cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pluralism and Liberal Politics

In this book, Robert Talisse critically examines the moral and political implications of pluralism, the view that our best moral thinking is indeterminate and that moral conflict is an inescapable feature of the human condition. Through a careful engagement with the work of William James, Isaiah Berlin, John Rawls, and their contemporary followers, Talisse distinguishes two broad types of moral pluralism: metaphysical and epistemic. After arguing that metaphysical pluralism does not offer a compelling account of value and thus cannot ground a viable conception of liberal politics, Talisse proposes and defends a distinctive variety of epistemic pluralism. According to this view, certain value conflicts are at present undecidable rather than intrinsic. Consequently, epistemic pluralism countenances the possibility that further argumentation, enhanced reflection, or the acquisition of more information could yield rational resolutions to the kinds of value conflicts that metaphysical pluralists deem irresolvable as such. Talisse’s epistemic pluralism hence prescribes a politics in which deep value conflicts are to be addressed by ongoing argumentation and free engagement among citizens; the epistemic pluralist thus sees liberal democracy is the proper political response to ongoing moral disagreement.
Uniqueness in bilinear inverse problems with applications to subspace and joint sparsity models

Bilinear inverse problems (BIPs), the resolution of two vectors given their image under a bilinear mapping, arise in many applications, such as blind deconvolution and dictionary learning. However, there are few results on the uniqueness of solutions to BIPs. For example, blind gain and phase calibration (BGPC) is a structured bilinear inverse problem, which arises in inverse rendering in computational relighting, in blind gain and phase calibration in sensor array processing, in multichannel blind deconvolution (MBD), etc. It is interesting to study the uniqueness of solutions to such problems. In this paper, we define identifiability of a bilinear inverse problem up to a group of transformations. We derive conditions under which the solutions can be uniquely determined up to the transformation group. Then we apply these results to BGPC and give sufficient conditions for unique recovery under subspace or joint sparsity constraints. For BGPC with joint sparsity constraints, we develop a procedure to determine the relevant transformation groups. We also give necessary conditions in the form of tight lower bounds on sample complexities, and demonstrate the tightness by numerical experiments.
Improving Financial Literacy: The Role of Nonprofit Providers

Nonprofit organizations are one of the primary channels through which financial literacy services are delivered to lower-income adults in the US. There are several reasons why the nonprofit sector is involved in promoting financial literacy, including perceptions that nonprofit organizations are objective sources of information and that they are accessible to lower-income individuals. Using tax records, we identified over 2,100 nonprofit entities with programs related to financial literacy. The nonprofit financial literacy field is heterogeneous, which hinders our ability to make generalizations about this field as a whole. Nonetheless, nonprofit entities focused solely on financial counseling and money management appear to be smaller than organizations for which financial literacy services are secondary activities. Despite the breadth of financial literacy programming within the nonprofit sector, few studies have analyzed the impact of financial literacy services provided by nonprofit organizations.
The Paternalistic Bias of Expert Advice

Using a theoretical model of noisy expert advice, I show that language inflation can be a rational response to the vagueness of language. Experts will tend to overstate their positions to a like-minded decision maker (DM) and this constitutes a Pareto improvement over sending a sincere message. When the message space is bounded, overstatement may interfere with the DM's ability to aggregate the experts' information, because communication is less precise when the same message is sent for many states of the world. Despite this, I show that experts are willing to send either the most extreme message to the DM, or a partially overstated message, because by doing so the expert can decrease the likelihood the DM makes a suboptimal decision due to his subjective interpretation of the advice. Because the expert inflates his message toward the policy he believes the DM would be better off choosing, rather than sincerely revealing his information, I refer to this behavior as a paternalistic bias.
Mediation Tactics: A Comparison of Field and Laboratory Research1

This article responds to a concern that laboratory experiments, relative to field research, are poorly suited for the study of mediation. An overview of the study of mediation is presented. Methods of field and laboratory research on mediation are described. Then the issue of the generalizability of laboratory research to field settings is discussed. Finally, the results of field and laboratory research on mediation tactics are compared. Most research on when mediators choose to use specific tactics has been field research, but the few laboratory studies have provided comparable results. Both laboratory and field research have been employed to determine the effectiveness of mediation tactics in helping the parties to settle the dispute and fairly consistent results have been obtained across these settings. We conclude that laboratory experiments on mediation should not be considered inferior to field research methods, but rather should be considered complementary.
Comparing inorganic and organic BARC for a deep submicron gate patterning and etch

