cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
More on the choice between public and private production of a publicly funded service

Overall, the empirical findings we reported in our 1987 article are strongly suggestive of the importance of nonmonetary considerations in the production mode choice. Nonetheless, Professor Pack is quite correct to note that our conclusion (1987: 225–226) overstates the evidence we presented for the primacy of nonmonetary factors in the production mode choice when her “full” model is considered. Regarding the “full” model, despite the statistically significant findings for some demographic variables, a formal theoretical model of their effects on the production mode choice is lacking. Notwithstanding Pack's comments concerning scale economies, we are persuaded that the theoretic void regarding the effects of demographic variables on the production mode choice still exists.
Anisotropy in BaFe 2 Se 3 single crystals with double chains of FeSe tetrahedra

We studied the anisotropy in physical properties of Ba${}_{1.00(4)}$Fe${}_{1.9(1)}$Se${}_{3.1(1)}$ single crystals. BaFe${}_{2}$Se${}_{3}$ is a semiconductor below 300 K. Magnetization measurements show that there is a crossover from short-range antiferromagnetic (AFM) correlations at room temperature to a long-range AFM order with ${T}_{N}=255$ K. The anisotropy of magnetization is consistent with the previous neutron results. This crossover is supported by the heat-capacity measurement, where the phase-transition peak is absent at 255 K. The superconducting transition at about 10 K is likely due to the small amount of $\ensuremath{\beta}$-FeSe impurities.
Abstract 3531: Different isoforms of drug-resistant genes may influence breast cancer survival

One major impediment to the success of chemotherapy in cancer patients is the risk of developing drug resistance. One mechanism leading to multidrug resistance in cancer therapy is through the ABC transporters. The eukaryotic ABC genes are organized as transporters containing two transmembrane and two ATP binding domains. Alternative splicing is one major mechanism in which a single gene generates functional diversity by producing different spliced isoforms. To determine the variability of ABC transporters, we performed exhaustive search of the NCBI database for ABC transporter genes, in addition to using the Alternative Splicing Annotation Project (ASAP) and the Alternative Splicing Database (ASD). We conducted immunostaining for MRP1 and MDR1 on tissue micro array of 23 breast cancer patients and RNA mediated annealing, selection, extension and ligation (RASL) assay for analysis of mRNA splicing isoforms which was performed on exon/exon target. Tumor cells from chemotherapy resistant patients show specific expression patterns of drug-resistant ATP-binding cassette transporter. Our data showed alternative splicing in 3 and 4 exon/exon borders in MDR1 and PGP genes. Two splicing events in MDR1 and one in PGP transcripts were predicted to be alternatively spliced in ASAP database. Interestingly, exon11/12 border in MDR1 is found to be alternatively spliced. In summary, protein microarray analysis demonstrated significant correlation between MRP1 expression and survival rate within 5 years. In contrast, MDRI protein expression did not correlate with 5 year survival rate. This may be due to variations in the MDR1 isoforms. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3531.
Parametric modelling of an air-liftable origami-inspired deployable shelter with a novel erection strategy

Lightweight, deployable structures are critical for temporary sheltering in military or disaster relief operations. For these purposes, rigid wall shelters are preferable to soft wall (canvas) solutions since they provide enhanced thermal insulation. However, challenges in implementing rigid wall solutions include transportability and erectability. Toward the former, the art of origami can be utilized as inspiration for a structure which can be folded onto a standardized pallet, thereby enabling it to be transported by air, rail, or truck. For erectability, the authors have proposed an erection strategy based on the principal of counterweighting which can rotate a shelter into position without the use of heavy lifting equipment. This paper presents a parametric finite element model for a rigid wall origami-inspired concept that implements this erection strategy. The model is used to investigate structural performance within the feasible solution space of six independent geometric parameters. These parameters are limited by constraints related to packaged size and capability of interfacing with existing technologies (e.g. kitchens, latrines) in the deployed form. A final design is shown.
L-dopa-induced air-stepping in decerebrate developing rats.

Abstract Developing rats were anesthetized and a precollicular brainstem transection performed. Administration of l -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine ( l -DOPA, 100 mg/kg, s.c.) induced locomotion in groups of animals 0–3, 6–8, 14–16 and 20–22 days of age. At early stages in development (0–3 days), continuous, long-lasting air-stepping was induced consisting of 4-limb walking with stronger alternation in the forelimbs compared to the hindlimbs. At 6–8 days of age, continuous air-stepping was characterized by better agreement between forelimb and hindlimb step cycles. By 14–16 days of age, the hindlimbs showed stronger and faster stepping than the forelimbs. The first evidence of consistent galloping was observed in this age group. In some cases, the forelimbs were held extended and only the hindlimbs walked or galloped. At 20–22 days, walking and galloping became episodic and the hindlimbs typically galloped while the forelimbs alternated. Each age group was tested for overground locomotion. Only in the 20–22 day group was weight-bearing overground stepping observed. At earlier ages, limb alternation was evident but of insufficient strength to lift the body off the ground. In general, the duration of the effect of the same dose of l -DOPA decreased with age. Animals in each group which received a mid-thoracic spinal cord transection showed forelimb alternation but no hindlimb stepping. These results indicate that l -DOPA induces stepping by activating brainstem and/or spinal centers via an as yet unknown mechanism. The pattern of the development of gait (forelimb to hindlimb gradient) at various ages was similar to that observed in intact developing rats.
Left atrial myxoma infected with Histoplasma capsulatum.

