cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust performance analysis for systems with norm-bounded time-varying structured uncertainty

This paper analyses robust performance measures for linear time-invariant systems with norm-bounded time-varying structured uncertainty. We consider two robust performance measures. One is the worst case peak value of the error signal in response to the disturbance with a known energy. The other is the worst case energy of the error signal in response to impulsive disturbance. In both cases, the "worst case" is taken over all admissible uncertainties and disturbances. The notion of robust stability is Q-stability, or the scaled H/sub /spl infin//, norm bound. Our main results provide an upper bound for each of the robust performance measures in terms of a positive definite matrix which satisfies a linear matrix inequality (LMI) together with a scaling matrix. Hence, the best bound in this LMI formulation can be computed by convex programming.
Sociedad civil y medios ciudadanos: arquitectos de paz para el nuevo milenio*

Aunque le ha tomado varias decadas, la comunicacion para el desarrollo ha aprendido que el cambio social raramente podra prevalecer sin la inclusion activa de las comunidades locales, de los movimientos locales y de los ciudadanos en general.
The structure of bound water and refinement of acid metmyoglobin.

The structure of myoglobin as determined from x-ray diffraction data was first reported by Kendrew et al. (1). More recently, Takano (2) described the acidmet and deoxy forms, and Phillips (3) described the oxy form. In these x-ray structures, the positions of the hydrogen atoms cannot be described, but they are important factors in determining the interactions of the heme with its environment. Neutron diffraction work, done in this laboratory, has demonstrated that hydrogen and deuterium positions can be located (4). In addition to the localization of H and D, neutron diffraction provides a unique method for studying the water structure because of the strong scattering ability of D2O. The scattering factor of deuterium is nearly twice as large as that of hydrogen, and it increases the visibility of water molecules in Fourier maps, so that in a neutron map a water molecule appears about three times as strong as in an equivalent electron-density map. Detailed results of the neutron diffraction analysis of carbonmonoxy myoglobin (5) and oxymyoglobin (6), and the initial results on acid metmyoglobin (7) have been reported. The reciprocal-space refinement of acid metmyoglobin and in particular the details of the water structure and hydrogen exchange are presented here.
Polymeric microspheres prepared by spraying into compressed carbon dioxide.

Purpose. The objective was to prepare polymeric microparticles by atomizing organic polymer solutions into a spray chamber containing compressed CO2 (PCA-process) and to study the influence of various process parameters on their morphological characteristics.
COBE DMR Results and Implications

This lecture presents early results obtained from the first six months of measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) by Differential Microwave Radiometers (DMR) aboard COBE* and discusses significant cosmological implications. The DMR maps show the dipole anisotropy and some galactic emission but otherwise a spatially smooth early universe. The measurements are sufficiently precise that we must pay careful attention to potential systematic errors. Maps of galactic and local emission such as those produced by the FIRAS & DIRBE instruments will be needed to identify foregrounds from extragalactic emission and thus to interpret the results in terms of events in the early universe. The current DMR results are significant for Cosmology.
The Impact of Sleep on Female Sexual Response and Behavior: A Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction The etiological role of sleep disturbance in sexual difficulties has been largely overlooked. Research suggests that short sleep duration and poor sleep quality lead to poor female sexual response. However, prior research consists of cross-sectional studies, and the influence of sleep on sexual functioning and behavior has not been prospectively examined. Aim We sought to examine the influence of nightly sleep duration, sleep quality, and sleep onset latency on daily female sexual response and activity. Methods This study used a longitudinal design to study 171 women free of antidepressants and with reliable Internet access who were recruited from a university setting in the United States. Participants first completed baseline measures in a laboratory, and then completed web-delivered surveys at their habitual wake time for 14 consecutive days. Main Outcome Measures All outcome measures were modified for daily recall. Participants completed the Profile of Female Sexual Function's desire, subjective arousal, and orgasmic functioning scales and the Female Sexual Function Index's genital arousal scale, and indicated whether they engaged in partnered sexual activity or self-stimulation in response to dichotomous items. Results Analyses revealed that longer sleep duration was related to greater next-day sexual desire (b = 0.32, P = 0.02), and that a 1-hour increase in sleep length corresponded to a 14% increase in odds of engaging in partnered sexual activity (odds ratio = 1.14, P P average sleep duration reported better genital arousal than women with shorter average sleep length (b = 0.54, P = 0.03). Conclusions Obtaining sufficient sleep is important to the promotion of healthy sexual desire and genital response, as well as the likelihood of engaging in partnered sexual activity. These relationships were independent of daytime affect and fatigue. Future directions may investigate sleep disorders as risk factors for sexual dysfunction. Kalmbach DA, Arnedt JT, Pillai V, and Ciesla JA. The impact of sleep on female sexual response and behavior: A pilot study. J Sex Med 2015;12:1221–1232.
Process outgrowth and synaptic varicosity formation by adult photoreceptors in vitro

