cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dendritic cells, regulatory T cells and the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small, enveloped RNA virus and a major cause of chronic liver disease. Resolution of primary HCV infections depends upon the vigorous responses of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to multiple viral epitopes. Although such broad-based responses are readily detected early during the course of infection regardless of clinical outcome, they are not maintained in individuals who develop chronic disease. Ostensibly, a variety of factors contribute to the diminished T cell responses observed in chronic, HCV-infected patients including impaired dendritic cell function and the induction of CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells. Overwhelming evidence suggests that the complex interaction of dendritic cells and regulatory T cells plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C.
Once-weekly resistance exercise improves muscle strength and neuromuscular performance in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of frequency of resistive training on gain in muscle strength and neuromuscular performance in healthy older adults. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial with subjects assigned either to high-intensity resistance training 1 (EXl), 2 (EX2), or 3 (EX3) days per week for 24 weeks or to a control group (CO). SETTING: An exercise facility at an academic medical center. SUBJECTS: Forty-six community-dwelling healthy men (n = 29) and women (n = 17) aged 65 to 79 years. INTERVENTION: Progressive resistance training consisting of three sets of eight exercises targeting major muscle groups of the upper and lower body, at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) for eight repetitions, either 1,2, or 3 days per week. MEASURES: Dynamic muscle strength (1-RM) using iso-tonic equipment every 4 weeks, bone mineral density and body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and neuromuscular performance by timed chair rise and 6-meter backward tandem walk. RESULTS: For each of the eight exercises, muscle strength increased in the exercise groups relative to CO (P < .01), with no difference among EXl, EX2 and EX3 groups at any measurement interval. Percent change averaged 3.9 ± 2.4 (CO), 37.0 ± 15.2 (EXl), 41.9 ± 18.2 (EX2), and 39.7 ± 9.8 (EX3). The time to rise successfully from the chair 5 times decreased significantly (P < .01) at 24 weeks, whereas improvement in the 6-meter backward tandem walk approached significance (P = .10) in the three exercise groups compared with CO. Changes in chair rise ability were correlated to percent changes in quadriceps strength (r = −0.40, P < .01) and lean mass (r = −0.40, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: A program of once or twice weekly resistance exercise achieves muscle strength gains similar to 3 days per week training in older adults and is associated with improved neuromuscular performance. Such improvement could potentially reduce the risk of falls and fracture in older adults.
High-Speed Turbulent Separated Flows: Consistency of Mathematical Models and Flow Physics

A large fraction of the experimental database used for validation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions of shock-induced turbulent separated flows consists of time-averaged measurements. If meaningful conclusions are to be drawn from comparisons of these time-averaged data with computations, it is important to understand how the data are generated physically. This can be difficult and time consuming but is an essential element in the selection of an appropriate mathematical model for the computation. For the separated compression ramp interaction, which is widely used as a CFD test case, global unsteadiness is a dominant phenomenon. Without modeling the unsteadiness, accurate predictions of the time-averaged wall pressure, outgoing velocity profiles, and other parameters will likely remain elusive, irrespective of the turbulence model.
Prone positioning in infant gastroesophageal reflux: is elevation of the head worth the trouble?

To determine whether head-elevated prone positioning is better than flat prone positioning for infants with gastroesophageal reflux, we studied 100 babies less than 6 months of age who were being examined for reflux with an intraluminal esophageal pH probe while the babies were in each of the two positions, with the use of a crossover design protocol. During both a 2-hour postprandial period and a fasting period, pH probe measurements in each position included (1) minutes with pH p p
(∂µ/∂T)p of the Lower Mantle

We estimate (∂µ/∂T) p of the lower mantle at seismic frequencies using two distinct approaches by combining ambient laboratory measurements on lower mantle minerals with seismic data. In the first approach, an upper bound is estimated for ∣(∂µ/∂T) p ∣ by comparing the shear modulus (µ) profile of PREM with laboratory room-temperature data of µ extrapolated to high pressures. The second approach employs a seismic tomography constraint (∂ In V s /∂ In V p ) p = 1.8–2, which directly relates (∂µ/∂T) p with (∂K s /∂T) p . An average (∂K s /∂T) p can be obtained by comparing the well-established room-temperature compression data for lower mantle minerals with the Ks profile of PREM along several possible adiabats. Both (∂K s /∂T) and (∂µ/∂T) depend on silicon content [or (Mg + Fe)/Si] of the model. For various compositions, the two approaches predict rather distinct (∂µ/∂T) p vs. (∂K s /∂T) p curves, which intersect at a composition similar to pyrolite with (∂µ/∂T) p = −0.02 to −0.035 and (∂K s /∂T) p = −0.015 to −0.020 GPa/K. The pure perovskite model, on the other hand, yields grossly inconsistent results using the two approaches. We conclude that both vertical and lateral variations in seismic velocities are consistent with variation due to pressure, temperature, and phase transformations of a uniform composition. Additional physical properties of a pyrolite lower mantle are further predicted. Lateral temperature variations are predicted to be about 100–250 K, and the ratio of (∂ In ρ/∂ In V s ) p around 0.13 and 0.26. All of these parameters increase slightly with depth if the ratio of (∂ In V s /∂ In V p )p remains a constant throughout the lower mantle. These predicted values are in excellent agreement with geodynamic analyses, in which the ratios (∂ In ρ/∂ In V s ) p and (∂ In ρ/∂ In V s ) p are free parameters arbitrarily adjusted to fit the tomography and geoid data.
Discriminative stimulus effects of H(1)-anti-histamines in cocaine-trained pigeons.