Abstract A patient is presented in whom a left atrial myxoma was found to be infected with Histoplasma capsulatum. Histoplasmosis has not been previously associated with this tumor, nor has any fungus without preceding bacterial endocarditis and long-term antibiotic therapy. The clinical course in four previously reported cases of bacterially infected myxoma is reviewed. There have been 18 prior cases of Histoplasma endocarditis and in two the patients have survived. Their clinical presentation and response to therapy are also reviewed, and pertinent therapeutic conclusions drawn. The role of echocardiography in this patient's evaluation and the ultimate successful therapy are discussed.
T-cell senescence: a culprit of immune abnormalities in chronic inflammation and persistent infection

Abstract Long-lived clonal T cells deficient in CD28 expression are commonly found in patients with inflammatory syndromes and persistent infections. Considering that CD28 loss is the most consistent immunological marker of aging, we propose that, in pathological states, CD28 null T cells represent prematurely senescent cells resulting from persistent immune activation. These unusual lymphocytes have aberrant functions that contribute to disease-related immune abnormalities, and the degree of accumulation of CD28 null T cells predicts the severity of clinical manifestations. We suggest that understanding of the biological properties of T cells that have reached replicative senescence will influence the future management of certain diseases. Indeed, studies on the molecular basis for the loss of CD28 are already providing information on methods to functionally rescue senescent T cells.
Optical properties of CdSexTe1−x epitaxial films studied by spectroscopic ellipsometry

We have determined the dielectric constants for a series of CdSexTe1−x thin films grown on Si substrates using a rotating-analyzer spectroscopic ellipsometer. Initially, the alloy concentration and the sample quality were determined using x-ray diffraction. A standard inversion technique was then used to obtain the dielectric constants from the measured ellipsometric spectra. Using these calculated absorption spectra, we were able to estimate the fundamental bandgap for these CdSexTe1−x alloys. In addition, we also determined the dispersion of the indices of refraction as well as the critical points related to the higher-order electronic transitions for this alloy.
A Preview of Pencil Code: A Tool for Developing Mastery of Programming

Pencil Code is an educational programming tool designed to help students overcome common obstacles to advancing to open-ended work with real world languages and libraries. It transitions from visual code to text code with a dual-mode block and text editor; it smooths the leap from guided to open-ended work by integrating tutorials with a general-purpose programming tool; and it bridges the gap from educational functions to standard APIs by including a turtle library that subclasses jQuery.
Vacuum ultraviolet absorption in alkali doped fused silica and silicate glasses

Abstract Optical absorption and reflectance spectra of quartz, alkali doped fused silica, and several simple silicate glasses of high purity were measured in the region extending from 5 to 14 eV. The doping of lithium, sodium and potassium into SiO 2 was observed to introduce optical absorption whose effect was to shift the u.v. edge of the glass to lower energies by several eV. This absorption accounts for the poor transmission of high purity silicate glasses in the far u.v. relative to SiO 2 . The simultaneous introduction of aluminum with the alkali was effective in eliminating most of this absorption. These observations were consistent with the hypothesis that the breakup of the Si-O-Si bonding network is related to the increased u.v. absorption of silicate glasses. At higher energies beyond the u.v. edge, several strong reflectance bands were observed and these have been tentatively assigned to exciton and band-to-band transitions. The data are discussed qualitatively in terms of both molecular orbital and valence bond theories, taking into consideration the increased ionic character of the Si-O bond in the alkali silicate glasses.
Relative incidence of dorsal metacarpal disease in young Thoroughbred racehorses training on two different surfaces

Summary The relative incidence of dorsal metacarpal disease was examined in two groups of Thoroughbred racehorses training on dissimilar surfaces (dirt and wood fibre). The horses and training methods appeared to be similar. The incidence of disease was significantly greater in the group training on dirt. There was no significant difference in the age distribution of incidence between the two groups and there was no association of incidence with sex or age within the training group. The number of fast miles worked by the two groups prior to the onset of dorsal metacarpal disease was lower in the group training on dirt.
Three-quadrant mucosal excision for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

