cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suction loss during thin-flap femto-LASIK: Management and beneficial refractive effect of the epithelium

We report the case of a 42-year-old man who experienced loss of suction during thin-flap femto-laser in situ keratomileusis, leading to a stromal step in the superior cornea where the cutting was stopped. The procedure was converted to photorefractive keratectomy 2 weeks later. Management of the loss of suction and the beneficial role played by the epithelium postoperatively on the refractive outcomes are discussed. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Flow Reactor Studies of Carbon Monoxide/Hydrogen/ Oxygen Kinetics

Abstract New data on the kinetics of CO/H2O/O2 and H2/O2 mixtures in the temperature range of 852—1138 K and at I atmosphere pressure are reported. The data were obtained from adiabatic. constant pressure flow reactor experiments for variations in the initial carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen contents of the mixture and also for variations in the initial temperature. In particular, the results define explosion limit temperatures for near stoichiometric mixtures of CO/H2O/O2 and H2/O2 systems at atmospheric pressure without the presence of surfaces and also demonstrate the complex relationship between water vapor concentration and the carbon monoxide oxidation rate.
Effects of glucose and inhibitors of protein synthesis on the liver glycogen synthetase-activating system

Abstract The activity of the glycogen synthetase (EC 2.4.1.11) activating enzyme disappears in the livers of adrenalectomized-starved rats. It is restored in 2 h or less by the administration of glucocorticoids or glucose. The restoration of activating enzyme activity correlates with the rates of glycogen synthesis and glycogen levels in the liver. The effect of glucocorticoids in the adrenalectomized-starved rats is blocked by cycloheximide and actinomycin D and is thus an induction of enzyme synthesis. The effect of glucose is prevented by cycloheximide but not by actinomycin D. We postulate that glucose acts by stabilizing the enzyme. Cyclohezimide, but not actinomycin D, leads to a loss of activating enzyme activity in normal, fed animals. AN explanation of these results is proposed based upon the model of Tomkins et al. (Science, 166 (1969) 1474) for induction in higher organisms.
Predicting adaptive behaviour of severely and profoundly mentally retarded children with early cognitive measures.

. A longitudinal study was conducted to determine the ability of the Uzgiris and Hunt scales to predict adaptive behaviour including, but not limited to, language. The Uzgiris and Hunt scales, six of the ABS domains and the Receptive-Expressive Emergeni Language (REEL) scale were administered to 61 children who were severely or profoundly mentally retarded. The ABS domains and the REEL were readministered 4 years later. The findings generally supported earlier cross-sectional research and thoery. However, this methodology permitted the finding that the earlier score on the ABS domain or REEL was by far the best single predictor of the later score on that same measure, an intuitively obvious, but nevertheless, important finding. The findings were interpreted regarding their implications for theory, practice and methodology.
The Influence of Extracellular Matrix on Gene Expression: Is Structure the Message?

The study of the regulation of gene expression in cultured cells, particularly in epithelial cells, has been both hampered and facilitated by the loss of function that accompanies culture on traditional plastic substrata. Initially, investigations of differentiated function were thwarted by the inadequacy of tissue culture methods developed to support growth of mesenchymal cells. However, with the recognition that the unit of function in higher organisms is larger than the cell itself, and that gene expression is dependent upon cell interactions with hormones, substrata and other cells, came the understanding that the epithelial cell phenotype is profoundly influenced by the extracellular environment. In the last decade research on epithelial cells has centred on culture conditions that recreate the appropriate environment for function with very promising and important results. The investigations into the modulation of phenotype in culture produced not only a better model, but also contributed to a better understanding of the regulation of normal function. Using cultured mammary gland epithelial cells as a primary model of these interactions, our studies of gene expression are based on three premises. (1) That the extracellular matrix (ECM) on which the cells sit is an extension of the cells and an active participant in the regulation of cellular function; i.e. the ECM is an 'informational' entity in the sense that it receives, imparts and integrates structural and functional signals. (2) That ECM-induced functional differentiation in the mammary gland is mediated through changes in cell shape, i.e. that the structure is in large part 'the message' required to maintain differentiated gene expression. (3) That the unit of function includes the cell plus its extracellular matrix; in a larger context, the unit is the organ itself. These tenets and the data presented below are consistent with a model of 'Dynamic Reciprocity', where the ECM is postulated to exert an influence on gene expression via transmembrane proteins and cytoskeletal components. In turn, cytoskeletal association with polyribosomes affects mRNA stability and rates of protein synthesis, while its interaction with the nuclear matrix could affect mRNA processing and, possibly, rates of transcription.
A comparison of aggregate profiles with sediment trap fluxes

