cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mean-field critical behaviour for correlation length for percolation in high dimensions

Extending the method of [27], we prove that the corrlation length ξ of independent bond percolation models exhibits mean-field type critical behaviour (i.e. ξ(p∼(p c −p)−1/2 asp↗p c ) in two situations: i) for nearest-neighbour independent bond percolation models on ad-dimensional hypercubic lattice ℤ d , withd sufficiently large, and ii) for a class of “spread-out” independent bond percolation models, which are believed to belong to the same universality class as the nearest-neighbour model, in more than six dimensions. The proof is based on, and extends, a method developed in [27], where it was used to prove the triangle condition and hence mean-field behaviour of the critical exponents γ, β, δ, Δ and ν2 for the above two cases.
Numerical modeling of localized electromagnetic waves in the nightside subauroral zone

[1] Results from a numerical study of localized, intense electromagnetic structures observed by the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellite F15 in the nightside subauroral zone during the magnetic storm of 6 November 2001 are presented. It is shown that these structures can be interpreted as standing and propagating Alfven waves generated in the process of ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling mitigated by the storm and substorm activities. In particular, computations show that when the Pedersen conductivity is low (<1 mho) and a large-scale electric field in the ionosphere exists, small-scale irregularities in the E-layer plasma density can generate Alfven waves with substantial amplitudes. Initially, perpendicular components of the electric and magnetic fields in those waves are in antiphase and the corresponding Poynting vector is directed along the ambient magnetic field from the ionosphere. As time proceeds, the standing pattern of the resonant Alfven waves has been developing between the conjugate ionospheres and π/2 phase shift between E⟂ and B⟂ appears. At this time the Poynting vector can change direction along the ambient magnetic field several times within one structure. Both types of behaviors of the Poynting vector were observed within localized subauroral electromagnetic structures.
Dialysis Arteriovenous Fistula Causing Subclavian Steal Syndrome in the Absence of Subclavian Artery Stenosis

We present a rare cause of subclavian steal syndrome secondary to a dialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF). A 69-year-old female with end-stage renal disease presented with ataxia and recurrent fainting spells. Angiography revealed normal subclavian arteries bilaterally, a right VA origin occlusion, and an apparent left VA origin occlusion. However, carotid artery angiography demonstrated flow through the posterior communicating artery with retrograde filling of the basilar artery and left VA to its subclavian origin. Repeat left subclavian arteriography during external compression of the AVF demonstrated normal antegrade left VA flow. The AVF was subsequently ligated resulting in complete symptom resolution.
A Research Note Assessing the Benefit of Presentation Software in Two Different Lecture Courses

Teaching Sociology recently published several articles dealing with the use of computer-assisted pedagogical techniques. Many authors assess the effectiveness of specific computer-assisted instruction (CAI) forms by examining either student performance (Conklin 1976; Dietz 2002; Lavin 1980; Neapolitan 1989; Raymondo and Garrett 1998) or student course evaluation (Ammarell 2000; Fuller 1998; Hare 1999; Persell 1992; Valentine 2001). Some studies look at both (Dimitrova, Persell, and Maisel 1993; Fischer 1996; Magnuson-Martinson 1995; Pippert and Moore 1999; ReedSanders and Liebowitz 1991; Wilmoth and Wybraniec 1998). Most of these projects compare groups of students, such as course sections, within a specific course. Typically one group uses some form of CAI while the other does not. By not comparing these pedagogical techniques between different courses, previous studies do not focus on the types of courses where the use of CAI is more or less effective. This case study examines two different lecture-based courses comparing the use of a traditional, "chalk and talk" pedagogy with an approach complementing lecture
Vancomycin‐Resistant Enterococcus faecium in a Long‐Term Care Facility

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology and natural history of colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) in a long-term care facility. DESIGN: All patients in whom VREF was isolated were followed prospectively, with rectal swab cultures at 2-week intervals, until discharge, death, or clearance of VREF. Clearance was defined as two consecutive negative cultures. In addition, three prevalence surveys were conducted of all patients in residence on one 34-bed intermediate care ward. SETTING: A 400-bed, long-term care Veterans Affairs facility. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-six patients colonized with VREF. RESULTS: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium was identified in 24 of the 36 patients at the time of transfer from an acute care facility. Seventeen patients had concomitant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and seven patients had a recent history of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. VREF in these patients persisted for a median of 67 days after identification. Treatment of VREF colonization with antimicrobials was associated with prolongation of colonization. Serial surveillance of the 34-bed ward found stable rates of colonization, with only three documented instances of VREF acquisition. During 2.5 years of surveillance for infection, a single case of bacteremia occurred in a patient in whom colonization with VREF could not be demonstrated by rectal swab culture. No infections occurred in patients colonized with VREF. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term care patients have protracted carriage of VREF. Most will improve over time; however, receipt of antimicrobial therapy is associated with prolongation of VREF carriage. The risk of VREF infection is low in this population. When there are appropriate contact precautions, patient to patient transmission occurs at a low rate. These observations can be used to design a practical infection control strategy for long-term care facilities.
Features in the upper critical field of UBe13: Evidence for two new phase transitions

