cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Our faith-based economy

In important earlier work, Jens Beckert (1996, 2002) argued persuasively that the distinctive competence of economic sociology is its capacity to deal with economic uncertainty, deconstructed the e...
Evaluation of micro-well collector for capture and analysis of aerosolized Bacillus subtilis spores.

Bioaerosol sampling and identification are vital for the assessment and control of airborne pathogens, allergens, and toxins. In-situ analysis of chemical and biological particulate matter can significantly reduce the costs associated with sample preservation, transport, and analysis. The analysis of conventional filters is challenging, due to dilute samples in large collection regions. A low-cost cartridge for collection and analysis of aerosols is developed for use in epidemiological studies and personal exposure assessments. The cartridge collects aerosol samples in a micro-well which reduces particles losses due to the bounce and does not require any coating. The confined particle collection area (dwell~1.4 mm) allows reducing the elution volume for subsequent analysis. The performance of the cartridge is validated in laboratory studies using aerosolized bacterial spores (Bacillus subtilis). Colony forming unit analysis is used for bacterial spore enumeration. Cartridge collection efficiency is evaluated by comparison with the reference filters and found to be consistent with tested flow rates. Sample recovery for the pipette elution is ~80%. Due to the high density of the collected sample, the cartridge is compatible with in-situ spectroscopic analysis and sample elution into the 10–20 μl liquid volume providing a significant increase in sample concentration for subsequent analysis.
Urinary tract infection in boys.

AbstractConsiderable literature exists regarding the evaluation and treatment of children with urinary tract infection yet little has been reported solely about boys. We reviewed retrospectively 83 boys who were seen after an initial urinary tract infection. Fever was the most common presenting sign (50 per cent) and the most common organisms encountered were of the gram-positive group of bacteria. Escherichia coli accounted for only 21 per cent of the infections.Of the boys 75 per cent (62 patients) had an anatomic abnormality, most commonly vesicoureteral reflux, although more than 25 per cent of our patients had obstructive lesions. Renal scarring was present in half and 58 per cent required early surgical intervention. Urinary tract infection seems to have a higher morbidity in boys and the finding of an atypical organism is to be expected. Based on our findings, we strongly recommend an excretory urogram and a voiding cystourethrogram as the minimal evaluation of boys following an initial urinary tra...
Personality Differences between Learning Disabled and Emotionally Impaired Children.

This study attempted to determine whether children certified as Learning Disabled and Emotionally Impaired could be differentiated from each other and/or regular education students on the basis of ...
Imaging and dosimetry determinations using radiolabeled antibodies.

Once the diagnosis of lymphoma is made, patients generally undergo an extensive diagnostic evaluation. This staging evaluation has prognostic implications and is important in the selection of therapy [1]. Staging involves invasive and noninvasive procedures [2], such as biopsies, laparotomy, plain radiographs, computerized tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, lymphangiography, and gallium scans. Many of these conventional radiographic techniques identify tumors based on physical characteristics, including density changes, mass effect, sonic characteristics, size, and location. Although useful, these modalities [3] lack specificity and only provide indirect evidence of tumor. Since the discovery of antibodies and the hybridoma technology [4], the development of radiolabeled anti-tumor monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) as imaging and therapeutic reagents promises to add an element of specificity not previously available with conventional techniques.
Intracavitary Therapy: Radioisotopes 32P, 90Y, and 186Re

Abstract Optimal management of craniopharyngiomas continues to be controversial. Traditionally, radical tumor resection was sought, often at a high cost to patients. A more modern view of craniopharyngioma treatment balances the risks of tumor control with visual, endocrinological, neurological, and quality-of-life components. Patients typically require multimodal therapy to achieve these goals. Intracavitary radiation therapy for brain tumors with β-emitting radioisotopes was first described in the 1950s. Stereotactic instillation of phosphorus-32, yttrium-90, and rhenium-186 into predominantly cystic craniopharyngiomas is a minimally invasive technique that has proven safe and effective. Tumor control and complication rates compare favorably with those for surgery and other forms of radiation therapy. There are limited data on quality of life using validated measures in this patient cohort. Despite this, craniopharyngioma treatment must be tailored to the individual and intracavitary radiation should be seriously considered in patients with predominantly cystic tumors.
Exposure to low doses of oxybenzone during perinatal development alters mammary gland morphology in male and female mice

Abstract Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) is an ultraviolet radiation filter commonly used in personal care products including sunscreens, textiles and inks, and food and beverage containers, among others. Due to its widespread use, human exposures to oxybenzone are widespread. Oxybenzone is considered an endocrine disrupting chemical due to its antiestrogenic and antiandrogenic properties. We evaluated the effects of oral exposures to oxybenzone on the growth and morphology of the mammary gland, body weight and anogenital distance in BALB/c mice exposed to 30, 212 or 3000 μg/kg/day in utero and during lactation. Developmental exposures to oxybenzone reduced the size and growth of mammary gland in males prior to and during puberty. In exposed females, oxybenzone reduced mammary cell proliferation, decreased the number of cells expressing estrogen receptor α, and altered mammary gland morphology in adulthood. These results suggest that even low doses of oxybenzone can disrupt hormone sensitive organs during critical windows of development.
Dopamine D1 stimulation of Na+,K+,Cl- cotransport in human NPE cells: effects of multiple hormones.

