cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In-between science and religion

Stripped of its seventeenth and eighteenth century Deistic, if not theistic, sensibility, science entered the twentieth century as agnostic and indifferent, if not outrightly antagonistic, toward religion. Religion was often viewed as the enemy of modern science; and its theology was presumed to be intellectually vacuous. “Real science” was clearly understood to be objective, empirical and rational. It bore no relationship to theology, none of any cognitive import — except perhaps to eliminate theology as contributing toward any understanding of the cosmos. This view of the relationship between science and religion was further reinforced by logical empiricism. In the latter’s view science aimed to establish empirically testable, generalized explanations of observable but problematic phenomena. Such phenomena might be freely falling bodies or the deviation of a planet from the expected path of its usual orbit. As the phrase “logical empiricism” suggests, in its view the objectivity of science rested with an evidential base of empirical facts, facts which were independent of any hypothesized theory under question and available to all through sense observation. And the rationality of science was ascribed to the logical testability of its explanatory hypotheses.
Explanation and Description in Traditional Neobehaviorism, Cognitive Psychology, and Behavior Analysis

Reese (1999) has noted that the nature of explanation and its relation to description have been hotly debated for many years. The present chapter critically examines the status of explanation and description in contemporary behavioral science, particularly traditional neobehaviorism, cognitive psychology, and behavior analysis.
Of Steinbeck and Sunburn

John Steinbeck’s literary work is known for depictions of Depressionera rural California and for portraying the conditionof exploited farm laborers. In his fiction, protagonists often have scraped hands and sunburnt skin,which serveasphysical testimony to their honest, hardwork. While dermatologists agree that sunburns are related to skin cancer, Steinbeck used sunburned skin to signify hard-working, straight-living characters. Sunburn is an unsurprising descriptor for Steinbeck’s protagonists, whooftendrift from farmto farmacrossCalifornia’s arid, cloudlessCentral andSalinasValleys.Of interest, however, is the contextwhereSteinbeck uses sunburn to convey integrity,moral strength, andother favorable attributes. In East of Eden, Steinbeck describes the strong, widely admired SamuelHamiltonas“abigman,bearded likeapatriarch...hischeeksabove his beard were pink where the sun had burned his Irish skin.” Of Samuel’s son, Tom Hamilton, Steinbeck writes, “You could feel [his] strength andwarmth and an iron integrity...his skin, perhaps from sun, was a black red.” In The Grapes of Wrath (Figure), Mr Thomas, a landowner more interested in honest earnings than dishonorable wealth, refuses to take advantageofvulnerablemigrantworkers.His “sunburnedeyebrowswere drawn down in a scowl. His cheeks were sunburned a beef red.” Steinbeckusessunburnwhendescribing thehardworking tenantsof the land, “their sunburnedfacesweredark,andtheir sun-whippedeyeswere light.” The antagonists in this work, however, never work outdoors where they can become sunburnt. Why does Steinbeck link the condition of painful inflamed skin due to sunoverexposure topositive virtues?Historically, pallor hasoften indicated lofty social status but to Steinbeck, pallor indicated the indoor machinations of exploitative capitalism. Only laborers andmembers of the working class, those who produce true goods and services, had tannedorsunburnedskin.Thus,whilepaleupperclasses suppressedthe commonweal, sunburned laborers shouldered the work necessary to bring luxury to the upper class. Steinbeck explored such injustices and depictedhis admiration for thosewhoworkoutdoorsbygiving themthe truest mark of outdoor work—the sunburn. ThroughoutSteinbeck'swork,sunburnssignifyvirtueandhardwork— and that challenges dermatology’s perception of sunburns as simply a medical issue. Steinbeckmight argue that similar divisions of labor continue to exist today; migrant workers are often oppressed, overworked, and yet wholly dedicated to the American dream, while captains of finance still hold outsized influence on our society, an influence unrelated to intrinsic virtue, worth, or integrity. These examples demonstrate howSteinbeckused sunburn to characterize virtuous yetmarginalizedpopulations, andcompel us to thinkmoredeeply about the relationship between medical issues and social concerns. Medical professionals should not forget that. Steinbeck certainly never did. Author Affiliations:Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC (Kraus); Dermatology Division, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC (Norton).
Signs, Cures, and Witchery: German Appalachian Folklore

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Gerald C. Milnes Year: 2007 Pages: 264 Publisher: University of Tennessee Press ISBN: 1-57233-577-7 (hard cover). Prices: $35.00 USD(hard cover).
Measuring the urban policy environment

Abstract This paper presents a preliminary index of the stringency of rent control regimes in a large number of countries. It is one of a very few attempts to ‘measure’ urban policy environments, or for that matter economic policy environments generally. The paper also provides exploratory analysis of the correlations between controls, as measured by this index, other policy indexes, and a wide range of policy outcomes. Among the principal findings are the following. Poor countries are not more or less likely to have controls than rich countries, but among countries that have controls, low-income countries tend to have stricter regimes. Countries which have stricter controls tend to have lower rents, but higher housing prices. One interpretation of such a result is that controls are associated with less elastic supply, and in fact countries with stricter controls tend to have lower rates of investment in housing. Our index of rent control is preliminary, and we solicit the reader's help in expanding and improving the index.
LCI for automotive electronic systems: substitution assessment of Ag-Sn for Pb-Sn solder at Ford Motor Company

