cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Procedures Used in Computing Chemical Denudation Rates

Computations of chemical denudation rates (that is, the average rate of lowering of the earth9s crust by chemical processes) should be based only upon those components of dissolved loads of streams that are derived from chemical weathering of rocks and soils, even though identification of those components is difficult and imprecise. Past computations of chemical denudation rates exaggerated by 1.4 to 2.4 times the significance of this process because they were calculated from total dissolved loads. Identification of separate denudation and nondenudation components in a water analysis can be done most readily for streams in crystalline silicate rock terrane where commonly 25 to 55 percent of the dissolved solids are HCO 3 −1 , SO 4 −2 , Cl −1 , and NO 3 −1 that cannot be derived from the underlying rock; instead these ions are derived either directly from the atmosphere or from atmosphere-biosphere interactions. Most of the remaining solutes are derived from chemical weathering or rainfall, or both. Existing data are often insufficient to separate these two components, but atmospheric contributions to dissolved loads of dilute natural waters are substantial. The commonly observed increased concentration of dissolved solids in chemically polluted rivers is produced by concentration of natural dissolved loads by evaporation, and by addition of solutes not present in natural waters. Concentration of natural solutes represents a modification of natural denudation processes that does not change the rate of denudation. Addition of new solutes represents man-induced, accelerated chemical denudation. Extrapolation of modern chemical denudation rates to geologic situations is extremely imprecise because of uncertainties in assessing man9s influence on present dissolved loads, in reconstructing the number and magnitude of past climatic changes, and in evaluating the effects of evolving flora and fauna.
129I in iodyrite and marshite

Abstract The concentrations of 129I incorporated in iodyrite (AgI) and marshite (CuI) are determined by measurements of radiogenic 129Xe. In addition to radiogenic 129Xe, some of these iodine-rich minerals contain excesses of 128Xe, 126Xe and 124Xe which are assigned to (n, γβ−), (n, 2nβ−) and spallation reactions on 127I, respectively. The concentrations of radiogenic 129Xe indicate that the initial isotopic composition of iodine in iodyrite was (1.48±0.33)10−14 ≤ 129 I 127 I ≤ (9.8±2.2)10−14 and in marshite it was (0.32±0.24)10−14 ≤ 129 I 127 I .
Female Juvenile Risk Is There a Need for Gendered Assessment Instruments

There are few risk assessment instruments that address the unique risk factors for female juvenile offenders. Typically, female risk factors are embedded within male risk factors. Thus, the true differences between male and female juveniles may not be explored. In this study, a generic risk assessment instrument was constructed from a pooled sample and used to identify the level of risk posed by females in comparison with males. Though the constructed instrument worked quite efficiently for males, the instrument provided only a marginal improvement over chance prediction of recidivism for youthful female probationers. Lower rates of predictive validity among the female subpopulation supports call for the development of gendered risk assessment instruments.
Highly stereoselective sodium borohydride promoted reduction ofendo-5-acetyl-1,2,3,4-tetrachloro-7,7-dimethoxynorborn-2-ene

Racemicendo-5-acetyl-1,2,3,4-tetrachloro-7,7-dimethoxynorborn-2-ene was stereoselectively reduced by sodium borohydride to give only theS,S orR,R diastereomers. The crystal structure of the product displays no unusual features.
Microwave spectra of mono-13C substituted acetone, (CH3)2CO

Abstract The microwave spectra of the two mono- 13 C isotopic forms of acetone are reported for the first time. Measurements were carried out from 11 to 25 GHz with a pulsed-beam Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer. Because overall rotation interacts with the internal rotations of the methyl groups, the spectra were analyzed with an effective rotational Hamiltonian for molecules with two periodic large-amplitude internal motions. In acetone-2- 13 C, the methyl groups are equivalent; in acetone-1- 13 C, they are not. The molecular structure has been re-examined by including rotational constant data on other isotopic forms reported previously. An equilibrium structure for acetone has been derived from the observed rotational constants and vibration–rotation constants calculated from ab initio force fields.
Social regulation of leukocyte homeostasis: The role of glucocorticoid sensitivity

Recent small-scale genomics analyses suggest that physiologic regulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression by endogenous glucocorticoids may be compromised in individuals who experience chronic social isolation. The present study assessed the relationship between leukocyte distributional sensitivity to glucocorticoid regulation and subjective social isolation in a large population-based sample of older adults. Initial analyses confirmed that circulating neutrophil percentages were elevated, and circulating lymphocyte and monocyte percentages were suppressed, in direct proportion to circulating cortisol levels. However, leukocyte distributional sensitivity to endogenous glucocorticoids was abrogated in individuals reporting either occasional or frequent experiences of subjective social isolation. This finding held in both non-parametric univariate analyses and in multivariate linear models controlling for a variety of biological, social, behavioral, and psychological confounders. The present results suggest that social factors may alter immune cell sensitivity to physiologic regulation by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in ways that could ultimately contribute to the increased physical health risks associated with social isolation.
Fast Fourier transform computational method for the propagation of electromagnetic pulses through layered dielectric media.

