cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Queering Marriage: Challenging Family Formation in the United States by Katrina Kimport

Katrina Kimport’s Queering Marriage: Challenging Family Formation in the United States focuses on San Francisco’s “Winter of Love,” a month-long period of time in 2004 during which then-mayor Gavin...
Generalized syntheses of large-pore mesoporous metal oxides with semicrystalline frameworks

Surfactants have been shown to organize silica into a variety of mesoporous forms, through the mediation of electrostatic, hydrogen-bonding, covalent and van der Waals interactions1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. This approach to mesostructured materials has been extended, with sporadic success, to non-silica oxides5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17, which might promise applications involving electron transfer or magnetic interactions. Here we report a simple and versatile procedure for the synthesis of thermally stable, ordered, large-pore (up to 140 A) mesoporous metal oxides, including TiO2, ZrO2, Al2O3, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, WO3, HfO2, SnO2, and mixed oxides SiAlO3.5, SiTiO4, ZrTiO4, Al2TiO5 and ZrW2O8. We used amphiphilic poly(alkylene oxide) block copolymers as structure-directing agents in non-aqueous solutions for organizing the network-forming metal-oxide species, for which inorganic salts serve as precursors. Whereas the pore walls of surfactant-templated mesoporous silica1 are amorphous, our mesoporous oxides contain nanocrystalline domains within relatively thick amorphous walls. We believe that these materials are formed through a mechanism that combines block copolymer self-assembly with complexation of the inorganic species.
A Model Existence Theorem for Infinitary Formulas in Metric Spaces

We prove a Model Existence Theorem for a fully infinitary logic for metric structures. This result is based on a generalization of the notions of approximate formulas and approximate truth in normed structures introduced by Henson and studied in different forms by Anderson and Fajardo & Keisler. This theorem extends Henson's Compactness Theorem for approximate truth in normed space structures to infinitary formulas.
The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating alcoholic subtypes

The usefulness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to treat alcohol dependence continues to be a subject of debate. Most recently, investigations have tried to predict whether a given patient will respond to SSRIs in terms of reducing excessive alcohol drinking. The subtyping of alcohol-dependent individuals has ranged from relatively simple classifications (e.g., presence of comorbid depression) to more complex classifications (e.g., potential to have abnormalities in serotonin [5-HT] neurotransmission). Although only a few studies have been completed, results thus far indicate that alcoholic subgroups are differentially responsive to 5-HT pharmacotherapy with respect to drinking-related outcomes. In addition, there are preliminary results encouraging the use of SSRIs in combination with other medications for treating alcohol dependence in patients with and without comorbid psychiatric disorders. Information from these studies is promising, suggesting the need for further investigation.
Managing Clouds in Cloud Platforms

Managing cloud services is a fundamental challenge in todays virtualized environments. These challenges equally face both providers and consumers of cloud services. The issue becomes even more challenging in virtualized environments that support mobile clouds. Cloud computing platforms such as Amazon EC2 provide customers with flexible, on demand resources at low cost. However, they fail to provide seamless infrastructure management and monitoring capabilities that many customers may need. For instance, Amazon EC2 doesn't fully support cloud services automated discovery and it requires a private set of authentication credentials. Salesforce.com, on the other hand, do not provide monitoring access to their underlying systems. Moreover, these systems fail to provide infrastructure monitoring of heterogenous and legacy systems that don't support agents. In this work, we explore how to build a cloud management system that combines heterogeneous management of virtual resources with comprehensive management of physical devices. We propose an initial prototype for automated cloud management and monitoring framework. Our ultimate goal is to develop a framework that have the capability of automatically tracking configuration and relationships while providing full event management, measuring performance and testing thresholds, and measuring availability consistently. Armed with such a framework, operators can make better decisions quickly and more efficiently.
The effects of Dicumarol on the electrocardiogram

Abstract The addition of Dicumarol to the therapeutic regimen of patients with acute myocardial infarction suggested the investigation of the effects of the drug on the electrocardiogram. The subjects of this study, forty-eight patients with and without heart disease and with a wide variety of electrocardiographic patterns, were maintained for a period on adequate doses of Dicumarol. Serial electrocardiograms taken during this period were analyzed. No significant electrocardiographic deviation attributable to Dicumarol was observed in any of the subjects.
Movement control characteristics of aiming responses.

