cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Psychology of Bystanders, Perpetrators, and Heroic Helpers

Abstract This article examines the psychological and cultural-societal origins of genocide and mass killing, with a focus on the Holocaust. Difficult conditions of life in a society, like severe economic problems or political conflict and violence, give rise to powerful needs—for security, protection of the psychological self, comprehension, connection, and hope. Certain cultural-societal characteristics create a predisposition for group violence. They include devaluation of a subgroup, strong respect for authority, a monolithic culture, certain societal self-concepts, and a history of aggression. They intensify needs and make it probable that the group deals with them by scapegoating, usually a subgroup of society “preselecte” by the history of cultural devaluation, by adopting nationalistic and/or “better world” ideologies that identify the victims as the enemy, and by joining movements. As perpetrators begin to harm victims, they change. Their evolution, with steps along a continuum of destruction, ends in genocide or mass killing. Both internal bystanders, members of the society, and external ones including other nations, usually remain passive, which encourages perpetrators. Internal bystanders share with perpetrators a “societal tilt” and psychological processes like just world thinking, moral equilibration, and the exclusion of victims from the moral realm. Passivity changes bystanders and some evolve into perpetrators. People who endanger themselves to help victims are guided by moral values and empathy and in contrast to perpetrators (and bystanders) are “inclusive.” They also change as a result of their own actions, and even if at first motivated by ties to specific victims, many develop intense commitment to helping.
Fatigue fracture analysis of amalgam by SEM-EDS.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine cracks generated in dental amalgam during compressive fatigue. Cracks were observed using SEM and composition was evaluated by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Amalgam cylinders showed classical fatigue fracture. Cracks appeared to be initiating at cylinder surfaces in mercury reaction phases and propagating longitudinally. Fracture appeared to initiate and propagate in and through essentially the same phases as occurs in compression testing.
Reaction of nitrogen oxides with π-allyl complexes: A model for propylene oxidation

Abstract η3-Allylnickel bromide dimer reacts with nitric oxide to form a 3-oxi-minopropene complex, Ni(CH2CHCHNOH)Br(NO). μ-Dichlorobis-(η3-allylpalladium) does not react with NO under the conditions used for the analogous nickel compound but reacts with NO2 to give [PdCl(NO)]n and allyl nitrate. η3-Allyldicarbonyl(hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borato)molybdenum(II) reacts similarly with NO2 to give allyl nitrate and nitrosyldicarbonyl(hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borato)molybdenum, along with some 3-nitro-propene and a new nitrosylmolybdenum complex. The relevance of these results to surface processes in the heterogeneous catalysis of acrylonitrile synthesis from propylene and nitric oxide is discussed.
The Growing Relevance of Special Operations Forces in U.S. Military Strategy

Special Operations Forces (SOF) have transitioned from a marginalized force structure to a prominent part of U.S. military strategy. The gradual increase in status for SOF has been a long road. Historically, conventional military leaders have been skeptical of SOF and reluctant to use such forces. Political leaders, in contrast, have traditionally had an almost intuitive understanding of the capabilities and potential benefit of SOF. For the first time, military and political leaders are both convinced of the value of SOF. This shift has occurred for several factors: a dramatic change in the security environment marked by irregular threats, the declaration of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), and the conduct of SOF in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Positioning Services for Competitive Advantage: The Case of Duds N Suds

Examines the concept of differentiating product offerings, including consumer services, and positioning them in relation to customer needs and perceptions. Approaches the subject of service positioning via an interesting case study. Concludes with recommended guidelines for the positioning of consumer services, but notes that a case study, whilst a source of interesting insights, is limited since itsobservations may not necessarily be true for other service businesses.
Double K-shell electron capture for ion-atom collisions at intermediate energies

A three-state, two-center atomic expansion method is used to investigate double-electron capture from the $K$ shell of multielectron atoms to the $K$ shell of projectiles in the energy region where the projectile velocity is nearly equal to the orbital velocity of the target $K$-shell electron. By adopting an independent-electron approximation, the Coulomb interaction between the two electrons is replaced by monopole terms with a screening charge. The validity of this approximation is checked by comparing the cross sections for double capture in $p$-He and ${\mathrm{He}}^{++}$-He collisions obtained from this method with other theoretical calculations and experiments. Double-electron-capture cross sections from the $K$ shell of Ne atoms by ${\mathrm{F}}^{9+}$, ${\mathrm{O}}^{8+}$, and ${\mathrm{N}}^{7+}$ ions are then calculated; the results are shown to compare well with the neon Auger hypersatellite intensities measured by Woods et al.
Tort reform and physician labor supply: A review of the evidence