Life cycle assessment (LCA), a holistic methodology, can be used to estimate the environmental performance of conventional lead-based solders and their substitutes. Data collected at Ford plants and/or provided by Ford electronic suppliers are being used to assess the environmental performance of these solders. For this purpose, LCA is being used; a cost analysis is also being conducted.
Oxygen distribution in the macaque retina.

Purpose Oxygen distribution was characterized in the macaque retina, which is more like the human retina than others studied previously. Methods Profiles of oxygen tension (PO2) as a function of distance were recorded in a parafoveal region about halfway between the fovea and optic disk, and from the fovea in one animal. A one-dimensional diffusion model was used to determine photoreceptor oxygen consumption (QO2). Results In the parafovea, the PO2 decreased as the electrode was withdrawn from the choroid toward the inner retina, reaching a minimum value during dark adaptation of about 9 mmHg at about 70% retinal depth, and then increasing more proximally. Approximately 90% of the oxygen requirement of the photoreceptors was supplied by the choroidal circulation and 10% by the retinal circulation. In light adaptation, there was a monotonic PO2 gradient from the choroid to the inner retina, indicating that all of the oxygen used by photoreceptors was supplied by the choroid. In the fovea, the choroid supplied almost all the oxygen in both dark and light adaptation, with a minor supply from the vitreous humor. Dark-adapted foveal oxygen consumption was lower than parafoveal oxygen consumption. Light reduced the oxygen consumption of the photoreceptors, in both regions studied, by 16-36%. Conclusions The results show that oxygenation of the parafoveal monkey retina is similar to that previously observed in the cat area centralis. In the fovea, the oxygen distribution differs as expected considering the thinner retina and the absence of inner retinal neurons and retinal circulation.
Shielding design options and impact on reactor size and cost for the advanced fuel reactor Apollo

Apollo is a D-/sup 3/He-fueled tokamak reactor which directly converts synchrotron radiation to electricity using rectenna circuits. The low level of neutron production allows for significant reduction in the shield size, particularly on the inboard side. The design of the inboard shield, has been especially emphasized since it directly affects the size of the machine and thus the cost of electricity (COE). Several shield-design options were analyzed and the effect of the shield type and thickness on the overall machine size and cost was assessed. Besides shielding performance, the choice between the different materials was governed by some safety-related issues, such as tritium production, decay heat generation, and waste management. The most attractive shield-design option is the water-cooled SS shield. The economic analysis show that although the SS shield results in a thicker inboard shield, the COE is slightly lower than that of a machine using an inboard W shield. This is because the lower shield cost has offset the slightly larger machine cost. >
Emotional Reactivity toward Parents and Interpersonal Competence: Differences across Gender and Type of Relationship.

The goal of the present study was to explore the relationship between emotional reactivity toward parents and interpersonal competence. It was asserted that the types of present day interactions that are experienced with parents may be related to the level of comfort and competence experienced in interpersonal relationships outside the family. Interactions with parents were assessed with the Behavioral and Emotional Reactivity Index, a newly developed scale [S. E. Bartle and R. M. Sabatelli, (1995) “The Behavioral and Emotional Reactivity Index: Preliminary Evidence for Construct Validity from Three Studies,” Family Relations, Vol. 44, pp. 267–277]. In addition, much of the past research investigating these issues has failed to make a distinction between intimacy in same-sex vs. intimacy in opposite-sex relationships. In an effort to be sensitive to the possibility that family dynamics and gender may be differentially related to the development of the capacity for intimacy within these two types of relationships, interpersonal competence in both same-sex friend and dating partner relationships were explored. The results of a doubly repeated multivariate analysis of variance suggested that emotional reactivity toward parents was related to interpersonal competence in both same-sex friend and dating partner relationships regardless of gender. The results also demonstrated a gender by gender of partner interaction.
Thoracoscopic versus open lobectomy debate: the pro argument.

