cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Black and white South African university students' perceptions of self and country: An exploratory study

Abstract In this study the personal perceptions and national aspirations of 236 black and white students enrolled at three university campuses in South Africa in 1992 were examined. The Cantril Self-Anchoring Striving Scale was used to determine the best and worst possible outcomes for themselves and their country. Research results indicated: (a) both black and white student respondents were strongly committed to their country at the time of the survey; (b) although the students came from diverse ethnic communities and were linked to society in unique ways, they shared similar national goals; (c) while embracing different political parties, these black and white youth identified with the ideological center; and (d) both black and white students rejected their apartheid past and were optimistic about their own and their country's future. The 'storm and stress' model of youth was not supported in this exploratory study, nor did the heightened era of social change disrupt the black and white students' commit...
Cross-Cultural and Cross-National Consumer Research in the Global Economy of the Twenty-First Century

ABSTRACT In this article we present a conceptual model of the effect of culture on consumer behavior incorporating the influence of globalization. This conceptual model shows that culture influences various domains of consumer behavior directly as well as through its social, personal, and psychological components/consequences. The model identifies several intermediary variables and processes related to each of these three components/consequences, and also depicts the influence of other environmental factors and marketing strategy elements on consumer behavior. We also identify five different categories of consumer culture orientation resulting from globalization. Highlights of each of the eight other articles included in this special issue are provided using the conceptual model as the structure and also indicating the nature of the article, cultures, and/or nations compared and sample sizes. We conclude with the contributions of the articles in terms of their coverage of the five different consumer cultu...
Transformation temperatures of martensite in beta phase nickel aluminide

Resistivity and thermal arrest measurements determined that the compositional dependence of Ms (martensite state) temperatures for NiAl martensite was linear between 60 and 69 atomic percent nickel, with Ms = 124 Ni - 7410 K. Resistivity and surface relief experiments indicated the presence of thermoelastic martensite for selected alloys. Some aspects of the transformation were studied by hot stage microscopy and related to the behavior observed for alloys exhibiting the shape-memory effect.
Structured iteratively decodable codes based on Steiner systems and their application in magnetic recording

This paper introduces a combinatorial construction of a class of iteratively decodable codes, an approach diametrically opposed to the prevalent practice of using large, random-like codes. Our codes are well-structured and, unlike random codes, can lend themselves to a very low complexity implementation. A systematic way of constructing codes based on Steiner systems and the Z/sub /spl nu//, group is presented, and a hardware efficient encoding algorithm is proposed. A substantial performance improvement of high-rate Steiner codes over the existing schemes used in magnetic recording systems is demonstrated.
Litigating personnel measurement policy

Abstract Future historians of this nation's struggle to achieve civil rights by prohibiting employment discrimination will undoubtedly view the years 1964, 1971, and 1988 as the significant milestones for understanding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 1964, Congress defined employment discrimination in terms of evil intent known as the “disparate treatment” definition of discrimination. Disparate treatment falls within the commonly understood meaning of what it means “to discriminate”—intentionally to treat an individual differently on account of that individual's race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Between 1964 and 1971, however, the civil rights bar was successful in redefining employment discrimination in terms of effects known as the “disparate impact” definition of discrimination. The disparate impact definition of discrimination was given apparent legitimacy by the fact that typically, objective employment standards fall more harshly on one group than another. In 1971, the unanimous Supreme Court decision in Griggs v. Duke Power Co. had the effect of codifying the disparate impact definition of discrimination. Griggs read into Title VII concerns with the rights of groups in terms of adverse impact above and beyond defining equal opportunity in terms of individual merit discussed throughout the legislative history and clearly and unambiguously defined in the language of Title VII. For the 17 years following Griggs , employers learned to avoid the prima facie presumption of discrimination based on group determined adverse impact statistics by granting preferential treatment in one form or another to members of groups and trying to rationalize such actions within the meaning of what it meant “to discriminate.” In the years since Griggs , group oriented “goals and timetables” have become a growth industry as a result of the civil right's bar's success with the adverse impact oriented “numbers game.” The consequence of the plaintiffs' bar's successful advocacy frequently resulted in employers abandoning objective employment standards altogether or necessarily having to consider the individual's membership in one or more so-called “protected” groups—the very practice that Title VII sought to prohibit. The high water mark of the “numbers game” will likely be viewed in the future in terms of the 1988 Supreme Court decision in Watson v. Fort Worth Bank and Trust . A plurality of the Watson Court expressed its willingness to “reconsider” the Griggs reliance on statistical adverse impact arguments—thus permitting employers' use of objective employment standards to improve productivity without the certainty of litigation. The promise of Watson is that by returning to objective employment standards, employers will come to refocus on individual merit as the touchstone of equal employment opportunity.
Notes on Kepler

One of the most frequently made statements about outstanding personalities in the development of scientific ideas is the assertion that their contemporaries were not able to appreciate their ideas. To subsequent generations, however, is somehow granted a deeper insight after the initial shock has been absorbed during the intervening years.
Frontogenesis and Geostrophically Forced Secondary Circulations in the Vicinity of Jet Stream-Frontal Zone Systems

