cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Kernel Machine Framework for Feature Optimization in Multi-frequency Sonar Imagery

The purpose of this research is to optimize the extraction of classification features. This includes the optimal adjustment of parameters used to compute features as well as an objective and quantitative method to assist in choosing a priori data collection parameters (e.g., the insonification frequencies of a multi-frequency sonar). To accomplish this, a kernel machine is employed and implemented with the kernel matching pursuits (KMP) algorithm. The KMP algorithm is computationally efficient, allows the use of arbitrary kernel mappings, and facilitates the development of a technique to quantify discriminating power as a function of each feature. A method for feature optimization is then presented and evaluated on simulated and experimental data. The experimental data is derived from low-resolution, multi-frequency sonar and consists of a large feature space relative to the available training data. The proposed method successfully optimizes the feature extraction parameters and identifies the (much smaller) subset of features actually providing the discriminating capability.
Multi-hazard risk assessment of highway bridges subjected to earthquake and hurricane hazards

Abstract This paper presents a Parameterized Fragility based Multi Hazard Risk Assessment (PF-MHRA) procedure risk for assessment of a portfolio of highway bridges subjected to earthquake and hurricane events. As a part of this approach, parametric bridge fragility functions are generated for the two hazards, which are an advance over conventional fragility curves as they can be used for bridges with different geometric and structural properties given exposure to different hazard types. The parametric bridge fragility functions are derived using metamodels and stepwise logistic regression with a non-linear logit function. The relative change in hurricane and earthquake fragilities of the bridges is captured by the parametric fragility functions given variation in design details or geometric parameters of the bridges. These fragility functions are combined with regional hazard data to evaluate annual risk, which is measured as the annual probability of damage. For this purpose, hazard input parameters are identified for earthquakes and hurricane events and a new risk assessment procedure for bridges subjected to hurricane wave and surge loading is also developed. Furthermore, coupling of the risk assessment procedure with parameterized fragilities enables a comparative assessment of the contributions of different hazards to the total risk as the bridge details differ in a portfolio. The proposed framework is applied to multi-span simply supported concrete girder bridges located in South Carolina. The application demonstrates the identification and derivation of input models for the multi-hazard risk assessment for earthquakes and hurricane induced storm surge and wave loading. By applying the proposed method, insights are gained on the influence of different bridge geometries and hazard exposure conditions to the risk of bridge damage. The potential of the proposed procedure to serve as an aid to risk based design of bridges is also highlighted.
The identification of E2F1-specific target genes

The E2F family of transcriptional regulators consists of six different members. Analysis of E2F-regulated promoters by using cultured cells suggests that E2Fs may have redundant functions. However, animal studies have shown that loss of individual E2Fs can have distinct biological consequences. Such seemingly conflicting results could be due to a difference in E2F-mediated regulation in cell culture vs. animals. Alternatively, there may be genes that are specifically regulated by an individual E2F which have not yet been identified. To investigate this possibility further, we have analyzed gene expression in E2F1 nullizygous mice. We found that loss of E2F1 did not cause changes in expression of known E2F target genes, suggesting that perhaps E2F1-specific promoters are distinct from known E2F target promoters. Therefore, we used oligonucleotide microarrays to identify mRNAs whose expression is altered on loss of E2F1. We demonstrate by chromatin immunoprecipitation that several of the promoters that drive expression of the deregulated mRNAs selectively recruit E2F1, but not other E2Fs, and this recruitment is via an element distinct from a consensus E2F binding site. To our knowledge, these are as yet undocumented examples of promoters being occupied in asynchronously growing cells by a single E2F family member. Interestingly, the E2F1-specific target genes that we identified encode proteins having functions quite different from the function of known E2F target genes. Thus, whereas E2F1 may share redundant functions in cell growth control with other E2F family members, it may also play an important biological role distinct from the other E2Fs.
A role for copper in biological time-keeping.

Abstract A family of cell surface and growth related proteins that oxidize both NADH and hydroquinones and carry out protein disulfide-thiol interchange (ECTO-NOX proteins) exhibits unique characteristics. The two activities they catalyze, hydroquinone or NADH oxidation and protein disulfide-thiol interchange, alternate in CNOX (the constitutive ECTO-NOX), to generate a regular period length of 24 min. For NADH or hydroquinone oxidation each period is defined by maxima that recur at intervals of 24 min. Here, we report that bound CuII is required to sustain the 24 min oscillation cycle of CNOX. CNOX preparations from plasma membranes of soybean, when unfolded in the presence of the copper chelator bathocuproine and refolded, lose activity. When refolded in the presence of copper, activity is restored. Unexpectedly, however, the released copper is capable of catalyzing NADH (or hydroquinone) oxidation in the absence of protein. Solvated CuII as the chloride or other salts alone is capable of catalyzing NADH oxidation and the oxidation rates oscillate with an overall period length of 24 min. With CuIICl2 the pattern consists of five maxima, two of which are separated by an interval of 6 min and three of which are separated by intervals of 4.5 min [6 min + 4 (4.5 min)]. The period length is independent of temperature and pH. The asymmetry of the oscillatory pattern is retained after solvation of the CuII salts in D2O but the overall period length is increased to 30 min. The findings suggest that the bound copper of CNOX and perhaps of ECTO-NOX proteins in general, is essential to maintain the structural changes that underlie the periodic alternations in activity that define the 24 min time-keeping cycle of the protein.
A protective role for keratinocyte growth factor in a murine model of chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced mucositis.

