cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linear Support Tensor Machine With LSK Channels: Pedestrian Detection in Thermal Infrared Images

Pedestrian detection in thermal infrared images poses unique challenges because of the low resolution and noisy nature of the image. Here, we propose a mid-level attribute in the form of the multidimensional template, or tensor, using local steering kernel (LSK) as low-level descriptors for detecting pedestrians in far infrared images. LSK is specifically designed to deal with intrinsic image noise and pixel level uncertainty by capturing local image geometry succinctly instead of collecting local orientation statistics (e.g., histograms in histogram of oriented gradients). In order to learn the LSK tensor, we introduce a new image similarity kernel following the popular maximum margin framework of support vector machines facilitating a relatively short and simple training phase for building a rigid pedestrian detector. Tensor representation has several advantages, and indeed, LSK templates allow exact acceleration of the sluggish but de facto sliding window-based detection methodology with multichannel discrete Fourier transform, facilitating very fast and efficient pedestrian localization. The experimental studies on publicly available thermal infrared images justify our proposals and model assumptions. In addition, the proposed work also involves the release of our in-house annotations of pedestrians in more than 17 000 frames of OSU color thermal database for the purpose of sharing with the research community.
Social Media and the Rise in Consumer Bargaining Power

Consumers are constantly entering into form contracts, both offline and online. They do not read most of the terms, but the duty to read says the contracts are nevertheless fully enforceable. Moreover, consumers lack any real bargaining power when assenting to such contracts with merchants. Not only that, but if the products malfunctions, or they are somehow damaged by it, they will likely face the prospect of being limited in their available remedies because of boilerplate terms which are favorable to the merchant. In the “old days,” the consumer had no real recourse but to call a 1-800 number, and hope to catch a customer service representative on a good day. Otherwise, the company would likely stand behind its contract term and deny any relief. Recently, however, several notable consumers have taken their complaints to the web 2.0 world of social media, either through Facebook or Twitter, or YouTube videos. Some of these consumers’ postings have gone “viral,” generated lots of attention, and thereby caused their merchants to reconsider dealing with their problems. As such, an interesting shift in bargaining power has arguably occurred, giving such consumers a greater voice in negotiating favorable contractual outcomes with their much more well-capitalized merchant contracting partners. This article describes this phenomenon, and discusses some of the favorable implications for consumers and contract law.
Identification of protein interactions of grapevine fanleaf virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase during infection of Nicotiana benthamiana by affinity purification and tandem mass spectrometry.

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (1EPol) is involved in replication of grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV, Nepovirus, Secoviridae) and causes vein clearing symptoms in Nicotiana benthamiana. Information on protein 1EPol interaction with other viral and host proteins is scarce. To study protein 1EPol biology, three GFLV infectious clones, i.e. GHu (a symptomatic wild-type strain), GHu-1EK802G (an asymptomatic GHu mutant) and F13 (an asymptomatic wild-type strain), were engineered with protein 1EPol fused to a V5 epitope tag at the C-terminus. Following Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated delivery of GFLV clones in N. benthamiana and protein extraction at seven dpi, when optimal 1EPol:V5 accumulation was detected, two viral and six plant putative interaction partners of V5-tagged protein 1EPol were identified for the three GFLV clones by affinity purification and tandem mass spectrometry. This study provides insights into the protein interactome of 1EPol during GFLV systemic infection in N. benthamiana and lays the foundation for validation work.
Quantum Principal Component Analysis Only Achieves an Exponential Speedup Because of Its State Preparation Assumptions.

A central roadblock to analyzing quantum algorithms on quantum states is the lack of a comparable input model for classical algorithms. Inspired by recent work of the author [E. Tang, STOC 2019.], we introduce such a model, where we assume we can efficiently perform l^{2}-norm samples of input data, a natural analog to quantum algorithms that assume efficient state preparation of classical data. Though this model produces less practical algorithms than the (stronger) standard model of classical computation, it captures versions of many of the features and nuances of quantum linear algebra algorithms. With this model, we describe classical analogs to Lloyd, Mohseni, and Rebentrost's quantum algorithms for principal component analysis [S. Lloyd, M. Mohseni, and P. Rebentrost, Nat. Phys. 10, 631 (2014).NPAHAX1745-247310.1038/nphys3029] and nearest-centroid clustering [S. Lloyd, M. Mohseni, and P. Rebentrost, Quantum algorithms for supervised and unsupervised machine learning]. Since they are only polynomially slower, these algorithms suggest that the exponential speedups of their quantum counterparts are simply an artifact of state preparation assumptions.
Reduction of bright exciton lifetimes by radiation-induced disorder

