cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Financial and Educational Costs of the Residency Interview Process for Urology Applicants

Objectives To investigate the financial and educational costs of the urology residency interview process, we performed a survey of the applicants to the 2006 urology match. Methods All applicants registered for the 2006 urology match were invited to participate. In January 2006 prior to the match, an anonymous online survey containing 8 questions on the financial and educational costs of the interview process was distributed via email. Results Survey response rate was 61% (287/468). The median educational debt of the applicants was $125,000 (IQR 65,000 to 160,000). Respondents reported having a median 12 interviews (IQR 8 to 15) with urology residencies and spending a median 20 days (IQR 14 to 30) on the interview trail. The total cost of the interview process was a median $4000 (IQR 2000 to 5200) with a median expense per interview of $330 (IQR 211 to 455). Applicants reported that travel expenses accounted for a median 60% of overall interview expenses, whereas the remainder of the expense was accounted for by lodging (25%), food (10%) and clothing (5%). The money to cover these interview-related expenses was obtained primarily by loans. Forty-six percent of the applicants reported that skipping medical school clerkships and classes for urology interviews was "not at all detrimental" to their medical education, whereas 1% reported that it was "greatly detrimental." Conclusions The financial cost of the interview process for urology applicants is substantial, although the educational cost appears to be limited. Efforts to reduce the financial impact of the interview process should be initiated at both a regional and national level.
Positronium Hyperfine Interval Measured via Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy

We report Doppler-free measurements of the positronium (Ps) Lyman-α transition using saturated absorption spectroscopy. In addition to a Lamb dip at wavelength λ(L) = 243.0218 ± 0.0005 nm, we also observed a crossover resonance at λ(C) = 243.0035 ± 0.0005 nm, arising from the excitation of 1(3)S(1) atoms to Zeeman mixed 2P states, followed by stimulated emission to the 1(1)S(0) ground state. Since (λ(L)-λ(C)) is related to the Ps hyperfine interval E(hfs), this observation constitutes the first optical measurement of this quantity and yields E(hfs) = 198.4 ± 4.2 GHz. We describe improvements to the methodology that could lead to the ∼ppm level of precision required to address the long-standing discrepancy between QED calculations and precision experiments using microwave radiation to induce transitions between Zeeman shifted triplet Ps states.
The impact of workplace factors on filing of workers’ compensation claims among nursing home workers

Background Injuries reported to workers’ compensation (WC) system are often used to estimate incidence of health outcomes and evaluate interventions in musculoskeletal epidemiology studies. However, WC claims represent a relatively small subset of all musculoskeletal disorders among employed individuals, and perhaps not a representative subset. This study determined the influence of workplace and individual factors on filing of workers’ compensation claims by nursing home employees with back pain.
A generalized index formatting system with photocomposition capabilities

T purpose of this system is to produce bibliographic indexes in a variety of page formats. It assumes that the input data is already in machine-readable form and that it is probably stored in a data bank. It also assumes that since the data is to be used more than once and for different formats, the component parts of the bibliographic citation (author, title, etc.) are uniquely identifiable. Finally, since the data bank will probably contain many more bibliographic entries than required for a particular index, a retrieval system has already selected the desired subset of bibliographic entries before the index generator is used.
Novel System for Obtaining Variable Phase Contrast

The variable phase system described is characterized by a wide separation of the deviated and the undeviated light bundles so that phase-modifying or absorbing elements can readily be inserted. The path separation is accomplished by a partially aluminized plate inserted in a direction normal to the optical axis, thus facilitating the necessary alignment. Geometrical coincidence has been obtained by introducing into one of the pathways a penta-type mirror system.
Applications Of Optical Morphological Transformations

Applications of morphological transformations on an optical symbolic substitution processor are presented. Simulation results of several morphological image processing operations (edge detection, hit-or-miss transformation, and skeletonization) are presented, and examples of their use in industrial inspection are given.
Action Researchers' Perspectives about the Distinguishing Characteristics of Action Research: A Delphi and Learning Circles Mixed-Methods Study.

The purpose of this study was to identify distinguishing characteristics of action research within the Action Research Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association. The authors sought to delineate the foundational framework endorsed by this community. The study was conducted during January–April 2012 and employed an emergent simultaneous mixed-methods design utilizing Delphi and learning circles methodologies. The findings include 30 distinguishing characteristics of action research practiced within this knowledge community. The discussion addresses the challenges associated with defining action research, specific definitional issues, and prospects for opening dialogical spaces within which action researchers co-create knowledge. Potential implications for action research include: constructing boundaries of conceptual frameworks in action research; fostering coherence across action research studies; contributing to quality and rigor in critiquing action research; and supporting ...
Effect of Kernel Size and Mill Type on Protein, Milling Yield, and Baking Quality of Hard Red Spring Wheat