Abstract High precision measurements of the upper critical magnetic field of polycrystalline UBe 13 are deduced from the dc magnetization. Two sharp features consistent with the presence of phase transitions are observed. Anomalous behavior of the normal-state magnetization leads us to suggest that the warmer feature is associated with a field-induced magnetic state. The absence of additional anomalous behavior of the magnetization and the presence of a qualitatively similar feature in the critical field of a 3% thoriated UBe 13 sample suggest that the colder transition may be to a second superconducting state.
Strong correlations between structural order and passive state at water–copper oxide interfaces

Abstract A fundamental understanding of coupled electrochemical processes including metal dissolution, structural evolution and solvation dynamics at the atomic level is of interest to corrosion research and electrochemistry in general. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations based on a reactive force field (ReaxFF), we evaluate the impact of non-stoichiometry in a model system of copper oxide passive films on the local fluctuation of the chloride ion density and structure and dynamics of interfacial water layers. We investigate (a) the interplay of oxygen content in the passive oxide film and the solvation dynamics of halide ions in the aqueous interfacial layers during breakdown of the oxide film, and (b) their combined effects on the dissolution kinetics of copper and adsorption of chloride ions on the copper-oxide surface. We demonstrate that the solvation behavior, particularly near the oxide/aqueous medium interface, is strongly correlated with the interfacial chloride ion concentration, which in turn is influenced by the oxygen stoichiometry in the passive oxide. Residence probability and hydrogen-bond correlations show that water present in the aqueous media forms ordered layers on oxide films with high oxygen content; and as the oxygen content is reduced, this order gets disrupted due to increased chloride ion adsorption. Interfacial molecular order is, therefore, strongly correlated with stoichiometry of the passive oxide film.
Transparent, high mobility InGaZnO thin films deposited by PLD

Abstract Transparent oxide semiconductor, InGaZnO, thin films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition at room temperature. The carrier concentration was found to vary by several orders of magnitude from insulating to 10 19 carriers/cm 3 depending on the oxygen partial pressure during deposition. Hall mobilities as high as 16 cm 2 /V s were observed. This is approximately an order of magnitude higher than the mobility of amorphous silicon and indicates that InGaO 3 (ZnO) x with x ≤ 5 may be suitable for transparent, thin film transistor applications. Post-deposition annealing was found to strongly influence the carrier concentration while annealing effects on the electron mobility was less influential.
Synthesis of 2,4-methanoproline

Abstract An efficient synthesis of 2,4-methanoproline from serine is described. The cyclobutane is formed by a sensitized intramolecular [2+2] photoaddition.
Experimental electrocoagulation of dog esophageal and duodenal mucosa

Lesions produced in the dog esophagus and duodenal bulb using the Cameron-Miller electrocoagulation probe and coagulator unit were evaluated as to size of alteration and depth of coagulation necrosis. The safesl electrocoagulation settings were 4,5 to 5.5 for 1 to 3 seconds in the duodenal bulb and were 4.5 to 6.0 for 1 second in the esophagus. The size of ulcers did not correlate with depth of injury. Hyperamylasemia was noted after duodenal electrocoagsulation hut did not correlate with extent of coagulation necrosis.
Can admissions interviews predict performance in residency

The authors aim to determine whether admission interviews predict performance in residency. The authors determined whether interview and other admission data were correlated with performance during postgraduate years 2–4 and with remaining in the residency in 544 residents enrolled in a single psychiatry residency program between 1963 and 2004. Considered together, admissions data predicted 13% of the variance in performance ratings in postgraduate year 2 (PGY-2) and 5% in PGY-4. Interview scores were moderately correlated with performance ratings in PGY-2, modestly correlated with performance in PGY-3, and not correlated with performance ratings in PGY-4. Letters of reference were moderately correlated with performance ratings in PGY-2 and modestly correlated with performance in PGY-3 and PGY-4. In PGY-2, interview scores differentiated between the top quartile of performance and the other three quartiles, while letters of reference differentiated performance in the top and bottom quartiles from the middle quartiles. Numerical differences among groups were not great enough to be practically useful, and no variables predicted which residents would leave the program before completing it. As they are currently conducted, application interviews do not have sufficient power to predict performance during residency. Letters of reference may be useful to the extent that they reflect personal experience with the applicant, but differences in ratings of these letters are not great enough to base admission decisions on them. As it is currently performed, the interview process may be more useful as a means of interesting applicants in the program than of evaluating their potential for success in the residency.
Transduction of the signal initiated by the neuropeptide, testis ecdysiotropin, in testes of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar☆

