cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Revision of Clusia L. Section Cochlanthera (Choisy) Engler

At an earlier time I published (Maguire, 1958) a review of the Section Cochlanthera of the genus Clusia L., admitting there five species. Now, after further field work in Colombia, I present an updated revision of the section with the addition of two new species, bringing the total to seven.
Maze Made Easy: Better and easier measurement of incremental processing difficulty

Abstract Behavioral measures of incremental language comprehension difficulty form a crucial part of the empirical basis of psycholinguistics. The two most common methods for obtaining these measures have significant limitations: eye tracking studies are resource-intensive, and self-paced reading can yield noisy data with poor localization. These limitations are even more severe for web-based crowdsourcing studies, where eye tracking is infeasible and self-paced reading is vulnerable to inattentive participants. Here we make a case for broader adoption of the Maze task, involving sequential forced choice between each successive word in a sentence and a contextually inappropriate distractor. We leverage natural language processing technology to automate the most researcher-laborious part of Maze – generating distractor materials – and show that the resulting A(uto)-Maze method has dramatically superior statistical power and localization for well-established syntactic ambiguity resolution phenomena. We make our code freely available online for widespread adoption of A-maze by the psycholinguistics community.
In vino veritas, in aqua lucrum: Farmland investment, environmental uncertainty, and groundwater access in California’s Cuyama Valley

This paper explores the relationship between farmland investment and environmental uncertainty. It examines how farmland investors seek to “render land investible” (Li, Trans Inst Br Geographers 39:589–602, 2014) in spite of drought, groundwater depletion, and changing regulations. To do so, we analyze a single case study: the purchase of 8000 acres of dry rangeland in California’s Cuyama Valley by the Harvard University endowment for use in creating an irrigated vineyard. Drawing from interviews with Cuyama Valley farmers and community members, participant observation at community meetings, and public document analysis, we make two primary contributions to understandings of uncertain resource materiality in farmland investment. First, this case reveals that investors can turn environmental uncertainty into an advantage, exploiting both the temporal uncertainties associated with resource management under climate change and the spatial uncertainties inherent to all subsurface resources. We argue that the material and legal uncertainties of groundwater access provide investors with a potentially lucrative opening to assert their preferred land imaginaries and improve their property values. In the Cuyama Valley they did so through both participation in groundwater governance and the establishment of water-related infrastructure on their property. Second, this case highlights that the asset-making processes involved in farmland investment may be as much vertical as they are horizontal. The need to map and measure the uncertain vertical dimension of land creates an outsized role for scientific expertise in farmland assetization.
Discrimination between Functional and Non-functional Cellular Gag Complexes Involved in HIV-1 Assembly

HIV-1 Gag and Gag-Pol are responsible for viral assembly and maturation and represent a major paradigm for enveloped virus assembly. Numerous intracellular Gag-containing complexes (GCCs) have been identified in cellular lysates using sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. While these complexes are universally present in Gag-expressing cells, their roles in virus assembly are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that most GCC species are predominantly comprised of monomeric or dimeric Gag molecules bound to ribosomal complexes, and as such, are not on-pathway intermediates in HIV assembly. Rather, these GCCs represent a population of Gag that is not yet functionally committed for incorporation into a viable virion precursor. We hypothesize that these complexes act as a reservoir of monomeric Gag that can incorporate into assembling viruses, and serve to mitigate non-specific intracellular Gag oligomerization. We have identified a subset of large GCC complexes, comprising more than 20 Gag molecules, that may be equivalent to membrane-associated puncta previously shown to be bona fide assembling-virus intermediates. This work provides a clear rationale for the existence of diverse GCCs, and serves as the foundation for characterizing on-pathway intermediates early in virus assembly.
Internet Recruitment of a Diverse Population of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Nurses in a Study of Substance Use and Minority Stress.

IntroductionThere is a lack of lesbian, bisexual and gay (LGB)-focused nursing research, in part, because the population is traditionally difficult to access. This article explores the effectivenes...
Young adults perceive small disturbances to their walking balance even when distracted.

Abstract Background The ability to perceive disturbances to ongoing locomotion (e.g., slips and trips) may play an important role in walking balance control. However, how well young adults can perceive such disturbances is unknown. Research question The purpose of this study was to identify the perception threshold in young adults to subtle slip-like locomotor disturbances. Methods Subjects (n = 12) walked on a split-belt treadmill performing a perturbation discrimination task at their preferred walking speed while randomly experiencing locomotor balance disturbances every 8–12 strides. Balance disturbances were imposed through a short-duration decrease in velocity of a single treadmill belt triggered at heel-strike. The treadmill belt returned to the subject’s preferred walking speed during the subsequent swing phase. Locomotor disturbances were given with eight different velocity changes ranging from 0 to 0.4 m/s and were randomized and repeated 5 times. Subjects were prompted to respond when asked if they perceived each disturbance. Using a psychophysical approach, we determined the perception thresholds of slip-like locomotor disturbances (i.e., just noticeable difference). The perturbation discrimination task was repeated with subjects performing a secondary cognitive distraction (counting backward by threes). Results Subjects perceived small locomotor disturbances during both normal walking (dominant: 0.07 ± 0.03 m/s, non-dominant: 0.08 ± 0.03 m/s) and while performing the secondary cognitive task (dominant: 0.08 ± 0.01 m/s, non-dominant: 0.09 ± 0.02 m/s). There was no significant difference between legs (p = 0.466), with the addition of the cognitive task (p = 0.08), or interaction between leg and task (p = 0.994). Significance The ability to perceive subtle slip-like locomotor disturbances was maintained even when performing a cognitively distracting task, suggesting that young adults can perceive very small locomotor disturbances.
NATO and Democracy

