cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Taking the measure of metrics: Interviews with four ASIS&T members

Editor's Summary A series of interviews with four ASIS&T members, all outstanding scholars in metric-related research, provides insights into their interests, motivations and views on research in the area. Christine L. Borgman recalls being intrigued as a student when hearing about the history of bibliometrics, and she sees expanding metrics research methods as one of the most significant recent advances in the field. Blaise Cronin speaks of reading, meeting and corresponding with leaders in the field from early in his own career. He is impressed by the rise of journals other than JASIST covering informetrics, reflecting expanding interest in the field. Katherine W. McCain was drawn to the field when she was recognized for a citation analysis and collection assessment carried out while she served as a biology librarian. Among the challenges McCain identifies are more meaningful analysis of huge datasets, research funding and gaining understanding through the different perspectives of boundary spanners. Howard White recalls how a friendly conversation led to special access to a proprietary data gathering tool, resulting in the first author co-citation map and his co-authoring a highly acclaimed article. He notes significant advances in the mathematical foundations of bibliometrics and a rise in importance of bibliometrics for assessing national research programs. All four researchers are pleased to see the rise of altmetrics and data visualization capabilities, though they share concerns about the validity and reliability of metrics-based research and trustworthiness of platforms and data sets.
Selective immunoglobulin a deficiency in two patients with alcoholic cirrhosis.

Summary Two patients with severe portal cirrhosis, documented by liver biopsy, and an associated selective IgA deficiency are described. Both patients presented with grand mal seizures, fever, ascites, and intense jaundice. Attempts to detect the presence of IgA by single and double diffusion in agar gel against a variety of antisera specific for IgA, immunoelectrophoresis, construction of quantitative precipitin curves using dilutions of patient's serum and specific anti-IgA antisera, and inhibition of precipitation were all negative. Very small amounts of IgA were found in the external secretions. Cells which contained IgA in the intestinal mucosa were either absent or markedly reduced in number. Because selective IgA deficiency is a relatively rare event in a normal population, it is possible that this association is not fortuitous and that this deficiency may be associated with a predisposition to the development of cirrhosis.
Adoptive and Nonadoptive Mother–Child Behavioral Interaction: A Comparative Study at 4 Years of Age

Comparable samples of low-risk adopted and non-adopted children and mothers were observed during three tasks at age 4 years. Quality of mother–child interactions, child level of functioning in four domains, and maternal parenting satisfaction and social support were assessed. Adopted children were as competent as non-adopted children on measures of developmental functioning. Both groups of mothers expressed high satisfaction and support as parents. However, ratings of child, maternal, and dyadic behavior when interacting were all lower for adoptive dyads than for non-adoptive dyads, and adoptive dyads with boys accounted for the maternal and dyadic group differences.
Differential Dynamic Logic for Verifying Parametric Hybrid Systems

We introduce a first-order dynamic logic for reasoning about systems with discrete and continuous state transitions, and we present a sequent calculus for this logic. As a uniform model, our logic supports hybrid programs with discrete and differential actions. For handling real arithmetic during proofs, we lift quantifier elimination to dynamic logic. To obtain a modular combination, we use side deductions for verifying interacting dynamics. With this, our logic supports deductive verification of hybrid systems with symbolic parameters and first-order definable flows. Using our calculus, we prove a parametric inductive safety constraint for speed supervision in a train control system.
Reflector Antennas (Parobolic Antennas, Dish Antennas)

A primer on the reflector antenna art is presented in this article. The initial sections offer an overview of reflector antennas and their main applications at a level suitable for high school and lower-division college students, as well as the basic principles necessary for the proper understanding of their functionality. The following sections present a more in-depth treatment of the subject, including methodologies for analyzing and designing practical reflector systems. Finally, advanced topics covering the current state of the art within the field are discussed at a level targeting both graduate students and researchers, as well as the practicioning engineer. An effort is made to illustrate the theory and discussions with examples reflecting real-world applications. Keywords: reflector antennas; radiotelescopes; feed antennas; satellite antennas; isolation
Sequence learning with recurrent networks: analysis of internal representations

The recognition and learning of temporal sequences is fundamental to cognitive processing. Several recurrent networks attempt to encode past history through feedback connections from `context units.' However, the internal representations formed by these networks is not well understood. In this paper, we use cluster analysis to interpret the hidden unit encodings formed when a network with context units is trained to recognize strings from a finite state machine. If the number of hidden units is small, the network forms fuzzy representations of the underlying machine states. With more hidden units, different representations may evolve for alternative paths to the same state. Thus, appropriate network size is indicated by the complexity of the underlying finite state machine. The analysis of internal representations can be used for modeling of an unknown system based on observation of its output sequences.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An approach to the classification of domain models in support of analogical reuse

