cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PerCom 2004: Promoting the Pervasive Computing Paradigm

PerCom 2004's theme was the emergence of the pervasive computing and communications paradigm with the goal of providing computing and communication services all the time, everywhere. The featured research represented the advances in pervasive computing and communications, including wireless networks, mobile computing, distributed computing, and agent technologies that will help realize this goal.
Determination of the true pore size distribution by flow permporometry experiments: An invasion percolation model

Abstract Flow permporometry (FPP) has been used widely for determining the pore size distribution (PSD) of a broad class of porous materials, including inorganic membranes. The basic principle of the FPP is based on the capillary pressures needed for the displacement of a wettting fluid (WF) in the pore space by a non-condensable gas that represents a non-wetting fluid (NWF). However, the procedure by which the PSD is determined from typical FPP experiments is based on the assumption that the pore space consists of a bundle of non-intersecting pores. In reality, however, two-phase flow in any porous material is influenced strongly by the interconnectivity of the pores. In this paper we demonstrate that the assumption of a bundle of non-intersecting pores leads to erroneous PSDs that are much narrower than the true ones and, thus, underestimate significantly the correct average pore size. We do so by developing a pore network model for the FPP experiments that utilizes the invasion percolation (IP) model. In the IP model the pore space is initially saturated by a WF, and is then invaded by a non-condensable gas – the NWF – that displaces the WF and expels it from the pore space. We then propose an iterative algorithm based on the pore network and IP models for determining the true PSD of a membrane, utilizing the FPP data. The accuracy of the model is first demonstrated using synthetically generated models of pore space and data, and then examined further by using the experimental FPP data for the porous support of a silicon-carbide membrane.
The Hot Air in R2 and Consistent Measures of Explained Variation

The size of R2 and R2 are poor specification indicators since correctly specified models can have "low" R2 values and misspecified models often have "high" R2 values. Further, R2 and R2, as typically calculated, are found to be inconsistent measures of goodness of fit whenever the mean of the dependent variable is not stationary. Consistent estimation methods are proposed.
Using lung ultrasound to differentiate patients in acute dyspnea in the prehospital emergency setting

The diagnosis and treatment of dyspnea in the emergency department and in the prehospital setting is a challenge faced by the emergency physician and other prehospital care providers. While the use of lung ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in dyspneic patients has been well researched, there has been limited evaluation of its use in the prehospital setting. In the previous issue of Critical Care, Prosen and colleagues study the accuracy of lung ultrasound compared with both N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and the clinical examination for differentiating between acute decompensated congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations for patients in the prehospital setting. Their article adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the diagnostic efficacy of lung ultrasound in differentiating between these two disease processes in the acutely dyspneic patient.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of Polyether and Perfluoropolyether Surfactant Based Reverse Micelles in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the structural properties of aqueous reverse micelles in supercritical carbon dioxide. A carboxylate perfluoropolyether is used as the surfactant in the first simulation. The results show that the micelle remains stable over a 5 ns time period. Calculated micellar properties are found to be in good agreement with the available experimental data. Two other simulations are performed on systems where all fluorine atoms of the surfactant molecules are replaced with hydrogen atoms. In the first of these simulations the number of molecules is the same as in the simulation with perfluorinated surfactant. In the second simulation the exposure of an aqueous core to carbon dioxide is similar to the one observed in the simulation with perfluorinated surfactant. We observe that fluorinated chains coordinate more carbon dioxide molecules compared to the pure polyether chains. This has a direct influence on the micellar structure.
A Source of Whitman's "The Poetry of the Future"

Shows that the unidentified source Whitman refers to in his essay "The Poetry of the Future" is an untitled editorial (dealing with William Cullen Bryant, Whitman, and the relationship of American and British poetry) that originally appeared in "The Times of London for 14 June 1878."
A note on convergence requirements for nonlinear maximum-likelihood estimation of parameters from mixture models

Abstract Modifications are offered for some algorithms previously established by the authors for the maximum-likelihood estimation of the parameters of mixed exponential and Weibull distributions. The prior work assumed that the likelihood function was “well behaved” and that good starting points were available. We now provide enhancements of the methods to permit the handling of any alternative possibility.
Sexual Orientation and Male Participation in Dance Education: Revisiting the Open Secret

Abstract This interpretive inquiry explores the ways in which young adult males experience and make meaning of the social stigmatization associated with men in dance. General procedures for this study include interviews, confidential surveys, and field observations with six undergraduate male students (three self-identified as heterosexual, two as gay, one as bisexual) enrolled in beginning level dance technique courses at a public university in the United States. The participants' narratives reveal a deeper understanding of social stigmatization as articulated through stories that lace together five important themes: homophobic stereotypes, narrow definitions of masculinity, heterosexist justifications for male participation, the absence of positive male role models (straight and gay), and internalized homophobia. The findings of the study suggest that a more responsive pedagogical path for confronting homophobic attitudes and social stigmatization should begin with openly discussing the fact that gay an...
Bench to bedside: evidence for brain injury after concussion--looking beyond the computed tomography scan

