cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binding arguments and hidden variables

Binding Arguments and Hidden Variables Jonathan Cohen and Samuel C. Rickless In recent years, several philosophers have appealed to evidence about bind- ing relations to show that various linguistic expressions are represented (at some level of linguistic representation) as having hidden variables (e.g., Stan- ley (2002), 368–369; Stanley and Szab´ (2000), 243). In particular, the idea o is that binding interactions between the relevant expressions and natural lan- guage quantiﬁers are best explained by the hypothesis that those expressions harbor hidden but bindable variables. Recently, however, Herman Cappelen and Ernie Lepore have rejected such binding arguments for the presence of hid- den variables on the grounds that they overgeneralize — that, if sound, such arguments would establish the presence of hidden variables in all sorts of ex- pressions where it is implausible that they exist (Cappelen and Lepore (2005), Cappelen and Lepore (2002)). 1 In what follows we respond to Cappelen’s and Lepore’s attempted reductio by bringing out crucial disanalogies between cases where the binding argument is successful and cases where it is not. But we have a deeper purpose than merely to respond to Cappelen and Lepore: we think the attempted reductio goes wrong by not taking suﬃciently seriously the nature of the binding relation that holds between quantiﬁers and arguments/variables, and that our criticism will serve to highlight the nature and importance of this relation. From Binding to Hidden Variables As we noted, the binding argument adduces facts about variable binding as evidence for the presence of hidden variables in the representation of linguistic expressions. For example, the thought is that we can reveal the presence of a hidden variable in ‘it is sunny’ in (1) by demonstrating binding interactions between that variable and the quantiﬁer ‘Everywhere Sally goes’ in (1b): (1) It is sunny. 2 1 Cappelen and Lepore object to the postulation of hidden indexical variables on the further grounds that these variables (i) are insuﬃcient to demonstrate semantic context sensitivity (which is perhaps the main reason philosophers and linguists have been interested in such variables), (ii) are not bindable by anaphora in the way that ordinary indexicals are, (iii) don’t guarantee certain a priori truths of the kind that are ordinarily guaranteed for indexicals, and (iv) predict the availability of interpretations that are, they claim, unavailable. We’ll have nothing to say about these other arguments. 2 For the sake of uniformity, we’ll use ‘it is sunny’ rather than the contracted form ‘it’s
Stretching chromatin through confinement

We present a method for the stretching of chromatin molecules in nanofluidic channels width a cross-section of about 80 × 80 nm2, and hundreds of microns long. The stretching of chromatin to about 12 basepairs/nm enables location-resolved optical investigation of the nucleic material with a resolution of up to 6 kbp. The stretching is based on the equilibrium elongation that polymers experience when they are introduced into nanofluidic channels that are narrower than the Flory coil corresponding to the whole chromatin molecule. We investigate whether the elongation of reconstituted chromatin can be described by the de Gennes model. We compare nanofluidic stretching of bare DNA and chromatin of equal genomic length, and find that chromatin is 2.5 times more compact in its stretched state.
Partners in Health: a case study of a comprehensive disability management program.

When absenteeism threatened to raise health care costs and affect the quality of care at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, a multidisciplinary team came together to develop a strategic response. The hospital seized the opportunity to initiate the “Partners in Health” program, an innovative and collaborative disability management program designed to improve its response to the health issues of all its staff. This paper describes how the program was developed and outlines its comprehensive approach. Partners in Health has proven to be extremely successful at increasing attendance awareness, improving work accommodation and/or rehabilitation after illness or injury, and reducing costs associated with health and lost-time claims. Partners in Health was recognized with the 1995 Health Care Quality Team Award sponsored by the Canadian College of Health Service Executives and 3M.
Local discontinuous Galerkin approximations to Richards’ equation

Abstract We consider the numerical approximation to Richards’ equation because of its hydrological significance and intrinsic merit as a nonlinear parabolic model that admits sharp fronts in space and time that pose a special challenge to conventional numerical methods. We combine a robust and established variable order, variable step-size backward difference method for time integration with an evolving spatial discretization approach based upon the local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method. We formulate the approximation using a method of lines approach to uncouple the time integration from the spatial discretization. The spatial discretization is formulated as a set of four differential algebraic equations, which includes a mass conservation constraint. We demonstrate how this system of equations can be reduced to the solution of a single coupled unknown in space and time and a series of local constraint equations. We examine a variety of approximations at discontinuous element boundaries, permeability approximations, and numerical quadrature schemes. We demonstrate an optimal rate of convergence for smooth problems, and compare accuracy and efficiency for a wide variety of approaches applied to a set of common test problems. We obtain robust and efficient results that improve upon existing methods, and we recommend a future path that should yield significant additional improvements.
Special feature: A structured symmetric-key block cipher

This paper presents a simple and structured symmetric-key block cipher called CHAIN which provides for variation in the block size, the key size, and the number of rounds of ciphering. This cipher performs encryption in three stages: mixing, permutation, and key-dependent substitution using the simple operations of XOR, table lookup, and substitution. The structure of CHAIN is byte-oriented, however the algorithm is designed in such a way that it can be expressed in a simple 'compact form' for efficient software or hardware implementation on platforms that support word sizes greater than 8 bits (such as on Intel's Pentium processor). Our C implementation of CHAIN with a 128-bit block size runs at 26 Mbits/Sec on a Pentium Pro 200 Mhz machine which is about 86% faster than RC5. Cryptanalysis of the algorithm indicates that it is very strong against the known attacks. It reaches the avalanche effect quite rapidly and provides very good resistance against linear and differential attacks.
Unconscious perception: a model-based approach to method and evidence.