Introduction: Controversy persists about the role of VATS lobectomy for patients with lung cancer. This is particularly true in Europe, where VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery) lobectomy is performed for lung cancer less often than in the USA or Japan. This article reviews existing data comparing the results of VATS vs. open lobectomy for the treatment of lung cancer in order to provide a scientific basis for a rational assessment of this issue. Methods: The review of the data presented here draws heavily from a 2007 metaanalysis by Cheng et al. [1] published in 2007, as it employed rigorous methodology in performing a systematic review and metaanalysis, and involved a detailed analysis of many major and minor endpoints on an intent to treat basis. This included 36 trials, three of them randomized, and 3589 patients, reported between 1995 and 2007. Summary results for individual endpoints are shown as a mean value with 95% confidence intervals (CI). These values are taken from the summary results of the Forrest plots in the source article. Dichotomized variables are expressed as an Odds Ratio, with values <1 being in favor of VATS lobectomy. Continuous variables are reported as weighted mean differences. Results: The operative time for a VATS lobectomy was statistically longer, but only by 16 minutes. The conversion rate from VATS to open was 6%. There was no significant difference in the rates of major bleeding, blood transfusion or re-operation. VATS lobectomy was associated with a significantly lower rate of complications in general and pulmonary complications in particular. Postoperative pain was reduced, functional outcome was better, whereas overall quality of life was not. Mediastinal staging was equal with regard to the number of nodes or the number of nodal stations sampled. The ability of patients to receive adjuvant chemotherapy was improved following VATS. There was no difference in survival at 1 and 3 years for lung cancer (all stages combined). There was no difference in survival at 5 years for each tumor stage, and no difference in the rate of deaths at maximal follow-up. Conclusion: The data suggests that VATS lobectomy for NSCLC is safe, results in fewer complications, less pain, and more rapid return of normal functioning. There appears to be either no difference or a slight benefit in long term survival after VATS lobectomy. These conclusions are demonstrated by a comprehensive, rigorous metaanalysis of the controlled clinical trials, but are weakened by the fact that most of the studies were not randomized. However, because a large randomized trial is not likely to ever be conducted, this represents the best assessment of the value of VATS lobectomy that is available.
Immunodominance of CD4 T Cells to Foreign Antigens Is Peptide Intrinsic and Independent of Molecular Context: Implications for Vaccine Design

Immunodominance refers to the restricted peptide specificity of T cells that are detectable after an adaptive immune response. For CD4 T cells, many of the mechanisms used to explain this selectivity suggest that events related to Ag processing play a major role in determining a peptide's ability to recruit CD4 T cells. Implicit in these models is the prediction that the molecular context in which an antigenic peptide is contained will impact significantly on its immunodominance. In this study, we present evidence that the selectivity of CD4 T cell responses to peptides contained within protein Ags is not detectably influenced by the location of the peptide in a given protein or the primary sequence of the protein that bears the test peptide. We have used molecular approaches to change the location of peptides within complex protein Ags and to change the flanking sequences that border the peptide epitope to now include a protease site, and find that immunodominance or crypticity of a peptide observed in its native protein context is preserved. Collectively, these results suggest immunodominance of peptides contained in complex Ags is due to an intrinsic factor of the peptide, based upon the affinity of that peptide for MHC class II molecules. These findings are discussed with regard to implications for vaccine design.
Loss of neutral ceramidase increases inflammation in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease.

Sphingolipids are emerging as important mediators of immune and inflammatory responses. We have previously demonstrated that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and its synthetic enzyme sphingosine kinase-1 (SK1) play an important role in inflammatory bowel disease. S1P generation is dependent on SK phosphorylation of sphingosine. Generation of sphingosine results only from the breakdown of ceramide by ceramidases (CDase). In this study, we set out to determine the role of neutral CDase (nCDase) in S1P generation and inflammatory bowel disease. To this end, we established nCDase expression is increased in patients with ulcerative colitis. Using the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model, we determined nCDase activity increased in colon epithelium, but not submucosa, in wild-type (WT) mice. Following DSS, ceramide levels were elevated in colon epithelium from WT and nCDase−/− mice, while S1P levels were significantly elevated only in the epithelium of nCDase−/− mice. Similarly, cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) levels were significantly elevated only in the epithelium of nCDase−/− mice. Neutral CDase−/− mice also exhibited higher endotoxin levels in circulation, as well as higher circulating levels of S1P. This increase in S1P in nCDase−/− mice was accompanied by a marked leukocytosis, most notably circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes. Taken together these data demonstrate that loss of nCDase results in an unexpected increase in S1P generation in inflammation, and suggests that nCDase may actually protect against inflammation.
938 ALTERATIONS IN STOOL FLORA DURING ORAL KANAMYCIN PROPHYLAXIS OF NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS (NEC)

