cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control Algorithms for Chaotic Systems

The techniques presented in this paper actively exploit chaotic behavior to accomplish otherwise-impossible control tasks. The state space is mapped by numerical integration at different system parameter values and trajectory segments from several of these maps are automatically combined into a path between the desired system states. A fine-grained search and high computational accuracy are required to locate appropriate trajectory segments, piece them together and cause the system to follow the composite path. The sensitivity of a chaotic system's state-space topology to the parameters of its equations and of its trajectories to the initial conditions make this approach rewarding in spite of its computational demands. Boundaries of basins of attraction can be breached using these techniques, vastly altering both global and local convergence properties. Strange attractor bridges can be found that connect previously unreachable points. Examples of both are shown.
The Monetary Systems of the Han and Roman Empires

The Chinese tradition of supplementing large quantities of bronze cash with unminted gold and silver represents a rare exception to the western model of precious-metal coinage. This paper provides a detailed discussion of monetary development in ancient China followed by a brief survey of conditions in the Roman empire. The divergent development of the monetary systems of the Han and Roman empires is analyzed with reference to key variables such as the metal supply, military incentives, and cultural preferences. This paper also explores the "metallistic" and "chartalistic" elements of the Han and Roman currency systems and estimates the degree of monetization of both economies.
Cutaneous Crohn’s Disease in the Pediatric Population

Three healthy children with an anogenital skin eruption, all of whom had undergone extensive medical evaluation and treatment, had undetected intestinal Crohn's disease. Biopsy of the skin showed noncaseating granulomas consistent with cutaneous Crohn's disease. Inflammatory bowel disease should be in the differential diagnosis of persistent nontender, erythematous papules, nodules, and plaques in the anogenital region.
The Allen Telescope Array Commensal Observing System

This memo describes the system used to conduct commensal correlator and beamformer observations at the Allen Telescope Array (ATA). This system was deployed for ~2 years until the ATA hibernation in 2011 and was responsible for collecting >5 TB of data during thousands of hours of observations. The general system design is presented and the implementation is discussed in detail. I emphasize the rationale for various design decisions and attempt to document a few aspects of ATA operations that might not be obvious to non-insiders. I close with some recommendations from my experience developing the software infrastructure and managing the correlator observations. These include: reuse existing systems; solve, don't avoid, tensions between projects, and share infrastructure; plan to make standalone observations to complement the commensal ones; and be considerate of observatory staff when deploying new and unusual observing modes. The structure of the software codebase is documented.
Differential postnatal development of catecholamine and serotonin inputs to identified neurons in prefrontal cortex of rhesus monkey

The monoaminergic innervation of cerebral cortex has long been implicated in its development. Methods now exist to examine catecholamine and serotonin inputs to identified neurons in the cerebral cortex. We have quantified such inputs on pyramidal and nonpyramidal cells in prefrontal cortex of rhesus monkeys ranging in age from 2 weeks to 10 years. Individual layer III neurons were filled with Lucifer yellow and double-immunostained with axons containing either tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The filled cells were reconstructed, and putative appositions between the axons and dendritic spines and shafts were quantified at high magnification using light microscopy. The density of catecholamine appositions on pyramidal neurons matures slowly, reaching only half the adult level by 6 months of age and thereafter rising gradually to adult levels by 2 years of age. By contrast, the density of serotonin appositions on pyramidal cells reaches the adult level before the second week after birth. The average adult pyramidal neuron in layer III of area 9m receives three times stronger input from catecholaminergic than from serotoninergic axons. The overall density of both inputs to interneurons does not appear to change during postnatal development. Selective changes in the TH innervation of pyramidal cells against a backdrop of constant TH innervation of interneurons suggest that the balance between excitation and inhibition may change developmentally in the prefrontal cortex. By contrast, 5-HT innervation of both types of neurons remains relatively constant over the age range studied.
A Test of Gottfredson's Theory Using a Ten-Year Longitudinal Study:

Occupational aspirations of a longitudinal sample of students were examined over a ten-year time period, from second to twelfth grade. Hypotheses from Gottfredson's theory of career development (1981, 1996) and from social learning theory (Lent, Brown & Hackett, 1994) were examined. The social value of children's occupational aspirations increased into the early high school years and started to fall by their senior year in high school when internal, unique personal factors were more evident in occupational aspirations as Gottfredson would predict. Through eighth grade, about 40 percent of boys and up to 20 percent of girls held occupational aspirations that could be classified as fantasy. Social learning theory suggests that children would relinquish fantasy occupational aspirations with age because of self-awareness and knowledge of the world of work. This change was evident as a significant shift toward more realistic occupational aspirations occurred during the late high school years.
The Impact of Missing Background Data on Subpopulation Estimation

