cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time Series Energy Production in Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Accretion Disks: Superhumps in the AM Canum Venaticorum Stars

The energy production time series of our purely hydrodynamic accretion disk simulations display remarkable similarities with the observed light curves of dwarf novae superhumps in general and the AM CVn stars in particular. The superhump period excess as a function of mass ratio agrees well with earlier theoretical and numerical results, and the amplitudes and relative phases of the harmonics in the power spectra agree well with the observations. The morphology of the mean pulse profile appears to be a useful predictor of system mass ratio. Our modified smoothed particle hydrodynamics code time symmetrizes the interparticle forces when individual time steps are used that differ from each other by a power of 2 and advances the internal energy using a very simple method based on fundamental principles that requires the calculation of only a single vector dot product per particle per time step instead of a separate pairwise internal energy equation. Both of these modifications act to increase the stability of the internal energy changes, resulting in a significant reduction in the noise in the energy production time series. The periodicities in our models are primarily the result of changes in the viscous energy production as the disks experience tidal stressing and oscillate between nearly circular and highly distorted shapes over a superhump period. We follow the system in an inertial frame of reference, and the symmetry axis of the disk during peak energy production is aligned roughly perpendicular to the line joining the center of the stars. This axis precesses slowly in the inertial frame on a timescale of ~35-75 orbital periods, where the precession period is a function of the system mass ratio. The disks are thickest in the quadrant undergoing the largest radial excursions. This feature is stationary in the slowly precessing frame. The particle trajectories also show quasi-periodic m ≈ 2 vertical oscillations that generally agree with published analytical predictions.
Asymmetric Spectral Characteristic of Ion Currents in Conical Nanopores

The noise analysis of ion current signals through single nanopores is a critical problem in using nanoporous systems for biosensing. We have examined the noise characteristics of ion currents in single asymmetric polymer nanopores. These pores are conical in shape with openings of several nanometers at the cone tip. The pore walls are negatively charged at pH 8 due to the presence of carboxyl groups with density of one group per square nanometer. These conically shaped pores are cation selective and rectify the current with preferential direction for cation flow from the narrow entrance of the pore to the wide opening of the pore. With our electrode configuration, the average currents for negative voltages are higher than the average currents for positive voltages. We have found that the noise characteristics for the positive and negative currents are very different. The time signals were examined through power spectra analysis and Hurst analysis. At low salt concentration, the transient behavior of currents flowing in the direction from the narrow opening towards the wide opening show a power spectra with distinct 1/f behavior, where f is the frequency. The Hurst analysis of these currents reveals a deterministic component in the current behavior. In contrast, the spectra of currents from the wide opening towards the narrow opening show a thermal noise characteristic. We will discuss how these differences in the transient signals of ion current in conical pores reflect differences in the electrochemical potential of cations in the nanopores, and how they can be important for biosensing.
Tube-building by a marine meiobenthic harpacticoid copepod

Pseudostenhelia wellsi Coull and Fleeger is a meiobenthic harpacticoid copepod inhabiting muddy, estuarine sediments. All individuals observed, and all ages including nauplii, build and inhabit elongate, mucous tubes which may extend to a depth of 3.9 mm into the sediment. Many of the narrow tubes, 0.27 mm in diameter, have a tube-cap extending 0.32 mm above the sediment-water interface. The tubes are a matrix of fine silt, sand and detritus cemented with a mucopolysaccharide, as shown by the Periodic Acid Schiff stain, apparently secreted from glands in the ventrolateral margin of the cephalothorax. Upon addition to sterile, homogeneous sediment, P. wellsi quickly (within 1 to 2 h) transform the upper 0.4 cm to a cohesive conglomerate of tubes, silt-clay particles and mucous filaments.
Individual Differences in the Development of Self-Regulation During Pre-adolescence: Connections to Context and Adjustment

Difficulties with self-regulation are implicated in the development of emotional and behavioral problems during adolescence. Although children’s ability to regulate their behaviors continues to improve throughout childhood and adolescence, it remains unclear how contextual risk factors might influence this development during the transition to adolescence, or how variation in the development of self-regulation predicts adjustment. Using a community sample of 214 8–12 year-olds (T1 M = 9.5, SD = 1.01), we examined growth trajectories of effortful control and impulsivity over three years and tested predictors and outcomes of these trajectories. Although predictors of initial levels of self-regulation were largely equivalent for both effortful control and impulsivity, contextual risk factors were related to variations in the development of impulsivity but not effortful control. However, increases in effortful control, but not impulsivity, were associated with level and rate of change in adjustment problems and positive adjustment, suggesting that different dimensions of self-regulation have different antecedents and outcomes in pre-adolescence and adolescence.
A recursive algorithm for the finite-element method in scattering theory

Abstract A simple recursive form of the finite-elemental method is presented for scattering problems. Two alternative recursions are given for linear quadratic interpolation functions. Comparisons of the finite-element method are made to the logarithmic-derivative method for the case of ArKr scattering.
Nitrate influx and efflux by intact wheat seedlings: Effects of prior nitrate nutrition.

