cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Middle East under pax Americana: how new, how orderly?

It is now commonplace to suggest that the collapse of the Soviet Union as a superpower has profoundly changed the international system. Analysts of the realist persuasion are already speculating about what the structural change from bipolarity to something else-be it monopolarity or mutipolarity-will mean. How will it affect the security perceptions, policies and behaviour of the major actors? Is President Bush's US dominated 'New World Order' likely to be more stable, more integrated, more prosperous, and less tense and dangerous than the old Cold War order? Initial US euphoria has been dissipated by the enormity of adjustment problems in the former Soviet bloc as well as by growing concern about the long-term capabilities of the USA itself. The answers are far from clear. Students of Middle East politics are also asking with growing apprehension how the New World Order will affect this troubled region. The 'cradle of civilisation' has been a 'cradle of conflict' for the past half-century. In 1990-91 the Middle East was the site of the first significant manifestation of Washington's bid for unchallenged world hegemony when President Bush assembled a formidable international coalition, joined by the USSR as a junior partner, to punish Iraq for its invasion of Kuwait. What will be the long-term effects of this unprecedented US intervention in the international politics of the region? What will the US-led New World Order in the Middle East be like? Is it really new? And how orderly will it be? How one answers these questions depends on what one takes to be 'objective realities' in the region and also on the analytic perspective employed. The first part of this essay reviews the Middle East regional situation after the Gulf War. The second part develops a typology of four scenarios of regional prospects, each argued in terms of two broad and widely utilised analytical approaches: the sociological approach, which sees actors' foreign policy behaviour mainly as the result of domestic factors, and the neorealist approach which explains international behaviour in terms of the security calculations of presumably rational, informed state actors. In the third part I make an argument as to which of the four scenarios might be the more plausible, in light of the configuration of domestic and international factors, and discuss some implications for the US position in the region.
Mental Algorithms: Are Minds Computational Systems?

The idea that human thought requires the execution of mental algorithms provides a foundation for research programs in cognitive science, which are largely based upon the computational conception of language and mentality. Consideration is given to recent work by Penrose, Searle, and Cleland, who supply various grounds for disputing computationalism. These grounds in turn qualify as reasons for preferring a non-computational, semiotic approach, which can account for them as predictable manifestations of a more adquate conception. Thinking does not ordinarily require the execution of mental algorithms, which appears to be at best no more than one rather special kind of thinking.
On the torsion of optimal elliptic curves over function fields

For an optimal elliptic curve E over \mathbb{F}_{q}(t) of conductor \mathfrak{p}\cdot\infty, where \mathfrak{p} is prime, we show that E(F)_{tor} is generated by the image of the cuspidal divisor group.
An infrared study of the adsorption of CO and NO on silica-supported RuPt bimetallic clusters

Abstract The infrared spectra of CO and NO adsorbed on a supported bimetallic RuPt sample (62 at% Ru) have been recorded. In addition, the stability of adsorbed CO to NO (g) and the stability of adsorbed NO to CO (g) have been determined using infrared spectroscopy. These studies reveal that there are both Ru and Pt surface sites present on the bimetallic RuPt sample. The following band assignments have been made: for CO adsorbed on the RuPt sample a broad asymmetric band at 2055 cm −1 and a weak high frequency bank at 2145 cm −1 are observed. The broad asymmetric bank at 2055 cm −1 was found to have two components, a sharp band at 2055 cm −1 assigned to ν (co) for PtCo and a broad band on the low frequency side of this band assigned to ν (CO) for RuCO. The band at 2145 cm −1 was assigned to ν (CO) for CO adsorbed on a RuO surface site. For NO adsorbed on a bimetallic RuPt sample two bands are observed in the infrared spectra, a strong band at 1805 cm −1 assigned to ν (NO) for Ru δ− NO δ+ and a band of medium intensity at 1590 cm −1 assigned to ν (NO) for Ru δ+ NO δ− . The results of this infrared study of the adsorption of CO and NO on a bimetallic RuPt sample are compared with earlier studies of the adsorption of CO and NO on supported monometallic Ru and Pt samples.
Cluster sampling with referral to improve the efficiency of estimating unmet needs among pregnant and postpartum women after disasters.

Abstract Introduction and Background Women of reproductive age, in particular women who are pregnant or fewer than 6 months postpartum, are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters, which may create stressors for caregivers, limit access to prenatal/postpartum care, or interrupt contraception. Traditional approaches (e.g., newborn records, community surveys) to survey women of reproductive age about unmet needs may not be practical after disasters. Finding pregnant or postpartum women is especially challenging because fewer than 5% of women of reproductive age are pregnant or postpartum at any time. Methods From 2009 to 2011, we conducted three pilots of a sampling strategy that aimed to increase the proportion of pregnant and postpartum women of reproductive age who were included in postdisaster reproductive health assessments in Johnston County, North Carolina, after tornadoes, Cobb/Douglas Counties, Georgia, after flooding, and Bertie County, North Carolina, after hurricane-related flooding. Results Using this method, the percentage of pregnant and postpartum women interviewed in each pilot increased from 0.06% to 21%, 8% to 19%, and 9% to 17%, respectively. Conclusion and Discussion Two-stage cluster sampling with referral can be used to increase the proportion of pregnant and postpartum women included in a postdisaster assessment. This strategy may be a promising way to assess unmet needs of pregnant and postpartum women in disaster-affected communities.
Recoil-proton polarization in π−-p elastic scattering at 365 MeV☆

