cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fixed-Income Securities and the January Effect

The authors analyze the January effect in fixed-income securities using stochastic dominance analysis. They define the January effect as the superior return performance observed in financial securities during January relative to other months, suggesting that other authors have observed that effect in several asset classes, such as common stock, preferred stock, securitized mortgages, and real estate investment trusts. Comparing January return distributions of corporate and government fixed-income portfolios to those of other months, they find some evidence of superior January return performance in risky, high-yield bonds but none in high-grade bonds. They conclude by advising investors seeking to exploit the January effect in fixed-income securities to focus on low-grade bonds and to avoid high-grade bonds.
Relation of SNR thresholds for time delay estimation to available prior information

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) thresholds in time delay estimation are discussed. At very low signal-to-noise ratios, mean square estimation errors are dominated by prior information because of the high probability of large errors in an extended search region. At higher SNR values mean square errors are dominated by the measured data unless the lack of prior information is extreme. Barankin bound techniques are used to show that the transition occurs in the range 1 >
The computer as a problem solving tool: a unifying view for a non-majors course

At Villanova University we have a popular course for non-majors focused on problem solving with computers, taught using our own lecture and lab materials. This paper seeks to describe the essence of the problem solving course by focusing on an assignment that is given after the first unit of the course has been completed. This assignment, writing an essay about how someone uses a computer to solve a problem, requires the application of most of the topics of the first third of the course and is very representative of the spirit of the course as a whole.
Non-cyclic class groups and the Brumer–Stark conjecture

Abstract For an odd prime number p, we consider the p-primary part of the Brumer–Stark conjecture for a cyclic extension K / k of number fields of degree 2p. We extend earlier work of Greither, Roblot, and Tangedal (2004) [4] by proving the conjecture when the minus component of the p-primary part of the class group of K is not a cyclic Galois module. Consequently, we are able to prove the full Brumer–Stark conjecture for some new classes of number field extensions.
Effects of high-frequency synaptic stimulation on glumate receptor binding studied with a modified in vitro hippocampal slice preparation.

Slices of the field CA1 minus the stratum moleculare were prepared from the rat hippocampus and maintained in an in vitro recording chamber. The physiological properties of these ‘minislices’ were similar to those reported for non-dissected hippocampal slices. Slices receiving various patterns of electrical stimulation through multiple electrodes were subsequently homogenized and crude membrane fractions prepared; the binding of [3H]glutamate was measured by a rapid filtration assay. Binding in membranes prepared from control slices exhibited kinetic properties and sensitivities to pharmacological and ionic manipulations which were comparable to those found in previous studies using conventional fractionation and assay techniques. Brief bursts of high-frequency stimulation increased [3H]glutamate binding compared to non-stimulated controls in 3 separate experiments. Stimulation at low frequency or at high frequency in low calcium medium did not produce this effect. In addition to suggesting that glutamate binding sites are regulated by patterns of afferent activity, these findings indicate that the minislice preparation should be of general utility in relating synaptic physiology to synaptic chemistry.
SU-GG-J-147: Pitfalls of the ITV and PTV Dose in Thoracic Anatomy and Composite 4D Dose Calculation

Propose: To point out conceptual errors in the ITV and PTV dose of thoracic anatomy with composite 4D dose calculation. Method and materials:Organs in the thorax and upper abdomen are susceptible to respiration induced internal organ motion. Due to organ motion, the dose delivered to tissues may differ from the planned dose. Four‐dimensional CTimaging and elastic image registration of the 4DCT images can be used in the delivered dose estimation. First, a treatment plan was generated on one of the CTimage sets in the 4DCT. The plan parameters were copied to the remaining 3DCT images and the dose was recalculated on each individual image; next, the recalculated doses were warped to the reference CT to form a composite 4D dose using transformation fields obtained from elastic image registration of the 4DCT. The composite 4D dose was treated as an accurate estimation of the dose delivered to the patient. In the literature, variation of the ITV and PTV doses corresponding to the different respiratory phases has been reported. In this study, using a stereotactic body radiation therapy of lung tumor as an example, we point out conceptual errors in the delivered dose estimation. Results: It was shown that the ITV‐based SBRT plans can delivery the prescribed dose to the tumor (GTV). However, the tissues constituting the ITV, and hence the PTV, in the context of mobile anatomy depend on the particular phase of the respiration cycle. Conclusion: The comparison of the ITV and PTV dose at different respiratory phases is erroneous. Its usage can easily lead to the incorrect calculations of the delivered dose to the patient. We therefore believe that while the ITV and PTV can be used to guide the addition of treatment margins, 4D dose calculations are only relevant to the GTV.
Target Practice: Modeling Tumors with Stem Cells

A variant neoplastic line of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) displays unique tumorigenic properties, including enhanced self-renewal and survival, and aberrant blockade in differentiation. Sachlos et al. adopted a neoplastic hPSC differentiation platform to screen small molecules that selectively induce differentiation of cancer stem cells.
Andreev states near short-ranged pairing potential impurities.