In the spring 2001 issue of International Security, Dan Reiter argues that NATO enlargement has not and will not "spread democracy" and is therefore not worth the risks and costs that it entails.' More intelligently argued and more thorough than the usual polemics on this subject, his thesis deserves careful consideration. Below, I attempt to show that Reiter has nevertheless misconstrued the argument in favor of enlargement and that a different conclusion should be drawn.
Prognostic significance of alterations in IDH enzyme isoforms in patients with AML treated with high-dose cytarabine and idarubicin

BACKGROUND: IDH1 and IDH2 gene mutations are novel, recurring molecular aberrations among patients with normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS: Among 358 patients with AML treated on 4 protocols using high-dose ara-C plus idarubicin induction, pretreatment samples were available for 170 (median age 53 years, [range, 17-73]; 96% ≤65) and were evaluated for IDH1R132, IDH2R172, and IDH2R140 mutations or the codon 105 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in IDH1. RESULTS: IDH1 and IDH2 mutations were present in 12 (7%) and 24 (14%) of patients, and IDH1 G105 SNP in 24 (14%). Overall, 52 (30%) patients had IDH gene alterations. There was no association with complete response (CR), remission duration, overall survival, and event-free survival and any of the IDH alterations, and no association with a higher CR rate or survival with the 4 regimens for the 52 patients with aberrant IDH. Among the patients with diploid karyotype and NPM1mutFLT3WTgenotype, those with IDH1 or IDH2 mutations had an inferior outcome. CONCLUSIONS: IDH aberrations and IDH1 codon 105 SNP occur in about 30% of younger patients with AML, mostly with diploid karyotype. Using high-dose ara-C-based induction regimens, we did not detect an association with outcome for any of the aberrations. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Filaria-Induced Immune Evasion: Suppression by the Infective Stage of Brugia malayi at the Earliest Host-Parasite Interface

To assess the physiologic interactions between the infective stage of Brugia malayi--one of the extracellular parasites responsible for lymphatic filariasis in humans--and the APC with which they come in contact during their development and routes of travel, we have investigated the interaction between the infective stage (L3) of B. malayi and human Langerhans cells (LC) in the skin. Our data indicate that live L3 result in increased migration of LC from the epidermis without affecting the viability of these cells and up-regulation of the IL-18 cytokine involved in LC migration. Live L3 also result in down-regulation of MHC class I and II on the LC cell surface. Additionally, microarray data indicate that live L3 significantly down-regulated expression of IL-8 as well as of multiple genes involved in Ag presentation, reducing the capacity of LC to induce CD4(+) T cells in allogeneic MLR, and thus resulting in a decreased ability of LC to promote CD4(+) T cell proliferation and production of IFN-gamma and IL-10. These data suggest that L3 exert a down-regulatory response in epidermal LC that leads to a diminished capacity of these cells to activate CD4(+) T cells.
Ultrasound Tomography by Galerkin or Moment Methods

Ultrasound B-scan imaging is now a well established and valuable clinical tool. Improvements in transducer arrays and microprocessor controls have led to the development of real-time linear and sector scanners which produce images of remarkable clarity and resolution compared with B-scanners of only a few years ago. Further improvements in B-scan images are predicted to occur as larger transducers, apertures and improved dynamic focusing methods are employed. The use of Doppler ultrasound alone or in combination with real-time B-scan imaging is expected to increase in importance as the clinical significance of high resolution Doppler images is appreciated.
Clinical pharmacokinetics of nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system: A controlled-release formulation of nifedipine

The pharmacokinetics of nifedipine following intravenous administration can be represented by an open two-compartment model with a terminal elimination half-life of about two hours. Nifedipine is extensively biotransformed to inactive metabolites, and the total body clearance (450 to 700 ml/minute) is primarily due to hepatic metabolism. Nifedipine undergoes significant tissue distribution in that the steady-state volume of distribution (0.62 to 0.77 liter/kg) is more than twice the volume of distribution of the central compartment (0.25 to 0.29 liter/kg). Although nifedipine is almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, oral bioavailability ranges from 45 to 68 percent because of first-pass metabolism. Nifedipine given three times daily shows no accumulation in plasma and no changes in pharmacokinetic behavior during a one-week study period. Pharmacokinetic studies on the gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) show that the bioavailability of the GITS dosage form (relative to the capsule) is about 65 percent after a single dose, but increases to about 86 percent at steady-state because of residual absorption more than 24 hours after dosing. Linear pharmacokinetics are seen following administration of single oral doses of nifedipine GITS as indicated by dose-proportional increases in the area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve over the range of 30 to 180 mg. Administration of the GITS dosage form in the presence of food slightly increases the rate of drug absorption, but does not influence the extent of drug bioavailability. Dose-dumping has not been observed, even with dosing after a meal containing a high level of fat. The GITS tablets provide zero-order delivery of nifedipine, and drug absorption persists beyond the dosing interval of 24 hours. Thus, the GITS dosage form will permit once-a-day dosing and maintain the desired, constant plasma drug concentration with minimal fluctuation.
ROLES OF THE FOUR ARS REGIONAL WHEAT QUALITY LABORATORIES IN U.S. WHEAT QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

