cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unified modeling for memristive devices based on charge-flux constitutive relationships

A unified modeling approach is proposed to cover a broad range of memristive devices. The modular structure of the model enables it to represent behaviors of different types of devices. Resulted from theoretical analyses, the window function is uniquely controlled by the memristive flux. This not only solves the stability problem at boundaries present in previous models, but also reveals that an equivalent charge-flux constitutive relationship can be obtained from various types of memristive devices. Simulations on three device examples show that our model exhibits the device properties such as the frequency-dependent hysteresis, the limited memductance switching range with boundary assurances, the linear/nonlinear dopant drift, and the threshold voltages for read/write mode.
FINITE-SIZE SCALING AND MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS OF FIRST-ORDER PHASE TRANSITIONS

We develop a detailed finite-size-scaling theory at a general, asymmetric, temperature-driven, strongly first-order phase transition in a system with periodic boundary conditions. We compute scaling functions for various cumulants of energy in the form U(L,t)=${\mathit{U}}_{0}$(${\mathit{tL}}^{\mathit{d}}$)+${\mathit{L}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{d}}$${\mathit{U}}_{1}$(${\mathit{tL}}^{\mathit{d}}$) with t=1-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$/T. In particular, we consider the specific heat and Binder's fourth cumulant and show this has a minimum value of 2/3-(${\mathit{e}}_{1}$/${\mathit{e}}_{2}$-${\mathit{e}}_{2}$/${\mathit{e}}_{1}$${)}^{2}$/12+O(${\mathit{L}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{d}}$) at a temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}^{(2)}$(L)-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$=O(${\mathit{L}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{d}}$). Various other pseudocritical temperatures corresponding to extrema of other cumulants are evaluated. We compare these theoretical predictions with extensive Monte Carlo simulations of the nominally strong first-order transitions in the eight- and ten-state Potts models in two dimensions for system sizes L\ensuremath{\le}50. The ten-state simulations agree with theory in all details in contrast to the eight-state data, and we give estimates for the bulk specific heats at ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ using all exactly known analytic results. A criterion is developed to estimate numerically whether or not system sizes used in a simulation of a first-order transition are in the finite-size-scaling regime.
Defining racism safely: The role of self-image maintenance on white Americans' conceptions of racism.

Abstract We suggest that the need to maintain a positive self-image motivates White Americans to conceive of racism as a phenomenon rooted in individuals instead of institutions. They do so because an institutional conception of racism, more so than an individual conception of racism, raises their awareness of White privilege, a concept threatening to Whites’ self-image. In support of this idea, Experiment 1 found that a self-affirmation manipulation increased Whites’ willingness to conceive racism in institutional terms. Experiment 2 found that a self-image threat lowered Whites’ willingness to conceive racism in institutional terms. In neither experiment did the self-image maintenance manipulation affect Whites’ conceptions of individual racism, suggesting that the individual conception of racism may be a less ego-threatening way for Whites to conceive of racism.
Science networks and the future of integrative research

The network architecture of science funding, peer review, and access strongly influences the way we perform research. While science modeled on disciplinary boundaries promotes reductionism and a detailed knowledge of the parts, those based on architectures resembling human relations networks and the Internet characterize the potential for integrative research and a detailed understanding of how the parts work together. For integrative research to thrive, horizontal links between disciplines will need to be forged, funding and publishing peer-review will require greater transparency, and access to science must be more open. To accomplish this, a five-part plan is proposed.
How strategy‐making processes can make a difference

Strategy-making is usually portrayed in dichotomous terms: rational vs. incremental, or formulation vs. implementation. It may, however, be more valid to think of organizations as entities capable of developing resources and skills in multiple strategy-making process modes. This paper first develops measures to identify firms with different levels and types of strategy-making process ‘capability’ then examines empirically their relationships to five dimensions of perceived performance, using data collected from a sample of 285 top managers. Results indicate that firms with high process capability–the simultaneous use of multiple strategy-making process modes–outperfom single-mode or less process-capable organizations.
On the rationality of Knörr's virtually irreducible lattices

Abstract It was established by Reinhard Knorr that the half of Brauer's height zero conjecture which assumes an abelian defect group would follow from the nonexistence of certain integral representations of abelian p -groups. We establish nonexistence of such representations of rank less than 14 for the elementary abelian group of order 8 and believe these to be the first results of this kind. The result is made possible by imposing a simple rationality condition.
The rhetoric of Anatoly Sobchak: Rule of law vs nomenklatura?

