cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The sensitivity of probabilistic risk assessment results to alternative model structures: a case study of municipal waste incineration.

In this analysis, human health risk due to exposure to municipal waste incinerator emissions is assessed as an example of the application of probabilistic techniques (e.g., Monte Carlo or Latin Hypercube simulations). Incinerator risk assessments are characterized by the dominance of indirect exposure, thus this analysis focuses on exposure via the ingestion of locally grown foods. In addition, since exposure to 2,3,7,8-TCDD drives most incinerator risk assessments, this compound is the subject of the illustrative calculations. An important part of probabilistic risk assessment is determining the relative influence of the input parameters on the magnitude of the variance in the output distribution. This constitutes an important step toward prioritizing data needs for additional research. However, under various possible model forms reflecting incompletely understood aspects of contaminant transport, differences may be observed in estimates of risk, variance in risk, and the relative contributions of individual uncertain and variable inputs to the variance. In this analysis, a sequential structural decomposition of the relationships between the input variables is used to partition the variance in the output (i.e., risk) to identify the most influential contributors to overall variance among them. For comparison, the partitioning of variance is repeated, using techniques of multivariate regression. In summary, this study considers the degree to which results of a probabilistic assessment are contingent on critical model assumptions about the representation of deposition velocity. Specifically, this analysis assesses the impact on the results of uncertainty about the best model of the vapor/particle partitioning behavior of semi-volatile airborne pollutants.
Characterization of a specific kinase inhibitory factor produced by vaccinia virus which inhibits the interferon-induced protein kinase

Abstract When mouse L cells are infected by vaccinia virus, a specific kinase inhibitory factor is produced which inhibits the interferon-induced, double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase ( P. Whitaker-Dowling and J. S. Youngner (1983) Virology 131, 128–136 ). This inhibitory factor appears early in vaccinia infection (90 min) and its production requires protein synthesis. It inhibits the phosphorylation of the α subunit of protein synthesis initiation factor eIF-2 and it is active in mixed extracts of IFN-treated cells and vaccinia-infected cells. The vaccinia-mediated inhibition of the IFN-induced protein kinase is not due to a specific phosphatase or a specific protease and can be reversed by the addition of excess double-stranded RNA. Evidence is presented which suggests that the specific kinase inhibitory factor interacts in a stoichiometric manner with the double-stranded RNA which is required for the activation of the interferon-induced protein kinase.
Masses and decay constants in lattice QCD

Abstract Using Monte Carlo methods combined with an approximation in which virtual fermion loops are neglected, we evaluate a variety of hadronic masses and decay constants for lattice QCD with gauge group SU(3) on lattices 4 3 × 8, 4 3 × 12 and 6 3 × 14 with β = 6 g 0 −2 of 4.0, 5.55, and 5.7, respectively. Taking m π and the meson Regge trajectory slope as input, we obtain predictions on the largest lattice for m ϱ , m δ , m π ′ , m ϱ ′ , m N , m Δ , m q , f π , and f ϱ with errors ranging from 15% to 60%. The predicted values generally differ with experiment by amounts ranging from 20% to 40% of the experimental numbers.
From Baltimore to Bell Labs: reflections on two decades of debate about scientific misconduct.

This essay proposes a new definition of scientific "misconduct," which is broader than the definition recently adopted by the U.S. government. According to the proposed definition, misconduct is a serious and intentional violation of accepted scientific practices, commonsense ethical norms, or research regulations in proposing, designing, conducting, reviewing, or reporting research. Punishable misconduct includes fabrication of data or experiments, falsification of data, plagiarism, or interference with a misconduct investigation. Misconduct does not include honest errors, differences of opinion, or ethically questionable research practices.
Scanning the human service environment: A pilot study

The Organizational Interaction Scale (OIS) was used in this study to delineate the patterns of interaction between forty organizations in a defined community. Significant differences were found between four subgroups of organizations (Churches, Schools, Social Service Organizations, and Social Organizations) on the summed ratings on OIS Items for the total sample and on all four subgroups of organizations. A pattern of significant correlations indicated high internal consistency for the OIS. The instrument offers a cost effective way for human service agencies to examine their interorganizational network.
Scaffolding OpenURL Results: A Call For Embedded Assistance

OpenURL is a valuable tool within library communities because it offers a gateway to the rapidly growing online information sources otherwise disconnected. However, the access it provides is not, as it is often billed, seamless. Reference librarians at Adelphi University were concerned that students were having difficulty retrieving full text articles via our link resolver and that distinctions between the various resources included in the OpenURL process was unclear. To examine these and other issues we designed a usability study with four objectives: (1) to measure the relative success of student use of OpenURL to link to full text; (2) to evaluate, edit, and improve an existing OpenURL instructional guide; (3) to explore additional ways of promoting effective use of the link resolver; and (4) to seek new methods of advancing information literacy skills. Within the investigative process, the researcher concluded that student difficulties might well be addressed by building scaffolding into the OpenURL r...
A Simplified Analysis of Static Longitudinal Stability

