cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of Chemical Homogeneity of Fire Retardant Polymeric Nanocomposite Materials by Near-Infrared Multispectral Imaging Microscopy

Polymer nanocomposites containing layered double hydroxide (LDH) additives offer great potential for improving polymer physical properties. Of particular interest is the possibility of improving the fire retardancy and thermal stability of polymers using low loadings of this emerging class of nano-additives. Understanding the relationship between the quality of additive dispersion in the polymer matrix (i.e., chemical homogeneity) and selected flammability properties is a key question for optimizing LDHs for use in fire retardant formulations. We have demonstrated, for the first time, that the near infrared multispectral imaging (NIR-MSI) microscope can be successfully used to characterize the chemical homogeneity of a model system containing a magnesium aluminum hydroxide LDH modified with interlayer undecenoate anions mixed with poly(ethylene). The NIR-MSI is suited for this task because it can simultaneously record spectral and spatial information of a sample with high sensitivity (single pixel resolut...
Alternative criteria for the design of means of production

Criteria for deciding on the means of production are not only varied in character at any one time, but show definite patterns of transformation through time. In consequence, it is to be expected that both the physical means of production and the ways of using them will be altered in a congruent fashion. This is currently visible in two interesting ways. First, human factors engineering considerations are becoming more important in the design of tools and machines. Second, methods for the social organization of work are moving away from the classic patterns of work simplification and micro-division of labor in favor of group responsibility for multiple tasks, with work performance accompanied by a measure of responsibility and authority for the finished product. The classic pattern of industrial engineering performance in US industry with respect to work design is summed up under the title “work simplification”. Industrial engineers specialized for a long time on the microanalysis of industrial work. See, for example, the relevant chapters in Maynard (Sections 2,3 and 5 are particularly relevant). However, there has been a growing interest in diverse forms of organizing the division of labor, other than the classic work simplification pattern. This is reflected, for example, in the early study of G. Friedmann, (Heinemann, 1961), and in later studies on grouped organization of work. See for example the detailed functioning of the “gang system,” in Melman, . A very suggestive paper was prepared by J. A. Fadem and U. deHaan, “Sociotechnical Approaches to Assembly Design,” presented on October 26–28, 1976 to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. The authors are at the Center for Quality of Working Life, Institute of Industrial Relations, University of California, Los Angeles. These changes in the criteria applied to the design of means and methods of production are a consequence of definable social processes. There is an ongoing struggle for control in industrial decision making. The preferred design criteria for means of production, and their evolution, reflect the evolving requirements of employers (the business process) and workers (unions) in their contest for control. The employers change, not only in cost criteria, but also in forms of organization (from family firm to multinational conglomerate), and even location (from private firm to state enterprise). The union has been evolving from business unionism to a concern with virtually all aspects and effects of enterprise operation. Thereby the shaping of the means of production may be understood as the derived effect of the application of socially preferred design criteria to the properties of materials given by nature.
Introduction The Civilization of Modernity and the Modernity of Civilizations

`Civilization' has been a contested term since its inception in the 18th century. However, after the pioneering studies of Weber and Mauss, civilizational analysis dropped from sight in major refer...
Factors Influencing Language Development in Preterm Infants

Objective To examine factors influencing preterm infant language development. Design Longitudinal. Setting Infants were seen for developmental follow-up at 7, 13, and 26 months corrected age in the school of nursing. Participants The sample consisted of 43 mothers and their preterm infants who were below 2,000g and 36 weeks gestation at birth. More than 88% of the sample were from lower social classes. Seventy-three percent of the sample was African American and 27% was White. Main Outcome Measures Developmental outcome was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, and language was assessed using the Reynell Developmental Language Scales. Results By 26 months corrected age, infant development was within the normal range. Expressive and receptive language was delayed an average of 3 to 5 months. Factors influencing language included length of hospital stay, birth weight, Apgar scores, infant irritability and state regulation at hospital discharge, and maternal sensitivity. Conclusion Language development is delayed in preterm infants. Maternal sensitivity is positively associated with enhanced infant language. Nurses need to utilize opportunities to enhance sensitive mothering to optimize infant outcomes.
A New Splitting Method for Both Analytical and Preparative LC/MS

This paper presents a novel splitting method for liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) application, which allows fast MS detection of LC-separated analytes and subsequent online analyte collection. In this approach, a PEEK capillary tube with a micro-orifice drilled on the tube side wall is used to connect with LC column. A small portion of LC eluent emerging from the orifice can be directly ionized by desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) with negligible time delay (6~10 ms) while the remaining analytes exiting the tube outlet can be collected. The DESI-MS analysis of eluted compounds shows narrow peaks and high sensitivity because of the extremely small dead volume of the orifice used for LC eluent splitting (as low as 4 nL) and the freedom to choose favorable DESI spray solvent. In addition, online derivatization using reactive DESI is possible for supercharging proteins and for enhancing their signals without introducing extra dead volume. Unlike UV detector used in traditional preparative LC experiments, this method is applicable to compounds without chromophores (e.g., saccharides) due to the use of MS detector. Furthermore, this splitting method well suits monolithic column-based ultra-fast LC separation at a high elution flow rate of 4 mL/min.
Independent rule in classification of multivariate binary data