Abstract Frontogenesis and geostrophically forced secondary circulations in the vicinity of jet stream-frontal zone systems are treated, assuming that the motions conform to the geostrophic momentum approximation and that the secondary circulations are confined to the cross-front plane. Absolute momentum is used as a frontal defining parameter as its spatial discontinuities are shown to bound the tow hyper-gradient domain of upper jet-front systems. The solution of the Sawyer-Eliassen secondary circulation equation for simulated and observed frontal zones illustrates the importance of the geostrophic shearing deformation of an along-front thermal gradient in forcing strong subsidence within and to the warm side of upper fronts. The Miller frontogenesis equations are rederived with the frontal processes partitioned into those arising from geostrophic and ageostrophic motions. The transformation of the frontogenesis equations into geostrophic momentum, isentropic coordinates is introduced to further simplif...
The mutagenic specificity of sodium bisulfite.

Abstract Reversion studies with Escherichia coli mutants indicate that sodium bisulfite specifically induces mutations in only those mutants which are cytosine-guanine at the mutant site.
Truncation of the caspase-related subunit (Gpi8p) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae GPI transamidase: dimerization revealed.

Eukaryotic proteins can be post-translationally modified with a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane anchor. This modification reaction is catalyzed by GPI transamidase (GPI-T), a multimeric, membrane-bound enzyme. Gpi8p, an essential component of GPI-T, shares low sequence similarity with caspases and contains all or part of the enzyme’s active site [U. Meyer, M. Benghezal, I. Imhof, A. Conzelmann, Biochemistry 39 (2000) 3461–3471]. Structural predictions suggest that the soluble portion of Gpi8p is divided into two domains: a caspase-like domain that contains the active site machinery and a second, smaller domain of unknown function. Based on these predictions, we evaluated a soluble truncation of Gpi8p (Gpi823–306). Dimerization was investigated due to the known proclivity of caspases to homodimerize; a Gpi823–306 homodimer was detected by native gel and confirmed by mass spectrometry and N-terminal sequencing. Mutations at the putative caspase-like dimerization interface disrupted dimer formation. When combined, these results demonstrate an organizational similarity between Gpi8p and caspases.
The effects of additional education on the labor market experiences of two-year college alumni

Upon graduation from 2-year college occupational programs, most individuals either obtain employment or transfer to a 4-year college. This article examines the labor market implications of such a decision. To this end, the labor market experiences of two groups of 2-year college graduates (one subsample was characterized by terminal 2-year college degrees while the other was composed of 2-year college graduates who continued their educations at the 4-year college level) were compared. The data suggest that in both the short and longer run, the 4-year college graduates have more favorable labor market experiences than the 2-year college graduates. The data also indicate 2-year college graduates confront “credential barriers” which place serious constraints on their career potential.
Constitutional renegotiation: Impediments to consensual revision

In a post-constitutional context, restructuring of constitutional rights often fundamentally alters the role and scope of government. It is therefore important to assess the extent to which consensuality is likely to characterize the process of constitutional revision. This article provides theoretical and empirical grounds for concluding that nonconsensual constitutional revision is often the rule rather than the exception. The endogeneity of politically relevant transaction costs and their manipulation by self-interested political actors in a post-constitutional environment are central to the analysis.
A frequent mutation in the acidic proline‐rich protein gene, PRH2, causing a Q147K change closely adjacent to the bacterial binding domain of the cognate salivary PRP (Pr1′) in Afro‐Americans

The human salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs) are coded by six closely linked genes on chromosome 12p13.2. Two of the PRP genes, PRH1 and PRH2, code for acidic PRPs that are functionally important in binding to teeth surfaces, in maintaining a supersaturated concentration of salivary calcium, and in promoting adherence of potentially pathogenic oral bacteria to the teeth surfaces. A frequent acidic PRP electrophoretic variant is found in Afro-Americans and was presumed to be located in the 44 amino acid carboxy-terminal portion of the full length protein (150 amino acids). This region (and especially the carboxy-terminal dipeptide) may be crucial in promoting bacterial adherence to teeth surfaces. We here report, by DNA sequence analysis, a CA(2957) transversion that causes a Q147K change in the PR1′ protein. The mutation is located two residues from the carboxy-terminal dipeptide and thus might influence its bacterial adherence property. We also report a PCR-based assay for the CA(2957) mutation and show its applicability in an Afro-American population (n=61) where the allele frequency (as determined from phenotyping of saliva proteins and PCR DNA analysis) was found to be notably high (0.16). Hum Mutat 12:72, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Optimal solutions of a non-linear minimum fuel problem and minimum time orbital transfer problem, computed without prior knowledge of singular arcs' existence

