cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A human development index for the Dalit Child in India

There have been many attempts to measure the quality of life of society in general (such as the Human Development Index of UNDP), or of children in particular (Jordan 1993; Corrie 1994). This article constructs a Human Development Index (HDI) for the Dalit Child in India following the methodology used by UNDP (1990) to construct a human development index for the countries of the world. Dalits (also known as Untouchables, Harijans, Scheduled Castes) have and continue to be a marginalised group in India. Section 1 presents the indicators used to construct the HDI for the Dalit child in India. Section 2 presents the rationale for the choice of the indicators chosen. Section 3 presents the methodology used to construct the HDI for the Dalit child in India. Finally, Section 4 presents the relative ranking of 15 states in India based on the level of human development as reflected in the HDI constructed for the Dalit child. It also compares the HDI rankings from perspective of the Dalit Child in India with a recent HDI constructed for 17 states in India using similar indicators as UNDP (1990). The policy usefulness of this human development index for the Dalit child in India is that it could serve as an indicator of the “social progress” achieved in India as the country attempts to fulfill its constitutional vision of equality for all citizens.
Effect of non-muffin-tin terms on the electronic structure of transition metals: Niobium

The effect of removing the muffin-tin approximation in a relativistic-augmented-plane-wave calculation of the electronic structure of Nb is described. The most significant effect found is that two experimentally observed orbits occur in a fully non-muffin-tin relativistic calculation which are not present in the muffin-tin calculation. The procedure for constructing the potential in the required form and the modifications to the secular equation are explicitly described. (AIP)
Anomalous temperature dependence of the paramagnetic resonance line in FeF3 · 3H2O

Abstract Anomalous line-broadening in the paramagnetic resonance of FeF 3 · 3H 2 O, which has a linear chain arrangement, has been observed. The line width was found to decrease monotonically with increasing temperature in the range from 100–300°K.
A Numerical and Experimental Study of Delaminated Layered Composites

This paper describes the development of a finite element-based computer model for the determination of stress fields and energy release rates around a delamination in a layered composite. The model is fully three-dimensional. Each layer of a composite material is modelled as homogeneous and orthotropic. The basic finite elements are isoparametric 20-noded bricks with collapsed, prismatic quarter-point elements around the delamination front. Contact theory is used to prevent interpenetration between the faces of a delamination. The modified crack closure method is used to calculate the energy release rates around a delamination.Preliminary experiments are performed to study the growth of a delamination between the layers of a two-layer laminate-one epoxy and the other graphite/epoxy. Initial results from the experiments and numerical simulations are shown to be consistent.
Men, women, and sports: Audience experiences and effects

This study examined gender differences in the audience experience with televised sports. Men and women were expected to approach, observe, and respond to sports programming in different ways. Telephone interviews were conducted with 400 adults residing in Los Angeles and 307 adults residing in Indianapolis. Gender differences were tested using covariate analyses controlling for demographic attributes, favorite sport, and interest in viewing television sports. More than women, men responded like fans, even with initial levels of interest controlled. Social norms as well as varying household responsibilities may account for many of the differences uncovered.
A consistent closure method for non-linear random vibration

Abstract —A closure method is proposed for calculating moments of the state vector of a non-linear system satisfying an Ito stochastic differential equation. It is based on a finite set of moment equations and a sequence of probabilities converging to the exact distribution of the state vector that is obtained by the minimization of an objective function. Numerical results for one-dimensional diffusion processes show that the proposed closure technique is robust in the sense that resultant moments are satisfactory even when crude approximations are used for the probability of the state vector.
RNA folding on the 3D triangular lattice.

Background Difficult problems in structural bioinformatics are often studied in simple exact models to gain insights and to derive general principles. Protein folding, for example, has long been studied in the lattice model. Recently, researchers have also begun to apply the lattice model to the study of RNA folding.
Unusual causes of death in Haitians residing in Miami. High prevalence of opportunistic infections.