A 77-year-old female presented with a diagnosis of prolapsing hemorrhoids associated with rectal bleeding, a palpable mass and anal discomfort. Three-quadrant hemorrhoidal prolapse was noted on physical exam with an associated polypoid mass (Fig. 1). Lower endoscopy was otherwise negative. Three-quadrant mucosal excision was performed in the prone position to incorporate the mass and scattered satellite nodules. (Fig. 2). The wounds were reapproximated with absorbable sutures (Fig. 3). Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Histology confirmed solitary rectal ulcer (Fig. 4).
Coupled absorption filters for thermal detectors

A resonant absorption cavity that couples long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) light into a movable plate has been demonstrated for thermal detectors, especially microbolometers. Each device is continuously tunable over 8.7-11.1 μm by using electrostatic actuation with voltages from 0 to 42 V. The width of the resonance is relatively broad, approximately 1.5 μm, to match the large widths of many spectral features in the LWIR. At an actuation voltage of 45 V, the device switches into a broadband mode with an absorption width of 2.83 μm. This latter mode is used to enhance sensitivity in low-light situations in which little spectral information is present.
Redox properties of 2[4Fe4S] ferredoxins

Abstract The redox properties of the 2[4Fe4S] ferredoxin isolated from Clostridium pasteurianum were examined directly at an edge pyrolytic graphite electrode using square-wave voltammetry. The direct electrochemical approach was compared with other techniques that have been used to determine the equilibrium reduction potential of this protein. A microcell is described that permits routine electrochemical experiments on small sample volumes (25–50 μl). The electrostatic potentials of a homologous ferrodoxin with a known x-ray crystal structure, which includes the first treatment of net atomic charges in the iron—sulfur clusters, was determined using a macroscopic electrostatic model.
Unconventional ionic hydrogen bonds: CH+⋯π (CC) binding energies and structures of benzene+(acetylene)1–4 clusters

Abstract Rapid condensation of acetylene onto the benzene cation with the addition of up to eight acetylene molecules is observed in the gas phase at 120–140 K forming the C6D6 +(C2H2)n clusters. The binding energies and entropy changes of the stepwise condensation of the first four acetylene molecules onto the benzene cation have been measured and correlated with the calculated lowest energy isomers. The measured binding energies (3–4 kcal/mol) reflect weak charge-induced dipole and (benzene) C Hδ+⋯π C C (acetylene) hydrogen bonding interactions. Associative charge transfer is suggested to activate the cyclization of three acetylene molecules to form a benzene molecule (C6H6).
'Doing Ngoma': a Dominant Trope in African Religion and Healing

A widespread ritual institution in Central and Southern Africa is often referred to, or carries the name, of ngoma, at once the term for drum, as well as drumming or other musical instrumentation, singing, dancing, and the complex of constituent behavior and concepts. Particular manifestations of the institution often carry names denoting a regional or local variant that emerged at a certain time and spread into neighboring regions. Across the region where ngoma type rituals are located-much of Central and Southern Africa, and certain areas of Equatorial Africa-common characteristics include recruitment of those afflicted by a disease, chronic handicap, or social pathology; an initiation-like therapeutic course of several months or years leading from novice to fully-qualified healer status; a redefinition of the self or social group that has been defined as sick, and subsequently stabilized; an etiology of spirit possession that may occasionally be reflected in overt trance, but is often merely hypothesized and dealt with analytically; the tendency to think of the process of going through affliction and healing as a kind of legitimation for other leadership positions in society. This set of features, occasionally in association with the notion ngoma, has usually been studied and presented by scholars as a local, or tribally-particular phenomenon. This view distorts and trivializes the institution. The present paper is a distillation of a decade-long study of ngoma that has been historical and comparative in scope. This work will be published shortly in a complete monograph.1
Lattice study of conformal behavior in SU(3) Yang-Mills theories

Using lattice simulations, we study the extent of the conformal window for an SU(3) gauge theory with ${N}_{f}$ Dirac fermions in the fundamental representation. We extend our recently reported work, describing the general framework and the lattice simulations in more detail. We find that the theory is conformal in the infrared for ${N}_{f}=12$, governed by an infrared fixed point, whereas the ${N}_{f}=8$ theory exhibits confinement and chiral symmetry breaking. We therefore conclude that the low end of the conformal window ${N}_{f}^{\mathrm{c}}$ lies in the range $8\ensuremath{\le}{N}_{f}^{\mathrm{c}}\ensuremath{\le}12$. We discuss open questions and the potential relevance of the present work to physics beyond the standard model.
Behavior of nursery/peer-reared and mother-reared rhesus monkeys from birth through 2 years of age

The behavior of 8 nursery/peer-reared and 16 mother-only reared rhesus macaques was observed between birth and 5 months of age, with follow-up studies conducted when the animals were 10–21 months old and living in large social groups. Nursery-reared neonates were more awake, active, and irritable than mother-only reared monkeys. From 1 to 5 months of age the nursery/peer-reared animals exhibited a greater variety of behaviors than the mother-only reared infants, which spent the majority of the time in ventral contact with mothers. As juveniles the groups were indistinguishable with the exception of more self-directed behaviors observed in the nursery/peer-reared monkeys. Both rearing conditions, by virtue of their atypicality, imposed restrictions on social development. The behavioral similarity of the juveniles while in the large social group may be a function of maturation or due to the rehabilitative effect of the large social group.
Bush Administration Strategic Policy: A Reality Check

The outlines of the Bush administration's strategic policy direction were visible in some of the relatively early statements on the subject by the newly-elected president. For example, in his speec...
Propranolol induces contractions of canine small and large coronary arteries.

