cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
All 36 exactly solvable solutions of eigenvalues for nuclear electric quadrupole interaction Hamiltonian and equivalent rigid asymmetric rotor with expanded characteristic equation listing

This paper derives all 36 analytical solutions of the energy eigenvalues for nuclear electric quadrupole interaction Hamiltonian and equivalent rigid asymmetric rotor for polynomial degrees 1 through 4 using classical algebraic theory. By the use of double-parameterization the full general solution sets are illustrated in a compact, symmetric, structural, and usable form that is valid for asymmetry parameter \(\eta \in \left({- \infty , + \infty}\right)\). These results are useful for code developers in the area of Perturbed Angular Correlation (PAC), Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) and rotational spectroscopy who want to offer exact solutions whenever possible, rather that resorting to numerical solutions. In addition, by using standard linear algebra methods, the characteristic equations of all integer and half-integer spins I from 0 to 15, inclusive are represented in a compact and naturally parameterized form that illustrates structure and symmetries. This extends Nielson’s [1] listing of characteristic equations for integer spins out to I = 15, inclusive.
Application of Shrinking-Core Model for Ionization of Hydrophobic Ionic Beads

AbstractA model based on the pseudo-steady-state shrinking core for the ionization of PMMA/MAA beads is presented. This accounts for the film mass transfer, intraparticle diffusion, and chemical reaction resistances in series. The film mass transfer resistance plays a minor role in the overall ionization process for the range of experiments studied herein. The specific reaction rate constants and diffusion coefficients increase as the pH of phosphate buffer increases, due to the increased accessibility of hydroxide ion and increased swelling of the gel layer, respectively; the specific reaction rate constants and diffusion coefficients are little influenced by the change of ionic strength of the phosphate buffer. The model shows that the rate of ionization depends upon the concentration of the buffer solution.
Review Article: Financial Liberalization, Development, and Marketization: A Review of McKinnon's The Order of Economic Liberalization: Financial Control in the Transition to a Market Economy (1991)

We present critical review of McKinnon's (1991) perspective on the correct reform sequence for financially repressed economies is presented, distinguishing between its application to less developed countries (LDCs) and reforming centrally planned economies (RCPEs). Empirical support for McKinnon's view is questioned on microeconomic and political grounds. We evaluate the importance of both predetermined and endogenous political and economic pressures on the reform sequence, underscoring some unique conditions of the RCPEs: greater systemic uncertainty, for example, that impose limitations on financial liberalization.
AG/FE(001) INTERFACE

Spin-resolved photoemission studies of the interface formed by depositing silver on an Fe(001) substrate show that the silver [ital d] bands show evidence of hybridization with the substrate [ital d] bands through the presence of a spin polarization for the initial monolayer of silver. Subsequent layers of silver show no evidence of spin polarization in the [ital d] bands. Studies of the dispersion of the interface or quantum-well states associated with these thin films reveal that their effective mass is enhanced due to hybridization with the substrate. This has implications for theoretical models of the exchange coupling in the associated magnetic multilayers, where the bulk band structure is often assumed for the noble-metal intervening layer.
Paradoxical changes in lumen size during progression and regression of carotid atherosclerosis

Summary Atherosclerotic changes regarding the lipid pool and frbrous cap are related to the lumen and show countgerintuitive changes; a discourse on Glagov’s Hypothesis. Background Relative changes in arterial lumen size during progression and regression of atherosclerosis particularly in response to lipid modulating therapy are largely unknown. This study was designed to investigate the effects of statin therapy on human carotid atherosclerotic lesions as measured by high-resolution Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR). Methods Via CMR (1.5T GE, WI), 35 carotid arteries of 18 asymptomatic, ‘statin naive’ patients with maximum carotid stenosis >50% (mean 64±21), were imaged at baseline and following 12 months of randomized, blinded statin therapy (simvastatin 40mg or Vytorin (Ezetimibe 10mg/ simvastatin 40mg)). The effects of statins on these lesions were evaluated as changes in carotid outer wall area (OWA), lumen area (LuA), vessel wall area (VWA), lipid area (LpA) and lipid percentage (Lp%). The percentage of stenosis of each slice was determined in reference to a normal or near normal sl. Results A total of 707-2mm slices of interpretable quality were available representing 39 in vivo plaques. Among these as followed over time, 378 (53.5%) demonstrated progression while 329 (46.5%) showed regression. Among ‘Progressors’, OWA, VWA, Lp% and LuA increased (P< .001 for OWA, VWA and Lp% and 0.14 for LuA), while among ‘Regressors’, all the above parameters decreased significantly (P<.001 for all). There was no statistically significant change in any of the parameters when all contiguous slices of all carotid plaques were analyzed in a 3D fashion. Conclusions Changes in carotid plaque after lipid lowering therapy, as measured by high-resolution CMR depict a counterintuitive effect on lumen size: as VWA and LpA decrease so does the LuA. Similarly, as VWA and LpA increase so does LuA. The measurement of luminal area may not be ar eliable measure of response of carotid plaque to statin therapy, as progression of carotid atherosclerosis is associated with a paradoxical increase and regression of atherosclerosis with a paradoxical decrease in luminal area. Funding Internal.
Color confinement and the quantum-chromodynamic vacuum. III.

