cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How is quantum information localized in gravity

A notion of localization of information within quantum subsystems plays a key role in describing the physics of quantum systems, and in particular is a prerequisite for discussing important concepts such as entanglement and information transfer. While subsystems can be readily defined for finite quantum systems and in local quantum field theory, a corresponding definition for gravitational systems is significantly complicated by the apparent nonlocality arising due to gauge invariance, enforced by the constraints. A related question is whether ``soft hair'' encodes otherwise localized information, and the question of such localization also remains an important puzzle for proposals that gravity emerges from another structure such as a boundary field theory as in AdS/CFT. This paper describes different approaches to defining local subsystem structure, and shows that at least classically, perturbative gravity has localized subsystems based on a split structure, generalizing the split property of quantum field theory. This, and related arguments for QED, give simple explanations that in these theories there is localized information that is independent of fields outside a region, in particular so that there is no role for ``soft hair'' in encoding such information. Additional subtleties appear in quantum gravity. We argue that localized information exists in perturbative quantum gravity in the presence of global symmetries, but that nonperturbative dynamics is likely tied to a modification of such structure.
Impact of physical parameterizations and initial conditions on simulated atmospheric transport and CO 2 mole fractions in the US Midwest

Abstract. Atmospheric transport model errors are one of the main contributors to the uncertainty affecting CO2 inverse flux estimates. In this study, we determine the leading causes of transport errors over the US upper Midwest with a large set of simulations generated with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale model. The various WRF simulations are performed using different meteorological driver datasets and physical parameterizations including planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes, land surface models (LSMs), cumulus parameterizations and microphysics parameterizations. All the different model configurations were coupled to CO2 fluxes and lateral boundary conditions from the CarbonTracker inversion system to simulate atmospheric CO2 mole fractions. PBL height, wind speed, wind direction, and atmospheric CO2 mole fractions are compared to observations during a month in the summer of 2008, and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of both physics parameterizations and meteorological datasets on these variables. All of the physical parameterizations and the meteorological initial and boundary conditions contribute 3 to 4 ppm to the model-to-model variability in daytime PBL CO2 except for the microphysics parameterization which has a smaller contribution. PBL height varies across ensemble members by 300 to 400 m, and this variability is controlled by the same physics parameterizations. Daily PBL CO2 mole fraction errors are correlated with errors in the PBL height. We show that specific model configurations systematically overestimate or underestimate the PBL height averaged across the region with biases closely correlated with the choice of LSM, PBL scheme, and cumulus parameterization (CP). Domain average PBL wind speed is overestimated in nearly every model configuration. Both planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) and PBL wind speed biases show coherent spatial variations across the Midwest, with PBLH overestimated averaged across configurations by 300–400 m in the west, and PBL winds overestimated by about 1 m s −1 on average in the east. We find model configurations with lower biases averaged across the domain, but no single configuration is optimal across the entire region and for all meteorological variables. We conclude that model ensembles that include multiple physics parameterizations and meteorological initial conditions are likely to be necessary to encompass the atmospheric conditions most important to the transport of CO2 in the PBL, but that construction of such an ensemble will be challenging due to ensemble biases that vary across the region.
Online, Offline, and Over the Line: Coercive Sexting Among Adolescent Dating Partners:

This study examines the incidence and correlates of coercive sexting by dating partners among middle and high school students, including sex-based differences and associations with other forms of s...
Economics of Accounting Earnings

The objective of this book is to present an economic analysis of accounting earnings to aid our understanding of financial accounting’s economic roles. We structure the book into two parts. The first part examines the attributes of accounting earnings as produced and received in the market without delving into the preparers’ incentives influencing the amount of information production or the effect of the incentives on its properties. This part can be viewed as a static or reduced-form analysis of accounting earnings and its relation to security prices. The second part presents a dynamic and strategic analysis of accounting earnings. It recognizes that accounting information affects users’ and producers’ decisions, which, against the backdrop of self-interested behavior, influences properties of accounting information produced and affects how it is used in valuation, in contracting, and in firms’ investment decisions. Our thesis is that earnings and other outputs of financial accounting help firms function more efficiently. We often use shareholder value as the measure of efficiency, though we discuss regulation, social and contract efficiency.
Preliminary findings from the National Pre-ESRD Education Initiative.

Regardless of age or race, more patients preferred peritoneal dialysis (PD) than would be expected from the current ratio of patients treated with PD in the U.S. The percent of patients choosing PD seems to be largely influenced by the scope of information they receive prior to therapy initiation. In the absence of thorough treatment option education, a significant number of patients may be assigned a therapy when, in reality, they would have selected an alternative option. There is a need to further understand the correlation between a practice's PD utilization rate and the extent to which patients are given dialysis treatment options.
Physicochemical basis of the universal genetic codes — quantitative analysis

Quantitative mathematic models have been developed to correlate the fragment hydrophobicity contribution constants of 20 amino acids with the physicochemical properties (μ, Hb, and \( \sqrt {MW} \)of the four bases (U, A, C, G) of the codons, or those of the anticodons. Using the general equation \( f_{aa} = a\mu _1 + b\mu _2 + c\mu _3 + d\sqrt {MW_1 } + e\sqrt {MW_2 } + f\sqrt {MW_3 } + gHb_1 + hHb_2 + iHb_3 + j \) where 1, 2, 3 refer to the first, the second and the third base respectively, correlation coefficient of about 0.82 can be obtained for all 20 amino acids coded by 61 different triplet codes.
Neodymium:YAG laser damage on silicone intraocular lenses. A comparison of lesions on explanted lenses and experimentally produced lesions.