The continued push towards smaller feature sizes has placed increasingly stringent demands upon CD control. Several techniques have been used in the past to improve the CD control over topography, starting with dyed resist and progressing through top anti-reflective coating, spin on- organic BARC and more recently inorganic dielectric ARC. The increased use of DUV lithography has limited the use of the TAR coating, as it fails to prevent true reflective notching. Organic BARC has therefore been the method of choice. Recently however, the use of inorganic dielectric anti-reflective materials has become more widespread due to potentially improved performance, particularly over high topography. We report on the relative performance of both types of materials as applicable to MOS gates. Practical factors such as resist footing, relative defectivity after polysilicon patterning, CD bias after etch, problems in removal of the ARC during etch and strip and the impact on process integration are discussed. The overall aim is to provide a production viewpoint as to the usefulness of each approach and to highlight their individual strengths and weaknesses.
Analysis of anechoic chamber testing of the Hurricane Imaging Radiometer

The Hurricane Imaging Radiometer System (HIRAD) is a new airborne passive microwave remote sensor developed to observe hurricanes. HIRAD incorporates synthetic thinned array radiometry technology, which use Fourier synthesis to reconstruct images from an array of correlated antenna elements. The HIRAD system response to a point emitter has been measured in an anechoic chamber. With this data, a Fourier inversion image reconstruction algorithm has been developed. Performance analysis of the apparatus is presented, along with an overview of the image reconstruction algorithm.
Fracto-emission from neat epoxy resin

Emission d'electrons, d'ions positifs et de photons au cours de la rupture d'une resine non chargee soumise a des contraintes de tension et de choc, sous vide
Cytopathologic features of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

We present the cytological features of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EH), which is considered to be a vascular proliferation of intermediate malignant potential. The case report concerns a 52-yr-old previously healthy man discovered to have multiple hepatic masses upon evaluation for abnormal liver function tests. Fine-needle aspiration demonstrated a neoplasm composed of interanastomosing epithelioid cells that contained intracytoplasmic lumens. Histologic sections, immunohistochemistry, and ultrastructural evaluation were confirmatory. Although hepatic EH is a rare tumor, its characteristic cytological, histological, and ultrastructural features permit a straightforward diagnosis. It is important to distinguish this entity from adenocarcinoma and angiosarcoma because long-term disease-free survival is possible, especially in the setting of orthotopic liver transplantation.
Hypertension: Endothelin-receptor antagonists for treating hypertension.

Are selective endothelin-receptor antagonists really an important new advance for treating patients with treatment-resistant hypertension? The evidence from a recent study leaves us with some uncertainty.
Barriers to quitting smoking among medically ill smokers

Few studies examine predictors of smoking cessation among medically ill smokers, despite their high smoking prevalence. We prospectively examined barriers to smoking cessation in medically ill smokers, with age as a hypothesized moderator. Participants were smokers (N = 237, M (age) = 56.1, 53.6% females) receiving home-based nursing care. Baseline self-report questionnaires assessed barriers to cessation (demographics, smoking history, psychosocial, and medical factors). Smoking status was biochemically verified at 2- and 6-months post-intervention. Compared with younger smokers, older smokers had significantly lower levels of nicotine dependence, stress, and depressed mood and a greater prevalence of smoking-related diseases. Older smokers were more likely to achieve biochemically verified abstinence at 6-month follow-up (7.8%) than younger smokers (3.1%) though this difference was not significant. Higher levels of depressed mood and lower levels of perceived stress were associated with a greater likelihood of cessation at both follow-up points, but only for younger smokers. For younger smokers, higher self-efficacy to quit and the presence of a smoking-related disease increased the odds of abstinence. These findings could help guide treatment development for this high-risk group of smokers.
Determination of hydroxyurea in plasma and peritoneal fluid by high-performance liquid chromatography using electrochemical detection

A sensitive method has been developed for the determination of hydroxyurea in plasma and peritoneal fluid using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Plasma or peritoneal fluid samples were treated with acetonitrile to precipitate proteins then injected to the HPLC. A C18 analytical column was used to separate hydroxyurea from interfering substances in the biological matrix. The mobile phase, consisting of 0.2 M sodium perchlorate–methanol (95:5, v/v) adjusted to pH 5.0, was delivered isocratically at a flow-rate of 1 ml/min and hydroxyurea was detected using a glassy-carbon electrode operating at an applied potential of +800 mV. Hydroxyurea eluted with a retention time of 3 min. The cycle time for analysis is short and the assay precision is acceptable (C.V. plasma=1.4–3.9%, C.V. peritoneal fluid=2.1–9.7%). The method has been validated and is linear from 25 to 400 ng/ml in plasma and 5 to 30 ng/ml in peritoneal fluid. The method has been shown to be applicable for pharmacokinetic studies.
Torsional stress in tubular lap joints

Abstract In the current paper, the stress distribution in adhesive-bonded tubular lap joints subjected to torsion is analyzed. The two adherends may have different thicknesses and consist of different materials and the adhesive layer may be flexible or inflexible. The analysis is based on the elasticity theory in conjunction with the variational principle of complementary energy. By means of the present approach, closed form solutions are obtained and the stress-free end conditions of the joint which may have significant effect on the stress intensities is satisfied. Special attention is given to the high stress intensities in the end zones of the joint, and a stress concentration factor is deduced.
Immunohistochemical detection of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in normal human tissue.

