cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mental representation of logical connectives.

Logical connectives, such as “AND”, “OR”, “IF... THEN”, and “IF AND ONLY IF” are ubiquitous in both language and cognition; however, reasoning with logical connectives is error‐prone. We argue that some of these errors may stem from people's tendency to minimize the number of possibilities compatible with logical connectives and to construct a “minimalist” one‐possibility representation. As a result, connectives denoting a single possibility (e.g., conjunctions) are likely to be represented correctly, whereas connectives denoting multiple possibilities (e.g., disjunctions or conditionals) are likely to be erroneously represented as conjunctions. These predictions were tested and confirmed in three experiments using different paradigms. In Experiment 1, participants were presented with a multiple‐choice task and asked to select all and only those possibilities that would indicate that compound verbal propositions were true versus false. In Experiment 2, a somewhat similar task was used, except that partici...
Duty Bound?: Militarization, Romances, and New Forms of Violence among Sri Lanka's Free Trade Zone Factory Workers

This article analyzes how the complex intersections of political economy of war and transnational production led to particular social dynamics between Sri Lanka's women Free Trade Zone workers and ...
Parallel and distributed association mining: a survey

The author surveys the state of the art in parallel and distributed association-rule-mining algorithms and uncovers the field's challenges and open research problems. This survey can serve as a reference for both researchers and practitioners.
Dielectric-breakdown threshold and nonlinear-refractive-index measurements with picosecond laser pulses

Single pulses from a well-calibrated mode-locked YAG:Nd laser have been used to study the dielectric-breakdown properties of 14 transparent solids. Results are presented for the breakdown threshold electric fields, accurate to an estimated 15%. The experimental technique permits simultaneous measurement of the nonlinear susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}_{\mathrm{xxxx}}^{}{}_{}{}^{(3)}(\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\omega},\ensuremath{\omega},\ensuremath{\omega},\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\omega})$, via the nonlinear refractive index. Susceptibility results with estimated accuracy of 50% are presented.
The Stellar Population in the Galactic Center: Insights from the Spitzer Space Telescope

The SpitzerIRAC observations (Stolovy et al., these proceedings) of the central 265 pc ? 210 pc provide an opportunity to study the relationships between massive stars, gas, and dust in the Galactic Center at unprecedented resolution. The observations are inclusive of the three known extremely dense clusters of massive hot young stars which ionize the unusual thermal filaments seen at both radio wavelengths and in PAH emission in the IRAC images. Here we explore the effects of the massive stars, particularly in regions including the Quintuplet and Arches clusters, on the nearby diffuse ISM emission (see also Simpson et al. these proceedings). We discuss the diagnostics available using the IRAC colors, and what these show us in regards to known massive stars. Finally, we discuss the 1-8 ?m SEDs which are currently under construction, and the preliminary results using a novel SED fitting program to determine the stellar type and extinction to all available point sources in the survey region.
Osmolyte-Induced Folding of an Intrinsically Disordered Protein: Folding Mechanism in the Absence of Ligand

Understanding the interconversion between thermodynamically distinguishable states present in a protein folding pathway provides not only the kinetics and energetics of protein folding but also insights into the functional roles of these states in biological systems. The protein component of the bacterial RNase P holoenzyme from Bacillus subtilis (P protein) was previously shown to be unfolded in the absence of its cognate RNA or other anionic ligands. P protein was used in this study as a model system to explore general features of intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) folding mechanisms. The use of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), an osmolyte that stabilizes the unliganded folded form of the protein, enabled us to study the folding process of P protein in the absence of ligand. Transient stopped-flow kinetic traces at various final TMAO concentrations exhibited multiphasic kinetics. Equilibrium "cotitration" experiments were performed using both TMAO and urea during the titration to produce a urea-TMAO titration surface of P protein. Both kinetic and equilibrium studies show evidence of a previously undetected intermediate state in the P protein folding process. The intermediate state is significantly populated, and the folding rate constants are relatively slow compared to those of intrinsically folded proteins similar in size and topology. The experiments and analysis described serve as a useful example for mechanistic folding studies of other IDPs.
Dimensional reduction of the Green-Schwarz superstring on a Calabi-Yau manifold

Compactifying the ten-dimensional (D = 10), N = 1 Green-Schwarz superstring on a six-dimensional internal Calabi-Yau manifold, we obtain a D = 4, N = 1 Green-Schwarz superstring model. A consistent dimensional reduction rule is established in superspace. The problem of the compactification of the supervielbien is avoided by using the technique of background-quantum splitting in the Green-Schwarz σ-model. The satisfaction of the condition of vanishing for the σ-model β-functions in D = 10 guarantees the consistency of our dimensional reduction scheme. Quantum consistency of the resulting model is also checked by the satisfaction of the condition of vanishing for the β-functions directly in D = 4.
Is oral endotracheal intubation efficacy impaired in the helicopter environment