This essay is a preliminary examination, based on Solomon's textual interaction approach, of Anatoly Sobchak's rhetoric in his book For a New Russia. It argues that Sobchak's call for a rule of law in opposition to nomenklatura is a code for Russian nationalism. He uses the democratic strategy and reformist language as a means to obtain a traditional Russian end of power. This process is illustrated in his political campaign to get elected, in his exposure of corruption in the Congress, and in his support of Yeltsin's overthrow of the Moscow coup. His text, made to interact with the texts of other readers, discloses an interpretation of Sobchak that does not appear on the surface.
Genetics for Monitoring Prescription Practices of Commonly Used Drugs in Populations

High-throughput genotyping, the rapid determination of genetic information on an individual basis, is unquestionably one of the most important recent technological developments for medical research and diagnosis and holds the promise of leveraging the human genome sequence for dramatic improvements in healthcare. In research, one gain from high-throughput genotyping is the ongoing dissection of clinical traits that are both prognostic for disease and the targets for therapy, e.g., LDL cholesterol (LDL-C)2 (1). In summary, these studies have found that a large number of common genetic polymorphisms appear to contribute to heritable clinical traits such as LDL-C concentration, with each polymorphism explaining a small fraction of the variance, typically <1%. In addition, the multitude of genetic associations highlights the diversity of biological pathways that contribute to each clinical trait. Among the largest common genetic effects, the E2 and E4 alleles of the APOE (apolipoprotein E) gene are associated with a shift of approximately −0.4 mmol/L and 0.1 mmol/L, respectively, in LDL-C concentration, compared with the E3 allele (2). With minor-allele frequencies of approximately 7%–9% (E2) (3) and 14%–15% (E4) (4) in populations of European ancestry, the APOE variants explain a few percent of the variance on a population basis. Even effects as large as those observed for the APOE alleles, however, present challenges for translating the newly discovered genetic associations to the clinic. On an individual basis, the incremental prognostic information provided by single common genetic variants is typically small, often smaller than the information gained by examining readily available clinical correlations. This observation has been especially true with respect to predicting future disease, for which easily ascertained clinical characteristics (e.g., age, diet, exercise, body mass index, smoking status, or family medical history) have been more prognostically useful than genotype (5). Some gains have been made by aggregating combinations of …
Demonstration of an integrated capillary electrophoresis-laser-induced fluorescence fiber-optic sensor.

Abstract A unique integrated separation-based fiber-optic sensor for remote analysis, that incorporates capillary electrophoresis (CE) directly at the fiber sensing terminus is described for the first time. Based on laser-induced fluorescence detection, the sensor offers the potential for high sensitivity. Although the broad-band nature of fluorescence spectra limits selectivity, the high separation power of CE provides a unique dimension of selectivity, while permitting a design of diminutive size. Previously reported fluorescence-based sensors that utilize a chemical reagent phase to impart selectivity tend to be inflexible (not readily adaptable to the detection of different species) and “one-measurement-only” sensors. Conversely, the CE-based fiber-optic sensor described here is both versatile and reusable. The analysis speed and the potential for remote control are further attributes which make the system amenable to remote sensing. A “single-fiber” optical detection arrangement and a “single-reservoir” CE system with the fiber-optic probing the outlet of the separation capillary are employed. A preliminary evaluation of the separation characteristics of this CE-based sensor is presented. Highlights include an observed separation efficiency of up to 3000 theoretical plates (8 cm separation capillary) and migration time reproducibility of less than 10% for frontal mode CE separations. The potential utility of the sensor for remote analysis is demonstrated with separations involving the CE analysis of charged fluorescent dyes, CE analysis of metal complexes based on in situ complexation and micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatographic analysis of neutral fluorescent compounds.
SU-FF-J-71: Gross Tumor Volume Measurement of Simulated Lung Nodules Using PET Imaging

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the PETimage threshold that will generate the most accurate measurement of gross tumor volume (GTV) of lung nodules. Methods: A NEMA IEC phantom containing six spheres of different sizes (10, 13, 17, 22, 28, and 37 mm diameter) was scanned on a DISCOVERY ST PET/CT scanner. The phantom was scanned three times. In each case, the sphere to back ground ratio was varied (3.4:1, 7.4:1, 13.5:1) while keeping the activity concentration in all spheres constant. To simulate tumor motion, the phantom was positioned on a unidirectional translating platform. A sinusoidal waveform (5 sec cycle, 2cm peak to peak) was used to drive the platform during the PETdata acquisition. The platform motion was tracked using an RPM device which sent a trigger signal to the PET scanner at a specific phase of every repeating cycle of the waveform. PET data was acquired in 2D for 30 minutes using LIST mode (10 bins per cycle). PETimages were then reconstructed using OSEM. An in‐house software program was then used to find the percent threshold that best estimated the true known sphere volume. The program was written to perform the analysis at an increment of 1% in threshold. Results: Spheres that have minimum partial volume effects (>17 mm) had an average threshold of 32% ±2.8 at different contrast ratios. The smaller spheres had a larger threshold value and a larger standard deviation. The results also showed that the threshold for the small spheres increased with decreasing contrast ratio. For the 13 mm sphere the threshold changed from 27% to 55% when using a contrast of 13.5:1 to 3.4:1. Conclusion: A threshold of 32% gave the most accurate GTV. The effects of scan duration on this threshold will also be presented.
Generation of instability waves at a leading edge