Twenty-one (100%) Haitians and 42 (21.5%) of 192 native black Americans autopsied in a 33-month period at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, were included in this review. All autopsied materials were examined. Among the Haitians autopsied, infectious diseases accounted for 11 (52%) of 21 deaths. Toxoplasma encephalitis was the leading cause of death (five cases). Other infectious causes of death included disseminated cryptococcosis (one), disseminated cytomegalovirus diseases (one), Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (one), chronic active hepatitis B (two), and bacterial pneumonia (one). Malignant neoplasms were also found to be causes of death and these included a single case of each of the following: adenocarcinoma of the lung, multiple myeloma, diffuse histiocytic lymphoma, hepatoma, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Deaths of the remaining cases were due to hypertensive cardiovascular diseases (two), rheumatic heart disease (one), glomerulonephritis (one), and intimal fibroplasia of coronary arteries (one). Seven Haitian cases fulfilled the Centers for Disease Control case definition for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). For comparison, autopsies of black Americans were chosen from conditions that would most likely predispose them to opportunistic infections. Among the autopsies on black Americans there were no cases of opportunistic infections or Kaposi's sarcoma that were considered to be consistent with the AIDS. ( JAMA 1983;250:1187-1191)
The heat is on: room temperature affects laboratory equipment--an observational study.

To evaluate the effect of ambient room temperature on equipment typically used in in vitro fertilization (IVF). We set the control temperature of the room to 20 °C (+/−0.3) and used CIMScan probes to record temperatures of the following equipment: six microscope heating stages, four incubators, five slide warmers and three heating blocks. We then increased the room temperature to 26 °C (+/−0.3) or decreased it to 17 °C (+/−0.3) and monitored the same equipment again. We wanted to determine what role, if any, changing room temperature has on equipment temperature fluctuation. There was a direct relationship between room temperature and equipment temperature stability. When room temperature increased or decreased, equipment temperature reacted in a corresponding manner. Statistical differences between equipment were found when the room temperature changed. What is also noteworthy is that temperature of equipment responded within 5 min to a change in room temperature. Clearly, it is necessary to be aware of the affect of room temperature on equipment when performing assisted reproductive procedures. Room and equipment temperatures should be monitored faithfully and adjusted as frequently as needed, so that consistent culture conditions can be maintained. If more stringent temperature control can be achieved, human assisted reproduction success rates may improve.
Determination of ion fraction and energy analysis of sputtered particles from deuterium bombarded surfaces

Abstract Ion energy distributions and sputtering yields have been measured in the presence of various background gases for deuterium, helium and argon ions in the 1–40 keV energy range. Alteration of the surface chemistry of hydride forming metals such as Ti, Y and V by exposure to hydrogen has a significant effect on the charge state of the sputtered particles. Under conditions likely to prevail in plasma devices and possible reactors, the ion/neutral fraction may be drastically increased, reaching ~41% for Ti. Such large ion fractions for metal targets have been previously observed only by sputtering with oxygen ions and present the possibility of improved impurity control in plasma devices. Both gas adsorption and recoil implantation are involved in the mechanism determining the ion fraction of sputtered products.
Geology and tectonic setting of the Mule Creek caldera, New Mexico, U.S.A.

The 10-km diameter Mule Creek caldera is the youngest felsic eruptive center in the Mogollon-Datil volcanic field of southwestern New Mexico. The caldera forms a topographic basin surrounded by a raised rim. The caldera wall is well displayed on the south and west sides of the structure where it dips 20–30 degrees toward the center of the basin. Mudflow breccia fills the caldera and is banked up against the caldera wall. Post-caldera porphyritic quartz latite domes and flows crop out along the ring-fracture zone. The caldera is superimposed upon an older volcanic complex of flow-banded rhyolite and porphyritic andesite lava. The Mule Creek caldera probably originated by explosive eruption of about 10 km3 of pumice and ash, in part preserved in the matrix of the mudflow breccia. Periods of explosive volcanism during the deposition of mudflow breccia are documented by tuffaceous beds interbedded with the breccia. A thin rhyolite ash-flow sheet originated in the caldera and overlies the mudflow breccia. The youngest felsic rocks around the caldera are (1) domes and flows of crystal-rich porphyritic quartz latite of variable mineralogy, interpreted as a defluidized magma, and (2) widespread crystal-poor, flow-banded rhyolite, dated at 18.6 m.y., which is not directly related to the caldera sequence. The Mule Creek caldera and other volcanic features farther south represent the only documented overlap of felsic volcanism with early stages of Basin-Range tectonism in the Mogollon-Datil field.
Mixed Convection in Stagnation Flows Adjacent to Vertical Surfaces