Pigeons (n = 4) were trained to discriminate cocaine (3.0mg/kg, i.m.) from saline in a two-key, food-reinforced drug discrimination paradigm. After acquisition of the discrimination, the H(1)-antihistamines, chlorpheniramine, tripelennamine, diphenhydramine, promethazine and hydroxyzine, were administered before test sessions to determine if these antihistamines shared discriminative stimulus (DS) effects with cocaine. Chlorpheniramine (0.3-5.6mg/kg) and tripelennamine (0.1-1.7mg/kg) substituted, (i.e. > 80% cocaine-key responding) in all four birds. Diphenhydramine (0.1-10mg/kg) and promethazine (0.1-56mg/kg) substituted for cocaine in three and two birds, respectively, while hydroxyzine (1.0-100mg/kg) did not substitute for the training drug in any bird. These results, in conjunction with results from a previous study in which several antihistamines shared DS effects with d-amphetamine, suggest that the DS effects of some H(1)-antihistamines may be similar to those of psychomotor stimulants.
Attitudes toward Firearms and Reasons for Firearm Ownership among Nonurban Youth: Salience of Sex and Race:

Few studies have examined firearm attitudes and reasons for gun ownership among nonurban youth. Analysis of responses of 367 northern Louisiana elementary and secondary students showed sex and race, more than hunting or shooting experience, appear responsible for their differences in attitude White girls and black youth express greater discomfort in shooting game animals than intruders. White boys were more likely to hunt, own and use firearms, as well as express progun attitudes. 80% of students were willing to restrict gun ownership, with girls generally favoring more controls than boys. Despite the presence of firearms in most households, few students had gun-safety training. Further research on differences in attitude by sex and race and the discrepancy between availability of firearms and safety training is suggested.
The effect of mirror confrontation and size estimation feedback on perceptual inaccuracy in normal females who overestimate body size

Mirror confrontation and performance feedback regarding size estimation accuracy were used to treat size perception inaccuracy in college females previously found to overestimate body size. In comparison to contact-control subjects, who received a general health information discussion, experimental subjects' accuracy improved and changes were maintained at follow-up (2 weeks). However, accuracy scores for subsamples of both groups were equivalent at an extended follow-up (8 weeks). The results are discussed with regard to future research and the implications for the treatment of eating disorders.
Isn't it ironic?

An element once considered the enemy could now be the key to superconductivity. Catherine Zandonella investigates
Some characteristics of stimulus-provoked alpha activity

Abstract Two groups of subjects, pre-selected for prominent resting alpha, were studied in order to assess the habituation of EEG reactivity to repeated photic stimuli. In one group, the subjects passively received the signals; in the other they were instructed to respond manually as soon as the signal was detected, and the reaction times were measured. It was found that the EEG background of alpha activity tended to alternate with a lower voltage, more random pattern sometimes including slow waves in both groups. The EEG reactivity against the latter background was that of provocation of alpha activity, whereas against the background alpha rhythm, the reactivity was that of blocking or arrest of alpha. From the point in each record in which these patterns began to alternate, it was found that the alpha provocation response had a higher incidence than the desynchronization response, significantly so only for the group not required to respond. The blocking response was relatively habituated for both groups. The requirement of a motor response to the photic signal was associated with an increased incidence of the alpha blocking response. Reaction times tended to be higher when alpha provocation occurred. The hypothesis was advanced that stimulation-provoked alpha activity may be an electrical sign of central inhibitory processes.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Sudden Deaths in Young Competitive Athletes: Analysis of 1866 Deaths in the United States, 1980–2006”

We appreciate the comments of Corrado et al with respect to our 27-year registry,1 which provides absolute numbers for sudden deaths occurring in young US athletes. The authors are correct in asserting (as we have) that there are limitations in collecting data for such registries—ie, it is not possible to identify each sudden death occurring in young athletes in the …
Articulation testing versus conversational speech sampling.

