cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rates of convergence for the distance between distribution function estimators.

The normed difference between “kernel” distribution function estimators\(\hat F_n \) and the empirical distribution functionF n is investigated. Conditions on the kernel and bandwidth of\(\hat F_n \) are given so that\(a_n \left\| {\hat F_n - F_n } \right\|\xrightarrow{{wpl}}0\) as n→∞ for both the sup-norm\(\left\| g \right\|_\infty = \mathop {\sup }\limits_x \left| {g(x)} \right|and L_1 \) andL1 norm\(\left\| g \right\|_1 = f\left| {g(x)} \right|dx\). Applications include equivalence in asymptotic distribution ofT\(\hat F_n \) andT(F n ) (to ordern n ) for certain robust functionalsT(·).
320-Gb/s Capacity (32 Users &#215; 10 Gb/s) SPECTS O-CDMA Local Area Network Testbed

We demonstrate, for the first time, an error-free, 320-Gb/s optical code division multiple access (O-CDMA) network testbed employing the spectral phase encoded time spreading (SPECTS) technique. Results with and without forward error correction (FEC) are presented.
Effects of Clearcutting on Habitat Use and Reproductive Success of the Ovenbird in Forested Landscapes

We studied Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus) in northern New Hampshire during 1992 and 1993 to determine whether edge-related changes in habitat use and reproductive success reported in fragmented landscapes exist in predominantly forested landscapes. Six study plots were placed adjacent to four recent clearcuts (2.1–5 ha) and extended 400 m into the forest interior. Nests, territories, and territorial males obtaining mates were equally distributed in edge (0–200 m) and interior (201–400 m) areas. Nest survival was higher in the forest interior in 1992 and for 1992 and 1993 combined. The proportion of pairs fledging ≥ 1 young, fledgling weight, and fledgling wing-chord did not differ between edge and interior in either year. Number of young fledged per pair was slightly lower in edge areas, but these differences were not significant. We conclude that clearcutting in extensively forested landscapes can affect Ovenbird reproductive success. Nevertheless, the effect on Ovenbird populations is moderated by the abundance of mature forest cover in the region and by the tendency of Ovenbirds to renest after initial nest failure. Estudiamos horneros (Seirus aurocapillus) en el norte de New Hampshire (E.U.A.) durante 1992 y 1993 para determinar si existen cambios en el uso del habitat y exito reproductivo relacionados con el efecto de borde en paisajes predominantemente forestales. Se ubicaron seis parcelas de estudio adyacentes a cuatro zonas (2.1–5 ha) recientemente taladas y que se extendian 400 m hacia el interior del bosque. Tanto nidos, como territorios y machos territoriales con pareja tuvieron la misma distribucion en areas borde (0–200 m) e interiores (201–400 m). La supervivencia de nidos fue mayor en el interior del bosque en 1992 y en 1992 y 1993 combinados. La proporcion de parejas con ≥ 1 cria, peso de las crias y cuerda alar de crias no tuvo diferencia entre borde e interior en ningun ano. El numero de crias por pareja fue ligeramente menor en areas borde, pero esta diferencia no fue significativa. Concluimos que la tala en paisajes forestales puede afectar al exito reproductivo de horneros. Sin embargo, el efecto sobre las poblaciones de horneros esta moderado por la abundancia de cobertura forestal madura en la region y por la tendencia de horneros a reanidar despues de un fracaso inicial.
HEATS AND HYSTERESIS IN CALORIMETRY OF LI/LIXMNO2 CELLS

When electrochemical cells of Li/LixMnO2 are cycled over their useful range of x (0.4<x<1.0), they produce heat during both charge and discharge, even at low currents. At the same time, the voltage versus x shows hysteresis—the voltage on charge at a given x is significantly higher than on discharge, even when corrected for the resistance of the cell. We have analyzed the current dependence of both the voltage and the power (the rate that heat is produced) in cycles of various lenghts Δx. We show that the power consists of two terms, a thermodynamic contribution that changes sign with current, and an irreversible contribution that does not. Part of the irreversible contribution is linear in current. This part, which increases as Δx increases, also determines the hysteresis in the voltage. We suggest that first-order transitions in LixMnO2 as a function of x cause this irreversibility, and that the poor crystallinity in the material produces the dependence on Δx.
A multiperiod min-sum arborescence problem

In this paper we present a mathematical formulation of the multiperiod min-sum arborescence problem which requires scheduling the installation of directed links to connect a set of terminal nodes N = {2,3,…,n} to a central node. The selection of links and the timing of their installation should be such that the present value of expenditures including cost of installing all the links and maintaining them till the end of the planning horizon should be minimal. The set of links selected for installation should ensure that (i) each terminal node j has exactly one entering link; and (ii) for each terminal node j, a unique path exists from the central node to node j from the period when j installed till the end of the planning horizon. Some of the terminal nodes are included in the network at the beginning of the planning horizon while others are added to the network over time. We present a branch exchange heuristic embedded in the Lagrangian relaxation method to find a solution to this problem. The lower bound given by our solution method is used to estimate the quality of the solution given by the heuristic. Test results over a wide range of problem structures show that for networks with up to 140 nodes our Lagrangian-based heuristic method gives solutions that are within 5–15 % of optimality.
Use of etoposide in patients with organ dysfunction: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations.

