cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stage fright manipulation by (false) heart rate feedback

Stage fright heart rate during classroom public speaking was measured while speakers monitored what was assumed to be feedback of their heart rate measurements. Speakers in fact were monitoring false heart rate feedback controlled by the experimenter to display either unusually low or unusually high levels of stage fright. True stage fright heart rate was found to vary from the norm, according to the level of false feedback monitered by the speakers.
Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Internalizing Symptoms Scale for Children

The Internalizing Symptoms Scale for Children (ISSC) is a relatively new self-report measure designed to assess the broad domain of internalizing problems of children and to integrate the two- and three-factor models of affect proposed by Watson, Clark, and colleagues (cf. Watson & Clark, 1992). To date, limited research has been conducted investigating the performance of the negative affect/general distress and positive affect dimensions of the ISSC. The present research investigated convergent and discriminant validity coefficients between domain-specific self-report (RCDS, RCMAS, SSRS) and peer-report (PNID) measures with both the ISSC total and subscale scores. Validity coefficients support the continued use of the ISSC total score as a measure of distress that compares favorably with other commonly used measures. Correlations between ISSC subscales and other self-report measures indicate that the relationships between positive affect and negative affect and anxiety and depression proposed in the adul...
Cluster models for lithium intercalated graphite: electronic structures and energetics

Abstract Model compounds designed to simulate graphite and lithium intercalated graphite (LIG) have been investigated in ab initio calculations at the Hartree-Fock and Second-Order Moller-Plesset levels of theory. Several cluster models were used in attempts to calculate the interlayer distance, charge transfer and delocalization in bulk LIG. Optimized interlayer distances range from 3.56 A to 4.00 A. Each model studied supports one or several electronic states of charge transfer nature in which the Li atom carries a positive charge, and the transferred electron is more or less delocalized over the carbon π orbitals in the graphitic portion of the cluster. There is a clear trend of HOMO-LUMO gap reduction as the size of the model cluster increases. The results for the larger of these polyaromatic hydrocarbon clusters demonstrate that this method is a viable option for studying LIG at the atomic level.
Pseudospectral method based on prolate spheroidal wave functions for semiconductor nanodevice simulation

We solve Schrodinger's equation for semiconductor nanodevices by applying prolate spheroidal wave functions of order zero as basis functions in the pseudospectral method. When the functions involved in the problem are bandlimited, the prolate pseudospectral method outperforms the conventional pseudospectral methods based on trigonometric and orthogonal polynomials and related functions, asymptotically achieving similar accuracy using a factor of π/2 less unknowns than the latter. The prolate pseudospectral method also employs a more uniform spatial grid, achieving better resolution near the center of the domain.
19F nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of stereoselective binding of isoflurane to bovine serum albumin

Whether proteins or lipids are the primary target sites for general anesthetic action has engendered considerable debate. Recent in vivo studies have shown that the S(+) and R(-) enantiomers of isoflurane are not equipotent, implying involvement of proteins. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), a soluble protein devoid of lipid, contains specific binding sites for isoflurane and other anesthetics. We therefore conducted 19F nuclear magnetic resonance measurements to determine whether binding of isoflurane to BSA was stereoselective. Isoflurane chemical shifts were measured as a function of BSA concentration to determine the chemical shift differences between the free and bound isoflurane. KD was determined by measuring the 19F transverse relaxation times (T2) as a function of isoflurane concentration. The binding duration was determined by assessing increases in 1/T2 as a result of isoflurane exchanging between the free and bound states. The S(+) and R(-) enantiomers exhibited no stereoselectivity in chemical shifts and KD values (KD = 1.3 +/- 0.2 mM, mean +/- SE, for S(+), R(-), and the racemic mixture). Nonetheless, stereoselectivity was observed in dynamic binding parameters; the S(+) enantiomer bound with slower association and dissociation rates than the R(-).
Finned-Tube Heat Exchanger Optimization Methodology

Heat exchangers play a dominant role in the performance of most energy systems; however, optimization of these components is a complex task due to the coupled nature of the design parameters involved. Anytime the heat transfer coefficient is increased in these components, there is a corresponding increase in frictional pressure drop; therefore, a delicate balance is required between these two effects in heat exchanger optimization. The finned-tube condenser heat exchangers used in residential air conditioning systems are examined in this study. Due to the intricate geometry of the finned-tube heat exchanger, there are no analytical optimization schemes available to optimize their design, while experimental trial and error is far too time consuming, considering the ten different design parameters that can be varied for optimization. This study develops a system model using available analytical and empirical correlations for the entire air conditioning cycle with great detail in the condenser component. An ...
Dichloroacetate treatment of ischemic cerebral lactic acidosis in the fed rat.