Two experiments were conducted investigating the movement patterns produced in the completion of aiming responses. Movement displacement, velocity and acceleration patterns were examined in the first experiment in an attempt to determine the control processes used in discrete, peg transfer and reciprocal tapping tasks. The kinematic parameters indicated that each of these tasks were characterized by discrete error corrections occurring near the target. Experiment 2 demonstrated that under high index of difficulty conditions responses are characterized by multiple discrete corrections designed to eliminate the discrepancy between the position of the hand and the target. These findings are discussed in relation to a discrete feedback interpretation of Fitts' law.
Changes upon fertilization in the distribution of RNA-containing particles in sea urchin eggs

Abstract The distribution of labeled RNA's synthesized and conserved during oogenesis has been examined in homogenates of unfertilized and of fertilized eggs of the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus. The results showed that appreciable numbers of ribosomal aggregates were present in homogenates of unfertilized eggs. About two-thirds of the aggregates were associated with low-speed sedimentable material. Approximately two to three times more ribosomal aggregates were present in homogenates of eggs 2 hours after fertilization. Half of these were in the low-speed pellets of the homogenate. Thus, the rise in the number of ribosomal aggregates after fertilization was confined to the supernatant fraction of homogenates. Ribosomal preparations of unfertilized eggs were compared with those of fertilized eggs for their ability to incorporate endogenously valine-14C into protein in a cell-free system. Equivalent preparations showed that those from fertilized eggs incorporated about fifteen times more amino acids into protein in half an hour than those from unfertilized eggs. RNA's were extracted with phenol from the ribosomal and the postribosomal region of sucrose density gradients of homogenates of labeled unfertilized eggs. The former showed predominantly 28 S and 18 S radioactivity; the latter yielded primarily (about 75%) polydisperse radioactivity, and the remainder 28 S and 18 S. Most (about 75%) of the heterogeneously sedimenting postribosomal label occurred in the low-speed supernatant fraction of the homogenate and relatively little in the corresponding pellet. The amount of postribosomal radioactivity in homogenates of eggs preloaded with labeled RNA did not decrease by 2 hours after fertilization. The results are discussed in relation to the presence of masked mRNA in unfertilized eggs.
Graphical program to display a testbed block diagram with real-time data on an IBM personal computer

Abstract A graphical program called TESTBED was written in Pascal in summer 1985 for NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio. TESTBED displays on an IBM Personal Computer/XT a block diagram of the DC testbed for the power management and distribution system for the space station. When the testbed, which will contain photovoltaic arrays, batteries, and loads, is deployed in the field, it will be permanently connected to the IBM PC/XT via direct memory access. Sensors attached to the testbed in the field will continually collect and updata data in real time. The program will superimpose the real-time data on the block diagram of the testbed displayed on the screen of the IBM PC/XT. The program uses procedures contained in Metawindow, a software package of graphics utilities written by Metagraphics Corp., Mountain View, California.
Building Customer Trust and Relationship Commitment to a Nature-Based Tourism Provider: The Role of Information Investments

ABSTRACT With the increased competitiveness of the travel and tourism industry, many providers have become interested in securing long-term committed relationships with their most profitable customers. The customers, however, perceive that travel and tourism products carry a significant degree of uncertainty and risk and are therefore unwilling to commit to providers whom they do not trust. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to examine the role of information investments made between a nature-based tourism provider and its customers in the development of customer trust and the role of trust in making customers resistant to switching providers. The findings support Agency Theory and Commitment-Trust Theory and suggest that if providers establish good communication with their customers, they tend to develop trust and commitment towards the providers.
Oxygen Consumption in Infants and Children during Cardiac Catheterization under Different Sedation Regimens

We measured oxygen consumption in 426 infants and children during cardiac catheterization using an open circuit, flow-through technique. Since this method does not require the cooperation of the patient, determinations were readily made in 170 infants. The purpose of this study was to determine those factors which significantly influence oxygen consumption and to determine the potential errors incurred in using predictive equations for estimating oxygen consumption. The type of sedation or anesthesia given was found to be one of the most important variables influencing oxygen consumption; therefore patients were classified into five anesthetic groups. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that each group had a distinctive set of hemodynamic or physical factors which significantly affected oxygen consumption; hence each group required a different predictive equation. Body size in terms of surface area or weight was the only significant variable common to all five patient groups. Using the predictive equati...
A simple technique to treat drooling: lip resection and muscle flaps.

DROOLING, secondary to a lax oral sphincter, is common in patients with longstanding facial nerve palsy or following reconstruction of defects resulting from the ablation of oropharyngeal malignancies. Static suspensions by muscle plication (Niklison, Ig65), dermal pedicles (Converse, Ig74), or autogenous fascia lata (Blair, 1926) have all been employed to correct drooling while dynamic suspension by muscle transfers (McLaughlin, 1952; Conway, rg58), muscle transplants (Thompson, rg7r), or nerve transplants and transfers (Conley, 1961; Evans, Ig74), have their advocates. Certain patients with drooling are not good candidates for these extensive procedures: those with prior radiation to the lateral face; those who have not been cured of their neoplasms, and those who refuse total facial reanimation. In 1975, Puckett et al. described a procedure for dynamic correction of unilateral paralysis of the lower lip using a flap of the orbicularis oris muscle. In 3 illustrative cases of injury to the mandibular branch of the facial nerve, they showed marked improvement in the lip appearance and function. We have modified this procedure and found a wide range for it in the correction of drooling secondary to a lax oral sphincter. TECHNIQUE
Torsion-Rotation Energy Levels, Hindering Potential, and Inertial Parameters of the First Excited Vibrational State of the Antisymmetric O-H Stretch in Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract Torsion-rotation energy levels of the excited vibrational state of the antisymmetric OH-stretch fundamental ν 5 of hydrogen peroxide are reported. These levels are determined from 1.24 m path difference Fourier transform spectra taken between 3200 and 4200 cm −1 analyzed in conjunction with published ground vibrational state levels. The results include torsional states with n = 0, 1, 2. Many of the levels are perturbed. An analysis of these levels for J K n = 2. A fit of the experimental torsional levels with a one-dimensional torsional Hamiltonian gives a trans barrier height of 429 cm −1 and a cis barrier height of about 2500 cm −1 .
Characterization of the Giant Transient Dipole Generated by Photoinduced Electron Transfer in a Carotene−Porphyrin−Fullerene Molecular Triad