Detailed speech analyses were performed on data from 61 speech-delayed children assessed by both a standard articulation test and a conversational speech sample. Statistically significant differenc...
UV Raman spectroscopic study of hydrogen bonding in gibbsite and bayerite between 93 and 453 K

Raman spectra of bayerite and gibbsite (hydrargillite) were measured at 453, 295 and 93 K and after H D exchange at 423 K with gaseous D2O. Spectra in the O H stretching vibration region were recorded with the use of ultraviolet laser excitation, which avoided the fluorescence problem typical for these materials. Lowering the temperature led to a spectral resolution improvement with additional bands resolved in the ν(OH) spectrum of bayerite. It was established that the positions of the Raman bands are sensitive to the temperature of the sample. A spectral criterion based on different shifts of band positions with temperature was proposed as a method to distinguish between structural OH groups forming H-bonds between hydroxide layers or in the same plane of the layer. It was found that the highest wavenumber band at 3655 cm−1 in the spectrum of bayerite does not participate in H-bonding. A one-to-one correspondence between Raman spectra recorded in the ν(OH) and ν(OD) regions upon partial H D exchange with D2O is evidence that the multiplicity of spectral bands is caused by different O H···O′ distances in the hydroxide lattice rather than by vibrational coupling of H-bonded hydroxyls. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrostatic potential profiles of molecular conductors

The electrostatic potential across a short ballistic molecular conductor depends sensitively on the geometry of its environment, and can affect its conduction significantly by influencing its energy levels and wave functions. We illustrate some of the issues involved by evaluating the potential profiles for a conducting gold wire and an aromatic phenyl dithiol molecule in various geometries. The potential profile is obtained by solving Poisson's equation with boundary conditions set by the contact electrochemical potentials and coupling the result self-consistently with a nonequilibrium Green's function formulation of transport. The overall shape of the potential profile (ramp versus flat) depends on the feasibility of transverse screening of electric fields. Accordingly, the screening is better for a thick wire, a multiwalled nanotube, or a close-packed self-assembled monolayer, in comparison to a thin wire, a single-walled nanotube, or an isolated molecular conductor. The electrostatic potential further governs the alignment or misalignment of intramolecular levels, which can strongly influence the molecular current--voltage $(I--V)$ characteristic. An external gate voltage can modify the overall potential profile, changing the $I--V$ characteristic from a resonant conducting to a saturating one. The degree of saturation and gate modulation depends on the availability of metal-induced-gap states and on the electrostatic gate control parameter set by the ratio of the gate oxide thickness to the channel length.
Simultaneous analysis of Thebaine, 6-MAM and six abused opiates in postmortem fluids and tissues using Zymark® automated solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Abstract Opiates are some of the most widely prescribed drugs in America and are often abused. Demonstrating the presence or absence of opiate compounds in postmortem fluids and/or tissues derived from fatal civil aviation accidents can have serious legal consequences and may help determine the cause of impairment and/or death. However, the consumption of poppy seed products can result in a positive opiate drug test. We have developed a simple method for the simultaneous determination of eight opiate compounds from one extraction. These compounds are hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, codeine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, 6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine, and thebaine. The inclusion of thebaine is notable as it is an indicator of poppy seed consumption and may help explain morphine/codeine positives in cases where no opiate use was indicated. This method incorporates a Zymark ® RapidTrace™ automated solid-phase extraction system, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and trimethyl silane (TMS) and oxime-TMS derivatives. The limits of detection ranged from 0.78 to 12.5 ng/mL. The linear dynamic range for most analytes was 6.25–1600 ng/mL. The extraction efficiencies ranged from 70 to 103%. We applied this method to eight separate aviation fatalities where opiate compounds had previously been detected.
A Content Analysis of Functional Recovery Strategies of Breast Cancer Survivors

Seventeen breast cancer survivors completed a 6-week, telephone-delivered, behavioral activation/problem-solving intervention designed to reduce participation restrictions. A content analysis of the session data was conducted to identify the goals and patterns of goal attainment and to understand what women were trying to achieve in their recovery. The 17 women set 141 goals. Sixty-six (47%) of the goals reflected a desire to add a new activity to their routine and 75 (53%) of the goals reflected a desire to perform a routine activity more efficiently. The women primarily set goals to address challenges in exercising (24%), work (13%), nutrition (12%), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs; 10%), stress management (9%), and social activities (9%). The women set an average of 8 goals and met 71% of their goals. The intervention shows promise in helping women set and achieve a number of functional goals as part of breast cancer recovery.
Quantum back reaction in scalar QED as an initial-value problem.