Quantum-radiative decay is a fundamental process in many optoelectronic systems such as laser diodes and solar cells. The bright exciton lifetime is a critical factor in determining the performance of these systems. Motivated by the ever-increasing need for laser systems in space and nuclear applications, we develop a many-particle approach to predict the radiative lifetime under harsh radiation environments. Using GaAs as a model system, we find that radiation-induced band tailing reduces the bright exciton lifetime. This result shows that the efficiency of radiative recombination, in addition to nonradiative recombination, can be affected by ionization radiation. Our approach enables a detailed understanding of the interplay between correlation, localization, and radiation that affect the performance of gain media.
The Critical Link Between Corporate Culture and Marketing: a Humanistic Perspective

The emerging concept of relationship marketing will reach its potential as a new marketing paradigm only if the current dominant perspective on what constitutes a "relationship" is tempered by a more humanistic perspective. Rather than viewing relationships as lying on a scale of competitiveness, from "competition" to "coexistence" to "cooperation," both scholars and business practitioners need to allow for a very different perspective on marketing relationships, more in line with the way both customers and employees might view them — as extensions of individual human relationships, rooted in a common value system.
Paley partial difference sets in groups of order n4 and 9n4 for any odd n>1

A partial difference set with parameters (v,v-12,v-54,v-14) is said to be of Paley type. In this paper, we give a recursive theorem that for all odd n>1 constructs Paley partial difference sets in certain groups of order n^4 and 9n^4. We are also able to construct Paley-Hadamard difference sets of the Stanton-Sprott family in groups of order n^4(n^4+/-2) when n^4+/-2 is a prime power and 9n^4(9n^4+/-2) when 9n^4+/-2 is a prime power. Many of these are new parameters for such difference sets, and also give new Hadamard designs and matrices.
Use of MRI prior to corticosteroid injections of wrist joints in children with JIA

Purpose The use of intra-articular corticosteroids in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an accepted therapeutic option as their use has been found to be safe and proven to facilitate rapid resolution of signs and symptoms of inflammation. An increasing number of studies have described improved sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with conventional radiography in detection of early synovitis, tendinopathy, bone edema, and bone erosions. The purpose of this study was to document joints within the wrist and carpus with active synovitis in children with JIA using MRI and to explore how MRI localization of affected joints prior to intra-articular corticosteroid injection affects outcomes.
Reproductive variables, soy intake and lung cancer risk: Evidence for a role of estrogens among non-smoking women in the Singapore Chinese Health Study

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 3091 The etiology of lung cancer among non-smokers is poorly understood, but there is growing evidence that it develops along distinct biologic pathways in Asian women, among whom epidermal growth factor pathways have been implicated. Several lines of experimental evidence indicate that estrogens may play a role in lung carcinogenesis in women; including the ability of these hormones to transactivate growth factor signaling pathways. Data from epidemiologic studies, however, is sparse. We prospectively examined the role of reproductive factors on lung cancer risk in the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a middle-aged and older residential cohort enrolled between 1993 and 1998. Detailed information on cigarette smoking, reproductive variables and hormone use were elicited through in-person interview at enrolment. We obtained comprehensive information on diet; including intake of soy foods, the major source of phytoestrogens in this population. Incident cases of primary lung cancer were ascertained by computer linkage with the population-based cancer registry; all cases were then verified through manual review of pathological and medical records. As of 31 December 2005, 298 women in the cohort had developed lung cancer. We observed a highly significant inverse association between lung cancer risk and parity (adjusted relative risk (RR) for 5 or more vs. no children = 0.49, 95 % CI 0.33-0.72, p for trend <0.01); this relationship was more evident among non-smokers and in women with adenocarcinomas. Soy isoflavonoid intake was inversely associated with lung cancer among women non-smokers (RR for highest vs lowest quartile = 0.59, 95% CI 0.38-0.91, p for trend 0.02); but not in smokers (RR 1.10, 0.4-1.89), nor in men. These findings are consistent with our previous case-control observations regarding the relationship between soy and reproductive variables with lung cancer risk in non-smokers. Taken together, they provide support for the role of estrogens in lung cancer risk among women who are life-time non-smokers. This association has important implications for our understanding of etiologic pathways as well as for preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Accounting for Social Security Benefits

