cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moving Toward a DoD Automatic Test System Standard

A 1994 study identified that between 1980 and 1992, the Services spent approximately $50 billion on automatic test systems (ATS). Controlling proliferation of ATS became the DoD's goal and led to policy which stated that DoD programs shall select ATS Families to meet all ATS acquisition needs, and that introduction of unique ATS shall be minimized. Beginning in 1996, DoD and industry together began work toward an open architecture for ATS by identifying the set of Critical Interfaces or Key Elements for which standards needed to be defined. Shortly afterward, the Joint Service NxTest Integrated Program Team began efforts toward evolving test technologies for insertion into DoD ATS. The original architecture has evolved into the DoD ATS Framework which is published in the Defense Information Technology Standards Registry. The Joint Service ATS Framework Working Group, under the NxTest IPT, is accelerating efforts toward completing the Framework. Cooperation between the Services and industry has reached new levels with active participation in working groups and standards development bodies. In addition to demonstrating emerging test technologies, the Agile Rapid Global Combat Support (ARGCS) Advance Concept Technology Demonstration project is helping to mature the ATS Framework. When the ATS Framework is completed and DoD has a truly open architecture for ATS, it is anticipated that DoD's ATS policy may shift from a hardware (Families and COTS) perspective to a situation wherein any tester that fully implements the ATS Framework will satisfy DoD's ATS-related goals, and the actual hardware used will become less important.
Modeling historical and future movements of spatio-temporal objects in moving objects databases

Spatio-temporal databases deal with geometries changing over time. In general, geometries do not only change discretely but continuously; hence we are dealing with moving objects. In the past, a few moving object data models and query languages have been proposed. Each of them supports either historical movements or future movements but not both together. Consequently, queries that start in the past and extend into the future cannot be supported. To model both historical and future movements of an object, two separate concepts with different properties are required, and extra attention is necessary to avoid their conflicts. Furthermore, current definitions of moving objects are too general and vague. It is unclear how a moving object is allowed to move through space and time. For instance, the continuity or discontinuity of motion is not specified. In this paper, we propose a new moving object data model called Balloon model which provides integrated support for both historical and future movements of moving objects. As part of the model, we provide formal definitions of moving objects with respect to their past and future movements. All kinds of queries including past queries, future queries, and queries that start in the past and end in the future are supported in our model.
Graduate Education in Computational Statistics

The proliferation of powerful computers and personal work stations has greatly enhanced the ability of both theoryand-methods researchers and data analysts in their practice of statistics. It has increased the availability of statistical software for performing otherwise tedious and time-consuming calculations, and, perhaps more important, computers have opened the way for new analytical techniques. These techniques have been devised by the contemplation of methods that had been impractical previously. Efron (1979) gave a number of specific examples. Some of these techniques have now become standard components of statistical analysis packages. These methods could not have been considered and would not have been developed without the presumption that many data analysts would ultimately have substantial computing power available to them. Not only has computation become an integral part of both the theory and the practice of statistics, but in some academic institutions it is having an equally profound effect on the teaching of statistics [see Eddy et al. (1986) for a discussion of the impact of computers on statistical research]. Consequently, computation should be an integral part of the curriculum at all levels of study in statistics. In many fields, including computer science, active discussion of computing curricula is under way (see, e.g., Koffman, Miller, and Wardle 1984; Koffman, Stemple, and Wardle 1985). Our purpose here is to contribute to the effort of designing appropriate computing courses that may be incorporated in programs of study in statistics. To do so, we have chosen to describe the products of our thinking,
NEW ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS ARE NOT SUPERIOR TO WARFARIN IN SECONDARY PREVENTION OF STROKE: INSIGHTS FROM A META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED TRIALS AND INDIRECT TREATMENT COMPARISONS

Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and prior stroke are classified as high risk. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of New Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) to warfarin in patients with AF and previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Blood α-synuclein in agricultural pesticide handlers in central Washington State

Abstract Epidemiologic studies suggest that occupational exposure to pesticides might increase Parkinson disease risk. Some pesticides, such as the organophosphorus insecticide chlorpyrifos, appear to increase the expression of α-synuclein, a protein critically involved in Parkinson disease. Therefore, we assessed total blood cell α-synuclein in 90 specimens from 63 agricultural pesticide handlers, mainly Hispanic men from central Washington State, who participated in the state's cholinesterase monitoring program in 2007–2010. Additionally, in age-adjusted linear regression models for repeated measures, we assessed whether α-synuclein levels were associated with butyrylcholinesterase–chlorpyrifos adducts or cholinesterase inhibition measured in peripheral blood, or with self-reported pesticide exposure or paraoxonase (PON1) genotype. There was no evidence by any of those indicators that exposure to chlorpyrifos was associated with greater blood α-synuclein. We observed somewhat greater α-synuclein with the PON1-108T (lower paraoxonase enzyme) allele, and with ≥10 h of exposure to cholinesterase inhibiting insecticides in the preceding 30 days, but neither of these associations followed a clear dose–response pattern. These results suggest that selected genetic and environmental factors may affect α-synuclein blood levels. However, longitudinal studies with larger numbers of pesticide handlers will be required to confirm and elucidate the possible associations observed in this exploratory cross-sectional study.
Salinity relationships in a freshwater population of eastern mosquitofish