Two cases are considered. The first is concerned with mean flows of the Blasius type wherein the instabilities are represented by Tollmien-Schlichting waves. It is shown that the latter are generated fairly far downstream of the edge and are the result of a wave length reduction process that tunes the free stream disturbances to the Tollmien-Schlichting wave length. The other case is concerned with inflectional, uni-directional, transversely sheared mean flows. Such idealized flows provide a fairly good local representation to the nearly parallel flows in jets. They can support inviscid instabilities of the Kelvin-Helmholtz type. The various mathematically permissible mechanisms that can couple these instabilities to the upstream disturbances are discussed.
Why medical students choose primary care careers.

To determine what factors distinguish medical students who choose primary care careers, 381 graduating medical students at eight New England medical schools were surveyed by questionnaire prior to the 1988 National Resident Matching Program. Students were asked to indicate the degrees of influence that various factors had on their specialty choices, using a Likert-type scale ranging from "totally unimportant" to "decisive." Compared with their peers who chose high-technology specialties, those who chose primary care were more likely to be motivated by the opportunities to provide direct patient care (p less than .001), care in an ambulatory setting (p less than .001), and continuity of care (p less than .001) and the opportunity to be involved in the psychosocial aspects of medical care (p less than .001). Those who chose high-technology specialties were more likely to be motivated by desires for a large income (p less than .001) and more prestige (p less than .005), and the opportunities for research (p less than .001), more regular hours (p less than .005), more leisure and family time (p less than .001), and a better call schedule as a resident (p less than .01). Neither student age, race, sex, marital status, and level of debt nor concern about the increasing regulation of medical practice, malpractice, health manpower reports, and the increasing numbers of elderly, chronically ill, and AIDS patients were found to be significant factors in the students' choice of primary care.
Comparison of fitting methods for the analysis of plasma concentration-time data resulting from constant rate intravenous infusion

Plasma concentration-time data resulting from constant rate intravenous infusion may be analysed in two ways: 1. Samples may be collected both during and after infusion and fit to an infusion model. 2. Samples may be collected after infusion is complete and the data may be fit as an i.v. bolus. The purpose of this study was to contrast these two fitting procedures in terms of the accuracy of the parameter values obtained. Concentration-time data were computer-generated with the introduction of random error to simulate the disposition profiles of two model drugs. The results of these simulations indicate that satisfactory values for area-dependent parameters may be obtained without fitting data during the infusion phase. The exception to this is the apparent steady-state volume whose values become less accurate with longer infusion times. The parameters most affected by ignoring data points in the infusion phase are the central volume of distribution, and the coefficient and disposition rate constant associated with the initial, rapid phase of disposition. The equation which describes the entire concentration-time profile provides the most accurate parameter estimates of the model equation. In addition, we also describe the influence of the fitting method on the intercompartmental transfer rate constants.
A Re-evaluation of Soybean Leaf Photorespiration'

Recalculations of soybean photorespiration indicate that mean rates are closer to 16.1 than 5.6 milligrams of CO2 per square decimeter per hour as previously reported. Photorespiration of soybean thus amounts to at least a 30% carbon turnover of light-saturated photosynthesis. Photorespiration showed no significant relationship to net photosynthesis. Negative correlations were found between CO2 efflux and stomatal resistance as well as between corrected photorespiration and residual intracellular resistance of the leaf to CO2 uptake.
Markov additive processes and repeats in sequences

Computer analysis of biological sequences often detects deviations from a random model. In the usual model, sequence letters are chosen independently, according to some fixed distribution over the relevant alphabet. Real biological sequences often contain simple repeats, however, which can be broadly characterized as multiple contiguous copies (usually inexact) of a specific word. This paper quantifies inexact simple repeats as local sums in a Markov additive process (MAP). The maximum of the local sums has an asymptotic distribution with two parameters (λ and k), which are given by general MAP formulas. The general MAP formulas are usually computationally intractable, but an essential simplification in the case of repeats permits λ and k to be computed from matrices whose dimension equals the size of the relevant alphabet. The simplification applies to some MAPs where the summand distributions do not depend on consecutive pairs of Markov states as usual, but on pairs with a fixed time-lag larger than one.
Antiproton-based propulsion concepts and the potential impact on a manned Mars mission

Within the next few decades, the ability to produce, accumulate, and capture large quantities of antiprotons should become feasible. The technology currently under development at the Los Alamos National Laboratory may potentially allow stable high-density storage techniques to be developed. Given a sufficient source of antiprotons, development of a solid-core engine with an 7sp of about 1000 s appears feasible. The impact of such an engine on a manned mission to Mars is estimated. A comparison to chemical and direct nuclear propulsion system mission capabilities is also shown. In addition, other high 7sp propulsion systems using antiprotons as an energy source are examined. A. A,
Focus-of-attention strategies for finding discrete objects in multispectral imagery

