cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiative transfer in two-component stellar atmospheres

Abstract We describe a method for solving the line-transfer equations for a two-component atmosphere consisting of an array of columns, characterized by a particular variation of temperature with height, which are embedded in a medium in which the temperature is a different function of height. Radiative interaction between the two regions is taken into account, and the opacity is allowed to vary arbitrarily with depth. Some calculations that correspond to the solar Ca K-line are described.
Almost complete intersections and factorial rings

It is our purpose in this paper to investigate the relationship between two classes of ideals in regular local rings R: prime ideals P such that R/P is factorial, and prime ideals Q which are minimally generated by htQ + 1 elements. These latter ideals are called almost complete intersections. Peskine and Szpiro [ 121 say two unmixed ideals Z and J in a regular local ring R are (geometrically) linked if Z and .Z have no common minimal prime ideals and if there is an R-sequence xi ,..., x, such that (xi ,..., x,) = Zn.Z. We will delete the word “geometricaly” throughout this paper; linkage will always be used in the sense above. Murthy [ 1 l] essentially showed that if R is a regular local ring and P is a prime ideal such that R/P is factorial, then P is linked to an almost complete intersection. In Section 1 we provide a new and simple proof of this result using a generalization of a theorem of Hartshorne [2] concerning the connectedness of Spec(R). Recall that a ring R is said to satisfy Serre’s condition S, if the following condition holds:
Random eigenvalue equations

Abstract This paper presents a new approach to stochastic eigenvalue equations using the decomposition method to avoid the restrictive smallness assumptions inherent in perturbation theory and closure approximations.
VMCrypt: modular software architecture for scalable secure computation

Garbled circuit play a key role in secure computation, but existing implementations do not scale and are not modular. In this paper we present VMCrypt, a library for secure computation. This library introduces novel algorithms that, regardless of the circuit being garbled or its size, have a very small memory requirement and use no disk storage. By providing an API (Abstract Programming Interface), VMCrypt can be integrated into existing projects and customized without any modifications to its source code. We measured the performance of VMCrypt on several circuits with undreds of millions of gates. These are the largest scalable secure computations done to date.
Epidemiology and Cost of Infection with Human Parainfluenza Virus Types 1 and 2 in Young Children

To determine the morbidity, costs, and epidemiological features of lower respiratory tract infections (LRIs) due to human parainfluenza virus types 1 and 2 (HPIV-1 and HPIV-2), we evaluated 1,213 children < 6 years of age who were seen for LRIs in the emergency room of the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and/or were admitted to the hospital for LRIs during the fall quarter of 1991. The age, sex, race, and respiratory syndrome were recorded for each child; 158 patients (13%) had respiratory samples cultured for viruses and were followed clinically for the duration of their illness. Caucasian children had croup diagnosed more often than did African-American children (relative risk [RR] = 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.43-4.00; P < .001), while African-American children more often had pneumonia (RR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.36-2.5; P < .001). Forty-five of 70 viruses recovered were HPIV-1 (17 cases) or HPIV-2 (28 cases). Together these two viruses were recovered from 49% of children presenting with croup, 10% of those presenting with bronchiolitis, and 12% of those presenting with pneumonia. Gender- and race-associated differences were documented in the group of children infected with HPIV-2: specifically, this group included more girls than boys (RR = 1.99; 95% CI, 1.02-3.88; P < .04) and more Caucasian than African-American children (RR = 2.64; 95% CI, 1.05-6.63; P = .027). These data extrapolate nationally to approximately 250,000 emergency-room visits and approximately 70,000 hospitalizations due to HPIV-1 and HPIV-2, with a cost of $50 million for the former and $140 million for the latter.
Model-based CT performance assessment and optimization for iodinated and noniodinated imaging tasks as a function of kVp and body size.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to assess the comparative performance of iterative reconstruction in space (IRIS) and filtered back projection (FBP) reconstruction algorithms in terms of image quality and dose across kVps and phantom sizes.
Losing Season: Georgia’s Academic Coach Program

Georgia’s failed Academic Coach Program, conceived as a means of improving failing schools and retaining and rewarding master teachers, cost the state’s taxpayers $1.2 million. Only four teachers became academic coaches. The discussion provides a practical and theoretical analysis of the structural and human components that explain what went wrong.
Identification of H+/K+-ATPase α,β-heterodimers