A computational method is developed for solving the wave equation for the propagation of a pulse through layered dielectric media. The method is based on an ansatz for evaluating fields in each layer after a temporal interval dt using a Fourier method. The resulting spatial fields represent the solution to the wave equation provided dt is small enough that many temporal intervals are required for the passage of the pulse through a boundary. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Isospin splitting in analog giant resonances excited by single pion charge exchange reactions

Abstract Giant isovector analog E1 resonances have been observed by means of the pion single-charge-exchange reactions ( π ± , π 0 ). The giant T = 1 analog E1 resonances in 12 B and 12 N, built on the ground state of 12 C, were observed in the 12 C( π ± , π 0 ) reactions. The giant T = 3 2 resonances in 13 B and 9 Li, built on the ground states of 13 C and 9 Be, were studied with the 13 C, 9 Be( π − , π 0 ) reactions, respectively. Analogs of these resonances were found in the 13 C, 9 Be( π + , π 0 ) reactions along with lower lying T = 1 2 resonances. These resonances together with the higher T = 3 2 resonances constitute isospin-splitting in the nuclei, 13 N and 9 B. These isospin assignments were made by comparing results from the ( π ± , π 0 ) reactions and their measured angular distributions. The assignments were confirmed by determining the decay properties of the resonances with coincident ( π 0 p) measurements in the ( π + , π 0 p) reactions. The proton angular distributions measured relative to the momentum transfer direction were consistent with a dipole process.
Morphological analysis of zirconium nuclear fuel retaining rods braided with SiC: Quality assurance and defect identification

Abstract In the after-Fukushima world, the stability of materials under extreme conditions is an important issue for the safety of nuclear reactors. Among the methods explored currently to improve zircaloys’ thermal stability in off-normal conditions, using a protective coat of the SiC filaments is considered because silicon carbide is well known for its remarkable chemical inertness at high temperatures. A typical SiC fiber contains ∼50,000 individual filaments of 5–10 μm in diameter. In this paper, an effort was made to develop and apply mathematical morphology to the process of automatic defect identification in Zircaloy-4 rods braided with the protective layer of the silicon carbide filament. However, the issues of the braiding quality have to be addressed to ensure its full protective potential. We present the original mathematical morphology algorithms that allow solving this problem of quality assurance successfully. In nuclear industry, such algorithms are used for the first time, and could be easily generalized to the case of automated continuous monitoring for defect identification in the future.
Male-Female Delinquency in the Philippines: A Comparative Analysis

Self-report data were obtained from male and female students in a coastal city in the southern Philippines. Analyses reveal higher rates of delinquency among males. Delinquency is regressed on several independent variables, including peer relations, social bond measures, age, and father's occupation. Peer relations and attitudinal constructs are significantly associated with delinquency, particularly among males. Interestingly, sons of higher-status fathers are more delinquent than are juveniles from lower-status backgrounds. Among girls, the collective influence of the independent variables is negligible. The results of the study are discussed relative to various theoretical explanations but with an emphasis on Philippine social structure and values. Attention is given to the family context and to the influence of peer groups, or the barkada, on delinquency, especially among middle-class males. The lack of explanation of female delinquency in this data set is addressed relative to the status of women in ...
Tree Establishment for a Temperate Agro-forest in Central Appalachia, USA

Small farms in Appalachia are economically challenged due to complex topography and soil constraints that limit productivity. Most farms have considerable acreage in forest, some of which is on the least productive sites, which contributes little income. The purpose of this study was to determine management and microclimate impacts on the establishment of an agro-forest for increasing the economic value of the forested land resource. A 1.2 ha forest clear-cut was planted with red oak (Quercus rubra) as the desired mature forest species alternated with rows of Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima), pawpaw (Asimina triloba), hazelnut (Corylus americana), and white pine (Pinus strobus) for generating income as the forest matures. Oak and chestnut required protection from deer. Oak had the lowest survival rate (61%) and chestnut had the highest survival rate (94%). While providing protection, Tubex plastic tubes also resulted in spindly tree growth. Plastic tubes did, however, improve pawpaw survival. Oak did best on well-drained locations. Chestnut and hazelnut were negatively impacted by forest edge more than oak or pawpaw. Overall there was a high degree of variability in tree growth suggesting that on low productivity sites, a planting density substantially higher than the desired final stand may be warranted to optimize the tree-vigor/micro-site match.
Influence of obesity on in-hospital and midterm outcomes after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Purpose:To evaluate the influence of obesity on outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of 80 patients (77 men; mean age 75.0±7.6 years) un...
Numerical simulation of supercontinuum generation in GeO2 doped fiber

Broadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy promises non-invasive, high information content microscopic imaging for live cells and tissues. Generation of a broadband continuum with appropriate characteristics to be used for Stokes light has been a roadblock for bringing this promise to fruition. Here we present numerical and experimental work towards generation of a suitable Stokes light continuum from a femtosecond pulse laser. In the simulations, the pulse propagation along the fiber is governed by the generalized nonlinear Schrodinger equation, including linear effects from the group velocity dispersion and the nonlinear effects from self phase modulation, delayed Raman scattering process and self-steepening. The equations are integrated using a symmetrized split-step Fourier method. Optimal fiber-related simulation parameters used in the model, such as the nonlinear coefficient, dispersion coefficients and the fraction of the stimulated Raman scattering contribution etc. are systematically investigated and determined for the GeO 2 doped fiber.
Equivalent Hamiltonians with additional discrete states.

Given a particular Hamiltonian {ital H}, we present a method to generate a new Hamiltonian {ital {tilde H}}, which has the same discrete energy eigenvalues and the same continuum phase shifts as {ital H}, but which also has additional given discrete eigenstates. This method is used to generate a Hamiltonian {ital h}{sub 1}, which gives rise to a complete orthonormal set of basis states, which contain a given set of biorthonormal discrete states, the continuum states of which are asymptotic to plane waves (have zero phase shifts). Such a set of states may be helpful in representing the medium modification of the Green's function due to the Pauli principle, as well as including Pauli exclusion effects into scattering calculations.
Hurdling the Artificial Fence Between Child Welfare and the Community: Engaging Community Partners to Address Disproportionality

As with many national and state social service systems, child welfare agencies have traditionally functioned in isolation. A multitude of federal and state laws and policies direct the functions and practices of child welfare systems, setting up an artificial fence around the agency that has created a culture lacking in interprofessional collaborations. However, recent reform efforts have emphasized the importance of engaging the community in discussions and decisions regarding child welfare practice. Child welfare agencies are now expected to work with community leaders, key stakeholders, affiliated service providers, and families to address issues impacting children and families. A major obstacle is determining where to begin, how to proceed, and what is needed to develop those partnerships. This article reports the efforts of one state agency in hurdling that artificial fence to address the overrepresentation of minority children in the system. Through focus group interviews with community members, chi...
Stroke and TGF-β proteins: glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and bone morphogenetic protein

Abstract Recent studies have indicated that proteins in the transforming growth factor-β superfamily alter damage induced by various neuronal injuries. Of these proteins, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) have unique protective and regenerative effects in stroke animals. Delivery of GDNF or BMP-7 to brain tissue reduced cerebral infarction and improved motor functions in stroke animals. Pretreatment with these factors reduced caspase-3 activity and DNA fragmentation in the ischemic brain region, suggesting that antiapoptotic effects are involved. Beside the protective effects, BMP-7 given after stroke improves locomotor function. These regenerative effects of BMP-7 may involve the enhancement of dendritic growth and remodeling. In this review, we illustrate the neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties of GDNF and BMP-7 and emphasize their therapeutic potential for stroke.
Family practice and primary care. Another internist's perspective.

For more than a decade, physicians, nurses, and health planners have written and argued about primary care. In this issue of theArchives(see p 979), Gerald T. Perkoff, MD, a well-known internist and experienced medical educator, presents his personal view that the best way to train generalists to meet the nation's health care needs is in family practice residency programs. Perkoff's article is essentially testimonial. It paints a glowingly positive picture of the potential for family practice residency programs to provide the key generalists for our health care system. He describes other efforts at primary care training as, at best, imitations of family practice. In his opinion, only family physicians are really interested in patient care. Surely there must be another, more reasonable, point of view. After briefly reviewing the history of the family practice movement and the recent growth in the number of family practice residency programs, Perkoff
An in vitro cell model system for the study of the effects of ozone and other gaseous agents on phagocytic cells.

Abstract Ozone (O3), a major component of air pollution and a very strong oxidizing agent, can lead to lung injury associated with edema, inflammation, and epithelial cell damage. The ozone effects on pulmonary immune cells have been studied by various in vivo and in vitro systems. In this report, we characterized a model system of cells of monocyte/macrophage lineage (THP-1 cells) exposed to ozone in vitro by studying cell viability and cell surface marker expression. THP-1 cells exposed to ozone in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 ppm for 1 h were analyzed for cell viability and apoptosis (Annexin V/7-Amino-actinomycin D (7-AAD) flow cytometric assay) either immediately after ozone exposure or at later time points. This analysis showed absence of apoptosis and a small decrease in cell viability (5–17%) in ozone-exposed THP-1 cells. Cell surface protein expression (CD14 and CD11b) did not change following ozone exposure, but the effect of lipopolysaccharride (LPS) on TNF-α production following ozone exposure changed compared to filtered air/LPS-exposed cells. These findings indicate that this in vitro ozone cell-exposure system may be used in studies where the effects of various agents (physiological and non-physiological) on phagocytic cells can be analyzed. This model system offers conditions where the experimental results are not due to cell death, but rather due to the effects of ozone and/or agents under investigation.
Implications of atypical antipsychotic prescribing in the intensive care unit

