cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlation of the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells in lymph node fine needle aspiration biopsies with HIV clinical status. A preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that lymph node (LN) fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) may provide reliable measures of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease status. STUDY DESIGN: HIV+ participants in this study had persistent generalized lymphadenopathy without clinical evidence of lymphoma or nodal infections due to organisms other than HIV. Seven males and five females ranging in age from 23 to 55 and at HIV Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stages A2-C3 were enrolled in this study. From each participant, LN and blood samples were submitted for cytologic examination and flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte subsets. Flow cytometry measures included T, B, CD4+, CD8+ and natural killer (NK) cells. The percentages of T, B and NK cells in LN and blood samples were different and reflected the expected distribution of these cell types in the respective tissues. RESULTS: The percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in blood and LN were different, but this variation was not statistically significant. In contrast, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells in LN and blood was different and statistically significant (P<.001) for patients in CDC categories A2-B2 but not different for categories B3-C3. More important, there was a significant (r =. 76) correlation between the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells in LN with CDC stage. CONCLUSION: FNAB, in combination with flow cytometry, may prove to be an important tool in HIV clinical staging. However, further assessment, including clinical follow-up and participation of additional patients, is necessary and currently under way.
Zur Theorie der kompressiblen Potentialströmungen III. Charakteristiken, Bicharakteristiken und Eikonal der linearisierten Grundgleichung .

Es handelt sich um die Integration der Differentialgleichungen der Charakteristiken und Bicharakteristiken, die zur Grundgleichung fur das Geschwindigkeitspotential einer ebenen adiabatisch-kompressiblen Stromung gehoren. Diese Grundgleichung wird in der mit Hilfe einer verallgemeinerten Minkowskischen Stutzfunktion ω (α, β, γ) linearisierten Form (Gleichung (1,4) vorausgesetzt. Die Integration der Charakteristiken und Bicharakteristiken kann nach einer Reihe von Transformationen der unabhangigen Veranderlichen α, β, γ auf Quadraturen zuruckgefuhrt werden.
The Fallacy of Free Trade II

This paper argues that not a single proposition of the modern theory of free trade is upheld by the recent experience of the United States. Freer trade is supposed to raise GNP growth and productivity growth as well as the living standard. Until 1972, when the US was practically a closed economy with a trade/GNP ratio averaging a low of 12%, GNP growth was 3.8%, productivity growth was 2%, and real wages had been rising for 150 years. Since 1972, the trade/GNP ratio has been rising steadily, US GNP growth has been only 2.5%, productivity growth is below 1%, and real wages have been falling for over three-quarters of the labor force.
International Legal Perspective on the Conduct of Abnormally Dangerous Activities in Frontier Areas: The Case of Nuclear Power Plant Siting, An

The question is examined of whether it is permissible under international law to site nuclear facilities imposing a risk on a neighboring state where benefits to the risk-exposed state are either non-existent or unacceptable because of the associated risks.
A sublinear parallel algorithm for some dynamic programming problems

Abstract This paper presents a sublinear parallel algorithm for dynamic programming problems such as computing an optimal order of matrix multiplications, an optimal binary search tree or an optimal triangulation of polygons. An algorithm was presented in Rytter (1988) which runs in O(log 2 n ) time using O( n 6 /log n ) processors. An algorithm is presented in this paper which runs in O(√ n log n ) time using O( n 3.5 /log n ) processors on a CREW PRAM. Amongst known sublinear algorithms, this is an improvement by a factor of O( n 2 log n ) in terms of processor-time product.
Bound polaron in a spherical quantum dot: Strong electron-phonon coupling case

The effect of the electron-phonon interaction on an electron bound to an impurity in a spherical quantum dot embedded in a nonpolar matrix is studied theoretically. The adiabatic variational method is used to calculate the polaron energy shift. General analytical results are obtained for small and large dots for different impurity positions. Numerical calculations were performed for ZnSe quantum dots of different radii. It is shown that (1) the interaction with interface phonons is absent when the impurity is in the center of the dot, reaches its maximum when the impurity is close to the boundary, and decreases in value if the impurity is on the interface; (2) unlike the interaction with bulk-type LO phonons, the interaction with interface phonons is negligible in small dots but gives a considerable contribution to the energy in the large dots provided the impurity is located near the dot's boundary.
Relationships Between Crash Involvement and Temporal-Spatial Driving Behavior Activity Patterns: Use of Data for Vehicles with Global Positioning Systems

Knowledge about characteristics of crash-involved drivers and their driving performance can enhance countermeasure programs designed to improve safety on roadways. However, few studies have been able to analyze detailed exposure data of individual drivers (travel by time of day and by roadway type) alongside driving performance data (speed, throttle, braking, and acceleration). Thus, researchers have been forced to base safety analyses on aggregate crash experience rather than on more frequent individual driving activities and driving performance parameters. This research evaluated driving exposure and performance differences between drivers who were involved in crashes versus drivers who were not involved in crashes during a 14-month study period, on the basis of data for vehicles with Global Positioning Systems. The objective was to verify whether the exposure of crash-involved drivers and driving performance were significantly different on the basis of disaggregated analyses by facility types and trip ...
Percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support in the catheterization laboratory: Technique and complications

