cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond Relational Demography: Time and the Effects of Surface- and Deep-Level Diversity on Work Group Cohesion

We examined the impact of surface-level (demographic) and deep-level (attitudinal) diversity on group social integration. As hypothesized, the length of time group members worked together weakened the effects of surface-level diversity and strengthened the effects of deep-level diversity as group members bad the opportunity to engage in meaningful interactions.
A partially overlapping grain model for gas—solid reactions

Abstract A mathematical model is presented for gas—solid reactions occurring in porous media with a structure represented by a population of spherical dense grains, each having a hard core and a soft permeable shell. The development of the model is based on the scaled-particle approximation for the structural properties, porosity and surface area, of structures of partially permeable spheres and the randomly overlapping grain model of Sotirchos and Yu. A detailed parametric sensitivity analysis of the partially overlapping grain model is carried out, and its flexibility is demonstrated by applying it to a set of experimental data for the ZnO-H 2 S reaction. The results that the extent of grain overlapping has a strong influence on the variation of the reactivity of a solid of given porosity and internal surface area, which depends in a complex fashion on the intraparticle or product layer diffusional limitations.
Kaposi's sarcoma and its oral manifestations.

Abstract Within the past thirty years, eleven cases of Kaposi's sarcoma have been diagnosed and treated at the Veterans Administration Hospital in the Bronx, New York. The oral mucosa was involved in three of these cases. A discussion of Kaposi's sarcoma is presented, followed by a case report of an unusual intraoral manifestation of the disease.
An integrative model of expert system verification and validation

Abstract Many small to medium size expert systems are developed without written specifications or a development methodology. This often results in verification and validation being performed in an ad hoc manner toward the end of the development process. This paper presents a development model, based on Boehm's spiral model, that integrates verification and validation into development stages. The model is loose and adaptable, and suited to small system development.
IDENTIFICATION BY IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE OF EOSINOPHIL GRANULE MAJOR BASIC PROTEIN IN LUNG TISSUES OF PATIENTS WITH BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

To clarify the role of the eosinophil in asthma, tests were done to find out whether eosinophil granule major basic protein (MBP) is present at sites of epithelial damage in cases of asthma; this protein is toxic to respiratory epithelium and its levels are raised in the sputa of patients with asthma. The test used was an indirect immunofluorescence test, and the specimens tested were formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lung tissue obtained post mortem from patients with asthma and from control patients who had died of other diseases. The antiserum used was specific for MBP because it stained only eosinophils in the peripheral blood and because its activity was removed by absorption with MBP. Both controls and asthmatic patients had MBP in the cells, but patients dying of status asthmaticus also had extracellular MBP in mucus plugs, on damaged epithelial surfaces, and in necrotic areas below the basement membrane. Patients who had died of other diseases associated with severe asthma also had extracellular MBP in mucus plugs and on damaged epithelial surfaces. The results suggest that MBP in the eosinophil granule is released into respiratory tissue of patients with severe asthma and that it is associated with tissue damage.
Midwave infrared stimulated emission from a GaInSb/InAs superlattice

Use of a cracked Sb source and a postgrowth anneal procedure has been found to yield significant improvements in optical efficiencies of GaInSb/InAs superlattices grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Appreciable 5 μm band‐to‐band luminescence has been observed at room temperature, and stimulated emission at 3.2 μm has been demonstrated in an optically pumped structure. Intrinsic properties of this class of superlattices favor them for application as efficient infrared lasers operating at comparatively high temperatures.
Interactions of dextran sulfate polymers with aqueous chromium(III) species

Abstract Precipitation phenomena in aqueous Cr(III) salt-sodium dextran sulfate (SDexS) systems were studied at 25 and 75°C. At the lower temperature a Cr 3+ -dextran sulfate complex of stoichiometric composition yielded coacervate droplets at the mole ratio of sulfate groups on the polymer to weighed-in Cr(NO 3 ) 3 less than 3. The coacervate dissolved in the presence of an excess amount of NaNO 3 . At higher polymer-to-chromium(III) ratios, no phase separation took place. Similar phenomena were observed in chrom alum-SDexS systems. At 75°C, chromium hydroxide particles of submicron size formed in systems containing 4 × 10 −4 M chrom alum (or chromium nitrate) and less than 0.01 wt% SDexS. A gel-like phase appeared at SDexS concentrations between 0.01 and 0.024 wt%, but no precipitation took place at still higher polymer contents.
An abundance analysis of two carbon-rich proto-planetary nebulae: IRAS Z02229 + 6208 and IRAS 07430 + 1115

