cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 14 The Resolution of Interdeterminacy During Language Comprehension: Perspectives on Modularity in Lexical, Structural and Pragmatic Process

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on an issue central to processing models: that of how the language processor resolves several types of indeterminacy during comprehension. The evidence concerning the resolution of co-reference assignment and the resolution of lexical ambiguity are examined. The chapter discusses the fundamental issue that underlies the concern over indeterminacy resolution, and the issue of the general nature of the cognitive architecture that supports language processing. Two general models are described in the chapter: the interactive model, and the modularity model. In the study of language processing, examination of the effects of one putative information source upon the processing of another has become the empirical testing ground for the interactivity vs. modularity debate. Two processes—co-reference assignment and lexical access—are examined for evidence of the effects of a number of types of semantic and pragmatic contexts upon their operation.
The Search for Reconciliation: Sino-Japanese and German-Polish Relations since World War II

Introduction 1. Explaining deep interstate reconciliation 2. When east meets west: postwar West German-Polish reconciliation 3. Initial isolation: pre-normalization Sino-Japanese reconciliation 4. The 'honeymoon' period: Sino-Japanese relations, 1972-81 5. An old feud comes back: Sino-Japanese relations in the 1980s 6. Volatility and downward spiral: Sino-Japanese relations from the 1990s to the present Conclusion Appendix Bibliography.
Zinc metabolism and homeostasis: the application of tracer techniques to human zinc physiology.

Tracer kinetic techniques based on zinc stable isotopes have a vital role in advancing knowledge of human zinc physiology and homeostasis. These techniques have demonstrated the complexity of zinc metabolism, and have been critical to estimating the size and interrelationships of those pools of zinc that exchange rapidly with zinc in plasma and which are likely to be especially important for zinc dependent biology. This paper presents findings from recent research linking a steady state compartmental model with non-steady state post-prandial sampling from the intestine, utilizing a combination of intestinal intubation/perfusion and stable isotope tracer kinetic techniques. The gastrointestinal tract has a central role in maintaining whole body zinc homeostasis. While the fractional absorption of zinc from a meal depends on the quantity of exogenous zinc and on such dietary factors as phytic acid, the fractional absorption does not appear to be dependent on the size of the rapidly exchanging pool of the host. In contrast, the quantity of endogenous zinc excreted via the intestine is positively correlated with both the amount of absorbed zinc and the zinc ‘status’ of the host, and thus this process has an equally critical role in maintaining zinc homeostasis. The observed alterations in zinc metabolism in some disease states can be understood in the context of known homeostatic processes. In other conditions, however, such alterations as inflammation-associated hyperzincuria and zinc redistribution, the links between homeostatic perturbation and cellular biology are yet to be explained. Thus the challenge remains for research at the whole body level to carefully characterize zinc distribution and exchange under diverse circumstances, while research at the cellular level must elucidate the regulatory processes and the factors to which they respond.
Genetic and Clinical Markers of Elevated Liver Fat Content in Overweight and Obese Hispanic Children

Objective Genetic variation in six genes has been associated with elevated liver fat and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adults. The influence of these genes on liver fat and whether a genetic risk score (GRS) would improve upon the ability of common clinical risk factors to predict elevated liver fat content (ELF) in Hispanic children was determined. Design and Methods 223 obese Hispanic children were genotyped for six SNPs. MRI was used to measure liver fat. A GRS was tested for association with ELF using multivariate linear regression. Predictors were assessed via ROC curves and pair-wise analysis was used to determine significance alone and combined with clinical markers. Results Only variants in PNPLA3 and APOC3 genes were associated with liver fat (P < 0.001, P = 0.01, respectively). Subjects with a GRS = 4 had ∼3-fold higher liver fat content than subjects with GRS of 0 (15.1 ± 12.7 vs. 5.1 ± 3.7%, P = 0.03). While the addition of the GRS to a model containing BMI and liver enzymes increased ROC AUC from 0.83 to 0.85 [95% CI, 0.79-0.89], (P = 0.01), it does not improve detection of ELF from a clinical perspective. Conclusions Only PNPLA3 and APOC3 were related to ELF and a GRS comprised of these susceptibility alleles did not add to the discriminatory power of traditional biomarkers for clinical assessment of liver fat.
Effective Temperatures of Wolf-Rayet Stars

We have learned from Lindsey Smith’s talk how useful it would be for our understanding of Wolf-Rayet stars to have reliable effective temperatures and bolometric corrections. The ring nebulae surrounding a few WN stars provide one method for estimating the stellar temperatures. I have assumed each nebula is a normal H II region excited primarily by the Lyman continuum radiation of the central star. Then, if the nebula is optically thick shortward of 912 A, each stellar photon with more energy than 13.6 eV is absorbed by the nebula and re-radiated in a predictable way as hydrogen lines and free-free radio emission. Consequently, nebular radio measures such as those recently obtained by Hugh Johnson (1971) provide a direct indication of the number of Lyman-continuum photons emitted by the central star. The exact equations have been described in the Astrophysical Journal (Morton, 1969; Morton, 1970).
Delay analysis and optimal biasing for high speed low power Current Mode Logic circuits

