cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract MP62: Beneficial Effects of Dietary Potassium on Adolescent Blood Pressure

Childhood blood pressure (BP) is an important predictor of adult blood pressure. Identification of modifiable risk factors for elevated blood pressure levels during adolescence has the potential to reduce the risk of adult hypertension. Longitudinal data on the effects of dietary sodium and potassium on adolescent BP are lacking. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of dietary potassium, sodium, and the potassium:sodium ratio (K:Na) throughout adolescence on blood pressure at the end of that period and to determine whether these effects are modified by other dietary factors. Data from 2330 girls, initially ages 9-10, and followed for 10 years in the National Growth and Health Study, were used to address these questions. Mean potassium and sodium intakes were 3.1 and 2.0 g, respectively, from an average of 6.6 sets of 3-day diet records. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models were used to estimate mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures at 18-20 yrs of age, controlling for ...
Abstract 19339: ROCK2 Mediates the Uptake of Fatty Acids through the Transcriptional Regulation of CD36

Background: Basal metabolic rate has a profound effect on the development of obesity and protects against cold intolerance in living organisms. Rho-activated kinase 2 (ROCK2), an important mediator of the actin cytoskeleton, is also necessary for maintaining energy homeostasis. There is a particularly high expression of ROCK2 found in both the brown and white adipocytes. Adipocytes, endocrine organs for fat storage, play a major role in regulating the balance between energy storage and expenditure with the maintenance of fatty acids. Fatty acid uptake by the adipocytes is mediated through a number of fatty acid transporters. One such transporter, called fatty acid translocase (CD36), is found present in a variety of processes including inflammation, atherosclerosis, as well as lipid metabolism. Upon cold exposure, there is a continuous uptake of free fatty acids from the blood in order to maintain heat production through fatty acid oxidation in brown adipocytes. To date, the precise mechanism as to how fatty acid transporters are regulated in response to environmental cues is unknown. Methods and Results: ROCK2 depleted mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) display significantly decreased luciferase activity under the control of the CD36 promoter. Mutant mice with adipocyte-specific deletion of ROCK2 (ROCK2adipoQ-/-) exhibit a lower expression of CD36. When these mice are exposed to cold temperatures for 6 hours, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry have demonstrated that the lipid droplets in their brown adipocytes are nearly absent as compared to control littermates. The mutant mice are unable to maintain lipid reserves in their adipose tissue, suggesting a defect in their ability to replenish or uptake fatty acids. This also led to an observation in reduced basal metabolic rate. Conversely, mutant mice with adipocyte-specific expression of the constitutively active form of ROCK (CA-ROCK) exhibit an increased expression of CD36 and enhanced adaptive capabilities. Conclusion: Our findings indicate a critical role of ROCK2 in mediating the uptake and storage of fatty acids through the transcriptional regulation of CD36 expression and suggest that modulation of ROCK2 activity in adipocytes may have therapeutic benefits in metabolic diseases.
An automatic system for model-based coding of faces

We present a fully automatic system for 2D model-based image coding of human faces for potential applications such as video telephony, database image compression, and face recognition. The system operates by locating a face in the input image, normalizing its scale and geometry and representing it in terms of a compact parametric image model obtained with a Karhunen-Loeve basis. This leads to a compact representation of the face that can be used for both recognition as well as image compression. Good-quality facial images are automatically generated using approximately 100-bytes worth of encoded data. The system has been successfully tested on a database of nearly 2000 facial photographs.
Canonical Equation K 33 for the Fourier Transform of the Resolvent of a Gram Block Random Matrix

In this chapter, certain random Gram matrices H n with stationary (in wide sense) random entries ξ ij are considered. This direction of investigation of the limit of the normalized spectral functions (eigenvalue counting functions) $$ {\mu _n}(x,\;{H_n}) = {n^{ - 1}}\sum\limits_{k = 1}^n \chi \;\{ {\lambda _i}({H_n})\;{\rm{ < }}x\} $$ was developed in [Weg], [BKV], [PaK] for random Gram matrices $$ {H_n} = \left\{ {\left. {b(i - j) + {n^{ - 1}}\sum\limits_{k = 1}^p {{\xi _{ik}}{\xi _{jk}}} } \right\}_{i,j = 1}^n} \right. $$ with dependent random entries ξ jk . In these papers, it has been assumed that the random variables ξ ik have a joint Gaussian distribution with the properties Eξ ik = 0, Eξ ik ξ jp = V i-j (k - p), where the function V j (x) is such that V -j (-x) = V j (x), $$ \sum\limits_{j,k = - \infty }^\infty {|{V_j}(k)|} = V < \infty $$ and the nonrandom sequence b(k), (k = 0, ± 1, . . .) satisfies the condition $$ b\;( - k) = b\;(k),\;\sum\limits_{k = - \infty }^\infty {\;|b\;(k)|} < \infty . $$
Effects of fetal sex and weight and placental weight on maternal serum progesterone and chorionic gonadotropin concentrations.

