cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Caudal Solitary Complex is a Site of Central CO 2 Chemoreception and Integration of Multiple Systems That Regulate Expired CO 2

The solitary complex is comprised of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS, sensory) and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV, motor), which functions as an integrative center for neural control of multiple systems including the respiratory, cardiovascular and gastroesophageal systems. The caudal NTS-DMV is one of the several sites of central CO(2) chemoreception in the brain stem. CO(2) chemosensitive neurons are fully responsive to CO(2) at birth and their responsiveness seems to depend on pH-sensitive K(+) channels. In addition, chemosensitive neurons are highly sensitive to conditions such as hypoxia (e.g., neural plasticity) and hyperoxia (e.g., stimulation), suggesting they employ redox and nitrosative signaling mechanisms. Here we review the cellular and systems physiological evidence supporting our hypothesis that the caudal NTS-DMV is a site for integration of respiratory, cardiovascular and gastroesophageal systems that work together to eliminate CO(2) during acute and chronic respiratory acidosis to restore pH homeostasis.
Determinants and validity of self-estimates of abilities and self-concept measures

How accurate are self-estimates of cognitive abilities? An investigation of self-estimates of verbal, math, and spatial abilities is reported with a battery of parallel objective tests of abilities. Self-estimates were obtained prior to and after objective ability testing (without test feedback) in order to examine whether self-estimates change after direct objective testing experience. Self-estimates showed small to large effect-size correlations with objective tests--larger for math and smaller for verbal. The construct space of self-estimates of abilities was explored in the context of self-concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy, personality, interests, motivational traits, and trait complexes. Self-efficacy and self-esteem variables showed the highest correlations with self-estimates of abilities. In general, trait complexes showed the highest correlations with verbal ability self-estimates and the lowest correlations with math ability self-estimates. Results are discussed in relation to the principle of aggregation, the influences of self-evaluative judgments, and uses for self-estimates of abilities measures.
Hamilton-Jacobi and Schrodinger Theory in Theories with First-Class Hamiltonian Constraints

Brief proofs are given, applying in the case of classical Hamilton-Jacobi theory to the action $S$, and in a Schr\"odinger-type quantum theory to the state vector $\ensuremath{\Psi}$, (1) that these quantities are independent of the time $t$, and (2) that they as well as the equations obeyed by them are form-invariant under the invariance group of transformations, provided the invariance transformations are generated by constraints and provided these constraints include the Hamiltonian. In Dirac's version the equations of general relativity have all these properties.
Coincidence studies of 131mTe

Abstract The disintegration scheme of 30 h 131m Te has been investigated using NaI(Tl) and Ge(Li) detectors and a NaI(Tl)-Ge(Li) coincidence spectrometer. The high-resolutio Ge(Li) detector has been used to identify and accurately determine the energies of 45 gamma rays. Levels are established in 131 I at energies of 149.7, 493, 603, 773.7, 852.1, 1059.7, 1315, 1556.2, 1596.5, 1646, 1797, 1888, 1899, 1980, 2001, 2168 and 2270 keV. These states accommodate all but six very weak transitions. Energy sums and relative intensity measurements have been used to confirm the scheme.
Microscopic studies of NO2 on Ag()–p(2×1)-O and reactivity of surface nitrate

Abstract It has been shown previously with temperature programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS) and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy that NO 2 adsorption on Ag(1 1 0)–p(2×1)-O at room temperature leads to the formation of surface nitrate, NO 3 (a), which, when heated, decomposes into NO(g) and N(a) at 475 K; the latter recombines with O(a) to form NO(g) at 530 K. We have reexamined this reaction using scanning tunneling microscopy in combination with TPRS and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). The present study shows that NO 3 (a) formed at room temperature yields straight rows at low coverage and jagged rows at high coverage along the [0 0 1] direction, which exhibit p(4×1) and c(6×2) LEED patterns, respectively. Nitrate formation results in the formation of pits one layer deep on about 18% of the terrace area and severely roughens step edges, indicative of the incorporation of silver atoms into the nitrate structure. This surface nitrate species is found to be reactive toward CO oxidation. Annealing the nitrate adlayer to 485 K results in the formation of zigzag rows comprised of N(a) and O(a) atoms. Oxygen in this structure is not reactive with CO. Surface structure models are suggested for adsorbed nitrate and coadsorbed N and O.
Synchronous neural networks of nonlinear threshold elements with hysteresis.

