cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stable chlorine isotope behavior during volcanic degassing of H 2 O and CO 2 at Mono Craters, CA

Trends in CO2 and H2O concentrations and δD values of obsidian clasts from Mono Craters volcanic field, California demonstrate clear chemical and isotopic evidence for eruptive degassing. However, neither Cl concentrations nor stable isotopes (35Cl and 37Cl) track the degassing process, which is likely because of disequilibrium due to slow diffusion of Cl in the cooling melt. Obsidian pyroclasts (n = 29) were collected from tuff layers representing a single eruptive sequence that occurred circa 1340 A.D., as well as, rhyolitic obsidian samples (n = 12) were collected from three high-silica (>74 % SiO2) flows forming the domes and coulees in the region. The Cl, H2O, and CO2 concentrations recorded by the eruptive pyroclastic obsidians track the chemical evolution of the magmatic system during eruption, whereas the concentrations of the dome samples represent the final degassed product. The H2O and CO2 concentrations of the pyroclastic samples range from 0.49 to 2.13 wt% and 2 to 35 ppm, respectively; whereas concentrations in the dome glasses range from 0.17 to 0.33 wt% and 1 to 3 ppm, respectively. H2O and CO2 concentrations in the pyroclastic fall and dome samples are strongly correlated and reflect the degassing trend of the eruptive sequence. Chlorine concentrations of the pyroclastic fall samples and the domes range from 609 to 833 ppm and 681 to 872 ppm, respectively. Cl concentrations do not display a strong correlation with either H2O or CO2 concentrations. δD values of the pyroclastic fall obsidians vary between −84 ‰ and −55 ‰, whereas the δD values of the dome obsidians vary between −117 ‰ and −91 ‰. D/H ratios decrease with total water content following a distillation trend controlled by both closed and open system degassing. δ37Cl values of pyroclastic fall obsidians (−1.9 ‰ to −0.1 ‰) overlap with those of dome samples (−1.2 ‰ to 0.0 ‰). The similar Cl concentrations between the pyroclastic fall and dome obsidians argue for lack of Cl degassing, despite H2O and CO2 loss. These observations can be explained by disequilibrium effects due to the slow diffusion rate of Cl compared to H2O and CO2 in silicate melt, buffering by a separate brine phase, or by fluxing of Cl from a deeper magma source, with the slow diffusion rate of Cl being the preferred explanation. The wide range in δ37Cl values may be indicative of isotopic compositional heterogeneities in the magma source due to assimilation of sedimentary material or fluxing of mantle-derived Cl to a crustal melt.
A novel electron paramagnetic resonance signal associated with the 'primary' electron acceptor in isolated photochemical reaction centers of Rhodospirillum rubrum.

It is now generally accepted that the initial photoactivated electron transport steps occurring in the photochemical reaction center of purple bacteria involve the oxidation of a bacteriochlorophyll dimer (abbreviated to (BChl)2) with the concomitant reduction of an intermediary electron carrier (I) (see ref. [ 1 ] for a recent review). The photo-reduced I in turn reduces what has classically been termed the ‘primary acceptor’; this latter step effectively renders the light reaction irreversible under physiological conditions [%l]. The chemical nature of I has not been unequivocally determined, but current indications are that it involves a single bacteriopheophytin molecule [2] in close association with other components (e.g., bacteriochlorophyll and iron) of the reaction center [ 1,3]. The chemical nature of the ‘primary acceptor’ has been the subject of some controversy in the past, but the present general consensus is that it involves a quinone in close association with an iron atom [4].
The Isotope Effect on Band Spectrum Intensities

Theory of the isotope effect on intensities.\char22{}It is shown that there is no change in the electronic part of the transition probability with nuclear mass, and that the vibrational part is the only part that does show an effect. This effect is calculated on the basis of Hutchisson's expressions for the vibrational transition probability. The effect of a change in nuclear mass on the population of the initial state is also found if this population is given by the simple Boltzmann distribution.
Initiation and completion of spontaneous mitotic recombination occur in different cell cycle phases

Mitotic recombination is required to repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), to restart stalled/collapsed replication forks, and functions as an alternative mechanism to elongate telomeres in cells lacking telomerase. Although these functions preserve genome integrity, mitotic recombination can also cause loss of heterozygosity in cells with polymorphic chromosomes and lead to gross chromosome rearrangements if it occurs between dispersed repeats. Much of our understanding of recombination mechanisms is based on studies in fungi in which all of the products of an individual meiotic recombination event can be recovered. Two types of recombination events have been identified during meiosis: crossing over and gene conversion. A crossover between linked heterozygous markers results in new linkage arrangements, but the markers still display 2:2 segregation. By contrast, gene conversion represents the nonreciprocal transfer of information between two homologous sequences where one allele is duplicated and the other is lost, resulting in a 3:1 segregation for heterozygous markers in the spore colonies. About 50% of meiotic conversions are associated with crossing over, suggesting that these processes are mechanistically linked. Because mitotic recombination is much less frequent than during meiosis, events are usually selected and typically only one of the two daughter cells produced following recombination is recovered. Thus, little information exists on the mechanism, the time in the cell cycle when recombination occurs, and the nature of the initiating lesion(s). Using a clever genetic assay that enables recovery of both products of a reciprocal crossover event (RCO), Lee and Petes (1) provide compelling evidence that spontaneous mitotic RCOs in G2 cells result from a DSB present on one chromosome before DNA synthesis.
Social and racial correlates of Russian roulette