In this paper, we present an LTE abundance analysis of two new proto-planetary nebulae, IRAS Z02229 + 6208 and IRAS 07430 + 1115, based on high-resolution (R approximately equal 55,000) optical echelle spectra. Results show that both stars are metal-poor ([Fe/H] = -0.5) and overabundant in C, N, and s-process elements. The average elemental abundances are [C/Fe] = +0.8, [N/Fe] = +1.2, and [s-process/Fe] = +1.4 for IRAS Z02229 + 6208, and [C/Fe] = +0.6, [N/Fe] = +0.4, and [s-process/Fe] = +1.6 for IRAS 07430+ 1115. These abundances suggest that the stars have experienced nucleo-synthesis on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB), and the resultant products of CNO, 3alpha, and s-process reactions were brought to the photosphere during shell flashes and deep mixing episodes during the AGB phase of their evolution. Of major significance is the measurement of a high Li abundance in both stars, log epsilon(Li) approximately equal 2.3 and 2.4 for IRAS Z02229 + 6208 and IRAS 07430 + 1115, respectively. This may be the result of hot bottom burning, below the deep convective zone. We also present an analysis of the circumstellar molecular (C2 and CN) and atomic (Na I and K I) absorption spectra of both stars. We derive rotational temperatures, column densities, and envelope expansion velocities using molecular C2 Phillips and CN Red system bands. The values derived for expansion velocities, 8-14 km/s, are typical of the values found for post-AGB stars. IRAS 07430+ 1115 is unusual in that it shows P Cygni-shaped C2 emission profiles in the spectra of the circumstellar envelope. A minimum distance for IRAS Z02229+6208, determined from interstellar Na I lines, suggests that it is evolved from an intermediate-mass star. Including these two stars, the number of post-AGB stars for which clear C, N, and s-process elemental overabundances are found rises to eight. IRAS Z02229 + 6208 is known to possess the 21 micron emission feature in its mid-infrared spectrum; these results support the idea that all 21 micron emission stars are carbon-rich post-AGB stars.
Energy, momentum and mass outflows and feedback from thick accretion discs around rotating black holes

Using long-duration general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of radiatively inefficient accretion discs, the energy, momentum and mass outflow rates from such systems are estimated. Outflows occur via two fairly distinct modes: a relativistic jet and a sub-relativistic wind. The jet power depends strongly on the black hole spin and on the magnetic flux at the horizon. Unless these are very small, the energy output in the jet dominates over that in the wind. For a rapidly spinning black hole accreting in the magnetically arrested limit, it is confirmed that jet power exceeds the total rate of accretion of rest mass energy. However, because of strong collimation, the jet probably does not have a significant feedback effect on its immediate surroundings. The power in the wind is more modest and shows a weaker dependence on black hole spin and magnetic flux. Nevertheless, because the wind subtends a large solid angle, it is expected to provide efficient feedback on a wide range of scales inside the host galaxy. Empirical formulae are obtained for the energy and momentum outflow rates in the jet and the wind.
Naturally occurring retroviruses (RNA tumor viruses). II.

This is the first of two papers describing the naturally occurring retroviruses (RNA tumor viruses). Here, the general properties of these viruses and the biology of the fish, reptilian, chicken, and mouse retroviruses are described. In the next issue of Cancer Investigation the biologic properties of the cat, cattle, primate, and newly discovered human retroviruses will be discussed.
Microelectrode records from a cockroach thoracic ganglion: Synaptic potentials and temporal patterns of spike activity☆

Abstract 1. 1. E.p.s.p.s and i.p.s.p.s † were recorded from cells in the cockroach third thoracic ganglion, using microcapillary electrodes filled with 3 M KCl. 2. 2. Spike response patterns indicating complex integrative activities at the single cell level were also recorded.
Effects of an Agricultural Drainwater Bypass on Fishes Inhabiting the Grassland Water District and the Lower San Joaquin River, California

Abstract The Grassland Bypass Project, which began operation in September 1996, was conceived as a means of diverting brackish selenium-contaminated agricultural drainwater away from canals and sloughs needed for transporting irrigation water to wetlands within the Grassland Water District (the Grasslands), Merced County, California. The seleniferous drainwater is now routed into the San Luis Drain for conveyance to North Mud Slough and eventual disposal in the San Joaquin River. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the Grassland Bypass Project has affected fishes in sloughs and other surface waters within and downstream from the Grasslands. During September–October 1997, 9,795 fish representing 25 species were captured at 13 sampling sites. Although several species exhibited restricted spatial distributions, association analysis and cluster analysis failed to identify more than one fish species assemblage inhabiting the various sites. However, seleniferous drainwater from the Sa...
Novel use of symmetries in linear phase digital filters

The author presents several unconventional methods for the exploitation of symmetries in 1-D and 2-D linear phase finite impulse response (FIR) filters. In comparison with conventional methods, not only the number of multiplications is reduced, but the number of additions is also significantly reduced. The number of delay units remains minimum. Efficient filter structures are derived as a consequence. >
Adrenal responsiveness in lactating holstein cows.