Etoposide is a podophyllotoxin deriverative with activity against a wide variety of malignancies. It is also used in many clinical conditions in which renal or hepatic function is impaired. To establish a basis for making initial dose adjustments in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction, the clinical pharmacology (e.g., absorption, distribution, protein binding, metabolism, and elimination) of etoposide is presented. Studies of the use of etoposide in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction are summarized. The importance of protein binding to etoposide disposition, especially in patients with hepatic dysfunction is discussed. Pharmacodynamics refers to the relationship between drug concentration at the site of action (receptor) and pharmacologic response (toxicity or efficacy). The pharmacodynamics of etoposide has been studied in only a few patients with renal and (or) hepatic dysfunction and must be studied in larger populations before definitive dosing guidelines can be recommended. However, some general initial dosing recommendations for the use of etoposide in patients with renal and hepatic dysfunction are presented.
Cells depleted for RPS19, a protein associated with Diamond Blackfan Anemia, show defects in 18S ribosomal RNA synthesis and small ribosomal subunit production

The gene encoding the small subunit ribosomal protein 19 (RPS19) is mutated in about 25% of cases of the bone marrow failure syndrome Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA), a childhood disease characterized by failure of red cell production. In these cases DBA is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and RPS19 haploinsufficiency is thought to cause the disease. To study the molecular pathogenesis of DBA we used siRNA to decrease the level of RPS19 in two human cell lines, HeLa cells and U-2 OS osteosarcoma cells. Cells with reduced RPS19 levels showed a dramatic reduction in the amounts of small 40S ribosome subunits and mature 80S ribosomes and an excess of large 60S subunits. These cells were defective in 18S rRNA production and accumulated 21S and 20S nuclear pre-rRNA molecules, suggesting that RPS19 is required for specific steps in rRNA processing. RPS19 depletion produced a reduction in steady-state levels of RPS6 and RPS16 via a post-transcriptional mechanism while the levels of RPL7 and RPL26 were unaltered, indicating that levels of ribosomal proteins are determined by subunit assembly. This has interesting implications for the pathogenesis of DBA suggesting that deficiency of any of the RPS proteins might have a similar effect and thus may be responsible for causing DBA. Finally in cell lines from DBA patients with mutations we find increased levels of 21S rRNA precursors but no abnormality in the ribosome profile on sucrose gradients or in the steady-state levels of RPS19 suggesting that some cells can partially compensate for the loss of one allele of RPS19. We conclude that defects in ribosome biogenesis may underlie the pathology of Diamond Blackfan Anemia.
Inhibition of glutathione reductase by flavonoids: A structure-activity study

Abstract A structure-activity study of fourteen chemically related flavonoids was conducted to evaluate their abilities to inhibit glutathione reductase (GR). By comparing the I 50 values of flavonoids from different classes possessing an identical hydroxyl configuration, we determined the following order of potency for inhibition of GR: anthocyanidin > dihydroflavonol = chalcone > flavonol > catechin. Enzyme inhibition by delphinidin chloride and myricetin was partially prevented in a N 2 atmosphere which implicates a role for oxygen in the mechanism of inhibition. To determine the role of oxygen species in enzyme inhibition, GR was preincubated with either mannitol, diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (DETAPAC), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), or SOD and CAT prior to assays for enzyme inhibition by flavonoids. Enzyme inhibition by delphinidin chloride and myricetin was suppressed by the addition of SOD, suggesting that superoxide (O − 2 ) is involved. However, inhibition by quercetin and morin was not sensitive to antioxidants. To further investigate the role of O τ- 2 in GR inhibition, a superoxide generating system was utilized in the presence and absence of flavonoid. The O τ- 2 generating system failed to inhibit GR in the absence of flavonoid but enhanced the inhibition by myricetin, indicating that the O − 2 did not directly inhibit GR but reacted directly with certain flavonoids to form a reactive intermediate which, in turn, inhibited GR. These findings suggest that the mechanism of inhibition of GR by flavonoids is complex and may have oxygen-dependent and oxygen-independent components.
Rigorous upper bounds for transport due to passive advection by inhomogeneous turbulence

Abstract A variational procedure, due originally to Howard and explored by Busse and others for self-consistent turbulence problems, is employed to determine rigorous upper bounds for the advection of a passive scalar through an inhomogeneous turbulent slab with arbitrary generalized Reynolds number R and Kubo number K . In the basic version of the method, the steady-state energy balance is used as a constraint; the resulting bound, though rigorous, is independent of K . A pedagogical reference model (one dimension, K = ∞) is described in detail; the bound compares favorably with the exact solution. The direct-interaction approximation is also worked out for this model; it is somewhat more accurate than the bound, but requires considerably more labor to solve. For the basic bound, a general formalism is presented for several dimensions, finite correlation length, and reasonably general boundary conditions. Part of the general method, in which a Green's function technique is employed, applies to self-consistent as well as to passive problems and thereby generalizes previous results in the fluid literature. The formalism is extended for the first time to include time-dependent constraints, and a bound is deduced which explicitly depends on K and has the correct physical scalings in all regimes of R and K . Two applications from the theory of turbulent plasmas are described: flux in velocity space, and test particle transport in stochastic magnetic fields. For the velocity space problem, the simplest bound reproduces Dupree's original scaling for the strong turbulence diffusion coefficient. For the case of stochastic magnetic fields, the scaling of the bounds is described for the magnetic diffusion coefficient as well as for the particle diffusion coefficient in the so-called collisionless, fluid, and double-streaming regimes.
Imaging Transverse Isotropic Properties of Muscle by Monitoring Acoustic Radiation Force Induced Shear Waves Using a 2-D Matrix Ultrasound Array

