cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tilted Views and C Sailo: A Study of Satire in Contemporary Indie Comics

For John Berger, the act of seeing is locative. It provides a site for the viewer to base herself upon. In this chapter titled ‘Tilted Views: A Study of Satire in Contemporary Indie Comics’, I will discuss the graphic satire of C Sailo, a young artist originally from the state of Mizoram, India. The comic seems to take Berger’s dictum to heart as it elaborates on the biases ingrained in Delhi residents and their instinctive responses to viewing ‘typical’ North Eastern facial features. The characters view the protagonist and verbally abuse him thus leading to a decision. There is a note of sharp empathy as the graphic novel medium is used to manage time and space to let the readers-viewers understand the experience of being viewed differently. The treatment is ironic and the piece becomes a satire on xenophobia in New Delhi. It is a powerful comment on marginalization. In fact, it may be defined as ‘critical art’, as elaborated by Jacques Ranciere in Aesthetics and its Discontents. However, I want to ask if critical art in general, and this piece of satire in particular, is a complex intervention. The medium of the graphic novel and the usage of caricature in the line drawings coerces the artwork to a reception of leisure and pleasure. This may undermine the effect of the comic. This means it is difficult to label the art as ‘critical art’. The art is undoubtedly subversive but it may also reconfigure itself owing to its ambiguous signification.
An elementary introduction to mathematical finance

This textbook on the basics of option pricing is accessible to readers with limited mathematical training. It is for both professional traders and undergraduates studying the basics of finance. Assuming no prior knowledge of probability, Sheldon M. Ross offers clear, simple explanations of arbitrage, the Black-Scholes option pricing formula, and other topics such as utility functions, optimal portfolio selections, and the capital assets pricing model. Among the many new features of this third edition are new chapters on Brownian motion and geometric Brownian motion, stochastic order relations and stochastic dynamic programming, along with expanded sets of exercises and references for all the chapters.
Social Network and Traditional Support Systems for Victims

In most traditional societies situations of crises of any type are usually the concern of the community and extended family. Illness, Injuries, whatever the cause, are included in these situations. Furthermore the practice of compensation is often built into traditional legal systems.
Vulva and Vagina

A number of infectious diseases involve the female genital tract, most of them being identified by culture. Some infectious diseases that may be diagnosed or at least suspected by cytology or histopathology will be reviewed.
Poem for Maya

Dipping our bread in oil tins we talked of morning peeling open our rooms to a moment of almonds, olives and wind when we did not yet know what we were. The days in Mallorca were alike: footprints down goat-paths from the beds we had left, at night the stars locked to darkness. At that time we were learning to dance, take our clothes in our fingers and open ourselves to their hands. The veranera was with us. For a month the almond trees bloomed, their droppings the delicate silks we removed when each time a touch took us closer to the window where
Dynamically Adaptive Parallel Programs

Dynamic program optimization is the only recourse for optimizing compilers when machine and program parameters necessary for applying an optimization technique are unknown until runtime. With the movement toward portable parallel programs, facilitated by language standards such as OpenMP, many of the optimizations developed for high-performance machines can no longer be applied prior to runtime without potential performance degradation. As an alternative, we propose dynamically adaptive programs, programs that adapt themselves to their runtime environment. We discuss the key issues in successfully applying this approach and show examples of its application. Experimental results are given for dynamically adaptive programs that seek to eliminate redundant runtime data dependence tests, to select the optimal tile size for tiled loops and to serialize loops that do not profit from parallelism.
Efficient marker matching using pair-wise constraints in physical therapy

In this paper, we report a robust, efficient, and automatic method for matching infrared tracked markers for human motion analysis in computer-aided physical therapy applications. The challenges of this task stem from non-rigid marker motion, occlusion, and timing requirements. To overcome these difficulties, we use pair-wise distance constraints for marker identification. To meet the timing requirements, we first reduce the candidate marker labels by proximity constraints before enforcing the pair-wise constraints. Experiments with 38 real motion sequences, our method has shown superior accuracy and significant speedup over a semi-automatic proprietary method and the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) approach.
Computer Programming Experience and Mathematical Problem Solving.

AbstractA path model was constructed to illustrate the hypothesized causal relationship among experience in computer programming, mathematical problem solving, and other relevant variables. The model was tested with a sample of 800 high school students. Results indicated that ability had the largest causal effect on mathematical problem solving achievement. However, three variables had a moderate effect: computer programming experience, mathematics experience, and gender. The conclusion was that there was evidence to support the theory of transfer of skills from computer programming experience to mathematical problem solving.
Active Refrigeration for Space Astrophysics Missions