A prospective study of 268 normal pregnant women at term was undertaken in which serum concentrations of progesterone (P) and chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) were determined zero to four days before spontaneous labor. Neither HCG nor P changed significantly during these four days, although they were not measured serially in most women. There was no correlation between the HCG level and either the placental or infant weights, infant sex, or maternal serum progesterone concentration. The maternal serum P level was slightly but significantly correlated with the weight of the placenta (r = 0.24; p < 0.001) but not with the fetal weight or infant sex. Thus, although the mass of trophoblastic tissue contributed in part to P concentration, other intracellular factors such as the cyclic adenosine monophosphate system are probably more important regulating mechanisms.
Endotracheal tube cuff pressure in three hospitals, and the volume required to produce an appropriate cuff pressure

Cuff pressure in endotracheal (ET) tubes should be in the range of 20–30 cm H2O. We tested the hypothesis that the tube cuff is inadequately inflated when manometers are not used. With IRB approval, we studied 93 patients under general anesthesia with an ET tube in place in one teaching and two private hospitals. Anesthetists were blinded to study purpose. Cuff pressure in tube sizes 7.0 to 8.5 mm was evaluated 60 min after induction of general anesthesia using a manometer connected to the cuff pilot balloon. Nitrous oxide was disallowed. After deflating the cuff, we reinflated it in 0.5-ml increments until pressure was 20 cmH2O. Neither patient morphometrics, institution, experience of anesthesia provider, nor tube size influenced measured cuff pressure (35.3 ± 21.6 cmH2O). Only 27% of pressures were within 20–30 cmH2O; 27% exceeded 40 cmH2O. Although it varied considerably, the amount of air required to achieve a cuff pressure of 20 cmH2O was similar with each tube size. We recommend that ET cuff pressure be set and monitored with a manometer.
X-ray crystallography over the past decade for novel drug discovery – where are we heading next?

Introduction: Macromolecular X-ray crystallography has been the primary methodology for determining the three-dimensional structures of proteins, nucleic acids and viruses. Structural information has paved the way for structure-guided drug discovery and laid the foundations for structural bioinformatics. However, X-ray crystallography still has a few fundamental limitations, some of which may be overcome and complemented using emerging methods and technologies in other areas of structural biology.Areas covered: This review describes how structural knowledge gained from X-ray crystallography has been used to advance other biophysical methods for structure determination (and vice versa). This article also covers current practices for integrating data generated by other biochemical and biophysical methods with those obtained from X-ray crystallography. Finally, the authors articulate their vision about how a combination of structural and biochemical/biophysical methods may improve our understanding of biolog...
Simulation of brain mass effect with an arbitrary lagrangian and eulerian FEM

Estimation of intracranial stress distribution caused by mass effect is critical to the management of hemorrhagic stroke or brain tumor patients, who may suffer severe secondary brain injury from brain tissue compression. Coupling with physiological parameters that are readily available using MRI, eg, tissue perfusion, a non-invasive, quantitative and regional estimation of intracranial stress distribution could offer a better understanding of brain tissue's reaction under mass effect. A quantitative and sound measurement serving this particular purpose remains elusive due to multiple challenges associated with biomechanical modeling of the brain. One such challenge for the conventional Lagrangian frame based finite element method (LFEM) is that the mesh distortion resulted from the expansion of the mass effects can terminate the simulation prematurely before the desired pressure loading is achieved. In this work, we adopted an arbitrary Lagrangian and Eulerian FEM method (ALEF) with explicit dynamic solutions to simulate the expansion of brain mass effects caused by a pressure loading. This approach consists of three phases: 1) a Lagrangian phase to deform mesh like LFEM, 2) a mesh smoothing phase to reduce mesh distortion, and 3) an Eulerian phase to map the state variables from the old mesh to the smoothed one. In 2D simulations with simulated geometries, this approach is able to model substantially larger deformations compared to LFEM. We further applied this approach to a simulation with 3D real brain geometry to quantify the distribution of von Mises stress within the brain.
Imperative for Inclusion of Long Termers and Lifers in Research and Policy

Research Summary Although numerous studies have highlighted the negative consequences of mass incarceration, life-course and criminal career research has largely failed to document psychological, social, and behavioral changes that occur during periods of incarceration. This oversight is particularly noteworthy in the case of individuals serving long sentences, as they spend a significant portion of the life course behind bars. The policies and programs targeting prisoners are seldom tailored to long termers and lifers, and we know little about effective interventions, or even how to measure effectiveness, for this population. By drawing on the relevant empirical research, this article underlines the importance of reorienting some research efforts and policy priorities toward individuals serving life or otherwise long prison sentences. Policy Implications During the last 20 years, the prevalence of life sentences has increased substantially in the United States. We argue that there are various benefits to developing policies that consider the challenges and issues affecting long termers and lifers. In addition to the ethical and human rights concerns associated with the treatment of this population, there are several pragmatic justifications for this argument. Long termers and lifers spend a substantial number of years in prison, but most are eventually released. These individuals can play a key role in shaping the prison community and potentially could contribute to the development of a healthier prison climate. Investment in the well-being of individuals serving long sentences may also have diffused benefits that can extend to their families and communities. It would be advantageous for correctional authorities and policy makers to consider the potentially pivotal role of long termers and lifers in efforts to mitigate the negative consequences of incarceration.
Cholinergic and monoaminergic mechanisms associated with control of bioluminescence in the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi

1. 1. The effects of cholinergic and monoaminergic drugs and blocking agents on luminescence responses of the comb-jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi were investigated, using isolated strips of meridional cells. 2. 2. Catecholamines elicited dose-dependent flash activity and adrenalin was the most patent. The adrenalin response was abolished by propranolol (0.1 mmol l−1), but not phentolamine. Reserpine (0.1 mmol l−1) suppressed the flash response to electrical stimulation without affecting the adrenalin response. 3. 3. Acetylcholine (ACh) elicited flash activity which was propagated along the meridional canals. Eserine (0.01 mmol l−1) potentiated the flash response to either ACh or electrical stimulation. 4. 4. Tubocurarine reduced or abolished responses to either ACh or electrical stimulation. Atropine elicited intense flash activity and potentiated the response to electrical stimulation, but failed to block the ACh response. 5. 5. Prolonged exposure of meridional canals to serotonin (5-HT) depressed or abolished flash responses to ACh, adrenalin and electrical stimulation. 6. 6. The ACh flash response was abolished by propranolol but the response to adrenalin was not altered by tubocurarine. It is concluded that nicotinic cholinergic and beta-adrenergic mechanisms are interrelated and indirectly involved in excitation of luminescence in Mnemiopsis.
The flexibility and benefits of operating a diverse fleet: an analysis using real options

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a simple model illustrating the benefits of operating a diverse fleet of aircraft.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is theoretical. It describes how real options are beneficial to the firm in both capital budgeting and risk management. It illustrates the use of real options in the airline industry, and how real options are used as a risk management tool. Then the model is developed which illustrates how a diverse fleet can provide an airline protection against fuel price risk.Findings – The results of the model show that a diverse fleet is value enhancing to an airline during periods when fuel prices are high or uncertain. Furthermore, this paper shows that a diverse fleet provides an airline with an operational hedge to jet fuel prices. Though the paper focuses on the airline industry, the results are applicable to those industries vulnerable to volatile input costs, and prohibitive abandonment and re‐entry costs.Originality/value – The paper uses r...
An Antisense Oligodeoxyribonucleotide to m-Calpain mRNA Inhibits Secretion from Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells

We investigated the effect of translational suppression of m-calpain on [3H]-phosphatidylcholine (PC) secretion utilising an antisense oligodexoyribonucleotide (oligo) directed against mRNA encoding m-calpain catalytic subunit. Two types of oligo, sense (S) and antisense (AS), to a portion of exon 12 of rat m-calpain catalytic subunit mRNA were tested. Constitutive secretion was decreased by 23% by AS-oligo (1 microM) treatment, while S-oligo (1 microM) had no effect. TPA-stimulated secretion was inhibited about 50-60% by AS-oligo (1-3 microM) and the inhibition was concentration-dependent, while S-oligo (1 microM) only inhibited about 10% of TPA-stimulated secretion. Northern and Western blot analyses revealed that the AS-oligo treatment reduced m-calpain mRNA and protein levels by 32% and 78%, respectively. The data indicate that antisense strategy is effective in suppressing calpain expression and type II cell secretion.
Human intraepithelial lymphocytes. Immunomodulation and receptor binding of vasoactive intestinal peptide.

This study evaluates the immunomodulation and receptor binding of vasoactive intestinal peptide on human peripheral blood lymphocytes and intraepithelial lymphocytes. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, 10−8 and 10−12 M) had no effect on the concanavalin A-induced proliferation or the spontaneous cytotoxicity against K-562 targets by either lymphocyte type. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes had a mean of 927 vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors per cell with a Kd of 1.12×10−10 M, as demonstrated by the competitive displacement of [125I]peptide by unlabeled peptide using Scatchard analysis. In contrast, intraepithelial lymphocytes had no high-affinity receptors as shown by the negligible binding of 50 pM [125I]VIP. Peptide binding by peripheral blood lymphocytes, although reduced by exposure to dithiothreitol and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, was still greater than binding by intraepithelial lymphocytes. As intraepithelial lymphocytes are mainly CD8+ T cells, the possibility that this phenotype may not bind VIP at all was tested by specifically depleting peripheral blood lymphocytes by antibody and complement lysis. Peripheral blood lymphocytes expressing CD8, CD4, and/or CD2 were responsible for most of the binding, indicating that CD8+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and in the intestinal epithelium differ in their capacity to bind VIP.
Far infrared Cherenkov free electron laser