The emergency management of cerebral concussion typically centers on the decision to perform a head computed tomography (CT) scan, which only rarely detects hemorrhagic lesions requiring neurosurgery. The absence of hemorrhage on CT scan often is equated with a lack of brain injury. However, observational studies revealing poor long-term cognitive outcome after concussion suggest that brain injury may be present despite a normal CT scan. To explore this idea further, the authors reviewed the evidence for objective neurologic injury in humans after concussion, with particular emphasis on those with a normal brain CT. This evidence comes from studies involving brain tissue pathology, CT scanning, magnetic resonance image (MRI) scanning, serum biomarkers, formal cognitive and balance tests, functional MRI, positron emission tomography, and single-photon emission computed tomography scanning. Each section is accompanied by technical information to help the reader understand what these tests are, not to endorse their use clinically. The authors discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence in each case. These reports make a compelling case for the existence of concussion as a clinically relevant disease with demonstrable neurologic pathology. Areas for future emergency medicine research are suggested.
Autocrine extra-pancreatic trypsin 3 secretion promotes cell proliferation and survival in esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Trypsin or Tumor associated trypsin (TAT) activation of Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) promotes tumor cell proliferation in gastrointestinal cancers. The role of the trypsin/PAR-2 network in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) development has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of trypsin/PAR-2 activation in EA tumorogenesis and therapy. We found that esophageal adenocarcinoma cells (EACs) and Barrett’s Metaplasia (BART) expressed high levels of type 3 extra-pancreatic trypsinogen (PRSS3), a novel type of TAT. Activity of secreted trypsin was detected in cultured media from EA OE19 and OE33 cultures but not from BART culture. Surface PAR-2 expression in BART and EACs was confirmed by both flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Trypsin induced cell proliferation (∼ 2 fold; P<0.01) in all tested cell lines at a concentration of 10 nM. Inhibition of PAR-2 activity in EACs via the PAR-2 antagonist ENMD (500 µM), anti-PAR2 antibody SAM-11 (2 µg/ml), or siRNA PAR-2 knockdown, reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis by up to 4 fold (P<0.01). Trypsin stimulation led to phosphorylation of ERK1/2, suggesting involvement of MAPK pathway in PAR-2 signal transduction. Inhibition of PAR-2 activation or siRNA PAR-2 knockdown in EACs prior to treatment with 5 FU reduced cell viability of EACs by an additional 30% (P<0.01) compared to chemotherapy alone. Our data suggest that extra-pancreatic trypsinogen 3 is produced by EACs and activates PAR-2 in an autocrine manner. PAR-2 activation increases cancer cell proliferation, and promotes cancer cell survival. Targeting the trypsin activated PAR-2 pathway in conjunction with current chemotherapeutic agents may be a viable therapeutic strategy in EA.
The slow component of O2 uptake is not accompanied by changes in muscle EMG during repeated bouts of heavy exercise in humans

1. We hypothesized that either the recruitment of additional muscle motor units and/or the progressive recruitment of less efficient fast-twitch muscle fibres was the predominant contributor to the additional oxygen uptake (VO2) observed during heavy exercise. Using surface electromyographic (EMG) techniques, we compared the VO2 response with the integrated EMG (iEMG) and mean power frequency (MPF) response of the vastus lateralis with the VO2 response during repeated bouts of moderate (below the lactate threshold, LT) intensity cycle ergometer exercise. 2. Seven male subjects (age 29 +/- 7 years, mean +/- S.D.) performed three transitions to a work rate (WR) corresponding to 90 % LT and two transitions to a work rate that would elicit a VO2 corresponding to 50 % of the difference between peak VO2 and the LT (i.e. Delta50 %, > LT1 and > LT2). 3. The VO2 slow component was significantly reduced by prior heavy intensity exercise (> LT1, 410 +/- 196 ml min(-1); > LT2, 230 +/- 191 ml min-1). The time constant (tau), amplitude (A) and gain (DeltaVO2/DeltaWR) of the primary VO2 response (phase II) were not affected by prior heavy exercise when a three-component, exponential model was used to describe the V2 response. 4. Integrated EMG and MPF remained relatively constant and at the same level throughout both > LT1 and > LT2 exercise and therefore were not associated with the VO2 slow component. 5. These data are consistent with the view that the increased O2 cost (i.e. VO2 slow component) associated with performing heavy exercise is coupled with a progressive increase in ATP requirements of the already recruited motor units rather than to changes in the recruitment pattern of slow versus fast-twitch motor units. Further, the lack of speeding of the kinetics of the primary VO2 component with prior heavy exercise, thought to represent the initial muscle VO2 response, are inconsistent with O2 delivery being the limiting factor in V > O2 kinetics during heavy exercise.
Reducing symmetric polarization aberrations in a molded glass lens by annealing