We study Andreev states near atomic scale modulations in the pairing potential in both $s$- and $d$-wave superconductors with short coherence lengths. For a moderate reduction of the local gap, the states exist only close to the gap edge. If one allows for local sign changes of the order parameter, however, resonances can occur at energies close to the Fermi level. The local density of states (LDOS) around such pairing potential defects strongly resembles the patterns observed by tunneling measurements around Zn impurities in ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}{\mathrm{CaCu}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{8+x}$ (BSCCO). We discuss how this phase impurity model of the Zn LDOS pattern can be distinguished from other proposals experimentally.
The onset of metamorphism in ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites

Ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites of the lowest petrologic types were surveyed by Xray mapping techniques. A variety of metamorphic effects were noted and subjected to detailed analysis using electron microprobe, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and cathodoluminescence (CL) methods. The distribution of Cr in FeO-rich olivine systematically changes as metamorphism increases between type 3.0 and type 3.2. Igneous zoning patterns are replaced by complex ones and Cr-rich coatings develop on all grains. Cr distributions in olivine are controlled by the exsolution of a Cr-rich phase, probably chromite. Cr in olivine may have been partly present as tetrahedrally coordinated Cr3+. Separation of chromite is nearly complete by petrologic type 3.2. The abundance of chondrules showing an inhomogeneous distribution of alkalis in mesostasis also increases with petrologic type. TEM shows this to be the result of crystallization of albite. Residual glass compositions systematically change during metamorphism, becoming increasingly rich in K. Glass in type I chondrules also gains alkalis during metamorphism. Both types of chondrules were open to an exchange of alkalis with opaque matrix and other chondrules. The matrix in the least metamorphosed chondrites is rich in S and Na. The S is lost from the matrix at the earliest stages of metamorphism due to coalescence of minute grains. Progressive heating also results in the loss of sulfides from chondrule rims and increases sulfide abundances in coarse matrix assemblages as well as inside chondrules. Alkalis initially leave the matrix and enter chondrules during early metamorphism. Feldspar subsequently nucleates in the matrix and Na re-enters from chondrules. These metamorphic trends can be used to refine classification schemes for chondrites. Cr distributions in olivine are a highly effective tool for assigning petrologic types to the most primitive meteorites and can be used to subdivide types 3.0 and 3.1 into types 3.00 through 3.15. On this basis, the most primitive ordinary chondrite known is Semarkona, although even this meteorite has experienced a small amount of metamorphism. Allan Hills (ALH) A77307 is the least metamorphosed CO chondrite and shares many properties with the ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Acfer 094. Analytical problems are significant for glasses in type II chondrules, as Na is easily lost during microprobe analysis. As a result, existing schemes for chondrule classification that are based on the alkali content of glasses need to be revised.
On the relation between the energy gap and the critical temperature

Abstract It is shown that the ratio β = ϵ/Tc (ϵ is the energy gap at T = OK) saturates with increasing strength of the electron-phonon interaction; the value βmax is calculated. The special case of a multigap superconductor is discussed. New high-Tc superconductors present a unique oppurtunity to observe a multigap structure.
TEM based analysis of III-Sb VECSELs on GaAs substrates for improved laser performance.

The antimonide based vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers (VECSELs) operating in the 1.8 to 2.8 Tm wavelength range are typically based on InGaAsSb/AlGaAsSb quantum wells on AlAsSb/GaSb distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) grown lattice-matched on GaSb substrates. The ability to grow such antimonide VECSEL structures on GaAs substrates can take advantage of the superior AlAs based etch-stop layers and mature DBR technology based on GaAs substrates. The growth of such III-Sb VECSELs on GaAs substrates is non-trivial due to the 7.78% lattice mismatch between the antimonide based active region and the GaAs/AlGaAs DBR. The challenge is therefore to reduce the threading dislocation density in the active region without a very thick metamorphic buffer and this is achieved by inducing 90 ° interfacial mist dislocation arrays between the GaSb and GaAs layers. In this presentation we make use of cross section transmission electron microscopy to analyze a variety of approaches to designing and growing III-Sb VECSELs on GaAs substrates to achieve a low threading dislocation density. We shall demonstrate the failure mechanisms in such growths and we analyze the extent to which the threading dislocations are able to permeate a thick active region. Finally, we present growth strategies and supporting results showing low-defect density III-Sb VECSEL active regions on GaAs.
Plasma drag on a dust grain due to Coulomb collisions