Abstract There is a large empirical literature examining the relationship between medical liability reform and the supply of physician services. Despite the general consensus that malpractice reform leads to an increase in physician supply, usually targeted amongst a subset of physicians, debates rage at the state level over the effectiveness of any given reform. This paper reviews the evidence on the relationship between tort reform and physician supply and assess the implications for any given state. Although our difference in difference methodology prevents drawing conclusions about the impact of reforms on overall physician supply, we find that noneconomic damage caps increase the supply of physicians in high risk specialties. However, these effects, even for the high risk specialties, vary significantly across states. It is unclear whether these differences represent heterogeneous treatment effects across states, or simply random error in the estimates. New approaches are needed to estimating state-specific effects of tort reform to have the most impact on local policy debates.
Pathological Responses to Terrorism

Many important gains have been made in understanding PTSD and other responses to trauma as a result of neuroscience-based observations. Yet there are many gaps in our knowledge that currently impede our ability to predict those who will develop pathologic responses. Such knowledge is essential for developing appropriate strategies for mounting a mental health response in the aftermath of terrorism and for facilitating the recovery of individuals and society. This paper reviews clinical and biological studies that have led to an identification of pathologic responses following psychological trauma, including terrorism, and highlights areas of future-research. It is important to not only determine risk factors for the development of short- and long-term mental health responses to terrorism, but also apply these risk factors to the prediction of such responses on an individual level. It is also critical to consider the full spectrum of responses to terrorism, as well as the interplay between biological and psychological variables that contribute to these responses. Finally, it is essential to remove the barriers to collecting data in the aftermath of trauma by creating a culture of education in which the academic community can communicate to the public what is and is not known so that survivors of trauma and terrorism will understand the value of their participation in research to the generation of useful knowledge, and by maintaining the acquisition of knowledge as a priority for the government and those involved in the immediate delivery of services in the aftermath of large-scale disaster or trauma.
Self-Concept and Woman Abuse: A Rural and Cultural Perspective

The prevalence of woman abuse has serious community health ramifications because of its associated psychological responses. Theoretical frameworks have described behaviors arising from interpersonal interactions as being affected by self-concept. Therefore, assessing self-concept is critical in research and practice for understanding the behavior of abused women and the effects of self-concept on the physical self. This research arose from clinical practice in a rural Mexican American and non-Hispanic white community. The practice focused on individual and group counseling for women and adolescents in abusive relationships. This study was conducted to refine the theoretical basis for interventions related to self-concept and woman abuse for rural Mexican American and non-Hispanic white women.
Elevation of plasma neuropeptide Y levels in congestive heart failure

Abstract purpose: Our objectives were to assess whether plasma neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels are elevated in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and whether or not NPY levels can serve as a reliable indicator of sympathetic activity in CHF. patients and methods: Plasma levels of the sympathetic neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine and of the sympathetic co-transmitter NPY were measured in 17 patients with CHF and 14 healthy control subjects at rest and after maximal exercise. results: Under resting conditions, plasma NPY and norepinephrine levels were elevated in patients with CHF compared with control subjects (551 ± 48 pg/ml versus 311 ± 22 pg/ml, p ≤0.001 for NPY, and 306 ± 73 pg/ml versus 124 ± 22 pg/ml, p ≤0.02 for norepinephrine). Plasma NPY correlated better with plasma norepinephrine than with epinephrine, indicating its origin from sympathetic nerve terminals. Acute stimulation of sympathetic activity by dynamic exercise increased plasma norepinephrine levels in control subjects and patients with CHF, but did not significantly alter the mean plasma NPY value in the latter group. conclusion: NPY may play a role in the pathophysiology of CHF.
An Organizational Psychology Perspective to Examining Computer Security Incident Response Teams

Generally, computer security incident response team (CSIRT) managers and team members focus only on individual-level skills. The field of organizational psychology can contribute to an understanding of the full range of CSIRT job requirements, which include working as a team and within a larger multiteam system.
Revision of Begomovirus taxonomy based on pairwise sequence comparisons

Viruses of the genus Begomovirus (family Geminiviridae) are emergent pathogens of crops throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. By virtue of having a small DNA genome that is easily cloned, and due to the recent innovations in cloning and low-cost sequencing, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of available begomovirus genome sequences. Even so, most of the available sequences have been obtained from cultivated plants and are likely a small and phylogenetically unrepresentative sample of begomovirus diversity, a factor constraining taxonomic decisions such as the establishment of operationally useful species demarcation criteria. In addition, problems in assigning new viruses to established species have highlighted shortcomings in the previously recommended mechanism of species demarcation. Based on the analysis of 3,123 full-length begomovirus genome (or DNA-A component) sequences available in public databases as of December 2012, a set of revised guidelines for the classification and nomenclature of begomoviruses are proposed. The guidelines primarily consider a) genus-level biological characteristics and b) results obtained using a standardized classification tool, Sequence Demarcation Tool, which performs pairwise sequence alignments and identity calculations. These guidelines are consistent with the recently published recommendations for the genera Mastrevirus and Curtovirus of the family Geminiviridae. Genome-wide pairwise identities of 91 % and 94 % are proposed as the demarcation threshold for begomoviruses belonging to different species and strains, respectively. Procedures and guidelines are outlined for resolving conflicts that may arise when assigning species and strains to categories wherever the pairwise identity falls on or very near the demarcation threshold value.
Room‐Temperature Tunneling Behavior of Boron Nitride Nanotubes Functionalized with Gold Quantum Dots