Abstract Previous work (by us and other) has shown that sediment trap fluxes do not correlate well with the total particulate mass concentration as determined with a transmissometer. Sediment traps are thought to collect the setting particles in the marine snow size range ( d 〉 0.5mm). Cameras have been developed to quantitatively image particles in the marine snow size range but a correlation between measured flux in sediment traps and large-particle camera (LPC) profiles has not been established. In this study, LPC total particulate volume data are correlated with fluxes measured in sediment traps, indicating that sediment traps sample the large aggregate size range and that the flux is proportional to the concentration and size distribution of large aggregates. Partitioning of the major components of the bulk chemistry indicates that rebound aggregates (particles which do not undergo an appreciable change in their bulk chemistry before resuspension from the seafloor) contribute to aggregate nepheloid layers and increase measured trap fluxes. The bulk chemical composition of material from the deepest sediment traps indicates that downslope advection as well as cross-slope advection and subsequent settling may be amportant pathways for biogenic material to the deep ocean.
Paleomagnetic constraints on Siluro-Devonian Laurentian margin tectonics from northern Appalachian volcanics

Abstract Paleomagnetic analyses of Silurian mafic volcanics from the overstep sequence of sedimentary and volcanic rocks deposited over the Central Mobile Belt of the northern Appalachians provide insight into the mid-Paleozoic tectonic history of the Laurentian margin. Stepwise thermal demagnetization of the subaerial mafic volcanics of the Ludlovian Fivemile Brook Formation of northwestern Maine reveals two ancient high-temperature, dual-polarity remanences. A tilt-corrected mean direction yields an inclination of 41° (σI = 3.9°, N = 4 sites) and the magnetization is interpreted as a near-primary magnetization acquired well before the end of Early Devonian deformation. An in situ mean direction (D = 165°, I = 35°, α95 = 6°, k = 65, N = 10 entries from 8 sites), is interpreted as a secondary overprint with a pole (22°S, 306°E) near the Early Carboniferous segment of the North American apparent polar wander path (APWP). Conglomerate and fold tests of the high-temperature characteristic remanence preserved in Wenlockian subaerial mafic volcanics of the Bryant Point Formation and a red bed of the South Charlo Formation, both of the Chaleur Group of northeastern New Brunswick, constrain paleolatitude and deformational age. The inclination-only fold test peaks at 50% unfolding with a mean inclination of −35° (σI = 8.5°, n = 148). Synfolding acquisition of magnetization is Wenlockian, based on a negative conglomerate test at the base of the section and a positive conglomerate test at the top of the section. Clockwise streaking of site mean directions away from a predominantly northerly declination is consistent with post-middle Wenlockian dextral shear in the Chaleur Bay region. Comparison of a locus of paleomagnetic pole positions with the North American APWP supports a Silurian age of the magnetization of the Chaleur Group. The age and synfolding nature of this remanence furthermore requires that deformation associated with the Acadian orogeny in New Brunswick began by mid-Silurian times. Moreover, inclinations from these units indicate that, within paleomagnetic resolution, there has been no significant latitudinal displacement with respect to stable North America since the Silurian.
A study of the ionic species present in ionic polymerizations. I. Styrene polymerization initiated by stannic chlorides

The polymerization of styrene initiated by stannic chloride in the mixed solvent carbon tetrachloride-ethylene dichloride was carried out between co-axially mounted cylindrical electrodes. The dielectric loss of the polymerizing solution was measured in the frequency range of 104 to 107 cycles per second. The observed dependence of dissipation factor on frequency is interpreted as being indicative of conducting ions in the solution during the reaction. These ions are found only when both monomer and catalyst are present in the solution and not when one or the other is missing. The data also indicate that the concentration of the ions which contribute to the measured dielectric loss is not reduced to zero after completion of the reaction.
Determination of glucose in a biological matrix by multivariate analysis of multiple band-pass-filtered Fourier transform near-infrared interferograms

A multivariate calibration method is described in which Fourier transform near-infrared interferogram data are used to determine clinically relevant levels of glucose in an aqueous matrix of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and triacetin. BSA and triacetin are used to model the protein and triglycerides in blood, respectively, and are present in levels spanning the normal human physiological range. A full factorial experimental design is constructed for the data collection, with glucose at 10 levels, BSA at 4 levels, and triacetin at 4 levels. Gaussian-shaped band-pass digital filters are applied to the interferogram data to extract frequencies associated with an absorption band of interest. Separate filters of various widths are positioned on the glucose band at 4400 cm-1, the BSA band at 4606 cm-1, and the triacetin band at 4446 cm-1. Each filter is applied to the raw interferogram, producing one, two, or three filtered interferograms, depending on the number of filters used. Segments of these filtered interf...
Optimal vibration control with modal positive position feedback

The vibrations of flexible structures are controlled by an optimal modal positive position feedback (OMPPF) algorithm whose control forces are generated by only using modal position signals to provide damping action to undamped structural modes. The suboptimal parameters of the OMPPF controller are obtained by casting the synthesis problem as an optimal control problem with incomplete state feedback. The effectiveness of the algorithm in damping out the vibration of flexible structures is validated experimentally using a cantilevered beam whose multimodes of vibration are controlled by a single piezoelectric actuator.
Constrained variation of molecular geometry using formac

