cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plant species number, biomass accumulation and productivity of a differentially fertilized Michigan old-field

The response of old-field vegetation to fertilization at the rate of 450 kg·N·ha-1 under different application schedules was evaluated using measurements of plant species number, biomass accumulation and structurefunction group productivity. Application of fertilizer under differing schedules at the same seasonal rate differentially affected plant species number, but not biomass accumulation. The structure-function groups productivities were differentially stimulated in response to fertilization under different schedules. These responses are discussed in terms of generated dominance and site resource availability. Structure-function groups are defined as a level of biological organization greater than the population, but less than the community. The use of such groupings is discussed as a means of viewing community interactions at a level higher than the population.
Pediatric emergency department visit characteristics of the patients on the ketogenic diet.

Abstract Background The ketogenic diet (KD) has been frequently used for the patients with drug-resistant epilepsy in recent years. The management of these patients in emergency departments (EDs) has some difficulties due to the special needs of KD. We aimed to determine the characteristics and the management of the patients on the KD in the pediatric ED setting. Methods Patients who were on the KD and admitted to the ED were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of all patients were retrospectively reviewed and recorded. Results There were 105 emergency admissions of 27 patients. The median age of all patients was 55.0 (IQR: 29.0–91.0) months. The most common symptom was vomiting (43.8%). Four patients had upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and one patient had hyperammonemic acute hepatic failure while receiving KD. Of the patients, 41.9% had seizure-related ED admission. Infections were present in 41.9% of the ED visits. The frequency of status epilepticus was significantly lower in the patients who were on the KD for more than 6 months (p Conclusion The patients on the KD can be admitted to EDs with intercurrent illnesses or adverse effects of the KD. For accurate management, emergency physicians must be aware of the common reasons for ED admission of these patients and the effects of the KD.
Transnational corporations of football kin: migration, labor flow, and the American Samoa MIRAB economy.

In the U.S. territory of American Samoa, gridiron football has emerged as an important driver of a stock-flow relationship in which the stock of overseas-resident migrant athletic laborers sustains...
Cyclodialysis cleft repair with goniotomy for the control of post-operative ocular hypertension.

Abstract Purpose In this case of iatrogenic cyclodialysis cleft, we describe a technique in which a nasal goniotomy is coupled with indirect cyclodialysis cleft (CDC) repair in order to minimize acute post-operative ocular hypertension, which is common following cyclodialysis cleft closure. Observations This novel technique was simple, convenient, and effective in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) for the patient. Conclusions and importance IOP frequently spikes to dangerously high levels following CDC closure. Pairing CDC repair with goniotomy may help prevent acute post-operative ocular hypertension in these patients.
Dynamicism, radical enactivism, and representational cognitive processes: The case of subitization

The role of representational cognitive processes (RCPs) in theories of cognition remains a source of disagreement in philosophy of mind and cognitive neuroscience. These debates are stoked by argum...
Influence of sprint exercise on aortic pulse wave velocity and femoral artery shear patterns

Aortic stiffness may affect shear patterns in the peripheral vasculature. This study examined if sprint exercise, which typically increases aortic stiffness is associated with increased peripheral retrograde blood flow and impaired microvascular function. Twenty participants (10 women; age: 27 ± 5 years) underwent arterial stiffness, shear rate, and microvascular function assessment at three time points: baseline; following time control; ~ 2 min post a 30-s cycle ergometer sprint against 7.0% body mass. Aortic stiffness was assessed using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Superficial femoral artery (SFA) diameter and blood velocity were assessed using Doppler-ultrasound and were used to calculate shear rates and resistance index (RI). SFA wave reflections were obtained via wave intensity analysis. Vastus medialis microvascular function was measured as tissue saturation index reactivity pre-post exercise via near-infrared spectroscopy. cfPWV increased by + 0.8 ± 0.7 m·s−1 following exercise (p < 0.001). Retrograde shear was reduced following exercise compared with time control (− 4.9 ± 3.8 s−1; p < 0.001), while tissue saturation index was increased post-exercise from baseline (+ 2.3 ± 4.6%; p = 0.04). Reductions in SFA wave reflections (− 1.70 ± 1.96 aU) and RI (− 0.17 ± 0.13 aU) were also noted following exercise (p < 0.001). These data suggest sprint exercise-mediated changes in peripheral shear patterns and microvascular function in the exercised vasculature occur independent from increases in aortic stiffness. Exercise-induced reductions in SFA retrograde shear may be related to decreased wave reflections and peripheral vascular resistance.
Resource Nationalism and Spiritual Pathways to Sustainability in Kyrgyzstan