Expressions are given for the drag due to Coulomb collisions on a charged dust grain moving through a plasma. The commonly used Chandrasekhar (1943) result does not include large scattering angles or plasma collective effects. An equation given by Morfill et al. (1980) which does include large scattering angles, is limited to one-dimensional plasma particle motion and can give at least an order of magnitude too much drag. This paper also makes use of an analogy between the drag problem and problems in electrostatics. This analogy permits generalization to any isotropic plasma of an observation made by Chandrasekhar for a Maxwellian, namely, that the drag is independent of the presence or absence of plasma particles moving faster than the grain. Finally, the contribution of plasma collective effects to the drag is studied with the inclusion of large scattering angles.
Sintering of Alkanethiol-Capped Gold and Platinum Nanoclusters

One of the unusual properties of metal nanoclusters is the size dependence of the melting temperature. Studies show that the melting temperature is a decreasing function of the cluster diameter, although the actual dependence is not known, due to the difficulties associated with the experimental measurements. We have synthesized narrow dispersity alkanethiol-functionalized Au and Pt nanoclusters in inverse micellar solutions and have measured the sintering temperatures of these films using a capacitance technique to determine the onset of film conductivity. Cluster sintering is accompanied by pronounced optical changes and a thermal signature that can be observed in differential thermal analysis. The large optical absorbance of nanocluster films makes laser sintering a practical method for the formation of metallization layers.
Chemistry and Biosynthesis of the Hypothalamic Releasing and Inhibiting Neurohormones

The hypothalamus secretes hormones which in turn affect the release of hormones from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Evidence has so far been adduced for the existence of seven hypothalamic releasing hormones and three inhibiting hormones. These neurohormones are all oligopeptides and occur in only nanogram amounts in the hypothalamus. The study of synthetic analogs has provided valuable information regarding their mechanism of action.
Lateral migration of a rigid sphere in torsional flow of a viscoelastic fluid

A single polystyrene sphere of radius a, between 141 and 275 micron, when in jected into a disk-plate (torsional) flow of polybutene (viscosity 36 poise, Mn ∼680), migrates radially inward at a rate that is dramatically increased by dissolving 1% of a high-molecular-weight polyisobutylene (Mv ∼106) to make the fluid viscoelastic. The torsional flow field was created by rotating a 21-cm-diameter disk at a rate ω of 6–9 rpm with a gap H of 3.7–5.4 mm between this and a ground glass plate with the fluid in the gap. Lateral migration toward a lower shear rate increased with increasing shear rate and with increasing shear rate gradient in the manner predicted by Brunn (1976) or Chan and Leal (1977). Shear rates up to 25 s−1 were investigated. Below a shear rate of 8 s−1 the radial migration velocity is of the form vr = − L(ωa/H)2r, where L is a positive constant containing the fluid properties, and r is the radial position of the particle.
XRHAMM Functions in Ran-Dependent Microtubule Nucleation and Pole Formation during Anastral Spindle Assembly

Abstract Background: The regulated assembly of microtubules is essential for bipolar spindle formation. Depending on cell type, microtubules nucleate through two different pathways: centrosome-driven or chromatin-driven. The chromatin-driven pathway dominates in cells lacking centrosomes. Results: Human RHAMM (receptor for hyaluronic-acid-mediated motility) was originally implicated in hyaluronic-acid-induced motility but has since been shown to associate with centrosomes and play a role in astral spindle pole integrity in mitotic systems. We have identified the Xenopus ortholog of human RHAMM as a microtubule-associated protein that plays a role in focusing spindle poles and is essential for efficient microtubule nucleation during spindle assembly without centrosomes. XRHAMM associates both with γ-TuRC, a complex required for microtubule nucleation and with TPX2, a protein required for microtubule nucleation and spindle pole organization. Conclusions: XRHAMM facilitates Ran-dependent, chromatin-driven nucleation in a process that may require coordinate activation of TPX2 and γ-TuRC.
Mohs' micrographic surgery of a proliferating trichilemmal tumor in a young black man.

Background Proliferating trichilemmal tumor is an uncommon tumor of the follicular isthmus of the hair follicle. It usually presents as a solitary nodule on the scalp of older white women. Although these lesions typically behave in a benign fashion, recurrences and metastasis after local excision have been reported. Mohs' micrographic surgery has been effectively used to treat adnexal neoplasms. Objective To report a case of a proliferating trichilemmal tumor in a young black man, which was excised using Mohs' micrographic surgery. Methods Case report and review of the literature. Results Mohs' micrographic surgery demonstrated an irregular extension of the tumor beyond a 1 cm surgical margin. Conclusions Proliferating trichilemmal tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous neoplasms on the scalp in persons of any age (with the possible exception of infants and children), sex, or race. Mohs' micrographic surgery may be considered an optimal treatment option for proliferating trichilemmal tumors because these lesions may have an infiltrative component that may not be clinically apparent. EMILY TIERNEY, BS, MARIA-TERESA OCHOA, MD, GEORGE RUDKIN, MD, AND TERESA T. SORIANO, MD, HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS.
Competitive Illusion as a Cause of Business Cycles

