cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Its Bark is Worse Than its Bite: The Wage and Employment Effects of the Minimum Wage in the US

This study examines the effect of changes in the US minimum wage on wages and employment in 32 industries selected for their presumed sensitivity to the minimum wage. Applying time series techniques commonly used in macroeconomics and finance to changes in the minimum wage occurring from 1967 and 1991, we initially test for a wage response; only where one is found do we test for an employment response. Twenty-five per cent of the industry/minimum-wage-increase pairs show evidence of an appropriate wage response. Eight of these 54 show a statistically significant negative employment response, while six show significant, positive employment responses. Positive effects may be due to either a high variance distribution centred on zero or markets with ‘lemons’ problems concerning worker quality. Limiting analysis to industries in which the minimum wage binds provides no evidence of a consistent negative relationship between the historical minimum wage and employment.
A compositeness test that never fails for carmichael numbers

Paper withdrawn by author after original electronic posting date of September 19, 2006 and prior to preparation of the printed issue.
Nonlinear Scattering and Analyticity Properties of Solitons

In this paper we consider the scattering of a soliton or solitary wave by a linear potential. By careful treatment of the radiation we show that the amount of mass and energy lost by the solitary wave during a scattering event is exponentially small for strong nonlinearities. The constant associated with this exponentially small radiation is expressed in terms of the binding energy of the soliton (solitary wave), and the analyticity properties of the potential and the soliton (solitary wave). This calculation does not use integrability in any way. In the case of a delta function potential and the cubic NLS, our results agree with the more explicit results derived by Kivshar, Gredeskul, Sanchez, and Vasquez using perturbation theory based on the inverse scattering transform. Following them, we take the limit of a continuum of well separated scatterers, and derive a closed system of ordinary differential equations. Analyzing the limiting behavior of these equations for large distance Z into the medium we find that the velocity of the soliton decays as (log(Z))-1 for a delta function potential or a potential which is meromorphic as a function of a complex variable, and more slowly than (log(Z))-1 for a potential which is an entire function of a complex variable.
Lattice Oxygen Transfer in Fluorite-Type Oxides Containing Ce, Pr, and/or Tb

Abstract Oxygen transfer capacity (OTC) is needed, for example, in three-way catalysts (TWC) for treatment of exhaust gases, extraction of pure oxygen from gaseous mixtures such as air, or the extraction of hydrogen from hydrogen-containing compounds such as water or methane. This property is explored in fluorite-related materials of the formula Ce 1− x − y − z − p Pr x Tb y M z R p O 2− x ( x + y + z >0.5) in which M is a metal, especially Zr, Ti, V, Mo, W, Nb, Mn, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni, Co, Ta, and Bi, and in which R is another rare-earth element. The OTC of these oxides is inherent in the characteristics of fluorite-related structures and the variable valency of Ce, Pr, and/or Tb. Such oxides can have the OTC property under reducing and oxidizing conditions without any reconstructive phase transitions. OTC data of some binary, ternary, and quaternary oxides containing Ce, Pr, or Tb are discussed.
Field ionization mass spectra of photopolymers of thymine

Abstract The field ionization mass spectra of cis-syn thymine dimer, tymine-thymine adduct and a new thymine phototrimer have been measured. Results are presented to illustrate that this technique is more efficacious than the electron impact method in structural elucidation of photopolymers of thymine and related compounds.
Sucrose stabilization of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during nebulization and experimental infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory pathogen that can cause severe pneumonia. In vivo studies of RSV can be difficult due to variation in viral infection and disease severity in some animal models. Factors that may contribute to the variation are decreases in viral titer due to preparation and storage and method of virus administration. Nebulization is one method of RSV administration that provides even distribution of virus to all lung lobes; however, the exact quantity of the virus killed by nebulization is not defined. To test the hypothesis that sucrose enhances RSV stability and infectivity, a series of in vitro experiments were conducted with RSV strain Memphis 37 stored at varying concentrations (0%, 3%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of sucrose as a possible cryo- and nebulization protectant. The optimal in vitro concentration was then assessed in vivo in a lamb model. Prior to titering the virus on HEp-2 cells, the various virus solutions were subjected to one freeze-thaw cycle and one nebulization cycle. Forty-eight hours after viral plating, infectious foci were detected and counted using immunofluorescent imaging. Titers were determined after freeze-thaw and after freeze-thaw followed by nebulization, then compared to the stock titers (before freezing) as well as to one another to determine the loss of infectivity. To further test this in vivo, lambs 2 to 3-days-old were infected via nebulization with RSV using inoculate containing either 20% sucrose or no sucrose followed by assessments of infection severity. Nebulization of virus in 0% sucrose resulted in a 0.580 log reduction in infectivity while virus in 20% sucrose exhibited a 0.297 log reduction. In vivo studies demonstrated that 20% sucrose enhanced RSV lesions and antigen distribution. The data suggests that both nebulization and freeze-thawing of RSV in the absence of sucrose cause unacceptable losses in viral infectivity and that sucrose acts as a RSV protectant in both regards.
The reaction of formaldehyde with nucleotides and T2 bacteriophage DNA.

