cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sex Docs: Bellas de noche, Plaza de la Soledad

This chapter contrasts two documentaries by first-time female makers, widely shown at international festivals, which focus on the unexplored topic of sex and aging. Additionally, it offers an account of two of the vedettes of the first film, showgirls of the 1970s who boasted surprisingly durable careers.
Location-Specific Microstructure Characterization Within IN625 Additive Manufacturing Benchmark Test Artifacts

Additive manufacturing (AM) of alloys creates segregated microstructures with significant differences from those of traditional wrought alloys. Understanding how the local build conditions generate specific microstructures is essential for developing post-build heat treatments with the goal of producing parts with reliable and predictable properties. This research examines the position- and orientation-dependent microstructures within IN625 Additive Manufacturing Benchmark Test specimens, including three-dimensional AM builds and individual laser traces on bare metal plates. Detailed characterizations of the solidification microstructures, compositional heterogeneities, grain structures and orientations, and melt pool geometries are described.
1 – The Model and Its Origins

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces the book as a way of doing psychotherapy. The approach is strategic solution focused therapy, a model that combines the principles and techniques of two other models, brief strategic therapy and solution focused therapy. It describes the “parent” models and introduces the combined approach. The current approach combines strategic therapy's emphasis on clarification of problems with solution focused therapy's emphasis on amplification of solutions. The principles that guide strategic solution focused therapy can be summarized as a three-part theory. The first and third points come primarily from brief strategic therapy, whereas the second comes primarily from solution focused therapy. Brief strategic therapy was developed at the Mental Research Institute (MRI). The purpose of MRI brief strategic therapy is to resolve the original complaint to the client's satisfaction. Solution focused therapy began as a variant on the MRI approach. Within the field of systemic therapy, brief strategic therapy and solution focused therapy have each become separate, well-respected models, increasingly different from each other. Both strategic therapy and solution focused therapy are described as “minimalist” approaches because the focus in each is on creating a small initial change that will lead to greater change.
Hydrogel Properties May Influence Mesenchymal Stem Cell Lineage Progression Through Modulating GAPDH Activity

Cell traction forces, biochemical signals, and cell metabolism are each known to regulate mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation. Biomaterials have therefore been designed to manipulate cell traction force (via their viscoelasticity and adhesion ligands) to guide MSC fate decisions. Similarly, the type and density of biochemical signals presented by a material have been tailored to influence MSC differentiation. However, the potential impact of biomaterial properties on regulating MSC differentiation through modulating cell metabolism is relatively unstudied. Here, we present data indicating that hydrogel elastic modulus and mesh size regulate MSC differentiation in part through modulating the activity of the metabolic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Toward this end, we first confirm that the differentiation profile of MSCs cultured in 2D on highly elastic, covalently crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels differs substantially from that of MSCs encapsulated within the same hydrogel formulations, indicating a dependence in 3D on a variable(s) beyond elastic modulus. Further results indicate that the GAPDH activity of MSCs in 3D hydrogels is a function of elastic modulus and mesh size, suggesting that GAPDH activity may be one of these variables. Studies in 2D supported a positive correlation between hydrogel elastic modulus and GAPDH activity. Additionally, inhibition of GAPDH activity on 2D surfaces induced alterations in the profiles of key differentiation markers, indicating that GAPDH activity can impact lineage progression. Cumulatively, these findings suggest that the potential impact of hydrogel properties on cell metabolism should be considered when evaluating biomaterial-driven MSC differentiation. Cell traction forces, biochemical signals, and cell metabolism are each known to regulate mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation. Biomaterials have therefore been designed to manipulate cell traction force (via their viscoelasticity and adhesion ligands) to guide MSC fate decisions. Similarly, the type and density of biochemical signals presented by a material have been tailored to influence MSC differentiation. However, the impact of biomaterial properties on regulating MSC differentiation through modulating cell metabolism is relatively unstudied. Here, we present data indicating that hydrogel elastic modulus and mesh size regulate MSC differentiation in part through modulating the activity of the metabolic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH).
Strong impact of closing schools, closing bars and wearing masks during the Covid-19 pandemic: results from a simple and revealing analysis

Many complex mathematical and epidemiological methods have been used to model the Covid-19 pandemic. Among other results from these models has been the view that closing schools had little impact on infection rates in several countries1. We took a different approach. Making one assumption, we simply plotted cases, hospitalizations and deaths, on a log2 Y axis and a linear date-based X axis, and analyzed them using segmented regression, a powerful method that has largely been overlooked during this pandemic. Here we show that the data fit straight lines with correlation coefficients ranging from 92% - 99%, and that these lines broke at interesting intervals, revealing that school closings dropped infection rates in half, lockdowns dropped the rates 3 to 4 fold, and other actions (such as closing bars and mandating masks) brought the rates even further down. Hospitalizations and deaths paralleled cases, with lags of three to ten days. The graphs, which are easy to read, reveal changes in infection rates that are not obvious using other graphing methods, and have several implications for modeling and policy development during this and future pandemics. Overall, other than full lockdowns, three interventions had the most impact: closing schools, closing bars and wearing masks: a message easily understood by the public.
Quantum simulation of Unruh radiation