Supplies come on the market, not as quantities available for sale, but as flow responding to demand, 632. — Manufacturers' usual practice is to "sell then make," not "make for stock," 634. — Details of the "sell-then-make" policy, 635. — The "make-for-stock" policy sometimes followed in part; its virtues, 636. — Connection of the sell-then-make policy with business cycles, 642. — Demands from distributers bring response in production, 642. — If products are not forthcoming, orders are exaggerated or duplicated, 645. — False demands lead to over-enlargement of supplies, 647. — Reaction. Alternate exaggeration and understatement of consumers' demands, 648.
Nonlinear ranking function representations in genetic programming-based ranking discovery for personalized search

Ranking function is instrumental in affecting the performance of a search engine. Designing and optimizing a search engine's ranking function remains a daunting task for computer and information scientists. Recently, genetic programming (GP), a machine learning technique based on evolutionary theory, has shown promise in tackling this very difficult problem. Ranking functions discovered by GP have been found to be significantly better than many of the other existing ranking functions. However, current GP implementations for ranking function discovery are all designed utilizing the Vector Space model in which the same term weighting strategy is applied to all terms in a document. This may not be an ideal representation scheme at the individual query level considering the fact that many query terms should play different roles in the final ranking. In this paper, we propose a novel nonlinear ranking function representation scheme and compare this new design to the well-known Vector Space model. We theoretically show that the new representation scheme subsumes the traditional Vector Space model representation scheme as a special case and hence allows for additional flexibility in term weighting. We test the new representation scheme with the GP-based discovery framework in a personalized search (information routing) context using a TREC web corpus. The experimental results show that the new ranking function representation design outperforms the traditional Vector Space model for GP-based ranking function discovery.
Fatigue life behavior of monocrystalline copper in 0.1 M perchloric acid

We have studied the fatigue lives of single crystals of copper in 0.1 M HClO4under different polarization potentials. Perchloric acid was chosen for the aqueous environment because it allows us to control the corrosion reactions rigorously. Persistent slip band (PSB) behaviour and crack nucleation were studied during life, and fracture surfaces after failure. Different behavior was observed depending on strain amplitude. At 2 × 10-3 plastic shear strain amplitude, anodic potential was observed to decrease life, whereas cathodic potenlial was found to be less damaging than laboratory air. Crack nucleation and propagation occurred along the primary slip plane for both conditions. The reduction of fatigue life under anodic potential is explained by enhanced localized strain at the PSB's and preferential dissolution within them. However, for a strain amplitude of 4 × 10-3, cracks nucleated and propagated along the secondary slip system. We observed crack nucleation to be associated with deformation-induced stress concentrations, and the aqueous solution showed no aggressive effect under either anodic or cathodic potential.
CT findings of sternal fracture.

Abstract A retrospective study of blunt chest injuries due to motor vehicle accidents between the years 1990 and 1995 found 9 cases of sternal fracture that had both lateral plain film and thoracic axial CT scans performed. Plain film identified 8 of the 9 fractured sternums. CT scanning was only able to identify 6 sternal fractures. Secondary signs of sternal fracture were only seen in 5 of 9 patients, 3 had retrosternal haematomas and 2 had haematoma of the mediastinum. Conclusions: (1) plain film is still superior to Axial CT scanning for identification of sternal fracture; (2) retrosternal haematoma, although a specific sign for sternal fracture has low sensitivity (3/9); (3) mediastinal haematoma, a poorly specific sign for sternal fracture also demonstrated low sensitivity.
Whole-Body Counting

Whole-body counting has been directed toward two uses, one having to do with the detection and measurement of minute amounts of natural or accidentally acquired radioactivity, the other being concerned with absorption and retention of radionuclides administered for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. In the past, the radiation safety applications have tended to overshadow the nuclear medical uses, and instruments have been designed mostly for the former. In the future, with the design of more versatile instruments and with the anticipated use of lower doses of nuclides for diagnostic purposes, the two applications will probably tend to come closer together, and many instruments will be used for both. A variety of improvements in instrument design and in handling of data have produced greater accuracy in results. Methods of measuring organ distribution and procedures for quantitative imaging are now employed, along with whole-body counting. Thus whole-body counting, at least in its clinical applications, may become less of a distinct and separate procedure than it has been in the past. Increased uses for these procedures are foreseen in radiation safety, nuclear medicine, and biomedical research.
Variation in portal blood flow measured by dye-dilution in young calves.

