cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
159 New epidemiological evidence on the human carcinogenic potential of acrylonitrile exposure

Objectives Acrylonitrile (AN) is an industrial chemical used in the production of fibres, plastics, synthetic rubbers, resins and pharmaceuticals. AN has been studied extensively in exposed workers and experimental animals, yet many questions remain regarding its carcinogenic potential in humans. In 1999, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified AN as a “possible” (Group 2B) human carcinogen based largely on findings from four epidemiological studies. AN is currently under review by the US Environmental Protection Agency and is a candidate for an upcoming IARC re-evaluation. Methods The University of Pittsburgh, Department of Biostatistics, Center for Occupational Biostatistics and Epidemiology (COBE) is engaged in a series of epidemiology studies designed to advance knowledge regarding the human carcinogenicity of AN exposure. These studies are funded by the AN Group and INEOS Nitriles, Inc. and include: An update and expansion of an earlier historical cohort study of workers exposed to AN at the Lima, OH production site owned by INEOS Nitriles. This site was one of eight AN production sites studied in the 1990s by the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) and independently studied by COBE in the same time period. A sensitivity analysis based on the INEOS Lima cohort, designed to adjust lung cancer risks in relation to AN exposure for potential confounding by smoking. While individual-level smoking data are available for most subjects, these data appear to be severely misclassified, rendering them uninformative. A sensitivity analysis similar to 2, but based on the case-cohort study of lung cancer included in the NCI cohort study. A pooled analysis of individual-level data from the two existing US historical cohort mortality studies of AN-exposed workers, the NCI cohort and the DuPont Company cohort of two AN production sites. Results We will report current progress and available results from our series of investigations.
Performance Appraisal, Performance Management and Improving Individual Performance: A Motivational Framework

abstract Performance appraisal has been the focus of considerable research for almost a century. Yet, this research has resulted in very few specific recommendations about designing and implementing appraisal and performance management systems whose goal is performance improvement. We believe that a reason for this is that appraisal research became too interested in measurement issues and not interested enough in ways to improve performance, although some recent trends in the area have begun moving the field in the right direction. We review these trends and their genesis, and propose a motivational framework as a means of integrating what we have learned and generating proposals for future research that focus on employee’s performance improvement.
VIRTUAL HYDROPOWER PROSPECTING: A FOUNDATION FOR WATER ENERGY RESOURCE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

A comprehensive assessment of the gross power potential of the natural stream water energy resources of the United States was performed using state-of-the-art digital elevation models (DEMs) and geographic information system (GIS) tools. Water energy resource sites (stream segments) assessed in the basic resource assessment were further evaluated to identify which can be developed using a set of feasibility criteria. The gross power potential of each site was refined to determine its developable hydropower potential using a set of development criteria corresponding to a damless low power (less than 1 MWa) or small hydro (between 1 and 30 MWa) project. The methodologies for performing the basic resource assessment and subsequent feasibility assessment are described and the summary results for the nation are presented.
Stochastic Properties of the Foraging Behavior of Six Species of Migratory Shorebirds

A statistical description of the temporal and sequential organization of foraging behavior in six species of migrant shorebirds is presented. Intervals between successive pr.edation attempts produce distributions approximating gamma or exponential probability laws. These distributions undergo seasonal changes in the direction of more shorter intervals in winter. The events constituting the intervals between predation attempts exhibit ecologically meaningful relationships and their analysis has provided some insight into the mechanisms of behavioral control. Testable hypotheses may be suggested from these results. Sequential patterns of foraging events show strong second order redundancy (Markovian) but have weaker dependencies extending over higher orders. As a result of this analysis it was found that stereotypy in foraging behavior was higher in winter. The findings of this detailed analysis of hunting strategy correspond to the results of a coarse analysis of behavior reported previously (BAKER, I97I). The methods used here may be generally useful in studying the evolution of ecological behavior.
'Every bone of my body:' domestic violence and the diagnostic body.

Abstract Diagnostic categories for domestic violence have shifted over time, transforming from a disorder of psychological passivity and acute injury into a chronic and somatically invasive condition. This paper links these changing diagnoses to constructions of the abused body and to victim-blaming narratives. Based on an analysis of medical journal articles, this research identifies two logics that undergird domestic violence diagnoses, the body, and victim-blaming: 1) the logic of injury (1970s–1980s); and 2) the logic of health (late 1980s–present). The logic of injury is associated with overt victim-blaming, a temporally bounded and injured body, and psychological passivity. Once the feminist anti-violence movement gained mainstream credibility, however, the logic of injury fell out of favor as an explanation for domestic violence. What surfaced next was the logic of health, which is associated with chronic diagnoses and what the author calls a temporally extended body. The temporally extended body is flexible and layered, linking up past, present, and future states of disordered embodiment. The author suggests that, rather than ushering in hope and possibility via the logic of health's somatic flexibility, this abused body creates spaces into which new forms of blame and self-responsibility can take shape.
The reaction between H2 and O2 over supported platinum catalysts

