cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CP violation and mixing in technicolor models

Vacuum alignment in technicolor models provides an attractive origin for the quarks' CP violation and, possibly, a natural solution for the strong-CP problem of QCD. We discuss these topics in this paper. Then we apply them to determine plausible mixing matrices for left and right-handed quarks. These matrices determine the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix as well as new mixing angles and phases that are observable in extended technicolor (ETC) and topcolor (TC2) interactions. We determine the contributions of these new interactions to CP-violating and mixing observables in the K{sup 0}, B{sub d} and B{sub s} systems. Consistency with mixing and CP violation in the K{sup 0} system requires assuming that ETC interactions are electroweak generation-conserving even if technicolor has a walking gauge coupling. Large ETC gauge boson masses and small intergenerational mixing then result in negligibly small ETC contributions to B-meson mixing and CP violation and to Re({epsilon}{sup '}/{epsilon}). We confirm our earlier strong lower bounds on TC2 gauge boson masses from B{sub d}-B{sub d} mixing. We then pay special attention to the possibility that current experiments indicate a deviation from standard model expectations of the values of sin2{beta} measured in B{sub d}{yields}J/{psi}K{sub S}, {phi}K{sub S}, {eta}{sup '}K{sub S}, and {pi}K{sub S},more » studying the ability of TC2 to account for these. We also determine the TC2 contribution to {delta}M{sub B{sub s}} and to Re({epsilon}{sup '}/{epsilon}), and find them to be appreciable.« less
Iterative algorithm for the design of optimal FIR analysis/synthesis filters for overdecimated filter banks

Recently, much attention has been given to the design of signal-adapted filter banks, in which the filter banks are designed to optimize a particular objective function, i.e. coding gain or a multiresolution criterion, for a particular class of input signals. If we restrict the analysis/synthesis filters to satisfy an orthonormality or biorthogonality condition, but put no restrictions on filter orders, then often times it is known how to choose the filters optimally for the objectives mentioned above. However, such filters are often unrealizable infinite order filters. In this paper, we consider the design of optimal analysis/synthesis filters in which the only restriction is that they must be finite impulse response (FIR) filters. We focus here on minimizing the mean squared reconstruction error for overdecimated filter banks. An iterative method to alternately design the analysis and synthesis banks is presented in which the error is monotonic nonincreasing for each iteration. Simulation results provided show the merit of the proposed algorithm.
Advanced Thermal-Control Systems as Applied to Future NASA Spacecraft

It is pointed out that active thermal control systems can theoretically provide a more isothermal spacecraft at less power and weight than required by conventional passive systems. The present paper is concerned with a study of the advantages, with respect to weight and power savings, which can be achieved by using active thermal control systems in future NASA spacecraft. In the study, a prototype NASA spacecraft, based on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), is considered. In order to represent thermal requirements of future spacecraft, the UARS requirements were modified for the prototype, which was called AEOS (advanced earth-orbiting spacecraft). Five types of active thermal-control systems were considered. The results which can be obtained with the different thermal-control systems are compared.
On Publishing, Pluralism, and Pitching:

John M. Geringer is the recipient of the MENC 2000 Senior Researcher Award. The following speech was presented on March 10, 2000, at a special session of the Society for Research in Music Education at MENC's National Biennial In-Service Conference held in Washington, D. C.
Regulatory Genes in Plant Development: Homeobox

The Knotted-like homeobox (KNOX) genes play a profound role in shoot apical meristem organization, maintenance and leaf initiation. An MYB domain gene PHANTASTICA plays a role in regulating dorsal–ventral polarity in lateral organs and also downregulates a subset of the KNOX genes. Keywords: knotted-like; homeobox genes; KNOX; PHANTASTICA; plant development
Experiments in computing optical flow with the gradient-based, multiconstraint method

Abstract In this paper we present results on experiments in computing optical flow with the multiconstraint approach. This approach relies on the gradient equation, which relates spatial and temporal changes in the image to optical flow, and the use of various image functions. The experiments reported here are performed on camera-acquired pictures and use feature operators to derive image functions from the original luminance function. Results indicate that this approach is promising.
A computation scheme to evaluate debye and tarasov equations for heat capacity computation without numerical integration

TheATHAS computation scheme of heat capacities of solid, linear macromolecules has been developed for an IBM-compatible microcomputer on a Lotus 1-2-3 based software. In this effort the Debye functions that can only be integrated numerically have been approximated by polynomials and logarithmic polynomials, which describe these functions to an accuracy of better than ±0.1%. Heat capacities can now be computed much faster and with greater ease.
Leibnizian models of set theory

