cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Koecher Norm and Toeplitz Operators in Several Variables

In this note, I sketch portions of the proofs of several results recently obtained jointly with C. Berger and A. Koranyi [2]. One of the main technical results of that paper has been simplified by use of a classical fact about “harmonic projection” of polynomials.
ARmedViewer, an augmented-reality-based fast 3D reslicer for medical image data on mobile devices: A feasibility study

Abstract Background and objective: Medical images obtained by methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) are typically displayed as a stack of 2D slices, comprising a 3D volume. Often, the anatomy of interest does not fall neatly into the slice plane but rather extends obliquely through several slices. Reformatting the data to show the anatomy in one slice in conventional medical imaging software can require expertise and time. In this work, we present ARmedViewer, a medical image viewing app designed for mobile devices that uses augmented reality technology to display medical image data. An arbitrary plane for displaying the data can be chosen quickly and intuitively by moving the mobile device. Methods: The app ARmedViewer, compiled for an iOS device, was designed to allow a user to easily select from a list of 3D image datasets consisting of header information and image data. The user decides where to place the data, which can be overlaid on actual human anatomy. After loading the dataset, the user can move and rotate the data as desired. 15 users compared the user experience of the app to a common image viewer by answering two user surveys each, one custom and one standardized. The utility of the app was also tested by having two users find a plane through a 3D dataset that displayed 3 randomly placed lesions. This operation was timed and compared between the app and a standard medical image viewer. Results: ARmedViewer was successfully developed and run on an iPhone XS. User interfaces for selecting, placing, moving, reslicing, and displaying the data were operated with ease, even by naive users. The custom user survey indicated that freely selecting a slice through the data was significantly more intuitive and easier using the app than using a conventional image viewer on a computer workstation, and changing the viewing angle was also significantly more intuitive. The standardized survey indicated a significantly better user experience for the app in several categories, and never significantly worse. The timed reslicing experiments demonstrated the app being faster than the standard image viewer by an average factor of 9. Conclusions: The newly developed ARmedViewer is a portable software tool for easily displaying 3D medical image data overlaid on human anatomy, allowing for easy choice of the viewing plane by intuitively moving the mobile device.
Nonlinear Elastic Shapes

Most engineering structures are purposely built to be stiff so that typically the only source of nonlinear displacements is associated with the out-of-plane deflections in thin-walled flexible structures as discussed in Chap. 2. The situations of primary concern to us in structural statics (especially when analyzing light-weight structures) are when the deflections and rotations are large but the strains are small (that is, the strains are still within the elastic limit); then the local rigid body motions are the significant contributors to the nonlinear behavior. These nonlinear deflections get supported primarily by the generation of in-plane membrane stresses. In a general sense, the ability to support these loads without excessive deformations is called stiffness. This chapter begins by elaborating further on the concept of stiffness introduced in Sect. 1.3 and how, in a nonlinear situation, it is affected by load.
SATB2 Immunoexpression in Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma and Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma

Peripheral ossifying fibromas (POFs) and peripheral odontogenic fibromas (POdFs) appear clinically similar but of different histogenesis. The novel marker SATB2 is involved in regulation of osteoblastic differentiation and phenotype. However, SATB2 expression has not been previously explored in POFs and POdFs. Given the potential for mineralized tissue formation in POFs and POdFs, and to more clarify the phenotype of the lesional cells, this study was aimed to immunohistochemically investigate SATB2 expression in POFs and POdFs. Fourteen cases of POF and POdF (7 cases each) were selected, stained for SATB2 immunohistochemically, and scored according to the percentage of positive lesional cells (0, no staining; 1 +, < 5%; 2 +, 5–25%; 3 +, 26–50%; 4 +, 51–75%; and 5 +, 76–100%), and the intensity of staining was graded as weak, moderate, or strong. The control group included the inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia-like area present in two cases, 1 case fibroma, and 1 case giant cell fibroma. Moderate to strong, and diffuse SATB2 nuclear immunoreactivity was detected in the lesional cells of all cases of POFs and POdFs with variable scores; 3–5 + for the POFs and 3–4 + for the POdFs (P = 0.101). The distribution of staining was more prominent in those lesional cells associated with the osteoid/calcification in the cases of POFs. No staining was noted in the control group. The lesional cells in both POFs and POdFs express SATB2 and may exhibit the osteoblastic-like phenotype. SATB2 staining may be useful for diagnosis of subsets of POFs with minimal or absent calcification and some POdFs with unidentifiable odontogenic epithelium.
High-throughput rapid experimental alloy development (HT-READ)