Although population modeling methods are well established, a paucity of literature appears to exist regarding the effect of missing background data on subpopulation achievement estimates. Using simulated data that follows typical large-scale assessment designs with known parameters and a number of missing conditions, this paper examines the extent to which missing background data impacts subpopulation achievement estimates. In particular, the paper compares achievement estimates under a model with fully observed background data to achievement estimates for a variety of missing background data conditions. The findings suggest that sub-population differences are preserved under all analyzed conditions while point estimates for subpopulation achievement values are influenced by missing at random conditions. Implications for cross-population comparisons are discussed.
Effect of Lipolysis on the Churnability of Cream Obtained from the Milk of Cows in Advanced Lactation

Summary 1.The difficulty in churning and the abnormal foam formation found in cream obtained from the milk of cows in advanced lactation is probably due largely to lipolytic action and the concentration of the resultant soaps and fatty acids in the air-plasma interface. 2.Less difficulty in churning and less lipolytic action are encountered if the cream is separated while the fat globules are in a liquid state as contrasted to the solid state. 3.Pasteurizing the milk or cream as soon as drawn largely prevents the difficulty in churning.
Evaluation of water-supply and sanitation options in third world cities: An example from Cali, Colombia

Water supply and sanitation are examined with the objective of describing the evaluation of alternative technologies for providing these services within urban areas of developing countries. First, an overview is given of the Pace of urbanization and the magnitude of the water and sanitation problem. A brief review of various water-supply and sanitation technologies follows, with a discussion of some basic principles involved in their comparison. An empirical study of the situation in Cali, Colombia is then provided as an example, with particular attention given to economic costing and some of its difficulties. The concluding part discusses the role of such analyses in urban planning and policy making, providing specific examples in the areas of low-cost housing, appropriate technology, water conservation, and urban expansion.
A rapid B-type natriuretic peptide assay accurately diagnoses left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure: A multicenter evaluation

Abstract Background B-Type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a protein released from the left ventricle in response to volume expansion and pressure overload, has emerged as the first whole blood marker for the identification of individuals with congestive heart failure (CHF). Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of a point-of-care assay to diagnose and evaluate the severity of CHF on the basis of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification system. Methods Through a prospective, multicenter trial, whole blood samples were collected from a total of 1050 inpatients, outpatients, and healthy control patients. Participants were divided into subgroups for BNP analysis: patients without cardiovascular CHF (n = 473), patients with hypertension and no cardiovascular disease (n = 168), NYHA class I CHF (n = 73), class II CHF (n = 135), class III CHF (n = 141), and class IV CHF (n = 60). Results Circulating BNP concentrations determined from the bedside assay increased with CHF severity, as determined by the NYHA classification system, but were only statistically significant ( P 1300 pg/mL), respectively. With the use of a decision threshold of 100 pg/mL, the assay demonstrated 82% sensitivity and 99% specificity for distinguishing control patients and patients with CHF. Conclusions BNP concentrations obtained from whole blood samples are useful in the diagnosis of CHF and staging the severity of the disease. (Am Heart J 2002;144:834-9.)
Effects of formamidines on the population growth of Tetranychus urticae Koch

The formamidines chlordimeform, amitraz, and N2-(4-n-butylphenyl-N′,N′-dimethylformamidine (BDMF) caused a reduction in survival and fecundity which significantly decreased the intrinsic rate of increase of population growth of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. Amitraz was the most potent inhibitor of population growth; chlordimeform was intermediate, and BDMF was least potent. Effects of amitraz on population growth were attributable mainly to its lethal action on the various life stages, whereas BDMF inhibited fecundity. The activity of chlordimeform was attributed to its lethality to life stages as well as to its inhibition of fecundity.
Forming Patterned Films with Tethered Diblock Copolymers

We use self-consistent-field calculations and scaling arguments to determine the behavior of AB diblock copolymers that are tethered to a surface. While the surrounding solution is assumed to be a poor solvent for both components, the B block is considered to be less soluble than the A. The solvophobic interactions within the system drive the chains to self-assemble into micelles that have an “onion-” or “garliclike” structure. The specific morphology and dimensions of the micelles depend on the relative block lengths and whether the chains are grafted by the more or the less soluble component. At sparse grafting densities, the layer contains an ordered array of such micellar structures and the film forms a distinct pattern. The size and spacing of the patterns can be manipulated by varying the molecular weights of the copolymers. Thus, the results provide guidelines for fabricating well-defined patterned films.
Spanning probability in 2D percolation.

