cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Littered Pack Data to Estimate Cigarette Tax Avoidance in NYC

NYC has the highest cigarette tax rate in the nation. Using tax stamp data from littered packs of cigarettes from a sample of randomly selected NYC census tracts, collected once before and three times after a tax increase, we find that tax evasion is high relative to the U.S., but that the increase in avoidance after the tax increase is less than national estimates. Tax avoidance increased from 15 to 24 percent, while consumption declined by 10 percent. Rates of avoidance are higher in poorer areas. Revenue losses from untaxed smoking are estimated to be as much as half of the total revenue from cigarette taxation in NYC.
Cadmium exposure route affects antioxidant responses in the mayfly Centroptilum triangulifer

Aquatic organisms accumulate metals directly from water and from their diets. Exposure to metals is known to generate oxidative stress in living organisms and this stress may be ameliorated via activation of antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants. To determine if antioxidant physiology is dependent on Cd exposure route in the mayfly Centroptilum triangulifer, we exposed larvae to environmentally relevant concentrations of Cd from isolated dissolved or dietary exposure routes to achieve comparable tissue concentrations. Dissolved Cd had no effect on the antioxidant enzymes examined. However, dietary Cd significantly suppressed catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, and decreased concentrations of the reduced (active) form of glutathione in C. triangulifer larvae. These findings suggest that dietary Cd is potentially more toxic than aqueously derived Cd in this mayfly. We further examined the effect of dietary Cd tissue loading rates on antioxidant enzyme suppression and found that absolute tissue load appeared more important than loading rate. These results may help explain why insects are routinely unresponsive to dissolved metal exposures in the laboratory, yet highly responsive to metal pollution in nature.
On the Source of the Submicrometer Droplet Mode of Urban and Regional Aerosols

While atmospheric aerosols are typically described as consisting of three modes, the nucleation mode (0.01–0.1 μm in diameter), the accumulation mode (0.1–1.0 μm in diameter), and the coarse mode (> 1 μm in diameter), ambient measurements have shown that two distinct modes can exist in the 0.1–1.0-μm diameter range. These modes are referred to as the condensation mode (approximate aerodynamic diameter of 0.2 μm) and the droplet mode (approximate aerodynamic diameter of 0.7 μm). It has been postulated that the droplet mode results from aqueous-phase chemistry (Hering and Friedlander, 1982; John et al., 1990). In this work we examine the mechanisms of formation of the droplet mode. It is shown that growth of condensation mode particles by accretion of water vapor or by gas-phase or aerosol-phase sulfate production cannot explain the existence of the droplet mode. Activation of condensation mode particles to form fog or cloud drops followed by aqueous-phase chemistry and fog evaporation is shown to be a plau...
Modification to Lees–Edwards periodic boundary condition for dissipative particle dynamics simulation with high dissipation rates

The Lees–Edwards periodic boundary condition has been a workhorse for simulating shear flows in molecular dynamics (MD). It has also been used in dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) to calculate the rheology of complex suspensions. However, owing to the dependence of inter-particle forces on the relative velocity of the particles in DPD, this boundary condition can give rise to serious errors if the velocity dependence is not properly accounted for in its implementation. This is particularly true for higher dissipation rates. This report will explore this issue and propose a simple remedy.
Diagnostic value of the psoas shadow

Summary Absence or diminution in clarity of one of the psoas lines has been reported as an aid in the diagnosis of a variety of intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal lesions. Review of single and multiple abdominal films of 200 “normal” patients has shown unequal visualisation of the psoas lines in about 25 per cent on the single study and 11 per cent on multiple study. 7.5 per cent showed absence of one psoas line on single study and 2.5 per cent on multiple study. Although the magnitude of these figures will expectedly vary from series to series, they do indicate that the psoas lines may show differential appearance “normally.” The appearance of the psoas lines is generally not helpful in differentiating intraperitoneal from retroperitoneal masses or in the diagnosis of peritonitis. Intraperitoneal fluid, such as blood from laceration of the spleen, will not selectively obliterate the left psoas line. Retroperitoneal haemorrhage, however, will frequently obliterate the psoas line. Hence, absence of the psoas shadow in patients with injury to the spleen suggests associated retroperitoneal haemorrhage as from laceration of the kidney. Visualisation of the psoas line may be present even with retroperitoneal infection.
Design of high-rate irregular non-binary LDPC codes using algorithmic stopping-set cancellation

Following Poulliat et al.’s design of (2, dc) nonbinary LDPC (NB-LDPC) codes, this paper designs high-rate irregular NB-LDPC codes by addressing the problem of minimum symbol distance. The design procedure first identifies all stopping sets up to weight five in an LDPC code and enumerates them via a message passing algorithm. For each identified stopping set, careful labeling forces its corresponding parity-check submatrix to be full rank, thereby preventing the stopping set from being a sub-code and ensuring a minimum distance of at least six symbols. Simulation results for codes designed through this procedure show a significant improvement in the error-floor region over randomized labeling.
Identification of a Potent Heterocyclic Ligand To Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 5 by the Synthesis and Screening of β-Turn Mimetic Libraries

