cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Hedge Funds with Pooled Benchmarks

The evaluation of hedge fund performance is challenging given the flexible nature of hedge funds’ strategies and their lack of operational transparency. As a result, inference about skill is inevitably contaminated by the error in the benchmark model. To address this concern, we propose a model pooling approach to develop a fund-specific benchmark obtained by pooling a set of diverse attribution models. The weights assigned to the individual models in the pool are based on the log score criterion, an information-theoretic measure of the conditional performance of a model. We illustrate the advantages of a pooled benchmark over alternative approaches, including the Fung and Hsieh [Fung W, Hsieh DA (2004) Hedge fund benchmarks: A risk-based approach. Financial Analysts J. 60:65–80] model, stepwise regression methods, and style-adjusted methods in the contexts of a real-time investment strategy, hedge fund replication, and fund failure prediction. This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
Future Prospects for Renewable Power in Spain

Support for renewable power in Spain has waxed and waned with changing circumstances over the last several decades. This chapter examines what is likely to happen in the years ahead. At this point, the prospects for a favorable environment are generally positive. The left-wing coalition government formed in early 2020 has established ambitious and detailed targets for the growth of renewable capacity through 2030. Attaining those targets, and the underlying decarbonization goals they are intended to serve, however, is not assured. One can identify three broad challenges: (1) actually building sufficient capacity, (2) connecting so much capacity to the grid, and (3) successfully integrating the resulting production into the electricity market. To address these issues, the coalition government has devised a number of policies that, taken together, could transform the power system to a greater extent than any time since the liberalization measures of the 1990s.
The Water Science Communication Problem: Water Knowledge and the Acceptance or Rejection of Water Science

Abstract A “science communication problem” exists when scientifically-supported, policy-relevant fact is disputed because it conflicts with political perspectives or other culturally-relevant influences. This study evaluates whether such a problem exists on water topics, where it could obstruct productive discourse as new water policies are introduced. To identify water topics on which partisan individuals reject water science, we developed and applied a Rasch-modeled scale of “ordinary water science knowledge” (OWSK) and an associated assessment of beliefs. Our sample, consisting of 806 Florida and Georgia residents, indicated personal beliefs that aligned with their perceptions of scientists’ beliefs so long as the information did not activate partisan positioning. Partisan positions were easily activated, however, with some politically right-leaning individuals indicating personal water beliefs contrary to their perceptions of scientists’ beliefs (i.e., a water science communication problem). This divergence occurred in response to statements on the effects of climate change on water availability and on the adequacy of water supply to meet demand 20 years in the future. These topics have relevance far beyond the study area, suggesting a water science communication problem may exist at broader regional and national scales.
Nled Geddankenexperiment for a Non Singular Universe, and a re Thinking of What Constitutes Initial Entropy, with Reference as to Initial Universe Conditions for Relic Graviton Production

We initially look at a non singular universe representation of entropy, based in part on what was brought up by Muller and Lousto, and then generalize it to the question of initial time step as a function of NLED (non linear Electrodynamics) . Speculations as to the contribution of initial entropy to massive gravitons is also included. In addition, the non singular nature of an initial cosmology configuration , with its emphasis upon initial density proportional to 1 over the fourth power of an initial scale factor will lead to an initial time step of the order of Planck time, as opposed to the GR equation which postulates time set at t = 0 initially.
Primer system for single cell detection of double mutation for Tay-Sachs disease.

Purpose: Nearly 100% of infantile Tay-Sachs disease isproduced by two mutations occurring in the alpha chain ofthe lysosomal enzyme beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase (HEXA)in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Although others havedescribed primer systems used to amplify both sitessimultaneously, few discuss the allele dropout problems inherent inthis test. Our goal was to construct a more robust testenabling stronger signal generation for single cellpreimplantation genetic diagnosis and to investigate theoccurrence of allele dropout.
Combined optical trapping and single-molecule fluorescence

Two of the mainstay techniques in single-molecule research are optical trapping and single-molecule fluorescence. Previous attempts to combine these techniques in a single experiment – and on a single macromolecule of interest – have met with little success, because the light intensity within an optical trap is more than ten orders of magnitude greater than the light emitted by a single fluorophore. Instead, the two techniques have been employed sequentially, or spatially separated by distances of several micrometers within the sample, imposing experimental restrictions that limit the utility of the combined method. Here, we report the development of an instrument capable of true, simultaneous, spatially coincident optical trapping and single-molecule fluorescence. We demonstrate the capability of the apparatus by studying force-induced strand separation of a rhodamine-labeled, 15 base-pair segment of double-stranded DNA, with force applied perpendicular to the axis of the DNA molecule. As expected, we observed abrupt mechanical transitions corresponding to the unzipping of DNA at a critical force. Transitions occurred concomitant with changes in the fluorescence of dyes attached at the duplex ends, which became unquenched upon strand separation. Through careful optical design, the use of high-performance spectral notch filters, a judicious choice of fluorophores, and the rapid acquisition of data gained by computer-automating the experiment, it is possible to perform combined optical trapping and single-molecule fluorescence. This opens the door to many types of experiment that employ optical traps to supply controlled external loads while fluorescent molecules report concurrent information about macromolecular structure.
Identification and Isolation of Ovalbumin-synthesizing Polysomes III. PRECIPITATION OF OVALBUMIN POLYSOMES FROM A HETEROLOGOUS CELL-FREE PROTEIN-SYNTHESIZING SYSTEM

