cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The public choice of non-resident college tuition levels

This paper uses a public choice framework to analyze the choice of tuition levels charged by public institutions to non-resident students. It finds that a state's relative strength in attracting both population and students lead to higher tuitions and that large numbers of private colleges and perhaps lack of job openings lead to higher tuition for non-residents as do small fiscal gains from high income newcomers. No support is found for the hypotheses that high enrollment growth or costs lead to relatively poor treatment of out-of-staters.
Abstract Kuhn-Tucker theorems

In this note, we discuss abstract versions of the Kuhn-Tucker theorem for constrained convex minimization problems, in which we relax both the conditions of convexity and also the requirement that the number of constraints be finite.
Composition of pore and spring waters from Baby Bare: global implications of geochemical fluxes from a ridge flank hydrothermal system

Warm hydrothermal springs were discovered on Baby Bare, which is an isolated basement outcrop on 3.5 Ma-old crust on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. We have sampled these spring waters from a manned submersible, along with associated sediment pore waters from 48 gravity and piston cores. Systematic variations in the chemical composition of these waters indicate that hydrothermal reactions in basement at moderate temperatures (63°C in uppermost basement at this site) remove Na, K, Li, Rb, Mg, TCO2, alkalinity, and phosphate from the circulating seawater and leach Ca, Sr, Si, B, and Mn from the oceanic crust; and that reactions with the turbidite sediment surrounding Baby Bare remove Na, Li, Mg, Ca, Sr, and sulfate from the pore water while producing ammonium and Si and both producing and consuming phosphate, nitrate, alkalinity, Mn, and Fe. K, Rb, and B are relatively unreactive in the sediment column. These data confirm the earlier inference that sediment pore waters from areas of upwelling can be used to estimate the composition of altered seawater in the underlying basement, even for those elements that are reactive in the sediment column or are affected by sampling artifacts. The composition of altered seawater in basement at Baby Bare is similar to the inferred composition of 58°C formation water from crust nearly twice as old (5.9 Ma) on the southern flank of the Costa Rica Rift. The Baby Bare fluids also exhibit the same directions of net elemental transfer between basalt and seawater as solutions produced in laboratory experiments at a similar temperature, and complement compositional changes from seawater observed in seafloor basalts altered at cool to moderate temperatures. The common parameter among the two ridge flanks and experiments is temperature, suggesting that the residence time of seawater in basement at the two ridge-flank sites is sufficiently long for the solutions to equilibrate with altered basalt. This conclusion is supported by compilations of data from other ridge-flank sites, which show a systematic relationship between inferred basement water composition and temperature. We use the Baby Bare spring waters along with constraints from the riverine flux of Mg to estimate upper limits on the global fluxes of 14 elements at warm ridge-flank sites such as Baby Bare. Maximum calculated fluxes of Mg, Ca, sulfate, B, and K may equal or exceed 25% of the riverine flux, and such sites may represent the missing, high K/Rb sink required for the K budget. Additional fluxes from/to the crust on ridge flanks are expected from cool (<20–25°C) hydrothermal sites.
Size selectivity and catch rates of two small coastal shark species caught on circle and J hooks in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Experimental longline sets were conducted in the northern Gulf of Mexico to examine effects of similarly sized circle and J hooks on the catchability and size selectivity of Atlantic sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) and blacknose (Carcharhinus acronotus) sharks. Circle hooks caught relatively smaller fish but showed a higher catch per unit effort than J hooks for both species. Potential biasing factors such as spatiotemporal variability in longline deployment locations and differential bite-off rates between hook types were examined; however, neither source was found to be significant. As all gear components, with the exception of hook type, were constant, the difference in size selectivity and catchability between hook types was attributed to the narrower minimum width of the circle hooks, as has been suggested for other fishes. The results of this study demonstrate that when comparing similarly sized hook types, relatively small sharks are more susceptible to circle hooks than J hooks. This finding underlines the importance of understanding which segment of a population is most vulnerable to a specific hook type and size if mandating the use of a specific hook is considered as a management strategy.
Distinct Conformational Changes Induced by 20-epi Analogues of 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Are Associated with Enhanced Activation of the Vitamin D Receptor

Abstract The relative affinities of the 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D3) analogues 20-epi-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (IE) and 20-epi-22-oxa-24a,26a,27a-tri-homo-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (ID) to the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) are similar to that of 1,25-D3, but their antiproliferative action is 1000-fold greater. We tested whether the greater antiproliferative effect of these analogues is due to a differential activation of the VDR. In ROS 17/2.8 cells, the effective doses required to produce 50% maximal stimulation (ED) of transfected reporter genes driven by either the osteocalcin or the osteopontin vitamin D-response elements (VDRE) were 5 10 M, 10 M, and 10 M for 1,25-D3, ID, and IE, respectively. Similar results were obtained when recombinant human VDR was cotransfected into CV-1 cells with an osteocalcin VDRE-reporter plasmid. We found that in vitro the sensitivity of 1,25-D3-induced and analogue-induced receptors to proteases was different. The ED for binding to VDRE, as determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, was significantly higher for 1,25-D3-induced than for analogue-induced VDR. The concentration of retinoid X receptor (RXR) was significantly lower in 1,25-D3-induced than analogue-induced VDR complexes with VDRE. We therefore conclude that IE and ID augment transcriptional activity of VDR more than 1,25-D3 does, by producing conformational changes that enhance dimerization of VDR with RXR. We suggest that these conformational changes are due to differences in the contact sites of the 20-epi analogues and 1,25-D3 with the VDR.
Characterization of microfluidic shear-dependent epithelial cell adhesion molecule immunocapture and enrichment of pancreatic cancer cells from blood cells with dielectrophoresis