A model is said to be Leibnizian if it has no pair of indiscernibles. Mycielski has shown that there is a first order axiom LM (the Leibniz-Mycielski axiom) such that for any completion T of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory ZF, T has a Leibnizian model if and only if T proves LM. Here we prove: Theorem 1 Every complete theory T extending ZF+LM has 2ℵ0 nonisomorphic countable Leibnizian models. Theorem 2 If κ is a prescribed definable infinite cardinal of a complete theory T extending ZF+V=OD, then there are 2ℵ1 nonisomorphic Leibnizian models &#120080; of T of power ℵ1 such that (κ+)&#120080; is ℵ1-like. Theorem 3 Every complete theory T extending ZF+V=OD has 2ℵ1 nonisomorphic ℵ1-like Leibnizian models.
Slow light: Anderson localization of slow light

Chains of coupled resonators are capable of dramatically slowing the speed of light. When all the resonators are identical light can, in principle, be stopped altogether. However, disorder causes light to move at a finite speed and to be localized over a few resonators.
The Role of Attentional Bias in Substance Abuse

There has been much recent interest in the idea that drug users show biased attention toward drug-related events. Because drug stimuli produce conditioned responses that may motivate drug taking, biased attention toward these cues may play an important role in drug use and relapse following treatment. The performance of drug users on the Stroop task and visual dot-probe task has been interpreted as demonstrating attentional bias toward drug cues specific to an individual's drug use history. However, studies often fail to include necessary control groups or comparison stimuli, thereby making it difficult to definitively conclude that reported results reflect a specific attentional response to personally relevant drug events. Although promising, these initial studies need to be followed up with better controlled demonstrations of attentional bias and with studies linking bias levels to other measures of drug taking.
Stabilization of gas puff Z-pinch implosions by using external Bz field on COBRA

We present investigations of gas puff Z-pinch implosions with an applied external Bz field. The experiments are conducted on the 1-MA, 200-ns COBRA generator. Stabilized 200-ns, high current z-pinch implosions have been demonstrated by using double or triple-gas puffs. In the experiments, a triple-nozzle is used to produce z-pinch loads with concentric outer, inner and center gas puff columns. Implosion dynamics are studied for triple- or double-(without inner puff) gas puffs with or without an external Bz field. In these multi-nozzle gas puff z-pinches, a heavier inner gas puff decelerated the implosing plasma resulting in stabilization of the Magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor (MRT) instability. More unstable implosions were observed with a lighter inner gas puff. Application of a several kG external axial Bz field produce magnetic shear, which also mitigate the MRT instabilities.
Coordinated objective/subjective estimation approach to multitarget tracking

A novel method for a multitarget detection and measurement system based on the coordination of objective and subjective estimation (COSE) is described. This system is composed of three components in cascade. The first stage implements available objective knowledge, namely target position and velocity, to form a subset of statistically likely target solutions via validation. The second stage of the system utilizes available heuristic (subjective) information, namely return area and brightness, to form a smaller subset of returns. The returns in this subset are similar to the target in terms of area and brightness. If only one return is available in this subset, it is chosen as the true target. If more than one return is available in this similar subset,the third state implements a minimum azimuth angle criterion, in which the return yielding the smallest azimuth angle between itself and the target's predicted position vector is selected as the true target. The causes and effects of clutter returns are described. Simulated target tracks are performed and discussed. Finally, the COSE algorithm is applied to a sequence of forward-looking infrared images provided by Texas Instruments, Inc. The results obtained will be subjectively compared to results of other tracking algorithms.
Inescapable shocks and subsequent escape/avoidance conditioning in goldfish, Carassius auratus

Two experiments were conducted with goldfish, Carassius auratus, to assess the effects of inescapable shocks on subsequent escape/avoidance conditioning. Results indicate that inescapable shock presentations interfere with later avoidance training when Ss are tested 0, 24, and 48 h following inescapable shocks. However, the interference effect dissipates with time so that in 72 h Ss are capable of avoiding shock. The findings confirm the cross-species generality of the interference effect.
Thrombin-stimulated calcium mobilization is inhibited by thrombospondin via CD36.

Activation of the G-protein-linked thrombin receptor in endothelial cells normally leads to an increase in free intracellular calcium, [Ca2+]i, which is the proximate stimulus for many important cell functions. We present evidence showing that signals from CD36, the thrombospondin (TSP) receptor, can inhibit this thrombin-mediated calcium response. Human endothelial cells preloaded with Indo-1 exhibited rapid calcium mobilization in response to thrombin. The presence of TSP inhibited the thrombin-stimulated calcium response in CD36-positive microvascular endothelial cells but not in CD36-negative umbilical vein endothelial cells. This TSP effect was mimicked by anti-CD36 antibodies and a TSP peptide (CSVTCG), but not by an alternative CD36 ligand (collagen IV) or an antibody to an alternative TSP receptor (alphavbeta3). TSP also inhibited the calcium response to the thrombin receptor-tethered ligand peptide, SFLLRN. In addition, TSP and anti-CD36 antibodies inhibited the calcium response of a closely related receptor, the trypsin/SLIGKVD-activated receptor PAR-2. TSP did not indiscriminately inhibit all calcium release pathways, since histamine- or VEGF-stimulated calcium responses were not inhibited by TSP. We conclude that cross-talk from the CD36 receptor influences the responsive state of the endothelial thrombin receptor family and/or its signaling pathway.
A second tektite fall in Australia

