cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perceived Fears: The Reporting Patterns of Juvenile Homicide in Chicago Newspapers

This article takes a social constructionist approach in examining the reporting patterns of juvenile homicide in two major daily newspapers:Chicago Tribune andChicago Sun-Times, from 1992 to 2000. The authors speculate that although juvenile homicide rates have steadily declined, the number of cases receiving media attention have increased. Also hypothesized is that the newspapers overreport certain atypical, newsworthy cases, which influence public perceptions and fear of crime. To test these hypotheses, a comparison is made between homicide cases that received newspaper coverage to those that did not receive any media exposure. Perceptions and fear of crime were measured with a mailed survey to Chicago residents. The findings suggest that the newspapers may be responsible for socially constructing an atypical image of juvenile homicide by overreporting cases involving females, Caucasians, and extremely young victims and offenders. Additionally, in examining the spatial distribution of the reporting patt...
Effect Of Quantization On Digitized Noise And Detection Of Low-Contrast Objects

We investigated the effect of quantization on the signal contrast, noise, and signal-to-noise ratio at three stages of the digital imaging chain, namely, acquisition, processing and display. Histogram analysis was performed for simple objects of constant magnitude superimposed on a uniform noisy background. After quantization, physical quantities, such as the signal contrast, noise and SNR, will vary depending on the fractional displacement of the quantization bin relative to the analog values. These physical quantities on average can provide information on the effectivenesss of a given A/D converter. As the rms value of the analog noise decreases, the various physical quantities become more sensitive to the effect of quantization. On average, the rms noise value after quantization will gradually increase as the quantization increment increases. The average SNR after quantization decreases initially as the quantization increment increases and then it misleadingly increases relative to the SNR prior to quantization. As quantization or further bit reduction becomes coarser, the noise Wiener spectrum will on average increase, and this increase will become relatively larger when the original noise data are obtained with higher x-ray exposures or larger sampling apertures. Image processing techniques allow for the potential increase in the number of bits in the image. However, the conventional CRT monitor is capable of only displaying 256 grey levels. At the display stage, though, observers may be able to detect signals having a contrast of less than a single display grey level due to the capability of the noise to carry the signal. However, in some cases, the potential of various processing techniques may be limited by the display device.
Energy of Convex Sets, Shortest Paths, and Resistance

Let us assign independent, exponentially distributed random edge lengths to the edges of an undirected graph. Lyons, Pemantle, and Peres (1999, J. Combin. Theory Ser. A86 (1999), 158?168) proved that the expected length of the shortest path between two given nodes is bounded from below by the resistance between these nodes, where the resistance of an edge is the expectation of its length. They remarked that instead of exponentially distributed variables, one could consider random variables with a log-concave tail. We generalize this result in two directions. First, we note that the variables do not have to be independent: it suffices to assume that their joint distribution is log-concave. Second, the inequality can be formulated as follows: the expected length of a shortest path between two given nodes is the expected optimum of a stochastic linear program over a flow polytope, while the resistance is the minimum of a convex quadratic function over this polytope. We show that the inequality between these quantities holds true for an arbitrary polytope provided its blocker has integral vertices.
Revisiting gender differences: What we know and what lies ahead☆

Abstract Efforts to identify and understand gender differences have a long history that has sparked lively debate and generated much public interest. Although understanding gender differences is pivotal to consumer researchers and marketers, investigations into this issue by such individuals have been few in number, often weak in theory, and rather limited in progress made. This paper strives to reinvigorate such inquiry. We begin by describing four major theories of gender differences (socio-cultural, evolutionary, hormone-brain, and the selectivity hypothesis) and then assess relevant research from 2000 to 2013 in marketing, psychology, and biomedicine. From this, five conclusions emerge: Males are more self-oriented, while females are more other-oriented; females are more cautious responders; females are more responsive to negative data; males process data more selectively and females more comprehensively; and females are more sensitive to differentiating conditions and factors. We conclude by identifying several areas of opportunity for advancing our understanding of gender differences.
Experimental Observations of the Chemistry of the SiO2/Si Interface

Changes in silicon surface preparation prior to thermal oxidation are shown to leave a signature by altering the final SiO2/Si interface structure. Surface analytical techniques, including XPS, static SIMS, ion milling, and newly developed wet-chemical profiling procedures are used to obtain detailed information on the chemical structure of the interface. The oxides are shown to be essentially SiO2 down to a narrow transitional interface layer (3-7 A). A number of discrete chemical species are observed in this interface layer, including different silicon bonds (e.g., C-, OH-, H-) and a range of oxidation states of silicon (0 ? +4). The effect of surface preparation and the observed chemical species are correlated with oxide growth rate, surface-state density, and flatband shifts after irradiation.
Effect of vitamin E deficiency and fasting on in vivo oxidation of C14-labeled compounds in rabbits.