Methods for the parallel synthesis of medium-ring heterocyclic β-turn mimetics (1) are described, which enable the rapid preparation of libraries of mimetics for the identification of small molecul...
Serum protein binding of drugs and bilirubin in newborn infants and their mothers

The serum protein binding of dexamethasone, diazepam, phenytoin, sulfisoxazole, and bilirubin was determined in full-term newborn infants and their mothers immediately after delivery. Diazepam and sulfisoxazole were bound more extensively in infant serum than in maternal serum, dexamethasone was bound more extensively in the maternal serum, and the serum protein binding of phenytoin and bilirubin was much the same in the infants and their mothers. These results are consistent with and explain clinical observations that diazepam concentrations are higher in cord than in maternal serum and that phenytoin levels in newborn and maternal sera are in the same range when the mothers had taken one of these drugs for some time before delivery. There were negative correlations between free fraction of drug and albumin concentration in serum only for phenytoin (infants and mothers), diazepam (infants only), and sulfisoxazole (mothers only). Except for dexamethasone (infants and mothers) and phenytoin (mothers), there were positive correlations between the free fraction values of the various compounds and those of salicylic acid. It was previously determined that salicylic acid is more extensively bound in newborn than in maternal serum. Induction or augmentation of labor with oxytocin was associated with decreased serum protein binding of diazepam and possibly of bilirubin in mothers. There was a significant correlation between serum free fraction values in newborns and their mothers only in the case of phenytoin. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1980) 28, 58–63; doi:10.1038/clpt.1980.131
Strength and fracture resistance of amorphous diamond-like carbon films for MEMS

The mechanical strength and mixed mode I/II fracture toughness of hydrogen-free tetrahedral amorphous diamond-like carbon (ta-C) films, grown by pulsed laser deposition, are discussed in connection to material flaws and its microstructure. The failure properties of ta-C were obtained from films with thicknesses 0.5-3 µm and specimen widths 10-20 µm. The smallest test samples with 10 µm gage section averaged a strength of 7.3 ± 1.2 GPa, while the strength of 20-µm specimens with thicknesses 0.5-3 µm varied between 2.2-5.7 GPa. The scaling of the mechanical strength with specimen thickness and dimensions was owed to deposition-induced surface flaws, and, only in the smallest specimens, RIE patterning generated specimen sidewall flaws. The mode I fracture toughness of ta-C films is KIc = 4.4 ± 0.4 MPa√m, while the results from mixed mode I/II fracture experiments with cracks arbitrarily oriented in the plane of the film compared very well with theoretical predictions.
Multiple sclerosis among American, Japanese and Chinese migrants to California and Washington.

Abstract Death rates from MS were studied among 7 million native-born and 8 million migrant white, Japanese and Chinese in California and Washington. The death rate among native-born Washingtonians was higher than among native-born Californians. Few multiple sclerosis deaths were found among American-born and foreign-born Japanese and Chinese in both states suggesting that racial factors may influence susceptibility to MS. Migrants to both states from areas reported to have low rates of MS had low rates suggesting that they had acquired protection before migration. Migrants to Washington from areas reported to have high rates had higher rates than similar groups migrating to California. These findings suggest that causative factors may still be operative in the third and fourth decades of life in high-risk areas and that a protective factor may also be involved in the etiology of MS.
Synthesis and evaluation of novel anionic polymeric surfactants based on polybenzoxazines.

Abstract A novel platform of anionic polymeric surfactants, poly(4HBA-oca − Na + ), poly(4HBA-dea − Na + ), and poly(4HBA-doa − Na + ), has been synthesized by polymerizing benzoxazine monomers that are synthesized by reacting an aliphatic amine of variable chain length (C 8 , C 10 and C 12 ), with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and paraformaldehyde. The structures of the monomers and polymeric surfactants are confirmed by NMR and FTIR. The ring-opening polymerization and thermal behavior of the benzoxazine monomers are studied by DSC and TGA. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with Viscotek triple detection technique is used to characterize the molecular weight distribution of polybenzoxazine surfactants. The surfactants have low MW, varying from 2200 to 6000, and are fairly polydisperse. The influence of the structure on the surface activity is investigated by measuring the surface tension of aqueous solutions of the polymeric surfactants using the Wilhelmy plate method. The tensiometry results indicate that the adsorption at the air/water interface is similar for the octylamine, decylamine and dodecylamine-based surfactants. Increasing the alkyl chain length from C 8 to C 12 does not significantly affect the surface tension at the critical micelle concentration ( γ cmc ), while the critical micelle concentration (cmc) gradually increases due to increasing hydrophobic effect. These polymeric surfactants give cmc values ranging from 0.12 g/L to 0.17 g/L, comparable to other polymeric surfactants reported in the literature. The influences of salt addition on the surface tension at the critical micelle concentration ( γ cmc ) for these surfactants are studied. Theminimum values of the γ cmc are observed around 1 wt% NaCl for the polybenzoxazine surfactant solution.
Climate sensitivity to continental ice sheet size and configuration