Abstract A technique for introducing geometric constraints into programs which search energy hyper-spaces for minimum energy configurations is presented. A FORMAC program constructs source statements which reflect the desired constraints, for inclusion in a driver search program. The method is illustrated using the Li(H2O)4+ cation.
POLIOVIRUS REPLICONS THAT EXPRESS THE GAG OR THE ENVELOPE SURFACE PROTEIN OF SIMIAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS SIVSMMPBJ14

Abstract Poliovirus genomes encoding the complete gag or env surface gene of the simian immunodeficiency virus SIV smm PBj14 (SIV-PBj14) were constructed. The in vitro -transcribed RNA from these genomes, referred to as replicons, have the capacity for self-replication when transfected into tissue culture cells. Serial passage of the replicons containing the SIV-PBj14 gag or SIV-PBj14 env (SU) genes with a recombinant vaccinia virus, VV-P1, which provides P1 in trans, resulted in the encapsidation of these replicons. Infection of cells with the encapsidated replicons that encode gag, referred to as vIC-SIV-PBj14 Gag, resulted in the production of a 55-kDa protein that was released from the infected cells. Using a sucrose density-gradient analysis, the protein was found to sediment at a density consistent with that of a virus-like particle. Infection of cells with a replicon that encodes the env SU gene, referred to as vIC-SIV-PBj14 SU, resulted in the production of two SIV-PBj14 envelope-related intracellular proteins. One of these proteins had a molecular mass consistent with that of the unglycosylated SIV-PBj14 SU protein (63 kDa); the second protein had a higher molecular mass (>160 kDa). Characterization of this larger protein revealed that it was glycosylated and possibly represented a dimer of the SU protein. A pulse–chase analysis of cells infected with vIC-SIV-PBj14 SU demonstrated that a 110- to 130-kDa protein was released, which is consistent with the molecular mass of the SIV-PBj14 SU protein. The results of these studies demonstrate that poliovirus replicons can be used to express foreign proteins, including glycoproteins, which retain many of the physical features of the native protein.
Abstract 2430: Targeting estrogen-related receptor alpha using pyrrole-imidazole polyamide

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα), an orphan nuclear receptor, is a prominent regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and function. We previously showed that liver-specific PTEN deletion and the subsequent activation of PI3K/AKT pathway lead to tumorigenesis. Here we show that Pten-null hepatocytes established from Pten-null mice exhibit dramatically increased ERRα expression, accompanied by elevated mitochondrial mass, cellular oxygen consumption and reactive oxygen species production. Silencing ERRα by siRNA in Pten-null hepatocytes not only suppresses mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration but also attenuates hepatocytes' proliferation and colony-forming potential. Cohort analyses of clinical datasets from liver tissues revealed a negative correlation between expressions of PTEN and ERRα in patients with liver cancer. Therefore, targeting ERRα might provide therapeutic implication for treating tumors bearing abnormal PTEN-ERRα signaling. ERRα exerts transcriptional activity towards its target genes via binding to consensus DNA sequences named estrogen-related receptor α response elements (ERRE). The DNA-binding activity of ERRα could be modulated by polyamides, a class of synthetic amino acid oligomers capable of binding to DNA minor groove with sequence specificity. By designing and employing polyamide that specifically targets ERRE in Pten-null hepatocytes, we found the mRNA levels of two ERRα target genes, cytochrome c (cyt c) and ATP synthase β (ATP5b), are reduced. Biochemical gel-shift assay showed the binding between ERRα and ERRE is significantly diminished by polyamides in vitro. Moreover, polyamide treatment in hepatocytes reduced mitochondrial respiration and colony-forming ability. In conclusion, our findings show that ERRα is significantly induced via PTEN-AKT signaling pathway and in turn activates mitochondrial bioenergetics, which likely provides growth and survival advantages. The crucial role in mitochondrial metabolism and the association with PTEN signaling make ERRα a useful target for cancer therapy. Synthetic polyamide that disrupts transcription factor-DNA interaction can be utilized to modulate ERRα's activity, highlighting its potential as a future therapeutic target. Citation Format: Yang Li, John Gallagher, Bogdan Olenyuk, Bangyan Stiles, Ankeste Kassa. Targeting estrogen-related receptor alpha using pyrrole-imidazole polyamide. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2430. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2430
Intra-axonal virus in demyelinative lesions of experimental herpes simplex type 2 infection