Abstract Ovalbumin-synthesizing polysomes formed during incubation of a rabbit reticulocyte cell-free protein-synthesizing system in the presence of hen oviduct RNA were precipitated by immunological techniques. Several experiments indicate that the reaction is specific for ovalbumin polysomes. Ovalbumin nascent chains and intact ovalbumin mRNA molecules are shown in the immunoprecipitate.
Pancreatectomy with vein reconstruction: technique matters

Background A variety of techniques have been described for portal vein (PV) and/or superior mesenteric vein (SMV) resection/reconstruction during a pancreatectomy. The ideal strategy remains unclear.
Gun violence and police problem solving: A research note examining alternative data sources

This article uses gun seizure data from the gun lab of the St. Louis Police Department to examine a problem-solving approach to seizing illegal firearms. Further, it explores narrative data from the police reports to understand the context surrounding 113 firearms seizure. The most important findings are that most illegal firearms are seized by the police department in the course of routine patrol, and that many seemingly nonviolent technical law violations (e.g., the unlawful carrying, use, or concealment of a firearm) often occur under violent circumstances. Given the paucity of gun research, future studies should use multiple data sources to further explain the gun/crime relationship. These findings are discussed in the context of routine policing.
Selective Disruption of Endothelial Barrier Function in Culture by Pure Fatty Acids and Fatty Acids Derived from Animal and Plant Fats

Endothelial cell integrity has been suggested to play a role in the development of atherosclerosis. The effects of fatty acids on endothelial barrier function were tested by measuring albumin transport across endothelial monolayers cultured on polycarbonate filters. Compared with control cultures, a 24-h exposure to 90 mumol/L lauric (12:0) and linoleic acid (18:2) but not to butyric (4:0), hexanoic (6:0), octanoic (8:0), decanoic (10:0), myristic (14:0), palmitic (16:0) or stearic acid (18:0) caused an increase in albumin transfer across endothelial monolayers. Selective enrichment of a "physiological" serum fatty acid mixture (FA-Mix; 90 mumol/L) with 90 mumol/L of 12:0 or 18:2 significantly increased albumin transfer, whereas enrichment with 90 mumol/L of 4:0, 16:0 or 18:0 significantly decreased albumin transfer relative to 180 mumol/L FA-Mix. Only 12:0- or 18:2-treated cultures showed increased Ca(++)-ATPase activity and the presence of lipid droplets. Fatty acids (60 mumol/L) extracted from butter fat and beef tallow had no effect on albumin transfer, whereas fatty acids extracted from chicken fat and corn oil consistently disrupted endothelial barrier function. This fat-induced disruption of endothelial barrier function seems to be related to the amount of 18:2 present in each fat source. These data indicate that unsaturated fats cause cellular perturbations that result in a decrease in endothelial barrier function in this model system, and that high dietary levels of unsaturated fats may be detrimental to cell integrity.
Diet of non‐native northern snakehead (Channa argus) compared to three co‐occurring predators in the lower Potomac River, USA

Abstract – Introductions of large, non-native, carnivorous fishes continue to occur worldwide and represent a substantial management concern to global biodiversity. One of the most recent non-native fishes to successfully establish in North America is the northern snakehead (Channa argus), found in the lower Potomac River catchment. Dispersal of the northern snakehead throughout this system has been well documented since its original discovery in May 2004; however, little is known about the foraging habits of this species and its interactions with co-occurring predators. Here, we quantify northern snakehead diet in comparison with the diets of naturalised largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and native American eel (Anguilla rostrata) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) collected from tidal freshwaters bordering Virginia and Maryland near Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Over 97% of northern snakehead gut contents were fishes, with fundulid and centrarchid species consumed most frequently. Dietary overlap was biologically significant only between northern snakehead and largemouth bass. Aquatic invertebrates were >10 times more common in native predator diets, reducing dietary overlap with northern snakehead. Ontogenic shifts in adult northern snakehead diet were also detected, which may be explained by optimal foraging rather than true prey specificity. Northern snakehead may be occupying a novel niche based on a piscivorous diet, therefore limiting competition with resident predators in the lower Potomac River. Further research into interactions between largemouth bass and northern snakehead is needed to inform management decisions and understand the ecological impacts of this non-native species.
Highly sensitive and selective reversible sensor for the detection of Cr3

