cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increasing returns and cyclical international capital movements

Abstract This paper introduces increasing returns to domestic capital into a standard optimizing model of international portfolio selection. The resulting system displays surprising dynamic behavior. Endogenous cycles of any length may occur around the steady-state equilibrium, with both capital flows and asset prices displaying regular fluctuations. Initial conditions and expectations both matter in selecting the cycle on which the economy converges. Hence, ‘animal spirits’ may determine the course of asset prices and capital flows.
Solubilization and Separation of Uridine Diphospho-d-glucose: β-(1 → 4) Glucan and Uridine Diphospho-d-glucose:β-(1 → 3) Glucan Glucosyltransferases from Coleoptiles of Avena sativa

The particulate glucan synthetase preparation isolated from a homogenate of oat coleoptiles at 4 C lost 65% of its original activity after 1 day when the UDP-d-glucose substrate concentration was 5 x 10(-7)m to 1.0 x 10(-6)m. Storage of the particulate enzyme at -20 C or in liquid nitrogen did not prevent the enzyme from losing its activity. Incorporation of 0.5% hovine serum albumin into the medium stabilized the particulate enzyme at 0 C for 6 days and for at least 2 weeks in liquid nitrogen.When the particulate enzyme was treated with 8% digitonin, 40 to 50% of its activity appeared in the 100,000g supernatant fraction. The particulate and digitonin-solubilized enzyme preparations synthesized both beta-(1 --> 4) and beta-(1 --> 3) glucosyl linkages from UDP-d-glucose, but beta-(1 --> 3) glucan was the main product at 1 x 10(-3)m UDP-d-glucose substrate. The activity of beta-(1 --> 4) glucan synthetase was stimulated at least 10-fold in the presence of MgCl(2). A separation of beta-(1 --> 4) and beta-(1 --> 3) glucan synthetase activities could be achieved at 1 x 10(-3)m UDP-d-glucose when the digitonin-solubilized enzyme was adsorbed on a hydroxylapatite gel and then eluted with concentrated potassium phosphate buffer. The results indicate that the particulate enzyme contains two enzymes, one responsible for the synthesis of beta-(1 --> 4) and another beta-(1 --> 3) linkages in the glucan or glucans synthesized from UDP-d-glucose.
Toroidal confinement experiment featuring direct ohmic heating of the ions

Abstract Recently a toroidal plasma device with the confinement being provided by surface multipole magnetic cusps generated by permanent magnets has been operated at UCLA. The cusps are oriented in the poloidal direction and have a maximum field strength of 1.3 kG. A toroidal current is driven by a transformer; the loop voltage is about 100 V. It is found that for a hydrogen plasma a current of 3 to 6 kA is driven and that the current is carried by the ions. This gives direct ion heating to temperature of 40 to 100 eV in a 10 13 cm −3 density hydrogen plasma. The electron temperature is lower, being in the 20–40 eV range. The β of the plasma is high, in the 20–30% range. We have simulated the operation of this device using a 2 1 2 dimensional electromagnetic particle code. The model duplicates many of the features of the experiment, including the restraint of electron current by the cusps while the ions flow relatively freely, the focussing of the streaming ions to the center of the chamber by the magnetic lens effect of the cusps, and the pinch effect. A simple theoretical treatment explains both the experiments and the simulations, although the detailed simulation results indicate the need for a more complete theory.
Carotico-clinoid foramina and a double optic canal: A case report with neurosurgical implications.

Background: The lesser wing of the sphenoid is a clinically important structure, particularly with regard to its anatomical relationship with neurovascular structures including the optic nerve, ophthalmic artery, and internal carotid artery. Anterior clinoidectomy, a neurosurgical procedure utilized to access paraclinoid aneurysms and neoplasms, is often complicated by the presence of anatomical variants including the carotico‑clinoid foramen and the accessory optic canal. Case Description: A rare case report is presented documenting the simultaneous occurrence of bilateral carotico‑clinoid foramina and a unilateral accessory optic canal. Conclusion: The presence of an accessory optic canal may be misconstrued as a carotico‑clinoid foramen or pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process, lesser sphenoidal wing, or optic strut. The case report documents two clinically important variant structures occurring ipsilaterally, each with the potential to masquerade as the other radiographically and present complications to both neurosurgeons and radiologists. Knowledge of the unique combination of anatomical variants presented in this report may prevent adverse surgical events during anterior clinoidectomy procedures including hemorrhage of the ophthalmic artery or internal carotid artery and subsequent vision loss or death.
In Vitro Characterization of Bicuspid Aortic Valve Hemodynamics Using Particle Image Velocimetry

