cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of the magnitude, impact and spatial extent of ultrasonic clutter.

Clutter is a noise artifact in ultrasound images that appears as diffuse echoes overlying signals of interest. It is most easily observed in anechoic or hypoechoic regions, such as in cysts, blood vessels, amniotic fluid, and urine-filled bladders. Clutter often obscures targets of interest and complicates anatomical measurements. An analytical expression that characterizes the extent to which clutter degrades lesion contrast was derived and compared to the measured contrast loss due to clutter in a bladder phantom. Simulation and phantom studies were performed to determine ideal and achievable signal-to-clutter ratios. In vivo clutter magnitudes were quantified in simultaneously-acquired fundamental and harmonic bladder images from five volunteers. Clutter magnitudes ranged from −30 dB to 0 dB, relative to the mean signal of the bladder wall. For this range of clutter magnitudes, the analytical expression predicts a contrast loss of 0–45 dB for lesions with clutter-free contrasts of 6–48 dB. A pixel-wise...
A method for combining Golgi impregnation procedures and light microscopic autoradiography

The following is a description of a technique for directly combining Golgi impregnation of neurons with light microscopic autoradiography. Golgi impregnation procedures have been combined with [3H]thymidine labeling of dividing neurons. This method is useful to investigations that could combine Golgi impregnation of neurons with any permanent radioactive marker.
Endocytic adaptor molecules reveal an endosomal population of clathrin by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy.

Abstract Most eukaryotes utilize a single pool of clathrin to assemble clathrin-coated transport vesicles at different intracellular locations. Coat assembly is a cyclical process. Soluble clathrin triskelia are recruited to the membrane surface by compartment-specific adaptor and/or accessory proteins. Adjacent triskelia then pack together to assemble a polyhedral lattice that progressively invaginates, budding off the membrane surface encasing a nascent transport vesicle that is quickly uncoated. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to follow clathrin dynamics close to the cell surface, we find that the majority of labeled clathrin structures are relatively static, moving vertically in and out of the evanescent field but with little lateral motion. A small minority shows rapid lateral and directed movement over micrometer distances. Adaptor proteins, including the α subunit of AP-2, ARH, and Dab2 are also relatively static and exhibit virtually no lateral movement. A fluorescently labeled AP-2 β2 subunit, incorporated into both AP-2 and AP-1 adaptor complexes, exhibits both types of behavior. This suggests that the highly motile clathrin puncta may be distinct from plasma membrane-associated clathrin structures. When endocytosed cargo molecules, such as transferrin or low density lipoprotein, are followed into cells, they exhibit even more lateral motion than clathrin, and gradually concentrate in the perinuclear region, consistent with classical endosomal trafficking. Importantly, clathrin partially colocalizes with internalized transferrin, but diverges as the structures move longitudinally. Thus, highly motile clathrin structures are apparently distinct from the plasma membrane, accompany transferrin, and contain AP-1, revealing an endosomal population of clathrin structures.
A Computational Approach to the Number of Synthesis of Linkages

This paper presents a number of systematically designed compliant topologies and discusses how the intrinsic kinematic behavior can be extracted from them. This is then applied to the number synthesis of linkages. Many techniques developed for number synthesis of linkages enumerate numerous possible kinematic chains, but few can select the best configuration among them. A systematic computational approach that can select the best configuration based on kinetostatic design specifications is presented here. This is a serendipitous result that transpired when two well-developed design techniques for compliant mechanisms were combined. A number of examples with nonintuitive design specifications are included to illustrate the new approach to the number synthesis. The examples also illustrate that the kinematic behavior is aptly captured in the elastic mechanics-based topology optimization method to compliant mechanism design. Dimensional synthesis is also accomplished in the same procedure, which is an added benefit of this approach.
NN Bond Cleavage by a Low-Coordinate Iron(II) Hydride Complex

Reaction of the three-coordinate complex LFeCl (L = bulky β-diketiminate) with KBEt3H gives a dark red iron(II) hydride complex. The complex is a dimer in the solid state, but spectroscopy and kinetics suggest that an orange three-coordinate monomer is in equilibrium with the dimer in solution. The double bond of azobenzene is completely cleaved by heating with the hydride complex, and a hydrazido intermediate can be isolated.
Which Patients Benefit From Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty? Prevalvuloplasty and Postvalvuloplasty Variables That Predict Long-Term Outcome

Background— Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMV) results in good immediate results, particularly in patients with echocardiographic scores (Echo-Sc) ≤8. However, which variables relate t...
Athletic-ideal and thin-ideal internalization as prospective predictors of body dissatisfaction, dieting, and compulsive exercise