Abstract Portal blood flow in seven calves was calculated by computer analysis of indocyanine green dye-dilution curves. The range, mean and standard error for blood flow in ml/(min × kg body weight) for each calf were 8.1 to 38.0, 16.6 ± 1.4; 17.7 to 66.5, 46.7 ± 5.9; 24.1 to 60.7, 35.0 ± 3.1; 23.9 to 60.1, 41.1 ± 4.0; 22.0 to 119.2, 61.5 ± 2.7; 26.1 to 74.6, 47.2 ± 2.4; 32.1 to 35.8, 34.3 ± 0.4. Blood flow was highly variable among animals, and within animals throughout the day and from day to day. Blood flow for a given time should be calculated as the average of a minimum of three values obtained within 15 minutes and should not represent the flow at any other time. Blood flow values determined for a given calf are applicable only to studies with that calf.
The mechanisms that limit expiratory flow.

Recent progress in modeling expiratory flow is reviewed. Two idealized flow limitating mechanisms are described: flow limitation at wave speed and viscous flow limitation. In the lung, both convection acceleration and viscous dissipation contribute to the pressure distribution that determines airways compression, but the first dominates at high and mid lung volumes and the second dominates at low lung volumes. A computer model describes the combined effects. This quantitative modeling is consistent with long-standing qualitative concepts of flow limitation and provides a basis for future work on modeling expiratory flow limitation in abnormal lungs.
Anatomic variations of the auditory canal pertaining to the fit of stethoscope earpieces.

Leaks in the enclosed acoustical system of the stethoscope reduce its efficiency and can greatly impair the physician's ability to detect the faint murmurs of early valvular heart disease. The results of this study demonstrate a high degree of variability in size and configuration of the external auditory meatus among different individuals. It appears probable that both excessive leaks and also partial or complete occlusion of the acoustical pathways commonly result with the use of standard stethoscope earpieces.
Constitutional choice for the control of water pollution

Before passage of the Clean Water Act, water pollution was controlled by the common law of nuisance and the law of water rights. Had the common law not been superseded, it might have provided more ecologically sound pollution control than has occurred under the command-and-control statutory regime. The Clean Water Act imposes mechanical definitions and is subject to political interference. In contrast, the principle of the common law lies in its evolutionary and competitive nature, which is consistent with the market process.
Reversal of experimental parkinsonism by lesions of the subthalamic nucleus

Although it is known that Parkinson's disease results from a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, the resulting alterations in activity in the basal ganglia responsible for parkinsonian motor deficits are still poorly characterized. Recently, increased activity in the subthalamic nucleus has been implicated in the motor abnormalities. To test this hypothesis, the effects of lesions of the subthalamic nucleus were evaluated in monkeys rendered parkinsonian by treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The lesions reduced all of the major motor disturbances in the contralateral limbs, including akinesia, rigidity, and tremor. This result supports the postulated role of excessive activity in the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease.
A hazard and operability study of anhydrous ammonia application in agriculture.

Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) applied Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) analysis to examine hazards during the use of anhydrous ammonia by farmers. This analysis evaluated the storage, transfer, and application of anhydrous ammonia, identifying credible hazard scenarios, practical solutions, and research needs. Ninety-five findings were developed that are of use to farmers, distributors of ammonia and application equipment, and manufacturers of application equipment. The findings generally involve training, equipment design changes, preventive maintenance, and material compatibilities. The HAZOP team found that additional safety features need to be developed or implemented. The study also pointed out where correct operator procedure and preventive maintenance can prevent inadvertent releases. Other inadvertent releases are caused by incompatible materials, or by using equipment in ways other than intended. Several examples of the findings are given to emph...
Evaluation of a composite damage constitutive model for PP composites

Abstract Glass mat or chopped fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites are interesting alternatives to steel for vehicle closure applications. The current work evaluates the application of the CODAM model, a damage mechanics based composite constitutive model, for impact simulation of PP composites. As the first step, the damage parameters in the CODAM model were determined for a PP composite. This paper presents the process for determining tensile, compression and shear damage parameters through correlation of finite element (FE) simulations with standard material test results, including tensile, compression, compact tension and Iosipescu shear tests; also a preliminary validation of the model is presented with driven dart impact experiments.
A multipath routeless routing protocol with an efficient location update mechanism

In this paper, we introduce and evaluate an efficient multipath 'routeless' routing (MRR) protocol. MRR is a form of beaconless geographic routing protocol, and uses a simple location update mechanism to achieve high throughput with few retransmissions. Unlike the standard beaconless routing (BLR) protocol, our main point of comparison, our protocol constructs a single forwarding area to identify nodes between the source and destination. This forwarding area is a rectangular area shape with enough width to allow multiple routes. Promising simulation results show that our protocol outperforms the standard BLR approach with respect to energy consumption, packet delivery ratio, and the average number of hops.
Hollow Viscus Injury During Surgery

Reproductive tract surgery carries a risk of injury to the bladder, ureter, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This is due to several factors including close surgical proximity of these organs, disease processes that can distort anatomy, delayed mechanical and energy effects, and the inability to directly visualize organ surfaces. The purpose of this article is to review strategies to prevent, recognize, and repair injury to the GI and urinary tract during gynecologic surgery.
Effect of AC gradient field on magnetic measurements with an alternating gradient magnetometer

