cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-spin state spectroscopy of 88,90Zr.

The high-spin states of $^{88}\mathrm{Zr}$ and $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$ were studied up to \ensuremath{\sim}12-MeV excitation via the $^{74}$,76Ge${(}^{18}$O,4n\ensuremath{\gamma})${}^{8}$ 8,90Zr fusion evaporation reactions. Decay schemes were constructed on the basis of gamma-ray excitation functions, angular distribution and linear polarization measurements, \ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma} coincidences, and level lifetimes determined from both Doppler shift attenuation and recoil distance measurements. An effort was made to make as definite spin-parity assignments as possible and to delineate the reliability of these assignments. Probable spins up to \ensuremath{\sim}20\ensuremath{\Elzxh} were formed in both nuclei. The experimental results are compared to preliminary results of a large-scale shell model calculation. The yrast spectra of both nuclei can be interpreted as arising from intrinsic modes of excitation with no evidence for collective behavior.
Gastric emptying and small intestinal transit in the piebald mouse model for Hirschsprung's disease

Gastric emptying and small intestinal transit were investigated in the piebald mouse model for Hirschsprung's disease. These mice exhibited aganglionosis of the terminal segment of the large intestine. This condition was accompanied by fecal stasis and megacolon. Gastric emptying of saline or milk meals was slower in the mice with aganglionic or induced megacolon than in the normal mice, but the rate of emptying was faster than after administration of morphine (10 mg/kg). In the small intestine, the distribution of the radiolabeled marker and the advancing edge of the marker profile were abnormal in the mice with megacolon. There were small differences between the megacolonic and normal mice in the distance traversed by the advancing edge of the intraluminal profile of the marker. These results are evidence for disturbances of gastric and small intestinal motor function that occur in mice secondary to development of megacolon.
Islamo‐fascism and America’s long war

Despite its many failings, the discourse of Islamo‐fascism continues to influence American foreign policy debates. Many Bush Administration policies have consequently remained in tact because the frame of political debate has remained largely unchanged. This is problematic for any number of reasons, but primarily because the challenge of Islamic militancy has very little to with the competing values which is the essence of the Islamo‐fascist discourse. Rather, America’s long war with Islamist militant groups is deeply rooted in the pursuit of American strategic interest, and is a byproduct of the American government’s long‐term support for a dysfunctional regional order in the Middle East and South Asia. Clarifying the nature of these ideological debates – and more accurately understanding the nature of the problem that needs to be solved – is the first step toward developing a more constructive foreign policy and extricating the Obama Administration from the legacy of its predecessor.
Repair And Analysis Of Cracking In The Murchison Flare Boom

During routine inspection of the Murchison platform flare structure in April 1987, 9 serious fatigue cracks were discovered in the 2 wind struts which provide lateral restraint for the main boom. This paper will document the events and results of the work carried out by Conoco to the end of 1987 and will cover the inspection methods adopted and the repair techniques used. It will also describe the extensive system of instrumentation fitted to the boom to measure dynamic response, the analysis and results of the measured data, the correlation of measured data with the compute dynamic analysis and the method being adopted for reassessment of fatigue performance. From the information obtained so far, it is considered likely that the buffeting of the wind struts caused by wake shedding from the main boom combined with the presence of poor weld quality in the joints have caused the development of the fatigue cracks, the UK Government Department of Energy issued an Offshore Safety Notice to all North Sea operators requesting they reassess the structural adequacy of their flare structures. This paper will provide valuable information to others who either have an existing or plan to design a slender tubular mast-type structure.
Improved transferase assay for cultured fibroblasts.

The sensitivity and accuracy of our previously reported transferase assay (Russell and DeMars, 1967) can be increased by lowering the pH during the chromatographic separation of the reaction product. This modification does not alter the quantitative nature of the assay.
Spiral systolic design with asynchronous controls for LPF digital filters

The design of spiral systolic arrays (Sas) with asynchronous controls for efficient and flexible implementation of linear phase FIR filters is presented. In this approach, (1) reduction of filter due to symmetry, (2) conversion of sequential input signal into input blocks by means of a spiral systolic mesh that is (a) suitable for highly parallel processing and (b) flexible for enabling various array sizes, and (3) making data streams independent of computations executed in each processor will collectively minimize computation time. The SA architecture processes the input signal row by row, and eliminates the complex shift register organization of the traditional FIR realization. Incorporated in this design are maximum parallelism and pipelinability, trade-off among computations, communications, and memory. Moreover, the systolic array will use simple local interconnection without undesirable properties such as preloading input data or global broadcasting. The key component of the asynchronous spiral SA is a communication protocol that controls input data flow properly and efficiently.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
High Spatial Resolution for IR Imaging Using an IR Diode Laser

By coupling an infrared diode laser to a conventional infrared microscope, one achieves resolution approaching the diffraction limit while enabling rapid data collection. This technique is demonstrated with the use of a layered polymer sample that has been contaminated by migration of a volatile additive from an exogenous source. The distribution of this additive in the layered structure is shown to correlate with specific layers and reveals a concentration gradient suggesting a diffusive mechanism of additive migration parallel to the layered structure.
Potential Application of Model Output Statistics (MOS) to Forecasts of Surface Ozone Concentrations.

