cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Visual “Confusability” of High-frequency Words

This study examines the visual “confusability” of selected high-frequency words. Beginning readers were presented 120 words in a match-to-sample task in an attempt to provide data on the relative discriminability of each. The results indicate these young subjects had mastered this task to a high level of proficiency. Nevertheless, selected words accounted for a majority of the confusions. The implications for teachers of beginning readers are discussed.
Interface exploration for reduced power in core-based systems

Reducing power dissipation is becoming more important in the design of embedded systems. Core-based system design opens up the opportunity for exploring different bus interfaces in order to optimize for reduced power. We give a first approach for exploring a range of possible bus configurations, such as width and coding schemes, for a given set of communication channels. Our approach uses power estimation formulas, for fast performance. We use this approach to explore different bus interfaces for a real GPS navigation system in order to select the optimal bus interface for minimum power consumption.
Steady-State Discharge to a Partially Penetrating Artesian Well: An Electrolyte-Tank Model Studya

A systematic investigation of the steady-state discharge to wells that partially penetrate a homogeneous and isotropic non-leaky artesian aquifer was made using an electrolyte-tank model. The experimental results were compared with the discharge calculated by methods developed by several previous writers. This comparison showed that the formula of Li, Bock, and Benton (1954) gave the most reliable results over the widest range of the appropriate geometric variables.
Engineering initiatives in nuclear reactor regulation

Abstract In this paper relevant engineering initiatives that are currently being developed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to enhance regulatory effectiveness are described. The broad issues addressed are: Piping Design and Non-Destructive Examination, Pressurized Thermal Shock, Containment Integrity During Severe Accidents, and Equipment Qualification.
EFFECTS OF DIETARY SODIUM ON SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM CONTROL OF CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION

The body of information which characterizes the adaptations in sympathetic nervous system control of cardiovascular function that occur in response to changes in dietary sodium intake is rapidly expanding. Multiple sites within the nervous system have been shown to be sensitive to variations in sodium availability, including the baroreceptors, cardiovascular regulatory centres in the brain, and the peripheral sympathetic neurones. In addition, dietary sodium is known to influence the level of activity of hormonal systems which are capable of modulating sympathetic neuronal function. The hormonal system that has been most widely investigated with respect to interactions with sympathetic neurones is the renin-angiotensin system. Other hormonal systems such as the prostaglandins, kinins, and natriuretic hormone have also been linked to sodium homeostasis. However, much less is known about their role in modulating sympathetic activity in response to alterations in sodium intake. Further elucidation of the interactions between dietary sodium and sympathetic neural control of the cardiovascular system should add significantly to our understanding of the mechanisms involved in cardiovascular regulation.
Anatomical complexity in breast parenchyma and its implications for optimal breast imaging strategies

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the anatomical noise in breast images using a mathematically derived parameterβ as a surrogate for detection performance, across the same patient cohort but in different imaging modalities including mammography,tomosynthesis, and breast CT. Methods: Women who were scheduled for breast biopsy were approached for participation in this IRB and HIPPA-compliant investigation. A total of 23 women had all views of each modality and represent the cohort studied in this investigation. Imagedata sets across all modalities were analyzed using 1000 regions of interest per image data set, and the anatomical noise power spectrum, NPS a (f), was computed and averaged for each breast image data set. After windowing the total noise power spectrum NPS t (f) to a specific frequency range corresponding to anatomical noise, the power-law slope (β) of the NPS a (f) was computed where NPS a (f) = α f − β . Results: The value ofβ was determined for breast CTdata sets, and they were 1.75 (0.424), 1.83 (0.352), and 1.79 (0.397), for the coronal, sagittal, and axial views, respectively. For tomosynthesis,β was 3.06 (0.361) and 3.10 (0.315) for the craniocaudal (CC) and medial lateral oblique (MLO) views, respectively. For mammography, these values were 3.17 (0.226) and 3.30 (0.236), for the CC and MLO views, respectively. The values of β for breast CT were significantly different than those for tomosynthesis and mammography (p < 0.001, all 12 comparisons). Conclusions: Based on the parameterβ which is thought to describe anatomical noise in breast images, breast CT was shown to have a statistically significant lower β than mammography or tomosynthesis. It has been suggested in the literature that a lower β may correspond to increased cancer detection performance; however, this has yet to be demonstrated unequivocally.
Pulsed Elkctromagnetic Fields and Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in Cat

The effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on peripheral nerve regeneration was assessed in 15 cats by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). After transection and repair of one common peroneal (CP) nerve, animals received PEMF as pulse bursts (B-PEMF), as repetitive pulses (R-PEMF), or served either as treatment (TC) or non-treatment (NTC) controls. the distribution of HRP-labeled CP motoneurons in the spinal cord ipsilateral to the repaired nerve was similar to the unoperated side in all of the cats. However, significantly fewer cells contained HRP on the repaired, as compared to the unoperated side in NTC and R-PEMF animals. In cat3 receiving B-PEMF, labeled CP neurons on the side of nerve repair averaged over 90% of the numbers found ipsilateral to the unoperated nerve. these results suggest that B-PEMF can increase the numbers of motoneurons that reestablish appropriate connections after surgical transection and repair of peripheral nerves.
Use of Medicare claims data to estimate national trends in stroke incidence, 1985-1991.