Abstract The stationary-state reaction between H2 and O2 over Pt SiO 2 catalysts has been studied between 273 and 373 K in both excess hydrogen and excess oxygen on samples with dispersion of platinum varying between 1.0 and 0.14. In excess hydrogen, the catalyst with the highest dispersion was seven times more active at 273 K than was the catalyst with the lowest dispersion and the reaction was first order in oxygen and zero order in hydrogen. In contrast, in excess oxygen, the catalytic activity was almost independent of particle size, and the reaction was first order in hydrogen and zero order in oxygen. It is proposed that in excess oxygen, the reaction takes place on an oxidized surface where corrosive chemisorption of oxygen has erased structural anisotropies. In excess hydrogen, this phenomenon is apparently absent and the reaction is structure sensitive.
Expectancy-Based Job Cognitions and Job Affect as Predictors of Organizational Citizenship Behaviors1

This study investigated the importance of expectancy-based job cognitions and job affect (the affective component of job satisfaction) in helping to account for “organizational citizenship behaviors” (OCBs; Organ, 1988). Data pertaining to the expectancy-based job cognitions (i.e., expectancies, instrumentalities, valences), job affect, and OCB performance of 65 state finance agency employees were examined. We anticipated that the effect of expectancy-based job cognitions on OCB would be partially mediated by affect-based job satisfaction. This expectation was confirmed in that, after controlling for negative and positive affectivity, generalized instrumentality beliefs were found to affect OCB-altruism directly, as well as indirectly through the influence of affect-based job satisfaction.
Solid phase assay of urine cystine supersaturation in the presence of cystine binding drugs.

Purpose: We report a new kind of assay system for urine cystine supersaturation that is accurate in the presence of cystine binding thiol drugs. We measured the molar ratio of cystine dissolved per mole of drug.Materials and Methods: Measured amounts of cystine crystals were incubated in buffer or urine for 48 hours with stirring. The solid phase remaining was pelleted by centrifugation, extracted into a high pH buffer and measured. D-penicillamine, tiopronin and captopril were added to determine their effect on solid phase dissolution.Results: Total cystine calculated from urine and solid measurements closely matched the amounts of cystine weighed in, meaning that the assay system successfully recovered the total cystine from the 2 phases. Each drug dissolved solid cystine in a specific and fixed proportion to its molar concentration in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 mM. dissolution per mM. of drug. Solution measurements were not a reliable gauge to the actual amounts of cystine dissolved.Conclusions: Changes i...
Effect of distance, meteorology, and burn attributes on ground-level particulate matter emissions from prescribed fires

Abstract Multiple air monitoring campaigns were conducted from 2003 to 2007 during the months of December through April in which time-integrated monitoring of PM2.5 was performed during 55 prescribed burn (PB) events administered under select meteorological conditions. The data were analyzed using a generalized additive mixed-model (GAMM) where the logarithm of PM2.5 concentrations were modeled as the sum of linear and non-linear functions of our covariates of interest after accounting for the confounding associated with the grouping structure of our data and spatial dependency. Our model explained 61% of the variance of log transformed PM2.5. The GAM component of the model (i.e. our covariates of interest) explained 40% of that variance and the mixed-model component (i.e. random-effects and spatial correlation) explained 21%. Within burn events, concentrations across our air monitoring grid were significantly influenced by the distance from burn perimeter to air monitor and the proportion of time the air monitor was in line with the wind field over the burn. Among burns, variation was significantly influenced by burn duration, burn size, mode of ignition, and regional background PM2.5; indicating the importance of these for fire management. Measures of burn intensity and meteorology were found to be insignificant in our model; however, it is possible that some of these effects were absorbed by the random-effects of our model. These findings demonstrate that downwind exposure is largely a function of wind direction combined with distance from the burn and that emissions from one burn to the next are dependent on burn size, duration, and mode of ignition.
Mars: Compatible Determinations of Surface Pressure through Particle Scattering

The number of scattering particles required to bring the visual polarimetric and ultraviolet photometric estimates of the surface pressure of Mars into agreement are calculated. Concentrations of 108 to 109 ice particles,0.2 micron in diameter, per square-centimeter column are obtained. Based on concentrations of Aitken nuclei in the atmosphere of Earth, a layer less than 100 meters thick would contain the required number of particles. The compatible pressures obtained in this manner for various N 2 -CO 2 and Ar-CO 2 atmospheric models lie within the range of pressures determined spectroscopically.
Antiepileptic Drug Therapy in the Elderly

