cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial relationships and competition in a Chilean desert cactus

In the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, cacti of the genus Copiapoa occur in extensive, relatively dense, monospecific stands. The spatial distribution patterns within several stands of Copiapoa cinerea v. columna-alba were analyzed for evidence of competitive interactions among individuals. There was no indication that competition was affecting stand density. Mean annual precipitation is only 25 mm/yr, but estimates of maximum possible water use within a stand were much lower. It was shown that the time between rainstorms is long compared to the water storage capacity of the plant stems, especially in the case of small individuals. We conclude that population densities in Copiapoa are limited by the difficulty of establishment, not by competition.
Wavelet analysis of dynamical processes in cirrus

Vertical air velocity observations obtained from the NASA DC-8 on 21 April 1996 are analyzed using wavelet and spectral analysis methods. Wavelet analysis yielded a very useful characterization of the complex dynamical structures encountered above, below and within the cirrus clouds observed on this flight. Intermittent small groups of apparent gravity waves were found at length scales ranging from 2 km to greater than 40 km. Within the cloud, patches of convective cells were also found. The hierarchy of dynamical structures was well discriminated by the analysis.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Controllers: Mechanisms of Durable Virus Control in the Absence of Antiretroviral Therapy

Chronic viral infections can appear in two very different forms: those that are typically immunologically contained after acute symptomatic infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and those that predictably lead to persistent viremia and progressive clinical disease. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is typical of the latter and has resulted in more than 20 million deaths worldwide. Here we review a remarkable subset of persons infected with HIV who are able to achieve long-term control of viremia and avoid immunodeficiency without the need for antiviral therapy. We review the contributing role of host genetic factors, innate and adaptive immune responses, and viral factors that may contribute to this phenotype. These individuals indicate that as with other potentially pathogenic chronic viral infections, the human immune system is able to fully control HIV and prevent HIV-associated disease, at least in some individuals. Further understanding of the mechanisms whereby this occurs should yield critical insights for prophylactic and therapeutic antiviral interventions.
Further structure–activity relationship studies on 8-substituted-3-[2-(diarylmethoxyethylidenyl)]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives at monoamine transporters

The synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 8-substituted-3-[2-(diarylmethoxyethylidenyl)]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives were investigated at the dopamine transporter(DAT), the serotonin transporter (SERT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET). The rigid ethylidenyl-8-azabicyclic[3.2.1]octane skeleton imparted modestly stereoselective binding and uptake inhibition at the DAT. Additional structure-activity studies provided a transporter affinity profile that was reminiscent of the structure-activity of GBR 12909. From these studies, the 8-cyclopropylmethyl group has been identified as a unique moiety that imparts high SERT/DAT selectivity. In this study the 8-cyclopropylmethyl derivative 22e (DAT Ki of 4.0 nM) was among the most potent compounds of the series at the DAT and was the most DAT selective ligand of the series (SERT/DAT:1060). Similarly, the 8-chlorobenzyl derivative 22g (DAT Ki of 3.9 nM) was found to be highly selective for the DAT over the NET (NET/DAT: 1358).
Allograft acceptance despite differential strain-specific induction of TGF-beta/IL-10-mediated immunoregulation.

We examined the immune approaches that C57BI/6 and BALB/c mice take when treated to accept cardiac allografts. C57Bl/6 mice accept DBA/2 cardiac allografts when treated with gallium nitrate (GN) or anti-CD40L mAb (MR1). These allograft acceptor mice fail to mount donor-reactive delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses, and develop a donor-induced immunoregulatory mechanism that inhibits DTH responses. In contrast, BALB/c mice accept C57BI/6 cardiac allografts when treated with MR1 but not with GN. These allograft acceptor mice display modest donor-reactive DTH responses, and do not develop donor-induced immune regulation of DTH responses. Real-time PCR analysis of rejecting graft tissues demonstrated no strain-related skewing in the production of cytokines mRNAs. In related studies, C57Bl/6 recipients of cytokine and alloantigen educated syngeneic peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) failed to mount DTH responses to the alloantigens unless neutralizing antibodies to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β were present at the DTH site demonstrating regulation of cell-mediated alloimmune responses. In contrast, BALB/c recipients of cytokine-and alloantigen-educated PECs expressed strong DTH responses to alloantigens demonstrating a lack of regulated alloimmunity. In conclusion, C57BI/6 mice respond to immunosuppression by accepting cardiac allografts and generating TGF-β-related regulation of donor-reactive T cell responses, unlike BALB/c mice that do not generate these regulatory responses yet still can accept cardiac allografts.
State-level women’s status and psychiatric disorders among US women