The use of cryogen dewars limits mission lifetime, increases sensor mass, and increases program engineering and launch costs on spacebased low-background, precision-pointing instruments, telescopes and interferometers. The recent development of long-life mechanical and sorption coolers capable of refrigeration to temperatures below 2.5 Kelvin, combined with the innovative use of cryogenic radiators and thermally advantageous orbits, is enabling long duration (>5 years) missions that can perform high resolution infrared and sub-mm wave astronomical observations. Several of the available long-life cooling techniques are summarized. This discussion includes: the use of radiators to temperatures as low as 30 K; and the combination of cryogenic radiators with mechanical coolers through a heat interceptor to substantially improve the cooler’s efficiency and reduce the required refrigeration. The design of a brassboard 10 K cooler, which will be completed in 1995, for cooling an IR camera is also outlined. A cooler based on this design can be constructed for flight missions which provides 10 mW of continuous refrigeration with an input power of less than 10 watts and a mass of six kg.
Pharmacy staff perceptions and self-reported behaviors related to providing contraceptive information and counseling.

Abstract Objective To evaluate pharmacy staff perspectives of a 2-year pharmacy intervention aimed at reducing unintended pregnancy in 18- to 30-year-old women. Design Pharmacy staff completed a 48-item, self-administered paper survey consisting of scaled and open-ended questions. Setting 55 community pharmacies in 12 Iowa counties. Participants All pharmacy staff participated, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other pharmacy employees. Intervention Online continuing education (CE) training was made available to all pharmacy staff. Promotional materials—including posters, brochures, and shelf talkers were—displayed in all of the pharmacies. Main outcome measures Pharmacy staff perceptions and self-reported behaviors related to displaying posters, brochures, and shelf talkers in their pharmacies and providing contraceptive information and counseling to patients/customers. Results A total of 192 (43% return rate) pharmacy staff responded. Only 44% of respondents consistently provided contraceptive information and counseling, yet more than 90% felt that talking with patients/customers about contraceptives was easy, and more than 50% could do so privately. The study showed increased pharmacy staff desire to make this topic a priority. Conclusion Community pharmacy staff can play a key role in educating and counseling young adult women about contraceptive health and pregnancy planning. This study indicates that staff are comfortable providing this service and that patients/customers are open to receiving guidance from pharmacists. However, pharmacy staff are missing additional opportunities to provide information and counseling. There is also a need for greater attention to provision of nonprescription contraceptive education.
Comparison of self-gated cine MRI retrospective cardiac synchronization algorithms.

Purpose To determine whether improved self-gating (SG) algorithms can provide superior synchronization accuracy for retrospectively gated cine MRI. Materials and Methods First difference, template matching, and polynomial fitting algorithms were implemented to improve the synchronization of MRI data using cardiac SG signals. Cine datasets were acquired during short-axis, two-, three-, and four-chamber cardiac MRI scans. The root-mean-square (RMS) error of SG synchronization positions compared to detected R-wave positions were calculated along with the mean square error (MSE) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) comparing SG to electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated images. Overall image quality was also compared by two expert reviewers. Results RMS errors were highest for the first difference method for all orientations. Improvements for both template matching and cubic polynomial fitting methods were significant for two-, three-, and four-chamber scans. MSE values were lower and PSNR were significantly higher for the cubic method compared to the first difference method for all orientations. Reviewers scored the images to be of comparable quality. Conclusion Template matching and polynomial fitting improved the accuracy of cardiac cycle synchronization for two-, three-, and four-chamber scans; improvements in SG synchronization accuracy were reflected in improvements in analytical image quality. Implementation of robust postprocessing algorithms may bring SG approaches closer to clinical utilization. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:767–772. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Determination of adenosine and S-adenosyl derivatives of sulfur amino acids in rat liver by high-performance liquid chromatography.

The metabolism of methionine in rat liver is primarily dependent on its conversion to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the labile methyl group donor in a number of transmethylation reactions [l, 21. The demethylated product of transmethylation, S-adenosyihomocysteine (SAH), an allosteric inhibitor of many SAM-dependent transmethylase enzymes [ 3, 41, is broken down into adenosine (Ado) and homocysteine by a reversible reaction. Consequently Ado and homocysteine concentrations directly influence SAH concentration and transmethylation [4]. Separation and quantitation of hepatic SAM, SAH and Ado are therefore necessary in many studies addressing methionine metabolism or transmethylation in liver. Several methods for the determination of SAM, SAH and Ado using highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have appeared in recent years [.3, 5-91. However, these require either lengthy sample preparation [ 5-71, derivatization [S] or gradient elution [ 3,9 J and only one [8] is designed to measure all three metabolites. We present an isocratic reversed-phase HPLC procedure for the determination of SAM, SAH and Ado in rat liver which was adapted from a method used to measure these metabolites in rat brain [lo]. Rapid sample preparation using a Sep-Pak cartridge is followed by a single injection onto a Cl8 column with UV detection at 254 nm. The method may also be used to quantitate the concentration of hepatic S-adenosylethionine (SAE), produced from the carcinogenic methionine analogue, ethionine, when it is administered to rats [ 111.
Isolated brain-stem third nerve palsy.

