cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production and cost in the US paper and paperboard industry

The US paper and paperboard industry has experienced significant structural changes over the past 25 years, including reductions in the number of mills, lower rates of capacity growth, employment cutbacks and a loss of market share to foreign competitors. These structural shifts portray an industry that increasingly has difficulty adapting to a more competitive global environment. Based on aggregate data from 1965 to 1996, this article estimates a short-run translog (TL) cost function for the industry. The estimated model fits the data well and all sample points satisfy monotonicity and concavity conditions at all points. Among the findings, the industry operates at slightly increasing returns to capital utilization and labour and energy are Allen–Uzawa complements but Morishima substitutes in production. Technological progress generated 0.02% reduction in annual operating costs and consistent with an ailing US industry, estimated marginal costs approximated average operating costs until 1982 after which ...
A multiyear analysis of changes in AIDS concerns and homophobia on a university campus

Abstract The authors studied changes in personal concerns and fears about AIDS and homophobia from 1985 to 1992 among four samples of heterosexual undergraduate students on a university campus. Over time, students' self-reported knowledge about AIDS increased, as did personal worry about HIV infection. Interest in attending an educational program increased initially, then leveled off, and fear of casual contact with people with AIDS decreased. The study findings showed no changes in homophobia. High fear of AIDS was associated with being less informed, having greater concern about infection, and being more homophobic.
DIRECT OBSERVATION OF LIQUID-PHASE SINTERING IN THE SYSTEM IRON-COPPER

The hot-stage of a scanning electron microscope has been used to observe liquid-phase sintering in the system iron-copper. The densification behaviour of compacts of Fe and Cu particles were determined. The influence of particle size of both components and the amount of liquid phase developed were investigated. In samples with about 20 vol % liquid phase, the densification kinetics as observed by direct observation shows that no rearrangement takes place. In samples with 40 vol % liquid phase and particle sizes of 10 to 20 µm, some rearrangement was observed.
Oxidative Transformation of Demethoxy- and Bisdemethoxycurcumin: Products, Mechanism of Formation, and Poisoning of Human Topoisomerase IIα

Extracts from the rhizome of the turmeric plant are widely consumed as anti-inflammatory dietary supplements. Turmeric extract contains the three curcuminoids, curcumin (≈80% relative abundance), demethoxycurcumin (DMC; ≈15%), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC; ≈5%). A distinct feature of pure curcumin is its instability at physiological pH, resulting in rapid autoxidation to a bicyclopentadione within 10–15 min. Here, we describe oxidative transformation of turmeric extract, DMC, and BDMC and the identification of their oxidation products using LC-MS and NMR analyses. DMC autoxidized over the course of 24 h to the expected bicyclopentadione diastereomers. BDMC was resistant to autoxidation, and oxidative transformation required catalysis by horseradish peroxidase and H2O2 or potassium ferricyanide. The product of BDMC oxidation was a stable spiroepoxide that was equivalent to a reaction intermediate in the autoxidation of curcumin. The ability of DMC and BDMC to poison recombinant human topoisomerase IIα wa...
Observation of a Nematic Phase in an Aqueous Suspension of Phospholipid Tubules

Abstract We have found that at a sufficiently high concentration, diacetylenic phospholipid tubules form a nematic phase when suspended in water. As a consequence of their large size, the tubules were imaged with visible light and the nematic order parameter was extracted.
The bow and sequential effects in absolute identification

The bow and sequential effects in absolute identification are investigated in this paper by following two strategies: (1) Experiments are performed in which sequential dependencies in signal presentations are manipulated, and 12) analyses are conducted (some of which are largely free of model-specific assumptions) which bear directly on the question of the origin of the sequential effects. The main result of the study is that absolute identification performance is greatly improved in a design in which each signal lies close to the preceding signal presented, even though the entire range of signals used is the same as in a random presentation design. This finding is consistent with the attention-band model of Luce, Green, and Weber (1976) and rejects hypotheses that suggest that the variability in the signal representation in absolute identification is a function solely of the range of signals being used. However, nonparametric analyses of sequential response errors show that a plausible assumption concerning the trial by-trial movement of the attention band provides an incomplete explanation of Seluential effects in absolute identification. These results are far better explained in terms of systematic shifts of category boundaries in a Thurstonian model, as suggested by Purks, Callahan, Braida, and Durlach (1980). Experiments are also performed which suggest that memory decay is not the major factor accounting for the bow effect in absolute identification.
Au Nanorice Assemble Electrolytically into Mesostars

Star-shaped mesotructures are formed when an aqueous suspension of Au nanorice particles, which consist of prolate hematite cores and a thin Au shell, is subjected to an electric current. The nanorice particles assemble to form hyperbranched micrometer-scale mesostars. To our knowledge, this is the first reported observation of nanoparticle assembly into larger ordered structures under the influence of an electrochemical process (H(2)O electrolysis). The assembly is accompanied by significant modifications in the morphology, dimensions, chemical composition, crystallographic structure, and optical properties of the constituent nanoparticles.
Quantum theory of nonlinear fiber optics: Phase-space representations.

