cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduced G Protein-coupled Signaling Efficiency in Retinal Rod Outer Segments in Response to n-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency

The fatty acid (FA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22: 6n-3) is highly enriched in membrane phospholipids of the central nervous system and retina. Loss of DHA because of n-3 FA deficiency leads to suboptimal function in learning, memory, olfactory-based discrimination, spatial learning, and visual acuity. G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signal transduction is a common signaling motif in these neuronal pathways. Here we investigated the effect of n-3 FA deficiency on GPCR signaling in retinal rod outer segment (ROS) membranes isolated from rats raised on n-3-adequate or -deficient diets. ROS membranes of second generation n-3 FA-deficient rats had approximately 80% less DHA than n-3-adequate rats. DHA was replaced by docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6), an n-6 FA. This replacement correlated with desensitization of visual signaling in n-3 FA-deficient ROS, as evidenced by reduced rhodopsin activation, rhodopsin-transducin (G(t)) coupling, cGMP phosphodiesterase activity, and slower formation of metarhodopsin II (MII) and the MII-G(t) complex relative to n-3 FA-adequate ROS. ROS membranes from n-3 FA-deficient rats exhibited a higher degree of phospholipid acyl chain order relative to n-3 FA-adequate rats. These findings reported here provide an explanation for the reduced amplitude and delayed response of the electroretinogram a-wave observed in n-3 FA deficiency in rodents and nonhuman primates. Because members of the GPCR family are widespread in signaling pathways in the nervous system, the effect of reduced GPCR signaling due to the loss of membrane DHA may serve as an explanation for the suboptimal neural signaling observed in n-3 FA deficiency.
Pretransition Effects in Nematic Liquid Crystals: Model Calculations

Abstract Calculations of the properties of some lattice models and continuum models of a hard rod liquid with and without attractive energies are presented. The theory is of the “molecular field” variety in that short-range-order is neglected. Both the long-range-order parameter and the density are varied to obtain the state of minimum Gibbs free energy at given pressures and temperatures. Among the properties reported are expansivity, compressibility and specific heat. Each of these displays pretransition effects qualitatively similar to those seen on the low temperature side of nematic liquid crystal-isotropic liquid phase transitions. There are important quantitative discrepancies however. It appears that the discrepancies are due more to the approximate nature of solutions than to the idealizations of the models. The “near critical” nature of liquid crystal phase transitions cannot be well described in terms of long-range-order alone. One gross error of the hard-rod models can, however, be remedied. T...
Towards a Korean‐American ethnicity: Some theoretical models 1

(1980). Towards a Korean‐American ethnicity: Some theoretical models. Ethnic and Racial Studies: Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 444-464.
Obsidian trade at san lorenzo tenochtitlan, Mexico.

San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan, an Olmec site which flourished 1150900 B.C. was excavated by Yale University and the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia. Obsidian tools from the site, and obsidian from 25 Mexican and Guatemalan sources were analyzed by x-ray emission spectroscopy for iron, manganese, rubidium and zirconium. 25 samples were also analyzed by neutron activation for manganese and sodium. X-ray fluorescence analysis was used to compare obsidian from 2 sites. The obsidians from each source are dis tinguishable by appearance, flaking characteristics and trace element concentration. 8 of the 25 sources appear to be represented at SanLorenzo, and there is evidence of trading in obsidian, and of changes in trade routes. -- AATA
Microwave spectrum, structure, quadrupole coupling constants and dipole moment of carbon monoxide-borane

Abstract The J = 0 → 1 and J = 1 → 2 transitions of thirteen isotopic species of carbon monoxide-borane (BH 3 CO) have been measured. The heavy atom r 2 structural parameters have been calculated in several ways so as to minimize the effects of the small carbon coordinate. The structural parameters found are: d (B-C) = 1.534 ± 0.01 A, d (C-O)= 1.135 ± 0.01 A. d (B-H)= 1.221 ± 0.001 A, ∠HBC = 103.79 ± 0.06°, and ∠HBH = 114.50 ± 0.15°. In addition, a complete r 0 structure has been calculated by least-squares fitting the moments of inertia of all the isotopic species. A dipole moment of 1.698 ± 0.02 D was determined.
Aerial extent, composition, bio-optics and biogeochemistry of a massive under-ice algal bloom in the Arctic