This paper presents a delay analysis for Current Mode Logic (CML) circuits operating at the GHz range. The optimal biasing for CML circuits is obtained considering the circuit speed and power consumption. We propose and analyze a novel "keep alive" CML circuit that biases the upper level transistors at the slightly higher current than the lower level transistors. A speed improvement of about 11% at low bias range is demonstrated using the proposed biasing scheme.
Brownfields as Places: A Case Study in Learning to See Assets as Well as Liabilities, Opportunities as Well as Constraints

The Nine Mile Run site is 18 stories of steel industry waste dumped on 240 acres over 50 years. The site features two broad slag plateaus split by a slag valley and an urban stream. As the development team struggles with issues relative to the site grading, the surrounding community is currently organizing on the basis of three issues: toxicity, traffic, and housing value. This article will contrast the standard liability assessment against a qualitative, integrated community-based assessment.
Corticosteroids and occurrence of and mortality from infections in severe alcoholic hepatitis: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Background & Aims Prednisolone is the first-line therapy for severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH). Patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis often develop severe infections that negatively impact short-term prognosis. Methods We performed this meta-analysis to assess the effect of corticosteroids on the occurrence of and mortality from infections in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. Randomized controlled trials examining the use of corticosteroids in severe alcoholic hepatitis and reporting data on infection rates and mortality were included. Random effects model was used to pool the data comparing arms with and without steroids for the occurrence of infection, 28-day mortality and cause specific mortality. Results Of 1062 patients (528 steroids treated) without infection at baseline from 12 studies, infection was reported in 213 (113 steroids treated) patients without differences comparing arms with and without steroids (OR: 0.98; CI: 0.49–1.94). However, frequency was higher for occurrence of fungal infections among steroid-treated patients (eight of 528 vs. one of 534; P = 0.02). Steroids provided mortality benefit at 28 days (OR: 0.55; CI: 0.34–0.90) mainly for liver failure-related death (OR: 0.46; CI: 0.24–0.87) without differences on mortality from infection (OR: 1.19; CI: 0.38–3.73) or gastrointestinal bleeding (OR: 0.90; CI: 0.43–1.87). Three of nine patients with fungal infections died, all in corticosteroid arm. Conclusions Corticosteroids do not increase occurrence of or mortality from bacterial infections in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. Further studies are needed to develop strategies of reducing the risk of fungal infection with use of steroids for patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis.
Heavy-element nucleosynthesis and galactic chemical evolution

Abstract Two aspects of the relation between heavy-element nucleosynthesis and galactic chemical evolution are examined. In the first part, observed heavy-element abundance ratios in the halo and the disk are compared with one-zone models of galactic chemical evolution. These comparisons provide useful insight into the kinds of stellar environments responsible for r- and s-process nucleosynthesis. In the second part, we construct a schematic model for the formation and evolution of the Galaxy based upon the multiple mergers of protogalactic clouds within the expanding and collapsing halo. We analyze the various cosmochronometers within this model and show that the apparent differences between the maximum globular-cluster ages, the white-dwarf cooling age, and the nuclear chronometric ages can be interpreted as indicators of different aspects of the Galaxy formation process.
THE ROLE OF THE RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN-ALDOSTERONE SYSTEM IN CIRCULATORY CONTROL AND IN HYPERTENSION

The control of arterial pressure in normal and pathological states is governed by many mechanisms. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is one mechanism which may be activated. The formation of the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and the synthesis of aldosterone provide a means of arterial pressure regulation. With the recent introduction of specific agents which block the renin-angiotensin system, new appreciation of the role of this system is being formed. It is premature to predict whether we, as anaesthetists, will use such agents in our anaesthetic practice. However, we will see some patients who present for surgery taking such medication. How this will influence the patient's response to surgery is unknown. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system may allow better perfusion of vital organs. It may, however, be detrimental to the patient who needs this defense mechanism for support of his arterial pressure. At the present time these are all unsettled questions. Through the use of specific inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system its importance will be defined, much as alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor antagonists have clarified our understanding of the sympathetic nervous system.
Optically induced metastable paramagnetic states in amorphous semiconductors

