cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Description of a High Stability Nuclear Pulse Amplifier

A solid state nuclear pulse amplifier designed with emphasis on temperature stability and linearity is discussed. Other characteristics include fast recovery from 500X overload, high count rate capabilities, common mode rejection, low zero-crossover walk, and a choice of pulse shaping (lumped delay lines and RC time constants). The basic amplifier, without shaping, is stable to within 50 ppm/°C at gains up to 1024, and exhibits ±0. 01% linearity up to 10 volts output. The basic feedback loop used in this amplifier has been analyzed in a previous article for gain stability as a function of temperature. The results of this analysis are summarized here, and a theoretical study is made of some additional feedback loop characteristics ? frequency stability, transient response, and temperature stability versus input pulse rise time. With large output swings and/or high count rates special problems arise affecting risetime, fall time, linearity, and zero-crossover walk. The causes of these problems are determined using simple feedback loop theory. Finally a diagram of the complete amplifier circuit, with a description of shaping networks, is presented.
Depletion of brain norepinephrine does not reduce spontaneous ambulatory activity of rats in the home cage.

Abstract 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of brain noradrenergic neurons and terminals were made in rats to assess the importance of forebrain norepinephrine (NE) for mediating circadian patterns of spontaneous ambulatory activity that rats show in the home cage. 6-OHDA was injected intracranially into the fibers of the ascending noradrenergic dorsal and ventral bundle pathways or infused into the lateral ventricle or both. Rats living in a 12/12 h light/dark cycle exhibit a marked increase in ambulatory activity during the dark period in comparison to the light period and a ‘W-shaped’ pattern of activity during the 12 h of the dark phase. Results showed that near-total depletion of brain NE did not impair the capacity to generate normal patterns of spontaneous ambulatory activity that occur in the home cage. In the animals that sustained the most complete NE lesions, the amounts of activity generated at times of peak activity were exaggerated in comparison to the control animals, which is consistent with the possibility that NE in the brain exerts a moderating influence on behavior.
“I Mean It’s Awkward Anxiety”: Exploring the Role of Sociohistorical Context in Men’s Negotiation of Masculine Subjectivity

In this article, the author explores the process of claiming masculine subjectivity through in-depth interviews conducted with two brothers who are adult children of a Vietnam Veteran. Drawn from a larger research project, these interviews serve as a case study that reveals the ways in which men navigate masculine subjectivity within a specific historical context. Drawing on Connell and Messerschmidt’s reformulation of hegemonic masculinity and Butler’s work on performativity, the author explores the dynamics of masculine subjectivity through the historical event of the Vietnam War. The author demonstrates how these men utilize both hegemonic masculinity and a subordinate form of masculinity found in the Vietnam Veteran as a way of negotiating their position as masculine subjects. The tension created by this negotiation ultimately produces a state of anxiety as they try to hold onto illusive idealized social narratives of masculine identity.
INTERFEROMETRIC VISIBILITY OF A SCINTILLATING SOURCE

I calculate the distribution of the product of complex factors drawn from a bivariate Gaussian distribution. The interferometric visibility of a scintillating point source follows this distribution. I find the distributions of the real part, the imaginary part, and the amplitude of the product. I investigate effects of a small, partially resolved source on the distribution. These effects depend on whether the source is elongated, and if so, on its orientation relative to the interferometer baseline. A single sample of interferometric visibility, for any source, is also the product of complex factors drawn from a bivariate Gaussian distribution.
Stage of change and smoking cessation outcomes among adolescents

This study examined the association between stage of change and smoking cessation outcomes among youth receiving two interventions of varying intensity: a 10-min brief self-help smoking cessation intervention (BI) or the American Lung Association's 10-week, Not-on-Tobacco (N-O-T) smoking cessation program. At baseline, the participants were classified into three stages (e.g., precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation) based on their intention to change their smoking behavior. Smoking behavior, stage of change, self-efficacy, and beliefs about smoking were assessed at baseline and 3 months postbaseline. Results demonstrated that the relationship between stage of change and cessation outcomes varied by treatment intensity. Logistic regression analyses revealed that BI participants in the preparation stage were 25 times more likely to quit smoking at postbaseline than were participants in the contemplation or precontemplation stages. In contrast, N-O-T was effective for youth regardless of baseline stage. Additionally, N-O-T participants demonstrated greater forward stage movement from baseline to postbaseline than did BI participants.
A SWI/SNF–Related Chromatin Remodeling Complex, E-RC1, Is Required for Tissue-Specific Transcriptional Regulation by EKLF In Vitro

