cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The association of nephrolithiasis with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract Background: There is a growing body of evidence regarding the association between cystic fibrosis (CF) and nephrolithiasis and the role that Oxalobacter formigenes may have in that association. Methods: We performed a MEDLINE search of "cystic fibrosis and nephrolithiasis" and " Oxalobacter formigenes ." Epidemiological and experimental evidence and possible mechanisms explaining the association were critically reviewed. Results: Of patients with CF, 3.0% to 6.3% are affected with nephrolithiasis, a percentage greater than that of age-matched controls without CF, in whom the rate is 1% to 2%. Studies have suggested possible mechanisms for the association, including hyperuricosuria, hyperoxaluria, primary defects in calcium handling caused by mutation of the CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR), hypocitraturia, and lack of colonization with O formigenes , an enteric oxalate-degrading bacterium. The absence of colonization could be related to frequent courses of antibiotics. Conclusion: Although the incidence of stones in patients with CF may be increased compared with controls without CF, many possible mechanisms are implicated. The relative contributions of these mechanisms remain uncertain. Future directions may include specific identification of lithogenic risks and therapy aimed at stone prevention in this population.
Real-time video of brain activation in human subjects using a non-invasive near-infrared tecnhique

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a potentially effective technique for non-invasive functional studies of the human brain. In this paper we demonstrate the feasibility of real time mapping of cerebral hemodynamics during brain activation.
Congestion, quality deterioration, and heterogeneous tastes

Abstract The problem of congestion is analyzed as a consumption externality in a model in which the market demand of consumers of facility services reflects heterogenous taste for congestion avoidance and individual willingness to pay is a function of the aggregate level of facility use. The analysis demonstrates that the Pareto optimal toll for facility use depends on the pattern by which congestion cost is distributed among facility users. In general, this optimal toll will deviate from that derived from the standard analysis.
The Dynamic Nature of Brønsted Acid Sites in Cu–Zeolites During NO x Selective Catalytic Reduction: Quantification by Gas-Phase Ammonia Titration

Bronsted acid sites on Cu-exchanged zeolites can be titrated selectively using gaseous ammonia when NH3 saturation steps are followed by protocols that remove Lewis acid-bound and physisorbed NH3, such as purging in flowing wet helium at 433 K. NH3 titrates all H+ sites on small-pore chabazite zeolites (SSZ-13) and leads to the complete disappearance of infrared stretches for Bronsted acidic OH groups after saturation (433 K), in contrast with larger n-propylamine titrants that access only a small fraction (<0.25) of H+ sites on SSZ-13 under conditions sufficient to titrate all H+ sites on medium-pore ZSM-5 zeolites (323 K, 2 h). NH3 titration of the residual H+ sites present in Cu-exchanged SSZ-13 samples (Si/Al = 4.5, Cu/Al = 0–0.20) after oxidative treatments detects two fewer H+ sites per exchanged Cu2+ ion, as expected to maintain framework charge neutrality. NH3 titrants detect only one fewer H+ site (per Cu) after Cu-SSZ-13 samples undergo a reductive treatment in flowing NO and NH3 (473 K), however, indicating that each Cu2+ cation reduces to form a Cu+ and H+ site pair. In the context of low temperature (473 K) selective catalytic reduction (SCR) on high aluminum Cu-SSZ-13, we discuss the different mechanistic roles of residual H+ sites that remain after Cu2+ exchange, whose primary function appears to be NH3 storage, and of proximal H+ sites that are generated in situ upon Cu2+ reduction, whose role is to stabilize reactive NH4 + intermediates involved in the standard SCR oxidation half-cycle. We highlight how gaseous NH3 titrants can selectively count H+ sites on small-pore, Cu-exchanged zeolites and, in doing so, enable probing the dynamic nature of active sites and catalytic surfaces during SCR redox cycles.
Response of rainbow trout to source and level of supplemental dietary methionine

1. 1. Methionine and total sulfur amino acid (TSAA) requirements of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were investigated by feeding graded isosulfurous levels of l- and dl-methionine, l-cystine, and the free acid and calcium forms of methionine hydroxy analog (MHA). 2. 2. Added cystine did not promote growth, survival or prevent cataracts. 3. 3. l-methionine produced fastest growth, followed by dl-methionine, CaMHA and free acid MHA. 4. 4. Trout fed CaMHA gained 85.7 and 92.3% as much as those fed l-methionine and dl-methionine. 5. 5. Within each experiment, the level of L-methionine isomer that prevented cataracts was constant (1.86 g/100g protein in experiment (1), 1.45 in experiment (2) and was lower than for maximum growth (2.89 and 2.15 g) regardless of methionine source.
What's in the air? Preliminary analyses of Hawaiian airborne algae and land plant spores reveal a diverse and abundant flora