The first section of this paper describes the development of a single family of curves which illustrates the variation of the pitching moment coefficient with the lift coefficient for all wings and for all e.g. locations. The second consists of an analysis of the characteristics of these curves and their derivatives in conjunction with the known properties of tailplanes; the elements of a simplified theory of static stability are stated in four general theorems. In the third section, a direct method for the determination of tailplane area is given. An example of the use of the simplified analysis is appended. O ALL the problems which confront the airplane designer, that of providing an airplane with specified characteristics of static longitudinal stability is one of those least amenable to direct solution. This situation has its root in the difficulty of clearly describing the apparently complex relation between the wing pitching moment coefficient and the several variables which control its value. To be sure, there are analytical and nomographic methods, notably those developed by Stalker and Higgins, which enable fairly accurate calculation of the slope of the wing moment curve when the location of the center of gravity is known. However, visualization of more than the outstanding qualitative characteristics of the underlying relationship is precluded by the fact that for each e.g. position there is an unique relation between the slope of the wing moment curve and the lift coefficient. Such complexity precludes an entirely clear conception of the specific problems of design and makes the use of "cut and try" methods almost universal. The present paper describes a method of correlating the pitching moment characteristics of all practically useful wings, outlines the elements of the simplified theory of static longitudinal stability which naturally follows and illustrates the applicability of these principles to practical design problems. WING PITCHING MOMENTS The theorem of statics which states that any force may be replaced by a force and a couple justifies the replacement of the conventional wing vector sheaf, Fig. la, by its equivalent, Fig. lb, in which each force vector is accompanied by the couple Cm QmCm (Diagrams c 6 1 Edward A. Stalker, Principles of Flight, Chapter 14, The Ronald Press Company, New York, 1931. 2 George J. Higgins, A Study of the Pitching Moments and the Stability Characteristics of Monoplanes, N.A.C.A. Technical Note No. 511,1934. c 6 a
Stenography and ventriloquism in late nineteenth century Japan

Abstract In anticipation of the opening of the Diet (the Japanese national legislature) in 1890, Japanese entrepreneurs developed stenographic systems by adapting Western shorthand techniques. Stenography thus rendered it possible, at least in its claim, for the first time, for the speaking event temporally and spatially to be mobile and universally to re-present itself—with the original “truth” of the speech event intact. Drawing on archival material from organs of professional stenographers’ associations and primers for Japanese stenography published between the 1880s and the 1910s, this paper discusses how such presumed semiotic capacity was linked up with the production of the modern Japanese (speaking) subject.
Lifetime Measurements of the 4s 2 S 1/2 and 3d 2 D States of Aluminum by the Phase-Shift Method

Lifetimes of the upper states of two optical-resonance transitions in aluminum have been measured using the phase-shift method. Data were taken over a large range of fluorescence intensities, to allow for evaluation of the effects of scattered exciting light and radiation entrapment. The results obtained are τ4s2S12=7.05, τ3d2D = 13.70 ± 0.40 nsec.
The Costs to Criminal Theory of Supposing that Intentions are Irrelevant to Permissibility

I attempt to describe the several costs that criminal theory would be forced to pay by adopting the view (currently fashionable among moral philosophers) that the intentions of the agent are irrelevant to determinations of whether his actions are permissible (or criminal).
Trend for Thermoelectric Materials and Their Earth Abundance

The low crustal abundance of materials such as tellurium (Te) (0.001 ppm by weight), antimony (Sb) (0.2 ppm), and germanium (Ge) (1.4 ppm) contributes to their price volatility as applications (competing with thermoelectrics) continue to grow, for example, cadmium telluride photovoltaics, antimony-lead alloy for batteries, and Ge for fiber optics and infrared optical technologies. Previous consideration of material scarcity has focused on Te-based thermoelectrics. Here, we broaden the analysis to include recent high-figure-of-merit (ZT) materials such as skutterudites, Zintl phase compounds, and clathrates that employ Sb, ytterbium (2.8 ppm), and Ge. The maximum demonstrated ZT for each particular alloy exhibits an empirical dependence on the crustal abundance, A, such that ZT = A−b, where b is in the range from 0.05 to 0.10. This analysis shows that no material with crustal abundance of 30 ppm (~4 × 1018 metric tons) has ZT greater than 0.8.
PROTECTION FROM VISIBLE LIGHT DAMAGE TO ENZYMES AND TRANSPORT IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

— Cysteine, anthranilic acid and adenine, in decreasing order of effectiveness, protected flavo-enzymes of E. coli against inactivation with high-intensity, heterochromatic light above 400 nm. Cell suspensions illuminated for 40 min in the presence of cysteine retained 30, 40 and 55% of their succinate, l-α-glycerophosphate and d-lactate dehydrogenase activities, whereas less than 10% activity could be detected in the absence of this protective agent. Different effects on respiration and transport systems were obtained with these protective agents. Adenine and anthranilic acid provided substantial protection of the glycine and methylthio-s-d-galactoside transport systems but failed to attenuate adverse light effects on respiration and phenylalanine uptake. Cysteine did not protect respiration and potentiated damage to selected transport systems. Our results suggest that flavins act as photosensitizers.
The plasma filling factor of coronal bright points - II. Combined EIS and TRACE results