Abstract The polarization of the recoil proton at this energy depends on the interference of the P33 phase shift with the P11 and S11 phase shifts. The measured values indicate the existence of a large P11 phase shift. The polarization was measured by scattering from carbon blocks in spark chambers using a Vidicon scanner to record the data.
Long-lived γ-Ray Emitting Nuclide Silver-108m found in Pacific Marine Organisms and used for Dating

DRIED tissues of several marine organisms collected in 1964 from widely separated regions of the North Pacific have turned out to contain 108mAg, a γ-ray emitting man-made nuclide with a half-life reported1 to be greater than 100 yr. This seems to be the first observation cf 108mAg in any organism as the apparent consequence of global fallout. This nuclide promises to be useful for large scale labelling and dating. We have used it to follow the progress of a specific oceanic water mass.
Partial molal volumes and compressibilities of phosphoric acid and sodium phosphates in 0.725 molal NaCl at 25 °C.

The apparent molal volume Vϕ and adiabatic compressibility κϕ of H3PO4, NaH2PO4, Na2HPO4, and Na3PO4 have been determined from density and sound speed measurements in 0.725 m NaCl solutions at 25 °C. The partial molal volumes Vi* and compressibilities κi* have been determined by extrapolating the values of Vϕ and κϕ to infinite dilution in the NaCl media. The results have been compared to earlier measurements made on a number of electrolytes in NaCl media. The phosphate results showed correlations between the values of Vi* and κi* as found for other electrolytes. The values for the volume ΔVi and compressibility Δκi changes for the dissociation of H3PO4 in 0.725 m NaCl have been calculated from the measurements. The calculated values of ΔVi and compressibility Δκi have been used to estimate the effect of pressure KP/K0 on the dissociation of H3PO4 in the oceans using RT ln[KP/K0] = −ΔViP + 0.5ΔκiP2, where P is the applied pressure in bars. The results are in reasonable agreement with directly measured...
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN PRENYL RAB9, GDP DISSOCIATION INHIBITOR-ALPHA , AND GUANINE NUCLEOTIDES

Abstract Rab9 is a Ras-like GTPase required for the transport of mannose 6- phosphate receptors between late endosomes and the trans Golgi network. Rab9 occurs in the cytosol as a complex with GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI), which we have shown delivers prenyl Rab9 to late endosomes in a functional form. We report here basal rate constants for guanine nucleotide dissociation and GTP hydrolysis for prenyl Rab9. Both rate constants were influenced in part by the hydrophobic environment of the prenyl group. Guanine nucleotide dissociation and GTP hydrolysis rates were lower in the presence of lipid; detergent stimulated intrinsic nucleotide exchange. GDI-alpha inhibited GDP dissociation from prenyl Rab9 by 2.4-fold. GDI-alpha associated with prenyl Rab9 with a KD of 60 nM in 0.1% Lubrol and 23 nM in 0.02% Lubrol. In 0.1% Lubrol, GDI-alpha inhibited GDP dissociation half maximally at 72 +/- 18 nM, consistent with the KD determinations. These data suggest that GDI-alpha associates with prenyl Rab9 with a KD of < or = 23 nM under physiological conditions. Finally, a previously uncharacterized minor form of GDI-alpha inhibited GDP dissociation from prenyl Rab9 by 1.9- fold and bound prenyl Rab9 with a KD of 67 nM in 0.1% Lubrol.
Observations of Physician, Patient and Family Perceptions of Informed Consent in Houston, Texas

Informed consent is one of the most important ethical and legal principles in the United States, including Texas, and reflects a profound respect for individuals and their ability to make decisions in their own best interest. It is also a critical underpinning of medical practice, although how it is actually carried out has not been well studied. A survey was conducted in the private practices and a hospital in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas to ascertain how physicians, patients and patient's family members perceive and demonstrate the elements of informed consent. In-depth interviews of twelve physicians, three patients and three family members were carried out. For physicians, consent was an explicit and implicit aspect of virtually all medical practice. Physicians would seek patient input concerning medical decisions whenever possible and might also discuss care choices with families. However, they often made decisions based upon what they perceived as the patient's best interests. Patients expected the physician to involve them in the decision process, but whether they turned to family members, or even others to assist them, varied considerably. Although Texas physicians respect the competent patient as the primary decision maker, they may bypass a formal surrogate decision maker to gain input from others, including their own view of what is in the patient's best interest.
A Conversation on Practices of the Self within Relations of Power: For Scholars Who Speak Dangerous Truths.