PURPOSE. To determine the effects of dopamine on Na + ,K + ,Cl - cotransport in human ciliary nonpigmented epithelial (NPE) cells. METHODS. The authors used 86 Rb + as a marker for K + to study ouabain-insensitive, bumetanide-sensitive 86 Rb + uptake in cultured fetal human NPE monolayers. RESULTS. Na + ,K + ,Cl cotransport was stimulated 1.63-fold by 10 μM dopamine. Stimulation was dose dependent, with a maximum stimulation occurring at 10 μM dopamine and an EC 50 of 0.5 μM. NaK-ATPase (measured as ouabain-sensitive, bumetanide-insensitive 86 Rb + uptake) and bumetanide-insensitive, ouabain-insensitive 86 Rb + uptake were not affected by dopamine. The D 1 -receptor-specific antagonist, SCH23390, inhibited stimulation by 10 μM dopamine more than 90% at I μM, with an IC 50 of 4 nM, whereas the D 2 -receptor-specific antagonist, sulpiride, was over 250 times less effective. Similarly, a D1 agonist, SKF81297, was more potent than the D2 agonist bromocriptine in stimulation of Na + ,K + ,Cl - cotransport. The β-adrenergic antagonists timolol and propranolol did not significantly inhibit stimulation of Na + ,K + ,Cl - cotransport by dopamine. Conversely, SCH23390, showed minimal inhibition of isoproterenol stimulation of Na + ,K + ,Cl - cotransport. Stimulation by maximally stimulating concentrations of isoproterenol and dopamine were not additive, but were similar to stimulation by 1 μM forskolin, suggesting that adenylyl cyclase may be close to maximally activated by either catecholamine. In vivo concentrations (stimulation approximately 25% over control) of dopamine, isoproterenol, and norepinephrine added together stimulated Na + ,K + ,Cl - cotransport 80% to 89% of stimulation by maximal concentrations of these drugs. The protein kinase A inhibitor N-[2-p-bromocinnamylaminoethyl] -5-isoquin-olinesulfonamide (H-89) blocked dopamine stimulation of Na + ,K + ,Cl - cotransport by more than 75%, whereas phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C activator, given with 10 μM dopamine inhibited Na + ,K + ,Cl cotransport by 75% to 80%, similarly to inhibition by PMA given alone. CONCLUSIONS. Dopamine stimulates Na + ,K + ,Cl cotransport in NPE through dopamine-D1-type receptors and activation of protein kinase A. β-adrenergic receptors do not appear to play a role. Inhibition of Na + ,K + ,Cl cotransport by protein kinase C is dominant over stimulation of Na + ,K + ,Cl - cotransport through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway.
Nonlabeling and quantitative assessment of chondrocyte viability in articular cartilage with intrinsic nonlinear optical signatures.

Chondrocyte viability is a crucial factor for evaluating cartilage health. Most prevalent cell viability assays rely on dyes and are not applicable for in vivo or longitudinal studies. Here we demo...
Skeletal Muscle Shape Change in Relation to Varying Force Requirements Across Locomotor Conditions.

Contractions of skeletal muscles to generate in vivo movement involve dynamic changes in contractile and elastic tissue strains that likely interact to influence the force and work of a muscle. However, studies of the in vivo dynamics of skeletal muscle and tendon strains remain largely limited to bipedal animals, and rarely cover the broad spectra of movement requirements met by muscles that operate as motors, struts, or brakes across the various gaits that animals commonly use and conditions they encounter. Using high-speed bi-planar fluoromicrometry, we analyze in vivo strains within the rat medial gastrocnemius (MG) across a range of gait and slope conditions. These conditions require changes in muscle force ranging from decline walk (low) to incline gallop (high). Measurements are made from implanted (0.5-0.8 mm) tantalum spheres marking MG mid-belly width, mid-belly thickness, as well as strains of distal fascicles, the muscle belly, and the Achilles tendon. During stance, as the muscle contracts, muscle force increases linearly with respect to gait-slope combinations, and both shortening and lengthening fiber strains increase from approximately 5% to 15% resting length. Contractile change in muscle thickness (thickness strain) decreases (r2 = 0.86; p = 0.001); whereas, the change in muscle width (width strain) increases (r2 = 0.88; p = 0.001) and tendon strain increases (r2 = 0.77; p = 0.015). Our results demonstrate force-dependency of contractile and tendinous tissue strains with compensatory changes in shape for a key locomotor muscle in the hind limb of a small quadruped. These dynamic changes are linked to the ability of a muscle to tune its force and work output as requirements change with locomotor speed and environmental conditions.
Students’ use and perception of textbooks and online resources in introductory physics

Introductory physics students report using free online resources productively to guide learning efforts, but also acknowledged unproductive uses such as copying solutions.
The Effects of Business Risk on Audit Pricing

