cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What You Don't Know Can Hurt You: Human Rights, Shareholder Activism and Sec Reporting Requirements

Outlines corporate governance mechanisms for controlling human rights abuse. Concludes existing mechanisms weak or non existent. Proposes reforms to create new mechanisms and tactics to make existing techniques more effective. Corporation structure, finance, SEC regulations. 33 pages.
Cylindroma of the uterine cervix with peritoneal metastases: Report of a case and review of the literature

Abstract A case of a cylindroma of the uterine cervix with widespread peritoneal metastases is reported. Pertinent literature is reviewed, and comments are made on the histogenesis and biological and clinical behavior of this tumor.
Determination of Lead in Blood and Urine by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry

An anodic stripping procedure for determining lead in blood and urine was evaluated, and methods of calibration were developed. The technique requires as little as 50 µl of blood or 0.5 ml of urine. Comparisons were made between results obtained by anodic stripping voltammetry, for finger-puncture blood, and by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, for venous blood from 200 children. The two methods were also compared with respect to lead in urines from patients hospitalized for suspected lead poisoning and in urines from normal healthy volunteers. Major advantages of the anodic stripping method are its increased sensitivity and lower cost as compared to many current methods for detecting and measuring lead
Reduced dosage of a single fission yeast MCM protein causes genetic instability and S phase delay

MCM proteins are a conserved family of eukaryotic replication factors implicated in the initiation of DNA replication and in the discrimination between replicated and unreplicated chromatin. However, most mcm mutants in yeast arrest the cell cycle after bulk DNA synthesis has occurred. We investigated the basis for this late S phase arrest by analyzing the effects of a temperature-sensitive mutation in fission yeast cdc19(+)(mcm2(+)). cdc19-P1 cells show a dramatic loss of viability at the restrictive temperature, which is not typical of all S phase mutants. The cdc19-P1 cell cycle arrest requires an intact damage-response checkpoint and is accompanied by increased rates of chromosome loss and mitotic recombination. Chromosomes from cdc19-P1 cells migrate aberrantly in pulsed-field gels, typical of strains arrested with unresolved replication intermediates. The cdc19-P1 mutation reduces the level of the Cdc19 protein at all temperatures. We compared the effects of disruptions of cdc19(+)(mcm2(+)), cdc21(+)(mcm4(+)), nda4(+)(mcm5(+)) and mis5(+)(mcm6(+)); in all cases, the null mutants underwent delayed S phase but were unable to proceed through the cell cycle. Examination of protein levels suggests that this delayed S phase reflects limiting, but not absent, MCM proteins. Thus, reduced dosage of MCM proteins allows replication initiation, but is insufficient for completion of S phase and cell cycle progression.
Quantum Optics with Cavity-coupled Spin Qubits in Diamond

We seek control over the spectral properties of diamond NV centers by dynamic Stark tuning and cavity Purcell enhancement . We discuss fabrication of photonic networks in ultra-pure diamond, where NVs have favorable optical properties.
The role of the behavioral counselor in obesity treatment.

Abstract This review summarizes the role of behavioral counselors in obesity treatment. Behavioral counselors, who are often also registered dietitians, provide multidisciplinary treatment teams with expertise in the modification of diet and physical activity behaviors. Behavioral counselors use a variety of behavior-change strategies aimed at modifying obesity-related behaviors. The first step is to establish a collaborative alliance that will facilitate adherence and behavior change. Then, multiple intervention-related strategies can be used to further enhance adherence to treatment and elicit behavior change. These strategies include self-monitoring, stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, stress management, social support, physical activity, and relapse prevention. Interventions that incorporate these strategies are effective in producing gradual and moderate weight loss in persons with obesity. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98(suppl 2):S27–S30 .
Foundations of The Economics of Time and Ignorance

The Economics of Time and Ignorance grew out of the need to reinvigorate the Austrian School in light of the challenges of contemporary economics. It did this by re-examining the foundations of the Austrian tradition and by making explicit many of its hidden assumptions and implications. The book also attempted to make Austrian economics more of an open system than it had been in the conservationist decades of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. The degree to which it has been successful is examined in this essay.
System Management with IBM Mobile Systems Remote: A Question of Power and Scale

The rise of the app revolution has brought small, simple, and affordable software tools to users for mastering mundane tasks with the help of mobile devices. With the success of the app paradigm, there is an increasing demand for applying the same spirit to problems which have traditionally been the domain of enterprise-scale solutions, e.g., system management. The challenge for building such communication-intensive applications, however, is to gather the health and performance data of a large number of machines in an agile and responsive fashion while being restricted by the scarce resources and severe power constraints inherent to mobile devices. In this paper, we present a system architecture that tackles this fundamental challenge by making data freshness an explicit concern and allowing the application to express its freshness requirements in a fine-grained way. The application runs atop a generic data cache and collection engine that fetches fresh data from the management endpoints based on these requirements. We evaluate the performance and power consumption characteristics on a broad range of Android-based mobile devices and show that this approach increases the responsiveness of the application while at the same time reducing the power consumption.
Dispersion of polar optical phonons in wurtzite quantum wells