The bound-state problem in QCD is studied in the modified Tamm-Dancoff formalism. The confining interaction is identified in momentum space as the vacuum expectation value of the instantaneous Coulomb interaction in the Coulomb gauge. If this vacuum expectation value is infrared singular, then color is automatically confined. All colored states have infinite energy. For color-singlet quark-antiquark and two-gluon states, the infrared singularity cancels out. The resulting finite-energy bound-state equations produce an energy spectrum comparable to that produced by a linear potential in the nonrelativistic Schroedinger equation.
Measurement of the J = 1–0 pure rotational transition in excited vibrational states of X1Σ thorium (II) oxide, ThO

Abstract Thorium metal has been ablated by a Nd:YAG laser in the presence of oxygen and argon. The chemical products of this reaction have been entrained in supersonic pulses of argon gas and examined using Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. One reaction product is thorium (II) oxide and for this species the J = 1–0 pure rotational transition has been recorded in newly observed vibrational states ν = 8 through ν = 15 . Combining this new data, with that of a previous study [1] , has allowed for the rotational constants to be re-determined with higher precision. Analysis of the relative intensities of the observed transitions suggests a vibrational temperature in our experiment of approximately 2500 ± 300 K.
Mitral valve re-repair: correlating real-time three-dimensional intra-operative transoesophageal echocardiography and surgical findings.

An 80-year-old male with prior mitral valve repair presented with recurrent severe mitral regurgitation. He had previously undergone posterior mitral leaflet repair consisting of leaflet resection and posterior annuloplasty band in 1998 for Barlow's disease with severe mitral regurgitation. The patient presented with NYHA class III–IV symptoms. Transthoracic echocardiogram reported an ejection fraction …
Recent developments in explicit finite element techniques and their application to reactor structures

Abstract A triangular element which requires only one quadrature point per element is described along with its implementation in the nonlinear, explicit time integration program SAFE/RAS. The implementation of an Ilyushin flow law which eliminates the need for integration through the thickness and simple formulas for stable time steps is also described. The performance of the triangular and quadrilateral elements is compared in large deflection, elastic-plastic problems. Applications to the analysis of above-core structures in breeder reactors are also described.
Thermal Analysis of Gold Nanorods Heated with Femtosecond Laser Pulses

We present an axisymmetric computational model to study the heating processes of gold nanoparticles, specifically nanorods, in aqueous medium by femtosecond laser pulses. We use a two-temperature model for the particle, a heat diffusion equation for the surrounding water to describe the heat transfer processes occurring in the system, and a thermal interface conductance to describe the coupling efficiency at the particle/water interface. We investigate the characteristic time scales of various fundamental processes, including lattice heating and thermal equilibration at the particle/surroundings interface, the effects of multiple laser pulses, and the influence of nanorod orientation relative to the beam polarization on energy absorption. Our results indicate that the thermal equilibration at the particle/water interface takes approximately 500 ps, while the electron-lattice coupling is achieved at approximately 50 ps when a 48×14 nm gold nanorod is heated to a maximum temperature of 1270 K with the application of a laser pulse having 4.70 J/m(2) average fluence. Irradiation by multiple pulses arriving at 12.5 ns time intervals (80 MHz repetition rate) causes a temperature increase of no more than 3 degrees during the first few pulses with no substantial changes during the subsequent pulses. We also analyze the degree of the nanorods' heating as a function of their orientation with respect to the polarization of the incident light. Lastly, it is shown that the temperature change of a nanorod can be modeled using its volume equivalent sphere for femtosecond laser heating within 5-15% accuracy.
Recovering from a bad start: rapid adaptation and tradeoffs to growth below a threshold density

Background Bacterial growth in well-mixed culture is often assumed to be an autonomous process only depending upon the external conditions under control of the investigator. However, increasingly there is awareness that interactions between cells in culture can lead to surprising phenomena such as density-dependence in the initiation of growth.
Solubility of magnesium oxide in calcium oxide-calcium chloride mixtures

Measurements and theoretical calculations of the solubility product of magnesium oxide in calcium chloride-calcium oxide mixtures at 1133 K are reported. A filtration technique in an inert atmosphere was used to obtain samples for analysis by atomic absorption for magnesium content. At low concentrations of O-2, the data are in consonance with the very low solubility product of 10-6.2 predicted by a simple thermodynamic cycle first proposed by Flood, Fϕrland and Grjotheim.
Bora Mikic and Pool Boiling