The epidemiology of a neglected form of suicidal behavior, Russian roulette, is addressed. Also tested is an explanation of racial differences based on the opportunity theory of deviant behavior related to the availability of revolvers, necessary weapons with which to play Russian roulette. Data refer to 15 cases of Russian roulette found through a search of the medical examiner's suicide files (N = 1,412) and 75 matched controls who suicided by a gunshot to the head. The results support an opportunity perspective: 80% of the Russian roulette victims were African American compared to 30.7% of the controls. Further, among the controls, Blacks were three times more likely than Whites to use revolvers in suicides, a pattern indicating Blacks' greater access to revolvers. Russian roulette victims were entirely male, significantly younger, and less apt to be married than the control group.
The development of a post-test diagnostic system for rocket engines

An effort was undertaken by NASA to develop an automated post-test, post-flight diagnostic system for rocket engines. The automated system is designed to be generic and to automate the rocket engine data review process. A modular, distributed architecture with a generic software core was chosen to meet the design requirements. The diagnostic system is initially being applied to the Space Shuttle Main Engine data review process. The system modules currently under development are the session/message manager, and portions of the applications section, the component analysis section, and the intelligent knowledge server. An overview is presented of a rocket engine data review process, the design requirements and guidelines, the architecture and modules, and the projected benefits of the automated diagnostic system.
Contrasting patterns of photosynthetic acclimation and photoinhibition in two evergreen herbs from a winter deciduous forest.

The relationship between the microclimate within an Oak-Hickory forest and photosynthetic characters of two resident evergreen herbs with contrasting leaf phenologies was investigated on a monthly basis for 1 full year. Heuchera americana has leaf flushes in the spring and fall, with average leaf life spans of 6–7 months. Hexastylis arifolia produces a single cohort of leaves each spring with a leaf life span of 12–13 months. We predicted that among evergreen plants inhabiting a seasonal habitat, a species for which the frequency of leaf turnover is greater than the frequency of seasonal extremes would have a greater annual range in photosynthetic capacity than a species that only produced a single flush of leaves during the year. Photosynthetic parameters, including apparent quantum yield, maximum photosynthetic capacity (Pmax), temperature of maximum photosynthesis, photochemical efficiency of PSII and leaf nitrogen (N) and chlorophyll concentrations, were periodically measured under laboratory conditions in leaves sampled from natural populations of both species. Mature leaves of both species acclimated to changing understory conditions with the mean seasonal differences being significantly greater for Heuchera than for Hexastylis. Area based maximum photosynthetic rates at 25°C were approximately 250% and 100% greater in winter leaves than summer leaves for Heuchera and Hexastylis respectively. Nitrogen concentrations were highest in winter leaves. Chlorophyll concentrations were highest in summer leaves. Low Pmax/N values for these species suggest preferential allocation of leaf nitrogen into non-photosynthetic pools and/or light-harvesting function at the expense of photosynthetic enzymes and electron transport components. Despite the increase in photosynthetic capacity, there was evidence of chronic winter photoinhibition in Hexastylis, but not in Heuchera. Among these ecologically similar species, there appears to be a trade-off between the frequency of leaf production and the balance of photosynthetic acclimation and photoinhibition.
A comparison of primary care information content in UpToDate and the National Guideline Clearinghouse.

Objectives: The study sought to determine if two major resources for primary care questions have significant differences in information content and whether the number of documents found differs by disease category, patient age, or patient gender. Methods: Seven hundred fifty-two questions were randomly selected from the Clinical Questions Collection of the National Library of Medicine. UpToDate and the National Guidelines Clearinghouse (NGC) were searched utilizing keywords from the questions. The number of documents retrieved for each question in the resources was recorded. Chi-squared analysis was used to compare differences in retrieval between the resources. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of patient age, patient gender, or disease category on the ability to find content. Results: UpToDate returned 1 or more documents for 580 questions, while NGC returned at least 1 document for 493 questions (77.1% versus 65.5% of question sampled, P = 0.001). In combination, the 2 resources returned content for 91% of searches (n = 685). NGC retrieved a mean of 16.3 documents per question versus 8.7 documents from UpToDate. Disease category was the only variable having a significant impact on the presence of online resource content. Conclusions: UpToDate had greater breadth of content than NGC, while neither resource provided complete coverage. Current practice guidelines, as reflected by those in the NGC, addressed at most two-thirds of the selected clinical questions.
Lens and Wedge Absorption Cells for FT-IR Spectroscopy