Unconscious perceptual effects remain controversial because it is hard to rule out alternative conscious perception explanations for them. We present a novel methodological framework, stressing the centrality of specifying the single-process conscious perception model (i.e., the null hypothesis). Various considerations, including those of SDT (Macmillan & Creelman, 1991), suggest that conscious perception functions hierarchically, in such a way that higher level effects (e.g., semantic priming) should not be possible without lower level discrimination (i.e., detection and identification). Relatedly, alternative conscious perception accounts (as well as the exhaustiveness, null sensitivity, and exclusiveness problems—Reingold & Merikle, 1988, 1990) predict positive relationships between direct and indirect measures. Contrariwise, our review suggests that negative and/or nonmonotonic relationships are found, providing strong evidence for unconscious perception and further suggesting that conscious and unconscious perceptual influences are functionally exclusive (cf. Jones, 1987), in such a way that the former typically override the latter when both are present. Consequently, unconscious perceptual effects manifest reliably only when conscious perception is completely absent, which occurs at the objective detection (butnot identification) threshold.
Anodic stripping voltammetry enhancement by redox magnetohydrodynamics.

The effect of an external magnetic field on linear scan anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) in solutions of 10-6−10-7 M concentrations of lead, cadmium, and copper at mercury films on glassy carbon electrodes has been investigated. A high concentration of Hg2+ was added to the analyte solution to induce a large cathodic current during the deposition step. Therefore, a large Lorentz force from the net flux of charge through the magnetic field resulted in convection due to magnetohydrodynamics. The faster delivery of analytes to the mercury film electrode during deposition caused an increase in the anodic stripping peaks. The effect of varying Hg2+ concentrations (0−60 mM) and magnetic field strengths (0−1.77 T) on the enhancement of the stripping peaks was investigated. Enhancements as large as 129% for peak currents and 167% for peak areas were observed. An enhancement of ∼100% was observed when 60 mM Fe3+ replaced high concentrations of Hg2+. This method of convection exhibits promise for small-volume ASV...
Fractional power scale-tolerant correlation filters for enhanced automatic target recognition performance

Correlation filters are attractive for automatic target recognition (ATR) applications due to such attributes as shift invariance, distortion tolerance and graceful degradation. Composite correlation filters are designed to handle target distortions by training on a set of images that represent the expected distortions during testing. However, if the distortion can be described algebraically, as in the case of in-plane rotation and scale, then only one training image is necessary. A recently introduced scale-tolerant correlation filter design, called the Minimum Average Correlation Energy Mellin Radial Harmonic (MACE-MRH) filter, exploits this algebraic property and allows the user to specify the scale response of the filter. These filters also minimize the average correlation energy in order to help control the sidelobes in the correlation output and produce sharper, more detectable peaks. In this paper we show that applying non-linearities in the frequency domain (leading to fractional power scale-tolerant correlation filters) can significantly improve the resulting peak sharpness, yielding larger peak-to-correlation energy values for true-class targets at various scales in a scene image. We investigate the effects of fractional power transformations on MACE-MRH filter performance by using a testbed of fifty video sequences consisting of long-wave infrared (LWIR) imagery, in which the observer moves along a flight path toward one or more ground targets of interest. Targets in the test sequences suffer large amounts of scale distortion due to the approach trajectory of the camera. MACE-MRH filter banks are trained on single targets and applied to each sequence on a frame-by-frame basis to perform target detection and recognition. Recognition results from both fractional power MACE-MRH filters and regular MACE-MRH filters are provided, showing the improvement in scale-tolerant recognition from applying fractional power non-linearities to these filters.
A Qualitative Study of Participants' Experiences with Dietary Assessment

