cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Singular Hopf bifurcations and mixed-mode oscillations in a two-cell inhibitory neural network

Abstract Recent studies of a firing rate model for neural competition as observed in binocular rivalry and central pattern generators [R. Curtu, A. Shpiro, N. Rubin, J. Rinzel, Mechanisms for frequency control in neuronal competition models, SIAM J. Appl. Dyn. Syst. 7 (2) (2008) 609–649] showed that the variation of the stimulus strength parameter can lead to rich and interesting dynamics. Several types of behavior were identified such as: fusion, equivalent to a steady state of identical activity levels for both neural units; oscillations due to either an escape or a release mechanism; and a winner-take-all state of bistability. The model consists of two neural populations interacting through reciprocal inhibition, each endowed with a slow negative-feedback process in the form of spike frequency adaptation. In this paper we report the occurrence of another complex oscillatory pattern, the mixed-mode oscillations (MMOs). They exist in the model at the transition between the relaxation oscillator dynamical regime and the winner-take-all regime. The system distinguishes itself from other neuronal models where MMOs were found by the following interesting feature: there is no autocatalysis involved (as in the examples of voltage-gated persistent inward currents and/or intrapopulation recurrent excitation) and therefore the two cells in the network are not intrinsic oscillators; the oscillations are instead a combined result of the mutual inhibition and the adaptation. We prove that the MMOs are due to a singular Hopf bifurcation point situated in close distance to the transition point to the winner-take-all case. We also show that in the vicinity of the singular Hopf other types of bifurcations exist and we construct numerically the corresponding diagrams.
Reductions in depressed mood and denial coping during cognitive behavioral stress management with HIV-Positive gay men treated with HAART.

Background: Stress management interventions for HIV-positive persons have been designed to enhance coping skills and encourage health-promoting behaviors with the hope of decreasing distress and slowing disease progression.Purpose: We examined the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) intervention in combination with medication adherence training (MAT) in 130 gay and bisexual men living with HIV infection.Methods: Participants were randomized to either a 10-week CBSM+MAT intervention (n = 76) or a MAT-only condition (n = 54). Measures of self-reported adherence, active cognitive coping (i.e., acceptance and positive reinterpretation), avoidant coping (i.e., denial and behavioral disengagement), and depressed mood were examined over the 10-week intervention period.Results: Men in CBSM+MAT reported reductions in depressed mood and denial coping during the 10-week intervention period, but no changes in active cognitive coping or self-reported adherence were observed. Using path analysis, greater reliance on denial coping at baseline was associated with decreased depressed mood at 10 weeks. We also determined that CBSM+MAT may decrease depressed mood by reducing reliance on denial coping over the 10-week intervention period.Conclusions: Although denial may be an effective means of distress reduction in the short term, reliance on this coping strategy may result in a decreased capacity to effectively manage a variety of disease-related stressors in the long term. CBSM+MAT addresses this potentially detrimental pattern by teaching stress reduction skills that may decrease depressed mood via reduced reliance on denial coping.
Vertically Propagating Kelvin Waves and Tropical Tropopause Variability

Abstract The relationship between local convection, vertically propagating Kelvin waves, and tropical tropopause height variability is examined. This study utilizes both simulations of a global primitive-equation model and global observational datasets. Regression analysis with the data shows that convection over the western tropical Pacific is followed by warming in the upper troposphere (UT) and cooling in lower stratosphere (LS) over most longitudes, which results in a lifting of the tropical tropopause. The model results reveal that these UT–LS temperature anomalies are closely associated with vertically propagating Kelvin waves, indicating that these Kelvin waves drive tropical tropopause undulations at intraseasonal time scales. The model simulations further show that regardless of the longitudinal position of the imposed heating, the UT–LS Kelvin wave reaches its maximum amplitude over the western Pacific. This result, together with an analysis based on wave action conservation, is used to contend ...
Historical decline of red spruce populations and climatic warming

Within the scientific as well as the popular press there is a growing interest in the declining growth rates and increased mortality of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) in the eastern United States1,2, and the possibility of a causal relationship with anthropogenic pollutants, particularly acidic deposition3–7. To evaluate this relationship we need to consider the long-term (200 year) population trend of this species (which has not been done to date). Potentially long-term changes are being viewed with a short-term perspective, possibly leading to the identification of spurious causal relationships. Using historical and current compositional data from old-growth stands in the spruce–hardwood zone we constructed a 180-year trend in forest composition for central New Hampshire. These data indicate a major decrease in the size of red spruce populations from 1800 to the present. It is proposed that the major driving force of this decline has been a warming trend in both mean annual and mean summer temperatures.
Functions of the Adrenal Cortex