Dispersion relations for polar optical phonon modes in wurtzite quantum wells (QW's) are obtained in the framework of the dielectric continuum model. It is found that anisotropy of the dielectric medium causes a number of qualitative peculiarities in the phonon spectra. Among these are the absence of the proper confinement for the oscillatory waves located in the QW, inversion of the order of symmetric and antisymmetric quasiconfined optical modes, formation of the finite energy intervals where such confined modes---which are found to be dispersive---can exist, penetration of the half-space phonons into the QW, etc. Some additional peculiarities, such as appearance of propagating modes, strong dispersion of long-wavelength half-space modes, and reduction of the number of interface modes, arise as a result of overlapping characteristic phonon frequencies of the surrounding material and the material of QW. Predicted phonon behavior leads to the conclusion that dependence of dielectric properties of ternary-binary low-dimensional wurtzite heterostructures on composition can serve as a powerful tool for the purposes of phonon spectrum engineering. In order to illustrate these results, the optical phonon spectra are calculated for an ${\mathrm{Al}}_{0.15}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.85}\mathrm{N}/\mathrm{GaN}/{\mathrm{Al}}_{0.15}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.85}\mathrm{N} \mathrm{QW},$ an $\mathrm{AlN}/\mathrm{GaN}/\mathrm{AlN} \mathrm{QW},$ and for a $\mathrm{GaN}$ dielectric slab.
Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy for materials studies and non-destructive testing

Abstract The use of mechanical resonances to test properties of materials is older than the industrial revolution. Early documented cases of British railroad engineers tapping the wheels of a train and using the sound to detect cracks perhaps marks the first real use of resonances to test the integrity of high-performance alloys. Attempts were made in the following years to understand the resonances of solids mathematically, based on shape and composition. But Nobel Laureate Lord Rayleigh best summarized the state of affairs in 1894, stating ‘the problem has, for the most part, resisted attack’. More recently, modern computers and electronics have enabled Anderson and co-workers, with their work on minerals, and our work at Los Alamos on new materials and manufactured components, to advance the use of resonances to a precision non-destructive testing tool that makes anisotropic modulus measurements, defect detection and geometry error detection routine. The result is that resonances can achieve the highest absolute accuracy for any routine dynamic modulus measurement technique, can be used on the smallest samples, and can also enable detection of errors in certain classes of precision manufactured components faster and more accurately than any other technique.
Small-diameter invasive melanomas: clinical and pathologic characteristics.

Background: Most melanomas when first diagnosed clinically are larger than common benign melanocytic nevi (> 6 mm). Smaller melanomas, however, may occasionally occur. Yet, very little is known about them. Objective: To determine the incidence and delineate the clinical and histologic characteristics of small-diameter invasive melanomas. Methods: Slides of all melanomas diagnosed between 1984–1993 were reviewed and measured. All invasive lesions less than 6 mm were further scrutinized clinically and morphologically. Results: Among 357 invasive melanomas, 16 (4.4%) were less than 6 mm. Most lesions lacked some of the histologic features usually seen in large melanomas. One half of them were over 0.75 mm deep. Patients with small melanomas were on average 15 years younger than those with large lesions. In females, sites on the upper extremities predominate. In females, small melanomas had clinical signs of melanoma, while in males they resembled nevi. Conclusion: Melanomas smaller than 6 mm are not rare. Clinicians and pathologists must learn their features in order to diagnose them properly.
Dominant flow mechanisms in falling-film and droplet-mode evaporation over horizontal rectangular tube banks.

Abstract Visualization of evaporating water films falling over flat horizontal tubes, representative of the external surfaces of rectangular microchannel tubes, is presented using high-speed video. Experiments were conducted with a bank of three tubes at a saturation temperature of 17 °C. In addition to a qualitative description of the flow mechanisms, this work quantifies key droplet and wave characteristics using a semi-autonomous image analysis technique that develops a mathematical description of the droplets and waves. This allows the surface area, volume, velocity, and impact frequency of the droplets, as well as the width, surface area, and velocity of the waves to be measured. It was observed that droplet diameters, surface areas, and volumes are smaller than those measured in flow over round tubes, but were not influenced significantly by Reynolds number. The observed roll waves demonstrated similar surface area growth rates throughout their development, with stretched profiles relative to those described in flow over round tubes.
Equivalent cardiac generators: Two moving dipoles and moving dipole and quadripole

Two advanced models of equivalent cardiac generators were formulated and tested. The first model consists of two moving dipoles in a bounded spherical volume conductor. The second model consists of a simultaneous moving dipole and quadripole in an identical bounded spherical medium. The development of these models evolves from the derivation of the potential function for a dipole, a quadripole and an octapole in a homogeneous medium with a spherical dielectric boundary using a Taylor series expansion of a potential function due to two point current sources. The nonlinear models were tested in an inverse sense using ideal data and an existing nonlinear estimation scheme. Preliminary results indicate that such models may potentially be useful for characterization of the cardiac generator.
Effects of horizontal gradients on thermohaline instabilities in infinite porous media