Abstract In this study we examined 17 explanted silicone intraocular lenses (IOLs) (two one-piece, 15 three-piece) that had evidence of neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser damage. The majority of lenses (47.1 %) had been explanted because of persistent pigment deposits and chronic inflammation. Decentration or IOL dislocation had occurred with 29.4% of lenses. All 17 patients had had Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulectomy, anterior surface polishing, or both; treatments ranged from one to 13 times. By both clinical and gross examination, the laser lesions appeared dark. This was misinterpreted by some ophthalmologists as pigment deposits and some patients had additional Nd:YAG laser treatment, which increased the severity of the laser damage. The mean depth of laser damage on the IOLs was 143 ± 113.4 gym. It was between 51 and 175 µm in approximately 61.0% and deeper than 300 lam (maximum 660 µm) in 9.3%. We compared the explanted IOLs with silicone IOLs that were experimentally damaged using standard power levels from 0.3 to 3.0 mJ and different focal areas. The appearance of the experimentally induced laser burns was equivalent to that on the explanted IOLs, especially the dark laser pits. Since the laser lesions may resemble pigment deposits on slitlamp examination, we recommend careful examination of patients prior to planned laser therapy.
Pope Pius XI’s Extraordinary — But Undeserved — Praise of the American Supreme Court

In his 1929 encyclical, Divini Illius Magistri (On Christian Education), Pope Pius XI paid an extraordinary tribute to the United States, the Supreme Court, and more specifically, the Court’s interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment in Pierce v. Society of Sisters. In the course of affirming that parents have the primary right and duty to direct their offspring’s education, he quoted with approval from Justice McReynolds’s opinion in Pierce. Moreover, the Pope praised both the Taft Court for its reliance on natural law, and the whole American Republic for having ordained the natural rights of the family, and the natural law in general, in the Constitution.This article will explore the significance and validity of this praise. This article concludes that this tribute, while extraordinary, was simply unwarranted. Rather, the Taft Court evinced an increasing indifference, if not hostility, to natural law concepts — an indifference clear in Pierce itself, Buck v. Bell, and other cases. In the course of the article, several claims are made and defended that may seem unconventional: namely, (1) that the Taft Court tacitly but firmly rejected the Court's prior natural-law jurisprudence, (2) that the Court's decision in Pierce and Buck v. Bell indicated this rejection, and (3) that Pierce significantly shaped the Court's subsequent due-process jurisprudence, including the contraction of due process in Buck v. Bell, and the expansion of due process through incorporation of certain rights of sexual and reproductive autonomy.The article begins and concludes by noting the parallels between the Pierce case and the current litigation over the so-called “HHS Mandate” and the enduring tensions between the natural-law teaching of the Catholic Church and the jurisprudence of the American judiciary.
Persuading Students with Emotional Disabilities to Write Fluently

A multiple-baseline design study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of strategy instruction in persuasive writing with eighth-grade students who attended a public day school for students w...
The Effect of Food Stamps on Children's Health: Evidence from Immigrants' Changing Eligibility

The Food Stamp program is currently one of the largest safety net programs in the United States and is especially important for families with children. The existing evidence on the effects of Food Stamps on children’s and families’ outcomes is limited. I utilize a large, recent source of quasi-experimental variation—changes in documented immigrants’ eligibility across states and over time from 1996–2003—to estimate the effect of Food Stamps on children’s health. I find loss of parental eligibility has large effects on program receipt, and an additional year of parental eligibility before age five improves health outcomes at ages 6–16. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Cold Turkey and Hot Vapes? A National Study of Young Adult Cigarette Cessation Strategies.