Mueller matrix imaging polarimetry was used to study stress in a series of a high numerical aperture molded glass lenses. An interesting radially symmetric retardance was found which resembled the polarization aberration induced by coatings. Upon investigation the source of the polarization aberration is traced to a remarkably symmetric radial stress birefringence in the glass believed to arise during fire-polishing of the surfaces. While annealing the lenses relieves much of the stress birefringence, reducing the retardance of the lenses by a factor of five, the lenses remained unusable for critical polarization applications.
Superconductivity in Polysulfur Nitride ( SN ) X

The inorganic crystalline polymer polysulfur nitride has been found to become superconducting with a transition temperature of (0.26\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03)\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
The bradykinin/soluble guanylate cyclase signaling pathway is impaired in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells

The activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by bradykinin and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a direct activator of soluble guanylate cyclase, was evaluated in androgen-sensitive LNCaP and androgen-independent PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells. Bradykinin and SNP activated soluble guanylate cyclase in LNCaP cells, but not in PC3 and DU145 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that the bradykinin B2 receptor, Gqalpha, phospholipase Cgamma and endothelial nitric oxide synthase were expressed in LNCaP, PC3 and DU145 cells. However, both Western blotting and reverse transcriptase--polymerase chain reaction indicated that soluble guanylate cyclase was only expressed in LNCaP cells. These results demonstrate that the impaired bradykinin-soluble guanylate cyclase pathway in PC3 and DU145 cells is likely due to lack of expression of soluble guanylate cyclase.
On the unimodality of the manufacturer's objective function in the newsvendor model

We derive new sufficient conditions for the manufacturer's profit function to be unimodal. We show that if the demand density function is unimodal and right-skewed, then the profit function is quasi-concave over the support of the distribution. We also report some counterintuitive properties of the profit function.
Defining a successful commercial asteroid mining program

Abstract This paper summarizes a commercial Asteroid Mining Architecture synthesized by the Senior Space Design Class at the University of Washington in Winter/Spring Quarters of 2013. The main author was the instructor for that class. These results use design-to-cost development methods and focused infrastructure advancements to identify and characterize a workable space industrialization architecture including space transportation elements, asteroid exploration and mining equipment, and the earth orbit infrastructure needed to make it all work. Cost analysis predicts that for an initial investment in time and money equivalent to that for the US North Slope Oil Field, the yearly world supply of Platinum Group Metals could be increased by 50%, roughly 1500 t of LOX/LH2 propellant/year would be available in LEO, and very low cost solar panels could be assembled at GEO using asteroidal materials. The investment also would have a discounted net present value return on investment of 22% over twenty years.
Correlation of Local Failure With Measures of Dose Insufficiency in the High-dose Single-fraction Treatment of Bony Metastases

Purpose In the setting of high-dose single-fraction image-guided radiotherapy of spine metastases, the delivered dose is hypothesized to be a significant factor in local control. We investigated the dependence of local control on measures of dose insufficiency. Methods and Materials The minimum doses received by the hottest 100%, 98%, and 95% (D min , D 98 , and D 95 ) of the gross target volume (GTV) were computed for 91 consecutively treated lesions observed in 79 patients. Prescribed doses of 18–24 Gy were delivered in a single fraction. The spinal cord and cauda equina were constrained to a maximum dose of 12–14 Gy and 16 Gy, respectively. A rank-sum test was used to assess the differences between radiographic local failure and local control. Results With a median follow-up of 18 months, seven local failures have occurred. The distributions of GTV D min , D 98 , and D 95 for treatments resulting in local failure were found to be statistically different from the corresponding distributions of the patient group as a whole. Taking no account of histology, p values calculated for D min , D 98 , and D 95 were 0.004, 0.012, and 0.031, respectively. No correlations between local failure and target volume or between local failure and anatomic location were found. Conclusions The results indicate that D min , D 98 , and D 95 may be important risk factors for local failure. No local failures in any histology were observed when D min was >15 Gy, suggesting that this metric may be an important predictor of local control.
Comments on the Absorption of Inorganic Ions by Root Cells.