Despite advances in cardiac resuscitation, ischemic brain injury remains generally untreatable. Animal studies of brain ischemia associate brain lactate levels of more than 18 μ mol/g with irreversible neuronal injury. Lowering brain lactate therefore may prevent or minimize ischemic brain necrosis. Earlier studies in our laboratory using fasted rats demonstrated that sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) decreases ischemic brain lactate when given either before or immediately after partial global ischemia (PGI). Other investigators have shown that fed animals have more glucose and generate higher lactate levels by anaerobic metabolism during PGI. We evaluated the ability of DCA to lower brain lactate in fed male Wistar rats subjected to PGI. Four groups (n = 6 each) were studied — PGI and control rats with either placebo or DCA treatment. PGI was induced for 30 minutes by combining bilateral carotid artery occlusion with hemorrhagic hypotension. This was followed by release of carotid occlusion, reinfusion of shed blood, and immediate treatment with either DCA (25 mg/kg, IV) or placebo. Thirty minutes later brains were frozen in situ with liquid nitrogen for extraction and measurement of tissue glucose, glycogen, and lactate. Blood glucose and serum lactate were monitored throughout the experiment. No significant differences were found between the two PGI groups in brain glucose, brain glycogen, or ischemia-induced elevations in blood glucose and serum lactate. However, brain lactate was significantly lower in DCA-treated (12.5 μ mol/g) than in untreated (22.8 μ mol/g) PGI rats ( P μ mol/g, and therefore were at high risk for neuronal necrosis. Only two of six DCA-treated PGI rats had levels higher than 18 μ mol/g ( P
Electrodeposited CdS on CIS pn junctions

We have been investigating the electrochemical deposition of thin films and junctions of cadmium sulfide (CdS) and copper indium diselenide (CIS). We show that it is possible to fabricate pn junctions based on n-type CdS and p-type CIS entirely by electrodeposition. CIS is considered to be one of the best absorber materials for use in polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaic solar cells. CdS provides a closely lattice-matched window layer for CIS. Electrodeposition is a simple and inexpensive method for producing thin-film CdS and CIS. We have produced both p- and n-type CIS thin films, as well as a CdS on CIS pn junction via electrodeposition. Elemental analysis of the CdS and CIS thin films was performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Optical band gaps were determined for these films using optical transmission spectroscopy. Carrier densities of the CIS films as a function of their deposition voltage were determined from capacitance vs. voltage measurements using Al Schottky barriers. Current vs. voltage characteristics were measured for the Al on CIS Schottky barriers and for the CdS on CIS pn junction.
Endoscopic marking : An adjunct to laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery

Background: In 1975 one of us (J.P.) first described endoscopic marking of the intestinal lumen with india ink to produce a serosal tattoo, thus facilitating the location of lesions during subsequent surgery. The use of the technique in concert with laparoscopic surgery is particularly important because the ability to palpate the bowel is lost. Carbon-based products such as india ink provide permanent marking. An alternative marker is methylene blue, whose mark is only temporary but clearly seen laparoscopically. Methods: We have used methylene blue for intraoperative marking, reserving India ink for instances in which marking endoscopy occurs before surgery. Results: 15 patients, over a period of 2 years, had endoscopic marking performed preoperatively or intraoperatively. All markings were easily visualized upon laproscopy, assisting identification of the sites of the lesions. Numerous other cases were marked at endoscopy but did not come to surgery. Conclusion: Endoscopic marking is an invaluable tool in the performance of laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.
Local Baroclinic Instability Induced by Inhomogeneous Stratification

Abstract This analysis demonstrates with a linear balance model that a zonally inhomogeneous basic stratification (1 + σ) in the presence of only a horizontally homogeneous baroclinic shear could give rise to local baroclinic instability. Even for the special case of σ = 0, the unstable modes in this model have distinctly different structural properties than those in a quasigeostrophic model. For a σ relevant to the observed static stability, the growth rate of the most unstable mode for a zonally homogeneous baroclinic flow without a vertical mean component increases by over 50%. The most unstable mode has a highly localized structure in the region where the total static stability is relatively small and has an eastward propagation. The effect of σ greatly increases with its magnitude provided that there is no significant mismatch between its structure and that of the unstable mode in the absence of a σ. The available potential energy associated with the σ field can be released by a normal mode when its ...
Slow aggregation of buckminsterfullerene (C60) in benzene solution

Abstract Solution behavior of buckminsterfullerene (C60) in benzene was investigated by laser light scattering using an incident wavelength of 790 nm. C60 was found to aggregate slowly even in fairly dilute solution concentrations ranging from 1.39 to 2.11 mg/ml at room temperatures (23–26°C). The aggregation of C60 in benzene solution was reversible. The C60 aggregates could be dispersed simply by hand shaking the solution. The light-scattering intensity results indicated that the structure of C60 aggregates could be described as a fractal with dimension of 2.10 and the aggregation kinetics exhibited essentially an exponential behavior.
Monoubiquitinated Histone H2A Destabilizes Photolesion-containing Nucleosomes with Concomitant Release of UV-damaged DNA-binding Protein E3 Ligase

