cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The phase shift and multiple scattering in small angle neutron scattering: Application to beam broadening from ceramics

The single-particle cross-section for small angle neutron scattering from a uniform sphere of arbitrary size is incorporated into a general theory of small angle incoherent multiple scattering from a monodisperse population of particles. The synthesis of these formalisms provides a theory of multiple scattering that is applicable over a wide range of values of the single-particle phase shift, v — encompassing the transition from diffraction (v → 0) to refraction (v → ∞) — and a useful tool for extracting particle size and volume fraction from SANS data dominated by multiple scattering. Single particle and multiple scattering aspects of the theory can be discussed from common elements of the formalism. The single-particle diffraction limit (Born approximation) remains applicable up to v ≈ 2, corresponding, typically, to particle radius ≈ 2 µ m, but breaks down soon thereafter, while the Porod law (Q → ∞) is stable against both phase shift and multiple scattering. Wavelength dependence of scattering data signals multiple scattering, but not necessarily refraction. These methods have been used to characterize high purity alumina powder, and have obtained good quantitative agreement with results from laser light scattering and X-ray sedigraph microscopy.
Cargo adaptors: structures illuminate mechanisms regulating vesicle biogenesis

Cargo adaptors sort transmembrane protein cargos into nascent vesicles by binding directly to their cytosolic domains. Recent studies have revealed previously unappreciated roles for cargo adaptors and regulatory mechanisms governing their function. The adaptor protein (AP)-1 and AP-2 clathrin adaptors switch between open and closed conformations that ensure they function at the right place at the right time. The exomer cargo adaptor has a direct role in remodeling the membrane for vesicle fission. Several different cargo adaptors functioning in distinct trafficking pathways at the Golgi are similarly regulated through bivalent binding to the ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (Arf1) GTPase, potentially enabling regulation by a threshold concentration of Arf1. Taken together, these studies highlight that cargo adaptors do more than just adapt cargos.
Predator-prey interactions between Malthusian populations.

Abstract A new model of a simple ecosystem involving autotrophs, herbivores and carnivores is developed and its stability and sensitivity to certain parameters are investigated. The model assumes that the heterotrophic populations are Malthusian; that is, that they always reproduce at the rate allowed by their fecundity. The model also assumes that death rates are stimulated by lack of food and a maintenance model found useful for microbial forms is used for this effect. It is found that up to a point, enrichment of the system allows it to be more diverse in the sense that three trophic levels (as opposed to two or one) can then be supported. However, excessive enrichment produces damped or sustained oscillations of population density. It is found that plant respiration plays an important stabilizing role in the system considered.
Mechanical Sounds and Sexual Dimorphism in the Crested Doradito

Abstract We observed the Crested Doradito (Tyrannidae: Pseudocolopteryx sclateri) in southeastern Bolivia and southern Paraguay. We describe aspects of natural history and morphology not previously reported, which include mechanical sounds, flight display, and microstructural modifications of flight feathers. Mechanical bill-snaps precede and are embedded in the song of P. sclateri. Introductory bill-snap notes may be functionally homologous to vocal notes in the songs of other Pseudocolopteryx species. Males differ from females in their head and bill coloration, intensity of breast coloration, and their shortened and pointed primaries 6 and 7. Males also exhibit microstructural modifications of the bases of primaries 6–9 in the form of open external vanes. Further research on P. sclateri and its congeners is needed to uncover the proximate causes, function, and evolution of some of the unusual tyrannid characters described herein. Sonidos Mecanicos y Dimorfismo Sexual en Pseudocolopteryx sclateri Resumen...
A Benefit-Cost Analysis of Retrofitting Diesel Vehicles with Particulate Filters in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area

In the Mexico City metropolitan area, poor air quality is a public health concern. Diesel vehicles contribute significantly to the emissions that are most harmful to health. Harmful diesel emissions can be reduced by retrofitting vehicles with one of several technologies, including diesel particulate filters. We quantified the social costs and benefits, including health benefits, of retrofitting diesel vehicles in Mexico City with catalyzed diesel particulate filters, actively regenerating diesel particulate filters, or diesel oxidation catalysts, either immediately or in 2010, when capital costs are expected to be lower. Retrofit with either type of diesel particulate filter or an oxidation catalyst is expected to provide net benefits to society beginning immediately and in 2010. At current prices, retrofit with an oxidation catalyst provides greatest net benefits. However, as capital costs decrease, retrofit with diesel particulate filters is expected to provide greater net benefits. In both scenarios, retrofit of older, dirtier vehicles that circulate only within the city provides greatest benefits, and retrofit with oxidation catalysts provides greater health benefits per dollar spent than retrofit with particulate filters. Uncertainty about the magnitude of net benefits of a retrofit program is significant. Results are most sensitive to values used to calculate benefits, such as the concentration-response coefficient, intake fraction (a measure of exposure), and the monetary value of health benefits.
Expressions for the conductor loss of strip‐line and coplanar‐strip (CPS) structures