We developed a new, highly specific antibody that localizes gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in formalin-fixed sections of human tissue. The specificity of the antibody, GGT129, is demonstrated by immunostained Western blots of whole cell homogenate from five different tissues. The utility of the antibody is shown by a comprehensive study of GGT expression in normal human tissue. This study reveals GGT expression for the first time in a number of tissues, including glands in the endocervix, endometrium, and adrenals. Strong immunoreactivity was observed on the surface of renal proximal tubule cells, hepatic bile canaliculi, and capillary endothelial cells within the nervous system. Secretory or absorptive cells in sweat glands, prostate, salivary gland ducts, bile ducts, pancreatic acini, intestinal crypts, and testicular tubules were also GGT-positive. Small bands of positively stained stromal cells and GGT-positive histiocytes were seen in some tissues. Analysis of human fetal tissue shows that the d...
The effect of acute ethanol (EtOH) exposure on protein kinase C (PKC) activity in anterior pituitary

Alterations in the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway may interrupt anterior pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) synthesis and/or secretion, which may impair normal reproductive function. Work by our laboratory and others has shown that EtOH has profound deleterious effects on the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The present study focuses on PKC translocation from the cytosol to the membrane of anterior pituitary after acute EtOH exposure. Serum levels of LH were measured at three time points (15, 30, and 90 min) after an IP injection of either saline or 3 g/kg EtOH in adult castrated male rats. LH levels dropped significantly (p < 0.03) in EtOH-injected compared to saline-injected control animals. In the same animals, EtOH significantly suppressed PKC localization at its active site at the pituitary cell membrane (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the mechanism of EtOH's suppression of LH is mediated, at least in part, through a decrease in PKC translocation to the anterior pituitary cell membrane.
Density-dependent selection migration model with non-monotone fitness functions

This paper studies the classical single locus, diallelic selection model with diffusion for a continuously reproducing population. The phase variables are population density and allele frequency (or allele density). The genotype fitness depend only on population density but include one-hump functions of the density variable. With mild assumptions on genotype fitnesses, we study the geometry of the nullclines and the asymptotic behavior of solutions of the selection model without diffusion. For the diffusion model with zero Neumann boundary conditions, we use this geometric information to show that if the initial data satisfy certain conditions then the corresponding solution to the reaction-diffusion equation converges to the spatially constant stable equilibrium which is closest to the initial data.
Impurity-host force-constant changes from /sup 197/Au Moessbauer recoilless-fraction measurements for dilute Cu(Au) and Ag(Au) alloys

The absolute /sup 197/Au Moessbauer absorber recoilless fraction f/sub a/ has been measured for two dilute gold-alloy systems. These systems were 2-at. percent Au in Cu and 5-at. percent Au in Ag. For the Cu(Au) alloy, measurements were made over the temperature range 4.2 to 100/sup 0/K. For the Ag(Au) system, the recoilless fraction was measured only at 4.2/sup 0/K. For example, at 4.2/sup 0/K, f/sub a/ = 0.239 +- 0.003 for Cu(Au), and f/sub a/ = 0.195 +- 0.008 for Ag(Au). The recoilless-fraction measurements are interpreted in terms of the impurity-atom lattice-dynamical model of Mannheim. In terms of this model, values were obtained for the effective nearest-neighbor force constant ratios ..gamma../sub Au-Cu//..gamma../sub Cu-Cu/ and ..gamma../sub Au-Ag//..gamma../sub Ag-Ag/. For both alloy systems, the atomic coupling between the gold atom and the host metal is found to be enhanced relative to the host-host coupling. In obtaining these estimates, host phonon density-of-states functions determined for neutron inelastic scattering measurements were used.
Regeneration studies on solid acids for batch reactor. Alkylation of isobutane with 2-butene

The regeneration of solid acid catalysts used in alkylation was studied using cal-ad. It was found that an acid site strength of −ΔH=32 kcal/mol is needed to catalyze the reaction.
The role dentists can play in mass casualty and disaster events

Dentistry has valuable assets, both in personnel and facilities, to bring to the initial response to a mass casualty event when the local traditional medical system is overwhelmed. This article describes the services dentists can provide to allow physicians to provide the services only they can provide. The education and training of dentists that is required for preparation and the need to develop an integrated emergency response plan are discussed.
On the evidence for clustering in the arrival directions of AGASA's ultrahigh energy cosmic rays