Using isolated canine small (right coronary branch, left coronary branch; o. d. 0.4–0.8 mm) and large (left coronary, circumflex; o. d. 1–2 mm) coronary arteries, thebeta-adrenergic antagonist dl-propranolol (5×10−7 to 5×10−5 m/l) was found to produce concentration-dependent contractions. Interestingly, most of these contractile events take place with concentrations of propranolol (0.1–1 μg/ml) found in the blood of patients who are taking this drug for various therapeutic reasons. These propranolol-induced contractions were enhanced in Krebs-Ringer solution containing slightly elevated (weak contractile) concentrations of potassium (15 mmol/l). Experiments with specific pharmacologic antagonists indicated that propranolol-induced contractions on canine coronary arteries can not be mediated by release (or inhibition) of catecholamines, histamine, sertonin or acetycholine. Propranolol contractions could be relaxed by low concentrations of potassium ions (4 mmol/l), suggesting that thebeta receptor antagonist might inactivate coronary arterial membrane Na+, K+-ATPase. Other experiments demonstrated that propranolol can enhance coronary arterial membrane permeability to calcium ions; these observations suggest that propranolol might sensitize coronary vascular smooth muscle cells to calcium ions. Removal of calcium ions from the Krebs-Ringer solution or addition of the calcium entry blocker, verapamil, prevented completely the propranolol-induced contractions. Catecholamines (i.e., epinephrine, norepinephrine, isoproterenol), which normally induce relaxation on these isolated coronary arteries, always induced contraction after use of dl-propranolol. Overall, these experiments suggest that the so-called “beta-blocker poisoning” sometimes noted with propranolol in patients might be brought about by four actions of this drug acting in concert: 1. direct coronary arterial vasospasm; 2. an unmasking of normally silentalpha-adrenergic receptors, thus allowing circulating and released catecholamines to induce potent coronary constriction; 3. attenuation of membrane Na+, K+-ATPase activity; and 4. an enhancement of coronary vascular smooth muscle membrane permeability to calcium ions.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF MALIGNANT TUMORS OF THE OSSEOUS PELVIS

The medical records, conventional radiographs, bone scans and pelvic CT scans obtained in 50 consecutive patients with malignant lesions involving the osseous pelvis were retrospectively reviewed. In 21 patients with primary bone tumors or with osseous involvement from adjacent pelvic neoplasms, CT provided additional information, in 17 patients (80%) which had direct bearing in the clinical management. CT was less useful in 29 patients with bony metastases. Although more information was obtained, this was of clinical significance in only 12 patients.
An analysis of the department of the Army photograph and the impact on Army promotion board scores

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the Department of the Army Photograph (DA Photo) to Army promotion and selection boards. One hundred and eighty-four officers, represen...
Domain specificity of spatial expertise: The case of video game players.

Two experiments examined whether video game expertise transfers to performance on measures of spatial ability. In Experiment 1, skilled Tetris players outperformed non-Tetris players on mental rotation of shapes that were either identical to or very similar to Tetris shapes, but not on other tests of spatial ability. The pattern of performance on those mental rotation tasks revealed that skilled Tetris Players used the same mental rotation procedures as non-Tetris players, but when Tetris shapes were used, they executed them more quickly. In Experiment 2, non-Tetris players who received 12 hours of Tetris-playing experience did not differ from matched control students in pretest-to-posttest gains on tests of spatial ability. However, Tetris-experienced participants were more likely to use an alternative type of mental rotation for Tetris shapes than were Tetris-inexperienced participants. The results suggest that spatial expertise is highly domain-specific and does not transfer broadly to other domains. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INTENSITY RESOLUTION AND LOUDNESS IN BROADBAND NOISE

Intensity resolution and loudness matching behavior for pure tones was studied in quiet and in two levels of noise (15 and 40 dB spectrum level) to test the predictions of several models for relating these phenomena. Five normally hearing listeners participated. The Weber functions in noise were elevated compared to the ones in quiet when comparisons were made at equal sound‐pressure levels (SPLs). Loudness matching functions (dB SPL in quiet versus dB SPL in noise) showed a slope greater than unity. Modified power functions with threshold corrections were fitted to the matching data to estimate the loudness function exponent. The best‐fitting loudness exponent for individual and group data (range=0.24–0.35) was in the range of values typically found using magnitude estimation procedures for the loudness equation yielding the best fit. Three models for predicting Weber functions from loudness were evaluated with this loudness representation. One of these models, the subjective analog to Weber’s law, yield...
Antigen presenting capacity of brain microvasculature in altered peptide ligand modulation of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