Abstract Erythroid Kruppel-like factor (EKLF) is necessary for stage-specific expression of the human β-globin gene. We show that EKLF requires a SWI/SNF–related chromatin remodeling complex, E KLF coactivator- r emodeling c omplex 1 (E-RC1), to generate a DNase I hypersensitive, transcriptionally active β-globin promoter on chromatin templates in vitro. E-RC1 contains BRG1, BAF170, BAF155, and INI1 (BAF47) homologs of yeast SWI/SNF subunits, as well as a subunit unique to higher eukaryotes, BAF57, which is critical for chromatin remodeling and transcription with EKLF. E-RC1 displays functional selectivity toward transcription factors, since it cannot activate expression of chromatin-assembled HIV-1 templates with the E box–binding protein TFE-3. Thus, a member of the SWI/SNF family acts directly in transcriptional activation and may regulate subsets of genes by selectively interacting with specific DNA-binding proteins.
High Resolution Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometery of Peptides

In the present work, we employ trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) for conformational analysis of several model peptides. The TIMS distributions are extensively compared to recent ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) studies reported in the literature. At a resolving power (R) exceeding 250, many new features, otherwise hidden by lower resolution IMS analyzers, are revealed. Though still principally limited by the plurality of conformational states, at present, TIMS offers R up to ∼3 to 8 times greater than modern drift tube or traveling wave IMS techniques, respectively. Unlike differential IMS, TIMS not only is able to resolve congested conformational features but also can be used to determine information about their relative size, via the ion-neutral collision cross section, offering a powerful new platform to probe the structure and dynamics of biochemical systems in the gas phase.
Monte Carlo simulations of segregation at [001] twist boundaries in a Pt(Au) alloy—I. Results

Abstract Monte Carlo simulations utilizing embedded atom method (EAM) potentials are used to study segregation of Au atoms—T = 850 to 1900K—to [001] twist boundaries in a Pt-1.0 at.% Au bicrystal containing ≈5000 atoms. The twist angle (θ) ranges from 0 to 45°. The average segregation factor (Saver), defined as a ratio of the Au concentration in the two (002) planes which adjoin the interface over the bulk value, increase linearly as θ increases to ≈35°; Saver decreases exponentially as T increases at each value of θ; the range of Saver is ≈(1.2–3.5). No evidence is found for a systematic relationship between Saver and the Σ value. The relationship between Saver and θ is a result of the Au atoms segregating primarily substitutionally to the cores of pairs of orthogonal primary grain boundary dislocations (Part II).
Towards retrievable vascularized bioartificial pancreas: induction and long-lasting stability of polymeric mesh implant vascularized with the help of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors and hydrogel coating.

We seek to improve existing methodologies for allogenic grafting of pancreatic islets. The lack of success of encapsulated transplanted islets inside the peritoneal cavity is presently attributed t...
Applying chroma-keying techniques in a virtual environment

A chroma-keying technique for the insertion of real objects into a synthetic environment is being evaluated for incorporation into various United States Marine Corps ground combat training and simulation applications. The technique enables the insertion of real objects within the visual frame of a Head-Mounted Display. It allows individuals and actual equipment, such as maps, weapons, and other items, to be effectively inserted into the visual display of a simulated environment.
Colloidal subwavelength nanostructures for antireflection optical coatings.

A two-dimensional (2D) subwavelength nanostructure for antireflection coating is fabricated upon a transparent substrate. Self-assembled 2D colloidal crystals are used as a nanoscale composite material with controlled thickness and low refractive index. The feature size of the structure is ?105?nm. The structure is used for antireflection coating, and the measured reflectivity of a glass substrate is reduced to 0.3%. Enhanced transmission through the substrate is also observed.
Mutual suppression in the 6 kHz region of sensitive chinchilla cochleae.

Basilar membrane (BM) vibration was measured using a displacement measuring interferometer for single-tone and two-tone suppression (2TS) paradigms in the 6–9kHz region of sensitive chinchilla cochleae that had gains near or better than 60dB. Based on prior studies of basilar membrane vibration, three significant differences remain between BM and auditory nerve (AN) 2TS responses: (1) suppression thresholds in the tail of tuning curves were much higher in BM than the auditory nerve (AN); (2) rates of suppression were significantly higher in AN than BM; and (3) the amplitude of vibration with low-frequency suppressors was always greater than the single-tone displacement rendering it impossible to explain 2TS rate suppression in the AN. The first two differences are eliminated by the results of the present study while the third remains. Suppression amplitudes greater than 40dB and rates of suppression larger than 2.5dB∕dB were found for low-frequency suppressors. A correlation between both the gain and nonlinearity of the cochlea and 2TS properties indicates that when sensitive cochleae are studied. The third difference between BM and AN behavior could be strictly a function of the high-pass filter characteristic of the inner hair cells.
New Wave or Second Stage? Attitudes of College Women toward Feminism

The attitudes of female subjects toward gender roles, gender inequality, and the women's movement were measured using a 24-item attitudinal inventory. Subjects tended to hold nontraditional but only moderately feminist attitudes toward gender roles. They were, however, highly aware of gender inequality and supportive of the women's movement, although they were also reluctant to identify themselves as feminists. T tests revealed that subjects most supportive of feminism were advanced students (juniors and seniors) and students who had personally experienced discrimination. But when personal experience of sex discrimination was controlled for, the strength of the relationships between class level and gender role attitudes, and between class level and support for the women's movement, diminished. Students who had personally experienced sex discrimination are less traditional and more feminist in their gender role attitudes, and show stronger support for the women's movement, regardless of their class level, than students who have not had such experiences. These findings are interpreted and their implications for the future of the women's movement are discussed.
Investigation of spontaneous vasomotor activity. Relation of the sympathetic and somatic nervous systems to the occurrence of slow waves (alpha and beta) of the plethysmogram of the dog's paw.