Aims. In a previous paper, the volumetric plasma filling factor of coronal bright points was determined from spectra obtained with the Extreme ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS). The analysis of these data showed that the median plasma filling factor was 0.015. One interpretation of this result was that the small filling factor was consistent with a single coronal loop with a width of 1–2 �� , somewhat below the apparent width. In this paper, higher spatial resolution observations with the Transition Region and Corona Explorer (TRACE) are used to test this interpretation. Methods. Rastered spectra of regions of the quiet Sun were recorded by the EIS during operations with the Hinode satellite. Many of these regions were simultaneously observed with TRACE. Calibrated intensities of Fe xii lines were obtained and images of the quiet corona were constructed from the EIS measurements. Emission measures were determined from the EIS spectra and geometrical widths of coronal bright points were obtained from the TRACE images. Electron densities were determined from density-sensitive line ratios measured with EIS. A comparison of the emission measure and bright point widths with the electron densities yielded the plasma filling factor. Results. The median electron density of coronal bright points is 3 × 10 9 cm −3 at a temperature of 1.6 × 10 6 K. The volumetric plasma filling factor of coronal bright points was found to vary from 3 × 10 −3 to 0.3 with a median value of 0.04. Conclusions. The current set of EIS and TRACE coronal bright-point observations indicate the median value of their plasma filling factor is 0.04. This can be interpreted as evidence of a considerable subresolution structure in coronal bright points or as the result of a single completely filled plasma loop with widths on the order of 0.2–1.5 �� that has not been spatially resolved in these measurements.
Dietary helplessness and disinhibition in weight cyclers and maintainers

Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to compare obese versus nonobese adults and weight cyclers versus maintainers on measures of dietary helplessness, nutrition concern, dietary restraint, and disinhibition. Method: Dietary helplessness, nutrition concern, dietary restraint, and disinhibition were assessed in 385 healthy obese and nonobese men and women in the RENO Diet-Heart Study, a 5-year prospective investigation of cardiovascular risk factors, weight cycling, and lifestyle. Results: The results indicated that dietary helplessness and disinhibition were significantly greater in obese individuals, subjects with a history of weight cycling, and weight fluctuators (prospectively measured). Women were found to score significantly higher than men on measures of dietary helplessness, disinhibition, and cognitive restraint. Discussion: The role of nutrition attitudes is discussed in relation to dietary self-regulation, weight fluctuation, and management of body weight. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Center for Plasma Edge Simulation Workflow Requirements

The Center for Plasma Edge Simulation (CPES) is a recently funded prototype Fusion Simulation Project, which is part of the DOE SciDAC program. Our center is developing a novel integrated predictive plasma edge simulation framework, which is applicable to existing magnetic fusion facilities (D3D, NSTX, CMOD) and next generation burning plasma experiments, e.g. ITER. The success of this project will be in developing and understanding new models for the plasma edge in a kinetic regime with complex geometry. Because of the multi-scale nature of the problem, we will study the neoclassical physics time scale kinetically, and the fast and larger scale MHD modes via a fluid code. Our approach is to couple these codes via a scientific workflow system, Kepler-HPC. Kepler-HPC will enhance Kepler with capabilities such as code coupling and data redistribution, high volume data transfers and interactive (and autonomic) monitoring, steering and debugging, which will be necessary for scientific progress in this project.
Improved Blood Pressure Control Associated With a Large-Scale Hypertension Program

Importance Hypertension control for large populations remains a major challenge. Objective To describe a large-scale hypertension program in Northern California and to compare rates of hypertension control in that program with statewide and national estimates. Design, Setting, and Patients The Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) hypertension program included a multifaceted approach to blood pressure control. Patients identified as having hypertension within an integrated health care delivery system in Northern California from 2001-2009 were included. The comparison group comprised insured patients in California between 2006-2009 who were included in the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) commercial measurement by California health insurance plans participating in the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) quality measure reporting process. A secondary comparison group was included to obtain the reported national mean NCQA HEDIS commercial rates of hypertension control between 2001-2009 from health plans that participated in the NCQA HEDIS quality measure reporting process. Main Outcomes and Measures Hypertension control as defined by NCQA HEDIS. Results The KPNC hypertension registry included 349 937 patients when established in 2001 and increased to 652 763 by 2009. The NCQA HEDIS commercial measurement for hypertension control within KPNC increased from 43.6% (95% CI, 39.4%-48.6%) to 80.4% (95% CI, 75.6%-84.4%) during the study period (P Conclusions and Relevance Among adults diagnosed with hypertension, implementation of a large-scale hypertension program was associated with a significant increase in hypertension control compared with state and national control rates. Key elements of the program included a comprehensive hypertension registry, development and sharing of performance metrics, evidence-based guidelines, medical assistant visits for blood pressure measurement, and single-pill combination pharmacotherapy.
Releases of subscapularis contracture: an anatomic and clinical study

