cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of commercial landscaping mulch for possible contamination from CCA.

Wood treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is found in construction and demolition (C&D) debris, and a common use for wood recycled from C&D debris is the production of mulch. Given the high metals concentrations in CCA-treated wood, a small fraction of CCA-treated wood can increase the metal concentrations in the mulch above regulatory thresholds. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of contamination of CCA-treated wood in consumer landscaping mulch and to determine whether visual methods or rapid X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology can be used to identify suspect mulch. Samples were collected throughout the State of Florida (USA) and evaluated both visually and chemically. Visual analysis focused on documenting wood-chip size distribution, whether the samples were artificially colored, and whether they contained plywood chips which is an indication that the sample was, in part, made from recycled C&D wood. Chemical analysis included measurements of total recoverable metals, leachable metals as per the standardized synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP), and XRF analysis. Visual identification methods, such as colorant addition or presence of plywood, were found effective to preliminarily screen suspect mulch. XRF analysis was found to be effective for identifying mulch containing higher than 75 mg/kg arsenic. For mulch samples that were not colored and did not contain evidence of C&D wood, none exceeded leachable metal concentrations of 50 μg/L and only 3% exceeded 10 mg/kg for recoverable metals. The majority of the colored mulch made from recycled C&D wood contained from 1% to 5% CCA-treated wood (15% maximum fraction) resulting in leachable metals in excess of 50 μg/L and total recoverable metals in excess of 10 mg/kg. The maximum arsenic concentration measured in the mulch samples evaluated was 230 mg/kg, which was above the Florida residential direct exposure regulatory guideline of 2.1 mg/kg.
Knowledge about hand shaping and knowledge about objects.

Our two experiments investigated associations between cognitive representations of objects and hand-shape categories. Hand configurations were partitioned according to prehensility and the size of the contacting surface, resulting in the classes: pinch, poke, palm, and clench. Experiment 1 elicited object names in response to configuration-name cues, provided ratings of the relevance of each configuration to a set of objects, and probed for the functions determining such relevance. Cueing with a configuration class elicited an associated object category with substantial intersubject agreement, and vice versa. Both the object categories and the functions associated with the four hand-configuration classes differed substantially, although the same object could be associated to some extent with multiple configurations, given variations in function. Experiment 2 elicited the names of hand-configuration classes in response to unfamiliar forms, which varied systematically in depth and the size of the projecting...
Growth of semiconducting KTaO3 thin films

Abstract In this study, the synthesis and semiconducting properties of cation and defect-doped KTaO 3 films is reported. KTaO 3 is an important material for optoelectronic and tunable microwave applications. It is an incipient ferroelectric with a cubic structure that becomes ferroelectric when doped with Nb. While numerous studies have investigated the thin-film growth of semiconducting perovskites, little is reported about semiconducting KTaO 3 thin films. In this work, the films were grown on (1 0 0) MgO single crystal substrates using pulsed-laser deposition. Semiconducting behavior is achieved by inducing oxygen vacancies in the KTaO 3 lattice via growth in a hydrogen atmosphere. The resistivity of semiconducting KTaO 3 :Ca films was as low as 10 Ω cm, and n-type semiconducting behavior was indicated. Hall mobility and carrier concentration were 0.27 cm 2 /V s and 3.2 × 10 18 cm −3 , respectively. Crystallinity and microstructure of the KTaO 3 :Ca films were examined using X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy.
Comparison of implanted fiducial markers and self-expandable metallic stents for pancreatic image guided radiation therapy localization.

Abstract Purpose The delivery of high-quality radiation therapy to pancreatic adenocarcinoma requires accurate localization. Radiopaque implanted fiducial markers (IFM) and self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) have both been proposed as means of achieving accurate localization in image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). The suitability of IFM and SEMS for localization were evaluated in this study based on geometric and dosimetric surrogates. Methods and materials In a retrospective study of 54 patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent tumor-directed IGRT, 9 were identified as having both IFM and SEMS. For each patient, cone beam computed tomography (CT) scans from each of 6 weeks of treatment were selected for review and comparison with the simulation CT. The centroids of both the IFM and SEMS on each cone beam CT were aligned with those on the planning CT to quantify geometric differences between IFM- and SEMS-based localization. This difference was used to mark the isocenter displacement from the original IFM-localized treatment plan to evaluate the dosimetric implications of SEMS localization. IFM were used as the localization standard given their intratumoral location, and the stability of IFM was evaluated by variability of intrafiducial distance. The original treatment plan was computed on the planning CT at the isocenter shifted by the determined displacement, and dose-volume histograms were calculated for the target volume and organs at risk. Results The average displacement for SEMS localization over all fractions in all patients was 7.7 mm. Planning target volume coverage by 90% of prescription dose was significantly reduced (mean, 11.1%; range, 0.5% to −46.6%) for SEMS compared with IFM localization ( P Conclusions SEMS-based compared with IFM-based localization results in significant variability of radiation therapy localization for pancreatic cancer. IFM-based localization should be considered the standard of care for tumor-directed pancreatic cancer IGRT.
Effect of Al content on the performance of Ag/Al screen printed N-type Si solar cells

