cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
URBAN‐RURAL MIGRATION: EFFECTS OF A CHANGE IN AGRICULTURAL UNCERTAINTY UPON RESOURCE ALLOCATION

This paper compares the effects of four types of change in production uncertainty upon resource allocation in the neoclassical Harris-Todaro model and the neoclassical international trade theory model. The unique distinction of the former model is an exogenously mandated minimum wage in one sector of the economy that generates urban unemployment. In contrast, the latter model (which is a special case of the former) has free market forces operating throughout, so that full employment of all resources is assured. It will be shown that unemployment, or its absence, has a major influence upon the manner in which factor rewards and capital-labor ratios respond to changes in production uncertainty.
Mechanistic basis for the chemopreventive effects of black raspberries at a late stage of rat esophageal carcinogenesis.

The present study used a postinitiation protocol to investigate molecular mechanisms by which black raspberries (BRBs) influence the late stages of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced esophageal tumorigenesis in rats. F344 rats were injected with NMBA and then fed either control diet or a diet containing 5% BRB powder. Control rats were injected with DMSO/water (20:80), the vehicle for NMBA. Esophagi from control, NMBA- and NMBA + BRB-treated rats were collected at 35 wk for histopathological, molecular, and immunohistochemical analyses. Treatment with 5% BRBs reduced the number of dysplastic lesions and the number and size of esophageal papillomas in NMBA-treated rats. When compared to esophagi from control rats, NMBA treatment led to the differential expression of 4807 genes in preneoplastic esophagus (PE) and 17 846 genes in esophageal papillomas. Dietary BRBs modulated 626 of the 4807 differentially expressed genes in PE and 625 of the 17 846 differentially expressed genes in esophageal papillomas towards normal levels of expression. In both PE and in papillomas, BRBs modulated the mRNA expression of genes associated with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, cell proliferation and death, and inflammation. In these same tissues, BRBs modulated the expression of proteins associated with proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism. Interestingly, matrix metalloproteinases involved in tissue invasion and metastasis, and proteins associated with cell–cell adhesion, were also modulated by BRBs. This is the first report of the effects of berries on the expression of genes associated with the late stages of rat esophageal carcinogenesis. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Spread-Spectrum Multiple Access Using Wideband Noncoherent MFSK

Two spread-spectrum multiple access systems which usewideband M-ary frequency shift keying (FSK) (MFSK) as theprimary modulation are presented. A bit error rate performanceanalysis is presented and system throughput is calculated for sample C band and Ku band satellite systems. Sample link analyses areincluded to illustrate power and adjacent satellite interferenceconsiderations in practical multiple access systems.
Controlling X-rays with light

Ultrafast X-ray science is an exciting frontier that promises the visualization of electronic, atomic and molecular dynamics on atomic time and length scales. A largely unexplored area of ultrafast X-ray science is the use of light to control how X-rays interact with matter. To extend control concepts established for long-wavelength probes to the X-ray regime, the optical control field must drive a coherent electronic response on a timescale comparable to femtosecond core-hole lifetimes. An intense field is required to achieve this rapid response. Here, an intense optical control pulse is observed to efficiently modulate photoelectric absorption for X-rays and to create an ultrafast transparency window. We demonstrate an application of X-ray transparency relevant to ultrafast X-ray sources: an all-photonic temporal cross-correlation measurement of a femtosecond X-ray pulse. The ability to control X-ray–matter interactions with light will create new opportunities for present and next-generation X-ray light sources. Intense optical beams can alter the way that a material interacts with X-ray radiation. This is now demonstrated by experiments that use femtosecond laser pulses to affect inner-shell processes in neon atoms, increasing the transmission of X-rays. This could allow imprinting of optical pulse trains onto much longer X-ray pulses.
A Whisker Probe System for Shape Perception of Solids

A computer-controlled whisker probe system was designed to measure contours of solid objects. The system's mechanical components include the whisker: a cantilevered spring steel wire instrumented with strain gages; and the whisker's base sweep mechanism: an assembly of tubes that bend when pressurized. The base mechanism is programmed to sweep the whisker over a solid object, during which measures of whisker strain and tube pressure are combined with closedloop control to compute and display the object's shape. Experiments demonstrate the system's precision and accuracy in measuring object boundaries. Future applications include whisker cluster systems mounted on mobile robots and programmed for robot obstacle avoidance
Virtual reality and art education: experiments at the ingenuity festival

"Gazing into the Future" was the theme as The Cleveland Museum of Art pavilion at the 2005 Ingenuity: a festival of art and technology showcased and experimented with a variety of innovative technologies. Among the pavilion's exhibits were: a welcoming hologram of the museum's iconic 5,000 year old Statuette of a Woman: "The Stargazer," an autostereoscopic animation of the museums 14th century Table Fountain, and a stereoscopic video wall displaying a specially commissioned 3D video “short feature film” of the museum's 18th century French writing desk.
Toxicity of chelated copper to juvenile red drum sciaenops ocellatus