Abstract A new fluorescent sensor capable of sensing Cr3+ has been synthesized. Complexing with Cr3+ triggers the formation of a highly fluorescent ring-open form which is pink in color. The sensor shows extremely high fluorescence enhancement upon complexation with Cr3+ and it can be used as a ‘naked eye’ sensor. Binding of Cr3+ was found to be reversible as the pink color disappears with excess EDTA.
Transient pool boiling in microgravity

Transient nucleate pool boiling experiments using R113 are conducted for short times in microgravity and in earth gravity with different heater surface orientations and subcoolings. The heating surface is a transparent gold film sputtered on a quartz substrate, which simultaneously provides surface temperature measurements and permits viewing of the boiling process from beneath. For the microgravity experiments, which have uniform initial temperatures and no fluid motion, the temperature distribution in the R 113 at the moment of boiling inception is known. High speed cameras with views both across and through the heating surface record the boiling spread across the heater surface, which is classified into six distinct categories.
Crack velocity functions and thresholds in brittle solids

Abstract A unifying treatment of environment-sensitive crack velocity functions for intrinsically brittle solids is presented. The formalism is soundly based on the concept of thermal activation barriers, but is phenomenological in that it does not attempt to identify the explicit underlying physical and chemical processes responsible for these barriers. Equations prescribing the v-G (crack velocity versus mechanical energy release rate) characteristics at specified chemical concentrations (partial pressures) and temperatures are thereby presented. These equations incorporate the familiar three velocity regions into a composite function: region I, chemically assisted fluctuations over stress-enhanced energy barriers; region III, similar but in the absence of environmental species; region II, a connecting flow-limited transport branch. In addition, the equations include provision for healing and repropagation branches in unloading-reloading cycles. Central to the argument is the assertion that zero-velocity thresholds are quiescent configurations, defined by appropriate Dupre work of adhesion terms, W. These W terms serve as reference baselines for the entire v-G function, such that changes in chemical concentration (relative humidity) or interface type (virgin versus healed) may be considered in terms of simple curve shifts along the G axis. Data for selected brittle solids, principally mica but also glass and sapphire, in moist environments are used to illustrate the formalism.
RIO SALADO COLLEGE ONLINE POST-BACCALAUREATE TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM

The innovative Rio Salado College Online Post Baccalaureate Teacher Education program is a community collaboration that increases student access to high-quality teacher preparation courses for elementary, secondary, and special education, through flexible, convenient, anytime, anywhere e-learning. In its inaugural year (2001–2002), the program enrolled 1,500 students, earned a national award, and set a new standard for 21st Century teacher training.
Range stacking : An interpolation-free SAR reconstruction algorithm

A method for digital image formation in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems is presented. The proposed approach is based on the wavefront reconstruction theory for SAR imaging systems. However, this is achieved without image formation in the spatial frequency domain of the target function which requires interpolation. The proposed method forms the target function at individual range points within the radar range swath; this is referred to as range stacking. The range stacking reconstruction method is applicable in stripmap and spotlight (broadside and squint) SAR systems. Results using a wide-beamwidth FOliage PENetrating (FOPEN) SAR database are provided, and the effect of beamwidth filtering on the signature of moving targets in the imaging scene is shown.
Solid state coordination chemistry: the hydrothermal synthesis and structure of a bimetallic oxide incorporating 2,2':6', 2 -terpyridine (terpy), [{VO(terpy)}MoO4]

Abstract The hydrothermal reaction of MoO 3 , Na 3 VO 4 , 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (terpy) and H 2 O in the mole ratio 1.53:1.00:1.30:1460 at pH 3 yields red crystals of [{VO(terpy)}MoO 4 ] ( 1 ) in 55% yield. The structure of 1 is a one-dimensional chain of {VO(terpy)} 2+ units bridged in the characteristic O,O′-mode by {MoO 4 } 2− tetrahedra. Crystal data: C 15 H 11 N 3 O 5 MoV, orthorhombic, P 2 1 2 1 2 1 , a =26.145(1) A, b =6.7607(4) A, c =9.2496(5) A, V =1634.9(2) A 3 , Z =2, D calc =1.869 g cm −3 ; structure solution and refinement converged at R 1 =0.0335 and wR 2 =0.0735.
How Older Adults Use Oral Health Care Services: Results of a National Health Interview Survey

This report describes the dental visit patterns of adults aged 65 and older. The analyses compare dental visit patterns by socioeconomic factors, perceived health status and dentate status.
Role of the CD45 (T-200) molecule in anti-CD3-triggered T cell-mediated cytotoxicity

