cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between corneal hysteresis and the magnitude of intraocular pressure decrease after cataract surgery.

Purpose To evaluate the relationship between baseline corneal hysteresis (CH) and the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after cataract extraction in patients without glaucoma. Setting Private practice, New York City, New York, USA. Design Retrospective cohort study. Methods Charts of consecutive patients who had phacoemulsification cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were analyzed. All included patients had preoperative and postoperative measurements with the Ocular Response Analyzer 2 to 4 months and 10 to 12 months postoperatively. Data collected included age, baseline CH, baseline central corneal thickness (CCT), and IOP. Results Thirty nine (65 eyes) of the 230 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 70.8 years ± 8.6 (SD). The mean preoperative, 2- to 4-month and 10- to 12- month postoperative IOP values were 14.8 ± 3.5 mm Hg, 11.9 ± 3.4 mm Hg, and 12.6 ± 3.1 mm Hg, respectively ( P P = .06). However, the baseline CH (but not the baseline CCT) was statistically associated with the magnitude of IOP reduction at 10 to 12 months when controlling for patient age (β = −0.5; 95% CI, −0.8 to −0.1; P = .01). Conclusion A low baseline CH was associated with a larger magnitude of IOP reduction after cataract extraction. Financial Disclosure Dr. Radcliffe is a consultant to Reichert Technologies and Glaukos Corp.; a consultant to and speaker for Allergan, Inc., Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Iridex Corp., Merge Healthcare, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG; and a speaker for Merck Pharmaceuticals. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with mitral anular calcification: Comparison with age- and sex-matched control subjects

The clinical and echocardiographic features of 104 patients (53 women and 51 men) with mitral anular calcification (MAC) were compared with those of 121 age- and sex-matched control subjects (62 women and 59 men) without MAC. The incidence of coronary artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, systemic hypertension, and diabetes mellitus was similar in both groups. Patients with MAC had a greater incidence of cardiomegaly (p
The heterogeneous multi-scale method for homogenization problems

The heterogeneous multi-scale method, a general framework for efficient numerical modeling of problems with multi-scales [15], is applied to a large variety of homogenization problems. These problems can be either linear or nonlinear, periodic or non-periodic, stationary or dynamic. Stability and accuracy issues are analyzed along the lines of the general principles outlined in [15]. Strategies for obtaining the microstructural information are discussed.
Capitalization and Profitability in Canadian Banking

IN view of the approaching revision of the Bank Act in 1964, it may now b( appropriate to re-examine contemporary opinion and practice concerning commercial bank capital. It is tempting to inquire whether there is an optimumr ratio of capital to assets towards which commercial banks should aim. The traditional economic function of capital accounts has been to protect bank depositors against loss caused by depreciation of bank assets. "Bank capital is in effect a first line of deposit guarantee. Any supervisory standard for measuring capital adequacy should be expressed in terms of the function of bank capital. The function of bank capital is to protect the bank creditors, mostly depositors, against ultimate loss."'
Virtualidad, arquitectura, filosofía

En este texto se contrastan una definicion representacionalista de la virtualidad, segun la cual este concepto "representa" los efectos de la comunicacion y la tecnologia informacional sobre nuestra manera de conocer y construir el mundo, con un concepto alternativo segun el cual la virtualidad describe un componente constitutivo de la experiencia, y como tal se resiste a toda reduccion a procesos nsicos, asi como a la cuantificacion y la formalizacion. Se hace la sugerencia de pensar la virtualidad basandose en la nocion nietzscheana de perspectivismo, que equivale a la suposicion de que la experiencia contiene una dimension virtual, y con ello se cuestiona todo un rango de categorizaciones filosoficas y de presupuestos arquitectonicos, el principal de ellos la nocion cartesiana de espacio. Emerge asi un nuevo concepto de espacialidad virtual que se trata de articular en terminos nietzscheanos y tambien bergsonianos.
A spectrophotometric study of the formation of americium thiocyanate complexes

Abstract The results of a spectrophotometric study of the formation of Am(III) thiocyanate complexes at an ionic strength of 1·0 M enabled calculation of β1 = 5·79 (σ = 0·33) and β2 = 6·77 (σ = 1·05) for Am(SCN)2+ and Am(SCN)2+, respectively. Additional studies of Am(III)in KSCN solutions of variable ionic strength suggested that Am(III) is strongly complexed and provided qualitative evidence for the existence of anionic complexes in 5–10 M KSCN. The “effective stability constant” approach was applied to the data at low KSCN concentrations to calculate β 1 ∗ = 7·6 (σ =2·5) for Am(SCN)2+.
Impact on admission to a school of medicine of an innovation in selection procedures.