The findings of modern microscopy reveal a seemingly unlimited physical organization in living protoplasm. At the same time, they point up the extreme lability of many protoplasmic structures. For example, the endoplasmic reticulum, a continuous network of membrane-bound cavities that permeates the cytoplasm of animal cells, breaks down on injury or cytolysis into a collection of isolated vesicles (10). Also, it is well known that structures such as the mitochondria may be profoundly altered as a result of cellular changes or variations in experimental conditions (1). In terms of organic chemistry, the structures of the protoplast are equally elaborate. From even a cursory survey of plant biochemistry one is impressed by the extreme complexity of living structures and by their instability or transitory nature. In the present communication, the writer wishes to point out that much of the puzzling information concerning the absorption of inorganic ions by plant tisstues becomes more comprehensible when viewed in terms of protoplasmic structures. That is, the mineral absorption and isotopic exchange data regarding root tissues suggest that inorganic ions may be laid down as component units of highly complex and unstable chemical arrangements in cells. Certain of the ideas to be presented are similar to those put forth a decade ago by Steinbach on the basis of the behavior of inorganic ions in striated muscle cells (11). A few examples of the mineral absorption data will serve to present the general concept. It has been commonly observed that many plant tissues lose absorbed ions such as K+ to dilute solutions of HCl. With barley root tissue, essentially all of the absorbed K+ is released in a two-hour period to HCl solutions of normality 10-3 or greater (7). A further significant aspect of the K+ release is the concomitant and proportionate loss of a variety of other cellular constituents such as inorganic phosphorus, soluble organic phosphorus, soluble nitrogen, and Ca++ (7). That is, hydrogen ion concentrations that induce the relea:se of a particular absorbed ion also effect a release of all other absorbed cations and anions as well as certain organic components of the cell. Conceivably, this experimental observation could be explainedl as the result of an effect of hydrogen ion on the properties of certain cytoplasmic membranes. In the writer's opinion, it could be equally well explained on the basis of an instability to H+ of a chemical structure in which all of the absorbed ions are represented.
Laser-peak-intensity calibration using recoil-ion momentum imaging

We exploit a method to precisely calibrate the peak intensity of intense laser pulses by measuring the momentum transferred to the ion in single ionization by circularly polarized light. Using this approach, we show how the experimental data can be used to get information about the absolute ionization rate at a specific local laser-peak intensity within the focal volume. The results of this method are compared to other results obtained with different methods of laser-peak-intensity calibration described in the literature.
Crystallization behavior of polyethers containing odd numbers of methylene spacers from the isotropic and liquid crystalline states

A series of thermotropic polyethers synthesized from 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl) - 2 - (2 - methyl - 4 - hydroxyphenyl) - ethane and α,ω-dibromo-n-alkanes with odd numbers of methylene units (MBPE-n = odd) shows monotropic mesophase behavior. In isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments, two—sometimes even three—exothermic transition processes can be observed when the crystallization temperature is below the mesophase transition temperature, while only one exothermic process is present above the mesophase transition temperature. The melting behavior of the crystals grown from the mesophase and from the isotropic melt states is different. The crystals grown from the mesophase state exhibit a larger overall heat of transition and a higher transition temperature compared with those grown from the isotropic melt. This may be attributed to the molecular interfacial connections between the crystal and amorphous regions when MBPEs crystallize from the mesophase state. The difference in morphology between the crystals grown from the different states has also been studied with polarized light microscopy (PLM) and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). The structures of the crystals grown from the different states are, however, the same, as evidenced through wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) measurements. From the banded morphology of MBPE samples observed from PLM, the defect textures observed through TEM and the results of WAXD experiments, this mesophase can be identified as a nematic liquid crystal state.
A Visual Programming Language for Expressing Rhythmic Visuals

Sonnet+Imager is an object-based toolkit for creating instruments that produce abstract graphics in real-time. It is implemented as a visual programming language of the component-circuit variety. It was designed by identifying and addressing some of the principle limitations in the Max-based graphics engine, Imager. Beyond that, we wanted to address rhythm directly. This required us to make time a first-class element of the language. The model of time relies for its power on the notion of functors, an encapsulation of mathematical functions that can be related to the dimensions of rhythm. All the elements of time manifest themselves directly in the visual language, as components and data packets, thereby creating natural flows that describe rhythmic structures. The resulting design is modular, intuitive, interactive and extensible.
The Exploration Machine - A Novel Method for Analyzing High-Dimensional Data in Computer-Aided Diagnosis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To develop, test, and evaluate a novel unsupervised machine learning method for computer-aideddiagnosis andanalysis of multidimensional data, such as biomedical imaging data. Methods: We introduce the Exploration Machine(XOM) as a method for computing low-dimensional representations of high-dimensional observations. XOM systemat-ically inverts functional and structural components of topology-preserving mappings. By this trick, it can contribute toboth structure-preservingvisualization and data clustering. We applied XOM to the analysis of whole-genomemicroarrayimaging data, comprising 2467 79-dimensional gene expression pro les of Saccharomyces cerevisiae , and to model-freeanalysis of functional brain MRI data by unsupervised clustering. For both applications, we performed quantitative com-parisons to results obtained by established algorithms. Results: Genome data: Absolute (relative) Sammon error valueswere 5.91 ·10 5 (1.00)forXOM, 6.50 ·10 5 (1.10)forSammonsmapping, 6.56 ·10
The influence of hydrophobic ions and dipolar molecules on the electrostatic barrier in biomembranes