In this paper, we present closed-form expressions for the attenuation constant due to conductor loss for strip-line and coplanar-strip (CPS) structures. These expressions are functions of a universal parameter referred to as the stopping distance, where it is shown that this stopping distance is a function only of the local edge geometry, i.e., the strip thickness, the shape of the edge, and the material of the strip conductor. We also present an expression for the current distribution of the ground planes of a strip-line structure, which is used to derive an expression for the conductor loss of the ground planes. Results obtained with these loss expressions are compared to, and closely agree with, both experimental results and full-numerical results found in the literature for these two structures. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 25: 162–168, 2000.
Six orders of magnitude in linear tape technology: The one-terabyte project

For the last 50 years, tape has persisted as the media of choice when inexpensive data storage is required and speed is not critical. The cost of tape storage normalized per unit capacity (dollars per gigabyte) decreased steadily over this time, driven primarily by advances in areal density and reduction of tape thickness. This paper reports the next advance in tape storage--a demonstration of a tenfold increase in capacity over current-generation Linear Tape-OpenÂ® (LTOÂ®) systems. One terabyte (1 TB, or 1000 GB) of uncompressed data was written on half-inch tape using the LTO form factor. This technical breakthrough involves significant advances in nearly every aspect of the recording process: heads, media, channel electronics, and recording platform.
Calling while driving: Laws, economics, and commandments

Comment on: Cost-effectiveness of regulations against using a cellular telephone while driving. Redelmeier DA, Weinstein MC. Med Decis Making. 1999; 19(1):1-8. Language: en
Distributed deflection sensing of rotating beams

A new class of distributed sensors is presented which can measure both the linear and angular deflections of composite rotating beams. The sensor relies in its operation on a set of wires which are embedded off the neutral axes of the composite beams. The wires are arranged in a special manner which allows continuous monitoring of the deflection curve of the rotating beam without the need for knowing the modal characteristics of the beam or its rotating speed. The output signals of the wires are processed to determine the linear and angular displacements at critical discrete points along the beam axis. The theoretical and experimental performance of the sensor are presented in both the time and frequency domains. The performance is also monitored at different rotational speeds and tilt angles of the rotating beam.
A Test for Multivariate Normality in Stock Returns

Previous research has investigated the multivariate normality of stock returns using tests based on the marginal distribution of returns. Due to the contemporaneous correlation across asset returns, these tests are difficult to interpret. We develop a general test procedure that takes account of the correlation across assets and that focuses on both the marginal and joint distributions of returns. We find highly significant evidence that stock returns and market-model residuals are nonnormal. Moreover, this nonnormality appears in both the marginal and joint distributions of asset returns.
Reducing the burden of glandular carcinomas of the uterine cervix

Widespread use of the Papanicolaou test for the screening of cervical cancers has lead to a significant decline in overall incidence and mortality rates over the past 3 decades. When different histologic types of cervical cancers are considered and trends are reexamined, it becomes apparent that observed declines are reflective of squamous cell carcinomas predominantly; the rates for adenocarcinomas continue to rise. This rise in incidence may be due to the greater difficulty in screening for glandular precursor lesions that often arise high within the endocervical canal. Reducing the incidence and mortality rates that are associated with adenocarcinomas can be accomplished by using improved screening techniques and large-scale implementation of cervical cancer vaccines that target the predominant oncogenic human papillomavirus types that are associated with adenocarcinoma.
Simple, low-contrast thermal-resolution test target.

An easily constructed thermal-resolution test target for low-contrast applications is described.
Fixed and variable schedules of response-independent reinforcement.

Abstract After response-dependent reinforcement established key-pecking as the predominant response, pigeons received schedules in which reinforcements occurred without reference to responding. These response-independent schedules involved either a reinforcement every 5 min, or reinforcements at irregular intervals that averaged 5 min. The response-independent schedules generated characteristic patterns of responding. The fixed schedule produced positively accelerated responding between reinforcements, and the variable schedule produced either steady rates, erratic, or negatively accelerated patterns. The patterns developed independent of the distribution of responses existing when the schedule was first imposed. The rate of responding varied for the three birds, but, for all, response-independent schedules decreased the rates below the level maintained by response-dependent reinforcement. Although the rate of responding was affected primarily by the events contiguous with reinforcement, the pattern of responding appeared to be determined mainly by the presentation of reinforcements in relation to time.
Valuing future life and future lives: A framework for understanding discounting

This article offers a conceptual framework for separating the distinct theoretical concepts that are often confounded in discussions of discounting. Two distinctions are emphasized: (a) the difference between discounting a future outcome because it confers less utility and discounting future utility per se, and (b) the differences between discounting one’s own future utility and discounting the utility of others who will be alive in the future. Within this framework, I discuss and clarify the continuing controversy over discounting future life and future lives.
Comparison of the Tyrosine Aminotransferase cDNA and Genomic DNA Sequences of Normal Mink and Mink Affected with Tyrosinemia Type II

