cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The films of Woody Allen

The Films of Woody Allen was the first full-length work to examine the director as a serious filmmaker and artist. Sam Girgus argues that Allen has consistently been on the cutting edge of contemporary critical and cultural consciousness, challenging our notions of authorship, narrative, perspective, character, theme, ideology, gender and sexuality. This revised and updated edition includes two new chapters that examine Allen's work since 1992. Girgus argues that the scandal surrounding Allen's personal life in the early 1990s has altered his image in ways that reposition moral consciousness in his work. The union between Allen's public and private selves that created a special 'aura' about him remains intact despite the director's concerted efforts to separate his private life from his screen image. Allen now assumes a postmodern moral relativism and 'sensual realism' that differs profoundly from the moral sensibility of his earlier work.
Importance of the Fermi-surface topology to the superconducting state of the electron-doped pnictide Ba(Fe1-xCox) 2As2

We used angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and thermoelectric power to study the poorly explored, highly overdoped side of the phase diagram of Ba(Fe${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$Co${}_{x}$)${}_{2}$As${}_{2}$ high-temperature superconductor. Our data demonstrate that several Lifshitz transitions---topological changes of the Fermi surface---occur for large $x$. The central hole barrel changes to ellipsoids that are centered at $Z$ at $x\ensuremath{\sim}0.11$ and subsequently disappear around $x\ensuremath{\sim}0.2$; changes in thermoelectric power occur at similar $x$ values. ${T}_{c}$ decreases and goes to zero around $x\ensuremath{\sim}0.15$---between the two Lifshitz transitions. Beyond $x=0.2$ the central pocket becomes electron-like and superconductivity does not exist. Our observations reveal the importance of the underlying Fermiology in electron-doped iron arsenides. We speculate that a likely necessary condition for superconductivity in these materials is the presence of the central hole pockets rather than nesting between central and corner pockets.
Satisfaction with Organization Scale (SOS)

Abstract Organizational interventions are emerging as a core service offered by many EAPs. This article discusses the revision of an existing measure of life satisfaction (Satisfaction with Life Scale) to measure employees' perceptions of satisfaction with their work organization. The revised instrument (Satisfaction with Organization Scale) appears to be useful as part of the process of conducting organizational interventions within EAP settings as a way to measure changes in employee perceptions over time. Data were collected as part of three interventions requested by organizations that have contracts with an EAP in West Texas. Results suggest that the revised instrument has evidence of reliability and validity. The benefits of using such an instrument as part of organizational interventions, the need for further testing of the new measure (e.g., validity analyses and norming), and the call for the development and revision of additional measures are discussed.
The effects of shock intensity and intertrial interval duration on the operant level of a shuttle-avoidance response

The factorial assessment of the effects of shock intensity and ITI on the unreinforced occurrence of shuttle responses showed that these variables affect initial response rate in the same way as they have been shown to affect shuttle-avoidance acquisition. It was also shown that CS introduction uniformly enhanced operant-avoidance rates. It was concluded that CS introduction, long ITIs, and low shock intensities each enhance response probability and, consequently, increase the likelihood of response reinforcement.
Quasi-Sampling Sets for Analytic Functions in a Cone

We study analogues of sampling sets for analytic functions in cones ofCn. Cartwright-type and Bernstein-type theorems, previously known only for functions of exponential type inCn, are extended to the case of functions of arbitrary order in a cone.
Survivorship of the humeral component in shoulder arthroplasty.

Background Loosening of the humeral component is rarely a cause for revision. This study was conducted to determine long-term survivorship of humeral components and investigate the risk factors associated with humeral component removal or revision. Materials and methods From 1984 to 2004, 1423 patients underwent 1584 primary Neer and Cofield shoulder arthroplasties. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate implant survival. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the effects of age, gender, etiology of the disease, surgery type (hemi vs total), fixation (cemented vs noncemented), and the humeral component design (Neer II, Cofield 1 or 2) with survival free of revision or removal of the humeral component. Results There were 108 revisions and 17 removals of the humeral component. Estimates of survivorship free of revision or removal of the humeral component for any reason was 94.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93.6-96.0) at 5 years, 92.0% (95% CI, 90.4-93.6) at 10 years, 86.7% (95% CI, 84.2-89.4) at 15 years, and 82.8% (95% CI, 78.5-87.5) at 20 years. Younger age, male gender, replacement due to posttraumatic arthritis, an uncemented component, and use of a metal-backed glenoid component increased the likelihood of humeral component failure. Conclusions The need for revision of the humeral component is commonly related to glenoid or glenoid component issues. Patient and diagnostic factors play a role in implant survival; implant type and method of fixation are less important. Level of evidence Level 4; Case series, treatment study.
A Modification of the Almon Distributed Lag

Abstract This article modifies the Almon polynomial distributed lag to allow for a lag of infinite length. Estimation of the model is considered, and an empirical example is given to illustrate the usefulness of the model
Thermodynamic properties of solutions of a hydrolyzing electrolyte: relative partial molar enthalpies and heat capacities, solvent activities, osmotic coefficients, and solute activity coefficients of aqueous sodium carbonate