Abstract Glutaraldehyde treatment of the C12E8 solubilized H+/K+-ATPase crosslinks the catalytic subunit with an apparent molecular mass of 94 kDa in SDS polyacrylamide gels into two Coomassie stained particles migrating at approx. 147 and 173 kDa. The subunit composition of these particles was determined from the comparative distribution of FITC fluorescence, wheat germ agglutinin and anti-β antibody reactivity in control and crosslinked preparations. FITC exclusively labelled the catalytic monomer of the native preparation and its fluorescence was initially distributed into two broad bands centered at approx. 147 and 173 kDa after crosslinking. These fluorescent bands coincided with the Coomassie stained particles. A glycoprotein(s) detected by wheat germ agglutinin reactivity was present in diffuse areas between 65 and 86 kDa and 95 to 134 kDa in the control preparation. This area was also labelled by the anti-β antibodies. With crosslinking, the distribution of the wheat germ agglutinin reactive protein and anti-β antibodies coincided with the crosslinked particles labelled by FITC. The presence of both the catalytic monomer and the β subunit glycoprotein in the crosslinked particles indicated that these proteins were closely associated in the C12E8 solution. This suggests that the minimal structural particle of the H+/K+-ATPase is an α,β-heterodimer.
High-performance liquid chromatography with non-aqueous solvents Relative elution strength on a polystyrene—divinylbenzene column

Abstract A polymeric resin-based stationary phase was used to study the retention of alkylphenols, alkylbenzenes, substituted benzenes and fused-ring compounds with different eluents. Various 100% organic solvents were used as eluents in order to observe the relative ability to solvents to elute compounds of given chemical structure. Plots of log k ′ vs. number of carbons in a chain attached to the aromatic ring showed linear correlations with slopes that are dependent on solvent type and solute functionality. Of the solvents studied, acetonitrile exhibited the highest solvating ability for the benzene ring and for several functional groups. Ethanol was shown to have the strongest eluting power for the methylene group. The relative ability of several solvents to elute polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in solid-phase extraction was determined. The functional group contribution (τ) was calculated for selected compounds and acceptable agreement was found in the correlation between experimental and predicted values for solute capacity factor.
Punchthrough transient voltage suppressor for EOS/ESD protection of low-voltage IC's

A silicon transient voltage suppresser (TVS) is presented for off-chip EOS/ESD protection of ICs with supply voltages ranging from 3.3 V down to 1.5 V. The np/sup +/p/sup -/n four-layer TVS operates in punchthrough mode instead of the avalanche mode as in conventional TVS diodes. Performance was investigated by device simulator TMA-MEDICI for several device structure options for ultra-low-voltage EOS/ESD protection.
Migration Patterns During Italian Urbanization, 1865-1921

This study examines patterns of male migration in central Italy during its transformation from an agrarian to an urban-industrial society. The Italian population registers provide data on the extent and type of emigration among more than 3,500 men (ages 10 and over) who immigrated to the commune of Casalecchio di Reno, bordering the city of Bologna, from 1865 to 1915. Demographic and social differentials in overall rates of emigration and their relation to places of origin and destination are measured. The implications of these results for an understanding of population mobility are discussed.
Joint zone evolution in infrared bonded steels with copper filler

Low carbon steels have been joined using an infrared processing technique with copper as the filler material. Single lap specimens were prepared. The joining temperatures were 1100 °C, 1125 °C, and 1150 °C with joining time ranging from 0 to 2 minutes in flowing argon. Excellent wetting between the base materials and the filler was observed for all samples. The joint shear strength was determined with a specially designed fixture to minimize the bending moment of specimens during testing. The measured joint shear strength varies from 240 to 300 MPa depending on the processing conditions. The maximum strength obtained is about 300 MPa, which can be achieved by processing at 1125 °C for 60 seconds or 1150 °C for only 30 seconds. Higher processing temperatures or longer processing time than these conditions did not improve the joint strength. Joint cross-section examinations revealed that there are no voids in the joint. Microhardness tests performed on the cross sections of joined samples across the joint zone indicate that the joint zone hardness is higher than that of pure copper. Examinations with energy dispersive analysis of X-ray revealed presence of iron in the joint as well as a small amount of copper inside the base materials.
Radar Nowcasting of Total Lightning over the Kennedy Space Center

AbstractA long-term radar dataset over Melbourne, Florida, was matched with three-dimensional lightning data to optimize radar-derived predictors of total lightning over the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Four years (2006–09) of summer (June–August) daytime (about 1400–0000 UTC) Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler data were analyzed. Convective cells were tracked using a modified version of the Storm Cell Identification and Tracking (SCIT) algorithm, and correlated to cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning data from the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) and grouped intracloud (IC) flash data from the KSC Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) I and II networks. Reflectivity values at isothermal levels and a vertically integrated ice (VII) product were used to optimize radar-based forecasting of both IC and CG lightning. Results indicate the best reflectivity threshold predictors of CG and IC lightning according to the critical success index (CSI) were 25 dBZ at −20°C and 25 dBZ at −15°C, respectively. ...
The Convexity Number of a Graph