Every year, the Social Security Administration mails Social Security Statements to all eligible workers over the age of 25. These Statements include estimates of monthly retirement and other benefits that participants are projected to receive under the Social Security Act. The Statements also summarize Social Security Administration (SSA) records about participants' earnings history, which determines benefit levels, and provide various background information about the Social Security program and its finances. For many Americans, the Social Security Statement is the principal source of information about Social Security benefits. This paper analyzes the content of the current Social Security Statement. While the Social Security Statements are useful tools for certain kinds of financial planning and allow participants to check the accuracy of the Administration's records of their earnings history, the Statements may also lead participants to misinterpret the value of their Social Security benefits and may make it difficult for participants to compare Social Security benefits to other sources of retirement savings. In addition, the current Social Security Statements obscure the extent to which additional years of labor market participation increase the value of Social Security benefits. After reviewing the strengths and weakness of the current structure of Social Security Statements, the chapter then describes how these statements might be supplemented with estimates of the actuarial value of Social Securities benefits for individual participants. This supplemental information would make it easier for participants to compare Social Security benefits to other sources of retirement incomes, and would highlight the manner in which participants' Social Security benefits accrue over time thereby mitigating some of the labor market inefficiencies associated with Social Security payroll taxes. The chapter concludes with a review of several potential drawbacks of supplementing Social Security Statements with accrued values, including the possibility that this supplemental information would make it more difficult to change Social Security benefits in the future, the possibility that disclosing the accrued value of Social Security benefits could lead some workers to make offsetting reductions in other forms of retirement savings, and the possibility that this supplemental information might make the redistributive aspects of the Social Security system more transparent, potentially weakening support for the program among some constituencies.
Mifepristone (RU 486), a blocker of type II glucocorticoid and progestin receptors, reverses a dietary form of obesity.

The effect of mifepristone (RU 486), a blocker of type II glucocorticoid receptors on the development of obesity that follows the feeding of a high-fat (HF) diet to Osborne-Mendel (OM) rats, has been investigated. OM rats fed a HF diet gained more weight and had larger retroperitoneal and parametrial fat pads than OM rats fed a high-carbohydrate low-fat (LF) diet. RU 486 (30 mg.kg-1.day-1) for 14 days completely reversed the body weight gain and the increase in fat pad size of OM rats fed a HF diet. RU 486 had no effect on body weight of OM rats fed a LF diet, but did reduce fat pad weights. The data suggest that type II glucocorticoid receptor activity modulates body fat deposition and is essential for the development of obesity, although a minor role for progestin receptor activity cannot be ruled out.
Efficient mining for association rules with relational database systems

With the tremendous growth of large scale data repositories, a need for integrating the exploratory techniques of data mining with the capabilities of relational systems to efficiently handle large volumes of data has now risen. We look at the performance of the most prevalent association rule mining algorithm-Apriori with IBM's DB2 Universal Database system. We show that a multi-column (MC) data model is preferable over the commonly used single column (SC) data model for association rule mining. We obtain factors of 4.8 to 6 improvement in performance for the MC data model over commercial implementations for the SC data model. We provide a new relational operator called Combinations, for efficient SQL implementation of Apriori in the database engine-this results in trivial parallelizability, reliability, and portability for the mining application.
Conscientiousness and Work Ethic Ideology A Facet-Level Analysis

Prior research on work ethic ideology has tended to neglect the multidimensional nature of such ideology. To examine how different facets of work ethic ideology may be rooted in the basic personality construct of conscientiousness, 299 Americans completed a 133-item online survey that contained six facets of conscientiousness and seven different dimensions of work ethic ideology. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the conscientiousness facets of dutifulness and achievement striving were the two most consistent predictors of seven dimensions of work ethic ideology. Subsequent dominance analyses suggested that achievement striving, followed by dutifulness, tended to predict the most work ethic dimensions. Discussion focuses on the theoretical importance of using work ethic dimensions rather than global work ethic scores in future research.
Syncope and cerebral dysfunction caused by bradycardia without atrioventricular block.

Abstract In this paper six patients, aged 50 to 74 years, with chronic symptomatic sinoatrial bradycardia are described; none had more than first degree A-V block. The cause of the bradycardia was not evident except in one, who had coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction. Five patients suffered from syncopal attacks, which in 3 were documented to be related to cardiac slowing or arrest. One patient had evidence of effort fatigue, and another had symptoms of impaired cerebral and peripheral circulation. Electronic cardiac pacing was effective in improving cardiac output and relieving symptoms. Chronic sinoatrial bradycardia is much less common than A-V block as a cause of cardiogenic syncope but must be considered in the differential diagnosis of fainting.
A fault-induced transient analysis of unbalanced distribution systems with harmonic distortion

Abstract This paper presents a new method to calculate a fault-induced transient in an unbalanced three-phase distribution system, subjected to a shunt fault and/or a series fault, using the three-phase bus impendance matrix. The method is also applicable to multiple faults which involve a shunt fault and an open conductor. The imbalance caused by large single-phase loads, untransposed feeders, conductor bundles, etc., is reflected in the polyphase bus impedance matrix. Consequently, line removals, additions, impedance changes, conductor and phase openings can be simulated by modifying the base-case impedance matrix in the complex frequency domain. Thus, the proposed method makes it possible to analyze any type of single or multiple fault-induced transient occurring anywhere in the system.
The Entropy Theory of Counterfactuals

I assess the thesis that counterfactual asymmetries are explained by an asymmetry of the global entropy at the temporal boundaries of the universe, by developing a method of evaluating counterfactuals that includes, as a background assumption, the low entropy of the early universe. The resulting theory attempts to vindicate the common practice of holding the past mostly fixed under counterfactual supposition while at the same time allowing the counterfactual’s antecedent to obtain by a natural physical development. Although the theory has some success in evaluating a wide variety of ordinary counterfactuals, it fails as an explanation of counterfactual asymmetry.
Preparation Of High Purity ZnCl 2 For 10.6 µm Optical Fibers

Pure and doped ZnCl2 glass has been fabricated for possible use as a 10.6 µm fiber material. The glass shows good optical transparency at 10 μm, but the hygroscopic nature of ZnC12 makes a practical fiber from this material a difficult challenge.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dinoflagellate “communities”; from the lower Eocene Nanjemoy formation of Maryland, U.S.A.