Abstract Objective This article reports on the use of focus groups and an experimental participatory activity to investigate factors influencing participants' decisions about what to eat and what to report on food records and food frequency questionnaires. Design Four focus groups examined participants' experience with diet records and 3 focus groups explored the topic of food portions using a group consensus activity. Twenty-two women participated in the diet record focus groups, and 15 participated in portion estimation groups. Subjects Focus group participants were equally distributed by age and body mass index values. Each woman completed a 10-day doubly labeled water protocol to measure total energy expenditure, 7 days of diet records (before and during total energy expenditure), and a food frequency questionnaire after the total energy expenditure. Analysis Transcripts of the focus groups were coded to index categories of responses and to identify themes within and across those responses. Themes discussed in this article are those that were discussed most often and at greatest length by all groups. Results The diet record focus groups revealed that 2 major factors influenced reporting on diet records: honesty vs social acceptability, and simplifying food intake. The portion estimation focus groups revealed 5 factors that influenced perceptions of portion size: the role of food in the meal, the type of food, personal preferences, product serving sizes, and comparison of personal servings with those of others. Applications The validity and reliability of self-reported food consumption is greatly influenced by the ways people interpret and respond to dietary assessment instruments. These findings indicate that dietetics professionals need to take extra steps to address issues of accurately recording "bad" foods when training patients to complete diet records. Extra probing is needed when dietary records do not include snacks and include simple meals and a large amount of prepared and packaged food because this may indicate that changes in normal dietary patterns were made in order to more easily complete a dietary record. J Am Diet Assoc. 2000;100:1023–1028.
The Effects of Religion on Remarriage Among American Women: Evidence From the National Survey of Family Growth

Divorce has been and remains a prevalent occurrence in the United States and, although divorce rates are not increasing at the same rate they once were, it still remains an extremely common phenomenon. As of the most recent U.S. Census Bureau report on divorce and remarriage, 56% of men and 59% of women ever married have been divorced. Despite these statistics, the vast majority of Americans still value marriage as an institution. This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by examining the role religion plays in the propensity of remarriage in the United States. Using logistic regression techniques and pooled data from the National Survey of Family Growth, multifaceted effects of denominational subcultures are examined concerning the propensity of remarriage among divorced women. Additionally, the linkages among religious salience, religious attendance, and the propensity of remarriage are explored.
Low wind speed turbines and wind power potential in Minnesota, USA

Abstract Wind power development in Minnesota largely has been focused in the “windy” southwestern part of the state. This research evaluates the additional power that potentially could be generated via low wind speed turbines, particularly for areas of the state where there has been comparatively little wind energy investment. Data consist of 3 years (2002–2004) of wind speed measurements at 70–75 m above ground level, at four sites representing the range of wind speed regimes (Classes 2–5) found in Minnesota. Power estimates use three configurations of the General Electric 1.5-MW series turbine that vary in rotor diameter and in cut-in, cut-out, and rated speeds. Results show that lower cut-in, cut-out, and rated speeds, and especially the larger rotor diameters, yield increases of 15–30% in wind power potential at these sites. Gains are largest at low wind speed (Class 2) sites and during the summer months at all four sites. Total annual wind power at each site shows some year-to-year variability, with peaks at some sites partially compensating for lulls at others. Such compensation does not occur equally in all years: when large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns are strong (e.g., 2002), the four sites show similar patterns of above- and below-average wind power, somewhat reducing the ability of geographic dispersion to mitigate the effects of wind speed variability.
Alternative routes for the genesis of kinetin: A synthetic intramolecular route from 2′-deoxyadenosine to kinetin

Abstract We have tested the possible genesis of kinetin from a 2′-deoxyadenylate unit of DNA by a chemical route involving a head-to-tail transfer of deoxyribose from the 9 to the 3 position of the adenine nucleus via a cyclonucleoside, with subsequent elimination of 1′- and 3′-polar groups and 3 → N 6 intramolecular rearrangement leading to kinetin. We have also determined quantitatively the per cent conversions to 3-furfuryladenine and/or kinetin of the following under autoclaving conditions at 120°, pH 4, 2 atm, and 4 hr: (1) adenine/furfury alcohol; (2) adenine/2-deoxy- d -ribose; (3) 2′-deoxyadenosine; (4) 3-furfuryladenine; (5) 3,5′-(3′- O -diethylphosphoryl-2′-deoxya-denosine)-cyclonucleoside p -toluenesulfonate. The sequence of reactions involving cyclonucleoside formation and rearrangement has been shown to be a chemically feasible route by which kinetin can be formed, although it is not the only way this cytokinin can be generated.
Injecting transition risk and depression among Mexican American non-injecting heroin users

Abstract Introduction Existing research has documented high comorbid rates for injecting drug use (IDU) and social and health consequences including HIV infection, a condition that disproportionately affects U.S. Hispanic populations. Few studies have examined the specific associations between injecting transition risk among non-injecting heroin using (NIU) populations and mental health conditions. This study hypothesizes that injecting transition risk will be strongly associated with depression symptomatology controlling for age and gender among Mexican American NIUs. Methods Street-recruited NIUs ( n = 300) were administered structured interviews. The Mexican American sample was predominantly male (66%), unemployed (75%) with more than half experiencing incarceration in their lifetimes (58%). Depression was measured using the CES-D scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to determine the associations between the dependent variable of heroin injecting transition risk and the key independent variables of depression symptomatology and other independent variables. Results Depression symptomatology was the strongest independent correlate of injecting transition risk. Those NIUs with high levels of depression symptomatology had more than three times the heroin injecting transition risk than those NIUs with low levels. Heroin use network influence was also found to be a strong correlate. Acculturation level was significantly associated with injecting transition risk. Conclusion The comorbid condition of depression symptomatology and heroin use places Mexican American NIUs at elevated risk of contracting blood-borne pathogens such as HIV. Development of prevention and treatment strategies that target Hispanic non-injecting heroin users in socially disadvantaged communities should consider depression symptoms and develop interventions that build new social networks.
Anisotropic etching of SiC whiskers