A 2-D matrix ultrasound array is used to monitor acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) induced shear wave propagation in 3-D in excised canine muscle. From a single acquisition, both the shear wave phase and group velocity can be calculated to estimate the shear wave speed (SWS) along and across the fibers, as well as the fiber orientation in 3-D. The true fiber orientation found using the 3-D radon transform on B-mode volumes of the muscle was used to verify the fiber direction estimated from shear wave data. For the simplified imaging case when the ARFI push can be oriented perpendicular to the fibers, the error in estimating the fiber orientation using phase and group velocity measurements was 3.5±2.6° and 3.4±1.4° (mean ± standard deviation), respectively, over six acquisitions in different muscle samples. For the more general case when the push is oblique to the fibers, the angle between the push and the fibers is found using the dominant orientation of the shear wave displacement magnitude. In 30 acquisitions on six different muscle samples with oblique push angles up to 40°, the error in the estimated fiber orientation using phase and group velocity measurements was 5.4±2.9° and 5.3±3.2°, respectively, after estimating and accounting for the additional unknown push angle. Either the phase or group velocity measurements can be used to estimate fiber orientation and SWS along and across the fibers. Although it is possible to perform these measurements when the push is not perpendicular to the fibers, highly oblique push angles induce lower shear wave amplitudes which can cause inaccurate SWS measurements.
Medical insurance and the use of health care services by the elderly

The objective of this paper is to find how health insurance influences the use of health care services by the elderly. On the basis of the first wave of the Asset and Health Dynamics Survey, we find that those who are the most heavily insured use the most health care services. Because our data show little relationship between observable health measures and either the propensity to hold or to purchase private insurance, we interpret this as an effect of the incentives embodied in the insurance, rather than as the result of adverse selection in the purchase of insurance.
Nebulous Boundaries: Geographies of Identity in El hombre del acordeón

Boundaries are never as definitive as they appear at first glance, for they create a broader zone, the borderlands, where the people, practices, and products from both sides comingle. Despite boundaries' demarcating intent, the borderlands they cross are a syncretic blend of the lands on each side. The borderland as fictional setting draws our attention not to the fixedness of boundaries, but rather to their flexibility. Set in the Dominican-Haitian borderland, Marcio Veloz Maggiolo's El hombre del acordeon ('The Accordion Man') draws upon the dynamism of that geopolitical border to call into question other apparently definitive boundaries, thus challenging official religious, racial, and musical discourses of Dominicanness.
A Study of Sublingual Absorption I. Several Factors Influencing the Rate of Absorption

Solutions of drugs were sublingually administered to anesthetized animals whose esophagus had been ligated and trachea cannulated.This method was devised so that there would he no possibility of the drug being swallowed.As determined by the time for convulsions to appear in anesthetized rats or for death to occur in anesthetized mice, strychnine sulfate in alcohol, strychnine sulfate in water, and strychnine in alcohol were found to be well absorbed sublingually, and in that order, while strychnine suspended in water was not absorbed.The use of the base or the salt and the vehicle employed had a more important effect on sublingual absorption than on oral absorption.Aconitine in alcohol was more rapidly absorbed sublingually than aconitine hydrochloride in water although there was no difference in subcutaneous absorption.Alcoholic solutions of Pentothal® and pentobarbital as well as aqueous solutions of their sodium salts were absorbed sublingually as demonstrated by the increased sleeping time of anesthetized mice.Alcoholic solutions produced the greatest increase.The form of a drug and the vehicle used play an important role in sublingual absorption.
Spatio-temporal convergence (STC) in otolith neurons

It has been recently demonstrated that some primary otolith afferents and most otolith-related vestibular nuclei neurons encode two spatial dimensions that can be described by two vectors in temporal and spatial quadrature. These cells are called broadly-tuned neurons. They are characterized by a non-zero tuning ratio which is defined as the ratio of the minimum over the maximum sensitivity of the neuron. Broadly-tuned neurons exhibit response gains that do not vary according to the cosine of the angle between the stimulus direction and the cell's maximum sensitivity vector and response phase values that depend on stimulus orientation. These responses were observed during stimulation with pure linear acceleration and can be explained by spatio-temporal convergence (STC) of primary otolith afferents and/or otolith hair cells. Simulations of STC of the inputs to primary otolith afferents and vestibular nuclei neurons have revealed interesting characteristics: First, in the case of two narrowly-tuned input signals, the largest tuning ratio is achieved when the input signals are of equal gain. The smaller the phase difference between the input vectors, the larger the orientation differences that are required to produce a certain tuning ratio. Orientation and temporal phase differences of 30---40° create tuning ratios of approximately 0.10---0.15 in target neurons. Second, in the case of multiple input signals, the larger the number of converging inputs, the smaller the tuning ratio of the target neuron. The tuning ratio depends on the number of input units, as long as there are not more than about 10. For more than 10---20 input vectors, the tuning ratio becomes almost independent of the number of inputs. Further, if the inputs comprise two populations (with different gain and phase values at a given stimulus frequency), the largest tuning ratio is obtained when the larger population has a smaller gain. These findings are discussed in the context of known anatomical and physiological characteristics of innervation patterns of primary otolith afferents and their possible convergence onto vestibular nuclei neurons.
A Low Temperature, Solution Phase Synthesis of III-V Semiconductor Nanocrystals