Reverence for the natural environment is part of many nationalist ideologies. At the same time, nationalism is also connected with religious traditions that may embrace certain perspectives on the environment. This chapter explores the nexus of religion, ecology, and nationalism, demonstrating how religion and nationalism intersect vis-a-vis environmental preservation. Specifically, it focuses on the Kumtor gold mine and the Lake Issyk-Kul Biosphere Reserve in the Kyrgyz Republic, where protest against environmental degradation frequently assumes a form that is at once nationalist and religious or spiritual. The chapter also examines how designating sacred space is understood as a means of promoting ecological sustainability. The chapter thus highlights the connections between religious and nationalist discourses vis-a-vis political ecology, and indicates potential areas for future research.
Spin-Orbit-Torque Material Exploration for Maximum Array-Level Read/Write Performance

A diverse set of SOT materials with vastly different values of spin efficiency, conductivity, and thickness are being explored to achieve the lowest write energy. Research on SOT-assisted STT-MRAM and novel materials for the switching of magnets with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) is also ongoing. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the impact of material parameters on array-level read and write operations for both in-plane and PMA MRAM cells. The results offer important guidelines for material development for this technology.
Hindsight Experience Replay Improves Reinforcement Learning for Control of a MIMO Musculoskeletal Model of the Human Arm

High-level spinal cord injuries often result in paralysis of all four limbs, leading to decreased patient independence and quality of life. Coordinated functional electrical stimulation (FES) of paralyzed muscles can be used to restore some motor function in the upper extremity. To coordinate functional movements, FES controllers should be developed to exploit the complex characteristics of human movement and produce the intended movement kinematics and/or kinetics. Here, we demonstrate the ability of a controller trained using reinforcement learning to generate desired movements of a horizontal planar musculoskeletal model of the human arm with 2 degrees of freedom and 6 actuators. The controller is given information about the kinematics of the arm, but not the internal state of the actuators. In particular, we demonstrate that a technique called “hindsight experience replay” can improve controller performance while also decreasing controller training time.
Organizational Context in General and Special Education: An Exploratory Investigation to Describe the Perspective of School Leaders

Organizational context (e.g., climate, culture, resources) can impede or enhance implementation of evidence-based practices in general education settings or special education settings serving students with autism spectrum disorder. We examined the relations between organizational context and individual (i.e., implementation leadership, administrator- or service provider-role) or school (i.e., enrollment size, public/nonpublic school type) characteristics. Participants were administrative or service providing leaders (n = 34) from 11 schools in one state on the East Coast of the United States. School leaders’ average ratings of the organizational context were generally more positive for special education than general education; however, greater culture stress was reported for special education. Correlation analyses indicated being an administrator and implementation leadership were positively associated with implementation climate in both education settings. Being an administrator was also positively associated with cultural effort (i.e., how hard people work towards achieving goals) in special education, but negatively associated with culture stress in general education. In special education, nonpublic schools had better climates (both learning and implementation), but more culture stress. Additionally, school enrollment size was negatively related to available resources and implementation climate in special education. Investigating the similarities and differences in organizational context across educational settings is needed in future research.
Micronodular Thymoma with Lymphoid Stroma: A Mediastinal Mass Masquerading as a Pericardial Mass

A 61-year-old man presented to the emergency room with lower extremity edema. Physical exam was only remarkable for a diastolic murmur in the right carotid area and left lower extremity edema. Venous Doppler revealed a deep venous thrombosis in the left lower extremity. Chest computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast ruled out pulmonary embolism but showed a mediastinal mass adjacent to the pericardium. Further imaging with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) enabled localization and evaluation of the structural characteristics of the mass. The decision was made to excise the mass due to increasing size compared with its measurements on prior chest CTs and a high degree of vascularization seen on CMR and CCTA, which was concerning for an enlarging arteriovenous malformation or a hemangioma. However, histopathologic analysis of the mass revealed it to be a micronodular thymoma.
Life-space Mobility in Older Men: The Role of Perceived Physical and Mental Fatigability.

BACKGROUND Physical performance and fatigue can limit mobility within the larger environment (life-space mobility). It is unknown whether perceived fatigability, self-reported fatigue anchored to activity intensity and duration, is independently associated with life-space. METHODS We assessed this cross-sectionally in Visit 4 (2014-2016) of the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS; N = 1 672, Age: Mean = 84.2 ± 4.0 years). The Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS, range: 0-50; higher = greater fatigability) measured physical (Mean = 16.1 ± 9.4) and mental fatigability (Mean = 7.5 ± 7.9). Life Space Assessment scores incorporated level, frequency, and assistance used for life-space mobility (range: 0-120, higher = greater life-space mobility; life-space constriction: inability to leave neighborhood without assistance). Separate multiple linear and logistic regressions for physical and mental fatigability were sequentially adjusted for demographic, health/lifestyle, and performance measures. RESULTS The mean life-space mobility score was 84.6 ± 21.8, and 18% (n = 296) of men had life-space constriction. Higher physical and mental fatigability were both associated with lower life-space mobility in models adjusted for health and lifestyle factors (Physical PFS: B = -2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [-3.39, -1.35]; Mental PFS: B = -1.79, 95% CI: [-2.73, -0.84]). Men with higher fatigability also had increased risk of life-space constriction (Physical PFS: OR = 1.59, 95% CI: [1.32, 1.92]; Mental PFS: OR = 1.25, 95% CI: [1.08, 1.46]). Associations were larger in magnitude for physical versus mental fatigability. Adjusting for physical performance measures more strongly attenuated associations for physical compared to mental fatigability. CONCLUSIONS Fatigability is linked with real-world mobility in older men, independent of their physical health. This association may be driven by separate physical and cognitive mechanisms worth examining further in longitudinal studies.
A Multi-Step Process for Assessing Student Outcomes in the Business Curriculum