Spontaneous vasomotor activity, as evidenced by the presence of alpha or beta waves in the paw plethysmogram, was demonstrated in 10 sympathectomized, 4 denervated, and 8 (ganglionic or adrenergic) blockaded extremities in dogs. Alpha waves occur during natural sleep and during anesthesia. They are present after removal and denervation of the carotid and aortic chemoreceptors. They occur in the splenectoinized animal. Alpha waves are usually synchronous in a pair of normally innerverted extremities. They may be synchronous, asynchronous, or absent in one paw when one extremity (or both) is denervated or sympathectomized. The significance of this information is discussed in relation to the factors which may control spontaneous vasomotor activity.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is required for axonal growth of selective groups of neurons in the arcuate nucleus.

Objective Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potent regulator of neuronal development, and the Bdnf gene produces two populations of transcripts with either a short or long 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR). Deficiencies in BDNF signaling have been shown to cause severe obesity in humans; however, it remains unknown how BDNF signaling impacts the organization of neuronal circuits that control energy balance.
DLC/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites

Studies of orthopaedic implant failures have shown that mechanical failure of an implant almost exclusively occurs at the biomaterial-tissue interface. Hydroxyapatite (HA) mimics the behavior of natural bone, and provides a strong, long-lasting adhesive interface between a bone replacement implant and the surrounding tissue. Currently, thin film HA is not commonly used because it contains defects, porosity, and cracks. Delamination of the hydroxyapatite film and formation of hydroxyapatite particles may lead to implant wear and loosening. Furthermore, the coating also acts only as a temporary barrier to ion release from the bulk biomaterial. One method to improve the tribological properties of a bioactive coating is to strengthen the microstructure of the coating through the placement of a DLC (hydrogen-free diamondlike carbon) interlayer. DLC coatings possess properties close to diamond in terms of hardness, atomic smoothness, and chemical inertness. We have developed a diamondlike carbon/HA bilayer, in which the bilayer surface (HA) is bioactive and the interlayer (diamondlike carbon) is biocompatible, wear resistant, and corrosion resistant. We have successfully deposited nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite and DLC films by ablating a hydroxyapatite target and a graphite target using a KrF laser. A novel target design was adopted to incorporate alloying atoms into the films during pulsed laser deposition. These alloying elements possess unique biological properties. Surface morphology was studied using SEM, interfacial structure was studied using TEM, and HA phase microstructure was studied using XRD. The DLC/nanocrystalline HA bilayer material is potentially useful for several orthopedic implant designs.
Functional evaluation of the effective potential

By use of the path-integral formulation of quantum mechanics, a series expansion for the effective potential is derived. Each order of the series corresponds to an infinite set of conventional Feynman diagrams, with a fixed number of loops. As an application of the formalism, three calculations are performed. For a set of $n$ self-interacting scalar fields, the effective potential is computed to the two-loop approximation. Also, all loops are summed in the leading-logarithmic approximation when $n$ gets large. Finally, the effective potential for scalar, massless electrodynamics is derived in an arbitrary gauge. It is found that the potential is gauge-dependent, and a specific gauge is exhibited in which all one-loop effects disappear.
In vivo functional microangiography by visible-light optical coherence tomography

Although hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO2) in the microvasculature is an essential physiological parameter of local tissue functions, non-invasive measurement of microvascular sO2 is still challenging. Here, we demonstrated that visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) can simultaneously provide three-dimensional anatomical tissue morphology, visualize microvasculature at the capillary level, and measure sO2 from the microvasculature in vivo. We utilized speckle contrast caused by the moving blood cells to enhance microvascular imaging. We applied a series of short-time inverse Fourier transforms to obtain the spectroscopic profile of blood optical attenuation, from which we quantified sO2. We validated the sO2 measurement in mouse ears in vivo through hypoxia and hyperoxia challenges. We further demonstrated that vis-OCT can continuously monitor dynamic changes of microvascular sO2.
A Qualitative Assessment of the My True Body Bariatric Surgery Preparation Program