The exploration of quantum phenomena in a curved spacetime is an emerging interdisciplinary area at the interface between general relativity1–4, thermodynamics4–6 and quantum information7,8. One famous prediction in this field is Unruh thermal radiation3—the manifestation of thermal radiation from a Minkowski vacuum when viewed in an accelerating reference frame. Here, we report the experimental observation of a matter field with thermal fluctuations that agree with Unruh’s predictions. The matter field is generated within a framework for the simulation of quantum physics in a non-inertial frame, based on Bose–Einstein condensates that are parametrically modulated9 to make their evolution replicate the frame transformation. We further observe long-range phase coherence and temporal reversal of the matter-wave radiation, hallmarks that distinguish Unruh radiation from its classical counterpart. Our demonstration offers a new avenue for the investigation of the dynamics of quantum many-body systems in a curved spacetime. According to the Unruh effect, for an accelerating observer the vacuum is filled with thermal radiation. Experiments now simulate this effect, recreating the statistics of Unruh radiation in the matter-wave field of a Bose–Einstein condensate.
Preparation of excited states for nuclear dynamics on a quantum computer

The authors explore methods for developing excited states for a nuclear system in a quantum computer and apply them to the thermal neutron-proton capture reaction, $n+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}d+\ensuremath{\gamma}$. The applications of this work are a step toward computing nuclear reactions on quantum devices and hold promise for low-energy nuclear theory problems that are hard to solve on classical computers.
Optimal Long-Run Equilibrium Advertising Level for the Blattberg-Jeuland Model

The purpose of this note is to formulate and solve a dynamic optimization problem based on the Blattberg-Jeuland advertising model. Also examined is the behavior of the optimal long-run equilibrium level of advertising with respect to changes in some important parameters of the problem. In particular, a new interesting result, showing that the equilibrium optimal level of advertising for the B-J model is a nonmonotone function of the rate of decay parameter, is derived. That is, the equilibrium optimal level of advertising is an increasing function of the rate of decay for smaller rates of decay and a decreasing function for larger rates of decay than a critical rate of decay. This phenomenon is analogous to a sink effect and is intuitively appealing. It is also shown that the equilibrium optimal level of advertising is a decreasing function of the insertion cost and discount rate parameters. Finally, the framework presented in this note is also useful in analyzing further extensions of the problem solved here.
When Exemptions Discriminate: Unlawfully Narrow Religious Exemptions to Vaccination Mandates by Private Colleges and Universities

Numerous colleges and universities have imposed COVID-19 vaccination mandates upon their students. Most of these mandates have been accompanied by the purported recognition of medical and religious exemptions. With regard to religious exemptions, some are unjustly discriminatory. Most notably, they give preference to students who are members of organized religions over students who are not. And even facially neutral exemptions can be administered in an unjustly discriminatory way by, for example, giving preference to one set of religious denominations over another, or by engaging in “religious profiling” (whereby students of a particular denomination are held completely beholden to the beliefs of that denomination (as ascertained by the school’s administration), despite their own sincere and genuine religious beliefs to the contrary). Students attending public colleges and universities have federal constitutional and statutory protections against such discrimination; students attending private institutions do not. Rather, students attending private colleges and universities are at the mercy of state law and afforded only those protections against discrimination recognized by the state in which their institution is located. Although the research and insights presented herein should be applicable, in whole or in part, to any state with antidiscrimination laws protecting college students, this paper’s focus will be on New York’s Human Rights Law. It will demonstrate the ways in which religious exemptions can and do violate the law by illegally discriminating against students upon the basis of religion. It will examine one particularly ill-advised and problematic policy (Hofstra University’s) and showcase one that comports with best practices (that of Syracuse University’s). For the present, there exists significant uncertainly regarding the promulgation of COVID-19 vaccination mandates. Private vaccination mandates may or may not be lawful, and religious exemptions thereto may or may not be required. But what is clear, however, is that in New York, and most likely in any other state where students are protected against discrimination, a religious exemption to a private college or university vaccination mandate must be nondiscriminatory.
Effect of particle characteristics on the evolution of particle size, particle morphology, and fabric of sands loaded under uniaxial compression

This paper presents the results and analyses of uniaxial compression experiments performed on three silica sands. The sands have comparable particle-size distributions, but their particles differ in morphology and strength. Cylindrical samples of the three sands were compressed in a loading device placed inside an X-ray microscope (XRM) and scanned at multiple stress levels during uniaxial compression. 3D tomography data of the samples obtained from the XRM at different stress levels were then analyzed to obtain the distributions of particle size, particle morphology, and interparticle contact normals within the sample. Results indicate that: (1) the compressibility of the sands loaded under uniaxial compression is closely tied to particle morphology and strength and (2) the anisotropy in the orientations of interparticle contact normals generally increases with axial stress; however, this increase is limited by the occurrence of particle crushing in the sample.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of A Theory-Based Concussion Education Video for NCAA Division I Athletes.