ABSTRACT Optimization of flour yield and quality is important in the milling industry. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of kernel size and mill type on flour yield and end-use quality. A hard red spring wheat composite sample was segregated, based on kernel size, into large, medium, and small kernels, as well as unsorted kernels. The four fractions were milled in three roller mills: Brabender Quadrumat Jr., Quadrumat Sr., and Buhler MLU-202 laboratory mills. Large kernels had consistently higher flour yield than small kernels across mills, with the Quadrumat Jr. mill showing the lowest flour yield. Mill type and kernel size significantly affected variation in flour protein molecular weight distribution. When compared with larger kernels, flour milled from the small-kernel fraction contained a higher gliadin fraction and SDS-unextractable high-molecular-weight polymeric proteins, which had positive correlations with bread loaf volume (r = 0.61, P < 0.05) and mixograph peak time (r = ...
Spectra and structure of silicon containing compounds

Abstract Variable temperature (−55 to −150°C) studies of the infrared spectra (3500–400 cm −1 ) of methyl vinyl difluorosilane, CH 2 CHSiF 2 CH 3 , dissolved in liquid xenon and krypton have been recorded. Utilizing three sets of conformer doublets due to the cis and gauche rotamers from the krypton solution and two pairs from the xenon solution, the enthalpy difference has been determined to be 67±7 cm −1 (0.80±0.09 kJ/mol) and 83±11 cm −1 (0.99±0.14 kJ/mol), respectively, with the gauche conformer the more stable form. However, in the crystalline solid only the cis conformer is present. Ab initio calculations have been carried out with several different basis sets up to MP2/6-311+G(2d,2p) with full electron correlation by the perturbation method from which the conformational stabilities have been determined. With the largest basis set MP2/6-311+G(2d,2p), the cis conformer is predicted to be the more stable conformer by 10 cm −1 which is inconsistent with the experimental results; however, this value is so small that the ab initio prediction cannot be relied on to give the correct conformer stability. The spectroscopic and theoretical results are compared to the corresponding quantities for some similar molecules.
Paraquat-induced, dose-dependent conditioned taste aversions and weight loss mediated by the area postrema.

Abstract Paraquat's (PQ) effect on feeding behavior in the rat was examined using a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) paradigm. CTA is a learned avoidance of tastes closely associated with prior illness. Male Sprague-Dawley rats trained to drink an instant breakfast solution were subsequently offered a novel-flavored solution and consumption was measured over 30 min. Following consumption of the novel solution, PQ (0.48–48.0 μmol/kg) was injected subcutaneously. Peak blood PQ concnetrations were measured by serially sampling blood (0.15 ml) from an indwelling jugular cannula between 10 and 35 min after injection. Two days later, the rats were offered the same novel-flavored solution. Paraquat produced dose-dependent avoidance of the novel solution when injected subcutaneously. A PQ dosage of 2.7 μmol/kg or less did not alter consumption. The ED50 for CTA production of 13.0 μmol/kg was determined by log-probit analysis. The minimum effective dosage was 4.2 μm/kg. The doses examined did not produce overt clinical or histological signs of toxicity. Peak blood paraquat concentration was linearly related ( r = 0.995) to dosage. Additionally when administered by gavage CTAs occurred only with a much larger PQ dosage (480 μmol/kg). Thermal lesions of a hindbrain circum ventricular organ, the area postrema (AP), prevented PQ-induced CTAs despite repeated PQ injections. Additionally, weight loss following PQ exposure was also attenuated by AP lesions. CTAs were induced in these same AP-lesioned rats by oral administration of copper sulfate. This substance conditions taste aversions by activating vagal afferent neurons. The fact that copper sulfate-induced aversions were not blocked by lesions of the area posterema indicates that the lesioned rats are capable of forming CTAs when treated with a toxicant which does not act via the AP. These data indicate that PQ produces CTAs in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PQ-induced CTAs and weight loss are mediated by the AP. The AP may contain receptors which detect xenobiotics, enabling animals to avoid future contact with these compounds.
ADAMs: key components in EGFR signalling and development

ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) proteins are membrane-anchored metalloproteases that process and shed the ectodomains of membrane-anchored growth factors, cytokines and receptors. ADAMs also have essential roles in fertilization, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, heart development and cancer. Research on ADAMs and their role in protein ectodomain shedding is emerging as a fertile ground for gathering new insights into the functional regulation of membrane proteins.
Comparison of nuclear and Coulomb measurements of nuclear shapes

A calculation is described which contains hitherto neglected terms in the extraction of nuclear shapes from scattering data. These corrections are used in the comparison of deformations determined by measurements of distributions of nuclear potential with those of charge distributions, and serve to reduce the apparent discrepancies between those two types of measurements. (auth)
SIMILARITY RELATIONS, VAGUE GROUPS, AND FUZZY SUBGROUPS