Mid-gap optical absorption and electron spin resonance (ESR) attributed to optically induced localized paramagnetic states have been studied in several chalcogenide glasses and amorphous arsenic for $T\ensuremath{\le}80$ K. The observation of these optically induced metastable paramagnetic centers provides the most direct evidence yet obtained for the existence of localized gap states in these amorphous semiconductors. Irradiation with light whose energy corresponds to the Urbach tail of the absorption edge ($\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\simeq}100$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) excites photoluminescence (PL) which fatigues (decays) with continuing excitation. The fatigue of the PL is accompanied by the appearance of a growing ESR signal which is not present before illumination. The occurrence of an associated induced optical absorption demonstrates that the paramagnetic states are located in the forbidden gap of these amorphous semiconductors. Subsequent prolonged irradiation of the sample with infrared light in the mid-gap induced absorption band reduces the strength of or "bleaches" both the optically induced ESR signal and the induced absorption and restores the fatigued PL to its cold dark (initial) efficiency. These facts suggest a mechanism whereby radiative recombination centers which become inactive during PL fatigue are closely associated with the production of the metastable paramagnetic centers. The optically induced ESR centers are apparently unique to the amorphous phase and their density (${N}_{s}$) saturates at or below ${10}^{17}$ spins per ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ in all materials measured to date regardless of light intensity. Analysis of the ESR spectra has led to the identification of a hole center which consists of an electron missing from a nonbonding lone pair chalcogen orbital and a center in As-containing glasses and amorphous arsenic which is localized in an As $p$ orbital. A detailed account of the ESR spectral analysis is presented. Changes in the local structural order as a function of composition appear as changes in the $g$ values and width of the optically induced ESR spectrum. The value of ${N}_{s}$ is also a function of composition with the highest values occurring in glasses containing substantial amounts of As such as ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$. The addition of Ge depresses ${N}_{s}$ to levels as low as \ensuremath{\sim} 5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{15}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ in Ge${\mathrm{Se}}_{2}$, indicating that the structural differences which accompany the introduction of tetrahedrally coordinated Ge reduce the density of the specific structural anomaly which determines the value of ${N}_{s}$. Possible mechanisms for the generation of the optically induced states are presented, and the relationship between the experimental results and various models proposed to explain the properties of localized gap states is discussed.
An approximate compact analytical expression for the Blasius velocity profile

Abstract A single-term, two-parameter, hyperbolic tangent function is presented to describe the flow profiles in the Blasius boundary layer, which reproduces the streamwise velocity profile within 0.003 (0.3% of free stream velocity) of its numerical exact solution throughout the flow. The function can be inverted for an implicit description of the velocity profile.
Effect of Sinter Fracture and Ohmic Resistance on Capacity Retention in the Nickel Oxide Electrode

The lifetime of batteries which utilize the nickel oxide electrode is often limited because this electrode loses a significant portion of its capacity as it is cycled. It is asserted that this capacity loss may often be attributed to cracking or separation of the conductive nickel sinter in the electrode, which forces electronic current to pass through the poorly conducting hydrated oxide and thus imposes a significant ohmic resistance. The model indicates that the oxide develops a nearly insulating layer which prevents complete discharge in the cycled electrode at usable rates. The capacity retention can be improved by reducing the cyclic stresses or strengthening the current collecting structure, redistributing it to provide a shorter current path through the solid phase, or by increasing the conductivity of the oxide to delay the formation of an insulating layer.
Body mass index and waist-to-height changes during teen years in girls are influenced by childhood body mass index.

Abstract Purpose This study examined longitudinal changes in waist-to-height ratio and components of body mass index (BMI) among young and adolescent girls of black and white race/ethnicity. Methods Girls were recruited at age 9 years through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study (NGHS) and were followed annually over 10 years. Girls were grouped into low ( th percentile), middle, and high (>80 th percentile) BMI on the basis of race-specific BMI percentile rankings at age 9, and low, middle, and high waist-to-height ratio, on the basis of waist-to-height ratio at age 11. BMI was partitioned into fat mass index (FM) and fat-free mass index (FMI). Results Girls accrued fat mass at a greater rate than fat-free mass, and the ratio of fat mass to fat-free mass increased from ages 9 through 18. There was a significant increase in this ratio after age at peak height velocity. Participants with elevated BMI and waist-to-height ratios at age 18 tended to have been elevated at ages 9 and 11, respectively. There were strong correlations between BMI at age 9 with several outcomes at age 18: BMI (.76) and FMI (.72), weaker but significant with FFMI (.37), and ratio of fat mass to fat-free mass (.53). In addition, there was significant tracking of elevated BMI from ages 9 through 18. Conclusions In girls, higher BMI levels during childhood lead to greater waist-to-height ratios and greater than expected changes in BMI by age 18, with disproportionate increases in fat mass. These changes are especially evident in adolescent girls of black race/ethnicity and after the pubertal growth spurt.
Polarisation assessment in an intelligent argumentation system using fuzzy clustering algorithm for collaborative decision support

We developed an on-line intelligent argumentation system which facilitates stakeholders in exchanging dialogues. It provides decision support by capturing stakeholders’ rationale through arguments. As part of the argumentation process, stakeholders tend to both polarise their opinions and form polarisation groups. The challenging issue of assessing argumentation polarisation had not been addressed in argumentation systems until recently. Arvapally, Liu, and Jiang [(2012), ‘Identification of Faction Groups and Leaders in Web-Based Intelligent Argumentation System for Collaborative Decision Support’, in Proceedings of International Conference on Collaborative Technologies and Systems] earlier developed a method to identify polarisation groups. These groups, however, tend to overlap to a certain degree; each stakeholder may be a member of multiple polarisation groups to varied degrees. Quantifying stakeholders’ membership in multiple polarisation groups is an important issue in the argumentation for collabor...
Attitudes toward marriage: Embeddedness and outcomes in personal relationships

