cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrashort Laser Pulse Propagation in Water

Abstract : The major objectives of this proposal are twofold. The first objective is to perform both an experimental and theoretical study of the factors affecting the propagation distance behavior of ultrashort (femtosecond) laser pulses in water. This study will be conducted in the so-called linear regime which involves laser intensities that are below the threshold where nonlinear effects set in. A fundamental problem, which will be resolved by this research, is whether or not the temporal width and spacing of short pulses affects its absorption spectrum. If one simply knows the spectral composition of the input pulse and the absorption spectrum of the water, is this sufficient to predict the temporal evolution of the pulse? If such is not the case, then we will have to consider the way the system responds to pulse widths and pulse spacing which are short compared to vibrational relaxation times in water. The second phase of the research will be to explore the nonlinear regime where dramatic changes to the temporal, spatial, and spectral properties of the medium occur. The primary processes being self-focusing and self-phase modulation due to the Kerr effect (also called the quadratic electro-optic effect which was discovered by John Kerr in 1875). Self-focusing can lead to an enormous increase in the peak intensity where long filaments can occur and in some cases lead to supercontinuum generation or "white light" generation first discovered in 1970.
The nitrogen balance of a young primipara

Abstract A fourteen-year-old human subject stored approximately the same quantity of nitrogen in the last trimester of pregnancy as older individuals do. Although her diet was the same (13.516 gm. nitrogen, or 84.5 gm. protein) for seven three-day metabolism periods, she stored more of the nitrogen in that diet toward the end of pregnancy. Under experimental conditions the nitrogen content of a mixed human diet can be kept constant to within a coefficient of variation of 1.4.
Wavelet Based X-Ray Spatial Analysis: Statistical Issues

We use a wavelet-based algorithm to detect and characterize sources in astronomical X-ray images, which consists of correlating binned data with the Mexican-Hat function (MexHat): $$MH(x,y) = (2 - \frac{{{x^2}}}{{\sigma _x^2}} - \frac{{{y^2}}}{{\sigma _y^2}}){e^{ - \frac{{{x^2}}}{{2\sigma _x^2}} - \frac{{{y^2}}}{{2\sigma _y^2}}}}$$ Use of the algorithm over a grid of scales (σ x ,σ y ) in principle allows us to de tect and characterize sources.
Understanding the role of tumor stem cells in glioblastoma multiforme: a review article

It has been hypothesized that cancer stem cells (CSC) may account for the pathogenesis underlying various tumors, including GBM. Markers of these CSCs can be potentially used as therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss the most recent information regarding CSCs, their molecular biology and their potential role in GBM.
The role of imperfections on magnetic and thermodynamic properties of cerium magnesium nitrate in the low-temperature magnetic phase transition region

We present the measurement of the low-temperature properties of an imperfect crystal of the salt cerium magnesium nitrate and find that imperfections have a profound influence on the low-temperature behavior of the salt; in particular, (1) an anomalously high x′/C is observed at very low temperatures, (2) there is a maximum in x′ which enables one to explore the critical properties of the substance, and (3) there is an indication that relaxation times are decreased by the imperfections.
Thin-layer chromatography of corticosteroids.

The separation of eighteen corticosteroids and pregnane derivatives in submicrogram quantities by thin-layer chromatography is reported. Positional isomers, axial-equatorial hydroxyl epimers, and A/B cis-trans isomers were successfully resolved. Rapid separation of aldosterone, cortisone, and cortisol was achieved. Reversal of some relative mobilities was observed with two solvent systems.
Effects of Dietary Vanadium Exposure on Levels of Regional Brain Neurotransmitters and Their Metabolites

Adult male CD-1 mice were treated with various levels of vanadate in drinking water for 30 days. The levels of catecholamine and indoleamine neurotransmitters and their major metabolites were measured in six different brain regions. Vanadium caused a dose-related decrease in norepinephrine (NE) levels in hypothalamus, the region rich in this biogenic amine. Levels of the NE metabolite, vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), correspondingly decreased in the same region. Although hypothalamic dopamine (DA) also showed a significant decline, vanadium had little effect on DA metabolites. Levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), were not influenced. Levels of DA were not affected in the corpus striatum, where the highest levels of this amine are observed. Effects of vanadium on various biogenic amines and their metabolites were only marginal in other brain regions. Results suggest that vanadium has a selective effect on adrenergic pathways, and effects on other hypothalamic amines appear to be secondary. These observations support the pro-oxidant potential of vanadate ion on catecholamines suggested earlier.
Identity Styles of Male Inmates

A sample of state prison inmates (N = 177) completed a measure of identity style and provided information regarding personal, educational, and criminal history. Discriminant analysis was used to construct profiles that differentiated inmates who favored information-oriented, normative-oriented, and diffuse-oriented identiry styles. Inmates with a diffuse orientation were characterized by early involvement in criminal behavior, greater total number of arrests, lack of education, and greater likelihood of parole violation. Inmates with an information orientation were also relatively young when they first engaged in criminal activity, but they reported half as many total arrests, greater levels of educational attainment, and fewer incidents of parole violation. Normative-oriented inmates were distinguished from the others by their relatively late involvement with drugs and the criminal system.
College social engagement and school identification: Differences by college type and ethnicity

