cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward a Realistic Science of Environments

If mind is a creature of adaptation, then our standard representationalist theories of mind are in need of revision. For such theories are inspired by Cartesian ways of thinking. They thus conceive the subject of mental experience in isolation from any surrounding physico-biological environment and do not grapple with the interconnections between the world of human thought, feeling and action and the environment of human behavior as this is described by physics and evolutionary biology. Mind is an all-or-nothing affair, that is not coherently integrated with the causal-energetic world of what happens and is the case.
Identification of a neuronal endocytic pathway activated by an apolipoprotein E (apoE) receptor binding peptide

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is the only serum apolipoprotein that is also found in the extravascular fluid of the brain, where it is thought to play an important role in lipid transport in the central nervous system. In addition apoE has also been implicated in neural regenerative processes and in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. Peptides derived from the receptor binding domain of apoE are biologically active and bind to low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors and LDL receptor related protein. There is, however, no direct evidence that these apoE peptides are able to directly activate the endocytic process, either in the brain or elsewhere. In the present paper, we have used electron microscopy and video imaging fluorescence microscopy to investigate the effects of a peptide derived from the receptor binding domain of human apoE on endocytosis in cultured rat cortical neurons. We have found that this tandem dimer repeat peptide induces neuronal endocytosis via a receptor associated protein sensitive pathway. Although the peptide induces a rise in cytoplasmic calcium, this is not required for the induction of endocytosis. On the other hand, normal processing of the endocytic vesicles does appear to require the elevation of cytoplasmic calcium, since inhibition of the calcium response results in the accumulation of large endocytic vesicles.
Comments on van Brakel et al.'s Participation Scale.

In their paper in the February 2006 issue of Disability and Rehabilitation, van Brakel et al. present an interesting approach to the measurement of participation restrictions [1]. Failing to find a...
Tunable kHz deep ultraviolet (193-210 nm) laser for Raman application.

The performance characteristics of a kilohertz solid-state laser source for ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy are described. Deep ultraviolet (UV) excitation in the 193–210 nm region is provided by mixing of the fundamental and third harmonics of a Ti–sapphire laser, which is pumped by the second harmonic of a Q-Switched Nd–YLF laser. The combination of tunability, narrow linewidth, high average power, good stability, and kilohertz repetition rate makes this laser suitable for deep UV resonance Raman applications. The short pulse duration (∼20 ns) permits nanosecond time resolution in pump–probe applications. The low peak power and high data rate provide artifact-free spectra with a high signal-tonoise ratio. UV Raman cross-section and Raman excitation profiles are reported for gaseous O2 (relative to N2), aqueous ClO4−, tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine, and hemoglobin excited between 193 nm and 210 nm to illustrate laser performance.
Clinical Quality Assurance

The Quality Assurance section has the responsibility for assessing all clinical trials conducted by the Division of Medical Affairs (DMA) for compliance with applicable regulations and procedures, and adherence to the protocol. The Quality Assurance section reviews protocols and case report forms, audits internal study files, audits the clinical stockroom, audits data review and computer entry, participates in review of New Drug Applications (NDAs) and audits the sites of clinical studies. Workshops are also conducted to update Medical Monitors and Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) with results of audits, changes in federal regulations and in DMA procedures Auditing functions are performed in accordance with current and proposed regulations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliance Programs for Sponsors, Monitors and Clinical Investigators are used as guides in conducted audits. The mechanics of performing internal and external auditing will be examined.
People without power

Hart, Dianne Walta. Thanks to God and the Revolution: The Oral History of a Nicaraguan Family. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1990. xxii + 306 pp. including glossary and notes. $25.00 cloth. Rappaport, Joanne. The Politics of Memory: Native Historical Interpretation in the Colombian Andes. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1990. xiv + 223 pp. including glossary, notes, references, and index. $42.50 cloth. Lehmann, David. Democracy and Development in Latin America: Economics, Politics and Religion in the Post‐War Period. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1990. xvi + 235 pp. including bibliography and index. $44.95 cloth.
Rivalry, Instability, and the Probability of International Conflict

This article addresses the effect of political instability and domestic conflict on the probability of militarized interstate disputes. Existing research on the subject has produced inconsistent fi...
Self-esteem in adolescents: Validation of the state self-esteem scale

Abstract The goal of this research was to investigate the appropriateness of using the State Self-Esteem Scale (Heatherton & Polivy, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60, 895–910, 1991) with an adolescent population. The State Self-Esteem Scale (SSES) was designed specifically for measuring state self-esteem, which is defined as the temporary fluctuations in self-esteem. Studies have shown the SSES to be psychometrically sound regarding factor structure, content validity, and construct and discriminative validity. Through this psychometric analysis, the SSES has shown potential for use in a variety of areas. Because previous research regarding this instrument has utilized a predominantly adult population, mostly college students, there is a great need for an instrument with the potential of the SSES for use with adolescents.
Efficient integration of artificial transposons into plasmid targets in vitro: a useful tool for DNA mapping, sequencing and genetic analysis

