cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interferometric evaluation of electrostriction coefficients

Abstract A modified Michelson-Morley laser interferometer for measuring very small (10 −2 A) electrostrictive displacements in low-K dielectrics is described. Problems specific to the evaluation of electrostrictive Q coefficients in low-K dielectrics, such as sample geometry, surface effects, sample warping, and Maxwell stresses are discussed. This is a subresonant method, so the frequency limitations (∼ 160 kHz, upper limit) are established for typical ceramic samples. Measurements of M ij on fluorites (CaF 2 , BaF 2 ,SrF 2 ), a fluoride perovskite (KMnF 3 ), Al 2 O 3 , BeO, LiF, spodumene glass (Li 2 O · Al 2 O 3 · 4SiO 2 ), calcite (CaCO 3 ) and MgO along with a glass ceramic sample (Corning Glass 888VE) and a relaxor ferroelectric (3%Ca/PMN) are reported. Results from this method are compared to a set of converse method measurements on these materials presented earlier. Excellent agreement between the two methods is obtained for all samples except the alkali halides. This establishes reliable and accurate values for the Q coefficients of these samples.
The impact of external reference price on consumer price expectations

Abstract Comparative pricing practices are frequently used where actual product prices are accompanied by higher external reference prices. All types of stores, regular-price department stores as well as discount stores, use comparative price claims to frame price deals as attractive [Marketing Science 4 (1985) 199]. In this paper, a quadratic model is specified for the impact of external reference price (ERP) on consumer price expectations. Based on the research on communication discrepancy and advertising claim discrepancy, which in turn draw on assimilation-contrast, attribution, and prospect theories, we hypothesize a quadratic effect of external reference prices on consumer price expectations. An interactive, computer-controlled experiment using multiple levels of ERP is used to estimate the proposed model. As hypothesized, support for an inverted U-shape relationship is found between consumers’ updated price expectations and the difference between ERP and initial price expectations. That is, as the difference between ERP and subjects’ initial price expectations increases, subjects’ updated price expectations increase to a point and then start to decrease. We find that the fit of the quadratic model specification for the effect of external reference price on price expectations is noticeably superior to that of linear, logarithmic, square root, and S-shaped specifications. Finally, we provide implications of our results for both retail managers and for regulatory authorities alike.
A hybrid multiscale kinetic Monte Carlo method for simulation of copper electrodeposition

A hybrid multiscale kinetic Monte Carlo (HMKMC) method for speeding up the simulation of copper electrodeposition is presented. The fast diffusion events are simulated deterministically with a heterogeneous diffusion model which considers site-blocking effects of additives. Chemical reactions are simulated by an accelerated (tau-leaping) method for discrete stochastic simulation which adaptively selects exact discrete stochastic simulation for the appropriate reaction whenever that is necessary. The HMKMC method is seen to be accurate and highly efficient.
Inhibition of neutrophil activation by p-bromophenacyl bromide and its effects on phospholipase A2

In an effort to elucidate the nature of the inhibitory effects of p-bromophenacyl bromide (pBPB) on neutrophil stimulation, we have examined its effects on several stages of stimulus-response coupling. Pretreatment of rat neutrophils with pBPB resulted in a dose- and time-dependent irreversible inhibition of both N-formylmethionyl-leucylphenylalanine (fMet-Leu-Phe)-induced lysosomal enzyme release and change in transmembrane potential. Inhibition of the biological responses to the chemotactic peptide fMet-Leu-Phe was not due to receptor inactivation since fMet-Leu-[3H]-Phe binding to the formyl peptide receptor was not significantly altered by pBPB pretreatment. Inhibition by pBPB of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced changes in transmembrane potential and the generation of superoxide (0-2) was also observed. pBPB treatment appeared to inhibit activation of the NADPH oxidase without a direct effect on the oxidase itself. This inhibitory effect was not accompanied by cell death or decrease in cellular titratable sulphydryl groups (at least at doses less than 20 microM). There was, however, significant inhibition of a membranous fraction of fMet-Leu-Phe-induced phospholipase A2 activity by pretreatment with 10 microM pBPB, although total cellular phospholipase A2 was only minimally (less than 20% inhibition) affected. These data would indicate that pBPB inhibits an early event associated with stimulus-response coupling in rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes (i.e. change in transmembrane potential). The inhibitory effects of pBPB may be secondary to the inhibition of a critical membranous fraction of cell bound phospholipase A2 activity or its activation, necessary for the initiation of cell activation.
An efficient method for computing invariant manifolds of planar maps

Abstract An efficient method for computing invariant manifolds of mappings in the plane is described and compared to a simple method in common use. The emphasis is on numerically producing smoothly resolved segments of invariant manifolds of arbitrary length while requiring a minimum number of calls to the map itself. A brief estimate of errors is given and applications are discussed. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons between the two methods are made using an example problem. The present method is applied to computing unstable manifolds for the well-know periodically forced Duffing system and the Henon map (for which the manifold is a strange attractor).
Viability of Congregation as a religious indicator