We define vague groups in terms of similarity relations rather than fuzzy equalities. This yields a bijection between the set of all right-invariant similarity relations on a group and the set of all fuzzy subgroups of the group. Under this bijection, right-invariant and left-invariant similarity relations correspond to normal fuzzy subgroups. We show how this bijection allows for the transfer of results between vague groups and fuzzy subgroups. In particular, certain numerical invariants that characterize fuzzy subgroups of an Abelian group can be used to characterize vague groups.
Mid-Career Transition

Abstract The era of change is now the rule rather than the exception. Organizations are adapting to environmental demands such as an expanding international market, individual work techniques in manufacturing are being replaced by work group techniques because of increasing competition, and the individual himself/herself is experiencing changes in values through the maturation process as well. At mid-career these transitions pose difficult questions for the individual; he/she is concerned with maintaining work competency and managing change related stress. A strategy involving the continuous scanning of organizational, work and individual issues may assist the mid-careerist in answering these questions. Learning, understanding, predicting and acting, and controlling are the elements required in the process of problem-solving and decision-making for the individual as he manages his/her mid-career transition through this myriad of organizational, work, and individual change.
A temperature match based optimization method for daily load prediction considering DLC effect

This paper presents a unique optimization method for short-term load forecasting. The new method is based on the optimal template temperature match between the future and past temperatures. The optimal error reduction technique is a new concept introduced in this paper. Two case studies show that for hourly load forecasting, this method can yield results as good as the rather complicated Box-Jenkins transfer function method, and better than the Box-Jenkins method. For peak load prediction, this method is comparable in accuracy to the neural network method with backpropagation, and can produce more accurate results than the multilinear regression method. The direct load control (DLC) effect on system load is also considered in this method.
Access, Cost, And Financing: Achieving An Ethical Health Reform

Three key ethical issues should inform the broader debate about health reform: (1) Why pursue universal coverage? (2) Why is cost containment an ethical issue? (3) What is fairness in financing? After examining these issues, we conclude that the core ethical values underlying each of these goals—including expanding opportunity, sharing burdens equally, and respect for persons—limit the means that can be pursued in health reform. Although national health reform will not accomplish all of the objectives of social justice, true comprehensive reform—even under conditions of political compromise—represents an important step forward.
Heme models. I. Solution behavior of a water soluble iron porphyrin.

Abstract A well-behaved water soluble iron-porphyrin system, meso-tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphinato iron (III) was synthesized. Its solution behavior is described using visable and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The complex exists in solution as three distinct forms of bridged dimers, oxo, hydroxo and aquo, with the following pK's: oxo + H+ ⇌ hydroxo, pK = 9.58; hydroxo + H+ ⇌ aquo, pK = 6.72. In the presence of excess imidazole the second pK is found to be 7.05. Detailed analysis of the interaction of the hydroxo-bridged form with imidazole is presented. It is found that one dimer unit simultaneously binds two imidazole molecules, with an over-all equilibrium constant log Keq = −1.22. EPR spectra are presented for the various forms of iron-porphyrin discussed.
Molybdenum hexacarbonyl as a catalyst precursor for solvent-free direct coal liquefaction

The use of molybdenum hexacarbonyl, Mo(CO)6, an effective catalyst precursor for coal liquefaction even in the absence of added liquids or special impregnation procedures, was studied in solvent-free microautoclave experiments. The activity of the catalysts formed from Mo(CO)6, both for liquefaction of a Blind Canyon bituminous coal and for methanation of CO in the absence of coal, was a function of activation conditions and reaction parameters. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction and other methods. Decomposition of Mo(CO)6 in the absence of sulfur led to an active form of molybdenum carbide. The use of H2S, the preferred sulfur source, promoted the decomposition of Mo(CO)6, led to MoS2, and promoted coal liquefaction. Pressure/temperature data recorded throughout the microautoclave experiment were used to determine the onset of catalytic activity for methanation of the CO released from Mo(CO)6 upon decomposition in the absence of coal. Methanation activity was seen at temperatures as lo...
Aminoglycoside ototoxicity: a human temporal bone study.

Objective Hearing loss after aminoglycoside administration has been thought to result primarily from hair cell injury. The purpose of the study was to determine the potential for direct injury of spiral ganglion cells and hair cells in cases of documented human aminoglycoside ototoxicity. Study Design Retrospective case review. Methods The clinical course of two individuals with aminoglycoside ototoxicity are documented, including the details of administration of tobramycin and other ototoxic medication and serial audiograms. The temporal bones were processed, and the cochlear elements quantified. Results Histopathological study of the temporal bones from the individuals in the study demonstrated reduction of both ganglion cell and hair cell populations. Spiral ganglion cell loss was not necessarily subadjacent to areas of hair cell loss in cases of aminoglycoside ototoxicity. Instead, spiral ganglion cell reduction may be present in segments of the cochlea with normal-appearing hair cells. Conclusions The study suggests that aminoglycoside antibiotics can injure spiral ganglion cells directly, as well as hair cells. Thus, the characteristic hearing loss of ototoxicity can result from degeneration of either cochlear element.
A silicon integrated circuit force sensor

A piezoresistive bridge and integrated circuit amplifier can be made in the same silicon cantilever. The purpose of the amplifier is to linearize as well as amplify the output.
Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides as antiviral agents.