Tolerance limit to elevated ambient salinity, and plasma osmotic regulatory capabilities were evaluated in a freshwater population of Gambusia holbrooki. The upper tolerance limit of ambient salinity was found to be 25‰. Plasma osmotic concentrations trended sharply upward with increasing salinity, but in a stepwise fashion, unlike patterns in related, but more euryhaline species. These laboratory observations are consistent with field observations that natural populations of G holbrooki are generally restricted to fresh and dilute brackish waters.
Effects of Lighting and Dietary Energy Source on Male Market Turkeys. 1. Growth Performance Data

Abstract Two experiments were conducted with 528 and 500 Large White male turkeys to determine the effects of feeding either wheat or corn as the energy source and the effects of four different lighting treatments on growth, feed consumption, and feed conversion in a factorial arrangement. Wheat and corn diets were freely provided during the experiments and the lighting treatments began at 8 wk of age. The lighting treatments included: continuous light [C, 24 h light (L):0 h dark (D)], light decreasing 1 h/day per week until it reached 16L:8D (D1), light decreasing 2 h/day per week until it reached 16L:8D (D2), and intermittent light (I, 4L:2D). All birds were processed when the C birds were estimated to weigh 11.36 kg. No differences in body weight, feed consumption, or feed efficiency were found from 0 to 8 wk of age between turkeys fed diets with either wheat or corn as the energy source. For the period of 8 to 18 wk in Experiment 1 and 8 to 16 wk in Experiment 2, turkeys fed wheat diets were, respectively, .75 and 4.09% (P
Zodiacal emission. III - Dust near the asteroid belt

Properties of the zodiacal dust bands are derived from fits to Infrared Astronomical Satellite profiles of the ecliptic. Three observations lead to the conclusion that the dust-band material is spread over a range of heliocentric distances between the asteroid belt and the sun: parallax, color temperature, and wavelength dependence of the band latitudes. The orientations of the midplanes of the bands are found to be typical of asteroids. A model of 'migrating bands', wherein dust is produced near the asteroid belt and spirals into the sun under the influence of Poynting-Robertson drag, is used to explain the range of heliocentric distances of dust-band material.
Ambient pressure superconductivity at 5 K in the organic system: β-(BEDT-TTF)2AuI2

Abstract Ambient pressure superconductivity at the highest temperature (5 K) recorded for an organic superconductor, β-(BEDT-TTF) 2 AuI 2 , is reported.
A theoretical model of health information technology usage behaviour with implications for patient safety

Primary objective: Much research and practice related to the design and implementation of information technology in health care has been atheoretical. It is argued that using extant theory to develop testable models of health information technology (HIT) benefits both research and practice. Methods and procedures: several theories of motivation, decision making, and technology acceptance are reviewed and associated theory-based principles of HIT usage behaviour are produced. Main outcomes and results: the case of medical error reporting technology is used to support the validity of the proposed HIT usage behaviour principles. Further, combining these principles produces a testable, theoretical multilevel model of HIT usage behaviour. The model provides an alternative to atheoretical research and practice related to HIT. Conclusions: developing, testing, and revising models of HIT like the one presented here is suggested to be beneficial to researchers and practitioners alike.
India: The Social Anthropology of a Civilisation

This title traces the development of Indian civilization from its earliest times to the beginning of the 21st century by combining a historical and anthropological approach to the subject. This book is intended for historians, and anthropologists.
Maintaining “Critical Intent" Within a Postmodern Theoretical Perspective on Accounting Research

Abstract This essay argues that a postmodern perspective on critique expands rather than diminishes the space for political engagement in critical accounting research. Wolin’s (1991) characterization of “postmodern politics" is used as a typos to situate accounting in a postmodern political context. We provide examples of accounting over the four moments that Wolin describes: the delegitimization of power; a minimalist sense of the justification of power; the elevation of competence as a principle virtue; and, the blurring of distinction between public and private life. If Wolin’s schema of postmodern politics has descriptive validity, then it may provide a useful way to think about the shape and character of critical research in accounting. To that end, we broadly outline some of the ways in which we think two of the foremost social theorists of our time—Jurgen Habermas and Michel Foucault—may have intellectual resources to contribute to those interested in pursuing Wolin’s schema in order to advance a critical theoretic literature of accounting.
Challenges to e-government in Africa south of Sahara: a critical view, and provisional notes for a research agenda