Even though Bora Mikic did his doctoral thesis on contact conductance, it was natural that he became involved immediately thereafter with the boiling group in the MIT Heat Transfer Laboratory. After all, contact conductance depends on randomly spaced points of contact between two surfaces, while nucleate pool boiling depends on randomly spaced cavities on a surface covered by liquid. Bora worked actively in boiling in the 1960s and 1970s. Collaborating with Warren Rohsenow, he developed what still is one of the most fundamental models for saturated pool boiling.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
A Statistical Kinetic Model for the Bulk Degradation of PLA-b-PEG-b-PLA Hydrogel Networks

A theoretical model has been developed to describe the bulk-degradation behavior of model PEG-b-PLA hydrogels. Utilizing a statistical approach to predict the cleavage of cross-links within these networks, the model accounts for both structural and kinetic issues during the degradation and, from direct comparison, can accurately predict the complex erosion profiles of the cross-linked hydrogels. The mass loss profiles of the cross-linked networks are shown to depend on parameters such as the order of the hydrolysis reaction, the value of the kinetic rate constant, the number of cross-links per backbone chain, and the mass fraction of network contained in the backbone as opposed to the rest of the network. Such an accurate degradation model based on fundamental parameters allows a greater understanding of the bulk-degradation process and its controlling factors.
Alcohol Consumption Inhibits Osteoblastic Cell Proliferation and Activity In Vivo

To better understand the effect of alcohol consumption on the bone remodeling process in vivo, we used a rodent animal model system to compare osteoblast activity and number in alcohol-fed, pair-fed, and chow-fed animals. Adult, virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to alcohol-fed, pair-fed, and chow groups based on weights. Alcohol animals were fed a liquid diet containing 35% ethanol-derived calories for 6 weeks. Pair-fed animals were matched to test animals on the basis of initial weight and fed an isocaloric diet equivalent to that consumed by the alcohol-matched animals on the previous day with alcohol replaced by maltose-dextrin. Right tibias were fixed and embedded in methyl methacrylate for sectioning. Sections (5 microm) were stained for cement lines and packets were measured using histomorphometric techniques on a BioQuant morphometric system. Alcohol-fed animals exhibited statistically significant decreases in the amount of bone surface containing active osteoblasts and a decrease in mean wall thickness. Osteocalcin values were significantly reduced from pair-fed levels and slightly, but not significantly, reduced from chow-fed animals.
Factors affecting the target site uptake selectivity of estrogen radiopharmaceuticals: serum binding and endogenous estrogens.

Abstract The binding affinity of various substituted estrogens for human sex steroid binding protein (SBP) and rat alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) have been measured by hydroxylapatite adsorption (relative to estradiol = 100%). While 17α-ethynyl and 11β-methoxy substituents reduce the affinity of estrogens for these serum binding proteins markedly, a 16α-bromo or a 16α-iodo substituent actually increases their affinity for AFP, though lowering it for SBP. As a consequence, the uterine uptake selectivity of 16α[ 77 Br]-bromoestradiol (relative affinity for AFP = 230%) and 16α[ 125 I]-iodoestradiol (relative affinity for AFP = 180%) in young rats (day 19–23), when AFP levels are still substantial, is considerably less than in older animals (day 24–27). 11β-Methoxy-16α[ 77 Br]-bromoestradiol, which has lower affinity for AFP (5.1%), does not show this age-dependent uptake selectivity. In adult cycling female rats bearing dimethylbenz(a)anthracene(DMBA)-induced mammary tumors, there is a strong dependence of uterine and tumor uptake selectivity on the stage of the estrous cycle: uptake is maximal during diestrus and minimal during estrus. The effective use of estrogen radiopharmaceuticals as receptor-based imaging agents requires careful consideration of not only the binding affinity of the agent for the estrogen receptor, but also its interaction with non-receptor binding proteins. The modulation of receptor concentrations by endogenous ligands during endocrine cycles and physiological differences between animals will also affect markedly certain measures of the extent of receptor-mediated uptake by target sites.
Theoretical Analysis and Practical Considerations for the Integrated Time-Stretching System Using Dispersive Delay Line (DDL)

In this paper, we perform the theoretical analysis and experimental demonstration of an on-chip implementation of a Ku-band nanosecond scale time-stretching (TS) system in a 130-nm IBM 8RF CMOS process. The theory of the TS system is applicable to general TS systems. In this study, we explain the impact of the time-bandwidth product (TBP) on practical design considerations and derive the error and distortion of a general TS system based on a dispersive delay line with perfect linear group delay and all pass amplitude characteristic. We also derive the time resolution of a general TS system using both the principle of uncertainty as well as the short time Fourier transform method. This fundamental result enables a designer to understand the qualitative relationship between the TBP and the best possible resolution of the TS system. Finally, we experimentally demonstrate the TS system on chip with nanosecond group-delay variance and 12-16-GHz bandwidth. This demonstration indicates the potential for implementation of more complicated time-scaling signal-processing systems on chip, as well as a quantification of the error and distortion for such systems.
Central and East European Bank Responses to the Financial ‘Crisis’: Do Domestic Banks Perform Better in a Crisis than their Foreign-Owned Counterparts?