Abstract Testes of Lymantria dispar synthesize immunologically detectable ecdysteroid in vitro . Early last instar larval testes can be induced to produce ecdysteroid de novo by means of the brain peptide, testis ecdysiotropin (TE), although testes excised in mid pupal stage synthesize ecdysteroid without TE stimulus in vitro ; they can be boosted to higher levels of synthesis with TE. By use of agents H-7 and H-8, inhibitors of phosphokinases C (PKC) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), respectively, we have confirmed previous data indicating that diacyl glycerol and its effector, PKC, are second messengers for the TE message. In larval testes, but not pupal testes, cAMP and PKA also regulate ecdysteroid synthesis. Data obtained from incubation of testes with analogs of GTP (GTPγS) and GDP (GDPβS) and the ribosylating agents, pertussis and cholera toxins, indicate that TE is transduced via inhibiting G protein (G i ) in larval testes, although both G i and stimulating G protein (G s ) influence ecdysteroid synthesis in pupal testes. Synthesis must be further modulated by feedback loops operating with G s and G i controlled factors in testes exposed to TE. Ecdysteroid synthesis appears to be constitutive in pupal testes in the absence of exogenous TE.
A new preparative technique for studying dry seeds of Pisum sativum with the aid of transmission electron microscopy

Abstract Routine methods for fixing, dehydrating and embedding prior to electron microscopy have presented problems, when applied to dry mature legume seed. A simple technique which allows dry seeds of Pisum sativum to be prepared for thin sectioning is described together with the results obtained with two genotypes of pea. Differences in certain cytoplasmic components and in their distribution can be detected in the dry seeds of the two genotypes.
Mitral regurgitation surgery in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and ischemic mitral regurgitation: Factors that influence survival

Objective The treatment of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and concomitant mitral regurgitation can be challenging and is associated with reduced long-term survival. It is unclear how mitral valve repair versus replacement affects subsequent outcome. Therefore, we conducted this study to understand the predictors of mortality and to delineate the role of mitral valve repair versus replacement in this high-risk population. Methods From 1993 to 2007, 431 patients (mean age, 70 ± 9 years) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 45%) and significant ischemic mitral regurgitation (>2) were identified. Patients (44) with concomitant mitral stenosis were excluded from the analysis. A homogeneous group of 387 patients underwent combined coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve surgery, mitral valve repair in 302 (78%) and mitral valve replacement in 85 (22%). Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed on the entire cohort, and the predictors of mortality were identified in 2 distinct risk phases. Furthermore, we specifically examined the impact of mitral valve repair versus replacement by comparing 2 propensity-matched subgroups. Results Follow-up was 100% complete (median, 3.6 years; range, 0–15 years). Overall 1-, 5-, and 10-year survivals were 82.7%, 55.2%, and 24.3%, respectively, for the entire group. The risk factors for an increased mortality within the first year of surgery included previous coronary artery bypass grafting (hazard ratio = 3.39; P P = .007), age (hazard ratio = 1.5; P = .03), and low left ventricular ejection fraction (hazard ratio = 1.31; P = .026). Thereafter, only age (hazard ratio = 1.58; P P = .001), and preoperative renal insufficiency (hazard ratio = 1.72; P = .025) were predictive. The status of mitral valve repair versus replacement did not influence survival, and this was confirmed by comparable survival in propensity-matched analyses. Conclusions Survival after combined coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve surgery in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 45%) and mitral regurgitation is compromised and mostly influenced by factors related to the patient's condition at the time of surgery. The specifics of mitral valve repair versus replacement did not seem to affect survival.
An integrated modeling framework for design of logistics networks with expedited shipment services

Abstract This paper studied an integrated logistics network problem that determines optimal supplier locations, assignments of these suppliers to terminal facilities, expedited shipment configurations, and inventory management strategies in an uncertain environment. We studied the problem structure and proposed mathematical models to determine the optimal network design that minimizes the expected total system cost. We developed a customized solution approach based on Lagrangian relaxation that can solve these models efficiently and accurately. Numerical examples are conducted to draw managerial insights into how problem settings and key parameter values affect the optimal design results.
The distribution and history of nuclear weapons related contamination in sediments from the Ob River, Siberia as determined by isotopic ratios of plutonium and neptunium.