We consider the performance of the independent rule in classification of multivariate binary data. In this article, broad studies are presented including the performance of the independent rule when the number of variables, d, is fixed or increased with the sample size, n. The latter situation includes the case of d=O(n^@t) for @t>0 which cover ''the small sample and the large dimension'', namely d@?n when @t>1. Park and Ghosh [J. Park, J.K. Ghosh, Persistence of plug-in rule in classification of high dimensional binary data, Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference 137 (2007) 3687-3707] studied the independent rule in terms of the consistency of misclassification error rate which is called persistence under growing numbers of dimensions, but they did not investigate the convergence rate. We present asymptotic results in view of the convergence rate under some structured parameter space and highlight that variable selection is necessary to improve the performance of the independent rule. We also extend the applications of the independent rule to the case of correlated binary data such as the Bahadur representation and the logit model. It is emphasized that variable selection is also needed in correlated binary data for the improvement of the performance of the independent rule.
Fatigue crack propagation rate model based on a dislocation mechanism

It has been noted that the crack propagation exponent p for most metals usually varies between values of 2 and 4, and that the motion of dislocations plays an important part in determining the exponent p. Attention is presently given to the significance of the exponent p in terms of the motion of dislocations, in view of the theory of thermally activated plastic flow and the cumulative plastic strain concept for a failure criterion.
The New Era in Bank Portfolio Management

& co. r many bank portfolio managers, the events of the past year and a half have dictated a hndamental change in investment strategy. Up to now, the F greatest impact has come from a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) mandate to move large portions of banks’ investment securities from historical cost ac counting to lowerofc os t o r-mar ke t (LOCOM) accounting. But even as portfolio managers are adapting their strategies to the LOCOM environment, a broader transformation is looming on the horizon. The recent Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) decision to implement market value accounting next year for a portion of bank securities portfolios heralds a completely new era in bank portfolio management. We believe that in this new era bank portfolio managers will be motivated to increase the amount of securities designated as available for sale, lengthen portfolio duration, employ various hedging techniques more actively, and expand the use of off-balance-sheet instruments.
Growth Hormone Treatment of Short Stature: Status of the Quality of Life Rationale

The unlimited availability of biosynthetic human growth hormone (rhGH) has contributed to the disassociation of the treatment of short stature from its causes. The rationale for treatment has traditionally rested upon the assumption that short stature, in the extreme, may constitute a physical disability, and otherwise represents a significant psychosocial burden for the individual. This review summarizes what is known about the psychosocial aspects of short stature and the quality of life benefits of rhGH treatment. Stereotypes and assumptions about short stature are evaluated in light of empirical findings. Problems of psychosocial adjustment are relatively common in the general population. Because of the salience of short stature, and its potential to serve as a lightning rod to divert attention from other factors interfering with a healthy psychological adaptation, the clinician must be watchful of misattributions for ongoing problems, or unrealistic predictions of the benefits of taller stature. For these reasons, the clinician should consider incorporating a psychosocial component in the diagnostic evaluation to broaden potential treatment recommendations. Finally, studies of factors influencing family decisions regarding factors for and against rhGH therapy provide important clues to how clinicians might enhance the informed consent process.
RADIATION INDUCED PITUITARY FAILURE IN CHILDREN WITH MEDULLOBLASTOMA

Medulloblastoma is a relatively common intracranial tumor in children. We report the retrospective analysis of the treatment results in 20 patients (11 males and 9 females, age range 2-19 years) with medulloblastoma who were referred consecutively to our Department of Therapeutic Radiology between 1969 and 1977. At surgery 17 patients had tumor grossly confined to the cerebellum, three had extension to the spine. Sixteen of 17 patients had greater than 90 per cent resection of the tumor. The three with spinal extension only had incisional biopsy. All received 3,600 rads to the whole brain, an additional 2,600 rads to the posterior fossa and 3,000 rads to the spinal column.
Meaning and Cognition in Plato’s Cratylus and Theaetetus

For Plato, the crucial function of human cognition is to grasp truths. Explaining how we are able to do this is fundamental to understanding our cognitive powers. Plato addresses this topic from several different angles. In the Cratylus and Theaetetus, he attempts to identify the elemental cognitions that are the foundations of language and knowledge. He considers several candidates for this role, most notably, perception and simple meaning-bearing concepts. In the first section, we will look at Plato’s worries about semantic instability and its epistemic consequences. The central role of basic cognitions in Plato’s account of knowledge in the Theaetetus will be explored in the second section. In the final section, the relevance of Plato’s conception of cognition to modern discussions in the philosophy of language and epistemology will be noted.
Analysis of a straight pediatric internship