This paper examines the pricing of business risk by homogeneous auditors in a two period model. Incumbent auditors learn the client's business risk type during the course of the engagement. They subsequently compete in prices with prospective auditors. In such an environment, we show that equilibrium audit fees do not fully reflect the cost of business risk. Moreover, there exists differential auditor turnover between high and low risk firms; cross-subsidization of the audit fees of high risk firms by low risk firms; and low-balling by auditors.
Noise-induced dynamics of coupled excitable systems with slow positive feedback

In excitable systems, superthreshold stimuli can cause strong responses—events. Event generation is often modulated by slow feedback processes. The interplay of noise and a positive (upregulating) event-triggered feedback mechanism in excitable systems is studied using the active rotator (AR) model. First, recent results on the dynamics of a single AR with positive feedback are reviewed. Feedback may lead to bursting that results from stochastic switching between a subthreshold and a superthreshold regime. Both regimes coexist in a limited range of noise intensities. Second, novel results on all-to-all coupled ARs in the presence of positive feedback are presented. The interplay of noise, feedback, and input from other ARs can lead to asynchronous bursting of individual elements and collective bursting of the entire network. Collective event generation is strongly shaped by the network size. For a fixed noise intensity, sparse collective event generation is observed in large networks, while small networks exhibit rapid collective event generation. Collective bursting occurs for intermediate network sizes. The presented results contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of noise and slow feedback processes in interacting excitable systems.
Silicon Nanoelectronics and VLSI

The quest for sustainable growth in computing performance and expanded functional capabilities of information technology and communication (ICT) products requires energy-efficiency improvements of underlying technologies in devices, systems, architectures, algorithms and software, and information representation and processing. This paper discusses emerging transistors, memories, and 3D interconnect fabrics. The paper highlights open research areas and the necessary completeness of the metrics to be met in order for those devices to become viable alternatives to state-of-the art technologies and their projected evolutionary paths.
7 Measuring Heterotrophic Activity in Plankton

Publisher Summary In order to understand the functions of microbes in nature, as opposed to the task microbes are capable of doing in the laboratory, ecologists must make measurements of rates of microbial processes in the real world. One obvious and important process is metabolism and growth of bacteria on organic compounds supplied from outside the cell. The techniques discussed in the chapter have given tremendous amount of information about the role, rates of activity, and factors limiting the heterotrophic bacteria in the plankton. Only some of the methods, those using radioisotopes, are presented in detail in the chapter. These are all variations on the theme of the addition of extremely low concentrations of labelled organic substrates to water samples. Two kinds of measurements have been made, relative and absolute. Absolute measures give true rates of microbial metabolism and growth, while relative measures give values that are positively correlated with the true rates but are not identical.
The mechanism of the gamma‐ray polymerization of vinyl chloride in bulk. II. Polymerization rates and kinetic approaches

A study of the occluded and long-living macroradicals in the radiation-induced polymerization of vinyl chloride in bulk has been carried out by using the ESR method and the post-polymerization reaction. Our results show only minor contributions from these species to the polymerization rates. Furthermore, the dose-rate dependence of the polymerization rate is close to 0.50, in agreement with a bimolecular termination. The ensemble of our results strongly suggests a steady-state approach to the polymerization kinetics of vinyl chloride. The scheme proposed by TALAMINI et al. [Makromolekulare Chem. 117 (1968) 140] has been adopted and extended to a radiation-induced polymerization. Die eingeschlossenen langlebigen Makroradikale bei der strahleninduzierten Polymerisation von Vinylchlorid in Substanz wurden mit Hilfe von Messungen der ESR und der Nachpolymerisationsreaktion untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, das diese Radikale nur einen geringfugigen Beitrag zur Polymerisationsgeschwindigkeit leisten. Daruber hinaus hangt die Polymerisationsgeschwindigkeit entsprechend einem Abbruchsprozes 2. Ordnung hinsichtlich der Makroradikale von der 0,5 ten Potenz der Strahlungsintensitat ab. In ihrer Gesamtheit sprechen die Ergebnisse dafur, das sich die Polymerisation des Vinylchlorids als stationarer Prozes behandeln last. Zu seiner Beschreibung wurde das von TALAMINI et al. [Makromolekulare Chem. 117 (1968) 140] entwickelte Reaktionsschema herangezogen und auf die strahleninduzierte Polymerisation ausgedehnt.
Experience Is the Best Teacher.