This paper presents an approach to classify domain models in order to facilitate reuse through analogy. Domain analysis plays a critical role for systematic reuse, but domain analysis is difficult to perform, especially for new application areas. Analogical approach to reuse can support the domain analysis process by providing software products in a different but analogous domain. In order to achieve this goal, domain models need to be classified. This paper proposes a classification method for domain models. The method is an integration of the enumerative hierarchy and faceted scheme. The classification approach can help the domain analyst to locate an analogous domain to perform the modeling and analysis process. Moreover, the approach is more flexible and more descriptive than conventional classification methods.
As2-ambient activation and alloyed-ohmic-contact studies of Si+-ion-implanted Al0.3Ga0.7As/GaAs modulation-doped structures

Abstract The behavior of Si+-ion-implanted Al0.3Ga0.7As/GaAs MODFET structures annealed in an As2 environment created by the decomposition of InAs has been studied. Contact studies were made using AuGeNiAg alloyed contacts. The best activation of Si+ ions of around 40% is achieved for a peak Si concentration of ∼2 × 1018 Si ions/cm3 situated close to the AlGaAs/GaAs interface for annealing temperatures above 900°C. The optimum implantation parameters for a MODFET structure having an AlGaAs layer of thickness ∼500–600 A are : 80 keV 5 × 10 13 Si + ions/cm 2 with 915°C 15 min annealing, yielding sheet resistances ⩽ 200 ohms/□, corresponding to an activation of ∼30% and a peak Si ion concentration of about 5 × 1018 cm−3. A record specific transfer resistance of ∼0.05 ± 0.03 ohm · mm was achieved for transient alloying of a Ni/AuGe/Ag/Au metallization with a rise time ∼100 sec to a maximum temperature of ∼600°C.
Hsp70 and a 54 kDa protein (Osp54) are induced in salmon (Salmo salar) in response to hyperosmotic stress.

Hsp70 and a 54 kDa osmotic stress protein (osp54) were induced in isolated tissues of anadromous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) upon exposure to hyperosmotic conditions. Incubation of branchial lamellae, hepatic tissue, and erythrocytes in medium supplemented with 200-600 mM NaCl dramatically reduced protein synthesis. Although general protein synthesis remained depressed following transfer of tissues from 450 mM supplemental NaCl to iso-osmotic medium, hsp70 was prominently induced in branchial lamellae and hepatic tissue. Accumulation of hsp70 mRNA and a decrease in actin mRNA suggest preferential upregulation of the hsp70 gene. Induction of osp54 was observed in branchial lamellae and erythrocytes, but not in hepatic tissue, during exposure to 75-125 mM supplemental NaCl. Use of glycerol in place of NaCl to create hyperosmotic conditions stimulated induction of hsp70 in branchial lamellae. Substitution with mannitol resulted in induction of osp54 in both branchial lamellae and erythrocytes. The solute-specific and temporal patterns of response suggest that hsp70 and osp54 might function in concert to restore osmotic homeostasis and renature proteins destabilized or denatured during the early stages of osmotic shock.
Explicit Thermochemical Nonequilibrium Algorithm Applied to Compute Three-Dimensional Aeroassist Flight Experiment Flowfields

This study presents a three-dimensional explicit, finite-difference, shock-capturi ng numerical algorithm applied to viscous hypersonic flows in thermochemical nonequilibrium. The algorithm employs a two-temperature physical model. Equations governing the finite-rate chemical reactions are fully coupled to the gas dynamic equations using a novel coupling technique. The new coupling method maintains stability in the explicit, finite-rate formulation while allowing relatively large global time steps. The code uses flux-vector splitting to difference the inviscid fluxes to second-order accuracy. Comparisons with experimental data and other numerical computations verify the accuracy of the present method. The code is used to compute the three-dimensional flowfield over the Aeroassist Flight Experiment vehicle at one of its trajectory points.
Prevalence and Severity of Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy in Tangier Island

Purpose To investigate the clinical and genetic features of late-onset Fuchs corneal dystrophy (FCD) on Tangier, an island in the Chesapeake Bay with an isolated population of approximately 500 individuals. Design Observational, cross-sectional study. Methods A total of 156 individuals born to inhabitants of Tangier Island volunteered to undergo ophthalmic evaluation. Medical history was ascertained prior to examination. All participants underwent anterior segment examination with slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Retroillumination photographs were acquired from affected individuals and the disease severity was compared with individuals from large families ascertained previously. Genomic DNA samples were investigated for the presence of the recently identified risk allele rs613872, an intronic variant of TCF4 . Results Of the 148 examined individuals who were at least 30 years of age, 32 showed the classical symptoms of late-onset FCD (21.6%), providing a minimum prevalence of 11% among individuals over the age of 50 years. Severity was significantly lower compared to 51 cases from unlinked families, among individuals either 50 to 70 or above 70 years of age ( P = .05 and P = .01, respectively). Retroillumination photography analyses were suggestive of mild severity when compared with the disease phenotype associated with FCD1 - and FCD2 -linked families. The rs613872 variant was associated with a higher affectation rate ( P = .01), while the wild-type allele was correlated with a higher proportion of subclinical disease ( P = .01). Conclusions In this study population in Tangier, late-onset FCD manifests clinically with a mild phenotype and increased prevalence. The rs613872 variant correlates with increased affectation and a clinical disease phenotype.
Total and labile zinc concentrations in water extracts of rhizosphere and bulk soils of oats and rice

Abstract A greenhouse experiment using three soils of different pH levels (4.37, 5.78, 6.44) was conducted to determine the effects of rhizosphere on pH, total Zn and labile Zn in water extracts of soils grown to oats and rice. Zn concentrations were determined using a linear sweep cathodic stripping voltammetry technique. In oats, the pH and labile Zn in water extracts were lower in the rhizosphere than the bulk soil and there was no difference in total Zn in water extracts between these two soil zones. Consistently, rhizosphere pH was lower than bulk soil pH with rice but total and labile Zn in water extracts were not statistically different. Zn concentrations (both total and labile forms) in water extracts varied inversely with pH; however, rhizosphere pH changes did not always explain observed differences in extractable Zn
Fifty years of water fluoridation.