Abstract A version of the NCAR Community Climate Model (CCM) has been used to carry out a study of climate sensitivity to the size and distribution of continental ice sheets by comparing two perpetual season, fixed sea surface temperature (SST), winter simulations of the climate at a glacial maximum. The two simulations differ only in the size and configuration of the continental ice sheet boundary conditions. These conditions represent minimum and maximum ice sheet extent for a glacial maximum as presently constrained by the geologic evidence. All other boundary conditions are as specified by CLIMAP (1981) for winter surface conditions during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The ice sheets specified by CLIMAP (1981), used by many previous researchers to simulate ice age climate conditions, are intermediate in size between the minimum and maximum ice sheets used for the simulations described here. The maximum case simulation resulted in unexpected positive temperature anomalies over the Northern Hemisphere...
Glowing quasar cocoons

L'observation du ciel par le satellite IRAS dans le domaine IR permet d'echafauder de nouvelles hypotheses sur les rapports entre les galaxies brillantes et les quasars
Inflammatory fibrous histiocytoma. An aggressive and lethal lesion.

During an investigation of soft tissue fibrohistiocytic tumors, seven cases were found which we believe represent a new and specific diagnostic subgroup of the fibrous histiocytomas. All patients were adults (mean 52.6 years), only one of whom was younger than age 40. There were four females and three males; all were Caucasian. The tumors, which occurred in the retroperitoneum, anterior chest wall, anterior abdominal wall, femoral area, and oral cavity, were large, averaging 8.5 cm., and although appearing encapsulated, were microscopically infiltrative. The common histologic feature of all cases was a diffuse and at times intense neutrophilic infiltrate unassociated with tissue necrosis, in combination with bland and anaplastic appearing histiocytes. The presence of this acute exudative reaction is a unique feature of these lesions, and was present not only in the original tumors, but in recurrences and metastatic foci as well. Other cell types including foam cells, lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, Reed-Sternberg-like and ganglion-like cells were commonly present. A storiform fibrous pattern, a hallmark of the fibrous histiocytomas was seen at some time in all but one case. The treacherous aspect of these lesions was their bland initial histologic appearance. The foci of foam cells associated with the inflammatory elements often led to a diagnosis of a benign inflammatory reaction or xantho-granuloma. However, follow-up has confirmed the aggressive and neoplastic nature of these lesions. The clinical course was usually protracted with multiple recurrences and eventual metastases. All patients died of their tumor, the average survival being 53 months; four patients survived over 5 years. At this time, we propose the term inflammatory fibrous histiocytoma to designate these lesions.
Early diagenesis in a reducing fjord, Saanich Inlet, British Columbia—I. chemical and isotopic changes in major components of interstitial water

Abstract Water and interstitial water from the reducing fjord of Saanich Inlet, British Columbia were analyzed for their major element composition, ammonia, phosphate and silica contents, and for stable isotope composition of sulfur and carbon species. Ca was the only major element to show a significant change with depth (a 75 per cent decrease in some cases). Ammonia and phosphate are highly enriched in the interstitial water (I.W.), concentrations reaching 250 ppm and 39 ppm, respectively. Total dissolved CO 2 in I.W. increases strongly with depth (20 to 30 times that in overlying sea-water) and it becomes enriched in C 13 ( δC 13 PDB ≈ + 17.8%.). Both sulfate and dissolved sulfide decrease with depth to a complete disappearance of all sulfur species from the interstitial water. The dissolved sulfide is highly enriched in S 34 ( δS 34 ≈ + 18%.). All these changes are attributed to strong biological activity in the sediments.
Hypocrella panamensis sp. nov. (Clavicipitaceae, Hypocreales) : a new species infecting scale insects on Piper carrilloanum in Panama

A new species, Hypocrella panamensis, is described from collections and cultures obtained on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. In order to aid in placement of this fungus, phylogenetic analyses were conducted using LSU (rDNA) sequences. Hypocrella panamensis is characterized by possessing pulvinate stromata with a Lecanicillium-like anamorphic state and superficial perithecia. Hypocrella panamensis consistently grouped in a clade containing Hypocrella nectrioides, H. phyllogena, and H. africana (100 % PP). Most species of Hypocrella possess Aschersonia or Hirsutella anamorphs. Hypocrella panamensis is unique in the genus Hypocrella in possession of a Lecanicillium-like anamorphic state. In its biological habit Hypocrella panamensis is similar to other species in Hypocrella in that it infects and degrades the scale insect, then grows superficially on nutrients that emerge to the plant surface through the stylet wound.
Sensory innervation of periodontal ligament of rat molars consists of unencapsulated Ruffini-like mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings.