Abstract A chemical subgroup of tektites found in Australia (Chapman's “high sodium” tektites) have fission track ages of approximately 4 m.y. and hence are part of a distinct tektite fall, one that preceded the formation of the well known Australasian strewn field 0.7 m.y. ago.
Variation of stretch zone width with J, loading rate, temperature and pre-crack depth

The effect of J, temperature, loading rate and pre-crack depth on stretch zone width have been examined. This revealed that changes in stretch zone width with pre-critical J and temperature are larger than measurement uncertainties and thus can be determined with confidence. Changes in stretch zone width with loading rate are smaller; large changes in velocity are required if changes in stretch zone width are to be measured. No change in stretch zone width with pre-crack depth could be detected. In all cases, secondary shear cracks complicated the assessments.
Tetrapod-like axial regionalization in an early ray-finned fish

Tetrapods possess up to five morphologically distinct vertebral series: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and caudal. The evolution of axial regionalization has been linked to derived Hox expression patterns during development and the demands of weight-bearing and walking on land. These evolutionary and functional explanations are supported by an absence of similar traits in fishes, living and extinct. Here, I show that, Tarrasius problematicus, a marine ray-finned fish from the Mississippian (Early Carboniferous; 359–318 Ma) of Scotland, is the first non-tetrapod known to possess tetrapod-like axial regionalization. Tarrasius exhibits five vertebral regions, including a seven-vertebrae ‘cervical’ series and a reinforced ‘sacrum’ over the pelvic area. Most vertebrae possess processes for intervertebral contact similar to tetrapod zygapophyses. The fully aquatic Tarrasius evolved these morphologies alongside other traits convergent with early tetrapods, including a naked trunk, and a single median continuous fin. Regional modifications in Tarrasius probably facilitated pelagic swimming, rather than a terrestrial lifestyle or walking gait, presenting an alternative scenario for the evolution of such traits in tetrapods. Axial regionalization in Tarrasius could indicate tetrapod-like Hox expression patterns, possibly representing the primitive state for jawed vertebrates. Alternately, it could signal a weaker relationship, or even a complete disconnect, between Hox expression domains and vertebrate axial plans.
Identification of osthole in Hseh Tsuang seed.

A crystalline principle has been isolated from Hseh Tsuang seed and identified as osthole, a coumarin derivative, by methods which are described.
Interaction of Pharmaceuticals with Schardinger Dextrins III: Interactions with mono-halogenated benzoic acids and aminobenzoic acids

A series of mono-halogenated benzoic acids and aminobenzoic acids were shown to undergo definite interactions with the cyclodextrins. The complexes formed are considered to be due, in part, to inclusion formation and to other attractive forces existing between the guest and host molecules. Data are presented to illustrate the effect of steric hindrance, polarity, resonance structure and inductive effect with respect to this interaction. Some stoichiometric data are also presented and several formation constants calculated.
Psoralen-containing sunscreen induces phototoxicity and epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity

Sunscreens containing 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP) are being promoted commercially to increase suntanning and sun protection. A recent study indicated that the 5-MOP concentration used in these sunscreens is too low to induce cutaneous phototoxicity with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. We investigated whether the sunscreen Sun System III (SS III), which contains 5-MOP, could induce skin erythema, edema, delayed pigmentation, and epidermal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity when used in conjunction with UVA radiation (320–400 nm). ODC induction is an early event in the promotion of skin tumors. Increased epidermal ODC activity has been reported after exposure to UVB radiation (290–320 nm) alone and with topical 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) plus UVA radiation. Using a solar simulator, we found SS III-induced erythema, edema, and epidermal ODC activity in hairless mouse skin with only 5 joules/em' of UVA. Human skin showed erythema and delayed pigmentation with SS III plus 20 joules/cm2 of UVA. No phototoxicity was seen in human skin unless the solar simulator output was filtered through water to reduce infrared radiation. This indicates that cutaneous phototoxic reactions to 5-MOP plus UVA are diminished by heat. Like 8-MOP, 5-MOP cross-links DNA and has the same skin photocarcinogenic potential as 8-MOP. Therefore the use of phototoxic psoralens in over-the-counter sunscreens is inappropriate because of the risk of increased UV-induced skin cancer.
Predictors of successful discontinuation of supplemental oxygen in very low-birth-weight infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia approaching neonatal intensive care unit discharge.