On January 25, 1945, the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, began adding sodium fluoride to its drinking water. This action culminated a 14-year period of research which continues to have far-reaching effects on both public health and the practice of dentistry. The fact that the oral health of children and young adults today has never been higher is a direct consequence of this research. These events, and the group of rather extraordinary people who were the principal actors in them, are so important a part of dentistry's development that they are worth a brief retelling
Faith in a Fashionable Age: Abraham Kuyper and Charles Taylor on the Secular Nexus Between Mode and Modernité

Abstract This article examines two Christian thinkers who detect a close relationship between fashion and secularity. First, the article discusses Reformed theologian Abraham Kuyper’s suspicion that the French fashion of his day carried political, cultural and social capacities that reinforced secularization in nineteenth century Holland. Having considered Kuyper’s perspective, the article turns to contemporary Roman Catholic philosopher Charles Taylor’s understanding of fashion. Drawing on Taylor’s magnum opus, A Secular Age, the article traces fashion’s complicit relationship with secularity as a ‘fourth axis of simultaneity’. In spite of their very different historical, intellectual and confessional contexts, Kuyper and Taylor share a similar analysis of the secularizing power of fashion, thereby pointing a way forward for those seeking to understand the relationship between mode and modernite.
Is project management the new management 2.0

This paper considers the evolving nature of project management (PM) and offers a comparison with the evolving nature of management generally. Specifically, we identify a number of management trends that are drawn from a paper that documents a proposed ‘Management 2.0’ model, and we compare those trends to the way in which PM is maturing to embrace the challenges of modern organizational progress. Some theoretical frameworks are offered that assist in explaining the shift from the historically accepted ‘tools and techniques’ model to a more nuanced and behaviorally driven paradigm that is arguably more appropriate to manage change in today’s flexible and progressive organizations, and which provide a more coherent response, both in PM and traditional management, to McDonald’s forces. In addition, we offer a number of examples to robustly support our assertions, based around the development of innovative products from Apple Inc. In using this metaphor to demonstrate the evolution of project-based work, we link PM with innovation and new product development.
Fermi-bose transmutation: From semiflexible polymers to superstrings

Abstract It is demonstrated that all known results for the conformational properties of semiflexible polymers can be reproduced exactly with the help of a Euclidean version of Dirac's propagator. Obtained single chain results are further generalized to the case of monodisperse solutions of semiflexible polymers. Flory's results for this case are reproduced exactly at the mean field saddle point level of approximation to the functional integral which is a direct extension of the results proposed earlier for the fully flexible chains. A new purely geometrical derivation of the path integral for the Dirac's propagator describing semiflexible polymer chains is presented and subsequently generalized to the case of semiflexible surfaces. This generalization indicates that statistical properties of semiflexible surfaces are being described by the heterotic superstring of the type conjectured by Polyakov.
Arithmetic Hilbert Modular Functions II

The purpose of this paper, which is a continuation of [2,3,4,5], is to prove that the special values of Hilbert modular functions of level π generate abelian extensions of certain CM fields, by using an essentially elementary theory of arithmetic Hilbert modular functions, based on the theory of congruence Eisenstein series. The main results are generalizations of the main results of Hecke’s thesis [10]. They are also subsumed in more far-reaching results of Shimura and Taniyama [15,13,14]. But our methods are quite different from the latter’s and stem directly from Hecke’s original ideas.
Mathematical model to simulate the cellular dynamics of infection with human herpesvirus-6 in EBV-negative infectious mononucleosis.

Acute infection with human herpesvirus-6 induces physiological cell proliferation in persons without major immune deficiency. It thus can serve as a parameter to validate a mathematical model designed to simulate cell proliferation under physiological and pathological conditions. Such a mathematical model is presented to simulate various cell changes of the T-cell immune system during the course of HHV-6 infection. Model development follows several steps, beginning with a basic model containing physiological T-cell pools to the introduction of infectious stimuli in the final model. A search algorithm designed to optimize the system parameters, as well as initial variables of the model, is presented. The results of simulation runs for acute HHV-6 infection of the final computational model correspond well to the data, as documented in human patients; they suggest that the computational model presented for the simulation of T-cell levels in a given viral infection may well serve as a tool for similar studies of other viral infections, including those that lead to cellular aplasia or neoplasia.
On superlinear convergence in univariate nonsmooth minimization