Abstract The importance of school-based social engagement for students' school identification and persistence has been well established among adolescents. No work, however, has examined the extent to which social engagement and school identification differ between students from Latino, Asian, and European-American backgrounds enrolled in community versus four-year colleges. With a sample of 373 college students, those enrolled in community colleges reported less college social engagement than those enrolled in four-year institutions. Additionally, although there were no differences in school identification in 12th grade, the school identification of community-college students decreased compared to their reports in high school, whereas that of four-year college students increased, such that identification differed according to college type. Controlling for school type, Latino and Asian students also reported lower levels of social engagement and identification than European–American students. Differences in identification according to school type and ethnicity were mediated by social engagement.
More Colorful than Ever

In nature, color can be imparted to a feature either by a pigment or a structure that selectively reflects a part of the visible spectrum. The latter is called structural color, and it may be brighter than a pigment. Structural color is often used by animals for signaling, mimicry, and/or mate choice. In plants, mainly fruits, structural color is probably used for mimicry. Silvia Vignolini, Paula Rudall, Alice Rowland, Alison Reed, Edwidge Moyroud, Robert Faden, Jeremy Baumberg, Beverley Glover, and Ullrich Steiner described the anatomical arrangement within the outer layers (epicarp) of a blue fruit found in equatorial Africa that results in a blue color more intense than that of any previously described biological material! Although this fruit (Figure 1) has no nutritional value, by imitating the appearance of a fresh nutritious fruit, it avoids the energy cost of producing pulp yet can be dispersed by birds. And not only can it imitate a food source, it is probably also dispersed by birds who use it to decorate their nests in order to attract mates.
A uniqueness theorem for holomorphic curves sharing hypersurfaces

In this article, we prove a uniqueness result for two algebraically non-degenerate holomorphic maps into a projective space sharing the same hypersurfaces.
Expectations Training for Miners Using Self-Contained Self-Rescuers in Escapes from Underground Coal Mines

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health researchers conducted a study to investigate the human response issues related to wearing a self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR). The goal was to develop training to educate miners on what they could expect from their units during an escape. Subjects included miners who had experience wearing SCSRs, manufacturers, and researchers. Results identified nine key areas of concern: (1) starting the unit, (2) unit heat, (3) induction of coughing, (4) unit taste, (5) difficulty in breathing while wearing the unit, (6) quality of the air supplied, (7) nose clips, (8) goggles, and (9) the behavior of the breathing bag. In addition, researchers reviewed the literature on human response under duress. This article describes the expectations training program, which comprises the findings of the SCSR study and what is known about the normal human response in an emergency. The authors present background on SCSRs and the SCSR switchover procedure mandated in the recent f...
Advance Directive Preferences Among Subpopulations of Asian Nursing Home Residents in the Pacific Northwest

OBJECTIVE: To study advance directives (code status) among subgroups of Asian nursing home residents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: A total of 423 residents of Asian descent (aged >55) from two ethnic nursing homes in Seattle, Washington. METHODS: Chart review was conducted on 423 residents (199 discharged between 1995 and 1998 and 244 current residents) to ascertain code status, age, gender, ethnicity, comorbidity (using the Charlson Index), and religion. RESULTS: Seventy percent of the residents were women, median age was 83 ± 9, 43% were Chinese, 40% Japanese, and 17% other Asian (Korean, Filipino, Southeast Asian). The majority of the patients in any subgroup (72% overall) were ‘no code’. In bivariate analysis, ethnicity, increased age, and comorbidity were correlated with no code status. In multivariable logistic regression, Japanese residents were more likely to be no code (OR 4.1 (95% CI, 3.1- 5.4)) controlling for age, comorbidity, gender, and religion. Chinese were more likely to be full code (OR 3.3 (95% CI, 2.6–4.2)). CONCLUSIONS: Code status differs significantly among Asian subgroups in these ethnic nursing homes. Whereas the majority of residents are no code, Japanese residents are more likely than Chinese or others to be no code. Higher age and comorbidity are also correlated with no code status. J Am Geriatr Soc 48: 554–557, 2000.
Limnological Conditions Associated with Summer Mortality of Striped Bass in Keystone Reservoir, Oklahoma

Abstract Summer mortality of adult striped bass Morone saxatilis in reservoirs has been hypothesized to be associated with a temperature-oxygen squeeze, i.e., the temperature of the oxygenated surface water becomes too high and the dissolved oxygen concentration in deep, cool areas becomes too low for striped bass. We evaluated this hypothesis by monitoring mortality, water quality, and the habitats occupied by striped bass in a reservoir where summer mortality of this species is common. During summer, striped bass were restricted to a thin (1–2-m) layer of the stratified water column consisting of the coolest waters available at which dissolved oxygen concentrations exceeded 2 mg/L. Fish seemed to stop feeding when minimum temperatures in this layer reached about 27°C. No mortality occurred during summer 1986, when temperatures in the oxygenated layer reached a maximum of 28.0°C and remained above 27°C for about 1 month. Mortality did occur in 1987, when temperatures peaked at 29.3°C and remained above 2...
Wear characteristics of large aspect ratio silicon microbearing systems