Oral Kanamycin prophylaxis may protect premature infants from NEC presumably by suppressing enteric colonization. In a randomized double-blind study, 49 infants received 5 mg/kg t.i.d. of Kanamycin orally 24 hrs. prior to the first feed and continued for 24 days and 50 were given placebo. The gestational ages (31.9 ± 2.1 wk M ± SEM) and birth weights (1.6 ± 0.4 kg) were comparable between the 2 groups. Treated infants had significant reduction (p <0.05) in the rate of coliform colonization on day 3-5 (12 vs. 42%), 10 (32 vs. 60%), 17 (50 vs. 82%) and 24 (57 vs. 87%). Three of 49 treated infants with negative flora developed NEC, compared to 9 of 50 controls, 7 of whom had significant enteric colonization. The prophylaxis did not significantly alter the incidence of NEC but suggests a partial protection. Prophylaxis also produced a significant increase in the prevalence of Kanamycin resistant coliforms in treated infants by day 17 and 24 (48 vs. 24%, (p <0.05). Because of proportionately small number of treated infants relative to nursery population (no more than 5 of 35 were being treated) nursery epidemiologic surveillance revealed no increase in Kanamycin resistant organisms during the study period. Thus, Kanamycin prophylaxis may be recommended for partial protection from NEC, but due to the emergence of potentially pathogenic Kanamycin resistant coliforms, should be used only in a limited group of high risk infants to maintain a low proportion of treated infants within the nursery population.
CVN and DWTT Energy Methods for Determining Fracture Arrest Toughness of High Strength Pipeline Steels

Battelle two curve model (BTCM) was developed in the 1970s and successfully used for determining arrest toughness for ductile gas transmission pipelines in terms of Charpy vee-notched (CVN) impact energy. Practice has shown that the BTCM is accurate only for pipeline grades up to X65, but not for high strength pipeline grades X70 and above. Different methods to improve the BTCM were proposed over the years. This paper reviews the BTCM and its modified methods in terms of CVN energy or drop weight tear test (DWTT) energy for determining arrest toughness of ductile gas pipeline steels, particularly for high strength pipeline steels X80 and beyond. This includes the often-used Leis correction method, the CSM factor method, Wilkowski DWTT method and others. The CVN and DWTT energy-based methods are evaluated and discussed through the critical analysis and comparison with full-scale experimental data. The objective is to identify reasonable methods to be used for determining the minimum fracture toughness required to arrest a ductile running crack in a modern high strength, high pressure gas pipeline. The results show that available nonlinear models to correlate the standard DWTT and CVN energies are questionable, and the Leis correction method is a viable approach for determining arrest toughness for high strength pipeline steels, but further study is needed for ultra-high pipeline grades. Suggestions for further improving the BTCM are discussed.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Longitudinal space charge impedance

We review the definition and concepts of the longitudinal space charge impedance, and the formulas for its calculations. The conditions, limitations, and corrections in applying these formulas are discussed. Especially, we emphasize the various geometry factors associated with this parameter.
Annual drought flow and groundwater storage trends in the eastern half of the United States during the past two-third century

Low flow drainage from a river system, in the absence of precipitation or snowmelt, derives directly from the water stored in the upstream aquifers in the basin; therefore, observations of the trends of the annual lowest flows can serve to deduce quantitative estimates of the evolution of the basin-scale groundwater storage over the period of the streamflow record. Application of this method has allowed for the first time to determine the magnitudes of the trends in groundwater storage over the past two-third century in some 41 large prototypical basins in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. It was found that during the period 1940–2007 groundwater storage has generally been increasing in most areas; these positive trends were especially pronounced in the Ohio and Upper Mississippi Water Resources Regions, but they were weaker in most other regions. Notable exceptions are the northern New England and especially the South Atlantic-Gulf regions, which saw prolonged declines in groundwater levels over this nearly 70-year long period. These observed long-term trends are generally in agreement with previous studies regarding trends of other components of the water cycle, such as precipitation, total runoff, and terrestrial evaporation. Over the most recent 20 years, from 1988 through 2007, except for the Ohio and the Souris-Red-Rainy regions, most regions have experienced declining average groundwater levels to varying degrees, with maximal values of the order of −0.2 mm a−1.
Earliest Gait Deviations During Slips: Implications For Recovery

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS This study identified that deviations in vertical force and knee angle/angular velocity of the slipping leg occur earlier in stance and with greater magnitude than other lower-body motions when a person experiences an unexpected slip. Deviations in the ankle angle/angular velocity and hip angular velocity occurred soon after the knee angle and with smaller magnitudes. These results suggest that foot somatosensation and ankle/knee proprioception may play a role in sensing a slip. Therefore, workers with sensation loss in their foot, ankle, and/or knee may have an impaired ability to respond to slipping. Exposure to simulated slip perturbations may also be part of slip-and-fall prevention programs. To ensure biofidelity of such training perturbations, foot forces should initially be reduced, followed by extension deviations of the knee, and then plantarflexion deviations of the ankle. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Rationale: Slip-and-fall accidents are a serious occupational and public health...
Progressive-Addition Lenses in the Treatment of Accommodative Esotropia

Thirty-two children ranging in age from 18 months to 16 years were treated for accommodative esotropia with variable-focus lenses instead of executive bifocals. The major advantages were the improved appearance of the glasses and the more natural progression of accommodative treatment from distance to near which provided more relaxation of convergence in the intermediate zone. The chief disadvantage was the difficulty fitting small children with lenses that were originally designed for the use of presbyopic adults. The maximum power for the effective control of the deviation for reading is at the bottom of the lens. Keeping this portion of the lens high enough proved to be difficult in small children. None of the patients were willing to return to executive bifocals after having worn progressive-addition lenses.
Mechanisms of thrust propagation: some examples and implications for the analysis of overthrust terranes