In this paper, we attempt to address the broader question as to why in Africa, e-government projects in general have higher rate of failure than success. Based on documentary analysis and using the information ecology framework, we critically analyze the case of The Gambia as e-government prototype country selected by the Economic Commission for Africa. We further discuss the value assumptions and implications, and propose an approach that will include value sensitive design as a way to address the designreality gap in order to minimize the risks for failure. In the process, a number of questions, issues and challenges are identified as possible foci for future research.
Effects of Carotid Body Maturation and Terbutaline on the Laryngeal Chemoreflex in Newborn Lambs

The response to laryngeal chemoreflex (LCR) water stimulation was compared in unanesthetized awake 4- to 10-day-old preterm and 2- to 4-wk-old term lambs before and after infusion of a beta-adrenergic agonist, terbutaline, given pre- and postcarotid body denervation (CBD). Ventilation decreased more in response to LCR stimulation post-CBD in the older lambs. CBD did not change the respiratory response to LCR stimulation in the younger lambs. LCR stimulation resulted in less bradycardia post-CBD in both groups. Terbutaline significantly attenuated the LCR response in the older lambs pre-CBD but not post-CBD. LCR respiratory response was not changed in the younger lambs when terbutaline was infused, pre- or post-CBD. Compared to wakefulness, the LCR response in preterm lambs was greater in sleep not associated with arousal. If arousal occurred, LCR response during sleep did not differ from that during wakefulness. The incidence of arousal decreased markedly after CBD, suggesting that arousal is modified by the carotid bodies. It is concluded that the carotid bodies modify the reflex response to LCR stimulation in 2- to 4-wk-old lambs. During the 1st postnatal wk, preterm lambs have a reduced carotid body function during wakefulness and, therefore, a decreased hypoxic ventilatory response and increased respiratory response to LCR stimulation. The attenuating effect of terbutaline on LCR response is partially related to mature carotid body function.
A Novel Design of Secure and Private Circuits

Secure and tamper evident computing systems can be built by encrypting both code and data. Even such secure execution environments assume the existence of a trusted processor boundary inside which the data and code are decrypted before actually using them for computation. This leaves such secure systems vulnerable against side-channel attacks. In general there are two approaches to solve this problem. First approach is to design cryptographic algorithms which can tolerate some information leakage. Second approach is to remove the correlation between the leaked information and the secret. We propose a novel circuit design technique which uses the second approach.
A model for hydrogen isotope backscattering, trapping and depth profiles in carbon and amorphous silicon

Abstract A model for low-energy hydrogen trapping and backscattering in carbon and amorphous silicon is described. Depth profiles are calculated and numerical results presented for various incident angular and energy distributions. The calculations yield a relation between depth profiles and the incident-ion energy distribution. The results obtained for reflection coefficients and for saturation doses are in good agreement with those obtained experimentally as described in the companion paper. The use of the model for tokamak plasma diagnosis is discussed.
Behavioral treatment of elective mutism: A review of the literature

Abstract This paper reviews the behavioral treatment literature concerning elective mutism. Reluctant speech is differentiated from and compared to elective mutism. Twentynine studies were reviewed in terms of treatment strategy, experimental design and clinical outcome. It was concluded that behavioral interventions have advanced the area, but that more rigorous research using single-case methodology is now needed. In order to guide future research, a recommended teratment strategy was offered.
Systems Biology Investigation of cAMP Modulation to Increase SMN Levels for the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant death worldwide, is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by the loss of SMN1 (survival motor neuron 1), which encodes the protein SMN. The loss of SMN1 causes a deficiency in SMN protein levels leading to motor neuron cell death in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. SMN2, however, can also produce some functional SMN to partially compensate for loss of SMN1 in SMA suggesting increasing transcription of SMN2 as a potential therapy to treat patients with SMA. A cAMP response element was identified on the SMN2 promoter, implicating cAMP activation as a step in the transcription of SMN2. Therefore, we investigated the effects of modulating the cAMP signaling cascade on SMN production in vitro and in silico. SMA patient fibroblasts were treated with the cAMP signaling modulators rolipram, salbutamol, dbcAMP, epinephrine and forskolin. All of the modulators tested were able to increase gem formation, a marker for SMN protein in the nucleus, in a dose-dependent manner. We then derived two possible mathematical models simulating the regulation of SMN2 expression by cAMP signaling. Both models fit well with our experimental data. In silico treatment of SMA fibroblasts simultaneously with two different cAMP modulators resulted in an additive increase in gem formation. This study shows how a systems biology approach can be used to develop potential therapeutic targets for treating SMA.
Brain Meets Body: The Blood-Brain Barrier as an Endocrine Interface