The congenital bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is associated with increased leaflet calcification, ascending aortic dilatation, aortic stenosis (AS) and regurgitation (AR). Although underlying genetic factors have been primarily implicated for these complications, the altered mechanical environment of BAVs could potentially accelerate these pathologies. The objective of the current study is to characterize BAV hemodynamics in an in vitro system. Two BAV models of varying stenosis and jet eccentricity and a trileaflet AV (TAV) were constructed from excised porcine AVs. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) experiments were conducted at physiological flow and pressure conditions to characterize fluid velocity fields in the aorta and sinus regions, and ensemble averaged Reynolds shear stress and 2D turbulent kinetic energy were calculated for all models. The dynamics of the BAV and TAV models matched the characteristics of these valves which are observed clinically. The eccentric and stenotic BAV showed the strongest systolic jet (V = 4.2 m/s), which impinged on the aortic wall on the non-fused leaflet side, causing a strong vortex in the non-fused leaflet sinus. The magnitudes of TKE and Reynolds stresses in both BAV models were almost twice as large as comparable values for TAV, and these maximum values were primarily concentrated around the central jet through the valve orifice. The in vitro model described here enables detailed characterization of BAV flow characteristics, which is currently challenging in clinical practice. This model can prove to be useful in studying the effects of altered BAV geometry on fluid dynamics in the valve and ascending aorta. These altered flows can be potentially linked to increased calcific responses from the valve endothelium in stenotic and eccentric BAVs, independent of concomitant genetic factors.
Phases of underpotentially deposited Hg on Au(111): An in situ surface X-ray diffraction study

We report on an in situ surface X-ray diffraction study of the underpotential deposition (UPD) of mercury on Au(111). We have observed three UPD phases present at potentials prior to bulk mercury deposition. These phases consist of two well-ordered intermediate states and what appears to be either a fully discharged two-dimensional liquid Hg layer or a monolayer of an amorphous Hg-Au alloy. Both ordered intermediate phases have hexagonal structures with lattice vectors that are rotated 30{degree} from those of the Au(111) substrate. The first phase (phase I), present at a potential of +0.68 V, was only observed on fresh flame-annealed Au(111) electrodes and appears to be an open incommensurate structure with a lattice constant of 3.86 {+-} 0.03 A. This phase appears to be metastable since it changes to a second ordered phase (phase II) after a certain time. The second phase has a more compact lattice with a = 3.34 {+-} 0.01 A and appears to be a commensurate 2x2 structure with 2/3 of the Hg atoms at threefold hollow sites and 1/3 on atop sites. Similar to the first one, this phase is also metastable and can be transformed to a final, fully discharged, state of a two-dimensionalmore » liquid Hg layer or an amorphous Hg-Au alloy. The entire Hg UPD process, from Hg{sup 2+} to the fully discharged metallic Hg layer, agrees well with a multistep mechanism based on previous electrochemical kinetic studies on polycrystalline Au electrodes. 31 refs., 10 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Autoradiographic study of degenerative and regenerative proliferation of neuroglia cells with tritiated thymidine.

Abstract Proliferation of neuroglia cells was provoked in rats by bilateral electrolytic lesions in the lateral geniculate body and this was combined with unilateral intracranial injection of thymidine-H 3 . The animals were then sacrificed 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months after the operation. Using fine-resolution autoradiography, reduced silver grains were concentrated over nuclei of neuroglia and microglia cells in and around the lesion area, and in various visual structures not directly affected by the lesion, such as the optic radiation, lower layers of the striate cortex, the pretectal region, and the brachium of the superior colliculus. Labeled neuroglia cells were also seen in structures which do not obtain fibers directly from the lateral geniculate body, such as the corpus callosum and hippocampus. Labeled neuroglia cells in all these structures were present on both the injected and noninjected side. The concentration of grains over neuroglia cells was highest in animals with 1-day survival period, and then declined, while the number of labeled cells was lowest after 1 day of survival and then increased up to 1 month—suggesting continued division of the already labeled cells. The experiment suggested that not only astrocytes and microglia cells, but also oligodendrocytes proliferate. Astrocytes and microglia cells predominated in the directly affected regions, while oligodendrocytes were most numerous along the pathways and gray matter which are directly or indirectly connected with the lateral geniculate body.
Setting realistic wages

C omparable worth, as a means of equalizing the incomes of women and men, is a slogan that has captured, the imaginations of many people. In fact, comparable worth is an ill-defined concept that means many things to many people. To some, its assumptions are untenable. To others, its promises are unachievable. Above all, its implementa t ion would fundamenta l ly alter our e m p l o y e e re la t ions system by requi r ing a huge bureaucracy to administer it and by turning wage setting over to equal employment commiss ion adminis t ra tors and j udges~su re ly among the most unqualified t o handle such problems. In this article a definition of comparable worth is given (which could be unacceptable to others); the role of job evaluation or, in most cases, a wage-classification system in setting wages and salaries will be discussed: the question of whether job evaluation or a wage-classification system can prove discrimination will be examined; and the potential impact of a comparable worth doctrine both on the general wage and salary structure and current wage and salary administrat ion will be analyzed. Like all good politicians, comparable worth advocates are long on generalities and short on specifics. It is much simpler to believe that the adopt ion of a comparable worth scheme will end discrimination than to deal with the details and mechanisms of the system that have fostered and perpetuated discrimination. Particularly, definitions of comparable worth are often lacking or vague. In many instances, comparable worth is confused or used interchangeably with the well-accepted and legally mandated doctrine of equal pay for equal work. The equal pay doctrine pertains to equal pay for the same or closely related jobs. Comparable worth, as defined here, relates jobs that are dissimilar in their con ten t s fo r example, the office worker and c r a f t sman-and purports to demonstrate that if such jobs are of equal value to the employer or society, the persons employed in them should be equally compensated. This definition of comparable worth, which encompasses the term as used in the literature by both its proponents and opponents, immediately raises a number of very practical questions that must be answered before any legislature, court, or administrat ive agency pushes a sector of the economy into a comparable worth system. Some pract ical ques t ions relat ing to the comparab le worth issue are:
Numerical modeling of the deflagration-to-detonation transition

