cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age Differences in Calibration of Comprehension.

Young adults have been shown to predict their reading comprehension (calibration of comprehension [CC]) based on subjective assessments of both their ease in processing text and their levels of comprehension. Predictions based on a processing ease heuristic are likely cognitively simpler than those based on assessing comprehension directly. Thus, we hypothesized that older adults base test predictions more on the simpler task of evaluating processing ease and tested whether this preference was related to their diminished working memory capacity. Young and older adults read texts, predicted performance, and evaluated their processing ease and comprehension level. Although both groups showed similar CC, older adults’ CC was significantly related to evaluating processing ease, whereas young adults’ CC was related to evaluating comprehension. This difference was not associated with working memory capacity, suggesting that older adults'reliance on evaluating processing ease was not due to cognitive difficultie...
Age related changes in fluorescence and respiratory properties of liver mitochondria

Fluorescence and respiratory properties of rat liver mitochondrial membranes in young and old animals have been measured. A trend toward decreasing specific activity of malate + glutamate supported state 4 respiration in mitochondria from 18 month old animals as compared to 1 month old animals is found. A concomitant decrease in membrane protein tryptophane fluorescence and an increase in a membrane fluorophore proposed to be aminoiminopropene has also been observed using nanosecond fluorescence spectroscopy techniques.
A comparison of two answer sheet formats

Two answer sheet formats, vertical and horizontal, were compared using a professional certification exam and approximately 50,000 adult examines. No practical mean differences in total score were f...
An analytical and experimental investigation of the effect of impact on coarse granular rocks

An Analytical and Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Impact on Coarse Granular Rocks The interaction between metallic strikers and coarse, granular rock, associated with many mechanical rock breaking methods was investigated by theoretical and experimental methods. Cylindrical steel strikers of 12.7 mm diameter with flat, conical and hemispherical tips and masses of about 18.5 g were fired by means of a gas gun at blocks of diorite and spessartite with initial energies ranging from 4 to 34 J, generating substantial fracturing. The damage pattern in the rocks was ascertained, partly with the aid of a scanning electron microscope. A synthetic model consisting of long square bars of cement paste bonded with an adhesive was constructed as a simulator of diorite and tested to further delineate the failure mechanisms in this material. As previously, it was also found here that the geometry of the striker tip significantly affects the damage pattern and extent in diorite. A crucial difference in this pattern was observed between that found in diorite, a coarsegrained rock, and in spessartite, a more finely-grained substance. The crack network in diorite consisted of numerous kinked fractures extending a distance not in excess of 20 grain lengths, whereas only 5 to 7 nearly straight cracks with a length in excess of 20 times the grain size were found in spessartite that appeared to have propagated without regard to the grain packing structure or material defects. The synthetic rock model successfully reproduced the crack pattern found in diorite under impact. An analytical model to predict the region of grain and grain boundary failure incorporating one failure criterion for grains and another for grain boundaries was constructed. The first involved the development of failure surfaces based on an empirical limiting strength analogous to the modified Griffith criterion. Grain boundary failure was stipulated upon attainment of a combination of critical tensile and Coulomb type of shear stress. The model successfully delineated the major features of damage in the synthetic rock and in diorite and established upper bound predictions for the extent of damage.
LIVESTOCK NUMBERS IN NINETEENTH-CENTURY NEW MEXICO, AND THE PROBLEM OF GULLYING IN THE SOUTHWEST1

ABSTRACT In the 1880's, intensive accelerated erosion began producing large gullies throughout the Southwestern United States. This modern arroyo cutting was originally attributed to deterioration of the protective vegetation cover because of below normal rainfall and overgrazing by excessive numbers of livestock (4,000,000 sheep in New Mexico in 1880). However, recent studies have stressed the greater importance of increased high intensity rainfall. Additional perspective is provided by an examination of livestock numbers in the upper Rio Grande region of New Mexico during the 19th century, particularly during the Mexican period when the ranges were heavily stocked with sheep (possibly 3,000,000 head in the 1820's), but with little or no gullying. The incomplete record of livestock numbers in relation to climate and gullying backs up the climatic argument but also gives some new support to the older view that overgrazing was a major contributive factor causing severe modern gullying.
Clinical scrutiny of the de facto superiority of proximally versus distally based fasciocutaneous flaps.