Abstract It has been long thought that coccolithophores are a minor component of the phytoplankton assemblage in Arctic waters, with diatoms typically being more dominant. Little is known about how the phytoplankton communities will change, however, as the Arctic warms. We participated in the 2011 Impacts of Climate on EcoSystems and Chemistry of the Arctic Pacific Environment (ICESCAPE) cruise to the western Arctic, performing a combination of discrete measurements (microscopy, calcification, particulate inorganic carbon (PIC), particulate organic carbon (POC), biogenic silica (BSi)) plus continuous surface bio-optical measurements (absorption, scattering, backscattering and acid-labile backscattering; the latter specific for coccolithophores). Here, we report bio-optical and coccolithophore observations from the massive under-ice algal bloom originally described in Arrigo et al. (2012) . The most intense portions of the bloom were centered in cold Winter Water and there was evidence for nitrate drawdown in the top 10–20 m with strong penetration of silicate rich water into the surface waters. Surface chlorophyll a and particulate absorption at 440 nm approached 30 μg L −1 and 1.0 m −1 , respectively. Particulate absorption of detritus ( a p at 412 nm) was highly correlated to a p at 440 nm associated with chlorophyll a and slopes of the absorption spectrum showed that both dissolved and particulate absorption at 412 nm exceeded that at 440 nm, with slopes, S g , of 0.01 nm –1 . Colored dissolved organic matter fluorescence (FDOM) was high in the bloom but the relative fluorescence yields were low, characteristic of phytoplankton-produced FDOM (as opposed to terrestrially-produced FDOM). Coccolithophore backscattering was elevated in the under-ice bloom, but it only accounted for 10% of the total particle backscattering, relatively low compared to typical subpolar waters further to the south. Total particle scattering was significantly elevated in the under-ice bloom (values of almost 2 m −1 ), likely due to the high abundance of large diatoms. Backscattering probabilities in the bloom were ~1%, again characteristic of diatom-dominated populations with few calcifiers. PIC standing stock in the under-ice bloom was low but measurable while biogenic silica molar concentrations were 150 times greater. POC:PON molar ratios were 6–10, characteristic of healthy, rapidly growing phytoplankton, observations further buttressed by carbon:chlorophyll mass ratios of 50–100. Coccolithophore calcification was low but measurable, reaching 1.75 mg C m −3 d −1 in the under-ice bloom, only 0.4% of the photosynthesis. However, the intrinsic carbon-specific growth rate was 0.4 per day for bulk POC and ~1 per day for bulk PIC, close to maximal growth rates expected at these temperatures. SEM and light microscopy results showed mostly diatoms in the bloom. The coccolithophore, Emiliania huxleyi , was observed, providing unequivocal evidence of the presence of coccolithophores in the under-ice algal bloom.
Minimum-time rescue trajectories between spacecraft in circular orbits

Optimal space trajectories to be flown by a rescue vehicle so as to rendezvous with a distressed spacecraft in minimum time are investigated. Nonlinear equations describing the inverse square gravitational field are used, and large transfer angles are considered. The rocket thrust of the rescue vehicle is allowed to vary between zero and a specified upper limit. The distressed vehicle is passive. Both vehicles are initially in circular orbits, but not necessarily at the same altitude nor in the same plane. Atmospheric effects are neglected, but the minimum altitude of the rescue craft is restricted by introducing a state-variable constraint. It is found that the optimal trajectories may contain coasting arcs and that arcs lying along the state-variable constraint may be of intermediate thrust. A parametric study is made using a presently proposed space tug as the rescue vehicle. The results indicate that minimum-time trajectories could be satisfactorily flown by the tug in a low earth orbit rescue effort.
The transgenerational trauma and resilience genogram

The understanding of trauma within counseling has expanded to include the salience of ecosystemic factors and to acknowledge the importance of multicultural and social justice considerations. Transgenerational trauma and resilience offers a framework that examines trauma across generations, attends to ecosystemic concerns, and adheres to a strengths-based perspective. However, given the complexity of trauma counseling and attending to the multitude of ecosystemic factors, counselors and psychologists may struggle to conduct comprehensive assessments and interventions with their clients. Genograms have long been used to clarify complex family and psychological patterns through visual representations, and are, therefore, a promising tool to meet this need. The Transgenerational Trauma and Resilience Genogram (TTRG) was created as a dynamic tool that can assist practitioners in conducting compressive trauma assessment and intervention from a transgenerational trauma and resilience framework. The TTRG emphasi...
Electron scattering from real dipoles

Abstract The diffusion cross-section for spinless particles scattered from real dipoles is shown to have a velocity dependence which is more general than that due to scattering from ideal dipoles, in qualitative agreement with experiment.
Television station ownership characteristics and local news and public affairs programming: an expanded analysis of FCC data