New cell geometries for extending the dynamic range of FT-IR absorption spectroscopy are described. These are variants of the stepped multiple thickness cells described before, in which the cell thickness varies continuously with location. Either homogeneous wedge or lenslike cells are used. The resulting distortion of the cell's photometric linearity can be straightened out computationally. However, the change in the measured energy levels drastically increases the dynamic range of the measurement for a given tolerable relative error in absorbance. The theoretical behavior of the cells is analyzed, and their photometric distortion and dynamic range calculated. The experimental realization of one of them is used to show the usefulness and limitations of the procedure.
Limitations to effect of α-MSH on permeability of blood-brain barrier to IV 99mTc-pertechnetate

Abstract The effects of several variables on the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to 99m Tc-labeled sodium pertechnetate after IV administration of α -MSH were investigated. Doses of α -MSH of about 200 μg/kg were generally more effective in increasing the brain:blood ratio of radioactivity than the smaller doses that had previously been shown to affect behavior and the EEG. Pulsatile administration of a total of 200 μg/kg α -MSH over 90 min did not change the permeability of the BBB to the pertechnetate anion. Infusion of the same dose over 90 min significantly increased the brain:blood ratio of radioactivity in one of two experiments: no significant effects were seen with infusion for shorter times, lower concentrations, or with a 4–9 analog (Org 2766). In another experiment, bolus injection of 200 μg/kg α -MSH resulted in a significantly increased ratio 90 min later as compared with controls. Although the effects of a peptide on the permeability of the BBB to other compounds remains intriguing, limitations appear to exist in experiments with 99m Tc-pertechnetate.
Comparative efficacy and durability of continuation phase cognitive therapy for preventing recurrent depression: design of a double-blinded, fluoxetine- and pill placebo-controlled, randomized trial with 2-year follow-up.

Abstract Background Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent and associated with disability and chronicity. Although cognitive therapy (CT) is an effective short-term treatment for MDD, a significant proportion of responders subsequently suffer relapses or recurrences. Purpose This design prospectively evaluates: 1) a method to discriminate CT-treated responders at lower vs. higher risk for relapse; and 2) the subsequent durability of 8-month continuation phase therapies in randomized higher risk responders followed for an additional 24 months. The primary prediction is: after protocol treatments are stopped, higher risk patients randomly assigned to continuation phase CT (C-CT) will have a lower risk of relapse/recurrence than those randomized to fluoxetine (FLX). Methods Outpatients, aged 18 to 70 years, with recurrent MDD received 12–14 weeks of CT provided by 15 experienced therapists from two sites. Responders (i.e., no MDD and 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression ≤ 12) were stratified into higher and lower risk groups based on stability of remission during the last 6 weeks of CT. The lower risk group entered follow-up for 32 months; the higher risk group was randomized to 8 months of continuation phase therapy with either C-CT or clinical management plus either double-blinded FLX or pill placebo. Following the continuation phase, higher risk patients were followed by blinded evaluators for 24 months. Results The trial began in 2000. Enrollment is complete ( n = 523). The follow-up continues. Conclusions The trial evaluates the preventive effects and durability of acute and continuation phase treatments in the largest known sample of CT responders collected worldwide.
Naven ou le donner à voir: Essai d'interprétation de I'action rituelle

Naven ou le donner a voir: Essai d'interpretation de I'action rituelle. MICHAEL HOUSEMAN and CARLO SEVERI. Paris: Editions CNRS and Editions de la Maison des Sciences de I'Homme, 1994. 224 pp., tables, bibliography, index.
A kernel for automorphic L-functions

Abstract The full multiple Dirichlet series of an automorphic cusp form is defined, in classical language, as a Dirichlet series of several complex variables over all the Fourier coefficients of the cusp form. It is different from the L-function of Godement and Jacquet, which is defined as a Dirichlet series in one complex variable over a one-dimensional array of the Fourier coefficients. In GL ( 2 ) and GL ( 3 ) , the two notions are simply related. In this paper, we construct a kernel function that gives the full multiple Dirichlet series of automorphic cusp forms on GL ( n , R ) . The kernel function is a new Poincare series. Specifically, the inner product of a cusp form with this Poincare series is the product of the full multiple Dirichlet series of the form times a function that is essentially the Mellin transform of Jacquet's Whittaker function. In the proof, the full multiple Dirichlet series is produced by applying the Lipschitz summation formula several times and by an integral which collapses the sum over SL ( n − 1 , Z ) in the Fourier expansion of the cusp form.
Polymer Microparticles Exhibit Size and Shape Dependent Accumulation around the Nucleus after Endocytosis

Particulate drug delivery has received significant attention in the last few decades. The effect of particle properties such as size, shape and surface properties on particle-cell interaction has been studied. Here, intracellular accumulation and subsequent spatial segregation of spherical and rod shaped microparticles is investigated. It is observed that both spherical and rod shaped particles exhibit perinuclear accumulation. However, when the cells are fed with binary mixtures of particles, they spatially segregate in the cytoplasm based on their shape and size. Larger particles exhibit preferential accumulation closer to the nucleus. These results have potential implications in understanding the biophysical forces operating in the cells that impact the intracellular organization of drug carriers as well as organelles.
Distributed decision support for the 21st century mission space

