cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computing with words and its relationships with fuzzistics

Words mean different things to different people, and so are uncertain. We, therefore, need a fuzzy set model for a word that has the potential to capture their uncertainties. In this paper I propose that an interval type-2 fuzzy set (IT2 FS) be used as a FS model of a word, because it is characterized by its footprint of uncertainty (FOU), and therefore has the potential to capture word uncertainties. Two approaches are presented for collecting data about a word from a group of subjects and then mapping that data into a FOU for that word. The person MF approach, in which each person provides their FOU for a word, is limited to fuzzy set experts because it requires the subject to be knowledgeable about fuzzy sets. The interval end-points approach, in which each person provides the end-points for an interval that they associate with a word on a prescribed scale is not limited to fuzzy set experts. Both approaches map data collected from subjects into a parsimonious parametric model of a FOU, and illustrate the combining of fuzzy sets and statistics-type-2 fuzzistics.
Effects of HCG and PMS on bioconversion of progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone in immature rat testes

Abstract The present study was conducted to determine whether exogenous gonadotropins will alter the 5α-reductase activity in immature rat testes. Newborn and 10-day-old rats were treated with either human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG, 50 IU/day) or pregnant mare serum (PMS, 50 IU/day). All the animals were sacrificed at 20 days of age. Testicular tissue was incubated with three different radiolabeled substrates: [ 3 H]-progesterone, [ 3 H]-androstenedione or [ 3 H]-testosterone. The percentage of conversion of progesterone or androstenedione to testosterone was essentially unchanged; formation of 5α-reduced androgens was not prevented but greatly reduced. When testosterone was used as substrate, it was avidly metabolized by testicular tissue of 20-day-old rats of both groups, those treated with gonadotropins and the untreated controls. The data show that daily administration of gonadotropins to male rats, started either at day 1 or at day 10 from birth, significantly alter the steroid metabolism in the testes of 20-day-old rats. Specifically, the activities of 5α-reductase and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase are drastically changed.
In vivo phosphorylation of NADP+ glutamate dehydrogenase in Escherichia coli

The NADP+-specific glutamate dehydrogenase inEscherichia coli K12 has been shown to be phosphorylated in vivo when the cells are grown in a low-phosphate minimal salts medium containing32P inorganic phosphate. The amount of radioactivity incorporated into the enzyme is different depending on the growth phase of the culture, with the highest level of32P incorporation occurring during the mid-exponential growth phase. Previously reported studies have demonstrated that the enzyme is also phosphorylated in vitro in an ATP-dependent reaction.
Ensiling alfalfa with additives of lactic acid bacteria and enzymes

Ensiling alfalfa with silage additives containing lactic acid bacteria and enzymes increased fiber digestibility of fresh but not wilted alfalfa in 90 day ensiling, and resulted in a rapid, controlled homolactic fermentation of both fresh and wilted alfalfa. The enzyme treatment was most effective in ensiling fresh cut alfalfa using a cocktail of cellulase, hemicellulase and pectinase enzymes with lactic acid bacteria inoculum containing Pediococcus, Lactobacillus and Streptococcus spp.
The “Stress-drop Jet” in Lake Mendota

Under certain conditions a rapid increase of current velocity is observed at the bottom of the epilimnion. This phenomenon seems to be associated with a rapid decrease of wind stress on the lake surface. It is postulated that the energy for this “jet” is stored in the solenoid field set up by the preceding wind. It must then represent the first swing of an internal seiche.
Importance of chemokine (CC-motif) ligand 2 in breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women in the United States. Chemokine (CC-motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), an inflammatory cytokine and chemokine, is highly expressed within th...
Competitive advantage through take-back of used products

Abstract Motivated by a recent antitrust ruling against Hill–Rom, one of the two dominant American suppliers of hospital beds, we develop a stylized model to investigate the consequences of used product take-back on firms, industry and customers. Our findings suggest that by taking back and reselling refurbished products, a manufacturer can increase both profit margins and sales––to the detriment of a non-interfering competitor. In our model, customers are always better off under product take-back, but it depends on the degree of competition, whether firms use the benefits of take-back primarily to increase their margins or to pass them on to the customers by lowering their prices. The first firm to offer take-back, in some cases, can deter its competitors from following this profitable strategy, especially if it has an existing advantage in terms of lower production cost or higher market share. Contrary to the claim of Hill–Rom's competitor, we find a “legitimate business justification” for Hill–Rom's reduction of new product prices.
Influence of regeneration method and tissue source on the frequency of somatic variation in Populus to infection by Septoria musiva