The airborne algae of Oahu, Hawaii was studied along a transect crossing from the leeward to the windward side of the Koolau Mountain Range in summer 2013. Algae were collected on agarized medium in petri dishes from a car window as the vehicle drove from Honolulu to Kailua, Oahu, through an elevation gradient of > 360 m and a rainfall gradient of c. 900–3150 mm yr−1. Light microscopy and molecular methods [18S ribosomal (r)RNA gene, 16S rRNA gene, and UPA sequences] were used to characterize a total of 97 operational taxonomic units from the transect. The airborne algal flora of the transect was dominated by cyanobacteria, followed by chlorophycean green algae, diatoms, and ferns and liverworts. This study is the first in Hawaii to incorporate molecular techniques into the identification of airborne algae.
From Anthropology to Human Geography: Human Terrain and the Evolution of Operational Sociocultural Understanding

Human terrain is a complicated term. It has been plagued with controversy in recent years stemming from US Army implementations in the Middle East. This paper reviews the history of human terrain in three forms: as a human behavioral concept, a conflict based application, and a multidisciplinary area of research. It investigates the history of the term and its evolution from anthropological foundations to human geography and geospatial intelligence. Recommendations are given and practices are suggested to gain knowledge and understanding of people that can assist in helping in hazardous situations and avoiding conflict.
High-throughput architecture for H.264/AVC CABAC encoding and decoding system

This paper presents a high-throughput and low-cost context adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC) codec for H.264/AVC High and Main Profile. We analyze the similarities between CABAC encoding and decoding algorithms and propose an efficient pipeline architecture to accelerate their operations. A binary arithmetic unit is designed elaborately which integrates the three engines regular, bypass and terminate for the encoder and decoder by taking advantage of hardware sharing. The proposed CABAC codec is already integrated in a H.264 hardware core and is able to achieve real-time decoding for H.264/AVC High Profile HD level 4.1. The implemented design can operate at 265MHz with 39.2k gate count under 0.18μm silicon technology.
A visual display of sociotechnical data

Can visualization bring entangled social and technical relationships into sharper view for the broad range of professionals who study, design, or operate within complex human-machine systems? This interactive project demonstrates how visual tools can illuminate the changing meaning and importance of human presence in remote or autonomous operations. Using historical data sets from the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing, the project presents opportunities and challenges in the visual display of sociotechnical data: integrating qualitative and quantitative sources, flattening data into graphics without losing interpretive depth, using a visual composition to tell non-linear stories. It introduces a timely and long-term endeavor, the development of a visual language and interface connecting researchers, designers, and operators in the study of human-machine teams.
Payer status: the unspoken triage criterion.

Background: The cost of uncompensated trauma care is a significant barrier to trauma system development. Trauma center designation may burden an institution with an unprofitable mix of underinsured, severely injured patients. Concerns about inadequate reimbursement may motivate interhospital transfers on the basis of insurance status rather than medical necessity, potentially undermining the effectiveness of the system. We set out to explore whether this phenomenon exists in a mature trauma system. Methods: Trauma patients receiving definitive care at Level III or IV trauma centers were compared with patients transferred from these centers to the only Level I regional center. Insurance status was classified as either commercial or noncommercial. Logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictors of transfer after adjusting for differences in injury severity. Results: Only 12% of 2,008 patients initially evaluated at Level III/IV centers were transferred to the Level I center, an indicator of the effectiveness of prehospital triage protocols in the region. The presence of specific complex injuries, younger age, male gender, and insurance status were all associated with an increased likelihood of transfer. Insurance status was an independent predictor of transfer: patients without commercial insurance were 2.4 (95% confidence interval, 1.6-3.6) times more likely to be transferred to a Level I facility than patients with commercial insurance after adjusting for differences in injury severity. Conclusion: Insurance status influences the decision to transfer to higher levels of care. These findings suggest that the financial burden of a trauma system may be inequitably distributed. This inequitable distribution may be necessary for trauma system sustainability and calls for the development of disproportionate reimbursement strategies to support regional referral centers.
A constitutive model for isotropic, porous, elastic-viscoplastic metals

Abstract A complete rate and temperature dependent constitutive model for the high temperature deformation of isotropic, moderately porous metallic materials is formulated. The essential new feature of the constitutive model is a new potential function for the viscoplastic stretching. This viscoplastic potential contains one undetermined scalar valued function of the material strain rate sensitivity and the volume fraction of voids. The form of this function is determined by fitting certain predictions from the model to results obtained from full finite element periodic unit cell calculations of initially spherical holes in a viscoplastic medium. Finite element calculations are carried out for two sets of material constants, one representing the highly rate dependent behaviour of a real material (Fe-2%Si) under hot-working conditions, and the other representing the rate independent limit of a perfectly plastic material. The fit of the new potential to the finite element calculations for a large range of void volume fractions and stress triaxialties is shown to be very good. It is also shown that the predictions from the potential proposed in this paper are in better agreement with the numerical unit cell calculations than the predictions from other existing models in the literature. The constitutive model presented here should find use in modeling hot workability of metals, and also in modeling the late stages of densification of metallic powders by hot isostatic pressing.
A direct fracture toughness model for irradiated reactor vessel weld material based on reference temperature