Purpose: To evaluate the activity of palifermin (rHuKGF) in a murine model of mucosal damage induced by a radiotherapy/chemotherapy (RT/CT) regimen mimicking treatment protocols used in head-and-neck cancer patients. Methods and Materials: A model of mucosal damage induced by RT/CT was established by injecting female BDF1 mice with cisplatin (10 mg/kg) on Day 1; 5-fluorouracil (40 mg/kg/day) on Days 1–4, and irradiation (5 Gy/day) to the head and neck on Days 1–5. Palifermin was administered subcutaneously on Days −2 to 0 (5 mg/kg/day) and on Day 5 (5 mg/kg). Evaluations included body weight, organ weight, keratinocyte growth factor receptor expression, epithelial thickness, and cellular proliferation. Results: Initiation of the radiochemotherapeutic regimen resulted in a reduction in body weight in control animals. Palifermin administration suppressed weight loss and resulted in increased organ weight (salivary glands and small intestine), epithelial thickness (esophagus and tongue), and cellular proliferation (tongue and salivary glands). Conclusions: Administration of palifermin before RT/CT promotes cell proliferation and increases in epithelial thickness in the oral mucosa, salivary glands, and digestive tract. Palifermin administration before and after RT/CT mitigates weight loss and a trophic effect on the intestinal mucosa and salivary glands, suggesting that palifermin use should be investigated further in the RT/CT settings, in which intestinal mucositis and salivary gland dysfunction are predominant side effects of cytotoxic therapy.
Moment Methods for Decision Analysis

Decision models involving continuous probability distributions almost always require some form of approximation. The usual approach to evaluating these kinds of models is to construct a discrete approximation for each continuous distribution and compute value lotteries and certain equivalents using these discrete approximations. Although decision analysts are quite comfortable with this approach, there has been relatively little consideration of how these discrete approximations affect the results of the analysis. In the first part of this paper, we review three common methods of constructing discrete approximations and compare their performance in a simple example. The results of the example suggest a different approach that offers potential improvements in accuracy and efficiency over the usual approach. The basic idea is that given discrete approximations that accurately represent the moments of assessed "input" distributions, we may easily and accurately compute the moments of the "output" distribution or value lotteries. These moments then summarize what we know about the value lottery and certain equivalent, and provide the basis for computing approximate value lotteries and certain equivalents. In this paper, we discuss the methods supporting this moment approach and evaluate their performance in the context of the example.
Patriotism and its Avatars: Tracking the National-Global Dialectic in Indian Music Videos

This study examines the hegemonic articulations of the national and the global, and the constitution of “new” forms of patriotism in select music videos in India. The music videos mobilized aspects of nationalism, globalization, and consumerism in generating ideas around patriotism. The article makes an argument for pursuing the visual as one site where the relationships between national and global in the articulation of patriotism can be tracked. Through a critical visual analysis, these issues are examined in greater detail.
A Rate - Catalyzed Reversible Reduction Of Sb(III) at the D.M.E. Induced by Trace Thiosulfate in HCLO4: A Comparison with Bromide

Abstract Alternating current polarography was employed to compare qualitatively the rate-enhancing properties of several electronically polarizable anions (including the halides) on the irreversible reduction of Sb(III) in HCLO4.In terms of the concentration required to produce one-half the maximum a.c. peak current for the reversible process it was found that added Na2S203 in 0.75M HCLO4 surpassed the halides by several orders of magnitude and that only micromolar levels of Na2S203 are required to yield sharp, undistorted a.c. polarographic peaks and nernstian d.c. waves at −0.109 volt vs S.C.E. Millimolar levels of NaBr on the other hand were required to produce peaks of comparable height at −0.104 volt vs. S.C.E.
Effects of limited English proficiency and physician language on health care comprehension.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of limited English proficiency on medical comprehension in the presence and absence of language-concordant physicians.
Conceptual basis for the definition and calculation of expected dose in performance assessments for the proposed high-level radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