ABSTRACT Wheat quality improvement begins with breeding. Important traits targeted in wheat breeding include both agronomic and end-use quality. The current U.S. Standards categorize wheat into eight basic classes based on color, hardness, and growing season. Each wheat class is traditionally grown in a specific region in the U.S. The USDA-ARS Regional Wheat Quality Laboratories (RWQLs) were established by an Act of Congress: the Soft Wheat Quality Lab in 1936, the Hard Winter Wheat Quality Lab in 1937, the Western Wheat Quality Lab in 1946, and the Hard Red Spring & Durum Wheat Quality Lab in 1963. All four RWQLs have common missions: work with breeders to improve U.S. wheat by testing end-use quality of experimental breeding lines, develop reliable small-scale tests for evaluating early generation breeding lines, perform research on the contribution of flour biochemical components to observed differences in end-use quality, conduct research on molecular-genetic bases of quality, and develop rapid and objective prediction models for end-use quality. All four RWQLs focus primarily on the public (university and USDA-ARS) breeding lines and some private breeding lines. Over 95% of U.S. wheat released cultivars have been evaluated at one of the RWQLs. Therefore, the RWQLs have made paramount contributions to U.S. wheat quality improvements for all wheat classes. This presentation will describe the activity of each RWQL.
"How Science Survived"--Medieval Manuscripts as Fossils

Ancient texts often survived from Antiquity through the Middle Ages in the form of copies made by dedicated monks before the arrival of the printing press in the 15th century A.D.; some of these texts are still in existence today. But how can we estimate the numbers of texts that survived or went extinct and consequently the amount of knowledge that we have inherited from the past? As biologist Gilman and historian Glaze discuss in their fascinating Perspective, a new study by Cisne helps to solve the problem by linking the paleodemography of ancient and medieval texts to population dynamics. By considering a series of extant medieval scientific manuscripts as "fossils" of early textual populations and applying models from population biology, Cisne calculates the size and age-distributions of certain scientific texts.
Synthesis of platelet SrTiO/sub 3/ by epitaxial growth on Sr/sub 3/Ti/sub 2/O/sub 7/ core particles

A method for synthesis of platelet seeds by epitaxial growth of SrTiO/sub 3/ on Sr/sub 3/Ti/sub 2/O/sub 7/ core particles is reported. The aim of this study was to control the morphology, particle size, phase and chemical purity of SrTiO/sub 3/ seeds. Strontium titanate seeds will be used as templates in layered manufacturing to grow large lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) crystals within a polycrystalline matrix. Anisometric single crystal particles of Sr/sub 3/Ti/sub 2/O/sub 7/ were synthesized in molten KCl salt at 1200-1300/spl deg/C. Plate-like morphology with a high aspect ratio of 7-10 was obtained. The XRD and SEM revealed a well-developed single crystal structure with rectangular faces. The plate-like Sr/sub 3/Ti/sub 2/O/sub 7/ particles were then reacted with TiO/sub 2/ in a second molten salt synthesis to prepare SrTiO/sub 3/. Platelet SrTiO/sub 3/ particles with rectangular faces having an edge length of 10-40 /spl mu/m and a thickness of 1-4 /spl mu/m were obtained. The effects of processing steps on the morphology, particles size, and composition of the platelets are presented. The high aspect ratio SrTiO/sub 3/ platelets are suitable template candidates to achieve textured PMN-PT ceramics.
Pain control in first trimester surgical abortion.