This paper examines the relationship between television station ownership characteristics and local news and public affairs programming through an expanded analysis of data from the Federal Communication's Commission (FCC's) recent study of Big Four broadcast network affiliates. The results indicate that the FCC's conclusion that network‐owned and operated stations provide more local news and public affairs programming than other affiliates, and that stations with newspaper holdings provide more local news and public affairs programming than stations without newspaper holdings holds up only when these two program types are analyzed in combination. When these two program types are analyzed independently, and when additional explanatory factors are taken into consideration, these ownership characteristics are positively related to news programming, but not to public affairs programming.
Effect of modified ultrafiltration on plasma thromboxane B2, leukotriene B4, and endothelin-1 in infants undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Background . Plasma thromboxane B2 (TXB2), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels increase on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Elevated levels of TXB2 and ET-1 have been correlated with postoperative pulmonary hypertension in infants undergoing repair of congenital heart defects. LTB4 is a potent chemotactic cytokine whose levels correlate with leukocyte-mediated injury. Modified ultrafiltration (MUF) has been associated with improved hemodynamics and pulmonary function, in addition to its beneficial effects on fluid balance and blood conservation. Recent investigations have suggested that removal of cytokines may be the cause of the improved cardiopulmonary function seen with MUF. Methods . Plasma TXB2, ET-1, and LTB4 levels were measured in 34 infants undergoing CPB: 22 underwent MUF (group 1), and 12 did not (group 2). Samples were obtained at various time points. All patients underwent conventional ultrafiltration during the rewarming phase of cardiopulmonary bypass. Results . In group 1, mean end-CPB TXB2 level was 101.2 pg/mL versus 46.9 pg/mL post-MUF ( p Conclusions . Despite reduction in TXB2 by MUF, values were similar and approached baseline 1 hour post-CPB in both groups. LTB4 levels increased slightly with MUF. ET-1 levels increased during and post-CPB and were unaffected by MUF. MUF does not appear to have a significant effect on post-CPB levels of TXB2, ET-1, and LTB4. Therefore, the improved hemodynamics observed with MUF do not appear to be related to removal of these cytokines.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT DECISION, TRANSACTION‐COST ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY

The end of World War II brought about many economic changes, among them the tremendous increase of US manufacturing activities in Western Europe. This astronomical increase of foreign direct investment (FDI) required a new theory ‐ an economic theory of foreign direct investment. International economic theory, which traditionally had ignored the FDI decision, was not able to explain the FDI decision, nor could it explain the phenomena of multinational corporation (MNC). In a world of perfect competition, foreign direct investment would be absent. And when all markets operate efficiently, when there are no external economies of production and marketing, when information is costless and there are no barriers to trade or competition, international trade is the only possible form of international involvement. Logically, it follows that it is the departures from the models of perfect competition that must provide the rationale for foreign direct investment. Since, according to the Heckscher‐ Ohlin‐Samuelson (neoclassical) model, trade of goods will equalize factor prices in a world of factor immobility. In fact, the FDI decision is even ignored by new international economics which, since the late 1970's, has utilized new developments in the field of industrial organization. Proponents of these new theories have developed models that emphasize increasing returns and imperfect competition and see the possibility that government involvements in trade (trade restrictions, export subsidies, etc.) may under some circumstances be useful. All of this is done while foreign direct investment is ignored.
Genetic dissection of the budding yeast Arp2/3 complex: A comparison of the in vivo and structural roles of individual subunits

In previous work, we identified the yeast Arp2/3 complex, which localizes to cortical actin patches and is required for their motility and integrity in vivo. This complex contains proteins homologous to each subunit of the Acanthamoeba and human Arp2/3 complex except for a 40-kDa subunit (p40), which was missing from the purified yeast complex. Here, we demonstrate by using immunoprecipitation and gel-filtration analysis that Arc40p, the homolog of p40 identified from the yeast genome database, associates with the yeast Arp2/3 complex. We have carried out gene disruptions of each subunit of the yeast Arp2/3 complex to study each subunit's role in the function of the complex. Surprisingly, we find that only ARC40 is fully essential for cell viability. Strains lacking each of the other subunits exhibit varying degrees of defects in cell growth and viability and in assembly and polarization of cortical actin patches. We have also examined each subunit's role in maintaining the structural integrity of the Arp2/3 complex. Arp2p, Arp3p, and Arc40p fall into the monomer pool in Deltaarc19 and Deltaarc35 cells, suggesting that Arc19p and Arc35p are the central scaffolding components of the complex. Arp2p and Arp3p do not have major roles in maintaining complex integrity, and Arc15p is required for association of Arp2p and Arc40p, but not other subunits, with the complex. These results provide evidence that each subunit contributes differently to the assembly and function of the Arp2/3 complex.
Genes with a large intronic burden show greater evolutionary conservation on the protein level.

The existence of introns in eukaryotic genes is believed to provide an evolutionary advantage by increasing protein diversity through exon shuffling and alternative splicing. However, this eukaryotic feature is associated with the necessity of exclusion of intronic sequences, which requires considerable energy expenditure and can lead to splicing errors. The relationship between intronic burden and evolution is poorly understood. The goal of this study was to analyze the relationship between the intronic burden and the level of evolutionary conservation of the gene. We found a positive correlation between the level of evolutionary conservation of a gene and its intronic burden. The level of evolutionary conservation was estimated using the conservation index (CI). The CI value was determined on the basis of the most distant ortholog of the human protein sequence and ranged from 0 (the gene was unique to the human genome) to 9 (an ortholog of the human gene was detected in plants). In multivariable model, both the number of introns and total intron size remained significant predictors of CI. We also found that the number of alternative splice variants was positively correlated with CI. The expression level of a gene was negatively correlated with the number of introns and total size of intronic region. Genes with a greater intronic burden had lower density of missense and nonsense mutations in the coding regions of the gene, which suggests that they are under a stronger pressure from purifying selection. We identified a positive association between intronic burden and CI. One of the possible explanations of this is the idea of a cost-benefits balance. Evolutionarily conserved (functionally important) genes can “afford” the negative consequences of maintaining multiple introns because these consequences are outweighed by the benefit of maintaining the gene. Evolutionarily conserved and functionally important genes may use introns to create novel splice variants to tune the gene function to developmental stage and tissue type.
Artificial neural networks for predicting nonlinear dynamic helicopter loads

