cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Entropy of a vacuum: What does the covariant entropy count?

Author(s): Nomura, Y; Weinberg, SJ | Abstract: We argue that a unitary description of the formation and evaporation of a black hole implies that the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy is the "entropy of a vacuum": the logarithm of the number of possible independent ways in which quantum field theory on a fixed classical spacetime background can emerge in a full quantum theory of gravity. In many cases, the covariant entropy counts this entropy - the degeneracy of emergent quantum field theories in full quantum gravity - with the entropy of particle excitations in each quantum field theory giving only a tiny perturbation. In the Rindler description of a (black hole) horizon, the relevant vacuum degrees of freedom manifest themselves as an extra hidden quantum number carried by the states representing the second exterior region; this quantum number is invisible in the emergent quantum field theory. In a distant picture, these states arise as exponentially degenerate ground and excited states of the intrinsically quantum gravitational degrees of freedom on the stretched horizon. The formation and evaporation of a black hole involve processes in which the entropy of collapsing matter is transformed into that of a vacuum and then to that of final-state Hawking radiation. In the intermediate stage of this evolution, entanglement between the vacuum and (early) Hawking radiation develops, which is transferred to the entanglement among final-state Hawking quanta through the evaporation process. The horizon is kept smooth throughout the evolution; in particular, no firewall develops. Similar considerations also apply for cosmological horizons, for example for the horizon of a metastable de Sitter space.
A 2-D MASW SHEAR-WAVE VELOCITY PROFILE ALONG A TEST SEGMENT OF INTERSTATE I-70, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

The University of Missouri-Rolla acquired multi-channel surface wave (Rayleigh wave) seismic data along a 6400 ft segment of Interstate I-70 in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The acquired surface wave data set was processed [multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW)] and transformed into a 2-D MASW shear-wave velocity profile with a station-spacing of 40 ft. The interpreted depth to bedrock along the length of the 2-D profile varies between 20 ft and 44 ft. Geotechnical data provided by the Missouri Department of Transportation and presented herein indicates the interpreted 2-D MASW shear-wave velocity profile correlates well with available bedrock (borehole) and seismic cone penetrometer control, supporting the conclusion that the MASW technique can be used to generate reliable 2-D shear-wave velocity profiles.
Focal adhesion kinase knockdown modulates the response of human corneal epithelial cells to topographic cues.

A rapidly expanding literature broadly documents the impact of biophysical cues on cellular behaviors. In spite of increasing research efforts in this field, the underlying signaling processes are poorly understood. One of the candidate molecules for being involved in mechanotransduction is focal adhesion kinase (FAK). To examine the role of FAK in the response of immortalized human corneal epithelial (hTCEpi) cells to topographic cues, FAK was depleted by siRNA transfection. Contrary to expectations, FAK knockdown resulted in an enhanced response with a greater number of hTCEpi cells aligned to the long axis of anisotropically ordered surface ridges and grooves. Both underlying topographic features and FAK depletion modulated the migration of corneal epithelial cells. The impact of FAK knockdown on both migration and alignment varied depending on the topographic cues to which the cells were exposed, with the most significant change observed on the biologically relevant size scale (400 nm). Additionally, a change in expression of genes encoding perinuclear Nesprins 1 and 2 (SYNE1, 2) was observed in response to topographic cues. SYNE1/2 expression was also altered by FAK depletion, suggesting that these proteins might represent a link between cytosolic and nuclear signaling processes. The data presented here have relevance to our understanding of the fundamental processes involved in corneal cell behavior to topographic cues. These results highlight the importance of incorporating biophysical cues in the conduction of in vitro studies and into the design and fabrication of implantable prosthetics.
Afferent and efferent connections of the nucleus sphericus in the snake Thamnophis sirtalis: Convergence of olfactory and vomeronasal information in the lateral cortex and the amygdala

This paper is an account of the afferent and efferent projections of the nucleus sphericus (NS), which is the major secondary vomeronasal structure in the brain of the snake Thamnophis sirtalis. There are four major efferent pathways from the NS: 1) a bilateral projection that courses, surrounding the accessory olfactory tract, and innervates several amygdaloid nuclei (nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract, dorsolateral amygdala, external amygdala, and ventral anterior amygdala), the rostral parts of the dorsal and lateral cortices, and the accessory olfactory bulb; 2) a bilateral projection that courses through the medial forebrain bundle and innervates the olfactostriatum (rostral and ventral striatum); 3) a commissural projection that courses through the anterior commissure and innervates mainly the contralateral NS; and 4) a meager bilateral projection to the lateral hypothalamus. On the other hand, important afferent projections to the NS arise solely in the accessory olfactory bulb, the nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract, and the contralateral NS. This pattern of connections has three important implications: first, the lateral cortex probably integrates olfactory and vomeronasal information. Second, because the NS projection to the hypothalamus is meager and does not reach the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, vomeronasal information from the NS is not relayed directly to that nucleus, as previously reported. Finally, a structure located in the rostral and ventral telencephalon, the olfactostriatum, stands as the major tertiary vomeronasal center in the snake brain. These three conclusions change to an important extent our previous picture of how vomeronasal information is processed in the brain of reptiles.
Free Recall and Word Finding Ability in Normal Aging and Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type: the Effect of Item Concreteness