Background First trimester abortions especially cervical dilation and suction aspiration are associated with pain, despite various methods of pain control. Objectives Compare different methods of pain control during first trimester surgical abortion. Search methods We searched multiple electronic databases with the appropriate key words, as well as reference lists of articles, and contacted professionals to seek other trials. Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials comparing methods of pain control in first trimester surgical abortion at less than 14 weeks gestational age using electric or manual suction aspiration. Outcomes included intra- and postoperative pain, side effects, recovery measures and satisfaction. Data collection and analysis Two reviewers independently extracted data. Meta-analysis results are expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) or Peto Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI). Main results We included forty studies with 5131 participants. Due to heterogeneity we divided studies into 7 groups: Local anesthesia: Data was insufficient to show a clear benefit of a paracervical block (PCB) compared to no PCB or a PCB with bacteriostatic saline. Pain scores during dilation and aspiration were improved with deep injection (WMD -1.64 95% CI -3.21 to -0.08; WMD 1.00 95% CI 1.09 to 0.91), and with adding a 4% intrauterine lidocaine infusion (WMD -2.0 95% CI -3.29 to -0.71, WMD -2.8 95% CI -3.95 to -1.65 with dilation and aspiration respectively). PCB with premedication: Ibuprofen and naproxen resulted in small reduction of intra- and post-operative pain. Analgesia: Diclofenac-sodium did not reduce pain. Conscious sedation: The addition of conscious intravenous sedation using diazepam and fentanyl to PCB decreased procedural pain. General anesthesia (GA): Conscious sedation increased intraoperative but decreased postoperative pain compared to GA (Peto OR 14.77 95% CI 4.91 to 44.38, and Peto OR 7.47 95% CI 2.2 to 25.36 for dilation and aspiration respectively, and WMD 1.00 95% CI 1.77 to 0.23 postoperatively). Inhalation anesthetics are associated with increased blood loss (p<0.001). GA with premedication: The COX 2 inhibitor etoricoxib, the non-selective COX inhibitors lornoxicam, diclofenac and ketorolac IM, and the opioid nalbuphine were improved postoperative pain. Non-pharmacological intervention: Listening to music decreased procedural pain. No major complication was observed. Authors' conclusions Conscious sedation, GA and some non-pharmacological interventions decreased procedural and postoperative pain, while being safe and satisfactory to patients. Data on the widely used PCB is inadequate to support its use, and it needs to be further studied to determine any benefit.
Density estimation by entropy maximization with kernels

The estimation of a probability density function is one of the most fundamental problems in statistics. The goal is achieving a desirable balance between flexibility while maintaining as simple a form as possible to allow for generalization, and efficient implementation. In this paper, we use the maximum entropy principle to achieve this goal and present a density estimator that is based on two types of approximation. We employ both global and local measuring functions, where Gaussian kernels are used as local measuring functions. The number of the Gaussian kernels is estimated by the minimum description length criterion, and the parameters are estimated by expectation maximization and a new probability difference measure. Experimental results show the flexibility and desirable performance of this new method.
The pi-Calculus as a Theory in Linear Logic: Preliminary Results

The agent expressions of the π-calculus can be translated into a theory of linear logic in such a way that the reflective and transitive closure of π-calculus (unlabeled) reduction is identified with “entailedby”. Under this translation, parallel composition is mapped to the multiplicative disjunct (“par”) and restriction is mapped to universal quantification. Prefixing, non-deterministic choice (+), replication (!), and the match guard are all represented using non-logical constants, which are specified using a simple form of axiom, called here a process clause. These process clauses resemble Horn clauses except that they may have multiple conclusions; that is, their heads may be the par of atomic formulas. Such multiple conclusion clauses are used to axiomatize communications among agents. Given this translation, it is nature to ask to what extent proof theory can be used to understand the meta-theory of the π-calculus. We present some preliminary results along this line for πo, the “propositional” fragment of the π-calculus, which lacks restriction and value passing (πo is a subset of CCS). Using ideas from proof-theory, we introduce co-agents and show that they can specify some testing equivalences for πo. If negation-as-failure-to-prove is permitted as a co-agent combinator, then testing equivalence based on co-agents yields observational equivalence for πo. This latter result follows from observing that co-agents directly represent formulas in the Hennessy-Milner modal logic.
Wind induced composition effects at high latitudes

With the diffusive separation of the upper atmosphere horizontal motions lead to horizontal differentiation in composition. Thermally driven winds effectively transport the lighter and minor species from the warmer toward the cooler regions on the globe. Due to the abundance of atomic oxygen a back pressure develops which significantly dampens the wind velocities and increases the temperature contrast. During summer and under magnetically disturbed conditions, the observed large temperature enhancements and depletions in 0 and He are prominent manifestations of these processes at polar latitudes. As a feedback mechanism, advective mass transport completely changes the “primary” composition effects induced by eddy diffusion. Owing to the rotational nature of EXB momentum coupling its signature in composition is comparatively weak, and clearly distinguishable from the effects of Joule dissipation.
Interaction of Cardiovascular Reflexes in Circulatory Control