Through the voices of scholars and metalogues, this paper merges the experiences of five professors of education who disrupt the status quo with Foucault’s scholarship on practices of the self and parrhesia (the speaking of dangerous truths). The scholars challenge hegemony in education and its effects on students of color and students with limited economic resources. Their voices, presented as narratives in the text, are based on interviews with the professors. Metalogues, imagined conversations with Foucault, are used to illustrate the ways this paper draws on Foucault’s scholarship. Attention is paid to how the scholars practice technologies of the self within relations of power through three lenses (1) self‐knowledge: resisting repression, seduction and desire, (2) political activity and tactics, and (3) the self within systems of subjugation. A metalogue for scholars interested in advocating for social justice that supports the interests of local communities in urban environments ends the article.
Clinical and Electrodiagnostic Features of Sciatic Neuropathies

Sciatic neuropathy is the second most common neuropathy of the lower extremity and a common cause of foot drop. This article reviews the anatomy, clinical features, pathophysiology, and electrodiagnostic assessment of sciatic neuropathies. There are multiple potential sites of pathology, determined in part by the mechanism of insult, including trauma, compression, masses, inflammation, and vascular lesions. Diagnosis is augmented by careful electrodiagnostic studies and imaging to help distinguish sciatic neuropathy from other sources of pathology. Electrodiagnostic studies may also help in assessing for early recovery and in determining prognosis.
Human decidual NK cells from gravid uteri and NK cells from cycling endometrium are distinct NK cell subsets.

Human NK cells from the decidua basalis of gravid uteri and from the cycling endometrium of women undergoing hysterectomy were isolated and compared by gene expression profiling using Affymetrix microarrays with probes representing ~47,400 transcripts. Substantial differences indicate that these two types of NK cells represent distinct subsets.
Predicting euphotic‐depth‐integrated chlorophyll‐afrom discrete‐depth and satellite‐observable chlorophyll‐a off central California

[1] Predicting water column integrated phytoplankton biomass from near-surface measurements has been an important effort in marine ecological research, particularly since the advent of satellite remote sensing of ocean color. Quantitative relationships between chlorophyll-aconcentrations (Chl-a) at the surface and its depth-integrated magnitude have thus far only been developed for open-ocean waters. Here we develop and test for the first time an extension of open-ocean relationships into ocean-margin waters, specifically the highly productive and variable eastern boundary upwelling ecosystem off the central California coast. This region was chosen because of the unique availability of a 30-year record of ship-based Chl-aprofiles measured using consistent methods. The extended relationship allows accurate prediction of integrated biomass from surface measurements. Further, we develop a new set of relationships for predicting the depth-integrated Chl-afrom Chl-ameasured over a range of discrete depths (i.e., as measured by fluorometers on moorings). The newly developed relationships are tested against 15,000 fluorometric Chl-aprofiles obtained from an autonomous underwater vehicle. Surprisingly, the relationship between surface Chl-aand depth-integrated Chl-aholds for profiles with high concentrations of Chl-a in persistent subsurface thin phytoplankton layers (layers <3 m thick and located below the first optical depth). The results have implications for monitoring of algal blooms and for quantifying ocean primary productivity from satellite observations of ocean color.
Village communities, cooperation, and inequality in Tanzania: Comments on Collier et al

Abstract Findings of a study by Collier, Radwan and Wangwe (CRW) are contrasted with those of other quantitative/empirical studies, especially by the Economic Research Bureau (Dar es Salaam) and the author. The author argues that CRW overstate the economic significance of communal farming, and that they misconstrue the intentions of the ujamaa program as being basically redistributive. He suggests that futile exercises in communal production served the interests of influential, richer farmers, who had little desire to see ordinary peasants engage in effective cooperation and participatory control over their local economies.
Chicano Caló: Description and Review of a Border Variety

This article surveys briefly both the development and present status of U.S.-Mexico Border Calo or, as it is increasingly called, Chicano Calo (ChC). Despite a former highly stigmatized status, this variety has been upwardly mobile, serving as a source for much of the lexicon of the informal registers of Mexican and Southwest Spanish, adding dimensions of chic, daring, and boldness. ChC developed from a Romany (Gypsy) base, reflected, by the 15th century, in the speech of this Indo-Iranian group who settled in Spain (and elsewhere in Europe). Additional elements come from Spanish (the major source), particularly those employed in the discourse of "underworld" speakers in the Spanish and Spanish American world, from American English slang, and from the creation or coining of new lexemes or loan translations making maximum use of simile and particularly metaphor and playing upon exaggeration, minimization, irony, sarcasm, ridicule, and humor. The ChC lexicon is eagerly "adopted" by younger males to reflect ...
Acrochordons as a presenting sign of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome

Abstract Background: Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is a genodermatosis with autosomal dominant inheritance. In identified kindreds the diagnosis is relatively easy, but for the patients without family history of this syndrome a high clinical suspicion is necessary for diagnosis. Objective: Acrochordons are distinctly uncommon in childhood. Our purpose was to evaluate skin tags that develop at an early age. Methods: This is a retrospective series evaluation of 7 children who presented with pedunculated papules (acrochordon-like growths). A full history was then correlated with biopsy results in each patient. Results: Clinically, lesions consisted of flesh-colored and pigmented pedunculated papules. Histopathologic examination of these papules showed basal cell carcinomas in each biopsy specimen. Conclusion: We consider that "skin tag"-like basal cell carcinomas in childhood may represent a marker for NBCCS. Early diagnosis of this syndrome and early sun protection of the affected children could help decrease the number of lifetime tumors. Biopsy should be performed on acrochordons in children because they may be the presenting sign of NBCCS. Because these tags may precede other stigmata of the NBCCS, recognition may facilitate early diagnosis and allow early treatment and sun protection. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:789-94.)
A retrospective analysis of known and potential risks associated with exotic toadflax-feeding insects

To date, eight exotic toadXax-feeding insect species have been accidentally or intentionally introduced to North America. Reports on their establishment and impact have been recorded for more than 60 years. Environmental risks linked to biological control of toadXax were identiWed in terms of host resources and undesirable impacts on the target species through the critical review of this record. Data gaps revealed during this retrospective analysis are addressed through suggestions for future research and associated experimental methodologies. Known and potential impacts of toadXax-feeding insects on both invasive toadXax and non-target species are examined. Recent programmatic demands for demonstrated agent eYcacy and stringent host selectivity during the prerelease screening process clearly illustrate that classical biological control of invasive toadXax in North America is progressing beyond the so-called lottery approach.
Cardiac disorders, participation decisions and decision-making under legal uncertainty: a reply to Panhuyzen-Goedkoop and Smeets

Panhuyzen-Goedkoop and Smeets1 provide an important primer at the intersection of cardiac disorders, decision-making and legal risk in sports medicine. The authors accurately flag the relevant issues and offer concrete suggestions. The purpose of this reply is to elaborate on one of the authors’ key findings and qualify another point through a more textured discussion. The twin concern of false positives and false negatives permeates the authors’ article. Such an emphasis is well placed. The concern is particularly vexing in the context of cardiac disorders. It was illustrated in the tragic death and legal aftermath involving National Basketball Association player Reggie Lewis, a widely covered event that was recently marked by its 20th anniversary. The past two decades have left a ‘sports law legacy’2—one that all physicians practising in this area should be aware of. …
Estradiol, CCK and satiation.

Estradiol has long been known to inhibit feeding in animals, but the mechanism(s) mediating its effects have not been clear. Demonstrations that estradiol's feeding effects are expressed as decreases in meal size coupled with the emerging consensus that cholecystokinin (CCK) released from the small intestines during meals is a physiological negative-feedback signal controlling meal size (i.e. satiation) suggested a new approach to the problem of the mechanisms of estradiol's inhibitory effect on feeding. Progress on this approach is reviewed here. Experimental manipulations of exogenous and endogenous CCK and estradiol have produced converging evidence that estradiol cyclically increases the activity of the CCK satiation-signaling pathway so that meal size and food intake decrease during the ovulatory or estrus phase of the ovarian cycle. This is a striking example of the modulation of the operation of a control of meal size by the physiological context in which the meal occurs. Estradiol also produces a tonic decrease in meal size, but this apparently does not involve the CCK satiation-signaling pathway. Where and how estradiol acts to increase the potency of the CCK satiating-signaling pathway are not known. Several possible sites are suggested by the observations that estradiol treatment increases feeding- and CCK-induced expression of c-Fos in ovariectomized animals in brain areas including the nucleus tractus solitarius, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and central nucleus of the amygdala. Tests with null mutation mice indicate that estrogen receptor-alpha is necessary for estradiol's feeding effects. Finally, the possibilities that estradiol exerts important influences on normal or disordered eating in women are discussed. It is concluded that estradiol exerts a biologically significant action on CCK satiation in animals. Further research to determine whether this action of estradiol has a role in the pathogenesis, course, or treatment of disordered eating in women is indicated.
OPTIMAL STANDING LONG JUMP SIMULATION FROM DIFFERENT STARTING POSTURES

A planar 4-segment human body model is used to simulate and study the effects of starting posture on standing long jumping performance. The model consists of frictionless hinge joints and is driven by joint torque actuators. The four segments represent feet, shanks, thighs, and trunk with head and arms. Movement simulations start from three different postures: high squat, squat, and low squat. The control variables are the joint torque activation levels and takeoff time. The objective function is the maximum horizontal distance from the toe point at takeoff to the center of mass (c.m.) position at landing. Optimal simulation results agree reasonably well with measurements. Different from previous high jump simulation study, slight dependence of initial posture on jump distance is found. Longer jump distance from a higher initial posture is probably due to greater range of countermovement that results in larger extension joint torque generation.
6A-3 Pure Shear Horizontal SAW Network Model for Periodic Structures Including Bulk Scattering