Abstract We use Hoffmann's suggestion [Hoffmann, G. W. (1986) J. Theor. Biol. 122, 33-67] of hysteresis in a single neuron level and determine its consequences in a synchronous network made of such neurons. We show that the overall retrieval ability in the presence of noise and the memory capacity of the network in the present model are better than in conventional models without such hysteresis. Second-order interaction further improves the retrieval ability of the network and causes hysteresis in the retrieval-noise curve for any arbitrary width of the bistable region. The convergence rate is increased by the hysteresis at high noise levels but is reduced by the hysteresis at low noise levels. Explicit formulae are given for calculations of average final convergence and noise threshold as functions of the width of the bistable region. There is neurophysiological evidence for hysteresis in single neurons, and we propose optical implementations of the present model by using ZnSe interference filters to test the predictions of the theory.
Evolution of communication protocols using an artificial regulatory network

I describe the Utrecht Machine (UM), a discrete artificial regulatory network designed for studying how evolution discovers biochemical computation mechanisms. The corresponding binary genome format is compatible with gene deletion, duplication, and recombination. In the simulation presented here, an agent consisting of two UMs, a sender and a receiver, must encode, transmit, and decode a binary word over time using the narrow communication channel between them. This communication problem has chicken-and-egg structure in that a sending mechanism is useless without a corresponding receiving mechanism. An in-depth case study reveals that a coincidence creates a minimal partial solution, from which a sequence of partial sending and receiving mechanisms evolve. Gene duplications contribute by enlarging the regulatory network. Analysis of 60,000 sample runs under a variety of parameter settings confirms that crossover accelerates evolution, that stronger selection tends to find clumsier solutions and finds them more slowly, and that there is implicit selection for robust mechanisms and genomes at the codon level. Typical solutions associate each input bit with an activation speed and combine them almost additively. The parents of breakthrough organisms sometimes have lower fitness scores than others in the population, indicating that populations can cross valleys in the fitness landscape via outlying members. The simulation exhibits back mutations and population-level memory effects not accounted for in traditional population genetics models. All together, these phenomena suggest that new evolutionary models are needed that incorporate regulatory network structure.
Federal funding and its effect on criminological research: Emphasizing individualistic explanations for criminal behavior

The sociology of knowledge suggests that various influences can affect the development of any substantive area of science. Much discussion has ensued over the years on the impact of sponsorship on sociological research. This article examines the effect of sponsorship on theoretical criminological research. I hypothesize that research funded by the federal government is more likely to support research having individualistic as opposed to structural explanations of crime. To test this, 181 theoretical criminological journal articles from 1975 to 1993 were examined. The data support this conclusion. There is a relationship between the type of funding received and whether an article’s focus is individualistic or structural. Alternative explanations are discussed and areas for future research are suggested. Finally, the relevance of these findings to sociology are examined in terms of the development of theory.
Atmospheric Signals Caused by Cosmic-Ray Showers

It is suggested that large cosmic-ray showers can be detected by the electrical signal produced when the ionization of the shower nullifies the electric field of the earth. The signal should have two components, a very short but small signal due to the motion of free electrons, and a slow but possibly large component due to the motion of the ions. The energy of the signal is stored in the earth's electrical field until it is released by the ionization. An estimate is made of the size and duration of the signals which indicates that they may be detectable, especially in the case of the slow signal which may have a time of rise of the order of a fraction of a second.
Hacia una reconsideración del Códice de la Cruz Badiano: nuevas propuestas para el estudio de la medicina indígena en el período colonial*

En los ultimos cinco anos se ha desarrollado un nuevo interes en los estudios cientificos de la epoca colonial. Hace poco esta revista dedico un numero al tema de la naturaleza y el conocimiento ci...
Statistical analyses support power law distributions found in neuronal avalanches.

The size distribution of neuronal avalanches in cortical networks has been reported to follow a power law distribution with exponent close to −1.5, which is a reflection of long-range spatial correlations in spontaneous neuronal activity. However, identifying power law scaling in empirical data can be difficult and sometimes controversial. In the present study, we tested the power law hypothesis for neuronal avalanches by using more stringent statistical analyses. In particular, we performed the following steps: (i) analysis of finite-size scaling to identify scale-free dynamics in neuronal avalanches, (ii) model parameter estimation to determine the specific exponent of the power law, and (iii) comparison of the power law to alternative model distributions. Consistent with critical state dynamics, avalanche size distributions exhibited robust scaling behavior in which the maximum avalanche size was limited only by the spatial extent of sampling (“finite size” effect). This scale-free dynamics suggests the power law as a model for the distribution of avalanche sizes. Using both the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic and a maximum likelihood approach, we found the slope to be close to −1.5, which is in line with previous reports. Finally, the power law model for neuronal avalanches was compared to the exponential and to various heavy-tail distributions based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov distance and by using a log-likelihood ratio test. Both the power law distribution without and with exponential cut-off provided significantly better fits to the cluster size distributions in neuronal avalanches than the exponential, the lognormal and the gamma distribution. In summary, our findings strongly support the power law scaling in neuronal avalanches, providing further evidence for critical state dynamics in superficial layers of cortex.
Predicting biochemical tumor control after brachytherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer: The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience

Abstract Purpose To identify predictors of biochemical tumor control and present an updated prognostic nomogram for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer treated with brachytherapy. Methods and Materials One thousand four hundred sixty-six patients with clinically localized prostate cancer were treated with brachytherapy alone or along with supplemental conformal radiotherapy. Nine hundred one patients (61%) were treated with Iodine-125 ( 125 I) monotherapy to a prescribed dose of 144 Gy, and 41 (4.5%) were treated with Palladium-103 ( 103 Pd) monotherapy to a prescribed dose of 125 Gy. In patients with higher risk features ( n = 715), a combined modality approach was used, which comprised 125 I or 103 Pd seed implantation or Iridium-192 high–dose rate brachytherapy followed 1–2 months later by supplemental intensity-modulated image-guided radiotherapy to the prostate. Results The 5-year prostate-specific antigen relapse-free survival (PSA-RFS) outcomes for favorable-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients were 98%, 95%, and 80%, respectively ( p p p = 0.04) as predictors for PSA tumor control. In this cohort of patients, the use of neoadjuvant and concurrent androgen deprivation therapy did not influence biochemical tumor control outcomes. In the subset of patients treated with 125 I monotherapy, D 90 > 140 Gy compared with lower doses was associated with improved PSA-RFS. A nomogram predicting PSA-RFS was developed based on these predictors and had a concordance index of 0.70. Conclusions Results with brachytherapy for all treatment groups were excellent. D 90 higher than 140 Gy was associated with improved biochemical tumor control compared with lower doses. Androgen deprivation therapy use did not impact on tumor control outcomes in these patients.
Addressing crosscutting deployment and configuration concerns of distributed real-time and embedded systems via aspect-oriented & model-driven software development

Model-driven development (MDD) is gaining importance as an approach to resolving lifecycle challenges of large-scale distributed real-time and embedded (DRE) systems (e.g., avionics mission computing). DRE systems are characterized by their stringent requirements for quality of service (QoS), such as predictable end-to-end latencies, timeliness and scalability. Delivering the QoS needs of DRE systems entails the need to configure correctly, fine tune and provision the infrastructure used to host the DRE systems, which crosscuts different layers of middleware, operating systems and networks. Addressing these tangled deployment and configuration concerns of DRE systems requires integrating the principles of Aspect-Oriented Software Development (AOSD) with MDD. This demo showcases a set of software tools that resolve both the inherently and accidental complexities arising due to the configuration and deployment crosscutting concerns of component middleware-based DRE systems.
Developmental toxicity of ferric dimethyldithiocarbamate and bis(dimethylthiocarbamoyl) disulfide in rats and mice.

Abstract Ferric dimethyldithiocarbamate (ferbam) and bis(dimethylthiocarbamoyl) disulfide (thiram) are agriculturally important fungicides. The effect of these compounds on development was studied during gametogenesis in rats, organogenesis in rats and mice, and the peri- and postnatal period in rats. Ferbam administered in the diet to rats prior to mating did not affect reproduction in either males after at least 13 weeks of daily doses as high as 109 mg/kg or females after at least 14 days of daily doses as high as 51 mg/kg. Thiram, given during similar periods, produced infertility in male rats at doses of 132 mg/kg and delayed the female estrous cycle at doses of 96 mg/kg. Ferbam administered to rats during organogenesis by gavage at doses of 114 mg/kg reduced the maternal weight gain, litter size, and fetal body weight. Mice survived ferbam treatment during gestation at doses of 228 mg/kg without adverse effects on these parameters. Thiram treatment during organogenesis reduced maternal weight gain and fetal body weight in rats given 40 mg/kg or more. Litter size was decreased in rats given thiram at doses of 136 mg/kg or more. Some mice died at thiram doses of 300 mg/kg; however, development was not affected in the survivors. These fungicides were judged to have little teratogenic activity. The administration of ferbam at 0.15% and thiram at 0.10% of the diet during the peri- and postnatal period reduced the growth and survival of pups. These effects were reversed by cross-fostering. Since ferbam and thiram interfered with reproduction only at doses that produced toxicity in the adult, these compounds were judged to have little primary effect on reproduction.
Community cohesion in post-16 education: principles and practice

Background: This paper is the product of a two year investigation into the contribution of post-16 education to community cohesion. The investigation took place between 2010 and 2012 and was funded by the University Centre at Blackburn College in England. Fieldwork was undertaken in three East Lancashire colleges and focused on students aged between 16 and 19 years. Purpose: The aims of the paper are to identify the nature of community cohesion initiatives in East Lancashire’s post-16 sector and to establish the extent to which these initiatives are successful in uniting students from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. The paper discusses student attitudes towards community cohesion and the role of further education colleges in shaping these attitudes. Sample: The data were collected from nine in-depth interviews with college lecturers and managers and from a questionnaire survey of 355 students. The research was conducted in two further education colleges and a Roman Catholic sixth for...
Magnetic resonance T1ρ imaging of osteoarthritis: a rabbit ACL transection model