One-dimensional arrays of gold quantum dots (QDs) on insulating boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) can form conduction channels of tunneling field-effect transistors. We demonstrate that tunneling currents can be modulated at room temperature by tuning the lengths of QD-BNNTs and the gate potentials. Our discovery will inspire the creative use of nanostructured metals and insulators for future electronic devices.
Maturational Loss of the Vitamin C Transporter in Erythrocytes

Erythrocytes have the same intracellular concentration of ascorbate as plasma, which is much lower than that of nucleated cells. To determine why erythrocytes are unable to concentrate ascorbate, we tested for the presence of ascorbate transporters in these cells. Human erythrocytes had very low rates of uptake of radiolabeled ascorbate, which was accounted for by the lack of ascorbate transporter SVCT2 in immunoblots. Using a cell culture model of Friend virus-infected mouse erythroblasts, immunoblots showed that the SVCT2 was present in the erythroblast stages, but was lost following extrusion of the nucleus in the formation of the reticulocyte stage. Rates of specific ascorbate transport correlated with the presence of the SVCT2. These results show that mature erythrocytes fail to concentrate ascorbate due to the loss of SVCT2 during maturation in the bone marrow.
Nature and implications of asymmetric sea-floor spreading — “Different rates for different plates”

Asymmetric sea-floor spreading has occurred south of Australia within narrow longitudinal zones of the Southeast Indian Ocean. The process of asymmetric spreading can be shown to be continuous at the scale of about 10 km or less in contrast to a process involving large, discrete jumps of the ridge-crest position. As there are no discontinuities in the total opening rates between the Australian and Antarctic plates, discontinuities in one-limb rates result when asymmetric and symmetric spreading occur in adjacent zones, and ridge-crest offsets (transform faults) are formed as a consequence. In this case, the length of the transform zone changes with time, and the ridge—fracture-zone system does not record the geometry of the initial rift. Other large areas of the world's ocean basins, in particular the northeast and southwest Pacific, have probably undergone similar phases of tectonic evolution. By relating minimum crustal strength to maximum ambient temperature, the preferred locus of asymmetric splitting implies a process of effective asymmetric cooling at the accreting boundary. A simplistic asymmetric cooling model is both quantitatively and qualitatively investigated. The indications of steady-state spreading conditions, which persist for long periods of time but which change to new steady-state conditions quickly, and the existence of abrupt geographic spreading provinces are difficult to reconcile with any thermal models. Variations in the spatial and temporal spreading evolution of the Southeast Indian Ocean are qualitatively examined by considering the effects of a hypothetical heat source or sink that moves relative to the accreting margin.
Mobility—diffusivity relationship for degenerate semiconductors under mechanical stress

Abstract A general formula for the diffusivity—mobility relationship for degenerate semiconductors under mechanical stress is suggested. The stress is common in devices involving heterostructures and oxide-semiconductor materials. Under special conditions the formula reduces to the forms available in the literature.
Mechanical performance of hydrogel contact lenses with a range of power under parallel plate compression and central load

When a contact lens is compressed between two parallel plates (PPC) or under a central load (CLC), the constitutive relation depends not only on the mechanical properties such as elastic modulus, E, of the hydrogel materials, but also the lens power, d, or thickness variation, h(ϕ0), along the meridional direction ϕ0. Hyperopic lenses (d>0) are thicker at the apex along the optical axis and thin out gradually along the meridian, while myopic lenses (d<0) are thinnest at the apex. Mechanical deformation is quantified by the inter-relationship between applied force, F, vertical displacement of the external load, w0, contact or dimple radius, a, and the deformed profile, w(r). Force responses show that lenses with positive d are apparently stiffer in the initial loading but become more compliant as load increases. Conversely, lenses with negative d are more deformable initially and becomes gradually more resistant to loading. This is consistent with the theoretical shell model using the same E. The mechanical behavior has significant impacts in defining the degree of comfort of contact lenses as well as the lens adhesion to the corneal epithelium.
Growth of a jumping spider on nitrogen enriched prey

The jumping spider, Phidippus audax (Hentz), preys on other spiders both intra- (cannibalism) and inter-specifically (intraguild predation). Smaller individuals become the victims in these predations. One hypothesis for the evolution of IGP/cannibalism is that consuming other carnivores (e.g., spiders) decreases a dietary stoichiometric imbalance because carnivorous prey have higher nitrogen contents than herbivorous prey. This study examined whether the nitrogen content of prey affects growth patterns of spiders by using fruit flies whose nitrogen contents were artificially enhanced. Spiders that were raised on the nitrogen rich prey grew faster than those raised on unmanipulated prey, by shortening moulting intervals. This result is consistent with the stoichiometric argument and would also have important consequences to the community dynamics of these organisms, by altering the size structure of communities with IGP and cannibalism.
Simple relationships for the Ångström parameter of disperse systems.