Septoria leaf spot and canker are serious diseases of many hybrid poplar clones in plantations established for biomass production. Developing resistant clones through breeding is the best long-term strategy to minimize tree damage caused by this disease. Tissue culture and somaclonal selection techniques may reduce the time needed to develop disease resistance in poplars. We used a single source clone of a hybrid Populus to determine the influences of explant tissue source and regeneration method on the frequency of somatic variation in disease resistance. Plants were regenerated adventitiously via shoots and somatic embryos from callus derived from several tissue sources and from axillary buds. The resulting plants expressed somatic variation in disease resistance in different frequencies, except for the plants regenerated from hardwood cuttings. Several regenerated plants from various tissue sources exhibited variant morphological phenotypes, providing further evidence of the instability of this clone when cultured in vitro. Although mutagenic effects of the culture regimes alone cannot be ruled out, results of this study suggest that the explant source and culture method influenced how frequently variant plants were recovered.
Re-examining the thermal mixing layer with numerical simulations

The question of whether a temperature mixing layer evolves in a self-similar manner is of importance in developing and validating theories about scalar mixing. The simplicity of the flow encourages the thought that it is self-similar, but several laboratory experiments at moderate Peclet numbers have found inconsistencies with self-similar behavior. The experimentalists are limited, however, by the length of the wind tunnels and by difficulties in aligning the virtual origins of the scalar and velocity fields. Direct numerical simulations virtually eliminate both these problems, and large-eddy simulations add the ability to study an approximation to the case of an infinite Peclet number. These two simulation techniques are used in this paper to show that the mixing layer at a moderate Peclet number very nearly evolves with a single length and time scale, and that behavior consistent with self-similarity is observed in the case of an infinite Peclet number. In addition, the results show that direct numerical simulations can accurately reproduce the data from wind tunnel experiments downstream of a turbulence grid, and that large-eddy simulations are a valuable research tool for studying the large-scale characteristics of mixing.
A Reconsideration of Federal Reserve Policy during the 1920–1921 Depression

Criticism of the Federal Reserve Board for not advancing rates earlier in 1919 to halt a rampant inflation is seldom as severe or nearly as devastating as the criticism heaped upon it for not easing credit sooner during the sharp but brief depression episode of 1920–1921. After the collapse of prices in May 1920, the immediate goal of Federal Reserve policy was to prevent a widespread financial crisis by maintaining the liquidity of the banking system. Congress had created the Federal Reserve System for the specific purpose of preventing a recurrence of the financial panics that had plagued our pre-World War I monetary experience. In 1920 the Federal Reserve Banks succeeded in this task by making funds freely available at relatively high discount rates. Somewhat surprising is the fact that there was no liquidation of bank credit nor decline in the money supply during the first six months of the downswing. Loans at commercial banks continued to increase, and member-bank indebtedness continued to rise. The action taken by System officials probably warded off what might easily have been the worst financial catastrophe in our history. Unfortunately, the policy they pursued, though successful in preventing a banking crisis, was inimical to a quick recovery of business activity. Inventory decumulation, particularly in the agricultural sector, was hampered by a bumper harvest and a railway transportation bottleneck which was not eliminated until October.
Is pollen limited? The answer is blowin' in the wind

Abstract Pollen from wind-pollinated trees has traditionally been assumed to be abundant and to travel long distances, resulting in extensive gene flow. However, recent empirical work by Knapp et al. , genetic analysis by Sork et al. , and theoretical models by Satake and Iwasa conclude that short-distance dispersal of limited pollen might be common and play an important role in causing the highly variable seed production (masting) frequently observed in such species. Pollen movement might be sufficiently restricted that increased fragmentation could ultimately bring about reproductive failure in some species.
Using ventilation-induced aortic pressure and flow variation to diagnose preload responsiveness.

The recent literature has documented that both arterial pulse pressure [1] and left ventricular stroke volume variations [2] induced by positive-pressure ventilation are sensitive and specific markers of preload responsiveness. The greater the degree of flow or pressure variation over the course of the respiratory cycle for a fixed tidal volume, the more likely the subject is to increase their cardiac output in response to a volume challenge and the greater that increase may be. Slama et al. [3] report in this issue that in a rabbit model of graded hemorrhage measuresof aortic flow variation during positive-pressureventilation cardiac output will increase in response to volume expansion. Furthermore
Rabbit platelet calcium ATPase differs from the human erythrocyte (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase in its response to three purified phospholipases A2, exogenous phospholipids and calmodulin.