Abstract This paper addresses the wear characteristics of large aspect ratio (length-to-diameter) silicon microbearing systems using an enhanced experimental test rig. The test system is comprised of a rigid rotor which has been manually assembled onto a fixed hub to form the microbearing. CMOS-based lithographic and etching processes, including deep-reactive ion etching, are employed in the construction of the rotor and hub with length to diameter ratio of approximately 0.5 and radial clearance values in the range from 3.5 to 9.2 μm. The rotor is pneumatically driven by nitrogen gas at a constant supply pressure delivered through a rectangular microchannel. A new methodology for measuring wear was developed by digitizing optical microscope images of the rotor system, and the rotor load was calculated from CFD models of the entire rotor-hub system. It was found that the tested silicon microbearings have a wear coefficient (based on the well-known Archard relation) which falls within a relatively narrow band bounded by previously published values for polysilicon materials tested at the macroscale and microscale. The wear coefficient is also observed to be relatively unchanged during the wear process which is more characteristic of macroscale wear processes.
A method for identifying global loop basis functions for surface integral equations

A new method is proposed that is aimed to identify all global loop basis functions (GLBFs) for surfaces with at least one genus. The method relies on non-contractible circles on the geometry, based on which all GLBFs are obtained. The method has a low computational complexity of O(g 2 E), where g is the number of genera, and E is the number of edges. It is especially efficient for a surface with a small number of genera.
Systemic lupus erythematosus cardiomyopathy—a case series demonstrating a reversible form of left ventricular dysfunction.

Objective Myocarditis is reported to be a common postmortem finding of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, most case reports on SLE cardiomyopathy (CM) have not found evidence of myocarditis upon biopsy. Our aim was to characterize the nature, course, and reversibility of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with SLE. Methods The records of 526 SLE patients were reviewed. Patients were included if: (1) at least 4 of 11 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE were met, (2) testing for erythrocyte sedimentation rate and hs-CRP were performed during hospitalization, and (3) echocardiogram demonstrated left ventricular ejection function (LVEF) <50%. Results We identified 14 patients meeting study criteria. Mean LVEF was 33.1 ± 9% upon presentation. The main echocardiographic pattern observed was generalized hypokinesis. Twelve patients demonstrated reversal of cardiomyopathy within 1 week, showing a mean improvement in LVEF of 21.0 ± 7%. Of these, 2 patients underwent coronary angiography demonstrating no evidence of obstructive coronary disease, and 1 underwent cardiac biopsy with no evidence of myocarditis. Four patients (29%) demonstrated improvement within 3 days. Two of the 14 patients died due to their underlying medical illness and did not have a repeat echocardiogram. Conclusion The pattern of wall-motion abnormalities and reversibility demonstrated in the majority of these patients with SLE suggests an etiology more consistent with stress cardiomyopathy rather than myocarditis.
Calorimetry of nanoparticles, surfaces, interfaces, thin films, and multilayers

Abstract Calorimetry gives insight into the stability of nanophase materials. Using TiO 2 as an example, the interplay of energetics of polymorphism, surface energy, and surface hydration is discussed. Oxide melt solution calorimetry, water adsorption calorimetry, and adiabatic heat capacity studies together show the following. The metastability of bulk polymorphs increases in the order rutile, brookite, anatase, while the surface energy increases in the opposite order. This leads to crossovers in phase stability at the nanoscale, which appears to be a general phenomenon. Hydration plays a major role in stabilizing nanoparticles and the first layers of water are tightly bound. There is little excess heat capacity and no significant excess vibrational entropy in nanophase rutile or anatase. Further applications of calorimetry to thin films, interfaces, multilayers, and sub-milligram samples are presented.
Strontium-90 in Man

The world-wide average strontium-90 content of man was about 0.12 micromicrocurie per gram of calcium (1/10,000 of the maximum permissible concentration) in the fall of 1955. A few values as high as 10 times the average have been obtained. This value is in accord with the predicted value based on fallout measurements and fractionation through the soilplant-milk-human chain. With the present burden of strontium-90, this average level should rise to 1 to 2 micromicrocuries of strontium-90 per gram of calcium by 1970.
Transitional morphology in West Deuteronilus Mensae, Mars: Implications for modification of the lowland/upland boundary

The present examination of the west Deuteronilus Mensae region of Mars notes the changes in fretted terrain across the gradational boundary from uplands to lowlands to include a reduction of canyon wall slopes and depths, so that the fretted terrain north of the gradational boundary appears matted, but not obscured. The two process-classes that may account for the lateral overlap are the erosion of stratified upland terrain, and the deposition of plains materials onto the sloping upland margin and fretted terrain. A variety of plains-emplacement mechanisms is considered.
Specific heat of superconducting lead-indium alloys

Abstract Specific heat measurements have been made in the normal and superconducting states of the f.c.c. lead-indium alloy system. When corrected for mass renormalization due to the electron-phonon coupling, the normal state electronic specific heat coefficient shows semi-quantitative agreement with the rigid band model for these alloys. k 1 has also been obtained and shows significant deviations from theoretical predictions.
Interaction of central and peripheral benzodiazepine sites in benzodiazepine tolerance and discontinuation

