cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Achieving the laboratory control of quantum dynamics phenomena using nonlinear functional maps

Abstract This paper introduces a new algorithm for achieving closed-loop laboratory control of quantum dynamics phenomena. The procedure makes use of nonlinear functional maps to exploit laboratory control data for revealing the relationship between control fields and their effect on the observables of interest. Control is achieved by (1) constructing the maps by performing laboratory experiments during an initial learning phase and then (2) searching the maps for fields that drive the system to the desired target during a separate, offline optimization stage. Once the map is learned, additional laboratory experiments are not necessarily required if the control target is changed. Maps also help to determine the control mechanism and assess the robustness of the outcome to fluctuations in the field since they explicitly measure the nonlinear response of the observable to field variations. To demonstrate the operation of the proposed map based control algorithm, two illustrations involving simulated population transfer experiments are performed.
Early Chinese writing

Abstract The earliest known form of Chinese writing are the so‐called ‘oracle bone inscriptions’ of the late Shang, divinatory inscriptions incised on turtle plastrons and ox scapulae, dating from about 1200–1050 B.C. Shang bTonze inscriptions from about 1100 B.C. constitute the second earliest source of evidence for archaic Chinese writing. The script of both kinds of Shang inscription, excluding the anomalous clan name emblems, can be seen to be a fully developed, versatile, and sophisticated writing system capable in principle of representing the full compass of the language. It shows unmistakeable evidence of having evolved from a rudimentary pictographic stage, through a multivalent stage to a determinative stage characterized by the addition of secondary graphic components to the original graph to resolve ambiguity. Scratch marks found on numerous pottery fragments from neolithic sites dating to as early as 4800 B.C. are sometimes claimed to be the source of Chinese characters. This claim is untenab...
Molecular Dynamics of Anthraquinone DNA Intercalators with Polyethylene Glycol Side Chains

The interactions of a homologous series of four anthraquinone (AQ) intercalators with increasing lengths of polyethylene glycol (PEG) side chains with DNA have been studied via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The geometry, conformation, interactions, and hydration of the complexes were examined. The geometries of the four ligands were similar with parallel stacking to the long axis of the adjacent DNA base pairs. Hydrogen bonding between the AQ amide and DNA led to a preference for the trans-syn conformer. As the side chain lengthened, binding to DNA reduced the conformational space, resulting in an increase in unfavorable entropy. Increased localization of the PEG side chain in the DNA groove, indicating some interaction of the side chain with DNA, also contributed unfavorably to the entropy. The changes in free energy of binding due to entropic considerations (-3.9 to -6.3 kcal/mol) of AQ I-IV were significant. The hydration of the PEG side chain decreased upon binding to DNA. Understanding of side chain conformations, interactions, and hydration changes that accompany the formation of a ligand-DNA complex may be important in the development of new applications of pegylated small molecules that target biological macromolecules.
The geometry of an interchange: Minimal matrices and circulants

Abstract An n × n zero-one matrix with constant column sums k is minimal if its determinant is ± k . A matrix having all line sums equal to k is minimal if its determinant ± k gcd ( n , k ). A general method is given for constructing minimal matrices using circulants. As a by-product, the interchange distance between a special circulant and the set of minimal matrices in its class is determined. Several open problems are stated.
Influence of Br Modification on Collecting Property of Dodecanoic Acid

Bromine atom with strong electronegativity was introduced to a position of dodecanoic acid as a new type collector DZF-3 in iron ore flotation. The structure of DZF-3 synthesized in the paper is verified by FT-IR and 1H-NMR. And the collecting performances of DZF-3 are also presented through a series of flotation experiments of single minerals. Results show that DZF-3 is a kind of efficient collector especially used in room temperature in reverse flotation. Moreover, DZF-3 can collect quartz particles without activated by CaCl2. Mechanism analysis shows that electronegativity and collecting performance of the collecting group-COO- are increased by bromine atom. The enhancement of electronegative of dodecanoic acid by Br substituted in a position results in the competitive adsorption among active sites of Br atom and O atoms of carboxyl group with hydroxyl of quartz surface, then there occurs a chemical reaction between the Sin+(n= 0-4) in quartz surface and active sites in DZF-3 molecules.
WE‐A‐BRD‐03: Gated Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer

Respiratory gated radiotherapy holds promise to reduce the incidence and severity of normal tissue complications and to increase local control through dose escalation for lungcancer patients. In this lecture, we discuss the current status, existing problems, and potential solutions for applying gating techniques to lungcancertreatment. First, the motion artifacts in CT simulation are discussed and the 4D CT scan technique is recommended for treatment simulation of lungcancer patients under gated radiotherapy. Second, we discuss two currently available forms of gated radiotherapy: internal (fluoroscopic) gating and external (optical) gating. Internal gating utilizes internal tumor motion surrogates such as implanted fiducial markers while external gating uses external respiratory surrogates such as markers placed on the surface of the patient's abdomen. The major strengths of external gating are that it is non‐invasive, is relatively easy and does not require any radiationdose for imaging. However, the relationship between the tumor motion and the surrogate signal may change over time, inter‐ and intra‐fractionally. The major strength of the internal gating systems is the precise and real‐time localization of the tumor position during the treatment. The two major weaknesses of internal gating are the risk of pneumothorax for implantation of markers in lung and the high imagingdose required for fluoroscopic tracking. Third, we discuss the potential solutions and future development of gated radiotherapy for lungtreatment. We propose the combination of external and internal surrogates (hybrid gating) to solve the imaging dos problem and the direct fluoroscopic tracking of lung mass to avoid seed implantation. Other related issues are also discussed.
Effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation on regional myocardial blood flow. Possible mechanism for late electrophysiological outcome.

BACKGROUNDWe postulated that the late electrophysiological effects of radiofrequency (RF) ablation may be related to microvascular injury extending beyond the region of acute coagulation necrosis.METHODS AND RESULTSEighteen RF lesions created in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) perfusion bed of seven open chest anesthetized dogs were studied. The ablation electrode and surrounding myocardium were imaged using high-resolution two-dimensional echocardiography at x 4 magnification. After 60 seconds of RF delivery, sonicated albumin microbubbles (mean size, 4.3 microns) were injected into the LAD to measure regional myocardial perfusion, and time-intensity plots were generated from simultaneously acquired two-dimensional echocardiography images. The regions with persistent contrast effect on two-dimensional echocardiography were larger than the pathological lesions (mean cross-sectional area, 48.3 +/- 6.3 versus 19.3 +/- 4.7 mm2, respectively; P < .0001). The mean contrast transit rate in th...
THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF PHALACROCLEPTES VERRUCIFORMIS, AN UNCILIATED CILIATE PARASITIZING THE POLYCHAETE SCHIZOBRANCHIA INSIGNIS

The organization of Phalacrocleptes verruciformis is, in general, less complex than that of other ciliates, and no kinetosomes have been observed. However, there are numerous suctorial tentacles at the surface of the body, and the pellicle is characterized by close-set villus-like projections. The tentacles are very small (about 430 mµ in length, and about the same in diameter), but show the essential features of tentacles of suctorians such as Tokophrya, Podophrya, and Ephelota. Each tentacle is reinforced by eight pairs of fibrils arranged concentrically just within its wall, and contains a single missile-like body (MLB). The tentacles become attached to the cilia of the host, and serve for feeding upon the plasmatic contents of the cilia as well as for maintaining contact with the host. The MLB's originate in the endoplasm, and then migrate toward the surface and become incorporated into the tentacles. When feeding is initiated, the membrane covering the outermost nozzle-like portion of the MLB becomes continuous with the membrane of the cilium, and there are other changes in the structure of the MLB which suggest enzymatic activity. Although it appears that Phalacrocleptes is a suctorian, the complete absence of kinetosomes sets this organism apart from other members of the group.
Raman spectra of Al2O3 solutions in molten cryolite and other aluminum fluoride containing melts

Abstract Our experiments show that oxide concentrations as low as 2 mole % can be detected in aluminum fluoride melts by Raman spectroscopy. All new bands observed associated with the oxide were below 600 cm −1 (530, 460, 310, and 185 cm −1 ). The exact nature of the oxide species present in the melts has not been determined but species involving nonbridging AlO bonds have been eliminated from consideration in concentrated Al 2 O 3 solutions in aluminum fluoride containing melts.
Overt and Covert Codeswitching in Immigrant Children from Russia.

This paper discusses the principles and mechanisms of language attrition in a group of Russian immigrant children in the United States. The discussions and analyses in the study are carried out within the theoretical framework provided by the Matrix Language Frame (MLF) model and its two submodels: the 4-M model and the Abstract Level model. The data are analyzed for the presence of bilingual production, such as codeswitching (CS), convergence, and bare forms. Because different types of morphemes become salient at different levels of the abstract lexical structure, some are less accessible and therefore more vulnerable as language attrition progresses. A structural definition of convergence based on the interaction of the abstract lexical structures of the languages participating in the bilingual speech is developed. The analysis shows that bare forms are produced as a result of both CS and convergence in the abstract structure. Bare forms represent an intermediate stage of language loss, preceded by integrated CS forms and followed by convergence. Overt CS is defined as the presence of morphemes from two varieties; these may be nontarget forms, including bare forms. Overt CS alone is found not to be indicative of language attrition since it does not, by it self, lead to the projection of parts of the abstract structure of the Embedded Language onto the grammatical frame of the Matrix Language (ML). Covert CS (convergence) may occur alone or along with overt CS (nontarget forms, including bare forms). Covert CS is, indeed, an indicator of language attrition in progress since it is a result of a composite Matrix Language.
Chronic Child Neglect: Needed Developments in Theory and Practice:

The purpose of this article is to stimulate reflection and discussion on a subject that has received surprisingly little coverage: chronic child neglect. The article selectively reviews the literature and offers fresh observations and critical reflections pertaining to both causation and intervention. Chronic child neglect must, it is argued, be understood in greater depth and complexity in order to develop more effective interventions. In particular, a better understanding of the effects of long term, severe and concentrated poverty on parent's morale is needed to support interventions capable of infusing hope and bringing about a social world in which hope can thrive.
The Lipschitz metric for real-valued continuous functions

Abstract For a continuous real function f defined on a metric space X , let α ( f ) denote its minimal Lipschitz constant if f is Lipschitz and put α ( f ) = ∞ otherwise. We study the extended real-valued metric on the continuous real functions defined by d ( f , g ) = max { | f ( x 0 ) − g ( x 0 ) | , α ( f − g ) } . When X = [ a , b ] this metric provides new insight into a classical result regarding the derivative of a limit of a sequence of real-valued functions defined on the interval.
Mulini: an automated staging framework for QoS of distributed multi-tier applications

The increasing scale and success of distributed multi-tier applications have created increasingly dynamic workload variations that made system performance less predictable. Consequently, staging has become a significant and useful method to characterize the performance and Quality of Service (QoS) of such applications. Manual staging is an expensive, time consuming and error-prone process. In particular, manually exploring a large configuration parameter space of the applications is a cumbersome task. In this article, we outline the design of Mulini, an automated staging framework for large-scale multi-tier applications that realizes the automation via an extensible and flexible code generator. Mulini adopts XSLT/XPath tools and aspect-oriented programming (AOP) techniques to manipulate XML-encoded high-level specifications and weave non-functional specifications (e.g., QoS) into staging implementation. To illustrate the usability of the Mulini code generator in complex staging, we apply Mulini to bottleneck detection and observation-based performance characterization of the RUBiS e-Commerce benchmark.
Fetal MRI clues to diagnose cloacal malformations

Background Prenatal US detection of cloacal malformations is challenging and rarely confirms this diagnosis.
Uranus - Limb and polar brightening at 7300 A

Pinhole photoelectric area-scanning photometry of the Uranus disk demonstrates directly the existence of both limb and polar brightening in the 7300 A CH4 band. Polar brightening, which appears to be present also at continuum wavelengths, is interpreted as being caused by scattering in a thin aerosol haze located over the polar region.
High-performance image communication network with asynchronous transfer mode technology

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology has been implemented within our radiology department's hospital-wide PACS as well as in a wide area network (WAN) connecting affiliated hospitals. This paper describes our implementation strategies and the network performance observed in a clinical setting. The image communication network for our PACS is composed of two network interfaces: ATM (OC-3, 155 Mbps) and Ethernet (10 Mbps). This communication network connects four major campus buildings and two remote hospitals, providing intra- and interbuilding communication for radiologic images including CT, MR, CR, US, and digitized screen-film images. The network links these modalities via their acquisition computers to the PACS controller and to display workstations. The ATM serves as the primary network for transmission of radiologic images and relevant data within the entire PACS. The standard Ethernet is used as a backup network for ATM. It interconnects all PACS components including radiologic imaging systems, acquisition computers, display workstations, the PACS controller, the database servers, and the RIS and HIS. Our communication network operates on a 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week basis. Performance of the ATM network was evaluated in terms of disk-to-disk, disk-to-memory, and memory-to- memory transmission rates. The average memory-to-memory transmission rate over the wide area ATM network was 8.3 MByte/s, which corresponds to transferring a 40-slice (or, 20- MByte) CT examination to a remote site in less than 3 seconds. With the emerging ATM technology, we believe that ATM-based digital communication network is a suitable choice for large-scale PACS involving both LAN and WAN.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tracing Chernobyl's Fallout

When the third angel blew his trumpet a great star flaming like a torch descended from the sky, falling upon the third part of the rivers and upon the sources of water. The star is called wormwood. The third part of the waters turned to wormwood, and great numbers of men died from drinking the waters because they had been poisoned.
Assurable, transparent, and mutual restraining e-voting involving multiple conflicting parties

E-voting techniques and systems have not been widely accepted and deployed by society due to various concerns and problems. One particular issue associated with many existing e-voting techniques is the lack of transparency, leading to the failure to deliver voter assurance. In this work, we propose an assurable, transparent, and mutual restraining e-voting protocol that exploits the existing two-party political dynamics in the US. The proposed e-voting protocol consists of three original technical contributions - universal verifiable voting vector, for- ward and backward mutual lock voting, and in-process check and enforcement - that, in combination, resolves the apparent conflicts in voting such as anonymity vs. accountability and privacy vs. verifiability. Especially, the trust is split equally among tallying authorities who have conflicting interests and will technically restrain each other. The voting and tallying processes are transparent to voters and any third party, which allow any voter to verify that his vote is indeed counted and also allow any third party to audit the tally. Index Terms—E-voting, Verifiability, Anonymity, Privacy, As- surance, Transparency, Mutual restraining voting
A sensitive immunoradiometric assay for the quantification of murine monoclonal antibodies in human serum.