This paper reports the impact on admission to the University of Missouri-Kansas City's 6-yr. combined baccalaureate-doctor of medicine program of an innovation in selection procedures. In 1973 and 1974, the school's Council on Selection de-emphasized high school academic performance but continued to consider extensive biographical and interview data. Significant differences emerged in the correlations of various selection criteria with the Council's ratings of candidates in 1973 and 1974 in comparison with the prior year. Specifically, admission test score which had the highest correlation (.58) in 1972 was only .18 in 1973. The negative correlation (−.30) of race (discriminatory toward non-whites) in 1972 was not present in 1973 or 1974. Instead, the highest correlations were the interviewers' ratings and recommended decisions.
On independent generalized degrees and independence numbers in K (1, m -free graphs

Abstract In this paper we use independent generalized degree conditions imposed on K(1, m)-free graphs (for an integer m⩾3) to obtain results involving β(G), the vertex independence number of G. We determine that in a K(1, m)-free graph G of order n if the cardinality of the neighborhood union of pairs of non-adjacent vertices is a positive fraction of n, then β(G) is bounded and independent of n. In particular, we show that if G is a K(1, m)-free graph of order n such that the cardinality of the neighborhood union of pairs of non-adjacent vertices is at least r, then β(G)⩽s, where s is the larger solution to rs(s−1)=(n−s)(m−1)(2s−m). We also explore the relationship between β(G) and δ(G) (the minimum degree) in K(1, m)-free graphs and provide a generalization for degree sums of sets of more than one vertex.
The influence of husbands on contraceptive use by Bangladeshi women

This study uses the 1993-94 Bangladesh DHS to evaluate the effect of the woman's perception of her husband's approval of family planning on her current and future use of modern contraception, after controlling for selected socioeconomic and demographic factors. While most husbands support family planning, contraceptive use among those whose husbands do not approve of family planning is much lower. In some areas of Bangladesh, however, husband's disapproval of family planning is still a major deterrent factor for woman's fertility control. As husband's approval does appear to be a major determinant of contraceptive uptake in similar developing countries in the region, more effective male targeting may be necessary for maintaining the success of the family planning programme in future.
Decreased nitric oxide availability contributes to acute cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE Disturbances of the L-arginine-nitric oxide (NO) vasodilatory pathway have been implicated as a cause of acute vasoconstriction and ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because NO-dependent vasodilatory mechanisms are still intact in this setting, acute vasoconstriction may be the result of limited NO availability after SAH. The present study examines this hypothesis by administration of the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). METHODS SAH was induced by the endovascular suture method in anesthetized rats. L-NAME (30 mg/kg intravenously) was injected 20 minutes before or 15, 30, or 60 minutes after SAH. Control rats received normal saline. Arterial and intracranial pressure and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were measured continuously for 60 minutes after SAH. RESULTS L-NAME administration 20 minutes before SAH produced a significant decrease in resting CBF (29.4 +/- 3.4%; P < 0.05), but it had no effect on the acute decrease in CBF after SAH or on its early recovery up to 30 minutes after SAH. However, a significant decrease in CBF recovery was found in animals receiving L-NAME injections (28.7 +/- 9.4%; P < 0.05 versus controls) 60 minutes after SAH. Administration of L-NAME 15 or 30 minutes after SAH had no effect on CBF recovery, as compared with controls. However, when administered 60 minutes after SAH, L-NAME decreased CBF significantly (45.4 +/- 8.8%; P < 0.05 versus controls). CONCLUSION These results indicate a biphasic pattern of NO availability after SAH. NO-mediated vasodilation is limited during the first 30 minutes of SAH and is restored 60 minutes after SAH.
Some Considerations of the Rural Elderly Black's Underuse of Social Services

Rural elderly Blacks underuse available services because: (1) they are not aware of the variety of services; (2) they are not involved in the planning nor implementation of services; (3) they are powerless in the political arena out of which decisions and programs emanate; and (4) they have feelings of alienation which dissuade participation. Culturally sensitive programming is needed to increase the participation of this group. Strategies for addressing these concerns are discussed.
Evaluation of a Mechanical Grader to Separate Fingerling Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, into Length Groups

A Fischtechnik fingerling grader and bioscanner counter were evaluated for speed and accuracy in grading and counting channel catfish, "Ictalurus punctatus," fingerlings. Channel catfish fingerlings ranging in total length from 90 to 280 mm were graded into 110- to 140-mm, 140- to 170-mm, 170- to 200-mm and >200-mm length groups and counted. A sample of the fingerlings was manually separated through grader boxes with 109 mm (7/16 inch), 141 mm (9/16 inch) and 172 mm (11/16 inch) bar spaces to compare length variation within size groups with the mechanical grader. The accuracy of the bioscanner counter was tested by comparison with hand countintg. Fingerlings weighing 679 kg were mechanically graded and counted in 56 minutes, a rate of 12.1 kg/minute. Standard deviation for length within size groups was 10.9, 13.5, and 24.0 mm for the 109-mm, 141-mm, and 172-mm grader boxes, respectively; and 13.4, 12.6, 13.0, and 16.4 mm for the 110- to 140-mm, 140- to 170-mm, 170- to 200-mm and >200-mm mechanical grader ...
Joint Ventures as a Vehicle for Strategic Change: Opportunities and Pitfalls