Excitation of a carotenoid (C) porphyrin (P) fullerene (C60) molecular triad yields the porphyrin first excited singlet state, C−1P−C60, which decays via a sequential two-step photoinduced electron-transfer process into a C•+−P−C60•- charge-separated state with a lifetime of 340 ns in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran solution. The transient dc photocurrent method has been used to investigate the dipole moment of the charge-separated state in tetrahydrofuran and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran. The results show formation of a giant dipole with a moment in excess of 150 D, corresponding to separated charges located on the fullerene and carotene moieties of the triad.
A Comparison Study of Validity Indices on Swarm-Intelligence-Based Clustering

Swarm intelligence has emerged as a worthwhile class of clustering methods due to its convenient implementation, parallel capability, ability to avoid local minima, and other advantages. In such applications, clustering validity indices usually operate as fitness functions to evaluate the qualities of the obtained clusters. However, as the validity indices are usually data dependent and are designed to address certain types of data, the selection of different indices as the fitness functions may critically affect cluster quality. Here, we compare the performances of eight well-known and widely used clustering validity indices, namely, the Calinski-Harabasz index, the CS index, the Davies-Bouldin index, the Dunn index with two of its generalized versions, the I index, and the silhouette statistic index, on both synthetic and real data sets in the framework of differential-evolution-particle-swarm-optimization (DEPSO)-based clustering. DEPSO is a hybrid evolutionary algorithm of the stochastic optimization approach (differential evolution) and the swarm intelligence method (particle swarm optimization) that further increases the search capability and achieves higher flexibility in exploring the problem space. According to the experimental results, we find that the silhouette statistic index stands out in most of the data sets that we examined. Meanwhile, we suggest that users reach their conclusions not just based on only one index, but after considering the results of several indices to achieve reliable clustering structures.
Effects of channel mismatch and phase noise on jamming cancellation

Various hardware errors, including channel mismatch and phase noise, adversely affect the performance of jamming sidelobe cancellation in a digital beamforming array that combines array elements into overlapped subarrays for digital combining and uses auxiliary channels to obtain an estimate of the jammer signals. Analysis is needed to determine how much hardware error can be tolerated to obtain a desired level of jamming cancellation performance. We derive analytical, closed-form expressions that separately relate channel mismatch and phase noise to jamming cancellation ratio (CR) in a sidelobe cancellation system. We also validate our theoretical results using a high-fidelity simulation that models the phased array and signal processing chain, and obtain a close agreement between the theoretical and simulated results. By incorporating the errors in element- and subarray-level combining weights, we show that CR can be a misleading metric and it is more useful to consider the residue powers. We show that the residue power curve is proportional to the subarray pattern and provide design guidelines for improving jamming cancellation performance.
Genetic relationships in hibiscus sect. Furcaria

The eighteen species studied form an allopolyploid series (x=18). The morphology, crossing behavior, and geographical distribution of 6 diploid, 9 tetraploid, 2 octoploid, and 1 decaploid species were studied. From over 26,500 crosses, 19 hybrid combinations and several derived allopolyploids and three-species hybrids were obtained. Chromosome pairing in the hybrids showed that a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 14 well-differentiated genome groups exist in sect. Furcaia, at least two of which appear to be confined to the Old World. No evidence was found that New World genomes are represented in the Old World. The primary radiation of the diploid genomes probably occurred at about the same time as that of the diploid genomes of Gossypium, whereas the tetraploids and one of the octoploid species (H. furcatus Roxb., non Willd.) seem to be of later origin (late Pleistocene or Recent). Octoploid H. diversifolius Jacq., a circumtropical species, may be a relict of a much earlier round of polyploid evolution.
Competence Reconsidered: The Concept of Secondary Process Development as an Explanation of “Competence” Phenomena

(1973). Competence Reconsidered: The Concept of Secondary Process Development as an Explanation of “Competence” Phenomena. The Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 122, No. 1, pp. 135-162.
Brønsted acid mediated cyclization of enaminones. Rapid and efficient access to the tetracyclic framework of the Strychnos alkaloids.