Abstract Previous analyses of cosmic rays above 4 × 10 19 eV observed by the AGASA experiment have suggested that their arrival directions may be clustered. However, estimates of the chance probability of this clustering signal vary from 10 −2 to 10 −6 and beyond. It is essential that the strength of this evidence be well understood in order to compare it with anisotropy studies in other cosmic ray experiments. We apply two methods for extracting a meaningful significance from this data set: one can scan for the cuts which optimize the clustering signal, using simulations to determine the appropriate statistical penalty for the scan. This analysis finds a chance probability of about 0.3%. Alternatively, one can optimize the cuts with a first set of data, and then apply them to the remaining data directly without statistical penalty. One can extend the statistical power of this test by considering cross-correlation between the initial data and the remaining data, as long as the initial clustering signal is not included. While the scan is more useful in general, in the present case only splitting the data set offers an unbiased test of the clustering hypothesis. Using this test we find that the AGASA data is consistent at the 8% level with the null hypothesis of isotropically distributed arrival directions.
OSHA INSPECTION COSTS, COMPLIANCE COSTS, AND OTHER OUTCOMES: THE FIRST DECADE

A number of critics of the Occupational Safety and Health Act have argued that it has greatly increased the cost of operation of the regulated industries while providing very little benefits. But OSHA's inspection costs were relatively inconsequential (only a small percent of work sites actually inspected). Although it engaged in a number of “nitpicking” inspections of non-serious citations, the average penalties were extremely low. At the same time OSHA provided considerable consultation and educational assistance to industry. Compliance costs, in theory, could be much larger, but it is incorrect to attribute all of these to OSHA. A num ber of indirect positive outcomes could be attributed to OSHA, even though it is not possible to measure these through cost-benefit analysis.
The arrow of time and the expansion of the universe

Abstract It is pointed out that a model used to test any suggestion regarding the arrow of time in a cosmological contect, must have sufficient complexity. The clain of Zeh that the arrow of time defined by a universal wavefunction does not permit a reversal of cosmic expansion to be observed, is refuted on these grounds.
Performance oriented optimization of structures with mixed passive and active control

ABSTRACT Smart structures include active control elements, hence the integration of structure design with control design isinevitable. This paper provides a step in this integration in order to achieve optimal performance. The approachpresented here solves a mixed passive and active control problem with performances characterized by the so-called mixed H2/H performances. Keywords: passive control, active control, vibration control, mixed H2/H control, structural control 1 . INTRODUCTION In traditional designs, structures are usually designed first, and then active control elements are designed based on the designed structures. It is a well-known fact that the structure and its control design problems are not independent.'Most often the two designs are competing witheach other, and the control effort often combats certain dynamics ofthe structure. These dynamics could have beeff;designed "easier to control" , without degrading other performancerequirements. Hence, for modern smart structures, a theory for integrating structure design with controller designis required. An ad hoc approach for this integration is provided for the NASA LaRC CS! Evolutionary Model in.2Theoretically an ideal approach is to simultaneously optimize the structure and the controller. However this idealapproach is far from computationally tractable due to the complex and non-convex nature of the optimization.35Passive control modifies structure parameters (i.e., structure redesign) without injecting external control energy,while active control uses external control energy. In order to overcome the computational difficulty,6'7 propose acomputationally tractable iteration to perform the integrated design, which continues the work of,8'9 where theactive control energy is minimized subject to performance requirements. The key to this approach is to add onemore step to connect the traditional separated design steps. This step performs simultaneous passive and activecontrol design while preserving some "feature" of the desired system behavior. We call this method the "feature"
Impact of simulated erosion on the abundance and activity of indigenous vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal endophytes in an Oxisol

The influence of simulated erosion on the abundance and activity of indigenous vesiculararbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) populations was evaluated in an Oxisol. Surface-soil losses in excess of 7.5 cm were generally associated with significant decreases in the numbers of total and active VAM propagules and in the symbiotic effectiveness of the active propagules. Surface-soil removal not exceeding 7.5 cm was associated with decreased propagule abundance without adverse effects on VAM colonization of roots and symbiotic effectiveness of the fungi. The extent of VAM colonization of roots and the degree of symbiotic effectiveness observed at this level of simulated erosion were significantly higher than those observed in the soil not subjected to simulated erosion. This stimulation is attributed to the removal of antagonistic biotic factors as the top 7.5 cm of soil was removed. It is concluded that propagules lost during erosional soil losses must be replaced before legumes grown on relatively highly weathered and severely eroded tropical soils could appreciably benefit from the VAM symbiosis.
Strong-field ionization and Coulomb explosion of small neodymium and europium oxide clusters

Abstract A femtosecond visible ring dye laser centered at 624 nm is used to probe the ionization dynamics of small neodymium and europium oxide clusters. Semi-classical atomic tunneling theory using sequential ionization potential values is compared to experimental ion signal and the gaps between the saturation intensities of each charge state are quantified. Differences in saturation intensities for the onset of ion signal between atomic charge states were found to increase as the metal–oxygen bond strength of the cluster increases. Neodymium showed larger enhancements in ionization whereas larger gaps in ion signal between europium charge states indicate more sequential-like ionization.
Factors affecting the lysosomal membrane and availability of enzymes