This study examined the effect of item concreteness on free recall and word finding ability in three groups: young adults, normal old adults, and individuals with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT). The results of Experiment 1 showed, in addition to an overall decline in recall across the three groups, an attenuation with normal aging of the memory advantage of concrete over abstract words. The SDAT group, however, did not show this attenuation. Experiment 2 compared word finding ability for concrete and abstract items. Word finding was significantly impaired in SDAT but not in normal aging. Furthermore, the SDAT group did much worse on the abstract items. This difficulty with the retrieval of abstract words can explain the unexpected concreteness effect in the SDAT group in Experiment 1. The attenuation of the concreteness effect was predicted on the basis of the communication hypothesis of age-related cognitive decline, which attributes age deficits to a breakdown of the memory network. The results are consistent with the reduced activation of information in this network.
Alternatives to the Dirac equation

Recent work by Biedenharn, Han, and van Dam (BHvD) has questioned the uniqueness of the Dirac equation. BHvD have obtained a two-component equation as an alternate to the Dirac equation. Although they later show their alternative to be unitarily equivalent to the Dirac equation, certain physical differences were claimed. BHvD attribute the existence of this alternate equation to the fact that their factorizing matrices were position-dependent. To investigate this, we factor the Klein-Gordon equation in spherical coordinates allowing the factorizing matrices to depend arbitrarily upon theta and phi. It is shown that despite this additional freedom, and without involving any relativistic covariance, the conventional four-component Dirac equation is the only possibility. (AIP)
Institutional responses to unemployment: A comparison of U.S. trends, 1948–1985

Previous studies that consistently find a direct effect of unemployment on imprisonment fail to consider other state policies that may be related both to unemployment and imprisonment. This ommission potentially biases in unknown ways the estimated effect of unemployment. This study uses postwar U.S. time series data to examine how the effects of unemployment on imprisonment are influenced by mental institutionalization, military enlistments and welfare rolls. No evidence of trade-offs in social control policies can be detected in these data, thus supporting the previous findings that unemployment directly affects prison admissions.
First Report of Gulf Licaria, Licaria trianda, as a Suscept of Laurel Wilt.

Gulf licaria, Licaria trianda (Sw.) Kosterm., is a federally endangered member of the Lauraceae plant family in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It was never common in the area, and urban development has extirpated it from most of its former range; as of 2001, fewer than 10 trees remained in a single, remnant habitat in the continental United States, Simpson Park (25°45′31″N, 80°11′46″W) (2). Laurel wilt, caused by the fungus Raffaelea lauricola T. C. Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva, has recently devastated members of the Lauraceae in the southeastern United States, most notably redbay, Persea borbonia (1). As R. lauricola and its vector, the redbay ambrosia beetle Xyleborus glabratus, have spread in the region, an increasing number of taxa in this plant family have been affected by this disease (1). In 2012, seedlings of gulf licaria and redbay were obtained from local nurseries; they were grown in 30 liter pots, 1.3 m tall, had stems 3 cm in diameter 20 cm above the soil line, and were maintained with standard w...
Antigenic analysis of Entamoeba histolytica by means of fluorescent antibody. I. Instrumentation for microfluorimetry of stained amebae.

Abstract 1. 1. A microfluorimeter is described which can be used for the objective measurement of fluorescence of amebae stained with fluorescein-labeled antibody. 2. 2. Quantitative information is presented on the performance of two different light sources, the effect of intense light on the transmission of one of the filters, the fading of fluorescence during excitation, and the effect of microscopic field size on the measured brightness per unit area. 3. 3. Some of the problems involved in obtaining relative and absolute measurements of fluorescein concentration are discussed.
Cellular Basis for Follicle-Stimulating Hormone- Stimulated Calcium Signaling in Single Rat Sertoli Cells: Possible Dissociation from Effects of Adenosine 3',5'-Monophosphate*

