cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic paired-comparison scaling

Abstract This paper describes an approach to paired-comparison scaling that may be useful when underlying scale values change with time. Sequentially revised estimates of scale values underlying a fixed set of choice objects are calculated from binary choice data collected on discrete trials. The system is defined by a reward function that controls the sequential increments and decrements to the estimates. Results of the reward system depend jointly on the difference between the current estimates and the binary choice data. Natural restrictions on reward systems are presented that imply uniqueness up to a scaling factor. Asymptotic properties are provided for a particular reward system based on a uniform distribution function, and other methods for obtaining results for other distributions are discussed. One-object, two-object, and many-object estimation problems are formulated. It is shown that the two-object problem based on a uniform reward system corresponds to the Bush-Mosteller linear operator model for two-choice learning; that the one-object problem can be related to both adaptive testing and adaptive threshold estimation; and that the many-object problem provides a sequential estimation scheme for dynamic paired-comparison systems. Refinements include a method for introducing a draw or no-preference cutcome into the reward system.
Topological Inflation with Multiple Winding

We analyze the core dynamics of critically coupled, superheavy gauge vortices in the (2+1)-dimensional Einstein-Abelian Higgs system. By numerically solving the Einstein and field equations for various values of the symmetry breaking scale, we identify the regime in which static solutions cease to exist and topological inflation begins. We explicitly include the topological winding of the vortices into the calculation and extract the dependence on the winding of the critical scale separating the static and inflating regimes. Extrapolation of our results suggests that topological inflation might occur within high winding strings formed at the grand unified scale. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Antecedents of mammalian fertility: Lessons from the heat-stressed cow regarding the importance of oocyte competence for fertilization and embryonic development

An embryo arises when the pronucleus of the newly-fertilized oocyte fuses with the pronucleus of the spermatozoa. The fate of the newlyformed embryo is an uncertain one, and many fail to survive to term. Whether an embryo can develop successfully depends in part on the environment of the maternal reproductive tract in which it resides and in part on its inheritance of genetic and non-genetic factors from the oocyte and sperm from which it was derived. The process of formation of male and female gametes is prolonged. In cattle, the species focused on in this paper, spermatogenesis takes about 61 days. Oocyte growth is also a slow process. Once an ovarian follicle emerges from the pool of resting follicles and initiates growth, it takes approximately 100 days to reach the point where ovulation can occur and the oocyte contained within the follicle is released (Figure 1). Antecedents of mammalian fertility: Lessons from the heat-stressed cow regarding the importance of oocyte competence for fertilization and embryonic development
Suppression of food intake in diabetic rats by voluntary consumption and intrahypothalamic injection of glucose

Abstract When given a choice between 2 concentrations of glucose (5 and 35%) normal rats prefer to consume most of their glucose from the concentrated source while diabetics prefer the dilute source. Although both consume approximately the same total amount of glucose, on a caloric basis the glucose depressed chow intake more in diabetics than in normal rats, indicating that diabetics can experience the satiating effects of glucose. Also, since the diabetics excreted more glucose in urine during the glucose access, the overall retention of calories appeared to be less than of controls, indicating the diabetics are effectively hypophagic as compared to controls when they ingested large quantities of glucose. Direct injection of glucose into the ventromedial hypothalamus suppressed feeding as effectively in diabetics as in controls, indicating that normal titers of insulin are probably not necessary for suppression of feeding by ingested glucose in diabetic animals.
Model-free Q-learning designs for discrete-time zero-sum games with application to H-infinity control

In this paper, the optimal strategies for discrete-time linear system quadratic zero-sum games related to the H-infinity optimal control problem are solved in forward time without knowing the system dynamical matrices. The idea is to solve for an action dependent value function Q(x,u,w) of the zero-sum game instead of solving for the state dependent value function V(x) which satisfies a corresponding game algebraic Riccati equation (GARE). Since the state and actions spaces are continuous, two action networks and one critic network are used that are adaptively tuned in forward time using adaptive critic methods. The result is a Q-learning approximate dynamic programming model-free approach that solves the zero-sum game forward in time. It is shown that the critic converges to the game value function and the action networks converge to the Nash equilibrium of the game. Proofs of convergence of the algorithm are shown. It is proven that the algorithm ends up to be a model-free iterative algorithm to solve the (GARE) of the linear quadratic discrete-time zero-sum game. The effectiveness of this method is shown by performing an H-infinity control autopilot design for an F-16 aircraft.
Sensitivity factors and their application to marine structures

Abstract Sensitivity measures suitable for application to marine structures are provided in this paper. Interpretations of these sensitivity and importance factors are made for two modes of failure: ultimate strength under extreme loading conditions and fatigue strength. Four ships of different types have been selected, and the corresponding sensitivity measures have been computed. The results were compared to show the impact of ship type on the relative importance of the design variables. These reliability-based sensitivity factors provide quantitative measures of the importance of the design variables and their impact on structural safety. The paper illustrates the potential for using such sensitivity factors in design decisions and tradeoff studies.
Evidence of major Middle Cambrian deformation in the Ross orogen, Antarctica

