cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Queer habitus: bodily performance and queer ethnography in Lebanon

Based on ethnographic and theoretical material, this article focuses on the interaction of queer bodies within particular urban spaces in Beirut. By highlighting bodily performances that challenge normative behaviour in contemporary Lebanon, the article makes a case for the production of a queer habitus, which finds itself expressed in different ways that all emphasise the importance of bodily and mental dispositions of queer individuals in forming their own gender and class identities.
Specific cleavage of a recombinant murine amelogenin at the carboxy-terminal region by a proteinase fraction isolated from developing bovine tooth enamel

A proteinase fraction of 48-70-kDa was isolated from developing bovine tooth enamel by size exclusion and reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. Proteolytic activity in the HPLC fraction was visualized by enzymography using gelatin as substrate. A recombinant murine amelogenin (M179) composed of 179 amino acid residues (20 kDa) was used as a substrate to examine the specificity of the enzymes in the isolated fractions. Incubation of M179 with the proteinase fraction at 37 degrees C generated a major proteolytic product eluting at about 42% acetonitrile from the reversed-phase column. This product had an amino-terminal sequence Pro-Leu-Pro-Pro-His-Pro- in conformity with that of the M179 parent protein. These data indicated that the product resulted from the cleavage of the M179 recombinant protein in the carboxy-terminal region. Mass spectroscopic analysis of the product isolated by reversed-phase HPLC gave a molecular mass of 18.89 kDa. Given an intact amino-terminal sequence, this mass figure suggests that this product terminates at Pro168 of the M179 residue sequence. The presence of EDTA in proteolysis experiments when M179 was used as substrate inhibited production of the 18.89-kDa product. Antipain, aprotinin, leupeptin and 4,(amidinophenyl)methanesulphonyl fluoride, which are serine proteinase inhibitors, did not affect the proteolytic activity. In addition, replacement of Ca2+ with Zn2+, Mn2+ or Co2+ in the proteolysis buffer inhibited the enzymatic activity. It is concluded that the 'high molecular-weight' proteinase cleaving M179 at Pro168-Ala169 is a specific 'calcium-dependent metalloproteinase'.
The European court of justice: Supranational policy‐making

The European Court of Justice is the judicial body of the European Community and is charged with ensuring uniform interpretation of the treaties. It has truly been an activist court and has extended the reach of Community law by ‘constitutionalising’ the treaties, forcing economic integration and defining human rights that bind Community institutions. If and when greater powers devolve on the European Parliament, the Court may, however, find its activism met with less enthusiastic approval.
Considering our Pedagogical past through Textbooks: A Conversation with John M. Lannon:

Evaluation of five editions of John M. Lannon's Technical Writing (1979–1991), one of the top-selling technical writing texts available to educators today, demonstrates not only where technical com...
FTIR study of the mode of binding of the reactants on the Pd nanoparticle surface during the catalysis of the Suzuki reaction.

In the Suzuki reaction between phenylboronic acid and iodobenzene catalyzed by palladium nanoparticles, our previous studies suggested that the phenylboronic acid adsorbs on the nanoparticle surface and then interacts with the iodobenzene that is present in solution. In the present study, FTIR is used to examine the change in the vibrational frequencies of phenylboronic acid in films with and without the addition of palladium nanoparticles. The large change in the B−O stretching frequency of phenylboronic acid from 1348 to 1376 cm-1 in the presence of sodium acetate and palladium nanoparticles strongly suggests that the mode of binding of phenylboronic acid to the Pd nanoparticle surface involves a B−O−Pd type of bonding. Shifts in the B−C stretching mode and the out-of-plane phenyl C−C ring deformation bands associated with phenylboronic acid provide additional confirmations of the binding process. It is also shown that the phenylboronic acid needs to be in the deprotonated form in the presence of sodium...
Diffusion processes in the magnetopause boundary layer

A quantitative estimate is calculated for the effect of wave-particle scattering on the structure of the magnetopause boundary layer. It is assumed that large cross-B electric fields are absent in the observed penetration of magnetosheath plasma into the magnetopause boundary layer, thus allowing for cross-field transport comparable to 10% of the Bohm diffusion. It is shown that magnetosheath ions, resonant with low frequency electrostatic waves, can account for the typical boundary layer thickness when transported at 10% of the diffusion rate 1000 sq km/sec. The conditions are required to occur at all local times and under all interplanetary conditions. Significant mass and momentum transfer are then possible across the magnetopause when field merging is not occurring.
On the design and implementation of a simulator for parallel file system research