Abstract The design parameters for a tunable 100 to 1000 μm Cherenkov free electron laser are discussed. The device consists of two parallel metallic plates, one of which is lined with dielectric film of between 25 to 100 μm thickness, driven by a 400 to 600 kV, 10 A, several microsecond long electron beam. Metal mesh filters complete the oscillator cavity. The basic operating characteristics of Cherenkov free electron lasers which lead to the above parameter choices are discussed.
Cultural landscapes and landscape ecology in contemporary greenway planning, design and management: a case study

Abstract The Appalachian Trail traverses 3300 km (2050 miles) of the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Georgia in the eastern USA. Except for the Cumberland Valley (the Great Valley of the Ridge and Valley region of the Appalachian Mountains) in Pennsylvania, and a few other valley crossings, the Trail passes primarily along forested ridges. The Cumberland Valley is the longest valley crossing of the Trail—26 km (16 miles) of intensively cultivated prime farmland undergoing residential and commercial development. To secure public ownership of the Trail through this urbanizing landscape, the US Department of the Interior, through the National Park Service, acquired a 600 ha (1500 acre) corridor through the Cumberland Valley to be managed and maintained by the volunteers of the Appalachian Trail Conference. This study was developed by a project team from the Department of Landscape Architecture of The Pennsylvania State University, for the Appalachian Trail Conference, as a set of planning, design, and management recommendations for the newly acquired trail corridor. The method of study involves developing (1) an understanding of the Trail, its history, and its users; (2) a general understanding of the natural and cultural conditions of the region; (3) a more specific inventory, analysis, and assessment of the natural and cultural elements of the trail corridor. This process reveals a corridor landscape containing the interpretable evidence of 250 years of agrarian landscape history and a diverse set of physical environments and biotic communities that have been fragmented by that land use. The two central ideas explored in this paper that underlie the planning and design of the Trail greenway across the Cumberland Valley are, first, the conservation and interpretation of the cultural landscape, and, second, the reduction of habitat fragmentation and enhancement of biological diversity. The product of the planning and design of the corridor land is a set of recommendations intended to direct future actions within the valley corridor. The cultural landscape recommendations focus on maintaining the fabric and interrelationships of the cultural landscape by including a complete representation of both the structural and biotic cultural resources. The ecological recommendations focus on protection of existing natural resources, establishment of forest habitat linkages, and restoration of native plant communities. Finally, two examples of the corridor planning, design, and management study are presented as a case study in greenway planning and design in response to cultural landscape conservation and landscape ecology.
What about sport? A public health perspective on leisure-time physical activity

In an effort to determine how sport could be better positioned on the public health agenda, three community physical activity programs aimed at combating obesity were examined to determine the benefits residents seek through their participation. Using a case study approach and critical framework, assumptions and presumed knowledge of these public health programs were drawn out through site visits and interviews. A total of 42 interviews with community leaders, program organizers, and residents in each community were conducted. The results reveal that new approaches need to be considered for promoting greater levels of participation in U.S. community sport and other leisure-time physical activity programs. Instead of the commonly emphasized benefits of physical health or appearance, the results demonstrate that hedonic rewards and opportunities for social interaction are two overlooked, yet primary benefits sought by participants. This research suggests that concerted efforts to focus on the hedonic feelings and social aspects can potentially lead to increased sport participation and holistic health. Such an approach may help better address vital public health policy issues while demonstrating the distinctiveness and utility of sport.
Are people willing and able to pay for health services

Following a nationwide increase in user fees for health services in Swaziland, this paper analyzes the effect of the fee increase on overall patient use of health services, on which types of services, curative vs preventive, were most affected, and on changes in utilization by higher paying and lower paying groups. Patient attendance data from a 71% sample of government and mission health facilities, suggests that the 'people are willing and able to pay for health services' assertion is not supported by the Swaziland case. Following the fee increase, average attendance decreased at government facilities by 32.4%, increased at mission facilities by 10.2%, leading to a combined decline of approx. 17%. Patient visits designed to protect against childhood diseases, BCG and DPT immunizations, or against dehydration in children, show average attendance declines of -16, -19, and -24%, respectively, while visits for musculoskeletal diseases, a less serious disease, declined 1.2%. The analysis also suggests that up to 34% of the overall decline in attendance was among patients who previously had paid the least for health care with part of this decline likely including fewer multiple visits.
Invention, innovation, entrepreneurship in academic medical centers