A safe and easily applied technique of percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support has been developed for use in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The importance of this technique lies in its ability to maintain hemodynamic stability during high risk interventional procedures regardless of intrinsic cardiac function. Venous and arterial cannulas (18F) are inserted percutaneously over a stiff guide wire after sequential dilatation with 12F and 14F dilators. Bypass flow rates of up to 5 L/min can be achieved. This technique can be applied to support patients with cardiac arrest, hemodynamic collapse after abrupt closure during coronary angioplasty, and cardiogenic shock, as well as those undergoing high-risk elective coronary angioplasty. This form of support also permits transport of the patient to the operating room in a stable condition after an unsuccessful angioplasty. The complications are mostly related to cannula removal and can be minimized by the use of a proper technique. Although the ultimate role of this new technique remains to be completely defined, it appears that it will expand the patient population for whom coronary interventions can be applied.
Musculoskeletal morphology and regionalization within the dorsal and anal fins of bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus).

Ray-finned fishes actively control the shape and orientation of their fins to either generate or resist hydrodynamic forces. Because of the emergent mechanical properties of their segmented, bilaminar fin rays (lepidotrichia), and actuation by multiple muscles, fish can control the rigidity and curvature of individual rays independently, thereby varying the resultant forces across the fin surfaces. Expecting that differences in fin-ray morphology should reflect variation in their mechanical properties, we measured several musculoskeletal features of individual spines and rays of the dorsal and anal fins of bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus, and assessed their mobility and flexibility. We separated the fin-rays into four groups based on the fin (dorsal or anal) or fin-ray type (spine or ray) and measured the length of the spines/rays and the mass of the three median fin-ray muscles: the inclinators, erectors and depressors. Within the two ray groups, we measured the portion of the rays that were segmented vs. unsegmented and branched vs. unbranched. For the majority of variables tested, we found that variations between fin-rays within each group were significantly related to position within the fin and these patterns were conserved between the dorsal and anal rays. Based on positional variations in fin-ray and muscle parameters, we suggest that anterior and posterior regions of each fin perform different functions when interacting with the surrounding fluid. Specifically, we suggest that the stiffer anterior rays of the soft dorsal and anal fins maintain stability and keep the flow across the fins steady. The posterior rays, which are more flexible with a greater range of motion, fine-tune their stiffness and orientation, directing the resultant flow to generate lateral and some thrust forces, thus acting as an accessory caudal fin. J. Morphol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new genus of lycopods from the Devonian of New York State

Drepanophycus colophyllus Grierson & Banks is transferred to llaskinsia Grierson & Banks on the basis of the morphology of its leaves and its anatomical structure. Slender, dichotomizing axes bear helically arranged leaves that are falcate, petiolate, simple, lanceolate and entire. A solid cylinder of metaxylem is surrounded by ridges of protoxylem. Pitting on tracheid walls is annular, helical, reticulate, scalariform to circular-bordered. This lycopod extends from early Givetian into early Frasnian time in the Catskill strata of eastern New York State. The effect of cleavage of fossiliferous rock on patterns observed on the exposed fossils and the bearing of recent research on the fossil history of lycopods are discussed.
Equilibrium patterns of slash pine water potentials using thermocouple psychrometry as influenced by bath temperature

The progressive changes in measured water potential and the time to equilibration was investigated forPinus elliotii varelliotii needles in thermocouple psychrometer chambers held at 15°C, 22.5°C, and 30°C. Needles at 30°C appeared to loose semi-permeable membrane integrity after 14 hours. Needles held at 22.5°C had similar problems after 48 hours while those at 15°C were not affected. time to equilibrium was shortest at 30°C and longest at 15°C. Ethanol in the chambers had the same effect on measured water potential as did >14 hours at 30°C. Needle color, chamber odor, and pattern of measured water potential suggested an anaerobic condition in the chamber was the cause of reduced membrane integrity.
Response to Letter by Hadjiev and Mineva

Response: We appreciate the kind comments from Drs Hadjiev and Mineva in their Letter to the Editor regarding our article on the beneficial effect of normobaric hyperoxia (NBO) in reducing the neurovascular complications associated with delayed tPA treatment.1 Animal and human studies have suggested that MMP-9 induction is closely linked to tPA-induced intracerebral hemorrhage in ischemic stroke, the most feared neurovascular complication in tPA thrombolysis. In our article, …
Facilitating robust multicast group management