Tools that perform pixel-by-pixel classification of multispectral imagery are useful in broad area mapping applications such as terrain categorization, but are less well-suited to the detection of discrete objects. Pixel-by-pixel classifiers, however, have many advantages: they are relatively simple to design, they can readily employ formal machine learning tools, and they are widely available on a variety of platforms. We describe an approach that enables pixel-by-pixel classifiers to be more effectively used in object-detection settings. This is achieved by optimizing a metric which does not attempt to precisely delineate every pixel comprising the objects of interest, but instead focusses the attention of the analyst to these objects without the distraction of many false alarms. The approach requires only minor modification of exisiting pixel-by-pixel classifiers, and produces substantially improved performance. We will describe algorithms that employ this approach and show how they work on a varitety of object detection problems using remotely-sensed multispectral data.
Fatty acid composition of membranes of L-forms ofStreptococcus faecalis andProteus mirabilis cultured at different osmolalities

The fatty acid composition of membranes of L-forms ofStreptococcus faecalis andProteus mirabilis cultured at different osmolalities and in different osmotic stabilizers was examined.S. faecalis L-forms cultured with sucrose in the medium showed a decrease in the unsaturated fatty acid C18∶1 and an increase in the C18 fatty acid and C19 cyclopropane fatty acid. Fatty acid composition ofS. faecalis L-forms cultured in medium containing 1.8% NaCl was similar to the fatty acid composition of L-forms cultured in brain-heart infusion broth (BHI) without osmotic stabilizer and was between the composition of fatty acids of L-forms in BHI with sucrose and that in BHI without 0.5 M sucrose. InProteus mirabilis L-forms, there were differences between L-forms cultured with and without sucrose, but these differences were not comparable to the changes observed inS. faecalis L-forms.P. mirabilis L-forms cultured with and without NaCl in the medium had similar fatty acid compositions.
Towards a social and mobile humanoid exercise coach

In the near future, humanoid robots may be available to act as personal health coaches that can socially interact and exercise with people to increase their physical activity and improve their nutritional habits. Although there has been work to demonstrate the long-term effects of using a robot to motivate and record exercise and nutrition data, we are developing a social and mobile humanoid health coach that will explain and perform the physical exercises along with the human in an effort to increase their physical activity. In this paper, we describe a pilot study to compare the effects on young adults of coaching delivered by a social and mobile humanoid robot health coach versus a human health coach. While data analysis bore out no significant statistical effect of coach type on daily activity level, the results demonstrated encouraging trends and suggest further research with a larger sample size.
Mycobacterial Skin and Soft Tissue Infection

Mycobacterial skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) includes nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, tuberculosis (TB), and leprosy. Diagnosis of mycobacterial SSTI can be challenging due to diverse clinical presentation, low yield from cultured specimens, and nonspecific histopathology on tissue biopsy. In addition, immunosuppressed patients may present with atypical or disseminated disease. Despite aggressive medical treatment and often with surgical intervention, results may be suboptimal with poor outcomes. Regimens typically require multiple antibiotics for extended periods of time and are often complicated by medication side effects and drug-drug interactions. Biopsy with culture is the gold standard for diagnosis, but newer molecular diagnostics and proteomics such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry have improved diagnosis with increased identification of clinically significant mycobacteria species in clinically relevant time frames. We will review updates in diagnostic tests along with clinical presentation and treatment of mycobacterial SSTI for NTM, TB, and leprosy.
Mediastinal tumors and cysts in the adult.

One hundred seventeen mediastinal masses in adults have been described. There were 38 different histologic types seen. It is evident that a specific preoperative diagnosis will be unlikely. Therefore we believe that early thoracotomy is advisable. We have also shown that there can be wide variance from "expected percentages" of these lesions.
Space charge reduction in an EHD generator via fluidic switching

Abstract The effect of space charge reduction in an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) generator via fluidic switching was studied. An electrofluidic generator was shown to embody a significant advantage of space charge reduction via fluidic switching. At a certain range of frequency of fluidic switching, a substantial increase in output voltage beyond a steady flow EHD generator was obtained. A small model generator EFD-II and a scaled-up generator EFD-III were built to study the effect of space charge reduction. Experiments were performed on EFD-II and EFD-III generators at various operating conditions. For similar flow and particle charge, EFD-III gave at a switching frequency of 4 cycles per second an open circuit voltage of 220 kV compared with 180 kV at steady flow.
Evaluating the reliability and validity of the Questionnaire for Lung Transplant Patients.