Abstract The current bulk materials discovery cycle has several inefficiencies from initial computational predictions through fabrication and analyses. Materials are generally evaluated in a singular fashion, relying largely on human-driven compositional choices and analysis of the volumes of generated data, thus also slowing validation of computational models. To overcome these limitations, we developed a high-throughput rapid experimental alloy development (HT-READ) methodology that comprises an integrated, closed-loop material screening process inspired by broad chemical assays and modern innovations in automation. Our method is a general framework unifying computational identification of ideal candidate materials, fabrication of sample libraries in a configuration amenable to multiple tests and processing routes, and analysis of the candidate materials in a high-throughput fashion. An artificial intelligence agent is used to find connections between compositions and material properties. New experimental data can be leveraged in subsequent iterations or new design objectives. The sample libraries are assigned unique identifiers and stored to make data and samples persistent, thus preventing institutional knowledge loss.
Quantitative ocean characterisation: Acoustically analogous environments

Characterisation of the oceanic environment is of interest to many different scientific and engineering disciplines, including geologists, fisheries managers, marine mammal biologists, ocean resour...
Guideline-Based Management of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: NCCN, ICUD, and EAU

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer is a complex and lethal disease that requires dedicated and often multidisciplinary management. It is imperative that clinicians are well-informed of the most recent practice guidelines in the care of muscle-invasive bladder cancer to ensure optimum delivery of care. Consensus guidelines are useful as they serve as a summary of the best available evidence that allows the clinician to more easily put evidence into practice. Consensus guidelines for muscle-invasive bladder cancer have been generated by authorities in the field and published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), International Consultation of Urologic Disease (ICUD), and European Association of Urology (EAU). In this chapter, we have reviewed and compared the clinical practice guidelines for the management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer of the NCCN, ICUD, and EAU.
Augmenting Reality in Sensor Based Training Games

Building an Augmented Reality experience has traditionally been limited by the use of physical markers, and GPS capabilities that are hampered indoors. Physical markers are intrusive in an environment that is dual use between an AR and more traditional experience, making them a less than popular choice for physical locations. GPS solves many of these problems outdoors. Unfortunately, this cannot be capitalized on in an indoor setting where interference from the building cannot guarantee the fidelity of the location data. A recent technology is a low energy Bluetooth transmitter that allows devices to determine their proximity to the transmitter. These devices can be configured and installed discretely in a physical location and power AR experiences and also open up new opportunities to augment, extend, push, and track a user’s experience.
Perceived Differences Among Countries

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to report on the development and validation of a measurement tool designed to help us understand perceived similarities and differences among countries. The intent of this project is to extend our understanding of the effects of country perceptions on the larger question of perceptions of products and their origins. While much research has been done on product-country images (PCI), there continues to be a need for understanding how country perceptions affect consumer evaluations of products. Our intent is to complement the country evaluation measures developed by Papadopoulos and Helsop (2000) by understanding the nature of country evaluations in a comparative context. While Papadopoulos and Helsop measured directly perceptions of countries, this research proposes that understanding country evaluations in a comparative context is valuable, as well.
A clinically motivated 2-fold framework for quantifying and classifying immunohistochemically stained specimens

Motivated by the current limitations of automated quantitative image analysis in discriminating among intracellular immunohistochemical (IHC) staining patterns, this paper presents a two-fold approach for IHC characterization that utilizes both the protein stain information and the surrounding tissue architecture. Through the use of a color unmixing algorithm, stained tissue sections are automatically decomposed into the IHC stain, which visualizes the target protein, and the counterstain which provides an objective indication of the underlying histologic architecture. Feature measures are subsequently extracted from both staining planes. In order to characterize the IHC expression pattern, this approach exploits the use of a non-traditional feature based on textons. Novel biologically motivated filter banks are introduced in order to derive texture signatures for different IHC staining patterns. Systematic experiments using this approach were used to classify breast cancer tissue microarrays which had been previously prepared using immuno-targeted nuclear, cytoplasmic, and membrane stains.
The Mechanism of Action of Ethanolamine Deaminase III. INHIBITION BY COENZYME B12 ANALOGUES