In this paper, the role of Al content in Ag/Al paste used for making screen printed contacts to B emitter is investigated. Five different Ag/Al pastes with varying Al content below <;5% Al were formulated. It is found that contact resistance decreased monotonically with the increase in Al content. In addition, a slight decrease in effective sheet resistance of boron emitter was observed for higher Al content paste, possibly due to some Al incorporation underneath the grid during contact formation. These two effects resulted in an increase in fill factor for higher Al content paste. However, increased Al content also resulted in wider grid line and lower aspect ratio, resulting in a slight decrease in Jsc and increase in grid line resistance. In addition, higher Al tends to increase emitter saturation current density (J0e) and degrade junction quality. The competition between the fill factor and Jsc led to an optimum Al content, which produced basic n-type front junction cells with an average cell efficiency of 19.8% in this study.
Vibrations of Methane in Structure I Clathrate Hydrate—an ab initio Density Functional Molecular Dynamics Study

Abstract The stretching vibrations of methane in the small and large cavity of structure I clathrate hydrate have been studied with ab initio molecular dynamics using a linear scaling pseudopotential density functional method. The vibrational density of states, obtained by Fourier transform of the atom velocity autocorrelation function, show complicated profiles caused by symmetry lowering and effects of non-vanishing electrostatic potential inside the clathrate cages. The calculated C–H stretching vibrations are lower than in the free molecule. Furthermore, the vibrational frequencies in the large cage are shifted to lower frequency with respect to the small cage. The theoretical predictions are in complete agreement with experiment. These theoretical findings, along with recent experimental measurements do not reveal local minima inside the cavities that may enhance the guest–host interactions as would have suggested by the ‘loose cage–tight cage’ Charles–Pimentel model.
SU‐FF‐T‐48: A Study of the Impact of X‐Ray Energy and Angular Distributions Produced From 6‐ and 18‐MV Medical Linear Accelerators On Non‐Target Exposures

Purpose: Recently two AAPM task groups have identified the need for more detailed data on the energy and angular distribution of bremsstrahlung X‐ray photons produced from the target of medicallinear accelerators. Previous studies had focused on primary photon beam toward the patient. On the other hand, X‐ray photons produced at large angles are responsible for neutron activations in the surrounding of the accelerator head and for the secondary radiationdose to the patient outside the treatment volume. This paper presents our effort to create a database on angular X‐ray energy and fluence distributions from a medicallinear accelerator outside the primary beam direction. Method and Materials: Parameters for a Varian Clinac 2100C operated in 6‐ and 18‐MV were modeled using the MCNPX code. Energy and 360° angular distributions of photons and electrons emanating from radiotherapy targets were determined using MCNPX. A tally sphere was placed around the target in order to characterize the full 4π emittance of these particles from the target. The tallies were binned according to energy and the directional cosine from a fixed vector pointing perpendicular to the target face. Results: Both the 6‐ and 18‐MV photon beams are mostly emitted in forward direction and are predominately in low energies. A low energy peak in the backward direction is also seen in the 6‐MV distribution. The electron distribution emanating from the target for the 6‐MV platform is highly backward directed, while the electron distribution from the 18‐MV platform is mostly low energy and has a forward and backward directed contribution. Conclusion: The results in these studies are consistent with data from previous studies. A detailed database on angular X‐ray energy and fluence distributions from medicallinear accelerator outside the primary beam direction will allow the sources of the secondary photonuclear interactions to be located and mapped.
Structural characterization of a protective epitope spanning A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza virus neuraminidase monomers

A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza A viruses predominated in the 2013–2014 USA influenza season, and although most of these viruses remain sensitive to Food and Drug Administrationapproved neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors, alternative therapies are needed. Here we show that monoclonal antibody CD6, selected for binding to the NA of the prototypic A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, A/California/07/2009, protects mice against lethal virus challenge. The crystal structure of NA in complex with CD6 Fab reveals a unique epitope, where the heavy-chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs) 1 and 2 bind one NA monomer, the light-chain CDR2 binds the neighbouring monomer, whereas HCDR3 interacts with both monomers. This 30-amino-acid epitope spans the lateral face of an NA dimer and is conserved among circulating A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. These results suggest that the large, lateral CD6 epitope may be an effective target of antibodies selected for development as therapeutic agents against circulating H1N1 influenza viruses.
The Blue Slip: A Theory of Unified and Divided Government, 1979–2009

