cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prey Detection and Feeding Success of the Comb Jellyfish Mnemiopsis leidyi on Copepods in still and turbulent waters

The comb jelly or ctenophore, Mnemiopsis leidyi, is a voracious predator in both its native and non-native habitats. Though M. leidyi inhabits coastal waters that are frequently turbulent, previous feeding studies have been conducted in still water tanks. This study aimed to research feeding behaviors in turbulent waters, which is more representative of the natural environment. Interactions between the free-swimming ctenophores and copepod prey, such as Acartia tonsa, were observed and recorded in a laboratory turbulence tank (n = 73). Turbulence was created using submersible speakers, and the interactions were recorded using a video camera. Capture efficiency denoted interactions containing direct contact between copepods and M. leidyi that led to eventual capture, frequently after multiple contacts. Overall copepod capture efficiency was similar in still (48%) and turbulent (43%) water, as were the overall prey retention rates for each (still = 58%; turbulent = 57%). However, M. leidyi exhibited anticipatory responses, defined as altering the position of feeding structures, nearly twice as often in still (41%) waters than in turbulent (20%) waters. The hydromechanical “noise” produced by background turbulence may inhibit the capacity of the ctenophore to detect and respond to fluid motions produced by its prey.
Prospective evaluation of a model of risk for HIV infection among injecting drug users

Data on 3016 out-of-treatment injecting drug users (IDUs) were analyzed in order to replicate findings from an earlier study on risk factors for HIV infection (Iguchi et al., 1992) and evaluate a model for estimating probability of infection. Logistic regression analyses yielded a set of risk factors highly consistent with previous findings. A logistic function was used to estimate subjects' probabilities of infection, and these estimates were strongly correlated with actual HIV prevalence in both the original and current samples. The current study represents a successful replication of earlier findings and supports the validity of the risk model.
Classification of the Hopf Galois Structures on Prime Power Radical Extensions

Abstract Let p be an odd prime and n a positive integer and let k be a field of characteristic zero. Let K = k ( w ) with w p n = a ∈ k where a is such that [ K : k ] = p n and let r denote the largest integer between 0 and n such that K ∩ k (ζ p r ) = k (ζ p r ), where ζ p r denotes a primitive p r th root of unity. The extension K / k is separable, but not necessarily normal and, by Greither and Pareigis, is H -Galois with H a K -Hopf algebra form of a group ring kN where K is the normal closure of K / k . H is said to be almost classical if N K / k ). The result is that if r n then there are p r Hopf Galois structures on K / k for which the associated group N is cyclic of order p n . Of these, p min ( r , n − r ) are almost classical and the rest are non-almost classical. When r = n , there are p n − 1 H -Galois structures for which N ≅ C p n of which only one is almost classical. Finally, we show that these are the only structures possible. That is, for this class of extensions, N must be cyclic.
Effectiveness of compensating filters in the presence of tissue inhomogeneities

CT based 3D treatment planning systems (3DTPS) can be used to design compensating filters that, in addition to missing tissue compensation, can account for tissue inhomogeneities. The use of computer-driven systems provides a practical, convenient, and accurate method of fabricating compensating filters. In this work, we have evaluated a commercially available PAR Scientific DIGIMILL milling machine linked with FOCUS 3DTPS. Compensating filters were fabricated using refined gypsum material with no additives. Thus, filters were of manageable dimensions and were not sensitive to common machining errors. Compensating filters were evaluated using a homogeneous step phantom and step phantoms containing various internal inhomogeneities (air, cork, and bone). The accuracy of two planning algorithms used to design filters was experimentally evaluated. The superposition algorithm was found to produce better agreement with measurements than the Clarkson algorithm. Phantom measurements have demonstrated that compensating filters were able to produce a uniform dose distribution along the compensation plane in the presence of tissue inhomogeneity. However, the dose variation was greatly amplified in planes located beyond the inhomogeneity when a single compensated beam was used. The use of parallel-opposed compensated beams eliminated this problem. Both lateral and depth-dose uniformity was achieved throughout the target volume. 2003 American College of Medical Physics.
High Strain Rate Superplasticity in a Friction Stir Processed 7075 Al Alloy

In this paper, the authors report the first results using friction stir processing (FSP). In the last ten years, a new technique of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) has emerged as an exciting solid state joining technique for aluminum alloys. This technique, developed by The Welding Institute (TWI), involves traversing a rotating tool that produces intense plastic deformation through a stirring action. The localized heating is produced by friction between the tool shoulder and the sheet top surface, as well as plastic deformation of the material in contact with the tool. This results in a stirred zone with a very fine grain size in a single pass. Mahoney et al. observed a grain size of 3 {micro}m in a 7075 Al alloy. This process can be easily adopted as a processing technique to obtain fine grain size. FSP of a commercial 7075 Al alloy resulted in significant enhancement of superplastic properties. The optimum superplastic strain rate was 10{sup {minus}2}s{sup {minus}1} at 490 C in the FSP 7075 Al alloy, an improvement of more than an order of magnitude in strain rate. The present results suggest an exciting possibility to use a simple FSP technique to enhance grain size dependent properties.
Thermal and ultraviolet loss of herbicides.

