cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Power of Sisterhood: The Moderating Role of Womanism in the Discrimination-Distress Link among Women of Color in the United States

Sexism and racism play an important role in the psychological well-being of Women of Color (WOC). It is important to understand how protective factors, such as womanism (an outgrowth of Black feminist thought focused on the intersectional concerns of WOC), might disrupt the link between discrimination and psychological distress. With a sample of 204 U.S. heterosexual WOC, we examined (a) the links between perceived lifetime and recent sexist events and psychological distress and (b) the potential moderating role in these relations of womanism (an intersectional feminist perspective). Further, we conducted exploratory analysis on (c) the potential moderating role of womanism in the association between racism and distress. Findings indicated that all measured forms of discrimination were significantly and positively related to psychological distress. Womanism was found to moderate the relationship between each form of discrimination and psychological distress. The links between each form of discrimination and psychological distress were significant and positive for WOC with lower levels of womanism and not significant for those with higher levels. As one of the first known studies to investigate womanism as a protective factor, and the first known to explore its role in buffering experiences of racism, findings suggest that placing discrimination experiences within a larger sociocultural context of oppression may reduce distress for WOC.
Reinventing the Traditional Senior Center in Rural Areas to Attract a New Generation of Individuals

The purpose of this study was to determine the services and programs needed and/or desired by the baby boomer generation that will prompt them to participate in senior center activities. Eighty-fiv...
Untargeted lipidomic analysis of human tears: A new approach for quantification of O-acyl-omega hydroxy fatty acids.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this work was to optimize methodology to analyze the human tear film lipids by using untargeted, direct infusion electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) to establish the analytical approach for a large-scale clinical translational study of tear film lipids in ocular surface disease, particularly associated with the O-acyl-omega hydroxy fatty acids (OAHFAs). Methods Meibum and tear samples were collected from both eyes of five normal subjects without ocular disease using two different microcapillary collection tubes, glass and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). An untargeted lipidomics approach was used to analyze the lipids in human tear and meibum samples using direct infusion ESI-MS in positive and negative ion modes. Direct and indirect quantification methods were evaluated. Results The amount of OAHFAs measured in tears using these techniques was approximately 0.7–0.8% of the total lipids. More phospholipids, including phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin, were detected in the tear samples associated with glass microcapillaries compared to PTFE. Conclusions Reliable assessment of lipids in small volumes of tear film is possible using high resolution, untargeted ESI-MS in positive and negative ion modes. Using this technique, the concentration of OAHFAs can be quantified, as can the presence of other polar lipids.
Vitamin E: Interactions with Vitamin K and Other Bioactive Compounds

Nutrient functions often depend on those of other nutrients and/or bioactive compounds. These critical nutrient-nutrient interactions are often overlooked in observational studies and challenging to address in randomized clinical trials. As dietary guidance is issued to the general public primarily in the form of food components of the diet, such nutrient-nutrient interactions merit consideration in understanding the functions of a given nutrient. Vitamin E is no exception. An adverse interaction between vitamin E and another fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin K, was first detected over 50 years ago. Given both nutrients’ critical involvement in coagulation, in extreme cases, this interaction can result in abnormal blood clotting. There is also emerging evidence that vitamin E interacts with other bioactive compounds.
Violent crime and socioeconomic deprivation in shaping asthma-related pollution susceptibility: a case-crossover design.

Background The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the relative influence of community violent crime and socioeconomic deprivation in modifying associations between ozone and emergency department (ED) visits for asthma among children. Methods We used a spatiotemporal case-crossover analysis for all New York City EDs for the months May–September from 2005 to 2011 from a statewide administrative ED dataset. The data included 11 719 asthmatic children aged 5–18 years, and the main outcome measure was percentage of excess risk of asthma ED visit based on Cox regression analysis. Results Stronger ozone–asthma associations were observed for both elevated crime and deprivation (eg, on lag day 2, we found 20.0% (95% CI 10.2% to 30.6 %) and 21.0% (10.5% to 32.5%) increased risk per 10 ppb ozone, for communities in the highest vs lowest quartiles of violent crime and deprivation, respectively). However, in varied models accounting for both modifiers, only violence retained significance. Conclusions The results suggest stronger spatiotemporal ozone–asthma associations in communities of higher violent crime or deprivation. Notably, violence was the more consistent and significant modifier, potentially mediating a substantial portion of socioeconomic position–related susceptibility.
Activity Level Maintenance at Midterm Follow-up Among Active Patients Undergoing Periacetabular Osteotomy.

Background:For active patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), returning to and maintaining a high level of activity postoperatively is a priority.Purpose:To evaluate the maintenance of ...
Effects of Surface Chemistry on the Photophysics of Colloidal InP Nanocrystals.

Indium phosphide (InP) semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) provide a promising alternative to traditional heavy-metal-based luminescent materials for lighting and display technologies, and implementat...
Changes in Health Care Utilization for Pediatric Patients Treated at a Specialized Outpatient Pain Clinic.

