cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic theory and econometric practice

The classical paradigm of asymptotic theory employed in econometrics presumes that model dimensionality, p, is fixed as sample size, n, tends to inifinity. Is this a plausible meta-model of econometric model building? To investigate this question empirically, several meta-models of cross- sectional wage equation models are estimated and it is concluded that in the wage-equation literature at least that p increases with n roughly like nl/4, while that hypothesis of fixed model dimensionality of the classical asymptotic paradigm is decisively rejected. The recent theoretical literature on ‘large-p’ asymptotics is then very briefly surveyed, and it is argued that a new paradigm for asymptotic theory has already emerged which explicitly permits p to grow with n. These results offer some guidance to econometric model builders in assessing the validity of standard asymptotic confidence regions and test statistics, and may eventually yield useful correction factors to conventional test procedures when p is non-negligible relative to n.
Bypass pyeloplasty: Description of a procedure and initial results

Abstract Introduction and objective Dismembered pyeloplasty is the surgical technique of choice for open, laparoscopic and/or robot-assisted repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). We describe a new technique, bypass pyeloplasty, ideally suited for the high inserting ureter, and present initial results. Patients and methods A wide 1–2-cm side-to-side anastomosis is created between the dilated and elastic portion of the ureter just distal to the UPJO and the lower and dependent portion of the hydronephrotic renal pelvis. The UPJ is not disturbed and the renal pelvis is not surgically reduced. Since 2004, of 27 patients requiring surgery for UPJO, 7 underwent bypass pyeloplasty. The indications for surgery included increasing hydronephrosis or decreasing individual renal function in four, pain in two and pyelonephritis in one. The remaining 20 underwent a classic dismembered pyeloplasty. Results During a mean follow-up of 26 months, the anteroposterior diameter of the repaired kidney decreased by a mean of 55%. The individual renal function in the repaired kidney improved in two and remained stable in the remainder. Conclusion These favorable initial results justify further exploration of this simplified technique and its adaptation for laparoscopic and robot-assisted approaches. Bypass pyeloplasty may be a more physiologic procedure in patients with mid to high insertion of the ureter.
Acetylcholine Tachyphylaxis in Isolated Rabbit Atrium and Its Relation to Norepinephrine Stores

Large concentrations of acetylcholine, in the presence of atropine, are known to produce positive inotropic and chronotropic responses in isolated, spontaneously beating rabbit atria. This response is due to release of norepinephrine from atrial tissue. After repeated concentrations of acetylcholine (100 mcg./kg.), in the presence of atropine (3 mcg./kg.), were added to the bath fluid at 10-min. intervals, the usual stimulatory responses to acetylcholine were not detected; i.e., the tissue was tachyphylactic to the actions of acetylcholine. If acetylcholine, in the presence of atropine, was given at intervals of more than 20 min., tachyphylaxis could not be observed. To investigate a possible link between acetylcholine tachyphylaxis and a decrease in the amount of norepinephrine available for release by acetylcholine, the atria were exposed to norepinephrine after acetylcholine tachyphylaxis was produced. Norepinephrine was allowed to remain in contact with tachyphylactic atrial tissues for 5 min. before being washed out. Acetylcholine now elicited its usual stimulatory effect. Epinephrine was also capable of restoring the response of tachyphylactic atria to acetylcholine. Atria excised from rabbits that were pretreated with reserpine did not respond to either acetylcholine or tyramine. When these preparations were incubated with norepinephrine, there was no return of the stimulatory response to acetylcholine, although the response to tyramine was restored.
Letter to the Editor re: The Letter to the Editor by Dr. David Samuel Henry Bell, MD regarding "the risk of developing coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure, and overall mortality, in type 2 diabetic patients receiving rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, metformin, or sulfonylureas: A retrospective analysis"

In our analysis, we did not find a difference in the risk of coronary artery disease among the agents investigated. Thus, although, we believe the increased risk of mortality observed with sulfonylureas was in part related to coronary artery disease, we did not specifically look at cardiovascular-related mortality, only overall mortality. We realize it is possible that meaningful clinical differences could exist between the different specific sulfonylurea agents, but due to the interest of space and to avoid excessive number of statistical comparisons, we chose to focus our analysis on the individual thiazolidinediones. We are currently investigating if differences in overall mortality exist among the individual sulfonylureas (glimeperide, glipizide, and glyburide).
DIGITAL VASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY IN EQUINE LAMINITIS OF ALIMENTARY ORIGIN

Summary We measured digital blood flow, vascular pressures, vascular resistance, lymph flow rates, and lymph protein concentration in eight anesthesized equidaewith acute alimentary laminitis and eleven control animals. Digital blood flow was increased in laminitis as a result of decreased vascular resistance, primarily prevenous resistance. Ponies with laminitis were hypertensive and had elevated digital venous pressures. Lymph flow and lymph protein concentration were not different in the two groups of animals, indicating there is no change in capillary permeability in laminitis.
Diagnosis and work-up of thyroid nodules