Based on an extensive survey of joint ventures (JVs) in the information technology industry, this article develops a profile of the joint venturing firm, explores joint venture motivations, and relates joint venture success to conditions that motivate JV formation. Findings suggest that JVs are motivated by critical strategic deficiencies within participating parent firms and that JV goals focus on short‐term solutions to immediate performance problems. However, findings further indicate that JVs are not particularly well suited to short term goals. It is argued that JVs hold the potential to serve as positive vehicles for strategic change if they are viewed as means to achieve longer term objectives.
Radiative transfer in the cloudy atmosphere - Modeling radiative transport

Pertinent issues concerning cloud-radiation interactions that are relevant to studies of climate are discussed in terms of cloud optical properties. These optical properties are classified either inherent or apparent; the former are functions of cloud microphysics, the latter come about from the illumination of the cloud by radiation. The connection between the two sets of optical properties is discussed under the format of radiative transfer. The state of our lack of understanding of this connection is illustrated using examples derived from recent observational studies. Further evidence is presented that questions the validity of one dimensional radiative transfer theory as applied to the earth's atmosphere.
Effects of beam polarization on coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering using noisy light

The effects of different linear polarization schemes on the noisy light-based coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering [I(2)CARS] signal were investigated. It was found that certain polarization schemes can selectively shut down the contributions from terms represented by various factorized time correlation (FTC) diagrams to the I(2)CARS spectrogram. FTC diagram analysis was used in conjunction with the symmetry properties of the hyperpolarizability to provide a theoretical understanding of this phenomenon and serve as the basis for simulation of the I(2)CARS spectrogram. Striking agreement is seen between the simulations and the experimental results for benzene and several methylated benzene derivatives. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distinguishing between stochastic models of heterogeneity and contagion

Abstract Historically, the Poisson process has been the “benchmark” model for many stochastic processes. When event counts from a particular process fail to be described adequately by a Poisson distribution, a researcher may turn to generalized Poisson processes to model the empirical data more accurately. Two common generalizations are the (1) heterogeneous Poisson process, in which the process rate is a Gamma random variable, and (2) contagious Poisson process, in which the process rate depends linearly on the current state of the process. Paradoxically, both the heterogeneous and contagious processes yield the same theoretical distribution for the number of events that occur in a single interval of time. Consequently, distinguishing between these two using event counts can be difficult. This situation is discussed, first reviewing the models and distribution, then giving strategies for choosing between them using event count data, and demonstrating these techniques on episodes of hospitalization for schizophrenia.
Functional Interaction Between CFTR and Cx45 Gap Junction Channels Expressed in Oocytes

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a chloride (Cl−) channel known to influence the function of other channels, including connexin channels. To further study potential functional interactions between CFTR and gap junction channels, we have co-expressed CFTR and connexin45 (Cx45) in Xenopus oocytes and monitored junctional conductance and voltage sensitivity by dual voltage clamp electrophysiology. In single oocytes expressing CFTR, an increase in cAMP caused by forskolin application induced a Cl− current and increased membrane conductance; application of diphenylamine carboxylic acid (CFTR blocker) readily blocked the Cl− current. With co-expression of CFTR and Cx45, application of forskolin to paired oocytes induced a typical outward current and increased junctional conductance (Gj). In addition, the presence of CFTR reduced the transjunctional voltage sensitivity of Cx45 channels without affecting the kinetics of junctional current inactivation. The drop in voltage sensitivity was further enhanced by forskolin application. The data indicate that CFTR influences cell-to-cell coupling mediated by Cx45 channels.
Kainic Acid-Induced Golgi Complex Fragmentation/Dispersal Shifts the Proteolysis of Reelin in Primary Rat Neuronal Cells: An In Vitro Model of Early Stage Epilepsy

The endoplasmic reticulum-lysosome-Golgi network plays an important role in Reelin glycosylation and its proteolytic processing. Golgi complex fragmentation is associated with the separation of Reelin from this network. Kainic acid (KA) is an excitotoxic agent commonly used to induce epilepsy in rodents. The relationship between KA-induced neuronal damage and Golgi complex fragmentation has not been investigated, leaving a major gap in our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the development of pathophysiology in epilepsy. We cultured primary rat cortical neurons eitherin ambient condition (control) or treated with a range of KA doses to reveal whether Golgi complex fragmentation impaired neuronal function. The half-life maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of KA was detected to be approximately 5 μM, whereby at these concentrations, KA impaired neuronal viability, which was closely associated with initial Golgi complex fragmentation and subsequent reduction in both the expression and glycosylation patterns of Reelin. These findings implicate that Golgi complex fragmentation and Reelin dysfunction are key contributors to neuronal cell death in the early stage of epilepsy pathophysiology, thereby representing as novel disease biomarkers, as well as potent therapeutic targets for epilepsy.
A fast adaptive solver for hierarchically semiseparable representations