Abstract A study was carried out on the effect of a large number of B12 analogues on the coenzyme B12-dependent enzyme ethanolamine deaminase. The analogues tested included MeB12, EtB12, AB12, RB12, BB12, IB12, DB12, UB12, CNB12, and OHB12. DB12 was found to be capable of replacing the coenzyme. In contrast, all the rest of the analogues were inhibitors. With all the inhibitors except IB12, the inhibition was progressive, with the reaction velocity decaying exponentially with time to a final, constant value. The extent of inhibition by IB12 was independent of time; kinetics showed that this inhibition was competitive with respect to the coenzyme. Inhibition by MeB12 was also found to be competitive with DMBC, when its effect of the initial reaction rate was considered. Studies of the time-dependent increase in the extent of inhibition observed with MeB12 showed that the rate constant for this process (the deactivation constant) followed saturation kinetics with respect to the concentration of inhibitor. A similar dependence of the deactivation constant on the inhibitor concentration was observed with RB12. The time-dependent decrease in the reaction rate caused by this derivative was found to be irreversible. Kinetic studies performed at the end of the decay period showed that RB12 behaved as a competitive inhibitor with respect to the coenzyme, but that its Ki at the end of this period was much lower than the Ki estimated for the beginning of the reaction. Furthermore, the Vm for ethanolamine deaminase at the end of the decay period was only one-sixth of the Vm of the uninhibited enzyme. Light scattering studies and studies of the effect of enzyme concentration on the characteristics of the decay indicated that the inhibition is not associated with polymerization or depolymerization of the enzyme. Experiments with tritiated MeB12 showed that the progressive inhibition induced by this derivative is not accompanied by cleavage of the carbon-cobalt bond. Titration experiments with RB12 have shown that the progressive inhibition is fully expressed at an inhibitor to enzyme ratio of 2:1. These results can be explained by a model in which the presence of inhibitor induces a change in the enzyme from the form isolated in the purification to a form with a lower Vm and a much greater affinity for the inhibitor. The abbreviations used are: MeB12, methylcobalamin; EtB12, β-hydroxyethylcobalamin; AB12, β-(2-tetrahydropyryloxy)ethylcobalamin; RB12, 1-O-methyl-5-deoxyribosylcobalamin; BB12, δ-(9-adenyl)butylcobalamin; IB12, 5'-deoxyinosylcobalamin; DB12, 2',5'-dideoxyadenosylcobalamin; UB12, 5'-deoxyuridylcobalamin; CNB12, cyanocobalamin; OHB12, hydroxocobalamin; DMBC, 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin.
Angela Y Davis and Assata Shakur as Women Outlaws: Resisting U.S. State Violence

Angela Y Davis and Assata Olugbala Shakur have many overlapping histories of struggle in the face of state repression. Both revolutionary freedom fighters were captured after spending time underground as a result of intense surveillance and being marked for outlaw status. They continue to speak out against racist and sexist injustices and global capitalism.
The geometry of binary search trees

We present a novel connection between binary search trees (BSTs) and points in the plane satisfying a simple property. Using this correspondence, we achieve the following results:1. A surprisingly clean restatement in geometric terms of many results and conjectures relating to BSTs and dynamic optimality.2. A new lower bound for searching in the BST model, which subsumes the previous two known bounds of Wilber [FOCS'86].3. The first proposal for dynamic optimality not based on splay trees. A natural greedy but offline algorithm was presented by Lucas [1988], and independently by Munro [2000], and was conjectured to be an (additive) approximation of the best binary search tree. We show that there exists an equal-cost online algorithm, transforming the conjecture of Lucas and Munro into the conjecture that the greedy algorithm is dynamically optimal.
Immunolocalization of RANKL is increased and OPG decreased during dietary magnesium deficiency in the rat.

Background Epidemiological studies have linked low dietary magnesium (Mg) to low bone mineral density and osteoporosis. Mg deficiency in animal models has demonstrated a reduction in bone mass and increase in skeletal fragility. One major mechanism appears to be an increase in osteoclast number and bone resorption. The final pathway of osteoclastogenesis involves three constituents of a cytokine system: receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL); its receptor, receptor activator of nuclear factor kB (RANK); and its soluble decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG). The relative presence of RANKL and OPG dictates osteoclastogenesis. The objective of this study was to assess the presence of RANKL and OPG in rats on a low Mg diet.
Value-oriented Big Data processing with applications

We discuss the nature of Big Data and address the role of semantics in analyzing and processing Big Data that arises in the context of Physical-Cyber-Social Systems. To handle Volume, we advocate semantic perception that can convert low-level observational data to higher-level abstractions more suitable for decision-making. To handle Variety, we resort to semantic models and annotations of data so that intelligent processing can be done independent of heterogeneity of data formats and media. To handle Velocity, we seek to use continuous semantics capability to dynamically create event or situation specific models and recognize relevant new concepts, entities and facts. To handle Veracity, we explore trust models and approaches to glean trustworthiness. Our ultimate goal is to deal with the challenges due to the four Vs of Big Data to derive Value to enable decision-making and action.
Transport, metabolism, and endosomal trafficking-dependent regulation of intestinal fructose absorption