How the nucleotide excision repair (NER) machinery gains access to damaged chromatinized DNA templates and how the chromatin structure is modified to promote efficient repair of the non-transcribed genome remain poorly understood. The UV-damaged DNA-binding protein complex (UV-DDB, consisting of DDB1 and DDB2, the latter of which is mutated in xeroderma pigmentosum group E patients, is a substrate-recruiting module of the cullin 4B-based E3 ligase complex, DDB1-CUL4BDDB2. We previously reported that the deficiency of UV-DDB E3 ligases in ubiquitinating histone H2A at UV-damaged DNA sites in the xeroderma pigmentosum group E cells contributes to the faulty NER in these skin cancer-prone patients. Here, we reveal the mechanism by which monoubiquitination of specific H2A lysine residues alters nucleosomal dynamics and subsequently initiates NER. We show that DDB1-CUL4BDDB2 E3 ligase specifically binds to mononucleosomes assembled with human recombinant histone octamers and nucleosome-positioning DNA containing cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers or 6-4 photoproducts photolesions. We demonstrate functionally that ubiquitination of H2A Lys-119/Lys-120 is necessary for destabilization of nucleosomes and concomitant release of DDB1-CUL4BDDB2 from photolesion-containing DNA. Nucleosomes in which these lysines are replaced with arginines are resistant to such structural changes, and arginine mutants prevent the eviction of H2A and dissociation of polyubiquitinated DDB2 from UV-damaged nucleosomes. The partial eviction of H3 from the nucleosomes is dependent on ubiquitinated H2A Lys-119/Lys-120. Our results provide mechanistic insight into how post-translational modification of H2A at the site of a photolesion initiates the repair process and directly affects the stability of the human genome.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT REDUCES THE MNEMONIC AND NEURAL BENEFITS OF ESTROGEN

The degree to which memory is enhanced by estrogen replacement in postmenopausal women may depend on environmental factors such as education. The present study utilized an animal model of environmental enrichment to determine whether environmental factors influence the mnemonic and neural response to estrogen. Female mice were raised in standard (SC) or enriched (EC) conditions from weaning until adulthood (7 months). All mice were ovariectomized at 10 weeks, and tested in object recognition and water-escape motivated radial arm maze (WRAM) tasks at 6 months. Each day at the completion of training, mice received injections of 0.1 mg/kg cyclodextrin-encapsulated 17-beta-estradiol (E2), 0.2 mg/kg E2, or cyclodextrin vehicle (VEH). At the completion of behavioral testing, hippocampal levels of the presynaptic protein synaptophysin and of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured. Enrichment effects were evident in VEH-treated mice; relative to SC-VEH females, EC-VEH females committed fewer working memory errors in the WRAM and exhibited increased hippocampal synaptophysin levels. Estrogen effects depended on environmental conditions. E2 (0.2 mg/kg) improved object memory only in SC females. The same dose improved working memory in SC females, but somewhat impaired working memory in EC females. Furthermore, both doses reduced hippocampal synaptophysin levels in EC, but not SC, females. In contrast, E2 reduced hippocampal BDNF levels in SC, but not EC, females. This study is the first to compare the effects of estrogen on memory and hippocampal function in enriched and non-enriched female mice. The results suggest that: (1) estrogen benefits object and working memory more in mice raised in non-enriched environments than in those raised in enriched environments, and (2) the changes induced by estrogen and/or enrichment may be associated with alterations in hippocampal synaptic plasticity.
Plasmodium lophurae: Cationized ferritin staining, an electron microscope cytochemical method for differentiating malarial parasite and host cell membranes

Abstract The surface membranes of erythrocyte-free Plasmodium lophurae and its host cell, the duckling erythrocyte, stain differentially when exposed to cationized ferritin (CF). At low CF concentrations (0.18 mg/ml) only the outer surface of the red cell stains, whereas at the standard concentration (0.7 mg/ml) both the red cell and the parasitophorous vacuolar membranes (PVM) were stained on their outer faces. By using a high CF concentration (3.7 mg/ml), the parasite's plasma membrane (PM) could be distinguished from that of the PVM: The former did not bind CF, whereas the latter was stained on its outer surface. At this level of CF the red cell membrane stained on both faces if these surfaces were exposed to stain. Although the PVM is formed by red cell endocytosis of the parasite, it can be distinguished from the membrane of the erythrocyte as well as that of the PM.
Force-Induced Melting of the DNA Double Helix 1. Thermodynamic Analysis

The highly cooperative elongation of a single B-DNA molecule to almost twice its contour length upon application of a stretching force is interpreted as force-induced DNA melting. This interpretation is based on the similarity between experimental and calculated stretching profiles, when the force-dependent free energy of melting is obtained directly from the experimental force versus extension curves of double- and single-stranded DNA. The high cooperativity of the overstretching transition is consistent with a melting interpretation. The ability of nicked DNA to withstand forces greater than that at the transition midpoint is explained as a result of the one-dimensional nature of the melting transition, which leads to alternating zones of melted and unmelted DNA even substantially above the melting midpoint. We discuss the relationship between force-induced melting and the B-to-S transition suggested by other authors. The recently measured effect on T7 DNA polymerase activity of the force applied to a ssDNA template is interpreted in terms of preferential stabilization of dsDNA by weak forces approximately equal to 7 pN.
Protein load in argininosuccinic aciduria: thoughts on its biochemical implications.