Background: The My True Body (MTB) group intervention incorporates cognitive restructuring and social support into bariatric surgery preparation. Purpose: To identify and describe program components that support long-term behavioral modifications and influence confidence in healthy weight maintenance. Methods: Semistructured telephone interviews exploring motivations for participation, advantages, disadvantages, and differentiating characteristics of MTB were conducted among participants who completed MTB between March 2010 and December 2011. Qualitative data analysis was performed to identify emergent themes. Results: Four primary themes emerged: (1) the value of interpersonal support and shared experiences, (2) possibilities for psychological transformations, (3) MTB's philosophy as an alternative to dieting, and (4) increased capacity for healthy weight maintenance. All study participants identified at least one psychosocial benefit. Key cognitive benefits included clarified motivations for weight loss...
Wavelet transform and principal component analysis based clutter reduction for through wall imaging

Wavelet transform and principal component analysis based clutter reduction scheme is proposed for through wall imaging which is capable of discriminating between target, noise and clutter signals. Principal component analysis is used to reduce clutter and wavelet transform is used to further suppress noise signals (which results in enhancement of target signals). Proposed scheme significantly work well especially for extracting multiple targets in heavy clutters. Selection of different parameters (like mother wavelet, threshold type, threshold parameter, decomposition level and filter order etc) are explored for TWI. Existing and proposed schemes are compared on the basis of mean square error, peak signal to noise ratio and visual inspection.
Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Regulates Oxidative Stress Tolerance and Lifespan in Drosophila

Keap1/Nrf2 signaling defends organisms against the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and has been suggested to abate its consequences, including aging-associated diseases like neurodegeneration, chronic inflammation, and cancer. Nrf2 is a prominent target for drug discovery, and Nrf2-activating agents are in clinical trials for cancer chemoprevention. However, aberrant activation of Nrf2 by keap1 somatic mutations may contribute to carcinogenesis and promote resistance to chemotherapy. To evaluate potential functions of Keap1 and Nrf2 for organismal homeostasis, we characterized the pathway in Drosophila. We demonstrate that Keap1/Nrf2 signaling in the fruit fly is activated by oxidants, induces antioxidant and detoxification responses, and confers increased tolerance to oxidative stress. Importantly, keap1 loss-of-function mutations extend the lifespan of Drosophila males, supporting a role for Nrf2 signaling in the regulation of longevity. Interestingly, cancer chemopreventive drugs potently stimulate Drosophila Nrf2 activity, suggesting the fruit fly as an experimental system to identify and characterize such agents.
Accessibility of emerging rich web technologies: web 2.0 and the semantic web

Web 2.0 is a new approach to Web content, making it more interactive and allowing sites to combine features in new ways. This change in paradigm brings new challenges to people with disabilities. Accessibility advocates must develop solutions rapidly. Semantic Web technologies address some of these requirements, and accessibility innovation may be part of A convergence of the Web 2.0 and Semantic Web.
Conceptual design of a spaceborne radar for rain and cloud sensing

A conceptual design for a mid-latitude orbiting precipitation and cloud mapping radar is discussed. In this conceptual design the radar utilizes a narrow, dual-frequency beam, electronically scanned antenna to achieve 4-km spatial resolution and 300-km cross-track swath. Vertical resolution of 500 m is achieved by short-pulse transmission. It is expected that such system can measure rain rates up to 100 mm/hr for precipitation at the cloud base, surface precipitation up to 20 mm/hr, and cloud reflectivities as low as -39 dBz. By averaging over 100 independent samples, signal reflectivities can be estimated to better than 20 percent. Other rain and cloud characteristics, such as height, thickness, and cell size, can also be extracted from the data.
Mechanisms modulating inflammatory osteolysis: a review with insights into therapeutic targets.

Inflammatory osteolysis is a relatively frequent and incapacitating complication of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple other inflammation-associated bone diseases. It is thought to operate through an ultimate common pathway of accelerated osteoclast recruitment and activation under the control of cytokines produced in the inflammatory environment. Over the past decade, there have been major advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of osteoclastogenesis. It is now clear that the interaction of receptor activator NF-κB (RANK) and its ligand, RANKL, plays a central role in osteoclast formation and activity. Therefore, understanding osteoclastogenesis offers new pathways for potential therapeutic intervention in inflammatory osteolysis. The success of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1 therapy highlights the central role that these specific cytokines play in this disease. This review outlines our current understanding of the mechanisms mediating inflammatory osteolysis and highlights potential therapeutic strategies.
One-dimensional equations and solutions for particulate suspension flows

Several aspects of mathematical modeling of one-dimensional particulate suspension flows are investigated. General differential equations are developed based on typical modeling concepts and reduced to two differential equations with two dependent variables. Steady and unsteady solutions of these equations are obtained which illustrate the influence of modeling choices on predictions.
Thermotropic liquid crystalline main‐chain viologen polymers: Homopolymer‐of 4,4′‐bipyridyl with ditosylate of trans‐1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol and its copolymers with ditosylate of 1,8‐octanediol

