cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The general education initiative in Hong Kong: organized contradictions and emerging tensions

In 2012 all Hong Kong universities will be extending the length of the undergraduate degree from 3 to 4 years and adding General Education as a degree requirement. This reform initiative represents a unique case of comprehensive organizational change of higher education on an unprecedented scale. This paper examines several of the most significant contradictions and tensions facing this initiative—the current structure of higher education based on the British system and the prevailing culture of teaching and learning in Hong Kong. The nature of these pre-existing conditions, and their contradictory relationship to the substance and purpose of general and liberal education, are outlined. The contradictions and tensions generated by the general education initiative are situated within the larger organizational tension between theory and practice, and structure and action. The paper delineates some of the strategies developed to address the existing and emerging tensions.
The Wittenberg Altarpiece and the Image of Identity

AbstractLucas Cranach's 1547 Wittenberg Altarpiece marks decisive changes in the iconography and function of public religious art as a result of the Lutheran Reformation. Located in Wittenberg, Saxony, the crucible of the Reformation, and boasting portraits of some of the most illustrious reformers, the altarpiece epitomizes key adaptations of art in the context of Lutheran reform. Building on the work of earlier scholars, this essay proposes a threefold interpretation of this complex painting. First and most fundamentally, the Wittenberg Altarpiece functions differently than late medieval Catholic altarpieces, even those with the same subject matter and triptych format. Second, the newly defined Lutheran sacraments delineate this functional shift. And third, the altarpiece idealizes the new community of Lutherans in Wittenberg. Icongraphic assertions of the authority of scripture and the "correctness" of its interpretation, as well as a tendency to associate Luther and his followers with the apostles, su...
Electron transefr to and from molecules with interacting multiple redox centers

Abstract A theoretical analysis is given for electron transfer in molecules with interacting multiple redox centers such as dimers, oligomers and polymers, and for voltammetric techniques such as de polarography and rotating disk voltammetry. The analysis takes accout of the interactions between nearest-neighboring centers only. The determination of the interaction energies from the experimental current-potential curves is illustrated.
Combination chemotherapy with L-asparaginase, lomustine, and prednisone for relapsed or refractory canine lymphoma.

Background: Canine lymphoma (LSA) is responsive to initial treatment, however, it then becomes resistant to drugs in the initial protocol. New rescue protocols are needed. Hypothesis: A combination of L-asparaginase, lomustine, and prednisone will be well tolerated and efficacious as a rescue therapy for dogs with LSA. Animals: Thirty-one client owned dogs with cytologically confirmed multicentric LSA who were refractory or whose disease had relapsed after a CHOP (cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone)-based chemotherapy protocol. Methods: Prospective clinical trial. Lomustine (target dose, 70 mg/m2) was administered orally at 3-week intervals for a total of 5 doses or until disease progression. L-asparaginase (400 U/kg) was administered subcutaneously concurrently with the first 2 lomustine treatments. Prednisone was administered at a tapering dose for the duration of the protocol. Results: Overall response rate for dogs treated with this protocol was 87% (27/31), with 52% (16/31) of dogs achieving a complete response. Median time to response was 21 days. Median time to progression was 63 days (111 days for dogs achieving a complete response and 42 days for dogs achieving a partial response). There were no significant differences in response rates and times to progression between dogs who had received L-asparaginase before beginning this rescue protocol and those who had not. Toxicoses were mild and self-limiting in 29 of 31 cases. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: This is a well-tolerated rescue therapy for relapsing LSA in dogs. Response rates and remission durations compare favorably to other rescue protocols. Therefore, this protocol is a viable rescue option.
Consequences of Parental Divorce and Marital Unhappiness for Adult Well-Being.

Based on a national sample of adults, individuals who experienced parental divorce as children were compared with those who did not experience marital dissolution. Respondents from disrupted families of origin scored lower than those from happily intact families of origin on measures of psychological, social, and marital well-being but not on measures of socioeconomic adequacy. These differences, however, were generally weak in magnitude. Individualsfrom intactfamily backgrounds who described their parents as unhappily married exhibited lower levels of well-being than did individuals who described their parents as happily married. Divorces that entailed a decline in parent child-relations, and multiple divorces on the part of parents, appeared to be particularly problematic. Individuals experiencing "low-stress" parental divorces did not differ appreciably from those who grew up in happily intact homes. The topic of children and divorce has generated a substantial body of research. Most of this work is concerned with the short- and medium-term effects of family disruption on young children. In contrast, relatively few studies have searched for long-term consequences of divorce that may persist into adulthood. Of those studies that do, most focus on a few outcomes and do not consider the ways in which post-divorce factors may influence later well-being. The present study extends prior research in three ways. First, we use national survey data to estimate the consequences of parental divorce across a wide range of measures of adult well-being. Second, we take into account the potentially mediating effects of a variety of post-divorce family arrangements, such as parental remarriage and closeness to parents. And third, we include in the analysis adults whose parents were unhappily married but did not divorce.
Multidisciplinary Shape and Layup Optimization of a Bendable Composite UAV Wing