Abstract Populations are aging, and the incidence of epilepsy is increased in the elderly population. These demographic facts emphasize the importance of understanding the use of antiepileptic drugs in older patients. Healthy elderly have expected alterations in renal blood flow, hepatic volume and function, and alterations in fat-to-lean ratio of body composition. All of these changes make elderly patients vulnerable to dose-related adverse effects of the standard antiepileptic drugs. Newly developed compounds without enzyme induction effects and renal routes of excretion may be more favorable for use in elderly patients. 〈SCap>pharmacol. ther.〈Default ¶ Font> 78(1):9–16, 1998.
mRNA 3′ End Formation by Vaccinia Virus: Mechanism of Action of a Heterodimeric Poly(A) Polymerase☆

Abstract Historically, vaccinia viral enzymes have provided fundamental insights into general enzymological processes. Reasons for this include their amenity to genetic approaches, the relative ease with which they can be purified in adequate quantities, their genetic location within a relatively small, intronless, completely sequenced genome, and the recognizable sequence similarity often observed with corresponding cellular enzymes. Mechanisms by which the ubiquitous poly(A) tail is added to mRNA 3′ ends are not fully characterized in any organism. Concurrently with the characterization of the metazoan, yeast, andEscherichia colipoly(A) polymerases, some recent biochemical and crystallographic studies of the vaccinia enzyme have provided glimpses of how a heterodimeric poly(A) polymerase might elongate the poly(A) tail.
Selective Expression of Ligand-Gated Ion Channels in L5 Pyramidal Cell Axons

NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent strengthening of neurotransmitter release has been widely observed, including in layer 5 (L5) pyramidal cells of the visual cortex, and is attributed to the axonal expression of NMDARs. However, we failed to detect NMDAR-mediated depolarizations or Ca 2+ entry in L5 pyramidal cell axons when focally stimulated with NMDAR agonists. This suggests that NMDARs are excluded from the axon. In contrast, local GABA A receptor activation alters axonal excitability, indicating that exclusion of ligand-gated ion channels from the axon is not absolute. Because NMDARs are restricted to the dendrite, NMDARs must signal to the axon by an indirect mechanism to alter release. Although subthreshold somatic depolarizations were found to spread electrotonically hundreds of micrometers through the axon, the resulting axonal potential was insufficient to open voltage-sensitive Ca 2+ channels. Therefore, if NMDAR-mediated facilitation of release is cell autonomous, it may depend on voltage signaling but apparently is independent of changes in basal Ca 2+ . Alternatively, this facilitation may be even less direct, requiring a cascade of events that are merely triggered by NMDAR activation.
Self-compassion, self-regulation, and health

Self-compassion—treating oneself with kindness, care, and concern in the face of negative life events—may promote the successful self-regulation of health-related behaviors. Self-compassion can promote self-regulation by lowering defensiveness, reducing the emotional states and self-blame that interfere with self-regulation, and increasing compliance with medical recommendations. Furthermore, because they cope better with stressful events, people high in self-compassion may be less depleted by illness and injury and, thus, have greater self-regulatory resources to devote to self-care. Framing medical problems and their treatment in ways that foster self-compassion may enhance people's ability to manage their health-related behavior and deal with medical problems.
Converging shocks in elastic-plastic solids.

We present an approximate description of the behavior of an elastic-plastic material processed by a cylindrically or spherically symmetric converging shock, following Whitham's shock dynamics theory. Originally applied with success to various gas dynamics problems, this theory is presently derived for solid media, in both elastic and plastic regimes. The exact solutions of the shock dynamics equations obtained reproduce well the results obtained by high-resolution numerical simulations. The examined constitutive laws share a compressible neo-Hookean structure for the internal energy e = e_(s)(I_1)+e_(h)(ρ,ς), where e_(s) accounts for shear through the first invariant of the Cauchy–Green tensor, and e_(h) represents the hydrostatic contribution as a function of the density ρ and entropy ς. In the strong-shock limit, reached as the shock approaches the axis or origin r=0, we show that compression effects are dominant over shear deformations. For an isothermal constitutive law, i.e., e_(h) = e_(h)(ρ), with a power-law dependence e_(h) ∝ ρ_(α), shock dynamics predicts that for a converging shock located at r=R(t) at time t, the Mach number increases as M ∝ [log(1/R)]^α, independently of the space index s, where s=2 in cylindrical geometry and 3 in spherical geometry. An alternative isothermal constitutive law with p(ρ) of the arctanh type, which enforces a finite density in the strong-shock limit, leads to M ∝ R^(−(s−1)) for strong shocks. A nonisothermal constitutive law, whose hydrostatic part eh is that of an ideal gas, is also tested, recovering the strong-shock limit M∝R^(−(s−1)/n(γ)) originally derived by Whitham for perfect gases, where γ is inherently related to the maximum compression ratio that the material can reach, (γ+1)/(γ−1). From these strong-shock limits, we also estimate analytically the density, radial velocity, pressure, and sound speed immediately behind the shock. While the hydrostatic part of the energy essentially commands the strong-shock behavior, the shear modulus and yield stress modify the compression ratio and velocity of the shock far from the axis or origin. A characterization of the elastic-plastic transition in converging shocks, which involves an elastic precursor and a plastic compression region, is finally exposed.
Alcohol-induced increases in insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 are partially mediated by TNF.