In this paper the equations for quantum optical pulse propagation in nonlinear and dispersive single-mode fibers are presented in terms of two phase-space formulations based on the positive-P and the Wigner distributions. Included are the effects due to the coupling of the electromagnetic modes to the vibrational states of a vitreous silica fiber. By making use of the well-known equivalence of Fokker-Planck and Ito stochastic equations, we demonstrate two alternative methods for formulating the equations of motion as coupled stochastic c-number equations for the propagating field. The first method involves a representation of the density operator in terms of the positive P distribution function. This leads to exact stochastic equations of motion. The second method makes use of the Wigner distribution function. This method, which requires truncation of third-order derivative terms in the corresponding Fokker-Planck equation, is necessarily approximate. However, we discuss certain advantages to the Wigner approach that have made it the preferable method for exploratory work.
Implications of space-time orientation for Principal Components Analysis of Earth observation image time series

A time series of geographic images can be viewed from two perspectives: as a set of images, each image representing a slice of time, or as a grid of temporal profiles (one at each pixel location). In the context of Principal Components Analysis (PCA), these different orientations are known as T-mode and S-mode analysis respectively. In the sparse literature on these modes it is recognized that they produce different results, but the reasons have not been fully explored. In this paper we investigate the interactions between space-time orientation and standardization and centering in PCA. Standardization refers to the eigenanalysis of the inter-variable correlation matrix rather than the variance-covariance matrix while centering refers to the subtraction of the mean in the development of either matrix. Using time series of monthly anomalies in lower tropospheric temperature from the Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU) as well as in CO2 in the middle troposphere from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), we show that with T-mode PCA, standardization has the effect of giving equal weight to each time step while centering has the effect of detrending over time. In contrast, with S-mode PCA, standardization has the effect of giving equal weight to each location in space while centering detrends over space. Further, in the formation of components, S-mode PCA preferences patterns that are prevalent over space while T-mode PCA preferences patterns that are prevalent over time. The two orientations thus provide complementary insights into the nature of variability within the series.
Modeling Oil Evaporation From the Engine Cylinder Liner With Consideration of the Transport of Oil Species Along the Liner

To estimate oil evaporation from an engine cylinder liner, an evaporation model has been implemented and incorporated with an existing 3-D piston ring-pack lubrication model. In this evaporation model, oil is modeled as being composed of distinct hydrocarbon species. Due to the depletion of light species and temperature variation, oil composition changes with space and time. Great emphasis was placed on the change of oil composition caused by oil transport through the ring-pack movement along the liner. The model was applied to a gasoline engine, and it was demonstrated that due to the movement of piston ring-pack, oil can be transported from the lower liner region to the upper liner region during the compression stroke, which gives a continuous supply of light species for oil evaporation.© 2005 ASME
An empirical test of five prominent explanations for the black–white academic performance gap

The viability of five prominent explanations for the black–white performance gap (“academic engagement,” “cultural capital,” “social capital,” “school quality” and “biased treatment”) is examined using NELS data and a LISREL model that adjusts for clustering of students within schools. Empirical models have typically assessed these factors individually—a practice that probably fosters overestimation of their explanatory power. School quality and biased treatment emerge as the primary explanations for black–white high school test performance differentials. Access to better-quality schools and receipt of more stimulating interpersonal “signals” from gatekeepers ensue from racial (and socioeconomic) privilege. Enhanced test performance in turn ensues from these resources. In essence, the explanations for the racial gap that place more emphasis on what black and white students “bring to” high school (i.e., specific levels of engagement, cultural and social capital), seem less consequential to performance differentials than “what happens to” them when they get there (i.e., quality of education provided, and race-contingent treatment received).
Do Interest Groups Represent the Disadvantaged? Advocacy at the Intersections of Race, Class, and Gender

How well do interest groups represent the disadvantaged? I examine the policy advocacy of national organizations that represent marginalized groups, focusing on the extent to which they advocate on behalf of intersectionally disadvantaged subgroups of their membership. Combining quantitative analysis of original data from a survey of organizations with information from in-depth interviews, I find that organizations are substantially less active when it comes to issues affecting disadvantaged subgroups than they are when it comes to issues affecting more advantaged subgroups. In spite of sincere desires to represent disadvantaged members, organizations downplay the impact of such issues and frame them as narrow and particularistic in their effect, while framing issues affecting advantaged subgroups as if they affect a majority of their members and have a broad and generalized impact. Consequently, issues affecting advantaged subgroups receive considerable attention regardless of their breadth of impact, wh...
Isoform Specificity of Ankyrin-B A SITE IN THE DIVERGENT C-TERMINAL DOMAIN IS REQUIRED FOR INTRAMOLECULAR ASSOCIATION