The sections in this article are: 1 Determinants of Neurogenic Control 2 Definitions 2.1 Cardiovascular Reflex Arc 2.2 Open-Loop Versus Closed-Loop Response 2.3 Types of Interactions 3 Central Nervous System Substrate 3.1 Medullary Nuclei 3.2 Hypothalamus and Cardiovascular Control 3.3 Inferior Olive: Suppression of Baroreflex 3.4 Cerebellar Control: Hypothalamic and Baroreceptor Interactions 3.5 Suprabulbar and Cortical Connections 3.6 Sleep and Sinoaortic Reflexes 3.7 Respiratory Influences on Baroreceptor Control of Vagal Neurons 3.8 Spinal Preganglionic Sympathetic Neurons 3.9 Medullary Preganglionic Vagal Neurons to Heart 3.10 Neuropeptides: Regulation of Arterial Pressure 3.11 Brain Amines: Reflex Control 4 Cardiovascular Reflexes that Might Interact 4.1 Sinoaortic Baroreflexes 4.2 Cardiac Receptors With Afferent Vagal Fibers 4.3 Cardiac Receptors With Afferent Sympathetic Fibers 4.4 Reflexes Originating From Chemoreceptor Stimulation 4.5 Reflexes Originating in Lung 4.6 Reflexes Originating In Skeletal Muscle During Exercise 4.7 Reflexes Originating From Facial and Upper Airway Receptors: Diving Reflex 4.8 Vestibulocerebellar Reflexes 5 Interaction of Specific Reflexes in Autonomic Control of Circulation 5.1 Selectivity and Nonuniformity of Autonomic Control When One Sensory Afferent Input is Activated or Withdrawn 5.2 Simultaneously Activating Sensory Stimuli 5.3 Redundancy in Baroreceptor Control of Preganglionic Neurons 5.4 Sensitizing Sensory Receptors and Modulating Efferent Sympathetic Neurotransmission 5.5 Regulating Renin and Vasopressin 6 Clinical Implications 6.1 Integrated Neural Responses to Myocardial Ischemia and Infarction 6.2 Interaction of Reflexes in Heart Failure 6.3 Reflex Interactions in Hypertension 7 Conclusion
On the computer-based design analysis for the flexibly jointed frames

Abstract The paper presents a computer-based method that can be easily applied to design practice for steel building frames with flexible joints using small computers. In this development, special attention is paid to the efficient use of computer capacity, and to the simplicity in formulation of the analytical procedures without losing the numerical stability and accuracy of a rigorous solution.
Anticoagulation in patients with heart failure and normal sinus rhythm

Purpose. The evidence evaluating the risk of thrombosis and the efficacy and risk of anticoagulation in patients with systolic heart failure (HF) and normal sinus rhythm is reviewed. Summary. Although a subject of investigation for over 50 years, use of anticoagulation in patients with HF remains an area of controversy and clinical debate. While early studies reported variable thromboembolism rates in HF (1.9–42.4 events per 100 patient years), the annual rate from larger and more recent trials ranged from 1% to 3%. The trials evaluating the role of oral anticoagulants to reduce thromboembolism and mortality outcomes in patients with a reduced ejection fraction (EF) have provided ambiguous results. Early studies and post hoc analyses of large clinical trials have demonstrated a reduction in thromboembolic events, risk of stroke, and mortality. In contrast, recent underpowered prospective controlled studies found no benefit in the use of warfarin in patients with systolic HF and normal sinus rhythm. The low-to-moderate risk of thromboembolism in patients with HF and the questionable benefit of anticoagulation need to be weighed against the potential for hemorrhagic complications caused by this therapy. The available data collectively suggest that the risk of using warfarin in patients with reduced EF may outweigh any possible benefit, if one exists at all. Conclusion. Anticoagulation therapy in patients with HF and normal sinus rhythm is not supported by the limited evidence. The benefits of anticoagulation in such patients may not compensate for the relatively high risk of major bleeding caused by the treatment.
Gas−Liquid Chromatographic Study of the Solution Thermodynamics of Hydroxylic Derivatives in Selected Polymeric Liquids

Applications of gas chromatography have been enhanced through conversion of many chemical compounds to derivatives with suitable reagents. This study measured retention volumes of a number of hydroxylic derivatives in polymeric stationary phases. A number of alkanes and aromatics were included in the study for comparison with the derivatives. The stationary phases include a poly(dimethylsiloxane), a poly(methylphenylsiloxane), a poly[methyl(trifluoropropyl)siloxane], and a methoxy poly(ethylene oxide). The selected derivatives were acetates, trimethylsilyl ethers, trifluroroacetates, and pentafluoropropionates. The hydroxylic compounds included butyl alcohol, cyclohexanol, and m- and p-methylphenols; n-butyl tert-butyl ether was included for comparison with n-butyl trimethylsilyl ether. The effects of derivatizing groups on the interaction parameter were considered as a summation of hydrocarbon core and derivative groups. Linear free energy relationships were identified for n-alkanes, aromatics, and n-but...
In situ Raman spectroscopic identification of rust formation in Evans' droplet experiments

Abstract The rust that forms in classical Evans' droplet experiments has not been previously identified experimentally. This study uses in situ Raman spectroscopy to characterize the rust in Evans' droplet experiments, which showed results against those recorded in textbooks. It was found that the rust formed in the central anodic pitting area was green rust, while the rust clusters precipitated in between the pitting area and the peripheral cathodic area was lepidocrocite.
A hybrid electromagnetic-acoustic levitator for the containerless processing of undercooled melts

The hybrid, acoustic-EM levitator discussed provides a small lifting force independently of its EM component by exciting an acoustic resonance that serves as a pressure node at the position of the EM-levitated specimen. The system also stabilizes and damps chaotic oscillations during specimen positioning, and can excite forced oscillations of levitated molten metals for drop-physics and thermophysical property measurements. Attention is given to the character and function of the atmosphere in the levitator. Noncontact temperature measurement is via single-color optical pyrometer.
Growth and transport properties of multilayer superconducting films of Nd1.83Ce0.17CuOx/YBa2Cu3O7-delta