Dietary fructose that is linked to metabolic abnormalities can up-regulate its own absorption, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms are not known. We hypothesized that glucose transporter (GLUT) protein, member 5 (GLUT5) is the primary fructose transporter and that fructose absorption via GLUT5, metabolism via ketohexokinase (KHK), as well as GLUT5 trafficking to the apical membrane via the Ras-related protein-in-brain 11 (Rab11)a-dependent endosomes are each required for regulation. Introducing fructose but not lysine and glucose solutions into the lumen increased by 2- to 10-fold the heterogeneous nuclear RNA, mRNA, protein, and activity levels of GLUT5 in adult wild-type mice consuming chow. Levels of GLUT5 were >100-fold that of candidate apical fructose transporters GLUTs 7, 8, and 12 whose expression, and that of GLUT 2 and the sodium-dependent glucose transporter protein 1 (SGLT1), was not regulated by luminal fructose. GLUT5-knockout (KO) mice exhibited no facilitative fructose transport and no compensatory increases in activity and expression of SGLT1 and other GLUTs. Fructose could not up-regulate GLUT5 in GLUT5-KO, KHK-KO, and intestinal epithelial cell-specific Rab11a-KO mice. The fructose-specific metabolite glyceraldehyde did not increase GLUT5 expression. GLUT5 is the primary transporter responsible for facilitative absorption of fructose, and its regulation specifically requires fructose uptake and metabolism and normal GLUT5 trafficking to the apical membrane.
The prospects for higher domestic savings rates in Latin America

Abstract This paper analyzes the prospects for raising domestic saving rates to permit increased investment and/or reduced dependence on foreign-capital inflow in Latin America. We analyze the question of rising saving rates by applying a random-coefficients approach: treating the parameters estimated in time-series analysis for individual countries as observations drawn from an international cross-section of savings behavior. Correlation analysis is then applied to clarify the conditions associated with international differences in savings parameters across a sample of 21 Latin American countries.
A genetic screen in Drosophila reveals novel cytoprotective functions of the autophagy-lysosome pathway.

The highly conserved autophagy-lysosome pathway is the primary mechanism for breakdown and recycling of macromolecular and organellar cargo in the eukaryotic cell. Autophagy has recently been implicated in protection against cancer, neurodegeneration, and infection, and interest is increasing in additional roles of autophagy in human health, disease, and aging. To search for novel cytoprotective features of this pathway, we carried out a genetic mosaic screen for mutations causing increased lysosomal and/or autophagic activity in the Drosophila melanogaster larval fat body. By combining Drosophila genetics with live-cell imaging of the fluorescent dye LysoTracker Red and fixed-cell imaging of autophagy-specific fluorescent protein markers, the screen was designed to identify essential metazoan genes whose disruption causes increased flux through the autophagy-lysosome pathway. The screen identified a large number of genes associated with the protein synthesis and ER-secretory pathways (e.g. aminoacyl tRNA synthetases, Oligosaccharyl transferase, Sec61α), and with mitochondrial function and dynamics (e.g. Rieske iron-sulfur protein, Dynamin-related protein 1). We also observed that increased lysosomal and autophagic activity were consistently associated with decreased cell size. Our work demonstrates that disruption of the synthesis, transport, folding, or glycosylation of ER-targeted proteins at any of multiple steps leads to autophagy induction. In addition to illuminating cytoprotective features of autophagy in response to cellular damage, this screen establishes a genetic methodology for investigating cell biological phenotypes in live cells, in the context of viable wild type organisms.
Predictors of functional outcome following treatment of posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations

Posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations (AVM) present particular therapeutic challenges. Studies aimed at clarifying risk of hemorrhage focus on obliteration rates, but few have addressed functional outcomes in these patients. In this study, we aim to explore the predictors of good functional outcome for posterior fossa AVM after treatment. A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with posterior fossa AVM at our institution from 1990 to 2013 was performed, and 61 patients met the inclusion criteria. Functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and mRS ⩽ 1 was defined as good outcome. Within our cohort, 39 patients presented with hemorrhage (64.0%). Spetzler-Martin grades were I (n = 9, 14.8%), II (n = 20, 32.8%), III (n = 22, 36.1%), IV (n = 8, 13.1%), and V (n = 2, 3.3%). Patients were treated with surgery (n = 8), radiosurgery (n = 34), embolization (n = 2) or multimodal therapies (n = 8). Nine patients did not undergo treatment. Average follow-up was 41.9 months. Obliteration of AVM was confirmed in 44.3% of patients (n = 27). Forty-three patients (70.5%) achieved good functional outcomes (mRS ⩽ 1). The absence of pre-treatment symptoms (p < 0.01) and AVM obliteration (p = 0.04) were predictive of good functional outcomes. In contrast, non-hemorrhagic presentation was not a significant predictor (p = 0.60). Asymptomatic presentation and AVM obliteration are associated with good functional outcomes in patients with posterior fossa AVM. Non-hemorrhagic presentation does not necessarily predict good functional outcome. Therefore treatment should not be considered only for those who present with hemorrhage. Posterior fossa AVM should be considered for definitive treatment in order to prevent future hemorrhages and subsequent poor functional outcomes.
Conditioned fear and extinction learning performance and its association with psychiatric symptoms in active duty Marines