Wheat (Triticum vulgare L., cv. Blueboy) seedlings, grown with 0.25, 1.0 and 15 mM nitrate in complete nutrient solutions, were transferred 10 days after germination to 1.0 mM K15NO3 (∼99 A% 15N) plus 0.1 mM CaSO4 at pH 6.0. The solutions were replaced periodically over a 6-h period (5 mW cm-2; 23°). Changes in the [15N]- and [14N]nitrate in the solution were determined by nitrate reductase and mass-spectrometric procedures and potassium by flame photometry. Influx of [15N]nitrate was depressed in plants grown at 1.0 mM nitrate relative to those grown at 0.25 mM, but there was no appreciably difference in [14N]nitrate efflux. Prior growth at 15 mM further restricted [15N]nitrate influx which, together with a substantial increase in [14N]nitrate efflux, resulted in no net nitrate uptake during the course of the experiment. Efflux of [14N]nitrate occurred to solutions containing no nitrate but it was significantly enhanced upon exposure to [15N]nitrate in the external solution. Influx of [15N]nitrate was more restricted at 5°, relative to 23°, than was [14N]nitrate efflux. The nitrate concentrations of the root tissue immediately before exposure to the K15NO3 solutions did not give a precise indication of the subsequent [15N]nitrate influx rates nor of the [14N]nitrate efflux rates. Net K+ uptake was related to the magnitude of the net nitrate uptake, not to the initial K+ concentration in the roots. The data are interpreted as indicating that [15N]nitrate influx and [14N]nitrate efflux are largely independent processes, subject to different controls, and that net nitrate uptake provides the driving force for net potassium uptake.
Efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended‐release in continent patients with overactive bladder and nocturia

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release (ER) in continent patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia. PATIENTS AND METHODS A post hoc analysis was conducted of data from a 12-week, double-blind study of 850 patients randomized to tolterodine ER (4 mg once daily) or placebo, taken within 4 h of going to bed. Patients with a mean of ≥ 8 voids/24 h were enrolled, including a mean of ≥ 2.5 voids/night. Patients completed 7-day voiding diaries, and for each void an urgency rating was assessed using a 5-point scale (1, none; 5, urgency incontinence); 24-h voids were categorized by urgency rating: total (1–5), non-OAB (1–2), OAB (3–4), and severe OAB (4–5) voids. All adverse events were recorded. RESULTS The post hoc analysis included 513 patients (243 placebo; 270 tolterodine ER; 58% men) who were continent at baseline; 47% of 24-h voids were classed as non-OAB, and 12% as severe OAB. After 12 weeks of treatment, tolterodine ER significantly reduced mean urgency rating and 24-h OAB, severe OAB, and total voids vs placebo. Tolterodine ER did not affect normal, non-OAB voids, and there were no significant adverse events related to voiding. Other than dry mouth (tolterodine ER, 9% vs placebo, 2%), all the adverse events were reported in <3% of patients; <2% of patients receiving tolterodine ER withdrew because of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS In continent patients with OAB, tolterodine ER significantly improved urgency rating and reduced 24-h OAB, severe OAB, and total voids, suggesting that it is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for this subpopulation. More studies are needed to better understand the clinical efficacy of tolterodine ER in this under evaluated group of OAB patients without incontinence.
Structural Stability of Giant Polyoxomolybdate Molecules as Probed by EXAFS

Recent progress in synthesis of "giant" polyoxomolybdate (POM) molecules that have a structure of hollow spheres or wheels and size of several nanometers in diameter has emphasized the need in their accurate structural investigation. Our temperature-dependent EXAFS studies demonstrated that the first generation POM molecules containing 132 Mo atoms, undergo irreversible structural transformations at ca. 500 K, while the recently synthesized second generation POM at ca. 400 K. The number of different structural units in these molecules can be accurately obtained from EXAFS analysis and compared with model structure calculations. In our method of analysis, we use theoretical calculations of pair radial distribution functions from the model structures as initial approximations to analyze the structures of these molecules. Our analysis allowed us to identify the new POM structure as a giant sphere, similar to the {Mo132} structure but containing 522 Mo atoms. Our results also demonstrate that the structural rigidity of different building blocks of these molecules can be quantitatively probed by EXAFS.
The regeneration of a limb muscle in the axolotl from minced fragments.