A patient with argininosuccinic aciduria was charged with 50 grams of protein, which was followed by considerable hyperammonemia. There was no response in further urea formation; but there was a considerable production of orotic acid, a precursor of pyrimidines. This makes orotic acid to an important diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of impaired urea formation. The patient's plasma amino acid pattern led to the suggestion that orotic acid synthesis is initiated by increased de novo formation of carbamyl phosphate in the cytosol and not by deviation of already existing intramitochondrial carbamyl phosphate.
Delayed splenic artery occlusion for treatment of established small‐for‐size syndrome after partial liver transplantation

We looked at the impact of delayed splenic artery occlusion (SAO) on recipients with established small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) after partial graft liver transplantation [either from a living donor (LD) or split from a deceased donor (DD)]. Between 1999 and 2007 we performed a total of 100 partial liver transplantations in adult recipients: 66 LD transplantations and 34 DD split transplantations. Of these, 7 (7%) developed SFSS, diagnosed by the clinical features of cholestasis, coagulopathy, and ascites. Mean graft weight/recipient weight (GW/RW) ratio in these 7 recipients was 0.94%. Five of these 7 recipients underwent relaparotomy at a mean of 10 days post-transplantation to rule out a technical complication, and then intraoperative splenic artery ligation was performed. The other 2 recipients were treated radiologically by splenic artery coiling-at 9 and 13 days post-transplantation. Median serum bilirubin at the time of the splenic artery procedure was 20 mg/dL; by 3 weeks postprocedure this had decreased to 2.5 mg/dL. Of the 7 recipients with SFSS, 6 improved and eventually obtained normal graft function; 1 recipient did not improve and ultimately underwent retransplantation because of persistent cholestasis and failure to thrive. Delayed SAO represents a potential option for the treatment of recipients with established SFSS after partial liver transplantation.
Sex Differences in the Decline of Pulmonary Function with Age

A s part of and as an adjunct to a longterm genetic and epidemiologic study of risk factors for chronic obstructive lung disease conducted at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, we have been interested in examining the patterns of pulmonary function in different groups. In a study previously published,1 important male-female differences were noted in the pattern of pulmonary function observed in young smokers that led us to further examination of the pattern of change in pulmonary function in men and women under observation in the longterm genetic epidemiologic study. In the first study of young smokers our group observed that: 1) simple tests of lung function show clear differences between smokers and nonsmokers, and 2) that men seemed to respond differently to habitual cigarette smoking at an earlier stage than the women. In that study, 205 adults between the ages of 18 and 25 were classified into four groups according to sex and smoking status. Pulmonary function studies were performed using standard techniques. For purposes of this discussion it was observed that in men, tests of FEV1/FVC under conditions of breathing helium and oxygen clearly separated smokers from nonsmokers. In women no separation was detected. The clear separation between male smokers and nonsmokers was observed both under conditions of air and helium and oxygen when measurements of FEV3/ FVC was considered. Again, however, no differences were observed in women. There was, however, a clear difference in the measured FEV3/FVC between smoking men and women, under conditions of breathing either air or helium and oxygen. Studies of the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide in that population also revealed that the diffusing capacity was decreased to a greater extent in female rather than male smokers. Smoking habits did not account for the observed differences. The number of pack-years of smoking recorded in the questionnaire administered by a trained interviewer was not significantly different for male and female smokers. In addition, calculations of carboxyhemoglobin concentration estimated from the back pressure measurement in the steady state diffusing capacity study revealed that carbon monoxide levels were the same in both men and women smokers. This study suggested to us that men and women respond differently to smoking. We were therefore interested in determining if there were differences in the pattern of change of pulmonary function with age in men and women. We tl erefore analyzed the records of 609 participants in the longterm epidemiology project using the following criteria for analysis. First, all subjects were included in the longterm study for reasons other than their own health status; that is, they were free of lung disease. Second, they were 20 years old or more, and third, smoking histories were clear; that is, more than 20 cigarettes per day or never.
An investigation of parallel plate waveguide terahertz radiation input coupling

Quasi-optical and antenna-like ways of coupling free-space THz radiation into parallel-plate waveguide are examined. Cylindrical lenses made of cheap, off-the-shelf HDPE rods with 6, 10 and 16 mm diameter are used. A tapered input is also examined and it is found that in absolute terms the 16mm lens couples most radiation, but once the differences in effective aperture are accounted for, the tapered input is the best. 16mm and 6mm lenses proved to be sensitive to alignment and not very practical. FDTD simulations of the complete experimental setup are performed and show good qualitative agreement, especially inside the single-mode propagation region.
Reward Comparison: The Achilles' heel and hope for addiction.