Co-immunization with an altered peptide ligand (LR) partially protects SJL mice from proteolipid protein peptide 139-151-induced experimental allergic encephalomyelitis [Kuchroo, V.K., Greer, J.M., Kaul, D., Ishioka, G.Y., Franco, A., Sette, A., Sobel, R.A., Lees, M.B., 1994. A single TCR antagonist peptide inhibits experimental allergic encephalomyelitis mediated by a diverse T cell repertoire. J. Immunol. 153, 3326-3336; Santambrogio, L., Lees, M.B., Sobel, R.A., 1998. Altered peptide ligand modulation of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis: immune responses within the CNS. J. Neuroimmunol. 81, 1-13]. Clinical protection was noted despite extensive central nervous system inflammation observed after co-immunization with native and altered peptides. To extend our previous reports on this model, we now compare MHC class II expression and antigen presenting cell activity of cells associated with the blood-brain barrier in diseased and protected mice. Immunohistochemical studies identified MHC class II products on both the endothelial and microglial/macrophage populations. Ex vivo experiments suggested a correlation between the reduced clinical disease observed in the co-immunized mice and the antigen presenting activity of cells at the blood-brain barrier. The results suggest that antigen presenting activity is primarily mediated by macrophage-lineage cells of the central nervous system.
Sex-Based Sentencing: Sentencing Discrepancies Between Male and Female Sex Offenders

The current research examines the utility of the evil woman hypothesis by examining sentencing discrepancies between male and female sex offenders. National Corrections Reporting Program data are used to identify sex offenders for the years 1994 to 2004 and the sentences they received for specific sex offenses. Statistical analyses reveal a significant difference in sentence length between men and women, but not in the expected direction. The evil woman hypothesis would assume women are sentenced more harshly, but data show men receive longer sentences for sex offenses than women. Support is provided for the chivalry hypothesis to explain immediate sentencing disparity.
Prokaryotic promoters in the chloroplast DNA replication origin of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

In Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, one displacement loop region which initiates the replication of chloroplast DNA was located on a 1.05 kb restriction fragment. This fragment was cloned and sequenced. In this report, the galK expression plasmid, pK01 was used to screen for the presence of any prokaryotic promoter within the cloned fragment. The insertion of 2 AluI fragments yielded galK+ colonies. Sequence analyses of these Alul inserts revealed prokaryotic promoter consensus regions. Cloning into pKOTWI and subsequent DNA sequencing were used to determine the promoter-active orientation of each insert. Two back-to-back prokaryotic promoters were mapped on a 79 by Alul fragment located within the displacement loop region.
Gubernatorial Politics and the Evolution Toward Democratic Federalism in Mexico

Abstract This article evaluates the evolution of democratic federalism in Mexico through a case study of central government involvement in the selection and removal of governors in the state of Yucatan. The research address debates regarding the nature of federalism in authoritarian systems and on the dynamics of democratization in a federal context. First, it challenges conventional characterizations of state politicians in authoritarian systems as submissive and lacking autonomy vis-a-vis the centre. Instead, the case demonstrates that regional political bosses can exercise an important constraint on the powers of national-level rulers by requiring that they select governors acceptable to local political elites. A second issue is to what extent national or subnational political change drives transitions from authoritarian rule. Recent literature on the Mexican case has emphasized the impact of state and local democratization on national-level change. In contrast, this study's analysis of reforms in the ...
A finite‐element technique for coupled reaction and heat transfer analysis with negligible mass diffusion

A technique is developed for solving a coupled reaction and heat transfer problem in which mass diffusion is negligible. The energy equation is solved by the conventional finite-element method with temperature unknowns at the nodes, while the reaction kinetics is incorporated with reaction variables at the Gauss points in each element. As examples, cure of SMC (sheet moulding compound) in a cylinder and cure of rubber in an engine mount are analysed using a mechanistic and a phenomenological reaction model, respectively.
Axonal Degeneration and Axonal Caliber Alterations following Combined β,β′-lminodipropionitrile (IDPN) and Acrylamide Administration

A new model of neurofilamentous axonal abnormality is described which employs combined administration of β,β′-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) and acrylamide (AC). The model was developed to test the hypothesis that IDPN-induced swelling increases the vulnerability of the distal axon to a second neurotoxic chemical insult. Rats were given a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of IDPN (1.5 g/kg) one week before receiving a single injection of AC (75 mg/kg, IP). Axonal degeneration was observed at multiple levels along the sciatic nerve at two weeks (with reference to IDPN administration), and was not progressive up to five weeks. Quantitation of degenerating fibers demonstrated that the extent of degeneration increased distally along the sciatic nerve. Single administration of either IDPN or AC did not produce degeneration. Thus, IDPN-induced neurofilamentous swellings alter the susceptibility of the axon to AC neurotoxicity. Two variations of this model were also studied. First, rats given five daily injections of AC (30 mg/kg, IP) beginning one week following IDPN administration developed accumulations of fast axonally transported materials in IDPN-induced microtubule channels. Second, rats given chronic injections of AC (30 mg/kg, IP, five days/week, for four weeks), to reduce the delivery of neurofilaments to the proximal axon, developed less prominent axonal enlargements when challenged with IDPN. Thus, axonal atrophy can mask the development of neurofilamentous axonal swellings.
Numerical solution of the Yamanouchi model for core spray cooling.