The probability ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{L}}$(p) for a site percolation cluster to span a square lattice of side L at occupancy p is reexamined using extensive simulations and exact calculations. It is confirmed that ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{L}}$(${\mathit{p}}_{\mathit{c}}$)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1/2 as L\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty} in agreement with universality but not with renormalization-group theory. Many estimates of ${\mathit{p}}_{\mathit{c}}$ that derive from ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{L}}$(p) are shown to scale with L more weakly than normal finite-size scaling, and the value ${\mathit{p}}_{\mathit{c}}$=0.592 7460\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.000 0005 is determined.
On the optimal regulation of an extractive industry

Abstract The paper present an intertemporal model of resource extraction with three state and one control variables. The three state variables are the stock of the resource, the capacity of the extractive industry, and its evolution of debt. The control variable is a regulatory tax rate. As shown for certain growth functions ofvthe extracted resource, the optimal tax rate is cyclical. The results may carry over to other regulatory policies.
CONSUMING CLASS: Multilevel Marketers in Neoliberal Mexico

Since the 1980s, Mexican leaders have followed other Latin American countries in pursuing neoliberal economic policies designed to stimulate foreign investment, reduce public spending, and promote free trade. Recent studies of indigenous movements and popular protests challenge the idea that these market-based economic reforms enjoy a broad consensus and suggest that elites impose them by force. By turning the focus to middle-class Mexicans, I argue that some nonelite sectors of society avidly welcome the reign of the free market. Although they do not profit directly from unregulated capitalism, the middle class looks to neoliberalism to ensure access to the material markers of class status. The rising popularity of multilevel marketing companies in Mexico, which glorify consumption and celebrate the possibilities of entrepreneurship, demonstrates the appeal of neoliberalism to citizens fearful of diminished purchasing power. By tying consumption to globalized free markets, neoliberalism does not need coercion to win acceptance.
Generalized Expectation Criteria for Bootstrapping Extractors using Record-Text Alignment

Traditionally, machine learning approaches for information extraction require human annotated data that can be costly and time-consuming to produce. However, in many cases, there already exists a database (DB) with schema related to the desired output, and records related to the expected input text. We present a conditional random field (CRF) that aligns tokens of a given DB record and its realization in text. The CRF model is trained using only the available DB and unlabeled text with generalized expectation criteria. An annotation of the text induced from inferred alignments is used to train an information extractor. We evaluate our method on a citation extraction task in which alignments between DBLP database records and citation texts are used to train an extractor. Experimental results demonstrate an error reduction of 35% over a previous state-of-the-art method that uses heuristic alignments.
Rehabilitation for individuals with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by skeletal malformations and progressive heterotopic ossification of soft tissue. As heterotopic bone accumulates, range of motion is progressively lost and leads, eventually, to near-complete immobility. Proper rehabilitation helps to preserve health and function despite great impairment. Present and future rehabilitation approaches to enhance activities of daily living, mobility, education, vocation, and sexuality are discussed.
Chemokine responses in schistosomal antigen‐elicited granuloma formation*

Summary Host immune systems have evolved specialized responses to multicellular parasites. This is well represented by the type 2 granulomatous response to Schistosoma mansoni egg antigens, which is an eosinophil-rich inflammatory response mediated by Th2-associated cytokines. Using Ag-bead models of pulmonary granuloma formation in mice, we defined characteristic chemokine (CK) profiles in the granulomatous lungs. Our findings point to a role for C-C chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2) and CCR3 agonists such as monocyte chemotactic proteins (MCPs) 1/CCL2, 3/CCL7 and 5/CCL12 as important participants that are subject to regulation by Th2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13. CCR4 and CCR8 agonists are also likely contributors. Analysis of CK receptor knockout mice revealed that CCR2 ligands (e.g. MCP-1 and 5) promoted early phase granuloma macrophage accumulation, whereas anti-MCP-3 (CCL7) antibody treatment abrogated eosinophil recruitment. CCR8 knockout mice also demonstrated impaired eosinophil recruitment but this appeared to be related to impaired Th2 cell function. Transcript analysis of CD4+ T cells generated during schistosome granuloma formation failed to show biased CCR8 expression but, having a more limited receptor repertoire, these cells were likely more dependent on CCR8 ligands. Together, these studies indicate an intricate involvement of chemokines in various stages and aspects of schistosomal egg Ag-elicited granuloma formation.
Member Participation in Union Activities: Perceptions of Union Priorities, Performance, and Satisfaction

Data obtained from union respondents of a survey using a national probability sample that is representative of the U.S. labor force revealed that members’ perceptions of their unions’ effectiveness in obtaining both extrinsic and intrinsic benefits and the unions’ responsiveness to membership were significantly related to member participation in union activities. Union satisfaction was inversely related to participation. Perceptions of union power and service and demographic variables, such as age and education, were found to have less significant linkages with member participation.
Positive dependence in multivariate distributions

This paper gives some new results on positive dependence between random variables which are jointly normally distributed with special reference to certain inequalities of the form P‘X∊A,Y∊B’ > P‘X∊A’P‘Y∊ B’ , where A and B are given sets and X and Y are random vectors. Some results are also given on statistical dependence between quadratic forms
Microbiological and sensory characteristics of beef loin steaks: Role of subcutaneous fat.