In the words of the late Charles Flaherty, reward comparison is commonplace. Rats and humans, it appears, compare all rewards and this capacity probably contributes to our ability to select the most appropriate reward/behavior (food, water, salt and sex), at the most ideal level (e.g. a certain sweetness), at any given time. A second advantage of our predisposition for reward comparison is that the availability of rich alternative rewards can protect against our becoming addicted to any single reward/behavior. Thus, the potential protective effects of natural rewards/enrichment are addressed. Despite this, behavior can become inflexible when, through the development of addiction, stress, drug or cues elicit craving, withdrawal, and ultimately, drug-seeking. Drug-seeking corresponds with a ‘window of inopportunity’, when even potent natural rewards have little or no impact on behavior. During this time, there is a unitary solution to the need state, and that solution is drug. The present animal model explores this ‘window of inopportunity’ when natural rewards are devalued and drug-seeking is engaged and considers a mode of possible intervention.
Contingency management under asymmetric information

We model a monopolist supplier whose supply to multiple buyers is disrupted. The supplier can take costly, speed-dependent actions, to restore supply. Buyers experience private backorder costs that are unknown to the supplier. We analyze the supplier's optimal contract structure and explore the impact of an alternate supplier.
Two-terminal reliability analyses for a mobile ad hoc wireless network

Reliability is one of the most important performance measures for emerging technologies. For these systems, shortcomings are often overlooked in early releases as the cutting edge technology overshadows a fragile design. Currently, the proliferation of the mobile ad hoc wireless networks (MAWN) is moving from cutting edge to commodity and thus, reliable performance will be expected. Generally, ad hoc networking is applied for the flexibility and mobility it provides. As a result, military and first responders employ this network scheme and the reliability of the network becomes paramount. To ensure reliability is achieved, one must first be able to analyze and calculate the reliability of the MAWN. This work describes the unique attributes of the MAWN and how the classical analysis of network reliability, where the network configuration is known a priori, can be adjusted to model and analyze this type of network. The methods developed acknowledge the dynamic and scalable nature of the MAWN along with its absence of infrastructure. Thus, the methods rely on a modeling approach that considers the probabilistic formation of different network configurations in a MAWN. Hence, this paper proposes reliability analysis methods that consider the effect of node mobility and the continuous changes in the network's connectivity.
Validation of personality constructs for the selection of insurance industry employees

One hundred and nine employees working in clerical jobs in an insurance company participated in a concurrent criterion-related validity study. The employees were administered the Hogan Personality Inventory which consists of six basic scales and six occupational scales. Five criterion measures were collected: a within-department forced quintile distribution by the manager, and managerial ratings of the job factors of job knowledge, interpersonal skills, organization, and overall performance. The twelve test scores were correlated with each of the five criterion measures. The results revealed the Adjustment, Clerical Aptitude and Managerial Potential scales correlated significantly (p<.05) with each of the five criteria, while the Service Orientation scale correlated significantly with three of the five criteria. The results were discussed in the context of using personality scales to forecast job performance in the insurance industry.
Penetrating Injuries to the Colon and Rectum

The management of colon and rectal injuries has evolved greatly over the last several decades. Once known to have significant mortality, the implementation of mandatory diversion in the 1940s drastically improved outcomes. Since then, treatment strategies have now shifted towards primary repair as a safe option for the majority of injuries. When wounds are more destructive, resection and primary anastomosis are usually appropriate in most situations. Management of penetrating colon injuries is more complex in the setting of damage control surgery and may require difficult decisions regarding timing of anastomosis. Rectal injuries were also historically known to have significant morbidity until diversion was implemented. Extraperitoneal injuries are still treated in a similar fashion, while intraperitoneal injuries are managed using the same principles as colon injuries. This article will review the management of penetrating colon and rectal injuries with focus on literature that has been published over the last 3 years.
Improving the Impact and Return of Investment of Game-Based Learning

ABSTRACT Today’s economic situation demands that learning organizations become more diligent in their business deal-ings to reduce cost and increase bottom line for survival. While there are many champions and proponents claiming that game-based learning (GBL) is sure to improve learning, researchers have, thus far, been unable to (re)produce concrete, empirical evidence supporting this claim. Lacking appropriate assessment methodolo-gies to showcase the effectiveness of the learning technology and to convince stakeholders that GBLs could really work, it is no wonder that many learning organizations regard GBL training as a potentially high-risk technology investment. This paper describes a GBL assessment methodology designed specifically to collect player-generated data in an in situ manner (i.e., within the game environment itself) through telemetry. This methodology further incorporate data visualization to translate the data collected into meaningful information and actionable intelligence for various stakeholders.DOI: 10.4018/jvple.2013010101
A Reply to Josef Becker's Response

The issues raised in Professor Becker's paper bear directly on the claims that the Franco-Prussian War can make for its place as the most critical war of the mid-nineteenth century. These points must be debated, if not resolved, if this subject is to continue to exercise its hold on international historians—as well as, one may add, on non-historians, interested in the past, concerned to know whether the past can help the present, and bewildered by disputes among the experts. Yet there is only so much an expert—or someone vain enough to fancy himself as such—can do. Simply put, to treat this whole subject in a graceful and coherent form within the limits of a single article in a journal of this nature would surpass the capacity of this writer. He can only attempt, as a starter, to sketch out what he takes to be the main thrust and balance of Franco-Prussian relations in the weeks preceding the outbreak of the war of 1870, and to give at least a partial elucidation of the problem by commenting on several aspects of it, without attempting to bring all of these individual comments into one, comprehensive statement.
Introduction to Hans-Georg Gadamer’s “Die Unfähigkeit zum Gespräch”