Abstract Thyroid nodularity is a common problem. The main indication for surgery is a fear of malignancy. A variety of diagnostic tests, including imaging studies, are available; of these, the best and most cost-effective diagnostic test is a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. However, a variety of pitfalls of FNA need to be kept in mind before interpreting the information it provides. The FNA is helpful to decide the surgical versus nonsurgical approach. Recently, a large number of incidentalomas of thyroid have been noted during routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound of the neck. An ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy is helpful for further evaluation of these incidentalomas. When the fine-needle aspiration biopsy is reported as follicular neoplasm, generally a surgical intervention is considered, especially if the tumor is more than 3 cm because the fine-needle aspiration will not distinguish between benign follicular adenoma and minimally invasive follicular carcinoma, which requires complete evaluation of the capsule of the thyroid nodule. An algorithmic approach to the diagnostic evaluation of thyroid nodule is described.
Nosocomial infections in neonates receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Objective: To determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, nosocomial infections in neonates during and after treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Design: A retrospective cohort study of all infants treated with ECMO during a 4-year period. Patients: 26 neonates experiencing 32 nosocomial infections, and 54 neonates with no nosocomial infections. Setting: A large, urban children's hospital. Results: 30% of neonates treated with ECMO experienced at least one nosocomial infection. The rate of nosocomial infections was 10.3 per 1,000 patient-days. Risk factors significantly associated with nosocomial infection included duration of ECMO >7 days (mean, 12 vs 7 days; odds ratio [OR], 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI 95 ], 0.96-8.56); neonatal intensive care-unit stay >21 days (mean, 44 vs 19 days; OR, 8.73; CI 95 , 2.49-31.94); hospitalization >50 days (mean, 63 vs 29 days; OR, 5.44; CI 95 , 1.47-20.87); and surgical procedure before or during ECMO (46% vs 22%; OR, 4.58; CI 95 , 1.25 to 17.38). Conclusions: Nosocomial infections occurred in 30% of patients undergoing ECMO. Although nosocomial infections were not associated with an increase in mortality, hospitalization was prolonged.
Profits of disorder: images of the Transnistrian Moldovan Republic

This article looks at the multiple constructions that constitute the image of the Transnistrian Moldovan Republic (PMR), a separatist region located in eastern Moldova. The European Union (EU) and the international community construct the area as a ‘black hole’, a security and terrorist concern. The PMR has constructed the state's image on the basis of the memory of collective suffering at the hands of Moldovan oppression, in a fashion that resembles state building in nineteenth-century Europe. The best-selling author Nicolai Lilin invests a criminal Ruritania in his fake memoir of criminal tales and exploits. The article shows that a degree of order and legitimate means to make money exist in the PMR while it highlights a key and largely ignored element of the political economy of the PMR, namely the economic role and monopolistic practices of Sheriff and the strong interconnection between politics and economic activities.
Eigenvalue Spectra of Random Matrices for Neural Networks

The dynamics of neural networks is influenced strongly by the spectrum of eigenvalues of the matrix describing their synaptic connectivity. In large networks, elements of the synaptic connectivity matrix can be chosen randomly from appropriate distributions, making results from random matrix theory highly relevant. Unfortunately, classic results on the eigenvalue spectra of random matrices do not apply to synaptic connectivity matrices because of the constraint that individual neurons are either excitatory or inhibitory. Therefore, we compute eigenvalue spectra of large random matrices with excitatory and inhibitory columns drawn from distributions with different means and equal or different variances.
Optofluidics in chemical and biological analysis

The paper highlights the recent research progress in the thin-walled capillary optofluidic ring resonator and nanohole array capillary sensing platforms developed in our lab. Sensing performance in both gas detection and biomolecular detection is presented.
A focused educational program after religious services to improve organ donation in Hispanic Americans