Abstract The effect of the AC gradient field in an alternating gradient magnetometer (AGM) on measurements of the field dependence of magnetic viscosity and irreversible susceptibility has been examined both theoretically and experimentally. Two effects are predicted: (1) The AC field produces a change in the shape of the curves by an amount which is proportional to the product of the second derivative of the curve with respect to H and the square of the effective AC field over the sample. (2) The AC field induces magnetization reversal because of the nonlinear dependence of the relaxation rate on the applied field. For symmetrically shaped curves, the first effect leads to a reduction in the peak and a broadening of the curve. The second effect causes the curves to be shifted towards lower values of H by an amount that depends on the size of the AC field relative to the anisotropy field. Measurements have been made on samples with coercive fields ranging from 64 to 1200 Oe which are in semi-quantitative agreement with the calculations. The results provide guidance about how to minimize these effects when using the AGM.
Decreased adherence to the substrate in Rous sarcoma virus-transformed chicken embryo fibroblasts

Cell-substrate adherence in cultures of chicken embryo fibroblasts was examined by determining the number of cells which could be detached from the culture dish by a stream of medium. Transformed cells were significantly less adherent than their normal counterparts. In cultures infected with a mutant of Rous sarcoma virus which is temperature-conditional for transformation, adherence changed promptly following a temperature shift. This change did not require progression through the cell cycle. The transformation-specific decrease in adherence required new protein synthesis, but the restoration of adherence which occurred following a shift to the restrictive temperature could occur in the absence of new protein synthesis. Inhibitor experiments suggested the importance of microfilaments and perhaps microtubules in the changes in detachability. In addition, there was a positive correlation between levels of surface LETS protein and cell substrate adherence following a temperature shift, although it seems probable that the bulk of the surface LETS is neither necessary nor sufficient for maintenance of normal cell substrate adherence.
Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire Factor Structure and Construct Validity in Bariatric Surgery Candidates

Background The Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is increasingly used in studies with bariatric surgery patients although little is known about psychometric properties of this self-report measure in this clinical group. The current study evaluated the factor structure and construct validity of the EDE-Q in bariatric surgery candidates.
Constrained optimization in L∞-norm: An algorithm for convex quadratic interpolation

Abstract A geometrically convergent algorithm is presented to determine min ∥ƒ(2)∥∞, where ƒ interpolates the given p points {(xi, yi)}1p with increasing x i ' s , ƒ ϵ C 1 , ƒ is absolutely continuous, ƒ (2) ϵ L ∞ [x 1 , x p ] , and ƒ satisfies the additional constraint of being convex. Starting with an easily available lower bound K , it determines an upper bound K and then successively reduces the difference | K − K | to the desired level of accuracy. For the given K , K and an error tolerance level e > 0, n iterations, where n is the smallest integer ⩾( ln [e/(| K − K |)]/ ln (0.5)) , will determine a k with ¦k − k ∗ ¦ ⩽ e , where k ∗ is the optimal value of ∥ƒ(2)∥∞. For clarification, a numerical example and results of an initial computer implementation for p = 5, 15, 50, 75, 100, are given. These results suggest the algorithm to be fast and capable of solving problems with large values of p. Moreover, the general approach underlying the algorithm would seem to be applicable to other related problems.
An empirical relationship between PM2.5 and aerosol optical depth in Delhi Metropolitan

Atmospheric remote sensing offers a unique opportunity to compute indirect estimates of air quality, which are critically important for the management and surveillance of air quality in megacities of developing countries, particularly in India and China, which have experienced elevated concentration of air pollution but lack adequate spatial–temporal coverage of air pollution monitoring. This article examines the relationship between aerosol optical depth (AOD) estimated from satellite data at 5 km spatial resolution and the mass of fine particles p2.5mm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) monitored on the ground in Delhi Metropolitan where a series of environmental laws have been instituted in recent years. PM2.5 monitored at 113 sites were collocated by time and space with the AOD computed using the data from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS onboard the Terra satellite). MODIS data were acquired from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Earth Sciences Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC). Our analysis shows a significant positive association between AOD and PM2.5. After controlling for weather conditions, a 1% change in AOD explains 0.5270.202% and 0.3970.15% change in PM2.5 monitored within 745 and 150 min intervals of AOD data. This relationship will be used to estimate air quality surface for previous years, which will allow us to examine the time–space dynamics of air pollution in Delhi following recent air quality regulations, and to assess exposure to air pollution before and after the regulations and its impact on health. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Perioperative outcomes of anterior lumbar surgery in obese versus non-obese patients