The development of an efficient diastereoselective method that permits rapid construction of the tetracyclic core 17 of the Strychnos-Aspidosperma alkaloids is described. Enaminone 16, synthesized in high yield, has been cyclized under the influence of a Bronsted acid to provide the core tetracyclic framework 17 of the Strychnos alkaloids in optically active form or alternatively to the β-ketoester tetrahydro-β-carboline (THBC) unit 18, by varying the equivalents of acid and the molar concentration. Attempts to utilize 18 to form the C(7)–C(16) bond of the akuammiline related alkaloids represented by strictamine (22), using metal-carbenoid chemistry, are also described.
Memory Self-Appraisal and Cerebral Glucose Metabolism in Age-Associated Memory Impairment

The authors used positron emission tomography to measure cerebral glucose metabolism in 43 people with age-associated memory impairment to determine relationships between memory self-appraisal and brain function. People with lower frontal metabolism during a resting state reported more frequent prior mnemonics usage, a measure of memory self-appraisal. A multiple regression analysis indicated that reported mnemonics usage was the most significant predictor of left (P = 0.0004) and right (P = 0.0014) frontal metabolism. These models indicated that mnemonics usage, along with depression ratings, accounted for 39% of left frontal lobe function and, along with visual spatial memory, accounted for 40% of right frontal metabolism. These results suggest that mnemonics usage may compensate for subtle frontal dysfunction or reflect greater efficiency of memory processing.
One-pot synthesis of alcohols from olefins catalyzed by rhodium and ruthenium complexes

The one-pot synthesis of butanol and heptanol from propene and 1-hexene, respectively, was performed using Ru3(PPh3)Cl2 and Rh(CO)2(acac) in the presence of triphenylphosphene. The effects of various reaction parameters, including catalyst concentration, gas partial pressures, and temperature, were investigated. Two methods for performing the one-pot synthesis were developed and are discussed. In the first method, stoichiometric quantities of CO and propene or 1-hexene were fed to the autoclave. It was found that residual carbon monoxide necessary for the hydroformylation poisoned the Ru catalyst used for the hydrogenation. Venting the hydroformylation gases was therefore necessary for hydrogenation of the aldehyde to proceed. In the second method, sub-stoichiometric quantities of CO relative to olefin were fed to the autoclave, and CO conversion was driven to nearly 100%. In this case, the low residual CO concentration allowed the hydrogenation to proceed readily. The optimal temperatures and gas pressures for the hydroformylation were not the optimal temperatures and pressures for the hydrogenation. A strategy is described for maximizing the performance of both steps. Under optimal conditions, 100% conversion of propene to butanol could be achieved with 97% selectivity, and 99% conversion of 1-hexene to hepatanol could be achieved with 98% selectivity. The only byproduct observed in the latter case was a small amount of 2-hexene, which did not undergo hydroformylation. A possible reaction mechanism is proposed for both the hydroformylation of the olefin and the hydrogenation of aldehyde based on spectroscopic evidence.
Radial artery harvest: comparison of ultrasonic dissection with standard technique

Abstract Background . The radial artery (RA) is used increasingly for myocardial revascularization. Having an ultrasonic dissector available in our unit, we began to use it for RA harvest with the impression that harvest spasm might be less for the new technique. Methods . We compared RA harvest using standard techniques (21 RA) with ultrasonic dissection (41 RA) in which all branches were divided between clips with scissors in the former and bleeding branches were clipped in the latter. Results . Harvest times were not different. Conventional technique used 74 ± 18 (mean ± standard deviation) clips versus 3.2 ± 4.3 clips ( p p p = 0.008). Free flow 10 minutes after intraluminal papaverine was 78.5 ± 45.9 mL/min for usual technique versus 102.8 ± 51.7 for ultrasonic ( p = 0.016). No patient required reoperation for bleeding. Conclusions . Ultrasonic dissection of the RA is associated with decreased RA spasm, good hemostasis, no additional harvest time, and has become our standard technique.
Vessel Power Prediction and Its Impact on Emission Inventory

Current practice of emission estimate for ocean-going vessels largely relies on the conventional propeller law for determining power consumption. This practice tends to underestimate the actual emission when sea states and winds are ignored. This paper presents an evaluation of two approaches on the prediction of power of a container vessel. The first approach estimates vessel power as a function of the vessel speed according to the propeller law. While the propeller law approach is cost-effective and time-saving in computing vessel propulsion power, it generally under-estimates vessel propulsion power due to the omission of many other influencing factors including vessel course, engine model, ocean states and weather conditions. The second approach derives vessel propulsion power as a function of the vessel speed and resistance forces. The propulsion power required for a particular vessel behavior is determined based on vessel towing resistance, added resistance from waves and winds, and a variety of propeller and hull dependent efficiencies. Because of the incorporation of external factors, this approach should be more accurate than the propeller law in reflecting the actual vessel power requirement. Comparative analysis is conducted among the two estimate results and real measurement data on engine power output. The results clearly show that power estimated from the propeller law underestimate the vessel propulsion power and the gap increases much faster for higher vessel speeds. Power estimate from the second approach provides more accurate results as they greatly match the measured power values. The ups and downs of the prediction results precisely reflect real power variation along with speed changes. Improved power prediction leads to more reliable emission inventory calculation. However, the improvement of accuracy should be balanced with the increased requirement on data sources and computing efforts.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The hydrophobic tunnel present in LOX-1 is essential for oxidized LDL recognition and binding

