cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic analysis of delamination onset in linear anisotropic elastic and viscoelastic composite columns

Abstract Previously developed deterministic and stochastic combined load invariant failure criteria are used to determine the onset of delamination in elastic and viscoelastic columns. The analysis includes the effects of initial imperfections as well as offset column loads and transverse shear contributions. The delamination predictions are found to be sensitive to the magnitude of applied loads and of initial imperfections. Illustrative numerical examples are presented for elastic and viscoelastic columns with random combined failure stresses in bending, shear, compression and with normal interlaminar stresses. Probabilities of delamination onset are established for various axial loads and initial imperfections and in the viscoelastic columns additionally as a function of lifetime. Since the failure theories consider the combined effects of bending, shear, compression and normal interlaminar stresses, delamination onset is predicted at smaller axial loads than the critical buckling loads in the elastic case and at shorter viscoelastic lifetimes compared to equivalent columns with no delamination effects.
Paraneoplastic syndrome manifesting as chronic cerebellar ataxia in a child with Hodgkin disease

An 8-year-old boy had nausea and vomiting associated with nystagmus, ataxia, and dysarthria of acute onset. Three years later he had a mass in the anterior mediastinum as a result of Hodgkin disease of mixed cellularity. This association of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration with Hodgkin disease has been described in adults.
Rock in a Hard Place: Grassroots Cultural Production in the Post-Elvis Era:

The emergence of rock and roll transformed the world of popular music in the mid-1950s. It inspired many teenagers to consider making music themselves, and they invented a new cultural form, the teen rock and roll band. Drawing on my research on the first generation of grassroots bands in the post-Elvis era, I describe how the social structure and status system of schools shaped this new cultural form and why it developed as a male-dominated form of cultural production. Drawing on research on cultural capital, status attainment, and deviant subcultural involvements, I develop a framework for understanding how participation in grassroots cultural production affects life-course trajectories.
Perceptual, Oculomotor, and Neural Responses to Moving Color Plaids:

Moving plaids constructed from two achromatic gratings of identical luminance contrast are known to yield a percept of coherent pattern motion, as are plaids constructed from two identical chromatic (e.g. isoluminant red/green) gratings. To examine the interactive influences of chromatic and luminance contrast on the integration of visual motion signals, we constructed plaids with gratings that possessed both forms of contrast. We used plaids of two basic types, which differed with respect to the phase relationship between chromatic and luminance modulations (after Kooi et al, 1992 Perception 21 583-598). One plaid type ('symmetric') was made from component gratings that had identical chromatic/luminance phase relationships (e.g. both components were red-bright/green-dark modulation). The second plaid type ('asymmetric') was made from components that had complimentary phase relationships (i.e. one red-bright/green-dark grating and one green-bright/red-dark grating). Human subjects reported that the motion of symmetric plaids was perceptually coherent, while the components of asymmetric plaids failed to cohere. We also recorded eye movements elicited by both types of plaids to determine if they are similarly affected by these image cues for motion coherence. Results demonstrate that, under many conditions, eye movements elicited by perceptually coherent vs noncoherent plaids are distinguishable from one another. To reveal the neural bases of these perceptual and oculomotor phenomena, we also recorded the responses of neurons in the middle temporal visual area (area MT) of macaque visual cortex. Here we found that individual neurons exhibited differential tuning to symmetric vs asymmetric plaids. These neurophysiological results demonstrate that the neural mechanism for motion coherence is sensitive to the phase relationship between chromatic and luminance contrast, a finding which has implications for interactions between 'color' and 'motion' processing streams in the primate visual system.
SPEED OF INFORMATION PROCESSING IN ACADEMICALLY GIFTED YOUTHS AND THEIR SIBLINGS

Abstract Academically gifted children and their full siblings were compared on the Raven Matrices, and reaction time (RT) on an elementary cognitive task—the Semantic Verification Test (SVT). Significant differences between the gifted and their intellectually less gifted siblings and the significant correlation between RT and Raven scores within as well as between sibships indicate that the correlation of RT with psychometric g is not entirely attributable to shared environmental influences.
Effect of food deprivation on differential eyelid conditioning in New Zealand white and American Dutch rabbits

The effect on differential eyelid conditioning of 18 h of food deprivation was assessed on New Zealand White and American Dutch rabbits. Food deprivation did not increase the rate of acquisition of the conditioned response, nor did it increase general responsivity. Food deprivation did improve discrimination performance. The Dutch rabbits acquired the CR more rapidly than the albino rabbits and showed a greater responsivity in the conditioning situation. The albino rabbits showed superior discrimination performance.
Measuring Attitudinal Change of Boot Camp Participants