Abstract Beef loin steaks with the subcutaneous fat attached, without subcutaneous fat and the subcutaneous fat that was removed from steaks were packaged and stored at 4° C ± 1° C in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film for 0–6 days and in high-oxygen barrier (HOB) film for 0–28 days. Aerobic plate counts (APCs) of subcutaneous fat of intact steaks and of subcutaneous fat that was packaged and stored separately in PVC and HOB films were greater ( P P P > 0·05). Mean surface discoloration and mean overall appearance scores of intact steaks packaged and stored in HOB film were greater than those of steaks packaged and stored without subcutaneous fat; differences were significant ( P
An Examination of Support (In)Adequacy: Types, Sources, and Consequences of Social Support among Infertile Women

This study investigated gaps between the supportive communication people desire and receive in the context of infertility. Our findings advance the notion of support adequacy by positioning social support as a dynamic resource that is contributed to from a variety of sources in numerous ways. A community sample of 301 infertile women indicated that they experience discrepancies in the support they desire compared to what they receive from their spouses, friends and family, medical professionals, and online sources. Participants experienced the most discrepancies from medical professionals, and in almost all of these discrepancies people desired more support than they received. The magnitude of the gap between people's desires and what they receive corresponds with evaluations of support quality.
Comparison of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Third Edition and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition with university students.

This study examined the relationship between the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Third Edition (PPVT-III) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III) using 40 adults who ranged in age from 18 to 41 (mean age of 22 years). Participants were administered the PPVT-III and WAIS-III in counterbalanced fashion to control for order effects. Results revealed that the PPVT-III score was related to the WAIS-III Verbal IQ (VIQ) and Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) scores but unrelated to the Performance IQ (PIQ) score. In addition, analyses indicated that, while there were no significant differences between the PPVT-III score and WAIS-III mean FSIQ and PIQ scores, the PPVT-III mean score was significantly lower than the WAIS-III VIQ. Further analysis indicated that the PPVT-III adequately estimated WAIS-III FSIQ and VIQ scores for participants who were classified as Average or High Average on the WAIS-III. However, for participants in the Superior range, the PPVT-III tended to underestimate FSIQ and VIQ scores by approximately 10 points.
Bayesian Experimental Design for Multiple Hypothesis Testing

Abstract The problem of designing an optimal experiment for the purpose of performing one or more hypothesis tests is considered. The Bayesian decision theoretic approach is used to arrive at several new optimality criteria for this purpose. For a single hypothesis test, the resulting optimal designs are the well-known φ-optimal designs that minimize the posterior variance of the parameter being tested. For multiple tests, an experimental design must perform well under several competing criteria. Different approaches to achieving this goal are explored, including constrained optimization and an additive weighted loss. The resulting optimality criteria are sensitive not only to the posterior variances of the parameters under test but also to their prior means.
Joints, microfractures, and the formation of solution cleavage in limestone

The geometry of solution cleavage surfaces in limestones indicates a close connection between cleavage formation and joint and microfracture surfaces. These relations suggest that networks of microfractures and joints act both as conduits for transport of dissolved phases and as surfaces on which the cleavage nucleates. Material transport is by Darcyian-type bulk flow and is thus not a rate-limiting process; this contrasts with metamorphic terranes, where the transport mechanism (diffusion) has been identified as a rate-limiting step. Cleavage surfaces of weak to moderate intensities or spacing may form parallel to nonprincipal planes of finite strain.
[d-Ala2,d-Met5NH2]-Enkephalininhibits acetylcholine release from the submucosal plexus of rat colon

La [D Ala 2 DMet 5 −NH 2 ] enkephaline (ENK) a inhibe la liberation d'acetylcholine [ 3 H] dans la preparation de muqueuse du colon du rat. Sur la marge des concentrations essayees (4,4×10 −8 a 4,4×10 −5 ) 4,4×10 −7 a ete la concentration la plus faible qui inhibe la liberation d'ACh [ 3 H]. Cet effet a ete bloque par la naloxone 10 −4 M (concentration qui n'a pas d'effet sur la liberation d'ACh [ 3 H] provoquee par le K + )
Parametric manipulation of the conflict signal and control-state adaptation