For two vertices u and v of a connected graph G, the set I[u,v] consists of all those vertices lying on a u−v shortest path in G, while for a set S of vertices of G, the set I[S] is the union of all sets I[u,v] for u,v∈S. A set S is convex if I[S]=S. The convexity number con(G) of G is the maximum cardinality of a proper convex set of G. The clique number ω(G) is the maximum cardinality of a clique in G. If G is a connected graph of order n that is not complete, then n≥3 and 2≤ω(G)≤con(G)≤n−1. It is shown that for every triple l,k,n of integers with n≥3 and 2≤l≤k≤n−1, there exists a noncomplete connected graph G of order n with ω(G)=l and con(G)=k. Other results on convex numbers are also presented.
Policy implications for third-tier countries considering ACTD programs: South Korea as a case study

Abstract As a certain society's military strength depends on its technological capabilities, decision makers that do not retain the capacity to produce a full spectrum of defense systems to meet the country's requirement (herein Third Tier Countries, or TTCs), need to administer different acquisition policies than countries that furnish a complete range of arms. South Korea, with its limited defense industrial base, has implemented Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) programs since 2007. Provided that other TTCs are considering the ACTD process, analogous cases should be instructive. Thus, this paper is a comparative analysis of Korean ACTDs vis-a-vis those of the United States to draw distinctive ACTD policy implications for TTCs. For a review of 32 programs, four perspectives are suggested: imminent threats, technological capabilities, budgetary constraints, and transition plans. Examined from these dimensions, prioritization and reification of imminent threats should be a beginning point. If there are some identified threats that can be countered by ACTDs, then boundaries in technological capabilities and budgetary constraints ought to be taken into account. Finally, an effective technology transition plan for ACTDs in accordance with other non-military-led defense R&D projects would help in determining the success of the open acquisition process.
Synthesis of 2′-O-[2-[(N,N-dialkylamino)oxy]ethyl]-modified oligonucleotides: hybridization affinity, resistance to nuclease, and protein binding characteristics

Abstract Synthesis of a series of 2′-O-[2-[(N,N-dialkylamino)oxy]ethyl]-modified 5-methyluridine nucleoside phosphoramidites and solid supports are described. Using these monomers, modified oligonucleotides containing phosphodiester linkages were synthesized in high yields. These modified oligonucleotides showed enhanced binding affinity to the complementary RNA (and not to DNA) and excellent nuclease stability with t1/2>24 h. The human serum albumin binding properties of modified oligonucleotides have been evaluated to assess their transport and toxicity properties.
Aggregation in the Anionic Polymerization of Hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane with Lithium Counterion

The kinetics of the polymerization of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane D3 initiated by lithium 2,4,4-trimethyl-1-pentanolate (CH3)3CCH2CH(CH3)CH2OLi in THF solution in the range 0–60°C has been investigated. Polymerization was essentially first order in respect to monomer. Independent of the temperature in the range from 0 to 60°C, the external order of the rate with respect to initiator changed from 0.25 to 0.33 by changing the initiator concentration from 10−1 M to 10−3 M. This change indicates a change in the degree of aggregation from 4 to 3 of the propagation-active siloxanolate groups. The presence of aggregates and the change in their degree of aggregation from 4 to 3 has been independently and quantitatively confirmed by viscometry carried out before and after quenching the living D3 polymerization by Men−4SiCln (n=1–4) and Cl2SiMeCH2CH2MeSiCl2. Evidently most of the siloxanolate end groups are organized into aggregates whose size is controlled by the concentrations of the siloxanolate groups in the range from 10−3 to 10−1 M but insignificantly by the temperature from 0 to 60°C. Propagation is due to a relatively small proportion of active unaggregated ion pairs.
Aberrant patterns of cellular communication in diabetes-induced embryopathy in rats: II, apoptotic pathways.

Objective The objective was to test the hypothesis that hyperglycemia-induced injury of yolk sac cell membranes is associated with disruption of cellular apoptotic signaling pathways. Study design Pregnant rats were induced to become diabetic by injection of streptozotocin. Fourteen normal control and 24 diabetic rats were killed on day 12 of gestation. Yolk sac membranes in 3 conceptus groups (nondiabetic, diabetic with normal, or diabetic with malformed conceptus) were collected for study. DNA was extracted from yolk sac cells and assayed for fragmentation by using gel electrophoresis, which indicates apoptosis. Protein expression was evaluated by Western blot assays. Statistical analyses were performed with the Student t -test. Results The level of phosphorylated Akt was significantly decreased, whereas that of the proapoptotic protein Bax was increased. These changes were correlated with the presence of DNA fragmentation in yolk sac cells of the diabetic malformed conceptuses. Conclusion Hyperglycemia-induced embryopathy involves apoptosis, during which the expression of proapoptotic protein Bax is upregulated and the activity of the cell-survival factor, Akt kinase, is decreased in yolk sac cells. These observations suggest that hyperglycemia of maternal diabetes triggers apoptotic signaling pathways and inhibits cell survival pathways, leading to embryonic malformations.
Dose-dependent skin ulcers in mice treated with DNA binding antitumor antibiotics.