To study the cellular basis for FSH-stimulated dose-dependent graded increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in populations of Sertoli cells, we investigated the effects of FSH on free Ca2+ ion concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in individual rat Sertoli cells using the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye fura-2/AM and digital fluorescent videomicroscopy. Ovine or rat FSH elicited a hormone-specific rise in [Ca2+]i within 20-140 sec, with a peak level 2.7 +/- 0.9-fold greater than the basal value (mean +/- SEM; n = 8) lasting for 4-16 min. The amplitude and kinetics of the FSH-induced [Ca2+]i signal were not dose dependent. Instead, increasing doses of FSH recruited a higher percentage of responding cells. Chelation of extracellular Ca2+ or cotreatment with verapamil or cobalt abolished FSH-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Furthermore, in the presence of extracellular Mn2+, direct evidence for FSH-mediated Ca2+ influx was obtained from the quench of fura-2 fluorescence. Induced Ca2+ increases were mimicked by forskolin or protein kinase-A type I activators [8-(6-amino-hexyl)amino-cAMP and N6-benzoyl-cAMP (N6B)]. However, the cAMP analogs, 8-bromo-cAMP, N6,2'-O-dibutyryl cAMP, or protein kinase-A type II activators (8-thiomethyl-cAMP and N6B), induced [Ca2+]i increases even in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, and the time course of the [Ca2+]i rise induced by cAMP analogs was more rapid than that induced by FSH. Similarly, the uninhibited rise in [Ca2+]i induced by FSH in pertussis toxin-pretreated Sertoli cells suggests that PT-sensitive G-proteins are not involved in the action of FSH on [Ca2+]i. In summary, we demonstrate that FSH evokes sustained [Ca2+]i increases in single Sertoli cells in a nongraded fashion and recruits increasing numbers of responding cells in a dose-dependent fashion. We also provide explicit evidence that FSH induces Ca2+ influx. Mimicry of the FSH-induced [Ca2+]i rise by certain cAMP analogs [8-(6-amino-hexyl)amino-cAMP and N6B; protein kinase-A type I activator] or forskolin suggests that Ca2+ may be part of a dual pathway of cAMP-initiated intracellular signaling.
Effect of dietary protein concentration and feeding rate on weight gain, feed efficiency, and body composition of pond-raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus.

Two experiments were conducted in earthen ponds to evaluate the effect of dietary protein concentration and feeding rate on weight gain, feed efficiency, and body composition of channel catfish. In Experiment 1, two dietary protein concentrations (28% or 32%) and four feeding rates (≤ 90. ≤ 112, ≤ 135 kg/ha per d, or satiation) were used in a factorial arrangement. Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fingerlings (average size: 27 g/fish) were stocked into 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 24,700 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily at the predetermined maximum feeding rates for 282 d (two growing seasons). In Experiment 2, three dietary protein concentrations (24, 28, or 32%) and two feeding rates (≤ 135 kg/ha per d or satiation) were used. Channel catfish (average size: 373 g/fish) were stocked into 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 17,300 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily for 155 d. In both experiments, five ponds were used for each dietary treatment. Results from Experiment 1 showed no differences in total feed fed, feed consumption per fish, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), or survival between fish fed diets containing 28% and 32% protein diets. As maximum feeding rate increased, total feed fed, feed consumption per fish, and weight gain increased. There were no differences in total feed fed, feed consumption per fish, or weight gain between fish fed at ≤ 135 kg/ha per d and those fed to satiation. Fish fed the 28% protein diet had a lower percentage carcass dressout and higher percentage visceral fat than fish fed the 32% protein diet. Dietary protein concentrations of 28% or 32% had no effect on fillet protein, fat, moisture, and ash. Feeding rate did not affect FCR, survival, percentage carcass dressout, or fillet composition, except fillet fat. As feeding rate increased, percentage visceral fat increased. Fish fed at ≤ 90 kg/ha per d had a lower percentage fillet fat than fish fed at higher feeding rates. In Experiment 2, dietary protein concentration or maximum feeding rate did not affect total feed fed, feed consumption per fish, weight gain, FCR, or survival of channel catfish. Feeding rate had no effect on percentage carcass dressout and visceral fat, or fillet composition. This was due to the similar feed consumption by the fish fed at the two feeding rates. Fish fed the 24% protein diet had lower carcass dressout, higher visceral fat and fillet fat than those fed the 28% or 32% protein diet. Results from the present study indicate that both 28% and 32% protein diets provide satisfactory fish production, dressed yield, and body composition characteristics for pond-raised channel catfish fed a maximum rate of 90 kg/ha per d or ahove.
Multisensory integration, aging, and the sound-induced flash illusion.

The present study examined age-related differences in multisensory integration and the role of attention in age-related differences in multisensory integration. The sound-induced flash illusion---the misperception of the number of visual flashes due to the simultaneous presentation of a different number of auditory beeps---was used to examine the strength of multisensory integration in older and younger observers. The effects of integration were examined when discriminating 1–3 flashes, 1–3 beeps, or 1–3 flashes presented with 1–3 beeps. Stimulus conditions were blocked according to these conditions, with baseline (unisensory) performance assessed during the multisensory block. Older participants demonstrated greater multisensory integration--a greater influence of the beeps when judging the number of visual flashes--than younger observers. In a second experiment, the role of attention was assessed using a go/no-go paradigm. The results of Experiment 2 replicated those of Experiment 1. In addition, the strength of the illusion was modulated by the sensory domain of the go/no-go task, though this did not differ by age group. In the visual go/no-go task we found a decrease in the illusion, while in the auditory go/no-go task we found an increase in the illusion. These results demonstrate that older individuals exhibit increased multisensory integration compared to younger individuals. Attention was also found to modulate the strength of the sound-induced flash illusion. However, the results also suggest that attention was not likely to be a factor in the age-related differences in multisensory integration.
Sustainable Decisions Signal Sustainable Relationships: How Purchasing Decisions Affect Perceptions and Romantic Attraction