Current microfluidic techniques for isolating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from cancer patient blood are limited by low capture purity, and dielectrophoresis (DEP) has the potential to complement existing immunocapture techniques to improve capture performance. We present a hybrid DEP and immunocapture Hele-Shaw flow cell to characterize DEP's effects on immunocapture of pancreatic cancer cells (Capan-1, PANC-1, and BxPC-3) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with an anti-EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) antibody. By carefully specifying the applied electric field frequency, we demonstrate that pancreatic cancer cells are attracted to immunocapture surfaces by positive DEP whereas PBMCs are repelled by negative DEP. Using an exponential capture model to interpret our capture data, we show that immunocapture performance is dependent on the applied DEP force sign and magnitude, cell surface EpCAM expression level, and shear stress experienced by cells flowing in the capture device. Our work suggests that DEP can not only repel contaminating blood cells but also enhance capture of cancer cell populations that are less likely to be captured by traditional immunocapture methods. This combination of DEP and immunocapture techniques to potentially increase CTC capture purity can facilitate subsequent biological analyses of captured CTCs and research on cancer metastasis and drug therapies.
A general analytic approach for Santos TM upper extremity workspace

Workspace is an important function for human factors analysis and is widely applied in product design, manufacturing, and ergonomics evaluations. This paper presents a general analytic method to determine the upper extremity workspace for any percentile Santos(TM), a new virtual human developed at the University of Iowa with over 100 degrees of freedom (DOFs) that is highly realistic in terms of appearance, behavior, and movement. The joint limits are considered in this formulation; three types of singularities are analyzed. A real-time scheme is used to build the workspace library for Santos(TM) that will study the boundary surfaces offline and apply them to Santos(TM) in the virtual environment (Virtools^(R)). To visualize the workspace, we develop a user interface to generate the cross-section of the reach envelope with a plane. This is the first step in investigating the zone differentiation that divides zones based on different human performance measures, and will be helpful in layout design and other human factors analysis.
Effect of reinforcement size on age hardening of PM 2009 Al-SiC 20 vol% participate composites

The influence of SiC particulate size on the age-hardening response of 2009 aluminium has been monitored utilizing hardness, electrical conductivity and differential scanning calorimetry. Ageing involved either two or three stages depending on the reinforcement size. For 2009 Al reinforced with 29 μm SiCp, initial ageing consisted of GPB (Guinier Preston Baqaryatsky) I zone formation. Decreasing the particulate size to 4 μm eliminated GPB I formation. This suppression of GPB I formation during ageing suggests that decreasing SiC size decreases the vacancy supersaturation following quenching by providing additional vacancy sinks at SiC/matrix interfaces. Subsequent ageing involved, at the larger reinforcement sizes, a transition with increasing time from GPB I zones to GPB II-dislocation complexes. At smaller (4 μm) reinforcement sizes, the formation of GPB II-dislocation complexes occurs directly. Finally, the last stages of age hardening in all SiCp-reinforced composites examined consisted of heterogeneous nucleation of S′/S and GPB II→S′/S transformation.
Pre‐indexing and conversational organization

Pre‐indexing utterances function to set‐up, organize, and supply a context for turn‐taking sequences in everyday conversation. Four perspectives on pre‐indexing phenomena are reviewed (pre‐sequences, indirect speech acts, disclaimers, politeness forms) and extend with conversational examples indicative of five speech acts possessing “pre” status: hints, prompts, teases, conditional disclosures, and small talk. Particular attention is given to the forms and functions pre‐indexes might take, responses to pre‐indexes, and relationships among speaker intention and hearer inferences as utterances are indexed. As preparatory strategies, pre‐indexing methods are shown to be integral to the commonsensical management of identities, understanding, and a sense of social structure in face‐to‐face interaction.
Congestion-Distortion Optimized Peer-to-Peer Video Streaming