Although internalization of the thin ideal has been extensively researched and is now regarded as a risk factor for eating disturbance, endorsement of the firm, athletic body ideal has received only minimal attention. This short-term longitudinal study explored whether internalization of two aspects of the current cultural ideal (thinness and athleticism) prospectively predicted three potentially deleterious outcomes: body dissatisfaction, dieting, and compulsive exercise. Undergraduate women (N=231) completed self-report measures at the beginning of the academic year and again 7 months later (N=156 at Time 2). Athletic-ideal internalization predicted change in compulsive exercise over the 7-month study period but not body dissatisfaction or dieting; thin-ideal internalization predicted change in all three outcomes. When both internalization measures were tested simultaneously, neither contributed unique variance. Results suggest that athletic-ideal internalization is not as detrimental as thin-ideal internalization.
Effect of p-dopant positioning in low-threshold, InGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs, MQW GRINSCH lasers with GaAs etch-stop layer for multiwavelength applications

Etch-stop layers have proven essential in fabricating devices such as distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser arrays which require a high degree of uniformity and precise depth positioning of the gratings. In this report, we investigate the dependence of the threshold current density and external quantum efficiency on the p-dopants' starting position in InGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well graded-index separate-confinement heterostructure (GRINSCH) lasers with a GaAs etch-stop layer. The laser structures were grown by molecular-beam epitaxy with As2. With the etch-stop layer approximately 200 nm above the active region's top AlGaAs graded layer, it is found that a significant fraction of injected carriers will recombine in the etch-stop layer if this layer is not sufficiently doped and if the p- dopants are not near enough to the graded layer in the active region. This results in a very high threshold current, a very low efficiency, and the presence of a high-energy peak, corresponding to the GaAs etch-stop layer acting as a quantum well, in the electroluminescence (EL) spectrum. On the other hand, with the dopants positioned correctly, we obtain very low threshold current densities and see no evidence of EL emission from the etch-stop layer. The experimental results are consistent with computer modeling performed with a commercial simulator. Results will also be presented on multiple-wavelength DBR lasers made from these structures.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Characterization of the immune response against hepatitis C infection in recovered, and chronically infected chimpanzees.

summary. The immune response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) is believed to be critical in determining the outcome of the disease. In this study we have analysed epitope recognition, cytokine profile, and anti-HCV antibody responses in chronically HCV-infected and recovered chimpanzees. Quantitative measurement of anti-HCV antibody in HCV-infected chimpanzees revealed that the response in HCV- recovered chimpanzees peaked within 4–20 weeks. In contrast, the anti-HCV antibody responses in chronically HCV infected chimpanzees did not peak until 100–200 weeks after infection, and decreased gradually thereafter. T cell proliferation assays measuring responses to pooled HCV proteins revealed significant increases in the 3H-uptake during the early stages of infection in recovered chimpanzees in comparison to the chronically infected ones. Class I-restricted epitopes of the core, and NS3 proteins of HCV were analysed using 9–10 mer overlapping peptides covering the core and NS3 proteins, and IFN-γ ELISPOT technique. Our data indicated early and broad class-I restricted core, and NS3 protein epitope recognitions in HCV-recovered chimpanzees but not in chimpanzees that had been chronically infected. Additionally, dominant epitopes recognized early in infection (8 weeks) were no longer recognized later in infection (followed up to 64 weeks). Cytokines profiling revealed a 50-fold increase in TNF-α secretion in the supernatant of core-specific CD8 memory cells of the chronically infected chimpanzees in comparison to the recovered ones. In summary, multiple parameters correlate with HCV recovery in chimpanzees.
Interspecies comparison of pharmacokinetic profile and bioavailability of (±)-gossypol in male Fischer-344 rats and male B6C3F mice

Gossypol is a naturally occurring yellow substance in cotton plant that has male reproductive toxicity both in humans and some experimental animal species. Interspecies oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile of (+/-)-gossypol were compared in male Fischer-344 rats and B6C3F mice after a 1) single intravenous dose, 2) single oral dose, and 3) 14 consecutive, daily, oral doses; all doses were 10 and 50 mg/kg rats and mice, respectively. In both species, the intravenous plasma (+/-)-gossypol concentrations showed a triexponential pattern, indicating a 3-compartment, open-model system. The apparent half-life of elimination of (+/-)-gossypol following intravenous injection was 9.1 h and 7.7 h in rats and mice, respectively. The total plasma clearance (Cl), volume of distribution (Vd), and AUCplasma after a single intravenous injection were 1.84 and 1.23 l/h per kg, 0.20 and 1.74 l/kg, and 36.0 and 115.8 mg.h/l, in rats and mice, respectively. The bioavailability of a single, oral dose of (+/-)-gossypol was 86% and 14.3% in rats and mice, respectively. In rats the change in plasma (+/-)-gossypol concentration after a single, dose was monophasic; multiple doses showed a biphasic pattern. In mice a single, dose of (+/-)-gossypol showed a biexponential plasma concentration pattern; daily dosing was monoexponential and was eliminated twice as fast as the single dose. Also, multiple doses of (+/-)-gossypol in the mouse were eliminated 7 times faster than in the rat. These findings are consistent with previous results that daily, oral dosing of (+/-)-gossypol, but not a single dose, produces infertility in the male rat, while the mouse is insensitive to (+/-)-gossypol action. The results of this study indicate that differential sensitivity of rats and mice to the contraceptive action of (+/-)-gossypol may be related, at least in part, to its pharmacokinetic profiles in both species.
A COMPARISON OF THE CONVENTIONAL, THE MINIMUM VARIANCE, AND THE MULTIPLE CONSTRAINT MATCHED FIELD PROCESSORS