Mechanisms by which the brain monitors and modulates performance are an important focus of recent research. The conflict-monitoring hypothesis posits that the ACC detects conflict between competing response pathways which, in turn, signals for enhanced control. The N2, an ERP component that has been localized to ACC, has been observed after high conflict stimuli. As a candidate index of the conflict signal, the N2 would be expected to be sensitive to the degree of response conflict present, a factor that depends on both the features of external stimuli and the internal control state. In the present study, we sought to explore the relationship between N2 amplitude and these variables through use of a modified Eriksen flankers task in which target-distracter compatibility was parametrically varied. We hypothesized that greater target-distracter incompatibility would result in higher levels of response conflict, as indexed by both behavior and the N2 component. Consistent with this prediction, there were parametric degradations in behavioral performance and increases in N2 amplitudes with increasing incompatibility. Further, increasingly incompatible stimuli led to the predicted parametric increases in control on subsequent incompatible trials as evidenced by enhanced performance and reduced N2 amplitudes. These findings suggest that the N2 component and associated behavioral performance are finely sensitive to the degree of response conflict present and to the control adjustments that result from modulations in conflict.
Complications of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Abstract Objectives We report our experience with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) to identify preoperative factors associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Materials and methods Among patients undergoing LPN, we analyzed demographic and preoperative tumor characteristics as the exposure variables and postoperative complications as the outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression modeling identified variables associated with increased risk of complications. Results Of 336 consecutive patients undergoing LPN, 120 (35.7%) had a complication, including 22 (6.6%) with major complications, 12 (3.6%) developing urine leak, 29 (8.6%) requiring blood transfusion, and 11 (3.3%) undergoing nephrectomy. There were no perioperative deaths. On univariable analysis, larger tumor diameter increased the odds of any complication (odds ratio [OR] 2.3, P = 0.007), hemorrhage (OR 1.4, P = 0.007), and urine leak (OR 1.7, P = 0.001). Each 1 cm increase in tumor diameter was associated with a 33% increased odds of a major complication (P = 0.04). In a multivariable model, changes in tumor diameter increased the odds of any complication (OR 2.4, P = 0.006) and hemorrhage (OR 1.5, P = 0.01); tumor depth was a better predictor of a major complication (OR 1.1, P = 0.004). In the multivariable model, advanced age also was associated with hemorrhage (OR 2.6, P = 0.05). Conclusions Tumor diameter, depth of tumor penetration, and advanced patient age are associated with increased odds of complications in patients undergoing LPN. This information is important for counseling patients preoperatively regarding their risk of complications following LPN and in selecting the appropriate intervention for a particular tumor.
Choline acetyltransferase activity of spinal cord cell cultures is increased by diisopropylphosphorofluoridate.

Abstract Diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP) increased the specific activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in mouse spinal cord cell cultures but paraoxon did not, though both toxicants inhibited cholinesterase activity to a comparable extent. This effect of DFP was observed after prolonged exposure but not after short-term application to the cultures. It is postulated that this delayed effect of DFP in vitro may possibly be related tothe delayed neuropathy caused by DFP in certain species in vivo .
Thermal buoyancy in round laminar vertical jets

Abstract A perturbation analysis is performed which includes the effect of a small amount of thermal buoyancy on the velocity and temperature fields of a round, laminar, vertical jet. A numerical solution of the resulting perturbation equations shows that the predominant effect of positive thermal buoyancy is to increase the axial velocity component of the jet. The magnitude of the effect is shown to increase for decreasing Prandtl numbers. Other details of buoyancy effects on the flow and temperature fields are presented and discussed. It is expected that buoyancy effects may have a large influence on laminar stability.
RECIPROCAL EFFECTS OF CONCOMITANT INFECTIONS : III. THE INFLUENCE OF VACCINIA AND OF VACCINAL IMMUNITY ON THE REACTION TO INFECTION WITH EXPERIMENTAL SYPHILIS (INTRACUTANEOUS INOCULATION).

An experiment is reported in which was studied the effects of a concomitant vaccinal infection and of vaccinal immunity upon the reaction to syphilis in rabbits induced by intracutaneous inoculation. The results obtained showed that the reaction was modified by both conditions. A vaccinal infection initiated at the time of syphilitic inoculation was associated with a defensive reaction of lessened efficiency, the ensuing syphilis being more severe than in control animals. A state of vaccinal immunity present at the time of syphilitic inoculation was associated with a reaction of heightened efficiency, the ensuing syphilis being very mild. These results are in harmony with those obtained in other experiments in which the intratesticular route of syphilitic inoculation was employed.
Tissue distribution of mammalian sulfhydryl oxidase

Sulfhydryl oxidase activity is present in cow, goat, sow, human, and rat milks, and can also be measured in several rat tissues following homogenization in 1% polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether. These include lactating mammary tissue, kidney, and pancreas. Bovine kidney homogenates also exhibit sulfhydryl oxidase activity; however, no activity could be detected in rat thymus, brain, heart, liver, spleen, lung, or small intestinal tissue homogenates. Indirect immunofluorescent staining of tissue sections using rabbit antibodies directed against highly purified bovine milk sulfhydryl oxidase preparations revealed that the enzyme is closely associated with the plasma membrane of lactating cow and rat mammary tissues and the basal-lateral membrane of rat kidney cortex. In addition, the oxidase appears to be associated with endothelial cells lining the capillaries of rat kidney, heart, and small intestine, and centroacinar cells in pancreatic tissue slices also stain for sulfhydryl oxidase. In contrast, liver, brain, and thymus tissues do not exhibit fluorescent staining and appear to be devoid of sulfhydryl oxidase activity.
Mercury and methylmercury contamination related to artisanal gold mining, Suriname