Abstract The master curve method has opened a new means to acquire a directly measured material-specific fracture toughness curve based on testing a small number of replicate specimens. This process enables, for the first time, the construction of a material-specific fracture toughness curve for an irradiated material directly from fracture tests. Currently, only an inferred fracture model is available through a combination of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and a regulatory guide from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This approach uses the fracture toughness curve of a generic, unirradiated reactor vessel steel that is shifted by a reference temperature ( RT NDT ) based on Charpy impact test data. The master curve method yields a key material parameter called reference temperature, T 0 , which indicates the location of the transition range fracture toughness curve on the temperature axis. When a small number of pre-cracked Charpy specimens were tested at several different fluence levels, the material specific reference temperatures can be shown as a function of fluence. One such model for the WF-70 weld material is presented in this paper. The irradiated specimen data and analyses from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the B&W Owners Group (B&WOG) are utilized for this model. This model is based on fracture toughness data, independent of Charpy impact energy levels, percent shear, and most importantly, material properties of unirradiated condition.
Reproducing gender in public places: Adults' attention to toddlers in three public locales

Adults of different sex interact differently with toddlers. In home and laboratory, fathers/adult males are the primary agents of sex typing and mothers/adult females are the primary caretakers, especially in the managerial aspects of child care. Little is known about the public display of childcare. Observations were made of 1588 adults (794 males and 794 females) and 1122 toddlers at: 1) a zoo, 2) an amusement park featuring rides, and 3) a theme park based on nursery rhymes. The subjects were “family parties” of one adult male, one adult female and one or more toddler(s). Adult males were more likely to carry toddlers and adult females were more likely to push empty strollers. Location differences were minor, as were differences in the way male and female adults interacted with toddlers of different sex. There was a toddler-of-like-sex preference in “parent”-toddler interaction.
FORSTER TRANSFER RATES FOR CHLOROPHYLL a

— A convenient formula has been derived for the calculation of Forster transfer rates between chlorophyll a molecules. The formula is applicable over limited ranges of absorption maxima positions, Stokes' shifts, solvents, relative orientations and intermolecular distances. The limitations on the applicability of the Forster transfer model are discussed. Finally, some implications for in vivo energy transfer are considered.
Glutamate and Schizophrenia: Beyond the Dopamine Hypothesis

1. After 50 years of antipsychotic drug development focused on the dopamine D2 receptor, schizophrenia remains a chronic, disabling disorder for most affected individuals.
Ultra-violet carcinogenesis in albino and pigmented mice receiving furocoumarins: psoralen and 8-methoxypsoralen.

Ultra-Violet Carcinogenesis in Albino and Pigmented Mice Receiving Furocoumarins: Psoralen and 8-Methoxypsoralen
Effect of Semen Treatments and Age of Tom on Fertility of Unstored Semen and Semen Held 18 Hours

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of semen dilution, semen extender, and age of tom on the fertility of unstored semen and semen stored for 18 h at 5 C. In Experiment 1, semen was diluted 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2 with Beltsville poultry semen extender (BPSE) #2. In Experiment 2, semen was diluted 1:1 with either Lake’s extender, BPSE #2, or BPSE #1. In Experiment 3, the fertility of semen from males 30 to 45-wk-old (first reproductive cycle) was compared to semen from males 51 to 66-wk-old (second reproductive cycle). Identical experiments were conducted in the fall-winter (F-W) and in the spring-summer (S-S). All hens were inseminated with 250 million spermatozoa per dose three times prior to egg production, then weekly for 15 wk. Egg fertility was determined after 7 days of incubation. In all experiments there was a significant interaction between holding time and treatment (semen dilution ratio, semen extender, or age of tom). Fertility of stored semen diluted 1:2 in Experiment 1 was lower than stored semen diluted 2:1 or 1:1 regardless of time of year (season) the experiment was conducted. Fertility was affected by a significant interaction between season and semen dilution ratio. Fertility of semen from males in F-W was higher than semen from males in S-S (Experiment 1). Semen fertility was unaffected by season when comparisons were made between semen extenders (Experiment 2) or age of tom (Experiment 3). Fertility was affected by a significant interaction between season × holding time × age of tom.
Interconnections between substantia Nigra reticulata and medullary reticular formation

Injections of wheat germ agglutinin-HRP into the medullary reticular formation (MRf) or the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) revealed the presence of reciprocating fiber connections between the two areas. Large injections in the MRf demonstrated the existence of labeled neurons in the lateral portions of the SNr. Isolated injections into the parvocellular nuclei of the MRf resulted in the presence of terminal fields in the SNr particularly its lateral portions. Injections in the SNr resulted in the presence of labeled cells in the parvocellular nuclei. The significance of these findings is discussed in terms of oro-facial dyskinesias.
Predicting an Alcohol Use Disorder in Urban American Indian Youths