EVIDENCE is accumulating that the adrenal cortex produces several hormones by means of which it carries on its various functions. The crystalline compounds that have been isolated probably are more stable derivatives of an unknown number of original hormones. Unfractionated extract contains the hormones in as nearly a natural state as it is possible to obtain them. Through a study of this extract and its fractions we are beginning to understand the functions of the cortex. Some functions involve the organism as a whole while others have a more specific relation. The former include regulation of permeability and electrolyte balance as well as control of growth and energy metabolism. The latter include detoxification, control of pigmentation, specific ffect on the nervous system, influence on milk production, and the effects on vitamin deficiencies. Regulation of Permeability A disturbance in permeability was noticed early in the study of adrenal function
Absorption spectra and electronic properties of alkali-metal-doped C60

Abstract Changes in optical absorption spectra of ≈ 500 A thick films of C 60 during doping with alkali metals (A = Li, Na, K, and Rb) were recorded. The stoichiometry of the potassium-doped C 60 films was monitored by simultaneous in situ measurements of electrical conductivity. The spectral changes indicate that the molecular solid behavior of C 60 bulk is preserved in the A 6 C 60 phase. Assignments for the C 60 and K 6 C 60 absorption spectra based on molecular orbitals of C 60 are discussed.
Jaundice in the healthy term neonate: When is treatment indicated?

ne of the most common problems seen in the term neonate is jaundice. Approximately two thirds of newborns become clinically jaundiced. There continues to be controversy about the potential adverse effects of neonatal jaundice in the "healthy" term neonate, and when to initiate treatment. For this discussion, term is defined as 37 or more completed weeks of gestation. Definition Clinical jaundice is defined as the visible manifestation of chemical hyperbilirnbinemia. 1 It is unusual to recognize jaundice clinically until the serum bilirubin concentration exceeds 7 mg/dl. Bilirubin Formation and Excretion Bilirubin is derived from the catabolism of heme proteins. It is primarily caused by destruction of hemoglobin derived from senescent red blood cells. The catabolism of 1 gm of hemoglobin results in the production of 34 mg of bilirubin. The normal newborn produces 8.5 ± 2.3 mg of bilirubin/kg/day.
The Gd-Ba-Cu-O system: Phase relationships at ∼950°C in air

Abstract A systematic X-ray powder diffraction study of the Gd 2 O 3 -BaCO 3 -CuO system over the temperature range 920-980°C in ambient air is presented as a function of cation composition. In the pseudobinary regions the phases BaGd 2 O 4 , “Gd 2 Ba 4 O 7 ,” Gd 2 CuO 4 , and BaCuO 2 were observed. Mass balance data suggest that “Gd 2 Ba 4 O 7 ” is actually Gd 2 Ba 4 O 7 · CO 2 . In the pseudoternary region the phases Gd 2 BaCuO 5 , GdBa 3 Cu 2 O y , and GdBa 2 Cu 3 O 6.5+ x were identified. Although GdBa 2 Cu 3 O 6.5+ x exhibited minimal solid solution, GdBa 3 Cu 2 O y evidenced a significant solubility range. Lattice parameters are presented and from a phase analysis subsolidus relationships are constructed. The system is compared with related systems.
Cone Responses in Usher Syndrome Types 1 and 2 by Microvolt Electroretinography

PURPOSE Progressive decline of psychophysical cone-mediated measures has been reported in type 1 (USH1) and type 2 (USH2) Usher syndrome. Conventional cone electroretinogram (ERG) responses in USH demonstrate poor signal-to-noise ratio. We evaluated cone signals in USH1 and USH2 by recording microvolt level cycle-by-cycle (CxC) ERG. METHODS Responses of molecularly genotyped USH1 (n = 18) and USH2 (n = 24) subjects (age range, 15-69 years) were compared with those of controls (n = 12). A subset of USH1 (n = 9) and USH2 (n = 9) subjects was examined two to four times over 2 to 8 years. Photopic CxC ERG and conventional 30-Hz flicker ERG were recorded on the same visits. RESULTS Usher syndrome subjects showed considerable cone flicker ERG amplitude losses and timing phase delays (P < 0.01) compared with controls. USH1 and USH2 had similar rates of progressive logarithmic ERG amplitude decline with disease duration (-0.012 log μV/y). Of interest, ERG phase delays did not progress over time. Two USH1C subjects retained normal response timing despite reduced amplitudes. The CxC ERG method provided reliable responses in all subjects, whereas conventional ERG was undetectable in 7 of 42 subjects. CONCLUSIONS Cycle-by-cycle ERG showed progressive loss of amplitude in both USH1 and USH2 subjects, comparable to that reported with psychophysical measures. Usher subjects showed abnormal ERG response latency, but this changed less than amplitude with time. In USH syndrome, CxC ERG is more sensitive than conventional ERG and warrants consideration as an outcome measure in USH treatment trials.
Comparisons of histologic, cytologic, and clinical findings in intraoral leukoplakia and associated carcinoma.