Acute toxicity of chelated copper to juvenile red drum (x= 3.1 g) was determined in a static test at 25 C and 8 ppt salinity. The 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h LC50s were 1.90, 0.84, 0.75, 0.64, and 0.52 mg/L copper, respectively. Effects of temperature and salinity on the 96 h LC50 (0.5 mg/L copper) for juvenile red drum (x= 5.0 g) were tested at two temperatures, 25 and 30 C, and three salinities, 0.5, 8, and 30 ppt. Temperature significantly affected mortality; mortality in 0.5 and 8 ppt salinities was significantly higher at 30 C than at 25 C. An increase in salinity significantly reduced the mortality of juvenile red drum. Total mortality occurred in 0.5 ppt salinity within 48 h at 25 C and within 12 h at 30 C. Total mortality occurred in 8 ppt salinity within 72 h at 25 C and within 48 h at 30 C. No mortality occurred during 96 h in 30 ppt salinity at 25 C or 30 C.
Chemotherapy vs. chemoimmunotherapy with methanol extraction residue of bacillus calmette‐guerin (MER) in advanced breast cancer: A randomized trial by the piedmont oncology association

Effects of the addition of MER, a nonspecific, nonviable immunostimulant, to two combination chemotherapy programs were explored in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Patients were randomized to either CDVFP [cyclophosphamide (C), doxorubicin (D), vincristine (V), fluorouracil (F) and prednisone (P)] or CD alternating with methotrexate (M) and F (CD/MF). Each group was also randomized to receive MER, 0.4 mg S.C. every four weeks or no immunotherapy. The response rates were CDVFP 56%, CDVFP + MER 54%, CD/MF 43%, and CD/MF + MER 43%. No significant differences were noted in response rate. Median durations of response and survival were similar for each group: CDVFP 16.2 and 25.2 months, respectively; CDVFP + MER 14.0 and 23.3 months, CD/MF 12.1 and 26.1 months, and CD/MF + MER 15.5 and 25.6 months. Patients who achieved CR frequently had soft-tissue disease (7/17) and patients with disease in 1 or 2 metastatic sites had a significantly higher response rate than those in greater than or equal to 3 sites. MER did not enhance response rate, duration of response, or survival. Also MER did not diminish myelosuppression.
Permeability and diffusivity for water transport through hydrogel membranes

Abstract Water transport through soft contact lenses is important to their behavior on the human eye. For the first time, we report gradient-driven diffusion rates of water through HEMA hydrogel membranes prototypical of commercial soft contact lenses. Water is evaporated from one surface of the membrane into known relative humidity air, and the weight loss of a water reservoir at the other membrane surface is followed in time. Typical water permeabilities are around 1–5 cm/s, increasing with the saturated water content of the membrane. Binary Fickian diffusion coefficients are near 10−7 cm2/s. We also garner binary Stefan–Maxwell diffusion coefficients based on Flory–Rehner theory for polymer solutions. Stefan–Maxwell diffusion coefficients are useful because, in general, they depend less strongly on concentration, and they can be readily incorporated into multicomponent transport though membranes. Both the binary Fickian and Stefan–Maxwell diffusion coefficients increase somewhat with the initial water content of the individual lens materials.
A dual electrospray ionization source combined with hexapole accumulation to achieve high mass accuracy of biopolymers in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

A dual electrospray ionization (ESI) source employed with hexapole accumulation and gated trapping provides a novel method of using an internal standard to achieve high mass accuracies in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Two ESI emitters are sequentially positioned in front of the heated metal capillary inlet by a solenoid fitted to an XYZ micromanipulator; one emitter contains the analyte(s) of interest and the other an internal standard. A 5 V transistor-transistor logic pulse from the data station controls the solenoid by means of a solid-state relay so that matching of spectral peak intensities (i.e., analyte and internal standard intensities) can be accomplished by adjusting the hexapole accumulation time for each species. Polythymidine, d(pT)18, was used as the internal standard for all studies reported here. The absolute average error for an internally calibrated 15-mer oligonucleotide (theoretical monoisotopic mass = 4548.769 Da) was -1.1 ppm (external calibration: 41 ppm) with a standard deviation of +/-3.0 ppm (external calibration: +/-24 ppm) for a total of 25 spectra obtained at various hexapole accumulation time ratios. Linear least squares regression analysis was carried out and revealed a linear dependence of the magnitudes of the peak height ratios (analyte/internal standard) vs. hexapole accumulation time ratios (analyte/internal standard) which is described by the following equation: y = 0.45 x - 0.02. The fitted line had a %RSD of the slope of 28% with an R2 of 0.93. The applicability of this methodology was extended to a polymerase chain reaction product with a theoretical average molecular mass of 50,849.20 Da. With the internal standard, d(pT)18, an absolute average error of -8.9 ppm (external calibration: 44 ppm) based on five measurements was achieved with a standard deviation of 11 ppm (external calibration: +/-36 ppm), thus illustrating this method's use for characterizing large biomolecules such as those encountered in genomics and proteomics related research.
Dynamics and control of membrane hydration in a PEMFC