Abstract Evidence is presented for the existence of three fundamental mechanisms by which thrust sheets move. The mechanisms are: (1) failure of a stiff layer, to form ramp-flat geometry (‘imbricated’ thrust sheets); (2) detachment of a layer by folding (‘decollement” thrust sheets); (3) differential layer-parallel shortening (‘LPS’ thrust sheets). The mechanisms are independent but may operate interactively to form families of ‘hybrid” thrust sheets. Since LPS thrust sheets have not been previously described or documented, data from the New York plateau, deformed almost exclusively by differential LPS, is presented to demonstrate the physical characteristics of this thrust mechanism. Information from the plateau indicates that finite-strain behavior closely reflects the geometric boundary conditions and is independent of temperature and depth of burial. Finite-strain data are used to construct a set of iso-strain maps in both the deformed and undeformed states. The iso-strain maps are in turn used to determine the displacement field for the thrust sheet. The displacement field allows visualization of the effects of both Lagrangian and Eulerian transformations on an initially orthogonal grid. Utilizing sections from a number of overthrust belts, it is shown that the three mechanisms occur universally although in various proportions. LPS is regionally developed throughout the central and northern Appalachians. The presence of the LPS thrust sheets probably accounts for the failure of structural cross-sections to bed-length balance in these blind thrust terranes. Finally a series of examples drawn from the field as well as the literature are used to illustrate both the characteristics of hybrid thrust sheet families as well as to indicate how knowledge of their behavior can be utilized in developing strategies for the construction and balancing of structural cross-sections.
MEASUREMENT OF 2e/h USING THE AC JOSEPHSON EFFECT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS.

Using the ac Josephson effect, we have determined that $\frac{2e}{h}=483.5912\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0030$ MHz/\ensuremath{\mu}V. The implications of this measurement for quantum electrodynamics are discussed as well as its effect on our knowledge of the fundamental physical constants.
Dynamic models of commuter behavior: Experimental investigation and application to the analysis of planned traffic disruptions

This paper reviews the results of a series of experiments aimed at investigating the day-to-day dynamics of commuter behavior in congested traffic systems. The interactive experiments involve actual work commuters in a simulated traffic system, whereby commuters noncooperatively supply their decisions to a traffic simulation model that determines the resulting arrival times and associated trip times; these in turn form the basis of the commuters' decisions on the next day. Models are developed to predict the daily switching of departure time and/or route by individual commuters in response to experienced congestion in the system or to exogenously supplied information. These models are incorporated in a dynamic modelling framework for the analysis of the impacts of planned traffic disruptions, such as those associated with major highway repair and reconstruction activities.
Temperature Structure of Protoplanetary Disks Undergoing Layered Accretion

We calculate the temperature structures of protoplanetary disks (PPDs) around T Tauri stars heated by both incident starlight and viscous dissipation. We present a new algorithm for calculating the temperatures in disks in hydrostatic and radiative equilibrium, based on Rybicki's method for iteratively calculating the vertical temperature structure within an annulus. At each iteration, the method solves for the temperature at all locations simultaneously, and converges rapidly even at high (>>10{sup 4}) optical depth. The method retains the full frequency dependence of the radiation field. We use this algorithm to study for the first time disks evolving via the magnetorotational instability. Because PPD midplanes are weakly ionized, this instability operates preferentially in their surface layers, and disks will undergo layered accretion. We find that the midplane temperatures T{sub mid} are strongly affected by the column density {Sigma}{sub a} of the active layers, even for fixed mass accretion rate M-dot . Models assuming uniform accretion predict midplane temperatures in the terrestrial planet forming region several x 10{sup 2} K higher than our layered accretion models do. For M-dot < 10{sup -7} M{sub sun} yr{sup -1} and the column densities {Sigma}{sub a} < 10 g cm{sup -2} associated with layered accretion, diskmore » temperatures are indistinguishable from those of a passively heated disk. We find emergent spectra are insensitive to {Sigma}{sub a}, making it difficult to observationally identify disks undergoing layered versus uniform accretion.« less
Fire‐resistant polyimides and copolyimides based on 1‐[(dialkoxyphosphinyl)methyl]‐2,4‐ and ‐2,6‐diaminobenzenes