Although greater gender equality at the state-level is associated with fewer depressive symptoms in women after controlling for individual-level confounders, the extent to which state-level women’s status is related to psychiatric disorders in women and gender differences in psychopathology has never been examined. We examined these associations in the current report. We used data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (n = 34,653), a national probability sample of US adults. Respondents completed structured diagnostic assessments of DSM-IV psychiatric disorders. We used generalized estimating equations to examine associations between four state-level indicators of women’s status (political participation, employment/earnings, social/economic autonomy, and reproductive rights) and odds of 12-month mood and anxiety disorders among women. We also tested whether women’s status predicted the magnitude of gender differences in psychiatric disorders. State-level political participation, employment/earnings, and social/economic autonomy were unrelated to odds of 12-month mood and anxiety disorders among women. However, the prevalence of major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder was lower in states where women have greater reproductive rights (OR 0.93–0.95), controlling for individual-level risk factors. None of the women’s status indicators predicted gender differences in mood and anxiety disorder prevalence. State-level women’s status was largely unrelated to mood and anxiety disorders in women or to gender differences in these disorders. Investigation of social factors that play a role in shaping the distribution of individual-level risk factors that are associated with gender disparities in psychiatric disorders represents an important avenue for future research.
Left coronary ostial stenosis: comparison with left main coronary artery stenosis.

Abstract We compared 147 consecutive patients who had left coronary ostial stenosis with 254 consecutive patients who had left main coronary artery stenosis treated with coronary artery bypass grafting. Mean age for the left main group was 61.6 years versus 59.7 years for the left ostial group ( p = not significant [NS]). In the left ostial group, 43.5% were female and in the left main group, 12% ( p p p p p p p = NS). Perioperative infarction occurred in 8.6% of patients with left main stenosis and 4.7% of patients with left ostial stenosis ( p = NS). Mean follow-up was 6.1 years for the left main group and 5.4 years for the left ostial group. Cumulative survival for the left main group and the left ostial group, respectively, was as follows: 1 year, 94.6% and 91.8% ( p = NS); 5 years, 85.6% and 83.1% ( p = NS); and 10 years, 74.2% and 66.4% ( p = NS). Angina recurred in 38.9% of the patients with left main stenosis and 23.0% of patients with left ostial stenosis ( p p
Immigration Control as a (False) Security Measure

US immigration policy as defined during the administration of George W. Bush was the result of a moral panic against two categories of immigrants: Latin Americans who cross the Mexican border clandestinely in search of work and Muslims and Arabs whom the administration defines as potential terrorists. The policy harms both groups and threatens national security. Antiterrorist measures are counterproductive because they create sympathy to terrorism in law-abiding Muslim and Arab immigrants; border control measures are counterproductive because, far from deterring illegal immigration, they encourage longer stays, family migration, and dispersion throughout the USA, and endanger the lives of those entering the country through inaccessible and dangerous border areas.
Identification of Dihydroceramide Desaturase as a Direct in Vitro Target for Fenretinide

The dihydroceramide desaturase (DES) enzyme is responsible for inserting the 4,5-trans-double bond to the sphingolipid backbone of dihydroceramide. We previously demonstrated that fenretinide (4-HPR) inhibited DES activity in SMS-KCNR neuroblastoma cells. In this study, we investigated whether 4-HPR acted directly on the enzyme in vitro. N-C8:0-d-erythro-dihydroceramide (C(8)-dhCer) was used as a substrate to study the conversion of dihydroceramide into ceramide in vitro using rat liver microsomes, and the formation of tritiated water after the addition of the tritiated substrate was detected and used to measure DES activity. NADH served as a cofactor. The apparent K(m) for C(8)-dhCer and NADH were 1.92 ± 0.36 μm and 43.4 ± 6.47 μm, respectively; and the V(max) was 3.16 ± 0.24 and 4.11 ± 0.18 nmol/min/g protein. Next, the effects of 4-HPR and its metabolites on DES activity were investigated. 4-HPR was found to inhibit DES in a dose-dependent manner. At 20 min, the inhibition was competitive; however, longer incubation times demonstrated the inhibition to be irreversible. Among the major metabolites of 4-HPR, 4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-oxo-4-HPR) showed the highest inhibitory effect with substrate concentration of 0.5 μm, with an IC(50) of 1.68 μm as compared with an IC(50) of 2.32 μm for 4-HPR. N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)retinamide (4-MPR) and 4-Oxo-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)retinamide (4-oxo-4-MPR) had minimal effects on DES activity. A known competitive inhibitor of DES, C(8)-cyclopropenylceramide was used as a positive control. These studies define for the first time a direct in vitro target for 4-HPR and suggest that inhibitors of DES may be used as therapeutic interventions to regulate ceramide desaturation and consequent function.
Cellular Automata designs for out of plane Nanomagnet Logic

This paper demonstrates Cellular Automata (CA) designs from out of plane Nanomagnetic Logic (NML). We show that the regular, low-interconnection structure of CAs enables magnetologic designs, where the beneficial characteristics of NML devices (compact, low power operation) can be fully exploited. We also demonstrate how CA rules can be modified to result in fabrication-friendly NML layouts.
Modeling and design methodology for metal-insulator-metal plasmonic Bragg reflectors