Abstract The total production of CO 2 during 4 hr. and the recovery of C 14 in respiratory CO 2 after injection of 1-C 14 -labeled glycine, dl -leucine, dl -lysine, d -glucose, sodium acetate, and sodium palmitate have been determined in vitamin E-deficient and vitamin E-supplemented rabbits, and in rabbits fasted for 24, 48, and 72 hr. The recovery of C 14 from injected glycine-1-C 14 was increased after 24 and 48 hr. of fasting but returned to the prefasting level after 72 hr. of fasting. Fasting had no significant effect on C 14 recovery after injection of leucine-1-C 14 . The C 14 recovery from lysine-1-C 14 increased progressively with the duration of the fasting period. In fasting animals C 14 O 2 formation from glucose-1-C 14 was decreased, from palmitate-1-C 14 was increased, and from acetate-1-C 14 was unaffected. Vitamin E deficiency increased the recovery of respiratory C 14 from injected glycine-C 14 , leucine-C 14 , and lysine-C 14 . The deficiency had no effect on C 14 recovery from injected acetate-C 14 . A lowered recovery after glucose-C 14 injection and an increased recovery after palmitate-C 14 injection observed in most but not all of the E-deficient animals was attributable to the inanition seen in the severely dystrophic animals. Total CO 2 production was found increased in vitamin E-deficient animals if determined before the dystrophy became severe enough to impair food intake. The results indicate that vitamin E deficiency in rabbits increases the rate of oxidation of the three amino acids tested without affecting the rate of oxidation of the three non-amino acid compounds.
Effects of Propranolol and Epinephrine on the Electrophysiology of the Heart

Surface and intracellular electrograms and ventricular pressures were used to study the effects of epinephrine and propranolol on electrophysiological properties in the in situ heart of 21 anesthetized dogs. Five sec. after the infusion of epinephrine, the ST segment became slightly depressed. About 10 to 20sec. after epinephrine, the ST segment became elevated and the negative T wave became more inverted. Initially, the upward convexity of phase III of the membrane action potential deepened slightly. Phase II of the membrane action potential gradually decreased in amplitude and became prolonged in duration. Phase III of the membrane action potential increased slightly. The membrane resting potential remained almost unchanged. Intracellular electrographic changes due to epinephrine were of abnormal configuration. That epinephrine may cause anginal pain is well known. Propranolol inhibits epinephrine's effects on the electrophysiologic properties of the heart. It is thought that propranolol helps to relieve the pain of angina pectoris by decreasing cardiac work and by increasing coronary blood flow.
Lateral Stable Workspace of Hexapod Walking Machines With Constant Orientation Platform

Due to the importance of the workspace and stability in mobile robot dynamic control, a variety of workspace and stability criteria exist in the field of multi-legged and wheeled robotics. This paper presents a methodology for determining the stable workspace, the subspace of the workspace for which the system is considered stable. The presented derivation utilizes the normal foot force distribution of the system to determine stability and integrates the stability into the lateral workspace of a mobile machining hexapod robot. The analytical inequalities governing the boundary of the stable workspace are derived. A discussion on the effects of physical and geometrical characteristics of the hexapod robot on the stable workspace methodology is given. The stable workspace methodology is validated through a simulation and an application to mobile machining is presented.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Analysis of a Resistance-Capacitance Parallel-T Network and Applications

A resistance-capacitance parallel-T network is analyzed to find the conditions for a null in output and the transfer characteristic. Its use in the return circuit of a feedback amplifier is considered, and the bandwidth of the resulting tuned amplifier is found. The requirements for stability of the amplifier and for its use as an oscillator are discussed.
Ozone gas affects physical and chemical properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) starch

Abstract In this experiment, bread wheat flour and isolated wheat starch were treated with ozone gas (1,500 mg/kg at 2.5 L/min) for 45 min and 30 min, respectively. Starch was isolated from treated flour. Ozone treated starch and starch isolated from ozone treated flour had similar chemical and physical properties. Chemical analysis of starch isolates indicated depolymerization of high molecular weight amylopectins; with a subsequent increase in low molecular weight starch polymers as a result of starch hydrolysis. Ozone treatment resulted in elevated levels of carboxylic groups and decreased total carbohydrate content in amylopectin fractions. 1 H NMR results indicated formation of a keto group [(1→4)-3 keto] at the H-2 terminal (proton at C-2 position) and β-glucuronic acid at the H-1 terminal (proton at C-1 position). DSC transition temperatures and change in enthalpy were not affected by ozone treatment. Increased swelling power and RVA breakdown were observed in starch from ozone treated samples.
The Prepared Patient: Information Seeking of Online Support Group Members Before Their Medical Appointments