Multicast is a key service for many audio and video applications, yet it continues to be a challenging Internet service to deploy. While much attention has been given to a number of problems associated with multicast, two closely related problems in particular have received almost no attention. First, there is essentially no host support for dealing with the variety of ways to join a multicast group, and second, there is a complete absence of group join success or failure feedback from the network. The lack of a straightforward way to robustly join a multicast group and then to know whether the join has been successful is possibly the biggest limitation for multicast application developers today. In this study we develop a robust solution to determine the existence and nature of multicast service in the network. We consider two options: (1) the use of existing protocol features to extract the required information, and (2) the introduction of new protocol extensions to directly query the network. Our results indicate that while a truly robust group join is possible only when there is network support, these additional changes are difficult to deploy. Our evaluation implements a proof-of-concept prototype to determine the existence and nature of the multicast service in the network.
Named entity recognition with character-level models

We discuss two named-entity recognition models which use characters and character n-grams either exclusively or as an important part of their data representation. The first model is a character-level HMM with minimal context information, and the second model is a maximum-entropy conditional markov model with substantially richer context features. Our best model achieves an overall F1 of 86.07% on the English test data (92.31% on the development data). This number represents a 25% error reduction over the same model without word-internal (substring) features.
Stabilizing Nanostructured Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathode with Atomic Layer Deposition

We demonstrate that the highly active but unstable nanostructured intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell cathode, La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ (LSCo), can retain its high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity with exceptional stability for 4000 h at 700 °C by overcoating its surfaces with a conformal layer of nanoscale ZrO2 films through atomic layer deposition (ALD). The benefits from the presence of the nanoscale ALD-ZrO2 overcoats are remarkable: a factor of 19 and 18 reduction in polarization area-specific resistance and degradation rate over the pristine sample, respectively. The unique multifunctionality of the ALD-derived nanoscaled ZrO2 overcoats, that is, possessing porosity for O2 access to LSCo, conducting both electrons and oxide-ions, confining thermal growth of LSCo nanoparticles, and suppressing surface Sr-segregation is deemed the key enabler for the observed stable and active nanostructured cathode.
Radon-Based Image Processing In A Parallel Pipeline Architecture

This paper deals with a novel architecture that makes real-time projection-based algorithms a reality. The design is founded on raster-mode processing, which is exploited in a powerful and flexible pipeline. This architecture, dubbed "P3 E" ( Parallel Pipeline Projection Engine), supports a large variety of image processing and image analysis applications. The image processing applications include: discrete approximations of the Radon and inverse Radon transform, among other projection operators; CT reconstructions; 2-D convolutions; rotations and translations; discrete Fourier transform computations in polar coordinates; autocorrelations; etc. There is also an extensive list of key image analysis algorithms that are supported by P E, thus making it a profound and versatile tool for projection-based computer vision. These include: projections of gray-level images along linear patterns (the Radon transform) and other curved contours; generation of multi-color digital masks; convex hull approximations; Hough transform approximations for line and curve detection; diameter computations; calculations of moments and other principal components; etc. The effectiveness of our approach and the feasibility of the proposed architecture have been demonstrated by running some of these image analysis algorithms in conventional short pipelines, to solve some important automated inspection problems. In the present paper, we will concern ourselves with reconstructing images from their linear projections, and performing convolutions via the Radon transform.
Continuation or Discontinuation of Statin Therapy Did Not Influence Patient Outcomes after the Development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Background. The anti-inflammatory effects of statin therapy may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Objectives. Determine if continuation or discontinuation of prior statin therapy is associated with ventilator-free days (VFDs) at day 28 in patients with ARDS. Methods. Patients with ARDS admitted to the intensive care units of a tertiary care medical center were evaluated in this retrospective cohort study. Included patients were allocated to three groups: patients in whom statin therapy was given before and continued after ARDS diagnosis (Group 1), patients with statin therapy only before ARDS diagnosis (Group 2), and patients never exposed to statins (Group 3). Results. Of 244 patients evaluated, 187 were included; 17 (9.1%) patients in Group 1, 20 (10.7%) in Group 2, and 150 in Group 3. There were no differences among groups in APACHE II or SOFA scores. VFDs were not significantly different among groups (median 0 versus 4.5 versus 13.5 days, ). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, including propensity for statin administration, statin therapy was not associated with increased VFDs on linear regression. Conclusions. Exposure to statins before or after ARDS diagnosis was not associated with improved VFDs in this cohort of patients with ARDS.
Fast, high-order, hybrid integral equation solver for electromagnetic scattering

A fast, high-order, hybrid integral equation solver for electromagnetic scattering is presented. The solver is based on a locally corrected Nystrom solution of a hybrid volume integral equation (VIE) and surface integral equation (SIE) formulation. The solution can be accelerated by quadrature-sampled pre-corrected FFT or the multilevel fast multipole method (MLFMM), or a combination of both schemes. The methods are validated in this paper through the study of the electromagnetic scattering of canonical geometries made of a composite of conducting and dielectric materials.
Variationally constrained numerical solution of electrical impedance tomography