In over 50 cases the pubo-ischio-tibialis muscle in mature axolotls was removed, minced and the minced fragments replaced into the site from which the muscle was removed. In 13 control animals the same muscle was removed but nothing was replaced. Regenerates were studied at post-operational intervals of up to 150 days. Both grossly and histologically the regeneration of muscles from minced fragments in the axolotl follows a course very similar to that observed in frogs and rats. There is an initial period of destruction of the sarcoplasm of the minced muscle fragments. This is characterized by intense phagocytic activity. Following this, a population of myoblasts is established and the differentiation of mature muscle fibers ensues. The regeneration of muscles from minced fragments is compared with the formation of muscles in regenerating limbs. Following mincing, new muscle fibers develop rapidly and without the mediation of a blastema. Following limb amputation, a blastema is established before any differentiation of muscle occurs in the regenerate. This occurs more slowly than the differentiation of muscle fibers following mincing. The implications of these differences are discussed.
In vitro expression of the beta subunit of human complement component C8

Human C8 is one of five components of the cytolytic C5b-9 complex of complement. It is an oligomeric protein composed of three subunits (alpha, beta, gamma) encoded in separate genes. These are arranged as a disulfide-linked alpha-gamma dimer and a noncovalently associated beta chain. Biosynthesis studies and analyses of humans with hereditary C8 deficiencies suggest that C8 alpha-gamma synthesis and secretion can occur independently of C8 beta, but that serum levels of C8 beta are dependent on C8 alpha-gamma. One aim of the present study was to determine if functional human C8 beta could be synthesized in the absence of C8 alpha-gamma. Human C8 beta expression constructs were prepared and used to produce recombinant C8 beta (rC8 beta) in insect and COS-7 cells. Both cell types secreted rC8 beta that was similar in size to human C8 beta and exhibited similar ability to associate with human C8 alpha-gamma and form functional C8. A mutant form of C8 beta in which N-glycosylation sites were eliminated was also expressed and found to be functionally similar to rC8 beta and human C8 beta. These results indicate that C8 alpha-gamma is not required for intracellular processing and secretion of C8 beta. Furthermore, N-linked carbohydrate on C8 beta is not necessary for association with C8 alpha-gamma or for C8 activity.
Markov Chain Monte Carlo Segregation and Linkage Analysis for Oligogenic Models

A new method for segregation and linkage analysis, with pedigree data, is described. Reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo methods are used to implement a sampling scheme in which the Markov chain can jump between parameter subspaces corresponding to models with different numbers of quantitative-trait loci (QTL's). Joint estimation of QTL number, position, and effects is possible, avoiding the problems that can arise from misspecification of the number of QTL's in a linkage analysis. The method is illustrated by use of a data set simulated for the 9th Genetic Analysis Workshop; this data set had several oligogenic traits, generated by use of a 1,497-member pedigree. The mixing characteristics of the method appear to be good, and the method correctly recovers the simulated model from the test data set. The approach appears to have great potential both for robust linkage analysis and for the answering of more general questions regarding the genetic control of complex traits.
Health education: Structural vs. behavioral perspectives

Abstract A study of alternative definitions and interpretations of health education in public policy resulted in the identification of a typology of differing perspectives. The two perspectives, behavioral and structural, are described in this paper, along with the three levels of health education programs. The study found: (1) an over-emphasis of public health education policies on individual behavioral changes and (2) a lack of focus in health education programs at the federal level. An analysis was done of the National Consumer Health Information and Health Promotion Act of 1976 to demonstrate these findings. The paper concludes that a balance between the two perspectives is needed, and it offers policy direction to support its conclusion.
Evaluation and Vacuum Stability Tests of Silicon Radiation Detectors

Tests have been carried out on a group of commercially available silicon radiation detectors of both diffused junction and surface barrier types. Measurements were made of reverse current and RMS noise level as a function of applied bias voltage in air and vacuum, alpha particle pulse height and energy resolution, and thickness of the sensitive surface dead layer. Long term stability was evaluated for samples in air and in vacuum by periodic measurements of reverse current, RMS noise voltage, and the pulse height and energy resolution for 5.8 Mev alpha particles. The samples in the vacuum tests were maintained at rated bias voltage and a pressure of approximately 10-6 Torr continuously for a period of six months. Only minor changes were observed in the performance characteristics of the devices. This work was sponsored by the Aeronautical Research Laboratory of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Office of Aerospace Research, United States Air Force.
Mn3(OAc)6·CH3CN: a porous dehydrated manganese(II) acetate

The crystal structure of a new form of dehydrated manganese(II) acetate, poly[[hexa-mu(3)-acetato-trimanganese(II)] acetonitrile solvate], {[Mn(3)(CH(3)COO)(6)].CH(3)CN}(n), (I), reveals a three-dimensional polymeric structure based on an {Mn(3)} trimer. The {Mn(3)} asymmetric unit contains three crystallographically independent Mn positions, comprising a seven-coordinate center sharing a mirror plane with a six-coordinate center, and another six-coordinate atom located on an inversion center. Two of the four crystallographically independent acetate (OAc) ligands, as well as the acetonitrile solvent molecule, are also located on the mirror plane. The Mn atoms are connected by a mixture of Mn-O-Mn and Mn-OCO-Mn bridging modes, giving rise to face- and corner-sharing interactions between manganese polyhedra within the trimers, and edge- and corner-sharing connections between the trimers. The network contains substantial pores which are tightly filled by crystallographically located acetonitrile molecules. This structure represents the first porous structurally characterized phase of anhydrous manganese(II) acetate and as such it is compared with the closely related densely packed anhydrous manganese(II) acetate phase, solvent-free beta-Mn(OAc)(2).
An electron microscope study of differentiation of the molting muscles of Rhodnius prolixus

