cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Index of Refraction on Radiation Characteristics in a Heated Absorbing, Emitting, and Scattering Layer

The index of refraction can considerably influence the temperature distribution and radiative heat flow in semitransparent materials such as some ceramics. For external radiant heating, the refractive index influences the amount of energy transmitted into the interior of the material. Emission within a material depends on the square of its refractive index, and hence this emission can be many times that for a biackbody radiating into a vacuum. Since radiation exiting through an interface into a vacuum cannot exceed that of a blackbody, there is extensive reflection at the internal surface of an interface, mostly by total internal reflection. This redistributes energy within the layer and tends to make its temperature distribution more uniform. The purpose of the present analysis is to show that, for radiative equilibrium in a gray layer with diffuse interfaces, the temperature distribution and radiative heat flux for any index of refraction can be obtained very simply from the results for an index of refraction of unity. For the situation studied here, the layer is subjected to external radiative heating incident on each of its surfaces. The material emits, absorbs, and isotropically scatters radiation. For simplicity the index of refraction is unity in the medium surrounding the layer. The surfaces of the layer are assumed diffuse. This is probably a reasonable approximation for a ceramic layer that has not been polished. When transmitted radiation or radiation emitted from the interior reaches the inner surface of an interface, the radiation is diffused and some of it thereby placed into angular directions for which there is total internal reflection. This provides a trapping effect for retaining energy within the layer and tends to equalize its temperature distribution. An analysis of temperature distributions in absorbing-emitting layers, including index of refraction effects, was developed by Gardon (1958) to predict cooling and heat treating of glass plates. The interfaces were optically smooth; the resulting specular reflections were computed from the Fresnel reflection laws. This provides a somewhat different behavior than for diffuse interfaces. A similar application was for heating that occurs in a window of a re-entry vehicle (Fowle et al., 1969). A number of recent papers (Rokhsaz and Dougherty, 1989; Ping and Lallemand, 1989; Crosbie and Shieh, 1990) further examined the effects of Fresnel boundary reflections and nonunity refractive index. Other examples of analyses of both steady and transient heat transfer to single or multiple plane layers (Amlin and Korpela, 1979; Tarshis et al., 1969) have used diffuse assumptions at the interfaces as in the present study
Solar signature in sedimentary cycles from the late Precambrian Elatina Formation, Australia

Climatic cyclicity is recorded by regular variations in the thickness of varves in the Elatina Formation, a late Precambrian periglacial lake deposit in South Australia. Earlier conclusions that the climatic cycles reflect solar variability are strongly supported by a complexity of periods revealed through study of drill cores of the varved sequence. The new data promise to contribute significantly to our understanding of solar processes.
Silurian and Devonian paleomagnetic poles from North China and implications for Gondwana

Abstract We have obtained paleomagnetic results from Silurian and Devonian rocks on the western margin of the North China Block (NCB), ages which previously were thought to be unrepresented throughout North China. High unblocking temperature components of magnetization isolated from both the Silurian and Devonian strata pass fold and reversal tests, suggesting that they are primary remanence. The corresponding paleopoles, at 228.4°E, 26.2°N (Silurian) and 228.7°E, 34.2°N (Devonian), imply low paleolatitude positions of North China during the middle Paleozoic, probably adjacent to east Gondwana.
Use of hot wire anemometry to measure velocity of the limb during human movement

Hot film anemometry, x-configuration probes were used in two experiments to evaluate their effectiveness at measurement of limb velocity. Data from tests with a probe attached to the end of a pendulum establish that the hot films measure velocity in the swing phase within 0.098 ms-1. The kinetic energy per unit mass of the pendulum was predicted within +/- 0.005 m2 s-2, from the measured velocity. In gait experiments with one human subject at speeds greater than 0.25 ms-1, the hot film anemometer and a video system predicted speeds within 0.083 ms-1. The hot film data are electronic signals that are easily stored and processed. The results from these experiments demonstrate that hot film anemometry is an effective and efficient method for direct measurement and analysis of the limb velocity.
Instructional Snapshots (IS) in Mexico: Pre-Service Bilingual Teachers Take Pictures of Classroom Practices

Abstract It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Snapshots not only capture the moment, but also provide an everlasting impression. Likewise, instructional snapshots can provide the preservice teacher-trainee with a glimpse of instructional and pedagogical strategies employed by teachers. If the intent is to improve instructional practices, teacher performance must be viewed within different contexts. The primary goal of a retreat held in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, was to provide pre-service teachers with an opportunity to gather observational data of Mexican students and teachers in educational settings. Because of demographic changes and teachers’ lack of educational experiences with immigrant LEP children, bilingual teachers are faced with instructional challenges. It was hoped that these observations would provide the pre-service teacher with a better understanding of these learning needs. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief account of impressions gathered through ...
A Path Analytic Study of Individual Characteristics, Computer Anxiety and Attitudes toward Microcomputers