Context—The Questionnaire for Lung Transplant Patients was designed for clinical use by the pulmonary transplant team in the routine evaluation of lung transplant recipients. Using the self-administered questionnaire, recipients check symptoms that they have had since their last evaluation and rate their shortness of breath, cough, and activity tolerance.Objective—To determine whether the questionnaire meets reliability and validity standards for empirical measurement.Methods—Demographics and disease-severity characteristics were examined in a cross-sectional survey of 37 recipients. Test-retest and intraclass correlation methods were used to estimate stability, and the Cronbach α was used to estimate internal consistency. Criterion validity was examined by using The Modified Symptom Frequency/Symptom Distress Scale, Functional Performance Inventory, and visual analog scales for cough and shortness of breath as criterion measures. Construct validity was examined to assess the predicted negative correlatio...
Constitutional Provisions for Individual Human Rights (1977-1996): Are They More Than Mere "Window Dressing?"

This global cross-national study seeks to build upon earlier studies that have tested the impact of constitutional provisions upon state human rights behavior. I examine across a twenty-year period the impact of constitutional provisions for six individual freedoms and four due process rights on state abuse of the right to personal integrity Here I find statistical evidence that some constitutional provisions do matter, even when controlling for democracy and for other factors known to influence human rights behavior. While none of the constitutional provisions for individual freedoms is statistically significant, two of the due process provisions (provisions for fair and public trials) do decrease substantially the likelihood that states will abuse their own citizens' human rights. The other two due process provisions, which have become almost universal, the ban against torture, and the writ of habeas corpus, are quite disappointing in that they do not produce the expected impact. Over the long term, the...
Strategies for the growth of self-assembled phospholipid adlayers.

Abstract The creation of robust phospholipid adlayers is an important step in the development of biomimetic systems that contain and utilize trans-membrane proteins. The present methods for the creation of lipid bilayer structures, either by vesicle fusion or Langmuir–Blodgett/Langmuir–Schaefer deposition, produce lipid bilayer structures that are not bound strongly to the support on which they are deposited. While fluidity is an important property of lipid adlayer structures, the ability to form physically robust adlayers requires that some interaction more energetically favorable than physisorption be used to bind lipid adlayers. We have developed a means to bind lipid adlayers to interfaces through their phospholipid headgroups, utilizing metal ion complexation, with the strength of interaction and resulting quality of the monolayer being dependent on the identity of both the phospholipid and the metal ion used.
Some Responses of Drosophila to Weak Magnetic and Electrostatic Fields

A VARIETY of reactions of organisms to natural levels of electromagnetic fields has been reported in recent years. This communication reports an investigation of the responses of Drosophila melanogaster to magnetic and electrostatic fields of low intensity. Previously, Barnwell and Brown1,2 cited unpublished work showing that Drosophila responded to weak magnetic fields. Edwards3 reported that electrostatic fields depressed the activity of Drosophila.
TUFTSIN DEFICIENCY SYNDROME A Report of Two New Cases

SUMMARY Two families with deficiency in the phagocytosis stimulating peptide, tuftsin, are reported. Both cases gave a history of recurrent infections. In the first case, (D. I.) all infection involved only external surfaces. The second patient (W. M.) showed involvement of internal organs with septicimia pneumonia and liver abcess in addition to skin lesions. In both cases, Staphylococcus aureus was the infecting organism.
Overview of HIV Among Injection Drug Users in New York City: Critical Next Steps to Eliminate Racial/Ethnic Disparities

At the start of the HIV epidemic, 50% of new infections were among injection drug users (IDUs) in New York City. While HIV has declined among IDUs since the mid-1990s, parenteral transmission continues to overburden Blacks/Hispanic IDUs. Individual risk behaviors do not explain the distribution of HIV/AIDS among IDUs. Social and/or structural factors are likely fueling racial disparities creating a high-risk socioenvironmental context. While increased access to structural interventions (i.e., syringe exchange and pharmacy syringe access) is needed, it may not be sufficient to eliminate HIV/AIDS disparities among IDUs. Research on incorporating structural factors into intervention strategies is needed.
1053 Assessment of complex peripheral vascular malformations with highly time-resolved 3D contrast-enhanced MR angiography and single phase high-spatial resolution 3D contrast-enhanced MRA at 3.0 Tesla

Introduction Over the past few years, contrast enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) techniques have emerged as non-invasive and safe alternative imaging approaches for comprehensive imaging of upper and lower extremity vascular malformations. Due to its high-spatial resolution, singlephase CE-MRA is desirable for evaluation of the anatomical extent and morphological details of these lesions. However, this technique is limited in providing functional and dynamic information of vascular malformations. Rapid dynamic viewing is necessary for appropriate visualization of arteries from veins in lesions with fast flow such as peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Time resolved MRA provides dynamic information which are complementary to conventional MRA by showing the flow dynamics of these disorders, demonstrating feeding arteries or draining veins, and differentiating a slow from high flow lesion.
Fatigue behavior of acrylic interpenetrating polymer networks. II