We present a fast solver for matrices in hierarchically semi-separable form with highly non-uniform partition trees. The algorithm employed is based on an implicit ULV factorization. Numerical experiments are provided and demonstrate that the solution time scales linearly with problem size.
Social Work Student Attitudes on Working with Older Clients

Abstract Twenty-two Masters level social work students who had worked with older clients in fieldwork were asked about their experiences. This was a qualitative research study using open-ended questions and face-to-face interviews. The group was divided almost in half based on having made the choice to work with this population (12 = yes; 10 = no). All but one student reported increased feelings of compassion and a newly gained appreciation for diversity among their clients. Students who had chosen their placements were largely motivated from their life experiences prior to social work school; only one cited a course in gerontology. Among the students who had not selected to work with older clients, most reported being satisfied with their learning experiences. Students thought that more exposure to field settings was the best way to attract new social workers into gerontology.
The source of ultrasound contrast effect

Evidence that microbubbles are the main sources of ultrasound contrast in injected solutions has been largely indirect. To investigate this directly, we examined freshly agitated indocyanine green, freshly agitated water, commercially prepared precision microbubbles (diameter 75 +/- 25 mu) in gelatin, carbonated water, "degassed" indocyanine green solution, and "degassed" water in one or more of four different assay systems. Only fluids with microbubbles produced ultrasound contrast. Injected contrast material rose in a water bath at a rate that identified it as being caused by microbubbles. Indocyanine green and gelatin surface tensions were measured and found to be low (43 dynes/cm2), thus explaining their tendency to stabilize the microbubbles that cause ultrasound contrast effect when injected and to hold foam after agitation. The force of hand injections (force similar to that used clinically through catheters and 19-gauge or 23-gauge needles) was below the force needed to cause cavitation or ultrasound contrast effect. Microbubble content could be quantified by the decrease in amplitude of the echo from a structure distant to the microbubbles. We conclude that that the ultrasound contrast effect seen in peripherally injected fluids is caused by microbubbles present in the injectant. The contrast is not due to cavitation at needle tips, and it can be quantified over a limited range. Improved design for a peripheral contrast agent is suggest.
Oral ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor: case report and literature review

Ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor (ECMT) of the oral cavity is a rare lesion. We describe the 33rd reported case in the current English-language literature. This patient had originally presented 5 years earlier with a tongue neoplasm with biopsy results consistent with nerve sheath myxoma. A general surgical pathologist gave the patient's current lesion a preliminary diagnosis of low-grade sarcoma. After further evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial pathologist, the diagnosis of ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor was established. It is important for clinicians to have a better understanding of ECMT, so as to avoid future misdiagnosis of this entity.
Light-Collecting Properties of a Perfect Circular Optical Fiber*

The meaning and the limitations of the numerical aperture of a perfect circular, cylindrical fiber are discussed. The light-collecting properties of the fiber due to skew rays collected beyond the meridional or nominal numerical aperture are shown. An effective numerical aperture which completely describes the light collection capacity of the fiber can be defined. It is shown that appreciably more light can be accepted by a fiber when all skew rays are considered than would be expected in a meridional approximation. The angular distribution of the emitted light has also been calculated for a typical case, and the effects of Fresnel reflection at the faces of the fiber are considered.
Depth Enhanced Panoramas

We describe a method for interactive modeling and visualization of room-size indoor scenes that is fast, easy, and inexpensive. We have designed a novel data acquisition device, called a ModelCamera, that consists of a video camera with an attached laser system that generates a 7x7 pattern of depth samples. The operator pans and tilts the ModelCamera around the camera's center of projection and it acquires a sequence of color and depth frames. The frames are registered in world coordinates and are merged into an evolving scene model, called a depth enhanced panorama. The model is visualized continually; the immediate feedback allows the operator to monitor the model quality and to identify missing scene surfaces. Our approach extends color panoramas to support viewpoint translation, while retaining their speed, convenience, and low cost (Figure 1). It is a practical alternative to modeling systems that provide complete models at a high cost.
Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy with Transcervical Morcellation: Initial Experience