Boot camp programs have gained enormous popularity over the past several years as a means of handling criminal offenders in the community. The benefits of using boot camps for offenders is evidenced primarily in cost savings over the use of imprisonment. This study sought to examine the benefits to offenders through the degree of positive attitudinal change in offenders themselves, the program, authority figures, services within the program, and offenders' perceptions of their future. Our findings reveal that participation in a local-level program generated significant and positive attitudinal change in probationers completing the program. Suggestions for future evaluation research within boot camp programs are made.
1292 PREDICTING BIRTH WEIGHTS FROM TRACE ELEMENTS IN MATEKNAL SERUM AND AMNIOTIC FLUID

The concentrations of 22 elements (K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Pb, Ag, Zn, Fe, Cu, Rb, Ba, Al, Sr, Mg, Na, Sn, P, Ti, B, Ni, Co) were quantitatively determined in 88 pairs of maternal serum and amniotic fluid that were obtained simultaneously at 16-19 weeks gestation. The concentrations were determined by direct current plasma - atomic emission spectrophotometry (DCP-AES). A follow up of the 88 patients was made to obtain the birth weight, length and head size of their infants. Using concentrations of the element and the ratios of the element in maternal serum to that in the amniotic fluid as the independent variable, and physical parameters of the infants as the dependent variable, a set of multivariable equations was derived. The best equation (r=0.70) for predicting the birth weight was found to be: birth weight(gm) = 200 + 260, where ZS and AAF, represents concentration of Zn in maternal serum and amniotic fluid, respectively. Similarly, but to a lesser extent, the ratio of Fe in the maternal serum to Fe in the amniotic fluid accounted for 60% of the variance (r=0.60) in the birth weights. Several other equations will be presented as well.
Advancing the digital camera pipeline for mobile multimedia: Key challenges from a signal processing perspective

The ubiquity of digital color image content continues to raise consumer technological awareness and expectations, and places a greater demand than ever on algorithms that support color image acquisition for mobile devices. In this paper we consider the key signal processing challenges to advancing the digital camera pipeline for mobile multimedia, with a particular focus on advances that have the potential to enhance image quality and reduce overall cost and power consumption. We first examine key technical challenges to pipeline design presented by demands such as shrinking device footprints, increasing throughput, and enhancing color fidelity. We then describe a recently introduced analytical framework based on spatio-spectral sampling for color image acquisition, and discuss its potential implications for quality and cost improvements. We then describe a number of resolution-distortion trade-offs, in particular noise processes and crosstalk, and show via simulation how a spatio-spectral acquisition framework helps to pinpoint aspects of pipeline design that can enhance computational efficiency and performance simultaneously.
Risk of subsequent primary neoplasms developing in lung cancer patients with prior malignancies.

Abstract Background This study was performed to test the hypothesis that a history of other primary neoplasms before a lung cancer diagnosis increases the risk of subsequent malignancy. Methods Of 8363 lung cancer patients seen from 1978 to 2002, 881 (11%) had at least 1 previous nonlung primary malignancy. Charts were analyzed for the occurrence of subsequent malignancies. Results Lung cancer diagnosis in 881 patients consisted of 75% non–small cell, 12% small cell, and 13% other histologies. The median age was 66 years, with 56% male, 76% white, and 86% smokers. Of the 881 patients, 92% had no subsequent cancer (group 1), and 8% went on to experience the development of a new primary neoplasm (including lung) after their lung cancer (group 2). After adequate follow-up, the cumulative probability of developing a subsequent cancer did not differ markedly between those with and without a prior non–lung cancer diagnosis at 2 years (12% vs 10%) or 5 years (16% vs 15%). Group 1 patients had a significantly lower 1- and 5-year survival than group 2 patients (59% vs 48% and 29% vs 17%, respectively; P = .008). Although multivariate analysis suggested that stage, history of tobacco-associated neoplasm, and history of definitive surgical resection were important determinants in predicting long-term survival, a prior malignancy was not an independent risk factor in the development of subsequent malignancy. Conclusions The risk of developing a subsequent malignancy is very high in lung cancer patients with prior primary malignancies, but it is not markedly different from the risks experienced by patients with no prior malignancies.
The effect of causal diagrams on text learning

We examined the effect of studying a causal diagram on comprehension of causal relationships from an expository science text. A causal diagram is a type of visual display that explicitly represents cause-effect relationships. In Experiment 1, readers between conditions did not differ with respect to memory for main ideas, but the readers who studied the causal diagram while reading the text understood better the five causal sequences in the text even when study time was controlled. Participants in Experiment 2 studied only the causal diagram or only the text. There were no differences in memory for main ideas or the causal sequences between these groups. Results indicate that causal diagrams are not merely redundant with text and that causal diagrams affect understanding of causal relationships in the absence of a text. These findings supported the causal explication hypothesis, which states that causal diagrams improve comprehension by explicitly representing the implicit causal structure of the text in a visual format.
Spectral Flow and Multi-Centered Solutions of Supergravity