This study developed and tested a path model of individual difference variables as antecedents of computer anxiety and attitudes toward microcomputers among managers. Results of path analysis of survey data gatheredfrom 166 managers provided moderate support for the proposed model and the pattern of linkages specified among the variables. Results showed education is negatively related to computer anxiety, and external locus of control and math anxiety contribute to increased computer anxiety. Managers' age, education, external locus of control, and thefeeling-thinking dimension of cognitive style are directly related to attitudes toward microcomputers. However, math anxiety and external locus of control affect microcomputer attitudes only indirectly, through their effect on computer anxiety, which is the strongest predictor of negative attitudes toward microcomputers. Implications for the design and success of management information systems involving microcomputers, andfuture research are discussed.
A Bayesian generative model for learning semantic hierarchies.

Building fine-grained visual recognition systems that are capable of recognizing tens of thousands of categories, has received much attention in recent years. The well known semantic hierarchical structure of categories and concepts, has been shown to provide a key prior which allows for optimal predictions. The hierarchical organization of various domains and concepts has been subject to extensive research, and led to the development of the WordNet domains hierarchy [18], which was also used to organize the images in the ImageNet [11] dataset, in which the category count approaches the human capacity. Still, for the human visual system, the form of the hierarchy must be discovered with minimal use of supervision or innate knowledge. In this work, we propose a new Bayesian generative model for learning such domain hierarchies, based on semantic input. Our model is motivated by the super-subordinate organization of domain labels and concepts that characterizes WordNet, and accounts for several important challenges: maintaining context information when progressing deeper into the hierarchy, learning a coherent semantic concept for each node, and modeling uncertainty in the perception process.
Taxonomic changes in palaeotropical Xyleborini (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae)

Following the recent reclassification of the Palaeotropic xyleborine genera (Hulcr and Cognato in press), additional species are transferred to correct genera or synonymized based on analysis of their morphological characters. The following species are given new combinations: Debus amphicranoides (Hagedorn), comb. n., Debus birmanus (Eggers, 1930), comb. n., Debus dolosus (Blandford, 1896), comb. n., Debus eximius (Schedl, 1970), comb. n., Debus interponens (Schedl, 1954), comb. n., Debus robustipennis (Schedl, 1954), comb. n., Debus spinatus (Eggers, 1923), comb. n., Microperus alpha (Beeson, 1929), comb. n., Microperus corporaali (Eggers), comb. n., Microperus eucalyptica (Schedl, 1938), comb. n., Microperus nugax (Schedl, 1939), comb. n., Pseudowebbia percorthylus (Schedl, 1935), comb. n., Truncaudum circumcinctus (Schedl, 1941), comb. n.THE FOLLOWING SPECIES ARE SYNONYMIZED: Arixyleborus hirtipennis (Eggers), syn. n., with Arixyleborus puberulus (Blandford); Coptoborus palmeri (Hopkins), syn. n., with Debus emarginatus (Eichhoff); Coptoborus terminaliae (Hopkins), syn. n., with Debus emarginatus (Eichhoff); Cyclorhipidion polyodon (Eggers), syn. n., with Truncaudum agnatum (Eggers); Euwallacea artelaevis (Schedl), syn. n., with Planiculus bicolor (Blandford); Xyleborinus perminutissimus (Schedl), syn. n., with Xyleborinus perpusillus (Eggers); Xyleborus exesus Blandford, syn. n., with Debus emarginatus (Eichhoff); Xyleborus fulvulus (Schedl), syn. n., with Microperus corporaali (Eggers); Xyleborus marginicollis (Schedl), syn. n., with Diuncus justus (Schedl); Xyleborus shoreae Stebbing, syn. n., with Debus fallax (Eichhoff).THE FOLLOWING SPECIES ARE GIVEN NEW STATUS: Streptocranus superbus (Schedl, 1951), restored name; Webbia divisus Browne, 1972, restored name; Webbia penicillatus (Hagedorn, 1910), restored name. Genus Taphrodasus Wood (1980) is declared not valid.
Magnetic resonance imaging in sheehan's syndrome: case report and literature review of imaging studies.