NK-depleted human peripheral blood lymphocytes can be modulated with anti-CD3 to kill certain targets during 3-hr cytotoxicity assays. When triggered by anti-CD3 antibody, these effector T cells killed only NK-sensitive targets, such as K562 and HEL 92.1.7, and NK-resistant targets, such as Daudi, whose killing is inhibited by anti-CD45 (T-200) monoclonal antibodies, such as 13.3. NK-sensitive targets, MOLT-4, U266/AF10, Jurkat, and CCFR-CEM, and 10 NK-resistant cell lines, including Raji, IM-9, U698, U937, and GM-1056, whose killing is not inhibited by anti-CD45 monoclonal antibodies, were not killed by alpha-CD3-T effectors, suggesting that the CD45 molecule may be involved in the killing process. Anti-CD3-triggered T cell killing of target cells was inhibited greater than 95% by the monoclonal antibody 13.3. This inhibition of cytotoxicity by 13.3 was not due to competition of this IgG1 antibody for Fc receptor binding site on the target cell, since the IgG1 monoclonal antibody anti-beta 2-microglobulin did not block cytotoxicity. Single cell assays and calcium pulse assays showed that CD45 is involved in a postbinding, pre-calcium-dependent stage, similar to that shown for NK cytotoxicity. There was a relative shift of importance of different epitopes of CD45 in anti-CD3-T cytotoxicity compared to NK cytotoxicity. Anti-CD45 antibodies which bind to the C terminus end of the molecule played a more important role in anti-CD3-T cytotoxicity than NK cytotoxicity. Thus, a subset of T cells exists that exhibits anti-CD3-triggered non-MHC-restricted killing of certain NK-sensitive and NK-resistant targets in association with a CD45 molecule which is functionally different from the NK CD45 molecule.
Plain and computed radiography for detecting experimentally induced pneumothorax in cadavers: implications for detection in patients.

Pneumothorax was induced in cadavers to determine the effects of patient positioning and imaging modality (conventional screen-film and computed radiography) on radiographic findings. Chest radiography, with cadavers in the supine frontal, erect frontal, and left lateral decubitus positions, was performed at baseline and after injection of incremental quantities of air into the pleural space. Five radiologists independently interpreted each radiograph. The ability of the radiologists to diagnose pneumothorax varied by cadaver position and depended on volume of air. Overall, the left lateral decubitus view was most sensitive (88%) for diagnosis of pneumothorax, followed by the erect (59%) and supine (37%) views. Receiver operating characteristic curves and multiple repeated measures analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant difference between diagnostic proficiency with conventional screen-film radiography and that with computed radiography. The authors conclude that the lateral decubitus ...
MtDNA heterogeneity in Panulirus argus.

Restriction endonuclease analysis of mtDNA polymorphisms inPanulirus argus has revealed significant heterogeneity and possible species subdivision.
A survey of gynecologic oncologists regarding the end-of-life discussion: a pilot study.

Abstract Objectives. To identify the practices and attitudes of gynecologic oncologists regarding the end-of-life discussion. Methods. A pilot survey was sent to 1105 members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO). The survey consisted of 20 questions and was sent via the website Survey Monkey. Results. Response rate was 12.8%. Sixty percent of respondents were male, most ranged between 30 and 60years of age and more than half performed 5–10 major surgeries per week. More than half of respondents (53.9%) deferred the End of Life discussion until the patient had sustained a major change in functional and/or medical status. Thirty percent initiated it at the first recurrence or progression of disease. Forty three percent of respondents characterized the discussion as an on-going process. Patients' age, social support, health insurance, and co-morbidities had no influence on the discussion, and neither did the tumor's site of origin or grade. More respondents initiated the discussion in advanced stage cancer (57%) and after salvage chemotherapy institution (54%). Forty four percent of respondents reported that "understanding and acceptance" was the initial response by patient when counseled about withdrawal of care. This increased to 86% when the issue was revisited. Confusion or reluctance to discuss the subject were initially reported to be 12% and 19%, respectively, but decreased to 2% and 3%, respectively, when withdrawal of care was subsequently addressed with the patient. Conclusions. This pilot survey sheds a light on attitudes and practices about the end-of-life discussion that deserve to be further studied.
News of Battering

This textual analysis of the newspaper coverage of the murder of a battered woman by her husband shows how myths and stereotypes combine to blame the victim for her own death. It also demonstrates the interconnection of gender, race, and class in the representation of violence against women.
Response of cortical neurons to variation of stimulus intensity and locus

Single neurons isolated in the somatosensory cortex of the cat and the monkey were driven to activity by electrical shocks delivered to the skin or the nerves of the forelimbs. Analysis was made of the dependence of various parameters of the evoked response upon the site and the intensity of stimulation. All neurons displayed a lengthening of initial response latency as the intensity of stimulation was decreased and as the site of stimulation was changed away from the center of the neuron's excitatory receptive field. The mean number of spikes in each discharge and the intervals between each spike also varied systematically with such changes in the stimulus. The latency-intensity relationship obtained from nerve stimulation was similar in form to those obtained from stimulation at various sites on the skin, but the total change of latency was smaller and the rate of change of latency with intensity was greater. Later spikes in the discharge showed the same latency-intensity relationship as the initial spike, with only minor differences. The possible mechanisms of this latency change are discussed.
EXIT AND VOICE: STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE IN BUREAUCRATIC-LEGISLATIVE POLICYMAKING