The Jubject of water mallagement is a key issue in the design and operation of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC). In this paper we present a dynamic model central to understanding the water management and flooding issue. First we consider membrane hydration and show how the interplay between electro-osmatic drag and back-diffusion determine iOnic conductivity. The model is then used to identifY appropriate manipulated variables for controlling the location and shape of the hydration profile within the membrane.
Molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is a process for growing thin, epitaxial films of a wide variety of materials, ranging from oxides to semiconductors to metals. It was first applied to the growth of compound semiconductors. That is still the most common usage, in large part because of the high technological value of such materials to the electronics industry. In this process beams of atoms or molecules in an ultra-high vacuum environment are incident upon a heated crystal that has previously been processed to produce a nearly atomically clean surface. The arriving constituent atoms form a crystalline layer in registry with the substrate, i.e., an epitaxial film. These films are remarkable because the composition can be rapidly changed, producing crystalline interfaces that are almost atomically abrupt. Thus, it has been possible to produce a large range of unique structures, including quantum well devices, superlattices, lasers, etc., all of which benefit from the precise control of composition during growth. Because of the cleanliness of the growth environment and because of the precise control over composition, MBE structures closely approximate the idealized models used in solid state theory. This discussion is intended as an introduction to the concept and the experimental procedures used in MBE growth. The refinement of experimental procedures has been the key to the successful fabrication of electronically significant devices, which in turn has generated the widespread interest in the MBE as a research tool. MBE experiments have provided a wealth of new information bearing on the general mechanisms involved in epitaxial growth, since many of the phenomena initially observed during MBE have since been repeated using other crystal growth processes. We also summarize the general types of layered structures that have contributed to the rapid expansion of interest in MBE and its various offshoots. Finally we consider some of the problems that remain in the growth of heteroepitaxial structures, specifically, the problem of mismatch in lattice constant between layers and between layer and substrate. The discussion is phenomenological, not theoretical; MBE has been primarily an experimental approach based on simple concepts.
Liver disease activity and hepatitis B virus replication in chronic delta antigen-positive hepatitis B virus carriers

Delta antigen is currently thought to reflect superinfection of the liver with a defective RNA virus (delta agent), requiring helper function from hepatitis B virus for its replication. To assess the influence of delta agent on hepatitis B virus replication in patients persistently infected with both viruses and showing chronic liver disease, we measured serum and liver hepatitis B virus DNA in HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease patients who were either positive or negative for delta antigen in the liver. Hepatitis B virus DNA was assayed in the serum of 21 patients with delta antigen-positive/HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease and in 21 patients with delta antigen-negative/HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease matched for HBeAg/anti-HBe status and underlying liver histology. HBcAg and delta antigen in liver was determined by immunofluorescence or immunoperoxidase staining. In delta antigen-positive/HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease, serum hepatitis B virus DNA was detected transiently in 4 of 21 cases (19%) and was present in these patients at low levels (trace to 2+). In contrast, 9 of 21 (43%) delta antigen-negative/HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease patients were serum hepatitis B virus DNA positive, and five of these had high serum hepatitis B virus DNA levels (3+ to 4+). Serum HBsAg and anti-HBc titers were significantly lower in delta antigen-positive cases and correlated with reduced amount of HBcAg in the liver. There was a reduction in the proportion of delta antigen-positive/HBsAg-positive carriers showing virion or replicating hepatitis B virus DNA forms in the liver (2 of 13), as compared to liver hepatitis B virus DNA in delta antigen-negative/HBsAg-positive carriers (9 of 12). These findings indicate that in delta antigen-positive chronic hepatitis, synthesis of hepatitis B virus genomes and gene products remain suppressed, whereas production of delta components continues at high levels. These observations may be of value in understanding the pathobiology of chronic delta antigen infection and suggest that liver disease activity in delta antigen-positive/HBsAg-positive carriers is more related to persistent delta infection than to continued hepatitis B virus replication.
Oncocytic neuroendocrine tumors of the lung: histopathologic spectrum and immunohistochemical analysis of 15 cases