Abstract A deep geologic repository for high-level radioactive waste is under development by the US Department of Energy (DOE) at Yucca Mountain (YM), Nevada. As mandated in the Energy Policy Act of 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency has promulgated public health and safety standards (i.e., 40 CFR Part 197) for the YM repository, and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has promulgated licensing standards (i.e., 10 CFR Parts 2, 19, 20, etc.) consistent with 40 CFR Part 197 that the DOE must establish are met in order for the YM repository to be licensed for operation. Important requirements in 40 CFR Part 197 and 10 CFR Parts 2, 19, 20, etc. relate to the determination of expected (i.e., mean) dose to a reasonably maximally exposed individual (RMEI) and the incorporation of uncertainty into this determination. This paper is the first part of a two-part presentation and describes how general and typically nonquantitative statements in 40 CFR Part 197 and 10 CFR Parts 2, 19, 20, etc. can be given a formal mathematical structure that facilitates both the calculation of expected dose to the RMEI and the appropriate separation in this calculation of aleatory uncertainty (i.e., randomness in the properties of future occurrences such as igneous and seismic events) and epistemic uncertainty (i.e., lack of knowledge about quantities that are imprecisely known but assumed to have constant values in the calculation of expected dose to the RMEI). The second part of this presentation is contained in the following paper, “Computational Implementation of Sampling-Based Approaches to the Calculation of Expected Dose in Performance Assessments for the Proposed High-Level Radioactive Waste Repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada,” and both describes and illustrates sampling-based procedures for the estimation of expected dose and the determination of the uncertainty in estimates for expected dose.
Anomalous Basal Slip Activity in Zirconium under High-strain Deformation

In this letter, we reveal anomalous basal slip activity in zirconium under high strains. The frequently reported classical rolling texture of Zr is shown to develop as a result of substantial amounts of basal slip. The reason is not that physical barriers to basal slip have become easier but that over a large straining period, easy prismatic slip has significantly strain-hardened and crystallographic texture has evolved to be more favorable for basal slip. Basal slip is, therefore, an important deformation mechanism in Zr at room temperature under high to severe strain-deformation conditions.
Accuracy of intraocular lens power prediction using the Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Holladay 2, and SRK/T formulas.

Purpose To compare the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations using 4 formulas: Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Holladay 2, and SRK/T. Setting Tertiary care center. Methods This study was a retrospective comparative analysis. Immersion ultrasound biometry (axial length, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness), manual keratometry, and postoperative manifest refraction were obtained in 643 eyes of consecutive patients who had routine uneventful cataract surgery with implantation of 1 of 2 IOLs using the same operative technique by the same surgeon. Biometric data were entered into each of the 4 IOL power calculation formulas, and the results were compared to the final manifest refraction. An optimized lens constant was used for each formula. Results were also stratified into groups of short, average, medium long, and very long axial length 26.0 mm, respectively). Results No formula was more accurate than the others as measured by mean absolute error. The formulas were also equally accurate when eyes were stratified by axial length. Conclusion The 4 IOL power formulas provided equivalent refractive results in the entire group of eyes and in the subsets of axial lengths tested.
Shear-Induced Mixing in Polymer Blends

The effect of shear flow on phase separation in critical polymer blends is reviewed. For a low-molecular-weight blend, the response is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions of Onuki and Kawasaki. The break-up of large-scale critical fluctuations by the flow leads to a drop in the temperature Tc at which phase separation begins. For a high-molecular-weight blend, the data suggest that the mode-coupling contribution to the decay rate of composition fluctuations is significant in both the miscible and immiscible phases. No shear-induced shift in Tc is apparent at any temperature in the one-phase region away from the equilibrium critical point, consistent with mean-field statics.
Development of novel perfusion chamber to retain nonadherent cells and its use for comparison of human “mobilized” peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures with and without irradiated bone marrow stroma

Perfusion and static cultures of peripheral blood (PB) mononuclear cells (MNCs), obtained from patients following stem cell mobilization, were supplemented with interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-6, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and stem cell factor (SCF) and compared with and without a preformed irradiated allogeneic bone marrow stromal layer. Perfusion cultures without a stromal layer effectively retained nonadherent cells through the use of a novel "grooved" perfusion chamber, which was designed with minimal mass transfer barriers in order to achieve a well-defined culture environment. The grooved chamber allowed easy and efficient culture inoculation and cell recovery. Average maximum expansion of CFU-GM (colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage) cells was observed on day 10 for all cultures. Perfusion cultures had a maximum CFU-GM expansion of 17- and 19-fold with and without a stromal layer, respectively. In contrast, static cultures had a maximum CFU-GM expansion of 18- and 13-fold with and without a stromal layer, respectively. Average long-term-culture initiating cell (LTC-IC) numbers on day 15 were 34% and 64% of input in stroma-containing and stroma-free perfusion cultures and 12% and 11% of input in stroma-containing and stroma-free static cultures, respectively. Thus, perfusion enhanced CFU-GM expansion and LTC-IC maintenance more for the stroma-free cultures than for stroma-containing cultures. This was surprising because analysis of medium supernatants indicated that the stroma-containing cultures were metabolically more active than the stroma-free cultures. In view of their equivalent, if not superior, performance compared to stroma-containing cultures, stroma-free perfusion cultures may offer significant advantages for potential clinical applications.
Coordination of Actinide Ions in Wells−Dawson Heteropolyoxoanion Complexes