The DNA-binding agents daunomycin (DAUNO), mithramycin (MITH), dactinomycin (ACT-D), amsacrine (mAMSA) and esorubicin (ESO) were tested for local vesicant potential in a quantitative intradermal mouse skin model. Only MITH, which adlineates but doses not intercalate DNA, did not produce dose-dependent skin ulcerations in the mouse. The anthracycline antibiotics DAUNO and ESO produced the largest skin ulcers when administered intradermally at clinically relevant doses (adjusted on the basis of comparable body surface areas). Numerous local pharmacologic adjuvants were tested for activity to decrease skin ulceration patterns in mice given one of the DNA intercalators. Inactive local adjuvants included heat, cold, saline, hyaluronidase, glucorticosteroids and isoproternol. Only one adjuvant, topical dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), was found to reduce DAUNO skin lesions. A single topical DMSO application significantly decreased ulceration size to almost half of control levels. However, it was ineffective for the other intercalating agents. These results show that the DNA intercalators DAUNO, ESO and ACT-D are potent vesicants in a mammalian skin model. These vesicant agents must be administered cautiously to prevent extravasation. No single local adjuvant treatment can be recommended for extravasation of these drugs in the clinic. One significant exception is DAUNO, where topical DMSO may reduce clinical toxicities.
Impact of Non-HIV Related Comorbidities on Retention in HIV Medical Care: Does Retention Improve Over Time?

The purpose of this study was to understand how the presence of comorbid conditions affects retention in HIV medical care over time. A retrospective cohort design employing a medical chart review was conducted. A generalized linear mixed model was used to determine the predictors that affect retention over time. The mean follow-up for the study population was 5.75 years, and only 48.6 % achieved optimal retention. During the study period, 882 non-HIV related comorbidities were diagnosed in 610 (44.9 %) patients of whom, approximately 31 % had ≥2 comorbidities diagnosed. In the mixed model, the number of comorbidities diagnosed during the study period was associated with improved retention over time (odds ratio = 2.28; 95 % confidence interval = 1.83–2.71). Having a non-HIV related comorbid condition was associated with improved retention, while those patients who were ‘healthier’ had worse retention. More research is needed to identify factors that improve retention and to quantify the impact of these factors.
Electrostatic Dispersion of Drops in Clusters

A theory of evaporation and dispersion of electrostatically charged drops has been developed for drops belonging to a spherical cluster exposed to a flow Under the assumption of constant atmospheric pressure, the quasi-steady approximation was made for the gas phase whereas the drop-temperature history is unsteady. The model lakes into account interdrop interactions (in terms of heal and mass transfer) due to drop proximity, turbulence exchange processes between the cluster and its surroundings and electrostatic force effects due to the charge on the drops. Calculations based upon this model were made for charged as well as uncharged clusters of drops. The charge was varied from a null value to the maximum possible charge found empirically for hydrocarbon sprays. Moreover, the turbulence model was varied in such a way as to simulate the cluster embedded into a flow where turbulence develops with time (Model 1) or a flow with pre-existing turbulence (Model 2). The results show that the control parameters for the evaporation of charged drops are different from those for uncharged drops in dense clusters; turbulence levels which were shown lo be crucial for the latter in the dense cluster regime do not affect the former in the same regime. For dilute clusters turbulence is unimportant in both cases. Moreover, drop charging docs not affect dilute clusters of drops whereas dense clusters of drops are substantially affected. Based upon existing experimental data, inferences are made about how electrostatic spray dispersion can affect soot control in powersystems using fuel sprays. Limited results perlainingto the ignition of nearly-dense clusters of electrostatically charged drops are discussed as well.
The rise and fall of the sliding scale, or why wages are no longer indexed to product prices

Abstract Though almost no postwar union contracts indexed wage rates to prices of the employer’s products, union agreements linking wage rates to product prices, known as sliding scales, were common in some industries in the United States and Britain from the 1860s through the 1930s. This paper explains why sliding scales disappeared after the 1930s, and examines what practical experience with sliding scales revealed about fundamental constraints on wage indexation. Paradoxically, the history of sliding scales confirms that workers’ information about product prices and materials costs is generally imperfect, in ways that would substantially constrain wage indexation in long-term contracts. Sliding scales were not indexed long-term contracts, but rather devices to forestall costly strikes in the absence of contracts by revealing employers’ private information about product demand. In the postwar US, unions and employers failed to link wage rates to product prices because they had gained the ability to enter binding contracts, which could achieve the benefits of preventing strikes without incurring the extra negotiation costs and information problems associated with product-price indexation. I present a model to show how sliding scales could forestall strikes by revealing information, and how the introduction of binding union contracts reduced incentives to link wages to product prices.
On the signal-to-noise ratio in IUE high-dispersion spectra