Abstract Background context Anterior lumbar surgery is a common procedure for anterior lumbar interbody fusion and disc replacement but the impact of obesity on this procedure has not been determined. Purpose To assess the perioperative outcomes of anterior retroperitoneal lumbar surgery in obese versus non-obese patients. Study design/setting Prospective review of patients with anterior retroperitoneal lumbar disc procedures Patient sample Seventy-four patients with anterior retroperitoneal lumbar disc procedures performed were evaluated. Outcome measures Access-related parameters included tissue depth (skin-to-fascia and fascia-to-spine depths), length of incision, estimated blood loss during the anterior procedure, the duration of the anterior exposure, and the duration of the entire anterior procedure. Outcome measures included complications attributable to the anterior procedure, analgesic use, length of time to ambulation, and length of hospitalization. Methods Seventy-four anterior retroperitoneal lumbar disc procedures were prospectively analyzed. Patient age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, diagnosis, and operative parameters were collected. Access-related parameters and outcome measures were compared between obese and non-obese patients. Obesity was defined as body mass index greater than or equal to 30. Results There were 35 males and 39 females. Mean age was 46.6 years. The main diagnosis (63.5%) was discogenic back pain. Forty-one (55%) patients were non-obese and 33 were obese. The two patient groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, diagnosis, mean number of anterior levels operated, and previous abdominal surgery (all p>.05). In obese patients, there were two iliac vein lacerations (major complication rate, 6.1%), one superficial infection, and one urinary tract infection (minor complication rate, 6.1%). In non-obese patients, there were two iliac vein lacerations, one intestinal serosal tear (major complication rate, 7.3%), and two urinary tract infections (minor complication rate, 4.9%). There was no significant difference in the complication rates between obese and non-obese patients (p=.6). Obese patients have significantly longer duration of anterior exposure, duration of entire anterior surgery, longer length of anterior incision, and more depth from skin to fascia and from fascia to spine compared with non-obese patients. However, obesity does not affect blood loss, analgesic use, length of time to ambulation, and length of hospitalization. Conclusion Perioperative outcomes in obese and non-obese patients were comparable and obesity is not related to an increased risk of morbidity in anterior lumbar surgery.
Estimation of the SAR in the human head and body due to radiofrequency radiation exposure from handheld mobile phones with hands-free accessories.

Abstract Bit-Babik, G., Chou, C. K., Faraone, A., Gessner, A., Kanda, M. and Balzano, Q. Estimation of the SAR in the Human Head and Body due to Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure from Handheld Mobile Phones with Hands-Free Accessories. Radiat. Res. 159, 550–557 (2003). It was reported by others that hands-free accessories increase the absorption of RF energy in a human head compared to a handset alone. The results of this study show that the opposite is observed when proper dosimetric methods are employed. It is pointed out that for correct estimation of the exposure level it is necessary to use appropriate physical and experimental models and measurement instrumentation, following internationally recommended standards. The human phantoms used for measurements involving the hands-free accessories should include the torso; i.e., measurements should not be performed on the head phantom alone. This has a significant impact on the results because the RF energy coupled into the leads of hands-free accessories ...
Dynamic redesign of a flow control servo-valve using a pressure control pilot

In this paper, the dynamic performance of an unconventional two-spool flow control servo valve using a pressure control pilot is analyzed. Such valves are less expensive than typical servovalves but also tend to be limited in their dynamic performance. Based on a previously developed eight state nonlinear model, we develop a simplified linear model which is able to capture the essential dynamics of the valve. Using root locus analysis method, the limitation in dynamic performance is shown to be due to a "zero" introduced by the structure of the interconnection of the subsystems. Design parameters that move the "zero" further to the left half plane, and do not adversely affect other steady state criteria are identified. The effectiveness of these parameters to improve the dynamic performance is demonstrated.
Further Study of the Electrical and Mechanical Responses of Slow Fibers in Cat Extraocular Muscles

Electrical and mechanical responses have been obtained in situ and in vitro from the superior oblique muscle stimulated by single and repetitive electrical pulses, applied to the trochlear nerve. Two different types of muscle fibers are described, the twitch and the slow. The slow type is characterized electrically by the presence of junctional potentials, which have reversal potentials between -10 and -20 mv, and do not show propagated responses or spikes, during nerve stimulation. When the slow muscle fibers are repetitively stimulated in situ, a prolonged contraction is maintained during stimulation. At the time, the recorded electrical activity is produced locally, at the level of the neuromuscular junctions of the slow fibers. These results indicate that the contractile mechanism of the slow muscle fibers is activated locally and segmentally.
On Well-Posedness of the Viscous-Plastic Sea Ice Model

AbstractThis study examines the well-posedness of the initial-value problems that arise in common models of sea ice. The model equations describe the balance of linear momentum combined with simplified thermodynamics represented by two continuity equations for effective ice thickness and ice concentration. The constitutive model for sea ice is given by two possible variants of the viscous–plastic model: the viscous–plastic model with pressure replacement and the viscous–plastic model with pressure replacement plus a tensile cutoff. The authors identify regimes of well- and ill-posedness for both models in one and two space dimensions. In one space dimension, the study finds that the viscous–plastic model and viscous–plastic model with pressure replacement behave similarly: there is ill-posedness when the divergent flow rate is larger than a minimum value. On the other hand, the viscous–plastic model with pressure replacement plus a tensile cutoff is ill-posed for all divergent flows. In two space dimensio...
From spectrum to space: the contribution of level difference cues to spatial receptive fields in the barn owl inferior colliculus.