In live peer-to-peer streaming, a video stream is transmitted to a large population of viewers, through the use of the uplink bandwidth of participating peers. This approach overcomes the cost of large-scale deployment of such services. An essential problem of this type of system is to limit the incurred congestion. In particular, overwhelming the uplink of some peers would create a large increase in the latency of the system and make this application less compelling. In this work we focus on limiting the congestion in a peer-to-peer network where multiple multicast trees are used to distribute video to a large set of receivers. We present the idea of congestion-distortion optimized streaming which aims at maximizing decoded video quality while limiting network congestion. We describe how this type of media scheduling maintains high video quality even for low latencies, and extend its usage to the peer-to-peer scenario. Experiments over a simulated network of 300 peers illustrate the benefits of the suggested approach.
The maximum independent set problem for cubic planar graphs

A maximum independent set of a graph is a set of vertices with maximum cardinality such that no pair of vertices is connected by an edge. Choukhmane and Franco have presented a polynomial time approximation algorithm for the maximum independent set problem in cubic planar graphs. If M is taken as the ratio of the size of the independent set produced by their algorithm to the size of a maximum independent set of the input graph, then they show that their algorithm gives M ⩾ 6/7 for any cubic planar graph and M ⩾ 7/8 for a triangle-free cubic planar graph. We give a new, stronger proof of thier result. The new proof shows that their algorithm actually gives M ⩾ 7/8 for all cubic planar graphs.
Dynamic flux chamber measurement of gaseous mercury emission fluxes over soils: Part 2—effect of flushing flow rate and verification of a two-resistance exchange interface simulation model

Both field and laboratory tests demonstrated that soil Hg emission fluxes measured by dynamic flux chamber (DFC) operations strongly depend on the flushing air flow rates used. The general trend is an increase in the fluxes with increasing flushing flow rates followed by an asymptotic approach to flux maximum at sufficiently high (optimum) flushing flow rates. This study indicates that the DFC measurements performed at low flushing flow rates can underestimate Hg emission fluxes over soils, especially Hg-enriched soils. High flushing flow rates therefore are recommended for accurate estimation of soil Hg emission fluxes by DFC operations. The dependence of DFC-measured soil Hg emission fluxes on flushing flow rate is a physical phenomenon inherent in DFC operations, regardless of DFC design and soil physical characteristics. Laboratory tests using DFCs over different soils confirmed the predictions of a two-resistance exchange interface model and demonstrated the capability of this model in quantitatively simulating Hg emissions from soils measured by DFC operations.
EWS/FLI Alters 5′-Splice Site Selection

The chimeric gene EWS/FLI is present in at least 85% of Ewing's sarcomas as a result of chromosomal translocations. The resulting fusion protein contains the N terminus of the RNA-binding protein EWS and the ETS DNA-binding domain of the transcription factor FLI-1. Although EWS/FLI binds DNA and activates transcription, both EWS and EWS/FLI also interact with SF1 and U1C, essential components of the splicing machinery. Therefore, we tested the ability of EWS and EWS/FLI to alter 5′-splice site selection using an E1A gene in vivo splicing assay. We found that EWS/FLI, but not EWS, interfered with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1-dependent splice site selection ofE1A. Mutational analysis of EWS/FLI revealed that the ability to affect pre-mRNA splicing coincided with transforming activity. Therefore, EWS/FLI has the ability to influence splicing as well as transcription.
Qualitative research as art: Toward a holistic process

Mockingbirds are the true artists of the bird kingdom. Which is to say, although they're born with a song of their own, an innate riff that happens to be one of the most versatile of all ornithological expressions, mockingbirds aren't content to merely play the hand that is dealt them. Like all artists, they are out to rearrange reality. Innovative, willful, daring, not bound by the rules to which others may blindly adhere, the mockingbird collects snatches of birdsong from this tree and that field, appropriates them, places them in new and unexpected contexts, recreates the world from the world. (Robbins, 1990, p. 6)
Glucose Monohydrate and Corn Starch as Carbohydrate Sources in a Low Fat Diet

Abstract Glucose monohydrate and starch have been used interchangeably in purified diets for chickens for approximately two decades. Very poor results were obtained when using corn starch as a carbohydrate source in recent studies with a low-fat purified diet in our laboratory. The basal diet used in these studies was similar to the diet previously used in our laboratory (Edwards, 1959) except the isolated soybean protein was extracted with 1,1,1 trichloroethane for 24 hours and the diet did not contain any supplemental fat. Zinc was supplied as ZnSO4·7H2O to contribute 80 ppm. to the diet. When corn starch was the carbohydrate source in this diet, the rate of growth was inhibited and excessive mortality occurred. Table 1 presents the data from the experiment in which this initial observation was made. An experiment was conducted to confirm this observation and to determine if this growth inhibition when starch was fed was due…
The relationship between lung cancer patients' educational level and evaluation of their treatment information needs.