The search for religious indicators of change narrows to focus upon the individual congregation. The Viability of Congregation (VOC) is an indicator of participation within the association. This indicator finds equal applicability to denominational churches as well as cults and sects. The VOC contains no built-in value bias and is simplified to the degree that laymen may apply and evaluate it. This indicator was tested in three congregations where Shippey's construct of Perceived Effectiveness had also been applied. The VOC consistently elaborates the PE index and offers specific advantages in application as well.
Interrelationship of Polyamine and Ethylene Biosynthesis during Avocado Fruit Development and Ripening

Concentrations of polyamines (PA) and the activities of the PA-synthesizing enzymes ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and arginine decarboxylase (ADC) extracted from the mesocarp tissue of avocado ( Persea americana Mill, cv `Simmonds9) fruits at different stages of development were compared with DNA content and the activities of 5′-methylthioadenosine (MTA) nucleosidase and 5-methylthioribose (MTR) kinase. Putrescine, spermidine, and spermine were at their peak concentrations during the early stages of fruit development (362, 201, and 165 nanomoles per gram fresh weight, respectively, at 15 days from full bloom), then declined to 30% or less at full maturity. Agmatine showed only a slight change in concentration throughout the fruit development. The activity of ODC, which was low during flowering (8 nmoles per milligram protein per hour), increased more than threefold during the first 2 months then declined at the later stages of fruit development, while ADC activity showed only a slight increase. DNA content followed a similar pattern of change as that of PA and ODC. The decline in DNA and ODC activity suggest a lack of correlation between cell proliferation and PA at the later stages of the avocado fruit development. It is also possible that any cell division which may take place during the latter stages of the fruit development is not sufficient to alter the pattern of PA biosynthesis. MTA nucleosidase and MTR kinase activities increased during the first 15 days of fruit development followed by a slight decline at 60 and 90 days from full bloom. At 120 days (1 month before full maturity) both MTA nucleosidase and MTR kinase activities increased significantly. During maximum ethylene synthesis, MTA nucleosidase and MTR kinase activities were approximately fivefold and eightfold, respectively, higher than during maximum PA synthesis. The data indicate that the MTA molecules produced during PA and ethylene synthesis are actively metabolized to MTR and MTR-1-P, the two intermediates involved in the regeneration of S -adenosylmethionine from MTA. The data also suggest that the PA and ethylene biosynthetic pathways are not actively competing for the same substrates at any given stage of the avocado fruit development and ripening.
Comparison of future climate change over North America simulated by two regional models

[1] Climate versions of the Pennsylvania State University/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) MM5 and of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics/NCAR RegCM2 are intercompared with two 10-year simulations over North America for present (1990–1999) and close to doubled CO2 (2090–2099), driven by the same general circulation model forcing from a 100-year transient run of the NCAR Climate System Model. Some model options and modules are identical in MM5 and RegCM2, including radiation and the entire land surface model. MM5 and RegCM2 agree in their general patterns of surface temperatures. Details related to mesoscale effects are well represented in both models. Precipitation is more consistent in MM5 and RegCM2 in winter than in summer. Differences in temperature and precipitation between MM5 and RegCM2 are small in winter due to the strong large-scale forcing but are large in summer because of the increasingly important contribution of local processes. Despite the general agreement between MM5 and RegCM2, significant differences exist over some areas due to the regional models' internal atmospheric physics and dynamics. The magnitude of these differences is large enough in some areas to cause serious uncertainties in any potential assessment of societal impacts of regional climate change.
Changing Perceptions of Space and Place as Measures of Hmong Acculturation

Immigrant and refugee acculturation has both behavioral and spatial manifestations. The purpose of this study is to examine the spatial acculturation process of Hmong refugees in California's San Joaquin Valley in order to understand changing perceptions of the concepts and uses of space and place. Through in-depth interviews and participant observation among 120 Hmong university students and their families, the process of change in settlement and use of space is traced from traditional cultural practices in Laos through the refugee camp experience to the first and 1.5 generation enclaves. Each generation has recreated and adapted the immediately preceding socialization experience such that settlement patterns and the use of space by the 1.5 generation only minimally resemble traditional culture, yet maintain its underlying cultural values.
Effective Medium Theories and Effective Electromechanical Coupling Factors for Piezoelectric Composites

Two examples of piezoelectricity in composite materials are studied. The first con sists of a laminate of a homogeneous piezoelectric reinforced with a non-piezoelectric material, e.g., a metal. The effective piezoelectric response tensor is computed, as well as the effective elec tromechanical coupling factors, which measure the efficiency in converting electricity into mechanical work and vice versa. The second example consists of an isotropic polycrystalline material. Here, we study the influence of the piezoelectric coupling at the grain level on the effective permittivities via an effective medium approximation. The results are compared with experimental data and with predictions of other effective medium theories. We also give a theorem which provides an absolute upper bound on the effective electromechanical coupling factor for arbitrary piezoelec tric composites.
Fabrication of 3D high index photonic crystals by holographic lithography and their fidelity

