cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lars Levi Sunna: Crafting a Sámi Presence in the Swedish State Church

The article explores the intertwined religious and artistic viewpoints of contemporary Sami artist Lars Levi Sunna of Kiruna, Sweden. Sunna self-consciously situates his artwork within a personal and familial history that centers around traditional Sami livelihoods and the practice of handicraft (duodji). Through his duodji-inspired picto- rial art and art installations, Sunna chronicles a personal exploration that involved learning about his people’s pre-Christian religious traditions and consciously making a place for them within his life and work, while maintaining his identity as a Laestadian Christian. Keywords: Sami, handicraft, duodji, Laestadianism, Lars Levi Sunna, shamanism
Kinetics of the reaction of vinyl radicals with NO: Ab initio theory, master equation predictions, and laser absorption measurements

The pulsed laser photolysis/cw laser absorption technique is used to investigate the reaction of vinyl (C2H3) with NO in the temperature range from 295 to 700 K and pressures from 10 to 320 Torr (1.33 to 42.6 kPa). Vinyl radicals are generated by photolysis of vinyl iodide at 266 nm and detected by visible laser absorption in a vibronic band of the (A ← ) transition near 403 nm. The potential energy surface is explored with both quadratic configuration interaction and multi-reference configuration interaction ab initio calculations. These ab initio predictions are employed in RRKM theory based master equation simulations of the temperature and pressure dependent kinetics. At room temperature, the overall rate constant for removal of vinyl radical by NO is measured to be 1.6 ± 0.4 × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, with negligible pressure dependence from 10 Torr (1.33 kPa) to 160 Torr (21.3 kPa) of helium. At constant pressure the rate constant decreases rapidly with temperature. At higher temperatures, a falloff of the rate constant to lower pressure is observed. The ab initio characterizations suggest a significant contribution from HCN + CH2O formation, with both isomerization transition states for the pathway leading to this product lying ∼15 kcal mol−1 (63 kJ mol−1) below the entrance channel. The master equation analysis provides a reasonably satisfactory reproduction of the observed kinetic data. The HCN + CH2O bimolecular channel, which proceeds from the addition complex through tight ring forming and opening transition states, has a negative temperature dependence and is the dominant channel for pressures of about 50 Torr (6.7 kPa) and lower. The theoretically predicted zero pressure rate coefficient is reproduced by the modified Arrhenius expression 5.02 × 10−11(T/298)−3.382exp(−516.3/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 (with T in K).
Wolbachia Establishment and Invasion in an Aedes aegypti Laboratory Population

A proposed strategy to aid in controlling the growing burden of vector-borne disease is population replacement, in which a natural vector population is replaced by a population with a reduced capacity for disease transmission. An important component of such a strategy is the drive system, which serves to spread a desired genotype into the targeted field population. Endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria are potential transgene drivers, but infections do not naturally occur in some important mosquito vectors, notably Aedes aegypti. In this work, stable infections of wAlbB Wolbachia were established in A. aegypti and caused high rates of cytoplasmic incompatibility (that is, elimination of egg hatch). Laboratory cage tests demonstrated the ability of wAlbB to spread into an A. aegypti population after seeding of an uninfected population with infected females, reaching infection fixation within seven generations.
Response of protozoans to detergent-enzymes

These studies were divided into two parts: (1) “time until death” curves in which Paramecium caudatum Ehrenberg was exposed to selected concentrations of the detergent-enzyme Axion, and (2) exposure of fresh-water protozoan communities to selected concentrations of Axion. The former were carried out in test tubes, the latter in plastic troughs with a constantly flowing fluid. Both types of bioassays were carried out with filtered water from Douglas Lake, Michigan, U.S.A. at a temperature of about 25° C. One hundred percent of an exposed population of Paramecium caudatum was killed in 20 to 30 minutes at a concentration of 100 ppm of Axion. No appreciable change in the controls was noted during these tests. The bioassays with fresh-water protozoan communities were carried out in plastic troughs with a constant flow of Douglas Lake water. During the exposure period the lake water flow was stopped and a flow of Axion solution was substituted for approximately three hours. After this exposure period lake water flow were restored. The number of species was determined before and at intervals following exposure. Appropriate controls were maintained. A three hour exposure to 56 ppm (introduced concentration) of Axion caused a 35 percent reduction in the number of species in less than five hours with recovery to the original number in approximately 145 hours; a three hour exposure to 75 ppm caused a 54% reduction in number of species in less than five hours with recovery to the original number in approximately 240 hours; 100 ppm produced a 55 percent reduction with recovery in approximately 200 hours; 125 ppm produced a 48% reduction with recovery in approximately 148 hours; 200 ppm caused a 78% reduction with recovery in about 140 hours. Response patterns vary as do those of bioassays with single species. However, it is important to note that each test community had different types of species present, and it is quite likely that some communities had a higher percentage of sensitive species than others. Since this variation also occurs in nature the tests are probably representative of the differences that exist when natural communities are exposed to wastes. Variation in control troughs was less than ± 10 percent in the number of species.
Temporal uncertainty, anticipation time, and cognitive coping under threat.