The abdominal intersegmental molting muscles of Rhodnius prolixus undergo a repeated differentiation and dedifferentiation correlated with the molting cycle of the insect. In the dedifferentiated phase, the muscle fibers lack myofibrils but contain a few bundles of 50–60A filaments associated with amorphous dense plaques on the sarcolemma. Differentiation of the muscle fibers begins when a starved Rhodnius nymph takes a blood meal. The first morphological signs of differentiation at ten hours after feeding are a dispersal of ribosomes from the nuclear envelopes and a formation of polysomes in the sarcoplasm. The initial myofilaments appear within 10 to 15 hours after the blood meal and are preferentially deposited in the cortices of the muscle fibers in association with the 50–60A filament bundles and the dense plaques on the sarcolemma. Striated myofibrils are present after five days of differentiation. Developmental continuity between Z-band segments and sarcolemmal dense plaques is suggested. The formation of cross-bridges between thick and thin myofilaments appears to be the primary mechanism of myofibril organization. Disruption of microtubules with colchicine does not significantly alter myofilament deposition and organization during early stages of differentiation. Dyads, consisting of smooth sarcoplasmic reticulum and invaginations of the sarcolemma, are present in the dedifferentiated muscle fiber, and increase in number as differentiation proceeds.
Stroke Alert Program Improves Recognition and Evaluation Time of In-Hospital Ischemic Stroke

An inpatient stroke alert program is effective in decreasing evaluation time for in-hospital strokes, although response times remain significantly longer than those in the emergency department. It is capable of increasing the percentage of ischemic strokes identified by the hospital's stroke team, at the cost of an increased percentage of false alarms.
Implications of the Cattell-Horn-Carroll Theory on Ethnic Differences in IQ:

The Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory of intelligence and the Spearman-Jensen hypothesis were applied to help interpret mean IQ differences among ethnic groups. The Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory classifies cognitive abilities on three strata, which differ by magnitude of generality including specific, broad, and general abilities. The Spearman-Jensen hypothesis advances the belief that mean IQ differences between African Americans and Euro-Americans occur as a function of the test's g loadings. Although IQ differences between African Americans and Euro-Americans occur, the differences should be larger on tests with higher g loadings and smaller on tests with lower g loadings. The analysis described in this paper may serve as the catalyst to encourage all intelligence test publishers to supply test users with data regarding mean IQ differences among various ethnic groups.
A kinetic model for phosphofructokinase based on the paradoxical action of effectors

Abstract Effectors of muscle phosphofructokinase show opposing action on the activity of the enzyme depending upon the concentration of phosphoryl donor employed in the assay. Established inhibitors, such as citrate, activate at low ATP or ITP concentrations while known activators, such as AMP, ADP, and cyclic AMP inhibit at low ATP or ITP concentrations. Inorganic phosphate, on the other hand, activates at all substrate concentrations. The paradoxical effects at low substrate concentrations are dependent upon the order of addition of reaction components. A model is proposed to explain these and other regulatory phenomena of phosphofructokinase.
Crack-tip dislocation emission arrangements for equilibrium —I. In situ TEM observations of Fe2wt%Si

Abstract In situ TEM experiments of crack tips under deformation have been evaluated in detail for an Fe 2wt%Si polycrystalline sample under mode I loading. Number of dislocations emitted at increasing crack length and crack-tip opening displacement are recorded along with apparent dislocation free zones. Dislocation estimates from both slip-line densities and actual counts were utilized to determine values in reasonable agreement with observed crack-tip opening displacements. From this, it was possible to associate an applied mode I stress intensity, KI, from which equilibrium could be calculated. At stress intensities near 2, 4 and 8 MPa √m, the number of dislocations needed for shielding are in agreement with several analytical and numerical models. At the highest KI, this may be fortuitous as two {312} slip systems are calculated due to crack-tip, grain boundary interactions. Computer simulations of the dislocation configurations observed here and analytical solutions of the grain boundary interaction are discussed in detail in Part II of this three part series.
MEASUREMENT OF ULTRASONIC NONLINEAR PARAMETER IN EXCISED FAT TISSUES

Abstract This paper reports sound speed cO, adiabatic acoustic nonlinear parameter B/A, and isothermal nonlinear parameter (B/A) of 33 samples of excised human and animal fats and some simple mixtures, e.g., skim milk and powdered milk. Tissues were obtained from different parts of the body and the measurements were made in the temperature range of 20°C to 37°C. All the fats were highly nonlinear. Although there was a considerable overlap in the values of acoustic nonlinearity of different body fats, in general their values followed the order: mesenteric fat > subcutaneous fat > omentum fat > breast fat. Temperature coefficients of c0 and B/A, and the difference between adiabatic and isothermal nonlinearity, correlated highly with water/fat content of tissues. A reciprocal relationship between B/A and c0, similar to that proposed for liquids, was observed for soft tissues but not for solutions of powdered milk in skim milk. No significant correlation was observed between acoustic measurements and the age of human subjects from which fat tissues were obtained.
Abdominal Pain, Constipation, and Tenesmus in an Adolescent Female: Consider Chlamydia Proctitis