ABSTRACT Objective To present the first documentation of pituitary atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a patient with Sheehan’s syndrome and review the published radiologic findings in this syndrome. Methods We describe the clinical and laboratory findings in a young woman with Sheehan’s syndrome, provide the MRI results, and discuss the previously published radiologic studies of this syndrome. Results A 31-year-old woman, who was examined 11 months after severe postpartum hemorrhage, had clinical and biochemical findings consistent with Sheehan’s syndrome (loss of axillary hair, amenorrhea, and impaired pituitary reserve for luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyrotropin, growth hormone, and corticotropin). MRI showed a partially empty sella in conjunction with invagination of the optic chiasm anteriorly into the pituitary fossa. Conclusion Because of its greater spatial resolution, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and potential for multiplanar images, MRI can provide more precise and detailed findings than other radiologic studies and can facilitate diagnosis of Sheehan’s syndrome. (Endocr Pract. 1997; 3:82-84)
Control of carbohydrate metabolism in a starchless mutant of Arbidopsis thaliana

The biochemical regulation of photosynthate partitioning was investigated in a starchless mutant (TC7) of Arabidopsts thaliana (L.) Henyh, that was deficient in chloroplast phosphoglucomutase (Caspar et al. 1985. Plant Physiol. 79: 11–17). Plants were raised at 20°C with a 20 h light and 4 h dark period, so that the growth rates of the mutant and wild type were similar. Two or 3 isoforms of phosphoglucomutase were separated by ion-exchange chromatography using mutant and wild type leaf preparations, respectively. Initial rate kinetics of all isoforms were similar. Light-saturated photosynthetic oxygen evolution rates of the mutant and wild type were 224 and 302 nmol g-1 chlorophyll h-1, respectively. Starch, sucrose and hexose concentrations were unchanged in wild type leaves after a dark to light transition, whereas sucrose and hexose increased in mutant leaves. Hexose-phosphates accumulated in both genotypes in the light, although the steady-state leaf concentrations of glucose 6-phosphate were 3-fold higher in mutant than in wild type samples. Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate and glucose 1,6-bisphosphate were lower in the mutant than in the wild type at the end of the dark period when mutant leaves were depleted of carbohydrates. Levels of UTP were lower in the mutant than in the wild type, possibly indicating that growth conditions had induced phosphate limited photosynthesis. These results are discussed in relation to the regulation of photosynthetic carbon metabolism.
Interaction between the Earth's Liquid Core and Solid Mantle

HORIZONTAL stresses at the interface where the liquid core of the Earth meets the surrounding solid mantle prevent these two major regions of the Earth from moving independently of one another. Speculations as to the physical nature of these stresses have been made in connexion (a) with the investigation of whether the precessional motion of the mantle is significant as a possible cause of the fluid motions in the core that produce the Earth's magnetic field, and (b) with the interpretation of certain tiny, irregular secular changes in the direction and magnitude of the angular velocity of the mantle as being manifestations of fluctuations in core motions. (The books by Munk and Macdonald1 and Marsden and Cameron2 give extensive lists of pertinent references.)
Multiple forms of juvenile hormone esterase active sites in the hemolymph of larvae of Trichoplusia ni.

Abstract 1. 1. Kinetic analysis was performed on the juvenile hormone (JH) esterase activity in the hemolymph of feeding, last instar larvae of Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). 2. 2. When the results were analyzed by several different graphical and regression procedures, all approaches yielded the same conclusion that at least two forms of JH esterase active sites exist in the hemolymph. 3. 3. The apparent K m for one site for JH I, II and III was 8.5 × 10 −8 M, 4.2 × 10 −8 M, and 6.6 × 10 −8 M, respectively. 4. 4. The K m for the other site for JH I, II and III was 6.6 × 10 −7 M, 7.6 × 10 −7 M, 4.0 × 10 −7 M, respectively. 5. 5. When hemolymph JHE activity was subjected to high resolution isoelectric focusing (IEF), two distinct large peaks of JHE activity were observed, with pIs of 5.3 and 5.5, as well as a small peak at pI 5.1. 6. 6. Separate kinetic analysis of the JHE activity in each peak showed that only the higher K m active site for each substrate was present (in the 10 −7 M range). 7. 7. These data necessitate a change in the current model for JHE in T. ni , and some other insects, which states that a single active site is responsible for most or all of the JH esterase activity in vivo . 8. 8. The data also explain the different estimates of the K m of JHE in T. ni obtained by different laboratories. 9. 9. Studies on the purification of, and the development of inhibitors for, JHE esterase must consider the role of both JHE forms and sites in regulation of T. ni metamorphosis.
Constitutional Courts in New Democracies: Understanding Variation in East Asia

The article shows how judicial review has expanded around the globe from the United States, Western Europe, and Japan to become a regular feature of constitutional design in Africa and Asia. Although the formal power to exercise judicial review is now nearly universal in democratic states, courts have varied in the extent to which they are willing to exercise this power in practice. After decades of authoritarian rule, East Asia has experienced a wave of democratization since the mid-1980s. Transitions toward more open political structures have been effectuated in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Mongolia and Indonesia, and even the Leninist states of China and Vietnam have experienced tentative moves toward more participatory politics. These political transitions have been accompanied by an important but understudied phenomenon: the emergence of powerful constitutional courts in the region. Constitutional courts have exercised review to challenge political authorities when conflicts arise among government institutions or governments impinge on individual rights.
Indirect Impact of Atmospheric Aerosols in Idealized Simulations of Convective–Radiative Quasi Equilibrium. Part II: Double-Moment Microphysics