Introduction Young adults have high smoking rates and low utilization of evidence-based smoking cessation strategies. We investigated smoking cessation intentions, strategy use, and socioeconomic predictors of strategy use among young adult smokers (age 18-24) and compared patterns with those of older adults (age 25-64). Methods We used a population-based sample from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study of young adult (n = 1,881) and older adult (n = 6,366) established smokers of conventional cigarettes at Wave 1 (2013-2014), who were surveyed at Wave 2 (2014-2015). Simple regression analysis compared intentions to quit between age groups. Among Wave 1 smokers who reported a Wave 2 quit attempt (young adults [YA] n = 748; older adults [OA] n = 2,068), bivariate and multinomial logistic regression estimated differences in use of behavioral support, pharmacotherapy, product substitution, and unassisted quit attempts. Interaction terms estimated age-group differences in relationships between predictors and cessation strategy use. Results Young adults planned to quit on a longer time frame, expressed lower interest in quitting, and were more confident they would be successful, compared with older adults. Young adults were significantly less likely to use pharmacotherapy (adjusted odds ratio: 0.15; confidence interval: 0.09, 0.24; reference: quitting unassisted). Both groups reported using product substitution (YA: 31.6%; OA: 28.5%), primarily with e-cigarettes, more than any evidence-based cessation strategy. Socioeconomic predictors of cessation strategy use did not differ between age groups. Conclusions More research on why young adult smokers underutilize evidence-based cessation support is needed, as are innovative efforts to increase intentions to quit and utilization of cessation assistance. Implications Young adulthood is a key transition time for tobacco use, and early cessation substantially reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality from smoking. In the context of high e-cigarette and polytobacco use, this study finds young adults have significantly less intention to quit than older adults and are less likely to use evidence-based cessation strategies to help quit. Innovative methods are needed to increase young adult intentions to quit and use of evidence-based cessation assistance.
On a problem of Turán

Let T(n, k +1, k) denote the least number of k-subsets of an n-set such that every k +1-subset contains on of the chosen k-sebsets. We show $$ \mathop {\lim }\limits_{n \to \infty } \frac{{T(n,k + 1,k)}}{{\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} n \\ k \end{array}} \right)}} $$ is asymptotically less than or equal to $$\frac{{2\log k}} {k}$$ as a function of k.
Outcomes, Management, and Complications of Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Hypertension

Successful lung and heart-lung transplantations were achieved nearly 3 decades ago at a time when medical therapeutic options for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension were extremely limite...
Different structures associated with ribosomal and nonribosomal DNAS in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract DNA from adult flies was found to be supercoiled as evidenced by its sedimentation behaviour in sucrose gradients containing varying concentrations of ethidium bromide. These structures survive treatment with proteases and ribonuclease A. The DNA containing the ribosomal genes is also supercoiled but appears to have a structure different from that of the bulk of the DNA.
Application of Stochastic Optimal Reduced State Feedback Gain Computation Procedures to the Design of Aircraft Gust Alleviation Controllers 1

Abstract A stochastic linear model that accounts for process parameter and initial uncertainty, measurement noise, and a restricted number of measurable outputs was used to determine feedback gains useful for reducing the vertical acceleration which results from the presence of a vertical wind gust. Considered in the study were the influence of various feedback configurations, the effects of sensor noise, flight condition changes, and initialization procedures. Results showed that for sixth order linearized longitudinal motion, a controller with feedback on three states could be designed for effective gust alleviation taking into account both sensor noise and flight condition variation.
Young children’s beliefs about school learning in Japan and the United States: Cultural and socioeconomic comparisons

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine Japanese children’s beliefs about school learning in the first year of primary school depending on culture and socioeconomic status. For the current study, data collected from 150 first graders aged 6 or 7 attending public school in Japan and the United States (50 low SES and 50 middle SES in Japan, and 50 middle SES in the U.S. as a comparative group) were analyzed. In individual interviews, the children provided narrative responses to story beginnings related to school attendance and learning. These narrative responses were coded and quantitatively analyzed. There were eight content codes that demonstrated children’s beliefs related to the benefits of school learning, attitudes and affect toward school learning, or social awareness related to school learning. Results of analyses of covariance demonstrated that Japanese children expressed more valuation of school learning and fear of not achieving, whereas American children expressed more intellectual benefit, achievement and economic benefit, and obligation to attend school and learn. There was no socioeconomic difference in any of the learning belief variables among Japanese children. These findings are discussed in light of the Japanese educational system, school contexts, and cultural models of learning.
A five-coordinate cobalt bis-(di-thiol-ene)-phosphine complex [Co(pdt)2(PTA)] (pdt = phenyl-dithiol-ene; PTA = 1,3,5-tri-aza-7-phosphaadamantane).

The title compound, bis­(1,2-diphenyl-2-sulfanyl­idene­ethane­thiol­ato-κ2S,S′)(1,3,5-tri­aza-7-phosphaadamantane-κP)cobalt(II) dichloromethane hemisolvate, [Co(pdt)2(PTA)]·0.5C2H4Cl2 or [Co(C14H10S2)2(C6H12N3P)]·0.5C2H4Cl2, contains two phenyl­dithiol­ene (pdt) ligands and a 1,3,5-tri­aza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) ligand bound to cobalt with the solvent 1,2-di­chloro­ethane mol­ecule located on an inversion center. The cobalt core exhibits an approximately square-pyramidal geometry with partially reduced thienyl radical monoanionic ligands. The supra­molecular network is consolidated by hydrogen-bonding inter­actions primarily with nitro­gen, sulfur and chlorine atoms, as well as parallel displaced π-stacking of the aryl rings. The UV–vis, IR, and CV data are also consistent with monoanionic di­thiol­ene ligands and an overall CoII oxidation state.
Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: a Comprehensive Review of Qualitative Considerations