A Unique bendable UAV wing, developed at University of Florida, shows an ability to load stiffen in positive flight load direction, still remaining compliant in the opposite direction. Performance and application conditions require multidisciplinary approach for design of a bendable UAV wing. The present paper discusses a multidisciplinary design approach to optimize the shape and the layup scheme used to manufacture a bendable wing. Aerodynamics is studied using an inviscid vortex lattice method based numerical code, while nonlinear elastic FEA routine in ABAQUS is used for determining deflection under normalized flight loads. An analytical approach is used to study the stresses developed in the composite wing during rolling process and Tsai-Hill criterion is used to predict failure of the laminate due to the rolling stresses. Multidisciplinary shape and layup optimization of bendable UAV wing is performed using an elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm: NSGA-II. The optimization problem is to maximize the lift-to-drag ratio and to minimize the tip deflection of wing under normalized flight loads. The optimization work is performed on a 24 inch span and 7 inch chord bendable wing.
The positive automatic thoughts questionnaire (ATQ-P) and the automatic thoughts questionnaire—Revised (ATQ-RP): Equivalent measures of positive thinking?

We examined two recently developed measures of positive automatic thought, the Positive Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ-P) and the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire—Revised (ATQ-RP). Internal consistency, concurrent validity, and convergent and discriminant validity were addressed. Two hundred one undergraduates completed self-report measures of positive automatic thoughts, negative automatic thoughts, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and positive affectivity. The ATQ-P and ATQ-RP both showed high internal consistency, strong negative associations with depressive symptoms, specificity to depressive symptoms rather than anxiety symptoms, an average state-of-mind (SOM) ratio in the positive dialogue range, and a stronger relation with each other than with a measure of positive affectivity. The only notable difference between the measures was a significantly lower mean score (correcting for number of items) on the ATQ-RP.
Multistage stochastic linear differential game with decision-time constraint

In this work, we consider a class of multistage stochastic linear differential game with quadratic cost function subject to a post initial measurement decision constraint, Secure strategies, in the sense of minimax and maximin, are derived for each player by applying dynamic programming. Both of the minimax and maximin controls are shown to be of linear feedback form. It is demonstrated that both the certainty equivalence principle and the separation theorem from stochastic control theory hold. The derived algorithm, even for the multistage and stochastic nature of the problem, is of closed form and can be employed in real-time applications
Fabrication, characterization and microwave properties of polyurethane nanocomposites reinforced with iron oxide and barium titanate nanoparticles

Abstract Polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites reinforced with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and/or dielectric barium titanate nanoparticles fabricated by the surface-initiated-polymerization approach were investigated. The polymer matrix incorporated with different nanoparticles shows different presenting status surrounding the nanoparticles, i.e., chemical bonding, physical entanglement and bulk polymer chain. The nanoparticles have a different effect on the thermal stability of the polymer nanocomposites. By embedding different functional nanoparticles, unique physical properties were observed, such as enlarged coercivity and larger dielectric constant (real permittivity). The synergistic effect of the binary nanoparticle reinforced PU nanocomposite was explored. The addition of the iron oxide nanoparticles does have some effect on the permittivity. However, little difference was observed in the magnetic properties and permeability after the introduction of the dielectric barium titanate nanoparticle into Fe 2 O 3 /PU nanocomposites. The permeability and permittivity of γ-Fe 2 O 3 and BaTiO 3 nanoparticle reinforced PU nanocomposites were investigated with frequencies ranging from 10 MHz to 1 GHz. The predicted microwave properties from Bruggeman’s equation were consistent with the measured data, except for the real permittivity of Fe 2 O 3 /BaTiO 3 /PU. The volume average method (VAM) usually used for fiber-reinforced composites with reinforcements in the thickness direction was applied in this nanocomposite system. The predicted real permittivity by VAM was found to be in better agreement with the measured data than that predicted by Bruggeman’s equation.
On the Heuristics of the Higgs Mechanism

This article has two aims. First, I undertake an extensive review of the Higgs mechanism and its connections with spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Goldstone theorem. I take the opportunity to expound and discuss a certain number of philosophical issues, amongst them surplus structure and redundancies. Second, I offer a defence of the metaphor according to which 'gauge fields eat Goldstone bosons to gain a mass’ as sensible rather than merely misleading. It is sensible because there is a direct physical correspondence between the longitudinal polarization of massive gauge fields and Goldstone bosons, which is not merely set by a gauge-fixing procedure. In these terms, I wish to argue that the mechanism which allows for the discovery of the Higgs boson has more than merely heuristic and methodological virtue.
Exposing the kinetic traps in RNA folding.