In the pursuit of love, individuals strategically use luxury products to signal status and other attractive attributes. Might eco-friendly products also signal mate-relevant information? The current research examined inferences from eco-friendly purchases and how they predict perceived suitability for short- and long-term romantic relationships. Participants read descriptions of a stranger's eco-friendly or luxury purchase decisions, reported their perceptions of the purchaser, and indicated their potential romantic interest in the purchaser. The influence of the relative price of the chosen product was also investigated. Compared to luxury purchasers, eco-friendly purchasers were ascribed greater warmth, competence, and good partner traits, but less physical appeal, and they were preferred for long-term but not short-term relationships. The social costs and benefits of "going green" are discussed in light of their implications for environmental sustainability efforts.
The Rule of Law and Jury Nullification

Jury nullification occurs when a jury renders a verdict based on what it feels the law ought to demand, as opposed to what the law in fact demands. While it is beyond doubt that criminal juries in common law jurisdictions have the ability to so act without fear of legal censure or redress, it remains a highly contentious issue as to whether such juries ought to be informed of this ability. One of the main objections to informing jurors of their purview to nullify is that, in so acting, the rule of law is subverted. Thus, while jurors might have the ability to so act, they ought to be discouraged from doing so. This ability, in other words, must be hidden from them – a subterfuge justified by reference to the rule of law. In this paper I closely examine the rule of law objection and conclude that the conflicts between jury nullification and the rule of law are greatly exaggerated. In fact, in many respects jury nullification promotes the very same ends and goals as does the rule of law. Hence, I conclude, ...
γ‐AMINOBUTYRIC ACID RECEPTOR BINDING and UPTAKE IN MEMBRANE FRACTIONS OF CRAYFISH MUSCLE

— The uptake and binding of [3H]GABA and the binding of [3H]muscimol were measured in cell-free fractions of crayfish muscle. The uptake of GABA was saturable, of high affinity (Km= 0.5μm), and inhibited by low concentrations of compounds believed to block GABA uptake specifically, such as nipecotic acid and 2,4,diaminobutyric acid. The GABA uptake activity was localized to sucrose gradient fractions enriched in sarcolemma as demonstrated by marker enzymes and electron microscopy. The binding of the potent GABAergic agonist muscimol was also localized to the sarcolemma. The binding was saturable, of high affinity (KD= 9 nm), and inhibited by GABA (K1= 125 nm) and by low concentrations of receptor-specific GABA analogues, such as isoguvacine, imidazole acetic acid, and 3-aminopropane sulfonic acid. The rank order for inhibition by GABA analogues of [3H]muscimol binding sites correlated very well with activity on GABA synapses in invertebrates, consistent with specific postsynaptic receptor labeling.
Text-dependent speaker verification using subword neural tree networks

In this paper, a new algorithm for text-dependent speaker verification is presented. The algorithm uses a set of concatenated Neural Tree Networks (NTNs) trained with sub-word units for speaker verification. The conventional NTN when trained by all the words in training data achieves good results in the text-independent task. The proposed method is described as follows. First, the predetermined password in the training data is segmented into sub-word units by Hidden Markov Model (HMM). Second, an NTN is trained for only the data segmented into that sub-word unit. It integrates the discriminatory ability of NTN with the framework of HMMs which demonstrates ability in modeling temporal variation of speech. The sub-word NTN trained with clustered data reduces the complexity of the NTN structure, and is more powerful in discriminating speakers. This new algorithm was evaluated by experiments on a TI isolated-word database, which contains 16 speakers. An improvement of performance was obtained over baseline performance obtained from conventional methods.
The diverse ligand repertoire of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts and pathways to the complications of diabetes.

Abstract The multi-ligand receptor RAGE was discovered on account of its ability to bind and transduce the cell stress-provoking signals of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). The finding that RAGE also bound pro-inflammatory molecules set the stage for linking RAGE and inflammation to the pathogenesis of diabetic macro- and microvascular complications. In this review, we focus on the roles of RAGE and its ligands in diabetes complications. We recount the findings from mice, rats, swine and human subjects suggesting that RAGE action potently contributes to vascular, inflammatory and end-organ stress and damage in types 1 and 2 diabetes. We detail the efforts to track ligands and RAGE in human subjects with diabetes to address if this axis may be a biomarker reflective of the state of the diabetic complications. Lastly, we suggest specific strategies to tackle AGE–ligand–RAGE interactions as potential therapeutic targets for diabetes and its complications.
The epitaxy of germanium on gallium arsenide