Arthroscopic hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome has evolved over time and has resulted in significantly improved clinical outcomes. These outcomes can be measured by clinical and radiographic metrics. Return to sport is commonly used as an outcome measure, not only in terms of overall rate but also type of sport, level of competition, and timing of return, as its quantitative definition continues to develop. Qualitative research methods can highlight the patient-derived themes that affect an athlete’s individual return to sport pathway, and can augment the existing methods of outcome reporting. We will specifically review the qualitative research that has been performed on evaluating return to sport after arthroscopic hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Current evidence finds a high overall rate of return to sport at 87–93% after arthroscopic hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. The available qualitative research in this body of literature, which is limited, has found three main overarching themes behind athletes’ decision and ability, or inability, to return to sport: self-efficacy, social support, and resetting expectations. Athletes experience high rates of return to sport and athletic performance after arthroscopic hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. This review highlights the qualitative considerations for these athletes in their overall readiness to return to sport, and its utility for treating physicians as we interact with these athletes both pre- and post-operatively. Further research is required to elucidate any further overarching themes that may be prevalent in different levels of competition.
The Most Dangerous Strain

Socioeconomic inequities have direct implications in COVID presentation, severity of illness and prognosis. From practice of prophylactic measures to availability of personal protective equipment, from access to diagnostic tests to treatment resources, there are many facets and distinct disease processes of a virus that, among many things, serves to expose and highlight our global disparities.
Diagnosis of central nervous system invasive aspergillosis in a liver transplant recipient using microbial cell-free next generation DNA sequencing

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is an important opportunistic infection among patients with liver disease and liver transplants. Diagnosis of IA may be challenging, especially among patients with central nervous system infection. Herein, we demonstrate the utility of next-generation sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA in the diagnosis of fungal brain abscess in a liver transplant recipient.
From “Slow” to “Being ‘Lazy’ and Slowing Down” and the Impact on Student Learning

This paper presents a case study on the measurable impact of a decolonized approach to the Slow Movement on student learning in a graduate seminar. The study operationalizes principles of Being Lazy and Slowing Down (BLSD)—that is, to make peace with not doing or being productive, to de-privilege the need for a result, and to decenter the mind as the primary source of knowledge in order to make space for the body and spirit. The study then examines the uptake of these principles into the seminar’s instructional approach, curricular design, and semester-long project. Textual analysis of the project shows minimal adoption by students of the principles of BLSD. However, student feedback obtained through semi-structured oral interviews provides insight into this minimal impact: it suggests that even a decolonized approach to BLSD is a privileged position not afforded to all.
Einführungsszenarien für höhergradig automatisierte Straßenfahrzeuge

Nach wie vor gehoren Verkehrsunfalle zum alltaglichen Strasenbild, und die Statistiken dokumentieren, dass es beispielsweise in den USA ca. 33.000 Todesopfer pro Jahr gibt [1]; in Deutschland sterben ca. 3300 Menschen pro Jahr im Strasenverkehr [2]. An dieser Stelle verspricht die Fahrzeugautomatisierung, d. h. die zunehmende Ubergabe der Fahraufgabe vom Menschen an den Computer, eine deutliche Reduktion der Unfallzahlen und Unfallschwere. Daruber hinaus ermoglichen automatisierte Fahrzeuge auch eine bessere Koordination der individuell genutzten Fahrzeuge allgemein und damit eine effizientere, komfortablere und sicherere Individualmobilitat.
Measuring E-Commerce Concentration Effects When Product Popularity is Channel-Specific

This paper uses household-level panel data from three large apparel retailers to examine how e-commerce affects the concentration of sales across products. In our data there are remarkable differences between the products that are popular in online versus offline channels. When the relative popularity of products differs by channel, as in our data, we demonstrate that the traditional long tail metrics used in the literature provide biased results regarding changes to the concentration of sales caused by the growth in online sales. We propose an alternative metric that allows us to measure concentration effects when product popularity varies by channel. Our results demonstrate that ignoring differences in product popularity across channels can lead to erroneous conclusions regarding whether e-commerce increases or decreases the concentration of sales across products. Examining how the migration of consumers from brick and mortar to online channels affects the anatomy of their purchases is important for guiding managerial practice.
Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis Therapy: Impact on Gastric Colonization

Ortiz JE, Sottile FD, Sigel P, et al. Gastric Colonization as a Consequence of Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis: A Prospective, Randomized Trial Pharmacotherapy 1998;18:486–91
INDIGENEIDAD: PROBLEMÁTICAS, EXPERIENCIAS Y AGENDAS EN EL NUEVO MILENIO

Resumen es: En este articulo historizamos la idea de indigena y la nocion de indigeneidad. Tratada como relacion, y como formacion discursiva, y no como identidad, i...
Evaluation and Analysis of Eye Gaze Interaction

Abstract : Eye gaze interaction can provide a convenient and natural addition to user-computer dialogues. We have previously reported on our interaction techniques Using eye gaze. In this report, we assess the effectiveness of our approach in a controlled setting. We present two experiments that compare our eye gaze object selection technique with conventional selection by mouse. The results show that for a simple task, it takes 60% less time to select an object with our eye gaze technique than with a mouse. We also use Fitts' Law to investigate the speed and quality differences between eye gaze selection and mouse selection. Our eye gaze selection technique is shown to produce a low slope, more like pure eye movement, which suggests that the technique preserves the inherent speed advantage of the eye over the hand. We find that eye gaze interaction is at least as fast as the mouse and it is convenient in situations where it is important to use the hands for other tasks. It is particularly beneficial for the larger screens, workspaces, and virtual environment of the future, and will become increasingly practical as eye tracker technology matures.
Synovectomy and débridement of the elbow in rheumatoid arthritis.