Abstract The General Search Algorithm (GSA) previously presented by Katz (1974) has been extended to cover fixed time minimum effort problems and minimum time problems, having possible singular arcs, in problems where there is no a priori knowledge of the singular arcs. The conditions on the control set, the differential equations of state, and the state and control constraints are similar to those in the previous work, as is the dependence of the local-minimum convergence proof upon assumed convergence of a substep algorithm (Katz 1974) for non-linear optimal regulator problems GSA is applied to two example problems, both having singular arcs. In the first of these (a fixed time minimum fuel problem having known reachable sot and optimal solution) the conditions of the convergence proof were satisfied throughout and GSA converged to the resulting approximation of an optimal solution, in repeated trials. The second example (a minimum time Saturn vehicle orbital injection problem) suffered from non-satisfa...
Data-driven model for solar irradiation based on satellite observations

Abstract We construct a data-driven model for solar irradiation based on satellite observations. The model yields probabilistic estimates of the irradiation field every thirty minutes starting from two consecutive satellite measurements. The probabilistic nature of the model captures prediction uncertainties and can therefore be used by solar energy producers to quantify the operation risks. The model is simple to implement and can make predictions in realtime with minimal computational resources. To deal with the high-dimensionality of the satellite data, we construct a reduced representation using factor analysis. Then, we model the dynamics of the reduced representation as a discrete (30-min interval) dynamical system. In order to convey information about the movement of the irradiation field, the dynamical system has a two-step delay. The dynamics are represented in a nonlinear, nonparametric way by a recursive Gaussian process. The predictions of the model are compared with observed satellite data as well as with a similar model that uses only ground observations at the prediction site. We conclude that using satellite data in an area including the prediction site significantly improves the prediction compared with models using only ground observation site data.
Analysis of whole skeleton 3H-tetracycline loss as a measure of bone resorption in maturing rats.

Several modifications of the 3H-tetracycline bone labeling method for measuring whole skeleton bone resorption were tested. Under steady state conditions of whole skeleton resorptive activity, bone labeling for intervals longer than 2 weeks prior to experimentation did not significantly alter the urinary 3H-tetracycline loss curve. The utilization of nonlinear regression analysis showed that the urinary loss of 3H-tetracycline was best described by double exponential equations, indicating the loss of label from two distinct and independent exchangeable bone compartments. This conclusion was supported by the finding that soft tissues were effectively depleted of 3H-tetracycline by 24 hours after the final injection of label. Hence, it was concluded that approximately 40% of the 3H-tetracycline loss from skeletal bone is associated with a ``fast'' compartment which is depleted within 6 or 7 days after label loading. The size and rate of 3H-tetracycline loss from the fast compartment decreased (40%) with age such that the depletion time remained constant between 8 and 24 weeks of age in both male and female rats. The remaining 60% of 3H-tetracycline loss from a ``slow'' compartment which was depleted in about 70 days in young (8 week) rats. This compartment, which is believed to reflect cell-mediated resorption of calcified bone, decreased in size with age in both male (50%) and female (30%) rats. The rate of label loss from this compartment, however, remained relatively high so that the depletion time decreased (∼35%) between 8 and 24 weeks of age. By determining whole skeletal mass and calculating these parameters on the basis of skeletal mass, we were further able to demonstrate significantly higher resorptive activity in female than in male rats by 24 weeks of age.
Sensitivity and specificity of commonly available bladder tumor markers versus cytology: results of a comprehensive literature review and meta-analyses

Abstract Objectives To determine the clinical utility of urine-based bladder tumor markers (UBBTMs) and cytology in the treatment of patients with transitional cell carcinoma on the basis of their statistical performance. Methods A comprehensive literature review was performed using Medline (1966 to current) and other search engines. Data regarding the statistical performance of UBBTMs were double extracted and rectified. Studies addressing comparable patient populations were combined and hierarchical Bayesian meta-analyses performed to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of commonly used UBBTMs, as well as urinary cytology. Patient populations were stratified by tumor stage and grade when data were presented in an extractable fashion. Results The literature review yielded 54 publications, 338 distinct patient groups (controls, screening population, patients with cancer, strata based on grade and stage) and more than 10,000 patients. The number of groups varied from 1 to 18, and the number of patients ranged from less than 100 to more than 1500 for the various markers. All UBBTMs have better sensitivity compared with cytology, especially for low-grade/stage disease, but do not match cytology regarding specificity. In patients with grade 1 and 2 tumors, several UBBTMs are significantly superior statistically in terms of sensitivity compared with cytology. The sensitivity for transitional cell carcinoma in situ (Tis) is surprisingly poor for all UBBTMs. Conclusions UBBTMs can be used for follow-up of low-grade/stage tumors but should not replace cystoscopy. All UBBTMs have better sensitivity than cytology and could potentially replace routine cytology during patient follow-up.
Changing human resources to make flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) successful