Abstract Study Objective To describe a novel method for morcellation at laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and to define its potential benefits. Design Retrospective observational study ( Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting Hospital-based urogynecology and general gynecology practice and a single community teaching hospital of a university medical school. Patients The first 51 women to undergo laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with transcervical morcellation at a single institution. Intervention A novel surgical technique that uses a transcervical approach for morcellation of the uterine fundus after amputation from, and coring of, the cervix. Measurements and Main Results Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with transcervical morcellation was completed successfully in all 51 patients. Mean (SD) operating time for laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with transcervical morcellation alone was 64.3 (28.4) minutes, and median hospital stay was 1 day. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications related to transcervical morcellation at a median (range) follow-up of 4.4 (1.6–11.7) months. Conclusion Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with transcervical morcellation is a feasible procedure that removes the cervical core and does not require enlarging an abdominal port site for introduction of the uterine morcellator.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE SUPRARENAL CORTEX ON THE GONADS OF RABBITS : II. THE EFFECTS OF SUPRARENAL INJURY (BY REMOVAL OR FREEZING) ON THE TUBULES AND INTERSTITIAL CELLS (LEYDIG) OF THE TESTIS.

1. Double or partial suprarenalectomy in rabbits produces no specific changes either in the tubules or in the interstitial cells of the testes. 2. This is in sharp contrast with the marked hypertrophy of the interstitial cells of the ovary which usually occurs in rabbits surviving double suprarenalectomy 30 days or more. 3. These facts indicate that the interstitial cells of the testis and ovary are not functionally homologous.
Feedback effects in a metric multiple-cue probability learning task.

Three forms of augmented feedback were compared with simple outcome feedback in a computer-run, metric, multiple-cue probability learning task. These were: (a) lens model feedback, (b) provision of the predicted criterion value, and (c) provision of categorical information about the criterion. There was significant improvement in performance across six blocks of 25 trials, but no differences among the feedback treatments. In a second study, two additional groups were run without outcome feedback. These groups received either lens model feedback or predicted criterion feedback. The major result was a sharp increase in consistency, which mediated an increase in achievement, when outcome feedback was not provided.
Interpretations of Chaff Trajectories Near a Severe Thunderstorm

Abstract A severe right-moving thunderstorm formed 60 n.mi. southwest of Norman, Okla., on June 25, 1969, and moved slowly northeastward. Eleven bundles of chaff were released upwind at an altitude of 15,000 ft mean sea level (MSL) and within 15 n.mi. of the thunderstorm. Nine of the bundles were observed by radar to enter the precipitation echo of the storm. Three of these appeared to move through the precipitation and emerge from the downwind side of the storm. Airflow near the thunderstorm, determined from these trajectories, indicated that lee eddies were formed within air being diverted around the storm.
Pallidal stimulation that improves parkinsonian motor symptoms also modulates neuronal firing patterns in primary motor cortex in the MPTP-treated monkey

Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical therapy for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), is known to change neuronal activity patterns in the pallidothalamic circuit. Whether these effects translate to the motor cortex and, if so, how they might modulate the functional responses of individual neurons in primary motor cortex remains uncertain. A 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated monkey was implanted with a DBS lead spanning internal and external segments of globus pallidus. During therapeutic stimulation (135 Hz) for rigidity and bradykinesia, neurons in primary motor cortex (M1) exhibited an inhibitory phase-locking (2-5 ms) to the stimulus, an overall decrease in mean discharge rate, and an increase in response specificity to passive limb movement. Sub-therapeutic DBS (30 Hz) still produced entrainment to the stimulation, but the mean discharge rate and specificity to movement were not changed. Lower stimulation intensities (at 135 Hz), which no longer improved motor symptoms, had little effect on M1 activity. These findings suggest that DBS improves parkinsonian motor symptoms by inducing global changes in firing pattern and rate along the pallido-thalamocortical sensorimotor circuit.
The role of goal orientation in leadership development

Goal-orientation theory and research offer a lens to better understand the mechanisms of experiential learning in developmental assignments for managers. This study presents a research model that depicts how goal orientations influence the development of leadership skills from experience. The model indicates how individual and situational characteristics interact and influence managers' learning outcomes. By extension, the model proposes how situations could be altered to increase how much managers learn from work experiences. Future research directions on experiential learning as part of management development are also proposed.
Intracellular Prolactin in Rat Corpus Luteum and Adrenal Cortex

This study was done to examine whether PRL, which appears in both active milk secretory cells (MSC) (1) and milk (1, 2) during normal lactation, could also be detected in PRL target cells which do not transfer this hormone into an exocrine secretory product. Ovaries, adrenals, and mammary and pituitary glands were collected from actively nursing rats decapitated on day 15 post-partum. All four tissues were processed for light microscopic immunohistochemical identification of PRL. Immunoreactive PRL was again found in pituitary PRL cells and in MSC. It was also detected within both lutein and adrenal cortical cells (zona fasciculata). In all three target tissues, PRL was present in target cell cytoplasm, but, in MSC and adrenal cells, it was also found occasionally in nuclei. These findings, which seem to indicate that transfer into an exocrine secretory product cannot be the only possible explanation for the appearance of this protein hormone inside its target cells, extend the evidence suggesting that PR...
A Measurement of Anisotropy in the Cosmic Microwave Background on 7'–22' Scales

