cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Contemporary Crisis and the Social Relations Department at Harvard: A Case Study in Hegemony and Disintegration

The history of sociology is marked by periods of theoretical pluralism and hegemony. Their interplay has resulted in the slow and uneven development of the discipline. Today, however, bodies of theory and practice have become so diverse that many scholars worry that sociology is in a state of disintegration. The theoretical career of Talcott Parsons provides a microcosm in which to explore similar processes. Building on the success of The Structure of Social Action, Parsons led a movement that transformed Harvard's Department of Sociolgy into the Department of Social Relations. There he attempted a grander, but failed synthesis in Toward A General Theory of Action. His case provides a situation in which to explore features of disciplinary integration and fragmentation. The comparison stimulates one to fashion an informed sense of whether sociology is now facing its latest crisis or may be in the process of decomposition as a corpus of study.
Dorsolateral frontal lobe lesions and behavior in the macaque: Dissociation of threat and aggression

Abstract Eight male juvenile rhesus monkeys (Macaca Mulatta) were housed in an enclosure and observed for a period of 13 months. During that time, each animal sustained dorsolateral frontal lobe resection. Two monkeys were removed from the group and one operated until four were lesioned; the remaining four animals were then lesioned en bloc. Observations on the group were analyzed at three points: one monkey lesioned, four lesioned, and all eight lesioned. Several social behaviors were recorded over the course of the experiment and both individual and group levels compared over observation periods. Although preopreative relationships, levels of affiliative interaction, and, for the most part, order of dominance remained stable after surgery, marked changes in aggression and threat behavior were seen. The diminution in occurrence of threats and concomitant increase in aggression are viewed as supportive of a model of frontal lobe function incorporating stimulus processing properties and lack of inhibition. This theoretical position is used to explain complementary results found in both the laboratory and field settings.
Nosema pyrausta and Cry1Ab‐incorporated diet led to decreased survival and developmental delays in European corn borer

The high dose/refixge strategy for delaying evolution of resistance to Bt maize [Zea mays L. (Poaceae) ] relies on random mating between resistant European corn borers, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), and susceptible O. nubilalis from the refuge. However, differences in developmental rate caused by feeding on Bt maize, or infection with the microsporidium Nosema pyrausta Paillot (Microsporida: Nosematidae) may result in assortative mating. Developmental delays and mortality caused by infection with N. pyrausta and feeding on Bt maize were quantified alone and in combination in CrylAb-resistant and susceptible O. nubilalis. Feeding on Cry1Ab-incorporated diet significantly increased number of days from hatch to pupation and decreased survival in the resistant population. Infection with N. pyrausta increased mortality and lengthened development in both the resistant and susceptible populations. The combination of CrylAb-incorporated diet and infection with N. pyrausta in resistant O. nubilalis lengthened development and increased mortality to a greater extent than either factor alone. Greater larval delays of resistant O. nubilalis feeding on Bt maize could lead to temporal isolation from adults emerging from refuge maize. The resulting assortative mating would hasten the evolution of resistance. Developmental delays caused by infection with N. pyrausta may increase the likelihood of mating between resistant and infected susceptible adults emerging from refuge maize, producing infected offspring that are also more susceptible to Bt maize.
Elastomeric Polymer Resonant Waveguide Grating based Pressure Sensor.

In this paper, we demonstrate an elastomeric polymer resonant waveguide grating structure to be used as a pressure sensor. The applied pressure is measured by optical resonance spectrum peak shift. The sensitivity—as high as 86.74 pm psi−1 or 12.58 pm kPa−1—has been experimentally obtained from a fabricated sensor. Potentially, the sensitivity of the demonstrated sensor can be tuned to different pressure ranges by the choices of elastic properties and layer thicknesses of the waveguide and cladding layers. The simulation results agree well with experimental results and indicate that the dominant effect on the sensor is the change of grating period when external pressure is applied. Based on the two-dimensional planar structure, the demonstrated sensor can be used to measure applied surface pressure optically, which has potential applications for optical ultrasound imaging and pressure wave detection/mapping.
The impact of an educational text message intervention on young urban women's knowledge of oral contraception

Abstract Background Oral contraceptive (OC) knowledge deficits may contribute to OC discontinuation. We examined the effect of an innovative educational intervention on young women's OC knowledge. Study Design As part of a randomized trial evaluating the impact of text message reminders on OC continuation, we assessed OC knowledge in 659 women ages 13���25 years. Women received routine care or routine care plus 6 months of daily educational text messages. We administered a comprehensive 41-item OC knowledge survey at baseline and 6 months. Results Mean OC knowledge scores improved over time for all women (baseline 22.8, 56% correct versus 24.7, 60% at 6 months), including knowledge of OC's mechanisms of action (p=.004), effectiveness (p �� =1.6, 95% confidence interval 0.9���2.2). Conclusion Daily educational text messages can modestly improve knowledge of OCs, which may promote successful contraceptive outcomes.
A BAFF-R mutation associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma alters TRAF recruitment and reveals new insights into BAFF-R signaling