Abstract Human erythrocyte ( Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ )-ATPase and calcium ATPase of rabbit platelets were compared by their responses to a variety of treatments. These included three purified phospholipases A2 (acidic, neutral and basic) from Agkistrodon halys blomhoffii, as well as several phospholipids and lysophospholipids. The erythrocyte enzyme was stimulated 2–3-fold by all three phospholipases with maximal stimulation occurring at different concentrations of the three enzymes. The basic phospholipase was the most potent, followed by the neutral and acidic enzymes in that order. The calcium ATPase activity of the platelet was also stimulated by phospholipase treatment, but only by 10–20%. The stimulatory activity was attributable to hydrolysis of a very small portion of the total membrane phospholipid. Inactivation of the phospholipases by heating or chemical modification with p- bromophenacyl bromide abolished their ability to stimulate. Addition of polyphosphoinositides stimulated both ATPases. However, another acidic phospholipid, lysophosphatidic acid, stimulated only the erythrocyte enzyme and failed to affect the platelet calcium ATPase. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) had no effect on either enzyme, while the platelet-activating factor ( 1-O- alkyl-2-acetyl -sn- glycero-3-phosphocholine ), its lyso compound and lysoPC inhibited both ATPases. Calmodulin stimulated the erythrocyte enzyme, but did not affect the platelet calcium ATPase. These results demonstrate that the protein-lipid interactions operative in the erythrocyte and platelet calcium ATPases are quite different.
Individual executive characteristics: Explaining the divergence between perceptual and financial measures in nonprofit organizations

Using survey data collected from chief executives of nonprofit organizations and financial performance information, the current study examined the influence of the individual chief executive characteristics on their perception of organization performance. The study found that executives with internal Locus of Control, high collectivism values, and analytical decision styles have greater convergence between their perceptions of performance and a financial measure. The study findings also offer support for existing theories that suggest executive cognitions play a significant role in filtering information, ultimately influencing the accuracy of perceptions and the effectiveness of strategic choices.
Detecting and quantifying friction nonlinearity using the Hilbert transform

A simple methodology for identification and quantification of nonlinear effects such as Coulomb friction and backlash is desired for use in condition based maintenance programs for both structural and machine based applications. Typically, structural applications are passive and undergo small vibratory motion when an external excitation is presented to the system. A spring-mass system was used as the structural example. Machine applications are typically active and motion is excited by internal actuation of large motion within the system. An industrial SCARA robot was used as the machine based example. The Hilbert transform was tested for detection and quantification of Coulomb friction in both systems.
Age and origin of granites in the Karakoram shear zone and Greater Himalaya Sequence, NW India

The crustal-scale Karakoram shear zone structurally distinguishes the western Himalaya from—and provides an opportunity to compare to— the central and eastern portions of the orogen. To evaluate the tectonic evolution of the western Himalaya, this paper presents granite U/Th-Pb ages and zircon Hf isotopic signatures along the two major structures in northern India: the Karakoram shear zone and the Zanskar shear zone, the westernmost limb of the South Tibetan detachment system. Leucogranites in Zanskar crystallized 27-20 Ma and exhibit Precambrian to Paleozoic inheritance and predominantly negative e Hf (t) values typical of the Greater Himalayan Sequence. Karakoram shear zone leucogran- ites have igneous crystallization ages over a prolonged period from 22 Ma to <13 Ma, contain Late Cretaceous through Paleocene inherited cores, and have e Hf (t) values from +1 to +9. These inherited ages and mostly positive e Hf (t) values compare closely to the adjacent Ladakh batholith, but low e Hf (t) values along the Karakoram shear zone suggest an input of older crustal material from the proximal Karakoram terrane or subducted Indian crust. The Zanskar Greater Himalayan Sequence contains two suites of Paleozoic granites: (1) Pan-African Cambrian- Ordovician granites at the cores of gneiss domes and (2) Mississippian-Permian granites related to magmatism associated with the Panjal Traps. Monazite ages record peak through retrograde metamorphic conditions from 27.3 ± 1.2 Ma to 17.2 ± 0.9 Ma concurrent with anatectic leucogranite crystallization. Cenozoic partial melting in the Greater Himalayan Sequence occurred contemporaneously across the Himalayan orogen, but lower degrees of partial melting and ubiquitous doming distinguish the westernmost Greater Himalayan Sequence in Zanskar.
A CASE STUDY OF THE WINTER CIRCULATION AT 700 AND 500 MB IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SOUTHERN LATITUDES

Abstract Synoptic chart data for the Southern Hemisphere south of 30°S (excluding the Pacific sector) are examined for the winter of 1962 in relation to the frequency of cyclones and anticyclones at the 700- and 500-mb levels. Regions of high cyclonic frequency are noted and aspects of those in the eastern Ross Sea and in Prydz Bay are discussed. Cyclonic frequency over east Antarctica is very low, but clearly defined anticyclones at 500 mb are apparent on 1day in 6 over the highlands close to 80°S, 60°E. The longitudinal frequency of prominent troughs and ridges and some aspects of the pattern of cyclogenesis for this period are described.
High-Energy Behavior of Nucleon Electromagnetic Form Factors