Long-lived polyphase tectonism in the Cambrian history of the Ross orogen is demonstrated by recent stratigraphic studies in both the central and Weddell Sea segments of the Transantarctic Mountains. We postulate that strong early Middle Cambrian deformation preceded a more widely recognized Late Cambrian-Early Ordovician period of contraction and magmatism. These Middle Cambrian movements were locally the principal phase of orogenic deformation. They profoundly altered sedimentation patterns along the Antarctic margin, so that in the Weddell Sea region, when carbonate platform sedimentation resumed, the platform margin was reestablished far oceanward of its Early Cambrian location. Intra-Cambrian tectonism along the paleo-Pacific margin of Gondwana was not confined to its Antarctic segment; comparable activity recently has been described from Australia and is known from South America. These movements may be related to amalgamation of East and West Gondwana.
Muskellunge Stocking Strategies in Wisconsin: The First Century and Beyond

Abstract After nearly a century of the propagation of muskellunge Esox masquinongy in Wisconsin, hatchery production is capable of meeting the stocking needs of management. Stocking of fertilized eggs, fry, fingerlings, or yearling muskellunge can each be used to develop a cost-effective stocking strategy if environmental conditions of a specific water body are known. Although low poststocking survival has been a problem for management, stocking still contributes to the sport fishery, however, future stocking strategies need to consider the effects of stocked muskellunge on natural stocks of muskellunge and other fishes.
An evaluation of least-squares fitting methods in XAFS spectroscopy: iron-based SBA-15 catalyst formulations.

Abstract A detailed comparison has been made of determinations by 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy and four different XAFS spectroscopic methods of %Fe as hematite and ferrihydrite in 11 iron-based SBA-15 catalyst formulations. The four XAFS methods consisted of least-squares fitting of iron XANES, d(XANES)/dE, and EXAFS (k3chi and k2chi) spectra to the corresponding standard spectra of hematite and ferrihydrite. The comparison showed that, for this particular application, the EXAFS methods were superior to the XANES methods in reproducing the results of the benchmark Mossbauer method in large part because the EXAFS spectra of the two iron-oxide standards were much less correlated than the corresponding XANES spectra. Furthermore, the EXAFS and Mossbauer results could be made completely consistent by inclusion of a factor of 1.3 ± 0.05 for the ratio of the Mossbauer recoilless fraction of hematite relative to that of ferrihydrite at room temperature (293 K). This difference in recoilless fraction is attributed to the nanoparticle nature of the ferrihydrite compared to the bulk nature of the hematite. Also discussed are possible alternative non-least-squares XAFS methods for determining the iron speciation in this application as well as criteria for deciding whether or not least-squares XANES methods should be applied for the determination of element speciation in unknown materials.
Apoptosis in the developing human cricoid cartilage: A pilot study☆

Apoptosis is widely recognized as a major phenomenon in normal development. Deficiencies in this process may lead to developmental abnormalities such as congenital subglottic stenosis. We studied apoptosis using in situ end labeling of the 3'-OH ends of fragmented DNA in 5 progressively older, normal, human cricoid cartilage specimens. Results show that apoptosis is a very active process in fetal and neonatal tissue. The process gradually slows with advancing age. In the 4- and 13-year-old specimens, minimal to no apoptosis was seen. We conclude that apoptosis plays a critical role in the intraluminal and extraluminal expansion of the cricoid cartilage.
Delivering a Brief Insomnia Intervention to Depressed VA Primary Care Patients

Abstract Primary care is often the place where patients with depression and comorbid insomnia seek treatment. The experience of comorbid insomnia with depression can have a significant impact on the efficacy of other depression treatments and exacerbate depressive symptoms. Using the empirically based Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (CBT-I) to target the comorbid experience of insomnia in patients with depression can help improve sleep and potentially modify some depressive symptoms. Additional rationale for such an approach includes that a positive therapeutic experience may enhance engagement with or adherence to other psychotherapeutic interventions. Although other brief CBT-I interventions have been developed for primary care, none of them were actually delivered to depressed patients or implemented in primary care. Therefore, this paper describes a brief CBT-I intervention that was designed to be delivered in 4 sessions lasting from 15 to 45 minutes each within a primary care setting to depressed veterans. A case study is provided along with sample materials used in this intervention. In addition, we share implementation tips based on our experiences and feedback from eight veterans who have completed the intervention to date. Overall, the intervention was generally well received and suggests that the intervention may be feasibly delivered in a primary care setting.
Myoblast differentiation is induced by nerve transplanted to chick embryo legs.