Recent emphases on accountability and continuous improvement have caused many universities, colleges, and departments to develop and implement assessment plans with an emphasis on outcomes assessment. Some schools have been motivated by mandates from state legislatures (Herring & Izard, 1992; Kerby & Weber, 2000; Kottke & Shultz, 1997). Business schools are frequently motivated by AACSB standards (Kerby & Weber, 2000; Kimmell, Marquette & Olsen, 1998). Finally, competition as well as employer and other stakeholder comments have motivated business schools (and specific departments within those schools) to consider desired student outcomes and to assess whether those outcomes are being achieved. Assessment involves the systematic generation and use of information regarding the educational environment, student characteristics, and desired learning outcomes. The intended result of assessment is to enhance student learning (Gainen & Locatelli, 1995). Outcomes assessment focuses explicitly on the outputs of the educational process rather than the inputs. An
A Postcolonial Pragmatist Response to Cavell's Perfectionism

Through his sensitive and meticulous examination of the portrayal of slavery and racism in Huckleberry Finn, Jeff Frank questions whether Stanley Cavell’s perfectionism is sufficiently responsive to these issues to render it an appropriate educational philosophy. While I begin here by taking a sympathetic view toward what I take to be Cavell’s purposes for the use of this particular work, I then turn to a more critical stance as I extend on the point Frank raises in his conclusion — that of canonicity. Like Frank, I find the absence of any works by authors of color to be a highly problematic omission if we are to consider adopting Cavell’s moral perfectionism as an educational philosophy in a culture that is yet contending with the legacy of slavery. Further, I argue that the very blindness to these issues that we see repeatedly in proposals for humanist canons signals the Eurocentric and privileged assumptions that continue to infuse this ideological perspective.
The utility of MRI in the evaluation of myopathy.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of myopathy. MRI can be used as an adjunctive test during the evaluation of patients with myopathy and possibly as a clinical endpoint. MRI uses a magnetic field that causes the protons in the patient's tissues to align themselves with the magnetic field. An electromagnetic pulse then deflects the protons off their axis. As the protons realign themselves with the magnetic field, a signal is produced that is interpreted and converted into visible images. MRI can provide clear evidence of organicity, helping the ordering physician to decide which patients are likely to benefit from muscle biopsy. Once the decision has been made to proceed with muscle biopsy, MRI is valuable in selecting the muscle that is most likely to reveal a pathologic diagnosis and can help to minimize false negative biopsies. MRI may have its greatest potential utility within neuromuscular disease in the evaluation of possible inflammatory myopathy.
Steroids, chronic lung disease, and retinopathy of prematurity.

This issue of Pediatrics contains two conflicting, retrospective observational studies concerning the relation between steroid therapy for chronic lung disease (CLD) and the need for cryotherapy for severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Batton et al1 noted that more infants treated with dexamethasone for CLD needed cryotherapy for ROP, whereas Sobel and Philip2 found that steroid therapy for CLD did not affect the number of infants who needed cryotherapy for ROP. In fact, Sobel and Philip suggest that prolonged (>24 days) treatment with steroids may actually reduce the likelihood that ROP will reach "threshold" criteria for cryotherapy. Are these reports really contradictory?
An Evaluation of Web-Based Nursing Home Finders

Several state Web sites have made nursing home online resources available for consumer use. These resources include quality and safety information as well as web-based finders that can be used for nursing home selection. However, few studies have been performed to evaluate the availability of such Web sites. This study analyzed the Web sites that provide a nursing home finder from 50 states and the District of Columbia. The usefulness and findability of such web-based information was evaluated to determine if their contents were useful and the Web sites were easy to locate. Our results showed that fewer than half (45.1%) of the states had one or more web-based nursing home finders. From the Web sites we found, less than a quarter (24.1%) were perceived as easy to find. More than half (55.1%) of the finders provided both address and map for location information. Top three included search options were drop-down list (96.6%), search box (86.2%), and check boxes (44.8%). This article provides a snap shot of s...
Integrating data mining into technology roadmapping

This paper demonstrates the use of bibliometrics, patent analysis and social network analysis in identifying technical experts and leading organizations for technology roadmapping projects, thus addressing the challenge of identifying the right experts for varying roadmapping workshops as well as the technologies existing or under development.
The natural killer-activating receptor, NKG2D, on CD3+CD8+ T cells plays a critical role in identifying and killing autologous myeloma cells