The past decade has produced significant changes in the conduct of military operations: increased humanitarian missions, asymmetric warfare, the reliance on coalitions and allies, stringent rules of engagement, concern about casualties, and the need for sustained air operations. Future mission commanders will need to assimilate a tremendous amount of information, make quick-response decisions, and quantify the effects of those decisions in the face of uncertainty. Integral to this process is creating situational assessment-understanding the mission space, simulation to analyze alternative futures, current capabilities, planning assessments, course-of-action assessments, and a common operational picture-keeping everyone on the same sheet of paper. Decision support tools in a distributed collaborative environment offer the capability of decomposing these complex multitask processes and distributing them over a dynamic set of execution assets. Decision support technologies can semi-automate activities, such as planning an operation, that have a reasonably well-defined process and provide machine-level interfaces to refine the myriad of information that is not currently fused. The marriage of information and simulation technologies provides the mission commander with a collaborative virtual environment for planning and decision support.
Family planning gender differences and infant mortality: evidence from Uttar Pradesh India.

Abstract This paper modeled the proximate determinants of infant survival using the National Family Health Survey data on 11,500 women from the most populous Indian state Uttar Pradesh in the period 1982–1992. A methodological framework was developed for analyzing the inter-relationships between high fertility and infant mortality, gender differences in mortality, and for modeling the effects of health care and family planning variables. Probit models were estimated by maximum likelihood taking into account simultaneity of regressors and unobserved household differences. The proximate determinants of infant survival included maternal education and age at first birth, birth interval, the number of children before family planning was first used, maternal tetanus vaccination, and child's vaccinations. Indicator variables for a boy (girl) born at a birth order higher than the “ideal” number showed that unwanted births exacerbated female mortality.
Infrared-enhanced multiphoton dissociation of iodobenzene cations

Abstract When gas-phase iodobenzene cations in an ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer are irradiated simultaneously with visible 610 nm and IR 977 cm −1 photons, the visible two-photon process is enhanced by a factor of up to three. The experimental pressure and intensity dependences can be modeled using a set of rate equations for the evolution of the populations of different internal energy levels. Modeling suggests that the major mechanism for the mixed visible/IR process is the absorption of several IR photons, followed by the absorption of one visible photon which brings about dissociation: that the visible photoexcitation cross section decreases with increasing ion internal energy: that IR pumping does not compete successfully with relaxation processes near dissociation threshold: and that the IR radiative relaxation time is constant ≈ 500 ms.
High-performance liquid chromatographic separation of the biotransformation products of oxaliplatin.

A novel single reversed-phase HPLC system was developed for separating oxaliplatin and its biotransformation products formed in rat plasma. The major stable biotransformation products of oxaliplatin formed in rat plasma were identified as Pt(dach)(Cys)2, Pt(dach)(Met) and free dach. The minor biotransformation products Pt(dach)Cl2, Pt(dach)(GSH) and Pt(dach)(GSH)2 could also be resolved from other Pt-dach complexes. Among these biotransformation products, the identification of Pt(dach)(Met) was further confirmed by LC–ESI-MS, and the identification of Pt(dach)(Cys)2, Pt(dach)(GSH), Pt(dach)(GSH)2 and free dach was confirmed by atomic absorption and double isotope labeling. This HPLC technique should prove useful for separating and identifying the biotransformation products of Pt-dach drugs such as oxaliplatin, ormaplatin and Pt(dach)(mal) in biological fluids. This will allow a more complete characterization of the pharmacokinetics and biotransformations of these Pt-dach drugs, which should in turn lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to their toxicity and efficacy.
The Place of Ulithi in the Yap Empire

Anthropologists have long been aware of the existence of the miniature empire of Yap. Until now, however, we have imperfectly understood the nature of the bonds which have held together this insular domain. Previous accounts, especially by those Germans of the Thilenius expedition who investigated the ethnology of the Caroline Islands 40 years ago, have been inadequate. A suitable understanding of the native system of interrelationships is a matter of importance to the government of the United States, for the area in question is part of the Trust Territory of Micronesia, and America has the responsibility of satisfying the United Nations that our administration of these islands is an enlightened one. It is fortunate that the Coordinated Investigation of Micronesian Anthropology has provided us with the chance to become better acquainted with the facts. As a participant in that piece of research I have been able to draw up a picture, which, while painted with pigments from Ulithi Atoll alone, appears to be...
The potential of combining SSM/I and SSM/T2 measurements to improve the identification of snowcover and precipitation