Oncocytic neuroendocrine tumor of the lung is rare. To reveal the clinicopathologic features of oncocytic neuroendocrine tumor, we reviewed surgical resections from 80 patients diagnosed with carcinoid tumors and 35 high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas. We discovered 7 cases from the 80 carcinoid tumors and added 8 patients from personal consultation files. There were no statistically significant differences among the clinical features (such as age, location, and survival). Although most oncocytic neuroendocrine tumors were low-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas, we found that they could be of any grade. Tumor cells showed an ample amount of granular oncocytic cytoplasm and had a round-to-oval nucleus with coarse chromatin. Two cases mainly consisted of small-sized to medium-sized cells resembling plasma cells. This tumorous area intermingled with the conventional oncocytic area. Other histologic features were a large conspicuous nucleolus in 9 cases and the presence of giant cells in 8 cases. In the 80 carcinoid cases, bone formation (P = .034), the presence of giant cells (P = .021), and tumor cells with a conspicuous nucleolus (P = .021) were more frequently observed. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that oncocytic cells were positive for antimitochondria antibody. In conclusion, most of the tumors were low-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas, but we found that oncocytic neuroendocrine tumor can display features of high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. The oncocytic change was induced by accumulation of mitochondria. Although this variant does not differ in clinical features of nononcocytic neuroendocrine tumors, histologic features of the oncocytic neuroendocrine tumor can be a potential cause of diagnostic error.
Administration of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant on the day of mifepristone for medical abortion: a pilot study

Abstract Objective We sought to determine satisfaction and continuation rates of the contraceptive implant when placed on the initial visit for first-trimester medical abortion. Study Design In this pilot study, we placed the implant within 15 min of mifepristone administration. We assessed satisfaction with implant placement timing, 1-year implant continuation and abortion completion. Results We enrolled 20 participants. Sixteen (80%) returned for follow-up, and all had complete abortion. At 1 year, of 16 participants contacted, 14 (87.5%) were satisfied with implant insertion timing, and 14 (87.5%) continued the implant. Conclusions Initiation of the contraceptive implant on the initial visit for medical abortion resulted in high satisfaction and continuation rates. Implications This pilot study provides important groundwork for future larger studies to assess initiation of the contraceptive implant on the day of mifepristone for medical abortion.
Semantic interpretation in linear time in the ATIS domain

People understand utterances in real time. Blank [1] described a natural language processor which also parses sentences in linear time. Like human performance, it stays within fixed and finite short-term memory—indeed, these limits prevent it from being overwhelmed by syntactic ambiguities. This paper reviews the parser and describes enhancements that allow it to perform morphosyntactic agreement and semantic interpretation—still within linear time and with predictable resources. The lexicon has been extended semi-automatically, using data from tagged corpora and WordNet, to cover the typical vocabulary of utterances in the domain of air traffic information service (ATIS). Comparing our interpreter with the performance ofPundit's top down parser [2] for utterances in the ATIS domain, we get improvements of at least an order of magnitude and avoid asymptotic cases due toPundit's unbounded backtracking.
Cholesterol and breast cancer pathophysiology

Cholesterol is a risk factor for breast cancer although the mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood. One hypothesis is that dyslipidemia results in increased cholesterol content in cell membranes, thus impacting upon membrane fluidity and subsequent signaling. In addition, studies demonstrate that the metabolite, 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), can function as an estrogen, increasing the proliferation of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells. This was unexpected because 27HC and other oxysterols activate the liver X receptors (LXR), resulting in a reduction of intracellular cholesterol. Resolution of this paradox will require dissection of the molecular mechanisms by which ER and LXR converge in breast cancer cells. Regardless, the observation that 27HC influences breast cancer provides a rationale for strategies that target cholesterol metabolism.
Thermal Management High Heat Flux Amplification Conceptual Model

Unanticipated high heat flux amplification in thermal management schemes can compromise or limit the optimization in emerging engineering systems. A conjugate heat flux removal finite element analysis simulation was developed with excellent accuracy for predicting heat flux amplification and the peak inside wall temperature (Twimax) in single-side heated flow channels. The simulation was expanded in this work by developing a conceptual model that identifies some of the parameters controlling the amplification. Although the model appears to be fluid- and flow regime-independent, more work is required. The model was used to develop amplification and Twimax correlation comparisons for a single-side heated monoblock with a circular flow channel. At a 1.5 MW/m2 incident absorbed heat flux, the model predictions had excellent agreement with the simulation and prototype predictions. At this heat flux, for example, the model amplification prediction was 1.20; i.e., the inside flow channel maximum heat flux was 2...
ABSENCE OF COAGULATION ABNORMALITIES IN CHILDREN WITH CYANOTIC CONGENITAL HEART-DISEASE