We have demonstrated a method of producing nanoplatelets or complex well-ordered nanostructures from silicon carbide (SiC) whiskers. Preferential etching of SiC whiskers in a mixture of hydrofluoric and nitric acids (3:1 ratio) at 100 °C results in the selective removal of cubic SiC and the formation of complex structures resembling a pagoda architecture. Possible mechanisms governing selective etching are discussed. Reproducible results on SiC whiskers manufactured in different laboratories suggest that the self-patterning phenomena are common in SiC whiskers, and the same electroless etching procedure can be used to synthesize various complex nanostructures from more conventional nano- and microscale objects for use as building blocks in the fabrication of sensors, cellular probes, and electronic, optoelectronic, electromechanical, and other devices.
Intrinsic tone and distensibility of in vitro and in situ cat pulmonary arteries.

This study was designed to determine the in vitro and in situ diameter vs pressure relationship of 200- to 1,200-μm diameter pulmonary arteries in the cat. Diameter vs pressure relationships of these arteries were obtained using two methods, microscopic observation of in vitro cannulated and pressurized arteries and X-ray angiography of in situ arteries. Both in vitro and in situ arteries were studied first under normal conditions and then after reducing tone with Ca2+-free solution (in vitro) or papaverine (in situ). In vitro arteries commonly increased their tone in response to elevated transmural pressure, and in some cases, the diameter actually decreased as pressure increased. This behavior was not observed in the in situ arteries. The major difference between in vitro and in situ arteries was that when the in vitro arteries were relaxed, the slope of the diameter vs pressure curves increased, whereas the slope was not altered significantly by relaxation of the in situ arteries. This difference is emphasized by the increased distensibility with relaxation of the in vitro arteries but the decreased distensibility with relaxation of the in situ arteries. The results of this study suggest that, at least in the cat, small pulmonary arteries possess a mechanism that is dormant in the in situ environment within the normal lung. However, the potential for pressure-induced constriction may be unmasked by changing the vessel history and/or environment. Extrapolating results obtained from in vitro pulmonary arteries to the in situ situation should therefore be done with caution. Studies directed at what factors contribute to differences in the responses of in vitro and in situ arteries might help in understanding pulmonary vascular pathophysiology.
Io la conoscevo bene… Or did I? Antonio Pietrangeli, the Author, and the Actress

Antonio Pietrangeli’s Io la conoscevo bene (1965) is one of the rare films that openly problematizes the relationship between male author and female subject, director and actress. It follows the trials and tribulations of Adriana Astrelli (Stefania Sandrelli), an aspiring starlet, as she navigates Pietrangeli’s cinematic world, Rome in the 1960s. This article examines the film’s metacinematic composition as well as its formal elements in order to demonstrate Pietrangeli’s sensitivity to issues of authorship and epistemology. This is evident in the title itself, Io la conoscevo bene, which assumes intimate knowledge of the film subject, thereby objectifying her in order to lay bare this process to the spectators, who are themselves complicit in the same mechanism of objectification. By imposing a theoretical reading based on psychoanalysis, feminism, and semiotics, this study seeks to show the importance of Pietrangeli’s film and the unique nature of Pietrangeli’s own male, authorial position in representi...
PDE1B2 regulates cGMP and a subset of the phenotypic characteristics acquired upon macrophage differentiation from a monocyte

Monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation with the cytokine granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor induces expression of the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase PDE1B2. However, what role PDE1B2 plays in macrophage biology has not been elucidated. We have addressed this question by inhibiting PDE1B2 induction by using RNA interference. Using a retrovirus-based system, we created HL-60 stable cell lines that express a short-hairpin RNA targeting PDE1B2. HL-60 cells treated with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate differentiate to a macrophage-like phenotype and up-regulate PDE1B2. However, expression of PDE1B2 short hairpin RNA effectively suppresses PDE1B2 mRNA, protein, and activity up-regulation. Using the HL-60 PDE1B2 knockdown cells and agonists for either adenylyl or guanylyl cyclase, it was found that PDE1B2 predominantly regulates cGMP and plays a lesser role in cAMP regulation in response to cyclase agonists. Furthermore, in intact HL-60 cells, PDE1B2 activity can be regulated by changes in Ca+2 levels. Inhibiting PDE1B2 up-regulation does not prevent HL-60 cell differentiation, because several markers of macrophage differentiation are unaffected. However, suppression of PDE1B2 expression alters some aspects of the macrophage-like phenotype, because cell spreading, phagocytic ability, and CD11b expression are augmented. The cAMP analog 8-Bromo-cAMP reverses the changes caused by PDE1B2 knockdown. Also, PDE1B2 knockdown cells have lower basal levels of cAMP and alterations in the phosphorylation state of several probable PKA substrate proteins. Thus, the effects of PDE1B2 on differentiation may ultimately be mediated through decreased cAMP. In conclusion, PDE1B2 regulates a subset of phenotypic changes that occur upon phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced differentiation and likely also plays a role in differentiated macrophages by regulating agonist-stimulated cGMP levels.
Echocardiography can predict the development of severe mitral regurgitation after percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty by the inoue technique