Although many low-valent (III, IV) actinide (An) ions are known to form coordination complexes with the {alpha}-2 isomer of the lacunary Wells-Dawson polyoxoanion, [P{sub 2}W{sub 17}O{sub 61}]{sup 10-}, there is little structural information about the An-O interactions, particularly in solution. We have probed the An-O coordination environment for the series of clusters [An({alpha}-2-P{sub 2}W{sub 17}O{sub 61}){sub 2}]{sup n-} with An{sup 4+} (Th{sup 4+}, U{sup 4+}, Np{sup 4+}, Pu{sup 4+}) and An{sup 3+} (Np{sup 3+}, Pu{sup 3+} Am{sup 3+}) in both solution and solid phases using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). Comparisons are made with the lanthanide (Ln) coordination environments in the series of 4f-ion clusters, [Ln{sup n+}({alpha}-2-P{sub 2}W{sub 17}O{sub 61}){sub 2}]{sup n-20}, and with the related monovacant Lindqvist anions, [Ln{sup n+}(W{sub 5}O{sub 18}){sub 2}]{sup n-12}, for n = 3, 4. The average An-O{sub 8} and Ln-O{sub 8} distances correlate with their cationic VIII-coordinate ionic radii, indicating that the An and Ln ions have indistinguishable coordination behavior. Metrical details are consistent with simple charge and size considerations for both trivalent and tetravalent An ions as well as Ln ions coordinated with {alpha}-2-[P{sub 2}W{sub 17}O{sub 61}]{sup 10-} and W{sub 5}O{sub 18}{sup 6-}. This result is contrasted to trends established for these f-ionsmore » coordinated to the Preyssler anion [Ln{sup n+}P{sub 5}W{sub 30}O{sub 110}]{sup n-15}.« less
Virtual reality exposure therapy in the treatment of fear of flying: A case report.

The efficacy of virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy was examined for the fear of flying. Virtual reality exposure involved six sessions of graded exposure to flying in a virtual airplane. The specific contribution of anxiety management techniques (AMT) and the VR exposure was examined in a single case design. The subject was a 42-year-old female with a debilitating fear and avoidance of flying. All self-report measures of the fear and avoidance of flying decreased following AMT and decreased still further following VR exposure. A planned post-treatment flight was completed with anxiety measures indicating comfortable flight. The implications of this new medium for exposure therapy are discussed.
Ophthalmic Evaluation of Survivors of Acute Lymphoblastibc Leukemia

Abstract Eighty-two survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) had prospective eye evaluations to determine the ocular sequelae of the disease and its treatment. All patients had completed or nearly completed a 25- to 31-month protocol which included either 3.4 or 10.2 g of systemic prednisone/m 2 per year and cranial irradiation (total 1800-2800 rad). The mean interval from the end of treatment to the eye examination was 32 months. Only one patient had reduced vision attributable to the ALL. Ocular morbidity attributed to the treatment only included posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSCs) which occurred in 52% of patients. Posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSCs) developed in none of the 15 survivors of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) examined who had received neither long-term systemic prednisone nor irradiation ( P = 0.0006). Eyes with PSC had a median visual acuity of 20/20 (range, 20/15–20/50). The authors conclude that the ocular morbidity from antileukemia treatment programs at our institutions is minimal.
Changes in Physical Properties of Meat Batters During Heating

Techniques for measuring changes in physical properties of meat batters during heating that would be suitable for studying kinetics of gelation were studied. Change in absolute modulus as measured by a dynamic tester was too variable to be useful in studying gelation kinetics. However, differences in consistency show up as significant differences if the absolute moduli of the raw batters. Increase in volume during heating was strictly a temperature effect and the rate of expansion at the same heating medium temperature was the same for a bitter that was gelling compared to a gelled batter in the same mold. Pressure change on heating of a batter at constant volume showed a pattern consistent with expected behavior of proteins on heating. Plots of pressure against temperature were a series of linear sections with the transition points occurring at 33–36°C and at 57–67°C. These temperature ranges are known to start insolubilization of muscle proteins and start solubilizaation of collagen respectively. Plots of unaccomplished pressure change against time on semi logarithmic coordinates was used to calculate a time constant for each stage of the process thereby giving a measure of the rate of gelation.
Acute and long-term inhibition of agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis by pulse treatment of cerebellar granule cells with TPA

Acute pretreatment (30 min) of primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells with TPA (10 nM) resulted in a decrease in carbachol- and glutamate-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis, but not in basal levels of PI hydrolysis. To investigate the mechanism of TPA action, phospholipase C was assayed in membranes prepared from cerebellar granule cells acutely treated with TPA. TPA had no effect on basal, GTPγS−, NaF−, and calcium-stimulated phospholipase C when compared with membranes prepared from vehicle-treated cells. The effects of pulsing with TPA (30-min pulse, 10 nM) on agonis-stimulated PI hydrolysis were studied 1, 3, and 5 or 6 d after TPA treatment. TPA treatment results in a statistically significant decrease in glutamate-stimulated PI hydrolysis, and a slight reduction of carbachol-stimulated PI hydrolysis when compared to temporally matched controls. Measurements in membranes prepared from TPA-treated vs control cells 1, 3, and 5 d after treatment showed that calcium- and NaF-stimulated phospholipase C activity was significantly decreased at all days tested, whereas GTPγS-stimulated phospholipase C activity was significantly decreased only at d 3. These data demonstrate differences in the acute vs long-term effects of TPA treatment on agonist-stimulated PH hydrolysis, and suggest that the acute effects may be mediated at the level of the receptor, whereas long-term effects of TPA on PI hydrolysis may be mediated by deficits in effector function.
Limited polysulfone solubility in supercritical dimethyl ether with THF and DMF cosolvents