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to develop quantitative T1ρ-weighted magnetic resonance imaging methodology for the detection and characterization of cartilage degeneration in a rabbit anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection model. Methods The right knee ACLs of 18 adult female New Zealand white rabbits were transected. The left knee joint served as a sham control. The rabbits were euthanized at 3 (Group 1), 6 (Group 2) and 12 (Group 3) weeks postoperatively. High-resolution 3D fat-saturated spoiled gradient echo images and T1ρ-weighted images were obtained in both the sagittal and axial planes at 3 T using a quadrature wrist coil. Following MR analysis, histological slides from the lateral femoral condyle cartilage were graded using the Mankin grading system. Results For all three groups, the average overall T1ρ values were significantly higher in the ACL-transected knee compared to control knee, and the percentage differences in T1ρ values between ACL-transected and control increased with the duration of time after transection. The average Mankin score for ACL-transected knees was higher than that for control for each time point, but this difference was statistically significant only for all groups combined. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility of using T1ρ-weighted imaging as a useful tool in the detection and quantification of cartilage damage in all knee compartments in an ACL-transected rabbit model of cartilage degeneration.
Generalized activities and K -terminal reliability. II

Abstract Suppose each edge of a graph G has a given probability of being useable, and suppose K is some subset of the vertex-set of G . We present a polynomial that is useful in assessing the probability that the elements of K will lie in a particular number of components of the useable portion of G , the probability that a particular number of edges of G will be useable, and the probabilities of other properties of the useable portion of G . We also extend to this polynomial the activities analysis introduced by Tutte for his dichromatic polynomial. This leads to several expansions of this polynomial, the standard reliability polynomial, and the K -terminal chromatic polynomial of Satyanarayana and Tindell.
Defluorination of 4-fluorophenol by Cytochrome P450BM3-F87G: Activation by long Chain Fatty Aldehydes.

Cytochrome P450(BM3)-F87G catalyzed the oxidative defluorination of 4-fluorophenol, followed by reduction of the resulting benzoquinone to hydroquinone via the NADPH P450-reductase activity of the enzyme. The k (cat) and K (m) for this reaction were 71 ± 5 min(-1) and 9.5 ± 1.3 mM, respectively. Co-incubation of the reaction mixture with long chain aldehydes stimulated the defluorination reaction, with the 2,3-unsaturated aldehyde, 2-decenal producing a 12-fold increase in catalytic efficiency. At 150 μM aldehyde, k (cat) increased to 158 ± 4, while K (m) decreased to 1.8 ± 0.2. The effects of catalase, glutathione and ascorbate on the reaction were all consistent with a direct oxygen insertion mechanism, as opposed to a radical mechanism. The study demonstrates the potential use of P450(BM3) mutants in oxidative defluorination reactions, and characterizes the novel stimulatory action of straight chain aldehydes on this activity.
Autoinduction of Phenobarbital Elimination in the Dog

The literature provides no clear answer to the question of whether phenobarbital induces its own metabolism. To investigate this, the kinetics of phenobarbital in beagle dogs was examined using six phenobarbital doses (15, 30, 60, 100, 200, and 400 mg/d) for 3-week periods. Plasma concentrations of phenobarbital were measured by gas chromatography with a nitrogen–selective detector. The peak plasma concentrations ranged from 7.2 μg/mL with the 15-mg/d dose to 82 μg/mL with the 400-mg/d dose. A regression of phenobarbital clearance versus average plasma concentration gave an r2 value of 0.81. A 214% increase in the oral clearance of phenobarbital was obtained at the 400-mg/d dose level compared with the 15-mg/d level. The major determinant of this increased clearance was an increase in the elimination rate constant of phenobarbital from 0.18 h−1 at the 15–mg/d dose to 0.36 h−1 at the 400-mg/d dose. The apparent volume of distribution also tended to increase with dose. From these results it is suggested that one reason for the failure to observe autoinduction for phenobarbital in the past was the relatively low plasma concentrations attained in many experiments. In comparison, antipyrine clearance shows a much greater increase for the same phenobarbital concentrations, indicating that the subset of microsomal enzymes which affect phenobarbital are less sensitive to Phenobarbital induction than is the subset affecting antipyrine.
Guinea pig sensitization assays: an experimental comparison of three methods.

Purpose: Guinea pig sensitization assays provide a critical tool in toxicological testing. Here, we investigate the relative sensitivities of the Guinea Pig Maximization Test (GPMT), the Open Epicutaneous Test (OET), and the Buehler test on seven common compounds.Methods: Seven compounds (formalin, nickel sulfate, 2-benzothiazolethiol, neomycin sulfate, potassium dichromate, ethylenediamine, dihydrochloride, and cinnamyl alcohol) were investigated on 15 guinea pigs per assay. Differences between each assay were investigated individually for each compound in question, and cumulative comparisons were also performed.Results: Cumulatively, differences in rates of sensitization between the GPMT and OET did not reach statistical significance; however, both tests produced higher sensitization rates than the Buehler test (1% significance level). Comparisons for individual compounds are outlined within the main text.Conclusions: Our results indicate a possible role for the OET in the testing of weakly allergenic c...
Validating timing constraints in multiprocessor and distributed real-time systems