• Midbrain hemorrhage from a presumed vascular anomaly caused a severe third nerve palsy without other ocular motor or neurologic signs or symptoms.
Sleeping With The Enemy As Pretty Woman, Part II?

(1991). Sleeping With The Enemy As Pretty Woman, Part II?. Journal of Popular Film and Television: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 2-8.
Modelling the folding of paper into three dimensions using affine transformations

Abstract We model the folding of ordinary paper via piecewise isometries R 2 → R 3 . The collection of crease lines and vertices in the unfolded paper is called the crease pattern. Our results generalize the previously known necessity conditions from the more restrictive case of folding paper flat (into R 2 ); if the crease pattern is foldable, then the product (in a non-intuitive order) of the associated rotational matrices is the identity matrix. This condition holds locally in a multiple vertex crease pattern and can be adapted to a global condition. Sufficiency conditions are significantly harder, and are not known except in the two-dimensional single-vertex case.
Less repair of pyrimidine dimers and single-strand breaks in genes by scid cells.

Abstract Severe combined immunodeficient (Scid) mice have a mutation in the catalytic subunit of the DNA binding protein kinase that is involved in repair of double-strand breaks in DNA. To determine if the protein also influences repair of single-strand breaks, we examined the ability of Scid cells to repair lesions introduced by ultraviolet light and γ-ray irradiation. DNA repair was measured both in total genomic DNA and in specific genes from murine Scid and wildtype fibroblast cell lines. The removal of pyrimidine dimers and repair of strand breaks in genes was measured using quantitative Southern blot analyses. After ultraviolet irradiation, there was no significant difference in the repair of photoproducts in bulk DNA between Scid and wildtype cells, as measured by cellular survival and unscheduled DNA synthesis. However, deficient repair was evident in genes, where Scid cells had 25-50% less repair in the c-myc and dihydrofolate reductase genes. After γ-irradiation, Scid fibroblasts had 20-35% less repair of DNA breaks in immunoglobulin κ and heavy constant genes than wildtype cells. The data suggest that intact DNA-PK enzyme is needed for the efficient operation of cellular repair of pyrimidine dimers and single-strand breaks in genes, as well as in its established role in rejoining double-strand breaks.
Interactions between nuclear waste and surrounding rock

DISSOLUTION and transport of radionuclides by ground-water are the main threats to the effective isolation of radioactive wastes by burial in deep geological formations. Calcine and glass are two solid forms which have been studied in this way for radioactive waste disposal. Long term release rates, based on extractions of radionuclides by simulated groundwater at 25 °C and atmospheric pressure, are projected to be very low from borosilicate glass, the most favourable candidate waste form. We present here evidence that contact with pressurised water at the 200–400 °C temperatures that could occur near the waste in the early years of storage rapidly alters the borosilicate glass and promotes interactions between waste and both shale and basalt repository wall rocks. The specific examples are the formation of a uranyl silicate (weeksite) directly from hydrothermal alteration of the glass and the reaction of caesium and sodium from calcine with aluminosilicates in basalt and shale to form the caesium sodium aluminosilicate, pollucite.
End‐user services in academic libraries: a 1999 perspective

This article updates a national study undertaken in 1985 to assess the status of end‐user search services in academic libraries (results were presented at the fourteenth annual LOEX conference in Ypsilanti, MI). Although today’s academic libraries now include Internet accessible and Web‐based resources, many of the same challenges exist as in the past: user education, convenient and timely access to information from any place, consistent administrative support, recognition of technology as a change agent, and reaffirmation of the important teaching role that librarians have in an evolving information society.
Arsenate adsorption on amorphous aluminum hydroxide

Abstract Arsenate adsorption on amorphous aluminum hydroxide was studied as a model system for aqueous anion adsorption on oxide surfaces. Adsorption and electrophoretic mobility of the suspended adsorbent particles were measured as functions of equilibrium pH. A transformation of variables allowed the adsorption to be explained in terms of the chemical and physical forces controlling the adsorption reaction. When used in conjunction with the Langmuir adsorption equation, the results allow calculation of levels of arsenate removal for any given amount of adsorbent and any pH.
Reliability and Validity of a Spanish Version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory

Objectives. This study was designed to adapt and validate a Spanish translation of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) for the assessment of positive life changes following the stressful experiences of immigration. Method. A cross-cultural equivalence model was used to pursue semantic, content, conceptual, and technical equivalence. Translation teams and back translations were employed for semantic and content equivalence. Conceptual and technical equivalence were assessed through field-testing the reliability and factor structure of the translated PTGI in a sample of 100 Latina immigrants. Results. The translated version was highly reliable. Factor analysis failed to replicate the original five factors but the three factors identified were consistent with the conceptual underpinnings of the PTGI and another translated version. Conclusions. Semantic, content, conceptual, and technical equivalence of the Spanish version of the PTGI were supported and thus its valid use for research and practice with ...
Fractured Shale and Basement Reservoir, Long Beach Unit, California: ABSTRACT