Background Alcohol (EtOH) alters the plasma and tissue content of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, an important anabolic hormone. However, the bioavailability and bioactivity of IGF-I can also be modulated by changes in soluble proteins that bind IGF-I (IGFBPs). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether EtOH intoxication in rats alters the plasma concentration and tissue mRNA content of various IGFBPs. Based on initial results subsequent studies were performed to assess potential mechanisms by which EtOH increased IGFBP-1. Methods Rats were administered EtOH (75 mmol/kg) and blood and tissues collected at various times thereafter. Separate groups of rats were also pretreated with 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP; alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor), cyanamide (inhibitor of acetaldehyde metabolism), RU486 (glucocorticoid receptor antagonist) or the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist (TNFBP) prior to EtOH administration. Results Acute EtOH intoxication did not alter the mRNA content of IGFBP-3, -4 or -5 in liver or kidney. However, EtOH increased IGFBP-1 in blood (5-fold), which was associated with an up-regulation of IGFBP-1 mRNA content in liver and kidney (2- to 3-fold). Likewise, the injection of the nonmetabolizable alcohol tert-butanol also increased IGFBP-1 in plasma, liver, and kidney. The increased IGFBP-1 in blood and tissues was not prevented by inhibiting alcohol metabolism with 4-MP. However, pretreatment with cyanamide markedly accentuated the EtOH-induced increase in IGFBP-1 in blood (20-fold), liver (3.5-fold), and kidney (12-fold), indicating that accumulation of acetaldehyde can enhance IGFBP-1 synthesis. A time course study indicated that EtOH increased plasma IGFBP-1 levels as early as 0.5–1 hr, and that this response was associated with elevated IGFBP-1 mRNA in liver but not kidney. Pretreatment with RU486 did not prevent or attenuate the EtOH-induced increase in IGFBP-1. However, the alcohol-induced increase in IGFBP-1 was attenuated by TNFBP. Conclusions These data suggest that the acute alcohol-induced increase in IGFBP-1 is mediated, at least in part, by TNF and is independent of EtOH metabolism and increases in endogenous glucocorticoids.
Eisegesis and Assessment

Abstract This paper presented a series of studies relating eisegesis and assessment. A method was described for isolating eisegesis in psychological reports which used the reliably categorized contents of criterion test reports. Concepts in student and criterion reports were reliably matched for an index of agreement or “skill.” Concepts in student reports which did not appear in criterion reports were labeled additions. These additional concepts were progressively refined in terms of uniqueness, relevance to test data, and intra-subject frequency. The residual concepts were used for a description of student eisegesis. Student reports, from two training programs, differed in emphasis upon description or psychodynamics. Eisegesis was more apparent where psychodynamics were contained in reports. Problems of reliability, validity, ethics, and training were discussed.
Characteristics of Water Skiing–Related and Wakeboarding-Related Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments in the United States, 2001–2003

BackgroundWater skiing and wakeboarding are popular sports with high potential for injury due to rapid boat acceleration, lack of protective gear, and waterway obstacles. However, trends in water s...
On the spherical symmetry of static stellar models

This paper completes the proof of the necessity of spherical symmetry in the static general-relativistic stellar models that have equations of state satisfying certain inequalities. The technical assumption — that there exists a “reference spherical stellar model” — that was essential in the previous discussions of this problem is removed. This paper also extends beyond previous discussions the class of equations of state included in the proof. The analysis of the equations for spherical stellar models, used here to demonstrate the existence of a “reference spherical model,” may also be of independent interest.
An Integrated Perspective on the Three Potential Sources of Partisan Bias: Malapportionment, Turnout Differences, and the Geographic Distribution of Party Vote Shares

Partisan bias refers to an asymmetry in the way party vote share is translated into seats, i.e., a situation where some parties are able to win a given share of seats with a lesser (share of the) vote than is true for other parties. Any districted system is potentially subject to partisan biases. We show that there are three potential sources of partisan bias: (1) differences in the nature of the vote shares of the winning candidates of different parties that give rise to differences in the proportion of each party's votes that come to be 'wasted'~ifferen ces which arise because of the nature of the geographic distribution of partisan support; (2) turnout rate differences across districts that are linked to the partisan vote shares in those districts, such that certain parties are more likely to have 'cheap seats' vis-~-vis turnout; and (3) malapportionment. In the context of two-party competition over single-member districts we provide a simple formulation to calculate the independent effect of each of these three factors. We illustrate our analysis with a calculation of the magnitude and direction of effects of the three determinants of partisan bias in elections to the US House and the US Senate in 1984, 1986 and 1988; then we consider how to extend the approach to a system with a mix of single- and multi-member districts or to a weighted voting system such as the US electoral college. We then apply the method to calculate the nature and sources of partisan bias in the 1984 and 1988 US presidential elections. (© 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
1576 PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS IN POSTNATAL DIURESIS IN PRETERM INFANTS