Detailed records of all patient contacts in one individual's straight pediatric internship were kept. Analysis of the data showed a greater exposure to acute disease and commonplace problems than was expected. Examination of the intern's degree of involvement (responsibility) and independent study showed little difference between inpatients and outpatients or between new and “inherited” patients.
Stability of polarization vortices in self-focusing Kerr media

We investigate the collapse dynamics and polarization stability of radially and azimuthally polarized vortex beams in Kerr media. The beams break up into distinct collapsing filaments with the initial local polarization distribution being maintained.
The changes induced in iodine metabolism of the rat by internal radiation of its thyroid with I131.

Despite the present extensive use of radioactive iodine in the treatment of thyroid disease, little is known of the metabolic changes induced within the thyroid gland by the radiation of the trapped I131. Histological changes have, until now, been the principal guide in determining damage to the gland. In the present study, additional criteria are presented, based on the specialized function of the thyroid gland with respect to iodine metabolism. These are: 1) its capacity to remove iodine from plasma, selectively, 2) its capacity to retain iodine, and 3) its ability to release hormonal iodine into the plasma. An attempt has been made to correlate changes in these three functions with the dose received by the gland following the administration of I131. Similar criteria for estimating radiation effects on the thyroid have recently been employed by Skanse (1948). experimental Male rats of the Long-Evans strain, weighing from 200 to 300 gm., were used throughout.
RACIAL ANIMOSITY AND INTERRACIAL CRIME

The primary objective of this study is to determine the effect of a victim's race on the likelihood of him or her being seriously injured during the commission of an interracial crime. We also assess the probability of a homicide occurring during an interracial crime. A multilevel city analysis shows that black offenders are no more apt than white offenders to injure their victims seriously during an interracial robbery or rape. A black offender also does not have a greater proclivity to kill his or her victim during the commission of an interracial crime. Some evidence suggests that white victims are more likely than black victims to suffer serious physical harm during an aggravated assault. Results also reveal that contextual factors related to racial animosity, such as residential segregation, white-to-black economic inequality, and black-to-white unemployment, fail to have any moderating effect on either the severity of victim injury or the likelihood of a homicide occurring during an interracial crime. Overall, the results generated in this study tend to cast doubt on the validity of racial animosity theory. Our findings also lead us to question the veracity of the oftenmade claim that black-on-white crimes are punished more severely because these types of offenses are somehow more heinous in circumstance. At least in regard to serious victim injury and victim death, black-on-white crime is no more violent than white-on-black crime.
A partial reinforcement extinction effect in water-reinforced rats intermittently treated with haloperidol.

Abstract Thirsty rats were trained to traverse a straight runway for 30 sec access to water reinforcement. The experiment consisted of daily single trials during a 30-day reinforcement phase followed by 21 days of extinction. Animals that experienced no water reward on 33% of the reinforcement trials subsequently demonstrated an increased resistance to extinction of the runway response compared to continuously reinforced (CRF) animals. This “partial reinforcement extinction effect” (PREE) was also observed in CRF animals pretreated with the neuroleptic drug haloperidol (0.075 or 0.15 mg/kg) on 33% of the reinforcement trials. Thus, periodic dopamine receptor antagonism produced behavioral results comparable to those produced by periodic reward omission. These data cannot easily be accounted for by some form of general drug-induced performance deficit since the extinction trials were conducted in undrugged animals. It was concluded that dopaminergic substrates may play a role in mediating the behavioral effects of water reinforcement.
Processing and microstructures of fiber bragg grating sensors embedded in stainless steel

The benefit of layered manufacturing is the ability to create physical parts with little or no restriction from shape complexity. Using a laser-assisted shape deposition manufacturing (LASDM) methodology, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors were embedded into stainless steel structures. The embedding sequence included sputtering a thin metallic film as a conductive layer on the silica fiber, electroplating the fibers with a Ni protective layer, and then laser cladding with stainless steel. Microstructural studies of each layer and interface were conducted. The grain size of electroplated nickel was approximately 150 nm before laser cladding. The electroplated nickel recrystallized during and after the laser cladding. The nickel grain size gradually increased from very fine (∼1 - to 10-µm diameter) in the immediate layer surrounding the optical fibers to approximately 200 µm near the interface with the laser-deposited stainless steel. The deposited stainless steel appeared as a coarse dendritic structure with a grain size larger than 100 µm. The Ni/fiber interface shows full contact between the silica fibers and the Ni matrix of adequate thickness before and after laser cladding. Microstructural studies were used to conclude that the degradation of the embedded sensors is due to thermally induced stress from laser deposition if a thinner Ni layer is used. Strain and temperature measurements were successfully performed using the embedded FBG sensor, thus demonstrating the viability of this manufacturing technique.
How Close Is Close Enough: Public Perceptions of the Risks of Industrial Facilities