A series of viologen polymers based on 4,4‘-bipyridyl and the ditosylates of trans-1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and 1,8-octanediol was prepared by the quaternization reaction in acetonitrile. Their polyelectrolyte behavior in a common organic solvent was studied by viscosity measurements, and their chemical structures were determined by FTIR and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopies. They were characterized for their lyotropic properties in a number of polar organic solvents by polarizing light microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry and for their photochromic properties by UV−vis spectroscopy. As expected, their inherent viscosity in methanol decreased dramatically with the increase in concentration in the absence of an added electrolyte. Although each of these polymers contained the ionic group along the backbone of the polymer chain, there was an array of weak ion-pair dipoles between the tosylate ion and the 4,4‘-bipyridinium ion in each of them, which was indicated by the appearance of symmetric stretch...
Fundamentals of Glass-to-Metal Bonding: VIII, Nature of Wetting and Adherence

The sessile-drop method for the evaluation of wetting is discussed in terms of forces acting on the liquid drop. For acute angles, or wetting of the solid, the driving force is the lowering of the solid-gas surface energy by the liquid. Contact angles of approximately 25° and less, obtained under appropriate conditions, appear to be associated with interfacial conditions that lead to the development of a strong chemical bond (an interchange or sharing of electrons) and to good adherence. A theory is proposed whereby chemical bonding depends on the development of a balance of bond energies across the metal-glass interface. The factors that lead to this condition are discussed. A modified Dupre's equation to take into account a strain factor and a contact coefficient is developed. Bonding of Na2Si2O5 molten glass to platinum, gold, and iron and oxidized iron in several atmospheres is discussed.
Uniaxial loading of the red-cell membrane

Abstract The overall strain in the direction of flow of human red blood cells which adhere to a glass surface is measured for a fluid shear stress at the surface between 1 and 10 dyn/cm 2 . At a given shear stress, the overall strain depends on the width of attachment of the cell at the leading (upstream) edge and the strain increases with decreasing width of attachment. At a shear stress of 10 dyn/cm 2 , overall strains as high as 60 per cent are observed for small widths of attachment (less than 0·5 μm). An analysis of cell deformation as a function of shear stress gives a modulus of elasticity for cell membrane of approximately 10 4 dyn/cm 2 if a membrane thickness of 0·01 μm is assumed.
17β-Estradiol Activation of the c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Pathway Leads to Down-Regulation of Class II Major Histocompatibility Complex Expression

Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins are important for specific recognition of foreign antigens by the immune system. Previously we showed that 17β-estradiol (E2) down-regulates class II MHC expression by attenuation of histone acetylation and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)-binding protein recruitment to the class II MHC promoter. Estrogen signals through nuclear receptors to mediate genomic effects; however, estrogen is also known to mediate rapid nongenomic effects. Our observation that ER antagonists fail to prevent E2 inhibition of class II MHC expression suggests that E2 is signaling in a nonclassical manner. We find that E2, as well as the antiestrogens tamoxifen (TAM) and ICI 182,780 (ICI), inhibit class II MHC expression through activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Pharmacological JNK inhibitors reverse the inhibitory effects of E2, TAM, and ICI on class II MHC expression. E2, TAM, and ICI activate the JNK pathway and subsequently activate c-Ju...
Interdependence of Child Care Resources and the Progress of Women in Society

The development of child care resources on a wide scale has crucial and direct relevance to the progess of women. Child care needs are increasing as growing numbers of women enter the labor force and choose higher educational goals. Identifiable groups of women in different living arrangements who are in need of child care and the availability of various kinds of child care are discussed. The development of need-based alternative child care resources dial would facilitate the progress of women is considered in terms of social, economic and political issues. Feasible alternatives for incorporating child care into education and industry are presented. The special advantage of these alternatives is that they would associate child care with work and education rather than with welfare. Because the institutions of work and education are central to society they could provide a broad foundation for the future development of child care on a wide scale.
The effects of heart-cavity blood resistivity and volume on endocardial potentials: theoretical predictions.

Abstract Theoretical concepts regarding the potential variations within the bloodfilled cavities of the heart caused by excitation of the myocardium are scarce. In an attempt to understand these potential variations, calculations were made of the potentials due to a dipole adjacent to a disk of finite resistivity. The dipole was assumed to be in an infinite two-dimensional medium of higher resistivity. Equations for the potential inside a sphere due to an external source are also given. On the basis of the results, predictions were made on the effects of the intracardiac blood on the endocardial potentials: (1) the potential at the center of the cavity is independent of blood resistivity and equivalent to the free space potential; (2) potentials due to a tangential dipole are uniformly reduced; (3) potentials due to a radial dipole are smaller near the dipole, but greater at the far end of the dipole axis; (4) for a dipole radial to or making an angle with the cavity, potentials are reduced at some points but increased at others; (5) the potential along the transverse axis of the dipole has a constant value depending on conductivity; (6) intracardiac blood tends to smooth out potential variations within the cavity; (7) the potential depends both on dipole distance and direction; and (8) if the cavity volume increases, potentials decrease with distance from the dipole; the potential at the adjacent endocardial wall changes little.
Relative Rates of Dementia By Multiple Case Definitions, Over Two Prevalence Periods, In Three Sociocultural Groups