Abstract Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) following mitral balloon valvuloplasty is a major complication of this procedure. We recently described a new echocardiographic score that can predict the development of severe MR following mitral valvuloplasty with the double balloon technique. The present study was designed to test the usefulness of this score for predicting severe MR in patients undergoing the procedure using the Inoue balloon technique. From 117 consecutive patients who underwent mitral valvuloplasty using the Inoue technique, 14 (11.9%) developed severe MR after the procedure. A good quality echocardiogram before mitral valvuloplasty was available in 11 patients. These 11 patients were matched by age, sex, mitral valve area, and degree of MR before valvuloplasty with 69 randomly selected patients who did not develop severe MR after Inoue valvuloplasty. The total MR-echocardiographic (MR-echo) score was significantly greater in the severe MR group (10.5 ± 1.4 vs 8.2 ± 1.1; p
Impact of interpreters on the receipt of new prescription medication information among Spanish-speaking Latinos.

Background:For Latinos, limited English proficiency (LEP) is a barrier to receiving important information about a new medication prescription. Access to interpreters may impact the receipt of important medication-related information.Objective:To examine the association between interpreter use and re
The effect of parabiosis and fluid restriction on the development of azo dye induced rat liver tumors.

Chez le rat, le developpement des tumeurs du foie est ralenti lorsqu'on met les individus atteints en parabiose avec des individus normaux et arrete si l'on reduit leur ration d'eau. Mais il semble que dans les deux cas, ces effets ont pour cause determinante la diminution de la nourriture consommee.
Acquired chemical defense in the lycaenid butterfly,Eumaeus atala.

The lycaenid butterfly,Eumaeus atala, was found to contain cycasin, an azoxyglycoside, by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Quantification of cycasin content in 10 individual freshly killed and frozen males and females, using capillary gas chromatography (GC), showed that cycasin contents of individual butterflies ranged from 0.21 to 0.51 mg (1.24–2.75% dry weight). A museum specimen ofE. atala of unknown age had undetectable amounts of cycasin by GC. GC showed that larval frass contained about 0.10% cycasin, which was not detectable by TLC. Cycasin in the host plant was not detectable by TLC but was detected by GC and found to be 0.02% dry weight. There was no macrozamin, another azoxyglycoside characteristic of many cycads, in the butterfly or plant. Feeding trials with a colony of the ant,Camponotus abdominalis floridanus, showed that both cycasin and the adult ofE. atala were deterrent to the ants.
Reactions of Sodium Hydrogen Selenide With α, β-Unsaturated Compounds

Abstract Sodium hydrogen selenide (NaHSe) reacts with α, β-unsaturated compounds, under mild conditions, via a Michael type of addition to yield the corresponding monoselenides.
Voter Response to Conservation Policies in Madagascar

Summary International conservation groups pour millions of dollars into developing countries to help preserve resources and set conservation priorities, but critics argue that affected populations are often excluded from the decision-making process. In 2003 many in the international community praised the president of Madagascar for his pledge to more than triple the area under protection. This paper examines how voting patterns in the president’s re-election bid differed in communities affected by these policies. The results suggest less support for the president in regions with new protected areas but that these policies would be unlikely to change the outcome of an election.
Actin polymerization regulates the synthesis of PKMζ in LTP

Changes in the actin-based synaptic cytoskeleton are important for long-term potentiation (LTP), but the mechanism linking actin filament formation and the persistence of enhanced synaptic transmission has not been described. Actin filaments form rapidly during LTP induction without new protein synthesis, but their effects on synaptic potentiation occur during protein synthesis-dependent late-LTP. Previous studies have shown that late-LTP is mediated by the synthesis of the persistently active, atypical PKC isoform, protein kinase Mzeta (PKMζ). Here we show that preventing actin polymerization during LTP with latrunculin B blocks de novo protein synthesis of PKMζ. In contrast, the agent has minimal effects on the potentiation of AMPA receptors mediated by postsynaptically perfused PKMζ or on LTP expression. Thus actin filaments formed by tetanization enhance the efficiency of the synthesis of PKMζ that maintains LTP.
The role of fibrinogen spacing and patch size on platelet adhesion under flow