Large ribozymes fold on a ‘glacials timescale compared to the folding of their protein counterparts. The sluggish folding exhibited by large RNAs results from the formation of kinetically trapped, misfolded intermediates, which are nonessential features of the folding mechanism. Newly developed mutant ribozymes that avoid kinetic traps should facilitate the study of the RNA folding problem.
Clomiphene's Effect on Endometrium in Infertility

Secretory-phase endometrium from patients receiving clomiphene has an identifiable, distinctive character. We reviewed 710 endometrial biopsies from 566 infertility patients, including 108 from 79 patients receiving clomiphene. Endometrial glands in biopsies from clomiphene-treated patients were straight, narrow, and less tortuous than normal. Gland-to-stroma ratio was decreased. In the early secretory phase, glands had crisp subnuclear vacuoles and distinct glandular lumenal borders. Secretions were scant throughout the secretory phase, with few apical snouts. Lumenal secretions appeared inspissated and hyaline-like. Late secretory epithelium was generally low cuboidal and rarely showed hypersecretory change. Stromal predecidualization in the late phase showed progression, but in some cases decidual cells were smaller than usual. All of these features are consistent with a hypoestrogenic effect.
Mild “duplication 6q syndrome”: A case with partial trisomy (6)(q23.3q25.3)

We report on a female infant with partial 6q trisomy (46,XX,dir dup(6)(q23.3q25.3)) and phenotypic characteristics of the "duplication 6q syndrome," including intrauterine growth retardation, dolichocephaly, depressed nasal bridge, almond-shaped palpebral fissures, short neck, flexion-contractures of the wrists, and mild generalized hypertonia. Although clearly belonging to the described "duplication 6q syndrome," her features were milder than those found in the literature. Comparison of the phenotype of this child with other published reports indicates that specific phenotypic components of the duplication 6q syndrome cannot be attributed to duplication of a specific band or bands on 6q.
Aligning IT Assets to Maximize Healthcare Organizational Performance

This study examines the impact of healthcare information technology assets on organizational efficiency. Using an econometric approach with data envelopment analysis, we examine the effect of IT asset clusters on organizational efficiency as measured relative to a peer group of healthcare organizations We observe that different IT asset clusters have varying effects on organizational efficiency based on the size of the organizations. The results of this study have implications for healthcare organizations in planning their investments across various IT asset clusters.
Treatment of Crohn's disease at the turn of the century.

Inflammatory bowel diseases are the second most common chronic inflammatory disorder after rheumatoid arthritis. Of these, Crohn's disease afflicts hundreds of thousands of patients, particularly i...
Thermodynamics of ultrasmall metallic grains in the presence of pairing and exchange correlations: Mesoscopic fluctuations

We study the mesoscopic fluctuations of thermodynamic observables in a nanosized metallic grain in which the single-particle dynamics are chaotic and the dimensionless Thouless conductance is large. Such a grain is modeled by the universal Hamiltonian describing the competition between exchange and pairing correlations. The exchange term is taken into account exactly by a spin-projection method, and the pairing term is treated in the static-path approximation together with small-amplitude quantal fluctuations around each static fluctuation of the pairing field. Odd-even particle-number effects induced by pairing correlations are included using a number-parity projection. We find that the exchange interaction shifts the number-parity effects in the heat capacity and spin susceptibility to lower temperatures. In the regime where the pairing gap is similar to or smaller than the single-particle mean level spacing, these number-parity effects are suppressed by exchange correlations, and the fluctuations of the spin susceptibility may be particularly large. However, for larger values of the pairing gap, the number-parity effects may be enhanced by exchange correlations.
1-Silaphenalenes, potential precursors to aromatic silylenium ions and aromatic silyl anions. Spectroscopic and chemical studies

Abstract Appearance potential measurements on 1,1-dimethyl-1-silaphenalene ( 2 , R = X = CH 3 ) and related molecules show that silaphenalenium ions do not delocalize the positive charge throughout the entire π system like the hydrocarbon phenalene. Evidence for short range delocalization by a vinyl group attached to silicon was found in comparing appearance potentials of the silaphenalenium ion 2a with acyclic and saturated analogs. Hydride abstraction reactions using hydride derivatives of 2 , 7 , and 8 with Ph 3 C + SnCl 5 − did not produce detectable silylenium ions. NMR studies of the 1-silaphenalenyl anion ( 2c ) and related anions indicate that the anion is not highly delocalized. Ultrasound accelerates the reaction between potassium hydride and several of the silanes.
Recent results of Kaon decays and future plans at Fermilab

Abstract We review the current kaon experimental results and status at Fermilab. Those includes recent direct CP violation results, ϵ′/ϵ, and selected rare decay results from KTeV, as well as a new K ± rare decay result from HyperCP. Status of a newly approved charged kaon experiment, CKM, and the future plans at Fermilab are also reviewed here.
Comparison of chromatographic band profiles obtained under microwave irradiated and non-irradiated reversed-phase liquid chromatography column.