Simple relationships for calculating the Angstrom parameter α of any disperse system are obtained (a) for a polycomponent system, through values of αi of individual components, and (b) for the simplest disperse systems, consisting of large, small, and soft particles. It is shown that the parameter α of a monodisperse particle system is sensitive to the exact structure of the spectral variability optical thickness of the system curve τ(λ) and that when calculating α, one should not use the van de Hulst approximate formula for τ(λ) when ripples and another important details are not accounted for. The error connected with the use of the van de Hulst formula when one is estimating α depends on the value of optical hardness of the particle. It is small when particles are soft, and it becomes noticeable as particles get harder.
Production and characterization of recombinant pertactin, fimbriae 2 and fimbriae 3 from Bordetella pertussis

Background Bordetella pertussis is a causative agent of pertussis or whooping cough in humans. Pertactin (Prn), fimbriae 2 (Fim2) and fimbriae 3 (Fim3) of B. pertussis are important virulence factors and immunogens which have been included in some acellular pertussis vaccines. In this present study, we cloned, expressed and purified Prn, Fim2 and Fim3, respectively. The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the three recombinant proteins (rPrn, rFim2 and rFim3) were investigated in mouse model.
Reviving the Mainline: An Overview of Clergy Support for Evangelical Renewal Movements

Evangelical renewal movements (ERMs) are proliferating in the old Protestant mainline and they show few signs of splitting from their parent denominations. Ironically, the very theological pluralism that ERMs seek to eliminate has provided an opportunity for their entry and a barrier for their expulsion. This essay offers an introduction to the evangelical movements arising in the mainline and reports the initial findings from a survey of United Methodist clergy's involvement in ERMs. As expected, United Methodist clergy are predominantly older, white males leading small congregations. Surprisingly, however, fully 29 percent of the clergy do not have a seminary degree and more than half of those with seminary degrees did not attend United Methodist-affiliated schools-with 22 percent attending an evangelical seminary. The clergy involved in ERMs are younger, more likely to have attended evangelical seminaries (or no seminary at all), and hold more exclusive Christian beliefs. The survey also found that the once isolated evangelical clergy of the United Methodist Church are now embedded in evangelical associations and hold friendships with other evangelical clergy. The implications of these findings are discussed.
EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN THE NONCATEGORICAL CLASSROOM

The characteristics of handicapped children can be used to find new ways to maximize learning in the classroom.
Subsistence practices and human sexual dimorphism of stature

Hypotheses recently advanced by Brace & Ryan (1980) and Frayer (1980) suggest links between changes in human sexual dimorphism and changes in technology and subsistence practices. In this paper we test these hypotheses using a sample of extant human groups. Results indicate that extant agriculturalists exhibit a greater degree of sexual dimorphism in stature than extant hunter-gatherers. Moreover, the data analysed in this paper do not indicate that a more equal division of labor is associated with a decrease in human height sexual dimorphism.
Altered binding of the NF-GMa transcription factor is involved in the upregulated production of TNF-alpha by macrophages of mammary tumor bearing mice.

Macrophages from D1-DMBA-3 mammary tumor bearing mice have profound alterations in various functions, i.e. diminished antigen presentation, decreased cytolytic activity and depressed synthesis of IL-12. In contrast, these cells display a significant enhancement in the levels of TNF-alpha, which may be involved in the cachexia observed in animals bearing large mammary tumors. The molecular mechanisms involved in the upregulation of TNF-alpha in macrophages from tumor bearers were investigated. The levels of TNF-alpha RNA were increased in macrophages from tumor bearers, but, this was not due to an increase in the RNA half-life. An analysis of the binding of transcription factors relevant to the TNF-alpha gene regulatory region by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) revealed no differences in the binding of any NF-kB complex component between macrophages from normal and tumor bearing mice. Likewise, there were no changes in the binding patterns of SP-1 and NF-Y. In contrast, the binding of the transcription factor, NF-GMa, was altered in macrophages from tumor bearers. Our results and those reported in other models of disease suggest that the excessive production of cytokines in pathological conditions, could be the result of alterations of the production and/or binding of transcription factors.
The density of liquid NaCl and KCl and an estimate of their critical constants together with those of the other alkali halides

A procedure for the estimation of the critical constants of salts, provided reliable liquid density data are available, is explained. The method is applied specifically to NaCl and KCl, the liquid densities of which have been determined from the melting point to the normal boiling point The dependence of density on temperature may be expressed by the following equations: DNacl g/cm3 = 2·061 − 4·759 × 104 T°K ± 0.002 g/cm3 DKCl g/cm3 = 2·062 − 5·350 × 104 T°K ± 0.003 g/cm3 The estimated critical constants for NaCl are:Tc = 3400°K, Dc = 0·22 g/cm3 ± 0·5 g/cm3, Vc = 266 cm3+70−50cm3, Pc = 350 atm +130−120atm, and for KCl: Tc = 3200°K ± 200°K, Dc = 0·175 g/cm3 ± 0·05 g/cm3, Vc = 415 cm3+200−100, Pc = 220 atm, +100−70 atm. Estimated critical temperatures are given for the other alkali halides.
γ-Aminobutyric acid and gastric acid secretion: A physiologic role?