Abstract Ten Holstein cows, in second to fifth lactation, received 200 IU adrenocorticotrophin at approximately 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40 wk of lactation. Blood samples were collected from indwelling jugular catheters at −60 and 0min pre-injection and at 2, 6, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180, 240, 360, 540, and 720min post-injection. Post-injection concentrations of glucocorticoids were influenced by milk yield, stage of lactation, age, and mean environmental temperature but not by pre-injection concentration of glucocorticoids or days pregnant. As milk yield, cow age, and daily temperature (range 6.4 to 26.9C) increased, glucocorticoid response decreased whereas it increased with advancing stage of lactation. Curves of adrenal response for the six injection times during lactation were not parallel, and average responses adjusted for significant independent variables increased roughly in linear fashion from 15 to 53ng/ml between 4 and 40 wk of lactation. Adrenal responsiveness was less in cows injected on days when temperatures were above 21.1C than in those injected below this temperature. There was no evidence that adrenal function or milk production was altered in high producing cows at higher environmental temperatures differently from in low producing cows. The change in adrenal function during advancing lactation was not associated with pre-treatment peripheral plasma glucocorticoid concentrations which did not change. There appears to be a well maintained adrenal potential and sustained adrenocortical activity thorughout lactation.
Quasi-self-imaging using aperiodic sequences

Fields with discrete, equally spaced longitudinal spatial frequencies are known to reproduce periodically on propagation. This self-imaging phenomenon is the result of an equalization of the phases acquired by the propagating plane-wave modes. I interpret the self-images as resulting from the presence of sharp peaks in the axial point-spread function and show that the formation of self-images and quasi-self-images does not require a longitudinal periodicity in the spectrum. The necessary condition for quasi-self-imaging is that the longitudinal frequencies form a discrete set resulting from the projection of a periodic lattice of a higher dimension. This leads to periodic, interlaced periodic, or aperiodic sequences that can be used to synthesize periodic self-imaging or aperiodic quasi-self-imaging fields. The effect is analyzed theoretically and demonstrated experimentally.
Preschool teachers' questioning in sociodramatic play

Abstract This descriptive study used sequential analysis to examine preschool teachers’ use of questions as they participated in their children's sociodramatic play and the children's responsiveness to their teachers’ questions. Eleven teachers in a Head Start program were videotaped while the teachers interacted with their children in the classrooms’ dramatic play center. The analyses indicated that the majority of the teachers used more closed-ended than open-ended questions and that the children were more verbally responsive to open-ended questions than to closed-ended questions in two play modes, pretend- and non-pretend-play modes. In addition, the children responded more frequently to both kinds of questions, open-ended and closed-ended, than to their teachers’ non-question comments or prompts. The findings suggest a need for a future study investigating teachers’ questions in children's sociodramatic play in various play contexts.
Giant electro-optic effect of PMN-33%PT single crystals under proper AC electric field bias

In this paper, electro-optic properties of 0.67Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )0 3 -0.33PbTiO 3 (PMN-33%PT) single crystals under proper AC bias are reported. It is found that PMN-33%PT has an extremely large linear electro-optic coefficient, r 33 ~9800 pm/V under proper AC bias. Besides this huge electro-optic coefficient, PMN-33%PT crystals also have very good optical quality and the random scatterings caused by the multiple domains can be totally removed by the AC bias. Furthermore, unlike KTN, PMN-PT has a much higher phase transition temperature (~175°C), which is sufficiently away from the room temperature so that a good thermal stability can be achieved. The combinations of giant electro-optic coefficient, good optical quality, and high thermal stability may make PMN-33%PT the best electro-optic material among all electro-optic crystals developed so far, which could revolutionize applications of electro-optic crystals to telecommunications, medical imaging, et al. This research may also help to understand the mechanism underlying the ultrahigh performance of this new generation of single crystal materials (e.g., PZN-PT, PMN-PT) via the interaction between crystal internal structures and external AC electric field, which may stimulate further interest in the fundamental theory of ferroelectrices under changing electric field that could direct improving the quality of existing ferroelectric crystals and developing new ferroelectric crystals.
Abstract 2961: The N-terminal projection domain of the microtubule associated protein tau inhibits TNFα signaling.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFα) is a multifunctional pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in inducing both tumor promotion and tumor inhibition. This paradoxical effect can be partly explained by the fact that TNFα acts as a regulator of both proliferation and apoptosis; however the mechanisms and factors associated with how or whether a tumor cell responds to a microenvironment rich in TNFα have not been fully resolved. Here we provide evidence that the microtubule associate protein Tau inhibits TNFα signaling through its N-terminal domain and implicate it as a novel regulator of the cellular response to this key cytokine. Our findings indicate that over-expression of Tau in the human breast cancer cell lines MCF7, SkBr3 and in the pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 suppresses TNFα induced apoptosis evident in the control cells. TNFα induced cell apoptosis in control cells is triggered as early as 6 hrs post-treatment with hallmark features of cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, disruption of tubulin architecture and caspase-3 activation. While over-expression of wild type full length Tau isoform in these cell lines, completely abrogates all TNFα associated apoptotic phenotypes. Aside from inhibiting TNFα induced apoptosis, Tau over-expression also interferes with TNFα induced NFκB activation. This is evident by a significant decrease in NFκB nuclear translocation in Tau over-expressed cells compared to controls. Suppression of TNFα signaling by Tau is not associated with its tubulin interaction since a truncated N-terminal projection domain lacking all microtubule binding domains still provides resistance to TNFα induced apoptosis and NFκB activation. These findings lead us to conclude that the functional domain of Tau that regulates TNFα response lies within its N-terminal region and current mechanistic studies indicate this region inhibits TNFα receptor clustering, which is needed for signaling. Our data provide direct evidence that the N-terminal domain of the microtubule associated protein Tau can inhibit TNFα signaling in tumor cells. These findings indicate a novel function for Tau and add to our knowledge of how a tumor cell responds to TNFα signaling. Citation Format: Shawon Debnath, Peter Hannon, Kristina Toropova, Nelson Nunez Rodriguez, Alejandra Alonso, Jimmie Eugene Fata. The N-terminal projection domain of the microtubule associated protein tau inhibits TNFα signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2961. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2961 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.
Coronary blood flow in dogs with contractile dysfunction due to experimental volume overload.