Lectin-like oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a type-II transmembrane protein that belongs to the C-type lectin family of molecules. LOX-1 acts as a cell surface endocytosis receptor and mediates the recognition and internalization of ox-LDL by vascular endothelial cells. Internalization of ox-LDL by LOX-1 results in a number of pro-atherogenic cellular responses implicated in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. In an effort to elucidate the functional domains responsible for the binding of ox-LDL to the receptor, a series of site-directed mutants were designed using computer modeling and X-ray crystallography to study the functional role of the hydrophobic tunnel present in the LOX-1 receptor. The isoleucine residue (I149) sitting at the gate of the channel was replaced by phenylalanine, tyrosine, or glutamic acid to occlude the channel opening and restrict the docking of ligands to test its functional role in the binding of ox-LDL. The synthesis, intracellular processing, and cellular distribution of all mutants were identical to those of wild type, whereas there was a marked decrease in the ability of the mutants to bind ox-LDL. These studies suggest that the central hydrophobic tunnel that extends through the entire LOX-1 molecule is a key functional domain of the receptor and is critical for the recognition of modified LDL.
Diffuse (Non-Point) Source Loading of Chemicals to Lake Erie

Abstract Studies of chemical loadings to Lake Erie over the last two decades show that the lake, because of its small volume to drainage area ratio, and the intensive agricultural, industrial, and urban land uses of its watersheds, has been a receptor of a myriad of natural and anthropogenic chemicals. Of these, phosphorus, trace metals, PCBs and other organics and pesticides have received the most attention. Phosphorus reduction plans already in place have produced dramatic decreases in point-source P loadings and observable improvements in lake water quality. Target P loads for complete lake restoration will not be met, however, until substantial reductions of agricultural non-point sources are obtained, and gains in this area are likely to be much slower and more difficult to attain. Source reductions of trace metals and the older chlorinated insecticides have produced some decreases in diffuse loadings of these chemicals although their biomagnification in lake biota means that their impact on the lake will continue for many years. Today, the emphasis has shifted to a broader range of anthropogenic organic chemicals including highly mobile herbicides which have been shown to contaminate Lake Erie basin drinking water supplies, and to easily biomagnified toxics which, with relatively small loadings, can have a major impact on higher species.
Probing Structural Properties of KCNE1 Membrane Protein: A Site-Directed Spin Labeling EPR Study

KCNE1 is a single-transmembrane protein found in heart that modulates the activity of the KCNQ1 voltage-gated potassium channel. KCNE1 is very important for proper cardiac function. However, the structure of KCNE1 in a more native membrane environment is not completely understood. Site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has emerged as a well-established method to study the structural properties of membrane proteins. In this study we have used continuous wave EPR and pulsed EPR techniques in combination with the SMA-Lipodisq nanoparticles based sample preparation to obtain more accurate and precise EPR data to answer pertinent structural questions on KCNE1. CW-EPR and DEER data were collected on several single and double spin labeling sites on KCNE1 in micelles, proteoliposomes and lipodisqs. We obtained a significant improvement in the quality of EPR measurements in lipodisq samples compared to proteoliposomes. The structural and dynamic properties of KCNE1 will be discussed.
Southwestern Internal Medicine Conference: Depression and Medical Illness

Depression is the most common psychiatric complication of severe medical illness, and it occurs in about 20% of cases. Diagnosis of depression in patients with serious medical illness requires modified criteria. Treatment also must be adjusted for patients with such dual diagnoses.
Osteoarthritis and traumatic arthritis of the shoulder

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis and traumatic arthritis result in a painful shoulder with impairments, functional deficits, and disability. Conservative treatment includes oral inflammatory medication, cortisone injection, or rehabilitation. Rehabilitation of the shoulder can be beneficial, but if joint destruction is advanced, surgery may be required. Postoperative rehabilitation requires the therapist to know the basics of the surgical technique so that safe and effective therapeutic intervention can be made. A successful outcome depends on effective communication and interaction among the physician, therapist, and patient. Each "team" member has a defined role in rehabilitation, and all three must fulfill their responsibilities for the desired outcome to be achieved.
A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between General Mental Ability and Attitudes

We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the relationship between general mental ability (GMA) and both job and life attitudes. Drawing on the gravitation model and self- determination theory, we hy...
Colour thresholds in dichromats and normals.