We have developed efficient methods for creating artificial transposons and inserting these transposons into plasmid targets in vitro, primarily for the purpose of DNA mapping and sequencing. A novel plasmid has been engineered to convert virtually any DNA sequence, or combination of sequences, into an artificial transposon; hence, custom transposons containing any desired feature can be easily designed and constructed. Such transposons are then efficiently inserted into plasmid targets, in vitro, using the integrase activity present in yeast Ty1 virus-like particles. A single in vitro integration reaction, which resembles a simple restriction digestion in the complexity of the reaction, gives rise to thousands of recoverable insertion events within DNA target molecules; this frequency approaches one insertion per phosphodiester bond in typical plasmids. Importantly, transposon insertions are recovered from all regions of DNA inserts carried on plasmid targets, indicating that integration is a random or nearly-random process. Because of its versatility, this technology offers a generalized method of generating recombinant DNA molecules of a desired structure. We have adapted this system for DNA sequencing by developing a customized artificial transposon to insert new primer binding sites into internal regions of DNA inserts carried on cloning vectors. Transposon insertions have been generated throughout several different yeast and human DNA inserts carried on plasmids, allowing the efficient recovery of sequence information from these inserts. Our results demonstrate the overall utility of this method for both small and large-scale DNA sequencing, as well as general DNA restructuring, and indicate that it could be adapted for use with a number of additional applications including functional genetic analysis.
Internal Hemipelvectomy for Pelvic Sarcomas Using a T-incision Surgical Approach

Internal hemipelvectomy is performed for pelvic sarcomas when the tumor can be safely resected without sacrificing the entire extremity. Wide exposure and awareness of major neurovascular structures are crucial to the success of this surgery. Various modifications on the standard utilitarian approach have been used to best achieve these goals. We reviewed our experience using the T-incision technique for 30 pelvic sarcoma resections. The minimum followup was 3.6 months (mean, 55 months; range, 3.6–185.4 months). Postoperative complications included minor complications (requiring no surgery or a simple incision and drainage with primary closure) in 27% of patients and major complications (involving a deep infection or more extensive surgical treatment) in 17%. Ninety-two percent of wound complications healed uneventfully with antibiotics and incision and drainage. The 2-, 5-, and 10-year patient survival rates were 67%, 59%, and 53%. The 2-, 5-, and 10-year disease-free survival rates were 68%, 42%, and 42%. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and Toronto Extremity Salvage Scores were 69% and 86%, respectively. We believe the T-incision technique for internal hemipelvectomy is an effective surgical approach for pelvic sarcomas when limb salvage is possible. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Long-lived and efficient emission from mononuclear amidophosphine complexes of copper.

A number of structurally unusual, monomeric amidophosphine complexes of copper exhibit luminescence properties that are unprecedented for monocopper systems in solution at room temperature. The complexes exhibit lifetimes as long as 150 μs in benzene and quantum efficiencies in the range of 0.16 < φ < 0.70.
The inhibition of photochemical smog—III. Inhibition by Diethylhydroxylamine, N-methylaniline, triethylamine, diethylamine, ethylamine and ammonia

Additional inhibitors for the conversion of NO to NO2 in C3H6-NO-O2 irradiated mixtures have been tested at 25°C These mixtures initially contained about 16 mTorr C3H6, 8 mTorr NO, 0.012 mTorr NO2, additive and enough O2 to bring the total pressure to 100 Torr. The NO2 pressure was monitored photometrically. In the absence of additive, the NO2 pressure first increases with irradiation time reaching a maximum conversion at about 12 min. As the irradiation time increases beyond 12 min, the NO2 pressure drops. Ten-min irradiations were done with various amounts of diethylhydroxylamine ((C2H5)2NOH), N-methylamline (C6H5NHCH3), triethylamine ((C2H5)3N), diethylamine ((C2H5)2NH), ethylamine (C2H5NH2), and ammonia (NH3) added. The NO2 pressure was reduced to one-half its value in the absence of inhibitor with 1.5 mTorr N-methylaniline, 2.5 mTorr (C2H5)2NOH, 6 mTorr (C2H5)3N or 6.0 mTorr (C2H5)2NH added. Ammonia showed no inhibition, and C2H5NH2 gave slight inhibition. Studies of the per cent conversion of NO to NO2 vs irradiation time were done with either 8.1 mTorr (C2H5)3N, 6.0 mTorr (C2H5)2NH, 2.2 mTorr (C2H5)2NOH, and 2.4 mTorr N-methylaniline added. The times for maximum per cent conversion of NO to NO2 were shifted from the additive absent value of 12 min to 15, 18, 22 and 22 min, respectively. In addition the per cent conversion at the maximum was also slightly suppressed with additive present. There is a dark reaction between (C2H5)2NOH and NO2 which follows the rate law −d[NO2]dt = k[NO2][(C2H5)2NOH]. The rate coefficient k = 4.5 × 10−18cm3 s−1 at 25°C is too small for the dark reaction to significantly influence the photochemical inhibition studies.
Some evidence on the role of money illusion in labor supply behavior