Just as the dogma that skin flap survival depends on rigid length-to-width ratios has been refuted as a consequence of advances in understanding the anatomical basis of the cutaneous circulation, the generalization that distally based flaps are inherently inferior to proximally based flaps also deserves to be challenged. All else being equal, the truly critical factor for flap viability in either case is the nature of their intrinsic blood supply rather than any arbitrary configuration or orientation. Previous laboratory evidence has proved this fact and is now further validated by a clinical experience with 194 local fascia flaps in 174 patients. There was a 22.2 percent overall incidence of complications, but no statistically significant difference in this rate was observed whether the flap was distally based (18.8 percent of 16 flaps) or proximally based (23.5 percent of 162 flaps) (p = 0.669). Major complications, usually a failure of the intended coverage, actually were more common for proximally based flaps (12.9 percent) than those distally based (6.3 percent), although not statistically different (p = 0.436). Bi-pedicled fasciocutaneous flaps, which should have had augmented perfusion from their dual sources of inflow, sustained complications in 12.5 percent of 16 flaps. Although none was classified as a major problem, again no difference was apparent when compared with proximally based (p prox = 0.316) or distally based (p dis = 0.626) flaps. Some caution is prudent in interpreting these retro-spective data, not because of an admitted bias for more frequent selection of proximally based flaps, but because the choice for any of these local fasciocutaneous flap always followed a careful assessment of the status of the fascial plexus adjacent to any defect. Audible or color Doppler ultrasound localization of available cutaneous perforators can predetermine the feasibility of any option, thereby ensuring a reasonable success rate regardless of pedicle orientation.
Notes on the Second White House Conference on Aging

: The well qualified representative of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society gives a succinct, well organized report on the Second WHCoA. It is presented under the headings: Action and Long-Range Planning (the keynotes); Recommendations of the Sections (Education, Employment and Retirement, Physical and Mental Health, Housing Income, Nutrition, Retirement Roles and Activities, Spiritual Well-Being, Transportation, Facilities, Programs and Services, Government and Non-Government Organizations, Planning, Research and Demonstration, and Training); Special Concerns Sessions; and General Sessions and Luncheon Meetings. At the closing Session, the delegates unanimously approved a line of procedure designed to obtain the quickest possible action on the major recommendations of the Conference. There was a general feeling of optimism that the follow-up work had been left in most competent hands.
Dealing with mechanics: mechanisms of force transduction in cells.

Physical cues, such as forces applied to a cell membrane or the stiffness of materials to which cells adhere, are increasingly recognized as essential determinants of biological function, and mechanical stimuli can be as important as chemical stimuli in determining tissue fate or contributing to pathological states. The physical environment of the cell can act in concert with, or sometimes override, the signals given by proteins and other cellular ligands to change cell morphology, growth rates and transcriptional programs. Recent developments in technology and techniques have facilitated studies of how forces trigger cellular events on the molecular level. As the mechanisms of force transduction are identified, methods and concepts from the physical sciences might become as important as those of biochemistry in elucidating how cells function and how these functions might be altered or corrected in therapeutic and biotechnological contexts.
Data structure diagrams

Successful communication of ideas has been and will continue to be a limiting factor in man's endeavors to survive and to better his life. The invention of algebra, essentially a graphic technique for communicating truths with respect to classes of arithmetic statements, broke the bond that slowed the development of mathematics. Whereas "12+ 13=25 '' and "3+7= 10" and "14+(-2) = 12" are arithmetic statements, "a+b=c '' is an algebraic statement. In particular, it is an algebraic statement controlling an entire class of arithmetic statements such as those listed.
Storm Evader: Using an iPad to Teach Kids about Meteorology and Technology

AbstractWe have developed and released an iPad application, Storm Evader, to demonstrate to youth how technology can be used as a tool and to teach youth about weather and its impact on real-world activities, including flying. As technology becomes more widespread in modern society, many young people overlook the usefulness of technology and have instead come to see it primarily as a provider of entertainment. Storm Evader exposes children to meteorology and aviation in an engaging way. The game requires players to route planes across the United States while avoiding dangerous storms and conserving fuel. The artificial intelligence inside the game suggests routes around a storm. To maximize their scores, players should take the computer’s suggestions into account. Players are exposed to actual radar data and are aided by computer-generated forecast models and storm outlooks from the Storm Prediction Center. In the future, we will include a turbulence model. Exposure to the variety of weather forecasts and...
Probing Microstructure Dynamics With X-Ray Diffraction Microscopy

We describe our recent work on developing X-ray diffraction microscopy as a tool for studying three dimensional microstructure dynamics. This is a measurement technique that is demanding of experimental hardware and presents a challenging computational problem to reconstruct the sample microstructure. A dedicated apparatus exists at beamline 1-ID of the Advanced Photon Source for performing these measurements. Submicron mechanical precision is combined with focusing optics that yield ≈2 μm high × 1.3 mm wide line focused beam at 50 keV. Our forward modeling analysis approach generates diffraction from a simulated two dimensional triangular mesh. Each mesh element is assigned an independent orientation by optimizing the fit to experimental data. The method is computationally demanding but is adaptable to parallel computation. We illustrate the state of development by measuring and reconstructing a planar section of an aluminum polycrystal microstructure. An orientation map of ∼90 grains is obtained along with a map showing the spatial variation in the quality of the fit to the data. Sensitivity to orientation variations within grains is on the order of 0.1 deg. Volumetric studies of the response of microstructures to thermal or mechanical treatment will soon become practical. It should be possible to incorporate explicit treatment of defect distributions and to observe their evolution.
Multiagency Coordination and Response: Case Study of the July 2005 London Bombings