[1] Elemental Hg-Au amalgamation mining practices are used widely in many developing countries resulting in significant Hg contamination of surrounding ecosystems. We have measured total Hg and methyl-Hg concentrations in sediment and water collected from artisanal Au mines and these are the first Hg speciation data from such mines in Suriname. Total Hg and methyl-Hg contents in mine-waste sediment and water are elevated over local uncontaminated baselines. Total Hg (10–930 ng/L) and methyl-Hg (0.02–3.8 ng/L) are highly elevated in mine waters. Increasing total Hg contents in discharged mine waters correlate with increasing water turbidity indicating that most Hg transport is on suspended particulates. Our Hg results are similar to those found in artisanal Au mines in the Amazon basin, where Hg contamination has led to adverse effects on tropical ecosystems.
Can we achieve public accountability for graduate medical education outcomes

Calls for greater public accountability for graduate medical education (GME) outcomes continue to come from a broad array of stakeholders. Creation of ways to measure accountability requires a clear understanding of the domains of GME outcomes and the creation of specific measures that are reliable and accurate and do not create an undue measurement burden. Three domains of outcomes are necessary: individual trainee competence, the quality and diversity of the training environment, and workforce factors that address workforce size, specialty mix, diversity, and geographic distribution. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has begun to develop measures that have the potential to form the basis of the first two domains, and other data sources exist to measure the quality of the training environment. Little progress, however, has been made to accurately describe institution-specific workforce outcomes. The article by Chen and colleagues in this issue makes a major contribution in the measurement of institution-specific outcomes. Their article creates optimism that a system that incentivizes and rewards specific desirable GME outcomes can be designed. This commentary further defines some practical next steps to achieve this desired GME accountability.
Thermal stability of radiation produced defects in molybdenum

Abstract The microstructural damage and its subsequent recovery in molybdenum, irradiated at 600°C, was studied by quantitative electron microscopy. The microstructure after irradiation consisted of large interstitial loops and smaller clusters within the grains. A zone denuded of interstitial loops, but containing vacancy clusters, was present near grain boundaries. The disappearance during annealing of the large interstitial loops within the grains occurred at a rate equal to that of self-diffusion, as did the growth of the vacancy loops within the denuded zones. The rapid annealing of small clusters within the grains occurred at a rate more nearly equal to that of vacancy migration.
The association of 2,6-di-t-butylphenol

Abstract 2,6-di-t-butylphenol (DBF) is proposed as a model hydrogen bonding acid which forms 1:1 complexes by heteroassociation with hydrogen bonding bases but does not self-associate.
Re-examination of Ancient DNA in Texas Rock Paintings

An unsuccessful attempt to study ancient DNA from Pecos River genre rock paintings located in shelter 41VV75 in the Lower Pecos River region of southwest Texas is described. We were unable to extract any ancient DNA from these Pecos River genre rock paintings, casting doubt on a previous study that reported extraction and characterization of ancient DNA in paint samples of the same genre at the same site.
Vomitoxin (deoxynivalenol)-induced IgA nephropathy in the B6C3F1 mouse: dose response and male predilection☆

Oral exposure to the trichothecene vomitoxin (VT or deoxynivalenol) in mice induces marked elevation of total and autoreactive IgA, IgA immune complexes, and mesangial IgA deposition in a manner that is highly analogous to human IgA nephropathy. In this study, immunopathologic markers indicative of IgA nephropathy were compared in male and female B6C3F1 mice fed semipurified AIN-76A diet containing 0, 2, 10 or 25 ppm VT for 12 weeks. Males fed 10 and 25 ppm VT and females fed 25 ppm VT had increased serum IgA at 4 weeks. At week 8, male mice fed the minimal dose of 2 ppm VT and female mice fed 10 ppm also exhibited elevated serum IgA. IgA levels were consistently higher in treatment males than females with significant differences being observed in the 10-ppm dose group at 4 and 12 weeks. IgA coproantibodies were marginally increased (maximum of 2-fold) in mice of both genders fed 10 and 25 VT. At 8 and 12 weeks, serum IgM was depressed in male and female mice eating 10 and 25 ppm VT, whereas consistent effects on serum IgG or IgE were not observed. In similar fashion, male mice in the 2, 10 and 25 ppm VT groups exhibited microscopic hematuria as early as 4 weeks, whereas this occurred in females fed 10 and 25 ppm VT only at week 10 with urinary erythrocyte counts being lower than male counterparts. Mesangial deposition of IgA and C3 was significantly increased in males exposed to 2, 10 and 25 ppm VT and in females exposed to 10 and 25 ppm VT, with males exhibiting a greater deposition than corresponding females. Based on these immunological parameters, males appeared more susceptible than female mice to VT-induced IgA dysregulation and IgA nephropathy in terms of latency, threshold dose, and severity.
Multilayer reflectors for the extreme ultraviolet spectral region