Abstract Introduction: Patients transported by helicopter often require advanced airway management. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not the in-flight environment of air medical transport in a BO-105 helicopter impairs the ability of flight nurses to perform oral endotracheal intubation. Setting: The study was conducted in an MBB BO-105 helicopter. Methods: Flight nurses performed three manikin intubations in each of the two study environments: on an emergency department stretcher and in-flight in the BO-105 helicopter. Results: The mean time required for in-flight intubation (25.9 ± 10.9 seconds) was significantly longer than the corresponding time (13.2 ± 2.8 seconds) required for intubation in the control setting (ANOVA, F = 38.7, p 2 = 0.3; p >0.05). Conclusion: Oral endotracheal intubation in the in-flight setting of the BO-105 helicopter takes approximately twice as long as intubation in a ground setting. The results support pre-flight intubation of patients who appear likely to require urgent intubation during air medical transport in the BO-105 helicopter.
Influence of left ventricular diastolic filling on symptoms and survival in patients with decreased left ventricular systolic function.

Abstract The relation between left ventricular (LV) filling variables measured by gated blood pool radionuclide ventriculography and clinical symptoms and survival was examined in 93 patients who had decreased LV systolic function. The diastolic data were not significantly associated with clinical symptoms. Time to peak filling rate, peak filling rate and ejection fraction were associated independently with survival free of cardiac death (chi-square = 7.74, S.91 and 3.92, respectively, by stepwise Cox regression analysis). A short time to peak filling rate or increased peak filling rate was associated with decreased survival, whereas the opposite indicated a good prognosis. One-year Kaplan-Meier survival was 73 and 98% when time to peak filling rate was below or above the median value of 167 ms, respectively, 82 and 90% when peak filling rate was above or below the median value of 1.67 end-diastolic volumes per second, respectively, and 76 and 95% when LV ejection fraction was below or above the median value of 0.35, respectively. Thus, filling variables (time to peak filling rate and peak filling rate) measured by radionuclide ventriculography may be valuable in predicting survival in patients with decreased LV systolic function.
Recent advances in pharmacokinetic modeling

A major part of the science of pharmacokinetics is the modeling of the underlying processes that contribute to drug disposition. The purpose of pharmacokinetic models is to summarize the knowledge gained in preclinical and clinical studies at various stages in drug development and to rationally guide future studies with the use of adequately predictive models. This review highlights a variety of recent advances in mechanistic pharmacokinetic modeling. It is aimed at a broad audience, and hence, an attempt was made to maintain a balance between technical information and practical applications of pharmacokinetic modeling. It is hoped that drug researchers from all disciplines would be able to get a flavor of the function and capacity of pharmacokinetic modelers and their contribution to drug development. While this review is not intended to be a technical reference on modeling approaches, the roles of statistical applications and population methodologies are discussed where appropriate.
Block-based long-term content-based image retrieval using multiple features

This paper proposes a novel content-based image retrieval technique, which integrates block-based visual features and user's query concept-based semantic features. It also facilitates short-term and long-term learning processes by integrating users' historical relevance feedback information. The history is compactly stored in a semantic feature matrix and efficiently represented as semantic features of the images. The short-term relevance feedback technique can benefit from long-term learning. The high-level semantic features are dynamically updated based on users' query concept and therefore represent the image's semantic meaning more accurately. Our extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system outperforms its seven state-of-the-art peer systems in terms of retrieval precision and storage space.
Intrinsic coupling of near-tip matrix crack formation to mode III delamination advance in laminated polymeric matrix composites

Abstract Laminated carbon/epoxy specimens are loaded in anti-plane shear to investigate the relationship between near-tip matrix crack formation and the apparent mode III delamination toughness. Specimens are tested with different insert lengths to various load levels and examined fractographically. Near-tip matrix cracks are found to initiate and propagate intralaminarly before the onset of planar growth. These cracks are inclined at approximately 45° to the delamination plane and are perpendicular to the direction of maximum near-tip tensile stress. It is found that this represents an intrinsically coupled sequence of events for anti-plane shear loading of continuous fiber laminated polymeric composites when a preexisting delamination is bounded by plies that have their fiber direction aligned with the direction of macroscopic advance. This sequence of events violates the assumptions used in the reduction of data from common mode III tests. It therefore invalidates the associated toughness measurements, and may account for or strongly contribute to the common observation that laminated polymeric composites exhibit an apparent mode III delamination toughness that is dependent on test geometry.
Void Coalescence in Core/Alloy Nanoparticles with Stainless Interfaces

The oxidation properties of nanoparticles with core/alloy microstructure and stainless steel like interfaces is described. In particular, 15-nm Fe/FeCr nanoparticles with a stainless steel like interface are prepared. These particles show a unique morphological transformation that is induced by surface oxidation, oxide passivation, and vacancy coalescence. This Kirkendall diffusion results in a tailorable oxide layer thickness, Fe-core size, as well as void size and symmetry. Much like the interface of bulk stainless steel, the interfacial FeCr oxide passivates oxidation, resulting in self-limited diffusion. Because of this, a highly uniform and stable core-void-shell morphology is observed.
Rational selection and quantitative evaluation of antisense oligonucleotides