On July 7, 2005, terrorists carried out a series of bombings in London's underground subway system and transportation network. Fifty‐two people were killed and more than 700 were injured. The authors of this study interviewed key staff from London agencies to evaluate the response to the London attacks and analyzed the responses using the General Coordination Model defined in prior research (Eyerman and Strom, 2005). Results indicate that the London coordination regime, which is characterized by a high level of preplanning, joint exercises, and regular improvement through constant use, minimized the effect of common barriers to multiagency response. Successful elements of the London response included the rapid recognition and declaration of a major incident; a successful command and control system that involved all key agencies and which was implemented quickly following the bombings; limited disagreement across agencies on roles and responsibilities; and, delivery of a single, unified media message.
Efficient generation of 13–30 microns based on parametric conversion in periodically-poled LiNbO 3 under surface-emitting geometry

In the near-IR and mid-IR regions, periodically-poled LiNbO 3 (PPLN) has become an extremely efficient nonlinear medium. However, since long-wavelength cutoff for LiNbO 3 is 5.5 µm, the longest wavelength ever generated from such a crystal is 6.8 µm [1]. Such a limit is caused by the strong polariton resonances due to the coupling of transverse-optical phonons with electromagnetic waves, see Fig. 1(a). On the other hand, on the long-wavelength side of the polariton peak at around 40 µm shown in Fig. 1(a), terahertz waves at the output wavelengths of 126–1382 µm have been generated [2].
Mixed signals in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder marked by loss of learning and memory, does not have a simple etiology. It can be caused by possession of an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21, or Down syndrome), by mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP), or by mutations in the presenilin genes on chromosomes 1 and 14. It can also occur ‘sporadically’, and is statistically correlated with specific alleles of the APOE gene. The disease does not yield easily to molecular dissection.
Production of prostaglandin F2α and estrogen by embryonal membranes and endometrium and metabolism of prostaglandin F2α by embryonal membranes, endometrium and lung from gilts

A 3 hr incubation of endometrium and embryonal membranes was used to assess potential contributions of these tissues to the prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and unconjugated estrogen (UE) present in the uteri of pregnant gilts. Metabolism of [3H]PGF2α was determined during a 6 hr incubation of endometrium, lung and embryonal membranes to assess the contribution of these tissues in conversion of PGF2α to less active forms during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Tissue was collected from 12 cyclic gilts on days 13, 16 or 19 and from 17 pregnant gilts on days 13, 16, 19 and 25 after the onset of estrus (day 0). Concentration of PGF2α (ng/g of tissue) in incubation medium after incubation of endometrium at 37 C was 4- to 6-fold greater (P<.001) on days 16 and 19 for cyclic gilts than for pregnant gilts. Concentration of PGF2α in medium after incubation of embryonal membranes recovered on days 13 and 16 was similar to that found after incubation of endometrium from cyclic gilts on days 16 and 19. Percentage of [3H]PGF2α converted by endometrium and lung tissue to other metabolites (61.8 and 79.5%, respectively) did not differ significantly among days of the cycle or pregnancy. The percentage of [3H]PGF2α metabolites recovered as [3H]13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α (PGFM) for endometrium (50.3%) and for lung (64.6%) was not affected significantly by pregnancy status. Embryonal membranes recovered on days 13 and 16 converted more (P<.05) [3H]PGF2α to other metabolites (%/μg of DNA) than embryonal membranes recovered on days 19 and 25, lung or endometrium. The % of [3H]PGF2α metabolites recovered as [3H]PGFM for embryonal membranes increased (P<.05) from 37.4 on day 13 to 68.6 on day 25. Concentration of UE (ng/g of tissue) in medium after incubation of embryonal membranes from day 13 was about 100-fold greater than for endometrium. Concentration of UE and estrone sulfate (E1SO4) (ng/g of tissue) in medium after incubation was greater (P<.05) for endometrium from pregnant gilts on day 25 than that for all days of the cycle or pregnancy. Concentration of UE in medium after incubation of endometrium or embryonal membranes was not significantly affected by incubation treatment, but more E1SO4 accumulated in the presence of indomethacin (P<.01). These results indicate that endometrium from pregnant gilts produces less PGF2α than that of cyclic gilts in vivo and this may contribute to the maintenance of corpora lutea. The high concentrations of PGF2α and estradiol in uteri of pregnant gilts may originate from embryonal membranes and be converted to biologically less active forms before leaving the uterus.
Vibratory pattern of the vocal cords in unilateral laryngeal paralysis.

Cinematographic, roentgenographic and mechanical investigations permit a clarification of the vibratory pattern and the dynamics of phonation in unilateral vocal cord paralysis. The following facts emerge:(1) The paralyzed vocal cord vibrates at the same frequency as the normal cord.(2) The amplitude of the paralyzed cord may be greater or smaller than that of its opposite member.(3) The motions of the cords may be either in phase or out of phase and may differ substantially from cycle to cycle.(4) The healthy cord initiates vibration.(5) The paralyzed vocal cord ceases vibration first.The atypical laryngeal behavior is explained in terms of fundamental anatomic and physiologic principles with reference to structural modifications, air flow characteristics and tissue adjustments. The role of the healthy cord as the regulator of vibration is stressed.
Functional analysis of the Candida albicans ALS1 gene product.