Strained multilayer thin films of YBa2Cu3O76/Nd1.83Ceo.i7CuO have been prepared by laser ablation deposition. For individual layers below a critical layer thickness of about 250A, coherency strain compresses the Nd1.83Ceo.17CuO lattice and expands the YBa2Cu3O75 lattice. The orthorhombic distortion in the YBa2Cu3O75 layers is also removed. Depending on their oxygen content, either the YBa2Cu3O75, or the Nd1.83Ce0.17CuO layers are superconducting in these multilayers. The strain-induced structural modification has a significant influence on the superconducting transition temperature and critical current density of the YBa2Cu3O75 layers. Zero field critical current densities as high as 1.lxlO7A/cm2 at 77K have been measured for the YBa2Cu3O7 -, layers.
Modern trends in asic: mixing technologies

Abstract ASICs are about to become one of the dominant products of the electronic industry, determining the progress of specific technologies. This paper describes recent developments in manufacturing, design and software driven by ASICs. Under the pressure of continuously increasing integration levels, the possibility of integrating systems on a chip is closer. In response to system needs, the common characteristic of the ASIC trends is the capability to mix different technologies on a single chip.
Probability of signaled reinforcement in multiple variable-interval schedules

After responding was maintained on multiple variable-interval schedules of reinforcement, a signaling procedure was added to one component. The signaling procedure consisted of illuminating the key, the only source of illumination in the chamber, only when responding would be reinforced (probability of signaled reinforcement equals 1.00). Rate of responding in the unchanged component increased. When an equal number of “unreinforced” signals were added to the existing schedule (probability of signaled reinforcement equals.50), responding in the unchanged component increased further for two birds. Obtained rates of reinforcement were equal throughout the experiment.
A REVISED PROCEDURE FOR THE CAPACITY ANALYSIS OF BASIC FREEWAY SECTIONS

Abstract As part of a contract sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, the authors developed a set of updated and revised procedures for the capacity analysis of basic freeway segments. These procedures update and revise the material in Chap. 9 of the 1965 Highway Capacity Manual, based upon the results of research and studies in the subject which have taken place since the manual's publication. Revised material includes new Level of Service criteria, revised truck equivalents, and new equivalents for recreational vehicles.
Municipal information models and federated software architecture for implementing integrated infrastructure management environments

Abstract Infrastructure systems typically comprise complex and highly interdependent networks, and therefore, the need to adopt integrated approaches to infrastructure management is widely recognized. However, successful implementation of such approaches largely depends on the ability to integrate and share disparate data and software resources distributed across different departments and, possibly, organizations. The development of integrated information models and software environments in various infrastructure domains, the key enablers for realizing the desired integration, are currently becoming the focus of many research efforts. This paper describes the development of integrated municipal information models, based on ISO spatial data standards, to support efficient data integration, sharing, and management. It also presents a federated multi-tier reference architecture to facilitate the development and deployment of integrated infrastructure management environments (IIME). Implementation of a prototype IIME that integrates heterogeneous data sources and applications into an open, coherent, and interoperable environment is also discussed. The prototype environment integrated a number of distributed data sources and applications to support several processes typically conducted within municipal sewer and water departments.
An Intensity-Scale Monochromatic Sensitometer*

A working model of a monochromatic sensitometer covering the wave-length region from 3500 to 11,000A has been built. Monochromatic radiation used for exposure is obtained from a double monochromator employing transmission replica gratings as the dispersing elements. The intensity of this radiation is measured with a thermopile. Intensity-scale exposures upon the photographic material result from the use of a specially designed intermittent intensity-scale sector wheel. The same time of exposure is employed at all wave-lengths, and therefore the spectral sensitivity curve derived from the intensity-scale characteristic curves is independent of any reciprocity law failure which the emulsion may exhibit.
How Well do Measures of Ability Predict Judicial Performance?: A Case Study Using Securities Class Actions

Diverse measures are used as proxies for judicial ability, ranging from the college and law school a judge attended to the rate at which her decisions are cited by other judges. Yet, there has been little serious examination of which of these ability measures is better or worse at predicting the quality of judicial performance - including the management and disposition of cases. In this article, we attempt to evaluate these measures of ability by examining a rich group of performance indicators. Our innovation is to derive performance measures from judicial decisions other than case outcomes (which are inherently difficult to evaluate): the decisions to preside over a securities class action, to reject a motion for lead plaintiff, to dismiss the complaint with prejudice, and to reject a request for fees. In each case, an affirmative decision requires more work from the judge, and thus may be an indicator that the judge works hard and, all else equal, performs well. Using a database of securities class action cases, we find that judges who publish frequently and are highly cited are more likely to dismiss with prejudice but no more likely to make the hard choice in the other cases. Other proxies for judicial ability (attended top law school, judicial experience, earlier position as judge, prior private practice, heavy business caseload, and senior status) are more mixed.
Effects of verapamil on the abnormalities in fatty acid oxidation of myocardium.

