cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ON-THE-ROAD DRIVING RECORDS OF LICENSED RACE DRIVERS

On-the-road driving records of Sports Car Club of America national competition license holders from three states were compared with the records of other drivers of the same age and sex. In each state the race drivers had a greater number of crashes per driver, and a greater number of speeding violations, other moving violations, and non-moving violations per driver, than the drivers comprising the matched comparison group. The results cast considerable doubt as to the validity of the Master Driver's License concept, which has been given serious consideration by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The results also suggest a need for caution regarding the assumption that advanced driver education crash-avoidance techniques can he translated into reduced crash experience.
Time Resolved Thermodynamics of Fast Protein Folding in Cytochrome c

One of the earliest studies of fast protein folding involved the photolysis of CO bound Cytochorme c in the presence of 4.5 M Gdn-HCl HCl, pH 7.0. These studies revealed fast coordination of non-native His and Met residues resulting in a ‘frustrated’ folding pathway resulting from non-native coordination. These early events occur on timescales of less than 10 μs. Similar fast folding can be initiated at lower Gdn-HCl at pHs above 9.5. Under these conditions the non-native coordination occurs with time constants of ∼ 300 ns and ∼ 3 μs at 22 dg C. Previous time resolved CD spectra suggest that 8% of the native like secondary structure forms in < 1 μs (Goldbeck et al., PNAS (1999), 96, 2782). Here, photoacoustic calorimetry (PAC) has been utilized to probe the thermodynamics associated with fast folding and non-native ligand coordination in CO-Cytochrome c ta pH 12.7 and 350 mM Gdn-HCl. At temperatures below 18 ° C the PAC signals indicate multi-phasic kinetics that can not be fit to simple exponential sums suggesting a distribution of conformations in the presence of CO. The integrated thermodynamics (integrated thermodynamics for processes occurring in < ∼ 20 μs) give an enthalpy change of 5±2 kcal/mol and a molar volume change of −0.5±0.4 mL/mol. Taking into account the enthalpy and volume changes associated with CO photo-release from the heme, an enthalpy change of - 12 kcal/mol and volume change of -6 mL/mol is obtained for the 8% folding as well as non-native His and Met coordination. These results will be discussed within the context of the protein funnel mechanism for fast folding in cytochorme c.
Prescription and repair rates of prosthetic limbs in the VA healthcare system: implications for national prosthetic parity

AbstractPurpose: To quantify prescription and repair rates of prosthetic limbs in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and explore differences by level, type, and age. Methods: Veterans (N = 32 440) with an initial prosthetic prescription between 2000 and 2010 were classified by amputation level and type. Annual rates of prescription and repair were calculated using person-time and compared by group. Results: Veterans with upper limb amputation had lower annual prescription and repair rates (0.28 and 0.21) compared with those with lower limb amputation (0.40 and 0.56). Myoelectric devices users had higher prescription rates. However, body-powered users had higher repair rates. Prescription and repair rates for microprocessor knee joints were higher than for fluid and friction devices. Veterans under 65 had 0.07 and 0.16 higher rates of prescription and repair than those over 65 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Because the VA is unconstrained by co-pays or caps, data on prosthetic prescription and repair can ...
A discrepancy between experimental and computational evidence for chemical chaos

Hudson and Mankin studied the oscillatory Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction in a flow reactor and found ranges of a few percent of residence time within which behavior was a chaotic mixture of the regular behaviors on either side of that range. Our efforts to model that system computationally indicate that any range of chaotic behavior is less than one part per million of residence time. The discrepancy may mean that the experiments were influenced by the peristaltic pumping or by uncontrolled fluctuations of some other variable. It may also mean that the computational model was too simplified to reproduce the chaotic effects inherent in the real system. The only resolution we can suggest is that random fluctuations in a parameter like residence time may induce chaotic behavior over a range of average residence times that is much wider than the amplitudes of the fluctuations themselves.
Development of oriented dendritic fields in the dorsal cochlear nucleus of the hamster

Abstract The shapes of the apical and basal dendritic fields of the fusiform cells in the dorsal cochlear nucleus of the hamster were analyzed quantitatively. Measurements of the cross-sectional areas of the dendritic fields in planes parallel and perpendicular to planes occupied by the cochlear nerve axons revealed that the apical dendrites have a preferential orientation with respect to the cochlear planes. No consistent orientation of the basal dendrites was apparent. The orientation of the apical dendrites is not present in the neonatal hamster; rather, it develops gradually and is not fully established until after postnatal day 25. Since the cochlear fibers grow into the dorsal cochlear nucleus, establish contacts and become functional before day 25, the presence of the cochlear input might be a prerequisite for the development of oriented dendritic trees. In adult hamsters that have had their cochlear input eliminated during infancy, the apical dendritic trees of the fusiform cells are not oriented normally. The results suggest that the presence of the afferent input is necessary for the differential growth that leads to the development of oriented dendritic trees.
Predicting Individual Evaluations from Group Evaluations and Vice Versa Different Patterns for Self and Other