ALS1 encodes a cell surface protein that mediates adherence of Candida albicans to endothelial cells. The predicted Als1p has an N-terminal region, which contains a signal peptide; a middle region, which contains 20 36-amino acid tandem repeats; and a C-terminal region, which contains a glycosylphosphotidylinositol-anchorage sequence. We used site-directed mutagenesis to delineate the regions in Als1p required for endothelial cell adherence and cell surface expression of the protein. Mutant alleles of ALS1 containing either deletions or insertions were expressed in the normally non-adherent Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These transformants were analysed for endothelial cell adherence and cell surface expression of Als1p. We found that mutations centred around amino acid 285 in the N-terminus completely abolished adherence, but had no effect on cell surface expression of Als1p. Deletion of 15 of the tandem repeats reduced adherence by 50%, whereas deletion of all abolished adherence completely, even though cell surface expression of the N-terminus of Als1p was maintained. Insertions into the C-terminus at amino acids 413 and 254 upstream of the stop codon resulted in a modest loss of adherence, while cell surface expression of Als1p was maintained. An insertion at amino acid 249 in the C-terminus caused complete loss of both adherence and cell surface expression, even though the glycosylphosphotidylinositol-anchorage sequence remained intact. These data suggest a model of Als1p in which the endothelial cell binding region is localized within its N-terminus, the tandem repeats are essential for the proper presentation of the binding site, and the C-terminus is required for localizing Als1p to the cell surface. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fat metabolism in higher plants: metabolism of medium chain fatty acids.

Cell free preparations of avocado mesocarp and spinach leaf tissue rapidly convert lauryl CoA to DL-3-hydroxyl lauric acid as well as 2−, and 3-dodecanoic acids. The conversion does not occur under anaerobic conditions unless a suitable redox carrier such as ferredoxin is present. H2 18O is incorporated into the 3-hydroxyl function, but O2 18 is not. The characteristics of this system are presented and a possible function of this system is proposed.
Mass customization in operations management: oxymoron or reality?

Abstract Mass customization in production and operations management, a process of integrating mass production/standardization principles with customization, seems to be gaining momentum in the United States as well as all over the world. Major companies like Dell, Motorola, Hewlett-Packard, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Proctor and Gamble, and others are experimenting and also effectively implementing this process in their production and operations facilities. Mass production and customization have traditionally been at the two opposite extremes of the production continuum. However, integrating these together as mass customization seems to be the practice of the present with the strong likelihood that it would be a continued trend of the future. This paper explores the concept of mass customization, focuses on methods to achieve mass customization, explains why it is not an oxymoron but a reality, looks at the advantages and disadvantages, and discusses how it may be effectively used in production and operations management.a
Intraoperative Vascular Endoscopy: Early and Late Results

In a prospective study, 60 consecutive cases of vascular endoscopy were analyzed to examine the role of angioscopy in infrainguinal vascular procedures. A total of 52 patients had 60 separate vascular endoscopy procedures performed as an adjunct to various vascular procedures; results of intraoperative arteriography were available in 38 of 60 cases. All patients were followed for at least 42 months. The 19 patients who underwent thrombectomy with angioscopy were compared with 19 age-matched control subjects who underwent infrainguinal thrombectomy without angioscopy to evaluate the influence of angioscopy on primary and secondary patency rates. Angioscopy allowed observation of 50 lesions; angiography failed to detect three. These findings altered surgical management in 24 cases (40%). Primary patency rates for the control and experimental thrombectomy groups were 38.8% and 6.5% at 42 months, respectively (p=0.010 based on log-rank test). Secondary patency rates for the control and experimental groups at 42 months were 63.8% and 49%, respectively (p=0.521). The limb salvage rate was 89% at 42 months for both groups (p=0.973). Angioscopy provides the clinician with a direct view while he or she is performing vascular procedures. However, there was no statistical improvement in secondary patency and limb salvage rates. Furthermore, the use of angioscopy during thrombectomy may increase the propensity for subsequent intervention as evidenced by the frequency of changes in surgical management and the lower primary patency rate.
Professional Roles in a Self-Help Group for the Bereaved:

Self-help groups are a relatively new and very useful aid to the bereaved. The movement does for the bereaved what the development of the hospice did for the dying a few years ago, in that it creat...
Endothelin-1 and human platelet activity.