Abstract Germanium films were grown by the pyrolysis of germane on (100), (110), and (111)As GaAs substrates. The growth parameters which were varied included the temperature, pressure, substrate orientation, and germane mole fraction. Specular Ge layers, 1–3 μm thick, have been grown on (100) 3° → (110) GaAs substrates at temperatures of 700 to 750°C and at reduced pressure (0.1 to 0.2 atm), with a germane mole fraction of 2.5 × 10 -4 . Under these conditions the Ge growth rate ranged from 1.2 to 2.8 μm/h, increasing both with the growth pressure and the temperature. At higher pressures (> 0.2 atm), the Ge films had a grainy appearance. This is attributed to compound formation at the interface. Growth on (100) substrates can be described by two regimes; a higher temperature diffusion limited regime, and a kinetically controlled regime at low temperature. Based on the growth data, a Langmuir-Hinshelwood growth mechanism is proposed for this system in which the adsorbed species is Ge-H x . Two adjacent Ge-H x radicals interact to liberate one or more H 2 molecules.
Assessing the new literacies of online reading comprehension: An informative interview with W. Ian O'Byrne, Lisa Zawilinski, J. Greg McVerry, and Donald J. Leu at the University of Connecticut

The constantly changing nature of literacy, brought about by the Internet and other forms of information and communication technologies (ICTs), has pressed researchers and practitioners to seek new ways of addressing the complexities of reading comprehension and writing on and with the Internet. In this brief interview, members of the New Literacies Research Lab share valuable insights on the assessment of the new literacies of online reading comprehension. قد ضغطت طبيعة معرفة القراءة والكتابة الدائمة التغير الناتجة عن الشبكة العالمية وأنواع أخرى من تقنيات المعلومات والمواصلات على الباحثين والممارسين للبحث عن طرق جديدة لتتناول تعقيدات استيعاب القراءة والكتابة على الشبكة العالمية. وفي هذه المقابلة الموجزة يشارك أعضاء مختبر أبحاث معارف القراءة والكتابة الجديدة نفاذ بصيرتهم القيم بصدد تقييم المعارف الجديدة في استيعاب القراءة على الشبكة العالمية. 由于互联网及其他资讯通讯科技的不同读写形式对读写能力的本质所带来的不断变化，教育研究员和教育从业员不得不寻找新的方法，以应付在互联网上的写作和用互联网写作的复杂性，及阅读理解这些写作的复杂性。在这个简短的访谈中，「新读写能力研究实验室」的几位成员分享他们对线上阅读理解的新读写能力评估的一些宝贵见解。 La nature en changement constant de la litteratie, portee par Internet et d'autres formes des technologies de l'information et de la communication (ICTs), a pousse les chercheurs et les praticiens a chercher de nouveaux moyens pour affronter les complexites de la comprehension de la lecture et de l'ecriture sur et avec Internet. Dans ce bref entretien, des membres du Laboratoire de recherche sur les nouvelles litteraties mettent en commun des idees interessantes concernant l'evaluation des nouvelles litteraties de la comprehension en ligne de la lecture. Благодаря Интернету и другим информационным и коммуникационным технологиям смысл, который мы вкладываем в понятие грамотность, постоянно меняется. Это вынуждает исследователей и практиков искать новые пути для преодоления сложностей при восприятии прочитанного и при письме – теперь уже для пользователей Интернета. В этом кратком интервью сотрудники Лаборатории исследования новых видов грамотности делятся с читателями важными соображениями, связанными с оцениванием навыков, необходимых для понимания прочитанного в сети. La naturaleza constantemente cambiante de las competencias, producida por el Internet y otras tecnologias de informacion y comunicacion (ICTs por sus siglas en ingles), ha obligado a investigadores y practicantes a buscar nuevas maneras de enfrentar las complejidades de la comprension de lectura y la escritura en y con el Internet. En esta entrevista breve, miembros del Laboratorio de Investigacion de Nuevas Competencias comparten sus ideas sobre el evaluacion de estas nuevas competencias de la comprension de lectura en la red.
Role of biplane echocardiography in a large-volume clinical practice : revamping strategies for echocardiography in a limited time

Objectives We determined the feasibility, learning curve, time efficacy, and the quality of imaging during biplane echocardiography performed in clinical practice with a view to reduce a sonographer's time for image acquisition. Background Multidimensional echocardiographic imaging has improved the assessment of cardiac geometry and function in clinical settings. However, concerns regarding ease of performance and effects on overall clinical work flow remain inadequately addressed. Methods The study included 100 consecutive unselected patients referred to our echocardiography laboratory. They were randomized to conventional or biplane echocardiography performed by a sonographer without previous knowledge of biplane imaging. Image acquisition time and variables influencing the learning curve and overall image quality were analyzed. Results Mean time required for biplane and mono-plane imaging was not different in the first 24 cases. In the remaining cases, mean image acquisition time was reduced significantly in 58 cases (76.3%): biplane, 5.6 minutes (SD 1.3); and monoplane, 6.6 minutes (SD 1.6) ( P = .0003). For both techniques, scanning time was not affected by referral pattern, body habitus, or underlying cardiac lesion. Overall, biplane scanning resulted in reduction in echocardiographic imaging time of 9.1%, maintaining an acceptable image quality in 87% of patients. In the last 20 cases, new software design and superior instrumentation technique improved the mean time gain to 15%. Conclusion In a high-volume echocardiography laboratory, biplane imaging effectively reduces sonographer time for imaging and improves throughput by increasing the number of comprehensive ultrasound studies that can be performed in a limited time.
Regulatory administration: Environmental protection and the changing local political scene