Abstract Histologic changes, such as acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and dyskeratosis, may all be responsible for the intraoral white lesion. In many instances, however, correlation is lacking between the clinical appearance and the histologic pattern. Six cases are presented to illustrate this fact. An innocent-appearing white patch may represent an early carcinoma. Proper diagnosis and management of these lesions may be made possible by rational use of cytologic smears, biopsy techniques, and careful observation of response to therapy.
An investigation into the empirical relationship between time with peers, friendship, and delinquency

Abstract Purpose Much of the research on peer influence has examined the relationship between peer associations and delinquency. Relatively little empirical research has addressed the effects of delinquent behavior on peer intimacy and time spent with peers. Our research attempts to fill these gaps in the literature as we hypothesize that, net of peer delinquency, delinquents spend more time with their peers but are less closely attached to their peers. Methods Using data from two waves of the National Youth Survey (NYS), we present two sets of regression models to account for selection bias resulting from whether respondents reported having friends. To assess the stability of our findings, we supplement our presented findings with extensive use of alternate estimation strategies. Results Conclusions regarding our hypotheses do not vary by estimation strategy. Delinquents spend more time with their peers, but delinquents and non-delinquents do not report differences in closeness to their peers. Conclusions Given our control variables, our finding introduces complexity in the causal priority between time spent with peers and delinquency. Prior delinquency may be a predictor of more time with peers, but partly as an avenue for opportunities for crime, not for the sake of friendship.
Measurement of hydrocarbon-degrading microbial populations by a 96-well plate most-probable-number procedure

A 96-well microtiter plate most-probable-number (MPN) procedure was developed to enumerate hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms. The performance of this method, which uses number 2 fuel oil (F2) as the selective growth substrate and reduction of iodonitrotetrazolium violet (INT) to detect positive wells, was evaluated by comparison with an established 24-well microtiter plate MPN procedure (the Sheen Screen), which uses weathered North Slope crude oil as the selective substrate and detects positive wells by emulsification or dispersion of the oil. Both procedures gave similar estimates of the hydrocarbon-degrader population densities in several oil-degrading enrichment cultures and sand samples from a variety of coastal sites. Although several oils were effective substrates for the 96-well procedure, the combination of F2 with INT was best, because the color change associated with INT reduction was more easily detected in the small wells than was disruption of the crude oil slick. The method's accuracy was evaluated by comparing hydrocarbon-degrader MPNs with heterotrophic plate counts for several pure and mixed cultures. For some organisms, it seems likely that a single cell cannot initiate sufficient growth to produce a positive result. Thus, this and other hydrocarbon-degrader MPN procedures might underestimate the hydrocarbon-degrading population, even for culturable organisms.
Jesus and the Covenant: a Response to E.P. Sanders

L'A. se refere a : E. P. Sanders, " Jesus and Judaism ", Philadelphie, Fortress, 1985. Il critique la these de Sanders : Jesus ne partageait pas le " covenantal nomism " du Judaisme de son temps, il l'a au contraire rejete. Il examine : la predication de Jean-Baptiste| Jesus et la restauration d'Israel| Jesus et la Loi| la nouvelle alliance| Jesus comme sauveur: Jesus et les " pecheurs "
Diagnostic and therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies in colorectal cancer

PURPOSE: The study contained herein was undertaken to review and summarize the current literature on diagnostic and therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies in colorectal cancer. RESULTS: Limitations of traditional imaging techniques have encouraged development of targeted imaging strategies using radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies. Diagnostic immunoscintigraphy can detect lesions not identified by conventional imaging modalities, although it has not proven useful in the management of primary colorectal cancers and in hepatic metastases. Immunoscintigraphy shows promise in cases of local recurrence and rising carcinoembryonic antigen values; however, the impact of immunoscintigraphy on clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness remains unproven. Radioimmunoguided surgery has been advocated as a method of more accurately detecting tumor extension and accomplishing radical resection. The technique remains controversial, and its use is not widespread. With respect to therapeutic applications, immunotherapy has most often been investigated in the setting of advanced stage disease. Results in this setting have been poor. In contrast, adjuvant immunotherapy after resection of Dukes C carcinoma has achieved convincing results, with improvements in survival comparable with that of adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant trials are now under way to examine the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies in the postoperative treatment of early-stage (II) tumors and the combination of monoclonal antibodies and chemotherapy in advanced-stage (III) tumors. Bispecific antibodies, or immunoconjugates with cytokines or toxins, represent additional areas of interest and future investigations. CONCLUSIONS: At present, immunoscintigraphy is not sufficient to determine, by itself, resectability of colorectal tumor and has limited usefulness in select cases of recurrent cancer and possibly in cases of rising carcinoembryonic antigen values. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies as a postoperative adjuvant treatment shows promise and is currently being investigated in national trials.
Culture of human neoplastic gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells

Due to limited growth potential of primary cultures and the absence of continuous lines of healthy enteric smooth muscle, we have studied the culture behavior of neoplastic gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells. Forty-six human enteric smooth muscle neoplasms (leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas) were studied while fresh and/or after culture in vitro and growth in vivo in athymic nude mice, with assessments made of morphology, growth characteristics, and biochemical markers of differentiation. The state of differentiation of the tumors varied, with well-differentiated tumors tending to express binding sites for the gastrointestinal hormone cholecystokinin, whereas less well-differentiated tumors did not. Poorly differentiated tumors were the easiest to establish in culture in vitro and to grow in vivo in nude mice. When the cells placed directly into culture proliferated to confluent density, they underwent morphologic differentiation from a spread, fibroblastlike shape to a slender spindle morphology, with these cells possessing fewer biosynthetic organelles and arranging themselves in characteristic “hill and valley” arrays. However, the highly differentiated characteristics of expression of desmin or cholecystokinin-binding sites were not observed in cultured cells. In contrast, cells that had been passaged in nude mice before culture displayed a proliferative phenotype and failed to undergo morphologic differentiation on reaching confluent density. Four human enteric smooth muscle cell lines (documented by chromosomal analysis) originating in stomach, jejunum, ileum, and rectum were established using this strategy.
Concerning Chopin's “Enigmatical” Finale in the Sonata in B♭ Minor, Op. 35

The common perception of the finale of Chopin's Sonata in B♭ minor as puzzling or enigmatical is due primarily to its unusual texture—octaves between the two hands throughout, challenging the listener to differentiate between its successive chordal and nonchordal tones. Despite the finale's perceived strangeness, its musical substance—its content of ideas and procedures—can be found in similar guises in a number of Chopin's other works. Moreover, its rapidly changing harmonies and unusual texture can be more readily comprehended if the movement is played at a slower tempo than has been hitherto observed by performers.
Multicultural ethics and diversity discourse

Purpose – Responses to diversity management have resulted in disappointment to many organizations (Cox, 2001). Previous work has situated rational for diversity in deontological ethics by equality scholars, while the business case for diversity has commonly rested on utilitarian ethics (van Dijk et al., 2012). The purpose of this paper is to examine a possible shift in rational for diversity – to explore if and how the ethic of care has been utilized in the diversity statements of companies earning recognition as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2012. Design/methodology/approach – This study utilized visual rhetoric analysis and was designed to examine multiple elements of these diversity statements as published in the company web sites, including presence of the ethic of care, visual communication, and logistics. Findings – Of note are the results of the presence of the ethic of care as a primary or secondary rationale in 70 percent of the statements studied. Statistically significant resul...
The amulet user interface development environment: special interest group meeting

The User Interface Software Group at CMU is investigating ways to make the design, prototyping, and implementation of user interfaces substantially easier. Unlike other user interface development environments that deal only with widgets like menus, scroll bars and buttons, we concentrate on the insides of application windows, which is the part that takes most of the programmer's time to design and implement. Typical applications of the technology include visualizations and visual programming environments, drawing programs, user interfaces for expert systems, graph editors, graphical programming languages, game user interfaces, simulation and process monitoring programs, user interface construction tools, CAD/CAM programs, etc.
MICROSCOPIC AND SEMI-CLASSICAL TREATMENTS OF OCTUPOLE DEFORMATION IN THE LIGHT ACTINIDES

Microscopic and semi-classical descriptions of octupole deformation are compared. New semi-classical results, obtained with the use of a Woods-Saxon potential are presented. Comparisons with experiment are made. 21 references.
The preponderance of arguments in the risky shift phenomenon

A risky shift experiment is conducted consisting of 12 four-person groups to study the enhanced-salience-of-values mechanism of Brown's (1965) widely held values theory and Vinokur's (1971) persuasive argumentation hypothesis. Tape recorded group discussions and written briefs were coded to measure percent risky expression of content of four risky and four cautious choice dilemma problems. Results showed significant relationships between percent risky expression and degree of shift by groups and by problems. The results are interpreted as support for the enhanced-salience-of-values mechanism of the widely held values theory and the persuasive argumentation hypothesis.
How Time Affects the Risk of Rupture in Appendicitis