The trigeminal ganglion (TG) of adult rats was injected with 3H-amino acids to label periodontal receptors by axonal transport; 20–24 hours after injection, samples of molar ligament were prepared for autoradiography and electron microscopy. Four types of neurites labeled from TG were found in the avascular ligament fiber regions: (1) large, complex, Ruffini-like endings, lacking a capsule, but with finger extensions touching ligament collagen; (2) smaller Ruffini-like endings, lacking a capsule and neural fingers; (3) free bundles of unmyelinated axons; and (4) free, small, myelinated axons. The vascular channels plus associated loose connective tissue that perforate the ligament contained labeled preterminal ensheathed axons, small Ruffini endings, and free unmyelinated or small myelinated axons. The incidence of labeled endings was about 5 × greater next to the lower third of the root than in the upper two-thirds or beneath the root The TG myelinated axons (diameter range 2–15 μm) entered the ligament in sheathed nerve bundles; these branched to form numerous small preterminal axons that were surrounded by a periaxonal fluid space and a perineurial sheath. Terminal axons branched from nodes of Ranvier, left the preterminal chamber, and followed an extended branching course through the collagen fibers. Large, complex Ruffini-like endings had numerous mitochondria and were partially covered by special lamellar Schwann cells and complex basal lamina; vesicles and multivesicular bodies were found near exposed regions of the receptor. Smaller Ruffini-like endings lacked neural fingers and had a simpler structure and less elaborate Schwann cells. The structure of Ruffini-like endings was highly varied; thus a structural continuum may exist from the largest, most complex to the smallest, simplest Ruffini-like receptor. The TG unmyelinated axons entered the ligament in ensheathed bundles; they then branched into free bundles that were found in the avascular ligament or near blood vessels. No encapsulated receptors were found.
Lagrangian frequency spectra of vertical velocity and vorticity in high-Reynolds-number oceanic turbulence

Lagrangian properties of oceanic turbulent boundary layers were measured using neutrally buoyant floats. Vertical acceleration was computed from pressure (depth) measured on the floats. An average vertical vorticity was computed from the spin rate of the float. Forms for the Lagrangian frequency spectra of acceleration, Φ a (ω), and the Lagrangian frequency spectrum of average vorticity are found using dimension analysis. The flow is characterized by a kinetic energy dissipation rate, e, and a large-eddy frequency, ω 0 . The float is characterized by its size. The proposed non-dimensionalization accurately collapses the observed spectra into a common form. The spectra differ from those expected for perfect Lagrangian measurements over a substantial part of the measured frequency range owing to the finite size of the float. Exact theoretical forms for the Lagrangian frequency spectra are derived from the corresponding Eulerian wavenumber spectra and a wavenumber-frequency distribution function used in previous numerical simulations of turbulence. The effect of finite float size is modelled as a spatial average. The observed non-dimensional acceleration and vorticity spectra agree with these theoretical predictions, except for the high-frequency part of the vorticity spectrum, where the details of the float behaviour are important, but inaccurately modelled. A correction to the exact Lagrangian acceleration spectra due to measurement by a finite-sized float is thus obtained. With this correction, a frequency range extending from approximately one decade below ω 0 to approximately one decade into the inertial subrange can be resolved by the data. Overall, the data are consistent with the proposed transformation from the Eulerian wavenumber spectrum to the Lagrangian frequency spectrum. Two parameters, e and ω 0 , are sufficient to describe Lagrangian spectra from several different oceanic turbulent flows. The Lagrangian Kolmogorov constant for acceleration, β a ≡ Φ a /e, has a value between 1 and 2 in a convectively driven boundary layer. The analysis suggests a Lagrangian frequency spectrum for vorticity that is white at all frequencies in the inertial subrange and below, and a Lagrangian frequency spectrum for energy that is white below the large-eddy scale and has a slope of -2 in the inertial subrange.
The impact of police unionization on municipal budgetary outcomes

This paper explores the potential impact of police employee unionization on municipal budgetary outcomes in a five state area of the southcentral United States. Utilizing municipal budget data taken from annual editions of The Municipal Year Book and unionization data gathered through a survey questionnaire, the research compares union and nonunion cities over time. Results indicate that police unions have exercised some influence on municipal budgetary outcomes, particularly in cities of 50,000-99,999 population.
Comparison of echocardiographic quantitation of left ventricular ejection fraction to radionuclide angiography in patients with regional wall motion abnormalities

Abstract The noninvasive estimation of left ventricular (LV) performance is important both in the initial evaluation of many cardiac patients and as a means of monitoring their subsequent course. M-mode echocardiography was initially used to estimate LV ejection fraction (EF) but was substantially limited by its inability to account for regional wall motion abnormalities. 1 Two-dimensional echocardiography assesses LV function tomographically and is less restricted by segmental abnormalities. Previous studies using 2-dimensional echocardiography to assess EF have reported a wide range of results, and few have included significant numbers of patients with regional wall motion abnormalities. 2,4
Process window control using CDU master