Background. Understanding the information needs of lung cancer patients is critical to developing interventions to assist them with treatment decisions. The present study examined how educational level is related to lung cancer patients' perceptions of the importance of having their information needs met and how well those needs were met. Methods. Lung cancer patients completed a needs assessment that evaluated treatment information needs, treatment decision satisfaction, coping, and life satisfaction. Results. Results indicated that education did influence the importance ratings of information needs and influenced coping skills. Conclusions. Findings have implication for how doctors interact with well- and less-educated patients.
Calmodulin Is a Phospholipase C-β Interacting Protein *

Phospholipase C-β3 (PLCβ3) is an important effector enzyme in G protein-coupled signaling pathways. Activation of PLCβ3 by Gα and Gβγ subunits has been fairly well characterized, but little is known about other protein interactions that may also regulate PLCβ3 function. A yeast two-hybrid screen of a mouse brain cDNA library with the amino terminus of PLCβ3 has yielded potential PLCβ3 interacting proteins including calmodulin (CaM). Physical interaction between CaM and PLCβ3 is supported by a positive secondary screen in yeast and the identification of a CaM binding site in the amino terminus of PLCβ3. Co-precipitation of in vitro translated and transcribed amino- and carboxyl-terminal PLCβ3 revealed CaM binding at a putative amino-terminal binding site. Direct physical interaction of PLCβ3 and PLCβ1 isoforms with CaM is supported by pull-down of both isoenzymes with CaM-Sepharose beads from 1321N1 cell lysates. CaM inhibitors reduced M1-muscarinic receptor stimulation of inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in 1321N1 astrocytoma cells consistent with a physiologic role for CaM in modulation of PLCβ activity. There was no effect of CaM kinase II inhibitors, KN-93 and KN-62, on M1-muscarinic receptor stimulation of inositol phosphate hydrolysis, consistent with a direct interaction between PLCβ isoforms and CaM.
A Mathematical Model of the Risk of Nuclear Terrorism

This article presents a mathematical model for measuring the global risk of nuclear theft and terrorism. One plausible set of parameter values used in a numerical example suggests a 29 percent probability of a nuclear terrorist attack in the next decade. The expected loss over that period would be $1.17 trillion (undiscounted), or more than $100 billion per year. Historical and other evidence is used to explore the likely values of several of the key parameters, and policy options for reducing the risk are briefly assessed. The uncertainties in estimating the risk of nuclear terrorism are very large, but even a risk dramatically smaller than that estimated in the numerical example used in this article would justify a broad range of actions to reduce the threat.
Implementing the product automation formalism

A formalism for discrete simulation is a set of conventions for the construction of discrete simulation models. In this paper we define the product automaton formalism. The formalism is defined as a mathematical object and is independent of any programming language. Implementing the formalism in a specific programming language entails associating the various components of the formalism with language constructs. We show how the formalism can be implemented in any procedural language. Furthermore, the implementation closely parallels the formalism in both structure and function. As an example, we present an implemenation in Modula-2. A novel feature of Modula-2 is used in this recursive implementation. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of a tool being developed that will provide support for modelling using this formalism.
Molecular-level engineering of THz/IR-sensitive materials for future biological sensing application

While the unique spectral information associated with chemical and biological molecules within the terahertz frequency regime (~ 3.0-3.0 millimeters) motivates its use for practical sensing applications, limiting factors at the macroscale (weak spectral absorption, broad line widths and masking geometrical effects introduced by the samples) provides motivation for man-engineered sensing materials that allow for the transduction of the spectral information about target molecules from the nanoscale. This brief letter will overview work being performed by our research group to define molecular-level functionality that will be useful for realizing "THz/IR-sensitive" materials. Here the goal is to define switchable molecular components that when incorporated into larger DNA-based nanoscaffolds lead to THz and/or IR regime electronic and/or photonic material properties that are dictated in a predictable manner by novel functionality paradigms. In particular, theoretical modeling and design studies are being performed to engineer organic and biological switches that can be incorporated into DNA-based architectures that enable the precise extraction of nanoscale information (e.g., composition, dynamics, conformation) through electronic/photonic transformations to the macroscale. Hence, these studies seek to define new spectral-based sensing modalities useful for characterizing bio-molecules
Decreased mortality from technical failure improves results in pediatric liver transplantation.

Background: Until recently, pediatric liver transplantation was associated with a high rate of technical failure, which contributed substantially to the overall prog Objective: To assess the impact of technical failure on outcome in pediatric liver transplantation. Design and Setting: We retrospectively analyzed 90 pediatric transplant procedures in a university medical center. Patients: Between February 1988 and December 1995, 80 children ( Intervention: Patients underwent grafting using previously reported techniques, including cadaveric whole (61% [n=55]), reduced-size (17% [n= 15]), and living related (22% [n=20]) liver transplantation. Main Outcome Measures: Patient and graft survival and selected surgical complications. Outcomes were compared before (group 1) and after (group 2) the introduction of living related transplantation in July 1992. Results: In group 1, 32 patients received 36 grafts (4 retransplants [13%]), and in group 2, 48 patients received 54 grafts (6 retransplants [13%]). Six- and 12-month patient survival rates were 78% (n=25) and 75% (n=24), respectively, for group 1 and 98% (n=47) and 94% (n=45) for group 2. Of the 9 deaths in group 1, 6 occurred early as a consequence of surgical complications, while in group 2, all 5 deaths that occurred were caused by the consequences of immunosuppression (lymphoproliferative disease, n=2; late infections, n=3). Conclusions: These results suggest that mortality caused by surgical complications has been reduced by improvement in management in recent years. Living related grafts have supplemented the graft supply and may be associated with the improved overall results. Despite these advances, children receiving transplants continue to experience the consequences of imperfect immunosuppression. Arch Surg. 1996;131:887-893
Denitrification and Nitrogen Transport in a Coastal Aquifer Receiving Wastewater Discharge