Ankyrins contain significant amino acid identity and are co-expressed in many cell types yet maintain unique functions in vivo. Recent studies have identified the highly divergent C-terminal domain in ankyrin-B as the key domain for driving ankyrin-B-specific functions in cardiomyocytes. Here we identify an intramolecular interaction between the C-terminal domain and the membrane-binding domain of ankyrin-B using pure proteins in solution and the yeast two-hybrid assay. Through extensive deletion and alanine-scanning mutagenesis we have mapped key residues for interaction in both domains. Amino acids 1597EED1599 located in the ankyrin-B C-terminal domain and amino acids Arg37/Arg40 located in ANK repeat 1 are necessary for inter-domain interactions in yeast two-hybrid assays. Furthermore, conversion of amino acids EED1597 to AAA1597 leads to a loss of function in the localization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors in ankyrin-B mutant cardiomyocytes. Physical properties of the ankyrin-B C-terminal domain determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy and hydrodynamic parameters reveal it is unstructured and highly extended in solution. Similar structural studies performed on full-length 220-kDa ankyrin-B harboring alanine substitutions, 1597AAA1599, reveal a more extended conformation compared with wild-type ankyrin-B. Taken together these results suggest a model of an extended and unstructured C-terminal domain folding back to bind and potentially regulate the membrane-binding domain of ankyrin-B.
The reliability of the social readjustment rating scale: Moderate and long-term stability

Abstract The temporal stability of the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) was determined during 3 sampling periods over 2 years in groups of male psychiatric outpatients and non-patients. The rank ordering of the amount of readjustment required by life events remained extremely consistent both for controls ( r ranged from 0·96 to 0·89) and patients ( r ranged from 0·91 to 0·70). Controls also demonstrated considerable consistency in the absolute weights assigned to various events over time ( r ranged from 0·83 to 0·59 for all events). Patients shows great variability in weighting ( r ranged from 0·41 to 0·08 for all events). The results suggest that whereas “normals” maintain temporally stable perceptions of the impactfulness of life change, the same may not be true for psychiatric patients.
A Unified theory of tokamaks and stellarators

Computational methods are described to study the equilibrium, stability, and transport of a fusion plasma confined by a magnetic field with toroidal geometry. Misconceptions in conventional theories of transport are analyzed and new results more consistent with experimental observations are presented. Specifications are given for an advanced stellarator designed to compete with tokamaks as a fusion reactor.
A genetic system for Archaea of the genus Methanosarcina: Liposome-mediated transformation and construction of shuttle vectors

New methods that allow, for the first time, genetic analysis in Archaea of the genus Methanosarcina are presented. First, several autonomously replicating plasmid shuttle vectors have been constructed based on the naturally occurring plasmid pC2A from Methanosarcina acetivorans. These vectors replicate in 9 of 11 Methanosarcina strains tested and in Escherichia coli. Second, a highly efficient transformation system based upon introduction of DNA by liposomes has been developed. This method allows transformation frequencies of as high as 2 × 108 transformants per microgram of DNA per 109 cells or ≈20% of the recipient population. During the course of this work, the complete 5467-bp DNA sequence of pC2A was determined. The implications of these findings for the future of methanoarchaeal research are also discussed.
Rewriting Techniques and Degree Bounds for Higher Order Symmetric Polynomials

Any symmetric polynomial f∈R[X1, …, Xn] has a unique representation f = p(σ1, …, σn) with p∈R[X1, …, Xn] in the elementary symmetric polynomials σ1, …, σn. This paper investigates higher order symmetric polynomials; these are symmetric polynomials with a representation p, which is also symmetric. We present rewriting techniques for higher order symmetric polynomials and exact degree bounds for the generators of the corresponding invariant rings. Moreover, we point out how algorithms and degree bounds for these polynomials are related to Pascals triangle, Fibonacci numbers, Chebyshev polynomials, and cardinalities of finite distributive lattices of semi-ideals.
Clumsy children: a disorder of perception and motor organisation.