To assess the regenerative capability of the photoreceptor synapse, we have isolated and cultured photoreceptors from the mature salamander retina. Both rod and cone photoreceptors were able to regenerate processes within 3 d of plating. Cells extended numerous actin- containing filopodia as well as a few neuritic processes. The neurites contained microtubules and formed synaptic vesicle-filled varicosities, as shown by immunostaining for tubulin and synaptic vesicle proteins and by electron microscopy. Furthermore, regenerated varicosities were capable of depolarization-induced vesicle labeling, suggesting that they can recycle synaptic vesicles and release neurotransmitter by synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Differences were observed between rod and cone cell synaptic regeneration in vitro, which resembled structural differences between their synaptic terminals in situ: rod cells formed multiple synaptic vesicle-filled varicosities along neurites at a distance from the soma, whereas cone cells tended to accumulate synaptic vesicles within the soma. The regeneration of neurites and synaptic vesicle-filled varicosities was abolished by microtubule depolymerizing agents, suggesting a role for microtubule-based vesicle transport in the formation of varicosities. Finally, process outgrowth and varicosity formation were independent of cell-cell contact and, indeed, proceeded in the complete absence of other cells. These findings suggest not only that differentiated photoreceptors are capable of synaptic renewal but that the regeneration of presynaptic- like terminals is an intrinsic ability of rod and cone cells.
On a singularly perturbed equation with neumann boundary condition

(1998). On a singularly perturbed equation with neumann boundary condition. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 23, No. 3-4, pp. 487-545.
Evaluating hot spot-ridge interaction in the Atlantic from regional-scale seismic observations

We probe variations in mantle temperature, composition, and fabric along hot spot–influenced sections of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), using surface waves from nearby ridge earthquakes recorded on broadband island-based seismic stations. We invert frequency-dependent phase delays from these events to estimate one-dimensional mean shear velocity and radial shear anisotropy profiles in the upper 200 km of the mantle within two seafloor age intervals: 5–10 Ma and 15–20 Ma. Mean shear velocity profiles correlate with apparent hot spot flux: lithosphere formed near the low-flux Ascension hot spot is characterized by high mantle velocities, while the MAR near the higher-flux Azores hot spot has lower velocities. The impact of the high-flux Iceland hot spot on mantle velocities along the nearby MAR is strongly asymmetric: the lithospheric velocities near the Kolbeinsey ridge are moderately slow, while velocities near the Reykjanes ridge estimated in previous studies are much slower. Within each region the increase in shear velocity with age is consistent with a half-space cooling model, and the velocity variations observed between Ascension, the Azores, and Kolbeinsey are consistent with approximately ±75° potential-temperature variation among these sites. In comparison, the Reykjanes lithosphere is too slow to result purely from half-space cooling of a high-temperature mantle source. We speculate that the anomalously low shear velocities within the lithosphere produced at the Reykjanes ridge result from high asthenospheric temperatures of +50–75 K combined with ∼12% (by volume) gabbro retained in the mantle due to the imbalance between high hot spot–influenced melt production and relatively inefficient melt extraction along the slow spreading Reykjanes. Radial shear anisotropy in the upper 150 km also indicates an apparent hot spot influence: mantle fabric near Ascension is quite weak, consistent with previous models of anisotropy produced by corner flow during slow seafloor spreading. The fabric near the Azores and the Kolbeinsey ridge is stronger, suggesting that the hot spot increases mantle deformation beyond that produced by slow seafloor spreading in these regions.
Flaxseed oil and fish-oil capsule consumption alters human red blood cell n-3 fatty acid composition : a multiple-dosing trial comparing 2 sources of n-3 fatty acid

Background An increase in plasma n-3 fatty acid content, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3; EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA), is observed after consumption of fish oil-enriched supplements. Because alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3; ALA) is the direct precursor of EPA and DHA, ALA-enriched supplements such as flax may have a similar effect, although this hypothesis has been challenged because of reported low conversion of ALA into DHA. Objective To address this question, we designed a clinical trial in which flax oil, fish-oil, and sunflower oil (placebo group) capsules were given to firefighters (n = 62), a group traditionally exposed to cardiovascular disease risk factors. Design Firefighters were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups receiving 1.2, 2.4, or 3.6 g flax oil/d; 0.6 or 1.2 g fish oil/d; or 1 g sunflower oil/d for 12 wk. Blood was drawn every 2 wk, and the total phospholipid fatty acid composition of red blood cells was determined. Results As expected, fish oil produced a rapid increase in erythrocyte DHA and total n-3 fatty acids. The consumption of either 2.4 or 3.6 g flax oil/d (in capsules) was sufficient to significantly increase erythrocyte total phospholipid ALA, EPA, and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3) fatty acid content. There were no differences among groups in plasma inflammatory markers or lipid profile. Conclusions The consumption of ALA-enriched supplements for 12 wk was sufficient to elevate erythrocyte EPA and docosapentaenoic acid content, which shows the effectiveness of ALA conversion and accretion into erythrocytes. The amounts of ALA required to obtain these effects are amounts that are easily achieved in the general population by dietary modification.
Waves and instabilities in collisional dusty plasmas