Abstract The possible influence of the application of microwave energy to a reversed-phase liquid chromatography column on the mass transfer kinetics and the thermodynamics of equilibrium between mobile and stationary phases was examined. Chromatograms of propylbenzene and phenol were recorded under the same experimental conditions, on the same column, successively irradiated and not. The effect of microwave irradiation on the mass transfer kinetics was determined by measuring the second moment of small pulses of propylbenzene in a 70:30 (v/v) solution of methanol in water and microwave outputs of 15 and 30 W. The effect of microwave irradiation on the equilibrium thermodynamics was determined by measuring the elution time of breakthrough curves of phenol at high concentrations in a 20:80 (v/v) solution of methanol and water and microwave outputs of 15, 50, and 150 W. A qualitative comparison of the profiles of the propylbenzene peaks obtained with and without irradiation suggests that this irradiation affects significantly the peak shapes. However, a qualitative comparison of the profiles of the breakthrough curves of phenol obtained with and without irradiation suggests that this irradiation has no significant effect on their shapes. The peak sharpening observed may be due to an increase in the diffusivity, resulting from the dielectric polarization under microwave irradiation. This effect is directly related to an increase of the rate of mass transfers in the column. In contrast, the similarity of the overloaded band profiles at high concentrations suggests that the equilibrium thermodynamics is unaffected by microwave irradiation. This may be explained by the transparence of the stationary phase to microwaves at 2.45 GHz. The column temperature was measured at the column outlet under irradiation powers of 15, 30, 50, and 150 W. It increases with increasing power, the corresponding effluent temperatures being 25 ± 1, 30 ± 1, 35 ± 1, and 45 ± 1 °C, respectively.
Spontaneously resolved chiral arylsulfonamides

Abstract Our recent studies have shown that cocrystallization of 1:1 solutions of (R)-X and (S)-X′ (where X and X′ represent two sterically similar molecules) often form quasiracemic crystals, in which approximately centrosymmetric molecular pairs cocrystallize in an arrangement that resembles a “true” racemic structure. As part of an ongoing study of the influence of molecular shape on crystal packing, the present work centers on the design, synthesis and X-ray structure determination of four homologous N-(α-methylbenzyl)-4-substituted benzenesulfonamides. Crystallization of a solution of these (±)-arylsulfonamides unexpectedly yields enantiomerically pure crystals via a Pasteurian-type resolution process. This mode of crystallization presumably also deters the cocrystallization of different, but structurally similar, arylsulfonamides to form quasiracemates. The X-ray crystal structures of the four sulfonamides reveal the dominance of N–H⋅⋅⋅O–S hydrogen bonds that form infinite helical C(4) molecular chains. For three of the structures this pattern is extended by short inter- and intramolecular π⋅⋅⋅π interactions to form two-dimensional molecular architectures.
Global Inhibition of IL-2 and IFN-γ Secreting T cells Precedes Recovery from Acute Monophasic Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Actively induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the PL/J mouse is a monophasic disease. We isolated mononuclear cells (MNC) from the central nervous system (CNS), lymph node (LN), blood, and spleen over the course of EAE and counted the number of cells secreting IL-2, IFN-γ or IL-4 in response to polyclonal stimulation. IL-2 secreting cells were present in the CNS at disease onset but absent at disease peak and at recovery. A profound transient drop in IL-2 secreting cells also occurred in LN, blood, and spleen at disease peak and during recovery. IFN-γ secreting cell number decreased in all compartments as disease evolved. In contrast, IL-4 secreting cell number was greatest in the CNS at disease peak, i.e. IL-4 secreting cells rose as IL-2 and IFN-γ secreting cells fell. IL-4 secreting cell number did not change appreciably in LN, blood, and splenic MNC as disease evolved. CNS MNC at disease peak failed to proliferate in response to anti-CD3 mAb but did so in response to IL-2. LN, blood and splenic MNC did proliferate in response to anti-CD3 mAb at disease peak and this proliferation was augmented by exogenous IL-2. After prolonged culture, proliferative response of CNS MNC to anti-CD3 mAb was restored. These results indicate that during monophasic EAE global suppression of naive T cell and Th1 T cell cytokine synthesis occurs but that T cell proliferative responsiveness is selectively inhibited in the CNS.
An updated traditional classification of inguinal hernias

The traditional classification of inguinal hernias is the most widely used system today; however, it does not categorize all inguinal hernias nor their levels of complexity. The named systems of Gilbert, Nyhus, and Schumpelick are reviewed, and their common features are analyzed. A simple updating of the traditional classification along with the use of common modifiers creates a system that is all-inclusive and easy to use for data registries. The traditional classification of inguinal hernias (indirect, direct, and femoral) has withstood the test of time for almost 150 years. In this interval, inguinal hernia repairs have experienced significant evolution from simple ligation of the sac or suturing of the muscular defect to improved primary tissue repairs (e.g., Bassini, McVay, Shouldice) based upon better anatomic principles. Also during the past 30 years, two major revolutions in operative repairs have occurred. First, there is the use of mesh and, second, its placement laparoscopically. As a consequence, hernia surgeons today must choose among multiple competing operative techniques. No one operative technique has proven to be best for all inguinal hernias. Also different levels of complexity and severity exist among inguinal hernias, and thus it is essential that we accurately classify the various inguinal hernias, such that we surgeons can provide the best operative solution for each patient. As Fitzgibbons [1] states, “The primary purpose of a classification for any disease is to stratify for severity so that reasonable comparisons can be made between various treatment strategies.”
Calibration of an anamorphic laser-based 3D range sensor