Theoretical implications of the suggestion that the observed nucleon electromagnetic form factors indicate the existence of a nucleon "core" are discussed. On the basis of physical arguments concerning the nature of such a core, it is shown that, for the neutron, both the charge form factor, ${{F}_{\mathrm{ch}}}^{n}({q}^{2})$, and the magnetic form factor, ${{F}_{\mathrm{mag}}}^{n}({q}^{2})$, must vanish as ${q}^{2}$, the invariant momentum transfer, increases without limit. On the other hand, for the proton ${{F}_{\mathrm{ch}}}^{p}({q}^{2})\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{{Z}_{2}}^{(s)}$ and ${{F}_{\mathrm{mag}}}^{p}({q}^{2})\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\frac{{{Z}_{2}}^{(s)}}{2M}$, where ${{Z}_{2}}^{(s)}$ is the wave function renormalization constant for strong interactions, which is a measure of the probability of the "core state." In terms of the Dirac form factor, ${F}_{1}({q}^{2})$, and the Pauli form factor, ${F}_{2}({q}^{2})$, these results read ${{F}_{1}}^{n}({q}^{2})\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$, ${{F}_{1}}^{p}({q}^{2})\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{{Z}_{2}}^{(s)}$, and ${q}^{2}{F}_{2}({q}^{2})\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$ for both neutron and proton. The results for ${F}_{1}({q}^{2})$ are the same as those obtained by Hiida, Nakanishi, Nogami, and Uehara. The other result implies the existence of a relationship which may be used to eliminate one parameter in the analysis of ${F}_{2}$. The generality of the interpretation of ${F}_{\mathrm{ch}}$ and ${F}_{\mathrm{mag}}$ as Fourier transforms of distributions of charge and magnetization, respectively, is demonstrated in the Appendix.
Ectodermal Disorders in Chronic Hypoparathyroidism

CHANGES in structures of ectodermal origin in chronic hypoparathyroidism have been described repeatedly. In most cases these disorders were noted as incidental findings of secondary importance. The case which is to be reported presented as a striking part of the clinical picture, skin, hair and nail abnormalities. In addition there were other unusual features. CASE REPORT Mrs. M. M., a 50-year old Slovakian woman, was admitted on Dr. C. L. Brown's service on May 18,1942, complaining of numbness and stiffness of the hands and feet and a recurrent skin disease. She had been in excellent health until 20 years ago, when at the age of 30 she developed difficulty in breathing. Thyroidectomy was advised and done. Following the operation she was relieved of dyspnea, but 5 days later there occurred numbness of the hands and feet accompanied by stiffness in these extremities. These symptoms were relieved by the administration of a calcium salt. On discharge from the hospital she was advised to take one drachm of ca...
The effect of mixing shear rate on the properties of liquid crystalline polymer/polyethylene terephthalate blends

The effect of mixing speed of a batch mixer on the properties of liquid crystalline polymer/polyethylene terepthalate (LCP/PET) blends is investigated through two techniques: scanning electron micrographs to examine morphological changes, and tensile testing to determine the mechanical property dependence of the degree of mixing. The results of the two methodologies are well correlated, indicating that the increased degree of mixing of the blend, which is a function of the mixing speed, can be related directly to improved mechanical properties. The results are discussed in the light of existing theories on polymer mixing. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 75: 1783–1787, 2000
Defined Analyte-Enzyme Conjugates as Signal Generators in Immunoassays

We investigated the synthesis of progesterone-horseradish peroxidase (P-HRP) conjugates and products purified by affinity chromatography. The obtained preparations were characterized with an immobilized monoclonal antibody in solid-phase immunoassays. Three homogeneous P-HRP conjugates were isolated. Two preparations were identified to contain a single progesterone ligand on the enzyme molecule. A third preparation contained two progesterone ligands. We postulate that conjugation can occur at two different positions on the enzyme, and that the different microenvironment of the protein structure surrounding the ligand contributes to different binding constants of the conjugates with immunoglobulin. By comparing the effective binding constants derived from affinity chromatography and from Scatchard analysis, we have demonstrated that the divalent conjugate binds to antibody immobilized on planar surfaces only by a single attachment due to steric restriction. Dose-response curves for progesterone using the isolated P-HRP conjugates have been investigated and compared.
Office Rent Processes: The Case of U.S. Metropolitan Markets

This paper synthesizes elements of the traditional and contemporary theory of real estate markets to formulate an empirical framework for exploring metropolitan office rent processes. Such a framework is then applied to the analysis of office rents across 18 U.S. office markets during 1986–1995. The empirical results underscore the sluggishness of rental adjustments, highlight the extent of rental disequilibria across markets, and uncover the role of office employment factors (such as size, diversity, spatial organization, growth rates, and volatility), construction costs, interest rates, amenities, and zoning in shaping interarea differentials in the equilibrium component of office rents.
The Influence of the Product Liability Act, Governmental Regulation, and Medical Economics on Medical Devices and Their Clinical Applications