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a major public health concern, especially given the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nevertheless, despite a sharp increase in the incidence of psychiatric disorders in returning veterans, empirically based prevention strategies are still lacking. To develop effective prevention and treatment strategies, it is necessary to understand the underlying biological mechanisms contributing to PTSD and other trauma related symptoms. METHODS: The "Marine Resiliency Study II" (MRS-II; October 2011-October 2013) Neurocognition project is an investigation of neurocognitive performance in Marines about to be deployed to Afghanistan. As part of this investigation, 1195 Marines and Navy corpsmen underwent a fear conditioning and extinction paradigm and psychiatric symptom assessment prior to deployment. The current study assesses (1) the effectiveness of the fear potentiated startle paradigm in producing fear learning and extinction and (2) the association of performance in the paradigm with baseline psychiatric symptom classes (healthy: n=923, PTSD symptoms: n=42, anxiety symptoms: n=37, and depression symptoms: n=12). RESULTS: Results suggest that the task was effective in producing differential fear learning and fear extinction in this cohort. Further, distinct patterns emerged differentiating the PTSD and anxiety symptom classes from both healthy and depression classes. During fear acquisition, the PTSD symptom group was the only group to show deficient discrimination between the conditioned stimulus (CS+) and safety cue (CS-), exhibiting larger startle responses during the safety cue compared to the healthy group. During extinction learning, the PTSD symptom group showed significantly less reduction in their CS+ responding over time compared to the healthy group, as well as reduced extinction of self-reported anxiety to the CS+ by the end of the extinction session. Conversely, the anxiety symptom group showed normal safety signal discrimination and extinction of conditioned fear, but exhibited increased baseline startle reactivity and potentiated startle to CS+, as well as higher self-reported anxiety to both cues. The depression symptom group showed similar physiological and self-report measures as the healthy group. DISCUSSION: These data are consistent with the idea that safety signal discrimination is a relatively specific marker of PTSD symptoms compared to general anxiety and depression symptoms. Further research is needed to determine if deficits in fear inhibition vs. exaggerated fear responding are separate biological "domains" across anxiety disorders that may predict differential biological mechanisms and possibly treatment needs. Future longitudinal analyses will examine whether poor learning of safety signals provides a marker of vulnerability to develop PTSD or is specific to symptom state. Language: en
Pleural effusion cytology of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.

This case report concerns an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the testis in a 31-yr-old white male patient who underwent radical left orchiectomy, followed by combined irradiation and chemotherapy, and who 2 yr later presented with dyspnea at rest, nonproductive cough, and lower back pain for 1 wk. Chest radiographs demonstrated a bilateral pleural effusion and diffuse infiltrating lesion of the pleurae, mimicking a mesothelioma. The pleural fluid displayed noncohesive, malignant, small, round cells about 2–5 times larger than mature lymphocyes. They had large, darkly staining, pleomorphic nuclei and bubbly cytoplasm with poorly defined borders. The diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma was supported by a positive myosin immunostaining and ultrastructural findings of intracytoplasmic actin and myosin-type microfilaments. Our case is also notable in that the tumor was a pure rhabdomyosarcoma involving a testicular origin, and the patient is the oldest reported in the literature. Diagn. Cytopathol. 16:270–273, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
HIGH TEMPERATURE GASEOUS DIFFUSION EXPERIMENTS AND INTERMOLECULAR POTENTIAL ENERGY FUNCTIONS

Abstract A new method of measuring molecular diffusion coefficients of gases which makes use of precise sampling and gas analysis downstream of an essentially point source of trace gas in a uniform carrier gas has been recently described in several publications. The technique is especially adapted for determinations at elevated temperatures. The present paper is a discussion of binary diffusion data over the temperature range 300°–1150° K for all of the gas pairs studied at APL to date. These include HeN 2 , CO 2 N 2 , HeA, CO 2 O 2 , CH 4 O 2 , H 2 O 2 , COO 2 and H 2 OO 2 . The data cover a wide enough range in temperature and are of sufficient precision (∼±2 per cent) so that it is possible to examine them in terms of the kinetic theory of dilute gases and the intermolecular potential energy functions characterizing binary collision processes. The three functions used for which the necessary collision integrals had already been evaluated are the inverse power point center of repulsion potential, the Lennard-Jones (12ndash;6) potential, and the modified Buckingham (Exp-6) potential. In addition, the collision integrals for the exponential point center of repulsion potential were evaluated by numerical means. The details of this calculation, which was performed on the Univac 1103 Digital Computer, will be published elsewhere. It is shown that while all four potentials can be fitted to the data about equally well, the actual potentials obtained in this way may be quite different. Conversely, however, the high temperature diffusion coefficients predicted from the four potentials fitted at lower temperatures agree rather well.
Effects of distal radius fracture malunion on wrist joint mechanics