A large body of research demonstrates that concussions are exceedingly common and extremely difficult to detect. Despite medical efforts to develop sophisticated tools to detect concussions, resear...
Screening Outliers in Normal Process Control Data with Uniform Residuals

The use of sequential uniform residuals is proposed to screen outliers in process control data. The exact distribution theory of these statistics allows a precise control of the number of observations incorrectly rejected when the process is in control ..
The Kinetics of Charge Recombination in DNA Hairpins Controlled by Counterions

The charge recombination rate in DNA hairpins is investigated. The distance dependence for the charge recombination rate between stilbene donor (Sd + ) and stilbene acceptor (Sa***) linkers separated by an AT bridge has a double exponential form. We suggest that this dependence is associated with two tunneling channels distinguished by the presence or absence of the Cl*** counterion bound to Sd + . Experiment-based estimates of counterion binding parameters agree within reasonable expectations. A control experiment replacing the Cl*** ion with other halide ions is suggested. Counterion substitution allows modification of the charge recombination rate in either direction by orders of magnitude.
New algorithms for comparing symbol sequences

A framework is presented for computing substrings and subsequences shared between two symbol sequences. Efficient algorithms are then provided for determining the maximal common substrings.
LEARNING TO NOT LABOR

This article examines the micro-analytical strategies of identity formation among individuals attempting to transform their ascribed social-class position into an achieved social-class position. Th...
A Model of Product Recalls with Asymmetric Information

This paper presents a model of involuntary product recall in which a firm has private information on its ability to produce safety. The ex post regulation of safety is motivated through a parametric imperfection in the product liability system which results in a firm under internalizing expected liability expenses. We treat the problem as one of mechanism design, where the regulator designs a recall procedure. This framework illuminates the point that recall is an interesting blend of ex ante and ex post regulation. We characterize a perfect recall procedure, contrast this with real world imperfect procedures, and study the interaction of the recall and the liability systems. Further, we analyze the interaction between optimal recall policy and product market structure.
AGGREGATION BEHAVIOUR IN JUVENILE MILLIPEDES FROM THE UPPER CARBONIFEROUS OF MAZON CREEK, ILLINOIS

: Two ironstone nodules are described from the Braidwood Biota of the Upper Carboniferous Mazon Creek Lagerstatte, Illinois, each preserving numerous juvenile millipedes referred to Euphoberia sp. The millipedes belong to different stadia, as evidenced by segment number, but are similar in size so probably nearly the same age. These juvenile euphoberiids differ from adults in having shorter pleurotergal spines, a reduced number of ocelli and a series of reduced, apodous trunk rings posteriorly. These nodules provide the first evidence of aggregation behaviour in Palaeozoic millipedes. Aggregation in juvenile euphoberiids is hypothesized to serve as a defence mechanism, compensating for the reduced length of their pleurotergal spines relative to adults, possibly through a collective chemical defence.
Fast functional testing of delay-insensitive circuits

Although the advantages of delay-insensitive and self-timed circuits with respect to speed and operation are known, their advantages in terms of testing are not examined. We focus our attention on testing four-phase handshake signalling based circuits designed using Martin's method. Due to the distributed nature of the control part of a delay-insensitive circuit, it is possible to simultaneously test many non-interfering portions of the circuit, thereby substantially reducing the testing time. In order to ensure that the circuit performs in a delay-insensitive manner even during testing, certain OR gates in the synthesized circuit required to be replaced by OR/C blocks. An OR/C block operates as an OR gate during normal operation and as a C-element during testing. Identification of the OR gates to be replaced by OR/C blocks and the generation of test sequences is performed by analyzing the program flow graph of the given circuit.
Regularized joint inverse estimation of extreme rainfall amounts in ungauged coastal basins of El Salvador

A regularized joint inverse procedure is presented and used to estimate the magnitude of extreme rainfall events in ungauged coastal river basins of El Salvador: Paz, Jiboa, Grande de San Miguel, and Goascoran. Since streamflow measurements reflect temporal and spatial rainfall information, peak-flow discharge is hypothesized to represent a similarity measure suitable for regionalization. To test this hypothesis, peak-flow discharge values determined from streamflow recurrence information (10-year, 25-year, and 100-year) collected outside the study basins are used to develop regional (country-wide) regression equations. Peak-flow discharge derived from these equations together with preferred spatial parameter relations as soft prior information are used to constrain the simultaneous calibration of 20 tributary basin models. The nonlinear range of uncertainty in estimated parameter values (1 curve number and 3 recurrent rainfall amounts for each model) is determined using an inverse calibration-constrained Monte Carlo approach. Cumulative probability distributions for rainfall amounts indicate differences among basins for a given return period and an increase in magnitude and range among basins with increasing return interval. Comparison of the estimated median rainfall amounts for all return periods were reasonable but larger (3.2–26%) than rainfall estimates computed using the frequency-duration (traditional) approach and individual rain gauge data. The observed 25-year recurrence rainfall amount at La Hachadura in the Paz River basin during Hurricane Mitch (1998) is similar in value to, but outside and slightly less than, the estimated rainfall confidence limits. The similarity in joint inverse and traditionally computed rainfall events, however, suggests that the rainfall observation may likely be due to under-catch and not model bias.
Effect of chronic treatment with 5-hydroxytryptophan on cortical serotonin receptors in the rat.