In multiprocessor and distributed real-time systems, scheduling jobs dynamically on processors is likely to achieve better performance. However, analytical and efficient validation methods to determine whether all the timing constraints are met do not exist for systems using modern dynamic scheduling strategies, and exhaustive simulation and testing are unreliable and expensive. This paper describes several worst-case bounds and efficient algorithms for validating systems in which jobs have arbitrary timing constraints and variable execution times and are scheduled on processors dynamically in a priority-driven manner. The special cases of the validation problem considered here are concerned with independent jobs that are (1) preemptable and migratable, or (2) preemptable and nonmigratable, or (3) nonpreemptable. >
A NEUROBIOLOGICAL THEORY OF MEANING IN PERCEPTION. PART I: INFORMATION AND MEANING IN NONCONVERGENT AND NONLOCAL BRAIN DYNAMICS

The aim of this tutorial is to document a novel approach to brain function, in which the key to understanding is the capacity of brains for self-organization. The property that distinguishes animals from plants is the capacity for directed movement through the environment, which requires an organ capable of organizing information about the environment and predicting the consequences of self-initiated actions. The operations of predicting, planning acting, detecting, and learning comprise the process of intentionality by which brains construct meaning. The currency of brains is primarily meaning and only secondarily information. The information processing metaphor has dominated neurocognitive research for half a century. Brains certainly process information for input and output. They pre-process sensory stimuli before constructing meaning, and they post-process cognitive read-out to control appropriate action and express meaning. Neurobiologists have thoroughly documented sensory information processing bottom-up, and neuropsychologists have analyzed the later stages of cognition top-down, as they are expressed in behavior. However, a grasp of the intervening process of perception, in which meaning forms, requires detailed analysis and modeling of neural activity that is observed in brains during meaningful behavior of humans and other animals. Unlike computers, brains function hierarchically. Sensory and motor information is inferred from pulses of microscopic axons. Meaning is inferred from local mean fields of dendrites in mesoscopic and macroscopic populations. This tutorial is aimed to introduce engineers to an experimental basis for a theory of meaning, in terms of the nonlinear dynamics of the mass actions of large neural populations that construct meaning. The focus is on the higher frequency ranges of cortical oscillations. Part I introduces background on information, meaning and oscillatory activity (EEG). Part II details the properties of wave packets. Part III describes the covariance structure of the oscillations. Part IV addresses the amplitude modulations, and Part V deals with the phase modulations. The significance of a theory of meaning lies in applications using population neurodynamics, to open new approaches for treatment of clinical brain disorders, and to devise new machines with capacities for autonomy and intelligence that might approach those of simpler free-living animals.
Snapshot spectral and polarimetric imaging; target identification with multispectral video

As the number of pixels continue to grow in consumer and scientific imaging devices, it has become feasible to collect the incident light field. In this paper, an imaging device developed around light field imaging is used to collect multispectral and polarimetric imagery in a snapshot fashion. The sensor is described and a video data set is shown highlighting the advantage of snapshot spectral imaging. Several novel computer vision approaches are applied to the video cubes to perform scene characterization and target identification. It is shown how the addition of spectral and polarimetric data to the video stream allows for multi-target identification and tracking not possible with traditional RGB video collection.
Meet the Press or Meet the Men? Examining Women’s Presence in American News Media

Why are women still a minority presence in American news media? Some accounts attribute the dearth of women as political newsmakers to sexism, but journalistic norms to attain the best source for a story suggest that sex should be irrelevant. To date, however, no study has systematically tested these competing hypotheses. Based on a new, original data set of more than 4,200 appearances by elected officials and non-elected political actors on the Sunday morning talk shows, I find that female elected officials, journalists, and political activists appear as guests less frequently than men do. But the gender gap does not result from overt sexism. Rather, the characteristics that contribute to repeated appearances on Sunday morning are consistent with journalistic norms to provide balance and credibility in reporting. Because there are few women in the positions and professions from which guests are selected, though, these norms also perpetuate a gendered news environment.
Real-time construction of three-dimensional occupancy maps

An experimental study of parallel algorithms for constructing 3-D occupancy maps is described. Data from a laser range camera are processed on an iWarp parallel computer. The resulting 3-D map is rendered using raytracing. The construction and rendering consume less than 800 ms. >
DIAGNOSIS OF MEGALOBLASTIC ANEMIA

Megaloblastic anemia can be due to cobalamin deficiency, folate deficiency, or refractory forms of bone marrow disease. This essay reviews current thinking on the diagnostic procedures available to a physician considering these disorders. The questions to be answered are as follows: Is a megaloblastic anemia present? Is there a deficiency of cobalamin or folate? If a deficiency is present, what is its cause? Various diagnostic tests are discussed with regard to the differences in their sensitivity and metabolic implications. In particular, we consider the newest diagnostic tests for cobalamin deficiency, serum homocysteine, and methylmalonate, which appear to be highly sensitive predictors of clinical morbidity. Application of these tests suggests that many more patients are cobalamin-deficient than had been supposed.
Marxist Social Theory