Abstract To calculate the electric field inside a membrane the aqueous phase can be approximated by a conductor since the dielectric constant of water is much larger than that of the membrane. Then, using the method of image charges, ions adsorbed inside the membrane can be considered as dipoles and dipolar molecules adsorbed inside the membrane may similarly be regarded as sets of two similarly oriented dipoles. The microscopic interactions and, therefore, the spatial correlations of the adsorbed species can then be obtained. Together with the Gouy theory for the diffuse double layer these results allow the determination of the adsorbed phase—aqueous phase equilibrium. From the densities and spatial correlations of the adsorbed ions and dipolar species, their influence upon the electrostatic barrier as experienced by an ion translocating the membrane can be calculated. Changes observed in the relaxation time and initial conductance of translocating hydrophobic ions in voltage-pulse experiments on bilayer membranes are predicted using this model of the electrostatic barrier. In addition, an equation giving the surface tension as a function of the (non-ideal) adsorption of hydrophobic ions and dipoles is derived.
Class Analysis and the Heavy Weight of Convention

The roles of critic, defender, and observer take on quite stylized forms when an especially entrenched research agenda is questioned and debated. The following positions characteristically emerge in such debates: (a) the defenders of the status quo tend to argue that the critics have failed to appreciate the subtlety, flexibility, or key objectives of the reigning approach (i.e. the 'misunderstood paradigm' stance); (b) the critics themselves counter that this aggressive repositioning and defense of the conventional approach only signals that real analytic problems have emerged and that entrenched academic interests and identities are being defended (i.e. the 'vested interests' stance); and (c) the residual class of disinterested observers and bystanders often argue that minor and easily reconciled differences of opinion have become exaggerated or magnified because the discipline is debate-hungry, because of pre-existing acrimony among the principals, or because the substantive topic at hand is so fashionable that even trivial matters have been elevated to debate status (i.e. the 'flogging a dead horse' lament). In the present case, the defenders of conventional class analysis have advanced position (a) broadly and ably, and our role now is to defend against that interpretation while simultaneously hinting at position (b) and dissuading from any serious consideration of (c). Although it is poor form to argue (b) directly (especially in ad hominem form), we can at least make (b) more plausible by showing that traditional class analytic approaches are beset with difficulties and that scholars who embrace the convention do so at potential analytic and explanatory cost. We shall proceed, then, by concentrating on the strongest critiques that cut to the heart of the debate, despite the obvious temptations of 'cherry-picking' more easily refuted critiques. In this regard, we are grateful that our critics have taken on many of our most basic claims, as this allows us to stay focused on core topics and thereby defend more readily against position (c). We will thus address such fundamental topics as the forms of social organization that emerge and become institutionalized at the site of production, the case for carrying out class analysis with realist (i.e. 'institutionalized') categories rather than nominal ones, the statistical and intellectual argument for tolerating the losses in parsimony that our approach implies, and the rationale for applying the language of class analysis to the realist categories that emerge at the micro-level. These topics are addressed in turn below.
The flare-up phenomenon in endodontics: a clinical perspective and review

The acute endodontic cellulitis exacerbation, which can be potentially fatal, is a definitive entity in endodontic flare-ups. Aerobic microbes, particularly streptococci, are the predominant causative microbes isolated. There was a noticeable absence of obligate anaerobes. This is significant for the selection of an antibiotic for therapy. Treatment parameters were presented. An endodontic cellulitis exacerbation is most unlikely with obligate anaerobes. An endodontic flare-up perspective was attempted with some clinical parameters. The proponents of routine one-visit endodontic treatment with prophylactic drugs to prevent cellulitis exacerbations do not appear to offer any advantage to the more traditional approaches to endodontic treatment of the patient, which may be more beneficial.
Geopressure evolution and hydrocarbon generation in a north Indonesian basin: two-dimensional quatitative modelling

Abstract A two-dimensional fluid flow/compaction model was used to simulate geopressure evolution and hydrocarbon evolution in a 5 million year old basin in Indonesia. Data taken from two wells on the cross-section analysed showed the occurrence of large overpressure, mainly due to undercompaction driven by the high sedimentation rate (4000–5000 m of deposition). The entire section is controlled by a major growth fault system which has been modelled by a staircase-like set of vertical instantaneous faults appearing progressively in time. After calibration of the dynamic parameters controlling (1) the deposition of the sediments and (2) the evolution of the compaction process, it was possible to reproduce the high excess fluid pressure in accordance with present day observations. The important role of anomalously high temperature, developed in connection with excess pressure formation, is shown through effects on the expansion of water. A major heating event, suggested by a previous one-dimensional study, was introduced around three million years before present, which has a major influence on the onset of maturation for the high gas potential organic matter, suggesting the onset of oil/gas generation in the last million years or so.
Complications of culture in obtaining informed consent.