Exposure of free-acid and K+ salts of herbicides picloram, 2, 4, 5-T, and dicamba to 30° C resulted in significant losses of dicamba free-acid and K+ salt and 2, 4, 5-T K+ salt. Exposure to 60° C resulted in significant losses of free-acid and salt 2, 4, 5-T; free-acid and salt dicamba; and free-acid picloram. Long-wave ultraviolet light (356 nm) caused the degradation of free-acid and K+-salt picloram and the K+ salt of 2, 4, 5-T. Ultraviolet degradation of free-acid picloram molecules apparently occurs by a direct interaction of one photon of uv light with each molecule.
Sources of ultracold neutrons

Abstract A number of different techniques have been developed over the years to obtain ultracold neutron beams of sufficient intensity to enable exploitation of the special qualities of these particles in experiments where either the basic properties of the neutron itself are investigated or where they serve as sensitive tools in high-resolution condensed matter research. Ultracold neutron sources available at present (1989) are stronger by 10 4 to 10 7 times than the first installations were 20 years ago. It may be expected that this trend will continue in the foreseeable future. We shall attempt to set up general criteria for estimating the efficiencies or the potential of the various methods of UCN production in their interrelation with the different schemes of primary and cold neutron sources in existence or under discussion at present.
Molecular simulation of gas permeability: poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)

Abstract Self-diffusion and solubility coefficients of four gas molecules (O 2 , N 2 , CH 4 , and CO 2 ) in poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) have been investigated by means of molecular simulation using the COMPASS molecular mechanics force field. Diffusion coefficients were obtained from molecular dynamics (NVT ensemble) using up to 2 ns simulation times. Solubility coefficients were obtained by means of the Widom particle insertion method. Simulation values for O 2 , N 2 , and CH 4 agree reasonably well with published data. Agreement was less satisfactory for CO 2 . Possible explanations for the CO 2 results are discussed on the basis of the partial immobilization model and considerations of simulation time and the size of the simulation box.
The role of understaffing in central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections

Objective:To determine risk factors for central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CVC-BSI) during a protracted outbreak.Design:Case-control and cohort studies of surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients.Setting:A university-affiliated Veterans Affairs medical center.Patients:Case-control study: all patients who developed a CVC-BSI during the outbreak period (January 1992 through September 1993) and randomly selected controls. Cohort study: all SICU patients during the study period (January 1991 through September 1993).Measurements:CVC-BSI or site infection rates, SICU patient clinical data, and average monthly SICU patient-to-nurse ratio.Results:When analyzed by hospital location and site, only CVC-BSI in the SICU had increased significantly in the outbreak period compared to the previous year (January 1991 through December 1991: pre-outbreak period). In SICU patients, CVC-BSI were associated with receipt of total parenteral nutrition [TPN]; odds ratio, 16; 95% confidence inter val, 4 to 73). When we controlled for TPN use, CVC-BSI were associated with increasing severity of illness and days on assisted ventilation. SICU patients in the out-break period had shorter SICU and hospital stays, were younger, and had similar mortality rates, but received more TPN compared with patients in the pre-outbreak period. Furthermore, the patient-to-nurse ratio significantly increased in the outbreak compared with the pre-outbreak period. When we controlled for TPN use, assisted ventilation, and the period of hospitalization, the patient-to-nurse ratio was an independent risk factor for CVC-BSI in SICU patients.Conclusions:Nursing staff reductions below a critical level, during a period of increased TPN use, may have contributed to the increase in CVC-BSI in the SICU by making adequate catheter care difficult. During healthcare reforms and hospital downsizing, the effect of staffing reductions on patient outcome (ie, nosocomial infection) needs to be critically assessed.
ametastudy of journal of employment counseling publication patterns from 1994 through 2009

The authors reviewed article and author patterns for articles published in the Journal of Employment Counseling (JEC) from 1994 through 2009. Author demographic characteristics assessed included sex of lead and all authors, lead author domicile, employment setting of lead and all authors, and individuals and universities contributing most frequently to JEC. Article content was identified and research articles published in JEC were specifically analyzed for trends over time during 4-year periods, including type of research design, quantitative/qualitative approach, intervention/nonintervention focus, random versus nonrandom sampling/assignment, sample size, participant types, and statistical analyses used.
Hemoglobin determination in blood donors