Type II tyrosinemia, designated Richner-Hanhart syndrome in humans, is a hereditary metabolic disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance characterized by a deficiency of tyrosine aminotransferase activity. Mutations occur in the human tyrosine aminotransferase gene, resulting in high levels of tyrosine and disease. Type II tyrosinemia occurs in mink, and our hypothesis was that it would also be associated with mutation(s) in the tyrosine aminotransferase gene. Therefore, the transcribed cDNA and the genomic tyrosine aminotransferase gene were sequenced from normal and affected mink. The gene extended over 11.9 kb and had 12 exons coding for a predicted 454-amino-acid protein with 93% homology with human tyrosine aminotransferase. FISH analysis mapped the gene to chromosome 8 using the Mandahl and Fredga (1975) nomenclature and chromosome 5 using the Christensen et al. (1996) nomenclature. The hypothesis was rejected because sequence analysis disclosed no mutations in either cDNA or introns that were associated with affected mink. This suggests that an unlinked gene regulatory mutation may be the cause of tyrosinemia in mink.
Fair policies for travel on neighborhood streets

The residents of each street in a neighborhood can improve their travel times by forming agreements with the residents of other streets to permit mutual thoroughfare. However, this benefit comes with the cost of additional neighborhood traffic. The key problem addressed by this paper is that of determining a policy that is fair to each street's residents' desires to minimize their travel time by using neighborhood streets while also minimizing traffic on their street. We model this problem using a street graph and apply game theoretic methods in order to characterize solutions.
X-Ray Study of the Crab Nebula and the Crab and Vela Pulsars

The Crab Nebula has been intensely studied by X-ray astronomers ever since its discovery as the first, optically identified X-ray object (Bowyer et al. 1964); and a large majority of X-ray experiments during the past two decades have observed the Crab, seeking not only the answers to scientific questions but also assurance that the instruments’ calibrations were understood. It is therefore no surprise that, following its launch in 1978 November, the Einstein X-ray Observatory too had the Crab Nebula on its list of mandatory targets.
Cellular and Molecular Targets of Estrogen in Normal Human Breast Tissue

To gain insight into the in vivo role of estrogen, we isolated estrogen receptor-positive cells fromnormal human breast tissue using a recombinant adenovirus that expresses green fluorescence protein in response to estrogen. We compared the global gene expression profile of these estrogen receptor-positive cells with that of various normal and cancerous mammary epithelial cells and identified several genes not implicated previously in estrogen signaling. One of these genes, lipocalin 2, is a putative in vivo estrogen target gene and paracrine factor that mediates the growth regulatory effects of estrogen in normal breast epithelium. These results demonstrate that normal and cancerous estrogen receptor-positive cells are distinct at the molecular level and suggest that lipocalin 2 is a new therapeutic target for breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Disorders in Prison Inmates

entering the Washington State pni son system. A total of 109 male of fenders were interviewed. The study was conducted in accordance with the institution's policy stipulating that inmates must give informed consentto participate in any research activity. To determine if the sample was representative of the Washington State inmate population, the group who were interviewed were corn pared with a larger sample of 1,409 consecutive admissions to the necep iion center. No significant diffenenc es between the groups in age, eth nicity, marital status, offense, on IQ were found. In addition, no differ ences between groups were found in scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the Buss Durkee Hostility Inventory, the Sui cide Probability Scale, the Veterans AlcoholScneeningTest,onthe Mon roe Dyscontrol Scale. Individuals who show extremely violent on psy chotic behavior are sent directly to a prison psychiatric ward. Thus in mates with severe psychiatric distur bance are probably undenrepresent ed in the sample discussed in this paper. Measures. Responses to ques iions on the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) (5) were used to de tenmine lifetime prevalence of the following DSM-IH-R axis I or axis II diagnoses: depression, dysthymia, alcohol abuse on dependence, drug abuse on dependence, schizophre nia, schizophreniform disorder, mania, and antisocial personality dis order. To assess intenraten reliability, pairs of interviewers drawn from a group of five interviewed 24 in mates. The diagnoses made in each joint interview were analyzed using an extension of kappa (kappa v) (6), John A. Chiles, M.D. Elizabeth Von Cleve, Ph.D. Ron P. Jemelka, Ph.D. Eric W. Trupin, Ph.D.
Generalized effective index series solution analysis of waveguide structures with positionally varying refractive index profiles