A new paradigm is needed for the development of antiviral drugs. Most drugs that have been developed work according to a paradigm in which a small organic molecule, often of natural origin, fits into an enzyme active site. This interaction usually requires 3-4 hydrogen bonds that confer most of the specificity. Such drugs are discovered rarely in random screening programs. Another paradigm is the incorporation into the putative drug molecule of a higher degree of information, that ensures greater specificity through more hydrogen bonds. Perhaps, the most specific interaction that has been discovered in biology is the Watson-Crick base-pairing found in DNA duplexes. This is the basis of the genetic code, that must be stable, selective and reproducible. It has also evolved over millennia. An informational drug might have encoded in it the complementary, or antisense, base sequence, to a target cellular nucleic acid sequence. In practical terms, this means using an oligodeoxynucleotide targeted at a sequence in the mRNA of the gene to bring about translation arrest (Cohen, 1989a). This term was originally coined in relation to the expression in prokaryotes of antisense mRNA that is produced naturally as a regulatory process in relation to the expressed, or sense, mRNA (Inouye, 1988). The strategy of producing antisense mRNA through the medium of a plasmid vector has been used to regulate sense
Toward a Structural Assessment: Analyzing the Merits of an Assessment Tool for a Student with E/BD

The past decade has given rise to a resurgence of interest in the investigation of antecedent events that "set the stage" for the occurrence of problem behaviors and, correspondingly, the role of t...
Assessing the effect of visual isolation on the population density of atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) using gis

Few studies investigate the behavioural response of organisms to stream enhancement schemes. One behavioural process that is rarely examined in enhancement studies is the visual isolation created by adding boulders on the river bed. The objective of this research is to use a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) viewshed analysis to determine if the increase in density of Atlantic salmon observed in boulder-added zones is related to visual isolation or, alternatively, the presence of a velocity refuge. Eight study sites were established on Catamaran Brook and Little Southwest Miramichi River (New Brunswick, Canada). Each reach was divided into three quadrats of 3 m × 2 m. In one of the quadrats, 36 boulders (D50 = 0.20 m) were added to increase visual isolation. Boulders were removed from another adjacent quadrat whereas a third quadrat was left in a natural state. A detailed Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was created for all the sites with a total station. Atlantic salmon were observed by snorkelling on several occasions during two summers. Their position was recorded with the total station and the snout and average velocity was measured. A GIS viewshed analysis was performed to determine the visible area for each fish and to verify whether the surrounding fish were visible or not. Results suggest that the primary mechanism responsible for the observed increase in Atlantic salmon population density in the experimental quadrats is a reduction in the field of view of individuals, through an increase in habitat heterogeneity, which is consistent with the visual isolation hypothesis. There was also no change in the snout velocity of salmon among the three treatments, suggesting that the increase in density is not consistent with the velocity-refuge hypothesis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laboratory modules for conducting comparative analysis of 802.11 frames

As wireless networking in the enterprise has gained popularity within recent years, the demand for technical talent has increased in direct proportion to that demand. This has occurred partially due to the complexity of troubleshooting and security issues. Professional wireless networking certification programs have also become popular as a result of the financial incentives associated with this demand. Since the content taught in these professional certifications is an appropriate reflection of the challenges faced in the real world as reported by Fortune magazine and the ChannelWeb network [11], it makes sense to align the content of undergraduate wireless networking courses with that of these certifications.University professors have often taken the approach of teaching 802.11 wireless networks starting from the signal processing layer and immediately transitioning to the higher layers. This process bypasses the Media Access Control (MAC) layer in consequence. Understanding the MAC layer is of utmost importance for understanding wireless network security because it contains the management frames that control both authentication and encryption.In this paper, course modules were created for undergraduates that focus on the 802.11 and 802.3 MAC layers and can be used to facilitate teaching troubleshooting and security concepts for wireless networking with the help of packet sniffers. These modules provide students with the hands-on experience of what is generally illustrated in only text for Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Virtual Private Networking (VPN) as well as troubleshooting skills.
Serious Play: The Power of Singing Games in Learning and Life

(2009). Serious Play: The Power of Singing Games in Learning and Life. Journal of Curriculum and Pedagogy: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 114-141.
Cervical carcinoid (“argyrophil cell” carcinoma) associated with an endocervical adenocarcinoma: A light and ultrastructural study