UMMARY Clumsiness of movement out of context with other aspects of children's development can be found as a specific developmental disorder, or in association with other evidence of cerebral dysfunction causing mental or physical handicap. Children suffering from such clumsiness are often in need of special help, and an early diagnosis is essential if they are to be given the extra help and understanding they need, and if secondary emotional disturbances are to be avoided. The authors give a practical guide to the recognition and treatment of such cases and emphasise that more attention should be paid to the problems which these children have. RESUME Les enfants maladroits: Troubles de perception et organisation motrice La maladresse de mouvement, en dehors d'autres aspects du developpement de l'enfant peut etre observee comme un desordre specifique de developpement ou observee en association avec d'autres signes de disfonction cerebrale entrainant un handicap mental ou physique. Les enfants presentant de telles maladresses ont besoin souvent d'une aide specialisee; un diagnostic precoce est essentiel pour cette aide, pour une meilleure com-. prehension et pour eviter des reactions emotionelles secondaires. Les auteurs indiquent un guide praotique pour le diagnostic et le traitement de ces cas et soulignent l'interet d'une attention accrue pour ces problemes. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Kindliche Ungeschicklichkeit: eine Krankheit der Perception und der motorischen Organisation Eine im Vergleich zur sonstigen kindlichen Entwicklung unpassende Ungeschicklichkeit der Bewegungen findet man als spezifische Entwicklungsstorung oder in Verbindung mit anderen Zeichen cerebraler Dysfunktion, die geistige oder korperliche Beschrankung hervorruft. Kinder, die unter solcher Ungeschicklichkeit leiden, brauchen oft eine Spezial-hilfe, und eine fruhe Diagnose ist unerlaslich, wenn sie die besondere Hilfe und das Verstandnis finden sollen, dessen sie bedurfen, und wenn sekundare emotionale Storungen vermieden werden sollen. Die Autoren geben eine praktische Anleitung zur Erkenntnis und Behandlung solcher Falle und betonen, das mehr Aufmerksamkeit auf die Probleme dieser Kinder gelenkt werden sollte. RESUMEN NiTnos torpes: una alteracion de la percepcion y de la organizacion motora La torpeza en el movimiento, sin relacion con otros aspectos del desarrollo del nino, puede ser hallada bien como una alteiacion especifica del desarrollo, o asociada a otros signos de disfuncion cerebral causante de una disminucion mental o fisica. Los ninos que sufren este tipo de torpeza con frecuencia necesitan ayuda especial y es preciso un diag-nostico precoz si han de recibir la ayuda extra y la comprension que necesitan y si se quieren evitar alteraciones emotivas secundarias. Los autores dan una guia practica para el reconocimiento y tratamiento de tales casos y ponen de relieve que debe prestarse mas atencion a los problemas que presentan estos ninos.
Comparison of Colorimetric Results from a Normal-Diffuse Spectrophotometer with Those from a 45-Degree-Normal Colorimeter for Semiglossy Specimens*

While the illuminating and viewing conditions in the Hardy-General Electric recording spectrophotometer seem to have advantages in the measurement of textiles, they do not give results in accord with ordinary experience in the measurement of some other kinds of sample, particularly glossy and semiglossy paints. This paper is intended to document this assertion further by an analysis of recent British measurements on paint samples.
Interferon-γ Receptor Polymorphisms Determine Strain Differences in Accessibility of Activated Lymphocyte NK-Triggering Antigens to Recognition by Self-Reactive NK Cells

Abstract The “NK-triggering-antigen regulator” ( Nktar ) gene is a locus identified in the C57BL/6 genome which regulates the ability of unlabeled activated Con A blasts to compete for recognition of labeled syngeneic Con A blasts by BALB/c NK cells. Linkage analysis on Con A blasts from (BALB/c × CByB6F1) N2 backcross progeny for (1) relative level of competitive inhibition of BALB/c NK lysis of syngeneic Con A blasts and (2) genotypes at polymorphic microsatellite markers distributed throughout the mouse genome mapped the Nktar gene locus to a 5-cM region of chromosome 10 containing the interferon-γ receptor ( Ifngr ) gene locus. N2 Con A blasts exhibited an inverse relationship between (a) their cell surface density of IFN-γR molecules detected by FACS with monoclonal anti-CD119 and (b) their cold target inhibition of BALB/c NK self-reactivity. Con A blasts from Ifngr −/− knockout mice showed a relatively high level of inhibition of BALB/c NK self-lysis and a relatively low level of class I MHC, which were both reversed by transient transfection with the Ifngr gene. Sequencing studies showed that Balb/c Ifngr encodes a Gly 69 whereas C57BL/6 Ifngr encodes Glu 69 due to a difference at nucleotide 284. Sequencing studies of N2 progeny demonstrated 100% concordance between their Nktar inhibitory phenotype and their Ifngr genotype. These findings demonstrate that the Nktar and Ifngr loci are identical. They further indicate that polymorphisms related to the Ifngr locus and affecting expression of cell surface IFN-γR may underlie genetic differences in the availability of NK-triggering antigens (NKTAgs) to recognition by self-reactive BALB/c NK cells by differentially affecting the ability of IFN-γR molecules to mediate up-regulation of NKTAg-masking class I molecules.
JOURNAL WRITING REVISITED: USING LIFE-ADJUSTMENT NARRATIVES AS AN AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL APPROACH TO LEARNING IN PSYCHOLOGY OF ADJUSTMENT

As a follow-up to the earlier success of using the Life Analysis as a life-story narrative assignment in my life-span development courses, in this article I report on the Life-Adjustment Narrative as an autobiographical approach to learning that I employed in instructing a course in psychology of adjustment. In completing the Life Adjustment Narrative, students record their attitudes, beliefs, and feelings toward the self, important events in their own lives, and interpersonal relationships that affect their personal adjustment. As predicted, the results of quantitative testing indicate that narrative discourse leads to higher-level learning outcomes, including critical analysis and conceptual application, when compared to traditional didactics. Based on questionnaire data, students viewed the project as helpful in stimulating critical thinking, course relevance to personal life, academic challenge, creative expression, self-discovery, personal interest and enjoyment, and motivation to learn. The quantita...
Herpesvirus Type 2 Isolated from Cervical Tumor Cells Grown in Tissue Culture