Abstract It has been suggested that the thrombo-cytopenia often observed in cyanotic heart-disease may result from intravascular clotting, and heparin therapy has been recommended. However, coagulation data for ten cyanotic children with thrombocytopenia contained no evidence of the complex of coagulation abnormalities which are characteristic of intravascular clotting. The findings do not suggest that the thrombocytopenia observed in cyanotic congenital heart-disease results in intravascular coagulation nor do they support the therapeutic use of heparin in its management.
Hydrogen sulfide attenuates high fat diet-induced cardiac dysfunction via the suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a significant contributor to the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that lead to its development have not been fully elucidated. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenously produced signaling molecule that is critical for the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. Recently, therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing its levels have proven cardioprotective in models of acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and heart failure. The precise role of H2S in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy has not yet been established. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to evaluate circulating and cardiac H2S levels in a murine model of high fat diet (HFD)-induced cardiomyopathy. Diabetic cardiomyopathy was produced by feeding mice HFD (60% fat) chow for 24 weeks. HFD feeding reduced both circulating and cardiac H2S and induced hallmark features of type-2 diabetes. We also observed marked cardiac dysfunction, evidence of cardiac enlargement, cardiac hypertrophy, and fibrosis. H2S therapy (SG-1002, an orally active H2S donor) restored sulfide levels, improved some of the metabolic perturbations stemming from HFD feeding, and attenuated HFD-induced cardiac dysfunction. Additional analysis revealed that H2S therapy restored adiponectin levels and suppressed cardiac ER stress stemming from HFD feeding. These results suggest that diminished circulating and cardiac H2S levels play a role in the pathophysiology of HFD-induced cardiomyopathy. Additionally, these results suggest that H2S therapy may be of clinical importance in the treatment of cardiovascular complications stemming from diabetes.
The impact of race and fractures on mortality in a postmenopausal Medicaid population.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to model fractures and survival by age and race in a large postmenopausal Medicaid population. All Georgia Medicaid claims were abstracted for the years 1992, 1993, and 1994. Claims for postmenopausal women (≥50 years of age) were retained, and patients with fractures were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for fracture. A survival analysis was conducted using KaplanMeier estimators to evaluate the effect of fracture, age, and race on 3-year survival. A total of 159,400 white and black postmenopausal women were identified. The cohort with fracture totaled 5933 patients, with femoral fractures constituting 46% of all fractures. Discounting those with fracture before the study, the fracture incidence was ~1.2% in this postmenopausal female cohort. The survival analysis suggested that after age was accounted for, black postmenopausal women had a 42% increased risk of death within 3 years of fracture, compared with 13% for white women. However, postmenopausal black women were ~50% less likely to experience a fracture, and postmenopausal black women without fracture had better survival rates than comparable white women. Mortality crossover and the diminished likelihood of fracture mask the true nature of fracture survival in postmenopausal black women. Postmenopausal black women with fracture are at greater risk of dying than their white counterparts.
Walking age does not explain term versus preterm difference in bone geometry.

Objective To elucidate the relationship between bone geometry and onset of walking in former term and preterm children. Study design We conducted a cross-sectional study of 128 preschool children aged 3 to 5 years who underwent peripheral quantitative computerized tomography measures of bone size at the distal tibia. Linear models were developed, stratifying by sex, to determine whether bone differences between children born term and preterm were caused by differences in walking age. Results Children with a history of preterm birth walked later than children born at term (12.4 ± 0.5 versus 10.9 ± 0.2 months; P = .004); however, gestation-corrected walking age (11.4 ± 0.5 for children born preterm) did not differ. In multiple regression analysis, boys born preterm had larger periosteal and endosteal circumferences and smaller cortical thickness and area than boys born term (least square means, 49.7 ± 1.3 mm, 43.0 ± 1.8 mm, 1.1 ± 0.11 mm, and 49.3 ± 3.2 mm2 versus 47.0 ± 0.5 mm, 38.5 ± 0.7 mm, 1.4 ± 0.04 mm, and 56.9 ± 1.2 mm2, respectively; all P Conclusion Greater periosteal and endosteal circumferences, with smaller cortical bone thickness and area, were found in former preterm boys, but not girls, and were explained by differences in current activity levels, not age of walking.
Improvement in the thermal oxidation resistance of chemical vapour-deposited diamond films

The authors examine with SEM observations and oxidation kinetic data the effect of boron doping on the oxidation resistance of CVD diamond films. It is deduced from this study that the most plausible mechanism of inhibition is the surface boron atoms blocking the reactive carbon sites thus improving the oxidation resistance
Bulbar respiratory neurons participating in the sniff reflex in the cat.