The effect of a confined porous bed of burning explosive in contact with a solid explosive is studied by computer simulation. The burning is modeled using a bulk burn model that is a function of the surface area and the pressure. Once pressure excursions occur from the confined burning the transition to detonation is modeled using a pressure-dependent heterogeneou explosive shock decomposition model called Forest Fire. The occurrence of detonation in the solid explosive is shown to be dependent upon the surface-to-volume ratio, the confinement of the porous bed, and the geometry of the system.
Indeterminacy with capital utilization and sector-specific externalities

Abstract We show that the minimum level of increasing returns-to-scale needed for indeterminacy in a two-sector real business cycle model with variable capital utilization and sector-specific externalities is extremely small. Moreover, this value is lower than that required in several of our model’s predecessors, and is quite easily within the range of empirical plausibility.
Soil Moisture Tension Measurements: Theoretical Interpretation and Practical Application

The tension phenomenon described herein occurs in a wide variety of porous materials, including sands, clays, agricultural soils and porous rocks. When some of the water is removed from a water-saturated porous system, the residual water evidently remains physically interconnected, judging from the fact that water can be transmitted through the system at reduced water content by suction. The removal of water may result in contraction of the system, as in the case of clay, or in the entry of air, as in the case of sand. The liquid phase and the solid phase in contact with it comprise a closely linked force system. Equilibrium can be established between the system at reduced water content and a separate mass of water at reduced pressure through a porous membrane in contact with both. The equilibrium tension required in the external water phase is considered an attribute of the moist, porous, system itself. From this point of view, the tension originates through the combined action of the internal forces of the system in a virtual displacement of water. It follows from this and from the principle of virtual work that the tension is numerically equal to the differential work done by the internal forces per unit volume of water absorbed. The movement of water, under tension, through porous systems represents a special class of flow phenomena in which tensiometers or equivalent devices are required for measuring the hydraulic potential. Flow patterns can be determined in much the same way as in systems characterized by positive hydrostatic pressures, but special attention must be paid to the Darcy coefficient (the capillary conductivity) which varies with the tension. The theoretical conditions for the equilibrium of water in the soil and for emergence from the soil have been developed in terms of the tension and certain applications have been indicated. The phenomenon referred to in the soil science literature as moisture tension has been recognized for almost forty years and has been used as a means of explaining the absorption and movement of water in the soil. It is closely related to osmotic pressure but its mechanism cannot in general be identified with the traditional mechanisms of osmotic pressure. Moisture tension has been observed in wet clay soils and in other finely divided porous systems containing interstitial water, but the phenomenon is not confined to colloidal systems, since moist sand and moist porous rock, such as pumice, show similar effects.
“BURNT-OUT” TESTICULAR GERM CELL TUMORS

Infrequently males are found to have extragonadal germ cell neoplasms without testicular symptoms or clinical evidence of a primary testicular tumor. Germ cell tumors arising in the mediastinum or pineal region without clinical evidence of a testicular primary are likely to represent primary extragonadal germ cell tumors arising in misplaced germ cells. However, there is considerable evidence that retroperitoneal germ cell tumors arising in the absence of a clinically evident testicular neoplasm are less likely to have arisen primarily at that site, and are more likely to represent metastases from a regressed (burnt-out) primary testicular germ cell tumor.1 The phenomenon of spontaneous primary germ cell tumor regression in a setting of metastatic cancer was documented in an autopsy study several decades ago.2 The probability of this occurrence appears roughly to parallel the tendency of an individual tumor type to undergo necrosis; consequently, choriocarcinoma is most likely to burn out followed in frequency by embryonal carcinoma and mixed germ cell tumors. Regression is uncommon with testicular seminoma and probably does not occur in teratoma, a neoplasm that seems resistant to spontaneous necrosis as well as being resistant to therapy induced necrosis. In a setting of known retroperitoneal germ cell tumor with palpably normal testes ultrasound may be helpful in detecting the presence of a subtle mass lesion. Examination of orchiectomy specimens may disclose no apparent gross abnormalities or may demonstrate the presence of scarring, which may be ill-defined and poorly demarcated, or may be circumscribed and relatively easy to identify in the background of normal adjacent tissue (fig. 1). Small cysts or small hard cartilaginous nodules may be evident, reflecting the presence of zones of residual teratoma. Microscopically, the testicular germ cell neoplasm may be entirely or partially burnt-out. In the former case the zone of complete regression is represented by a residual deposit of collagen that typically is infiltrated by hemosiderin laden macrophages, scant lymphocytes and lipid laden macrophages (fig. 2). Intratubular germ cell neoplasia may be evident in the surrounding testicular parenchyma. Dystrophic calcification and necrotic material may be seen within the zone of scarring, arrayed in such a way as to suggest necrotic intratubular germ cell tumor. In cases of incomplete regression small foci of residual invasive germ cell tumor are present, most commonly of teratomatous type. Residual germ cell tumor in the testis may be histologically different from the metastatic cancer. This may reflect selective regression of only discrete elements of a primary testicular mixed germ cell tumor; alternatively, it may reflect transformation of tumor types in the metastatic malignancy.
Investigation of the Importance of Convective Heat Transfer on Laser-Induced Heating