Space-specific neurons in the owl's inferior colliculus have spatial receptive fields (RFs) computed from interaural time (ITD) and level (ILD) differences. Because of the shape of the owl's head, these cues vary with frequency in a manner specific for each location. We sought to determine the contribution of ILD to spatial selectivity. We measured the normal spatial receptive fields of space-specific neurons using virtual sound sources (i.e., noises filtered to simulate external sound sources, presented using headphones). The virtual-source filters were then altered so that ITD was fixed while frequency-specific ILDs varied according to location in the usual manner. The resulting "ILD-alone" RF typically revealed a horizontal band of excitation that included the normal RF. Above and below, the neurons were inhibited. Interestingly, the maxima of ILD-alone RFs were generally outside the normal RF, suggesting that space-specific neurons are not optimally tuned to the ILD spectrum occurring at the normal RF location. Congruously, frequency-specific ILD tuning, assessed with tones, better matched the ILDs at the peak of the ILD-alone RF than those at the peak of the normal RF. The firing evoked from the normal RF may thus reflect the balance of excitatory and inhibitory inputs needed to appropriately restrict the receptive field. Frequency-specific ILD tuning curves were combined with measured head-filtering characteristics to predict responses to the frequency-specific ILDs at each location. The predicted ILD-alone RFs, which are based on a simple sum of frequency-specific inputs, accounted for 56% of the variance in our measured ILD-alone RFs.
Loss of Cells—Loss of Self: Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration and Human Emotion

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a devastating disease that profoundly changes emotion, self, and personality while initially sparing many aspects of cognitive functioning. This article reviews research that applies methods from basic affective science to obtain a more precise view of FTLD's impact on emotional functioning. This research indicates that simple forms of emotional reactivity are relatively preserved in the early stages of the disease. In contrast, more complex emotional processes, such as those involved with self-conscious emotions (e.g., embarrassment), emotion regulation, and recognizing emotions in others, are severely impaired. FTLD provides rich opportunities for increasing our understanding of the nature of emotion and of the emotional and social brain.
Effect Size Use in Studies of Learning Disabilities

The misinterpretation and overuse of significance testing in the social sciences has been widely criticized. This criticism is reviewed, along with several recommendations found in the literature, including the use of effect size measures to enhance the interpretation of significance testing. A review of typical effect size measures and their application is followed by an analysis of the extent to which effect size measures have been applied in three prominent journals on learning disabilities over a 10-year period. Specific recommendations are offered for using effect size measures to improve the quality of reporting on quantitative research in the field of learning disabilities.
Legal, Financial, and Ethical Ambiguities for Mexican American Families: Caring for Children with Chronic Conditions

The author reports findings from a study about experiences of 17 Mexican American families caring for children with serious chronic conditions. Legal, financial, and ethical ambiguities arose when parents' desire to provide necessary care for their children and providers' professional commitment to offer this care conflicted with United States laws, including welfare reform initiatives, requiring providers to determine eligibility before providing care to immigrants and to report undocumented care seekers to authorities. Families frequently felt intimidated because health care systems are complex, and legal residency status often varied among family members. Findings imply that official policy and education of family members should aim to assure that children with chronic conditions receive needed services without relying on providers to enforce immigration laws.
The American side of the development of ALGOL

History is contextual. The Algol* development was a product, perhaps a miraculous product, of its time. All developments proceed, almost implacably, from the primitive to the rococco, e.g. from Algol58 through Algol60 to Algol68 with an appearance of a large number of offshoots (e.g., JOVIAL, MAD, NELIAC and Euler), extensions (FORMULA ALGOL and LCC), virile offspring (PASCAL), etc., occurring enroute. The earliest developments appear clean, surprising us in the new views they reveal. One frets over why the vision that prompted the beginning weakened during the course of future developments. Perhaps it is inevitable that, as unexpected complexity is uncovered, smoothness, equal value if you will, in solutions cannot be maintained. Trivia cannot be identified easily, special cases overwhelm the search for general patterns, custom and habit move performance into the realm of objective concept, experience warps both intuition and reason, fear of instability burdens insight with caution. The elegance of Algol's offspring is a tribute to the grace and power of the original. Algol, a second generation language, was more graceful than any of its predecessors, for example FORTRAN, MATHMATIC and IT.