Public opinion poll data have consistently shown that the proportion of respondents who are willing to have a nuclear power plant in their own community is smaller than the proportion who agree that more nuclear plants should be built in this country. Respondents’ judgments of the minimum safe distance from each of eight hazardous facilities confirmed that this finding results from perceived risk gradients that differ by facility (e.g., nuclear vs. natural gas power plants) and social group (e.g., chemical engineers vs. environmentalists) but are relatively stable over time. Ratings of the facilities on thirteen perceived risk dimensions were used to determine whether any of the dimensions could explain the distance data. Because the rank order of the facilities with respect to acceptable distance was very similar to the rank order on a number of the perceived risk dimensions, it is difficult to determine which of the latter is the critical determinant of acceptable distance if, indeed, there is only one. There were, however, a number of reversals of rank order that indicate that the respondents had a differentiated view of technological risk. Finally, data from this and other studies were interpreted as suggesting that perceived lack of any other form of personal control over risk exposure may be an important factor in stimulating public opposition to the siting of hazardous facilities.
Amino acids in larval and adult tapeworms (Hymenolepis diminuta) and in the tissues of their rat and beetle hosts.

Abstract Twenty different a -amino acids have been recovered chromatographically from acid protein hydrolysates of various tissues of adult and larval Hymenolepis diminuta , and from the tissues and materials of the rat and Tribolium confusum hosts, with which these cestode parasites are in intimate contact. a -Amino acids recovered include: lysine, glycine, alanine, phenylalanine, proline, hydroxyproline, histidine, aspartic acid, serine, cystine, cysteine, tyrosine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, glutamic acid, methionine, tryptophane, arginine, and threonine. No hydrolysate of any one parasitic stage or host tissue revealed more than 16 of these acids. Hydrolysis of 48 hours duration destroyed glutamic acid (except in hydrolysates of larvae and their beetle hosts), methionine, arginine, and threonine; 36-hour hydrolysates revealed these four, but failed to show 11 other a -amino acids revealed by the longer hydrolyses. An interesting parallel was noted between relative abundance and scarcity of certain amino acids in parasite and the closely associated host tissues. A general decrease in amounts, but not kinds, of all amino acids was found in tapeworms implanted for 4 days in a Thiry-Vella fistula free of exogenous food. Biological implications of the latter are discussed.
Sensory intuition and the dogma of localization

Conceptualism, like any other philosophical doctrine of comparable scope, has both ontological and epistemological aspects. Ontologically, however, conceptualism does not differ significantly from certain forms of nominalism.1 At its root lies an epistemological thesis: All objects of sensory intuition are localized in space and time.2 In this paper, I wish to explore some of the consequences of this thesis.
Intraspecies aggression in rats: effects of d-amphetamine and chlordiazepoxide.

d-Amphetamine sulfate and chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride, administered to either the dominant or subordinate rat, altered several components of fighting behavior in a dose-dependent biphasic manner. Stereotypic sequences of attack, threat, defense, and submission were generated between pairs of previously isolated Sprague-Dawley rats by extinction of a food-reinforced response. Low doses of amphetamine (0.05, 0.1 mg/kg) and chlordiazepoxide (2.5, 5.0 mg/kg) given i.m. to the dominant rat 30 min prior to 15 min tests increased attack bites and leaps and the display of aggressive postures and threats, whereas higher doses of both drugs (0.5, 1.0 mg/kg amphetamine; 20 mg/kg chlordiazepoxide) suppressed attacks and threats. Amphetamine and chlordiazepoxide, administered to the subordinate rat, caused a more prolonged display of submissive-supine and defensive-upright postures; chlordiazepoxide (10.0, 20.0 mg/kg) prolonged immobile crouching whereas amphetamine (0.5, 1.0 mg/kg) greatly reduced this response. Drugged subordinate rats also provoked more attacks and threats by the non-drugged opponents. The multi-response analysis of fighting reveals that various elements of aggressive and defensive-submissive behavior patterns are differentially sensitive to drug action. The results indicate that amphetamine and chlordiazepoxide can facilitate or inhibit attack or defense depending on the dose level and which of the opponents was injected, but do not reverse dominance-subordination relationships.
Management of patellar instability in children