Today’s healthcare providers deal with multiple very complex and pressing problems including the aging population, an ever increasing proportion of patients with chronic diseases, cancer deaths, childhood and adult obesity, escalating costs, regulatory interventions, as well as increasing responsibilities for patient safety. Innovation offers very important promises to address many of these problems. In most of the developed world, academic medical centers are charged with the mandate to treat patients and advance healthcare, and as such, should be poised to play a pivotal role in the process of innovation. In fact, there is an expectation for such innovation by the public given that interactions between academic medical centers and society rely on Federal funding for support intended to enable discovery in biomedical sciences. In 1980, the Bayh-Dole Act gave control of intellectual property generated based on inventions funded by the Federal government to universities, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. This Act further solidified the role of academic medical centers in innovation in biomedical sciences and healthcare [1]. As a result, the academic medical centers have become central to foster entrepreneurial culture by working with startup companies, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device companies to translate academic inventions into commercial products with societal impact. The increasingly tight relationship between academic medical centers and industry has resulted in more and more defined professional and institutional conflict of interest policies. These policies have especially targeted any financial incentives held by inventors [2, 3]. As much as the public has invested to put government-funded inventions into societal usage and has mandated academic medical centers to advance healthcare, the public assumes that the innovative process has not been biased by any financial incentives and that the patient care has not been compromised as a result. Professional and institutional conflict policies have been crafted to accomplish a balance between the support of the innovative process versus protections from harm. However to date, the balance has tilted without restraint toward risk aversion for the institution and away from support of innovation. The current study aims to identify critical steps from invention to applications, and the role of academic medical centers in this critical translation process. This study will not delve into the advantages and the disadvantages of conflict of interest policies, although they are essential to the balance between the support of the process versus an impediment to this process.
An Extracellular Inositol Phospholipid-Specific Phospholipase C Is Released by Cultured Swiss 3T3 Cells

A phosphatidylinositol-cleaving phospholipase C (PI-PLC) activity is released into the extracellular environment by intact Swiss 3T3 cell cultures. The activity is found in both serum-containing and serum-free defined culture medium. The cells remain attached and intact by Trypan Blue exclusion and lactate dehydrogenase assays. The activity is specific for phosphoinositides as no cleavage of phosphatidylcholine is observed. The activity is a phospholipase C rather than D since the water soluble products formed from cleavage of [3H]phosphatidylinositol were inositol phosphates and not inositol. Analysis of the inositol phosphate products showed a variation in composition with the pH of the assay, the ratio of noncyclic:cyclic forms being 60:40 at pH 7.5 and 40:60 at pH 5.5. This external phospholipase C resembles the well-characterized intracellular isozymes in that it is calcium-dependent and has a pH optimum between 5 and 6. From membrane filter assays the molecular weight of the native enzyme is estimated to be between 50 and 100 kDa.
Pyruvate-enriched resuscitation: metabolic support of post-ischemic hindlimb muscle in hypovolemic goats:

Tourniquet-imposed ischemia-reperfusion of extremities generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which can disrupt intermediary metabolism and ATP production. This study tested the hypothesis that fluid resuscitation with pyruvate, a natural antioxidant and metabolic fuel, ameliorates the deleterious effects of ischemia-reperfusion on intermediary metabolism in skeletal muscle. Anesthetized male goats (∼25 kg) were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 48 ± 1 mmHg and then subjected to 90 min hindlimb ischemia with a tourniquet and femoral crossclamp, followed by 4-h reperfusion. Lactated Ringers (LR) or pyruvate Ringers (PR) was infused intravenous for 90 min, from 30 min ischemia to 30 min reperfusion, to deliver 0.05 mmol kg−1 min−1 lactate or pyruvate. Time controls (TC) underwent neither hemorrhage nor hindlimb ischemia. Lipid peroxidation product 8-isoprostane, RONS-sensitive aconitase and creatine kinase activities, antioxidant superoxide dismutase activity, and phosphocreatine phosphory...
ORBITAL NOISE OF THE EARTH CAUSES INTENSITY FLUCTUATION IN THE GEOMAGNETIC FIELD

Orbital noise of Earth's obliquity can provide an insight into the core of the Earth that causes intensity fluctuations in the geomagnetic field. Here we show that noise spectrum of the obliquity frequency have revealed a series of frequency periods centered at 250-, 1OO-, 50-, 41-, 30-, and 26-kyr which are almost identical with the observed spectral peaks from the composite curve of 33 records of relative paleointensity spanning the past 800 kyr (Sint-800 data). A continuous record for the past two million years also reveals the presence of the major 100 kyr periodicity in obliquity noise and geomagnetic intensity fluctuations. These results of correlation suggest that obliquity noise may power the dynamo, located in the liquid outer core of the Earth, which generates the geomagnetic field.
The agenda for growth theory: a different point of view

It is argued here that the basic assumptions of neoclassical growth theory inherently limit the ability of models within that theory to cast light on economic growth as we have experienced it. This holds for 'the new growth theory' as well as the older growth theory of the 1950s and 190Js. It is proposed that to make real headway with understanding economic growth, a growth theory needs the following elements: (1) the ability to treat technological advance as an essentially disequilibrium process; (2) to incorporate a theory of the firm in which firm capabilities and differences across firms are central elements; and (3) to incorporate into the theory a richer body of institutions than currently are treated in standard growth theory, including, at the least, universities. Copyright 1998 by Oxford University Press.
Russia and Missile Defenses