Akabayashi and Slingsby (2006) present critical issues in suggesting how, in obtaining informed consent, a “one size fits all” model based on an independent sense of self should yield to a more dic...
Criminally Dependent? Gender, Punishment, and the Rhetoric of Welfare Reform

Over the past twenty-five years, parallel increases in the severity of U.S. criminal justice and welfare policies have had devastating consequences for poor women and their families. Feminist criminologists argue that sharp restrictions in welfare provisions and dramatic increases in the number of women sentenced to prison do not constitute a war on drugs, crime, and poverty so much as a war on women. Other observers suggest that these trends are indicative of a larger policy regime that organizes penal-welfare responses for the purpose of governing social marginality. Embedded in both accounts are assumptions about coordination within and across state systems, as well as how larger policy mandates are implemented at the local level. The present study relies on ethnographic data collected from a state prison for women to examine whether and to what extent welfare and criminal justice policies were coordinated during the drug and poverty wars of the past decade. Findings reveal that drug war policies did indeed transform punishment practices on the feminine side of the penal system, but such transformations were ultimately premised on changes to institutional interpretive structures that altered the ways state actors conceptualized gender, crime, and women's needs. Central to this interpretive reconfiguration were institutionalized links between the welfare and criminal justice systems and state actors strategic appropriation of dependency discourse associated with welfare reform. [End Page 386]
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “The United States Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement on Screening for Peripheral Arterial Disease: More Harm Than Benefit?”

We thank Drs Calonge and Petitti for their letter regarding our article.1 However, we remain concerned about the lack of precision in the task force’s position. The recommendation statement on screening for peripheral arterial disease (PAD)2 suggests that: The USPSTF found fair evidence that screening with ankle brachial index can detect adults with asymptomatic PAD. The evidence is also fair that screening for PAD among asymptomatic adults in …
Family involvement with the diabetes regimen in young people: the role of adolescent depressive symptoms

Aims In young people with Type 1 diabetes, depressive symptoms and shared responsibility for management of diabetes impact upon diabetes management and control. However, the simultaneous effects of both depressive symptoms and parental involvement on diabetes self-care and glycaemic control have not been examined. Thus, the aim of the current study was to examine the relationships between parental involvement and adolescent depressive symptoms in predicting blood glucose monitoring and glycaemic control. Methods One hundred and fifty young people with Type 1 diabetes (mean age 15.3 years) and their parents completed responsibility sharing and depressive symptom assessments, meter assessment of blood glucose monitoring and HbA1c at baseline and then 6, 12 and 18 months. Results Parental involvement affected HbA1c through blood glucose monitoring only at low levels of adolescent depressive symptoms (score ≤ 6), which made up only 20% of the sample. In the presence of more depressive symptoms, parental involvement no longer was related to HbA1c through blood glucose monitoring. This was the relationship in the majority of the sample (80%). Conclusions While most young people in this sample are not showing evidence of high levels of depressive symptoms, even modest levels of distress interfere with parental involvement in diabetes management. By addressing adolescent depressive symptoms, interventions promoting parental involvement in these families may be more effective.
An Evaluation of the Three-Point Method to Measure Corrosion Rates

Abstract The three-point method (TPM) as introduced by Barnartt, is shown to have some advantages over the linear polarization method in measuring corrosion rates. Experimental results on iron, theoretical limitations, and various potential sequences are discussed.
Personal vs. commercial content: the similarities between consumer use of photos and music

We describe the results of two ethnographic-style studies that investigated consumer use of photos and music respectively. Although the studies were designed, executed, and analyzed separately, in our findings we discovered striking similarities between the ways in which our participants used personally captured photos and commercially purchased music. These findings have implications for the design of future systems with respect to handling and sharing content in photo or music form. We discuss making allowances for satisficing behavior, sharing media as a way to reminisce or to communicate an experience (tell a story), getting sidetracked while browsing, and similarities in organizing behaviors.
Methylsulfonyl and Methoxysulfinyl Radicals and Cations in the Gas Phase. A Variable-Time and Photoexcitation Neutralization-Reionization Mass Spectrometric and ab Initio/RRKM Study

The title radicals were produced by femtosecond collisional electron transfer in the gas phase and studied by the methods of variable-time neutralization−reionization mass spectrometry combined with fast-beam laser photoexcitation and G2(MP2) ab initio/RRKM calculations. The methylsulfonyl radical (CH3SO2•, 1) was calculated to be bound by 59 kJ mol-1 against the lowest-energy dissociation to CH3• and SO2 at 0 K and to have a heat of formation ΔHf,298(1) = −211 ± 4 kJ mol-1. When formed by vertical electron transfer, radical 1 dissociated rapidly due to a large Franck−Condon energy, EFC = 141 kJ mol-1. The reverse addition of CH3• to the sulfur atom in SO2 had a potential energy barrier of 1.3 kJ mol-1 and Arrhenius parameters, log A = 12.19 and Ea = 5.4 kJ mol-1. The calculated addition rate constant, k295 = 1.7 × 1011 cm3 mol-1 s-1, was in excellent agreement with the previous measurement of Simons et al. The methoxysulfinyl radical (CH3OSO•, 2) was calculated to exist as an equilibrium mixture of syn (...
On streamwise vortices in high Reynolds number supersonic axisymmetric jets