Abstract The Yamanouchi model is used in the evaluation of the emergency spray system for a postulated loss-of-coolant accident for boiling water reactors. As originally proposed, Yamanouchi developed his model to predict the progressive rewetting of fuel rods exposed to spray cooling. The model has been adapted to the rewetting of the metal wall shroud which encloses the fuel rod bundle. Yamanouchi's analytical solution is valid only after a constant velocity front of the wetted surface is attained. This note shows that the time necessary to establish the constant velocity front is not significant. A model describing the transient motion of the water film on a metal surface was solved numerically employing the Crank—Nicolson implicit scheme. The results represent an extension of the Yamanouchi model and provide insight toward resolving more realistic cases.
VISCOSITY ESTIMATION IN BINARY AND TERNARY SUPERCRITICAL FLUID MIXTURES CONTAINING CARBON DIOXIDE USING A SUPERCRITICAL FLUID CHROMATOGRAPH

Design of industrial processes that use supercritical fluids requires knowing the viscosity to predict the pressure drop required to achieve a given flow. The viscosities of many pure substances such as carbon dioxide, methanol, and other commonly used organic solvents have been published. Far less information is available for binary mixtures of carbon dioxide with organic modifiers, and almost no information is available for ternary mixtures. We present a simple method for estimating viscosity based on the expected proportionality of viscosity with pressure drop when a fluid is pumped through a packed column. Estimates can be made quickly using a supercritical fluid chromatograph. We report estimated viscosities for mixtures of carbon dioxide with methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, cyclohexane, toluene, and 95% ethanol.
On stability of 1D exact inverse methods

It is well known that despite the fact that one-dimensional inverse methods are well developed there are still difficulties when these methods are applied to real seismic data. There are several reasons why these methods usually fail. Real seismic data are corrupted by noise. The data typically do not contain the low and high frequencies. This can dramatically degrade the reconstruction of the acoustic impedance as well as affect the resolution. The stability of one-dimensional exact methods is considered. Despite the fact that all these methods require the source time function to be a Dirac delta-function, the author examines the possibility of applying these methods to an arbitrary source function. It is shown that the results of the inversion procedure are very sensitive to the characteristics of the source wavelet chosen for inversion. In practice (in exploration geophysics, for example) it is almost impossible to measure the source wavelet precisely. Therefore, it appears very important to known in which cases small errors in the source wavelet will not cause large errors in a solution. (In other words, in which cases the problem will be well-posed even though the source time function is not impulsive.) Based on the analysis presented the author draws the conclusion that small uncertainties inherent in the estimate of the source spectrum can lead to severe instabilities in the low-frequency portion of its spectrum whereas small uncertainties in the high-frequency portion of the source spectrum hardly affect the recoverability of the acoustic impedance.
Financing the unemployment insurance system and the interest group theory of government

responsibility for the administration of its unemployment insurance program subject to the mandate that it maintain an 'adequate' balance in its individual trust fund.1 In each state, employers pay a tax rate based on their unemployment experience, starting with some set minimum rate for relatively low unemployment firms and increasing to some set maximum rate for relatively high unemployment firms. The extent of experience rating, as measured by the spread between the minimum and maximum rates, varies substantially across the states. This paper uses the rent-seeking model of regulation to explain the pattern of unemployment insurance tax rates across the states. Unlike most observers, we recognize that government provision of unemployment insurance, even in the public interest, will have the natural and unavoidable consequences of increasing unemployment and creating cross subsidies. Hence, these results, which so many researchers have found, are not sufficient evidence to reject the public interest model or to suggest changes in the system. We identify a private interest model in which a state's dominant industry will attempt to manipulate the tax rate structure. This industry will attempt to generate greater subsidies if it is characterized by high unemployment, or to reduce the degree of unemployment subsidization if this industry is characterized by low unemployment. As predicted by the rent-seeking model of government, we find a negative relationship between the unemployment level of the state's dominant industry and the experience rating of the state's UI program.
Free functioning gracilis transfer for traumatic brachial plexus injuries in children.