Abstract The clinical investigation of murine monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) as potential immunotherapeutic agents necessitates their quantification in human serum. The present paper reports the development of a sensitive, non-competitive “sandwich” immunoradiometric assay specifically optimized for measurement of murine IgG in human serum. Affinity-purified goat anti-mouse IgG antibody covalently bound to acrylic microspheres serves as the solid-phase antibody and 125 I-labelled goat anti-mouse IgG antibody functions as tracer. All assay reagents were obtained from commercial sources. The assay is sensitive (capable of detecting 20 ng ml −1 of murine IgG), specific ( −1 and is suitable for measuring MoAbs of any antigenic specificity. The assay was validated for use with human serum and cell culture media by comparison studies with flow cytometric and immunonephelometric methods and by high-performance size-exclusion chromatographic studies. Application of this assay should facilitate further investigation of murine MoAbs as potential immunotherapeutic agents.
First-trimester sex hormone binding globulin and subsequent gestational diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Objective: We sought to examine the association between early pregnancy levels of sex hormone binding globulin and subsequent gestational diabetes mellitus, an association that has not been studied previously. Study Design: We conducted a nested case-control study of 44 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and 94 women with negative third-trimester screening for gestational diabetes mellitus. Sex hormone binding globulin levels were measured from serum samples that had been collected in the first trimester, and clinical data were ascertained from prospectively collected electronic medical records. Results: Compared with women without gestational diabetes mellitus, first-trimester sex hormone binding globulin levels were lower among women in whom gestational diabetes mellitus subsequently developed (187 ± 82 nmol/L vs 233 ± 92 nmol/L, P Conclusion: Sex hormone binding globulin offers a potential early marker to target women who are at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;189:171-6.)
Galaxy formation and Hubble sequence

Abstract This review discusses the interplay among galaxy formation, large-scale star formation and the origin of the Hubble sequence of galaxies. After establishing the cosmological context for galaxy formation and the role of dark matter, the properties of intergalactic gas and of high-redshift galaxies are reviewed. The systematic differences along the Hubble sequence observed in zero-redshift galaxies are discussed together with the possible underlying physics that determines the presence of otherwise of a disk. Feedback processes which connect the merging history, star formation history and environment of a galaxy and which may distinguish galaxies in clusters and in the field are briefly reviewed.
Airway appliances in endoscopy

Respiratory obstruction is a frequent consequence of sedation due to the collapsibility of the velopharynx. Several approaches are available to eliminate this obstruction, including CPAP, mandibular advancement, nasal airways, and laryngeal mask airways. Practical approaches to the use of these measures are described.
Regional Economic Performance: An Integrated Approach

SCHINDLER G. R., ISRAILEVICH P. R. and HEWINGS G. J. D. (1997) Regional economic performance: an integrated approach, Reg. Studies 31, 131‐137. Decision makers who choose policy affecting future economic performance are often confronted with two types of information intended to aid the decision process. The first type of information, from input‐output analysis, is usually presented in the form of industry multipliers aimed at measuring the economic impact of one sector relative to another and thus determining a ranking of industries. The second form of information is derived from time-series analysis and used to predict future economic performance. Here, forecasted growth rates of industrial output are compared, thus allowing another form of ranking. We propose that although this information is beneficial to the economic planner, it creates controversial and inconsistent rankings of industries. Instead, we present an integrated method of analysing economic performance which, through the use of a combined ...
In vitro studies of the inhibition of protein kinase C from rat brain by di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate.

Abstract The environmental contaminant di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) has been shown to inhibit the phosphorylation of histone by purified protein kinase C (PK-C) from rat brain in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibition does not involve making the substrate unavailable, although DEHP does bind to some extent to histone. DEHP displaces phorbol dibutyrate from PK-C, indicating that DEHP binds to the regulatory domain of the enzyme. Since DEHP does not affect the PK-C dependent phosphorylation of protamine, DEHP probably does not bind at the catalytic site. DEHP non-competitively blocked activation of PK-C by either phosphatidyl serine or calcium ion. Inhibition of histone phosphorylation by DEHP was enhanced if diglyceride was present, and the enhancement was steroselective for the isomeric form of the diglyceride. The mechanism of the inhibition is thought to involve interference with the interaction between calcium ion and the regulatory domain of PK-C, and would have significance only for those PK-C substrates that require calcium activation of the enzyme. Thus the presence of DEHP in the high nanomolar concentration range alters the effective substrate specificity of PK-C.
Relational Developmental Systems and Quantitative Behavior Genetics: Alternative or Parallel Methodologies?