On microscopic examination of a cervical carcinoid removed from a 29-year-old woman, foci of endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and severe squamous dysplasia were present immediately adjacent to the invasive carcinoid tumor. Cells of the carcinoid tumor contained abundant intracytoplasmic argyrophilic granules and numerous neurosecretory granules (NSG) on ultrastructural study. Neoplastic cells of the endocervical AIS were devoid of argyrophilic granules and contained no NSGs. The present neoplastic process appeared similar to cases of a "mixed" type neoplasm composed of a carcinoid tumor and an adenocarcinoma, which have been reported from several areas of the body but only once previously from the cervix. The possible mechanisms accounting for such an unusual neoplastic process are discussed.
Fluxes of dissolved combined neutral sugars (polysaccharides) in the Delaware estuary

This project examined concentrations, composition and turnover neutral sugars in the Delaware estuary to gain insights into dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) use by heterotrophic bacteria and into the lability and diagenetic state of dissolved organic material (DOM) during passage through the estuary. Dissolved free monosaccharides were not measurable (<5 nM) in the estuary whereas concentrations of dissolved combined neutral sugars (DCNS) were high, much higher than observed in oceanic waters. DCNS made up a similar fraction of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) as in the oceanic waters examined to date, and the monosaccharide composition of the DCNS pool was similar to that of oceanic waters. The composition did not vary substantially within the estuary or seasonally, but it did vary among three size fractions of the organic matter pool. Glucose was enriched in the low molecular weight fraction of DOC and in particulate material, whereas the high molecular weight DOC fraction was slightly depleted in glucose. Depletion experiments indicated that DCNS is not used extensively on the day time scale in the Delaware estuary, although freshly-produced polysaccharides may still be important carbon sources for heterotrophic bacteria. The very low concentrations of free monosaccharides in the Delaware estuary help to explain why DIN use by heterotrophic bacteria is relatively low in this estuary. Although DOC-DIN interactions in the Delaware apparently differ from oceanic waters, the portion of DOM traced by DCNS, which is thought to be the labile fraction, appears to be similar to that of oceanic DOM, suggesting that organic material in the estuary is degraded extensively before being exported to the coastal ocean.
Failure Analysis on Tube Socket Crack of Supercritical Boiler Water Wall Header

Through methods, such as microscope analysis, mechanical analysis, chemical analysis, metallography examination and scanning electron microscope etc, the causes resulting in lots of tube socket cracks of supercritical boiler water wall header (15CrMo) have been analyzed. The result indicates failure of the supercritical boiler water wall header tube sockets are the ductile fracture and belong to thermal stress crack. The unreasonable structure, excessive thermal stress between header and sockets are the primarily inducement of crack failure.
EBBSC: A Balanced Scorecard-Based Framework for Strategic E-Business Management

E-business is far more about strategy than technology, and the strategy of e-business is very important in todayâ€™s dynamic and competitive environment. In this article, we describe a balanced scorecard-based framework in detail and discuss its potential e-business uses. This framework enables e-business managers to plan and allocate resources more effectively and align strategic objectives with performance results. It also provides a stable point of reference for e-businesses to understand and manage the fundamental changes introduced by e-business initiatives.
Response of mannitol-producing Arabidopsis thaliana to abiotic stress

In celery, mannitol is a primary photosynthetic product that is associated with celery’s exceptional salt tolerance. Arabidopsis plants transformed with celery’s mannose-6-phosphate reductase (M6PR) gene produce mannitol and grow normally in the absence of stress. Daily analysis of the increase in growth (fresh and dry weight, leaf number, leaf area per plant and specific leaf weight) over a 12-day period showed less effect of salt (100 mm NaCl) on the M2 transformant than wild type (WT). Following a 12-day treatment of WT, M2 and M5 plants with 100 or 200 mm NaCl the total shoot fresh weight, leaf number, and leaf area were significantly greater in transformants than in WT plants. The efficiency of use of energy for photochemistry by PSII was measured daily under growth conditions. In WT plants treated with 100 mm NaCl, the PSII yield begin decreasing after 6 days with a 50% loss in yield after 12 days, indicating a severe loss in PSII efficiency; whereas, there was no effect on the transformants. Under atmospheric levels of CO2, growth with 200 mm NaCl caused an increase in the substomatal levels of CO2 in WT plants but not in transformants. It also caused a marked decrease in carboxylation efficiency under limiting levels of CO2 in WT compared with transformants. When stress was imposed and growth reduced by withholding water for 12 days, which resulted in a similar decrease in relative water content to salt-treated plants, there were no differences among the genotypes in PSII yields or growth. The results suggest mannitol, which is known to be a compatible solute and antioxidant, protects photosynthesis against salt-related damage to chloroplasts.
Polyelectrolyte properties of single stranded DNA measured using SAXS and single molecule FRET: beyond the wormlike chain model