Abrupt increase in urine output in preterm infants on 2nd-3rd day of life has been documented. To determine the etiology of this diuresis, sequential changes in renal function during the first five days were studied in 21 preterm AGA infants with gestational age 30.2±.4wks. Infants were entered into the study within 24hrs of life and urine collections were divided into 10 consecutive 12hr periods for 5 days. Diuresis was defined as urine volume (V) ≥ 3ml/kg/hr and output/intake ratio ≥ 1. 16 infants had distinct diuresis, as defined by above criteria. Median diuretic period occurred between 36 and 48 hrs. (Mean 45 hrs) These results indicate that the low urine output in prediuretic period is not due to high ADH effect (note low Uosm throughout). Diuresis is due to an abrupt rise in GFR which is not simply maturational but more likely hemodynamic, since GFR is actually lower in post diuretic period. Finally, diuresis is due also to decreased tubular reabsorption, most likely in proximal tubule or Henle's loop, since both Na and K excretion were high during diuresis.
Image Processing Operations And Systems For Legal Applications

The requirements imposed upon image processing systems vary significantly as a function of the application. Imagery generated and used for legal purposes imposes needs for processing which typically are different from other disciplines where imagery is applied to the solution of problems. The basic operations by which imagery is manipulated are more similar than different from field to field; however, the combinations of functions applied to the imagery, and the purpose of the processed data or image, are what set each complete processing system apart. Parts I and II of this paper will illustrate by example and description of dedicated facilities, the most effective image processing operations used by the legal and law enforcement communities. The community's influence on system design has led to unique image processing operations; however, a combination of multi-varied needs and a relatively limited application of image processing to "legal" problems place the state of this technology in an evolving mode. Feedback from the evolution has led to our prescription for the design of a digital image processing system for legal applications.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A segment-based audio-visual speech recognizer: data collection, development, and initial experiments

This paper presents the development and evaluation of a speaker-independent audio-visual speech recognition (AVSR) system that utilizes a segment-based modeling strategy. To support this research, we have collected a new video corpus, called Audio-Visual TIMIT (AV-TIMIT), which consists of 4 total hours of read speech collected from 223 different speakers. This new corpus was used to evaluate our new AVSR system which incorporates a novel audio-visual integration scheme using segment-constrained Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). Preliminary experiments have demonstrated improvements in phonetic recognition performance when incorporating visual information into the speech recognition process.
High voltage bipolar transistor with new planar termination

Abstract In the range of medium to high voltage and power applications, the following attributes are required for bipolar devices: 1. • increased ruggedness, made by increasing the safe operating areas; 2. • capability to sustain accidental overloads or energy discharge from parasitic inductances; 3. • improved switching speed to allow an increase of the working system frequency; 4. • narrowing of the electrical parameter distribution; and 5. • capability to drive products easily. Further improvements in the characteristics of bipolar devices concern: 1. • the saturation voltage; and 2. • decrease of the die cost by easy manufacturing and process control.
The activity of Cdc14p, an oligomeric dual specificity protein phosphatase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is required for cell cycle progression.

The essential CDC14 gene of the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, encodes a 62-kDa protein containing a sequence that conforms to the active site motif found in all enzymes of the protein tyrosine phosphatase superfamily. Genetic studies suggest that Cdc14p may be involved in the initiation of DNA replication, but its precise cell cycle function is unknown. Recombinant Cdc14p was produced in bacteria, characterized, and shown to be a dual specificity protein phosphatase. Polyanions such as polyglutamate and double-stranded and single-stranded DNA bind to Cdc14p and affect its activity. Native molecular weights of 131,000 and 169,000 determined by two independent methods indicate that recombinant Cdc14p self-associates in vitro to form active oligomers. The catalytically inactive Cdc14p C283S/R289A mutant is not able to suppress the temperature sensitivity of acdc14–1 ts mutant nor replace the wild type genein vivo, demonstrating that phosphatase activity is required for the cell cycle function of Cdc14p. A distinctive COOH-terminal segment (residues 375–551) is rich in Asn and Ser residues, carries a net positive charge, and contains two tandem 21-residue repeats. This COOH-terminal segment is not required for activity, for oligomerization, or for the critical cell cycle function of Cdc14p.
On call: a survey of Wisconsin obstetric groups