This note demonstrates a new result on superlinear convergence in nonsmooth univariate minimization. It also gives other concepts of rapid convergence for minimization of functions that may have discontinuous derivatives.
2013 – Randomized controlled trial comparing individually-based and family-based treatments for internalizing, externalizing, and family symptoms in hispanic youth

An RCT was conducted to test Culturally Informed and Flexible Family Treatment for Adolescents (CIFFTA) to an individuallyoriented treatment (TAU) in modifying Internalizing and Externalizing symptoms, and family conflict. CIFFTA integrates individual, family, and psycho-educational interventions using an adaptive approach to tailor the treatment to unique client characteristics. One hundred-thirty Hispanic adolescents 11–14 years of age were randomly assigned to 16 weeks of treatment. A pre-post design (4 month post baseline) was used. Parent reports are highlighted here. Adolescents showed similar change. Retention in Treatment: Participants in CIFFTA had about twice the odds of being retained as those in TAU, χ 2 (1, N = 169) = 4.02, p = .045, OR = 2.15. Change in Family Conflict: There were significant Time, F (1, 131) = 140.43, p F (1, 131) = 4.12, p = .042, effects. Parents reported reductions in both conditions but effects were greater in CIFFTA. Change in Externalizing Symptoms: There was a significant Time effect, F (1, 135) = 109.83, p F (1, 135) = 0.42, p = .518. Parents reported moderate-to-large decreases in externalizing problems in both conditions. Change in Internalizing Symptoms: There were significant Time, F (1, 135) = 110.08, p F (1, 135) = 5.12, p = .025. Parents reported moderate-to-large decreases in depression in both conditions but were larger for TAU. The clinical and research implications of this research will be presented along with some preliminary results of tests of mediation.
THE EFFECTS OF LEUKOTRIENE ANTAGONIST FPL 57231 ON HYPOXIC PULMONARY HYPERTENSION (HPH) IN PIGLETS

Leukotrienes (L) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of HPH in adult animals. Elevated (L) levels have also been noted in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension. We studied the hemodynamic effects of FPL 57231 in HPH induced in 9 piglets by ventilation with 12% 02. Cardiac index (CI), pulmonary artery (Ppa), systemic arterial (AoP), pulmonary wedge and right atrial pressures were measured, and pulmonary (PVR) and systemic vascular (SVR) resistances and their ratio (PVR/SVR) calculated prior to and after hypoxia (H). These parameters were compared during continued hypoxia between a control group (C) (n,4;wt,3596±1284g; age 17±10 days) and a treatment group (T) (n,5;wt,2958±1130g;age 14±5 days) which received FPL 57231 (2 mg/kg/min × 10 min). Patterns of response were compared by ANOVA. AoP was similar between groups. The decrease in PVR and Ppa after FPL 57231 suggest that (L) may in part mediate HPH in piglets. In addition, these effects can be ameliorated by FPL 57231 without significant vascular effects.
Transient Lunar Brightening

MIDDLEHURST has examined1 the relationship between transient lunar brightening and solar activity as measured by the incidence of sunspots (compare ref. 2). Working with a sample of 125 lunar events, she found no correlation between lunar brightening and the mean sunspot number for the month during which such an event occurred. Hence, she suggests that the reported events must be attributed to some physical phenomenon other than luminescent emission induced by enhanced solar wind bombardment or any other direct consequence of solar activity.
Litigation, regulation, and education--protecting the public's health through childhood immunization.

Recently, three special masters of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims issued carefully reasoned, strongly worded opinions rejecting claims that medical and scientific evidence could demonstrate causal links between vaccination and chronic health conditions. Ross Silverman writes that many challenges for the U.S. childhood immunization program remain to be addressed.
Distraction osteogenesis in management of pediatric airway: evidence to support its use.

c H o c i n m C f t c a p r w m i he inability of the growing child to breath adeuately may have profound effects on their future evelopment. There is little controversy surrounding he need for early intervention to establish adequate entilation in children with airway obstruction that nterferes with sleep and normal oxygenation. The ontroversy lies in the method of establishing the irway. The “gold standard” for alleviating airway obtruction, including those in neonates and infants, has een the tracheostomy. However, even though the rocedure may be lifesaving, it has been associated ith complications and developmental impacts. Edards et al reported that even with advances in oordinated pediatric and neonatal care, children ith tracheostomies remain in the hospital much onger than other children. Another study reported a 5% complication rate and 1 death related to the racheostomy procedure in a series of 17 children. ven in an article supportive of pediatric tracheostoies, the authors reported a tracheostomy-related ortality rate of 0.5% and a complication rate of 19% n the first week following the procedure. They also eported a late complication rate of 58%, all of which ad an impact on clinical outcomes. The mortality ate was consistent with the study by Carr et al, who eviewed the charts of 142 children and found a racheostomy-related mortality rate of 0.7%. There are long-term issues with tracheostomies as ell. Griese et al theorized that there might be hronic airway inflammation in pediatric patients ith tracheostomies secondary to easier access by
Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography evaluation of the cornea, retina, and optic nerve in normal horses