This paper uses the case of telecommunications deregulation to construct a model of interest group behavior in bureaucratic-legislative policymaking. The model posits three common policymaking arenas: closed, open, and the transformational period between the two. Three features of these policymaking arenas are explored: (1) changes in the numbers of interested actors, leading to (2) changes in the policy-making environment and to (3) the shifting strategic interests of actors. Borrowing the concepts of “voice” and “exit” from Hirschman (1970), alternative interest group strategies are found to occur in different policymaking environments, or arenas, which in turn depend in significant part on the numbers of interested actors involved. Voice works when interests are or appear to be relatively complementary. Exit is used when voice fails, that is, in permeable arenas of many actors with conflicting interests.
Ljungan Virus: an Emerging Zoonosis?

Abstract Ljungan virus (LV), a picornavirus, was discovered in the Swedish vole population after six clustered deaths from myocarditis were noted in orienteers between 1989 and 1992. Four of five sera from the orienteer patients had detectable antibodies against one of the LV isolates. Researchers tracked data about the population density of Swedish voles carrying LV and compared them to various disease incidences in humans in northern Sweden. Both animal and human data support the possibility that LV causes or contributes to diabetes, fetal death, fetal malformations, and sudden infant death syndrome. Current research has raised the question of the importance of this newly recognized zoonotic pathogen within rodent vectors. Evidence indicates that it would be prudent to consider LV infection in clinical practice, and LV will no doubt be the subject of upcoming intensive research.
Fabrication and integration of metal oxide nanowire sensors using dielectrophoretic assembly and improved post-assembly processing

Abstract We report the fabrication and integration of metal oxide nanowire sensors using dielectrophoretic assembly and a novel bonding process. Metal oxide nanowires were successfully prepared by a two-step thermal oxidation process from their corresponding metal nanowires (indium, tin, and indium–tin) that have been synthesized by electroplating in nanoporous templates. Before oxidation, dielectrophoretic (DEP) assembly and a novel post-assembly bonding process were applied to integrate high-density nanowire arrays on interdigitated microelectrodes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental analysis provide morphological and compositional informations of the metal and metal oxide nanowires. Electrical measurements of the nanowire arrays show how the resistance changed after each process, which demonstrates that the post-assembly bonding is an important and effective step in reducing contact resistance between the nanowires and interdigitated microelectrodes. Metal oxide nanowire sensor chips were fabricated using microelectrodes embedded with a microheater for temperature control. The performance of these metal oxide nanowire sensors was investigated towards common volatile organic compounds, including methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, chloroform, and benzene, and the sensors showed high sensitivity, fast response, and good repeatability. The assembly and improved post-assembly bonding processes developed in this research provide a new platform for nanowire-based sensor integration.
Choline pharmacokinetics during intermittent intravenous choline infusion in human subjects

A study of choline pharmacokinetics was undertaken in four patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition. On consecutive days, 7, 14, 28, and 56 mmol choline chloride were intravenously infused over a 12-hour period in each subject. The choline concentration was determined in plasma at baseline, ¼, 1, 3, 6, and 12 hours, and 3 and 12 hours after the infusion ended, and in daily 24-hour urine collections. Analysis of variance showed the data fit a two-compartment model in which elimination from the central compartment was saturable significantly better than a one-compartment model in all four subjects (p < 10 −8 in all cases), and significantly better than a nonsaturating model in three of the four subjects (p = 1.0 × 10−9, 7.5 × 10−6, 9.4 × 10−11, respectively). The model allowed estimates of the rate constant for choline elimination at ambient levels, first-order rate constants for transfer between central and peripheral compartments, the dissociation constant for the saturable elimination process, the apparent volume of distribution in the central compartment, the steady-state volume of distribution, and the quantities of choline in the central compartment and in the readily exchangeable pool. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1994) 55, 277–283; doi:10.1038/clpt.1994.28
Developmental patterns of physiological response to a multisensory intervention in extremely premature and high-risk infants.

Objective To compare the developmental patterns of heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ) of premature infants with and without central nervous system (CNS) injury, and evaluate whether a multisensory intervention altered this development. Sample Thirty‐seven premature infants born at 23–26 weeks with normal head ultrasounds or at 24–32 weeks and diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and/or intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were studied at 33–35 weeks postconceptional age. Design Infants were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The experimental group infants received auditory, tactile, visual, and vestibular (ATVV) multisensory intervention twice daily from 33 weeks postconceptional age (PCA) until hospital discharge. Main Outcome Measures HR, RR, and SaO 2 were continuously monitored during baseline, intervention, and the 30‐minute postintervention period. Results Between 33 and 35 weeks PCA, control group infants with and without CNS injury and experimental group infants without CNS injury had a significant decrease in resting mean HR, whereas RR and SaO 2 remained stable. The infants with PVL who received the intervention showed increases in HR even at rest. Conclusions The absence of a weekly decline in HR for experimental group infants with PVL suggests that PVL may affect maturation of the autonomic nervous system and increase risk of decelerative HR changes and associated clinical compromise. Infants diagnosed with PVL should be closely monitored during procedures or interventions that may be stressful or involve handling. Further research is needed to tailor multisensory interventions for infants with PVL.
Recent developments in ionized cluster beam thin film deposition