This paper proposes using an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the loads in critical components based on flight variable information that can be easily measured. The artificial neural network learns the relationship between flight variables and component loads through exposure to a database of flight variable records and corresponding load histories taken from an instrumented military helicopter undergoing standard maneuvers. Eight standard flight variables are used as inputs for predicting the time varying mean and oscillatory components of the tailboom bending load and the pitch link load for seven flight maneuvers
On Resolution in Geophysical Probing Using Electromagnetic Methods

A model of a surface magnetic loop induction scheme over a two layer earth with fixed parameters, is developed. Using this model, formulas and curves are presented which determine the number of measurements N required to achieve a knowledge of the depth of burial D of a basement layer to within a specified tolerance ?D. It is shown that the condition N >> D/(??s) where ?s is the quasi-static skin depth of the upper layer is necessary for the tolerance ?D to be small. The tolerance is dependent on the mathematical model so that the popular method of using Sommerfield integrals has the consequence that horizontal resolution is much poorer than vertical. The assumptions of large signal-to-noise ratio and highly accurate measurement are necessary for formulas to be valid.
Innovative Strategies on Dallas High Five Project

The $262.9 million Dallas High Five project is reconstructing the busiest freeway interchange in the largest metropolitan area in Texas. The five-level, fully directional interchange between US-75 (North Central Expressway) and I-635 (Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway) is being reconstructed to replace the existing three-level partial cloverleaf interchange built in the mid-1960s. It was the single largest contract ever let by the Texas Department of Transportation and was more than double the previous largest contract. The project site is in the middle of a highly developed commercial zone of the city and poses all the challenges associated with urban freeway reconstruction. Almost 500,000 vehicles pass through the construction site every day, and extraordinary care was taken to minimize the impact on traffic and abutting businesses by instituting innovative strategies in the construction contract, including lane rental, windowed milestones, and no-excuse incentives. The financing concept adopted for this projec...
A comparison of debonding strengths of four metal-ceramic systems with and without opaque porcelain.

Statement of problem When performing an adjustment on metal-ceramic restorations, opaque porcelain may become exposed, particularly on the lingual surface of maxillary anterior teeth. It is generally believed that exposed opaque porcelain can be more abrasive and destructive to an opposing dentition than body porcelain, and that these teeth may require restoration as a consequence. Purpose This study compared the debonding strengths of 2 types of porcelain, with and without opaque porcelain, to 2 types of dental casting alloys. Material and methods Two porcelain systems, Ceramco3 and Vita 900, and 2 metal alloys, a high noble (Encore) and a base metal (Duceranium U), were used to fabricate and test 56 flexure bars in accordance with ISO 9693:1999(E): Metal-Ceramic Dental Restorative Systems. Half of the bars received opaque porcelain prior to body porcelain additions, and the other half did not. The metal-ceramic debonding strength was determined by using a 3-point flexure apparatus and a mechanical testing device (Instron). A center load was applied at a crosshead speed of 1.5 mm/min −1 until debonding occurred. In addition to the load-versus-displacement curve, a precision measurement microphone was used to assist in ascertaining the point in time when debonding occurred. Since the sound analysis and the mechanical test were started simultaneously, the debonding load could be more accurately determined. Data were statistically analyzed using 3-way analysis of variance, and all pairwise multiple comparisons were made with the Tukey HSD test (α=.05). Results The difference in mean debonding strength values for opaqued and non-opaqued flexure bars were statistically significant ( P =.028). The mean debonding strength values (MPa) for each metal-ceramic system were as follows: Encore-Opaque-Ceramco3 (EOC), 31.43 ± 6.92 a ; Encore-Opaque-Vita 900 (EOV), 30.37 ± 3.25 a ; Duceranium U-No Opaque-Ceramco3 (DNC), 29.20 ± 6.97 a ; Duceranium U-Opaque-Ceramco3 (DOC), 26.61 ± 4.98 a ; Duceranium U-Opaque-Vita 900 (DOV), 26.15 ± 4.29 a ; Encore-No Opaque-Vita 900 (ENV), 25.45 ± 4.04 a ; Encore-No Opaque-Ceramco3 (ENC), 23.96 ± 4.14 a ; Duceranium U-No Opaque-Vita 900 (DNV), 22.88 ± 6.15 a . Identical superscript letters denote no significant difference among groups. The precision measurement microphone resulted in selection of a debonding strength/crack initiation load that was lower than the peak load recorded during strength testing. Conclusion Initial debonding during crack initiation strength testing may not always correspond to the peak load recorded, but rather to the point on the load-versus-displacement curve beyond which the relationship is no longer a straight line. Presence of opaque porcelain generally increased the debonding strength for metal-ceramic systems; however, opaque porcelain may not be necessary for a clinically acceptable metal-ceramic bond for some metal-ceramic systems.
The assessment of child abuse potential and the prevention of child abuse and neglect: A policy analysis