Abstract As manufacturers face a more competitive environment, they need to meet productivity, quality, and flexibility requirements simultaneously. To meet these requirements and remain competitive, many manufacturers have upgraded their manufacturing technology by acquiring flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). The evidence, however, suggests that because FMS are limited in what they can do, payoffs from investing in FMS do not materialize unless human resources lever FMS. This paper identifies human resources requirements to lever FMS, human resources management (HRM) practices that facilitate having these human resources, and organizational values and beliefs congruent with these human resources and HRM practices. Moreover, because to have these human resources, HRM practices, values, and beliefs requires changes that are both major and time consuming, this paper suggests activities useful to manage these changes successfully.
Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide stimulates histamine release and DNA synthesis in rat enterochromaffin-like cells

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Helicobacter pylori alterations in gastric acid output and mucosal proliferation may involve the enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell. To test whether H. pylori affects ECL cell histamine secretion and proliferation, the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on ECL cell function in vitro was investigated. METHODS: Using a rat ECL cell preparation of high purity (+/-95%), basal and stimulated histamine secretion and DNA synthesis were measured by enzyme immunoassay and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake, respectively. RESULTS: Escherichia coli LPS (10(-12) to 10(-6) mol/L) had no effect on basal and stimulated histamine secretion at concentrations of > 10(-6) mol/L. H. pylori LPS stimulated basal and gastrin-stimulated histamine secretion. These effects were completely inhibited by somatostatin (10(- 10) mol/L) but not by the gastrin receptor antagonist L365,260 at 10(- 6) mol/L. E. coli LPS had a weak stimulatory effect on ECL cell BrdU uptake at 10(-6) mol/L but had no effect on gastrin-stimulated BrdU uptake. H. pylori LPS did not stimulate basal synthesis but significantly increased (1.5-fold) gastrin-stimulated BrdU uptake. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori influences both ECL cell proliferation and secretion in vitro. An interaction between H. pylori LPS and ECL cells may contribute to the reported abnormalities in acid secretion and gastric pathobiology noted in H. pylori infections. (Gastroenterology 1997 Oct;113(4):1110-7)
Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Clinical Characteristics, Diagnostic Difficulties, and Treatment

BackgroundThe overlap between obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has received increasing recognition and continues to be a source of much debate. With the advent of new research methodologies, researchers have attempted to distinguish whether OCPD and OCD are two distinct phenomena that can co-occur or whether they are similar, overlapping constructs.MethodsMEDLINE was used to systematically review the OCPD and OCD literature published between 1991 and 2004.ResultsUsing the more stringent DSM-IV criteria, results from OCD clinical samples suggest that the majority of individuals with OCD (75%) do not have OCPD. Similarly, results from personality disorder samples suggest that the majority of individuals with OCPD (80%) do not have OCD.ConclusionsWhile there is evidence that OCD and OCPD are linked, the literature does not support either one as a necessary or sufficient component of the other.
Hyper- and hypothyroidism in pigeons fed DDT: An explanation for the ‘thin eggshell phenomenon’

Abstract Seventy-nine homing pigeons were fed control diets and dose rates of pp′-DDT ranging from 3 to 54 mg/kg/day. There was an increase in thyroid weight accompanied by a reduction in the amount of colloid in the follicles of dosed birds. The effect was as marked at 3 mg/kg/day (and 3·1 ppm DDT in the liver) as at 18–36 mg/kg/day. However, examination of body temperature, oxygen consumption and vitamin A storage showed that pigeons fed low dose rates of DDT were in a hyperthyroidal condition whereas those fed high dose rates were in a hypothyroidal condition. As hypothyroidism is known to result in thin-shelled eggs, the degree of hypothyroidism found could account for the ‘thin eggshell phenomenon’ reported from the field. This phenomenon, occurring since 1946–1950, is most marked in the large birds of prey which are the most highly contaminated with organochlorine insecticides.
AMORPHOUS OR NANOCRYSTALLINE ALN THIN FILMS FORMED FROM ALN : H

This work describes the formation of stoichiometric AlN films by single ion-beam sputtering of Al, using an ionized N2 (75%) + H2 (25%) mixture, onto substrates heated to 200 °C or above. The role of substrate temperature on film composition and properties is followed in the substrate temperature range between ambient and 250 °C. Infrared spectra of freshly prepared and 2 month old (aged in air) films demonstrate that substrate heating significantly affects the chemical nature of the resulting films. SEM and STM data, combined with IR and UV-visible spectral results, indicate that films formed at a substrate temperature of ≥200 °C are very smooth and highly resistant to attack by atmospheric gases. X-ray diffraction data show no diffraction peaks, indicating that the film is either amorphous or crystalline on a scale of less than 4 nm.
Assessing reliability and validity of the GroPromo audit tool for evaluation of grocery store marketing and promotional environments.