The mechanism of ribo- and deoxyribonucleotide reaction with formaldehyde has been examined with respect to kinetics, pH optima and structural specificity. Formaldehyde reacts only With those nucleotides bearing amino groups. The equilibrium constants for the reaction as well as the rate of the forward and reverse directions have been described. The difference between the reactivity of the ribo- and deoxyribo-nucleotides toward formaldehyde is negligible with the exception of the guanine ribo- and deoxyribo-nucleotides. That 5′-dGMP reacts at a faster rate than 5′-GMP has been attributed to a steric interference of the amino group hydroxymethylation and protonation by the 2′-hydroxyl group. Moreover nucleotide hydroxymethylation appears to be pH-dependent since the reaction is base-catalysed. The effect of formaldehyde on DNA thermal transitions was studied using spectrophotometric, viscometric and immunological methods. Hydroxymethylation is preceded by denaturation and lowers the temperature requirements for thermal transition. The depression of the temperature requirement for denaturation of bacteriophage DNA is attributed to the interference by formaldehyde of the equilibrium between native and denatured DNA by hydroxymethylation of the amino nitrogens associated with the purine and pyrimidine rings.
Semantic prime inhibition and memory monitoring

The influence of semantically related primes (non-capital cities) on subsequent feeling of knowing (FOK), recall, and recognition of targets (capital cities) was examined in two studies. Subjects first rated their familiarity with 84 non-capital cities (primes). Each state had four, two or no cities presented in this task. After this, subjects rated their FOK for state capital recall, then recalled the state capitals, and finally selected the state capital from five different cities from that state. Both investigations revealed a systematic increase in FOK from the no- to the four-prime condition, coupled with a progressive decrease in retrieval performance (recall and recognition). Subjects failed to correctly assess the negative impact of semantically related information on subsequent recall, and probably relied on an evaluation of the activation level of the category for FOK assessments.
Effects of stimulus similarity on perceptual and conceptual comparisons.

Subjects were to judge as rapidly as possible whether pairs of geometric designs were the same or different on a given relevant dimension (size, shape, or color). Response times varied depending on the number of values on nonrelevant dimensions shared by the comparison stimuli (stimulus similarity). “Same” responses were facilitated by stimulus similarity, regardless of whether the stimuli were perceptually available for comparison or available (identified by verbal labels) only for conceptual or memorial comparison. “Different” responses were slowed by similarity in the perceptual task, but facilitated in the conceptual task. An experimental manipulation that permitted the subjects to identify the comparison stimuli prior to a memorial comparison did not change the basic similarity function. The data were generally more consistent with an activation rather than with a search/retrieval theory of short-term memory. A descriptive linear model with two similarity-dependent parameters for response competition and semantic distance effects gives a close account of the data.
DYSMORPHOLOGY, POOR SPEECH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY: A POSSIBLE TRIMETHADIONE TERATOGENIC SYNDROME

We have observed 2 families, each with 2 siblings who have poor speech and developmental retardation, whose mothers took trimethadione during their pregnancies. The affected children have common dysmorphic features: irregular teeth, high arched palate, hypertelorism, v-shaped eyebrows, low-set and backward sloped ears with anteriorly folded helices, epicanthus, and micrognathia. Inconstant features include: short stature, VSD, inguinal hernia and myopia. The other pregnancies of these mothers were: in family I, a spontaneous abortion at 2 months gestation; in family II, 2 normal female births, 1 male stillborn at 7 months gestation, 2 male births who died in the neonatal period with multiple malformations. Many similarities were noted between these patients and those described by German (Teratology 3: 369, 1970) who reported a high frequency of defects among the offspring of 4 mothers who took trimethadione during pregnancy. Despite these observations, elucidation of the teratogenicity of trimethadione requires epidemiological analysis of a group of women who took this drug during pregnancy and their offspring.
Latino men's qualitative perspectives on a lay health advisor intervention to promote their sexual health.

Lay health advisor (LHA) approaches are a promising strategy to reduce health disparities among communities considered “hard to reach” by researchers and practitioners. LHAs have addressed a variety of health issues, but limited studies have included men as LHAs. The purpose of this to study was to better understand the roles of male LHAs and their male-helping relationships. We used an inductive approach to explore Latino men’s perspectives on serving as LHAs for other Latino men and Latino men’s views on receiving sexual health information from a male LHA. We collected qualitative data in 2009 and 2010 as part of an LHA intervention designed to reduce the risk of HIV infection among immigrant Latinos through the social networks of soccer teams. We analyzed and interpreted data from 30 in-depth interviews with Latino men who served as LHAs and their social networks in North Carolina, USA. Participants shared perceptions on social network importance for immigrant Latinos, facilitators and challenges of helping other men, recommendations for intervention modification, and suggestions for future work involving the Latino community. Findings revealed that Latino men are receptive to fulfilling the roles of health advisors and opinion leaders and can effectively serve as LHAs. Social network members valued the social support they received. Working through sports teams and identifying existing leaders to be LHAs may be a culturally congruent approach to meeting Latino community needs. More research is needed on the potential of male LHAs to address other health issues.
Why human platelets fail to kill bacteria