In this note I discuss how spectral flow can be used to generate asymptotically four-dimensional supergravity solutions from other solutions with the same asymptotics. This technique is particularly useful for finding and analyzing regular supergravity solutions with the same charges and asymptotics as BPS black holes and black rings. I briefly discuss some particular examples which utilize the spectral flow transformations. This is a concise summary based on [I. Bena, N. Bobev and N. P. Warner, Phys. Rev. D 77, 125025 (2008) [ arXiv:0803.1203 [hep-th] ]; I. Bena, N. Bobev, C. Ruef and N. P. Warner, arXiv:0804.4487 [hep-th] ; I. Bena, N. Bobev, C. Ruef and N. P. Warner, arXiv:0812.2942 [hep-th] ].
Late onset of EBV-driven PTLD/Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia in a patient 10 years after allogeneic stem cell transplant for AML

Late onset of EBV-driven PTLD/Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia in a patient 10 years after allogeneic stem cell transplant for AML
Attitudes toward the Market and Political Participation in the Postcommunist States

This study is part of the International Social Justice Project (ISJP), a collaborative international survey research effort, which was supported in whole or in part by each of the following organizations: the National Council for Soviet and East European Research; the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX); the National Science Foundation; the Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan; OTKA (National Scientific Research Fund; Hungary); the Economic and Social Research Council (UK); the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Germany); Institute of Social Science, Chuo University (Japan); the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs; the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; the Grant Agency of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences; Saar Poll, Limited (Estonia); the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia; the State Committee for Scientific Research (Komitet Badani Naukowych, Poland); and the Russian Federation Ministry of Labor. The principal investigators in the development of these data were as follows: Galin Gornev (Bulgaria), Petr Mat'ejiu (the Czech Republic), Andrus Saar (Estonia), Bernd Wegener (Germany), Gordon Marshall, Adam Swift and Carole Burgoyne (UK), Gy6rgy Csepeli, Antal Orkeny, Tamas Kolosi and Maria Nemenyi (Hungary), Masaru Miyano and Akihiro Ishikawa (Japan), Wil Arts and Piet Hermkens (Holland), Bogdan Cichomski and Witold Morawski (Poland), Ludmila Khakhulina and Svetlana Sydorenko (Russia), Vojko Antoncic (Slovenia), and Duane Alwin,James Kluegel and David Mason (USA). Extensive analysis of the results of this survey are provided in James R. Kluegel, David S. Mason and Bernd Wegener, eds., SocialJustice and Political Change: Public Opinion in Capitalist and Post-Communist States (Hawthorne: Aldine deGruyter Press, forthcoming).
The study of reactor physics within a unified engineering curriculum

The teaching and study of nuclear reactor physics in an engineering department of an American university is examined as far as is possible in contrast to the usual British system. The engineering department considered, namely that of the University of California at Los Angeles, has adopted a unified curriculum of studies which in most respects has the effect of making it very close to a combined department of applied physics and applied chemistry. The nature and quality of the graduated students at all three degree levels from an American university of quite high standing are compared with their British counterparts and some of the particular facets of the nature and effect of the unified curriculum are discussed.
Chapter 4. Predicting Post-Fire Erosion and Sedimentation Risk on a Landscape Scale

Summary Historic fire suppression efforts have increased the likelihood of large wildfires in much of the western U.S. Post-fire soil erosion and sedimentation risks are important concerns to resource managers. In this paper we develop and apply procedures to predict post-fire erosion and sedimentation risks on a pixel-, catchment-, and landscape-scale in central and western Colorado. Our model for predicting post-fire surface erosion risk is conceptually similar to the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). One key addition is the incorporation of a hydrophobicity risk index (HY-RISK) based on vegetation type, predicted fire severity, and soil texture. Post-fire surface erosion risk was assessed for each 90-m pixel by combining HYRISK, slope, soil erodibility, and a factor representing the likely increase in soil wetness due to removal of the vegetation. Sedimentation risk was a simple function of stream gradient. Composite surface erosion and sedimentation risk indices were calculated and compare...
Dynamics of proton transfer in 7-azaindole

Abstract The title compound has been widely investigated as a paradigm for photoinduced proton translocation, a mechanism proposed for photomutagenesis in biological systems. The time dependence of proton transfer in 7-azaindole dimers has been measured using femtosecond fluorescence gating and transient absorption techniques. The excited state reaction is found to occur with a time constant of 1.4 and 4.0 ps for the protonated and deuterated compound, respectively. The transient absorption measurements show the formation of the ground state tautomer on the timescale of the laser pulse, suggesting competing pathways leading to formation of the ground state tautomer.
Separation of mitochondria into two morphologically and biochemically distinct types.