Background The NKG2D receptor, one of the natural killer (NK) cell–activating receptors, is expressed on the surface of CD3+CD8+ T cells, γδ+ T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and a few CD4+ T cells. We show, for the first time, a critical role for the NKG2D receptor on CD3+CD8+ T cells isolated from myeloma patients, in identifying and killing autologous myeloma cells isolated from the same patients’ marrow. We also show that blocking NKG2D using anti-NKG2D reverses the cytotoxicity while blocking HLA-I using antibodies does not have the same effect, showing that the autologous cytotoxicity is NKG2D dependent and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I independent. We further confirmed the NKG2D specificity by small interfering RNA (siRNA) down regulation of NKG2D receptor. Study Design and Methods Using ex vivo expansion methods that enrich for NKG2D+CD3+CD8+ T cells, we investigated whether these ex vivo expanded NKG2D+CD3+CD8+ T cells would recognize and lyse autologous and allogeneic myeloma cells, independent of T-cell receptor or MHC-I expression. Results Myeloma cell lysis by the NKG2D+CD3+CD8+ T cells correlated with the amount of NKG2D ligand expression. With receptor–ligand interaction, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α were released. Blocking the NKG2D receptor by using either monoclonal antibodies or siRNAs inhibited the receptor's function and prevented myeloma cell lysis. Conclusion Clinical trials are ongoing to determine a correlation with the number and function of NKG2D+CD3+CD8+ T cells and clinical outcomes in transplanted myeloma patients, including lymphocyte recovery following transplant and overall survival.
Genetic Diseases of the Eye

Genetic Diseases of the Eye is Volume 61 of the Oxford Monographs on Medical Genetics. The first edition of this text was Volume 36 and was published in 1999. Elias I Traboulsi from the Center for ...
The Forces Exerted on the Substrate by Walking and Stationary Crickets

1.The gait and the protraction/retraction ratios (P/R ratios) for the cricket are described. They are essentially the same as for the cockroach and the grasshopper. 2. The vertical forces exerted on the substrate by all six legs of walking and stationary crickets are measured. On the basis of the ‘forceprints’ obtained and differences in P/R ratios among the legs of different thoracic segments, it is pointed out that all segments are not functionally identical. Specifically, the greater irregularity of the forceprints of the prothoracic legs, and the lower magnitude of peak force exerted on the substrate by the prothoracic legs suggest that the prothoracic legs are more involved in balancing or searching than in propulsion. 3. The metathoracic legs exert an increased vertical force on the substrate just before the initiation of protraction. This increase correlates with an extension of the leg apparently through extension of the femoraltibial joint. 4. A slight decrease in the force exerted on the substrate by the mesothoracic legs occurs when the leg is at right angles to the body. 5. Placing or lifting one mesothoracic leg does not affect the force exerted by the contralateral mesothoracic leg in a regular way. This argues against mechanical interactions between the legs and in favour of theories invoking central generation of pattern. 6. At a stepping frequency of below 2 steps s−1 the shapes of the forceprints of all legs are no longer repetitive. Also, below 2 steps s−1 there is an increase in the variability of the peak force exerted on the substrate. It is possible that the animal switches to a more sensory sensitive mode below a step frequency of 2s−1. 7. During stationary periods the forces exerted on the substrate continue to show oscillations which may be metachronal. This suggests a mechanism whereby a central oscillatory mechanism can account for the behaviour of an animal starting to walk following such a stationary period.
ENCOURAGING ENROLLMENT OF OLDER UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A RECRUITMENT SUCCESS STORY

Why do so few older students take advantage of reduced or free tuition offered at most state institutions of higher learning? One reason may be that few colleges and universities actively recruit senior citizens or take action to remove real or perceived barriers to their enrollment in regularly scheduled classes. What happened as a result of a recruitment program to encourage older adults to enroll in regularly scheduled university classes is the subject of this article. The program was built around senior recruiters who were themselves university students over the age of 62. The insight the senior recruiters provided those in the university community may suggest new directions for others who envision a greater age mix on campus.
A rapid, highly efficient trapping system for the collection of 3-indoleacetic acid from a gas chromatography column.

Abstract A practical and highly efficient technique using concave folded glass fiber paper filter disks has been developed for the isolation and collection of 3-indoleacetic acid from a gas chromatography column. The glass fiber paper filter disks were found to be superior to glass wool as a cold trap packing medium. The described procedure can be readily adapted for routine laboratory analysis. Trapping efficiencies as high as 97% may be obtained using the Packard Fraction Collector, mocel 852, operating at 0°C.
Automated segmentation and tracking of coronary arteries in ECG-gated cardiac CT scans