Objective The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of obstetric call in order to identify areas of focus for future evaluation of "best practices." Study design A telephone survey of obstetricians in Wisconsin was conducted, attempting to sample 1 physician from each group or call pool in every hospital in the state. Results Sixty-six physicians responded to this survey. The range in size of call pools was 1 to 11, with the median being 5. The duration of call is usually 24 hours. All have other nondelivery responsibilities while on call. In-house call is almost always limited to hospitals with residencies (6/8). Twenty-three percent of groups have formalized back-up systems, and 26% of groups have recovery provisions after call. Conclusion There is no standard call system. Practicing obstetricians are commonly on call for longer hours and have less time off after call than is now mandated for obstetric residents, though work intensity may vary.
MARMOTS ON GREAT BASIN MOUNTAINTOPS: USING GENETICS TO TEST A BIOGEOGRAPHIC PARADIGM

Boreal mammals in the Great Basin have long been viewed as island-bound Pleistocene relicts because they occupy island-like patches of montane habitat separated by desert lowlands that presumably are impermeable to dispersal. Recent work, however, raised the possibility that dispersal among mountain ranges is an important process in the biogeography of boreal mammals in the Great Basin. We test this proposition using genetic variation in a representative species, the yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris). A total of 332 marmots was sampled from 10 ranges and genotyped at six microsatellite loci. If the intervening desert lowlands are impermeable barriers to dispersal, then there should be no relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance among mountaintop populations, and genetic diversity should be diminished because gene flow would not be available to replace alleles lost over thousands of generations of isolation. Our results did not support these predictions. There was a strong correlation between genetic and geographic distance, demonstrating an isolation-by-distance pattern, and genetic diversity was high. Our results suggest that marmot populations in the Great Basin may be linked by dispersal, providing a mechanism to replenish genetic variation lost by drift. However, global climate change over the next several decades could make the desert lowlands more difficult to traverse, eventually transforming the boreal faunas of Great Basin mountaintops into the isolated relicts they were originally portrayed to be.
Imaging tumor hypoxia by near-infrared fluorescence tomography

We have developed a novel nitroimidazole indocyanine dye conjugate for tumor-targeted hypoxia fluorescence tomography. The hypoxia probe has been evaluated in vitro using tumor cell lines and in vivo with tumor targeting in mice. The in vitro cell studies were performed to assess fluorescence labeling differences between hypoxia and normoxia conditions. When treated with the hypoxia probe, a fluorescence emission ratio of 2.5-fold was found between the cells incubated under hypoxia compared to the cells in normoxia condition. Hypoxia specificity was also confirmed by comparing the cells treated with indocyanine dye alone. In vivo tumor targeting in mice showed that the fluorescence signals measured at the tumor site were twice those at the normal site after 150 min post-injection of the hypoxia probe. On the other hand, the fluorescence signals measured after injection of indocyanine dye were the same at tumor and normal sites. In vivo fluorescence tomography images of mice injected with the hypoxia probe showed that the probe remained for more than 5 to 7 h in the tumors, however, the images of mice injected with indocyanine only dye confirmed that the unbound dye washed out in less than 3 h. These findings are supported with fluorescence images of histological sections of tumor samples using a Li-COR scanner and immunohistochemistry technique for tumor hypoxia.
Disinflation and Real Wages: An Alternative Approach: Comment on AgÃ©nor

IN A RECENT issue of Staff Papers, Agenor (1996) provides an excellent survey of the role of the labor market in the transmission process of adjustment policies in developing countries. In that paper, Agenor (1996) sets up a macroeconomic model embodying both backwardand forwardlooking contracts and examines possible dynamic paths of the inflation rate and real wage in response to an exchange-rate-based stabilization program. He finds that, regardless of the types of wage contract, both the inflation rate and the rate of growth of nominal wages are equal to the devaluation rate in the long run.' This paper proposes an alternative model with a different price equation and shows that similar results in line with Agenor's finding will be obtained in this alternative model.
Modeling of materials synthesis in hybrid plasma reactors: Production of silicon by thermal decomposition of SiCI4

A mathematical model for the analysis and design of a combined direct current (DC) and radio frequency (RF) plasma reactor for advanced materials synthesis has been developed. The RF electromagnetic field is calculated by solving Maxwell’s equations expressed in terms of the vector potential, which permits great flexibility in the specification of the RF coil design. The velocity and temperature fields in the plasma are calculated by solving the turbulent Navier-Stokes equations and the thermal energy balance equation. The model is used to study the thermal decomposition of silicon tetrachloride through the solution of the mass diffusion equation arid the associated reaction kinetics. It is found that the coupling between the flow and temperature fields generated by the RF and DC components significantly improves the silicon production and recovery in the reactor as compared with either DC or RF systems alone. In addition, the conversion efficiency of the hybrid system is found to depend on both the design and the operating parameters of the RF coil.
Social character and the structure of behavioral intention

Measures of attitude and behavioral intention have played a significant role in the study of consumer behavior. Since behavioral intention may function as a precursor to a behavioral act, its component elements suggest approaches to marketing mix development. In marketing, the most widely used measure of behavioral intention is the Fishbein model, and it is this model's requirement for data aggregation which is the focus of this research. Findings suggest that differences in individual consumers may seriously impair the usefulness of data derived from this model.
Evaluation of pacemaker pulse generator and patient longevity in patients aged 1 day to 20 years