For solutions of Na2CO3 and other hydrolyzed solutes, a complete treatment of the thermodynamic properties must include the contributions from hydrolysis in addition to those from interionic and related effects. The hydrolysis contributions can become very large at low molalities. This paper presents a coherent treatment of the relations among the thermodynamic properties and includes the hydrolysis contributions in a straightforward manner without approximations. The treatment distinguishes between the equilibrium-state properties and the conventional properties attributed to constituents and related to Debye-Huckel models. The treatment is outlined in some detail, since it has not appeared previously in the literature. The equations are applied to the available enthalpies, heat capacities, and solvent activities, to evaluate the activity coefficients of Na2CO3(aq) up to saturation at 298.15 K by the Gibbs-Duhem equation, and outlines procedures for evaluation at other temperatures. The principles are general and can be adapted to other systems of this type.
Relationship between forage quality and dairy cattle production

Abstract The effect of forage quality on animal production is observed routinely in the field by farmers and nutritionists when switching from one forage or “batch” of forage to another. When production decreases, dietary adjustments sometimes reduce or eliminate the differences in production. However, altering supplementation strategy will not always allow one forage to achieve the same level of production as another. While it is clear that differences in ruminal degradation of forage components affect energy intake, absorbed protein and subsequent production, it has been difficult to assess their relationship quantitatively. This is because of the many interactions among forages, other dietary components, rumen microbes and animals that determine animal production. While many feeding studies have compared forages of different quality, few have tried to supplement each forage optimally. This has resulted in conflicting information in the literature. Since so many factors are involved in these interactions, virtually no two studies are alike. It is extremely difficult to conduct trials in which forages vary only in the forage quality factors of interest. Therefore, nearly all trials in the literature are confounded when one tries to evaluate the importance of specific factors.
HHV8-negative effusion based lymphoma: a series of 17 cases at a single institution

Introduction Human herpesvirus 8–positive (HHV8+) primary effusion lymphoma is a well-recognized clinicopathologic entity. In contrast, HHV8-negative (HHV8-) effusion-based lymphoma (EBL) is incompletely characterized and under-recognized. We describe 17 cases of HHV8- EBL at our institution. Materials and methods Cytology and available immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics were reviewed. Patient demographics, history, and outcome were obtained from medical records. Results The effusions were pleural (n = 9; 53%), peritoneal (n = 4; 24%), pericardial (n = 3; 18%), and pleural and pericardial (n = 1; 6%). Fifteen cases (88%) were CD20+ and 15 had sufficient information for classification by Hans algorithm (CD10, BCL6, MUM1): 11 (73%) nongerminal center and 4 (27%) germinal center phenotype. Epstein-Barr virus in situ hybridization was negative in 16 cases (94%). Three of 14 cases were MYC+ by immunohistochemistry. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, performed on 5 of the 17 cases, showed a MYC rearrangement in 1 case and a BCL6 rearrangement in 2 cases. Most patients were elderly (median age 86 years) and female (82%). Human immunodeficiency virus testing results, available in 4 patients, were negative. Seven (41%), including 1 of 2 heart transplant recipients, had congestive heart failure. Follow-up (5 days to 12 years) was available for 16 patients including 4 who survived ≥8 years. Only 1 of the 8 known deaths was clinically attributed to lymphoma. Conclusions HHV8- lymphomas that occur in body cavity effusions without detectable lymphomatous masses are usually composed of large CD20+ lymphoid or lymphoplasmacytoid cells. In contrast to HHV8+ primary effusion lymphoma, patients with HHV8- EBL are usually elderly, lack a documented human immunodeficiency virus–positive history, and have a longer disease specific survival.
Discrimination and Sleep The Protective Role of School Belonging

Ethnic minority adolescents experience certain sleep problems, yet factors that affect their sleep are poorly understood. This study examined the association between ethnic discrimination and sleep during adolescence and the extent to which perceived stress mediated these associations. This study also examined whether school belonging can protect adolescents from discrimination’s negative association with sleep. Latino (n = 247) and Asian American (n = 113) adolescents (Mage=17.18, SD = .75; 57% female) completed self-reports of overt and subtle discrimination, sleep quality, sleep hours, perceived stress, and school belonging. Both overt and subtle discrimination were associated with worse sleep quality. Only subtle discrimination was associated with getting less sleep. The associations between discrimination and sleep hold even after controlling for perceived stress. School belonging buffered the negative effect of overt discrimination on sleep. Findings suggest that discrimination is a unique type of v...
The interaction of ions with polar neutrals: the momentum transfer collision frequencies of Na+ with the C3H6O isomers

Abstract The momentum transfer collision frequencies at 298 K of Na + with the seven C 3 H 6 O isomers determined from ion cyclotron resonance linewidths are reported. The collisions frequencies increase markedly with dipole moment. The results are compared with several theories.
Development of lyapunov functions for freely spinning dual-spin spacecraft