In order to create three-dimensional (3D) photonic crystals (PCs) with large photonic bandgap properties (PBG), it is necessary to control the 3D fabrication with desired symmetry, high index contrast, and high structural stability. To rational design the 3D photonic structures fabricated by holographic lithography, we have conducted quantitative analysis to study structural distortion during each processing step and their impact to PBG. Because of the relatively low dielectric contrast between typical polymers and air, the directly patterned polymer structures are usually used as templates for backfilling of high-index materials, followed by removal of the polymer template to realize complete PBGs. Therefore, the fidelity of the final PCs is critically dependent on the thermal and mechanical robustness of the polymer templates, the deposition methods (e.g. dry chemical vapor deposition vs. wet chemistry), and the template removal procedure. Here, we address these challenges using different photoresist systems and deposition methods to create Si and titania 3D PCs.
An inherited pericentric chromosomal inversion (46, inv3 [p-q+]) associated with skeletal anomalies

A family is described in which the propositus and his mother possess identical skeletalanomalies of the fingers and toes. Cytogenetic investigation revealed an abnormal No. 3 chromosome in both peripheral lymphocytes and fibroblasts of these individuals On the basis of morphologic, autoradiographic, and measurement data, this chromosome is interpreted as representing a pericentric inversion of a No. 3.
Urine is not sterile: use of enhanced urine culture techniques to detect resident bacterial flora in the adult female bladder

ABSTRACT Our previous study showed that bacterial genomes can be identified using 16S rRNA sequencing in urine specimens of both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients who are culture negative according to standard urine culture protocols. In the present study, we used a modified culture protocol that included plating larger volumes of urine, incubation under varied atmospheric conditions, and prolonged incubation times to demonstrate that many of the organisms identified in urine by 16S rRNA gene sequencing are, in fact, cultivable using an expanded quantitative urine culture (EQUC) protocol. Sixty-five urine specimens (from 41 patients with overactive bladder and 24 controls) were examined using both the standard and EQUC culture techniques. Fifty-two of the 65 urine samples (80%) grew bacterial species using EQUC, while the majority of these (48/52 [92%]) were reported as no growth at 103 CFU/ml by the clinical microbiology laboratory using the standard urine culture protocol. Thirty-five different genera and 85 different species were identified by EQUC. The most prevalent genera isolated were Lactobacillus (15%), followed by Corynebacterium (14.2%), Streptococcus (11.9%), Actinomyces (6.9%), and Staphylococcus (6.9%). Other genera commonly isolated include Aerococcus, Gardnerella, Bifidobacterium, and Actinobaculum. Our current study demonstrates that urine contains communities of living bacteria that comprise a resident female urine microbiota.
Probing nanoenvironments in solids and quantum optics using individual impurity molecules

Abstract Optical spectroscopy of single guest impurity molecules in solids provides an exquisitely sensitive probe of the structure and dynamics of the specific local environment around the single molecule (the condensed matter “nanoenvironment”). Measurement of the second-order correlation function of the emitted light g(2) shows strong photon antibunching, proving that exactly one molecule is in resonance, and that quantum optical experiments with single molecules in solids are now a reality.
Development of cytarabine prodrugs and delivery systems for leukemia treatment

Importance of the field: Cytarabine is a polar nucleoside drug used for the treatment of myeloid leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The drug has a short plasma half-life, low stability and limite...
Cobol generation of source programs and reports

SURGE, a COBOL pre-processor for the machine generation of source programs, is described. The article presents the coding procedure by which the user communicates with SURGE, and briefly introduces the general logic of both the pre-processor and generated programs. The main capabilities of SURGE are described as file sorting, selective retrieval and tabular report preparation, including multiple levels of totals and a capability for certain other kinds of computation. Non-proprietary and relatively machine-independent, this package appears to reduce the need for hand-crafted COBOL programs and to be remarkably easy to learn and use. It is suggested that SURGE also may offer a suitable prototype for extending the concept of source-program generation to other goals such as file updating and the production of FORTRAN programs.
Enhanced optooptical light deflection using cavity resonance

The efficiency of optooptieal light deflection by nondegencrote four-wave mixing can be increased significantly by placing the grating in a resonant cavity. Theory and experiment are presented for linear and ring cavities. Efficiency improvement by an order of magnitude is predicted, and improvements by a factor of 5.6 hove been demonstrated.
Solvlytic behavior of silicon-substituted cyclopropylcarbinyl trifluoroacetates

Through solvolysis in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, 1-trimethylsilylcyclopropylcarbinyl trifluoroacetate and its cis- and trans-2-substituted isomers are shown to be 25–45 times more reactive toward ionization than the parent unsubstituetd system.
RIASEC interest and confidence cutoff scores: Implications for career counseling