Abstract The changing pattern of local government decisionmaking in the environmental protection regulatory area is examined. The traditional pluralistic consensus model is discussed and expanded into a more realistic pluralistic conflict model. Several implications relevant to local government decisionmaking are presented.
A projective method for structured nonlinear programs

This paper describes a partitioning method for solving a class of structured nonlinear programming problems with block diagonal constraints and a few coupling variables.
Lactogen and LH Receptors. Rat P-45017α, Structural Analysis and Hormonal Regulation of mRNA Levels in the Leydig Cell

A complete amino acid sequence for rat testis P-450 17 alpha was deduced from nucleotide analysis of a cDNA clone isolated from a rat Leydig cell library. This cDNA expressed in COS-1 cells both 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities. Rat P-450 17 alpha exhibited significant similarity to the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the bovine and human P-450 17 alpha, particularly with the highly conserved regions and secondary structure. The rat P-450 17 alpha is anchored to the ER by two transmembrane regions: the N-terminal insertion peptide and the stop-transfer sequence. The C-terminal is associated with the ER by four hydrophobic clefts including the steroid-binding site. We have demonstrated a dual effect of hCG, causing early increases of Leydig cell P-450 17 alpha mRNA levels at low doses, while higher desensitizing doses caused marked subsequent reduction of mRNA levels. Our studies demonstrate that gonadotropin stimulation and desensitization of P-450 17 alpha dependent enzymes (17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 desmolase) in the adult rat testis and E2 induced desensitization in fetal Leydig cells are related to levels of P-450 17 alpha mRNA.
Poisonings and overdoses in the intensive care unit: General and specific management issues

Objective To provide current information on general and specific interventions for overdoses likely to require intensive care. Design Review of literature relevant to selected interventions for general management of overdoses and specific poisons. Results The benefit of interventions to decrease absorption or enhance elimination of toxins is limited to a relatively small number of specific agents. Antidotes and certain interventions may be helpful in preventing or treating toxicity in specific poisonings when used appropriately. Intensive supportive care is also necessary to achieve good outcomes. Conclusion Knowledge of the indications and limitations of current interventions for poisonings and overdoses is important for care of the critically ill poisoned patient.
Black box multigrid for nonsymmetric problems

One major problem with the multigrid method has been that each new grid configuration has required a major programming effort to develop a code that specifically handles that grid configuration. Such a penalty is not required for methods like SOR, ICCG, etc.; in these methods, one need only specify the matrix problem no matter what the grid configuration. In previous work, this defect was overcome and a code written in which one needed only to specify the logically rectangular, positive definite matrix problem; the code did everything else necessary to set up the auxiliary coarser problems to achieve a multigrid solution. In this paper, the previous work is extended to a single nonsymmetric equation.
Validation of Approach and Climb-Out Times-in-Mode for Aircraft Emissions Computation

The first aircraft emissions standards were proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in "Proposed Standards for Control of Air Pollution," in 1972. Landing-takeoff cycles (LTOs), aircraft engine emissions factors, and times-in-mode (TIMs) were the basis of computing aircraft emissions. Discrete values were assigned to each TIM. No formal record of the derivation of these TIMs is available. Thirty years later, the same TIMs presented by EPA in 1972 are still used in developing aircraft emissions inventories. Today's aircraft perform much differently than did aircraft from the past. A study was attempted to validate the TIM values currently used with radar data. A sample emissions inventory will be developed for Chicago O' Hare International Airport to show the impact of the proposed changes of TIMs.
Pathophysiologic correlates of thromboembolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: II. Dense spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (The Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation [SPAF-III] study).

We analyzed transesophageal echocardiograms from 772 participants in the Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (SPAF-III) study, characterizing spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) in the left atrium or appendage as faint or dense. The association of dense SEC with stroke risk factors and anatomic, hemodynamic, and hemostatic parameters related to specific thromboembolic mechanisms was evaluated by multivariate analysis. Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast was present in 55% of patients and was dense in 13%. Age (odds ratio [OR] 2.4/decade, P 350 mg/dL (P <.001). Results were similar when SEC of any density was analyzed. In conclusion, SEC occurred in more than half of these patients with prospectively defined nonvalvular atrial fibrillation but was usually faint. Dense SEC was strongly associated with previously reported clinical predictors of stroke, linking them to thromboembolism through atrial stasis. Diverse pathophysiologic factors including atrial stasis, fibrinogen level, and aortic plaque influence SEC.
Distributed Urbanism: Cities after Google Earth/The Exposed City: Mapping the Urban Invisibles

Gretchen Wilkins (Ed.), Routledge, Abingdon, 2010, 208 pp., ISBN 978-0-415-56232-4 (pbk), 978-0-415-56231-7 (hbk) Nadia Amoroso, Routledge, Abingdon, 2010, 176 pp., ISBN 978-0-415-55180-9 (pbk), 97...
Predicting mercury wet deposition in Florida: A simple approach