The North Manhattan Aging Project registry, using both Reporting and Survey Components, identifies dementia cases among Latino, African-American, and non-Latino white sociocultural groups (9,349 persons 65 years of age or older) in contiguous census tracts. During a 2-year prevalence period of the reporting component, 1,592 persons were reported to the Registry and screened with five widely used brief cognitive measures; 844 were evaluated in a "clinical core," and 452 met research criteria for dementia, covering all subtypes, according to DSM-III-R criteria. Thirteen different case definitions for dementia were applied to the sociocultural groups at three levels of educational achievement, examining for associations with rates of dementia cases and controlling for age. The following findings were robust across case definitions: sociocultural membership was not associated, but lower education was associated, with increased rates of recorded dementia; however, the patterns of the association with education varied across sociocultural groups.
87Rb spin-lattice relaxation in the rotating frame and the phason gap in incommensurate Rb2ZnCl4

Abstract The temperature dependence of both the phason-induced 87 Rb 1 2 →- 1 2 rotating-frame spin-lattice relaxation time (T1ϱ) and the laboratory frame relaxation time (T1) was measured in the incommensurate phase of Rb2ZnCl4. The observed ratio T1/T1ϱ≅1.6 is much smaller than that predicted for the case of a gapless phason (T1/T1ϱ=√ωL/ω1≅86), thereby demonstrating the presence of a phason gap in this system. The phason gap was estimated to be 50 GHz, in agreement with other measurements.
Cybernetics and creativity: the metaphor of Brownian motions

Discusses the recent research interest in the relationship between cybernetics and creativity. Uses Brownian motion to review the metaphorical value of cybernetics. Points out that, although an examination from the cybernetics perspective is largely retrospective in nature, the lessons learned from this examination may provide interesting hindsight to guide our future creative activities.
Stool consistency and stool frequency are excellent clinical markers for adequate colon preparation after polyethylene glycol 3350 cleansing protocol: a prospective clinical study in children.

Background Colon preparation for a colonoscopy in children is a difficult task because of the unpalatable taste and large volume of cleansing solution that needs to be consumed to ensure a clean colon. Consequently, an unprepared colon frequently occurs in routine practices, which causes early termination and a repeated procedure. Objective (1) To assess the effectiveness of polyethylene glycol solution (PEG 3350) in preparing the colon of children scheduled for a colonoscopy and (2) to investigate clinical markers associated with an adequate colon preparation before a colonoscopy. Patients A total of 167 children scheduled for a colonoscopy. Design In a prospective study, children scheduled for a colonoscopy were given PEG 3350 solution (1.5 g/kg per day, up to 100 g/d) over a 4-day preparation period. Each day, a simple questionnaire that documents the amount of liquid consumed, adverse effects, and the number and consistency of stool was completed by the parents. After a colonoscopy procedure, the colon preparation was assigned a number grade. The data were later assessed and were compared to determine the association between the grade of cleansing and the frequency and/or consistency of stool during preparation. Results Colon preparation was completed in 149 children, 133 of whom were adequately prepared. Inadequate preparation was found in 16 children; the procedure was terminated prematurely in 2 of these patients because of unacceptable conditions. No significant adverse effects were noted. A number of ≥5 stools/d, and liquid stool consistency in the last 2 days of preparation were associated with adequate colon preparation. Conclusions PEG 3350 solution is safe, efficacious, and tolerable for children. Stool frequency and consistency in the last 2 days of preparation were excellent markers (positive predictive value 91%-95%), which predict an adequately clean colon before a colonoscopy in children.
On the Performance of Chain Codes for Quantization of Line Drawings

A class of quantization schemes is presented which generalizes various existing chain coding methods. For the general case, simple expressions are derived for the probabilities of the directional elements from which we can determine the number of curve points and the length of the quantized curve. These results allow for the comparison of performance of the various encoding schemes.
Policy-Making Boards and Religious-Affiliated Colleges: The Experiences of Two Baptist Institutions.