In the context of transition, nine out of the 10 post-communist countries that ultimately joined the European Union reluctantly privatised the bulk of their banking sectors with foreign capital. The financial crisis of 2008–2009 therefore sparked fears that foreign banks would remove their operations from their Central and East European markets because of a ‘home bias’ in lending. Such fears were predicated on the widely held beliefs that banks' loyalties lie with their home markets and that it is therefore desirable to protect domestic bank ownership to help combat an economic downturn. This essay casts doubt on the value of banking sector protectionism by comparing foreign and domestic bank behaviour in Central and Eastern Europe during the crisis. The essay finds no consistent relationship between domestic control and either limited economic vulnerability or countercyclical lending.
Physically self-assembled monolayers (PSAMs) of lecithin lipids at hydrophilic silicon oxide interfaces

A new method of making physically self-assembled monolayers (PSAMs) on hydrophilic solid surfaces is presented. This method uses a mixture of a nonpolar solvent, such as hexane, and a strong polar solvent, such as ethanol, to dissolve the lipids. The deposition of two lecithin lipids, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC), has been studied. These lipids physically self-assemble, or adsorb, onto hydrophilic silicon oxide/silicon surfaces when such surfaces are in contact with the lipid solution. The adsorbed layers were probed with ex-situ attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy, ellipsometry, contact angle measurements, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The thicknesses of the adsorbed monolayers are about 2.8 +/- 0.2 nm for DPPC and 2.0 +/- 0.2 nm for DLPC, as determined by ellipsometry and AFM. Smooth, uniform monolayers of controlled surface density are formed. The surface density of adsorbed layers is comparable to those of close-packed lipid monolayers, as calculated from the ellipsometry and ATR-IR results. Producing controlled-thickness monolayers has applications in boundary lubrication, biomaterials, sensor technologies, and electronics. The method can be used for depositing many biological surfactants or lipids without the need to modify these surfactants chemically to form chemical bonds with the surfaces, as required by the usual chemical SAMs. Moreover, the new method has several advantages compared to the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method.
A Hybrid Systems Approach to Modeling Real-Time Situation-Awareness Component of Networked Crash Avoidance Systems

A new approach is introduced for modeling the estimation and networking processes of networked crash/collision avoidance systems (NCAS) in a single framework. An NCAS relies on real-time situation awareness, which is acquired through cooperation with neighboring vehicles in a wireless network, to predict and respond to hazards. The subsystem that provides situation awareness consists of an estimation process and a networking/communication process. The estimation process is the source of vehicle data that is broadcast through the underlying vehicular network (communication process). The performance of vehicle tracking (estimation process) is significantly affected by the performance of the communication network because any issues in sending or receiving the information could result in erroneous position estimates and possibly crashes. It is therefore essential to produce models that allow a clear view into the dynamics of these two components. We employ probabilistic timed automata to model the networking component; a hybrid automata is then used to combine and model both networking and estimation components in a single framework. We extend the presented hybrid automata to model the broadcast network of NCAS in presence of heavy hidden node interference. We verify model accuracy by comparison with proven network simulator 3 (NS-3) simulation models; model checking for the purpose of studying some features of NCAS is also presented.
Neurturin and persephin promote the survival of embryonic basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in vitro.

Abstract The GDNF family ligands (GFLs) are a group of neurotrophic factors that influence the development, survival, and maintenance of specific populations of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain provide cholinergic innervation to cortical structures and their integrity is vital to normal cognitive function. GDNF, the original member of the GFL family promotes the survival of developing basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in vitro. We have now found that neurturin (NRTN) and persephin (PSPN) also promote the survival of basal forebrain neurons including both cholinergic neurons and a population of non-cholinergic neurons with an efficacy comparable to NGF. We also demonstrate that developing and mature basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN) express GFL receptors. Ret, the signaling component of the GFL-receptor complex, is expressed in most adult rat BFCN. In addition, Ret and the GFL co-receptors GFRα1 and GFRα2 are expressed in developing cholinergic neurons in cultures of embryonic basal forebrain. Our results suggest that the GFLs may be effective as neuroprotective agents for BFCNs in vivo.
Power Handling of Electrostatic MEMS Evanescent-Mode (EVA) Tunable Bandpass Filters

This paper presents the first theoretical and experimental study on the power handling capabilities of electrostatically tunable MEMS cavity filters. The theoretical analysis indicates that the frequency-dependent RF voltage inside a narrowband filter may play an important role in the generation of electromechanical nonlinearities such as frequency response distortion, frequency shift, and bifurcation instability. This analysis also reveals that the filter's power handling capability is dependent on several critical factors, including the capacitive gap, stiffness of the diaphragm actuator, and the overall quality factor (Q) of the evanescent-mode (EVA) resonators. A nonlinear computer-aided design (CAD) model is proposed as a practical tool for capturing the important tradeoffs in high-power design. An EVA tunable resonator and a two-pole 2% filter are fabricated and measured as vehicles to validate the theory and the CAD model. Specifically, a medium-power filter with a tuning range of 2.35-3.21 GHz (1.37:1) and an extracted unloaded quality factor (Qu) of 356-405 shows measured power levels of 23.4 dBm (0.22 W) before bifurcation instability occurs. The measured IIP3 of this filter are 52.1 dBm. The theory and modeling, backed up by the measurements, provide significant insights into the high-power design of electrostatic tunable cavity filters.
The sedimentation of deoxyribonucleic acid in three component systems.