This study examines marriage attitudes, attitude embeddedness, personal relationship outcomes, and parental marital status and conflict using 400 undergraduate students. In a conceptual replication of Prislin and Ouellette (1996), more embedded marriage attitudes are more predictive of evaluations of general marriage issues and relationship scenarios than less embedded attitudes. Consistent with findings that marriage attitudes influence relationship quality (Amato & Rogers, 1999), more embedded attitudes predict relationship conflict, commitment, desirability of alternatives, and expectations of relationship success. Recollections of high parental conflict are associated with greater relationship conflict, and individuals with divorced parents report more negative marriage attitudes. Future research on relationship attitudes, their strength, and consequences of parental divorce and conflict for offspring marriage attitudes is discussed.
Relation of fractional 47Ca retention to season and rates of bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women.

Fractional Whole-Body Retention Of 47Ca (retention fraction) in 58 healthy postmenopausal women participating in a calcium supplementation trial was examined for seasonal variation and for relationships to rates of bone loss and plasma vitamin D levels. Retention fraction was measured after 18 months in the trial. Bone mineral densities of the radius, femoral neck, and lumbar spine were measured at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months in the trial, and plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) at 12, 18, and 24 months. The adjusted retention (retention fraction adjusted for total calcium intake, smoking status, and log years since menopause) was significantly higher in women evaluated in the months of August through October (mean ± SD, 19.8 ± 4.1%, n = 13) than in March through May (mean ± SD, 17.0 ± 4.7%, n = 18, p = 0.05). Plasma 25-OHD was associated with retention fraction only in women with low calcium intakes (partial r = 0.69 controlling for total calcium intake and log body mass index, n = 14, p = 0.01). Plasma 1,25-(OH)2D was not related to retention fraction. Adjusted retention, independent of total calcium intake, log years since menopause, smoking status, and season, explained 8% of the variability in the annual change in radius density (partial r = 0.29, p < 0.05). No significant associations were seen at the spine and femur. These results indicate there is seasonal variation in calcium retention, that calcium retention is positively correlated with plasma 25-OHD levels in women with low calcium intakes, and that an increased level of retained calcium is associated with a lower rate of bone loss from the radius.
The Impact of Icons & Visual Effects on Learning Computer Databases

Improvements in computer graphics systems have made icons and visual effects available for use in designing database interfaces. However, little research has been reported about the impact of icons and visual effects on performance measures such as item selection time and recall of the databases. The present study examined the effect of icons and visual effects on item selection time and recall of a hierarchical database structure. Information in the database was represented by either a text label or a combined icon-text label. In addition, three types of visual effects during transition between menu screens were examined: instantaneous change, zoom open from the previous screen, and dissolve into the next screen. Both the item representation and screen transition manipulations were examined between subjects. Subjects were required to reach goals by selecting items from the various menus in the database. Processing time per menu screen and recall of the database were measured for each subject. Both the ty...
A Čerenkov shower counter

Abstract For fast identification of high-energy electrons and photons in heavy backgrounds, a counter was developed consisting of successive layers of lucite and lead. Cerenkov radiation emitted in the lucite slabs is collected onto the photocathode of one 5 inch phototube. The geometry as well as the thickness of inserted lead converters can be adapted to kinematical requirements. The properties of this counter have been checked at various energies. Typically, at 1 GeV/ c incoming momentum, proper discrimination setting will allow for the rejection of 99% of all π's and μ's, while only 1% of the electrons and photons will be lost. Rejection of protons is even more efficient. The response over the face of the counter is uniform. For a detailed study of this counter's properties, a lead glass Cerenkov counter and a lead-scintillator sandwich counter of comparable geometries were built. Results of quantitative comparison are given. A number of applications appear to favor this type of counter over others operating on more conventional principles.
Biological production off Southern California is linked to climatic change

To obtain clues about how coastal primary production might be affected by interannual and interdecadal changes in climate, we studied marine laminated sediments from the center of the Santa Barbara Basin. We report here a large decrease in the flux of diatoms between the periods 1954–1972 and 1973–1986, by a factor of five, and sustained reductions from 1973 to 1978 by a factor of ten below the pre-1972 period. Planktonic foraminifera flux shows a consistent trend of decrease with lowest values from 1981 to 1984. On the whole, the 1954–1972 period is considerably cooler than the 1973–1986 period, over the entire North Pacific. The decrease in biological production in this coastal system is accompanied by an overall intensification of the Aleutian Low in the North Pacific over the past 14 years, providing for a weakening of the California Current, and an overall reduction of mixing and upwelling. The possibility that the low coastal production could provide positive feedback to global warming through reduction of CO2-uptake, and its relation to the greenhouse effect is considered. On a shorter time-scale, the effects of El Nino phenomena are clearly seen in the sediments of this basin, as decreases in total diatom flux and increases in the relative abundance of certain warm-water diatoms.
Effect of Poly I:C on Transformation by Rous Sarcoma Virus