Recent investigations have suggested that bacteria are taken up by platelets in the same manner as by polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes and monocytes. The phagocytic vacuole containing the organism is completely separated from the cell exterior and the cytoplasm in order to form a killing chamber. Yet, earlier studies demonstrated that platelets do not kill bacteria. The present work has provided a basis for the lack of platelet bactericidal activity. Platelets incubated with Staphylococcus aureus 502A or RN 450 for intervals up to 2 h can take up organisms into sequestration vacuoles that resemble the phagosomes formed by PMN and monocytes. However, staining with tannic acid which forms an electron dense stain with osmic acid reveals that the phagosomes in PMN and monocytes are completely separated from the cell exterior and the cytoplasm. As a result, they are true killing chambers. The engulfment vacuoles containing bacteria in platelets on the other hand are almost never sealed from the cell exterior...
Characterization of RAC3, a novel member of the Rho family

The small GTP-binding proteins Rac1 and Rac2 are critically important in regulating multiple signal transduction pathways in eukaryotic cells. Here we report the isolation of a novel third Rac family member, Rac3. Rac3 differs from Rac1/2 at its carboxyl-terminal end, a domain associated with subcellular localization and binding to specific cellular regulators.RAC3 mRNA expression patterns differ from those ofRAC2, which is hematopoietic specific and also from those of RAC1. The RAC3 gene was mapped to chromosome 17q23–25, a region frequently deleted in breast cancer. Rac3 protein levels are not affected by organization of the actin cytoskeleton but remarkably, are serum-inducible. Rac3 is an active GTPase, and this activity is regulated by Bcr. When constitutively activated, Rac3 is able to stimulate efficiently the c-Jun amino-terminal kinase signaling pathway. These findings support a role for Rac3 in intracellular signaling.
Compliant thin film patterns of stiff materials as platforms for stretchable electronics

A thin film of a stiff material, patterned as a serpentine on a flat elastomeric substrate, can elongate substantially when the substrate is pulled. We showed that the film elongates by twisting out of plane, accommodated by the compliance of the substrate and the pattern of the film. Consequently, large elongations of the substrate induce small strains in the film, even when the width of the film is much larger than its thickness. Such a wide serpentine, or other compliant patterns of stiff materials, can serve as a platform on which electronic circuits can be fabricated. This architecture will make electronics elastically stretchable.
Analysis of alpha hemoglobin stabilizing protein overexpression in murine β-thalassemia.

Excess free α-globin is cytotoxic and contributes to the pathophysiology of β-thalassemia. Alpha hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP) is a molecular chaperone that binds free α-globin to promote its folding and inhibit its ability to produce damaging reactive oxygen species. Reduced AHSP levels correlate with increased severity of β-thalassemia in some human cohorts, but causal mechanistic relationships are not established for these associations. We used transgenic and lentiviral gene transfer methods to investigate whether supraphysiologic AHSP levels could mitigate the severity of β-thalassemia intermedia by providing an increased sink for the excess pool of α-globin chains. We tested wild-type AHSP and two mutant versions with amino acid substitutions that confer 3- or 13-fold higher affinity for α-globin. Erythroid overexpression of these AHSP proteins up to 11-fold beyond endogenous levels had no major effects on hematologic parameters in β-thalassemic animals. Our results demonstrate that endogenous AHSP is not limiting for α-globin detoxification in a murine model of β-thalassemia.
Mullerian‐duct regression in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis): Its morphology and testicular induction

In most vertebrates, the mullerian ducts differentiate into the oviducts or uterus in the female but regress in the male. Regression is caused by a testicular glycoprotein, mullerian-inhibiting substance (MIS), in mammals and birds. However, neither the morphology nor the cause of regression has been characterized in ectothermic vertebrates. In the present study, both these topics were addressed in the American alligator. To examine the morphology of regression, males were sampled shortly before and after hatching, and the mullerian ducts and gonads were removed for histological examination. In addition, female hatchlings were castrated and implanted with testicular grafts from male hatchlings to determine if the substance responsible for regression in this species is produced by the testes. Control females were implanted with grafts of muscle tissue. The morphology of mullerian-duct regression in male alligators is similar to that in mammals and birds. A characteristic “epithelial cuff” forms, followed by a loss of the basement membrane and the eventual loss of both epithelial and stromal cells. The testicular grafts caused a significant reduction in the size of the mullerian duct as well as the appearance of an epithelial cuff consistent with normal mullerian-duct regression. Therefore, the mullerian-duct regressor in the American alligator is probably produced by the testes as it is in mammals and birds.
Evidence that stimulation of two modalities of pituitary luteinizing hormone release in ovarian steroid-primed ovariectomized rats may involve neuropeptide Y Y1 and Y4 receptors.