This study examines predictors of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) among an urban American Indian cohort who were followed from approximately age 11 to age 20. Approximately 27% of the sample had a lifetime diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence. The results indicated that externalizing, but not internalizing, behaviors, family conflict, and school liking served as significant predictors of an AUD. Neither having an alcoholic mother nor an alcoholic father was found to be significantly predictive of an alcohol use disorder at ages 19 and 20. Finally, early alcohol initiation was a substantial predictor of an AUD and acted as a partial mediator.
Selecting maximally informative genes

Microarray experiments are emerging as one of the main driving forces in modern biology. By allowing the simultaneous monitoring of the expression of the entire genome for a given organism, array experiments provide tremendous insight into the fundamental biological processes that translate genetic information. One of the major challenges is to identify computationally efficient and biologically meaningful analysis approaches to extract the most informative and unbiased components of the microarray data. This process is complicated by the fact that a number of uncertainties are associated with array experiments. Therefore, the assumption of the existence of a unique computational descriptive model needs to be challenged. In this paper, we introduce a framework that integrates machine learning and optimization techniques for the selection of maximally informative genes in microarray expression experiments. The fundamental premise of the approach is that maximally informative genes are the ones that lead to least complex descriptive and predictive models. We propose a methodology, based on decision trees, which identifies ensembles of groups of maximally informative genes. We raise a number of computational issues that need to be comprehensively addressed and illustrate the approach by analyzing recently published microarray experimental data.
Age and effects of the Odessa meteorite impact, western Texas, USA

The Odessa meteorite craters (Texas, United States) include a main crater (∼160 m diameter, ∼30 m deep) plus four smaller meteorite craters. The main crater was sampled by coring (to 22 m depth) to better understand its origin and history. Dating by optically stimulated luminescence indicates that it was produced immediately prior to ca. 63.5 ± 4.5 ka. Sediment filling the crater includes impact breccias produced at the time of impact; wind-dominated silts with minor amounts of pond sediments deposited ca. 63.5 ka, probably just after the impact, and ca. 53 ± 2 ka; wind-dominated silt ca. 38 ± 1.7 ka; and playa muds with a wind-blown silt component younger than 36 ka. The environment was arid or semiarid at the time of impact based on characteristics of soils on the surrounding landscape. The impact caused severe damage within 2 km and produced >1000 km/hr winds and thermal pulse. Animals within a 1–1.5-km-diameter area were probably killed. This is only the second well-dated Pleistocene hypervelocity impact crater in North America.
A Computerized Information Management System for Educational Programs in the Health Sciences

The Physician Assistant Program at the University of Florida has developed and implemented a computerized information management system that eliminates time-consuming duplication of effort in record-keeping and covers all functional components of the educational program. Data-base files for admissions, curriculum and/or evaluation design, student records, graduate follow-up, and research activities and a master file for administrative activities permit rapid accessing and transfer of information across files, continual updating of information, and efficient generating of records and reports pertaining to all program functions. Research about the program is enhanced through the correlation of data available in the five data-base files. This comprehensive system facilitates the audit of the program's educational process and the evaluation of its accomplishment of its stated objectives. The system can be easily adapted for use by other educational programs in medicine and the allied health sciences.
Regional Arrangements and Transnational Security Challenges: The African Union and the Limits of Securitization Theory

ABSTRACT How do regional arrangements construct and respond to threat agendas, and to what extent can the existing literature on securitization theory help us understand this process? This article explores these questions by analyzing how the African Union (AU) has responded to contemporary transnational challenges. After providing an overview of the Copenhagen School's concept of securitization, the article discusses whether the known problems and limitations of securitization theory prevent this approach from being applied to regional arrangements. Arguing that they do not do so per se, the article then provides an overview of transnational challenges on the AU's agenda and explores the extent to which the organization has “securitized” them. It concludes that the AU has collectively securitized only a limited number of transnational challenges, particularly terrorism and HIV/AIDS, and that significant problems remain when attempting to apply the Copenhagen School's framework to regional arrangements.
Intestinal lengthening in an innovative rodent surgical model

Abstract Purpose Current animal models of mechanical lengthening separate intestinal segments from enteric continuity. Such models are difficult to use for repeated lengthening procedures and result in intestinal tissue loss during restoration into continuity. We sought to create a novel surgical model to allow multiple lengthening procedures for the purpose of maximizing the net increase in tissue after intestinal lengthening. Methods A Roux-en-y jejunojejunostomy with a 6-cm blind-ended Roux limb was created in the proximal jejunum of rats. Encapsulated 1-cm polycaprolactone springs were placed into the closed end of the roux limb and secured with a vessel loop. After 4weeks, lengthened segments and normal jejunum were retrieved for histologic analysis. Results Jejunal segments were lengthened from 1.0cm to 3.0cm. Lengthened segments had increased smooth muscle thickness, fewer submucosal ganglia, and similar numbers of myenteric ganglia compared to normal intestine. When compared to normal jejunal mucosa, lengthened segments demonstrated unchanged villus height and increased crypt depth. Conclusions We created an innovative surgical model for intestinal lengthening and successfully lengthened jejunal segments with a degradable spring. The Roux-en-y model may allow the use of a degradable spring for the treatment of short bowel syndrome.
Microscopical investigation of the transformation (diagenesis) from peat to lignite