We examined people's beliefs about how well an individual's evaluations can predict the average evaluations of a group and how well a group's average evaluations can predict those of an individual. The individual in question was either the self or a stranger. Subjects believed that the group predicts a stranger better than the stranger predicts the group, but believed that the self predicts the group as well as or better than the group predicts the self This asymmetry in estimates of predictability mirrors asymmetries found by other researchers for similarity judgments, suggesting that beliefs about predictability may be guided by similarity judgments. This may lead to errors in predictions about self and others, including the false consensus bias.
The Role of Neutrophils in Producing Hepatocellular Dysfunction during the Hyperdynamic Stage of Sepsis in Rats

Although studies have shown that hepatocellular function is depressed during the early, hyperdynamic stage of sepsis, the mechanism responsible for this remains unknown. To determine whether neutrophils play any role in producing this depression, hepatocellular function was measured in neutrophil-competent and neutropenic animals subjected to sepsis. Neutropenia was induced by tail vein injection of an immunoglobulin directly against rat neutrophils (anti-neutrophil Ig) at 16 and 2 h prior to the initiation of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP, i.e., a model of polymicrobial sepsis). Neutropenia was confirmed by peripheral blood smears. Neutrophil-competent controls were given nonimmunized Ig before the onset of sepsis. Sham-operated animals received anti-neutrophil Ig or control Ig. Hepatocellular function [i.e., the maximal velocity of indocyanine green clearance (Vmax) and efficiency of the clearance (Km)] was determined by a fiber-optic catheter andin vivohemoreflectometer at 5 h after CLP (i.e., early, hyperdynamic sepsis) or sham operation. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were also determined. The results indicate that although circulating levels of ALT were not elevated, hepatocellular function was significantly depressed during early sepsis. The depression inVmaxandKmwas, however, prevented by neutrophil depletion, suggesting an integral role of the neutrophils in depressing hepatocellular function under such conditions. The results suggest that the prudent modulation of neutrophil function during the early stage of polymicrobial sepsis may be beneficial for preventing or delaying the occurrence of hepatocellular dysfunction.
Foot kinematics and kinetics during adolescent gait

Gait analysis models typically analyze the ankle joint complex and treat the foot as a rigid segment. Such models are inadequate for clinical decision making for patients with foot impairments. While previous multisegment foot models have been presented, no comprehensive kinematic and kinetic databases for normal gait exist. This study provides normative foot joint angles, moments and powers during adolescent gait. Eighteen subjects were evaluated using 19 retroreflective markers, six cameras, a pressure platform and a force plate. A nine-segment model determined 3D angles, 3D moments, and powers in eight joints or joint complexes. A complete sets of sagittal, coronal and frontal plane results are presented. Results indicate that single link models of the foot significantly overestimate ankle joint powers during gait. Understanding normal joint kinematics and kinetics during gait will provide a baseline for documenting impairments in patients with foot disorders.
Raman scattering by surface phonon-polaritons in large SiC microcrystals

Abstract We measured Raman spectra of commercially available 6H-SiC particles. The particles were irregular in shape with an average size of ≈ 3 μm and an average aspect ratio of ≈ 2. By varying the dielectric constant of the medium surrounding the particles, we unambiguously identified a peak in the Raman spectra as being caused by surface phonon-polaritons. This is of interest because scattering by these modes is expected to be negligible in crystals that are larger than the wavelength of the incident laser radiation. The unexpectedly intense surface polariton scattering was qualitatively explained as being caused by a decrease of the effective particle radius in the irregularly shaped crystals. This effect might be explained by the enhancement of the intrinsic electric fields and the localization of surface modes near sharp features on the particles.
A Systems Approach to Long-Term Urban Disaster Recovery

Abstract This paper explores how a city can assess its disaster-prone nature and what it can do with the information it gathers. The authors propose three principles. These are: (1) Focusing on consequences rather than causes of disasters, (2) learning from similarities between disasters, and (3) taking a systems approach to recovery. A case study of disaster management in the city of Los Angeles illustrates the discussion.
Thermal Joint Conductance of Low Density Polyethylene and Polyester Polymeric Films: Experimental

The flow of thermal energy across a joint where one or more surfaces come into contact is an important engineering consideration. Studies of metal/metal contacts at an interface have been investigated extensively, and are well documented in the literature. However, the thermal study of nonmetallic or organic contacting surfaces is still in its infancy, and as important in many modern engineering applications as metal/metal contacts. Currently, an elastic model exists for predicting the thermal performance of metal/polymer joints. In addition, a plastic model was recently proposed to account for plastic deformation of the contacting asperities. However, both thermal contact models have been compared to experimental polymer layers which are relatively thick (e.g., ~2mm). The present objective was to experimentally investigate two commercially important polymeric film types for thermal conductance, which range from 254 to 12.2 microns in thickness, while the interface pressure was varied from a low of 103.4kPa (15psi) to a high of 23,774.5kPa (3450psi). In each of the experimental tests the ambient fluid at the contacting interface was air. Thermal joint conductances were obtained for a polymer film/metal joint. One other objective was to conduct film nano-indentation measurements to possibly deduce a micro-deformation mode. Surface metrology and film morphology are presented with a goal to incorporate these results into future modeling endeavors. The polymeric films investigated were Low Density Polyethylene and Polyester (e.g., Mylar).
Bronchopulmonary sequestration with MR angiographic evaluation. A case report.