Due to the popularity and importance of Parallel File Systems (PFSs) in modern High Performance Computing (HPC) centers, PFS designs and I/O optimizations are active research topics. However, the research process is often time-consuming and faces cost and complexity challenges in deploying experiments in real HPC systems. This paper describes PFSsim, a trace-driven simulator of distributed storage systems that allows the evaluation of PFS designs, I/O schedulers, network structures, and workloads. PFSsim differentiates itself from related work in that it provides a powerful platform featuring a modular design with high flexibility in the modeling of subsystems including the network, clients, data servers and I/O schedulers. It does so by designing the simulator to capture abstractions found in common PFSs. PFSsim also exposes script-based interfaces for detailed configurations. Experiments and validation against real systems considering sub-modules and the entire simulator show that PFSsim is capable of simulating a representative PFS (PVFS2) and of modeling different I/O scheduler algorithms with good fidelity. In addition, the simulation speed is also shown to be acceptable.
Activity product constant of cryolite at 25°C and one atmosphere using selective-ion electrodes to estimate sodium and fluoride activities

Abstract The activity product constant of cryolite (Na 3 AlF 6 ) at 25°C and 1 atm total pressure was calculated from data for solutions from which synthetic cryolite or mixtures of cryolite and a solid apparently related to ralstonite had precipitated. The activities of fluoride and of sodium were estimated using specific ion electrodes. The activity of Al 3+ was calculated from aluminum concentrations using equations which involve aluminum species existing in water solutions containing fluoride and hydroxide ions. For the reaction Na 3 AlF 6 ( c ) = 3 Na ( aq ) + + Al 3+ ( aq ) + 6 E - ( aq ) the activity product constant K so is 10 −33.84 , and the standard free energy of formation at 25°C is -745.4±1.0 kcal mole −1 . This latter is identical to a value from the literature which is based on calorimetric data. Although cryolite and related minerals are easily precipitated in the laboratory, their relative scarcity in nature suggests that the effect of influences, perhaps solutes other than those occurring in the structure, may inhibit or prevent the formation of cryolite.
Transdermal Delivery of the α2-Agonist Clonidine Does Not Alter Airways Responses to Inhaled Histamine or Methacholine

Previous studies have reported that the inhalation of the α 2 -agonist clonidine decreases airways reactivity. Other studies have shown that oral doses of clonidine acutely increase airways reactivity to histamine, but not to methacholine. Recently, a transdermal clonidine delivery system (TTS) has been approved for use, and there is an increasing interest in using this system for management of postmenopausal and smoking cessation symptoms. To our knowledge, the effects of TTS on airways function in asthmatics have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine if use of TTS would alter airways reactivity. Six asymptomatic asthmatic subjects underwent a baseline methacholine challenge (M). In a double-blinded randomized crossover fashion, either a placebo or a TTS patch (TTS-1, 0.1 mg/day), was applied to the arm. Four days later, the challenge was repeated. After two to three days of washout, the alternate patch was applied, and a second challenge was performed. Several days later, a second baseline challenge was repeated. This sequence was then repeated using histamine (H). The patch was well tolerated by all subjects. There was no significant change in resting pulse or blood pressure, and for the group no change in airways reactivity to either M or H was noted. In conclusion, while use of TTS-1 does not improve airways function, its short-term use in asthmatics is not associated with an increase in airways reactivity.
High-power, low-efficiency-droop semipolar (202̄1̄) single-quantum-well blue light-emitting diodes

We demonstrate a small-area (0.1 mm2) semipolar (2021) blue (447 nm) light-emitting diode (LED) with high light output power (LOP) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) by utilizing a single 12-nm-thick InGaN quantum well. The LED had pulsed LOPs of 140, 253, 361, and 460 mW, and EQEs of 50.1, 45.3, 43.0, and 41.2%, at current densities of 100, 200, 300, and 400 A/cm2, respectively. The device showed little blue shift and had a narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM). Micro-electroluminescence (µ-EL) and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) images indicate a high-quality InGaN quantum well (QW) layer.
What is the function of receptor and membrane endocytosis at the postsynaptic neuron

This paper explores the implications of certain new developments in cell biology upon neuroscience. Until recently it was thought that neurotransmitters and neuromodulators had only one function, which was to stimulate their specific receptors at the cell surface. From here on, all activity was supposed to be effected by postsynaptic cascades. The discovery that membrane components, particularly G-protein-linked receptors, are not static but are subject to a massive and complex process of continual endocytosis, processing in the endosome system and recycling back to the external membrane, raises the question of its functional significance. In addition, it has been found that many neuromodulators such as polypeptides have their main locus of action inside the postsynaptic neuron. This review covers the role of the endocytic mechanism on receptor desensitization and resensitization, synaptic reorganization and plasticity synaptic scaling and the possible repair of oxidative damage. The possible involvement of this system in Alzheimer's disease is discussed.
Identification of ventricular tachycardia using intracardiac electrograms: a comparison of unipolar versus bipolar waveform analysis.