Abstract The Keynesian idea that workers are subject to money illusion in their labor supply decisions is tested by estimating a labor supply function that includes the price level as an independent variable. The model is estimated with data drawn from various BLS publications and is aggregated by SMSA. The results indicate a significant negative supply response to price-level changes after controlling for the nominal wage rate, income, and the SMSA's unemployment rate. There is no significant difference between workers' supply response to the price level and the nominal wage rate, which suggests that workers are not subject to money illusion.
Simulations of satellite orbital decay

La decroissance orbitale des satellites autour d'une galaxie spherique est etudiee numeriquement en utilisant des methodes self-consistantes et semi-restreintes n corps
Glucose intolerance in Parkinson's disease.

Abstract Oral glucose tolerance was found to be impaired in a large percentage of an unselected group of patients with Parkinson's Disease. The elevation of blood sugar was unrelated to patient age, duration of Parkinsonism, or degree of disability. Blood sugar levels were higher than would be expected for a random population of similar age, and 52.4 per cent of a group of 63 consecutive cases of Parkinson's Disease fulfilled criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes. The possible nature of the etiologic relationship between Parkinsonism and glucose intolerance and the implications of l -dopa therapy are discussed.
Evidence for a crossed corticorubral projection in cats with one cerebral hemisphere removed neonatally.

Abstract Triatiated amino acids were injected into the right pericruciate cortex and the projections to the red nucleus were mapped autoradiographically in 10 intact and 6 adult cats with one cerebral hemisphere (left side) removed neonatally. In the intact cats only projections to the ipsilateral red nuclei were seen. The terminals were distributed along the entire rostrocaudal extent, but the density of the label was greater in the ventral and medial aspects of the nucleus. In the hemispherectomized cats projections to both red nuclei were found. The topography of the terminals was similar to that seen in intact animals. This finding, together with other changes which we have described, suggests that an extensive structural reorganization may occur after removal of one cerebral hemisphere in cats.
Design, Implementation and Verification of an eXtensible and Modular Hypervisor Framework

We present the design, implementation, and verification of XMHF- an eXtensible and Modular Hypervisor Framework. XMHF is designed to achieve three goals -- modular extensibility, automated verification, and high performance. XMHF includes a core that provides functionality common to many hypervisor-based security architectures and supports extensions that augment the core with additional security or functional properties while preserving the fundamental hypervisor security property of memory integrity (i.e., ensuring that the hypervisor's memory is not modified by software running at a lower privilege level). We verify the memory integrity of the XMHF core -- 6018 lines of code -- using a combination of automated and manual techniques. The model checker CBMC automatically verifies 5208 lines of C code in about 80 seconds using less than 2GB of RAM. We manually audit the remaining 422 lines of C code and 388 lines of assembly language code that are stable and unlikely to change as development proceeds. Our experiments indicate that XMHF's performance is comparable to popular high-performance general-purpose hypervisors for the single guest that it supports.
The gas-phase solvation of the zirconium oxide ion: ZrO+·CO2 and ZrO+·N2

Abstract ZrO+·CO2 and ZrO+·N2 molecules have been synthesized in a molecular beam and spectroscopically characterized for the first time. Resonant photodissociation in a mass spectrometer is used to investigate the optical spectrum of the isolated ion. The spectra of these two ions are similar and show a single electron transition from the ground state with short upper-state progressions in three vibrational modes: the ZrO+ solute stretch, the ZrO+ ↔ CO2(N2) complex stretch and the ZrO+ ∢ CO2 (N2) complex bond. The diatomic (solute) stretching vibrational frequency is independent of solvent, but a significant red-shift in the electronic is observed upon the complexation which increases with increasing solvent binding energy.
Audio-visual speech recognition using an infrared headset

Abstract It is well known that frontal video of the speaker’s mouth region contains significant speech information that, when combined with the acoustic signal, can improve accuracy and noise robustness of automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems. However, extraction of such visual speech information from full-face videos is computationally expensive, as it requires tracking faces and facial features. In addition, robust face detection remains challenging in practical human–computer interaction (HCI), where the subject’s posture and environment (lighting, background) are hard to control, and thus successfully compensate for. In this paper, in order to bypass these hindrances to practical bimodal ASR, we consider the use of a specially designed, wearable audio-visual headset, a feasible solution in certain HCI scenarios. Such a headset can consistently focus on the speaker’s mouth region, thus eliminating altogether the need for face tracking. In addition, it employs infrared illumination to provide robustness against severe lighting variations. We study the appropriateness of this novel device for audio-visual ASR by conducting both small- and large-vocabulary recognition experiments on data recorded using it under various lighting conditions. We benchmark the resulting ASR performance against bimodal data containing frontal, full-face videos collected at an ideal, studio-like environment, under uniform lighting. The experiments demonstrate that the infrared headset video contains comparable speech information to the studio, full-face video data, thus being a viable sensory device for audio-visual ASR.
Threatened belonging and preference for comfort food among the securely attached.