The Wilmington oil field in the south-central Los Angeles basin has produced oil from fractured basement rocks since 1945. Oil was discovered in a fractured upper or middle Miocene shale and basement reservoir by Thums in the Long Beach unit in March 1968. Oil production is from a southeasterly-thickening prism of fractured black micaceous shale, siltstone, cherty shale, and marly limestone up to 1,385 ft (421 m) thick, and from fractured Franciscan schist. The black shale is correlated with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Altamira Shale of early Mohnian and Luisian age. No definite unconformity has been recognized in the black shale member in contrast to the strong hiatus commonly seen between the upper and middle Miocene in the Los Angeles basin. The absence in Long Beach unit wells of a thick schist breccia and associated volcanic rocks cored at Seal Beach 3 mi (4.8 km) northeast, indicates a northeasterly source of sedimentation. Correlation with similar rocks across the Newport-Inglewood fault zone suggests a possible 15 mi (24 km) of right-lateral displacement. The oil is thought to have originated in the shale and to have migrated into an interconnected network of vertical, high-angle and horizontal fractures with migration occurring during several geologic episodes. The fracture system was produced by breakage of the brittle rocks along fold axes and adjacent to the larger faults. End_of_Article - Last_Page 659------------
Mediastinal lymphangioma causing superior vena cava syndrome

Background Mediastinal tumours in children are most likely malignant. They can compress the great vessels or the aerodigestive tract causing dysphagia and stridor. Displacement of the cardiovascular structures by a rapidly growing mediastinal mass may cause haemodynamic instability.
When robots and people work together

One of the most striking ironies emerging from efforts to introduce robots into the workplace is that these innovations appear to make the production system more, not less, dependent upon human operators. At the same time, available evidence indicates that labor has often been less than enthusiastic in its embrace of robot technology. The reasons for worker resistance are examined, and a diagnostic framework is offered for evaluating the characteristics of organizations that promote the successful integration of robots into the workplace.
An unusual presentation of malignant mesothelioma: the incidental finding of tumor in the hernia sac during herniorrhaphy.

Two cases of malignant mesothelioma that were found incidently at the time of hernia repair are described. In contrast to the majority of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, both patients had a relatively prolonged survival after diagnosis, although both eventually died with widespread disease. The possible causes of this unusual presentation are discussed.
High Rayleigh number heat transfer in a horizontal cylinder with adiabatic wall

The present investigation is concerned with an experimentally guided approach to the estimation of Nusselt numbers (Nu) at high Rayleigh numbers (Ra) for a cylinder with an adiabatic side wall. The Rayleigh number dependence of the Nusselt number for a horizontal cylinder with an adiabatic wall is presented in a graph. The obtained data are compared with results reported by Shih (1981). Shih has extended a three-term expansion for velocity and temperature distributions reported by Bejan and Tien (1978).
Training Students to Work Effectively in Partially Distributed Teams

Information technology teams are often partially distributed teams (PDTs). A PDT consists of two or more subteams that are separated geographically. This articles describes research focused on the use of PDTs to engage students in “real world” IT team learning about the subject matter while also teaching them the skills they will need to work in global software development teams. Findings from a large-scale international study indicate that the introduction of training modules enhanced perceived learning of appropriate PDT teaming behaviors; students with training reported improved shared team identification, trust, awareness, coordination, competence, and conflict with respect to distant subteam members, and higher overall team performance.
Evidence of transovarial passage of the sowthistle yellow vein virus in the aphid Hyperomyzus lactucae.

Abstract Evidence was obtained for a low amount of transovarial passage of the sowthistle yellow vein virus (SYVV) to larvae of the aphid vector Hyperomyzus lactucae (L.). In 6 experiments, 23 out of 155 (15%) inoculative viviparae produced some inoculative larvae. The rate of transovarial passage among all larvae produced was estimated to be approximately 1%. Passage of the virus to larvae occurred after completion of the incubation period in maternal viviparae. Transovarial passage, after initiation, continued for the remainder of the reproductive period. In most cases of transovarial passage the incubation period in the larvae was complete at the time of birth. Groups of larvae that transmitted virus during a 4-day test access period at 25° and constant light had fewer surviving individuals than groups of larvae that did not transmit.
Collision retardation and its role in femtosecond-laser excitation of semiconductor plasmas

The use of femtosecond laser pulses to excite electron-hole plasmas in semiconductors has become a major method of studying fast processes. The transition times from the central \ensuremath{\Gamma} valley in GaAs to the satellite X and L valleys are comparable to the reciprocal of the frequency of the phonon involved, bringing into question the use of standard perturbation-theory approaches. We investigate the role of retardation arising from the collision duration required for such a transition to occur, through the use of a path-integral form of the quantum kinetic equation. A secondary self-scattering process and a probability of completed collisions are used to cast this equation in a semiclassical form.
Moving from Public Housing to Homeownership: Perceived Barriers to Program Participation and Success