Cardiac CT has been reported to be an effective means for clinical diagnosis of coronary artery plaque disease. We are investigating the feasibility of developing a computer-assisted image analysis (CAA) system to assist radiologist in detection of coronary artery plaque disease in ECG-gated cardiac CT scans. The heart region was first extracted using morphological operations and an adaptive EM thresholding method. Vascular structures in the heart volume were enhanced by 3D multi-scale filtering and analysis of the eigenvalues of Hessian matrices using a vessel enhancement response function specially designed for coronary arteries. The enhanced vascular structures were then segmented by an EM estimation method. Finally, our newly developed 3D rolling balloon vessel tracking method (RBVT) was used to track the segmented coronary arteries. Starting at two manually identified points located at the origins of left and right coronary artery (LCA and RCA), the RBVT method moved a sphere of adaptive diameter along the vessels, tracking the vessels and identifying its branches automatically to generate the left and right coronary arterial trees. Ten cardiac CT scans that contained various degrees of coronary artery diseases were used as test data set for our vessel segmentation and tracking method. Two experienced thoracic radiologists visually examined the computer tracked coronary arteries on a graphical interface to count untracked false-negative (FN) branches (segments). A total of 27 artery segments were identified to be FNs in the 10 cases, ranging from 0 to 6 FN segments in each case. No FN artery segment was found in 2 cases.
Phase-Fraction Evolution During Incomplete Cyclic Transformation in TiNi: Correlation of Analytical Models with Magnetic Susceptibility Measurements

The response of titanium-nickel, and other alloys exhibiting thermoelastic martensite transformations, display phase-coexistence and hysteresis over a wide range of temperature, arising from the fourfold splitting of a single transformation temperature into M f , M s , A s , and A f . Attempts to precisely characterize the evolution of phase-fraction during temperature reversals that involve incomplete transformation has led to the formulation of various hysteresis descriptions. We examine a description based on the Duhem-Madelung framework, which takes complete transformation behavior as constitutive input, and on this basis formally predicts the hysteresis associated with transformation arrest and reversal. In conjunction with this effort, a series of magnetic susceptibility measurements on TiNi has been conducted using a SQUID susceptometer. The measured hysteresis in the temperature/susceptibility curves are qualitatively described by the Duhem-Madelung model.
“From tribe to Umma”: Comments on the dynamics of identity in Muslim Soviet central Asia1

(1984). “From tribe to Umma”: Comments on the dynamics of identity in Muslim Soviet central Asia. Central Asian Survey: Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 27-38.
Laboratory And Controlled Clinical Evaluations Of The Image Properties Of Mammographic Screen-Film Systems

Laboratory comparisons of the resolution, noise, and contrast of five mammography screen-film systems (single screen, single-emulsion film) were made both qualitatively and quantitatively. Subjective single-blind estimations of resolution, noise, and contrast were also made directly from the mammograms of 100 consecutive patients radiographed with each of the screen-film systems. Laboratory and clinical evaluations showed strikingly similar results: improved contrast, minimally reduced resolution, and varying degrees of increased noise for the faster recording systems. Similarities between the results of laboratory and clinical studies should help to establish the clinical relevance of the laboratory analyses, and recognition of the relative precision of the clinical evaluations should allow for their use in place of laboratory studies when sophisticated physics support is not available.
Integrated and simultaneous multiparameter sensing for tactical applications

The sensor community has long been presented with the problem of prioritizing among several competing sensor system variables due to the inability to produce a high confidence, low-cost, reliable, and compact device. Typically a solution for very critical scenarios has been a high-cost scale reduction of larger more laboratory based instrumentation. This often produces data on a single parameter that is beyond reproach, however this can also produce a very delicate, bulky, and costly system often requiring a vacuum system or some sort. An alternative approach involves using micro-electro-mechanical systems based sensors.
Energy levels of 243Am

Abstract The energy levels of 243Am have been investigated by studying the γ-rays and conversion electrons of 243Pu and α groups of 247Bk by highre-solution semiconductor detectors. Some new γ-rays were identified and the multipolarities of the 381.7 and 356.4 keV transitions were measured to be M1. The half-life of the 84.0 keV level was measured by a delayed β-γ-ray coincidence technique and found to be 2.34±0.07 ns. Nine α groups belonging to 247Bk decay were identified and the favoured transition was found to populate a level at 267 keV above the ground state. The Nilsson-state assignments to the 243Am levels agree with the previous assignments. Coriolis interaction calculations were performed to explain the contraction of the 5 2 + (642↑) band and the branching ratios of the intensities of the γ-rays de-exciting the 7 2 + (633↑) band to the rotational members of the 5 2 + (642↑) band. The calculated values of the level spacings the γ-ray intensity ratios and α intensity ratios were found to be in good agreement with the respective observed quantities.
If I Suffer … Epistolary Authority in Ignatius of Antioch*