Purpose To determine the feasibility of using a handheld spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) instrument to characterize normal corneal, retinal, and optic nerve head anatomy in vivo in standing horses. Methods Clinically normal horses under sedation, palpebral nerve blockage, and pharmacologically induced mydriasis were imaged with a SD-OCT instrument (Envisu SD-OCT, Bioptigen, Inc., Morrisville, NC). Radial volumes from the cornea (axial, superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal), and rectangular volumes from the retina (dorsal, ventral, nasal, and temporal) and optic nerve head were acquired. Manual measurements of the corneal layers within the five regions, retinal and nerve fiber layer thickness in the four different regions adjacent to the ONH, and vertical and horizontal axis of the optic nerve head (ONH) and optic cup (OC) were obtained using the same device. Results Total corneal thickness (mean ± SD) measurements were 800 ± 50, 937 ± 61, 956 ± 61, 912 ± 65, and 884 ± 68 μm for the axial, superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal regions, respectively. The highest total retinal and nerve fiber layer thickness (mean ± SD), at the level of the ONH, was found nasally 459 ± 115 and 377 ± 116 μm, respectively, followed by the temporal, dorsal, and ventral quadrants. The dimensions of the ONH and OC (mean ± SD) were 3.682 ± 0.276 and 2.175 ± 0.502 mm for the horizontal, and 3.012 ± 0.278 and 2.035 ± 0.488 mm for the vertical axis. Conclusions The SD-OCT instrument employed in this study may be used on sedated horses and allows the acquisition of high-resolution images, and thickness measurements involving the cornea, retina, and optic nerve.
Molecular Determinants of Gem Protein Inhibition of P/Q-type Ca2+ Channels

The RGK family of monomeric GTP-binding proteins potently inhibits high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. The molecular mechanisms of this inhibition are largely unclear. In Xenopus oocytes, Gem suppresses the activity of P/Q-type Ca2+ channels on the plasma membrane. This is presumed to occur through direct interactions of one or more Gem inhibitory sites and the pore-forming Cav2.1 subunit in a manner dependent on the Ca2+ channel subunit β (Cavβ). In this study we investigated the molecular determinants in Gem that are critical for this inhibition. Like other RGK proteins, Gem contains a conserved Ras-like core and extended N and C termini. A 12-amino acid fragment in the C terminus was found to be crucial for and sufficient to produce Cavβ-dependent inhibition, suggesting that this region forms an inhibitory site. A three-amino acid motif in the core was also found to be critical, possibly forming another inhibitory site. Mutating either site individually did not hamper Gem inhibition, but mutating both sites together completely abolished Gem inhibition without affecting Gem protein expression level or disrupting Gem interaction with Cav2.1 or Cavβ. Mutating Gem residues that are crucial for interactions with previously demonstrated RGK modulators such as calmodulin, 14-3-3, and phosphatidylinositol lipids did not significantly affect Gem inhibition. These results suggest that Gem contains two candidate inhibitory sites, each capable of producing full inhibition of P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. Background: Gem, an RGK protein, strongly inhibits P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. Results: A 12-amino acid C-terminal fragment and a 3-amino acid motif in the core of Gem play an important role in this inhibition. Conclusion: Gem possesses two candidate inhibitory sites. Significance: This work identifies key molecular determinants of Ca2+ channel inhibition by RGK proteins, offering opportunities to modulate this inhibition.
Investigation of carcinogenic effects of in Vitro Argon and CO2 laser exposure of fibroblasts

Mouse heteroploid fibroblasts were grown nine future generations in vitro tissue culture. The cells were exposed to argon laser, CO2 laser, and x-ray. Results of scoring for mangnant transformation foci were tabulated and compared. Lasers did not produce a significant malignant transformation. Clinical laser use is reviewed and histology as well as long-term clinical experience confirms the safety of lasers.
Loss of circadian photoentrainment and abnormal retinal electrophysiology in Math5 mutant mice

Purpose To determine how the absence of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in Math5 (Atoh7) mutant mice affects circadian behavior and retinal function. Methods The wheel-running behavior of wild-type and Math5 mutant mice was measured under various light-dark cycle conditions. To evaluate retinal input to the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) anatomically, the retinohypothalamic tracts were labeled in vivo. To assess changes in retinal function, corneal flash electroretinograms (ERGs) from mutant and wild-type mice were compared under dark- and light-adapted conditions. Alterations in retinal neuron populations were evaluated quantitatively and with cell-type-specific markers. Results The Math5-null mice did not entrain to light and exhibited free-running circadian behavior with a mean period (23.6 +/- 0.15 hours) that was indistinguishable from that of wild-type mice (23.4 +/- 0.19 hours). The SCN showed no anterograde labeling with a horseradish peroxidase-conjugated cholera toxin B (CT-HRP) tracer. ERGs recorded from mutant mice had diminished scotopic a- and b-wave and photopic b-wave amplitudes. The scotopic b-wave was more severely affected than the a-wave. The oscillatory potentials (OPs) and scotopic threshold response (STR) were also reduced. Consistent with these ERG findings, a pan-specific reduction in the number of bipolar cells and a smaller relative decrease in the number of rods in mutant mice were observed. Conclusions Math5-null mice are clock-blind and have no RGC projections to the SCN. RGCs are thus essential for photoentrainment in mice, but are not necessary for the development or intrinsic function of the SCN clock. RGCs are not required to generate any of the major ERG waveforms in mice, including the STR, which is produced by ganglion cells in some other species. The diminished amplitude of b-wave, OPs, and STR components in Math5 mutants is most likely caused by the decreased abundance of retinal interneurons.
Assembly of 2-D inorganic/organic lamellar structures through a combination of copper(I) coordination polymers and self-complementary hydrogen bonds