The effects of temporal uncertainty, anticipation time, and coping orientations on anticipatory reactions to an inevitable electric shock were investigated. One hundred eight male subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental conditions: they knew or did not know (temporal uncertainty) exactly when shock would occur; they waited either 1, 3, or 12 minutes for the shock, and were given either a vigilance, avoidance, or no orientation for preparing for the shock. Physiological measures were recorded continuously and pre- and post-trial questionnaires were completed to assess thoughts and feelings. Temporal uncertainty and anticipation time interacted to affect stress reactivity--i.e., as shock became imminent, temporal uncertainty led to the increased use of avoidant (as opposed to vigilant) modes of coping and was associated with a progressive lowering of reactivity, especially under the longer anticipation times. The results are consistent with the theory that coping processes mediate stress reactions under conditions of threat.
A Linear Model of the Walker Circulation

Abstract In this paper we present results of a model study of the Walker Circulation defined as the steady response of a stratified atmosphere to an isolated equatorial heat source. The model equations are linearized with respect to a basic state of no motion and constant static stability. Cumulus friction provides the momentum damping. In the absence of cumulus friction, the center of the overturning in the equatorial plane is near 500 mb. With the addition of cumulus friction in an amount consistent with a zonally averaged precipitation of 2 m year−1, the center is lowered to 600 mb. Cumulus friction in this amount also seems to provide reasonable amplitudes in the response. It is found that the branch of the overturning in the equatorial plane east of the heating is weaker than and has a larger longitudinal scale than the branch west of the heating. This asymmetry becomes more pronounced with a narrowing of the longitudinal width of the heat source. The mass flux in meridional overturnings is found to ...
The protective role of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase against alloxan-induced diabetes: morphological aspects.

Copper-zinc Superoxide dismutase is known to protect pancreatic β-cell function from the damage of alloxan. A morphological investigation of copper-zinc Superoxide dismutase prophylaxis against alloxan was undertaken in rats to investigate the mechanism of this protective action. Exogenous copper-zinc Superoxide dismutase reproducibly protected the morphological features of pancreatic β cells against damage by alloxan as determined by light microscopic immunostaining for insulin and by ultrastructural examination. By the same criteria, α and δ cells appeared unaffected by administration of a combination of alloxan and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase or either agent alone. Autoradiography after injection of 125I labelled copper-zinc superoxide dismutase into normal rats showed no evidence that the enzyme enters viable islet cells, suggesting an extracellular site of protection against alloxan.
Reduced 15-lipoxygenase-2 immunostaining in prostate adenocarcinoma: correlation with grade and expression in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia.

Abstract Arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites are implicated in the oncogenesis of several tumors, including prostate cancer. 15-Lipoxygenase-2 (15-LOX-2) is a novel AA-metabolizing enzyme with a limited tissue distribution, which includes prostate, lung, skin, and cornea. Previous studies have shown that 15-LOX-2 is present in benign prostate secretory cells and reduced in prostate adenocarcinoma and that production of the 15-LOX-2 metabolite 15S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid is reduced in malignant compared with benign prostate. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency with which 15-LOX-2 immunostaining is reduced in prostate carcinoma and to correlate reduced expression with tumor differentiation (grade) and other pathologic parameters in radical prostatectomy specimens. Paraffin immunoperoxidase with a polyclonal antibody specific for 15-LOX-2 was performed on tumors and benign portions from 70 cases, and the percentage of tumor immunostaining for 15-LOX-2 was assessed. Whereas uniform 15-LOX-2 immunostaining was observed in secretory cells of benign glands, it was markedly reduced or absent in most adenocarcinomas: 23 of 70 tumors showed completely absent 15-LOX-2 immunostaining, and 45 of 70 cases showed negative immunostaining in more than 50% of the tumor. The extent of reduced 15-LOX-2 immunostaining correlated with tumor differentiation, with retained expression particularly in Gleason score 5 tumors versus a significant reduction of 15-LOX-2 in higher-grade tumors (mean ± SD tumor 15-LOX-2 positive: Gleason score 5 = 67% ± 30%, Gleason score 6 = 16% ± 30%, Gleason score 7 = 23% ± 28%, Gleason score ≥8 = 41% ± 46%). In 16 cases with multifocal tumors or different foci of the same tumor with different grades, the higher-grade foci had significantly reduced 15-LOX-2 expression compared with the lower-grade foci. In peripheral zone tumors without complete loss of 15-LOX-2 expression, there was a significant inverse relationship between 15-LOX-2 immunostaining and tumor volume. There was not a significant correlation between 15-LOX-2 immunostaining and serum PSA or pathologic stage. In a subset of 27 cases, 15-LOX-2 expression in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) glands was significantly reduced compared with benign glands. These data show that in contrast to the uniform expression of 15-LOX-2 in differentiated secretory cells of benign prostate, reduced 15-LOX-2 is a common alteration in prostate carcinoma, and this correlates with tumor cell differentiation. That reduced expression is seen in HGPIN suggests that this may be an early alteration in carcinoma development. H UM P ATHOL 31:1146-1154.
Local Magnitude Determinations for Intermountain Seismic Belt Earthquakes from Broadband Digital Data