Laminar mixed convection in two-dimensional stagnation flows around heated surfaces is analyzed for both cases of an arbitrary wall temperature and arbitrary surface heat flux variations. The two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations and the energy equation governing the flow and thermal fields are reduced to a dimensionless form by appropriate transformations and the resulting system of ordinary differential equations is solved in the buoyancy assisting and opposing regions. Numerical results are obtained for the special cases for which locally similar solutions exist as a function of the buoyancy parameter. Local wall shear stress and heat transfer rates as well as velocity and temperature distributions are presented. It is found that the local Nusselt number and wall shear stress increase as the value of the buoyancy parameter increases in the buoyancy assisting flow region. A reverse flow region develops in the buoyancy opposing flow region, and dual solutions are found to exist in that flow regime for a certain range of the buoyancy parameter.
High definition H.264 decoding on cell broadband engine

This demo showcases high definition H.264 decoding capability of Cell Broadband Engine processor.
Radiative shock structure - Theory and observations.

Radiation effects on shock wave structure from stellar postshock emission spectra observations, discussing deviations from Rankine-Hugoniot relation
The prognostic significance of renal dysfunction in patients with chronic systolic heart failure

Renal insufficiency is an independent powerful predictor of morbidity and mortality in a number of cardiovascular disorders. A number of retrospective analyses of large heart failure trials have shown that even mild renal insufficiency has powerful negative predictive power in patients with both mild and severe heart failure. We discuss the available data on the prognostic value of mild renal insufficiency in heart failure, as well as possible mechanisms of this phenomenon. Future research should focus on its possible pathophysiology.
Event sequence and sediment exhaustion in the lower Panuco Basin, Mexico

Abstract Although large tropical river systems transport the majority of the world's runoff and sediment, few studies have examined the dynamics of suspended sediment transport in this setting. This includes Mexico, which contains two of the larger river basins draining into the Gulf of Mexico. This study provides a detailed analysis of discharge (Q) and suspended sediment transport dynamics for the lower Panuco basin (98,227 km2) of eastern Mexico, including the lower Moctezuma, lower Tamuin, and Panuco rivers. Daily values of discharge and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) are examined for three stations, spanning from the late 1950s to early 1990s. Although the Panuco is a large basin, the relationship between discharge and suspended sediment concentration represents a departure from the oft-reported study by Heidel [Trans. - Am. Geophys. Union 37 (1956) 56]. Instead of sediment lagging discharge, the sediment wave precedes discharge by an average of 1.7 days, displaying pronounced clockwise (positive) hysteresis. This may be due to the sources of runoff and sediment, which are derived primarily in the lower reaches of the basin because of precipitation patterns, geology, and basin morphometry. The distinct differences in lithology between the Tamuin and Moctezuma basins, which join in the coastal plain to form the Rio Panuco, allow the influence of geologic setting to be considered. Q–SSC relations display positive hysteresis where the sediment is derived from erodible Tertiary shale deposits in the Moctezuma basin. In contrast, Q–SSC relations in the Rio Tamuin, which transports less suspended sediment because of its karstic setting, are more linear due to these relations being dependent on the entrainment of bed material. Consideration of the sequence of events during the rainy season suggests that much of the hillslope-derived sediment is flushed through the system by early events, which would occur because of exhaustion of hillslopes sediments. Q–SSC relations are increasingly linear during later events in the Rio Panuco, which is likely due to these events transporting a higher proportion of sediment entrained from the channel. This is manifest by a reduction in lead times, as the number of days between peak SSC and peak Q for early and late events significantly decreases from 2.6 to 0.9, respectively. Large events (>750 m3/s) in the latter part of summer and early fall having high suspended sediment concentrations could be due to the replenishment of hillslope sediments, or due to the contribution of sediment from source areas that were not previously exhausted. The findings from this study are likely common to most drainage systems having seasonal bimodal streamflow regimes, whereas the seasonal signature of Q–SSC relations is likely enhanced in those settings where agriculture is a major component of the landscape.
Stimulation of cyclic AMP production by vasoactive agents in cultured bovine aortic and pulmonary artery endothelial cells