Abstract One strategy commonly used to simplify the joint interpretation of interest and confidence inventories is the use of cutoff scores to classify individuals dichotomously as having high or low levels of confidence and interest, respectively. The present study examined the adequacy of cutoff scores currently recommended for the joint interpretation of the Strong Interest Inventory (SII: Donnay, Morris, Schaubhut, & Thompson, 2005 ) and the Skills Confidence Inventory (SCI: Betz, Borgen et al., 1996 , Betz et al., 2005 ). Cutoff score criteria were evaluated based on a sample of college students and employed adults (n = 1000), and cross-validated with a second sample of college students (n = 1, 149) who completed an experimental measure of RIASEC interests and confidence. Results were interpreted in the context of social cognitive career theory ( Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994 ) by testing predictions regarding the relative frequency of individuals with either matched or mismatched levels of interest and confidence.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: a common complication in cardiac transplant recipients.

Abstract Background Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an idiosyncratic complication of heparin therapy triggered by the development of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to platelet factor 4 heparin. It typically results in a 50% decrease in platelet count. Paradoxically, although bleeding is rare, there is a high risk of venous or arterial thrombotic events. Given that many patients awaiting transplantation are exposed to heparin for prolonged periods, we sought to determine the frequency of HIT and its consequences among patients before and after cardiac transplantation. Methods We reviewed retrospectively the clinical, pathologic, and laboratory databases for all patients who underwent heart transplantation at our institution between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2000. An enzyme-linked immunoabsorption assay (ELISA) that detected IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies directed against platelet factor 4 heparin complex confirmed the diagnosis of HIT. We analyzed bleeding and thrombotic complications and determined the influence of HIT on post-transplant outcomes. Results An assay for HIT antibody was performed before or after transplantation in 26 of 46 patients (46% of the entire cohort). In all cases, the clinical indication for testing was thrombocytopenia. Among patients screened, HIT antibody was detected in 11 patients (39%); HIT developed in 10 of 11 patients before transplantation. The mean platelet count at diagnosis was 88,000 ± 22,000/mm 3 . Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis syndrome developed in 5 of 11 patients (45%). Manifestations included splenic and renal infarctions, renal artery occlusion, coronary artery embolism with myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and femoral and jugular venous occlusions. Alternative pre-operative anti-coagulation included lepirudin ( n = 7), argatroban ( n = 1), dalteparin ( n = 1), and abciximab ( n = 1). Two deaths occurred in the HIT-positive group; neither bleeding nor thrombosis caused either death. Actuarial 36-month survival did not differ between HIT-positive and HIT-negative cohorts (78% and 79%, respectively). Conclusion Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication among patients hospitalized for heart failure who are awaiting heart transplantation. Timely HIT-antibody screening and the use of alternative forms of systemic anti-coagulation may permit successful transplantation with intermediate survival rates comparable to those of HIT-negative recipients.
A Low-Technology Strategy for Increasing Engagement of Students with Autism and Significant Learning Needs

Active engagement is critical to promote learning for students with autism. Although evidence-based strategies exist for promoting engagement for individual students with autism, there are few strategies designed for use with small groups. This study used an ABCAC design to assess the effects of a low-technology use strategy, namely interactive books with and without music on the engagement levels of six students with autism and significant learning needs in kindergarten through fourth grades. Findings indicate that the use of interactive books paired with music showed increased levels of engagement during small group instruction. Implications related to research-based instruction, teacher education, instructional design, and future research are discussed.
Lessons from autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome is an experiment of nature illustrating the importance of programmed cell death for normal lymphocyte homeostasis in humans. Impaired apoptosis leads to lymphoproliferation, autoimmunity and lymphoma predisposition. Studying these patients has led to insights into the basic molecular mechanism for signal transduction of death receptors and has identified promising targets for drug development that might be useful for treating autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Impact of Osha on State and Local Public Employment

A mail and telephone survey indicated that the states which did not enact OSHA legislation had almost nonexistent record keeping on occupational injury or illness. States having legislation showed ...
HEK293S Cells Have Functional Retinoid Processing Machinery

Rhodopsin activation is measured by the early receptor current (ERC), a conformation-associated charge motion, in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293S) expressing opsins. After rhodopsin bleaching in cells loaded with 11-cis-retinal, ERC signals recover in minutes and recurrently over a period of hours by simple dark adaptation, with no added chromophore. The purpose of this study is to investigate the source of ERC signal recovery in these cells. Giant HEK293S cells expressing normal wild-type (WT)-human rod opsin (HEK293S) were regenerated by solubilized 11-cis-retinal, all-trans-retinal, or Vitamin A in darkness. ERCs were elicited by flash photolysis and measured by whole-cell recording. Visible flashes initially elicit bimodal (R1, R2) ERC signals in WT-HEK293S cells loaded with 11-cis-retinal for 40 min or overnight. In contrast, cells regenerated for 40 min with all-trans-retinal or Vitamin A had negative ERCs (R1-like) or none at all. After these were placed in the dark overnight, ERCs with outward R2 signals were recorded the following day. This indicates conversion of loaded Vitamin A or all-trans-retinal into cis-retinaldehyde that regenerated ground-state pigment. 4-butylaniline, an inhibitor of the mammalian retinoid cycle, reversibly suppressed recovery of the outward R2 component from Vitamin A and 11-cis-retinal–loaded cells. These physiological findings are evidence for the presence of intrinsic retinoid processing machinery in WT-HEK293S cells similar to what occurs in the mammalian eye.
The role of mitochondrial dysfunction in psychiatric disease

Mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders are a group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous disorders caused by the biochemical complexity of mitochondrial respiration and the fact that two genomes, one mitochondrial and one nuclear, encode the components of the respiratory chain. These disorders can manifest at birth or present later in life. They result, at least in part, in defective production of ATP. Typically, mitochondrial disorders affect tissues with high energetic demands such as skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and the central nervous system. Neurological dysfunction is the most frequent clinical presentation of these disorders. The central nervous system is highly dependent on oxidative metabolism, and particular mitochondrial disorders are accompanied by focal brain necrosis (Leigh disease), dementia, or static encephalopathy. Furthermore, many children with mitochondrial encephalomyopathies present with more subtle and indolent signs including focal cognitive deficits of memory, perception, and language. Some subjects with mitochondrial disorders may also exhibit nonverbal cognitive impairment, compromised visuospatial abilities, and short-term memory deficits associated with working memory that likely reflect defects in synaptic plasticity. Psychiatric features are found within the clinical spectrum of mitochondrial syndromes. It is increasingly recognized that mitochondrial dysfunction may be associated with neuropsychiatric abnormalities such as dementia, major depression, and bipolar disorder. Furthermore, several lines of evidence suggest that there is involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in schizophrenia, including documented alterations in brain energy metabolism, electron transport chain activity, and expression of genes involved in mitochondrial function. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the psychiatric features observed in mitochondrial cytopathies and discuss possible mechanisms of dysfunctional cellular energy metabolism that underlie the pathophysiology of major subsets of psychiatric disorders.
Examination of a dual wavelength doppler radar technique to measure vertical wind velocity and drop - size distributions

Abstract Estimates of drop-size distributions aloft derived from the Doppler velocity spectrum are sensitive to errors in the vertical wind estimate. A technique to deduce vertical velocity from the ratio of power spectra obtained from two vertically pointing radars operating at two different wavelengths is theoretically examined. Using an assumed distribution, ratios of spectral density were computed for clouds composed of water, ice, or water-coated ice, and are presented for a sample of radar wavelengths. These ratios are uniquely related to the vertical wind, and allow its determination independent of an assumed drop-size distribution. Historically, the interdependence between drop-size distribution and vertical wind has limited the accuracy from which either could be deduced. The effect of errors in estimating the temperature of the precipitation and fluctuations in the power spectral estimates are derived for simulated drop-size spectra. Data processing techniques are suggested and the sampling time necessary to estimate the vertical velocity to within 30 cm sec−1 is given.
A new approach for morphology control of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and soy protein blends

In contrast to most studies in the literature where soy protein was used as a particulate filler in hydrophobic thermoplastic polymers, in this study, soy protein concentrate (SPC) was processed as a plastic to blend with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). By adjusting water content in the formulated SPC from low to high prior to compounding, SPC exhibited behaviors ranging from rigid filler to deformable filler to plastic during blending. Detailed phase morphology of the blends was revealed by transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Evidences showed that SPC formed percolated thread structures when additional water was added to SPC prior to compounding. Study of dynamic rheology also confirmed the formation of interconnected network structure. Accordingly, tensile mechanical properties were greatly improved for those blends with percolated SPC thread structures. The molecular weight change of PBAT in blends and influence of processing on soy protein solubility were also examined.
Phase Equilibria of the System SrO-CaO-CuO

A new phase, probably CaCuO2, is stable only below ∼740°C and has an orthorhombic average subcell: Cmca, a = 10.588 (1) × 10−1 nm, b = 2.8122(4) × 10−1 nm, and c= 6.3245(6)×10−1 nm. Very weak superstructure reflections indicate two distinct supercells: an orthorhombic cell with the b axis multiplied by 10, and a monoclinic cell, C2/c or equivalent, with amon= 10.946 × 10−1 nm∼ao−rh, bmon= 6.345 × 10−1 nm∼co−rh, cmon= 2.8100 × 12 × 10−1 nm = 33.72 × 10−1 nm∼12[120]o−rh, and β= 105.5°. At 950°C, the ternary system SrO-CaO-CuO has extensive regions of solid solution. Complete solution is observed for the 2:1 series (Sr,Ca)2/CuO3; the 1:1 series (Sr,Ca)CuO2 accepts Ca up to ∼Sr0.25Ca0.75O2; and the 14:24 series “Sr14Cu24O41’extends to at least “Sr7Ca7Cu24O41.” A new ternary phase with a very narrow homogeneity range is reported: (SrxCa1−x)CuO2, where x∼0.15 ± 0.02. The composition (Sr0.16Ca0.84)/CuO2 has a primitive tetragonal unit cell with a =3.867(2)×10−1 nm and c =3.2195(2)×10−1 nm.
Estimating precipitation errors using spaceborne surface soil moisture retrievals