Abstract Patellar instability in children can be categorized into acute dislocations and recurrent patellofemoral instability. A careful history, examination, and the judicious use of diagnostic imaging are required to exclude other conditions of the knee. Patellar dislocations are treated primarily with brief immobilization followed by physical therapy. Surgery is usually necessary only in cases of associated osteochondral fracture. Most loose fragments can be removed without repair. One half of patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability respond well to nonsurgical treatment, but with the more recalcitrant cases, significant improvement can be gained with surgical intervention. Our preferred method of treatment uses a combination of a lateral release, semitendinosus tenodesis, and a vastus medialis advancement with medial plication. Good results have been obtained when a semitendinosus tendoesis is used in conjunction with a proximal quadricepsplasty and lateral release. For older adolescents or those patients near skeletal maturity, a soft tissue reconstruction combined with a distal tubercle osteotomy may be required if distal malalignment is present.
FREE T4 - NOT A PREDICTOR OF THYROID FUNCTION IN PREMATURE INFANT

Thyroid screening is done in our center as recommended by AAP during the first week of life in all preterm as well as term infants in the NICU. During the past 6 months, 8 infants received complete laboratory evaluation due to low T4. The tests performed were T4 by RIA, TSH by RIA and Free T4 by RIA "Amersham Kit" method. Initial values revealed the following: Further evaluation with time, including TRH stimulation test in two of these infants, suggested normal thyroid function. TSH increased from 5, 7 μIU/dl to 50.9, 32.0 μIU/dl at 30 minutes, and 46.4, 23.6 μIU/dl at 60 minutes, respectively after TRH stimulation in the two premature infants. This data suggests that Free T4 does not provide accurate evaluation of thyroid function in premature infants as it does in adults. This paper describes serum Free T4 values in very low birth weight infants.
RED-CELL DENSITY IN CERTAIN COMMON ANIMALS

A method for determining red-cell density is described, and results given for the cells of man, the rabbit, the ox, and the sheep. Values for the density of the plasma of the same animals and for the water content of the erythrocytes are also given.
Developing a rational management strategy for angina pectoris after coronary bypass surgery: a clinical decision analysis.

Summary: Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery indicates that as many as 50% eventually experience recurrent angina pectoris. Rational management of these individuals requires an understanding of the natural history of coronary bypass graftx, the risks and benefits of both reoperation and angioplasty, as well as a structure within which to integrate these data. This report reviews the literature and employs formal decision analysis to develop a strategy for management of recurrent angina. Our analysis supports the strategy that patients experiencing recurrent angina within 3 years alter surgery should undergo prompt angiographic re-evaluation and angioplasty if anatomically suitable. Symptoms beginning more than 6 years after surgery should I*: managed medically, reserving surgery for refractory syinptonis.
Clinical utility of array comparative genomic hybridization for detection of chromosomal abnormalities in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Background Accurate detection of recurrent chromosomal abnormalities is critical to assign patients to risk-based therapeutic regimens for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Procedure We investigated the utility of array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) for detection of chromosomal abnormalities compared to standard clinical evaluation with karyotype and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Fifty pediatric ALL diagnostic bone marrows were analyzed by bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) array and findings compared to standard clinical evaluation. Results Sensitivity of aCGH was 79% to detect karyotypic findings other than balanced translocations, which cannot be detected by aCGH because they involve no copy number change. aCGH also missed abnormalities occurring in subclones constituting less than 25% of cells. aCGH detected 44 additional abnormalities undetected or misidentified by karyotype with 21 subsequently validated by FISH, including abnormalities in 4 of 10 cases with uninformative cytogenetics. aCGH detected concurrent terminal deletions of both 9p and 20q in three cases, in two of which the 20q deletion was undetected by karyotype. A narrow region of loss at 7p21 was detected in two cases. Conclusions aCGH detects the majority of karyotypic findings other than balanced translocations, and may provide key prognostic information in the approximately 35% of cases with uninformative cytogenetics. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:171–177. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Health Disparities and Mental Retardation

Purpose:To identify health care needs and the availability and accessibility of health care services for people with mental retardation (MR). Methods:Review of the literature on health disparities and mental retardation was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and PsycInfo from 1992 to 2002. Findings:Deficiencies in care identified in the literature included general health screening and care for physical symptoms, mental health, women's care, dental services, health maintenance, and prevention. Conclusions:Disparities in health care place people with MR at high risk for morbidity and premature mortality.
Functionalization of Porous Carbon Materials with Designed Pore Architecture

Recent progress in syntheses of porous carbons with designed pore architecture has rejuvenated the field of carbon chemistry and promises to provide new advanced materials. In order to reap the full benefit of designer carbons, it is necessary to develop chemistries for functionalizing the porous carbon surfaces. This Review examines methods of functionalizing porous carbon through direct incorporation of heteroatoms in the carbon synthesis, surface oxidation and activation, halogenation, sulfonation, grafting, attachment of nanoparticles and surface coating with polymers. Methods of characterizing the functionalized carbon materials and applications that benefit from functionalized nanoporous carbons with designed architecture are also highlighted.
A decoupled circular-polarized volume head coil pair for studying two interacting human brains with MRI