Abstract Six distinctive stratigraphically sequential dinoflagellate cyst communities in the Lower Eocene Nanjemoy Formation (Woodstock Member) of Maryland, possibly relate to fluctuations in local environmental conditions. Individual species most commonly are not stratigraphically restricted to a single community; however, their relative abundances (in particular, of the dominant species), as illustrated by rank abundance analysis, are unique to each of the six communities. Major changes in species composition and relative abundances are, for the most part, correlative with pronounced changes in the number of species per sample for the sections. Cluster analyses of the ten most abundant species in each sample, which comprise from 76 to 100 percent of all the dinoflagellates in each sample, also tend to demonstrate the existence of the same six diagnostic cyst communities.
Gender Differences in Political Knowledge: Distinguishing Characteristics-Based and Returns-Based Differences

This study assesses whether gender-based differences in political knowledge primarily result from differences in observable attributes or from differences in returns for otherwise equivalent characteristics. It applies a statistical decomposition methodology to data obtained from the 1992–2004 American National Election Studies. There is a consistent 10-point gender gap in measured political knowledge, of which approximately one-third is due to gender-based differences in the characteristics that predict political knowledge, with the remaining two-thirds due to male–female differences in the returns to these characteristics. The methodology identifies the relative contribution of the predictors of political knowledge to each portion of the gap, and then uses this information to elucidate the underlying sources of the political knowledge gender gap and its prognosis. Education is the characteristic that most clearly enlarges the gap, with men receiving significantly larger returns to political knowledge from education than women. Group membership reduces the gap as women obtain gains in political knowledge from belonging to organizations that do not accrue to men. However, these gains are not sufficient to significantly reduce the gap.
The use of aprotinin in children undergoing operative repair of isolated atrial septal defects

Summary Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the benefits, risks and costs associated with aprotinin use in children who underwent repair of an atrial septal defect (ASD). The primary aim was to determine whether the transfusion rate is lower in children who received aprotinin compared with those who did not during ASD repair. The use of aprotinin has been shown to reduce transfusion requirements for children undergoing primary or secondary repair of congenital cardiac anomalies. However, past studies have not reported the benefits of this agent during low complexity procedures such as ASD repair. Methods: All children who underwent ASD repair over 6 years (3 years pre- and postroutine use of aprotinin for all CPB cases in the institution) were identified, and their medical records reviewed. Children with multiple congenital cardiac lesions were excluded. The following data were recorded: demographics and baseline laboratory findings, intraoperative use of aprotinin, cardiopulmonary bypass information including details of ultrafiltration, all intraoperative and postoperative transfusions, postoperative bleeding and relevant laboratory findings. Results: One hundred and fifteen children were included, 66 of whom received aprotinin. Transfusion rates were not different between children who received aprotinin [n = 8 (12%)] and those who did not [n =3( 6%)]. Furthermore, changes in hematocrit were not different between groups. These findings were similar when children £15 kg were compared with those >15 kg. Conclusions: This study suggests that aprotinin use offers no benefit for children undergoing isolated repair of an ASD.
A clinical comparison of X-ray films for detection of proximal surface caries

This clinical study compares the diagnostic yield of Kodak Ektaspeed with the diagnostic yield of Kodak Ultraspeed using a split-mouth experimental design and proximal surface carious lesions as the test objects. Assuming that proximal surface carious lesions are distributed randomly in a given patient and in the population at large, then any difference in the diagnostic quality of either of the films should be disclosed as a difference in the frequency and distribution of lesions identified with either of the films. No statistical difference was observed, which suggests that the two films perform equally well for the diagnostic task of detecting proximal surface carious lesions. Considering that there is a 40% to 50% reduction in radiation exposure to the patient when the faster film is used, it appears that Kodak Ektaspeed should be the preferred film for the dental practitioner.
Memory for Information about Others: Effects of Self-Esteem and Performance Feedback