Abstract Objective To evaluate reliability and validity of a new tool for assessing the placement and promotional environment in grocery stores. Methods Trained observers used the GroPromo instrument in 40 stores to code the placement of 7 products in 9 locations within a store, along with other promotional characteristics. To test construct validity, customers' receipts were coded for percentage of food purchases in each of the categories. Results Of the 22 categories tested, 21 demonstrated moderate to high interrater reliability (intraclass correlation ≥ 0.61). When more unhealthy items were placed in prominent locations, a higher percentage of money was spent on less-healthy items, and a lower percentage of food dollars were spent on fruits and vegetables. The prominence of locations was more important than the number of locations. Conclusions and Implications The GroPromo tool can be used to assess promotional practices in stores. Data may help advocates campaign for more healthy food items in key promotional locations.
Sensing and Modulation of Invadopodia across a Wide Range of Rigidities

Recent studies have suggested that extracellular matrix rigidity regulates cancer invasiveness, including the formation of cellular invadopodial protrusions; however, the relevant mechanical range is unclear. Here, we used a combined analysis of tissue-derived model basement membrane (BM) and stromal matrices and synthetic materials to understand how substrate rigidity regulates invadopodia. Urinary bladder matrix-BM (UBM-BM) was found to be a rigid material with elastic moduli of 3-8 MPa, as measured by atomic force microscopy and low-strain tensile testing. Stromal elastic moduli were ∼6-fold lower, indicating a more compliant material. Using synthetic substrates that span kPa–GPa moduli, we found a peak of invadopodia-associated extracellular matrix degradation centered around 30 kPa, which also corresponded to a peak in invadopodia/cell. Surprisingly, we observed another peak in invadopodia numbers at 2 GPa as well as gene expression changes that indicate cellular sensing of very high moduli. Based on the measured elastic moduli of model stroma and BM, we expected to find more invadopodia formation on the stroma, and this was verified on the stromal versus BM side of UBM-BM. These data suggest that cells can sense a wide range of rigidities, up into the GPa range. Furthermore, there is an optimal rigidity range for invadopodia activity that may be limited by BM rigidity.
HCNH+: a new interstellar molecular ion.

The first interstellar detection of HCNH(+) is reported. The J = 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2 rotational transitions of this molecule at 74, 148, and 222 GHz have been observed toward Sgr B2. Using a large velocity gradient model calculation, the column density of HCNH(+) is found to be about 4 x 10 to the 14th/sq cm, about one order of magnitude less than that estimated for HCO(+) and HCN in this source. Such a column density implies a fractional abundance of at least one to several orders of magnitude larger than predicted by numerous ion-molecule models. Coupled with a relatively low abundance of HCN and a small HNC/HCN ratio, this suggests that HCNH(+) is not channeled into HCN or HNC as rapidly as thought.
Recovery of the Navier-Stokes equations using a lattice-gas Boltzmann method.

It is known that the Frisch-Hasslacher-Pomeau lattice-gas automaton model and related models possess some rather unphysical effects. These are (1) a non-Galilean invariance caused by a density-dependent coefficient in the convection term, and (2) a velocity-dependent equation of state. In this paper, we show that both of these effects can be eliminated exactly in a lattice Boltzmann-equation model.
The cost of search and rational random behavior

Abstract Sequential search for the lowest price is shown to be directly related to Theil's (1979) rational random behavior approach. An explicit relationship between the optimal number of searches and the optimal decision distribution is derived for the exponential family of price distributions.
Of Pots of Gold and Pots of Glue: Society's Maltreatment of America's Poorest Children and Their Families

Abstract This article reports data from two qualitative studies with child welfare lowyers, judges, masters, and social workers (N = 59). Two themes emerged: the first is that child welfare involvement occurs within a broader societal context, and that child protective services and courts are called to address a broad range of concerns with severely inadequate resources. Participants saw that the paucity of resources as evidence of lack of societal concern for poor children and their families. They attribute lack of concern to ignorance of the circumstances faced by these vulnerable populations and to disregard due to their lack of political power.
Does Taves reconsider experience enough? A critical commentary on religious experience reconsidered

Three problems beset Ann Taves' thought-provoking book. The first is her failure to recognize that her focus on “experiences deemed religious” makes just as many metaphysical claims as does the focus on “religious experiences” that she seeks to replace. Second, her building-block definition of religion drops her into the middle of controversies over the nature of religion, rather than rescuing her from them. Third, her approach embodies a peculiarly North American cultural ambiguity about religion: on the one hand, it contains an abstract democratic affirmation of the importance of studying people's beliefs and practices on their own terms; on the other hand, it pairs to this a concrete sense of horror at what those beliefs and practices actually are.
Method for studying nonrenormalizable field theories

A method is presented for studying nonrenormalizable quantum field theories in terms of renormalizable theories. The theory of a Hermitian scalar field in quintic self-interaction is modified by including in the Lagrangian a second-order derivative of the field variable. This additional term introduces a heavy particle with indefinite metric that acts as a cutoff on the momentum-space integrations. The most divergent part of this theory is shown to be analytically equivalent to the conventional ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ theory. It is then possible to use unitarity to relate the next most divergent part to the renormalizable most divergent part.
Microstructure development during the thermal oxidation of silicon in chlorine containing ambients