Various phosphorus-containing polyimides were prepared by the reaction of 1-[(dialkoxyphosphinyl)methyl]-2,4- and -2,6-diaminobenzenes (1) with a tetracarboxylic dianhydride like pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA). In addition, copolyimides that contained approximately 3% phosphorus were prepared by the reaction of 1 and m-phenylenediamine (MPD) with the aforementioned tetracarboxylic dianhydrides. Elemental analysis, inherent viscosity, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies were performed to characterize the polymers. Their thermal properties were compared with those of the corresponding common polyimides. It was shown that the molecular weight and thermal stability of the polymers were reduced as the concentration of the phosphorus moieties increased. The fire-resistance of the copolyimides was evaluated by determining their limiting oxygen index (LOI) value. Copolyimides that contained about 3% phosphorus showed an LOI value approximately 30% higher, than the value of the corresponding common polyimides. In addition, a model diamic acid and diimide was synthesized by the reaction of 1-[di(2-chloroethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]-2,4- and - 2,6-diaminobenzene (DCEPD) with phthalic anhydride and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, proton nuclear magnetic (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, DSC, and TGA. The pyrolysis behavior of the model compounds was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A direct cleavage of the PC bond and a possible rearrangement to diisocyanates occurred during their pyrolysis.
Neuroplasticity Signaling Pathways Linked to the Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that afflicts nearly 1% of the world's population. One of the cardinal pathological features of schizophrenia is perturbation in synaptic connectivity. Although the etiology of schizophrenia is unknown, it appears to be a developmental disorder involving the interaction of a potentially large number of risk genes, with no one gene producing a strong effect except rare, highly penetrant copy number variants. The purpose of this review is to detail how putative schizophrenia risk genes (DISC-1, neuregulin/ErbB4, dysbindin, Akt1, BDNF, and the NMDA receptor) are involved in regulating neuroplasticity and how alterations in their expression may contribute to the disconnectivity observed in schizophrenia. Moreover, this review highlights how many of these risk genes converge to regulate common neurotransmitter systems and signaling pathways. Future studies aimed at elucidating the functions of these risk genes will provide new insights into the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and will likely lead to the nomination of novel therapeutic targets for restoring proper synaptic connectivity in the brain in schizophrenia and related disorders.
Student Service Members/Veterans in Higher Education: A Systematic Review

Abstract We systematically reviewed the data-based peer-reviewed research examining student service members/veterans (SSM/V) in higher education. Compared to civilian peers, SSM/V exhibit disproportionately higher rates of health risk behaviors and psychological symptoms, and personal and educational adjustment difficulties (i.e., inability to connect with peers and faculty on campus). Combat-related trauma is a contributing factor to these differences. The current evidence-base is scant, lacking nationally representative and/or longitudinal data to inform policies and programs for SSM/V.
Computerized regional planning for land disposal of wastewater

Abstract This paper describes the development and utilization of a large scale mixed integer programming model for regional planning of land disposal of wastewater within the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical area. This model is derived, and used to determine which land disposal sites should serve which treatment plants, when initial construction should be initiated and completed, and when capacity expansion should occur. Consideration is given to relevant construction and operating costs for land sites and transmission arteries, land acquisition costs, tangible benefits from land use, controls on pollution of aquifers, and various other engineering and technical constraints. The computational aspects of the model's use are emphasized in the paper, and extensive test results are presented and discussed.
Swearing to be Virtuous: The Prospects of a Banker's Oath

In an effort to restore trust in the banking sector, the Advisory Committee on the Future of Banks in the Netherlands made a recommendation, which has since been adopted, that bank executives be required to swear an oath akin to the physician's Hippocratic Oath. This examination of the prospects of the Dutch banker's oath addresses two broad issues. One issue is the efficacy of oaths themselves as instruments for achieving the desired end. A second issue concerns the extent to which this particular oath is a useful guide to ethical banking practice. One conclusion of this study is that it would be difficult for any oath in banking to serve a role that is analogous to the Hippocratic Oath in medicine because of the many dissimilarities involved, most notably the lack in banking of a singular focus on service. Second, the Dutch oath, while admirable in its lofty exhortations, fails to provide a reliable guide through the many difficult judgments that must be made in banking.
DISCRETE UNIFORM STRUCTURES AND QUASITOPOI

It is known that no non-trivial subcategory of the category of topological spares is a quasitopos in the sense of Penon. The purpose of this note is to establish the existence of a proper class of sub-categories of the category of uniform spaces which are quasitopoi. These subcategories are generated by certain proximally discrete uniform spaces which correspond to each infinite regular cardinal.
Flexure of beams with certain curvilinear cross sections

Special complex variables techniques are used to obtain the six flexure functions (one of which is the torsion function) of a certain isotropic cylinder under flexure. The cross section is bounded by the closed curver=a sin4(θ/4) (−π 1).
A Multiple Objective Embedded Network Model for Human Resource Planning and an Implementation of the Tchebycheff Method

A multiple objective embedded network model is proposed to model a variety of human resource planning problems including executive succession planning, compensation planning, training program design, diversity management and human systems design. The Tchebycheff Method, an interactive multiple objective programming solution procedure developed by Steuer and Choo [32], is implemented using NETSIDE, a computer routine for solving network problems with side constraints developed by Kennington and Whisman [17]. This paper demonstrates how the network structure common to many types of human resource planning problems can be exploited to improve solution efficiency, and how our approach extends the use of network models in human resource planning by including multiple objectives and extranetwork constraints. An illustrative example demonstrating the modeling and solution approach is presented, and the potential applications of these approaches in two specific areas of human resource planning are discussed.
Improvement of f T in InAl(Ga)N barrier HEMTs by plasma treatments