The University of Utah Seismograph Stations (uuss) earthquake catalogs for the Utah and Yellowstone National Park regions contain two types of size measurements: local magnitude ( M L ) and coda magnitude ( M C ), which is calibrated against M L . From 1962 through 1993, uuss calculated M L values for southern and central Intermountain Seismic Belt earthquakes using maximum peak-to-peak (p-p) amplitudes on paper records from one to five Wood–Anderson (W-A) seismographs in Utah. For M L determinations of earthquakes since 1994, uuss has utilized synthetic W-A seismograms from U.S. National Seismic Network and uuss broadband digital telemetry stations in the region, which numbered 23 by the end of our study period on 30 June 2002. This change has greatly increased the percentage of earthquakes for which M L can be determined. It is now possible to determine M L for all M ≥3 earthquakes in the Utah and Yellowstone regions and earthquakes as small as M To maintain continuity in the magnitudes in the uuss earthquake catalogs, we determined empirical M L station corrections that minimize differences between M L s calculated from paper and synthetic W-A records. Application of these station corrections, in combination with distance corrections from Richter (1958) which have been in use at uuss since 1962, produces M L values that do not show any significant distance dependence. M L determinations for the Utah and Yellowstone regions for 1981–2002 using our station corrections and Richter’s distance corrections have provided a reliable data set for recalibrating the M C scales for these regions. Our revised M L values are consistent with available moment magnitude determinations for Intermountain Seismic Belt earthquakes. To facilitate automatic M L measurements, we analyzed the distribution of the times of maximum p-p amplitudes in synthetic W-A records. A 30-sec time window for maximum amplitudes, beginning 5 sec before the predicted Sg time, encompasses 95% of the maximum p-p amplitudes. In our judgment, this time window represents a good compromise between maximizing the chances of capturing the maximum amplitude and minimizing the risk of including other seismic events.
Analogical learning and automated rule constructions

This paper describes some experiments of analogical learning and automated rule construction. The present investigation focuses on knowledge acquisition, learning by analogy, and knowledge retention. The developed system initially learns from scratch, gradually acquires knowledge from its environment through trial-and-error interaction, incrementally augments its knowledge base, and analogically solves new tasks in a more efficient and direct manner.
Overexpression of a secretory form of FGF-1 promotes MMP-1-mediated endothelial cell migration.

A coordinated interaction between fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is implicated in migration of microvascular endothelial cells (ECs), an early stage of angiogenesis. Specifically, we investigated microvascular ECs migration in vitro, which can be initiated by the overexpression of a secretory form of the angiogenic fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) and mediated through the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). MMP-1 is a member of the MMP family with a propensity for degradation of interstitial type I collagen. We stably overexpressed a chimeric FGF-1 construct composed of the FGF-4 signal-peptide gene, linked in-frame to the FGF-1 coding frame gene (sp-FGF-1), in cultured postcapillary venular ECs. The presence of the biologically active form of FGF-1 was readily detected in the conditioned medium of ECs transfected with sp-FGF-1 construct as demonstrated by DNA synthesis assay. The sp-FGF-1-, but not the plasmid vector alone-transfected ECs, exhibited an altered morphology as demonstrated by their conversion from a classic cobblestone form to a fibroblastlike shape that featured prominent neuritelike extensions. Addition of the anti-FGF receptor 1 antibody (FGFR1 Ab) reverted the transformed phenotype of sp-FGF-1 transfectants. This suggests that the resulting phenotypic transformation in sp-FGF-1 transfectants requires an uninterrupted interaction between the FGF-1 ligand and its receptor. We studied migration of cells through matrices of either highly pure collagen I or reconstituted basement membrane (matrigel) and found that sp-FGF-1-transfected cells migrated two times and six times faster than the vector control transfectants in the respective matrices. We further demonstrated that the enhanced migration rate of sp-FGF-1-transfected EC coincided with the induction of their MMP-1 mRNA level and increased enzymatic activity. The enhanced migratory activity of sp-FGF-1 could be blocked with a selective inhibitor of MMP-1. These results suggest that the multipotent FGF-1 plays a key role in the early stages of angiogenesis, by mediating MMP-1 proteolytic activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 78:487–499, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Collateral, Credit Rationing and the Real Effects of Monetary Policy

This paper tries to improve the identification of firms whose access to bank credit would be threatened by a tightening of monetary policy. It extends a simple competitive credit rationing model with limited collateral by introducing a central bank financing facility. The effects of monetary policy are then examined. Besides the standard interest rate effect, the study shows that a tighter monetary policy would reduce bank lending to entrepreneurs endowed with low-risk projects and limited net wealth. In addition, the economy would become more volatile.
Automated Robot Tool Trajectory Connection for Spray Forming Process