Nanocrystalline materials have been intensely investigated in the recent past due to the novel properties associated with size-quantized particles. We have developed a new method for high yield, solution phase synthesis of nanocrystalline III-V semiconductors which eliminates the use of substituted or unsubstituted Group V hydrides and Group III alkyls. Our approach consists of in situ syntheses of (Na/K) 3 E (E = P, As, Sb) in aromatic solvents and subsequent reactions of these pnictides with Group III halide solutions in coordinating solvents. The nanocrystalline III-V semiconductors GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, InAs and InSb are readily prepared in a wide range of particle sizes (4–36 nm) and in high yields. The resultant Ill-V materials have been characterized by XRD, EDXA, TEM and elemental analyses.
Doing sustainability: an application of an inter-disciplinary and mixed-method approach to a regional sustainable tourism project

This paper describes and explains an interdisciplinary and mixed-method approach to a large-scale sustainable tourism development project. The research took place in a two-county area straddling the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia, USA. It was commissioned in order to develop a sustainable tourism centerpiece to enhance the region and encourage visitor expenditures while maintaining the environment and quality of life of the community. In response to Hollinshead and Jamal's 2007 call for a more bricoleur and third ear approach to tourism research, a gap analysis of the region's tourism offerings was performed using six interdisciplinary, mixed-method research phases seeking to identify discrepancies between the current region's tourism offerings, visitor preferences and community stakeholders. Phases included a Community Resource Assessment (GIS-based Inventory), Stakeholder Interviews, a Visitor Survey and GPS visitor tracking, the development of seven Potential Scenarios, a P...
Voyager 2 fine‐scale velocity oscillations at 48 AU

Voyager 2 solar wind speeds show unusual variations beginning on day 40 of 1996. These variations are oscillations of approximately 30 km/s with periods of about two days and are unlike any variations heretofore detected in the outer heliosphere. Several possible sources of this behavior are examined. First, this speed feature may be due to a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability on the boundary between the slow equatorial and fast high-latitude flows, although this instability has not been observed at other radial distances and latitudes. A second possibility is that these waves are due to instabilities associated with interstellar pick-up ions; at the ∼48 AU distance where these oscillations are observed, the pick-up pressure far exceeds the pressure of the thermal solar wind proton population. A third possibility is that the waves are an upstream signature of the termination shock, similar to waves observed upstream of planetary bow shocks. Anomalous cosmic ray protons with 100 MeV energies satisfy the necessary cyclotron resonance conditions and carry sufficient energy density to produce the observed waves. This possibility would require magnetic connection to the shock and the presence of streaming anomalous cosmic ray ions. Plasma data alone cannot determine whether the necessary conditions for any of these possibilities exist. Further progress requires collaborative studies using all of the available particle and field data from Voyager 2.
From e-government to social network government: towards a transition model

This research explores how federal agencies interact with their audiences via Facebook, their most popular social media channel, by analyzing the comments posted by agencies and how users respond to the initial threads. This study seeks to determine whether the additional communication channels that Facebook offers within formal accounts facilitate conversation among individuals in the form of ad hoc social groups, contributing to higher levels of participation. This inquiry is based on prior research that established that three conditions influence stocks of social capital in networks -- horizontality of network, network density and the number of messages interchanged between networks' members. To test this tri-partite relationship, 4,280 threads initiated by federal agencies were analyzed. Results show that (1) horizontality of network impacts positively participation and it is also associated with higher numbers of users; (2) threads that invite users to participate generate fewer comments than informative messages, which suggest that in Web 2.0-based environments the opinions posted by users are more important than the messages broadcasted by organizations; and (3) when there is a higher number of threads initiated by federal agencies it negatively affects the number of comments posted by users.
Novel Quadrifilar Helix Antenna combining GNSS, Iridium, and a UHF communications monopole

A multi-use antenna system for integrated communications and navigation capability was developed. A GPS/GNSS/Iridium antenna is co-located with a UHF communications monopole on a handset. The GPS/GNSS/Iridium antenna is a folded Quadrifilar Helix Antenna (QHA) with novel features to improve frequency coverage compared to existing QHA designs. This QHA antenna is co-located concentrically (co-axially) around the UHF monopole which increases the gain of the UHF monopole by several dB over most of the UHF 225–512 MHz band. Co-locating the QHA and monopole also reduces the area needed on the transceiver. The GNSS frequencies covered include modernized GPS (L1, L2, L5), GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou (Compass), spanning from 1164 to 1300 MHz and 1559 to 1611 MHz. The Iridium communications transmit and receive band (1611–1626 MHz) is also covered, and UHF.
Thermal Mass Shifts in Open Superstring Models