Abstract It is proposed that one strategy by which people may protect or enhance their self-concept following failure is remembering negative information about other people, even when those others are hypothetical and the negative behaviors of the others are distinct from the failure feedback one has received. Forty male and female undergraduates participated in a study in which their self-esteem was measured, and they then received either success or failure feedback on a social sensitivity test (cf. Ross, Lepper, & Hubbard, 1975). As part of a second, ostensibly unrelated study, subjects listened to sentences describing positive and negative behaviors of others. Subjects who were high in self-esteem recalled three times as many negative behaviors of others following failure than following success. Moderate and low self-esteem subjects did not show this pattern. The results are discussed in terms of various theoretical explanations of the differences in self-serving behaviors of high and low self-esteem individuals.
Rotationally resolved magnetic vibrational circular dichroism of methane

Abstract Magnetic-field-induced circular dichroism of the ν4 mode of methane at 0.5 cm−1 resolution is reported. For the first five members of the R branch, A1/D0 is approximately constant, averaging −4.8 × 10−4, which corresponds to an average gJ of + 0.44. This agrees in sign with and is ≈ 40% higher than the magnetic resonance results for the ground state of methane. The difference may be due to experimental error or to vibrational magnetic moment contributions. The consistency of gJ implies that the MVCD depends primarily on the change in MJ in each transition.
Subcellular immunolocalization of NMDA receptor subunit NR1, 2A, 2B in the rat vestibular periphery.

Abstract The immunohistochemical localization of the NMDA glutamate receptor subunits NR1, NR2A, and NR2B was investigated in the rat vestibular periphery at the light and electron microscopy level using specific antipeptide antibodies. The afferent calyceal terminals and nerve fibers innervating type I vestibular hair cells were strongly NR1, NR2A, and NR2B immunoreactive. Under electron microscopy, the basolateral type I hair cell membrane was NR1 immunoreactive. The type II hair cell and its afferent boutons were NR1, NR2A, and NR2B non-immunoreactive. Nearly all of Scarpa’s ganglion neurons were NR1 immunoreactive, but there was a subset of NR2A non-immunoreactive neurons. Additionally, the larger sized Scarpa’s ganglia neurons were NR2B immunoreactive, while the smaller neurons were non-immunoreactive. These findings are strong evidence for functional NMDA receptor mediation or modulation of afferent excitatory neurotransmission from type I but not type II vestibular hair cells to the primary afferent nerve. The receptor subtype(s) may be a combination of NR1/NR2A, NR1/NR2B, and/or NR1/NR2A/NR2B.
An Observational and Prognostic Numerical Investigation of Complex Terrain Dispersion

Abstract The Atmospheric Studies in Complex Terrain Program conducted a field experiment at the interface of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains in the winter of 1991. Extensive meteorological observations were taken in northeastern Colorado near Rocky Flats to characterize overnight conditions in the region. Simultaneously, a tracer dispersion experiment using over 130 samplers to track plume development was conducted by Rocky Flats facility personnel. These two datasets provided an opportunity to investigate the accuracy and applicability of a fully prognostic, primitive equation, mesoscale model to the simulation of complex terrain dispersion. Meteorological conditions in the Rocky Flats region are forecast for selected case nights using the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System initialized with sounding data taken during the experiment. The forecast winds and temperature are used in a Lagrangian particle dispersion model to predict tracer plume transport. The results of both models are compared to...
Beyond Brown Paper: Reflections on Web 2.0 and the Anthropological Lens

The use of new information technologies is one aspect of the broad changes in American higher education that have altered the conduct of research, publication, education, and interaction with diverse constituencies. Facing economic challenges, universities have sought more economical ways to deliver their services, new opportunities to diversify funding streams, innovative marketing opportunities to bolster their public image, and strategic collaboration to leverage resources among multiple partners.1 Within this context, web-based communication and other information technologies have uncertain implications for universities. They hold the promise of helping to solve complex problems, even as they are part of the changing environment to which university leaders and scholars aim to adapt. As anthropologists and other scholars develop new uses for information technology in their research, service, and teaching that are increasing participatory dialogue, many questions arise insofar as the technology facilita...
Electrophoretic separation and quantitation of creatine kinase isozymes

Abstract A method is described for separating and quantitating the isozymes of creatine kinase in various tissue extracts. We have tested the sensitivity and precision of the method over a wide range of mixtures of isozymes. The quantitation is linear in the range of 0–5 mIU of CK analyzed, and the lower limit of quantitation of an isozyme in a mixture is 10 mIU/ml. For certain tissues the presence of dithiothreitol is necessary to prevent inactivation of the brain-type isozyme.
Cartilage reconstruction of the scutum defects in canal wall up mastoidectomies