The multiple constraint processor (MCM) is known to be tolerant of water column mismatch while retaining sidelobe control. In this paper, the simulated test cases from the Spring 1993 MFP workshop, which additionally incorporate sediment parameter and bottom depth mismatch, are used to compare the conventional (Bartlett), the minimum variance (MV), and the MCM processors. Peak levels, range and depth estimates, and peak-to-high-sidelobe results are presented. The MCM is shown to maintain sidelobe suppression and correct source localization in all cases at 40 and 10 dB SNR, even when the other two fail. At −5 dB SNR, the MCM is still able to provide good localization in some cases when the Bartlett and the MV cannot.
Seismic Crosshole Imaging of 2-D And 3-D Physical Elastic Models Using Prestack Reverse Time Migration

Crosshole reflection imaging using reverse time migration has been attempted on data sets acquired from twoand three-dimensional physical elastic models. Many crosshole common shot gathers were collected for the models using ultrasonic transducers and a digitizing oscilloscope in the laboratory. Horizontal and vertical crosshole gathers were collected for P-wave source for a 2-D Plexiglas model, and out-of-line horizontal (SH) component common shot gathers ware collected for a SH-wave source for a 3-D concrete model. The SH-SH combination showed the best reflections for the 3-D model because the polarization of the SH-waves was parallel to the reflecting surfaces. Prestack images have been created by finite difference reverse time migration. Final images have been created by stacking many prestack images using different source locations. Post migration stacking of prestack images was helpful in enhancing image quality. The final images of both models clearly showed all reflecting edges and diff ractors.
Fundamental characterization of the effect of nitride sidewall spacer process on boron dose loss in ultra-shallow junction formation

A nitride spacer with an underlying deposited tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) oxide that behaves as a convenient etch stop layer is a popular choice for sidewall spacer in modern complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process flows. In this work, we have investigated the effect of the silicon nitride spacer process chemistry on the boron profile in silicon and the related dose loss of B from Si into silicon dioxide. This is reflected as a dramatic change in the junction depth, junction abruptness and junction peak concentration for the different nitride chemistries. We conclude that the silicon nitride influences the concentration of hydrogen in the silicon dioxide and different nitride chemistries result in different concentrations of hydrogen in the silicon dioxide during the final source/drain anneal. The presence of H enhances the diffusivity of B in the silicon dioxide and thereby results in a significant dose loss from the Si into the silicon dioxide. In this work, we show that this dose loss can be minimized and the junction profile engineered by choosing a desirable nitride chemistry.
Primary memory in patients with frontal and primary generalized epilepsy

Abstract A control group, a group with frontal lobe epilepsy, and a group with primary generalized epilepsy were tested on a task of primary, or working, memory. Another task controlled for attention, motivation, and habituation. The frontal lobe group showed impairment on both tasks, particularly the primary memory task and the worst performance on all measures. This was true of patients with or without obvious structural lesions. The primary generalized group performed normally on the task of attention but were impaired on the task of primary memory. Neither of these effects could be attributed solely to poor motor skills or anticonvulsant drugs. They may be due to persistent postictal effects, interictal spikes, or spike wave complexes or to the underlying pathophysiology that is also responsible for the epileptic state.
Energy drink consumption is associated with unhealthy dietary behaviours among college youth.

Aim:Energy drink consumption has been associated with a variety of health risk behaviours, yet little research has explored the relationship between energy drinks and dietary behaviours of emerging...
Passive sampling devices for rapid determination of soil contaminant distributions

The effective remediation of contaminated waste sites requires accurate identification of chemical distributions. A rapid sampling method using passive sampling devices (PSDs) for soil contaminant characterization can provide a more thorough site assessment. We evaluated a PSD to estimate polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels in contaminated soils in both laboratory and field studies. PSD sampling increased with soil analyte concentration and decreased moisture content. For PSD calibration, we compared PCB concentrations in 36 PSDs and 18 soil samples. PSD uptake and soil concentration demonstrated a linear relationship with an r2 value of 0.86 and a slope of 0.88. PSD concentrations were then used to predict soil contaminant distributions at a hazardous waste site. Predicted soil concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 200 ppm as total aroclor 1254.
Motor constraints on vocal development in a songbird

The development and evolution of bird songs may be influenced by the mechanisms that underlie sound production, although the nature of this influence is not well understood. Here it is shown experimentally that vocal development in songbirds can be affected by physical limits on how birds are able to sing. Young swamp sparrows,Melospiza georgiana, were presented with conspecific song models modified such that rates of syllable repetition were increased above normal rates. Imitations of these songs were inaccurate in ways that indicated motor constraints on vocal performance and that did not indicate perceptual or memory-based constraints. Some song imitations were deficient in trill tempo and/or syllable composition, and others were produced with a species-atypical ‘broken’ syntax, in which pauses were interspersed within songs. These results illustrate how the development and evolution of trill structure can be limited by motor constraints on vocal production, and also identify a possible mechanism for the evolution of a novel form of song syntax.
Tracing fecal pollution sources in karst groundwater by Bacteroidales genetic biomarkers, bacterial indicators, and environmental variables