Abstract Research has shown that comfort food triggers relationship-related cognitions and can fulfill belongingness needs for those secure in attachment (i.e., for those with positive relationship cognitions) (Troisi & Gabriel, 2011). Building on these ideas, we examined if securely attached individuals prefer comfort food because of its “social utility” (i.e., its capacity to fulfill belongingness needs) in one experiment and one daily diary study using two samples of university students from the United States. Study 1 (n = 77) utilized a belongingness threat essay among half of the participants, and the results showed that securely attached participants preferred the taste of a comfort food (i.e., potato chips) more after the belongingness threat. Study 2 (n = 86) utilized a 14-day daily diary design and found that securely attached individuals consumed more comfort food in response to naturally occurring feelings of isolation. Implications for the social nature of food preferences are discussed.
Immunologic Abnormalities in Heroin Lung

Because of several reports suggesting a possible immunologic basis for heroin lung, we evaluated the sera of 64 consecutively hospitalized patients with a history of heroin use for levels of the five classes of immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, IgA, IgD, and IgE), complement component C3, and total serum complement. Although elevated in 81 percent (52) of 64 addicts tested, the IgM level was found to be significantly decreased in the 22 addicts with pulmonary edema as compared to the 42 without heroin lung. Additionally, both C3 and total serum complement values were significantly lower in the addicts with pulmonary edema. Though an adequate explanation for the differences between these two groups of addicts is not readily apparent, we suggest that IgM and complement may play an active role in heroin-induced pulmonary edema.
Critical Review Essay: Studying Cultural Pluralism in Courts versus Legislatures

What insights can the literature on legal pluralism and cultural pluralism written by ethnographers of courts provide to ethnographers of legislatures? Focusing on Anglo-American legal systems, I explore how analyses of cultural pluralism can change when one moves from courts to legislatures. Three analytical shifts can occur when switching institutional perspectives. First, in Anglo-American courts, contexts are often made cultural as one technique among many to create a suitable interpretation that will lead to resolution. In the corresponding legislatures, contexts are often made cultural through a form of quantification. Second, in these courts, outsiders (not court officials) tend to embody culture, contributing to an ahistorical account of what culture is. In the legislatures, anyone, even representatives themselves, can be cultural, transforming being cultural into a political tactic that renders historical and social connections visible. Therefore, people are made cultural in different ways in the two settings. Third, in Anglo-American legislatures, law is always a compromise. As laws travel out of legislatures and into courts, the agonism at laws’ origin is forgotten, and laws are seen as acontextual. Thus, I suggest, cultural difference has the potential to lead to systemic transformation more easily at legislative levels than it can in courts.
Sphincter preservation with preoperative radiation therapy and coloanal anastomosis

Purpose: To determine if preoperative radiation therapy allows sphincter preservation in the treatment of rectal cancer. Methods and Materials: Thirty patients with the diagnosis of invasive, resectable, primary adenocarcinoma of the rectum limited to the pelvis were enrolled on a Phase I/II trial of preoperative radiation therapy plus low anterior resection/coloanal anastomosis. By preoperative assessment, all patients had invasive tumors (2: T2,28: T3) involving the distal half of the rectum and required an abdominoperineal resection. The median tumor size was 4 cm (range: 1.5-6 em) and the median distance from the anal verge was 4 cm (range: 3-7 cm). The whole pelvis received 46.8 Gy follows by a 3.60 Gy boost to the primary tumor bed. The median follow-up was 43 months (range: 6-82 months). Results: Of the 29 patients who underwent resection, 3 (10%) had a complete pathologic response and 24 (83%) were able to successfully undergo a low anterior resection/coloanal anastomosis. The incidence of local failure was crude: 17% and 4-year actuarial: 23%. The 4-year actuarial survival was 75%. One patient developed a partial disruption of the anastomosis and two developed recta1 stenosis. Analysis of sphincter function using a previously published scale was performed at the time of last follow-up in 22 of the 24 patients who underwent a low anterior resection/coloanal anastomosis. Function was good or excellent in 77%. The median number of bowel movements/ day was two (range: l-6). Conclusions: This technique may be an alternative to an abdominoperineai resection in selected patients. Continued follow-up is needed to determine if this approach ultimately has similar local control and survival rates as an a~ominoperineal resection.
Collisional history of asteroids: Evidence from Vesta and the Hirayama families