We sought to identify factors associated with readiness to discontinue supplemental oxygen and to gain weight in very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) approaching neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge. From 2004 to 2009, VLBW infants ≥34 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA) on nasal cannula supplemental oxygen were challenged with room air at rest, during activity, and feeding as routine care. Outcome and clinical data were collected retrospectively. Challenges were divided into derivation and validation cohorts. We performed comparative and hierarchical logistic regression analyses, constructing a predictive model with passed challenge as outcome. Of 233 infants (birth weight 901 ± 245 g, gestational age 266/ 7 ± 2 weeks), 988 had challenges at 382/ 7 ± 3 weeks’ PMA. Weight gain was 12.4 ± 5 g/kg/d in the week following passed challenges and 11.2 ± 5.3 g/kg/d following failed challenges (p = 0.08). Increasing weight at time of challenge was associated with increased adjusted odds of passing. Increasing capillary p co 2, cannula flow rate, pulmonary acuity score, and history of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation decreased odds of passing. Receiver operating characteristic curve area was 0.82 in the validation cohort. The model performed well within p co 2 and pulmonary acuity score subgroups. Weight, p co 2, cannula flow rate, pulmonary acuity score, and history of PDA ligation identify infants with BPD ready to maintain saturation and gain weight without supplemental oxygen.
A novel prognostic scoring system for NLPHL.

In this issue of Blood , Hartmann and colleagues from the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) conducted a review of pathologic features and clinical data from 423 patients with nodular lymphocyte–predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) treated across 9 of their prospective clinical trials. 1 First, they determined that patients with histologic variants have a higher chance of having advanced-stage disease and a greater risk for disease progression or relapse at 5 years. Second, they were able to establish a prognostic scoring model that defines 3 discrete risk groups based on the factors of variant histopathologic growth pattern, low serum albumin, and male gender.
The relationship between gibberellin and floral stimulus inBryophyllum daigremontianum

The long-short-day plantBryophyllum daigremontianum initiates flower buds both upon change from long to short day and after gibberellin application in short day only at night temperatures of 11° and 15°C, but not at 19°C.
The quick-stick blepharoplasty.

Chez un patient de 76 ans, une plastie palpebrale immediate a ete pratiquee avec des gouttes de colle de cynaoacrylate. Amelioration immediate du champ isuel du patient mais temporaire (48 h)
General Correctness: A Unification of Partial and Total Correctness

General correctness, which subsumes partial and total correctness, is defined for both weakest preconditions and strongest postconditions. Healthiness properties for general-correctness predicate transformers are more uniform and complete than those for partial-and-total-correctness systems. In fact, the healthiness properties for partial and total correctness are simple restrictions of those for general correctness. General correctness allows simple formulations of the connections between weakest and strongest postconditions and between the notions of weakest precondition under the ``demonic'''' and ``angelic'''' interpretations of nondeterminism. A problem that plagues $sp sp(P, C)$ is undefined if execution of $C$ begun in some state of $P$ may not terminate disappears with the generalization. This paper is a study of some simple theory underlying predicate transformer semantics, and as yet has little bearing on current programming practices. The theory uses a relational model of programs.
The Effectiveness of Education for Family Management of Asthma in Children: A Preliminary Report

This paper reports preliminary findings in a convenience sample of one half the population enrolled in a study of self-management in low income families where a child has asthma. In initial evaluation data, parents participating in self-management education reported significantly less fear and anxiety associated with their children's wheezing episodes than did control families. They also reported that their children exhibited fewer signs of stress during wheezing episode. A trend toward reduced school absences and emergency room visits was noted among participating families. The actions taken by a family to manage the illness increased with the number of sessions attended.
Free resolutions in multivariable operator theory

Let Ad be the complex polynomial ring in d variables. A contractive Ad-module is Hilbert space H equipped with an Ad action such that for any ξ1,ξ2,…,ξd∈H, ||z1ξ1+z2ξ+⋯+zdξd||2⩽||ξ1||2+||ξ2||2+⋯+||ξd||2. Such objects have been shown to be useful for modeling d-tuples of mutually commuting operators acting on a Hilbert space. There is a subclass of the category of contractive Ad modules whose members play the role of free objects. Given a contractive Ad-module, one can construct a free resolution, i.e. an exact sequence of partial isometries of the following form: (∗)⋯→Φ2F1→Φ1F0→Φ0H→0, where Fi is a free module for each i⩾0. The notion of a localization of a free resolution will be defined, in which for each λ∈Bd there is a vector space complex of linear maps derived from (∗): ⋯→Φ3(λ)C2→Φ2(λ)C1→Φ1(λ)→C0. We shall show that the homology of this complex is isomorphic to the homology of the Koszul complex of the d-tuple (ϕ1,ϕ2,…,ϕd), of where ϕi is the ith coordinate function of a Mobius transform on Bd such that ϕ(λ)=0.
EFFECTS OF HEAVY METALS ON IMMUNOCOMPETENCE OF WHITE-FOOTED MICE (PEROMYSCUS LEUCOPUS)