BACKGROUNDAbnormalities in coronary blood flow are responsible for stress-induced reductions in contractile function in pressure overload hypertrophy. Less is known about coronary blood flow in volume overload. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that coronary blood flow abnormalities were responsible for contractile abnormalities in experimental volume overload hypertrophy.METHODS AND RESULTSWe examined coronary blood flow at rest and during pacing in seven dogs with contractile dysfunction secondary to chronic experimental mitral regurgitation (average regurgitant fraction at 3 months, 0.58 +/- 0.05). After 3 months of mitral regurgitation, left ventricular mass had increased from 92 +/- 8 g at baseline to 118 +/- 10 g (p less than 0.002). The slope of the end-ejection stress-volume relation, one of our indexes used to estimate contractile function, had fallen from 5.4 +/- 0.3 at baseline to 3.0 +/- 0.3 at 3 months of mitral regurgitation (p less than 0.001). In the mitral regurgitation dogs, corona...
The Look of the Land: Homeowner Landscape Management and Wildfire Preparedness in Minnesota and Florida

ABSTRACT Many forest and fire agencies seek to influence homeowners to manage vegetation near their home to reduce wildfire risk. To be successful managers need to understand the range of existing landscape typologies based on a defensible space evaluation, homeowners' activities for wildfire preparedness, and what they value in landscape attributes. Interviews and visits with 80 homeowners at risk of wildfire in the wildland–urban interface of northern Minnesota and central Florida reveal that respondents managed for “naturalness,” valuing their privacy, wildlife, aesthetics, and recreation. Five landscape typologies in Minnesota and four in Florida ranged from wide-open spaces to homes nestled in the deep woods. The valuing of naturalness was most closely linked to the tendency for a deep woods landscape. Respondents noted that how they manage for what they value as well as the ecosystem they live in partially explained their behavior in creating defensible space around their homes.
Time Synchronization Algorithms in Low-Cost Wireless Sensor Network Systems

Time synchronization is an essential building block of sensor network systems. In this paper, we present a comprehensive study of least squares algorithms for time synchronization in sensor networks, with a focus on continuous monitoring and data collection applications. We propose a set of algorithms to address a number of issues in practical implementation on typical low-cost sensor network platforms, including a scaled signal model to achieve numerical stability in an ill-conditioned problem, sequential estimators for the scaled signal model to reduce computational complexity, a fast initialization scheme to improve energy efficiency, and outlier detection algorithms to improve robustness in long-term autonomous operations. The proposed algorithms are implemented and a measurement-based simulation method is employed to study the performance.
Adjusting the Borders: Bisexual Passing and Queer Theory

Fluidity is a term sometimes used in reference to bisexual identity, thus positioning sexuality as an adaptive, evolving set of behaviors performed to constitute alternately straightness or queerness. Part of the speciousness of using fluidity to describe bisexuality centers on the implication that heterosexuality and homosexuality occupy opposite ends of a psychological spectrum, leaving bisexuality vaguely straddling poles of identity, without specificity or intent. This article is predominantly concerned with the notion of intentionality in bisexual behavior and whether or not deliberate choices are made to participate in communities that identify as either straight or queer. Rather than framing this investigation in terms of whether or not sexuality itself is a choice, this article compares bisexuals who alternately engage in straight or queer practices in the context of passing, as when a person presents herself as an alternate race. Using personal narratives, theoretical works from Judith Butler, be...
Melanosis, melanocytic hyperplasia, and primary malignant melanoma of the nasal cavity

A primary multifocal intranasal malifnant melanoma is reported in a 54-year-old black female. Diffuse pigmentation (melanosis) of nasal and maxillary sinus mucosa corresponds histologically to hyperplasia of dendritic melanocytes, from which cells the tumor is considered to originate.
Ricci flow on quasi-projective manifolds