A strategy for the deliberate assembly of lamellar inorganic/organic hybrid materials based on a combination of 1-D coordination polymers and intermolecular hydrogen bonds has been explored. Copper(I) halide coordination polymers provide infinite linear building blocks that are linked into 2-D layers by attaching a pyridine-based ligand to each metal ion. The ligand, which carries a self-complementary hydrogen-bond moiety, provides a selective non-covalent tool for connecting neighboring coordination polymers into a 2-D network. The strategy is illustrated by the crystal structures of [CuCl(6-Me-3-HO2CC5H3N)]∞ and [CuI(6-Me-3-HO2CC5H3N)]∞, both of which display the desired lamellar motifs.
Stents for colonic strictures: Materials, designs, and more

Colonic obstruction is one of the common manifestations of colon cancer. Historically, the treatment of malignant colonic obstruction consisted of surgical removal of the obstructing tumor, if possible, and decompression of the bowel with an ostomy. Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have now been used effectively for nonsurgical relief of malignant colonic obstruction, either for palliative care or as a bridge to elective surgery. Since the introduction of SEMS insertion technique in the early 1990s, multiple studies and reports have been published on the outcomes of SEMS in treating large bowel obstruction. SEMS are now recommended as an initial treatment of choice for acute left-sided colonic obstruction by surgical groups. SEMS insertion may be helpful to complete colonoscopy screening before surgery to detect any synchronous neoplasm proximal to a malignant colonic obstruction. SEMS insertion would also buy more time for a selected group of patients who may benefit from chemoradiation before surgery. This article reviews the development of colorectal stents, designs, materials, various types of colonic stents used in the treatment of colonic strictures, indications for their insertion, outcomes, limitations, complications, and future directions of the colonic stents.
Rapid decrease of RNA level of a novel mouse mitochondria solute carrier protein (Mscp) gene at 4–5 weeks of age

We cloned a novel mouse gene that encodes a protein with homology to the mitochondria solute carrier proteins (Mscp). The major full-length Mscp transcript contains 4112 bp of cDNA and a deduced protein of 338 amino acids. The Mscp protein shares 50%, 40%, and 39% sequence identity with the C. elegans hypothetical protein T26089 and the yeast mitochondria carrier proteins MRS3 and MRS4, respectively. It also showed homology with the uncoupling proteins (UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3; 22%, 24%, and 29% identity, respectively). The protein has six transmembrane domains and three mitochondria energy-transfer protein signature motifs, which are conserved among all the members of mitochondria carrier protein family. Northern analysis indicated that the Mscp gene is highly expressed in the spleen. Using cDNA microarray and Northern analysis, we have shown a significant decrease of the splenic Mscp mRNA levels around 4–5 weeks of age in several mouse strains including C57BL/6J, nonobese diabetic (NOD), and several NOD-congenic mice. These results suggest that the Mscp gene is decreased during splenic lymphocyte maturation in these mice.
Growth of InP related compounds on structured substrates for the fibrication of narrow stripe lasers

MOCVD growth of InP/InGaAs/InGaAsP multilayer structures on patterned substrates with mesa stripes etched along [110] and [110] crystallographic directions has been investigated. Twinning was found on the groove wall facets for [110 patterns. Twinning alters both growth rate and growth directionality of the layers grown on the mesa top. Structures grown on [110] oriented patterns revealed a discontinuity of the growth between the top of the mesa and the groove region. This isolates the layers grown on the mesa top and allows the fabrication of narrow stripe, buried heterostructure lasers. Both double heterostructure and quantum well structure devices have been fabricated. DH structures with a stripe width of 3 μm exhibited a laser threshold current of 54 mA, while quantum well devices with four strained In0.66Ga0.34As wells and stripe width of 2 μm lased at 35 mA.
Job assignments as a screening device

Abstract We study intra-firm competition for promotions when the ability of the competing candidates is imperfectly observed. We show that firms should offer the jobs that require the highest degree of involvement to the candidates whose ability is known with least certainty (typically, juniors and outsiders) because these individuals have the strongest career-concern incentives to perform efficiently. Also, when firms have to delegate the selection of the screening procedure to their insider candidates, then the proportion of internal promotions relative to external hirings is excessively high.
P300 Subcomponent Abnormalities in Schizophrenia: I. Physiological Evidence for Gender and Subtype Specific Differences in Regional Pathology