In his 1972 essay "The Incapacity for Conversation" ("Die Unfahigkeit zum Gesprach") Gadamer takes up the question of whether changes in society have made it such that we are losing our ability to participate in dialogue. By the end of the essay he argues that this is not the case and that the claim that someone is incapable of dialogue is merely an excuse for not listening to the other person. Over the course of the essay Gadamer provides a clarification of what exactly counts as a conversation and of how conversation is connected to friendship.
Transient ischemic dilation for coronary artery disease in quantitative analysis of same-day sestamibi myocardial perfusion SPECT

Transient ischemic dilation (TID) of the left ventricle in myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) has been shown to be a clinically useful marker of severe coronary artery disease (CAD). However, TID has not been evaluated for 99mTc-sestamibi rest/stress protocols (Mibi-Mibi). We aimed to develop normal limits and evaluate diagnostic power of TID ratio for Mibi-Mibi scans. TID ratios were automatically derived from static rest/stress MPS (TID) and gated rest/stress MPS from the end-diastolic phase (TIDed) in 547 patients who underwent Mibi-Mibi scans [215 patients with correlating coronary angiography and 332 patients with low likelihood (LLk) of CAD]. Scans were classified as severe (≥70% stenosis in proximal left anterior descending (pLAD) artery or left main (LM), or ≥90% in ≥2 vessels), mild to moderate (≥90% stenosis in 1 vessel or ≥70%-90% in ≥1 vessel except pLAD or LM), and normal ( 36% in patients with severe CAD. Similarly, when DI was used to classify disease severity, the average ratios showed significant increasing trend with DI increase (P < .003); incidence of abnormal TID also increased with increasing DI. The incidence of abnormal TID in the group with high perfusion scores significantly increased compared to the group with low perfusion scores (stress total perfusion deficit, TPD < 3%) (P < .0001). The sensitivity for detecting severe CAD improved for TID when added to mild to moderate perfusion abnormality (3% ≤ TPD < 10%): 71% vs 64%, P < .05; and trended to improve for TIDed/TIDes: 69% vs 64%, P = .08, while the accuracy remained consistent if abnormal TID was considered as a marker in addition to stress TPD. Similar results were obtained when DI was used for the definition of severe CAD (sensitivity: 76% vs 66%, P < .05 when TID was combined with stress TPD). TID ratios obtained from gated or ungated Mibi-Mibi MPS and are useful markers of severe CAD.
Structural Patterns in Anti-DNA Autoantibodies: A Molecular Modeling Study

Abstract Anti-DNA autoantibodies are the hallmark of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus. Although these antibodies are both diagnostic and pathogenic, little is known about their structures and the manner in which they recognize DNA antigens. To address the first of these points we have predicted the three-dimensional structures of 40 monoclonal anti-DNA F(ab) fragments derived from lupus-prone mice. These antibodies were chosen to encompass several different autoimmune strains along with the known variable region gene families that encode anti-DNA. We find that the structures of the antigen binding regions of these antibodies fall into three main classes, irrespective of both the mouse strain and genetic origins of the antibody. Specifically, high-affinity anti-ssDNA appear to possess a narrow channel that is presumably used for ligand recognition, whereas the binding site on anti-dsDNA is an open surface that is large enough to accommodate a DNA duplex. These findings provide structural data to support the hypothesis that anti-DNA arise by DNA-driven B cell activation and clonal expansion.
Hot spots in nuclei by microscopic transport theory

In a previous publication effects of two-body collisions were incorporated with TDHF by the time-relaxation method. This microscopic model is now used to study decays of hot spots in nuclei. Calculations are made in a one-dimensional slab geometry. A temperature-dependent expression is used for the relaxation time. It is based on Tomonaga's formula for heat conduction at low temperatures. At high temperatures we use (recent) calculations of imaginary optical potential and equilibration with penetrating infinite nuclear slabs. Our calculations show pre-equilibrium emission of nucleons. This emission is in general decreased by two-body collisions. Some of our results are presented by contour plots of the Wigner function.
Imaging and Alignment for Image-Guided Radiation Therapy

Image-guided radiation therapy is an exciting new area that focuses heavily on the potential benefit of advanced imaging and image registration to improve precision, thus limiting morbidity and potentially allowing for safe delivery of increased dose. This review explores the issues surrounding the use of imaging and image registration for treatment planning and verification, with emphasis on the underlying patient model and alignment algorithms.
Mechanism of the photoreversible ClRe(CO)3(4-phenylpyridine)2-induced reduction of a Cu(II) macrocycle