A frequently advocated strategy for increasing the efficiency of child abuse prevention programs is to deliver prevention services to "high-risk" populations. This article critically reviews procedures for the reliable and valid assessment of child abuse potential within an ecological perspective. Factors that limit the usefulness of child abuse risk assessment are discussed. These factors include the uncertain criteria of child abuse and neglect, the low base rate of the phenomenon, and the financial and social costs of such procedures. Finally, the prevention implications of the current and future state of the art in child abuse risk assessment are considered and preventive interventions that do not depend on individual case risk screening are advocated.
Use of molecular markers in breeding for soluble solids content in tomato: a re-examination

Through earlier breeding efforts, portions of the genome of the wild species Lycopersicon chmielewskii have been introgressed into the cultivated tomato (Rick 1974). These introgressed chromosomal segments have been reported to increase soluble solids in fruit of certain tomato varieties (Rick 1974). Recently, two of the introgressed segments have been identified with RFLP markers and tested for effects on soluble solids in a single F2 population (Osborn et al. 1987). Based on results from that experiment, it was determined that one of the detected segments contains gene(s) controlling soluble solids and concluded that tomato varieties could be improved for this character by indirect selection for the linked RFLP marker (Osborn et al. 1987). In this report, we have independently tested the association between RFLP and isozyme markers and genes controlling soluble solids and other characters in the above described material. These experiments differ from the previous ones in that a set of 132 molecular markers (isozymes and DNA clones) of known chromosomal position have been used. Three introgressed chromosomal segments from L. chmielewskii have been identified using these markers. They map to the middle and the end of chromosome 7 (> 40 cM apart) and to the end of chromosome 10. The effects of these segments on soluble solids and other horticultural characters were tested in crosses with three different cultivars over a period of two years. Two of the three segments were found to increase soluble solids, however the effect of one of these was dependent on genetic background. Both segments were found to be associated with deleterious characters including increase in fruit pH, lower yield and small fruit. These results confirm the utility of molecular markers for detecting genes underlying quantitative variation but demonstrate the danger in establishing breeding programs around such linkages until the effects of the quantitative genes have been tested in a variety of genetic backgrounds and for associated effects on other characters of agronomic importance.
An alternative approach to fabricate metal nanoring structures based on nanosphere lithography

In this work we present a cost-effective fabrication method for metal ring-shaped nanostructure arrays based on nanosphere lithography. Periodic arrays of nanorings and nanocrescents were fabricated using a simple method that includes self-assembled monolayer formation, plasma treatment and deposition of metal. Lower cost and higher throughput were achieved due to the replacement of ion beam milling with reactive ion etching usually used in other methods. The dimensions of ring-like structures could be controlled by the size of the polystyrene spheres, the amount of deposited metal and the argon plasma etching time. These nanostructures can be made of essentially any metal and used as elements in optoelectronic nanodevices.
Applications of cytometry to study acute leukemia: In vitro determination of drug sensitivity and detection of minimal residual disease

Modern clinical applications of cytometry include the determination of the most powerful antileukemic drugs in each patient at the time of diagnosis and the monitoring of residual disease during and off treatment. The precision of in vitro assays to test the susceptibility of cancer cells to cytotoxic drugs depends on the ability to maintain the cells' viability in culture. We found that bone marrow-derived allogeneic stromal cells are critical to prevent death by apoptosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells. Thus, we devised an in vitro drug sensitivity assay in which ALL cells are seeded onto stromal cells and viable leukemic cells are counted at the end of cultures by flow cytometry. Our preliminary results indicate that this assay is suitable for evaluating the drug sensitivity of leukemic lymphoblasts and testing the antileukemic activity of potentially effective compounds which have not yet been administered to patients with ALL. The identification of immunophenotypes expressed on leukemic cells but absent or extremely rare among normal hematopoietic progenitors allows close monitoring of the effects of drug treatment in vivo. Phenotypes that afford a detection level of 1 leukemic cell among 10,000 normal bone marrow cells have been identified in 90% of cases of T-ALL, 25% of B-lineage ALL, and 40% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In several studies, residual disease emerging during continuation therapy or off treatment almost invariably anticipated overt relapse by 1–7 months. These data indicate the reliability of immunologic techniques to detect occult leukemia. The combined application of drug sensitivity testing and residual disease monitoring may improve the accuracy of clinical management practices, and, ultimately, lead to improved cure rates. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Family resemblances and criteria