A simple computational approach is presented that models the laser-induced heating of a flat-plate target, including convective heat transfer for atmospheric flight conditions up to a Mach number of 4. The results of the computational model are shown to compare well with time-resolved experimental measurements of the temperature distribution in laser targets in high-speed flows. The numerical results are nondimensionalized and compared with analytical solutions to determine general guidelines for the conditions in which convective heat transfer can be expected to have a significant effect on laser heating of typical aerospace materials.
Michigan state university extension portal planning and implementation

ABSTRACT Michigan State University Extension is launching a portal-based information system to help address information delivery, archiving, and cataloging, in addition to geographic dispersion and time and/or budget constraints. The system, expected for public launch during the first quarter of 2005, is described from the planning stages to current configuration. Library staff are cataloging and loading organizational content and helping to develop global content modules. Portal technology facilitates workgroup collaboration–a major design goal in addition to information management and delivery.
Measurement of oxygen transport parameters in polymer films initially saturated with air

The solubilities and diffusion cofficients of gases in polymer films can be determined from dynamic transport experiments. In the standard approach, a film initially free of the permeant of interest must be used. A new variation on the standard approach is presented for determining the transport parameters of oxygen from a transient experiment. The initial condition in the film is the normal oxygen saturation pressure (0.21 atm) and the applied oxygen pressure on the high side is 1 atm. Whereas this technique is generally applicable, it is particularly convenient for oxygen transport experiments because films stored in air do not have to be degassed before starting the experiment.
Pins--a comparison of their retentive properties.

A brief history is given of technics to augment retention of dental restorative materials. Experiments with cemented, friction-locked, and self-threading pins are described. The self-threading type is shown to have the greatest retentive potential in natural tooth structure and silver amalgam in a total of 900 teeth tested.
Time and the persistence of alluvium: River engineering, fluvial geomorphology, and mining sediment in California

Abstract River managers need to understand fluvial systems as they change through time. Many river systems are presently in a state of flux as a result of substantial anthropogenic changes to water and sediment regimes and channel hydraulics. Yet, historical approaches to understanding river systems rarely receive adequate attention because historical methodologies are not conducive to the application of quantitative analysis. While there is limited precision in most historical reconstructions, the information derived from these studies constrains other interpretations and is essential to a full understanding of the behavior of fluvial systems. Geomorphology provides a perspective on river systems in which time — at various scales — is interwoven into practical and theoretical aspects of scientific inquiry. Thus, geomorphology is important to our understanding of not only physical systems but also fundamental concepts of time. This study examines channel morphological changes in the Bear and American basins brought about by two episodes of sedimentation from hydraulic gold mining. The primary event was the production of more than 1 billion m3 of sediment throughout the northern Sierra Nevada from 1853 to 1884 which caused aggradation in many channels across the Sierra foothills and Sacramento Valley. Assumptions by both engineers and geomorphologists that morphologic responses to this event were ephemeral, that sediment loads have returned to previous levels, and that deposits have stabilized, are not borne out by field and historical data in the Sacramento Valley. A secondary sedimentation event, not previously studied, was the production of at least 24 million m3 of sediment during a period of licensed mining from 1893 to 1953. This episode of sedimentation has been largely overlooked as a geomorphic, hydrologic, or water quality event. Yet, channel morphologic responses in phase with mining during this period are demonstrated. Systematic changes in stage–discharge relationships reflect channel morphological changes that are relevant to flood risk assessments, stability of engineering structures on floodplains, and geomorphic interpretations.
Actuatable membranes based on polypyrrole-coated vertically aligned carbon nanofibers.

Nanoporous membranes are applicable to a variety of research fields due to their ability to selectively separate molecules with high efficiency. Of particular interest are methods for controlling membrane selectivity through externally applied stimuli and integrating such membrane structures within multiscale systems. Membranes comprised of deterministically grown, vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNFs) are compatible with these needs. VACNF membranes can regulate molecular transport by physically selecting species as they pass between the fibers. Defined interfiber spacing allows for nanoscale control of membrane pore structure and resultant size selectivity. Subsequent physical or chemical modification of VACNF structures enables the tuning of physical pore size and chemical specificity allowing further control of membrane permeability. In this work, the dynamic physical modulation of membrane permeability that results when VACNFs are coated with an electrically actuatable polymer, polypyrrole, i...
Subfoveal pigment changes in patients with longstanding epiretinal membranes.