As double patterning techniques such as spacer double/quadruple patterning mature, ArF water immersion lithography is expected to be applied down to the 1x nm hp node or beyond. This will necessitate precise process control solutions to accommodate extremely small process windows. In the case of spacer double/quadruple patterning in particular, CD uniformity of the final feature is strongly related to the lithography performance of the initial pre-spacer feature. CD uniformity of the resist image is affected by many sources. In the case of the exposure tool, CD error on the reticle, as well as exposure dose and focus errors are the key factors. For the resist process, heterogeneity of the stacked resist film thickness, post exposure bake (PEB) plate temperature, and development all have an impact. Furthermore, the process wafer also has error sources that include under-layer non-uniformities or wafer flatness. Fortunately, the majorities of these non-uniformities are quite stable in a volume production process. To improve and maintain the CD uniformity, a technique to calculate exposure dose and focus correction values simultaneously using the measured resist image feature was reported previously [1]. Further, a demonstration of a correction loop using a neural network calculation model was reported in SPIE 2010 [2], and the corrected CD uniformity was less than 1.5 nm (3 sigma) within a wafer. For further improvement, a demonstration of precise dose and focus control using high order field-by-field correction was then reported at SPIE 2011[3]. In that work, the interand intra-field CD uniformities reported were less than 1 nm (3 sigma) respectively. A key aspect of this method is the simultaneous compensation of dose and focus offsets, which successfully maximizes the process margin of a target pattern. The Nikon CDU Master then derives the optimal control parameters for each compensation function in the scanner using the exposure dose and focus correction data, with the NSR-S620 scanner having the capabilities to also control higher order dose and focus distribution. This high degree of controllability ultimately enables precise correction of the complicated CD error distribution that is caused by heterogeneities in the process. In this work, this correction concept was expanded to include contact hole CD uniformity optimization and quick correction method using the AMI-3500 auto macro inspection tool. A 3D contour analysis method is used for contact hole CDs measured by CD-SEM. The contact hole CD is then corrected directly without using any other monitor pattern features. Further, using the Nikon AMI-3500 system, it is possible to successfully extract the adjustment components using the optical diffraction image. Since the AMI measurement time is very quick (just a few minutes), a regular correction loop using the AMI may be a promising solution for system auto correction in an IC manufacturing facility.
Effects of adrenalectomy on maternal behavior in pregnancy-terminated rats

Abstract Latencies to the onset of maternal behavior were measured in 16 day pregnancy-terminated rats. Three conditions were tested and included hysterectomy-ovariectomy (HO) with testing beginning 24 hr after surgery and HO plus a concurrent subcutaneous injection of 5 μg/kg estradiol benzoate or hysterectomy only (H) with testing starting 48 hr post-operatively. Within each condition, one group was also adrenalectomized while another was sham-operated at the same time as HO or H. There were no differences in the distribution of latencies between the adrenalectomized and sham-operated controls in any of the conditions although a significantly greater percentage of the sham adrenalectomized H animals were maternal by Day 2 of testing. It was concluded that adrenal secretions are not essential for the onset of maternal behavior in pregnancy-terminated animals while they may add a facilitatory effect following H only.
Short Period Spectral Discriminants for Explosions

Summary Spectra (0-5 Ha) of the P, phase at JAS, California (A = 250-500 km), for 69 events (M = 2.8-4.5) located within 100 km of NTS are used to investigate source differences between the short period spectra of nuclear explosions and natural ' earthquakes. The Po spectral ratio (0.6-1.25 Hz)/ (1.35-2.0 Hz) of ground displacement satisfactorily discriminates NTS explosions from natural ' earthquakes for a threshold magnitude at least as low as M = 3.2. The explosion spectra are relatively richer in the high frequency band (1.35-2.0 Hz) than are the natural earthquake spectra. An interesting result suggested by this study is that the short period P-wave spectra of afterevents ' of large NTS explosions resemble the spectra of explosions rather than that of ' natural ' earthquakes. The problem of identifying underground nuclear explosions has received the close attention of many seismologists in the last ten years. Of the many proposed explosion discriminants, the body wave-surface wave magnitude (m : M) criteria seems the most promising. The SIPRI report (1968) concluded that the m: M criteria is a positive identifier ' for m 2 e. Using the m : M criteria with Canadian stations for western North America events, Basham (1969) demonstrated a separation of the earthquake and explosion populations for m > 4.5. Basham noted that due to continental margin and/or propagation path effects on the surface wave amplitudes, the m : M detection threshold for intercontinental distances may be at best about m = 4.7. Using data from the Berkeley (BRK) broadband system at a distance of 500 km from NTS, McEvilly & Peppin (197C personal communication) have found a separa- tion of the NTS explosion and Nevada earthquake populations down to a threshold magnitude at least as low as m = 3.7. Surface waves for smaller events are lost in the background noise. The new high-gain long-period seismometers (Molnar et al. 1969) are capable of recording events with M, possibly as low as 2.7 (-m = 3-7 for explosions) at epicentral distances of 30" or more. Data are thus becoming available to test even lower thresholds of the m : M criteria for intracontinental discrimination. Discrimination criteria based solely on direct P-waves have also received con- siderable attention. The SIPRI report (1968) indicates that P-wave spectra are a diagnostic aid and a possible ' positive identifier ' for events with m > 5.25. Using
A semi-empirical model for a 90Sr beta-particle transmission thickness gauge for aluminum alloys