The blue-slip policy of the Senate Judiciary Committee is a critical part of the appointment process that gives senators a say in the evaluation of federal judicial nominations. For much of its history, a blue slip could be used by senators to stop committee action on nominations originating from their home states. However, since the late 1970s there have been various modifications to the way blue slips function that have affected their stability and as a result impacted judicial confirmations. What explains the changes to blue slips after nearly twenty-five years of stability? This article provides evidence that in recent years partisan and ideological concerns have been primarily responsible for the frequent blue-slip policy alterations.
Complete basis set, the MP2 ab initio, and hybrid density functional theory evaluation of ionization potential and electron affinity for PH, PH2, PHF, PF, and PF2

Abstract A systematic study was performed on the small molecular systems built from phosphor, hydrogen and fluorine with the target being to evaluate accurately their ionization potentials and electron affinities, as well as influence fluorine on the ionization potential of phosphor as a central atom. To determine the accuracy of hybrid density functional methods for computing those energies, ionization energies for hydrogen, fluorine and phosphor were calculated and compared with the experimental and CBSQ values. To demonstrate the accuracy of this method, both the ionization potential and the electron affinity for phosphorus and fluorine atoms were calculated and compared with the experimental data. For both PF and PF2, an identical electron affinity of 0.72 eV and for PH and PHF 1.0 eV were suggested.
Direct and indirect suppression induced by anti-idiotype antibody in the inulin-bacterial levan antigenic system

Abstract Our findings on the suppression of anti-inulin [ β (2 → 1) fructosan] antibody synthesis by anti-idiotype antibodies are reviewed in this communication. Treatment with anti-idiotype antibodies leads to suppression of those B cells which can secrete antibodies bearing that idiotype ( direct suppression ). This suppression was achieved in three models: maternally induced, pretreatment of 1-day old BALB/c mice with anti-idiotype antibody and similar treatment of adult BALB/c mice. Maternally and neonatally induced suppression was more profound and longer than suppression in adults. The direct suppression appears to be largely independent of T cell influence. In addition, we report a new phenomenon ( indirect suppression ), which is the inhibition by anti-E109 idiotype antibody of an E109 − antibody response, to antigenic determinants borne on the same carrier molecule as the β (2 → 1 ) fructosan determinant. Indirect suppression provides an important model for probing aspects of the regulation of clonal expression through idiotype specific molecules.
Large-memory-based learning systems

The recent introduction of compact large capacity memories has opened up possibilities for more aggressive use of data in learning systems. Instead of using complex, global models for the data we investigate the use of well-known but modified and extended local non-parametric methods for learning. Our focus is on learning problems where a large set of data is available to the system designer. Such applications include speech recognition, character recognition and local weather prediction. The general system we present, called an Adaptive Memory, (AM) is adaptive in the sense that some part of the sample data is stored and a local non- parametric model is updated when new training data becomes available. This makes training possible throughout the usable lifetime of the system, in contrast with many popular learning algorithms like neural networks and other parametric methods that have a distinctive learning phase. In the past designers of learning systems have been reluctant to store data samples in memory because of the inherent slowness of searching and storing. However, with the advent of parallel searching algorithms and high speed large memories the AM approach is competitive with parametric methods and may ultimately exceed their performance for a large class of problems.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evidence for higher-order contributions to the stopping power of relativistic iron nuclei

Measured ranges of 600-MeV/amu Fe-56 ions in a variety of substances are shorter than predicted by the standard Bethe stopping-power theory. The ranges are consistent with values computed using high-order corrections to the Mott cross section.
The constituent quark as a topological soliton

Abstract Recently it was proposed that the constituent quark is a topological soliton. I investigate this soliton, calculating its mass, radius, magnetic moment, color magnetic moment, and spin structure function. Within the approximations used, the magnetic moments and spin structure function cannot simultaneously be made to agree with the constituent quark model. Some discussion of what to expect from better approximations is included.
Time trends and demographic differences in youth exposure to alcohol advertising on television

Abstract Objective To examine trends in youth exposure to alcohol advertising on television across different demographic groups. Methods We used television ratings data on alcohol advertisements to examine trends in exposure between September 1998 and February 2002. Further, we explored the differences in exposure across demographic groups by examining group-level alcohol ad exposure across specific networks, program types, and times of day. Results We found that boys were more exposed than girls and African-Americans are more exposed than whites. Moreover, the race differential appeared to be increasing over time, whereas the gender differential appeared to increase with age. Differences in viewing patterns across race and gender contributed to the observed differences in exposure to alcohol advertising on television. Conclusions These results provide guidance in identifying comparative vulnerabilities in exposure to alcohol advertising on television, and can aid in the development of strategies to inoculate youth against those vulnerabilities.
Comparison of acoustic emission activity in steel-reinforced and FRP-reinforced concrete beams

Abstract In order to compare the acoustic emission signature of concrete beams reinforced with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) or steel re-bars, a total of 16 203×203×1320-mm FRP-RC and steel-RC beams were tested under bending. The FRP-RC beams emitted higher activity and peak amplitude than their steel-RC counterparts. They also had lower felicity ratios, showed higher activity at each load drop, and emitted signals even during the unloading process. These characteristics were attributed to the lower stiffness, larger deflections, and brittleness of FRP re-bars, as well as their lower bond strength with concrete.
Pharmacy preceptors' views on the value and optimal frequency of quality assurance visits to advanced pharmacy practice experience sites.