Definitive diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration requires angiographic visualization of the anomalous feeding and draining vessels. The authors report a young woman who presented with persistent cough of two months' duration. Diagnosis of pulmonary seques tration was established with magnetic resonance (MR) angiography, which demonstrated abnormal feeding arteries to the sequestrum from the thoracic aorta with draining pulmonary veins.
An Equilibrium Analysis of Defensive Response to Entry Using a Coupled Response Function Model

We determine the optimal response to competitive entry in a market characterized by a market share attraction model. The response of an incumbent is limited to changes in prices, advertising and distribution expenditures; brand positions are assumed to be fixed. We also assume that the entrant's position is chosen exogenously and that the sales potential of the market is constant. After proving the existence of a unique Nash equilibrium, we show that the optimal response depends on the relative market share of the incumbents. The response by nondominant brands with market shares less than 50% mirrors the prediction by decoupled response function models-reduce price, advertising and distribution spending. For the dominant brand having a market share of 50+%, the response is to reduce price and increase marketing spending. This finding explains previous empirical results that could not be addressed by the decoupled models.
Mechanism of Dissolution of Neutral Silica Surfaces: Including Effect of Self-Healing

The common empirical idea that the dissolution of silica is controlled by the hydrolysis of the first Si−O−Si bond of Si surface species is checked against experimental activation energies by DFT (B3LYP) calculations using a polarized continuum model. The calculated energy barrier for the hydrolysis of a Si−O−Si bridge of a double-linked Si atom of β-cristobalite at the water−silica interface (29 kcal/mol) comes out to be higher than the measured activation energy of silica dissolution at the point of zero net proton charge of the surface (PZPC) by at least 7 kcal/mol. This discrepancy is significantly outside the estimated error bars of the calculations. Therefore, we propose a new mechanism, which is based on the assumption that the breakage of the first Si−O−Si bond is followed by the very fast reverse reaction of dehydroxylation of the formed Si−OH HO−Si defect. Because of this “self-healing” effect, the probability of both Si−O−Si bonds of the double-linked Si atoms being dissociated is very low, whi...
WHAT IS THE THIRD MAN ARGUMENT

Critique et modification de l'interpretation par G. Vlastos de l'argument dit du "troisieme homme" tel qu'on le trouve notamment chez Platon. Apres avoir repris les critiques deja anciennes de W. Sellars, l'A. precise la nature du "regressus" qui est conforme a la pensee de Platon| pour cela, il utilise notamment la distinction entre les "determinables" et les "determines".
The transformation of scientific communication: A model for 2020

Information technologies, particularly the personal computer and the World Wide Web, are changing the ways that scientists communicate. The traditional print-based system that relies on the refereed scientific journal as the key delivery mechanism for research findings is undergoing a transformation to a system much more reliant on electronic communication and storage media. This article offers a new paradigm for communication in science, and suggests how digital media might bring new roles and functionalities to participants. The argument is made that behavioral and organizational determinants are as important factors as technological capabilities in shaping the future.
The treatment of amebic colitis with diiodohydroxylquinoline (diodoquin)

In a preliminary study of 25 cases of acute and chronic amebic colitis treated with a newer oxyquinoline compound of iodine containing approximately 64% of iodine, beneficial results were obtained in a comparatively short period of drug administration. These results have been observed over varying lengths of time, from one to nine months. The benefits were measured by the effects, in acute cases, on the pathology in the rectum and sigmoid as determined by repeated sigmoidoscopic examination before, during and following treatment. Results were determined in both acute and chronic cases of amebic colitis by microscopic study of saline-purged stools at regular intervals of one week. Invariably the amebae disappeared from the stool following sixteen days of treatment. The writer finds that the dosage of diiodohydroxylquinoline should be 22.5 grains to 30 grains per day. The drug is practically non-toxic, with headache being one predominant symptom in the three patients that complained.
High-speed re-encoder design for algebraic soft-decision Reed-Solomon decoding