Sometime during the second decade of the second century CE, Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, was conveyed under guard to Rome where he expected to leave this world through the mouths of the beasts in the arena. Along his journey he stopped at Philadelphia and Smyrna. At each stop he received visitors from a number of churches in the area. He, in turn, wrote letters to those churches and to the church at Rome. The letters of Ignatius have been the subject of scholarly investigation for over a century. The authenticity of the middle recension of those letters is almost universally acknowledged. These letters have been studied for the light they can shed on church structure in Asia Minor at the beginning of the second century, the theology of Ignatius within its historical context, and the distinctive personality of Ignatius. One aspect of these documents which has implications for all other interests has not been satisfactorily explained, namely, how Ignatius understood his own letter writing activity. What gave Ignatius the audacity to interfere in the life of churches outside of Syria, and what kind of authority did he expect the admonitions contained in his letters to carry?
A Feedback Loop Model of Postmerger Performance Customers and Competitors

Most of the research on mergers and acquisitions has focused on the organization(s) undergoing a merger. Numerous studies have observed a common syndrome marking the postacquisition period. Poor organizational performance is one of the regular symptoms of this syndrome, yet little attention has been addressed to the role of customers, whose patronage is a prime determinant of economic performance, and competitors. A case study was developed of a merger of two local organizations. Data were collected from customers and competitors, and the analysis led to a feedback loop model of customer and competitor roles in postmerger performance. Among the important observations are: (a) organizational change causes customers to change vendors, (b) the announcement of a merger fuels efforts by competitors to “steal” market share, and (c) organizational change leads to more organizational change. These dynamics are, furthermore, a function of communication between the merging organizations and their customers.
Micro- and nanoparticles self-assembly for virtually defect-free, adjustable monolayers

As chips further shrink toward smaller scales, fabrication processes based on the self-assembly of individual particles into patterns or structures are often sought. One of the most popular techniques for two-dimensional assembly (self-assembled monolayers) is based on capillary forces acting on particles placed at a liquid interface. Capillarity-induced clustering, however, has several limitations: it applies to relatively large (radius > ≈10 μm) particles only, the clustering is usually non-defect-free and lacks long-range order, and the lattice spacing cannot be adjusted. The goal of the present article is to show that these shortcomings can be addressed by using an external electric field normal to the interface. The resulting self-assembly is capable of controlling the lattice spacing statically or dynamically, forming virtually defect-free monolayers, and manipulating a broad range of particle sizes and types including nanoparticles and electrically neutral particles.
Partial H (β1H) deficiency and glomerulonephritis in two families

H (β1H) controls the C3b amplification loop by its ability to displace Bb from the alternative pathway convertase, C3b,Bb, and acts as a cofactor with I (C3b inactivator) to produce inactive C3b. Serum C3 levels are dependent to a large extent on the levels of H and I. Partial H deficiency was found in two families. The index case in Family 1 had vasculitis, thrombocytopenia, proteinuria, and depressed serum H and C3 levels. The index case in Family 2 had depressed serum H and B (Factor B) levels and IgA nephropathy which progressed to renal failure. His sister also had IgA nephropathy and depressed serum H and C3 levels. The depressed serum C3 level, B level, and H level could be responsible for the development of the immune diseases found in some members of these families.
Effects of Negative Campaigning on Turnout in U.S. Senate Elections, 1988–1998

This paper addresses a very important question for media researchers, political campaigners, and democratic theorists alike: Does negative campaigning demobilize the electorate? Using both aggregate- and individual-level turnout data and evidence on the nature or "tone" of virtually every U.S. Senate campaign between 1988 and 1998, we find that campaign negativism has a curvilinear effect on turnout, with most observed levels of negativism actually stimulating turnout. Only at extremely high levels does negativism in political campaigns generally suppress turnout. We find no consistent evidence that person-based criticisms of the opponent have any different effect than policy-based criticisms. However, we do find support for the hypothesis that partisans tend to be stimulated by campaign negativism while independents are more likely to be discouraged by such campaigns.
Generating an Entailment Corpus from News Headlines

We describe our efforts to generate a large (100,000 instance) corpus of textual entailment pairs from the lead paragraph and headline of news articles. We manually inspected a small set of news stories in order to locate the most productive source of entailments, then built an annotation interface for rapid manual evaluation of further exemplars. With this training data we built an SVM-based document classifier, which we used for corpus refinement purposes---we believe that roughly three-quarters of the resulting corpus are genuine entailment pairs. We also discuss the difficulties inherent in manual entailment judgment, and suggest ways to ameliorate some of these.
Determination of mono- and non-ortho coplanar PCBs in fish

Abstract A method which includes sulfuric acid cleanup, carbon chromatography and high-resolution gas chromatography for the determination of four non-ortho and eight mono-ortho coplanar PCBs has been developed. This method permits the determination of these PCB residues in fish samples at parts-per-trillion levels.
How to make an egg: transcriptional regulation in oocytes

The oocyte is a highly differentiated cell. It makes organelles specialized to its unique functions and progresses through a series of developmental stages to acquire a fertilization competent phenotype. This review will integrate the biology of the oocyte with what is known about oocyte-specific gene regulation and transcription factors involved in oocyte development. We propose that oogenesis is reliant on a dynamic gene regulatory network that includes oocyte-specific transcriptional regulators.
Solvent extraction characteristics of thiosubstituted organophosphinic acid extractants