We propose a novel, variational inversion methodology for the electrical impedance tomography (EIT) problem, where we seek electrical conductivity σ inside a bounded, simply connected domain � ,g iven si multaneous measurements of electric currents I and corresponding potentials V at the boundary. Explicitly, we make use of natural, variational constraints on the space of admissible functions σ ,t oobtain efficient reconstruction methods which make best use of the data. We give a detailed analysis of the variational constraints; we propose a variety of reconstruction algorithms for the static problem in a simple continuum model. We discuss their advantages and disadvantages and we assess the performance of our algorithms through numerical simulations and comparisons with other, well established, numerical reconstruction methods. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
A screen for round egg mutants in Drosophila identifies tricornered, furry, and misshapen as regulators of egg chamber elongation.

The elongation of tissues and organs during embryonic development results from the coordinate polarization of cell behaviors with respect to the elongation axis. Within the Drosophila melanogaster ovary, initially spherical egg chambers lengthen dramatically as they develop to create the elliptical shape of the mature egg. This morphogenesis depends on an unusual form of planar polarity within the egg chamber’s outer epithelial cell layer known as the follicle cells. Disruption of follicle cell planar polarity leads to the production of round rather than elongated eggs; however, the molecular mechanisms that control this tissue organization are poorly understood. Starting from a broadly based forward genetic screen, we have isolated 12 new round egg complementation groups, and have identified four of the mutated genes. In mapping the largest complementation group to the fat2 locus, we unexpectedly discovered a high incidence of cryptic fat2 mutations in the backgrounds of publicly available stocks. Three other complementation groups correspond to the genes encoding the cytoplasmic signaling proteins Tricornered (Trc), Furry (Fry), and Misshapen (Msn). Trc and Fry are known members of an NDR kinase signaling pathway, and as a Ste20-like kinase, Msn may function upstream of Trc. We show that all three proteins are required for follicle cell planar polarity at early stages of egg chamber elongation and that Trc shows a planar polarized distribution at the basal follicle cell surface. These results indicate that this new mutant collection is likely to provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms controlling follicle cell planar polarity and egg chamber elongation.
A robust STF 6mW CT ΔΣ modulator with 76dB dynamic range and 5MHz bandwidth

A third-order continuous-time delta-sigma modulator achieving 76dB dynamic range over 5MHz signal bandwidth is presented. The modulator has a monotonic lowpass signal transfer function and achieves over 70dB anti-aliasing. The prototype chip implemented in a 130nm CMOS process consumes 6mw power from a single 1.2V supply and occupies 0.56 mm2 active area.
Directional-correlation attenuation factors for Ge(Li) γ-ray detectors

Abstract An experimental method for the determination of the angular correlation attenuation factors, due to finite solid angle, for Ge(Li) detectors is offered. The method is tested by comparing the measured factors for a 3″ × 3″ NaI(T1) detector with available calculated attenuation factors. Results for two coaxial Ge(Li) detectors with active volumes of 20 and 30 cm 3 are presented as a function of distance and energy of the γ-rays. These correction factors were further tested by comparison of the results of measurements of an angular correlation from a 207 Bi source, with previously reported results.
An Overview Of Optical Telescope Technology

Telescopes had tended to follow established designs until costs made it essential to look toward significant departures from conventional designs. Attempts to introduce some new concepts were without success until the Multiple Mirror Telescope broke the established pattern. Now several new possibilities are being engineered for the very large telescopes of the future.
Numerical eigenspectrum of non - viscometric viscoelastic flows: Results for the periodic channel flow

Abstract We present a mixed (Chebyshev) collocation–(Fourier) Galerkin projection (MCGP) algorithm that can be used for the computation of the eigenspectra of viscoelastic flows in non-viscometric geometries with a periodic (streamwise) direction. The MCGP algorithm is used to investigate the structure of the eigenspectrum of the viscoelastic periodic channel flow in the purely elastic regime. The numerical eigenspectrum consists of three sets of eigenvalues: (i) poorly resolved continuous set of eigenvalues with real parts close to the −1/We line corresponding to the integration of the viscoelastic stress subject to steady state kinematics; (ii) discrete, mesh-converged eigenvalues that represent the physical stability characteristics of the flow; and (iii) spurious mesh-dependent eigenvalues that are artifacts of the spatial discretization of the differential eigenvalue problem. Since the maximum streamwise wavenumber increases with streamwise refinement, the loss of convergence to the −1/We line of the continuous set of eigenvalues amplifies with increasing mesh refinement. Since the eigenfunctions are singular, wall-normal mesh refinement is ineffective in improving the numerical convergence even for moderate values of the streamwise wavenumber. In addition, the spurious eigenvalues could become more positive with mesh refinement. For larger values of We, a spurious eigenvalue could be more positive than the least negative discrete mesh-converged, physically relevant eigenvalue. Increasing the channel wall amplitude aggravates these problems. These issues present formidable challenges to the development of algorithms for time-dependent viscoelastic flow simulations. Similarly, isolation of the physically relevant eigenvalues from the spurious and the continuous modes using subspace iteration methods could also be difficult. We show that systematic streamwise and wall-normal mesh refinement is required to isolate the physically relevant eigenvalues from the spectrum.
Phosphorus load reductions under best management practices for sugarcane cropping systems in the Everglades Agricultural Area