Abstract Reflectivity data from AlNb multilayers in the 300–450 A wavelenght range at angles 20°–50° from nornal incidence are presented. Constructive interference between the 10 layer-pairs of this structure is observed. Multilayers deposited on a super-polished optical flat had a much higher reflectivity than those deposited on Si (111) wafers. Annealing multilayers on Si at 330°C for 3 h further reduced their reflectivity. Measured peak reflectiveties for the multilayer on the super-polished optical flat are 17% and less depending on the angle of incidence. The measured reflectivity is not more than half of that calculated using a model assuming sharp interfaces between elemental materials. The resolution of this device, λ/Δλ≈6−7, is in good agreement with the calculated values.
Response of a Loaded Nonlinear String to Random Excitation

The response to white noise excitation of a light elastic string loaded at equal intervals by a number of equal masses is examined using the theory of the Markov random process and the associated Fokker-Planck equation. Taking nonlinear effects due to variation in string tension into account, an exact solution of the Fokker-Planck equation is obtained and used in an approximate analytical evaluation of the mean squared response of the system.
Nondestructive mechanical testing of human knee meniscus allografts using MSSER ultrasound: A feasibility study

Researchers have begun to investigate novel meniscus graft construction with donor cell replacement through decellularization and host stem cell seeding. In these techniques, there is an unmet need for a nondestructive mechanical testing platform that can monitor changing mechanical properties of the seeded graft over time. In this study, Monitored Steady-State Excitation and Recovery (MSSER) ultrasound, which exploits multiple successive acoustic radiation force excitations interspersed with tracking lines to mimic a materials creep test, was used to nondestructively test the mechanical stiffness of meniscus grafts. Four human meniscus samples were evaluated ex vivo using MSSER: two chemically decellularized samples and two intact samples. MSSER testing measured a median stiffness difference of 37% between intact and decellularized samples, which agreed well with the 35% difference measured by destructive compression testing. Volumetric MSSER scanning showed highly heterogeneous stiffness throughout the samples. This demonstration substantiates the use of MSSER as a relevant nondestructive testing tool in tissue engineering applications.
Nuclear Relaxation in Phospholipids and Biological Membranes

ATTEMPTS have recently been made to apply high resolution proton magnetic resonance spectrometry to the problem of molecular association in biological membranes and in dispersions of phospholipids in water1–4. On the high resolution scale, line broadening gives the appearance of weak absorption by protons of fatty acid molecules. Because broad lines could result from restricted molecular motion and might indicate that fatty acid chains are immobilized in these systems, a central problem in the interpretation of spectra is the relationship between molecular mobility and linewidth. In steady-state absorption nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) the apparent transverse relaxation time, T2, is given by the reciprocal of the linewidth. Often the T2 thus obtained is an inverse measure of correlation time and reflects molecular mobility. This interpretation is valid for isotropic solutions of small molecules, where rapid motion produces line narrowing and large values of T2.
Comparing the core and the peel of the same fruit

Patel and Groen's (1993) comments on our recent article bring out the fits and misfits of semiotics in relation to cognitive psychology. The debates within a discipline, and, more so, between disciplines should not create a growing misunderstanding among researchers, but rather enhance the formal comprehension of a precise object of inquiry: in this case, medical diagnostic thinking. Cognitive psychology and semiotics are allied fields; however, their respective epistemiological orientations produce different interpretations of certain structural phenomena. The relationship and distinctions between the two disciplines need to be clarified further. Cognitive psychology and semiotics are both interested in cognition and are confronted with the problem of elaborating a general theory and adequate methods that produce a coherent global explanation related to many areas of knowledge. The diversity of areas has led some researchers to select "domain-free" methods, such as in Patel and Groen (1986), whereas others, such as ourselves, have opted for a "specific genre" approach. In their comments, Patel and Groen do not discuss the critique raised by us (Lemieux & Bordage, 1992) concerning the shortcomings of the domainfree approach. This aspect of their methodology is at the very heart of the contribution of semiotics to cognitive psychology. In this comment we consider the selection of one method over the other, as well as the "surface" aspects of syntactic structures, that is, the propositional ordering of a text and the "deep" aspects of semantic structures, the abstract properties derived from a text (Ducrot & Todorov, 1979, pp. 108-II I). Cognitive psychology and semiotics are different in that cognitive psychology is concerned with problems of learning and memorizing facts and information (e.g., clinical cues) whereas semiotics addresses problems of signification or meaning. Cognitive psychology addresses chiefy the mechanisms by which the components of a knowledge domain are encoded in
Some behavioral effects of hallucinogens are mediated by a postsynaptic serotonergic action: evidence from single unit studies in freely moving cats.