Abstract The mitochondrial pellet obtained from rat liver by the fractionation procedure of Hogeboom et al. (5) consist of a densely packed lower layer containing mitochondria, overlaid by a loosely packed fluffy layer. By repeated washing and resedimentation the fluffy layer material has been separated from the mitochondria of the dense pellet and from the microsomes. This isolated fluffy layer material consists almost exclusively of particles which are distinctly different from the mitochondria of the dense layer and the microsomes. They are somewhat smaller than the mitochondria of the dense layer, but their similarity to these mitochondria in shape, osmotic behavior, and succinoxidase activity, suggests that they are mitochondrial in nature, and we have therefore called them “small mitochondria”. However, in contrast to the large mitochondria, which have an extremely low PNA to proteinnitrogen ratio (less than 10 per cent of that of the microsomes), the small mitochondria have a ratio more than 80 per cent of that of the microsomes. Their alkaline phosphatase activity is approximately twice that of the large mitochondria or microsomes, but their phospholipid content is intermediate. Large and small mitochondria, apparently similar to those of rat liver, have been obtained from a number of tissues.
Treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis with intramuscular alefacept

Alefacept is a dimeric fusion protein that consists of the extracellular CD2–binding portion of human lymphocyte function–associated antigen-3, which is linked to the Fc segment of human IgG 1 . 1 Alefacept inhibits T-cell activation and proliferation, and induces apoptosis of memory-effector (CD45RO + ) T cells in vitro, 2 limiting the inflammatory and uncontrolled keratinocyte proliferation seen in psoriatic lesions. Alefacept is the first biologic approved in the United States for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. This report describes the use of alefacept in 2 patients with extensive and recalcitrant palmoplantar psoriasis who achieved significant improvements on alefacept therapy.
The role of aqueous interfaces in the cell.

Abstract The cell is rich with biopolymeric surfaces. Yet, the role of these surfaces and attendant surface–water interfaces has received little attention among biologists, most of whom consider water as a neutral carrier. This review aims to begin bridging the gap between biology and interface science—to show that a surface-oriented approach has power to bring fresh insights into an otherwise impenetrably complex maze. In this approach the cell is treated as a polymer gel. If the cell is a gel, then a logical approach to the understanding of cell function is through an understanding of gel function. Great strides have been made recently in understanding the principles of polymer-gel dynamics, and particularly the role of the polymer–water interface. It has become clear that a central mechanism in biology is the phase-transition—a major structural change prompted by a subtle change of environment. Phase-transitions are capable of doing work and such work could be responsible for much of the work of the cell. Here, we pursue this approach. We set up a polymer-gel-based foundation for cell behavior, and explore the extent to which this foundation explains how the cell achieves its everyday tasks.
Spatial decision support for assisted housing mobility counseling

This paper presents a prototype spatial decision support system (SDSS) that enables clients in the Housing Choice Voucher Program to make better decisions about neighborhoods in which to search for housing and specific units to evaluate for occupancy. Application requirements are based on field research establishing limitations of housing counselors to provide detailed assistance to clients, and the capability of clients to use a spatial decision support system. Decision opportunities are identified using value-focused thinking and spatial analysis. Specific destination alternatives are ranked using a destination choice algorithm based on multicriteria decision models that incorporates alternative relocation strategies.
Investigation of mistuning effects on cascade flutter using a coupled method

Effects of frequency mistuning on cascade flutter are studied using a computational method with coupled structural dynamics and aerodynamics. An implicit finite-volume scheme of second-order accuracy is used to solve the unsteady Euler equations. The structural equations with bending and torsional degrees of freedom for a rigid blade profile are integrated in time simultaneously with the flow equations. Investigations are performed on flutter of a turbine cascade in bending motion and with alternate mistuning of the structural eigenfrequency. Previous work by an uncoupled method shows a beneficial effect of alternating frequency mistuning on flutter stability. This paper shows that fluid-structure interaction tends to decrease the effective amount of mistuning. There exists a minimum amount of mistuning required to stabilize the cascade. The same qualitative behavior is shown to exist with a compressor cascade.
Normal and pathologic features of the limbus spiralis and its functional significance

Abstract The normal and pathologic morphology of the limbus spiralis was studied by light and electron microscopy. Beneath the interdental cells are stellate, mesothelial, osmiophilic, and light types of fibrocytes. Morphologic evidence suggests that the stellate type cells occupying the main body of the limbus are actively engaged in the recycling of ground substance. The loosely interwoven mesothelial cells (dark cells) continuous with those of Reissner's membrane may participate in the secretion and maintenance of perilymph. Below this superficial cell lining are the osmiophilic and light cells, which appear to serve as a partial barrier to the exchange of substances between the scala vestibuli and the limbus proper. The collective data from experiments on vascular occlusion, drug toxicity, acoustic trauma, and perilymph and endolymph fistulae indicate that these connective tissue cells, particularly the stellate type of cells, are highly susceptible to injury. The lesions are often total or nonexistents, and are common in the basal and apical turns. When the lesion is small, the region adjacent to the inner sulcus cells is most frequently affected. In severe lesions, the adjacent interdental cells and sensory cells often remain normal. When the organ of Corti is concomitantly affected, the outer hair cells are usually missing. A common factor associated with limbus cell atrophy appears to be changes in ground substance due to the contamination of perilymph. Another factor associated with fluid contamination is the permanent or temporary cessation of blood flow to the limbus capillary arcades. The limbus spiralis may serve as one of the most sensitive indicators of alterations in the chemical composition of perilymph.
Duplicate expression of biochemical gene markers in the Hawaiian silversword alliance (Madiinae:Compositae)