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) separates the central nervous system (CNS) from the peripheral tissues. However, this does not prevent hormones from entering the brain, but shifts the main control of entry to the BBB. In general, steroid hormones cross the BBB by transmembrane diffusion, a nonsaturable process resulting in brain levels that reflect blood levels, whereas thyroid hormones and many peptides and regulatory proteins cross using transporters, a saturable process resulting in brain levels that reflect blood levels and transporter characteristics. Protein binding, brain-to-blood transport, and pharmacokinetics modulate BBB penetration. Some hormones have the opposite effect within the CNS than they do in the periphery, suggesting that these hormones cross the BBB to act as their own counterregulators. The cells making up the BBB are also endocrine like, both responding to circulating substances and secreting substances into the circulation and CNS. By dividing a hormone's receptors into central and peripheral pools, the former of which may not be part of the hormone's negative feed back loop, the BBB fosters the development of variable hormone resistance syndromes, as exemplified by evidence that altered insulin action in the CNS can contribute to Alzheimer's disease. In summary, the BBB acts as a regulatory interface in an endocrine-like, humoral-based communication between the CNS and peripheral tissues.
Comparison of electrical CD measurements and cross-section lattice-plane counts of submicrometer features replicated in (100) silicon-on-insulator material

Electrical test structures of the type known as cross-bridge resistors have been patterned in (100) epitaxial silicon material that was grown on bonded and etched-back silicon-on- insulator (BESOI) substrates. The critical dimensions (CDs) of a selection of their reference segments have been measured electrically and by lattice-plane counting and they have been inspected by scanning-electron microscopy (SEM) cross-section imaging. The lattice-plane counting is performed on phase- contrast images made by high-resolution transmission-electron microscopy (HRTEM). The reference-segment features were aligned with directions in the BESOI surface material. They were defined by a silicon micro-machining process which results in their sidewalls being nearly atomically planar and smooth and inclined at 54.737 degree(s) to the surface (100) plane of the substrate. This (100) implementation may usefully complement the attributes of the previously reported vertical-sidewall implementation for selected reference-material applications. The HRTEM, and electrical CD (ECD) linewidth measurements that are made on BESOI features of various drawn dimensions on the same substrate are being investigated to determine the feasibility of a CD traceability path that combines the low cost, robustness, and repeatability of the ECD technique and the absolute measurement of the HRTEM lattice-plane counting technique. Other novel aspects of the (100) Silicon-On- Insulator (SOI) implementation that are reported here are the ECD test-structure architecture and the making of HRTEM lattice-plane counts from both cross-sectional, as well as top-down, imaging of the reference features. This paper describes the design details and the fabrication of the cross- bridge resistor test structure. The long-term goal is to develop a technique for the determination of the absolute dimensions of the trapezoidal cross sections of the cross- bridge resistors's reference segments, as a prelude to making them available for dimensional reference applications.
Discovery of genes expressed in response to Perkinsus marinus challenge in Eastern (Crassostrea virginica) and Pacific (C. gigas) oysters

The protozoan pathogen Perkinsus marinus is the causative agent of Dermo, a lethal disease of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica, but not the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. To understand the response of these two oysters to parasite exposure, a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) method was employed to characterize genes up-regulated during parasite challenge in both hemocytes and gills. The number of differentially expressed gene sequences obtained was 107 for C. virginica and 69 for C. gigas, including 46 and 37 sequences, respectively, that matched known genes in GenBank. Most of the sequences have not been characterized in other molluscs. Nineteen genes involved in immune system and cell communication, protein regulation and transcription, cell cycle, respiratory chain and cytoskeleton were selected for expression analysis by semi-quantitative PCR. Although varying in magnitude and timing post exposure, all genes screened showed over-expression in challenged oysters in both species, validating the SSH method. Results of this study highlighted some differences in gene expression between the two oysters in response to P. marinus infection, providing candidate genes and pathways for further analysis.
Use of fragment–sharing estimates from DNA fingerprinting to determine relatedness in a tropical wren

We assessed the usefulness of DNA fragment–sharing scores from DNA fingerprints for assigning relatedness to unknown pairs of individuals in a population of stripe–backed wrens (Campylorhynchus nuchalis). Preliminary investigation of scoring biases revealed consistency both within and between scorers in relative band–sharing scores, but a tendency for scores to be inflated and for inter–scorer agreement to decline as distance between lanes on an autoradiograph increased. Distributions of band–sharing values matched expected distributions well, which suggests that variability in scores is mostly inherent and not a result of errors in scoring. Confidence intervals based on band–sharing scores or means of scores across enzymes, probes and scorers revealed that unrelated (r= 0) and first–order dyads (r=Vi) could be distinguished on the basis of single band–sharing scores from the best combination of enzyme and probe (HaeIII/33.15) and that first– and second–order dyads could be distinguished when confidence intervals were based on means of band–sharing scores across two enzymes, two probes and two scorers.
To test or to treat? an analysis of influenza testing and Antiviral treatment strategies using economic computer modeling