Although stroke mortality has been declining in the United States for decades, recent trends in stroke incidence based on national data have not been described. We used Medicare hospitalization data to estimate national trends in the incidence of stroke among Americans aged 70 years or older, and we provide evidence of the validity of the estimate.We defined stroke as a principal diagnosis with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes 430 to 434 or 436 to 437. We excluded many recurrent cases from the analysis by eliminating persons hospitalized for stroke during the 5 years preceding the index stroke. We calculated annual adjusted incidence rates and examined trends graphically. We investigated the effect of different exclusion periods, trends in in-hospital mortality of stroke patients, and trends in out-of-hospital stroke mortality. We examined trends in relation to sex, race, and age.The estimated age- and sex-adjusted stroke incidence declined 9.5% from 1985...
On the Performance of Some Multinomial Classification Rules

Abstract This article presents and discusses a new multinomial classification procedure based on a discrete distributional distance. Its performance along with other commonly used classification procedures is assessed through Monte Carlo sampling experiments under different population structures. In addition to reporting results consistent with the work of Gilbert (1968) and Moore (1973), the article describes sampling experiments which show that the new distance procedure is generally superior, in terms of both the mean actual and mean apparent errors, to the usual full multinomial rule in situations of disproportionate sample sizes.
Excitation of resonance-like structures in low-energy heavy-ion collisions by quasi-free scattering

Abstract We consider quasi-free scattering of the projectile with a cluster of a few nucleons as a possible origin of the gross structures observed in 40 Ca on 40 Ca and 63 Cu on 63 Cu reactions at 400 and 450 MeV incident energy. It is found that the model reproduces the structures by making reasonable assumptions concerning the heavy-ion trajectory under the influence of the Coulomb and nuclear potentials.
Small Bowel Perforation by a Clinically Unsuspected Fish Bone: Laparoscopic Treatment and Review of Literature

Despite the relative common incidence of accidental foreign body ingestion in the general population, foreign bodies are estimated to only infrequently result in intestinal perforation or other complications. Bowel perforations resulting from unintentional foreign body ingestion are exceedingly difficult to diagnose preoperatively, and often, the patient has no memory of foreign body ingestion. In contrast, intentional foreign body ingestions are more commonly associated with malingering in prisoners and psychiatric patients. Psychiatric disorders such as psychosis, pica, and severe personality disorders are also associated with intentional foreign body ingestion. Symptoms of unrecognized foreign body ingestion may mimic those of appendicitis or diverticulitis, resulting in diagnostic uncertainty. Clinically unsuspected accidental foreign body ingestions may be difficult to diagnose based on physical examination and standard diagnostic techniques. Multiple case reports and series have evaluated intestinal perforation due to clinically unsuspected foreign bodies. Although radiographic imaging using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) occasionally identifies the ingested foreign body, ingested foreign body perforations are more commonly diagnosed during laparotomy for an acute abdomen. Few instances of completely laparoscopic treatment of ingested foreign body resulting in bowel perforation have previously been reported. The present report evaluates an instance of a clinically unsuspected foreign body perforation of the small bowel by a dietary fish bone in a high-risk surgical candidate. The merits of a combined diagnostic approach of radiologic imaging and laparoscopic surgical exploration are highlighted. This technique allows rapid diagnosis and therapeutic intervention while minimizing risk in patients with elevated preoperative risk.
Effect of production cost on shelf life

We consider a manufacturing system which produces a family of items and the production policy of the system is to produce all items in every production cycle. Some items can be stored in the inventory only for a certain shelf-life period which may be shorter than the production cycle time. If such problem arises, then the cycle-time period for which an item is stored in the inventory has to be reduced to less than or equal to the shelf life of that item to accommodate the feasible schedule. This storage time can be reduced by frequent replenishment of the items and consequently reducing the inventory held up in the store. This objective may be achieved by reducing either the total cycle time or the production rate, or by using a mix of reduced cycle time and production rate. This paper focuses on deciding the best of the first two known options: to reduce the production rate or to reduce the cycle time; the third option is not addressed here because of its complexity. An optimum quantity and its correspon...
Mycosporine-alanine: A self-inhibitor of germination from the conidial mucilage ofColletotrichum graminicola