An initial-value formulation of the quantum back-reaction problem in scalar QED is presented. The semiclassical, mean-field limit of the theory for spatially homogeneous initial states yields (after renormalization) a tractable set of finite, coupled ordinary differential equations for the time evolution of the system. These equations describe the effects of particle creation and the associated induced electric current on the decay of a uniform background electric field, in a form suitable for implementation on a computer. The renormalization techniques and formulation of the initial-value problem employed provide a model for the numerical attack on the analogous back-reaction problem, involving fully interacting fields, in early Universe quantum cosmology.
Intestinal transport of cyclic and noncyclic imino acids

Abstract 1. 1. Employing hamster everted intestinal sacs, the transport of l -phenylalanine and l -proline against a concentration gradient had the following indentical characteristics: spatial distribution of transport, inhibition by absence of Na+ from the medium, inhibition by NaCN but not by propionitrile, lack of effect of added ascorbic acid, and the same temperature coefficient (2.3 for a 10° change), In addition, there was mutual inhibition of transport as measured by the equillibrium quantity. These parameters, hence, were unable to provide a distinction between the mechanism of transport of the amino acid and the amino acid (although genetic data suggest that two distinct, but overlapping, transport systems are involved). 2. 2. A series of noncyclic imino acids of the form was also studied for transport against a concentration gradient by the hamster everted small intestine. When X = H, transport occurred with Y = CH 3 , but not when Y = CH 2 CH 3 or larger groupings. Hence, N -methylglycine likely represents the most “sterically bulky” of these compounds to be transported. 3. 3. Cyclic imino acids of the form were transported against a concentration gradient when n = 2 (azetidine-2-carboxylic acid), n = 3 (proline) and n = 4 (pipecolic acid). For n = 1 (aziridine-2-carboxylic acid, lithium salt), the compound did not appear to be transported. Data are presented that cyclic and noncyclic imino acids show cross-inhibition of transport.
Operating and Maintenance Experience for Base Load Gas Turbines Using Heavy Fuels: A Case Study

This paper reviews the operating and maintenance experience of heavy fuel fired gas turbines used for base load power generation in an industrial complex. The data presented are based on over a quarter of a million fired hours of heavy fuel burning experience for ten gas turbines located in the Rhone Progil chlorine plant of Pont-de-Claix, France. A brief description of the turbine being studied and the arrangement of the power generation equipment in the chlorine plant is given. Three prime factors affecting maintenance/operation of the plant are discussed: physical and chemical properties of the fuel; environmental conditions of the site; and mode of operation for the power generation equipment. A description of the type of maintenance inspections performed on the gas turbine is given in detail. The logged maintenance data for the plant is discussed as well as the maintenance performed on both the turbine and the turbine auxiliary components. Specific data are presented showing the causes of the forced outages and the year by year availability from the time of commissioning through 1973.Copyright © 1975 by ASME
ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF TROPICAL RHODOPHYTES. II. MICROSCALE ACCLIMATION IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS1

Parameters of photosynthesis vs. irradiance curves varied markedly between tissues from microsites along the < 10-cm axes of the tropical intertidal red algae Ahnfeltiopsis concinna (J. Ag.) Silva et DeCew and Laurencia mcdermidiae (J. Ag.) Abbott. Differences in photosynthetic performance between tissues from canopy and understory microsites indicates that L. mcdermidiae exhibited an expected sun-to-shade acclimation but over the space of < 10 cm. Respiration, Ic, Ik, and Pmax values were significantly lower in tissues from the understory relative to tissues from the canopy of L. mcdermidiae, while photosystem I (PS I) sizes (PSU I) were significantly higher in tissues from understory microsites. Quantum efficiency was unchanged. Ahnfeltiopsis concinna, in contrast, exhibited higher α in tissues from understory rather than canopy microsites. The values of Pmax for tissues from the canopy of A. concinna were not higher than the understory, while PSU O2(PS II size) of tissues from canopy microsites were unusually higher than those of understory microsites. These characteristics suggest a high degree of irradiance stress in tissues from the canopy of A. concinna, the highest tidal alga in Hawaiian coastal zones. Acclimation to high photosynthetically active radiation and ultraviolet irradiance levels especially in tropical regions appears to be an essential mechanism(s) for stress resistance and persistence of intertidal algae. Algal turfs acclimate at microscales in part fostered by their dense stands that create sharp irradiance gradients as well as adjust physiologically to canopy irradiance levels as mechanisms for optimal photosynthetic performance and stress tolerance.
Sequential multiphoton ionization spectroscopy: extension of a useful spectroscopic tool

Abstract An adaptation of multiphoton ionization spectroscopy is presented in which a single vibrational—rotational level of an excited electronic state is pumped using a dye laser, and a second, independently tunable dye laser beam induces multiphoton ionization from this excited level. Several advantages of this technique are demonstrated using molecular iodine.
Primary omental haemangiopericytoma.