Background: Due to the unpredictable burden of pandemic influenza, the best strategy to manage testing, such as rapid or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and antiviral medications for patients who present with influenza-like illness (ILI) is unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings: We developed a set of computer simulation models to evaluate the potential economic value of seven strategies under seasonal and pandemic influenza conditions: (1) using clinical judgment alone to guide antiviral use, (2) using PCR to determine whether to initiate antivirals, (3) using a rapid (point-of-care) test to determine antiviral use, (4) using a combination of a point-of-care test and clinical judgment, (5) using clinical judgment and confirming the diagnosis with PCR testing, (6) treating all with antivirals, and (7) not treating anyone with antivirals. For healthy younger adults (<65 years old) presenting with ILI in a seasonal influenza scenario, strategies were only cost-effective from the societal perspective. Clinical judgment, followed by PCR and point-of-care testing, was found to be cost-effective given a high influenza probability. Doubling hospitalization risk and mortality (representing either higher risk individuals or more virulent strains) made using clinical judgment to guide antiviral decision-making cost-effective, as well as PCR testing, point-of-care testing, and point-of-care testing used in conjunction with clinical judgment. For older adults (≥65 years old), in both seasonal and pandemic influenza scenarios, employing PCR was the most cost-effective option, with the closest competitor being clinical judgment (when judgment accuracy ≥50%). Point-of-care testing plus clinical judgment was cost-effective with higher probabilities of influenza. Treating all symptomatic ILI patients with antivirals was cost-effective only in older adults. Conclusions/Significance: Our study delineated the conditions under which different testing and antiviral strategies may be cost-effective, showing the importance of accuracy, as seen with PCR or highly sensitive clinical judgment. © 2010 Lee et al.
Resonant interactions between biological molecules

Forces between localized, oscillating vibrations on molecules show strongly resonant dependence on the relative frequencies of the two oscillators; i.e. there is a force between the vibrating parts of two molecules if the frequencies are the same but none if the frequencies are different. A vibrating site on a large molecule can attract another specific type of molecule out of a medium, one which has a vibrational mode at the same frequency, without influencing other types of molecules in the medium. These resonant forces are thus highly selective. Other pairs of molecules could similarly interact using vibrations at a different frequency. In a complex medium such as a cell, many different types of interactions could be assisted by these resonant forces wtihout interfering with each other. These forces could be found to be useful in assisting some metabolic reactions. It is interesting that they are vulnerable to selective suppression or enhancement by externally applied electromagnetic radiation of correspondingly specific frequencies.
Race and ethnicity, nativity, and issues of health care

“Age and Health in a Multiethnic Society: Health Care Issues” highlights two very important social facts of the early twenty-first century. U.S. immigration is at new highs, paralleling the influx of persons at the beginning of the century and contributing to greater heterogeneity. The second social fact is the ever-increasing emphasis on health, health care, and health policy as expressed in political campaigns and in President Bill Clinton’s call for Healthy People 2010.
Current Test Usage by Practicing School Psychologists: A National Survey:

A random sample of members of the National Association of School Psychologists was surveyed to examine the assessment activity of practicing school psychologists. Test-usage estimates and importance ratings for well-established standardized instruments, newly revised or released instruments, and informal procedures such as interview and curriculum-based assessment were examined. Estimates of time involved in various service delivery activities also were obtained. Results indicated that assessment activities still account for about 50% of the practice hours of school psychologists, followed by consultation (20%) and treatment (19%). School psychologists reported frequent use of intellectual, behavior-social-emotional, achievement, and perceptual assessment methods, but were less likely to be involved in vocational or preschool assessment. Familiar instruments, such as the Wechsler scales, the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-educational Battery-Revised, the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised, the Bender-Visual Mot...
Somatosensory and motor representations in cerebral cortex of a primitive mammal (Monodelphis domestica): a window into the early evolution of sensorimotor cortex.

To examine the potential early stages in the evolution of sensorimotor cortex, electrophysiological studies were conducted in the primitive South American marsupial opossum, Monodelphis domestica. Somatosensory maps derived from multiunit microelectrode recordings revealed a complete somatosensory representation of the contralateral body surface within a large region of midrostral cortex (primary somatosensory cortex, or S1). A large proportion (∼51%) of S1 was devoted to representation of the glaborous snout, mystacial vibrissae, lower jaw, and oral cavity (the rostrum). A second representation, the second somatosensory area (or S2), was found adjacent and caudolateral to S1 as a mirror image reversed along the representation of the glabrous snout. A reversal of somatotopic order and an enlargement of receptive fields marked the transition from S1 to S2. Mapping of excitable cortex was conducted by using intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) techniques, as well as low-impedance depth stimulation and bipolar surface stimulation. In all three procedures, electrical stimulation resulted in movements confined strictly to the face. Specifically, at virtually all sites from which movements could be evoked, stimulation resulted in only vibrissae movement. ICMS-evoked vibrissae movements typically occurred at sites within S1 with receptive fields of the mystacial vibrissae, lower jaw, and glaborous snout. Results were similar using low-impedance depth stimulation and bipolar surface stimulation techniques except that the motor response maps were generally larger in area. There was no evidence of a motor representation rostral to S1. Examination of the cytoarchitecture in this cortical region (reminiscent of typical mammalian somatosensory cortex) and the high levels of stimulation needed for vibrissae movement suggest that the parietal neocortex of Monodelphis is representative of a primitive sensorimotor condition. It possesses a complete S1 representation with an incomplete motor component overlapping the S1 representation of the face. It contains no primary motor representation. Completion of the motor representations within S1 (trunk, limbs, tail) as well as the emergence of a primary motor cortex rostral to S1 may have occurred relatively late in mammalian phylogeny. J. Comp. Neurol. 421:29–51, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Light Scattering as a Probe of Nanoparticle Aerosols