Abstract Lyapunov functions for linear multivariable time-invariant systems are developed by use of construction techniques which are based on Lyapunov's second method. Two methods of construction are studied. In the first method (direct method) the Lyapunov function is obtained by directly solving the Lyapunov matrix equation while in the second method (indirect method) it is generated by reducing the system matrix by two successive similarity transformations to the Schwarz canonical form. The conditions of stability on the resulting matrix from Lyapunov's second method are the same as the Routh-Hurwitz conditions. Both construction techniques are applied to a freely-spinning dual-spin system, with viscous rate damping assumed about both principal transverse axes. It is seen that when the rotor is spinning relative to the main part, damping about only one of the principal transverse axes is required for stability. The Lyapunov functions constructed are quadratic forms whose different coefficients, collectively, involve all of the system parameters including the damping coefficients.
Final state interactions in pion production from nuclei

We have calculated the effect of the inclusion of final state interactions on pion production from nuclei with incident pion beams. We find that the effect of absorption, along with geometric considerations, explains much of the enhancement at low invariant mass seen in recent data for invariant mass spectra with increasing atomic number. While the variation among nuclei is well reproduced for all charge states, the enhancement for the ratio for heavy nuclei to deuterium for the pi^+ pi^- final state is only partially understood.
Brain insulin resistance in Alzheimer’s disease and its potential treatment with GLP-1 analogs

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is increasing rapidly in the absence of truly effective therapies. A promising strategy for developing such therapies is the treatment of brain insulin resistance, a common and early feature of Alzheimer's disease, closely tied to cognitive decline and capable of promoting many biological abnormalities in the disorder. The proximal cause of brain insulin resistance appears to be neuronal elevation in the serine phosphorylation of IRS-1, most likely due to amyloid-β-triggered microglial release of proinflammatory cytokines. Preclinically, the first line of defense is behavior-lowering peripheral insulin resistance (e.g., physical exercise and a Mediterranean diet supplemented with foods rich in flavonoids, curcumin and ω-3 fatty acids). More potent remediation is required, however, at clinical stages. Fortunately, the US FDA-approved antidiabetics exenatide (Byetta; Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., CA, USA) and liraglutide (Victoza; Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) are showing much promise in reducing Alzheimer's disease pathology and in restoring normal brain insulin responsiveness and cognitive function.
DERIVATION OF THE BLACKBODY RADIATION SPECTRUM BY CLASSICAL STATISTICAL MECHANICS.

It is assumed that the fluctuating radiation energy density in a blackbody cavity is the sum of two stochastically independent terms: a zero-point energy density ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$ with Lorentz-invariant spectrum which persists at the absolute zero of temperature, and a temperature-dependent energy density ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{T}$ which satisfies the laws of statistical mechanics. The mean-square fluctuation $〈{(\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{T})}^{2}〉$ of ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{T}$ is calculated from classical electromagnetic theory and is shown to depend explicitly on $〈{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}〉$. Classical statistical mechanics leads then uniquely from $〈{(\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{T})}^{2}〉$ to $〈{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{T}〉$, which turns out to satisfy Planck's formula.
Problems of Professional Competence among Counselor Trainees: Programmatic Issues and Guidelines

Counselor education programs have a responsibility to ensure that individuals are competently trained, demonstrate understanding of ethical guidelines, and are free of observable psychological issues that may affect their ability to provide adequate counseling services. Counselor trainees who do not reach or maintain these professional standards may exhibit problems of professional competence (PPC). This position paper provides a review of the issues related to PPC among counselor trainees. It offers guidelines to counselor education programs for developing PPC policies and procedures. Future directions for research and training practice are discussed.
SU-E-T-308: Monte Carlo Assessment of the Dosimetric Characteristics of Tungsten Eye Shield on the Various Eye Structures under Oblique Incidences of Electron Beam

Purpose: To quantify the impact of the tungsten eye shield on the dose to various structures around the eye and to characterize the impact of the oblique incidence of the beam using Monte Carlo simulation. Methods: A commercially available tungsten eye shield kit (tungsten eye shield + aluminum cap) was simulated along with the NCRP human adult eye model via a Monte Carlo simulation code, MCNPX, in great detail. The thickness and diameter of the tungsten eye shield that were implemented for the study were 3 mm and 14.4 mm, respectively, whereas the accompanying aluminum cap thickness was 0.5 mm. A 9 MeV electron beam of field size 10 ×10 cm from the Varian linear accelerator was simulated and the dose distributions were tallied at different irradiation angles. The absorbed doses to lens, orbit, retina, optic nerve, macula, and eyelid were calculated and the relative dose was estimated against the dmax dose. Results: The dose to the eyelid decreased to 43 % at 60 degree oblique beam as compared to 0 degree, while the dose to the lens increased by 85 % at respective angles. At normal incident angle, the lens dose (transmission) received 0.96 % of the dose to the eyelid, while at 60 degree it increased to 4.14 %. Conclusions: This study has revealed the detailed dosimetry for the sensitive structures around the eye under the electron treatment with the tungsten eye shield. The impact of the oblique beam angle to the dose to those structures was investigated via detailed modeling of the eye shield design. The unique design and material compositions of the tungsten—aluminum eye shield can pose significant uncertainties without accurate understanding of the impact of oblique beam angle.
Articular Cartilage Tidemark in the Murine Knee Advances with Mechanical Loading