L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a clinically useful antimyo-clonic drug that is thought to act at serotonin (5-HT) receptors after decarboxylation to 5-HT. However, the chronic effects of 5-HTP on central 5-HT receptors and the activity of 5-HTP at 5-HT receptor subtypes have not been previously reported. In rats treated 28 but not 7 consecutive days with high doses of 5-HTP (50–200 mg/kg), cortical 5-HT2 (-20%) and 5-HT1 (-11%) sites were downregulated without altered receptor affinity, but only the changes in 5-HT2 sites were significant. In naive frontal cortex in vitro, however, 5-HTP and 5-HT were more active at 5-HT1 sites, and 5-HTP was inactive at 5-HT2 sites. The differential effects of high-dose 5-HTP on 5-HT receptors suggest that 5-HT2 receptor downregulation may be relevant either to the antimyoclonic effect of chronic 5-HTP therapy in posthypoxic myoclonus or to development of tolerance.
Selected-ion monitoring gas chromatographic—mass spectrometric analysis of catecholamines: enhancement of sensitivity by a simple clean-up step on Sephadex G-10

The sensitivity of catecholamines using selected-ion monitoring gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SIM GC-MS) has been enhanced by employing a simple clean-up step using Sephadex G-10 columns. This procedure allows for the detection of extremely small amounts (1-10 pg) of biogenic amines (e.g., epinine) which corresponds to a 25-fold increase in detection limits compared to electron ionization GC-MS or high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED). The SIM GC-MS assay was used to monitor the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-mediated conversion of epinine d6 to epinephrine d6 in rat hypothalamus and brainstem in vitro and the results were compared to those obtained by HPLC-ED.
Phase transitions in one-dimensional cluster-interaction fluids IA. Thermodynamics

Abstract A one-dimensional model of a classical fluid is described in which many-body, although short-range, interactions of a “clustering” type are allowed in addition to short-range pair interactions with a hard core. The model always satisfies the appropriate stability and convexity requirements. It is shown how all the thermodynamic properties may be calculated exactly. In the thermodynamic limit (taken with fixed potentials) the model is found to exhibit a range of phase transitions from a gas-like to a liquid-like phase. When the transition is first order, the gas-like side of the vapor pressure curve is marked by an essential singularity through which the isotherms cannot be continued. In other regions the phase boundary can represent a higher-order transition (with continuous compressibility) or, for certain potentials, an infinite order transition across which all thermodynamic derivatives remain continuous. A great variety of critical point behavior can occur: This is studied in a following article.
Proline metabolism in Leishmania tarentolae.

Abstract Leptomonads of Leishmania tarentolae were able to grow in Trager's defined medium C deficient in glucose or l -proline, but not without both. In addition, inositol and glycine could be deleted without any adverse effect as long as either glucose or l -proline was present. Cells could grow in methionine-free media only if l -proline was present. Respiration studies indicated that l -proline, glutamate, and aspartate were the only amino acids in medium C capable of stimulating O2 uptake by L. tarentolae. Methionine and serine appeared to inhibit respiration. d -proline and hydroxyproline could not substitute for the l form. Thin layer chromatography separation of free amino acids from cells incubated in 14C l -proline contained radioactive proline, glutamate, and alanine. Separations of tricarboxylic acid cycle acids contained a number of radioactive intermediates including α-ketoglutarate and malate as well as pyruvate. Although Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid could not be found in chromatograms, an increased positive O-aminobenzaldehyde reaction was found in cell extracts incubated in l -proline. The above results suggest the presence of a proline-glutamate interconversion oxidation pathway similar to the proline oxidase metabolic system found in a variety of organisms. Alanihe-14C was found in cells incubated with 14C l -proline. Alanine is thought to be derived from pyruvate because of: (a) The presence of 14C Krebs cycle acids, (including malate) and pyruvate; (b) demonstration of an NADP dependent malic enzyme, and (c) formation of only 14C alanine by cells incubated in 14C sodium pyruvate.
Auditory brainstem implantation

Auditory brainstem implants are auditory prostheses designed to treat deafness in patients with neurofibromatosis type II (NF2). The auditory brainstem implant protocol used by our group includes microsurgical and endoscopic placement of the electrode pad, electrophysiologic testing in the operating room to ensure optimal placement, and psychophysical/behavioral testing for appropriate stimulation and longitudinal follow-up of the patient. With this protocol we have achieved excellent outcomes relative to those achieved by other centers. Our methods are described herein.
Differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid with extrathyroidal extension