The authors examined online support group members' reliance on their Internet community and other online and offline health resources as they prepare for a scheduled medical appointment. Adult members of an online support group (N = 505) with an upcoming medical appointment completed an online questionnaire that included measures of illness perceptions, control preference, trust in the physician, and eHealth literacy; a checklist of actions one could take to acquire health information; and demographic questions. A factor analysis identified 4 types of information seeking: reliance on the online support group, use of other online health resources, use of offline health resources, and personal network contacts. Previsit information seeking on the Internet was extensive and typically augmented with offline information. Use of online health resources was highest among those who believed they had control over their illness, who attributed many symptoms and negative emotions to it, and who were more eHealth lit...
Mechanical modeling of failure in surface coatings

We present a computer model which allows us to explore the failure behavior of surface coatings. We use a quasi-static three-dimensional Lattice Spring Model coupled with the velocity Verlet algorithm to simulate surface coating on substrate systems. Fracture, elastic response, and shrinking are considered in our simulation method. The results provide a framework upon which the failure mechanisms of surface coatings can be investigated.
What do families want from well-child care? Including parents in the rethinking discussion.

OBJECTIVE: The content and systems surrounding well-child care have received increasing attention, and some propose that it is time to rethink both the delivery structure and central themes of well-child visits. A key, but largely missing perspective in these discussions has been that of parents, whose experiences and expectations are central to developing approaches responsive to family needs. In this study, we asked parents to address several core issues: why they attend well-child visits; aspects of well-child care that they find most valuable; and changes that could enhance the well-child care experience. METHODS: Twenty focus groups with parents ( n = 131 [91% mothers]) were conducted by using a semistructured interview guide. Verbatim transcripts were coded for key words, concepts, and recurrent themes. RESULTS: Primary reasons for visit attendance included reassurance (child and parent) and an opportunity to discuss parent priorities. Families valued an ongoing relationship with 1 clinician who was child-focused and respected parental expertise, but continuity of provider was not an option for all participants. Suggestions for enhancement included improved promotion of well-child care, greater emphasis on development and behavior, and expanded options for information exchange. CONCLUSIONS: As the consumers of care, it is critical to understand parents9 needs and desires as changes to the content and process of well-child care are considered. Taking into account the multifaceted perspectives of families suggests both challenges and opportunities for the rethinking discussion.
An investigation into the generalizability of quantitative structure—activity relationships developed for dihydropteridine reductase inhibitors

Abstract A set of eight quantitative structure—activity relationships (QSARs) have been developed to describe a set of dihydropteridine reductase inhibitors, which were derived from the structure of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. The QSARs use either nominal variables, interval variables, or a combination of nominal and interval variables. The nominal variables are categorical variables or indicators of the presence/absence of particular chemical structures. The interval variables are physicochemical properties of the analogues whose measures are the result of the variation in specific chemical structures. This study demonstrates how relatively qualitative trends in structure—activity data can be formulated into a QSAR using nominal variables to represent the trends. In turn, the nominal variables suggest trends in physicochemical properties, and measures of these properties, that is interval variables, can be used in place of the nominal variables to construct generalized QSARs.
Cobalt-catalyzed oxidative cleavage of semiquinones

Abstract The reactions of 3,5-di-t-butyl-o-benzosemiquinone and 9,10-phenanthrenesemiquinone with O2have been studied in the presence and absence of cobalt(II) complexes. The cobalt(II) complexes accelerate the oxygenation reactions which yield oxidative cleavage products. Based on the superior catalytic activity of cobalt Acctylacetonates relative to cobalt complexes known to bind O2, the role of the cobalt complex is proposed to be the facilitation of electron transfer from the semiquinone to the intermediate alkylperoxy radical, and not the activation of O2. 18O-labeling experiments show, the incorporation of oxygen; however, the products are a mixture of species having 0 – 4 labels incorporated. Such a pattern results from intermolecular scrambling pathways and contrasts with the clean labeling result observed in the Fe(NTA)-cataiyzed oxidative cleavage of 3,-5-di-t-butylcatechol.
Policies for Strengthening Markets for Recyclables: A Worldwide Perspective

Many national, regional, and local governments have introduced policies to encourage recycling. Their varied experiences allow examination of the effectiveness of alternative policy options. The conditions driving recycling, selection of pro-recycling policies, and recycling statistics are compared for 14 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Oceana. The best policy for any particular country is a function of practicality, affordability, and political and social acceptability. National programs with the highest recycling rates typically target both supply and demand through incentives that encourage source separation and recycled content, with regulatory measures used to close loopholes and provide minimum performance requirements.
On the solution of a stochastic bottleneck assignment problem and its variations