INTRODUCTION Pediatric pain clinics may be the most efficacious way to manage chronic and recurrent pain in children and adolescents, but families often rely heavily on nonspecialized care, such as the emergency department (ED). Health care utilization patterns for pediatric chronic pain have not been fully explored, particularly the patient-level factors that may contribute to underutilization or overutilization of certain services. OBJECTIVES To identify health care utilization patterns before and after treatment at a pediatric pain clinic and the associations by primary diagnosis and patient sociodemographics. METHODS Data were obtained for all pediatric patients with an initial visit at an outpatient pediatric pain clinic between 2005 and 2009. Individual-level data included patient demographics, insurance type, and diagnosis at first pain clinic visit. Rate of health care system utilization 3 months before and after the initial pain clinic visit was quantified. Health care utilization rates before and after the initial visit to the pain clinic were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS Eight hundred twenty-six pediatric pain clinic patients were included. Overall, there were significant decreases in ED utilization (P < 0.001) and increases in outpatient service utilization (P < 0.001) after the initial pain clinic visit. Similar patterns were noted for patients by diagnosis (headache, musculoskeletal, or abdominal pain diagnoses) and among those who were female, white, 15 to 18 years old, privately insured, middle- or high-income (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Visits to an outpatient pediatric pain clinic were associated with shifts in health care utilization patterns. Important changes were an overall decrease in emergency visits and an increase in outpatient visits.
Quantifying the bias due to observed individual confounders in causal treatment effect estimates

It is often of interest to use observational data to estimate the causal effect of a target exposure or treatment on an outcome. When estimating the treatment effect, it is essential to appropriately adjust for selection bias due to observed confounders using, for example, propensity score weighting. Selection bias due to confounders occurs when individuals who are treated are substantially different from those who are untreated with respect to covariates that are also associated with the outcome. A comparison of the unadjusted, naive treatment effect estimate with the propensity score adjusted treatment effect estimate provides an estimate of the selection bias due to these observed confounders. In this article, we propose methods to identify the observed covariate that explains the largest proportion of the estimated selection bias. Identification of the most influential observed covariate or covariates is important in resource-sensitive settings where the number of covariates obtained from individuals needs to be minimized due to cost and/or patient burden and in settings where this covariate can provide actionable information to healthcare agencies, providers, and stakeholders. We propose straightforward parametric and nonparametric procedures to examine the role of observed covariates and quantify the proportion of the observed selection bias explained by each covariate. We demonstrate good finite sample performance of our proposed estimates using a simulation study and use our procedures to identify the most influential covariates that explain the observed selection bias in estimating the causal effect of alcohol use on progression of Huntington's disease, a rare neurological disease.
Improving Relation Extraction by Leveraging Knowledge Graph Link Prediction.

Relation extraction (RE) aims to predict a relation between a subject and an object in a sentence, while knowledge graph link prediction (KGLP) aims to predict a set of objects, O, given a subject and a relation from a knowledge graph. These two problems are closely related as their respective objectives are intertwined: given a sentence containing a subject and an object o, a RE model predicts a relation that can then be used by a KGLP model together with the subject, to predict a set of objects O. Thus, we expect object o to be in set O. In this paper, we leverage this insight by proposing a multi-task learning approach that improves the performance of RE models by jointly training on RE and KGLP tasks. We illustrate the generality of our approach by applying it on several existing RE models and empirically demonstrate how it helps them achieve consistent performance gains.
Data is divisive: a history of public communications on e-commerce, 1998–2020

For 22 years, the members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have been discussing how to govern e-commerce and the data that underpins it. In 2019, some 74 (now 86) nations began to negotiate e-commerce. These talks are conducted in secret and little is known about how they are progressing. However, WTO members issued a wide range of public comments on both the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce and the Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on Electronic Commerce from 1998, when the work program began, to the present. These communications provide context as well as a window into the negotiations. Using qualitative techniques to analyze these communications, the authors found that throughout the 22-year period, member states were divided by their understanding, capacity and willingness to set rules governing e-commerce or digital trade. Members had divergent views on: whether or not to extend the moratorium on customs duties (although they have consistently extended it); how best to nurture the digital economy and what role trade agreements should play in governing it; and the ability of all WTO member states to participate effectively in these talks. Many countries had e-commerce expertise, but they did not have a wide range of firms with digital prowess. Moreover, many of the WTO member states did not have expertise governing various types of data. In short, data, digital prowess and data governance expertise were creating division among members. To bridge this divide, this paper offers three suggestions
Optimizing Process Conditions during Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Pine with Pt/TiO2—Improving the Viability of a Multiple-Fixed-Bed Configuration

Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) has been identified as a promising pathway for the production of renewable fuels and co-products. However, continued technology development is needed to increase proc...
Semi-automated calibration of a hand-held stereovision system using a tracked calibration frame for image guided surgery