H EMOGLOBIN determination of the prospective blood donor has been routine since the earliest days of modem blood transfusion. Hemoglobin level is the first laboratory test performed on a blood donor. However, the hemoglobin determination, which seems simple, is a complex assay, and the establishment of appropriate hemoglobin standards for blood donation remains controversial. This article reviews the biological variation in human hemoglobin levels, the methods used to determine the hemoglobin level or hematocrit value of prospective blood donors, and the current controversies in the establishment of blood donor hemoglobin standards. Because many observers consider the primary benefit of donor hemoglobin determination to be the avoidance of significant degrees of iron depletion, this review also briefly summarizes the detection, prevention, and significance of iron depletion in blood donors. Finally, this article outlines the factors important in setting blood donor hemoglobin standards and provides editorial comment on current donor standards in the United States and elsewhere,
Terrorism, weapons of mass destruction and deterrence

Weapons of mass destruction emerge as a grim but inevitable topic whenever terrorism is discussed. Yet, the United States has thus far been spared a massive nuclear, chemical or biological attack. The older model of politically motivated, violent, but essentially rational terrorists who used some restraint in propagating their message is now defunct. This paper examines how biological and chemical weapons relate both to the mindset and the modus operandi of Campbell's (1998) notion of "ultra-violent" terrorists, and then discusses how nuclear superiority could provide an important component of deterrence against terrorist attacks with weapons of mass destruction.
Assessing Latina/o Undergraduates’ Depressive Symptomatology: Comparisons of the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, and the Self-Report Depression Scale

The use of depression scales as screening tools at university and college centers is increasing and thus, the question of whether scales are culturally valid for different student groups is increas...
Programming Techniques for Chromatographic Experiments.

Abstract : The use of a multilevel structural programming technique for manipulation of chromatographic experiments and data is described. Examples are developed ranging from experimental control and analytical methods of computation to digital simulation of chromatographic processes.
α-ketoisocaproic acid inhibition of pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate oxidative decarboxylation in rat liver slices

Abstract 1. 1. A metabolic system composed of rat liver slices was found to oxidatively decarboxylate pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate in a linear fashion beyond 60 minutes when incubated at 37° in Krebs phosphate buffer. 2. 2. Both pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate decarboxylation follow steady-state kinetics, exhibiting apparent K M values of 9.9 × 10 −3 and 2.0 × 10 −3 , m , respectively. 3. 3. α-Ketoisocaproic acid is a potent inhibitor of the oxidative decarboxylation of both pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate, yielding apparent K i values, in the liver system, of 1.0 × 10 −3 and 1.5 × 10 −3 , m , respectively. 4. 4. The importance of these observations in conjunction with the etiology of the metabolic disorder, branched-chain ketoaciduria, is discussed.
Pion Electromagnetic Mass Difference for Physical Pions

We compute the on-mass-shell electromagnetic mass difference ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}}$, in a model consistent with chiral-algebra constraints and partial conservation of axial-vector currents, and find it to be logarithmically divergent. Some implications of this result are discussed.
Unsymmetrical Carbonates as Potential Long-Lasting Insect Repellents

The synthesis of unsymmetrical carbonates of 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone with mono- and difunctional insectifugal alcohols is described. The compounds were designed to provide perdurable insect repellency upon topical application.
Healthful Eating and Physical Activity in the Home Environment: Results from Multifamily Focus Groups

Abstract Objective To explore multiple family members’ perceptions of risk and protective factors for healthful eating and physical activity in the home. Design Ten multifamily focus groups were conducted with 26 families. Setting and Participants Community setting with primarily black and white families. Family members (n = 103) were aged 8 to 61 years. Main Outcome Measures Risk and protective factors for healthful eating and physical activity in the home environment. Analysis A grounded hermeneutic approach. Results Ten major themes were identified by family members related to health behaviors in the home environment, including accessibility to healthful foods and activity, time constraints, stage of youth development, individual investment in health behaviors, family investment in health behaviors, family meals and shared activities, parent modeling, making health behaviors fun, making health behaviors part of the family lifestyle, and community investment in family health behaviors. Conclusions and Implications This study identified the importance of the family system and the reciprocal influences within the home environment on health behaviors. In addition, individual and community-level suggestions were identified. Insights from the families provide leads for future research and ideas for the prevention of youth obesity.
Conversation and Conformity Orientations as Predictors of Observed Conflict Tactics in Parent-Adolescent Discussions

This research considers how observed tactics and patterns in parent-adolescent conflict relate to family orientations toward communication. Fifty families (mother, father, and mid-adolescent child) discussed family changes desired by each person. In high versus low conformity families, parents (fathers especially) pressured more, were more confrontational, and were less conciliatory, whereas children were less analytic and more apt to withdraw in response to parental demand. Fathers were especially conciliatory and analytic in families that combined high conversation orientation and low conformity (i.e., the pluralistic family type). The results confirm expected associations between family communication orientations and observed conflict patterns, suggesting that basic orientations to communication affect how families adapt to the communicative challenges of adolescence.
Parasitic and Phoretic Arthropods of the Elephant-Eared and the Santa Cruz Kangaroo Rats

The parasitic and phoretic arthropods of the elephant-eared kangaroo rat (Dipodomys elephantinus) and Santa Cruz kangaroo rat (D. venustus) are reported; most of these represent new host records. Thirteen of 14 (93%) of D. elephantinus and 11 of 12 (92%) of D. venustus had 11 and nine arthropod species, respectively. Larval and nymphal stages of the tick Dermacentor occidentalis were the most prevalent parasite (77%) on D. elephantinus whereas the mesostigmatid mite Androlaelaps fahrenholzi was the most prevalent (56%) on D. venustus. The arthropod fauna of these two closely related rodents were similar with seven of the 14 arthropod species occurring on both host species. Two species of the host specific listrophorid mite of the genus Geomylichus were found on both hosts.
The importance of base curve in the design of minus iseikonic lenses.