Abstract Platelet adhesion to the vessel wall during vascular injury is mediated by platelet glycoproteins binding to their respective ligands on the vascular wall. In this study we investigated the roles that ligand patch spacing and size play in regulating platelet interactions with fibrinogen under hemodynamic flow conditions. To regulate the size and distance between patches of fibrinogen we developed a photolithography-based technique to fabricate patterns of proteins surrounded by a protein-repellant layer of poly(ethylene glycol). We demonstrate that when mepacrine labeled whole blood is perfused at a shear rate of 100 s −1 over substrates patterned with micron-sized wide lines of fibrinogen, platelets selectively adhere to the areas of patterned fibrinogen. Using fluorescent and scanning electron microscopy we demonstrate that the degree of platelet coverage (3–35%) and the ability of platelet aggregates to grow laterally are dependent upon the distance (6–30 μm) between parallel lines of fibrinogen. We also report on the effects of fibrinogen patch size on platelet adhesion by varying the size of the protein patch (2–20 μm) available for adhesion, demonstrating that the downstream length of the ligand patch is a critical parameter in platelet adhesion under flow. We expect that these results and protein patterning surfaces will be useful in understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of platelet adhesion under physiologic flow, and in the development of novel platelet adhesion assays.
Affect, cognition and reward: Predictors of privacy protection online

This article examined the interplay between cognition and affect in Internet uses for privacy control. A survey of a national sample was conducted to empirically test the relationship between affective concern for and cognitive knowledge of information privacy online. We also tested for the interactive role of reward-seeking as a moderator among these relationships. Findings revealed that concern did not directly play a meaningful role in guiding users' protective behavior, whereas knowledge was found significant in moderating the role of concern. The interactive role of reward-seeking seems particularly salient in shaping the structure of the relationships. These findings suggest that the intersections between knowledge, reward, and concern can play out differently, depending on the levels of each. Policy implications in relation to users' cognitive, affective, and reward-seeking rationalities are offered, and future research considerations are discussed.
THE DAILY EXCRETION OF URINARY ANDROGENS IN NORMAL CHILDREN1

STUDIES in this laboratory, as yet unpublished (i), it has been de-Ftermined that the 24-hour urinary excretion of estrogens in both the male (ROM)and female child vary from day to day. In young children (5 to 10 years of age) these fluctuations are slight, but in the pre-adolescent groups they be-come more marked. Our data obtained thus far suggest that in the female child, at least, there is a cyclic excretion of the estrogenic hormones for several years before the menarche. This necessitates, therefore, the assay of a series rather than a single day’s specimen of urine in the study of the normal estrin excretion even in children. The present study was undertaken to ascertain i f there were similar variations in the daily output of the urinary androgens before puberty.
A Comparative Study of Five Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease: Cell Cycle Events Reveal New Insights into Neurons at Risk for Death

Ectopic cell cycle events (CCEs) in postmitotic neurons link the neurodegenerative process in human Alzheimer's disease (AD) with the brain phenotype of transgenic mouse models with known familial AD genes. Most reports on the mouse models use the appearance of brain amyloid pathology as a key outcome measure. In the current paper, we focus on the induction of neurodegeneration using CCEs as markers for impending neuronal loss. We compare 5 mouse models of familial AD for the appearance of CCEs in subcortical regions—deep cerebellar nuclei, amygdala, locus coeruleus, hippocampus, and dorsal raphe. We find that the models differ in their CCE involvement as well as in the appearance of phosphorylated tau and amyloid deposition, suggesting that each model represents a different disease phenotype. Comparison with the pattern of neuron death in human AD suggests that each may represent a distinctly different disease model when used in preclinical trials.
Rail Vehicle Active Suspensions for Lateral Ride and Stability Improvement

The potential performance benefits of simple, low power active elements in the lateral secondary, between the truck and carbody is investigated analytically by parametric studies utilizing a fifteen degree of freedom lateral model subject to alignment and cross-level inputs. It is shown that significant improvements in ride quality can be obtained at current operating speeds by using less than 3 kw per truck by sensing lateral carbody accelerations and utilizing lateral force actuators between the truck and carbody. It is concluded that significant ride quality improvements can be achieved by low power, small bandwidth actuators while stability improvement requires increased power and larger bandwidth systems.
Influence of an LRP5 cytoplasmic SNP on Wnt signaling and osteoblastic differentiation