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the downstream implications of atypical antipsychotic (AAP) prescribing in the intensive care unit (ICU), including discharge prescribing practices, monitoring, and attributable adverse drug events. Materials and methods This retrospective cohort study included patients at least 18 years of age admitted to an ICU that received at least 2 doses of an AAP for documented delirium or avoidance of a deliriogenic medication. Exclusion criteria were documentation of an AAP as a home medication or initiation for a psychiatric indication unrelated to delirium (eg, schizophrenia). Results During the 8-month study period, 156 patients were included and 133 (85.2%) patients survived to hospital discharge. Of the survivors, AAP therapy was continued for 112 (84.2%) patients upon ICU transfer and for 38 (28.6%) patients upon hospital discharge. A majority of these patients had evidence of delirium resolution or no indication for continuation documented at discharge. Of the 127 patients with an electrocardiogram ordered during AAP therapy, QTc prolongation occurred in 49 (31.4%) patients. An adverse drug event leading to drug discontinuation was documented in 16 (10.2%) patients. Conclusions Because of significant patient-centered implications, AAPs initiated in the ICU require continued evaluation for indication to avoid prolonged and possibly unnecessary use.
Summer–Fall Seeding Dates for Six Cool-Season Grasses in the Midwest United States

The effect of late summer (fall) planting date for cool-season grasses in the upper Midwest is not well understood. Objectives of this research were to determine optimum planting dates of late-summer/fall seedings in different environments for several cool-season grass species and to gain information on tiller density and tillers plant 1 relative to dry matter yield. Late-summer/fall seedings of six forage grasses were made approximately every 2 to 3 wk in 1995, 1996, and 1997 at three sites in Wisconsin. Species included orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), timothy (Phleum pretense L.), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), creeping foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus Poir.), and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Yield was taken the next spring and plants destructively sampled for plant and tiller counts. Seedings made by mid- to late-September produced stands having visible plants by killing frost at all locations except for 1 yr at River Falls. Seedings after mid-September generally did not produce visible plants until spring, if at all. Many of these seedings failed to produce a stand the next year. Earlier seeding dates usually had more tillers m -2 , more tillers plant -1 and higher dry matter yield the following season with first-cut maximums ranging from 3.6 to 6.7 Mg ha 1. Perennial ryegrass, smooth bromegrass, timothy, reed canarygrass and/or tall fescue, often were among the highest yielding species at the earlier seeding dates. At later late summer seeding dates, reed canarygrass, tall fescue, and creeping foxtail usually had low dry matter yield the next year.
Association of maternal anemia with increased wheeze and asthma in children.

Background Increasing interest has focused on maternal nutrition and micronutrient status during pregnancy and respiratory disease development in the offspring. Objective To examine the relationship between maternal anemia in pregnancy with wheeze and asthma in early childhood. Methods The cohort included children of women followed through pregnancy and recontacted when the child was 6 years of age to evaluate respiratory health. Exposure was assessed using maternal anemia diagnosis and hemoglobin (Hgb) Results Maternal anemia was reported by 11.9% of mothers and was associated with recurrent infant wheeze in the first year (adjusted odds ratio [ORa] = 2.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18, 4.00), wheezing before age 3 (Ora = 2.42, 95% CI 1.38, 4.23), and early-onset transient and early-onset persistent wheeze patterns (Ora = 2.81, 95%CI 1.38, 5.72, and Ora=2.07, 95% CI 1.02, 4.22), respectively. Among children of mothers with asthma, maternal anemia was associated with recurrent wheeze in year 1 (Ora = 4.22, 95% CI 1.65, 10.80) and wheeze before age 3 (Ora = 2.73, 95% CI 1.17, 6.35). Offspring of mothers with asthma also had increased odds of asthma diagnosis (Ora = 2.53, 95% CI 1.04, 6.17) and current asthma (Ora = 3.46, 95% CI 1.45, 8.26). Conclusions Maternal anemia during pregnancy is associated with infant respiratory health outcomes. If this observation is replicated, maternal anemia may be a target for intervention and future research.
Public Dramas and the Politics of Justice Comparison of Janitors’ Union Struggles in South Korea and the United States

Low-wage, nonstandard service work is an expanding sector of employment in today’s global economy. Although scholars document its effects on increasing poverty and inequality, few studies examine how peripherally employed workers respond to the erosion of their living and working conditions under new forms of employment-centered poverty. Through comparative ethno-graphic case studies of university janitors in South Korea and the United States, the author analyzes how one group of low-wage, nonstandard service workers is transforming their structural marginality into new sources of moral and material leverage. The author argues that unions are staging public dramas that redefine a particular labor dispute into broader violations over justice. Two factors are key to this process: cultivating associational power and symbolic leverage.
“The Square Thing” as a Context for Understanding, Reasoning and Ways of Knowing Mathematics