The potential of passive microwave radiometry for classifying snowcover and precipitation using measurements from the Special Sensor Microwavdmager (SSM/I) and the Special Sensor Microwave Water Vapor Profiler (SSM/TZ) is investigated by modelling the radiative transfer for different surface types and atmospheric conditions. The model accounts for various land surfaces and vegetation covers, different snow types as well as wind roughened ocean water. The atmospheric part includes multiple scattering and depolarization by cloud droplets and precipitating water as well as ice spheres. It was found, that the combination of a window channel (91 GHz) and an atmospheric sounding channel (183f7 GHz) can improve the separation of snowcover and precipitation which is difficult by using only SSMn channels. The 183f7 GHz channel is strongly influenced by the water vapor distribution which makes its use difficult for warm rain cases and low cloud tops. Then, the signature at this frequency is not unique and the above relation gives no further improvement of the classification. However, the identification of rainfall over cold land backgrounds can be significantly improved, which is illustrated by the application of a combined SSM/I-SSM/TZ algorithm to two satellite datasets when compared to the SSMn algorithm and to operational surface weather maps.
The Politics of Teacher Reform in Florida: Analyzing Causal Narratives Surrounding State Adoption of Performance-Based Evaluations, Performance Pay, and Tenure Elimination

Following a multiyear debate, Florida lawmakers passed the “Student Success Act” in March 2011, introducing some of the most sweeping educational reforms in the state's history—the introduction of teacher evaluation systems based on value-added modeling, mandatory “performance pay” for teachers, and the elimination of long-term professional service contracts. Using Stone's (1989) Causal Stories framework, this article analyzes arguments made for and against these reforms by numerous policy actors. Analysis of transcripts, news coverage, and policy reports reveals that actors on both sides of the debate constructed competing stories regarding the “causes” of poor student achievement. These competing causal narratives were central to actors’ efforts to define the nature of the educative process, identify the “players” who controlled student learning, and portray the proposed reforms as solutions to the problem of underachievement, on one hand, or ill-conceived and poorly targeted answers, on the other.
The GLC Separation of Hydroxyl-Substituted Amines of Biological Importance Including the Catecholamines. Preparation of Derivatives for Electron Capture Detection

Abstract The catecholamines and related biological amines have been converted to trimethylsilyl ether-amide derivatives through a two-step reaction sequence. All hydroxyl groups (phenolic and alcohol) were converted to TMSi ethers by reaction with TSIM. N-acylimidazole was added to the reaction mixture to effect the acylation of primary and secondary amines. TMSi-Ac (trimethylsilyl ether-acetyl) and TMSi-HFB (trimethylsilyl ether-heptafluorobutyryl) derivatives were studied. The HFB derivatives had excellent GLC properties. It is proposed to compare the sensitivity of detection of these and related compounds by flame ionization and by electron capture detection systems.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus treated with radical radiation therapy

This is an analysis of 54 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus treated with radical irradiation at the University of Florida between October 1964 and March 1984. There is a 2-year minimum follow-up on all patients and 85% have at least 5 years of follow-up. Patients were excluded from analysis of disease control at the primary site, neck, and/or above the clavicles if they died less than 2 years from treatment with the site(s) continuously disease-free. All patients were included in the analysis of complications and survival. The rates of local control following initial treatment with irradiation and the ultimate local control rates, including surgical salvage of irradiation failures, were as follows: T1, 8/9 and 8/9; T2, 15/20 (75%) and 18/20 (90%); T3, 2/5 and 3/5; and T4, 0/4 and 0/4. The 5-year determinate survival rates as a function of modified AJCC stage were I, 1/1; II, 3/3; III, 5/8; IVA, 7/12; and IVB, 2/8.
The formation of delta‐Aminolevulinate a precursor of chlorophyll, in barley and the role of iron

Abstract Chlorophyll formation in higher plants is light dependent. Light directly affects the formation of 6‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and the conversion of protochlorophyll to chlorophyll. Various chelators that form especially stable compounds with ferrous iron reduce the formation of ALA in etiolated barley leaves. Barley grown under iron stress has little capacity to form ALA unless supplemental iron is added. Chelated iron and FeSO4 are much more effective in restoring ALA formation than FeCl3. Added organic compounds (citrate, α‐ketoglutarate and glucose) also stimulated ALA synthesis. The role of iron in ALA and chlorophyll synthesis is discussed.
Changes in the practice of angioaccess surgery: impact of dialysis outcome and quality initiative recommendations.