Abstract Activity of bulbar respiratory neurons was recorded extracellularly in anesthetized cats in which sniffs were induced by mechanical stimulation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa during the expiratory pause. Sniffs were indicated by brief, rapid activation of the diaphragmatic EMG which was followed by a sharp rise of tracheal inspiratory airflow (aspiration reflex of Tomori). In large sniffs, inspiratory neurons were activated in highfrequency bursts which preceded diaphragmatic activation. Other neurons in the bulbar reticular formation did not exhibit these properties. Inspiratory neurons located ipsilateral to the stimulated nasopharynx in the region ventrolateral to fasciculus solitarius exhibited low-threshold bursting and the earliest activation. The same neurons responded weakly and late to stimulation of the contralateral nasopharynx. Inspiratory neurons located in the environs of nucleus ambiguus frequently failed to participate in weaker sniffs, but a few always participated. Most neurons in this region were activated at nearly equal times before the diaphragm whether ipsilateral or contralateral nasopharynx was stimulated. Expiratory neurons located bilaterally near nucleus ambiguus were inhibited in numbers and in degree which matched the magnitude of the sniff. Weaker sniffs were accompanied by inhibition of late expiratory units alone, while stronger sniffs involved all expiratory neurons. Repeated stimulations could silence the expiratory units for long periods.
Rational expectations and corporate dividend policy

The problem of expectations formation has been either ignored or treated with very restrictive assumptions in traditional dividend adjustment models. Since these models are typically used to explain the dividend decisions of individual firms, a more satisfactory treatment of the process of expectations formation is needed. In order to analyze the dynamic dividend adjustment process, this article proposes a model, more general than previous ones, that is consistent with the rational expectations hypothesis. A nonlinear regression method is used to estimate the parameters of the model and to test the validity of the rational expectations hypothesis in dividend decisions making. The partial adjustment model with rational expectations explains dividend adjustments reasonably well. The overall results suggest that firms make use of available earnings information to form optimal future earnings forecasts; specifically, a firm's dividend adjustment process is completed in about two and a half quarters. This article also finds that the fourth-order serial correlation problem disappears after a generalized Tobit model is used for the parameter estimation.
SOME STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN MULTIDIMENSIONAL SCALING

Some shortcomings of current methods of estimating the magnitude of perceived difference are considered. A statistical model for perceived difference is derived which avoids these difficulties and employs judgments of ratios of differences as data. Three estimators of squared difference are developed.
Intimate narratives : The letters of Hildegard of Bingen

L'A. utilise plusieurs lettres de Hildegarde de Bingen (1098-1179) ainsi que plusieurs passages autobiographiques qui forment sa Vita pour montrer comme elle se construit un caractere de prophete feminin, une femme investie de l'autorite de l'Esprit qui peut meme parfois supplanter l'autorite ecclesiastique masculine. L'A. s'interesse aux voix feminines qui percent derriere le recit. A certains moments du recit, Hildegarde se presente comme la voix directe de Dieu. De meme, sa connaissance possede une origine divine. A ce titre, elle ne doute pas de la veracite de tout ce qu'elle peut dire
The Dependence of Core Radius on Swirl Ratio in a Tornado Simulator

Abstract The nondimensional radius of the turbulent core in Ward's laboratory tornado model is shown to be primarily a function of swirl ratio alone. Thus, for given circulation and updraft radius, high-volume flow rate (but not necessarily high momentum flux) is required for the production of concentrated vortices.
Ladder Corrections to the Static Random-Phase-Approximation Dielectric Constant and to Positron Annihilation in Metals

A calculation of the static dielectric constant of a free-electron gas is made in which account is taken of repeated (ladder) electron-hole interactions. An analytic approximation is given for the results. The effective interaction thus obtained is used in a high-order (ladder) perturbation calculation of the two-photon annihilation rate of positrons in an electron gas. The results agree quite well with experimental data for ${r}_{s}\ensuremath{\le}5$. Comparison is made with similar calculations made using the static random-phase-approximation and Hubbard interactions.
Relative oxidation potentials of the Bk(IV)Bk(III) and Ce(IV)Ce(III) couples in acid solutions

Abstract The differences in formal oxidation potentials of the Bk(IV)Bk(III) and Ce(IV)Ce(III) couples in a wide range of concentrations of nitric and perchloric acids have been measured by a solvent extraction method which separates the Bk(IV) from the Bk(III) present in equilibrium with a Ce(IV)Ce(III) mixture of predetermined composition in an aqueous solution. The differences in potential are then calculated from a form of the Nernst equation. In nitric acid Ce(IV) was the stronger oxidant in all concentrations of acid below about 7·5N HNO 3 , with a maximum difference of ∼0·08 V in 2N HNO 3 . In perchloric acid the maximum difference was ∼0·11V in 4N HClO 4 , with differences of ∼0·08V in 1N and 8N HClO 4 . Attempts to measure potential differences in sulfuric and phosphoric acids by this method were unsuccessful because of strong complexing in the aqueous solutions.
Myocardium -sparing cannulation technique for left ventricular assist device support

The left atrium and the left ventricular apex are the most commonly used sites of inflow cannulation for postcardiotomy left ventricular support. A new cannulation technique that requires only an ascending aortotomy is introduced. This procedure can be undertaken with equipment present in any cardiac operating room and may prove to cause fewer complications than conventional cannulation techniques.
Electron Energy Distributions from Ionizing Collisions of Helium and Neon Ions with Helium