Purpose To report our technique and experience with use of free functioning muscle transfer (FFMT) in reconstruction of traumatic brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) in children as well as its complications and outcomes. Methods Twelve patients with complete BPI underwent FFMT for reconstruction between 2000 and 2012. Eight had single-stage gracilis transfer for restoration of elbow flexion, and 4 children had double free gracilis muscle transfer for restoration of elbow flexion and prehension. Mean duration of follow-up was 27 months (range, 14–55 mo). Results Eleven out of 12 patients achieved at least M3 elbow flexion, with 8 patients achieving M4 or greater elbow flexion. Eight of 12 patients had nerve transfers to the musculocutaneous nerve. Mean active elbow arc of motion was 79° (range, 30°–130°). Two patients aged 8 and 11 years with open growth plates developed elbow joint contractures, which limited range of motion, but they recovered M4 and M5 elbow flexion strength. Conclusions FFMTs can result in good outcomes following reconstruction for traumatic BPI. The use of FFMT should be carefully considered in children prior to skeletal maturity because of the risk of the development of an elbow flexion contracture. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
THE FUTURE OF HOME NETWORKING

Abstract (40-Word Limit): The proliferation of smart consumer devices and of the emerging high-bandwidth user applications has a strong impact on the requirements put on in-home networks. After performance evaluation of state-of-the-art home networking technologies used today, we have observed a significant gap between the current network performance and user requirements. In this talk, we will discuss technical challenges and key components of potential solutions that the industry should develop in order meet the desired home networking performance requirements.
Nuclear magnetic resonance-based analysis of urine for the rapid etiological diagnosis of pneumonia

Importance of the field: Pneumonia is an acute infectious illness of the lower respiratory tract that is difficult to diagnose owing to the large number of possible pathogens. At present there is no single test capable of rapidly determining the etiology of pneumonia in patients. Areas covered in this review: This article reviews current approaches for diagnosing the cause of pneumonia and discusses the potential for the development of clinically relevant metabolomics assays. It also examines the possibility of using NMR spectroscopy as an analytical tool for this application. What the reader will gain: The reader will be introduced to metabolomics as it pertains to infectious disease, including two recent articles on metabolomic profiles in pneumonia as well as NMR technology in order to gain a better understanding of the development of this technology as it pertains to the field of pneumonia diagnostics. Take home message: NMR-based metabolomics may lend itself to rapid diagnosis of the etiology of pneu...
A Bound on the Solution to a Structured Sylvester Equation with an Application to Relative Perturbation Theory

Assuming only that the spectra of A and B are disjoint as opposed to the more restrictive assumption previously used, we obtain a bound in all unitarily invariant norms on the solution to the structured Sylvester equation AX - XB = A1/2EB1/2. This bound is the first of its kind in all unitarily invariant norms under only the disjointedness assumption. An application of the bound to the relative perturbation theory for scaled Hermitian eigenvalue problems is given.
The Cumulative Influence of Depth and Flatness Information on the Perception of Size in Pictorial Representations

It long has been recognized that depth and flatness information influence the perception of size in pictures. However, never has their combined influence been factorially examined and quantified. Using the Ponzo illusion as a model, three experiments, using young adult observers, explored this combined influence. Results showed that the salience of depth information and the salience of flatness information had a cumulative impact on size perception such that, for example, the combined effects of higher depth salience and lower flatness salience produced responses more closely approaching size constancy than did other combinations of depth and flatness salience. Furthermore, females' size perception more closely approached size constancy than did that of males, although this difference disappeared in conditions where depth salience was particularly low. The three experiments are discussed in terms of the interaction between depth and flatness and its implications for perceiving size in pictures, and possib...
Flow-Flash Kinetics of O2Binding to Cytochrome c Oxidase at Elevated [O2]: Observations Using High-Pressure Stopped-Flow for Gaseous Reactants

Abstract A high-pressure stopped-flow apparatus developed in our laboratories provides the capability to use dissolved gaseous reactants at elevated concentrations in solution (in equilibrium with gas pressures up to ca. 30 atm) for measurement of reaction kinetics. We have used this apparatus to follow the reaction of dioxygen with bovine cytochrome c oxidase following photolysis of the fully reduced CO ligated enzyme up to a dioxygen concentration of 16 mM. The observed rate dependence on [O2] follows saturation kinetics and was fit to a limiting rate of 1.0 × 106s−1. This value is approximately the same as that for the thermal loss of CO to solution from the transient CuBbound state formed upon photolysis of the heme-CO complex. Implications for the mechanism of O2binding and reduction by the heme-copper oxidases are discussed.
Therapy in neuromuscular disease

The therapy of myasthenia gravis and inflammatory myopathy are discussed in detail in this article. The discussion of these two disorders illustrates the extraordinary progress that has been achieved in the therapy of neuromuscular disease.
Reconstruction of acquired auricular deformity

The position of the external ear predisposes it to both traumatic injury and malignancy. The intricate anatomy of the auricle, with its multiple concave and convex surfaces, makes reconstruction challenging. This article explores methods of auricular reconstruction for otohematoma, lacerations, lobule tears, avulsion injuries, and a variety of oncologic defects. Reconstruction techniques focus on restoration of both form and function with an esthetically pleasing result.
Dietary fiber and coronary disease: Does the evidence support an association?