Abstract Purpose: Recommendations recently published by the National Kidney Foundation—Dialysis Outcome and Quality Initiative (DOQI) included an appeal for increased use of native arteriovenous fistulas (NAVFs) to improve overall patency and contain angioaccess costs. We evaluated the impact of the DOQI recommendations on angioaccess surgery and its outcome at our institution. Methods: From June 1996 to April 1999, 483 angioaccess procedures were performed on 247 patients. There were 133 men and 114 women, with an average age ranging from 28 to 95 years (mean age, 69 ± 0.59 years). Risk factors included smoking in 143 patients (58%), diabetes mellitus in 135 patients (55%), hypertension in 150 patients (61%), and coronary artery disease in 98 patients (40%). The patients were divided in two groups. Group I (pre-DOQI) included patients who had angioaccess procedures between June 1996 and November 1997, and group II (post-DOQI) included patients who had angioaccess procedures between December 1997 and April 1999. The types of procedures performed included placement of arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) in 122 patients (25%), creation of NAVFs in 99 patients (20%), revision of AVGs in 123 patients (25%), and temporary access procedures in 135 patients (28%). Forty-seven of the NAVF procedures were radial-cephalic fistulas (47%), 22 were brachial-cephalic fistulas (23%), and 30 were brachial-basilic fistulas (30%). Patients underwent serial ultrasonography scanning and physical examinations; the mean follow-up period was 9 months. Choice of angioaccess procedures and patency rates before and after implementation of the DOQI recommendations were compared. Results: There was a significant increase in the use of NAVFs after implementing DOQI recommendations (5% vs 68%, P P P Conclusion: By adopting the DOQI recommendations, we used NAVFs more often. This resulted in superior patency rates, compared with synthetic grafts. The liberal use of preoperative duplex venous mapping further increased NAVF use, surpassing the DOQI expectations for primary arteriovenous fistulas. Additionally, fewer revisions were required. (J Vasc Surg 2000;31:84-92.)
Challenges to the MPT's monopoly

Abstract The impressive progress of economic reform and development in the People's Republic of China is raising many issues concerning the current policy and institutional framework of Chinese telecommunications. A political coalitions has been formed to challenge the current monopoly and to try to bring about a more competitive telecommunications policy. There are also internal centrifugal forces which are making it difficult for the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) to maintain its exclusive hold on the sector. The MPT's three major functions, of policy and regulation, service provision, and equipment production, are all being challenged by other players in telecommunications. This paper analyses these trends and attempts to identify the forces driving the liberalization process. It contrasts developments in China with theories about the liberalization process derived from experience in other countries.
Boundaries, Discrimination, and Interethnic Conflict in Xinjiang, China

The Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region has been afflicted by Uighur political activism and ethnic violence for the past few decades. Interethnic relations between the Uighurs and Han Chinese have been extremely tense. Why is Xinjiang so vulnerable to interethnic violence? Why are intergroup dynamics between the Uighurs and Han Chinese so volatile? This paper examines Uighur–Han Chinese relations in contemporary Xinjiang and probes conditions that facilitate interethnic violence. Utilizing Fredrik Barth’s approach to ethnicity that emphasizes boundaries, this paper examines in detail how the rigid interethnic boundary between the Uighurs and Han Chinese has been constructed and strengthened in Xinjiang. Perceived differences have generated mutual distrust and discrimination between the two groups that make intergroup communication and understanding difficult and therefore very limited. In situations such as that in Xinjiang, where a rigid intergroup boundary is in place and civic engagements across groups are lacking, intergroup conflict is extremely hard to avoid.
Middle Woodland Ceramic Exchange in the Lower Illinois Valley

This paper examines the exchange of Middle Woodland ceramics within the Havana region of the Hopewell Interaction Sphere. Ceramics from six lower Illinois Valley sites and samples of surrounding clays are examined using neutron activation analysis. Statistical evaluation of the elemental data reveals the presence of foreign ceramics in all six site samples. The local ceramics encompass a variety of both fine and coarse wares, including several sherds initially anticipated as exotic based on style. In contrast, the foreign sherds consist almost exclusively of coarse tempered, utilitarian types. Contrary to conventional wisdom, these data suggest that fine tempered, special purpose vessels were manufactured near their place of discovery, while utilitarian pottery may have circulated among Middle Woodland communities. In documenting the presence of foreign sherds in all of the study samples, this study confirms the regular transport of ceramic vessels into and within the lower Illinois Valley region.
Grain Growth in Dispersions of µc-Si IN a-Si:H

We annealed dispersions of microcrystalline Si in amorphous silicon by heating to 550 °C. The dispersions had been deposited by plasma-enhanced CVD from SiF4 and H2 at 250 to 290 °C. By X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering we observe an increase in crystal size and volume fraction. The electron mobility, measured by the Van der Pauw method, also was raised to a highest value of 91 cm2V−1s−1 at the electron density of 7.6 × 1017 cm−3.
Autonomy and children's reactions to being controlled: Evidence that both compliance and defiance may be positive markers in early development

This study examined reactions of 1-year-olds and young 2-year-olds to being controlled by mothers. Mothers’ supportive behavior predicted children’s willing compliance. However, contrary to research with older children, defiance was also associated with variables linked to maternal competence, specifically, mothers’ supportive behavior, autonomy-granting controls, and low depressive symptoms. At this age high-defiant children initiated positive interaction with mothers more than did low-defiant children. With age, children displayed more willing compliance and more active resistance (defiance, low passivity). However, developmental increases in active resistance were absent when mothers were high in depressive symptoms. Findings are consistent with the proposal that in early development active resistance to parents often reflects children’s motivation to control events, not poor parenting or strained parent–child relationships.
Toward an Ethics of Psychoanalysis A Critical Reading of Lacan’s Ethics