Religion is an important determinant in Hispanic Americans (HA) becoming organ donors as HA often believe religion forbids donation. We investigated the effect of an educational program targeting HA organ donation in places of worship. A prospective observational study was conducted at four Catholic churches with a high percentage of HA. A 45 minute ‘culturally sensitive’ educational program, conducted in Spanish, was implemented. Organ donation awareness, knowledge, perception and beliefs, as well as the intent to become an organ donor, were measured before and after the intervention. Differences between before and after the intervention were analyzed. A total of 182 surveys were collected before and 159 surveys were collected after the educational program. A significant increase was observed in organ donation knowledge (54% vs. 70%, p<0.0001), perception (43% vs. 58%, p<0.0001) and beliefs (50% vs. 60%, p=0.0001). However, no significant difference was found in the willingness to discuss donation with family, intent-to-donate, or registering to donate after the intervention. This study demonstrates that a focused educational program in places of worship can significantly improve HA knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs regarding organ donation. Further work is needed to understand why intent-to-donate does not increase despite the increase in organ donation awareness.
Colonic polyposis and neoplasia in Cowden syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To identify and describe the frequency, histologic features, and clinical outcome of colon polyposis and neoplasia in Cowden syndrome—a rare familial hamartoma tumor syndrome associated with mutations in the PTEN gene. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with a clinical diagnosis of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome-Cowden phenotype were retrospectively identified and studied. Only those who underwent colonoscopy or colon pathologic interpretation were included in the final analysis. RESULTS From 1994 to 2009, 13 patients met study inclusion criteria. Of the 10 patients who underwent colonoscopy, 9 (90%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 57%-100%) had polyps, and 7 (70%; 95% CI, 39%-90%) were estimated to have more than 50 polyps. Pathologic findings of the colon were reviewed in 11 patients, and the spectrum of tumors included hamartomatous, inflammatory, adenomatous, ganglioneuromatous, hyperplastic, and juvenile polyps. Of the 13 patients, 2 (15%; 95% CI, 3%-43%) had left-sided adenocarcinoma without microsatellite instability. Five (38%) of the 13 patients underwent colectomy secondary to polyp dysplasia. CONCLUSION Patients with Cowden syndrome have a heavy colon polyp burden with a wide pathologic spectrum, both benign and malignant. The colon polyposis results in a previously unreported morbidity with a high colectomy rate.
An Anisotropic Hyperelastic Constitutive Model With Fiber-Matrix Shear Interaction for the Human Annulus Fibrosus

Based on fiber reinforced continuum mechanics theory, an anisotropic hyperelastic constitutive model for the human annulus fibrosus is developed. A strain energy function representing the anisotropic elastic material behavior of the annulus fibrosus is additively decomposed into three parts nominally representing the energy contributions from the matrix, fiber and fiber-matrix shear interaction, respectively. Taking advantage of the laminated structure of the annulus fibrosus with one family of aligned fibers in each lamella, interlamellar fiber-fiber interaction is eliminated, which greatly simplifies the constitutive model. A simple geometric description for the shearing between the fiber and the matrix is developed and this quantity is used in the representation of the fiber-matrix shear interaction energy. Intralamellar fiber-fiber interaction is also encompassed by this interaction term. Experimental data from the literature are used to obtain the material parameters in the constitutive model and to provide model validation. Determination of the material parameters is greatly facilitated by the partition of the strain energy function into matrix, fiber and fiber-matrix shear interaction terms. A straightforward procedure for computation of the material parameters from simple experimental tests is proposed.
On Nonhomogeneous Elastic Spheres

Radial deformation due to body forces and free radial vibration of nonhomogeneous elastic spheres is investigated. The elastic coefficients and the mass density are taken to vary as the n-th power of the distance from the sphere center. The boundary conditions are general insofar as spherical symmetry is maintained. The stress-displacement relations of Stojanovitch are used and solutions are obtained through the use of a generalized finite Hankel transform.
Incompletely compacted equilibrated ordinary chondrites

We document the size distributions and locations of voids present within five highly porous equilibrated ordinary chondrites using high-resolution synchrotron X-ray microtomography (μCT) and helium pycnometry. We found total porosities ranging from ~10 to 20% within these chondrites, and with μCT we show that up to 64% of the void space is located within intergranular voids within the rock. Given the low (S1-S2) shock stages of the samples and the large voids between mineral grains, we conclude that these samples experienced unusually low amounts of compaction and shock loading throughout their entire post accretionary history. With Fe metal and FeS metal abundances and grain size distributions, we show that these chondrites formed naturally with greater than average porosities prior to parent body metamorphism. These materials were not fluffed on their parent body by impact-related regolith gardening or events caused by seismic vibrations. Samples of all three chemical types of ordinary chondrites (LL, L, H) are represented in this study and we conclude that incomplete compaction is common within the asteroid belt.
Advanced interactive displays for deployable command and control centers

Command and control in today's battlefield environment requires efficient and effective control of massive amounts of constantly changing information from a variety of databases and real-time sensors. Using advanced information technology for presentation and interactive control enables more extensive data fusion and correlation to present an accurate picture of the battlespace to commanders and their staffs. The Interactive DataWall being developed by the Advanced Displays and Intelligent Interfaces (ADII) technology team of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Information Directorate (AFRL/IF) is a strong contender for solving the information management problems facing the 21st century military commander. It provides an ultra high-resolution large screen display with multi-modal, wireless interaction. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology has been combined with specialized hardware and software developed in-house to provide a unique capability for multimedia data display and control. The technology once isolated to a laboratory environment has been packaged into deployable systems that have been successfully transitioned to support the warfighter in the field.
A 2-step procedure determined diagnosis in patients with unexplained weight loss