The cytokine B cell activating factor (BAFF) and its receptor, BAFF receptor (BAFF-R), modulate signaling cascades critical for B cell development and survival. We identified a novel mutation in TNFRSF13C, the gene encoding human BAFF-R, that is present in both tumor and germline tissue from a subset of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This mutation encodes a His159Tyr substitution in the cytoplasmic tail of BAFF-R adjacent to the TRAF3 binding motif. Signaling through this mutant BAFF-R results in increased NF-κB1 and NF-κB2 activity and increased immunoglobulin production compared with the wild-type (WT) BAFF-R. This correlates with increased TRAF2, TRAF3, and TRAF6 recruitment to His159Tyr BAFF-R. In addition, we document a requirement for TRAF6 in WT BAFF-R signaling. Together, these data identify a novel lymphoma-associated mutation in human BAFF-R that results in NF-κB activation and reveals TRAF6 as a necessary component of normal BAFF-R signaling.
Perseverance as an intellectual virtue

Much recent work in virtue epistemology has focused on the analysis of such intellectual virtues as responsibility, conscientiousness, honesty, courage, open-mindedness, firmness, humility, charity, and wisdom. Absent from the literature is an extended examination of perseverance as an intellectual virtue. The present paper aims to fill this void. In Sect. 1, I clarify the concept of an intellectual virtue, and distinguish intellectual virtues from other personal characters and properties. In Sect. 2, I provide a conceptual analysis of intellectually virtuous perseverance that places perseverance in opposition to its vice-counterparts, intransigence and irresolution. The virtue is a matter of continuing in one’s intellectual activities for an appropriate amount of time, in the pursuit of intellectual goods, despite obstacles to one’s attainment of those goods. In Sect. 3, I explore relations between intellectually virtuous perseverance and other intellectual virtues. I argue that such perseverance is necessary for the possession and exercise of several other intellectual virtues, including courage. These connections highlight the importance of perseverance in a comprehensive account of such virtues.
Pressure dependence of the elastic moduli of glasses in the K2OSiO2 system

Abstract The elastic moduli and their variation with pressure have been determined for three glass compositions in the K 2 OSiO 2 glass system. The results may be summarized: Property/Composition 0.15K 2 O–0.85SiO 2 0.25K 2 O–0.75SiO 2 0.33K 2 O–0.67SiO 2 Shear modulus G( kb ) 266 241 231 Bulk modulus K s ( kb ) 310 283 273 Young's modulus E( kb ) 620 564 540 ( ∂K s /∂P) 500 K −5.1 −4.4 −3.9 ( ∂G/∂P) 500 K −2.8 −2.6 −2.5 Poisson's ratio σ 0.167 0.168 0.170 ( ∂σ/∂P) ( x 10 −3 ) (kb −1 ) −1.5 −1.2 −0.95 Additionally, the heat capacities of the three compositions were determined over the temperature range of 320 to 700 K, and were used together with the other data to evaluate the thermal Gruneisen ratios. This parameter was found to increase with increasing K 2 O concentration, with values of 0.48, 0.63 and 0.69 for the three compositions indicated above. For comparison, the acoustic Gruneisen ratios evaluated from the variation of the moduli with pressure were found to be negative and also to increase with increasing K 2 O concentration.
L1-endmembers: a robust endmember detection and spectral unmixing algorithm

A hyperspectral endmember detection and spectral unmixing algorithm based on an l 1 norm factorization of the input hyperspectral data is developed and compared to a method based on l 2 norm factorization. Both algorithms, the L1-Endmembers algorithm based on the l 1 norm and the SPICE algorithm based on the l 2 norm, simultaneously and autonomously estimate endmember spectra, abundance values and the number of endmembers needed for a hyperspectral image. The l 1 norm factorization of the hyperspectral data is approximated through the use of the Huber M-estimator. Results showing the stability of the L1-Endmembers algorithm in terms of the number of endmembers estimated with noise and outliers are presented. Results indicate that the proposed algorithm is more consistent in estimating the correct number of endmembers over SPICE. However, when both algorithms determine the correct number of endmembers, SPICE results provide a better estimate of endmembers and a lower variance of endmember estimates over many runs with random initialization.
Combinatorial Optimization of Group Key Management

Given the growing number of group applications in many existing and evolving domains recent attention has been focused on secure multicasting over the Internet. When such systems are required to manage large groups that undergo frequent fluctuations in group membership, the need for efficient encryption key management becomes critical. This paper presents a new key management framework based on a combinatorial formulation of the group multicast key management problem that is applicable to the general problem of managing keys for any type of trusted group communication, regardless of the underlying transmission method between group participants. Specifically, we describe Exclusion Basis Systems and show exactly when they exist. In addition, the framework separates key management from encrypted message transmission, resulting in a more efficient implementation of key management.
A Solid Sorbent Air Sampling and Analytical Procedure for Methyl-, Dimethyl-, Ethyl-, and Diethylamine