Lacan's seminar The Ethics of Psychoanalysis (1959-1960) pursues, from a Freudian perspective, a fundamental philosophical question classically addressed by Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics: How is human life best lived and fulfilled? Is there is an ethic of this type intrinsic to psychoanalysis? Lacan placed the problem of desire at the center of his Ethics. His notorious self-authorized freedom from convention and probable crossing of limits (see Roudinesco 1993) may have led mainstream analysts to ignore his admonition: "At every moment we need to know what our effective relationship is to the desire to do good, to the desire to cure" (Lacan 1959-1960, p. 219). This means that the analyst's desire, as well as the patient's, is always in play in his attempt to sustain an ethical position. An examination of Lacan's seminar highlights this link, but also points to a number of unresolved issues. The patient's desire is a complex matter, readily entangled in neurotic compromise, defense, and transference, and the analyst's commitment to it is also problematic because of the inevitable co-presence of his own desire. Lacan suggested that more emphasis be placed in training on the desire of the analyst, but beyond that a proposal is advanced for the institutionalization of a "third" as reviewer and interlocutor in routine analytic practice. Analysis may not be a discipline that can be limited to a dyadic treatment relationship.
Unsteady aerodynamics in ornithopter flight

The investigation of unsteady aerodynamics is becoming a more attractive topic of research in enhancing flight capabilities. Natural flyers such as birds and insects can undergo flight maneuvers that are very difficult or impossible to accomplish with man-made flyers and current classical aerodynamic theory. Modeling the unsteady phenomena produced by flapping wings is important to the understanding of these maneuvers, with possible applications to aircraft flight. We investigate numerically simulating the unsteady aerodynamics generated by flapping wings using the two seperate approaches of rotational lift and dynamic stall. A low order quasi-steady model based on rotational lift and a revised version based on dynamic stall are presented. Both concepts are analyzed using simulated results, with experimental data produced with matching kinematics as a basis of comparison. The numerically generated force curves are used to explore the characteristics and distinguishing features of both approaches, as well as how well they capture the salient features of the experimentally produced forces.
The impact of arousal state, sex, and sleep apnea on the magnitude of progressive augmentation and ventilatory long-term facilitation.

We examined the impact of arousal state, sex, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the magnitude of progressive augmentation of the hypoxic ventilatory response and ventilatory long-term facilitati...
Views of Teaching and Research in Economics and Other Disciplines

Anecdotes are often quite suggestive. A graduate student in economics who was serving as a teaching assistant once reported that his major professor came into his office and told him that he was spending too much of his time helping his undergraduate students and not enough time on his research. Was the professor expressing a preference for time spent on teaching over research? Or was the professor suggesting to the student that the academic market rewards research more than teaching? Regardless, the underlying message that gets transferred from such an experience, as early as graduate education and perhaps throughout a career, is that teaching is not as important or valuable as research. Such strong conclusions, however, should not be based on anecdotal evidence. Whether economics professors are less interested in teaching and more interested in research is an empirical question worthy of study. Although teaching and research choices made by economics faculty members reflect both preferences and choice sets, in this study we focus on preferences and use a national survey to compare the teaching and research views of economists with faculty members in other major disciplines.
Anaerobic oxidation of short-chain alkanes in hydrothermal sediments: potential influences on sulfur cycling and microbial diversity

Short-chain alkanes play a substantial role in carbon and sulfur cycling at hydrocarbon-rich environments globally, yet few studies have examined the metabolism of ethane (C2), propane (C3), and butane (C4) in anoxic sediments in contrast to methane (C1). In hydrothermal vent systems, short-chain alkanes are formed over relatively short geological time scales via thermogenic processes and often exist at high concentrations. The sediment-covered hydrothermal vent systems at Middle Valley (MV, Juan de Fuca Ridge) are an ideal site for investigating the anaerobic oxidation of C1-C4 alkanes, given the elevated temperatures and dissolved hydrocarbon species characteristic of these metalliferous sediments. We examined whether MV microbial communities oxidized C1-C4 alkanes under mesophilic to thermophilic sulfate-reducing conditions. Here we present data from discrete temperature (25, 55, and 75 °C) anaerobic batch reactor incubations of MV sediments supplemented with individual alkanes. Co-registered alkane consumption and sulfate reduction (SR) measurements provide clear evidence for C1-C4 alkane oxidation linked to SR over time and across temperatures. In these anaerobic batch reactor sediments, 16S ribosomal RNA pyrosequencing revealed that Deltaproteobacteria, particularly a novel sulfate-reducing lineage, were the likely phylotypes mediating the oxidation of C2-C4 alkanes. Maximum C1-C4 alkane oxidation rates occurred at 55 °C, which reflects the mid-core sediment temperature profile and corroborates previous studies of rate maxima for the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). Of the alkanes investigated, C3 was oxidized at the highest rate over time, then C4, C2, and C1, respectively. The implications of these results are discussed with respect to the potential competition between the anaerobic oxidation of C2-C4 alkanes with AOM for available oxidants and the influence on the fate of C1 derived from these hydrothermal systems.
Rabbit Oviduct Isthmus Contraction Patterns in Estrus and after Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Progesterone Treatment