Automated robot tool trajectory planning for spray forming is highly desirable for today’s automotive manufacturing. Generating a robot tool trajectory to manufacture an automotive part to satisfy material distribution requirements is still very challenging due to the complexity of the problems. An industrial part may need to be partitioned into multiple patches because of its complexity. The trajectories of all patches must be connected to form a complete trajectory for the industrial part in order to minimize the material waste and process cycle time. In this paper, the methodology for automated robot tool trajectory connection is developed. Experimental tests were carried out to generate trajectories for automotive parts and the results validate the developed approach. A user-friendly software packages were developed and used at the Ford Motor Company to generate robot tool trajectories to manufacture automotive parts. The developed algorithm can also be extended to other applications in surface manufacturing such as spray painting.
Baryon masses in chiral perturbation theory

Abstract Chiral corrections to baryon mass relations are computed using a chiral lagrangian which includes the spin - 3 2 baryon decuplet. The observed accuracies of the Gell-Mann-Okubo formula for baryon octet masses and of Gell-Mann's equal spacing rule for decuplet masses are consistent with chira; perturbation theory up to order m s 2 .
Reduction in headache patients' medical expenses associated with biofeedback and relaxation treatments.

Comparisons are made of self-reported medical costs from a sample of headache patients who underwent various combinations of relaxation training and biofeedback training. The average costs for the 2 years prior to self-regulatory treatment were $955±480 (3 SEM) for 45 patients; for the 2 years after completing treatment the average costs were $52±28 (3 SEM) for patients. Within the limitations of the study, medical costs do seem to have been markedly reduced.
Decompositions of minimum rank matrices

Let F be a field, let G be an undirected graph on n vertices, and let SF(G) be the class of all F-valued symmetric n×n matrices whose nonzero off-diagonal entries occur in exactly the positions corresponding to the edges of G. For each graph G, there is an associated minimum rank class MRF(G) consisting of all matrices A∈SF(G) with rankA=mrF(G). For most graphs G with connectivity 1 or 2, we give explicit decompositions of matrices in MRF(G) into sums of minimum rank matrices of simpler graphs (usually proper subgraphs) related to G. Our results can be thought of as generalizations of well-known formulae for the minimum rank of a graph with a cut vertex and of a graph with a 2-separation. We conclude by also showing that for these graphs, matrices in MRF(G) can be constructed from matrices of simpler graphs; moreover, we give analogues for positive semidefinite matrices.
A Digital Hadron Calorimeter with Resistive Plate Chambers for the Linear Collider

We report on the development of a digital hadron calorimeter for the future International Linear Collider. Te calorimeter is of the sandwich type with iron absorber plates and resistive plate chamber as active medium. The readout pads are very finely segmented, with an area of 1 cm2, and are being read out digitally. We present the design, construction and testing of various prototype chambers as well as the development of a readout system capable of handling a large number of channels. We plan to construct a 1 m3 prototype section of the calorimeter containing approximately 400,000 channels. The section will undergo testing in various particle beams.
The TNFα locus is altered in monocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

In systemic lupus erythematosus, TNFα is elevated in the serum and correlates with disease activity and triglyceride levels. The stimuli that drive TNFα in this setting are incompletely understood. This study was designed to evaluate monocyte chromatin at the TNFα locus to identify semi-permanent changes that might play a role in altered expression of TNFα. SLE patients with relatively quiescent disease (mean Physician Global Assessment=0.6) and healthy controls were recruited for this study. TNFα expression was measured by intracellular cytokine staining of different monocyte subsets in patients (n=24) and controls (n=12). Histone acetylation at the TNFα locus was measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation using a normalized quantitative PCR in patients (n=46) and controls (n=24). There were no differences in the overall fractions of cells expressing CD14 in SLE patients compared to controls, however, the fraction of DR+/CD16+ cells expressing CD14 was slightly higher as was true in the monocyte subset defined by DR+/CD11b+. Within the monocyte population defined by physical characteristics and DR+/CD14+, TNFα expressing cells were more frequent in SLE patients compared to controls. Both the fraction of positive cells and the mean fluorescence intensity were higher in patients than controls. Consistent with this was the finding that monocytes from patients had increased TNFα transcripts and more highly acetylated histones at the TNFα locus compared to controls. Furthermore, patients with the highest levels of TNFα histone acetylation were more likely to have had consistently elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and to have required cytotoxic use. Histone acetylation, associated with increased transcriptional competence of TNFα, may play a role in certain inflammatory aspects of the disease.
A Comparison of Herpes Simplex and Pseudorabies Viruses.