SummaryTreatment of chick embryo fibroblasts with poly I:C significantly inhibits the ability of RSV to transform and to replicate in these cells. Under identical assay conditions, however, interferon is relatively ineffective in decreasing either of these parameters. The effect of poly I:C is obtained only when the drug is given before infection, suggesting that very early events involved in the fixation of transformation are inhibited. Last, significant inhibition by poly I:C is achieved with as little an exposure time as 10 min.We thank Drs. George E. Gifford and Philip I. Marcus for helpful discussion and also Miss Pamela Welch for skilfull technical assistance.
Microstructural Analysis and Control of Magneto-Rheological Fluid

Characteristic phenomenological behavior of MR fluids is typically modeled by Bingham’s equation, which has no fundamental connection to the microstructure of MR fluid and the fully coupled mechanical-electrical-magnetic equations. In this paper microstructurally, kinetic theory-based model of MR fluids (consisting of micro-sized ferrous particles suspended in a Newtonian fluid) are developed. For modeling these composite systems, dumbbell models in which two beads joined by an elastic connector are investigated. In these models the distributed forces from the carrier fluid and from the magnetic field on the suspended particle are idealized as being localized on beads. Microscale constitutive equations relating flow, stress, and particle orientation are produced by integrating the coupled equations governing forces, flow, and orientation over a representative volume of particles and carrier fluid. Coefficients in the constitutive equations are specified not by a fit to macroscale experimental flow measurement but rather in terms of primitive measurements of particle microstructure, carrier fluid, viscosity and density, and temperature. These new models for MR fluids are three dimensional and applicable to any flow geometry, while the Bingham plastic model is in general applicable only to shear flow. The models in this paper reduce to forms similar to Bingham’s model in a simple shear flow, but with coefficients which arise from fundamental electromagnetic considerations and microstructural features such as geometrical, magnetic and mechanical characterization of the particles, quantities measured primitively from the carrier fluid, magnetic field and temperature.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Cell-free translation of potyviral RNA including extracts from disease resistant soybean

Cell-free translation of soybean mosaic virus (SMV), strain G2 or G7, RNAs in the presence of fractionated leaf extracts from the cultivars Davis or Williams‘82 revealed no differences that were associated with disease resistance of the cultivars to the virus strains. Extracts of leaf tissue from Davis (resistant to strain G2) and susceptible Williams‘82 were fractionated into three broad peaks. Apparent proteinase activity was detected in peak II of both soybean cultivars in the cell-free translation of SMV-G2 or -G7 RNAs. Inhibition of translation occurred in the presence of peak extracts from either of the soybean cultivars at levels of 500 μ/ml and/or 1000 μ/ml of protein. No inhibition of proteolytic processing was observed by extracts from either cultivar.
Error indicators and accuracy improvement of finite element solutions

Error indicators are introduced as part of a simple computational procedure for improving the accuracy of the finite element solutions for plate and shell problems. The procedure is based on using an initial (coarse) grid and a refined (enriched) grid, and approximating the solution for the refined grid by a linear combination of a few global approximation vectors (or modes) which are generated by solving two uncoupled sets of equations in the coarse grid unknowns and the additional degrees of freedom of the refined grid. The global approximation vectors serve as error indicators since they provide quantitative pointwise information about the sensitivity of the different response quantities to the approximation used. The three key elements of the computational procedure are: (a) use of mixed finite element models with discontinuous stress resultants at the element interfaces; (b) operator splitting, or additive decomposition of the finite element arrays for the refined grid into the sum of the coarse grid arrays and correction terms (representing the refined grid contributions); and (c) application of a reduction method through successive use of the finite element method and the classical Bubnov—Galerkin technique. The finite element method is first used to generate a few global approximation vectors (or modes). Then the amplitudes of these modes are computed by using the Bubnov—Galerkin technique. The similarities between the proposed computational procedure and a preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) technique are identified and are exploited to generate from the PCG technique pointwise error indicators. The effectiveness of the proposed procedure is demonstrated by means of two numerical examples of an isotropic toroidal shell and a laminated anisotropic cylindrical panel.
Intrinsic doping and gate hysteresis in graphene field effect devices fabricated on SiO2 substrates

We have studied the intrinsic doping level and gate hysteresis of graphene-based field effect transistors (FETs) fabricated over Si/SiO2 substrates. It was found that the high p-doping level of graphene in some as-prepared devices can be reversed by vacuum degassing at room temperature or above depending on the degree of hydrophobicity and/or hydration of the underlying SiO2 substrate. Charge neutrality point (CNP) hysteresis, consisting of the shift of the charge neutrality point (or Dirac peak) upon reversal of the gate voltage sweep direction, was also greatly reduced upon vacuum degassing. However, another type of hysteresis, consisting of the change in the transconductance upon reversal of the gate voltage sweep direction, persists even after long-term vacuum annealing at 200 °C, when SiO2 surface-bound water is expected to be desorbed. We propose a mechanism for this transconductance hysteresis that involves water-related defects, formed during the hydration of the near-surface silanol groups in the bulk SiO2, that can act as electron traps.
Exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure and preserved left ventricular systolic function: Failure of the Frank-Starling mechanism☆

Invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed in 7 patients who presented with congestive heart failure, normal left ventricular ejection fraction and no significant coronary or valvular heart disease and in 10 age-matched normal subjects. Compared with the normal subjects, patients demonstrates severe exercise intolerance with a 48% reduction in peak oxygen consumption (11.6 +/- 4.0 versus 22.7 +/- 6.1 ml/kg per min; p less than 0.001), primarily due to a 41% reduction in peak cardiac index (4.2 +/- 1.4 versus 7.1 +/- 1.1 liters/min per m2; p less than 0.001). In patients compared with normal subjects, peak left ventricular stroke volume index (34 +/- 9 versus 46 +/- 7 ml/min per m2; p less than 0.01) and end-diastolic volume index (56 +/- 14 versus 68 +/- 12 ml/min per m2; p less than 0.08) were reduced, whereas peak ejection fraction and end-systolic volume index were not different. In patients, the change in end-diastolic volume index during exercise correlated strongly with the change in stroke volume index (r = 0.97; p less than 0.0001) and cardiac index (r = 0.80; p less than 0.03). Pulmonary wedge pressure was markedly increased at peak exercise in patients compared with normal subjects (25.7 +/- 9.1 versus 7.1 +/- 4.4 mm Hg; p less than 0.0001). Patients demonstrated a shift of the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure-volume relation upward and to the left at rest. Increases in left ventricular filling pressure during exercise were not accompanied by increases in end-diastolic volume, indicating a limitation to left ventricular filling.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Role of carrier diffusion and picosecond exciton kinetics in nonproportionality of scintillator light yield

The effect of high excitation density in promoting nonlinear quenching that is 2nd or 3rd order in electron-hole density is generally understood to be a root cause of nonproportionality in scintillators. We report and discuss quantitative data on just how fast these nonlinear channels are in specific cases. Kinetic rate constants for the creation of excitons from electrons and holes and for their quenching by dipole-dipole transfer have been measured in CsI and NaI. We show in addition that the strong radial concentration gradient in an electron track gives rise to fast (~ picoseconds) diffusion phenomena that act both as a competitor in reducing excitation density during the relevant time of nonlinear quenching, and as a determiner of branching between independent carriers and pairs (excitons), where the branching ratio changes along the primary electron track. We use the experimentally measured nonlinear quenching rate constants and values of electron and hole carrier mobilities to carry out quantitative modeling of diffusion, drift, and nonlinear quenching evaluated spatially and temporally within an electron track which is assumed cylindrical in this version of the model. Magnitude and inequality of electron and hole mobilities has consequences for quenching and kinetic order that vary with dE/dx along the path of an electron and therefore affect nonproportionality. It will be demonstrated that in a material with high mobilities like high-purity germanium, Auger recombination is effectively turned off by diffusive carrier dilution within < 1 fs in all parts of the track. In alkali halide scintillators like CsI and CsI:Tl, electron confinement and high-order quenching are accentuated toward the end of a particle track because of hole self-trapping, while separation of geminate carriers is accentuated toward the beginning of the track, leading to 2nd order radiative recombination and opening additional opportunities for linear trapping.
Concurrent engineering-a key in business transformation

Concurrent engineering is not a new term. It is generally understood to embrace a collection of approaches, techniques, tools and methods aimed at improving the total value chain. The author presents an overview of the subject and shows how concurrent engineering is a powerful management tool. Captured knowledge based on actual experience ensures a pragmatic approach that can work, can be implemented and does achieve tangible, measurable benefits. >
Defective phagocytosis of isolated rod outer segments by RCS rat retinal pigment epithelium in culture

Retinal pigment epithelium cultured from normal rats phagocytizes large amounts of rod outer segment fragments isolated from normal rats and from RCS rats with inherited retinal degeneration. Cultured RCS rat pigment epithelium rarely ingests outer segment material, although the cells extend cellular processes around fragments of either type. Both normal and RCS pigment epithelium phagocytize polystyrene spheres. This demonstrates that RCS rat pigment epithelial cells contain a defect in the mechanism for phagocytizing outer segments.
Kaliuretic peptide: the most potent inhibitor of Na(+)-K+ ATPase of the atrial natriuretic peptides