The two methodologies presented in this special issue—relational developmental systems and quantitative behavior genetics—are not competing alternatives in the exploration of genetic–environmental interplay, but parallel approaches having distinct focuses and distinct goals. This commentary explores several conceptual issues that can, and have in the past, result in confusions about the nature of each methodology, and their relation to each other.
A quantitative study of serum testosterone, sex accessory organ growth, and the development of intermale aggression in the mouse

Abstract Radioimmunoassay of serum testosterone (T) was used to characterize circulating T levels in mice from birth to sexual maturity. Until 25 days of age, serum T levels ranged from 1 to 4 ng/ml. A significant increase in T concentrations was observed in 30-day-old males, followed by a secondary rise in serum T between Days 45 and 50 of life. The latter increment was associated with the appearance of extreme individual variation in circulating T levels which was also observed in adult (120 days) males. The most rapid growth of accessory sex organs occurred between 30 and 50 days of age, the period preceding attainment of peak serum-T levels. The first incidence of intermale aggression coincided with a prepubertal rise in circulating T, but adult levels of fighting were present prior to the secondary increase in T observed between 45 and 50 days of age. Although animals involved in a fight did not differ with respect to weight of the accessory sex organs or serum T concentrations, the male that weighed more than his opponent usually won an encounter. Compared to males in encounters in which no fighting occurred, animals that won or lost an aggressive encounter showed significantly greater accessory sex organ development. While circulating T is required for the initiation and maintenance of intermale aggression, it is apparent that additional factors are related to the onset of fighting and the establishment of dominance/ subordinance relationships in mice.
ROLLING WITH THE CHANGES: A ROLE CONGRUITY PERSPECTIVE ON GENDER NORMS

Role congruity theory (e.g., Eagly & Diekman, 2005) posits that a group will be positively evaluated when its characteristics are perceived to align with the requirements of the group's typical soc...
Reformulation of thermodynamic systems with aggregation and theoretical methods for the analysis of ligand binding in proteins with monomer-multimer equilibria

The reformulation of complex thermodynamic systems is a useful tool for their analysis as demonstrated by the theoretical analysis of conformationally mediated cooperativity in a dimeric protein. Many chemical and biochemical systems exhibit monomer-multimer equilibria, behavior not addressed in the original reformulation. A method for reformulating such systems, and the mathematical methods necessary for relating alternative models, are therefore developed. The basic principles of the reformulation are illustrated on homodimeric and heterodimeric systems. The mathematical methods necessary to relate alternative models are then derived from probabilistic considerations. Higher-order models (more interacting subunits) are related to lower-order models (fewer interacting subunits) by a polynomial expansion of the sum of species in the lower-order model to give the sum of species in the higher-order model. Using these methods, the equations describing the ligand binding behavior of a homomeric monomer-dimer system are derived. These methods are also used to relate the two alternative models for cooperativity for a homotetrameric protein; one model where the dimer is the cooperative unit and the other where the tetramer is the cooperative unit.
Lifenet: A knowledge-based decision support tool for the risk assessment of adolescent suicide

This paper reports on the development of Lifenet, a knowledge-based decision support system (KBDSS) for the risk assessment of adolescent suicide. Lifenet combines aspects of expert system and decision support technology, and applies them to the social service domain. Assessment is a core task in the social service industry, and its complex nature, combined with the growing use of paraprofessionals as caseworkers, provides several likely domain areas for KBDSS technology. Lifenet's main functions are to provide paraprofessional caseworkers support in reaching unbiased and consistent risk assessments, and to recommend a course of action on the part of the caseworker. The KBDSS was tested by social service professionals using actual cases, and in a controlled experiment with paraprofessionals. Paraprofessionals using Lifenet made more accurate assessments in less time than did paraprofessionals using manual assessment tools. This paper discusses the background, design, implementation, and validation of Lifenet, and presents ideas for future work.
Acidic phospholipids stimulate the autophosphorylation of the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

Abstract The autophosphorylation of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase was stimulated by the acidic phospholipids phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol. Other phospholipids (phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin), acidic compounds (dextran sulfate, polyglutamic acid, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid) and calciumcalmodulin were essentially inactive. Sodium dodecyl sulfate also stimulated the catalytic subunit autophosphorylation, but other detergents (Triton X-100 and deoxycholic acid) did not. The combination of phosphatidic acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate was as effective as each agent alone, suggesting similar stimulation mechanisms. The data suggest that acidic membrane phospholipids might have a role in regulating the autophosphorylation of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase.
Synthesis of 3β‐(4‐[125I]iodophenyl)tropane‐2‐β‐pyrrolidine carboxamide ([125I]RTI‐229)

A WIN 35,065-2 analog, 3β-(4-iodophenyl)tropane-2β-pyrrolidine carboxamide (RTI-229), has been radiolabelled with iodine-125 by radioiododestannylation of the corresponding trimethyltin derivative using carrier-free sodium iodide-125 as the isotope source. Purification by reversed-phase HPLC gives [125I]RTI-229 in good yield (89·4%) with high radiochemical purity (>99%) and high specific activity (2125 mCi/μmol, 78·6 GBq/μmol, based on the specific activity of the Na125I used). Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electric field effects on the uv absorption of NaI, KI, and RbI