A sampling and analytical procedure for methyl-, dimethyl-, ethyl-, and diethylamine was developed in order to avoid problems typically encountered in the sampling and analysis of low molecular weight aliphatic amines. Samples are collected with adsorbent tubes containing Amberlite® XAD-7 resin coated with the derivatizing reagent, NBD chloride (7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-l,3-diazole). Analysis is performed by high performance liquid chromatography with the use of a fluorescence and/or UV/ visible detector. All four amines can be monitored simultaneously, and neither collection nor storage is affected by humidity. Samples are stable at room temperature for at least two weeks. The methodology has been tested for each of the four amines at sample loadings equivalent to air concentration ranges of 0.5 to 30 ppm for a sample volume of 10 liters. The method shows promise for determining other airborne primary and secondary low molecular weight aliphatic amines.
Signal-to-Noise Comparison of Flame/Furnace Infrared Emission (FIRE) Spectrometry with Room-Temperature, Nondispersive Infrared Absorption Spectrophotometry

A theoretical model has been developed for the comparison of the performance of a detector-noise-limited, flame infrared emission (FIRE) spectrometer with that of a room-temperature, nondispersive, infrared absorption (NDIR) spectrophotometer. The ratio of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in emission to that in absorption is found to depend on the product of five terms: (1) the ratio of the noise in absorption to that in emission; (2) the ratio of the solid angles in emission and absorption; (3) the ratio of the pathlengths in emission and absorption; (4) the ratio of the number densities in emission and absorption; and (5) the ratio of the Boltzmann factor for the flame to the Bose-Einstein factor for the blackbody source. Implications for gas chromatographic detection are considered. Under conditions in which chemical conversion of the sample into an infrared-active species is not required and both measurements employ an uncooled PbSe detector, a sample cell volume of 30 μL, and a filter bandwidth of 0.30 μm at a wavelength 4.35 μm (the antisymmetric stretching vibration of CO2), the major factor which determines the ratio of the two SNRs will be the ratio of the solid angle × pathlength product, which has a constant value of 100, regardless of the sample cell pathlength chosen. If a hydrogen/air flame is used in emission (2272 K) and a Nernst glower is used in absorption (1800 K), the FIRE spectrometer is predicted to produce an SNR that is at least 19 times better than that produced by the corresponding NDIR absorption photometer, regardless of the pathlength of the absorption cell.
Personalized and precision orthodontic therapy

Structured Abstract Objective To bring together orthodontic stakeholders from academics, industry, and private practice for a series of thematically focused workshops to explore and develop the transfer of novel approaches into clinical orthodontic practice. Setting and sample population Twenty-seven invited speakers, eight poster presenters, and participants of the Consortium for Orthodontic Advances in Science and Technology (COAST) 2014 Innovators' Workshop at the Eaglewood Resort and Spa, Itasca, Illinois, September 11–14, 2014. Material and methods Five themed sessions involving between 4–7 presentations followed by panel discussions were organized. The aims of the discussion sessions were to highlight important findings and consider the strength of evidence for these, indicate next steps and needed research or technological developments to move forward, and to weigh the expected benefits from these findings and steps to implement in clinical practice. Results Among important areas for attention identified were need for multiscale and multispecies modeling and experimentation for interspecies translation of results; large-scale collaborative efforts within the profession to address the need for adequate sample sizes for future genetic studies of complex traits such as malocclusion; a consortium approach to improve new technologies such as intra-oral scanning and 3D imaging by establishing standards; and harnessing the growing body of knowledge about bone biology for application in orthodontics. Conclusions With increased awareness of the potential of current and emerging technologies, translation of personalized and precision approaches in the field of orthodontics holds ever-increasing promise.
Emotion and social context: An American-German comparison.

Are emotions essentially an individual-subjective phenomenon, or are they broader in scope? Do emotions mainly represent what the individual feels ‘inside’ or do they also carry implications for the social context? Questions such as these were in the background of the present research that has examined the way emotions are viewed, understood, and experienced by young and older adult men and women (ranging in age from 18 to 50) in two cultural environments, Germany and the US. Overall, the results revealed distinctly different patterns of age and sex differences in the evaluation and experience of emotions for Americans and Germans. In addition, the study identified specific emotions (e.g. gratitude, despair, rage) that seem to have different connotations and associations for individuals in the two cultural groups. Interpretation of the findings emphasizes connections between the emotional life and emotional understanding of the individual and broad sociocultural themes. It is argued that social context is an important feature of emotion requiring more extensive consideration is psychological theory and research on emotion.
Transport in Geologic CO2 Storage Systems