Abstract Three-week-old mice which had been infected intracerebrally with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) were examined electron-microscopically for the presence of intra-axonal virus in or near optic nerve and spinal cord demyelinative lesions. Acute lesions and their margins frequently contained a very small proportion of abnormal axons, and in a few of these mature virus particles, nucleocapsids, or other incomplete forms were found. A similar range of particle morphology was present in the cytoplasm of infected and degenerating glia. Axons containing similar particles were not identified in fibers in normal white matter surrounding demyelinative lesions. It is proposed that neuronal infection and axonal transport of virus may lead to foci of oligodendroglial infection, destruction and central nervous system (CNS) demyelination near to or remote from the cell bodies of infected neurons. In some instances, the topography of lesions could reflect a tract association. Anatomical features of nervous tissue could favor amplification of demyelination from a relatively minimal neuronal infection, with little evidence of tract degeneration. This hypothesis is consistent with the great predominance of demyelination relative to gray matter disease seen experimentally in non-fatal CNS infections with HSV-2. It would also explain the marked tendency for demyelinative lesions in at least certain CNS locations to be greatly elongated in the long axis of fiber tracts. This mechanism could be of importance in other animal models of virus-induced demyelination, and perhaps also in multiple sclerosis.
Quantitative analysis of exposure of staged orbitozygomatic and retrosigmoid craniotomies for lesions of the clivus with supratentorial extension.

Objective A two-stage approach using orbitozygomatic (OZ) and retrosigmoid (RS) craniotomies is one option for the management of petroclival lesions with supratentorial extension. The goal of this study was to investigate the supratentorial and infratentorial exposures of the clivus obtained through this staged approach. Methods Formalin-fixed, silicon-injected specimens underwent stereotactic imaging. Six paired OZ and RS craniotomies were performed. Neuronavigation was used to determine the areas and limits of exposure and to plot these areas on three-dimensional reconstructions of the skull base. Results The mean area of exposure of the parasellar region and clivus through the OZ craniotomy was 640 +/- 75 mm. Visualization of the parasellar region, cavernous sinus, and upper cranial nerves was achieved. The ventral brainstem corresponding to the cranial quarter of the clivus was visualized. The mean area of exposure of the clivus and petrous bone through the RS was 1930 +/- 250 mm. In the cranial quarter of the clivus, there was a small region of overlap in exposure between the two craniotomies. The limits of exposure are described. Conclusion OZ and RS craniotomies provide complementary exposure with limited redundancy. Significant visualization of the parasellar region, clivus, and surrounding bony landmarks is obtained. The primary limitation is exposure of the contralateral half of Zones II and III of the clivus. This strategy represents a reasonable option for accessing paracentral petroclival lesions with a supratentorial extension.
Thymosin and the spontaneously diabetic BB rat.

The biological basis for autoimmunity and immunoincompetence in the BB rat has yet to be localized. In spite of normal thymic histology, thymocyte subsets and blastogenesis, thymus gland products (thymosins) have yet to be studied. In the present report, thymus gland function was studied by measuring thymosin alpha 1 levels at one time point in the BB rat compared with control rates, and BB rat responses to exogenous thymosin (Thymosin fraction 5) were observed. At five months of age, BB rats had thymosin alpha 1 levels comparable to Lewis and Wistar furth rats. Thymosin fraction 5 increased the ratio of peripheral blood W3/25 positive to OX8 positive cells, but otherwise had no effect on the BB rats' T-cell immunodeficiency, or frequencies of tissue autoantibodies or insulin-dependent diabetes. Although B-lymphocyte counts were normal in BB rats, splenocyte responses to B-lymphocyte mitogens were depressed. However, thymosin fraction 5 improved the BB rat B-lymphocyte blastogenesis to near normal for Myc...
The Thermal Expansion of Axial Metals

Abstract The thermal expansion of axial metals is surveyed with particular reference to recent very low temperature data for zinc, cadmium, magnesium, β-tin, indium, bismuth and antimony. For a given solid, the independent thermal expansion coefficients α⊥ and α‖ are conveniently compared at low temperatures by plotting α⊥/T 3 and α‖/T 3 against T. The plots show clearly how contraction in one principal symmetry direction ensues from rapid expansion in the other direction. The Gruneisen functions γ⊥ and γ‖ are discussed for each solid using data from lattice-dynamical models and neutron-diffraction measurements. They show how features of the individual thermal expansions arise from a combination of vibrational, elastic and electronic effects. For these solids and for zirconium, titanium, yttrium and thallium the larger of γ⊥ and γ‖ at high temperatures is that referring to strains in the direction of the stronger forces (judged from the axial ratio). At lower temperatures the inequality reverses, except f...
EXTENDED DAILY EXCHANGE RATES FORECASTS USING WAVELET TEMPORAL RESOLUTIONS