Thin film deposition from beams of atomic clusters, some of which are ionized and accelerated to the growing surface, was first proposed in 1972 but suffered from controversy over cluster formation conditions during the 1980s. Development of suitable cluster sources has been difficult and large clusters of zinc (about 2 000 atoms per cluster) have only recently been produced in the 1990s. The conditions for cluster synthesis without using a carrier gas presently require a high vapor pressure, 1000 Torr or more, thus severely limiting the materials from which cluster beams can be formed. Our results now suggest that the nozzle is serving as the heat sink for the heat of condensation of the zinc clusters. Effects of further intentional cooling of the nozzle on zinc cluster distributions are reported. An additional problem is the development of suitable real-time cluster measurement methods. Two different methods using simultaneous beam velocity and energy analysis are presented. One method is based on mechanical beam chopping and the other on electrostatic beam chopping.
USING THE SEDIMENT RECORD IN A WESTERN OREGON FLOOD – CONTROL RESERVOIR TO ASSESS THE INFLUENCE OF STORM HISTORY AND LOGGING ON SEDIMENT YIELD

Abstract Dorena Lake, a flood-control reservoir with a 686 km2 watershed in the western Cascade Mountains of Oregon, contains a 50-year record of sediment deposition. By measuring the amount of lake sediment, performing 137Cs dating, and examining the stratigraphy of sediment cores, information was obtained about variations in the sediment yield of the watershed. The average yield for 50 years is 108 tons/km2/year, and rates for shorter time periods vary from 42 to 269 tons/km2/year depending on the time of average and the occurrence of large storm events. A comparison of sediment yield values with timber harvesting rates and with the number of high-discharge days during different time periods implies that sediment yield is controlled primarily by flood magnitude and frequency. The amplitude of variation in yield that might be produced by changes in logging rates or methods is too small to be detected with the methods used in this study because in large watersheds (1) the effects of localized events tend to be averaged out and (2) sediment delivery ratios are generally low. Also, the reservoir was constructed after a significant portion of the watershed had been logged, so the data cannot be compared with pre-disturbance sediment yields. This study shows that reservoirs in the Western Cascades are worthy of further study; but information is needed to constrain reservoir trap efficiency, and problems of scale in large watersheds may hinder the detection of land-use influences on sedimentation.
Children's Self-Esteem: The Verbal Environment

(1988). Children's Self-Esteem: The Verbal Environment. Childhood Education: Vol. 65, No. 1, pp. 29-32.
A deep reef in deep trouble

Abstract The well-documented degradation of shallower reefs which are often closer to land and more vulnerable to pollution, sewage and other human-related stressors has led to the suggestion that deeper, more remote offshore reefs could possibly serve as sources of coral and fish larvae to replenish the shallower reefs. Yet, the distribution, status, and ecological roles of deep (>30 m) Caribbean reefs are not well known. In this report, an observation of a deep reef which has undergone a recent extensive loss of coral cover is presented. In stark contrast to the typical pattern of coral loss in shallow reefs, the deeper corals were most affected. This report is the first description of such a pattern of coral loss on a deep reef.
The influence of α-tocopherol on arylsulfatases A and B in the liver of vitamin A-deficient rats

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of different levels of dietary α-tocopherol on arylsulfatases A and B (EC 3.1.6.1) was investigated in the liver of vitamin A-deficient rats and pair-fed controls. 2. 2. Arylsulfatase A was increased in the liver of vitamin A-deficient rats receiving “normal” dietary α-tocopherol, but not when the rats were fed a high level of vitamin E. 3. 3. Arylsulfatase B was increased in vitamin A deficiency regardless of the dietary α-tocopherol level. 4. 4. Incubation at 37° of the lysosome-rich liver fraction caused more rapid release of both arylsulfatases from the lysosomes of the deficient rats receiving “normal” dietary α-tocopherol. High dietary α-tocopherol reversed this phenomenon. 5. 5. The effect of retinol added in vitro appeared to be the opposite of its effect in vivo on sulfatase release from the lysosomes, whereas α-tocopherol had the same effect when added in vitro as when fed at high levels in vivo. 6. 6. The effect of vitamin A deficiency on sulfate metabolism might be mediated through the role of retinol and perhaps of α-tocopherol on the stability of biological membranes.
Forbidden matrix proton spin flip satellites in trapped electron EPR spectra