Abstract The longevity of pediatric patients requiring pacemakers and the survival rates of the Implanted generators were evaluated. From January 1970 to December 1985, 96 patients aged 1 day to 20 years underwent 162 pulse generator implantation procedures. Indication for initial implantation was surgically induced heart block in 52 patients, sick sinus syndrome in 20, congenital complete heart block with symptoms of low cardiac output in 19 and tachydysrhythmia control in 5. Modal age at initial implantation was less than 1 year; median age was 5 years. During this period 90 generators were removed from service: 49 (54%) because of generator failure, 22 (24%) because the patient died, 12 (13%) because of elective upgrade at the time of lead failure or cardiac surgery, 5 (6%) because of generator pocket infection and 2 (2%) because of manufacturer's recall. Pulse generators were separated into 4 groups based upon generator technology. Group 1 (n = 16) were asynchronous units with mercury-zinc batteries; group II (n = 18) were single-chamber demand units with mercury-zinc batteries; group III (n = 14) were single-chamber demand units with rechargeable batteries; and group IV (n = 114) were single- or dual-chamber demand units with lithium batteries. Patient survival rate was 84% at 6 months and 70 % by 109 months. There was no further decrease to the end of the study period. Six-month generator survival rate was 82% for all groups, mostly a reflection of patient deaths. The next significant decrease in survival rates occurred at 14 months in group I, 19 months in group 11, 48 months in group III and 26 months in group IV. Fifty percent of generators were out of service by 17 months in group 1, 22 months In group 11, 52 months in group III and 63 months in group IV. By 108 months the group IV survival rate was only 28%. Despite improved battery and electronic technology, generator longevity in children is significantly less than the generator theoretical life expectancy and patient longevity. Patient survival rates indicate an excellent prognosis for children requiring pacemaker implantation, who would benefit from increased pulse generator longevity.
Recent Developments in the Utilization of Western U.S. Coal Conversion Ash

The utilization of ashes from combustion or gasification of western U.S. coals offers many possibilities for useful products. Of the possible uses, the following have been identified in an earlier study [1] as having sufficient potential for laboratory development and testing: mineral wool, sulfur concrete, high flexural-strength ceramics, replacement of cement in concrete, and road stabilization. Three lignite-derived ash products from the Beulah, ND, site were used in the present study: fixed-bed gasification ash; a dry scrubber ash; a combination bottom ash/economizer ash from an electrical power plant, Where possible, ASTM fabrication and testing procedures were used. Mineral wool of similar physical character to commercial wool and at lower potential cost was produced using 100 percent of various western ashes. Sulfur concrete utilizing 80% ash and 20% modified sulfur developed flexural and compressive strengths in excess of 2,250 and 5,000 psi, respectively. An economically competitive vitrified ceramic product with flexural strength above 7,800 psi was produced from a mixture of 50% ash, 45% sand, and 5% clay. By using a total ash mixture of 26% gasifier ash and 74% combustion ash, a very satisfactory, economical and durable roadbed material was developed. The replacement of up to 50% of the cement in concrete with western fly ash produces economical, high strength concrete.
The Estrangement of the Past: A Study in the Origins of Modern Historical Consciousness

In this strikingly bold and original work, Kemp argues that the Western idea of time reversed itself between the fourteenth and the eighteenth century from a static and syncretic image of a temporal world in which all time is uniform, the past is the arbiter of truth and all inherited knowledge is eternally viable, and no secrets lie hidden in time waiting to be revealed to a future age; to a dynamic and supersessive model of history in which the past dispenses only ignorance and error. Kemp describes these two opposed historical worlds, these "time texts," and traces the transition between them, its mechanism, and its motivation, concluding by drawing out the epistemological consequences of supersessive history for the modern intellect.
Exporting U.S. Domestic Violence Reforms An Analysis of Human Rights Frameworks and U.S. “Best Practices”

The article examines the exportation of legal “best practices” in the field of domestic violence from the United States to other countries. The policies and programs being exported mostly focus on ...
EO-1 Advanced Land Imager overview and spatial performance

The Advanced Land Imager (ALI) is the primary instrument flown on the first Earth Observing mission (EO-1), which was developed under NASA's New Millennium Program (NMP). The ALI contains a number of innovative features. These include the basic instrument architecture which employs a push-broom data collection mode, a wide field of view optical design, compact multi-spectral detector arrays, non-cryogenic HgCdTe for the short wave infrared bands, silicon carbide optics, and a multi-level solar calibration technique. The sensor includes detector arrays that operate in ten bands, one panchromatic, six VNIR and three SWIR, spanning the range from 0.433 to 2.35 /spl mu/m. This paper describes the instrument design, provides an overview of the ground testing and calibration of the instrument and a summary of the sensor performance in space. In particular, the spatial imaging performance of ALI is discussed. Sample images are shown that demonstrate the improved capability of the sensor in terms of Pan band resolution and signal-to-noise ratio in all bands. On-orbit images have been analyzed and the results are compared with pre-launch calibrations. The instrument performance appears to meet all expectations.
INEQUALITIES INVOLVING GAMMA AND PSI FUNCTIONS