Abstract Antisense oligonucleotides are an attractive therapeutic option to modulate specific gene expression. However, not all antisense oligonucleotides are effective in inhibiting gene expression, and currently very few methods exist for selecting the few effective ones from all candidate oligonucleotides. The lack of quantitative methods to rapidly assess the efficacy of antisense oligonucleotides also contributes to the difficulty of discovering potent and specific antisense oligonucleotides. We have previously reported the development of a prediction algorithm for identifying high affinity antisense oligonucleotides based on mRNA–oligonucleotide hybridization. In this study, we report the antisense activity of these rationally selected oligonucleotides against three model target mRNAs (human lactate dehydrogenase A and B and rat gp130) in cell culture. The effectiveness of oligonucleotides was evaluated by a kinetic PCR technique, which allows quantitative evaluation of mRNA levels and thus provides a measure of antisense-mediated decreases in target mRNA, as occurs through RNase H recruitment. Antisense oligonucleotides that were predicted to have high affinity for their target proved effective in almost all cases, including tests against three different targets in two cell types with phosphodiester and phosphorothioate oligonucleotide chemistries. This approach may aid the development of antisense oligonucleotides for a variety of applications.
Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test in normal and neuropathic subjects

We have quantified postganglionic sweat output in human subjects resulting from axon reflex stimulation using acetylcholine electrophoresis. Dehumidified nitrogen of controlled temperature and flow rate was passed through an acrylic plastic chamber placed over a defined area of skin. Sweat droplets were evaporated; humidity change was sensed by a narrow-range humidity sensor housed in a temperature-controlled compartment and was plotted on a chart recorder. The time integral (area under the curve) was continuously integrated and converted to absolute units using a derived equation. Because stimulation and recording were simultaneous, an accurate determination of the latency of the sweat response was also possible. Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex tests were performed on the left forearm and foot of 33 female and 29 male normal subjects aged 11 to 69 years. Acetylcholine, 10%, was electrophoresed for 5 mA-minutes in the forearm and 10 mA-minutes in the foot, and recording was continued for an additional 5 minutes. The mean sweat output in males was 2.7 and 3.0 times that in females in forearm and foot, respectively (p < 0.0001). Studies in selected autonomic neuropathies confirm that quantitative sudomotor axon reflex tests will detect postganglionic sudomotor abnormalities sensitively and reproducibly.
VALUING TRANSFER OF MILITARY‐ACQUIRED SKILLS TO CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT*

SUMMARY Without entering the controversy on the importance of human capital in relation to technological progress, an economist faces a challenging technical problem: how to measure or quantify in monetary terms the significant value of specific skills, both for the individual and for the social entity. This paper attempts to contribute to this objective on two levels: one is to develop an acceptable methodology for evaluation of the incremental contribution of skills; secondly, the paper summarizes preliminary results of a case study on the transfer of skills acquired during military training to the civilian sector in Japan during the post-World War II period. Implications of the study suggest a critical review of by-product contributions of military expenditures. In spite of pejorative evaluations of the military establishment on moral grounds by a segment of public opinion, military training remains a prevasive mechanism for mass development of skills in all nations, particularly in less-developed and socialist countries. The potentiality of tapping the experience and the know-how of military establishments for development of skills transferable for application in a progressively technical society opens opportunity for further scientific exploration and operational exploitation.
Metastatic carcinoma and orthopedists.

What is your process for diagnosing patients with metastatic carcinoma? I take a complete patient history, including the nature of the current symptoms, level of activity, previous cancer history, and comorbidities. Although symptoms vary based on location, most patients present with pain at the site of metastasis caused by destruction of the bone. Metastatic carcinoma to the spine can cause neurologic deficits. A careful physical examination with attention to the potential primary locations for a carcinoma and the area of the skeletal lesion is important. Patients also can present with a soft tissue mass or lymph node enlargement. Laboratory studies might reveal anemia or electrolyte abnormalities, such as hypercalcemia. Specific cancer markers for certain diseases can also be used for diagnosis.
Packaging of large and low-pitch size 2D ultrasonic transducer arrays

The successful packaging and electronics integration of large 2D array devices with small pitch-sizes, such as fully populated 2D ultrasonic transducer arrays, require a flexible, simple, and reliable integration approach. One example for such electronics integration is based on through silicon vias (TSVs) with under-bump metallization (UBM) stack for solder bumping. In this paper, we demonstrate such an approach by successfully integrating a fully populated 2D ultrasonic transducer array. Our integration is based on a previously reported TSV technology (trench-frame technology), based on trench-isolated interconnects with supporting frame. We successfully combined the trench-frame technology with a simple UBM preparation technique - electro plating or chemical plating techniques with passivation layers for UBM pad definition are not required. Our results show high shear strength (26.5g) of the UBM, which is essential for successful flip-chip bonding. The yield of the interconnections is 100% with excellent solder-ball-height uniformity (σ = 0.9 µm). As demonstrated in this paper, this allows for a large-scale assembly of a tiled array by using an interposer. A design guideline for finer element-pitch design was developed suggesting that fusion bonding strength and the length of pillars are the main design parameters.
EVALUATION OF HULL HOUSE TEEN PREGNANCY AND PARENTING PROGRAM