The electron-energy distributions arising from ionizing collisions of He and Ne ions with a He target have been examined under conditions such that the instrumental resolutions does not affect the distribution. Incident ions were in the range of 1-4 keV. The distributions consist of a sharp maximum near the zero of the electron energy with broader peaks occurring in the 20-40-eV region. Two broad peaks are detectable in the ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$-He spectrum and six are found in the ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{+}$-He spectrum. The energy of the maxima of the prominent broad peaks have been found to fit a linear dependence on the inverse ion velocity over all or part of the ion range investigated. This dependence, when extrapolated to infinite ion energy, has yielded peak energies which correspond to previously identified auto-ionizing states. Where measurement is possible, these same peaks show a decrease in width at half-maximum also linear with the inverse ion velocity. A model is presented which attributes the observed behavior to a collision-induced excitation of auto-ionizing states followed by autoionization transitions which occur in the field of the ion.
Long-term outcomes from nosocomial infections in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders.

Background Nosocomial infection may contribute to poor long-term consequences in persons who have spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCID P P P = .004) in the infection group. Death rate was higher in the nosocomial infection group (30.11% versus 10.77%; P = .004), but the association did not achieve significance in the Cox proportional hazards model ( P = .12). Conclusions Nosocomial infections have serious subsequent consequences that result in future hospitalization and shorter survival. Efforts to prevent nosocomial infections are needed to reduce long-term adverse effects in persons who have SCI&D.
Jensen's inequality for a convex vector-valued function on an infinite-dimensional space

Abstract Jensen's inequality f(EX) ≤ Ef(X) for the expectation of a convex function of a random variable is extended to a generalized class of convex functions f whose domain and range are subsets of (possibly) infinite-dimensional linear topological spaces. Convexity of f is defined with respect to closed cone partial orderings, or more general binary relations, on the range of f. Two different methods of proof are given, one based on geometric properties of convex sets and the other based on the Strong Law of Large Numbers. Various conditions under which Jensen's inequality becomes strict are studied. The relation between Jensen's inequality and Fatou's Lemma is examined.
Isolation and composition of thick filaments from rabbit skeletal muscle.

Abstract A method has been developed for the isolation of thick filaments from rabbit skeletal muscle. We found that the thick filaments of this muscle are readily dispersed in the presence of a relaxing medium if the M and Z-line structures are first extracted in a low-salt solvent system. Thick filaments were separated from thin filaments by zone sedimentation in a 10% to 30% glycerol density gradient. The isolated filaments are homogeneous in length (1.5 to 1.6 μm) and retain the physical characteristics of these structures observed in sectioned muscle. Gel electrophoresis of thick filaments in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate showed a band of C-protein as well as bands with mobilities characteristic of the heavy and light chains of myosin. No other protein species was detected in these experiments. Thus our results provide evidence against the presence of a special protein component which would serve as the core of the skeletal thick filament structure. From the relative stain density of bands, the molar ratio of C-protein to myosin was estimated to be 1 to 5.8.
Long Idle: Making Idle Networks Quiet for Platform Energy-Efficiency

Today's platforms offer ubiquitous network connectivity through one or more communication interfaces and while the communication devices consume a small portion of the overall platform power the impact of network connectivity and individual packet processing on the overall platform energy consumption is significant, due to the non-deterministic characteristics of network traffic. In this paper, we show that significant energy is unnecessarily wasted at the platform level while it is idle and connected to one or more networks, especially unlicensed networks like WiFi or Ethernet, because the system is constantly processing what we term "background/noise" traffic. These are management, control or broadcast packets arriving at a rate high enough that prevents the system from taking full advantage of the platform-level power management states. We quantify the negative impact of network connectivity on platform energy-efficiency and provide novel techniques to mitigate this impact. We implemented these mitigation techniques in our wireless network interface cards and our results indicate that when our scheme is used the total platform sleep time increases by up to 40% with no performance degradation and no user experience impact.
Factors that determine the occurrence of reperfusion arrhythmias

The determinants of reperfusion arrhythmias were investigated in 63 open-chest dogs undergoing a 25-minute coronary artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. Heart rate correlated positively with the occurrence of reperfusion ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). Collateral flow during ischemia (radioactive microspheres) exhibited a strong negative correlation with the incidence of both VT and VF upon reperfusion. Importantly, a sensitive coupling was present, whereby small differences in flow were associated with large differences in rhythm disorders. The rise in intramyocardial CO2 tension (another index of severity of ischemia) was greater in dogs exhibiting reperfusion VT (p < 0.001) and VF (p < 0.08); however, this variable was significantly correlated with collateral flow (r = −0.57, p < 0.01). The size of the occluded coronary bed, cetermined by postmortem perfusion, was not consistently related to VT; within a given range of occluded bed sizes, the incidence of VT was inversely related to collateral flow. Thus, reperfusion-induced VT is relatively independent of the size of the occluded bed, and is determined primarily by the degree of myocardial hypoperfusion. In contrast, VF did not develop with occluded beds < 25% of the left ventricular mass; above this critical occluded bed size, its incidence was inversely related to collateral perfusion. Reperfusion VF is therefore determined by the association of a large occluded bed with a poor collateral flow. This study identifies and systematically analyzes three major determinants of reperfusion arrhythmias: (1) the severity of antecedent ischemia, estimated either from the degree of flow reduction or the rise in intramural CO2 tension; (2) the amount of ischemic/reperfused myocardium; and (3) the heart rate. In addition to conceptual interest and clinical implications, the findings have important implications for the design of future studies aimed at evaluating antiarrhythmic interventions in experimental models.
An association study of angiotensinogen polymorphisms with serum level and hypertension in an African-American population