Summary form only given. Dusty plasmas (plasmas containing charged dust grains of micron to sub-micron size) occur in a wide variety of space and laboratory environments. The presence of dust, with a much smaller charge-to-mass ratio than the ions, can both modify the properties of standard ion waves and instabilities and give rise to new low frequency dust waves and instabilities. Dusty plasmas in the laboratory may exhibit strong coupling (i.e., the electrostatic interaction energy between neighboring grains exceeds their kinetic energy) which also affects wave properties. Here, recent theoretical work on several instabilities in collisional dusty plasmas is summarized, with applications to dusty plasmas in the Earth's lower ionosphere and in laboratory experiments where neutral densities are relatively high. Instabilities driven by electron cross-field drifts are considered with application to dusty plasmas in the upper mesosphere or low E-region (e.g., dusty meteor trails or polar mesosphere summer echo regions). This includes studies of the effects of charged dust on electrojet instabilities and conditions for exciting low frequency dust acoustic instabilities, along with implications for radar scattering. Dust wave instabilities driven by ion drifts are discussed with application to various laboratory dusty plasma wave experiments. This includes studies of a very low frequency resistive instability, and the effects of strong coupling on ion-dust streaming instabilities. Aspects of the interaction of electromagnetic waves with strongly coupled dusty plasmas are also considered.
Erratum to: Estimating the Number of Men Who Have Sex with Men by Race/Ethnicity at the County Level in Texas

Erratum to: J Urban Health DOI 10.1007/s11524-014-9910-7 Reference 26 in this article should be: Laumann EO, Gagnon JH, Michael RT, et al. The social organization of sexuality: sexual practices in the United States, chapter 8. Chicago: University of Chicago Press; 1994. Further, in the second paragraph under the Limitations section, one sentence needs to be edited to cite the correct study on which we based some estimates. This is directly related to the above correction. “For both the proportion of males who are MSM in rural, suburban, and urban areas and by race/ethnic groups, we relied on national estimates from the most recent NSFG.” Should be changed to “For both the proportion of males who identify as MSM in rural, suburban, and urban areas, we relied on national estimates from the National Health and Social Life Survey.”
Hypoxia induces an excitotoxic-type of dark cell degeneration in cerebellar Purkinje neurons.

In the rat cerebellar slice preparation, exposure to hypoxia elicited by a 30 min exposure to artificial cerebrospinal fluid continuously gassed with 95% N2: 5% CO2 induced a characteristic type of toxicity of Purkinje cells (PCs) resembling excitotoxic-mediated dark cell degeneration (DCD). Morphologically, PCs exhibited marked rounded appearance with cytoplasmic darkening, nuclear condensation and cytoplasmic vacuoles. Using gel electrophoresis, genomic DNA obtained from the cerebellar slice exhibited fragmentation. However, PCs failed to exhibit apoptotic bodies or evidence of phagocytosis, spherical- or crescent-shaped chromatin aggregations or TUNEL-positive staining. Ultrastructural analyses of granule cells revealed the presence of apoptotic bodies and discrete spherical collection of chromatin clumping as well as phagocytosis suggesting that the oligonucleosomal-sized DNA fragments primarily were derived from granule cells. PC-elicited toxicity was attenuated significantly in the presence of the competitive AMPA and NMDA antagonists CNQX and APV, respectively. The present study extends the involvement of excitotoxic processes in mediating hypoxic-induced toxicity of PCs in postnatal rats and suggests, in contrast to DCD elicited by direct application of excitotoxic agents, that DCD associated with acute hypoxic insults in PCs does not resemble classical apoptosis.
Calculations of complete fusion, incomplete fusion, and direct reaction cross sections for deuteron-induced reactions.