A herpesvirus has been isolated from spontaneously degenerating cultures of cervical tumor cells grown in vitro. The virus was identified as a type 2 herpesvirus on the basis of biologic properties, including plaque morphology and microtubule formation in infected HEp-2 cells, and of immunologic specificity as determined by neutralization. Herpesvirus antigens and virus particles were not seen in duplicate cultures of viable cervical tumor cells.
Synthesis of Nontranslating or Translating Specialized Ribosomes Causes Feedback Regulation of Ribosomal RNA Synthesis in Escherichia coli

Specialized ribosomes carry a mutant anti-Shine-Dalgarno region that disrupts the complementary base pairing that stabilizes the translation initiation complex with E. coli mRNAs. It has been reported that production of specialized ribosomes does not cause the inhibition of chromosomal rRNA synthesis that follows production of wild-type ribosomes. We proposed that enabling translation on specialized ribosomes by providing mRNA with a complementary mutation in the Shine-Dalgarno region would restore feedback regulation and inhibit chromosomal rRNA synthesis. With both our system and the system studied previously, we saw feedback regulation regardless of whether the specialized ribosomes were translating. As reported previously, transcription from plasmid-borne promoters decreased as chromosomal rRNA synthesis was repressed, suggesting that the lambda PL and tac promoters may be sensitive to the effector(s) of feedback regulation.
Parental Acculturation, Parental Involvement, Intergenerational Relationship and Adolescent Outcomes in Immigrant Filipino American Families

ABSTRACT The study examined the contribution of parental acculturation, parental involvement, and intergenerational relationship to well-being in Filipino American adolescents. Informed by acculturation, ecological, and social capital theories, we hypothesized that immigrant Filipino parents' acculturation would increase their school, home-educational, and social involvement which, in turn, would enhance the family relationship and adolescent outcomes. Using data from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study (CILS), 365 Filipino American adolescents completed surveys and their immigrant parents participated in interviews. Path analysis results showed parental acculturation enhanced their school, home-educational and social involvement. Furthermore, parental home-educational and social involvement enhanced the quality of the intergenerational relationship, which, in turn, increased the adolescents' self-esteem and reduced their depressive symptom level. Implications are discussed.
Timing May Not Be Everything

Ideally, any metric (especially a publicly reported one) should be reliable and valid. If it is a process measure, there should be a long track record of reports confirming that adherence to the measure is associated with significantly better results than nonadherence to the measure. Using large, validated, reliable data sets and sophisticated statistical analyses, Hawn et al1 have furthered their work showing little relationship between adherence to the publicly reported “quality” measure of the right antibiotic within 60 minutes of incision and improved outcomes. In this analysis, multiple statistical methods were used to tease out any potential associations. While there was a small association between antibiotic timing and surgical site infection in unadjusted analyses, the difference disappeared when the models were adjusted for patient, procedure, and antibiotic variables. This article is not a call to abandon prophylactic antibiotics when indicated, as most studies have shown a significant reduction in postoperative surgical site infections with their use (when compared with no antibiotics). However, it does once again strongly suggest that the current publicly reported measures are not associated with improved outcomes. As surgeons, we should work with federal and local agencies to define metrics that are more robustly associated with better outcomes for our patients.
Evoked potential correlates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in refugees with history of exposure to torture

The presence and magnitude of information processing deviations associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are far from being well-characterized. In this study we assessed the auditory and visually evoked cerebral responses in a group of Iraqi refugees who were exposed to torture and developed PTSD (N = 20), Iraqi refugees who had been exposed to similar trauma but did not develop PTSD (N = 20), and non-traumatized controls matched for age, gender, and ethnicity (N = 20). We utilized two paired-stimulus paradigms in auditory and visual sensory modalities, respectively. We found significantly smaller amplitudes of both the auditory P50 and the visual N75 responses in PTSD patients compared to controls, reflecting decreased response to simple sensory input during a relatively early phase of information processing (interval 50-75 ms post stimulus). In addition, deficient suppression of the P50/N75 response to repeating stimuli at this early stage in both modalities is indicative of difficulty in filtering out irrelevant sensory input. Among associations between electrophysiological and clinical measures, a significant positive correlation was found between dissociation score and P50 S1 amplitudes (p = 0.024), as well as stronger auditory P50 gating correlated with higher quality-of-life index scores (p = 0.013). In addition, smaller amplitudes of N150 visual evoked response to S1 showed a significant association with higher avoidance scores (p = 0.015). The results of this study highlight the importance of early automatic auditory and visual evoked responses in probing the information processing and neural mechanisms underlying symptomatology in PTSD.
A Point-Based Intelligent Approach to Areal Interpolation