This paper introduces The Square Thing, a lesson that engages and invites student development of problem solving and reasoning skills, understanding through connections within the content, and mathematics voice. A background for the lesson, an enrichment topic that allows the teacher to set the stage for the problem, is described first. Next, The Square Thing is introduced, along with a discussion of student solutions and pedagogical notes grouped in sections as Estimation Approaches, Coordinate Geometry Approaches, and Parallel Line Approaches. A pedagogical discussion ends the paper, in which components for successful pedagogy and benefits for students experiencing this and similar mathematics pedagogies are described.
Pomegranate Juice and Pomegranate Extract Do Not Impair Oral Clearance of Flurbiprofen in Human Volunteers: Divergence From In Vitro Results

Nutrient interactions with prescription drugs are a topic of ongoing basic and clinical research. Pomegranate juice and a 1-g capsule containing pomegranate extract were evaluated in vitro and in vivo as inhibitors of cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), with flurbiprofen serving as the index substrate. Fluconazole was the positive control inhibitor. The in vitro 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values for pomegranate juice and extract were below 1% (vol/vol), with no evidence of mechanism-based (irreversible) inhibition. In clinical studies, flurbiprofen pharmacokinetics were unchanged by pomegranate juice or extract as compared to a low-polyphenol placebo control beverage. However, fluconazole significantly reduced the oral clearance of flurbiprofen. Despite inhibition of CYP2C9 in vitro, pomegranate juice and extract had no effect on CYP2C9 activity in human subjects, and can be consumed by patients taking CYP2C9 substrate drugs with negligible risk of a pharmacokinetic interaction.
Statins, hormones, and women: benefits and drawbacks for atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.

Clinical trials have shown that 3-hydoxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, known as statins, significantly reduce the risk of both primary and secondary coronary heart disease events. Although these trials have included few women, the evidence suggests that statins are as effective in women as in men. The addition of hormone replacement therapy to statin therapy augments lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but may not increase the favorable effects on clinical events achieved with statins alone. Finally, new data suggest that statins may also reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures, a provocative finding still in need of verification by clinical trials.
Why Are There No Arab Democracies

The continuing absence of an Arab democracy is a striking anomaly, the principal exception to the globalization of democracy. Maybe countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Yemen are not democracies because they are not yet economically developed. Yet this argument fails once one compares the development levels of Arab and non-Arab states. The most common assumption about the Arab democracy deficit is that it must have something to do with religion or culture. Two key pillars of Arab authoritarianism are political. The unfavorable geopolitical situation confronting Arab democracy extends well beyond the overwhelming factor of oil, though oil drives much of the major powers' interest in the region. The biggest game changer would be a prolonged, steep decline in world oil prices. When the global revolution in energy technology hits with full force, finally breaking the oil cartel, it will bring a decisive end to Arab political exceptionalism.
Left atrial plication combined with mitral valve surgery in patients with a giant left atrium

The benefits of performing left atrial plication during mitral valve surgery for patients with a giant left atrium were evaluated by analyzing the short- and long-term surgical results and changes in the left atrial dimension (LAD) and respiratory function of 30 patients. Of the 30 patients, 2 (7%) died of multiple organ failure on postoperative days 26 and 117, but no other deaths occurred during the mean follow-up of 5.9 +/- 2.1 years. Valve thrombosis was observed in one patient and cerebral complications with no residual deficit were observed in two patients, with a 9-year event-free rate of 87 +/- 7%. The LAD decreased significantly from 69.0 +/- 8.5 mm to 53.7 +/- 9.1 mm (P < 0.01) shortly after surgery, and this decreased was maintained even 5 years after surgery (53.3 +/- 11.4 mm). The cardiothoracic ratio decreased from 74.8 +/- 8.3% to 62.8 +/- 9.0% (P < 0.01) and the vital capacity of the lungs increased from 71.1 +/- 18.0% to 82.9 +/- 22.2% (P < 0.01). Thus, we conclude that performing left atrial plication during mitral valve surgery is safe and effective for patients with giant left atrium.
An integrated database and expert system for failure mechanism identification: Part II—the system and performance testing

Abstract An integrated database and expert system has been developed for assisting the human analyst in identifying the failure mechanism of mechanical components. The system comprises six major modules: database and management system; case maintenance; knowledge acquisition and editing; expert system; explanation and test-recommendation facilities, and user interface. The knowledge acquisition and editing module has been detailed in Part I of a two-part paper (Liao TW, Zhan Z-H, Mount CR. Engineering Failure Analysis 1999;6:407–21) . The overall system and the details of other modules are described here. The system has been implemented using the M4 expert system shell, Microsoft Access database software, and Visual Basic. Illustrative examples are used to show the capability of the system. Also reported are the results obtained from four different tests to determine the system performance.
Evidence against “absolute” scaling