Two techniques that enable us to calculate cross sections of complete fusion and various incomplete fusion reactions within the framework of direct reaction theories are combined to calculate cross sections of various reactions initiated by d${+}^{93}$Nb with two incident energies of 15 and 25.5 MeV. It is shown that the predicted cross sections agree well with existing experimental data. This study provides a rather critical test of the two techniques used by examining the consistencies of the predictions of the total incomplete fusion plus direct reaction cross sections and also the regions where these reactions predominantly take place. One of these techniques can be easily used with any optical model code to obtain compound nucleus cross sections (excluding breakup and other direct reaction cross sections) for the Hauser-Feshbach calculations involving deuteron-induced reactions.
Exploring the Long- and Short-Term Planning Practices of Head Start Teachers for Children With and Without Disabilities

This investigation explored the long- and short-term planning practices of 21 Head Start teachers from three Head Start grantee programs. A structured face-to-face interview protocol was used to gather information about (a) primary purposes for short-term and long-term planning, (b) sources of information the teachers used in their planning, (c) contextual factors influencing planning, and (d) differences in planning for children with disabilities. Descriptive analysis procedures were employed to analyze the data. The teachers engaged in several different levels of both long- and short-term planning. The calendar, the classroom environment, the schedule, and classroom activities appeared to be the primary foci of the teachers' planning decisions across all levels. The teachers primarily used personal files, curriculum books, and other teaching personnel as planning resources for their classrooms. Few differences were reported in the planning process or resources used when planning for children with disabi...
Glycobiology of the synapse

Synapses are the fundamental units of connectivity that link together the nervous system. Lectin studies from 30 years ago suggested that specific glycans are concentrated at neuromuscular synapses in the peripheral nervous system and at excitatory synapses in the brain. Subsequent studies have confirmed that particular glycan structures are localized at these synapses, including polysialic acid, high mannose, the cytotoxic T cell antigen, and forms of heparan sulfate. Though the role of these molecules in synapse formation and function is still poorly understood, there is increasing evidence that the function of agrin, a synaptogenic factor in neuromuscular formation, is modulated by several glycans. In addition, the recent generation of ST8SiaIV null mice strongly suggests a role for polysialic acid in synaptic plasticity in the some regions of the central nervous system.
Chronic ethanol consumption increases cardiomyocyte fatty acid uptake and decreases ventricular contractile function in C57BL/6J mice.

Alcohol, a major cause of human cardiomyopathy, decreases cardiac contractility in both animals and man. However, key features of alcohol-related human heart disease are not consistently reproduced in animal models. Accordingly, we studied cardiac histology, contractile function, cardiomyocyte long chain fatty acid (LCFA) uptake, and gene expression in male C57BL/6J mice consuming 0, 10, 14, or 18% ethanol in drinking water for 3 months. At sacrifice, all EtOH groups had mildly decreased body and increased heart weights, dose-dependent increases in cardiac triglycerides and a marked increase in cardiac fatty acid ethyl esters. [3H]-oleic acid uptake kinetics demonstrated increased facilitated cardiomyocyte LCFA uptake, associated with increased expression of genes encoding the LCFA transporters CD36 and Slc27a1 (FATP1) in EtOH-fed animals. Although SCD-1 expression was increased, lipidomic analysis did not indicate significantly increased de novo LCFA synthesis. By echocardiography, ejection fraction (EF) and the related fractional shortening (FS) of left ventricular diameter during systole were reduced and negatively correlated with cardiac triglycerides. Expression of myocardial PGC-1α and multiple downstream target genes in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, including several in the electron transport and ATP synthase complexes of the inner mitochondrial membrane, were down-regulated. Cardiac ATP was correspondingly reduced. The data suggest that decreased expression of PGC-1α and its target genes result in decreased cardiac ATP levels, which may explain the decrease in myocardial contractile function caused by chronic EtOH intake. This model recapitulates important features of human alcoholic cardiomyopathy and illustrates a potentially important pathophysiologic link between cardiac lipid metabolism and function.
Does abdominal pain duration affect the accuracy of first-line MRI for pediatric appendicitis?

Purpose To compare the accuracy of first-line MRI for pediatric appendicitis between children with different durations of abdominal pain.
Import Tariffs and Price Formation in the World Wheat Market: Comment

One of the well-known results of orthodox trade theory concerns the ability of exporters and importers to take advantage of less than perfectly elastic demand and supply functions. It is possible to tax imports or exports so that foreign suppliers or foreign demanders pay some of the tax. In this way, it is possible that the national income of a buyer or seller nation can be increased relative to a freetrade position. In fact, with sufficient information on supply and demand functions, one can find the tax that maximizes welfare, the so-called optimum tariff.
Spontaneous requesting — acquisition, generalisation, and discriminative components: A SINGLE CASE STUDY

This single case study investigated the effects of instructional variables on the initial acquisition, generalisation, and discriminative components of a requesting response in respect of two toothbrushing items. In Experiment 1, the effects of several teaching strategies (receptive language training, natural context training, and quick transfer training) on the acquisition of a requesting response were assessed. The quick transfer training method produced a requesting response with respect to both items. Requesting behaviour also generalised to a novel stimulus condition. In Experiment 2, quick transfer discrimination training resulted in the acquisition of a discriminated requesting response. Implications for assessment and training of spontaneous requesting skills are presented.
Identification and characterization of a family of toxin–antitoxin systems related to the Enterococcus faecalis plasmid pAD1 par addiction module