Abstract Statistical forecast equations have been developed for the Greater St. Louis, Missouri, area using Model Output Statistics (MOS) derived from the National Meteorological Center's Limited-Area Fine Mesh (LFM) model. They are used to forecast both the probability of ozone concentrations exceeding the 1971 National Ambient Air Quality Standard and the daily 1 h maximum. Predictions extend out to two days (48 h). The application of MOS to forecasts of maximum O3 concentrations lead to skillful [better than chance, persistence or climatology (seasonality)] 24 and 48 h objective predictions. The application of MOS to probability statements about O3 concentrations also resulted in reasonable success for 24 h and 48 h probability forecasts. These forecasts appear sufficiently successful to warrant consideration of the development of other equations for large metropolitan area where O3 concentrations commonly exceed the standard.
Identification of an androgen receptor in the adult chicken oviduct

Abstract The chicken oviduct androgen receptor was characterized by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, Scatchard analysis, competition studies, and affinity labeled with dihydrotestosterone 17β-bromoacetate. A specific 8.5 S peak was seen on 0.01 M KCl sucrose density gradients when the receptor was labeled with [3H]5α-dihydrotestosterone. Specific 4.6 S peaks were seen when receptor labeled with [3H]5α-dihydrotestosterone or [3H]dihydro-testerone 17β-bromoacetate was analyzed on 0.3 M KCl sucrose density gradients. Scatchard analysis of [3H]5α-dihydrotestosterone binding by oviduct cytosol was consistent with two binding sites. A Kd of 0.13 nM was found for the high affinity androgen receptor. Competition studies showed the following order of ligand affinity: 5α-dihydrotestosterone > dihydro-testosterone 17β-bromoacetate > progesterone > estradiol. A 61.2kDa protein was specifically covalently labeled with [3H]dihydrotesterone 17β-bromoacetate. The chicken oviduct androgen receptor possesses characteristics similar to other androgen receptors, and provides a good source of androgen receptor for physicochemical studies of the native receptor protein.
Interaction of melt spinning and drawing variables on the crystalline morphology and mechanical properties of high‐density and low‐density polyethylene fiber

An experimental study of the spinnability and the variation in crystallinity and orientation in high-density and low-density polyethylene fibers with melt spinning and drawing conditions has been carried out. Three polymers (two high-density and one low-density) and eicosane (C20H42) were studied. The maximum spinnability was in the lower molecular weight high-density polyethylene. Hermans-Stein a, b, and c crystallographic axis orientation factors were computed from wide-angle x-ray scattering patterns. In the spun fiber, small take-up velocities cause the b axis to become perpendicular to the fiber axis in each fiber. The c axis increasingly orients itself parallel to the fiber axis as take-up velocity increases. The a axis orientation is different for each polymer. The results are interpreted in terms of modern theories of crystalline morphology, specifically the development of row structures. In the drawing experiments, the two high-density polyethylenes necked. A phenomenological theory of necking is discussed. The a, b, and c axis orientation factors were determined for different stages of drawing. In the necked regions and in completely drawn fibers, the c axis was parallel to the fiber axis and the a and b axes are perpendicular to the fiber axis. The tangent Young's modulus and tensile strength of the spun fibers increased with take-up velocity and in the drawn fibers were an order of magnitude higher than in the spun fiber. The mechanical properties of spun fiber may be correlated with the c axis (Hermans) orientation factor. The drawn fiber shows significant variations in Young's modulus and tensile strength at constant unit cell orientation.
A preliminary attempt to personalize risperidone dosing using drug-drug interactions and genetics: part I.

Background Personalized prescription is described even in lay journals, but there has been no attempt to propose personalizing dosing for any specific psychiatric drug. Objective Any attempt to develop personalized dosing needs to be anchored in our understanding of the pharmacological response of each drug in each person's environment, particularly drug–drug interactions (DDIs) and how genetic make-up influences drug response. Method Risperidone (R) is used as an example. R's pharmacologic response is reviewed in detail by focusing on our current knowledge of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic actions. The influences of the environment and genetics on these two actions are reviewed. Results R's antipsychotic action is probably mainly explained by the blocking of dopamine receptors, particularly D 2 receptors. There are polymorphic variations of this gene (DRD 2 ), but it is not clear that they have clinical relevance in predicting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or antipsychotic response. Conclusion Previous exposure to antipsychotics increases the need for higher R dosing, but the mechanism for this tolerance is not well understood. Other brain receptors, such as other dopamine, serotonin, and adrenergic receptors may explain some of these ADRs. Some polymorphic variations in these receptors have been described, but they cannot yet be used to personalize R dosing.
A queueing model for a storage buffer in which the arrival rate is controlled by a switch with a random delay