Abstract Background Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection and proctitis, once thought to be exclusive to the population of men who have sex with men, is being detected with increased frequency among heterosexual females. Case A 16-year-old female presented with 5 months of chronic, episodic abdominal pain of increasing severity with associated mucoid stools, constipation, encopresis, and a 15-25 lb weight loss. A thorough social history revealed high risk sexual behavior and sexual assault 6 months prior to presentation. Laboratory and diagnostic testing were positive for CT infection of the rectal mucosa. Summary and Conclusion Clinicians should be increasingly aware of the potential for rectal infection and disease associated with chlamydia among women. Sexually active females presenting with rectal pain and complaints should be screened for CT infection of the rectum.
Management of Patients Who Have Undergone Head and Neck Cancer Therapy

Patients who undergo treatment for head and neck cancers often suffer from acute or late reactions to therapy. Severity of these oral complications may be based on the location and extent of tumor, as well as the type and extent of treatment. Some complications are transient, whereas others require a lifetime of management secondary to damage that results in permanent dysfunction. Patients who have a history of head and neck cancers are also at an increased risk for recurrences or second malignancies, and therefore require close follow-up. Dental professionals should provide preventive and supportive care, including education and symptom management, for patients experiencing oral complications related to cancer therapy, and should closely monitor patients' level of distress, ability to cope, and treatment response.
Determining the role of the S4-S5 Linker in hERG eag Domain Regulation of Channel Gating

Human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channels exhibit unique kinetic properties, including unusually slow deactivation kinetics, which help to specialize them for their role in the heart. Previously, we demonstrated that an N-terminal eag domain is essential in regulating channel deactivation kinetics. The mechanism by which the eag domain regulates gating remains unclear. Recent evidence suggests the intracellular loop between the S4 and S5 transmembrane domains (S4-S5 linker) may be important in regulating both activation and deactivation, and that modulation of gating by the eag domain may act via the S4-S5 linker. Here we sought to investigate the role of the S4-S5 linker using site-directed mutagenesis and a combination of electrophysiology and Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). We found that channels with alanine mutations in the S4-S5 linker exhibited altered gating. All the S4-S5 mutant channels caused an acceleration of deactivation kinetics, except for S543A which had significantly slowed deactivation. Co-expressing an eag domain gene fragment (N-eag) with S4-S5 mutant channels which additionally lacked a native eag domain (Δeag) failed to restore slow deactivation kinetics to the mutant channels. FRET analysis revealed that eag domains tagged with a CFP were in close proximity to each of the S4-S5 mutant channels tagged with a Citrine. Replacement of the entire S4-S5 linker with alanines (hERG[S4-S5]Ala) produced channels with altered gating, including fast deactivation and a far left-shifted steady-state activation curve. Co-expression of hERG Δeag[S4-S5]Ala channels with N-eag did not alter channel gating; however, FRET analysis revealed that N-eag was in close proximity to the mutant channels. Together, these findings suggest that an intact S4-S5 linker is necessary to transduce eag domain-dependent regulation of gating, but it is not required for the eag domain to bind to the channel.
Comparative water use of native and invasive plants at multiple scales: a global meta‐analysis

Ecohydrology and invasive ecology have become increasingly important in the context of global climate change. This study presents the first in-depth analysis of the water use of invasive and native plants of the same growth form at multiple scales: leaf, plant, and ecosystem. We reanalyzed data for several hundred native and invasive species from over 40 published studies worldwide to glean global trends and to highlight how patterns vary depending on both scale and climate. We analyzed all pairwise combinations of co-occurring native and invasive species for higher comparative resolution of the likelihood of an invasive species using more water than a native species and tested for significance using bootstrap methods. At each scale, we found several-fold differences in water use between specific paired invasive and native species. At the leaf scale, we found a strong tendency for invasive species to have greater stomatal conductance than native species. At the plant scale, however, natives and invasives were equally likely to have the higher sap flow rates. Available data were much fewer for the ecosystem scale; nevertheless, we found that invasive-dominated ecosystems were more likely to have higher sap flow rates per unit ground area than native-dominated ecosystems. Ecosystem-scale evapotranspiration, on the other hand, was equally likely to be greater for systems dominated by invasive and native species of the same growth form. The inherent disconnects in the determination of water use when changing scales from leaf to plant to ecosystem reveal hypotheses for future studies and a critical need for more ecosystem-scale water use measurements in invasive- vs. native-dominated systems. The differences in water use of native and invasive species also depended strongly on climate, with the greater water use of invasives enhanced in hotter, wetter climates at the coarser scales.
New Light on Another Spiegel Affair

