures of PA and PF were small to moderate (zero-order correlations = 0.189–0.479). After controlling for social and biomedical characteristics, the correlations became smaller (semi-partial correlations = 0.095–0.277) and only HAQ score remained significantly associated with PA. Conclusion Associations between measures of PA and measures of PF were explained, in part, by social and biomedical characteristics in women with RA. The results indicate that measures of PF and PA may represent different constructs and support the need to measure PA in rehabilitation research in RA.
CUTANEOUS VASCULITIS UPDATE

The classification of cutaneous vasculitis and its general principles, including clinical patterns, pathogenesis, and causes, are reviewed in this article. Several types of cutaneous vasculitis are discussed in detail, including Henoch-Schonlein purpura, erythema elevatum diutinum, and cutaneous polyarteritis nodosum. The approach to treatment for cutaneous vasculitis also is reviewed.