In this article, we study the stochastic version of the so-called bottleneck assignment problem. Our primary objective is to maximize the probability that the bottleneck value satisfies a specified target. Under general stochastic assumptions, we show that the solution in this case is easily obtained by solving a linear assignment problem. We next examine the situation where the target is to be minimized, given that the probability of satisfying the target exceeds a specified threshold. Finally, we address extensions to the original problem where a second objective is also considered.
Complex L2 calculations of bound states and resonances of HCO and DCO

Abstract We report new calculations of bound states and resonances of HCO and DCO for total angular momenta zero and 1, using a modified ab initio potential, which was previously adjusted to improve agreement with experiment for bound states of HCO. The method to calculate the resonances is based on a diagonalization of a complex Hamiltonian, which is given by the full-dimensional real Hamiltonian plus an optical potential. The new calculations focus on comparisons with new experiments on the bound states and resonances of DCO, as well as with previous and new experimental data on HCO bound states and resonances.
Vibrational relaxation of HCl in dilute CCl4 and CCl3 F solutions

ce:simple-paraicosecond infrared pump, spontaneous anti-Stokes Raman probe experiments determined the vibrational relaxation rates of HCl(ν = 1) dilute in liquid CCl 4 and CCl 3 F at T = 295 K to be (2.12 ± 0.14) × 10 8 s −1 and (1.57± 0.22) × 10 −1 , respectively. If the liquid phase data are interpreted in terms of the isolated binary collision model, the resultant deactivation probabilities are consistent with an extrapolation of gas phase results.
Challenging diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for leiomyosarcoma of inferior vena cava

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVCL) is a rare malignant tumour originating from the smooth muscle cells of the media with intra- or extra-luminal growth. The type of the lesion is further divided into three levels in relation to hepatic and renal veins respectively. The aim of this review was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of IVCL with special reference to the extent of its histological spread and to analyse the recent literature in order to provide an update on the current concepts of diagnostic and therapeutic management of this entity. IVCL's patients may present with non-specific complaints such as dyspnoea, malaise, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Haematogenous metastasis is frequent. At a later stage, IVCL may also spread through lymphatic. Multiple diagnostic imaging techniques have been proposed for accurate preoperative diagnosis, including Doppler ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), individually or in combination with cavography echocardiography or CT-guided biopsy. Despite recent research on the therapeutic strategies against IVCL, surgical resection appears the only potentially curative approach. Unfortunately, a mere minority of patients is eligible to undergo surgical intervention. In addition, surgical removal of IVCL does not necessarily guarantee patient's long-term survival. Alternative therapies, such as radio- and chemo-therapy often proved insufficient. Debate continues regarding the optimal management of the IVC after tumour resection, with primary repair, ligation and IVC reconstruction all have been utilized with varying success.
Formation of singularities in solutions to nonlinear hyperbolic equations

On etudie des systemes de lois de conservation hyperboliques et d'equations d'ondes completement non lineaires
Incidence of radiation pneumonitis after thoracic irradiation: Dose-volume correlates.

Purpose: To define clinical and dosimetric parameters correlated with the risk of clinically relevant radiation pneumonitis (RP) after thoracic radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: Records of consecutive patients treated with definitive thoracic radiotherapy were retrospectively reviewed for the incidence of RP of Grade 2 or greater by the Common Toxicity Criteria. Dose-volume histograms using total lung volume (TL) and TL minus gross tumor volume (TL-G) were created with and without heterogeneity corrections. Mean lung dose (MLD), effective lung volume (V eff ), and percentage of TL or TL-G receiving greater than or equal to 10, 13, 15, 20, and 30 Gy (V10–V30, respectively) were analyzed by logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to estimate RP predictive values. Results: Twelve cases of RP were identified in 92 eligible patients. Mean lung dose, V10, V13, V15, V20, and V eff were significantly correlated to RP. Combinations of MLD, V eff , V20, and V30 lost significance using TL-G and heterogeneity corrections. Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined V10 and V13 as the best predictors of RP risk, with a decrease in predictive value above those volumes. Conclusions: Intrathoracic radiotherapy should be planned with caution when using radiotherapy techniques delivering doses of 10 to 15 Gy to large lung volumes.
NMDA Receptors Mediate Lasting Increases in Anxiety-Like Behavior Produced by the Stress of Predator Exposure—Implications for Anxiety Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