An observational and data reduction technique for fixed pattern noise (FPN) and random noise (RN) in fully extracted IUE high-dispersion spectra is described in detail, along with actual empirical values of signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) achieved. A co-addition procedure, involving SWP and LWR cameras observations of the same spectrum at different positions in the image format, provides a basis to disentangle FPN from RN, allowing each average amplitude, within a given wavelength interval, to be estimated as a function of average flux number. Empirical curves, derived with the noise algorithm, make it possible to estimate the S/N in individual spectra at the wavelengths investigated. The average S/N at the continuum level in well-exposed stellar spectra varies from 10 to 20, for the orders analyzed, depending on position in the spectral format. The co-addition procedure yields an improvement in S/N by factors ranging from 2.3 to 2.9. Direct measurements of S/N in narrow, line-free wavelength intervals of individual and co-added spectra for weak-lined stars yield comparable, or in some cases somewhat higher, S/N values and improvement factors.
Feasibility of semiring-based timing constraints

Real-time and embedded applications often involve different types of timing constraints, such as precedence constraints and real-time constraints. As real-time and embedded applications further advance, new timing constraint types are emerging as well. Recent research on interval-based timing constraints is an example. Thus, it is important to have a uniformed timing constraint representation so that a generalized approach can be developed to analyze the variant constraint types.A semiring-based timing constraint model is introduced to generalize the representations of different constraint types. Under this model, we develop an algorithm to check the satisfaction feasibility for a given set of semiring-based timing constraints. This algorithm provides better performance in the average case as compared to applying the Bellman-Ford algorithm directly on the constraint set.In addition, for a set of feasible semiring-based timing constraints, event occurrence points that satisfy the constraint set form a (hyperdimension) feasible region. For the given two sets of timing constraints, we develop a necessary and sufficient condition to testify whether the two constraint sets' feasible regions have an inclusion relation. If one feasible region is included in the other, we know that the real-time event occurrences that satisfy the included constraint set will necessarily satisfy the including set.
Situating cognitive/socio-cognitive approaches to student learning in genetics

In this volume, Furberg and Arnseth report on a study of genetics learning from a socio-cultural perspective, focusing on students’ meaning making as they engage in collaborative problem solving. Throughout the paper, they criticize research on student understanding and conceptual change conducted from a cognitive/socio-cognitive perspective on several reasonable grounds. However, their characterization of work undertaken from this perspective sometimes borders on caricature, failing to acknowledge the complexities of the research and the contexts within which it has been carried out. In this commentary, I expand their characterization of the cognitive/socio-cognitive perspective in general and situate my own work on genetics learning so as to provide a richer view of the enterprise. From this richer, more situated view, I conclude that research from both perspectives and collaboration between those looking at learning from different perspectives will ultimately provide a more complete picture of science learning.
Impact of Smoking on Trauma Patients

BACKGROUND The harmful effects of smoking have been well-documented in the medical literature for decades. To further the support of smoking cessation, we investigate the effect of smoking on a less studied population, the trauma patient. METHODS All trauma patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit at the LAC + University of Southern California medical center between January 2007 and December 2011 were included. Patients were stratified into two groups - current smokers and non-smokers. Demographics, admission vitals, comorbidities, operative interventions, injury severity indices, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II scores were documented. Uni- and multi-variate modeling was performed. Outcomes studied were mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of hospitalization. RESULTS A total of 1754 patients were available for analysis, 118 (6.7%) patients were current smokers. The mean age was 41.4±20.4, 81.0% male and 73.5% suffered blunt trauma. Smokers had a higher incidence of congestive heart failure (4.2% vs. 0.9%, p=0.007) and alcoholism (20.3% vs. 5.9%, p<0.001), but had a significantly lower APACHE II score. After multivariate regression analysis, there was no significant mortality difference. Patients who smoked spent more days mechanically ventilated (beta coefficient: 4.96 [1.37, 8.55, p=0.007]). CONCLUSION Smoking is associated with worse outcome in the critically ill trauma patient. On an average, smokers spent 5 days longer requiring mechanical ventilation than non-smokers.
Deception and defection from ethical norms in market relationships: a general analytic framework

Market relationships built on trust and governed by commonly accepted ethical norms are generally viewed as economically positive and beneficial to both parties; however, such relationships are occasionally the situs of a variety of unexpected and ethically questionable behaviours. This study examines the narratives provided by participants who share their experience as an exchange partner in a market relationship or as a close observer of an exchange partner in a market relationship to identify the use of short-term deceptions and ethics defections in managing these relationships. The data demonstrate a number of instances in which one exchange partner is willing to deceive another. Situations identified include deceiving current customers, new customers, current suppliers, governmental bodies, and employees and managers for the purposes of: protecting an existing relationship, pursuing a new relationship, ensuring product or service quality, and exerting control over a relationship. This research develops a general analytic framework for the occurrence of deception and defection from ethical norms in market relationships from elements of the study participants' narrative reports. This framework can be used by future researchers to design studies that examine the specific antecedents of these behaviours.
On Accelerating the PageRank Computation