In this paper, we present a modeling and design methodology based on characteristic impedance for plasmonic waveguides with Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) configuration. Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) simulations indicate that the impedance matching results in negligible reflection at discontinuities in MIM heterostructures. Leveraging the MIM impedance model, we present a general Transfer Matrix Method model for MIM Bragg reflectors and validate our model against FDTD simulations. We show that both periodically stacked dielectric layers of different thickness or different material can achieve the same performance in terms of propagation loss and minimum transmission at the central bandgap frequency in the case of a finite number of periods.
COMMUNITY SERVICES: COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACULTY PERCEPTIONS AND PARTICIPATION

This study determined full‐time faculty members’ perceptions of and involvement in community services at community colleges in Ohio. A total of 249 full‐time faculty responded to the survey instrument representing 83.0% of the total sample. Data were analyzed by either the t test or the one‐way analysis of variance and Scheffe's post hoc analysis. Results showed that involvement in planning and teaching within community services seem to be a key factor relative to how full‐time faculty perceive community services activities. Moreover, certain personal and professional characteristics of full‐time faculty members seem to influence their attitudes toward and their involvement in community services.
A simple device to facilitate rapid blood sampling in small animals.

SummaryA device has been described which facilitates rapid, timed sampling of arterial blood in the rat. This device is especially useful for definition of plasma disappearance curves of various injected compounds.
Metazoan arasites of fish from the Smallwood Reservoir, Labrador, Canada

Three-hundred and thirty-two fish of eight species (5 Salmo salar, 68 Salvelinus fontinalis, 32 S. namaycush, 102 Coregonus clupeaformis, 1 Prosopium cylindraceum, 107 Esox lucius, 14 Catostomus catostomus, 3 Couesius plumbeus) from the Smallwood Reservoir, Labrador, Canada, were examined for metazoan parasites, using conventional parasitological techniques. Fifteen genera of parasites were recovered (two of Monogenea, two of Digenea, four of Cestoda, three of Nematoda, two of Acanthocephala and two of Copepoda), these including seven new host records. Significant differences were noted in the prevalence of the various parasites which were common to the different species of fish examined. No differences were recorded in the parasite burden of male and female fish. There was no correlation between the number of parasite species per infected fish and host age except in the case of Salvelinus namaycush. Food items of the fish examined were also noted.
Cross-reacting material produced by lac deletion mutants of Escherichia coli K12

Abstract Material which cross-reacted immunologically with antiserum to β-galactosidase (β- d -galactoside galactohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.23) was demonstrated in strains of Escherichia coli K12 which carried deletions of the structural gene z. These cross-reacting materials very likely correspond to partial chains of β-galactosidase, and, in two cases, may correspond to hybrid peptides composed partially of β-galactosidase and partially of another protein. The regulation of the cross-reacting material was examined and was found to agree with genetic predictions.
“State administration” vs. self-government in the Slovak and Czech Republics

Under the central planning institutions of communism in Czechoslovakia, local governments were largely just symbolic and did not enjoy self-determination. The national party made all decisions impacting local governance; at the local level, central agents commissioned to perform “state administration” (statni sprava) implemented these decisions. This was strict hierarchical management with complete central government control over local decisions. Central planning in Czechoslovakia collapsed two decades after the Prague Spring of 1968. The Warsaw Pact invasion of Prague brought the hopes of that spring to an end by the restoration of the regime’s dictatorial control, but in 1989 the central planning regime did finally disappear. That enabled a renaissance of local self-government (samosprava) in Czechoslovakia.
The Potential of U.S Forest Soils to Sequester Carbon and Mitigate the Greenhouse Effect.

J.M. KIMBLE, LINDA S. HEATH, RICHARD A. BIRDSEY, and R. LAL (ed.) CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 2002. Hardback, 429 p. $159.95. ISBN 1-56670-583-5. This book on forest soils is the third in a series, with the first two books focusing on the potential of U.S. cropland and grazing lands to sequester C.
Coronary arteriovenous fistula and myocardial infarction due to trauma

Abstract A patient with myocardial infarction and a communication between the right coronary artery and right atrium due to shell fragment trauma has been described. The presence of the coronary arteriovenous fistula was demonstrated by aortography, and later documented during heart surgery. The first surgical procedure was unsuccessful, but obliteration of the fistula was achieved by the second operation.
Generating multiple images for integrated circuits by Fourier-transform holograms

A new technique of generating multiple images for integrated circuits is described in detail. The technique is based on the Fourier-transform property of lenses. A Fourier-transform hologram of an array of point sources forms the basis for generating multiple images and determines the array of images to be formed.
An Examination of Happiness, Racism, and Demographics on Judgments of Guilt