Fecal contamination in Midwestern karst regions was evaluated by simultaneously measuring traditional bacterial indicators (coliforms and Escherichia coli), Bacteroidales-based biomarkers, and environmental variables. Water samples from springs and wells were collected from karst regions in Illinois (IL), Wisconsin (WI), Kentucky (KY), and Missouri (MO). Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) with seven primer sets targeting different members of Bacteroidales was used to determine the origin of fecal contamination (i.e., from human waste, livestock waste, or both). Most samples were contaminated by both human and animal waste, with a few samples showing pollution solely by one or the other. Spring water tended to have higher levels of contamination than well water, and higher concentrations of fecal biomarkers were detected in urban springs compared to rural spring systems. However, there were discrepancies on contamination profile determined by Bacteroidales-based biomarkers and by traditional bacterial indicators. Among all the environmental parameters examined, E. coli, sulfate, total dissolved solids (TDS), and silicon were significantly correlated (p<0.05) with the level of Bacteroidales-based fecal indicators. A rapid screening method using total nitrogen (TN) and chloride (Cl(-)) concentrations to determine fecal contamination was shown to be effective and correlated well with Bacteroidales-based MST. The results suggest that human and livestock feces co-contaminated a large portion of karst groundwater systems in Midwestern regions, and the inclusion of traditional bacterial indicators, environmental variables, and Bacteroidales-based MST is an effective approach for identifying fecal contamination in karst regions.
Splitting of the circadian rhythm of activity in hamsters: Effects of exposure to constant darkness and subsequent re-exposure to constant light

The circadian rhythm of wheel running behavior was observed to dissociate into two distinct components (i.e. ‘split’) within 30 to 110 days in 56% of male hamsters exposed to constant light (Figs. 1–2). Splitting was abolished in all 16 animals that were transferred from constant light (LL) to constant darkness (DD) within 1–4 days of DD, and the components of the re-fused activity rhythm assumed a phase relationship that is characteristic of hamsters maintained in DD (Figs. 3–5). Re-fusion of the split activity rhythm was accompanied by a change in period (τ); in 14 animals τ increased while in the other 2 animals τ decreased after transfer to DD.
Retinal pigment epithelial correlates of avian retinal degeneration: electron microscopic analysis.

The delayed amelanotic (DAM) strain of domestic chicken is characterized by an early, developmental onset of choroidal inflammation and destruction of both feather and choroidal melanocytes. Secondarily, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in the peripapillary region develop abnormalities, and a series of progressive histopathological changes ensues which includes reduction and ultimate loss of RPE-melanin granules and RPE-cell atrophy. The earliest sign of RPE-cell abnormality is a dramatic alteration in the distribution of intracellular melanin granules. Apical processes also show a lessening of contact with photoreceptor outer segments, leading in more advanced stages to their retraction and development of retinal detachments. Other progressive alterations in RPE cells include disorganization and loss of basal infoldings; size reductions and density increases in both mitochondria and myeloid bodies from early to advanced stages; appearance of large macrophages in the subretinal space; loss of intercellular junctional complexes; and progressive reduction in the density of melanin granules. These abnormalities appear to spread in a cell-by-cell, radial pattern, until widespread areas of the retina become severely pathologic and atrophic. The DAM chorioretinal disorder appears to show many of the histopathologic features which characterize experimentally induced uveitis and other ocular diseases which may result from hypersensitivity to, or autoimmune reaction against, pigments of the uveal tract.
Density of States of Ni: Soft-X-Ray Spectrum and Comparison with Photoemission and Ion Neutralization Studies

Soft-x-ray studies have been made on paramagnetic Ni and interpreted in terms of the single-particle density of states. In particular, the ${M}_{2,3}$ emission spectrum has been investigated, using improved experimental techniques. Measurements were made at 960\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, at an average pressure of 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ Torr, using an oxide-free surface. Fine structure was observed in the spectrum. Although first-principles correction of self-absorption effects and satellite and subband overlap is not yet possible, careful consideration is given them, with the result that the ${M}_{3}$ band can be resolved from the accompanying structure in a plausible way. Most of its features can be taken with reasonable confidence to be characteristic of the true ${M}_{3}$ emission band. Comparison is made with earlier soft-x-ray results, with band calculations for paramagnetic Ni, and with ion neutralization and photoemission measurements on ferromagnetic Ni. Systematic variations in transition matrix elements and lifetime broadening appear important when relating any experiment with theory, and an aspect of each of these problems has been considered quantitatively. The variation obtained is more severe for the photoemission than for the soft-x-ray analysis. The ion-neutralization and soft-x-ray results appear closer to the single-particle density of states.
Microscopic calculation of the parameters of the interacting Bose-Fermi Approximation for nondegenerate orbits