AbstractThis paper extends the previous cloud-resolving modeling study concerning the impact of cloud microphysics on convective–radiative quasi equilibrium (CRQE) over a surface with fixed characteristics and prescribed solar input, both mimicking the mean conditions on earth. The current study applies sophisticated double-moment warm-rain and ice microphysics schemes, which allow for a significantly more realistic representation of the impact of aerosols on precipitation processes and on the coupling between clouds and radiative transfer. Two contrasting cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) characteristics are assumed, representing pristine and polluted conditions, as well as contrasting representations of the effects of entrainment and mixing on the mean cloud droplet size. In addition, four sets of sensitivity simulations are also performed with changes that provide a reference for the main simulation set.As in the previous study, the CRQE mimics the estimates of globally and annually averaged water and en...
Wortmannin inhibits transcytosis of dimeric IgA by the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor

Phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) plays an essential role in numerous signaling events, and increasingly has been implicated in regulation of certain membrane traffic events. The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) transcytoses dimeric IgA (dIgA) across epithelial cells and into external secretions, where the dIgA forms the first specific immunological defense against infection. We show here that wortmannin, a highly specific inhibitor of PI3K, inhibits transcytosis of dIgA by the pIgR. Instead, the dIgA is recycled back to the basolateral surface of the epithelial cell. PI3K therefore plays an essential role in regulating the transcytosis of dIgA, a key step in the mucosal immune response.
Electron beam pattern generator sensitivity to target potentials

Electrostatic chucking is the plan of record for mask clamping in Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. In order to minimize mask distortion it is recommended by the EUV lithography community that identical electrostatic chucks be used in the mask patterning and metrology tools. The high voltages used in electrostatic chucking have the potential to establish voltages on the mask surface, which may influence the electron optical characteristics of the pattern generator to the detrimental imaging of the pattern. To understand the relationship between image degradation and mask surface voltages, we are modeling the interaction between mask potential and electron beam columns. The first system modeled consists entirely of electrostatic elements, and the second one is a more traditional electron beam lithography system with electrostatic and magnetic components. All of the working parameters of the systems were fixed to establish optimal imaging on the grounded mask. We then altered the potential on the mask surface and determined the impact on focus and deflection errors. The simulation results establish the relationship between the mask potential, focus and deflection errors. Detailed data of focus deflection error versus mask potential will be presented for these electron beam column configurations. When combined with ITRS roadmap specifications, these results set boundaries on mask and chuck configurations as well as grounding schemes. The results are also applicable to charged particle maskless lithography schemes as well as issues of substrate charging in both pattern generators and metrology tools.
Zen, Wittgenstein and Neo-orthodox Theology: The Problem of Communicating Truth in Zen Buddhism

One of the problems religious men and philosophers often face is how to convey enlightenment or wisdom to others so that sentient beings can be enlightened or awakened from dogmatic views. This problem is also the question of how truth (the Word of God or Buddha's Dharma) is made known to men. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the problem of communicating truth in Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism.
An integrative framework for studying sustainable practices and its adoption in the AEC industry: A case study

The diversity of priorities and differing awareness of sustainable practices among stakeholders in the architecture, engineering and construction industry is critically shaping the adoption of green technology, and the rate at which the industry is shifting towards more sustainable practices. In this paper, we develop an integrated framework that allows reorganization and integration of existing sustainability research in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, emphasizing the perspective of decision-makers and stakeholders. Further, an agent-based model is introduced that allows study of the decision-maker with the decision context, thus making them an integral part of the decision-making process rather than independent of it. The coupled system is adaptive and dynamically organizes itself to reflect complex bottom-up interactions between individual stakeholders, their contexts and the constraints driving their decisions even as they implement or respond to top-down decisions pertaining to the adoption of sustainable practices. The contention of this research is that an integrative systems approach to top-down decision-making and an understanding of bottom-up influences in stakeholder decisions is critical to the understanding sustainable practices and decisions that lead to their adoption in the AEC industry.
Number of lymph nodes and metastatic lymph node ratio are associated with survival in lung cancer.