1. Chronic administration of benzodiazepines is associated with the development of tolerance and discontinuation effects in humans and in a mouse model. 2. Co-administration of compounds active at the "peripheral" benzodiazepine site may alter chronic benzodiazepine effects. 3. During chronic lorazepam administration, addition of the peripheral site antagonist PK11195 attenuates behavioral tolerance and receptor downregulation. 4. In mice treated with both lorazepam and PK11195, discontinuation effects were also attenuated compared to lorazepam alone. 5. Specificity of the action of PK11195 was confirmed by antagonism of its action by the peripheral-site agonist Ro5-4864.
Discrimination of water from shadow regions on SAR imagery

ABSTRACT Unlike MSS LANDSAT imagery and other photography, the specific characteristics of the intensity of water andshadow in an SAlt image make the task of discriminating them extremely difficult. In this paper, we present a sceneanalysis system for automatically identifying the water regions and shadow regions whose differences appear as subtledifferences in tone and texture. In the preprocessing, a region dependent Multi-threshold Adaptive Filter (MTAF) is proposed for texture preserving noise removal. In the low-level labeling, a probabilistic relaxation algorithm with dynamic adaptive compatibility coefficients is provided to extract the initial object regions. In the high-levelinterpretation, a relational graph model based on the knowledge of water and shadow regions on SAR imagery isconstructed. Then, spatial reasoning is carried out according to this relational model. The contextual informationfrom different processing modules, either at the pixel level or region level, is consistently combined to reduce thelabeling ambiguities. The experiments shown that more than 85% of shadow regions and water regions on a set offour SAR images can be identified correctly by this system.
Effects of maternal selenium supply and plane of nutrition during gestation on passive transfer of immunity and health in neonatal lambs.

To investigate the influence of mater- nal Se supply and plane of nutrition on lamb morbidity, mortality, and passive transfer of IgG, pregnant ewe lambs were used in 2 experiments with 2 × 3 factorial treatment arrangements. Supplementation of Se began at breeding and was either adequate Se (ASe, 9.5 μg/ kg of BW) or high Se (HSe, 81.8 μg/kg of BW) in Exp. 1 or ASe (11.5 μ g/kg of BW) or HSe (77.0 μ g/kg of BW) in Exp. 2. On d 50 or 40 of gestation for Exp. 1 or 2, respectively, ewes were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 nutritional planes: 60% (RES), 100% (control, CON), or 140% (HI) of NRC requirements. This resulted in the following treatments: ASe-RES, ASe-CON, ASe- HI, HSe-RES, HSe-CON, and HSe-HI. Upon parturi- tion, lambs were separated from their dams and serum samples obtained. Lambs were fed artificial colostrum for the first 20 h and then placed on milk replacer and grain pellets until completion of the study (Exp. 1, 57 d; Exp. 2, 21 d). Twenty-four hours after parturition, lamb serum samples were collected for IgG analysis. All lambs were reared similarly and morbidity and mortal- ity assessed. Main effects were considered significant when P ≤ 0.05. In Exp. 1, there was a Se × plane of nutrition interaction (P ≤ 0.01) for lamb morbidity from birth to weaning and for 24-h IgG concentration. Lambs from ASe-RES and HSe-HI ewes were treated more frequently (P < 0.01) for respiratory and gastro- intestinal disease, and lambs from HSe-HI ewes had the smallest (P < 0.01) 24-h serum IgG concentration. In Exp. 1, lambs from HI ewes also had the greatest (P < 0.01) mortality rates from birth to weaning compared with lambs from CON and RES ewes. In Exp. 2, there was an effect (P < 0.01) of maternal plane of nutrition with lambs from RES ewes having increased 24-h IgG compared with lambs from CON and HI ewes. There was no effect of maternal Se supplementation on lamb 24-h IgG in Exp. 2; however, there was a Se × plane of nutrition interaction (P < 0.01) for morbidity. From birth to 21 d of age, lambs from ASe-CON ewes had fewer (P < 0.01) treatment days compared with lambs from any of the other treatment groups. There also tended (P = 0.08) to be an effect of maternal Se supple- mentation on lamb mortality with increased mortality observed in lambs from HSe ewes. Results from the studies show a restricted maternal plane of nutrition can increase lamb serum IgG concentration. Selenium results were not consistent between the 2 experiments and may be due to differences in maternal Se.
Vision and change in the biology community: snapshots of change.