Abstract Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate whether cartilage reconstruction of scutal wall defects diminishes retraction pocket and recurrent cholesteatoma, as compared with no cartilage reconstruction of the scutal defect. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review from 1980 to 1993 was performed on all patients undergoing a canal wall up mastoidectomy. These procedures were done in a large teaching hospital where some surgeons reconstructed with cartilage and others did not. The recurrence rate of cholesteatoma and retraction pockets, as well as the need for further surgery, was assessed. Results: There were 103 canal wall up mastoidectomies performed, and 84 patients were available for long term follow-up. Of these, 52 were not reconstructed with cartilage, whereas 32 were reconstructed with cartilage. Of the 52 patients not reconstructed, 47% did not develop retraction pockets. Of the 53% who did develop a retraction pocket, only one third required further surgery, and the others were managed in the office. Of the 32 patients that were reconstructed with cartilage, 66% did not develop further retractions. Of the 34% who did develop a retraction pocket, one third required further surgery. In both groups, those who did require further surgery did have recurrent cholesteatoma as well. Conclusion: It would appear that reconstruction of scutal wall defects after canal wall up mastoidectomies with cartilage may be of some benefit in preventing further retraction pockets and thus the recurrence of cholesteatoma.
BLACK STUDIES, BLACK IDENTITY FORMATION AND SOME IMPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRY

Black studies is defined as being of, by and about black people, occurring in multiple areas, including black homes, black communities, and academic departments of black studies. Black identity is a function of the socio-cultural reality of the times. Community psychiatry can be useful in this process, but leadership in such programs must be assumed by blacks.
A method for calculating e AT based on the Cayley-Hamilton theorem

A method is presented which allows computation of eATby a truncated series method. The method given has low incremental computational cost if the series approximation to eATis of much higher degree than the degree of the characteristic polynomial of A.
Effect of ethanol on the response of the rat urinary bladder to in vitro ischemia: Protective effect of α-lipoic acid

Purpose: Ethanol exposure has been used to demonstrate the increase of oxidative stress to a variety of tissues. We studied the effect of ethanol on the response of isolated strips of rat bladder to In vitro hypoxia in the absence of glucose (In vitro ischemia). Secondly, we determined if α-lipoic acid (LA) could alter the response to ethanol + In vitro ischemia. Methods: Sixty-four rats were used for the these experiments. Each rat was anesthetized and its urinary bladder excised. The bladder body was cut into two longitudinal strips and each strip mounted in individual baths filled with oxygenated Tyrodes solution containing glucose at 37 ∘C. Ethanol (0.3%, 1%, or 3%) was placed in the first six baths (two strips at each concentration). The last two baths did not receive ethanol. Each strip was incubated for 1 h and then stimulated with field stimulation at 2, 8, and 32 Hz. Each strip was stimulated with 10 μM carbachol, washed three times with fresh oxygenated buffer and ethanol re-added to their respective baths. Each strip was then stimulated with 120 mM KCl and washed three times as before. Strips were then subjected to 1 h In vitro ischemia (incubation in the absence of glucose with Tyrode’s equilibrated with nitrogen instead of oxygen). During the ischemic period, each strip was stimulated for 5 s every 10 min by 32 Hz FS to simulate hyperreflexia. At the end of the hour, the tissues were incubated for an additional hour in the presence of oxygen + glucose and subjected to a second series of stimulations as before. At all times, ethanol was maintained in baths 1–6. In set 2, 1% ethanol was added to the first six baths. LA was added to every other bath, and the experiments performed as mentioned earlier. Results: (a) Ethanol at 0.3% or 1% had no effect on the contractile responses prior to exposure to In vitro ischemia; 3% was inhibitory. (b) In vitro ischemia mediated a significant decrease in the contractile responses to all forms of stimulation except for carbachol. (c) Ethanol mediated a dose-response enhancement of the contractile dysfunctions caused by In vitro ischemia. (d) LA completely reversed the effects of ethanol on contractile responses following In vitro ischemia except for carbachol. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that direct exposure to ethanol significantly enhanced contractile dysfunctions mediated by In vitro ischemia followed by re-oxygenation and that the presence of LA significantly inhibits this effect of ethanol. (Mol Cell Biochem 271: 133–138, 2005)
Evaluation of Proximal Femoral Geometry Using Digital Photographs

The morphologic features of the proximal femur are used in preoperative planning prior to total hip arthroplasty. Recent literature evaluating the anatomy of the proximal femur, as it relates to total hip arthroplasty, has relied heavily on radiographs or computed tomography. We used digital photographs to compare 200 cadaveric femora in individuals who died prior to 40 years of age: 25 African-American males, 25 African-American females, 25 Caucasian males, 25 Caucasian females. With our technique and definition, the actual angles and dimensions of the proximal femur that we normally rely on during total hip arthroplasty were measured. There were small, but statistically significant differences, between males and females in neck-shaft angle, neck inclination, and absolute horizontal and vertical offset. Females tended to have a lower neck-shaft angle and more neck inclination. When standardizing the offset distances with femoral head diameter, the horizontal offset ratio was higher in female specimens. There was no correlation between horizontal and vertical offset. Improved knowledge of the morphology of the proximal femora will assist the surgeon in restoring the geometry of the proximal femur during total hip arthroplasty. This information also supports the concept of modularity of the femoral neck in order to independently adjust neck-shaft angle, neck inclination, and horizontal offset.
Factors influencing the condensation of 4-aminoantipyrine with derivatives of hydroxybenzene—II. Influence of hydronium ion concentration on absorptivity