Background The non–small cell lung cancer TNM classification system uses only the anatomic extent of lymph node (LN) metastases to define the N category. The number of LNs resected and the ratio of positive LNs to total examined LNs are prognostic in other solid tumors. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database to investigate the effect of these factors on the overall survival of non–small cell lung cancer. Methods All patients with non–small cell lung cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database from 1988 through 2007 who had curative resections and had at least one LN examined were included. The prognostic value of age, race, sex, tumor size, histologic grade, number of examined LNs, and ratio of positive LNs to total examined LNs was assessed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model for overall survival. The number of LNs examined was categorized into four levels. The percentage of positive LNs was stratified into three levels. Results Among patients with localized disease, fewer LNs examined corresponded with a worse prognosis. Prognosis improved as more LNs were examined. For patients with regional disease, the differences were significant only at the extremes. Older patients, males, and those with higher grade or larger tumors did worse. Patients with low or moderate ratios of positive to total LNs had better prognoses than those with high ratios. Conclusions More LNs resected and lower ratios of positive LNs to total examined LNs are associated with better patient survival after non–small cell lung cancer resection independent of age, sex, grade, tumor size, and stage of disease.
Departmental quality ratings and visibility : The advantages of size and age

In this article I argue that quality ratings can be conceptualized as reflecting the extent to which departments are visible to outside raters. Using cross-sectional as well as panel data on sociology departments from the two latest surveys of graduate education published by the National Research Council in 1982 and 1995, I explain departmental quality ratings in terms of measures that reflect a department’s visibility, such as its faculty productivity, size, age, and location at an elite-status university. While the results of the cross-sectional and the longitudinal models tell different stories, the two are not incompatible. Specifically, both models suggest strong effects of departmental size and age. By comparison, the estimated effects of faculty productivity and location at an elite-status university are weaker and significant only in the cross-sectional model.
First demonstration of electron-tracking based Compton imaging in solid-state detectors

Abstract We report on the first demonstration of electron-tracking based Compton-scatter gamma-ray imaging in a solid-state detector. Employing a high-resolution and fully depleted charge coupled device (CCD) we were able to measure the initial direction of the Compton-scattered electron enabling the reconstruction of the incident direction of a gamma-ray on an event-by-event basis. The scatter direction was deduced by analyzing the electron energy loss measured on the pixilated readout plane. Employing a 650 μm thick Si-based CCD with 10.5 μm pixel size, the measured energy loss was not only used to deduce the electron-scatter angle in the pixel plane but also in the angle perpendicular and out of the pixel plane. The latter was accomplished by relating the measured energy loss to a calculated energy loss, which is predicted using the measured energy per pixel. Combining the Compton-scatter information obtained in the CCD detector with the energy and three-dimensional position information of the scattered gamma-ray measured in a Ge detector in double-sided strip configuration, we were able to reconstruct the incident direction of the gamma-ray. This measurement demonstrates the feasibility of using Si-based devices to enable electron-tracking based Compton imaging and promises significantly increased sensitivity over conventional Compton imaging instruments or gas-based imagers, which lack in overall detection sensitivity due to the low density.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication: case-matched study from a single U.S. center

Abstract Background Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication (LAGBP) is a novel technique for weight loss surgery. This study evaluates the safety and short-term efficacy of LAGBP in a U.S. population. The setting was an academic medical center in the United States. Methods Patients who underwent LAGBP between 2012 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, pre and perioperative details, body mass index (BMI), and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) were analyzed and compared to case-matched cohorts that had laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) during the same time period. Results Seventeen patients (14 females) underwent LAGBP during the study period and were case-matched based on age, sex, race, and preoperative BMI with patients having LAGB and LSG. Mean age and preoperative BMI for LAGBP cohort were 42.5±11.6 years and 47.7±6.5 kg/m 2 , respectively. Mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 72±16 minutes and 23±23 mL, respectively, compared to 49±16 minutes ( P = .002) and 15±23 mL for LAGB, and 66±18 minutes and 36±22 mL for LSG. There were no perioperative deaths. Hospital length of stay was 1.1±.3 days for LAGBP, versus .7±.3 days ( P = .004) for LAGB, and 2.7±1.4 days ( P P = .68). The %EWL was 46.1±14.8% for the LAGBP cohort, compared to 38.9±20.6% for LAGB, and 57.7±16% for LSG. Conclusion LAGBP is technically feasible and safe, and offers weight loss results positioned between LAGB and LSG at 1 year. To date, this is the largest U.S. series to compare this novel technique to more traditional weight loss procedures.
Introducing lean principles with agile practices at a Fortune 500 company

Why does the introduction of agile software practices within a large corporation pose a difficult and challenging prospect? How can lean principles mitigate development challenges and enhance your success? What does an approach born in manufacturing have to offer to software development? This experience report sets out to answer these questions and offer insights into achieving a smoother transition to agile through the application of lean tools and principles.
Urban-Rural Differences in Responsiveness to an Altruistic Model