With atmospheric CO2 concentrations accelerating, the need increases for deep reductions in CO2 emissions from fossil-fuel combustion and other industrial sources. One approach for direct reductions of anthropogenic emissions that has received increasing attention over the past 10years is carbon capture and storage (CCS). CCS involves two distinct technology areas: (1) CO2 capture and (2) geologic CO2 storage, also known as geologic carbon sequestration (GCS). While capture typically involves engineered extraction systems, implemented above-ground at power-generating stations and other industrial facilities, geologic storage involves deep underground natural systems, with attendant uncertainty and variability. Over all scales, and by multiple processes, transport within the porous formation, or in fractures, is the critical process at the heart of GCS safety, effectiveness, and environmental impact. This Special Issue of TIPM is devoted to research results addressing key transport questions related to GCS, such as
e-bra With Nanosensors for Real Time Cardiac Health Monitoring and Smartphone Communication

Mortality due to cardiac related ailments has been consistently higher in women as compared with men since the early 1980s in the United States. Gender related differences in specificity of regular noninvasive diagnostic tools and the lack of a clear understanding of the effect of postmenopausal hormonal changes in women have been cited as the two main reasons for this disparity. Recent advances in secondary and tertiary diagnostic information extraction techniques from signals such as electrocardiogram (ECG) through heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and wavelet domain analysis techniques have revealed many differences in autonomic nervous-cardiovascular activity regulation, between men and women. Moreover, the diagnostic tests for cardiovascular diseases usually start upon the manifestation of chest pain or angina. At this stage, disease management is the only option as opposed to preventive treatments, which is also possible with early detection based on the diagnostic information extraction techniques as stated previously. In order to truly realize the potential of such techniques, continuous and long-term monitoring is an essential requirement. This, in turn, requires sensor systems to be seamlessly mounted on day to day clothing for women. This paper describes an e-bra platform for nanosensors toward cardiovascular monitoring. The sensors, nanomaterial, or textile based dry electrodes acquire electrocardiograph, which is sent to a textile mounted wireless module. A smartphone or a wireless Bluetooth enabled PC can receive these data and store or process the information as necessary. In this paper, we wirelessly acquire ECG from subjects with the e-bra and perform HRV analysis on a PC. The use of a Smartphone as a base station for receiving data offers the advantage of cellular network connectivity to internet and consequently cloud computing resources for more complex computations such as feature extraction and automatic diagnosis. To address this capability, we further propose a protocol for response to emergencies from both the cloud backend and the smartphone itself.
Lobbying and international cooperation in tariff setting

Abstract This paper develops a theory of tariff protection that incorporates cooperative behavior and lobbying. Governments use import tariffs or subsidies to maximize a weighted sum of lobbying contributions and general welfare. Governments do not use export taxes or subsidies and thus balance the interests of export and import-competing lobbies in setting tariff levels. In a symmetric model, cooperation between governments is sustained by threats of punishment in future periods. Unless governments place too much weight on the future, the result is a cooperative tariff. Otherwise, the result is a reciprocal import subsidy.
On Automorphism Groups of Graphs and Distributive Lattices

Birkhoff''s theorem that every group is isomorphic to the automorphism group of a distributive lattice is extended in a direction that parallels similar results in graph theory.
Determining the Critical Relative Humidity at which the Glassy to Rubbery Transition Occurs in Polydextrose Using an Automatic Water Vapor Sorption Instrument

: Similar to an increase in temperature at constant moisture content, water vapor sorption by an amorphous glassy material at constant temperature causes the material to transition into the rubbery state. However, comparatively little research has investigated the measurement of the critical relative humidity (RHc) at which the glass transition occurs at constant temperature. Thus, the central objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the glass transition temperature (Tg), determined using thermal methods, and the RHc obtained using an automatic water vapor sorption instrument. Dynamic dewpoint isotherms were obtained for amorphous polydextrose from 15 to 40 °C. RHc was determined using an optimized 2nd-derivative method; however, 2 simpler RHc determination methods were also tested as a secondary objective. No statistical difference was found between the 3 RHc methods. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) Tg values were determined using polydextrose equilibrated from 11.3% to 57.6% RH. Both standard DSC and modulated DSC (MDSC) methods were employed, since some of the polydextrose thermograms exhibited a physical aging peak. Thus, a tertiary objective was to compare Tg values obtained using 3 different methods (DSC first scan, DSC rescan, and MDSC), to determine which method(s) yielded the most accurate Tg values. In general, onset and midpoint DSC first scan and MDSC Tg values were similar, whereas onset and midpoint DSC rescan values were different. State diagrams of RHc and experimental temperature and Tg and %RH were compared. These state diagrams, though obtained via very different methods, showed relatively good agreement, confirming our hypothesis that water vapor sorption isotherms can be used to directly detect the glassy to rubbery transition. Practical Application: The food polymer science (FPS) approach, pioneered by Slade and Levine, is being successfully applied in the food industry for understanding, improving, and developing food processes and products. However, despite its extreme usefulness, the Tg, a key element of the FPS approach, remains a challenging parameter to routinely measure in amorphous food materials, especially complex materials. This research demonstrates that RHc values, obtained at constant temperature using an automatic water vapor sorption instrument, can be used to detect the glassy to rubbery transition and are similar to the Tg values obtained at constant %RH, especially considering the very different approaches of these 2 methods—a transition from surface adsorption to bulk absorption (water vapor sorption) versus a step change in the heat capacity (DSC thermal method).
RADIOTHERAPY WITH AND WITHOUT CHEMOTHERAPY FOR LOCALIZED LYMPHOMA IN 10 CATS