The use of a generalized series solution technique for analyzing semiconductor integrated-optic waveguide devices is presented. This technique can be employed to obtain TE and TM modes for any slab-waveguide structure with an arbitrary index variation, as long as the square of the index in each layer can be fitted to a polynomial function of position. The method is applied to a slab waveguide with a parabolic index profile, an AlGaAs heterostructure electrooptic phase modulator, heterostructure ridge-waveguide structures with sloped sidewalls, and an InGaAs-AlGaAs graded-index separate-confinement-heterojunction quantum-well structure.
Network Materials — Reinforcing and Stiffening with Three-Dimensional Textile Structures:

A new structural material described here is a fibre composite based on three-dimensionally moulded textile sheets that are set and stabilized with synthetic resin. The special feature of the material is its filigree structure. The network material is lightweight, strong, permeable to gases and liquids, mouldable, and permeable. These properties open up new possibilities of solving problems, especially in light weight construction: the material can be used on its own as a core for sandwich systems, as a skeleton for reinforcing other materials, and for permanently joining different types of material to one another. Initial examples of applications in various sectors are introduced.
A landing algorithm for the concatenation of coset codes with multichannel modulation methods

The concatenation of coset (trellis) codes with multichannel modulation is studied. It is found that at a conceptual level, this concatenation is straightforward. Multichannel modulation partitions the digital communication channel into a set of memoryless subchannels, each of which can be separately encoded and decoded. However, the approach is also found to be unacceptable in practice because of latency and complexity. Encoding/decoding methodologies that can be used to reduce latency significantly and that also use the same encoder on all subchannels are studied. It is shown that using multidimensional coset codes (four or eight dimensions) to achieve a granularity in bit distribution that will closely approximately the continuous distribution that is optimum is best. A loading algorithm is introduced for assigning bits and energies to the subchannels. It easily and quickly produces an overall modulated signal that is near optimum. The technique is illustrated using example channels based on a high-bit-rate digital subscriber line at 1.6 Mb/s. >
Unified structure and content search for personal information management systems

User data stored in personal information systems is growing massively. Simultaneously, this data is increasingly distributed across multiple organizational domains such as email, music databases, and photo albums, some of which are structured automatically by applications. Powerful search tools are needed to help users locate data in these expanding yet fragmented data sets. In this paper, we present a novel fuzzy search approach that considers approximate matches to structure and content query conditions. Our framework uses unified data and query processing models so that structure conditions can be approximately matched by content and vice versa. Our models also unify external structure (e.g., directories) with internal structure (e.g., XML structure), supporting integrated queries matched to a single data domain. We propose indexes and algorithms for efficient query processing. We evaluate our approach using a real data set, showing that it can leverage structure information to significantly improve search accuracy, yet is robust to mistakes in query conditions.
Emotion self-regulation and empathy depend upon longer stimulus exposure

Observation of others in pain induces positive elevation (pain effect) in late event-related potentials (ERP). This effect is associated with top-down attention regulating processes. It has previously been shown that stimulus exposure duration can affect top-down attentional modulation of response to threat-related stimuli. We investigated the effect of exposure duration on ERP response to others in pain. Two late ERP components, P3 and late positive potentials (LPP), from 18 healthy people were measured while they viewed pictures of hands in painful or neutral situations for either 200 or 500 ms, during two task conditions (pain judgment and counting hands). P3 and LPP pain effects during the pain judgment condition were significantly greater with 500 ms than 200 ms stimulus presentation. Ours is the first study to suggest that engagement of empathy-related self-regulatory processes reflected in late potentials requires longer exposure to the pain-related stimulus. Although this is important information about the relationship between early sensory and subsequent brain processing, and about engagement of self-regulatory processes, the neural basis of this time-dependence remains unclear. It might be important to investigate the relationship between stimulus duration and empathic response in clinical populations where issue so f self-regulation, empathic response and speed of information processing exist.
ENDOCRINE-IMMUNE INTERACTIONS, ORNAMENTS AND MATE CHOICE IN RED JUNGLE FOWL

Consistently with previous studies, female red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) preferred to mate with males with longer, redder combs, but paid little attention to plumage characters. Individual variation in comb length was positively correlated with plasma testosterone level. Males with longer combs had fewer circulating lymphocytes, as would be expected if maintenance of secondary sexual characters is costly to the immune system.
Organization of Leg Movements in Preterm Infants

This study describes and establishes baseline data of early movement in preterm infants using a sensitive and quantitative measurement system, kinematic analysis. Subjects were 10 infants born at 34 to 36 weeks gestational age. Spontaneous leg movements were videotaped, and a 10-second segment was digitized to provide kinematic data. The same infants were tested at 3 days and again at 40 weeks postgestational age. Data obtained were compared to evaluate changes with age. Results showed that all infants had organized movement as determined by high interjoint correlations and small phase lags. Movement durations were restricted at 550 and 765 msec for flexion and extension, respectively. Amplitude, velocity, pause durations, and joint angles differed among infants. Infant leg movements are highly organized synergies not disrupted by postnatal events. Differences in movements are attributed to dynamic interaction of elements in the motor control system in real and developmental time. Similar studies on high-risk or sick preterm infants may provide clues to early detection of neuromuscular dysfunction.
Isradipine Therapy in Hypertensive Pediatric Patients