The goals of public housing have evolved from providing shelter to providing opportunities for escaping from welfare and buying one's own home. Despite numerous federal policies aimed at enhancing resident self-sufficiency and homeownership through programs run by local public housing authorities, little is known about who participates and who succeeds. This study explores barriers to participation and success in an innovative resident self-sufficiency/homeownership program developed by the Housing Authority of the city and county of Denver. We conduct surveys of participants in the Foundations for Homeownership program, eliciting their perceptions regarding willingness and ability to participate in the program and, thereafter, completing it successfully. We find that at time of entry into the program, participants reported, on average, 4.6 major barriers that they perceive would limit their ability to achieve current goals. OLS and logistic regression analyses were conducted to ascertain the degree to which perceived barriers were associated with participants' demographic, economic, or attitudinal characteristics.
Performing arts as a club good: evidence from a nonprofit organization.

This paper combines perspectives on nonprofit organizations, clubs and club goods, demand for performing arts, and demand for charitable contributions to consider relationships between nonprofit organizations in the performing arts and their patrons. A broad view is taken of factors influencing demand for club goods, charitable donations, and for the live performing arts. These are integrated in a model of demand for the outputs and services of nonprofits in the performing arts. Data from a single institution is used to test hypotheses. Conclusions are drawn for organizational policy and economic theory.
Transaction of heterologous promoters by HIV–1 tat

To determine whether HIV-1 tat can transactivate a heterologous promoter lacking HIV sequences other than the TAR element, TAR was placed downstream of the chicken beta-actin promoter. Tat increased expression directed by the actin-TAR promoter to a degree equal to tat induction of the HIV-1 LTR. Optimal transactivation was observed when TAR was positioned downstream of the actin promoter such that the expected cap site of transcripts from this promoter would be the same as in transcripts directed by the HIV-1 LTR. Tat was able to transactivate, though to a lesser extent, a promoter consisting solely of a TATA element fused to TAR. Thus, tat induction does not require HIV-1 LTR promoter sequences other than TAR. Tat, when fused to the DNA binding domain of BPV-1 E2, was able to transactivate a truncated SV40 promoter containing upstream E2 binding sites, indicating that tat may be capable of transactivation when directed by a DNA binding protein to an upstream site in a heterologous promoter lacking all HIV sequences. Substitution of Ala for Lys at position 41 of tat in the tat-E2 fusion, a mutation which dramatically decreases tat transactivation of the HIV-1 LTR, eliminated this transactivation.
Transient Absorption Features in Gamma-Ray Bursts and Their Implications for Gamma-Ray Burst Progenitors

The recent detection of a transient absorption feature in the prompt emission of GRB 990705 has sparked multiple attempts to fit this feature in terms of photoelectric absorption or resonance scattering out of the line of sight to the observer. However, the physical conditions required to reproduce the observed absorption feature turn out to be rather extreme compared to the predictions of current gamma-ray burst (GRB) progenitor models. In particular, strong clumping of ejecta from the GRB progenitor seems to be required. Using detailed three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of supernova explosions as a guideline, we have investigated the dynamics and structure of pre-GRB ejecta predicted in various GRB progenitor models. Based on our results, combined with population synthesis studies relevant to the He-merger model, we estimate the probability of observing X-ray absorption features as seen in GRB 990705 to 1%. Alternatively, if the supranova model is capable of producing highly collimated, long-duration GRBs, it may be a more promising candidate to produce observable, transient X-ray absorption features.
The formation of organizational units in free recall learning

Free recall and subjective organization performance were studied as a function of various orders of presentation. Performance was enhanced by the consistent simultaneous or consistent sequential presentation of the members of preestablished high organizational units and by consistent simultaneous presentation of arbitrarily selected low organizational units. Simultaneous but inconsistent presentation of low organizational units impoverished performance.
A multi-scale approach for microstructure prediction in thermo-mechanical processing of metals

Abstract The microstructure prediction methodology for thermo-mechanical processing of metals predominantly used in industrial practice exhibits strong empirical characteristics with corresponding drawbacks. This gives rise to a systematic multi-scale simulation methodology for predicting the microstructure evolution, in which the empirical microstructural relationships are replaced by numerically efficient and accurate physics-based models at the mesoscopic length scale. Currently, this approach is being implemented into a microstructure modeling system, which combines mesoscopic microstructural algorithms with continuum-based macroscopic FEM formulations through a multi-scale modeling interface. This approach is expected to overcome the shortcomings of current microstructure prediction practice employing empirical microstructural relationships, and to provide universal and accurate prediction capabilities.
Perturbations of Optical Solitons and Quasi-Solitons