[1] Limitations in the availability of ground-based rain gauge data currently hamper our ability to quantify errors in global precipitation products over data-poor areas of the world. Over land, these limitations may be eased by approaches based on interpreting the degree of dynamic consistency existing between precipitation estimates and remotely-sensed surface soil moisture retrievals. This paper demonstrates how such an approach can be implemented using a Kalman filter tuning procedure to reliably estimate daily rainfall errors in global precipitation products without reliance on ground-based rainfall observations.
Lateral contact of slender prismatic bodies

Many nominally two‐dimensional contact problems, such as the contact of parallel rollers or spur gears, exhibit slow axial variation in contact conditions due to manufacturing errors, misalignment or generalized beam deflections of the contacting bodies. In this paper, an asymptotic method is used to develop a solution to such problems, the inner problem being the two‐dimensional Hertzian contact theory and the outer problem the bending of the contacting bodies as beams separated by a nonlinear elastic foundation. The method is illustrated in the case of two cylindrical rollers that are slightly misaligned and pressed together by forces applied at their ends. The classical Hertzian elliptical contact area is obtained at low loads, but with increasing load the contact area evolves first into a dog‐bone shape and then into two separated contact areas surrounding the point forces that would be predicted by an elementary beam theory solution of the problem.
Ca2+ and K+ currents regulate accommodation and firing frequency in guinea pig bronchial ganglion neurons

Intracellular microelectrode recordings were obtained from neurons located in adult guinea pig bronchial parasympathetic ganglia in situ to determine the calcium and potassium currents regulating repetitive action potential activity and firing rates by these neurons. Neurons in these ganglia respond to prolonged suprathreshold depolarizing current steps with either a burst of action potentials at the onset of the stimulus (accommodating or phasic neurons) or repetitive action potentials throughout the stimulus (nonaccommodating or tonic neurons). Instantaneous and adapted firing rates during prolonged threshold and suprathreshold stimuli were lower in tonic than in phasic neurons, indicating a longer interspike interval between repetitive action potentials in tonic neurons. In tonic neurons, blockade of A-type current with 4-aminopyridine increased accommodation; 4-aminopyridine or apamin decreased the interspike interval in tonic neurons. Calcium-free buffer, cadmium ions, or omega-conotoxin GVIA also increased accommodation in tonic neurons but did not affect the interspike interval; nifedipine or verapamil did not affect the tonic firing pattern. Accommodation in phasic neurons could be decreased by a conditioning hyperpolarization step of the resting potential, which could be subsequently blocked by 4-aminopyridine or calcium-free buffer. Accommodation in phasic neurons could also be decreased by apamin or barium ions: the repetitive action potentials observed during these treatments could be reversed by cadmium ions or calcium-free buffer. These results indicate that tonic and phasic neurons in guinea pig bronchial parasympathetic ganglia have similar types of calcium currents, but potassium channels may ultimately regulate the accommodation pattern, the firing rate, and, consequently, the output from these neurons.
The Location of Foreign Human Capital in the United States

Among the millions of newcomers entering the United States every decade, those with extensive human capital are of particular importance for local economies. This study uses data from the American Community Surveys, 2004 to 2007 and compares the locational patterns of highly educated individuals coming from abroad with that of highly educated individuals migrating internally. The study finds that the locational choices of highly educated newcomers from abroad are similar to those of highly educated domestic migrants but that there are some important differences. Gateway states are substantially more successful in attracting human capital from abroad than domestic human capital; foreign human capital is more strongly attracted to existing human capital agglomerations than domestic human capital; and a manufacturing-based industry is a deterrent for the attraction of both foreign and domestic highly educated in-migrants, but the deterrent effect is stronger for domestic human capital than for human capital ...
A methodological study of auditory lateralization

The just-noticeable-shift (JNS) threshold of a centered image was determined for four naive Ss A two interval forced choice situation was used under the method of constant stimuli. The three manners of presentation of the intensity imbalance were as follows: (1) an increase in intensity at one ear, (2) a decrease in intensity at one ear, (3) an increase in intensity at one ear produced concommitantly with a decrease in intensity at the opposite ear. The sign test demonstrated significant differences between method (2) and methods (1) and (3).
A Multicultural Continuum: A Critique of Will Kymlicka’s Ethnic-Nation Dichotomy