Thermohaline instabilities produced by horizontal gradients of temperature and salinity in a saturated homogeous isotropic infinite porous medium are studied using linear stability analysis. In the basic state horizontal gradients of temperature and salinity are taken to be mutually compensating, so that the basic-state fluid density does not vary horizontally. It is found that under these conditions the fluid is always unstable
Gibberellin-like Substances from the Developing Banana Fruit

The occurrence of 2 gibberellin-like substances was demonstrated in the developing banana fruit, Musa sapientum, Linn. Chemical and biological evidence led to the tentative identification of the 2 compounds as GA7 and GAx (previously isolated from citrus fruits). Support for such identification was obtained from thin layer chromatography, gradient elution column chromatography, spectrofluorometry, the dwarf maize test, and the cucumber hypocotyl test. Significance of the GAx -designated compound increased since it is believed to occur in the fungus Fusarium moniliforme, Sheld. in addition to 2 different species of higher plants. It does not resemble any of the known gibberellins as far as chromatography is concerned.
Fibromuscular dysplasia of the internal carotid artery associated with α1-antitrypsin deficiency

Objective A deficiency of alpha1-antitrypsin has been implicated in the development of various disorders affecting medium-sized arteries, including intracranial aneurysms, cervicocephalic arterial dissections, and fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). We performed alpha1-antitrypsin phenotyping in three consecutive patients who underwent bypass surgery for FMD of the extracranial internal carotid artery to test the hypothesis that alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic risk factor for the development of FMD. Methods The study population consisted of three women (aged 37, 49, and 53 years, respectively) who had bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis caused by FMD. The indications for surgery included ocular or cerebral ischemic symptoms in two patients and progressive stenosis in one patient. The diagnosis of FMD was confirmed by histological examination of the resected segment of artery. The alpha1-antitrypsin phenotype was determined by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels. Results Two of the three patients had a heterozygous alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (PiMZ phenotype). Pathological examination of the resected arterial segment showed typical medial FMD with focal intimal fibroplasia in both patients with the PiMZ phenotype. Conclusion These findings suggest that a heterozygous alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency may be a genetic risk factor for the development of FMD of the internal carotid artery.
Outcome in Children with Normal Growth Following Removal of a Craniopharyngioma

ABSTRACT Ten children who had normal or excessive growth rates following surgical removal of a craniopharyngioma have been followed. Final adult heights for three were more than 2.5 standard deviations below the mean adult height for sex. Nine of the 10 children showed a deceleration in growth rate that occurred 1.5–6 years following surgery. The deceleration in linear growth did not appear to correlate with changes in weight gain, somatomedin-C, or the integrated insulin response to an oral glucose load. These results suggest that the mechanisms whereby some children with growth hormone deficiency have normal growth rates following neurosurgic procedures are complex. The authors recommend that these children have continued follow-up so that growth hormone therapy may be instituted when appropriate.
Safety and efficacy of aerobic training in operable breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A phase II randomized trial

AbstractBackground. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of moderate-to-high intensity aerobic training in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods. Twenty patients with stage IIB–IIIC operable breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide (AC) or AC in combination with aerobic training (AC + AET) (n = 10/group) for 12 weeks. The AC+ AET group performed three supervised aerobic cycle ergometry sessions per week at 60%–100% of exercise capacity (VO2peak). Safety outcomes included exercise testing as well as treatment- and exercise training-related adverse events (AEs), whereas efficacy outcomes included cardiopulmonary function and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) as measured by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) scale. Results. Twelve non-significant ECG abnormalities and three non-life threatening events occurred during CPET procedures. One AE was reported during aerobic training. ...
Inflammatory Leiomyosarcoma of the Retroperitoneum

We present a case of an inflammatory leiomyosarcoma, a variant of smooth muscle cell tumor that could be mistaken for inflammatory malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The inflammatory cell infiltrates obscured the basic architecture of the tumor, and immunohistochemistry was required to arrive at the proper diagnosis. Since inflammatory leiomyosarcomas are rare and possibly misdiagnosed neoplasms, there are not enough data to indicate whether they deserve to be separated from other malignant smooth muscle cell neoplasms. By reporting this case we hope that more pathologists will become aware of this tumor type and that more cases will be collected for future clinicopathologic studies.
Modeling Legislator Decision Making A Historical Perspective