A large body of evidence indicates that neuropeptide Y (NPY) is involved in stimulation of basal and cyclic release of hypothalamic LHRH and pituitary LH. To identify the NPY receptor subtypes that mediate the excitatory effects of NPY in these two modalities of LH release, we studied the effects of 1229U91, a selective Y1 receptor antagonist and Y4 receptor agonist, in two experimental paradigms that reproduce the two modalities of LH secretion in steroid-primed ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Rats were ovariectomized and implanted with a permanent cannula into the lateral cerebroventricle. In the first experiment, rats received estradiol benzoate (EB, 30 μg/rat) on day 5, followed 2 days later with progesterone (2 mg/rat) at 1000 h to induce an afternoon LH surge. 1229U91 (30 μg/3 μl) or vehicle (control) was injected intracerebroventricularly into these rats either once at 1300 h or twice (15 μg/injection) at 1100 and 1200 h. Blood samples were collected before progesterone injection at 1000 h and at hourly...
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the head and neck region.

Background Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is 1 of the most common soft tissue sarcomas in the head and neck. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients with MFH of the head and neck region at a large multidisciplinary cancer center between 1973 and 2005. Results Ninety-five patients were included in the study. The median age at diagnosis was 53 years (range, 3–90 years); 69% of the patients were men. The parotid or neck was the most common subsite (35%), and 23% of the cases were associated with prior radiation exposure. Although there were no significant differences in the distribution of age, sex, year of presentation, tumor location, size, local extension, or treatment between patients with and without prior radiation exposure, those with radiation-associated tumors were more likely to have positive or unclear surgical margins (p = .037). With a median follow-up of 34 months, 32 (39%) of the 83 patients treated at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center with curative intent had a recurrence (isolated local recurrence in 18, isolated distant recurrence in 8, both local and distant recurrence in 5, and regional recurrence in 1). For patients treated at our institution with curative intent, 5-year overall, disease-free, and disease-specific survival rates were 55%, 44%, and 69%, respectively. Prior radiation exposure and positive margins were associated with worse survival. Conclusion MFH of the head and neck region is often aggressive and characterized by local and/or distant recurrence and poor survival. Radiation-associated tumors seem to have an especially poor prognosis. Based on a significant body of literature, multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment of such high-grade sarcomas is encouraged. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Fitting cylinders to data

The problem of fitting cylinders to data arises in science and industry. This article proves the existence of generalized cylinders-Cartesian products of generalized spheres and affine manifolds-fitted to data by using many criteria, including generalized least-squares, weighted median, and midrange regressions.
Localization of Cytoplasmic and Extracellular Domains of Na,K-ATPase by Epitope Tag Insertion†

We have used epitope tag addition to analyze the transmembrane topology of the Na,K-ATPase catalytic (α) subunit. An antigenic peptide derived from the hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza virus was inserted at 15 different positions within the rat Na,K-ATPase α1 subunit isoform. The functional integrity of the tagged proteins was tested by their capacity to confer ouabain resistance upon human HEK 293 cells. Constructs with the tag at aa positions 119, 173, 318, 815, 881, 953, 987, and 1023 conferred ouabain resistance, and the mutant proteins were detectable in the plasma membrane of transfected cells. In contrast, α1 subunits with insertions at aa positions 338, 797, 805, 868, 895, 910, and 921 were unable to confer drug resistance. Immunofluorescence analysis of permeabilized and intact cells using a monoclonal antibody specific for the HA epitope showed that double tags at positions 119 and 318 were located extracellularly, whereas single or double tags at positions 173, 815, 881, 987, and 1023 were cytop...
Pressure broadening of ozone lines near 184 and 206 GHz by nitrogen and oxygen

The N2 and O2 pressure broadenings of the two O3 transitions, which are used for satellite monitoring of upper atmospheric O3, have been measured between 200 and 300 K. The derived air-broadening coefficients are accurate within 3 percent over the entire temperature range.
Information system design for real-time multiprocessing systems

Most research on multiprocessing has concentrated on synchronization methods through special language statements and/or operating system capabilities. In contrast, this paper is concerned with identifying and developing system design principles for information systems in a real-time multiprocessing environment. We do not assume that the processes of the system are independent. We identify how interference can occur and show what is necessary to prevent it. Theorems are proven that show how to determine which processes cannot be multiprocessed. These theorems create the basis for determining what portions of a program need to be placed in a critical region. We show that even some disjoint processes may not be multiprocessed. We then identify system design principles that will yield a better system with respect to total throughput time and multiprocessor utilization. Our results do not depend upon any specific synchronization method.
Cystic fibrosis and malnutrition.