Applying genetic programming and artificial neural networks to raw as well as wavelet-transformed exchange rate data showed that genetic programming may have good extended forecasting abilities. Although it is well known that most predictions of exchange rates using many alternative techniques could not deliver better forecasts than the random walk model, in this paper employing natural computational strategies to forecast three different exchange rates produced two extended forecasts (that go beyond one-step-ahead) that are better than naive random walk predictions. Sixteen-step-ahead forecasts obtained using genetic programming outperformed the one- and sixteen-step-ahead random walk US dollar/Taiwan dollar exchange rate predictions. Further, sixteen-step-ahead forecasts of the wavelet-transformed US dollar/Japanese Yen exchange rate also using genetic programming outperformed the sixteen-step-ahead random walk predictions of the exchange rate. However, random walk predictions of the US dollar/British pound exchange rate outperformed all forecasts obtained using genetic programming. Random walk predictions of the same three exchange rates employing raw and wavelet-transformed data also outperformed all forecasts obtained using artificial neural networks.
Hidden role of trace gas impurities in chemical vapor deposition growth of vertically-aligned carbon nanotube arrays

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grow in a seemingly simple catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, yet the detailed mechanism of the process has continued to puzzle researchers. We have examined the role of trace amounts of gas impurities on the kinetics of atmospheric pressure CVD growth of CNTs. Our studies, which used an in situ height monitoring system, revealed that even the nominally ultrapure gases contain enough trace amounts of oxygen-containing species to affect the growth drastically. We were able to obtain the “clean” kinetics of the CNT array growth by passing the feed gases through the high performance gas purifiers. Our data show a remarkable decrease in the catalytic lifetime after the removal of the trace oxygen containing impurities. We suggest that the gas purification is an essential step in obtaining reliable nanotube growth data.
bcl-xL Is Critical for Dendritic Cell Survival In Vivo

Dendritic cells (DC) are important regulators of immune function, transporting Ags from the periphery to draining lymph nodes (dLN) where they prime Ag-specific T lymphocytes. The magnitude of the immune response generated depends upon the longevity of the Ag-bearing DC in lymphoid tissues. We hypothesized that the control of DC survival is regulated by the antiapoptotic factor bcl-x L . Gene gun immunization of dual-expression DNA vaccines into a bcl-x fl/fl mouse resulted in the delivery of Ag, as well as selective deletion of the bcl-x gene in directly transfected, skin-residing DC. bcl-x-deficient DC failed to mount effective immune responses, and this corresponded to their rapid disappearance from the dLN due to apoptosis. We confirmed these results using RNA interference to specifically silence the antiapoptotic bcl-x L isoform in targeted skin-residing DC of C57BL/6 mice. In addition, delivery of bcl-x L in trans complemented the bcl-x deficiency in DC of bcl-x fl/fl mice, resulting in the maintenance of normal levels of Ag-bearing DC in the dLN. Taken together, our work demonstrates that the bcl-x L isoform is critical for survival of skin-derived, Ag-bearing DC in vivo.
A hybrid switching control strategy for nonlinear and underactuated mechanical systems

This note presents a hybrid switching control strategy for nonlinear and underactuated mechanical systems. Sufficient conditions for constructing the hybrid switching control, stability proof, and experimental results for using the hybrid switching control are given.
Design and analysis of hybrid NEMS-CMOS circuits for ultra low-power applications

Integration of nano-electro-mechanical switches (NEMS) with CMOS technology has been proposed to exploit both near zero-leakage characteristics of NEMS devices along with high ON current of CMOS transistors. The feasibility of integration of NEMS switches into a CMOS process is illustrated by a practical process flow. Moreover, co- design of hybrid NEMS-CMOS as low power dynamic OR gates, SRAM cells, and sleep transistors is explored. Simulation results indicate that such hybrid dynamic OR gates can achieve 60-80% lower switching power and almost zero leakage power consumption with minor delay penalty. However, the hybrid gate outperforms its CMOS counterpart both in terms of delay and switching power consumption with increase in fan-in beyond 12. Additionally, it is shown that the proposed hybrid SRAM cell can achieve almost 8times lower standby leakage power consumption with only minor noise margin and latency cost. Finally, application of NEMS devices as sleep transistors results in upto three orders of magnitude lower OFF current with negligible performance degradation as compared to CMOS sleep switches.
Performance of multiple access channels with asymmetric feedback

Channel state feedback at the transmitter is extensively used to increase the reliability of wireless transmissions. In multiuser systems, the downlink capacity to different users is often different due to the near-far effect. We capture this asymmetry by introducing an asymmetric feedback model where different users get a different amount of feedback from the base station. First, we derive the outage probability for the optimum maximum-likelihood receiver which forms an upper bound on the diversity-multiplexing performance. This is accompanied by the conditions under which these bounds can be achieved. Second, we analyze the performance of two popular suboptimal receivers: the spatial decorrelator and the successive interference cancellation receiver. As a special case, when there is no asymmetry, the performance matches feedback-based single-user performance in many scenarios.
Truth and meaning in George Lindbeck's : The Nature of Doctrine