(2001) J Int Med 249, 41. Lankisch PG, Gerzmann M, Gerzmann JF, et al. . Unintentional weight loss: diagnosis and prognosis. The first prospective follow-up study from a secondary referral centre. . Jan; . : . –6 . [OpenUrl][1][PubMed][2][Web of Science][3] QUESTION: In patients admitted to hospital with unexplained weight loss (≥5% of usual body weight), what are the relative frequencies of different causes? Cohort study with a mean follow up of 22 months. A secondary referral centre in Luneburg County, Germany. 158 patients who were ≥18 years of age (mean age 68 y, 56% women) and had a weight loss of ≥5% of usual body weight ≤6 months before being admitted to hospital. Exclusion criteria were weight loss from a known cause or voluntary weight loss. Follow up was complete. A 2 step diagnostic procedure was followed. While in the hospital, all patients received the first step: history and … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2Binternal%2Bmedicine%26rft.stitle%253DJ%2BIntern%2BMed%26rft.aulast%253DLankisch%26rft.auinit1%253DP.%26rft.volume%253D249%26rft.issue%253D1%26rft.spage%253D41%26rft.epage%253D46%26rft.atitle%253DUnintentional%2Bweight%2Bloss%253A%2Bdiagnosis%2Band%2Bprognosis.%2BThe%2Bfirst%2Bprospective%2Bfollow-up%2Bstudy%2Bfrom%2Ba%2Bsecondary%2Breferral%2Bcentre.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F11168783%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=11168783&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F6%2F5%2F160.1.atom [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000167171000003&link_type=ISI
Crisis management of SARS in a hospital.

Abstract Introduction: A large general hospital was suddenly disabled by an in-hospital outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (SARS). Method: The crisis was successfully managed by a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) that included: (a) containment of SARS patients on a special floor and evacuation of the patients from the infected and near-around floors; (b) sorting of the hospital into areas and floors to avoid cross contact of people; (c) triage of patients into groups according to risks; (d) closure of the emergency room and outpatient clinics; and (e) set up of an outdoor fever screening station and emergency service. Results: The situation was quickly controlled after the implementation of these procedures. The central argument in this case is that crisis managerial behavior is the result of how managers channel and distribute the attention of their crisis sense. Impact on industry: What managers should do depends on what risk issues and actions related to risk independency, efficiency, safety priority, and transparency they take. What risk issues and actions they take depends on the crisis sense and on how management responds to leadership, resource, and execution.
Using Microcomputers To Choose Among Government Structures

A microcomputer program called Policy/Goal Percentaging is now available for process ing a set of (1) political goals to be achieved, (2) government structures or other alterna tives for achieving them and (3) relations between goals and alternatives in order to choose the best alternative or combination for maximizing societal benefits minus societal costs. It is called Policy/Goal Percentaging because it relates policies to goals and because it uses part or whole percentaging to deal with the goals being measured on different dimensions. The government structures analyzed in this article include (1) democracy-dictatorship, (2) federalism-unitary government, (3) parliamentary-presidential government, (4) judicial review and (5) alternative party systems. The microcomputer program shows how tenta tive conclusions might change as a result of values in the weights of the goals or the alterna tive scores on the goals. This kind of analysis helps to choose among the alternative government structures and to ob...
Public investment in infrastructure in a simple growth model

Abstract In this paper, we examine the implications for capital accumulation when infrastructure enters as an external input into private production functions. In our model, infrastructure is nonexclusive but may exhibit varying degrees of nonrivalry. Revenues from uniform taxes on capital and labor income are used to finance public investment in infrastructure. We show that the optimal tax rate is independent of the degree of nonrivalry. When production exhibits constant returns to augmentable factors, the equilibrium displays constant growth. For most parameters, the growth rate depends on the population size. Under decreasing returns, the optimal trajectory exhibits monotonic convergence to a steady state level.
A polyadenylylation-specific RNA-contact site on the surface of the bifunctional vaccinia virus RNA modifying protein VP39 that is distinct from the mRNA 5' end-binding "cleft".

VP39 is a bifunctional mRNA-modifying protein that acts as both an mRNA cap-specific 2'-O-methyltransferase and a processivity factor for VP55, the vaccinia poly(A) polymerase catalytic subunit. Although regions of the protein surface required for methyltransferase function are well defined, it has been unclear whether the protein polyadenylylation function requires direct RNA contact and, if so, where the contact site(s) might be located on the protein surface. Here, we show that the VP55-VP39 heterodimer forms a stable complex with a 50mer oligonucleotide bearing a U2-N25-U motif, as opposed to the U2-N15-U motif that is optimal for stable complex formation with VP55 alone. An oligonucleotide bearing a U2-N25-U motif in which the downstream U residue is replaced with 4thioU can be efficiently photocrosslinked to VP39, but only in the context of the VP55-VP39 heterodimer. By partial proteolysis of end-labeled VP39, the site of oligonucleotide photocrosslinking was localized to the region of VP39 between residues Lys90 and Arg122. Peptide microsequencing and confirmatory mutagenesis identified the side-chain of Arg107 as the photocrosslinking site. Substitution of this residue with lysine abolished photocrosslinking entirely, consistent with the established RNA binding role of arginine in other RNA-binding proteins. This study provides clear evidence for a polyadenylylation-specific RNA-contact site on the surface of VP39, which is distinct from the RNA-binding methyltransferase "cleft" characterized in recent crystallographic and biochemical studies.
Characteristics of Low-Temperature Annealed TiO2 Films Deposited by Precipitation from Hydrolyzed TiCl4 Solutions