Correction of anterior subscapularis contracture is an important step in soft-tissue balancing at the time of total shoulder replacement (TSR). An anatomic and clinical investigation was undertaken to investigate the effect of steps involved in subscapularis release. In 14 cadaveric shoulders studied, the subscapularis insertion consisted of three regions: a thick superior tubular tendon (STT), a flat middle tendon, and an inferior portion where the muscle fibers insert directly into the humerus. In 16 consecutive patients undergoing primary TSR for osteoarthritis, measurements of subscapularis length were taken after different releases. An average of 0.9 cm (confidence interval, 0.7-1.1 cm) of excursion was added after anterior capsular release, and an additional 0.7 cm (confidence interval, 0.5-0.9 cm) of excursion was obtained after STT release. Incision of the STT is an alternative means of gaining subscapularis length when balancing the soft tissues in patients with osteoarthritis undergoing TSR.
Dephosphorylation of Ser-226 facilitates plasma membrane retention of Ntcp.

Ntcp is a phosphoprotein, and its translocation by cAMP to the plasma membrane is associated with dephosphorylation. However, the phosphorylation site(s) of Ntcp is not known. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the potential Ntcp phosphorylation sites and whether any of these phosphorylation sites is involved in Ntcp translocation. To determine the potential phosphorylation sites, metabolically labeled [32P]Ntcp isolated from hepatocytes was digested with clostripain and then subjected to SDS-PAGE followed by autoradiography. Clostripain digestion resulted in two phosphorylated peptides, and cAMP decreased phosphorylation of one of the peptides (7.8 Kd), which contains the putative third cytoplasmic loop with three serine (Ser-213, Ser-226, and Ser-227) and two threonine (Thr-219 and Thr-225) residues. To determine whether any one of these serine/threonine residues is phosphorylated and/or is involved in Ntcp translocation, each of these serine/threonine residues were mutated to alanine. HuH-7 cells were transiently transfected with the wild-type and the mutated Ntcps followed by determination of taurocholate uptake and Ntcp expression, translocation and phosphorylation. Mutation of only Ser-226 resulted in 30% decrease in Ntcp phosphorylation and in 2.5 and 3.2-fold increases in taurocholate uptake and Ntcp retention in the plasma membrane, respectively. Cyclic AMP failed to further decrease phosphorylation and increase translocation of S226A-Ntcp. Taken together, these results suggest that the Ser-226 in the third cytoplasmic loop of Ntcp is phosphorylated and cAMP may increase Ntcp translocation to the plasma membrane by dephosphorylating Ntcp at this site.
The Process of Transition for Community College Transfer Students

ABSTRACT Our understanding of transfer students’ transition from the community college to the 4-year university has recently expanded. The following presents research on community college transfer students, as well as potential implications based on a recent study on the process of transition for community college transfer students (Flaga, 2002). From a study that tracked students throughout their first year at a 4-year university emerged Flaga's dimensions of transition: Learning Resources, Connecting, Familiarity, Negotiating, and Integrating. The implementations discussed will assist academic and student affairs professionals with developing programs or enhancing current academic advising and programmatic efforts for future transfer students.
Cascade projections from somatosensory cortex to the rat basolateral amygdala via the parietal insular cortex

The pathways by which somatosensory information could be relayed from the cortex to the amygdaloid complex were investigated by using the anterograde axonal transport of biocytin following cortical microinjections. Injections of biocytin into head and limb areas of secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) produced heavy labeling of fibers and terminals in granular and dysgranular parietal insular cortex from bregma to 3.8 mm behind bregma but only extremely sparse labeling in the lateral and basolateral amygdaloid nuclei. Biocytin injections into granular parietal insular cortex produced a heavy labeling of the subjacent dysgranular parietal insular cortex, but only sparse labeling in the basolateral amygdala. Biocytin injections into dysgranular parietal insular cortex resulted in heavy labeling of the subjacent agranular parietal insular cortex and strong labeling of fibers and terminals in the dorsal part of lateral nucleus, with moderate labeling of fibers in the anterior and posterior basolateral nuclei, and the central nucleus. Injections into S2 labeled the ventroposterior medial, ventroposterior lateral and posterior thalamic nuclei; injections in rostral granular and dysgranular parietal insular cortex labeled the ventral posterior and parvicellular part of ventroposterior lateral thalamic nuclei; and injections in middle to caudal dysgranular parietal insular cortex labeled only the posterior nucleus. These results suggest that whereas somatosensory cortex projects only very sparsely to the amygdala, somatosensory-related inputs to the amygdala arise in the dysgranular parietal insular cortex. The association of dysgranular parietal insular cortex with the posterior thalamus suggests it may relay nociceptive information to the amygdala.
An Index-based Measure of University Technology Transfer