Although scholars have put enormous effort into developing models of legislative choice behavior, they may not have sufficiently considered the underlying choice process and its relationship to the institutional environment. Our analysis does so by jointly integrating more realistic models of legislator decision making with a historical perspective on institutional evolution. We apply a unified model, incorporating participation and vote choice in a theoretically and econometrically sensible manner, to roll call voting and participation choices in the 73rd (1933-1934), 89th (1965-1966), and 104th (1995-1996) United States Congresses. We consider whether the same factors affect behavior over time, whether abstention choices affect outcomes, and whether integrating voting and participation is advantageous. Our models fit the data well and reveal significant, intuitive, differences in decision making over time that are related to Congress’s development and that are relevant for policy. Realistic models and a...
Impact of organic carbon on weathering and chemical denudation of granular basalt

Abstract Bench-scale experiments were conducted to determine rates and patterns of coupled organic matter infusion and weathering in a San Francisco volcanic field (Flagstaff, AZ) basalt sample under experimentally-modeled biotic and abiotic condition and to inform larger-scale collaborative studies at the landscape evolution observatory (LEO), Biosphere 2 (Tucson, AZ), where the same basaltic media is being used in a synthetic hillslope experiment. We postulated that mineral transformations depend significantly on the presence of organic carbon compounds including dissolved natural organic matter (DOM), with organic C simultaneously imprinting the chemical and mineralogical properties of primary and secondary solids undergoing incongruent dissolution. The present work reports on solute releases from Flagstaff basalt (FB) along laboratory-controlled gradients in DOM type and concentration. Loamy sand textured FB was subjected to flow-through, saturated column dissolution experiments using influent solutions with and without DOM compounds. Solutions included Ponderosa pine forest soil O-horizon extracts at three target concentrations: 7, 35, and 70 mg L−1 C, malic acid (MA) solutions at 7, 35, 70, and 140 mg L−1 C, and a control without DOM but having comparable inorganic solution composition. Chemical denudation rates for FB dissolution products were calculated from the concentration difference between outflow and inflow solutions. In addition, changes in the composition of the solid phase over the course of the experiment were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and selective dissolution (SE). Column experiments supported dissolution rates derived from the literature and indicated a potentially strong effect of plant-derived organic ligands on mineral dissolution congruency and secondary phase precipitation. Both malic acid and DOM enhanced basalt dissolution, with malic acid having larger effect on per unit C basis. The largest relative effect of organic ligands was observed for Fe and Ti. Si/Al and Si/Fe chemical denudation rate ratios indicated non-stoichiometric dissolution, consistent with the observed precipitation of secondary phases, as confirmed by XRD and SE. DOM enhanced precipitation of secondary phases but this effect decreased with increase in amount of DOM added. Stoichiometry of the outflow solutions indicated that basaltic glass was preferentially dissolved in agreement with previous modeling predictions. Results suggest that biotic colonization of FB in the large-scale, long-term LEO experiment is likely to strongly influence the rate and congruency of FB weathering reactions and their distribution across the convergent hillslopes.
PRESIDENT REAGAN'S MANDATE FROM THE 1980 ELECTIONS A Shift to the Right?

This article presents evidence from statistical data, statistical models, and electoral surveys indicating strongly that the substantial victory of Reagan and the Republicans in 1980 was the predictable consequence of poor economic performance under Carter and the Democrats and did not represent an ideological “shift to the right” by the electorate. The latter part of the article discusses the implications of this conclusion for public support for the Reagan administration's social and economic program, and for the Republican party's political prospects in 1982 and 1984.
Endothelial cell–specific chemotaxis receptor (ecscr) promotes angioblast migration during vasculogenesis and enhances VEGF receptor sensitivity

Endothelial cell-specific chemotaxis receptor (ECSCR) is a cell surface protein expressed by blood endothelial cells with roles in endothelial cell migration and signal transduction. We investigated the function of ecscr in the development of the zebrafish vasculature. Zebrafish ecscr is expressed in angioblasts and in axial vessels during angioblast migration and vasculogenesis. Morpholino-directed ecscr knockdown resulted in defective angioblast migration in the posterior lateral plate mesoderm, a process known to depend on vascular endothelial-derived growth factor (VEGF). In cultured cells, transfected ECSCR localized to actin-rich membrane protrusions, colocalizing with kinase insert domain protein receptor (KDR)/VEGF receptor 2 in these regions. ECSCR-silenced cells show reduced VEGF-induced phosphorylation of KDR but not of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1)/VEGF receptor 1. Finally, chemical inhibition of VEGF receptor activity in zebrafish resulted in angioblast deficiencies that partially overlap with those seen in ecscr morphants. We propose that ecscr promotes migration of zebrafish angioblasts by enhancing endothelial kdr sensitivity to VEGF.
Hormones and Brain Plasticity by Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura

Oxford University Press, 2009. $65.00 (hardcover), ISBN: 978-0-19-532661-1. Hormones and Brain Plasticity by Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura is an excellent compendium of the role hormones play in brain ...
Polarographic oxygen analyzer response: The effect of instrument lag in the non-steady state reaeration test☆