Large, prospective, epidemiologic studies show a protective effect of dietary fiber against coronary heart disease (CHD) and form the basis for new recommendations from the National Academy of Science for fiber intake (38 and 25 g/d for young men and women, respectively, based on an intake of 14 g of fiber per 1000 kcal). Mechanisms by which fibers may protect against CHD include lowering blood cholesterol (soluble fibers), attenuating blood triglyceride levels (mostly soluble fibers), decreasing hypertension (all fibers), and normalizing postprandial blood glucose levels (all fibers). An important consideration in making diet recommendations to protect against CHD is that the total amount of fiber from fiber-containing foods is important, and individuals should not just be counseled to focus on soluble fiber.
A method to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms accounting for a linkage signal using covariate-based affected relative pair linkage analysis

We evaluate an approach to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that account for a linkage signal with covariate-based affected relative pair linkage analysis in a conditional-logistic model framework using all 200 replicates of the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 family data set. We begin by combining the multiple known covariate values into a single variable, a propensity score. We also use each SNP as a covariate, using an additive coding based on the number of minor alleles. We evaluate the distribution of the difference between LOD scores with the propensity score covariate only and LOD scores with the propensity score covariate and a SNP covariate. The inclusion of causal SNPs in causal genes increases LOD scores more than the inclusion of noncausal SNPs either within causal genes or outside causal genes. We compare the results from this method to results from a family-based association analysis and conclude that it is possible to identify SNPs that account for the linkage signals from genes using a SNP-covariate-based affected relative pair linkage approach.
Weighted specific-category kappa measure of interobserver agreement.

When two observers classify a sample of items using the same categorical scale, and when different disagreements are differentially weighted, the weighted Kappa (Kw) by Cohen may serve as a measure...
Dangerous Science: Online Promotion of Unproven Stem Cell Therapies and Global Health Risks

Stem cell-based therapies represent a potential pathway for a new era of 21 st century regenerative medicine. In support of this new form of treatment, a global multibillion-dollar research endeavor is currently underway in an effort to establish a scientific evidence base for safe and effective clinical use of stem cells. At present, due to its early stages, only a few stem cell therapies are approved for use. Yet despite very limited evidence-based data, a proliferation of questionable and often illegal stem cell providers around the world are now offering unfettered access to largely experimental stem cell treatment claiming cures for virtually any disease or condition. These stem cell clinics promote their services globally to patients using unregulated Internet and forms of direct-to-consumer advertising. In this paper we examine marketing characteristics of these questionable stem cell clinics and discuss pathways of access through the globalization of medical tourism. We conclude with an examination of the similarities between unproven stem cell therapy access and illicit online pharmacies and explore possible lessons that can be learned to inform future global regulation and policymaking in this arena.
Observation of dynamic extinction from high-order Laue zones by convergent beam electron diffraction

Abstract The rules for the observation of the dynamical extinction of some kinematically forbidden reflections in convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED), due to the presence of complicated interaction among glide planes or/and screw axes in the crystalline samples, are examined. This interaction is manifested by the characteristics of the sum of the indices h + k + l , which will show up when the high-order Laue zones (HOLZ) are involved in CBED work. Then the complication of interpreting possible dynamic extinction arises. A procedure is therefore devised to decompose a multi-scattering process into basic kinematical scattering steps which can then be rigorously analyzed on the basis of the well-documented knowledge of X-ray crystallography, without relying on the sometimes deceptive intuitive argument. The usefulness of the decomposition table is demonstrated with two examples.
Flexible vs. Rigid dieting strategies: relationship with adverse behavioral outcomes.

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that different types of dieting strategies are associated with different behavioral outcomes by investigating the relationship of dieting behaviors with overeating, body mass and mood. A sample of 223 adult male and female participants from a large community were studied. Only a small proportion of the sample (18%) was seeking weight loss treatment, though almost half (49.3%) of the subjects were significantly overweight (body mass index, BMI>30). Subjects were administered questionnaires measuring dietary restraint, overeating, depression and anxiety. Measurements of height and weight were also obtained in order to calculate BMI. Canonical correlation was performed to evaluate the relationship of dietary restraint variables with overeating variables, body mass, depression and anxiety. The strongest canonical correlation (r=0.65) was the relationship between flexible dieting and the absence of overeating, lower body mass and lower levels of depression and anxiety. The second strongest canonical correlation (r=0.59) associated calorie counting and conscious dieting with overeating while alone and increased body mass. The third canonical correlation (r=0.57) found a relationship between low dietary restraint and binge eating. The results support the hypothesis that overeating and other adverse behaviors and moods are associated with the presence or absence of certain types of dieting behavior.