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by not only articular cartilage degeneration, but also subchondral bone sclerosis. While mechanically-induced cartilage degeneration may instigate tidemark advancement and subchondral bone thickening, the association between the two structures and the time course of tidemark advancement are unknown. Thus, in this study, we investigated the effects of mechanical loading on mouse tibial articular cartilage. Daily cyclic mechanical loading stimulated tidemark advancement after 6 weeks, with little to no effects after 1 and 2 weeks. Understanding the role of the tidemark in the joint will add to the current knowledge of the mechanisms behind subchondral bone thickening, potentially contributing to a future OA treatment.
Long-term operation of a sealed CO 2 laser

The life expectancy of a sealed CO 2 laser tube depends, to a great extent, on the interaction of the molecules existing in the discharge at the cathode. The data reported here indicates that after operation of a sealed laser, only CO and O 2 are formed in concentrations comparable to the initial fill gases of CO 2 , N 2 , and He. The CO, CO 2 , and O 2 , in particular, were found to be completely adsorbed at the Ni cathode within several hundred hours of tube operation. A loss of 10.6 μm power output accompanied this adsorption. As expected, the process was reversible to a degree since the laser resumed operation at the initial power level after the cathode region had been heated to 300°C. This process of adsorption-desorption was repeated several times up to an accumulated operating time of 705 hours. During this time, the power output remained at a substantially constant value. However, the loss of CO 2 by carbon deposits ultimately means an end to tube life.
Critical incident stress and challenges for the emergency workplace

A formal response to all levels of critical incidents that are potentially psychologically disturbing is needed. This response is needed for small-scale and large-scale incidents, such as natural or manmade disasters. Health care providers at all levels should be encouraged to participate in wellness programs and to understand workplace stressors. Critical incident stress debriefing teams have a valuable role in preventing posttraumatic stress disorder. Procedures for establishing response teams are presented, and future directions are discussed.
Constraints for interpretation of line drawings under perspective projection

Abstract Problems of surface orientation recovery from line drawings in a single image obtained under perspective projection are studied. Two constraints, the shared boundary constraint and the orthogonality constraint, previously used in orthographic projection, are extended to perspective projection. New constraints are derived from observations of parallelism. We define a new symmetry, called convergent symmetry. Convergent symmetry results from perspective projection of a symmetric object. Unlike skew symmetry, convergent symmetry provides sufficient constraints to recover unique surface orientations. The set of techniques given should allow extension of all previous orthographic analysis and provide new tools for additional, more constrained analysis. An example illustrating the use of our techniques is provided. Finally, extension of the constraints for some class of curved surfaces is discussed.
Exploring Hypotheses About Phonological Awareness, Memory, and Reading Achievement

Reading-related skills were tested in adults with and without reading disabilities (RD) and adults with profound hearing impairment (PHI) who did not differ on average Performance IQ. The RD group and the PHI group both demonstrated levels of phonological awareness lower than the control group's, but only the RD group also exhibited deficits in other skills, including verbal short-term memory, morphological awareness, speeded written naming, and reading comprehension. The average reading level of the PHI group was significantly higher than that of the RD group. Three control group members also demonstrated limited phonological awareness without other deficits in a pilot study, performing similarly to the PHI group. The results support other studies suggesting that processes dependent on memory, not solely phonological awareness, may contribute to determining reading achievement.
Geology of Tecolote Tunnel: ABSTRACT

The Tecolote Tunnel, one of the essential features of the Bureau of Reclamation's Cachuma Project, is located in the southeast part of Santa Barbara County, California. The tunnel, now under construction through the Santa Ynez Mountains, connects Cachuma Reservoir in the Santa Ynez Valley with the narrow coastal plain in the Santa Barbara region. Rocks penetrated have a stratigraphic thickness of more than 10,000 feet, range from upper Miocene to middle Eocene age, and include the following formations: Monterey, Rincon, Vaqueros, Sespe, Alegria, "Coldwater" (Sacate), Cozy Dell, Matilija, Anita (Juncal), and possibly Jalama (Upper Cretaceous age). Three major structural units are found along the tunnel line: (1) the south limb of a major east-west-trending anticline, cut off on the north side by the Santa Ynez fault; (2) a much broken, moderately sheared and deformed, homoclinal sequence which is bounded on the south by the Santa Ynez fault and on the north by a minor fault zone; and (3) a minor northwest plunging syncline. Regularly spaced samples of rock in the tunnel have been and are being taken for the purpose of lithologic, paleontologic, and porosity-permeability studies. Preliminary work on the microfossils from these samples reveals a prolific Miocene fauna but a rather sparse yield from the Eocene. Parts of the tunnel have been logged by using conventional radioactivity (gamma ray) logging equipment with lead shields spaced normal to the ionization chamber. Favorable correlations are found between the log and lithologic units. Uncemented sands, washed and blown into the tunnel by formational water and gas, have caused much delay in progressing through the Santa Ynez fault zone. Large flows of water, more than 4 million gallons per day, from fractured parts of the Cozy Dell formation have also impeded progress. Very minor traces of petroleum have been observed in both of these sections of the tunnel. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2634------------
The effects of mucous tubes on the distribution, behavior and recruitment of seagrass meiofauna