Abstract Endothelin-1, a peptide produced by endothelium, causes vascular smooth muscle contraction possibly by mobilizing intracellular calcium. Shifts in ionized calcium may also play a role in platelet activation. Accordingly, the effects of endothelin on platelet ionized calcium and aggregation were studied. The measurements were made in aequorin-loaded gel-filtered human platelets derived from healthy donors. Endothelin even in a final concentration of 10−6M did not cause a measurable change in platelet ionized calcium or aggregation. When tested in combination with collagen, thrombin and platelet activating factor, endothelin showed no synergistic effect. These observations raise the possibility that endothelin may not interact with platelets in a physiologically significant way.
Dynamics of the Bottom Boundary Layer on the Northern California Shelf

Abstract Time-series measurements of velocity, temperature, and conductivity on the northern California shelf during two winter seasons permit an observational test, in vertically integrated form, of a simple set of subinertial momentum and heat balances for the bottom boundary layer, which have resulted from recent theoretical work. These are 1) an along-isobath momentum equation that reduces to a classic Ekman balance; 2) a cross-isobath momentum equation in which the Ekman balance is modified by a buoyancy force caused by distortion of the isopycnal surfaces within the boundary layer; and 3) a heat balance in which variability of temperature is produced by cross-isobath advection. The measurements confirm the importance of buoyancy in the cross-isobath momentum equation, and, as has recently been predicted theoretically, they indicate that buoyancy is a dominant effect when the boundary layer is thick, which typically occurs during downwelling-favorable flows. An Ekman balance describes subinertial flu...
Cl− Channels in Basolateral TAL Membranes XV. Molecular Heterogeneity Between Cortical and Medullary Channels

We have isolated two new and highly homologous cDNAs, mmClC-Ka from mouse outer medulla and mcClC-Ka from mouse cortex. In both cases, mRNA was obtained from the indicated region and subjected to RT-PCR using primers from the nucleotide sequence of rbClC-Ka, which encodes basolateral Cl(-) channels (termed rbClC-Ka) in rabbit MTAL. The predicted protein products of mmClC-Ka and mcClC-Ka, mmClC-Ka and mcClC-Ka, respectively, were 85% homologous and had predicted molecular weights of 75 kDa. The predicted protein sequences for mmClC-Ka and rbClC-Ka had three cytosolic sites-threonine 185, threonine 187 and serine 270-which were absent in mcClC-Ka. These three moieties represent potential sites for phosphorylation of mmClC-Ka and rbClC-Ka, but not of mcClC-Ka, and may account for the failure of (ATP + PKA) to increase the open time probability P(o) in basolateral CTAL Cl(-) channels. We prepared antisense oligonucleotides specific for nonhomologous regions of these two cDNAs, mmAntisense for mmClC-Ka and mcAntisense for mcClC-Ka. Using anti-rbClC-Ka, a polyclonal antibody to rbClC-Ka, we found that, when transfected into cultured mouse MTAL and CTAL cells, mmAntisense suppressed the appearance of the 75 kDa band by 50% in vesicles from MTAL but not CTAL cells, while transfection of MTAL and CTAL cells with mcAntisense suppressed appearance of the 75 kDa band in vesicles from CTAL but not MTAL cells. mmAntisense transfection also prolonged the half-time (T(1/2), sec) for (36)Cl(-) efflux in cultured MTAL cells from 82.4 +/- 6.8 sec (sem) to 187.8 +/- 9.5 sec (n = 5; P = 0.0001) while mcAntisense transfection had no such effect. Conversely, in cultured CTAL cells, mcAntisense transfection prolonged the T(1/2) for (36)Cl(-) efflux from 80.9 +/- 6.3 sec to 191.8 +/- 6.5 sec (n = 5; P = 0.00005), while mmAntisense had no such effect. We conclude that mmClC-Ka and mcClC-Ka may encode the basolateral Cl(-) channels mediating net Cl(-) absorption in mouse MTAL and CTAL, respectively.
Finite-size studies of the incompressible state of the fractionally quantized Hall effect and its excitations.

The incompressible states of interacting two-dimensional electrons in a high magnetic field has been studied by finite-size calculations in the spherical geometry. The excitation spectrum at $\frac{1}{3}$ Landau-level filling is described, and the Laughlin-Jastrow character of the Coulomb-interaction ground state is unambiguously confirmed. As the interaction is varied, a transition to a gapless compressible state is observed.
Melting of Copper, Silver, and Gold at High Pressures

The melting points of copper, silver, and gold have been determined up to about 40 kbar by means of differential thermal analysis in piston-cylinder apparatus. The melting curve of gold shows definite curvature in the explored pressure range, and slight curvature is suggested for copper; the melting temperature of silver rises linearly with pressure. The experimentally determined initial slopes, without any corrections attempted for the effects of pressure on thermocouple emf, are (in \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}/kbar): Cu, \ensuremath{\sim}${3.9}_{5}$; Ag, 5.87\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.27; Au, \ensuremath{\sim}${6.1}_{2}$. Previous results of Gonikberg, Shakhovskoi, and Butuzov for copper, of Kennedy and Newton for silver and of Decker and Vanfleet for gold agree inadequately with the present data. Comparison of initial melting slopes with those predicted from thermodynamic data allows evaluation of proposed pressure corrections to emf of Pt versus Pt+10%Rh thermocouples; those proposed by Hanneman and Strong are shown to be too large. The linearity of the melting curve of silver, combined with its ease of containment, suggests its use for high-pressure, high-temperature calibration. Bounds for the initial variations in the volume changes of fusion with pressure may be estimated from the present results and zero-pressure data. The Lindemann relation for melting is examined for copper, silver, and gold by comparing the present results for melting with the 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K data for the elastic moduli and their variation with pressure; agreement does not appear to be adequate.
A study of the cellularity and ultrastructure of congenital mesoblastic nephroma