We investigate some thermodynamical properties of an open type I superstring model in six space-time dimensions. The model is free of tachyons at the tree level but acquires a tachyonic one-loop mass shift at zero-temperature. Even though the space-time supersymmetry is spontaneously broken, the asymptotic form of the fermionic and bosonic level densities are the same, i.e. there is a unique Hagedorn temperature TH. As expected, TH is a limiting temperature, i.e. the energy density of the string gas diverges at T=TH. The finite temperature one-loop correction to the mass of the scalar mesons, which are massless at three level, is calculated and is found to be finite for all temperatures. It is found that thermal corrections do not stabilize the zero-temperature one-loop tachyonic mass shift of the model.
Autophosphoryiation of Rat Liver Type II cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase

A monoclonal antibody was prepard against the regulatory subunit (Rll) of rat liver type II cAMPdependent protein kinase. Autophosphorylated and nonphosphorylated Rll in extracts from rat liver or hepatocytes were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and quantified by i mmunoblot analysis with this antibody. Under basal conditions, 90% of hepatocyte Rll was in the phosphorylated form. Incubating hepatocytes with 8-bromo-cAMP and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor resulted in activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and glycogenolysis but did not affect phospho Rll levels. Rll hosphorylation was also unaffected by the inclusion of sufficient insulin to cause a decrease in cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity and glycogenolysis. The results indicate that unlike other cell types, dissociation of rat hepatocyte type II cAMP-dependent protein kinase does not result in dephosphorylation of Rll. The biochemical basis for the apparent lack of RII dephosphorylation in intact hepat...
Effects of Sequential Calcium Chloride, Ziram, and Yeast Orchard Sprays on Postharvest Decay of Pear.

ABSTRACT The most effective nutritional, fungicidal, and biological control treatments previously evaluated for control of postharvest decay in pear were evaluated for 3 years as factorial treatments to determine the best combinations for an integrated program. Calcium chloride sprays during the growing season reduced incidence of side rot in each year and of blue mold in 1 year, while ziram was effective against side rot in 1 year and blue mold in 2 years. Ziram, but not calcium chloride, provided control of gray mold and bull's-eye rot. Application of the yeast Cryptococcus infirmominiatus to pear fruit 1 week before harvest at a concentration of 1.0 to 1.5 × 108 CFU/ml resulted in establishment of large populations of yeast on fruit surfaces, but did not reduce postharvest fungal decay incidence in 3 years of testing. In 1 year, ziram sprays applied 2 weeks before harvest significantly reduced yeast populations on fruit subsequently treated with C. infirmo-miniatus. Sequential treatments with calcium c...
Mid-twenty-first century climate change in the Central United States. Part II: Climate change processes

Ensemble regional model simulations over the central US with 30-km resolution are analyzed to investigate the physical processes of projected precipitation changes in the mid-twenty-first century under greenhouse gas forcing. An atmospheric moisture balance is constructed, and changes in the diurnal cycle are evaluated. Wetter conditions over the central US in April and May occur most strongly in the afternoon and evening, supported primarily by moisture convergence by transient eddy activity, indicating enhanced daytime convection. In June, increased rainfall over the northern Great Plains is strongest from 0000 to 0600 LT. It is supported by positive changes in stationary meridional moisture convergence related to a strengthening of the GPLLJ accompanied by an intensification of the western extension of the North Atlantic subtropical high. In the Midwest, decreased rainfall is strongest at 1500 LT and 0000 LT. Both a suppression of daytime convection as well as changes in the zonal flow in the GPLLJ exit region are important. Future drying over the northern Great Plains in summer is triggered by weakened daytime convection, and persists throughout August and September when a deficit in soil moisture develops and land–atmosphere feedbacks become increasingly important.
Like-charged W pair production via gluon exchange

Abstract We calculate the invariant mass distribution for the electroweak-strong process pp→W + W + + X and pp→W − W − + X via gluon exchange. Results are presented for both the SSC and LHC.
Factor analysis of finger ridge-counts in Blacks and Whites.

SummaryFinger ridge-counts of an American White, American Black and an African Black sample were subjected to factor analysis. The analysis was carried out using correlation matrices computed from 10 ridge-counts, each finger being represented by its largest count, and from 20 ridge-counts, using both radial and ulnar counts for each finger. The 20 count analysis was much more informative, demonstrating the relative independence of the radial and ulnar sides of the fingers. Moreover, the radial and ulnar counts themselves generally resulted in two factors reflecting counts on the ulnar digits and the median digits. The independence of the thumb was also demonstrated. There was considerable intersample consistency, although some evidence of sex and race variation was observed.
Stability criteria for high-intensity lasers

The output characteristics of a high-intensity laser oscillator are examined by means of a semiclassical density-matrix approach. Unlike previous investigations the time derivatives of the field and material quantities are retained, and a basic instability in the semiclassical laser equations is revealed. This instability accounts for the recently reported spontaneous pulsations in xenon laser oscillators. The pulsations can be interpreted as a consequence of spectral holeburning in inhomogeneously broadened lasers, and stability criteria are derived for both standing-wave and traveling-wave oscillators. In simplest terms the pulsations should occur in any inhomogeneously broadened laser where the product of the homogeneous linewidth and the cavity lifetime is less than unity.
Articular cartilage response to arthroscopic surgery: a review of current knowledge.