Background: We have analyzed our experience with differentiated thyroid cancer patients with extrathyroidal extension (ETE) to investigate patterns of recurrence and define factors that predict failure. Patients and methods: The records of 1,012 patients treated surgically from 1930 to 1985 were reviewed. A total of 79 patients (8%) had ETE. The median length of follow-up was 10 years. Results: Patients with ETE were more likely to fail treatment and to die of their disease than were patients without ETE (77% versus 34% and 71% versus 13%, respectively; P P Survival of patients with ETE was adversely affected by nonpapillary histology, distant metastasis, age >45, tumor size >4 cm, and incomplete excision ( P ≦0.05). After stratification for age, survival in older patients was not affected by tumor size or incomplete excision, while in younger patients tumor size or the presence of distant metastasis did not adversely affect survival. Patients younger than 45 with negative margins had similar survival to patients without ETE ( P = 0.46). Conclusions: Patients with ETE are more likely to die of their disease and to fail at all sites. Survival in older patients was not affected by incomplete excision while it was in younger patients. The presence of distant metastasis did not affect survival in younger patients. Our results suggest that among patients under 45, the presence of ETE does not adversely impact upon survival when the primary tumor is completely resected.
Observation of different mass removal regimes during the laser ablation of an aluminium target in air

The mass removal mechanisms occurring during the ablation of an aluminium target, induced by a Nd:YAG laser at λ = 1064 nm in air, were investigated in the fluence range between 1.5 and 840 J cm−2. The spectroscopic analysis of the plasma emission allowed the calculation of the plasma thermodynamic parameters and an estimation of its atomized mass. Conversely, microscopic analysis of the craters allowed the calculation of the hole volume and the quantification of the material accumulated in the rim around it, as well as a qualitative inspection of the craters profile and appearance. The trends of line intensity, of the atomized plasma mass and of the crater volumes with laser fluence suggest the identification of four laser fluence ranges, where a different role of background gas is played and different mass removal mechanisms seem to occur. A complex picture is drawn where vaporization, melt displacement, melt expulsion and phase explosion take place at different laser fluences.
The Continuing Valencian Language Controversy

RESUMENLa controversia sin cesar sobre la lengua valencianaEmpezando ya en la Edad Media el nombre para la variedad de catalan hablada en el Pais Valenciano ha sido motivo de una controversia que ha llegado a nuestros dias. En la Comunidad Valenciana hay dos pareceres tocante al idiomo autoctona: los catalanistas, que admiten que esa lengua no es otra cosa que el catalan hablado por los vecinos al norte, con las normas linguisticas del habla de Barcelona, y los valencianistas, que no quieren su propia norma lingufstica y, ademas, creen que el termino apropiado es "valencia" y no "catala" para su idioma. A pesar de esta polemica, a veces violenta, el valenciano no ha llegado a disfrutar de la normalidad linguistica del catalan hablado en Cataluna y en las Islas Baleares. Muchos linguistas creen que, dado el poco prestigio del valenciano entre los valencianos y la preponderancia del castellano en la region, es bien probable que la lengua deja de ser hablada en Valencia dentro de unas pocas generaciones.RESUMOLa daŭranta malkonsento pri la Valencia lingvoLa referaĵo esploras la ankoraŭ daŭrantan malkonsenton pri la nomo de la regiona lingvo parolata en la hispana aŭtonoma provinco Valencio. Ekde plej fruaj registroj, oni nomas la varianton de la kataluna lingvo tie parolatan au "la kataluna" au "la Valencia". Depost la restarigo de demokratio en Hispanio en 1977 kaj la sekva relegigo de la tielnomataj regionaj lingvoj, la malkonsento farigis iom amara, kaj fojfoje gin akompanis perforto. Spite la varman debaton ĉu la norma kataluna de Barcelono au la forte kastiliigita varianto parolata en Valencio farigu la loka normo, la lingvo estas endangerigata en Valencio kaj povus morti.
Completion of Simple Geometric Forms as a Function of Varied Degrees of Incomplete Presentation