Purpose. A widely advocated approach to increasing spectacle magnification in minus lenses is to increase center thickness and reduce vertex distance. Conventionally, a steeper base curve is to be avoided because of the accompanying increased vertex distance in a minus lens and the reduction of spectacle magnification that results. This approach works when small amounts of spectacle magnification are needed. However, when large amounts are needed for high minus lenses with flat base curves, the conventional approach does not provide sufficient magnification. Facial features such as eyelash length limit the contribution of reducing vertex distance, and the flat base curves limit the efficacy of increasing center thickness. Steeper base curves are required to increase the optical “leverage” of increasing center thickness. Methods. Through use of an example, a steeper base curve is shown to increase the spectacle magnification of a high minus lens. The gain in spectacle magnification is preserved by maintaining a nearly constant vertex distance through bevel location. Results. In the example, changing the base curve of a −6.50-D lens by +4.50 D while increasing the center thickness by 4.1 mm resulted in a +4.4% increase in spectacle magnification. The lens bevel was kept as close as possible to the front surface, allowing the increased center thickness to keep the back vertex at essentially a constant vertex distance in the presence of the steeper base curve. Without the steeper base curve, it was not possible to attain the needed spectacle magnification. Conclusions. When large amounts of spectacle magnification are needed for high minus lenses, both steeper base curves and increased center thicknesses are necessary. The reduction in spectacle magnification from increased vertex distance that is expected with steeper base curves can be neutralized by keeping the bevel close to the front surface on the thicker lens.
Transmission distortion of t-haplotypes is due to interactions between meiotic partners

The T/t-complex of the mouse includes a series of recessive lethal and semi-lethal mutations but, despite such lethalities, mutant t-haplotypes are found in high frequency in wild mouse populations. This polymorphism is apparently maintained because heterozygous males preferentially transmit the t-bearing chromosome to their offspring. Despite many attempts to define the basis of the transmission ratio distortion, it has been unclear whether this is because t-bearing sperm have better than average fertilizing ability or whether +-bearing sperm in heterozygous males are rendered defective. To examine this point, we constructed male (XY in equilibrium XY) chimaeras containing +/+ and +/tw73 genotypes, marked respectively by albino and pigmented coat colours, and two isozyme variants. Such males produce a mixture of three different sperm types: +-bearing sperm from the +/+ genotype, +-bearing sperm from the +/t genotype, and t-bearing sperm from the +/t genotype. Appropriate matings can distinguish between these three types, and our data, reported here, show that t-bearing sperm in chimaeric mice maintain their advantage over their 'meiotic partners' but do not have any advantage over sperm from the +/+ genotype.
Cross Layer Resource Allocation Design for Uplink Video OFDMA Wireless Systems

We study an uplink video communication system with multiple users in a centralized wireless cell. The multiple access scheme is Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). Both physical layer channel state information (CSI) and application layer rate distortion (RD) information of video streams are collected by the base station. With the goal of minimizing the average video distortion across all the users in the system, we design an iterative resource allocation algorithm for subcarrier assignment and power allocation. Based on the physical layer resource allocation decision, the user will adapt the application layer video source coding rate. To show the advantage of this cross layer algorithm, numerical results are compared with two baseline resource allocation algorithms using only physical layer information or only application layer information. Bit-level simulation results are presented which take into account the imperfection of the video coding rate control, as well as channel errors.
A Fast Algorithm for Constructing Multi-resolution Representations of Linear Features to Support the Progressive Transmission of Vector Map Data

This paper presents a fast algorithm designed to generate multi-resolution representations of linear features based on bit interleaving and map tries. The proposed algorithm constructs a hierarchical subdivision of vertices of linear features in order to support the progressive transmission of vector map data over the Internet. Its time complexity is O(n), where n is the number of input vertices of the linear features. The performance of this algorithm is compared quantitatively and qualitatively with both the Ramer-Douglas-Peucker algorithm and the simple and fast n-th point algorithm.
Dual Inferior Vena Cava: Two Inferior Vena Cava Filters