Abstract During the thermal oxidation of silicon in atmospheres containing oxygen and chlorine or oxygen and hydrogen chloride, an interfacial phase is formed between the silicon and its oxide. In addition, chlorine is incorporated into the oxide near the interface. Upon further oxidation a gas phase develops at the interface producing bubbles under the oxide. Still longer oxidation results in the growth of “stalactite” structures from the roof of the bubbles. We discuss these observations and present a model that accounts for their appearance in terms of the activities and diffusivities of chlorine and oxygen through the oxide.
The electrophoretic mobility of an eccentrically positioned spherical particle in a cylindrical pore

The electrophoretic mobility of an eccentrically positioned finite-size sphere in a circular cylinder is calculated for the case of a small sphere to cylinder radii ratio using the thin Debye layer approximation.
Behavioral effects of quipazine in the cat

Abstract Administration of quipazine to cats elicits a number of behaviors, such as limb flicking, abortive grooming, investigatory behavior and hallucinatory-like behavior, which we have previously proposed as an animal behavioral model for studying the actions of LSD and related hallucinogens. While recent studies have indicated that these model behaviors may not be totally specific for hallucinogenic drugs, the model can still be useful for studying drug action. Quipazine (0.5–5.0 mg/kg i.p.) produced significant increases in limb flicking, abortive grooming, investigatory behavior, hallucinatory-like behavior, grooming, head and body shakes, staring and yawning. These behavioral changes persisted for 1–6 h, depending on the dose of quipazine employed. Administration of quipazine (5.0 mg/kg per day) for 5 consecutive days produced no significant tolerance effect on any of these model behaviors. These quipazine induced behavioral changes were potentiated by pretreatment with apomorphine, and partially blocked by pretreatment with haloperidol. Quipazine-induced behavioral changes were potentiated by prior serotonin depletion with p-chlorophenylalanine, and completely blocked by pretreatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or the serotonin precursor, L-5-hydroxytryptophan. These quipazine-induced behavioral changes were also blocked by pretreatment with the serotonin receptor blockers, cinnanserin, methysergide or cyproheptadine. The mechanism of action of quipazine, as well as the neuropharmacology of the limb flick model, is discussed in the context of these studies with serotonergic and dopaminergic drugs.
Digital Holographic Interferometry - Principles and Applications to Deformation Measurement

Starting from basic principles of holography and digital holography, we discuss its application to digital holographic interferometry for 3D object deformation. Dual wavelength holography, digital holographic microscopy and single beam holographic tomography are also discussed.
Heterostructure photonic crystals: theory and applications

A hybrid structure combining square and hexagonal photonic crystal lattices is presented. This structure, which we refer to as heterostructure, offers the ability to tailor, optimize, and match the band structure of different lattices. The availability of heterostructures in photonic crystals opens a broad range of possibilities for optical device development. In particular, heterostructure photonic crystals are well suited for the application of optical beam splitting (Y coupler) and combining. Numerical experiments performed by use of the finite-difference time-domain method are shown to illustrate the device implemented in both unistructure and heterostructure lattices.
Most women who undergo labiaplasty have normal anatomy; we should not perform labiaplasty

An increasing number of patients are seeking cosmetic procedures of the vulva. In 2007, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released a Committee Opinion (#378) advising against cosmetic vaginal procedures due to a lack of safety and efficacy data. A growing number of observational studies has suggested overall high satisfaction rates, and complication rates that are "acceptable," although a paucity of comparative data and validated outcomes measures remains. The issue is further intensified and complicated by the proprietary or franchised techniques and devices that surgeons "sell" to each other, and by the fee-for-service model that circumnavigates some of the rigors of the physician-payor-patient relationship. This point/counterpoint article, based on a debate held at the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons' 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting, addresses the issue of an individual seeking a cosmetic reduction labiaplasty from her gynecologist in the contexts of available literature and standard ethical frameworks. The specific question posed to the panelists was, "Should the gynecologist feel comfortable offering cosmetic labiaplasty procedures to his or her patients?"
Role of transglutaminase II in retinoic acid‐induced activation of RhoA‐associated kinase‐2

Transamidation is a post‐translational modification of proteins mediated by tissue transglutaminase II (TGase), a GTP‐binding protein, participating in signal transduction pathways as a non‐conventional G‐protein. Retinoic acid (RA), which is known to have a role in cell differentiation, is a potent activator of TGase. The activation of TGase results in increased transamidation of RhoA, which is inhibited by monodansylcadaverine (MDC; an inhibitor of transglutaminase activity) and TGaseM (a TGase mutant lacking transglutaminase activity). Transamidated RhoA functions as a constitutively active G‐protein, showing increased binding to its downstream target, RhoA‐associated kinase‐2 (ROCK‐2). Upon binding to RhoA, ROCK‐2 becomes autophosphorylated and demonstrates stimulated kinase activity. The RA‐stimulated interaction between RhoA and ROCK‐2 is blocked by MDC and TGaseM, indicating a role for transglutaminase activity in the interaction. Biochemical effects of TGase activation, coupled with the formation of stress fibers and focal adhesion complexes, are proposed to have a significant role in cell differentiation.
Tensile strength of soldered gold alloy joints.