Abstract The sedimentation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was studied in three component systems containing DNA, D 2 O and buffer in one series of experiments and DNA, sucrose and buffer in another series. By varying the concentration of D 2 O and sucrose in these experiments it was possible to measure the dependence of sedimentation coefficient of DNA on the density of the medium. Extrapolation of the data gave the values, 1.68 g/ml and 1.42 g/ml, for the density of D 2 O and sucrose solutions, respectively, in which DNA has zero sedimentation rate. A theoretical treatment based on Goldberg 's general thermodynamic formulation of sedimentation in multicomponent systems is presented. Though the formulation is different from that of other authors, the final equations bear a marked similarity to those derived earlier. It is shown that the experiments in D 2 O yield the partial specific volume of DNA and the value, 0.59 ml/g, obtained in this way is in satisfactory agreement with the presently accepted value. The experiments in sucrose solutions give the preferential adsorption of water by DNA and the value obtained is discussed with reference to Kauzmann 's proposal of steric exclusion of solute molecules from the surface of a macromolecule. The value calculated from Kauzmann 's proposal is larger than that observed experimentally, and the discrepancy is interpreted in terms of the Watson-Crick model for DNA as indicating that the macromolecule has an open structure which allows penetration not only of water but also of sucrose to a smaller extent. Finally the interrelationship between this type of experiment in multicomponent systems to light scattering and equilibrium dialysis measurements is discussed.
The determinants of voting by workers in NLRB representation elections

The National Labor Relations Board reports that over 400,000 workers vote each year on whether they want to be represented by unions [National Labor Relations Board, 1974-1978]. Thousands more who are seeking work make the same choice when they decide whether to take a job with an employer who has a union shop. Why do some workers choose to be represented by unions while others do not? The answer to this question would help explain why, after 40 years of growth, American labor union membership stagnated in the 1970's with the percent of labor force organized falling to its lowest level since the late 1930's [U.S. Department of Labor, 1980]. Workers make their choice concerning unionism in two major ways. First, they may take jobs where union membership is a condition of employment once they have completed their probationary period. More than fourfifths of all unionized employers have such a requirement (union shop clause) in their labor contracts [U.S. Department of Labor, 1979]. In this instance, a worker's decision in regard to joining a union is complicated by the necessity of becoming a union member if he or she chooses to take the job. The second important way workers choose unionism is through National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) representation elections. Here workers do not have to choose unionism to obtain a job since only those who are already employed may vote in these elections. Of the numerous studies of the determinants of union membership, only two examine the membership decision apart from the job choice
Perioperative Management of Pulmonary Hypertension in Children with Critical Heart Disease

Pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) is common to a variety of conditions occurring in infants and children presenting to the intensive care unit. A fundamental understanding of the response of the right ventricle to an increase in afterload and the clinical syndromes responsible for PHTN is essential for managing patients with PHTN and critical heart disease. There are important distinguishing features between PHTN syndromes, and although one form of PHTN may predominate, often more than one mechanism of PHTN is contributing to the pathophysiologic state. Thus, it is imperative to tailor therapies accordingly in order to optimize outcomes.
Interaction of alfalfa plant height and insecticide carrier application rates on beneficial arthropod populations

Abstract Spray coverage, as measured by water-sensitive paper at the soil surface, indicates that plant height significantly affected coverage while spray volume had little effect. Methomyl and fenvalerate insecticides applied to different alfalfa heights at various carrier volume rates reduced arthropod populations even at lower application volumes. Carrier volume had little impact on the level of arthropod reductions in each plot. Plant height also showed little influence on arthropod mortality. Within the limits of effective pest control there appears to be little potential for reduced impact on beneficial species resulting from refined insecticide carrier volume rates in alfalfa.
Altering the Curriculum of the Home: Learning Environments for Korean and U.S. Students

ABSTRACT The family and home environment are considered the most significant influences on children's development and learning. These factors directly influence student ability, motivation, and interest in learning. This study focuses on alterable factors in the home environment (i.e., homework time, attitudes, expectations, reading). A multiple-factor model provides a framework to discuss the family influences that appear to explain achievement differences. To gain perspective from international comparative studies, statistical findings highlight family practices in Korea and the United States. The implications from this article discuss altering the curriculum of the home, providing supportive family conditions, early intervention, and family–school collaborations. Altering constructive factors in the home environment in any culture may strongly influence children's learning and development.
Machine Learning in Simulation-Based Analysis