It has been proposed that NMDA-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) of limbic system circuits controlling defensive behavior underlies stressor-induced lasting increases in anxiety-like behavior (ALB). Findings in cats given the stress-inducing beta-carboline, FG-7142, support this hypothesis. An animal model of lasting affective change following traumatic stress has recently been developed. In this model, lasting increases in anxiety-like behavior (ALB) assessed in the elevated plus maze are produced by a single 5-min exposure of a rat to a cat. Rats become more anxious in the plus maze for up to 3 weeks after the exposure. The present study demonstrates that blockade of NMDA receptors in rats with MK-801, AP7, or CPP, given 30 min prior to exposure to a cat, prevents the increase in ALB assessed 1 week later. MK-801 or AP7, given 30 min after exposure to a cat, do not prevent the increase in ALB seen 1 week later, however. MK-801, but not CPP or AP7, promotes approaches to cats during exposure. This "fearlessness" may reflect some anxiolytic action of MK-801. Approach to cats following injection of MK-801 was eliminated by prior injection of Prazosin. Prazosin did not interfere with the block of increases in ALB following cat exposure, however. These findings are consistent with the view that NMDA receptors are involved in initiation, but not maintenance of neural changes mediating lasting increases in anxiety following severe stress. The significance of these findings for PTSD are discussed.
Fate of single walled carbon nanotubes in wetland ecosystems

We report here the first studies addressing fate and transport of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in aquatic mesocosms. The experimental design was structured to study the impact of nanomaterials within a tightly controlled and highly instrumented wetland ecosystems (aka mesocosm) and to address questions including fate and transport, effect on community structure, effects on biogeochemical function, and effects on productivity of the ecosystem. We added well-dispersed CoMoCat SWNTs (cSWNT,0 = 2.5 mg L−1) to the water column of a wetland mesocosm and examined the resulting phase distribution over time. Rapid settling of SWNTs from the water column was observed within a period of 2 days (Cw,t/Cw,0 < 0.01) after spiking. Samples from all mesocosm compartments (e.g. aquatic/semi aquatic plants, biofilm, mosquitofish and sediment) were analyzed to evaluate the transport and fate of SWNTs in the ecosystem. SWNTs were quantified in organism and sediment extracts using near-infrared fluorescence spectroscopy (NIRF). This technique can be used to quantitatively detect SWNTs in sediment and biotic matrices at environmentally relevant concentrations (MDLwater 5 μg L−1 MDLsediment 0.5 μg g−1 MDLbiota 5 μg g−1 wet weight) and qualitatively characterize SWNT samples before and after the studies. Results indicated that rapid aggregation and settling of SWNT resulted in accumulation of SWNT in surficial sediment. Sediment concentrations were spatially variable across the mesocosm, and thus estimates of SWNT mass balance within the mesocosm ranged from 7–48%. No bioaccumulation of SWNT in aquatic plants or vertebrates was observed over the 10 month incubation. However, NIRF imaging analysis suggested that mosquitofish ingested SWNT-laden particles but that burdens of SWNTs were confined to gut contents and may have been rapidly eliminated.
Developing wide-field spatio-spectral interferometry for far-infrared space applications

Interferometry is an affordable way to bring the benefits of high resolution to space far-IR astrophysics. We summarize an ongoing effort to develop and learn the practical limitations of an interferometric technique that will enable the acquisition of high-resolution far-IR integral field spectroscopic data with a single instrument in a future space-based interferometer. This technique was central to the Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT) and Submillimeter Probe of the Evolution of Cosmic Structure (SPECS) space mission design concepts, and it will first be used on the Balloon Experimental Twin Telescope for Infrared Interferometry (BETTII). Our experimental approach combines data from a laboratory optical interferometer (the Wide-field Imaging Interferometry Testbed, WIIT), computational optical system modeling, and spatio-spectral synthesis algorithm development. We summarize recent experimental results and future plans.
Thermoelastic analysis of a Mooney-Rivlin slab under inhomogeneous shearing

Abstract In this paper the problem of shearing an infinite slab of Mooney-Rivlin material subjected to temperature differentials across its thickness is investigated employing a generalization of the classical Mooney-Rivlin model. Here, the properties that go into characterizing this nonlinear solid are assumed to depend on the temperature. Thus, in addition to satisfying the equilibrium conditions, the energy equation is also solved assuming Fourier's law of heat conduction. Results are displayed for isothermal and temperature dependent conditions in order to discuss the effect of the temperature on the appearance of “boundary layer” type of solution.
Laboratory Measurements of Void Fraction and Turbulence in the Bore Region of Surf Zone Waves

Laboratory measurements of the instantaneous free surface, horizontal velocity, and void fraction fluctuations were made simultaneously for three cases of regular waves breaking on a plane slope. The data were reduced by ensemble averaging to quantify the temporal variation of the turbulence intensity and void fraction above trough level in the aeration region of the breaking waves. The cross-shore location of the measurements was restricted to the transition region marked by a rapid decrease in wave height. The study showed that the maximum ensemble-averaged void fractions were between 15 and 20% and that the temporal variation of the normalized void fraction above the still water level could be modeled by linear growth followed by exponential decay. The temporal variation of void fraction above the still water normalized by the wave period and average void fraction appears to be self-similar.
Nanocarriers of fluorescent probes and enzymes