We report a measurement of anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) on 7'–22' scales. Observations of 36 fields near the North Celestial Pole (NCP) were made at 31.7 and 14.5 GHz, using the 5.5 m and 40 m telescopes at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) from 1993 to 1996. Multiepoch VLA observations at 8.5 and 15 GHz allow removal of discrete source contamination. After point-source subtraction, we detected significant structure, which we identify with emission from a combination of a steep-spectrum foreground and the CMBR. The foreground component is found to correlate with IRAS 100 μm dust emission. Lack of Hα emission near the NCP suggests that this foreground is either high-temperature thermal bremsstrahlung (Te 106 K), flat-spectrum synchrotron, or an exotic component of dust emission. On the basis of low-frequency maps of the NCP, we can restrict the spectral index of the foreground to β ≥ −2.2. Although the foreground signal dominates at 14.5 GHz, the extracted CMBR component contributes 88% of the variance at 31.7 GHz, yielding an rms fluctuation amplitude of 82 μK, including 4.3% calibration uncertainty and 12% sample variance (68% confidence). In terms of the angular power spectrum, Cl = |a|2, averaged over a range of multipoles l = 361-756, the detected broadband amplitude is δTle ≡ [l(l + 1)Cl/(2π)]1/2 = 59 μK. This measurement, when combined with small angular scale upper limits obtained at the OVRO, indicates that the CMBR angular power spectrum decreases between l ~ 600 and l ~ 2000 and is consistent with flat cosmological models.
Properties of the marginal survival functions for dependent censored data under an assumed Archimedean copula

Abstract Given a random sample from a dependent censored variable ( X , δ ) = ( min ( T , C ) , 1 ( T C ) ) , general formulas are given for possible marginal survival functions of the failure time T and the censoring time C under the assumption that their underlying copula is Archimedean. These formulas are used to establish the relationship between these possible survival functions, along with useful identifiability results. A new estimator of the marginal survival functions is also proposed, under the assumption that the underlying Archimedean copula is known. Bias formulas for this estimator and other existing estimators are derived. Simulation studies show that the new estimator is comparable with the copula-graphic estimator proposed by Zheng and Klein (1995) and Rivest and Wells (2001), as well as with the estimator of Zheng and Klein (1994) under the Archimedean copula assumption.
International Purchasing and Global Sourcing ‐ What are the Differences?

SUMMARY As organizations think about the best way to respond to competitive demands, the development of global strategies and approaches, including global sourcing strategies, will become an increasingly attractive option. Since most organizations do not have in place well-developed global sourcing strategies, improvement opportunities are indeed attractive and largely unrealized. Realizing these opportunities requires a detailed understanding of global sourcing. Achieving this understanding demands replacing anecdotal perceptions and accounts of global sourcing with research-based findings. These findings will help supply managers better understand what it takes to shift from basic international purchasing to integrated global sourcing strategies and approaches.
Effects of pruning and n fertilization on leaf‐nutrient content of dry‐farmed bearing almond trees

Abstract Pruning was more effective than N fertilization in increasing the N concentration in leaves of dry‐farmed mature almond trees. Chandler1 writes that increases in yield have been obtained from application of nitrogen to almond trees growing in rather poor soils. This study was to evaluate effects on leaf‐nutrient status of almond trees for nitrogenous fertilization in combination with pruning vs. no pruning.
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in Kidney Development

The kidney plays a fundamental role in the regulation of arterial blood pressure and fluid/electrolyte homeostasis. As congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) constitute one of the most common human birth defects, improved understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to CAKUT is critical. Accumulating evidence indicates that aberrant signaling via receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is causally linked to CAKUT. Upon activation by their ligands, RTKs dimerize, undergo autophosphorylation on specific tyrosine residues, and interact with adaptor proteins to activate intracellular signal transduction pathways that regulate diverse cell behaviours such as cell proliferation, survival, and movement. Here, we review the current understanding of role of RTKs and their downstream signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of CAKUT.
Filtration of submicron particles by spheres in HGMS

Abstract We present a theory for the diffusive capture of submicron-size magnetic particles by a sphere assemblage operating as a high-gradient magnetic separator. The carrier fluid is modeled in the laminar flow approximation. With the restriction to large Peclet numbers and relatively weak magnetic fields (up to several kOe), approximate analytical methods are introduced and applied to study the single sphere capture efficiency as a function of magnetic field strength, flow rate, and particle size. Although sphere efficiency increases in stronger fields, there is no indication of the high-field saturation which marked our between diffusion enhancement and the magnetic force is observed.
Numerical modeling of preburner flowfield

This work is intended to numerically predict the flowfields inside the preburner of the Space Shuttle Main Engine. The computer code (FDNS) based on pressure correction method is modified and adapted with an elliptic grid generator. The original configuration of the preburner in conjunction with downstream gas turbines has been simplified geometrically and numerically modeled at its full power in this work. The computational results are presented and qualitatively discussed with test data collected in NASA/MSFC.
Ancient ancestry of KFDV and AHFV revealed by complete genome analyses of viruses isolated from ticks and mammalian hosts.