An investigation of the effects of mucous tubes produced by amphipods, polychaetes and harpacticoid copepods was conducted on meiofaunal organisms inhabiting Thalassia testudinum Banks ex Konig blades in Tampa Bay, Florida. Samples of seagrass blades were collected from the field in October 1991 and the numbers of meiofauna, percent cover of mucous tubes and distance from the base of the seagrass blade were determined. Results indicated that meiofauna densities were greater on blade areas with greater percent cover of mucous tubes and that meiofauna distribution was independent of physical position (height) on the blade. Second, observations of behavior of blade-dwelling meiofauna were conducted simultaneously in areas with and without mucous tubes. Total meiofauna, harpacticoids and turbellarians occurred in significantly greater abundances in mucous tube areas and along with ostracods spent significantly more time in mucous tube areas than in non-tube areas. In a field experiment using conditioned glass substrata significantly greater numbers of meiofauna immigrated onto substrata with mucous tubes, constructed by the harpacticoid, Dactylopodia tisboides (Claus), than substrata without tubes. Evidence supports the conclusion that relatively imperceptible, ephemeral structures such as mucous tubes can affect the distribution and behavior of epibenthic meiofauna on seagrass blades.
Dissociative Photodetachment Dynamics of Isomeric Forms of N3O2

The dissociative photodetachment of N3O2- at 532, 355, and 266 nm has been studied using coincident photoelectron and photofragment translational spectroscopy in a fast-ion beam. The photoelectron spectra confirm previous experimental evidence for a weakly perturbed NO-(N2O) complex and show for the first time a broad continuum at large electron-binding energies. Translational energy release spectra exhibit both low- and high-energy-release channels, indicating that two regions of the NO−N2O neutral potential energy surface with very different intermolecular repulsion are accessed. Photoelectron−photofragment coincidence data confirm that the high translational energy release events are correlated with the continuum in the photoelectron spectrum. These dissociative photodetachment dynamics are consistent with the existence of two isomeric species, an ion−dipole complex with the charge localized on the NO moiety and a molecular anion with an estimated stability of 2.0 ± 0.2 eV relative to NO + N2O + e-.
Chance and necessity

The Refrigerator and the Universe: Understanding the Laws of Energy. By Martin Goldstein and Inge F. Goldstein Harvard University Press: 1993. Pp. 433. $29.95, £23.95.
On alternative representations of time varying viscoelastic materials

Abstract Conditions for equivalence between linear differential and a class of integral operators are given and the results are devoted to applications to alternative representations of linear, time varying viscoelastic materials. Several examples are presented, including a discussion on sufficient conditions under which time varying linear differential operators can be used to analytically represent asymptotically stable materials, and an example on the inversion of integral equations appearing in the treatment of thermorheologically simple materials.
MEKK1 controls matrix degradation and tumor cell dissemination during metastasis of polyoma middle-T driven mammary cancer

Mammary tumor cells are required to degrade the surrounding matrix and disseminate in order to metastasize, and both of these processes are controlled by a tumor cell-signaling network that remains poorly defined. MEKK1 is a MAPKKK that regulates both the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and the c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways. MEKK1 signaling regulates migration through control of cell adhesion and is required for inducible expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). MEKK1-deficient mice with mammary gland-targeted expression of the polyoma middle T antigen (PyMT) transgene develop primary mammary tumors at a rate and frequency similar to wild-type littermates, indicating that MEKK1 deficiency does not affect PyMT-mediated transformation. However, MEKK1-/- mice display significantly delayed tumor cell dissemination and lung metastasis. Delayed MEKK1-dependent tumor dissemination is associated with markedly reduced tumor uPA expression, gelatinase activity, and prolonged tumor basement membrane integrity. siRNA-mediated MEKK1 knockdown inhibits uPA activity, cell migration and invasion in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Thus MEKK1 controls tumor progression by regulating both the migration and proteolysis aspects of tumor cell invasiveness. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a MAPKKK that regulates metastasis through control of tumor invasiveness.
Down to the roots

The Background of Ecology: Concept and Theory. By Robert P. McIntosh. Cambridge University Press: 1985. Pp.383. 30, §39.50
Gluing Globalization: NGOs as Intermediaries in Haiti