Continued human population growth and industrialization result in increased contamination of wildlife habitats. Effects of such habitat deterioration on the well-being of natural populations are unclear. Exposure to contaminants may impair immunocompetence, thereby increasing disease susceptibility. The mammalian immune system is important in maintaining health and in its sensitivity to toxins. In our study conducted from May 1999 through May 2001, we examined assays of immunocompetence in the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) that inhabited reference sites and sites significantly contaminated with mixtures of heavy metals. We estimated potential exposure and uptake of heavy metals by measuring the level of each contaminant in representative soil and tissue samples. Intraindividual variation across mice, but not sex, explained a large portion of the overall variance in immune response, and spleen weight was significantly affected by mouse age. We found no evidence that residence on contaminated sit...
First GISP2 Field Season just completed

During the past decades, linkages between the atmosphere, biosphere, anthrosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere and cosmogenic input have been revealed. These linkages are characterized by complex integration and feedback. While the existence of this complex global system is now recognized, how it functions is poorly understood. The recent increase in CO2 and other greenhouse gases as a result of human activity and, in turn, concern over the climate change which may result, require that we gain a detailed knowledge of the total global system. Signals generated by interactions within the global system can be seen in the atmosphere, “captured” within glaciers and available for our viewing in ice cores.
Role of molecular mixing on the stiffness of polymer:fullerene bulk heterojunction films

Abstract Bulk heterojunction films, which typically comprise a polymer donor and fullerene acceptor, are considerably stiffer than films of the neat polymer. The increase in stiffness upon blending is dependent on the miscibility of the polymer and the fullerene, and potentially on the details of molecular mixing, in particular, intercalation of the fullerene molecules between the polymer side chains. This paper describes the effects of molecular mixing on the tensile modulus of polythiophenes in 1:1 blends with [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM). A series of four polymers and their blends with PC61BM are tested using mechanical, spectroscopic, and photovoltaic device-based measurements to determine if it is possible to predict trends in the tensile modulus based on the extent of molecular mixing. The four polymers are poly-2,2′:5′,2″-(3,3″-dihexyl-terthiophene) (PT2T), which forms an amorphous, molecularly mixed composite, poly(2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) (PBTTT), which forms a well ordered blend with bimolecular crystallization, and regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly(3-heptylthiophene) (P3HpT), which form a ternary blend with an amorphous mixed phase. The tensile moduli are measured by the buckling technique and correlations are found between the modulus of the neat polymer and the blends. Although spectroscopic and photovoltaic device-based measurements of P3HT:PC61BM and PT2T:PC61BM, along with literature precedent, suggest completely different extents of molecular mixing, they were found to have similar moduli (2.75±0.59 GPa and 2.61±0.39 GPa, after annealing). A strong correlation between the moduli of the blended films and the moduli of the neat polymers suggest that the stiffness of the blend is determined to a large extent by that of the polymer, and is unexpectedly insensitive to the details of molecular mixing, at least for the materials investigated.
Patient Engagement During Medical Visits and Smoking Cessation Counseling

Importance Increased patient engagement with health and health care is considered crucial to increasing the quality of health care and patient self-management of health. Objective To examine whether patients with high levels of engagement during medical encounters are more likely to receive advice and counseling about smoking compared with less engaged patients. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional survey using multivariate regression analysis of 8656 current and retired autoworkers and their spouses younger than 65 years who are or were employed by the 3 major US auto companies. Main Outcomes and Measures Clinician advice and counseling about smoking; patients who tried to quit smoking. Results Among 1904 current smokers, 58.5% of those who were more highly engaged during medical encounters were counseled by clinicians about specific strategies and methods to stop smoking, compared with 45.4% of patients who were less engaged. Patient engagement and being advised by clinicians to stop smoking had independent effects on smoking cessation efforts by patients. Accounting for differences in other patient characteristics, patients with high engagement levels were more likely to try to stop smoking compared with patients with lower engagement (odds ratio, 1.62; P Conclusions and Relevance The study results provide evidence that clinicians respond differently to patients who are highly engaged during medical encounters than they do to less engaged patients in terms of smoking cessation advice. Clinicians should not assume that low patient engagement and greater passivity during medical encounters is evidence of unwillingness to quit. The results show that smoking cessation counseling is associated with a higher likelihood of quit attempts even for patients who are less engaged during medical encounters.
Local and Equatorial Forcing of Seasonal Variations of the North Equatorial Countercurrent in the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract The seasonal variation of the North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC) in the tropical Atlantic Ocean is investigated by using a linear, one-layer reduced-gravity ocean model and by analyzing sea surface height (SSH) data from Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX)/Poseidon (T/P) altimeters. The T/P data indicate that the seasonal variability of the NECC geostrophic transport, between 3° and 10°N, is dominated by SSH changes in the southern flank of the current. Since the southern boundary of the NECC is located partially within the equatorial waveguide, the SSH variation there can be influenced considerably by the equatorial dynamics. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the wind stress forcing along the equator is the leading driver for the seasonal cycle of the NECC transport. The wind stress curl in the NECC region is an important but smaller contributor. This hypothesis is tested by several sensitivity experiments that are designed to separate the two forcing mechanisms. In the first sensitivity ru...
Neutrino Magnetic Transition Moment in the Zee Model