A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of radiotherapy with and without chemotherapy for treatment of localized lymphoma in 10 cats. Tumor location included nasal cavity (3 cats), retrobulbar area (3 cats), mediastinum (1 cat), subcutaneous tissue (1 cat), maxilla (1 cat) and mandible (1 cat). Six cats were treated with radiation alone and 4 cats also received chemotherapy during and/or after radiotherapy. Complete remission was achieved locally in 8 of 10 cats, whereas 2 cats had partial remission. Five of the 6 cats treated with radiotherapy alone achieved complete remission. Overall mean and median remission times for the 8 cats with complete remission were 123 weeks and 114 weeks, respectively (range 4 to 277 weeks). Three of the 8 cats have been in complete remission for more than 131 weeks and are still alive. Three cats achieving complete local remission developed lymphoma outside the radiation field. One cat had recurrence at the site of irradiation. Results of the retrospective study suggest that radiotherapy with and without chemotherapy may be effective for the treatment of localized lymphoma in the cat.
Correlates of drug dealing in female methamphetamine users.

Female drug dealers have been a neglected population despite their potentially elevated risk for social, legal, family, and psychological health problems. This study examined correlates of drug-dealing behavior in a sample of 209 female methamphetamine users in San Diego, CA. Twenty-five percent of the sample reported dealing methamphetamine in the past 2 months. Women who dealt methamphetamine were significantly more likely than their nondealing counterparts to have started using illicit drugs before the age of 13 years (68 % versus 44.7 %, p = .003); to have been introduced to methamphetamine by a parent (15.1 % versus 5.8 %, p = .037); and to report currently using methamphetamine to stay awake (84.9 % versus 64.7 %, p = .004), enhance self-confidence (62.3 % versus 45.5 %, p = .025), and feel more attractive (54.7 % versus 38.5 %, p = .029). In a multivariate logistic regression, factors independently associated with methamphetamine dealing were: having a spouse or live-in partner (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR = 2.89), using methamphetamine with a broader range of types of person (AOR = 1.46), and reporting lower levels of emotional support (AOR = 0.57). These findings suggest that female methamphetamine dealers are in urgent need of access to substance use treatment, therapies to enhance self-worth and emotional support, and family-based substance use prevention interventions for dependent children and those at risk.
Synthesis and properties of some polyesters with mesogenic groups and flexible spacers in the main chain

Abstract Polymers containing, in the main chain, various mesogenic moieties separated by flexible spacers have been prepared by condensation of the corresponding diphenol or diol with an aliphatic diacid chloride. The polymers have been characterized by X-ray, d.s.c. and polarizing microscopy. The diacids used were sebacic (SEB), succinic (SUC) and 3-methyladipic (MAA). The biphenols were 4-hydroxyl- N -benzylidene-4′-hydroxyaniline(1), 4.4′-biphenol(2), 4,4′-bis (2-hydroxyethoxy)-biphenyl(5) and 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-di(2-hydroxyethoxy)-stilbene(7). The polymers SEB-1 and SEB-2 were classified as giving thermotropic lamellar mesophases; SEB-5, SEB-7 and SUC-5 as potentially nematic; MAA-2 and SUC-2 gave crystalline polymers.
Chromatin Modifications Associated with DNA Double-strand Breaks Repair as Potential Targets for Neurological Diseases

The integrity of the genome is continuously challenged by both endogenous and exogenous DNA damaging agents. Neurons, due to their post-mitotic state, high metabolism, and longevity are particularly prone to the accumulation of DNA lesions. Indeed, DNA damage has been suggested as a major contributor to both age-associated neurodegenerative diseases and acute neurological injury. The DNA damage response is a key factor in maintaining genome integrity. It relies on highly dynamic posttranslational modifications of the chromatin and DNA repair proteins to allow signaling, access, and repair of the lesion. Drugs that modulate the activity of the enzymes responsible for these modifications have emerged as attractive therapeutic compounds to treat neurodegeneration. In this review, we discuss the role of DNA double-strand breaks and abnormal chromatin modification patterns in a range of neurodegenerative conditions, and the chromatin modifiers that might ameliorate them. Finally, we suggest that understanding the epigenetic modifications specific to neuronal DNA repair is crucial for the development of efficient neurotherapeutic strategies.
ILLUMINATION INTENSITIES AND TEST PERFORMANCE