Abstract The properties of pseudorabies and herpes simplex viruses have been compared in tissue culture. These two viruses appear to be identical with respect to morphology and sensitivity to ether but are unrelated immunologically, and they differ in a number of other properties: pseudorabies virus is more thermostable, has a higher adsorption rate on rabbit kidney cells, and produces larger plaques which develop more rapidly than those of herpes simplex virus. The latent period of pseudorabies virus in monolayer cultures of rabbit kidney cells is 5 hours; in cell suspensions, 4 hours. In contrast, herpes simplex virus has latent periods of 8 hours and 5 hours, respectively. The two agents produce indistinguishable intranuclear inclusions, but herpes virus induces the formation of focal necrotic areas with characteristically rounded cells, whereas the predominant feature of infection with pseudorabies virus is the appearance of a syncytial layer with many nuclei.
A Few Unresolved Mysteries about Stalin and the Cold War in Europe: A Modest Agenda for Research

Despite the gradual release of once-classified documents in the former Soviet Union, numerous questions and problems about Stalin's role in the Cold War remain. Some tantalizing clues about Stalin's ambitions and motivations have emerged, but several key aspects of Soviet policy in East-Central Europe in the late 1940s and early 1950s seem just as puzzling as they did before the archives were opened. The further declassification of materials may shed new light on these mysteries, enabling scholars to develop a better understanding of the first decade of the Cold War.
The Evolution from Protein Chemistry to Proteomics: Basic Science to Clinical Application. Roger L. Lundblad. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2006, 295 pp., $139.95, hardcover. ISBN 0-8493-9678-6.

In the preface to this volume, Roger Lundbland, the sole author, states the view that, “Proteomics, while a diffuse area, is an extension of classical protein chemistry.” He further expresses his goal as, “to use as much classical protein chemistry literature as possible, as this serves as the intellectual basis for proteomics.” Several examples illustrate the connection between classical protein chemistry and proteomics. Reduction and modification of cysteine residues are major issues for analyses by 2-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Reactions for …
Deriving Water Fraction and Flood Maps From MODIS Images Using a Decision Tree Approach

This study investigates how to derive water fraction and flood mapping from the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard the Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites using the linear mixture model and decision-tree approach. The recent floods in the Midwestern United States in June 2008 and in the New Orleans area in August 2005 were selected for this study. MODIS surface reflectance with the matched land cover data in the Midwest prior to the flooding events were used for the training dataset, with the split test mode of 50% for training and the remaining 50% for testing. The precision, or accuracy rate, of the water classification reaches over 90% from the test. Our results demonstrate that the reflectance difference (CH2-CH1) between the MODIS channel 2 (CH2) and channel 1 (CH1) is the most useful parameter to derive water fraction from the linear mixture model. Rules and threshold values from the decision tree training were applied to real applications on different dates (June 1, 17, and 19, 2008 for the Midwestern region of the U.S.) and at different locations (New Orleans in 2005) to identify standing water and to calculate water fraction. The derived water fraction maps were evaluated using higher resolution Thematic Mapper (TM) data from Landsat observations. It shows that the correlation between water fractions derived from the MODIS and TM data is 0.97, with difference or “bias” of 4.47%, standard deviation of 4.40%, and root mean square error (rmse) of 6.28%. Flood distributions in both space and time domains were generated using the differences in water fraction values before and after the flooding.
Relationships between teachers' task‐oriented behavior, interpersonal maintenance behavior, student achievement, and student satisfaction

Recent research attempted to determine whether there was a relationship between the task behavior and the maintenance behavior of the classroom teacher and the degree of knowledge and satisfaction gained by the student. This paper discusses the analysis of these effects when the two behaviors are considered individually and in combination.
Chromosome Segregation: Ndc80 Can Carry the Load

Dynamic attachments between kinetochores and spindle microtubules are required for chromosome bi-orientation in mitosis. A new study provides biophysical insight into how the Ndc80 complex may contribute to the formation of these attachments.
An Exploratory Inquiry of Sandtray Group Experiences With Adolescent Females in an Alternative School

A sandtray group experience is a creative intervention that counselors may want to incorporate into their work with adolescents. This qualitative inquiry explored the experiences of adolescent females who participated in a sandtray group while attending an alternative school. The researchers identified five themes that emerged from the data: (a) self-expression, (b) development of insight, (c) growth opportunities, (d) hope, and (e) group dynamics. Implications for group workers and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Calibration of a large mosaic CCD in a wide FOV telescope

This paper discusses some of the techniques and results of the calibration of a visible sensor which is to be placed on a space-based satellite. The sensor consists of a set of four 420 by 420 pixel imagers in a f/3 off-axis reimaging telescope with a 6.6 degree(s) by 1.4 degree(s) field of view 1. The sensor has been designed to perform a wide variety of surveillance missions, including; metric and radiometric measurements of resident space objects, the demonstration of a high degree of Out-of-Field of View Radiance Rejection (OFVR), and background radiance measurements. This broad range of applications impose stringent requirements on the sensor calibration and characterization.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Experiments on surface peripheral leakage current of a silicon N+P junction

Abstract Experimentally we have demonstrated that the surface peripheral leakage current of a silicon N+P junction can be the dominent leakage current. Under favorable conditions its temperature and voltage dependence are similar to those of junction generation current. It is shown that low temperature (420°C) hydrogen annealing is effective in reducing this component.
Perineural invasion in prostate cancer biopsies is not associated with higher rates of positive surgical margins