Zwislocki and Goodman (1980) argue that there exists an “absolute coupling” of numbers to sensation magnitudes and conclude that, when subjects are left unconstrained by a designated stimulus-number pair, they may use this “absolute” scale. The purpose of the studies reported here was to test whether Zwislocki and Goodman’s (1980) absolute scaling procedure reduces contextual effects due to variations in the stimulus spacing. It was found that magnitude estimations vary as a function of the stimulus spacing, regardless of whether subjects are instructed to use a standard and modulus, and, furthermore, that category ratings yield effects of the stimulus spacing comparable to those obtained with magnitude estimations. It is argued that removing the so-called constraints of a standard and modulus does not yield an “absolute” scale of sensation. The absolute scaling procedure increases response variability and thereby lowers the power of a test for contextual effects.
A perspective on algebraic geometry

This article collects together material presented in various places during 1996–2001, namely Austria, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Oman, South Africa, Spain, and the United States of America, and includes all 13 talks given while visiting Brazil from June 17 to August 11, 2001 at the following institutions: Instituto de Matematica Pura e Aplicada (plenary talk at the 23° Coloquio Brasileiro de Matematica), Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade de Brasilia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Universidade Federal do Ceara, Universidade Federal Fluminense, and the Fourth Meeting of the Brazilian group in Commutative Algebra and Algebraic Geometry. It is a pleasure to record that my visit to Brazil was organized by my very first Ph.D. student, Alberto Azevedo, and gave us a welcome opportunity to solidify our friendship.
Coprecipitation mechanisms and products in manganese oxidation in the presence of cadmium

Abstract Manganese oxidation products were precipitated in an aerated open-aqueous system where a continuous influx of mixed Mn 2+ and Cd 2+ solution was supplied and pH was maintained with an automated pH-stat adding dilute NaOH. X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction identified the solids produced as mixtures of Cd 2 Mn 3 4+ O 8 , Mn 2+ 2 Mn 4+ 3 O 8 , MnO 2 (ramsdellite), and CdCO 3 . Mean oxidation numbers of the total precipitated Mn as great as 3.6 were reached during titrations. During subsequent aging in solution, oxidation numbers between 3.8 and 3.9 were reached in some precipitates in less than 40 days. Conditional oxidation rate constants calculated from a crystal-growth equation applied to titration data showed the overall precipitation rate, without considering manganese oxidation state in the precipitate, was increased by a factor of ~4 to ~7 when the mole ratio (Cd/Mn + Cd) of cadmium in the feed solution was 0.40 compared with rate constants for hausmannite (Mn 2+ Mn 2 3+ O 4 precipitation under similar conditions but without accessory metals. Kinetic experiments were made to test effects of various Cd/Mn + Cd mole ratios and rates of addition of the feed solution, different temperatures from 5.0 to 35°C, and pH from 8.0 to 9.0. Oxidation rates were slower when the Cd mole ratio was less than 0.40. The rate increased by a factor of ~10 when pH was raised one-half unit. The effect of temperature on the rate constants was also substantial, but the meaning of this is uncertain because the rate of formation of Mn 4+ oxide in the absence of Cd or other accessory metals was too slow to be measurable in titration experiments. The increased rate of Mn 4+ oxide formation in the presence of Cd 2+ can be ascribed to the formation of a labile adsorbed intermediate, CdMn 2 O 4 Int , an analog of hausmannite, formed on precipitate surfaces at the beginning of the oxidation process. The increased lability of this structure, resulting from coordination-chemical behavior of Cd 2+ during the titration, causes a rapid second-stage rearrangement and facilitates disproportionation of the Mn 3+ ions. The Mn 2+ ions thus released provide a positive feedback mechanism that couples the two steps of the conversion of Mn 2+ to Mn 4+ more closely than is possible when other metal ions besides manganese are not present. During aging of precipitates in contact with solutions, proportions of Cd 2 Mn 3 O 8 and MnO 2 increased at the expense of other precipitate components.
Threshold voltage instability characteristics under positive dynamic stress in ultrathin HfO 2 metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors

The characteristics of threshold voltage instability of HfO2 metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors under positive dynamic stress were investigated. Compared to constant stress, a smaller threshold voltage shift was observed at higher frequency and lower duty cycle under unipolar pulse stress. Similarly, the degradation of maximum transconductance was also reduced with unipolar stress conditions. However, the change of subthreshold swing was found to be negligible and fairly independent of stress frequencies and duty cycles. The traps in the bulk of the HfO2 dielectric are believed to be the primary factor for the larger change in threshold voltage. Compared to the result under constant voltage stress, unipolar stress allowed higher ten-year lifetime operating voltage.
Diurnal Growth Hormone and Glucose Abnormalities in Unstable Diabetics: Studies of Ambulatory-Fed Subjects during Continuous Blood Glucose Analysis