Chick embryos were denervated early in development in order to disrupt the normal inductive interactions between the nervous system and developing populations of mononucleated myoblasts and their precursors in the leg. Neural tissue, either spinal cord or ciliary ganglion, was transplanted to one leg of the denervated embryos; the other leg remained aneural. Clonal analysis of cell populations in the transplant-containing legs showed that ectopic nerve tissue can recapitulate some of the neuromuscular interactions that occur in normally developing embryos. Chief among these was the observation that transplantation induced the appearance of the CMR-III myoblast class in the leg muscle. Since the process by which CMR-III myoblasts are produced from a precursor is dependent on nerve both in vivo and in vitro (Bonner, P.H. and T.R. Adams, Dev. Biol., 90:175-184, 1982), it was concluded that transplanted nerve tissue can also induce myoblast differentiation.
Overcoming unusability: developing efficient strategies in speech recognition systems

This paper describes changes in user error correction strategies over time in the use of large vocabulary desktop automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems. Users with minimal practice with such systems were found to have considerable difficulty with error correction [1,2]. Users with more extensive use were found to have improved overall performance compared to initial use subjects. This is attributed to development of multimodal strategies for error correction rather than to significantly improved speech recognition rates or use of speech-based error correction techniques. These results point to the importance of multimodal interaction in the acceptance of speech recognition technology.
Yield of genetic testing in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical parameters of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) that correlated significantly with the presence of an identifiable sarcomeric mutation. PATIENTS AND METHODS Previous comprehensive mutational analyses of all protein-coding exons of 8 sarcomeric genes revealed pathogenic mutations in 147 (38%) of 389 unrelated patients seen at the HCM outpatient clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between April 1997 and December 2001. Clinical data, extracted from patient records and blinded to patient genotype, were maintained in a custom database. RESULTS In 389 unrelated patients, younger age at diagnosis, family history of HCM, and increasing left ventricular wall thickness were all associated with increased likelihood of identifying an HCM-associated sarcomeric mutation. In contrast, family history of sudden cardiac death, myectomy status, and anatomical subtype did not correlate significantly with genotype-positive status. With use of a simple scoring system based on age at diagnosis, left ventricular wall thickness, and family history of HCM, the likelihood of a sarcomeric mutation could be estimated. CONCLUSION Clinical predictors of positive genotype, such as the presence of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, age at diagnosis, degree of left ventricular wall hypertrophy, and family history of HCM, may aid in patient selection for genetic testing and increase the yield of cardiac sarcomere gene screening.
The Motivation and Political Alienation of Older Americans

Utilizing a sample of older Americans this paper focused on the relationship between their personal motivation (whether internally or externally oriented) and their feeling of political incapability, political discontentment and anomie. The individual was defined as internally oriented to the degree that he felt there was a direct causal chain between his actions and given social outcomes, and externally oriented to the degree that he thought that luck, chance or fate determined these outcomes. Following Olsen's example, political incapability was defined as a feeling that the social system is preventing one from reaching desired goals, political discontentment was defined in terms of the political world not being worth one's participation, and anomies was defined as estrangement from one's social world [1]. External orientation was found to be significantly related to feelings of political incapability, political discontentment, and anomies among older Americans. The data tended to indicate that early personal orientation toward problem solving led to generalized expectations which provide long range motivational and behavioral patterns for individuals which follow them throughout life.
GENETIC INTERACTIONS IN ZEBRAFISH MIDLINE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract Mutational analyses have shown that the genesno tail(ntl, Brachyuryhomolog),floating head(flh,aNothomeobox gene), andcyclops(cyc) play direct and essential roles in the development of midline structures in the zebrafish. In bothntlandflhmutants a notochord does not develop, and incycmutants the floor plate is nearly entirely missing. We made double mutants to learn how these genes might interact. Midline development is disrupted to a greater extent incyc;flhdouble mutants than in eithercycorflhsingle mutants; their effects appear additive. Both the notochord and floor plate are completely lacking, and other phenotypic disturbances suggest that midline signaling functions are severely reduced. On the other hand, trunk midline defects inflh;ntldouble mutants are not additive, but are most often similar to those inntlsingle mutants. This finding reveals that loss ofntlfunction can suppress phenotypic defects due to mutation atflh,and we interpret it to mean that the wild-type allele ofntl(ntl+) functions upstream toflhin a regulatory hierarchy. Loss of function ofntlalso strongly suppresses the floor plate deficiency incycmutants, for we found trunk floor plate to be present incyc;ntldouble mutants. From these findings we propose thatntl+plays an early role in cell fate choice at the dorsal midline, mediated by the Ntl protein acting to antagonize floor plate development as well as to promote notochord development.
The reaction between solid iron and liquid Al-Zn baths