Abstract Factors affecting the lysosomal membrane were studied by measuring the availability of lysosomal enzymes. These include osmotic swelling, temperature, pH, and permeability changes of the lysosomal membrane. Under the influence of a single factor all the enzymes did not become available to the same extent. Binding of enzymes to different sites in the membrane fraction was shown by the availability pattern at acid, alkaline, and neutral pH. Results also indicate that the lysosomal membrane has the characteristics of a charged membrane. Relationships between the availability of lysosomal enzymes and their internal organization are discussed.
Comparative effects of p-chloroamphetamine and amphetamine on metabolism and in vivo release of 3H-norepinephrine in the hypothalamus☆

Abstract Following the implantations of a push-pull cannula into the anterior hypothalamus and a polyethylene cannula into the lateral ventricle of the rat, the brain norepinephrine (NE) stores were labeled by intraventricular injection of 3H-NE. In freely moving nonanesthetized control animals, 4.91 + 0.73 nCi/hr of radioactivity were spontaneously released into the perfusate of the hypothalamus, with 25 percent of the total radioactivity being unchanged NE. Although amphetamine and p-chloroamphetamine caused similar qualitative alterations in the metabolic pattern of 3H-NE in brain tissue, p-chloroamphetamine evoked a striking increase in the release of NE and normetanephrine into the perfusate while pharmacologically equipotent doses of amphetamine elicited only a small increase in the release of NE; the changes in the release of normetanephrine were less pronounced than those caused by p-chloroamphetamine. Since both NE and its O-methylated product are derived mainly from stored tritiated NE, the results support the view that some of the central actions of p-chloroamphetamine may be mediated predominantly through the release of stored catecholamines while the storage of NE and dopamine appears not to be as essential for the central stimulatory action of amphetamine as long as the synthesis of catecholamines is maintained.
On Joseph Bramhall Ellison’s discovery that vitamin A reduces measles mortality ☆

In the autumn of 1931, the city of London was struck by a devastating measles epidemic that eventually affected 55 545 children. The medical officers of health were first alerted when there was an ominous rise in the numbers of cases of school children with measles in the eastern districts of Stepney and Poplar and around Paddington and Hammersmith in the first week of November. By January 1932, the epidemic had spread to areas south of the Thames River, to Lewisham, Woolwich, and Tooting, and soon the whole of London was involved.1 Epidemics of measles, caused by a Morbillivirus for which no vaccine or effective treatment was known, would sweep through London about every 2 y and kill hundreds of children. The greatest incidence of measles would occur among children ages 1 to 5, owing to a lack of immunity, and the mortality rates were highest among children 1 to 3 y of age.2 The mortality from measles usually occurred from complications of pneumonia and diarrheal disease, and treatment of children in “well-ordered, well-ventilated and airy rooms” was considered essential to reduce the risk of these complications.1 The London County Council had a scheme for the control of measles that included close coordination between the school nurse, head teacher, school attendance staff, and the public health staff of each borough.1 The head teachers of infants’ departments were required daily to report absences that were suspected to be due to measles or unknown causes to the school nurse. The school nurse would dispatch this information to the divisional medical officer. Any children who showed up at school with suspected or definite measles were examined by the nurse and sent home. The attendance officers of the school would visit the child’s home, and, if measles was found or confirmed among the absentee and any other contacts at home, the cases were reported immediately to the borough medical officer of health and to the head teachers. The borough medical officer of health would then arrange for follow-up health visits of measles cases to provide nursing assistance in the home or to arrange for removal of the child to the hospital if there was concern that the child had complications or that the home environment was judged unsuitable for the child’s treatment and recovery.1
The xanthophyll cycle and acclimation of Pinus ponderosa and Malva neglecta to winter stress.

Seasonal differences in the efficiency of open PSII units (Fv/Fm), leaf pigment composition and xanthophyll cycle conversion (Z+A)/(V+A+Z), leaf adenylate status, and photosynthetic capacity were investigated in Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa pine) and Malva neglecta. In P. ponderosa, acclimation to winter involved a lower photosynthetic capacity, higher carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio, persistent reductions in Fv/Fm corresponding to persistent retention of Z+A, and no change in foliar ATP/ADP ratios. In contrast, M. neglecta characterized in winter exhibited higher rates of photosynthesis than in summer with no change in carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio, while small nocturnally persistent reductions in Fv/Fm were observed exclusively on colder winter nights when nocturnal retention of Z+A, and high ATP/ADP ratios were also present. Upon removal of winter-stressed leaves or needles from the field to room temperature, a portion of Fv/Fm relaxed within 15 min of warming and recovery was completed within 5 h in M. neglecta but required 100 h in P. ponderosa. In M. neglecta, the entire recovery of Fv/Fm correlated with decreases in the foliar ATP/ADP ratio, while in P. ponderosa this ratio remained unchanged. Possible ATP-dependent forms of sustained (Z+A)-dependent energy dissipation are discussed including a nocturnally retained pH gradient on cold winter nights. The slow recovery in pine involved not only retention of Z+A, but apparently also a persistent engagement of Z+A for energy dissipation via an unidentified mechanism.
Activation of Signaling Pathways Following Intestinal Resection: Turning It Up a Notch?