In 1963 a technique for complete synovectomy and appropriate debridement of the elbow joint through a transolecranon approach was developed. Twenty-eight synovectomies and debridements of the elbow joint were carried out in twenty-six patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The minimum follow-up was one
Differential Effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Isolates on β-Chemokine and Gamma Interferon Production and on Cell Proliferation

All isolates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can infect primary CD4+ T cells, but they can show a great variability with respect to biological properties such as replication rate, cytotropism, and syncytium-inducing (SI) capability (20). The viral strains which infect macrophages are generally nonsyncytium inducing (NSI) and use the chemokine receptor CCR5 for entry. Viral isolates that infect transformed CD4+ T-cell lines are of the SI phenotype and use the chemokine receptor CXCR4 (1, 4). Most viruses isolated in the early stages of infection and during the asymptomatic phase appear to be of the NSI macrophage-tropic phenotype. The emergence of T-cell-line-tropic SI viruses later in the course of the infection generally correlates with CD4+ T-cell decline and the development of AIDS (7, 35, 36). The molecular basis of the NSI-SI switch involves modifications in the viral envelope protein which can change coreceptor usage from CCR5 to CXCR4 and probably to other additional coreceptors (1, 2, 4, 11, 20). Certain members of the β-chemokine family such as MIP-1α, MIP-1β, RANTES, and MCP-2 have been shown to inhibit infection by NSI but not SI strains of HIV-1 (10, 14, 15, 25). These chemokines may produce their anti-HIV effect by blocking virus interaction with CCR5 or down-regulating expression of this receptor (1, 37). The clinical relevance of chemokines in the transmission and pathogenesis of HIV is still poorly understood. In addition to competing with HIV for shared coreceptors, chemokines may play a crucial role in the attraction of viral target cells to areas of infection and the generation of an antiviral response (12). Attempts to correlate levels of chemokine production in vitro with the clinical stage of infected individuals have produced variable results (3, 8, 24, 32, 38), which may be partially explained by the differences in the culture conditions and the cell populations examined. HIV infection itself has also been suggested to be a major factor influencing immune response by altering the production of certain cytokines secreted by cells of the immune system (5, 13, 20, 29). In the present study, we have examined the influence of HIV infection on the production of β-chemokines and other cytokines. Our results show a differential effect of NSI and SI viruses on the production by CD4+ T cells of the β-chemokines MIP-1α and MIP-1β, as well as gamma interferon (IFN-γ). In addition, infection by NSI viruses enhanced CD4+ cell proliferation. The results could provide insight into the ability of certain viruses to be preferentially expressed and to establish infection in lymphoid tissue during primary infection. These effects could play an important role in the immunopathology of HIV infection.
Tutorial: active photonic components for optical networks

This tutorial provides an introduction to the wide range of active photonic components (lasers, modulators, detectors, integrated devices/modules etc) used in optical networking. It starts with a high level network view, then works down to the various components and their important performance parameters.
What Do Liberal Democratic States Owe the Victims of Disasters? A Rawlsian Account

Is there a principled way to understand what liberal democratic states owe, as a matter of justice, to the victims (survivors) of disasters? This article shows what is normatively special and distinctive about disasters and argues for the view that there are substantial duties of justice for liberal democratic states. The article rejects both a libertarian and a utilitarian approach to this question and, based on broadly Rawlsian principles, argues for a ‘political definition’ of disasters that is concerned with the restoration of citizens' dignity and their capacities for effective citizenship.
Non-hydrodynamical behavior of two-dimensional fluids

Abstract The extended mode coupling theory is used to investigate the non-hydrodynamical behavior of the two-dimensional fluids.
Retail Shelf-Life of Pork Dipped in Organic Acid before Modified Atmosphere or Vacuum Packaging