Abstract A semi-empirical model is derived and tested for a 90Sr beta-particle transmission thickness gauge for aluminum alloys. Monte Carlo simulation is also used to verify the forward scatter part of the model. The model accurately accounts for thickness as well as forward scatter, gamma-ray background, and the measurement interference of sample density and composition. The model parameters are obtained and the model is benchmarked with industrial experimental data from a 90Sr(90Y) gauge.
Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy: a case report

Background Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a bilateral optic neuropathy of mitochondrial inheritance that produces significant painless, central vision loss and dyschromatopsia. LHON usually occurs in young males between the ages of 15 and 30 years and manifests an episode of subacute or acute vision loss in one eye, with the opposite eye becoming involved weeks to months later. Approximately 80% to 90% of all LHON patients are male. While the disease usually presents itself around the third decade of life, its onset ranges anywhere from 5 to 80 years. Case Report We report a case of an uncooperative 12-year-old Hispanic boy who was brought to our group practice following referral from an outside optometrist for amblyopia therapy. Following the workup by the binocular vision clinician, a neuro-ophthalmic consultation was obtained, eventually leading to the diagnosis and confirmation of LHON. Conclusion Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy may manifest signs and symptoms that mimic common ophthalmic entities. Teenage males often are reluctant to report its subtle clinical findings, making its discovery even more challenging. LHON should be kept in mind as a possibility for anyone who manifests unexplained visual loss.
Mediastinal lipomatosis: a complication of high dose steroid therapy in children

Mediastinal lipomatosis has been described in adults and is a well recognized cause of mediastinal enlargement. Fatty accumulation in the mediastinum has been observed following extended usage of large doses of steroids, generally greater than 60 mg daily. Little documentation of this entity exists in pediatric patients. A 9-year-old male who received large doses of steroids for graft-versus-host disease following bone marrow transplantation for acute myelogenous leukemia developed mediastinal lipomatosis. Early qualification of this diagnosis is especially important in this group of patients, who are also at risk for a second neoplasm.
Self-defense training and traditional martial arts: Influences on self-efficacy and fear related to sexual victimization.

The purpose of this study was to examine if traditional martial arts (TMA) and modern self-defense training (MSDT), relative to a stress-management comparison program, were equally effective in altering both multidimensional self-efficacy and fear in relation to sexual victimization. Participants in the MSDT group (mean [M] 3.9) had significant and meaningful test reductions ( p .02) in life-threatening fear relative to the comparison group (M 4.4) and had significantly higher (M 8.1) scores than the comparison group (M 6.4) in self-defense self-efficacy. There were no differences in other forms of self-efficacy (i.e., interpersonal self-efficacy) or fear (i.e., fear of being alone). These results provided some support for the value of MSDT interventions in helping women become more confident and less fearful of sexual victimization.
System-level development of embedded software

Embedded software plays an increasingly important role in implementing modern embedded systems. Development of embedded software, and of Hardware-dependent Soft-ware in particular, is challenging due to the tight integration with the underlying hardware architecture. In this paper, we describe our system-level design approach that allows designers to develop software in form of a platform-agnostic specification. Our design environment enables exploration of different architectural alternatives and subsequently generates the software implementation. It generates the application code, communication drivers, and an adaptation to a chosen RTOS. It completes the process by producing the final target binary for each processor. Our experimental results demonstrate the automatic generation of the binaries for five control and media oriented applications.
The effect of the autoimmunity-associated gene, PTPN22, on a BXSB-derived model of lupus

A single nucleotide polymorphism in PTPN22 is linked to increased disease susceptibility in a range of autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). PTPN22 encodes the Lyp phosphatase that dampens TCR signaling and is necessary for signaling downstream of toll-like receptors in myeloid cells. To understand these dual functions in disease, we examined the impact of deficiency in PTPN22 on a spontaneous murine model of SLE. Male PTPN22 KO mice carrying BXSB chromosome 1 and the Yaa disease accelerating factor developed disease at a similar rate and severity as PTPN22 WT. In contrast, although female mice showed no differences in survival in the absence of PTPN22, autoantibody production was significantly increased and splenic populations associated with pathogenesis in this model were expanded in the PTPN22 KO group. These findings support the notion that when coupled with other predisposing autoimmunity genes, PTPN22 deficiency contributes to a predisposition to lupus pathogenesis.
Telomeric TuRF1 Wars

Summary The TRF1 subunit of the shelterin complex controls telomere length by regulating telomerase access to chromosome ends. Work from Zeng et al. (2010) now reveals in atomic detail how a battle between the SCF FBX4 ubiquitin ligase and the shelterin component TIN2 controls TRF1 abundance and telomere length homeostasis.
Mental models of the challenges of multi-agency information sharing projects: a study using cognitive maps