On April 26, 1985, the Association for Economic and Social Analysis (AESA) sponsored a conference on Marxist social theory. Dedicated to fostering and refining Marxist theory and practice, the AESA holds monthly meetings in Cambridge or Amherst, Massachusetts and a yearly conference, this being the third. It was a busy day filled with four two-hour sessions from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. that brought together more than one hundred Marxists and radicals, primarily from schools in New England. Amherst is a logical place for such a conclave. For the past decade or so the Economics Department at the Univer sity of Massachusetts has been a center of Marxian political economy in all its varieties and permutations. Those who expected lively exchanges between neo Althusserians and eclectics, the major wings in what Sam Bowles referred to as the "Amherst School," were not disappointed. The opening session on "Power, Property, and Class" heard papers by Bowles and Herbert Gintis and by Stephen Resnick and Richard Wolff, as well as a comment by Bob Ackerman. Bowles opened by observing that he and his neo-Althusserian colleagues shared the common project of countering the es sentialist economism that has weighed down Marxist theory and hobbled the foot soldiers of the left. There were nods of approval, but agreement ended there. He and Gintis put forth an alternative notion of class, one that envisions coexisting social hierarchies grounded in property, patriarchical, and race rela tions that operate according to "rules" set by elites. Relations between the oc cupants of each hierarchy are undemocratic, oppressive, and therefore in ten sion and conflict over power and authority. Bowles and Gintis acknowledged their debt to liberal theory, but asserted they went beyond it by rejecting de fenses of property, the sine qua non of liberalism, and by insisting that strug gle be collective and in the name of democracy. Wolff and Resnick countered with a critique of class theories derived from power, property, or conscious ness. Drawing upon Althusser, they took a structuralist position that anchors class in the extraction and distribution of surplus labor, the first being a "fun damental class process" that gives rise to "fundamental [read productive] classes" and the second being a "subsumed class process" that underpins
A theory of dark matter

� > 1GeV 1 . The long range allows a Sommerfeld enhancement to boost the annihilation cross section as required, without altering the weak-scale annihilation cross section during dark matter freeze-out in the early universe. If the dark matter annihilates into the new force carrier φ, its low mass can make hadronic modes kinematically inaccessible, forcing decays dominantly into leptons. If the force carrier is a non-Abelian gauge boson, the dark matter is part of a multiplet of states, and splittings between these states are naturally generated with size αm� � MeV, leading to the eXciting dark matter (XDM) scenario previously proposed to explain the positron annihilation in the galactic center observed by the INTEGRAL satellite; the light boson invoked by XDM to mediate a large inelastic scattering cross section is identified with the φ here. Somewhat smaller splittings would also be expected, providing a natural source for the parameters of the inelastic dark matter (iDM) explanation for the DAMA annual modulation signal. Since the Sommerfeld enhancement is most significant at low velocities, early dark matter halos at redshift � 10 potentially produce observable effects on the ionization history of the universe. Because of the enhanced cross section, detection of substructure is more probable than with a conventional WIMP. Moreover, the low velocity dispersion of dwarf galaxies and Milky Way subhalos can increase the substructure annihilation signal by an additional order of magnitude or more.
The Evolution of Interfirm Networks: Environmental Effects on Patterns of Network Change

We develop a framework examining the relationship between environmental change and patterns of network change. We propose four patterns of network change (network expansion, network churning, network strengthening, and network shrinking) across four environmental change scenarios. Since network evolution is the result of both environmental context and strategic action, we incorporate strategic orientation as a moderator. Focusing on network change at both the firm and network levels of analysis will guide us toward a better understanding of the principles behind the building of effective networks.
Pseudoscience and Victor Stenger's Quantum Gods Mistaken, Misinformed and Misleading