Objective. To determine volunteer preceptors’ perceived value and desired frequency of quality assurance visits by experiential education faculty members. Methods. An electronic survey instrument was sent to 235 volunteer preceptors. Results. A 71.5% response rate was achieved. Nearly 90% of respondents indicated that onsite visits met their needs. Approximately 50% of respondents preferred monthly onsite visits, 17% preferred every other month, and 32% preferred once per year. Conclusions. A quality assurance program for preceptors and experiential sites that includes onsite visits from experiential education faculty members meets multiple needs of the college and the preceptors. More research is needed to determine the impact of this method of quality assurance on experiential education.
SmartNotes: Implicit Labeling of Meeting Data through User Note-Taking and Browsing

We have implemented SmartNotes, a system that automatically acquires labeled meeting data as users take notes during meetings and browse the notes afterwards. Such data can enable meeting understanding components such as topic and action item detectors to automatically improve their performance over a sequence of meetings. The SmartNotes system consists of a laptop based note taking application, and a web based note retrieval system. We shall demonstrate the functionalities of this system, and will also demonstrate the labeled data obtained during typical meetings and browsing sessions.
"Be radical-be radical-be not too damned radical!": The Origins and Resonance of Whitman's Signature Expression

Examines Whitman's fondness for "putting forth two assertions followed by a negation cutting against the grain of emphasis" and tracks the source of this pattern to Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Qveene, then suggests the larger ramifications of what Whitman called "the not-too-damned sure spirit."
Defibrillation threshold testing: Is it really necessary at the time of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator insertion?

Objectives The purpose of this study was to (1) determine how often implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) system modifications were needed to obtain an adequate safety margin for defibrillation, (2) identify how often and for what indications defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing was not performed, and (3) identify factors predicting the need for modification. Background Ventricular fibrillation (VF) typically is induced at the time of ICD insertion. Although DFT testing often is minimized, a safety margin of 10 J has been utilized as a standard of care. However, current devices offer technology such as biphasic waveforms and high outputs, and the need for testing has been questioned. Methods We reviewed the records of the last 1,139 patients undergoing initial ICD placement, generator replacement, or revision. Results Seventy-one patients (6.2%) were identified as having an unacceptably high DFT ( 1 modification. Use of a high-output device alone was not enough to obtain an adequate DFT in 48% (34/71) of patients who required modifications (3% of the total population). No arrhythmia inductions were performed in 54 patients (4.7%) because of well-defined clinical conditions. Patients who required system modification had a lower ejection fraction, were younger, were less likely to have coronary artery disease, were more likely to be undergoing upgrade/generator replacement, and were more likely to be taking amiodarone. Long-term mortality was not different between the group of patients who required modification compared with those who did not (17% vs 20%, P = NS). Conclusions Routine VF induction and documentation of effective defibrillation still remains a reasonable part of ICD placement because an inadequate safety margin may occur in >6% of patients. The incidence of patients who were inappropriate for testing based on well-defined clinical conditions is small (
The band 3 protein of the human red cell membrane: A review

Band 3 is the predominant polypeptide and the purported mediator of anion transport in the human erythrocyte membrane. Against a background of minor and apparently unrelated polypeptides of similar electrophoretic mobility, and despite apparent heterogeneity in its glycosylation, the bulk of band 3 exhibits uniform and characteristic behavior. This integral glycoprotein appears to exist as a noncovalent dimer of two approximately 93,000-dalton chains which span the membrane asymmetrically. The protein is hydrophobic in its composition and in its behavior in aqueous solution and is best solubilized and purified in detergent. It can be cleaved while membrane-bound into large, topographically defined segments. An integral, outer-surface, 38,000-dalton fragment bears most of the band 3 carbohydrate. A 17,000-dalton, hydrophobic glycopeptide fragment spans the membrane. A approximately 40,000-dalton hydrophilic segment represents the cytoplasmic domain. In vitro, glyceraldehyde 3-P dehydrogenase and aldolase bind reversibly, in a metabolie-sensitive fashion, to this cytoplasmic segment. The cytoplasmic domain also bears the amino terminus of this polypeptide, in contrast to other integral membrane proteins. Recent electron microscopic analysis suggests that the poles of the band 3 molecule can be seen by freeze-etching at the two original membrane surfaces, while freeze-fracture reveals the transmembrane disposition of band 3 dimer particles. There is strong evidence that band 3 mediates 1:1 anion exchange across the membrane through a conformational cycle while remaining fixed and asymmetrical. Its cytoplasmic pole can be variously perturbed and even excised without a significant alteration of transport function. However, digestion of the outer-surface region leads to inhibition of transport, so that both this segment and the membrane-spanning piece (which is selectively labeled by covalent inhibitors of transport) may be presumed to be involved in transport. Genetic polymorphism has been observed in the structure and immunogenicity of the band 3 polypeptide but this feature has not been related to variation in anion transport or other band 3 activities.
Stepped Switched Optical Directional Couplers With Unequal Section Lengths