Electroabsorption spectra were obtained for NaI, KI, and RbI in the photon energy range from 5.2 to 8.2 eV. The results indicate polarizabilities for the lowest-energy excitons in these crystals of 4.1, 1.3, and 1.7 times ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}21}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$, respectively. Strong electroabsorption structure corresponding to the exciton modified interband edge was also observed. Additional structure corresponding to higher interband edges was resolved in the case of NaI and RbI. From the energy location of these structures spin-orbit splittings of 1.25 and 1.12 eV are obtained for the valence bands of NaI and RbI. The highest-energy electroabsorption structures for NaI and RbI are interpreted as originating from valence- to $d$-conduction-band interband edges. These interband edges are also held to be involved in the formation of excitons responsible for the large optical-absorption peaks in the energy range from 6 to 8 eV. From the relative energy locations of these structures, binding energies of the order of 1 eV are obtained for these excitons. This implies relatively high reduced effective masses for the relevant edges, and is in agreement with the lack of large resolvable electroabsorption structure coincident in energy with these large absorption peaks.
Transfers Matter Most: How Changes in Transfer Systems of Canada and the United States Explain the Divergence in Household Poverty Levels from 1974-1994:

From 1974 to 1994, Canada and the United States experienced quite substantial divergences in relative household poverty rates and inequality levels from similar starting points.Although several scholars have attempted to explain Canadian and U.S. differences in poverty and inequality levels at one point in time, none have satisfactorily explained the causes of these divergent trends. Utilizing high quality, comparable data from the Luxembourg Income Survey, my analysis of the household poverty rates demonstrates that differences in the policies and reforms of the two country’s transfer systems explains the divergence relative household poverty rates. The data also seriously cast doubt on other potential market, cultural, or tax system explanations. Further, by selectively removing the income from each specific category and then specific type of transfer income and recalculating the household poverty rate, my “sensitivity-type” analysis clearly demonstrates the predominant explanatory power for differences...
Columbia the Goddess of Liberty and Slave-Trade Abolition (1807–1820s)

Eighteenth-century American thespians, balladeers, and artists used performances of Columbia, an anthropomorphic metaphor for the body politic, to animate Enlightenment precepts of natural rights and liberty. Following the American Revolution, anti-slavery sympathizers staged Columbia as a symbol both of political liberty from Great Britain and of personal liberty in engravings, plays, and ballads that depicted her bequeathing freedom to Africans from the throne of her Temple. But in reaction to slave-trade abolition-Great Britain's 1807 legislation and the United States' ban in 1808-cultural producers began bifurcating constitutional from personal freedom in their iterations of Columbia. Anti-slavery advocates still used Columbia as an iconic syncretism of political and personal liberty to critique slavery. Others, however, threatened by the possibility of black freedom associated with slave-trade abolition, staged Columbia to represent political but not personal liberty. Thus, just as the slave-trade ban went into effect, Philadelphia's New Theater performed Columbia in dances, songs, and allegorical set pieces that feted political independence, but in which slaves were absent, an erasure that reinforced whiteness as the defining qualification for American citizenship. Postabolition performances of Columbia in her Temple of Liberty, constructed on rigidifying edifices of racial codification, banished blacks from the civic polity-a far cry from Enlightenment precepts of liberty and rights.
Lower urinary tract reconstruction in the female using the Kock ileal reservoir with bilateral ureteroileal urethrostomy: update of continence results and fluorourodynamic findings.

Abstract Objectives To update continence results and present fluorourodynamic data in 17 female patients undergoing orthotopic lower urinary tract reconstruction with the Kock ileal urethrostomy following cystectomy. Methods Continence results, voiding pattern, and overall patient satisfaction were evaluated by means of patient survey. Fluorourodynamic data and abdominal leak point pressures were obtained in 6 patients. Results Complete daytime urinary continence was reported in 93% of patients, whereas complete nighttime continence was reported by 87% of patients. Fluorourodynamic studies demonstrated excellent neobladder capacity with low reservoir pressure in all cases. Abdominal leak point pressure measurements confirmed normal urethral sphincter function. Conclusions Excellent results with respect to urinary continence, voiding pattern, patient satisfaction, and reservoir function can be expected in women undergoing orthotopic lower urinary tract reconstruction.
Interior Morphology of Bulk Polypropylene

As the result in recent years of the growth and identification of lamellar single crystals of various polymers, produced both by dilute-solution methods and by melt crystallization of thin films, older concepts of the structure and texture of bulk crystalline polymers have been undergoing change1. Indications that bulk samples of partially crystalline polymers also contain lamellar-like crystals have come from electron microscope examinations of fracture surfaces2, and of fragments3,4 of bulk polymers dispersed by means of a nitric-acid digestive treatment5.
The distribution of heavy metals in the hard clam,Mercenaria mercenaria, in the lower Chesapeake Bay region