The effect of annealing temperature on the properties of TiO2 films prepared from hydrolyzed TiCl4 solutions was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoelectrochemical measurements. It is found that the amount of rutile in the TiO2 films increases from room temperature to 250 °C. Above 250 °C, the amount of crystalline rutile material did not change. Analysis of XRD data suggests that a noncrystalline phase is converted to the rutile phase of TiO2 by heat treatment of the films. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that the size of the rutile crystallites increases with temperature from about 100 to 400 °C. The photocurrent and conversion efficiency of the cells improved substantially with annealing temperature. The higher photocurrent appears to correlate with the increased crystallinity of the film. The TiO2 material displayed a photochromic effect.
Enhanced Performance Consistency in Nanoparticle/TIPS Pentacene-Based Organic Thin Film Transistors

In this study, inorganic silica nanoparticles are used to manipulate the morphology of 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)-pentacene (TIPS pentacene) thin films and the performance of solution-processed organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). This approach is taken to control crystal anisotropy, which is the origin of poor consistency in TIPS pentacene based OTFT devices. Thin film active layers are produced by drop-casting mixtures of SiO{sub 2} nanoparticles and TIPS pentacene. The resultant drop-cast films yield improved morphological uniformity at {approx}10% SiO{sub 2} loading, which also leads to a 3-fold increase in average mobility and nearly 4 times reduction in the ratio of measured mobility standard deviation ({mu}{sub Stdev}) to average mobility ({mu}{sub Avg}). Grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as polarized optical microscopy are used to investigate the nanoparticle-mediated TIPS pentacene crystallization. The experimental results suggest that the SiO{sub 2} nanoparticles mostly aggregate at TIPS pentacene grain boundaries, and 10% nanoparticle concentration effectively reduces the undesirable crystal misorientation without considerably compromising TIPS pentacene crystallinity.
Multi-Axial Homogenized Energy Model for Ferroelectric Materials

A multi-axial homogenized energy model is developed to account for nonlinear and hysteretic ferroelectric constitutive behavior induced by multi-axial electric field loading. The modeling approach extends a one-dimensional multi-scale modeling framework developed for ferroic materials [1, 2]. A three-dimensional energy function is introduced at the mesoscopic length scale and subsequently approximated as piecewise polynomial approximations to improve computational efficiency. Multi-scale field relations are then developed by introducing a distribution of effective electric fields and coercive fields that govern the nucleation of localized domain switching in polycrystalline ferroelectric materials. The distribution of field relations is used to relate the localized domain switching processes to observed macroscopic behavior by utilizing a stochastic homogenization technique. It is demonstrated that a simplified stochastic distribution of effective fields and coercive fields is sufficient to predict multi-axial ferroelectric switching in ferroelectric ceramics. Examples are given to validate the model in comparison to multi-axial loading experiments given in the literature. The model reduction provides a simple and efficient multi-scale modeling approach that is important for developing reliable piezoelectric actuator systems as well as implementation in model-based control of two and three dimensional structures.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The characteristics of AuGe-based ohmic contacts to n-GaAs including the effects of aging

Abstract We have investigated and compared the characteristics of Au:Ge, Ni/Au:Ge and Au/Ni/Au:Ge ohmic contact metallizations to ion-implanted and epitaxial n -GaAs layers on semi-insulting substrates. Auger depth profiles of ohmic contacts and SEM of surface microstructures have provided significant insight as to the nature and degradation mechanism of ohmic contacts with aging. An electrolytic tank model with distributed resistors representing nodular or cluster form contacts has been successfully used to understand the effects of non-uniform ohmic contacts. A small degree of change in the semiconductor sheet resistance in the gaps between contacts, with aging at an elevated temperature, has been attributed to possible lateral surface diffusion of Au in the Au:Ge contacts and Ge in the Ni/Au:Ge and Au/Ni/Au:Ge contacts.
Neurophysiological changes associated with paralysis arising from body stress in the cockroach, Periplaneta americana