Abstract Studies indicate dichromats detect large, long duration spectral increments presented on bright white backgrounds with a blue–yellow colour opponent mechanism. Since opponent processes signal colour, we hypothesized that under these viewing conditions dichromats should perceive spectral increments as coloured at detection threshold. Psychophysical detection and colour discrimination thresholds were determined for normal and dichromatic humans. Test stimuli were 2°, 200 ms increments presented upon a white, 1000 td, spatially coincident background. As expected, normal observers were able to discriminate between white and spectral flashes at intensities near detection threshold intensities. Dichromatic observers required suprathreshold (≈0.30 log units) stimulus intensities to discriminate between the white and spectral flashes. The results do not support our hypothesis and alternative explanations for the elevated colour discrimination thresholds in dichromats are discussed.
Galvanometer Tracings Obtained in a Physico-Chemical Schema Simulating an Electrocardiogram, and the Influence of Membranes on These Records.

A schema is described in which interruptions of a direct current of known direction and intensity in the primary circuit are recorded on a string galvanometer which forms part of the secondary circuit. Evidence was presented to show that the apparatus was adequate for the problem concerned. When the nonpolarizable electrodes dip into the open bowl, or when the primary electrodes are enclosed in a collodion membrane, making and breaking of the primary circuit results in a single monophasic deflection, the string maintaining a constant position as long as the key is closed. If the primary electrodes are enclosed in a gelatine coated membrane, a quick deflection occurs when the primary circuit is made and again when it is broken. If the make and break recur rapidly, these quick deflections simulate the QRS of an electrocardiogram. The importance of membrane polarization as a factor causing distortion of electrocardiograms is stressed. A full report is in press.1
EARLY RETRANSFER: A METHOD OF OPTIMAL UTILIZATION OF NICU BEDS

To facilitate increased utility of a 16 bed NICU Unit, we adopted a policy of early discharge (ED) of infants <2000 gm following recovery from acute illness. Once the infant was out of O2 and oral feeding started, infant was retransferred to the hospital of birth. An inservice teaching program at primary hospitals preceded such policy. In a 12 month period 273 infants were referred to NICU. 72/243 died; 171 infants survived. 62/171 were infants <2000 gm at birth. 50% (32/62) of them were ED to the primary hospital; 49% were discharged late (LD) from NICU. 20/32 ED & 16/30 LD required assisted ventilation. None of the ED infants developed complications at the primary hospital. G.A., Birth Wt. & Final Weight at discharge from hospitals was the same in both groups. Data shows that length of NICU stay for LD was significantly high. (P <.001). This leads to significantly high cost per patient in LD than in ED ($10,000 vs $5,000). Based on 100% occupancy of 16 beds and average length of stay of 16 days, only 365 infants could be admitted in a year. Actual admissions to our unit during this period was 435, a 16% increase in bed utilization. We conclude ED of infants from NICU increases 1: utilization of beds 2: decreases the cost of health care 3: increases the participation of primary physicians.
Two Dimensional Input Shaping for One Dimensional Continua

This paper extends input shaping control to one dimensional continua. Unlike discrete systems where the input is shaped only in the temporal domain, temporal and spatial input shaping can produce zero residual vibration in setpoint position control of distributed strings and beams. For collocated and noncollocated boundary control of strings and domain control of strings and pinned beams, the response to step inputs is solved in closed form using delays. For a clamped beam model, a closed form infinite modal series is used. The boundary controlled string can be setpoint regulated using two-pulse Zero Vibration (ZV) and three-pulse Zero Vibration and Derivative (ZVD) shapers but ZVD is not more robust to parameter variations than ZV. Noncolocated ZV and ZVD boundary control enables rigid body translation of a string with zero residual vibration. Domain controlled strings and pinned beams with spatial input distributions that satisfy certain orthogonality conditions (e.g. midspan point load or uniformly distributed load) can be setpoint regulated with shaped inputs. For the cantilevered beam, modal shaping of the input distribution and ZV or ZVD temporal shaping drives the tip to the desired position with zero residual vibration.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
La Encomienda Indiana

El pleito librado en el ano de 1542 entre los defen sores de los indios y los partidarios de las encomiendas fue el ultimo y mas profundo de los habidos con moti vo de la implantacion de esta institucion; el periodo es sumamente instructivo para desentranar las bases con ceptuales y economicas del problema ; pero tambien ob servaremos que la discusion y leyes de esta epoca tuvie ron mas importancia externa que efectiva, porque despues de los incidentes del ano 1542, la encomienda siguio la senda juridica esbozada por Ramirez de Fuen leal cuando presidia la Segunda Audiencia de Mexico. En 1537, Paulo III dicto su breve en favor de la libertad de los indios, declarando que, aunque estuvie ran fuera de la fe de Cristo, no estaban privados, ni debian serlo, de su libertad ni del dominio de sus bie nes, y que debian ser atraidos a la fe cristiana por medio de la predicacion de la palabra divina y el ejemplo de la buena vida. 1
Family conflict and violent electronic media use in school-aged children