Background Increasing time between symptom onset and treatment may be a risk factor for a ruptured appendix, but little is known about how the risk changes with passing time. This study aimed to determine the changes in risk of rupture in patients with appendicitis with increasing time from symptom onset to treatment to help guide the swiftness of surgical intervention. Study design We conducted a retrospective chart review of physician office, clinic, emergency room, and inpatient records of a random sample of 219 of 731 appendicitis patients operated on between 1996 and 1998 at 2 inner-city tertiary referral and municipal hospitals. Conditional risks of rupture were calculated using life table methods. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with rupture, and linear regression was used to assess factors affecting time from first examination to treatment. Results Rupture risk was≤2% in patients with less than 36hours of untreated symptoms. For patients with untreated symptoms beyond 36hours, the risk of rupture rose to and remained steady at 5% for each ensuing 12-hour period. Rupture was greater in patients with36hours or more of untreated symptoms (estimated relative risk [RR]=6.6; 95% CI: 1.9 to 8.3), age 65 years and older (RR=4.2; 95% CI: 1.9 to 6.1), fever>38.9°C (RR=3.6; 95% CI: 1.2 to 5.7), and tachycardia (heart rate≥100 beats/minute; RR=3.4; 95% CI: 1.8 to 5.4). Time between first physician examination and treatment was shorter among patients presenting to the emergency department (median, 7.1hours versus 10.9hours; p Conclusions Risk of rupture in ensuing 12-hour periods rises to 5% after 36hours of untreated symptoms. Physicians should be cautious about delaying surgery beyond 36hours from symptom onset in patients with appendicitis.
GUIDCOUN: A Comprehensive FORTRAN IV Computer Program for Generating Item and Test Analyses as Well as a Complete Standard Scores Distribution

With the literature containing many item analysis and test analysis computer programs as well as programs for computing standard scores, GUIDCOUN offers a comprehensive alternative. Completing its performance on one run, the present program, written in FORTRAN IV and emphasizing ease of use, integrates various statistical techniques for analyzing individual items and the overall test, in addition to generating a variety of standard scores. The item analysis section includes such statistics as corrected-for-overlap point-biserial coefficients and a response grid for A, B, C, D, and E alternatives as well as omits. The statistics given in the test analysis section range from mean to standard error of kurtosis. The standard scores section offers many popular grade assignment techniques, ranging from basic frequency to normalized stanines. Restrictions include a maximum of 150 items and a need for approximately 256K. Availability of program and documentation are offered at cost.
Mutation analysis of the putative tumor suppressor PTEN/MMAC1 in human ovarian cancer

A putative tumor suppressor, PTEN/MMAC1 gene was recently identified at 10q23 and was found to be frequently altered in several types of human tumors. To determine the possible role of this gene in human ovarian tumors, we screened 31 unselected primary epithelial ovarian cancers with matched normal tissues and 7 ovarian cancer cell lines. Two homozygous deletions (4.8%) were detected in primary ovarian tumors by a semi-quantitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction. However, no point mutations were observed in any of the PTEN/MMAC1 coding sequences as determined by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and DNA sequencing. These data indicate that PTEN/MMAC1 mutations are rare in ovarian cancers.
Norepinephrine-containing terminals in kitten visual cortex: laminar distribution and ultrastructure.

Abstract The laminar distribution of monoamine-containing terminals in the visual cortex (areas 17 and 18) of 6- to 8-week-old kittens was studied with a modified glyoxylic acid histofluorescence method. The ultrastructure of monoamine-containing terminal boutons in cortical tissues fixed with glyoxylic acid perfusion followed by immersion in potassium permanganate was also studied in serial sections. In both coronal and sagittal planes, rich innervation of catecholamine-containing fibers and terminals was found throughout all 6 cortical layers. Intensely fluorescent stem fibers, which are preterminal fibers in the white matter, entered layer VI from the white matter after veering abruptly towards the cortical surface. While the stem fibers ran towards the surface, many collateral terminal fibers branched out in all directions in the middle layers; a dense plexus of catecholamine fibers and terminals was found mostly in layers II and III. Reaching the superficial layer, the stem fibers gave off terminal fibers which ran parallel to the surface. Monoamine-containing terminal boutons were identified by electron microscopy as small bulges which contained dense-cored vesicles. About 10% of the monoamine-containing boutons showed the usual synaptic membrane specialization suggesting synapse formation. Another 10% of the monoamine boutons showed only some characteristic features such as widening of the associated intermembrane space, and aggregation and contact of cored vesicles with the presynaptic membrane. The remaining 80% of the monoamine boutons failed to show any of the above described properties. The 2 types of monoamine boutons with classical synaptic features were seen in all layers, particularly II and III, but not in layer VI. The most frequent target of monoamine boutons in all 6 layers seemed to be dendritic shafts. The few axo-spiny and axo-somatic contacts observed occurred in the superficial and deep layers, respectively. The circumstantial evidence suggested that the monoamine visualized in the current study of either histofluorescence or electron microscopy was in fact norepinephrine rather than dopamine and serotonin. The rich innervation of all cortical layers with catecholamine-containing boutons is consistent with noradrenaline being a factor in modifying the plasticity of neurons in the visual cortex.
Pulsed laser induced self-organization by dewetting of metallic films