Abstract Reported in this short communication are the conditions needed to dissolve up to 1.5 wt.% polysulfone (PSU) (Mw=35 000; Mn=16 000) in supercritical fluid (SCF) solvents plus cosolvents. Initial experiments showed that PSU does not dissolve in neat CO2, propane, butane, dimethyl ether (DME), chlorodifluoromethane, or difluoroethane to temperatures as high as 200 °C and pressures of 2100 bar. However, PSU solubility is observed for DME with the addition of 24–65 wt.% tetrahydrofuran (THF) or N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF), two polar liquid solvents that readily dissolve PSU at room conditions even though PSU melts at ∼188 °C. DMF is a better cosolvent for PSU since DMF has a much higher dipole moment than THF, it has a higher molar density at room temperature, and it has a higher critical temperature which implies that DMF has a higher cohesive energy density than THF. With ∼24 wt.% cosolvent added to DME, the single-phase region extends to 40 °C lower temperatures with DMF compared with THF. Likewise, the cloud-point pressures for 0.15 wt.% PSU in DME with 56 wt.% DMF are ∼400 bar lower than those for a solution with approximately the same overall concentrations but with THF. The solution densities for PSU in DME+THF range from 0.90 to 0.65 g/cm3, depending on THF concentration and the solution densities for PSU in DME+DMF range from 0.53 to 0.66 g/cm3, also depending on DMF concentration. Compared with THF solutions, lower DMF solution densities are observed since it takes lower pressures to obtain a single-phase when DMF is used as a cosolvent. The experimental data demonstrate that DME should be considered an anti-solvent to knock PSU out of solution, since significant amounts of cosolvent are needed to dissolve PSU in DME.
Chemoautotrophic growth of a marine Beggiatoa in sulfide-gradient cultures

A recently isolated strain of Beggiatoa, MS-81-6 (cf. alba), was tested for chemoautotrophic growth in semi-solid (0.2% agar) sulfide/oxygen gradient cultures. The organism grew in a horizontal layer, the distance from the air/medium interface depending on sulfide concentrations and changing with time. Optimal growth as a gradient organism was based on a preference for reduced oxygen concentrations and a limited sulfide tolerance in combination with gliding motility. In gradient cultures chemoautotrophic growth was demonstrated by the following criteria: (1) biomass yield (protein) increased with increasing sulfide concentration, and estimated molar growth yields agreed with those for other sulfide-grown chemoautotrophs; (2) approximately 90% of total cell carbon and protein carbon were fixed from carbon dioxide; (3) the CO2-fixing enzyme, ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase, was present in cell-free extracts at a level typical of chemoautotrophs; (4) acidification of the medium, apparently linked to utilization of internal So granules, accompanied the later phase of growth. The ability to grow on acetate in the absence of a source of reduced sulfur renders the organism facultatively chemoautotrophic.
Development of antipredator responses in snakes: IV. Interspecific and intraspecific differences in habituation of defensive behavior.

Abstract Habituation of defensive attacks directed toward a threatening stimulus was investigated in neonatal garter snakes. The focus of the experiments was on differential effects of a simple experimental process in relation to species, litter, sex, and individual. In Experiment 1 newborn Thamnophis melanogaster from four liters and newborn Thamnophis butleri from three liters were given daily tests in which snakes were confronted with a nonmoving and moving human hand. Over five successive test days the T melanogaster neonates showed a decline in number of strikes directed toward the stimuli. When retested 10-13 days later the animals showed significant response recovery. Although some of the T? butleri newborns demonstrated significant habituation, there was no overall habituation of strike scores in this species. The T? melanogaster had high strike scores, more rapid habituation to moving than nonmoving stimuli, and significant liter differences in habituation rates. The T? melanogaster, but not the T? butleri neonates, showed significant habituation of flight responses over the five tests. In T? butleri, but not T? melanogaster, males were more prone to attack than were females. In both species there were large differences in both overall strike scores and habituation rates of individual newborn animals. In Experiment 2, T? melanogaster 2-months old, were tested for short-term habituation to either a moving or nonmoving stimulus for 10 successive tests on one day. Habituation of strikes was similar to both stimuli, but more animals confronted with the moving stimulus showed an initial increase in strikes, lending support to the dual-process theory of habituation. As in Experiment 1, there were large individual differences in habituation rates. The results are discussed in terms of the ecological and methodological implications for developmental studies.
Following the Flag: Troop Deployment and U.S. Foreign Direct Investment