a bigb false-positive rate of delivery o/therapy because current detection schemes based upon ventricular rate and rate variations are excessively sensitive at the cost of specificity. Several methods bave been proposed for providing complementary information derived from morphologic analysis of intraventricuJar eJectrograms in order to increase specificity. Tbe majority of these techniques have utilized bipolar eiectrogram analysis to detect changes in ventricular activation indicative of ventricular tachycardia. Whetber bipolar or unipolar intracardiac eJectrogram analysis might be pre/erred for discriminating ventricular tachycardia from sinus rhythm has not been determined. In this study, a previously demonstrated method for identification of ventricular tacbycardia using intracardiac electrograms, correlation waveform anaJysis, was used to anaJyze both unipoJar and bipoJar signaJs during sinus rhythm and ventricuJar tacbycardia recorded during eJectrophysioJogy studies of 15 patients with inducibJe sustained monomorphic ventricuJar tacbycardia. Correlation waveform analysis consistently discriminated between all depolarizations during ventricular tachycardia in 14/15 patients (93%J using either eiectrogram configuration; 13 of tbe 14 patients were common to both groups. Of these patients, 8/15 (53%) bad greater separation between sinus rhythm and ventricuJar waveforms with bipolar eJectrogram anaJysis whiJe 7/15 [47%] bad greater separation with unipolar eJectrogram anaJysis. We concJude tbat morphoJogic analysis of unipoJar and bipoJar eJectrograms may he equaJJy effective in distinguishin g ventricuJar tacbycardia from sinus rhythm. For individuaJ patients, either a unipoJar or bipolar ventricular configuration may be preferable, and should be cbosen on a patient-specific basis during electrophysiology study prior to antitacbycardia device implantation. (PACE, Vol. 14, March 1991]
Eight years' experience with the use of a transcystic common bile duct duodenal double-lumen catheter for the treatment of choledocholithiasis

Abstract Background: We have previously reported an alternative technique for treatment of choledocholithiasis found at laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) that can be considered with selected patients. This study was undertaken to update our experience with this alternative technique, which makes serial postoperative cholangiograms possible and facilitates stone extraction by assuring access to the common bile duct so that a guidewire-assisted endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy can be performed. Methods: In the period between 1989 and 1997, prospective data were maintained on 1043 consecutive patients who underwent LC by a single surgeon. Fifty-two patients with abnormal cholangiograms were managed with a percutaneously placed double-lumen catheter threaded through the cystic duct and advanced into the duodenum. Results: Five attempts failed, 3 because of failure to pass the catheter and 2 because of catheter dislodgement. Of the 47 remaining patients, 2 underwent intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomies using this alternative technique and 45 had cholangiograms repeated at 10 to 14 days. Twenty-three had negative cholangiograms, thus avoiding further procedures or unnecessary sphincterotomies because of spontaneous stone passage or initial false-positive cholangiograms. The remaining 22 had positive cholangiograms. Eighteen ultimately underwent sphincterotomies with stone extraction using a guidewire placed through the catheter. The other 4 had negative cholangiograms after serial follow-up, presumably because of spontaneous stone passage. Conclusions: The use of a transcystic double-lumen catheter passed through the ampulla of Vater is an effective and safe alternative for the management of choledocholithiasis discovered during LC. (Surgery 1998;124:699-706.)
The Jury in Lincoln's America. By Stacy Pratt McDermott. (Athens, OH: Ohio University Press, 2012. Pp. v, 278. $54.95.)

This book is a fascinating and informative case study of the jury in the states of the antebellum Midwest, with a particular focus on the county surrounding Springfield, Illinois, where a young Abr...
Comparison of dynamic and conventional computed tomography, angiography, and ultrasonography in the staging of renal cell carcinoma

A prospective study was carried out on 22 patients to assess the diagnostic ability to stage renal cell carcinoma by computed tomography, dynamic computed tomography, arteriography, ultrasonography, and radionuclide scanning. Dynamic computed tomography remedied the most consequential diagnostic shortcomings of conventional computed tomography and proved the most sensitive, specific, and accurate technique for staging of all types of contiguous extension of renal cell carcinoma. For the identification of bone metastases, radionuclide scintiscanograms were found most accurate and cost-effective.
Cryptographic security in the internet protocol suite: Practice and proposals

Abstract In this detailed review, the author examines some key Internet protocols and how their security is being improved by the addition of cryptographic services. The article covers the intended use of these protocols, protocol structure, and their status with respect to the Internet's standardization process.
Fasting alters pulsatile and rhythmic cortisol release in normal man.