Algebraic soft-decision decoding (ASD) of Reed-Solomon (RS) codes can provide substantial coding gain with polynomial complexity. The major steps of ASD algorithms are the interpolation and factorization. To greatly reduce the complexity of these steps, the re-encoding and coordinate transformation techniques need to be applied. The implementation of these techniques requires a re-encoder and an erasure decoder. In re-encoded and transformed ASD decoders, these two blocks take a significant proportion of the overall area requirement and may limit the maximum achievable speed. A novel re-encoder design is proposed in this paper. In the proposed design, the erasure locator and evaluator polynomials are computed directly through multiplications and other involved computations are reformulated to reduce latency and area requirement. Scalable architectures for the proposed re-encoder are developed. When these architectures are applied to a (255, 239) RS code, our re-encoder can achieve 82% higher throughput than the previous design with 11% less area. With minor modifications, the proposed design can also be used to implement an efficient erasure decoder.
Survival after relapse following tandem autotransplants in multiple myeloma patients: the University of Arkansas total therapy I experience.

Despite the superiority of high-dose (compared with standard) treatment in multiple myeloma, relapses still occur. We evaluated relapse patterns, salvage treatments employed and outcome in patients given tandem transplants on our total therapy I protocol. We focused on 146 patients (of 231 enrolled) who received tandem autotransplants or =2 months after the second transplant. With a median follow-up of 9 years after enrollment, 31 (21%) patients remain in complete or stable partial remission. Ninety-five (65%) patients received therapy for relapsing myeloma. The median time from the first transplant to relapse was 2.9 years. The median overall survival from relapse was 2.4 years. In one-quarter (23/95) of cases, the postrelapse interval exceeded the interval from the first transplant to relapse. On multivariate analysis, the presence of any cytogenetic abnormalities [P 4 mg/l at relapse (P<0.001, HR: 2.87) were significant for poor survival after relapse. The median survival after relapse was 5.1, 1.3 and 0.7 years in patients with none (44%), one (46%) and two (10%) poor-risk factors, respectively. In conclusion, a sizeable fraction of myeloma patients relapsing after tandem autotransplants without poor-risk features enjoyed meaningful survival prolongation when appropriately treated.
Mass spectrometric measurement of endogenous peptides

Abstract Mass spectrometric analytical techniques utilizing fast atom bombardment are used to ionize peptides extracted from biological sources, and tandem mass spectrometry methods are used to select a unique amino acid sequence-determining fragment ion for quantification of that peptide at the picomole level. This type of analysis maximizes the molecular specificity.
Small and large fixed ratios with the same unit price.

Abstract Key pressing of rats was maintained under multiple and discrete-trial choice schedules with reinforcer units of 45 mg food pellets or 3.5 s dips of sucrose solution. Both smaller and larger fixed ratio (FR) schedules were associated with the same unit price in a manner, for example, that each of eight iterations of FR120 was associated with delivery of a single reinforcer unit and one instance of FR960 was associated with eight reinforcer units. FR requirement varied between 20 and 1560 per aggregate reinforcer and unit price varied between 20 and 240 per reinforcer unit. During multiple schedules with food reinforcers, rates and patterns of responding were comparable over nearly a 50-fold range of FR requirements (20–1380) when unit price was 20; over nearly a six-fold range of FR requirements (120–720) when unit price was 120; and was only marginally maintained when unit price was 240. Demand for food pellets was comparatively inelastic at FRs between 20 and 120, during which subjects did not receive supplemental feeding outside experimental sessions, but was elastic at FRs greater than 240, when subjects sometimes did receive supplemental feeding. In a discrete-trial choice procedure with a constant unit price of 120 for sucrose solution, subjects were indifferent between smaller FRs and alternative FRs as large as 480, but began switching away from larger FRs that were 600 or greater. Because responding had been comparably maintained under both FR120 and FRs as large as 960 in the multiple schedule, results from the choice procedure indicated that choice performance was influenced by variables other than FR requirement and unit price. Because aggregate reinforcers were the same for smaller and larger FRs, the most likely reason for preferring smaller FRs was the nearness in time to some reinforcer.
All-Optical Nanoscale pH Meter

We show that an Au nanoshell with a pH-sensitive molecular adsorbate functions as a standalone, all-optical nanoscale pH meter that monitors its local environment through the pH-dependent surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of the adsorbate molecules. Moreover, we also show how the performance of such a functional nanodevice can be assessed quantitatively. The complex spectral output is reduced to a simple device characteristic by application of a locally linear manifold approximation algorithm. The average accuracy of the nano-“meter” was found to be ±0.10 pH units across its operating range.
Rac1 is required for Prkar1a -mediated Nf2 suppression in Schwann cell tumors