In contrast to the 19th and early 20th centuries, the effects of security factors on foreign direct investment (FDI) have received limited interest in the post-Cold War era. Using panel data for 126 developing countries between 1966 and 2002, and controlling for macroeconomic conditions, economic reforms, and level of democratization, this essay tests the effects of “follow the flag” variables on U.S. FDI. Security factors can affect FDI in two stages: the initial decision over whether to invest and the second stage, which involves the amount invested. Our results indicate a selection effect and that follow the flag factors are influential both in the selection phase and in the main equation for U.S. investors. However, such results are not found for global investors, suggesting that positive links between economic and security goals only hold for U.S. firms.
A note on the optimum subsidy to a learning industry

Abstract The existing results on the optimum subsidy to an infant industry engaged in learning by doing are of little use to policy makers because they provide no practical means of computing the level of that subsidy, in part because one typically has no data with which to estimate the learning function until after the learning process is over. Using both the now-standard analysis of Bardhan (1971) and a generalization that allows for a non-constant marginal utility of consumption, this note demonstrates that the optimum subsidy must always be less than the rate that would completely make up for the productivity disadvantage of the infant industry relative to the efficient foreign producer. To compute this ceiling rate it would be sufficient to know, for example, current factor prices and the foreign producer's cost function. Simulations show that for reasonable parameter values a ‘naive’ second-best policy that sets the subsidy rate equal to its ceiling value at all times not only improves on a policy of laissez-faire but also consistently captures more than three quarters of the benefits of the optimum subsidy policy.
Cycloaliphatic polyester-based high-solids polyurethane coatings: II. The effect of difunctional acid

Two series of polyesters were synthesized with isomeric cyclohexane diacids. The first series of polyesters was synthesized with 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and three cycloaliphatic difunctional acids, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (1,4-CHDA), 1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (1,3-CHDA), or hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA). The second series was prepared with 1,4-CHDA and 1,3-CHDA with CHDM. Control polyesters with adipic, azelaic, and isophthalic acid (AA, AZA, IPA) were prepared for comparison. The solubility and viscosity of polyesters were investigated using the common solvent methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). All the polyesters were cross-linked with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) isocyanurate, forming polyurethane films. General coatings, tensile, and viscoelastic properties were evaluated for the cured polyurethane films. In addition, fracture toughness and the mode of energy dissipation were investigated. The polyesters based on cycloaliphatic diacids have better solubility in MEK compared to the polyesters based on the aromatic or linear aliphatic diacids. The cycloaliphatic diacids based polyurethane coatings had intermediate mechanical and viscoelastic properties compared to polyurethane based on aromatic and linear aliphatic diacids. In addition, the cycloaliphatic diacids afforded polyurethane with a greater adhesion on aluminum substrate compared to the aromatic diacid, IPA.
Application of lanthanide n.m.r. shift reagents for functional group studies of shale bitumen asphaltenes

Abstract Ytterbium (fod)3 was used as a shift reagent in conjunction with solution 1H n.m.r. studies of asphaltene isolated from Devonian shale bitumen. Upon addition of the reagent, bands attributed to protons on alkyl groups alpha to oxygen atoms were shifted and separated from that attributed to protons alpha to two aromatic systems. Similar experiments with Green River bitumen asphaltene did not show any observable shift. The presence and absence of the ether formations in shale asphaltenes can be substantiated by 13C n.m.r.
Justice and fairness in the dictator game

This article uses a laboratory experiment to examine the question of whether justice and fairness are different motivational forces in the dictator game. ''Justice'' and "fairness" are often used interchangeably because their meanings and usages are so closely linked, despite their distinct connotations. Using four different treatments, our experimental design investigates the subtle differences between the two social concepts to explicate generosity in the dictator game. The results indicate that justice, not fairness, legitimizes property rights in the dictator game. The underlying motives supporting the simplest of decisions may not be as transparent as they seem at first blush. One seemingly simple game is the dictator game (DG), in which Player A is given an endowment that he then allocates to himself and his counterpart, Player B. Player B has no strategic decision to make; Player A's decision is final. The power of a DG is that it isolates the subjects' opinions regarding their just reward relative to their counterparts' without explicitly invoking any strategic or reciprocal considerations for Player B. Hence, whatever amount Player A offers Player B may be considered a "gift." A typical distribution of offers with initial endowment, e, is bimodal at the predicted offer (e, 0) and the equitable offer (0.5e, 0.5e), where the first element indicates the dictator's payoff and the second the receiver's
Coding and billing issues in the vascular laboratory