A policy-capturing study was conducted to evaluate the roles of both plaintiff and defendant race and gender on judgments of criminal guilt in either an assault or a theti case. It was hypothesized that defendant gender and race would affect likelihood of guilt ratings. Moreover, mock jurors' dispositional happiness, scores of modern racism, and race and gender were explored as potential influences on their decision-making policies and judgments. As predicted, strong support was found for the role of defendant gender on judgments of guilt. However, defendant race did not significantly impact guilt ratings. Post hoc analses revealed the importance of race and gender of the victim to juror decisions. In addition, participants' own race and gender played signiticant roles in the decisionmaking policies that were produced. Limitations of the study are discussed. as are topics for future research.
Gender and collective memory: Women and representation at Auschwitz

This research examines the representation of women at Auschwitz. Based on fieldwork at the museum/memorial at the death camp site, the study explores the complex ways in which women's experiences are recalled through gendered narratives that reify traditional representations of women as either suffering mothers and/or sexual possessions of the perpetrators. Drawing on the methods of visual sociology in ethnographic study, the imagery in photographs, sculptures and artifact installations is analyzed to reveal patterns of gendered memory that have become characteristic of Holocaust museum culture. The findings of the research raise significant questions for the social construction of gendered memories of atrocity and genocidal histories. In particular, the study suggests that, as nations and groups seek to accurately recall and remember mass violence against women, traumatized societies must be wary of creating visual and public narratives that promote voyeurism and exploit the memory of the dead.
cDNA clones from meiotic-specific poly(A)+ RNA in Lilium: Homology with sequences in wheat, rye, and maize

Poly(A)+RNA transcripts were prepared from Lilium microsporocytes at stages spanning premeiotic interphase through pachytene. Transcripts were also prepared from somatic tissues of the anthers. The transcripts were reverse transcribed and cDNA clones prepared using pBR322 as a vehicle. Thirteen clones derived from the most abundant meiotic transcripts which were unique to the meiocytes were selected for study as meiotic-specific clones. The cloned inserts contained repeated sequences shared by at least eleven of the cDNAs. When hybridized to restriction digests of total DNA, the hybrids showed a complexity of sequence associations. The cDNAs were found to be homologous with DNA sequences from wheat, rye, and maize. Despite the complexity of sequence associations, melting curves of the hybrids formed between the cloned inserts of lily and wheat DNA indicated a high degree of sequence conservation.
A Study of the Lagged Response Effect in the Indian IT Industry

The purpose of this paper is to study the nature of information technology issues and trends in less developed countries, and compare and contrast them with those in developed countries. We propose a framework, called the lagged response effect, for predicting and justifying the differences. The lagged response effect is based on technological and economic interactions between a developed and a less developed country. We propose several hypotheses on the various effects of these interactions. These are tested with empirical data obtained through questionnaires, published literature, and interviews with executives in the information technology sector of the Indian industry.
Clean air act and acid precipitation receiving increased attention

In 1990 the U.S. Congress passed Title IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments, which was intended to reduce the adverse effects of acid deposition by reducing emissions of the acid precursors,sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (Nox). Passage of Title IV was a response to the findings of a decade of research performed in large part through the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP), which concluded that acid deposition posed a current and future threat to vulnerable forest and aquatic ecosystems [NAPAP, 1991].Now,with reauthorization of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments scheduled for 2000, Congress is considering several bills that would further reduce emissions to ensure the restoration of damaged ecosystems. Title IV requires a 10 million ton per year reduction in SO2 emissions below 1980 levels by 2010 and establishes a national cap of 8.95 million tons per year on utility emissions by 2010. Atmospheric sulfur deposition began to decline in the late 1970s as a result of energy conservation and provisions of the Clean Air Act of 1980. Since implementation of Phase I of Title IV in 1995, SO2 emissions have dropped from more than 20 million tons per year in the early 1990s to 18.3 million tons in 1995 [NAPAP, 1998].Consequently, reductions in atmospheric sulfur deposition have accelerated throughout the United States since 1995.
Variations in Rates of Hospitalization of Children in Three Urban Communities

Hospitalization accounts for a large portion of the expenditures for child health care, and differences in the rate of hospitalization may produce important variations in the cost of that care. We studied the rates of hospitalization in Boston, Rochester (N.Y.), and New Haven (Conn.) in 1982. We assigned the risk of hospitalization in Rochester a score of 1.00. Boston children were hospitalized at more than twice the rate of Rochester children for most medical diagnostic categories (relative risk, 2.65; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.53 to 2.78), and the rate for the New Haven group was intermediate (relative risk, 1.80; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.68 to 1.93). Rates of inpatient surgery differed less (Boston relative risk, 1.12; New Haven relative risk, 0.93). The relative risks of hospitalization (as compared with Rochester children) for Boston and New Haven children, respectively, were 3.8 and 2.3 for asthma, 6.1 and 2.9 for toxic ingestions, and 2.6 and 2.7 for head injuries. Fractures of the femur, appendicitis, and bacterial meningitis (conditions uniformly treated in the hospital) had similar rates of hospitalization across the three cities, but the relative risk of hospitalization for aseptic meningitis was 3.7 in Boston. The rates of hospitalization of children in all three communities were below the national averages in 1982. Although this study does not define the reasons for the variation in rates of hospitalization, it is possible that they were related in part to differences in socioeconomic status or access to primary care. The implications of these data for the cost and quality of pediatric care therefore remain to be determined.
Comparison of linear system solvers applied to diffusion-type finite element equations