Abstract The oxidative coupling of 4-aminoantipyrine with several hydroxy derivatives of benzene has been examined at pH values of 8.0 and 10.0. A reaction mechanism has been proposed. It appears that 4-aminoantipyrine exerts an electrophilic attack upon the para position of the phenol. [H3+O] influences this attack in two ways: (a) greater reactivity is observed at pH 8.0 as the phenol exhibits greater dissociation to a phenoxide ion. This is ascribed to more favorable reaction kinetics offered by the stronger electron-releasing properties of the −0−, and (b) lesser reactivity is observed at pH 10.0 that is ascribed to a reduction of the electrophilic characteristics of the 4-aminoantipyrine. Substitution in the para position of the benzene ring influences the reaction in two ways: (a) oxidative coupling is blocked apparently by such substituents as CH3-, C2H5-, C6H5-, and (b) oxidative coupling is altered by such substituents as Cl-, Br-, NH2-, CH3-, and C2H5O-. The latter may be due to electrophilic displacement and migration of the substituent or to formation of azo-type structures. The data offered herein very strongly shows the limitations of the analytical application of 4-aminoantipyrine for determination of phenols in water and waste water. Some advantage may be gained by conducting the reaction at a pH value of 8.0 where kinetics are more favorable.
When do retailers benefit from special ordering

Many retailers offer to special order out-of-stock items at no additional cost to the customers. This practice is based on an implicit assumption that by increasing sales and reducing stockouts, special orders increase retailers' profits. We study the relative benefit of special ordering to the retailer and show that this assumption may not hold. Our model reveals two counter-intuitive results. First, the retailer's expected profit is higher when the manufacturer has additional pricing flexibility, i.e., the manufacturer offers two prices, a base price for the primary order and a different price for the special order, as compared to a single price for all items. Second, higher demand variability may increase retailer's profits.
Some controversial questions in phonological theory

In the first issue of this journal, Fred W. Householder discussed two papers of ours which he found defective in various respects. We feel that the issues involved are important and deserve the fullest clarification. We will therefore discuss Householder's objections and the underlying issues in some detail, reiterating points that have been made in the aforementioned papers and elsewhere and making no attempt to avoid redundancy if this can contribute to clarity.
Detecting Subtle Sequence Signals: A Gibbs Sampling Strategy for Multiple Alignment

A wealth of protein and DNA sequence data is being generated by genome projects and other sequencing efforts. A crucial barrier to deciphering these sequences and understanding the relations among them is the difficulty of detecting subtle local residue patterns common to multiple sequences. Such patterns frequently reflect similar molecular structures and biological properties. A mathematical definition of this "local multiple alignment" problem suitable for full computer automation has been used to develop a new and sensitive algorithm, based on the statistical method of iterative sampling. This algorithm finds an optimized local alignment model for N sequences in N-linear time, requiring only seconds on current workstations, and allows the simultaneous detection and optimization of multiple patterns and pattern repeats. The method is illustrated as applied to helix-turn-helix proteins, lipocalins, and prenyltransferases.
Dissimilatory Antimonate Reduction and Production of Antimony Trioxide Microcrystals by a Novel Microorganism

Antimony (Sb) is a metalloid that has been exploited by humans since the beginning of modern civilization. The importance of Sb to such diverse industries as nanotechnology and health is underscored by the fact that it is currently the ninth-most mined metal worldwide. Although its toxicity mirrors that of its Group 15 neighbor arsenic, its environmental chemistry is very different, and, unlike arsenic, relatively little is known about the fate and transport of Sb, especially with regard to biologically mediated redox reactions. To further our understanding of the interactions between microorganisms and Sb, we have isolated a bacterium that is capable of using antimonate [Sb(V)] as a terminal electron acceptor for anaerobic respiration, resulting in the precipitation of antimonite [Sb(III)] as microcrystals of antimony trioxide. The bacterium, designated strain MLFW-2, is a sporulating member of a deeply branching lineage within the order Bacillales (phylum Firmicutes). This report provides the first unequivocal evidence that a bacterium is capable of conserving energy for growth and reproduction from the reduction of antimonate. Moreover, microbiological antimonate reduction may serve as a novel route for the production of antimony trioxide microcrystals of commercial significance to the nanotechnology industry.
Evaluating race/ethnicity in moderating baseline cardiometabolic risk and body composition changes in North Carolina first-year college women.