Pitot pressure measurements and flow visualizations were used to investigate streamwise vortices previously observed in underexpanded jets. A simple model was developed, which gives reasonable agreement with the pressure measurements. A converging nozzle and converging–diverging nozzle of design Mach number 1.5 were used to generate jet flows of equivalent Mach numbers up to 2.5 (stagnation to ambient pressure ratios up to 17.1). By operating the nozzles fully expanded, overexpanded, and underexpanded, insight was gained into both the occurrence and cause for formation of the vortices. Spatially stationary streamwise vortices were found to exist in the near‐field region around the circumference of underexpanded jets in the vicinity of the jet boundary. Short exposure visualizations show the vortices persist much farther downstream with a loss of spatial organization. Visualizations suggest adjacent vortices have streamwise vorticity of opposite sign, so the action of adjacent vortices is to either pump jet fluid radially outward or entrain ambient fluid radially inward toward the jet. The downstream extent, strength, and number of vortices around the jet circumference increase with degree of underexpansion. A large number of vortices is found near the nozzle exit. Fewer vortices of larger scale are found farther downstream, indicative of a merging process. The absence of the vortices in fully expanded and overexpanded jets suggests the vortices are a consequence of a Taylor–Goertler‐type instability.
A prospective evaluation of changes in brain structure and cognitive functions in adult stem cell transplant recipients

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an efficacious treatment for many hematologic malignancies. However, the conditioning regimen of high-dose (HD) chemotherapy with or without total body irradiation (TBI) can be associated with neurotoxicity. In this prospective study, we used quantitative neuroimaging techniques to examine regional gray matter and ventricular volumes, and standardized neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive function before and 1 year after HSCT in 28 patients with hematologic malignancies and in ten healthy controls evaluated at similar intervals. Nineteen patients received conditioning treatment with HD chemotherapy alone and nine had both TBI and HD chemotherapy. There was a significant reduction in gray matter volume in the middle frontal gyrus bilaterally and in the left caudate nucleus in the patient group (all patients combined) but not among healthy controls over the 1-year follow-up period. There was a significant increase in left lateral ventricle volume and in total ventricle volume in the patient group, relative to healthy controls. Similar brain structural changes were seen for patients treated with HD chemotherapy alone. The neuropsychological results showed that 21 % of patients could be classified as impaired at baseline. The Reliable Change Index suggested no significantly different rates of cognitive decline between patients and healthy controls. The findings suggest that HSCT patients may be at an increased risk for developing regional brain volume loss, and that subgroups may experience cognitive dysfunction prior to and 1 year following the transplant.
532 nm low-power laser irradiation recovers γ-secretase inhibitor-mediated cell growth suppression and promotes cell proliferation via Akt signaling.

Background and Objective The γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) has been shown to inhibit expression of amyloid beta (Aβ), but GSI also has a side effect of reducing cell survival. Since low-power laser irradiation (LLI) has been known to promote cell survival, we examined whether 532 nm LLI can rescue the GSI side effect or not. Study Design/Materials and Methods The human-derived glioblastoma cells (A-172) were cultured in 35 mm culture dishes or 96-well plate. The center of dish or selected wells was irradiated with 532 nm laser (Nd:YVO4, CW, 60 mW) for 20, 40 and 60 min, respectively. The irradiated cells were photographed at immediately after, 24 and 48 h later and counted. GSI was supplemented in medium 3 h before LLI. The MTT assay was also used to estimate viable cells at 48 h after irradiation. The expression of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) or phosphorylated PTEN (p-PTEN) was examined by immunofluorescent staining and measured by fluorescence intensity using the software (BZ-9000, KEYENCE, Japan). Results GSI application depressed cell proliferation as well as cell survival compared to control. GSI down-regulated Aβ but up-regulated p-PTEN and suppressed p-Akt. Application of 532 nm LLI in the presence of GSI significantly recovered the GSI-mediated effects, i.e., LLI could decrease elevated p-PTEN, while increased p-Akt expression with keeping Aβ suppression. The LLI effects had a dose-dependency. Conclusion We confirmed that GSI potently suppressed intracellular Aβ and decreased cell survival. We conclude that a combination of GSI application and 532 nm LLI can increase cell proliferation via Akt activation while keeping PTEN and Aβ suppressed.
On empirical likelihood statistical functions

Abstract We consider the empirical likelihood method for estimation of distribution and quantile functions where side information is incorporated through moment conditions. We systematically study the asymptotic properties of the estimators, such as the uniform strong laws of large numbers and weak convergence over classes of functions. Two Monte Carlo examples are also given to illustrate the practical utility of the method.
Backfill assisted voiding was better than spontaneous voiding for successful bladder emptying after vaginal surgery.