Abstract Stormwater run-off from the 290,000 ha Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is directed into South Florida’s Everglades wetland ecosystem. Concerns regarding run-off water quality and environmental impact led to a 1992 regulatory program which requires P levels in basin run-off be reduced by at least 25% relative to historic trends. Farmers must collectively achieve this annual basin-level target by implementing best management practices (BMPs) to reduce P levels in farm drainage waters. At the time, proposed BMP strategies were largely untested, and to what extent they might reduce farm-level P discharge trends (also poorly documented) was unknown. Given these uncertainties, objectives of this study were to: (1) document long-term drainage P trends for EAA sugarcane systems and (2) quantify BMP effects on-farm drainage P loading. In late-1992, discharge pumps at five farm sites (cropped to sugarcane, sugarcane–vegetables, and/or sugarcane–rice) were instrumented to collect water samples for P analysis during all drainage events throughout baseline (BL; pre-BMP) and BMP operations. Highly variable rainfall distributions in the region strongly influence farm drainage requirements, thus, meaningful interpretations of water quality trends require hydrologic adjustment to P load data. Five rainfall-adjustment analyses were applied to the 6-year farm-level databases. Two analysis methods compared P load trends for the entire BL and BMP monitoring periods. In Method 1, unit area P load (UAL) to rainfall ratios (UAL:R) during BMP operations were 20.4–47.3% smaller across all five sites than those recorded during BL. In Method 2, slope coefficients describing cumulative UAL versus cumulative rainfall trends during BMPs were 14.9–25.0% smaller than BL slopes. The remaining three methods assessed data trends across five consecutive “water years” (WY). In Method 3, slope coefficients describing WY96–98 cumulative UAL versus rainfall distributions were 32.8% lower in magnitude relative to WY94. In Method 4, average UAL:R for the WY96–98 period were 31.0% smaller than for WY94. Basin-level P loads are calculated every WY by state water management regulators, using a hydrologic adjustment model calibrated to a historic load and rainfall database. During the first 3 years (WY96–98) of required BMP implementation, the basin recorded a 55% P load reduction. When this model was applied to the farm data (Method 5), farm P load reductions for WY96–98 averaged 59.7%. All five analytical methods confirm favorable P-reduction trends under recommended BMP strategies for EAA sugarcane-based cropping systems.
Hydrogeology of freshwater lens beneath a Holocene strandplain, Great Exuma, Bahamas

Abstract The beach-ridge strandplain at Ocean Bight, Great Exuma, partially fills a large embayment bordered by the Lucayan Formation (Pleistocene limestone), the bedrock of Great Exuma Island. Seismic refraction profiles indicate that the Holocene sand body rests in an amphitheater-like bedrock bowl beneath the strandplain. Direct current resistivity and electromagnetic surveys show that the lens extends downward into the Lucayan bedrock below much of the strandplain. The lens is thickest along the central, shore-parallel axis of the strandplain; therefore, flow is not only shoreward but also inland. The reason for the inland groundwater flow is a large net water loss (− 0.5 m year −1 according to earlier studies) at inland ponds near the Holocene/Pleistocene contact bounding the strandplain. Dupuit-Ghyben-Herzberg (DGH) modeling using negative recharge at the ponds confirms the explanation for the landward flow and the corollary isolation of the Ocean Bight lens. For the purpose of DGH modeling, the aquifer at the Ocean Bight strandplain can be considered a two-layer (Holocene on Pleistocene) island that conforms to the outline of the strandplain. The buried high-conductivity layer (the Lucayan) reduces the thickness of the lens.
Influence of humidity on the scratch behavior of polystyrene–acrylonitrile random copolymers

The effect of exposure to a humid environment on the scratch behavior of a set of model polystyrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) random copolymers was investigated over a period of 10 days. Linear increasing load scratch tests were performed according to ASTM D7027/ISO 19252. The critical loads for the onset of key scratch deformation mechanisms like periodic micro-cracking, plowing, and scratch visibility were used as metrics for evaluating scratch resistance. The scratching coefficient of friction was evaluated, as well. It was found that, in general, the scratch resistance decreases during the first few days of moisture exposure, but then experiences a degree of recovery upon saturation. It is proposed that the initially absorbed moisture causes plasticization, making the surface weaker until saturation where the water molecules gather together on the surface to impart a degree of lubrication and consequently improve the scratch resistance. Implications of moisture absorption on the scratch behavior of polymers will be discussed.
Spatial distribution of 40Ar/39Ar ages in Lunar Breccia 14301