Noninvasive vascular testing grew from a need for a safe, accurate, and inexpensive alternative to contrast injection venography and arteriography. The ultrasound studies performed to evaluate vascular disease today meet all expectations for safety and accuracy, and cost thousands of dollars less than their contrast counterparts, yet few sectors in medicine have been challenged so regularly by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). Tests performed on duplex ultrasound instruments have prevented innumerable arterial and venous injuries and episodes of renal failure caused by contrast injection. Despite those laudable accomplishments, the financing agencies continue to reduce payments, threaten inappropriate supervisory requirements, and belittle the overall importance of the examinations. This report reviews the last decade of payment issues involving the vascular laboratory, pointing out inequities and problems that threaten not the quantity, but the quality, of this technology. The discussion focuses on Medicare Part B payments because they represent the majority of payments for noninvasive studies across the United States. The topics include payment denials, supervision issues, and problems associated with the zero work pool. In addition, the method by which HCFA calculates relative value unit (RVU) payments for procedures is included.
Influence of substrate parameters on column selectivity with alkyl bonded-phase sorbents

Abstract Differences in bonded-phase properties were studied for monomeric and polymeric C18 phases prepared on a variety of silica substrate materials. A total of 22 silicas with pore diameters ranging from 50-1000 A were used in syntheses. Phase loadings for the resulting bonded phases ranged from 1.3–5.4 μmol/m2. Physical properties of the substrates including surface area, pore volume, packing density, and background carbon were measured prior to bonding. Large differences were observed in the properties of the silica substrates and in the chromatographic behavior of the resulting phases. Differences in selectivity as well as absolute retention were observed as a function of pore size, with the greatest changes in selectivity occurring for the polymeric phases. The effect of silica pretreatment on phase synthesis and column selectivity was also examined for wide- and narrow-pore substrates. Phases prepared from silica pretreated with acid had greater polymeric character than those prepared from base-pretreated silica. Variation in phase loading and column selectivity is thought to be a function of both the reactivity of the silica surface and pore size. A model for polymeric phase synthesis is proposed where the extent of reaction is limited by a size-exclusion mechanism.
EGF responsiveness and receptor regulation in normal and differentiation-defective mouse myoblasts

Abstract The interrelationship between cell proliferation and terminal myogenic differentiation has been analyzed by studying a differentiation-defective subclone (DD-1) of the permanent mouse myoblast line MM14. Parental MM14 myoblasts withdraw irreversibly from the cell cycle and initiate terminal differentiation when they are deprived of certain mitogens. In contrast, DD-1 cells become quiescent in a mitogen-depleted environment and less than 0.4% of the cells differentiate. When refed with mitogen-rich medium quiescent DD-1 cells resume proliferation. Expression of this differentiation-defective phenotype is apparently coupled to an alteration in mitogen sensitivity: MM14 myoblasts require horse serum plus either chick embryo extract or fibroblast growth factor (FGF) to sustain cell growth; DD-1 variants are responsive to FGF, but also proliferate in response to serum alone or to reduced serum plus epidermal growth factor (EGF). Interestingly, EGF also appears to retard DD-1 cell differentiation in a manner similar to the FGF repression of differentiation in normal myoblasts. Normal and differentiation-defective myoblasts which have been maintained under growth-promoting conditions exhibit similar EGF binding, internalization, and degradation. However, whereas the EGF binding capacity of MM14 myoblasts declines to less than 5% of its initial level within 24 hr of FGF removal, DD-1 variants exhibit an increase in EGF binding when switched to an FGF-depleted medium. The relationship of altered EGF receptor regulation to changes in mitogen sensitivity and differentiation capacity of the DD-1 variant is discussed, and implications for general in vivo processes governing cell proliferation and differentiation are considered.
Thermodynamics of highly dilute solutions and the quest for ultrapurity

Since very high purity is sometimes required for health-related (and other) products, it is useful to reexamine the common thermodynamic relations that describe the chemical potential of a solute at very high dilution. Because Stirling's approximation is not valid for small numbers, the usual thermodynamic relations must be reformulated for small systems, i.e., for a solute in a small bubble or drop. A simplistic analysis indicates that in a small bubble or drop, the chemical potential of a solute goes to a finite value as the mole fraction of solute goes to zero, in contrast to the conventional result, where that chemical potential goes to negative infinity. This simplistic analysis has profound implications for separation science; it implies that (in theory) ultrapurity may be attained by conventional diffusional methods. While serious objections can be raised to invalidate the simplistic analysis, it may nevertheless be useful for chemical engineers to consider separation methods using highly dispersed systems.
Contingency Approaches to Leadership

This article presents a review of the book “Contingency Approaches to Leadership,” edited by James G. Hunt and by Lars Larson.
Silicon radio-frequency planar nanofluidic channels

Ten-nanometer deep planar nanofluidic channels are designed, fabricated and characterized. Silicon microstrip lines are incorporated with the nanofluidic channels to provide broadband radio frequency (RF) measurement capabilities so that materials in the channels can be investigated in a label-free and non-invasive manner. Deionized water in the 10 nm channels is tested to demonstrate the operation of the devices. The techniques are promising to address the electrical sensing and signal transduction issues in current nanochannel efforts. Further work on reliable and repeatable probe contacts and silicon transmission line dispersion properties is needed for quantitative analysis of materials in the channels.
PROFILE CHARACTERISTICS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE RETENTION OF FULL‐ AND PART‐TIME FOODSERVICE EMPLOYEES