Abstract An institutional cohort design was used in the evaluation of the Hull House Adolescent Family Life Project, a program for pregnant and parenting teenagers located in two public housing projects in Chicago. In 4 years, 335 teenagers, extremely disadvantaged in terms of income and opportunities, participated in the program. Services were characterized by an emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge of parenting and child development. Services also emphasized health care and assistance with practical life problems. Study findings reveal the program achieved some of the gains found by other programs: Knowledge increases in the areas of sexuality, contraception, child development, and parenting. Although there was no detectable change in clients'sexual activity, there was a significant increase in the numbers using birth control. The findings reveal change in the direction of more clients in-school and employed post program, but these changes were not statistically significant. Further, the fertility measure, number of repeat pregnancies in 1 year, was completely unaffected by the intervention. In considering which aspects of the program were most effective, counseling was the most important in influencing young women to avoid subsequent pregnancies. Assistance with health problems was particularly important for enabling young people to stay in school, employed, or in the labor force. Counseling and health services were strengths of the program, measured in terms of services most frequently delivered. Program participants expressed greatest dissatisfaction with the lack of job training, one of the weakest aspects of the program. Overall, the gains documented in this study are consistent with those found in evaluations of similar programs, and although modest, provide the basis for continued support and evaluation of programs for teenage parents.
Decision Reliability of the Assessment of Sensorimotor Integration

The decision consistency reliability of the Assessment of Sensorimotor Integration in Preschool Children was estimated. Based on a sample of 23 developmentally delayed children for 3 to 5 years of ...
Abundance of mRNAs encoding urea cycle enzymes in fetal and neonatal mouse liver

The relative abundances of mRNAs encoding the five urea cycle enzymes during development of mouse liver have been determined and compared with those of mRNAs encoding four other liver-specific proteins (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, tyrosine aminotransferase, alpha-fetoprotein, and albumin). Urea cycle enzyme mRNAs in fetal liver are expressed at 2-14% of the abundance in adult liver as early as 6 days before birth. Expression of the urea cycle enzyme mRNAs is not coordinate during the fetal and neonatal period. However, profiles of three urea cycle enzyme mRNAs are quite similar to that of alpha-fetoprotein mRNA, suggesting the possibility of a common response to regulatory signals during fetal development. With the exception of ornithine transcarbamylase mRNA, the urea cycle enzyme mRNAs have been shown previously to be inducible by cAMP and glucocorticoids. However, only argininosuccinate lyase mRNA exhibits any significant change in abundance at birth, resembling postnatal expression of tyrosine aminotransferase mRNA. The results indicate that the urea cycle enzyme mRNAs are potentially useful markers for elucidating various features of hepatocyte differentiation in mammals.
Comparison of the effects of aging on 5-HT7 and 5-HT1A receptors in discrete regions of the circadian timing system in hamsters.

Abstract The circadian timekeeping system exhibits many functional changes with aging, including a loss of sensitivity to time cues such as systemic injections of the serotonergic agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). In order to elucidate the neurochemical mechanisms responsible for this age-related loss of sensitivity of the circadian pacemaker to serotonin agonists, the present study used quantitative autoradiography to determine whether aging decreases serotonin receptor populations in male Syrian hamsters. Four neuroanatomical regions that regulate circadian timekeeping were studied (the suprachiasmatic nuclei [SCN], the lateral geniculate nuclei [LGN], and the median raphe nucleus [MRN] and dorsal raphe nucleus [DRN]). The specific binding of [ 3 H ]8-OH-DPAT to serotonin7 (5-HT7) and serotonin1A (5-HT1A) receptors was investigated by competitive inhibition with ritanserin and pindolol, respectively. The results showed that the SCN, IGL, MRN, and DRN of the male Syrian hamster exhibited specific binding of [ 3 H ]8-OH-DPAT to both the 5-HT7 and 5-HT1A receptors, and that the latter receptor subtype is more abundant in all of these regions. At 17–19 months of age, a 50% decrease in 5-HT7 receptors was found in the DRN but not in any other regions. No significant age-related changes in 5-HT1A receptors were observed in any regions examined. The finding that a marked decrease in 5-HT7 receptors occurs in the DRN at the age previously characterized by loss of sensitivity to 8-OH-DPAT suggests that this region and this receptor subtype play important roles in 8-OH-DPAT induction of circadian phase shifts in vivo and that they constitute an important locus of aging in the circadian timing system.
Summing networks using neural optimisation concept