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the dosage and effectiveness of isradipine to control acute or chronic hypertension in pediatric patients.DESIGN:Retrospective medical record review.SETTING:University teaching hospital.PARTICIPANTS:Hospitalized pediatric patients aged 1 day to 16 years with hypertension treated with isradipine between January 1994 and March 1996.MEASURES:Patient age, gender, weight, disease states, current medications, isradipine dosage and formulation, pre- and postsystolic, and pre- and postdiastolic blood pressure measurements with each dose of isradipine.RESULTS:Fifty-three patients with a mean age of 5.8 ± 4.0 years were evaluated. A mean change in the blood pressure measurements taken before the first dose of isradipine compared with the values recorded after the last dose or at discharge for all patients was −11.8% ± 12.5% and −17.4% ± 19.6%, respectively, for systolic and diastolic pressure. The mean dosage of isradipine in 46 patients who received regularly scheduled doses was 0.38 ± 0.22 m...
Methodology for computing white matter nerve fiber orientation in human histological slices.

Abstract Background The gold standard for mapping nerve fiber orientation in white matter of the human brain is histological analysis through biopsy. Such mappings are a crucial step in validating non-invasive techniques for assessing nerve fiber orientation in the human brain by using diffusion MRI. However, the manual extraction of nerve fiber directions of histological slices is tedious, time consuming, and prone to human error. New method The presented semi-automated algorithm first creates a binary-segmented mask of the nerve fibers in the histological image, and then extracts an estimate of average directionality of nerve fibers through a Fourier-domain analysis of the masked image. It also generates an uncertainty level for its estimate of average directionality. Results and comparison with existing methods The average orientations of the semi-automatic method were first compared to a qualitative expert opinion based on visual inspection of nerve fibers. A weighted RMS difference between the expert estimate and the algorithmically determined angle (weighted by expert's confidence in his estimate) was 15.4°, dropping to 9.9° when only cases with an expert confidence level of greater than 50% were included. The algorithmically determined angles were then compared with angles extracted using a manual segmentation technique, yielding an RMS difference of 11.2°. Conclusion The presented semi-automated method is in good agreement with both qualitative and quantitative manual expert-based approaches for estimating directionality of nerve fibers in white matter from images of stained histological slices of the human brain.
Beam optics of gain guided soft X-ray lasers in cylindrical plasmas

Summary form only given. Soft X-ray lasers utilize as gain medium high density plasmas of small lateral dimensions, in which refraction of the amplified X-ray radiation can result from electron density gradients. Recently, large soft X-ray amplification was demonstrated for the first time in a plasma column created by a discharge. A fast capillary discharge was utilized to generate amplification in the J=0-1 line of neon-like argon at 46.9 nm by collisional electron excitation, by creating a hot plasma column of small diameter and cylindrical symmetry. The analysis of the soft X-ray beam propagation and amplification in such plasma column requires one to take into account a two dimensional variation of the plasma parameters, which can be non parabolic.
Towards pervasive soil moisture sensing using RFID tag antenna-based sensors

An RFID-based passive sensor for pervasive soil moisture monitoring is proposed. Variations in moisture cause a change in soil permittivity which in turn affects the impedance match/mismatch between the tag chip and the sensor probe. This manifests itself as a change in the RFID tag backscatter signal strength which can be detected at the reader. The concept is validated through a series of experiments conducted on sand and clay in two different settings. Variations in soil moisture content, as small as 20mL could be detected from a distance of 0.8 m.
BLOOD PRESSURE OF YOUNG MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN AFTER HYPERTENSION IN ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY: SIX-TO NINE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

To determine if gestational hypertension during adolescent pregnancy is associated with subsequently elevated blood pressure, blood pressures were measured in young mothers 3-6 years and again at 6-9 years after their first pregnancy. Follow-up study groups were selected from an original study population of 409 pregnant adolescent women followed at the university of Kentucky Medical Center between 1971 and 1974 in a specially designated Young Mothers' Program. Blood pressures measured during the first and second follow-up surveys were highly correlated. Compared to matched control subjects who remained normotensive throughout pregnancy (n = 54), women with a history of hypertension during pregnancy (n = 70) were heavier, maintained higher blood pressure, and had a greater incidence of hypertension in subsequent pregnancies. At the second follow-up survey, systolic blood pressure and body weight of male children born to women who experienced gestational hypertension were greater than respective values in males born to women with normotensive pregnancies. Blood pressures of female children of the two groups of young mothers did not differ. Overall, blood pressures and body weights of young mothers correlated with blood pressures and body weights of both their children and their own mothers. The results suggest that gestational hypertension may unmask a tendency for hypertension.
New Dirty War Judgments in Argentina: National Courts and Domestic Prosecutions of International Human Rights Violations