Denitrification and nitrogen transport were quantified in a sandy glacial aquifer receiving wastewater from a septage-treatment facility on Cape Cod, MA. The resulting groundwater plume contained high concentrations of NO3- (32 mg of N L-1), total dissolved nitrogen (40.5 mg of N L-1), and dissolved organic carbon (1.9 mg of C L-1) and developed a central anoxic zone after 17 months of effluent discharge. Denitrifying activity was measured using four approaches throughout the major biogeochemical zones of the plume. Three approaches that maintained the structure of aquifer materials yielded comparable rates: acetylene block in intact sediment cores, 9.6 ng of N cm-3 d-1 (n = 61); in situ N2 production, 3.0 ng of N cm-3 d-1 (n = 11); and in situ NO3- depletion, 7.1 ng of N cm-3 d-1 (n = 3). In contrast, the mixing of aquifer materials using a standard slurry method yielded rates that were more than 15-fold higher (150 ng of N cm-3 d-1, n = 16) than other methods. Concentrations and δ15N of groundwater and...
The challenge of new detector capabilities for the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider

Abstract Various theoretical arguments have suggested that exotic states of matter may be formed at sufficiently high energy densities (E > 1–3 GeV/fm3). Under such extreme conditions, which may have been present very shortly after the Big Bang, quarks and gluons would become deconfined forming a quark-gluon plasma (QGP), which would subsequently transform to hadronic and then to nuclear matter. To explore the creation of such new states of matter in the laboratory, and to study their fundamental properties, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) is being constructed at Brookhaven National Laboratory. RHIC will accelerate two counter-rotating beams of heavy ions (e.g., Au) to energies of 100 GeV/u each, which will then intersect producing ultra-high energy collisions possibly leading to effective temperatures of 1012–1013 K and densities 5–10 times normal nuclear density. The STAR Collaboration has been formed to design, build, and operate a detector system for RHIC, which will have sufficiently broad capabilities to search for signatures of the QGP and to investigate the behavior of strongly interacting matter at high energy density. Some of the design criteria and the major features of the STAR Detector are described.
Effects of two phenothiazines on the Achilles-tendon reflex.

According to our results in 117 subjects, recently taken medications, age and sex must be considered when duration of the Achilles-tendon reflex is used as a clinical test to assess thyroid status. Males have a shorter ATR than females. In older subjects the ATR lasts longer than in those below age 27. Fifty-two psychiatric patients before medication did not differ in ATR duration from 65 controls. However, after 28 patients took chlorpromazine and 24 received trifluoperazine, ATR was prolonged in the chlorpromazine group and shortened in the trifluoperazine group. Neither chlorpromazine concentrate, 1,800 mg, nor trifluoperazine concentrate, 180 mg, given during the first six days, affected ATR, but an additional 6,000 mg of chlorpromazine, or an additional 420 mg of trifluoperazine over the next six days, did significantly alter ATR-duration.
Redox fluctuations frame microbial community impacts on N-cycling rates in a humid tropical forest soil

Fluctuating soil redox regimes may facilitate the co-occurrence of microbial nitrogen transformations with significantly different sensitivities to soil oxygen availability. In an upland humid tropical forest, we explored the impact of fluctuating redox regimes on gross nitrogen cycling rates and microbial community composition. Our results suggest that the rapidly fluctuating redox conditions that characterize these upland soils allow anoxic and oxic N processing to co-occur. Gross nitrogen mineralization was insensitive to soil redox fluctuations. In contrast, nitrifiers in this soil were directly affected by low redox periods, yet retained some activity even after 3–6 weeks of anoxia. Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) was less sensitive to oxygen exposure than expected, indicating that the organisms mediating this reductive process were also tolerant of unfavorable (oxic) conditions. Denitrification was a stronger sink for NO3− in consistently anoxic soils than in variable redox soils. Microbial biomass and community composition were maintained with redox fluctuation, but biomass decreased and composition changed under static oxic and anoxic soil regimes. Bacterial community structure was significantly correlated with rates of nitrification, denitrification and DNRA, suggesting that redox-control of soil microbial community structure was an important determinant of soil N-cycling rates. Specific nitrogen cycling functional groups in this environment (such as nitrifiers, DNRA organisms, and denitrifiers) appear to have adapted to nutrient resources that are spatially and temporally variable. In soils where oxygen is frequently depleted and re-supplied, characteristics of microbial tolerance and resilience can frame N cycling patterns.
National character : a psycho-social perspective