A neural network structure able to perform operations of analogue and binary addition is proposed. The network employs Hopfield's model of a neuron with connection elements specified based on analysis of the energy function. Simulation using NMOS neurons has shown convergence predominantly to the correct global minima. >
A Steiner 2-design with an automorphism fixing exactly r + 2 points

Doyen conjectured that there is no Steiner 2-design having an automorphism with more than r + 1 but fewer than fixed points, where r is the replication number. The falsity of this conjecture is shown by describing 2-(45, 5, 1) designs having an automorphism of order 2 with exactly 13 fixed points. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Combin Design 7: 375–380, 1999
Synaptic plasticity of 5-hydroxytryptamine-immunoreactive terminals in the phrenic nucleus following spinal cord injury: a quantitative electron microscopic analysis.

The present study was conducted to examine the plasticity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)–immunoreactive terminals in the rat phrenic nucleus following an ipsilateral C2 spinal cord hemisection and 30-day survival period. A retrograde horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labeling technique was used to identify the phrenic motoneurons at the electron microscopic (EM) level. After employing a pre-embedding immunocytochemical technique, the ultrastructural characteristics of 5-HT–immunoreactive terminals were qualitatively and then quantitatively analyzed with a computerized morphometric system before and after injury in separate groups of rats. The results indicated that the majority of the 5-HT–labeled terminals formed axodendritic contacts, but some 5-HT–labeled terminals made axosomatic contacts. 5-HT terminals were associated with either asymmetrical or symmetrical synapses, and some displayed postsynaptic dense bodies. Approximately 2% of the 5-HT terminals had dense-core vesicles. Although the total number of labeled and unlabeled terminals in the phrenic nucleus was reduced after hemisection, the number of 5-HT terminals in the hemisected group was greater than that of the control group. Moreover, the total number and length of asymmetrical and symmetrical synaptic active zones per 5-HT terminal were significantly greater after injury. Finally, the total number of 5-HT terminals with multiple synapses was significantly greater in the hemisected group as compared to controls. It is possible that 5-HT synaptic plasticity may be part of the morphological substrate for the unmasking of the latent crossed phrenic pathway which mediates recovery of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm paralyzed by C2 spinal cord hemisection. J. Comp. Neurol. 386:613–624, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structural alterations in J regions of mouse immunoglobulin λ genes are associated with differential gene expression

Immunoglobulin λ light chains in the mouse comprise three types: λ1, λ2 and λ3 (refs 1–3 respectively) and are encoded by three constant region (Cλ) and two variable region (Vλ) genes. The Cλ2 and Cλ3 protein sequences differ at only 5 amino acid positions whereas Cλ1 differs from both by about 30 amino acids. The Cλ1 and Cλ3 genes are closely linked4, separated by ∼3 kilobases (kb) of DNA. The Cλ2 gene is closely linked to a Cλ4 gene, but is an unknown distance from the Cλ3–Cλ1 cluster4,5. Although the Cλ4 gene shares homology with Cλ1, we show here that it represents a pseudogene. Only two germ-line V genes appear to be expressed in mouse λ chains: Vλ1 is used in association with either Cλ1 (ref. 1) or Cλ3 (ref. 6), while Vλ2 has only been found with Cλ2 (ref. 2). Differential gene expression is observed in the λ locus. Among mouse serum antibodies, λ1 chains occur 10 times more frequently than λ2 (ref. 7) or λ3 (ref. 3) chains while λ4 chains have not been identified. We have now searched for structural differences between Cλ genes which could explain this differential expression. Our nucleotide sequence analysis indicates that Cλ4 is not expressed due to an inactive RNA splice site. Although no structural defects were found in Cλ2 or Cλ3, substitutions in the rearrangement recognition sequences associated with Jλ2 and Jλ3 segments, together with nearby competing pseudo recognition sequences, may explain the relatively low levels of Cλ2 and Cλ3 gene expression.
Higher-order asymptotics and the likelihood principle: One-parameter models

SUMMARY Inferences based on higher-order asymptotics, in contrast to those based on standard first-order methods, approximate exact inferences closely enough to depend on the reference set. We use this feature to quantify the effect of the reference set on exact inferences. In particular, the difference in P-values for two reference sets can be at most O(n-), and it is seen that one can often identify the coefficient of n- . Although this is useful from a foundational viewpoint, the question arises of whether higher-order adjustments to firstorder P-values reflect only the choice of reference set. It is indicated that for one-parameter problems this may largely be the case, but that when there are nuisance parameters the situation is likely to be quite different. The nuisance parameter setting is not investigated thoroughly in this paper, but we believe that in that case the most important part of the higher-order corrections largely conforms to the likelihood principle.
Thermoelectric Properties of Magnesium Silicide Prepared by Thermal Spraying

The paper presents the thermoelectric properties of Mg2Si coatings by Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS), High Velocity Oxy-Fuel Spray (HVOF) and Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS). Thermal spraying, a flexible, industry-scalable and cost-effective manufacturing process, was first applied to prepare Mg2Si as thermoelectric materials. The characterization of Mg2Si coatings including thermal conductivity, electric conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient are reported. XRD and SEM analysis of the coatings are presented as well.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Isotope dependence of gas laser intensity profiles.