Abstract Microscopic calculations of the parameters of the quadrupole operator of the Interacting Bose-Fermi Approximation are reported for the realistic case in which the valence orbits are nondegenerate. The results of these exact calculations are compared with those of an approximate formalism and in general reasonable agreement is found.
Environmental management and open-air experiments in Brazilian Amazonia

Abstract In this article, I ethnographically examine “the biggest experiment in tropical conservation history,” an environmental management approach designed in Brazilian Amazonia. I focus on research conducted by scientists who support this approach using the results of their work at an open-air experiment. Drawing on this ethnographic study I critically revisit Bruno Latour’s deservedly influential ethnography of an open-air laboratory in Brazilian Amazonia. I also engage with his claim that open-air experiments constitute spaces in which scientists can avoid seeing the world as “Nature”—a gigantic collection of inert objects that experts sense they have to bring into order on their own. Latour shows that while working in their Amazonian open-air laboratory scientists perceived the forest as a network comprising human and non-human entities bearing creative capacities. He suggests that such experimentation enables humans to envision environmental management strategies based on human/non-human collaborations. In the open air, experts could thereby transcend the pervasive fatalism that plagues environmental policy circles and rekindle a more optimistic and enthusiastic stance toward environmental management. I argue that Latour’s is a visionary ethnography that anticipates contemporary trends in environmental management approaches. However, I also argue that his celebratory conclusions regarding open-air experimentation are misguided. I show that, while working in the open air, the scientists situated their work within capitalist experiments wherein humans and non-humans creatively collaborate in the construction of new, less inhabitable worlds.
Techniques for preventing tonal behavior of data weighted averaging algorithm in /spl Sigma/-/spl Delta/ modulators

Two techniques for prevention of in-band tones in DWA mismatch noise shaping algorithm are presented. "offset technique" moves in-band tones away from baseband, improving SNR by /spl sim/10 dB, and attenuates maximum in-band tone by as much as /spl sim/25 dB. "Randomized DWA" is a combination of simultaneous randomization and DWA, which attenuates tonal behavior in all frequencies, preventing aliasing of tones or tone shifting for any arbitrary input signal.
Magnetic resonance nanoparticles for cardiovascular molecular imaging and therapy.

Molecular vascular imaging represents a novel tool that promises to change the current medical paradigm of ‘see and treat’ to a ‘detect and prevent’ strategy. Nanoparticle agents, such as superparamagnetic nanoparticles and perfluorocarbon nanoparticle emulsions, have been developed for noninvasive imaging, particularly for magnetic resonance imaging. Designed to target specific epitopes in tissues, these agents are beginning to enter clinical trials for cardiovascular applications. The delivery of local therapy with these nanoparticles, using mechanisms such as contact-facilitated drug delivery, is in the advanced stages of preclinical research. Ultimately, combined diagnostic and therapeutic nanoparticle formulations may allow patients to be characterized noninvasively and segmented to receive custom-tailored therapy. This review focuses on recent developments of nanoparticle technologies with an emphasis on cardiovascular applications of magnetic resonance imaging.
Commensalism of methane-producing and motile aerobic bacteria in certain freshwater wetlands

It is pointed out that the methane flux measured experimentally for certain ponds and swamps is quantitatively consistent with a commensal dependence of Methanobacteria on O2-chemotactic motile aerobic bacteria. The Methano species is thereby shielded from oxygen and provided with carbon dioxide for the anaerobic production of methane.
Use of nude mouse xenografts as preclinical screens: Characterization of xenograft‐derived melanoma cell lines

Cell lines derived from human melanoma xenografts were characterized for surface markers, karyotype abnormalities, and in vitro drug sensitivity. Xenografts were established using metastatic explants from untreated patients and passaged in nude mice. Cell lines were readily established from melanoma xenografts, and formed colonies when plated in semisolid media. The lines expressed human melanoma-associated and other surface antigens, human lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes, and contained only human chromosomes. They failed to express murine histocompatibility determinants and were negative for murine viruses by mouse antibody production assay. Karyotypes showed abnormalities of chromosomes 3, 6, and 7 similar to other melanomas. In vitro chemosensitivity profiles were compared using cell line and xenograft colony-forming assays. Values were similar for the original xenografts and their cell lines. Xenograft-derived human melanoma lines resemble other melanoma cell lines and primary melanomas with respect to surface antigens and karyotype abnormalities, and are appropriate models for studying in vitro drug sensitivity. When used as a model for transition from solid tumor to cell line, these studies suggest cell lines closely mirror in vitro chemosensitivities of parent tumor cells. However, occasional, unpredictable changes in sensitivity to some drugs occurs during this transition.
The Use of Breathing Rhythm to Enhance the Vividness of Mental Imagery