Energy-absorbing simultaneous interpenetrating networks (SINs) based in polyether-type polyurethanes (PUs) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) networks were prepared by a prepolymer procedure. The products are translucent and appear to have single and broad glass transitions, suggesting some degree of phase separation. The percent energy absorption determined from dynamic properties and pendulum impact tests, the resistance to fatigue crack growth and fracture toughness (K1c) all increase with polyurethane content. The fracture behavior changes from brittle to ductile failure with increasing PU. The fatigue fracture surfaces of the SINs show extensive stress whitening associated with cavitation around the polyurethane domains, and localized shear deformation rather than crazing.
Isolation of a protein Z-dependent plasma protease inhibitor

Human protein Z (PZ) is a 62,000-Mr, vitamin K-dependent plasma protein whose structure is similar to coagulation factors VII, IX, X, protein C, and protein S, but whose function is not known. The procoagulant activity of factor Xa in a one-stage plasma coagulation assay is reduced when factor Xa is first incubated with PZ. This apparent inhibitory effect is time dependent, requires the presence of calcium ions and procoagulant phospholipids (rabbit brain cephalin), and appears predominantly related to the incubation period of PZ with cephalin. In serum the initial rate of inhibition of factor Xa with calcium ions and cephalin also is enhanced in the presence PZ. A PZ-dependent protease inhibitor (ZPI) has been isolated from plasma. ZPI is a 72,000-Mr single-chain protein with an N-terminal amino acid sequence of LAPSPQSPEXXA (X = indeterminate) and an estimated concentration in citrate-treated plasma of 1.0–1.6 μg/ml. In systems using purified components, the factor Xa inhibition produced by ZPI is rapid (>95% within 1 min by coagulation assay) and requires the presence of PZ, calcium ions, and cephalin. The inhibitory process appears to involve the formation of a factor Xa–PZ–ZPI complex at the phospholipid surface.
Normative perceptions and past-year consequences as predictors of subjective evaluations and weekly drinking behavior.

Abstract Problem drinking during the college years continues to be an important area of study. Subjective evaluations of consequences have recently been demonstrated to predict future drinking behavior; however, what predicts those evaluations is yet unknown. Social Learning Theory (SLT) provides a guiding framework in this study. Primary aims are to investigate whether individual differences in past experience with alcohol consequences and normative perceptions of alcohol consequences predict subjective evaluations (i.e., the extent to which consequences are perceived as negative, aversive, or severe) and weekly drinking behavior. We also test whether evaluations mediate the influence of past consequences and norms on weekly drinking behavior. Following a baseline assessment, participants (N = 96 regularly drinking college students, 52% female) completed ten weekly web-based surveys on previous week alcohol use, consequences, and subjective evaluations of those consequences. A series of hierarchical linear models were used to test hypotheses. Most mediational pathways were not supported — weekly level evaluations do not appear to fully explain the effect of norms or past experience on weekly level drinking behavior. However, results demonstrated that normative perceptions of and past experience with consequences were associated with both weekly drinking behavior and subjective evaluations, and evaluations remained significant predictors of alcohol use behavior after accounting for these important between-person influences. Findings support the importance placed by SLT on cognition in drinking behavior, and suggest that norms for consequences and subjective evaluations may be appropriate targets of intervention in college students.
Roles of Transmembrane Prolines and Proline-induced Kinks of the Lutropin/Choriogonadotropin Receptor

The lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor is a seven-helix transmembrane (TM) receptor. A unique feature of TM helices is the content of Pro, which generally is absent in α helices of globular proteins. Because Pro disrupts helices and introduces a ∼26° kink, it has been speculated that Pro plays a crucial role in the structure of TM helices, exoloops, and cytoloops of TM receptors. To examine the roles of the five TM Pros of the lutropin/choriogonadotropin receptor, these residues were individually substituted. Mutant receptors were examined for surface expression, hormone binding, and cAMP induction. Surface expression was monitored after introducing the flag epitope into the receptors. Flag epitopes slightly affected cAMP induction but not hormone binding or surface expression of receptors as monitored by immunofluorescence microscopy and 125I-anti-flag antibody. The results indicate that Pro479 in TM 4 and Pro598 in TM 7 play important yet contrasting roles. Pro479 is crucial for hormone binding at the cell surface but not after solubilization of the receptor. This is more likely due to the Pro side chain than the Pro-induced kink. Pro598 is important for surface expression. The kinks of Pro463 of TM 4, Pro562 of TM 6, or Pro591 of TM 7 are not important because the substitution of Phe for these residues did not significantly impact surface expression, hormone binding, and cAMP induction.
Direct photolithographic deforming of organomodified siloxane films for micro-optics fabrication