Populations of the hard clam,Mercenaria mercenaria, were sampled at thirty sites in the lower Chesapeake Bay region in 1972 and 1973. Subsamples were taken for analysis for the trace metals cadmium, copper and zinc. Emphasis was placed on samples from the York and James rivers, two very productive and commercially utilized clam grounds. The levels of metals determined were comparable to those reported from other regions except Southampton Water in the United Kingdom. Differences in levels between the York and James rivers were statistically significant (P<0.001) which indicates that the James River probably suffers from contamination by these metals.
Sleep, mood, and serotonin: knitting up the raveled sleeve of care

In this issue of Sleep Medicine Reviews, Joelle Adrien from PitieÂ-SalpeAtrieAre Hospital in Paris, takes a comprehensive and useful look at the shared regulation of sleep and mood in depression. Professor Adrien focuses primarily on serotonergic mechanisms of mood and sleep regulation, while not ignoring the contributions of other neurotransmitter systems and their interactions with the serotonin system. She comments on the paradox that, even though depressed patients usually complain of sleep loss, approximately 60% of them exhibit transient mood improvement after one night of sleep deprivation. By way of explanation, she invokes the hypothesis that blockade and desensitisation of 5-HT1a somatodendritic autoreceptors at the initiation of an SSRI medication, as well as similar effects of sleep deprivation, may provide a shared neurobiological basis for antidepressant effect (whether acute as in the case of sleep deprivation, or chronic as in the case of SSRI pharmacotherapy). Professor Adrien further suggests that the alterations of sleep patterns in depression could have both pathogenic (increased REM sleep pressure) and therapeutic (insomnia) dimensions. In this context, both sleep deprivation, REM sleep deprivation, and most (though not all) antidepressant medications reduce or suppress REM sleep ± a likely correlate of antidepressant activity; and they generally (though not always) promote a subjective sense of restorative, restful sleep
Magnetic Properties of Tape-Wound Cores of High-Purity 3% Silicon-Iron with the (110) [001] Texture

Tapes, 1 mil thick, with sharp (110) [001] textures have been prepared from high-purity 3% silicon-iron. Surface energy driving forces were utilized to obtain the texture in the impurity-free silicon-iron.
Blocking K+ channels with TEA induces plasmalemma depolarization, increased [Ca2+]i, and ACTH secretion in AtT-20 cells.

Abstract Blocking K+ channels induces hormone secretion in various pituitary cell lines by a mechanism which is not completely delineated. In the present study, we employed the mouse pituitary tumor-derived AtT-20 cell as a model to evaluate this phenomenon. We correlated the effect of the K+ channel-blocker, tetraethylammonium (TEA), on K+ current and membrane potential utilizing whole cell recording, on cytosol Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) concentration utilizing fura-2, and on ACTH secretion utilizing a perifusion system. TEA inhibited voltage-dependent K+ current and initiated membrane depolarization in a dose-dependent fashion. Divergences in the sensitivity to TEA between voltage-dependent K+ currents and membrane depolarization indicate that voltage-dependent K+ channels are not responsible for TEA-induced depolarization. TEA (1–30 mM) also induced a concentration-dependent rise in [Ca2+]i concentration and ACTH secretion, both of which were inhibited by removing medium Ca2+. Our data indicate that TEA inhibits K+ currents and induces membrane depolarization; this opens Ca2+ channels in the plasmalemma, causing a rise in [Ca2+]i which initiates ACTH secretion. Alteration of K+ channel permeability by hormones or neurotransmitters may thus play an important regulatory role in controlling pituitary hormone secretion.
Hardware Description Language Applications: An Introdiction and Prognosis

Just as Software designers use high-level languages like Algol, Fortran, PL/I, and Snobol to express algorithms in terms of language statements, so digital hardware designers use hardware description languages to describe the digital systems they want to design. But whereas compilers for many high-level programming languages have been developed and implemented, the process of transforming a high-level computer hardware description language specification of a system into a logic diagram is still in its infancy.
Atrane and Phosphorane Formation with Aminotriphenols [1]

Reaction of the aminotriphenol, tris (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-5-tert-butylbenzyl)amine, with triphenylphosphite resulted in the formation of the first structurally characterized pentaoxyphosphorane-atrane, N[CH2(Me(t-Bu)C6H2)O]3P(OPh)2 (1) while reaction of the aminotriphenol, tris (2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl)amine (E) with 2,2′ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)fluorophosphite led to the isolation of the phosphorane, N[CH2(Me2C6H2)O]2P[OC6H2(t-Bu)2]2CHCH3 (2), as a result of aminotriphenol to aminodiphenol conversion. X-ray analysis revealed the octahedral geometry of 1 showing strong P-N dative bond coordination (2.114(6) A) and the trigonal bipyramidal arrangement for 2 exhibiting a normal P-N covalent bond (1.652(2) A). 1H, 13C and 31P NMR measurements assisted in the structural interpretations and in comparisons with related compounds. The results confirm the premise that donor action at the transition state of active sites of phosphoryl transfer enzymes should enjoy enhanced reaction with nearby donor groups that are positioned to enter into coordination with the reactive phosphoryl component, especially for such enzymatic reactions that exhibit catalytic promiscuity.
Prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in non-Hispanic white and Asian children: multi-ethnic pediatric eye disease study.