Summary This review is intended to point out the many variables affecting articular cartilage around the time of arthroscopic surgery. Despite the rapid clinical recovery of arthroscopic surgery patients, there may be considerable articular cartilage inhibition related to preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors. Risks to the patient and his joint can be minimized by careful management of these known variables.
Psychosis risk screening in clinical high-risk adolescents: A longitudinal investigation using the Child Behavior Checklist

This is the first study to investigate whether parent-reported social and behavioral problems on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) can be used for psychosis risk screening and the identification of at-risk youth in the general population. This longitudinal investigation assessed 122 adolescent participants from three groups (at-risk, other personality disorders, non-psychiatric controls) at baseline and one year follow-up. The findings indicate that two individual CBCL rating scales, Withdrawn/Depressed and Thought Problems, have clinical and diagnostic utility as an adjunctive risk screening measure to aid in early detection of at-risk youth likely to develop psychosis. Furthermore, the findings shows that a cost-effective, general screening tool with a widespread use in community and pediatric healthcare settings has a promise to serve as a first step in a multi-stage risk screening process. This can potentially facilitate increased screening precision and reduction of high rate of false-positives in clinical high-risk individuals who present with elevated scores on psychosis-risk measures, but ultimately do not go on to develop psychosis. The findings of the present study also have significant clinical and research implications for the development of a broad-based psychosis risk screening strategy, and novel prevention and early intervention approaches in at-risk populations for the emergence of severe mental illness.
A PREPARATION OF N,N-BIS(TRIMETHYLSILYL)ALLENAMINES

Abstract The lithium diisopropylamide-induced elimination of 2-[ N , N -bis(trimethylsilyl)amino]alkenyl (diethyl)phosphates affords 1-[ N , N -bis(trimethylsilyl)amino]-1,2-alkadienes (“allenamines”). Conjugatively-substituted allenamines undergo further metalation under these eliminative conditions to form allenyl carbanions which may be trapped in situ by chlorotrimethylsilane to give 3-trimethylsilyl-or 3,3-bis(trimethylsilyl)- N , N -bis(trimethylsilyl)allenamines.
Biology of Thyanta perditor (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

The biology of Thyanta perditor (F.) was studied on Bidens pilosa L., wheat, and soybeans. Females collected in the field from B. pilosa produced significantly larger numbers of eggs and egg masses on B. pilosa than on wheat; on soybeans, only one pair copulated, no eggs were deposited, and longevity of adults was severely reduced. The incubation period of T. perditor eggs in the laboratory was 6.0 days. The durations of the first through fifth nymphal stadia on B. pilosa averaged 4.3, 6.3, 4.3, 4.7, and 8.9 days, respectively. Cumulative mortality reached 58%, the greatest mortality occurring in the fifth instar. Of 150 nymphs reared on soybean, none reached the fourth instar. The sex ratios of cohorts of adults collected in the field and reared in the laboratory were 1♀:1♂ and 1.2♀:1♂, respectively. The tachinid fly, Eutrichopodopsis nitens (Blanchard), parasitized 50.5% of the field-collected adults and the egg parasite Trissolcus (Microphanurus) scuticarinatus (Lima) parasitized 53% of the egg masses collected from cages in the field.
Using in vivo spinally-evoked potentials to assess functional connectivity along the spinal axis

Epidural spinal cord stimulation has been shown to facilitate locomotion in paralyzed rats, cats, and humans. Little is known, however, about how this mode of stimulation affects the functional properties of spinal networks. Herein, we report a technique to assess functional connectivity along the spinal axis via evoked potentials generated on the epidural surface using a custom flexible polyimide microelectrode array in anesthetized non-injured adult rats. Three specific responses were observed with varying latencies and amplitudes based on the recording and stimulation sites. This proof of concept study will allow us to design and implant devices chronically to record spinal cord evoked potentials while paralyzed rats perform functional tasks.
Prediction of Expected Years of Life Using Whole-Genome Markers