Developments in technology and policy have increased Russian interest in ballistic missile defenses. The United States has committed itself to a limited national missile defense program, having begun deployments in 2004. Russia and the United States have also agreed on offensive force reductions according to the Moscow Treaty of 2002. Should Russia deploy defenses reciprocal to those of the United States, and if so, what would be the consequences of that decision? In addition, Russia faces the possibility of additional nuclear proliferation in Asia. A world in which offenses are combined with strategic anti-missile defenses increases, for Russia and for other nuclear states, the complexity of decision making for deterrence and defense in the 21st century. I gratefully acknowledge Dr. James Scouras for use of his AWSM@ model in preparing charts for this study. He is not responsible for the data base, analysis, or conclusions of this study.
Case Studies of Knowledge Modeling for Knowledge Preservation and Sharing in the US Nuclear Power Industry

As populations age and large numbers of skilled workers progress toward retirement, the importance of preserving and sharing expert knowledge is becoming an increasing concern for organisations worldwide. This article contains descriptions of two case studies involving initiatives to elicit, preserve, and share expert knowledge in the nuclear power industry using a knowledge modeling toolkit named CmapTools and knowledge elicitation techniques that were originated at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL., USA. Along with an account of preparations for the work including the selection of the experts, the course of the sessions, results and impacts of the studies, missed opportunities, and lessons learned are described. Some similarities and some interesting differences between the case studies are discussed.
A study of demand response to grocery advertising of fresh California–Arizona navel oranges†

An econometric analysis shows that grocery advertising expands the demand for fresh California-Arizona navel oranges. With advertising, grocers demand a greater quantity of fresh navels at every buying price. Navel grocery advertising carries over for only one week after the initial week the advertisements appear as compared to one to nine months for most brand and generic advertising of agricultural commodities. The peak response of navel demand to grocery advertising occurs during the week the advertising appears, while the peak response of brand and generic advertising gradually occurs several months after the advertising.
Concurrency control in deductive databases and object bases

Abstract In this paper, a concurrency control scheme based on the dependency among relations for deductive databases is proposed. According to relationship between the rules and the relations, we can build a dependency graph which includes relational predicates and gives correct information for concurrency control. We also extend the scheme to deductive object bases with the consideration of customized operations and semantic scheduling.
Acoustic propagation modeling using the extended angular spectrum method

The extended angular spectrum method is a technique for modeling the propagation of acoustic fields between parallel planes. The technique may be used to predict an acoustic pressure field distribution over a plane, based upon a known pressure field contour at a parallel plane. The technique has been used to "backward propagate" measured fields to determine the particle velocity distributions at transducer surfaces. However, the results of comparing "forward propagated" fields with those measured have been less successful. Recently improvements have been made to the model and to the associated experimental system which have greatly improved the forward prediction ability. The results demonstrate the ability of the extended angular spectrum method to accurately predict acoustic field contours in the forward propagation case.
A SIMULATION OF FACTOR ANALYTIC RELIABILITY VARYING SAMPLE SIZE AND NUMBER OF VARIABLES

Sr~mmary.-An examination of four factor analytic models employing random sampling experiments is undertaken using a methodology and hypothetical population factor structure first employed by Browne (2). The factor models are each explored under four separate conditions, varying sample size and number of variables. Under these limited conditions, it is argued that there are no practical differences among the factor models considered with respect to sampling error in the absence of a Heywood variable. However, with respect to the ability of each model to capture, early and at convergence, the number of factors in the population, the alpha factor model is shown to have the greatest reliability. Factor analysis is a statistical technique which continues to grow in use, particularly in behavioral science research. However, a number of both theoretical and applied problems continue to raise questions about the reliability and validity of the factor analytic method for most psychological research (20). The continued lack of understanding of factor analytic results on the part of the typical psychological researcher, for example, is striking. This is particularly true when the question of the reliability of a factor solution is introduced. Armstrong and Soelberg ( 1) dramatically illustrated this phenomenon by generating random numbers for 20 fictitious "supervisory traits," with the factor solution making as much sense as many empirical studies. They further illustrated through a review of the literature how few investigators checked for the reliability or validity of their factor analysis results. This lack of knowledge demonstrated in the literature is somewhat understandable, however, when one realizes how little is known about the distributional properties of a factor analysis model. Also, there are now many different factor-analytic models available to an investigator. Procedures, such as the classical principal axes model (15), rhe canonical factor model ( 17), the maximum likelihood model (3), the minimum residuals model (6), and the alpha model (12), are usually found in statistical computer libraries. However, different assumptions underlie each model and each possesses different methods of determining the number of factors to extract. Once a factor solution is reached using one of these models, various criteria for "rotation to meaningfulness" can be applied. The investigator is faced with so much uncertainty that he usually resolves the issue by adopting the factor solution thar, on rational grounds, is easiest to interpret.
Reprint of: Beyond the dollar☆