: The advancement of medical technology constantly demands the introduction of safer and more efficient medical instruments and devices. Recent litigation and rulings against the manufacturers of breast implants and the subsequent refusal of major plastic companies to supply materials to them are seriously threatening the production and development of other permanent implants such as ventricular assist devices and even disposable catheters. In addition, government overregulation also discourages and hinders production and clinical applications of new instruments. Current trends such as cost effectiveness measures and economic restraints imposed by government agencies and managed care systems are endangering investments from the medical and industrial communities to exploit more expensive and sophisticated instrument technologies. The resultant lack of grant money and pressure from animal rights advocates also suppress experimentation on primates and domestic laboratory animals.
Interactive approach to surface fitting complex geometries for flowfield applications

Numerical flowfield methods require a geometry subprogram which can calculate body coordinates, slopes, and radii of curvature for typical aircraft and spacecraft configurations. The objective of this paper is to develop a new surface-fitting technique which addresses two major problems with existing geometry packages: computer storage requirements and the time required of the user for the initial set-up of the geometry model. In the present method, coordinates of cross sections are fit in a least-squares sense using segments of general conic sections. After fitting each cross section, the next step is to blend the cross-sectional curve-fits in the longitudinal direction using general conics to fit specific meridional half-planes. For the initial setup of the geometry model, an interactive, completely menu-driven computer code has been developed to allow the user to make modifications to the initial fit for a given cross section or meridional cut. Graphic displays are provided to assist the user in the visualization of the effect of each modification. The completed model may be viewed from any angle using the code's three-dimensional graphics package. Geometry results for the modeling of the Space Shuttle and a proposed Aeroassist Flight Experiment (AFE) geometry are presented, in addition to calculated heat-transfer rates based on these models.
Turn-Yielding Cues in Task-Oriented Dialogue

We examine a number of objective, automatically computable TURN-YIELDING CUES --- distinct prosodic, acoustic and syntactic events in a speaker's speech that tend to precede a smooth turn exchange --- in the Columbia Games Corpus, a large corpus of task-oriented dialogues. We show that the likelihood of occurrence of a turn-taking attempt from the interlocutor increases linearly with the number of cues conjointly displayed by the speaker. Our results are important for improving the coordination of speaking turns in interactive voice-response systems, so that systems can correctly estimate when the user is willing to yield the conversational floor, and so that they can produce their own turn-yielding cues appropriately.
Determination of Genistein and Daidzein in Human Plasma by Liquid Chromatography and Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Abstract This paper describes the development and validation of an analytical method for the quantitative determination of genistein and daidzein in human plasma by liquid chromatography with negative electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC/ESI−‐MS‐MS). In this work, 4‐hydroxybenzophenone was used as an internal standard (I.S.). Genistein and daidzein, together with the I.S., were first extracted from human plasma by a Speed Scan ABN (3 mL) cartridge, then separated by a Nova‐Pak® C8 column (5 µm, 2 × 150 mm) with isocratic elution (45% acetonitrile + 55% 0.5 mM ammonium formate at pH 4.0), and detected by ESI−‐MS‐MS with multiple‐reaction‐monitoring (MRM) mode. The retention times of genistein, daidzein, and the I.S. were 3.4, 2.6, and 4.4 min, respectively. Quantitation using MRM mode was carried out at m/z 269 > 133 for genistein, m/z 253 > 208 for daidzein, and m/z 197 > 92 for the I.S. The average recoveries for genistein, daidzein, and the I.S. from human plasma were 78.8, 77...
Transsulfuration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is not dependent on heme: purification and characterization of recombinant yeast cystathionine β-synthase

Abstract Cystathionine β-synthase [CBS; l -serine hydro-lyase (adding homocysteine), EC 4.2.1.22] catalyzes the first committed step of transsulfuration in both yeast and humans. It has been established previously that human CBS is a hemeprotein but although the heme group appears to be essential for CBS activity, the exact function of the heme group is unknown. CBS activity is absent in heme deficient strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown without heme supplementation. CBS activity can be restored by supplementing these strains with heme, implying that there is a heme requirement for yeast CBS. We subcloned, overexpressed and purified yeast CBS. The yeast enzyme shows absolute pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) dependence for activity but we could find no evidence for the presence of a heme group. Given the degree of sequence and mechanistic similarity between yeast and human CBS, this result indicates that heme is unlikely to play a direct catalytic role in the human CBS reaction mechanism. Further characterization revealed that, in contrast to human CBS, S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) does not activate yeast CBS. Yeast CBS was found to be coordinately regulated with proliferation in S. cerevisiae. This finding is the most likely explanation of the observed apparent heme dependence of transsulfuration in vivo.
Dielectronic recombination rates for the Fe ions

Abstract The empirical rate formula for dielectronic recombination is improved by incorporating existing theoretical data for different ions in various degrees of ionization. The formula is then used to generate a complete set of rate coefficients for the Fe isonuclear sequence. Both the Δnt≠0 and Δnt=0 excitation modes are treated separately in the low-density zero-field limit. Explicit data are not available in the regions of N=5–8 and N⩾13, where N is the number of electrons in the ion before capture. A smooth variation of rates in N is predicted for N≳11, but some shell-structure dependence is present around N=2 and N=10.
Struggling with Poverty: Implications for Theory and Policy of Increasing Research on Social Class‐Based Stigma