The study assessed Jencks' claim that responses to certain suggestions are enhanced by being paced with different phases of the breathing cycle. Following hypnotic induction, twenty-four subjects were given four treatments in counterbalanced order: 1) exhalation-enhanced suggestions paced to exhalation, 2) inhalation-enhanced suggestions paced to inhalation, 3) inhalation-enhanced suggestions counterpaced to exhalation, and 4) exhalation-enhanced suggestions counterpaced to inhalation. Subjects' reports of imagery vividness provided marginal support (p < .06) for Jencks' hypothesis. Post-experimental inquiry indicated subjects were unaware of the breathing contingency. Results suggest that appropriate pacing may make a greater difference for the energy-confidence group of suggestions (inhalation-paced) than for the calm-relaxation group (exhalation-paced).
The Mannheim Hypothesis Revisited: Conservatism versus the Principle of Liberty and Liberal Modernity

This paper revisits the classical sociological hypothesis of conservatism, specifically the `Mannheim Hypothesis,' and its bearing on liberty or liberal modernity. The original formulation of the Mannheim Hypothesis posits that conservatism tends to oppose the `principle of liberty' and, hence, liberal modernity or liberalism, defined as its immediate antagonist. This paper presents the Mannheim Hypothesis of conservatism and liberty, as well as its initial general solution by Mannheim and other classical sociologists. Then it attempts to solve this hypothesis by presenting relevant theoretical arguments and supporting empirical evidence. Overall this essay reaffirms the classical sociological solution of the Mannheim Hypothesis of conservatism and liberty in contemporary society.
The effect of surface stress on the propagation of Lamb waves.

Abstract This work investigates the possibility of the propagation of Lamb waves in thin solid layers with external traction free surfaces, in the presence of surface elasticity, inertia and residual stress. It is demonstrated that such waves do exist and that their characteristics can be quite different from their classical counterparts. The governing equations with non-classical boundary conditions involving the bulk and surface stress are solved exactly in the frequency–wavenumber domain. This solution is utilized to compute the Lamb wave modes for different layer thicknesses. An efficient strategy to capture all the modes of Lamb waves within a given frequency window is outlined. It is shown that the effect of surface elasticity and inertia becomes significant with increasing frequency and decreasing layer thickness, where the number of modes participating within a given frequency window is more than that permitted by the classical theory. Further, it is observed that the nature of the Lamb wave modes (in terms of negative dispersion) in the presence of surface stress is similar to what predicted by the nonlocal theory and microstructure based continuum theory.
Adaptive blind equalization criteria and algorithms for QAM data communication systems

A new error criterion for blind equalization is proposed, and it is shown that, after the startup period, the new error criterion converges to the conventional decision-directed MSE criterion, such that the transition between the two modes is smooth. It is proved that the error criterion improves the ill-conditioning probability. It is also shown that the convergence of the new criterion is independent of the initial equalizer tap settings. Its implementation complexity is similar to that of the conventional MSE equalizer algorithm. Comparisons are made with other blind equalization criteria and algorithms. Computer simulations of 16-point QAM support the theoretical analysis of the criterion convergence. A better performance is shown in the eye-pattern reopening test and the average error probability measurement. >
A Contrarian View of Dialogue Journals: The Case of a Reluctant Participant.

Abstract Dialogue journal writing has become a much heralded activity by researchers and practitioners alike, yet few studies explore the efficacy of this practice from the students' perspective. Still fewer studies examine the benefits of dialogue journal writing with adult English as a second language (ESL) students in a university setting. This study reports the case of Dang, one of 21 university ESL students who participated in an ethnographic study exploring students' perspectives on dialogue journal writing. Dang's case is described because he represents a view contrary to currently made claims about the benefits of dialogue journal writing. While Dang benefited from and enjoyed formal writing assignments, he resisted and disliked the informal writing of the dialogue journals. Implications from the case of Dang suggest the need for researchers and practitioners to consider students' perspectives when employing nontraditional writing assignments like dialogue journal writing.
Evidence for Dinucleotide Flipping by DNA Photolyase

DNA photolyases repair pyrimidine dimers via a reaction in which light energy drives electron donation from a catalytic chromophore, FADH−, to the dimer. The crystal structure of Escherichia coli photolyase suggested that the pyrimidine dimer is flipped out of the DNA helix and into a cavity that leads from the surface of the enzyme to FADH−. We have tested this model using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Phr1 photolyase which is >50% identical to E. coli photolyase over the region comprising the DNA binding domain. By using the bacterial photolyase as a starting point, we modeled the region encompassing amino acids 383–530 of the yeast enzyme. The model retained the cavity leading to FADH− as well as the band of positive electrostatic potential which defines the DNA binding surface. We found that alanine substitution mutations at sites within the cavity reduced both substrate binding and discrimination, providing direct support for the dinucleotide flip model. The roles of three residues predicted to interact with DNA flanking the dimer were also tested. Arg452 was found to be particularly critical to substrate binding, discrimination, and photolysis, suggesting a role in establishing or maintaining the dimer in the flipped state. A structural model for photolyase-dimer interaction is presented.
Metal cluster topology. 4. Rhodium carbonyl clusters having fused polyhedra