Abstract Although central serotonergic systems appear to be linked importantly to the mechanism of action of a variety of hallucinogenic drugs, the nature of this interaction has remained unclear. In the present study, the question of whether the critical link is presynaptic or postsynaptic was examined in cats. Behaviorally inactive doses (1.0 mg/kg) of the serotonin receptor antagonists mianserin, ketanserin or metergoline effectively blocked behavior, as measured by the cat limb flick response, elicited by either LSD (50 μg/kg) or DOM (250 μg/kg) but not that resulting either from lisuride (50 μg/kg) or a high dose of apomorphine (4 mg/kg). Pretreatment with 1.0 mg/kg of mianserin, which completely attenuated LSD's behavioral effect, failed to alter LSD-induced depression of mesencephalic serotonergic neuron discharge. These results demonstrate that at least some of the behavioral effects of LSD can be blocked by pharmacological antagonism of postsynaptic serotonin receptors which leaves LSD's presynaptic synaptic effect unaffected. Thus, the behavioral and possibly psychoactive, effects of hallucinogens appear to be attributable to an action at 5HT2 receptors, presumably located postsynaptically.
Single-dose non-prescription ranitidine 75mg is superior to single-dose omeprazole 20mg for prevention of postprandial and nighttime heartburn following a provocative meal

Single-dose non-prescription ranitidine 75mg is superior to single-dose omeprazole 20mg for prevention of postprandial and nighttime heartburn following a provocative meal
Role of the translational repressor 4E-BP1 in the regulation of p21Waf1/Cip1 expression by retinoids

The mechanisms by which retinoids regulate initiation of mRNA translation for proteins that mediate their biological effects are not known. We have previously shown that all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) induces mTOR-mediated activation of the p70 S6 kinase, suggesting the existence of a mechanism by which retinoids may regulate mRNA translation. We now demonstrate that treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)-derived NB4 cells with ATRA results in dissociation of the translational repressor 4E-BP1 from the eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E, and subsequent formation of eIF4G-eIF4E complexes. We also show that siRNA-mediated inhibition of 4E-BP1 expression enhances ATRA-dependent upregulation of p21(Waf1/Cip1), a protein that plays a key role in the induction of retinoid-dependent responses. Our data also establish that ATRA- or cis-RA-dependent p21(Waf1/Cip1) protein expression is enhanced in mouse embryonic fibroblasts with targeted disruption of the 4e-bp1 gene, in the absence of any effects on the transcriptional regulation of the p21(Waf1/Cip1) gene. Moreover, generation of ATRA- or cis-retinoic acid (cis-RA)-antiproliferative responses is enhanced in 4E-BP1 knockout cells. Altogether, these findings strongly suggest a key regulatory role for the translational repressor 4E-BP1 in the generation of retinoid-dependent functional responses.
A new Runge-Kutta discontinuous Galerkin method with conservation constraint to improve CFL condition for solving conservation laws

We present a new formulation of the Runge-Kutta discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG) method [5-8] for solving conservation laws with increased CFL numbers. The new formulation requires the computed RKDG solution in a cell to satisfy additional conservation constraint in adjacent cells and does not increase the complexity or change the compactness of the RKDG method. Numerical computations for solving one-dimensional and two-dimensional scalar and systems of nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws are performed with approximate solutions represented by piecewise quadratic and cubic polynomials, respectively. The hierarchical reconstruction [16,32] is applied as a limiter to eliminate spurious oscillations in discontinuous solutions. From both numerical experiments and the analytic estimate of the CFL number of the newly formulated method, we find that: 1) this new formulation improves the CFL number over the original RKDG formulation by at least three times or more and thus reduces the overall computational cost; and 2) the new formulation essentially does not compromise the resolution of the numerical solutions of shock wave problems compared with ones computed by the RKDG method.
Genetic testing in cardiac disease: from bench to bedside.

Although genetic testing for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome is now clinically available, are we ready to reap the practical benefits of these molecular discoveries? How can genetic testing for heritable cardiovascular disorders improve the care of our patients now and in the future? As Allison Cirino and Carolyn Ho outline in this month's Viewpoint, the best is yet to come for genetic testing in cardiac disease.
On Trace Bilinear Forms on Lie-Algebras

To what extent is the structure of a Lie-algebra L over a field F determined by the bilinear formon L that is derived from a matrix representationof L with finite degree d(Δ) by forming the trace of the matrix productsSuch a bilinear form is a function with two arguments in L, values in F and the properties:
The Engineering Decisionmaking Process

We think of modern civilization as a technological society, fed by scientific advance and engineering implementation resulting in new products and services. The role played by engineers in this process is every bit as important as that played by scientists, yet the public associates scientists with technology, not engineers. And when engineering advances are made, such as the recent fabrication of an 80 micron electrostatic motor, the news media announced the event by saying, "Scientists at the University of California at Berkeley have... " This despite the fact that they were engineers. Even engineers seem to like being referred to as scientists. The news media frequently refer to "scientific achievements" and "engineering failures." I think that engineers have lost, or perhaps never found, their identity. Finding this identity is a crucial step in the evolution of the engineering profession, and, I believe, it could lead to advances in the art itself.
Morbidly obese diagnosis as an indicator of cardiovascular disease risk in children: results from the CARDIAC Project.

Objective. Obesity, an epidemic in children in the United States and abroad, is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Less is known about the consequences of morbid obesity...