Genetic factors are believed to account for 25% of the interindividual differences in Years of Life (YL) among humans. However, the genetic loci that have thus far been found to be associated with YL explain a very small proportion of the expected genetic variation in this trait, perhaps reflecting the complexity of the trait and the limitations of traditional association studies when applied to traits affected by a large number of small-effect genes. Using data from the Framingham Heart Study and statistical methods borrowed largely from the field of animal genetics (whole-genome prediction, WGP), we developed a WGP model for the study of YL and evaluated the extent to which thousands of genetic variants across the genome examined simultaneously can be used to predict interindividual differences in YL. We find that a sizable proportion of differences in YL—which were unexplained by age at entry, sex, smoking and BMI—can be accounted for and predicted using WGP methods. The contribution of genomic information to prediction accuracy was even higher than that of smoking and body mass index (BMI) combined; two predictors that are considered among the most important life-shortening factors. We evaluated the impacts of familial relationships and population structure (as described by the first two marker-derived principal components) and concluded that in our dataset population structure explained partially, but not fully the gains in prediction accuracy obtained with WGP. Further inspection of prediction accuracies by age at death indicated that most of the gains in predictive ability achieved with WGP were due to the increased accuracy of prediction of early mortality, perhaps reflecting the ability of WGP to capture differences in genetic risk to deadly diseases such as cancer, which are most often responsible for early mortality in our sample.
Preparation of Cu(tmen)OH(Cl) and molecular structure of di-μ-hydroxo-bis(N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine)-dicopper(II) perchlorate, [Cu(tmen)OH]2(ClO4)2

Abstract A compound presumed to be [Cu(tmen)OH] 2 Cl 2 has been prepared and characterized and the crystal and molecular structure of di-μ-hydroxo-bis(N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine)dicopper(II) perchlorate, [Cu(tmen)OH] 2 (ClO 4 ) 2 , has been determined by X-ray methods ( R = 0.094, R w = 0.116). The structure consists of uncoordinated perchlorate anions and dinuclear hydroxo-bridged complex cations with copper bonded in a square-planar fashion to two hydroxo-oxygens and two diamine nitrogens. The average CuO and CuN distances are 1.914 (8) and 2.014 (9) A, the CuCu separation is 2.966 (3) A and the CuOCu bridge angles are 101.6 (4) and 78.4 (4)°. Based on the measured singlet-triplet splitting parameter (2 J = −360 cm −1 ) a CuOCu angle of 102.3° is calculated from the linear expression of Hatfield, Hodgson et al .
Analysis and Estimation of the Lift Components of Hovering Insects

An analysis is undertaken to provide a simple analytic expression to estimate the stroke averaged lift of a hovering insect based on geometric and kinematic data. The expression should prove useful in the conceptual design of biologically inspired microaerial vehicles. The study includes estimation of the average vortex lift developed. The leading-edge suction analogy in conjunction with actuator disk theory is invoked to establish the relationship between axial force on the wing and vortex lift. The expression allows decomposition of the total loading into its attached flow and vortex lift components. For the insects investigated the estimated vortex lift typically constituted 27‐50% of the attached flow lift and approximately 23‐34% of the total lift.
Technology acceptance in learning settings from a student perspective: a theoretical framework

As learning and training with internet technologies and web-based distance learning become more and more popular, more emerging technologies are utilized in delivering instructional material to students. User acceptance of technology has been an important field of study in Information Systems and Information Technology. Drawing on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and insights from qualitative data on student responses to factors affecting their attitudes toward technology, a research framework was developed to understand the key factors that affect technology acceptance in learning settings from a student's view. This research contributes to supplement existing literature of technology acceptance in educational settings. It also provides implications for practice to guide educators who design and deliver the courses in technology-mediated learning.
Clopyralid and Dicamba Residue Impacts on Potatoes and Weeds

Clopyralid and dicamba are used in Alaska to control certain invasive and agricultural weed species; however they may have an extended soil half-life in interior Alaska resulting in carry-over injury in potatoes. Field studies at experiment stations in Delta Junction, Fairbanks, and Palmer, Alaska were established to determine the dose–response of weeds and above and below ground potato growth to soil-applied clopyralid or dicamba (0, 35, 70, 140, 280, and 560 g ae ha−1). Both Norwegian cinquefoil (Potentilla norvegica) and narrowleaf hawksbeard (Crepis tectorum) were susceptible to clopyralid with over 90 % control in Delta Junction; whereas only flixweed (Descurainia sophia) was partially controlled (70 %) with dicamba. In Palmer narrowleaf hawksbeard was controlled (87 %) with clopyralid. At Delta Junction and Fairbanks, clopyralid applied at140 g ae ha−1 injured potatoes greater than 25 %, whereas at Palmer visual injury was greater than 25 % at 70 g ae ha−1. Above ground dicamba injury was greater than 25 % at 140, 70, and 35 g ae ha−1 at Delta Junction, Fairbanks and Palmer, respectively. Potato tuber production was reduced by clopyralid at rates of 35 and 140 g ae ha−1 at Delta Junction and Palmer, respectively. At Delta Junction, dicamba did not reduce potato tuber production, however in Palmer, dicamba rates at 70 g ae ha−1 and greater reduced potato tuber production more than 50 %. Sub-samples of potato tubers from Delta Junction and Palmer were grown out to determine if clopyralid and dicamba content in tubers would reduce subsequent growth. Dicamba at rates of 140 g ae ha−1 or greater injured plants grown from daughter tubers and reduced shoot height, but had no effect on the number of emerged shoots. Clopyralid at all rates injured plants that emerged from daughter tubers and injury increased with increasing rate. At Palmer, clopyralid in daughter tubers rates at 140 g ae ha−1 or greater reduced shoot height and at 280 g ae ha−1 or greater reduced shoot number. At Delta, clopyralid in daughter tubers reduced shoot height at 280 and 560 g ae ha−1, but had no effect on shoot number.
A re-evaluation of the relative measurement of viscosity with oscillating-disk viscometers