Abstract In order to control overload conditions in a message storage buffer, the arrival rate is often reduced when the content of the buffer exceeds a level K and is allowed to return to its previous value when the buffer content drops below a level L K . In a number of practical situations, the action of the switch is not instantaneous and a period of random duration elapses before the desired lower arrival rate is attained. During that period, the arrival rate is only partially reduced or not at all. This paper deals with a descriptive queueing model for a buffer of this type and also proposes algorithms useful in its design. Various extensions, which may be analyzed by means of the same methodlogy, are briefly described.
Laser efficiency at high pump levels

Abstract A simple model for a laser oscillator has been analysed to determine the single mode efficiency for steady state operation at high pumping levels. The analysis takes into account the possibility of changes in the shape of the electromagnetic mode as the pumping rate is increased. Normalised plots of laser efficiency as a function of pumping rate and laser length indicate that changes in mode shape are important at moderate pump levels.
Chlorido(4,4',4''-tri-tert-butyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine)-platinum(II) chloride toluene monosolvate.

In the title compound, [PtCl(C27H35N3)]Cl·C7H8, the PtII atom is coordinated in a pseudo-square-planar fashion by the N atoms of a 4,4′,4′′-tri-tert-butyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (tbtrpy) ligand and a Cl atom. The Pt—N distance of the N atom on the central pyridine is 1.941 (4) A, while the peripheral N atoms have Pt—N distances of 2.015 (4) and 2.013 (4) A. The Pt—Cl bond distance is 2.3070 (10) A. The cations pack as dimers in a head-to-tail orientation with an inter­molecular Pt⋯Pt distance of 3.2774 (3) A and Pt⋯N distances of 3.599 (4), 3.791 (4) and 4.115 (4) A. The solvent mol­ecule is disordered and occupies two positions with a ratio of 0.553 (6):0.447 (6).
Transport Phenomena in Zonal Centrifuge Rotors. XIV. Analytical Characterization in Density Gradient Preparative Centrifuges

Abstract The centrifuge has had a long and successful history as a means for isolating particles of biological interest. To achieve separations of higher resolutions, two types of centrifugation have been developed. In the first, particles are separated into discrete zones on the basis of differences in sedimentation rate (rate-zonal centrifugation), and in the second, separation is based on differences in buoyant or banding density (isopycnic-zonal centrifugation). In this paper, methods of a simple analytical characterization in the large-scale isolation using preparative centrifuges in a density gradient solution are demonstrated.
α-MSH inhibits induction of C/EBPβ-DNA binding activity and NOS2 gene transcription in macrophages

α-MSH inhibits induction of C/EBPβ-DNA binding activity and NOS2 gene transcription in macrophages. Background α-Melanocyte–stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is an endogenous tridecapeptide that exerts anti-inflammatory actions and abrogates postischemic renal injury in rodents. α-MSH inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced gene expression of several cytokines, chemokines, and nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2), but the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects have not been clearly defined. To test the hypothesis that α-MSH inhibits the expression of inducible trans -activating factors involved in NOS2 regulation, we used RAW 264.7 macrophage cells to examine the effects of α-MSH on the activation of nuclear factor-кB (NF-кB) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-β (C/EBPβ), trans -acting factors known to be involved in LPS + interferon (IFN)-γ induction of the NOS2 gene. Methods Gel shift assays were performed to identify NF-кB and C/EBP DNA binding activities in LPS + IFN-γ–treated RAW 264.7 cells in the presence and absence of α-MSH. NOS2 promoter assays were conducted to identify the effects of α-MSH on LPS + IFN-γ–mediated induction of NOS2 transcription. Results Gel shift assays demonstrated LPS + IFN-γ induction of NF-кB and C/EBP family protein-DNA complexes in nuclei harvested from the cells. Supershift assays revealed that the C/EBP complexes were comprised of C/EBPβ, but not C/EBPα, C/EBPα, or C/EBPϵ. α-MSH (100 nmol/L) inhibited the LPS + IFN-γ–mediated induction of nuclear DNA binding activity of C/EBPβ, but not that of NF-кB (in contrast to reports in other cell types), as well as the activity of a murine NOS2 promoter-luciferase construct. In contrast, α-MSH (100 nmol/L) had no effect on the induction of NOS2 promoter-luciferase genes harboring deletion or mutation of the C/EBP box. Conclusions These data indicate that α-MSH inhibits the induction of C/EBPβ DNA binding activity and that this effect is a major mechanism by which α-MSH inhibits the transcription of the NOS2 gene. The inability of α-MSH to inhibit LPS + IFN-γ induction of NF-кB in murine macrophage cells, which contrasts with inhibitory effects of the neuropeptide in other cell types, suggests that cell-type–specific mechanisms are involved.
On socio-cultural factors and barriers to HIV prevention for Malawi women.