Abstract The plants of the Hawaiian silversword alliance area classic example of the process of adaptive radiation. The genetic basis of phenotypic variation among 23 taxa is proposed for the enzymes ADH, GA3PDH, GDH, G6PD, GOT, IDH, ME, PER, 6PGD, PGI, PGM and TPI. Dupiicate gene expression was observed for ADH, PGI, PGM and TPI, and is interpreted to be the result of polyploidy in the ancestor of the Hawaiian taxa.
Additional forebrain regions projecting to the posterior pituitary: preoptic region, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and zona incerta.

Summary Following the injection of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland of adult albino rats, scattered retrogradely labeled neurons were observed in the caudal part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (ventrally and laterally), in the median and periventricular preoptic nuclei, in the medial and lateral preoptic areas, in the zona incerta, and in the substantia innominata. Immunohistochemical studies indicate that oxytocin-containing, or a mixture of vasopressin- and oxytocin-containing neurons are present in each of these areas. These findings suggest that the cells of the magnocellular neurosecretory system are more widely distributed than has previously been reported.
Olfactory and auditory stress on mice (Mus muscuius)

The importance of olfactory and auditory stimuli in causing adrenal hypertrophy and a decreased birthrate in albino mice was investigated. The stimuli (scents and sounds) were derived from a crowded group of mice. They caused an enlargement of the adrenal glands, but failed to reduce reproductive activities. This leads one to doubt the direct simple influence of the adrenal hypertrophy on fecundity; it rather suggests that the social reinforcement and the size of a group determine to what extent behavioral changes, particularly reproductive failure, develop.
The 57Fe Mössbauer Isomer Shift in Microdoped Monoxides

Comparison of the room-temperature Mossbauer isomer shifts (I.S.) of the Fe2+ and Fe3+ daughter states of the 57 Co-microdoped monoxides MO with M = Mg, Ca, Mn, Co, Ni, or Cu have been correlated with high-pressure data for M = Co and α-Fe2O3. Any empirical relationship relating the I.S. to the mean iron valence relative to 10-8 sec that is applicable to iron oxides with a large iron-atom concentration needs to modified for microdoped samples where the Co-O bond length does not have its normal equilibrium value and the counter cations introduce an inductive effect. A nearly linear dependence of the I.S. on bond length is found for bond lengths near their normal value: d(I.S.)/d(Co-O) ≈ 1.08 (mm/sec)/A for the 57Fe2+ daughter and 0.83 (mm/sec)/A for the 57Fe3+ daughter. Covalent Fe-O σ-bonding is increased—and hence, the I.S. is decreased—either by bending of the 180° Fe-O-Fe bond from 180° toward 90° or by introducing more electropositive counter cations M in the 180° Fe-O-M bonds. Application to 57Co microdoped copper oxides indicates that the Co3+/2+ redox couple tends to lie in the narrow energy range between the Cu2+/+ and Cu3+/2+ redox couples.
A school-based application of modified habit reversal for Tourette syndrome via a translator: a case study.

A school-based modified habit reversal intervention was utilized with an adolescent diagnosed with Tourette syndrome who recently immigrated from Mexico. Because the student possessed little proficiency of the English language, an interpreterwas needed to help implement the procedure. The frequency of motor tics markedly decreased from baseline to intervention across classroom settings. Results of two follow-up phases revealed that motor tic levels remained below those observed in the baseline phase. Implications and limitations of these findings are noted.
The multitalented microbial sensory rhodopsins

Sensory rhodopsins are photoactive, membrane-embedded seven-transmembrane helix receptors that use retinal as a chromophore. They are widespread in the microbial world in each of the three domains of life: Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya. A striking characteristic of these photoreceptors is their different modes of signaling in different organisms, including interaction with other membrane proteins, interaction with cytoplasmic transducers and light-controlled Ca 2+ channel activity. More than two decades since the discovery of the first sensory rhodopsins in the archaeon Halobacterium salinarum , genome projects have revealed a widespread presence of homologous photosensors. New work on cyanobacteria, algae, fungi and marine proteobacteria is revealing how evolution has modified the common design of these proteins to produce a remarkably rich diversity in their signaling biochemistry.
Dephasing dynamics in confined myoglobin