This paper describes two separate learning flows for improving the efficiency of simulation-based design analysis. Machine learning concepts and methods are explained in the context of realizing the two learning flows. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate their feasibility. Generality of the proposed learning flows is illustrated using the kernel-based learning concept.
The importance of cultural evaluation in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment

Experience at a child guidance center with patients drawn from varying national and racial backgrounds shows the necessity for evaluating cultural factors for accurate diagnosis and optimum treatment. A number of case histories are reported in which there were significant cultural differences between the patient and the examiner or therapist, and where appreciable errors of diagnosis and evaluation of treatment occurred, or were under consideration, because the examiner or therapist was not sufficiently aware of these cultural differences and their manifestations. A number of psychiatric reports are also cited from World War II which noted difficulties when standard psychiatric criteria from civilian life were applied without taking into account the radically different cultural setting in the war-time army. A similar development is reported in the field of psychological testing, where leading workers have become increasingly aware of the decisive importance played by cultural factors in determining test results. The theoretical implications of these findings regarding the significance of the cultural factors in psychiatric evaluation are discussed.
Epidemiologic Studies of Male Factors in Infertility

In the US a reduction of mean sperm density and seminal volume has been documented during the past 50 years and an unexplained 3-fold increase in infertility has occurred from 1965 to 1982. The hypothesis that American men have impaired fertility because of exposure to environmental pollution is supported by the facts that: 1) spermatogenesis involves rapid proliferation and may react with particular sensitivity to biological changes 2) that industrialized nations have accepted pollution as a necessity and 3) humans are exposed to an increasing amount of chemicals in the food chain. This paper considers the various methods which epidemiologists can use to study this phenomenon including 1) animal studies to screen for possible toxicity and elucidate mechanisms of actions; 2) semen analysis to screen for exposure to toxicants and to establish regulatory levels for reproductive toxicants; 3) the computer-aided semen analysis (DASA) system to determine characteristics of sperm motion (velocity along a curvilinear path along a straight line and along an average path as well as lateral head displacement); and 4) questionnaires. The complete analysis of fertility data involves 1) organization of follow-up data in a life table 2) analysis of single variable differences (for example exposed and control groups) by log rank tests and 3) analysis of multiple variables by use of the Cox proportional hazards regression model or related models. Cycle fecundability estimates can be obtained by using a single parameter model or a 2-parameter model. 2 survival curves can be compared using the Mantel-Haenszel log-rank analysis (a chi-square technique). Surveillance methods can also be used to replace these analysis techniques. Power curves can determine the sample size required to detect a given exposure-related decrease in fertility. After a general consideration of exposure to toxic substances in the workplace and environment and a specific consideration of exposure to halogen-containing compounds to glycols and glycol ethers to metals to hormones and to heat this paper ends with a discussion of the effects of lifestyle (smoking alcohol consumption and the use of illegal drugs) on fertility.
Coupled Myosin VI Motors Facilitate Unidirectional Movement on an F-actin Network

Unconventional myosins interact with the dense cortical actin network during processes such as membrane trafficking, cell migration, and mechanotransduction. Our understanding of unconventional myosin function is derived largely from assays that examine the interaction of a single myosin with a single actin filament. In this study, we have developed a model system to study the interaction between multiple tethered unconventional myosins and a model F-actin cortex, namely the lamellipodium of a migrating fish epidermal keratocyte. Using myosin VI, which moves toward the pointed end of actin filaments, we directly determine the polarity of the extracted keratocyte lamellipodium from the cell periphery to the cell nucleus. We use a combination of experimentation and simulation to demonstrate that multiple myosin VI molecules can coordinate to efficiently transport vesicle-size cargo over 10 µm of the dense interlaced actin network. Furthermore, several molecules of monomeric myosin VI, which are nonprocessive in single molecule assays, can coordinate to transport cargo with similar speeds as dimers.
Impacts of stage-specific acute pesticide exposure on predicted population structure of the soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria

A combined laboratory and modeling approach was used to assess the impact of selected pesticides on early life stages of the soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria. Clams were exposed for 24 h as veligers or pediveligers to the broad-spectrum herbicide hexazinone [3-cyclohexyl-6-(dimethylamino)-1-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4 (1h,3h)-dione; (Velpar®)], the phenoxyacetic acid herbicide, 2,4-D (2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; Agway® Super BK 32), or phosmet (Imidan®). In addition, juvenile clams were exposed for 24 h to 2,4-D and their growth monitored for 21 months. Laboratory experiments indicated veligers were more sensitive to acute pesticide exposure than pediveligers, with 2,4-D exposed veligers exhibiting the lowest survival among all treatments. Relative to controls, juvenile clams exposed to 0.5 ppm 2,4-D had enhanced survival following the initial 3 months of grow out. Juveniles exposed to 0.5 ppm, 5 ppm and 10 ppm 2,4-D showed an initial growth delay relative to control clams, but at 21 months post exposure these clams were significantly larger than control clams. Data from the larval and juvenile exposures were used to generate a stage-specific matrix model to predict the effect of pesticide exposure on clam populations. Impacts on simulated clam populations varied with the pesticide and stage exposed. For example, 2,4-D exposure of veligers and pediveligers significantly reduced predicted recruitment as well as population growth rate compared to controls, but juvenile exposure to 2,4-D did not significantly reduce population growth rate. With the exception of veligers exposed to 10 ppm, hexazinone exposure at the both veliger and pediveliger stages significantly reduced predicted recruitment success compared to 0 ppm controls. Hexazinone exposure also reduced modeled population growth rates, but these reductions were only slight in the pediveliger exposure simulations. Veliger and pediveliger exposure to phosmet reduced modeled population growth rate in a dose-dependent fashion. Changes in modeled population stable stage distributions were also observed when veligers were exposed to any pesticide. These results suggest that both the stage of exposure and the specific toxicant are important in predicting effects of pesticide exposure on soft-shell clam populations, with earlier life stages showing greater sensitivity to the pesticides tested.
Lectin Binding Saccharides on a Parasitic Protozoan

Leishmania donovani promastigotes were specifically agglutinated by concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin P. Somatic-somatic, flagellar-somatic, and flagellar-flagellar type agglutination was observed with the lectins. Enzyme-treated promastigotes gave reduced lectin agglutination reactions. The results suggest that complex saccharide moieties are randomly distributed on the surface of this organism.
Cation exchange capacity and base saturation of imperfectly drained surface coastal plain soils

Abstract Testing three imperfectly drained forest soils (Alfisols and Ultisol) by nine methods showed that cation exchange capacities were highly pH dependent. Adding lime increased CEC values obtained by buffered and unbuffered methods but decreased CEC values when total bases were added to total acidity or salt replaceable acidity. No method tested completely explained the change in CEC caused by liming. Fractionation of the whole soil CEC Indicated an appreciable masked charge caused by an apparent complexing of amorphous metal oxides with clay or organic matter. In both buffered and unbuffered solutions, calcium saturation usually gave higher CEC values than monovalent ion saturation.
Mechanical Devices for Snail-like Locomotion:

We have constructed two mechanical snails, Robosnail 1 and Robosnail 2, inspired by the propulsion mechanisms of live gastropods. Each uses a different mechanical strategy to move on a thin layer of viscous fluid. Robosnail 1 uses a flexible flapping sheet to generate lubrication pressures in a viscous Newtonian fluid which in turn propels the snail. Robosnail 2 uses a compressible sliding sheet on a layer of Laponite, a non-Newtonian, finite-yield stress fluid.
Pediatric outpatient surgery

Abstract Provided certain criteria are respected, children of all ages can be operated upon as outpatients. A wide variety of elective procedures lend themselves to this type of service. By expanding the scope of outpatient surgery, and by involving many surgical services, it is possible to achieve a volume that supports an outpatient surgical nursing unit. A year's experience with such a unit is described. A total of 1235 pediatric surgical outpatient procedures were performed under general anesthesia without overnight hospitalization. We have found outpatient surgery performed along the lines described to be safer, more convenient, more economical, and kinder than conventional management on an inpatient basis.
Analysis of the Design-Build Delivery Method in Air Force Construction Projects

The design-build (DB) method for construction project delivery continues to grow in both the private and public sector; additionally, research has shown that the DB method outperforms the design-bid-build (DBB) method. The Air Force has applied the results of these previous research efforts to its military construction (MILCON) program without performing empirical studies to validate the approach. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the performance of the DB delivery method with the traditional DBB approach for the Air Force MILCON program. Data related to 835 (278 DB and 557 DBB) MILCON projects for fiscal years 1996–2006 were subsequently analyzed. The DB method had better performance in three of six metrics with the performance being significantly better for cost growth and the number of modifications per million dollars. The traditional DBB method performed significantly better in terms of total project time. Furthermore, the DB method was best suited for various facility types. This...
Pregnancy after rebiopsy and vitrification of blastocysts following allele dropout after day 3 biopsy.