Blood glucose (BG) was monitored continuously and plasma growth hormone (hGH) was determined at hourly intervals in patients under standardized ambulatory-fed conditions (48-hr study periods after prolonged preparation for optimal therapy). BG regulatory stability was quantified on the basis of mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE, a measure of withinday BG variability), mean of daily differences of matched BG values on successive days (MODD, a measure of between-day BG variability), and mean BG (MBG, a measure of diurnal glycemia). Eight unstable diabetics, all with high BG parameters, also had high mean hourly hGH and peak hGH values compared with three stable diabetics and three normal subjects. While inadvertent hypoglycemic episodes and rcise-related and sleep-related hGH increases contributed to the higher hGH levels in the unstable diabetics, none of these events accounted for the observed differences. In this study, diabetic instability and sex were found to exert significant effects. At th...
Effects of low and high fill diets on intake and milk production in dairy cows.

Abstract Thirty-four lactating dairy cows were allotted to two groups based on previous lactation mature equivalent 305-d milk production (average 30 and 23 kg/d) and assigned randomly to four dietary treatments. Diets with slow (high fill) or fast (low fill) estimated rates of NDF disappearance, with or without the addition of 1.5% sodium bicarbonate, were limit-fed 2 wk prior to calving, then fed for ad libitum consumption until 10 wk postpartum. In a summary of pooled data from high and low production groups, average milk and milk protein production (kilograms per day), and NDF and ADF in-takes on a percentage of BW basis were higher for cows given the low fill diet (35.22 vs. 32.07, 1.13 vs. .97, 1.16 vs. 1.05, and .58 vs. .51, respectively). Production of 4% FCM, milk fat, and percentages of milk protein and fat were not affected by diet. Dry matter intake and mean BW did not differ significantly among diets. The addition of sodium bicarbonate had no effect on production responses.
Primate retina imaging with polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT) is applied to determine the depth-resolved polarization state of light backreflected from the eye. The birefringence of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was observed and measured from PSOCT images recorded postmortem in a Rhesus monkey. An image-processing algorithm was developed to identify birefringent regions in acquired PSOCT retinal images and automatically determine the thickness of the RNFL. Values of the RNFL thickness determined from histology and PSOCT were compared. PSOCT may provide a new method to determine RNFL thickness and birefringence for glaucoma diagnostics.
The new political geography: seven years on

Abstract This paper is a retrospective view of the developments within the ‘new political geography’, identified by the author in 1974. This area of study concentrates upon decision-making, particularly in relation to public intervention in the urban economy. Since 1974, two distinct strands of research have continued to develop. The first draws heavily upon positive (American) political science, and focuses strongly upon the behaviour of actors such as bureaucrats and community groups. The author's own research on Great Planning Disasters is discussed as an extension of this approach. The second strand has evolved from Europe, and is particularly concerned with a political-economic interpretation of public provision—or ‘collective consumption’. Both approaches, it is argued, have their strengths and weaknesses, which are illustrated with respect to motorway construction histories in London and Paris. What is required is some cross-fertilization of approach, perhaps in association with welfare geography: without this, political geography in this context will be constricted.
SOCIAL CAPITAL AND DEMOCRACY IN A NEW DEMOCRACY

Taiwan made the transition from political authoritarianism to democracy in the late 1980s. Data from representative samples of the Taiwan population in 1992 and 1997 show how, in the early phase of democratization, citizens varied in the extent of their democratic political behavior and attitudes. I attempt to explain these variations on the basis of variables drawn from social capital theory (participation in voluntary organizations and trust), controlling for the individual's position in the social structure (sex, age, ethnicity, marital status, socioeconomic status, and social class). The findings of the multivariate analysis support only one of the social capital hypotheses: The more organizations one participates in, the more one engages in various forms of democratic political behavior. However, organizational participation has no effect on democratic political attitudes. There is no positive reciprocal relationship between the two key social capital variables of organizational participation and trust. Trust, instead of having a positive effect, either has no net effect (on some forms of democratic political behavior) or a significant negative effect (on democratic political attitudes and petitioning a government agency). The political context of Taiwan may explain why people who distrusted Taiwan's political system were more democratic and more tolerant in their attitudes than those who had more political trust.
Race differences in the effect of unemployment on marital instability: A socioeconomic analysis