This study reported 10 cases of congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN) from Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: five were the typical fibromatous lesion, two were the cellular variant, and three had both components. Six cases occurred in infants less than one week of age. The degree of cellularity had no correlation with patient or tumor size. Three- to 10-year follow-ups of nine patients showed neither local recurrence nor metastasis. One infant died of generalized bleeding post nephrectomy. Ultrastructural study of seven cases showed mesenchymal cells with varying degrees of fibroblastic and/or myofibroblastic differentiation.
Electron Cyclotron Heating and Current Drive for Maintaining Minimum q in Negative Central Shear Discharges

Toroidal plasmas created with negative magnetic shear in the core region offer advantages in terms of MHD stability properties. These plasmas, transiently created in several tokamaks, have exhibited high-performance as measured by normalized stored energy and neutron production rates. A critical issue with extending the duration of these plasmas is the need to maintain the off-axis-peaked current distribution required to support the minimum in the safety factor q at large radii. We present equilibrium and transport simulations that explore the use of electron cyclotron heating and current drive to maintain this negative shear configuration. Using parameters consistent with DIII-D tokamak operation (Strait E et al 1995 Phys. Rev. Lett. 75 4421, Rice B W et al 1996 Nucl. Fusion 36 1271), we find that with sufficiently high injected power, it is possible to achieve steady-state conditions employing well aligned electron cyclotron and bootstrap current drive in fully non-inductively current-driven configurations.
Foreign bank participation and access to credit across firms in developing countries

Abstract Combining responses from a survey of firms operating in 35 developing and transition economies with data on the degree of foreign bank presence across these countries, we investigate whether higher foreign bank participation improves the accessibility of external financing for firms. The results suggest that all enterprises, including small and medium-sized ones, report facing lower financing obstacles in countries having higher levels of foreign bank presence. The results are robust to the inclusion of many controls and to econometric adjustments for the potential endogeneity of foreign bank presence and for the likely correlation of responses across firms within countries. Journal of Comparative Economics 34 (4) (2006) 774–795.
Control of moisture at buried polymer/alumina interfaces through substrate surface modification.

Moisture absorption in poly(4-tert-butoxycarbonyloxystyrene) (PBOCSt) films supported on Al2O3 sputter coated silicon wafers is measured using neutron and X-ray reflectivity. Accumulation of water at the interface during moisture exposure results in an apparent film-thickness-dependent swelling for ultrathin PBOCSt films. The swelling of a film on Al2O3 is less than the swelling of a film of the same thickness on SiOx for films thinner than 20 nm. This is due to comparatively less moisture accumulation at the Al2O3/PBOCSt interface. A simple, zero adjustable parameter model consisting of a fixed water-rich layer at the interface and bulk swelling through the remainder of the film describes the thickness-dependent swelling quantitatively. The influence of four different Al2O3 surface treatments on the moisture distribution within PBOCSt films was examined: bare Al2O3, tert-butylphosphonic acid, phenylphosphonic acid, and n-octyltrichlorosilane. Both the phenyl and the octyl surface treatments reduce the a...
α-Dystroglycan does not play a major pathogenic role in autosomal recessive hereditary inclusion-body myopathy

Abstract Mutations of the GNE gene are responsible for autosomal recessive hereditary inclusion-body myopathy (HIBM). In this study we searched for the presence of any significant abnormality of α-dystroglycan (α-DG), a highly glycosylated component of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, in 5 HIBM patients which were previously clinically and genetically characterized. Immunocytochemical and immunoblot analysis showed that α-DG extracted from muscle biopsies was normally expressed and displayed its typical molecular mass. Immunoblot analysis on the wheat germ lectin-enriched glycoprotein fraction of muscles and primary myotubes showed a reduced amount of α-DG in 4 out of 5 HIBM patients, compared to normal and other diseased muscles. However, such altered lectin-binding behaviour, possibly reflecting a partial hyposialylation of α-DG, did not affect the laminin binding properties of α-DG. Therefore, the subtle changes within the α-DG glycosylation pattern, detected in HIBM muscles, likely do not play a key pathogenic role in this disorder.
Thermodynamics and kinetics of carbon dioxide binding to two stereoisomers of a cobalt(I) macrocycle in aqueous solution

The thermodynamics and kinetics of binding of CO 2 , CO, and H + to N-racemic and N-meso stereoisomers of the cobalt (I) macrocycle CoL + (L=5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,11-diene) have been determined in aqueous media with use of the pulse radiolysis technique and transient ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. N-rac- or N-meso-CoL + was produced by the hydrated electron reduction of N-rac- or N-meso-CoL 2+ , with tert-butyl alcohol generally added to scavenge hydroxyl radicals
Measurement of electrically-induced Ca2+ transients in Quin2-loaded cardiac myocytes.