SUMMARY A silicified Palaeocene peat layer discovered in a lignite bed in western North Dakota, U.S.A., has proved to be excellent material for studying the transformation from peat to lignite. Detailed anatomical structures are well preserved in the peat and similar to the level of preservation of Carboniferous coal balls. A compaction of 4: 1 results when the peat is converted to lignite. Loss in volume is primarily caused by the loss of cellular cavities and intergranular spaces and consequent loss or redistribution of moisture. Huminite formed from secondary xylem and phloem sclereids differs in appearance under the microscope from huminite derived from periderms and young cortical tissues. Resinites are formed from fillings of resin canals, secretory cells and sclereids of secondary phloem and may also originate from resinous materials occurring in the palisade and spongy mesophyll of leaves. Cutinite can form from either cuticles or from compressed cortical tissues of young roots. Charred leaves and charred secondary xylem and phloem comprise an important portion of the fusinitic and semifusinitic fractions of the coal. Pyrite grains tend to occupy the cell cavities of early wood and ray cells. Differences between collinite and telinite developed during the peat stage, while progressive coalification tends to accentuate the lack of structure in the collinite.
Optically dense Fe:ZnSe crystals for energy scaled gain switched lasing

This work is focused on study and optimization of diffusion of Fe in ZnSe from the metal phase, comparative spectroscopic characterization of kinetic properties of Fe:ZnSe crystals with a wide range of concentrations, and energy scaling of the Fe:ZnSe gain-switched laser. Iron doping of ZnSe polycrystals was performed by thermal diffusion from the iron film made by thermal evaporation process. Special cleaning of the ZnSe surfaces and optimization of the ZnSe substrate temperature and the rate of Fe evaporation resulted in significant enhancement of the diffusion process and enabled fabrication of high optical density crystals with Fe concentration up to 2x10 20 cm -3 . The diffusion coefficient and diffusion length of iron in ZnSe at 1000°C were estimated as 2.1x10 -9 cm 2 /s and 1.3 mm, respectively. We report a detailed absorption, emission, and kinetics of fluorescence of Fe:ZnSe spectroscopy performed over a broad range of Fe concentrations (5x10 18 - 2x10 20 cm -3 ) and temperatures (14-300K) under direct 2.78μm excitation.
A fuzzy logic approach to cross-layer route optimization in multi-hop CRNs

Methods for selection and optimizing the selection of end-to-end network paths is crucial to offer any degree of quality of service to end users. In many wireless networks, route selection is based in a single route metric. When considering multi-hop cognitive radio networks (CRNs), in which frequent link outages are expected due to primary user interference, we must consider more metrics to ensure not only that routes are of sufficient quality, but have an reasonable expectation of availability. In this paper, we propose the use of fuzzy-logic modeling to optimize route selection based on a set of collected cross-layer information.
Large-displacement parametric resonance using a shaped comb drive

This paper is the first demonstration of large-stroke parametric resonance excited by an in-plane “shaped-finger” electrostatic comb drive. A custom-shaped comb finger profile is used to produce a quadratic capacitance-engagement response. The ability in selecting electrostatic stiffness coefficients by engineering the comb finger profile allows the excitation of the nonlinear parametric resonance for various applications such as the mode-matched gyroscopes and gravimetric sensors. The shaped-finger comb enables the study of the parametric resonance in systems with high energy storage. The shaped-finger comb parametric resonator is fabricated by a 15 μm-thick SOI-MEMS process.
Hypoxia exposure induces the emergence of fibroblasts lacking replication repressor signals of PKCζ in the pulmonary artery adventitia

Aims Cultured fibroblasts of hypoxia-stimulated remodelled pulmonary artery (PA) adventitia proliferate at a greater rate compared with those of normal adventitia. Since protein kinase C (PKC) ζ is a replication repressor of normal adventitial fibroblasts, we hypothesized that loss of the repressor activity of PKCζ might contribute to increased rate of proliferation in adventitial cells of remodelled PA. Methods and results Isolated PA adventitial fibroblasts of neonatal control (Fib-C) and chronic hypoxia-exposed (Fib-H) calves were used to test our hypothesis. For evaluation of the role of PKCζ in hypoxia-induced vascular adventitial remodelling, expression and activation of PKCζ were also examined in lung sections of Fib-C and Fib-H animals by immunoperoxidase staining. Although constitutively active PKCζ expression attenuated DNA synthesis in Fib-C, it stimulated proliferation in Fib-H. PKCζ-specific myristoylated pseudosubstrate peptide inhibitor (PKCζ-PI) induced replication in Fib-C, whereas the inhibitor blocked DNA synthesis in Fib-H. Hypoxia stimulated PKCζ as well as MAP kinase kinase (MEK)1/2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation in Fib-H cells. However, ERK1/2 activation was mediated by both MEK1/2-dependent and MEK1/2-independent PKCζ-regulated mechanisms in hypoxia-exposed Fib-H. PKCζ was selectively activated in the adventitial cells of the remodelled vascular wall, as demonstrated by strong immunoreactivity against the anti-phosphoPKCζ antibody in the Fib-H lung sections. Conclusion PKCζ acts as a replication repressor in Fib-C cells; however, the same isozyme mediates Fib-H proliferation. Thus, chronic exposure to hypoxia leads to the emergence of cells lacking anti-replication activity of PKCζ in the PA adventitia.
Lithium promoted adsorption of CO on Ag/Ru(001)