Effects of verapamil on the abnormalities in fatty acid oxidation of myocardium. The oxidation of long (LCFA) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) by myocardial mitochondria is impaired in CRF due to reduced activity of carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) and of enzymes in the β-oxidation sequence in mitochondrial matrix. It was proposed that PTH, through its ability to augment entry of calcium into cells, enhances calcium uptake by the myocardium leading to calcium accumulation which in turn affects mitochondrial function. A calcium channel blocker may therefore correct these derangements. The present study examined the effects of verapamil on LCFA and SCFA oxidation and on CPT activity of myocardial mitochondria and on 45 Ca uptake by, and calcium content of, myocardium obtained from CRF rats and rats treated with PTH, with and without administration of verapamil. Both four days of PTH administration and 21 days of CRF produced significant (P 45 Ca uptake by, and content of, the myocardium. Simultaneous administration of verapamil reversed all these derangements. Administration of verapamil alone to normal rats for 4 or 21 days did not cause significant changes in these parameters. The results of our studies are consistent with the notion that the alterations in myocardial oxidation of LCFA and SCFA in CRF or after PTH treatment are related to PTH-induced calcium accumulation in the heart, and could be reversed by a calcium channel blocker. The data could provide a rational therapeutic approach for the management of uremic myocardi-opathy.
Cortagine: Behavioral and Autonomic Function of the Selective CRF Receptor Subtype 1 Agonist

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a neuropeptide and mediating component of neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral processes associated with the stress response. The two receptor subtypes identified in the mammalian brain, CRF receptor subtype 1 (CRF1) and CRF2, are suggested to differentially modulate these processes. Manipulation of these receptors with selective CRF compounds and transgenic models has revealed, in most studies, a clear potentiation of the stress response through central activation of CRF1. However, pharmacological activation of CRF restricted to CRF1 has been limited by the availability of selective peptidic compounds. Recently, a highly selective CRF1 agonist, cortagine, has been developed. It was synthesized from chimeric intermediate sequences of ovine CRF, sauvagine, and human/rat CRF into a highly soluble peptide with strong affinity for CRF1 (IC(50) 500 nM). Affinity for the CRF binding protein (IC(50) > 1,000 nM) can be abolished by the addition of a glutamate residue on position 21 of the cortagine peptide sequence. Cortagine has recently been tested in a variety of preclinical models of behavior including the elevated-plus-maze (EPM), forced swim test (FST), homecage, and rat exposure test (RET). Preliminary characterization in the EPM and FST suggested that this compound elicits anxiogenic and antidepressant-like effects, respectively. Additional testing in the homecage and RET, which targets various elements of behavior, directs to a more potent anxiogenic profile of cortagine. In this review, we discuss the behavioral findings and the tests used to measure these effects. Finally, we also discuss preliminary findings of autonomic activation obtained by central injection of cortagine that support CRF1 involvement in the modulation of heart rate and heart rate variability.
Theory of the Quantum-Beat Laser

A theory of the quantum-beat laser is developed using a general Fokker-Planck approach. An explicit expression for the diffusion coefficient for the relative phase angle of the two modes is derived. It is shown that the diffusion coefficient can vanish under certain conditions.
Objectivity as Independence Creating the Society of Environmental Journalists, 1989-1997

After its founding in the United States in 1989, the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) grew rapidly, despite self-imposed limits put in place to protect what members believed to be an impo...
Ultraviolet radiation and clouds: Couplings to tropospheric air quality

[1] Measurements of solar ultraviolet irradiance obtained by a Brewer spectrophotometer located in Chicago, Illinois, reveal a wavelength-dependent excess attenuation associated with cloudy skies beyond that expected from the column ozone amount. When each observation is expressed as a fraction of the irradiance that would have existed under clear skies, a quantity called the transmission ratio, values for a wavelength band near 305 nm are generally smaller than those for a band near 345 nm under dense cloud cover. Transmission ratios computed for wavelength bands near 310 nm and 315 nm lie in between those for the above wavelengths. The observations are consistent with absorption of radiation in the interstitial air of a cloud, while the magnitude and wavelength dependence are like those expected from ozone. A radiative transfer calculation shows that ozone amounts typical of the troposphere are accompanied by enhanced absorption when placed in a medium that is optically thick in scattering. This mechanism constitutes a coupling between tropospheric air quality and the attenuation of sunlight provided by cloudy skies in the chemically active ultraviolet portion of the spectrum.
How can we infer geography and history from gene frequencies

Abstract In principle, patterns of migration and historical branching events can be reconstructed from gene frequency data, but we still lack most of the techniques necessary to do this. This is a fairly clearly defined problem with a variety of interesting subcases. It appears likely to raise interesting mathematical and statistical questions. The amount of data potentially available is very large. The problem is reviewed in this paper, but no new solutions are proposed.
Radio number for trees