The par locus of the Enterococcus faecalis plasmid pAD1 is an RNA-regulated addiction module encoding the peptide toxin Fst. Homology searches revealed that Fst belongs to a family of at least nine related peptides encoded on the chromosomes and plasmids of six different Gram-positive bacterial species. Comparison of an alignment of these peptides with the results of a saturation mutagenesis analysis indicated regions of the peptides important for biological function. Examination of the genetic context of the fst genes revealed that all of these peptides are encoded within par-like loci with conserved features similar to pAD1 par. All four Ent. faecalis family members were demonstrated to produce the expected toxin-encoding and regulatory RNA products. The locus from the Ent. faecalis plasmid pAMS1 was demonstrated to function as an addiction module and Fst was shown to be toxic to Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting that a plasmid-encoded module in that species is performing the same function. Thus, the pAD1-encoded par locus appears to be the prototype of a family of related loci found in several Gram-positive species.
Practitioners' Conceptions of Academic Talent and Giftedness: Essential Factors in Deciding Classroom and School Composition

Experts have developed varying, and sometimes conflicting, conceptions of academic talent and giftedness. Classroom and school composition often are tied to these conceptions of academic talent and giftedness, and magnet and charter schools select certain students who best “fit” their particular conception of giftedness. Educators’ perceptions and attitudes regarding academic talent and giftedness thus impact what services are delivered to which students. Little is known about educators’ beliefs regarding conceptions of academic talent and giftedness. The current national study surveyed 900 public school educators, including regular classroom teachers, administrators, and gifted education specialists, regarding their definitions of academic talent and giftedness. The educators believed that all traditional and popular conceptions of academic talent and giftedness were valid, but they were less likely to support definitions involving talents in less-traditional areas. Educators accepted some of the more re...
Archetype: a unified method for the design and implementation of protocol architectures

A method for the automated design, specification, and implementation of protocol architectures is introduced. A natural-language-like protocol architecture specification technique, called Archetype, is formulated. This technique aids the design by enabling an unambiguous specification of the protocol architecture on the level of the communications technologies used, without involvement in the complex implementation details of these technologies. The author defines a data-driven concurrent execution model and specifies the generation of executable specifications from abstract protocol architecture specifications. The exploitation of parallelism in the execution model enables the fulfilment of performance constraints placed on protocol architectures. An architecture based on a single X.25-level 3-like protocol is used as an illustrative example. >
THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURES ON IMMATURE FOWL.

Abstract THE accepted practice for growing young chicks has been to provide adequate heat within a temperature range that enables the chick to select its own “comfort zone”. Consequently very few studies on temperature tolerances of young birds have been conducted. Modern brooding temperature procedures are based on a series of studies by Barott and Pringle (1947, 1949, 1950). Numerous studies have shown that high environmental temperature depressed growth rate. Ota and Garver (1954) grew chicks in environmental temperatures of 19.4°C. and 30°C. from one day to nine weeks of age. The temperature under the hover was set at 35°C. and reduced 2.8°C.per week until the air temperature of the respective chamber was reached. The average body weight of the birds grown in the cooler environment was higher. Prince et al. (1961) subjected chicks to environmental temperatures of 7.2°, 12.8°, 18.3° and 24°C. from four to eight weeks of age. The…
Characterization of benzo[a]pyrene-initiated mouse skin papillomas for Ha-ras mutations and protein kinase C levels

The frequency and spectrum of Ha-ras mutations in benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)-initiated/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-promoted CD-1 mouse skin papillomas were characterized by amplifying high molecular weight papilloma DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by direct DNA sequencing. Analysis of 10 individual B[a]P-initiated early emergence papillomas indicated that 90% contained a Ha-ras mutation. Twenty percent of these papillomas contained a GGA-->GTA transversion in the 12th codon, 50% contained a GGC-->GTC transversion in the 13th codon and 20% contained a CAA-->CTA transversion in the 61st codon. A characteristic of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-initiated papillomas, which contain an A-->T mutation in the 61st codon of Ha-ras, is that they exhibit a constitutive decrease in both protein kinase C (PKC) activity and PKC alpha and beta 2 isozyme levels when compared to epidermis. In the present study we found that total PKC activity, as well as PKC alpha and beta 2 isoforms, were markedly decreased in B[a]P-initiated early emergence papillomas and that this decrease was also accompanied by an altered subcellular distribution of PKC activity. The particulate/cytosolic (P/C) ratio of PKC activity in the epidermis was 0.39, whereas the P/C ratio in the papillomas was 0.77. These results demonstrate that B[a]P-initiated/TPA-promoted papillomas exhibit a high incidence of specific ras mutations and that PKC levels are constitutively decreased in these papillomas, indicating that an activated ras gene is associated with and may contribute to the observed decrease in PKC levels.
An evaluation of the balanced placebo design in alcohol administration research