Quantum spirituality—the idea that some aspect of consciousness plays a fundamental role in the universe and that advanced physics should be interpreted as having to some extent already incorporated this principle—has had distinguished representation among both physicists and philosophers. It has generated an upsurge of grassroots enthusiasm because of the widespread sense that science and spirituality, rather than being fundamentally separate or even opposed, are in fact deeply connected and mutually reinforcing. Victor Stenger’s purpose in writing Quantum Gods: Creation, Chaos, and the Search for Cosmic Consciousness is to “debunk” this idea—but attention to the details shows that it is actually Stenger’s arguments that need the debunking. Stenger—a retired physicist who is leveraging his scientific background to try to discredit anything and everything that smacks of spirituality—doesn’t respect his intellectual opponents enough to get their positions right; in some instances he appears to deliberately misrepresent their views; and, most important, his own reasoning is characterized by unremitting carelessness. Moreover, there is a method to his carelessness—it enables him to systematically avoid addressing the tough arguments of his opponents. Hence we find him frequently setting up a straw man by misrepresenting the debate as a simple matter of science and reason versus superstition. Once having defined this as the issue, all he needs to do is assume the attitude of an outraged scientist and heap on the ridicule. But if he had done his homework and taken the trouble to really understand the science and logic supporting quantum spirituality, he would have discovered that it is harder to dismiss than he had imagined. Indeed, the more carefully—and yes, critically—one considers the issues, the more one finds quantum spirituality to be eminently worthy of serious consideration, as a plausible and measured approach to the most long-standing and intractable questions at the basis of science. In my view, quantum spirituality will prove to represent a phase transition in the history of science of immense proportions. In this context Stenger’s books, and those of like-minded debunkers, represent a futile rear-guard action, intended to forestall what will come to be seen as the inexorable progress of science toward a more profound understanding of natural law.
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Studies of Ge Nanocrystals

74Ge nanocrystals were formed by ion beam synthesis in SiO2. Transmission Electron Microscopy was used to characterize the structure and properties of these Ge nanocrystals before and after liberation from the matrix. The liberation from the SiO2 matrix was achieved through selective etching in a HF bath. High-resolution micrographs and selective area diffraction confirm that the crystallinity is retained in this process. Transfer of released nanocrystals is achieved through ultrasonic dispersion in methanol and deposition onto lacey carbon films via evaporation of methanol. In an effort to determine the melting point of Ge nanocrystals and observe the growth and evolution of nanocrystals embedded in the amorphous SiO2 during heat treatment, as-grown nanocrystals were heated in-situ up to 1192°C±60°C in a JEOL 200CX analytical electron microscope. Electron diffraction patterns are recorded using a Charge-Coupled Device. A large melting hysteresis was observed around the melting temperature of bulk Ge.
The Miller-Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-Fast) Test Generalizability and Utility Across Race Literacy, and Clinical Opinion

The Miller-Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST) was developed to provide clinicians with a reliable and valid screen for malingered mental illness. Previous studies have demonstrated the d...
How a Base Stock Policy Using Stale Forecasts Provides Supply Chain Benefits

Managers often engage in forecast updating with the expectation that forecast updating reduces expected shortage and inventory costs. One undesirable effect of forecast updating is that it may lead to the bullwhip effect, a phenomenon where the variability of demand increases as one moves up the supply chain. The bullwhip effect can be undesirable for the supplier because more volatile orders from the downstream stage can be very costly to the supplier. It can make it more difficult for the supplier to forecast demand, and it can lead to large fluctuations in supplier production levels from period to period. Using "stale" or old forecasts may sound foolish, but their judicious use in a two-stage supply chain can improve fulfillment from the upstream stage to the downstream stage and reduce the fluctuations in production levels. We study a two-stage supply chain where the demand process is nonstationary and both stages use an adaptive base stock policy. We propose a policy that uses old forecasts to set base stock levels at the downstream stage while using current forecasts to communicate upcoming orders from the downstream stage to the upstream stage. We study a decentralized supply chain setting, and we find that our policy can reduce the expected supply chain inventory and shortage costs and significantly reduce the fluctuations in production levels compared to that of using current information. We also study a cooperative supply chain setting and, surprisingly, we find in numerical examples that our proposed policy results in very small increases in the expected systemwide inventory and shortage costs compared to a systemwide optimal policy, while reducing the fluctuations in production levels.
A Test Based Multidimensional Performance Model for a Mission Critical System Server

This paper presents an approach to performance modeling of servers managing radio networks, applied in Motorola Government & Public Safety Department. The primary goal of creating the performance model for mission-critical systems is to verify if strict requirements are met even under the highest possible load. By determining capacity of various hardware configurations, the model serves also as a cost optimization tool for a customer. In large radio systems the cost of devices is tremendous, therefore the method of determining the most economical hardware capable of handling the intended load, is vital. The last but not least purpose of performance tests, being the key part of modeling, is creating a product enhancement plan by finding bottlenecks to widen and indicating parameters that need tuning. The presented method includes the following steps:(1) creation of a predictive model, (2) planning and execution of the set of tests to get real performance measurements, (3) model validation by applying mathematical regression to compare the test results with the theoretical model. In the industry practice the product is under continuous development, so the predictive model for every release is based on experience from previous releases. Many detected weaknesses and performance problems are postponed to the next release. The performance model covers them all and evolves together with the system. The paper describes the full cycle of modeling of a group of Unix-based servers controlling a radio network system. The paper is founded on interesting cases from real-life industrial testing.
A substituted benzene ring synthesis

Abstract N -Aminopyrroles are used in a new, versatile and high yield substituted benzene ring synthesis.
Characterization of enteropathogenic and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in cattle and deer in a shared agroecosystem