St~mnzary.-The purpose of this experiment was to examine personnel test performance at conventional and extreme illumination levels. Illumination levels of 1.0, 3.5, 50, and 400 ft-c. were used under conditions controlled for temperature and glare. The tests used were Forms A, B, I and I1 of the Wonderlic Personnel Test. 45 freshmen college students were administered different and systematically varied forms of the test at each illumination level. After the scores were equated to one form of the test, it was concluded that no differences in performance on the rest were associated with illumination levels above 3.5 ft-c. Following the Civil Rights Act of October, 1964, there has been a steadily increasing concern for the fairness of the use of psychological employment tests. One condition of fairness is the adequacy of the conditions under which the test is administered. A recent survey of testing practices in the San Francisco Bay Area, found a considerable variation in illumination levels in the various testing facilities and raised the question of the relation of illumination to test performance (Rusmore, 1968). There is a current trend toward recommending high intensities on the assumption that more illumination is much better than less (Crouch, 1958). The determination of minimum or optimum levels, a concern of Tinker (1947), Blackwell (1959), and Simonson and Brozek (1948) has not been a matter of continuing interest. Nor has any of the research been directly concerned with the relation of illumination intensity to test performance. The present study was designed to examine test performance at conventional and extreme intensity levels.
Foreign Aid and Human Rights: The Latin American Experience

Resumen en: This study attempts to answer the following question: What is the relationship between the human rights record of Latin American states and the amount o...
A semi-persistent clustering technique for VLSI circuit placement

Placement is a critical component of today's physical synthesis flow with tremendous impact on the final performance of VLSI designs. However, it accounts for a significant portion of the over-all physical synthesis runtime. With complexity and netlist size of today's VLSI design growing rapidly, clustering for placement can provide an attractive solution to manage affordable placement runtime. Such clustering, however, has to be carefully devised to avoid any adverse impact on the final placement solution quality. In this paper we present a new bottom-up clustering technique, called best-choice, targeted for large-scale placement problems. Our best-choice clustering technique operates directly on a circuit hypergraph and repeatedly clusters the globally best pair of objects. Clustering score manipulation using a priority-queue data structure enables us to identify the best pair of objects whenever clustering is performed. To improve the runtime of priority-queue-based best-choice clustering, we propose a lazy-update technique for faster updates of clustering score with almost no loss of solution quality. We also discuss a number of effective methods for clustering score calculation, balancing cluster sizes, and handling of fixed blocks. The effectiveness of our best-choice clustering methodology is demonstrated by extensive comparisons against other standard clustering techniques such as Edge-Coarsening [12] and First-Choice [13]. All clustering methods are implemented within an industrial placer CPLACE [1] and tested on several industrial benchmarks in a semi-persistent clustering context.
FTIR studies of self-sustained oscillations during the CO-NO-O2 reaction on Pt/SiO2 catalysts

Nonisothermal oscillations have been observed via FTTR spectroscopy during the CO—NO—O2 reaction over a 5 wt% Pt/SiO2 catalyst. Behavior of the surface species of CO and NO depended on the NO/CO feed ratio, but not on the O2/CO ratio. Oscillations of the surface species were not always correlated with oscillations in CO2 production and surface temperature. Surface temperature measurements provide evidence of spatial nonuniformity of the reaction on the catalyst wafer, which explain the discrepancies in the CO2 production versus surface behavior correlations.
CyPhySim: a cyber-physical systems simulator

This demo provides a preview of a pre-release version of CyPhySim, an open-source simulator for cyber-physical systems. This simulator supports discrete-event models, quantized-state simulation of continuous dynamics, the Functional Mockup Interface (FMI), classical (Runge-Kutta) simulation of continuous dynamics, modal models (hybrid systems), discrete-time (periodic) systems, and algebraic loop solvers. CyPhySim provides a graphical editor, an XML file syntax for models, and an open API for programmatic construction of models.
Vibrio parahemolyticus septicaemia in a liver transplant patient: a case report

Introduction: Vibrio parahemolyticus is the leading cause of vibrio-associated gastroenteritis in the United States of America, usually related to poor food handling; only rarely has it been reported to cause serious infections including sepsis and soft tissue infections. In contrast, Vibrio vulnificus is a well-known cause of septicaemia, especially in patients with cirrhosis. We present a patient with V. parahemolyticus sepsis who had an orthotic liver transplant in 2007 and was on immunosuppression for chronic rejection. Clinical suspicion driven by patient presentation, travel to Gulf of Mexico and soft tissue infection resulted in early diagnosis and institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Case presentation: A 48 year old Latin American man with a history of chronic kidney disease, orthotic liver transplant in 2007 secondary to alcoholic end stage liver disease on immunosuppressants, and chronic rejection presented to the emergency department with fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, left lower extremity swelling and fluid filled blisters after a fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico. Samples from the blister and blood grew V. parahemolyticus. The patient was successfully treated with ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Febrile patients with underlying liver disease and/or immunosuppression should be interviewed regarding recent travel to a coastal area and seafood ingestion. If this history is obtained, appropriate empiric antibiotics must be chosen. Patients with liver disease and/or immunosuppresion should be counselled to avoid eating raw or undercooked molluscan shellfish. People can prevent Vibrio sepsis and wound infections by proper cooking of seafood and avoiding exposure of open wounds to seawater or raw shellfish products.
DESPITE SPELLCHECK, “FOREMOTHER” IS A REAL (AND NECESSARY) WORD