Abstract Observation of the 35 GHz EPR spectrum of γ-irradiated 10 M NaOH/H 2 O and 10 M NaOD/D 2 O glassy ices at 77°K has revealed proton spin flip satellites associated with the trapped elctron EPR line. This suggests that forbidden satellite transitions contribute to the lineshape of the trapped electron line in the 9 GHz spectrum which has commonly been studied.
The 1983-1984 Shelf Edge Exchange Processes (SEEP)--I experiment: hypotheses and highlights

A multidisciplinary SEEP—I study of particle formation, transformation, transport, sedimentation, and storage was conducted across the shelf-break south of Martha's Vineyard and Long Island during July 1983–October 1984. Moored arrays of current meters, thermistors, transmissometers, fluorometers, and sediment traps provided time-series data on the distributions of currents, temperature, light transmission, fluorescence, organic carbon, carbonate, and particulate 210Pb within shelf and slope waters of the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Shipboard and aircraft measurements focused on the birth and death processes of plankton during the spring bloom, when seasonal fluxes of carbon, carbonate, and210Pb to slope waters and sediments were maximal. Simulation models of nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen transfers during the 1979 and 1984 spring blooms suggested that 50–60% of the daily primary production was consumed by the rest of the shelf food web. Surviving shelf particles enter a near-bottom physical regime on the continental slope which favors their downslope transport and deposition. On an annual basis, 210Pb budgets of the slope sediments suggest that only 20–60% of organic debris from the adjacent shelf ecosystem may exit the shelf-break in the SEEP—I region, with the remainder entrained downstream towards Cape Hatteras. After spring export, continued oxidation of organic matter within slope sediments of the SEEP—I region allows carbon accumulation rates here of <1% of the annual primary production on the shelf. The SEEP—I study area represents a region of minimal export of particles from the Mid-Atlantic Bight, however. For example, 250 km farther south on the 1000-m isobath, the annual fluxes of organic carbon and 210Pb at 25 m above bottom in 1985–1986 were two- to three-fold greater than those at equivalent depths in the SEEP—I experiment.
Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence methods for environmental characterization of soils

With recent requirements for rapid, field-based methods for environmental characterization, we have evaluated energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) techniques for elemental analyses of soils...
Insightful Learning of Life's Lessons with Older Adult Guests in the Classroom

An intergenerational initiative was developed and implemented to enhance gerontology in the first course of the practice sequence. Seventeen students met with older adults (ages 82–98) in the classroom and at an assisted living facility. The evaluation of this older adult infusion project was conducted through two questionnaires and by the review of reflection papers completed as a course assignment. Pre-post statistical analyses as well as qualitative analysis evidenced an increase in knowledge of the older adults' lives as well as a professional interest in aging. As a result of this experience, several of the students volunteered at the facility, interviewed residents, and requested gerontological placements.
Parental Contributions to Southeast Asian American Adolescents' Well-Being

Informed by acculturation, ecological, and social capital theories, the study examined the contribution of parental acculturation, parental involvement, and intergenerational relationship to well-being in Southeast Asian American adolescents. Using data from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study, 491 Southeast Asian American adolescents and their parents comprised the sample. Path analysis showed that parental involvement fully mediated the effect of parental acculturation on intergenerational relationship, whereas intergenerational relationship mediated the effect of parental involvement on child outcomes. Service implications are discussed.
MAGNETIC FORM FACTORS

Polarized neutron diffraction has been an extremely valuable technique for studying outer electron distributions in magnetic materials through measurements of magnetic form factors. Representative results are presented on the following classes of elemental materials : 3d ferromagnetic metals, paramagnetic metals, rare-earth metals, and diamagnetic materials. In each case a comparison with the best available theoretical result is given. It is concluded that more theoretical effort is needed on the orbital moment in transition metals, particularly for the paramagnetic metals, in order to have a meaningful confrontation between theory and experiment.
An unusual osteological formation in the posterior skulls of captive tigers (Panthera tigris)

Examination of pathologies in a series of felid skulls from a museum collection spanning the past century revealed distinctively malformed external occipital protuberances in zoo specimens of Panthera tigris, a condition that was not present in the skulls of wild-caught individuals. Myological studies and comparative dissections together support a conclusion that the condition most likely arose from heightened rotation of the head and neck in the lateral plane, combined with reduced jaw activities during the lives of the affected individuals. Historical records in turn indicate that such activities were possibly consequences of the nonnatural diets and increased grooming behaviors fostered in captive environments. Zoo Biol 17:135–142, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Stress and Plastic Strain Fields during Unconstrained and Constrained Fabrication Cool Down of Fiber-Reinforced IMCs:

Two mathematical modes are presented for the thermal cool-down phase of composite fabrication and applied to a specific material system (A12O3/Ni3Al). The first is a baseline model of idealized processing conditions. The second extends the process model by including a tooling constraint generally associated with fabrication techniques such as hot isostatic pressing, vacuum hot pressing or die casting. In previous work, little attention has been devoted to the investigation of the constraining effects of the tooling phases, used to fabricate unidirectional metal matrix composites, on the residual stress evolution.Various pressure loading histories can be applied to each model. The stresses and plastic strains that develop during the cool-down are calculated at the micromechanical level by the generalized method of cells, which is embedded into both global models. It is shown that residual stresses, at the end of the process, differ very little due to either the boundary conditions of the models or pressure...
Revisiting my campaign statement