Abstract In 1965, Daniel Moynihan asserted that unemployment, in general, and its interaction with the matriarchal structure of black families was a major cause of the “crumbling‘ of the Negro family. Moynihan did not address the relation of unemployment and marital instability in white families. This study examines the relationship between unemployment and marital instability in black and white families over the period 1970–1978. The theoretical framework emphasizes that the effects of unemployment on the family cannot be understood in purely utilitarian terms i.e. lost income. A socioeconomic model that incorporates both the social-psychological and psychological responses to unemployment is developed and the parameters estimated using Event History Analysis on a sample from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics for the years 1967–1979. Moynihan's main assertion that unemployment destabilizes families—both black and white—is confirmed. Also confirmed is Moynihan's assertion that families with a patriarchal head are less likely to experience marital instability. The results contradict some of the other predictions of the Moynihan hypothesis. First, black families are at less risk of marital instability at moderate levels of unemployment than are white families. Second, although black families appear to be more vulnerable than white families to chronic unemployment, the difference disappears when black males have only average scores on internal locus of control. When black males have above average scores on internal locus of control the risk of marital instability in the face of chronic unemployment is negligible. Third, while stabilizing for families where males who do not experience unemployment, patriarchal values prove quite destabilizing when the male head experiences unemployment. Indeed, the families facing the greatest risk of instability due to unemployment were white families headed by a man who had partriarchal attitudes. Fourthly, this study produced no evidence that black women are. behaviorally, more matriarchal than white women. Finally, this research indicates that the financial problems caused by unemployment appear to be a minor factor in martial dissolution. It appears that socioeconomic, that is, normative and affective factors, rather than utilitarian factors, are critical is shaping a family's reaction to unemployment.
Vortical patterns in the wake of an oscillating airfoil

The vortical flow patterns in the wake of a NACA 0012 airfoil pitching at small amplitudes are studied in a low speed water channel. it is shown that a great deal of control can be exercised on the structure of the wake by the control of the frequency, amplitude and also the shape of the oscillation waveform. An important observation in this study has been the existence of an axial flow along the cores of the wake vortices. Estimates of the magnitude of the axial flow suggest a linear dependence on the oscillation frequency and amplitude.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Trust in Health Care: HIV Conspiracy Beliefs and Vaccine Research Participation

Prior research has documented a high prevalence of conspiracy beliefs about the origin of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the role of the government in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. Whether such beliefs are a barrier to participation in HIV prevention research is not known. To understand the prevalence of HIV conspiracy beliefs and their relationship to willingness to participate in HIV vaccine research among three racial/ethnic groups. Cross-sectional survey. Six hundred and one community-recruited volunteers (33.0 % White, 32.5 % Mexican American, and 34.5 % African American). We evaluated the level of agreement with six previously described HIV conspiracy beliefs, trust in medical research, and willingness to participate in HIV vaccine research. Multivariate models were used to compare these parameters among the three racial/ethnic groups while controlling for the potential confounding effects of socioeconomic status, access to health care, and other demographic factors. African Americans, Mexican Americans, and whites had similar levels of distrust in medical research. African and Mexican Americans were more likely to endorse one or more of six HIV conspiracy beliefs than whites (59.0 % and 58.6 % versus 38.9 %, respectively, P < 0.001), but were significantly more willing to participate in HIV vaccine research (ORs 1.58, CI 1.10–2.25 and 2.53, CI 1.75–3.66, respectively). Among respondents of all racial/ethnic groups, endorsing HIV conspiracy beliefs was not associated with willingness to participate in research. HIV conspiracy beliefs, while common among all racial and ethnic groups in the United States, do not preclude willingness to participate in HIV prevention research.
Damage threshold variation with spot size at 10.6 microm for Kalvar and Polaroid films.

CO/sub 2/ laser radiation was employed to study the detection threshold as a function of spot size. (AIP)
An MOS Modeling Hierarchy including Radiation Effects

A hierarchy of modeling procedures has been developed for MOS transistors, circuit blocks, and integrated circuits which include the effects of total dose radiation and photocurrent response. The models were developed for use with the SCEPTRE circuit analysis program, but the techniques are suitable for other modern computer aided analysis programs. The modeling hierarchy permits the designer or analyst to select the level of modeling complexity consistent with circuit size, parametric information, and accuracy requirements. Improvements have been made in the implementation of important second order effects in the transistor MOS model, in the definition of MOS building block models, and in the development of composite terminal models for MOS integrated circuits.
Complexation of Np(V) with N,N-dimethyl-3-oxa-glutaramic acid and related ligands: thermodynamics, optical properties and structural aspects

Complexation of Np(V) with N,N-dimethyl-3-oxa-glutaramic acid (DMOGA) was studied in comparison with its diamide analog, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-3-oxa-glutaramide (TMOGA), and dicarboxylate analog, oxydiacetic acid (ODA). Thermodynamic parameters, including the stability constant and the enthalpy of complexation, were determined by spectrophotometry and calorimetry. Single-crystal structure of NpO2(H2O)(DMOGA)·H2O(c) was identified by X-ray diffractometry using synchrotron radiation. Like ODA and TMOGA, DMOGA forms a tridentate Np(V) complex, with three oxygen atoms coordinating to the linear NpO2+ moiety via the equatorial plane. The stability constants, enthalpy and entropy of complexation generally decrease in the order ODA > DMOGA > TMOGA, suggesting that the complexation is entropy driven and the substitution of a carboxylate group with an amide group reduces the strength of complexation with Np(V) due to the decrease in the entropy of complexation.