The reaction which occurred between iron panels and Al-Zn baths during hot dipping was investigated. Three baths were studied: 45Al-55Zn, 55Al-45Zn, and 75Al-25Zn (in wt pct) in the temperature range of 570 to 655 °C. The reaction between the iron panel and the Al-Zn bath was very severe and in all cases the iron panel was totally consumed by the bath in less than two minutes. The rapid attack of the iron panels by the Al-Zn baths was attributed to two separate causes depending on growth conditions. First, in some panels the intermediate layer which formed between the iron panel and the molten bath was nonadherent. This resulted in the direct contact of the molten bath with the iron panel at a nonequilibrium interface, which presented a large driving force and little inhibition for the reaction. Second, in panels containing an adherent alloy layer, the layer had channels of liquid Zn which extended from the molten bath to the iron panel. These channels allowed rapid transport of Zn and Al to the iron panel which resulted in a very high reaction rate. The controlling step in the reaction between the iron panel and molten Al-Zn bath was the diffusion rate of Al in the molten bath to the surface of the iron panel. The diffusion coefficient of Al in the molten bath was found to be in the range of 1 × 10-5 to 5 × 10-5 cm2/s. Microstructural, electron microprobe, and X-ray diffraction data are presented to support the above-mentioned mechanisms and conclusions.
Iridium(I) dimers with bridging N,N′-di-p-tolylformamidine. X-ray molecular structure of Ir2(μ-p-CH3C6H4NCHN-p-C6H4CH3)(μ-NH-p-C6H4CH3)(C8H14)2

Abstract The reaction of [IrCl(COD)] 2 with K[CH(N- p - C 6 H 4 CH 3 ) 2 ] (K + form − ) has been carried out in both neat toluene and in the presence of Bu t OH. In the first case [Ir(form)(COD)] 2 ( 1 ) was obtained in good yields. The other reaction follows a somewhat different course with partial alcoholysis of the formamidine ligand and formation of Ir 2 (μ-form)(μ-NH- p -C 6 H 4 CH 3 )(COD) 2 ( 2 ). Crystal data for compound 2 : space group P 2 1 / c , a = 9.389(2), b = 21.083(4), c = 16.810(2) A, β = 91.54(1)° V =3326(2) A 3 , Z = 4, R = 0.0343 for 3707 data with F o 2 > 3σ( F o 2 ).
Far-from-expiry behavior of the American put option on a dividend-paying asset

We provide a rigorous proof of sharp estimates for the long time behavior of the early exercise boundary and the price for an American put option on a dividend-paying asset that follows a geometric Brownian motion.
Are Soviet industrial-production statistics significantly distorted by hidden inflation?

Abstract In recent years speculation has increased regarding the existence and magnitude of hidden inflation in the Soviet economy. This speculation has unintentionally, but necessarily, called into question a great deal of econometric research predicated on the assumption that Soviet statistics are workably reliable. This paper attempts to evaluate these issues by examining the CIA's unofficial estimates of hidden inflation in the industrial sector calculated by James Steiner. A careful reconstruction of Steiner's arithmetic procedures reveals that the high levels of hidden inflation he estimates are invalid.
Numerical investigation of H-shaped short steel piles with localized severe corrosion

Evaluation of the capacity of steel bridge piles with localized severe corrosion is an important task for maintenance and retrofit activities. To facilitate maintenance and rehabilitation activities for deteriorated H-piles, numerical simulation for inelastic buckling of small-scale piles was conducted. The non-linear finite element model included the effect of initial geometric imperfection, residual stresses, material non-linearity, and geometric non-linearity at various levels of deterioration. The model was validated using experimental results of small-scale piles. A parametric study was conducted to analyze different factors that affect the axial capacity and failure mode of these piles. The parameters that were considered include the magnitude of initial imperfections, residual stresses, slenderness of the pile, location and extent of the corroded region, and severity of corrosion. Different pile slendernesses were considered ranging from 32 to 64. Different levels of corrosion were simulated by reducing the thickness of the flanges and web by 20–100%. The corroded length was varied from 15.2 cm, 30.5 cm and 61.0 cm. Different deterioration locations, namely mid-height and third-height of the pile, were considered. Numerical analysis results were compared to three design methods from current AASHTO (2012) [1], AISC (2011) [2], and AISI (2007) [3] specifications. A damage classification system is proposed based on the remaining capacity of the corroded pile and rehabilitation guidelines are suggested.
A fluorescence polarization assay for screening inhibitors against the ribonuclease H activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase

Abstract A fluorescence polarization (FP) microplate assay suitable for screening compounds against the ribonuclease H (RNase H) activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase has been developed. This homogeneous assay uses a hybrid 18-mer DNA/RNA duplex substrate composed of an RNA oligonucleotide labeled with 6-carboxytetramethyl rhodamine at the 3′ end that is annealed to a complementary unlabeled DNA strand. The labeled RNA/DNA duplex demonstrated Michaelis–Menten kinetics with a Km value of 9.6 ± 2.8 nM. Substrate cleavage by RNase H to produce small RNA fragments (1–4 mer) resulted in a large change in the measured FP value. This FP assay was amenable to kinetics protocols as well as stopped endpoint measurements. When using the latter for conducting robotics runs, Z′ values greater than 0.8 typically were observed. The stopped endpoint FP assay was used successfully in a high-throughput screening campaign to screen 1.8 million compounds for RNase H inhibition.
Kinetic properties of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase from Anabaena variabilis.