Abstract Organophosphorus reagents are well known in solvent extraction. Commercial operations for the separation of cobalt from nickel have been successfully carried out using organophosphoric, -phosphonic, and -phosphinic acid extractants. Two new reagents in this class are the mono and dithio analogs of the commercial dialkylphosphinic acid, Cyanex 272. The replacement of oxygen by sulfur in these reagents enables extraction to be carried out at much lower pH. Characterization of Cyanex 272, Cyanex 302 (bis-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-thiophosphinic acid), and Cyanex 301 (bis-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-dithiophosphinic acid) has been undertaken. A comparison of the solvent extraction behavior of metallurgically important first-row transition metal ions from acidic sulfate solution by these reagents is reported. Distribution coefficients shift to lower pH with increasing sulfur substitution and decreasing pKa of the extractant, the greatest effect being observed for nickel. Stoichiometry of the extraction reactions, and the nature of the metal complexes formed have been determined using slope analysis techniques and spectroscopic measurements.
Bidirectional Transmission of Infectious Cytomegalovirus between Monocytes and Vascular Endothelial Cells: An In Vitro Model

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infects multiple tissues and organs; however, mechanisms of dissemination remain elusive. Although hematogenous spread has been implicated, in vitro studies have generally indicated that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) do not support the complete viral reproductive cycle. Since CMV infects endothelial cells (EC), the hypothesis that PBMC can be productively infected by contact with CMV-infected EC was tested by coculturing PBMC with CMV-infected endothelial monolayers. Dual immunohistochemical staining for mononuclear cell markers and CMV-specific antigens demonstrated infection of up to 30% of monocytes adhering to EC. To determine if infected monocytes could transmit infectious virus, they were separated from EC, replated in culture wells, and then overlaid with fresh EC. The subsequent appearance of CMV-positive cytopathic foci within the overlaid monolayers indicated that these monocytes were capable of transmitting infectious virus. Thus, these results support an interactive role for the endothelium and circulating monocytes in the dissemination of this clinically problematic virus.
Trends in Lung Surgery: United States 1988 to 2002

Background Reports on the temporal evolution in lung resection are limited. To elucidate temporal changes in the demographics of lung resections, we analyzed nationally representative data that were collected for the National Hospital Discharge Survey from 1988 to 2002. Methods Data collected between 1988 and 2002 were analyzed. Patients with International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, clinical modification, procedure codes for lung resection were included in the sample. Three 5-year time periods were created (1988 to 1992, 1993 to 1997, and 1998 to 2002) to simplify the temporal analysis. Changes in the prevalence of procedures, age, gender, race, length of care, mortality, disposition status, and distribution by hospital size were evaluated. Trends in procedure-related complications were analyzed. Results Between 1988 and 2002, a total of 512,758 lung resections were performed. Comparing the earliest to the most recent time period, we found increases in the average age (61.1 years [range, 1 to 89 years] vs 63.2 years [range, 1 to 91 years], respectively), in the proportion of patients who were female (40.1% vs 49.6%, respectively), and in the proportion of Medicare/Medicaid patients (43.8% vs 49%/4.7% vs 6.7%, respectively). Decreases in the average length of stay (12.9 days [range, 1 to 358 days] vs 9.1 days [range, 1 to 175 days], respectively) and in the proportion of patients discharged to their primary residence (86% vs 79.5%, respectively) were seen. The proportion of patients who had undergone lobectomies compared to other types of lung resection increased. Mortality rates were 5% vs 5.4%, respectively, while the frequency of complications decreased. Conclusion We identified temporal changes in lung resection surgery that may help in the construction of health-care policies to address the changing needs of and financial burdens on the health-care system.
Oxygen-17 and deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance studies of lysozyme hydration

Abstract Oxygen-17 and deuterium NMR studies of lysozyme hydration are reported for a wide range of lysozyme concentrations, and the relationship between water “activity” and water mobility in the lysozyme-water system as determined by high-field NMR is examined. In a first approximation, the effect of lysozyme activity on hydration is considered to be small because of the relatively low charge on lysozyme at pH 7 and the absence of salt in the lysozyme solutions. Correlation times are determined for tightly bound water, weakly bound water, and “multilayer” or trapped water in lysozyme at 20 °C. Hydration numbers are also determined for these three different water populations interacting with lysozyme. Good agreement is found between the hydration numbers determined by 17 O NMR and the calculations based on the D'Arcy and Watt analysis of water sorption isotherms for proteins that considered three major water populations in hydrated lysozyme. A molecular interpretation for the three components in the D'Arcy and Watt theory of sorption isotherms is also proposed on the basis of our NMR results. Previous proton NMR spin-echo results are shown to be consistent with our findings by 17 O NMR and support the view that there are at least four regions of distinct hydration behavior of lysozyme which span the whole range from solutions to solid powders.
Educational attainment and socio‐economic mobility within ethnic groups*