Stepped switched optical directional couplers with sections of unequal lengths are studied. The switching diagrams for two- and three-section directional couplers were obtained. The concepts of "quasi-bar" or "quasi-cross" states are introduced for couplers with unequal sectional lengths. Loci tracing these quasi states and contours corresponding to different cross-talk levels are obtained. These curves are useful in estimating of the cross talk level due to fabrication errors.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Modified percutaneous needle aponeurotomy for the treatment of dupuytren’s contracture: early results and complications

Background The purpose of our study was to identify postoperative results and complications using a percutaneous approach to treat Dupuytren's contracture in a consecutive series of patients.
Collateral sensitivity to methotrexate and dichloromethotrexate of cultured lymphocytic leukemia L1210 cells resistant to 6-mercaptopurine.

AbstractCultured cell populations, derived from lymphocytic leukemia L1210 resistant to 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP; L1210/6-MP) and sensitive lymphocytic leukemia (L1210/0), were propagated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's minimum essential medium supplemented with 10% horse serum and 5 μm 2-mercaptoethanol. The population doubling times (mean ± SD) were 16.6 ± 1.9 hr (L1210/0) and 16.1 ± 1.8 hr (L1210/6-MP) between cell densities of 7 × 104 − 1.0 × 105 and 2.0 × 106 cells/ml. Cultured L1210/6-MP cell populations were significantly resistant to 6-MP (1.7 to 170 μg/ml for exposure periods of 24 or 48 hr). Cultured L1210/6-MP cell populations were also collaterally sensitive to methotrexate (0.055 to 5.5 μg/ml for an exposure period of 24 hr) or to dichloromethotrexate (1.0-100 μg/ml for an exposure period of 24 hr). The results indicate that resistance to 6-MP and collateral sensitivity to the folate analogs are properties of the L1210/6-MP cells and are independent of any host factors.
Streptozotocin-induced diabetes enhances protective effects of enalapril on nitric oxide-deficient stroke in stroke-prone rats.

Abstract Recently, we have shown that chronic administration of N-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase) precipitates stroke in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Enalapril maleate, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor was shown to delay the onset of such stroke. In the present study, five groups of 4-week-old SHRSP were used. Three groups of SHRSP were made diabetic using streptozotocin (100 mg kg i.p.). One week later, the SHRSP from groups I (non-diabetic) and III (diabetic) chronically received L-NAME (0.5 g L ) in saline as drinking water. Two SHRSP groups, II (non-diabetic) and IV (diabetic) received L-NAME (0.5 g L ) and enalapril maleate (20 mg L ) in saline as drinking water. Control SHRSP (group C; diabetic) received only saline to drink. SHRSP groups I and III developed stroke in 10 ± 2 and 11 ± 2 days, respectively. The average stroke-free period in groups II and IV was 19 ± 2 and 28 ± 2 days, respectively. Protective effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes disappeared when SHRSP drinking L-NAME and enalapril, concurrently received subcutaneous injections of insulin (2 units daily per 100g rat). Present data suggest that experimental diabetes delays the onset of L-NAME-induced stroke in SHRSP only in the absence of angiotensin converting enzyme activity. In addition, diabetes-induced enhancement of stroke-protective effect of enalapril appears to be independent of reduction in mean and systolic blood pressures.
Management of emerging technologies: experiences and lessons learned at US West

Successful management of emerging technologies is critical to the survival of business organizations today. However, given the risky and often unproven nature of these technologies, considerable confusion exists on how to manage their implementation. This paper recounts the experiences of US West Communications with their intranet project, and uses it to understand problems faced in implementing emerging technologies and ways of overcoming such problems. By providing a longitudinal view of the company's intranet experience over a period of 3 years, it identifies key organizational factors that facilitated or impeded acceptance of this emerging technology. Lessons learned at US West are used to recommend guidelines that can help practitioners implement emerging technologies in their organizations more effectively.
Effects of Charcoal on Dissociation Kinetics of Nuclear and Cytosolic Steroid-Receptor Complexes from Hen Oviduct