The method of multiple-scale perturbation method is developed in a new way to study the propagation of pulses through an optical fiber described by the perturbed Nonlinear Schrodinger's equation. We show that, by newly introducing a proper definition of the phase of the soliton for the first time, one can obtain the corrections to the pulse where the usual soliton perturbation approach fails. A comparison is made with results obtained by other methods in various other works as well as with numerical simulations.
Speculation and the Carryover

Speculation upon the supply, and upon the demand, 436.— Definition of the carryover, 436.— The demand curve, 438.— The supply curve, 438.— Yields and the weather, 439.— Price of a short crop, 441. — Of a bumper crop, 441.— The carrying charge, 441.— Effect of speculation on consumption, 442— On production, 442.— Equilibrium in a one-year's operation, 443.— In a several-years' operation, 446.— Number of years' holding needed, 447.— Saw-tooth course of prices in years without carryover, 448.— Solution by successive approximation, 449.— Corollaries, 450.— Speculation upon the demand, 450.— Note on probability, 452.
Lanthanum and freeze-fracture studies of retinal pigment epithelial cell junctions in the streptozotocin diabetic rat.

The blood-retinal barrier breaks down early in diabetes and previous morphological studies suggest that the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the site of this defect. In the present study the electron microscope lanthanum nitrate tracer technique has been used to study RPE cell permeability in the streptozotocin diabetic rat retina. The freeze-fracture technique has been used to study RPE cell tight junction structure as permeability increases. In the lanthanum experiments, RPE cell permeability is normal in control rats and in diabetic rats 3 weeks after the injections. After 8 or 16 weeks of diabetes, however, the RPE cell layer no longer forms a barrier to the tracer and electron dense material is present in the subretinal space, in the apical and basal regions of the RPE cell junctions and intracellularly within the RPE. Freeze-fracture studies of tight junctions during this period show (1) an increase in the complexity of the tight junction network due to an increase in anastomoses between the tigh...
Evaluating Adaptive Clocking for Supply-Noise Resilience in Battery-Powered Aerial Microrobotic System-on-Chip

A battery-powered aerial microrobotic System-on-Chip (SoC) has stringent weight and power budgets, which requires fully integrated solutions for both clock generation and voltage regulation. Supply-noise resilience is important yet challenging for such SoC systems due to a non-constant battery discharge profile and load current variability. This paper proposes an adaptive-frequency clocking scheme that can tolerate supply noise and improve performance when implemented with an integrated voltage regulator (IVR). Measurements from a `brain' SoC, implemented in 40 nm CMOS, demonstrate 2 × performance improvement with adaptive-frequency clocking over conventional fixed-frequency clocking. Combining adaptive-frequency clocking with open-loop IVR extends error-free operation to a wider battery voltage range (2.8 to 3.8 V) with higher average performance.
Political implications of a look-out institution

Abstract The rapid institutionalisation of futures research is making it an increasingly political affair. Dr Starling explores the politics of futures research from several institutional perspectives, and favours an establishment linked with the policy-making process on a governmental level. The potential implications of the look-out institution's connections with the administration, the legislature and the political organisations are discussed, and its function of “freeing the political imagination” is defined.
A two-stage stratified Warner’s randomized response model using optimal allocation

This paper applies Kim and Warde’s (2004) stratified Warner’s randomized response model to Mangat and Singh’s (1990) two-stage randomized response model. The proposed stratified randomized response model has an optimal allocation and a large gain in precision. Hence, the estimator based on the proposed method is more efficient than Kim and Warde’s (2004) and Mangat and Singh’s (1990) estimators under the conditions presented in both the case of completely truthful reporting and that of not completely truthful reporting by the respondents.
A method for the detection of drugs at therapeutic dosages in human urine using adsorption column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography

Abstract This communication describes methods utilized in our laboratory for the rapid toxicological analysis of emergency room patient urine samples. The techniques include Amberlite XAD-2 resin column Chromatographic separation from biologic material, followed by thin-layer chromatography and chromogenic spraying for detection. These methods and techniques are relatively simple to perform and drugs can be detected and tentatively identified at therapeutic dose levels.
Lepton Family Symmetry and Neutrino Mass Matrix

The standard model of leptons is extended to accommodate a discrete Z_3 X Z_2 family symmetry. After rotating the charged-lepton mass matrix to its diagonal form, the neutrino mass matrix reveals itself as very suitable for explaining atmospheric and solar neutrino oscillation data. A generic requirement of this approach is the appearance of three Higgs doublets at the electroweak scale, with observable flavor violating decays.
Analysis of the genome of satellite panicum mosaic virus