Areal interpolation is the data transfer from one zonal system to another. A survey of previous literature on this subject points out that the most effective methods for areal interpolation are the intelligent approaches, which often take two-dimensional (2-D) land use or one-dimensional (1-D) road network information as ancillary data to give insight on the underlying distribution of a variable. However, the 2-D or 1-D ancillary information is not always applicable for the variable of interest in a specific study area. This article introduces a point-based intelligent approach to the areal interpolation problem by using zero-dimensional (0-D) points as ancillary data that are locationally associated with the variable of interest. The connection between zonal variables and point locations can be modeled with a linear or a nonlinear exponential function, which incorporates the distribution of the variables in the transferring of the information from the source zone to the target zone. An experimental study...
Quantitation of colorimetric reaction for determination of gamma 2 phase in dental amalgam.

Abstract A simple, convenient means of establishing a standard for gamma 2 phase analysis has been outlined which may be summarized as follows: (1) preparation of synthetic gamma 2 sample, (2) use of a standard die, and (3) preparation of a standard curve from any source of soluble stannous ions. This allows for the comparison of color intensity of test specimens to that of a 100% gamma 2 standard and allows for relating color directly to milligrams of tin.
Transmutations that introduce group operators

Abstract Transmutations that relate solutions of the heat and the Euler-Poisson-Darboux equation (EPD) or the equation of generalized axially symmetric potential theory (GASPT) involve a free real parameter. In this paper, it is shown, under suitable commutativity conditions, that this parameter can be replaced by the generator of a continuous group. The relations obtained are used to construct polynomial and fundamental solutions for a variety of group generalizations of the EPD and GASPT equations.
Fitting the pieces together: a machine-checked model of safe composition

Programs of a software product line can be synthesized by composing features which implement a unit of program functionality. In most product lines, only some combination of features are meaningful; feature models express the high-level domain constraints that govern feature compatibility. Product line developers also face the problem of safe composition - whether every product allowed by a feature model is type-safe when compiled and run. To study the problem of safe composition, we present Lightweight Feature Java (LFJ), an extension of Lightweight Java with support for features. We define a constraint-based type system for LFJ and prove its soundness using a full formalization of LFJ in Coq. In LFJ, soundness means that any composition of features that satisfies the typing constraints will generate a well-formed LJ program. If the constraints of a feature model imply these typing constraints then all programs allowed by the feature model are type-safe.
A statistical mechanical model for chemical disorder in interacting systems: Application to phase separation in alkali silicates, alkaline earth silicates and alkaline earth aluminosilicates

Abstract The present model provides a formalism for studying the effects of chemical disorder in a system of interacting atoms in which the number of neighbors of each kind of atom need not be the same. When they are the same, this model reduces to the quasi-chemical approximation. It is applied to a model for phase separation in alkali silicates and alkaline earth silicates which involves a mixture of fourfold and sixfold coordinated species. The sixfold coordinated species represents a pseudo-atom comprised of two silicon atoms each bonded to non-bridging oxygen atoms which are strongly associated. A miscibility dome similar to that observed in sodium silicates and barium silicates is predicted. The suppression of phase separation by alumina is predicted.
Electronic structures of linear polymers CNDO/2 calculation for polyglycine

Abstract The Hartree-Fock method for infinite linear polymers is used to calculate the conformational energy map of polyglycine in the CNDO/2 approximation. The general features of the map are in qualitative agreement with empirical maps. The energy gap indicates that polyglycine is an insulator in any conformation. The electronic structures of α, 3 10 , 2 7 and β forms were compared.
Resonance reactions with generalized one-level approximation

Abstract A formalism is developed for the analysis of nuclear reactions which involve partially overlapping resonance levels. The Wigner R matrix, for each value of the total angular momentum and of the parity, is divided into a single-level matrix and an energy-dependent background matrix. The collision matrix, in the form defined by Blatt and Biedenharn, may then be expressed, for an N-channel reaction, in terms of the N partial widths of the tagged level, N “potential” phase shifts, and the 1 2 N(N+1) parameters of the unitary and symmetric background matrix. By invoking the unitarity and symmetry of the collision matrix itself, the number of independent parameters in the background matrix is then reduced to 1 2 N(N−1) . An explicit recipe is given for the construction of the collision matrix, and is illustrated for N = 2 and N = 3. In this formalism, the separation between the strongly energy-dependent single-level part and the contributions from the background matrix is preserved throughout; the formalism will thus be practically useful when the latter varies slowly with energy in the region of the tagged resonance. The further simplifications which occur when the background matrix is diagonal, or nearly diagonal, arediscussed.
Beta adrenoceptor regulation of macrophage arginase activity.