Abstract The Li promoted adsorption of CO on annealed multilayer Ag on Ru(001) was studied, using metastable quenching spectroscopy (MQS) and thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). CO interacts weakly with Ag, and does not adsorb at 70 K in UHV. It is found that preadsorbing a small amount of Li ( θ Li = 0.05) on the Ag leads to a CO saturation coverage of θ CO = 0.32. The MQS spectrum indicates that the CO orientation is vertical, with the C atom toward the Ag surface. No isotopic scrambling of labeled CO was observed. The CO/Li ratio of 6:1 indicates a long range interaction. A surface structure is proposed which fits this data and gives a LiCO interaction distance of 5 A. The CO is physisorbed, and desorbs around 100 K. Potassium did not show any promotion effect for the adsorption of CO on Ag. These results are discussed in terms of models for alkali promotion of CO adsorption, and work function measurements which show that the charge transfer from Li to Ag is stronger than that from K to Ag at low alkali coverages.
Some international evidence regarding the stochastic memory of stock returns

The present paper studies international stock indexes of the G-7 countries in the last 40 years. Evidence about the statistical memory of the returns is presented, and only in one country could the existence of long memory be sustained. These results contradict various previous studies that were based on the R/S analysis and consistently claimed the existence of long memory in financial returns. A general ARFIMA model capable of reproducing long- and short-memory properties is directly fitted to the data. The conclusion is then based on the estimated parameters of the model.
The three-dimensional cytoarchitecture and pattern of motor innervation of branched striated myotubes

Three-dimensional reconstructions of "regenerating" myotubes in the "degeneration-regeneration" regions and in the "regenerative" foci of the extensor digitorum longus muscle of the C57BL6J/dy2J myopathic mutant mouse were made from spaced serial ultrathin section. Complex branching and recombination occurred, involving myotubes which for extensive regions along their length appeared to be independent. No accumulation of specialized organelles occurred at the branching site. Continuous branches displayed multiple discrete motor endplates.
Effects of Marijuana on testosterone in male subjects

Clinical studies have given contradictory reports on the effect of smoking marijuana on the plasma levels of testosterone in males. A reanalysis of existing data established that testosterone levels are depressed both after smoking one marijuana cigarette and after intravenous infusion of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, a pharmacologically active component of marijuana. Simulation of the marijuana interaction, under the assumption that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits testosterone production or secretion, suggests a minimum of 24 hours are required for testosterone to return to pre-smoking levels. A series of clinical studies are specified to clarify the nature of the interaction.
Collection of Silica and Asbestos Aerosols by Respirators at Steady and Cyclic Flow

Air purifying dust/mist respirators are presently tested using a silica aerosol under conditions of steady flow. In experiments, the predictive validity of such tests was evaluated by testing respirators using silica and asbestos aerosols under conditions of both steady and cyclic flow. Silica penetration at steady flow, was reasonably predictive of silica penetration under cyclic flow. However, asbestos penetration under cyclic flow was not predicted well by penetration of either silica or asbestos at steady flow. Furthermore, the potential for exhalation valve failure under cyclic flow was identified. Current NIOSH protocols for evaluating respirator performance should be reconsidered in light of these findings.
The stability of oscillatory internal waves

The stability of a periodic internal wave has been investigated experimentally and theoretically. From the analysis it is found that if a primary wave, with wave-number k0 and frequency ω0, is perturbed by two infinitesimal wave-like disturbances with wave-numbers k1 and k1 + k0 and frequencies ω1 and ω1 + ω0, exponential growth of these disturbances will take place under certain conditions. The analysis also indicates which resonantly interacting disturbances can induce an instability and, when viscous dissipation is accounted for, predicts the minimum amplitude for which a wave is unstable. Experimental results demonstrate that this type of instability can cause the breakdown of a first mode internal wave propagating in a fluid composed of two layers of uniform density separated by a thin region in which the density varies continuously.
The economic impact of new firms in post-socialist countries: Bottom up transformation in Eastern Europe: A review article