In this essay I analyse and criticize George Lindbeck's treatment of truth and meaning in his book The Nature of Doctrine. After an explication of his general project in this work, I turn specifically to his discussion of truth and of its interaction with his understanding of meaning. Although he is primarily concerned with these issues as they relate to religious doctrines and language, he insists that the distinctions he makes are not religiously derived. Rather, he borrows and adapts widely from philosophy, anthropology and social theory, bringing the insights adopted to bear on the issues of religion generally, and the development and change of religious doctrines in particular.I argue that his treatment of truth and meaning is very problematic on several counts: on truth, his theory fails as an adequate theoretical description of our pretheoretic intuition of truth, and it is finally parasitic on this intuition. On meaning, his reduction of meaning (and sometimes truth) to use or usefulness leads him to an incorrect categorization of doctrines as (essentially) performative utterances and second-order, non-assertive discourse, rather than as propositional attitude statements. I contend that they most properly fit in the latter category. Finally, I suggest the inadequacy of his treatment of truth and meaning redounds to the failure of his theory of religion and doctrine as a whole.
A Remote Sensing Perspective on Shoreline Modification, Canal Construction and Household Trajectories at Pineland along Florida's Southwestern Gulf Coast

In 2011, we initiated a geophysical survey of the Pineland Site Complex. The complex is comprised of two imposing residential midden-mound groups, two sand burial mounds and several linear (and other) middens along previous shorelines, and a canal system that not only integrated features within the site complex, but also served to connect it to the interior of Pine Island and beyond. For 25 years, archaeologists associated with the Florida Museum of Natural History have conducted extensive investigations at the Complex, clarifying the site's intertwined environmental and human histories. Our research presented here provides additional data to confirm some of the hypotheses generated by this previous research. The geophysical results support previous ideas regarding formation and occupation of former shorelines by Pineland's early fisher–gatherer–hunters. Second, they provide better definition of a small, later-period secondary canal, a component of the canal system. Most notably, the geophysical survey provides a basis for studying changes in household composition over time via the identification of house patterns in the resulting imaged data. We provide some speculations regarding this shift in residence patterns, suggesting that alterations may have been coeval with environmental changes. These changes may have set the stage for subsequent large-scale cooperative labour projects, such as Pineland's waterways. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface modification to the indium tin oxide (ITO) anodes through plasma oxidized silver for efficient P3HT:PCBM (1:0.8) bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices

Since reporting an improved power conversion efficiency via an increased short-circuit current density with a high fill factor of ∼63% for a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk heterojunction PV devices using surface modifications to the indium tin oxide (ITO) anodes through plasma oxidized silver [Appl. Phys. Lett. 92, 2008, p. 013306], the properties of this thin AgO x were investigated to shed light on the physical mechanism for the measured enhancement. Here, we present the physical, chemical and optical properties of this modified ITO anode using various surface characterization techniques. In particular, we elucidate the role of plasma oxidized thin islanded Ag in the interfacial energy level and its chemical bonding interfacial morphology using the Kelvin-prove technique and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Analysis of Nonlinear Transition Shift and Write Precompensation in Perpendicular Recording Systems

In high density perpendicular magnetic recording channels, nonlinear transition shift (NLTS) is one of the distortions that can degrade the system performance. Write precompensation is a standard method used to combat the negative effect of NLTS. In this paper, we present an analysis of the bit-error-rate (BER) for perpendicular recording systems with NLTS and write precompensation. Media jitter noise and additive white Gaussian noise are also considered in the model. A BER lower bound is derived, as well as a more easily computed estimate of the bound. The write precompensation values that numerically minimize the estimate of the BER lower bound prove to be very close to those found using Monte-Carlo channel simulation. We then apply these methods to the design of multilevel precompensation schemes, for which the optimization of precompensation values by Monte-Carlo channel simulation is computationally infeasible. The results show that for higher recording densities subject to increased ISI and noise, the use of more complex precompensation schemes does not significantly improve the system performance.
Commentary: On ‘public health aspects of weight control’

wayattheHerrickHospitalinBerkeley,toevaluatetheeffectiveness of this method. Groups of 10–25 overweight persons, with a leader from the professional staff, meet regularly over a period of several months. Through the influence and stimulus of the group they attempt to accomplish that which they have not achieved by individualeffortalone–namely, reduction inweight.Althoughthe project has not been completed, preliminary reports by the director, William Simmons, indicate considerable promise from this method. A similar undertaking at the Boston Dispensary of the New England Medical Center has likewise shown encouraging findings. 4 Many other endeavours of this sort are being initiated over the country. It is, of course, too early to judge the ultimate worth of these projects. Such judgement must await continuous follow-up of individuals showing early benefit, as well as longterm follow-up of persons who do not show early improvement but may show long-term benefits. However, the results to date are sufficiently encouraging to justify the more widespread application of this method under proper conditions, including adequate evaluation. In addition to developing control measures based upon present knowledge, it is also important to define more precisely the relationship between over-weight and excessive mortality. There is need for better measures of overweight itself; investigation of the significance of specific nutritional elements such as cholesterol; long-term observation of individuals who gain, maintain, or lose substantial amounts of weight at different periods of life, and many other studies. Practically every member of the public health team has a contribution to make in developing and applying effective methods for weight control. It is now one of our major responsibilities.
The effect of the addition of daily fruit and nut bars to diet on weight, and cardiac risk profile, in overweight adults