A new approach to national interpretations of international law suggests that, to be successful, national courts must engage in flexible, culturally conscious translations of international norms. Transitional justice projects, however, pose a challenge to this approach. This Note proposes that when criminal prosecutions function as truth-seeking processes, the ability of domestic groups to influence how national courts interpret international law is heightened. In these instances, nonstate actors understandably attempt to capitalize on courts' awareness of the critical role legal judgments play in engendering national reconciliation in order to secure favorable legal outcomes. Accordingly, courts have the challenge of adjudicating egregious human rights violations while also complying with the strict limitations of international criminal law. This Note suggests that the exigencies of transitional justice may lead national courts to issue interpretations that deviate from the existing body of international law. It examines this thesis through the lens of recent criminal prosecutions in Argentina for massive human rights violations during the Dirty War, in which a federal court greatly expanded the legal definition of genocide, contradicting long-standing international jurisprudence.
On Defining WISDOM

Many gerontologists propose definitions of wisdom. Usually these are "empirical," as opposed to a-priori or "real" definitions. In this article we defend an a-priori definition of wisdom. We briefly explain a-priori and empirical definitions, and how they relate to each other in research. After rejecting two classical a-priori definitions of wisdom, we present and defend our own, and examine its ability to predict key findings of recent empirical studies. Finally, we describe some implications of our approach for future empirical studies of wisdom.
Parasitization of Natural Enemies Attacking the Cabbage Aphid on Cabbage in Southern California

Weekly collections of late-stage larvae and puparia of syrphids and mummified (parasitized) Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) from successive plantings of cabbage in southern California in winter and spring of 1969–70 yielded 6 species of syrphids; 6 hymenopterous parasites of the syrphids: and 4 of B. brassicae . Allograpta obliqua (Say) was the most common syrphid and Diplazon laetatorius (F.), the most common parasite of the syrphids. Diaeretiella rapae (MacIntosh) was the only primary parasite of the cabbage aphid, and Alloxysta brassicae (Ashmead) was the most common hyperparasite.
Prospects for conventional deterrence in Europe

With political, military, and technical barriers restraining any plan to improve NATO's conventional strategy, nuclear deterrence may play an even more important role in European defense in the coming years.
The effects of PNP inhibition on rat lymphoid cell populations.

In humans an inherited deficiency of the enzyme purine nucleoside Phosphorylase (PNP; EC 2.4.2.1) is associated with a T cell deficiency and apparently normal B cells (1,2). Although a deficiency of PNP is present in all cells of deficient individuals, only the cells within the T lymphocyte lineage are affected. The immunodeficiency state associated with PNP deficiency is thought to arise from block(s) in T lymphocyte differentiation resulting from the accumulation of toxic metabolites of the enzyme’s substrate(s) (3-5).
THE NIACIN REQUIREMENT OF THE HEN.

Abstract NIACIN is known to be required by several species of animals including poultry. However, the quantitative requirement of mature chickens is unknown. The Committee on Animal Nutrition of the National Research Council in its 1960 revision of the nutrient requirements of chickens, was unable to make a recommendation for a niacin requirement standard for laying and breeding hens because of lack of information. Dann and Handler (1941) and Snell and Quarles (1941) reported niacin synthesis by the developing chick embryo to the extent that the hatched chick contained ten to twenty times as much niacin as the unincubated egg. Briggs et al. (1942, 1943, 1945, 1946), in a series of papers reported that niacin is essential in the diet of the chick for optimal growth and to prevent “chick black-tongue”; described the symptoms of niacin deficiency in the chick, and concluded that tryptophan may replace niacin in purified diets for…
Application of set-theoretic method to assess the locational impacts of virtual inertia services on the primary frequency responses

Due to the increasing utilization of lightweight gas turbine units and renewable energy resources, the power grid is shifting towards a situation with less inertia, which results in the decline in system primary frequency responses and threatens the grid reliability. However, the capability of fast-acting storage devices to provide frequency response brings the operational flexibility into system dynamic performances. Therefore, it is of need to design a control algorithm to mimic the inertial responses using the fast-acting storage devices and to develop an appropriate tool to study the location-dependent impacts of the provided virtual inertia on the power system dynamic behaviors. This work explicitly applies the set-theoretic method to represent the effects of uncertain but bounded wind energy outputs and demand levels. The application of the set-theoretic methods significantly reduces the computational complexity by avoiding repeatedly running full transient stability simulations. Several illustrative simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method and to demonstrate the locational dependence of the impacts of the inertia services on the system dynamic behaviors.
Fast Computing Technologies for Static Security Checking Based on Parallel Computation and Data Reuse