Purpose To characterize subfoveal changes in patients with longstanding epiretinal membranes (ERM). Design Retrospective study. Methods Analysis of 123 eyes of 123 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for ERM at the Columbia University Medical Center by a single surgeon (S.C.). Eyes were split into 2 groups: those with a preoperative yellow pigmented foveal spot and those without. The latter group was considered the control group. The primary outcome measures were logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity at postoperative months 1 and 3 compared with baseline. Fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and autofluorescence images were analyzed. Results We identified 9 eyes with a yellow pigmented spot. All of these eyes exhibited OCT evidence of outer retinal disorganization and hypoautofluorescence. The mean duration of symptoms prior to surgery in these patients was 53 months. The mean duration of symptoms in the control group was 10.7 months. Mean Snellen acuities of the control vs yellow pucker groups were 20/59.7 vs 20/83.5 ( P = .041) at baseline; 20/43.3 vs 20/64.8 ( P = .006) at postoperative month 1; and 20/34.2 vs 20/50.3 ( P = .011) at postoperative month 3. The logMAR magnitude of visual improvement for the yellow pucker vs control groups was not statistically different at either months 1 or 3. Central macular thickness on OCT of patients with yellow pucker decreased from a mean 495 to 395 microns ( P = .041). Conclusions A characteristic yellow macular spot associated with ERM appears to be a sign of chronicity. OCT demonstrates outer retinal disorganization. This feature may portend a worse postoperative visual prognosis.
An experimental approach to low-cycle fatigue damage based on thermodynamic entropy

This paper presents an experimental approach to fatigue damage in metals based on thermodynamic theory of irreversible process. Fatigue damage is an irreversible progression of cyclic plastic strain energy that reaches its critical value at the onset of fracture. In this work, irreversible cyclic plastic energy in terms of entropy generation is utilized to experimentally determine the degradation of different specimens subjected to low cyclic bending, tension-compression, and torsional fatigue. Experimental results show that the cyclic energy dissipation in the form of thermodynamic entropy can be effectively utilized to determine the fatigue damage evolution. An experimental relation between entropy generation and damage variable is developed.
Synthesis and anti-arrhythmic activity of cycloalkaneindoles

Abstract A series of novel functionalized cycloalkaneindoles were synthesized and tested for potential anti-arrhythmic activity. Several compounds displayed moderate activity in the coronary ligated rat artery model. Carbamate 22 and the amino derivative 27 were the most potent analogs. Their anti-arrhythmic activity at a dose of 10 mg/kg, i.v., was greater than that of iprindole and ethmosin.
Prediction of activity coefficients in liquid aerosol particles containing organic compounds, dissolved inorganic salts, and water—Part 1: Organic compounds and water by consideration of short- and long-range effects using X-UNIFAC.1

Abstract The semi-empirical group contribution method (GCM) of Kikic et al. [Chem. Eng. Sci. 46 (1991) 2775–2780] for estimating activity coefficient (ζ) values of neutral organic compounds and water in solutions composed of organic compounds, dissolved inorganic salts, and water is adapted for application to atmospheric particulate matter (PM). It is assumed that ζ values are determined by a combination of short- and long-range interactions. The ζ expression involves conventional UNIFAC terms and a Debye–Huckel term, with the former computed using group–group interaction parameters. Organic–organic interaction parameters are assigned the values from the UNIFAC-LLE model of Magnussen et al. [Ind. Eng. Chem. Process Design Develop. 20 (1981) 331–339]. Forty interaction parameters (ion–solvent group and anion–cation) were obtained from Kikic et al. [Chem. Eng. Sci. 46 (1991) 2775–2780], Achard et al. [Fluid Phase Equilibria 98 (1994) 71–89], and Ming and Russell [Am. Inst. Chem. Eng. J. 48 (2002) 1331–1348]. Twenty additional interaction parameters (ion–solvent group) are estimated based on 879 UNIQUAC-fitted ζ values for organic compounds and water. The fitted ζ values are based on liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) data for a range of ternary and quaternary organic/inorganic salt/water mixtures at 293–308 K. The UNIQUAC fits are analogous to those described by Fredenslund et al. [Vapor–Liquid Equilibria Using UNIFAC: A Group-Contribution Method, Elsevier Scientific Publishing, New York, 1977]. The LLE mixture compositions range from primarily organic solutions to primarily aqueous solutions with maximum ionic strengths of ∼5 mol kg−1. The groups characteristic of organic compounds found in atmospheric PM considered here include: CH3–, –CH2–, - CH | - , - C | | - , –OH, –CH2CO–, and –COOH. These are: single bonded carbon with three, two, one, and zero hydrogens, respectively, hydroxyl, –CH2-carbonyl, and carboxyl, respectively. The inorganic salts represented in the mixture data include NaCl, NaNO3, Na2SO4, (NH4)2SO4, and CaCl2 so that the cations and anions considered include Na+, NH4+, and Ca2+, and Cl−, NO 3 - , and SO 4 2 - , respectively. The method predicts the UNIQUAC-fitted ζ values for all datasets with an average error of ∼20%. In an application of the method, ζ values are predicted in an aerosol PM phase containing four oxidation products (from α-pinene/O3) and water, without and with 1 and 2 mol kg−1 dissolved (NH4)2SO4. The presence of the dissolved salt can cause significant increases in the ζ values of the oxidation products considered, reflecting a potential “salting-out” effect for (NH4)2SO4 on the oxidation products considered. Results indicate an important role played by dissolved salts in affecting the thermodynamic properties of atmospheric organic PM and the utility of X-UNIFAC.1 as a tool for evaluating those effects.
THE PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF A SINGLE SERUM PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN VALUE BEYOND SIX MONTHS AFTER RADIATION THERAPY FOR ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE PROSTATE