Background: The frequency of unhealthful snacking has increased dramatically over the last three decades. Fruits and nuts have been shown to have positive health effects. No study has investigated the aggregate effects of various fruits combined with nuts in the form of snack bars on cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this randomised trial was to investigate the effects of a fruit and nut snack bar on anthropomorphic measures, lipid panel and blood pressure in overweight adults. Methods: Ninety-four overweight adults (body mass index > 25 kg m–2) were randomly assigned to add two fruit and nut bars totalling 1421.9 kJ (340 kcal) to their ad libitum diet (intervention group) or to continue with their ad libitum diet (control group). Subjects underwent assessment for weight (primary outcome measure), as well as waist circumference, lipid panel and blood pressure (secondary outcome measures), before and at the end of the 8-week treatment. Results: Weight did not change from baseline after snack bar addition compared to controls (P = 0.44). Waist circumference (P = 0.69), blood pressure (systolic, P = 0.83; diastolic, P = 0.79) and blood lipid panel (total cholesterol, P = 0.72; high-density lipoprotein, P = 0.11; total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein, P = 0.37; triglycerides, P = 0.89; low-density lipoprotein, P = 0.81) also did not change from baseline compared to controls. Conclusions: Two daily fruit and nut bars, totalling 1421.9 kJ (340 kcal), did not cause weight gain. The role of habitual snacking on nutrient dense and satiating foods on both weight over time, and diet quality, warrants further study. Satiating snacks rich in fibre may provide a means to weight stabilisation.
Film-Cooling Flowfields With Trenched Holes on an Endwall

The leading edge region along the endwall of a stator vane experiences high heat transfer rates resulting from the formation of horseshoe vortices. Typical gas turbine endwall designs include a leakage slot at the combustor-turbine interface as well as film-cooling holes. Past studies have documented the formation of a horseshoe vortex at the leading edge of a vane, but few studies have documented the flowfield in the presence of an interface slot and film-cooling jets. In this paper, a series of flowfield measurements is evaluated at the leading edge with configurations including a baseline with neither film-cooling holes nor an upstream slot, a row of film-cooling holes and an interface slot, and a row of film-cooling holes in a trench and an interface slot. The results indicated the formation of a second vortex present for the case with film-cooling holes and a slot relative to the baseline study. In addition, turbulence intensity levels as high as 50% were measured at the leading edge with film-cooling holes and a slot compared with the 30% measured for the baseline study. A trench was shown to provide improved overall cooling relative to the no trench configuration as more of the coolant stayed attached to the endwall surface with the trench.
On-line accuracy assessment for the dual six-port ANA: Statistical methods for random errors

A basic property of a measurement process is that repeated observations of the same quantity will not give identical results due to the presence of random errors. In order to assess the effects of random errors in our measurement process, we need to build in redundancy. This paper presents a brief summary of the statistical methods used to evaluate the random errors in dual six-port measurements of reflection coefficient and scattering parameters.
Unsupervised Template Learning for Fine-Grained Object Recognition

Fine-grained recognition refers to a subordinate level of recognition, such as recognizing different species of animals and plants. It differs from recognition of basic categories, such as humans, tables, and computers, in that there are global similarities in shape and structure shared cross different categories, and the differences are in the details of object parts. We suggest that the key to identifying the fine-grained differences lies in finding the right alignment of image regions that contain the same object parts. We propose a template model for the purpose, which captures common shape patterns of object parts, as well as the cooccurrence relation of the shape patterns. Once the image regions are aligned, extracted features are used for classification. Learning of the template model is efficient, and the recognition results we achieve significantly outperform the state-of-the-art algorithms.
Review Of Gender Differences In Learning Styles: Suggestions For STEM Education

Women have made great strides in baccalaureate degree obtainment, out numbering men by over 230,000 conferred baccalaureate degrees in 2008. However, the proportion of earned degrees for women in some of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses continues to lag behind male baccalaureate completions (National Science Foundation, 2010). In addition, according to the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT), only 21% of information and computer science degrees were awarded to women in 2006 (NCWIT, 2007). In the past decade, higher education has experienced a rapid decline in the number of women involved in the information sciences, particularly computer science (Bank, 2007). A number of social and educational factors have been considered barriers to women entering STEM fields and this area has been well studied in the literature. However, research examining the relationship between gender differences and learning styles in the context of these technical fields is limited. According to Kolb (1976), people decide on a major based on how well the norms of the major fit with their individual learning styles. This paper presents gender differences in learning styles and recommends teaching methodologies most preferred for female learners in STEM courses. Further, a survey was administered to ascertain the extent the results of this study support previous findings.
Porous Al2 O 3 Nanogeometry Sensor Films: Growth and Analysis