Reprinted by permission of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, www.AAHERD.org.
Computer Science Curriculum 2013- An example

The paper presents an example of a Computer Science Curriculum redesigned in 2013 to, among other requirements, reflect important expectations of the IEEE/ACM CS Curriculum 2013 Recommendations. Among the advantages of the proposed are professional orientation, balance of fundamentals with an integrated core and advanced elective coursework, integration of design and evaluation aspects across the curriculum, a team based capstone project experience, and the longest chain of courses (including all pre-requisites) of only six semesters. Furthermore the elective CS coursework reflects three general options (possibly overlapping): a) electives grouped for three distinct professional certificates in the CS major (Security, Software Engineering, and Games Programming), b) Internship of up to a year of professional practice, and c) rich choice of contemporary CS electives.
BAD MEDICINE: ON DISCIPLINING PHYSICIAN FELONS

This article provides the first-ever examination of the collateral consequences of felony convictions for physicians in the state of New York. We collected data from 4,739 records of disciplinary actions from 1990 2007 and coded them according to the infraction and the punishment given by the Board of Physician Medical Conduct, or BPMC. We also conducted extensive interviews with elites involved in all facets—and on both sides—of the disciplinary process. Four major findings flow from this research: (1) Of all the disciplinary records in New York, 50% of infractions were felonies and 50% were non-felonies, generally professional infractions; (2) Physicians who commit felonies in New York had a 50% chance of losing their license permanently and a 50% chance of receiving a punishment from the menu of other options. This “menu of options” was commonly known to attorneys familiar with the physician-discipline process on both sides, and was used for purposes of plea bargaining when licenses were being (re)evaluated; (3) Physicians recidivated at a rate of 8.0%, surprisingly high for this professional group; and, (4) What we refer to as a “Handbook for Lawyers” emerged from our interviews, representing the essence of counsel’s arguments when pleading for mitigation in the licensing stage for felony infractions. Following our presentation of data and discussion, we conclude with speculations on the fairness of the physician discipline system and recommendations for further research.
Subunit dissociation is the mechanism for hormonal activation of the Gs protein in native membranes.

Abstract We have recently reported (Ransnas, L.A., and Insel, P.A. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 9482-9485) development of antipeptide antibodies to the alpha s protein of the stimulatory guanine nucleotide binding regulatory protein, Gs, and use of one of these antibodies, GS-1, to quantitate Gs levels in S49 lymphoma cell membranes. Another of these antibodies, termed GS-2, appears to detect only dissociated alpha s, but not the heterotrimer alpha s beta gamma. Using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we have found that the guanine nucleotides GTP and guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) (but not GDP) and the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol activate Gs in native S49 cell membrane by subunit dissociation. Evidence for this includes detection of dissociated alpha s in membrane extracts and release of alpha s from S49 cell membranes treated with GTP gamma S or isoproterenol. Moreover, the estimates of apparent stoichiometry for this dissociation indicate that each beta-adrenergic receptor is able to activate greater than or equal to 100 molecules of Gs in native membranes. Thus, receptor-mediated dissociation of Gs is likely to be the major site of amplification of signal transduction by agonists active at hormone receptors that link to Gs.
Air Pollution Aspects of Land Disposal of Toxic Wastes

There are many cases where improper disposal practices have resulted in adverse impact on public health and the environment. Pollution of ground and surface waters has been the major concern in landfill practices; air pollution as a result of volatilization and gas generation from landfill sites has not been seriously considered. Also, very little work has been undertaken on monitoring toxic chemicals in ambient air at the landfill sites. The recent air sampling and analyses have shown that high levels of toxicant concentration do occur nearby the landfill sites. Fallout of the toxicants may be a significant source of water pollution and soil contamination. Evidence indicates that even very stable low vapor pressure chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as PCBs, volatilize.
Common morality and computing

This article shows how common morality can be helpful in clarifying the discussion of ethical issues that arise in computing. Since common morality does not always provide unique answers to moral questions, not all such issues can be resolved, however common morality does provide a clear answer to the question whether one can illegally copy software for a friend.
Learning Multi-dimensional Functions: Gas Turbine Engine Modeling

This paper shows how multi-dimensional functions, describing the operation of complex equipment, can be learned. The functions are points in a shape space, each produced by morphing a prototypical function located at its origin. The prototypical function and the space's dimensions, which define morphological operations, are learned from a set of existing functions. New ones are generated by averaging the coordinates of similar functions and using these to morph the prototype appropriately. This paper discusses applying this approach to learning new functions for components of gas turbine engines. Experiments on a set of compressor maps, multi-dimensional functions relating the performance parameters of a compressor, show that it more accurately transforms old maps, into new ones, than existing methods.
Abundances of Trace Heavy Elements in Hot DA White Dwarfs

We have examined the IUE high-dispersion spectra of 25 DA white dwarfs in order to establish the nature of the relationship between the EUV/soft X-ray opacities discovered by observations from the EXOSAT and Einstein satellites and the heavy element traces often apparent in the IUE ultraviolet spectra of these stars. The study of the ionization balance of silicon and carbon atoms as well as the wavelength shift of the lines relative to the photosphere give important clues to the physical nature of the line absorption. Some spectra suggest the existence of a relatively close and relatively dense shell of ionized material of uncertain composition surrounding at least 6 and maybe as many as 13 of the white dwarfs. The heavy elements may be photospheric only in the case of Feige 24. The inferred EUV/soft X-ray opacity may be provided by heavy elements in some cases and by helium beneath a thin layer of hydrogen in some other cases.
Non-albicans Candida is the most common cause of candidemia in pediatric cancer patients

Goals Candidemia is a serious infection that can severely complicate the care of children with cancer. We sought to determine the spectrum of Candida species in children with cancer, since effective therapy may depend on the species involved.
A 2-D translational pinhole formed by two orthogonally moving micro-slits

Pinhole alignment is a tedious procedure that strongly affects the overall performance of an optical system. In order to address this critical issue, we developed a 2D translational pinhole, which is formed by two orthogonally moving micro-slits. The MEMS pinhole, fabricated by a modified SUMMIT-V process, can be positioned within a range of 30/spl times/30 microns in the XY plane. Alternatively, it can be used in a scanning mode at driving frequencies up to /spl sim/200Hz without any noticeable amplitude decrease. Typical applications include confocal scanning opthalmoscopes, laser beam profilers, and MEMS confocal microscopes.
Paroxysmal auricular tachycardia related to phases of respiration.