Low-income people are stigmatized in a number of ways, including being negatively stereotyped and discriminated against both interpersonally and institutionally (see Lott & Bullock, 2007 for a comprehensive review). Yet psychologists have not focused much attention on social class in general, nor on social class-based stigma in particular. This article argues that by resolving three main problems in the literature (the achieved/ascribed discrepancy, the complexity of operationalizing social class, and the seeming lack of identification with one's social class), psychologists are in a unique position to use their knowledge to aid practitioners and policymakers in ameliorating the consequences of poverty. Thus, this article focuses on how better to incorporate social class into the stigma literature and how this research can be linked to social policy initiatives.
Visual spatial abilities in uninhabited ground vehicle task performance during teleoperation and direct line of sight

Two experiments investigated the role of spatial abilities on uninhabited ground vehicle (UGV) performance under two different viewing conditions: direct line of sight and teleoperation. The ability to operate a mobile robot was indexed by task completion time and total number of course collisions. Results showed that participants with higher spatial abilities exhibited superior performance in both direct line of sight and teleoperation. Performance under direct line of sight was correlated with both spatial relations and spatial visualization, whereas performance during teleoperation was only correlated with spatial relations ability. Understanding the roles of spatial abilities under different viewing conditions will aid in the advancement of selection criteria and training paradigms for robot operators.
Effects of 2-pyridine aldoxime methochloride on cerebral acetylcholinesterase activity and respiration in cats poisoned with sarin

Abstract 2-pyridine aldoxime methochloride (2-PAM Cl) has been reported to be only marginally effective in reactivating brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in animals poisoned with organophosphorus anticholinesterase compounds. In the present studies, an effort was made to obtain additional information on the effects of 2-PAM Cl on AChE activity of the cerebral cortex and respiration in cats intoxicated intravenously with either 1.8 × LD50 (27 μg/kg) or 3 × LD50 (45 μg/kg) of isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate (Sarin). Following poisoning by 1.8 × LD50 of Sarin, injection of 15 mg/kg of 2-PAM Cl into the common carotid artery in a volume of 5 ml/kg of saline, pH 7.3, affected AChE activity in the cerebral cortex. The enzymatic levels in the poisoned, oxime-treated cats were significantly higher than those of the poisoned, untreated animals. In other experiments, the time for recovery of respiration from the effects of 3 × LD50 of Sarin was reduced from an average of 147 min in untreated animals to within 2 min after oxime administration. Under the conditions of these experiments, 2-PAM Cl rapidly restored respiration and reactivated some AChE in the cerebral cortex of cats intoxicated with Sarin.
Phytoestrogenic isoflavones daidzein and genistein reduce glucose-toxicity-induced cardiac contractile dysfunction in ventricular myocytes

Epidemiological evidence suggests a reduction in the incidence of coronary heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis in populations with a high dietary intake of plant estrogen or phytoestrogen. The c...
Principles of metareasoning

Abstract In this paper we outline a general approach to the study of metareasoning, not in the sense of explicating the semantics of explicitly specified meta-level control policies, but in the sense of providing a basis for selecting and justifying computational actions. This research contributes to a developing attack on the problem of resource-bounded rationality, by providing a means for analyzing and generating optimal computational strategies. Because reasoning about a computation without doing it necessarily involves uncertainty as to its outcome, probability and decision theory will be our main tools. We develop a general formula for the utility of computations, this utility being derived directly from the ability of computations to affect an agent's external actions. We address some philosophical difficulties that arise in specifying this formula, given our assumption of limited rationality. We also describe a methodology for applying the theory to particular problem-solving systems, and provide a brief sketch of the resulting algorithms and their performance.
Migration patterns of U. S. Ph. D. s among disciplines and specialties