Abstract The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) is a key determinant of bone mass, via the Wnt signaling pathway control of osteoblast function. This study examined human LRP5 signaling and the effects of an intracellular domain single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP: p.V1525A) on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Constitutively active LRP5 was constructed by deletion of the extracellular domain of LRP5 (LRP5ΔN). Expression of LRP5ΔN-V, which carries the allele p.1525V, induced higher β-catenin/TCF-LEF activity compared to LRP5ΔN-A, which carries the allele p.1525A. In a yeast two-hybrid assay, LRP5ΔN-V also demonstrated a stronger interaction with AXIN than LRP5ΔN-A. Expression of either of the alleles did not change cell proliferation. However, cells expressing LRP5ΔN-V showed increased alkaline phosphatase activity and bone nodule formation compared to cells transfected with empty vector or LRP5ΔN-A after osteogenic supplement (OS: β-glycerophosphate and l -ascorbic acid) treatment. Cells expressing LRP5ΔN-V revealed significantly increased bone sialoprotein (BSP) expression after 7 days of OS treatment and maintained elevated expression until day 21. Osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA levels were increased after 14–21 days of OS treatment in LRP5ΔN-V expressing cells. LRP5ΔN-V expressing cells demonstrated positive interaction with BMP-2 signaling of transcription at the SBE-luc promoter. LRP5 signaling is affected by the cytoplasmic SNP, p.V1525A. mRNA levels of Runx2 and Osterix were not affected by this SNP.
Cytochrome P-450 activity in human leiomyoma and normal myometrium

Abstract Variations in cytochrome P-450 levels may influence the responsiveness of uterine and breast tissue as well as carcinomas to endocrine therapy and may be of particular importance with agents such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex) where hydroxylation is known to alter therapeutic activities. Therefore, a sensitive spectrophotometric assay of cytochrome P-450 levels in reproductive tissue microsomes was developed to measure cyclohexane hydroxylase activity. Cyclohexane served as a substrate for several forms of cytochrome P-450. Human uterine leiomyomas (uterine fibroid tumor) contained significantly higher (p
Diffusion of zinc in the lamellar eutectic, Al-CuAl2

Diffusion of Zn in the aligned lamellar Al-CuAl2 eutectic has been studied. Couples were prepared to observe diffusion either parallel or perpendicular to eutectic interfaces at temperatures of 193, 240, and 287° and times to 1.66 × 108 sec. Both optical and electron microprobe techniques were used to study the resultant microstructures. Zn is present in the α Al platelets at distances far greater than predicted by lattice diffusion. The diffusion of Zn into 0-CuAl2 causes a rapid transformation of θ to a two phase mixture of α particles in a matrix of T-Al3ZnCu3. Advance of the growth front (θ → Τ + α) is parabolic with time, and the growth rate increases with increasing temperature. The transformation to Τ + α is observed to be slower in the 0 platelets of the eutectic than in bulk 0. In the eutectic, less Zn reaches the advancing transformation front because of lateral diffusion of Zn into adjacent a platelets. An experimentally determined activation energy for the combined transformation and diffusion processes suggests that the α -Τ boundaries act as high-diffusivity paths for Zn diffusion.
Olfaction: Responses of a Decapod Crustacean Are Enhanced by Flicking

Periodic movements of the olfactory organs, known as "flicking," temporally enhance the response of the olfactory receptors of the spiny lobster to changes in stimulus concentration. This reflex provides the lobster with a physiological mechanism to compensate for the indiscrete temporal nature of chemical stimuli.
Expert systems as aids for interpretive reporting

In this paper we will describe the dimensions of interpretive reporting as currently practiced in clinical pathology and provide a perspective on prior applications of comoputers to this activity. We will then discuss our experience with the application of expert systems technology to this activity.
Oral nicardipine versus intravenous magnesium sulfate for the treatment of preterm labor.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral nicardipine in acute therapy for preterm labor with those of parenteral magnesium sulfate. Study Design: Patients between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation with documented preterm labor were randomly assigned to receive oral nicardipine (n = 57) or intravenous magnesium sulfate (n = 65) as initial tocolytic therapy. Patients in the nicardipine group received a 40-mg loading dose and then 20 mg every 2 hours as needed to stop contractions (total 80 mg). Patients in the magnesium sulfate group received a 6-g bolus followed by 2 to 4 g/h to provide uterine quiescence. Patients could be switched to another tocolytic regimen if they continued to have contractions after 6 hours of therapy. The main outcome variables examined were time to uterine quiescence, time gained in utero, recurrence of preterm labor, failure of tocolysis, and pertinent maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: There were no significant differences in maternal demographic characteristics between the groups. Among patients who responded with uterine quiescence within 6 hours, there was a significant decrease in the time to uterine quiescence in the nicardipine group ( P P = .048). The patients in the magnesium sulfate group had more adverse side effects, mainly nausea and vomiting ( P = .004). There were no differences in birth weight, estimated gestational age at delivery, or neonatal complications between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Oral nicardipine is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated tocolytic agent. In this prospective clinical trial patients randomly assigned to receive oral nicardipine had arrest of preterm labor more rapidly than did those randomly assigned to receive parenteral magnesium sulfate. Patients who received magnesium sulfate were more likely to have adverse medication effects and recurrent preterm labor. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:1432-7.)
Cell-Intrinsic IL-27 and gp130 Cytokine Receptor Signaling Regulates Virus-Specific CD4+ T Cell Responses and Viral Control during Chronic Infection