Haemangiopericytomas arise from Zimmermann’s pericytes, which regulate the blood flow through capillaries. Given their cell of origin, haemangiopericytomas may arise anywhere; however, the most common locations are the lower limb musculature, the pelvic fossa and the retroperitoneum. A comprehensive review of the English literature has revealed only 19 previous confirmed haemangiopericytomas arising from omentum, the case reported herein being the 20th.
Estimation of Missing Monthly Test-Day Records

Summary Three methods, within herd regression, regression ignoring herd effects, and a ratio factor method, of estimating a missing monthly test-day record from preceding or succeeding known test-day records are compared. The intra-herd regression method is considered to be better than regression ignoring herd effects or the ratio factor method. The regression procedure ignoring herd effects, however, is generally less than 10% less efficient than the intra-herd method and is recommended for use, since population averages are easier to obtain and to use than are the herd averages required for the intra-herd method. Factors are presented for estimating a missing monthly test-day record by the three methods when (1) the preceding monthly record is known, (2) the succeeding monthly record is known, and (3) both preceding and succeeding records are known.
N−C Cleavage in Pincer PNP Complexes of Palladium

Several new N-methylated diarylamine-based PNP pincer ligands have been prepared. The synthesis of these ligands is modular and allows incorporation of a variety of substituents that change the solubility and the stereoelectronic properties of the ligand as well as allow for the introduction of a sensitive 19F NMR spectroscopic probe. The reactions of PN(Me)P ligands with PdX2 (X = Cl, OAc) initially proceed with formation of an adduct, (PN(Me)P)PdX2, that may exist in either the neutral or the ionic forms. These adducts are unreactive in the case of PPh2-bearing ligands, but with the more donating PPri2-bearing ligands, the adduct evolves into square planar (PNP)PdX with irreversible loss of MeX. Thus, the feasibility of cleavage of an unstrained N−C bond by PdII is demonstrated. The N−C cleavage is accelerated by decreasing the solvent polarity. The mechanism may involve either N−C oxidative addition or a nucleophilic attack (external or internal) of X- on the Me group of the N-bound PN(Me)P ligand.
The boundaries and copy numbers of Ti plasmid T-DNA vary in crown gall tumors.

The Ti plasmid DNA maintained in octopine-type crown gall tumor lines is variable, but always includes at least part of the Ti plasmid that maps over the region of Hind III fragment 1 of pTi-B6-806. The right-hand boundary of transferred DNA (T-DNA) varies considerably among the three independent tumor lines examined; the left boundary was not located definitively. The T-DNA of two sibling clones of the same tumor line, E1 and E9, appears identical. The copy number of T-DNA in E9 tumor DNA appears higher for the right end (about 30 copies) than for the left end (approximately 1 copy).
Constructivism: the view of knowledge that ended philosophy or a theory of learning and instruction?

Background: Constructivism is referred to in two very different ways in education including medical education: to refer to a view of knowledge and to refer to a theory of learning and hence instruction. Summary and Conclusions: This proposal (a) distinguishes between these two usages of constructivism and (b) concludes that constructivism is not a theory of learning and thus as such has little to offer that might be of value to medical education.
Multi-Resolution Cutting Force Prediction Using a Quad-Tree Decomposition for Cutter/Workpiece Engagements

Virtual Machining (VM) is the use of computers to simulate the physics of machining processes. It can be used to effectively identify problems in machining complicated workpieces and in optimizing processes. At the heart of VM is the ability to predict the cutting forces generated as the tool generates chips at the tool workpiece interface. For these predictions to be realistic two things are necessary. First, accurate representations of how the cutter engages the workpiece need to be generated along each toolpath under consideration. This is referred to as the Cutter/Workpiece Engagement (CWE). Second, a force model is needed that integrates the contribution from each element within the CWE. In this paper a new technique for integrating the force contributions is presented. It utilizes a Quad-Tree representation for the CWE. This representation provides several advantages over other approaches for integrating the force contributions. Amongst these is the ability to represent the aggregated force at different resolutions. This has the potential to reduce the time required to perform a simulation by scanning a tool path at a lower resolution to bound intervals where heavy engagements are encountered. These intervals can then be analyzed at a higher resolution for greater accuracy. Examples are presented using CWEs extracted for 2 1/2D milling operations from a component modeled on a leading CAD/CAM system.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Mechanical Design of NESSI: New Mexico Tech Extrasolar Spectroscopic Survey Instrument

NESSI: the New Mexico Tech Extrasolar Spectroscopic Survey Instrument is a ground-based multi-object spectrograph that operates in the near-infrared. It will be installed on one of the Nasmyth ports of the Magdalena Ridge Observatory (MRO) 2.4-meter Telescope. NESSI operates stationary to the telescope fork so as not to produce differential flexure between internal opto-mechanical components during or between observations. In this paper we report on NESSI's detailed mechanical and opto-mechanical design, and the planning for mechanical construction, assembly, integration and verification.
Assessment of myocardial elastography performance using normal and ischemic phantoms undergoing physiological motion