Seen in modern perspective, the concept of national character poses fundamental problems for social science theory and research: To what extent do conditions of life in a particular society give rise to certain patterns in the personalities of its members? What are the consequences? Alex Inkeles surveys various definitions of national character, tracing developments through the twentieth century. His approach is to examine the regularity of specific personality patterns among individuals in a society. He argues that modal personality may be extremely important in determining which new cultural elements are accepted and which institutional forms persist in a society. Reviewing previous studies, Inkeles canvasses the attitudes and psychological states of different nations in an effort to discover a set of values in the United States. He concludes that, despite recent advances in the field, there is much to be done before we can have a clear picture of the degree of differentiation in the personality structure of modern nations. Until now, there were few formal definitions and discussions on national character and the limits of this field of study. This book will be of great interest to psychologists, sociologists, philosophers, and political theorists.
The velocity of ultrasound in human blood under varying physiologic parameters

Abstract Investigations into ultrasonic transmission velocity in human blood were carried out using frequency, distance, temperature, total protein content, and hematocrit as variables. Velocity values were found to vary only with respect to temperature, total protein content, and hematocrit. The magnitude of these variations within common physiologic ranges was such that if a high degree of accuracy was not required by the purpose of application, ultrasonic transmission velocity in human blood could be regarded as a constant.
Ergonomic factors in task analysis for consumer product safety

This paper describes an approach and methodology for applying ergonomic factors in the resolution of questions concerning the design, manufacture and use of consumer products. An important set of principles to be considered in the safety of products relates to ergonomie factors, and these principles can be integrated into any program of product safety analysis and enhancement. This paper views this area as a total information system, and suggests applications for and systematic approaches to ergonomie analysis, including the performance of operations and task analyses.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A CHLORIDE CHANNEL RECONSTITUTED FROM CARDIAC SARCOPLASMIC RETICULUM

We have characterized a voltage-sensitive chloride channel from cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) following reconstitution of porcine heart SR into planar lipid bilayers. In 250 mM KCl, the channel had a main conductance level of 130 pS and exhibited two substrates of 61 and 154 pS. The channel was very selective for Cl- over K+ or Na+ (PK+/PCl- = 0.012 and PNa+/PCl- approximately 0.040). It was permeable to several anions and displayed the following sequence of anion permeability: SCN- > I- > NO3- approximately Br- > Cl- > F- > HCOO-. Single-channel conductance saturated with increasing Cl- concentrations (Km = 900 mM and gamma max = 488 pS). Channel activity was voltage dependent, with an open probability ranging from approximately 1.0 around 0 mV to approximately 0.5 at +80 mV. From -20 to +80 mV, channel gating was time-independent. However, at voltages below -40 mV the channel entered a long-lasting closed state. Mean open times varied with voltage, from approximately 340 msec at -20 mV to approximately 6 msec at +80 mV, whereas closed times were unaffected. The channel was not Ca(2+)-dependent. Channel activity was blocked by disulfonic stilbenes, arylaminobenzoates, zinc, and cadmium. Single-channel conductance was sensitive to trans pH, ranging from approximately 190 pS at pH 5.5 to approximately 60 pS at pH 9.0. These characteristics are different from those previously described for Cl- channels from skeletal or cardiac muscle SR.
Time-resolved measurements of individual ion cloud signals to investigate space-charge effects in plasma mass spectrometry

A new approach to directly monitor space charge induced effects due to high concentrations of efficiently ionized elements in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is described. The broadening of ion clouds produced from individual, monodisperse drops of sample is measured by using time-resolved ICP-MS. The extent of broadening due to high concentrations of Pb in the sample is related inversely to the analyte mass. For the lightest analyte investigated, Li+, the relative width of the time-resolved analyte peak increases and then shows a dip in the center as the Pb concentration is increased to 500 and then 1500 µg/mL. The initial results of experiments that investigated chemical matrix effects as a function of concomitant species concentration, analyte mass, and sampling location in ICP-MS are consistent with space-charge effects.
Pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma mimicking infection

Progressive pulmonary shadows prompted investigations which provided the diagnosis of pulmonary non-Hodgkin'slymphoma in three patients (two with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Rapid progression of radiographic abnormalities seen in these three patients is unusual for pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and mimics disease evolution commonly associated with pulmonary infections.
Numerical methods for nonlinear interactions between water waves