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of endogenous brain GABA levels or GABAergic tone on gastric acid secretion. Experiments were performed with Sprague-Dawley rats under urethane anesthesia. Continuous acid secretion was measured in vivo using a gastric luminal perfusion system. Initial experiments studied the effects on basal acid secretion of (aminooxy)acetic acid (AOAA), a substance which increases brain GABA levels, and flumazenil, a substance which decreases central GABAergic neurotransmission. After basal acid secretion was measured for 30 min, AOAA (15 mg/kg), flumazenil (10 mg/kg), or saline was given by intravenous infusion and acid secretion was measured for 120 min. There was no significant difference in acid secretion between groups (n = 8/group). A second series of experiments measured the effects of AOAA, flumazenil, or saline on gastric secretion during submaximal stimulation by bethanechol (180 μg/kg/hr) in normal and vagotomized rats. Total acid secretions (mean ± SE) after saline, AOAA, or flumazenil were 78.7 ± 11.8, 51.0 ± 5.9, and 109.3 ± 1.5 μmole/90 min, respectively (P
Energy efficient distributed kalman filter for wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have played an important role in collaborative information processing. One of the most fundamental collaborative information processing tasks in WSNs is the distributed estimation for tracking problem. A distributed Kalman filter (DKF) paired with a consensus filter was proposed by Olfati-Saber to address this problem. However, the adjacent nodes need to communicate continuously with each other in the DKF with consensus filter. It was pointed out that transmitting one bit may consume as much power as executing a few thousand instructions. To save the energy of the wireless sensor node, we proposed a DKF with an average algorithm which reduces the sensor computation load and significantly reduces the data exchange between the adjacent nodes compared to the DKF with a consensus filter. A new data exchange protocol is proposed to select the data to exchange between the adjacent nodes. The simulation results show that the proposed DKF with an average consensus filter and DKF with a consensus filter have similar tracking estimation accuracy, whereas the new DKF significantly reduces the level of data transmission.
Effect of the late-feathering or early-feathering genotypes on performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens

Reports on the influence of sex-linked rate of feathering on growth and carcass traits are few and varied. Chicks from a cross of heterozygous late-feathering (K*LF/K*EF) males and early-feathering (K*EF/-) females were assigned to individual floor pens which were replicated three times. Performance and carcass traits of 126 males of each genotype (K*LF/K*EF and K*EF/K*EF) and 126 females of each genotype (K*LF/− and K*EF/−) were evaluated from hatch to 8 weeks of age (WOA). Feed consumption (FC) and body weight, from which body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated, were measured weekly. All birds were scored for feather cover at 4 and 8 WOA. The weight of feathers, carcass, abdominal fat, pancreas, heart, spleen, gizzard, liver, proventriculus and small intestine were determined at 8 WOA. Average FC, BWG and FCR were greater (P<0.05) for birds of the late- than early-feathering genotypes. Mean feather cover score was higher (P<0.05) in early- than late-feathering birds. Mean carcass, heart and liver weight were also higher (P<0.05) in late-feathering birds of either sex than their early-feathering counterparts. However, mean pancreatic weight of the early-feathering males and late-feathering females was greater (P<0.05) than for their late- and early-feathering counterparts, respectively. Spleen weight was also higher in late- than early-feathering females. This study suggests higher (P<0.05) BWG, FCR, carcass, liver, spleen and heart weight in late- than early-feathering broiler chickens. Heterosis due to sex chromosomes in early-feathering birds was not different from that of their late-feathering counterparts.
Poloidal rotation near the edge of a tokamak plasma in H mode.