Myocardial Elastography has been introduced as a non-invasive, ultrasound-based imaging, which can detect abnormalities in myocardial stiffness that cannot be detected with the current standard echocardiography used clinically. By acquiring radio-frequency (RF) frames at high frame rates (190–310 Hz), the deformation of the myocardium can be estimated, and used to identify regions of abnormal deformation indicative of ischemia. In this study, we pursue in vitro validation of ME using polyacrylamide phantoms. Phantoms of homogeneous stiffnesses and with stiff inclusions were imaged, and ME was applied. Rotational motion was mapped and distinguished from torsional motion. During expansion/contraction, if an inclusion was not present, the estimated strain patterns were smooth, while if an inclusion was present, abnormalities were observed which enabled identification of the inclusion. The average peak radial and circumferential strains were 2.1±0.3% and −2.0±1% for a normal phantom, and −0.07±0.9% and 0.3±0.6% for an ischemic phantom, respectively. This study shows ME to be capable of distinguishing between different types of motion configurations, and is sensitive to stiffness changes in tissue-mimicking phantoms.
Experimental observations of strong double layers

A computer simulation is applied to the production of strong electric potential double layers (DL) in a triple plasma device. The simulation is intended to represent DL in the low magnetosphere above the auroral zones. The DL are described as standing electrostatic shocks with different energy coefficients in their strong and weak forms. The strong DL was generally found to be unstable, but stability could be imparted if a population of trapped electrons was presented. Stability increased with the length of the system. A schematic for the system is presented, and a phase-space plot of electrons (indicating system stability) is graphed.
Storage, retention, and retrieval in Korsakoff's syndrome.

Abstract Storage, retention and retrieval were studied in patients with Korsakoff's syndrome by having them learn 20 words, each presented only until its first recall, with 12 extended recalls. Patients recalled 12 different items at least once (without presentation) and controls recalled 16, showing significant impairment in patients' storage. Patients made only half as many item retrievals as controls; ability to retrieve items consistently was seriously impaired, but retrieval of items at random was not. Patients' and controls' intrusions did not differ in kind but did differ from retrieved items. Recall of low probability items exceeded the frequency expected. Buschke's technique of restricted reminding with extended multiple recalls was thus able to demonstrate verbal learning in patients with Korsakoff's syndrome, showing their serious impairment in both storage and retrieval.
Postirradiation tensile behavior of nickel-doped ferritic steels☆

Tensile specimens of normalized-and-tempered 9Cr-1MoVNb, 9Cr-1MoVNb-2Ni, 12Cr-1MoVW, 12Cr-1MoVW-1Ni, and 12Cr-1MoVW-2Ni were irradiated in the Experimental Breeder Reactor at 390, 450, 500, and 550/sup 0/C to displacement-damage levels of approximately 16 dpa. The only difference in the effect of irradiation on the tensile behavior of the nickel-doped and undoped steels was attributed to the difference in tempering treatments the two types of steels received. The nickel-doped steels were stronger prior to irradiation due to a lower tempering temperature. After irradiation, the properties of the steels with and without nickel were similar, indicating that the presence of nickel did not affect the behavior of the steels during irradiation. Nickel was added to the steels to study the effect of helium on the properties of these steels. Helium can be formed in an alloy containing nickel by irradiating in a mixed-spectrum reactor. To help determine the effect of helium on properties, these steels are also being irradiated in fast reactors, where little helium is formed. The present fast-reactor results indicate that it is feasible to use the nickel-doped ferritic steels to study helium effects.
Impedance analysis of extremely low-profile antennas using metamaterial substrates

Low-profile antennas are desirable in personal communications due to attractive features such as low cost, light weight, conformability, and ease of integration. A major challenge in low-profile antenna design is the trade off between the (reduced) antenna profile and performance. This trade-off can be ameliorated by loading the antennas with properly designed metamaterials. In this paper, we explore the use of a new anisotropic metamaterial as antenna substrate and examine its effect on the input impedance of two types of low-profile antennas. We have shown that height reduction can be achieved without significant change on the antenna input impedance.
The genetic structure of a tribal population, the Yanomama Indians. XV. Patterns inferred by autocorrelation analysis.

Fifteen allele frequencies have previously been determined for 50 villages of the Yanomama, an Amerindian tribe from southern Venezuela and northern Brazil. These frequencies were subjected to spatial autocorrelation analysis to investigate their population structure. There are significant spatial patterns for most allele frequencies. Clinal patterns, investigated by one-dimensional and directional spatial correlograms, were relatively few in number and were moderate in strength. Overall, however, there is a marked decline in genetic similarity with geographic distance. The results are compatible with a hierarchic population structure superimposed on the geography, and generated by a stochastic fission-fusion model of village propagation, followed by localized gene flow. Strong temporal autocorrelations of allele frequencies based on linguistic-historical distances representing time since divergence were also found. There appears to be a stronger relation between geography and linguistic-historical hierarchic subdivisions than between either feature and genetic distances. These findings confirm by different approaches the results of earlier analyses concerning the important roles of both stochastic and social factors in determining village allele frequencies and the occurrence within this tribe of some allele frequency clines most likely due to the operation of chance historical processes.
Hindu and Christian Creationism: “Transposed Passages” in the Geological Book of Life