We consider the Kahler-Ricci flow on complete finite-volume metrics that live on the complement of a divisor in a compact Kahler manifold X. Assuming certain spatial asymptotics on the initial metric, we compute the singularity time in terms of cohomological data on X. We also give a sufficient condition for the singularity, if there is one, to be type II.
Measurement of the complex polarizability of electron traps in Bi 12 SiO 20 by a moving-grating technique

We measure the optical two-beam coupling gain in three nominally undoped cubic n-type Bi12SiO20 crystals as a function of the beam frequency difference Ω and the beam intensity. The crystal geometry is chosen so that the beam coupling through the ordinary photorefractive effect is absent. From the dependence of the gain on Ω, the full complex polarizability difference αfe between a full and an empty deep trap at the wavelength of 515 nm is deduced to be (−1.8 − 4.6i ± 0.7 ± 1.1i) × 10−39 F m2 in SI units or (−1.6 − 4.1i ± 0.6 ± 1.0i) × 10−23 cm3 in Gaussian units. This suggests that the hole photoexcitation cross section σh is larger than that for an electron, σe. Our data are consistent with the electron and hole parameters deduced from extensive previous measurements (in one of the crystals) analyzed with the standard electron–hole competition equations. This consistency requires that the average density of full traps be at least 20 times larger than the average density NA of empty traps and that σh be (2.4 ± 0.8) × 10−17 cm2, while NA is (1.4 ± 0.4) × 1016 cm−3 and σe is less than ~6 × 10−18 cm2. This is to our knowledge the first determination of these parameters in a sillenite crystal.
Effect of Sintering Aid Composition on the Processing of Si3N4/BN Fibrous Monolithic Ceramics

Si3N4/BN fibrous monoliths were prepared with 4 wt% Y2O3 added as a sintering aid to the Si3N4. Residual carbon, present in the billet before hot-pressing, was shown to influence the final microstructure. The sintering aid glass, known to migrate into the BN cell boundaries during hot-pressing, was not sufficient in quantity to prevent premature shear failure when samples were tested in flexure. Increasing the hot-pressing temperature alleviated this problem. For flexure samples tested at 1400°C, fibrous monoliths fabricated with 4 wt% Y2O3 demonstrated linear-elastic loading behavior at a greater stress than fibrous monoliths fabricated with 6-wt%-Y2O3/2-wt%-Al2O3 sintering aids.
Plug-in electric vehicle battery sensor interface in Smart Grid network for electricity billing

The technological advancement in the field of energy and proposition of a Smart Grid has paved the way for sophisticated information systems with network management capabilities. Unlike the legacy systems, today we need a two-way communication model for the electricity distribution network that can, not only communicate with the devices but interact with sensors and actuators. This task becomes more daunting when the devices are mobile. For this purpose we chose to design a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) management information base (MIB) for a Plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) that utilizes charge-level sensors to intelligently bill electricity usage per subscriber independent of the location of the charging. This paper proposes the design of a sensor information exchange that would identify and collect data from a PEV at a charging station. The proposed design delivers a scalable and simple network management methodology for these chargeable vehicles.
F-Element complexation by diphosphonate ligands

To develop a fundamental understanding of the nature of lanthanide and actinide coordination complexes with ligands bearing phosphonate groups, we have examined the kinetics, thermodynamics and spectroscopy of lanthanide and actinide complexes with phosphonate ligands in aqueous solutions and resolved crystal structures for selected lanthanide complexes. The combined results of two-phase distribution experiments, titration calorimetry, laser-induced fluorescence decay, and molecular mechanics modeling have been used to infer the. structure of 1:2 complexes of Eu(III) with gem-diphosphonic acids in aqueous solution. A complementary crystallographic and FTIR investigation of the structure of lanthanide complexes in the solid state indicates a general similarity between amorphous and crystalline complexes, differing in the relative hydration of the solid. There are no inner sphere water molecules in the solid state. Parallel studies of the kinetics of formation and dissociation of f-element diphosphonate complexes demonstrate that the relative stability of these complexes is governed primarily by differences in the rate of complex formation. A related investigation has established the existence of a correlation between complex formation rate and cationic radius which is independent of the charge on the cation.
Infants Born Late Preterm: Epidemiology, Trends, and Morbidity Risk

Late preterm infants, defined as infants delivered from 34 through 36 completed weeks’ gestation, are less mature developmentally and physiologically than term infants (37 to 41 completed weeks’ gestation). Such immaturity places infants born late preterm at higher risk of morbidity and mortality than term infants during infancy and potentially throughout life. The purpose of this article is to review the epidemiology of infants born late preterm by describing the frequency of late preterm births; trends over time; and differences according to maternal age, race, and ethnicity. In addition, the article describes limitations associated with accurate estimation of gestational age and explains how these limitations may affect understanding of the true frequency of late preterm birth. Finally, the evidence of neonatal, postneonatal, and childhood morbidity risk associated with being born late preterm is compared with that of infants born at term.
Adaptive communication receivers