The effect of a 5-day fast on integrated, pulsatile, and periodic cortisol release was studied in 10 normal men by measuring serum cortisol concentrations every 20 min for 24 h before (day 0) and during the fifth day of fasting (day 5). Serum concentration profiles were analyzed for integrated cortisol release (area under the curve), pulsatile hormone release by an objective, statistically based pulse detection algorithm (cluster analysis), and periodic hormone release (circadian and ultradian rhythms) by Fourier expansion time series analysis. Urinary cortisol excretion per 24 h was measured in 5 men. The mean 24-h integrated serum cortisol concentration increased 1.7-fold during fasting (P = 0.0006). This increase resulted from a 2-fold increase in the serum cortisol concentrations between pulses (valley mean; P = 0.0004), an increase in the pulse height (P = 0.001), and an increase in pulse increment above baseline (P = 0.01). There were no changes in the number of pulses per 24 h, the interval between...
The Will Rogers Illusion in Judgments About Social Groups

Subjects' judgments of the mean of 12 scores were influenced by the way in which the scores were dichotomized. The estimated mean was higher when the three highest scores formed one group (e.g., payments for women) and the nine lowest formed the other (e.g., payments for men) than when the nine highest were one group and the three lowest the other. We call this phenomenon the Will Rogers Illusion (WRI). The WRI occurred only when estimates of the subgroup means were made prior to the estimates of the mean of the whole group. When the latter mean was judged first, the WRI was reversed. These and other data indicate that the means of subgroups can influence judgments of group means, a finding that is relevant to research on social stereotypes.
The diagnosis of mediastinal lymphoma by thoracotomy.

The differential diagnosis of isolated lymphadenopathy presenting as single or multiple tumors of the mediastinum found on x-ray examination of the chest may present considerable difficulty. The history, physical examination, skin sensitivity studies, bone marrow aspiration, peripheral blood examinations, and peripheral lymph node biopsies occasionally fail to establish a correct diagnosis. It has been an acceptable practice to treat such lesions empirically as lymphomas and to subject the patient to a trial of x-ray therapy.1” With subsequent decrease in size of the tumor over a period of one to two months, it was assumed that the diagnosis of lymphoma was correct and no additional studies were performed to determine the accurate histologic diagnosis. Since nonspecific lymphadenopathy, tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and Boeck’s granulomas undergo spontaneous regression, or initially respond to radiation, such diagnostic radiation should be condemned. A series of cases considered to be lymphomas was studied at the Ohio State University Health Center in an attempt to point out the fallacy of trial radiation in patients with mediastinal lesions.
175 EFFECT OF AMRINONE ON CARDIAC FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH SEVERE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE (CHF)

Amrinone (A), a newly synthesized bipyridine derivative, has been shown to exert a positive ionotropic action when administered to adults with severe CHF. There are no published data regarding its affect on children. Two children, 12 years old, fulfilled rigid criteria for inclusion in A protocol: failure to respond to conventional therapy, cardiac index (CI) 18 mHg. A was given by IV bolus 1 mg/kg and a sustaining infusion of 10 μg/kg/min, followed by oral administration of 50 and 75 mg TID respectively. Non-invasive and Swan-Ganz monitoring were utilized to establish efficacy of the drug. Maximum benefit was as follows: Both children had sustained improvement of cardiac function, though the first died of cardiomyopathy 4 days after A was begun. The second patient continues to show symptomatic and objective improvement with mild thrombocytopenia as the only adverse reaction. Limited experience with this new ionotropic agent in children with intractible CHF is encouraging.
An experimental study of shock wave/vortex interaction

The interaction of a supersonic streamwise vortices (of Mach number 2.2, 3.0, and 3.5) with a normal shock wave has been experimentally investigated, and is found to be highly unsteady. Five-hole pressure-probe and temperature measurements ahead of the interaction are used as initial conditions for an axisymmetric Navier-Stokes calculation. The numerical results supports the hypothesis that supersonic vortex breakdown is an important factor in the observed interaction flow pattern.
Gene and stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to attain and/or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. ED is a highly prevalent health problem with considerable impact on the quality of life of men and their partners. Although the treatment of ED with oral phosphodiesterase type V (PDE5) inhibitors is effective in a wide range of individuals, it is not efficacious in all patients. The failure of PDE5 inhibitors happens mainly in men with diabetes, non-nerve sparing radical prostatectomy, and high disease severity. Therefore, improved therapies based on a better understanding of the fundamental issues in erectile physiology and pathophysiology have recently been proposed. Here, we summarize studies on ED treatment using gene and stem cell therapies. Adenoviral-mediated intracavernosal transfer of therapeutic genes, such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and RhoA/Rho kinase and mesenchymal stem cell-based cell and gene therapy strategy for the treatment of age- and diabetes-related ED are the focus of this review.
THE COMPLETE ISOMORPHISM CLASS OF AN OPERATOR SPACE

Suppose X is an infinite-dimensional operator space and n is a positive integer. We prove that for every C > 0 there exists an operator space X such that the formal identity map id: X → X is a complete isomorphism, I Mn ⊗id is an isometry, and d cb (X, X) > C. This provides a non-commutative counterpart to a recent result of W. Johnson and E. Odell.
Does Active Learning Enhance Learner Outcomes? Evidence from Discussion Participation in Online Classes

Discussion is one form of active learning, which has been linked to better learner outcomes. Little is known about the relationship between active learning through discussion and learner outcome in the online environment. Here, we construct an index of active learning online that includes the number of postings a student has read, the number of direct responses a student has posted, and how many meaningful “in-depth” statements a student has made. We link this index to course grade as a proxy for learner outcome and find that active learners perform better, on average, than the less active students. We also analyze the component indicators of the index and find that the number of postings read is most closely related to course grade. This is particularly true for those students who came into the class with a lower GPA. We conclude that online courses can stimulate active learning through discussion. Furthermore, we point to the importance of measurement of active learning in any assessment effort and argu...
Evaluation of exposures to fluorocarbon 113 in a horizontal and a vertical laminar airflow clean room.