While the improvement of information sharing capabilities among public agencies has become one of the highest priorities of governments today, stakeholders in these initiatives face a multitude of complex challenges. In this paper, we propose the use of a cognition research approach to develop an understanding of the decision-making models and processes of stakeholders in these initiatives. An exploratory study using cognitive mapping methods to understand the perceptions and assumptions of a group of individuals with extensive experience in inter-agency information sharing initiatives is described. Study findings include stakeholder perceptions of nine major challenges, the "causes" of those challenges and their interrelationships. The study demonstrates the value of a cognitive approach to understanding the decision-making models of agency actors. Avenues for future research using managerial/organisational cognition theory and methods are outlined.
Developmental Changes in Infant Spatial Categorization: When More Is Best and When Less Is Enough

Two experiments examined infants' ability to form a spatial category when habituated to few (only 2) or many (6) exemplars of a spatial relation. Sixty-four infants of 10 months and 64 infants of 14 months were habituated to dynamic events in which a toy was placed in a consistent spatial relation (in or on) to a referent object. At 10 months, infants formed a spatial category (looking longer at an unfamiliar than familiarized spatial relation) only when habituated to 6 exemplars. At 14 months, infants formed the spatial category regardless of the number of habituation exemplars. The results highlight developmental changes in infant spatial categorization and show that increasing exemplar number facilitates this ability in infants of 10 months.
Heisenberg-like ferromagnetism in 3 d − 4 f intermetallic La 0.75 Pr 0.25 Co 2 P 2 with localized Co moments

The critical behavior near the continuous paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition in a single crystal of ${\mathrm{La}}_{0.75}{\mathrm{Pr}}_{0.25}{\mathrm{Co}}_{2}{\mathrm{P}}_{2}$ has been determined based on high-resolution bulk magnetization data near ${T}_{C}$ \ensuremath{\sim} 167 K, where long-range order is established in the Co sublattice. Scaling equation of state analysis and the Kouvel-Fisher method under a moderate applied magnetic field yielded critical exponents ($\ensuremath{\beta}=0.3685\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0017$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}=1.3361\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0083$), consistent with the $d$ = 3, $n$ = 3 Heisenberg model of short-range interactions. Calculation of the Rhodes-Wohlfarth ratio confirmed that a localized rather than itinerant description of the $3d$ Co moments is appropriate in the ferromagnetic region of the sample. The critical susceptibility exponent \ensuremath{\gamma} was found to decrease systematically from the Heisenberg model value toward the mean-field model value as the maximum applied magnetic field considered in the analysis was increased above 2 T. The phenomenon is discussed in terms of mixed exchange mechanisms due to the coexistence of $3d$ and $4f$ magnetic sublattices and ordered clusters in the paramagnetic region.
Growth of modulated structure in gold-platinum alloys

Abstract The growth of structural modulations during the early stages of precipitation in gold-platinum alloys has been investigated using the Debye-Scherrer X-ray diffraction method. Three alloys having the compositions 40% Pt-60% Au, 60% Pt-40% Au, and 80% Pt-20% Au were examined over the aging temperature range 500°–600°C. The modulation wavelength was found to be nearly constant for short aging times and then to increase uniformly to a maximum value upon further aging. The maximum wavelength attained by the alloy of critical composition is smaller than the maximum observed for the 40–60 or 80-20 alloys: this was attributed to a maximum in elastic strain energy, due to coherency strains, at the critical composition. The change in wavelength growth rate with aging time is in qualitative agreement with the theory of spinodal decomposition.
Cardiovascular concomitants of tactile and acoustic startle responses in spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats

Abstract In the present study we have stimultaneously investigated cardiovascular and behavioral responses to repeated tactile and acoustic stimulation in adult, male, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Blood pressure and heart rate responses were increased in SHR vs. WKY rats following both types of stimuli. The pressor responses, but not the tachycardic responses, habituated with repeated stimulation in both strains and with both stimulus modalities. The rates of habituation were not significantly different between the two strains. Magnitudes of the behavioral startle responses were significantly elevated in SHR vs. WKY rats with tactile, but not with acoustic stimulation. No significant differences were found between the two strains with respect to the latency, with which the startle responses occurred. These data indicate that SHR as compared to WKY rats respond to repeated stimulation with two different stimulus modalities (tactile and acoustic) with significantly increased pressor and tachycardic responses. This cardiovascular hyperreactivity is not due to different degrees of habituation between the two strains and can be observed even in the absence of significant differences in standard behavioral startle response measures.
Stem Cells and the Rate of Living

The "rate-of-living theory" is an ancient explanation of longevity which holds that aging occurs due to the exhaustion of some finite substance—breaths, heartbeats, etc. While this theory as originally conceived has been debunked, new work (Ruzankina et al. [2007], in this issue of Cell Stem Cell ) suggests that mammals in fact do have a finite number of stem cell replications per life.
A Comparative Study of Chemical Databases for Fine Particle Chinese Aerosols

A chemical database for PM2.5 and PM2.0 aerosols has been assembled for various sampling sites in China. The primarily urban sites, sampled from 1980 to 1993, include Beijing, Tianjin, Wuhan, Lanzh...
Performance, energy, and reliability tradeoffs in replicating hot cache lines