Direct photolithographic deforming of hybrid glass films is used to fabricate optical structures. The structure is fabricated in polyethylene-oxide-acrylate modified hybrid glass films with (1) binary and gray-scale photomasks using a mercury UV-lamp exposure and (2) maskless UV-laser patterning. Fabrication of isolated lenslets, lens arrays, and gratings is presented, including the associated exposure patterns. The hybrid glass material yields light-induced deformation peak-to-valley (p.v.) heights up to 12.8 µm with mercury UV-lamp exposure and p.v. deformation heights up to 6.8 µm with 365-nm UV-laser exposure. The fabricated lenslets’ surface data are presented as Zernike-polynomial fit coefficients. Material synthesis and processing-related aspects are examined to understand and control the material’s deformation under exposure. The hybrid glass material exhibits a maximum spectral extinction coefficient of 1.6 × 10-3 µm-1 at wavelengths ranging from 450 to 2200 nm and has a refractive index of 1.52 at 632.8 nm. The fabricated structures exhibit rms surface roughness between 1 and 5 nm.
Managerial Effectiveness I: Formulating a Research Strategy

This is the first of a series of papers designed to report the various stages of a longitudinal research project on the study of managerial effectiveness. The purposes of this article are: (1) to s...
Eating disturbances among American minority groups: A review

Objective The purpose of this paper was to review the research literature related to eating behaviors and disturbances among American minority groups. Method: A computer-based literature search was conducted to locate articles pertaining to this topic. Results: This review indicates that, compared to Caucasian females, eating disturbances are equally common among Hispanic females, more frequent among Native Americans, and less frequent among Black and Asian American females. Risk factors for eating disorders (EDs) are greater among minority females who are younger, heavier, better educated, and more identified with White, middle-class values. Discussion: Further studies of EDs among American minority groups are needed, especially studies that are longitudinal and developmental in nature and that focus more specifically on the effects of racism in the development of EDs. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Physiological levels of tumstatin, a fragment of collagen IV α3 chain, are generated by MMP-9 proteolysis and suppress angiogenesis via αVβ3 integrin

We demonstrate a physiological role for tumstatin, a cleavage fragment of the α3 chain of type IV collagen (Col IVα3), which is present in the circulation. Mice with a genetic deletion of Col IVα3 show accelerated tumor growth associated with enhanced pathological angiogenesis, while angiogenesis associated with development and tissue repair are unaffected. Supplementing Col IVα3-deficient mice with recombinant tumstatin to a normal physiological concentration abolishes the increased rate of tumor growth. The suppressive effects of tumstatin require αVβ3 integrin expressed on pathological, but not on physiological, angiogenic blood vessels. Mice deficient in matrix metalloproteinase-9, which cleaves tumstatin efficiently from Col IVα3, have decreased circulating tumstatin and accelerated growth of tumor. These results indicate that MMP-generated fragments of basement membrane collagen can have endogenous function as integrin-mediated suppressors of pathologic angiogenesis and tumor growth.
Risk-taking in the residential treatment of emotionally disturbed children

Working with emotionally disturbed children in a residential treatment setting requires not only consistency and structure, but also the planned inclusion of risk-taking throughout the treatment process. Intake, discharge, and the treatment program are three areas discussed in terms of including risk-taking. Finally, some practical suggestions are made in order to stack the odds in favor of the risk-takers.
Effect of the nuclear compressibility coefficient on the expansion of compressed nuclear matter

On the basis of a conventional nonrelativistic fluid-dynamics model, we study the expansion of spherically symmetric nuclear matter that is initially compressed and excited in head-on collisions of equal targets and projectiles at a laboratory bombarding energy per nucleon of 250 MeV. We use a new functional form for the nuclear equation of state which has the property that the speed of sound approaches the speed of light in the limit of infinite compression. For various values of the nuclear compressibility coefficient, the fluid-dynamical equations of motion are solved until the matter expands to a freezeout density at which fluid dynamics ceases to be valid. At this point the remaining thermal energy is superimposed in terms of a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution with appropriate nuclear temperature. For nonzero values of the compressibility coefficient ranging form 100 to 400 MeV, the energy distribution at the freezeout density of the expanding matter depends slightly upon the compressibility coefficient. However, the final-energy distribution after thermal folding is independent of the compressibility coefficient to within graphical accuracy. For zero compressibility coefficient, which corresponds to the expansion of a perfect gas, the energy distribution is significantly different form that for nonzero compressibility coefficient at the freezeout point, and is slightly different from that for nonzero compressibility coefficient after thermal folding. For both zero and nonzero values of the compressibility coefficient, the final energy distributions are significantly different from a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution corresponding to entirely thermal energy, and are moderately different from the energy distribution corresponding to the Siemens-Rasmussen approximation.NUCLEAR REACTIONS Equal target and projectile, $\frac{{E}_{\mathrm{bom}}}{\mathrm{nucleon}}=250$ MeV; calculated energy distribution of expanding spherically symmetric nuclear matter. High-energy heavy-ion collisions, nonrelativistic nuclear fluid dynamics, nuclear equation of state, nuclear freezeout, thermal folding with Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, Siemens-Rasmussen approximation.
Responsive porphyrinoid nanoparticles: development and applications