PURPOSE High rates of extracapsular tumor extension have been reported with biopsy perineural invasion (PNI), leading some to advocate routine resection of the ipsilateral neurovascular bundle (NVB) with radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) to assure negative surgical margins. The contemporary rates of extracapsular tumor extension (ECE) and margin status associated with biopsy PNI were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The prostate needle biopsies, RRP specimens, and operative reports of 452 consecutive patients undergoing RRP by a single surgeon were reviewed to determine the presence of PNI invasion, presence of ECE, margin status, and preservation of NVB. Patients were excluded from the analysis if they underwent preoperative hormonal ablation or if their original biopsy was not reviewed by the pathologists at our institution. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the effect of PNI on extracapsular extension, the likelihood of performing a bilateral nerve-sparing technique, and the result of a positive surgical margin. RESULTS In the 402 evaluable cases, based on multivariate models PNI showed only a marginal association with positive surgical margin (+SM) (P = 0.10) and bilateral nerve-sparing (B-NS) (P = 0.07), but was significantly associated with organ confinement (P = 0.03). The odds ratio (OR) of PNI for +SM, although not statistically significant, was 0.36. Although showing a higher level of statistical significance, PNI for OC had an odds ratio of 0.50. Similarly, the odds ratio was 0.54 for B-NS. CONCLUSIONS Although biopsy PNI alone was associated with a higher probability of ECE, it is not predictive of bilateral nerve-sparing technique or a positive surgical margin in an individual patient. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Esophageal wall blood perfusion during contraction and transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in humans.

We recently reported that esophageal contraction reduces esophageal wall perfusion in an animal study. Our aim was to determine esophageal wall blood perfusion (EWBP) during esophageal contraction ...
Surface architecture of the mouse and hamster zona pellucida and oocyte

The surface of the mouse and hamster zona pellucida and oocyte were examined with the scanning electron microscope. Both zonae and ova were studied before fertilization, at the time of fertilization, during development of the zygote, and following cleavage. No change was observed in surface of the mouse or hamster zona pellucida or oocyte. These observation are in contrast to previous studies which have described marked changes in surface of the mouse zona and oocyte at fertilization and during early development. It is suggested that previous workers may have confused preparative artifacts with developmental changes.
Monopoly, Inflation, and Economic Crisis

This paper presents a Marxian theory of inflation under conditions of stagnation in a monopoly capitalist economy. The inadequacy of monetarist and Keynesian explanations of the 1970s inflation is discussed briefly. A more extended critique is offered of two influential non-mainstream theories of inflation, the mark-up pricing theory of inflation and the conflict theory of inflation. Current versions of those theories are shown to rest on the implicit assumption that capital does not pursue the maximum possible profits.A theory of monopoly pricing is developed which rests on the assumption that monopoly capital pursues the highest rate of profit that can be sustained over the long-run. On the basis of this theory of monopoly pricing, it is shown that in a period of prolonged stagnation (such as the 1970s) monopoly sector pricing will set off an inflation process, which is then perpetuated through the interaction of monopoly capital, competitive capital, and the working class. The theory of "crisis inflati...
Adaptive neural-network-based control of robotic manipulators

Robotic manipulators are beginning to be seen doing more tasks in our environment. Classical controls engineers have long known how to control these automated hands. They have failed to address the continued control of these devices after parts of the control infrastructure have failed. A failed motor or actuator in a manipulator decreases its range of motion and changes its control structure. Most failures however do not render the manipulator useless. This paper will discuss the use of a neural network to actively update the controller design as portions of a manipulator fail. Actuators can become stuck and later free themselves. Motors can lose range of motion or stop completely. Connecting arms can become bent or entangled. Results will be presented on the ability to maintain functionality through a variety of failure modes. The neural network is constructed and tested in a Matlab environment. This allows testing of several neural network techniques such as back propagation and temporal processing without the need to continually reconfigure target hardware. In this paper we will demonstrate that a modified ensemble of back propagation experts can be trained to control a robotic manipulator without the need to calculate the inverse kinematics equations. Further individual experts can be retrained online to allow for adaptive control through changing dynamics. This allows for manipulators to remain in service through failures in the manipulator infrastructure without the need for human intervention into control equations.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Volume-Grating Stokesmeter Based on Photonic Band Gap Structures

We show polarization-dependent band-gap in a photonic-crystal composed of six rows of 4mm diameter Pyrex rods on a 9mm square lattice using FDTD, and describe how such a structure can be used as a Stokesmeter.
Catalytic CO oxidation by free Au2-: experiment and theory.