Si~rnmary.-26 Ss were shown 9 partial presentations of 3 simple geometric figures. The figures were a circle, a square, and a diamond, and they were presented in stages of 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 completion. Ss were told that the stimuli were parts of a more complete figure which they were to draw. They were also required to explain why they drew the figure they did. The following conclusions seem most significant. (1) All Ss complete partial figures according to a generic sense of good continuation in the sense that all completions conform to the incomplete stimulus figure. (2) In order to accounr for all of the data a distinction between situation demand and task demand was introduced. All Ss who experienced cask demand did experience the partial figures as in need of completion. (3) A 3/q presentarion of a familiar geometric figure can lead to the experience of demand to complete the figure in a univocal way for most Ss. (4) The partial squares, circles, and diamonds, conceived as incipient systems, constitute 3 different systems with respect to their functional significance. Also, in the sense that all Ss who experienced the parts as parts did so on the basis of functional signiticance, the data support Gurwitsch's functionalistic conception of a whole. According to Gurwitsch ( 1964), incompleteness denotes a phenomenal feature of experience, and an incomplete given or fragment presented to S should be experienced as demanding continuation. This interpretation is based upon a Gestalt view of the relationship between a whole and its parcs, and the law of good continuation is understood in the light of this relationship. In more explicit terms, Gurwitsch states that the tendency toward good continuation can be understood in the light of a functionalistic conception of the whole as a balanced, equilibrated, and internally unified system of its parts, the latter being defined in terms of their functional significance. When enough parcs are given so as to form a system in need of completion, certain definite conditions are imposed upon parts still to be integrated. Gurwinch claims that the "given parts" form an incipient system and that the incompleteness of the system appears in that these parts are experienced as in need of s~~pport and supplementation along the lines of, and in accordance with, their functional significance. That is, rhe parts actually given demand the existence at certain places of f~~rther parts qualified by such functional significance as corresponds to that of the given parts. The purpose of this research was to answer the following two questions: (1) Do Ss actually experience potentially incomplete wholes as demanding completion? (2) How many parts are necessary in order for Ss to experience the demand to complete a fi~ue in a given univocal way?
Some considerations on the saturation parameter for 2- and 3-level systems in laser excited fluorescence

Abstract The parameter “saturation spectral irradiance”, defined for a spectrally continuum laser source interacting in a non-linear manner with a dilute atomic (molecular) vapor, is discussed for both 2 and 3 energy level systems. It is shown that the definition of such parameter is meaningful only when steady state conditions are warranted. For short excitation pulses, although steady state can still be attained when the optical transition is saturated, the saturation parameter cannot be evaluated from the conventional fluorescence saturation curve. Therefore, such a definition loses its meaning even for a simple 2-level system. As a consequence, serious experimental errors can occur. The same conclusions apply to a 3-level system. Several experimental possibilities of evaluating the saturation parameter are discussed. Finally, we show that when a 3-level system is compared with a 2-level system, the value of such parameter depends essentially upon the total coupling rate of the third level with the other levels.
Protection of Chinook Salmon Smolts with Oral Doses of Erythromycin against Acute Challenges of Renibacterium salmoninarum

Abstract We challenged duplicate groups of yearling smolts of chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha held in seawater with an intraperitoneal inoculation of the kidney disease bacterium Renibacterium salmoninarum 1 d before and at intervals of 1, 11, and 29 d after a 21-d oral administration of erythromycin thiocyanate at 0.1 g/kg body weight per day. Most mortality attributable to bacterial kidney disease (BKD) in fish challenged with R. salmoninarum but not administered erythromycin occurred 2–3 weeks after challenge; the average survival 35 d after challenge was only 9%. Nearly 70% of the fish challenged 1 d before the erythromycin feeding were alive 35 d after the 21-d treatment, and more than 98% of the fish challenged the day after the 21-d erythromycin treatment survived a further 35 d. Fish challenged 29 d after the erythromycin treatment were not significantly protected against BKD. Chinook salmon that were not challenged with the bacterium but were injected with sterile phosphate-buffered salin...
Notes from the National Capital Area

The National Capital Labor History Society has inaugurated a series of lectures on Washington, D.C.'s labor heritage in its 1983-84 program of events. It is the first of its kind ever done here, in that the series systematically develops discussions featur ing individuals who were key participants in the labor movement and trade unions of Washington, D.C. These include such labor sectors as federal workers, hotel and restaurant workers, service workers, retail workers, building trades and printers. Particular attention has been paid to the role of black labor, civil rights, and female labor in the making of the labor movement in the area. One of the aims of the series is to look beyond the apparent facade of labor peace in the nation's capital by recording the experiences of the trade unionists who took part in the labor struggles of the past. Much can be gained by this local "digging" and research, not only by local trade unionists and workers in the area who want to know more about their heritage, but also by teachers and students in the public school system who wish to focus on this subject as part of their curriculum. The series ends with a labor history bus tour done by the Washington Labor History Tours Project, a research project funded by the D.C. Community Humanities Council. In propogating the use of oral history in the study of local history, Oral History in the Mid-Atlantic Region (OHMAR) will present its eighth annual work shop in late February with a program emphasizing the practical utilization of oral history techniques in the classroom setting. In cooperation with the Columbia Historical Society, the George Washington University Center for Washington Area Studies, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Public Library, it will hold sessions on such subjects as life in segregated Washington, women's labor history, the many uses of oral history in the federal government, and neighborhood and ethnic studies. A major impetus for this workshop is the fact that all ninth grade students in the District of Columbia public schools are now required to take local history and do oral history interviewing. The workshop is therefore designed for primary and secondary school teachers. The potential for increased historical investigation in such fields as workers and labor is evident. While labor historians are pondering the local labor movement, organized labor in the capital city is considering ways it may best get its message through nationally to its membership and to the public at large. In creating the Labor Institute of Public Affairs (LIPA), the AFL-CIO is hoping to give the American labor movement an effective voice in the electronic media and to take advantage of the rapidly expanding technology of modern electronic communications in reaching
Long-term outcomes of diabetic patients undergoing endovascular infrainguinal interventions