Background: P300 event-related brain potential (ERP) amplitude is reduced in patients with schizophrenia. Little attention has been paid to gender differences underlying this abnormality, despite clinical differences between male and female schizophrenics. Studies have also largely ignored the fact that the P300 represents the activity of multiple neural generators and have not assessed the separate activity of different subcomponents. Methods: Auditory P300 ERPs were recorded from 65 patients (42 male, 23 female) and 48 controls (30 male, 18 female). Positive and negative symptoms were assessed with standardized rating scales, and patients were subtyped as deficit or nondeficit. Five P300 subcomponents were identified using current source density measures: frontal (P3 f ), bilateral parietal (P3pL, P3pR), and bilateral temporal (P3tL, P3tR). Results: Three subcomponents (P3tL, P3f, P3pR) were reduced in patients. The left temporal (P3tL) deficit was common across patient groups, but the overall profile of P300 abnormalities varied by gender and deficit/nondeficit status. Women had greater P3tL and P3f decrements; P3pR was abnormal in men. Deficit and nondeficit patients resembled men and women, respectively, independent of gender. P3f and P3tL amplitudes were correlated and unrelated to symptomatology. P3pR was related to Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale score. Conclusions: A left temporal abnormality exists in schizophrenia, along with two different profiles of regional pathology, which segregate by gender and deficit/nondeficit status. This supports the hypothesis of two distinct illness subtypes and suggests a physiological basis for phenotypic gender and deficit/nondeficit differences. P300 subcomponent abnormalities may serve as subtype markers. Correlated left temporal and frontal dysfunction is consistent with a frontotemporal neural network disturbance in some schizophrenics. Further investigation of the longitudinal stability and familial inheritance of these subcomponent abnormalities is warranted.
A physical model for boron penetration through thin gate oxides from p/sup +/ polysilicon gates

Based on numerical device and process simulation, it is shown that enhancement of the boron diffusivity by as much as 300 times in the thin gate oxide results in a very shallow exponential p-type profile in the underlying silicon substrate. The effect of fluorine and phosphorus coimplantation into the p-type polysilicon gate is modeled by changes in the boron diffusivity in the gate oxide and segregation at the polysilicon-oxide interface. An inverse PMOS short-channel behavior in which the threshold voltage becomes more negative with decreasing channel length is modeled by two-dimensional boron segregation effects caused by the poly gate oxidation. >
Fluorescent Imaging of Single Nanoparticles and Viruses on a Smart Phone

Optical imaging of nanoscale objects, whether it is based on scattering or fluorescence, is a challenging task due to reduced detection signal-to-noise ratio and contrast at subwavelength dimensions. Here, we report a field-portable fluorescence microscopy platform installed on a smart phone for imaging of individual nanoparticles as well as viruses using a lightweight and compact opto-mechanical attachment to the existing camera module of the cell phone. This hand-held fluorescent imaging device utilizes (i) a compact 450 nm laser diode that creates oblique excitation on the sample plane with an incidence angle of ∼75°, (ii) a long-pass thin-film interference filter to reject the scattered excitation light, (iii) an external lens creating 2× optical magnification, and (iv) a translation stage for focus adjustment. We tested the imaging performance of this smart-phone-enabled microscopy platform by detecting isolated 100 nm fluorescent particles as well as individual human cytomegaloviruses that are fluor...
Seneca's Medea and Ultima Thule in Poe's “Dream‐Land”

This section is devoted to notes, comments, and replies. We wish to provide here an outlet for source studies and focused interpretations that do not feature the extended argument and proof customary in articles, for items of special interest that otherwise might not appear, and for formal exchanges on relevant scholarly and critical issues. Contributions should generally be from one to four paragraphs in length, although notes extending to five typescript pages are acceptable; all documentation should be in brackets within the text.
Image resolution by simulated bipolar cells of the human central fovea

A computer simulation of a static model of bipolar cells (BC) of the human central fovea is presented. Data from human observers and primate experiments are incorported when available. Resolution (two-point discrimination) is quantified in the space and frequency domains. Nonpreference for orientation, i.e. , resolution does not change with orientation of two bars separated by a variable gap, is optimal for a specific fixed cone matrix and a BC receptive field organization. Resolution increases asymptotically as width, length, or gap between two bars increases. There is a critcial size of the two-bar stimulus above which resolution is independent of cone matrix and BC receptive field organization. Resolution changes systematically with color and intensity contrasts. There is a good correlation between resolutions determined in the space and frequency domains. The computer simulation is used to determine the parameters for optimal resolution of symbology such as the alphabetic characters.
Potentiation in the intact rat of the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen by 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea.