Abstract On soft substrata conidia of Colletotrichum graminicola germinated by the formation of germ tubes, whereas on hard, hydrophobic substrata they germinated by the formation of appressoria. Regardless of the substratum, conidia did not germinate at high conidium concentrations, suggesting the presence of an endogenous self-inhibitor. Bioassays to test for the inhibition of germination demonstrated the presence of a low-molecular-weight self-inhibitor in the mucilage which surrounds conidia as they are produced in acervuli. The inhibitory material exhibited an absorbance maximum of 310 nm, indicating that it is a member of the mycosporine family of compounds. The inhibitor was purified to homogeneity and shown by mass spectrometric analysis to have a molecular mass consistent with the structure corresponding to mycosporine-alanine.
Characteristics and outcomes of work-related open globe injuries

Purpose To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients treated for open globe injuries sustained at work and to compare these results to patients injured outside of work. Design Retrospective chart review of 812 consecutive patients with open globe injuries treated at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary between 1999 and 2008. Methods A total of 146 patients with open globe injuries sustained at work were identified and their characteristics and outcomes were compared with the rest of the patients in the database. Results Of the patients injured at work, 98% were men, and the average age of the patients was 35.8 years (17–72 years). The most common mechanism of injury was penetrating trauma (56%); 38 patients examined had intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB). Nine work-related open globe injuries resulted in enucleation. There was a higher incidence of IOFBs ( P = .0001) and penetrating injuries ( P = .0005) in patients injured at work. Both the preoperative ( P = .0001) and final best-corrected visual acuity ( P = .0001) was better in the work-related group. The final visual acuity was better than 20/200 in 74.1% of cases of work-related open globe injuries. However, there was no difference observed in the rate of enucleations ( P = .4). Conclusions Work-related injuries can cause significant morbidity in a young population of patients. Based on average patient follow-up and final visual acuity, those injured at work do at least as well as, if not potentially better than, those with open globe injuries sustained outside of work. While the statistically higher rate of IOFB in the work population is not surprising, it does emphasize the importance of strict adherence to the use of eye protection in the workplace.
Endomyocardial biopsy in the USA

The rather widespread adoption of endomyocardial biopsy in the USA has occurred mainly due to newer and safer techniques and the need to study more completely an increasingly prevalent population of patients presenting with idiopathic myocardial disease. Investigators caution, however, that without firmer knowledge the technique of biopsy may be limited to detection of allograft rejection, grading of anthracycline toxicity, and uncovering of occasional, very rare myocardial conditions, a few of which are treatable. Myocarditis, in particular, is the subject of much interest and at the same time, much controversy. Many feel that myocarditis is quite common, but figures show that incidence varies greatly depending upon pathologic interpretation. For this reason, a consensus opinion as to diagnostic histopathologic criteria is being generated by expert workers in the field. In addition, several workers are attempting to develop broader and deeper probes into ways in which biopsy tissue may be used. These include immunochemical staining, enzymatic and biochemical measurements, quantitative techniques using electron microscopy, and the in vitro use of biopsy-obtained myocardium for studies in mechanical function, beta-adrenergic receptor profiles, and immunologic reactions. Further development of instruments continues. This includes the use of a special sheath to allow sampling from the right ventricular septal endomyocardium from femoral vein access. Also, a disposable bioptome assembly is now marketed. The original Stanford-developed internal jugular approach remains the most well-known and widely practiced technique.
Postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) response is positively associated with changes in neuronal activity of brain areas implicated in satiety and food intake regulation in humans

Postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion can act as a meal termination signal in animals and humans. We tested the hypothesis that the postprandial changes in plasma GLP-1 concentrations are associated with changes in the human brain activity in response to satiety by performing a post-hoc analysis of a cross-sectional study of neuroanatomical correlates of hunger and satiation using (15)O-water positron-emission tomography (PET). Forty-two subjects (22M/20F, age 31+/-8 years) spanning a wide range of adiposity (body fat: 7-44%) were included in this analysis. Outcome measures included changes in PET-measured regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and plasma concentrations of GLP-1, glucose, insulin, and free-fatty acids (FFA), elicited by the administration of a satiating amount of a liquid formula meal. The peak postprandial increases in plasma GLP-1 concentrations were correlated with increases in rCBF in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (including the left middle and inferior frontal gyri), previously implicated in PET studies of human satiation, and the hypothalamus, previously implicated in the regulation of food intake in animal and human studies, both before and after adjustment for sex, age, body fat, and changes in plasma glucose, insulin, and serum FFA concentrations. The postprandial GLP-1 response is associated with activation of areas of the human brain previously implicated in satiation and food intake regulation.
Rotifer study as a way of life