We describe first the single mode output intensity of a Brewster windowed laser containing isotope mixtures when the cavity tuning is varied, and then the single mode output of a non-Brewster windowed laser under the influence of an axial magnetic field (Zeeman laser). We show how the central tuning (Lamb) dip in intensity gives way to more complicated tuning dependences such as a double dip. For axial magnetic fields, the isotope mixtures lead to slightly asymmetric gain curves and different intensity profiles under magnetic tuning. The discussion is based on an extension of a fundamental laser theory by Lamb, with special reference to the general work on the Zeeman laser by Sargent, Lamb, and Fork, in which the theory necessary to handle isotope mixtures was given in detail, although numerical calculations were reported only for single isotope media. In our numerical calculations, we have used parameters appropriate for the He–Ne gas laser operating in the red (632.8 nm).
Screening for prostate cancer in the aging population: current and future trends

The death rate from prostate cancer continues to decline in the USA despite an increased incidence of disease observed with the introduction of the prostate-specific antigen in the 1990s. It is not clear whether the decline is due to changes in mortality record-keeping, screening, stage migration or treatment of the disease. Since the treatment of localized prostate cancer has been shown to improve overall survival compared with observation in a randomized, controlled, landmark trial, many feel that the improvement in mortality may be due, at least in part, to screening and treatment. Despite possible improvements in mortality as a result of screening for prostate cancer, it is equally important to avoid over-treatment. An obvious area of risk for over-treatment lies in men over 70 years of age. This article aims to evaluate the risks and benefits of screening for prostate cancer in elderly males.
Analysis of naturally occurring late flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana

We have examined the late-flowering behavior of two ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana, Sf-2 and Le-0. The late-flowering trait segregates as a single dominant gene in crosses with the early-flowering Columbia ecotype. This gene, which we refer to as FLA, is located at one end of chromosome 4 between RFLP markers 506 and 3843 and is thus distinct from previously mapped genes that affect flowering time. The extreme delay in flowering time caused by the FLA gene can be overcome by vernalization in both the ecotypes in which it occurs naturally and in the Columbia ecotype into which this gene has been introgressed.
Computing normative ranges without recruiting normal subjects

Computing normative data by recruiting normal subjects is extremely difficult. However, many who are examined in a typical clinical neurophysiology lab are normal. In this study we show how to use this abundance of referred subjects to compute normative distal latency statistics from the values themselves. If all latencies are displayed on a frequency distribution, the very left side, the shorter latencies, belong to the left side of the Gaussian “bell” of normal subjects. By curve-fitting that side one can compute the coefficients of the latter. We started with an initial range of 2.0–3.6 ms and then recursively added data points until a “goodness-of-fit” criterion maximized. We computed these coefficients from 982 median motor distal latencies, showing highly significant fit (P < 0.00001): mean at 3.76 ms and SD of 0.45 ms. The data analyzed in this study are only an example of the technique. The results are unique in that they were derived mathematically, without using normal subjects. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve20: 1510–1514, 1997
Evaluation of mebrofenin hepatoscintigraphy in neonatal-onset jaundice

Background. The prognosis of infants with prolonged neonatal jaundice is dependent on early diagnosis because of the need for prompt surgical management of biliary atresia. Objective. To evaluate the usefulness of 99 mTcm-trimethylbromo-iminodiacetic acid (TBIDA, mebrofenin) in the investigation of infantile jaundice. Materials and methods. A retrospective study was undertaken of 58 patients with unexplained prolonged neonatal jaundice. Sixty-eight scans were reviewed. Results. Mebrofenin scintigraphy confirmed the presence of a choledochal cyst in three of the four cases with that diagnosis. There were no false negative results in the nine patients with extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA). Three further infants had an incorrect histological diagnosis of EHBA. A gall bladder was identified by US in each case and in one of these, scintigraphy showed gut excretion. In the 16 patients with no gut excretion by 24 h, the final diagnoses were intrahepatic cholestasis (n = 7), Alagille's syndrome (n = 3), neonatal hepatitis (n = 3), alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (n = 2) and juvenile xanthogranuloma (n = 1). Seven infants had repeat scintigraphy after the administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (URSO). This changed five non-excretors with hepatitis into excretors. Two infants with hepatitis continued to show non-excretion after URSO, but a gallbladder was identified by US in both. Conclusions. Mebrofenin scintigraphy is accurate in confirming the presence of a choledochal cyst and in refuting the diagnosis of EHBA. While histology and scintigraphy are each 100 % sensitive for the diagnosis of EHBA, neither, individually, is accurate and the investigation of prolonged neonatal jaundice requires a multi-modality imaging strategy.
Compulsive buying: An exploration into self-esteem and money attitudes