The distribution of stable and radioactive argon isotopes in a lunar breccia has been measured in situ by laser probe mass spectrometry. This new technique determines the spatial distribution of Ar-40/Ar-39 ages on less than .1 milligram of material. Calculated Ar-40/Ar-39 ages of clasts within this breccia are 3.7 and 2.9 b.y. Parentless radiogenic Ar-40 exists within the fine-grained matrix and appears to have been trapped simultaneously with solar argon. This 'atmosphere' of ambient gas appears to have been incorporated into the rock by an impact event not more than 3 b.y. ago.
Purge system for Landsat Data Continuity Mission and other instruments in contamination

Contamination Control Engineering practices are performed on NASA satellite missions at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in order to control adverse effects of contamination on sensitive surfaces such as, optics, sensors, and thermal control surfaces. The primary goal of this research is to determine how inspection tools are used, and how their capabilities can be verified. The research was accomplished by investigating the following tools: the Dino-Lite hand held microscope; a video Borescope, a portable bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) scatterometer; and Contamination Field Kits, suitcases which carry the very tools for inspection and verification within them. A secondary goal is to further develop an existing purge suitcase for the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) instruments on the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM). The purge suitcase is used as a contamination mitigation technique to keep the instruments dry and clean.
Humanistic Psychology and Qualitative Research: Affinity, Clarifications, and Invitations

This paper invites humanistically oriented psychologists to undertake qualitative research, whether individually, with students, or colleagues. Humanistic attitudes and values are especially suited to respecting and exploring life worlds-the content of most qualitative research. The paper clarifies some basic issues and encourages some specific means of getting started and then for publishing.
A Test of the Hypothesis of Economic Rationality in a Less-developed Economy: An Abstract

SUBSTANTIAL body of economic theory involves the hypothesis of A economic rationality (that is, the hypothesis which assumes that firms have knowledge of their production, cost, and return functions) and implies certain behavior relating to the profit-maximization conditions. The purpose of this paper is to make the hypothesis of profit-maximization directly testable from easily available data and to test it in relation to a group of 430 subsistence farms in an underdeveloped region of Greece.
Effects of d-amphetamine and disruption of 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neuronal systems on the synthesis of dopamine in selected regions of the rat brain

Abstract The rate of accumulation of DOPA following the administration of a decarboxylase inhibitor was employed to estimate the in vivo rate of dopamine (DA) synthesis in rat brain regions containing the cell bodies (substantia nigra) and terminals (striatum) of nigrostriatal nerves, and the terminals of mesolimbic (nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle) and tuberoinfundibular (median eminence) nerves. d -Amphetamine (0.5–2 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a marked increase in DA synthesis in striatum, a modest increase in olfactory tubercle, and was without effect in nucleus accumbens and median eminence. At the largest dose, f -amphetamine slightly reduced DA synthesis in substantia nigra. The mechanism of these regional differences is currently unknown. Depletion of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) with an intracerebroventricular injection of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) or a systemic injection of p -chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) enhanced spontaneous and amphetamine-stimulated locomotor activity. Pretreatment with 5,7-DHT did not alter DOPA accumulation in any brain region of animals injected with d -amphetamine or its vehicle. Pretreatment with pCPA reduced DOPA accumulation only in regions containing terminals of mesolimbic DA nerves. Thus, the increased amphetamine-induced hyperactivity in 5-HT-depleted rats is not reflected in a consistent change in the rate of DA synthesis in the brains of these animals.
Model-based inference of cognitive processes from unobtrusive gait velocity measurements

In this paper we describe a preliminary modeling and analysis of a unique data set comprising unobtrusive and continuous measurements of gait velocity in the elder participants' residences. The data have been collected as a part of a longitudinal study aimed at early detection of cognitive decline. We motivate these analyses by first presenting evidence that suggests significant relationship between gait parameters and cognitive functions. We then describe a simple, model-based approach to the analysis of gait velocity using a weighted correlation function estimates. One of the main challenges is due to the fact that the daily estimates of the gait parameters vary with the number of walks. We illustrate the importance of using weighted as opposed to unweighted estimates on a sample of different houses. The correlation functions appear to capture behavioral differences that can be related to the cognitive functioning of the participants.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization aneuploidy as a predictor of clinical disease recurrence and prostate-specific antigen level 3 years after radical prostatectomy.