Reliable and cost-effective techniques to process surface nanoscale metallic structures with controllable and complex nanomorphologies is important toward progress in technologies related to sensing, energy harvesting, information storage, and computing. Here we discuss how pulsed laser melting and the ensuing self-organization by dewetting of ultrathin films can be utilized to fabricate various nanomorphologies in a predictable manner. Ultrathin metal films (1–100 nm) on inert substrates like SiO2 are generally unstable, with their free energy resembling that of a spinodal system. The energy rate theory of self-organization, which is based on balancing the rate of thermodynamic free energy change to the rate of energy dissipation, predicts the appearance of characteristic length scales. This is borne out in experiments of nanosecond pulsed laser melting of a variety of metal films. We review this laser-based self-organization technique with various examples from the behavior of Ag and Co metals on SiO2 substrates. Specifically, film thickness and film roughness can be used to control dewetting length scales, whereas knowledge of the intermolecular forces responsible for the free energy of the system control the type of morphology. Furthermore, novel dewetting is observed that is attributable to nanoscale heating effects resulting from the thickness-dependent pulsed laser heating. These results help elucidate the basic mechanisms of pulsed laser induced dewetting of metal films, but they also provide potential routes for cost-effective nanomanufacturing of metallic surfaces for applications in sensing, energy harvesting, and information processing.
Geometric source coding and vector quantization

A geometric formulation is presented for source coding and vector quantizer design. Motivated by the asymptotic equipartition principle, the authors consider two broad classes of source codes and vector quantizers: elliptical codes and quantizers based on the Gaussian density function, and pyramid codes and quantizers based on the Laplacian density function. Elliptical and weighted pyramid vector quantizers are developed by selecting codewords as points in a lattice that lie on (or near) a specified ellipse or pyramid. The combination of geometric structure and lattice basis allows simple encoding and decoding algorithms. >
One-step real-time PCR assay for detection and quantitation of hepatitis D virus RNA

Abstract Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective virus which requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) for its assembly. Hepatitis B infected individuals co-infected or superinfected with HDV often present with more severe hepatitis, progress faster to liver disease, and have a higher mortality rate than individuals infected with HBV alone. Currently, there are no commercially available clinical tests for the detection and quantitation of HDV RNA in the United States. A one-step TaqMan quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was developed for detection of HDV RNA, designing primers located in the region just downstream from the HDV antigen gene. The assay has the potential to detect all eight HDV genotypes. A quantifiable synthetic RNA control was also developed for use in the determination of HDV RNA titers in clinical samples. The limit of detection of this assay is 7.5 × 10 2 HDV RNA copies/ml with a dynamic range of six logs. Most clinical specimens tested (40/41) fell within the linear range of the assay. The median HDV RNA titer of the tested specimens was 6.24 × 10 6 copies/ml, with a range of 8.52 × 10 3 –1.79 × 10 9 copies/ml. Out of 132 anti-HDV-positive specimens 41 (31.1%) were positive for HDV RNA.
ON THE POSSIBILITY OF MONEY‐BACK EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACTS

The concept of money‐back contingent contracts has been used in the insurance industry for many years. To the extent that product service contracts are similar to health insurance policies, there is a strong possibility of carryover of this desirable feature to product warranties and extended service contracts.
Estimating economic impacts of tourism

Abstract There is a growing need for economic impact studies by planning officials when making decisions regarding tourism development. This paper presents a linear programming model useful to municipal and regional planners. First, a model representative of a community's tourism industry is formulated. The model is then applied to New London Country, Connecticut, in order to test the applicability of linear programing for estimating the potential economic impact of tourism growth. A benchmark situation is constructed to serve as a basis for comparison. The model is subsequently applied to three different projected growth situations. It thereby demonstrates its effectiveness in estimating the number and type of new tourism enterprises that are the most suitable for generating maximum gross income while, at the same time, using limited resources most efficiently.
Functional identification in correlation networks using gene ontology edge annotation

Correlation networks identify mechanisms behind observed change in temporal data sets; however, it is often difficult to discriminate between causative versus coincidental structures in such networks. We propose a method to enhance causative relationships based on annotations derived from the Gene Ontology (GO). Enriching correlation networks with biological relationships is likely to conserve relevant signals while reducing the network size. The obtained results are structures enriched in GO functions, despite reduction in network size. Our proposed method annotates edges according to the shortest path between elements and the position of the deepest common parent in the GO tree. Our results show that such enrichment brings functional relationships to the forefront which allows for the identification of clusters with significant biological relevance. Further, this method impacts the identification of essential genes within a network model. This approach for uncovering true function of relationships provides annotation beyond traditional statistical analysis.
Geoarchaeological evidence of strong prehistoric earthquakes in the New Madrid (Missouri) seismic zone

Sand blows and fissures that cover >10,500 km{sup 2} in northeastern Arkansas and southeastern Missouri attest to the severity of the 1811-1812 earthquake series in the New Madrid seismic zone. However, except for one occurence near New Madrid, Missouri, the region has been devoid of any evidence of other major shocks for at least 1.3 ka prior to 1811 and possibly for >9 ka. Stratigraphic relations and radiocarbon dating at a recently excavated archaeological site near East Prairie, Missouri, have revealed liquifaction phenomena attributable to a shock dated to within about 100 yr prior to A.D. 539 and a probable second one dated between about A.D. 539 and 991.
Strain-controlled diffraction of light from stretchable liquid metal micro-components