Intraoperative stereovision (iSV) systems are used for image data acquisition of the surgical field to facilitate image updating in image-guided surgery. We have developed an optically-tracked hand-held stereovision (HHS) system, but the calibration process was lengthy and the accuracy can be greatly affected by localization errors. This study shows the efficacy of using a rigid calibration checkerboard contained within a custom-built tracking frame for semi-automated iSV calibration. First, stereo camera parameters were calculated with a mean reprojection error of 0.28 pixels using 46 image pairs. Then, the checkerboard was calibrated to optically track all corner points. Specifically, locations of 4 outermost corner points on the checkerboard pattern were collected 93 times using a tracked stylus, and internal corner points were interpolated. Computed spacing between corner points was 15.01±0.04 mm and 15.05±0.08 mm in x and y directions, respectively, compared to the advertised spacing of 15 mm for both x and y directions. Next, we captured 169 image pairs of the tracked calibration checkerboard to reconstruct the 3D coordinates of corner points in the camera space. After, we calculated a rigid transformation between the reconstructed points and their tracked locations with a mean error of 0.31±0.02 mm. Finally, another 50 image pairs of the tracked checkerboard were used to verify the calibration accuracy and showed a mean error of 0.88±0.24 mm. These results show promise to automate the calibration process for future units and settings.
Capacity and Rate Adaptation in IEEE 802.11 Wireless LANs

This chapter contains sections titled: Background Capacity Analysis of IEEE 802.11 DCF Rate Adaptation Protocols Techniques for Improving IEEE 802.11 Network Capacity Conclusion and Future Trends References
Macrophage response to electrical stimulation

Many cell types respond to electrical stimuli by proliferation, changes in morphology, and release of growth factors. Specifically, neurite outgrowth increases and Schwann cells, glia of the peripheral nervous system, increase nerve growth factor release over 3 days in response to a single 50 mV/mm DC electrical stimulus. Electric stimuli has been successfully used in human crush injuries and with some limited success in rat and canine models of more severe nerve transection. Application of electrical stimuli in vivo impact not only glia and neurons, but will be applied to the injury site impacting all resident cells, including immune cells. Macrophages are rapidly recruited after injury and take much of the responsibility for inflammation at the wound site. This inflammation can impair healing. Therefore, it is important to determine how electrical stimuli influence macrophage activation and phenotype. Macrophages are very plastic, adopting a spectrum of phenotypes from an inflammatory M1 to a more supportive M2 phenotype known to aid in repair. In this work, RAW264.7 macrophage cell line was exposed to a single DC stimulation in an unactivated (M0) and activated state (M1 or M2) and changes to phenotype were characterized by PCR immediately following or 24 hrs post-stimulation. Preliminary findings suggest that DC stimulation does not alter macrophage phenotype.
Cultural Dimensions of Kin Investment

Human kinship and family systems are likely to be anciently rooted in the behavioral ecology of sharing food, and further interdependencies evolved to include cooperative breeding, pair bonds, and other sociopolitical alliances. The balancing of investment with respect to the advantages/disadvantages that come from such alliances (such as mating privileges, resource access, and defense versus exploitation and competition), which can affect inclusive fitness, may have been one of the most challenging aspects of early human experience and requires more exploration. Multigenerational and collateral investment and dependency, as well as the evolving cognitive capability for tracking and evaluating these relationships, create the basis for the generation of cultural constructs of kinship (e.g., marriage, families, lineages, in-laws) and the norms regarding them. Furthermore, the association of investment with long-term dependencies creates reinforcing attachment responses to others involved in these ties—attachments that involve expectations of and identification with others that became coded in kinship ideologies. We ask how investment is connected to cultural notions of kinship that create kinship ecologies through various manipulations of resources and currencies. Then, how these notions set up a framework for kin investment that may be a less-thanperfect reflection of biology but nonetheless have adaptive efficiencies (such as resource access) for members of kinship groups—for example, by adding the effects of reciprocity to those of kin selection (Alvard 2003). Moreover, in the presence of cultural constructions of kinship we can ask if and how kin selection operates. One payoff to the study of kin investment is a growing, ecologically founded comprehension of cultural kinship. Harrell (1997) focuses on families as organized and mobilized around the activities they must accomplish. Family organization Hum Nat (2008) 19:227–230 DOI 10.1007/s12110-008-9040-6
Active Mining in a Distributed Setting

Most current work in data mining assumes that the data is static, and a database update requires re-mining both the old and new data. In this article, we propose an alternative approach. We outline a general strategy by which data mining algorithms can be made active -- i.e., maintain valid mined information in the presence of user interaction and database updates. We describe a runtime framework that allows efficient caching and sharing of data among clients and servers. We then demonstrate how existing algorithms for four key mining tasks: Discretization, AssociationMining, Sequence Mining, and Similarity Discovery, can be re-architected so that they maintain valid mined information across i) database updates, and ii) user interactions in a client-server setting, while minimizing the amount of data re-accessed.
Mössbauer Spectroscopy of the 29.4 keV Gamma Ray of K 40 from the Reaction K 39 (n, γ)K 40