A microminiature (1.6 mm X 0.4 mm overall), externally attached force transducer has been developed which permits chronic measurements of oviduct isthmus motility in unrestrained rabbit does. The design makes use of integrated circuit technology to satisfy the stringent requirements of high sensitivity, long term stability, reproducibility, and noninterference with normal oviduct function. These force transducers achieved an average lifetime of over 60 days, based on 58 irnplants in Phase 1 (40 doubles, 18 triples) and 56 implants in Phase 2 (50 doubles, 6 triples) in 53 New Zealand White rabbits. The experiments were designed to study the effect of hormonal manipulation on oviduct isthmus motility with the aid of paired transducers, one located 1-2 cm from the uterotubal junction (“distal gauge”), the other (“proximal gauge”) 1-1.5 cm toward the ampulla from the first. Contraction patterns and frequency changes seen during a period of several hours postinjection of progesterone (2.5 mg) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (100 IU) were remarkably similar, peak activity occurring at 3 h after progesterone and 9 h after hCG; however, there were distinct variations between distal and proximal gauge motility patterns despite the close proximity. Characterization of contraction patterns was greatly aided by joint interval histogram and spectral analysis techniques. Long term motility studies following the administration of either hCC alone, or hCG with progesterone pretreatment on the 2 preceding days, showed no increased isthmic motility during the time when ova are presumed to be in the isthmus.
Time-related issues with application to health gains and losses

Time-related aspects of health have attracted increasing interest, and it has become evident that many medical situations concern the exchange of present-day costs for future benefits. Traditional decision analytic paradigms weigh the probability of outcomes and the value of outcomes. Such analyses are incomplete if they do not consider the time of the outcome as well. The concept of diminishing value over time is positive discounting. Time discounting processes and effects have a potentially large impact on clinical decision making. Therefore, characteristics of discounting should be taken into consideration. Discounting processes are variable with individuals and also within different contexts such as gains and losses. No single model can be expected to describe time-related decisions within health. A more diversified use and critical appraisal of these concepts in medicine become more important as we attempt to refine decision models. A summary of valuation factors in medical decision making is presented: (a) long-term decisions are very sensitive to discount rates; (b) discount rates are greater for gains than for losses; (c) discount rates vary by domain, by outcome, by individuals over time, and by level of certainty; (d) individual preferences may reverse themselves over time; (e) the doctor uses expected value; the patient is risk aversive; (f) over a lifetime perspective, a flat or even negative discount rate will result in choices that minimize lifetime disability.
Brain-imaging studies of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Brain-imaging studies of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have rapidly increased in recent years. Structural studies have identified potential smaller volumes of the hippocampus of traumatized and/or PTSD subjects. Functional activation studies have implicated hyperactive or altered functioning of brain regions, such as the amygdala and the insula, and a failure to engage emotional regulatory structures, such as the medial prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex. Recent neurochemical investigations have suggested that neuromodulatory systems (eg, γ-aminobutyric acid, μ-opioid) may underlie these aberrant brain activation patterns. This article reviews the literature on structural, functional, and neurochemical brain-imaging studies of PTSD.
Variation in the Suitability of Host Tree Species for Geographically Discrete Populations of Forest Tent Caterpillar

The forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria Hubner (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), is distributed throughout North American hardwood forests. Although considered polyphagous, regional populations tend to use only a few host species for oviposition, suggesting that M. disstria is more oligophagous than commonly thought. We tested this premise using larvae from Manitoba, Canada; Michigan; and Louisiana in a factorial, reciprocal transplant experiment. Pupal mass, development time, and survival were recorded for each population after rearing larvae in Louisiana on three primary hosts used by southern populations (water tupelo, Nyssa aquatica L.; sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua L.; and water oak, Quercus nigra L.) and in Michigan on three northern host trees (red oak, Quercus rubra L.; trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides Michaux; and sugar maple, Acer saccharum Marshall). Manitoba, Canada and Michigan populations had the highest pupal mass, best survival, and most rapid development on trembling aspen and red oak, both northern species. Louisiana larvae attained the highest pupal mass on water tupelo, a primary host across the Gulf States. Northern populations grew poorly on water tupelo, whereas Louisiana caterpillars had the smallest pupal mass and poorest survival on sugar maple. Both red and water oaks were acceptable hosts for all three populations. Our results indicate that M. disstria is actually a composite of regionally adapted populations rather than an extreme generalist. It is unclear, however, what mechanisms might reduce gene flow, allowing such specialization to evolve and persist. We suggest that varying phenology in adult flight times among populations feeding on different hosts could provide at least a partially isolating mechanism, allowing for the evolution of host adaptation.