In §66 ofPhilosophical Investigations Wittgenstein looks for something common to various games and finds only an interconnecting network of resemblances. These are “family resemblances”. Sympathetic as well as unsympathetic readers have interpreted him as claiming that games form a family in virtue of these resemblances. This assumes Wittgenstein inverted the relation between being a member of a family and bearing family resemblances to others of that family. (The Churchills bear family resemblances to one another because they belong to the same family, they don't belong to the same family because they resemble one another.) A close reading ofInvestigations gives no evidence that Wittgenstein made this mistake. Rather, family resemblances may play a role like the one criteria play for psychological terms. They give excellent but fallible evidence for membership in the extensions of some terms.
Intuitive estimation of means

Three groups of Ss made intuitive estimates of the means of lists containing 3, 5, and 1 numbers, symmetric and skewed distributions, and low, medium, and high variance. Accuracy was found to be extremely high but it decreased as the number of numbers and their variance increased.
Exponential approximation to Weibull renewal with decreasing failure rate

A simple yet accurate approximation method is proposed to solve the Weibull renewal function (RF) when the shape parameter β is between 0 and 1. The idea is to find a simple mixture model, constructed by two exponential functions, to approximate the Weibull distribution function. Parameters of the mixture model can be determined using minimum mean square errors (MMSEs) or moment match. Now finding the Weibull RF becomes the problem to find the RF for the mixture model. The mixture model allows the Laplace transform that significantly simplifies the computation of the RF. Numerical data show that the new analytical RF model is mathematically accurate and computationally convenient to approximate the actual Weibull RF for 0<β<1. The primary contribution of this paper is that the Weibull RF with decreasing failure rate can be directly approximated by the combination of two exponential functions.
The impact of ED nurse manager leadership style on staff nurse turnover and patient satisfaction in academic health center hospitals.

Introduction Nurse managers with effective leadership skills are an essential component to the solution for ending the nursing shortage. Empirical studies of existing ED nurse manager leadership styles and their impact on key nurse management outcomes sush as staff nurse turnover and patient satisfaction have not been performed. The specific aims of this study were to determine what types of leadership styles were used by ED nurse managers in academic health center hospitals and examine their influence on staff nurse turnover and patient satisfaction. Method ED nurse managers were asked to complete the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and a 10-item researcher defined nurse manager role and practice demographics survey. Completed surveys (15 managers and 30 staff nurses) representing 15 out of 98 possible U.S. academic health centers were obtained. Results Fisher's exact test with 95% confidence intervals were used to analyze the data. The sample percentage of managers who exhibited Transformational leadership styles and demographic findings of nurse manager age, total years experience and length of time in current position matched current reports in the literature. A trend of lower staff nurse turnover with Transformational leadership style compared to non-Trasformational leadership styles was identified. However, the type of leadership style did not appear to have an effect on patient satisfaction. Discussion The ED is an ever-changing, highly regulated, critical-care environment. Effective ED nurse manager leadership strategies are vital to maintaining the standards of professional emergency nursing practice to create an environment that can produce management outcomes of decreased staff nurse turnover, thereby enhancing staff nurse retention and potentially impacting patient satisfaction.
Economic effects of catalyst deactivation during VOC oxidation

Catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is widely used for air pollution control. While catalytic oxidation offers several advantages over alternative processes, the catalyst can deactivate over time, resulting in changes in activity and selectivity with time-on-stream. To maintain constant catalyst activity, required for environmental regulations, the temperature is generally increased gradually to compensate for catalyst deactivation. This results in an increase in fuel consumption with time. Since the fuel costs can account for 50 to 70 percent of the total operating costs, the effect of catalyst deactivation on fuel costs and hence total operating costs should be considered. This paper shows how the catalyst deactivation affects the total operating costs using an example of the oxidation of a VOC-containing gas stream over a commercial hopcalite catalyst. 8 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.
Ultraviolet laser excitation source

A new intense ultraviolet light source has been developed from an array of hypocycloidal pinch (HCP) devices. The basic unit of the array is constructed with three disk electrodes and is capable of producing dense plasmas at temperatures up to 10,000,000 K. Very high input power levels to the array are possible without significantly shortening its useful life, in strong contrast with conventional xenon flashlamps. The new light source, when operated with Ar and Xe gas mixtures at high pressures (approximately 5 x 10 to the 4th Pa), produced a light output of over 100 MW in the near-UV spectral range and successfully pumped an iodine photodissociation laser at 1.315 microns. A xenon recombination laser at 2.027 microns was also pumped in the HCP array.
The Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD). Part III. Reliability of a standardized MRI evaluation of Alzheimer's disease

The Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) has developed procedures for standardized imaging and reporting of magnetic resonance (MR) findings in Alzheimer's disease (AD) for use by neuroradiologists in multiple medical centers using a variety of MR equipment and field strengths. After initial pretesting, we revised the protocol, expanded the summary rating scale to seven points, and added more illustrations. Fourteen participating neuroradiologists evaluated 28 MR scans of elderly patients, giving us the basis for judging interrater agreement. We obtained acceptable intraclass correlations (greater than 0.79) for rating the size of the lateral and third ventricles and the temporal horn. Less satisfactory intraclass correlations occurred when rating other areas, including (1) global atrophy of the brain (0.70); (2) dilatation of the sulci of the temporal lobe (0.66); (3) frequency, location, and severity of white matter lesions (0.77); (4) sylvian fissure enlargement (0.70); and (5) cerebral sulcal dilatation (0.64). We also saw considerable variation in the reporting of cortical and lacunar infarcts. Despite careful design of the rating methodology and readings by experienced neuroradiologists, we did not find satisfactory interrater agreement for interpreting MR findings in elderly subjects. These findings may explain the difficulties encountered in applying similar subjective rating techniques that meet with success at one institution to multicenter studies. More objective and reproducible procedures are needed for interpretation of neuroimaging findings of AD in multicenter studies.
Microstructure-property relationships of two AI-3Li-2Cu-0.2Zr-XCd alloys

The microstructure and tensile properties of two A1-3 wt pct Li-2 wt pct Cu-0.2 wt pct Zr alloys, one Cd-free and one containing 0.2 wt pct Cd, have been investigated. The Cd-free alloy remained unrecrystallized for all solutionizing treatments studied, whereas a special treatment had to be developed to prevent recrystallization during solutionizing of the 0.2 wt pct Cd alloy. In combination with cadmium, zirconium either enters into, or nucleates on, the course Al7Cu2Fe and T2 phases during high temperature annealing. This reduces the volume fraction of small coherent Al3Zr particles in the matrix which normally inhibits recrystallization. Consequently, a low temperature anneal to precipitate Al3Zr is necessary prior to high temperature solutionizing in order to prevent recrystallization in the Cd-containing alloy. Unlike its effect in lower lithium, higher copper content aluminum alloys, cadmium does not significantly affect the nucleation of the strengthening precipitates. If anything, cadmium has a detrimental effect on the age hardening response of this alloy, since it increases the formation of coarse Al-Cu-Li equilibrium phases at grain and subgrain boundaries and thus removes some of the copper and lithium from participating in the formation of the strengthening precipitates T1 and δ′. Subgrain boundary fracture occurred during tensile tests of both alloys in the unrecrystallized condition; however, transgranular fracture occurred in tests of the partially recrystallized 0.2 wt pct Cd alloy. Both types of fractures are believed due to a form of strain localization associated with precipitate free zones and shearable precipitates.
Recurrence in region of spared parotid gland after definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Purpose To discuss the implications of three examples of periparotid recurrence after definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). Methods and Materials We present 3 patients with HNC who underwent definitive IMRT with concurrent chemotherapy and later had treatment failure in or near a spared parotid gland. Two patients had bilateral multilevel nodal disease, and all had Level II nodal disease ipsilateral to the site of recurrence. The patients were treated using dose-painting IMRT with a dose of 70 Gy to the gross tumor volume and 59.4 Gy or 54 Gy to the high-risk or low-risk clinical tumor volume, respectively. The parotid glands were spared bilaterally. The patients had not undergone any surgical treatment for HNC before radiotherapy. Results All patients had treatment failure in the region of a spared parotid gland. Failure in the 2 patients with bilateral multilevel nodal involvement occurred in the periparotid lymph nodes. The third patient developed a dermal metastasis near the tail of a spared parotid gland. On pretreatment imaging, the 2 patients with nodal failure had small nonspecific periparotid nodules that showed no hypermetabolic activity on positron emission tomography. Conclusion For HNC patients receiving definitive IMRT, nonspecific positron emission tomography–negative periparotid nodules on pretreatment imaging should raise the index of suspicion for subclinical disease in the presence of multilevel or Level II nodal metastases. Additional evaluation of such nodules might be indicated before sparing the ipsilateral parotid gland.
Analysis of M1G-dR in DNA by Aldehyde Reactive Probe Labeling and Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A novel method for the measurement of pyrimido[1,2-a]purin-10(3H)one (M1G) has been developed. Previous methods for analysis of M1G have been confounded by the fact that this lesion exists in equilibrium between a ring-closed form and a ring-opened aldehyde form. Poor detection sensitivity of the aldehydic form can result from loss of the adduct during analysis by its reaction with amines or proteins. We utilized the aldehyde reactive probe (ARP) to produce a stable ARP-M1G-deoxyribose (ARP-M1G-dR) conjugate to minimize adduct loss. This conjugate has increased the hydrophobicity that enhances separation of ARP-M1G-dR from unmodified DNA nucleosides by using solid phase extraction. In addition, measuring ARP-M1G-dR by selective reaction monitoring (SRM) of the [ARP-M1G-dR + H]+ (635) → [M1G + H]+ (188) transition increases the detection sensitivity by nearly an order of magnitude relative to the measurement of M1G-dR by SRM. For accurate measurement, analytical standard (AS) DNA and internal standard (IS)...
The sequential use of estradiol and prostaglandin E2 topical gels for cervical ripening in high-risk term pregnancies requiring induction of labor