This paper describes the results of an investigation of some communication receivers whose response to an input signal changes in a manner determined by the input signal. The problem considered is the design of a communication receiver to receive a message which is coded into M fixed unknown signal waveforms and transmitted through a noisy channel. An optimal (minimum probability of error at each time interval) receiver is derived which has an exponentially growing structure. It requires (M - 1)M^{n-1} subsystems to receive the n th message symbol. The derivation suggests forms of adaptive receivers which need a more practical amount of equipment to implement, which we call the gremlin and the decision-directed adaptive receiver. The gremlin receiver is a taught-learning machine since, after it makes a decision, a gremlin tells it what the correct decision was. The decision-directed receiver is a self-taught learning machine, using its own output instead of a gremlin's. It is shown that the gremlin receiver converges to a matched filter for the unknown signal and that, in any practical case, the decision-directed receiver performs almost as well. Finally, some results of an experimental simulation of the decision-directed receiver are presented. A plot of the relative frequency of error vs. time is given for a number of different signal-to-noise ratio's (SNR's).
Electrochemical and enzymatic oxidation of catecholamines involved in sclerotization and melanization of insect cuticle

Abstract The electrochemical properties of catecholamines that occur in the haemolymph and cuticle of Manduca sexta (L.) during development were studied. The cyclic voltammetric behaviour for dopamine, N- acetyldopamine (NADA) and N-β-alanyldopamine (NBAD) was similar except that the open chain o- quinones of the latter two compounds cyclized significantly more slowly than dopamine o- quinone . Tyrosinase from pharate pupal cuticle oxidized the three catecholamines with NBAD and NADA being the preferred substrates. Oxidation to the corresponding o- quinone , indolization and reoxidation to p- quinone imine was the pathway observed for both electrochemical and enzyme catalyzed reactions. The possible roles of these metabolites in cuticle sclerotization and melanization are discussed.
An analysis of critical accounting estimate disclosures of pension assumptions

SYNOPSIS: Accounting for defined-benefit pension plans is complex, and reported financial statement amounts are significantly impacted by a myriad of assumptions. In its interpretative release FR-72 (SEC 2003), the SEC called for more informative and transparent Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) disclosure of critical accounting estimates (CAE), including those regarding pension plans. This paper uses a random sample of 147 firms with relatively large defined-benefit pension plans to analyze firms' MD&A pension-related critical accounting estimate disclosures. We find that 60 (61) percent of our sample firms quantify the effect on pension measurements—primarily pension expense—of a given change in discount rates (expected asset returns). The median effect on earnings per share of these CAE-disclosing firms is between two and three cents. Firms rarely disclose the effects of potential changes in future salary assumptions or other estimates on pension measurements. While FR-72 encourages MD&A discl...
Intervention induced changes on parenting practices, youth self-pride and sexual norms to reduce HIV-related behaviors among rural African American youths.

AIDS is the leading killer of African Americans between the ages of 25 and 44, many of whom became infected when they were teenagers or young adults. The disparity in HIV infection rate among African Americans youth residing in rural Southern regions of the United States suggests that there is an urgent need to identify ways to promote early preventive intervention to reduce HIV-related risk behavior. The Strong African American Families (SAAF) program, a preventive intervention for rural African American parents and their 11-year-olds, was specially designed to deter early sexual onset and the initiation and escalation of alcohol and drug use among rural African American preadolescents. A clustered-randomized prevention trial was conducted, contrasting families who took part in SAAF with control families. The trial, which included 332 families, indicated that intervention-induced changes occurred in intervention-targeted parenting, which in turn facilitated changes in youths’ internal protective processes and positive sexual norms. Long-term follow up assessments when youth were 17 years old revealed that intervention-induced changes in parenting practices mediated the effect of intervention-group influences on changes in the onset and escalation of risky sexual behaviors over 65 months through its positive influence on adolescents’ self-pride and their sexual norms. The findings underscore the powerful effects of parenting practices among rural African American families that over time serve a protective role in reducing youth’s risk behavior, including HIV vulnerable behaviors.
Reducing Prejudice Combating Intergroup Biases

Strategies for reducing prejudice may be directed at the traditional, intentional form of prejudice or at more subtle and perhaps less conscious contemporary forms. Whereas the traditional form of prejudice may be reduced by direct educational and attitude-change techniques, contemporary forms may require alternative strategies oriented toward the individual or involving intergroup contact. Individual-oriented techniques can involve leading people who possess contemporary prejudices to discover inconsistencies among their self-images, values, and behaviors; such inconsistencies can arouse negative emotional states (e.g., guilt), which motivate the development of more favorable attitudes. Intergroup strategies can involve structuring intergroup contact to produce more individualized perceptions of the members of the other group, foster personalized interactions between members of the different groups, or redefine group boundaries to create more inclusive, superordinate representations of the groups. Unders...
General surgery resident attrition and the 80-hour workweek.