Abstract This paper elucidates and characterizes the origin of the spectrum of colors that appear on the surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannels filled with liquid metal. The use of an oxygen plasma to seal the PDMS microchannels results in a thin oxide layer on the walls of the channels that buckles under compression to create diffractive corrugations. The liquid metal reflects the light from these corrugations. The thin layer of gallium oxide that forms on the metal improves the adhesion of the metal to the walls and thereby keeps it conformal with the corrugations during the buckling process. The conformal coating of metal makes the diffraction pattern more evident than if the metal was placed directly onto a pre-corrugated surface. This approach represents a simple method of fabricating soft diffractive elements with lithographically defined shapes that can be switched between a metallic and a colored state in response to compression; this feature may be used to sense compressive forces optically or for inherently aligned diffractive elements for optofluidics.
Tomographic Imaging of Flames: Assessment of Reconstruction Error Based on Simulated Results

Temperature and concentration distributions of a horizontal section through a simulated stationary test flame were reconstructed with the help of computer tomography. The study uses temperature and concentration distributions equal to published time-averaged data for the Sandia D flame. Projection values are obtained by simulated line-of-sight integration for two water vapor (H2O) absorption lines in the 6930–6940 cm−1 range, where direct absorption spectroscopy and wavelength modulation spectroscopy with second harmonic frequency detection are considered. The projected values obtained from line-of-sight measurements are deconvoluted by tomographic methods, where Abel inversion and filtered backprojection are investigated. The tomographic reconstruction yields spatially resolved spectroscopic data, which is then used to calculate distributions for temperature and concentrations. Results illustrate that tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy artifacts are caused by relatively small errors in reconstr...
Answer to June 2012 Photo Quiz

Answer: Measles. Although the patient had received his childhood immunizations, he had been potentially exposed to an adult with measles 2 weeks prior to admission while visiting a friend. Measles IgM and IgG titers were ordered, but the results were not immediately available. Because of the potential measles exposure and findings compatible with measles, i.e., conjunctival suffusion and maculopapular rash, he was placed on airborne precautions until the diagnosis of measles could be established or ruled out. Consistent with measles were thrombocytopenia, atypical lymphocytes, mildly decreased serum sodium, and an elevated serum transaminase level (2–4). Against the diagnosis of measles were his previous immunization history and the profuse and prolonged watery diarrhea as a major manifestation of measles.
The Behavioral Characteristics of Individuals Who Lose Weight Unintentionally

MCGUIRE, MAUREEN T., RENA R. WING, MARY L. KLEM, AND JAMES O. HILL. The behavioral characteristics of individuals who lose weight unintentionally. Obes Res. Objective: To determine whether individuals who unintentionally lost weight differ from individuals who intentionally lost weight in behavioral characteristics related to chronic disease risk factors. Design: A random-digit dial telephone survey was conducted among a representative sample of American adults (n = 500). Subjects: Of the 500 individuals sampled, 139 were currently ≥10% below their lifetime maximum weight. These individuals were asked whether their weight loss was unintentional or intentional. Unintentional (n = 49) and intentional (n = 89) weight losers were compared on measures of dietary intake, physical activity, smoking, drinking, and self-reported health status. Results: Unintentional weight losers had higher levels of smoking and drinking, were less physically active, and were less concerned about their diet and fat intake. Unintentional weight losers did not report having higher levels of disease such as high blood pressure or diabetes. However, unintentional weight losers who reported having such diseases were more likely to report that their weight loss had no effect or had worsened their disorder. Discussion: Compared to intentional weight losers, those who lost their weight unintentionally reported engaging in more negative health behaviors that are related to disease morbidity and mortality. These data suggest that unintentional weight loss may be part of a cluster of behaviors that have a negative health impact.
Preschool Programs for Children with Learning Disabilities

This nationwide survey reflects the interest in preschool programs for children with learning disabilities as well as the general confusion concerning procedures for accurately identifying these children. In addition, there is strong evidence that there is a pressing need to have ongoing systematic data gathering that will provide empirical verification (evidence) for appropriate, effective intervention.
Effect of substrate temperature and depostion profile on evaporated Cu(InGa)Se2 films and devices

Abstract This paper addresses the effect of substrate temperature ( T SS ) and deposition profile for Cu(InGa)Se 2 films deposited by multisource elemental evaporation on film structure and solar cell performance. Different temporal Cu flux profiles are utilized to give either a graded deposition incorporating a Cu-rich growth step, with [ Cu ]>[ In ]+[ Ga ] , before achieving the final film composition with [ Cu ] In ]+[ Ga ] , or a uniform deposition with [ Cu ] In ]+[ Ga ] throughout. The Cu(InGa)Se 2 morphology, including quantitative analysis of the grain size distributions, and the performance of completed solar cells are compared at T SS =400 and 550°C. The higher T SS gives larger grains and better device performance with the best devices obtained in this work having efficiencies of 16.4% for 550°C and 14.1% for 400°C. At 550°C, Cu-rich film growth gives bigger grains than a uniform flux process, but there is no difference in the device performance. With T SS =400 °C, there is no significant difference in the grain size with the different flux profiles, but the Cu-rich growth is needed for improved devices.
Soft ligand stabilized gold nanoparticles: incorporation of bipyridyls and two-dimensional assembly.