Because the levels of K40 are not populated by beta decay, it is necessary to use a nuclear reaction to produce the 29.4 keV ground state transition in K40. By passing a beam of thermal neutrons through the cryostat containing source and absorber, we have been able to utilize the K39 (n, γ) K40 reaction for the Mossbauer spectroscopy of K40. A thermal neutron beam does not cause target heating and the (n, γ) reaction method can be used for low temperature Mossbauer studies of both insulators and metals.
Toward Broader Perspectives of Young Children's Mathematics: Recognizing and Comparing Olivia's Beliefs and Activity.

Little research exists on young children’s beliefs about mathematics, and current research perspectives on early mathematical activity may overlook a great deal of young children’s sophisticated mathematical thinking. We argue this is attributable, in part, to a need for a broader view of what mathematics is, including cultural practices that are mathematical. Thus, this study investigated a young child’s mathematical activity and beliefs prior to school using a framework reflecting a view of mathematics as cultural activity. Through the case study of Olivia, aged 3 and 9 months, we found that her early beliefs about mathematics did not reflect her rich mathematical activity. Although Olivia engaged in a diverse range of mathematical activity (counting, measuring, designing, playing, locating, and explaining), what she believed mathematics to be was constrained to writing numbers and letters. To help young children perceive their own activity as mathematical, we argue there is a need: (a) for researchers,...
V. Necrapoptosis and the mitochondrial permeability transition: shared pathways to necrosis and apoptosis

Opening of a high-conductance pore conducting solutes of molecular mass <1,500 Da causes onset of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). Cyclosporin A blocks this pore and prevents acute necrotic cell death in several models. Confocal microscopy directly visualizes onset of the MPT during acute cytotoxicity from the movement of the green-fluorescing fluorophore, calcein, into the mitochondria from the cytosol. The MPT also plays a causative role in tumor necrosis factor-α-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. Progression to apoptosis or necrosis after the MPT may depend on the presence or absence, respectively, of ATP. Often, features of both apoptotic and necrotic cell death develop after death signals and toxic stresses. The term “necrapoptosis” is introduced to emphasize the shared pathways leading to both forms of cell death.
Regional cerebrovascular responses to progressive hypotension after traumatic brain injury in cats

We investigated the effects of hypotension on cerebral blood flow (CBF) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in cats. Isoflurane-anesthetized cats were prepared for TBI and for microsphere measurements of total (T) and regional (r) CBF. Four groups were studied: sham injury (group I, n = 6); TBI (group II, n = 6); isoflurane anesthesia, no TBI or hypotension (group III, n = 4); and isoflurane and TBI, no hypotension (group IV, n = 8). After TBI or sham trauma, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was reduced to 80, 60, and 40 mmHg by hemorrhage. Group I TCBF did not change significantly from baseline until MAP reached 40 mmHg, but rCBF was more dependent on MAP in anterior hemispheric than in brain stem regions. Group II TCBF was significantly lower than baseline, and group I TCBF at all levels of hypotension and autoregulation was impaired at higher MAP levels in anterior than in posterior brain regions. Groups III and IV indicated that decreases in TCBF were not due to duration of the preparation or to TBI in the absence of hemorrhagic hypotension. We conclude that global and regional autoregulation are absent in response to hemorrhagic hypotension after TBI.
A Match Made in Heaven: A Marginalized Methodology for Studying the Marginalized

Marginalization consists in not taking others into account on any number of valued outcomes, resulting in powerlessness, ignorance, poverty, illness, insecurity, and other manifestations of devaluation. Two illustrations are presented, including a brief summary of Q methodology, an innovation in factor theory that was marginalized by 20th century developments in psychometrics but has more recently experienced a revival in interest, and which is particularly suited to illuminating and clarifying perspectives, including those of marginalized populations. The procedures associated with Q methodology are demonstrated in terms of clarifying the goals of a Central American initiative to foster development. A second illustration focuses on the applicability of Q methodology in revealing marginalized tendencies within single individuals. A variety of other recent and current applications are briefly summarized.
Square-loop core magnetic amplifiers

THIS ANALYSIS APPLIES to magnetic-amplifier circuits of the center-tap, bridge-type, or a-c variety. Such circuits are called amplistats, Magamps, transductors, self-saturated magnetic amplifiers, and so forth. Figure 1 shows the circuit diagram of the center-tap connection. The amplifiers under discussion are of the so-called low control-circuit impedance type. In order to reduce the complexity of the analysis, many simplifying assumptions are made. While these assumptions introduce inaccuracies in the equations, the latter still serve effectively in establishing first-order relations among the variables. A large part of the analysis is applicable to core materials whose dynamic B-H loop is not strictly rectangular, such as grain-oriented silicon steel.
Margin requirements and futures activity: Evidence from the soybean and corn markets