In this paper we consider the problem of computing the PageRank vector in an efficient way. By combining some of the existing techniques and different approaches, including the power method, linear systems, iterative aggregation/disaggregation, and matrix reorderings, we propose algorithms that decrease the number of iterations to reach the desired solution, thus accelerating convergence to the vector that contains the importance of web pages.
Evidence for synergism between chromium and nicotinic acid in the control of glucose tolerance in elderly humans

Impaired glucose tolerance results from Cr restriction in animals, and Cr supplementation improves glucose tolerance in diabetic animals. These effects are presumably due to the role of Cr in glucose tolerance factor (GTF), a complex of Cr and nicotinic acid believed to facilitate insulin binding. Humans, however, do not uniformly respond to Cr supplementation. The present study was designed to evaluate the possibility that the failure results from inadequate levels of dietary nicotinic acid to serve as substrate for GTF synthesis. Sixteen healthy elderly volunteers were divided into three groups and given either 200 micrograms Cr, 100 mg nicotinic acid, or 200 micrograms Cr + 100 mg nicotinic acid daily for 28 days and evaluated on days 0 and 28. Fasting glucose and glucose tolerance were unaffected by either chromium or nicotinic acid alone. In contrast, the combined chromium-nicotinic acid supplement caused a 15% decrease in a glucose area integrated total (p less than .025) and a 7% decrease in fasting glucose. None of the treatments exerted any effect on fasting or one-hour insulin levels. Thus, these data suggest that the inability to respond to chromium supplementation may result from suboptimal levels of dietary nicotinic acid.
Automatic medical image annotation and retrieval

The demand for automatically annotating and retrieving medical images is growing faster than ever. In this paper, we present a novel medical image retrieval method for a special medical image retrieval problem where the images in the retrieval database can be annotated into one of the pre-defined labels. Even more, a user may query the database with an image that is close to but not exactly what he/she expects. The retrieval consists of the deducible retrieval and the traditional retrieval. The deducible retrieval is a special semantic retrieval and is to retrieve the label that a user expects while the traditional retrieval is to retrieve the images in the database which belong to this label and are most similar to the query image in appearance. The deducible retrieval is achieved using SEMI-supervised Semantic Error-Correcting output Codes (SEMI-SECC). The active learning method is also exploited to further reduce the number of the required ground truthed training images. Relevance feedbacks (RFs) are used in both retrieval steps: in the deducible retrieval, RF acts as a short-term memory feedback and helps identify the label that a user expects; in the traditional retrieval, RF acts as a long-term memory feedback and helps ground truth the unlabelled training images in the database. The experimental results on IMAGECLEF 2005 [] annotation data set clearly show the strength and the promise of the presented methods.
Viral glycoprotein synthesis under conditions of glucosamine block in cells transformed by avian sarcoma viruses

Abstract The synthesis of the viral glycoprotein gp85 in B77-transformed chick embryo cells cultured under conditions of glucosamine block was studied. As determined by long-term labeling with radioactive fucose, no gp85 is formed in the presence of 20 μmoles/ml of glucosamine, although an intracellular component was detected which was recognized by a serum prepared against gp85 but migrated in SDS-polyacrylamide gel with a greater mobility than gp85. The labeling properties of this component suggest that it is a carbohydrate-deficient form of gp85. These data are discussed in terms of a chemical mechanism for glucosamine block.
Evaluation of the presence of a face search advantage in Chernoff faces

Chernoff faces (Chernoff, 1973) are an early attempt at large scale multivariate data representation and are based on underlying assumptions that have not been empirically tested. This study investigated i) whether data coded as Chernoff faces benefit from face perception, and ii) whether each feature of a Chernoff face is equally salient. We tested four pairs of oppositely coded Chernoff faces (e.g. smile, frown) in an oddball search paradigm with set sizes of 5, 10 and 15. To evaluate whether face perception aided search, we used a control condition with inverted faces, a manipulation known to diminish holistic face processing. Equivalent search efficiencies for upright and inverted Chernoff faces demonstrates that they do not receive any significant benefit from face perception. Additionally, none of the features tested together produced significantly different search efficiencies from one another. It also appears that overall Chernoff faces do not allow for particularly efficient visual search.
The diagnostic field’s players and interactions: from the inside out

For diagnoses that require inputs from multiple players - patients, informal caregivers, health care professionals - a team approach to coordinating diagnostic care has the potential to improve outcomes. Taking a patient-system perspective helps elucidate important factors relevant to team-based diagnostic performance. These factors are conceptualized as a metaphoric playing field that has goals, players interacting, unavoidable uncertainties and influential social conditions specifically tied to the diagnosis phase of care. In terms of rules of the game, the patient-system interaction might be guided by application of Gittell and colleague's relational coordination concepts, and understood within a broader social network framework of diagnosis, adapted from work by Berkman and colleagues. Patient-centered metrics are also needed to monitor the success of diagnosis.
Global behaviour, unique responses: consumption within cultural frameworks