Abstract We show that in contrast to the recent suggestion of Babu and Mathur, the Zee model actually cannot provide the required amount of Majorana neutrino precession for the Okun-Voloshin-Vysotsky solution to the solar neutrino problem.
Use of the membrane filter and a filter aid for concentrating and enumerating indicator bacteria and Salmonella from estuarine waters

Abstract A membrane filter -Most Probable Number (MF-MPN) procedure for concentrating and enumerating indicator bacteria and Salmonella from estuarine water is described. In Laboratory studies involving estuarine waters the MF-MPN procedure yielded coliform and fecal coliform recoveries comparable to those obtained by the standard multitube MPN procedure. In a study utilizing a pure culture the MF-MPN procedure yielded Salmonella tennessee recoveries comparable to those obtained by a brain heart infusion pour plate agar method involving 10 replicate plates per dilution. In field studies the MF-MPN method consistently isolated coliform and fecal coliform bacteria from waters which were found to yield indeterminately low values for these two groups of bacteria when examined by the standard multitube MPN method. The MF-MPN method detected Salmonella in three polluted estuarine areas and one unpolluted estuarine area. The described MF-MPN method has the following advantages: (1) bacteria can be concentrated from 4 to 5 l. of water within 5–10 min even when turbidities are as high as 120 Jackson Turbidity Units: (2) several bacterial groups can be determined from the same sample: (3) qualitative and quantitative results can be obtained: (4) small volumes of enrichment broth are required.
TOWARD A MESSAGE‐CENTERED THEORY OF PERSUASION: THREE EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF LANGUAGE INTENSITY1

Based on accumulated knowledge concerning the effects of language intensity on attitude change, a set of propositions were advanced that provide a skeletal theoretical framework. Based on the propositions, three separate studies were done to extend the predictive power of the formulation. Predicted interactions between sex of the source, situational anxiety, source credibility, and language intensity were obtained. There were also significant person perception changes as a result of the level of language intensity employed in the persuasive message. Discussion centered on the import of the new findings in formulating a message-centered theory of persuasion.
Development of an integrated stroke outcomes database within Veterans Health Administration.

A fundamental goal of the Rehabilitation Out- comes Research Center of Excellence is to improve care and outcomes for veterans with rehabilitation needs. To achieve this goal, the Center's primary objective is increasing research capacity. The Integrated Stroke Outcomes Database is a collec- tion of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) clinical and administrative data containing patient information on a cohort of stroke patients found in the Functional Status Outcomes Database (FSOD), National Patient Care Database (NPCD), and other VHA sources. Clinical and administrative data were abstracted from several VHA data sources and linked to form an integrated outcomes database. A primary cohort of stroke patients treated during fiscal year (FY) 2001 was identified from the FSOD. Matching data from the NPCD, Decision Sup- port System, Health Economics Resource Center, and the National Veterans Survey were obtained, merged, and reported in brief. This integrated database structure will provide valu- able support to enhance the VHA capacity to perform stroke rehabilitation research.
Raf: A Strategic Target for Therapeutic Development Against Cancer

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays a critical role in transmitting proliferative signals generated by cell surface receptors and cytoplasmic signaling elements to the nucleus. Several important signaling elements of the MAPK pathway, particularly Ras and Raf, are encoded by oncogenes, and as such, their structures and functions can be modified, rendering them constitutively active. Because the MAPK pathway is dysregulated in a notable proportion of human malignancies, many of its aberrant and critical components represent strategic targets for therapeutic development against cancer. Raf, which is an essential serine/threonine kinase constituent of the MAPK pathway and a downstream effector of the central signal transduction mediator Ras, is activated in a wide range of human malignancies by aberrant signaling upstream of the protein (eg, growth factor receptors and mutant Ras) and activating mutations of the protein itself, both of which confer a proliferative advantage. Three isoforms of Raf have been identified, and therapeutics targeting Raf, including small-molecule inhibitors and antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ASON), are undergoing clinical evaluation. The outcomes of these investigations may have far-reaching implications in the management of many types of human cancer. This review outlines the structure and diverse functions of Raf, the rationale for targeting Raf as a therapeutic strategy against cancer, and the present status of various therapeutic approaches including ASONs and small molecules, particularly sorafenib (BAY 43-9006).
A gas calorimeter for use at 10.6 μm

Abstract An SF 6 gas calorimeter has been developed and used operationally in a large aperture, multijoule, short-pulse, CO 2 laser system. Pressure rises rather than temperature rises are measured in the absorbing cell. Measured pressure sensitivities of 20 pascal/joule are in good agreement with the calculated values.
Late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance

Recent advances in cardiovascular magnetic resonance have made it an important clinical tool. Late gadolinium enhancement imaging after gadolinium administration is now a well-validated and practical test to assess myocardial scarring. Due to its high spatial resolution, late gadolinium enhancement is much more sensitive in detecting small infarctions than older imaging modalities. However, late gadolinium enhancement is not specific for myocardial infarction but can occur in a number of cardiomyopathies. New studies suggest that the extent and pattern of enhancement may have prognostic and therapeutic implications, making it an important non-invasive instrument in cardiovascular diagnostics.
The effect of resident involvement on community hospital charges.