Abstract Purpose : The aim of this study was to define criteria for interpreting a single serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level measured at 6 months to 5 years after definitive radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Methods and Materials : Two hundred and ninety-two patients with Stages A2 to C prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy only and followed up with multiple PSA determinations were studied. The patients were stratified into PSA strata based on the highest PSA level recroved for each patient at 6 to 60 months after treatment. The PSA strata and the number of patients in each were: (a) PSA ≤ 1 ng/ml, 114 patients; (b) PSA > 1, but ≤ 2 ng/ml, 60 patients; (c) PSA > 2, but ≤ 4 ng/ml, 48 patients; (d) PSA > 4, but ≤ 10 ng/ml, 47 patients; (e) PSA > 10 ng/ml, 23 patients. Desease outcome specified as relapse, rising PSA profile or both was evaluated in each PSA stratum. Results : The actuarial 3-year incidence of relapse in each PSA stratum was: (a) 5%; (b) 0%; (c) 12%; (d) 31%; and, (e) 84%. If the occurrence of a rising PSA profile was included as an endpoint then the incidence of relapse or rising PSA at 3 years in each PSA stratum was: (a) 5%; (b) 14%; (c) 45%; (d) 84%; and, (e) 100%. Patients with the a highest late PSA value ≤ 4 ng/ml had a 20% incidence of relapse or rising PSA at 4 years; patients with a highest late PSA value > 4 ng/ml had a 90% incidence of relapse or rising PSA at 3 years. Conclusion : A PSA level of 4 ng/ml is a good criterion for prognostication of a single PSA level obtained at 6 months to 5 years after radiotherapy. Patients whose PSA level in that time interval exceeds 4 ng/ml have a poor outcome.
The Essential Child. Susan Gelman. New York: Oxford University Press. 2003. 392 pages, $49.95 (US), cloth or paper.

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” “A rose is a rose is a rose.” These famous quotes suggests that Shakespeare and Gertrude Stein were essentialists. It also suggests that there is so...
Holographic optical elements as laser irradiation sensor components

The use of holographic optical elements (HOEs) to discriminate between coherent irradiation and broadband, noncoherent light has been experimentally demonstrated under adverse scattering and attenuating conditions. As a passive sensor component in a laser irradiation detection system, an HOE can be used in several application areas, e.g., data transmission systems, aircraft warning system, underwater communications, and alignment systems, where wavelength and direction of arrival information can be used. The efficient concentration or focusing of laser light by an HOE onto a detector stage and, of equal importance, the ability to form bright, unique geometric patterns are characteristics that establish the HOE's use as a readily compatible irradiation sensor component. In addition, there is a considerable size and weight advantage over other functionally comparable optical components. Finally, as a passive element, an HOE can fmd use with CW or pulsed illumination. The properties and advantages, pros and cons, of the use of HOEs as sensor elements are discussed in the paper and illustrated in several laboratory experiments and a field test.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Conformational analysis of an ionizable polydipeptide.

A semi-empirical conformational energy calculation has been performed on the ionizable polydipeptide poly(Glu-Ala). The results indicate that; (1)the ionized polymer assumes the lefthanded extended helix conformation is aqueous solution; (2) the poly(Glu-Ala) extended helix is less stable than that of polyglutamic acid; (3) the unionized polydipeptide will preferentially assume the “β-helical” conformation (isolated 21 degenerate helix) in aqueous solution. These conclusions are supported by experiment.
Who Watches Presidential Debates? A Comparative Analysis of Presidential Debate Viewing in 2000 and 2004