Abstract Atmospheric mercury deposition is currently simulated using complex models that incorporate known transport and transformation processes. Though comprehensive, significant errors still exist between simulated and measured Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) data. The goal of this work was to develop a simpler approach to predict mercury deposition. Weekly precipitation sampling in Orlando, FL was conducted from September 2003 and presently continues. Rainfall and mercury deposition data were gathered from this site and 7 others located in and around Florida, to investigate spatial and seasonal patterns. Approximately 80% of Florida's rainfall and mercury deposition occur during the wet season. Regional wet and dry season equations were developed to predict mercury deposition from rainfall depth. A positive linear relationship was observed between rainfall depth and mercury deposition ( R 2 = 0.80 ). Model results were validated with MDN measurements at the Orlando site. This tool can be applied to predict mercury deposition at any location in Florida using local rainfall data.
Interference in pitch memory as a function of ear or input

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of spatial separation on interference effects in pitch memory. Subjects compared the pitches of two tones that were separated by a sequence of ...
The thrust to free trade: Conviction or fashion

Recently many developing countries flocked to free trade because the forces that led policymakers to resist trade reforms in the past have weakened. Apart from obvious external pressures from lending institutions, developing countries may simply have seen that cooperation promises more benefits than conflict in the area of international trade. The ideological debate between market forces and government planning has been decided in favor of market forces. However, another possibility not much considered is that trade reform is in vogue and this provides the motivation for following suit. Thus, trade reform can precipitate a cascade effect (Hirshleifer's term) of countries queuing up to adopt trade reform policies. A country is more likely to favor the notion of trade reform if two or more other countries have already successfully moved in that direction.
AN ATTEMPT TO CORRELATE THE VOTING RECORDS OF LEGISLATORS WITH THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARD PARTY

One of the major goals of a recent study of four state legislatures was to determine what party membership meant to the individual legislator in terms of his attitudes and behavior.' Most of the data on the legislators' perception of party were collected in a series of "openended" or "free answer" questions in which they were asked to describe the part played by parties in their legislatures, and to indicate how the actions of "party men" differed from those of "nonpartisans," "independents," or "mavericks." There were numerous other points in the interview where the legislators were asked to indicate whether they considered party a relevant factor in particular situations. As a supplement and check on these "free answer" data on perceptions of party, it was thought desirable to include some "closed," or "forced answer," items that would give a more precise measure of the legislators' evaluation of party in the legislature. To accomplish this purpose, four statements (calling for an agree-disagree response) about party behavior were included in a list of twenty-five statements dealing with various other legislative and political problems.2 The replies to these four items were used to construct a five-point Guttman-type scale (coefficient of reproducibility, 90.8 per cent) to score each individual legislator according to his attitude toward party. To facilitate further analysis, the five resulting groups were collapsed into scale types. Scale scores i and 2 were combined to form * LeRoy C. Ferguson is a Professor in the Political Science Department at Michigan State University. Bernard W. Klein is Comptroller of the City of Detroit. 1The major report of this study was John C. Wahlke, Heinz Eulau, William Buchanan, and LeRoy C. Ferguson, The Legislative System: Explorations in Legislative Behavior, New York, Wiley, 1962. 2 The four items were: "(i) The best interests of the people would be better served if legislators were elected without party labels. (2) Under our form of government every individual should take an interest in government directly, not through a political party. (3) If a bill is important for his party's record, a member should vote with his party even if it costs him some support in his district. (4) The two parties should take clear-cut opposing stands on more of the important state issues in order to encourage party responsibility." Disagree responses to items i and 2 and agree responses to items 3 and 4 were considered positive evaluations of party.
Results of two-dimensional time-evolved phase screen computer simulations

This paper presents a 2D computer simulation of observed intensity and phase behind a time evolved phase screen. Both spatial and temporal statistics of the observed intensity is compared to theoretical predictions. In particular, the intensity statistics as a function of detector position within the propagated laser beam are investigated. The computer simulation program was written using the C-programming language running on a SUN SPARC-5 workstation.
The amnesic Korsakoff syndrome: a study of selective and divided attention.

Abstract Groups of control and amnesic Korsakoff patients were given dichotic lists consisting of word-number pairs with instructions to (a) divide attention between ears and report by stimulus category, and (b) focus attention and report by ear. The performance of Korsakoff patients was inferior to controls both on the number of category reports and on the ear reported second in the selective attention condition. The lower accuracy with category reports is consistent with the results of other studies suggesting an impairment of semantic feature processing in Korsakoff patients. The deficit on the ear reported second is discussed in terms of proactive interference.
Dependence of vortex axisymmetrization on the characteristics of the asymmetry