An experimental model using a static positioning frame, pressure-sensitive film (Fuji), and a microcomputer-based videodigitizing system was used to measure contact areas and pressures in the wrist. Contact areas and pressures were compared in a group of wrists between the normal state and with simulated distal radius fracture malunions of varying degrees. In simulated malunions, radial shortening to any degree slightly increased the total contact area in the lunate fossa, and was significant at 2 mm of shortening. By angulating the distal radius more than 20 degrees either palmar or dorsal, there was a dorsal shift in the scaphoid and lunate high pressure areas, and the loads were more concentrated, but there was no change in the load distribution between the scaphoid and lunate. Decreasing the radial inclination shifted the load distribution so that there was more load in the lunate fossa and less load in the scaphoid fossa.
Cultural Estrangement Revisited: A Contemporary Adaptation with Reference to Gender, and to Ethnic and Racial Foci

3ztmmary.-Cultural estrangement was originally formulated as a measure of alienation, and operationahzed as the extent to which one's opinions differ From those of primary and secondary identifcation groups. In the original empirical measure, four items measured the consistency of one's opinions with those of relatives, friends, coreligionists, and co-citizens, respectively. This study added three irems deemed salient to group identiry in contemporary society: gender, ethnicity, and race. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability data are presented for the original and modified versions of the scale, supporting the new scale format. Differentials among the correlations are discussed with regard to the role of friendships within the context of alienacion. It is argued chat the basic construct may well be reconceptualized as entailing cultural independence or emancipation instead of estrangement. In his classic thesis, Seeman (1959) analyzes disparate components of the ahenation construct, isolating five dimensions of powerlessness, self-estrangement, norrnlessness, social isolation, and meaninglessness. Cultural estrangement has been elaborated as the indvidual's rejection or sense of removal from dominant social values by Seernan (1991) who noted that interest in the construct peaked when communal and student movements inspired the counter-culture period in the 1960s. Kohn and Schooler (1983) operationalized cultural estrangement by devising a questionnaire on which the respondent judges the consistency of his opinions with those of relatives, friends, co-religionists, and co-citizens. Despite theoretical and psychometric advances, the construct has all but disappeared from the empirical research literature. It has been argued that social relationships are integral to one's personal conscruction of reality, particularly when alienation is considered (Kalelun-Fishman, 1993). In examining cultural estrangement from this perspective, the stability of the alienation construct over time becomes suspect. Can it be assumed that the key criteria used to define the dominant social group for any individual have remained static since the original measure's inception more than a decade ago? Social and political evolution would be expected to affect referents in social functioning, and such changes should be reflected in a contemporary measure of alienation.
UThPb systematics and the age of the Onverwacht Series, South Africa

Abstract Five whole rocks from the Onverwacht Series give an age of 3230–3290 my by common lead and concordia interpretations. The rocks do not indicate any isotopic homogenization for the U Th Pb systems, other than severe loss of uranium and possibly thorium at recent times. A new graphical solution for evaluating U/Pb, Th/Pb, and Th/U ratios in rocks is described, and a preliminary framework model for understanding variations in concentration of Pb through time in basic volcanic rocks is suggested.
Effect of Prenatal Glucocorticoid on Fetal Rat Lung Prostaglandin Synthesis

Prenatal Glucocorticoid therapy is increasingly being used for accelerating fetal lung maturation. Glucocorticoids, however, are also known to inhibit phospholipase A2 and thus the synthesis of prostaglandins(PG). In perinatal rat lung, the major PG is prostacyclin(PGI2), a potent vaso- and bronchodilator important in lung function. To determine the effect of gluococorticoid therapy on fetal lung PGI2 synthesis, we measured 6-keto-PGF1α (the stable breakdown product of PGI2) levels by RIA. Pregnant rats received 4 doses of dexamethasone(DEX)(0.4mg/kg) at 12hr intervals prior to sacrifice. Table 1 shows the 6-keto-PGF1α levels of fetal lungs from DEX-treated and control mothers (mean ± SEM, 4 fetuses from each of 6 litters for each group).
Oral Administration of Myelin Induces Antigen-specific TGF-β1 Secreting T Cells in Patients with Multiple Sclerosisa