The paper by Lindgren et al. (2005) published in the Journal adds to the literature on the socio-cultural barriers towards prevention of HIV among Malawian women. The country is among the highly affected nations in southern Africa with national HIV infection rates of at least 10 percent (Lau and Muula 2004). I believe there are a number of issues that may be useful to highlight to complement the authors report. First the references used should be read with the ever-changing nature of the field of HIV and AIDS in mind for instance the authors quote that "70 000 people per year will die of AIDS-related illnesses." These mortality figures were current during the times when HAART (highly active anti-retroviral therapy) was not publicly available for free in public health facilities in Malawi. The situation is likely to change with the "scaling-up" of HAART in Malawi (Harries et al. 2004). HIV transmission from mother to child will also likely decrease due to overall HAART programs including specifically prevention of mother to child (HIV) transmission prevention programs. Second Lindgren et al. (2005) referred to "dry sex preferences by some men." In fact while this may be the case in many situations women themselves may prefer dry sex as opposed to wet sex. Zachariah et al. (2003) reported that 32% of commercial sex workers in their study were less satisfied with the female condom because of "excessive" lubrication. (excerpt)
IDEAS based synthesis of minimum volume reactor networks featuring residence time density/distribution models

Abstract This work addresses for the first time, the synthesis of globally minimum volume reactor networks, featuring segregated flow reactors (SFR) and/or maximum mixedness reactors (MMR), with the same normalized residence time density (NRTd) function. Global optimality is ascertained by demonstrating that the input–output information maps of SFR and MMR with general RTd/RTD models satisfy all properties required for the application of the infinite dimensional state-space (IDEAS) approach to the RTd/RTD reactor network synthesis problem. The resulting IDEAS formulation is shown to possess a number of novel properties, which can be used to facilitate its solution. The power of the proposed methodology is demonstrated on three case studies featuring segregated laminar flow reactors (SLFR) in which the Trambouze reaction scheme is carried out. In one of the case studies, the identified reactor network is shown to have volume that is as low as half the volume of a single reactor.
Shakira as the Idealized Transnational Citizen: A Case Study of Colombianidad in Transition

Like many of the spanglish generation, Shakira is a walking, living, breathing, singing contradiction. Born and raised in Colombia, she lived for bands like Led Zeppelin, The Cure, The Police, the Beatles and Nirvana. Rock was her first musical love, but her Arabic culture was her life …. Despite the fact that she was once named the queen of the Barranquilla carnival and was crowned by Colombian salsa great Joe Arroyo, Shakira is above all a rock chick.1
British Imperial Transport Management: The Gold Coast Sekondi–Kumase Railway, 1903–1911

This article traces the development of The Gold Coast Sekondi–Kumase Railway during its first eight years, from 1903-1911. The author, in order to present a more balanced assessment, focuses on statistical details concerning the railway. Specifically examined are the railway's design and construction, personnel and administration, finance and accounting procedures, capital investments and costs associated with servicing its debt. Because of the geographical and logistical challenges of building a railway in a tropics-based agricultural environment, the author gives particular emphasis to the managerial and accounting techniques available at the time. From an analysis of financial records, the author found that the Sekondi–Tarkwa–Obuasi–Kumase line showed improvements in its day-to-day operations during its first decade, despite the railway's numerous flaws and problems. The railway's receipts and finances exhibited a certain level of efficiency in its operations that resulted in substantial cost savings over time. The author shows that, in many respects, the railway's financial results were not so unlike those of its railway contemporaries in more industrialized parts of the world.
Decentralizing supervision to attain higher productivity: the case of the ecuadorian health system

There is growing interest in developed and developing countries about how to best administer public programs in order to maximize the return on invested resources. This paper examines the extent to which decentralized supervision can help improve health worker productivity. Data on health workers in Ecuador are analyzed. The results suggest that local (or decentralized) supervision is conducive to higher productivity and more hours worked per day by Ecuador's health promoters. The implications for higher health status, and for improving health care in other developing countries are discussed.
Interval-valued evidence sets from simulated product competitiveness: a Bulgarian winery decision

An evidence set methodology is developed in this paper to address any situation where there is uncertainty involved in assessing experts' opinions on two or more related decisions. The environment is that of a Bulgarian winery in which several managers make a group decision about whether or not to undertake product introduction, and if so, in what cost range. Primary consideration for product introduction is based on perceived competitiveness of the local, regional and global markets, selling price and profitability of different wines. The paper presents the application utilising simulated results for the perceived factors with expert opinions acquired through collaboration with Bulgarian institutions of higher education. Using the simulated results based on input from the Bulgarian winery experts, evidence is combined that addresses uncertainty in the decision-making process. After illustrating how the paradigm works, an analysis of the benefits of the model is given.
Enhancing the executive functions of 3-year-olds in the Dimensional Change Card Sort task.