Antievolution arguments of Christian and Hindu creationists often critique Darwin s metaphor of the geological record as an ill-preserved book of life, while highlighting the problem of anomalous fossils. For instance, Bible-based young-Earth creationists point to anomalous humanlike prints alongside authenticated dinosaur tracks to argue for the creation of all life some few thousand years ago. But Vedic-based ancient-hominid creationists view the same sort of evidence as indicating the existence of all species, including the hominids, billions of years ago. I examine the roots of this Hindu Vedic creationism and its recent elaboration among scientifically minded members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Similarities in the methods and rhetorical strategies of the two creationist groups are considered, as well as the underlying motives that have brought together such otherwise disparate religious worldviews.
Template-Directed Preparation of Macroporous Polymers with Oriented and Crystalline Arrays of Voids

The fabrication of polymeric materials with ordered submicron-sized void structures is potentially valuable for many separation technologies as well as for emerging optical applications. This paper reports the preparation of macroporous polymer membranes with regular voids and the characterization of their diffractive optical properties. These materials are made using a colloidal crystal template of silica microspheres; the air between the spheres can be replaced by monomers that can be subsequently polymerized. The use of silica microspheres as templates makes it possible to employ chemical rather than thermal methods for template removal. For this reason, polymers as diverse as polyurethane and polystyrene can be used to create free- standing macroporous films, with thickness ranging from 0.5 to 50 Im. Scanning electron microscopy of these samples indicates a well-formed porous structure consisting of voids ranging in diameter from 200 to 400 nm. These large cavities are not isolated, but rather interconnected by a network of monodisperse smaller pores (d ) 50-130 nm) whose size can be controlled by varying the polymerization temperature. These membranes exhibit striking optical properties due to the periodic arrangement of air spheres in the polymer medium. Normal-incidence transmission measurements of these samples are compared to a theoretical model based on a scalar wave approximation. This model assumes an ordered structure of close-packed, three-dimensional air spheres. The good agreement between theory and experiment provides additional evidence of the long-range order of these samples.
Will IEEE 802.15.4 make ubiquitous networking a reality?: a discussion on a potential low power, low bit rate standard

The new IEEE standard 802.15.4 shows promise to bring ubiquitous networking into our lives, at least technically. Unlike other standards targeting high- or moderate-data-rate applications, IEEE 802.15.4 is a global standard designed for low-data-rate, low power consumption, and low-cost applications. This so-called enabling standard brings many simple, originally standalone devices into networks, and thus not only open the door to an enormous number of new applications, but also add values to many other existing applications. In this article we first present a few application scenarios to show the potential extent to which the new standard can affect our lives, and then give an overview of the standard, focusing on its feasibility and functions in establishing ubiquitous networks. We also outline some quantitative results from our experiments so as to have a better view of the standard.
In Vitro Import of the Rieske Iron-Sulfur Protein by Trypanosome Mitochondria

Most of the proteins present in the mitochondrion are imported to that location from the cytosol. While this process has been studied extensively in fungal and mammalian systems, little work has been done in other eukaryotic organisms. We are particularly interested in the Trypanosoma brucei system because this organism developmentally regulates mitochondrial function during its life cycle and because one of the imported proteins lacks a conventional targeting sequence. We report here the development of an in vitro import system using crude trypanosome mitochondria and a nuclear encoded, mitochondrial protein. Import of the Rieske iron-sulfur protein subunit of the cytochrome c reductase complex requires a membrane potential, ATP, and a protein component on the mitochondrial surface. The precursor protein is sequentially processed to the mature form in two steps by peptidases that require divalent metal ions for activity. As in other eukaryotic systems, the first processing event occurs inside the inner membrane and is probably catalyzed by a matrix-processing protease. Surprisingly, the second processing activity is located outside the inner membrane. Both processing steps require ATP but are independent of a membrane potential. We suggest that the trypanosome iron-sulfur protein is imported along a "conservative sorting pathway" but that the assembly mechanism of the reductase complex may be unique to trypanosomes.
Lateral inhibition neural networks for classification of simulated radar imagery

The use of neural networks for the classification of simulated inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imagery is investigated. Certain symmetries of the artificial imagery make the use of localized moments a convenient preprocessing tool for the inputs to a neural network. A database of simulated targets is obtained by warping dynamical models to representative angles and generating images with different target motions. Ordinary backward propagation (BP) and some variants of BP which incorporate lateral inhibition obtain a generalization rate of up to approximately 78% for novel data not used during training, a rate which is comparable to the level of classification accuracy that trained human observers obtained from the unprocessed simulated imagery. >
Precise Data Race Detection in a Relaxed Memory Model Using Heuristic-Based Model Checking