Abstract Ribulose 1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase was purified from the blue-green algae Anabaena variabilis and the kinetic properties of this enzyme were studied in an attempt to compare them with values measured for higher plant enzyme. Major contrasting differences in the kinetic responses of the Anabaena enzyme appear to be the following: (l)The K m (CO 2 ) is some 10-fold or more higher; (2) the K c · K Mg value for activation of the enzyme with CO 2 and Mg 2+ is also increased 10-fold or more; (3) the maximum turnover rate per active site for the carboxylase reaction 3- to 4-fold higher; (4) the K i (O 2 ) of oxygen in the carboxylase reaction is 2- to 3-fold higher as is the K m (O 2 ) for the oxygenase reaction; (5) the ratio of V carboxylase to V oxygenase may also be increased; (6) the pH responses of V carboxylase and K m (CO 2 ) are different in the pH range below 7.5. These differences are considered in terms of the possible evolutionary changes which have taken place in the enzyme to increase affinity for CO 2 in carboxylation and reduce oxygen inhibition of carboxylation in vivo .
Free-running periods of endogenous circannian rhythms in the golden mantled ground squirrel, Citellus lateralis

Abstract 1. 1. Endogenous circannian rhythms in the hibernator, Citellus lateralis , have been studied for four consecutive years under constant environmental conditions. 2. 2. The interrelationships of the homothermy-heterothermy rhythm and the body-weight rhythm are discussed relative to the Bunning hypothesis for circadian rhythms. 3. 3. The circannian free-running period has been examined in relation to sex, castration and wild caught juveniles. Evidence is presented in favor of the genetic origin of the behavior pattern. 4. 4. After two successive circannian rhythms there is an increasing discrepancy in their relationship to the presumptive seasons, which indicates that a Zeitgeber is required to entrain the rhythms. 5. 5. It was found that the life span of these animals is about 5 years.
Resonant tunneling in (001)‐ and (111)‐oriented III–V double‐barrier heterostructures under transverse and longitudinal stresses

Calculations of the effects of external stress on the current–voltage characteristics of double‐barrier (001)‐ and (111)‐oriented resonant tunneling devices are presented. Crystal strains arising from the application of external pressure and, in pseudomorphic structures, lattice mismatch cause shifts in the conduction and valence bands of the well and barrier layers with respect to the unstrained alignment. For certain stress orientations piezoelectric effects give rise to internal electric fields parallel to the current direction. The combined piezoelectric and band‐structure effects modulate the transmission resonances which control the shape of the current versus voltage characteristics of the structures.
THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND WAVELENGTH ON PRODUCTION AND PHOTOLYSIS OF A UV‐INDUCED PHOTOSENSITIVE DNA LESION WHICH IS NOT REPAIRED IN XERODERMA PIGMENTOSUM VARIANT CELLS

— Ultraviolet light causes a type of damage to the DNA of human cells that results in a DNA strand break upon subsequent irradiation with wavelengths around 300 nm. This DNA damage disappears from normal human fibroblasts within 5 h, but not from pyrimidine dimer excision repair deficient xeroderma pigmentosum group A cells or from excision proficient xeroderma pigmentosum variant cells. The apparent lack of repair of the ultraviolet light DNA damage described here may contribute to the cancer prone nature of xeroderma pigmentosum variant individuals. These experiments show that the same amount of damage was produced at 0°C and 37°C indicating a photodynamic effect and not an enzymatic reaction. The disappearance of the photosensitive lesions from the DNA is probably enzymatic since none of the damage was removed at 0°C. Both the formation of the lesion and its photolysis by near ultraviolet light were wavelength dependent. An action spectrum for the formation of photosensitive lesions was similar to that for the formation of pyrimidine dimers and(6–4) photoproducts and included wavelengths found in sunlight. The DNA containing the lesions was sensitive to wavelengths from 304 to 340 nm with a maximum at 313 to 317 nm. This wavelength dependence of photolysis is similar to the absorption and photolysis spectra of the pyrimidine(6–4) photoproducts
Elevated glycosidases and proteolytic enzymes in cells transformed by RNA tumor virus.

Abstract Activities of 9 glycosidases (α-fucosidase and β-xylosidase were absent in all cells) were found to be significantly elevated in MSV-3T3 and RSV-3T3 cells compared to 3T3 cells; acid phosphatase and β-glucuronidase levels were similar in the normal and RNA virus transformed cells. Trypsin-like and cathepsin-like activity were also elevated in the cells transformed by the RNA tumor viruses. The results are discussed with respect to the phenomena of sublethal autolysis.
Hereditary vocal cord palsy

Hereditary vocal cord palsy is an uncommon cause of neonatal stridor that has significant implications for patients, their families, and their future progeny.
Lead toxicosis in tundra swans near a mining and smelting complex in northern Idaho