Purpose To determine the age-, gender-, and ethnicity-specific prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in non-Hispanic white (NHW) and Asian preschool children. Design Population-based, cross-sectional study. Participants A population-based sample of 1501 NHW children and 1507 Asian children aged 6–72 months from Los Angeles County and Riverside County, California. Methods Eligible children underwent an in-home and in-clinic interview and a comprehensive eye examination including cycloplegic autorefraction from 100 census tracts. Main Outcome Measures The proportion of children with myopia (spherical equivalent [SE] ≤−1.00 diopter [D]), hyperopia (SE ≥ +2.00 D) and cylindrical refractive error ≥1.50 D in the worse eye. The astigmatism type was defined as with-the-rule (WTR; +cylinder axis 90°±15°) and against-the-rule (ATR; + cylinder axis 180°±15°); all other orientations were considered oblique (OBL). Results The prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in NHW children was 1.20% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76%–1.89%), 25.65% (95% CI, 23.5%–27.9%), and 6.33% (95% CI, 5.21%–7.68%), respectively. The prevalence of WTR, ATR, and OBL astigmatism in NHW children was 4.33%, 1.00%, and 1.00%, respectively. Prevalence was lower with older age groups for astigmatism ( P = 0.0002), but not for myopia ( P = 0.82) or hyperopia ( P = 0.31). In Asian children, the prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism was 3.98% (95% CI, 3.11%–5.09%), 13.47% (95% CI, 11.8%–15.3%), and 8.29% (95% CI, 7.01%–9.80%), respectively. The prevalence of WTR, ATR, and OBL astigmatism was 6.50%, 0.80%, and 1.00% respectively. The prevalence of hyperopia was higher in girls than boys ( P = 0.0002), but no differences were found for myopia and astigmatism. Conclusions Hyperopia was the most common refractive error in both Asian and NHW children. However, compared with NHW children, myopia was relatively more prevalent, and hyperopia less prevalent, among Asian children. The prevalence of astigmatism was greatest in infants, and WTR astigmatism predominated at all ages. Myopia showed relatively stable prevalence across age groups, whereas hyperopia prevalence decreased after infancy and then increased again in older age groups; however, longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate refractive changes over time in individual children. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.
Serum progesterone and luteinizing hormone in ewes treated with PGF2α during mid-gestation and gonadotropin releasing hormone after parturition

Abstract Two studies were conducted to determine if postpartum (PP) reproductive function could be enhanced in ewes by PGF 2α during mid-gestation (Trial 1) and GnRH within 10 days PP (Trial 2). Trial 1 utilized 31 ewes (x body weight = 84 kg) assigned to two treatment groups to receive (I.M.) either saline (control, n = 17) or PGF 2α (0.14 mg/kg body weight, n = 14) on day 74 of gestation. Results from the first study indicated success in regressing the corpus luteum (CL) of pregnancy as indicated by decreased serum progesterone (P 4 , P P 2α (no GnRH, n = 9), GnRH (no PGF 2α n = 9) or both PGF 2α and GnRH (n = 9). The PGF 2α -treated animals received 0.14 mg PGF 2α /kg body weight (I.M.) on day 73 of gestation and GnRH-treated ewes received 50 μg GnRH (I.M.) on days 2, 6, and 10 PP. As in Trial 1, P 4 concentrations in PGF 2α -treated ewes were lower ( P 2α -treated animals through day 116 of gestation. However, no differences were detected ( P > 0.65) in LH concentrations between the two groups in this same period. Likewise, no differences were observed ( P > 0.32) in LH concentrations between the PGF 2α -treated and control ewes on days 2, 6, and 10 PP. However, elevated ( P P 2α and GnRH treatments had ovarian activity within 30 days PP as indicated by P 4 concentrations above 1 ng/ml while no other ewes had ovarian activity during this time period.
Time-resolved laser desorption mass spectrometry. II. Measurement of the energy spread of laser desorbed ions

Abstract The energy spread of laser desorbed ions can be measured with a time-of-flight analyzer, using a drawout pulse with variable delay after the laser pulse to separate the desorption time profile from the energy spread information. The energy spread varies from 15 eV immediately following the laser pulse to 0.31 eV at longer times.
Charge ordering and magnetoresistance in Nd1-xCaxMnO3 due to reduced double exchange.

Structural, transport, and magnetic properties of ${\mathrm{Nd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ca}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{MnO}}_{3}$ (0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}1) have been studied to probe the consequence of strong lattice distortion and reduced double exchange. Charge ordering has been observed over a large composition range of 0.30\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.80. For 0.33\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.40, at low temperatures, a magnetic field induces a first-order antiferromagnetic semiconductor to ferromagnetic metal transition and reduces the resistance by several orders of magnitude. These results illustrate the competition between double exchange and mechanisms that promote charge localization. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.