Executive functions enable flexible thinking, something young children are notoriously bad at. For instance, in the dimensional change card sort (DCCS) task, 3-year-olds can sort cards by one dimension (shape), but continue to sort by this dimension when asked to switch (to color). This study tests a prediction of a dynamic neural field model that prior experience with the postswitch dimension can enhance 3-year-olds' performance in the DCCS. In Experiment 1A, a matching game was used to preexpose 3-year-olds (n = 36) to color. This facilitated switching from sorting by shape to color. In , 3-year-olds (n = 18) were preexposed to shape. This did not facilitate switching from sorting by color to shape. The model was used to explain this asymmetry.
Self, Interaction, and Task Orientation of High-and Low-Rated Peace Corps Trainees

This study compared high- and low-rated Peace Corps trainees on the three scales on the Orientation Inventory. It was found that high-rated trainees exhibit a higher task orientation than their low-rated counterparts. Significant differences were also found between the Peace Corps trainees and the college sample.
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) receptor alpha-1 (GFR alpha 1) is highly selective for GDNF versus artemin.

To clarify whether glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) receptor α-1 (GFRα1), the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked coreceptor for GDNF, is also a functional coreceptor for artemin (ART), we have studied receptor binding, signaling, and neuronal survival. In cell-free binding studies, GFRα1−Ig displayed strong preferential binding to GDNF, though in the presence of soluble RET, weak binding to ART could also be detected. However, using GFRα1-transfected NB41A3 cells, ART showed no detectable competition against the binding of 125I-labeled GDNF. Moreover, ART failed to induce phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) and Akt in these cells and was >104-fold less potent than GDNF in stimulating RET phosphorylation. When rat primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were used, only the survival promoting activity of GDNF and not that of ART was blocked by an anti-GFRα1 antibody. These results indicate that although ART can interact weakly with soluble GFRα1 construct...
Behavioral and hormonal prophylaxis in the adrenalectomized gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

Abstract An attempt was made to determine whether the adrenalectomized (ADX) gerbil would regulate a chronic sodium dysfunction by a compensatory sodium chloride appetite. In one experiment the ADX gerbil was supplied with a 0.15 M NaCl solution, while in a second, a diet fortified with 5% NaCl was made available. In both instances the gerbil failed to show an increased salt appetite. Consequently, all animals rapidly lost weight and were dead within 6 days after surgery. A third experiment was undertaken to determine whether the gerbil could survive adrenal extirpation with corticoadrenal hormone therapy. Two dose levels of hydrocortisone acetate (HCA) and one level of deoxycorticosterone (DOCA) were employed. Both hormones, particularly HCA (1 mg/2 days) extended the gerbil's survival period significantly. Based on these findings, the gerbil, unlike the rat, appears to be a highly adrenal-dependent animal.
Tradition to text: writing local somali history in the travel narrative of Charles Guillain (1846–48)

Abstract The essay offers some observations on the interplay of orality and literacy in Somali society, using the mid-nineteenth century travel narrative of Charles Guillain. Because Guillain was among the earliest Europeans to record local Somali traditions, the sources of his information and the circumstances in which he gathered it warrant scrutiny. A close reading of Guillain suggests that he relied heavily on Arabic-speaking informants; that these informants provided him with written as well as oral sources on Somali history; and that Arabic literacy had already begun to spread from the urban centres of the coast to the Somali interior at the time of the French traveler's visit. We then speculate about the influence of written Arabic texts on the production and transmission of Somali ‘oral traditions’ in both Western and Islamic literary circles during the later nineteenth century.
Digital Diasporas: Identity and Transactional Engagement

Jennifer M. Brinkerhoff, Digital Diasporas: Identity and Transactional Engagement (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2009), 267 pp., ISBN: 9780521741439 (pbk), $24.99 Thales once quipped, ‘...
Responses of Drosera capensis and D. binata var. multifida (Droseraceae) to manipulations of insect availability and soil nutrient levels

Abstract Insectivory, growth, and nutrition of Drosera binata var. multifida and D. capensis were studied in long-established plantings in a green-house. Exclosures were used to manipulate insect availability to leaves, and substrate phosphorus and nitrogen fertiliser was added to increase these mineral nutrients. Neither species benefitted significantly from insect capture on a nutritional or energetic basis in nutrient-poor or -rich soils. However, both species benefitted from soil nutrient additions, and accumulated N and P in vegetative organs. Phosphorus levels in shoots were especially high in P fertilised plots for both species. In addition, P concentrations increased significantly in the roots of D. binata. Nitrogen levels in all tissues were slightly higher in N fertilised plots, and statistical differences were observed in roots of D. capensis and in shoots of D. binata. Drosera capensis showed increased growth with N and P additions, especially in root biomass. However, leaf number and rosette ...
A Preliminary Investigation into the Effects of the Federal Override of State Usury Ceilings on the Supply of Mortgage Funds by FSLIC-Insured S&Ls in New York and New Jersey