Quin2 is a fluorescent Ca 2+ -sensitive indicator which in its acetoxymethyl ester form can be loaded into the cytosolic compartment of cells without any disruption of the plasma membrane [13, 14]. Quin2 has been used with many cell types to measure changes of [Ca 2+ ] i in response to hormones and other stimuli [4, 8, 12, 14]. In this report we demonstrate that Quin2 can be used to follow Ca 2+ transients induced by electrical depolarization of excitable cells such as myocytes. Unlike microelectrodes and the microinjection of Ca 2+ indicators [2, 6], the use of Quin2 allows the collection of signals from large numbers of cells simultaneously. Ca 2+ transients measured using Quin2 show a rapid rise from a basal [Ca 2+ ] i of 200 nM to peak values of up to 500 nM within 40 ms in the presence of the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. As the intracellular Quin2 load is increased, Quin2 acts to buffer the free Ca 2+ change, causing a decrease of the peak Ca 2+ concentration and an increase of the time required for relaxation of the transient. Thus, Quin2 can serve both to monitor and to perturb Ca 2+ transients in heart cells.
Endosonographic predictors of malignant celiac lymphadenophy (CLN) in patients with esophageal cancer (ECA)

Endosonographic predictors of malignant celiac lymphadenophy (CLN) in patients with esophageal cancer (ECA)
A Critical Look at SFAS 34: Capitalization of Interest Cost

In 1974, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) noted that an increasing number of companies were capitalizing interest costs, and that this practice was not being adequately disclosed (FASB, 1979, par. 26). In light of the alternative practices concerning the accounting for interest and lack of adequate disclosure by companies that were already capitalizing interest, the SEC recommended that the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) consider the issue of accounting for interest cost. As a result of the SEC's initiative, in 1979 the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards [SFAS] No. 34, Capitalization of Interest Cost, which mandated uniform interest capitalization rules in accounting for interest costs associated with the acquisition of qualifying non-current assets. The purpose of this article is to examine SFAS 34 in terms of its financial statement impact, the congruence of its assumptions with economic behaviour, its effect on subsequent standards related to interest capitalization, and its implications on financial accounting standard setting. To explore these issues we first illustrate the extent to which interest capitalization affects financial statements. We then empirically analyse the measure employed in SFAS 34 for the capitalization of interest cost in cases where debt is not directly linked with the acquisition of qualifying non-current assets. In addition, we critically examine the treatment accorded interest cost in subsequent FASB standards. Our research suggests that SFAS 34′s rationale for interest capitalization is incompatible with firm behaviour, and that the rules for interest capitalization as reflected in various accounting standards are inconsistent. These findings suggest that in the case of interest capitalization the benefits of comparability in financial reporting are not realized. A policy recommendation is then offered to alleviate some of these difficulties. The recommendation is to disallow the capitalization of interest cost in the absence of a direct link between the debt and the acquisition of qualifying assets.
A Wireless Non-invasive Real-Time Monitoring Blood Lactate Test for a Moving Subject

In the blood, Lactate is a key element used by the body to produce energy. It is an end product of anaerobic glucose metabolism and plays an important role in the acid-base balance of the body. However, excessive lactate in the muscles is not really good. This study introduces the idea of a wireless, non-invasive real-time monitoring test of blood lactate for athletes during the exercise, for soldiers during their hours of training, for individuals who have movement difficulties, for elders who lose the body energy by aging.
Linear Reversible Circuit Synthesis in the Linear Nearest-Neighbor Model

This paper introduces new linear reversible circuit synthesis methods for N wires and compares them to existing methods in the Linear Nearest-Neighbor (LNN) model. The motivation for this work is to improve synthesis translation for quantum computers whose circuits employ the LNN model such as forms of quantum dot and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance based architectures.
Armored peacocks and proxy bodies: gender geopolitics in aid/development spaces of Afghanistan

This article examines embodied geopolitics in Afghanistan by way of gender roles and relations among and between international workers and Afghan recipients of international information, aid, development and (in)security. My analysis is theoretically situated within critical feminist geographies and includes empirical data collected from qualitative surveys, interviews, focus groups and observations of Afghans and international workers in Kabul, Afghanistan (2006–2008). There is a significant and growing number of scholarly feminist critiques of and debates over the US-led international coalition's gendered approach to ‘saving’ Afghanistan from the Taliban. This article seeks to add to these studies by discussing these geopolitical encounters at the scale of bodily interactions. Specifically, it discusses how gendered freedom and savior fantasies illustrate spatial practices of othering through exclusion and intimacy, before turning to how these are enacted through representation, behavior, mobility and s...
Comparing gesture recognition accuracy using color and depth information