Abstract A photoreversible reduction of Cu II (TIM) 2+ in 350 nm irradiations of ClRe(CO) 3 (4-phenylpyridine) 2 has been investigated by continuous and flash photolyses. The redox reaction involves a metastable Re complex that is photogenerated in parallel with the lowest lying MLCT. The products of the photoredox reaction undergo back electron transfer in the microsecond—millsecond time domain.
Self-consistent numerical simulations of RF dusty plasma afterglows, with and without plasma pulsing

Summary form only given. Plasma pulsing is potentially a powerful tool for controlling the properties of nanoparticles that nucleate and grow in nonthermal plasmas. Numerical simulations were conducted of a capacitively-coupled RF argon-silane dusty plasma (frequency 13.56 MHz, voltage amplitude 55 V, pressure 17 Pa, electrode gap 4 cm). The simulations used a previously reported 1D fluid model,1,2 in which the plasma equations and the aerosol general dynamics equation are selfconsistently coupled. Effects considered include particle charging by electron and ion attachment, particle coagulation, and particle transport by gas drag, ion drag, electrostatic force, gravity and Brownian diffusion. Profiles of particle nucleation and particle surface growth are treated as input parameters. Simulations consider cases both with and without gas flow through a showerhead electrode.
The Historical Effects of Depathologizing Homosexuality on the Practice of Counseling

December 2003 marked the 30th anniversary of the American Psychiatric Association’s decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The tolerance and acceptance of homosexuality as a normal sexual orientation have broadened the scope of ethical standards and therapeutic approaches when working with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual individuals. This review provides an overviewof the circumstances leading to the decision and the effect it has had on the helping professions.
Hypocholesterolemic agents I: 3‐methyl‐4‐phenylbutenoic acids

Three isomers of 3-methyl-4-phenylbutenoic acid were examined as potential inhibitors of yeast β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase. All were shown to be inactive when assayed over a concentration range of 8-17 mM.
Collisional formation and dissociation of Na@C60+

Abstract The dissociation rate constant of a microcanonical ensemble of endohedral Na@C 60 + , formed by gas-phase collisions, is determined to be 94 000 s −1 when the internal excitation energy reaches 49.1±0.5 eV. A model that includes radiative cooling and a distribution of energies, accurately reproduces the yield of Na@C 60 + from its appearance at 29.6 eV to its disappearance above 55 eV. Assuming an Arrhenius factor of ν 0 =5×10 19 s −1 we derive a dissociation energy of 10.17±0.02 eV (statistical error). The abruptness of the breakdown graph implies a lower limit for ν 0 .
Envisioning a De-Anthropocentrised World: Critical Comments on Anthony Weston's ‘The Incompleat Eco-Philosopher’

Weston and I will be forever linked in the field of environmental philosophy because of an exchange of essays that were published in the journal Environmental Ethics in 1985 and 1987 on the subject...
Extending Periodic Leakage Rate Testing of 9977 Packages With Elastomeric O-Rings

According to ANSI N14.5, the periodic leakage rate testing of Type B radioactive material transportation packages is performed within 12 months prior to each shipment. The purpose of performing periodic leakage rate testing is to confirm that packages built to an approved design can perform their containment function as required after a period of use. However, certain transportation packages, e.g., Model 9975 and 9977 Type B packages, have been used for interim storage for a period > 12 months, and it is desirable to extend the periodic leakage rate testing interval to reduce personnel radiation exposure and cost. Long-term leak performance tests on O-ring test fixtures have been conducted at 200°F (366K) and higher temperatures since 2004 for the purpose of interim storage of 9975 packages. The test data are adopted and evaluated in this paper by using the Arrhenius function and the Weibull statistics to establish the basis for extending the periodic leakage rate testing interval. The results show that the testing interval can be extended to 5 and 2 years for Model 9977 packages with Viton® GLT and GLT-S elastomeric O-rings (Parker Seals V0835-75 and VM835-75), respectively, if the O-ring service temperature is kept below 200°F (366K) and verified with continuous temperature monitoring.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Social Theory and Social Policy Derived From the Black Family Experience

In this discussion, I shall analyze social theory as an antecedent to social policy and social policy as an antecedent to social practice. My reason for doing this is to put these three in their proper relationship. Often, social practice is used as the basis of social policy, and social policy is used as the basis of social theory. Social policy should be a function of empirical observation as well as of theoretical formulation, not one or the other but both. By moving from practice to policy to theory, and only in this direction, social scientists have sometimes failed to predict important happenings in society, largely because they had no explicit paradigm to help them understand. Still echoing in my ears are the words of Everett Hughes (1963) who asked in his American Sociological Association presidential address, "How did we sociologists miss predicting the civil rights revolution?" Hughes wanted to know why the professionals in a learned social science discipline failed to see and understand the development of a movement that radically changed the customs of this nation. My answer is that many sociologists failed to predict the civil rights revolution because they practiced an elegant form of journalism: objectively assembling facts but failing to articulate the theory that should give direction and interpretation to observation. My guess is that theory construction and use should be the everyday work of sociologists and not a concern limited to specialists. Our attempt to understand the Black family is a classic case of the journalistic approach that prevails in contemporary sociology. Back in 1965, Daniel Patrick Moynihan amassed a great deal of
Virus-Free Adenocarcinoma of the Frog (Summer Phase Tumor) Transcribes Lucké Tumor Herpesvirus-Specific RNA