Summary Male and female college students (N = 51) from either city or small town backgrounds were asked for help after being exposed to either a helpful model, a selfish model, or a control condition (no model). Those who were raised in a city were more responsive to the models. The percentages of city Ss helping in the helpful model, control, and selfish model conditions were 100%, 75%, and 40%, respectively, while those percentages among town Ss were 44.4%, 87.5%, and 62.5%, respectively. The city Ss' responses are interpreted in terms of Milgram's urban-overload theory: i.e., as a dysfunctional, adaptation response to environmental complexity.
Modified LDL–Mediated Increases in Endothelial Layer Permeability Are Attenuated With 17β-Estradiol

Abstract—Current research suggests that estrogen may have primary effects on the artery wall. To investigate the mechanisms of female sex hormone actions in the artery wall, we used an isolated, perfused, rat carotid artery model to examine the effects of estradiol on the rates of accumulation of normal (N-LDL) and minimally modified (MM-LDL) low density lipoprotein in ovariectomized rats. N-LDL, MM-LDL, and oxidized LDL (OX-LDL) were fluorescently labeled and perfused into individual arteries. The rate of LDL accumulation was measured by quantitative fluorescence microscopy before and after treatment with estradiol (1 nmol/L, 272 pg/mL). Estradiol had no effect on the rate of N-LDL accumulation (45±12 versus 48±15 ng cholesterol per cm2 per h). However, estradiol significantly decreased the rate of MM-LDL (240±48 versus 160±48 ng cholesterol per cm2 per h; P<0.05) and OX-LDL (191±53 versus 112±36 ng cholesterol per cm2 per h; P<0.05) accumulation. Further experiments showed that perfusion of unlabeled MM...
A Virtual Cellular Manufacturing Approach to Batch Production

In this paper, Virtual Cellular Manufacturing (VCM), an alternative approach to implementing cellular manufacturing, is investigated. VCM combines the setup efficiency typically obtained by Group Technology (GT) cellular manufacturing (CM) systems with the routing flexibility of a job shop. Unlike traditional CM systems in which the shop is physically designed as a series of cells, family-based scheduling criteria are used to form logical cells within a shop using a process layout. The result is the formation of temporary, virtual cells as opposed to the more traditional, permanent, physical cells present in GT systems. Virtual cells allow the shop to be more responsive to changes in demand and workload patterns. Production using VCM is compared to production using traditional cellular and job shop approaches. Results indicate that VCM yields significantly better flow time and due date performance over a wide range of common operating conditions, as well as being more robust to demand variability.
Optical X wave communications

This paper presents a new communication system using optical X waves which, in theory, can propagate to an infinite distance without spreading. In practice, when these waves are produced with a finite aperture and energy, they have a large depth of field. A system model using optical X waves as carriers to transfer signals is established. The relationship between optical X wave and the conventional communication systems is studied. Simulation demonstrating the performance of the optical X wave communication systems is presented.
Physical Activity in Urban School-Aged Children With Asthma

Objectives. To compare the physical ac- tivity levels of children with and without asthma and evaluate predictors of activity level in children with asthma. Methods. Parents of 137 children with asthma and 106 controls 6 to 12 years old who attended an urban primary care pediatric clinic were interviewed by telephone. A structured survey evaluated 1 day's total activity and the number of days active in a typical week; asthma charac- teristics and treatment; physician advice; opportunities for physical activity; and caregiver beliefs about physical activity. The activity levels of children with and without asthma were compared. Predictors of activity level of children with asthma were evaluated. Results. Children with asthma were less active than their peers. The mean amount of daily activity differed by group: 116 (asthma) vs 146 (nonasthma) minutes; 21% (asthma) vs 9% (nonasthma) were active 120 minutes/day (odds ratio: 2.5; confidence in- terval: 1.2-5.4). Conclusions. Disease severity and parental health be- liefs contribute to the lower activity level of children with asthma. Pediatricians should evaluate exercise level as an indicator of disease control and address exercise and its benefits with patients and caregivers to help achieve the goal of normal physical activity in children with asthma. Pediatrics 2004;113:e341-e346. URL: http: //www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/113/4/e341; asthma, child, exercise, health behavior, physical activity.
Communication and Work Patterns among Productive Scholars in Psycho-Educational Research: The Invisible College Hypothesis

By counting publications in the American Education Research Journal (1968-1977) and the Journal of Educational Psychology (1958-1977) 62 prolific scholars were identified. These scholars provided information by questionnaire about their communication patterns, academic background, their paradigms, shifts in research focus, time spent on various professional activities, age, and years of training. These scholars also provided information as to persons who had been influential in their research and persons with whom they had interacted frequently about their research. Data about the persons listed and citation data were used to test the invisible college hypothesis. This hypothesis was not robustly supported.
Artificial life: organization, adaptation and complexity from the bottom up.