Most approaches to reasoning about multithreaded programs, including model checking, make the implicit assumption that the system being considered is sequentially consistent. This is, however, invalid in most modern computer architectures and results in unsound reasoning for programs that contain data races, where data races are defined by the memory model of the programming environment. We describe an extension to the model checker Java PathFinder that incorporates knowledge of the Java Memory Model to precisely detect data races in Java byte code. Our tool incorporates special purpose heuristic algorithms that result in shorter counterexample paths. Once data races have been eliminated from a program, Java PathFinder can be soundly employed to verify additional properties.
Teacher-written feedback: Student perceptions, teacher self-assessment, and actual teacher performance

Abstract Most research in second language (L2) writing has focused on students’ perceptions more than teachers’ self-assessment of teacher-written feedback. This study's purpose was to investigate: (1) how much local and global written feedback teachers give, (2) how their self-assessments and students’ perceptions of this feedback coordinate, and (3) how well teachers’ self-assessments match their actual performance. Teachers and students in an intensive English as a second language (ESL) program were surveyed about their perceptions of teacher-written feedback on compositions. These surveys were compared to teachers’ actual written feedback. Results indicated that teachers’ self-assessments and student perceptions of teacher-written feedback coordinated well, although students perceived receiving more feedback than teachers perceived giving. The coordination between teachers’ self-assessment and actual performance was generally not as strong, indicating that teachers may not be completely aware of the amount of local and global feedback they give on first and later drafts. Moreover, unlike what they perceived themselves doing, teachers provided more feedback on local than global issues throughout the writing process. These findings are discussed in light of how teachers’ training affected their perception (but perhaps not performance) of providing written feedback and underscore the need for examining teachers’ self-assessments of their written feedback.
A Path Analysis of a Randomized Promotora de Salud Cardiovascular Disease–Prevention Trial Among At-Risk Hispanic Adults:

This study assessed effectiveness of an educational community intervention taught by promotoras de salud in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among Hispanics using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. Model development was guided by a social ecological framework proposing CVD risk reduction through improvement of protective health behaviors, health beliefs, contextual and social factors. Participants were 328 Hispanic adults with at least one CVD risk factor. SEM analyses assessed direct and indirect effects of intervention participation on CVD risk (Framingham score) and latent variables nutrition intake and health beliefs. The model fit was adequate (root mean square error of approximation = .056 [90% confidence interval = .040, .072], comparative fit index = .967, normed fit index = .938, nonnormed fit index = .947). Intervention participation was associated with improved nutritional consumption, but not lower CVD risk. Stronger health beliefs predicted healthier nutritional habits. ...
The Role of Reference Librarians in Institutional Repositories

Purpose – This paper proposes explaining institutional repositories (IRs) and open access, discussing the relationship of open access to IRs, and examining the possible roles of reference librarians in IRs.Design/methodology/approach – Key IR and open access concepts are clarified and critiqued. New organizational roles for reference libraries are suggested that build on their current functions.Findings – The IR concept is defined, and IRs are shown to be different from scholars' personal web sites, academic department/unit archives, institutional e‐print archives, and disciplinary archives. Open access is defined and examined. While the vision of open access is clear, the implementation of the vision is less pure. Open access and IRs are not synonyms: IRs are best seen as an enabling technology for open access. Reference librarians must play a key role in IRs, and ten potential IR support activities for them are identified.Originality/value – This paper orients reference librarians, library administrator...
Variation in the realization of glottalization in normal speakers

Abstract Glottalized voice quality has been observed consistently in normal utterances in a variety of locations, including as an allophone of voiceless stops (in e.g., Hatfield, butler), in word-initial vowels at intonation phrase onsets and at pitch accents, and at the ends of utterances. In this study of American English, we examine glottalizations at phrase boundaries which are medial or final in an utterance. Tokens are characterized as examples of aperiodicity (irregular periods), creak (lowering of fundamental frequency with near-total damping), diplophonia (alternation in the shape, amplitude, or duration of successive periods) and a fourth category, glottal squeak. Findings include (a) a wide range in the rates of glottalization and in preferred acoustic characteristics across individual speakers, (b) a higher rate of glottalization on words at the ends of utterances than on words at the ends of utterance-medial intonational phrases, and (c) a higher rate of glottalization at the boundaries of full intonational phrases than at intermediate intonational phrases. These patterns will need to be accounted for in any comprehensive treatment of surface phonetic variation in speech.
The Rochester Epidemiology Project: exploiting the capabilities for population-based research in rheumatic diseases

The Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) is a patient record-based database based upon a medical records-linkage system for all residents of the Olmsted County, MN, USA. This comprehensive system includes all health-care providers of patients resident in this geographically defined region. It uniquely enables long-term population-based studies of all medical conditions occurring in this population; their incidence and prevalence; permits examination of disease risk and protective factors, health resource utilization and cost as well as translational studies in rheumatic diseases.
Equalizing Teacher Salaries: Racial and Policy Implications in a New Metropolitan Public School District.

One solution to school segregation is the organization of a metropolitan school district—but the solution brings other problems.