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is increasingly popular for meat, but raw, chilled pork in vacuum or anoxic environments has a purple color. The retail shelf-life of pork chops dipped in 500 ppm ascorbic acid, 250 ppm citric acid, or no acid dip and stored at 1 °C before simulated retail display in MAP with gas exchange or air-permeable packaging after vacuum pouch storage was determined. The 80% N2:20% CO2 in MAP was exchanged with 80% O2:20% CO2, and chops were removed from vacuum packages and overwrapped with permeable film (VP-PVC) on the 7th day before simulated retail display at 4 °C. Shelf-life traits were determined at 1, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 14 d postpackaging. The pH values changed with time, but returned to post-dipped, prepackaged levels at the end of simulated retail storage. Weight loss of chops increased (P < 0.05) in VP-PVC compared with MAP. The a* values increased (P < 0.05) and L* and b* values decreased during simulated retail display, with higher L*, a*, and b* color values for chops in MAP than VP-PVC. Log numbers of psychrotrophic microorganisms were higher (P < 0.05) on VP-PVC samples than for chops in MAP on days 12 and 14. Psychrotrophic counts on ascorbic acid-treated samples were decreased compared with citric acid or no dipping on pork during simulated retail display. Pork chops in MAP with gas exchange had lighter and redder color, increased weight retention, decreased psychrotrophic counts, and increased lipid oxidation compared with conventional vacuum and overwrap packaging systems.
IM-Chem: The Use of Instant Messaging to Improve Student Performance and Personalize Large Lecture General Chemistry Courses

Previous research has linked poor student performance with the depersonalized feeling of large lecture courses. Various forms of enhanced communication have been tried that appear to enhance personalization in large courses. For general chemistry classes taught in a 365-seat lecture hall at the University of Georgia, we have attempted to enhance communication by using 26 instant messaging (IM) devices. Implementation of this project, called IM-Chem, in large lecture general chemistry courses has had a positive impact on student performance. IM-Chem participants had a mean course grade that was 0.14 grade point average units higher than nonparticipants. Gains in student performance are attributed to the active learning environment that IM-Chem participants experienced. Additionally, an overwhelming majority of participants stated that IM-Chem personalized the large lecture setting by providing them with an unintimidating way to ask questions and individualized answers to those questions.
Improving science applications to coastal management

Abstract In considering the promise that new technologies and science bring to responsible stewardship of the world's oceans, coasts and fisheries, this paper focuses on three applications: the draft International Plan of Action to Improve Status and Trends Reporting, developed by the FAO Advisory Committee on Fisheries Research; the Global Ocean Observing System; and the US-led international initiative “Geographic Information for Sustainable Development”.
Using diversity indices to measure changes in prey choice at the Shag River Mouth site, southern New Zealand

As in the rest of Polynesia, human colonization of New Zealand marked the beginning of tremendous change for the native flora and fauna resulting in significant habitat destruction and numerous extinctions. The loss of numerous native vertebrates, especially economically important taxa such as moas and seals, must have greatly affected the foraging economy of southern New Zealand. The effect that declining abundances of native fauna had on subsistence can be understood through the use of foraging theory models. The prey choice model, in particular, can be used to examine how foragers choose the resources they exploit. From this model we can predict changes in the diet that occur with the loss of important resources. In this paper, I explore the use of diversity indices as one means of measuring these dietary changes. Richness and evenness measures of the faunal data from the Shag River Mouth site are used to evaluate predictions made by the prey choice model about changing diet breadth and foraging efficiency. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure–Activity Relationship Study of Indole-2-carboxamides Identifies a Potent Allosteric Modulator for the Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1)

The cannabinoid CB1 receptor is involved in complex physiological functions. The discovery of CB1 allosteric modulators generates new opportunities for drug discovery targeting the pharmacologically important CB1 receptor. 5-Chloro-3-ethyl-N-(4-(piperidin-1-yl)phenethyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (ORG27569; 1) represents a new class of indole-2-carboxamides that exhibit allostery of CB1. To better understand the SAR, a group of indole-2-carboxamide analogues were synthesized and assessed for allostery of the CB1 receptor. We found that within the structure of indole-2-carboxamides, the presence of the indole ring is preferred for maintaining the modulator's high binding affinity for the allosteric site but not for generating allostery on the orthosteric site. However, the C3 substituents of the indole-2-carboxamides significantly impact the allostery of the ligand. A robust CB1 allosteric modulator 5-chloro-N-(4-(dimethylamino)phenethyl)-3-pentyl-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (11j) was identified. It showed an equilibrium dissociation constant (KB) of 167.3 nM with a markedly high binding cooperativity factor (α = 16.55) and potent antagonism of agonist-induced GTPγS binding.
Doing business in China: Culture and practice

Ming-Jer Chen. 2001. Inside Chinese Business: A Guide for Managers Worldwide. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. 234 pages. John B. Stuttard. 2000. The New Silk Road: Secrets of Business Success in China Today. New York: John Wiley & Sons. 144 pages. Yadong Luo. 2000. Strategy, Structure, and Performance of MNCs in China. Westport, CT: Quorum Books. 302 pages. Maria Lai-Ling Lam. 2000. Working With Chinese Expatriates in Business Negotiations: Portraits, Issues, and Applications. Westport, CT: Quorum Books. 188 pages.
beta-Blockers in congestive heart failure.