Results from a study using the balanced placebo design to assess alcohol's effects on anxiety raise serious doubts about the utility of the design even at moderate blood alcohol concentrations. Despite being informed that they were not drinking alcohol, 44% of the subjects who were administered alcohol reported consuming at least some alcohol. Moreover, subjects' scores on the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Index (MCSD) were associated with deception success, suggesting that individual differences in reporting bias influence the manipulation. In contrast, only 6% of subjects who were told that they had consumed alcohol but were given tonic water were not deceived. Among subjects in this placebo condition, scores on the MCSD were not associated with success of the deception. These data suggest that at a moderate dose of alcohol, drink deception in the antiplacebo condition is much more difficult to execute than in the placebo condition, and that deception in the former condition may be confounded with experimenter demand.
Museum Space and the Experience of the Sacred

ABSTRACTThis essay explores the dichotomous way we talk about and experience the sacred in art museum space. While Western museum culture has generally encouraged the notion of the museum visit as a quasi-religious, even transcendent, aesthetic encounter with art and architecture, it has shunned particular and obvious expressions of religious devotion. Why is a certain understanding of “sacred space” permissible, while other meanings of that term seem to make museum professionals uncomfortable? Using numerous examples, this essay first considers museum space and the way we have come to talk about it, paying particular attention to the evolution from classical to modern architecture and the effect that has had on the museum experience. It then considers the treatment of religious artifacts and cultures in museum spaces and how this might be changing today, as museums deliberately pursue exhibitions with a more ambitious social agenda, one with contemporary religious content and relevance. The author uses S...
Quality improvement of painful peripheral neuropathy.

Objectives : To use quality improvement methodology to improve the assessment and treatment of neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy-related nerve injury. Data Sources : Review and research articles, assessment scales, and textbooks. Conclusions : Assessment and treatment algorithms improved peripheral neuropathy-related pain scores. Patient satisfaction with medication effectiveness decreased over time. Medication costs increased, but specialist-referral costs decreased. Implications for Nursing Practice : Nurse-led quality improvement work can lead to positive changes in clinical practice.
Left atrial dimensions in growth and development: Normal limits for two-dimensional echocardiography

Reference values for normal left atrial dimensions have been based primarily on blind M-mode measurements, with no reports based on two-dimensional echocardiography to provide a comprehensive analysis of the two-dimensional measurements from infancy to old age. This report analyzes the left atrial dimensions from two-dimensional echocardiographic studies in 268 normal healthy subjects to determine normal limits and relations among linear, area and volume measurements of the left atrium. The group mean values change with body size, fitting well to the exponential growth model (r = 0.78 to 0.92). The variance about the mean (which determines normal limits) is represented effectively by a quadratic function of body surface area (r = 0.84 to 0.99). The variables determined by this modeling simplify evaluation of normal limits for any body size at any desired level of confidence, and the data are useful reference standards for interpretation of two-dimensional echocardiograms.
Baclofen-induced disinhibition in area CA1 of rat hippocampus is resistant to extracellular Ba2+.

Abstract The mechanism of disinhibition produced by (±)-baclofen was studied using intracellular recording in area CA1 of rat hippocampal slices. Baclofen reversibly depressed monosynaptic IPSPs evoked by direct activation of interneurons in the presence of the excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) and d,l -2amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV). Ba 2+ prevented baclofen-induced hyperpolarization of pyramidal neurons but not depression of monosynaptic IPSPs by baclofen. Baclofen reversibly depressed monosynaptic IPSPs when applied close to the recording site, but was ineffective when applied close to the stimulating site in stratum radiatum. These results suggest that baclofen disinhibits pyramidal neurons in area CA1 of the rat hippocampus by activating receptors on the terminals of inhibitory neurons that are coupled to a Ba 2+ -insensitive effector mechanism.
Privatization of Water-Resource Development

This paper analyzes the inefficiencies from market power and return-flow externalities in private construction of a water project. The model pays special attention to increasing groundwater pumping costs, project set-up costs, limited project capacity, and return flow to the aquifer. For a given capacity, the return-flow externality causes project owners to construct the project too late when the price of groundwater is too high because the external benefit of return-flow to the aquifer is not captured. Market power exacerbates these effects since the project owner delays construction to accelerate groundwater overdraft. The return-flow externality and market power also decrease installed capacity and increase over-draft from the aquifer. Applying the model to the construction of the Central Arizona Project (CAP) for a given capacity, the estimated deadweight loss from hypothetical private construction of the project ($0.853 billion) is substantially less than the literature‘s estimate of deadweight loss from actual construction by the Bureau of Reclamation ($2.603 billion). However, under the federal subsidies and insecure property rights that accompanied the CAP, private construction results in a larger estimated efficiency loss ($6.126 billion).
Post-routing back-end-of-line layout optimization for improved time-dependent dielectric breakdown reliability