The formation of the venous drainage system of the human body is a complex process involving structures forming and regressing in a predefined order. Interruption of any one of these steps results in the formation of a congenital anomaly. Knowledge of these anomalies can prevent us from potential serious and sometimes fatal complications. Variations from the normal anatomy of the inferior vena cava (IVC) occur in 3% of the population. The complex embryology of the IVC stems from three pairs of fetal veins: (1) posterior cardinal veins, (2) subcardinal veins, and (3) supracardinal veins. The cardinal veins constitute the main venous drainage system of the embryo. Although venous anomalies are rare, their knowledge is crucial in diagnosis and treatment. These variations should not be mistaken for pathologic finding, but should be viewed as normal findings of abnormal embryogenesis. We present a case here identifying a dual IVC, subsequently leading us to place two IVC filters.
The Moffittization of Criminology

One of the most important theoretical developments of the last 20 years is Moffitt's (1993) developmental taxonomy, which articulates a three-part typology of individuals. Abstainers are persons who do not engage in antisocial behavior. Adolescence- limited offenders are persons who engage in deviance briefly during their adolescence and life-course-persistent offenders were those who display antisocial conduct across life. In the taxonomy, abstainers and life-course-persistent offenders are pathological in statistical terms and represent about 5% to 10% of a population. Conversely, adolescence-limited offenders are normative in statistical terms and represent the remain- der of a population. The taxonomy can be best understood as a heuristic device to understand highly prosocial individuals, mostly prosocial individuals who dabble in antisocial conduct in various ways, and extremely antisocial individuals who rarely dabble in prosocial conduct. Although the developmental taxonomy has received extensive empirical attention, it is at times taken too literally and held to a pure typological argument that the theory frankly never made (see Moffitt, 2007, on this critique). The basic premise of the taxonomy has been supported by large-scale epidemiological studies (Vaughn, DeLisi, et al., 2011; Vaughn, Fu, et al., 2011), and it is understood that within normative and pathological types of offenders, there is natural variance...
SOAR: Smalltalk without bytecodes

We have implemented Smalltalk-80 on an instruction-level simulator for a RISC microcomputer called SOAR. Measurements suggest that even a conventional computer can provide high performance for Smalltalk-80 by abandoning the 'Smalltalk Virtual Machine' in favor of compiling Smalltalk directly to SOAR machine code, linearizing the activation records on the machine stack, eliminating the object table, and replacing reference counting with a new technique called Generation Scavenging. In order to implement these techniques, we had to find new ways of hashing objects, accessing often-used objects, invoking blocks, referencing activation records, managing activation record stacks, and converting the virtual machine images.
Community Connections in Off-Campus Outreach Services

Summary Integration of outreach information services directly into community health projects provides the opportunity to make a more definitive contribution to the health services and outcomes for community members. This paper describes four community connection projects undertaken in a rural health information outreach program in southwestern Virginia.
Thermal degradation of trimethylolpropane/adipic acid hyperbranched poly(ester)s

Hyperbranched poly(ester)s offer attractive features for applications in a number of areas, particularly as platforms for the support of controlled release actives in the agricultural and biomedical fields. Such materials have been generated from trimethylolpropane and adipic acid, and fully characterized using chromatographic, spectroscopic, and thermal methods. The thermal stability of these polymers has been assessed using thermogravimetry and infrared spectroscopy. The degradation characteristics of these materials have been compared to those of two linear adipic acid polymers. The prominent feature of the thermal degradation of the hyperbranched poly(ester)s is ether formation while that for the comparable linear poly(ester)s is ester pyrolysis resulting in chain scission.
American Anthropology in the Middle Decades: A View from Hollywood

North American anthropology had an earlier interest in studies of the United States and in critical approaches than is often recognized. Such interests were pursued before World War II but were set aside during the war and in anthropology's postwar expansion. This perspective on anthropological history was inspired by the work of Hortense Powdermaker, specifically the disjunction between her 1930s research in segregated Mississippi and her pioneering study of Hollywood in the late 1940s. Reexamining that study highlights the theoretical framework that led to omissions in her account of Hollywood, while her explanation of movie content invites a more diachronic approach. Parallels between the history of the movies and that of cultural anthropology from the 1930s through the 1960s suggest how both were shaped by the Depression, World War II, and the Cold War.
Bulk synthesis and selective exchange of strontium ions in Na 4 Mg 6 Al 4 Si 4 O 20 F 4 mica

ONE of the principal long-term problems associated with nuclear fission reactions is the generation of large amounts of radioactive strontium isotopes, particularly 90Sr. An effective method for the removal and entrapment of strontium from contaminated environments is therefore desirable to prevent potential health problems associated with radionuclide ingestion1–5. In this context, inorganic cation exchangers have been useful by virtue of their capacity for structure-specific ion exchange6–12. We report here that 'Na-4-mica'13–15, a highly charged sodium fluorophlogopite mica (Na4Mg6Al4Si4O20F4), can be used for the selective removal of strontium ions from solution and for strontium immobilization at room temperature. We also report a novel method for bulk synthesis of 'Na-4-mica' as a pure phase. This material is unique among highly charged or brittle micas because of its ability to undergo a hydration reaction, which allows the material to be used as a highly selective strontium-ion sieve. This or similar compounds could find potential application in the decontamination and disposal of nuclear waste.
Beam splitter for a wide-angle Michelson Doppler imaging interferometer.