Presidential debates are a main feature of present-day presidential campaigns. For voters, they are a source of political learning about candidate issue positions. Fluctuations in the level of debate viewership from election to election and, within an election, from debate to debate invite the following questions: What is the composition of debate audiences? In what ways did the audiences in 2004 differ from 2000? In what ways did the audiences change across debates in a given year? Results from the 2000 and 2004 National Annenberg Election Surveys show that debate audiences in 2004 were larger than in 2000. In both elections, the first debate garnered the most viewers. The data also show that those individuals inclined to watch a debate in its entirety tended to be older, be more educated, have higher incomes, and exhibit higher levels of partisan attachment than those who did not watch the debates.
New Insights Into Human Minimal Change Disease: Lessons From Animal Models

The pathogenesis of minimal change disease (MCD), considered to be the simplest form of nephrotic syndrome, has been one of the major unsolved mysteries in kidney disease. In this review, recent landmark studies that have led to the unraveling of MCD are discussed. A recent study now explains the molecular basis of major clinical and morphologic changes in MCD. Overproduction of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) in podocytes in MCD causes binding of ANGPTL4 to the glomerular basement membrane, development of nephrotic-range selective proteinuria, diffuse effacement of foot processes, and loss of glomerular basement membrane charge, but is not associated with changes shown by light microscopy in the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments. At least some of this ability of ANGPTL4 to induce proteinuria is linked to a deficiency of sialic acid residues because oral supplementation with sialic acid precursor N-acetyl-d-mannosamine improves sialylation of podocyte-secreted ANGPTL4 and significantly decreases proteinuria. Animal models of MCD, recent advances in potential biomarkers, and studies of upstream factors that may initiate glomerular changes also are discussed. In summary, recent progress in understanding MCD is likely to influence the diagnosis and treatment of MCD in the near future.
Reimplantation of avulsed lumbosacral ventral roots in the rat ameliorates injury-induced degeneration of primary afferent axon collaterals in the spinal dorsal columns

Injuries to the cauda equina/conus medullaris portion of the spinal cord can result in motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction, and neuropathic pain. In rats, unilateral avulsion of the motor efferents from the lumbosacral spinal cord results in at-level allodynia, along with a corresponding glial and inflammatory response in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord segments immediately rostral to the lesion. Here, we investigated the fate of intramedullary primary sensory projections following a motor efferent lesion. The lumbosacral (L6 and S1) ventral roots were unilaterally avulsed from the rat spinal cord (VRA; n=9). A second experimental group had the avulsed roots acutely reimplanted into the lateral funiculus (Imp; n=5), as this neural repair strategy is neuroprotective, and promotes the functional reinnervation of peripheral targets. A laminectomy-only group served as controls (Lam; n=7). At 8 weeks post-lesion, immunohistochemical examination showed a 42% reduction (P<0.001) in the number of RT97-positive axons in the ascending tracts of the dorsal funiculus of the L4-5 spinal segment in VRA rats. Evidence for degenerating myelin was also present. Reimplantation of the avulsed roots ameliorated axon and myelin degeneration. Axons in the descending dorsal corticospinal tract were unaffected in all groups, suggesting a specificity of this lesion for spinal primary sensory afferents. These results show for the first time that a lesion restricted to motor roots can induce the degeneration of intramedullary sensory afferents. Importantly, reimplantation of the lesioned motor roots ameliorated sensory axon degeneration. These data further support the therapeutic potential for reimplantation of avulsed ventral roots following trauma to the cauda equina/conus medullaris.
Youth Functional Status and Academic Achievement in Collaborative Mental Health and Education Programs:Two California Care Systems:

This article describes the educational and functional status of youth served in joint education and mental health programs nested within two counties implementing the California System of Care Model for youth with severe emotional disturbance. The goals of the study were to (a) describe the demographic, educational, and clinical characteristics of youth served in education/mental health programs; (b) understand the relationship between functional status and academic achievement of these youth; and (c) compare these youth with matched peers involved in the broader system of care. Children and adolescents in the education/mental health programs were primarily Anglo-American boys with low academic achievement and high levels of functional impairment. Functional status and academic achievement were not related. Youth served in the specialized programs were more functionally impaired than youth served in the broader care system. This study provides evidence that youth served in education/mental health programs...
Continuous archival and analysis of user data in virtual and immersive game environments

We present a continuous and unobtrusive approach to analyze and reason about users' personal experiences of interacting with virtual and game environments. Focusing on an immersive educational game environment that we are developing, this is achieved through the capture and storage of user's movements and events that occur as a result of interactions with and within immersive environments. Termed immersidata, we then query and analyze immersidata to make sense of user behavior.Two example approaches are described. The first describes an application ISIS (Immersidata analySIS) that provides a tool for analysis of user behavior/experience through the indexing of immersidata with video clips of students' gaming sessions. This approach is described by way of an example to identify the causes of interruptions or breaks in interactions/focus of attention to facilitate the identification of problematic design. In our second example we describe our work towards classifying students' performance through immersidata. To this aim, we describe one example of transforming immersidata into multivariate time series and then by applying feature subset selection techniques we identify the features that differentiate students. We describe the application of this approach to identify novice and expert players with 90\% accuracy. One proposal is to use this to customize the game environment appropriate to the students' ability. Finally, we present future directions for the continuation of the work presented herein and also, the application of the immersidata system to capture, store and analyze personal behavior/experiences and provide appropriate feedback in our work and home environments.
Anomalous origin of both pulmonary arteries from the ascending aorta with a nonbranching main pulmonary artery arising from the right ventricle.