Exposures to 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane or fluorocarbon (FC) 113 were evaluated in a horizontal laminar airflow (HLAF) clean room and a vertical laminar airflow (VLAF) clean room. A full period consecutive samples measurement strategy was employed. Data were used to calculate 8-hour time-weighted averages (8-TWA) for major work groups and to characterize exposures associated with specific cleaning tasks. The MIRAN® 1B infrared analyzer was used to estimate peak concentrations. In the HLAF clean room, 8-TWAs ranged from 193 to 439 ppm; in the VLAF clean room, 8-TWAs ranged from 110 to 935 ppm. These levels were below the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit for FC 113 of 1000 ppm. Short-term sample concentrations ranged from 104 ppm (inspection) to 1080 ppm (assembly) in the HLAF clean room and 51 ppm (packaging)-3380 ppm (flushing) in the VLAF clean room. ...
Anticoagulation therapy for cardioembolic stroke prevention in the elderly: defining benefits and risks

The number of elderly patients aged 65 years and over has increased over the last 100 years owing to improvements in antisepsis, clean water/sanitation and preventive health strategies. As a result, more people are living longer than in the past and more people require healthcare at an older age. Atrial fibrillation increases with advancing age and is an independent risk factor for cardioembolic stroke. Warfarin anticoagulation has proven to be superior to antiplatelet agents in reducing stroke in high-risk atrial fibrillation patients in several trials. However, owing to potentially harmful or fatal bleeding risks, namely gastrointestinal and intracranial hemorrhage, anticoagulation remains underutilized even in patients in whom the benefit outweighs the risk. The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage during carefully managed warfarin anticoagulation is approximately 0.4–1% annually, but is higher in patients older than 85 years of age, and in patients with supratherapeutic levels of anticoagulation (i.e....
Semiparametric estimation methods for panel count data using monotone B-splines

We study semiparametric likelihood-based methods for panel count data with proportional mean model E[ℕ(t)|Z]=Λ0(t)exp(β0TZ), where Z is a vector of covariates and Λ0(t) is the baseline mean function. We propose to estimate Λ0(t) and β0 jointly with Λ0(t) approximated by monotone B-splines and to compute the estimators using generalized Rosen algorithm proposed by Jamshidian (2004). We show that the proposed spline-based likelihood estimators of Λ0(t) are consistent with a possibly better than n1/3 convergence rate if Λ0(t) is sufficiently smooth. The normality of the estimators of β0 is also established. Comparisons between the proposed estimators and their alternatives studied in Wellner and Zhang (2007) are made through simulations studies, regarding their finite sample performance and computational complexity. A real example from a bladder tumor clinical trial is used to illustrate the methods.
Autogenous osteochondral grafting for treatment of stifle osteochondrosis in dogs.

Objective— To develop and assess clinical outcomes for osteochondral autografting for treatment of stifle osteochondrosis (OC) in dogs. Study Design— Retrospective case series. Animals— Dogs with stifle OC (n=10). Methods— Osteochondral autografting was developed and optimized in canine cadavers and purpose-bred research dogs using the Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS). Dogs with stifle OC (n=10 dogs, 12 stifles) were then treated using the OATS system. Outcomes were assessed by radiography (n=12), magnetic resonance imaging (1), second-look arthroscopy (9), lameness scoring (12), and telephone survey of owners (10 clients, 12 stifles) 6–15 months after surgery. Results— Complications were documented in 4 of the 12 stifles treated and included peri-incisional seromas (3) and marked stifle effusion (1). Subjective assessment of follow-up radiographs revealed evidence of integration of the grafts with maintenance of subchondral bone surface architecture. Subjective assessment of follow-up MRI in 1 stifle revealed evidence for incorporation of grafts with restoration of articular surface contour. Second-look arthroscopy 6–30 weeks after surgery revealed maintenance of articular cartilage at the graft site. Dogs were significantly (P<.001) less lame at follow-up compared with preoperative scores. Based on follow-up owner surveys, only 2 dogs had no pain or lameness; the other dogs were judged to have mild pain and/or lameness. All owners noticed improvement in the dogs' quality of life after surgery. Conclusion— Osteochondral autografting deserves consideration and further evaluation as a primary treatment option for stifle OC in dogs. Clinical Relevance— Osteochondral autografting for treatment of lateral femoral condylar OC lesions in dogs using OATS instrumentation is safe and results in improved function and quality of life based on owners' perception 6–15 months after treatment.
Dimensions of Sexual Dysfunction in Parkinson Disease