One of the major functions of the human brain is to mediate interactions with other people. Until recently, studying brain social interactions has not been possible due to the lack of measurable methods to observe two interacting minds simultaneously. We have developed a novel dual-head MRI coil that can scan two subjects' brains simultaneously while the subjects are socially interacting in one MRI scanner. Meanwhile, a novel scheme for decoupling two quadrature coils (not surface coils) is introduced and validated.
The Impact of SARS on Asian Economies

This paper describes the economic implications of the SARS outbreak that hit many Asian economies in spring 2003. Without a workable diagnostic test and a treatment for the illness, surveillance and quarantine were the key weapons against SARS last year. In general, risks are greater in countries with poor public health care, poor sanitation systems, high mobility, or high population density. During the height of the SARS outbreak, we estimated that the total costs of the epidemic would be about 1.5 percent of GDP for China. Better-than-expected containment of the virus reduced the impact to only about 0.5 percent of GDP. The experiences of the SARS outbreak point to the strong need to improve both the public health system and the governance structure in Asia.
Atmospheric inner-scale effects on normalized irradiance variance

We have investigated five types of atmospheric optical-turbulence inner scales for their effects on normalized laser irradiance variance in the Rytov and early saturation regimes: (1) zero inner scale, (2) Gaussian inner scale, (3) Hill's viscous-convective enhancement inner scale, (4) Frehlich's parameterization of the viscous-convective enhancement, and (5) turbulence spectrum truncation because of the discrete grid representation. Wave-optics computer simulations yielded normalized irradiance variances within 2% of the results from numerical integrations of the Rytov-Tatarskii predictions. In the Rytov regime a Gaussian inner scale reduces the normalized irradiance variance compared with the zero-innerscale case, and the viscous-convective inner scale first raises, then lowers the irradiance variance as the inner-scale size increases. In the saturation regime all inner-scale models increase the intensity variance for a spherical wave.
Syntactic processing of auditory and visual sentences in a learning‐disabled child: Relation to short‐term memory

The nature of a short‐term memory deficit and its relation to syntactic processing were investigated in a learning‐disabled child. The child showed reduced short‐term memory span for both auditorily and visually presented lists. The short‐term memory deficit was attributed to a disruption of phonological storage on the basis of several lines of evidence: No phonological similarity effect was obtained for visual presentation, the recency effect was absent for auditory presentation, and memory was normal for item information but poor for order information. On several syntactic tests, the child showed normal performance for visual presentation but impaired performance for auditory presentation. The deficit for auditory presentation was most obvious for syntactically complex sentences. The child's normal performance for visual presentation suggests that phonological short‐term memory does not play a critical role in reading comprehension. For auditory presentation, we hypothesize that phonological short‐term ...
Regular line-symmetric graphs

Abstract We say that a graph is Point-symmetric if, given any two points of the graph, there is an automorphism of the graph that sends the first point to the second. Similarly, we say that a graph is line-symmetric if, given any two lines of the graph, there is an automorphism that sends the first line to the second. In general a line-symmetric graph need not be point-symmetric. For example, any complete bipartite graph is line-symmetric, but if it is not regular then it is not point-symmetric. In this paper we investigate the extent to which line symmetry and regularity imply point symmetry. We first give some conditions on the number of points and the degree of regularity under which line symmetry and regularity imply point symmetry. We then give some general methods for constructing graphs which are line-symmetric and regular but not point-symmetric. Finally we summarize what is known about the number of points that a regular line-symmetric graph which is not point-symmetric can have. We conclude with a list of unsolved problems in this area.
Polydiphenylsiloxane–polydimethylsiloxane–polydiphenylsiloxane triblock copolymers

Polydiphenylsiloxane–polydimethylsiloxane–polydiphenylsiloxane triblock copolymers were prepared by two methods. The first approach was the sequential addition of the monomers. The anionic polymerization of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane initiated by dilithio diphenylsilanolate gave α,ω-bis(lithio dimethylsilanolate)polydimethylsiloxane, which was added to hexaphenylcyclotrisiloxane at ∼120 °C to yield the desired triblock material. In the other, a convergent approach was used. Excess α-vinyldimethylsiloxypolydiphenylsiloxane was coupled to α,ω-bis(hydrido)polydimethylsiloxane by a Pt-catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction to give the triblock material. The formation of distinct blocks with regular microstructures in these materials was confirmed by 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR spectroscopy as well as differential scanning calorimetry. The molecular weights were determined by gel permeation chromatography, and the thermal stabilities were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. Dynamic mechanical analysis was used to confirm thermal transitions obtained by differential scanning calorimetry and to evaluate the mechanical properties of the materials. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3629–3639, 2006
Wolf–Darwin lineament and plume–ridge interaction in northern Galápagos