Schwannomas are peripheral nerve sheath tumors that often occur in the setting of an inherited tumor predisposition syndrome, including neurofibromatosis types 1 (NF1) and 2 (NF2), familial schwannomatosis and Carney complex. Loss of the NF2 tumor suppressor (encoding NF2, or Merlin) is associated with upregulation of the Rac1 small GTPase, which is thought to have a key role in mediating tumor formation. In prior studies, we generated a mouse model of schwannomas by performing tissue-specific knockout (KO) of the Carney complex gene Prkar1a, which encodes the type 1A regulatory subunit of protein kinase A. These tumors exhibited down-regulation of Nf2 protein and an increase in activated Rac1. To assess the requirement for Rac1 in schwannoma formation, we generated a double KO (DKO) of Prkar1a and Rac1 in Schwann cells and monitored tumor formation. Loss of Rac1 reduced tumor formation by reducing proliferation and enhancing apoptosis. Surprisingly, the reduction of tumor formation was accompanied by re-expression of the Nf2 protein. Furthermore, activated Rac1 was able to downregulate Nf2 in vitro in a Pak-dependent manner. These in vivo data indicate that activation of Rac1 is responsible for suppression of Nf2 protein production; deficiency of Nf2 in Schwann cells leads to loss of cellular growth control and tumor formation. Further, PKA activation through mutation in Prkar1a is sufficient to initiate Rac1 signaling, with subsequent reduction of Nf2 and schwannomagenesis. Although in vitro evidence has shown that loss of Nf2 activates Rac1, our data indicate that signaling between Nf2 and Rac1 occurs in a bidirectional fashion, and these interactions are modulated by PKA.
Protein biosynthesis during spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) enameloid formation

Little is known about protein biosynthesis during enameloid formation. The purpose of this study was to characterize protein biosynthesis during selachian amelogenesis. Experiments were conducted on intact shark tooth organs, surgically removed from the spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias. These organs were cultured in medium labelled with [35S]-methionine during time periods ranging from 1 to 6 h in pulse/chase experiments. The proteins were extracted at the conclusion of the experiments for analysis by gel electrophoresis and fluorography. In addition, tooth organs were fixed and examined by light microscopic autoradiography. Through this outlined experimental strategy, protein biosynthesis during amelogenesis was examined. The findings suggest the ameloblasts, at early bell stage of tooth development, are biosynthetically more active than the incipient odontoblasts; and they are secreting two polypeptides, 55 and 43 kd, into the developing tooth extracellular matrix.
PARACEST properties of a dinuclear neodymium(III) complex bound to DNA or carbonate.

A dinuclear Nd(III) macrocyclic complex of 1 (1,4-bis[1-(4,7,10-tris(carbamoylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane]-p-xylene) and mononuclear complexes of 1,4,7-tris-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane, 2, and 1,4,7-tris[(N-N-diethyl)carbamoylmethyl]-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane, 3, are prepared. Complexes of 1 and 2 give rise to a PARACEST (paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer) peak from exchangeable amide protons that resonate approximately 12 ppm downfield from the bulk water proton resonance. The dinuclear Nd(III) complex is promising as a PARACEST contrast agent for MRI applications, because it has an optimal pH of 7.5 and the rate constant for amide proton exchange (2700 s−1) is nearly as large as it can be within slow exchange conditions with bulk water. Dinuclear Ln2(1) complexes (Ln(III) = Nd(III), Eu(III)) bind tightly to anionic ligands including carbonate, diethyl phosphate, and DNA. The CEST amide peak of Nd2(1) is enhanced by certain DNA sequences that contain hairpin loops, but...
Study of shallow impurity states in compound semiconductors using high resolution photoluminescence spectroscopy

Abstract In this paper we review briefly the use of high resolution photoluminescence to study the behavior of shallow impurity states in compound semiconductors. As an illustration we focus our review on GaAs. The binding energies of the ground state and of several low-lying excited states of the impurity centers are determined by studying the radiative transitions associated with excitons bound to neutral donors or acceptors. The difference between the binding energies of different donors in GaAs is rather small. Thus to resolve transitions associated with different chemical donors a magnetic field is used. This has the effect of sharpening the transitions as well as increasing the separation between them. One can identify donors in samples with total impurity concentrations as high as 5X1015/cm3. The binding energies of different chemical acceptors in GaAs are much higher. Thus the radiative transitions associated with excitons bound to neutral acceptors can be resolved in zero magnetic field. Energy levels of shallow donors and acceptors in GaAs are reviewed.
Trigone sensitivity testing is a measure of exteroceptive function

The trigone sensitivity test, a complementary test to cystometry, has been proposed as a method for distinguishing certain clinical disorders. Pressure is applied to the trigone region of the bladder by pulling upon a Foley catheter with the balloon inflated and the amount of force needed to induce an urge to void is recorded. Although the trigone sensitivity test has been proposed as a test of exteroceptive function, it is possible that deeper receptors, perhaps proprioceptors, are actually responsible for the awareness of the urge to void during the study. The present investigation compared the trigone sensitivity test with provoked detrusor contraction in 107 patients. The findings indicate that variations in the two responses occur independently of each other. It is concluded that different neural pathways are responsible for the two functions. The hypothesis that exteroceptive and not proprioceptive nerves are being measured during trigone sensitivity testing is supported by these findings.
Antioxidant enzyme activities in the southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania

Abstract 1. 1. No acute 24 hr toxicity was observed with mid-5th instar larvae of the southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania, exposed to the prooxidant allelochemicals, xanthotoxin and quercetin. Decreased RGR values for the xanthotoxin treated larvae suggest the beginning of toxicity. 2. 2. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity is very high in these insects, suggesting that these enzymes may be part of a secondary defense system against prooxidant insult and may account for their tolerance of prooxidant allelochemicals such as quercetin, which are ingested accidentally but frequently due to S. eridania's wide breadth of diet. 3. 3. There is no glutathione peroxidase activity in these insects although they do have glutathione reductase activity.
HIV/AIDS in Asian and Pacific Islander Communities in the U.S.: A Review, Analysis, and Integration:

In the United States, HIV/AIDS is invisible in Asian and Pacific Islander (A/PI) communities even though it has affected them since 1981. As the AIDS crisis enters its second decade, A/PI communities continue to face a classic Catch-22: They receive modest, if any, funding for services, education, or research because there are relatively few reported Asian AIDS cases, but no one can financially, socially, and ethically afford to wait for an explosion of HIV infection in these communities. This article, using the AIDS Risk Reduction Model (ARRM) as an organizing framework, reviews, analyzes, and integrates the current state of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors associated with HIV/AIDS among Asians and Pacific Islanders. Implications for community health education programs and future directions for research are discussed.
Conflict Expectations and the Paradox of Economic Coercion

Despite their increasing importance, there is little theoretical understanding of why nation-states initiate economic sanctions or what determines their success. These events are often explained away as “symbolic politics” driven completely by domestic-level factors. This article develops a simple game-theoretic model of economic coercion to show that both “senders” and “targets” of economic coercion incorporate expectations of future conflict as well as the short-run opportunity costs of coercion into their behavior. Conflict expectations have a paradoxical effect on coercion events. First, senders that anticipate frequent conflicts will be more willing to initiate economic coercion, even if such attempts are costly. Senders that anticipate few conflicts will not threaten sanctions unless they incur minimal costs and the target would suffer significantly. While a robust anticipation of future disputes might make the sender prefer a coercive strategy, it also reduces its ability to obtain concessions. Target states that anticipate frequent conflict with the sender will make fewer concessions. Ironically, a sender will obtain the most favorable distribution of payoffs when it cares the least about its reputation or the distribution of gains. These hypotheses are tested statistically, with the results strongly supporting the conflict expectations model.
Twinning Behavior in Uphill Nano-Tribological Process

Twinning behavior in the contact region between two tips is for the first time observed in a nano-tribological process. An Au (gold) polycrystalline tip, formed in TEM system, slides uphill on a W (tungsten) tip, mechanically inducing an Au polycrystalline transition layer. Not only does the tensile stress gradient initialize the twin formation but also the direction of the first sliding step determines the crystalline orientation of the first primary twin due to the lowest surface energy of FCC Au {111} planes. The crystalline orientation of the second primary twin is aligned with the first primary twin by coherent twin boundary regardless of the sliding direction and stress distribution. A triple boundary junction, between the Au tip, Au transition layer and vacuum is a favorable configuration probably due to the lowest energy of the system. On the other hand, defective crystalline phase is formed in the compressive region. It is proposed that crystalline rotation and active disclination dipoles are mainly responsible for the movement of twin boundary during the Au tip sliding process.
What Fitness Can’t Be

Recently advocates of the propensity interpretation of fitness have turned critics. To accommodate examples from the population genetics literature they conclude that fitness is better defined broadly as a family of propensities rather than the propensity to contribute descendants to some future generation. We argue that the propensity theorists have misunderstood the deeper ramifications of the examples they cite. These examples demonstrate why there are factors outside of propensities that determine fitness. We go on to argue for the more general thesis that no account of fitness can satisfy the desiderata that have motivated the propensity account.
Compact 160-Gb/s demultiplexer using a single-stage electrically gated electroabsorption modulator

Direct 160-10-Gb/s demultiplexing using a single-stage electrically gated electroabsorption modulator is reported for the first time. The drive signal consists of two mixed microwave tones used to reduce the gating window width to under 5.7 ps for both TE and TM modes. Error-free operation is obtained without an observed error floor. This single-stage design is compared to a dual-stage demultiplexer (160-40 and 40-10 Gb/s) and experimental results show that the power penalty is lower for the single-stage demultiplexer, illustrating both the performance and complexity advantages of the new design.
Teaching Planning History as a Path to Social Justice