Drawing from two ethnographic case studies, both from Haiti, this article argues that nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), as intermediaries, “glue” globalization in four ways. First, in their “gap filler” roles NGOs provide legitimacy to globalization, representing alternatives to states fragmented by neoliberalism. Second, NGOs, in the contemporary neoliberal aid regime, can undermine the governance capacity of states in the Global South, eroding the Keynesian social welfare state ethos and social contract that states are (or should be) responsible for service provision. Third, NGOs provide high-paying jobs to an educated middle class, reproducing inequalities inherent to and required by the contemporary neoliberal world system. Fourth, NGOs, as an ideologically dependent transnational middle class, constitute buffers between elites and impoverished masses and can present institutional barriers against local participation and priority setting. Drawing on recent anthropological scholarship that moves away from reifying NGOs and their professed ideologies, this article focuses on NGO practice.
Accelerating Q-Learning through Kalman Filter Estimations Applied in a RoboCup SSL Simulation

Speed of convergence in reinforcement learning methods represents an important problem, especially when the agent is interacting on adversarial environments like RoboCup Soccer domains. If the agent's learning rate is too small, then the algorithm needs too many iterations in order to successfully learn the task, and this would probably lead to lose the game before the agent has learnt its optimal policy. We attempt to overcome this problem by using partial state estimations when some of the involved dynamics are known or easy to model for accelerating Q-learning convergence, illustrating the results in a RoboCup SSL simulation.
Fiber designs for reducing stimulated Brillouin scattering

This paper discusses stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in optical fibers. Theoretical approach for analyzing the SBS in fiber is described. Different fiber design methods for reducing the SBS effect are presented.
Induction of spawning levels of cortisol or testosterone in juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (walbaum)

Abstract 1. 1. Juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), were treated with exogenous cortisol or testosterone under various treatment protocols. 2. 2. Spawning levels of plasma cortisol or testosterone were produced when each of the respective hormones were injected frequently and at high dosages. 3. 3. Spawning levels of plasma cortisol are necessary to observe the classical “Cushing-like” response of decreased body weight and skin deterioration in juvenile rainbow trout. 4. 4. Plasma cholesterol levels were elevated when spawning levels of plasma testosterone were produced in juvenile rainbow trout.
Effect of a Deficient Diet, Amytal and Amidopyrine on Blood Picture of the Albino Rat

SummaryThe white blood count of rats, weakened by a deficient diet, may be reduced approximately 50% by oral administration of amytal and amidopyrine. Granulocytes do not disappear from the blood stream.
Oxidation effect on the analysis of iron in the interstitial water of recent anoxic sediments

RECENT studies on the changes in composition of interstitial water during its separation from sediments1–3 prompted us to evaluate the effect of squeezing on the concentration of ferrous iron within the interstitial water. Sediment samples were taken in northern Chesapeake Bay (38°56′ N and 76°25′ W) with a Benthos gravity corer. Layers of sediment were immediately extruded from the plastic coring tube and loaded into nylon squeezer barrels. The interstitial water was squeezed from the sediment through a 0.22 µm Millipore filter by the pressure of nitrogen acting against a rubber diaphragm4. The water drained directly into a calibrated test tube containing a solution of o-phenanthroline, buffered at pH 3.6, and the iron content was determined colorimetrically5.
Laser-induced damage in dielectrics with nanosecond to spupicosecond pulses I: experimental

The authors report extensive laser-induced damage threshold measurements on pure and multilayer dielectrics at 1053 and 526 mm for pulse durations, {tau}, ranging from 140 fs to 1 ns. Qualitative differences in the morphology of damage and a departure from the diffusion-dominated {tau}{sup 1/2} scaling indicate that damage results from plasma formation and ablation for {tau}{le}10 ps and from conventional melting and boiling for {tau}>50 ps. A theoretical model based on electron production via multiphoton ionization, Joule heating, and collisional (avalanche) ionization is in good agreement with both the pulsewidth and wavelength scaling of experimental results.
On singular compactness

We present some applications of Shelah's singular compactness theorem to algebraic situations where the Shreier property fails. The principal application is to valuated vector spaces, where we make use of an alternate, unpublished, version of Shelah's theorem.
Clinical Trial of Vitamin B6 for Gyrate Atrophy of the Choroid and Retina

Seven patients with gyrate atrophy and deficiency of ornithine-delta-aminotransferase were studied for in vivo pyridoxine responsiveness; three responded to oral vitamin B6 with over 50% reduction of serum ornithine levels and return to normal of serum lysine levels. Electrophysiologic studies were performed on two B6-responsive patients and one B6-nonresponder over various time periods with and without pyridoxine supplementation. Electroretinogram (ERG) amplitudes improved 100% in one patient when initially given high doses of vitamin B6. Electro-oculogram light-to-dark ratio also improved for this patient. Withdrawal followed by resumption of B6 supplementation was associated with mild worsening followed by improvement of ERG responses respectively in both patients. Long-term follow-up will be needed to assess whether pyridoxine treatment will slow or halt the progression of the disease.
Berberine inhibits SREBP‐1‐related clozapine and risperidone induced adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 cells