The importance of L1 data caches makes their performance, power consumption, and data integrity characteristics extremely critical in embedded systems design. We examine these issues in the context of a mechanism that tries to enhance data cache reliability by replicating cache lines (blocks) in active use. When replicating data cache lines, it is important to not evict other lines that may be needed or to not incur very high power consumption. We evaluate the tradeoffs between these three goals (reliability, energy, and performance) by modulating two important parameters, namely, the hot-block threshold and the dead-block threshold. We show that having a hot-block threshold in the range of 10-1000 cycles can provide good reliability characteristics, without compromising on performance or power. At the same time, our results indicate that one could use aggressive dead-block thresholds to provide leakage power savings without compromising on the performance and reliability characteristics. The results from this paper can be used to design power, performance, and reliability enhanced cache architectures.
Zschokkella floridanae sp. n. (Myxosporidea) from the goldspotted killifish, Floridichthys carpio (Günther).

SYNOPSIS. Zschokkella floridanae sp. n. (Myxosporidea) is described from the gall bladder of the goldspotted killifish, Floridichthys carpio, collected in south Florida. The fresh spore is circular to ovoid in front view and irregularly oblong in sutural view. It averages 14.5 in length × 13.3 μm in width. The polar filament, wound 6–8 times, is 55.3 μm when extended.
Differential Replication of Ovine Lentivirus in Endothelial Cells Cultured from Different Tissues

Abstract Blood–brain barrier dysfunction has been postulated to be important in the pathogenesis of HIV dementia. This study used an in vitro model of the blood–brain barrier to determine the effects of ovine lentivirus (OvLV) infection on endothelial cells. The replication of two American OvLV isolates and two Icelandic OvLV isolates in pure cultures of endothelial cells isolated from brain was compared to replication in endothelial cells from adipose, lung, and aorta. Inoculation with the two American isolates resulted in 100 times greater reverse transcriptase (RT) activity in supernatant of the microvascular endothelial cells (brain, lung, and adipose) than in the macrovascular endothelial cells (aorta). Conversely, inoculation with the two Icelandic isolates resulted in 100 times higher RT activity in aortic, lung, and adipose endothelial cells than in the brain endothelial cells. Transmission electron microscopy of the brain capillary endothelial cells infected with the American isolates revealed polarized viral budding from the lateral cell membrane and a loss of tight junctions. Replication of OvLV in brain capillary endothelial cells could play a role in the pathogenesis of lentiviral encephalitis by altering blood–brain barrier integrity.
Age-related decrease in the naive (OX22+) T cells in F344 rats

The frequency of the cells bearing the naive marker (OX22+) in T cells, helper, and cytotoxic/suppressor T cell subsets isolated from the spleens of young and old F344 rats were measured by flow cytometry. The percentage of naive cells in T cells decreased significantly with age and this decline occurred primarily in the helper subset.
Antixenosis–A New Term Proposed to Define Painter's “Nonpreference” Modality of Resistance

Much of the wide acceptance and popularity of Reginald Painter's classification of the mechanisms of plant resistance to insect pests stems not only from its simplicity and apparent generality, but also because it accurately describes insect and plant responses. Based on some of his own previous work (Painter 1936, 1941), Painter in his classical book “Insect Resistance in Crop Plants” (1951) proposed that plant resistance, as observed in the field, could be explained by three fundamental mechanisms which he named: (a) nonpreference, (b) antibiosis, and (c) tolerance. Painter and many subsequent workers have stressed the fact that these mechanisms are most frequently interrelated although they may also operate independently.
Characterization and relationship of dpp receptors encoded by the saxophone and thick veins genes in Drosophila

Abstract The dpp/BMP family of TGFβ-related factors controls numerous events in pattern formation and morphogenesis. How these polypeptide signals are received and transduced by target cells is largely unknown. We combine molecular and genetic approaches to establish that the Drosophila saxophone (sax) gene encodes a dpp receptor. We compare the structural properties and expression patterns of sax with a second dpp receptor encoded by the thick veins (tkv ) gene. While the sax gene is expressed ubiquitously, tkv is expressed in a highly localized and dynamic pattern during development. Some, but not all, of the tkv expression pattern parallels that of dpp . Ubiquitous expression of a tkv transgene rescues both tkv and sax loss-of-function mutations. Thus, there is at least partial functional overlap of the sax and tkv receptors in vivo. We consider these observations in terms of possible ligand-receptor interactions during Drosophila development.
Psychosocial Impact of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

To the Editor.— Noticeably absent in the flurry of publications about the current epidemic of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is reference to the psychosocial impact of this devastating new syndrome. In the course of our study and treatment of patients with AIDS, we are finding a mounting array of social problems. Our initial group of patients has had to cope with the collapse of their social support systems and drainage of their financial resources. We hope to avoid this in future patients by heightening awareness of the problem and encouraging greater attention to their continuing needs. We find that a large portion of our AIDS population is indigent and unable to obtain the requisite outpatient care. In an ongoing investigation at our institution, many patients studied thus far have shown evidence of protein-calorie malnutrition and multiple vitamin deficiencies. Once discharged, they can neither eat well enough to bolster their