Abstract The international reserve regime based mainly on the US dollar has served the world well for decades, but it faces an uncertain future as the economic hegemony of the United States is increasingly challenged by the emergence of new economic powers. The regime is flawed fundamentally, moreover, because additions to the supply of the main reserve asset require the United States to run balance-of -payments deficits, which tend to undermine confidence in the dollar. This paper proposes a transformation of the reserve regime that would cause Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) issued by the International Monetary Fund to become the main reserve asset. An orderly transition would be achieved by creating a Substitution Account into which official holders of dollars could deposit them in exchange for SDRs.
Information technology transfer in econometric forecasting: a pictorial approach

Successful information technology transfer requires effective communication and clear, concise information exchange. This paper, using the Louisiana econometric model as a case study, proposes a pictorial approach to present and manage complex factors essential to information technology transfer. The approach utilizes multi-layer entity-relationship diagrams to provide a meaningful framework for the entire forecasting process, provide clarity to ensure better model maintenance when changes in social/economic structures require reformulations, and provide a procedural and data dictionary for clear documentation. The pictorial approach is both intuitive and readable, capable of serving as a task management tool, a model implementation aid, and a system maintenance resource.
Preliminary reconstructions of nasal chemosensory evolution in Squamata

Squamate reptiles are known for using vomerolfaction, the sense associated with the vomeronasal organs, to detect prey, predators, and conspecifies. By comparison, olfaction has been relatively neglected, yet many squamates have highly developed olfactory systems. Data from the literature were used to make preliminary reconstructions of the evolution of the vomeronasal and olfactory systems in Squamata. Vomerolfaction is highly developed in nearly all squamates, and was enhanced progressively in the common ancestors of Scleroglossa, Autarchoglossa, and Anguimorpha, reaching peaks in two autarchoglossan clades, Varanoidea, and Lacertiformes. Olfaction also improved in the common ancestor of Scleroglossa. Olfactory receptor abundance peaked in Gekkota and Lacertoidea, but declined in Anguimorpha, with some increase in snakes. Five major clades of lizards differ in development of chemical senses. Iguanians have the least developed vomerolfaction and olfaction. Gekkotans and lacertoideans have the greatest olfactory development, with greater vomerolfactory development in Lacertoidea. Scincoideans have intermediate olfaction and vomerolfaction. Anguimorphans have the most specialized vomerolfaction coupled in snakes with apparently greater olfactory powers than in varanids.
A study of partial frequency redistribution of monochromatic source radiation

Abstract The consequences of angle-dependent partial frequency redistribution are investigated with a Monte Carlo model for a monochromatic source of radiation incident upon a uniform isothermal slab of resonantly-scattering atoms. The frequency redistribution probability is characterized by Hummer's R II function. Emergent line profiles are computed for optical depths of up to 10 5 at line-center.
Reduction of cerebellar volume in major depression: A controlled MRI study

A systematic sampling stereological method of serially acquired axial intermediate T2-weighted Spin echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was used to measure cerebellar volume in 30 patients who fulfilled DSM III criteria for major depression and compared with 35 normal controls. The mean cerebellar volume of depressed patients was significantly smaller than the controls. This preliminary study adds new evidence for the possible participation of the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of major depression and warrants further investigation in this area. Depression 1:156–158 (1993). © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The sarcolemmal membrane: evacuation of short myofiber bundles.

Abstract A method is described for evacuating short truncated segments of muscle fiber bundles yielding a ghost preparation suitable for microanalysis of sarcolemma. The procedure involves an initial incubation period in 1–2 m m CaCl 2 (pH 7.8–8.0) for 5 hr at 4 C; a washout period of 5 or more hr in 30 m m KCl (pH 7.8–8.0) at 4 C; and an evacuation of myofiber contents by immersion in double-distilled water at pH 7.8. Ultrastructural observations of fiber bundles after incubation in 30 m m KCl indicate vesiculated sarcoplasmic reticulum and extraction of the amorphous Z-band material as well as most of the M-bound material. After evacuation the ghost preparation is composed of sarcolemma invested with an ectolemma and collagen fibrils.
New Rayleigh-Taylor-like surface instability and nuclear multifragmentation.