Nucleic acids are highly charged polyelectrolytes that interact strongly with salt ions. Rigid, base-paired regions are successfully described with wormlike chain models, but nonbase-paired single stranded regions have fundamentally different polymer properties because of their greater flexibility. Recently, attention has turned to single stranded nucleic acids due to the growing recognition of their biological importance, as well as the availability of sophisticated experimental techniques sensitive to the conformation of individual molecules. We investigate polyelectrolyte properties of poly(dT), an important and widely studied model system for flexible single stranded nucleic acids, in physiologically important mixed mono- and divalent salt. We report measurements of the form factor and interparticle interactions using SAXS, end-to-end distances using smFRET, and number of excess ions using ASAXS. We present a coarse-grained model that accounts for flexibility, excluded volume, and electrostatic interactions in these systems. Predictions of the model are validated against experiment. We also discuss the state of all-atom, explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations of poly(dT), the next step in understanding the complexities of ion interactions with these highly charged and flexible polymers.
Deliberation, Democracy, and the Rule of Reason in Aristotle's Politics

Deliberative democratic theorists argue that important moral questions turn on whether regimes are sufficiently deliberative. To attribute “deliberativeness” to a regime, we need an account of “deliberative integration” that connects such a holistic assessment to the acts or qualities of individuals and smaller groups. I turn to Aristotle's Politics for instruction in developing such accounts, arguing that he judges regimes according to how reliably they act pursuant to excellent common deliberation—a manner of excellent rule that I call the “rule of reason.” I then interpret Aristotle's metaphorical argument for the “wisdom of the multitude” to establish the claim that democracies may best integrate citizens’ deliberations. This interpretation illuminates Aristotle's complex evaluation of regimes, including his ambivalent views on the rule of the many. It also suggests a structure for contemporary accounts of deliberative integration helpful even for those who differ from Aristotle in their basic moral concerns.
Dynamical Effects of Aerosol Perturbations on Simulated Idealized Squall Lines

AbstractThe dynamical effects of increased aerosol loading on the strength and structure of numerically simulated squall lines are explored. Results are explained in the context of Rotunno–Klemp–Weisman (RKW) theory. Changes in aerosol loading lead to changes in raindrop size and number that ultimately affect the strength of the cold pool via changes in evaporation. Thus, the balance between cold pool and low-level wind shear–induced vorticities can be changed by an aerosol perturbation. Simulations covering a wide range of low-level wind shears are performed to study the sensitivity to aerosols in different environments and provide more general conclusions. Simulations with relatively weak low-level environmental wind shear (0.0024 s−1) have a relatively strong cold pool circulation compared to the environmental shear. An increase in aerosol loading leads to a weakening of the cold pool and, hence, a more optimal balance between the cold pool– and environmental shear–induced circulations according to RKW...
Public policy and evidence-based practice

The time has come to add to the body of EBP implementation knowledge at multiple levels, including knowledge about policy, program priorities, clinician practice, consumer adherence, and family member support. Implementation at the policy level, however, is primary and paramount. The national initiative supporting EBP implementation is one of the most important innovations on the mental health horizon. It will serve as the testing ground for what can be learned about bridging the gap between science and service. This important initiative will not go far if it is not supported by mental health policies--at state and federal levels--that create the organizational and financial incentives to implement EBPs. In addition, it will be a time-limited activity if it also does not yield lessons about how to adapt to new evidence and on-going systemic changes. Organizations must be flexible and able to learn and adapt. The promise of decades of research must be realized in practice. There is an opportunity to combine quality improvement with accountability through performance measurement and the implementation of effective new services and treatments. The Surgeon General simultaneously identified this research's promise and documented its shortcomings. His report outlines courses of action for policymakers that should guide clinicians away from service disparities and toward the implementation of EBP.
Neural latencies across auditory cortex of macaque support a dorsal stream supramodal timing advantage in primates

Sensory systems across the brain are specialized for their input, yet some principles of neural organization are conserved across modalities. The pattern of anatomical connections from the primate auditory cortex to the temporal, parietal, and prefrontal lobes suggests a possible division into dorsal and ventral auditory processing streams, with the dorsal stream originating from more caudal areas of the auditory cortex, and the ventral stream originating from more rostral areas. These streams are hypothesized to be analogous to the well-established dorsal and ventral streams of visual processing. In the visual system, the dorsal processing stream shows substantially faster neural response latencies than does the ventral stream. However, the relative timing of putative dorsal and ventral stream processing has yet to be explored in other sensory modalities. Here, we compare distributions of neural response latencies from 10 different areas of macaque auditory cortex, confirmed by individual anatomical reconstructions, to determine whether a similar timing advantage is found for the hypothesized dorsal auditory stream. Across three varieties of auditory stimuli (clicks, noise, and pure tones), we find that latencies increase with hierarchical level, as predicted by anatomical connectivity. Critically, we also find a pronounced timing differential along the caudal-to-rostral axis within the same hierarchical level, with caudal (dorsal stream) latencies being faster than rostral (ventral stream) latencies. This observed timing differential mirrors that found for the dorsal stream of the visual system, suggestive of a common timing advantage for the dorsal stream across sensory modalities.
Ground-level concentrations due to fumigation into an entraining mixed layer