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important foodborne pathogen. Cattle are suggested to be an important reservoir for STEC; however, these pathogens have also been isolated from other livestock and wildlife. In this study we sought to investigate transmission of STEC, enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) between cattle and white-tailed deer in a shared agroecosystem. Cattle feces were collected from 100 animals in a Michigan dairy farm in July 2012, while 163 deer fecal samples were collected during two sampling periods (March and June). The locations of deer fecal pellets were recorded via geographic information system mapping and microsatellite multi-locus genotyping was used to link the fecal samples to individual deer at both time points. Following subculture to sorbitol MacConkey agar and STEC CHROMagar, the pathogens were characterized by serotyping, stx profiling, and PCR-based fingerprinting; multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed on a subset. STEC and EHEC were cultured from 12 to 16% of cattle, respectively, and EPEC was found in 36%. Deer were significantly less likely to have a pathogen in March vs. June where the frequency of STEC, EHEC, and EPEC was 1, 6, and 22%, respectively. PCR fingerprinting and MLST clustered the cattle- and deer-derived strains together in a phylogenetic tree. Two STEC strains recovered from both animal species shared MLST and fingerprinting profiles, thereby providing evidence of interspecies transmission and highlighting the importance of wildlife species in pathogen shedding dynamics and persistence in the environment and cattle herds.
Will increasing folic acid in fortified grain products further reduce neural tube defects without causing harm?: consideration of the evidence.

To reduce neural tube defects (NTDs), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated that by January 1998 all enriched grain products should contain 140 μg of folic acid (FA)/100 g of flour. Groups concerned with optimal prevention of NTDs had argued that the level should be 350 μg/100 g. However, when it appeared that the debate might delay implementation of any fortification, these groups petitioned the FDA to implement fortification at the originally proposed level of 140 μg/100 g, anticipating that the FDA might consider increasing the level at a later time. Mandated FA fortification (FAF) has now been in place in the United States for 9 y. The impact of this important public health intervention on NTD rates, the possible benefit to other disease conditions, and potential harms have been evaluated. As background for a possible request that the FDA consider increasing FAF, evidence bearing on the question of whether an increase can further reduce NTD births without causing harm is reviewed here. The published data indicate that it is appropriate that the FDA conduct or commission a balanced analysis of the evidence by scientists who will act on that evidence to decide this important question.
The Self as Self‐Fulfilling Prophecy

Using a combination of psychoanalytic and symbolic interactionist ideas, this article portrays the development of the self as a self-fulfilling prophecy (SFP). A prominent psychoanalytic version of this idea is presented by Lacan’s two mirror theories of the self. A prominent and more familiar symbolic interactionist account of the self as self-fulfilling prophecy is the formulation by William I. Thomas and Dorothy Thomas, which suggests that once situations are defined as real, they are real in their consequences. The aim of this article is to show that these two perspectives can be reconciled in interesting ways, because both recognize that emotions are part of the world “out there” of external goals and the world “in here” of the person’s inner life. Emotions are therefore “bilevel.” The SFP creates a fault line in the self and a consequent emotional vulnerability when that line is engaged or disturbed. This article explains how this self-fulfilling prophecy works and explores the weaknesses it inflicts on the self. The idea that some psychoanalytic and symbolic interactionist concepts of the self are compatible came to me when I was thinking about suspense movies and how they sometimes give me a sinking or shuddering feeling in the pit of my stomach. Lacanian film critics (Leonard 1996) interpret this feeling as a normal sign of the decentered self under pressure. The Lacanian self is barely held together, always in danger of collapse, and vulnerable to any number of symbolic threats, suspense movies being one. I think the symbolic interactionist notion of the self as self-fulfilling prophecy can do the same work, perhaps more parsimoniously, as the Lacanian hypothesis. This article has three sections. The first presents a bilevel theory of emotions, the second analyzes the self as a self-fulfilling prophecy, and the third gives a detailed comparison of Lacan with Cooley and Mead.
Geometry and bias current optimization for SiGe HBT cascode low-noise amplifiers

This work presents a new design methodology for inductively-degenerated cascode low-noise amplifiers using advanced epitaxial-base SiGe HBTs. Noise figure, gain, and IIP3 are calculated using calibrated linear circuit analysis and a Volterra series methodology as a function of the two major design variables: emitter geometry and biasing current. An optimum SiGe HBT LNA design point which balances input impedance match, high IIP3, noise figure, gain, and power consumption is obtained from calculated noise figure, gain, and IIP3 contours as a function of bias current and geometry. Simplified analytical expressions of IIP3, gain, and noise figure are presented to give additional insight. The optimum LNA design point for the 50 GHz SiGe HBT process technology under study yields a 2 GHz LNA with 15.8 dBm IIP3, 18 dB gain, 1.15 dB noise figure, and a |s11| less than -20 dB for a biasing current of 7.5 mA. The calculated results show good agreement with HP Advanced-Design-System simulations. The design tradeoffs illuminated by this optimization methodology are highlighted and discussed.