Numerical simulations of the collisional evolution of hypothetical initial asteroid populations have been run which are subject to three constraints: they must evolve to the current asteroid size distribution, preserve Vesta's basaltic crust, and produce at least the observed number of major Hirayama families. A 'runaway growth' initial asteroid population distribution is found to best satisfy these constraints, and a model is developed for the calculation of fragment size distribution in the disruption of large, gravitationally bound bodies in which the material strength is enhanced by hydrostatic self-compression. This model predicts that large asteroids behave as intrinsically strong bodies despite histories of collisional fracture.
International prevalence of physical activity in youth and adults

Understanding population prevalences of physical activity is important to develop benchmarks for current baseline levels to monitor future changes, and for making country/regional comparisons. The purpose was to review the global prevalence of physical activity levels among youth and adults. Standardized literature searches for articles about national prevalences of physical activity were conducted in PubMed. A total of 34 studies in adults and 28 studies in youth were deemed contemporary (1996 - present) and met the inclusion criteria for this review. Wide variability was present between countries in the prevalence of physical activity (as measured and defined by individual studies). Studies with the highest reported prevalences of physical activity were for men in Sweden (77%), women in Denmark (81%), 12- to 15-year-old boys in Australia (74%) and <12-year-old girls (75%) in China. The countries with the lowest reported prevalences of physical activity were men in Brazil (4%), women in Saudi Arabia (2%) and Thailand (2%), and 17- to 18-year-old boys (0%) and 17- to 18-year-old girls (0%) in Russia. The ranges of prevalence of physical activity, mode of data collection, and determination of meeting the physical activity threshold vary greatly between countries. However, the aggregation of these data can be a useful resource to practitioners, interventionists and epidemiologists.
Rationale for including metabolites in chemical toxicity bioassay

Toxicity and biodegradability are major factors affecting the fate and behavior of an organic contaminant in the environment. In this report, 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), an important industrial chemical, was used as a model toxicant to demonstrate that toxicity and biodegradability are intimately related in determining a chemical's effect and impact on the total ecosystem. DNT was found to be aerobically stable, but could undergo anaerobic biotransformation with the formation of three metabolites. One of the metabolites, namely 2-nitroso-4-nitrotoluene, was extremely toxic to the six test bacterial isolates, while the other two aminonitro metabolites and the parent compound DNT were much less toxic or nontoxic to the bacterial cultures. It is suggested that the incorporation of some known metabolites into short-term bioassay procedures could increase the reliability of these tests in the impact assessment of toxic chemicals on the environment. In addition, the difference between toxicity data generated from short-term bioassay procedures and those from long-term toxicological studies was also delineated from a biochemical viewpoint.
Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus in adults.

Abstract This study examines whether transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using a Rashkind PDA occluder device is safe and effective in adults, or if adults have complications not sited in children owing to prolonged aorticopulmonary communication, high surgical risks or calcified PDAs. Fifteen patients aged 22 to 76 years (mean 42 ± 14) were referred for transcatheter PDA occlusion. Exercise intolerance was the most frequent clinical manifestation. Eleven of 15 patients had surgical risk factors that included left ventricular failure (n = 10), biventricular failure (n = 1), elevated pulmonary pressures (n = 1), and a calcified PDA (n = 5). Twelve millimeter devices were placed in 4 PDAs ≤3 mm in diameter; 17 mm devices were placed in 11 PDAs 3 to 6 mm in diameter. Seven (47%) were occluded angiographically shortly after device placement; another 5 PDAs (33%) were occluded echocardiographically within 24 hours of the procedure. Completed occlusion in this time interval was more likely to occur in PDAs
The cusp condition: Constraint on the electron density matrix

Attention is called to the attractive cusp conditions as useful constraints in fixing the elements of the electron density matrix. An equation for determination of pure state densities satisfying arbitrary constraints is reviewed, and a detailed formalism for using cusp conditions with this equation is displayed. A calculation is done using the nitrogen molecule as an example.
A Precision Hand Trimmer for Electron Microscope Tissue Blocks

The construction and operation of a precision device for hand-trimmiig electron microscope tissue blocks to the pyramidal shape essential to successful thin sectioning are described. The hand trimmer permits very delicate control of the pyramid shaping operation which can be carried out with a speed rivaling or exceeding free-band trimming. It can be utilized with any stereomicroscope provided with epi-illumination.
Bias and confounding in longitudinal measures of exhaled monoxides