With the formation of interconnected power grid of China as well as the requirement of integration of power generation scheduling among multi-level dispatching centers,it is increasingly imperative to improve the speed of the 96-period cases' security analysis for generation scheduling.Based on an analysis of the security characteristics,four fast computation methods are presented in terms of algorithm optimization,parallel computation,data reuse and other aspects,namely,the fast contingencies filtering,multi-process parallel computation for multi-period cases,data reuse based on topological characteristics and multi-thread parallel computation for a multi-contingency case.Detailed test examples of real power grids show that the methods proposed are effective in significantly improving the speed of 96-period cases' security analysis.
30-Day Morbidity and Reoperation Following Midurethral Sling: Analysis of 8772 Cases Using a National Prospective Database

Objective To determine 30-day complications, risk of readmission, and reoperation for midurethral slings (MUS). Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2006 to 2013 was queried for MUS alone by excluding concurrent reconstructive, urologic, or gynecologic procedures. We assessed baseline characteristics, 30-day perioperative outcomes and 30-day readmission. Logistic regression analysis identified risk factors for the frequent complications. Results There were 8772 women who underwent MUS, of which 3830 (43.7%) and 4942 (56.3%) were performed by urologists and gynecologists, respectively. Patients of urologists were older, had higher frailty, and were more likely diabetic ( all P ). Patients of gynecologists were more likely to have resident involvement compared to urologists (16.4% vs 11.2%, P ). Mean operative time was shorter for urologists compared to gynecologists (35.6 ± 29.2 minutes vs 38.1 ± 34.3 minutes, P ). The overall 30-day rate of any complication was 3.52%. Urinary tract infection (UTI) occurred in 2.2% vs 3.5% of the urologic and gynecologic patients, respectively ( P = .001 ). After adjusting for frailty, body mass index, steroid use, age, operative time, and residency involvement, gynecologic performed surgery incurred an increased risk of UTI (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.27-2.19; P = .001 ). Sixty-five (0.90%) patients were readmitted within 30 days, most commonly due to urinary symptoms. Sling revision for urinary obstruction occurred in 15 patients; 10 underwent repair of the bladder, urethra, or vagina. Conclusion To our knowledge, we present the largest American cohort of MUS 30-day outcomes to date, stratified by specialty of performing surgeon. Overall, morbidity is low. UTI is the most common complication, and occurs at increased frequency for patients of gynecologists.
Southern Blot Detection of DNA

Southern blots are used to identify a specific restriction fragment (containing a DNA sequence of interest) among a large heterogeneous population of DNA fragments. First, agarose gel electrophoresis is used to separate restriction fragments according to size. Next, the DNA is denatured in situ (in the gel) and transferred to a membrane. The DNA is bound to the membrane by UV cross-linking. Finally, the DNA sequence of interest is detected using a hybridization probe that must be complementary (or nearly complementary) to its target. After a prehybridization treatment to block sites on the membrane where the hybridization probe may bind nonspecifically, the membrane is incubated with the probe. Posthybridization washes remove all probes except those annealed to the target DNA bound to the filter. The probe–DNA fragment complex is then detected by autoradiography or a colorimetric method. To demonstrate the Southern (DNA) blot technique, this chapter also describes how to isolate genomic DNA from several different strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and examine restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in their virD2 genes.
Insurance Fraud, Agency, and Opportunism: False Swearing in Insurance Claims

This paper discusses the law of insurance fraud at the point of claim, what in the United States is known as the “false swearing” doctrine. It situates that doctrine within the broader landscape of both the claims process and of responses to insurance fraud. It suggests the proper contours of the doctrine and the applicable standard of proof and changes in other doctrines that address the particular problem of false swearing and the broader problem of agency and opportunism in insurance claims by both insured and insurer. The false swearing doctrine should require reliance by the insurer and proof by clear and convincing evidence, and the insurer’s conduct in asserting fraud should be evaluated by a reasonableness standard.
Beam propagation considerations in the Aurora laser system

Aurora is a high-power KrF laser system now being constructed for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) studies. It will use optical angular multiplexing and serial amplification by electron-beam-driven KrF amplifiers to deliver a stacked, multikilojoule 5-ns-duration laser pulse to ICF targets. The requirements of angular multiplexing KrF lasers at the multikilojoule level dictate path lengths on the order of 1 km. The inherent complicated path crossings produced by angular multiplexing and pulse stacking do not allow isolation of individual beam lines, so the optical quality of the long beam paths must be controlled. Propagation of the 248-nm light beams over long paths in air is affected by scattering, absorption thermal gradients and turbulence, beam alignment, and control and optical component figure errors.
Proton Reaction Cross Sections Measured in the BNL/AGS E943 Experiment