Material studies of thin films of porous anodized Al 2 O 3 have been undertaken to determined their applicability as sensing films for application on surface acoustic wave sensors. We describe the production of these films including their growth parameters and provide an analysis of their crystal morphology. These films were then exposed to various concentrations of analyte and their surface area determined using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller- type analysis. Finally, the surface area as a function of anodization potential is provided for the films.
A move away from high-stakes testing toward comprehensive competency

Abstract The topic of high-stakes testing has received much attention over the last several years. High-stakes testing in many nursing programs has been linked to progression, graduation, and National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse pass rates. Although the argument can be made that the use of high-stakes testing is successful in identifying students who are most likely to pass National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse, the added stress and pressure on nursing students can affect performance, and high-stakes testing may not be a true indicator of a student's ability. Nursing programs should identify ways through curriculum improvements and faculty development to maintain pass rates without the added stress and pressure on students of high-stakes testing. This article will discuss the processes utilized by an associate degree nursing program in a metropolitan university to move away from high-stakes testing to a model of comprehensive competency, while still utilizing standardized testing in a senior capstone course.
International Decisions: Medellin v. Texas

In Medellin v. Texas, 128 S.Ct. 1346 (2008), a 6-3 majority of the U.S. Supreme Court held that the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Avena case (Mex. v. U.S.), 2004 ICJ Rep. 12 (Mar. 31), was not automatically binding as domestic law within the United States, and that the president, absent a congressional act, lacked the power to enforce the Avena decision against U.S. states. The ICJ had decided in Avena that with regard to 51 Mexican nationals on death rows in ten U.S. states, the United States was in breach of its obligations under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to provide consular notification to foreign nationals who are detained or arrested, and that the United States must provide “review and reconsideration” of the convictions and sentences of those 51 individuals. Petitioner Jose Medellin had argued that as one those named in Avena, he was entitled to review of his state conviction and sentence because Avena preempted contrary Texas state law and also because Texas was bound by a February 2005 memorandum from President Bush stating U.S. intent to comply with Avena. The Supreme Court rejected Medellin’s claim, holding that “neither Avena nor the President’s Memorandum constitutes directly enforceable federal law that pre-empts state limitations on the filing of successive habeas petitions” (p. 1348).The Court analyzed the effect of three U.S. treaty obligations triggered by the petitioner’s request for relief under Avena: the Optional Protocol of the Vienna Convention, which provides the basis for ICJ jurisdiction over disputes arising out of the application or interpretation of the Convention; Article 94 of the UN Charter; and the ICJ Statute itself. The Court did not rely on the text of the Vienna Convention to determine whether Avena overrides state procedural rules, because the Court had already decided that any rights under Article 36 do not preclude application of state procedural bar rules (p. 1361 n.8).13 Moreover, the Court distinguished the obligations created under a treaty from those created by a judgment rendered pursuant to a treaty. None of the three treaties in question has been incorporated by statute into federal law. The Court concluded that the treaties themselves were not self-executing and consequently that, absent implementing legislation, they cannot be given effect by the Court.
A tale of two cultures: Cross-disciplinary perspectives in the care of older adults with combined visual and medical disabilities

A comparison of the vision rehabilitation and medical rehabilitation systems suggests that, despite the distinct professional cultures that have evolved around them over the past 50 years, their commonalities are more notable than their differences. The older adult, who frequently develops simultaneous visual and medical disabilities, demands a greater degree of cooperation between these systems, than that required for the younger client who was the primary focus of the rehabilitation paradigm in the years following World War II. This article includes guidelines for practitioners that should help them achieve a more comprehensive approach to their elderly visually impaired clients.
The Pharmacy Supervisor and the Employee Pharmacist's Job Satisfaction

It seems obvious that satisfaction with one's immediate supervisor would have a significant impact on one's general job satisfaction. However, this relationship has received little attention in the pharmacy literature. This study was designed to determine 1) whether there are differences in job-related satisfaction between pharmacists whose immediate supervisors are pharmacists and those whose supervisors are not pharmacists, and 2) whether the occurrence of conflict between a pharmacist and his or her immediate supervisor is related to the employee pharmacist's job and career satisfaction. The most pronounced finding was the importance of supervisors being pharmacists: satisfaction on five of six satisfaction subscales was related to whether one's supervisor was a pharmacist. Moreover, pharmacists who had the fewest conflicts and disagreements with their supervisors were more satisfied with their choice of pharmacy as a career, their employers, their supervisors, and their jobs.