AbstractThe observed rate of dissociation of radioactive estradiol from nuclear estrogen-receptor complexes from hen oviduct has been shown to depend to a large extent on the method used to initiate dissociation. The present study indicates that nuclear progesterone receptors display the same pattern of behavior. Dissociation kinetics of nuclear progesterone receptor extracted from hen oviducts were affected by the method of initiation of dissociation; the rate of dissociation at 25°C when dissociation was initiated with unlabeled steroid was three times that observed when dissociation was initiated by addition of a charcoal/dextran suspension. In contrast to nuclear receptors, both estrogen and progesterone receptors prepared from cytosol displayed only a single rate of dissociation, no matter what the method of initiation of dissociation. These results strengthen the idea that nuclear receptors contain a factor or subunit which may be removed by charcoal, which alters the rate of dissociation of steroid...
Monocyte-derived CD1a+ dendritic cells generated in two different culture systems: immunophenotypic and functional comparison.

Previous studies demonstrated that CD1a+ dendritic cells (DCs) could not be prepared ex vivo without using fetal calf serum (FCS). Recently, we developed a method of using heparin to induce differentiation of human monocytes into CD1a+ DCs without using FCS. In order to determine the potential clinical applicability of heparin-induced CD1a+ DCs, we conducted this study to compare both types of CD1a+ DCs, immunophenotypically and functionally. Our results showed that the expression of CD1a on heparin-DCs was lower than that on FCS-DCs. Both types of DCs expressed similar levels of CD11c, HLA-DR, CD40, CD83, CD80 and CD86 before and after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Immature heparin-DCs and FCS-DCs had similar phagocytic activities. Heparin-DCs consistently secreted higher interleukin-10 (IL-10) and lesser IL-12 than FCS-DCs after activation. Mature heparin-DCs were slightly more active than mature FCS-DCs in stimulating the proliferation of allogeneic CD4+ T cells. Both types of mature CD1a+ DCs primed the naive CD4+ T cells to produce large amount of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). However, naive CD4+ T cells stimulated with FCS-DCs produced more IFN-gamma, while the naive CD4+ T cells stimulated with heparin-DCs produced more IL-5. The results indicate that both types of CD1a+ DCs do not have identical function in the priming of CD4+ T cells and have minor difference in immunophenotypes.
Exogenous control and dynamical reduction of echo state networks

In this paper, we demonstrate that a Q-Learning control policy with a Growing Neural Gas state space approximation is sufficient to control echo state neural networks of arbitrary dynamical complexity in a discrete time model, given sufficient input gain. We control through a single input unit fully connected to an echo state reservoir; our influence of the system is constrained to the input only - no weights are modified after the network is initialized. Our methodology is successful for both temporal and spatial control goals. However, control of increasingly complex systems requires increasing saturation of units' activation function non-linearities, which we achieve by increasing the input gain. We find that when subjected to the minimal gain needed for control goals, systems of varying levels of dynamical complexity are reduced to very similar levels. However, even in such reduced circumstances, our control framework is still advantageous or necessary to achieve performance above chance levels.
THE JEWS AND MODERN COMMUNISM: THE SOMBART THESIS RECONSIDERED

The recent reissuance of Werner Sombart's classic work on The Jews and Modern Capitalism is a welcome event-both in itself and for making available once again this significant effort to understand the relationship between religion and the economy.' But rather than simply recreate the past, it is important to evaluate the present. Specifically, we should reconsider, against the background of Sombart's understanding, the global problem of Jews and their place in a variety of social systems, particularly in the light of the rise of modern communism as a major political and economic force of our age. But before getting directly to our topic, it is worthwhile to briefly summarize just what the "Sombart thesis" actually states. For like the so-called Weber thesis concerning the relationship of Protestantism and the emergence of modern capitalism, the actual writings of Sombart are more often discussed than digested. Sombart employs a benign transvaluation of Marx's capitalism as that organization wherein regularly two distinct socio-economic groups cooperate. They are the owners of the means of production and the great body of workers who possess essentially only their labor power. The pursuit of gain is the mainspring of the system; the procedure is rationalism, planning and efficiency in the means of production. Economic activity is regulated by a cash nexus requiring exact calculations. The structure of cooperation is induced by a common appeal to the marketplace. In this context, the apparent success of the Jews under capitalism is attributed by Sombart to four factors: their dispersion over a wide area, their treatment as perennial strangers, their semi-citizenship, and their liquid wealth. But these objective circumstances are important only in the context of special Jewish characteristics: religious values are taught
The degree of epistemic justification and the conjunction fallacy

This paper describes a formal measure of epistemic justification motivated by the dual goal of cognition, which is to increase true beliefs and reduce false beliefs. From this perspective the degree of epistemic justification should not be the conditional probability of the proposition given the evidence, as it is commonly thought. It should be determined instead by the combination of the conditional probability and the prior probability. This is also true of the degree of incremental confirmation, and I argue that any measure of epistemic justification is also a measure of incremental confirmation. However, the degree of epistemic justification must meet an additional condition, and all known measures of incremental confirmation fail to meet it. I describe this additional condition as well as a measure that meets it. The paper then applies the measure to the conjunction fallacy and proposes an explanation of the fallacy.
Does self-control account for the relationship between binge drinking and alcohol-related behaviours?