Temperature-dependent rf-ion trap mass spectrometry and first-principles simulations reveal the detailed reaction mechanism of the catalytic gas-phase oxidation of CO by free Au2- ions in the presence of O2. A metastable intermediate with a mass of Au2CO3- was observed at low temperatures. Two alternative structures corresponding to digold carbonate or peroxyformate are predicted for this intermediate. Both structures are characterized by low activation barriers for the formation of CO2. These combined experimental and theoretical investigations provide a comprehensive understanding of the kinetics, energetics, and atomic arrangements along the reaction path, thus allowing a formulation of the catalytic cycle for the oxidation reaction.
The low temperature electronic specific heats of disordered one dimensional chains

Abstract The electronic specific heats of one dimensional interrupted chains are calculated. We find that there are two extreme limiting forms. One form, that of the specific heat measured on a very long timescale, gives rise to a specific heat proportional to T. The other form is that of the specific heat measured on a time scale short compared to the inter-segment hopping rate of the electrons. In this case, only intra-segment excitations contribute to the electronic specific heat and at low temperatures the smallest, finite, excitation energy dominates, leading to a Shottkey like result.
Brillouin scattering from amorphous materials at high pressures

Recent Brillouin experiments on a-${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$ have shown that it undergoes an amorphous- to amorphous-phase transition as a function of pressure. Here we report Brillouin scattering results from a-${\mathrm{GeO}}_{2}$, a-${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$, a-${\mathrm{B}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, and a polymeric glass. Irreversible effects under pressure are found for a-${\mathrm{GeO}}_{2}$ and a-${\mathrm{B}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ which we also interpret as due to phase transitions. The polymeric glass and a-${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ show no evidence of unusual behavior.
Ergonomic interventions for the furniture manufacturing industry. Part I—lift assist devices

Abstract The objectives of this intervention research project were to develop and evaluate engineering controls for the reduction of low back injury risk in workers in the furniture manufacturing industry. An analysis of injury/illness records and survey data identified upholsterers and workers in the machine room as two occupations within the industry at elevated risk for low back injury. A detailed ergonomic evaluation of the activities performed by these workers was then performed and the high risk subtasks were identified. The analysis for upholsterers revealed: (1) high forces during the loading and unloading of the furniture to and from the upholstery bucks, (2) static awkward postures ( extreme flexion>50° , lateral bending>20° , twisting>20°) during the upholstering of the furniture, and (3) repetitive bending and twisting throughout the operation. For machine room workers, this ergonomic evaluation revealed repetitive bending and twisting (up to 5 lifts/min and sagittal flexion>80°, lateral bending>15°, twisting>45°) when getting wooden components from or moving them to the shop carts that are used to transport these materials. Engineering interventions were then developed and evaluated in the laboratory to document the reduction of exposure to these stressors. The height-adjustable upholstery buck system eliminated the lifting and lowering requirements and affected trunk kinematics during the upholstery operation by reducing peak sagittal angles by up to 79% (average: 52%; range: 27–79%), peak sagittal accelerations by up to 42% (average: 71%; range: 0–74%) and peak lateral position by up to 31% (average: 20%; range: 12–31%), and showed no impact on time to complete the task. The machine room lift reduced peak sagittal angle by up to 90% (average: 76%; range: 64–90%), peak sagittal accelerations by up to 86% (average: 72%; range: 59–86%) and had a positive impact on the time to complete the task (average reduction: 19%). Relevance to industry The ergonomic intervention research documented in this report shows the impact of engineering controls for the furniture manufacturing industry on the risk factors for work-related low back injuries.
Making Democracy Count: Opinion Polls and Market Surveys in the Chilean Political Transition

After presentations by a group working against alcoholism and a youth organization fighting AIDS, Valeria, a representative of the grassroots health group Llareta, rises to give her talk. She presents data derived from a study the health group had conducted two years earlier. Not unlike the paid workers employed by politicians or businesses who routinely arrived at poblacion (shantytown) houses to ask questions during the late 1980s and into the 1990s, members of the health group had chosen a sample of 314 households in two sections of the poblaci6n and asked residents about employment, overcrowding, income, housing, plumbing, environmental hygiene (parasites), and overdue utility payments. Going door-to-door in small groups, members of the health group used a questionnaire they had prepared to ask their neighbors questions such as how many unemployed teenagers lived in the home, how many people there were per room, what kind of fuel was used for cooking, and whether the household had rats. These data had been assembled into percentages, and at the seminar, the health group used an overhead projector to display the information in the form of pie charts, bar charts, and graphs. The decision to use quantitative data in its presentation had been made the week prior to the seminar, when the health group debated how to present its material. At one of Llareta's planning meetings, one member, Sonia, suggested that the group perform a skit to illustrate the health problems they faced. Popular theater was a method they used at many of their activities to dramatize such phenomena as long lines at the health clinics or the nonresponsiveness of government officials to their demands. But this time, Sonia's suggestion was quickly dismissed. The group came to an agreement that the only way to be taken
Relative bioavailability of a controlled-release albuterol formulation for twice-daily use.