Abstract The relatedness of the genomes of satellite panicum mosaic virus (SPMV) and its helper virus, panicum mosaic virus (PMV), were investigated by nucleic acid hybridization. The results show that the satellite and helper virus RNAs have no appreciable homology or complementarity as assessed by hybridization with cDNA probes derived from the genomes of PMV and SPMV and with a probe complementary to the 3′ terminus of SPMV RNA. The complete nucleotide sequence of SPMV RNA reveals that the genome is 826 nucleotides (nt) long. The ability to label SPMV RNA with polynucleotide kinase only after phosphatase treatment suggests that the 5′ terminus is phosphorylated, but the extent of phosphorylation was not determined. The first open reading frame (ORF), encountered after an 88-nt 5′-untranslated region, encodes a 17,000 mol wt protein of a size and amino acid composition that are consistent with analysis of SPMV coat protein. An additional short ORF, located near the 3′ end of the RNA, could encode a 6300 mol wt polypeptide. The minus strand also contains two ORFs that could potentially encode polypeptides of 7100 and 11,000 mol wt. No evidence is available to determine whether the second positive-strand ORF or the two minus-strand ORFs are expressed. The data presented here clearly show the SPMV RNA is distinct from the RNAs of other satellite viruses, in both size and nucleotide sequence. However, the 5′-untranslated portions of SPMV and satellite tobacco mosaic virus RNAs share some structural features that may be important in initiation of translation.
SU‐E‐J‐170: Influence of Technique and Filtration on Kilovoltage Cone Beam CT Dose

Purpose: To quantify the effect of changing imaging techniques and addition of filtration on the dose delivered to patient. The variation of dose with technique in kilovoltage beams is well understood in diagnostic radiology but is not commonly measured in therapeutic radiology. Occasionally, the beam techniques may be changed to improve image quality without proper attention given to patient dose. The bowtie filtration commonly added to the beam to improve image quality also affects the dose on surface and at depth. Methods: The dose from Elekta XVI CBCT beam was measured in phantom. Measurements were made for the clinical presets and after changing the imaging techniques (mA and/or ms) as well as for beams with and without bowtie filter. The measurements were performed at 1 cm depth and at surface. Results: The dose measurements exhibit a linear increase with the increase of mAs, as expected. There is a slight difference between changing the ms (keeping mA constant) and changing the mA (keeping ms constant). Addition of bowtie filter does not result in an appreciable change in the depth dose in shallow depths (< 1 cm) but reduces the overall dose at depth and skin by approximately 25%, providing the technique is not changed. Conclusions: Variation of dose with technique and addition of filtration has been studied. Since the dose tracks the technique settings (mAs) linearly, techniques should not be changed to improve image quality without quantifying the imagedose. Addition of filtration does reduce the dose but does not affect the depth dose at shallow depths. It should be noted that the “filtered” beams often have higher technique settings for the same cassette size in the clinical presets, so this dose reduction is not achieved by using these presets.
Localization of a protein, immunologically similar to a sucrose-binding protein from developing soybean cotyledons, on the plasma membrane of sieve-tube members of spinach leaves.

Immunocytochemical studies using antibodies raised against a 62-kDa membrane protein isolated from developing soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cotyledons were performed on leaf tissue of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). This 62-kDa protein was labeled by 6′-deoxy-6′-(4-azido-2-hydroxy)-benzamidosucrose (HABS), a photoaffinity sucrose analogue (K. G. Ripp et al., 1988, Plant Physiol.88, 1435–1445). Western-blot analysis of spinach plasma-membrane proteins indicated a cross-reactive polypeptide identical in molecular mass to that found in soybean. Indirect immunogold labeling of resin-embedded sections of fully expanded leaf tissue resulted in specific localization of colloidal gold on the sieve-tube plasma membrane. The label was uniform and, except for a few non-specific gold particles over the cell wall, all other cellular organelles and membrane systems were free of label. With the exception of occasional gold particles associated with the companion-cell plasma membrane, all other cell types of the leaf contained little or no label. Control sections treated with non-immune rabbit immunoglobulin-G were also essentially free of label. Immunogold labeling of young leaves, in which the phloem contained no mature sieve-tube members, were free of label for the 62-kDa protein. However, young leaf tissue in which mature or nearly mature sieve tubes could be identified, contained immunolabel associated with the sieve-tube plasma membranes. Similar results were obtained with mature leaf tissue of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). The results of the immunocytochemical studies are consistent with the suggestion that the concentrating step in the phloem-loading process in this species may occur across the sieve-tube plasma membrane.
CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING: THE SOCIETY OF THORACIC SURGEONS NATIONAL DATABASE EXPERIENCE