Objective Diabetes mellitus (DM) has traditionally predicted poor outcomes after lower extremity revascularization for peripheral vascular disease (PVD). This study assessed the influence of DM on long-term outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, with or without stenting (PTA/stent), in patients with PVD. Methods From January 2002 to December 2007, 920 patients underwent 1075 PTA/stent procedures. Patients were stratified into DM and non-DM cohorts. Study end points included primary patency (PP), assisted patency (AP), limb salvage, and survival and were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. Results There were 533 DM and 542 non-DM limbs. Median follow-up was 34 months. Overall, the 5-year actuarial PP was 42% ± 2.4%, AP was 81% ± 2.0%, limb salvage was 89% ± 1.6%, and survival was 60% ± 2.4%. On univariate analysis, DM vs non-DM was associated with inferior 5-year PP (37% ± 3.4% vs 46% ± 3.3%; P = .009), limb salvage (84% ± 2.6% vs 93% ± 1.8%, P P = .0001). AP did not differ between DM and non-DM patients ( P = .18). In the entire cohort, DM (hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.54; P = .04), single-vessel peroneal runoff (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.16-2.08; P = .003), and dialysis (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.10-2.33; P = .02) were associated with decreased PP on multivariate analysis. The only variables on multivariate analysis to predict limb loss and death were critical limb ischemia (HR, 9.09; 95% CI, 4.17-20.00; P P P = .003; HR, 4.24; 95% CI 2.80-6.45; P Conclusions DM is an independent predictor of decreased long-term primary patency after PTA/stent. Although acceptable assisted patency rates can be achieved with close surveillance and reintervention, long-term limb salvage remains inferior in diabetic patients compared with non-diabetic patients due to a more severe clinical presentation and poor runoff.
An analysis of the in-out BRDF factorization for view-dependent relighting

Interactive rendering with dynamic natural lighting and changing view is a long-standing goal in computer graphics. Recently, precomputation-based methods for all-frequency relighting have made substantial progress in this direction. Many of the most successful algorithms are based on a factorization of the BRDF into incident and outgoing directions, enabling each term to be precomputed independent of viewing direction, and re-combined at run-time. However, there has so far been no theoretical understanding of the accuracy of this factorization, nor the number of terms needed. In this paper, we conduct a theoretical and empirical analysis of the BRDF in-out factorization. For Phong BRDFs, we obtain analytic results, showing that the number of terms needed grows linearly with the Phong exponent, while the factors correspond closely to spherical harmonic basis functions. More generally, the number of terms is quadratic in the frequency content of the BRDF along the reflected or half-angle direction. This analysis gives clear practical guidance on the number of factors needed for a given material. Different objects in a scene can each be represented with the correct number of terms needed for that particular BRDF, enabling both accuracy and interactivity.
Electroless deposition of copper onto 4-mercaptobenzoic acid self-assembled on gold

This paper reports the electroless deposition of copper, from a basic solution of copper sulfate, sodium hydrogentartrate, and formaldehyde, onto 4-mercaptobenzoic acid self-assembled on gold. The copper was found to be ≈180 nm thick after a ≈30-min immersion. Deposition did not occur on bare gold or self-assembled layers of 1-octadecanethiol or 3-mercaptobenzoic acid. This latter observation suggests that the carboxylic acid functional group and its position play a role in the deposition process. Infrared absorption spectroscopy was used to evaluate these layers. On surfaces that were microcontact printed with 4-mercaptobenzoic acid, copper deposited only on the stamped areas.
Image guidance improves localization of sonographically occult colorectal liver metastases

Assessing the therapeutic benefit of surgical navigation systems is a challenging problem in image-guided surgery. The exact clinical indications for patients that may benefit from these systems is not always clear, particularly for abdominal surgery where image-guidance systems have failed to take hold in the same way as orthopedic and neurosurgical applications. We report interim analysis of a prospective clinical trial for localizing small colorectal liver metastases using the Explorer system (Path Finder Technologies, Nashville, TN). Colorectal liver metastases are small lesions that can be difficult to identify with conventional intraoperative ultrasound due to echogeneity changes in the liver as a result of chemotherapy and other preoperative treatments. Interim analysis with eighteen patients shows that 9 of 15 (60%) of these occult lesions could be detected with image guidance. Image guidance changed intraoperative management in 3 (17%) cases. These results suggest that image guidance is a promising tool for localization of small occult liver metastases and that the indications for image-guided surgery are expanding.
Corporations, minors, and other innocents — A reply to R. E. Ewin