Abstract The response characteristics of a polarographic oxygen analyzer are determined both theoretically and experimentally. It is demonstrated that a simplified diffusion calculation of oxygen transfer within the probe provides a reasonable basis for describing instrument response. The inherent lag in a measurement of transient oxygen concentration is described by this approach and the effect on reaeration test results is evaluated. It is shown that substantial errors could be introduced by the use of such an analyzer and a test procedure is suggested to evaluate their significance.
Similarity of Behavior Within Addict Couples. Part I. Methodology and Narcotics Patterns

The development and initial assessment of a methodology for measuring the similarity of behavioral patterns within addicted couples over the duration of a relationship is presented. Two subsamples of addicts from methadone maintenance programs in southern California were established: one of couples who had a real relationship during their addiction and treatment careers, and a group of pseudocouples (matched as closely as possible) created from unrelated clients in the same programs. Narcotics use, abstinence, and support patterns are analyzed for couples before, during, and after their relationship. When it occurs during the relationship, treatment effects are also analyzed.
Cognitive Capacities of Young Children: A Replication

Children between the ages of 3 years and 4 years 7 months correctly respond to the addition of objects in an array, to the numerical equality of arrays, and to their relative numbers. However, they are not able to conceptualize equality or inequality when objects are misaligned or spatially transformed. The Mehler and Bever assertion that very young children conserve the concept of number, with a decline and rise in performance, is not confirmed.
Hf-W-Th evidence for rapid growth of Mars and its status as a planetary embryo

Hfratiosinchondritesthatreflectsremobilization of Lu and Th during parent-body processes. Usingthis relationship,we estimate the Hf/W ratio inMars’mantle to be3.5160.45. This value is much more precise than previous esti-mates, whichranged between 2.6 and 5.0 (ref. 6), and lifts the largeuncertaintythatplaguedpreviousestimatesoftheageofMars.Ourresults also demonstrate that Mars grew before dissipation of thenebulargaswhen 100-kmplanetesimals,suchastheparentbodiesof chondrites, were still being formed. Mars’ accretion occurredearly enough to allow establishment of a magma ocean poweredby decay of
5-HTTLPR × interpersonal stress interaction and nonsuicidal self-injury in general community sample of youth.

No research with youth has investigated whether measured genetic risk interacts with stressful environment (G⁎E) to explain engagement in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Two independent samples of youth were used to test the a priori hypothesis that the Transporter-Linked Polymorphic Region (5-HTTLPR) would interact with chronic interpersonal stress to predict NSSI. We tested this hypothesis with children and adolescents from United States public schools in two independent samples (N׳s=300 and 271) using identical procedures and methods. They were interviewed in person with the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview to assess NSSI engagement and with the UCLA Chronic Stress Interview to assess interpersonal stress. Buccal cells were collected for genotyping of 5-HTTLPR. For both samples, ANOVAs revealed the hypothesized G⁎E. Specifically, short carriers who experienced severe interpersonal stress exhibited the highest level of NSSI engagement. Replicated across two independent samples, results provide the first demonstration that youth at high genetic susceptibility (5-HTTLPR) and high environmental exposure (chronic interpersonal stress) are at heightened risk for NSSI. Language: en
Localization of Na-K-ATPase in guinea-pig myocardium

Abstract The cytochemical distribution of Na-K-ATPase was demonstrated in the guinea-pig myocardium. The hearts were fixed with paraformaldehyde glutaraldehyde mixture, sections were incubated at room temperature in modified Ernst medium employing p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate and the tissue was processed for electron microscopy. The ATPase activity was localized in the subsarcolemmal cisterns, inner side of plasma membrane, T-tubules, free and junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum and capillary endothelium. The reaction product on the plasma membrane and T-tubules was inhibited by ouabain or by potassium deletion. However, the amount of precipitation in mitochondria, sarcoplasmic reticulum (free and junctional) and subsarcolemmal cisterns remained unaffected by ouabain or by potassium deletion. The enzyme reaction in the myocardium represents ouabain-sensitive, potassium-dependent ATPase.
An integrated approach to hydrogen economy in Sicilian islands

Abstract CNR–ITAE is developing several hydrogen and fuel cell demonstration and research projects, each intended to be part of a larger strategy for hydrogen communities settling in small Sicilian islands. These projects involve vehicle design, hydrogen production from renewable energy sources and methane, as well as implementation strategies to develop a hydrogen and renewable energy economy. These zero emission lightweight vehicles feature regenerative braking and advanced power electronics to increase efficiency. Moreover, to achieve a very easy-to-use technology, a very simple interface between driver and the system is under development, including fault-recovery strategies and GPS positioning for car-rental fleets. Also marine applications have been included, with tests on PEFC applied on passenger ships and luxury yacht as power system for on-board loads. In marine application, it is under study also an electrolysis hydrogen generator system using seawater as hydrogen carrier. For stationary and automotive applications, the project includes a hydrogen refuelling station powered by renewable energy (wind or/and solar) and test on fuel processors fed with methane, in order to make the power generation self-sufficient, as well as to test the technology and increase public awareness toward clean energy sources.
Some effects of talker variability on spoken word recognition