Objective The authors sought to better understand the factors related to sexual dysfunction in Parkinson disease (PD). Methods Twenty-one PD patients and their partners received the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning-Self Report (DISF–SR). Additional measures assessed disease severity, autonomic dysfunction, mood, and social circumstance. Results Data from 17 male patients demonstrated profound impairment in the dimensions of sexual arousal, behavior, orgasm, and drive, with most patients scoring below the 1st percentile on these Derogatis Interview subscales. All four dimensions showed significant intercorrelations. In contrast, 53% of patients scored above the 50th percentile in sexual fantasy. Sexual fantasy subscale scores were positively correlated with duration of PD. Conclusions The usefulness of the DISF–SR in this PD population was limited by extremely low scores and strong correlations among the subscales. The increase in sexual fantasy with greater PD duration suggests that patients with advancing disease remain interested in sex and that sexual dysfunction in PD is clinically relevant in this group.
Density and Baire category in recursive topology

We develop the concepts of recursively nowhere dense sets and sets that are recursively of first category and study closed sets of points in light of Baire's Category Theorem. Our theorems are primarily concerned with exdomains (i. e. complements of domains) of recursive quantum functions and hence with avoidable points (i. e. points that can be forced into exdomains of recursive quantum functions). An avoidance function is a recursive function which can be used to expel avoidable points from domains of recursive quantum functions. We define an avoidable set of points to be an arbitrary subset of the avoidable points of a single avoidance function, and we study an effective union of such sets which we call a piecemeal avoidable set. We note that each of ‘the set of recursive points’ and ‘the set of avoidable points’ is of first category but not recursively of first category. We show an exdomain exists which is recursively nowhere dense, as well as one that is nowhere dense but not recursively nowhere dense. After establishing that every exdomain is recursively of first category, we prove that given any fixed exdomain, there is another exdomain, which while dense in the underlying space, is disjoint from the fixed exdomain. Finally, we show how to build a recursive sequence of recursive quantum functions that have mutually disjoint, dense exdomains. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Exact Properties of Some Exact Test Statistics for Comparing Two Binomial Proportions

Abstract Using exact unconditional distributions, we evaluated the size and power of four exact test procedures and three versions of the χ2 statistic for the two-sample binomial problem in small-to-moderate sample sizes. The exact unconditional test (Suissa and Shuster 1985) and Fisher's (1935) exact test are the only tests whose size can be guaranteed never to exceed the nominal size. Though the former is distinctly more powerful, it is also computationally difficult. We propose an alternative that approximates the exact unconditional test by computing the exact distribution of the χ2 statistic at a single point, the maximum likelihood estimate of the common success probability. This test is a modification of the test of Liddell (1978), which considered the exact distribution of the difference in the sample proportions. Our test is generally more powerful than either the exact unconditional or Liddell's test, and its true size rarely exceeds the nominal size. The uncorrected χ2 statistic is frequently a...
Prompting safety-belt use in the context of a belt-use law: the flash-for life revisited.

PROBLEM: Safety-belt use reduces motor vehicle crash-related morbidity and mortality, yet an estimated 18% of drivers do not consistently buckle up (NHTSA, 2005). In 1985, Geller and colleagues developed an interpersonal Flash-for-Life prompt that increased belt use among 22% of 1,087 unbuckled drivers (Geller, Bruff, & Nimmer, 1985). METHOD: The Flash-for-Life intervention was re-introduced at a large university with high safety-belt use (i.e., 80%). College students stood at parking-lot entrance/exits and "flashed" signs with the message, "Please Buckle Up, I Care" to unbuckled drivers. RESULTS: Of 427 unbuckled drivers observed, 30% of these complied with the prompt. Male drivers were significantly more likely to comply with prompts delivered by females. DISCUSSION: Compliance was higher than in the 1985 study, indicating a high baseline rate of safety-belt use does not negate potential beneficial influence of a prompting intervention. This intervention is particularly effective with college-aged males, a sub-group of the driving population least likely to buckle-up. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: A simple behavioral prompt could be used at most industrial complexes to increase safety-belt use among vehicle occupants who are not buckled-up. Language: en
The role of glucocorticoids in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease: An integrative physiological hypothesis

Abstract The glucocorticoid hypothesis of brain aging, which proposes that exposure of brain cells to glucocorticoids can increase brain cell loss during aging, is a physiological aging hypothesis that emphasizes interactions among systems. Thus, it fits well with the concepts advanced by Nathan Shock. The historical background of the hypothesis, the hypothesis and supporting data, and several modificatios are briefly reviewed here, as are recent mechanistic studies linking hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor activation to increased voltage-activated calcium influx. These new data suggest that some aspects of the impact of glucocorticoids on brain cells may increase rather than decrease with aging, and that some of the etiology of aging-related neurotoxicity may depend on gradually accumulating endocrine dysregulation of neuronal calcium homeostasis.
Towards the understanding of human perceptual quality in tele-immersive shared activity