Abstract The purpose of the current study was to explore differences between a group of self-reported compulsive spenders (n = 43) and a group of ‘normal’ consumers (n = 100) on their self-esteem and on their money attitudes. Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale and Furnham's Money Beliefs and Behavior Scale were used to measure the variables of interest. Hotelling's T2 and discriminant function analysis were performed on these variables to determine differences between the two groups of consumers. Findings support the theoretical model that compulsive spenders have relatively lower self-esteem than ‘normal’ consumers and that compulsive spenders have beliefs about money which reflect its symbolic ability to enhance self-esteem.
Rita's pants: The charro traje and trans-sensuality

Chicana singer Rita Vidaurri is one of very few women to ever perform publicly in Mexico wearing charro pants. This analysis argues that Rita Vidaurri's self-fashioned appropriation of Mexico's nationalist charro costume establishes trans-sensuality as an affect of mexicanidad. Vidarrui's charro pants represent a trans-sensual performative vernacular that breaks with heteromasculinist constructions of mexicanidad. Traditionally, what has literally and figuratively stitched masculinity and mexicanidad together has been the charro costume, in particular the pants and hat. The curves and hips of Vidaurri's female body ‘‘la Jorge Negreta’’–the nickname bestowed upon her by her audience–metaphorically stretches the stitching of the charro pants to produce a non-heteromasculinist sensuality of mexicanidad.
The Case for Early, Targeted Interventions to Prevent Academic Failure

The persistent achievement gaps among children of different race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status in the United States represent an issue that has commanded public, policy, and research attention on and off for about 100 years now, and it is once again in the forefront of policy-making agendas. Debates nevertheless abound on the most promising and cost-effective strategies to address the problem. We examine critically the available evidence on the benefits and costs of early childhood education and conclude that early, vigorous interventions targeted at disadvantaged children offer the best chance to substantially reduce gaps in school readiness and increase the productivity of our educational systems. The available evidence fails to provide a complete road map for future investments, however. Hence, we propose a program of challenge grants to states and their subunits, coupled with waivers from regulation, to spur innovation and experimentation within this important research area. We provide examples o...
Relation of bank-margin fractures to sea-level change, Exuma Islands, Bahamas

Data from carbonate bank-margin fractures in the southern Exuma Islands, Bahamas, in the vicinity of Lee Stocking Island show that these fractures have a preferred bank-margin-parallel orientation. Fractures that showed evidence of pedogenic alteration to micrite (calcretization) had an even more pronounced orientation preference. Calcretization is associated with a well-defined paleosol believed to have formed within the last glacial period and the transition to the present interglacial (∼20-13 ka). Horizontal laminations within the paleosol continue as vertical laminations within some fracture traces. Analysis of thin sections revealed root tubules and fabrics characteristic of pedogenic alteration within the calcretized parts of fracture zones. The association of bank-margin-parallel fractures with the last interglacial suggests that fracture development is related to a eustatic process. I suggest that fractures formed in response to undercutting of the bank margin during the last sea-level low. A fracture-controlled submarine cave extending to >100 m below present sea level provides additional evidence supporting a eustatic link to fracture development.
Ocean color observations of eddies during the summer in the Gulf of California

[1] Using SeaWiFS ocean color satellite images collected during 1997–2001, a series of eddies have been observed in the Gulf of California. These eddies are not clearly seen in the summertime sea surface temperature images. The surface circulation between the midriff islands and the mouth of the gulf appears to be dominated by this series of eddies that have an alternating sense of rotation. An eddy pair is observed to extend from Cabo Lobos in each of the three years, suggesting that the eddies are topographically locked. The formation mechanism of the eddies remains unknown; however, we suspect the most likely mechanism includes baroclinic instabilities along the coast produced by interactions between coastally trapped waves, and local wind driven currents.
The Presidential Election of 2004: The Fundamentals and the Campaign

This article examines the 2004 presidential campaign by examining the trinity of fundamentals that have historically affected presidential elections and how they “played out” in this year’s campaign. The three fundamentals are public opinion about the inparty and candidates before the campaign gets underway, the state of the pre-campaign economy, and incumbency (both personal and party-term incumbency). They are assessed for elections since 1948 and in one case since 1868. The first two of these fundamentals slightly favored President Bush and the third (an incumbent seeking a second party-term) strongly favored him. The analysis considers how the fundamentals interplayed with voter assessments of candidate qualities, issues, and ideology to lead to the closely fought Bush re-election. After all is said and done, after considering the impact of the war on terror and in Iraq, the election turned out much as one would have expected based on candidates’ ideological positions. The 2004 election added another case to the string of presidential losses by liberal northern Democrats since 1968.
Macrophages from high-risk HLA-DQB1*0201/*0302 type 1 diabetes mellitus patients are hypersensitive to lipopolysaccharide stimulation.