Weight gain is a common and potentially serious complication associated with the treatment of second generation antipsychotics such as clozapine and risperidone. Increased peripheral adipogenesis via the SREBP-1 pathway could be one critical mechanism responsible for antipsychotic drug-induced weight gain. Berberine, a botanic alkaloid, has been shown in our previous studies to inhibit adipogenesis in cell and animal models. MTT was used to determine the cytotoxic effects of clozapine and risperidone in combination with berberine. Differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells was monitored by Oil-Red-O staining and the expression of SREBP-1 and related proteins was determined by real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. The results showed that neither clozapine nor risperidone, alone or in combination with berberine had significant effects on cell viability. Eight days treatment with 15 μm clozapine increased adipogenesis by 37.4% and 50 μm risperidone increased adipogenesis by 26.5% during 3T3-L1 cell differentiation accompanied by increased SREBP-1, PPARγ, C/EBPα, LDLR and Adiponectin gene expression. More importantly, the addition of 8 μm berberine diminished the induction of adipogenesis almost completely accompanied by down-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of SREBP-1-related proteins. These encouraging results may lead to the use of berberine as an adjuvant to prevent weight gain during second generation antipsychotic medication. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synoptic associations of winter climate and snowfall variability in New England, USA, 1950–1992

Seasonal snowfall in New England has exhibited wide variations over the last few decades, the underlying causes of which have not been identified previously. In this paper, compositing and statistical analyses examine how interactions among the large-scale atmospheric circulation, cyclonic activity and storm track preferences, and western Atlantic sea-surface temperatures contribute to winter climate variability and exceptional winter snowfall totals in New England. High winter snowfall totals are associated with a meridional circulation regime, as indicated by a negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index and negative 700 hPa height anomalies over the eastern USA. Anomalously high surface pressure over northern Canada promotes advection of cold air into the region, and the preferred storm track is along or just to the south of the New England coast. Low winter snowfall totals are associated with no unique set of circumstances, but a positive NAO index and more zonal circulation is indicated, along with a weaker surface high over Canada, and a storm track over interior New England rather than along the coast. There is no direct association with the Pacific-North American index, although this may modulate the association with the NAO. In extreme southern New England, high (low) winter snowfall totals are associated with negative (positive) sea-surface temperature anomalies along the Atlantic seaboard.
Development of a Non-Pneumatic Wheel3

Abstract The pneumatic tire has proven to be the dominant design for rolling transport since shortly after its invention by John Boyd Dunlop in 1888. This paper identifies four critical characteristics that led to the success of the pneumatic tire: low energy loss on rough surfaces, low vertical stiffness, low contact pressure, and low mass. A non-pneumatic structure is proposed that exhibits these four critical characteristics while breaking some of the most restrictive design constraints imposed by pneumatic mechanics. This structure consists of a circular beam composed of two inextensible membranes separated by a relatively low modulus elastic material. The beam is connected to a hub by thin elastic spokes. This structure forming an integrated tire∕wheel is called a Tweel™.
Exposure to Repetitive Versus Varied Stress during Prenatal Development Generates Two Distinct Anxiogenic and Neuroendocrine Profiles in Adulthood

Early life experiences can shape brain function and behavior in adulthood. The present study sought to elucidate the effects of repetitive, predictable vs. varied, unpredictable prenatal stress on sexually dichotomous neuroendocrine and anxiety-related behavioral responses in adult offspring. Rat dams were exposed repeatedly during the last week of pregnancy to no stress, only restraint stress [prenatal stress (PS)-restraint], or a randomized sequence of varied stressors (PS-random), and several behavioral and endocrine measures were assessed in adult male and female offspring. Repeated exposure to the same stressor (restraint) generated the most robust changes, including increased anxiety-related behaviors (both passive, measured on the elevated plus maze, and active, measured using defensive burying tests), a delayed and prolonged hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to stress in female offspring. Conversely, PS-restraint males showed no changes in anxiety-like behavior and had elevated basal ACTH and a blunted HPA response to stress; consistent with attenuated HPA responsivity was an increase in glucocorticoid receptor immunoreactivity in the hippocampus, suggesting increased negative feedback on the HPA axis in these animals. Prenatal exposure to a varied, unpredictable pattern of stressors did not have as much effect on HPA function, with most neuroendocrine measures residing intermediate to PS-restraint and control animals within each sex. Gonadal steroids were altered independent of the type of prenatal stress, but changes were measurable only in males (lower testosterone). The present data exemplify the differential sensitivity of the developing nervous and endocrine systems to stress, depending on not only gender but also the nature of the stressful experience endured by the mother during pregnancy.
Clinical risk stratification correlates with the angiographic extent of coronary artery disease in unstable angina.