A 3-month-old boy, mildly cyanosed and tachypneic, was found by cineangiography to have a nonbranching main pulmonary artery arising from the right ventricle and connecting to the descending aorta via a large persistent ductus arteriosus. The left and right pulmonary arteries arose as a common “trunk,” before branching, from the ascending aorta. Complete surgical correction was performed at 7-months of age. Subsequent cardiac catheterization has demonstrated normal pressures and blood oxygen saturation in all right-heart chambers and the great arteries.
Improving Writing with Sentence Combining Exercises

This easy-to-use technique, virtually no-cost, is a creative way to improve not only writing skills, but, indirectly, reading, spelling, and grammar skills as well.
The effects of various experimental parameters on the accuracy of photoemission holography

Abstract Experimental and theoretically simulated Auger electron diffraction patterns are studied to determine the effects of several experimental parameters on the holographic images generated from these patterns. Among the parameters examined are the experimental angular resolution, electron kinetic energy, and total collection solid angle of the diffraction pattern. Several techniques of combining the images from diffraction patterns taken at different kinetic energies are critically analyzed and compared. The origin of small radius “forward scattering artifacts” in the holographic images is discussed. A technique for removing these artifacts is introduced which requires no prior knowledge of the structure being studied.
The Relationship of Health Numeracy to Cancer Screening

Health numeracy is associated with increased understanding of cancer risk reduction information and improved control of chronic disease. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a primary care population to evaluate the effect of health numeracy on breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. No association was found between health numeracy and cancer screening. However, at a baseline screening rate of 85%, increased knowledge (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.08) and decreased perceived barriers (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.92–0.95) were associated with increased screening rates. In conclusion, health numeracy was not predictive of cancer screening among a primary care population.
CHOICE BETWEEN REWARDS DIFFERING IN AMOUNT AND DELAY: TOWARD A CHOICE MODEL OF SELF CONTROL

A concurrent-chain procedure was used to study pigeons' choices between rewards differing in both amount and delay. The shorter delay terminated with a 2-second access to grain whereas the longer delay terminated with a 6-second access to grain. The ratio of the delays was constant within a given condition while their absolute values were varied. Over conditions, ratios of 6:1, 3:1, and 3:2 were studied. As the absolute values of the delays to reinforcement increased, preference for the longer-delayed but larger reward decreased under both the 6:1 and 3:1 ratios, but increased under the 3:2 ratio. These results are inconsistent with choice models predicting no change in preference when the ratios of delays and amounts are held constant. In addition, the change in preference under the 3:1 ratio is inconsistent with a simple multiplicative interaction of the trade off between reinforcer amount and delay, and suggests that delay is a more potent determinant of choice than is amount. These results have implications for models that view choice between small immediate rewards and large but delayed rewards as underlying the behavior commonly called self control.
Neuropeptide MSH/ACTH 4–10 enhances attention in the mentally retarded

Abstract Twenty adult mentally retarded men were randomly assigned to receive MSH/ACTH 4–10 or a vehicle control solution in a double blind procedure. After an intravenous injection the subjects were presentedd with an orienting sequence and a series of behavioral tests. Treatment with the peptide resulted in a significant decelerative heart rate response during the test stimulus of the orienting sequence. Improved performance of the intradimensional and extradimensional shift of a visual discrimination procedure was significant for subjects receiving MSH/ACTH 4–10. The pattern of response on the subproblem analysis of the extradimensional shift reflected greater dimensional attention in the subjects treated with the peptide. Attentive subjects given MSH/ACTH 4–10 evidenced significant improvement on a rhythm matching test, a test of spatial localization and a visual retention test. The data were interpreted as indicating that the peptide resulted in improved attention of stimulus processing. It was speculated that MSH/ACTH 4–10 may be uniquely coded for perceptual/ attentional functioning and may be useful as a treatment for disorders of attention.
Threshold nonlinear interest rates

Abstract This note shows that the Federal funds rate is consistent with a nonlinear, three-regime threshold process in which temporary (permanent) innovations dominate in the two outer (middle) regimes. This nonlinear process is consistent with a stabilizing force for interest rates.
Targeting VEGF in lung cancer

Introduction: VEGF promotes tumor angiogenesis and is an important target in various malignancies, including NSCLC. Areas covered: Here, the authors review the data that led to the approval of bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against VEGF, in the treatment of lung cancer. The authors also review the key results from a number of Phase II and Phase III trials involving other anti-angiogenic agents being studied in NSCLC, including small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors against the VEGF-receptor and vascular-disrupting agents (VDAs). Expert opinion: Results from ongoing studies and the identification of reliable biomarkers remain critical goals in understanding the exact role of these anti-angiogenic agents in the treatment paradigm of NSCLC.