Rigorous simulations using combined finite/boundary element methods (FEM/BEM) are often too time consuming for the rapid evaluation of long surface-acoustic wave (SAW) structures, and soon become impractical as device length increases. This situation is complicated by the need of subsequent design modifications and analyses. Scalar models, and in particular, transmission line (TL) based network descriptions, enable fast evaluation of arbitrary device topologies comprised of inter digital-transducers (IDTs) and reflector/grating structures. For example, simulating a resonator structure using a network model reduces computation time from days or hours to minutes, allowing the identification of optimal designs, which may then be further analyzed using rigorous FEM/BEM techniques. The traditional network model (NM) consists of mismatched TLs, shunt susceptances, and transformers, and has been successfully used to simulate transduction and propagation of pure Rayleigh type and generalized SAWs in periodic structures. In these cases, it is often acceptable to neglect bulk acoustic wave (BAW) radiation, since the operational frequencies of the SAW devices are far away from the BAW radiation frequency. However, in the case of pure shear horizontal (SH) SAW orientations significant BAW scattering is frequently observed because the BAW radiation frequency takes place near the SAW bandwidth, and thus the traditional NM fails to account for the energy radiated to the bulk. In this work a modification of the traditional NM is introduced that accounts for energy loss near the upper stopband edge for a long periodic structure, thus allowing the use of the NM to adequately simulate structures along pure SH SAW orientations. The BAW radiation is modeled by a frequency-dependent shunt conductance located at electrode edge discontinuities. A parameter extraction technique is presented that allows the rapid determination of frequency-dependent parameters. In particular, the parameters are fit to FEM/BEM computed dispersion and harmonic admittance relations. The response of a SH SAW resonator was computed using the NM and compared to measurements of devices fabricated on langasite, Euler Angles (0deg, 22deg, 90deg). Good agreement is observed with a slight variation in center frequency ~0.25%, thus verifying the modified model and its applicability to rapid design of pure shear horizontal SAW devices
The Core Beliefs Inventory: a brief measure of disruption in the assumptive world.

Stressful events that disrupt the assumptive world can force people to make cognitive changes to accommodate these highly stressful experiences. As fundamental assumptions are reestablished, many people report changes and experiences that reflect posttraumatic growth (PTG). The present research describes the development of the Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI), a brief measure of disruption of the assumptive world developed for use in applied research and clinical settings. Three studies, two using college samples (Study 1, n181 and Study 2, n297 time 1; 85 time 2) and the third using leukemia patients (Study 3, n70 time 1; 43 time 2), assessed the utility of the CBI to predict PTG in both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. Relationships between the CBI and measures of self-reported PTG and well-being indicate that the CBI has construct validity, acceptable test-retest reliability, and very good internal consistency. The CBI may be a useful tool in investigating predictions about the effects of stressful experiences on an individual’s assumptive world, PTG, and successful adaptation.
Excellent Response to Palliative Chemotherapy for Pleural Recurrence of Uterine Papillary Serous Carcinoma.

Uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) is an aggressive variant of endometrial cancer. Though the majority of women with UPSC have high risk of recurrence, recurrence limited only to the pleural space has not been previously reported. It is also unusual for it to occur as late as 10 years after the initial treatment as it is usually very aggressive. There is scant information in literature on response to treatment in these patients. A 65-year-old African-American woman was treated for FIGO stage IIA UPSC with total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy with 32 P catheter placement, followed by adjuvant external beam radiation. She relapsed 10 years later with right pleural effusion and pleural based nodules. Fluid cytology was consistent with UPSC. She was treated with 6 cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel with excellent clinical and biochemical response. She continues to remain disease free 5 years later. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of UPSC recurrence limited to pleura, and this is also the first reported case of UPSC recurrence without evidence of disease 5 years after palliative chemotherapy. World J Oncol • 2013;4(4-5):210-213 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/wjon704w
Experimental Status of Geo-reactor Search with KamLAND Detector

A natural nuclear fission reactor operating in the center of the Earth has been proposed by Herndon (Hollenbach and Herndon, 2001) as the energy source that powers the geo-magnetic field. The upper limit on the expected geo-reactor power is set by the estimated 12 TW (Buffett, 2003) heat flow from the Earth’s core. If it exists, a nuclear reactor of that size emits a strong anti-neutrino flux. Emitted electron anti-neutrinos can be detected by the Kamioka liquid scintillator anti-neutrino detector (KamLAND) (Raghavan, 2002), and the geo-reactor power level is proporional to the anti-neutrino emission rate. KamLAND measures the geo-reactor power as a constant positive offset in detected anti-neutrino rate on top of the varying anti-neutrino rate coming from man-made reactors. Here we present the first attempt to measure the geo-reactor power. Based on a 776 ton-year exposure of KamLAND to electron anti-neutrinos, the detected flux corresponds to (6±6) TW. The upper limit on the geo-reactor power at 90% confidence level is 18 TW, which is below the lower limit of the total Earth’s radiogenic heat, estimated to be between 19 and 31TW (Anderson, 2003).
Design issues in GaAs oversampled A/D converters