Isotopic ratios of Pu and Np measured in sediment cores from 5 locations in the Ob River drainage basin show clear evidence of input from sources other than global fallout (non-fallout sources). Historical contaminant records obtained by combining isotopic ratio information with chronological information indicate that non-fallout inputs are from several sources that have varied significantly over the past 50 years. Unique isotopic signatures observed in sediments from tributaries that drain areas containing known or suspected sources of non-fallout contamination are used to identify the source of materials in sediments collected at downstream locations. These data can lead to a better understanding of the transport behavior, fate, and relative importance of particle reactive, weapons related contaminants originating from the nuclear facilities Mayak, Tomsk-7, and Semipalitinsk, which lie within the drainage basin. From our work to date, we draw the following conclusions: (1) Persistent non-fallout contamination is observed in the Ob River above its confluence with the Irtysh River, indicating contamination from the Tomsk-7 facility. (2) Non-fallout contamination in the Tobol River above its confluence with the Irtysh River indicates contamination from the Mayak facility. (3) Non-fallout contamination in the Irtysh River above its confluence with the Tobol River indicates contamination from the Semipalitinsk weapons test site. (4) The occurrence of isotopic ratios in Ob Delta sediments that are similar to those observed in source tributaries suggests that contamination from at least two sources has been transported along the length of the river system. (5) Global fallout, a result of high-yield atmospheric weapons tests conducted by the FSU and USA primarily, is the dominant source of Pu and Np to the region; however, there have been brief periods when inputs from non-fallout sources exceeded those from global fallout.
The Lateral Plane Delivers Higher Dose than the Frontal Plane in Biplane Cardiac Catheterization Systems

The objective of the study is to compare radiation dose between the frontal and lateral planes in a biplane cardiac catheterization laboratory. Tube angulation progressively increases patient and operator radiation dose in single-plane cardiac catheterization laboratories. This retrospective study captured biplane radiation dose in a pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory between April 2010 and January 2014. Raw and time-indexed fluoroscopic, cineangiographic and total (fluoroscopic + cineangiographic) air kerma (AK, mGy) and kerma area product (PKA, µGym(2)/Kg) for each plane were compared. Data for 716 patients were analyzed: 408 (56.98 %) were male, the median age was 4.86 years, and the median weight was 17.35 kg. Although median beam-on time (minutes) was 4.2 times greater in the frontal plane, there was no difference in raw median total PKA between the two planes. However, when indexed to beam-on time, the lateral plane had a higher median-indexed fluoroscopic (0.75 vs. 1.70), cineangiographic (16.03 vs. 24.92), and total (1.43 vs. 5.15) PKA (p < 0.0001). The median time-indexed total PKA in the lateral plane is 3.6 times the frontal plane. This is the first report showing that the lateral plane delivers a higher dose than the frontal plane per unit time. Operators should consciously reduce the lateral plane beam-on time and incorporate this practice in radiation reduction protocols.
The 8,5′-cyclopurine-2′-deoxynucleosides: Candidate neurodegenerative DNA lesions in xeroderma pigmentosum, and unique probes of transcription and nucleotide excision repair

It is a commonly held view that oxidatively induced DNA lesions are repaired by the base excision repair (BER) pathway, whereas DNA lesions induced by UV light and other "bulky" chemical adducts are repaired by the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. While this distinction is generally accurate, the 8,5'-cyclopurine deoxynucleosides represent an important exception, in that they are formed in DNA by the hydroxyl radical, but are specifically repaired by NER, not by BER. They are also strong blocks to nucleases and polymerases, including RNA polymerase II in human cells. In this review, I will discuss the evidence that these lesions are in part responsible for the neurodegeneration that occurs in some XP patients, and what additional evidence would be necessary to prove such a role. I will also consider other DNA lesions that might be involved in XP neurologic disease. Finally, I will also discuss how our recent studies of these lesions have generated novel insights into the process of transcriptional mutagenesis in human cells, as well as the value of studying these lesions not only for a better understanding of NER but also for other aspects of human health and disease.
Flipping the Molecular Light Switch Off: Formation of DNA-Bound Heterobimetallic Complexes Using Ru(bpy)2tpphz2+ and Transition Metal Ions

Formation of a DNA-bound heterobimetallic complex involving Ru(bpy)2tpphz2+ (tpphz = tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2‘,3‘-c:3‘ ‘,2‘ ‘-h:2‘ ‘,3‘ ‘-j]phenazine) and Cu2+ is proposed. The monomeric Ru(bpy)2tpphz2+ is highly luminescent in B-DNA at [DNA-P]/[Ru] = 50, 10 μM Ru. Upon addition of Cu2+, luminescence loss and spectral shifts consistent with Cu2+ complexation and strong associational quenching are observed. Formation of a Ru(bpy)2tpphz2+/Cu2+ DNA complex which places one metal center in the major groove and the other in the minor groove on the opposing side of the helical axis is proposed.
Observation of spinor dynamics in optically trapped 87Rb Bose-Einstein condensates.