Abstract Two hours after physical stress, Periplaneta americana could be separated into three behavioural categories: normal to hyperactive; torpid with ataxia; and paralysed. At 2 hr, 68 per cent were either torpid or paralysed, at 20 hr, 83 per cent were paralysed. Weight loss was a distinct physiological symptom of stress paralysis: The calculated mean loss was 9·5 mg/hr for torpid insects and 12·4 mg/hr for paralysed cockroaches, losses were four to six times larger than those occurring in starved cockroaches. However, the haemolymph osrnolarities of the three categories showed no appreciable differences. Only starved and paralysed cockroaches showed a noticeable reduction in muscle fibre membrane potentials of the flexor tibia—a mean value below 40 mV for starved insects and a mean value below 50 mV for paralysed insects. Both of these categories consistently showed a lower amplitude for junctional potentials, but paralysed cockroaches showed a much higher incidence of complete failure to neural stimulation. Most muscle fibres of completely paralysed insects lost their sensitivity to direct extracellular stimulation while the loss in sensitivity was less evident in starved cockroaches. Axonal conduction on the crural nerve was not changed by stress, and the spontaneous efferent activity of completely paralysed insects was similar to the pattern of activity for normal cockroaches. Stress seemed to alter the volume and content of the intermyofibral spaces of muscles.
On mathematics, imagination & the beauty of numbers

BARRY M AZUR: I can't answer that question, but I can offer some com ments. A person's first steps in his or her mathematical development are ex ceedingly important. Early education deserves our efforts and ingenuity. But also here is a message to any older per son who has never given a thought to mathematics or science during their school days or afterwards : You may be ready to start. Starting can be intellectu ally thrilling, and there are quite a few old classics written in just the right style to accompany you as you begin to take your first steps in mathematics. I'm thinking, for example, of the old T. C. Mits series, or Tobias Dantizg's wonder ful Number: The Language of Science, or Lancelot Hogben's Mathematics for the Millions. Moreover, one should not be dismayed that there are many steps there is no need to take them all. Just enjoy each one you do take. Bill Thurston, a great geometer, uses the word 'tall' to describe mathematics :
A cluster-adjusted sample size algorithm for proportions was developed using a beta-binomial model.

Abstract Objective The objective of the paper was to design a computer algorithm to calculate sample sizes for estimating proportions incorporating clustered sampling units using a beta-binomial model when information concerning the intraclass correlation is not available. Study Design and Setting A computer algorithm was written in FORTRAN and evaluated for a hypothetical sample size situation. Results The developed algorithm was able to incorporate clustering in estimated sample sizes through the specification of a beta distribution to account for within-cluster correlation. In a hypothetical example, the usual normal approximation method for estimation of a proportion ignoring the clustered sampling design resulted in a calculated sample size of 107, whereas the developed algorithm suggested that 208 sampling units would be necessary. Conclusion It is important to incorporate cluster adjustment in sample size calculations when designing epidemiologic studies for estimation of disease burden and other population proportions in the situation of correlated data even when information concerning the intraclass correlation is not available. Beta-binomial models can be used to account for clustering, and design effects can be estimated by generating beta distributions that encompass within-cluster correlation.
Nanosoldering carbon nanotube junctions with metal via local chemical vapor deposition for improved device performance

Carbon nanotube (CNT) network devices are useful in integrated circuits and display drivers, particularly in applications that make use of thin film transistors. However, in such devices, the performance is usually limited by high electrical and thermal resistances at the inter-tube junctions. The current research presents a novel method to improve such resistances using a localized chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. As these junctions are the most-resistive regions, we are able to locally heat and selectively deposit metals at the junctions by passing currents through the CNT network in the presence of metal CVD precursors in a vacuum environment, thereby nanosoldering the inter-tube junctions. We show that the metals indeed start to form at the junctions, which directly indicates that the inter-tube junctions are indeed the spots of high thermal resistance. We also show that the effects of nanosoldering are dependent on the types of metals deposited, and furthermore, our nanosoldering technique can effectively improve the overall device performance by more than an order of magnitude
Post-communism as an episode of state building: A reversed Tillyan perspective

Abstract The paper offers an answer to one of the most intriguing questions about post-communist politics: why did the infrastructure of governance deteriorate considerably immediately after the collapse of the old regimes in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union? The analysis delineates broader themes derived from Charles Tilly's writings on the historical sociology of state formation, and brings these themes to bear upon the study of post-'89 institutional transformations—a line of inquiry that is unjustifiably neglected in mainstream inquiries into the causes and manifestations of post-communist ‘state weakness.’ It compares post-communism—conceptualized as a historically specific period of state building—with earlier episodes of state formation, particularly in early modern Europe and thus sheds analytical light on the factors that brought about the fluctuation of ‘stateness’ and militated against the maintenance of viable state structures in the former Soviet world.
SteerBench: a benchmark suite for evaluating steering behaviors

Steering is a challenging task, required by nearly all agents in virtual worlds. There is a large and growing number of approaches for steering, and it is becoming increasingly important to ask a fundamental question: how can we objectively compare steering algorithmsq To our knowledge, there is no standard way of evaluating or comparing the quality of steering solutions. This paper presents SteerBench: a benchmark framework for objectively evaluating steering behaviors for virtual agents. We propose a diverse set of test cases, metrics of evaluation, and a scoring method that can be used to compare different steering algorithms. Our framework can be easily customized by a user to evaluate specific behaviors and new test cases. We demonstrate our benchmark process on two example steering algorithms, showing the insight gained from our metrics. We hope that this framework can grow into a standard for steering evaluation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Existing work in agent steering behaviors is usually evaluated subjectively on a limited number of scenarios, which will not be enough as the field grows more mature. SteerBench consists of a suite of test cases, detailed metrics, and a method of objectively scoring steering behaviors. We demonstrate the scoring process, customizability, and detailed information that SteerBench provides.
Spatial and Temporal Changes in Myosin Heavy Chain Gene Expression in Skeletal Muscle Development