The design and construction of a hexagonal interferometer beam splitting prism is described in which the light falls onto the all-dielectric partially reflecting coating at an angle of 30° with respect to the normal. For a beam that undergoes one transmission and one reflection by the device, the average effective transmittance ½(T‖R‖ +T⊥R⊥) in the 0.55–0.75-μm spectral region is ∼0.23. This quantity is not strongly dependent on the plane of polarization of the incident light, nor on small changes of the angle of incidence from the design angle of 30°. Ways to improve further the performance of the beam splitter are indicated. Coating designs for other angles of incidence are also given.
People's Republic of China: Systemic and Structural Change in a North China Township

Decentralization of decision making, bolstering of incentives to individual producers, proliferation of varied organizational forms of rural production, and the sanctioning of market activity alongside traditional state procurement and distribution have proceeded rapidly and dramatically in the People's Republic of China since the consolidation of power by supporters of Deng Xiaoping in 1978. In this paper, the effects of these developments will be addressed primarily with reference to a single case study, that of a township (formerly commune) situated on the North China plain in Hebei Province.1 Although the stated subject matter of this session is agricultural markets, the present contribution focuses as much on decentralization, incentives, and the proliferation of organizational forms as on markets per se. Emphasis is placed on the impact of system change on the structure of economic activity, on productivity and incomes, and on income distribution. The paper draws heavily upon the more extended discussions in Putterman (1987) and in Hsiung and Putterman.
Is There an Optimal Type of Ownership and Organizational Structure When Developing Convention and Entertainment Facilities

ABSTRACT The meetings, exhibitions, events, and conventions (MEEC) sector is a significant part of the U.S. hospitality and tourism industry. Not surprisingly, MEEC events account for a large percentage of urban tourism activities and, as such, are of great interest to cities throughout the U.S. This research focuses on public facilities that include theaters, stadiums, sports complexes, amusement parks, and convention centers. This study addresses whether there is an optimal type of ownership and organizational structure that should be considered when developing public convention and entertainment facilities.
On the dynamics of Laguerre's iteration: Z n -1

Abstract The Laguerre algorithm for computing the zeros of polynomial equations is well known. Many proofs of the global convergence of this method for the class of real polynomials with all real roots and starting from real initial conditions exist. In this article the global behavior of the Laguerre iteration is studied when applied to Zn-1. For this class of polynomials an almost complete description of the dynamics of Laguerre is rendered.
Molecular Orientation in Heme Protein Films Adsorbed to Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Glass Surfaces

Due to the heterogeneous distribution of chemical functionalities present on the surface of most proteins, adsorption to solid materials of differing surface chemistry may produce different bound molecular orientations. Differences in molecular orientation may in turn produce differences in adsorbed biofunction, which has important implications for fabrication of protein-based molecular devices. Aspects of this topic were addressed here by investigating molecular orientation in submonolayer to monolayer thick films of myoglobin (Mb) and cytochrome c (cyt c) adsorbed to hydrophilic and hydrophobic glass substrates. Orientation was determined by measuring the mean tilt angle of the heme moiety in protein films supported on a planar integrated optical waveguide. The results show (i) mean molecular orientation in monolayer films of both Mb and cyt c on both substrates is anisotropic rather than random (ii) molecular orientation in monolayer cyt c films is dependent on the wettability of the substrate and (iii...
Mitochondrial DNA deletion and sarcopenia

Purpose: Accumulation of mitochondrial DNA deletions and the resultant impaired oxidative phosphorylation may play a pathogenic role in the mediation of age-related sarcopenia. Methods: Twenty four participants of the New Mexico Aging Process Study were classified as normal lean (n = 15) or sarcopenic (n = 9) based on body composition determined by Dual Energy x-ray Absorptiometry. Complex I and Complex IV activities were measured in the skeletal muscle samples obtained from gastrocnemius muscle. A two-stage nested polymerase chain reaction strategy was used to identify the mitochondrial DNA deletions in the entire mitochondrial genome in the skeletal muscle samples. Results: Although Complex I activity was not significantly different (5.5 ± 0.9 vs. 4.6 ± 0.7 mU/mg protein, P > 0.05), Complex IV activity was higher in sarcopenic subjects (1.4 ± 0.3 vs. 1.0 ± 0.1 mU/mg protein, P 0.05). The magnitude of mitochondrial DNA deletion, however, correlated positively with lean body mass (r = 0.43, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Thus, mitochondrial DNA deletions are common in elderly subjects and are negatively related to Complex I activity. The positive association between mitochondrial DNA deletions and lean body mass needs to be confirmed by studies in a larger study population.
Dehydration mechanism in the Antarctic stratosphere during winter