(1) The Wolf-Darwin Lineament (WDL), located in the northwestern sector of the Galapagos Archipelago, lies between the focus of the Galapagos hot spot and the Galapagos Spreading Center. Consequently, most researchers have attributed its origin to the interaction between the plume and the adjacent ridge. We propose that the WDL is caused only partially by the plume-ridge interaction, and instead that it is primarily the result of tensional stresses emanating from the inside corner of the transform fault at 91� W. An additional factor that amplifies the tension in this region is the oblique orientation of the major transform fault with respect to the Nazca plate's spreading direction. This setting creates a transtensional zone whereby strain is partitioned into strike-slip motion along the transform and extension throughout the inside corner of the ridge-transform system. The area under tension is magmatic owing to the overlapping effects of the ridge and the Galapagos plume. The extensional model predicts no age-progressive volcanism, which is supported by observed age relationships. The WDL volcanoes define two distinct chemical groups: lavas erupted south of Wolf Island have compositions similar to those produced along the GSC west of 93� W, while those from the northern WDL resemble GSC lavas from the segment directly north of the lineament. This geographic distribution implies that the WDL is supplied by the same type of plume-affected mantle as the segment of the GSC that produced the lithosphere underlying the volcanoes. The observed WDL geochemical gradients are consistent with the extension model; the region under tension simply taps hybrid products of mixing at the margins of the subridge convection system and the periphery of the plume. Essentially, the stress field around the transform fault, normally not observable in a typical midocean ridge setting, is illuminated by the presence of melt from the adjacent hot spot. Components: 8821 words, 8 figures. Index Terms: 1025 Geochemistry: Composition of the mantle; 8121 Tectonophysics: Dynamics, convection currents and mantle plumes; 3035 Marine Geology and Geophysics: Midocean ridge processes.
Behaviour Prescriptions versus Professional Identities in Multi-cultural Corporations: A Cross-cultural Computer Simulation

There is a strong focus on cognitive, language-based, information processing in organizations. Acknowledging the gut decision of managers, this article introduces a symbolic interactionist framework that allows the investigation of organizational behaviour based on affective meaning, on emotion-generated implications. Unlike most symbolic interactionist approaches, affect-control theory is based on rigorous mathematical formalization that allows precise empirical methodologies. The effectiveness of this affective model is demonstrated in a multicultural setting where cultural differences and language differences make communication within the organization difficult. Computer-based simulations of interaction address the problems that managers experience following culture-centric behaviour prescriptions instead of using the affective meaning of their professional identities as guidance for their behaviour.
Direct biomechanical induction of endogenous calcineurin inhibitor Down Syndrome Critical Region-1 in cardiac myocytes.

Signaling through the protein phosphatase calcineurin may play a critical role in cardiac hypertrophy. The gene for Down Syndrome Critical Region-1 (DSCR1) encodes a protein that is an endogenous c...
Antiretroviral Therapy, Hepatitis C Virus, and AIDS Mortality Among San Francisco's Homeless and Marginally Housed

Summary: Mortality has declined in most HIV-infected populations yet remains high among those with barriers to accessing antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. We sought to determine predictors of death in a group of HIV-infected homeless persons in San Francisco. Between 1996 and 2002, quarterly interviews and blood draws were conducted. Hazards of death were compared by number of months of the prior 6 months that an individual took any ARV, drug use, hepatitis C virus (HCV) status, and housing status. Among 330 participants, 65% were HCV-seropositive at baseline, 85% received ARV during the study period, and there were 57 deaths (5.3 per 100 person-years). Compared with 0 of the prior 6 months on therapy, the risk of death was not significantly reduced for individuals on 1 to 5 months of therapy (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43–1.57), but the risk of death was reduced 62% for those on ARV therapy for 6 months (HR = 0.38, CI: 0.19–0.76). Housing status and HCV status were not significant predictors of death. HIV is the major cause of death in this population, whereas the impact of HCV infection seems to be minimal. Sustained ARV treatment significantly reduces the risk of death among the homeless.
Cdc123 and Checkpoint Forkhead Associated with RING Proteins Control the Cell Cycle by Controlling eIF2γ Abundance

Eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) is a central regulator of translational initiation in times of growth and times of stress. Here we discovered three new conserved regulators of eIF2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. cdc123, homolog of mammalian D123, is a new cell division cycle mutant with a G2 delay at permissive temperature and a terminal, mating-proficient G1 arrest point. Cdc123 protein is regulated by nutrient availability. CHF1 and CHF2, homologs of mammalian checkpoint forkhead associated with RING genes, are required for G2 delay and G1 arrest of cdc123-4 and promote G1 delay when over-expressed. Cell cycle delaying activity and the natural instability of Chf1 and Chf2 depend on the integrity of both domains and association with Cdc123. Genetic analysis maps the Chf1 forkhead associated domain-binding site to the conserved Thr-274 of Cdc123, suggesting that mammalian D123 is a key target of Chfr. Gcd11, the gamma subunit of eIF2, is an additional Cdc123-interacting protein that is an essential target of the Cdc123 cell cycle promoting and Chf cell cycle arresting activity whose abundance is regulated by Cdc123, Chf1, and Chf2. Loss of cdc123 activity promotes Chf1 and Chf2 accumulation and Gcd11 depletion, accounting for the essentiality of Cdc123. The data establish the Cdc123-Chf-Gcd11 axis as an essential pathway for nutritional control of START that runs parallel to the Tor-Gcn2-Sui2 system of translational control.
Extractability of glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides of brain.

Very little is known about the localization and functions of the glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides of nervous tissue. There have been two major approaches to the study of these substances in brain. The first involves the isolation of glycopeptides and mucopolysaccharides after digestion of the lipid-free protein residue from whole brain with proteolytic enzymes (Margolis, 1967; Di Benedettaet al., 1969; Margolis and Margolis, 1970; Katzman, 1972). This approach has the advantage that sufficient tissue is used to permit analysis of the structure and metabolism of the carbohydrate components of these macromolecules. However, any differentiation of the various glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides based on such features as their anatomical location, association with proteins, lipids or other membrane components, and the properties conferred by their non-carbohydrate portion, is unavoidably lost as a consequence of the procedures used for their isolation. On the other hand, several laboratories have attempted to study the glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides of nervous tissue by treating brain (or subcellular fractions) with various detergents, and then examining the extracts for the pattern of separation obtained by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in terms of carbohydrate staining reactions or the incorporation of labelled precursors (Bosmann, Case and Shea, 1970; Duiton and Barondes, 1970; Quarles and Brady, 1971; Waehneldt, Morgan and Gombos, 1971). This approach has the advantages of relatively high sensitivity and the ability to study intact glycoproteins rather than glycopeptides produced by proteolytic enzyme digestion. However, it is presently impossible to identify any of the numerous and often poorly resolved bands thus obtained with glycoproteins or mucopolysaccharides of known structure and chemical composition, or in many cases even to identify the various complex carbohydrates as being glycoproteins, glycolipids or acid mucopolysaccharides. In an attempt to obtain some indication of the degree of anatomical heterogeneity of these compounds in nervous tissue, we have sequentially treated whole rat brain with several solvents to obtain intact glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides. After removal of lipids and digestion with pronase, the composition of the glycopeptides and mucopolysaccharides has been analyzed.
Magnesium ion is beneficial in hypothermic crystalloid cardioplegia

The role of magnesium ion and its relation to the calcium concentration of cardioplegic solutions was reexamined in this study. Isolated rat hearts were used with an oxygenated modified Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer as perfusion medium. The hearts were arrested for 20 minutes at 37 degrees C or 90 minutes at 24 degrees C. Treatment groups received one dose of nine possible cardioplegic solutions containing magnesium (0, 1.2, or 15 mmol/L) and calcium (0.05, 1.5, or 4.5 mmol/L). Ninety-six percent of the 75 magnesium-treated hearts recovered, regardless of the calcium concentration, in contrast to a 52% recovery rate in the 69 hearts that did not receive magnesium. The addition of 15 mmol/L Mg2+ to a cardioplegic solution containing no magnesium but 0.05 mmol/L Ca2+ significantly increased (p less than 0.01) the percent recovery of the following parameters of cardiac function: systolic pressure, 74% to 93% (37 degrees C), 64% to 98% (24 degrees C); cardiac output, 76% to 101% (37 degrees C), 71% to 102% (24 degrees C); stroke work, 64% to 104% (37 degrees C), 52% to 99% (24 degrees C); and adenosine triphosphate level, 75% to 83% (37 degrees C), 58% to 90% (24 degrees C). There were significant reductions (p less than 0.03) in percent recovery (37 degrees C and 24 degrees C) of cardiac output, stroke work, and adenosine triphosphate level in the groups that contained 0 or 15 mmol/L Mg2+ as the calcium concentration was increased from 0.05 to 4.5 mmol/L.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An avidin-biotinyl-propranolol complex for β-adrenergic receptor characterization

The synthesis of biotinyl-hexaglycyl-NEDA (abbreviation:BGN), a biotinyl derivative of propranolol, is described. This bifunctional molecule binds with high affinity to the biotin-binding protein, avidin. The duck erythrocyte was used as a model beta-receptor system. Formation of an avidin-BGN-beta-receptor complex was demonstrated in intact erythrocytes, in erythrocyte ghosts, and in the digitonin-solubilized beta-receptor. The avidin-BGN complex will be used for localization and purification of the beta-receptor.