Various iterative methods for solving the linear systems associated with finite element approximations to self-adjoint elliptic differential operators are compared based on their performance on serial and parallel machines. The methods studied are all preconditioned conjugate gradient methods, differing only in the choice of preconditioner. The preconditioners considered arise from diagonal scaling, incomplete Cholesky decomposition, hierarchical basis functions, and a Neumann-Dirichlet domain decomposition technique. The hierarchical basis function idea is shown to be especially effective on both serial and parallel architectures.
The generalizability of cardiovascular responses across settings.

Abstract The generalizability of cardiovascular reactivity change scores remains largely unsupported. In previous studies, several factors differed between laboratory and field, making poor lab-to-life correlations difficult to interpret. The present study varied only one parameter between the lab and field: setting. In this study, 24 females were studied on four occasions: twice in the lab (to provide test–retest reliability); once in a classroom; and once at home. After a baseline, subjects performed a math task, while blood pressure and heart rate were monitored. Procedures were identical in all sessions. Blood pressure changes were fairly reliable between the two lab sessions, with rs values 0.68 (systolic) and 0.62 (diastolic pressure); however, lab/nonlab correlations were lower (0.47 for SBP; 0.38 for DBP). This suggests that even a minor variation in procedure, such as a change in setting, can affect generalizability; other lab–field differences may have an even greater impact.
Effects of Dietary Calcium and 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol on the Development of Tibial Dyschondroplasia in Broilers During the Starter and Grower Periods

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine whether dietary 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2 D3] can prevent tibial dyschon-droplasia in broiler chickens throughout the growing period when withdrawn from the grower diet. The birds were reared in floor pens with pine shavings to 6 wk in Experiment 1 and 5 wk of age in Experiment 2. Calcium was fed at .65 or 1.00% and 1,25-(OH)2 D3 was fed at 0 or 5 μ g/kg to 3 wk of age. Half the birds consuming 1,25-(OH)2 D3 were then fed 0 μ g/kg until the end of the experiments. The higher level of calcium decreased the incidences of tibial dyschon-droplasia and severe lesions and increased bone ash. Dietary 1,25-(OH)2 D3 increased bone ash at both levels of calcium at 3 wk and the end of the experiments when supplemented for the duration of the studies. When 1,25-(OH)2 D3 was fed, tibial dyschondroplasia was reduced in Experiment 2 only at 3 wk. Tibial dyschondroplasia was decreased at 5 wk in Experiment 2 when .65% calcium was fed with or without 1,25-(OH)2 D3 from 3 to 5 wk of age. There were no treatment effects on plasma calcium, dialyzable phosphorus, or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Plasma 1,25-(OH)2 D3 was decreased at 3 and 5 wk in Experiment 2 when 1.00% calcium was fed. The results of Experiment 2 suggest that 1,25-(OH)2 D3 can prevent tibial dyschondroplasia caused by inadequate calcium when fed for only 3 wk. The bone ash observed when 1.00% dietary calcium is fed is equal to that obtained when 5 μg/kg l,25-(OH)2 D3 is fed with .65% calcium for the entire growout period.
Hatchery practices in relation to early embryology of the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta (Linné)

The developmental biology of the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta curetta (Linne), was investigated in the field on Ossabaw Island (Georgia), and in the laboratory. Hatching success in wild, untouched nests was 0%; for successfully transplanted nests it was 75.8%; for nests transported to a hatchery tent, 72%; while for those transported to the laboratory and incubated under controlled conditions it was 95%. Mean clutch sizes and incubation times are presented. Gross inspection of unhatched hatchery eggs showed > 90% fertility in the nests. Using laboratory eggs, we find that sea turtle development closely follows that described for the freshwater turtle Chelydra serpentina (Linne). Early fusion of the amnion with the chorionic membrane is evident, and disruption of the organization of these extra-embryonic membranes may be related to decreased viability and the low hatch rates reported for hatchery conditions.
The University of Florida's next-generation cryogenic infrared focal plane array controller system

The Infrared Instrumentation Group at the University of Florida has substantial experience building IR focal plane array (FPA) controllers and seamlessly integrating them into the instruments that it builds for 8-meter class observatories, including writing device drivers for UNIX-based computer systems. We report on a design study to investigate implementing an ASIC from Teledyne Imaging Systems (TIS) into our IR FPA controller while simultaneously replacing TIS's interface card with one that eliminates the requirement for a Windows-OS computer within the instrument's control system.
Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with sub-selective transcatheter arterial oily chemoinfusion.