Recent advances in the understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying congestive heart failure (CHF) have focused on the role of neurohormonal activation. Chronic adrenergic overstimulation is directly toxic to myocardial cells, impairs function, causes peripheral vasoconstriction and may induce programmed cell death via apoptosis. β-adrenergic blockade can interrupt this pathological process. Accumulating evidence now points to a clear role for β-blocking agents in the management of heart failure, reducing both the morbidity and mortality associated with CHF. This report will review the recent clinical trials supporting the use of β-blockers in CHF, briefly highlight some practical considerations in the use of these drugs in patients with CHF and discuss several areas of controversy in which further study is needed.
Dynamic annular geometry and function in patients with mitral regurgitation: insight from three-dimensional annular tracking.

Background Real-time three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and unique software permit mitral annular (MA) tracking throughout systole to assess MA remodeling and function. Whether MA structure and function are altered differently depending on the etiology of mitral regurgitation (MR) is currently not known. Methods We evaluated dynamic MA characteristics in patients with significant MR secondary to mitral valve prolapse and functional MR and compared them with normal controls. Novel 3D tracking software (based on 3D optical flow combined with block matching) was used to identify 16 circumferential equidistant MA points and to track changes in MA area and apical descent from end-diastole to end-systole. Twenty-eight patients with at least moderate MR and 15 normal controls underwent complete transthoracic two-dimensional and quantitative Doppler studies with 3D full-volume MA imaging from the apical 4-chamber view. Results For each group studied, left ventricular size, systolic function, and dynamic MA characteristics were characterized. Patients with functional MR demonstrated end-diastolic MA area enlargement with reduced systolic area change and reduced apical descent (11.1 ± 2.7 cm 2 , 13 ± 5%, and 6 ± 2 mm, respectively) compared with normal controls (9 ± 2 cm 2 , 26 ± 8%, 11 ± 2 mm, respectively) ( P 2 , 21 ± 6%, and 9 ± 3 mm; P Conclusion Patients with MR have significant MA enlargement, irrespective of MR etiology. In contrast to functional MR, patients with MR secondary to leaflet prolapse have the largest annular remodeling—almost 80% increase in area—and yet have preserved annular function and dynamicity. These findings may influence surgical repair technique.
Simultaneous Radioimmunoassay of Plasma Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone

Abstract This report describes the simultaneous radioimmunoassay of plasma testosterone (T) and 5a-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), using as binding reagent a highly specific antiserum which reacted significantly with T and DHT. Utilizing a one step celite microcolumn to separate T from DHT, we have measured these two androgens accurately in small aliquots of plasma from both male and female subjects, Plasma concentrations of T and DHT expressed as mean ± S.D. in ng/ml were respectively: 1) in male subjects: a. normal adult: 4.9 ± 1.6 (T) and 1.3 ± 0.8 (DHT); b. hypogonadal: 0.24 ± 0.08 (T) and 0.20 ± 0.10 (DHT); c. prepubertal: 0.14 ± 0.02 (T) and 0.05 ± 0.02 (DHT). 2) in female subjects: a. normally menstruating, irrespective of time of cycle: 0.22 ± 0.07 (T) and 0.34 ± 0.17 (DHT); b. postmenopausal: 0.29 ± 0.08 (T) and 0.15 ± 0.07 (DHT); c. ovariectomized: 0.24 ± 0.06 (T) and 0.09 ± 0.01 (DHT). When plasma levels of T and DHT were measured during a complete menstrual cycle, the levels of these steroids were ...
Gas-to-particle conversion of sulfur in power plant plumes—I. Parametrization of the conversion rate for dry, moderately polluted ambient conditions☆

Our previous work has shown that, under relatively dry summertime conditions (r.h. < 75 %), the conversion rate k1 (%h−1) of SO2 to aerosol sulfates in the coal-fired Labadie power plant plume near St. Louis is largely governed by photochemically driven gas-phase reactions involving primary SO2 and NOx and reactive species entrained from the background. Sunlight, plume dilution and background reactivity are then the principal factors influencing sulfate as well as ozone formation in the plume. In this paper, the aircraft data of five days of Labadie plume transport (Project MISTT 1976) and five days of transport of TVA's coal-fired Cumberland and Johnsonville power plants (Project STATE/Tennessee Plume Study 1978) are analyzed to formulate and test a new parametrization of the conversion rate of sulfur under “dry” summertime conditions (r.h. < 75 %). The parametrization, given by kt = (0.03 ± 0.01) (RΔzpO3), is found to provide a good match to the previously published observed conversion rates on both 9 and 18 July, 1976, for daytime Labadie plume transport up to 200km (R = solar radiation, Δzp = vertical spread of plume, O3 = background ozone; hourly-averaged data of St. Louis RAPS). A test of this parametrization against the observed rates in the ten days of MISTT and STATE data of all three plumes yielded very satisfying verification for all data collected under “dry”, cloud-free conditions. Under such conditions, 90 % or more of the conversion is believed to occur by the gas-phase mechanism. The parametrization does not apply to liquid phase and heterogeneous conversions in more humid conditions. Also, it does not have the spatial resolution to distinguish between plume core rates and the much enhanced rates in plume edges. Examples of local conversion rates up to 10 % h−1 with liquid phase reactions and 7.5 % h−1 in plume edges are also presented. Otherwise, the conversion rates are generally under 3% h−1. The new parametrization is consistent with our present understanding of the pertinent physics and chemistry of gas-phase oxidation of SO2 under moderately polluted conditions. It is simple and requires input data which are relatively routinely monitored. This chemical submodule is suitable for use in long range transport-transformation models. Diurnal and seasonal patterns of the parametrized conversion rate for the St. Louis region are given as examples. Further testing of this parametrization against power plant plume data collected at locations other than in the U.S. Midwest and during seasons other than summer, is recommended. The validity of the parametrization for oil-fired power plant plumes and for smelter plumes also remains to be tested.
The Relation of Oxygen Evolution to Chlorophyll and Protein Synthesis in a Mutant Strain of Chlamydomonas reinhardi