University technology transfer stakeholders lack a simple, yet meaningful way to measure how effectively and quickly a university is able to license patents into commercially successful products and to spin off startups that in turn, create jobs. Current leading count-based measures fail to account for the fact that many significant technology transfer outcomes follow a skewed distribution that when summed, provide inadequate insight into a university's ability to quickly place its patent portfolio into productive external use. This article introduces a set of three core index-based measures that overcome the limitations of conventional metrics and econometric models: a commercialization health index, job creation health index, and a licensing-speed health index. The concept underlying the technology transfer health indexes is borrowed from the h index utilized by university tenure committees to measure scholarly impact and productivity over time. The index-based measures described in this article are sim...
“Role Theory,” Political Science, and African Studies

Numerous studies of role, employing diverse methodologies in a wide range of social contexts, have accumulated in the social sciences over many decades. The concept of role retains considerable appeal for some who still pursue the goal of a unified theory of behavior for the social sciences, and for many others who discern in the role perspective a major source of concepts and insights on which they may draw eclectically for all manner of social research. Since the 1950s, and especially during the current decade, political scientists have produced studies of role and of role conflict focusing on political and administrative actors caught up in the process of change in various independent African states. Because die number and diversity of these studies are likely to increase in the future, they merit description and evaluation as a group. Both objectives are pursued in this article, with particular reference to three works on politics and administration in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.
Calmodulin-dependent glycogen synthase kinase: Identification in liver of normal and phosphorylase kinase-deficient rats☆

We have purified a calmodulin-dependent glycogen synthase kinase from livers of normal and phosphorylase kinase-deficient (gsd/gsd) rats. No differences between normal and gsd/gsd rats were apparent in either (a) the ability of liver extracts to phosphorylate exogenous glycogen synthase in a Ca2+- and calmodulin-dependent manner or (b) the purification of the calmodulin-dependent synthase kinase. Although extracts from rat liver, when compared to rabbit liver extracts, had a significantly reduced ability to phosphorylate exogenous synthase, the calmodulin-dependent synthase kinase could be purified from rat liver using a protocol identical to that described for rabbit liver. Moreover, the synthase kinase purified from rat liver had properties very similar to those of the rabbit liver enzyme. The enzyme was completely dependent on calmodulin for activity against glycogen synthase, was unable to phosphorylate phosphorylase b, catalyzed the rapid incorporation of 0.4 mol phosphate/mol of glycogen synthase subunit, selectively phosphorylated sites 1b and 2 in the glycogen synthase molecule, had a Stokes' radius of about 70 A, and appeared to be composed of subunits of Mr 56,000 and 57,000. These observations led us to conclude that (1) calmodulin-dependent glycogen synthase kinase is distinct from other kinases previously described and (2) the rat liver kinase and the rabbit liver kinase are very similar enzymes.
Hierarchical planning in a distributed environment

Planning is a crucial aspect of many applications which are naturally suited to the use of distributed processing hardware. Use of a centralized planner is generally incongruous with effective distributed problem solving systems, motivating generalization of centralized planning techniques to accomodate multiple and distributed centers of planning control. Such a generalization of Sacerdoti's NOAH (Nets of Action Hierarchies) planning system is described. This generalization involves distribution of NOAH's criticism and world model mechanisms.
Returning Home: The Interstate Transportation of Human Remains

Many people who die in the United States are transported across state boundaries for burial at a place viewed as “home” by the decedent or the next of kin. This article employs an analysis of data ...
El juicio de residencia del corregidor y justicia mayor de la Villa de San Martin de la Concha Joachen Balcárcel en 1777

Se reproduce, con anotaciones marginales, el juicio de residencia al corregidor Joachen Balcarcel y Vargas, verificado el ano de 1777. Se estudia el contexto historico-juridico con noticias sobre su designacion, los ambitos territoriales en que ejercio jurisdiccion y hechos varios sobre la matricula de los pobladores y la calidad de las tierras. Se analizan las diversas fases del corpus, la forma y procedimiento de la residencia, la investigacion de oficio, el formulario de preguntas, las deposiciones de los testigos, las consideraciones posteriores a la secreta y sentencia del juez residenciador, la segunda instancia y el dictamen definitivo del fiscal de la Real Audiencia.
The effect of percutaneous pin fixation of the interphalangeal joint on the thumb-tip force produced by the flexor pollicis longus: a cadaver study.