Foodservice employees who worked for a 352 bed acute care hospital between January 1981 and March 1986 were examined to see if any characteristics differentiated long versus short tenured employees. Of these 292 subjects, 99 were still employed either full- or part-time and 193 had either been discharged or had voluntarily terminated. Application blanks for all individuals hired or still employed during the target years were obtained and assigned identification numbers to ensure confidentiality. Data were examined using SPSSx programs. Overall frequency analysis examined the distribution of responses in the sample. Profiles for both full- and part-time workers were established to show which characteristics denoted short versus long tenure. Conclusions from this study were that full-time employees were longer tenured than part-time employees. When hiring part-time workers, look for the older, more established applicants. Voluntarily terminated employees were the major contributors to the high turnover rates. Examination of wages and benefits to industry averages could be done to see if benefits were comparable. Managers would have only a few personal characteristics that were shown to differentiate long versus short tenured employees. Additional questions could be added to future application blanks that dealt with the applicants' future goals. Most importantly, employers may need to spend more time in training and developing each new employee so he/she will feel more comfortable, be more productive, and be less likely to leave.
Partial and Radical Nephrectomy for Unilateral Synchronous Multifocal Renal Cortical Tumors.

Objective To evaluate clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) for unilateral synchronous multifocal renal tumors. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records for 128 patients with nonmetastatic, unilateral, synchronous, multifocal renal tumors who underwent surgical resection at our institution from 1995 to 2012. Five patients with hereditary renal cell carcinoma were excluded. Differences between patient and tumor characteristics from the 2 nephrectomy groups were evaluated. Outcomes in terms of recurrence-free survival, overall survival, and chronic kidney disease upstaging were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods. The log-rank test was used for group comparisons. Results The study cohort included 78 PN patients (63%) and 45 RN patients (37%); 17 of 95 planned PN (18%) were converted to RN. Tumor diameter and RENAL nephrometry scores were greater in RN patients ( P P = .0002, respectively). Pathologic stage T3 was seen in 40% of RN patients and 10% of PN patients ( P = .0002). Histologic concordance was apparent in 60 of 123 patients (49%). Median follow-up for patients alive without a recurrence was 4 years. Five-year recurrence-free survival was 98% for PN and 85% for RN. Five-year overall survival was 96% for PN and 86% for RN ( P = .5). Five-year freedom from chronic kidney disease upstaging was 74% for PN and 55% for RN ( P = .11). Conclusion Partial nephrectomy for the treatment of unilateral, synchronous, multifocal, renal tumors with favorable characteristics was associated with a low recurrence rate. These findings suggest PN is an appropriate management strategy for this group of carefully selected patients.
Ant predation on red oak borer confirmed by field observation and molecular gut-content analysis

Populations of an indigenous longhorn beetle, the red oak borer Enaphalodes rufulus (Haldeman) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), recently reached epidemic lev- els in the Ozark National Forests of Arkansas and Missouri, resulting in exten- sive tree mortality. 2 The factors regulating E. rufulus populations are largely unknown. Ants appear to be the most abundant potential predators in the Ozarks and have been shown to play a role in regulating populations of other forest insects. 3 The main objective of the present study was to determine whether ants are preda- tors of early E. rufulus life stages by direct observation of E. rufulus eggs artifi- cially placed on tree trunks and by development of molecular tools to detect E. rufulus DNA within ant gut contents. 4 Three hundred and eighty E. rufulus eggs were applied to ten northern red oaks. Ants ate or carried away 72% of the eggs within 1 h. Camponotus pennsylvanicus (De Geer) and Aphaenogaster tennesseensis (Mayr) were identified as the two primary ant species observed in the study. 5 A portion of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene of E. rufulus was sequenced and polymerase chain reaction primers were developed to detect E. rufulus DNA in the guts of C. pennsylvanicus . Enaphalodes rufulus DNA persisted in ant gut contents for at least 24 h after ingestion under laboratory conditions, and E. rufulus DNA was detected in field-collected ant populations, suggesting the natural oc- currence of ant predation on this insect.
Effects of cryoprotectants on the structure and thermostability of the human carbonic anhydrase II–acetazolamide complex

Protein X-ray crystallography has seen a progressive shift from data collection at cool/room temperature (277–298 K) to data collection at cryotemperature (100 K) because of its ease of crystal preparation and the lessening of the detrimental effects of radiation-induced crystal damage, with 20–25%(v/v) glycerol (GOL) being the preferred choice of cryoprotectant. Here, a case study of the effects of cryoprotectants on the kinetics of carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) and its inhibition by the clinically used inhibitor acetazolamide (AZM) is presented. Comparative studies of crystal structure, kinetics, inhibition and thermostability were performed on CA II and its complex with AZM in the presence of either GOL or sucrose. These results suggest that even though the cryoprotectant GOL was previously shown to be directly bound in the active site and to interact with AZM, it affects neither the thermostability of CA II nor the binding of AZM in the crystal structure or in solution. However, addition of GOL does affect the kinetics of CA II, presumably as it displaces the water proton-transfer network in the active site.