Abstract A patient with no evidence of structural cardiac disease exhibited paroxysmal auricular tachycardia occurring only during the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle. The arrhythmia, which had apparently been responsible for one episode of syncope, responded satisfactorily to digitalization.
A Definitive Example of a Geometric “Entatic State” Effect: Electron-Transfer Kinetics for a Copper(II/I) Complex Involving A Quinquedentate Macrocyclic Trithiaether−Bipyridine Ligand

The quinquedentate macrocyclic ligand cyclo-6,6‘-[1,9-(2,5,8-trithianonane)]-2,2‘-bipyridine ([15]aneS3bpy = L), containing two pyridyl nitrogens and three thiaether sulfurs as donor atoms, has been synthesized and complexed with copper. The CuII/IL redox potential, the stabilities of the oxidized and reduced complex, and the oxidation and reduction electron-transfer kinetics of the complex reacting with a series of six counter reagents have been studied in acetonitrile at 25 °C, μ = 0.10 M (NaClO4). The Marcus cross relationship has been applied to the rate constants obtained for the reactions with each of the six counter reagents to permit the evaluation of the electron self-exchange rate constant, k11. The latter value has also been determined independently from NMR line-broadening experiments. The cumulative data are consistent with a value of k11 = 1 × 105 M-1 s-1, ranking this among the fastest-reacting CuII/I systems, on a par with the blue copper proteins known as cupredoxins. The resolved crystal...
Long-range planning for the Deep Space Network

Conduct of space exploration is undergoing a significant transformation. Initial reconnaissance missions are giving way to long duration observations with data-intensive instruments, in situ investigations and complex operations. To keep pace, a transformation in the Deep Space Network is in order.
The Relationship of Reliability and Recovery to Satisfaction and Return Intent at the Hotel Unit Level

The core constructs of reliability and recovery are important in the study of a high quality of service. This research explores the relationship of reliability (a problem‐free hotel stay) and recovery (satisfaction with hotel recovery efforts to reported problems) to overall satisfaction and intent to return to the hotel. The research presents the results in a reliability‐recovery matrix presentation and finds that significant differences exist in overall satisfaction and intent to return, depending on placement in the matrix quadrants. The research also provides an argument for the presence of service culture in a hotel property due to the significant distribution of hotels within the matrix quadrants; there are an unequal number in each quadrant, with significantly high numbers of hotels in the high reliability/high recovery and low reliability/low recovery quadrants.
Comparative study of Aspergillus mycotoxin production on enriched media and construction material

Isolates of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus from indoor air were compared with a known mycotoxin producer for their capacity to produce mycotoxins on a variety of enrichment media and with growth on indoor substrates such as ceiling tile and wall board. In enrichment media, four of seven isolates of A. flavus produced at least one aflatoxin and both isolates of A. fumigatus produced mycotoxins. The spectrum of mycotoxins and their concentrations varied with the strain and medium. When the mycotoxin-positive strains were grown to a dense concentration on indoor construction and finishing materials such as ceiling tile and wall boards, mycotoxins were not detected in extracts of the materials. Colonization of indoor surfaces by mycotoxin-producing strains of A. flavus and A. fumigatus may not necessarily expose inhabitants to mycotoxins or result in production of mycotoxins.
Mortality among workers at a nuclear fuels production facility

A retrospective cohort mortality study was conducted in a population of workers employed at a facility with the primary task of production of nuclear fuels and other materials. Data for hourly and salaried employees were analyzed separately by time period of first employment and length of employment. The hourly (N = 6687 with 728 deaths) and salaried (N = 2745 with 294 deaths) employees had a mortality experience comparable to that of the United States and, in fact, exhibited significant fewer deaths in many categories of diseases that are traditionally associated with the healthy worker effect. Specifically, fewer deaths were noted in the categories of all causes, all cancers, cancer of the digestive organs, lung cancer, brain cancer (hourly workers only), diabetes, all diseases of the circulatory system, all respiratory diseases, all digestive system diseases, all diseases of the genitourinary system (hourly only), and all external causes of death. A statistically significant, and as yet unexplained increase in leukemia mortality (6 observed vs. 2.18 expected) appeared among a subset of the hourly employees, first hired before 1955, and employed between 5-15 years.
A Golden Eagle and a Decoy—Audacity of a Hawk