Nuclear disks and bubbles formed in central heavy-ion collisions, as simulated by means of Boltzmann-like kinetic equations, break up into several fragments due to a new kind of Rayleigh-Taylor-like surface instability. We demonstrate that a sheet of liquid, stable in the limit of noninteracting surfaces, becomes unstable due to surface-surface interactions. The onset of this instability is determined analytically. The relevance of this instability to nuclear multifragmentation is discussed.
Estimating the prevalence of low-lumbar spine bone mineral density in older men with or at risk for HIV infection using normal mixture models

Bone mineral density decreases naturally as we age because existing bone tissue is reabsorbed by the body faster than new bone tissue is synthesized. When this occurs, bones lose calcium and other minerals. What is normal bone mineral density for men 50 years and older? Suitable diagnostic cutoff values for men are less well defined than for women. In this paper, we propose using normal mixture models to estimate the prevalence of low-lumbar spine bone mineral density in men 50 years and older with or at risk for human immunodeficiency virus infection when normal values of bone mineral density are not generally known. The Box–Cox power transformation is used to determine which transformation best suits normal mixture distributions. Parametric bootstrap tests are used to determine the number of mixture components and to determine whether the mixture components are homoscedastic or heteroscedastic.
Asynchronous control for coupled Markov decision systems

This paper considers optimal control for a collection of separate Markov decision systems that operate asynchronously over their own state spaces. Decisions at each system affect: (i) the time spent in the current state, (ii) a vector of penalties incurred, and (iii) the next-state transition probabilities. An example is a network of smart devices that perform separate tasks but share a common wireless channel. The model can also be applied to data center scheduling and to various types of cyber-physical networks. The combined state space grows exponentially with the number of systems. However, a simple strategy is developed where each system makes separate decisions. Total complexity grows only linearly in the number of systems, and the resulting performance can be pushed arbitrarily close to optimal.
Direct Determination of Pure-State Density Matrices. V. Constrained Eigenvalue Problems

A density-matrix approach to constrained eigenvalue problems is presented. It is shown that all of the linearly independent eigenvectors of an Hermitian matrix can be generated with the idempotency equations ($\mathit{P}$ equations) developed in previous papers of this series. In particular, the method is applied to variational calculations in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ and He.
Lactic dehydrogenase isoenzymes after electroshock treatment of cardiac arrhythmias

The serum enzyme concentrations measured in this study can be used to differentiate injury of heart muscle, skeletal muscle, lung and liver tissue. Serum lactic dehydrogenase (SLDH) isoenzymes, total SLDH, serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) were measured in 29 patients on the day before, the day of but before and the three days after treatment of atrial fibrillation by D.C. electroshock. All patients selected were men aged 50 or older with some evidence of atherosclerotic heart disease. Identical enzyme measurements were also made concurrently in a control group of 19 untreated subjects who were matched to the treated subjects by sex, age and disease. The SGOT levels increased significantly after D.C. electroshock in a minority of patients. These changes are statistically significant for the group as a whole (p values < 0.02 and < 0.05). No significant changes occurred in SLDH alpha 1 and 2 and beta isoenzymes, in total SLDH, or in SGPT. No evidence was found that the enzyme changes observed after D.C. electroshock are due to myocardial injury. The statistically significant rise in SGOT appears to originate from tissues other than those of the heart. Reasons are presented for implicating the skeletal muscle of the chest wall as the source of these changes in serum enzyme concentrations.
Synthesis of mullite coatings by chemical vapor deposition

Formation of mullite on ceramic substrates via chemical vapor deposition was investigated. Mullite is a solid solution of Al2O3 and SiO2 with a composition of 3Al2O3 · 2SiO2. Thermodynamic calculations performed on the AlCl3–SiCl4–CO2–H2 system were used to construct equilibrium chemical vapor deposition (CVD) phase diagrams. With the aid of these diagrams and consideration of kinetic rate limiting factors, initial process parameters were determined. Through process optimization, crystalline CVD mullite coatings have been successfully grown on SiC and Si3N4 substrates. Results from the thermodynamic analysis, process optimization, and effect of various process parameters on deposition rate and coating morphology are discussed.
A Critical-interpretive Approach to the Ottoman Turkish Ġazel

The Islamic poetic tradition as it came to the Turks through Persian is characterized by a rather limited catalog of basic themes expressed by an equally limited number of standard tropes. The basic themes are usually quite easily recognizable (e.g. the sâki theme, the bahâr theme, etc.), even though more than one basic theme may be included in a single poem. The standard tropes — for example, the moon for the face of the beloved, rubies for wine, drunkenness for mystical love — are also used over and over again without any serious attempt to freshen poetic expression by discarding them for new metaphores. Nevertheless, within this atmosphere of apparent similarity, contemporary critics placed high value on creativity, uniqueness, and the invention of ‘new’ fancies. Modern scholarship has, in most cases, attempted to resolve this paradox by stating that ‘creativity’ for the Ottoman poet consisted of rearranging and recombining traditional themes and tropes to create new patterns and, thereby, a subtle and precious uniqueness. Moreover, any internal cohesion or organization other than that provided by rhyme and meter is generally seen as fortuitous and unrelated to any conscious effort to present a unified poetic message. The result of this view is the rather pervasive conclusion that the Ottoman poet is no more creative than the child is ‘creative’ who operates a kaleidoscope which produces infinitely varied patterns, even though the mirrors (themes?) and colored bits of glass (tropes?) remain ever the same.