Abstract Previously discussed topological models of metal cluster bonding are now extended to the treatment of anionic rhodium carbonyl clusters having structures consisting of fused polyhedra. Examples of such rhodium carbonyl clusters built from fused octahedra include the ‘biphenyl analogue’ [Rh12(CO)30]−2, the ‘face-sharing naphthalene analogue’ [Rh9- (CO)19]3−, and the ‘perinaphthene analogue’, [Rh11- (CO)23]3−. More complicated anionic rhodium carbonyl clusters treated in this paper include the [Rh13(CO)24H5−q]q− anions (q = 2, 3, 4) having an Rh13 centered cuboctahedron, the [Rh14(CO)25- H4−q]q− (q = 3,4) and [Rh14(CO)26]2− anions based on a centered pentacapped cube, the [Rh15- (CO)30]3− anion having an Rh15 centered 14-vertex deltahedron, the [Rh15(CO)27]3− anion having a tricapped centered 11-vertex polyhedron, the [Rh17- (CO)30]3− anion having a tetracapped centered cuboctahedron, and the [Rh22(CO)37]4− anion having a hexacapped centered cuboctahedron fused to an octahedron so that the octahedron and the cuboctahedron share a triangular face. Analyses of the bonding topologies in [Rh9(CO)19]3−, [Rh17- (CO)30]3−, and [Rh22(CO)37]4− indicate that a polyhedral network containing several fused globally delocalized polyhedral chambers will not necessarily have a multicenter core bond in the center of each such polyhedral chamber. This observation is of potential importance in extending topological models of metal cluster bonding to bulk metals.
Don’t Talk About Pink Elephants! : Speakers’ Control Over Leaking Private Information During Language Production

Speakers' descriptions sometimes inappropriately refer to information known only to them, thereby “leaking” knowledge of that private information. We evaluated whether speakers can explicitly control such leakage in light of its communicative consequences. Speakers described mutually known objects (e.g., a triangle) that had size-contrasting matches that were privileged to the speakers (e.g., a larger triangle visible to the speakers only), so that use of a contrasting adjective (e.g., small) involved referring to the privileged information. Half the time, speakers were instructed to conceal the identity of the privileged object. If speakers can control their leaked references to privileged information, this conceal instruction should make such references less likely. Surprisingly, the conceal instruction caused speakers to refer to privileged objects more than they did in the baseline condition. Thus, not only do speakers have difficulty not leaking privileged information, but attempts to avoid such leak...
The international system for staging lung cancer.

The International System for Staging Lung Cancer is a consistent, reproducible classification for the anatomic extent of disease in patients with lung cancer. A revision of the system in use since 1986 included modifications of the rules for stage grouping the TNM (T-primary tumor, N-regional lymph nodes, and M-distant metastasis) anatomic subsets. More specific stage categories and consistency for reporting the end results for Stage I, Stage II, and Stage IIIA disease are provided. Survival data support the revised categories and confirm the significant relationship between the extent of the disease and prognosis for patients with this disease.
The Effects of Monensin and Sodium Chloride on Broiler Performance

Abstract An anticoccidial agent, Coban-1 (monensin, 121.3 mg./kg. + roxarsone, 49.6 mg./kg.) and six graded levels of added sodium chloride (0 through 0.375%) were dietary variables in a broiler test of four weeks duration. Coban-1 did not affect the requirement for sodium chloride. Performance was optimum when the diet contained 0.3% added sodium chloride. Data supporting field reports that Coban-1 results in poor feathering and cannibalism were not obtained.
Phenomenological Prediction of Tensile Strength of E-Glass Composites from Available Aging and Stress Corrosion Data

A simple model to predict the time- and environment-dependent degradation of tensile strength of unidirectional E-glass fiber composites is presented. The model is phenomenological; that is, based on curve-fits of data for the individual time- and environment-dependent behavior, for which data is available in the literature. These include stress corrosion, zero-stress aging, interphase aging, and moisture-dependent matrix stiffness. The ineffective length at fiber break sites is corrected for debonding length. The average strength of the fiber is reduced to account for zero-stress aging. The concept of inert aged strength is proposed to be able to use data developed under different environmental exposure and load-testing conditions. The conditions for which exposure and aging affect the composite significantly are discussed. Different exposure and loading times are accounted for in the model. Model predictions are compared with available experimental data.
Online calibration of a Nyquist-rate analog-to-digital converter using output code-density histograms

A scheme for the online correction of static nonlinearities in a Nyquist-rate analog-to-digital converter (ADC), using output code-density histograms, is presented. The estimation of the integral nonlinearity (INL) at each output level, followed by the creation of a corresponding entry in the look-up table for error correction, is analytically explained. The suitability of the scheme for calibrating high-end ADCs has been demonstrated. An extra ADC and the associated switching and postprocessing DSP circuitry along with some memory for storing the data to be processed, are the overhead in this scheme. An improvement of over 20 dB in the spurious-free dynamic range, from an uncalibrated value of over 80 dB, has been achieved.
Same problem, different solutions: attempts at improving retention in engineering at a research vs. a teaching university