The purpose of this article is to review the potential for application of light scattering as a means to detect and measure nanoparticle aerosol systems. Key results are feasibility calculations for scattered intensity, anisotropy, and intensity correlation times relevant for both static and dynamic light scattering measurements. These calculations are set in the context of background scattering from the suspending gases and the growth of the particulate system via aggregation. Some specific examples are given, but general concepts are presented as recommendations to allow reader to plan their particular experiments.
Optically addressed electroclinic liquid crystal spatial light modulator with an a-Si:H photodiode

Abstract A fast optically addressed spatial light modulator (OASLM) is demonstrated using a p-i-n photodiode of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and the electroclinic effect in chiral smectic A liquid crystals. The response time depends on the material and the temperature. We used a material with a response time of 40 μs at 29°C and 4 μs at 51°C. This work shows that there is an excellent match between a-Si:H photodiodes as photosensors and high speed liquid crystals as electrooptic modulators. The optical response varies with the field and write-light intensity, allowing for grey level applications.
Strain analysis and fold shape in a limestone layer and implications for layer rheology

Abstract Folds are developed in thin limestone layers within slates of the McKay Formation exposed to the east of the Rocky Mountain Trench, British Columbia, Canada. They possess geometrical characteristics expected of development by buckling. Strain in the profile plane of a selected fold is similar to that predicted by tangential longitudinal strain, except that magnitudes are too low for the observed curvature. This is attributed to inhomogeneity of strain on the scale of measurement, largely because of pressure solution. Material removed by pressure solution from the inner arc of the fold appears to form veins perpendicular to the hinge, a direction of tectonic stretching. Bedding-parallel stylolites developed diagenetically prior to tectonism. Layer-parallel shortening during the initiation of buckling was less than 20%, and probably less than 10%. The mean arclength/thickness ratio is 6.5 and 7.1, with a dispersion of 0.48 and 0.37 for local and regional populations of 29 and 212 folds, respectively. Application of buckling theory to this data suggests that folding followed a non-linear flow law. The viscosity contrast between limestone and slate would be higher and the power law exponent lower, if initial irregularities in the layers were in the form of a constant amplitude spectrum rather than one of white roughness. The data do not allow a choice of initial amplitude spectrum to be made, nor do they closely constrain estimates of n the power law exponent and viscosity contrast. Deformation in the limestone layers was accommodated by intracrystalline flow (twin gliding), pressure solution, and extensional veining (the last two linked by diffusive mass transfer). The first two dominated deformation in the profile plane of the fold and the last, in association with fracturing, allowed for extension parallel to the hinge. Experimental and theoretical considerations suggest that deformation by a combination of these processes should be non-linear. The non-linear flow law deduced from buckling analysis is consistent with expectations based on observations of active deformation mechanisms.
Management of newer medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in commercial health plans.

Abstract Purpose In the United States, many individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pay for their medications using private health insurance coverage. As in other drug classes, private insurers are actively seeking to influence use and costs, particularly for newer and costlier medications. The approaches that insurers use may have important effects on patients’ access to medications. This article examines approaches (eg, copayments, prior authorization, and step therapy) that commercial health plans are using to manage newer medications used to treat ADHD and changes in approaches since 2003. Methods Data are from a nationally representative survey of commercial health plans in 60 market areas regarding alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services in 2010. Responses were obtained from 389 plans (89% response rate), reporting on 925 insurance products. For each of 6 branded ADHD medications, respondents were asked whether the plan covered the medication and, if so, on what copayment tier each medication was placed and whether it was subject to prior authorization or step therapy. Measures of management approach were constructed for each medication and for the group of medications. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to test for association of the management approach with various health plan characteristics. Findings There was considerable variation across these 6 medications in how tightly they were managed by health plans, with newer medications being subject to more stringent management. The proportion of insurance products relying solely on copayment tiering to manage new ADHD medications appears to have decreased since 2003. Less than half of insurance products (43%) managed these 6 medications solely by use of tier 3 or 4 placement, and most of the remainder (48%) used other restrictions (with or without tier 3 or 4 placement). The average insurance product restricted access to at least 3 of the 6 brand-only medications examined, whether through copayment tier placement or other approaches. More ADHD medications were left unrestricted in health maintenance organization products than in preferred provider organization ones, products with internal or hybrid-internal contracts for behavioral health, those not contracting with pharmacy benefits managers, and those with for-profit ownership. Implications Many plans have supplemented copayment tiering with other approaches, such as prior authorization and step therapy, to influence use and decrease costs. It may be that plans have found copayments to be less effective in redirecting use in this medication class. The effect on clinical outcomes was not examined in this study but should be prioritized using other data sources.
Electrophoresis in an expanded stationary boundary.