We measure spin mixing of $F=1$ and $F=2$ spinor condensates of $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms confined in an optical trap. We determine the spin mixing time to be typically less than 600 ms and observe spin population oscillations. The equilibrium spin configuration in the $F=1$ manifold is measured for different magnetic fields and found to show ferromagnetic behavior for low field gradients. An $F=2$ condensate is created by microwave excitation from the $F=1$ manifold, and this spin-2 condensate is observed to decay exponentially with time constant 250 ms. Despite the short lifetime in the $F=2$ manifold, spin mixing of the condensate is observed within 50 ms.
The cyclic changes and structure of the base of the aortic valve

Abstract The structure and behavior of the base of the aortic valve in the dogs were investigated. The structure was studied under light microscopy to determine the distribution of collagenous, elastic, and myocardial elements. The dimensional changes were studied in vivo, by attaching radio-paque markers to the base and observing their movement by x-ray studies. The base is partly composed of ventricular myocardium. Two of the three trigonal regions consist of myocardium, and the right and left coronary leaflets and sinuses are encompassed by ventricular myocardium. The collagenous tissue that lies internal to the myocardium is neither dense nor thick and does not form a complete ring. The cyclic dimensional changes in the base are similar to the cyclic changes in left ventricular geometry and volume. The base perimeter is maximal in early systole coincident with the “rounding” of the ventricular cavity during isovolumetric contraction. The base perimeter decreases during systole when the ventricular volume decreases during systolic ejection. The base perimeter increases during diastole as the ventricular volume increases due to diastolic filling. The amount of cyclic change in the base perimeter at normal systemic pressure was different for different dogs. In four dogs the amount of change varied from 5% to 28% over a wide range of systemic pressures. The importance of the behavior of the base in normal valvular function is discussed. It is speculated that the mismatch between the nonexpansile sewing ring of an aortic bioprosthesis and the normally expansile base of the valve could cause occasional periprosthetic leaks.
Outpatient urticaria diagnosis codes have limited predictive value for same-day influenza vaccine adverse event detection

Abstract Objectives To assess the predictive value of claims-based outpatient urticaria diagnosis codes to identify potential vaccine-related adverse events (AEs) when recorded on the same day as influenza vaccination. Study Design and Setting Health plan members with outpatient claims for influenza vaccination and urticaria on the same day between October 1, 2002, and December 31, 2007, were eligible for inclusion. Electronic medical records (EMRs) for 50 eligible patients with the most recent visits of interest occurring at a large group practice were sampled for review. Results EMRs were available and reviewed for 42 of 50 patients. An influenza vaccination was confirmed in all reviewed medical charts. Urticaria occurring on the day of influenza vaccination was confirmed for 40% of participants (17/42); 3 confirmed urticaria diagnoses were potential AEs and 14 urticaria events occurred before vaccination. Among those with unconfirmed diagnoses, 17 had no evidence of urticaria on physical examination on the day of interest (4 had evidence of a nonurticarial rash and 13 had no evidence of rash on examination) and 8 had insufficient information to make a clinical determination. Conclusion Outpatient diagnosis codes for urticaria found in health insurance claims data are limited in their predictive value to identify same-day vaccine AEs.
Monte Carlo study of Ising spin dynamics on a fractal lattice

The dynamics of Ising spins on a two-dimensional fractal lattice has been studied by Monte Carlo simulations. Both the limits $Lgg\ensuremath{\xi}$ and $Lll\ensuremath{\xi}$ were studied where $L$ is the size of the sample and $\ensuremath{\xi}$ the correlation length. Exact transfer matrix calculations were also carried out to check that the correct equilibrium values were reached. In both limits the predicted breakdown of conventional dynamic scaling was obtained. Using finite-size scaling $\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\sim}{L}^{z}$ for $Lll\ensuremath{\xi}$, an effective temperature-dependent critical exponent $z$ was obtained consistent with the recent prediction $z\ensuremath{\propto}\frac{1}{T}$ for small $T$.
Direct Interelectrode Tunneling in GaSe

Using thin films of the layer compound gallium selenide, we have fabricated experimental structures which are nearly ideal for the study of tunneling currents. All of the parameters relevant to current flow in these structures can be independently determined since single-crystal gallium selenide films have the properties of the bulk material and also well-defined interfaces. A new analytical technique for determining the energy-momentum dispersion relation within the forbidden gap of a solid is discussed and applied to current-voltage data obtained from metal-GaSe-metal structures. The resulting E-k relation is shown to be an intrinsic property of GaSe. Tunneling currents in GaSe are shown to be quantitatively understood in terms of this E-k relation, the geometry of a given structure, and a simple model of current flow via tunneling.
Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument level 1 science data validation plan for geolocated radiances