The economy of space and materials and the continuously increasing demand for advanced functionalities for diverse technologies requires the development of new synthetic methods. Many nanomaterials have enhanced photophysical and photochemical properties in solutions and/or on surfaces, while others have enhanced chemical properties, compared to the atomic, molecular, or bulk phases. Nanomaterials have a wide range of applications in catalysis, sensors, photonic devices, drug delivery, and as therapeutics for treatment of a variety of diseases. Inorganic nanoparticles are widely studied, but the formation of organic nanomaterials via supramolecular chemistry is more recent, and porphyrinoids are at the forefront of this research because of their optical, chemical, and structural properties. The formation of nanoscaled materials via self-assembly and/or self-organization of molecular subunits is an attractive approach because of reduced energy requirements, simpler molecular subunits, and the material can be adaptive to environmental changes. The presence of biocompatible groups such as peptides, carbohydrates, polyglycols and mixtures of these on the periphery of the porphyrin macrocycle may make nanoparticles suitable for therapeutics. This perspective focuses on responsive, non-crystalline porphyrinoid nanomaterials that are less than about 100 nm in all dimensions and used for catalytic or therapeutic applications.
Locus of Control and Peer Relationships Among Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and African American Adolescents

Past research has shown that locus of control plays an important role in a wide range of behaviors, such as academic achievement and positive social behaviors. However, little is known about whether locus of control plays the same role in minority adolescents' peer relationships. The current study examined ethnic differences in the associations between locus of control and peer relationships in early adolescence using samples from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS-K: 5,612 Caucasian, 1,562 Hispanic, 507 Asian, and 908 African-American adolescents) and the National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS: 8,484 Caucasian, 1,604 Hispanic, and 860 Asian, and 1,228 African American adolescents). Gender was approximately evenly split in both samples. The results from the two datasets were highly consistent. Significant interactions between ethnicity and locus of control indicated that having a more internal locus of control was particularly important for Caucasian students' peer relationships (ECLS-K) and social status (NELS), but less so for Asian, Hispanic, and African American students. Our findings suggest that the role of locus of control in peer relationship is contingent upon culture.
Point defects and dopant diffusion in silicon

Diffusion in silicon of elements from columns III and V of the Periodic Table is reviewed in theory and experiment. The emphasis is on the interactions of these substitutional dopants with point defects (vacancies and interstitials) as part of their diffusion mechanisms. The goal of this paper is to unify available experimental observations within the framework of a set of physical models that can be utilized in computer simulations to predict diffusion processes in silicon. The authors assess the present state of experimental data for basic parameters such as point-defect diffusivities and equilibrium concentrations and address a number of questions regarding the mechanisms of dopant diffusion. They offer illustrative examples of ways that diffusion may be modeled in one and two dimensions by solving continuity equations for point defects and dopants. Outstanding questions and inadequacies in existing formulations are identified by comparing computer simulations with experimental results. A summary of the progress made in this field in recent years and of directions future research may take is presented.
Time to address gender discrimination and inequality in the health workforce

Gender is a key factor operating in the health workforce. Recent research evidence points to systemic gender discrimination and inequalities in health pre-service and in-service education and employment systems. Human resources for health (HRH) leaders’ and researchers’ lack of concerted attention to these inequalities is striking, given the recognition of other forms of discrimination in international labour rights and employment law discourse. If not acted upon, gender discrimination and inequalities result in systems inefficiencies that impede the development of the robust workforces needed to respond to today’s critical health care needs.
The source of disparity vergence innervation determines prism adaptation

A physiological model of prism adaptation argues that adaptation magnitude and rate are functions of the magnitude of reflex vergence innervation. It has also been shown that there is reduced prism adaptation magnitude for a given disparity stimulus where only peripheral sensory fusion is present (the ‘eccentricity effect’). This study attempted to determine whether the eccentricity effect is attributable to reduced reflex vergence innervation in peripheral fusion. Experiments were run in a Maxwellian view haploscope. Convergence and divergence adaptation to 6Δ disparity stimuli were quantified for seven binocularly normal subjects using subjective heterophoria measurements. Vergence response during central or peripheral fusion was quantified objectively by infrared oculography. Six of seven subjects revealed an eccentricity effect. However, in three of seven subjects the eccentricity effect was not predictable from the manifest vergence response. The results suggest that the source of reflex vergence innervation affects prism adaptation. A model is proposed whereby different sources of reflex disparity vergence innervation stimulate prism adaptation by way of separate neurological pathways of differing responsiveness.
A sensitive stability indicating assay for the H2 blocker ranitidine

Abstract A stability indicating high performance liquid chromatography assay for ranitidine has been developed for the study of ranitidine in intravenous solutions. The assay is based on an isocratic mobile phase, a C18 reverse phase column, UV detection and utilizes an internal standard. The assay is shown to be accurate and precise over a range of ranitidine concentration commonly found in IV solutions. The mean inter- and intra-assay variability is low and retention times are stable. The assay separates ranitidine form ranitidine decomposition products produced at acidic and basic pH's.