Just as the title suggests, the message of this book edited by Horst Brezinski and Michael Fritsch is that bottom up transformation, that is the formation of new small firms, is the key to successful economic transformation in Eastern Europe. The book is a collection of papers which were presented at a conference in Freiberg, Germany, in September, 1993. The discussion ranges from "Who are the new entrepreneurs?" to "How can government policy encourage the formation of new firms?" This book sets itself apart from most books on transformation policy1 in that it is aimed at micro policies rather than macroeconomic policies, such as those advocated by David Lipton and Jeffery Sachs (1992). Some chapters do indeed touch upon macroeconomic issues, but most of them just give us the by now familiar run-down of what is needed for macro stability. One exception is the issue of using the exchange rate as a policy instrument. The Polish example has been used to emphasize the importance of not undervaluing a currency.2 Keren uses the extreme example of East Germany to stress the importance of not overvaluing the currency. Most policy advice, however, is limited to mircoeconomic policies aimed at encouraging newly established firms. Some of the underlying themes throughout the book are well-known in the literature, namely: the need for clarity in property rights, clear accounting procedures, fair and enforceable tax laws, and a developed banking sector. One newer issue that has recently received extensive attention in the popular press is the flourishing number of Mafia and black market transactions. Although it is agreed upon that rent-seeking activities and the general lawlessness of these groups wastes resources and does not promote economic efficiency, it is the opinion of many of the contributing authors that it is better to have these "bad" entrepreneurs than to have none at all. The "good" ones will come sooner or later. When we look at the development of many Western market economies, they are not without numerous important economic actors operating on the dark side of the law. This is not a perfect comparison, and some may argue that we should be able to avoid these "bad" entrepreneurs, but their contribution to the marketization process cannot be ignored. No cost-benefit analysis has been done to determine whether these dubious businesspeople do more harm than good, but the point is that they are not all bad, economically speaking. Despite the rework of well-known topics, this book is more focused than previous books dealing with economic transformation in Eastern Europe. Themes like Big Bang vs. Gradualism and order of reforms are not addressed at any length. The needs of entrepreneurs and the trials and tribulations of new firms in the transforming economies are the central themes of all the chapters, the Ners chapter being the exception.3 In addition, the mere fact that a few years have passed since reforms Final version receiveded on February 25, 1994
Sequence analysis and fiber properties of a blend of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-4,4′-bibenzoate)

Blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-4,4′- bibenzoate) (PETBB) are prepared by coextrusion. Analysis by 13C-NMR spectroscopy shows that little transesterification occurs during the blending process. Additional heat treatment of the blend leads to more transesterification and a corresponding increase in the degree of randomness, R. Analysis by differential scanning calorimetry shows that the as-extruded blend is semicrystalline, unlike PETBB15, a random copolymer with the same composition as the non- random blend. Additional heat treatment of the blend leads to a decrease in the melting point, Tm, and an increase in glass transition temperature, Tg. The Tm and Tg of the blend reach minimum and maximum values, respectively, after 15 min at 270°C, at which point the blend has not been fully randomized. The blend has a lower crystallization rate than PET and PETBB55 (a copolymer containing 55 mol % bibenzoate). The PET/PETBB55 (70/30 w/w) blend shows a secondary endothermic peak at 15°C above an isothermal crystallization temperature. The secondary peak was confirmed to be the melting of small and/or imperfect crystals resulting from secondary crystallization. The blend exhibits the crystal structure of PET. Tensile properties of the fibers prepared from the blend are comparable to those of PET fiber, whereas PETBB55 fibers display higher performance. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1793–1803, 2004
Occupational hearing loss in Washington state, 1984–1991: I. statewide and industry-specific incidence

This study examined non-federal workers' compensation claims accepted for hearing-related conditions in Washington state during 1984–1991. Seventy percent of 6,539 filed claims were accepted (n = 4,547); most accepted claims resulted in disability compensation (n = 3,660; 80%). A transient 50-fold increase in claims from one worksite accounted for one-third of all hearing-related claims in the state for 2 years. The number and incidence of accepted claims from all other worksites increased significantly across the study period. The incidence was 0.3 per 103 workers per year, overall, but was at least five-fold higher in industries that accounted for half of accepted claims, and reached 38- to 71-fold higher in some industries. This study indicates: 1) workers' compensation claims under-estimate the true frequency of occupational illness, representing only the “tip of the iceberg;” 2) hearing loss is a growing problem in occupational health; and 3) workers' compensation data are potentially useful to identify specific high-incidence industries for possible interventions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 33:519–528, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Growth kinetics of ultra-thin N2O oxynitrides for gate insulator

Abstract Ultrathin oxynitride films with a thickness range between 4 and 6 nm were grown on Si (100) wafers in an N 2 O gas ambient using a conventional furnace. Growth temperature and time dependence of the N 2 O oxynitride thickness was investigated between 800 and 1050°C. We found that the N 2 O gas flow rate dependence of the thickness was small below 900°C and was abruptly increased above 900°C. According to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, nitrogen concentration and the nitrogen bonding configurations was changed between temperatures below and above 900°C. Two different growth kinetics below and above 900°C were suggested.
Effects of high-level pulse train stimulation on retinal function.