When Claudia Ricci asked me to present a review of my research program on rotifers at the Fifth International Rotifer Symposium I was puzzled about what to do because I did not think I had a program. All my life various opportunities have come up and I have gone along step-by-step, doing whatever seemed most interesting at the time, within the normal constraints of existence. In fact, when I look back now I can see a sort of pattern, but it was not the result of planning. Apparently there was some selection on my part from a random assortment of opportunities.
Moonlet Collisions and the Effects of Tidally Modified Accretion in Saturn's F Ring

Abstract We both test and offer an alternative to a meteoroid bombardment model (M. R. Showalter 1998, Science282, 1099–1102) and suggest that anomalous localized brightenings in the F ring observed by Voyager result from disruptive collisions involving poorly consolidated moonlets, or “rubble piles.” This model can also explain the transient events observed during ring plane crossing. We have developed an evolutionary model that considers both the competing effects of accretion and disruption at the location of the F ring. Our numerical model is a Markov process where probabilities of mass transfer between the states of the system form a “transition matrix.” Successive multiplications of this matrix by the state vector generate expectation values of the distribution after each time step as the system approaches quasi-equilibrium. Competing effects of accretion and disruption in the F ring are found to lead to a bimodal distribution of ring particle sizes. In fact, our simulation predicts the presence of a belt of kilometer-sized moonlets in the F ring. These moonlets may continually disrupt one another and re-accrete on short time scales. We also agree with J. N. Cuzzi and J. A. Burns (1988, Icarus74, 284–324), who suggest that the classical F ring itself may be the consequence of a relatively recent collision between two of the largest of these yet unseen objects. Cassini observations can confirm the existence of the moonlet belt by directly observing these objects or the waves they create in the rings.
Discontinuous solutions for a non-parametric variational problem

For a fixed end point problem in (n+1)-space with integrand function there are discussed certain necessary conditions that are satisfied by a minimizing arc having one or more corners. Firstly, there is clarified the type of minimum for which the continuity of the function across corners is a necessary condition, since various authors have erroneously stated that this is a necessary condition for a weak relative minimum. There are discussed two methods by which one may establish the necessity of the continuity of this function in the case of a strong relative minimum. The more comprehensive method is that employed many years ago by the author in the study of discontinuous solutions for the non-parametric problem of Mayer. For the problem herein considered there is presented the second order condition involving the non-negativeness of the second variation along a non-singular extremaloid on the class of so-called generalized admissible variations vanishing at the end-values, including a discussion of conju...
Development and Demonstration of an Explicit Lumped-Parameter Biofilter Model and Design Equation Incorporating Monod Kinetics

Abstract Biofiltration is an economical air pollution control (APC) technology, particularly suitable for the treatment of air-streams having high flow rates and low concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This technology utilizes enzymatic catalysis at ambient conditions to mineralize such pollutants to CO2, H2O, and salts. A pilot-scale study conducted for more than 4 years investigated the development of a new biofiltration technology employing trickle bed air biofilters (TBABs). Following the completion of this experimental study, additional data analysis was performed to develop a simple lumped-parameter biofilter model, assuming first-order kinetics. This model related the observed biofilter performance to the principle independent physical, thermodynamic, and biochemical parameters. The initial model has subsequently been expanded to incorporate Monod kinetics. In this paper, the development and use of the final explicit lumped-parameter biofilter model and design equation, incorporati...
Increased immunoreactivity of apolipoprotein B epitopes during prolonged storage of low density lipoproteins.

Human low density lipoproteins (LDL) serve as the major carriers of plasma cholesterol. LDL are heterogeneous in their lipid content, size and density [l] and certain LDL subspecies may increase risk of atherosclerosis [l], possibly due to differences in the conformation of apolipoprotein (APO) B in the particle. Attempts to determine the structural organization of Apo B in LDL have been largely frustrated due to the extreme insolubility and aggregation of delipidated apo B. More recent investigations have utilized monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) [2,3] to probe apo B structure in LDL. A number of these investigations have established that apo B is immunochemically heterogeneous [2,3] and that alterations in the lipid [2] or protein [3] components of LDL result in changes in immunoreactivity. In the present study we report our finding that the LDL isolated from some, but not all, individuals show a time related increase in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) rates for three monoclonal antibodies.
Primordial prevention of cardiovascular disease through applied genetics.