In Multicultural Citizenship, Will Kymlicka deepens the line of argument he developed in Liberalism, Community and Culture that recognition of special rights for cultural minorities is compatible with liberalism. The idea that group based rights conflict with liberalism is of recent origin, Kymlicka claims. Many prominent nineteenth century liberals appealed to liberal values of autonomy and equality to defend special rights for cultural minorities, and Kymlicka wishes to appeal to the same values. Contemporary liberals have often been occupied by a perceived conflict between the individual and the collective that they believe group rights create. Such a conflict occurs, however, according to Kymlicka, only if group rights are defined as the right of a collective to regulate the activity of its members in any way it wishes. Claims for such internal rights are much less often voiced in contemporary politics of difference, however, than claims to what Kymlicka calls “external rights,” the rights of a cultural minority to preserve its culture and way of life as against the encroachment or domination of a majority culture. Groupbased external rights do not conflict with the pursuit of individual autonomy. On the contrary, Kymlicka’s central claim is that individual autonomy requires membership in and maintenance of a culture of one’s own, because the choices autonomy entails require a meaningful context that only a culture provides. While it is possible for individuals to leave one culture and acquire another, and some people choose to do so, the process is usually difficult and painful, so no one should be forced to do so because his or her culture has been suppressed or allowed to atrophy. Contrary to the view held by many liberals, moreover, the liberal state cannot be neutral among cultures. A state must conduct business in some language or languages, and it is almost always aligned in many other ways with the majority culture in its jurisdiction. Thus justice requires that public policy actively compensate for the lack of recognition or the disadvantage that some members of the polity suffer because of their cultural membership by according cultural minorities special rights such as language rights, religious-based exemptions, representation rights and rights of self-government. In Multicultural Citizenship, Kymlicka takes an important new step in a liberal theory of group-based rights. We should distinguish types of cultural minorities,
Fractional curl operator in electromagnetics

The concept of fractional curl operator is introduced, and as one of its roles, it is briefly shown that the duality principle in electromagnetism for the source-free case can be fractionalized. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 17: 86–91, 1998.
Techniques of Peroral and Percutaneous Choledochoscopy for Evaluation and Treatment of Biliary Stones and Strictures

Both peroral and percutaneous choledochoscopy have been utilized for treatment of difficult biliary stones, evaluation and sampling of strictures, and preoperative mapping of known cholangiocarcinoma. This review emphasizes the required equipment, operators, and techniques of peroral and percutaneous choledochoscopy with intraductal lithotripsy of biliary stones and tissue sampling of strictures. The efficacy of percutaneous choledochoscopy for difficult biliary stones has been demonstrated in several large series. However, due to its more invasive nature, percutaneous techniques should be reserved for intrahepatic strictures or stones that are inaccessible by a retrograde transpapillary approach. Peroral choledochoscopy is technically demanding and thus has been limited primarily to centers of excellence. Recent refinements in scope technology, designed to overcome some of the technical limitations, may lead to more widespread clinical use.
Pregnancy following uterine artery embolization: An update

Abstract Objective: This paper seeks to evaluate the ability to conceive and deliver term pregnancies following uterine artery embolization. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients under the age of 40 who indicated a desire for fertility prior to embolization. Patients were questioned regarding attempts to conceive, subsequent pregnancies, and outcomes of those pregnancies. Patients who identified fertility as a desired outcome were studied. All patients who conceived were asked about the details of the pregnancy. Results: Forty-four women under the age of 40 embolized between 1996 and 2010 stated a desire for fertility. Twenty-two of these women have reported 28 pregnancies. Of these pregnancies, 20 live births, three miscarriages, and three instances of premature labor were reported. Seventeen of these pregnancies were delivered by caesarean section and six pregnancies were vaginal deliveries. And one woman is currently pregnant. No perfusion problems, either during pregnancy or l...
Synthetic aperture radar imaging of moving ocean waves

A theory for the radar imaging of ocean waves is presented under the assumptions that a swell propagates through an ensemble of Bragg scatterers and that the integration time of the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is small compared to the angular velocity of the swell. Results are prsented which show image development and distortions caused by the radial velocities and accelerations of the swell. Neglecting small wave bunching and tilts due to the longer underlying waves, and considering only one-dimensional geometries, the mechanism of wave motions are considered and their efforts on the production of the usual intensity Pattern representing the wave image are studied. The analysis shows that in certain situations a processed image can appear which has twice the spatial period of the actual long wave on the ocean, which can confuse the interpretation of ocean wave analysis.
Studies on transformation of Escherichia coli with plasmids