We prove that certain functions involving the gamma and q-gamma function are monotone. We also prove that (xmψ(x))(m+1) is completely monotonic. We conjecture that -(xmψ(m)(x))(m) is completely monotonic for m ≥ 2; and we prove it, with help from Maple, for 2 ≤ m ≤ 16. We give a very useful Maple procedure to verify this for higher values of m. A stronger result is also formulated where we conjecture that the power series coefficients of a certain function are all positive.
Transdisciplinary, multilevel action research to enhance ecological and psychopolitical validity

The authors explore the implications of recent proposals for a focus on power and social change in community psychology research and add needed contextual and methodological specificity. An expanded model of psychopolitical validity is presented that merges Isaac Prilleltensky’s (this issue, pp. 116‐136) domains, or stages of empowerment (oppression, liberation, wellness), with four ecological context domains (physical, sociocultural, economic, political) and greater clarity regarding levels of analysis. The physical‐environmental context is used to illustrate some of the questions that may be generated by the expanded model. After discussing the role of democratic freedoms and institutions and the equitable distribution of decision-making power in sustainable community development, the case is made for action research as a potent paradigm to move the field toward those goals. Multilevel and spatial analyses and transdisciplinary research (conceptually and/or methodologically integrative collaboration across multiple disciplines) are underutilized in Community Psychology. & 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Economic Feasibility of Screening Farmer Stock Peanuts Prior to Marketing

Screening farmer stock peanuts prior to marketing provides a method to increase the per-ton value of peanuts. The mechanical separation of larger, higher value pods (overs) from smaller, lower value pods—which includes foreign material (FM) and loose shelled kernels (LSK) (thrus)—results in significant changes in farmer stock grade. Based on data from 394 runner lots in the Southeast, the percentage of sound mature kernels and sound splits (SMKSS), LSK, FM, and other kernels (OK) was changed by +0.61, −4.31, −2.32, and −0.3 between overs and unscreened lots, respectively. The average value of farmer stock peanuts was $29.15/ Mg higher in the screened lots (overs) compared to the unscreened lots. Although the average per-ton value of screened peanuts is increased, economic feasibility of screening is dependent upon several factors. Two specific marketing scenarios for farmers are analyzed including production of quota poundage only and production in excess of quota poundage where additional peanuts are used to replace peanuts removed during the screening process. Thus, opportunity cost must be included. Typical investment in high capacity (minimum 18 Mg/hr) screening equipment is approximately $150,000. Amortized at 10% rate of interest over a 6-yr period with depreciation allowances and labor and energy cost included, a minimum of 4536 Mg/yr must be screened to effectively ldquo;spread” fixed cost, thus indicating that only exceptionally large farmers, groups of farmers, or buying points have sufficient volume for screening. Further, the quality of peanuts prior to screening also impacts economic feasibility. These factors will be incorporated to estimate probability decision thresholds to determine if individual lots can be profitably screened prior to marketing.
Early childhood computer experience and cognitive and motor development.

Objectives. To explore the association between early computer experience (both accessibility and frequency of use) and cognitive and psychomotor development among young children. Methods. The participants were 122 preschool children enrolled in a rural county Head Start program in the United States during 2001–2002. The following tests were administered to the children: the Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test; the Boehm Test of Basic Concepts, Third Edition Preschool; the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition; and a short form of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence–Revised. Information pertaining to family characteristics and children’s early computer experience was collected from parents. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association between early computer experience and cognitive and motor development. Results. Of the participating children, 53% had a computer at home. Among families who had a computer, 83% had children’s software on the computer. According to parents’ reports, 29% of these children played on the home computer on a daily basis, and an additional 44% of the children played on the computer at least weekly. Of those families who did not have a home computer, 49% reported that their children had access to a computer somewhere outside home. Among these children, 10% had daily access to the computer and 33% had weekly access. The presence of a computer in the home was significantly associated with the family’s income and the educational attainment of the parents. There was no gender difference in computer accessibility and frequency use among the participating children. Children who had access to a computer performed better on measures of school readiness and cognitive development, controlling for children’s developmental stage and family socioeconomic status. The data in the current study did not suggest a relationship between computer experience and visual motor or gross motor skills among the participating children. Conclusion. The findings in the present study suggest that early computer exposure before or during the preschool years is associated with development of preschool concepts and cognition among young children. However, frequency of use did not reveal such a relationship; neither did the ownership of other child electronic or video games in the household.