We have measured proton reaction cross sections over a wide mass and energy range at the Brookhaven AGS accelerator. The samples were elemental Be, C, Al, Cu, W, and Pb; the measurements were carried out at ten incident proton kinetic energies in the range 0.54 to 7.8 GeV. The experiment was similar to an earlier experiment in the 200- 550 MeV range by Renberg et al.1) The new results are in good agreement with those of Renberg et al. at the overlap point near 550 MeV. The combined results of the two experiments show an energy dependence expected from the behavior of the nucleon-nucleon cross sections. The results are reproduced by calculations based on variants of the impulse approximation and Glauber theory.
Protective and Pathological Immunity during Central Nervous System Infections

The concept of immune privilege of the central nervous system (CNS) has dominated the study of inflammatory processes in the brain. However, clinically relevant models have highlighted that innate pathways limit pathogen invasion of the CNS and adaptive immunity mediates control of many neural infections. As protective responses can result in bystander damage, there are regulatory mechanisms that balance protective and pathological inflammation, but these mechanisms might also allow microbial persistence. The focus of this review is to consider the host-pathogen interactions that influence neurotropic infections and to highlight advances in our understanding of innate and adaptive mechanisms of resistance as key determinants of the outcome of CNS infection. Advances in these areas have broadened our comprehension of how the immune system functions in the brain and can readily overcome immune privilege.
Density-functional energy gaps of solids demystified

The fundamental energy gap of a solid is a ground-state second energy difference. Can one find the fundamental gap from the gap in the band structure of Kohn–Sham density functional theory? An argument of Williams and von Barth (WB), 1983, suggests that one can. In fact, self-consistent band-structure calculations within the local density approximation or the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) yield the fundamental gap within the same approximation for the energy. Such a calculation with the exact density functional would yield a band gap that also underestimates the fundamental gap, because the exact Kohn–Sham potential in a solid jumps up by an additive constant when one electron is added, and the WB argument does not take this effect into account. The WB argument has been extended recently to generalized Kohn–Sham theory, the simplest way to implement meta-GGAs and hybrid functionals self-consistently, with an exchange–correlation potential that is a non-multiplication operator. Since this operator is continuous, the band gap is again the fundamental gap within the same approximation, but, because the approximations are more realistic, so is the band gap. What approximations might be even more realistic?
Uridine Insertion/Deletion Editing Activities

The uridine nucleotide insertion and deletion editing of trypanosomatid mitochondrial mRNAs is catalyzed by a macromolecular complex, the editosome. Many investigations of RNA editing involve some assessment of editosome activity either in vitro or in vivo. Assays to detect insertion or deletion editing activity on RNAs in vitro have been particularly useful, and can include the initial endonucleolytic step (full-round) or bypass it (precleaved). Additional assays to examine individual catalytic steps have also proved useful to dissect particular steps in editing. Detection of RNA editing activity in vivo has been significantly advanced by the application of real-time PCR technology, which can simultaneously assay several edited and pre-edited targets. Here we describe these assays to assess editing both in vitro (full-round insertion and deletion; precleaved insertion and deletion; individual TUTase, ligase, or helicase activity) and in vivo (real-time PCR).
Communal showers and the risk of plantar warts.

Background Plantar warts occur most commonly in adolescents and are more prevalent among users of public locker rooms. Previous studies have not differentiated shower rooms from locker rooms as risk factors. Methods The current study examined the prevalence of plantar warts among a group of 146 adolescents who used locker rooms. Subjects ranged in age from 10 to 18 years and were recruited from a public school and a swim club. All subjects used public locker rooms but only those in the swim club used communal showers on a regular basis. All subjects were interviewed by a physician and underwent an examination of the feet. Results There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of plantar warts between the shower room users (27%) and those who used only locker rooms (1.25%). Conclusions The present study suggests that public shower users are at greater risk for plantar warts than are locker room users who do not use communal showers.
Platinum Complexes for the Treatment of Cancer

Though its antitumor activity was discovered four decades ago, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin) continues to be widely used for the treatment of many solid tumor types. When combined with other cytotoxic drugs or some of the newer “targeted” agents, significant improvements in response and survival rates have been observed in cancers of the ovary, lung, bladder and head and neck. Its most remarkable contribution, however, has been in the treatment of testicular cancer. Prior to the introduction of cisplatin to the clinic, testicular tumors were treated with a combination of vinblastine, adriamycin and bleomycin resulting in response rates of approximately 50%. Treatment with cisplatin-based therapy now cures the majority of testicular cancer patients presenting with advanced stage disease. The extraordinary antitumor activity observed with cisplatin in early clinical trials prompted further investigations into understanding its mechanism of action and developing less toxic analogs with different cytotoxicity profiles. These efforts have resulted in the development of two more platinum complexes, carboplatin and oxaliplatin, which are approved for clinical use. In this chapter, we will provide a review of the attributes of the platinum drugs including their chemistry, clinical pharmacology, mechanism of action, and mechanisms of resistance.