From spacecraft platforms, the clouds and the Earth's radiant energy system (CERES) scanning thermistor bolometers are designed to measure broadband Earth-reflected solar shortwave (0.3 - 5.0 micrometer) and Earth-emitted long wave (5.0 - greater than 100 micrometer) radiances as well as emitted longwave radiances in the 8 - 12 micrometer water vapor window over geographical footprints as small as 10 kilometers at the nadir. In ground vacuum facilities, the thermistor bolometers and in-flight blackbody and tungsten lamp calibration systems are being calibrated using radiometric sources tied to the international temperature scale of 1990 (ITS'90). Using the in-flight calibration systems, the bolometers will be calibrated periodically before and after spacecraft launch to verify the stability of the bolometers responses and to determine response drifts/shifts if they occur. The in-flight systems calibration analyses along with validation analyses will be used to determine the flight data reduction coefficients (instrument gains and offsets) which will be used to convert the bolometer measurements into calibrated radiances at the top-of-the-atmosphere (approximately 30 km). If a bolometer response shifts or drifts more than 0.5% in the longwave region or more than 1.0% in the shortwave region, and if the validation studies verify the bolometer response change, the flight data reduction coefficients will be corrected. A coastline detection method, using strong contrasting longwave ocean-land scenes, will be used to assess error limits on the geographical locations of the radiances. The detection method was successfully used to assess upper limits (6 km) on the geolocation errors for the Earth radiation budget satellite (ERBS) bolometric measurements of longwave radiances. For CERES, the detection method may be extended to shortwave radiances. In this paper, elements of the CERES instrument level 1 validation plan radiometric strategies are presented as well as the geolocation validation approaches.
The Psychology of Women Course: A Continuing Catalyst for Change

This article presents the argument that psychology departments need to continue to increase their efforts to develop separate courses on the psychology of women as a catalyst to mobilize resources for the more difficult task of mainstreaming this new research into the rest of the curriculum. Major topics include: historical perspective on women in the curriculum, documentation of the growing legitimacy of a separate psychology of women, current statistics on departments offering psychology of women courses, an examination of mainstreaming, and demonstration of the value of a separate psychology of women course. Finally, the article describes resources that faculty can use to support their efforts to develop and expand the psychology of women course.
Inquiry-based experiments in the introductory physics laboratory

The paper describes a significant effort to improve the second semester general physics laboratory at the University of Detroit Mercy by incorporating inquiry-based laboratory experiments. The inquiry-based laboratory experiments are modeled on published research results. We require the students to confront their misconceptions by directing them through a process of inquiry. The students use simple and inexpensive materials to perform experiments on direct-current circuits, magnets, electromagnetism, and optics. They use these experiments to develop operational definitions for technical terms, construct models of the relevant physical phenomena and apply the models in new situations to test their predictive capability. The paper describes some of the laboratory experiments, and describes their effect on student outcomes. Student attitudes toward these laboratory exercises are also presented.
Bounds on the performance of maximum-likelihood and reduced-state decoding of trellis codes on channels with intersymbol interference

A method is presented for computing a bound on the probability of error for maximum-likelihood decoding of trellis codes on channels with intersymbol interference. In general, computing such bounds requires the solution of a system of 2/sup 2(v+kL)/ equations, where v is the constraint-length of a rate k/n trellis code and L is the length of the channel impulse response. Direct solution of this set of equations is unreasonable for many cases of interest, and therefore an alternative method for computing a bound is presented. A bound on the probability of error for reduced-state decoding under the assumption of no error propagation is presented. This reduced-state bound can be formulated as the solution of a system of 2/sup 2(v+kL)/ equations, and this bound can be computed using the same method given for the maximum-likelihood bound. >
Pakistan: A Struggling Nation-State

In the course of Pakistan's sixty-three years of existence it has been called “a failed state,” occasionally “a failing state,” and even at times “a rogue state.” Perhaps this is a trend in contemporary comparative politics to label and characterize third world countries with such epithets. This article argues against these assertions, and I contend that Pakistan is a “struggling nation-state.” This article aims to outline a concise definition of a struggling state. My primary objective in this article is to emphasize the temporal and directional aspects of a struggling state, particularly in the case of Pakistan—which is a nation still in transition. It is a state still in its infancy (in some measures), effectively striving to attain stability in the face of aggression from within the confines of its borders, as well as outside its perimeters. Historically Pakistan's democratic trajectory has been inefficacious, but more recently political institutions are gaining a strong foothold, specifically the unw...
High resolution coherent source location using transmit/receive arrays