It is important to consider ways to help planning students develop a concern for social justice before they enter professional life. In previous decades, particularly the 1960s and 1970s, the task of instilling a sense of social commitment among planning students was not so difficult. Students were very likely to come into the classroom with a heightened awareness of social justice concerns, in great part because of the civil rights movement and because of an “urban crisis” that may have actually called them into the profession. In the current situation, in which such background and sense of urgency cannot be assumed, it is important to consider ways in which to create classroom learning experiences that foster a sense of social consciousness. Only a limited number of tools exist that can help with this process, however, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Planning history is one of these tools, but it has value only if used carefully and with purposeful preparation on the part of the instructor.
Comparison of L‐strut preservation in endonasal and endoscopic septoplasty: a cadaveric study

Background Preservation of an adequate cartilaginous L-strut to prevent complications of septoplasty has been long recognized as critical. However, no previous study has examined the dimensions of the L-strut that remain after septoplasty. We hypothesized that differences in exposure and visualization between endoscopic and endonasal techniques would result in differences in preserved L-strut dimensions. We designed this study to determine L-strut dimensions after performance of septoplasty with endonasal and endoscopic technique. Methods We performed a cadaveric study with 24 heads randomly assigned to undergo endonasal vs endoscopic septoplasty by senior resident surgeons (postgraduate year 4 [PGY-4] and PGY-5). Removal of the skin–soft tissue envelope and mucoperichondrium was performed after septoplasty to permit direct measurement of the L-strut. Minimum and maximum widths were recorded for the caudal and dorsal segments; a single measurement was recorded for the width at the anterior septal angle. Statistical analysis was carried out using the 2-tailed distribution Student t test. Results There was no significant difference in caudal or anterior septal width between endonasal and endoscopic techniques. There was a statistically significant difference in dorsal segment width for both minimum and maximum values, with endoscopic technique resulting in a narrower dorsal segment than endonasal technique (mean minimum value of 10.8 mm vs 13.2 mm, respectively, p = 0.03; and mean maximum value of 12.6 mm vs 16 mm, respectively, p = 0.01). There was significant variation in resident surgeon performance, with the performance of 1 resident surgeon accounting for the difference in minimum dorsal width. Conclusion Differences in exposure and visualization between endoscopic and endonasal septoplasty techniques may result in differences in preserved L-strut dimensions. Care should be taken with endoscopic technique to prevent overly aggressive resection of septal cartilage, particularly with learners of this technique.
What chemists (or chemistry students) need to know about computing

During the on-line conference, “Applications of Technology in Teaching Chemistry,” June 14-August 20, 1993, the topic “What Chemists (or Chemistry Students) Need to Know About Computing” generated considerable discussion. In this paper some of the key points of the discussion are collected and integrated with information from the literature. The key points developed here include: the computer as a tool for learning study, research, and communication; hardware, software, computing concepts and other teaching concerns; and the appropriate place for chemistry computer usage instruction. Some suggestions for access, implementation, and extent of implementation of useful skills for the chemist and chemistry student are given in the paper. The papers, graphics, discussion streams, and related materials from the on-line conference have been archived. Information on retrieving these documents and the documents themselves can be obtained through anonymous ftp: inform.umd.edu, Path: /Educational Resources/Faculty Resources and Support/Chemistry Conference (CHEMCONF).
Association of Sclerotial Blight with Spissistilus festinus Girdling Injury on Soybean

Girdling of the main stem by the 3-cornered alfalfa hopper, Spissistilus festinus (Say), predisposed seedling soybeans to infection by Sclerotium rolfsii Saccardo, the causal agent of sclerotial blight. Growth stage V-1 was more susceptible to infection than stage V-3. The most important factor was the presence of a high inoculum level in the soil. Direct transmission by the insect was of little importance, and even simulated girdling damage resulted in infection of seedling plants.
Exploring the Efficacy of the Cook School District Simulation

Cook School District is a Web-based simulation designed to allow teacher candidates an opportunity to explore connections between their actions as teachers and the learning and engagement of simulated students. The simulation provides a setting in which to practice the processes inherent in teacher work sample methodology (TWSM). The outcomes of TWSM include analyzing the context in which teaching and learning will occur; identifying outcomes to be learned; designing and administering a pretest to evaluate prior knowledge; designing and delivering instruction, differentiating curriculum, instruction, and/or assessment as appropriate; and postassessing student learning to determine the “value added” or teacher effects on learning and engagement. Quasi-experimental research demonstrates the efficacy of the simulation to (a) improve scores on a real teacher work sample, (b) improve field-based lesson teaching performance, and (c) affect users’ perceptions of their skillfulness and valuing of concepts underly...
CNN: Twenty years later

This speech will present the state-of-the-art of the CNN (Cellular Neural Network) universal chip and its future applications. The speech will last two hours without coffee break. After the speech, a 20 minutes interactive talk among the speaker and audience will be held on the great event: Experiment Verification of Memristor by HP researchers has been done last month. As is well known that the Memristor is predicted by Prof. Chua 37 years ago as the fourth basic circuit element besides the other three elements: resistor, capacitor and inductor.Thus this event is recognized as the basic natural science discovery besides those made by Ohm, Maxwell and Faraday in the 19th century.
What is a Moment Arm? Calculating Muscle Effectiveness in Biomechanical Models Using Generalized Coordinates