Die-offs of waterfowl have occurred in the Coeur d'Alene River system in northern Idaho since at least the early 1900's. We investigated causes of mortality and lead and cadmium contamination of 46 tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) from 1987 to 1989; an additional 22 swans found dead in 1990 were not examined. We necropsied 43 of the 46 birds found from 1987 to 1989; 38 of these were from the Coeur d'Alene River system, which has been contaminated with mining and smelting wastes for a century, and the other 5 were from a nearby, relatively uncontaminated area. Of the 36 livers of swans from the contaminated area that were analyzed, 32 contained lethal levels of lead (6 to 40 μg/g, wet weight) and all birds exhibited several symptoms of lead poisoning, notably enlarged gall bladders containing viscous, dark-green bile. Only 13% of the lead-poisoned birds (10% when data were included from other studies of swans in the area) contained shot, compared to 95% of lead-poisoned swans in studies outside northern Idaho. Lead concentrations in blood samples from 16 apparently healthy swans (0.5 to 2.3 μg/g, and 4 lead-poisoned birds found moribund (1.3 to 9.6 μg/g) indicated that tundra swans accumulated high levels of lead from ingestion of sediment that contained up to 8,700 μg/g of lead and plants that contained up to 400 μg/g. The swans spend only a few weeks in the area staging during the spring migration. The five tundra swans from the uncontaminated area had low levels of lead and essentially no symptoms of lead poisoning. Based on the conventional standard of 0.5 μg/g in whole blood as an indicator of lead poisoning, all of the swans in the Coeur d'Alene River system were either lead-poisoned or at risk of developing plumbism.
HIDA, percutaneous transhepatic cholecysto-cholangiography and liver biopsy in infants with persistent jaundice: can a combination of PTCC and liver biopsy reduce unnecessary laparotomy?

Historically, HIDA is the initial diagnostic test in the evaluation of biliary atresia (BA). Non-excreting HIDA scans can yield false-positive results leading to negative laparotomy. Cholestatic infants must be evaluated promptly to exclude biliary atresia (BA) and other treatable hepatic conditions. Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) is the gold standard for diagnosing BA, but requires surgical intervention. Percutaneous transhepatic cholecysto-cholangiography (PTCC) and liver biopsy are less invasive and have been described in small case series. We hypothesized that PTCC and liver biopsy effectively exclude BA, thus avoiding unnecessary IOC. Retrospective review of cholestatic infants who underwent PTCC, biopsy or cholescintigraphy at a tertiary children’s hospital from August 1998 to January 2009. Group differences were evaluated and the receiver operator curve and safety of PTCC determined. One-hundred twenty-eight cholestatic infants were reviewed. Forty-six (36%) underwent PTCC. Forty-one out of 46 (89%) had simultaneous PTCC and liver biopsy. PTCC was completed successfully in 19/23 (83%) children despite a small or absent GB on initial US. Negative laparotomy rate was 1/6 (17%) for simultaneous PTCC/liver biopsy. Complications occurred in 4/46 including bleeding (n = 2), fever with elevated transaminases (n = 1) and oxygen desaturations (n = 1). PTCC, particularly when performed in combination with simultaneous liver biopsy, effectively excludes BA in cholestatic infants with acceptable morbidity. PTCC can frequently be performed when a contracted gallbladder is seen on initial US exam. Negative laparotomy rate is lowest when PTCC is coupled with simultaneous liver biopsy.
Resonance in random π-network polymers

The electronic structure of a π-network polymer with random numbers of two types of monomer units is considered in a “conjugated circuit” resonance-theoretic framework. A transfer-matrix technique for computing relevant ensemble-average energies is described and applied to a few example simple benzenoid systems. A type of long-range ordering is noted to be relevant, and some of its implications are discussed.
Cuticular permeability of the black widow spider Latrodectus hesperus

The water permeability of abdominal cuticle of the black widow spiderLatrodectus hesperus was examined using gravimetric, in situ and in vitro techniques. At 30 °C and 0% RH, water loss rates (WLR) of whole, living spiders were higher than in situ WLR measured with capsules secured to the cuticle surface, while in situ WLR of living spiders were greater than in situ WLR for dead spiders. Although these differences are not statistically significant, these results suggest that there may be important extracuticular water loss pathways in living animals, and that the living epidermis does not provide an active barrier to water efflux. In vitro WLR measured on excised pieces of cuticle, in contrast, were nearly 5 times greater than in situ WLR of dead spiders. Temperature/transpiration curves show that permeability increased exponentially with rising temperature, with rates increasing most rapidly between 45 and 51 °C. The WLR for spiders whose cuticle was scrubbed with chloroform: methanol was consistently and substantially (200x) higher than WLR for control or sham-treated spiders. Discussion focuses on the location and composition of the epicuticular lipid water barrier and the potential use of black widow cuticle for in vitro studies of lipid barrier effectiveness in arthropods in general.
Computational modeling of nonlinear electromagnetic phenomena

A new algorithm has been developed that permits, for the first time, the direct time integration of the full-vector nonlinear Maxwell's equations. This new capability permits the modeling of linear and nonlinear, instantaneous and dispersive effects in the electric polarization material media. Results are presented of first-time calculations in 1D of the propagation and collision of femtosecond electromagnetic solitons that retain the optical carrier.
The Effect of Transverse Shear Deformation on the Bending of Laminated Plates

A bending theory which includes transverse shear deformations is presented for laminated plates. Closed form solutions are obtained for bending deflections, flexural vibration frequencies, and buck...
Efficient spectral-Galerkin methods for systems of coupled second-order equations and their applications