Two campuses in the University of Wisconsin system (UW-Madison and UW-Platteville) have recently attacked the problem of sub optimal retention of students who enter engineering as first year students. At both locations, independent analyses of students' reasons for leaving were conducted during the past two years, and efforts made to reduce the number of students who leave engineering degree programs shortly after entering. While it is too early to evaluate the long term success of any of these efforts, it is productive to compare the approaches at these two universities, one of which is a large, research oriented institution, and the other a smaller teaching oriented campus. The paper contrasts the data obtained on students' reasons for leaving engineering at these two schools, and the freshman level introduction to engineering courses implemented at each to help improve retention. It also raises the question of what retention goal we are seeking in engineering education.
Life after Opium in the Hills of Thailand

Abstract This article uses a case study to describe the human ecological crisis among Thailand's former opium-producing hill-tribe minorities. Development projects in the country's northern highlands replaced opium with alternative cash crops and reduced opium production to a trickle during the final decades of the 20th century. When they were cultivating the illicit drug, Thailand's hill tribes were a focus of strong interest by the international news media and foreign governments. The spotlight on the hill tribes dimmed quickly after opium production virtually ended and the various replacement projects closed. Now, the news media will occasionally report in glowing terms about hill-tribe farmers' successful cultivation of opium replacement crops. Nevertheless, to an informed observer visiting a hill-tribe village, it is clear that the new “opium-free” economy is barely functioning in Thailand's northern highlands. Additionally, hidden largely from view are poverty-related social problems such as drug tr...
The limits of tolerance: Indian secularism and the politics of religious freedom, by C. S. Adcock, New York, Oxford University Press, 2014, 233 pp., $35.00 (paperback), ISBN 9780199995448

The Limits of Tolerance makes several important interventions in the historical study of the Arya Samaj, shuddhi, Hindu nationalism, religious freedom, and the notion of ‘tolerance’ in the context ...
Oxidative Stress by Capsaicin in Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy with poor overall prognosis. As a result, there is a crucial need to identify and develop effective strategies for treatment. Natural bioactive compounds have demonstrated promising chemo-preventive properties against various types of cancers, including pancreatic. The mechanism of capsaicin, a major component of red chili peppers, has been widely studied and proven to exert anti-cancer effects on various cancer cell lines. In this respect, its role in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and its mechanism of action via mitochondrial death-dependent pathway is currently under extensive investigation. Researchers have demonstrated the ability of capsaicin to inhibit the proliferation of various pancreatic cell lines. Apoptosis has been associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activation of JNK, decreased mitochondrial depolarization and release of cytochrome-c, thus leading to activation of caspase-3 cascade. Mitochondria are the major source of ROS, and capsaicin causes an increase in ROS generation through inhibition of mitochondrial complex-I and complex-III activity, as well as ATP levels in pancreatic cancer cell lines. At the same time antioxidant levels of catalase, super-oxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase also decreased, resulting in oxidative stress and apoptosis. These results are comparable to in vivo studies, where capsaicin-fed mice showed similar effects: a decrease in antioxidant levels leading to oxidative stress and apoptosis. Furthermore, the effect of capsaicin on the interaction of redox-sensitive thioredoxin (Trx) and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) complex was explored in pancreatic cell lines. A novel role of capsaicin was also demonstrated in mediating oxidative stress. Capsaicin was found to inhibit Trx, causing the dissociation of the Trx-ASK1 complex and activation of ASK1-dependent apoptotic pathway in pancreatic tumor cells in both in vitro and in vivo models. This gives rise to a new outlook on the effects of capsaicin on pancreatic cancer treatment and prevention.
Reflex effects of prolonged cardiopulmonary baroreceptor unloading in humans

Most studies of the reflex responses to cardiopulmonary baroreceptor unloading with lower body negative pressure (LBNP) have assessed responses during the first few minutes of LBNP. It is unknown if these early changes are representative of the steady state. Thus we determined the response of heart rate, arterial pressure, forearm vascular resistance (FVR), and plasma norepinephrine (NE), renin (PRA), and aldosterone to prolonged (20 min) LBNP in nine normal subjects. All measurements were obtained at base line and after 3, 10, and 20 min of LBNP (-10, -20, and -40 mmHg). A 20-min recovery period was interposed between each period of LBNP. The heart rate and mean arterial pressure responses to LBNP during all levels of suction were not significantly different at 3, 10, and 20 min of continuous suction. Changes in FVR at 3, 10, and 20 min, respectively, were 18.4 +/- 3.2, 26.3 +/- 4.2, and 19.6 +/- 4.2 U during LBNP -10 mmHg; 33 +/- 7, 30.5 +/- 7.6, and 30 +/- 5.2 U during LBNP -20 mmHg; and 53.6 +/- 11.7, 57 +/- 8.8, and 49.4 +/- 12 during LBNP -40 mmHg, thus indicating a near maximal vasoconstrictor response at 3 min that was sustained throughout the 20 min during all levels of LBNP. Plasma NE rose to near peak level by 3 min. However, PRA and aldosterone changed significantly only after 20 min during LBNP at -10 and -20 mmHg. These data indicate that LBNP activates the sympathetic nervous system early, whereas activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis is delayed. Our data should be taken into consideration in the design of future investigations of reflex neurohumoral responses to LBNP.