Abstract Primordial prevention might be considered prevention of the development of disease at its earliest stages or early intervention on risk factors to eliminate increased risk in the first place. In this review we consider how knowledge of genetic causes of early cardiovascular disease can lead to directed screening and better treatment of high risk individuals. While gene therapy would be the most “primordial” approach to prevention of some diseases such as familial hypercholesterolemia, its practical application remains on the horizon. Nevertheless, there is much we can do now to prevent early deaths in genetically high risk patients. Here we consider epidemiology as the parent discipline for applied genetics and as integral to primordial prevention. With new knowledge of special susceptibility and new understanding of the interaction of genetics and exposures, prevention of individual high-risk in the first place is realizable. We summarize here the known and candidate genes influencing atherosclerosis, hypertension, and thrombosis; their diagnosis; and some useful preventive approaches. MEDPED, an international scheme for detection of risk in medical pedigrees, is described, along with the cost and social implications of its application as a preventive strategy.
A Warning about Early Warning

Interest in the concept of “early warning” for earthquakes is increasing rapidly. The Japanese announced their version of a public system last fall. In the United States, algorithms are being developed and tests formulated to assess earthquake early warning systems in order to determine their relative merits and help improve their speed and reliability. At last fall's American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting there were no fewer than 40 papers devoted to technical aspects of earthquake early warning. The simple concept of detecting a large earthquake soon enough after its origin to warn distant communities before strong shaking begins is easy to grasp. For the most part the basic scientific knowledge exists, and the technology to implement it is rapidly becoming a reality. But is the breakneck speed at which the technology is developing going to outstrip its real usefulness in a complex, multidimensional world? Better escape routes and a seismologically based early warning system were chosen as more politically acceptable alternatives. Unfortunately, with these options in place and no effective zoning for future land use, developers saw the now “protected,” flat, 500-year-old lahar deposits as easy and cheap building sites for subdivisions. Earthquake early warning is not the first type of early warning to be used for natural hazards. It might be instructive to examine the track records for other early warning systems to help anticipate problems in their future use for earthquakes. Of course, the difference between prediction and early warning is very clear for earthquakes, but for slowly developing hazards such as hurricanes these grade into one another. For our purposes, once an event is underway, early warning in order to mitigate consequences is the relevant technology. Unfortunately the success of prediction technology is inversely proportional to the speed of the damaging elements. Forecasters can warn us about …
Differences between blacks' and whites' expectations of control by chance and powerful others.

Black and white college students (N = 194) completed the Internal, Powerful Others, and Chance locus of control scales. Findings indicated that students from low-income families had stronger perceptions that their lives were controlled by chance forces than wealthier students (p < .05). Analyses of covariance controlling for level of socioeconomic status showed that blacks scored significantly higher than whites in their perception of control by powerful others (p < .05) and chance forces (p < .001).
cAMP-enhancing agents "permit" stimulus-secretion coupling in canine pancreatic islet beta-cells.

Isolated canine islets of Langerhans differ from isolated islets of other species (including rodents and man) in that elevated glucose concentrations are unable to stimulate insulin secretion. Here we demonstrate that addition to the perifusate of isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), forskolin or 8-CPT-cAMP, all of which enhance cytosolic cAMP, permits insulin secretion in response to glucose, leucine or tolbutamide. These cAMP enhancers increase secretogogue-induced electrical activity in β-cells and restore depolarization-induced, Ca2+-dependent granule exocytosis measured as stepwise increases in membrane capacitance. We propose that the primary permissive action of cAMP is to tightly link Ca2+ entry to insulin granule release, while a secondary action is to tighten the link between glucose metabolism and cell depolarization.
Pole-by-Pole d-q Model of a Linear Induction Machine

The concept of d-q coupled circuits representing stator and rotor magnetic poles is widely used in the analysis of symmetrical round-rotor induction machines. In this paper conventional round-rotor theory is extended to the analysis of linear induction machines. In particular, a tenth order set of differential equations are derived which describe a basic model for a four pole machine. Higher order systems of equations are discussed which better incorporate leading and trailing end effects. The parameters used in the model are readily derived from classical round-rotor theory. The resulting model is inherently capable of simulating both steady-state and transient behavior.
Securing the middle ground: Reporter formulas in 60 minutes

Amid situation comedies, cop shows, and prime time “soaps,” CBS’ 60 Minutes became a hit during the mid‐1970s. Critics since have tried to account for the meaning of a popular news show. In great part, the meanings of 60 Minutes reside in its story formulas. Reporters perform as detectives, analysts, and tourists in order to mediate narrative tension and construct a mythology for Middle America. What 60 Minutes offers us from week to week is a cultural center, a sense of place. Embedded in its news is the power of metaphor and formula to both transform and deform experience, to secure a middle ground for audiences, and to build unified meanings in and for a pluralistic culture.
Synaptic organization of dorsal area of the turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans.