This article investigates the impact of margin requirements on the trading activity and volatility in futures markets. We extend Hartzmark's (1986) model for futures demand to allow for the costs imposed by margins to change across the maturity of the contract. The model is tested employing data from the soybean and corn markets. We find that trading activity becomes more sensitive to margin changes as one gets closer to contract maturity, inconsistent with the notion that margins impose important opportunity costs on futures traders. Margins are found to have a negative impact on the trading activities of all types of traders, though there is some evidence that margin alterations bring about changes in the makeup of the market. The data also indicate that margins are likely to be hiked during periods of increased volatility, and reduced during periods of relative stability, thus suggesting that margin alterations serve primarily as insurance to futures exchanges. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 19: 433–455, 1999
Activation of the Pro-survival Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/AKT Pathway by Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Mesenchymal Cells Is Mediated by p38 MAPK-dependent Induction of an Autocrine Growth Factor *

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in differentiation, growth, and survival of mesenchymal cells while inhibiting growth/survival of most other cell types. The mechanism(s) of pro-survival signaling by TGF-β1 in mesenchymal cells is unclear. In this report, we demonstrate that TGF-β1 protects against serum deprivation-induced apoptosis of mesenchymal cells isolated from patients with acute lung injury and of normal human fetal lung fibroblasts (IMR-90). TGF-β receptor(s)-activated signaling in these cells involves rapid activation of the Smad and p38 MAPK pathways within minutes of TGF-β1 treatment followed by a more delayed activation of the pro-survival phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt pathway. Pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK with SB203580 or expression of a p38 kinase-deficient mutant protein inhibits TGF-β1-induced PKB/Akt phosphorylation. Conditioned medium from TGF-β1-treated cells rapidly induces PKB/Akt activation in an SB203580- and suramin-sensitive manner, suggesting p38 MAPK-dependent production of a secreted growth factor that activates this pro-survival pathway by an autocrine/paracrine mechanism. Inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-PKB/Akt pathway blocks TGF-β1-induced resistance to apoptosis. These results demonstrate the activation of a novel TGF-β1-activated pro-survival/anti-apoptotic signaling pathway in mesenchymal cells/fibroblasts that may explain cell-specific actions of TGF-β1 and provide mechanistic insights into its pro-fibrotic and tumor-promoting effects.
Theory of infra-red resonances in ferrimagnetics

Abstract The frequency dependence of the magnetic susceptibility for circular excitation of an uncompensated ferrimagnet is derived from the K ramers -K ronig relations for gyrotropic media. In the lossless case the susceptibility is completely determined by two sets of parameters: the resonance frequencies and the corresponding optical strengths. These parameters are calculated for systems of two and three sublattices. In agreement with the results of K aplan and K ittel it is found that the high-frequency mode of the two-sublattice system is optically inactive unless the splitting factors or the anisotropy fields are different for the two sublattices. A system of three sublattices, corresponding to the case of ordered ferrites, is discussed in detail. The infra-red resonance frequencies can be estimated from the Neel temperature. For representative cases the expected resonance frequencies are in the range of 10 13 sec −1 . A method of detecting the high-frequency resonances by means of the magneto-optical Kerr effect is discussed.
Manufacturing implementation of deep-UV lithography for 500-nm devices

Lithographers have steadily reduced exposure wavelength and increased numerical aperture (NA) to maintain process window and simplicity. The G-line systems of the 1970s gave way to the I-line systems of the late 80s, and then to the deep ultraviolet (DUV) systems of today. This paper describes our characterization of a DUV lithography system for the manufacture of 16-Mb DRAM chips at 500-nm ground rules. The process consists of a positive-tone, aqueous-base developable photoresist with an overcoat for sensitivity control, and an anti- reflective coating (ARC) on selected levels. The exposure tools used are step-and-scan systems with a 0.36 NA and expose bandpass of 240 - 255 nm. Apply and develop processes are clustered with the expose tool to minimize defects, reduce cycle time, and eliminate process variables.
Dynamic Simulation of a Rockfall Fence by the Discrete Element Method

: This paper presents a novel numerical model for the dynamic simulation of a rockfall prevention fence using the discrete element method (DEM). An approximate two-dimensional DEM model provides the basis for an efficient numerical technique for solving three-dimensional fence-rock dynamic impact situations. It is shown that the computational results can provide the structural engineer with quantitative information concerning the overall fence design parameters. The dynamics simulation software was developed on an Intel based CPU 80486 microcomputer. This hardware environment was also used to perform the dynamic analyses which are described herein.
Palmitate stimulates glucose transport in rat adipocytes by a mechanism involving translocation of the insulin sensitive glucose transporter (GLUT4)