R T Foster Dr R T Foster, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; raymond.foster@duke.edu Is backfill assisted voiding better than spontaneous voiding for evaluating bladder functioning after outpatient transvaginal surgery? ### Design: randomised, controlled, pilot trial. ### Allocation: unclear. ### Blinding: unblinded. ### Follow-up period: up to 6 weeks after surgery. ### Setting: urogynaecology or female urology outpatient clinic in the USA. ### Patients: 60 women who were 18–80 years of age and had outpatient vaginal surgery. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy and incarceration. ### Intervention: 30 patients were allocated to backfill assisted voiding and taken to the postoperative anaesthesia care unit (PACU) with an indwelling catheter. After anaesthesia recovery, the bladder was filled retrograde with room-temperature, sterile normal saline until the patient had a strong urge to void or the instilled volume was 300 ml. The catheter …
Growth opportunities and earnings management

Uses previous research on firms’ potential investment (i.e. growth) opportunities, profitability and political cost/risk to suggest that a high level of growth opportunities may encourage managers to use income reducing accruals. Tests this on 1987‐1990 data from a sample of US multinationals classified into high or low growth groups. Explains the methods used to estimate discretionary accruals and to measure the investment opportunity set. Presents the results which suggest that discretionary accruals are higher in high growth firms; and support the political cost hypothesis of Watts and Zimmerman (1978) and the political risk hypothesis of Monti‐Belkaoui et al (1999)
Does Discussion Group Composition Affect Policy Preferences? Results from Three Randomized Experiments

We report the results of three randomized experiments designed to assess whether participants' political attitudes are affected by the prediscussion opinions of their discussion mates. The experiments took place during three multisite Deliberative Polls in 2004 and 2005. Participants discussed current political issues within 330 groups of approximately 10 people each. Because the composition of the groups was determined randomly within each location, the demographic and ideological complexion of the discussion groups varied randomly. This paper examines the effects of randomly varying group composition on political opinions expressed after daylong discussion. We find only sporadic evidence of group composition effects. These results run counter to—or at least qualify—a substantial body of theory and laboratory evidence on the influence of group discussion.
Leukaemogenesis induced by an activating β-catenin mutation in osteoblasts

Cells of the osteoblast lineage affect the homing and the number of long-term repopulating haematopoietic stem cells, haematopoietic stem cell mobilization and lineage determination and B cell lymphopoiesis. Osteoblasts were recently implicated in pre-leukaemic conditions in mice. However, a single genetic change in osteoblasts that can induce leukaemogenesis has not been shown. Here we show that an activating mutation of β-catenin in mouse osteoblasts alters the differentiation potential of myeloid and lymphoid progenitors leading to development of acute myeloid leukaemia with common chromosomal aberrations and cell autonomous progression. Activated β-catenin stimulates expression of the Notch ligand jagged 1 in osteoblasts. Subsequent activation of Notch signalling in haematopoietic stem cell progenitors induces the malignant changes. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of Notch signalling ameliorates acute myeloid leukaemia and demonstrates the pathogenic role of the Notch pathway. In 38% of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes or acute myeloid leukaemia, increased β-catenin signalling and nuclear accumulation was identified in osteoblasts and these patients showed increased Notch signalling in haematopoietic cells. These findings demonstrate that genetic alterations in osteoblasts can induce acute myeloid leukaemia, identify molecular signals leading to this transformation and suggest a potential novel pharmacotherapeutic approach to acute myeloid leukaemia.
Best Management Web Sites

Abstract Management is one of the most fundamental business concepts. The author of this chapter provides overviews of the most important Web sites related to management information, including sites from academic institutions and professional organizations.
Investigations of the Great Northern Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Starch: Solubility, Swelling, Interaction with Free Fatty Acids, and Alkaline Water Retention Capacity of Blends with Wheat Flours

The solubility and swelling of Great Northern bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) starch was both temperature and pH dependent. Acetylation of starch decreased the solubility while oxidation increased the solubility as a function of temperature. Solubility of purified starch was highest at pH 6.0. Over a temperature range 60–90°C, acetylation increased swelling while oxidation reduced it. Both acetylation and oxidation resulted in reduced swelling of starch over a pH range 2–10. Addition of fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, and linoleic) to the purified starch reduced the Brabender Amylograph viscosity and raised the gelatinization temperature of starch. Replacement of wheat flours by starch increased the alkaline water retention capacity to a similar extent for the two flours tested.