The present investigation was designed to determine whether atrial natriuretic peptides consisting of amino acids 1-30 (i.e. long-acting natriuretic peptide), 31-67 (vessel dilator), 79-98 (kaliuretic peptide), and 99-126 [atrial natriuretic factor (ANF)] of the 126 amino acid ANF prohormone inhibit sodium-potassium-ATPase as part of their mechanism(s) of action for producing a natriuresis and/or kaliuresis. Kaliuretic peptide, long-acting natriuretic peptide, vessel dilator and ANF at their 10(-11) M concentrations inhibited Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase 39.5%, 27.8%, 19.2%, and 4% respectively, in bovine renal medulla, whereas their inhibition in renal cortical membranes was 37.5%, 27.5%, 20%, and 0%, respectively. Ouabain (0.5 mM) inhibited kidney medullary Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase 45% and in the cortex, 38%. There was no additive effect of any of these peptides with ouabain suggesting that they are interacting with the same site on the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase as ouabain. To help elucidate the mechanism of these peptides' interaction with Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, naproxen (0.5 mM), an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, and direct measurement of prostaglandin E2 by RIA were used. Naproxen completely blocked the inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase by kaliuretic peptide, long-acting natriuretic peptide, and vessel dilator suggesting that their inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in both the kidney medulla and cortex are mediated by prostaglandins. Direct measurement of prostaglandin E2 revealed that kaliuretic peptide > long-acting natriuretic peptide > vessel dilator increased prostaglandin E2 synthesis, whereas ANF did not have any effect. Of interest, angiotensin II and ouabain inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase were also completely blocked by naproxen.
Partitioning behavior of polychlorinated biphenyls

Abstract Partitioning of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) among several idealized environmental compartments was investigated using equilibrium conditions. Simulations with single equilibrations suggested that PCB mixtures do not weather significantly. However, simulations with multiple equilibrations of a selected phase with renewed phases suggested that PCB mixtures have the potential to weather. These simulations were strongly influenced by temperature; both the compositions and total amount of the PCBs in each phase at equilibrium changed significantly with temperature. These simulations lend support to the hypothesis that lower and higher chlorinated PCBs behave differently in the environment.
The baker's transformation is not embeddable

The baker's transformation is one of the earliest and simplest examples of a bijective mixing transformation. By determining its cycle structure, we show that this transformation is not embeddable in any flow, i.e., one-parameter semigroup, on the nonnegative rationals and,a fortiori, not emdeddable in any flow on the reals.
Size-exclusion chromatographic behavior of bovine serum albumin in uni-uni valent ions solutions

Molecular interaction between uni-uni valent ions and bovine serum albumin was investigated by size-exclusion chromatography. Elution profiles are first presented for salt and protein solutions as samples with water as the mobile phase; then for water and protein as samples with salt solutions as the mobile phase. The results suggest the existence of a dynamic equilibrium between the salt ions and the protein ions as reactants and the ion-pair (salt-protein) complex as a product.
Rationale for Public Funding of Agricultural Extension Programs

ABSTRACT Facing mounting debts and pressures toward privatization, many governments are reducing appropriations for agricultural extension. Privately funded agricultural extension programs are increasing. This paper suggests three criteria to help legislators, policy makers, and administrators decide which individual extension programs should be supported by public funds. These criteria can help gauge the extent to which public funding can be justified for individual extension programs. Public funding can be justified for extension programs that (1) contribute greater benefits to the public than to program participants, (2) compare favorably with and complement other programs, and (3) distribute public benefits not sufficiently provided through the private sector. After briefly reviewing the first two criteria, this paper focuses on the third criterion–i.e., the redress of market failure. Extension programs redress market failure by addressing environmental and public health risks, inequities in access to...
Surgical Therapy of the Thyroid

The surgical treatment of thyroid cancer in the cat involves excision of one or both thyroid glands while sparing at least one parathyroid gland. The most common postoperative complication of bilateral thyroidectomy is transient hypocalcemia. Most feline thyroid tumors are benign, hyperfunctional thyroid adenomas. Surgical excision is usually curative. Canine thyroid cancer is most commonly malignant and nonfunctional. Successful surgical treatment of canine thyroid cancer depends on histologic and early diagnosis prior to metastasis or invasion of the cancer into adjacent structures within the neck.
From Technolust to Technorealism

The post-2.0 landscape has provided something of a reality check. It is now necessary to translate the familiar series of pleasant-sounding buzzwords into what Stephens describes as “conscious, car...
Theoretical studies of NH4+ (H2O)20 and NH3(H2O)20H+ clusters

Abstract The MP2/6-31G * // HF/6-31G * , B3LYP/6-31G * level studies on NH 4 + (H 2 O) 20 suggest that the cluster with a NH 4 + ion in the dodecahedral cavity (isomer 1) has almost the same energy as the cluster with a NH 4 + ion on the cage surface and a neutral water molecule in the cavity (isomer 2). The NH 3 (H 2 O) 20 H + cluster (isomer 3) with a neutral NH 3 molecule in the cavity and a hydronium ion on the surface is significantly less stable. These results are sharply different from those of (H 2 O) 21 H + isomers in which hydronium ion is always on the cage surface [Chem. Phys. Lett. 319 (2000) 440] and a neutral water molecule in the cavity.
Predicting Marine Gas Turbine Engine Removals Using System Simulation