Increasingly, product managers and promotional strategists weigh the impacts of homogeneous products and uniform promotion coupled with the unique character of specific market segments. This is especially crucial in an era when many products are advertised in identical ways and consumed in analogous manners over diverse cultural areas. In order to explore the influence of cultural variations on marketing, discusses the conflicting ways in which an international advertising icon, “the Marlboro man”, is interpreted in three different cultural settings. The resulting analysis has both theoretical and practical value.
Effects of anesthetic agents on somatosensory responses of raphespinal neurons in the cat

Abstract The goal of this study was to examine the effects of α-chloralose and pentobarbital on the somatosensory responses of medullary raphespinal neurons. With α-chloralose, 98% of neurons responded to innocuous stimuli, particularly tapping, but only 1 64 responded selectively to nociceptive stimuli. In contrast, 73% of neurons responded selectively to noxious stimuli with pentobarbital, and none responded selectively to innocuous stimuli. In addition, raphespinal neurons studied with pentobarbital had higher spontaneous discharge rates, and a higher incidence of spontaneity, than neurons studied with α-chloralose. Thus, different anesthetics produce raphespinal neurons with different somatosensory response characteristics.
Superheated water eluent capillary liquid chromatography

Abstract A capillary scale reverse phase liquid chromatography (LC) system using a super hot water eluent is described. The system, constructed in-house from readily available components, has been shown to operate at temperatures as high as 370 °C and pressures in excess of 10 000 psi. The capability of the system is demonstrated with the separation of a mixture of polar and non-polar benzene derivatives on polybutadiene and elemental carbon modified zirconia packings with or without temperature gradients. Six benzene derivatives can be separated in ∼2 min.
Do gender-science stereotypes predict science identification and science career aspirations among undergraduate science majors?

The present research examined whether gender–science stereotypes were associated with science identification and, in turn, science career aspirations among women and men undergraduate science majors. More than 1,700 students enrolled in introductory science courses completed measures of gender–science stereotypes (implicit associations and endorsement of male superiority in science), science identification, and science career aspirations. Results were consistent with theoretically based predictions. Among women, stronger gender–science stereotypes were associated with weaker science identification and, in turn, weaker science career aspirations. By contrast, among men stronger gender–science stereotypes were associated with stronger science identification and, in turn, stronger science career aspirations, particularly among men who were highly gender identified. These two sets of modest but significant findings can accumulate over large populations and across critical time points within a leaky pipeline to meaningfully contribute to gender disparities in STEM domains.
The penetration of [14C]ethanol and [14C]methanol through excised guinea-pig skin in vitro

Abstract We have studied the penetration in vitro of methanol and ethanol through excised, full thickness, guinea-pig skin. The total amount of methanol or
I love you with all my brain: laying aside the intellectually dull sword of biological determinism

Background: By organizing and activating our passions with both hormones and experiences, the heart and mind of sexual behavior, sexual motivation, and sexual preference is the brain, the organ of learning. Despite decades of progress, this incontrovertible truth is somehow lost in the far-too-often biologically deterministic interpretation of genetic, hormonal, and anatomical scientific research into the biological origins of sexual motivation. Simplistic and polarized arguments are used in the media by both sides of the seemingly endless debate over sexual orientation, equality, and human rights with such catch phrases as ‘‘born gay’’ contrasted against attempts of ‘‘reparative therapy’’ or ‘‘pray the gay away’’. Though long abandoned in practically every other area of psychology, this remnant of the nature-nurture controversy remains despite its generally acknowledged insufficiency in explaining any adult aspect of the human condition within the scientific community. Methods: This theoretical review article identifies three factors: 1) good intentions with regard to the argument from immutability; 2) false dichotomies limiting intellectual progress by oversimplification of theory and thus hypothesis, and most dangerously, interpretation and; 3) Tradition: a historical separation of the disciplines of biology and psychology, which, to this day, interferes with the effective translation of well-conducted science into good public understanding and policy. Results: Studies clearly demonstrate that progress toward sexual-orientation equality is being made, if slowly, despite the apparent irrelevance of the ‘‘born gay’’ argument from immutability. Evidence is further provided supporting the inadequacy of polarized, dichotic theories of sexual development, particularly those pitting ‘‘blank slate learning’’ against a fated, deterministic biological perspective. Results of this review suggest that an emerging interactionist perspective will promote both better scientific progress and better public understanding, hopefully contributing to progress toward nondiscriminatory public policy. Conclusion: Accepting that the brain is a highly plastic, modularly dimorphic, developmentally biased organ of learning, one which is organized and activated by both hormones and experiences across the lifespan, is essential for doing ‘‘good science’’ well. Interactionist theories of psychosexual development provide an empirically sound, strong, yet modifiable foundation for testable hypotheses exploring biologically biased sexual learning. Keywords: Brain; conditioning; controversy; dichotomy; differentiation; discrimination; equality; sex; sexual; orientation; learning; learned sexuality; born gay; hedonic evaluation; immutability; imprinting; incentive motivation; interactionism; predispositions; theory; therapy (Published: 15 March 2012) Citation: Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology 2012, 2 : 17334 - DOI: 10.3402/snp.v2i0.17334
Growth of High Quality Single Crystal ZnO Films on Sapphire by Pulsed Laser Ablation