Levels of nonantigen-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin in macrophages isolated from human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-matched type 1 diabetes mellitus patients, first-degree relatives and healthy controls were determined. We hypothesize that monocytes isolated from patients are sensitized or preactivated and therefore, have an altered response to in vitro stimulus compared with control groups as measured by levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. In this study, peripheral blood monocytes were differentiated to macrophages with macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) to determine lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) secretion from hetero- or homozygous HLA DQB1*0201 and *0302 type 1 diabetes mellitus patients, first-degree relatives and homozygous HLA DQB1*0602 healthy controls. LPS-stimulated secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 was immediate and markedly higher in the HLA-DQB1*0201/*0302 type 1 diabetes patients compared with all other groups including HLA-matched healthy first-degree relatives. In DQB1*0201/*0302 diabetes patients PGE-2 secretion was delayed but increased by LPS stimulation compared with HLA-matched healthy relatives. IL-12 was not detected at any condition. These data suggest that macrophages from DQB1*0201/*0302 type 1 diabetes patients are sensitized to secrete both cytokines and PGE-2 following nonantigenic stimulation. Sensitized macrophages may be important to high-risk DQB1*0201/*0302-associated type 1 diabetes.
Political uncertainty and non-pricing terms of financial contract

The uncertainty embedded in the political environment has greatly impacts on the economy, firm level decision-making, and the cost of capital. This paper shifts the focus towards the financial contract, and specifically looks into the influence of political uncertainty on the non-pricing terms in the private debt contracts. I find, first, the political uncertainty affects the private debt market in general. Loan contracts are loaded with more stringent non-pricing terms during period of political turbulence. Second, with measurement that captures firm’s exposure to the political environment at the time of financial contract origination, I find that firms with larger political exposure have loan contract with higher possibility of collateral requirements, shorter maturities and other more stringent terms.
Comparison of the Sheath Delivery System Versus Bare Stenting for Coronary Stent Implantation

Outside the United States, Palmaz-Schatz coronary stents are implanted by hand-crimping the stent to a high pressure balloon without the use of a protective sheath. This lowers the delivery profile, increases the ease of deployment, and ensures that the postdilatation balloon is centered on the stent. To assess this bare stenting technique, 209 patients were retrospectively analyzed: 92 patients (107 lesions) with the sheath protected stent delivery system (SDS) and 117 patients (150 lesions) with the bare stent approach. The number of balloons used per lesion in the bare stent group was significantly less than in the SDS group (1.9 +/- 0.6 vs. 3.8 +/- 1.2, P < 0.0001). In addition, the procedure time in the bare stent group was significantly shorter than in the SDS group (106 +/- 55 vs. 134 +/- 60 min, P = 0.001). There was no difference in frequency of adverse events or stent displacement during the procedure. The bare stenting technique decreases the procedure time, reduces the number of balloons used, and is as safe as the SDS approach.
Cellular localization of cytochemically stained acetylcholinesterase activity in adult rat skeletal muscle

Cytochemically stained acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in endplate regions of adult rat gracilis muscles was studied after in situ treatment with AChE inhibitors which differ in lipid solubility and hence in their ability to penetrate cell membranes. Control preparations showed intense AChE staining over junctional infoldings and within myofibres, but little enzymatic reaction product in nerve terminals and Schwann cells. Echothiophate (poorly lipid soluble) drastically reduced only extracellular AChE activity, whereas sequential treatment with BW284C51 (poorly lipid soluble) and diisopropylfluorophosphate (lipid soluble) primarily eliminated intracellular AChE. Extracellular AChE activity (associated with the synaptic basal lamina) was predominantly composed of asymmetric enzymatic forms. Intracellular AChE (associated with the sarcoplasmic reticulum of the myofibres) primarily contained globular forms and a small proportion of asymmetric forms. Little or no external AChE activity was detected in non-endplate muscle regions and the internal enzyme was confined to a restricted subcellular region close to the point of innervation. These results establish the validity of using the above in situ pharmacological treatments to demonstrate intracellular and extracellular pools of AChE in adult skeletal muscles. In addition, they are consistent with the idea that motor neurons play an essential role in the mechanisms which determine the subcellular distribution of AChE.
Tolerance Induction for Xenotransplantation

The transplantation of donor hematopoietic tissue prior to organ xenografting has the potential to induce lasting T cell tolerance and, possibly, tolerance of natural antibody-producing B cells. However, the development of specific and nontoxic methods of overcoming the immunologic and physiologic barriers to xenogeneic marrow engraftment is a major challenge that must be met before this goal can be achieved. A greater understanding of the species specificity of molecular interactions important for hematopoiesis and cell homing is a first step toward transcending these physiologic barriers. Perhaps most promising is the potential associated with the use of nonprimate xenogeneic donors genetically engineered to make donor tissues more readily capable of surviving and, in the case of hematopoietic cells, competing with host tissues for survival in a human environment.