The intestinal tract is the most rapidly renewed mammalian tissue and thus has highly active stem and transit-amplifying cells that promote renewal of terminally differentiated cells that perform digestive functions. Notch signaling is thought to act directly on stem cells to promote their proliferation and also in progeny precursors to determine absorptive versus secretory terminal differentiation pathways, although Notch signaling may actually enhance cell differentiation with other signaling pathways such as the Wnt-β-catenin pathway promoting cell proliferation.
Intraoperative Coronary Artery Dissection in Fibromuscular Dysplasia

A 61-year-old woman with bicuspid aortic stenosis, an ascending aortic aneurysm, and a remote history of renal fibromuscular dysplasia underwent aortic root replacement complicated by extensive dissection of the left circumflex artery extending retrograde into the left anterior descending artery. This was managed by coronary artery bypass grafting, left ventricular support, and percutaneous coronary intervention for propagation of the dissection. This case highlights the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of intraoperative coronary dissection secondary to fibromuscular dysplasia.
Chick Ovalbumin Upstream Promoter-Transcription Factors (COUP-TFs): Coming of Age

I. Introduction II. The COUP-TF Gene Family A. Homology to other members of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily B. Sequence homology within the COUP-TF gene family III. Biochemical Characteristics A. DNA-binding sites B. Molecular mechanism of COUP-TFs action 1. Competition for occupancy of the binding sites 2. Competition for RXR 3. Active repression 4. Transrepression 5. The role of COUP-TFs in transactivation IV. Expression Patterns of COUP-TFs During Development A. Expression patterns in zebrafish and Xenopus B. Expression patterns in mouse and chick V. Physiological Function of COUP-TFs A. Ectopic expression of svp in Drosophila B. Ectopic expression of COUP-TFI in Xenopus embryos C. Loss of function of COUP-TFI in mice D. Loss of function of COUP-TFII in mice VI. Regulation of the Expression of COUP-TF Genes A. Regulation of COUP-TF by retinoids B. Regulation of COUP-TF by sonic hedgehog (Shh) VII. Perspectives
Multiple bands produced by interaction of a single macromolecule with carrier ampholytes during isoelectric focusing

Abstract Equilibrium isoelectric focusing patterns have been computed for reversible, carrier ampholyte-induced macromolecular isomerization reactions. The calculations predict that an amphoteric macromolecule, interacting with n species of ampholyte located at different positions along the isoelectric focusing column, can give a pattern showing n + 1 well-resolved peaks under appropriate conditions.
The Effects of Octylcyanoacrylate on Scarring after Burns

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of octylcyanoacrylate (OCA), silver sulfadiazine (SSD), polyurethane film (PU), and dry gauze (G) on scarring three months after partial-thickness burns. METHODS This was a prospective, blinded, controlled experimental trial using isoflurane-anesthetized swine. Standardized partial-thickness burns were inflicted by applying an aluminum bar preheated to 80 degrees C to the backs and flanks of a young pig for 20 seconds. Four equal sets of ten burns each were randomly treated with OCA spray, SSD, PU, or G. Dressing changes were performed on days 1, 2, 3, and 4 after injury. Digital images of the burns were obtained immediately and three months later for masked computerized determination of scar surface area. Full-thickness biopsies were taken at three months for masked histopathological evaluation. The primary outcome was the percent reduction in residual wound area (RWA) calculated by subtracting the area of each individual burn from the area of the largest burn and dividing this value by the area of the largest burn (intraobserver correlation, r = 0.99). Secondary outcomes were the proportion of burns with the presence of scar tissue (abnormal collagen under polarized light; intraobserver agreement, kappa = 0.93) and the cosmetic appearance on a 100-mm visual analog scale marked "best scar" at the high end (inter-observer correlation, r = 0.82). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi(2) tests were used for group comparisons as appropriate. This study had 80% power to detect a 33-percentage-point difference in RWA among groups (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS A total of 40 burns were inflicted on the pig. There was no difference in percent RWA across the groups (OCA = 25%, SSD = 40%, PU = 25%, G = 32%; p = 0.13). There was no difference in the proportion of wounds with scarring among the groups (OCA = 10%, SSD = 22%, PU = 2%, G = 30%; p = 0.89). There was also no difference in the cosmetic scores among the groups (OCA = 78 mm, SSD = 75 mm, PU = 74 mm, G = 74 mm; p = 0.96). CONCLUSIONS The effects of OCA spray, SSD, PU, and dry gauze on scarring three months after burns in pigs are similar.
An Approach To Estimating Net Earnings Impact of Federally Subsidized Employment and Training Programs