Summary Cystic fibrosis as a specific disease entity has been known to be associated with malnutrition for almost half a century. The importance of the malnutrition in the disease process remains unknown, as does much information about specific nutritional deficiencies in CF. Supplements for children with CF should include extra energy as fat or carbohydrate, a form of linoleic acid that can be absorbed, hydrolyzed protein, fat-soluble vitamins with vitamins A and E in a water emulsion, vitamin B 12 , probably B vitamins and vitamin C, and trace minerals. Routine measurements of nutritional status, particularly in children with growth failure, should be made at regular intervals and should include a three-day diet record and a simultaneous 72-hour stool fat determination. If fat malabsorption is not controlled by pancreatic enzymes, the use of antacids or cimetidine should be considered. The true role of nutrition in patients with CF will not be known until the appropriate studies are completed.
Uncoupling of photophosphorylation inhibition of proton binding by quaternary ammonium salts and zwitterionic buffers.

Abstract The following quaternary ammonium salts and zwitterionic buffers were found to act as uncouplers of photophosphorylation in chloroplasts under conditions of low ionic strength: choline, tetramethyl and tetraethylammonium chlorides, and tricine and bicine buffers. These compounds stimulated electron transport and inhibited the 515-nm absorption change. The quaternary ammonium salts were also shown to inhibit ATP formation and light-induced proton uptake in a manner that suggests they prevent proton binding. Uncoupling was prevented by low concentrations of alkali metal and divalent cations. Larger quaternary ammonium salts, such as tetrapropyl ammonium and tetrabutyl ammonium cations, inhibited the 515-nm absorption change but not phosphorylation or proton uptake suggesting that they act as permeant cations.
A core frequency-loss estimation methodology for a power-delivery network with reduced decoupling capacitance

This paper proposes a simulation methodology to quantify the relative impact to the maximum CPU core operating frequency, also known as Fmax, for different power-delivery network designs. Good measurement-simulation correlation for designs with different decoupling capacitance has been presented to validate the proposed technique. Through careful consideration of the process, voltage, and temperature in the simulation, together with the availability of more accurate simulation tools to characterize the power-delivery network, good agreement with measurement data has been obtained.
Some topological configurations in gauge theories

A Higgs vacuum field φ is characterized by the set of conditionsDμφ=0, which lead to a generalized Meissner effect and partially determine the vector potentialAμ in terms of φ. Applying this method to the Weinberg-Salam theory, we assert that there exist stringlike configurations in which a pair of magnetic poles are bound by a flux string of theZ0 field, with an energy scale in the TeV range. We also point out that pure gauges in non-Abelian gauge theories are not well-defined due to topological singularities. In order to be meaningful, they must be enlarged to a class of almost pure gauges which include the various known topological configurations.
Radiation Therapy for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Involving the Parotid Area Lymph Nodes: Dose and Volume Considerations

Purpose The intraparotid and periparotid lymph nodes are the most commonly involved when skin cancer of the head and neck metastasizes beyond the primary site. We sought to report the clinical outcome of patients treated with radiation therapy for parotid-area metastases from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Methods and Materials The records of 36 patients treated with radiation therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma involving the parotid-area lymph nodes were reviewed. All patients had clinically N0 necks and were without evidence of distant disease. Thirty patients (83%) were treated postoperatively after gross total tumor resection. Median dose to the parotid area was 60 Gy (range, 50–72 Gy). Treatment of clinically N0 necks consisted of surgical dissection (7 patients), irradiation (15 patients), and observation (14 patients). Results The 5-year estimate of local (parotid) control was 86% in patients treated using surgery with postoperative therapy and 47% in patients treated using radiation therapy alone. Three of 4 patients with tumors that relapsed locally after surgery and postoperative radiation received a dose of less than 60 Gy. Elective neck irradiation decreased the incidence of subsequent nodal failures from 50% to 0% and significantly improved neck control ( p Conclusions Surgery followed by radiation therapy to doses of at least 60 Gy results in effective local control for patients with parotid area metastasis from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Routine irradiation of the clinically N0 neck is recommended.
Excirolana Kumari, a New Tubicolous Isopod From Malaysia

Ein neuer cirolanider Isopode, Excirolana kumari, wird beschrieben. Er bewohnt Rohren in einem Mangrovehabitat bei Port Swettenham in Malaysia. Der Sexualdimorphismus ist ausgepragt; das Mannchen besitzt auffallige "Horner" am Kopf und den ersten beiden Pereoniten sowie eine sehr viel starker entwickelte zweite Antenne als das Weibchen. Die Jungtiere werden im Korper erbrutet.
An analysis of the 1968 rapid transit vote in Los Angeles