We construct in this paper two efficient spectral-Galerkin algorithms for solving systems of n coupled second-order equations. The computational complexity of these algorithms is essentially n times the cost of solving one second-order equation. We present numerical results which illustrate the accuracy and flexibility of these algorithms, as well as several interesting and challenging applications, including in particular a number of high-order nonlinear parabolic type equations.
Health Care Reform: Clarifying the Concepts

Despite agreement about problems with the health care system, there is disagreement about the remedy. Like most health care reform debates, this article focuses on financing methods rather than service delivery. Reform strategies are intentionally oversimplified into four categories: employer-based or "play or pay"; single-payer and modifications, such as expanding Medicaid or Medicare; market competition; and managed competition, which appears to be favored by the Clinton administration. Cost-control mechanisms and insurance reforms are applicable to all four financing methods. Reform is inevitable. The challenge for nurses is to understand reform issues and then influence policymakers to initiate reforms that make essential medical and preventive services universally available.
Polythiophenes and oligothiophenes in zeolite hosts: Conjugated nanometer size filaments

Abstract The polymerization of different thiophenes in the channels of molecular sieve zeolite hosts is described. Thiophene, 3-methylthiophene, 2,2′-bithiophene, and terthiophene were introduced into dehydrated proton-, Cu(II)- or Fe(III)-containing zeolites (NaY and Na-mordenite) from organic solvents or vapor-phase. In the large-pore hosts, green-black products are formed from the monomers within several minutes. Spectroscopic characterization (IR, UV-NIR) confirms the formation of oxidized polymer chains in the zeolite channels. UV-Near IR reflectance spectra of the zeolite/polythiophene samples exhibit a broad absorption from 500 to about 2500 nm as the bulk and not the resolved spectra of short oligomers, thus fairly long polymer chains are formed in the zeolites. Conducting polymers can be recovered after dissolution of the zeolite host in HF. 2, 2′-bithiophene and a-terthiophene in acidic H2Y and H6Y zeolites (2 and 6 protons per super cage/β-cage) yield yellow-green and purple products, respectively. UV-NIR reflectance data indicate that the acidic zeolite hosts oxidize the thiophene oligomers to yield stable radical cations and dications in their channel systems.
The body-as-object versus the body-as-process: Gender differences and gender considerations

The present study analyzed the influence that gender and gender concepts have on predominantly white young adults' attitudes toward their body parts (body-as-object) and body functions (body-as-process). Results indicated that, regardless of gender, participants held more positive attitudes toward their body functions than toward body parts. Masculinity was positively related to body-as-object attitudes, yet this relationship was true only for women. As expected, femininity had exactly the opposite effect on women's body-as-object attitudes. Unexpectedly, femininity was found to be positively related to men's body-as-object attitudes. Regarding the body-as-process, although no attitudinal gender differences were found, masculinity had a significant positive correlation. Finally, results suggested that what may partly account for the more positive body esteem expressed by males than females in previous research are that men appear to hold a higher percentage of neutral attitudes toward their body parts and women hold a higher percentage of negative attitudes.
Premarital counselling: a focus for family therapy

Premarital counselling has not been identified as an area of practice in recent surveys of family therapists. Yet this preventive approach is an area that is receiving much attention worldwide as some governmental units are requiring premarital counselling as a means to reduce divorce and strengthen families. A descriptive overview of premarital counselling rationale, process, content and effectiveness is presented and the possible role of family therapists offering this service is discussed.
The Relation of Group Performance to the Age of Members in Homogeneous Groups

The article discusses the findings of a study on the relation of a homogeneous group's performance to the age of its members. The study asked four hundred individuals and 80 five-person groups from...
Th17 Cells Bounce off the Fungal Wall

Th17 cells are thought to play a pivotal role in defenses against Candida albicans. van de Veerdonk et al. (2009) investigate components of the fungal cell wall and their cognate receptors on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) responsible for IL-17 production and find a predominant role for mannan stimulation of the mannose receptor.
Tumours and microbial diseases of marine fishes in Alaskan waters