Purpose Interphalangeal joint stabilization often is performed concomitantly with tendon transfers that restore key pinch (lateral pinch) to the paralyzed thumb. The goal of this study was to measure the effect of interphalangeal joint stabilization via percutaneous pin fixation on the thumb-tip force produced by the flexor pollicis longus (FPL). Methods We applied 10 N of force to the tendon of the FPL in 7 cadaveric specimens and measured the resulting thumb-tip force in the intact thumb and after stabilization of the interphalangeal joint. Results The nominal thumb-tip force was approximately 6 times less than the applied force and was directed primarily in the thumb's plane of flexion-extension at an oblique angle of 44° relative to the palmar direction (the direction that is perpendicular to the thumb tip in the plane). Joint stabilization increased significantly the nominal force and oriented the force more toward the palmar direction (ie, decreased the obliqueness of the force). Conclusions After paralysis and a tendon transfer to the paralyzed FPL the FPL is often the only muscle actuating the thumb. We conclude that the oblique nominal force direction is prone to cause the thumb to slip during pinch. Joint stabilization, however, has the capacity to reduce the tendency for slippage because it rotates the force toward the palmar direction.
Spontaneous development of modularity in simple cortical models

The existence of modular structures in the organization of nervous systems (e.g., cortical columns, patches of neostriatum, and olfactory glomeruli) is well known. However, the detailed dynamic mechanisms by which such structures develop remain a mystery. We propose a mechanism for the formation of modular structures that utilizes a combination of intrinsic network dynamics and Hebbian learning. Specifically, we show that under certain conditions, layered networks can support spontaneous localized activity patterns, which we call collective excitations, even in the absence of localized or spatially correlated afferent stimulation. These collective excitations can then induce the formation of modular structures in both the afferent and lateral connections via a Hebbian learning mechanism. The networks we consider are spatially homogeneous before learning, but the spontaneous emergence of localized collective excitations and the consequent development of modules in the connection patterns break translational symmetry. The essential conditions required to support collective excitations include internal units with sufficiently high gains and certain patterns of lateral connectivity. Our proposed mechanism is likely to play a role in understanding more complex (and more biologically realistic) systems.
Conventional and Surrogate Light Chains Differentially Regulate Ig μ and Dμ Heavy Chain Maturation and Surface Expression

Positive selection of precursor (pre-) B cells by Ig membrane μ H chains (μm HC) and counterselection mediated by the truncated HC Dμ depend on the ability of each HC to form a pre-B cell receptor (pre-BCR) signaling complex with the surrogate L chain (SLC) components λ5 and Vpre-B. To better understand how pre-BCR signaling output is determined by its Ig components and the SLC, we investigated the regulation of pre-BCR surface expression and HC secretory maturation in a new nonlymphoid system. We took this approach as a means to distinguish B-lineage-specific effects from pre-BCR-intrinsic properties that may influence these aspects of pre-BCR homeostasis necessary for signaling. As in pre-B cells, the SLC in nonlymphoid cells supported only a limited degree of μm HC maturation and low pre-BCR surface expression levels compared with conventional LCs, indicating that this was due to an intrinsic property of the SLC. We identified the non-Ig region of λ5 as harboring the restrictive activity responsible for this phenotype. This property of λ5 was also evident with Dμ, but the overall SLC- and L chain-dependent requirements for Dμ maturation and surface expression were markedly different from those for μm. Surprisingly, Dμ was modified in an unusual manner that was only dependent on Vpre-B. These results establish a novel function of λ5 in limiting surface pre-BCR levels and reveal biochemical properties of Ig molecules that may underlie the diverse consequences of pre-BCR signaling in vivo by different HCs.
Dental Evolutionary Trends of Relevance to the Origin and Dispersion of the Platyrrhine Monkeys

The evolutionary history of the platyrrhine primates has been the subject of considerable controversy. Comparative studies of extant Old and New World higher primates suggest that these forms and the platyrrhines are each monophyletic, but the nature and origin of common ancestral groups remains in doubt. It has been hypothesized that the Platyrrhini evolved from a lemuroid stock (Liedy, 1873; Loomis, 1911; Gregory, 1920, 1921; Gingerich, 1973, 1975, 1977), a tarsioid stock (Wortman, 1904; Gazin, 1958; Simons, 1961, 1972; Hoffstetter, 1969, 1974; Orlosky and Swindler, 1975; Szalay, 1976) or a monkey stock (Stirton, 1951; Olson, 1964; Hershkovitz, 1969; Sarich, 1970; Cronin and Sarich, 1975). Most of the above authors assumed that the South American primates were derived from some North American or Central American primate group. However, some have hypothesized that an African stock might have been ancestral to the platyrrhine primates (Sarich, 1970; Hoffstetter, 1972, 1974; Lavocat, 1974; Cronin and Sarich, 1975). Indeed, recent geological evidence (see Tarling, this volume) indicates that an immigration of primates into South America from Africa would be quite as feasible during the late Eocene to early Oligocene as a North American origin for these primates.
Classification and computation of dependencies for distributed management

This paper addresses the role of dependency analysis in distributed management. The identification of dependencies becomes increasingly important in today's networked environments because applications and services rely on a variety of supporting services which might be outsourced to a service provider. However, service dependencies are not made explicit in today's systems, thus making the task of problem determination particularly difficult. Solving this problem requires the determination and computation of the dependencies between services and applications. A key contribution of the paper is a methodology for making IP-based services and applications manageable that have not been designed to include management instrumentation (which is the case today for almost every application and service). Unlike other approaches, it is not necessary to modify the application code. Instead our approach yields a technique that enumerates the characteristics and interdependencies of applications and services, thus permitting the derivation of appropriate management information.
Gene expression profiling of jejunal Peyer’s patches in juvenile and adult pigs