Cascade Blue, Sulforhodamine G and yeast alcohol dehydrogenase were encased inside nano-sized silicate shells and their absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometric properties, and the enzyme activity investigated. The stabilized molecules have potential in biosensors, drug delivery, and as recyclable catalysts. Cascade Blue and Sulforhodamine G were attached to 85 nm diameter colloidal gold, encased with silicate, and the gold core dissolved. Fluorescence quenched by the gold was recovered for both dyes, but the peak emission was red-shifted from that in water for Cascade Blue and blue-shifted for Sulforhodamine G. The excitation spectra of these dyes showed similar shifts, presumably reflecting their interaction with the shell interior. The spectrofluorometric results for alcohol dehydrogenase bound to 15 nm diameter colloidal gold were similar. The substrate ethanol and cofactor NAD were permeable to the silicate shell. Only 20% of enzyme activity of ADH was lost after binding to gold, and additional 20% lost by encasing with silicate. Subsequent rate of loss of activity was significantly lowered. This study demonstrated dyes and enzymes can be encased within silicate shells. Whether the shell protects these molecules from the environment, and how the thickness of silicate shells affects the rate of enzyme reactions remains to be investigated.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Do long range quantum phase fluctuations inhibit superfluidity in thin systems

Abstract The change in the phase of the order parameter along a constant cross-section superconductor carrying a constant current in an extensive quantity having an extensive mean square fluctuation. This fluctuation should not have outstanding physical consequences, which indicates that the concept of ODLRO may not apply here.
The Insanity Defense in Fact and Fiction: On Norval Morris's "Madness and the Criminal Law"

Of all problems concerning mental illness and the criminal law, the insanity defense has become the centerpiece. This is not surprising, as the defense is in many ways the acid test of our attitudes toward the insane and toward the criminal law itself. Our acceptance of the defense has denoted our acceptance of the principle that moral and legal guilt should be, to the greatest extent possible, coextensive. The trial of John Hinckley has also focused attention on the insanity defense, as the debate sparked by the verdict in that case continues to simmer in legislatures around the country. Therefore, although Norval Morris's book Madness and the Criminal Law treats a range of topics-proposals for the trial of those now found incompetent to stand trial, a philosophy for the sentencing of the mentally ill, and some general sentencing philosophy by way of background-it is Morris's advocacy of the abolition of the insanity defense that most intrigues me. Morris comments at one point in his discussion that it is just a matter of time until legislatures abolish the insanity defense (at 67). It is this proposition I would like to examine, for through it the perspective of the entire book is revealed.'
Neuronal migration defects in cerebellum of the Large myd mouse are associated with disruptions in Bergmann glia organization and delayed migration of granule neurons

TheLarge gene encodes a putative glycosyltransferase that is required for normal glycosylation of dystroglycan, and defects in either Large or dystroglycan cause abnormal neuronal migration. The mechanism for this effect is not fully understood. This study analyzes theLargemyd mouse cerebellum during postnatal cerebellar development. Large is shown to be expressed most strongly in the Bergmann glial cells and Purkinje cells throughout cerebellar development, which is similar to what is known for dystroglycan expression. Discontinuities of the pial surface of the developingLargemyd mouse cerebellum correlate with disruption of the normal organization of the external granule cell layer and Bergmann glial fibers. At early time points, granule neurons express differentiation markers normally, both temporally and spatially, and show no defects in neurite outgrowth inin vitro assays. However, granule neuron migration is delayed within the external granule and molecular layers, resulting in granule neurons undergoing their intrinsically programmed differentiation in inappropriate locations. Consequently, cells expressing mature granule neuron markers become stranded within these layers. The cause of the less efficient migration is likely due to both physical disruption of the glial-guide scaffolding, as well as to suboptimal neuronal-glial guide interactions during migration.
Fiber and pectin in the diet and serum cholesterol concentration in man.

SummaryRigidly controlled experiments on middle-aged men subsisting on diets of natural foods with and without supplements of 15 g daily of either cellulose(fiber) or pectin failed to show any significant effect on serum cholesterol concentration from the cellulose but they did consistently show an effect from the pectin. The pectin effect was apparent in 3 weeks and amounted to an average fall of about 5% below the level on the same diet without pectin supplement. It is suggested that the amounts of cellulose and pectin used correspond to the upper levels of these substances provided in natural human diets.
Morbid obesity in liver transplant recipients adversely affects longterm graft and patient survival in a single‐institution analysis