The measurement of exhaled nitric oxide and carbon monoxide concentrations is an emerging method of monitoring airway inflammation longitudinally in community-based studies. Inhaled concentrations of these monoxides influence exhaled concentrations. Little is known about the degree to which inhaled concentrations distort temporal trends in, or estimated effects of air pollutants on, exhaled monoxides. We sought to evaluate whether estimated effects of air pollutants on exhaled monoxides are distorted by trends in indoor and outdoor monoxides, and to characterize determinants of exhaled monoxide concentrations among residents of public housing. In a panel study, 42 residents of public housing provided over 1000 exhaled breath samples. Samples from all subjects were analyzed for nitric oxide; samples from 27 of these subjects were also analyzed for carbon monoxide. The effects of indoor and outdoor monoxide concentrations on exhaled concentrations were quantified. Confounding of associations between particulate matter concentrations and exhaled nitric oxide concentrations was explored. Determinants of exhaled monoxide concentrations among public housing residents are similar to those of other populations. Exhaled monoxide concentrations are more strongly associated with indoor than with outdoor monoxide concentrations. Approximately half of the variability in exhaled monoxide concentrations over time can be explained by changes in indoor monoxide concentrations. Indoor monoxide concentrations can markedly distort both temporal trends in exhaled concentrations as well as estimated effects of particulate matter on exhaled monoxides. Prior estimated effects of particulate matter on exhaled nitric oxide concentrations may have been confounded by nitric concentrations indoors at the time of exhaled air collection. To prevent distortions of longitudinal trends in airway inflammation and estimated health effects of air pollutants, inspiratory scrubber use is necessary but not sufficient to remove the confounding effect of indoor monoxides, and analyses should adjust exhaled monoxide concentrations for concentrations indoors.
Learning and Liking an Artificial Musical System: Effects of Set Size and Repeated Exposure

We report an investigation of humans' musical learning ability using a novel musical system. We designed an artificial musical system based on the Bohlen-Pierce scale, a scale very different from Western music. Melodies were composed from chord progressions in the new scale by applying the rules of a finite-state grammar. After exposing participants to sets of melodies, we conducted listening tests to assess learning, including recognition tests, generalization tests, and subjective preference ratings. In Experiment 1, participants were presented with 15 melodies 27 times each. Forced choice results showed that participants were able to recognize previously encountered melodies and generalize their knowledge to new melodies, suggesting internalization of the musical grammar.Preference ratings showed no differentiation among familiar, new, and ungrammatical melodies. In Experiment 2, participants were given 10 melodies 40 times each. Results showed superior recognition but unsuccessful generalization. Addi...
Sociocognitive Perspectives on Language Use and Language Learning edited by BATSTONE, ROB

A review of the book "Sociocognitive Perspectives on Language Use and Language Learning," edited by Rob Batstone is presented.
DC Bias Effect on Nanocrystalline Silicon Solar Cell Deposited under a High Power High Pressure Regime

We present the effect of external DC-voltage application to substrate during preparation of nanocrystalline silicon solar cell. The deposition rate, grain size, orientation property is independent of the bias conditions, whereas the crystal volume fraction shows drastic change by applying DC-voltage. This modification results in cell performance variations. A positive bias of 20 V exhibits the highest efficiency of 7.7%, while further positive bias and any negative bias produce lower efficiencies than the one made at zero bias (~ 6.0%). Even if we adjust the hydrogen dilution ratio so as to optimize cell performances at several bias condition, positive 20 V still shows the maximum efficiency, suggesting that the appropriate positive bias value (~ positive 20 V) is effective in improving nc-Si:H solar cell performances.
Shear-wave velocity structure for a spherically averaged earth

Summary. The shear-wave velocity distribution in a spherically averaged Earth is estimated statistically from previously published short-period S travel-time measurements (Uhrhammer). An algorithm is defined for integral inversion techniques which allows estimation of the variance of the velocity distribution from the uncertainties in the S slowness model. Comparisons are made between the resulting S-velocity solution and other solutions in common use. There are significant differences (at the 95 per cent confidence level) between the 5-velocity model determined here and the Jeffreys-Bullen model over the depth ranges of 150–550 km and 2100–2350 km. The 95 per cent confidence level in the present velocity distribution ranges from ± 0.025 km/s at 625 km to ±0.32km/s at 2766 km and averages about ±0.063 or ±1 percent. Correlations between azimuthally dependent source and station adjustments (which were previously determined (Uhrhammer)) indicate widespread lateral inhomogeneities (up to 3.4 per cent) to depths of approximately 700 km. Up to three-quarters of the source adjustments are due to lateral velocity variations in the source regions. Station adjustments for differential 5 minus P times are significantly correlated with elevation and crustal age, but not with station instrumental magnification.
Infinite Divisibility of Gaussian Squares with Non-zero Means

We give necessary and sufficient conditions for a Gaussian vector with non-zero mean, to have infinitely divisible squares for all scalar multiples of the mean, and show how the this vector is related to the local times of a Markov chain determined by the covariance matrix of the Gaussian vector. Our results add to results of Griffiths, Bapat, Eisenbaum and Kaspi.
Conditional overexpression of TGFβ1 promotes pulmonary inflammation, apoptosis and mortality via TGFβR2 in the developing mouse lung