The paper briefly re-examines the original formulation of the relative method of measuring fluid viscosity with an oscillating-disk viscometer. A relationship between the logarithmic decrement and the period of oscillation which is general for any oscillating-body viscometer is derived. It is shown that the original relative formulation exhibits small deviations from this relationship; a slightly modified formulation overcomes these departures to some extent. The absolute accuracy of the new working equation is ±1%. Consequently, data accurate to ±1% can be obtained without the need to calibrate, on condition that appropriate geometric dimensions have been chosen. On a relative basis, applying calibration with respect to carefully chosen substances, an accuracy of the order of ±0.1% can be secured.
LAPAROSCOPIC ASSISTED AUTOTRANSPLANTATION FOR TREATMENT OF TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE MID URETER

A 70-year-old man presented with gross hematuria. Computerized tomography revealed left hydronephrosis. History was significant for recurrent grade 1, Ta transitional cell carcinoma and the patient had undergone right distal ureterectomy, transurethral resection of the bladder and intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy. Initial evaluation with cystoscopy and bilateral retrograde pyelograms revealed multiple bladder tumors, several small filling defects in the right ureter and a large filling defect in the left ureter overlying the iliac vessels (fig. 1). Transurethral resection of the bladder was performed and the ureteral tumors were biopsied. All tumors demonstrated low grade and stage disease. An ureteroscopic approach was initially chosen. The 3 small tumors on the right side were treated with holmium laser ablation. However, on the left side endoscopy revealed a 3.5 cm. tumor overlying the iliac vessels and a second 1.0 cm. proximal tumor, which affected a total ureteral length of more than 4.0 cm. After 2 sessions, it was clear that the tumor burden was excessive and a nonureteroscopic approach would be necessary. Right nephroureterectomy was not considered due to the bilateral nature of the disease and the low potential for progression. Bladder capacity was only 300 cc and deemed insufficient for a large bladder (Boari) flap. After consideration of multiple options, including distal ureterectomy with transureteroureterostomy, ileal interposition and autotransplantation, the patient elected to proceed with laparoscopic assisted autotransplantation. A transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed using 3 trocars (12, 10 and 5 mm.) with division of the ureter just above the ureteral tumors. The kidney was removed through a separate 6 cm. umbilical incision with a Accepted for publication December 15, 2000.
Discussion of “Response of 0.6 m Cast-in-Steel-Shell Pile in Liquefied Soil under Lateral Loading” by Thomas J. Weaver, Scott A. Ashford, and Kyle M. Rollins

The discussers note the importance of the research in its value-added field data for a laterally loaded pile in liquefied soil. To provide a useful comparison to the behavior observed by the authors, the discussers have used the Strain Wedge Model (SWM) for analysis of the 0.61-m diameter CISS pile in liquefied soil.
Stability and Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana Soil Inoculations

Soil inoculations with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin were made to identify optimal application strategies against overwintering populations of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). Tillage of conidia into the soil enhanced fungal persistence, whereas conidia applied to the surface persisted poorly. Despite generally good persistence, soil applications did not reduce the emergence of overwintering adult beetles, in part because of cool, dry soil conditions. Significant mycosis (up to 57%) was achieved only against postemergent beetles in treatments with high inocula densities in late spring. Efforts to reduce populations of overwintering adults with Beauveria must be delayed until spring emergence has peaked and environmental conditions have moderated.
Bromine- and iodine-substituted 16α,17α-dioxolane progestins for breast tumor imaging and radiotherapy: Synthesis and receptor binding affinity

Progesterone receptors (PRs) are present in many breast tumors, and their levels are increased by certain endocrine therapies. We describe the synthesis and PR binding affinities of a series of bromine- and iodine-substituted 16alpha,17alpha-dioxolane progestins, some of which, when appropriately radiolabeled, are potential agents for diagnostic imaging of PR-positive breast tumors using positron emission tomography (PET) and for radiotherapy. These compounds were synthesized from halogenated furanyl, phenyl, and thiophenyl aldehydes and a progestin 16alpha,17alpha,21-triol (5) in the presence of HClO4 or Sc(OTf)3 in high yields under optimized conditions. A new reagent, perfluoro-1-butanesulfonyl fluoride (PBSF), was used to convert the C-21 OH to F in high yields. The relative binding affinities (RBAs) of the most promising compounds for the PR (RBA of R5020 = 100) were 16alpha,17alpha-[(R)-1'-alpha-(5-bromofurylmethylidene)dioxyl]-21-hydroxy-19-norpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (endo-6; RBA = 65 and moderate lipophilicity), 21-fluoro-16alpha,17alpha-[(R)-1'-alpha-(5-iodofurylmethylidene)dioxyl]-19-norpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (endo-14; RBA = 40) and 21-fluoro-16alpha,17alpha-[(S)-1'-beta-(4-iodophenylmethylidene)dioxyl]-19-norpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (exo-16; RBA = 34).