. In an effort further to define the current health status of demersal fish in the Bering Sea, 36 618 fish captured by otter trawl during 1976 were examined for pathological conditions. Of the 26 species examined, 22 were found to have no detectable abnormalities. The four species with abnormalities were Pacific cod Gadus macrocephalus Tilesius with pseudobranchial tumours and skin lesions, walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma (Pallas) with pseudobranchial tumours, yellowfin sole Limanda aspera (Pallas) with lymphocystis, and rock sole Lepidopsetta bilineata (Ayres) with epidermal papillomas. The prevalence, geographical distribution and biological and pathological characteristics of affected individuals were determined. Pseudobranchial tumours of both Pacific cod and walleye pollock were occasionally found to be invasive. Fish bearing these tumours were distributed throughout the sampling area. The epidermal papillomas on rock sole resembled similar tumours found on several flatfish species along the West Coast of North America. The distribution of this disease appeared to be depth related. The virus-caused lymphocystis growths were located on the ‘blind’ side of yellowfin sole. The highest frequencies of fish with lymphocystis were in the south-eastern Bering Sea. Two main types of skin lesions were seen on Pacific cod: ulcers and ring-shaped lesions. Isolates of bacteria (Pseudomonas sp.) were routinely obtained from the cod ulcers and may be the cause of this disease. The ring-shaped skin lesions, when examined microscopically, contained unidentified epidermal basophilic bodies.
The utility of capsule endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract Capsule endoscopy is a new wireless endoscopic exam of the small intestine. Several studies have shown capsule endoscopy to be superior to other modalities in the evaluation of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Capsule endoscopy has been shown to be superior to push enteroscopy and to small bowel series. Reading a capsule study can be stressful and it has been compared to the piloting a plane over long distances or administering anesthesia during a long surgical case. Specific steps can be taken to lessen this workload especially when combined with software in the reading system that shortens reading time. It is clear that with the advent of capsule endoscopy, practice guidelines for the evaluation of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding will change. Literature suggests that health care costs in the evaluation of obscure bleeding could be lessened by the early use of capsule endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy will be first-line in the evaluation of patients with obscure bleeding, once upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are negative.
Binge eating and purging in a multi-ethnic community sample.

Objective: The purpose of the present study is to document the frequency of three eating disorder-related behaviors (binge eating; self-induced vomiting; and use of laxatives, diuretics, and diet pills) among a multi-ethnic community sample. Method: A questionnaire was administered to 1225 Hispanic, Asian, black, and white women and men. Participants responded to items (based on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for eating disorders) about binge eating and purging behavior. Results: Binge eating and purging were more common among women than among men in Hispanic, black, and white subsamples (frequency rates were similar among Asian men and women). Ethnic differences were found in frequency of purging among women (ethnicity was not associated with behavior rates among men). Fewer Asian than Hispanic, black, and white women induced vomiting and used laxatives, diuretics, and diet pills as weight control methods. Conclusion: The fact that frequency rates differed as a function of participant sex and ethnicity underscores the importance of considering both of these group variables when examining disordered eating and weight control behaviors.
Three-phase/six-phase conversion autotransformers

The first commercial demonstration of six-phase transmission, the Goudey-Oakdale three-phase/six-phase project, used two delta wye-grounded three-phase transformers to realize the required phase/voltage conversion. This paper proposes the usage of autotransformers for phase/voltage conversion for the actual three-phase/six-phase systems to be built in the future. The design considerations of the three-phase/six-phase conversion autotransformers are described. Topology-based, nonlinear, core-type conversion autotransformer EMTP models are developed. The behavior of the conversion autotransformers in a practical three-phase/six-phase system is simulated. These include transformer energization, short circuits, voltage regulation, open conductor, and ferroresonance. The simulation results show that the autotransformer is a viable choice for the conversion transformer. Since the cost ratio of the proposed conversion autotransformers with respect to the three-winding conversion transformers is approximately 64%, the new design is superior economically to other transformer designs, and will help push the HPO technology.
SUBCULTURES AND THE EMERGENCE OF THE ESTONIAN NATIONALIST OPPOSITION 1945-1990

It is widely recognized that subcultural organization provides fertile soil for the development of social movements. There has not, however, been a systematic analysis of how different subcultures ...
Barotropic Circulation around Islands with Friction

Abstract Godfrey’s Island Rule is generalized to include previously neglected dissipation on the north, south, and east boundaries of the island as well as the eastern basin boundary. The resulting extended island rule predicts the transport ψI between the island and the eastern basin boundary when strong frictional effects alter Godfrey’s original result. The new result is derived for a barotropic ocean with either Munk or Stommel friction and with no bottom topography. The Munk case is marked by the interesting feature that friction enhances the flow over a certain range of widths of the gap separating the island from the western (or eastern) basin boundary. Transport predictions for the Munk case are compared to results based on linear and moderately nonlinear numerical simulations. The original island rule overpredicts ψI by no more than 25% unless the island is within about 3 Munk layer thickness of the east or west boundary, in which case the errors are much larger. For such cases the extended islan...
Direct 3D-rotation estimation from spherical images via a generalized shift theorem

Omnidirectional images arising from 3D-motion of a camera contain persistent structures over a large variation of motions because of their large field of view. This persistence made appearance-based methods attractive for robot localization given reference views. Assuming that central omnidirectional images can be mapped to the sphere, the question is what are the underlying mappings of the sphere that can reflect a rotational camera motion. Given such a mapping, we propose a systematic way for finding invariance and the mapping parameters themselves based on the generalization of the Fourier transform. Using results from representation theory, we can generalize the Fourier transform to any homogeneous space with a transitively acting group. Such a case is the sphere with rotation as the acting group. The spherical harmonics of an image pair are related to each other through a shift theorem involving the irreducible representation of the rotation group. We show how to extract Euler angles using this theorem. We study the effect of the number of spherical harmonic coefficients as well as the effect of violation of appearance persistence in real imagery.