Six years after the initial Vision and Change conversations, it is important to try to determine the extent of dissemination and implementation of the initiative. There is good evidence of use by some segments of the biology community; however, there is less use of Vision and Change principles or even acknowledgment of its existence within other segments.
Conversion of homozygous lymphoid cells to produce IgM antibodies and IgG immunoglobulins of allelic light-chain allotype by injection of rabbits with RNA extracts

Abstract Ribonucleic acid extracts (RNA) obtained from lymph nodes of immunized rabbits (5 days after a single iv injection of 4–8 × 10 8 sheep red blood cells (SRBC)), homozygous for the b 4 or b 5 allele of light-chain immunoglobulin allotypes, were injected intravenously into nonimmunized rabbits homozygous for the alternate allele. Eighteen to 20 hr, 3 days or 5 days after the RNA injection, the lymphoid tissues (spleen, mesenteric, and popliteal lymph nodes) were assayed for “direct” IgM plaque-forming cells (PFC). The b 4 or b 5 light-chain allotype of the antibody in the “direct” plaques was identified by radioautography and by inhibition of plaque formation using antiallotype antibodies. Approximately 24–33% of the plaqueforming cells in the lymphoid tissues yielded plaques with IgM antibody possessing the allotype of the RNA donor. The allotype of the RNA donor was also found in the IgG immunoglobulin of lymphoid cell lysates as well as in the IgG isolated from the serum. These results are similar to those reported previously for rabbits assayed 18–20 hr after the RNA injection (1) and suggest that the injected RNA has either an informational role or modifies regulatory genes in host lymphoid cells.
The Current and Future Needs of Our Medical Systems

As another publishing year come to a close at the Journal of Medical Systems, it is clear that as a scientific community, the need for a more detailed understanding of the impact of medical systems has never been greater. Technologies that were emerging just a short time ago including radio frequency identification (RFID), wireless body area networks (WBAN), and telecare medicine information systems (TMIS) are now ubiquitous. Additionally, closed-loop controller systems have gained regulatory approval in many settings. As the complexity of these medical systems grow, so to do the challenges of ensuring we have secure, efficient, and reliable systems that integrate into our clinical workflows.
Images in International Relations: An Experimental Test of Cognitive Schemata

We build on the tradition of studying images in international relations by developing a theory of perceived relationships and their associated images. The psychological theory is connected to a set of assumptions drawn from international relations theory that suggest perceived strategic relationships can be conceived of as a function of perceived relative power, perceived culture, and the perceived threat or perceived opportunity that a subject believes another actor represents. We hypothesize that perceived relationships evoke both cognitive and affective processes that lead to at least four ideal typical images. We further hypothesize that enemy, ally, colony, and degenerate images have identifiable and interrelated components. We test to see if the component parts of these images are related to each other, if the overall image affects the processing and interpretation of new information, and if strategic foreign policy choices follow from the cognitive and affective aspects of the image. The findings indicate that three of the four images are unified schemata, used even by inexperienced analysts. We find further that affect in combination with cognition does predict policy choice in the case of the enemy image. We suggest that image theory is a promising means by which foreign policy and international relations may be fruitfully studied.
Misplaced marketing: New mutual funds: misplaced marketing through consumer misdirection

Uncovers some of the misplaced marketing techniques of investment companies. Suggests that because the most valuable marketing tool for a new mutual fund is a strong performance record many companies provide “illusions” of certain returns. Asserts that new funds are launched directly to the public with preferential treatment at the expense of other funds within the family or by providing a period of “incubation” for the fund. However, the consumer is often misdirected as the funds often revert to average returns after a couple of years. Believes that government intervention is required in this marketplace.
CAPITAL MARKET EXCESSES AND COMPETITIVE STRENGTH: THE CASE OF THE HARD DISK DRIVE INDUSTRY 1984–2000

In a much-cited 1985 study of the U.S. hard disk drive industry entitled “Capital Market Myopia,” William Sahlman and Howard Stevenson concluded that “excesses in the capital markets turned an opportunity into a disaster” for investors in the emerging industry. Sahlman and Stevenson fretted about what their findings implied not only for investors but also for the industrial competitiveness of the U.S.A. With the benefit of hindsight, the research presented in this article shows how the hard disk drive industry has evolved in the past 15 years to the point where disk drives are a vital part of the information technology revolution that has transformed the way we live, work, and play. The authors' research examines the financial performance of both hard disk drive manufacturers and storage system manufacturers completely dependent on hard disk drives; looks at improvements in the technical performance of hard drives; and then compares the competitiveness of U.S. companies with foreign manufacturers. After the venture capital/IPO bubble of the early 1980s gave way to the traditional discipline of U.S. financial markets, many weak companies were driven out of business and others were forced to consolidate. Only a handful of the startup firms survived. But these U.S companies, together with IBM, now dominate the global hard drive market. Moreover, there are striking parallels between the 1982–84 hard drive bubble and the recent experience of U.S. Internet firms. Although the first half of 2000 saw a large number of closings, forced sales, and IPO cancellations by American dot-coms, a number of the likely “survivors”—notably, Yahoo, eBay, and Amazon.com—now seem poised to dominate their global markets.
The dominance of high-spin two-particle one-hole transitions in (p,π−) reactions

Abstract Measurements of broad-range momentum spectra for (p, π − ) reactions near threshold on a number of target nuclei with 13⩽A⩽92 have revealed a striking and systematic selectivity for one or a few low-lying states In the residual nuclei. We propose that the dominant transitions lead to high-spin stretched (or nearly stretched) two-particle one-hole states (with respect to the target-nucleus ground-state configurations), as favored by a two-nucleon pion production mechanism. Experiments which might confirm this explanation and possible future applications of the (p, π − ) selectivity are discussed.
Bayesian modelling of mortality catastrophes