A general approach to super resolution imaging of point sources using active arrays of transmit/receive elements is presented. The usual techniques of high resolution imaging using single transmitters and passive receive arrays fail in the presence of sets of coherent point sources, which often arise due to coherent multipath. However, data obtained from transmit/receive arrays may be arranged into matrices to which eigenspace direction of arrival estimation may be successfully applied, even int he presence of coherent sources. Each such matrix may be thought of as corresponding to a different transmit/receive array; this may be either the actual transmit/receive array or a virtual transmit/receive array whose effect is synthesized. This approach provides great flexibility, since a large number of different synthetic or virtual arrays may be available for a given transmit/receive array, and each can provide a different tradeoff between the total number of resolvable targets and the largest number of mutually coherent targets which can be resolved. >
MDCT for suspected appendicitis: effect of reconstruction section thickness on diagnostic accuracy, rate of appendiceal visualization, and reader confidence using axial images.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate interpretative performance with different MDCT reconstruction parameters in adult patients with suspected appendicitis.MATERIALS AND METHODS. MDCT scans of 212 adult patients obtained in an emergency department with a 64-MDCT scanner were prospectively collected. Acquisition technique included 24 × 1.2 mm detector configuration and IV contrast administration with or without oral contrast administration. Data sets were reconstructed with three techniques: 5 × 5 mm, 3 × 3 mm, and 2 × 1 mm (section thickness × interval). Each of the 212 sets of images (grouped by reconstruction technique) was reviewed retrospectively using axial sections by two independent readers blinded to diagnosis. Medical record review was conducted to identify patients with appendicitis. Visualization of the appendix, confidence in visualization, confidence for presence or absence of specific CT findings, diagnostic accuracy, and diagnostic confidence were compared across reconstruct...
Income Elasticity of Demand for Large, Modern Rapid Transit Rail Networks

In spite of evidence to the contrary, there is a common perception inside of academia and out that rail transit is an inferior good. This paper proposes a demand model for radial subway networks utilizing the monocentric city model in order to quantify the income elasticity of demand. This model is tested against extant data from the 2000 Census, and controls for spatial variability, demographic and economic factors, and commuter costs. This paper concludes that while the factors that drive demand vary across urban areas, the results suggest that rail transit may in fact be a normal good.
Impacts of the duration of Head Start enrollment on children's academic outcomes: Moderation effects of family risk factors and earlier outcomes

This study examined effects of the duration of Head Start enrollment on children's academic outcomes. Study questions are as follows: (a) Do Head Start children's baseline characteristics differ among those who entered at age 3 and enrolled in Head Start for 1 year, those who entered at age 4 and stayed for 1 year, and those who entered at age 3 and stayed for 2 years? (b) Do children's academic scores differ among the three groups? (c) Do these effects differ depending on the number of family risk factors and on children's scores at the beginning of the year? Findings indicate that children who entered Head Start at age 3 and stayed for 2 years showed higher academic outcomes than those enrolled later or for less time. Benefits were greater among children with more family risk factors and among those whose academic scores at the beginning of the study year were lower. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Links between early adrenal function and respiratory outcome in preterm infants : Airway inflammation and patent ductus arteriosus

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship of cortisol concentrations during the first week of life to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), markers of lung inflammation, and respiratory outcome in very low birth weight infants. METHODS Newborns <1,500 g birth weight were prospectively enrolled at 2 centers. Serum cortisol was measured 3 times during days 2 to 7 of life. Tracheal lavage was performed on intubated infants and analyzed for interleukin-1beta, -6, and -8, and for total protein, albumin, and alpha-1 protease inhibitor. Infants receiving prenatal glucocorticoids were excluded. RESULTS We obtained 337 cortisol values from 125 infants. Infants treated for PDA had lower cortisol values after day 2. One hundred thirty-three tracheal fluid samples were obtained on matching days from 71 intubated infants. Cortisol correlated inversely with tracheal interleukins and proteins. Lower cortisol values during the second half of the week correlated with longer duration of supplemental oxygen therapy and with subsequent development of chronic lung disease at 28 days and at 36 weeks. CONCLUSION Infants with lower cortisol values in the first week of life had an increased incidence of PDA, increased lung inflammation, and an increased incidence of chronic lung disease. These findings suggest that early adrenal insufficiency may underlie the previously observed association of increased lung inflammation and PDA with adverse respiratory outcome in this population.
Measuring Soil Nitrogen Mineralization under Field Conditions

Land application of animal manure is known to alter rates of nitrogen (N) mineralization in soils, but quantitative information concerning intensity and duration of these effects has been difficult to obtain under field conditions. We estimated net effects of manure on N mineralization in soils under field conditions in a completely randomized design, at six field sites, by comparing liquid swine (Sus scrofa) manure treatments to plots receiving no manure. Soil samples were collected immediately after manure application to determine inorganic N concentrations, and those samples were also incubated 28 d in the laboratory to determine amounts of N mineralized from the soil. Analyses and incubation were repeated on a second set of samples collected after various times, depending on the site. Differences in inorganic N concentrations were significant among treatments at all six locations for the first sampling and five of the six locations for the second sampling. In comparison, significant differences in inorganic N concentrations measured after 28 d of laboratory incubation were observed for only two of the six sites for each sampling time. Our results illustrate how to distinguish between the effects manure has on rates of N mineralization in soils and rates at which manure N is mineralized.
Molecular Evidence for Zoonotic Transmission of an Emergent, Highly Pathogenic Campylobacter jejuni Clone in the United States