This study investigates how different characteristics of initial asymmetries, including their positions and profiles, can impact on the vortex axisymmetrization process for barotropic vortices. When an initial disturbance is placed near the core of a vortex, a new asymmetry is generated inside the original asymmetry and grows due to its upshear tilt. Differential basic-state rotation then shifts the phase to a downshear tilt and the asymmetry weakens. As the initial radius of the imposed asymmetry is increased, the initial upshear tilt of the asymmetry decreases. There is also a decrease in the efficiency with which the differential rotation shifts the phase tilt from upshear to downshear. The latter is related to differential radial propagation of the asymmetry in the form of vortex Rossby waves. These two mechanisms that are position-dependent act against each other. There is an optimal radius at which the energy exchange between the symmetric and asymmetric flows is maximized. For a range of very different basic-state profiles examined here, the optimal radius is around 1.5 to 2 times the radius of the maximum wind. The initial growth of asymmetries with higher azimuthal wavenumbers is weaker than their lower-wavenumber counterparts due to a smaller upshear phase tilt with their smaller azimuthal length-scales. Nonlinearity reduces the magnitude and multiple perturbations of the newly induced inner asymmetry, and also limits the radial propagation of the asymmetry. The further the asymmetry is away from the core, the slower the axisymmetrization is. Depending on the position of the initial asymmetry, the basic state can have an increase of the maximum wind, a double-peak profile, or an increase of its outer wind profile through axisymmetrization. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
LIFE AND DEATH AROUND ACID-SALINE LAKES

Salt is a contradiction in itself. Halite requires a specific set of environmental conditions for growth, yet it is fairly common. It is extremely soluble, but many well-preserved examples are known from the rock record. It has been used by people for centuries as a food preservative, yet traditionally has been considered a poor fossilizer of other organisms. Recent studies have shown, however, that halite may be an excellent source for microfossils (e.g., Vreeland et al., 2000; Fish et al., 2002; Mormile et al., 2003; Schubert et al., 2005). A few organisms thrive in and near hypersaline environments. Flamingos, brine shrimp, halophilic algae and bacteria, and even the Death Valley pupfish are well known to most evaporite sedimentologists and saline-lake ecologists. But what life, if any, lives in or near lakes that are not only hypersaline and ephemeral, but also extremely acid? Do these organisms play any role in the unusual chemistry of their environment? Most importantly, do they become preserved in the fossil record? Natural acid-saline lakes are relatively rare. Two known modern settings, in Western Australia and Chile, host lakes and groundwaters with salinities of 100‰–300‰ TDS (total dissolved solids) and a pH of 1.5–4. There are hundreds of ephemeral, acid-saline lakes, and regional acid-saline groundwater, as well as nearby neutral-hypersaline lakes on the highly weathered Archean rocks of the Yilgarn Craton in the southern part of Western Australia (Mann, 1988; McArthur et al., 1991; Benison et al., 2007). In the Chilean Andes, at elevations of …
The mucosal humoral immune response of the horse to infective challenge and vaccination with Equine herpesvirus‐1 antigens

Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) remains a frequent cause of upper respiratory tract infection and abortion in horses worldwide. However, little is known about the local antibody response elicited in the upper airways of horses following exposure to EHV-1. This study analysed the mucosal humoral immune response of weanling foals following experimental infection with virulent EHV-1, or vaccination with either of 2 commercial vaccines. Twenty weanlings were assigned to 5 groups and were inoculated with, or vaccinated against, EHV-1 following different regimens. Finally, all weanlings were simultaneously challenged intranasally with virulent EHV-1 Army 183 (A183). Nasal wash and serum samples were collected at regular intervals until 13 weeks after final challenge. Nasal washes were assayed for EHV-1-specific equine IgGa, IgGb, IgG(T), IgA, IgM and total virus-specific antibody using an indirect, quantitative ELISA. Total serum antibody responses were also monitored, and clinical signs of EHV-disease were recorded for each individual. Virus-specific IgA dominated the mucosal antibody response elicited in weanlings inoculated with A183, being detectable at up to 3.1 microg/mg total IgA 13 weeks after challenge. Neither inactivated EHV-1 administered i.m., nor attenuated EHV-1 administered intranasally induced detectable mucosal antibodies. EHV-1-specific mucosal antibodies impeded EHV-1 plaque formation in vitro. Such virus-neutralising antibody probably contributes to a reduction of shedding of EHV-1 from the respiratory tract of virus-infected horses.
Treatment of Meralgia Paresthetica with Ultrasound‐Guided Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve

A 23-year-old female with an 18-month history of left anterolateral thigh paresthesias and burning pain consistent with meralgia paresthetica was referred to our clinic after failing trials of physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, gabapentin, and amitriptyline. We performed 3 lateral femoral cutaneous nerve blocks with corticosteroid over a 4-month period; however, each block provided only temporary relief. As this pain was limiting the patient's ability to perform her functions as an active duty service member, we elected to perform a pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with ultrasound guidance and nerve stimulation. After locating the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with ultrasound and reproducing the patient's dysthesia with stimulation, pulsed radiofrequency treatment was performed at 42°C for 120 seconds. The needle was then rotated 180° and an additional cycle of pulsed radiofrequency treatment was performed followed by injection of 0.25% ropivacaine with 4 mg of dexamethasone. At 1.5 and 3 month follow-up visits, the patient reported excellent pain relief with activity and improved ability to perform her duties as an active duty service member. ▪