Patterns of migration among disciplines and specialties are examined using data from a large survey of U. S. Ph. D. s in a broad range of fields. Mappings of scholarly fields are derived from the migration patterns and these mappings are largely consistent with results from previous studies using citation flows and other measures of field similarities. Migration patterns suggest that there are two boundaries dividing the fields in this analysis, and that hierarchical relations among disciplines are weak or absent. In contrast, specialties within a discipline are more likely to exhibit structural hierarchies.
Peripheral neuropathy in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of cancer in children. Recent advances in treatment have led to dramatically improved survival rates. Standard ALL treatment includes multiple administrations of the chemotherapeutic drug vincristine, which is a known neurotoxic agent. Although peripheral neuropathy is a well-known toxicity among children receiving vincristine acutely, the long-term effects on the peripheral nervous system in these children are not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of neuropathy and its impact on motor function and quality of life (QOL) among children who survived ALL. Thirty-seven survivors of childhood ALL aged 8–18 underwent evaluation for neuropathy through self-reported symptoms, standardized examinations, and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Functional impact of neuropathy was assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). QOL was assessed using the PedsQL. Nerve conduction study abnormalities were seen in 29.7% of children who were longer than 2 years off therapy for ALL. Most children with an abnormal examination or NCS did not have subjective symptoms. Although overall motor function was below population norms on the BOT-2, presence of neuropathy did not significantly correlate with motor functional status or QOL.
Dietary Elimination Therapy Is an Effective Option for Adults With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Background & Aims Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an immune-mediated disorder. Food elimination is an established treatment for children, but data in adults are limited. We aimed to determine the response of adults with EoE to dietary therapy. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study using the University of North Carolina EoE database from 2006 to 2012. Subjects were age 18 and older, had EoE by consensus guidelines, and had undergone dietary therapy either with a targeted elimination diet or a 6-food elimination diet (SFED). Outcomes were symptomatic, endoscopic, and histologic improvement. Demographic, endoscopic, symptomatic, and laboratory predictors of response to dietary therapy were assessed. Results Of 31 adults who underwent dietary therapy (mean age, 36 y; 48% male; 90% white; mean baseline eosinophil count, 78 eos/hpf), 22 had a targeted elimination diet and 9 had SFED. Symptoms improved in 71% (68% in targeted, 78% in SFED), and endoscopic appearance improved in 54% (53% in targeted, 56% in SFED). After dietary therapy, the mean eosinophil count decreased to 43 eos/hpf ( P = .009). Eleven subjects (39%) responded with fewer than 15 eos/hpf (32% in targeted and 56% in SFED; P = .41). No clinical, endoscopic, or histologic factors predicted response to dietary therapy. Of the 11 responders, 9 underwent food re-introduction to identify trigger(s), and 4 (44%) reacted to dairy, 4 (44%) reacted to eggs, 2 (22%) reacted to wheat, 1 (11%) reacted to shellfish, 1 (11%) reacted to legumes, and 1 (11%) reacted to nuts. Conclusions Dietary elimination is a successful treatment modality for adults with EoE. Further research should emphasize which factors can predict effective dietary therapy.
Does border enforcement deter unauthorized immigration? The case of Mexican migration to the United States of America

This paper asks whether the migration decisions of unauthorized Mexican immigrants to the USA have been influenced by stronger US border enforcement efforts since 1993 that have sharply increased the physical risk and financial cost of illegal immigration. These measures were supposed to have decreased the probability of successful entry, thereby lowering the expected benefits of migration. We carried out a logistic regression analysis of data from a recent survey of 603 returned migrants and potential first-time migrants in rural Mexico. Our findings indicate that tougher border controls have had remarkably little influence on the propensity to migrate illegally to the USA. Political restrictions on immigration are far outweighed by economic and family-related incentives to migrate. An alternative, labor-market approach to immigration control with higher probability of effectiveness is outlined.
Shastra: multimedia collaborative design environment

A distributed environment that supports multimedia interfaces, Shastra strengthens collaboration in scientific and engineering design. Implemented on a desktop system, it provides an infrastructure for user- and application-level cooperation. We describe the Shastra architecture and tools, then walk through a scenario that shows how it enhances collaborative problem solving. >
Long range forces and broken symmetries

The long range forces in physics are those which fall off according to the inverse square law. The short range forces, on the other hand, fall off exponentially, so that after a very short distance they become effectively zero. The short range forces play an important role in the physics of nuclei and of elementary particles. There are just two long range forces known, the gravitational force and the electromagnetic force. These are the ones that I shall be speaking about today.
Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation

Several options exist for the treatment of posterior epistaxis, ranging from posterior packing through transantral internal maxillary artery ligation to endovascular embolization. As otolaryngologists have become increasingly familiar and comfortable with nasal endoscopy, the range of techniques performed by using this tool has expanded. This expansion has recently encompassed the treatment of posterior epistaxis by using endoscopic ligation of the sphenopalatine artery. This technique is readily mastered by the experienced rhinologic surgeon and provides prompt and successful treatment of posterior epistaxis. The anatomic landmarks will be described, and the technique and its results presented.
Nonlinear Optical Phase Conjugation

The real-time information processing and manipulation of electromagnetic waves using nonlinear Qptical techniques has resulted in a myriad of new applications in diverse fields such as quantum electronics, image processing, optical computing, adaptive optics, and nonlinear spectroscopy. In this paper, we review and explore the field, provide a historical perspective, analyze several of the nonlinear interactions useful for the generation of phase-conjugate replicas, and conclude with a brief survey of potential applications and suitable nonlinear media.
Toward a New Geometric Distance to the Active Galaxy NGC 4258. II. Centripetal Accelerations and Investigation of Spiral Structure