Abstract When a mortality catastrophe is at its beginning data is scarce and estimates of its consequences are likely to be unreliable. When performing financial calculations (e.g., reserve setting) it is necessary to account for variability due to both estimation error and the random insured event itself. In this paper a Bayesian approach and an example using AIDS data will be presented.
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma to prostate

Clinically apparent renal cell carcinoma that has metastasized to the prostate is a rare finding. When identified, it has been associated with widespread metastatic disease and short-term survival. We present a case of metachronous renal cell carcinoma found only in the prostate with the longest reported interval of 9 years between radical nephrectomy and clinically apparent disease.
Mice in mirrored mazes and the mind

Abstract The computational theory of cognition (CTC) holds that the mind is akin to computer software. This article aims to show that CTC is incorrect because it is not able to distinguish the ability to solve a maze from the ability to solve its mirror image. CTC cannot do so because it only individuates brain states up to isomorphism. It is shown that a finer individuation that would distinguish left‐handed from right‐handed abilities is not compatible with CTC. The view is explored that CTC correctly individuates in an autonomous domain of the mental, leaving discrimination between left and right to some non‐cognitive component of psychology such as physiology. I object by showing that the individuation provided by CTC does not properly describe in any domain. An embodied computational taxonomy, rather than software alone, is required for an adequate science of the mind.
Comparing Photodamage Induced by Confocal Microscopy and Light Sheet Fluorescence Imaging of Zebrafish Skeletal Development

Understanding the formation of multicellular structures during embryogenesis requires high quality three dimensional microscopy over long periods of time, a task for which confocal fluorescence microscopy has become the standard technique. Extended viewing of developing structures in vivo, however, exposes the organism to prolonged illumination that runs the risk of being detrimental to the processes being studied. Furthermore, the effects of phototoxicity may not be apparent over the course of an experiment, as they may become significant well before any photobleaching of the sample is observed. Selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM), or “¯light sheet” microscopy, has been developed as an imaging platform that can address the issues of phototoxicity, acquisition rate, and photon efficiency present in confocal methods of imaging. While it is known that SPIM requires orders of magnitude less light intensity than confocal techniques for similar imaging conditions, it has not been previously demonstrated that this difference is relevant to maintaining normal biological function. Using the development of the opercle, a cranio-facial structure in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio), we have tested the effects of long term imaging using a commercial spinning disk confocal microscope as compared to our own self-built SPIM instrument. Examining a range of exposure times and scan durations of several hours, we find that confocal imaging can generate significantly abnormal growth of bone forming cells (sp7:eGFP transgenic), especially if high signal to noise is desired. In contrast, we find normal opercle development with SPIM throughout the entire examined range of conditions.
Papel actual de la terapia combinada en los Síntomas del Tracto Urinario Inferior (STUI) masculino

Resumen es: El tratamiento de los sintomas tracto urinario inferior (STUI) secundarios a hiperplasia benigna de la prostata (HBP) ha evolucionado desde el tratamient...
Resolution in nonlinear laser scanning microscopy

Summary The lateral and depth resolution of nonlinear microscopy was studied systematically. Nonlinear microscopy can be classified into several categories depending on the coherence properties of the process that generates the imaging signal from the illuminating light, on whether a single- or a two-beam geometry is used, and whether the optical setup is Type I or Type II. An evaluation of the imaging equations shows that (i) lateral and depth resolution improve with increasing nonlinearity, (ii) the differences between coherent and incoherent imaging diminish, and (iii) nonlinear imaging allows depth discrimination in Type I microscopy.
The role of strategic threats in refugee resettlement: The Indochinese crisis of 1978-79

The Indochinese refugee crisis of 1978-79 is modeled as a prisoners' dilemma, with Thailand choosing whether to permit first asylum and the United States choosing whether to allow resettlement. A threat power analysis from the theory of moves helps to explain: (1) the threats by Thailand and other countries in the region to deny first asylum, and (2) the decision by the United States to (eventually) accept over 750,000 refugees for resettlement. The threats by Thailand shocked and outraged the international community, but the threat power analysis suggests that they were instrumental in escaping the prisoners' dilemma.
Mechanical properties of polytypoidally joined Si3N4-Al2O3

Crack-free joining of alumina and silicon nitride has been achieved by a unique approach introducing sialon polytypoids as a Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) bonding layer. The polytypoid compositions are identified in the phase diagram of the Si3N4-Al2O3system. The thermal stresses of this FGM junction were analyzed using a finite element analysis program (FEAP) taking into account both coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and modulus variations. From this analysis, the result showed a dramatic decrease in radial, axial and hoop stresses as the FGM changes from three layers to 20 graded layers. Scaling was considered, showing that the graded transition layer should constitute about 75% or more of the total sample thickness to reach a minimal residual stress. Oriented Vickers indentation testing was used to qualitatively characterize the strengths of the joint and the various interfaces. The indentation cracks were minimally or not deflected at the sialon layers, implying strong interfaces. Finally, flexural testing was conducted at room temperature and at high temperature. The average strength at room temperature was found to be 581 MPa and the average strength at high temperature (1200 degrees C) was found to be 262 MPa. Scanning electron microscope observation of fracture surfaces at a different loading rates indicated that the strength loss at higher temperatures was consistent with a softening of glassy materials present at grain junctions.
Rapid cooling contracture with cold cardioplegia