The growth of ice nuclei through deposition of water vapor at temperatures below frost point is investigated in the context of the Antarctic winter stratosphere. The altitude and the ambient water vapor mixing ratio, as well as the size of the nuclei determine the ice particle growth rate, with higher altitudes requiring colder temperatures for ice deposition. The magnitude of the temperature decrease below the frost point and its evolution over the winter determine the residence time of the growing ice particles and the loss of water vapor at any altitude. A winter-long simulation, using the observed South Pole daily temperatures, suggests that, in the limit of weak latitudinal mixing over the austral winter, considerable dehydration can occur within the polar vortex, with the higher altitudes (above 22 km.) experiencing the least losses.
Studies of hybrid photomultiplier tubes in magnetic fields up to 5 Tesla

Abstract Single and multi-channel hybrid photodiode tubes were operated inside a very high magnetic field of up to 5 Tesla. The effects of focussing and image displacement on crosstalk and gain were examined as a function of angle in the B-field. Brightening of the response in the illuminated pixel, due to improved focussing of the backscatter was observed. Increased path length through the threshold layer of the photodiode decreased the response at large angles.
EFFECTS OF DECELERATION ON RATS EXPOSED TO PROLONGED CENTRIFUGATION.

PROLONGED exposures of animals to simulated high gravity environments by centrifugation have been reported to repress their normal growth and attainable body mass. Matthews1 centrifuged rats for more than a year at 3g and found that the body mass of centrifuged rats was appreciably lower than corresponding control animals. Similar effects for shorter exposure periods have been noted by Wunder2 with mice and by Smith3 with birds. The latter workers have found that when their animals were removed from the centrifuge the weight of these animals over a period of time approached that of the non-centrifuged controls. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effects of both an increase and decrease in gravity on rats adapted to relatively high g by prolonged centrifugation.
Apparent vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 by breast-feeding in Zambia.

To evaluate the epidemiologic significance of breastfeeding to the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a country with a high prevalence of HIV infection the 1720 seronegative women who delivered at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka Zambia in a 3- month period in 1987 were enrolled in a longitudinal study. Only 634 (37%) of these women returned for testing at the 1-year follow-up point. Of these 19 (3%) had become seropositive. The infection was asymptomatic in all 19 women at the time of the 1-year follow-up; however 5 of these women soon developed generalized persistent adenopathy and 3 had spontaneous abortions during the year in which seroconversion occurred. 30 of the spouses of the women in the study sample were HIV-positive; the relative risk of seroconversion was 3.84 in women with HIV-infected spouses compared to those with HIV-negative spouses. Other significant risk factors for HIV seroconversion included: history of genital ulceration after delivery (relative risk 15.51) use of a cloth to remove vaginal secretions during intercourse (dry sex) (relative risk 37.95) and blood transfusion (relative risk 10.89). 3 infants born to these 19 women also seroconverted; 2 years after seroconversion only 1 of the 3 infected children was symptomatic (persistent generalized lymphadenopathy). Other sources of HIV infection 9e.g. scarification blood transfusions use of contaminated needles during immunization) aside from breastfeeding were not recorded in these 3 infants. Although there is a high prevalence of HIV infection in Zambia the health benefits of breastfeeding (in terms of the prevention of mortality from diarrheal disease) still outweigh the small risk of HIV transmission.
Hemodynamic-dependent patterning of endothelin converting enzyme 1 expression and differentiation of impulse-conducting Purkinje fibers in the embryonic heart.

Impulse-conducting Purkinje fibers differentiate from myocytes during embryogenesis. The conversion of contractile myocytes into conduction cells is induced by the stretch/pressure-induced factor, endothelin (ET). Active ET is produced via proteolytic processing from its precursor by ET-converting enzyme 1 (ECE1) and triggers signaling by binding to its receptors. In the embryonic chick heart, ET receptors are expressed by all myocytes, but ECE1 is predominantly expressed in endothelial cells of coronary arteries and endocardium along which Purkinje fiber recruitment from myocytes takes place. Furthermore, co-expression of exogenous ECE1 and ET-precursor in the embryonic heart is sufficient to ectopically convert cardiomyocytes into Purkinje fibers. Thus, localized expression of ECE1 defines the site of Purkinje fiber recruitment in embryonic myocardium. However, it is not known how ECE1 expression is regulated in the embryonic heart. The unique expression pattern of ECE1 in the embryonic heart suggests that blood flow-induced stress/stretch may play a role in patterning ECE1 expression and subsequent induction of Purkinje fiber differentiation. We show that gadolinium, an antagonist for stretch-activated cation channels, downregulates the expression of ECE1 and a conduction cell marker, Cx40, in ventricular chambers, concurrently with delayed maturation of a ventricular conduction pathway. Conversely, pressure-overload in the ventricle by conotruncal banding results in a significant expansion of endocardial ECE1 expression and Cx40-positive putative Purkinje fibers. Coincident with this, an excitation pattern typical of the mature heart is precociously established. These in vivo data suggest that biomechanical forces acting on, and created by, the cardiovascular system during embyogenesis play a crucial role in Purkinje fiber induction and patterning.
Impact of periodontal disease on outcomes in diabetes.