Analysis of the results of past mass transit bond issues can aid transportation planners in understanding and anticipating voter behavior. This paper reports the results of an analysis of the 1968 rapid transit bond issue vote in Los Angeles, California. The simple relationships of the vote to a variety of possible explanatory variables are first examined. An attempt to assess the relative independent importance of these variables and to offer a partial explanation of the vote using multiple regression analysis is then presented. Variables found to have had the greatest impact on the vote are proximity to the proposed transit system, income-level, and ethnicity. Variables found to have had little or no effect, on the other hand, are population density, age, partisanship, and election turnout rate. The analysis indicates that the frequently used “mood-of-the-electorate” explanation of bond-issue failures in general, and transit proposals in particular, underestimates the quality of the electoral decision. The electorate does make rational distinctions, and future bonding attempts will confront voters capable of perceiving the utility to them of proposed transit systems and voting accordingly. The policy implications of this analysis suggest that the design of future mass transit proposals should, firstly more explicitly attempt to incorporate the preferences of middle-income voters, and secondly, be part of a comprehensive transit plan for the entire metropolitan area.
Occupational exposure to hepatitis B in paramedics.

• To determine their occupational risk for hepatitis B infection, 59 Seattle paramedics were tested for hepatitis B serum markers. Evidence of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) or antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) was found in 25%, a rate five times that of a similar Seattle population. Seropositivity did not correlate with age, race, clinical history, or length of service. Of the 15 paramedics with seropositivity to hepatitis B virus, six initially had low titers of either anti-HBs or anti-HBc. Four of the six demonstrated persistent low-grade seropositivity on retesting. Paramedics are at increased risk of hepatitis B infection. The high frequency of low-titer anti-HBs suggests that frequent low-level exposure to hepatitis B virus occurs in this population; hepatitis B vaccine should be strongly considered for paramedics. ( Arch Intern Med 1985;145:1976-1977)
Three-Phase Flow Simulation in Ultra-Low Permeability Organic Shale via a Multiple Permeability Approach

This paper proposes a novel approach to model multiphase flow of hydroca rbons in unconventional shale reservoirs. Understanding the storage/flow mechanisms from such reservoirs as in the Eagle Ford, Woodford, and Bakken, is crucial in the overall effort to increase the ultimate hydrocarbon production . Based on the geological evidence, three different pore systems with distinctive storage/transport characteristics hav e been recognized in the shale reservoirs inorganic medium, kerogen (or organic matter), and natural/hydraulic fractures. Our simulation results show that compared to oil, gas recovery in shale reservoirs can be more efficient due to a dual Darcy/diffusive flow mechanism of the gas phase (as a result of molecule-wall collisions). Darcy flow is considered as the only flow means for the liquid phase transport in such reservoirs. Although oil-wet kerogen is considered to be a rich source of hydrocarbon, nano-darcy permeability of the rock hinders oil pro duction in organic-rich shale. Our sensitivity analysis shows that considering diffusive flow will increase gas recovery by facilitating gas transport in kerogen. On the other hand, although increasing adsorption capabilities in the rock means more hydrocarbon is stored in the organic carbon, the oil-wet nature of the hydrocarb on-saturated kerogen will control the depletion process in this media. Therefore, the limited pressure decrease in the kerogen reduces the effects of hydrocarbon desorption on oil and gas recovery.
Registration of 'Thunder CL' wheat.

Thunder CL' (Reg. No. CV-1031, PI 655528) hard white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed by the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station and released in August 2008 through a marketing agreement with the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation. In addition to researchers at Colorado State University (CSU), USDA-ARS researchers at Manhattan, KS, St. Paul, MN, and Pullman, WA, participated in the development of Thunder CL. Thunder CL was selected from the cross KS01-5539/CO99W165 made in 2000 at Fort Collins, CO. KS01-5539 is an unreleased experimental line from Kansas State University with the pedigree FS2/KS97HW150//KS97HW349, and CO99W165 is an unreleased experimental line from CSU with the pedigree KS92WGRC25/'Halt'. Thunder CL was derived from a population advanced from the F 2 to F 4 by single-seed descent. Thunder CL was selected as an F 4:5 line in September 2003 and assigned experimental line number CO03W239. Thunder CL was released because of its superior grain yield under nonirrigated and irrigated production conditions in eastern Colorado, it carries the Als1 gene for tolerance to imazamox herbicide, it is moderately resistant to wheat streak mosaic virus, stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici), and stem rust (P. graminis f. sp. tritici), and it has superior milling and bread baking quality.
Perception, Memory, and Duration: The Binding Problem and the Synthesis of the Past

Theories of perception and of memory are closely allied. The binding problem (which considers how bits of perception are reassembled by the brain) leads to neurophysiological subjectivism. This could be outflanked by arguing with Bergson that perceiving consciousness is out in the world. Thus the brain would bind only behavioral “maps.” In turn, consciousness would retain our personal pasts. Such personal (episodic) memories both help us to recognize present objects and to perform creative acts. Memory, although retentive, is also creative. This is important in rethinking biological and evolutionary memory.
Silicate-water systems: “Osmotic-Pressure” phenomena and their bearing in some problems of igneous activity