Abstract Studies of the killing of cultured hepatocytes by acetaminophen indicate that the cells are injured by an oxidative stress that accompanies the metabolism of the toxin (J. L. Farber et al. (1988) Arch. Biochem. Biophys.267, 640–650) . The present report documents that the essential features of the killing of cultured hepatocytes by acetaminophen are reproduced in the intact animal. Male rats had no evidence of liver necrosis 24 h after administration of up to 1000 mg/kg of acetaminophen. Induction of mixed function oxidase activity by 3-methylcholanthrene increased the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen. Inhibition of glutathione reductase by 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) potentiated the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen in male rats induced with 3-methylcholanthrene. Whereas the pretreatment with BCNU reduced the GSH content by 40%, a comparable depletion of GSH by diethylmaleate did not potentiate the toxicity of acetaminophen. The antioxidant diphenylphenylenediamine (25 mg/kg) and the ferric iron chelator deferoxamine (1000 mg/kg) prevented the liver necrosis produced by 500 mg/kg acetaminophen in rats pretreated with BCNU. Neither protective agent prevented the fall in GSH produced by acetaminophen. It is concluded the conditions of the irreversible injury of cultured hepatocytes by acetaminophen previously reported are not necessarily different from those that obtain in the intact rat with this toxin.
Confrontations and Compromise: Dispute Resolution at a Worker Cooperative Coal Mine

This paper compares dispute-resolution behavior at a large coal mine in South Wales at two times: when the mine was run as a conventional, hierarchical organization by British Coal and, several years later, when it was bought out by the employees and converted into a worker cooperative. Synthesizing themes from law and society, organizational theory, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) research, I demonstrate how shared ownership, flattened hierarchy, and cooperative ideology impact on disputing behavior. By changing from a hierarchical organization to a worker cooperative, the coal mine increased is level of procedural justice and transformed its dispute-resolution behavior to rely much more on informal resolution. Using qualitative methods, this research draws on 42 in-depth open interviews with miners and managers.
"Dead Donor" versus "Respect for Donor" Rule: Putting the Cart before the Horse

(2003). 'Dead Donor' versus 'Respect for Donor' Rule: Putting the Cart before the Horse. The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 24-26.
Electrical and magnetic studies of YBa2Cu3O7:Y2BaCuO5 composites

Abstract The superconducting and normal-state properties of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 :Y 2 BaCuO 5 composites with varying mass ratios and final sintering temperatures were investigated by using electrical resistivity and AC susceptibility techniques. By increasing the Y 2 BaCuO 5 concentration, the normal-state resistivity of the composites changes from a metallic-like behavior to a semiconducting-like behavior. Although the onset temperature of the superconductivity was unaffected by the presence of Y 2 BaCuO 5 , the zero-resistance temperature decreased with increasing Y 2 BaCuO 5 content. Increasing the Y 2 BaCuO 5 fraction also leads to a stronger AC magnetic field dependence, implying weaker intergranular coupling. By increasing the final sintering temperature from 900°C to 1050°C, the intergranular coupling can be improved. These results indicate that the presence of insulating Y 2 BaCuO 5 does not affect the intrinsic superconducting properties of the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 grains but has a strong effect on the intergranular coupling.
Surface tension in QCD

Recently numerical estimations of the surface tension in QCD have been given and an analytic expression for this quantity is badly needed. At small coupling we have done so. In section 2 we give the main arguments and the result. In section 3 we give some additional insights using twisted boundary conditions. 7 refs., 1 fig.
Utility of high-resolution electroanatomic mapping of the left ventricle using a multispline basket catheter in a swine model of chronic myocardial infarction.

Background Standard electroanatomic mapping systems use a single catheter to perform left ventricular substrate mapping. A new mapping system uses a 64-electrode mini-basket catheter to perform rapid automated acquisition of chamber geometry, voltage, and activation. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of electroanatomic mapping using the basket catheter with that of mapping using a standard linear catheter in a swine model of chronic myocardial infarction. Methods Ten swine underwent left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion to create an anteroseptal myocardial infarction. Animals underwent delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and then detailed left ventricular voltage mapping with both the basket and the linear catheter. Map characteristics and scar area were compared between the basket catheter, linear catheter, and MRI. Induced ventricular tachycardia (VT) was mapped with the basket catheter. Results More points were acquired with the basket catheter than with the standard catheter (8762 ± 3164 vs 1712 ± 551; P 2 vs 20.9 cm 2 vs 17.5 cm 2 ; P = .69); however, the correlation between MRI and catheter scar area measurement was best for the basket catheter (basket vs linear: r = .76 vs r = .71). In 3 animals, sustained poorly tolerated VT was initiated and the circuit mapped successfully with the basket catheter in Conclusion Rapid substrate and activation mapping using a 64-electrode mini-basket catheter allows detailed voltage and activation mapping in postinfarction cardiomyopathy. This system may be useful for substrate and VT mapping in human postinfarction cardiomyopathy.
Prediction of Breeding Value Under Henderson's Selection Model: A Revisitation

Abstract Prediction of breeding value by maximization of the joint density of the random effects and of the data was studied in a conditional selection scheme proposed by Henderson. Dispersion parameters were assumed known. In this setting, a condition under which selection can be ignored is that the distribution of the selection variable must not depend on the location parameters being estimated; the conditional distribution of the selection variable given the data and the random effects also must be ancillary. Selection can be ignored when culling is based on linear or nonlinear functions of the data that do not depend on the fixed effects. Contrary to results needed for unbiased estimation and prediction, selection can be ignored when it is based on linear or nonlinear functions of the residuals or of the random effects. The question of what type of predictor should be used in order to maximize expected genetic progress remains open.