ITU-T G.1070 [7] is widely cited for evaluating the subjective quality of the video conferencing, but its findings cannot be applied to the tele-immersion. The reasons are two fold. First, a tele-immersive system offers end users an unmatched realistic and immersive experience by allowing them to collaborate in the joint virtual space. Second, the human activities in the shared space are not limited to the conferencing conversation. In this paper, we conduct a user study with 19 participants to investigate the human perceptions of two tele-immersive shared activities, where media samples of different qualities are evaluated using the comparative category rating method [9] in case of each activity. We compare our subjective results to those presented in G.1070, and demonstrate heterogeneous human perceptual impacts in different activities.
Performance of Graceful Degradation for Cache Faults

In sub-90nm technologies, more frequent hard faults pose a serious burden on processor design and yield control. In addition to manufacturing-time chip repair schemes, microarchitectural techniques to make processor components resilient to hard faults become increasingly important. This paper considers defects in cache memory and studies their impact on program performance using a fault degradable cache model. We first describe how defects at the circuit level in cache manifest themselves at the microarchitecture level. We then examine several strategies for masking faults, by disabling faulty resources, such as lines, sets, ways, ports, or even the whole cache. We also propose an efficient cache set remapping scheme to recover lost performance due to failed sets. Using a new simulation tool, called CAFE, we study how the cache faults impact program performance under the various masking schemes
Postfledging Survival of Laysan Ducks

Abstract Precise and unbiased estimates of demographic parameters are necessary for effective population monitoring and to parameterize population models (e.g., population viability analyses). This is especially important for endangered species, where recovery planning and managers' decisions can influence species persistence. In this study, we used mark–recapture methods to estimate survival of fledged juveniles (hatch-yr [HY]) and adult (after-hatch-yr [AHY]) Laysan ducks (Anas laysanensis), an endangered anatid restricted to Laysan Island in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. To better understand population dynamics, we examined how survival varied as a function of Laysan duck density during 1998–2004. Using random effects models, we also quantified process variation in survival, thereby quantifying the appropriate source of variation for future population models. The dataset supported variation in survival that was time (yr), age (AHY vs. HY), and sex specific. Due to small sample sizes, we did not ex...
A universal approach for task scheduling for distributed memory multiprocessors

We present a static one-step list scheduling technique for scheduling a task graph onto a distributed memory multiprocessor taking into account the interconnection constraints and channel conflicts. We use a priority list to directly schedule nodes in a task graph onto the processor architecture. The scheme departs from conventional schedulers in its use of a "bottom-up" approach for scheduling the task graph nodes. This scheduling technique is applicable to any type of processor architecture and routing strategy. Experimental results indicate the performance advantages of the scheduler. >
For whom the bells toll: Networked circadian clocks

Circadian cycles are robust and precise biological rhythms common in unicellular and multicellular organisms. Single cells have been shown to sustain autonomous near 24-h rhythms, however, many cells and tissues appear to require cell–cell interactions to maintain periodicity. This review highlights the mechanisms and benefits of coupling circadian oscillators. We focus on how populations of circadian oscillators synchronize in a variety of biological systems and describe recent efforts to model mathematically coupling and synchrony in the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus. We conclude by discussing the effects of disrupted circadian coupling on health and behavior.
High specific activity (+)‐amphetamine and (+)‐methamphetamine

High specific activity (+)-amphetamine and (+)-methamphetamine were prepared by reductive dechlorination of (S)-(3′,5′-dichlorophenyl)-2-propylazide and (S)-2′6′-dichloromethamphetamine, respectively. While the latter was readily obtained by resolution of racemic 2′6′-dichloromethamphetamine using (+)-dibenzoyltartaric acid, the analogous amphetamine resisted all efforts to resolve it. Hence, the required chiral precursor was prepared by stereospecific total synthesis following methodology that had been previously developed in our Laboratories. The tritium labeled compounds had specific activity 30.1 Ci/mmol and 38.3 Ci/mmol, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Control of Rate and Timing of Spikes in the Deep Cerebellar Nuclei by Inhibition

Cerebellar nucleus neurons were recorded in vitro, and dynamic clamping was used to simulate inhibitory synaptic input from Purkinje cells likely to occur in vivo. Inhibitory input patterns with varying synaptic amplitudes and synchronicity were applied to determine how spike rate and spike timing can be controlled by inhibition. The excitatory input conductance was held constant to isolate the effect of dynamic inhibitory inputs on spiking. We found that the timing of individual spikes was controlled precisely by short decreases in the inhibitory conductance that were the consequence of synchronization between many inputs. The spike rate of nucleus neurons was controlled in a linear way by the rate of inhibitory inputs. The spike rate, however, also depended strongly on the amount of synchronicity present in the inhibitory inputs. An irregular spike train similar to in vivo data resulted from applied synaptic conductances when the conductance was large enough to overcome intrinsic pacemaker currents. In this situation subthreshold fluctuations in membrane potential closely followed the time course of the combined reversal potential of excitation and inhibition. This indicates that the net synaptic driving force for realistic input levels in vivo may be small and that synaptic input may operate primarily by shunting. The accurate temporal control of output spiking by inhibitory input that can be achieved in this way in the deep cerebellar nuclei may be particularly important to allow fine temporal control of movement via inhibitory output from cerebellar cortex.
Slow amplitude modulation in the pulse train of a self-mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser

Periodic pulse-train amplitude modulations have been observed in a Kerr-lens self-mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser when the size of an intracavity slit is reduced below its optimal value for stable mode locking. These transient processes are dominated by 100-500 kHz periodic pulse-energy modulations and are inherent to the Kerr-lens mode-locking mechanism based on the intensity dependent transverse-beam profile of the laser and the long gain relaxation lifetime (3.2 ps) of the Ti:sapphire rod. We observe that when the slit width is decreased from 2 mm to 1.4 mm the modulation period increases from 2 ps to 10 mu s and amplitude modulation deepens to almost 100%. An explanation similar to repetitive self-Q-switching and undamped relaxation oscillation is presented, which is consistent with the experimental results. A large low-frequency timing jitter on the order of submicroseconds, associated with the periodic pulse-train modulations, is also observed. The timing jitter is analyzed by incorporating the pulse energy modulation into the phase variation through the Kerr effect and consistent results are obtained. We have determined the cavity parameters to control these detrimental processes for stable mode-locked output. The observation of the amplitude modulation further confirms the Kerr-lens self-focusing model of self-mode locking in Ti:sapphire lasers. >
Error performance of the blind decision feedback equalizer using decorrelation

The decision feedback equalizer has the advantage of compensating for channel amplitude distortion without enhancing noise. Conventional decision feedback equalizers require a training sequence to help them adapt to unknown channel characteristics. Training sequences are not always appropriate. In such situations blind equalizers are more suitable. The blind decision feedback equalizer inherits from the conventional the advantage of not enhancing noise, while compensating for severe ISI. It is thus superior over the blind linear equalizer. On the other hand the blind decision feedback equalizer also suffers from error propagation. In this paper we study the transient behavior of the blind DFE. This is done by deriving an upper bound on the probability of error due to residual ISI and show that it vanishes for the noiseless case. We also determine lower and upper bounds on the probability of error for the additive white Gaussian noise case. The upper bound obtained is the same as that of Duttweiler, et al. (1974). Using a different approach from that of Duttweiler, et al., we derive a lower bound. This bound is tighter than tile "no ISI" lower bound. >
The Relationship Among Organizational-Based Self-Esteem and Various Factors Motivating Volunteers:

Organizational-based self-esteem (OBSE) reflects the perception individuals have of themselves as important, meaningful, effectual, and worthwhile within their organization. Employees with high OBSE participate in activities valued by their organization and in other organization-related behaviors that will benefit the organization to display organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of OBSE on the extent of voluntarism and the perceived motives behind why individuals volunteer. Using survey research, this study tested eight hypotheses and found six relating OBSE to the amount of time volunteered and the reasons for volunteering. The implications for organizations and employees are discussed.
R69-30 Automatic Question-Answering of English-Like Questions About Simple Diagrams

This paper presents a carefully described method for answering restricted natural language questions about elementary drawings. The algorithm produces as output a flow chart for a computer program which could then be used to infer the answer from a list structure representing the picture. The work described was performed while the author worked with Saul Amarel at the RCA Laboratories in Princeton, N.J. during the summer of 1965. The paper is well written, and its only major deficiency is that, in this rapidly moving field, a period of three and one-half years elapsed before it was published in the open literature.1
A Protozoon in the Central Nervous System of the Lungfish Polypterus enlicheri

SYNOPSIS. Trophozoites and what appear to be early spore forms of a parasitic protozoan present in the spinal cord of the lungfish Polypterus enlicheri are described. They are probably intra- and extracellular invaders into the anterior horn and are frequently located near capillaries. They provoke a glial response. The organisms have some myxosporidan features (7) and are tentatively classified as cnidosporidans.
Primary Cerebral Hemangiosarcoma in an Adult Labrador Retriever Dog

A 6-year-old, castrated male, Labrador Retriever dog presented to the referring veterinarian for acute onset of lethargy. Clinical examination revealed hyperesthesia of the face and blindness in the right eye. The animal died in the hospital and was submitted for postmortem examination. At postmortem examination, a dark red mass (2.0 cm x 1.8 cm x 1.6 cm) had infiltrated the right frontal lobe of the cerebrum. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of small caliber vascular channels lined by neoplastic endothelial cells. Immunohistochemical staining revealed widespread expression of CD31 and the absence of pan-cytokeratin expression in neoplastic cells. The diagnosis of primary cerebral hemangiosarcoma was made. The brain is a rare primary site for hemangiosarcoma in the dog.