Factors that affect the probability of genetic transformation of Escherichia coli by plasmids have been evaluated. A set of conditions is described under which about one in every 400 plasmid molecules produces a transformed cell. These conditions include cell growth in medium containing elevated levels of Mg2+, and incubation of the cells at 0 degrees C in a solution of Mn2+, Ca2+, Rb+ or K+, dimethyl sulfoxide, dithiothreitol, and hexamine cobalt (III). Transformation efficiency declines linearly with increasing plasmid size. Relaxed and supercoiled plasmids transform with similar probabilities. Non-transforming DNAs compete consistent with mass. No significant variation is observed between competing DNAs of different source, complexity, length or form. Competition with both transforming and non-transforming plasmids indicates that each cell is capable of taking up many DNA molecules, and that the establishment of a transformation event is neither helped nor hindered significantly by the presence of multiple plasmids.
Hypertriglyceridemia Independent Propofol-Induced Pancreatitis

Context Propofol can cause acute pancreatitis related to hypertriglyceridemia, however, other mechanisms may also exist. Case report A 71-year-old male on propofol infusion in the intensive care setting, developed acute pancreatitis as confirmed biochemically and by imaging. He did not have any elevation of triglycerides and on propofol re-challenge, had recurrence of pancreatitis with the absence of triglyceride elevation. Conclusion We report a case of hypertriglyceridemia independent propofol induced pancreatitis possibly related to an idiosyncratic reaction and propose that this drug to be reassigned as a class Ia drug as an etiologic factor for acute pancreatitis. Image: Edematous acute pancreatitis.
FREE CASH FLOWS, VALUATION AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES BIAS

Analysts who base valuations on expected free cash flows are vulnerable to making biased assessments of terminal value because they fail to take into account the implications of disappearing growth opportunities during the terminal period. This leaves their valuations subject to “growth opportunities bias” (GOB). There are two sets of issues addressed in this paper, one narrow and the other broad. The narrow issues pertain to the basis for GOB, a technique for addressing it, and examples to illustrate the debiasing technique. The broader issues pertain to group psychology in respect to the manifestation of GOB in the analyst community, including the CFA Institute which certifies analysts.
Entanglement and Differentiable Information Gain Maximization

Decision forests can be thought of as a flexible optimization toolbox with many avenues to alter or recombine the underlying architectural components and improve recognition accuracy and efficiency. In this chapter, we present two fundamental approaches for re-architecting decision forests that yield higher prediction accuracy and shortened decision time.
Defeating the insider threat via autonomic network capabilities

There has been a constant growing security concern on insider attacks on network accessible computer systems. Users with power credentials can do almost anything they want with the systems they own with very little control or oversight. Most breaches occurring nowadays by power users are considered legitimate access and not necessarily intrusions. Developing a solution for such a problem is challenging because power users need flexible requirements to administer or maintain their systems. The increased usage of virtual environments, virtual systems, teleworking, and remote usage has made network access the preferred method for system administration. This paper presents (1) the Autonomic Violation Prevention System (AVPS), a framework that provides a solution to this problem and meet the above mentioned challenges, and (2) a proof-of-concept prototype that embeds self-protection capabilities into traditional Network Intrusion Prevention Systems (NIPS). AVPS focuses on self-protection against security policy violations instead of malware, vulnerability, or exploit intrusions. AVPS heavily enforces separation of duties, promotes scalability, ease of use and manageability. The proof-of-concept prototype uses Snort in-line NIPS with our own customizations.
Diabetes management unawareness: what do bedside nurses know?

Abstract Background Nurses are responsible for critical aspects of diabetes care. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine nurses' knowledge of inpatient diabetes management principles before and after a structured diabetes education program. Methods In this descriptive, correlation study, 2250 registered nurses working in a quaternary health care center completed a 20 question assessment. The assessment was administered pre and post attendance at a 4hour diabetes management course. Findings Nurses' knowledge of inpatient diabetes management principles was low. There was no correlation between knowledge scores and age, education, employment status, years of experience or clinical specialty. Conclusions In general, our findings suggest that nurses do not feel comfortable and are not adequately prepared to make patient care decisions or provide survival skill education for patients with diabetes in the hospital.
Extended Swimming Exercise Reduces Inflammatory and Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in Rodents

Abstract Physical exercise is often recommended to patients who have chronic pain. However, only a small number of studies report exercise-induced analgesia in the setting of inflammatory pain, and even fewer relate long-term exercise to reductions in neuropathic pain. To address these questions, we evaluated the effect of extended swimming exercise in animal models of inflammatory (intraplantar injection of dilute formalin) and neuropathic (partial peripheral nerve injury) pain. We found that 9 days of swimming exercise in 37°C water for 90 min/d decreased licking and flinching responses to formalin, as compared with nonexercised control animals. In addition, 18 to 25 days of swimming decreased nerve injury–induced cold allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in rats, and 7 days of swimming decreased nerve injury–induced thermal hyperalgesia in mice. Our data indicate that swimming exercise reduces behavioral hypersensitivity in formalin- and nerve injury–induced animal models of persistent pain. Perspective Surprisingly, few animal studies have investigated the effects of extended exercise on chronic pain. Our results support the use of exercise as a nonpharmacological approach for the management of peripheral neuropathic pain.