This paper describes the parameters and method used to calibrate an anamorphic lens specially designed for a 3D triangulation based laser range sensor. It expands the more `conventional' spherical lens calibration technique that has been developed in photogrammetry to include the extra distortions introduced by the strong astigmatism and by the different optical principal planes of the lens of the anamorphic design. Experimental results using a prototype of the lens for the Biris range sensor are presented.
Randomized comparison of intravenous versus intracoronary streptokinase for myocardial infarction.

Abstract The efficacy of intravenous (i.v.) thrombolytic therapy has not been firmly established in comparison with the intracoronary (i.c.) route of administration. In a randomized trial of 28 patients who underwent angiography before and during i.v. and i.c. administration of Streptokinase (STK), recanalization was achieved in 73% of patients who received the drug by the i.c. route, compared with 62% of patients who received the drug by the i.v. route (difference not significant). Reopening took 28 minutes for i.c. STK and 39 minutes for i.v. STK. Patients in whom recanalization was successful using either route of administration had shorter euglobulin lysis times and lower fibrinogen levels than did patients in whom it was not successful (p
The emission of (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, (Z)-3-hexenylacetate and other oxygenated hydrocarbons from agricultural plant species

Abstract The oxygenated hydrocarbon species identified as emissions from 29 agricultural and natural plant species found in California's Central Valley are reported. Prevalent as emissions from these agricultural crops were (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and (Z)-3-hexenylacetate, with the latter compound often the dominant hydrocarbon emission. Quantitative emission rates for (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and (Z)-3-hexenylacetate are reported for 18 agricultural and two natural plant species, and a brief discussion of the expected atmospheric chemistry of these two compounds is given.
HUMANITY IN GOD: ON READING KARL BARTH IN RELATION TO MYSTICAL THEOLOGY

L'A. considere la theologie de K. Barth comme etroitement liee aux travaux en cours de la theologie mystique. C'est dans ce contexte qu'il examine les traits caracteristiques de l'analyse de Barth concernant le theme de l'humanite de Jesus-Christ.
Regulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Critical overview and deficiencies in toxicology and risk assessment for human health

Regulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals is reviewed in terms of hazard assessment (regulatory toxicology) and risk assessment. The current range of regulatory general toxicology protocols can detect endocrine toxicity, but specific endocrine toxicology tests are required to confirm mechanisms (e.g. oestrogenic, anti-androgenic). Strategies for validating new endocrine toxicology protocols and approaches to data assessment are discussed, and deficiencies in regulatory toxicology testing (e.g. lack of adrenocortical function assessment) identified. Recent evidence of a role of prolactin in human breast cancer also highlights deficiencies in regulatory evaluation. Actual human exposure to chemicals and the high-exposure example of chemicals in body-care cosmetics is reviewed with reference to evidence that common ingredients (e.g. parabens, cyclosiloxanes) are oestrogenic. The hypothesis and epidemiology concerning chemical exposure from body-care cosmetics (moisturizers, lotions, sun screens, deodorants) and breast cancer in women is reviewed, applying Bradford-Hill criteria for association and causality, and research requirements are identified.
Stochastic Effects in Microstructure

We are currently studying microstructural responses to diffusion-limited coarsening in two-phase materials. A mathematical solution to late-stage multiparticle diffusion in finite systems is formulated with account taken of particle-particle interactions and their microstructural correlations, or "locales". The transition from finite system behavior to that for an infinite microstructure is established analytically. Large-scale simulations of late-stage phase coarsening dynamics show increased fluctuations with increasing volume fraction, Vv, of the mean flux entering or leaving particles of a given size class. Fluctuations about the mean flux were found to depend on the scaled particle size, R/ , where R is the radius of a particle and is the radius of the dispersoid averaged over the population within the microstructure. Specifically, small (shrinking) particles tend to display weak fluctuations about their mean flux, whereas particles of average, or above average size, exhibit strong fluctuations. Remarkably, even in cases of microstructures with a relatively small volume fraction (Vv » 10-4), the particle size distribution is broader than that for the well-known Lifshitz-Slyozov limit predicted at zero volume fraction. The simulation results reported here provide some additional surprising insights into the effect of diffusion interactions and stochastic effects during evolution of a microstructure, as it approaches its thermodynamic end-state.
Dynamic weakening of gouge layers in high-speed shear experiments: Assessment of temperature-dependent friction, thermal pressurization, and flash heating