A method of electrophoresis in an expanded stationary boundary is described, in which a pH gradient formed in a single buffer is used. The degrees of ionization and the concentrations of the electrolytes have values at which the polyions stack and resolve simultaneously in a polyacrylamide gel. To illustrate the method, the resolving of serum proteins in a pH gradient formed by Tris – glycinate buffer is considered.
Radicals and third world tourism

Abstract Metropolitan tourism in countries of the Third World has evoked some radical political and social thought about the nature of the tourist industry, how it affects host countries, and what should be done with respect to future tourism development in those regions. There are many facets to a radical critique of tourism. Among the more important criticisms are: (a) that tourism is a type of metropolitan intrusion by the white, developed world into the non-white, developing world—a new version of colonialism and imperialism; and (b) that tourism in the Third World is sold by metropolitan agencies as fantasy, leading to the rise of playground cultures in host countries. Third World leaders are beginning to put forth greater efforts to control tourism as a national resource, to make it a complementary tool for development. Their quest is an uncertain one, but it is consistent with the trend of increasing sophistication in Third World nationalism.
Ultrastructural changes in gentamicin nephrotoxicity

Although described in laboratory animals, the ultrastructural changes in the kidneys of humans with gentamicin-induced acute renal failure have not been well documented. This report details the clinical and pathologic features of a patient with gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity with special emphasis on the electron microscopic findings.
Characteristics of p-terphenyl dye lasers pumped by high energy XeCl pulses

Abstract A p-terphenyl dye laser has been pumped with a high energy XeCl (308 nm) pulse of up to 50 ns (fwhm) duration. An untuned dye laser output of ∼0.14 J was obtained with an energy conversion efficiency of ∼27% and a temporal profile corresponding to that of the pump pulse. For pump levels ⩾10 MW/cm 2 pump induced absorption processes resulted in a decrease in the energy conversion efficiency with increasing pump flux. A similar effect was observed in other dyes. However, even at the highest pumping levels and longest pulse durations no triplet-triplet absorption was observed for PTP lasers.
Why Darwinians Should Not Be Afraid of Mary Douglas--And Vice Versa: The Case of Disgust

Evolutionary psychology and human sociobiology often reject the mere possibility of symbolic causality. Conversely, theories in which symbolic causality plays a central role tend to be both anti-na...
Electric dichroism and birefringence of poly(ribocytidylic acid). I. Optical properties and stability

Measurements of the uv absorption and melting profiles of poly(rC) at low-salt conditions confirm the existence of a double-stranded complex at low pH and imply, but do not prove, the structure proposed by Akinrimisi et al. (1963) Biochemistry2, 340–343. Electric dichroism and birefringence provide additional supporting evidence and indicate that the complex is one in which the bases are tilted considerably from the major molecular axis. The base-stacking tendency of single-stranded poly(rC), unlike poly(rA), is found to be insufficient to maintain a rodlike structure; the persistence length of stacked bases in poly(rC) must be very small. The existence of an out-of-plane transition in poly(rC) in the vicinity of 300 nm is conclusively demonstrated by both dichroism and birefringence measurements.
The effect of glucose on the acute uptake and efflux of calcium-45 in isolated rat islets.

The effect of glucose on acute 45Ca uptake and efflux in collagenase-isolated islets was studied using a double-isotope incubation technique with [3H]sucrose as an extracellular marker. Both 45Ca uptake (0–70 min) and efflux (0–80 min) were measured in either 3 or 20 mM glucose. Calcium-45 uptake and efflux were biphasic demonstrating a rapid phase (0–1 min) followed by a slow phase. Glucose (20 mM) increased the rate constant for slow-phase 45Ca uptake 7-fold and had no effect on the rapid phase. Suppression of insulin release by D2O (100%) did not affect glucose-induced 45Ca uptake indicating that this increased uptake occurred independent of insulin release. Rapid-phase and slow-phase 45Ca efflux rate constants were unaltered by 20 mM glucose and inhibition of insulin release by D2O did not influence 45Ca efflux. The rapid-phase movement of 45Ca may represent a rapidly exchangeable calcium pool at the cell membrane whereas the slow phase may be transmembranous calcium movement, as has been reported for...
A study of the intersystem crossing reaction induced in gaseous sulfur dioxide molecules by collisions with nitrogen and cyclohexane at 27°C