Feminist Foremothers in Women's Studies, Psychology, and Mental Health, Phyllis Chesler, Esther D. Rothblum, and Ellen Cole (Eds.). Binghamton, NY: Harrington Park Press, 1995. 541 pp., $29.95 (paper), ISBN: 1-56023-078-9. Published simultaneously by The Haworth Press, cloth ($49.95) and as Women & Therapy, 17(1-4).
Polarization-Multiplexed Optical Wireless Transmission With Coherent Detection

In this paper, we propose, analyze, and experimentally verify polarization-multiplexed optical wireless transmission with coherent detection as a means of improving performance and increasing the per-wavelength data rate in the presence of atmospheric turbulence. It is first shown that in terrestrial last-mile applications, the polarization state changes of the optical wireless signal are governed by optical source properties both in the absence and in the presence of mild to moderately severe turbulence. Under these conditions, it is shown that the polarization evolution is reduced to a polarization state rotation wherein the cross-polarization interference can be equalized with well-known blind algorithms. We also experimentally verify the analytical findings, demonstrating 112 Gb/s POLMUX-QPSK transmission with coherent detection in a non-fading free-space channel, and numerically extend the experimental results to turbulent settings by invoking the lognormal model for turbulence-induced fading. Performance gains of 5-14 dB along with a doubling of the data rate through polarization multiplexing are exhibited compared to legacy single-polarization intensity modulation/direct detection (IM/DD) optical wireless systems. The presented analytical and experimental results indicate that the proposed approach is promising for notably increasing the data rate in last-mile free-space optical transmission.
Percutaneous optical imaging system to track reporter gene expression from vasculatures in vivo

This study was to develop a percutaneous optical imaging system for tracking fluorescent reporter gene expression in vasculatures. We built a percutaneous optical imaging system that primarily comprised a 1.5-mm, semi-rigid, two-port optical probe. The performance of the optical probe was first tested in vitro with cell phantoms, and then the feasibility of the percutaneous optical imaging system was validated in vivo in eight femoral artery segments of two pigs. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was locally delivered into four arterial segments, while saline was delivered to the four contralateral arterial segments as controls. The targeted arteries were localized using color Doppler, and thereafter the optical probe was positioned to the target arterial segments under ultrasound guidance. Optical imaging captures were obtained using different exposure times from 10–60 seconds. Subsequently, the GFP- and saline-targeted arteries were harvested for fluorescent microscopy confirmation. The percutaneous optical probe was successfully positioned at a distance of approximately 2 mm from the targets in all eight arteries. The in vivo imaging showed higher average signal intensity in GFP-treated arteries than in saline-treated arteries. This study demonstrates the potential using the percutaneous optical imaging system to monitor, in vivo, reporter gene expression from vasculatures.
Jackson's Empirical Assumptions*

Frank Jackson has given us an elegant and important book. It is, by a long shot, the most sophisticated defense of the use of conceptual analysis in philosophy that has ever been offered. But we also we find it a rather perplexing book, for we can't quite figure out what Jackson thinks a conceptual analysis is. And until we get clearer on that, we're not at all sure that conceptual analysis, as Jackson envisions it, is possible. The main reason for our perplexity is that Jackson seems to be making some empirical assumptions about people's intuitions and the psychological mechanisms that give rise to them, though it is far from clear exactly what these empirical assumptions are. Moreover, on what is perhaps the most natural reading, he is making at least one assumption about which many cognitive scientists who study concepts have serious doubts. In the first of our two sections, we will elaborate this theme. Our goal, in that section, is not so much to criticize as to seek clarification. It is a great virtue of this journal's multiple review format that critics can pose questions to authors, and the authors get to reply. So we hope that in his reply Jackson will help us understand his defense of conceptual analysis by explaining more clearly what his empirical assumptions are; and if he is indeed making an assumption that many cognitive scientists would challenge, we hope he will tell us why he thinks that challenge is misguided. In the second section, our stance will be more critical. There is one empirical assumption about which Jackson is admirably clear and explicit. However, we think there is now good reason to think that this assumption is false.
Mariner 9 celestial mechanics experiment - A status report.

There are two basic efforts in the Mariner 9 celestial mechanics experiment: the determination of the gravity field of Mars and the performance of a very precise test of the theory of general relativity. In addition, there are a number of astrodynamic constants that are being determined. All the analyses are based on the Mariner 9 radio tracking data.
Genetic associations of relaxin: preterm birth and premature rupture of fetal membranes.