Using a national sample of children aged 6 to 12 (N = 1,075), this study examined the relative merits of 3 theoretical perspectives on the relation between family conflict and children's use of electronic media (television and electronic games with violent content): (a) the family context hypothesis, whereby family conflict is positively related to violent electronic media use because family tensions will be reflected in children's interest in media with violent content; (b) the reaction hypothesis, whereby family conflict is positively related to nonviolent media use because children seek out nonviolent media content as a reaction against conflict in their family environment; and (c) the escape hypothesis, whereby family conflict is positively related to total electronic media use because children use media to escape family conflict regardless of content. Results supported the family context hypothesis. There was no support for the reaction and escape hypotheses.
Nonlinear force addition of newly recruited motor units in the cat hindlimb

The present experiments were designed to examine the interaction of simulaltaneoously active motor units. Pairs of medial gastrocnemius (MG) or soleus (Sol) units were stimulated individually and then together with constant frequency trains of 5–40 pulses per second. Stimulating two units asynchronously produced a smoother contraction than synchronous stimulation, but rarely a force increase. This contrasts with similar experiments on whole muscle bundles. A force increase may require that adjacent muscle fibers be active. The combined force to two motor units exceeded the algebraic sum of their separate forces by 12% in MG and 5% in Sol on average. The force a unit could sustain after a second unit fell silent was greater than the force the unit produced alone (21% in MG and 8% in Sol). We conclude that motor units produce more force when interacting than alone. During derecruitment the units remaining active produce more force than when recruited.
Iron overload, oxidative stress, and axonal dystrophy in brain disorders.

Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome is an autosomal-recessive brain disorder with signs of extrapyramidal dysfunction and mental deterioration, which associate with iron accumulation in globus pallidus and substantia nigra pars reticulata. Studies of oxidant stress in parkinsonian animal models suggest a linkage of iron overload to axonal dystrophy. Redox cycling of iron complexes (i.e., ferrous citrate and hemoglobin) increases hydroxyl radicals, lipid peroxidation, axonal dystrophy, and necrotic or apoptotic cell death. An increase of oxidative stress in the basal ganglia because of redox cycling of iron complexes leads to dopamine overflow and psychomotor dysfunction. Iron overload-induced axonal dystrophy has been demonstrated consistently using in vitro and in vivo models with a prominent feature of lipid peroxidation. This iron-induced oxidative stress is often accentuated by ascorbate and oxidized glutathione, although it is suppressed by the following antioxidants: S-nitrosoglutathione or nitric oxide, MnSOD mimics, manganese, U-78517F, Trolox, and deferoxamine. Preconditioning induction of stress proteins (i.e., hemeoxygenase-1 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase) and hypothermia therapy suppress the generation of toxic reactive oxygen, lipid, and thiol species evoked by bioactive iron complexes in the brain. Finally, combined antioxidative therapeutics and gene induction procedures may prove to be useful for slowing progressive neurodegeneration caused by iron overload in the brain.
Nano-electro-mechanical systems fabricated using tip-based nanofabrication

We present progress on fabricating silicon nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) using tip based nanofabrication (TBN). A heated atomic force microscope (AFM) probe deposits molten polymer on the substrate to form nanopatterned polymer masks, which are transferred to silicon by etching. In our first approach, the polymer nanopatterns were deposited onto a 25 nm thick aluminum film on a single crystal silicon substrate. A wet aluminum etch transferred the polymer features into aluminum feature, which served as a mask for subsequent Bosch silicon etching. This approach produced an array of vertical silicon nanowires with diameters as small as 200 nm and heights of 5 μm. Various other structures such as rings and curved fin arrays were also demonstrated. In our second approach, we employed metalassisted chemical etching (MacEtch) to transfer the polymer nanopatterns into silicon. This approach is capable of producing high aspect ratio silicon nanowires. Here, we deposited the polymer nanopatterns from a heated AFM tip and transferred the nanopatterns to a 35 nm thick gold film. In the next step, we used MacEtch to etch the silicon region that directly contacts the gold. Using this approach, we fabricated vertical silicon nanowires of height 18 μm and diameter 500 nm, achieving an aspect ratio of 36. The MacEtch process produced silicon nanostructures with smoother sidewalls compared with silicon nanostructures produced by Bosch etching.
A Comparison of the Determinants of Structural Quality between Manufactured Housing and Conventional Tenure Choices: Evidence from the American Housing Survey