Considerations involved in the design of a sigma-delta modulator (E Delta M) implemented in GaAs technology are presented. Issues such as suitable architectures, modeling of modulator imperfections, and the limitations of some of GaAs unique characteristics in the design of the modulator are discussed. From the simulation, it is seen that the required linearity of the first integrator is quite stringent but most other circuit imperfections have only minor influence on the performance of the Sigma Delta M A/D converter. For this reason, a differential architecture is a good choice. An important component in the design of GaAs Sigma Delta M A/D converter is a fully differential op amp. >
Modern African Studies: Problems and Prospects

AS the revived study of the politics of tropical Africa by Americans enters its second decade,1 scholars have on the whole tempered youthful enthusiasm with an adolescent awareness of the complexity of their subject.
La conquista frustrada de lo urbano. "La rampa" de Carmen de Burgos

This article seeks to analyze the role of women in the constitution of the modern city through Carmen de Burgos’ novel La rampa, written in 1917. The research focuses on public and private spaces where women try to experiment the city, despite the gender isolation and the patriarchal society restrictions. The city, in this case Madrid, will be the mirror of their experiences, the container of their hopes and the space where the struggle for gender equality takes place. Thus, the official map will be the personal cartography of their characters in a passionate defense of modernity.
Experimental Study of Surfactant Retention on Kaolinite Clay

We measured equilibrium surfactant retention on kaolinite clay for a large array of surfactants. We demonstrate that the mass balance measurements we used are a rapid way to screen surfactants in terms of their potential to be used in enhanced oil recovery applications. Surfactant classes investigated include: alkyl(aryl) sulfonates, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymers, ethoxylated alkylphenols, alkyl polyglucosides, sorbitan ester ethoxylates, alkyl alcohol propoxylated sulfate sodium salts, gemini surfactants, sulfosuccinates and organo silicone-ethylene oxide-propylene oxide terpolymers. We identified several surfactants which had zero retention under the test conditions and which may therefore be suitable as enhanced oil recovery chemicals in surfactant flooding schemes. We discuss surfactant retention mechanisms on kaolinite clay and analyze surfactant structure-retention relationships for several surfactant classes.
Blind MIMO system identification based on cumulant subspace decomposition

Blind identification of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) linear systems can be achieved by utilizing higher order statistics of the output signals. We study the blind identification of MIMO systems whose inputs are mutually independent, temporally white, non-Gaussian source signals. Based on sub-space analysis, we develop a new linear batch algorithm to identify MIMO systems from the common nullspace of a set of fourth-order cumulant matrices of the channel outputs. Given knowledge of the channel orders, the identifiability conditions required by the proposed algorithm are properly established. Like most subspace-based approaches, this new algorithm remains sensitive to channel order overestimation. Simulation results illustrate its performance for various channel models.
Human procedural skill acquisition: theory, model and psychological validation

It is widely held that ordinary natural language conversations are governed by tacit conventions, called felicity conditions or conversational postulates (Austin. 1962: Grice. 1975: Gordon & Lakoff, 1975). Learning a procedural skill is also a communication act. The teacher communicates a procedure to the student over the course of several lessons. The central idea of the theory to be presented is that there are specific felicity conditions that govern learning. In particular, five newly discovered felicity conditions govern the kind of skill acquisition studied here. The theory has been embedded in a learning model, a large Al-based computer program. The model's performance has been compared to data from several thousand students learning ordinary mathematical procedures: subtracting multidigit numbers, adding fractions, and solving simple algebraic equations. A key criterion for the theory is that the set of procedures that the model learns should exactly match the set of procedures that students actually acquire, including their "buggy" procedures. However, much more is needed for psychological validation of this theory, or any complex Al-based theory, than merely testing its predictions. The method used with this theory is presented.
Regulation of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor mRNA and Protein in Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension

Chronic elevations of circulating angiotensin II (Ang II) cause sustained hypertension and enhanced accumulation of intrarenal Ang II by an AT1 receptor-dependent process. The present study tested the hypothesis that chronic elevations in circulating Ang II regulate AT1 mRNA and protein expression in a tissue-specific manner. Sprague-Dawley rats were infused with Ang II (80 ng/min) or vehicle subcutaneously for 13 days via osmotic minipump. On day 12, systolic blood pressure averaged 186+/-12 mm Hg in Ang II-infused rats compared with rats given vehicle (121+/-2 mm Hg). Plasma renin activity was markedly suppressed in the Ang II-infused rats compared with vehicle-infused rats (0.1+/-0.01 versus 4.9+/-0.9 ng of Ang I. mL-1. h-1; P<0.05). Semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using rat AT1A- and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH)-specific primers was followed by Southern blot hybridization using specific radiolabeled cDNA or oligonucleotide probes. The results showed that the ratios of AT1A/GAPDH mRNA in the kidney (0.19+/-0.05 versus 0. 26+/-0.03) and liver (2.8+/-0.9 versus 3.0+/-0.5) were comparable in Ang II- and vehicle-infused rats. In contrast, AT1A/GAPDH mRNA levels were increased in the adrenal glands of Ang II-infused rats (0.49+/-0.04 versus 0.36+/-0.02; P<0.05). Western blot analysis showed that AT1 protein levels in the kidney and liver were also similar in the two groups. Therefore, these results indicate that renal and liver AT1 receptor gene expression is maintained in Ang II-induced hypertension. The failure to downregulate AT1 receptor mRNA and protein levels thus allows the sustained effects of chronic elevations in Ang II to elicit progressive increases in arterial pressure.
BER performance of 2D-RAKE receivers in DS-CDMA over frequency-selective, slow Rayleigh fading channels

In this letter, we extend the method that has been proposed in the literature for calculating the bit error probability of two-dimensional (2D) RAKE receivers in asynchronous direct sequence code-division multiple access (DS-CDMA) over flat, slow Rayleigh fading channels to the case of frequency-selective, slow Rayleigh fading channels. We also compute and plot the lower bound on the performance that can be achieved in the above system.
A framework for describing web repositories

In prior work we have demonstrated that search engine caches and archiving projects like the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine can be used to "lazily preserve" website and reconstruct them when they are lost. We use the term "web repositories" for collections of automatically refreshed and migrated content, and collectively we refer to these repositories as the "web infrastructure". In this paper we present a framework for describing web repositories and the status of web resources in them. This includes an abstract API for web repository interaction, the concepts of deep vs. flat and light/dark/grey repositories and terminology of describing the recoverability of a web resource. Our API may serve as a foundation for future web repository interfaces.
Aortic Dissection Precedes Formation of Aneurysms and Atherosclerosis in Angiotensin II-Infused, Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

Objective— We sought to define the temporal characteristics of angiotensin II (AngII)-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and to provide mechanistic insight into the development of this vascular pathology in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice. Methods and Results— Male apoE-/- mice were infused with AngII for 1 to 56 days. Suprarenal arteries were sequentially sectioned, and cellular features were defined by histologic and immunocytochemical techniques. The initial identified event was medial accumulation of macrophages in regions of elastin degradation. Subsequent medial dissection was associated with luminal dilation and thrombus formation. Thrombi were usually constrained by adventitial tissue, although ≈10% of mice died due to rupture. Thrombi led to profound inflammation that was characterized by infiltration of macrophages and T and B lymphocytes. Remodeling of the tissues was associated with regeneration of elastin fibers and reendothelialization of the dilated luminal surface. Aneurys...
Problems of including potential subjects as ethical consultants.

Wilson and Donnerstein (1976) suggested a method for including members of the general public as ethical consultants in cases where informed consent is not possible. The present study addresses methodological issues raised by their proposal. Results of an experiment indicate that phrasing of questions, interviewers' bias, and amount of information presented can have major effects on the way members of the general public respond. It is concluded that the method proposed by Wilson and Donnerstein (1976) for including members of the general public as ethical consultants has quite serious limitations.
Infrared Spectroscopy Of A Low Pressure Methane-Nitrous Oxide Flame

A low pressure (<100 torr) CH4/N20 flame has been studied by FTIR spectroscopy. Qualitative species profiles were obtained as a function of height in the flame with a spatial resolution of 100μm. Temperature measurements over a 4 cm vertical range in the flame were done using the ro-vibrational line intensities of CO.
CMOS RF Biosensor Utilizing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

We report on a CMOS RF transceiver designed for detection of biological objects such as cancer marker proteins. Its main function is to manipulate and monitor RF dynamics of protons in water via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Target objects alter the proton dynamics, which is the basis for our biosensing. The RF transceiver has a measured receiver noise figure of 0.7 dB. This high sensitivity enabled construction of an entire NMR system around the RF transceiver in a 2-kg portable platform, which is 60 times lighter, 40 times smaller, yet 60 times more mass sensitive than a state-of-the-art commercial benchtop system. Sensing 20 fmol and 1.4 ng of avidin (protein) in a 5 muL sample volume, our system represents a circuit designer's approach to pursue low-cost diagnostics in a portable platform.
An Underwater Sensor Network with Dual Communications, Sensing, and Mobility

This paper describes an underwater sensor network with dual communication and support for sensing and mobility. The nodes in the system are connected acoustically for broadcast communication using an acoustic modem we developed. The nodes are connected optically for higher speed point to point data transfers using an optical modem we developed. We describe the hardware details of the underwater sensor node and the communication and networking protocols. Finally, we present and discuss the results from experiments with this system.
Late Holocene, high-resolution glacial chronologies and climate, Kenai Mountains, Alaska