Abstract Background: Arginase, which metabolizes L -arginine within the urea cycle, is essential for production of polyamines and affects production of nitric oxide by depletion of L -arginine, the common substrate for both arginase and nitric oxide synthase. Having shown that trauma increases splenic macrophage arginase activity, we seek to define the mechanisms for this. RAW macrophage arginase activity and expression are increased by 8-bromo-cAMP in vitro. We hypothesize that since catecholamines increase cAMP, trauma-induced splenic arginase activity may be mediated by post-injury catecholamine release. Methods: RAW 264.7 macrophage arginase activity was measured in vitro in response to 4 catecholamines with or without propranolol or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). C57BL/6 mice underwent laparotomy as a model of moderate trauma after propranolol treatment, with and without intraperitoneal Escherichia coli LPS administration as a simulated pro-inflammatory stimulus. Results: Macrophage arginase activity increased in vitro in response to catecholamines or LPS (P
Ten Criteria to Qualify As a Scientist-Practitioner in Clinical Psychology: An Immodest Proposal for Objective Standards

The term ‘scientist-practitioner’ has never been defined in clear or objective terminology. Detailed criteria may help to guide new generations of clinical psychologists to live by the ideals of the Boulder model. Ten criteria are proposed for evaluating the scientist-practitioner in clinical psychology across three domains: scholarship, clinical practice, and the integration of science and practice in psychology. The scientist-practitioner remains active in scholarly works, making regular contributions to the field. These contributions are visible at a national level of impact, and they extend beyond teaching. The scientist-practitioner remains active in the clinical practice of psychology, conducting face-to-face work with clients on regular basis, even if it involves a rather modest time commitment. The clinical services reflect standard clinical practices and extend beyond the supervision of others. The scientist-practitioner strives to integrate the science and practice of psychology. This integration centers around evidence-based practice, and can be seen when scholarship examines issues relevant to mental illness and its treatment.
The role of the Mississippi River in wetland loss in southeastern Louisiana, U.S.A.

The suspended load of the Lower Mississippi River has decreased almost 80 percent since 1850. The long-term suspended sediment record can be loosely subdivided into three phases: a historic interval prior to 1900, a predam period (1930–1952) and a postdam period (1963–1982). The suspended load decreased 43 percent from the historic to the predam period and 51 percent from the predam to the postdam period. The decreases in suspended load after 1952 coincide with the construction of reservoirs and dams on the Missouri and Arkansas rivers. Earlier decreases may be the result of changes in land use measurement practices. The decrease in suspended load and the elimination of overbank flow by the construction of artificial levees are considered to be major causes of coastal wetland loss in southeastern Louisiana. During the historic period sediment accumulation of the marsh surface was greater than the rate of water level rise. During the pre and postdam periods, the rate of water level rise exceeded sediment accretion on the marsh surface. Although the elimination of overbank sediment clearly exacerbated the wetlands loss, an accelerated rate of water level rise during the past 25 years has been a dominant factor. Based on estimates of available overbank sediment, it is suggested that the most viable management strategy for the wetlands would be the diversion of sediment into selected areas where the land loss is most critical.
Conscience as the voice of God: A jungian view.

Archetypal psychology proposes a genetic basis for experiencing conscience as the Voice of God. Human beings are predisposed to submit themselves to parental directives, but they are also predisposed to submit themselves to some higher, spiritual law. True conscience differs from the Freudian superego in that it sometimes directs one to disobey the prevailing moral code.
On the variational process in parameter optimization

The simplest constrained optimization problem is used to investigate the concept of variations of variations. It is shown that variations of dependent variations are nonzero whereas variations of independent variations are zero. The existence of these variations adds to the second variation a term which vanishes because of first-variation conditions but which contributes directly to the third and higher variations. These variations are needed in particular if the second variation vanishes and in general if the whole process is to be done correctly. Finally, the same results are derived using the Taylor series expansion.
Elegant Communications: Sharing Qualitative Research with Communities, Colleagues, and Critics:

This article examines possibilities for qualitative evaluations within the federal government’s narrow context of research as articulated in the No Child Left Behind Act and the National Research Council’s Report on Scientific Principles for Education Research. Through vignettes from qualitative evaluation studies, the following questions are addressed: (a) What is quality in qualitative evaluation? (b) How do we communicate with multiple audiences in ways that are engaging and convincing? (c) What role do emotions play in the work of qualitative evaluation? Despite calls for “scientific objectivity,” emotions are at the core of quality educational research. Emotions as responses to power and status dynamics within social relations puts emotions work at the center of evaluation research in schools. Qualitative researchers are challenged to broaden narrow views of educational research through continuing to demonstrate how well, through attention to emotions and through elegant explanations, qualitative met...
Paradoxical embolization revisited: Case report and literature review

Paradoxical embolization has been clinically described as the triad of systemic (arterial) embolization, evidence of venous thrombosis, and evidence of an intracardiac communication between the two circulatory systems, right and left. A case of recurrent venous embolization, manifested both as apparent paradoxical arterial embolization and multiple pulmonary embolization, is presented. It is likely that the venous embolic events had been of a recurrent and episodic nature, thus giving rise to an element of pulmonary hypertension over time, and consequently the disturbed cardiopulmonary hemodynamics produced a right-to-left atrial shunt. A review of the literature suggests that clinically significant paradoxical embolization may be more frequent than is presently recognized and may be easily misdiagnosed unless included in the differential diagnosis.
Characterization of novel VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-C splicing isoforms from mouse.

VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-C is a major growth factor implicated in various physiological processes, such as angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. In the present paper, we report the identification of three short VEGF-C splicing isoforms (VEGF-C 62 , VEGF-C 129 and VEGF-C 184 ) from immortalized mouse kidney PTECs (proximal tubular epithelial cells). Semi-quantitative RT (reverse transcription)–PCR analysis showed these isoforms were universally expressed to varying degrees in different tissues with high expression levels in the kidney. In immortalized PTECs and podocytes, VEGF-C 62 can activate phosphorylation of FAK (focal adhesion kinase) and promote cell adhesion to substratum. Cell survival was also increased by VEGF-C 62 treatment in the absence of serum. VEGF-C 62 can also reduce cell proliferation in PTECs and podocytes. Nucleolin was one of the proteins that associated with VEGF-C 62 in pull-down assays using GST (glutathione transferase) fusion proteins as bait, indicating different protein binding requirements for VEGF-C 62 compared with VEGF-C. In conclusion, these newly identified VEGF-C isoforms represent a new class of proteins, which are potentially involved in epithelial cell adhesion and proliferation through novel receptor pathways.
Study of boson expansion methods in an exactly soluble two-level shell model

Abstract A two-level numerically soluble shell model previously utilized by Lipkin, Meshkov, and Glick to investigate the accuracy of the random phase and related approximations is applied to the study of boson expansion methods for the description of a vibrational spectrum. Since the model is expressed completely in terms of quasi-spin operators, the required correspondence to boson operators is given by well-known results from the theory of ferromagnetism. The expansions required are also obtained independently by the methods current in nuclear physics. The spectra computed from several harmonic and anharmonic oscillator approximations to the exact Hamiltonian are compared with the results of an exact diagonalization, and possible analogies with the case of vibrational nuclei are drawn.
On-line algorithms and the K-server conjecture

The Work Function Algorithm, a natural algorithm for the k-server problem, is shown to have competitive ratio at most 2k-1 for all metric spaces. It is also shown that the k-server conjecture, which states that there is an on-line algorithm for the k-server problem with competitive ratio k, holds for all metric spaces with k + 2 points. Furthermore, two refinements of competitive analysis are proposed and studied: diffuse adversaries and comparative analysis. They address successfully some of the drawbacks of competitive analysis.
Efficient relational database management using graphics processors

We present algorithms using graphics processing units (GPUs) to efciently perform database management queries. Our algorithms use efcient data memory representations and storage models on GPUs to perform fast database computations. We present relational database algorithms that successfully exploit the high memory bandwidth and the inherent parallelism available in GPUs. We implement these algorithms on commodity GPUs and compare their performance with optimized CPU-based algorithms. We show that the GPUs can be used as a co-processor to accelerate many database and data mining queries.
Operation and design considerations for unsteady data acquisition with PC-based systems in high Reynolds number hypersonic flowfields

Operation and design considerations for personal-computer-based data acquisition are analyzed, and a system is created that is portable, inexpensive, and capable of high-frequency response. This system performed well when given an extensive analysis of the characteristics of the radio-frequency noise in the test environment. The system architecture is well-suited for support of high-frequency data acquisition from both pressure transducers and high-frequency-response thermocouple gauges. As configured, the system provides a data resolution of approximately 0.09 psia and 0.56 F. Considering the constraints placed upon this design, this data resolution is acceptable. The $5000 budget did require use of an existing PC and rental of signal-conditioning equipment.
Enhancing classroom management through proactive rules and procedures

This article presents an overview of classroom rule establishment and implementation within a proactive management strategy. Characteristics of classroom rules such as wording and means of presentation are included, and the intended nature and function of rules is discussed. It was concluded that rules do not work in isolation and therefore should be used in conjunction with an overall classroom management plan. Suggesitions for future research and practice are provided.
Challenges and Strategies to Maintaining Emotional Health Qualitative Perspectives of Mexican Immigrant Mothers

Mexican immigrant mothers face many challenges that put them at increased risk for poor mental health. To understand the factors that lead to the development of depressive symptoms among Mexican immigrant mothers, we analyzed data from 20 qualitative, semistructured interviews. Participants included low-income, Mexican-born mothers of young children living in North Carolina. Most of the mothers in our study reported experiencing depressive symptoms after becoming parents. They expressed their symptoms as feelings of sadness, depression, loneliness, shame, and anxiety. Economic stressors contributing to their emotional health included financial obligations, work, and child care. Social stressors included family separation, social isolation, and discrimination. To cope with these stressors, mothers relied heavily on social networks and community resources. Our results suggest that a combination of both risk and resiliency factors shape the emotional health of Mexican immigrant mothers.