The structural and optical characterizations of single crystal zinc oxide films on sapphire have been performed. The ZnO films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition in an oxygen environment. These films were annealed in oxygen for further improvement in the oxygen stoichiometry. Both as-deposited and oxygen annealed films were high quality single crystal as characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The defect density, comprised mainly of dislocations and stacking faults, was low as compared to high quality films of III-nitrides deposited on sapphire. Under these growth conditions, the ZnO films grow two dimensionally on sapphire as opposed to GaN which grows three dimensionally. The band edge photoluminescence was found to be dominant, and an order of magnitude higher in the annealed films. Transmission measurements and the electrical resistivity of the annealed films also show the films were of high quality after annealing. It is envisaged that these improvements in the quality of the ZnO films occur as a result of reduction of oxygen vacancies and the density of point defects.
Currency boards: their past, present, and possible future role

Abstract The distinctive features of currency boards that were first established in British colonies in the second half of the nineteenth century included their issue of local coin and notes at a fixed exchange rate with a foreign money, usually British sterling. Currency boards held reserves equal to at least 100 percent of their currency liabilities, some in the form of interest-bearing assets denominated in the foreign money, on which they earned seigniorage. The currency-board system was adopted in many colonies and some noncolonial territories during this century until post-World War II decades, when newly independent countries replaced the system with central banks. Hong kong and Singapore were exceptions. This paper offers possible reasons for these developments and discusses the recent interest in establishing currency boards in the former Soviet Union.
The Proposed Market for Human Organs

During the last decade there have been enormous advances in the transplantation of vital human organs--in particular, the kidney, lung, heart, liver, pancreas, and small intestine. Unfortunately, efforts to provide the benefits of these operations to patients have been severely hindered by limitations in the supply of organs--limitations that are a consequence of regulation prohibiting the use of market incentives to increase the supply. Markets for organs could take various forms: sales by living donors; sales of future interests in organs, to be removed on the death of the donor; and sales of organs of a recently deceased person by the family of the deceased. Two additional issues relate to the design of a market: the geographic scope of the market and rules of liability for the sale of diseased or defective organs.
Association of the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Us11 Gene Product with the Cellular Kinesin Light-Chain-Related Protein PAT1 Results in the Redistribution of Both Polypeptides

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) Us11 gene encodes a multifunctional double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding protein that is expressed late in infection and packaged into the tegument layer of the virus particle. As a tegument component, Us11 associates with nascent capsids after its synthesis late in the infectious cycle and is delivered into newly infected cells at times prior to the expression of viral genes. Us11 is also an abundant late protein that regulates translation through its association with host components and contains overlapping nucleolar retention and nuclear export signals, allowing its accumulation in both nucleoli and the cytosol. Thus, at various times during the viral life cycle and in different intracellular compartments, Us11 has the potential to execute discrete tasks. The analysis of these functions, however, is complicated by the fact that Us11 is not essential for viral replication in cultured cells. To discover new host targets for the Us11 protein, we searched for cellular proteins that interact with Us11 and have identified PAT1 as a Us11-binding protein according to multiple, independent experimental criteria. PAT1 binds microtubules, participates in amyloid precursor protein trafficking, and has homology to the kinesin light chain (KLC) in its carboxyl terminus. The carboxyl-terminal dsRNA-binding domain of Us11, which also contains the nucleolar retention and nuclear export signals, binds PAT1, whereas 149 residues derived from the KLC homology region of PAT1 are important for binding to Us11. Both PAT1 and Us11 colocalize within a perinuclear area in transiently transfected and HSV-1-infected cells. The 149 amino acids derived from the KLC homology region are required for colocalization of the two polypeptides. Furthermore, although PAT1 normally accumulates in the nuclear compartment, Us11 expression results in the exclusion of PAT1 from the nucleus and its accumulation in the perinuclear space. Similarly, Us11 does not accumulate in the nucleoli of infected cells that overexpress PAT1. These results establish that Us11 and PAT1 can associate, resulting in an altered subcellular distribution of both polypeptides. The association between PAT1, a cellular trafficking protein with homology to KLC, and Us11, along with a recent report demonstrating an interaction between Us11 and the ubiquitous kinesin heavy chain (R. J. Diefenbach et al., J. Virol. 76:3282-3291, 2002), suggests that these associations may be important for the intracellular movement of viral components.