This study presents estimates of net earnings impact for adult-oriented CETA programs. The data bases used are the Continuous Longitudinal Manpower Survey and a matched comparison group derived from the Current Population Survey. After linking net impact to the human capital model, we estimate fixed effects regressions for numerous subgroups. The estimated equations were used to decompose earnings differentials to provide net impact estimates and to evaluate the quality of the matching procedure. Results are compared with related studies. We also examine broader issues comparing the potential for quasi-experimental versus experimental design in national evaluations of employment and training programs.
Crosscutting score: an indicator metric for aspect orientation

Aspect Oriented Programming (AOP) provides powerful techniques for modeling and implementing enterprise software systems. To leverage its full potential, AOP needs to be perceived in the context of existing methodologies such as Object Oriented Programming (OOP). This paper addresses an important question for AOP practitioners - how to decide whether a component is best modeled as a class or an aspect? Towards that end, we present an indicator metric, the Crosscutting Score and a method for its calculation and interpretation. We will illustrate our approach through a sample calculation.
First order deformations for rank one local systems with a non-vanishing cohomology

Abstract We study the tangent cone to the variety V k m of rank one local systems on a finite CW-complex for which the dimension of k -dimensional cohomology is at least m . This cone is related to the space of certain complexes of abelian groups with differential induced by the cup product. In particular, for an arrangement of hyperplanes, the set of 1-forms for which the corresponding Aomoto complex has k -dimensional Betti number greater or equal to m is a union of linear spaces.
An initial report on the design of Ariel DBMS with an integrated production rule system

The design and implementation strategy for Ariel, A DBMS with a built-in production rule system (a trigger system), is described. Ariel is being built with the EXODUS database tool kit. The query language of Ariel is a subset of POSTQUEL extended with a new rule language. Effort is focussed on integrating the rule system with transaction processing, and making the rule system powerful and efficient. The current implementation of the rule condition-testing mechanism in Ariel is based on a variation of the Rete network, a type of discrimination network used widely in rule-based systems tools for artificial intelligence programming. The standard Rete algorithm has been extended to improve performance in a database environment.
The rate of mitochondrial mutagenesis is faster in mice than humans

Abstract We have investigated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutagenesis in the laboratory mouse. Using a nested PCR method for quantification, the absolute frequency, tissue distribution and rate of increase of mitochondrial deletion mutations was determined. Multiple deletions arise in brain, cardiac muscle and kidney tissues; deletions occur most frequently at regions of directly repeated mtDNA homology. Deletion frequencies rose by 2.5×105, 6300- and 4000-fold in heart, brain and kidney, respectively, between young and old mice. The rates of mtDNA mutation accumulation in mouse and human hearts are modeled well by exponential equations, with r-values of 0.96 and 0.97, and mutations rose much faster in mouse than human mtDNA per unit time. Thus, maintenance of the human mitochondrial genome is much better than that of mice, consistent with the higher rate and final extent of total DNA repair in humans than mice, that has been observed by others and consistent with the predictions of the disposable soma model of aging. A comparison of mtDNA mutagenesis from cardiocytes vs. whole heart tissue was undertaken. Deletion mutations were observed to be 100-fold lower in DNA prepared from isolated cardiocytes than from whole heart homogenates, consistent with a model of uneven mtDNA mutation accumulation.
T-cell immunity in acute coronary syndromes.

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are complications of atherosclerotic vascular disease that are triggered by the sudden rupture of an atheroma. Atherosclerotic plaque stability is determined by multiple factors, of which immune and inflammatory pathways are critical. Unstable plaque is characterized by an infiltrate of T cells and macrophages, thereby resembling a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. On activation, T cells secrete cytokines that regulate the activity of macrophages, or the T cells may differentiate into effector cells with tissue-damaging potential. Constitutive stimulation of T cells and macro-phages in ACS is not limited to the vascular lesion but also involves peripheral immune cells, suggesting fundamental abnormalities in homeostatic mechanisms that control the assembly, turnover, and diversity of the immune system as a whole. This review gives particular attention to the emergence of a specialized T-cell subset, natural killer T cells, in patients with ACS. Natural killer T cells have proinflammatory properties and the capability of directly contributing to vascular injury.
Laparoscopic spinal fusion procedures.