Ion poloidal flow in tokamaks near the plasma edge has been calculated by extending neoclassical theory to include orbit squeezing, which is the reduction of the ion banana widths due to the gradient in the radial electric field. The calculated poloidal flow velocity is a significant fraction of the ion diamagnetic velocity, which can be much larger than the velocity predicted by neoclassical theory (proportional to the ion temperature gradient). The agreement with spectroscopic measurements of the poloidal rotation velocity in helium plasmas in the DIII-D tokamak is shown to be reasonably good very close to the plasma edge.
The developing world to 1990: Trends and implications for multinational business

Abstract The strategic postures of multinationals in the Third World are affected by three broad environmental variables. They are political-legal, economic-technological, and socio-cultural variables. In this article, past and future trends and implications of these variables for the multinationals are discussed.
Accounting for the Gregg effect in tetanised coronary arterial pressure-flow relationships

Objective: Myocardial contraction shifts the diastolic coronary pressure-flow relationship to lower flows at any given pressure, the amount of shift being determined primarily by the contractile level. A portion of this shift may be attributable to the Gregg effect. The purpose of this study was to quantify the influence of the Gregg effect and thereby demonstrate the pure effect of activation at a constant contractile level on the pressure-flow relationships. Methods: It was first shown in beating canine interventricular septa that transverse stiffness induced by small high frequency indentations transverse to the plane of the tissue was an index of contractility. At constant perfusion pressure and preload, there was an inverse relationship between peak transverse stiffness and contractile level (induced by graded doses of 2,3-butanedione monoxime) for both isotonic and auxotonic contractions. A Gregg effect was next verified by showing a linear dependence between transverse stiffness and perfusion pressure during ryanodine induced tetanizations. Finally, the relationship between changes in flow and transverse stiffness was determined from diastole to tetany at two contractile levels. These relationships suffice to quantify the Gregg effect. Results: Correcting for the Gregg effect from the transverse stiffness measurements obtained concomitantly with previously reported pressure-flow data in six specimens showed the following: using a linear fit to the pressure-flow data, the mean slope of the diastolic pressure-flow relationships decreased from 0.88 to 0.81 and 0.74 ml·min−1·mm Hg−1 during tetanisation at normal and reduced contractile levels, respectively. Correcting for the Gregg effect decreased the tetanised slopes to intermediate values of 0.85 and 0.79 ml·min−1·mm Hg−1, respectively. Conclusions: A small but clearly discernible portion of the shift in tetanised pressure-flow relationships is attributable to the Gregg effect. Similar conclusions pertained when quadratic regressions were fitted to the pressure-flow data. Cardiovascular Research 1994; 28 :228-234
Receptive fields of cells in the human visual cortex.

Des microelectrodes implantees dans le cortex humain visuel donnent des champs receptifs de formes rectangulaires et circulaires qui ont des reponses d'excitation achromatiques, non influencees par les efforts mentaux volontaires ou par d'autres modalites sensorielles. Il y a inhibition quand les paupieres sont fermees.
Objective Brains, Prejudicial Images

In this article I argue that brain images constructed with computerized tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are part of a category of “expert images” and are both visually persuasive and also particularly difficult to interpret and understand by non-experts. Following the innovative judicial analogy of “demonstrative evidence” traced by Jennifer Mnookin (1998), I show how brain images are more than mere illustrations when they enter popular culture and courtrooms. Attending to the role of experts in producing data in the form of images, in selecting extreme images for publication, and in testifying as to their relevance, I argue that there is an undue risk in courtrooms that brain images will not be seen as prejudiced, stylized representations of correlation, but rather as straightforward, objective photographs of, for example, madness.
Sensory Experience in Development Balances Excitation and Inhibition to Stabilize Frequency Tuning in Central Auditory Neurons

The balance between excitation and inhibition is critical in shaping receptive field tuning properties in sensory neurons and, ultimately, in determining how sensory cues are extracted, transformed and interpreted by brain circuits. New findings suggest that developmentally-regulated, experience-dependent changes in intracortical inhibitory networks are key to defining receptive field tuning properties of auditory cortical neurons.
Proposed Fracture Theory of a Dispersion‐Strengthened Glass Matrix

A fracture theory is proposed for a composite system based on a continuous glass matrix. It is hypothesized that hard crystalline dispersions within the glass matrix will limit the size of Griffith flaws and strengthen the composite. Quantitative relations are derived for the effect of a dispersed phase on composite strength. At low volume fractions of the dispersed phase, the average flaw size is statistically reduced independent of the size of the dispersed particles. At high volume fractions of the dispersed phase, the average flaw size is governed by the average distance between particles dispersed in the matrix. The strength of a composite should, therefore, be a function of the volume fraction of the dispersed phase at low volume fractions and dependent on both the volume fraction and particle size of the dispersed phase at high volume fractions. For verification of the theory, cross-bending strengths were measured on a sodium borosilicate glass containing varying volume fractions of spheroidized alumina over a range of particle sizes. The average distance between dispersed particles ranged from approximately 15 to 500μ. Good agreement with theory was found. Values of glass surface energy calculated from the experimental data agree well with literature data.
Electron Transfer through Organic Molecules

Electron transfer through molecular frameworks is central to a wide range of chemical, physical, and biological processes. We demonstrate a means to measure electronically and to quantify electron transfer through organic molecules and films. We show quantitative agreement with universal values of electron transfer inferred from biological, electrochemical, photochemical, and related systems. Scanning tunneling microscopy was used to image adjacent chains and molecular terraces of different length alkanethiolates in an ordered self-assembled monolayer lattice on Au{111}. In electron transfer measurements using a scanning tunneling microscope, both the driving force and the electrode separation can be continuously varied. This allows independent electronic measurement of the molecular bridges through which electron transfer takes place. The differences between the measured topography in scanning tunneling microscopy and the physical heights of these molecules can be understood in terms of the transconducta...
A computational trick for delta-method standard errors

Abstract We show how to compute the standard error for a nonlinear function of regression coefficients using a simple substitution trick. We use the method to obtain a standard error for the long-run effect in a dynamic panel data model.
Sequential decision making with relative ranks: An experimental investigation of the "secretary problem."