Abstract Two numerical methods for studying nonlinear interactions between spatially periodic water waves of disparate length scales are explored. Both use a time-stepping procedure, but one solves the boundary value problem at each time step by a boundary integral equation and the other uses a high-order spectral method. The central issues are the restrictions on accuracy of the spectral method associated with its inherent internal perturbation expansion and the propagation of numerical boundary integral method errors from the edge of the computational domain into its interior. The spectral method was found to be accurate for larger values of the product of long-wave amplitude and short-wave number than one might expect. Two methods of correcting numerical errors at each time step in the boundary integral equation method are explored. One evaluates the vertical derivative of the velocity potential at the surface by use of computed values of the potential on the vertical sides of the domain. The other replaces computed values by interpolated values based on spatial periodicity. Using either of these allows the boundary integral method to be used for larger values of the product of long-wave amplitude and short-wave number and for steeper waves than can be handled by the spectral method, but at substantially greater computational expense.
The machining temperature during Spark Assisted Chemical Engraving of glass

Abstract The temperature at which Spark Assisted Chemical Engraving (SACE) takes place is a debated question. Several models were built to predict the material removal rate, but each assumed a different machining temperature. This communication aims to give clarification about the machining temperature. It is shown that this temperature can vary depending on the drilling strategy and the machined structure geometry. This work deepens the understanding of the SACE machining process and it aims to help in future developments of models to estimate the temperature and machining rate for SACE.
On Ehrenfest's theorem

Ehrenfest's theorem for a system of electrons in a time-dependent external force is the quantal analogue to Newton's second law of motion for interacting classical particles. The theorem is in terms of the averaged force and position of the electrons. Here we draw the quantal analogue to the equation of motion for the individual classical particle and thereby describe the internal forces experienced by each electron and the evolution of these forces with time. This explanation is based on the description of Schrodinger theory in terms of fields and their quantal sources. The quantum mechanical average of the internal fields and their averaged torques, taken over all the electrons, vanish as they must. However, unlike classical physics, the vanishing of the averaged internal fields cannot be attributed solely to Newton's third law but is additionally a consequence of quantum mechanics. The field perspective thus leads to a new derivation of Ehrenfest's theorem. Furthermore, the theorem can be expressed in terms of the response of the electrons to the external field as described by a field representative of the electronic current density. In addition, the vanishing of the averaged torque of the internal fields leads to a quantal torque–angular momentum equation analogous to that of classical physics. The structure of the internal fields is demonstrated for both a ground and an excited state of the analytically solvable Hooke's atom. The concept of the internal field is extended via quantal density functional theory to the S system of noninteracting Fermions with density equivalent to that of the Schrodinger theory of electrons. By invoking Ehrenfest's theorem and the quantal torque–angular momentum relationship, sum rules for the S system are derived. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Sharpening of topographical projections and maturation of geniculocortical axon arbors in the hamster.

During specification of orderly neural maps, axons correctly navigate to their targets and form terminal arbors in topographically correct positions. To learn more about this mapping process, the patterns of geniculocortical topography were correlated with growth of axon arbors in the hamster visual cortex. Topography was studied by retrograde transport of WGA-HRP from area 17 to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGd) and visualized with TMB histochemistry. In separate experiments, geniculocortical axon arbors were filled with HRP deposited extracellularly into the optic radiations and stained with cobalt-intensified DAB. On the day of birth (P0) and on P1–2, a crude topography was detected in the geniculocortical system. At these ages, geniculocortical axons coursed in the embryonic white matter of the visual cortex, parallel to the pia. During their passage, multiple short collaterals, with no terminal arbors, were extended into the subplate and deeper portions of the cortical plate. By P3–5, the topography was more precise and simple axonal arbors had now begun to be formed on some branches within the cortical plate. During the second postnatal week, branches in the white matter without terminals were eliminated and the ramifications of branches in the gray matter became more elaborate. The arbors continued to increase in complexity and resembled adult forms by P24.
Impact of genetic testing for Huntington disease on the family system

The psychological impact of DNA predictive testing on asymptomatic individuals at risk for Huntington disease (HD) has received considerable attention since the advent of the procedure in 1993. This study examined the impact of such testing on families from the families' perspective. Individuals asymptomatic at the time of testing, together with their families, were interviewed in their homes with a semi-structured interview. Eighteen families with a total of 55 individuals participated. Defining the family as the unit of analysis was consistent with Systems Theory that links interactions of individuals, families, and the social environment. Areas of affected family functioning noted by the respondents included: 1) family membership; 2) family patterns of communication; and 3) future care giving concerns as they influenced current relationships. Eighty-one percent of families experienced changes in family membership. Members in 50% of families experienced changes in patterns of communication, and 56% percent of persons reported changes in current relationships in response to test results and their implications for future caregiving. The data support the conclusion that genetic testing is a family, as opposed to an individual, matter and that family involvement in the decision making process should be strongly encouraged in order to help families adjust. The data imply that families will benefit in pre-test sessions from an examination of their patterns of dealing with illness issues, both past and present.
Studies of the 17-desoxy, 17-hydroxy, and C19 androgens in conjunction with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21-OH deficiency).