Artificial life attempts to understand the essential general properties of living systems by synthesizing life-like behavior in software, hardware and biochemicals. As many of the essential abstract properties of living systems (e.g. autonomous adaptive and intelligent behavior) are also studied by cognitive science, artificial life and cognitive science have an essential overlap. This review highlights the state of the art in artificial life with respect to dynamical hierarchies, molecular self-organization, evolutionary robotics, the evolution of complexity and language, and other practical applications. It also speculates about future connections between artificial life and cognitive science.
Evidence That International Undergraduates Can Succeed Academically Despite Struggling with English.

Many American universities require international applicants whose native language is not English to submit English proficiency exam scores presumably because of proficiency’s potential to predict future academic success. The present study provides evidence, however, that such applicants can succeed academically despite struggling with English. Over 60% of two cohorts of degree-seeking international freshmen at a West Coast public university struggled with English—they failed the university’s English writing proficiency requirement. These international freshmen consequently were required to attend classes in English composition and/or English as a second language. Their average academic marks in these classes were between D+ and C- (18–45% earned less than C), yet their term grade point averages (which excluded the community college classes) were between B and B+. The present findings indicate that these international undergraduates can succeed academically despite apparently inadequate English proficiency.
Effect of Sodium Balance on Arterial Blood Pressure and Renal Responses to Prostaglandin A1 in Man

The effect of sodium balance on systemic arterial blood pressure and the renal response to intravenous infusion of prostaglandin A1 (PGA1) was studied in hypertensive subjects. PGA1 (0.4 µg/kg min-1) was infused for 1 hour in ten hypertensive subjects who were receiving a constant diet containing 40 mEq of sodium and 80 mEq of potassium. During PGA1 infusion a significant fall in both systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure occurred. There was a significant rise in urine flow rate, renal plasma flow, and urine sodium excretion; plasma renin activity (PRA) rose slightly but not significantly. Eight of the ten subjects and one additional subject were then placed on furosemide (80 mg/day) for 1 week. In all subjects, a significant weight loss and a rise in midday PRA occurred with the administration of the diuretic. Systolic blood pressure fell, but diastolic pressure was unchanged. Following salt depletion with furosemide, PGA1 infusion studies were repeated. PGA1 then produced no significant change ...
Survey of the research needs of the potential organic ornamental bedding plant industry in Maine.

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. floriculture, greenhouse SUMMARY. Organic and conventional greenhouse growers in Maine were surveyed to determine the research needs of growers who may produce organic ornamental bedding plants. Organic growers were also asked to identify their greatest motivator to determine whether they feel that there is a greater market for organically grown ornamental plants. The greatest percentage (75%) of organic growers indicated that they choose to grow plants organically because ‘‘it’s the right thing to do.’’ The second greatest percentage (36%) of organic growers choose organic production techniques for ornamental plants because they grow food crops organically and consider it convenient to use only one production technique. A relatively small number of organic growers (7%) considered the market for organic ornamental plants to be a strong motivator for growing organically. Organic growers were asked to select production issues that pose the greatest challenge for them from a list of common production problems. They considered insect and disease management and organic fertility, substrate, and pH management to be their greatest problems. Conventional growers primarily avoid organic production techniques because they consider organic fertilization or organic insect management to be too big of a challenge. Because organic and conventional growers consider insect and fertility or substrate management to be challenges facing organic growers, these topics should be top priorities for future research on organic greenhouse production.
Generating text from compressed input: an intelligent interface for people with severe motor impairments

Computers and computer-based technology have become an integral part of the lives of many individuals with disabilities. One of the most common activities that can be computer assisted is the generation of text. People who cannot accurately control their extremities (due to disabilities such as cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury) use computers as writing tools. People whose physical disability restricts their spoken output may use a computer as a communication prosthesis. In both cases, the generation of text is a necessary activity that can be physically demanding. It should be made as easy for the user as possible. While the standard computer keyboard is an efficient interface for able-bodied people and some disabled people, it may present significant access problems for others. In these cases some alternative interface is necessary.
3.88% Efficient Tin Sulfide Solar Cells using Congruent Thermal Evaporation