WHILST staying a few days at Manhattan, a little town in Kansas, I spent some hours in the office of a dentist, Dr. C. Blackley, who is also an ornithologist, having stuffed a goodly number of the birds of the state. He was then occupied with a fine specimen of the common pelican (Pelicanus communis) one of a flock of over a thousand that passed over the town in the month of April, some of them alighting in the neighbouring marshes. These birds are not unfrequent visitors to these far inland regions, and I have known them shot and brought to me from the alkali lakes in Colorado, both regions from 600 to 800 miles from the sea. The doctor told me an amusing incident of a day's wild goose shooting in the vicinity. He took with him to one of the ponds frequented by wild geese, a stuffed specimen of the Canada goose, to act as a decoy. Having firmly planted his bird in the sand with its wooden platform well covered over, he lay behind the bushes awaiting a shot. Suddenly there was a rush of wings, and like a flash of lightning a golden eagle swept down on the decoy, knocking the bird over, and tearing out some of the stuffing. The eagle then sat down near his prey, staring with amazement at its remarkably quiescent character, as well as at the strange wooden appendage attached to its claws. Deeming there was something uncanny about such a goose, and there might be danger in the neighbourhood, he prudently flew away. Unfortunately a branch of a tree prevented the sportsman from shooting the marauder.
Zero-dimensional study of the compression of low-temperature spheromaks

Compression of low-temperature spheromak plasmas has been studied with the aid of a zero-dimensional two-fluid computer code. The major direct effect of compression is to raise the current and plasma densities, keeping their ratios constant. Above critical pre-compression values of the electron temperature, Te, and the product of electron density and particle confinement time, neτp, the rising plasma density shifts the impurity ions to higher ionization states, with correspondingly lower radiative losses. High post-compression temperatures may thus be achieved. In oxygen radiation-dominated plasmas with pre-compression values above the critical ones, and with constant τp, the electron temperature can be increased by up to a factor of seven for a compression of a factor of two. This can be compared with a factor-of-four temperature rise expected for adiabatic compression. If the energy balance is dominated by particle confinement losses rather than radiation losses, the effect of compression is to raise the temperature as Te ~ C6/5, for constant τp.
Medical Image Thresholding Algorithm Based on Fuzzy sets Theory

Many classical measures partition image according to a single property. Moreover, many schemes suffer from the lack of evaluation of image quality at the global level. This paper proposes a novel image thresholding measure that uses both ultra-fuzzy entropy and ultra-fuzzy similarity properties for grayscale images. The optimal threshold is presented as multi-properties based on type II fuzzy (ultra-fuzzy) sets and comprehensive assessment function. In experiments conducted on various classic images, this algorithm showed notable visual improvement in comparison with common measures.
Trajectory generation for swing-free maneuvers of a quadrotor with suspended payload: A dynamic programming approach

In this paper, we address the problem of agile swing-free trajectory tracking of a quadrotor with a suspended load. This problem has great practical significance in many UAV applications. However, it has received little attention in the literature so far. Flying with a suspended load can be a very challenging and sometimes hazardous task as the suspended load significantly alters the flight characteristics of the quadrotor. In order to deal with this problem, we propose a technique based on dynamic programming which ensures swing-free trajectory tracking. We start by presenting the mathematical model of a quadrotor with suspended load dynamics and kinematics. A high-level planner is used to provide desired waypoints, and then a dynamic programming approach is used to generate the swing-free trajectory for the quadrotor carrying a suspended load. Effectiveness of this method is demonstrated by numerical simulations and experiments.
Inhibition of Antigen Trafficking through Scavenger Receptor A

B cell acquisition and presentation of specific autoantigens (auto-Ags) are thought to play an important and complex role in autoimmunity development. We previously identified scavenger receptor A (SR-A) as an early target in altering B cell-mediated autoimmunity. SR-A is highly expressed on professional antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages (MΦs) and dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we demonstrate that SR-A is responsible for controlling B cell interactions with DCs/MΦs to promote Ag transfer from B cells to DCs/MΦs. We established a high-throughput ELISA-based screen to identify novel SR-A inhibitors, the specificity of which was determined by dose dependence and Biacore surface plasmon resonance testing. We identified small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) able to reduce SR-A-mediated Ag transfer in human cells. In particular, the SMIs prevented SR-A-positive cells from accumulating/loading Ag over time. Furthermore, we determined that one SMI, sennoside B, can reduce SR-A-mediated capture of B cells. Finally, SMI-mediated decreases in Ag transfer or accumulation reduced T cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. These observations demonstrate that B cell-DC/MΦ interactions are conducive to promoting Ag trafficking between these cell types via SR-A. Inhibitors of SR-A may provide a novel therapeutic strategy in ameliorating autoimmune disease development.
Individual Differences in the Subjective Experience of Pain: New Insights Into Mechanisms and Models

Individual differences in pain sensitivity have long remained a perplexing and challenging clinical problem. How can one individual have a sensory experience that is vastly different than that of another, even when they have received similar sensory input? Developing an understanding of such differences and the mechanisms that support them has progressed substantially as psychophysical findings are integrated with measures of brain activation provided by functional brain imaging techniques. Continued delineation of these mechanisms will contribute substantially to the development of combined psychophysical/psychological models that can be used to optimize pain treatment on an individual-by-individual basis.
Genomic approaches in acute leukemia