GaN-based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) have been developed for high-temperature, high-frequency and high-power applications. To improve the transistor speed, various techniques have been explored in addition to scaling down the gate length and top barrier thickness: ultrathin SiN passivation to reduce access resistance and parasitic capacitances [1]; re-grown ohmic contacts and self-alignment to minimize access resistances [2, 3]; O 2 plasma treatment in the gate region prior to the metal deposition to suppress rf transconductance collapse [4]; and dielectric-free passivation (DFP) by a O 2 -containing plasma treatment in the access region to shorten the gate extension in InAlN HEMTs [5]. Here we report a comparative study on the impact of various plasma treatments in the access region (DFP) as well as under the gate for InAl(Ga)N barrier HEMTs, and propose a model for the observed f T improvement.
Consultation in International Development: The Case of Early Childhood in Maldives.

This article reviews the role of a school psychologist hired to consult with UNICEF Maldives in the development and implementation of an integrated policy for early childhood development in the Republic of Maldives. Working with UNICEF staff, government officials, non-governmental organizations, teachers, parents and children, the unique training received by school psychologists appeared to be an ideal match to respond to the varied and multiple demands of the task at hand. This article advocates that the specific training received by school psychologists matches the efforts of many international organizations working for the well-being of young children and encourages graduate programs and professionals to take an active role in international development work.
Unconventional methods in 2D quantum gravity: Solving (1,q) models

In this talk I will discuss the (1,q)-models of d < 1 quantum gravity. These are first the critical points of the modelswith q - 1 primary fields. I will show how these models may be understood as topological theories whose correlation functions arise from contact terms and surface degenerations.I will then provide explicit solutions for these models using the generalized KdV hierarchy. These solutions are especially useful because they are valid for arbitrary values of q.
Acetylcholine sensitivity of innervated and noninnervated Xenopus muscle cells in culture.

Abstract The chemosensitivity of Xenopus muscle cells grown in culture to iontophoretically applied acetylcholine (ACh) in the presence or absence of neurons was examined. Muscle cells grown without nerve cells are sensitive to ACh over their entire surface (2.4 mV/pC) with occasional spots of high chemosensitivity (“hot spots”). In cultures containing neural tube cells, the ACh sensitivity of muscle cells increased by approximately 50% regardless of the presence of nerve contacts or functional synapses. A similar increase in the ACh sensitivity was observed in muscle cells cultured in medium conditioned by neural tube cells. The ACh sensitivity of the extrajunctional region in functionally innervated muscle cells was not different from that of noninnervated cells growing in the same cultures. However, the chemosensitivity at the junctional region was about fivefold higher than that of the extrajunctional area. This increase in junctional chemosensitivity may well account for the increase in miniature endplate potential amplitude which has previously been reported to occur during nerve-induced ACh receptor accumulation.
A word for all seasons

As the final days of the summer of 1995 unfolded, a remarkable convergence of events emerged. Bombs found near the Arch de Triomphe prompted French security forces to round up Muslims, deport immigrants, and tighten surveillance. General Abacha of Nigeria staged a fake “coup” to justify a brutal crackdown on his political opponents. And Israel extended the authority of its secret service “to use physical force during intimidation” in response to recent terrorist acts (that the group Hamas called “acts of war” but which were instead regarded as “terrorist,” just as had all Palestinian resistance against the Jews before that, and all Jewish resistance to the British before that). Furthermore, a bomb set by rebels in the capital of Kashmir killed 13 and wounded 25; hostages were taken. A bomb killed the top official and 12 others in the Indian state of Punjab, where Sikh militants seek revenge. A bomb exploded in Tblisi, wounding Georgian head of state Eduard Shevardnadze, who had come to power, marked by te...
Limestone and the problem of radiocarbon dating of land-snail shell carbonate

In order to test the role of limestone in producing anomalously old radiocarbon ages in land-snail shells, 14 C analyses were performed on shell carbonate of modern land snails from limestone and nonlimestone areas of Jamaica. No anomaly was found in snails from the nonlimestone area, implying that such material is suitable for radiocarbon dating. Snails from limestone areas produced variable anomalies of as much as 3,120 yr due to incorporation of 14 C-free limestone into shell carbonate. All rock-scraping snails and most leaf-litter–feeding snails from limestone areas showed anomalous 14 C contents. Because of the variability in 14 C content even within species, no standard correction factor for limestone anomaly can be applied. However, dating error can be minimized by selecting ecologically appropriate species or by comparison of analyses of several fossil species, within a stratum, to their modern counterparts.
Hemodynamic correlates for timing intervals, ejection rate and filling rate derived from the radionuclide angiographic volume curve☆