Tanis provides some insight into a lost work by Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen, "Spiegel die Niet Vleyt," "a ghost long known as Frelinghuysen's 'Spiegel'."
Personal responsibility-for-consequences: An integration and extension of the “forced compliance” literature

Counterattitudinal role playing resulted in attitude change only when subjects believed (1) their actions would have high consequences for which they (2) felt personally responsible, and (3) they received low financial inducement. Subjects were enticed to write anonymous essays strongly arguing against a university housing policy. Employing a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, subjects were led to believe that (1) their essays would have either High or Low Consequences and (2) they had either High or Low Personal Responsibility regarding their essay writing, and (3) they were paid either a High ($2.50) or Low (50c) Financial Inducement to write their essays. As predicted, subjects in the High Consequences, High Responsibility, Low Inducement condition showed more attitude change than did subjects in other cells (p < .001); and this attitude change persisted for a period of at least 14 days. These results provide the basis for reconciling the confusion in the forced compliance literature, and have application to a broad variety of theoretical and practical problems.
Interactive level-set tools for photo editing

This sketch presents a suite of interactive image-editing tools based on properties of and manipulation of image level sets. This suite includes level-set smoothing, level-set constrained sharpening, and level-set "nudging" (image distortion).
A robust and fast skew detection algorithm for generic documents

Abstract A robust and fast skew detection algorithm based on hierarchical Hough transform is proposed. It is capable of detecting the skew angle for various document images, including technical articles, postal labels, handwritten text, forms, drawings and bar codes. The algorithm is robust even when black margins introduced by photocopying are present in the image and when the document is scanned at a low resolution of 50 dpi. The algorithm consists of two steps. In the first step we quickly extract the centroids of connected components using a graph data structure. Then, a hierarchical Hough transform (at two different angular resolutions) is applied to the selected centroids. The skew angle corresponds to the location of the highest peak in the Hough space. The performance of the algorithm is shown on a number of document images collected from various application domains. The algorithm is not very sensitive to algorithmic parameters. For an A4 size document image scanned at 50 dpi (typically 413 × 575 pixels), our algorithm is able to detect the skew angle with an accuracy of 0.1° in 0.4s of CPU time on a SunSparc 20 workstation.
Towards automated bioimage analysis: from features to semantics

Recent advances in bio-molecular imaging have afforded biologists a more thorough understanding of cellular functions in complex tissue structures. For example, high resolution fluorescence images of the retina reveal details about tissue restructuring during detachment experiments. Time sequence imagery of microtubules provides insight into subcellular dynamics in response to cancer treatment drugs. However, technological progress is accompanied by a rapid proliferation of image data. Traditional analysis methods, namely manual measurements and qualitative assessments, become time consuming and are often nonreproducible. Computer vision tools can efficiently analyze these vast amounts of data with promising results. This paper provides an overview of several challenges faced in bioimage processing and our recent progress in addressing these issues.
Theories of General War

The phenomenon of general or hegemonic war has long been viewed as a distinctive kind of conflict, and one that has played a unique Robert Gilpin states: role in world history.
Performance of the First Generation of HID Headlamps in the U.S.

AbstractThis analytical study compared the median beam pattern of a sample of 19 HID low beams manufactured for model year 2000 vehicles sold in the U.S., with a market-weighted median beam pattern of tungsten-halogen lamps for vehicles of the same model year. The results indicate that the HID lamps tended to provide wider beam patterns than did the tungsten-halogen lamps, which, in turn, should improve the visibility of pedestrians on curves and may make the lane-maintenance task less demanding. On right curves, there was an increase in potential glare towards oncoming drivers, while on left curves there was a decrease in glare potential. On straight roads, the HID lamps produced more illumination for pedestrians and road delineation on the left side of the road. This was also the case for the right side of the road, but only for the projector HID lamps; the nonprojector HID lamps produced less illumination at the relevant locations than did the tungsten-halogen lamps. Finally, on straight roads HID lamp...
Building Better Causal Theories: A Fuzzy Set Approach to Typologies in Organization Research

Typologies are an important way of organizing the complex cause-effect relationships that are key building blocks of the strategy and organization literatures. Here, I develop a novel theoretical perspective on causal core and periphery, which is based on how elements of a configuration are connected to outcomes. Using data on hightechnology firms, I empirically investigate configurations based on the Miles and Snow typology using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). My findings show how the theoretical perspective developed here allows for a detailed analysis of causal core, periphery, and asymmetry, shifting the focus to midrange theories of causal processes.
Removal of high-molecular-weight solutes during high-efficiency and high-flux haemodialysis