R. E. Ewin has argued that corporations are moral persons, but Ewin describes them as being unable to think or to act in virtuous and vicious ways. Ewin thinks that their impoverished emotional life would not allow them to act in these ways. In this brief essay I want to challenge the idea that corporations cannot act virtuously. I begin by examining deficiencies in Ewin's notion of corporate personhood. I argue that he effectively reduces corporations to the status of incompetent patients. I shall make use of a richer notion of corporate personhood as I explore the logical relationship between corporate action and the quality of the corporate emotional life. After discussing an alternate methodology for making moral assessments of action I consider briefly two corporate disasters: the crash on Mt. Erebus, the Imperial Foods plant fire. These cases are used to show the inadequacy of Ewin's thesis that only corporate managers are capable of displaying vice.
Estimation of Stiffness of Rubber Isolator With Consideration of Mullins Effect

Rubber products are widely used in order to isolate severe vibrations or strong earthquakes. Rubber materials have strong nonlinearities in dynamic and static stiffness properties. Actually, when engineers plan base isolations or vibration isolations, these nonlinearities are approximated as linear. Mullins effect is known as one of strong nonlinear characteristics. Rubber materials subjected to a series of loadings cause stress softening associated with the Mullins effect. It is important for engineers to apply an appropriate and easy analysis method to estimate isolation performances taking account of stiffness softening caused by the Mullins effect. In this study, rubber materials were modeled by two approaches with consideration of stiffness softening caused by the Mullins effect. The FEM analyses to represent the behavior of columnar rubber isolators were conducted. The aptitudes of both approaches and how to model rubber materials for base isolations and vibration isolations are described.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The resistance of the sebago variety to yellow dwarf

The Sebago and Russet Rural varieties were compared for yellow dwarf resistance on nineteen representative farms in the yellow dwarf area of Central Wisconsin.
β2-Adrenergic Receptor Desensitization, Internalization, and Phosphorylation in Response to Full and Partial Agonists

Previous studies indicated that partial agonists cause less desensitization of the β2-adrenergic receptor (βAR) than full agonists; however, the molecular basis for this in intact cells has not been investigated. In the present work, we have determined the rates of desensitization, internalization, and phosphorylation caused by a series of βAR agonists displaying a 95-fold range of coupling efficiencies. These studies were performed with HEK-293 cells overexpressing the βAR with hemagglutinin and 6-histidine epitopes introduced into the N and C termini, respectively. This modified βAR behaved identically to the wild type receptor with regard to agonistK d, coupling efficiency, and desensitization. The coupling efficiencies for βAR agonist activation of adenylyl cyclase relative to epinephrine (100%) were 42% for fenoterol, 4.9% for albuterol, 2.5% for dobutamine, and 1.1% for ephedrine. At concentrations of these agonists yielding >90% receptor occupancy, the rate and extent (0–30 min) of agonist-induced desensitization of βAR activation of adenylyl cyclase followed the same order as coupling efficiency, i.e. epinephrine ≥ fenoterol > albuterol > dobutamine > ephedrine. The rate of internalization of the βAR with respect to these agonists also followed the same order as the desensitization and exhibited a slight lag. Like internalization and desensitization, βAR phosphorylation exhibited a dependence on agonist strength. The two strongest agonists, epinephrine and fenoterol, provoked 11–13-fold increases in the level of βAR phosphorylation after just 1 min, whereas the weak agonists dobutamine and ephedrine caused only 3–4-fold increases, similar to levels induced by cAMP-dependent protein kinase activation with forskolin. With longer treatment times, the level of βAR phosphorylation declined with strong agonists, but it progressively increased with the weaker partial agonists, such that after 30 min the -fold elevation with epinephrine (6.2 ± 0.82) was not appreciably different from ephedrine (5.0 ± 0.96) and significantly less than that caused by albuterol (10.4 ± 1.7). In summary, our results demonstrate an excellent proportionality between the agonist strength and agonist-induced desensitization, internalization, and the rapid initial phase of phosphorylation. The data support the hypothesis that increasing agonist-coupling efficiency primarily affects desensitization by increasing the rate of βARK phosphorylation of the βAR.
Longitudinal distribution of ozone absorption in the lung : Effect of continuous inhalation exposure

Abstract The effect of continuous exposure to ozone on the absorption of ozone in the conducting airways of human lungs was investigated with a bolus-response method. Eleven healthy nonsmoking college students (8 males, 3 females) were exposed at rest for 2 h on 3 separate days to air containing 0 ppm, 0.12 ppm, and 0.36 ppm ozone. A personal inhalation chamber equipped with a head-only clear plastic dome was used for exposure. Every 30 min a subject removed the dome and orally inhaled a series of five ozone-air boluses, each in a separate breath. Penetration of the boluses distal to the lips was targeted in the range of 70–120 ml (corresponding to the central conducting airways). By integrating the inhaled and exhaled-ozone concentration curves, we obtained the absorbed fraction (Λ) and the dispersion (σ2) of the ozone bolus for each test breath. In addition, the subtraction of baseline measurements made just before exposure enabled us to determine the changes in absorbed fraction (ΔΛ) and in dispersion ...