Time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) is becoming a critical reliability issue, since the electric field across dielectric increases as technology scales. Moreover, dielectric reliability is aggravated when interconnect spacings vary due to (vias and wires) mask misalignment. Although dielectric reliability can be mitigated by a larger interconnect pitch, such a guardband leads to significant area overhead. In this paper, we propose to improve dielectric reliability through a post-layout optimization. In the layout optimization, we locally shave and/or shift a fraction of wire width to increase the spacing between wires, and/or between adjacent-layer vias and wires. Our experimental results show that the layout optimization can improve interconnect lifetime by 9% to 10%. Separately, we also propose a signal-aware chip-level TDDB reliability estimation method which estimates TDDB stress time of interconnects using net signals obtained from a vectorless analysis. By using the signal-aware analysis method, we show that chip-level TDDB lifetime is approximately twice that obtained using the conventional analysis approach which assumes interconnects are always under electrical stress.
What happens to children when their mothers are battered? Results from a four city anonymous telephone survey

This article presents results of a study examining what happens to children when domestic violence is committed against their mothers. While many investigations have pointed to child exposure to violence in homes where women are battered, few have examined direct reports about what happens to children when adult domestic violence occurs. This study collected direct reports from mothers on real-life events and was designed to go beyond earlier research by eliciting information on a larger array of family and contextual factors that may account for variation in mother’s and their children’s direct and indirect exposure to violence within the same home. Anonymous telephone interviews with 111 battered mothers in four metropolitan areas across the United States elicited detailed information from women on the violence against them and their children. Findings confirm the seriousness of co-occurring mother and child exposure to violence. The research also revealed that women and children were often injured while trying to protect each other from the abuser. The article concludes by recommending further enhancing collaboration between child protection and battered women’s services; augmenting prevention and early intervention services to families experiencing adult domestic violence; and focusing on protecting and increasing the safety of both children and their battered mothers.
Notes on family-group names for bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)

Corrected authorships and dates are provided for four family-group names for bees based on previously unrecognized earlier usages that made them nomenclatorially available. Sagemehl is newly recognized as the author of family-group names based on Dasypoda Latreille (Melittidae: Dasypodainae), Macropis Panzer (Melittidae: Macropidinae), and Hylaeus Fabricius (Colletidae: Hylaeinae), and Kawall as the author the family-group name based on Melitta Kirby, thereby taking precedence over the subsequent use of similar names by Borner, Robertson, Viereck, and Schenck, respectively. In addition, descriptions are provided for three new family-group taxa; Dieunomiini Engel, new tribe (Halictidae: Nomiinae), Eremaphantina Engel, new subtribe (Melittidae: Hesperapini), and Tarsaliini Engel, new tribe (Apidae: Apinae); and one new genus-group taxon, Eremaphantella Engel, new subgenus.
Linearization of 1.3-/spl mu/m MQW electroabsorption modulators using an all-optical frequency-insensitive technique

A novel all-optical linearization technique has been developed for discrete multiquantum-well electroabsorption modulators by exploiting the wavelength dependence of the quantum-confined Stark effect. The correcting signal for a particular order of nonlinearity is generated by the same modulator at a detuned optical wavelength, canceling the undesired order of nonlinear distortion via coherent RF recombination at the photodetector. This dual-wavelength approach is simple and insensitive to the microwave subcarrier frequency. A dramatic 30-dB reduction in the third-order nonlinear distortion at 10 GHz and 8-dB increase in the suboctave link dynamic range were achieved experimentally.
Concentric‐needle single‐fiber electromyography for the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis

The goal of this study was to estimate the accuracy of concentric-needle single-fiber electromyography (CN-SFEMG) for the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG). A consecutive series of patients referred for CN-SFEMG was evaluated by an investigator blinded to the results of CN-SFEMG in order to determine the presence or absence of MG using an independent reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios were calculated. The study population included 51 patients (21 with MG). CN-SFEMG was normal in 34 patients (67%) and abnormal in 17 (33%). The sensitivity of CN-SFEMG for the diagnosis of MG was 0.67 and the specificity was 0.96. The positive likelihood ratio was 16.8 and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.34. The positive and negative predictive values were 0.93 and 0.76, respectively. These results indicate that CN-SFEMG showing abnormal jiggle is extremely useful for confirming the diagnosis of MG, but that CN-SFEMG showing normal jiggle has limited utility in excluding the diagnosis.
Atomic Radii for Continuum Electrostatics Calculations on Nucleic Acids