OBJECTIVES We sought to determine whether clinical risk stratification correlates with the angiographic extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patient with unstable angina. BACKGROUND The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) guidelines stratify patients with unstable angina according to short-term risk of myocardial infarction or death. Whether these guidelines are useful in predicting the extent of CAD is unknown. METHODS All residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, undergoing emergency department evaluation from January 1, 1985 through December 31, 1992 for unstable angina without a history of prior coronary artery bypass grafting, and who underwent early angiography (within seven days of presentation) were classified into low, intermediate and high risk subgroups based on AHCPR criteria. RESULTS Seven hundred ninety-five patients underwent early angiography: 159 high risk, 572 intermediate risk and 64 low risk patients. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that low risk patients had a greater likelihood of normal or mild CAD relative to intermediate risk (odds ratio [OR], 4.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.70-8.06; p < 0.001) and high risk (OR, 11.1; 95% CI, 5.71-22.2; p < 0.001). Significant 1-, 2-, 3-vessel coronary disease or left main coronary disease was more likely in high relative to low risk (OR, 8.09; 95% CI, 4.22-15.5; p < 0.001), intermediate relative to low risk (OR, 4.11; 95% CI, 2.34-7.22; p < 0.001), and high relative to intermediate risk (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.31-2.96; p = 0.0012). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with unstable angina undergoing early coronary angiography, risk stratification according to the AHCPR guidelines correlates with the angiographic extent of CAD.
Facilitating the acquisition of syntax with cross-sentential cues to phrase structure

Abstract Several previous studies using miniature language methodology have shown that the acquisition of syntax is facilitated by language input that incorporates cues to sentence phrase structure. These studies have examined effects of LOCAL cues, such as prosody or function words, which are physically identifiable aspects of input and which directly indicate the phrase bracketing of individual input strings. In the present study, we examine the effects of CROSS-SENTENTIAL cues to phrase structure—cues that lack overt manifestations in individual strings, arise solely as consequences of the rule system underlying the input language, and must be extracted from input through comparisons of semantically and syntactically related strings. Grammars incorporating rules of pronominalization and permutation were used to generate input with cross-sentential cues. Subjects exposed to such input were completely successful in learning syntax, whereas subjects exposed to input generated by a simpler grammar (and lacking either local or cross-sentential cues) failed to learn complex aspects of syntax. Natural languages regularly include the types of rules that give rise to cross-sentential cues and also regularly possess multiple local cues to phrase structure. These patterns of universality, coupled with the consistent facilitative effects of structural cues on learning, suggest that such cues may constitute a necessary component of language input.
Receipt of locoregional therapy among young women with breast cancer

Although younger women with breast cancer have the most to gain from receipt of optimal care, few data are available regarding their receipt of locoregional breast cancer treatments. We identified 317,596 women aged 18–64 who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at hospitals reporting to the National Cancer Database, a large national cancer registry, during 2004–2008. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the association of patient age with mastectomy versus breast-conserving surgery (BCS), radiation with BCS, and postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) with varying indications, adjusting for patient, clinical, and facility characteristics. Overall, 4 % of women were 35 years old or younger and 7 % were 36–40 years old. Women ≤age 40 were significantly more likely to have mastectomy than BCS compared with older women (57 % for age ≤35 and 52 % for ages 36–40 vs. 35 % for ages 61–64, adjusted odds ratio [OR] for age ≤35 = 2.03; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.93–2.14 and OR for ages 36–40 = 1.76; 95 % CI 1.69–1.84). Younger women were less likely to receive radiation if BCS was performed (69 and 73 vs. 80 %, OR for age ≤35 = 0.69; 95 % CI 0.65–0.74 and OR for ages 36–40 = 0.74; 95 % CI 0.70–0.78). For those who underwent mastectomy, overall rates of PMRT were low, although women ≤age 35 and ages 36–40 (vs. ages 61–64) were more likely to receive PMRT regardless of clinical indications. Our study suggests that young women with breast cancer may not be receiving optimal locoregional therapy. Efforts are needed to confirm these findings, further understand barriers to care, and increase the receipt of appropriate adjuvant radiation therapy among young women to improve their disease-free and overall survival.
Hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia.

The divalent cations, calcium and magnesium, play a vital role in neuromuscular function and cellular metabolism. Hypocalcemia related to parathyroid disorder, renal failure, puerperal tetany, and various toxicities is well documented in veterinary medicine. The recent availability of ionized calcium measurement is helping to increase the accuracy of detection of this state. Recent evidence suggests that hypomagnesemia is also a significant presence, particularly in critically ill patients, with clinical significance relating mainly to concomitant electrolyte deficiencies, such as hypokalemia.
A Holographic Technique for Recording a Hypervelocity Projectile with Front Surface Resolution

Any motion of the scene during the exposure of a hologram results in a spatial modulation of the recorded fringe contrast. On reconstruction, this produces a spatial amplitude modulation of the reconstructed wavefront, which results in a blurring of the image, not unlike that of a conventional photograph. For motion of the scene sufficient to change the path length of the signal arm by a half wavelength, this blurring is generally prohibitive. This paper describes a proposed holographic technique which offers promise for front light resolution of targets moving at high speeds, heretofore unobtainable by conventional methods.