The application of expression-based genomic approaches to medical research is traced here, particularly as they relate to hematologic malignancy. DNA microarray technology and its role in the refinement of the taxonomy of disease, the development of models of outcome prediction, and the identification of therapeutic targets are discussed. Particular attention is given to the exploration of a signature-based screening approach, which bypasses the need to have a priori knowledge of the target.
Stimulus control of free-operant avoidance: The contribution of response rate and incentive relations between multiple-schedule components

Abstract The associations formed in the components of a multiple schedule can be classified as (1) stimulus-response (S-R) associations and (2) stimulus-reinforcer (S-S R ) associations. The present experiments sought to determine the individual contribution of these S-R and S-S R associations to stimulus control by manipulating them independently. Responses postponed shocks by 25 sec in the presence of a tone alone and a light alone in all experiments. The contingencies programmed in the absence of both tone and light established a reference for the S-R and S-S R associations in tone and in light. All four possible combinations of signalling response increase or decrease together with incentive increase or decrease were studied. Although the influence of the contingencies operating in the absence of tone and light was difficult to detect from response rates in tone or light, presenting tone and light together revealed clear effects. Response rates in tone and light together relative to those in either alone depended upon the contingency operating in the absence of tone and light. Stimulus-response and stimulus-reinforcer associations appeared to counteract each other when in opposition and combine together to enhance each other when in agreement. This suggested that the associations of a stimulus to response and to incentive combine algebraically in determining stimulus control. An algebraic analysis in terms of the S-R and S-S R associations conditioned to the stimulus elements comprising the training and test stimuli accounted for the observed patterns of data.
Prevention of postoperative pericardial adhesions. An animal study.

• Following heart operations, adhesions uniformly form between the epicardium and surrounding structures such as the pericardium, mediastinal fat, pleura, and sternum. These adhesions make reoperations both difficult and hazardous. Three groups of 15 dogs each were studied to assess the effectiveness of pharmacologic manipulation in reducing the adhesions. In the control group, adhesions were created by allowing epicardial/pericardial surfaces to dry, and then adding cotton fibers and blood before closing the pericardium. In the methylprednisolone group, 500 mg of methylprednisolone was given intravenously at the time of operation, followed by 0.3 mg/kg orally three times a day for one week. In the ibuprofen group, 12.5 mg/kg of ibuprofen was given intravenously at operation and then orally three times in one day, followed by 5 mg/kg orally three times a day for six days. Dogs were killed at three to four weeks and the adhesions between pericardium and epicardium were graded. In the control group, none were adhesion-free and none had filmy adhesions; three dogs had dense patchy adhesions and 12 had dense diffuse adhesions. In the methylprednisolone group, 14 dogs had no adhesions; one had filmy adhesions; and none had dense patchy or dense diffuse adhesions. In the ibuprofen group, none were adhesion-free; one dog had filmy adhesions; four had dense patchy adhesions; and ten had dense diffuse adhesions. The near-total elimination of pericardial/epicardial adhesions utilizing methylprednisolone, if also achievable in humans, would markedly reduce the difficulty and increase the safety of cardiac reoperations. ( Arch Surg 1986;121:462-467)
TENSOR FUNCTORS ON A CERTAIN CATEGORY CONSTRUCTED FROM SPHERICAL CATEGORIES

We construct functors from a certain algebraic category , defined by Hopf algebra generators and relations, to the category of vector spaces, based on spherical categories. The category is proposed by Habiro to be isomorphic to the cobordism category of once-punctured surfaces. If the proposal is proved valid, the result of this paper would imply a construction of a TQFT functor based on a spherical category.
Combining nonpathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum with sodium chloride to suppress fusarium crown rot of asparagus in replanted fields

Nonpathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum (NPFO) were tested alone, and in combination with rock salt (NaCl), for their ability to suppress fusarium crown and root rot of asparagus in replanted fields. Five NPFO strains were first screened with and without NaCl in the glasshouse using autoclaved asparagus soil mixed with potting mix. Asparagus roots were treated with NPFO suspensions or water, then inoculated 1 week later with pathogenic F. oxysporum; then after 1 week pots received 100 mL 1% NaCl or water. After 12 weeks the NPFO strain CS-20 increased root weight when compared with controls. Rock salt did not affect root growth. Root lesions were reduced relative to the control by all NPFO strains and by NaCl applications, but there were no interactions between NPFO and NaCl. The NPFO strains CS-20, CWB 314 and CWB 318 were compared with no treatment in two 4-year replanted field studies in Hamden, and Windsor, CT, USA. Crowns were treated with NPFO at planting, and NaCl was broadcast at 280 kg ha−1, and at 560 kg ha−1 in later years. CWB 318 reduced disease at both sites and increased marketable yield in Hamden. Treatment with NaCl increased yield by 29% over controls in Windsor, but did not increase yield in Hamden. Recovered root isolates of F. oxysporum categorized by heterokaryon tests revealed that, in the glasshouse, CS-20 colonized roots better than other strains, while CWB 318 was the only strain found on roots from field plots after 4 years. Applications of NaCl did not hinder the suppressive ability of the nonpathogenic strains. The perennial nature of asparagus may require that nonpathogenic strains possess superior survival traits along with biocontrol traits.
Catheter design for effective manual bladder irrigation.