The outcome of chronic viral infections, which affect millions of people worldwide, is greatly dependent on CD4⁺ T cells. Here we showed that T cell-specific ablation of the common interleukin-6 (IL-6) family receptor, gp130, profoundly compromised virus-specific CD4⁺ T cell survival, T follicular helper responses, and IL-21 production at late stages of chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. These effects were cell intrinsic for CD4⁺ T cells and were accompanied by a reduction of CD8⁺ T cells, antibodies, and a severe failure in viral control. We identified IL-27 as a gp130 cytokine that promoted antiviral CD4⁺ T cell accumulation in vivo and that rapidly induced IL-21 ex vivo. Furthermore, IL-27R was critical for control of persistent LCMV in vivo. These results reveal that gp130 cytokines (particularly IL-27) are key regulators of CD4⁺ T cell responses during an established chronic viral infection, empowering both humoral and cytotoxic immunity.
The Effects of Practice Strategies, Individual Differences in Cognitive Style, and Gender upon Technical Accuracy and Musicality of Student Instrumental Performance:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of field dependence! independence and gender upon technical accuracy and musicality of student instrumental performance under both structured and free practice conditions. Field-dependence/independence was assessed by the Group Embedded Figures Test. Fifity-five brass and woodwind students between grades 7 and 10 were assigned to either a free practice group or a structured practice group. Subjects had four short practice sessions distributed across two weeks. Performances were evaluated by three independent judges. ANCOVA tests revealed significant main effects for practice condition for all dependent variables. Two significant interactions were observed for rhythmic accuracy: Practice Condition x Gender and Practice Condition x Gender x Field Dependence/Independence. The data indicate that the practice procedures used by the structured practice group were more conducive to improvement in musical performance. These findings are consistent with the li...
Reactions of Sterically Congested 1,5-Hexadienes: Ab Initio and DFT Calculations on the Competition between Cope Rearrangements and Disrotatory Cyclobutene Ring-Opening Reactions of Bridged syn-Tricyclo[4.2.0.02,5]octa-3,7-dienes

The thermolytic behavior of four syn-tricyclo[4.2.0.02,5]octa-3,7-dienes, each spanned by four propano bridges (13, 14, 21, and 26), has been investigated by means of calculations at the UB3LYP/ 6-31G* and CASPT2/6-31G* levels. These calculations predict that 13 should undergo a degenerate Cope rearrangement (EA = 19.6 kcal/mol), whereas the other three C20H24 isomers should prefer a necessarily disrotatory cyclobutene ring-opening reaction. In the case of 14, the ring-opening reaction (EA = 27.2 kcal/mol) is concerted and leads directly to 15, a 4-fold bridged cyclooctatetraene. In the ring opening of 21, the 1,6-bridge in the 4-fold bridged bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-2,4,7-triene 31 prevents formation of the corresponding cyclooctatetraene. In the ring opening of 26, the 4-fold bridged bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-2,4,7-triene derivative 36 is predicted to form the corresponding bridged cyclooctatetraene 38, which should undergo bond shift. The results of these calculations are found to be in very good agreement with the...
The concreteness of attributes in concept learning strategies

Ss were presented with conjunctive concept learning tasks using geometric stimuh in two experiments and using combinations of abstract characteristics in two other experiments. Evidence indicated that the conjunctive hypotheses for geometric stimuli were not mediated by component values but were sampled as unitized wholes. In contrast, conjunctive hypotheses for abstract attributes were sampled via independent combinations of component values. The differential processing was not found to be associated with the variation of stimuli on the verbal-nonverbal dimension.
Current and future technology for minimally invasive ablation of renal cell carcinoma.

Purpose of Review : To provide an overview of the technologic advancements in the field of ablative therapy, focusing on the treatment of renal neoplasms. Materials and Methods : A MEDLINE search was performed using each specific ablative technique name as the search term. Articles written in the English language were selected for review. In cases of multiple reports by a single institution, the most recent report was utilized. Pertinent articles specific to the technologic advancement in ablative therapy were selected for review. Recent Findings : Intermediate-term oncologic outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation (CA) for the treatment of small renal masses are encouraging. For thermal therapies, molecular adjuvants to enhance cellular kill and local control have been developed. Improvements in microwave technology have allowed for reductions in antenna size and increases in ablation size. Laparoscopic high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) probes have been developed to overcome the limitations of transcutaneous energy delivery, but HIFU remains experimental for the treatment of renal lesions. Irreversible electroporation (IRE), a novel nonthermal ablative technique, is currently undergoing clinical investigation in human subjects. Histotripsy causes mechanical destruction of targeted tissue and shows promise in treating renal and prostate pathology. Summary : Ablative techniques are commonly utilized in the primary treatment of urologic malignancies. The purpose of this review is to discuss technologic advances in ablative therapies with emphasis on the treatment of renal masses. RFA and CA show acceptable intermediate-term efficacy and technical refinement continues. Emerging technologies, including microwave thermotherapy, IRE, HIFU and histotripsy, are described with emphasis on the mechanism of cellular kill, energy delivery, and stage in clinical development.