Recent retreat of outlet glaciers from the Harding and Grewingk-Yalik Icefields has revealed a vast array of deposits on the eastern and western flanks of the Kenai Mountains that records multiple glacier advances into coastal forests during late Holocene time. Treering dating, together with radiocarbon and lichenometric analyses, allows for the reconstruction of these glacial fluctuations to decadal precision over the past two thousand years. The records of fluctuations are derived from 16 land-terminating and seven tidewater glaciers in three fjord systems, as well as two cirque glaciers. Three major intervals of Holocene glacier expansions are evident; they occurred about 3600 yr B.P., 600 A.D., and during the Little Ice Age, from 1300 to 1850 A.D. The earliest expansion beyond present ice margins is known only from the McCarty tidewater glacier. The 600 A.D. event involved the simultaneous advance of land-terminating and tidewater glaciers. During the Little Ice Age, however, tidewater glaciers were advancing several centuries prior to their land-terminating neighbors. Those land-terminating glaciers on the western mountain flank retreated from their Little Ice Age maxima as much as two centuries before those on the eastern mountain flank. Land-terminating tongues on the eastern, more maritime, mountain flank have shown more sensitivity to variations in winter precipitation during the Little Ice Age and within recent decades than the more continental glaciers on the western flank that are affected more by summer temperatures. The glacial and climatic records suggest that advances of the ice tongues from about 1420 to 1460 A.D., between 1640 and 1670 A.D., at about 1750 A.D., and from 1880 to 1910 A.D. reflected times of increased winter precipitation. Advances between 1440 to 1460 A.D., from 1650 to 1710 A.D., and from 1830 to 1860 A.D. followed intervals of lower summer temperatures.
Probably Benign Abnormalities of the Breast

Screening mammography has been well established and is the modality of choice for screening for breast cancer in women who are at an average risk for cancer. False-positive mammographic findings are often cited as one of the limitations of mammographic screening. There is a clear need to reduce the number of biopsies of benign lesions. Some of the findings that lead to a biopsy recommendation are those with a low probability of cancer. A prospective study was undertaken by Sickles and others to evaluate mammographic findings that have a low likelihood for malignancy. The findings of that landmark study have been the basis of a probably benign assessment category.
Incidence of bleeding complications after percutaneous core needle biopsy in hypertensive patients and comparison to normotensive patients

To retrospectively determine the rate of major bleeding complications after solid organ or lung biopsy in patients with hypertension and compare to the rates of bleeding in normotensive patients. Following IRB approval, retrospective review of all solid organ and lung biopsies performed at our institution between June 1st, 2013 and October 31st, 2015 was performed. Hypertension was defined as a maximum observed systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg or greater and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or greater at the time of the biopsy procedure. Bleeding complications were defined using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, version 4.0) established by the National Cancer Institute. 4756 total biopsies in 3876 unique patients (median age 60, 57% male) were included. 1488 (31.3%) of these biopsies were performed in hypertensive patients. Fifteen major hemorrhages (CTCAE grade 3 or higher) occurred (0.32%). There were no deaths. There was no significant association between hypertension and major bleeding. The incidence of bleeding in hypertensive patients was 0.40% (6/1488), which was not statistically different than the incidence in normotensive patients (9/3268, 0.28%, p = 0.496). For the subgroup of native renal parenchymal biopsies, the rate of bleeding was slightly higher in hypertensive patients (3/213, 1.4% vs. 1/355, 0.28% in normotensive patients) but remained low, and the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.188). The overall incidence of major bleeding after percutaneous biopsy is very low. Hypertension does not appear to significantly increase the risk of major bleeding complications.
Alzheimer's Disease Drug Discovery--11th International Conference--Targeting Pathological Tau. 27-28 September 2010, Jersey City, NJ, USA.

Abstract The 11th Alzheimer's Disease Drug Discovery International Conference, held in Jersey City, NJ, USA, included topics covering new therapeutic developments in the field of Alzheimer's disease. This conference report highlights selected presentations on targeting pathological tau for the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Investigational approaches discussed include aminothienopyridazine inhibitors of tau aggregation, the alternative splicing of tau pre-mRNA, protein phosphatase 2A as a potential therapeutic target, and immunotherapy and macroautophagy approaches for clearing aberrant tau protein from the brain.
Educational Objectives in Teaching Poultry Husbandry

Abstract Once every year it is the policy of every well ordered business institution to take an inventory. Perhaps it is well for us as teachers to emulate modern business in this respect, and to take an inventory of our educational objectives. No time is more appropriate than the close of one year’s work and just before the beginning of another. There are, of course, many interpretations of what may be included in an education. An interesting point of view was recently expressed by President Ernest M. Hopkins of Dartmouth College as follows: “It is the responsibility of education to scan the horizon; it is the obligation of education if need be to undergo attack, to accept contempt, and to endure derision from contemporaries, who are more interested in maintaining their own opinions than they are in knowing what is really so. It is the function of education, when error is . . .