The problem of determining the solubility of water in silicate-melts when the two phases are subjected to the same confining pressure has occupied our attention for some time and results from such work have been presented to the Section of Volcanology on previous occasions. There is, however, another important aspect of this work that merits attention, namely, the evaluation of the solubility-relations when the hydrostatic pressure is not the same on the two phases, water and silicate solution. This second case is also of importance in problems associated with volcanism and certain other aspects of igneous activity. If the country rock surrounding a magma were pervious to water but impervious to the silicate solution, then the magma would be under a confining pressure equal to or greater than that due to the weight of overlying rock, whereas the water would be under a confining pressure equivalent approximately to its own hydrostatic head.
Turbidimetric D-Dimer Test in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism: A Metaanalysis

Background: Clinicians in outpatient clinics and emergency departments desire an accurate quantitative D-dimer assay. The study objective was to evaluate the diagnostic performance characteristics of the latex turbidimetric D-dimer test in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency department population. Methods: We conducted a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and bibliographies of previous systematic reviews with no language restriction. Experts in the field of PE research were contacted to identify unpublished studies. Prospective investigations involving predominately outpatient populations with suspected PE that used a turbidimetric D-dimer test were included. Two authors extracted data independently and assessed study quality based on the composition of the patient spectrum and the reference standard used. Consensus was reached by conference. The analysis was based on a summary ROC curve and combining sensitivity and specificity independently across studies using a random-effects model. Results: The search yielded 264 publications and 2 unpublished studies. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and provided a sample of 1901 individuals. Eight of the nine studies were homogeneous in terms of both sensitivity and specificity. One study had similar sensitivity but higher specificity. Combining the studies yielded an overall sensitivity of 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.89–0.96) and an overall specificity of 0.51 (95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.59). Conclusions: The turbidimetric D-dimer test is sensitive but nonspecific for the detection of PE in the emergency department setting. D-Dimer tests using latex turbidimetric methods appear to have test characteristics comparable to those for ELISA methods.
Classifying physical geographic features: the case of maninka farmers in southwestern mali

This article argues that understanding how people classify physical geographic features is necessary for identifying fundamental, cross‐cultural geographic concepts that are required for successful...
Practical Applications of Parallel Processing in Computational Fluid Dynamics

The onset of parallel computing has had a profound impact on CFD, both in terms of its utility as an analysis and design tool, and its capability in adequately resolving flowfields that exhibit complex physical phenomena. The resources provided by a distributed network of processors cohesively working together provides an opportunity to tackle some of the most challenging problems in fluid dynamics, that have proved elusive to serial supercomputing. Turbomachinery and combustion are two such areas of fluid dynamics that have benefited immensely from the increase in resources afforded by parallel machines. In this paper, we discuss the parallel implementation of conventionall y popular implicit and explicit serial CFD algorithms and utilize them to solve problems of increased complexity in turbomachinery and combustion. Specific applications in turbomachiner y that are discussed in this paper include the rotor-stator interaction problem, analysis of tip vortex generation, multiple passage simulations for non-periodic distortions and cavitation. Also discussed in the paper are problems related to combusting flowfields in rocket injectors that require fine local resolution necessary to capture the wide range of dominant characteristic scales.
Recognition of earthquakes and explosions using a data compression neural network

The ability to reconstruct unlearned images using a neural network trained with a learned (known) image represents the generalization property of the network. The degradation of the reconstructed image compared to the original is expected to be least for the reconstructed, learned image, somewhat greater for a similar but unlearned image, and significantly greater for a dissimilar unlearned image. The method developed and tested is based on the generalization properties of the trained image compression neural network and a measure of the degradation of the reconstructed image over the population of similar events and dissimilar events (i.e. explosions vs earthquakes). >
Effects of hippocampal lesions on striatolimbic ionotropic glutamatergic receptors.

Abstract Changes in ionotropic N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA), α -amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and kainate glutamatergic (Glu) receptor binding in rat caudate putamen (CPu) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampal CA 1 and CA 3 regions were examined after unilateral injections of kainic acid (KA) into hippocampus to degenerate local intrinsic neurons and remove the glutamatergic afferents projecting to CPu and NAc. KA injections produced large losses of NMDA, AMPA and kainate receptors in hippocampal CA 1 and CA 3 regions. In addition, NMDA and kainate, but not AMPA, receptors were significantly reduced in NAc and CPu. These results suggest that a large proportion of NMDA, AMPA and kainate receptors in rat hippocampus arise on intrinsic postsynaptic neurons, and that some NMDA and kainate, but not AMPA, receptors also occur on presynaptic terminals of hippocampostriatal afferents innervating the CPu and NAc.
Assessing Students’ Language Proficiency: A New Model of Study Abroad Program in China