Biomechanics researchers often use multibody models to represent biological systems. However, the mapping from biology to mechanics and back can be problematic. OpenSim is a popular open source tool used for this purpose, mapping between biological specifications and an underlying generalized coordinate multibody system called Simbody. One quantity of interest to biomechanical researchers and clinicians is “muscle moment arm,” a measure of the effectiveness of a muscle at contributing to a particular motion over a range of configurations. OpenSim can automatically calculate these quantities for any muscle once a model has been built. For simple cases, this calculation is the same as the conventional moment arm calculation in mechanical engineering. But a muscle may span several joints (e.g., wrist, neck, back) and may follow a convoluted path over various curved surfaces. A biological joint may require several bodies or even a mechanism to accurately represent in the multibody model (e.g., knee, shoulder). In these situations we need a careful definition of muscle moment arm that is analogous to the mechanical engineering concept, yet generalized to be of use to biomedical researchers. Here we present some biomechanical modeling challenges and how they are resolved in OpenSim and Simbody to yield biologically meaningful muscle moment arms.
Evaluating the use of social skills training and employment with delinquent youth

Abstract The objective of the present research was to assess the success of a program in reducing official delinquent behavior among youth identified as one step away from the state training school or waiver to adult court. The Second Chance program represents a rehabilitative strategy that uses social skills training, preemployment training, and job placement opportunities to reduce recidivism. Utilizing multiple comparison groups and a one-year follow-up period, evidence of a reduction in official delinquent and criminal offending was not found. Offenses committed by the Second Chance group were less serious, however. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Visibility-guided simplification

For some graphics applications, object interiors and hard-to-see regions contribute little to the final images and need not be processed. In this paper, we define a view-independent visibility measure on mesh surfaces based on the visibility function between the surfaces and a surrounding sphere of cameras. We demonstrate the usefulness of this measure with a visibility-guided simplification algorithm. Mesh simplification reduces the polygon counts of 3D models and speeds up the rendering process. Many mesh simplification algorithms are based on sequences of edge collapses that minimize geometric and attribute errors. By combining the surface visibility measure with a geometric error measure, we obtain simplified models with improvement proportional to the number of low visibility regions in the original models.
Fear of pain, pain catastrophizing, and acute pain perception: relative prediction and timing of assessment.

Abstract Pain-related fear and catastrophizing are important variables of consideration in an individual's pain experience. Methodological limitations of previous studies limit strong conclusions regarding these relationships. In this follow-up study, we examined the relationships between fear of pain, pain catastrophizing, and experimental pain perception. One hundred healthy volunteers completed the Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FPQ-III), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Coping Strategies Questionnaire-Catastrophizing scale (CSQ-CAT) before undergoing the cold pressor test (CPT). The CSQ-CAT and PCS were completed again after the CPT, with participants instructed to complete these measures based on their experience during the procedure. Measures of pain threshold, tolerance, and intensity were collected and served as dependent variables in separate regression models. Sex, pain catastrophizing, and pain-related fear were included as predictor variables. Results of regression analyses indicated that after controlling for sex, pain-related fear was a consistently stronger predictor of pain in comparison to catastrophizing. These results were consistent when separate measures (CSQ-CAT vs PCS) and time points (pretask vs “in vivo”) of catastrophizing were used. These findings largely corroborate those from our previous study and are suggestive of the absolute and relative importance of pain-related fear in the experimental pain experience. Perspective Although pain-related fear has received less attention in the experimental literature than pain catastrophizing, results of the current study are consistent with clinical reports highlighting this variable as an important aspect of the experience of pain.
Association of Endogenous Sex Hormones and Insulin Resistance among Postmenopausal Women: Results from the Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Intervention Trial

Most studies of sex hormones and insulin resistance (IR) have focused on androgens; few have examined the association of endogenous estrogens and IR. We determined the cross-sectional association of endogenous levels of total and bioavailable testosterone and estradiol and SHBG with IR among 845 healthy, postmenopausal women aged 45–65 yr. Women were within 10 yr of menopause and not using hormone replacement therapy. Total adiposity was estimated by body mass index, visceral adiposity by waist to hip ratio (WHR), and IR by the homeostasis model assessment. We defined homeostasis model assessment-IR as the highest quartile (cutpoint, 2.1) of the distribution in this cohort. In logistic regression analyses, the odds for IR were significant and increased in a dose-response fashion across each quartile of total estradiol, bioavailable estradiol, and bioavailable testosterone (all P < 0.001 for linear trend). These associations remained significant after adjusting for WHR; adjusted odds ratios were 4.0, 6.1, ...