[1] The rotary shear of gouge demonstrates dramatic weakening at coseismic slip rates, but the inherent variation in shear-rate with radius of the rotary shear configuration prohibits determining friction constitutive properties from measures of whole-sample response. Here, representative results of rotary-shear high-speed experiments including both constant-velocity tests (0.1–1.3 m/s) and constant-acceleration tests (0–1.3 m/s, 0.05, and 0.1 m/s2) are analyzed using a thermal, mechanical and hydrologic finite element method (FEM) model to constrain friction constitutive properties and test hypotheses of dynamic weakening by thermal pressurization and flash heating. The observed frictional behavior of room-dry gouge can be explained by using a state-variable friction constitutive relation in which the friction coefficient is inversely proportional to temperature, and by employing a two-mechanism constitutive formulation in which the friction coefficient increases with temperature (temperature-strengthening) at low temperatures and decreases with temperature (temperature-weakening) at higher temperatures. Water-dampened gouge displays a transient weakening during the early stages of constant-acceleration tests. FEM analysis indicates the weakening could reflect thermal pressurization of pore water provided both the permeability of the gouge layer and the sealing capacity of the Teflon sleeve, used to contain the gouge during shear, contribute to restricting fluid flow. Microstructural observations indicate that the dynamic weakening coincides with slip localization and temperature increase by frictional heating, which are conditions that favor weakening by flash heating. At steady state, the relationship between slip-rate and coefficient of friction by the FEM model analysis is consistent with predictions of micromechanical models for weakening by flash heating.
Of Genes and Antigens: The Inheritance of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of a number of autoimmune diseases that display significant HLA associations. In particular, individuals with onset of disease prior to 40 years of age display striking associations with HLA-Cw6 and are much more likely to have a positive family for psoriasis. However, only about 10% of Cw6-positive individuals develop disease, suggesting that other genetic and/or environmental factors must be involved. Several compelling lines of epidemiologic evidence indicate that psoriasis susceptibility is inherited, albeit not in a simple monogenic fashion, and that genetic, rather than environmental, factors are primarily responsible for the variability in inheritance of psoriasis. Taken together, these observations suggest that one or more loci in addition to HLA are necessary for the development of psoriasis. The number of additional loci is likely to be small, because i) the disease is very common ii) substantial excess risk of psoriasis is observed in first degree relatives, and iii) nevoid variants of psoriasis have been reported, suggestive of somatic mutation of a single gene during development. The substantial homogeneity of the psoriatic phenotype and the clear evidence for increased HLA association and heritability in juvenile onset disease indicate that despite its complexity, psoriasis is a common disease whose etiology is amenable to elucidation through the techniques of modern molecular genetics. J Invest Dermatol 103:150S-153S, 1994
Newfound capability of focused ion beam patterning guided anodization

Abstract This study addresses focused ion beam (FIB) patterning guidance effect on the nanopore development during the subsequent anodization on uneven surfaces. Different shape, uneven features are first created on aluminum surfaces. After that, hexagonally arranged nanoconcaves with different inter-concave distances are patterned across the surfaces. The pore development in different anodization electrolytes as well as with different interpore distances and feature surface curvatures are studied. The results show that FIB guided anodization can produce ordered nanopore arrays on various uneven surfaces. In the nanopore depth direction, pores grow perpendicularly to the tangential direction of the surface, which leads to pore splitting or termination based on the surface curvature.
Authors' reply [to comments on 'Thermal resistance calculation of AlGaN-GaN devices']

The present authors reply to the comment by Yin (IEEE Trans. Microw. Theory Tech., vol.53, no.9, p. 3050-2, 2005 September) on the original paper by Darwish et al. (IEEE Trans. Microw. Theory Tech., vol.52, no.11, p.2611-20, 2004 November).
Print Media Coverage of New Religious Movements: A Longitudinal Study

Naws about “cults” in the United States is clearly information by outsiders for outsiders and, although not uniformly negative, can best be described as “a stream of controversies” with little attention to the history or human side of the new, religions.
Influence of anisotropic vibrational motion on diffraction from grain boundaries

*Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory Lxra Alamos, NM 87545 USA (Received October 23, 1989) (Revised November 28, 1989) INTRODUCTION X-ray diffraction has been used extensively, in recent years, to analyze the structure of high angle grain boundaries (1-4). A major difficulty in the interpretation of the X-ray results involves correcting for the vibrational motion of the atoms in the boundary (the Debye-Waller factor). Common practice is to assume that all of the atoms in the grain boundary have the same vibrational amplitude, independent of their local environment (1-4). Recent simulations (5) show that the magnitude and the direction of the atomic vibrations vary from atom to atom in the grain boundary region, suggesting that the assumption of isotropic vibrations is not valid. The experimental scattering factor is generally deconvoluted assuming isogopic vibrations in order to determine the atomic structure of the grain boundary. Fitzsimmons and Sass (3) have attempted to take the assymetric nature of the vibrations into account by fitting their scattering data with two vibrational frequencies (parallel and perpendicular to the grain boundary). In the present paper, we demonstrate that the assumptions of uniform and isotropic vibrations (one or two frequencies) does not sufficiently take the highly inhomogeneous environment of a grain boundary into account and could lead to marked changes in the experimentally derived grain boundary structure. We have recently introduced ~tn approximate method for calculating the free energy of defects in solids, which we called the local-harmonic fl.,H) model (6). In this method, the vibrations of each atom are determined by calculating the local-dynamical matrix (ignoring the coupling of vibrations of different atoms) and are employed in a determination of the free energy within the fi'amework of an Einstein model. The su'ucture of a defect is calculated by minimizing the free enertw with respect to the atomic coordinates. The vibrational frequencies of each atom thus reflect the local atomic distribution around the atom at finite temperature. In this paper, we calculate the scattering intensities from Y,=5 and Y,=13 (001) twist boundaries in gold based upon atomic structure determined from finite temperature atomic relaxations that include the vibrational distributions found within the LH model (6). We show that the assumption of isotropic, homogeneous atomic vibrations leads to predicted scattering factors that differ greatly from those obtained with the true anisotropic, inhomogeneous vibrations. THEORY The integrated X-ray scattering intensity is given by Co , where (hkl) is the reflecting plane and Co is a constant that includes information about the l.xnentz polarization, beam absorption, illuminated area, resolution, atomic scattering factor, etc. and will be ignored hereafter. The effects of thermal vibration are included in the finite-temperature structure factor, Fhkl(T), which is defined as
Optical absorption at 1.06 μm in highly deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate

We have determined the relationship between residual proton (hydrogen) concentration and optical absorption at 1.06 μm in highly deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP). The proton concentration was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and the absorbance was measured by calorimetry. We obtained a hydrogen concentration dependence of 396 ± 55 parts in 106 (ppm) cm−1/% hydrogen for the o- (ordinary-) polarized absorbance at 1.064 μm, and 45 ± 7 ppm cm−1/% hydrogen for the e- (extraordinary) polarization. In addition, the KDP crystals we tested have residual (hydrogen-independent) o- and e-polarized absorbances of 958 ± 228 ppm cm−1 and 343 ± 28 ppm cm−1, respectively, whose origin is unknown. We also found that the crystal deuterium–hydrogen (D–H) ratio can be related to the D–H ratio of the growth solution by a simple ideal mixture model with a segregation coefficient of 0.684 ± 0.044.
A retrospective analysis of HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma in patients with non-detectable HIV viral loads and CD4+ counts greater than 300 cells/μL

In the HAART era, the incidence of HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) has declined precipitously for countries with ready access to anti-retrovirals. Patients with newly diagnosed KS typically have low CD4+counts and high HIV viral loads (VLs). Several recently published reports (NEJM 2007;357:1352–3, NEJM 2008;358:535–6, AIDS 2008;22:551–2) suggest that patients with KS may require treatment despite effective HAART and that KS may progress even in the setting of suppressed HIV VLs and adequate CD4+ counts. To investigate this further, we examined the demographic and HIV-related clinical data of 91 KS patients attending our HIV outpatient clinic between 1996 and 2008. Twenty of the 91 patients (22%) had either newly diagnosed KS or persistent or progressive disease despite CD4+ counts >300 cells/μL and undetectable HIV VLs. Nineteen of these 20 patients were males. The median age was 43 years (range 25 to 59), the median time since onset of HIV infection was 156 months (range 24 to 276) and the median duration of HAART was 60 months (range 12 to 144). Nine (45%) patients had a KS stage of T0S0, five (25%) had T1S0, three (15%) had T0S1, three (15%) had T1S1; no patient had KS visceral involvement. All 20 patients received specific anti-KS treatment in addition to HAART including liposomal doxorubicin (65%), paclitaxel (15%), radiation (20%) and novel clinical agents (25%). After a median follow up of 52 months (range 6 to 120), eight (40%) had complete regression of KS, six (30%) had partial regression, one (5%) had stable disease and five (25%) had KS progression. In this retrospective analysis, a substantial proportion of KS patients had undetectable HIV VLs and CD4+counts greater than the level typically associated with opportunistic infections and required systemic anti-ks therapy. This raises important questions regarding the mechanisms of KS progression and the management of KS in such patients.
A Review of Institutional Influences on the Rise of Made-in-China Multinationals

Purpose – This paper aims to re-examine the role of institutions in the rise of made-in-China multinationals. Specifically, the paper seeks to understand how changes in the global environment, especially global financial crisis, have solidified the Chinese government's role in pushing and encouraging Chinese firms to engage in outbound foreign direct investment (OFDI) activities. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper. The analysis is based on a large number of publicly available sources, including research papers, government documents, and reports. The paper strives to triangulate the validity of the data with multiple sources. Findings – The study finds that while the role of the state in China has been evolving since the start of the economic reforms in 1978, by no means has it been lessened. Instead, the state has asserted its role specifically to grow Chinese multinationals in size and in number, by leveraging the financial resources accumulated over the last 30 years, by taking adv...
Changes in soil nitrogen cycling in a northern temperate forest ecosystem during succession