Examined is the economic theory that restrictive usury ceilings reduce the supply of residential mortgage funds and tighten terms of the mortgage instrument. Studied are the mortgage policies adopted by New York and New Jersey FSLIC-insured S&Ls during periods when there were restrictive usury ceilings and when these usury ceilings were removed. The results clearly confirm the theory that effective elimination of usury ceilings increases the supply of mortgage funds and also liberalizes the terms of the mortgage instrument.
PDE with Random Coefficients and Euclidean Field Theory

In this paper a new proof of an identity of Giacomin, Olla, and Spohn is given. The identity relates the 2 point correlation function of a Euclidean field theory to the expectation of the Green's function for a pde with random coefficients. The Euclidean field theory is assumed to have convex potential. An inequality of Brascamp and Lieb therefore implies Gaussian bounds on the Fourier transform of the 2 point correlation function. By an application of results from random pde, the previously mentioned identity implies pointwise Gaussian bounds on the 2 point correlation function.
Increased heme oxygenase activity in splanchnic organs from portal hypertensive rats: role in modulating mesenteric vascular reactivity.

Abstract Background/Aims : We have recently demonstrated that heme oxygenase-1 is upregulated in splanchnic organs of portal hypertensive rats. In the present study, we assessed whether heme oxygenase enzymatic activity is increased in splanchnic organs of portal hypertensive rats, and the relative contribution of heme oxygenase and nitric oxide synthase to the vascular hyporeactivity in portal hypertension. Methods : Heme oxygenase activity was measured in splanchnic organs of portal hypertensive and sham-operated rats. The effects of heme oxygenase and nitric oxide synthase inhibition on pressure responses to potassium chloride and methoxamine were assessed in perfused mesenteric vascular beds of portal hypertensive and sham-operated rats. Results : Heme oxygenase activity was increased in the mesentery, intestine, liver, and spleen of portal hypertensive rats. The hyporeactivity to potassium chloride in portal hypertensive rats was overcome after simultaneous inhibition of both heme oxygenase and nitric oxide synthase, but only partially attenuated after nitric oxide synthase inhibition alone. The hyporeactivity to methoxamine was completely reversed after nitric oxide synthase blockade. Conclusions : These results demonstrate that heme oxygenase activity is increased in splanchnic organs of portal hypertensive rats. They also suggest that heme oxygenase contributes to the hyporeactivity to potassium chloride, but not to methoxamine, in portal hypertensive rats.
Treatment for depression and its relationship to improvement in quality of life and psychological well-being in multiple sclerosis patients

Depression, a common problem in multiple sclerosis (MS), is generally associated with poorer quality of life (QOL). However, it is unclear whether treating depression also extends to better perceived QOL. Understanding QOL in MS has been limited by narrow definitions and exclusive focus on symptomology, with little emphasis on positive aspects of QOL. This study examined the impact of treating depression on QOL in 60 patients with a relapsing form of MS and moderate to severe depression, who were randomly assigned to one of three validated 16-week treatments for depression: individual cognitive-behavioral therapy, group psychotherapy, or sertraline. QOL was measured by the MSQOL-54, a version of the SF-36 adapted for MS, and Ryff's scales of psychological well-being, which measure positive attitudes and functioning. Depression and QOL were measured at baseline and immediately following treatment completion. Controlling for baseline neurological impairment and baseline QOL scores, regression analyses showed treating depression was significantly associated with improvements in the MSQOL-54 scales (R2s = 0.19-0.55, p < 0.001) and in four of the six scales of psychological well-being: environmental mastery (R2 = 0.13, p < 0.001), positive relations (R2 = 0.08, p < 0.001), purpose in life (R2 = 0.16, p < 0.001), and self-acceptance (R2 = 0.26, p < 0.001). Findings suggest treating depression influences both the negative and positive aspects of QOL and underscore the importance of examining QOL with two complementary approaches.
Development of a 4-D digital mouse phantom for molecular imaging research.

Abstract Purpose We develop a realistic and flexible 4-D digital mouse phantom and investigate its usefulness in molecular imaging research. Methods Organ shapes were modeled with non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) surfaces based on high-resolution 3-D magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) data. Cardiac and respiratory motions were modeled based on gated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data obtained from normal mice. Pilot simulation studies in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) were performed to demonstrate the utility of the phantom. Results NURBS are an efficient and flexible way to accurately model the anatomy and cardiac and respiratory motions for a realistic 4-D digital mouse phantom. The phantom is capable of producing realistic molecular imaging data from which imaging devices and techniques can be evaluated. Conclusion The phantom provides a unique and useful tool in molecular imaging research. It can be used in the development of new imaging instrumentation, image acquisition strategies, and image processing and reconstruction methods.
Patients with Disorders of Thrombosis and Hemostasis