Objective To report a clinical pregnancy after rebiopsy and vitrification of blastocysts following allele dropout (ADO) of biopsied day 3 embryos. Design Case report. Setting Private center. Patient(s) Thirty-year-old woman and her 33-year-old husband who carries the single-gene condition paraganglioma. Intervention(s) In vitro fertilization with day 3 embryo biopsy–ET–blastocyst biopsy and vitrification–subsequent frozen ET cycle. Main Outcome Measure(s) Results from preimplantation genetic diagnosis and pregnancy results after fresh and frozen ETs. Result(s) Nineteen oocytes were retrieved of which 13 were mature and 12 fertilized. Eleven embryos were biopsied on day 3: two were normal, five were affected, and four exhibited ADO. The two normal blastocysts were transferred, and three of the ADO blastocysts were biopsied and sent for reanalysis. The biopsied blastocysts were vitrified. No pregnancy resulted from the fresh ET. One of the biopsied blastocysts was normal, one received no result, and one exhibited ADO. A singleton clinical pregnancy resulted from a subsequent frozen ET of the thawed biopsied normal blastocyst. Conclusion(s) Rebiopsy and vitrification of blastocysts could be used in cases of ADO or lack of results after day 3 embryo biopsy.
Remote observations of reentering spacecraft including the space shuttle orbiter

Flight measurement is a critical phase in development, validation and certification processes of technologies destined for future civilian and military operational capabilities. This paper focuses on several recent NASA-sponsored remote observations that have provided unique engineering and scientific insights of reentry vehicle flight phenomenology and performance that could not necessarily be obtained with more traditional instrumentation methods such as onboard discrete surface sensors. The missions highlighted include multiple spatially-resolved infrared observations of the NASA Space Shuttle Orbiter during hypersonic reentry from 2009 to 2011, and emission spectroscopy of comparatively small-sized sample return capsules returning from exploration missions. Emphasis has been placed upon identifying the challenges associated with these remote sensing missions with focus on end-to-end aspects that include the initial science objective, selection of the appropriate imaging platform and instrumentation suite, target flight path analysis and acquisition strategy, pre-mission simulations to optimize sensor configuration, logistics and communications during the actual observation. Explored are collaborative opportunities and technology investments required to develop a next-generation quantitative imaging system (i.e., an intelligent sensor and platform) with greater capability, which could more affordably support cross cutting civilian and military flight test needs.
Indicators of Ecosystem Recovery

Assessment of ecological changes relative to disturbance, either natural or human-induced, confronts a fundamental problem. Ecosystems are complex, variable, and diverse in nature; consequently, the need for simplification to essential features that would characterize ecosystems adequately is generally acknowledged. Yet there is no firm prescription for what to measure in order to describe the response and recovery of ecosystems to stress. Initial focus is provided by identifying relevant ecological endpoints, i.e., ecological changes of particular relevance to humans. Furthermore, we suggest generic purposes and criteria to be considered in making choices of ecological indicators that relate to those endpoints. Suites of indicators, with variety of purposes, are required to assess response and recovery of most ecosystems and most stresses. We suggest that measures of certain ecosystem processes may provide special insight on the early stages of recovery; the use of functional indicators as complimentary to other biotic indicators is highlighted in an extended example for lotic ecosystems.
Insulin-like growth factor-1 and dibutyryl CAMP induce differentiation and decrease opioid receptor binding activity in N4TG1 neuroblastoma cells.

Abstract The effects of fibroblast growth factor (FGF), insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and dibutyryl cAMP (Bt 2 cAMP) on cell proliferation and differentiation, opioid receptor binding activity, and expression of fos, myc , and ras proto-oncogenes were studied in N4TG1 neuroblastoma cells. IGF-1 and insulin increased thymidine incorporation and cell number, but Bt 2 cAMP inhibited incorporation and FGF did not change thymidine incorporation after 24 h of treatment. Bt 2 cAMP profoundly extended and IGF-1 slightly extended neurite-like processes, a morphologic marker of neuronal differentiation. A combination of IGF-1 and Bt 2 cAMP potentiated neurite process extension. Thus, IGF-1 could induce both proliferation and differentiation of N4TG1 neuroblastoma cells. FGF did not cause neurite extension. N4TG1 neuroblastoma cells have a high density of α-opioid receptors. IGF-1 and Bt 2 cAMP, but not FGF and other growth factors, decreased δ-opioid receptor binding activity with a reduced B max value and a normal apparent K d value. Using Northern blot and hybridization, both acidic and basic FGF elicited stimulatory effects on fos expression. Cycloheximide (CHX), a protein synthesis inhibitor, potentiated and prolonged the effect of FGF on fos expression. However, FGF had no effect on myc or ras expression. Neither IGF-1 nor Bt 2 cAMP significantly changed fos, myc , or ras expression. The results suggest that fos, myc , or ras proto-oncogene expression is independent from or insufficient for IGF-1-induced and Bt 2 cAMP-induced differentiation and regulation of opioid receptor synthesis in N4TG 1 neuroblastoma cells.
A multiple digital modulator

A highly versatile modulator that uses digital signal processing methods is described. The scheme can realize most known modulations exhibiting diverse forms of signal spectrum and eye diagram, and it can realize a given modulation with extreme precision. A single modulator unit can be host to many forms of modulation, i.e. many forms of signal constellations and spectral shapes. The technique also tends itself very well to very large-scale integration (VLSI) and mass production. >