Nitrogen (N) transformations in forest soils are fundamentally important to plant and microbial N nutrition and the N balance of forest ecosystems, but changes in the patterns and rates of N transformations during forest succession are poorly understood. In order to better understand how soil N cycling changes during ecosystem succession, we analyzed four years of soil N cycling measurements in a 90-year-old secondary forest undergoing dieback of early-successional, dominant canopy trees. We expected that tree mortality would decrease root biomass, leading to increased soil NH4 + availability, and that these changes would prompt fundamental shifts in the N cycle such as the initiation of significant nitrification and increased cycling of oxidized N compounds in gas phase and soil solution. As expected, indices of soil NH4 + and NO3 − availability increased with successional stage (defined as the proportion of dead trees), and were negatively correlated with the amount of fine root biomass. However, the standing amount of fine root biomass was not affected by tree mortality; increased soil NH4 + and NO3 − availability therefore more likely resulted from successional increases in N-mineralization than decreases in root N uptake. Nitrification (as indicated by NO efflux as a proxy) increased due to elevated substrate (NH4 +) availability, and the soil solution NO3 − concentration increased as a result. Soil N2O efflux was not affected by succession, nor was it related to other N cycling parameters. Collectively, these results indicate that recent successional advancement has accelerated soil N cycling and shifted the N economy of this ecosystem towards greater importance of NO3 −.
Characterization of an isoxanthopterin binding protein from Oncopeltus fasciatus.

Abstract Oncopeltus embryos contain a relatively large amount of isoxanthopterin, a small part of which is tightly bound to a high molecular weight (∼500,000) protein. This causes a characteristic shift in the excitation and fluorescence maxima of isoxanthopterin from 348–409 nm to 355–420 nm, which provides a ready assay for the complex. Partial purification of the complex has been achieved, and some of its properties are described.
Continued susceptibility of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus to petroleum hydrocarbons.

Continuous, heavy selection pressure by using 3 types of petroleum hydrocarbons against the larvae of the southern house mosquito, Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say (= C. fatigans Wiedemann), provided no evidence of decreased susceptibility to these agents. After 70 generations of selection (ca. 5 years) with no. 2900, a diesel fuel, 60 generations (over 4 years) with no. 2993, a predominantly aromatic hydrocarbon, and 23 generations (ca. 2 years) with no. 3855-2 (commercially available as FLIT® MLO), resistance to these derivatives did not develop. Also, there was no change in malathion susceptibility of the adults of these 3 substrains.
NORMAL AND ABNORMAL EXPANSION OF THE LUNGS OF NEWBORN INFANTS OBTAINED AT AUTOPSY. III. THE PATTERN OF AERATION AS AFFECTED BY GESTATIONAL AND POSTNATAL AGE.

Lungs of 482 infants were examined by artificial inflation. The pattern of aeration is recognized best when expansion is incomplete. It varies strikingly with maturity: inpreviable fetuses (approximately 1,000 gm or less) and in mature infants (above 2,000 to 2,500 gm) air is distributed at random. In viable premature infants with a birth weight between these two groups, aeration of the bronchi and respiratory bronchioles without expansion of the alveoli (atelectasis of prematurity) is accomplished with relative ease, whereas opening of the alveoli requires much higher pressure. In infants born too small for their gestational age, the pattern of expansionfollows gestational age rather than birth weight. If the normal surface active lining of the air spaces is inactivated or absent, the stability of expansion is reduced and extensive collapse occurs at each expiration. This favors in the lungs of premature infants the recurrence, and eventually persistence of atelectasis of prematurity. Expansion by liquid media shows that the architecture of these atelectatic lungs is normal. The tendency toward atelectasis of prematurity is a function of prematurity, and is independent of the formation of hyaline membranes.
Observations on the effect of process parameters on dioxin/furan yield in municipal waste and coal systems

Effects of fly ash loading; ash-borne, extractable organics; sulfur dioxide (SO2) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) concentration; and combustion quality on the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) were evaluated in pilot scale tests simulating municipal waste combustion and coal/waste co-combustion testing. Similar PCDD/F yields from reinjection of as-received and extracted fly ash injection along with testing under “poor combustion” conditions show the importance of combustion quality on minimizing precursors. Co-firing coal and municipal solid waste ash leads to increased formation from that of firing coal alone, indicating that the municipal solid waste ash provides additional reactants and/or catalytic sites for formation. Finally, tests with elevated SO2 levels found that, at sufficiently high sulfur/chlorine levels, formation of PCDD/F is prevented in both simulated municipal waste combustion and coal/waste co-firing.