This paper evaluates System Simulation as a technique for predicting the removal of US Navy Marine Gas Turbine Engines. The Navy’s Allison 501K17 engine provided the data for this study. The Allison 501K17 is used for electric power generation by the Navy. A System Simulation Model was constructed using the programing language GPSS/H. Forecasts were developed using the model for fiscal years 1990 thru 1995. The model generated 21 forecasts for each year. The sample mode and mean were calculated for each year from this data. The Navy currently uses a statistical technique for forecasting engine removals. The Statistical Forecast, the System Simulation Sample Mode Forecast and System Simulation Sample Mean Forecast were compared with the actual number of removals for fiscal years 1990 thru 1994. A Chi-Square analysis was conducted to determine the goodness of fit of the forecast to the actual removals. The Chi-Square analysis showed that none of the forecasting techniques accurately predicted the removals. Additional study needs to be conducted to find a forecasting technique that accurately predicts engine removals.Copyright © 1996 by ASME
Primitive trinomials whose degree is a Mersenne exponent

We list all irreducible trinomials over GF(2) of every degree p for which 2 p — 1 is known to be prime, and describe briefly the method used to find them.
RHABDOMYOSARCOMA OF THE HEART (CASE REPORT)

: A case of the rare tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma of the left atrium of the heart, is presented. The patient was a 63-year-old man whose chief complaint was weakness and shortness of breath, believed to be due to chronic pulmonary emphysema with fibrosis (confirmed at autopsy). He was recovering from an attack of congestive heart failure with pneumonitis (after therapy, the heart size was normal and the lungs were clear), when he died suddenly. The cardiac tumor was unsuspected until it was revealed at autopsy. This diagnosis should be kept in mind, particularly in cases with symptoms resembling those of mitral stenosis. The reporting of such cases may help in the diagnosis of other primary cardiac tumors early enough for corrective surgery.
GAMMA GLUTAMYL TRANSPEPTIDASE |[lpar]|GGTP|[rpar]| IN CHRONIC EXPERIMENTAL UREMIA

GGTP is a membrane enzyme facilitating amino acid transport into cells. We have studied the specific activity of the enzyme in young, growing rats rendered uremic by 7/8 nephrectomy. Results were compared to control animals fed either isocaloric diets (PC) or ad libitum diets (AC). Tissues were assayed for GGTP activity after 21 days of controlled feeding. Tissues included kidney, liver, intestinal mucosa and leukocytes. The following table summarizes the results (mean ± S.D.):
Spontaneous pneumothorax in infants: a 10-year review

Objective: To document the number of infants with spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) and determine the association of any underlying pathologic processes in the lung with SP. Design: Retrospective chart review of infants admitted with SP from January 1985, to December 1994. Setting: Patients admitted to The Children's Medical Center, Dayton, Ohio. Participants: Children aged greater than 28 days but less than 1 year with the primary admitting diagnosis of SP. Main outcome measures: The number of infants with SP and description of underlying conditions associated with SP. Results: Six infants were identified with the admitting diagnosis of SP. All of the patients had underlying conditions that predisposed to SP: febrile seizures, anatomic abnormalities one with an intrathoracic cystic hygroma and one with a cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung), bronchiolitis, and two patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis. The children with SP identified in this survey accounted for one admission per 10,000 hospitalized children and 3.4 admissions per 10,000 hospitalized infants. Conclusions: SP in infancy is uncommon. The data indicate that infants who present with SP have associated conditions predisposing to the development of a pulmonary air leak.
miR-888 is an expressed prostatic secretions-derived microRNA that promotes prostate cell growth and migration

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a growing class of small non-coding RNAs that exhibit widespread dysregulation in prostate cancer. We profiled miRNA expression in syngeneic human prostate cancer cell lines that differed in their metastatic potential in order to determine their role in aggressive prostate cancer. miR-888 was the most differentially expressed miRNA observed in human metastatic PC3-ML cells relative to non-invasive PC3-N cells, and its levels were higher in primary prostate tumors from cancer patients, particularly those with seminal vesicle invasion. We also examined a novel miRNA-based biomarker source called expressed prostatic secretions in urine (EPS urine) for miR-888 expression and found that its levels were preferentially elevated in prostate cancer patients with high-grade disease. These expression studies indicated a correlation for miR-888 in disease progression. We next tested how miR-888 regulated cancer-related pathways in vitro using human prostate cancer cell lines. Overexpression of miR-888 increased proliferation and migration, and conversely inhibition of miR-888 activity blocked these processes. miR-888 also increased colony formation in PC3-N and LNCaP cells, supporting an oncogenic role for this miRNA in the prostate. Our data indicates that miR-888 functions to promote prostate cancer progression and can suppress protein levels of the tumor suppressor genes RBL1 and SMAD4. This miRNA holds promise as a diagnostic tool using an innovative prostatic fluid source as well as a therapeutic target for aggressive prostate cancer.
The Effective Medium Theory of Diffusion in Composite Media

The effective medium theory is developed for diffusion in random composite media. It is demonstrated that the theoretical diffusivity depends crucially on whether concentration or chemical potential is taken to be the field variable for describing transport.