Introduction Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory that there is an underlying factor accounting for all sorts of antisocial behaviour has attracted widespread theoretical and empirical attention. One of their most controversial statements is a ‘generality’ hypothesis, a notion that criminal, deviant and reckless acts are highly correlated because they are caused by individual differences in self-control. In this paper, we examine the extent to which self-control accounts for the relationship between two behaviours: binge drinking and involvement in alcohol-related behaviours, including criminal behaviour. Method Questionnaires were given to students at a southern US university. A final sample of 241 students (35% males, 91% whites, aged 17–40). One question concerned binge-drinking, 11 others related to other alcohol-related behaviour; a 24-item scale measured self-control and sex was recorded. A probit model was used to test the effect of low self-control on binge drinking and on other alcohol-related behaviours. It was found that self-control exhibits a positive effect on both. But binge drinking and other alcohol-related behaviours are correlated, so a further analysis using a bivariate probit model was undertaken using a naive model (no covariates), an unconstrained model (allowing self-control to exert a unique effect on both outcomes), and a constrained model forcing self-control to be the same for both outcomes. Results Our results suggest that while low self-control is a significant predictor of both binge drinking and alcohol-related problems, it does not fully account for the relationship between the two outcomes. In addition, separate estimation for each sex reveal a substantively different pattern of results. Discussion Further research is needed to disentangle the differences between the sexes. Situational factors, especially in males, may account for adverse alcohol-related behaviours. Other measures of self-control are also needed. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Valence-band discontinuities for abrupt (110), (100), and (111) oriented Ge-GaAs heterojunctions

Abstract Valence-band discontinuities, Δ E v , have been derived from XPS data on abrupt Ge-GaAs interfaces for five different crystallographic orientations. The Δ E v values for epitaxial Ge layers grown on (111)Ga, (100)Ga, (110), (100)As, and (111)As GaAs substrates are 0.48, 0.55, 0.56, 0.60 and 0.66 eV, respectively.
A quantitative and qualitative review of neurocognitive performance in pediatric bipolar disorder.

Abstract Bipolar disorder (BD) is an increasingly prevalent diagnosis in youth. As a result, there has been a corresponding increase in interest about neuropsychological and cognitive profiles in children and adolescents diagnosed with BD. Meta-analysis of the existing literature comparing individuals with BD to healthy controls indicated that the largest differences are observed for measures of verbal memory (d = 0.77). Moderate differences were found in the areas of attention (d = 0.62), executive functioning (d = 0.62), working memory (d = 0.60), visual memory (d = 0.51), visual perceptual skills (d = 0.48), and verbal fluency (d = 0.45). Small differences were found for measures of reading (d = 0.40), motor speed (d = 0.33), and full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) (d = 0.32). Often, few studies have provided relevant information for a particular neurocognitive domain. Despite this, several domains displayed heterogeneity of effect sizes across studies. Methodological factors explained the variance i...
ATTITUDES TOWARD TECHNOLOGY AND RELIGION AMONG COLLEGIATE UNDERGRADUATES

This study concerned the relationship between attitudes toward technology and religion among collegiate undergraduates. Attitude measures of religious ideology and technological innovations were administered to 144 education students and 198 business students. While those in education scored slightly higher than those in business on the ideology measure but lower on the technology measure, the differences were in the generally accepted small range of effect size. Views toward ideology and technological innovations were statistically independent of each other. Over-all, both groups showed positive attitudes toward traditional religious values and technology.
Teacher implementation of precorrection and praise statements in Head Start classrooms as a component of a program-wide system of positive behavior support

Although research has clearly supported the use of school-wide positive behavior support (PBS) in elementary school settings, data-based research has not been conducted to support program-wide PBS in early childhood settings. The purpose of this study was to specifically support teachers’ use of universal features of program-wide PBS and to determine whether increases in the use of positive teacher behaviors, including precorrection and praise, were functionally related to decreases in students’ problem behavior. Using a multiple baseline design, three teachers were introduced to an intervention to increase their use of precorrections and specific behavioral praise statements. A relationship was established between the three teachers’ use of key features of program-wide PBS and the reduction of students’ problem behavior in a small group setting. However, findings should be viewed as tentative and future research should explore the relative influence of each of the intervention components on preschool students’ behavior.
Pyrimethamine pharmacokinetics in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii.