The perceptual consequences of trial‐to‐trial changes in the voice of the talker on spoken word recognition were examined. The results from a series of experiments using perceptual identification and naming tasks demonstrated that perceptual performance decreases when the voice of the talker changes from trial to trial compared to performance when the voice on each trial remains the same. In addition, the effects of talker variability on word recognition appeared to be more robust and less dependent on task than the effects of word frequency and lexical structure. Possible hypotheses regarding the nature of the processes giving rise to these effects are discussed, with particular attention to the idea that the processing of information about the talker’s voice is intimately related to early perceptual processes that extract acoustic–phonetic information from the speech signal.
Phenotypic manifestations of branchiootorenal syndrome

Branchiootorenal (BOR) syndrome is a variable, autosomal-dominant disorder of the first and second embryonic branchial arches, kidneys, and urinary tract. We describe the phenotype in 45 individuals, highlighting differences and similarities reported in other studies. Characteristic temporal bone findings include cochlear hypoplasia (4/5 of normal size with only 2 turns), dilation of the vestibular aqueduct, bulbous internal auditory canals, deep posterior fossae, and acutely-angled promontories.
Pilot Plant Fixed-Bed Ion-Exchange Resin System for Removing Iodine-131 and Radiostrontium from Milk

Abstract Fixed-bed pilot plant ion-exchange columns were arranged for removing both iodine-131 and radiostrontium from milk by passing the milk first through an anion resin column to remove iodine-131, then acidifying to pH 5.3 and passing it through the cation column. This system was tested for removal of the radionuclides, and for the effect on flavor and composition of whole milk. More than 93% of iodine-131 was removed by this system from milk in vivo labeled with the isotope, and 90% of environmental levels of strontium-90 removed. Although the resin-treated milks were rated slightly lower than control samples by a trained panel, they were considered acceptable and satisfactory as beverage milk. Composition analysis showed that some of the milk fat was adsorbed by the anion resin near the end of an 8-hr run; loss of solids-not-fat was much less.
Expression of Nematode Resistance in Plant Introductions of Arachis hypogaea

Abstract The peanut root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne arenaria, race 1) is a world-wide pest of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Several moderately resistant genotypes have been identified in the cultivated peanut species. Our objective was to determine the expression of resistance for six of these genotypes. We examined four potential expressions of resistance—(a) fewer second-stage juveniles (J2) penetrate the roots, (b) fewer J2 establish functional feeding sites, (c) slower maturation, and (d) reduced fecundity (eggs per female). Seedlings of the susceptible cultivar Florunner and the resistant genotypes were inoculated with J2 of M. arenaria, and transplanted 3 d later to synchronize nematode development. Penetration was assessed at 3 and 10 d; development at 10 (or 12), 17, 22, and 27 d; and fecundity at 60 d after inoculation. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse or growth chamber. The number of J2 within the roots was similar in resistant and susceptible peanut after 3 d; however, numbers wer...
Effects of Individuating Information on the Generalization Part of Allport's Contact Hypothesis

According to Gordon Allport's contact hypothesis, positive contact with a member of a negatively stereotyped group might ameliorate negative attitudes not only toward the specific member but also toward the group as a whole (generalization). In a direct empirical test of theoretical suggestions that individuating information might decrease the generalization part of the contact hypothesis, students learned material cooperatively with a "homosexual" confederate. To illustrate the material, the confederate used either impersonal or personal analogies. Students in the two conditions liked the confederate equally, but students who received personal analogies were less likely to ameliorate their attitudes toward homosexuals. The discussion addresses factors that might reduce the cognitive association between a group member and his or her group.
Characterization of a partially degraded Na+ channel from urinary tract epithelium.

The mammalian urinary bladder contains in its apical membrane and cytoplasmic vesicles, a cation-selective channel or activating fragment which seems to partition between the apical membrane and the luminal (or vesicular space). To determine whether it is an activating fragment or whole channel, we first demonstrate that solution known to contain this moiety can be concentrated and when added back to the bladder causes a conductance increase, with a percent recovery of 139±25%. Next, we show that using tip-dip bilayer techniques (at 21°C) and a patch-clamp recorder, the addition of concentrated solution resulted in the appearance of discrete current shots, consistent with the incorporation of a channel (as opposed to an activating fragment) into the bilayer. The residency time of the channel in the bilayer was best described by the sum of two exponentials, suggesting that the appearance of the channel involves an association of the channel with the membrane before insertion. The channel is cation selective and more conductive to K+ than Na+ (by a factor of 1.6). It has a linearI–V relationship, but a singlechannel conductance that saturates as KCl concentration is raised. This saturation is best described by the Michaelis-Menten equation with aK m of 160mm KCl and aG max of 20 pS. The kinetics of the channel are complex, showing at least two open and two closed states. Since the characteristics of this channel are similar to a channel produced by the degradation of amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels by the proteolytic enzyme kallikrein (which is released by the cortical collecting duct of the kidney), we suggest that this channel then is not synthesized by the cell but is rather a degraded form of the epithelial Na+ channel.
A review of potential image fusion methods for remote sensing-based irrigation management: part II