Background Although urea clearance is often increased during high-efficiency and high-flux haemodialysis to compensate for short treatment times, the impact of these treatment modalities on the removal of larger uraemic toxins has not been thoroughly investigated. Methods We compared solute removal rates for five haemodialysis treatment strategies in vitro using neutral dextrans (molecular radii between 15 and 50 A) as marker macromolecules. Removal rates were assessed by the decrease in dextran concentration within the reservoir of a model circuit using outdated human plasma as the test solution. Results for high-efficiency haemodialysis (CA110 dialyser at a blood flow rate of 400 ml/min and TAF175 dialyser at a blood flow rate of 300 ml/min) and high-flux haemodialysis (CT190G dialyser at a blood flow rate of 300 ml/min and F60 dialyser at a blood flow rate of 300 ml/min) were compared with those for conventional haemodialysis (CA110 dialyser at a blood flow rate of 200 ml/min). Results Dextran clearances were dependent on the dialyser employed, and they decreased with molecular size and time for each treatment strategy. Removal rates were greatest using the CT190G and F60 dialysers, intermediate for the TAF175 dialyser, and lowest for the CA110 dialyser at either blood flow rate. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that increasing blood flow rates alone to increase urea clearance may not provide adequate removal of high-molecular-weight solutes. The use of high-flux or large surface area, high-efficiency dialysers are more effective in maintaining the removal of high-molecular-weight solutes when treatment time is shortened.
Solutions and Challenges to Curing Global Health Inequality (Innovations Case Discussion: The Institute for OneWorld Health)

over the past half century. Today, U.S.-based private firms spend over $40 billion a year on R&D, 10 times the inflation-adjusted levels in 1970. These investments have produced an unprecedented flow of drugs and biologics that save lives and improve the quality of life for millions of people. But this growth in investments and R&D output masks one industry constant: the unwavering propensity of forprofit pharmaceutical firms to neglect the tropical diseases of the developing world. Between 1975 and 1997, over 1,200 drugs were licensed worldwide, but only 13 were developed to treat a topical disease, and only four were developed by private pharmaceutical firms to treat a human form of a tropical disease. The lack of investment in infectious disease drugs stands in stark contrast to the disproportionate burden that infectious and parasitic diseases place on the health of people around the world. Infectious and parasitic diseases primarily affect people in impoverished nations, where they account for one-third of the total disease burden. In wealthy nations they account for less than three percent. It is therefore unfortunate for individuals afflicted by a tropical disease that pharmaceutical innovation is exclusively a for-profit enterprise. For-profit firms operate under a business model in which R&D investments follow consumers’ willingness to pay, not their willingness to live. Thus firms have little incentive to incur the costs of developing a tropical disease drug whose private returns are sure to be low. On occasion, early in the drug development process, firms may even stumble upon drugs with the potential to treat a tropical disease. But if they see no profitable application, they abandon its development. Investors—even those who are otherwise altruistic citizens out-
Does Turnout Decline Matter? Electoral Turnout and Partisan Choice in the 1997 Canadian Federal Election

The recent decline in electoral turnout in Canada has attracted the concern of scholars and public officials, but the partisan consequences of this decline have received only scant attention. We begin to address that question with a simulation based on the 1997 Canadian Election Study. Based on estimated probabilities of individual behaviour derived from multinomial logit models of voter choice, we find that higher turnout would have likely hurt the Liberal party in Quebec, but slightly helped the Liberals outside of Quebec. We interpret this pattern as evidence that generational politics plays a role in shaping the relationship between electoral turnout and partisan support.
Endoreplication and polyploidy: insights into development and disease

Polyploid cells have genomes that contain multiples of the typical diploid chromosome number and are found in many different organisms. Studies in a variety of animal and plant developmental systems have revealed evolutionarily conserved mechanisms that control the generation of polyploidy and have recently begun to provide clues to its physiological function. These studies demonstrate that cellular polyploidy plays important roles during normal development and also contributes to human disease, particularly cancer.
Resistance to globalization: Language and Internet diffusion patterns in Uzbekistan

This paper discusses how the Internet can facilitate cultural expression that resists the homogenizing effects of globalization. It examines how local cultures adapt their linguistic behavior and language choices to the Internet and express themselves in culturally meaningful ways without being subsumed by a global agenda. The research reported in this paper is based on a survey administered in Uzbekistan, a post-Soviet, multilingual society that is experiencing the pressures of global culture as well as Russian culture. Literature about language, nationalism, and Internet use in multilingual societies is presented, and the linguistic setting of Uzbekistan is described. The results of the survey relevant to Internet use, online language choices, and perceptions of language on the Web are reported here.
Evidence of Oxidative Injury of the Spinal Cord in 2 Horses With Equine Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy

The cervical spinal cords of 2 horses with equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) were evaluated for evidence of oxidative damage to the central nervous system (CNS) using immunohistochemical staining for 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and 4-hydroxynonenol (4-HNE). Neurons of the CNS from horses with EDM had positive immunohistochemical staining, whereas control samples did not, thus supporting the theory that oxidative damage is a potential underlying factor in horses with EDM. In addition, serum vitamin E concentration was low in both EDM-affected horses, and vitamin E concentration was also deficient in the cerebrospinal fluid in 1 EDM horse, further supporting the association between low vitamin E concentrations and oxidative damage to the CNS. Continued research is necessary to further define the pathophysiologic mechanisms of EDM.
Design of a microstrip-fed tap monopole antenna with an ultra wide bandwidth