Abstract Background This study examines the effect of implementation of the resident duty-hour regulations on the attrition rate of general surgery residents. Methods A 7-part survey encompassing the 2001 to 2004 academic years was sent to program directors of general surgery residency programs in the United States. Results One hundred twenty-four of 252 programs (49%) responded, reporting a loss of 338 categorical residents. The total attrition rate increased from .6 residents lost/program/y to .8 residents/program/y (P = .0013). Lifestyle concerns were the most commonly reported reason for residents leaving during surgical training. The majority (56%) of those who left surgery entered other fields of medicine (ie, Anesthesia and Family Medicine most commonly). Conclusions More residents are leaving general surgery training since the institution of the 80-hour workweek. Despite improvements in work hours and lifestyle during surgical training, residents migrate to specialties that are conducive to a more controllable lifestyle after experiencing surgery residency.
Framework mobility in the metal–organic framework crystal IRMOF-3: Evidence for aromatic ring and amine rotation

Abstract The framework motions in IRMOF-3 (Zn 4 O(BDC-NH 2 ) 3 ), where BDC-NH 2 represents 2-amino-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, have been investigated with 1 H NMR relaxation measurements. Isotopic enrichment of the 2-amino group with 15 N was critical in elucidating the lattice dynamics and enhancing spectral resolution. These results indicate a low energy process associated with rotation of the amino group, with an activation energy of 1.8 ± 0.6 kcal/mol, and full 180° rotation of the phenylene group in the BDC-NH 2 moiety with an activation energy of 5.0 ± 0.2 kcal/mol. A relatively low pre-exponential factor for amine rotation (1.3 × 10 7 s −1 ) is tentatively associated with the need to break a hydrogen bond as the rate-limiting step. Both amine rotation and the aromatic ring flip occur at frequencies that provide an effective relaxation mechanism for the 99.6% natural abundance quadrupolar 14 N in the amino group. Dipolar coupling of the 14 N to adjacent spin-½ nuclei (both 1 H and 13 C) occurs not only in the static sample but also in the MAS experiments at the 7 T magnetic field used in this study. As a result, the spin dynamics and the cross-polarization dynamics are affected, resulting in spectral broadening. In the MAS experiments, isotopic replacement of the natural abundance 14 N with 15 N significantly improves resolution of the 15 N spectra as well as in the 1 H and 13 C spectra.
Viscous Sintering with a Pore‐Size Distribution and Rigid Inclusions

The model developed for sintering of a bimodal pore-size distribution is generalized to describe an arbitrary distribution. The model is further extended to allow for the presence of nonsintering (i.e., rigid) inclusions. This analysis uses the self-consistent approach that takes account of the local stresses created by differential sintering rates.
The structure of technology in Brazilian sugarcane production, 1975–87: An application of a modified symmetric generalized McFadden cost function

Sugarcane-based ethanol has become a primary automotive fuel in Brazil over the past 15 years. Because sugarcane costs are over two-thirds of the costs of ethanol production, the economic efficiency of this renewable petroleum substitute hinges on the structure of technology in sugarcane production. In this paper a modified symmetric generalized McFadden (SGM) cost function for sugarcane is estimated and the presence of technical change and economies of scale are investigated. The original SGM proposed by Diewert and Wales (1987) is modified to allow for fixed factors of production. This allows the cost function to be applied to processes which have fixed factors. The results suggest that there is no empirical evidence of economies of scale and very little technical change, only in the north of Brazil. The implications for the future economic efficiency of this petroleum substitute are discussed.
Glaucoma and ocular hypertension in pediatric patients with cataracts.

Abstract Background: The pathogenesis of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension in patients who have undergone surgical correction of their congenital cataracts remains undetermined. This study examines the prevalence of glaucoma and ocular hypertension in a population of patients who did not undergo surgical correction of their pediatric cataracts. Methods: Fifty-eight eyes of 41 patients had cataracts before 2.5 years of age and were followed up until at least 5 years of age without operative correction. The patients were studied for the following parameters: age at diagnosis, type of cataract, etiology, bilaterality, optic nerve head cup-to-disc ratio, intraocular pressures, and reason why the patient did not undergo an operation. Glaucoma was defined as the presence of glaucomatous optic nerve head cupping with intraocular pressures of greater than 22 mm Hg. Ocular hypertension was defined as intraocular pressures greater than 22 mm Hg with no optic nerve changes. Results: Nine of the 58 eyes had cataracts caused by persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous. The average age to the last intraocular pressure measurement was 19 years (range 5 to 48 years). Closed-angle glaucoma developed in two patients with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous. Neither open-angle glaucoma nor ocular hypertension developed in any patients. Conclusion: Pediatric cataracts not of the persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous type were not associated with ocular hypertension or glaucoma in the absence of surgical cataract correction. In eyes with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous cataracts, spontaneous closed-angle glaucoma developed in two of nine patients and open-angle glaucoma developed in none. Surgical cataract correction, or the aphakic state that follows such operations, may be responsible for pediatric aphakic glaucoma.
Selective Labeling of Extracellular Proteins Containing Polyhistidine Sequences by a Fluorescein–Nitrilotriacetic Acid Conjugate