Abstract The dorsal ventricular ridge is a subcortical structure receiving sensory information from the thalamus in reptiles. In the red-eared turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans, it contains four cytoarchitectonic areas each characterized by distinct thalamic projections. This is an electron microscopic study of one of these, the dorsal area, which receives its thalamic input from the tectorecipient nucleus rotundus. It contains four concentric zones, internal to the ependymal zone, each of which is distinguished by the distribution of spiny and aspiny neurons. The ependymal zone of dorsal area contains tanycytes whose tails extend into zones 2 and 4. Synapses, usually with asymmetric junctional complexes and round synaptic vesicles, occur on these processes. Zone 1 neurons have fusiform somata and dendrites that parallel the ventricular surface. Their cytoplasm contains rough endoplasmic reticulum located primarily in Nissl bodies, lipofuchsin granules, multivesicular bodies, extensive arrays of Golgi apparatus, and large numbers of mitochondria. Synapses occur mainly on dendritic spines and shafts of zone 1 neurons and less frequently on somata. The majority have round vesicles and asymmetric junctional complexes. In contrast to those in zone 1, neurons in zones 2 and 4 have large amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum, giving their cytoplasm an electron-dense quality. Synapses occur mainly on spines and shafts of zone 2 and 4 neurons. As in zone 1, the majority have round synaptic vesicles and contain asymmetric junctional complexes. Zones 2 and 4 contain clusters of neurons distributed among isolated neurons. The clusters are larger and less frequent in zone 2. Protoplasmic and fibrous glial processes, axon boutons, dendrites, and axon fascicles surround the neuron clusters. Though less numerous, the same structures also occur inside the clusters. Most synapses inside the clusters have round synaptic vesicles, asymmetric junctional complexes, and occur mainly on spines. Some neurons in clusters have somata whose plasma membranes are in direct apposition. In contrast to dorsal ventricular ridge in snakes, no specialized intercellular contacts were seen between somata in clusters.
The Sanctuary Movement and Central American Activism in Los Angeles

The Sanctuary movement of the 1980s combined religious faith and social activism to provide refuge for Central Americans fleeing violence and persecution and to raise awareness of the responsibility associated with U.S. policy in the region. Features of the Los Angeles area, such as its large Latino population, provided support and a sense of community; in this sense the city itself was a sanctuary. The presence of many Central Americans who brought their experience and skills in organizing in their home countries to the development of solidarity and refugee organizations in Los Angeles were also an important resource for the Sanctuary movement. The development of the Sanctuary movement was characterized by the interaction of spiritual ethics and religious practice with activism in raising consciousness and providing legitimacy. The strength of the movement lay particularly in the profound experiences and narratives of refugees, shared through personal connections that spanned cultures and countries.
Coherence Properties Of Pulsed Laser Diodes

Laser Diodes are becoming increasingly attractive for application to time integrating and systolic optical computing architectures where large bandwidths and coherent processing are required. This paper reports the results of a study to determine the interferometric performance of laser diodes when used in a pulsed mode and where the interference effects of many sequential pulses are integrated temporally. The results indicate qat fringe visibility is high for as many as 104 integraged pulses if the OPD in the processor is less than 5 mm and the laser pulse width is less than 50 nsec.
Amplitude, Phase, and Frequency Modulation

This paper presents a comparative theoretical study of amplitude, phase, and frequency modulation. In the first part, the fundamental mathematical expressions for the three types of modulation are derived. They are expressed in three different forms: as amplitude equations, side band equations and modulation vector equations. The amplitude equations indicate the envelope of the radio-frequency directly. The side band equations refer to the number, amplitude, and phase of the side bands produced by modulation. In the modulation vector equations, corresponding side bands are combined in pairs to form a "modulation vector." This is a r-f magnitude, rotating with the angular velocity of the carrier and its amplitude is simultaneously being changed at an audio rate. The main results derived from a discussion of these equations are: In phase and frequency modulation an infinite number of side bands is produced. Amplitude modulation produces but one pair of side bands. In amplitude modulation the modulation vector, representing the first pair of side bands is in phase with the carrier. In phase and frequency modulation, it is 90 degrees out of phase with respect to the carrier. Frequency modulation is equivalent to a phase modulation in which the phase shift is inversely proportional to the audio frequency. By means of the modulation vector, a new vector diagram of the phase modulation is given. In the second part, amplitude modulation is considered in which undesired phase or frequency modulation or a combination of the two takes place simultaneously.
Message Passing for Max-weight Independent Set

We investigate the use of message-passing algorithms for the problem of finding the max-weight independent set (MWIS) in a graph. First, we study the performance of loopy max-product belief propagation. We show that, if it converges, the quality of the estimate is closely related to the tightness of an LP relaxation of the MWIS problem. We use this relationship to obtain sufficient conditions for correctness of the estimate. We then develop a modification of max-product - one that converges to an optimal solution of the dual of the MWIS problem. We also develop a simple iterative algorithm for estimating the max-weight independent set from this dual solution. We show that the MWIS estimate obtained using these two algorithms in conjunction is correct when the graph is bipartite and the MWIS is unique. Finally, we show that any problem of MAP estimation for probability distributions over finite domains can be reduced to an MWIS problem. We believe this reduction will yield new insights and algorithms for MAP estimation.
Lichenoid and granulomatous dermatitis associated with atypical mycobacterium infections.