Confinement of a solution can slow solvent dynamics and in turn influence the reactivity and structure of the solute. Encapsulating a protein in an aqueous pore affects its binding properties, stability to degradation, interconversion between conformational states, and energy relaxation. We perform molecular dynamics simulations of H64V-CO mutant myoglobin solvated by varying amounts of liquid water, and in turn enclosed by a matrix of immobilized solvent, to mimic differing degrees of confinement of H64V-CO in a glass. We calculate the three-pulse vibrational echo signal of the CO ligand from the autocorrelation function of fluctuations in the CO vibrational frequency. When the first solvation layer alone is free to relax, the correlation function displays only fast relaxation reminiscent of the case of a protein in a fixed, immobilized solvent matrix. However the vibrational echo signal in this case decays significantly more rapidly than for a static solvent. With two solvation layers mobile, the correlation function displays long time relaxation characteristic of the unconfined protein and the echo signal decays rapidly. The echo signal of the protein with two mobile solvation layers is nearly identical to that of the unconfined protein, despite the substantially constrained solvent dynamics in the confined case.
Local exchange competition and the Telecommunications Act of 1996

Abstract The Telecommunications Act of 1996 is intended as a comprehensive national policy for local exchange competition. Capital market data for nineteen carriers beginning one year prior to the enactment of the Act and ending one year after the FCC’s implementation orders, provide mixed evidence that the Act has had its intended effect: the Act produced no excess returns, positive or negative, for the ILECs; it produced slightly positive excess returns for the CLECs, totalling 1.2 percent of their market value, and slightly negative excess returns for the IXCs, totalling 0.6 percent of their market value. These results are consistent with the frequent claim that the ILECs’ acted to protect their local markets. In all cases these are relatively small effects, not an indication of a major restructuring of local exchange competition.
Controlled delivery of Gd-containing liposomes to lymph nodes: surface modification may enhance MRI contrast properties

Surface modification of liposomes containing Gd-diethylenetriaminepentaacetyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (Gd-DTPA-PE) as an amphiphilic paramagnetic label influences their contrast properties as MRI agents. Liposomes with the mean diameter ca. 220 nm and 10% mol content of Gd-DTPA-PE were modified with dextran (molecular weight 6 kDa) or polyethyleneglycol (PEG, molecular weight 5 kDa). The preparations obtained were used for MR visualization of axillary and subscapular lymph nodes after SC injection into rabbit's paw. Dextran-modified liposomes were found to have limited or no effect on lymph node/muscle MR signal intensity ratio during the first 2 h after the administration when compared to nonmodified plain liposomes, whereas the liposomes modified with PEG demonstrated a 3-3.5-fold enhancement of lymph node signal. However, the partial biodistribution studies with the 111In-labeled liposomes revealed that PEG-modified vesicles accumulated in the axillary lymph node at half the amount comparing with nonmodified and dextran-modified liposomes. The phenomenon found might be explained by noticeably increased relaxivity of PEG-modified Gd-liposomes.
Simulation-Based Education Improves Quality of Care During Cardiac Arrest Team Responses at an Academic Teaching Hospital: A Case-Control Study

Background Simulation technology is widely used in medical education. Linking educational outcomes achieved in a controlled environment to patient care improvement is a constant challenge. Methods This was a retrospective case-control study of cardiac arrest team responses from January to June 2004 at a university-affiliated internal medicine residency program. Medical records of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) events were reviewed to assess adherence to ACLS response quality indicators based on American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. All residents received traditional ACLS education. Second-year residents (simulator-trained group) also attended an educational program featuring the deliberate practice of ACLS scenarios using a human patient simulator. Third-year residents (traditionally trained group) were not trained on the simulator. During the study period, both simulator-trained and traditionally trained residents responded to ACLS events. We evaluated the effects of simulation training on the quality of the ACLS care provided. Results Simulator-trained residents showed significantly higher adherence to AHA standards (mean correct responses, 68%; SD, 20%) vs traditionally trained residents (mean correct responses, 44%; SD, 20%; p = 0.001). The odds ratio for an adherent ACLS response was 7.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 28.6) for simulator-trained residents compared to traditionally trained residents after controlling for patient age, ventilator, and telemetry status. Conclusions A simulation-based educational program significantly improved the quality of care provided by residents during actual ACLS events. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that simulation can be a useful adjunct to traditional methods of procedural training.
Polariton squeezing: theory and proposed experiment

The authors have shown that excitonic polaritons are two-mode intrinsically squeezed states of certain bosons Acontained in . They give the wavevector (frequency) dependence of the squeezing factor. They predict the fluctuations in time of the polariton wave probability density distribution and they calculate the time interval during which squeezing occurs. For experimental detection of polariton squeezing they extend a proposal of B Yurke, see Phys. Rev. Lett., vol.60, p.2476, eqn.6 (1988) by showing that via frequency tuning the vanishing of the particle-polariton scattering cross section can be achieved. They illustrate some results for the case of CdS.
p Domain Estimation of Elastic Parameters In VTI Media