Background Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) and Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV) cause significant human disease and mortality in Saudi Arabia and India, respectively. Despite their distinct geographic ranges, AHFV and KFDV share a remarkably high sequence identity. Given its emergence decades after KFDV, AHFV has since been considered a variant of KFDV and thought to have arisen from an introduction of KFDV to Saudi Arabia from India. To gain a better understanding of the evolutionary history of AHFV and KFDV, we analyzed the full length genomes of 16 AHFV and 3 KFDV isolates.
Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 promotes differentiation of the periderm by activating expression of Grainyhead-like 3

IFN regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) is a transcription factor that, in mammals, is required for the differentiation of skin, breast epithelium, and oral epithelium. However, the transcriptional targets that mediate these effects are currently unknown. In zebrafish and frog embryos, Irf6 is necessary for differentiation of the embryonic superficial epithelium, or periderm. Here we use microarrays to identify genes that are expressed in the zebrafish periderm and whose expression is inhibited by a dominant-negative variant of Irf6 (dnIrf6). These methods identify Grainyhead-like 3 (Grhl3), an ancient regulator of the epidermal permeability barrier, as acting downstream of Irf6. In human keratinocytes, IRF6 binds conserved elements near the GRHL3 promoter. We show that one of these elements has enhancer activity in human keratinocytes and zebrafish periderm, suggesting that Irf6 directly stimulates Grhl3 expression in these tissues. Simultaneous inhibition of grhl1 and grhl3 disrupts periderm differentiation in zebrafish, and, intriguingly, forced grhl3 expression restores periderm markers in both zebrafish injected with dnIrf6 and frog embryos depleted of Irf6. Finally, in Irf6-deficient mouse embryos, Grhl3 expression in the periderm and oral epithelium is virtually absent. These results indicate that Grhl3 is a key effector of Irf6 in periderm differentiation.
Simple Shear Testing of Parallel-Fibered Planar Soft Tissues

The simple shear test may provide unique information regarding the material response of parallel-fibered soft tissues because it allows the elimination of the dominant fiber material response from the overall stresses. However, inhomogeneities in the strain field due to clamping and free edge effects have not been documented. The finite element method was used to study finite simple shear of simulated ligament material parallel to the fiber direction. The effects of aspect ratio, clamping prestrain, and bulk modulus were assessed using a transversely isotropic, hyperelastic material model. For certain geometries, there was a central area of uniform strain. An aspect ratio of 1:2 for the fiber to cross-fiber directions provided the largest region of uniform strain. The deformation was nearly isochoric for all bulk moduli indicating this test may be useful for isolating solid viscoelasticity from interstitial flow effects. Results suggest this test can be used to characterize the matrix properties for the type of materials examined in this study, and that planar measurements will suffice to characterize the strain. The test configuration may be useful for the study of matrix, fiber-matrix, and fiber-fiber material response in other types of parallel-fibered transversely isotropic soft tissues.
Product Data Management in Undergraduate Education

Product Data Management (PDM) systems provide a means for sharing and controlling documents in collaborative product development. PDM are used in industrial applications for long-term archival of product information, to enhance collaboration and communication throughout the design process, support distributed design teams through advanced document sharing, track changes in product information, and control design documents ranging from requirements information to CAD. However, undergraduate mechanical engineering students typically graduate with limited or no exposure to PDM systems. This paper investigates the benefits and challenges associated with modern PDM systems. Moreover, the need for PDM systems in undergraduate education are discussed and means for integrating this technology is presented. A survey of engineering institutions in the U.S. is completed to understand the current usage in academic settings. Specifically, this paper describes appropriate course and project support of PDM systems.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
MicroRNAs in Metabolic Disease

Alterations in the metabolic control of lipid and glucose homeostasis predispose an individual to develop cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2-diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Work over the last years has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in regulating these physiological processes. The contribution of miRNAs in regulating metabolism is exemplified by miR-33, an intronic miRNA encoded in the Srebp genes. miR-33 controls cellular cholesterol export and fatty acid degradation, whereas its host genes stimulate cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis. Other miRNAs, such as miR-122, also play a critical role in regulating lipid homeostasis by controlling cholesterol synthesis and lipoprotein secretion in the liver. This review article summarizes the recent findings in the field, highlighting the contribution of miRNAs in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism. We will also discuss how the modulation of specific miRNAs may be a promising strategy to treat metabolic diseases.
cultural politics in an age of statistics: numbers, nations, and the making of Basque identity