In human-computer interaction applications, gesture recognition has the potential to provide a natural way of communication between humans and machines. The technology is becoming mature enough to be widely available to the public and real-world computer vision applications start to emerge. A typical example of this trend is the gaming industry and the launch of Microsoft's new camera: the Kinect. Other domains, where gesture recognition is needed, include but are not limited to: sign language recognition, virtual reality environments and smart homes. A key challenge for such real-world applications is that they need to operate in complex scenes with cluttered backgrounds, various moving objects and possibly challenging illumination conditions. In this paper we propose a method that accommodates such challenging conditions by detecting the hands using scene depth information from the Kinect. On top of our detector we employ a dynamic programming method for recognizing gestures, namely Dynamic Time Warping (DTW). Our method is translation and scale invariant which is a desirable property for many HCI systems. We have tested the performance of our approach on a digits recognition system. All experimental datasets include hand signed digits gestures but our framework can be generalized to recognize a wider range of gestures.
Wireless I/O devices in process control systems

The paper deals with wireless I/O devices in process control systems. The presentation also provides transmission control protocol/internet protocol networking within automation systems, providing broader connectivity, reducing points of failure, advantages of wireless devices and eliminating expensive equipment.
Let's Weave the Visual Web

A major disruption is taking place in terms of how photographs are captured and the role they play in modern society, offering the tantalizing possibility of creating visual connections and conversations beyond anything we've yet seen or imagined. The author reviews the evolution of visual documentation and considers where we're headed, introducing the Visual Web. This department is part of a special issue on social multimedia and storytelling.
Adolescent Dispositions for Antisocial Behavior in Context: The Roles of Neighborhood Dangerousness and Parental Knowledge

This study examined an ecological perspective on the development of antisocial behavior during adolescence, examining direct, additive, and interactive effects of child and both parenting and community factors in relation to youth problem behavior. To address this goal, the authors examined early adolescent dispositional qualities as predictors of boys' antisocial behavior within the context of parents' knowledge of adolescent activities and neighborhood dangerousness. Antisocial behavior was examined using a multimethod latent construct that included self-reported delinquency, symptoms of conduct disorder, and court petitions in a sample of 289 boys from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds who were followed longitudinally from early childhood through adolescence. Results demonstrated direct and additive findings for child prosociality, daring, and negative emotionality, which were qualified by interactions between daring and neighborhood dangerousness, and between prosociality and parental knowledge. The findings have implications for preventive intervention approaches that address the interplay of dispositional and contextual factors to prevent delinquent behavior in adolescence.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis From Concept to Clinical Care

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and to describe its advantages over 2D mammography for breast cancer screening. CONCLUSION. Mammographic screening has dramatically reduced breast cancer deaths, but it does not depict all cancer early enough to result in a cure. In addition, because of the recall rates associated with mammography, efforts are underway to reduce access to screening. Use of DBT improves sensitivity and specificity, and there is no longer a need to obtain full-exposure 2D mammograms. DBT will replace standard 2D mammography for breast cancer screening.
Airborne observations and modeling of springtime stratosphere-to-troposphere transport over California

Abstract. Stratosphere-to-troposphere transport (STT) results in air masses of stratospheric origin intruding into the free troposphere. Once in the free troposphere, ozone (O3)-rich stratospheric air can be transported and mixed with tropospheric air masses, contributing to the tropospheric O3 budget. Evidence of STT can be identified based on the differences in the trace gas composition of the two regions. Because O3 is present in such large quantities in the stratosphere compared to the troposphere, it is frequently used as a tracer for STT events. This work reports on airborne in situ measurements of O3 and other trace gases during two STT events observed over California, USA. The first, on 14 May 2012, was associated with a cutoff low, and the second, on 5 June 2012, occurred during a post-trough, building ridge event. In each STT event, airborne measurements identified high O3 within the stratospheric intrusion, which were observed as low as 3 km above sea level. During both events the stratospheric air mass was characterized by elevated O3 mixing ratios and reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor. The reproducible observation of reduced CO2 within the stratospheric air mass supports the use of non-conventional tracers as an additional method for detecting STT. A detailed meteorological analysis of each STT event is presented, and observations are interpreted with the Realtime Air Quality Modeling System (RAQMS). The implications of the two STT events are discussed in terms of the impact on the total tropospheric O3 budget and the impact on air quality and policy-making.
Recent developments in the area of macrolide antibiotics

There have been exciting developments in the area of macrolide antibiotics recently. This activity largely stems from the discovery and development of a new class of agents called ketolides. They are more potent than erythromycin A and active against macrolide-resistant pathogens. At the same time, our knowledge of the mechanism of action of macrolides has been refined and resistance mechanisms have been elucidated. By employing new chemical methods and combinatorial biosynthesis, qualitatively different kinds of derivatives are being synthesised. Alternative non-infective uses for macrolide templates are also being explored. These areas are reviewed primarily in relation to 14-membered macrolides.