The quantum yields of the sulfur dioxide triplet (3SO2)-sensitized phosphorescence of biacetyl (Φsens) were determined in experiments with N2–SO2–Ac2 and c-C6H12–SO2–Ac2 mixtures excited at 2875 A at 27°C. The fraction of the biacetyl triplets which reacts homogeneously by radiative or nonradiative decay reactions was determined in a series of runs at constant [SO2]/[M] and [SO2]/[Ac2] ratios but at varied total pressure. A kinetic treatment of the Φsens results and singlet sulfur dioxide (1SO2) quenching rate constant data gave the following new kinetic estimates: 1SO2 + M (SO2–M) (1b) 1SO2 + M 3SO2 + M (2b); for 1SO2–N2 collisions, k2b/(k1b + k2b) = 0.033 ± 0.008; for 1SO2–c-C6H12 collisions, k2b/(k1b ± k2b) = 0.073 ± 0.024; previous studies have shown this ratio to be 0.095 ± 0.005 for 1SO2–SO2 collisions. It was concluded that the inter-system crossing ratio in 1SO2 induced by collision is relatively insensitive to the nature of the collision partner M. However, the individual rate constants for the collision-induced spin inversion of 1SO2 (k2b) and the total 1SO2-quenching constants (k1b + k2b) are quite sensitive to the nature of M: k2b/k2a varies from 0.10 ± 0.03 for M = N2 to 1.11 ± 0.37 for M = c-C6H12, and (k1b + k2b)/(k1a + k2a) varies from 0.29 for M = N2 to 1.44 for M = c-C6H12; k1a and k1b are the rate constants for the reactions 1SO2 - SO2 (2SO2) (1a) and 1SO2 + SO2 3SO2 + SO2 (2a), respectively.
Ionic Liquids Confined in a Realistic Activated Carbon Model: A Molecular Simulation Study

Classical molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the structure and dynamics of the ionic liquid (IL) [emim+][NTf2–] inside a slit graphitic nanopore and a realistic model of a coconut shell activated carbon (CSAC), which was generated using a reverse Monte Carlo protocol and matches the experimental radial distribution function from the real adsorbent. The CSAC model material consists of semigraphitic carbon sheets with different sizes and shapes, which form irregularly connected pores of roughly rectangular shape. In general, the ions inside the CSAC model material form layers parallel to the walls, as observed for the IL inside slit pores; however, the distribution of pore sizes and the complex pore geometry of the CSAC model materials cause the density profiles and the orientation of the ions to depart significantly from the uniform behavior observed for these properties of the IL inside slit pores. The presence of interconnected pores with a distribution of sizes in the CSAC model mate...
The cartesian context of Berkeley's attack on abstraction

: I claim that Berkeley's main argument against abstraction comes into focus only when we see Descartes as one of its targets. Berkeley does not deploy Winkler's impossibility argument but instead argues that what is impossible is inconceivable. Since Descartes conceives of extension as a determinable, and since determinables cannot exist as such, he falls within the scope of Berkeley's argument.
Diagnostic evaluation of inhalant allergies: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of modified quantitative testing (MQT), intradermal dilutional testing (IDT), and in vitro allergy testing as diagnostic me...
PARAMETERIZATION OF THE THREE-BODY D-FUNCTION.

Abstract A new parameterization for the three body D-function is presented. It is correct in both weak coupling and in the Efimov limit and agrees remarkably well with “exact” numerical calculations for a boson model and for the neutron-deuteron system.
Superoxide-independent reduction of vanadate by rat liver microsomes/NAD(P)H : vanadate reductase activity

Abstract It has been reported that vanadate-stimulated oxidation of NAD(P)H by microsomal systems can proceed anaerobically, in contrast to the general notion that the oxidation proceeds exclusively by an O 2 −1 -dependent free radical chain mechanism. The current study indicates that microsomal systems are endowed with a vanadate-reductase property, involving a NAD(P)H-dependent electron transport cytochrome P450 system. Our ESR measurements demonstrated the formation of a vanadium (IV) species in a mixture containing vanadate, rat liver microsomes, and NAD(P)H. This vanadium(IV) species was identified as the vanadyl ion (VO 2+ ) by comparison with the ESR spectrum of VOSO 4 . The initial rate of vanadium(IV) formation depends linearly on the concentration of microsomes. The Michaelis-Menten constants were found to be: k m = 1.25 mM and V max = 0.066 μ mol (min) −1 (mg microsomes) −1 , respectively. Pretreatment of the microsomes with carbon monoxide or K 3 Fe(CN) 6 reduced vanadium(IV) generation, suggesting that the NAD(P)H-dependent electron transport cytochrome P450 system plays a significant role in the microsomal reduction of vanadate. Measurements under argon or in the presence of superoxide dismutase caused only minor (less than 10%) reductions in vanadium(IV) generation. The VO 2+ species was also detected in NAD(P)H oxidation by fructose plus vanadate, a reaction known to proceed via an O 2 − -mediated chain mechanism. However, the amount of vanadium(IV) generated by this reaction was an order of magnitude smaller than that by the microsomal system and was inhibitable by superoxide dismutase, affirming the conclusion that the microsomal/ NAD(P)H system is endowed with the (O 2 − -independent) vanadium(V) reductase property.