(1981). Educational attainment and socio‐economic mobility within ethnic groups. Ethnic and Racial Studies: Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 466-475.
Exaggerated norepinephrine-stimulated accumulation of cyclic AMP in vitro in cerebellar slices from pcd mutant mice following Purkinje cell loss

Norepinephrine caused in vitro an accumulation of cylic AMP in slices of the cerebellum from pcd mice which was 300 percent greater than in cerebella from age-matched, heterozygous, normal mice. Purkinje cells had disappeared in the pcd mice at the time when the exaggerated hormonal response was seen. The data indicate that high cyclic AMP accumulation can take place in cerebellar cells other than Purkinje cells.
Effect of radiation on the combustion rate in a condensed phase

Although combustion reactions of the solid-solid type are well-known as gas-solid or gas-gas reactions, they nevertheless are of technical importance. Industrial processes opposed the Soviet Union produce TiC and MoSi[sub 2] by condensed-phase combustion. This paper reports on this method of synthesis reflected SHS, which is actively researched in the US. Different models of condensed-phase combustion have been proposed by Novozhilov, Sivashinsky, and Puszynski. The only difference of these models is the way a reaction term is approximated. A shortcoming of these models is the omission of radiation. Typical combustion temperatures are between 1,800[degrees]C and 3,000[degrees]C, at which radiation plays a role. Varma et al. by including radiation at the surface of the sample as an additional mechanism of heat loss, found that radiative heat losses play a major role in SHS reactions. In this work, radiation was included as a additional mechanism for preheating. For the special case of an adiabatic pellet, the radiation effect on the propagation speed was determined.
The effect of ionizing radiation on various properties of newcastle disease virus

Abstract The effect of ionizing radiation, of various kinds, in the dry state on Newcastle Disease virus has been studied. The infectivity of the virus is removed if a deuteron or an α-particle passes within a sensitive area of 7.7 × 10−11sq. cm., which is equivalent to a circle of radius 495 A., in agreement with electron micrographs. The removal of infectivity by x-rays corresponds to a volume which is smaller than a spherical volume of this radius. The hemagglutinating ability of this virus is removed when a deuteron or an electron passes through one of two units of molecular weight roughly 220,000 and leaves there an amount of energy equivalent to four ion pairs. The ability to combine with antiserum which is then blocked from further virus combination can be removed by deuteron bombardment with just half the cross sections for agglutination. This corresponds to the inactivation of one of the two hemagglutinating units which constitute an appropriate pair of surface elements on the virus.
When Thoughts Turn Toward Nuclear War: Stress Responses, Coping Strategies, and the Importance of Trait Anxiety in Moderating Effects on “Mental Health”1

The present investigation attempted to link the concept of Nuclear Anxiety (NA) to theory and research on stress and coping, which would predict that person variables would be extremely important in determining the amount of anxiety precipitated by the hypothetical and ambiguous nature of nuclear war. In Part I of this study, 356 undergraduates were divided into high and low NA groups on the basis of state anxiety experienced while thinking about the threat of nuclear war. Groups were compared on five personality traits (trait anxiety, death anxiety, and three locus of control variables), two “mental health” indices (psychological well-being and expectancy for future goal attainment), five nuclear war-related attitudinal measures, nine nuclear threat orientations, nine strategies for coping with the threat, and a single behavioral measure of approach toward information about nuclear war. In Part II, the relationships between key explanatory variables were explored, and a preliminary model of Nuclear Anxiety was developed. Results revealed that the two NA groups differed on 22 of the 32 dependent measures, and that four variables (i.e., sustained [nuclear] concern, death anxiety, trait anxiety, and psychological well-being) were the best group discriminators. More importantly, path analysis revealed that trait anxiety rather than nuclear anxiety was the variable primarily controlling “mental health” status. Results are discussed with regard to the resiliency and adaptability of young people in dealing with the threat of nuclear war, intergroup differences in coping styles, and questions in need of further empirical attention.
Early Corrosion Detection in Prestressed Concrete Girders Using Acoustic Emission

AbstractLong-term corrosion tests were performed on prestressed T-girders measuring 4.98 m (16 ft, 4 in.). The test program was composed of four specimens, including one control. The specimens were subjected to wet/dry cycles using 3% NaCl solution to accelerate corrosion. Two of the specimens were precracked prior to conditioning to examine the effect of crack presence and/or width. The specimens were continuously monitored using acoustic emission (AE). Half-cell potential (HCP) measurements and linear polarization resistance (LPR) were performed daily to serve as a benchmark for corrosion detection. Acoustic emission can detect the onset of corrosion comparable in time to conventional electrochemical methods. Furthermore, AE intensity analysis has the ability to distinguish between different levels of corrosion. The specimens were load-tested to measure the residual capacity, which can give an indication of AE’s ability to detect corrosion damage before it affects the strength of prestressed structures.