In rat adipocytes, palmitate: a) increases basal 2-deoxyglucose transport 129 +/- 27% (p less than 0.02), b) decreases the insulin sensitive glucose transporter (GLUT4) in low density microsomes and increases GLUT4 in plasma membranes and c) increases the activity of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase. Palmitate-stimulated glucose transport is not additive with the effect of insulin and is not inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine and sphingosine. In rat muscle, palmitate: a) does not affect basal glucose transport in either the soleus or epitrochlearis and b) inhibits insulin-stimulated glucose transport by 28% (p less than 0.005) in soleus but not in epitrochlearis muscle. These studies demonstrate a potentially important differential role for fatty acids in the regulation of glucose transport in different insulin target tissues.
European Conquest and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: The Moral Backwardness of International Society

European Conquest and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: The Moral Backwardness of International Society. By Paul Keal. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003. 274p. 24.99 paper.Paul Keal's study of the position that indigenous peoples have occupied in international society is best read as a critical contribution to the work of the “English School” of international relations theory. Members of this school have long had an interest in relationships between European and non-European peoples, usually understanding them in terms of the expansion of the European society of sovereign states. Keal takes this as his starting point, but he criticizes it as “incomplete” because “it has excluded the story of peoples destroyed and dispossessed in the process of expansion” (p. 36). The purpose of his book is to broaden our understanding of the expansion of international society to include those stories, and so invite us to think more critically about the moral value of the society of states.
Lysosomal stabilizing effects of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in the hypoxic liver.

The cytoprotective effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, ibuprofen and flurbiprofen, was examined using hypoxic cat livers perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer under constant flow perfusion. During normoxia, neither ibuprofen (100 μg · ml−1) nor flurbiprofen (20 μg · ml−1) showed vascular effects on the hepatic circulation, as examined by changes in perfusion pressure, nor did either agent alter oxygen consumption of the liver. Hypoxia induced a marked decline in hepatic oxygen consumption and an increase in perfusate cathepsin D and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, indicating lysosomal and cytoplasmic leakage. Tissue samples, obtained 150 min after hypoxic perfusion, exhibited significantly higher percent free cathepsin D activity (73±8%, mean ± SEM, P<0.005) compared to that of normoxia (41±3). Both ibuprofen and flurbiprofen significantly inhibited the hypoxia-induced leakage of liver cathepsin D and LDH into the perfusate, and restored the percent free cathepsin D (50±5 and 52±1%, respectively), indicating preservation of lysosomal and cytoplasmic membrane integrity. The preservation of lysosomal integrity by ibuprofen and flurbiprofen was further confirmed by electron microscopy. Both agents also retarded proteolysis as evidenced by significantly lower perfusate free amino-nitrogen concentrations. Thus both ibuprofen and flurbiprofen exerted a significant cytoprotective effect in the hypoxic perfused cat liver.
The dissociation energy of the hydrogen molecule using long-range forces

Abstract New assignments of vibrational levels near dissociation in the B1Σ+u state of H2 indicate the virbrational quantum number is proportional to the one-sixth power of the binding energy, as expected theoretically from the long-range r−3 behavior of the internuclear potential. This is used to obtain an improved dissociation limit of 118377.7 ± 0.5 cm−1, corresponding to a ground state (X1Σ+g) dissociation energy D00 = 36118.6 ± 0.5 cm−1.
Microwave detection of thioformaldehyde.

Thioformaldehyde (H2CS) has been detected and characterized from its microwave spectrum. Preliminary analysis of rotational transitions for the sulfur-32-containing form of H2CS shows this new species to have C2vsymmetry with rotational constants (in megahertz) of A = 292,729, B = 17,698, and C = 16,652. The possibility of detection of thioformaldehyde in the interstellar medium is discussed, and a table of transitions expected to be of importance for that detection is presented.
Consistent Planning Under Uncertain Lifetime

This paper considers the problem of intertemporal planning when changing tastes result in inconsistent plans. This problem has been considered in the literature under the assumption of a lifetime certainty. Some of the solutions proposed in the literature exhibit certain undesirable properties such as incoherence and lack of Pareto-optimality. This paper proposes a procedure for solving the intertemporal dilemma when lifetime is uncertain. The proposed solution is coherent and Pareto-optimal, and is, in fact, valid for the case of certain as well as uncertain lifetime. [020]
Bonding and Thermal Reactivity in Thin a-SiC:H Films Grown by Methylsilane CVD

The bonding and thermal reactivity of thin a-SiC:H films have been studied and compared with that of methyl groups on single-crystalline Si and in thick polymer films. The films were deposited on s...
Tutor and Student Assessments of Academic Writing Tutorials: What Is "Success?".