Background: Lichenoid and granulomatous dermatitis defines a distinctive pattern of cutaneous inflammation that may be part of the morphologic spectrum of idiopathic lichenoid reactions such as lichen planus and as well may be seen with lichenoid drug reactions, endogenous T-cell dyscrasias and as a feature of certain systemic diseases especially Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Results: We encountered three cases of lichenoid and granulomatous dermatitis in which the basis was one of primary cutaneous Mycobacterium infection. In all three cases acid fast stains revealed pathogenic organisms and as well cultures were positive for Mycobacterium kansasii in one case and Mycobacterium marinum in another. Other features included a prominent perineural and periadnexal lymphocytic infiltrate. Conclusions: The differential diagnosis of lichenoid and granulomatous dermatitis should also encompass primary cutaneous Mycobacterium infection in addition to the other more characteristic entities associated wtih this distinctive reaction pattern. Infection with Mycobacterium induces a TH1 dominant response which would hence produce an infiltrate.
Video game play (Dance Dance Revolution) as a potential exercise therapy in Huntington’s disease: a controlled clinical trial

Objective:To investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a supervised video game exercise program administered via Dance Dance Revolution in individuals with Huntington’s disease.Design:A cross-over, controlled, single-blinded, six-week trial.Setting:Home-based.Participants:Eighteen ambulatory individuals with Huntington’s disease (seven male, mean age 50.7 SD 14.7).Interventions:Participants played the Dance Dance Revolution game with supervision and the handheld game without supervision for 45 minutes, two days per week for six weeks.Outcome measures:Game play performance and adherence, participant perceptions of the game, safety (vital signs, adverse health changes), spatiotemporal gait measures, Four-Square Step Test, Tinetti Mobility Test, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life – Bref, before and after each intervention.Results:Most participants improved on game play, enjoyed playing the game, and wanted to continue playing after stud...
Global dynamics in neural networks. III

A transform is introduced that maps discrete neural network dynamics to almost everywhere topologically conjugate dynamical systems on the unit interval. In many cases this correspondence gives rise to continuous conjugates, in which case the transform preserves entropy. The transform also allows transfer of many dynamical properties of continuous systems to a large class of infinite discrete neural networks. For instance, it is proved that the network dynamics of very simple classes of neural networks, even with highly symmetric weights and architectures, have chaotic regions of evolution (in the sense of existence of scrambled sets and configurations of arbitrarily large periods). These results raise the possibility of fully modeling parallel computability on real-valued dynamical systems by discrete neural nets. >
Current state of US breastfeeding laws

This study systematically examined state-level laws protecting breastfeeding, including their current status and historical development, as well as identified gaps across US states and regions. The National Conference of State Legislatures summarised breastfeeding laws for 50 states and DC as of September 2010, which we updated through May 2011. We then searched LexisNexis and Westlaw to find the full text of laws, recording enactment dates and definitions. Laws were coded into five categories: (1) employers are encouraged or required to provide break time and private space for breastfeeding employees; (2) employers are prohibited from discriminating against breastfeeding employees; (3) breastfeeding is permitted in any public or private location; (4) breastfeeding is exempt from public indecency laws; and (5) breastfeeding women are exempt from jury duty. By May 2011, 1 state had enacted zero breastfeeding laws, 10 had one, 22 had two, 12 had three, 5 had four and 1 state had laws across all five categories. While 92% of states allowed mothers to breastfeed in any location and 57% exempted breastfeeding from indecency laws, 37% of states encouraged or required employers to provide break time and accommodations, 24% offered breastfeeding women exemption from jury duty and 16% prohibited employment discrimination. The Northeast had the highest proportion of states with breastfeeding laws and the Midwest had the lowest. Breastfeeding outside the home is protected to varying degrees depending on where women live; this suggests that many women are not covered by comprehensive laws that promote breastfeeding.
Hard-deadline-based frame filtering mechanism supporting the delivery of real-time video streams