A two-way-crossover bioavailability study was completed with 15 healthy male volunteers to evaluate the relative bioavailability of an orally administered controlled-release (CR) formulation of albuterol as compared to the immediate-release (IR) formulation of albuterol. The CR formulation of albuterol used in this study was based mechanistically on the elementary osmotic pump.1 Each subject received one 8 mg CR tablet every 12 h for 8 consecutive days and one 4 mg IR tablet every 6 h for 8 consecutive days, with 7 days separating each phase. During day 8 of dosing, hourly blood samples (0–12 h) were collected after the morning dose and three additional samples were obtained 16, 20 and 24 h following this dose. Plasma concentrations were measured using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry procedure. No statistically significant differences were observed in mean steady-state values for Cmax AUC(0–12 h) and peak-to-trough fluctuations (PTF) in comparing the two dosage formulations. Mean steady state Tmax values were 2.6 and 6.0 h for the TR and CR formulations, respectively. It was concluded that twice daily administration of the controlled-release formulation of albuterol provides an alternative to four times daily administration of conventional (immediate-release) albuterol tablets.
Ranges of sums and control of nonlinear evolutions with preassigned responses

Some results are given involving the controllability of a nonlinear evolution equation of the formx′(t)+A(t,u(t))x(t)=B(t)u(t). The underlying space is a real Banach space with uniformly convex dual space. A method involving ranges of sums of two nonlinear operators is employed along with the Leray-Schauder degree theory to establish sufficient conditions for controllability. A result is also given characterizing a type of reachable sets of certain evolutions. Finally, the lack of exact controllability is shown for quite a large class of nonlinear evolutions with compact perturbationsB(t). The responses are actually straight-line segments emanating from the origin. However, several results herein can be extended to cover a variety of control problems with other known types of responses.
A 60 GHz tunable LNA in 32 nm double gate MOSFET for a wireless NoC architecture

The performance, tunability and efficiency of double gate MOSFET (DG-MOSFET) low noise amplifier (LNA) is investigated. We propose a novel two-stage common source cascode LNA and study its gain switching properties via back gate tuning in 32 nm DG-MOSFETs that leads to variable and reconfigurable device performances not found in comparable amplifiers built with conventional CMOS architectures without additional hardware. The peak gain changes by almost 9 dB from 6 dB to 14.9 dB for back gate biases of 0.3 V and 0.7 V respectively. The 3-dB bandwidth ranges from 60 - 75 GHz. The noise figure of the LNA varies from 6.8 dB at 0.7 V to 12 dB at 0.3 V. The maximum dissipated power is 12 mW for 1.2 V supply. The minimum 3rd order input intercept point is found to be - 5.1 dBm. These performance parameters are either comparable or better to some of the recent LNA designs in ~60 GHz frequency at different technologies compared in this text. Finally, we briefly illustrate the application of this DG-MOSFET gain tuning LNA for a Wireless Network on Chip architecture.
[125I]2 alpha-Bungarotoxin and [3H]quinuclidinylbenzilate binding in central nervous systems of different species.

— [125I]Diiodo α-bungarotoxin ([125I]2BuTx) and [3H]quinuclidinylbenzilate ([3H]QNB) binding sites were measured in post-nuclear membrane fractions prepared from whole brains or brain regions of several species. Species studied included Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly), Torpedo californiea (electric ray), Carassius auratus (goldfish), Ram pipiens (grass frog), Kana cutesheiana (bullfrog), Rattus norvegicus (rat, Sprague-Dawley), Mus muscalus (mouse, Swiss random, C58/J, LG/J), Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbit, New Zealand Whitc), and Bos (cow). Acetyl-CoA: choline O-acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.6) levels were also determined in the post nuclear supernatants and correlated with the number of binding sites. All species and regions except Drosophila had 16–150 fold more [3H]QNB binding sites than [125I]2BuTx binding sites. Brain regions with the highest levels of [125I]2BuTx binding were Drosophila heads (300 fmol/mg), goldfish optic tectum (80fmol/mg), and rat and mouse hippocampus (3040 fmol/mg). The highest levels of [3H]QNB binding were seen in rat and mouse caudate (1.3–1.6 pmol/mg). Lowest levels of [3H]QNB and [125I]2BuTx binding were seen in cerebellum. The utility of [125I]2BuTx and [3H]QNB binding as quantitative measures of nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in CNS is discussed.
Synthesis, conductivity, and X-ray photoelectron spectrum of Bi2Sr2CuO7+X. A new ternary bismuth-oxide system exhibiting metallic conductivity

Abstract The preparation and some of the properties relating to the superconductive state of the newly discovered ternary bismuth oxide, Bi2Sr2Cu2O7+x, are described. Conductivity behavior ranging from semiconductive to metallic is observed when four-probe AC resistivity measurements are carried out on pressed pellet specimens that have been annealed under different conditions. From a determination of the total oxygen present by an iodometric titration, it was found that metallic conductivity was associated with a higher oxygen content. An X-ray photoelectron experiment was carried out in order to determine whether bismuth or copper was present as the mixed-valent species. The XPS spectrum of the Bi 4f orbital electrons in the oxide was nearly identical to that observed in Bi2O3, with no evidence of any Bi5+.