Objective To determine if fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of fresh-tissue biopsy specimens obtained at the time of radical prostatectomy is able to predict prospectively clinical disease progression or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in patients 3 to 4 years after surgery. Materials and Methods FISH analysis was performed on fresh-tissue touch preparations obtained from 90 randomly selected radical prostatectomy specimens. Cut surface touch preparations from 40 specimens resected in 1992 were analyzed with DNA probes for chromosomes 4, 6-12, 17, 18, X, and Y. Needle-biopsy specimens were obtained from 50 tumors resected in 1993, and touch preparations from these specimens were studied with DNA probes for chromosomes 7,8,11, and 12. Serum PSA levels and clinicopathologic data were recorded, and each patient was followed up from the time of surgery to determine cancer progression. Results Of 90 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy in 1992 and 1993, 89 returned for follow-up. Three patients received preoperative hormonal therapy, and in 2 patients, antiandrogen therapy was continued postoperatively. Fifteen patients underwent intraoperative orchiectomy immediately after radical prostatectomy, while 9 patients had postoperative adjuvant hormonal therapy. Six patients underwent postoperative radiation therapy. Fourteen patients (15.7%) demonstrated systemic, local, or PSA progression. Only 2 (4.7%) of 43 patients with FISH diploid tumors demonstrated cancer progression. Conversely, 10 (30.3%) of 33 FISH aneu-ploid and 12 (26.1%) of 46 FISH nondiploid tumors demonstrated cancer progression ( P =.004 and P=.006, respectively). Unlike FISH, flow cytometric aneuploidy was not associated with early cancer progression. Elevated preoperative PSA concentration, increased preoperative and postoperative Gleason score, and increased preoperative and postoperative T or N stage were not statistically significantly associated with cancer progression. While chromosome 7 and 8 aneusomies were not statistically associated with cancer progression, 2 of 5 (P=.04) chromosome 12 aneusomic tumors demonstrated cancer progression. Conclusion Early (within 4 years) local, systemic, or PSA progression occurred more frequently (P
Zellweger Syndrome: Lenticular Opacities Indicating Carrier Status and Lens Abnormalities Characteristic of Homozygotes

Cataracts were found in four patients with pathologically confirmed Zellweger syndrome. By careful slitlamp examination with the pupil completely dilated, there is a denser cortex that produces a cortical-nuclear interface. These opacities have ultrastructural analogues, which are inclusion bodies restricted to the cortical lens fibers. The lens epithelium shows abnormal mitochondrial proliferation that is age dependent. The parents of these four infants with Zellweger syndrome have lenticular opacities that are seen only biomicroscopically after maximal pupillary dilation. These changes consist of curvilinear condensations in the cortical region corresponding to the locus of the cataractous changes in the homozygous state. In the clinical setting of an infant who is failing to thrive, has the Zellweger facies, and demonstrates an absent electroretinogram, these heterozygote lens opacities are useful in making the diagnosis of Zellweger syndrome before pathologic substantiation.
On throughput in linear wireless networks

This paper investigates fundamental properties of throughput and energy cost in large wireless linear networks with very limited local resources that do not grow with the size of the network. The maximum throughput of the network is derived and the arrival process that maximizes throughput, given a fixed arrival rate, is established. An asymptotically critical loading regime is identified such that the probability of an arbitrary packet being lost is strictly within (0, 1) as the network size increases. Such a regime delivers throughput comparable to the maximum at a reasonable energy cost.The paper also establishes the asymptotic network energy cost under this critical loading. These results are then used to consider a performance-cost tradeoff within an optimization problem for which the unique equilibrium point that maximizes the difference between performance benefits and costs is derived. Finally, from a mathematical perspective, the paper furthers our understanding of large stochastic linear networks for which, in general, no explicit solutions have been previously available.
Liquid convection effects on the pushing-engulfment transition of insoluble particles by a solidifying interface: Part I. Analytical calculation of the lift forces

During the solidification of a liquid containing insoluble particles, the particles can be instantaneously engulfed, or continuously pushed, or pushed and subsequently engulfed. A critical velocity for the pushing-engulfment transition is observed experimentally. Most models proposed to date ignore the complications arising from the liquid convection ahead of the solid-liquid interface. They simply solve the balance between the attractive drag force exercised by the liquid on the particle and the repulsive interfacial force. This work is an effort to calculate analytically the lift forces (Saffman and Magnus forces) under certain assumptions regarding the nature of fluid flow ahead of the solid/liquid interface. This makes possible the quantitative evaluation of the three experimentally observed regimes occurring during particle-interface interaction: (1) at low convection—no effect on the critical velocity for the particle engulfment transition; (2) at intermediate convection—increased critical velocity; (3) at high convection—no particle-interface interaction.
Alienation, Deprivation, and the Well-being of Persons

While many theories of well-being are able to capture some of our central intuitions about well-being, e.g. avoiding alienation worries, they typically do so at the cost of not being able to capture others, e.g. explaining deprivation. However, both of these intuitions are important and any comprehensive theory of well-being ought to attempt to strike the best balance in responding to both concerns. In light of this, I develop and defend a theory of well-being which holds that our well-being depends, in part, on the nature of our well-being qua person, a class whose members are defined by their possessing certain cognitive and volitional capacities including those capacities constitutive of autonomy. I argue that this ‘person-centred’ theory of well-being is able to address concerns about alienation and deprivation, along with capturing the importance of autonomy to well-being, better than many popular subjective and objective theories of well-being.
Premium growth and its effect on employer-sponsored insurance.