This article examines the public uses of language surveys and census data by militant and moderate Basque nationalist language organizations during the first few years of Basque political autonomy. As part of a modern regime of truth that equates knowledge with measurement, statistics occupy a privileged position of authority that gives them heightened rhetorical power in a context of competing political ideologies. Analysis focuses on how specific ways of categorizing and displaying data on Basque speakers create an image of the Basque nation “at risk” and, at the same time, introduce new ways of envisioning the language community, the Basque speaker, and his or her duties to the nation. I conclude by discussing the implications that minority uses of statistics may have for theorizing resistance and the social construction of identities. [statistics, modernity, language revival, ethnic identity, nationalism, resistance, Basque country]
Reply to 'Comments on "Application of double negative materials to increase the power radiated by electrically small antennas"'

The present author replies to the comment by Kildal (IEEE Trans. Antennas Propag., vol.54, no.2, p.766, 2006 February) on the original paper by Ziolkowski and Kipple (IEEE Trans. Antennas Propag., vol.51, no.10, p.2626-40, 2003 October).
Functional disorders of the larynx in early infancy

Summary Attention is called to four types of functional disorders of the larynx in early infancy. They are (1) deglutition apnea, (2) congenital laryngeal stridor, (3) stridor with dysphagia, and (4) exudative stridor. A new interpretation is offered to explain the cause of congenital laryngeal stridor.
Rheology of a textured fluid consisting of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and nylon 6,6

The rheology and development of the texture of immiscible polymer blends based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and nylon 6,6 at composition ratios of 75/25, 50/50, and 25/75 w/w PET/nylon 6,6 were studied. The blends were prepared by mixing in an extruder and by dry blending and mixing between cone-and-plate fixtures in a nitrogen atmosphere. The rheology of these blends was found to be a function of both polymer degradation and the two-phase morphology. An accelerated degradation rate in air was observed for the 75/25 and 50/50 w/w PET/nylon 6,6 blends relative to the neat polymers while the blend at a weight ratio of 25/75 w/w PET/nylon 6,6 displayed a rate of degradation similar to that of the neat polymers. The values of the steady shear viscosity (η), |η*| storage modulus (G′), and steady-state first normal stress difference (N1) for melt-blended 75/25 and 50/50 w/w PET/nylon 6,6 samples were lower than those of the neat polymers and were determined to be a consequence of the higher rate of degradation of these blends during extrusion relative to that of the neat polymers. The role played by the two-phase nature on the blends was observed for all samples prepared by dry blending and mixing in cone-and-plate fixtures under a nitrogen atmosphere and for the melt-blended 25/75 w/w PET/nylon 6,6 blend. The two-phase nature of the dry-blended samples and the extruded 25/75 w/w PET/nylon 6,6 sample resulted in values of |η*|, η, G′, and N1 which were higher than those of the neat polymers. Transient behavior observed for the blends using stepwise changes of shear rate was found to superimpose when plotted in reduced form, indicating that at rates lower than the longest relaxation time of the neat polymers there was no intrinsic time constant associated with the deformation of the interface in the blends. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Habitat suitability through time: using time series and habitat models to understand changes in bird density

Confronted with a rapidly changing world and limited resources for conservation, ecologists are increasingly challenged with predicting the impact of climate and land-use change on wildlife. A common approach is to use habitat-suitability models (HSMs) to explain aspects of species'occurrence, such as presence, abundance, and distribution, utilizing physical habitat characteristics. Although HSMs are useful, they are limited because they are typically created using spatial rather than temporal data, which omits temporal dynamics. We explored the value of combining spatial and temporal approaches by comparing HSMs with autoregressive population models. We investigated a 28-year period of bird community dynamics at a field site in northern California during which time the plant community has been transitioning from scrub to conifer forest. We used the two model frameworks to quantify the contribution of vegetation change, weather, and population processes (autoregressive models only) to variation in density of seven bird species over the first 23 years. Model predictive ability was then tested using the subsequent five years of population density data. HSMs explained 58% to 90% of the deviance in species'density. However, models that included density dependence in addition to vegetation covariates provided a better fit to the data for three of the seven species, Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), and Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata). These three species have more localized dispersal compared to the other four species, suggesting that dispersal tendency may be an important life-history trait to consider when predicting the impact of climate and land-use change on population levels. Our results suggest that HSMs can effectively explain and predict variation in species' densities through time, however for species with localized dispersal, it may be especially informative to include population processes.
A note on simple programs with two variables

Abstract We show that there are recursive sets two-variable simple programs cannot recognize. Examples include the set of prime numbers and the set L e of integers raised to the e th power for any fixed integer e ⩾ 2.