The university writing center provides a key support service within the institution, and as such must find ways to evaluate the impact of the instruction they provide. However, many studies of tutorial effectiveness lack adequate analyses of tutorial talk and of both student and tutor interpretations of behavior and outcomes. This study characterizes successful writing tutorials by employing a hybrid methodology, interactional sociolinguistics, combining conversation-analytic and ethnographic techniques. Twelve tutorials, six with native speakers of English (NSs) and six with nonnative speakers (NNSs), were analyzed for features such as topic introduction, type and frequency of directives and their mitigation, volubility, overlaps, backchannels, and laughter. By triangulating this analysis with participant interpretations compiled from interview data, a profile of a “successful” tutorial emerged. Associated with perceived success were conversational turn structure, tutor mitigation of directives, simultaneous laughter, affiliative overlaps, and small talk. In addition, symmetrical interpretations of directive forcefulness and tutor “helpfulness” characterized successful tutorials. Implications of the study are both theoretical and practical. Recommendations are made that tutor preparation and in-service training emphasize less idealized, more pragmatic conceptualizations of tutor roles and actions and focus on behaviors demonstrated as constitutive of success. © 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
A Monte Carlo Reflectance Model for Soil Surfaces with Three-Dimensional Structure

A Monte Carlo soil reflectance model has been developed to study the effect of macroscopic surface irregularities larger than the wavelength of incident flux. The model treats incoherent multiple scattering from Lambertian facets distributed on a periodic surface. Resulting bidirectional reflectance distribution functions are non-Lambertian and compare well with experimental trends reported in the literature. Examples showing the coupling of the Monte Carlo soil model to an adding bidirectional canopy of reflectance model are also given.
Phenological Stage and Herbage Quality Relationships in Temperate Grasses and Legumes

The objective of this study was to relate neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and in vitro digestible dry-matter (IVDDM) concentrations in herbage and plant parts of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), timothy (Phleum pratense L.), and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) to phenological development of each species. Herbage from two plots of each species was scored for phenological stage according to a species-specific index and a mean stage number (mean stage by weight, MSW) was calculated
Team decision theory and integral equations

The coordination of decisions under uncertainty in a team leads to optimality conditions that are integral equations. A specific example of a two-division firm is developed to illustrate these conditions. Numerical imbedding techniques are used to solve the firm's decision problem. Extensions toward more general techniques and applications are indicated.
Government Internal Audits: The Determinants of Quality Supervisory Review of Audit Documentation

This study investigates the factors that impact the quality of government internal audit workpaper review. Numerous concerns have been expressed about the quality of government audits in recent years. The audit workpaper review helps to ensure public officials rely on accurate audit reports and recommendations. A survey was sent to local government chief auditors in the United States to learn about their audit and audit review processes. Survey analysis reveals the quality of audit workpaper review is a function of auditor training, audit client cooperation, audit departments’ budget size, auditor consulting engagements with the clients, etc.
The utility of onyx for preoperative embolization of cranial and spinal tumors.

Objective To assess the utility, technical factors, and complications associated with the use of Onyx (Micro Therapeutics, Inc., Irvine, CA) for preoperative embolization of cranial and spinal tumors. Methods We reviewed a prospectively accumulated database for patients in whom Onyx was used for preoperative embolization of cranial and spinal tumors over a 19-month period. The patients' demographic characteristics, tumor type and location, embolic agents used, arteries catheterized, and associated complications were assessed. Specific attention was focused on technical factors associated with the use of Onyx that differed from the use of other commonly used embolic materials. Results Ten patients (four female and six male; age range, 11-60 yr) underwent preoperative embolization with Onyx before cranial or spinal tumor resection. Tumors included three juvenile nasal angiofibromas, two meningiomas, two hemangioblastomas, two metastases (renal cell and thyroid), and one giant cell tumor. Onyx embolization was performed in 43 vessels over 11 treatment sessions. There were no complications related to the embolization procedures. Deep penetration of the embolic agent into the tumor was documented through preoperative imaging or surgical pathological specimens. Conclusion Preoperative embolization of cranial and spinal tumors can be performed safely. Specific technical advantages of Onyx included deep penetration of lesions producing extensive tumor infarction, the ability to embolize extensive portions of the tumors through fewer arterial catheterizations, and the safety of catheter withdrawal despite often substantial reflux along the embolic catheter.
The self-coupling of weak lepton currents in high energy neutrino and muon reactions

Abstract The detailed numerical analysis of the weak leptonic processes ν + (Z) → ν + μ + μ +_ (Z) and μ + (Z) → μ + ν + ν + (Z) has been performed based on the conventional V-A Fermi theory. We found marked asymmetry between μ and μ in the first reaction. The muon is more energetic and appears more in the forward direction compared with the antimuon. The invariant mass of the μ μ pair is found to be small. The antimuon in the second process loses almost all its energy during the reaction. The asymptotic formula at extremely high energy is also derived. We discuss the ratio of the total cross sections for these two processes at high energy. The effects of the deeply inelastic process on these reactions are also discussed. We present a rather detailed phase space reduction.
Mobility profiler: A framework for discovering mobility profiles of cell phone users