Purpose: We compared the efficiency of clearance of a simulated clot from a bladder model using a 6-hole irrigation catheter, a traditional Malecot catheter and a modified Malecot catheter with additional side holes.Materials and Methods: Latex balloons 12 inches in diameter served as the bladder model. They were filled with 300 cc Jell-O® gelatin, which had been partially solidified for 8 hours at 36F. Five manual irrigation/aspiration cycles with a 60 cc catheter tip syringe were performed to remove simulated clot from the bladder models and the amount of clot removed was measured. Five bladder models were used to test the efficiency of clot removal for each 22Fr catheter design, including a standard 22Fr Model 361222 Malecot latex 4-wing catheter (Rusch, High Wycombe, United Kingdom) and a 22Fr Bardex® Model 606118-22 latex 6-hole catheter. Two modified versions of the Malecot catheter design involving 2 and 4 additional holes were also tested to determine the effect of a hybrid 6-hole/Malecot design.R...
NANOSECOND MOLECULAR DYNAMICS STUDY OF A POLYCATION RIBONUCLEIC GUANIDINE (RNG) DUPLEXED WITH A COMPLEMENTARY DNA OLIGOMER STRAND

Replacement of the phosphodiester linkages of the polyanion RNA with guanidinium linkers provides the polycation ribonucleic guanidine (RNG). Molecular dynamics studies to 1080 ps of the hybrid dup...
Global Positioning System constraints on fault slip rates in southern California and northern Baja, Mexico

We use Global Positioning System (GPS) estimates of horizontal site velocity to constrain slip rates on faults comprising the Pacific-North America plate boundary in southern California and northern Mexico. We enlist a simple elastic block model to parameterize the distribution and sum of deformation within and across the plate boundary. We estimate a Pacific-North America relative plate motion rate of 49 ± 3 mm/yr (one standard deviation), consistent with NUVEL-1A estimates. We are able to resolve robust slip rate estimates for the southernmost San Andreas, San Jacinto, and Elsinore faults (26 ± 2, 9 ± 2, and 6 ± 2 mm/yr, respectively) and for the Imperial and Cerro Prieto faults (35 ± 2 and 42 ± 1 mm/yr, respectively), accounting for about 86% of the total plate motion. The remaining 14% appears to be accommodated to the west of these fault systems, probably via slip along the San Clemente fault and/or the San Miguel, Vallecitos, Rose Canyon, and Newport-Inglewood fault systems. These results are highly consistent with paleoseismic estimates for slip rates implying that off-fault strain accumulation within the deforming zone of the plate boundary is largely elastic. We estimate that the seismically quiescent, southernmost San Andreas fault has incurred about 8.2 m of slip deficit over the last few hundred years, presumably to be recovered during a future large earthquake.
Low-Income Families and Measures of income Inequality

(1962). Low-Income Families and Measures of income Inequality. Review of Social Economy: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 1-19.
On the neurogenic-neuroendocrine regulation of the pancreas.

Abstract A literature survey is presented that strongly suggests that (1) neural activation of the pancreas play a role in the etiology of diabetes mellitus and (2) blood insulin affects the VMH sympathetic center. A hypothesis is presented suggesting a hypothalamic-endocrine pancreas neurogenic-neuroendocrine feedback involved in regulation of insulin secretion.
Systematic review of the genus Acropsylla Rothschild, 1911 (Siphonaptera: Leptopsyllidae), with notes on certain fleas from northern Thailand

Acropsylla (Leptopsyllidae), a genus of fleas from the Indian Subregion of the Oriental Region, is reviewed to include the seasonal and geographical distribution of the known species. Acropsylla girshami Traub, 1950 is proposed as a junior synonym of Acropsylla episema Rothschild, 1911. Keys are provided for the tribe Meopsyllini and for the species of Acropsylla.
ARRIVAL DIRECTIONS OF COSMIC-RAY AIR SHOWERS FROM THE NORTHERN SKY

The celestial arrival directions of 2660 air showers of size greater than ${10}^{5}$ particles at sea level have been determined with an angular resolution of 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The observations were made by the method of fast timing, and they cover a band of declination from 10\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} north. No significant deviation from isotropy of the primaries of these showers has been found. The response of the array to showers of various sizes and arrival directions has been evaluated theoretically and the results are given. The zenith angle dependence of the counting rate indicates an exponential attenuation with atmospheric depth of the intensity of showers at sea level with an attenuation length of 107\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}11 g ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. As a by-product of the experiment we have found a value for the absolute intensity of showers of size greater than ${10}^{5}$ particles in the vertical direction at sea level which is (9.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3.0)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ${\mathrm{sterad}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.