We examined how stimulation of the local retina by high-level current pulse trains affected the light-evoked responses of the retinal ganglion cells. The spikes of retinal ganglion cell axons were recorded extracellularly using an in vitro eyecup preparation of the rabbit retina. Epiretinal electrical stimulation was delivered via a 500 µm inner diameter saline-filled, transparent tube positioned over the retinal surface forming the receptive field center. Spot stimuli were presented periodically to the receptive field center during the experiment. Trains of biphasic 1 ms current pulses were delivered to the retina at 50 Hz for 1 min. Pulse train charge densities of 1.3–442 µC/cm2/phase were examined. After pulse train stimulation with currents ≥300 µA (133 µC/cm2/phase), the ganglion cell's ability to respond to light was depressed and a significant time was required for recovery of the light-evoked response. During train stimulation, the ganglion cell's ability to spike following each current pulse fatigued. The current levels evoking train-evoked depression were suprathreshold to those evoking action potentials. Train-evoked depression was stronger touching the retinal surface, and in some cases impaired ganglion cell function for up to 30 min. This overstimulation could cause a transient refractory period for electrically stimulated perception in the retinal region below the electrode.
Access and Empowerment: Commentary on “Computers and People with Disabilities”

A number of positive changes have taken place since Glinert and York's 1992 call-to-arms. Progress reviewed in this article includes evolving considerations of universal design in the marketplace, ubiquitous computing with accessibility features, increasing computing research and conference venues that address needs of users with disabilities, and attention to the importance of user empowerment in development.
The economics of wild goose chases

Empirical evidence consistently finds that incentive pay is more frequent when authority is delegated to workers than when their superiors hold authority. We provide a model where incentive pay results in the abuse of authority by their superiors, and (under reasonable conditions) implies that (i) incentive pay is higher when an agent holds control rights than when her principal has authority, (ii) effort is less responsive on the margin to incentive pay when the principal holds authority, and (iii) more incentive pay can reduce effort under authority, even on tasks that can be easily measured.
Crystal Growth, Processing, And Characterization Of Photorefractive BaTiO3

The development of practical devices utilizing the photorefractive effect in BaTiO3 depends upon the availability of single crystals with improved properties. In order to achieve this goal, we are pursuing a program involving crystal growth, characterization, and modeling. High quality, nominally undoped BaTiO3 crystals have been prepared by the top-seeded solution growth method and have photorefractive properties similar to those of commercial crystals. Models of the photorefractive effect suggest that improvements in the response time may be achieved by heating the crystal in a reducing atmosphere to convert to electron photoconductivity. Experiments with a commercial crystal whose major transition metal impurity was Fe resulted in a factor of 10 improvement in its response time, but at the expense of increased dark conductivity. Other approaches to reduce the response time are discussed.
Laser Rangefinder For Robot Control And Inspection

Three-dimensional surface point data is often useful for r000t control and inspection casks. Tne design of sensors for collecting this data involves many choices, with selections made on tne oasis of data rate, accuracy, field of view, safety, size, object properties, and the need for registered range and orightness data. A sensor has been designed with data rates of 30 kHz for orightness, 2 kHz for range in the scanning mode, and 250 Hz for range in tne random access mode. Range data accuracy is aoout .1A of tne field of view. The main components of the sensor are a low power laser (1 mW), a 1024 element COD linear array camera, a galvanometer scanner, and a special interface to a minicomputer. Alternative designs include stereo without using projected energy, white light projection, ultrasound, time-of-flignt measurements, multiple detectors, projecting planes versus oeams, two-dimensional array cameras and "position" sensors, and a variety of scanning mechanisms.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Two-factor structure of the Comprehensive Trail-making Test in adults.

Previous evaluation of the Comprehensive Trail-Making Test (CTMT) using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that for children, a two-factor model provided a better fit than did a one-factor model. The purpose of this study was to explore whether these findings suggested a developmental factor structure or if the two-factor structure also would be supported for adults. CFA was conducted using M-plus to examine the factor structure for adults in the standardization sample using all five trails tasks from the CTMT. The findings of the CFA indicated an excellent fit for the two-factor model. In contrast, the one-factor structure (i.e., use of a composite score) was not supported. Results were the same when younger (younger than 50 years of age) and older (50 years old or older) adults were considered separately. These data suggest that a single score may not be a valid representation of executive functioning. The results support a two-factor structure that represents attention/sequencing and set swi...
Parallelism maps for optically contacted etalons

A measurement technique is described that is capable of producing accurate numerical maps of the parallelism defect of optically contacted Fabry-Perot etalons. A photoelectric raster scan of the etalon transmission intensity distribution is performed at each of three closely spaced etalon tunings, one at maximum on-axis and two at the half-maxima on-axis positions. Simple data manipulation gives numerical or contour maps of the parallelism defect. Results demonstrating the effect of mechanical constraints on etalon parallelism are presented.