Abstract This study employs data from the 1985-1989 American Housing Surveys to compare the cost and perceived structural quality of owned manufactured housing with traditional rented and owner-occupied housing alternatives. In general, manufactured housing is found to compare to traditional alternatives because of its low cost and households′ perceptions that its structural quality is relatively high. An ordinal probit model is used to examine the way in which specific structural attributes affect households′ ordinal ranking of overall structural quality. This experimentation suggests that the same factors are important across all tenure types in influencing perceived structural quality. In addition, it is demonstrated that, under the right circumstances, manufactured housing could be a cost-effective way to improve the quality of housing for low-income families who currently rent. Finally, suggestions are made regarding policy options and future research on manufactured housing.
Barking Up Which Trees? The Role of New Zealand's Environmental Watchdog

(1996). Barking Up Which Trees? The Role of New Zealand’s Environmental Watchdog. Political Science: Vol. 48, No. 1, pp. 1-28.
Gender differences in genetic damage induced by the tobacco‐specific nitrosamine NNK and the influence of the Thr241Met polymorphism in the XRCC3 gene

The rapid increase in adenocarcinoma of the lung and mortality amongst women strongly suggests that gender differences exist in sensitivity to certain tobacco carcinogens. In the current study, we performed the mutagen-sensitivity assay, with the tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), to test the hypothesis that women are more sensitive to the genotoxic effects of NNK than men. Chromosome aberration (CA) frequencies in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from 99 patients were evaluated before and after in vitro exposure to NNK. Because the Thr241Met polymorphism in the DNA-repair gene XRCC3 is associated with increased risk of tobacco-related cancers, especially among women, we also tested the hypothesis that individuals who inherit the homozygous variant 241Met allele are more sensitive to the genotoxic effects of NNK. CA frequency was significantly higher 1 hr after NNK treatment in women, compared with men (P = 0.02). When smoking and gender were considered together, a significant interaction was observed. PBLs from female smokers had significantly higher frequencies of NNK-induced CA, compared with female nonsmokers 1 hr after treatment (P = 0.02). We observed no overall effect of the Thr241Met polymorphism on NNK-induced CA in men, women, smokers, or nonsmokers. Overall, our data indicate that women are more sensitive to the genotoxic effects of NNK than men. Because in past years smoking among women has increased, and in view of the close correlation between NNK exposure and adenocarcinoma of the lung, our data provide a plausible explanation for the recent increase in the incidence of this cancer among women. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
THE THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF PLUTONIUM (IV) OXALATE HEXAHYDRATE

The thermal decomposition of Pu(C2O4)2 · 6H2O has been studied in both argon and oxygen using a combination of thermogravimetry and infrared spectroscopy. Decomposition in an inert atmosphere involves reduction of the cation to the trivalent state and its subsequent reoxidation to form PuO2. In an oxidizing atmosphere, with unrestricted access of oxygen, reduction of the cation does not take place and decomposition to PuO2 is through the oxycarbonate. The reduction of Pu(IV) appears to take place by a carbon monoxide catalyzed mechanism and the presence of carbon in the PuO2 decomposition product is attributed to the disproportionation of CO.
Social Diversity Within Nonprofit Boards: Members' Views on Status and Issues

This study explores the views of nonprofit agency board members about current status and issues related to board diversity. Trends in agency growth and complexity and turbulence in agency environments are described. Board members view their responsibilities, especially fund raising, as associated with board diversity. Diversity issues focus on the involvement of groups that have not traditionally been involved, including low-income persons, clients, ethnic minorities, and inexperienced board members. Diversity is valued by some respondents, tolerated by others, and its value is questioned by some. Extensive use of quotations provides insights into the manner in which board members frame their views of diversity. The relationships between board diversity and agency culture are explored.
Gender, Race, and Obesity-Related Quality of Life at Extreme Levels of Obesity

Objective: Research investigating obesity-related quality of life (QOL) has shown that at increasing levels of overweight, individuals report more impaired QOL. Further, some research has indicated that white women suffer more impairment than men and African Americans. The current study sought to expand the existing literature by investigating an extreme subsample of the obese population. It was expected that participants in the current study would report more impaired obesity-related QOL than in previous research conducted with less obese individuals. It was also hypothesized that race and gender groups would differ in obesity-related QOL and that the relationship between degree of overweight and QOL would not be consistent across race and gender groups. Research Methods and Procedures: Impact of Weight on Quality of Life Questionnaire-Lite Version data were collected from 512 individuals seeking gastric bypass surgery (mean BMI = 53.3) Results: Results confirmed the study hypotheses. In general, white women reported the most QOL impairment, despite having significantly lower BMI than other race/gender groups. Compared with previous studies, the observed relationships between BMI and QOL were somewhat attenuated. Discussion: Various domains of QOL may be differentially affected by degree of obesity; these relationships are not homogeneous throughout the obese population.
Invasive Thymoma With Endobronchial Metastasis

Endobronchial thymoma is an exceedingly rare presentation. We report a 70-year-old woman undergoing bronchoscopy for dyspnea and a computed tomographic scan believed to be most consistent with a right lower lobe neoplasm. Thoracoscopy was ultimately required for diagnosis.