This article describes a model that integrates an at-home preparation intensive summer program with a short-term, study abroad summer program to increase students’ Chinese-language proficiency, cul...
Liberalized capital markets, state autonomy, and European monetary union

The conventional wisdom is that capital market integration and now monetary union have limited the options available to macroeconomic policy makers in Europe. The question considered here, therefore, is why many prominent Europeans insist that mone- tary union is a rational response to capital market integration. Monetary union eliminates exchange rate volatility - but only at a cost in terms of tightening the constraints on macro- economic policy. Using a combination of macroeconomic theory and (descriptive) statisti- cal analysis of European performance, I find that: capital market integration has increased macroeconomic flexibility through a mitigation of the current account constraint; European states have combined macroeconomic policies in a manner that has taken advantage of greater flexibility on the current account; the cost of such flexibility in terms of the impact of financial volatility on the real economy manifests differently in different countries; and monetary union both enhances flexibility on the current account and mitigates financial volatility.
TEMPORAL VARIATION IN CYPRID QUALITY AND JUVENILE GROWTH CAPACITY FOR AN INTERTIDAL BARNACLE

Implicit in past studies of recruitment is the assumption that all new recruits possess the same capacity for juvenile growth, and that observed variation in juvenile growth and survival is due entirely to spatial and temporal variation in food availability, magnitude of physical stresses, and intensity of competition and predation. We set out to determine if daily larval cohorts of the barnacle Semibalanus balanoides differ in mean physiological quality and, therefore, in their potential for recruiting to adult populations. To assess larval physiological quality, we measured the organic content of nonfeeding cyprid larvae attaching on five dates (10–15 d intervals) during the 1995 recruitment season. Juvenile physiological quality was determined by monitoring the growth, under controlled laboratory conditions, of individuals attaching on seven dates (3–15 d intervals) during the same season. Both cyprid organic content and juvenile growth capacity differed significantly among daily cohorts. We suggest that variation in cyprid organic content may explain previous observations of temporal variation in cyprid metamorphic success and early juvenile mortality and further suggest that variation in juvenile growth capacity contributes to differences in recruitment success of daily cohorts.
Integrating O 3 influences on terrestrial processes: photosynthetic and stomatal response data available for regional and global modeling

Plants have a strong influence on climate by controlling the transfer of carbon dioxide and water between the biosphere and atmosphere during the processes of photosynthesis and transpiration. Chronic exposure to surface ozone (O 3 ) differentially affects photosynthesis and transpiration because it damages stomatal conductance, the common link that controls both processes, in addition to the leaf biochemistry that only affects photosynthesis. Because of the integral role of O 3 in altering plant interactions with the atmosphere, there is a strong motivation to incorporate the influence of O 3 into regional and global models. However, there are currently no analyses documenting both photosynthesis and stomatal conductance responses to O 3 exposure through time using a standardized O 3 parameter that can be easily incorporated into models. Therefore, models often rely on photosynthesis data derived from the responses of one or a few plant species that exhibit strong negative correlations with O 3 exposure to drive both rates of photosynthesis and transpiration, neglecting potential divergence between the two fluxes. Using data from the peer-reviewed literature, we have compiled photosynthetic and stomatal responses to chronic O 3 exposure for all plant types with data available in the peer-reviewed literature as a standardized function of cumulative uptake of O 3 (CUO), which integrates O 3 flux into leaves through time. These data suggest that stomatal conductance decreases ~11% after chronic O 3 exposure, while photosynthesis independently decreases ~21%. Despite the overall decrease in both variables, high variance masked any correlations between the decline in photosynthesis or stomatal conductance with increases in CUO. Though correlations with CUO are not easily generalized, existing correlations demonstrate that photosynthesis tends to be weakly but negatively correlated with CUO while stomatal conductance is more often positively correlated with CUO. Results suggest that large-scale models using data with strong negative correlations that only affect photosynthesis need to reconsider the generality of their response. Data from this analysis are now available to the scientific community and can be incorporated into global models to improve estimates of photosynthesis, global land-carbon sinks, hydrology, and indirect radiative forcing that are influenced by chronic O 3 exposure.
Pleiotropy and the evolution of floral integration

Floral traits often show correlated variation, both within and across species. One explanation for this pattern of floral integration is that different elements of floral phenotypes are controlled by the same genes, that is, that the genetic architecture is pleiotropic. Recent studies from a range of model systems suggest that the pleiotropy is common among the loci responsible for floral divergence. Moreover, the effects of allelic substitutions at these loci are overwhelmingly aligned with direction of divergence, suggesting that the nature of the pleiotropic effects was adaptive. Molecular genetic studies have revealed the functional basis for some of these effects, although much remains to be discovered with respect to the molecular, biochemical and developmental mechanisms underlying most quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for floral differences. Developing a detailed understanding of the nature of pleiotropic mutations and their phenotypic consequences is crucial for modeling how the genetic architecture of trait variation influences the tempo and trajectory of floral evolution.