Campylobacter jejuni is a major zoonotic pathogen. A highly virulent, tetracycline-resistant C. jejuni clone (clone SA) has recently emerged in ruminant reservoirs and has become the predominant cause of sheep abortion in the United States. To determine whether clone SA is associated with human disease, we compared the clinical isolates of clone SA from sheep abortions with the human isolates of the PulseNet National Campylobacter databases at the CDC and the FDA using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and serotyping. The combined SmaI and KpnI PFGE pattern designations of clone SA from sheep were indistinguishable from those of 123 (9.03%) human C. jejuni isolates (total, 1,361) in the CDC database, among which 56 were associated with sporadic infections and 67 were associated with outbreaks that occurred in multiple states from 2003 to 2010. Most of the outbreaks were attributed to raw milk, while the sources for most of the sporadic cases were unknown. All clone SA isolates examined, including PFGE-matched human isolates, belong to sequence type 8 (ST-8) by MLST and serotype HS:1,8, further indicating the clonality of the related isolates from different host species. Additionally, C. jejuni clone SA was identified in raw milk, cattle feces, the feces and bile of healthy sheep, and abortion cases of cattle and goats, indicating the broad distribution of this pathogenic clone in ruminants. These results provide strong molecular and epidemiological evidence for zoonotic transmission of this emergent clone from ruminants to humans and indicate that C. jejuni clone SA is an important threat to public health.
Using a digital signal processor as a data stream controller in digital subtraction angiography

It is argued that high speed, flexibility, and good arithmetic abilities make digital signal processors (DSP) a good choice as input/output controllers for real time applications. The DSP can be made to preprocess data in real-time to reduce data volume, to open early windows on what is being acquired, and to implement local servo loops. An example of a DSP as an input/output controller for a digital subtraction angiographic imaging system is presented. The DSP preprocesses the raw data, reducing data volume by a factor of two, and is potentially capable of producing real-time subtracted images for immediate display. >
The development of the Children's Empathic Attitudes Questionnaire using classical and Rasch analyses

Empathic responding is implicated in antisocial behaviors such as bullying, sexual offending, and violent crime. Identifying children and adolescents at risk for antisocial behavior and evaluating interventions designed to address problem behaviors require valid and reliable measures. Definitional controversies and limited measurement models have hindered measurement. This study describes the development and analysis of the Children's Empathic Attitudes Questionnaire (CEAQ) using both classical and modern techniques. Rasch analyses provided probabilistic results over large item and person groups, enabling meaningful inferences from patterns of responses at the construct level. Analyses of fifth through seventh graders' responses to the final version of the CEAQ provide support for its reliability, validity, and functionality. Four meaningful item clusters were identified, each reflecting more cognitively advanced empathic attitudes. These analyses suggest that the CEAQ provides a theoretically sound, hierarchically meaningful measure of empathic attitudes that will be useful in identification and intervention with children and adolescents at risk for antisocial behavior.
Leader-Member Relationships in Virtual World Teams

As researchers today seek to understand how virtual worlds may be effectively leveraged for collaborative purposes, exploring the role of leadership in virtual world teams may help shed light on how to manage synchronous and highly interdependent work activities for better team outcomes. Based upon Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) Theory, this study seeks to understand how leadership affects team member performance. We propose that 1) the relationship between a leader and a team member influences the degree to which a team member is allocated and develops resources and 2) to the extent which a team member receives or develops resources, their performance will be enhanced. Through a longitudinal field study of one large virtual world team in the massively-multiplayer online-game Everquest, the findings strongly suggest that the leader-member relationship does impact members' allocation and development of resources. Furthermore, it is the quantity and the type of resources that impacts performance, not the leader-member relationship.
Testing for Competence Rather Than for "Intelligence"

The testing movement in the United States has been a success, if one judges success by the usual American criteria of size, influence, and profitability. Intelligence and aptitude tests are used nearly everywhere by schools, colleges, and employers. It is a sign of backwardness not to have test scores in the school records of children. The Educational Testing Service alone employs about 2,000 people, annually administers Scholastic Aptitude Tests to thousands of aspirants to college, and makes enough money to support a large basic research operation. Its tests have tremendous power over the lives of young people by stamping some of them "qualified" and others "less qualified" for college work. Until recent "exceptions" were made (over the protest of some), the tests have served as a very efficient device for screening out black, Spanish-speaking, and other minority applicants to colleges. Admissions officers have protested that they take other qualities besides test achievements into account in granting admission, but careful studies by Wing and Wallach (1971) and others have shown that this is true only to a very limited degree. Why should intelligence or aptitude tests have all this power? What justifies the use of such tests in selecting applicants for college entrance or jobs? On what assumptions is the success of the movement based? They deserve careful examination before we go on rather blindly promoting the use of tests as instruments of power over the lives of many Americans.