We use variation in premium inflation and general inflation across geographic areas to identify the effects of downward nominal wage rigidity on employers’ health insurance decisions. Using employer level data from the 2000 to 2005 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey-Insurance Component, we examine the effect of premium growth on the likelihood that an employer offers insurance, eligibility rates among employees, continuous measures of employee premium contributions for both single and family coverage, and deductibles. We find that small, low-wage employers are less likely to offer health insurance in response to increased premium inflation, and if they do offer coverage they increase employee contributions and deductible levels. In contrast, larger, low-wage employers maintain their offers of coverage, but reduce eligibility for such coverage. They also increase employee contributions for single and family coverage, but not deductibles. Among high-wage employers, all but the largest increase deductibles in response to cost pressures.
Summer resting and den site selection by eastern spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius) in Arkansas

Denning and resting site use by radiocollared eastern spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius) in the Ouachita Mountains of western Arkansas was investigated from May through August 2005 and 2006. We identified and characterized microhabitat and landscape characteristics of 127 resting and den sites. Sites were located in burrows excavated by other mammal species (48%), in decayed or burned root systems (22%), in rocky outcrops (14%), in eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana) nests (9%), or in ground-level tree or log cavities (7%). Reuse of sites by the same individual was common (32.3%), but use of the same site by different individuals was rare, as was communal use of sites (<1.0% each). Contrasting used and putatively available dens and resting sites, we found that sites were selected based primarily on increased vegetative cover, which supports hypotheses that thermal regulation and predator avoidance may underlie den and resting site selection. Higher rock and vine densities, younger pine forest stands, older hardwood stands, steeper slope, and smaller site entrance also positively influenced resting and den site selection. These findings suggest that eastern spotted skunks select structurally complex sites, likely to enhance protection from predators. Eastern spotted skunks may thus be vulnerable to habitat alterations that reduce this structural complexity.
Factors influencing wealth creation from mergers and acquisitions: A meta‐analysis

This study analyzes the empirical literature concerning the influence of various factors on shareholder wealth creation in mergers and acquisitions using a multivariate framework. Overall, results indicate that while the target firm's shareholders gain significantly from mergers and acquisitions, those of the bidding firm do not. Findings also indicate that the use of stock financing has a significant impact on the wealth of both the target and bidding firms' shareholders. The presence of multiple bidders and the type of acquisition influence the bidders' return, while regulatory changes and tender offers influence the targets' returns. The paper also provides a comparison of our findings with that of previous narrative reviews and discusses their implications from the viewpoint of managers and researchers.
Optimum Performance of Self-Adaptive Systems Operating Through a Rayleigh-Fading Medium

Considerable attention has been given in the past to the design and specification of optimum (a posteriori probability computer) receivers. In this paper we consider the problem of communicating through the Rayleigh-Fading-Multipath channel with additive noise. The a posteriori probabilities necessary for specifying different receiver modes for various forms of a priori channel knowledge are derived. System performance is analyzed and computed for several modes of operation and the results presented in graphical form, allowing one to determine the importance of making measurements on the unknown channel state.
Meaningful Data or Just Measurements? Differences Between Ionization Chamber and Solid-State Detectors.

One of the principal responsibilities of a clinical diagnostic medical physicist is to ensure good image quality at an appropriate dose. To determine dose, three quantities must be known for the x-ray beam: peak tube potential, half-value layer (HVL) and air kerma (AK), formerly known as exposure. Instrument and equipment setup (ie, geometric factors) are also important in finding the desired value. The gold standard for clinical exposure or AK measurements uses a calibrated air ionization chamber (IC), which is used with aluminum filters to determine HVL from additional measurements. A separate instrument is required to find the peak tube potential. Solidstate detectors (SStDs) are now available for use in diagnostic physics measurements in mammography, general radiography, and fluoroscopy. The advantage of these alternative instruments is that they can acquire measurements for multiple quantities simultaneously and record them directly into a computer database. The question is, how reliable are these measurements compared with the gold standard? Consider the following situation: You perform an image quality and dose assessment as part of your annual mammography medical physics survey. You have your trusted gold-standard instruments and a new
SERVANTS AND HANDS: REPRESENTING THE WORKING CLASSES IN VICTORIAN FACTORY NOVELS

EARLY IN Frances Trollope’s 1839 novel The Life and Adventures of Michael Armstrong, the Factory Boy, the title character is introduced into the kitchen of Sir Matthew Dowling’s home. The assembled servants, rigidly organized into their own hierarchy of status and position, react with horror and derision at the very idea of a factory boy joining the household on any terms. The only way in which they can explain such a preposterous idea is to speculate that the boy is Sir Matthew’s illegitimate son; only by inventing a hidden genealogy can they imagine a place for a factory worker in the genteel British home (Figure 2).