The roles of race/ethnicity and geographical region in the context of first-year college weight gain remain largely under-examined. The present study evaluated whether race/ethnicity: (1) at baseline was associated with greater representation in cardiometabolic health risk categories for body mass index, percent body fat, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio in the full sample of 54 Black/African American and 80 White/European American first-year female undergraduates attending a North Carolina state university; and (2) moderated body composition changes between the beginning of the fall and spring semesters among the 83 participants who completed baseline and follow-up visits (N = 39 Black/African Americans). More Black/African Americans than White/European Americans had percent body fat values ≥32% at baseline; a greater proportion of White/European Americans than Black/African Americans had a waist-to-hip ratio >0.80. Among those who completed baseline and follow-up visits, White/European Americ...
Synthetic muscle actuators: applications in ultrasonic imaging and optical beam steering

There is much interest in the biomedical community in mechanically steering both high frequency ultrasound transducers and various optical beams. We are currently investigating the use of two different types of MEMS actuators, integrated force arrays (IFAs) and spiral wound transducers (SWTs). The IFA is a linear actuator that is a parallel network of hundreds of thousands of flexible capacitors that electrostatically contract, and the SWT is a patterned tape that is wound to form a circular network of flexible capacitors that can be electrostatically compressed to tilt desired structures. Using ANSYS finite element analysis, we have developed tilting polyimide support structures, which are fabricated on silicon wafers. High frequency ultrasound transducers (20-30 MHz) have been built on these structures and IFAs used to tilt them to steer the ultrasound beam in fluids. Prototype structures have produced 20 degree sector scans scanning at frequencies up to 30 Hz. IFAs have also been used along with similar support structures to steer optical laser beams up to 45 degrees at frequencies up to 60 Hz. The SWT is a more recent development that operates with much greater force than the IFA that could steer ultrasound and optical beams for similar applications.
A large-signal, analytic model for the GaAs MESFET

An analytic, large-signal model for the GaAs MESFET is presented. The device model is physics-based and describes the conduction and displacement currents of the FET as a function of instantaneous terminal voltages and their time derivatives. The model allows arbitrary doping profiles in the channel and is thus suitable for the optimization of ion-implanted and buried-channel FETs. It also accounts for charge accumulation in the conducting channel at high electric fields and the associated capacitance in a self-consistent manner. Theoretical predictions of the model are correlated with experimental data on X-band power FETs and excellent agreement is obtained. >
The Essential Role of Hippocampal CA1 NMDA Receptor–Dependent Synaptic Plasticity in Spatial Memory

We have produced a mouse strain in which the deletion of the NMDAR1 gene is restricted to the CA1 pyramidal cells of the hippocampus by using a new and general method that allows CA1-restricted gene knockout. The mutant mice grow into adulthood without obvious abnormalities. Adult mice lack NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic currents and long-term potentiation in the CA1 synapses and exhibit impaired spatial memory but unimpaired nonspatial learning. Our results strongly suggest that activity-dependent modifications of CA1 synapses, mediated by NMDA receptors, play an essential role in the acquisition of spatial memories.
YAG-derived fiber for high-power narrow-linewidth fiber lasers

We present experimental and modeling results investigating rare earth-doped (Er and Yb) YAG-derived silica fibers (RYDF) as candidates for use in high-power narrow-linewidth fiber lasers. Fabrication of the RYDFs via a rod-in-tube method, starting from crystalline YAG, and its transformation to the amorphous state is described. Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) suppression results from material properties that cooperate to yield a low Brillouin gain coefficient (BGC), namely reduced photoelastic constant and increased acoustic velocity, mass density, and Brillouin spectral width relative to silica. We find typical BGC values for large-mode-area RYDFs to be around 0.5×10-11 m/W. Utilizing a materials model, these results are extrapolated to compositionally-design further reductions to the BGC, including introducing other co-dopants to the mixture. Finally, we focus on the Yb-doped RYDF (YYDF) and show that it is a good candidate for use in kW-class narrow-linewidth fiber lasers via spectroscopy and amplifier experiments. The RYDFs are found to be very similar to conventional aluminosilicate fibers. We also find that YYDFs offer improved compatibility with phase modulating the laser for further increases in the SBS threshold. Using novel fiber fabrication methods with less-common and low-silica materials can lead to promising glass recipes with ultra-low intrinsic BGCs.
Assessing response bias in a web survey at a university faculty

Abstract Online surveys are increasingly common due to the myriad of benefits they offer over traditional survey methods. However, research has shown that response rates to web-based surveys are typically lower than to traditional surveys and can possibly yield biased results. University-based faculty members are a unique cohort that may be ideally suited as subjects for web-based surveys. This paper presents the results of a formal assessment of response bias from a large scale anonymous national survey of faculty members in the discipline of health administration. Results suggested that response bias was at levels undetectable using standard methodological approaches. This paper provides the reader with an overview of steps that can assist evaluators in assessing response bias from data collected with surveys. Thus, it will be of interest to researchers utilising electronic survey methods, especially those interested in surveying university-based faculty members.