Surgery, by definition, is a challenge to the hemostatic system. In addition, a surgical procedure may provoke inappropriate venous or arterial thrombosis, such as is suggested historically by Virchow's Triad. For these reasons, proper functioning of the hematologic system is integral in a successful and safe perioperative period. Patients with a disorder of either coagulation or hemostasis, therefore, present an exciting challenge to the preoperative physician. Diagnosis of a hematologic disorder may be more or less occult. A proper bleeding and clotting history can serve to elucidate such a disorder and is therefore paramount to the preoperative workup. For those patients with a previously diagnosed disorder of the hematologic system, appropriate laboratory investigation and a concise therapeutic plan for the day of surgery can help to minimize risks in the perioperative period.
Towards a secure Frequency Monitoring NETwork (FNET) system

Reactive and real-time wide area monitoring systems (WAMS), such as the Frequency Monitoring NETwork (FNET) developed at Virginia Tech, allow for the gathering of frequency data throughout the entire power grid. FNET uses the Internet as a communication medium between its system components and therefore raises security concerns involving cyber-related issues. Since security is a key objective in the smart grid project, these concerns must be addressed. In this paper, we analyze vulnerabilities associated with the current FNET architecture to propose a three layered Defense in Depth strategy to better secure FNET from its current threats.
Nonlinear Optical Effects

A number of possible nonlinear light effects in solids are discussed where the optical properties of a medium depend upon the value of the incident $E$ and $H$ radiation field; as a consequence of the nonlinear properties of these effects and their intrinsic fast response times, the possibility exists of producing harmonic generation and mixing at infrared and visible frequencies. The theory of multiple-photon excitation of an electron from the valence to the conduction in a solid is developed. It is shown that this process exhibits an intensity-dependent absorption edge at photon energies below the minimal energy gap of a solid. The experimental conditions for observing such transitions are considered; presently available optical maser sources of radiation are of sufficient intensity to enable double-quantum processes to be experimentally observable in semiconductors and insulators.
Midterm follow-up after pharmacomechanical thrombolysis for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.

Objective: To provide follow-up in patients treated with pharmacomechanical thrombolysis (PhMT) for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Patients underwent clinical evaluation, duplex ultrasound, venous clinical severity scoring, venous segmental disease scoring, and venous disability scoring. Results: Fourteen patients were available for evaluation. Median age was 40 years (19—58). Median follow-up was 24 months (13—69 months). Thirteen of 14 patients (93%) had a venous disability score < 1 and 13 of 14 patients (93%) had a venous clinical severity scoring < 5. In all but 1 patient the venous segmental disease scoring score was < 5. All iliac segments were patent, all but 3 patients had partial infrainguinal obstruction and 5 of 14 (36%) had reflux. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that the good early clinical results after PhMT can be sustained on longer follow-up and may prevent the development of advanced postthrombotic syndrome.
The nature of cosmic ray sources

The limitations on the nature of cosmic ray acceleration regions and processes, as deduced from cosmic ray measurements and propagation studies, are reviewed. The power requirements for these acceleration regions are estimated from measurements of the local cosmic ray energy density, anisotropy and spallation-deduced pathlength. Possible constraints on the acceleration spectrum of the cosmic rays and on a charge dependence of the acceleration process, implied by the measured cosmic ray spectrum and composition, are considered. Various suggested sources and processes of cosmic ray acceleration are discussed in the light of these limitations.
Effects of perfectionism and exercise on disordered eating in college students.

Abstract Purpose This study examined two dimensions of perfectionism (Standards and Discrepancy), two aspects of exercise (cardiovascular and strength), and the interaction of these variables as predictors of disordered eating in female and male college students. Methods Recruited participants ( N = 314; n = 204 women) completed self-report measures of disordered eating (Eating Attitudes Test), perfectionism (Almost Perfect Scale-Revised; Standards and Discrepancy subscales), and exercise (strength and cardiovascular). Results Among women, there was a significant three-way interaction between the two dimensions of perfectionism (Standards and Discrepancy) and cardiovascular exercise. Also among women, there was a significant two-way interaction between the Standards dimension and strength exercise and between the Discrepancy dimension and strength exercise. There were no significant main effects or interactions among men. Conclusions We found some support for the hypotheses that adaptive perfectionism (higher Standards coupled with lower Discrepancy) is a protective factor for disordered eating and that maladaptive perfectionism (higher Standards coupled with higher Discrepancy) is a risk factor, although, only among women who engaged in lower, but not higher, levels of cardiovascular exercise. The findings also suggest that it may be beneficial to consider dimensions of perfectionism and exercise separately when studying disordered eating.
Involvement of microRNA families in cancer.