Abstract Laboratory measurements on fumigation into a convectively mixed layer indicate how the near surface concentration behaves with time. For a fumigating ribbon with initial dimensions much smaller than the mixed-layer depth, the near-surface concentrations are shown to be independent of both the initial lateral and vertical dimensions of the fumigating plume. Because of extensive irregularities in the local mixed-layer height, even in horizontally homogeneous conditions, a surprisingly long time is required between the onset and completion of fumigant entrainment. For two categories of entrainment rate: slow and fast, the experiments indicate how the ensemble-averaged concentration near the surface reaches a greater maximum in less time for the more rapid entrainment. A model which approximates the laboratory results is found to be grossly in error unless a very substantial time is allowed for vertical mixing of an entrained parcel of fumigant inside the mixed layer to be completed. The model and laboratory data together also suggest that horizontal mixing of entrained fumigants proceeds more slowly when the entrainment is more rapid. For the two categories of entrainment studied, graphs are presented showing how the maximum timeaveraged near-surface concentration in the horizontally homogeneous situation depends on averaging time and upon the angle between the wind velocity inside the mixed layer and just above. In the steady lake-breeze situation the maximum mean value found in the laboratory is an upper limit to the maximum time-averaged value inland of the shoreline because of the absence of downstream diffusion in the laboratory experiments.
Effect of lime on gelatinization of corn flour and starch

ABSTRACT Analysis of swelling power, water retention capacity, and degree of gelatinization of corn flour cooked in water with and without lime indicated, over a concentration range of 0–1% (w/v), that at low concentrations, lime increases swelling and digestibility of starch granules. Measurement of starch solubility revealed an increase in the amount of starch dissolved by lime cooking. Swelling, retention, and gelatinization exhibited maxima at or near 0.2% (w/v) lime, and then decreased as lime concentration increased. Hot-stage polarized light microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry of isolated starch revealed increasing gelatinization temperatures with increasing lime concentrations. It is hypothesized that the high pH of the system causes starch hydroxyl groups to ionize, thereby creating binding sites for Ca++/CaOH+ and producing Ca-starch crosslinks. It is also suggested that, at low lime levels (<0.4%, w/v), granule crystalline regions are disrupted and the granule matrix is stretched b...
From Unilateral Neglect to the Brain Basis of Consciousness

According to the dominant focus model, the differential activation of the thalamocortical network is a sufficient condition for the diversity of states of consciousness to occur, and coherent patterns of interactive forebrain activation peaks are sufficient to generate specific conscious figures against ground. These minimal assumptions are consonant with the known properties of unilateral neglect. It becomes unnecessary to suppose that consciousness is an independent entity, occupies a dedicated location in the brain, is contingent on a minimal level of neural complexity, plays a causal role in enabling perception or action, or evolved because it plays any such role.
Register allocation via usage counts

This paper introduces the notion of usage counts, shows how usage counts can be developed by algorithms that eliminate redundant computations, and describes how usage counts can provide the basis for register allocation. The paper compares register allocation based on usage counts to other commonly used register allocation techniques, and presents evidence which shows that the usage count technique is significantly better than these other techniques.
A comparison of the two types of penile prostheses used in the surgical treatment of male impotence

A comparison of the Small-Carrion and Scott-Bradley penile prostheses, based on our experience with their use over the last three years, is presented. Nearly all patients given either device were satisfied with the results. Selection of the type of prostheses to be used must be made on an individual basis, taking into consideration which choice will best suit the requirements of each patient. In the majority of cases, however, the patient may make the final choice himself.
Impact of Arabian Sea pollutions on the Bay of Bengal winter monsoon rains