The need for accurate risk assessment has become an indispensable element in the practice of cardiac surgery. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database allows subscribing institutions to perform sophisticated patient risk assessment using traditional statistical tools and a newly developed risk model of operative mortality. The database experience with isolated coronary artery bypass grafting has been studied most closely at this point and serves as the basis for this report. The approach to operative risk assessment is presented along with an analysis of important risk factors in the practice of coronary artery surgery from 1980 through 1990. The database contains records of 80,881 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in numerous institutions from 1980 through 1990. These records were used to conduct a detailed analysis of risk factors associated with coronary operations in this time interval and to present statistical methods used to formulate a risk equation that allows one to predict the probability of operative death. In the course of this decade, there were clearly defined trends showing a statistically significant increase in adverse patient risk factors. The risk model has proven to be a reliable tool for predicting the probability of operative death in an individual patient and may be valuable in both patient counseling and medical decision making. Large multi-institutional databases of this type are key ingredients of modern operative risk assessment. A database containing a broad national experience of this type can represent an aggregate experience that may well approximate a universally accepted standard of care.
Decontamination techniques for mobile response equipment used at waste sites (state-of-the-art survey)

Abstract A state-of-the-art review of facility and equipment decontamination, contamination assessment, and contamination avoidance has been conducted. This review, based on an intensive literature search and a survey of various equipment manufacturers, provides preliminary background material on the subject. The information developed here constitutes an important “head start” for those who need to establish preventive measures, decontamination plans, and procedures for response personnel and cleanup equipment used at hazardous waste sites. The study discusses various decontamination methods, such as use of solvents to wash off contaminants, use of chemical means to degrade contaminants, and use of physical means to remove contaminants. Chemical and physical testing methods designed to assess the nature of the contaminant and the quantity and extent of contamination were also investigated. Also discussed in the full report are procedures that can be used to prevent contamination of response equipment and personnel. These preventive procedures are: enclosures to prevent spread of contaminants, safety features on response equipment to prevent spills and leaks, protective coatings on response equipment surfaces, and use of protective clothing and furnishings for personnel. Three case studies were also reviewed: The Three Mile Island cleanup, the “Vulcanus” incinerator ship cleanup (dioxins and PCBs), and PCB cleanups in Binghamton, New York. The review has identified several methods that could be of value in effectively decontaminating response equipment units, such as a mobile incinerator at a reasonable cost.
Cytokinin biosynthesis and interconversion

To maintain hormone homeostasis, the rate of cytokinin biosynthesis, interconversion, and degradation is regulated by enzymes in plant cells. Cytokinins can be synthesized via direct (de novo) or indirect (tRNA) pathways. In the de novo pathway, a cytokinin nucleotide is synthesized from 5'-AMP and isopentenyl pyrophosphate; a key enzyme which catalyzes this synthesis has been isolated from plant tissues, slime mold, and some microorganisms. Studies on the in vitro synthesis of the isopentenyl side chain of cytokinin in tRNA demonstrated that the isopentenyl group was derived from mevalonate, and turnover of the cytokinin-containing tRNA may serve as a minor source of free cytokinins in plant cells. The interconversion of cytokinin bases, nucleosides and nucleotides is a major feature of cytokinin metabolism; and enzymes that regulate the interconversion have been identified. The N 6 -side chain and purine moiety of cytokinins are often modified and some of the enzymes involved in the modifications have been isolated. Most of the cytokinin metabolites have been characterized but very few enzymes regulating their metabolism have been purified to homogeneity. It remains a significant challenge to isolate plant genes involved in the regulation of cytokinin biosynthesis, interconversion and degradation.
Lithium Insertion in Polymer‐Derived Silicon Oxycarbide Ceramics

Data for the electrolytic insertion of lithium into polymerderived silicon oxycarbide ceramics are analyzed in terms of a nanodomain model for these ceramics. The model is constructed from three molecular building blocks: graphene, silicon dioxide tetrahedra, and mixed bond tetrahedra. In mixed bonds, the silicon atom is shared by both oxygen and carbon. The composition regime being considered is bordered by a triangle formed by C, SiO2, and SiC. Mostly, the nonstoichiometric compositions containing ‘‘free’’ carbon are considered. The data fit a phenomenological description where silicon-based mixed bond tetrahedra sequester an equivalent of B50 000 mAh/g-atom, while ‘‘free carbon’’ can sequester B5000 mAh/g-atom, for the reversible portion of the lithium insertion. The compositions lying close to the SiC–C, and SiC–SiO2 tie lines, however, deviate measurably from this general picture.
Layers of Socioeconomic Vulnerability in Malawi in the Context of the Millennium Development Goals

Millennium Development Goal 1 focuses on the eradication of poverty and hunger by 2015. While progress towards achieving this goal is promising in many developing countries, it is estimated that 920 million people would still be living under the adjusted poverty threshold of US$1.25 per day. This study employed data from the Malawi 2010 Demographic and Health Survey to examine the relative ranking of women ( 23,020) across the wealth index scale by identifying the characteristics of women which influence their likelihood of belonging to “poor” or “rich” households. Results from the ordered probit model show that older women and those with some formal schooling were likely to fall within the higher categories of the wealth status index. Belonging to households headed by females was associated with lower categories of wealth status than those headed by males. We interpret these results in line with the current development strategies aimed at reducing poverty and hunger by 2015 and the need to identify and respond appropriately to the layers of socioeconomic vulnerability in Malawi.