Abstract Objective The effects of obesity in liver transplantation remain controversial. Earlier institutional data demonstrated no significant difference in postoperative complications or 1‐year mortality. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that obesity alone has minimal effect on longterm graft and overall survival. Methods A retrospective, single‐institution analysis of outcomes in patients submitted to primary adult orthotopic liver transplantation was conducted using data for the period from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2012. Recipients were divided into six groups by pre‐transplant body mass index (BMI), comprising those with BMIs of 2 , 18.0–24.9 kg/m 2 , 25.0–29.9 kg/m 2 , 30.0–35.0 kg/m 2 , 35.1–40.0 kg/m 2 and >40 kg/m 2 , respectively. Pre‐ and post‐transplant parameters were compared. A P ‐value of Results A total of 785 patients met the study inclusion criteria. A BMI of >35 kg/m 2 was associated with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis ( P P = 0.002). There were no differences in operative time, intensive care unit or hospital length of stay, or perioperative complications. Graft and patient survival at intervals up to 3 years were similar between groups. Compared with non‐obese recipients, recipients with a BMI of >40 kg/m 2 showed significantly reduced 5‐year graft (49.0% versus 75.8%; P P Conclusions Obesity increasingly impacts outcomes in liver transplantation. Although the present data are limited by the fact that they were sourced from a single institution, they suggest that morbid obesity adversely affects longterm outcomes despite providing similar short‐term results. Further analysis is indicated to identify risk factors for poor outcomes in morbidly obese patients.
Regulation of ALF promoter activity in Xenopus oocytes.

Background In this report we evaluate the use of Xenopus laevis oocytes as a matched germ cell system for characterizing the organization and transcriptional activity of a germ cell-specific X. laevis promoter. Principal Findings The promoter from the ALF transcription factor gene was cloned from X. laevis genomic DNA using a PCR-based genomic walking approach. The endogenous ALF gene was characterized by RACE and RT-PCR for transcription start site usage, and by sodium bisulfite sequencing to determine its methylation status in somatic and oocyte tissues. Homology between the X. laevis ALF promoter sequence and those from human, chimpanzee, macaque, mouse, rat, cow, pig, horse, dog, chicken and X. tropicalis was relatively low, making it difficult to use such comparisons to identify putative regulatory elements. However, microinjected promoter constructs were very active in oocytes and the minimal promoter could be narrowed by PCR-mediated deletion to a region as short as 63 base pairs. Additional experiments using a series of site-specific promoter mutants identified two cis-elements within the 63 base pair minimal promoter that were critical for activity. Both elements (A and B) were specifically recognized by proteins present in crude oocyte extracts based on oligonucleotide competition assays. The activity of promoter constructs in oocytes and in transfected somatic Xenopus XLK-WG kidney epithelial cells was quite different, indicating that the two cell types are not functionally equivalent and are not interchangeable as assay systems. Conclusions Overall the results provide the first detailed characterization of the organization of a germ cell-specific Xenopus promoter and demonstrate the feasibility of using immature frog oocytes as an assay system for dissecting the biochemistry of germ cell gene regulation.
Immunization with host-type CD8α+ dendritic cells reduces experimental acute GVHD in an IL-10-dependent manner

Little is known about the role of active immunization in suppressing undesirable immune responses. Because CD8α+ dendritic cells (DCs) suppress certain immune responses, we tested the hypothesis that immunization of donors with host-derived CD8α+ DCs will reduce host-specific donor T-cell responses. BALB/c T cells from the animals that were immunized with B6 CD8α+ DCs demonstrated, in vitro and in vivo, significantly reduced proliferation and secretion of inflammatory cytokines but showed enhanced secretion of interleukin-10 (IL-10). The responses against third-party and model antigens were preserved demonstrating antigen specificity. The in vivo relevance was further demonstrated by the reduction on graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in both a major histocompatibility complex–mismatched clinically relevant BALB/c → B6 model and major histocompatibility complex–matched, minor-mismatched C3H.SW → B6 model of GVHD. Immunization of the donors that were deficient in IL-10 (IL-10−/−) or with CD8α+ DCs from B6 class II (class II−/−) failed to reduce T-cell responses, demonstrating (1) a critical role for secretion of IL-10 by donor T cells and (2) a direct contact between the T cells and the CD8α+ DCs. Together, these data may represent a novel strategy for reducing GVHD and suggest a broad counterintuitive role for vaccination strategies in mitigating undesirable immune responses in an antigen-specific manner.
A real-time closed-loop solution method for a class of nonlinear differential games

This correspondence presents a method for generating near-optimal closed-loop solutions to fixed time differential games with unconstrained controls by periodically updating the solution to the two-point boundary-value problem obtained by the application of the necessary condition for a saddle-point solution. This method should permit the real-time closed-loop solution of this class of games using a digital or hybrid computer.
Low-cost controller for multi-axes stepper motors

Abstract Power integrated circuit controller/driver-based multi-axes stepper motors areextensively used in industry and other market sectors. Previously suggested techniques and existing commercially available full circuit controller boards employ complete set of commercially available driver/controller chips for each stepper motor. This paper describes how it is possible, to use a single controller chip and multi-driver chips to design a controller for simultaneous and independent control of multi-axes stepper motors. The controller circuit is supported with multi-task and efficient algorithms. The proposed controller circuit surpasses the existing controller boards in terms of its lower power consumption, low cost, and compact size. The software developed and the hardware testing were done using the EV87C51 FB Development System Board with the Orental stepper motor PH264-0213.
Ground-water dams created by faulting of alluvial sediments in the hurricane fault-zone, Utah