A planar micro strip-fed tab monopole antenna is designed and presented for ultra wideband (UWB) wireless communications applications. The impedance bandwidth of the antenna is improved by adding slit in one side of the monopole, introducing a tapered transition between the monopole and the feed line, and adding two-step staircase notch in the ground plane. The proposed antenna has a small size of 16 x 19 mm, and provides an ultra wide bandwidth from 2.8 to 28 GHz with low VSWR level and good radiation characteristics to satisfy the requirements of the current and future wireless communications systems.
Planning 4-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) cannot adequately represent daily intrafractional motion of abdominal tumors.

Purpose To evaluate whether planning 4-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) can adequately represent daily motion of abdominal tumors in regularly fractionated and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) patients. Methods and Materials Intrafractional tumor motion of 10 patients with abdominal tumors (4 pancreas-fractionated and 6 liver-stereotactic patients) with implanted fiducials was measured based on daily orthogonal fluoroscopic movies over 38 treatment fractions. The needed internal margin for at least 90% of tumor coverage was calculated based on a 95th and fifth percentile of daily 3-dimensional tumor motion. The planning internal margin was generated by fusing 4DCT motion from all phase bins. The disagreement between needed and planning internal margin was analyzed fraction by fraction in 3 motion axes (superior-inferior [SI], anterior-posterior [AP], and left-right [LR]). The 4DCT margin was considered as an overestimation/underestimation of daily motion when disagreement exceeded at least 3 mm in the SI axis and/or 1.2 mm in the AP and LR axes (4DCT image resolution). The underlying reasons for this disagreement were evaluated based on interfractional and intrafractional breathing variation. Results The 4DCT overestimated daily 3-dimensional motion in 39% of the fractions in 7 of 10 patients and underestimated it in 53% of the fractions in 8 of 10 patients. Median underestimation was 3.9 mm, 3.0 mm, and 1.7 mm in the SI axis, AP axis, and LR axis, respectively. The 4DCT was found to capture irregular deep breaths in 3 of 10 patients, with 4DCT motion larger than mean daily amplitude by 18 to 21 mm. The breathing pattern varied from breath to breath and day to day. The intrafractional variation of amplitude was significantly larger than intrafractional variation (2.7 mm vs 1.3 mm) in the primary motion axis (ie, SI axis). The SBRT patients showed significantly larger intrafractional amplitude variation than fractionated patients (3.0 mm vs 2.1 mm, P Conclusions It may not be appropriate to use 4DCT without monitoring of patient motion on a regular basis for patients with abdominal tumors, especially SBRT patients.
Analysis of Backward Congestion Notification (BCN) for Ethernet In Datacenter Applications

IEEE 802.1 standards committee is working on a new specification for congestion notification in Ethernet networks. The goal of this work is to enable application of Ethernet in backend datacenter applications. Such applications typically use fiber channel and infiniband due to their loss-free characteristics. A backward congestion notification (BCN) scheme is one of the candidate schemes proposed to avoid long delays and minimize loss in Ethernet networks. This paper presents an analysis of this scheme. We develop an analytical model to analyze the stability and the rate of convergence of the scheme. It is shown that BCN achieves proportional fairness and not max-min fairness under certain circumstances. Simulation results are presented that validate the analytical results.
Status Threat and Group Dogmatism

Experimentally composed 5-member groups completed an initial problemsolving exercise. In the status-threat condition, members then received negative evaluative feedback regarding their group performance. In the control condition, members received relatively favorable feedback. Groups then discussed and reached consensual judgments on a set of Dogmatism Scale items. As hypothesized, the groups subjected to status threat adopted significantly more dogmatic beliefs than groups in the control condition. In addition, it was found that group dogmatism scores were consistently lower than the average individual pretreatment dogmatism scores within the group, suggesting that the groups tended to be more flexible than their component members.
Evaluation of Optimization Methods for Network Bottleneck Diagnosis

We consider the problem of localizing network performance bottlenecks and evaluate how various optimization techniques developed for reconstructing link delays perform on this decision problem. We provide some practical suggestions on which approach to use in different scenarios.
Analysis of the error surface of the adaptive stochastic filter

A filter structure, called a stochastic filter, that consists of a parallel bank of three fixed second-order filters each multiplied by a probability is developed. The fixed filters are chosen such that the stochastic filter will always have roots inside the unit circle. By varying the probabilities with time, an adaptive stochastic filter (ASF) is implemented. While the single stage ASF has a quadratic error surface, the error surface of cascaded stages of this structure is not quadratic. A theoretical analysis of the cascaded structure's error surface in the constrained region of operation is presented. >