Objective Relaxin H2 (RLN2) is a systemic hormone (sRLN) that is produced by the corpus luteum, whereas decidual RLN (dRLN) acts only locally. Elevated sRLN is associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) and elevated dRLN with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Associations were sought between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the RLN2 promoter with levels of dRLN and sRLN in Filipino patients with sPTB, PPROM, or normal term delivery. Study Design Stringent selection of women with sPTB (n = 20) or PPROM (n = 20) and term control subjects (n = 20) was made from >8000 samples from Filipino patients who delivered at 34-36 weeks' gestation. Twelve SNPs were genotyped on maternal blood, with 9 excluded based on the high linkage disequilibrium or being the same as in the control population. Quantitative immunocytochemistry on parietal decidual tissue was performed (n = 60); sRLN was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a subset of patients (n = 21). Results SNP rs4742076 was associated significantly with PPROM ( P P P P P Conclusion SNP rs4742076 in the RLN2 promoter was associated with increased dRLN expression and PPROM; SNP rs3758239 was associated with both PPROM and sPTB in these Filipino patients. Specific homozygous genotypes were identified for both SNPs and were shown to be associated with increased dRLN tissue expression.
Synthetic, implantable polymers for local delivery of IUdR to experimental human malignant glioma.

Abstract Purpose: Recently, polymeric controlled delivery of chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival of patients with malignant glioma. We evaluated whether we could similarly deliver halogenated pyrimidines to experimental intracranial human malignant glioma. To address this issue we studied the in vitro release from polymers and the in vivo drug delivery of IUdR to experimental human U251 glioblastoma xenografts. Methods and Materials: In vitro : To measure release, increasing (10%, 30%, 50%) proportions of IUdR in synthetic [(poly(bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)-propane) (PCPP):sebacic acid (SA) polymer discs were serially incubated in buffered saline and the supernatant fractions were assayed. In vivo : To compare local versus systemic delivery, mice bearing flank xenografts had intratumoral or contralateral flank IUdR polymer (50% loading) treatments. Mice bearing intracranial (i.c.) xenografts had i.c. versus flank IUdR polymer treatments. Four or 8 days after implantation of polymers, mice were sacrificed and the percentage tumor cells that were labeled with IUdR was measured using quantitative microscopic immunohistochemistry. Results: In vitro : Increasing percentage loadings of IUdR resulted in higher percentages of release: 43.7 + 0.1, 70.0 + 0.2, and 90.2 + 0.2 ( p In vivo : For the flank tumors, both the ipsilateral and contralateral IUdR polymers resulted in similarly high percentages labeling of the tumors versus time. For the ipsilateral IUdR polymers, the percentage of tumor cellular labeling after 4 days versus 8 days was 45.8 ± 7.0 versus 40.6 ± 3.9 ( p = NS). For the contralateral polymer implants, the percentage of tumor cellular labeling were 43.9 ± 10.1 versus 35.9 ± 5.2 ( p = NS) measured 4 days versus 8 days after implantation. For the i.c. tumors treated with extracranial IUdR polymers, the percentage of tumor cellular labeling was low: 13.9 ± 8.8 and 11.2 ± 5.7 measured 4 and 8 days after implantation. For the i.c. tumors having the i.c. IUdR polymers, however, the percentage labeling was comparatively much higher: 34.3 ± 4.9 and 35.3 ± 4.0 on days 4 and 8, respectively. For the i.c. tumors, examination of the percentage cellular labeling versus distance from the implanted IUdR polymer showed that labeling was highest closest to the polymer disc. Conclusion: Synthetic, implantable biodegradable polymers provide the local, controlled release of IUdR and result in the high, local delivery of IUdR to experimental intracranial human malignant glioma. This technique holds promise for the local delivery of IUdR for radiosensitization of human brain tumors.
Cerebellar Ataxia from Multiple Potential Causes: Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Thalamic Stimulation, and Essential Tremor

Background: Both hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) can rarely be associated with cerebellar ataxia. Severe essential tremor (ET) as well as bilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) may lead to subtle cerebellar signs. Case Report: We report a 74-year-old male with hypothyroidism and a 20-year history of ET who developed cerebellar ataxia after bilateral thalamic DBS. Extensive workup revealed elevated thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroperoxidase antibody titers confirming the diagnosis of HT. Discussion: Our case demonstrates multiple possible causes of cerebellar ataxia in a patient, including hypothyroidism, HT, chronic ET, and bilateral thalamic DBS. Counseling of patients may be appropriate when multiple risk factors for cerebellar ataxia coexist in one individual.
“Do You Still Not Understand?” Mark 8:21 and the Mission to the Gentiles:

Recounting the numbers of baskets remaining after each of the multiplications of loaves in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus demands of his disciplies: “Do you not yet understand?” (Mark 8:21). The message...
Postmenopausal hormone replacement and cardiovascular disease: incorporating research into practice.

The long-standing practice of prescribing hormones to postmenopausal women was based in part on the observation that following menopause, women's incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and cerebral vascular accident increased. Recent large‐scale research has shown an increase in cardiovascular events for postmenopausal women receiving estrogen replacement in oral form. This article examines research on positive effects of hormone replacement therapy, discusses what is known about the development of cardiovascular disease in women, and evaluates recent research that has shown increased cardiovascular risk in women receiving hormone replacement. It concludes with recommendations for preventing cardiovascular disease in women. This is essential information for nurses, who need to be informed of ways to maintain their own health while serving as sources of health information for the public at large.