Mobility path information of cell phone users play a crucial role in a wide range of cell phone applications, including context based search and advertising, early warning systems, city-wide sensing applications such as air pollution exposure estimation and traffic planning. However, there is a disconnect between the low level location data logs available from the cell phones and the high level mobility path information required to support these cell phone applications. In this paper, we present formal definitions to capture the cell phone users' mobility patterns and profiles, and provide a complete framework, Mobility Profiler, for discovering mobile cell phone user profiles starting from cell based location data. We use real-world cell phone log data (of over 350 K h of coverage) to demonstrate our framework and perform experiments for discovering frequent mobility patterns and profiles. Our analysis of mobility profiles of cell phone users expose a significant long tail in a user's location-time distribution: A total of 15% of a cell phone user's time is spent on average in locations that each appears with less than 1% of total time.
A new parallel thinning methodology

A perfectly parallel thinning algorithm (PPTA) is proposed. It can generate perfect skeletons, which consist of end points, break points, and hole points only. Experimental results show that the proposed PPTA can also preserve image connectivity, produce thinner skeletons, and is faster than many existing thinning algorithms. For example, it is twice as fast as one of the fastest parallel thinning algorithm by Holt, Stewart, Clint and Perrorte.
Pathophysiology of anorexia

A physiologic decline in food intake occurs with advancing age. The physiologic anorexia of aging and its associated weight loss predispose older persons to develop protein-energy malnutrition. In older persons a variety of social and psychologic factors, diseases, and medications can aggravate the physiologic anorexia and lead to severe weight loss. Many of these factors are amenable to treatment, resulting in a reversal of the underlying malnutrition. This article first reviews the physiologic factors responsible for anorexia in older persons. It then reviews the major pathologic processes responsible for producing protein-energy malnutrition in older persons.
On The Strength of Adhesive Bonds Between Rigid, Non-Crystalline Polymers

Abstract The relatively high strengths exhibited by well-prepared, rigid adhesive bonds partly reflect the crack-growth inhibiting properties of the surrounding bulk. Dispersion forces alone are unable to inhibit crack growth significantly, as is indicated, for example, by the low strengths of low molecular weight glassy polymers. The source of crack-growth inhibition of adhesive bonds was revealed by examining crack fronts with a microscope. Examined were crack fronts along the self-bond between pieces of poly(methyl methacrylate) and along the adhesive bond between pieces of poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene. Associated with each crack front were two sets of interference fringes, indicating the presence of a craze preceding the crack. Crazes form in high molecular weight brittle polymers, and their presence along the adhesive bond ahead of the crack indicates the involvement of the high molecular weight bulk polymer adjacent to the bonding plane. Crazes ahead of cracks are known to inhibit fract...
DUAL N-POINT FUNCTIONS IN PGL(N-2,C)-INVARIANT FORMALISM.

We derive a new expression for the dual $N$ -point function integrand which is invariant under the action of the projective general linear group $\mathrm{PGL}(N\ensuremath{-}2,C)$. The $(N\ensuremath{-}1)(N\ensuremath{-}3)$ free complex parameters of the group are used to make the integrand independent of the values of ($N\ensuremath{-}1$) points of complex dimension ($N\ensuremath{-}3$) which appear in the integrand. These points uniquely specify the location of all $\frac{1}{2}(N\ensuremath{-}1)(N\ensuremath{-}2)$ hyperplanes which appear as branch singularities of the integrand when it is viewed as a function on ($N\ensuremath{-}3$) -dimensional complex projective space. In contrast to the Koba-Nielsen formalism, the $\mathrm{PGL}(N\ensuremath{-}2,C)$ -invariant form of the $N$-point integrand allows transformations which mix the ($N\ensuremath{-}3$) integration variables and permits greater freedom in the placement of the branch singularities while preserving a simple hyperplane structure for the singularities.
Comparison of calculated and measured GaP:N luminescence spectra

Abstract We derive an expression for the luminescence intensity due to indirect transitions between particular impurity-related energy levels, and relate it to the k-space charge densities, | Ψ (k) | 2, of the impurity levels. The expression can then be used to estimate | Ψ (k) | 2 from a measured luminescence spectrum. We present results obtained for an exciton bound to nitrogen in GaP.
Composition and forage yield of hybrid-inbred mixtures of pearl millet

(…) Only the 60 and 80% of colored inbred seed mixtures yielded significantly less (P<0.05). Colored culms left per hill were 3.2, 4.6, 8.0 and 15.7, respectively. Planted in rows (210 seeds/m) for 3 yr, mixtures containing 20, 40, and 60% of colored inbred seeds yielded 104.0, 90.9, and 90.5% as much as pure hybrid seed. Colored culms in the row plots produced 1.5, 4.7 and 9.7% of the total forage, respectively. Reducing the seeding rate in row plots to 70 seeds/m of row lowered forage yields 14%, but only the 60% colored inbred seed mixture significantly lowered forage yields (P<0.01)