Earlier studies have reported that transforming growth factor beta 1(TGFβ1) is a critical mediator of hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury (HALI) in developing lungs, leading to impaired alveolarization and a pulmonary phenotype of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, the mechanisms responsible for the TGFβ1-induced inflammatory signals that lead to cell death and abnormal alveolarization are poorly understood. We hypothesized that TGFβ1 signaling via TGFβR2 is necessary for the pathogenesis of the BPD pulmonary phenotype resulting from HALI. We utilized lung epithelial cell-specific TGFβ1 overexpressing transgenic and TGFβR2 null mutant mice to evaluate the effects on neonatal mortality as well as pulmonary inflammation and apoptosis in developing lungs. Lung morphometry was performed to determine the impaired alveolarization and multicolor flow cytometry studies were performed to detect inflammatory macrophages and monocytes in lungs. Apoptotic cell death was measured with TUNEL assay, immunohistochemistry and western blotting and protein expression of angiogenic mediators were also analyzed. Our data reveals that increased TGFβ1 expression in newborn mice lungs leads to increased mortality, macrophage and immature monocyte infiltration, apoptotic cell death specifically in Type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), impaired alveolarization, and dysregulated angiogenic molecular markers. Our study has demonstrated the potential role of inhibition of TGFβ1 signaling via TGFβR2 for improved survival, reduced inflammation and apoptosis that may provide insights for the development of potential therapeutic strategies targeted against HALI and BPD.
Indirect effects of host-specific biological control agents

Biological control is a crucial tool in the battle against biological invasions, but biocontrol agents can have a deleterious impact on native species. Recognition of risks associated with host shifting has increased the emphasis on host specificity of biocontrol agents for invasive weeds. However, recent studies indicate host-specific biocontrol agents can also exhibit substantial nontarget effects through indirect interactions and food-web subsidies. Based on an evaluation of these studies, we conclude that the interaction strength between biocontrol agents and their hosts is at least as important as host specificity for determining the outcome of biocontrol introductions. Host-specific biocontrol agents that establish, but fail to reduce the densities of their hosts can facilitate bottom-up effects that link the target weed to other native organisms through food webs, thereby expanding the impacts of the invasive weed. We believe that indirect nontarget effects of host-specific biocontrol agents arising from food-web subsidies could prove more deleterious to native species than are the direct nontarget effects currently recognized from host shifting.
Library design – the architect’s view. A discussion with Tom Findley

The architect’s role in any building project cannot be overstated. It is crucial for library planners to bring the architect early into the design process and work continuously with him/her throughout the entire building phase. Thomas A. Findley, an award‐winning architect from the firm of Leo A. Daly, spoke with the author at length about his role in enabling library planners to develop the kinds of buildings that will both satisfy present demands and enable future needs to be met.
"Hired guns," "whores," and "prostitutes": case law references to clinicians of ill repute.

The "hired gun phenomenon" is a recurrent topic in forensic psychiatric shop talk, but scholars have conducted very little systematic investigation of how courts respond to the suggestion that mental health testimony is "for sale." This article examines the issue using findings from a computer search of court decisions that make, or refer to, derogatory statements concerning mental health experts. The search strategy, using the root words or search terms "(prostitut! or whore or hired gun) w/100 psych!," yielded 567 cases, 45 (7.9%) of which contained comments about professionals' ethics. In 35 opinions, professionals were termed or compared with "hired guns"; five cases described testifying experts using the word "whore," and five cases used some variation on "prostitute." Most cases referred to psychiatrists (rather than psychologists); specific clinicians were identifiable in 26 cases. Over half the remarks occurred in appeals of criminal convictions and concerned psychiatric testimony at trial or before sentencing. Prosecutors were the most common sources of disparaging statements; appellate courts usually disapproved of their remarks but did not reverse convictions. Appellate decisions themselves were the second most frequent sources of derogatory remarks. These findings document the perception among legal professionals that many mental health experts are unscrupulous.
Developing moral literacy in the classroom

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to identify and articulate the practical implications of the teacher's role in implementing a program related to developing moral literacy in students as well as identifying what is necessary for professional development opportunities intended to educate teachers in the realm of moral literacy.Design/methodology/approach – A broad range of recent literature on the subject of moral education and moral literacy are utilized to identify best practices and potential pitfalls related to moral literacy program implementation in schools as well as the particular impact of teacher behaviors on program success.Findings – The paper identifies a pervasive need for professional development opportunities for teachers expected by their districts to implement programs related to moral literacy in their classrooms. Additionally, the authors identify the need for teachers to address the need for community involvement, the development of their own moral literacy, synergy between pr...
Convective Heat Transfer with Buoyancy Effects from Thermal Sources on a Flat Plate

An experimental study is carried out on the thermal interaction between two finite-size heat sources, located on a flat plate that is well insulated on the back. Both the horizontal and the vertical orientations of the surface are studied by measuring the flow velocities, the temperature field, and the local heat flux. The investigation is directed at the pure natural convection circumstance (no forced flow velocity) and the buoyancy-dominated mixed-convection circumstance (presence of a relatively small forced flow velocity). Large temperature gradients occur in the vicinity of the heat sources, resulting in a substantial diffusion of heat along the plate length. However, the effect of conduction is found to be highly localized. The orientation of the surface has a very strong effect on the interaction of the wakes from the heat sources for the circumstances considered. An upstream source is found to have a very strong influence on the temperature of a downstream source in the vertical surface orientation but has a much weaker influence in the horizontal orientation. In the latter circumstance the presence of a small forced flow velocity may actually increase the temperature of a downstream source by tilting the wake from the upstream source toward themore » downstream source. 25 refs.« less
Microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 in breast cancer: a potential target for therapy.