Peyer's patches are organized lymphoid tissues of the small intestine that play a critical role in disease resistance and oral tolerance. Peyer's patches in the jejunum contain lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, villous epithelium, and specialized follicle-associated epithelium. Little is known about the mechanisms and processes by which cells of the Peyer's patches discriminate food nutrients and commensal microflora from pathogenic microbiota. We hypothesize that the jejunal Peyer's patches express genes that mediate and regulate its essential functions. Expression patterns of approximately 2600 cDNAs from a porcine Peyer's patch subtracted library were examined by microarray profiling. Individual mRNAs of interest were further examined by quantitative RT-PCR. Innate immunity-associated genes, including complement 3 and lysozyme, and the genes for epithelial chloride channel and trappin 1 were highly expressed by jejunal Peyer's patch in both juvenile and adult pigs. The growth- and apoptosis-associated genes CIDE-B, GW112, and PSP/Reg I (pancreatic stone protein or regenerating gene) were differentially expressed in juvenile pig Peyer's patches. Many sequences which were highly expressed in jejunal Peyer's patches have previously been described with functions in epithelial cells. Animal-to-animal variation in basal jejunal Peyer's patch gene expression was considerable and reflects the dynamic physiological environment of the gut in addition to genetic, epigenetic, and microbiological variation in the small intestine.
A Review of the CTOA/CTOD Fracture Criterion: Why it Works

The CTOA/CTOD fracture criterion is one of the oldest fracture criteria applied to fracture of metallic materials with cracks. During the past two decades, the use of elastic-plastic finite-element analyses to simulate fracture of laboratory specimens and structural components using the CTOA criterion has expanded rapidly. But the early applications were restricted to two-dimensional analyses, assuming either plane-stress or plane-strain behavior, which lead to generally non-constant values of CTOA, especially in the early stages crack extension. Later, the non-constant CTOA values were traced to inappropriate state-of-stress (or constraint) assumptions in the crack-front region and severe crack tunneling in thin-sheet materials. More recently, the CTOA fracture criterion has been used with three-dimensional analyses to study constraint effects, crack tunneling, and the fracture process. The constant CTOA criterion (from crack initiation to failure) has been successfully applied to numerous structural applications, such as aircraft fuselages and pipelines. But why does the "constant CTOA" fracture criterion work so well? This paper reviews the results from several studies, discusses the issues of why CTOA works, and discusses its limitations.
Set Theoretic Quantization Index Modulation Watermarking

We introduce a set theoretic framework for quantization index modulation (QIM) watermarking and illustrate its potency by designing a semi-fragile watermark that is both visually adaptive and tolerant to compression. We determine the watermarked image to satisfy the multiple constraints of watermark detectability, imperceptibility and robustness to compression using the method of projections onto convex sets (POCS). Mark embedding is performed through implicit quantization of statistical features, specifically the mean, of randomly selected pixel locations from the image. This is accomplished by defining a detectability constraint set that imposes the quantization constraint. We present experimental results demonstrating the efficacy of the technique in the presence of JPEG compression.
Developmental Programming: Exogenous Gonadotropin Treatment Rescues Ovulatory Function But Does Not Completely Normalize Ovarian Function in Sheep Treated Prenatally with Testosterone

Prenatal testosterone treatment leads to LH excess as well as ovarian follicular and ovulatory defects in the adult. These disruptions may stem from LH excess, abnormal FSH input, compromised ovarian sensitivity to gonadotropins, or intrinsic ovarian defects. To determine if exogenous gonadotropins rescue ovarian and ovulatory function of testosterone-treated sheep, the release of endogenous LH and biopotent FSH in control and prenatal testosterone-treated sheep was blocked with a GnRH antagonist during the first two breeding seasons and with LH/FSH coadministered in a manner approximating natural follicular phase. An acidic mix of FSH was administered the first 36 h at 2-h intervals and a less acidic mix for the next 12 h at 1-h intervals (different FSH preparations were used each year), and ovulation was induced with hCG. Circulating FSH and estradiol responses to gonadotropins measured in 2-h samples differed between treatment groups in Year 1 but not in Year 2. Ovarian follicular distribution and number of corpora lutea (in ewes that ovulated) tracked by ultrasonography and luteal progesterone responses were similar between control and prenatal testosterone-treated females but differed between years. Furthermore, hCG administration induced large cystic and luteinized follicles in both groups of females in Year 2, although the growth rate differed between control and prenatal testosterone-treated females. Our findings provide evidence that 1) ovulatory response in prenatal testosterone-treated females can be rescued with exogenous gonadotropins, 2) resultant follicular response is dependent on the nature of gonadotropic input, and 3) an abnormal follicular milieu may underlie differences in developmental trajectory of cystic follicles in prenatal testosterone-treated females.
Tendon transfers to restore function of hands in tetraplegia, especially after fracture-dislocation of the sixth cervical vertebra on the seventh.