Accumulation of pollution over the southern Arabian Sea has been documented in numerous studies that followed the INDOEX field project of 1992. In this paper we show several examples of this feature from the MODIS/CALIPSO data sets. We identify this feature as the Bombay Plume that makes its way into the Arabian Sea from the west coast of India. A second part of this work is on the modeling of the impacts of pollutions. For this purpose we use a NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model to carry out many comparative forecast experiments that include the pollution based on MODIS and control runs that utilize climatological estimates of pollutions. The model includes both the direct and indirect effects of aerosols. We noted that: a) The Arabian Sea experience above normal rain during these periods for the MODIS experiments as compared to the control. b) The most interesting feature in these results is the documentation of a divergent outflow center, in the upper troposphere, over regions of the Arabian Sea pollutions when tropospheric aerosol heating is noted. c) An important related feature is a compensating downward lobe with a divergent inflow center over the Bay of Bengal. d) The presence of this downward lobe over the Bay of Bengal shows a reduction of winter monsoon rains over the south-east coast of India. e) We also show observational evidence of reduced winter monsoon rains over the south-east coast of India during MODIS pollution events from raingauge based estimates.
A systemic microbial disease in the Dungeness crab, Cancer magister, caused by a Chlamydia-like organism

Abstract A Chlamydia-like agent was diagnosed in Dungeness crabs, Cancer magister, collected from Willapa Bay and northern Puget Sound, Washington. Over a 5-year period, infected crabs were found during the months of December through March. Infection by the organism is systemic, resulting in greatly hypertrophied cells with appressed nuclei. Unlike Chlamydia or other Chlamydia-like organisms, the present microbe has a great affinity for connective tissue or connective tissue cells rather than epithelial cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of several developmental stages that are similar to chlamydial stages, in addition to what appear to be slightly altered or aberrant stages.
Plasma Diffusion in a Magnetic Field

The equations governing the diffusion of a fully ionized plasma across a magnetic field are derived. It is assumed that macroscopic quantities vary slowly across an ion radius of gyration, and that the interparticle collision frequency is much less than the gyration frequency. The relevant transport coefficients---electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and thermoelectric coefficient---are derived. Some similarity solutions of the equations are found.
Evaporation from Toads and Water Surfaces

THE rate of evaporation from small, moist surfaces can be estimated with the following formula1: where E is the water evaporated/unit of surface/unit of time, p0 is the vapour pressure at the evaporating surface, Pd is the vapour pressure of the ambient air, v is the velocity of the wind, x is the length of the evaporating surface in the direction of the wind, and n is an exponent expressing the rate of change of thickness of the boundary layer with a change in v or x or both.
Chemical beneficiation of coal with aqueous hydrogen peroxide/sulphuric acid solutions

The removal of sulphur and ash from coal treated with aqueous hydrogen peroxide/sulphuric acid solutions has been studied at ambient temperature, under a variety of experimental conditions. Almost complete elimination of the sulphate and the pyritic sulphur was observed in most cases, as well as substantial reduction in the ash content. The other components of the organic coal matrix were not affected to a significant extent, indicating high selectivity of the H2O2H2SO4 system towards sulphur oxidation. An optimal H2SO4 concentration was established, above which the acid was found to have an adverse effect on the oxidation of pyrite by hydrogen peroxide.
The Mirage of Welfare Reform

The policy debate on welfare is driven by an exceedingly rosy view of the 1996 reform bill enacted by Congress and signed by President Clinton. The statistics most often resorted to are aggregate data on caseloads, employment, and income, yet a marginally more scrupulous consideration of such data in context cast serious doubt upon triumphalist judgments. Even worse, the data contain indications of serious harm suffered by a minority of welfare recipients. What we don't know about this reform dwarfs what we do know.
Caspases: Therapeutic Targets in Neurologic Disease

Specific therapies for neurologic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease provide the potential for better clinical outcomes. Expression of caspases in the brain is developmentally regulated, and dysregulated in neurologic disease, supporting that caspases may be therapeutic targets. The activity of caspases is carefully regulated via binding partners, cleavage, or endogenous inhibitors to prevent spontaneous activation, which could lead to aberrant cell death. This review serves as a brief examination of the current understanding of the regulation and function of caspases, and approaches to specifically target aberrant caspase activity. The use of proper tools to investigate individual caspases is addressed. Moreover, it summarizes the reports of various caspases in Alzheimer’s disease studies. A better understanding of specific caspase pathways in heath and neurodegenerative disease is crucial for identifying specific targets for the development of therapeutic interventions.
Youthful Drinking: Past and Present

The U.S.A. is an alcohol consuming country; our society considers the use of alcohol socially acceptable. It should not surprise us that the majority of our adolescent population consumes alcohol. In fact, the initial drinking experience usually takes place around thirteen years of age, in the home with parents or other adult authority figures (e.g., relatives) present The reasons for the initial consumption of alcohol are family reasons for alcohol use. As the adolescent matures, more and more drinking situations occur outside of the home with friends. This period of time is often characterized by drinking habits, patterns, and attitudes which are different from those of the parent population; the peer group and situational factors are significant influences on drinking behavior during this phase. Though alcohol use is usually motivated by the same reasons provided for most adult drinking (e.g., to be social, to consume a beverage, etc.), drinking to intoxication is often considered acceptable. As adoles...