Abstract Hypothesis The synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in organic solvents without addition of surfactant may be achieved without the use of strong capping agents in the presence of soft ligands from the starting materials. Through post synthesis surface modification with ligands having moderate or strong affinity, the soft ligands should be displaced, allowing for manipulation of the AuNP size, size distribution, as well as the interparticle spacing. Experiments Synthesis of gold nanoparticles was undertaken using the reducing agent 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane without addition of stabilizing ligands. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the NPs. The interparticle spacing in 2D assemblies of the NPs was correlated with localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) shifts exhibited by the NPs in solution. Findings Soft-ligand-stabilized AuNPs in a size range of 3–5 nm were generated at a slow rate. The soft ligands were found to be chloride (Cl − ) ions and triethylphosphine (Et 3 P). Bipyridyl and thiol ligands displaced the weakly adsorbed soft ligands. Thiolate-stabilized AuNPs formed long range 2-D assemblies with regular interparticle spacing (edge-to-edge). UV–vis spectroscopy analysis shows the thiolated AuNPs exhibited an exponential localized wavelength ( λ max ) decay dependence on the alkylthiolate chain length, indicating an increase in the interparticle spacing.
Late Effects of Cancer and Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation on Spouses or Partners Compared With Survivors and Survivor-Matched Controls

Purpose Little is known about the long-term effects of cancer and hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HCT) on spouses or partners. The purpose of this study was to examine the health-related quality of life and post-traumatic growth (PTG) of spouses/partners compared with survivors and controls and to identify factors associated with those outcomes. Patients and Methods HCT survivor/partner pairs (n = 177), coupled continuously since HCT, were drawn from 40 North American transplantation centers. Married peer-nominated acquaintances (of survivors) served as controls (n = 133). Outcomes were measured a mean of 6.7 years after HCT (range, 1.9 to 19.4 years). Results As expected, self-reported partner physical health was similar to controls and better than survivors (P < .001). However, partners reported more fatigue and cognitive dysfunction than controls (P < .001 for both), although less than survivors. Partners and survivors reported more depressive symptoms and sleep and sexual problems than contro...
Model-based THz imaging for 2D reflection-mode geometry

We demonstrate 2D reflection-mode THz imaging with model-based reconstruction. A substantial improvement in the reconstruction of objects is obtained via the model-based algorithm compared to the time-reversal algorithm.
American Cities and American Political Science—a Look at Thick Injustice

The back cover of Clarissa Rile Hayward and Todd Swanstrom's Justice and the American Metropolis concisely lays out a central challenge of contemporary politics: “Today's American cities and suburbs are the sites of ‘thick injustice’—unjust power relations that are deeply and densely concentrated as well as opaque and seemingly intractable. Thick injustice is hard to see, to assign responsibility for, and to change.” The fact that the topic of “urban politics” is not a major theme of political science scholarship both reflects and exacerbates this challenge. And so we have decided to invite a diverse group of social scientists to discuss the book in light of the very big question that it poses: How do American cities look when assessed in terms of their “justice” (or “injustice”), and how might they look if they were assessed in these terms more seriously? In considering this question, discussants have also been asked to consider a related question: How does American political science look when assessed in terms of the extent to which it takes the question of urban justice and injustice seriously?—Jeffrey C. Isaac, Editor
EXPORT AND DOMESTIC SALES: THEIR INTERRELATIONSHIP AND DETERMINANTS

We examine the interrelationship between export and domestic sales. Our expectation is that they are simultaneously determined, and as such should not be examined in isolation. We also investigate how firm factors—such as R & D and advertising investments—and external factors—such as market growth and exchange rate changes—impact export and domestic sales. Using a non-recursive system of equations, we test our arguments on a representative sample of Spanish manufacturing firms between 1990 and 1997. We find significant interrelationships between export and domestic sales with striking differences between Spanish-owned firms and foreign-owned firms operating in Spain. For Spanish-owned firms, domestic and export sales are complements. These firms appear to focus on the domestic market and strength in the domestic market drives their export sales. In contrast, domestic and export sales are substitutes for foreign-owned firms. These firms' export strategies appear subsumed under strategies of managing a multinational network in which the focus is sales outside of Spain. We discuss the importance of these findings for understanding and managing export strategies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.