The anti-tumour actions of cyclooxygenases (COX) are thought to be mediated by inhibition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis. However, COX-2 inhibition also alters cellular production of other prostaglandins such as prostacyclin (PGI2). The latter action is believed to be important for the development of adverse cardio-vascular events. Microsomal PGES (mPGES-1) is an enzyme downstream to COX-2 and affects PGE2 production only. It is possible that targeting mPGES-1 could decrease PGE2 production without affecting PGI2 production. In order to assess the potential of mPGES-1 as a target for therapy, we analysed its expression in breast cell lines and normal and malignant breast tissues. The expression of mPGES-1 and COX-2 was correlated in tumour cells and vascular endothelium, and with prognostic parameters in breast cancer. Although not detectable in normal epithelial cells, expression was noted in areas of fibrocystic change and in situ carcinoma. mPGES-1 expression was noted in 79% of breast cancer tissues. Its expression did not correlate with COX-2 overexpression or with prognostic markers of breast cancer. Endothelial cells did not show mPGES-1 expression. Upregulation of mPGES-1 is therefore frequent in pre-malignant and malignant breast disease. In this study, coordinate over-expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 was not observed, particularly in the endothelial cells of blood vessels. Targeting mPGES-1 might prove to be an alternative therapeutic strategy to inhibit PGE2 production. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Stories We Choose to Tell: Fulfilling the Promise of Qualitative Research for Special Education:

In recent years qualitative research has earned an increasingly legitimate place as a form of systematic inquiry in educational scholarship. Special education researchers who draw on qualitative methods have responded by using this research paradigm chiefly to document stories of individuals with disabilities. However, rarely have these studies been extended to consider the broader sociocultural contexts within which disability exists. A case is made in this article for broadening the view of qualitative research that governs its practice within special education in an effort to challenge both the nature of the stories we choose to tell about disability as well as the frameworks by which these stories are disciplined.
MAFET thrust 1 program to develop MW/MMW design tools

The MDE Consortium, under a cost-shared program with DARPA, is developing design tools, methodology, and models to support virtual prototyping of microwave and millimeter-wave multi-chip assembly (MCA) modules. The goal of this effort is to replace the design-build-test methodology used to develop MCAs by a simulation-based design methodology to achieve a 3X reduction in design cycle-time and cost and improved-performance designs. This paper provides an overview of the program and its four development areas: Design Environment (design capture and interchange), Circuit and Behavioral Simulation, EM Simulation, and Models/Modeling tools. The program is ongoing and key accomplishments to-date are discussed.
Laplacian pyramid encoding: optimum rate and distortion allocations

The authors develop the optimum bit allocations for fixed rate (minimum distortion) and fixed distortion (minimum rate) hierarchical Laplacian pyramid image coding structures, using scalar quantizers that have negative exponential quantizer functions. The optimum MSE (mean square error) bit allocation is shown to agree closely with P.J. Burt and E.H. Adelson's (IEEE Trans. Acoust., Speech and Signal Proc., vol. ASSP-34, p.1278-88, Oct. 1987) empirically derived and perceptually based allocation. The slope of the distortion-rate function is found to vary with the number of levels, N, in the pyramid, becoming worse as N increases. It is also shown that since the amount of compression is a function of the distribution of energies among the Laplacian images, performance is strongly affected by the quality of the filters. The analysis permits comparison with other important schemes, such as subband coding, from a distortion-rate perspective. >
High-speed optical modulator in LiNbO/sub 3/ with cascaded resonant-type electrodes

A high-speed optical modulator with cascaded resonant-type electrodes is presented. To reduce the drive power and switch voltage V/sub /spl pi// and to maintain high-modulation efficiencies, resonant reduced-length electrode structures were cascaded and integrated on LiNbO/sub 3/. Electrical power coupling into the resonators was realized by a single-input source distributed with electrical power dividers and delay lines. As a result, an optical modulator with four resonant-type cascaded electrodes was fabricated and characterized. This device, with a total active-electrode length as short as 3.4 (4 /spl times/ 0.85) mm, achieved a switch efficiency V/sub /spl pi///spl middot/ L of 68 V /spl middot/ mm at 25 GHz at 1.55-/spl mu/m wavelength, resulting in a drive power 8.7 dB less than that required for a traveling wave modulator with the same active length.