Seven myosin heavy chains (MyHC) are expressed in mammalian skeletal muscle in spatially and temporally regulated patterns. The timing, distribution, and quantitation of MyHC expression during development and early postnatal life of the mouse are reported here. The three adult fast MyHC RNAs (IIa, IIb, and IId/x) are expressed in the mouse embryo and each mRNA has a distinct temporal and spatial distribution. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrates expression of IIb mRNA by 14.5 dpc, which proceeds developmentally in a rostral to caudal pattern. IId/x and IIa mRNAs are detectable 2 days later. Ribonuclease protection assays demonstrate that the three adult fast genes are expressed at approximately equal levels relative to each other in the embryo but at quite low levels relative to the two developmental isoforms, embryonic and perinatal. Just after birth major changes in the relative proportions of different MyHC RNAs and protein occur. In all cases, RNA expression and protein expression appear coincident. The changes in MyHC RNA and protein expression are distinct in different muscles and are restricted in some cases to particular regions of the muscle and do not always reflect their distribution in the adult.
Scattering from a perfectly conducting sinusoidal surface

Based on the Rayleigh assumption, perturbation solution for the analysis of scattering from a perfectly conducting sinusoidal surface is further developed. Amplitudes of scattering waves of the first few leading terms have been analytically derived; among them, the third-order term has so far not been available in other literature.
The skill of asking good questions in mathematics teaching

Those interested in mathematics education have recognized the value of asking good questions for centuries. We assume that good teachers ask good (and lots of) questions of their students. Yet this general recommendation fails to consider important questions about how teachers implement question-asking. The purpose of this study is to think more deeply about the implementation of this important practice. We explore question-asking in mathematics classrooms by presenting two case studies, each of which involves a teacher teaching the same topic in different classes. We explore how these teachers implement question asking, both in the context of teachers’ usual curriculum that did not put a premium on question asking as well as curriculum supplements that focused explicitly on question asking.
Laser-assisted reactivity of triethylgallium or trimethylgallium with ammonia in constrained pulsed nozzle expansions

The results of laser-assisted reactivity in constrained gas expansions involving either triethylgallium (TEGa) or trimethylgallium (TMGa) with ammonia are reported. NH{sub 3} (or ND{sub 3}) along with TEGa or TMGa are introduced into a high vacuum chamber through a customized dual-source pulsed nozzle assembly. Excimer laser output (193 or 248 nm) is focused into the mixing and reaction region of the nozzle source, and a quadrupole mass spectrometer interrogates the photolyzed expansion. During gas mixing and expansion into the vacuum, the adduct signals from TMGa:NH{sub 3} or TEGa:NH{sub 3} are observed when the nozzle assembly is cooled. Laser irradiation of the gas mixtures results in the formation of new adducts, TMGa:NH{sub 2} or TEGa:NH{sub 2}, and diverse, higher mass GaN-containing species. Power and wavelength dependence studies are used to reveal the photolytic origins of individual mass spectral features, and the influence of sample pressure on cluster formation processes is also examined.
Do emotional support and classroom organization earlier in the year set the stage for higher quality instruction

Many teachers believe that providing greater emotional and organizational supports in the beginning of the year strengthens their ability to teach effectively as the year progresses. Some interventions, such as the Responsive Classroom (RC) approach, explicitly embed this sequence into professional development efforts. We tested the hypothesis that earlier emotional and organizational supports set the stage for improved instruction later in the year in a sample of third- and fourth-grade teachers enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of the RC approach. Further, we examined the extent to which the model generalized for teachers using varying levels of RC practices as well as whether or not teachers were in the intervention or control groups. Teachers' emotional, organizational, and instructional interactions were observed using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (Pianta, La Paro, & Hamre, 2008) on five occasions throughout the year. Results indicated a reciprocal relation between emotional and instructional supports. Specifically, higher levels of emotional support earlier in the year predicted higher instructional support later in the year. Also, higher levels of instructional support earlier in the year predicted higher emotional support later in the year. Classroom organization was not found to have longitudinal associations with the other domains across a year. This pattern was robust when controlling for the use of RC practices as well as across intervention and control groups. Further, teachers' use of RC practices predicted higher emotional support and classroom organization throughout the year, suggesting the malleability of this teacher characteristic. Discussion highlights the connection between teachers' emotional and instructional supports and how the use of RC practices improves teachers' emotionally supportive interactions with students.
Military Sexual Trauma in Treatment-Seeking Women Veterans

As the number of women serving in the military continues to grow, it is increasingly important to explore the sequelae of military sexual trauma (MST) among female veterans. The current study inclu...
Spoken German: Methods and Results

Author's Summary— The need for experimentation is stressed in the field of methods in Spoken German. The relative merits of imitation and intellectual initiative in oral training are discussed.
Leucine-specific binding of photoreactive Leu7-MAP to a high molecular weight protein on the plasma membrane of the isolated rat hepatocyte.