Collecting representative sets of cancer microRNAs (miRs) from the literature we show that their corresponding families are enriched in sets of highly interacting miR families. Targeting cancer genes on a statistically significant level, such cancer miR families strongly intervene with signaling pathways that harbor numerous cancer genes. Clustering miR family-specific profiles of pathway intervention, we found that different miR families share similar interaction patterns. Resembling corresponding patterns of cancer miRs families, such interaction patterns may indicate a miR family’s potential role in cancer. As we find that the number of targeted cancer genes is a naive proxy for a cancer miR family, we design a simple method to predict candidate miR families based on gene-specific interaction profiles. Assessing the impact of miR families to distinguish between (non-)cancer genes, we predict a set of 84 potential candidate families, including 75% of initially collected cancer miR families. Further confirming their relevance, predicted cancer miR families are significantly indicated in increasing, non-random numbers of tumor types.
The effect of dietary fibre on bacterial densities in the rat intestine

Abstract When non-absorbable food polysaccharides were included in the diet of rats, changes in the distribution of bacteria in intestinal contents were seen. Male Wistar rats were fed a starch-containing fibre-free diet, or a similar diet in which guar gum (40 g kg −1 ) or cellulose (100 g kg −1 ) were substituted for an equivalent portion of starch. A fourth group received a commercial pelleted feed. After a 4-week feeding period, the densities (viable count per g contents) of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the lumen of the small intestine and caecum were estimated and the concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the caecal contents measured. The proximal small intestine from the pellet-fed and the guar-fed rats contained a significantly higher density of anaerobic bacteria than the fibre-free group or the rats fed cellulose. In the caecum, the guar-fed rats had a higher density of anaerobic bacteria than the fibre-free controls, whilst the cellulose-fed group had a lower density. SCFA concentrations in the caecal contents of these three groups were similar. However, although the concentration of SCFA in the caecal contents of the pellet-fed animals was higher than any other group, the density of bacteria was significantly lower than in either the guar-fed or fibre-free animals. It was concluded that dietary fibre influences the distribution of anaerobic bacteria in the small intestine of the rat and alters both the numbers of bacteria and the level of SCFA in the caecum.
Network Synchronization by Means of a Returnable Timing System

This paper investigates a new method of compensating for the transmission delays encountered in communications networks employing mutual synchronization. The compensation technique suggested belongs to the category of the single-ended methods in the sense that all the phase measurements affecting the control signal supplied to the local oscillator are carried out at that particular node; however, each oscillator does get signals which reflect, to some extent, the phase relationships between the signals received and the local oscillator at all other nodes in the network. The steady-state frequency of the N nodal network is found for general phase detector characteristics in order to demonstrate the profitable properties of the returnable timing system. The effects of mismatched phase detectors and imperfect delay compensation on the network steady-state frequency is given.
Classification of single particles by neural networks based on the computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy data

Abstract The identification of sources of particles found in chemical process equipment such as photographic printer cabinets and their quantitative apportionment to those sources could lead to effective control strategies that would improve productivity and customer satisfaction with the service. Computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) has proven to be a powerful tool in the characterization of individual particles. Thus, in this paper the samples of particles taken from experiments examining the formation of particles when cutting photographic paper and particles collected in a printer cabinet have been characterized by using CCSEM analysis. The obtained data have been analyzed by using two different neural networks, namely, the adaptive resonance theory based neural network (ART-2a) and Kohonen neural network. Both neural networks can be used to perform an unsupervised pattern recognition examination of which particles should be grouped together. The results show that they are generally able to extract the main particle groups present in the data set. The produced particle groups are almost homogeneous based on the major chemical elements. From the general size, shape and density parameters provided by the CCSEM analysis, the volume and mass of each particle were estimated. Then the mass fractions of each particle class produced by the neural networks were calculated. Based on the mass conservation principle and the resulting mass balance, the particle class balance model has been used to discern particles from different sources and apportion the corresponding source contributions.
Playing hard-to-get: A two-determinant model

Abstract Walster, Walster, Piliavin, and Schmidt ( Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 1973 , 26 , 113–121) found that a hard-to-get woman was liked only if she was hard-to-get for other men but easy-to-get for the subject. They suggested that the subjects liked this type of woman because of the socially desirable personality characteristics they attributed to her. A second determinant of liking is proposed in the present study. It concerns the effect of a person's evaluation of a subject on the subject's self-esteem. It was predicted that there would be a positive relationship between changes in the subject's self-esteem and liking for the evaluator. The results demonstrated that this determinant, as well as the one that Walster et al. suggested, is important in understanding the type of opposite-sex person that men and women find most attractive. These results, and the differences between the Walster et al. and the present studies, were discussed in terms of the relative impact of the two determinants in laboratory and real-life situations.
Spatial Filtering Techniques For Infrared (IR) Sensors

A new least-mean-square filter technique is defined for signal detection problems. The technique is applied to a scanning infrared surveillance system operating in poorly characterized but primarily low-frequency noise clutter environments. Near optimal performance is predicted both for continuous time and sampled data systems.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Possible isotope effect on Frenkel defect production in ionic crystals

Abstract An argument is given for the possibility that differing isotope masses for anions in ionic crystals cause a sizeable effect in defect production.