Abstract Transarterial therapy for primary liver cancer is gaining more acceptance. The technique of transarterial treatment of such cancers is, however, quite varied. To determine the value of our approach, we analyzed our experience with transarterial oily chemoinfusion (TOCI) of primary liver cancer over a 4.9-year period. Since 1997, over 300 such procedures have been performed at our institution. We report the results of the first 253 procedures, which were performed using a subsegmental technique with a mixture of doxorubicin, cisplatin, ethiodol, with selective Gelfoam embolization. Actuarial survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were calculated with Kaplan-Meier and multivariate analysis was performed by Cox regression. The median overall survival was 28.6 ± 4.5 months following diagnosis. By univariate analysis, TNM clinical stage I or II, Karnofsky score above 80%, absence of extrahepatic disease, absence of vascular invasion, unifocal disease, pretreatment α-fetoprotein levels less than 500 ng/ml, hypervascularity of lesions, and lesion size less than 5 cm were all strong predictors of favorable patient survival at 1, 2, and 3 years (75%, 60%, and 50% respectively). Based on our experience, TOCI with selective embolization has similar survival benefit as the traditional chemoembolization but is associated with fewer complications. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
The myth that justices strategically retire

Abstract Epstein, Segal, Spaeth, and Walker (1996) argue that “a justice of advanced age enjoying relatively good health may be more prone to retire if the incumbent president is likely to appoint an [ideologically] acceptable replacement.” “Conversely, a justice of advanced age suffering health problems may attempt to postpone retirement,” if an ideologically inappropriate president is in power. Thirty-three justices left the Court since 1937. Twelve of these did so prior to an “advanced age” (i.e., age 70). Of the remaining 21, eight left during the incumbency of an ideologically congruent president and only two of these justices, Burger and Powell, might have strategically retired. In short, the claim that the justices strategically retire is a myth.
Implicit and explicit attitudes to high- and low-calorie food in females with different BMI status

The study compared implicit and explicit attitudes to three types of foods (high-calorie non-sweet HCNS, high-calorie sweet HCS and low-calorie LC) among females varying in BMI status. Eight three participants completed an affective priming task (implicit attitudes), followed by explicit rating of food images. The results of ANOVA showed a significant difference in implicit attitudes to different types of food, F(3,246)=3.90, p<.01 and the difference among BMI groups (F(6, 213)=2.15, p<.05). The implicit attitudes to HCS were positive in the healthy-weight and overweight groups but negative in obese; the reversed pattern was revealed in attitudes to HCNS. All groups showed negative implicit attitudes to LC foods. The ANOVA performed on explicit ratings revealed a significant effect of food type (F(3,213)=22.54, p<001) but no interaction between food type and BMI status. All participants rated HCNS significantly lower than HCS and LC foods. Our results indicate dissociation in implicit and explicit attitudes to foods among BMI groups, especially in attitudes to HCNS and HCS foods.
The succinic dehydrogenase of Trypanosoma cruzi

Abstract Cell free extracts of Trypanosoma cruzi were prepared which show succinic dehydrogenase activity as measured by oxygen uptake in the presence of methylene blue and by the reduction of cytochrome c .
Age-Related Deficits in Spatial Memory and Hippocampal Spines in Virgin, Female Fischer 344 Rats

Effects of aging on memory and brain morphology were examined in aged, 21-month-old, and young, 4-month-old, Fischer 344 female rats. Spatial memory was assessed using the object placement task, and dendritic spine density was determined on pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus following Golgi impregnation. Consistent with previous studies, aged females showed poorer object placement performance than young subjects. Young subjects significantly discriminated the location of objects with a 1.5-hour intertrial delay while aged subjects did not. Spine density of basal dendrites on CA1 pyramidal cells was 16% lower in the aged subjects as compared to the young subjects. No differences in spine density were found between young and aged subjects in basal dendrites of CA1 or in either dendritic field of CA3 pyramidal neurons. Thus, decreased hippocampal CA1 dendritic spine density in aged rats may contribute to poorer spatial memory as compared to young rats. The possibility that the neuroplastic changes observed in this study may pertain only to female subjects having had a specific set of life experiences is discussed. Different factors, such as reproductive status, diet, and handling may contribute to neuroplasticity of the brain during aging; however, this view requires further examination.
Gender inequality in academic medicine in Japan.

Dear SirAccording to the latest Japanese Ministry of Health survey, women comprise 18.9% of all physicians and 35.9% of physicians under 30 years old in Japan. Despite increasing number of women ph...
The initial oxidation of aluminum thin films at room temperature

Abstract Thin film and ultra-high-vacuum techniques have been utilized in fabricating uncontaminated, atomically clean, aluminum surfaces in order to characterize the initial low temperature, low pressure oxidation kinetics of aluminum. The kinetics were followed gravimetrically by the quartz crystal microbalance technique and the aluminum-aluminum oxide surface was examined by utilizing electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. It has been found that the kinetics of oxygen uptake associated with the initial oxidation stage cannot be adequately described by present chemisorption theory. An oxygen uptake model based on an “incorporation-chemisorption” transition is proposed to explain the “stable layer” associated with the aluminum oxygen reaction at room temperature. The kinetics of uptake associated with the incorporation reaction is characterized as a zero order reaction with an oxygen sticking coefficient of approximately 0.03. In contrast, the kinetics of the chemisorption range cannot distinguish between dissociative chemisorption or immobile molecular adsorption on adjacent vacant sites. The proposed “incorporation-chemisorption” model is consistent with low energy electron diffraction, resistivity and contact potential difference measurements previously reported in the literature and removes the apparent ambiguities regarding the interpretation of the initial oxygen uptake measurements.
Steady-State growth of budding yeast populations in well-mixed continous-flow microbial reactors