Two years ago I entered the race for ACM President with my campaign statement. In the second-to-last President's Letter of my term, I thought I would revisit what I said we would do and reflect on what we did.
Phase matching by periodic modulation of the nonlinear optical properties

Abstract Periodic modulation of the optical nonlinear coefficient of a propagation medium is proposed as a new method for phase matching. This proposal is examined in some detail in the case of a thin film waveguide where the prospects of its implementation seem favorable.
Morphological effects of ArF excimer laser irradiation on enamel and dentin.

Background and Objective The aim of this investigation to determine the range of morphological and ablative effects that can be achieved on dental enamel and dentin using ArF excimer laser irradiation at a wavelength of 193nm. Study Design/Materials and Methods Caries-free coronal enamel and dentin surfaces of 20 extracted human teeth were subjected to irradiation at 193nm using a Lamda-Physik model EMG 103 MSC and ArF fill. Morphology of cavity floors and walls were assessed by light microscopy and SEM. Results Morphological surface effects and ablation could be controlled effectively and reliably by choice of parameter combination, allowing the operator to achieve either a smooth, flat, or increasingly rough surface with differing degrees of selective ablation. No signs of thermal damage were apparent. Conclusion Excimer laser irradiation at 193nm provided clinically useful cavity preparations and surface morphological effects. Lasers Surg. Med. 20:142–148, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Correlation of prostaglandin-induced mitochondrial calcium release with contraction in bovine intrapulmonary vein

Abstract The effects of prostaglandins A2, A1, F2α, E2, E1, F1β and an analog of PGH2 upon calcium release from mitochondria isolated from bovine intrapulmonary vein and contraction of helical strips of the same tissue were determined. The order of activity of the prostaglandins for calcium release was similar to that for contraction with the exception of the PGH2 analog. It is suggested that prostaglandin A2, F2α, E2 and A1 induced release of mitochondrial calcium may influence the contractile state of bovine intrapulmonary vein. However, the PGH2 analog has a subcellular mechanism other than or in addition to mitochondrial calcium release and is different from the other prostaglandins.
Something to Be Done: Treating HIV/AIDS

Largely because of disparities in access to drug treatment and care, AIDS morbidity and mortality have fallen in the developed world but continue to rise among developing countries. Achieving more equitable access to AIDS drugs is hindered by high drug prices, technical complexities related to the provision of health care, and conflict among stakeholders. Recognition that health is vital to the prospects of the emerging global society must be combined with new mechanisms to help all stakeholders work together cooperatively. Tiered drugs pricing should be coupled with investment in health services. An independent “Global Task Force,” able to act as an “active think tank,” could build consensus about the way forward.
Effects of the Nd:YAG laser and combined treatments on in vitro fibroblast attachment to root surfaces.

Abstract The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of the Nd:YAG laser either alone or in combination with root planning or air-powder abrasive treatment on fibroblast attachment to non-diseased root surfaces. 28. 4x4 mm root specimens and four disc-shaped root specimens 6 mm in diameter were obtained from unreputed 3rd molars. The root segments were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups: (1) control: (2) laser-only treated: (3) laser treated followed by root planning; (4) laser treated followed by air-powder abrasive treatment. Laser-treated root specimens were exposed for 1 min with the Nd:YAG laser calibrated at an energy setting of 75 mJ at 20 pulses/s using a 320 μm contact fiber. The contact fiber was held parallel to the root segments and the root segments were kept moist with distilled water. Following the prescribed treatments, the root specimens were incubated with fibroblast cultures and then prepared for SEM examination. Results of cell counts of fibroblasts attached to specimens within each treatment group yielded the following means and standard deviations: control groups. 181.64 ± 44.74; lased only, 78.57 ± 21.35; lased and root planed 125.35 ± 26.13: and lased followed by an air-powder abrasive, 177.28 ± 55.71. Application of ANOVA followed by the Dunn Multiple Comparison test revealed significant differences (p<0.01) in the number of attached cells between the control and laser-only treated groups: and between the laser-only and laser/air-powder abrasive treated groups. The decreased fibroblast attachment observed in the laser-only treated group suggests a laser-induced bio in compatibility of the root surface. Several surface alterations including ablation of cementum with exposure of dentinal tubules and crater formation were observed. Increased numbers of fibroblasts were seen attached to the lased root segments after root planning or after exposure to an air-powder abrasive, indicating that the laser-induced bioincompatibility is reversible and most likely a surface phenomena. A pilot study using pholoacoustic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed reductions in the intensity of the Amide II band between 1500–1550 cm-1, suggesting the laser exposure denatures surface protein which, in turn, may contribute to inhibition of fibroblast attachment.