The preceding paper (2) has described some of the changes that occur in the photosynthetic activity of the mutant strain y-2 of the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardi accompanying changes in chlorophyll content. These results indicated that photosynthetic activity might be regulated by a mechanism which is related to either a critical chlorophyll content or structural configuration within the chloroplast. In this paper, the postulated regulatory mechanism will be given further consideration by studying the effects of chloramphenicol on chlorophyll synthesis, protein synthesis, and photosynthetic 02 evolution. Electron micrographs of cells of regreening cultures were prepared to determine the relationship between the rate of photosynthesis and the structural configuration of the chloroplast.
Trainable Convolution Filters and Their Application to Face Recognition

In this paper, we present a novel image classification system that is built around a core of trainable filter ensembles that we call Volterra kernel classifiers. Our system treats images as a collection of possibly overlapping patches and is composed of three components: (1) A scheme for a single patch classification that seeks a smooth, possibly nonlinear, functional mapping of the patches into a range space, where patches of the same class are close to one another, while patches from different classes are far apart-in the L_2 sense. This mapping is accomplished using trainable convolution filters (or Volterra kernels) where the convolution kernel can be of any shape or order. (2) Given a corpus of Volterra classifiers with various kernel orders and shapes for each patch, a boosting scheme for automatically selecting the best weighted combination of the classifiers to achieve higher per-patch classification rate. (3) A scheme for aggregating the classification information obtained for each patch via voting for the parent image classification. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique using face recognition as an application area and provide extensive experiments on the Yale, CMU PIE, Extended Yale B, Multi-PIE, and MERL Dome benchmark face data sets. We call the Volterra kernel classifiers applied to face recognition Volterrafaces. We show that our technique, which falls into the broad class of embedding-based face image discrimination methods, consistently outperforms various state-of-the-art methods in the same category.
Treating dyslipidemia with statins: The risk-benefit profile

Abstract Background Coronary heart disease (CHD), the result of coronary atherosclerosis, is the largest single killer of Americans. Central to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are the deposition and retention of cholesterol in the arterial walls. Lipid modification, therefore, is key to CHD prevention. Methods Data from trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of several pharmacologic agents for dyslipidemia were thoroughly reviewed. Results Agents such as bile acid sequestrants, fibric acids, and nicotinic acid have a role in treating dyslipidemia. However, statins are the safest and most effective of the lipid-modifying drugs, reducing the incidence of CHD by as much as 21% to 43%. Despite the overall safety and efficacy of these agents, many patients undergoing statin therapy fail to achieve the treatment goals specified in the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines, often because of suboptimal use, tolerability problems, or lack of compliance. Although adverse effects of statins are generally mild and transient, more serious adverse effects, including myotoxicity, liver toxicity, and rhabdomyolysis, are still possible with statin monotherapy and are more common in patients receiving concomitant therapy with other drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system. Conclusions Because of the overall safety and efficacy of the statins, more patients with or at risk for CHD should be receiving aggressive therapy to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and reduce CHD risk. (Am Heart J 2003;145:387-96.)
Syntheses and Superoxide Dismuting Activities of Partially (1−4) β-Chlorinated Derivatives of Manganese(III) meso-Tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin

Manganese(III) β-mono-, di-, tri-, and tetrachloro-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (MnClxTE-2-PyP5+, with x from 1 to 4) were prepared through β-chlorination of 5,10,15,20-tetr...
Cancer of the thyroid in a thyroid clinic.

CANCER of the thyroid gland has aroused considerable interest for many years. It still, however, remains a subject for discussion and controversy, not only in regard to etiology, but also prognosis and criteria for diagnosis and treatment. The pathology seen in the malignant thyroid tumors of patients treated at the Lahey Clinic has been recently reviewed, and certain aspects are herewith presented in the hope that this study, coupled with others of a similar nature, may assist eventually in clarifying some of these controversial issues. The purpose of this presentation is fourfold: first, to bring up to date the number and pathologic types of thyroid cancers seen at this clinic; second, to set forth the criteria used pathologically for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer and for the classification of the tumors into the various groups; third, to consider the clinical usefulness of pathologic diagnoses based on these criteria; and fourth, to set down the surgical approach to such groups.