Abstract A population-balance mathematical model of microbial growth in a flow reactor is formulated which incorporates an asymmetric-division, budding-cycle model of coordinated cell and nuclear division cycles for the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Analytical solutions are obtained for limiting nutrient and cell-number concentrations in the reactor as functions of basic cell cycle parameters. Frequency functions for cell mass and DNA content in the resident yeast population are also derived under different assumptions concerning cell mass and DNA synthesis and bud scar accumulation. These results, which correspond to experimentally observable medium and population variables, provide new bases for evaluating budding-yeast-cell cycle models and for deducing kinetics of mass and DNA synthesis in single cells growing in steady-state, asynchronous populations.
Edmulmeatus grandis : an extraordinary new genus and species of Baetidae (Insecta : Ephemeroptera) from Madagascar

Edmulmeatus grandis, n. gen. et n. sp. (Ephemeroptera : Baetidae) est decrit a partir de larves recoltees a l'Est de Madagascar. Le genre se distingue essentiellement par sa capsule cephalique relativement tres developpee, ses grandes mandibules robustes dotees d'une armature specialisee, et ses branchies, implantees sur les segments abdominaux 2 a 7 seulement. Les mandibules relativement massives suggerent un regime trophique larvaire inhabituel, comparativement aux autres Baetidae, probablement de type macrovore-herbivore, adapte a sectionner et a broyer les elements vegetaux. Il est possible qu'Edmulmeatus soit apparente aux autres genres Afrotropicaux et Baetidae possedant deux rangees de denticules aux griffes tarsales.
TIM degradation in flip chip packages

The main purpose of the thermal interface material (TIM) is to conduct the heat from the die surface to the Ni finish Cu heat spreader. The key requirement for a reliable package is TIM thermal conductivity or thermal interfacial resistance and bond line thickness (BLT). Additional important parameters are modulus, ability to either be dispensed, low volume manufacturing (LVM) or screened, HVM (high volume manufacturing). To achieve these requirements, the TIM formulation focuses on filler type, size, loading, etc. Typically low modulus gel and grease type TIM are Ag or Al filled. Fillers are designed for high-performance, and high power processor applications. The cross-linking properties of gel or grease type TIM should have enough strength so it can comfortably overcome delamination or pump-out issue during highly accelerated package reliability testing (highly accelerated stress test (HAST), high temperature storage (HTS), and Temperature Cycle "B" condition (TCB)). Most of the package designers focus on the thermal issues for TIM performance evaluation, characterization, and formulation, but there is not much literature available on TIM degradation during actual package reliability tests. Costly gel and grease type materials have very good thermal properties, but during actual package reliability test gel or grease type material may perform poorly due to excessive voiding, pump-out, and other degradation issues. In this study, besides high-performance and costly gel and grease type TIM, low cost adhesive based TIMs are also studied. Comprehensive material and package characterization was done to select a low cost, reliable TIM for low and medium power flip chip application.
Illegal Behavior, Neighborhood Context, and Police Reporting by Victims of Violence

Objectives. To assess (1) if robberies and assaults are less likely to be reported when the victim is engaged in crime and if this relationship can be explained by characteristics of the incident, victim, or the victim’s neighborhood and (2) if neighborhood context moderates the effects of offending on reporting. Methods. The data include 832 victimizations reported in the Pittsburgh Youth Study (PYS). All data are self-reported except neighborhood disadvantage and crime rates, which were measured using census data and police records, respectively. Data are analyzed using random intercept models. Findings. Victimizations are less likely to be reported when the victim is more involved in crime and this relationship is not fully explained by characteristics of the victim, incident, or the victim’s neighborhood. The effect of offending on reporting is stronger for incidents in which the victim resided in a high-crime or disadvantaged neighborhood. Conclusions. Victims' offending is an important correlate of ...
A Critical Review of Quantitative Analyses of Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: Lessons for Practice and Research

Increased recognition of the unique needs of children exposed to domestic violence (CEDV) is evidenced by the evolving knowledge base on this issue. The breadth of quantitative research that exists has laid a foundation upon which to build effective time-limited intervention strategies. Still, intervention research in this area has yet to move toward advanced practice models. Definitional and methodological limitations have also impeded knowledge advancement. This paper uses a novel approach to critically review 5 quantitative meta- and mega-analyses on the effects of childhood exposure to domestic violence. Research and practice implications derived from these quantitative analyses that may assist child welfare professionals, domestic violence advocates, and researchers interested in providing effective intervention and services to CEDV are discussed. KEY WORDS: children, domestic violence, child abuse, maltreatment, critical review
Machine listening: acoustic interface with ART