Satellite-based sensors provide data at either greater spectral and coarser spatial resolutions or lower spectral and finer spatial resolutions due to complementary spectral and spatial characteristics of optical sensor systems. In order to overcome this limitation, image fusion has been suggested to obtain higher spatial and spectral resolution images at the same time. Image fusion has been a valuable technique in digital image analysis and comparison because of the availability of multi-spatial and multispectral images from satellite and airborne sensors. It has been applied to merge coarser spatial resolution of multispectral images with a finer spatial resolution panchromatic image to enhance visual apprehension and to provide images that are more informative. Part I companion paper presented and discussed the image downscaling methods. In this paper (part II), the main objective is to review existing image fusion methods for their capability to downscale coarser spatial resolution images for irrigation management applications. A literature review indicated that image fusion methods have not been actively used in obtaining high-resolution land surface temperature (LST) and evapotranspiration (ET) images for irrigation management. However, there is a great potential for applying image fusion methods to retrieve finer LST and ET images from coarser thermal images by fusing them with finer non-thermal color or panchromatic images for irrigation scheduling and management purposes.
True three-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance imaging by Fourier reconstruction zeugmatography

A new method of obtaining three‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance images is introduced. This imaging method, Fourier reconstruction zeugmatography, reconstructs true three‐dimensional images directly from transient NMR signals by a Fourier transform technique. A theoretical analysis and experimental results are presented. The method is simple in operation and provides a safe, efficient, and versatile alternative to other methods for medical diagnostic imaging.
Toll-like receptor signaling in transplantation.

Purpose of review This review summarizes recent advances in the role of endogenous and exogenous Toll-like receptor ligands in the activation and inhibition of immune responses in transplantation. Recent findings During an alloresponse, Toll-like receptors can be engaged by both damage-induced endogenous ligands or microbial-associated molecular patterns. The damage-induced molecule high mobility group box 1 protein and its binding to Toll-like receptor 4 have been identified as major initiators of antitumor and antitransplant immune responses. Type I interferon signaling plays an important role in the pro-rejection effect mediated by Toll-like receptor agonists and some bacteria. Similar pathways, however, in neonates can result in inhibition rather than activation of alloimmune responses. Summary The consequences of Toll-like receptor engagement by endogenous and exogenous ligands in transplantation may depend on the relative induction of inflammatory and regulatory pathways and the stage of development of the immune system.
Risk of spontaneous abortion among women exposed to polybrominated biphenyls

Abstract Accidental contamination of livestock in Michigan in 1973 with polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) led to the establishment of a registry of exposed individuals in 1976. At the time of enrollment, serum was collected and analyzed for PBBs and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In 1997, women aged 18 years or older and active in the registry were invited to participate in a telephone interview about their health. Using generalized estimating equations to account for correlated outcomes within the same woman, we assessed the risk of spontaneous abortion among 529 women with 1344 potentially exposed pregnancies. PBB and PCB exposure were not associated with risk of spontaneous abortion after adjusting for maternal age at conception, age at menarche, and prior infertility. Compared to pregnancies with PBB exposure below the limit of detection, those with levels above 2.9 ppb had a non-significant reduced odds of spontaneous abortion (adjusted OR=0.73; 95% CI=0.47–1.13). Compared to pregnancies with PCB exposure below the limit of detection, those with levels above 6.5 ppb had little difference in risk (adjusted OR=0.91; 95% CI=0.59–1.41). Maternal age at conception above 34 years was significantly associated with elevated risk of spontaneous abortion (OR=2.46; 95% CI=1.10–5.49). The effect of prior infertility was of borderline significance (OR=1.52; 95% CI=0.98–2.38). Older age at menarche was associated with decreased risk of spontaneous abortion (adjusted OR=0.58; 95% CI: 0.38–0.89, comparing menarche at 12–13 with menarche
Diurnal Cycle of Oceanic Precipitation from SSM/I Data

Abstract Four and a half years of the global monthly oceanic rain rates derived from the DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) F-8 SSM/I (Special Sensor Microwave/Imager) data are used to study the diurnal cycles. Annual mean rainfall maps based on the SSM/I morning and evening observations are presented, and their differences are examined using a paired t test. The morning estimates are larger than the afternoon estimates by about 20% over the oceanic region between 50°S and 50°N, with significant differences located mainly along the intertropical convergence zone region. Using the measurements from two satellites, either DMSP F-8 and F-10 or DMSP F-10 and F-11, amplitudes and phases of the 24-h harmonic are estimated. The diurnal cycle shows a nocturnal or early morning maximum in 35%–40% of the oceanic regions. Monte Carlo simulations show that the rms errors associated with the estimated amplitude and phase are about 100% and 2 h, respectively, mainly due to the large random errors (50%) ass...
Cloaking of Cold Atoms

Invariant transformation for quantum mechanical systems is proposed. We show that it may be possible to construct such a cloaking system for cold atoms using optical lattices.
Practice patterns of recently fellowship-trained reconstructive urologists.