The compound NTA-DCF consists of two components, a dichlorofluorescein (DCF) reporter and a nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) functionality. The latter binds polyhistidine sequences selectively through a bridging metal ion. The NTA-DCF conjugate has photophysical properties similar to those of the parent DCF fluorophore both by itself and as its nickel(II) complex. The insensitivity of the emission to paramagnetic ions allows the probe to label His6-tagged proteins fluorescently on the extracellular surfaces of HEK 293-T and HeLa cells.
Effects of the United States tax system on transitions into self-employment

Abstract This paper examines the impact of US income and payroll taxes on the decision of wage-and-salary employees to become self-employed. I exploit variations in the tax treatment of wage and self-employment income using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Results show that differential taxation has significant effects on the probability of making a transition into self-employment. Reducing an individual's marginal tax rate on self-employment income while holding his marginal wage tax rate constant reduces the probability of entry. Conversely, reducing his relative average tax rate in self-employment increases this probability by a smaller amount.
Social affiliation relates to tyrosine hydroxylase immunolabeling in male and female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).

Abstract The catecholamines dopamine and norepinephrine are implicated in affiliative behaviors, yet few studies have addressed the extent to which affiliative behaviors within distinct social settings rely upon similar or distinct catecholaminergic mechanisms. To explore the role of catecholamines in affiliative behavior within distinct long-term social contexts, we examined the density of the catecholamine synthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in brain regions within both the mesolimbic dopaminergic system and “social behavior network” in male and female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) paired for 21 days with either a same- or opposite-sex conspecific. On days 16–21 after pairing, members of both same- and mixed-sex pairs produced similar rates of affiliative behaviors. Measures of affiliation related to TH labeling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (Ac), medial preoptic nucleus (POM), and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH). Relationships between TH labeling density and specific measures of affiliative behavior differed in rostral compared to caudal subregions of Ac and VTA, suggesting distinct roles for these subregions in the regulation of affiliative behavior. Finally, TH labeling density in the VMH and rostral VTA were positively related to the amount of courtship received from the partner and TH labeling in Ac was denser in opposite-sex pairs compared to same-sex pairs, indicative of socially induced brain plasticity. Overall, results highlight a complex region- and behavior-specific role for catecholamines in vertebrate affiliation.
The immunological specificity of lactic dehydrogenase of Schistosoma mansoni.

Abstract An antiserum against lactic dehydrogenase of Schistosoma mansoni markedly inhibited the activity of this enzyme as well as those of the enzymes catalyzing the same reaction in Schistosoma japonicum and in Schistosoma haematobium . The same immune serum had no effect on the activities of lactic dehydrogenase of rabbit muscle and on those of another glycolytic enzyme of Schistosoma mansoni , phosphohexose isomerase. Reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide, one of the substrates of lactic dehydrogenase, protected the schistosome enzymes from the inhibitory effect of the antiserum.
Chlorhexidine varnishes provide little benefit for children at low risk for caries

Objective To assess the effect of a chlorhexidine varnish on occlusal caries incidence when applied every 6 months into the fissures of erupting and freshly erupted permanent molars.
The compositional simulation and seismic monitoring of CO2 EOR and sequestration in new gas condensate reservoir

While mature oil reservoir and aquifers are good candidates for CO2 sequestration, we proposed and investigated the alternative approach which, at the very start of production, combines CO2 sequestration and CO2 EOR in gas condensate reservoir. Firstly, we conducted compositional reservoir simulation and synthetic seismic simulation in a five-spot well pattern to investigate whether seismic data can monitor of CO2 front and gas condensate bank. The simulated results and the seismic simulation results are compared with each other. Although the density contrast among reservoir gas, injected CO2 and condensate is smaller than the density contrast in the case of CO2 sequestration in aquifer, the seismic signal can capture this smaller difference and monitor the CO2 injection front and locate the condensate zone. When there is no adequate data available for reservoir characterization at early period of production, this direct measurement is very valuable for reservoir characterization and for any stimulation of condensate block. Secondly, we compare the production by natural depletion and production combined CO2 EOR and storage at the very beginning. The latter will speed up the recovery process, increase the recovery rate while simultaneously store CO2 in reservoir. The extra benefit in gas condensate reservoir is that injection of CO2 will increase the pressure and postpone and decrease liquid dropout and relieve the condensate blocking.
Optical Absorption Coefficient of Molecular Oxygen near 1215 Angstroms

The wavelength dependence of the absorption coefficient of molecular oxygen has been measured on the short-wavelength side of the hydrogen Lyman-alpha line at 1215.67 A. The pressure dependence of the absorption coefficient has also been measured from 100 to 760 torr at 1215.67 and 1213.7 A. These have been measured on a one-centimeter path length of oxygen utilizing ultraviolet emission from a crossed-beam atomic-collision apparatus. The pressure dependence at 1215.67 A reported here agrees well with previously published data. However, both the wavelength dependence at 760 torr and the pressure dependence at 1213.7 A display marked discrepancies from extrapolations of earlier data.