We report measurements of centripetal accelerations of maser spectral components of NGC 4258 for 51 epochs spanning 1994 to 2004. This is the second paper of a series, in which the goal is the determination of a new geometric maser distance to NGC 4258, accurate to possibly ~3%. We measure accelerations using a formal analysis method that involves simultaneous decomposition of maser spectra for all epochs into multiple, Gaussian components. Components are coupled between epochs by linear drifts (accelerations) from their centroid velocities at a reference epoch. For high-velocity emission, accelerations lie in the range –0.7 to +0.7 km s−1 yr−1, indicating an origin within 13° of the disk midline (the perpendicular to the line of sight [LOS] to the black hole). Comparison of the projected positions of high-velocity emission in VLBI images with those derived from acceleration data provides evidence that masers trace real gas dynamics. High-velocity emission accelerations do not support a model of trailing shocks associated with spiral arms in the disk. However, we find strengthened evidence for spatial periodicity in high-velocity emission, of wavelength 0.75 mas. This supports suggestions of spiral structure due to density waves in the nuclear accretion disk of an active galaxy. Accelerations of low-velocity (systemic) emission lie in the range 7.7 to 8.9 km s−1 yr−1, consistent with emission originating from a concavity where the thin, warped disk is tangent to the LOS. A trend in accelerations of low-velocity emission, as a function of Doppler velocity, may be associated with disk geometry and orientation or with the presence of spiral structure.
Cortico-basal ganglia circuit mechanism for a decision threshold in reaction time tasks

Growing evidence from primate neurophysiology and modeling indicates that in reaction time tasks, a perceptual choice is made when the firing rate of a selective cortical neural population reaches a threshold. This raises two questions: what is the neural substrate of the threshold and how can it be adaptively tuned according to behavioral demands? Using a biophysically based network model of spiking neurons, we show that local dynamics in the superior colliculus gives rise to an all-or-none burst response that signals threshold crossing in upstream cortical neurons. Furthermore, the threshold level depends only weakly on the efficacy of the cortico-collicular pathway. In contrast, the threshold and the rate of reward harvest are sensitive to, and hence can be optimally tuned by, the strength of cortico-striatal synapses, which are known to be modifiable by dopamine-dependent plasticity. Our model provides a framework to describe the main computational steps in a reaction time task and suggests that separate brain pathways are critical to the detection and adjustment of a decision threshold.
Heterosexism in campus recreational club sports: an exploratory investigation into attitudes toward gay men and lesbians.

This study investigated attitudes toward gay men and lesbians among recreational club sport participants, including an investigation of differences in attitudes across sport clubs, team and individual sports, gender, and contact with gay men and lesbians. This study used a modified version of the Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men scale administered online to acquire overall attitudinal scores of participants, as well as two parallel subscale scores. Utilizing MANOVA and ANOVA statistical testing procedures, significant differences (p < .01) in attitudes toward gay men and lesbians were found based on gender, contact with gay men and lesbians, and among different recreational club sports. Significant statistical differences (p < .01) between attitudinal subscale scores were also found across demographic levels.
The effect of compression on performance in a demand paging operating system

Abstract As engineers increase microprocessor speed, many traditionally computer-bound tasks are being transformed to input/output (I/O) bound tasks. Where processor performance had once been the primary bottleneck, I/O performance is now the primary inhibitor to faster execution. As the performance gap widens between processor and I/O, it is becoming more important to improve the efficiency of I/O in order to improve overall system performance. In a demand paging operating system, secondary memory is accessed during program execution when a page fault occurs. To improve program execution, it is increasingly important to decrease the amount of time required to process a page fault. This paper describes a compression format which is suitable for both pages of code and pages of data. We find that when the OS/2 operating system is modified to use this compression format, the time saved due to reduced I/O offsets the additional time required to decompress the page.
Cochlear Implant Failure: Imaging Evaluation of the Electrode Course

Cochlear implant (CI) is an electronic device used to rehabilitate patients with sensorineural hearing loss. The intent of this review is to demonstrate the normal position of the electrode on computed tomography (CT) and contrast this with various examples of the electrode malpositioning. Post-implantation CT is performed to localize the cause of implant failure in patients in which radiographs suggest an anomalous course of the electrode. A common cause of device failure is extrusion or malpositioning of the electrode. It is important for the radiologists to recognize this important aspect of device failure. Post-implant CT can help identify patients with malpositioned electrode in whom another attempt can be made by correctly re-implanting the electrode.
ESD design for deep submicron SOI technology [NMOS transistor]

This paper establishes the critical ESD design issues for a partially depleted 0.35 /spl mu/m SOI process. Through device analysis we show for the first time that the gate bias of an NMOS during ESD plays a critical role in reducing channel heating and in achieving good protection levels for both positive and negative stress polarities. With an optimum design window, we demonstrate greater than /spl plusmn/2 kV ESD performance with no additional process steps.