The accuracy of continuum electrostatic models, in which the solvent is represent as a featureless dielectric medium, depends sensitively on the choice of the atomic radii used for setting the dielectric boundary between the solute and the solvent. Here, a set of optimal atomic radii for performing accurate continuum electrostatic calculations on naturally occurring nucleic acids is parametrized using molecular dynamics simulations and free energy perturbation calculations with explicit water molecules. Small model compounds constituting the building blocks of nucleic acids (base, sugar, phosphate) as well as combinations of these units (nucleoside, diphosphate sugar) are chosen to get proper representation of all the molecular moieties found in nucleic acids. Different conformations of the model compounds representative of both A-form and B-form conformations of DNA are considered. An initial set of atomic radii is first determined using a statistical mechanical analysis based on the average radial solve...
Comparison of the Effects of Two Correction Methods on Line Shape Parameters

Two methods of line shape correction, the parametric method of Kostkowski and Bass and the approxition method developed by Anderson, Kuipers, and Smith have been applied to certain absorption lines of the hydrogen fluoride fundamental band. A comparison of the effects of each method on the values of the line parameters has been made.Good agreement was found between the predictions of the two methods when applied to Lorentzian-shaped lines for which the instrumental slit function was gaussian. When, however, the slit function deviated slightly from gaussian shape by the addition of larger “wings” the agreement was not as good.
Individualism and Association in French Industry, 1820–1848

The difficult reconciliation of individualism with economic and social pressures toward cooperation is the focus of this study of French businessmen.
Comparison of Cancer-specific and General Health Literacy Assessments in an Educated Population: Correlations and Modifying Factors.

An information onslaught accompanies cancer diagnoses, but patient comprehension (health literacy; HL) is frequently low, impacting both immediate care and longer term follow-up. Knowledge and adoption of preventive measures is especially important for cancer survivors due to their increased risk of secondary malignant neoplasms. We sought to evaluate the Test of Functional Health Literacy Adult (S-TOFHLA) against the recently developed cancer-specific Cancer Message Literacy Test (CMLT-r) among an educated population of both cancer survivors and those cancer-free. Participants were recruited 2013 (May through December) from various units within a local hospital and from several local churches, and each completed the S-TOFHLA and CMLT-r and provided demographic information and cancer status. The 109 participants had a mean age of 58 years and were as follows: 65.1 % female; 92.7 % white, 50.4 % college graduates, and 41.3 % cancer survivors. S-TOFHLA scores ranged from 12–36 (mean 34.1) and non-significantly varied by gender, education, cancer status, and age. CMLT-r scores ranged from 28.6–100 % (mean 86.4 %) and significantly varied by education (p = 0.013), but not by gender, cancer status, or age. Overall, CMLT-r and S-TOFHLA significantly correlated (p < 0.001). Assessment scores were skewed towards the maximum with non-significant differences by cancer status. As cancer survivorship improves and as the population becomes more educated, more refined approaches to assess health literacy should be considered. Increased education does not imply increased health literacy, and cancer survivorship does not imply higher health or cancer literacy. Concerted efforts to improve patient understanding and implementation of preventive measures are imperative.
School Psychologists' Evaluation of the K-ABC, McCarthy Scales, Stanford-Binet IV, and WISC-R

A national survey of 856 school psychologists was conducted to assess practitioners' perceptions of the intellectual domains assessed by, and the ease of administration, interpretation, and usefulness of, four commonly used measures of intelligence: the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children; the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities; the Stanford-Binet, Form IV; and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. A 31% return rate was attained, which resulted in 267 completed surveys returned. Results indicated that the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised was by far the most popular instrument and was perceived as the most valid measure of intelligence, the overall “best test,” and as the test that provides the most useful diagnostic information.
Names will never hurt me? Naming and the development of racial and gender categories in preschool-aged children

For children as well as adults, object categories (e.g., dog, animal, car, vehicle) serve as a rich base for inductive inferences. Here, we examine children's inferences regarding categories of people. We showed 4-year-old children a picture of an individual (e.g., a white woman), taught them a novel property of the individual (e.g., is good at a new game called zaggit), and examined children's projections of that property to other individuals. Experiment 1 revealed that children used the broad category person as an inductive base: they extended the novel property to other people, regardless of their race or gender, but not to non-human animals or artifacts. However, naming prompted children to use more specific social categories as an inductive base. When the target individual was identified as a member of a named, novel social category, children were more likely to extend the property to members of the same race-based (Experiment 2) or gender-based (Experiment 3) category as the target. Implications of naming in children's formation of social categories based on race or gender are discussed, and the consequences on the emergence of stereotypes are considered. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.