The number of surviving patients with tetraplegia following trauma is increasing. Many of these patients are injured between time sixth and the seventh cervical vertebra. These patients have on one side, and often on both, the following muscles functioning below the level of the elbow: extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, brachioradialis, flexor carpi radialis, and pronator teres. By two-stage surgical transfer of tendons in each upper extremity, active extension and flexion of all digits, the correction of clawing, and opposition of the thumb can be accomplished. These tendon transfers utilize time function of automatic motion of the fingers that accompanies movement of the wrist. Arthrodesis of the wrist rarely, if ever, should be done in patients who have tetraplegia. Patients in whom such tendon transfers are done regain the function of hooking, light pinching, and grasping. They are able to discard special hand appliances and become more independent.
Evolving Understandings of American Federalism: Some Shifting Parameters

This article examines the enduring question of the nature of the American federalism and its supposed role as a constitutional norm. It argues that federalism has not, and cannot, provide specific normative directions for resolving contested constitutional issues. The article stresses the fact that American understandings of the nation’s constitutional federalism were from the beginning sharply contested, and it explores the ways in which those understandings have remained sharply contested over the centuries. In particular, it traces changes that have occurred in ideas about the role of the Supreme Court, the “values” of federalism, the nature of federalism as a structure of government, and the very nature and meaning of the Constitution itself. The article concludes that “originalist” ideas misunderstand the nature of the federal system and that no “originalist” theory can either capture the reality of American constitutional federalism or provide specific normative direction to resolve the contemporary problems it confronts. Rather, American constitutional federalism must be understood as an evolving national enterprise guided generally by certain basic, if contested, values and principles and that those values and principles endure and give the system its true meaning.
Skin Absorption of Anions: Part One. Methodology for In Vitro Cutaneous Absorption Measurements

Measurement of skin absorption of ions requires specific experimental protocols regarding the use of pig skin as a model, the viability of excised skin in water medium over 24 h, the presence of endogenous ions, and evaluation of the contributions of facilitated transport through ion channels and ion transporters. Absorption experiments of halide anions F-, Cl-, Br- and I- in excised skin were performed in Franz diffusion cells. Experiments were performed on human and porcine skin under various conditions so as to define and validate experimental protocols. The distributions of endogenous ions and the absorption kinetics of halide ions were similar in both porcine and human skin models. Fresh skin kept its viability over 24 h in salt-free water, allowing experiments following OECD guidelines. Permeation increased in the order F- < Cl- < Br- < I- for all receptor media and skin samples. Absorption was larger in fresh skin due to the transport through chloride channels or exchangers. Skin absorption experiments of ions in Franz cells rely on working with fresh excised skin (human or porcine) and pure water as receptor fluid. Experiments with chloride blockers or frozen/thawed skin allow discriminating passive diffusion and facilitated transport.
Rapid Thermal Processing — A User’S Perspective

The technique of rapid thermal processing (RTP) has evolved from research laboratory efforts to quickly heat small pieces of semiconductor material using pulsed or scanned lasers to high throughput, production RTP equipment capable of rapidly heating eight-inch silicon wafers to greater than 1000 deg C in 10 seconds. Furthermore, the initial application of annealing ion implantation damage has expanded to include silicide formation, oxide reflow, contact formation, hillock control and more recently oxidation and nitridation. Nearly a dozen vendors now produce RTP equipment and the potential user must answer the question — “Which equipment is best for me?” The researcher’s principal concerns for RTP equipment are flexibility and control while the production engineer wants unifomity, reproducibility, and a reasonable throughput. Meanwhile, the device designer wants a “safe” process with no contamination or other adverse device degradation effects. This paper will focus on these and other issues associated with the use of rapid thermal processing from a user’ perspective including some thoughts on where RTP may be headed in the future.
In-Situ Laser Processing and Microstructural Characteristics of YBa2Cu3O7−δ Thin Films on Si with TiN Buffer Layer

We have prepared high-quality superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) thin films on Si(100) with TiN as a buffer layer using in-situ multitarget deposition system. Both TiN and YBCO thin films were deposited sequentially by KrF excimer laser (λ = 248 nm) at substrate temperature of 650°C. Thin films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), four-point-probe ac resistivity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission election microscopy (TEM), and Rutherford backscattering (RBS). The TiN buffer layer was epitaxial and the epitaxial relationship was found to be cube on cube with TiN // Si. YBCO thin films on Si with TiN buffer layer showed the transition temperature of 90–92K with Tco (zero resistance temperature) of ~ 84K. We have found that the quality of the buffer layer is very important in determining the superconducting transition temperature of the thin film. The effects of processing parameters and the correlation of microstructural features with superconducting properties are discussed in detail.
Optical Transmission in Horizontal Slot Waveguides

Horizontal single and multiple slot waveguides and ring resonators consisting of deposited amorphous silicon and silicon dioxide are demonstrated. Their waveguide propagation loss, optical confinement, and thermo-optic effects are studied.