[ 3 H]RNA isolated from "virus-free," summer phase, renal adenocarcinomas of Rana pipiens labeled with [ 3 H]uridine hybridizes with DNA of herpesvirus particles isolated from the winter phase Lucke tumor. Transcription of the herpesvirus genome in virus-free tumors provides additional evidence for the viral etiology of this tumor.
Rheological Properties of (1→3),(1→4)-β-d-Glucans from Raw, Roasted, and Steamed Oat Groats

ABSTRACT Effects of hydrothermal treatments (steaming, roasting) of oat grain on β-glucan extractability and rheological properties were tested on oat cultivars with low (Robert) and high (Marion) β-glucan content. Steaming of grain reduced the amount of β-glucan that could be extracted, compared with raw or roasted grain, but the extracts from steamed grain had much greater viscosity. Increased extraction temperatures increased the amount and the average relative molecular mass (M r) value of β-glucan extracted. In boiling water extractions, the average M r values among raw, roasted and steamed oat samples were equivalent, but extracts from steamed oat grain had significantly higher intrinsic viscosity than the extracts from roasted or raw oat grains. β-glucan solutions purified from steamed grain extracts were very viscous and highly pseudoplastic, as described by the power law equation. Oat β-glucan from steamed samples were more viscoelastic than β-glucan from roasted or raw oat samples. Because visco...
The relation of idiotype expression to isotype and allotype in the anti-p-azobenzenearsonate response

The distribution of idiotype-positive plaques in mice of various strains injected with T-independent (TI) and T-dependent conjugates of p-azobenzenearsonate (Ars) has been investigated. With maturation of the responses there is a progressive loss of dominance of the major cross-reactive idiotype (CRI) in A/J and C.AL-20 mice. The extremes are represented by the predominantly CRI+ IgM plaque response to a single injection of the TI antigen, Ars-coupled Brucella organisms (Ars-Br), and the low frequency of CRI+ plaques in the polyisotypic response elicited by Ars-KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanin) in adjuvant. The secondary response to Ars-Br was characterized by an intermediate display of idiotype-positive plaques in IgM, the IgG subclasses and IgA. Detailed analyses of the distribution of CRI+ plaques between isotypes in 60 mice hyperimmunized with Ars-KLH revealed that the expression of idiotype in any of the IgG subclasses and IgA was constant and independent. This is interpreted to indicate random assembly of VH with C gamma and C alpha genes during the switch. BALB/c and C3H mice also express a predominant idiotype during primary and secondary responses to Ars-Br as detected by our heterologous anti-A/J CRI serum. These strains only very rarely maintain the idiotype after hyperimmunization with Ars-KLH. We conclude that hyperimmune responses which probably involve multiple modes of regulation give a poor indication of the germ-line V gene repertoire.
Taking Well-Child Care Into the 21st Century: A Novel, Effective Method for Improving Parent Knowledge Using Computerized Tutorials

Background Despite expert panel recommendations, few pediatric providers administer sufficient anticipatory guidance and educational counseling during well-child visits, largely owing to lack of time. Objectives To design a waiting room educational kiosk that uses interactive, self-guided, computerized tutorials to give anticipatory guidance to parents at the 6-week and 4-month well-child visits, and assess impact on parent knowledge. The intervention required no additional provider time, and automatically printed a summary for the medical record. Setting A government-funded hospital serving Navajo patients in New Mexico. Methods After a well-child visit, knowledge regarding issues such as fever management, dental care, sleep position, nutrition, and car seat use was tested in a group of parents receiving standard care (control), and a group using the computerized tutorials in addition to standard care (intervention). Results Fifty-two parents in the control group and 49 parents in the intervention group completed the knowledge assessment. Ninety-five percent of intervention subjects completed the computerized tutorial without clinic staff involvement. Compared with the control group, the intervention group had superior knowledge in all tested areas. The percentage of correct responses to all questions was higher for the intervention group in the following categories: car seat use (49% vs 31%, P P P P P P Conclusion Computerized anticipatory guidance at well-child visits increases knowledge over printed materials alone and is usable by the majority of parents.
Adaptive aspirations and cognitive individual well‐being: some implications

Differentiates economic welfare from general welfare and demonstrates mathematically the welfare‐indeterminacy of economic growth. Goes on to show that the Pareto criterion also fails to identify changes in social welfare, proposes a new “social Pareto criterion” and considers its implications for income redistribution policies. Argues that the related theoretical problems result from the assumption of an asymmetrical value function and puts forward an alternative idea (an asymmetric but rotating value function) to resolve this and properly measure the welfare effects of income redistribution.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION USING A NEUROFUZZY METHODOLOGY

A novel neurofuzzy methodology for detecting hazardous material is presented in this paper. This methodology can be used to detect chemical agents at very low level of concentrations. Despite the p...