Objective To evaluate the association of angiotensinogen (AGT) gene with AGT level and hypertension based on the overall genetic variation of the AGT gene in among African-Americans. Methods All non-rare single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AGT were identified by resequencing 24 individuals. Five tagging SNPs were selected based on the pairwised linkage disequilibrium (LD) pattern and were genotyped in 284 individuals. Association studies of AGT level and hypertension were performed using these five tagging SNPs. Results No significant association with AGT level or hypertension was found in analyses of each of the five single SNPs. However, one of the haplotypes defined by these five SNPs was significantly associated with AGT level (P = 0.046), although this haplotype was not associated with hypertension. Conclusions Identification of genetic polymorphisms associated with risk of hypertension has been frustratingly difficult. Two strategies adopted to improve precision are the use of intermediate phenotypes and summarization of genetic information using haplotypes. These strategies appeared to yield a modest increase in precision at the AGT locus with respect to the physiological intermediate, but did not lead to significant association of the molecular markers with hypertension. Additional research is required to increase confidence in haplotype mapping as an epidemiological analysis tool.
Governmentality and the Sociology of Education: Media, educational policy and the politics of resentment

This paper argues that theorizations of the state which are sensitive to both its durability and its permeability, and theorizations which can account for the massive interconnections between local and global forces as well as different material and discursive sites are missing from contemporary work in the sociology of education. Drawing on Foucault's notion of 'governmentality' as a key resource for addressing this impasse, the authors highlight the constant fabrication of racial identity through the production of the pure space of racial origins or 'resentment'—the process of defining one's identity through the negation of the other. This dynamic, the article maintains, now informs key discourses both in popular culture and education. The authors conclude that these processes operate in tandem in the prosecution of the politics of racial exclusion in our times, informing key policy debates, including those around affirmative action and bilingual education.
Framing tobacco control efforts within an ethical context

Public health efforts to promote tobacco control are not performed within a vacuum. They are subject to interpretation and misinterpretation by consumers and policymakers based largely upon the initial framing of the issues. This paper notes how the tobacco industry has established a particular frame that it is the protector of individual rights and that the public health community is trying to eliminate those rights. This paper then shows how the public health community uses metaphors that may unintentionally support this framing and suggests that by reframing public health efforts in accordance with core ethical principles, the public health community can create more positive messages. A public health ethical framework is proposed to examine how the application of the principles can influence the tobacco control movement. Through the increased use of ethics in tobacco control, the public health community may be better positioned to claim the high road as the protector of the public's interests.
The wish to die and the wish to live in attempted suicides

The internal struggle hypothesis of suicidal behavior suggests that suicidal individuals wish both to die and to live. To test this hypothesis, spearate self-ratings of the Wish to Die and the Wish to Live were obtained from 64 women and 42 men hospitalized for suicide attempts. The dependent variable was the severity of suicidal intent assessed by a quantitative instrument. The results indicate that 50% of the sample experienced internal debates over death and life, 40% wanted to die, and 9% wanted to live. Internal struggle over the issues of death and life was related to lower suicidal intent scores than a unidirectional motivation toward death. It also appeared that the actual magnitudes of death and life wishes were not as crucial to suicidal intent as the degree of congruence between them. However, two-way analysis of variance yielded only a significant Wish to Die main effect. The discussion centers on the heterogeneity of the sample's motivational stance and the therapeutic and empirical usefulness of the scales to identify ambivalent and monambivalent patients.
Design and test of a 915MHz, RFID-based pressure sensor for Glaucoma

A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based pressure sensing system is developed to extend the range of current Intra-Ocular Pressure (IOP) sensing systems. The system described in this work utilizes a unique Electrically Small Antenna (ESA) that measures 7mm × 10mm to receive a 915MHz signal used to power the system. A four-stage Schottky rectifier circuit is used to rectify the received signal and provide dc power via a regulator to a Colpitts oscillator. The Colpitts oscillator senses pressure and provides an output signal that is proportional to the pressure. The system is fabricated using a mature, inexpensive 0.5μm CMOS fabrication process and is capable of operating over a range of 5.4cm.