This study was designed to more clearly define the relation between various invasive hemodynamic measurements and left ventricular (LV) timing intervals, ejection rate and filling rate derived from the radionuclide angiographic volume curve. Twenty-eight patients were studied with simultaneous intracardiac micromanometer pressure and dP/dt recordings, gated radionuclide angiography and M-mode echocardiography. These techniques permitted multiple variables of systolic and diastolic function to be measured at a constant atrial paced rate of 100 beats/min. There was a strong correlation between peak ejection rate and ejection fraction (r = -0.97) and between peak ejection rate and maximum positive dP/dt (r = -0.85). There also was a strong correlation between peak filling rate and maximum negative dP/dt (r = -0.85). A weaker correlation existed between the time constant of LV relaxation and the peak filling rate (r = -0.49) and between the LV end-diastolic pressure and the peak filling rate (r = -0.62). There was no correlation between the modulus of chamber stiffness and filling rates, and no association was observed between the time to peak filling rate and the hemodynamic variables. Thus, under the conditions studied, the measured peak ejection and filling rate, determined from the radionuclide angiographic volume curve, correlated well with accepted invasive hemodynamic measurements.
Do environmental right-to-know laws affect markets? Capitalization of information in the toxic release inventory

Abstract This paper investigates how information contained in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) program, one of the largest environmental right-to-know programs, affects prices in the housing market. I use a strengthening of the reporting requirements for the chemical lead in 2001 as exogenous variation to test for housing price changes near existing firms who must now report. Using a difference-in-differences specification, I find that listing an existing firm in the Toxic Release Inventory lowers housing prices up to 11% within approximately 1 mile. The results suggest that housing market participants do capitalize into prices at least some information conveyed by the TRI program.
Relationships between McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities and Teachers' Ratings of School Achievement.

This study investigated how well the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities correlated with teachers' ratings of children's academic achievement. The McCarthy Scales are useful in predicting school achievement of normal children, but more research is needed with learning disabled students. The use of teachers' rating scales with children of low functioning was discussed in light of the recent Larry P. decision.
Redox chemistry at Si and TiO 2 semiconductor materials

Very sensitive near infrared (NIR) emission and visible/NIR cw dye laser based transient absorption techniques are employed to explore elementary steps of redox reactions at semiconductor materials. The focus is on chemistry relevant to the conversion of abundant long wavelength solar photons (red and NIR) into electricity in photoelectrochemical cells. Direct reduction of excited O 2 ( 1 (Delta) ), a long-lived NIR energy carrier, has been demonstrated at a silicon electrode, opening up the possibility of direct conversion of the chemically stored 1 eV quantum of O 2 ( 1 (Delta) ) into electrical energy in a singlet O 2 driven regenerative cell. In a parallel direction, the rise of the one electron oxidation intermediate I 2 - produced upon photo-oxidation of iodide at dye sensitized as well as bare TiO 2 colloidal particles has been observed for the first time by monitoring the 2 (pi) g $IMP 2 (Sigma) u + absorption in the 700 - 800 nm region. Elucidation of the detailed steps of halide-to-halogen oxidation at the semiconductor/solution interface is important for progress in NIR photon energy storage and conversion as the intrinsically modest driving forces of such processes require careful optimization of the efficiency of each reaction step.
Paradoxical Increase in Acute Thyroid Radioiodine Accumulation Following Hypophysectomy in Iodine-Deficient Rats

Iodine-deficient rats hypophysectomized within 1 hr before administration of radioiodine have a much higher thyroid radioiodine content than intact controls at 6 or more hr after radioiodine administration. This is presumably due to the rapid decrease in thyroid secretion but slow decline in radioiodine uptake following hypophysectomy. The paradoxical effect can be reversed by administration of TSH to acutely hypophysectomized rats. (Endocrinology 87: 1094, 1970)
The use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in motor vehicles and its effect on employment and air quality

This study measures industrial output, employment and air pollution effects through the use of CNG in motor vehicles by utilizing the Pollution-Related Multiregional Household-Interactive Variable Input-Output (PHVIO) model. The impact analyses are conducted with three consecutive year scenarios of different level of CNG conversion of motor fleet vehicles for the target year, 1991, 1992, and 1993. The use of CNG in bus and truck vehicles of private businesses, consumers, and state and local governments produces the ‘substitution’ effect and ‘income’ effect. The use of CNG reduces the costs of transportation, and the output, employment and air pollution effects of the reduced transportation costs are referred as the substitution effect. The use of CNG increases natural gas consumption and requires CNG duel engine installation while it decrease gasoline consumption. The output, employment and air pollution effects of this final demand change are referred to the income effect. The industrial output and employment effects are measured in Oklahoma and the Rest of the U.S. Then Oklahoma State industrial and employment effects are divided into Oklahoma SMSA, Tulsa SMSA and the Rest of Oklakoma. Finally, the stationary source air pollution due to industrial effects and mobiles source air pollution due to CNG using motor vehicles are measured in Oklahoma SMSA and Tulsa SMSA.