Abstract Statement of problem. Little information is available about the mechanical properties of soldered gold alloys after they have undergone various heat treatments. Purpose. This study investigated the influence of heat treating on the strength properties of soldered joints of two gold alloys (NC Type IV and Sofard), which can be age-hardened at intraoral temperature. Material and methods. Dumbbell-shaped specimens were cast with each gold alloy and were cut at the center of the connecting bar for soldering. The two halves of the casting were then soldered with two different gold-based solders (Maingold and Degulor). Three different heat treatments were performed on the soldered gold alloy assemblies: solution heat treatment (ST) at 700° C for 5 minutes (treatment A); aging at 37° C for 7 days after ST (treatment B); and aging at 250° C (Sofard) or 400° C (NC type IV) for 15 minutes after ST (treatment C). The tensile strength, elongation and microhardness were evaluated after each heat treatment. Results. The hardness values of Sofard significantly ( p Conclusions. The results of this study indicated the possibility of strengthening soldered joints in the oral environment, thus eliminating the necessity for any additional hardening heat treatment. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;78:260-6.)
Efficient syntheses of the triblock copolymer styrene‐b‐tetrahydrofuran‐b‐styrene by coupling of preformed blocks

The triblock copolymer styrene-b-tetrahydrofuran-b-styrene was prepared from commercially available hydroxyl-terminated poly(tetrahydrofuran), Mn = 1,650 and mono-hydroxyl-terminated polystyrene, Mn = 7,600. Poly(tetrahydrofuran) blocks were first chain extended by reaction by with 1.1 equivalents 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and subsequently end capped with 20% excess of hydroxyl-terminated polystyrene. Gel permeation chromatography revealed clearly the success of the end capping step to give triblock copolymer mixed with a small amount of excess polystyrene. 1H NMR revealed a gross composition by weight of 50% styrene, 41% tetrahydrofuran, and 9% MDI. DSC revealed a 5°C elevation of the PTHF glass transition and a 15°C lowering of PS glass transition temperature as compared with those of the individual component blocks. These values along with behavior of films as a tough elastomer are consistent with triblock structure and microphase separated morphology. The polymer does not flow readily below 125°C which is well above Tg of the polystyrene domains.
Comparison of CsI coated carbon velvet and aluminum cathodes operated at current density on the order of 300 A/cm 2

Many high power microwave devices use explosive or flashover electron emission cathodes in order to generate the electron beam and thus drive the device. These diodes are simple to operate, requiring no heater or other external systems, and are capable of generating beam currents of several kA at accelerating voltages on the order of 100s of kV. However, they generally suffer from non-uniform emission, anode heating, out-gassing, and pulse shortening due to anode and cathode plasma expansion. The ability to rep-rate such a diode is generally limited by anode heating and out-gassing which are both affected by beam uniformity. Two diodes are compared in this work. One uses a machined aluminum cathode, which is made from solid aluminum with grooves milled onto the surface. The other diode utilizes a carbon velvet cathode which is CVD coated with CsI. Time integrated scintillator images of the electron beam at the anode were taken for both the carbon velvet and aluminum cathodes. Additionally, time resolved images of the emission centers were taken for the carbon velvet cathodes. Data sets of over 1000 shots were taken with each cathode and shot to shot variation in the peak “turn-on” electric field are compared. The lifetime of the aluminum cathode was exceeded before 1000 shots, whereas the carbon velvet cathode showed no degradation in operation.
A Novel, Biodegradable Polymer Conduit Delivers Neurotrophins and Promotes Nerve Regeneration

ObjectiuelHypothesis: A wide variety of substances have been shown to promote neuritic extension after nerve injury. An obstacle to achieving the maximal benefit from these substances has been the difficulty in effectively delivering the substances over a protracted time course that promotes maximal, directed growth. In this study the delivery of a growthpromoting substance through a biodegradable conduit, using materials originally designed for drug delivery applications, was hypothesized to promote more robust neural regeneration than through conduits lacking the substance. The objectives of this study were to create a growth factor-loaded biodegradable nerve guidance conduit, and to assess in vivo nerve regeneration through the conduit compared with that through conduits lacking the substance. MaterialslMethods: Inosine, a purine analogue thought to promote axonal extension following neural injury, was loaded into cylindrical polymer foams composed of a polylactide-co-glycolide copolymer. First, in vitro extravasation of inosine was measured over a several week period using spectrophotometry. Second, the foams were fashioned into single-channel cylindrical nerve guidance conduits via a novel, lowpressure injection molding technique. The conduits were then used to bridge 7-mm defects in the rat sciatic nerve (n=8). Control conduits lacking inosine were implanted into another set of animals as controls (n=12). Results: In vitro spectrophotometric measurements indicated appreciable leaching of inosine from the loaded foams over a period of at least 9 weeks. In the in vivo model, after 10 weeks, a higher percentage cross sectional area composed of neural tissue existed through the inosine-loaded conduits
The political mobilization of nature in seventeenth-century French formal gardens