We compared the safety and efficiency of 200 mg of estradiol valerate prepared as a topical cervical gel as a preripening agent when used 6 hours before the application of 2 mg of prostaglandin E2 gel for the purpose of cervical ripening in 40 high-risk obstetric patients before indicated oxytocin induction of labor. When compared with a placebo prostaglandin E2 dosage, the estradiol had no effect on the change of Bishop score, length of labor, amount of oxytocin required, or the cesarean delivery rate. While no uterine contractions were noted after the application of the estradiol, 85% of patients had recordable uterine activity after the application of prostaglandin E2, suggesting that even at the 2 mg dosage this sequential regimen is not appropriate for local cervical ripening.
Coping with Katrina: Assessing Crisis Management Behaviours in the Big One

Hurricane Katrina continues to capture attention and influence scholarship including official reports that focus more on event chronologies than on conceptual patterns. Our paper explores conceptual patterns crisis management behaviour, drawing upon Lalonde's (2004) archetypes of crisis managers as collectivists, integrators, and reactives. We add a paralytics archetype for our analysis. Key findings include an imbalance between counterproductive and constructive archetypes. Reactive and paralytic crisis manager behaviours were over‐represented, significantly contributing to conflict, communication failures, and the systemic failure of governments. Collectivist and integrator archetypes were badly under‐represented, limiting intergovernmental relations, cooperation, and communication embedded in these behaviour types. Crisis management performance with future crises would benefit from a systematic assessment of crisis management styles and behaviours.
Using Computation Curriculum-Based Measurement Probes for Error Pattern Analysis.

This article describes how curriculum-based measurement–computation (CBM-C) mathematics probes can be used in combination with error pattern analysis (EPA) to pinpoint difficulties in basic computation skills for students who struggle with learning mathematics. Both assessment procedures provide ongoing assessment data affording teachers up-to-date information for modification of instructional methodology and individualization of instruction based specifically on students’ computation difficulties. Results from three action research projects demonstrate positive gains, with only 8 weeks of instruction, using CBM-C combined with EPA for middle school students who struggle with learning mathematics.
General return contracts for style goods: expected utility approach

A return policy is commonly used by retailers to hedge for overstock risk. A number of research studies have developed models to identify when the manufacturer should accept returns. However, few of these studies consider the risk attitude of the decision maker, that is, existing papers assume that both the manufacturer and retailer are risk-neutral. Rather than ignore the risk attitude of the retailer and manufacturer, this paper relaxes this assumption and constructs a general returns model through the expected utility approach. An inventory theoretic model is developed and a menu of discount-return combinations is designed for the feasible solutions of a wholesale price discount and buyback price. It is shown that the decision to join a returns contact considerably depends on the utility functions for both the retailer and manufacturer. That is, the risk attitude is a core factor for the retailer and manufacturer to decide if to sign a returns contact, and without considering the factor in the model, t...
WOMEN AND FAMILY EDUCATION REFORM IN WARTIME CHINA, 1937–45

During China’s war with Japan, the Chinese state and its affiliates turned their attention to a dual project of resistance and national construction. Social reformers and institutions believed that strengthening the minds and bodies of the population should begin with improving families, and that this in turn necessitated educating women to become better family managers and mothers. This essay provides an overview of two projects of wartime family reform, the work of the New Life Movement Women’s Advisory Council and the development of family education experimental areas, in order to show the ways that educated women and the Guomindang state attempted to transform the families of China. By changing specific domestic practices, such as in the realms of hygiene and childrearing, these reformers aimed to create a more modern and efficient female citizenry primed for the ongoing fight against Japan.
Measuring and evaluating the role of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in cardiac muscle.

Abstract Since ion channels move electrical charge during their activity, they have traditionally been studied using electrophysiological approaches. This was sometimes combined with mathematical models, for example with the description of the ionic mechanisms underlying the initiation and propagation of action potentials in the squid giant axon by Hodgkin and Huxley. The methods for studying ion channels also have strong roots in protein chemistry (limited proteolysis, the use of antibodies, etc.). The advent of the molecular cloning and the identification of genes coding for specific ion channel subunits in the late 1980s introduced a multitude of new techniques with which to study ion channels and the field has been rapidly expanding ever since (e.g. antibody development against specific peptide sequences, mutagenesis, the use of gene targeting in animal models, determination of their protein structures) and new methods are still in development. This review focuses on techniques commonly employed to examine ion channel function in an electrophysiological laboratory. The focus is on the K ATP channel, but many of the techniques described are also used to study other ion channels.