Abstract Introduction : The prevalence of periodontal disease (POD) among adults aged 30 years and older in the United States is reported to be more than 47%, with higher prevalence seen among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). POD has been associated with systemic inflammation, a known risk factor for cardiovascular and bone disease, both of which are more common in patients with DM. However, there is mixed evidence that treatment of POD reduces inflammation, improves DM control, and reduces DM complications. Our study objectives are to assess factors associated with POD in patients with DM and determine the impact of POD treatment on inflammation and bone turnover biomarkers associated with complications of DM. Methods : In this pilot study, we will first recruit 200 patients with DM to complete a 48-item investigator-administered questionnaire designed to assess socio-economic status, oral health status, adequacy of oral care, glycemic control and presence of DM complications. Responses will be verified by individual chart review. Then, using a crossover design, a subgroup of 24 subjects with responses suggestive of POD will be assigned to undergo POD treatment for three months followed by three months of routine dental care (group 1) or be followed for three months during routine dental care then receive POD treatment for three months (group 2). Outcome measures will be collected before and after POD treatment and include glycemic control and inflammatory and bone turnover biomarkers. Results : We hypothesize that the prevalence of POD among DM patients will be associated with inadequate glycemic control and greater DM complications.
A filtration of the sally module and the associated graded ring of an ideal

Let (R;m) be a Noetherian local ring and let I be an R-ideal. The associated graded ring of I, G = grI(R), plays a significant role in the study of resolution of singularities. Its relevance lies upon the fact that it represents algebraically the exceptional fiber of the blowup of a variety along a subvariety. A commonly addressed issue is to find numerical conditions that imply lower bounds on the depth of G . In [7, 8] and [3], for instance, this depth has been measured by using the Hilbert coefficients of I. To better explain these results, let us introduce some notation: An ideal J I is called a reduction of I if Ir+1 = JIr for some integer r. The least such r is called the reduction number of I with respect to J, and denoted rJ(I). If R is Cohen– Macaulay with infinite residue field and I is an m-primary ideal, then any minimal (with respect to inclusion) reduction of I is generated by a regular sequence. The Hilbert–Samuel function of I is the numerical function HI(n) = λ(R=In) (where λ( ) denotes length) that measures the growth of the length of R=In for all n 1. If d denotes the dimension of R, it is well-known that for n 0, HI(n) is a polynomial in n of degree d
CHEMICAL COMPOUND CLASSIFICATION WITH AUTOMATICALLY MINED STRUCTURE PATTERNS.

In this paper we propose new methods of chemical structure classification based on the integration of graph database mining from data mining and graph kernel functions from machine learning. In our method, we first identify a set of general graph patterns in chemical structure data. These patterns are then used to augment a graph kernel function that calculates the pairwise similarity between molecules. The obtained similarity matrix is used as input to classify chemical compounds via a kernel machines such as the support vector machine (SVM). Our results indicate that the use of a pattern-based approach to graph similarity yields performance profiles comparable to, and sometimes exceeding that of the existing state-of-the-art approaches. In addition, the identification of highly discriminative patterns for activity classification provides evidence that our methods can make generalizations about a compound’s function given its chemical structure. While we evaluated our methods on molecular structures, these methods are designed to operate on general graph data and hence could easily be applied to other domains in bioinformatics.
A general-purpose low-cost compact spatial-temporal data logger and its applications

This paper presents design details of SEAL, a general-purpose low-cost spatial-temporal data logger. The SEAL module includes GPS, Lithium-ion polymer battery, high-density flash memory and a USB interface. The main features include: low cost, very large size XML-based data logs, low power consumption, flexible sensor attachment, and an optional Wi-Fi interface for Internet-enabled data. It is compact, self-contained and light-weight-suitable for a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) payload. In fact, our general-purpose SEAL module can turn any mobility platform into a mobile sensor. For example, we have interfaced CO2 and NH3 sensors with a SEAL module and attached the pack to a car which can be driven to map the CO2 and NH3 in a region of interest. The XML-based data logs allow interoperable post-processing in every modern computer operating system and display in desktop mapping applications such as Google Earth and NASA WorldWind.
Using Department of Veterans Affairs Administrative Databases To Examine Long Term Care Utilization for Men and Women Veterans

We examined long term care (LTC) utilization by male and female veterans using administrative databases maintained by VA. Research questions included: (1) Which LTC services are utilized? (2) Do utilization patterns of older veterans differ from those of elderly persons in the general U.S. population? (3) Do LTC needs of veterans vary by gender? We were unable to track LTC utilization of individuals across administrative databases. Some databases could only provide information at the national level, or alternatively, were available only at local facilities, or only at the patient or program-level data—making it impossible to get a clear picture of all the services received by an individual. Those planning to use administrative databases to conduct research must: (1) take more time than expecteds (2) be flexible/willing to compromise, (3) “ferret out” information, and (4) recognize that because of dynamism inherent in information systems, results may change over time.