Tin sulfide (SnS), as a promising absorber material in thin-film photovoltaic devices, is described. Here, it is confirmed that SnS evaporates congruently, which provides facile composition control akin to cadmium telluride. A SnS heterojunction solar cell is demons trated, which has a power conversion efficiency of 3.88% (certified), and an empirical loss analysis is presented to guide further performance improvements.
Plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and binding protein-3, and their association with bladder cancer risk.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Because insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their binding proteins have been implicated in the development of prostate, breast, colon and lung cancer, we examined the role of IGF-1 and IGF binding protein-3 levels in bladder cancer risk.Materials and Methods: We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to compare plasma levels of IGF-1 and IGF binding protein-3 in 154 patients with bladder cancer and 154 controls from an ongoing case-control study.Results: Mean IGF-1 was significantly higher in cases than in controls (175.8 versus 153.2 ng./ml., p <0.01). Mean IGF binding protein-3 was significantly lower in cases than in controls (2,632.9 versus 3,056.6 ng./ml., p <0.01). The highest quartile plasma levels of IGF-1 were associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.43 to 6.70) and the highest quartile plasma levels of IGF binding protein-3 were associated with a reduced risk of bladder cancer (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.78). The effects were more striking when...
Retrospective analysis of the ecological risk of contaminant mixtures in aquatic sediments

(1996). Retrospective analysis of the ecological risk of contaminant mixtures in aquatic sediments. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal: Vol. 2, New developments in modeling wildlife exposure to toxic chemicals, pp. 434-440.
Circular hierarchical relationships in the UMLS: etiology, diagnosis, treatment, complications and prevention.

Abstract The Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) is a large repository of some 800,000 concepts for the biomedical domain, organized by several millions of inter-concept relationships, either inherited from the source vocabularies, or specifically generated. This paper focuses on hierarchical relationships in the UMLS Metathesaurus, and especially, on circular hierarchical relationships. Using the metaphor of a disease, we first analyze the causal mechanisms for circular hierarchical relationships. Then, we discuss methods to identify and remove these relationships. Finally, we briefly discuss the consequences of these relationships for applications based on the UMLS, and we propose some prevention measures.
Immune responses of the bovine fetus.

Abstract The bovine fetus is capable of mounting an antibody response when a bacterial antigen (killed Escherichia coli ) or viral antigen (live reovirus) is deposited into the amniotic fluid. Time required for the fetus to respond to bacterial antigen given orally (amniotic fluid) is approximately 10 to 14 days and 8 to 10 days for viral antigen. Calves vaccinated prenatally with E. coli from 9 to 102 days before birth and deprived of colostrum survived oral challenge doses of viable E. coli which killed calves not vaccinated prenatally. One mechanism of protection was the local production of antibody in the gastrointestinal mucosa where immunofluo rescent techniques showed immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, and anti- E. coli antibody in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum as well as in the jejunal lymph node. Prenatal vaccination has been used in the field for prevention of colibacillosis. However, the occurrence of some stillbirths and premature births indicates the need for further research before there can be widespread field application of the technique.
TGF-β1 inhibits late-stage mast cell maturation

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β 1 on mast cell development. Materials and Methods Mast cells were cultured from mouse bone marrow in interleukin (IL)-3 + stem cell factor, in the presence or absence of TGF-β 1 . We assessed mast cell development by measuring the expression of kit, T1/ST2, FcɛRI, and Fcγ receptors. Cell morphology was determined by histochemical staining. Alterations in FcɛRI subunit expression were measured by Western blot analysis. Adoptive transfer of cultured mast cells into mast cell–deficient W/W v mice was used to determine if the in vivo environment could reverse the inhibitory effects of TGF-β 1 . Results TGF-β 1 decreased FcɛRI, c-kit, T1/ST2, and FcγR expression, and inhibited granule formation in developing mast cells. Accessory cells were not required for this inhibition. Smad3 deficiency did not alter the response of bone marrow cells to TGF-β 1 . TGF-β 1 inhibited expression of the FcɛRI α subunit protein, without decreasing β or γ proteins. Mast cells derived in the presence of TGF-β 1 were functionally impaired, as IgE-mediated cytokine secretion was greatly reduced. The changes in granule formation and surface antigen expression were long-standing, as they were not reversed by transfer to W/W v mice. Conclusions TGF-β 1 may contribute to mast cell homeostasis by inhibiting maturation from bone marrow precursors. The effects of TGF-β 1 result in greatly diminished expression of cell surface markers, reduced granulation, and lack of responsiveness to IgE-mediated activation. Thus TGF-β 1 can serve as a potent and multifunctional regulator of mast cell maturation.
Enhanced forward coupling phenomena between microstrip lines on periodically patterned ground plane

Strong forward coupling and slow-wave effects have been observed between two parallel microstrip lines on a periodically patterned ground plane, even though the two lines are separated with very large gap spacing. The even- and odd-mode effective dielectric constants have been calculated using the FDTD method to investigate this phenomenon. The slow-wave effects and enhanced coupling will help in the design of forward-wave directional couplers with reduced line lengths and relaxed gap spacing requirements.
Slow Strain Rate Stress Corrosion Cracking under Multiaxial Deformation Conditions: Technique and Application to Admiralty Brass

Abstract A set of straightforward experimental techniques are described for the examination of slow strain rate stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of sheet deforming under nearly all multiaxial deform...