Attempts to explain the high cost of care in teaching hospitals have yielded conflicting results. This study was conducted to compare hospital charges and lengths of stay for two groups of patients: one cared for by a resident team and the other cared for by attending physicians. The study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital in Portland, Oregon. An initial group of 5,451 admissions was examined, considering type of doctor (resident or attending), severity of illness, and patient demographic characteristics. A regression analysis revealed that total charges were similar in the two groups, but only 14% of the variance in log total charges was explained. A subgroup of 1,058 admissions in the eight most common diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) was further evaluated. In this analysis total charges for the resident patient group were 52% higher than charges for the patient group cared for by attending physicians. Forty-one per cent of the variance was explained, with type of doctor and severity of illness accounting for 5% and 10%, respectively. Further examination of one DRG indicated that additional factors not included in previous studies, such as extent of preadmission evaluation, ethical factors influencing treatment options, and patients expectations for care, may be important determinants of hospital charges. This study demonstrates that the high cost of resident care is not fully explained by currently available measures.
A retrospective study on the effects of steroid administration and prolongation of the latent phase in patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes

To address the issues of whether corticosteroid treatment and prolongation of the latent phase improve the outcome of pregnancy in patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes, we studied 96 patients with premature rupture of the membranes who were delivered of infants of adequate weight for gestational age with birth weights between 751 and 2000 gm and who had a latent period longer than 48 hours. Of these 96 infants, 53 received treatment with steroids and tocolytic agents and 43 received no treatment. We found a significant decrease in perinatal mortality and in the incidence of moderate and severe hyaline membrane disease in infants whose mothers received glucocorticoids. The protective effect of glucocorticoid therapy was limited to infants with a birth weight between 751 and 1000 gm or with a gestational age of 27 to 28 weeks. We also found a significant increase in perinatal mortality, mainly due to infection, when the latent phase was prolonged for greater than 7 days, regardless of the type of management.
Colonic crypts located over lymphoid nodules of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-treated rats are hyperplastic and at high risk of forming adenocarcinomas

Male, Sprague-Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously with the colon carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) at a dosage of 9.5 mg DMH base/per kg rat body weight once weekly for 8 weeks; control rats received an equivalent volume of the vehicle. Analyses of variance showed that in carcinogen-treated as well as in non-carcinogen-treated rats, the proliferative zone height and the crypt height in colonic crypts located over the aggregates of lymphoid nodules (ALN) were significantly higher than in colonic crypts located away from the ALN. Immunohistochemical localization of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) showed that this mitogenic factor was found in cells in the proliferative zone of colonic crypts located over the ALN, but TGF alpha was not detectable in cells in the proliferative zone of colonic crypts located away from the ALN. Examination of histological sections of the colon taken through the ALN of DMH-treated rats revealed that eight out of 25 DMH-treated rats had microscopic adenocarcinomas (AC) within the ALN, but in the same rats no microscopic AC were seen in histological sections taken away from the ALN. Furthermore, there was no evidence of an adenomatous precursor to these microscopic, endophytic AC, suggesting that the endophytic AC arose de novo. Therefore, because of (i) the significantly higher proliferative activity in colonic crypts located over the ALN, (ii) the localization of TGF alpha in the proliferative zone of the colonic crypts associated with ALN and (iii) the high incidence of endophytic AC associated with ALN, it seems likely that factors emanating from the ALN are promotional to carcinogenesis in the colonic epithelium that is located in close proximity to the ALN.
Allosteric modulation of Ras and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway: emerging therapeutic opportunities

GTPases and kinases are two predominant signaling modules that regulate cell fate. Dysregulation of Ras, a GTPase, and the three eponymous kinases that form key nodes of the associated phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR pathway have been implicated in many cancers, including pancreatic cancer, a disease noted for its current lack of effective therapeutics. The K-Ras isoform of Ras is mutated in over 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) and there is growing evidence linking aberrant PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activity to PDAC. Although these observations suggest that targeting one of these nodes might lead to more effective treatment options for patients with pancreatic and other cancers, the complex regulatory mechanisms and the number of sequence-conserved isoforms of these proteins have been viewed as significant barriers in drug development. Emerging insights into the allosteric regulatory mechanisms of these proteins suggest novel opportunities for development of selective allosteric inhibitors with fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) helping make significant inroads. The fact that allosteric inhibitors of Ras and AKT are currently in pre-clinical development lends support to this approach. In this article, we will focus on the recent advances and merits of developing allosteric drugs targeting these two inter-related signaling pathways.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in Dilute Tin-Based Alloys