Recent developments in machine listening present opportunities for innovative new paradigms for computer-human interaction. Voice recognition systems demonstrate a typical approach that conforms to event oriented control models. However, acoustic sound is continuous, and highly dimensional, presenting a rich medium for computer interaction. Unsupervised machine learning models present great potential for real-time machine listening and understanding of audio and sound data. We propose a method for harnessing unsupervised machine learning algorithms, Adaptive Resonance Theory specifically, in order to inform machine listening, build musical context information, and drive real-time interactive performance systems. We present the design and evaluation of this model leveraging the expertise of trained, improvising musicians.
Diffraction studies from minerals to organics: lessons learned from materials analyses

In many regards the study of materials and minerals by powder diffraction techniques are complimentary, with techniques honed in one field equally applicable to the other. As a long-time materials researcher many of the examples are of techniques developed for materials analysis applied to minerals. However in a couple of cases the study of new minerals was the initiation into techniques later used in materials-based studies. Hopefully they will show that the study of new minerals structures can provide opportunities to add new methodologies and approaches to future problems. In keeping with the AXAA many of the examples have an Australian connection, the materials ranging from organics to battery materials.
ACCURATE TIME-LINKED DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM FIELD DEPLOYMENT AND OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE^

The Accurate Time-Linked Data Acquisition System (ATLAS) became fully operational on the Long-term Inflow and Structural Test (LIST) turbine at Bushland, Texas in May of 2000. In the LIST configuration, one data acquisition unit is mounted on the rotor and two additional acquisition units are mounted near the base of the turbine. All communication between the rotor unit and the ground is via telemetry. Data acquisition on all three units is synchronized (within +/- 1 microsecond) by slaving the units to universal time with the Sandia-developed Programmable Accurate Time Synchronization Module. A total of 74 channels of instrumentation is monitored by the three acquisition units. Data acquisition occurs at a 30 Hz rate for a continuous data throughput of over 35,000 bits per second, resulting in over 2 GB of ASCII data per day. Implementation of the system is discussed and operational experience is reviewed.
Design and characterization of an electromagnetic energy harvester for vehicle suspensions

During the everyday usage of an automobile, only 10–16% of the fuel energy is used to drive the car—to overcome the resistance from road friction and air drag. One important loss is the dissipation of vibration energy by shock absorbers in the vehicle suspension under the excitation of road irregularity and vehicle acceleration or deceleration. In this paper we design, characterize and test a retrofit regenerative shock absorber which can efficiently recover the vibration energy in a compact space. Rare-earth permanent magnets and high permeable magnetic loops are used to configure a four-phase linear generator with increased efficiency and reduced weight. The finite element method is used to analyze the magnetic field and guide the design optimization. A theoretical model is created to analytically characterize the waveforms and regenerated power of the harvester at various vibration amplitudes, frequencies, equilibrium positions and design parameters. It was found that the waveform and RMS voltage of the individual coils will depend on the equilibrium position but the total energy will not. Experimental studies of a 1:2 scale prototype are conducted and the results agree very well with the theoretical predictions. Such a regenerative shock absorber will be able to harvest 16–64 W power at 0.25–0.5 m s − 1 RMS suspension velocity.
Examination of planning under uncertainty algorithms for cooperative unmanned aerial vehicles

Cooperation is essential for numerous tasks. Cooperative planning seeks actions to achieve a team’s common set of objectives by balancing both the benefits and the costs of execution. Uncertainty in action outcomes and external threats complicates this task. Planning algorithms can be generally classified into two categories: exact and heuristic. In this research, an exact planner, based on Markov decision processes, and a heuristic, receding horizon controller are evaluated in typical planning problems. The exact planner searches for an optimal policy with global contingencies, while the heuristic controller sequentially approximates the global plans over local horizons. Generally, the two planners trade mission and computational performance. Although the results are limited to specific problem instances, they provide characterizations of the algorithms’ capabilities and limitations. The exact planner’s policy provides an optimal course of action for all possible conditions over the mission duration; however, the algorithm consumes substantial computational resources. On the other hand, the heuristic approach does not guarantee optimality, but may form worthy plans without evaluating every contingency. On a fullyobservable battlefield, the planners coordinate a team of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to obtain a maximum reward by destroying targets. Stochastic components, including UAV capability and attrition, represent uncertainty in the simulated missions. For a majority of the examined scenarios, the exact planner exhibits statistically better mission performance at considerably greater computational cost in comparison to the heuristic controller. Scalability studies show that these trends intensify in larger missions that include increasing numbers of UAVs and targets. Additionally, sensitivity trials are used to capture each algorithm’s robustness to real world planning environments where planners must negotiate incomplete or inaccurate system models. The mission performances of both methods degrade as the quality of their system models worsen.