Background. Cold cardioplegia can induce rapid cooling contracture. The relations of cardioplegia-induced cooling contracture to myocardial temperature or myocyte calcium are unknown. Methods. Twelve crystalloid-perfused isovolumic rat hearts received three 2-minute cardioplegic infusions (1 mmol/L calcium) at 4°, 20°, and 37°C in random order, each followed by 10 minutes of beating at 37°C. Finally, warm induction of arrest by a 1-minute cardioplegic infusion at 37°C was followed by a 1-minute infusion at 4°C. Indo-1 was used to measure the intracellular Ca 2+ concentration in 6 of these hearts. Additional hearts received hypoxic, glucose-free cardioplegia at 4° or 37°C. Results. After 1 minute of cardioplegia at 4°, 20°, and 37°C, left ventricular developed pressure rose rapidly to 54% ± 3%, 43% ± 3%, and 18% ± 1% of its prearrest value, whereas the intracellular Ca 2+ concentration reached 166% ± 23%, 94% ± 4%, and 37% ± 10% of its prearrest transient. Coronary flow was 5.7 ± 0.2, 8.7 ± 0.3, and 12.6 ± 0.6 mL/min, respectively. Warm cardioplegia induction at 37°C reduced left ventricular developed pressure and [Ca 2+ ] i during subsequent 4°C cardioplegia by 16% ( p = 0.001) and 34% ( p = 0.03), respectively. Adenosine triphosphate and phosphocreatine contents were lower after 4°C than after 37°C hypoxic, glucose-free cardioplegia. Conclusions. Rapid cooling during cardioplegia increases left ventricular pressure, [Ca 2+ ] i , and coronary resistance, and is energy consuming. The absence of rapid cooling contracture may be a benefit of warm heart operations and warm induction of cardioplegic arrest.
2,4,6-Tri(2′-chloro-1′,1′-dimethylethyl)-s-trioxane: Synthesis, Spectroscopy and Crystal Structure

Oxidation of 3-chloro-2,2-dimethyl-1-propanol with pyridinium chlorochromate affords 3-chloro-2,2-dimethylpropanal which can spontaneously trimerize to the s-trioxane. Colorless crystals of 2,4,6-tri(2′-chloro-1′,1′-dimethylethyl)-s-trioxane are triclinic, space group P-1 with a = 9.0296(5) A b = 9.9123(5) A, c = 12.8615(6) A, α = 112.385(5)°, β = 90.930(4)°, γ = 113.574(5)°, V = 956.10(8) A3 and Z = 2. Ring substituents are disposed equatorially, and the molecular conformation adopted in the crystal has substituent methyl groups aligned axially in a direction opposite to the ring H’s. The compound is further characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopies. In light, 3-chloro-2,2-dimethylpropanal forms a cyclic trimer .
Detention home teens as tutors: A cooperative cross-age tutoring pilot project

abstract Concerned professionals in the juvenile justice field frequently express concern for effective programs that help youth offenders successfully rejoin society. This mixed-method pilot study involved detention home teens functioning as tutors for special education students in a public school. Tutors were selected who, based on previous assessment as well as administration input, showed evidence of learning difficulties and antisocial behaviors. The treatment phase lasted for approximately 3 months, with one-on-one tutoring increasing from twice a week to daily sessions. Although initially the tutors had to be supervised by an adult, eventually they demonstrated an improvement in responsibility and were allowed to come and go on their own. The tutors experienced gains in self-esteem and overall school and social attitude.
Laparoscopic Management of Primary Hyperaldosteronism: Clinical Experience with 212 Cases

ABSTRACTPurpose: Laparoscopy is now widely used to remove benign adrenal tumors. We assessed the value of transperitoneal partial or total adrenalectomy for primary hyperaldosteronism.Materials and Methods: From September 1994 to October 2001, 212 consecutive patients with a mean age of 48 years who presented with primary hyperaldosteronism and related arterial hypertension underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (193) or tumor enucleation (20) performed by a single surgeon, including 1 who underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. In all cases preoperatively high plasma and urine aldosterone was associated with low plasma renin and hypokalemia.Results: Mean followup was 44 months. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 30 patients (14%) due to bleeding or adhesion and a procedure duration of greater than 3 hours. Mean operative time was 102 minutes (range 30 to 260). Six patients (2.8%) required blood transfusion. No deaths occurred. Postoperatively complications were observed in 10% of patien...
Sarcoidosis presenting as spiculated breast masses.