Abstract The "secretary problem" models a class of optimal stopping decision tasks in which the binary decision to either stop or continue the search only depends on relative ranks. We present this problem in a computer-controlled experiment designed to investigate sequential observation and selection behavior in the context of employer hiring decisions. Our principal objectives are to test the descriptive power of the optimal decision policy; characterize and competitively test simple decision rules, or heuristics, that individuals might use in optimal stopping decision tasks; and examine the sensitivity of the various decision rules by computer simulation. Our simulation results show that the optimal policy is insensitive to moderate deviations from the optimal cutoff value, and that a simple, non-optimal decision rule that counts the number of successive non-candidates performs remarkably well. Model comparisons show that simple cutoff decision rules account for the decisions of the majority of the subjects. The observed tendency to stop the search too early is accounted for by postulating an endogenous cost of time spent in the search.
Electromagnetic wave scattering by a small impedance particle of arbitrary shape

Abstract Scattering of electromagnetic (EM) waves by one small (ka ≪ 1) impedance particle (body) D of arbitrary shape, embedded in a homogeneous medium, is studied. Physical properties of the particle are described by its boundary impedance. The problem is of interest because scattering of light by colloidal particles, or by dust in the air is an example of the scattering theory discussed in this paper. An analytic formula is obtained for the EM field in the far zone without usage of boundary integral equation. If a monochromatic incident field of frequency ω is E0(x, ω), then the scattered field v in the zone r : = |x| ≫ a, where a = 0.5diamD is the characteristic size of D, is calculated by the formula v = [ ∇ e ikr 4 π r , Q ] , where [A, B] is the cross product of two vectors, (Q, ej) is the dot product, ej, 1 ≤ j ≤ 3, are orthonormal basis vectors in R 3 , Q j : = ( Q , e j ) = − i ζ | S | ω μ 0 τ jp ( ∇ × E 0 ( O ) ) p , over the repeated index p summation is understood from Eqs. (1) to (3), ζ is the boundary impedance and |S| is the surface area of the particle, O ∈ D is the origin, the tensor τjp : = δjp − |S|− 1 ∫ S Nj(s)Np(s)ds, where Nj(s) is the j-th component of the unit normal N(s) to the surface S at the point s ∈ S, k = ω(e0μ0)1/2 is the wave number.
Early‐Onset Periodontitis: Progression of Attachment Loss During 6 Years

We studied the pattern of progression of early-onset periodontitis and the change in the extent and severity of the periodontal condition in adolescents who were followed for 6 years. In a national survey of the oral health of U.S. children, 14,013 adolescents were examined clinically in 1986/1987 to assess the periodontal attachment loss of teeth. Individuals with early-onset periodontitis within this population were identified and classified into localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP), generalized juvenile periodontitis (GJP), and incidental attachment loss (IAL) groups. Ninety-one subjects, 13 to 20 years old at baseline, were examined 6 years later. They included 51 males and 40 females; and 72 Blacks, 6 Hispanics, and 13 Whites. They were clinically re-examined and then reclassified according to their periodontal status at follow-up. The severity and extent of these diseases continued to increase during the study period. In teeth that were affected at baseline, the lesions had progressed to include deeper portions of the periodontium, and more of the teeth unaffected at baseline exhibited periodontal attachment loss at follow-up, thus changing the disease characteristics and the basis for the clinical classification. Of the individuals classified with LJP at baseline, 62% continued to have LJP 6 years later and 35% developed GJP. Of those classified with GJP initially, all but two (82%) continued to have GJP at follow-up. Among the IAL group, 28% of subjects developed LJP or GJP, and 30% were reclassified in the no attachment loss group. Molars and incisors were the teeth most often affected in all three groups. The mean change in attachment loss over 6 years in the LJP, GJP, and IAL groups was 0.45, 1.12, and 0.13 mm, respectively. The present findings demonstrate the limitations of the currently used morphological criteria in the classification of early-onset periodontitis. The findings also suggest that the difference between LJP and GJP is in the number and type of teeth involved, and that the two classifications progress similarly, with some cases of LJP developing into GJP.
THE REDESIGNED TOEIC® (LISTENING AND READING) TEST: RELATIONS TO TEST‐TAKER PERCEPTIONS OF PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH

To facilitate the interpretation of test scores from the redesigned TOEIC® (listening and reading) test as a measure of English language proficiency, we administered a self-assessment inventory to TOEIC examinees in Japan and Korea that gathered perceptions of their ability to perform a variety of everyday English language tasks. TOEIC scores related relatively strongly to test-taker self-reports for both reading and listening tasks. The results were, with few exceptions, extraordinarily consistent, with examinees at each higher TOEIC score level being more likely to report that they could successfully accomplish each of the everyday language tasks in English. The pattern of correlations also showed modest discriminant validity of the listening and reading components of the redesigned TOEIC, suggesting that both sections contribute to the measurement of English language skills.
DESIGN OF BATCH DISTILLATION COLUMNS FOR BINARY MIXTURES

In this note analytical equations are presented that describe the separation obtained for binary batch distillation. Formulas are obtained for both the constant distillate composition and constant reflux methods of operation. The results are strictly for distillation with an infinite number of stages ( corresponding to minimum reflux) however, it is shown that the equations derived closely describe the operation with a small finite number of stages.
PREDICTION OF MELTING POINTS FOR THE SUBSTITUTED BENZENES : A QSPR APPROACH

Quantitative structure−property relationships on a large set of descriptors are developed for the melting points of a large set of mono- and disubstituted benzenes (443 compounds). A correlation equation including nine descriptors (R2 = 0.8373) is reported for the whole set of compounds, and six descriptor equations are given for the subsets of ortho-, meta-, and para-substituted compounds, respectively. The importance of the hydrogen bonding descriptor (HDSA2) is demonstrated, and quantum chemical descriptors are successfully applied to obtain predictive models.
MIMO servo design by the split control method

We revisit the split control methodology for MIMO servo design with output feedback for linear systems subject to unknown disturbances, introduced by Cro Granite and Hedrick (1988). This method dec...
Paleo-Perspectives on Potential Future Changes in the Oxidative Capacity of the Atmosphere Due to Climate Change and Anthropogenic Emissions

The oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere, defined as the global mean tropospheric abundance of the hydroxyl radical (OH·), strongly influences air pollution by controlling the lifetimes of gaseous pollutants and the production of particulate matter. Predicting future changes in OH· due to anthropogenic emissions and climate change is of interest to air quality managers, but it is difficult because of multiple competing effects. Models of atmospheric chemistry suggest that these competing effects buffer significant change in OH· in the past and in the near future. However, proxy-based observations for past changes in OH· and other oxidants over the preindustrial-industrial and glacial-interglacial time scales suggest much larger changes than models estimate. Model sensitivity studies show that variability in past and future OH· is highly sensitive to relative emissions of reactive nitrogen and carbon, water vapor, lightning, and stratospheric ozone, implying that one or more of these variables is highly sensitive to climate.
DC and pulsed glow discharges in atmospheric pressure air and nitrogen

This article illustrates a variety of direct current and pulsed glow discharges obtained either in ambient or preheated (2000 K) air or nitrogen at atmospheric pressure. The images presented show that stable and diffuse discharges, with electron densities as high as 10/sup 12/ cm/sup -3/, can be obtained at atmospheric pressure with no filamentation or constriction. Spectroscopic measurements confirm that these discharges are of the glow type.
Low Power GPGPU Computation with Imprecise Hardware

Massively parallel computation in GPUs significantly boosts performance of compute-intensive applications but creates power and thermal issues that limit further performance scaling. This paper demonstrates significant GPGPU power savings by relaxing application accuracy requirements and enabling the use of low power imprecise hardware (IHW). A synthesized set of novel imprecise floating point arithmetic units is presented. GPGPU-Sim and GPUWattch are used to estimate impacts of IHW units on output quality and system-level power consumption, providing a quality-power tradeoff model for application-specific optimization. Experimental results for a 45 nm process show up to 32% power savings with negligible impacts on output quality.
Synthesis, structural studies and desilylation reactions of some N-2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl-N-nitrosocarbamates

The present report describes the preparation and characterization of several N-2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl-N-nitrosocarbamates, designed as precursors to thermally unstable secondary N-nitrosocarbamate anions via fluoride-assisted cleavage. X-ray structural studies demonstrate that the core N-nitrosocarbamate moiety has a nearly planar geometry, with an s-E orientation at the N-N bond. DFT calculations (B3LYP/6-31CG(d)) reproduce accurately the structural features of the title compounds and detailed conformational analysis at the same level of theory addresses the long-standing issue of preferred geometries for three classes of related structures: N-nitrosocarbamates, N-nitrosoureas and N-nitrosoamides. Desilylation studies demonstrate that both the solvent and the fluoride concentration influence the rate of the process. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Channeling Zone: American Spirituality in an Anxious Age

The Channeling Zone: American Spirituality in an Anxious Age. Michael F. Brown. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1997. 236 pp.