Hormonal response to 6 hour ACTH stimulation was determined in 24 sibs predicted to be heterozygous carriers of the gene for 21-OH-def. by HLA genotyping and 14 parents, obligate heterozygotes. Confirming the findings of Grosse-Wilde, et al (Immunogenetics, 8:41, 1979) in pre-pubertal children and post-pubertal males predicted to be heterozygous carriers of the gene based on HLA genotyping, the mean 17-OH-P levels (13, 17 ng/ml respectively) were significantly higher (p<.001) than in the control children and adults (3.9, 5.3 ng/ml respectively). In post-menarchal females the mean 17-OH-P response in the heterozygotes (12.1 ng/ml) was significantly higher (p<.005) than in the general population (5.2 ng/ml); however the overlapping values did not permit a clear differentiation of the hormonal responses in these two groups. Plasma ACTH levels and all other ACTH stimulated steroids including 17-OH pregnenolone, 11-desoxycortisol, cortisol, progesterone, DOC, B, aldosterone, Δ-4-androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and testosterone whether analyzed alone or in combination did not discriminate between the control population and the heterozygotes. In summary, in sibs predicted to be heterozygous by HLA genotyping and obligate heterozygote parents, mild 21 hydroxlase deficiency was expressed in the 17 hydroxy pathway but was not evident in the 17-desoxy pathway or C19 androgens after ACTH stimulation.
Photoperiodic and circadian bifurcation theories of depression and mania.

Seasonal effects on mood have been observed throughout much of human history. Seasonal changes in animals and plants are largely mediated through the changing photoperiod (i.e., the photophase or duration of daylight). We review that in mammals, daylight specifically regulates SCN (suprachiasmatic nucleus) circadian organization and its control of melatonin secretion. The timing of melatonin secretion interacts with gene transcription in the pituitary pars tuberalis to modulate production of TSH (thyrotropin), hypothalamic T3 (triiodothyronine), and tuberalin peptides which modulate pituitary production of regulatory gonadotropins and other hormones. Pituitary hormones largely mediate seasonal physiologic and behavioral variations. As a result of long winter nights or inadequate illumination, we propose that delayed morning offset of nocturnal melatonin secretion, suppressing pars tuberalis function, could be the main cause for winter depression and even cause depressions at other times of year. Irregularities of circadian sleep timing and thyroid homeostasis contribute to depression. Bright light and sleep restriction are antidepressant and conversely, sometimes trigger mania. We propose that internal desynchronization or bifurcation of SCN circadian rhythms may underlie rapid-cycling manic-depressive disorders and perhaps most mania. Much further research will be needed to add substance to these theories.
Tumor cell-derived PDGF-B potentiates mouse mesenchymal stem cells-pericytes transition and recruitment through an interaction with NRP-1

New blood vessel formation, or angiogenic switch, is an essential event in the development of solid tumors and their metastatic growth. Tumor blood vessel formation and remodeling is a complex and multi-step processes. The differentiation and recruitment of mural cells including vascular smooth muscle cells and pericytes are essential steps in tumor angiogenesis. However, the role of tumor cells in differentiation and recruitment of mural cells has not yet been fully elucidated. This study focuses on the role of human tumor cells in governing the differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to pericytes and their recruitment in the tumor angiogenesis process. We show that C3H/10T1/2 mouse embryonic mesenchymal stem cells, under the influence of different tumor cell-derived conditioned media, differentiate into mature pericytes. These differentiated pericytes, in turn, are recruited to bind with capillary-like networks formed by endothelial cells on the matrigel under in vitro conditions and recruited to bind with blood vessels on gel-foam under in vivo conditions. The degree of recruitment of pericytes into in vitro neo-angiogenesis is tumor cell phenotype specific. Interestingly, invasive cells recruit less pericytes as compared to non-invasive cells. We identified tumor cell-secreted platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) as a crucial factor controlling the differentiation and recruitment processes through an interaction with neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) in mesenchymal stem cells. These new insights into the roles of tumor cell-secreted PDGF-B-NRP-1 signaling in MSCs-fate determination may help to develop new antiangiogenic strategies to prevent the tumor growth and metastasis and result in more effective cancer therapies.
USING GRAPHEME n-GRAMS IN SPELLING CORRECTION AND AUGMENTATIVE TYPING SYSTEMS

Probabilistic language models have gained popularity in Natural Language Processing due to their ability to successfully capture language structures and constraints with computational efficiency. Probabilistic language models are flexible and easily adapted to language changes over time as well as to some new languages. Probabilistic language models can be trained and their accuracy strongly related to the availability of large text corpora. In this paper, we investigate the usability of grapheme probabilistic models, specifically grapheme n-grams models in spellchecking as well as augmentative typing systems. Grapheme n-gram models require substantially smaller training corpora and that is one of the main drivers for this thesis in which we build grapheme n-gram language models for the Albanian language. There are presently no available Albanian language corpora to be used for probabilistic language modeling. Our technique attempts to augment spellchecking and typing systems by utilizing grapheme n-gram language models in improving suggestion accuracy in spellchecking and augmentative typing systems. Our technique can be implemented in a standalone tool or incorporated in another tool to offer additional selection/scoring criteria.