ABSTRACT Laparoscopic procedures, such as spinal fusions, facilitate patients' faster returns to functioning lifestyles. Fusions using implanted threaded cylinders made of a porous titanium alloy can be performed at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine levels. This article discusses preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of patients undergoing laparoscopic spinal fusion. AORN J 66 (Oct 1997) 637–643.
Enzyme electrode for the determination of salicylate

Abstract Salicylate hydorxylase is used with a carbon dioxide sensor for the determination of salicylate in aqueous solution and pooled serum. The enzyme is physically entrapped with a dialysis membrance at the sensing tip of the carbon dioxide electrode. The enzyme catalyses the stoichiometric formation of catechol and carbon dioxide from salicylate and reduced pyridine nucleotide in the presence of flavin adenine dinucleotide as a specific cofactor. The carbon dioxide is detected by the sensor and related to the concentration of salicylate via a calibration curve. The method compares favorably with the spectrophotometric method for assay of salicylate. Although suitable for salicylate concentrations in the range of 5–300 μg ml −1 , its response below 5 μg ml −1 is limited by the detection limit of the carbon dioxide sensor.
Comment on Dennis P. Culhane et al.’s “Public shelter admission Rates in Philadelphia and New York City: The implications of turnover for sheltered population counts”

Dennis Culhane and his coauthors have made an important contribution to our understanding of contemporary homelessness. Until now attention has been all too exclusively focused on point-prevalence estimates. Their credible calculations of periodprevalence estimates of the sheltered homeless in Philadelphia and New York City tell us that the cumulative impact of homelessness over time is quite high. Their findings may allow homelessness policies to become more carefully and closely tailored to differences among the homeless in their needs for resources and services.
PRECAST REPAIR OF CRC PAVEMENTS

This report presents a summary of the results of an investigation into the design, fabrication and installation of precast concrete panels for the repair of continuously reinforced concrete (CRC) pavements. Factors affecting the design of precast panels for CRC repairs are presented. Problems associated with transporting and placing the panels are discussed. Two field installations using the method are presented and illustrated. Conclusions presented include: (1) The use of precast panels for the repair of CRC pavements is a viable alternative, (2) repairs can be made with less than a 6 hour lane closure time and (3) the method is cost effective when user delay costs are included.
Is Binding to Nicotinic Acetylcholine and Dopamine Receptors Related to Working Memory in Rats

Nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA) receptor activation has been found to be important for working memory. The regional distribution of these receptors in the brain has been well characterized. However, the relationship of the region-specific nicotinic ACh and DA binding density to memory performance has not been well assessed. In the current studies the relationship of receptor binding and memory function was examined. Receptor binding and memory performance were assessed in rats in three types of conditions: 1) chronic nicotine and mecamylamine vs. vehicle infusion; 2) lesions of the fimbria-fornix or medial basalocortical projection vs. sham lesions; and 3) 2-year-old aged rats vs. 3-month-old young adult rats. Nicotinic ACh receptors were labeled by [3H]N-methyl-carbamylcholine ([3H]MCC), D1 receptors by [3H]SCH 23390, and D2 receptors by [125I]iodosulpiride. Working memory was assessed using the radial-arm maze and T-maze delayed spatial alternation tasks. Chronic nicotine infusion substantially increased nicotinic receptor binding in a variety of brain areas and significantly improved working memory performance in the radial-arm maze. However, nicotinic receptor binding did not correlate well with memory performance. The nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine did not block nicotine-induced increased nicotinic binding, but it did block nicotine-induced memory improvement. Aged rats relative to young adults showed both a decrease in nicotinic binding and impaired memory performance. However, chronic effects of nicotine on nicotinic receptor binding and memory performance did not correlate in the aged rats. Nicotine also increased nicotinic receptor binding in the aged rats in brain areas except for the VTA, but did not improve memory performance. Lesions of the medial basalocortical projection or the fimbria-fornix did not cause significant changes in nicotinic binding in their target fields, but they did cause significant deficits in memory performance. Finally, there were no significant correlations of nicotinic binding in any brain region and memory performance. DA receptor binding was not altered by chronic nicotine or mecamylamine infusion, fimbria-fornix lesions, medial basalocortical lesions, or in aged rats. However, DA receptor binding did correlate with memory performance. There was a positive correlation of T-maze accuracy and D1 receptor binding in the frontal cortex and a negative correlation of T-maze accuracy and D1 receptor binding in the VTA and dentate gyrus. In contrast, a positive correlation was seen between radial-arm maze accuracy and D1 receptor binding in the VTA. Radial-arm maze accuracy was positively correlated with D2 receptor binding in the striatum and dentate gyrus. There are significant relationships between the extent of DA receptor binding and working memory, but relationship between nicotinic ACh receptor binding density and memory is weak.
Patterns of movement for youth within an integrated continuum of residential services.

Abstract This study examined patterns of movement for youth receiving services within a continuum of intensive and restrictive residentially-based programs. Data were collected for 701 completed episodes of care within a three-program residential continuum of care over a 5 year period, and examined time within program, movement between programs, in-program disruptive behavior, and discharge status. Results showed that most youth either remained in a stable placement in the least restrictive of the programs, or followed a pattern of placements that systematically moved them from more restrictive to less restrictive settings. Of note, transitions from more restrictive to less restrictive programs correspond to deescalating levels of problem behavior; and over 80% of the youth were stepped down to either family-based or independent living situations at the time of departure. Findings support the notion that a continuum of intensive residential services can serve the needs of youth with significant emotional and behavioral needs.