According to Saint Simon, Louis XIV on his deathbed expressed regret about the pain caused others by his overwhelming passion for building and war. For Saint Simon, this is only a passingly sympathetic moment. He is more concerned about the suspect moral character of a king who would inflict so much suffering on his people to follow his own passion and who would wait until death to renounce his weakness. The deathbed confession is followed soon in Saint Simon's diary by the descriptions of the general glee in France and throughout Europe that followed the announcement of the king's death a mirror, we suspect, of the author's own elation.1
In vitro protein splicing of purified precursor and the identification of a branched intermediate

Protein splicing is a posttranslational processing event in which an internal polypeptide is excised from a protein precursor and the terminal polypeptides are then ligated together, resulting in the production of two proteins. This report presents direct evidence for protein splicing by demonstrating in vitro splicing of purified precursor that accumulated when the protein splicing element from Pyrococcus DNA polymerase was cloned into a foreign gene. In vitro splicing was temperature and pH dependent. A slowly migrating species exhibited kinetic properties of a splicing intermediate and was shown to be a branched molecule by N-terminal sequencing. The precursor and slowly migrating species were interconvertible in response to pH shifts.
Inhaled nitric oxide treatment for preterm infants with hypoxic respiratory failure

Inhaled nitric oxide improves oxygenation and lessens the need for extracorporeal-membrane oxygenation in full-term neonates with hypoxaemic respiratory failure and persistentpulmonary hypertension, but potential adverse effects are intracranial haemorrhage and chronic lungdisease. We investigated whether low-dose inhaled nitric oxide would improve survival in prematureneonateswith unresponsiveseverehypoxaemic respiratoryfailure,and wouldnot increasethefrequencyor severity of intracranial haemorrhage or chronic lung disease.
Families of Hadamard group divisible designs

Abstract By a family of designs we mean a set of designs whose parameters can be represented as functions of an auxiliary variable t where the design will exist for infinitely many values of t. The best known family is probably the family of finite projective planes with υ = b = t2 + t + 1, r = k = t + 1, and λ = 1. In some instances, notably coding theory, the existence of families is essential to provide the degree of precision required which can well vary from one coding problem to another. A natural vehicle for developing binary codes is the class of Hadamard matrices. Bush (1977) introduced the idea of constructing semi-regular designs using Hadamard matrices whereas the present study is concerned mostly with construction of regular designs using Hadamard matrices. While codes constructed from these designs are not optimal in the usual sense, it is possible that they may still have substantial value since, with different values of λ1 and λ2, there are different error correcting capabilities.
Some structural considerations of the reactivity of vascular smooth muscle

Abstract Some morphological characteristics of the neuroeffector apparatus in the elastic blood vessels which have functional correlates are described. Since many drugs act on blood vessels by modifying transmission between nerve and muscle cells, an understanding of this process should precede a study of their pharmacology. The slow response of the elastic vessel to drugs may be due to diffusion barriers between the surrounding medium and the receptor. The characteristics of the α-adrenergic receptor are not identical in different vessels; even greater variation is found when other receptors are studied.
Dissociation between\(\dot V_{O_2 \max }\) and ventilatory threshold responses to endurance training

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the ventilatory gas exchange threshold (Tvent) changes significantly during the first 1–3 weeks of endurance training. Six men were studied during 3 weeks of training, which consisted of pedaling on a cycle ergometer 6 d·wk 30 min per session at 70% of pretraining\(\dot V_{O_2 \max }\). At the end of each week,\(\dot V_{O_2 \max }\) Tvent, and maximal and submaximal heart rates were determined during an incremental exercise test on the cycle ergometer. Constant-load submaximal exercise blood lactate concentrations were determined during training sessions on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week of training. Tvent did not change significantly during the 3 weeks of training (+ 0.09 l·min−1;P>0.05). In contrast, significant changes occurred in all other training indexes measured.\(\dot V_{O_2 \max }\) increased by 0.36 l·min−1 (P<0.05) after just 2 weeks of training and did not change further after 3 weeks. Significant reductions (40–45%;p<0.05) in blood lactate levels during training sessions occurred by the middle of the 2nd week of training. Decreases in maximal (~ 11 bt·min−1) and submaximal (~ 14 bt·min−1) exercise heart rates after 1 week of training were significant (P<0.05). The results demonstrate that changes in Tvent lag behind alterations in several other cardiovascular and metabolic parameters in response to endurance training. The dissociation between the significant improvement in\(\dot V_{O_2 \max }\) and the lack of a significant increase in Tvent during the first 3 weeks of training indicates that the exercise-induced changes in these two parameters are regulated by different mechanisms.