A method is presented to compute the elastic parameters of a homogeneous medium that is transversely isotropic with a vertical axis of symmetry (VTI). The method requires an initial estimate of the parameters and, using a process similar to common focus point (CFP) analysis, arrives at a set of differential time shifts (DTS). That is, the recorded wavefield, and models of the sources, are propagated to a CFP using extrapolation operators parameterized with vertical slowness q a function of the initial elastic parameters. Cross correlation of the propagated wavefields resolves an angle dependant reflectivity estimate (data along zero lag are used in imaging). When the initial parameters are not correct, the specular reflection corresponding to the CFP will not perfectly align at zero lag, and if the medium is homogeneous VTI, the DTS will appear as a symmetric curve over negative and positive offsets. In the τ p (Radon) domain, the DTS relate error in q to horizontal slowness p—delay-time error as a function of phase angle. Series expansion is used to linearize q with respect to error in the elastic parameters ∆α, ∆e and ∆δ. Least-squares inversion yields ∆α, ∆e and ∆δ for use in updating the initial estimate. Comparison with the exact q for an anisotropic shale shows the linear expression is most sensitive to error in the initial α, followed by δ and is least sensitive to error in e.
Ecological and evolutionary dynamics of fig communities

I review the status of five topics in fig research: pollen-vector versus seed production, flowering phenology and wasp population dynamics, monoecy versus dioecy, parasite pressure, and fig wasp behavior. I raise several new questions based on recent research on two components of fig reproduction: pollen-donation (male) and seed-production (female) success. I focus on how these two components of reproductive success depend on the flowering phenology of the figs and the population dynamics of the pollinator wasps.
Mental Illness, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Medicaid Expenditures

Abstract Wei W, Sambamoorthi U, Crystal S, Findley PA. Mental illness, traumatic brain injury, and Medicaid expenditures. Objective To estimate the rates of mental illness among Medicaid beneficiaries with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and associated Medicaid-paid expenditures. Design Retrospective claims-based calendar year data. Setting Claims data. Participants Medicaid recipients with diagnosed TBI and mental illness who received Medicaid services in 4 states in 1995. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures Annual expenditures for total, inpatient, and noninpatient services, as derived from Medicaid personal summary files. Mental illness and TBI were identified by using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision , Clinical Modification codes recorded in Medicaid claims. Results Of a total of 493,663 Medicaid recipients, 3641 (0.7%) were diagnosed with TBI in the 4 states. Significant demographic and racial differences were found in the rates of TBI; 18% of patients with TBI were diagnosed with serious mental illness. People with TBI in the age group 40 to 49 years were more likely to have a mental disorder. There were significant differences in estimated total, inpatient, and noninpatient expenditures between those with and without mental illness. In general, those with serious mental illness had higher Medicaid-paid expenditures than those without any mental illness. Conclusions Psychiatric comorbidity in TBI increases the overall expenditures in this population. This increased cost is an important consideration in programming for those with TBI.
An analysis of the saving behaviour of a group of colombian artisan entrepreneurs

Abstract This study shows that an important low income, Colombian subgroup - the artisan - has high and rising marginal saving rates. This unexpectedly high saving behaviour is explained by ‘own’ investment opportunities of the artisans and high rates of return on simple capital equipment inventories and educational services. By contrast, the normal low income worker has little opportunity for ‘own’ investment while the rate of return on bank savings is frequently even less than the rate of inflation. Saving in this study referred to cash and financial savings, but also to inventories, equipment, and educational expenditures.
A Focused In Situ Hybridization Screen Identifies Candidate Transcriptional Regulators of Thymic Epithelial Cell Development and Function

Background Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are necessary for normal T cell development. Currently, one transcription factor, Foxn1 is known to be necessary for the progression of fetal TEC differentiation. However, some aspects of fetal TEC differentiation occur in Foxn1 mutants, suggesting the existence of additional transcriptional regulators of TEC differentiation. The goal of this study was to identify some of the additional candidate transcription factors that may be involved in the specification and/or differentiation of TECs during fetal development. Methodology/Principal Findings We identified candidate fetal TEC transcriptional regulators via data and text mining. From our data mining we selected the transcription factors Foxg1, Isl1, Gata3, Nkx2-5, Nkx2-6 and Sox2 for further studies. Whole mount in situ hybridizations confirmed the expression of these transcription factors within subdomains of the third pharyngeal pouch from E9.5–E10.5. By E11.5 days Foxg1 and Isl1 transcripts were the only mRNAs from this group of genes detected exclusively within the thymus domain of the third pouch. Based on this initial in situ hybridization analysis, we focused on defining the expression of Foxg1 and Isl1 during multiple stages of thymus development and TEC differentiation. We found that Foxg1 and Isl1 are specifically expressed in differentiating TECs during fetal and postnatal stages of thymus development. In addition, we found differential expression of Islet1 and Foxn1 within the fetal and postnatal TEC population. Conclusions/Significance Our studies have identified two developmental transcription factors that are excellent candidate regulators of thymic epithelial cell specification and differentiation during fetal development. Our results suggest that Foxg1 and Isl1 may play a role in the regulation of TEC differentiation during fetal and postnatal stages. Our results also demonstrate heterogeneity of TECs marked by the differential expression of transcription factors, potentially providing new insights into the regulation of TEC differentiation.
Analysis of carboxyl content in oxidized celluloses by solid-state 13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy

A noninvasive method to determine the carboxyl content in oxidized celluloses, using solid-state carbon-13 cross-polarization-magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP/MAS NMR) spectroscopy, has been developed. Standard samples containing 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20% carboxyl content were prepared by mixing appropriate amounts of powdered cellulose, a non-oxidized cellulose standard prepared from cotton linter by ball-milling for 96 h, and a commercial oxidized cellulose sample that had a 20% carboxyl content. Standard curves were constructed by plotting the percent carboxyl content against the peak area at 171 ppm, normalized with (i) a peak area at 104 ppm and (ii) the sum of peak areas at 171, 62, and 65 ppm. The regression analysis of the curves yielded a linear relationship with correlation coefficient (R2) values of 0.9868 and 0.9863, respectively. To validate the methods, five new samples of oxidized cellulose were prepared and analyzed. The values obtained were comparable to those determined by the calcium acetate method described in the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), indicating that the solid-state 13C CP/MAS NMR can be used to analyze carboxyl content in oxidized celluloses.
Frequency- and time-hop coded signals for use in radar and sonar systems and multiple access communications systems

In the paper we review the use of multi-user radar and sonar as well as spread spectrum multiple access communications. In order to solve most of these problems we study the various families of frequency hop codes and discuss their mutual auto- and cross-ambiguity functions showing the trade-offs in design. The hyperbolic congruence code family is shown to be the optimum compromise between auto- and cross-ambiguity function properties. A bound on the size of ambiguity sidelobes, is shown and the additional trade-offs between good sidelobe behavior and good mainlobe behavior is discussed. New families of time-hop codes such as optical orthogonal codes are derived from the frequency-hop families. >
Quick on-chip self- and mutual-inductance screen

In this paper, based on simulations of top-level interconnects and CMOS devices of industrial 0.18 /spl mu/m technology, the rules to screen out those inductive interconnects requiring more accurate RLC considerations, and the victim wires potentially having significant inductive noises are developed. The presented criteria constitute a tighter self-inductance screening rule than those found in previously published work. The 2/spl times/mutual inductance screening rule is presented and verified. The differences in on-chip inductance consideration, the significant frequency of a trapezoidal pulse, and the circuit modeling of on-chip inductance are also discussed.
Short-term forest management effects on a long-lived ectotherm.

Timber harvesting has been shown to have both positive and negative effects on forest dwelling species. We examined the immediate effects of timber harvests (clearcuts and group selection openings) on ectotherm behavior, using the eastern box turtle as a model. We monitored the movement and thermal ecology of 50 adult box turtles using radiotelemetry from May–October for two years prior to, and two years following scheduled timber harvests in the Central Hardwoods Region of the U.S. Annual home ranges (7.45 ha, 100% MCP) did not differ in any year or in response to timber harvests, but were 33% larger than previous estimates (range 0.47–187.67 ha). Distance of daily movements decreased post-harvest (from 22 m61.2 m to 15 m60.9 m) whereas thermal optima increased (from 2361u Ct o 2561uC). Microclimatic conditions varied by habitat type, but monthly average temperatures were warmer in harvested areas by as much as 13uC. Animals that used harvest openings were exposed to extreme monthly average temperatures (,40uC). As a result, the animals made shorter and more frequent movements in and out of the harvest areas while maintaining 9% higher body temperatures. This experimental design coupled with radiotelemetry and behavioral observation of a wild ectotherm population prior to and in response to anthropogenic habitat alteration is the first of its kind. Our results indicate that even in a relatively contiguous forested landscape with small-scale timber harvests, there are local effects on the thermal ecology of ectotherms. Ultimately, the results of this research can benefit the conservation and management of temperature-dependent species by informing effects of timber management across landscapes amid changing climates.
Specification of secure distributed collaboration systems

The focus of this paper is on a specification model for defining security and coordination policies for distributed collaboration and workflow systems. This work is motivated by the objective to build distributed collaboration systems from their high level specifications. We identify here unique requirements for secure collaboration, specifically role admission and activation constraints, separation of duties, dynamic access control, and a model for multiuser participation in a role. We present a role-based model for specifying coordination and dynamic security requirements in collaboration systems. It also supports hierarchical structuring of a large collaboration environment using the concept of activities, which define a naming scope and a protection domain to specify security and coordination policies. We have implemented this specification model in XML and used it to construct the runtime environments for distributed collaboration systems using a policy based middleware.