Ground-water dams are recognized in the unconsolidated sediments of two intermontane valleys in southwestern Utah. Parowan Valley is about 30 miles long and has a general northeasterly trend; Cedar City Valley lies west and south of Parowan Valley, is somewhat larger, and has a more nearly north-south trend. Great accumulations of boulders, gravel, sand, and clay have been brought into both valleys by the streams that drain the surrounding highlands, and the valleys have become topographic basins whose lowest parts are occupied by lakes or dry alkali flats, rimmed on all sides with the alluvial fans and cones that have been formed by the streams tributary to the valleys. Ground-water occurs principally in these unconsolidated sediments, and in both valleys a large proportion of the irrigated lands is dependent upon water pumped from wells.
A fresh look at interocular grouping during binocular rivalry.

Abstract During binocular rivalry, observers sometimes perceive one complete visual object even though component features of that perceptually dominant object are distributed between the two eyes and are in rivalry against other, dissimilar features. This interocular grouping cannot be explained by models of rivalry in which one eye or the other is completely dominant at any given moment. But perhaps global interocular grouping is achieved by simultaneous local eye dominance, wherein portions of one eye’s view and complementary portions of the other eye’s view become dominant simultaneously. To test this possibility, we performed two experiments using relatively large, complex figures as rival targets. In one experiment we used an “eye-swap” technique to confirm that within given, local spatial regions of rivalry it was the region of an eye––not a given stimulus feature––that was usually dominant. In a second experiment, we measured dominance durations for multiple, local zones of rivalry and then created 1-min animations of a global “montage” in which dominance within local regions was governed by the distributions of dominance measured empirically. These animations included significant periods of time during which global interocular grouping was evident; observers viewed these animations intermixed with actual rivalry displays, and the resulting tracking data confirmed the similarity in global dominance of the two display types. Thus interocular grouping during rivalry does not rule out local, eye-based rivalry, although synergistic and top-down influences almost certainly provide additional force in the promotion of interocular grouping.
Diastereoselective Syntheses of Chroman Spiroketals via (4 + 2) Cycloaddition of Enol Ethers and o-Quinone Methides

A variety of chroman spiroketals are synthesized via inverse-demand [4 + 2] cycloaddition of enol ethers and ortho-quinone methides (o-QMs). Low temperature o-QM generation in situ allows for the kinetic, diastereoselective construction of these motifs, providing entry to a number of unusual chroman spiroketal natural products.
Evaluation of delayed neurotoxicity and dose-response relationships of phosphate esters in the adult hen

Abstract An oral multipledose technique in hens was developed to determine the neurotoxic potential of a series of triaryl-, trialkyl-, and alkyl-aryl phosphates. This potential was estimated by observation of abnormal behavioral signs and always verified by histological examination. This procedure permits dose titration of an active material to quantify dose-response relationships. Initial evaluation of a series of phosphates for neurotoxicity yielded three active materials: tricresyl phosphate, cresyl diphenyl phosphate, and o-isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that their neurotoxic potential differed markedly. The following conclusions regarding structure-activity relationships may be drawn from this study: (1) Phosphates prepared from o-alkyl-substituted phenols frequently are neurotoxic; however, the o-alkyl group must contain at least one hydrogen atom on the α-carbon for activation. (2) The neurotoxic potency of active o-alkyl-substituted phosphates declines with increased mass and branching of the o-substituent. (3) Neurotoxicity is reduced by further substitution in the ring already containing an o-substituent. (4) A series of unsymmetrical phosphates containing an alkyl group in the p-position of one ring are not neurotoxic even though they contain hydrogen atoms on the α-carbon. (5) p-Tertiary-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate, with no hydrogen on the α-carbon available for activation, does not produced delayed neurotoxicity.
Feasibility of healing delaminations in an AS4/PEEK composite plate

This paper describes the study carried out to determine the possibility of healing an AS4/PEEK composite plate that was impacted at a low velocity to create the delaminations. Images of the AS4/PEEK composite plates were obtained prior to the impact, to ensure it is free of any gross defects that could have been imparted during the manufacturing of the composite plate. A drop-weight was used to impact the composite plate at a low velocity and the incident energy of impact was maintained at 2.26 ft-lb. Interior images of the composite plates were obtained after the impact and prior to healing by a C-scan imaging system. The healing process was conducted at controlled temperature and pressure. The healed specimens were imaged again by the C-Scan imaging system. The results obtained by analyzing the images show a reduction in the size of the delaminations.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.