Over the last decades of the 20th century, and the first few years of the 21st, the conflict within the life of the Baptist church has often focused on control of Baptist-affiliated institutions of higher education. During this time, two such institutions in Georgia, Mercer University and Shorter College, were engaged in a struggle for power with the Georgia Baptist Convention, and often provided focal points for doctrinal disputes within the Baptist church as a whole. In this paper, the authors describe the development of the recent conflict between the Georgia Baptist Convention and the aforementioned institutions, provide historical background on intellectual life in the Baptist church generally, and provide a description of the legal issues that controlled the outcomes of the controversy concerning the two universities.
Histiocytosis X Resembling Cherry Angiomas

: Histiocytosis X is a disorder of histiocytes of the Langerhans' cell lineage. As the initial feature is often cutaneous, recognition of these skin changes is important. Several cutaneous manifestations have been described, most commonly, seborrheic dermatitis with a hemorrhagic component. We saw two patients with histiocytosis X with cutaneous manifestations resembling cherry angiomas.
Web-active users working with data

Mashups have emerged as an area of interest for end-user programming research. While many users may find the ability to develop mashups useful, there are still many barriers to locating interesting data, figuring out how to "mash" it together and creating a useful view of the result. Furthermore, there is still much to learn about the motivations and needs of the user. In this paper, we present the results of interviews and think-aloud studies of non-programmers working with XML data and a mashup building tool. This work aims to better understand the users' mental models as they first attempt to use a novel mashup tool. We identify key areas where breakdowns occur and propose a future path for research.
Legislative Malfeasance and Political Accountability

Utilizing a unique data set from the Italian Ministry of Justice reporting the transmission to the Chamber of Deputies of more than the thousand requests for the removal of parliamentary immunity from deputies suspected of criminal wrongdoing, the authors analyze the political careers of members of the Chamber during the first eleven postwar legislatures (1948–94). They find that judicial investigation typically did not discourage deputies from standing for reelection in Italy's large multimember electoral districts. They also show that voters did not punish allegedly malfeasant legislators with loss of office until the last (Eleventh) legislature in the sample. To account for the dramatic change in voter behavior that occurred in the early 1990s, the investigation focuses on the roles of the judiciary and the press. The results are consistent with a theory that a vigilant and free press is a necessary condition for political accountability in democratic settings. An independent judiciary alone is ineffective in ensuring electoral accountability if the public is not informed of political malfeasance.
The safety of immunotherapy during pregnancy

A group of 121 pregnancies from 90 atopic mothers who had received immunotherapy during pregnancy were studied retrospectively with the use of physician or maternal questionnaires and obstetric records. The incidence of prematurity, toxemia, abortion, neonatal death, and congenital malformation was no greater than that for the general population. The offspring of the treated mothers developed allergic disease as frequently as children born into allergic families. A group of 147 untreated pregnancies of atopic mothers were similarly studied, and the incidence of those parameters were similar except for a greater incidence of abortion. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Limitations of transcendental meditation in the treatment of essential hypertension

20 hypertensive patients participating in a professionally supervised programme of transcendental meditation showed no significant change in blood-pressure after a 6-month study. Although there were small reductions in systolic blood-pressure and in pulse-rate early in the trial, these changes had disappeared by 6 months. At no time did the mean diastolic pressure fall significantly. Plasma-renin activity did not change during the study. It is concluded that while the general feeling of wellbeing experienced by most patients may provide a useful adjunct to conventional treatments, it is unlikely that transcendental meditation contributes directly towards the lowering of blood-pressure.
Skin-muscle flap lower lid blepharoplasty: an easier dissection.

Most descriptions of the skin-muscle flap lower lid blepharoplasty, the so-called McIndoe technique, indicate dissection of the flap in a cephalad-to-caudad direction from near the ciliary margin toward the bony orbital rim. However, this report describes a technical variation in which counter-traction and lateral-to-medial blunt dissection “opens up” the potential anatomical space between the orbicularis oculi muscle and the tarsus and septum orbitale. This technique is easier and faster than the McIndoe procedure.
The COPD pipeline VIII.

This issue's column attempts to look far into the future to try to anticipate some of the dividends that basic research might bring to COPD management in the next decade or two. As there is more to...
In-season rehabilitation of a division III female wrestler after a glenohumeral dislocation.

Abstract Objective Wrestling is a popular sport in the United States at both the high school and collegiate levels. Traditionally a men's sport, participation by female athletes in wrestling is increasing. There exists a paucity of literature regarding injury incidence in women's wrestling. This lack of information challenges the ability of sports medicine and strength training professionals to design optimal injury prevention programs, training routines, and rehabilitation strategies. The objective of this report is to detail the successful conservative rehabilitation of a female wrestler after an initial glenohumeral dislocation. Design Case report Case description A 20-year-old female wrestling student–athlete presented to the university's sports medicine team after sustaining an anteriorly dislocated right shoulder. The patient had the goal to return back to competition in time for the National Championships. An evidenced-supported, non-traumatic glenohumeral instability rehabilitation protocol combined with weight-bearing exercises simulating functional sport positions was implemented with the goal of returning the injured collegiate female wrestler back to sport. Results At the end of the rehabilitation program the athlete demonstrated full active range of motion, good strength in the right shoulder, and reported her pain rating at a 1/10. The conservative rehabilitation strategy utilized in this case enabled the patient to return to wrestling and successfully compete at the National Championships.
The adsorption/impregnation of Pd(II) cations on alumina, silica, and their composite oxides