The past decade has seen significant changes in the training for all surgical residents.1 Residents are working fewer hours and spending less time in the operating rooms. Of the hours spent operating, a greater percentage of them are being focused on learning robotic and laparoscopic skills than ever before, especially in urology, as these are the skills often coveted by the private practice jobs being pursued by nearly 90% of graduates.2,3 This means that by default, less time will be spent during training performing complex open procedures. It is perhaps not surprising, that the decade has also seen an increase in fellowship training of all surgical subspecialties. Proposed reasons for this trend are many,4 but it has been postulated that with less operating room exposure, graduating residents are more commonly feeling they need more training before starting their careers.5 Until recently, few residents pursued formal postgraduate training in adult reconstructive urology, a specialty that performs many complex open procedures, but there are now 15 single-year positions available for postresidency training,6 prompting the Genitourinary Reconstructive Society to begin a formal matching process for reconstructive fellows beginning in the year 2013. As this fellowship becomes more formalized and learning objectives are outlined, it is important to better understand the scope of practice required of potential fellows upon fellowship graduation. The purpose of this study was to examine the early practice patterns of recently trained reconstructive fellows. We hypothesized that the practice patterns will vary widely depending on the respective fellows’ home institution, but that reconstructive procedures will make up a large percentage of their practice. Additionally, we hypothesized that with increased years in practice, the number and complexity of reconstructive cases will increase.
Genetic Deficiency of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Promotes Cardiac Fibrosis in Aged Mice Involvement of Constitutive Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling and Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition

Background—Elevated levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a potent inhibitor of urokinase plasminogen activator and tissue plasminogen activator, are implicated in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis. Paradoxically, lack of PAI-1 in the heart is associated with the development of cardiac fibrosis in aged mice. However, the molecular basis of cardiac fibrosis in aged PAI-1–deficient mice is unknown. Here, we investigated the molecular and cellular bases of myocardial fibrosis. Methods and Results—Histological evaluation of myocardial tissues derived from aged PAI-1–deficient mice revealed myocardial fibrosis resulting from excessive accumulation of collagen. Immunohistochemical characterization revealed that the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and transforming growth factor-β1/2 and the number of Mac3-positive and fibroblast specific protein-1–positive cells were significantly elevated in aged PAI-1–deficient myocardial tissues compared with controls. Zymogr...
Monolayer interfaces as templates for particle growth

Abstract Methodologies for the in situ generation of size-quantized semiconductor particulate films (SQSPFs) are described. Cadmium, zinc, lead and copper sulfides have been generated from their divalent metal ion precursors, electrostatically attached to well-compressed negatively charged monolayers by the infusion of hydrogen sulfide. Cadmium selenide has been generated at positively charged dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide monolayers floating on an aqueous subphase which contained appropriate concentrations of sodium selenosulfate and cadmium nitrilotriacetate. SQSPFs have been characterized by absorption spectra, electron microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical measurements. Evidence is presented for the oriented growth and preparation-dependent rectification behavior of SQSPFs.
High resolution spectroscopy of MgOH (X 2Σ+) in its V2 mode: Further evidence for quasilinearity

Pure rotational spectra of the MgOH and MgOD radicals have been recorded in the v2 bending vibration of their X 2Σ+ ground electronic states using millimeter-wave direct absorption spectroscopy. Multiple rotational transitions arising from the v2l=11, 22, 20, 31, 33, 42, and 44 substates have been measured in the frequency range 240–520 GHz for these species. Both the spin-rotation and l-type doubling interactions have been resolved in the spectra. The complete data sets for MgOH and MgOD have been analyzed using a linear model for the Hamiltonian which takes into account higher order (l=±4) l-type interactions. The global analyses were adequate, but anomalous behavior was apparent in both molecules. In particular, the Bv vs v2 relation was found to be highly nonlinear, large variations in the l-type doubling constant q were observed with vibrational level, and r0, rs, and re structures determined differed substantially. Such findings suggest that MgOH is highly quasilinear, comparable to HNCO. The compe...
Staggered Core Activation: A circuit/architectural approach for mitigating resonant supply noise issues in multi-core multi-power domain processors

In order to reduce the impact of resonant supply noise on processor performance, a simple, fully-digital and scalable technique based on staggering the activation time of the cores sharing the same power domain in a multi-core multi-power domain processor is presented. Measurement data from a 65nm test chip shows an Fmax improvement as large as 20% in a 3-core configuration. This is one of the first approaches to utilize the architecture level behavior for mitigating resonant noise issues in a multi-core multi-power domain processor.