Let G be a connected graph with diameter diam(G). The radio number for G, denoted by rn(G), is the smallest integer k such that there exists a function f:V(G)->{0,1,2,...,k} with the following satisfied for all vertices u and v: |f(u)-f(v)|>=diam(G)-d"G(u,v)+1, where d"G(u,v) is the distance between u and v. We prove a lower bound for the radio number of trees, and characterize the trees achieving this bound. Moreover, we prove another lower bound for the radio number of spiders (trees with at most one vertex of degree more than two) and characterize the spiders achieving this bound. Our results generalize the radio number for paths obtained by Liu and Zhu.
State-federal diffusion and policy learning: From enterprise zones to empowerment zones

There is little empirical evidence on whether the federal government learns from policy experimentation in the states, the "laboratories of democracy. " Interviews with participants involved in formulating the federal Empowerment Zones/Enterprise Communities program offer evidence of limited policy learning from state enterprise zones. Respondents were aware of general trends and drew a few general conclusions, rather than borrowing from any particular state. None of the federal policymakers conducted an active search for information about the state zones, but state and federal organizations served as channels of information about the state programs. This finding suggests that such organizations assist state-federal diffusion as well as interstate diffusion of policy ideas.
Public Support for Attacking the “Root Causes” of Crime: The Impact of Egalitarian and Racial Beliefs

Abstract Based on a sample drawn from the 2000 American National Election Survey, we explore the sources of public support for policies aimed at punishing individual offenders as opposed to attacking the social structural sources of crime. The analysis revealed that support for attacking “root causes” was less pronounced among those who perceived crime rates to be rising and who were less educated, Southern, authoritarian, and unfavorable to welfare recipients. The data also suggested, however, that crime-policy views are embedded in the public's broader understandings about stratification and race in American society. Thus, individuals who more strongly held “egalitarian” beliefs were more supportive of policies that were structurally oriented, whereas those manifesting racial resentments were more likely to favor a more punitive, individualistic approach to crime reduction. These results indicate that, if left unaddressed, these underlying beliefs may serve to inhibit public acceptance of more progressi...
The Seiberg-Witten equations and four-manifolds with boundary

An early result by Donaldson says that if Z is closed and JZ is negative definite then JZ is isomorphic to some diagonal form 〈−1〉 ⊕ · · · ⊕ 〈−1〉. More generally one may ask which negative definite forms can occur if Z is allowed to have some fixed oriented rational homology sphere Y as boundary. The main purpose of the present paper is to apply the equations recently introduced by Seiberg and Witten [W] to prove a finiteness result about the definite forms associated to an arbitrary Y . It is useful to consider the more general situation where the boundary of Z is a disjoint union of rational homology spheres: ∂Z = Y1 ∪ · · · ∪ Yl. (Of course, ∪jYj and #jYj bound the same intersection forms, since the standard cobordism connecting them has no rational homology in dimension 2.) Let JZ = m〈−1〉 ⊕ JZ , where JZ has no elements of square −1. Note that
Retirement Migration and the Use of Services in Nonmetropolitan Counties1

A conceptual framework of need enabling and predisposing determinants of services utilization is employed in an analysis of the use of public services among recent inmigrants (N = 306) and longer-term residents (N = 323) age 60 and older in retirement-destination counties of the Middle-Atlantic region of the United States. Logistic regression is used to examine whether migration status affects use of an array of public services or whether migration transmits the effects of other selectivity factors such as age gender income and health status as indicators of need enabling and predisposing characteristics. Being an inmigrant predisposes use of recreation-oriented public services regardless of selectivity but other characteristics of older individuals rather than migration per se predict use of other public services. (EXCERPT)
Social Skills Assessment and Intervention with Children and Adolescents: Guidelines for Assessment and Training Procedures

Children who persistently exhibit social skills deficits experience both short and long-term negative consequences, and these negative consequences may often be precursors of more severe problems later in life. If untreated, researchers have indicated that social skills deficits in early childhood are relatively stable over time, related to poor academic performance and may be predictive of social adjustment problems and serious psychopathology in adolescence. Procedures for linking assessment and classification of social skills problems to treatments are briefly reviewed. A number of procedures have been identified as effective methods for treating social skills deficits. The myriad of procedures can be classified into three categories: (1) operant conditioning, (2) social learning, and (3) cognitive-behavioral procedures. In practice, behavioral rehearsal is often incorporated into treatments and most of the effective social skills interventions are combined procedures rather than a single technique. Gu...
A methodology for objectively evaluating error messages

Message quality is a critical factor in influencing user acceptance of a program product. Good error messages can reduce the time and cost to create and maintain software, as well as help users learn about the product. We have developed a methodology for conducting controlled usability evaluations of error messages. The Message Test Program is easily modified to adapt to different product situations, and messages can be evaluated even before working code exists. The Message Test Program can be used to test error messages for a batch product, as well as messages for an interactive product. It can also be used for stand-alone messages, for products that offer on-line help, or messages that provide additional information in a reference manual. Message testing enables us to objectively evaluate error messages and provide specific feedback about the difficulties users encounter and how error messages can be improved.