A 67-year-old woman sought medical treatment of cardiomyopathy, which had been diagnosed 2 years earlier; the causative factor was sarcoidosis. A screening mammogram revealed multiple spiculated masses in both breasts. A review of previous films obtained elsewhere showed that these masses had been increasing in prominence during the past 3 years. The patient had no visible axillary nodal abnormalities. Sarcoidosis was considered a diagnostic possibility, and a large-core needle biopsy was done with stereotactic guidance. The histological diagnosis was nonnecrotizing granulomatous inflammation, consistent with sarcoidosis.
Lateral hypothalamus and reflex discharges over ventral roots of rat spinal nerves

Abstract Experiments were performed to determine whether the lateral hypothalamic area which influences the locomotor activity of rats has any effect on the reflex electrical discharges over the ventral roots of spinal nerves. Reflex discharges were recorded from third lumbar ventral roots following stimulation of the corresponding dorsal roots in control rats and in rats with hypothalamic lesions. The amplitude and area of the ventral root discharges in rats with lesions were significantly decreased from the control level. Central delay also was slightly increased in rats with hypothalamic damage. On the other hand, electrical stimulation of this lateral hypothalamic area caused an increase in the ventral root discharges and a decrease in central delay. These data support the hypothesis that the lateral hypothalamus affects spontaneous locomotor activity by altering the excitability of spinal motoneurons.
Phase Behavior for Liquid Crystal Mixtures Having Low-Frequency Dielectic Relaxation

Abstract Phase behavior and dielectric properties are reported for nematic liquid crystal mixtures having a dielectric anisotropy Δe which changes sign at low frequencies. Mixtures of two materials-component A, a pure material with a sign-reversing Δe. component B, a negative anisotropy material-show composition-dependent phase behavior. For low concentrations of A, a glassy nematic is found at low temperatures. For high concentrations of A, melting ofexcess component A is observed, characteristic of a quasi-eutectic-forming system. The temperature dependence of the dielectric relaxation yields an activation energy of 0.89±0.04 eV for molecular reorientation.
Dissection of QTLs for Yield Traits on the Short Arm of Rice Chromosome 6

Abstract This study was undertaken to dissect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling yield traits on the short arm of rice chromosome 6. A residual heterozygous line that carries a heterozygous segment extending from RM587 to RM19784 on the short arm of rice chromosome 6 was selected from an F 7 population of the indica rice cross Zhenshan 97B/Milyang 46. An F 2:3 population consisting of 221 lines was derived and grown in two trial sites. Six yield traits including number of panicles per plant, number of filled grains per panicle, total number of spikelets per panicle, spikelet fertility, 1 000-grain weight, and grain yield per plant were measured. An SSR marker linkage map was constructed and employed to determine QTLs for yield traits with Windows QTL Cartographer 2.5. QTLs were detected in the target interval for all the traits analyzed except NP, with phenotypic variance explained by a single QTL ranging between 6.3% and 35.2%. Most of the QTLs for yield components acted as additive QTLs, while the three QTLs for grain yield had dominance degrees of 1.65, 0.84, and −0.42, respectively. It was indicated that three or more QTLs for yield traits were located in the target region. The genetic action mode, the direction of the QTL effect, and the magnitude of the QTL effect varied among different QTLs for a given trait, and among QTLs for different traits that were located in the same interval.
A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Adult-Child Proxemics in Relation to the Plowman-Protector Complex A Preliminary Study1

Cross-cultural analyses have documented linkages between sub sistence economy, socialization pressure, and personality type. Here I extend the sequence to include proxemic behaviors between adults and children. Proxemic data were gathered from eleven cultures; prox emic relationships between men and children varied predictably with variations in other societal components. As the reliance upon the male's superior strength in handling large animals increased and as the ethnic heterogeneity of a community increased, the less equal was his asso ciation patterns toward boys and girls. When the reliance of a com munity upon plowmen or herders was low and the community was ethnically homogeneous, the men associated with children with greater egalitarianism. The woman-child dyad was relatively independent both of the community's reliance upon plowmen and of the level of ethnic homogeneity. However, the woman-child dyad was more likely to as sociate with another woman (rather than with a man) when the re liance up...
Anal electrical stimulation with long pulses increases anal sphincter pressure in conscious dogs.

This study was designed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of anal electric stimulation with long pulses on anal sphincter pressure in conscious dogs. The study was performed after enema in nine healthy female hound dogs and composed of four randomized sessions (“dose”-response, anal electric stimulation only, or with atropine or phentolamine). The anal sphincter pressure was measured by using manometry and quantified by using the area under the contractile curve (mmHg/sec). Anal electric stimulation was performed via a pair of ring electrodes attached to a manometric catheter. The stimulation parameters in all but dose-response sessions included a frequency of 20 ppm, pulse width of 200 ms, and amplitude of 3 mA. The anal sphincter pressure was 55.7 ± 6 at baseline and increased by 37 percent to 76.4 ± 6.5 during electric stimulation (P = 0.009). The increase of anal pressure during stimulation was positively correlated with the stimulation energy (r = 0.395; P < 0.01). The excitatory effect of electric stimulation was sustained for at least 20 minutes. Atropine did not alter anal pressure and did not abolish the excitatory effect of anal electric stimulation on the sphincter. Phentolamine reduced anal pressure from the baseline value of 50.5 ± 4.7 to 33.1 ± 5.4 (P = 0.019). The electric stimulation induced increase in anal pressure was dropped from 19 ± 2.6 to 9.9 ± 2.8 (P = 0.029) at the presence of phentolamine. Anal electric stimulation with long pulses increases anal sphincter pressure in an energy-dependent manner. The α-adrenergic but not the cholinergic pathway at least partially mediates the excitatory effect of anal electric stimulation.