Pyrimethamine pharmacokinetics were studied in 11 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients who were seropositive for exposure to Toxoplasma gondii and were taking zidovudine (AIDS Clinical Trials Group Protocol 102). Pyrimethamine was administered at 50 mg daily for 3 weeks to achieve steady state, and pharmacokinetic profiles were determined after administration of the last dose. Noncompartmental and compartmental analyses were performed. Population pharmacokinetic analysis assuming a one-compartment model yielded the following estimates: area under the 24-h concentration-time curve, 42.7 +/- 12.3 micrograms.h/ml; halflife, 139 +/- 34 h; clearance, 1.28 +/- 0.41 liters/h; volume of distribution, 246 +/- 641; and absorption rate constant, 1.5 +/- 1.3 liters/h. These values are similar to those seen in subjects without HIV infection. Pyrimethamine pharmacokinetics did not differ significantly in those subjects who were intravenous drug users. Adverse effects were noted in 73% of those initially enrolled in this study, leading to discontinuation for 38%. No association was noted between pyrimethamine levels and the incidence of adverse events. No significant differences were seen in zidovudine pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from studies performed before and during treatment with pyrimethamine. In summary, pyrimethamine exhibited pharmacokinetics in HIV-infected patients that were similar to those in non-HIV-infected subjects and it did not alter the pharmacokinetics of zidovudine in these patients.
Analysis of 100 utility SGIP PV interconnection studies

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) performed an analysis of 100 Small Generator Interconnection Procedure (SGIP) studies to identify the most common impacts from photovoltaic (PV) system interconnections of 20 MW or less and the impact mitigation costs. This report highlights the discoveries and describes the methodology used to develop the dataset of impacts. It was observed that 44% of facilities that entered the SGIP study processes identified no adverse system impacts. Interconnection topologies were strongly correlated to the presence/absence of adverse impacts. Protection impacts were the most common adverse system impact identified in the dataset.
Analytical comparison of Raman and photoluminescence enhancement by metal nanoparticles

We present a comparative study on the enhancement of photoluminescence and Raman processes by a single metal nanoparticle. Taking an analytical approach, we show the physics behind strikingly different orders of magnitude in enhancement that have been observed, provide fundamental explanation for not observing quenching of Raman process, and outline the path to optimization of both photoluminescence and Raman enhancement.
An embedded system for safe, secure and reliable execution of high consequence software

As more complex and functionally diverse requirements are placed on high consequence embedded applications, ensuring safe and secure operation requires an ultra-reliable execution environment. The selection of an embedded processor and its development environment has the most far-reaching effects on the production of the system than any other element in the design. This choice ripples through the remainder of the hardware design and profoundly affects the entire software development process. Experience indicates an object oriented (OO) methodology provides a superior development environment. However, embedded programming languages do not directly support OO techniques. Furthermore, the processors themselves do not support nor enforce an OO environment. This paper describes a system level architecture for an object aware processor targeted at high consequence embedded applications.
Demonstration of altered fibroblast contractile activity in hypertensive heart disease.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the idea that altered fibroblast contractile activity is involved in the pathogenesis of hypertensive heart disease (HHD). Methods: Cell area and contraction are quantified using the traction force microscopy technique for cardiac fibroblasts isolated from both normotensive Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. Results: The data indicate that there are marked phenotypic differences between the two cell types. For instance, WKY fibroblasts exert an average traction stress of ∼3.3 kPa and have an area of ∼2640 μm2. Under identical conditions the SHR fibroblasts have an area ∼1.45 times larger ( p <0.01) and exert an average stress ∼1.86 times higher ( p <0.01). Challenging WKY fibroblasts with 1 μmol/l angiotensin II (Ang II) gradually causes a ∼2-fold increase in traction after 1 h while simultaneously causing a ∼28% decrease in area. In contrast, Ang II has no effect on SHR fibroblasts. The data also show that WKY and SHR cells respond in different ways when challenged with irbesartan (Irb). The addition of 1 μmol/l Irb initially causes WKY cells to decrease their average traction output by ∼50% after ∼10 min. Subsequently, contractile activity begins to recover and returns to normal after 1 h. The SHR cells also decrease their tractions by ∼50%, but this decrease requires 30 min for completion and there is no recovery to the initial contractile state. For both cell types, Irb produces no significant effect on area and the combined effect of equimolar Irb and Ang II is the same as Irb alone. Conclusion: These in vitro data suggest that among the many factors producing hypertensive heart disease in SHR's are excessive contraction of their cardiac fibroblasts and defective control of fibroblast contraction by Ang II.