Oral administration of antigen is a long-recognized method of inducing systemic immune tolerance. In animals with experimental autoimmune disease, a major mechanism of oral tolerance involves the induction of regulatory T cells that mediate active suppression by secreting the cytokine TGF-beta 1. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a presumed T cell-mediated Th1 type autoimmune disease. In this paper we investigated, in patients with MS, whether oral myelin treatment (myelin containing both MBP and PLP) induced antigen-specific MBP- or PLP-reactive T cells that were either Th2-like (secreted IL-4 or TGF-beta 1), or alternatively whether Th1 type sensitization occurred as measured by IFN-gamma secretion. Specifically, 4,860 short-term T cell lines were generated to either MBP, PLP or TT from 34 relapsing-remitting patients with MS; 17 were orally treated with bovine myelin daily for a minimum of two years as compared to 17 non-treated patients. We found a marked increase in the relative frequencies of both MBP- and PLP-specific TGF-beta 1 secreting T cell lines in the myelin-treated MS patients as compared to non-treated MS patients (MBP, p < 0.001; PLP, p < 0.003). In contrast, no changes in the frequency of MBP- or PLP-specific IFN-gamma or TT-specific TGF-beta 1 secreting T cells were observed. These results suggest that the oral administration of antigens generates antigen-specific TGF-beta 1 secreting T cells of presumed mucosal origin that may represent a distinct cytokine-secreting lineage of T cells (Th3). Since, in animal models, antigen-specific TGF-beta 1 secreting cells localize to the target organ and then suppress inflammation in the local microenvironment, oral tolerization with self-antigens may provide a therapeutic approach for the treatment of cell-mediated autoimmune disease which does not depend upon knowledge of the antigen specificity of the original T cell clone triggering the autoimmune cascade.
The Relation between Childhood Aggression and Depressive Symptoms: The Unique and Joint Mediating Roles of Peer Rejection and Peer Victimization

The goal of the current study was to investigate whether peer rejection and peer victimization mediated the relation between children's aggressive behaviors and depressive symptoms. Participants were 533 fourth- and fifth-grade children (289 girls and 244 boys). Data on aggression and peer victimization were collected through teacher and peer report, whereas data on depressive symptoms were collected through self-, teacher, and peer report. Peer rejection was measured through peer nominations of liking and disliking. Through testing two competing concurrent structural models, results revealed that peer rejection and peer victimization jointly mediated the overall relation between aggression and depressive symptoms, although this mediation was only partial. Furthermore, peer rejection partially mediated the relation between aggression and peer victimization, and peer victimization partially mediated the relation between peer rejection and depressive symptoms. Suggestions for other factors that may contribute to these mediated relations are provided.
Effect of hormone priming on retention of 3 H-oestradiol by males and females.

BOTH oestrogen and progesterone, acting over periods of many hours, regulate various aspects of physiology and behaviour during the oestrous cycle1. In the female, oestrogen acts at the level of the hypothalamus to regulate gonadal function2 and oestrous behaviour3. A direct effect on the pituitary has also been detected4 and the labelled steroid has been shown to be retained by uterus, brain and pituitary5,6. Because oestrogen-progesterone synergism and the biphasic pattern of response to progesterone are essential for maintenance of the reproductive cycle1, it seemed possible that the pattern of retention of the hormones might reflect these interactions and that they might differ between the sexes7-10.
Depressions surrounding volcanic fields: A reflection of underlying batholiths?

The eastern Klamath Mountains of northern California are cut sharply by an arcuate scarp that forms the west wall of a depression containing Pliocene to Holocene lava rocks. This depression may have formed by collapse along hidden concentric fractures over a batholith and, if so, reflects the shape and areal extent of the body. Large depressions enclosing other volcanic fields are evident on small-scale satellite imagery. If such depressions overlie still hot or even molten batholithic bodies, analysis of satellite imagery might delineate the areal extent of associated geothermal resources.
Finite element dispersion analysis for the three‐dimensional second‐order scalar wave equation

The dispersive properties of finite element semidiscretizations of the three-dimensional second-order scalar wave equation are examined for both plane and spherical waves. This analysis throws light on the performance and limitations of the finite element approximation over the entire spectrum of wavenumbers and provides guidance for optimal mesh discretization as well as mass representation. The 8-node trilinear element, 20-node serendipity element, 27-node triquadratic element and the linear and quadratic spherically symmetric elements are considered.
An Automatic Scanning and Printing Analog-to-Digital Densitometer

An instrument for calculating dose distribution in supervoltage radiotherapy is described and illustrated. The instrument automatically extracts the pertinent dose information of closely spaced density measurements on film. These measurements are translated into discrete dose levels in 10% increments which are digitally printed by means of an electric typewriter. The typewriter provides the mechanical scanning of the film, as well as the digital printout. For use with film densitometry, body phantoms representing the patient were constructed. This was done by making radiographic cross sections with a transverse laminagraph at 1-in. intervals. After reducing the films to 1: 1 scale with a camera lucida, they were cut out of tissue-equivalent wax plates and put in register. The phantom thus obtained represents the patient and body fluids which might alter the position of the tumor and affect the uniformity of dose distribution. To measure the dose distribution occurring under different conditions, film densitometry was chosen as the most suitable method, but this procedure will be superseded in the future by density measurement in plastic sheets. Films sandwiched between 2 adjacent cross-sections of the phantom were exposed to supervoltage radiation and the resulting blackening of the emulsion, which is related to the deliveredmore » dose, has been measured and plotted with the instrument described above. This instrument eliminates the manual work of measuring and plotting densities of the films and enables napid and automatic estimation of dose distribution in the phantom at several levels. It provides a quantized analog presentation (the typographic pattern forming the isodose contours) as well as a point-by-point digital presentation. Superposition of an anatomical overlay permits direct read-off of radiation dose to any organ present in the cross-section being studied. The instrument, because of its simple, accurate, automatic, rapid operation makes film dosimetry for supervoltage therapy practical on a clinical application basis. (BBB)« less
Ventricular septal defect and aortic regurgitation