The magnetic resonance of the $^{119}\mathrm{Sn}$ nucleus has been observed in powdered samples of the tin-based alloys $\mathrm{Sn}\mathrm{In}$ and $\mathrm{Sn}\mathrm{Sb}$ at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The observed resonance line shapes cannot be explained without invoking the eddy-current mixing of the nuclear absorption and dispersion described by Chapman, Rhodes, and Seymour. A technique for analyzing the inhomogeneously broadened tin line shape is developed which takes this effect into account explicitly. This analysis is used to determine the concentration and field dependence of the isotropic and anisotropic Knight shifts, the unmixed single-crystal linewidth, and the eddy-current-mixing ratio for both alloy series. The isotropic Knight shift is found to be approximately independent of solute concentration to 2.0-at.% solute with $|(\frac{1}{K})(\frac{\mathrm{dK}}{\mathrm{dc}})|\ensuremath{\le}0.25$. The anisotropic Knight shift is linear in solute concentration with $(\frac{1}{{K}_{A}})(\frac{d{K}_{A}}{\mathrm{dc}})$ being + 4.8 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 2.8 in the $\mathrm{Sn}\mathrm{In}$ alloys and -7.7 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.5 in the $\mathrm{Sn}\mathrm{Sb}$ alloys. The concentration and field dependence of the linewidth are in qualitative agreement with the scattering theory, and the concentration and field dependence of the eddy-current-mixing ratio are in good agreement with the theory of Chapman et al. The anomalous concentration dependence of the Knight shift in the dilute indium-rich alloys reported by Anderson, Thatcher, and Hewitt is shown to be the result of the concentration dependence of the eddy-current-mixing ratio in those alloys.
Of Maize and Men: A Critique of the Maritime Hypothesis of State Origins on the Coast of Peru

The adaptation of preindustrial band and tribal groups to environments subject to aperiodic downturns of long duration can often be understood by reference to limiting factors affecting the productivity of the subsistence system. This paper examines the two alternative hypotheses of the maritime and agricultural foundations of state society on the coast of Peru, and by reference to limiting factors affecting the Peru Coastal Current, argues that coastal maritime groups never advanced beyond an egalitarian tribal stage. Support for the acceptance of the alternative agricultural hypothesis of state origins is provided by an ecological analysis of relevant features of the marine and terrestrial biomes, ethnographic data on marine subsistence villages, and archaeological data for the Late Archaic and Formative periods. [Central Andes, state origins, coastal adaptations, ecological anthropology, limiting factors]
Consumer prices, wholesale prices, and causality

This paper uses the Wald variant of the Granger direct causality test recently prescribed by Geweke, Meese, and Dent (1983) to assess the causal nature of the pairwise relationship between U.S. consumer and wholesale (producer) prices. For the sample period, January 1947 to December 1983, as well as for the two sample subperiods, January 1947 to June 1971 and May 1974 to December 1983, the test reveal that bidirectional causality, or feedback, exists between monthly observations on seasonally unadjusted consumer and wholesale price changes. The finding of bidirectional causality corroborates other empirical evidence suggesthing that a simultaneous equation approach represents the appropriate way to estimate a bivariate model that consists of consumer and wholesale prices.
Chronic Treatment with Antipsychotic Drugs Does not Alter G Protein α or β Subunit Levels in Rat Brain

Groups of rats received once daily subcutaneous treatments for 22 days with haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg), clozapine (20 mg/kg), SCH 23390 (0.2 mg/kg) or vehicle. Quantitative immunoblots for Gi alpha 1, Gi alpha 2, G(o alpha), Gs alpha (45 kD), G beta 35 and G beta 36 were performed on membranes from the following brain regions: striatum, nucleus accumbens, substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area (VTA), prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (CA1). No significant alterations were found in the levels of any of these G protein subunits, in any brain region in treated vs control rats.
Perspectives on functional assessment: its use for policy making

Functional assessment has the power to decide who receives care, for how much and by whom. Yet, despite its perceived value for setting public policy, these tools are often described as either flawed or formative in their development. Thus, policy-making using functional assessment could be considered premature during a time when cost and quality controls are overdue. Such a dilemma pits consumers, practitioners and researchers against policy-makers and payers as health-care decisions hang in the balance. This article presents the views of key constituencies on the readiness of functional assessment for policy-making. The discussion, focused primarily on setting health-care policy in the United States, is framed against a profile of health-care trends, within the context of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps, and with reference to the characteristics of selected tools in widespread use. These perspectives may shed light on ways to proce...