Leu8-MAP (Multiple Antigen Peptide) is an effective inhibitor of macroautophagy and proteolysis in the isolated rat hepatocyte, having an apparent Km (0.1 mM) equaling leucine. Since it is not transported into the cytosolic compartment, it very likely mediates its effect through a plasma membrane site. In an attempt to identify the site we photoreacted intact cells with a biologically active, iodinatable azide derivative of Leu7-MAP. A ≍ 340,000 Mr protein whose labeling was protected 83% with 20 mM Leu was found in plasma membrane fractions when electrophoresed in 7.5-20% gradient gels under nonreducing conditions; addition of 20 mM dithiothreitol generated smaller m.w. products, possibly subunits, of consistent size. No specific labeling was observed with photoreactive derivatives of Ile7-MAP or Val7-MAP.
The Role of Operative Knowledge in Picture Comprehension

Abstract Preschool children's responses to real objects and their pictorial representations were compared to determine whether they exhibited object-picture equivalency by spontaneously focusing on the inferred meaning of both types of items rather than on their observable details. Twenty three-year-old males each completed two matching-to-sample tasks where stimuli were presented as real objects, color photographs, or outline sketches, and responses were analyzed in terms of Piaget's concepts of figurative and operative knowledge. Results indicated that these preschool children did not consistently respond to objects and their pictorial representations equivalently, revealing a greater tendency to produce operatively based responses with real objects and figuratively based responses with the pictures.
Meat-cooking mutagens and risk of renal cell carcinoma

High-temperature cooked meat contains two families of carcinogens, heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Given the kidneys’ role in metabolism and urinary excretion of these compounds, we investigated meat-derived mutagens, as well as meat intake and cooking methods, in a population-based case–control study conducted in metropolitan Detroit and Chicago. Newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the renal parenchyma (renal cell carcinoma (RCC)) cases (n=1192) were frequency matched on age, sex, and race to controls (n=1175). The interviewer-administered Diet History Questionnaire (DHQ) included queries for meat-cooking methods and doneness with photographic aids. Levels of meat mutagens were estimated using the DHQ in conjunction with the CHARRED database. The risk of RCC increased with intake of barbecued meat (Ptrend=0.04) and the PAH, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, highest vs lowest quartile: 1.50 (1.14, 1.95), Ptrend=0.001). With increasing BaP intake, the risk of RCC was more than twofold in African Americans and current smokers (Pinteraction<0.05). We found no association for HCAs or overall meat intake. BaP intake, a PAH in barbecued meat, was positively associated with RCC. These biologically plausible findings advocate further epidemiological investigation into dietary intake of BaP and risk of RCC.
Informational Semantics and Frege Cases

One of the most important objections to information-based semantic theories is that they are incapable of explaining Frege cases. The worry is that if a concept’s intentional content is a function of its informational content, as such theories propose, then it would appear that coreferring expressions have to be synonymous, and if this is true, it’s difficult to see how an agent could believe that a is F without believing that b is F whenever a and b are identical. I argue that this appearance is deceptive. If we heed the distinction between the analog and digital contents of a signal, it is actually possible to reconstruct something akin to Frege’s sense/reference distinction in purely information-theoretic terms. This allows informational semanticists to treat coreferring expressions as semantically distinct and to solve Frege cases in the same way that Frege did—namely, by appealing to the different contents of coreferring expressions.
Frequently asked questions about the public health service policy on humane care and use of laboratory animals.

The authors answer eight questions commonly asked of the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare concerning the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
Analytical Solution on the Transient Corrosion/Precipitation in Non-Isothermal Liquid Lead Bismuth Eutectic Flow Loops

Abstract Steel corrosion by liquid lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) is one of the critical problems when using the liquid-metal alloy as a coolant in advanced nuclear systems. In a non-isothermal LBE fl...
Single Event Upset of Dynamic Rams by Neutrons and Protons

Dynamic 16K random access memories (RAMs) have been irradiated with neutrons having mean energies of 6.5, 9 and 14 MeV and with 32 MeV protons and have been found to undergo single event upset. For both particles, one upset is expected for approximately 108 particles/cm2. The upsets are statistical and the affected cells can be reset and continue normal operation. Both HIGH and LOW storage elements are upset though at different rates. The cause of the upsets is most probably a multi-MeV alpha particle created by an (n, alpha) or (p, alpha) or similar nuclear reaction. The alpha particle discharges either the storage capacitor, the floating bit line, or the reference capacitor used by the sense amplifier.