Abstract Perimembranous ventricular septal defects, account for 70–80% of ventricular septal defects in western countries and aortic regurgitation is an uncommon complication, occurring in 2–5% of cases. This complication however, occurs very commonly in patients with subpulmonary ventricular septal defects, particularly those that are greater than 5 mm in diameter. Furthermore, in far eastern countries, subpulmonary defects are more prevalent accounting for 21–30% of defects as compared to 5–8% in western countries. The genesis of aortic regurgitation is related principally to the deficiency of aortic valve cusp support in the subpulmonary defect, whereas a defective commissure between the non- coronary and the right cusp and occasionally deformity of the aortic cusps themselves are most often described with permimembranous defects. Because of the progressive nature of aortic regurgitation in patients with subpulmonary defects, it is recommended that early ventricular septal defect closure should be carried out in patients with these defects when the aortic valve is distorted or prolapsed or when the first sign of aortic regurgitation occurs. The natural history of aortic regurgitation in patients with perimembranous ventricular defects is less well defined, but the recommendation is made at many centers that patients with a distorted or prolapsed aortic cusp or aortic regurgitation also should have the VSD closed at an early date. For patients with so-called ‘silent’ aortic regurgitation (only Doppler proven aortic regurgitation) the decision is more difficult. In subpulmonary defects we favor early closure with this sign. In patients with perimembranous defects it is probably equally prudent to follow such patients carefully and to close the defect if the aortic regurgitation appears to increase by Doppler or becomes audible.
Observations on the behavior of the Cerapachyine ants

Notes on the predatory behavior of species ofCerapachys, Phyracaces, andSphinctomyrmex are given. All of the species thus far studied have proven to be myrmecophagous, feeding on the brood (and in some cases adults) of other species of ants. Raids are conducted by groups of workers and are usually of short duration. A foraging expedition ofPhyracaces cohici is described, during which the workers started out as a compact group but later dispersed into small groups and lone individuals deployed in a circular pattern around the home nest. On the basis of these observations there is suggested a hypothetical pattern of alternating foraging and raiding behavior, which is believed to result ultimately in an efficient exploitation by the ants of the surrounding territory. Notes on other phases of biology, including colony size and nest structure, are given.
The influence of nanoscale roughness and substrate chemistry on the frictional properties of single and few layer graphene

Nanoscale carbon lubricants such as graphene, have garnered increased interest as protective surface coatings for devices, but its tribological properties have been shown to depend on its interactions with the underlying substrate surface and its degree of surface conformity. This conformity is especially of interest as real interfaces exhibit roughness on the order of ∼10 nm that can dramatically impact the contact area between the graphene film and the substrate. To examine the combined effects of surface interaction strength and roughness on the frictional properties of graphene, a combination of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Raman microspectroscopy has been used to explore substrate interactions and the frictional properties of single and few-layer graphene as a coating on silica nanoparticle films, which yield surfaces that mimic the nanoscaled asperities found in realistic devices. The interactions between the graphene and the substrate have been controlled by comparing their binding to hydrophilic (silanol terminated) and hydrophobic (octadecyltrichlorosilane modified) silica surfaces. AFM measurements revealed that graphene only partially conforms to the rough surfaces, with decreasing conformity, as the number of layers increase. Under higher mechanical loading the graphene conformity could be reversibly increased, allowing for a local estimation of the out-of-plane bending modulus of the film. The frictional properties were also found to depend on the number of layers, with the largest friction observed on single layers, ultimately decreasing to that of bulk graphite. This trend however, was found to disappear, depending on the tip-sample contact area and interfacial shear strain of the graphene associated with its adhesion to the substrate.
Media Development in Bosnia A Longitudinal Analysis of Citizen Perceptions of News Media Realism, Importance and Credibility

This article examines public perceptions of the news and information sector in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Since the signing of the Dayton Peace Accord in late 1995, the international community has donated millions of dollars to foster free and fair media. This research explores the media transition in Bosnia through a four-year longitudinal study. The research design measured public perceptions (N = 1689) of the realism, importance and credibility of news outlets in the two major media centers: Banja Luka and Sarajevo. The findings suggest that over time Bosnians are relying less on politically motivated news outlets. Moreover, some independent media have emerged as both important and credible sources for news and information.