This paper describes a cross-layer filtering mechanism which facilitates real-time video frames to meet their stringent decoding deadlines in the existence of network congestion. The basic idea is to remove the dysfunctional video frames, which have missed their decoding deadlines, from transmission as early as possible, since they no longer serve for the functioning of a real-time media streaming application. The filtering mechanism consists of a pair of components which operate at the encoder and the decoder, respectively. The decoder-side component identifies the dysfunctional frames and sends the notifications to the encoder. The encoder-side component removes the identified dysfunctional frames from transmission. By removing dysfunctional frames from transmission, the video frames that are behind the dysfunctional frames are eligible for transmission at an earlier time and are made likely to meet their decoding deadlines. Meanwhile, removing dysfunctional frames from transmission also serves to maintain a stable and low queueing delay. The filtering mechanism relies on a user-space transport stack which enables the application-controlled transmission of data segments. The effectiveness of the filtering mechanism has been demonstrated through experiments in emulated networks.
Rules of engagement: centrosome–nuclear connections in a closed mitotic system

The assembly of a functional mitotic spindle is essential for cell reproduction and requires a precise coordination between the nuclear cycle and the centrosome. This coordination is particularly prominent in organisms that undergo closed mitosis where centrosomes must not only respond to temporal signals, but also to spatial considerations, e.g. switching from the production of cytoplasmic microtubule arrays to the generation of dynamic intra-nuclear microtubules required for spindle assembly. We utilize a gene knockout of Kif9, a Dictyostelium discoideum Kin-I kinesin, to destabilize the physical association between centrosomes and the nuclear envelope. This approach presents a unique opportunity to reveal temporal and spatial components in the regulation of centrosomal activities in a closed-mitosis organism. Here we report that centrosome–nuclear engagement is not required for the entry into mitosis. Although detached centrosomes can duplicate in the cytoplasm, neither they nor nuclei alone can produce spindle-like microtubule arrays. However, the physical association of centrosomes and the nuclear envelope is required to progress through mitosis beyond prometaphase.
Gene-Environment Interaction and Covariation in Schizophrenia: The Role of Obstetric Complications

While genetic factors account for a significant proportion of liability to schizophrenia, a body of evidence attests to a significant environmental contribution. Understanding the mechanisms through which genetic and environmental factors coalesce in influencing schizophrenia is critical for elucidating the pathways underlying psychotic illness and for developing primary prevention strategies. Although obstetric complications (OCs) remain among the most well-documented environmental indicators of risk for schizophrenia, the pathogenic role they play in the etiology of schizophrenia continues to remain poorly understood. A question of major importance is do these factors result from a genetic diathesis to schizophrenia (as in gene-environment covariation), act additively or interactively with predisposing genes for the disorder in influencing disease risk, or independently cause disease onset? In this review, we evaluate 3 classes of OCs commonly related to schizophrenia including hypoxia-associated OCs, maternal infection during pregnancy, and maternal stress during pregnancy. In addition, we discuss several mechanisms by which OCs impact on genetically susceptible brain regions, increasing constitutional vulnerability to neuromaturational events and stressors later in life (ie, adolescence), which may in turn contribute to triggering psychosis.
A computational model for the structure of porous materials employed in catalysis

A computational model for the structure of porous materials such as those employed in catalysis is proposed. The void volume within the solid is considered to be composed of two major arrays of pores, centrally convergent and centrally divergent, respectively, interconnected at specified intervals within the arrays. The exact shape of these arrays is determined uniquely from the volume-area distribution of the porous structure. The model is applied to computation of counterdiffusional flux through a porous solid as measured in a Wicke-Kallenbach experiment. The effects of dead end pores and of mixing on the results are discussed, and comparison with experimental data reported for a particularly well-defined system is given.
The Perils of Positivity

The passion and productivity that characterizes research on positive organizational behavior (POB) is impressive. Yet POB research is accumulating so rapidly that it may exceed what the field's conceptual, methodological, and ideological foundation can bear. I discuss here six concerns prompted by the articles in this special issue. These concerns are (1) the emphasis of positive organizational scholarship on individual-level phenomena, (2) the ahistorical character of POB research and writing, (3) the construct validity of key concepts, (4) over-reliance on a particular research strategy, (5) implicit acceptance of fundamental flaws in how work and organizations are designed, and (6) the seductiveness of new research paradigms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vapor–liquid equilibria of mixtures containing alkanes, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen

New force fields for carbon dioxide and nitrogen are introduced that quantitatively reproduce the vapor–liquid equilibria (VLE) of the neat systems and their mixtures with alkanes. In addition to the usual VLE calculations for pure CO2 and N2, calculations of the binary mixtures with propane were used in the force-field development to achieve a good balance between dispersive and electrostatic (quadrupole–quadrupole) interactions. The transferability of the force fields was then assessed from calculations of the VLE for the binary mixtures with n-hexane, the binary mixture of CO2/N2, and the ternary mixture of CO2 /N2/propane. The VLE calculations were carried out using configurational-bias Monte Carlo simulations in either the grand canonical ensemble with histogram–reweighting or in the Gibbs ensemble.