Abstract Two models are proposed to evaluate the electric charge structure of alumina on silica and silica on alumina composite oxides. The data for these models have been determined at pH and ionic strength conditions identical to those employed during Pd(ll) cation adsorption/impregnation. From these models we determine the inventory of negative charge on each support. The model, which considers that both the geometrical and charge structure of the oxide system can be represented as a simple additive contribution of each of the pure phases (i.e., A1203 and SiO2), is shown to be consistent with the strongly adsorbed Pd(NH3)42+ adsorbed amount determined from adsorption isotherm measurements.
Simultaneous input and state estimation for linear discrete-time stochastic systems with direct feedthrough

In this paper, we present an optimal filter for linear discrete-time stochastic systems with direct feedthrough that simultaneously estimates the states and unknown inputs in an unbiased minimum-variance sense. We argue that the information about the unknown input can be obtained from the current time step as well as the previous one, making it possible to estimate the unknown input in different ways. We then propose one variation of the filter that uses the updated state estimate to compute the best linear unbiased estimate (BLUE) of the unknown input. The comparison of the new filter and the filters in existing literature is discussed in detail and tested in simulation examples.
HOSPITAL ETHICS COMMITTEES AND NURSES' PARTICIPATION

The hospital ethics committee's mandates of patient care review, policy formation, and education make them central to nurses and healthcare delivery. In a study examining nurses' communication exchange frequency and perceived effectiveness as members of hospital ethics committees, nurses represented the largest proportion, were moderately active, and rated their participation effectiveness the highest: they are more involved in discussions regarding patients than policy formation and education. Nurse administrators can provide strategies and education for nurses that enhance nurses' participation in all three committee functions. Policies affect patient care; therefore, policy decisions, too, benefit from nurses' participation.
Identification of an Amiloride Binding Domain within the α-Subunit of the Epithelial Na+ Channel

Limited information is available regarding domains within the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) which participate in amiloride binding. We previously utilized the anti-amiloride antibody (BA7.1) as a surrogate amiloride receptor to delineate amino acid residues that contact amiloride, and identified a putative amiloride binding domain WYRFHY (residues 278-283) within the extracellular domain of alpharENaC. Mutations were generated to examine the role of this sequence in amiloride binding. Functional analyses of wild type (wt) and mutant alpharENaCs were performed by cRNA expression in Xenopus oocytes and by reconstitution into planar lipid bilayers. Wild type alpharENaC was inhibited by amiloride with a Ki of 169 nM. Deletion of the entire WYRFHY tract (alpharENaC Delta278-283) resulted in a loss of sensitivity of the channel to submicromolar concentrations of amiloride (Ki = 26.5 microM). Similar results were obtained when either alpharENaC or alpharENaC Delta278-283 were co-expressed with wt beta- and gammarENaC (Ki values of 155 nM and 22.8 microM, respectively). Moreover, alpharENaC H282D was insensitive to submicromolar concentrations of amiloride (Ki = 6.52 microM), whereas alpharENaC H282R was inhibited by amiloride with a Ki of 29 nM. These mutations do not alter ENaC Na+:K+ selectivity nor single-channel conductance. These data suggest that residues within the tract WYRFHY participate in amiloride binding. Our results, in conjunction with recent studies demonstrating that mutations within the membrane-spanning domains of alpharENaC and mutations preceding the second membrane-spanning domains of alpha-, beta-, and gammarENaC alters amiloride's Ki, suggest that selected regions of the extracellular loop of alpharENaC may be in close proximity to residues within the channel pore.
Potential Influence of Intravenous Lipids on the Outcomes of Acute Pancreatitis

Parenteral nutrition (PN) has been associated with a higher rate of adverse outcomes compared with enteral feeding in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). However, PN may be necessary when feeding via the enteral route is poorly tolerated or impossible, and PN is recommended as a second-line nutrition therapy in AP. Intravenous (IV) lipids are commonly used as a part of PN in patients with AP. While the adverse outcomes related to the use of PN in AP have commonly been attributed to infectious complications, data suggest that the unsaturated fatty acids in the triglycerides used in IV lipids may contribute to the development of organ failure. We discuss the clinical and experimental data on this issue and the alternative lipid emulsions that are being studied.
Grounding Causal Closure

What does it mean to say that mind-body dualism is causally problematic in a way that other mind-body theories, such as the psychophysical type identity theory, are not? After considering and rejecting various proposals, I advance my own, which focuses on what grounds the causal closure of the physical realm. A metametaphysical implication of my proposal is that philosophers working without the notion of grounding in their toolkit are metaphysically impoverished. They cannot do justice to the thought, encountered in every introductory class in the philosophy of mind, that dualism has a special problem accounting for mental causation.