The ability of selected vasoactive agents to influence cyclic AMP levels of confluent, early-passaged bovine calf aortic and pulmonary artery endothelial cells was investigated. Among the agents tested, only the catecholamines (isoproterenol, epinephrine, norepinephrine) and prostaglandins (PGE1, PGE2, PGF2 alpha) resulted consistently in increased cyclic AMP production in both cell populations. The degree of cyclic AMP stimulation obtained with other vasoactive compounds (angiotensins I and II, bradykinin, and serotonin) tended to be either very small or difficult to reproduce. Isoproterenol stimulation was blocked completely by propanolol, a beta-blocking agent, but not by phentolamine, and alpha-blocking agent. These results reveal that bovine calf aortic and pulmonary artery endothelial cells are responsive to catecholamines and prostaglandins, and therefore presumably possess both sensitive adenylate cyclases and plasma membrane receptors for these compounds.
CAI in engineering education and training

Abstract A computer-based economy implies a computer-based education. Learning and teaching are optimized for the student, as well as for the professor, if instructional redundancy is captured for reuse.
A note on first degree stochastic dominance

Abstract A link is established between stochastic dominance and a different dominance relationship which we call pointwise dominance. This provides the basis for making several comparisons of expected values of non-decreasing functions of random variables. We discuss economic problems for which the application of stochastic dominance results depends on this link.
On the ordinary, generalized, and pseudo-variational equations of motion in nonlinear elasticity, piezoelectricity, and classical plate theories

Ordinary, generalized, and pseudo-variational equations of motion in three-dimensional theories of nonlinear elasticity and piezoelectricity are presented systematically. These are applied to the derivations of plate equations of the classical type. In contrast to the derivations of plate equations that include thickness and higher-order effects, it is shown that the volume and surface integrals in a three-dimensional ordinary variational equation of motion must now be used jointly in a coupled manner. Details are demonstrated by first treating a classical linear plate. Equations of the classical type for large deflections of laminated composite and piezoelectric plates are then derived, with the famous von Karman equations of an isotropic homogeneous plate deducible as a special case. Interrelationship among various plate equations is emphasized.
Comparison of an indirect tri-planar myofascial release (MFR) technique and a hot pack for increasing range of motion.

Summary Purpose The purpose of the randomized clinical study was to scientifically assess which intervention increases passive range of motion most effectively: the indirect tri-planar myofascial release (MFR) technique or the application of hot packs for gleno-humeral joint flexion, extension, and abduction. Methods A total of 31 participants from a sample of convenience were randomly assigned to examine whether or not MFR was as effective in increasing range of motion as hot packs. The sample consisted of students at American International College. Students were randomly assigned to two groups: hot pack application ( N =13) or MFR technique ( N =18). The independent variable was the intervention, either the tri-planar MFR technique or the hot pack application. Group one received the indirect tri-planar MFR technique once for 3min. Group two received one hot pack application for 20min. The dependent variables, passive gleno-humeral shoulder range of motion in shoulder flexion, shoulder extension, and shoulder abduction, were taken pre- and post-intervention for both groups. Data was analyzed through the use of a two-way factorial design with mixed-factors ANOVA. Results Prior to conducting the study, inter-rater reliability was established using three testers for goniometric measures. A 2 (type of intervention: hot packs or MFR) by 2 (pre-test or post-test) mixed-factors ANOVA was calculated. Significant increases in range of motion were found for flexion, extension and abduction when comparing pre-test scores to post-test scores. The results of the ANOVA showed that for passive range of motion no differences were found for flexion, extension and abduction between the effectiveness of hot packs and MFR. For each of the dependent variables measured, MFR was shown to be as effective as hot packs in increasing range of motion, supporting the hypothesis. Discussion and conclusion Since there was no significant difference between the types of intervention, both the hot pack application and the MFR technique were found to be equally effective in increasing passive range of motion of the joint in flexion, extension, and abduction of the gleno-humeral joint. The indirect tri-planar intervention could be considered more effective as an intervention in terms of time spent with a patient and the number of patients seen in a 20-min period. No equipment is required to carry out the MFR intervention, whereby using a hot pack requires the hot pack, towels, and a hydraculator unit with the use of the indirect tri-planar intervention, a therapist could treat four to five patients in the time it would take for one standard hot pack treatment of 20min, less the hands-on intervention of the therapist.
Efficacy of thromboresistant umbilical artery catheters in reducing aortic thrombosis and related complications

Previous in vitro and in vivo reports suggest that catheters constructed of polyurethane with heparin bonded to the surface (HB-PU) are less thrombogenic than catheters made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). A randomized trial sufficiently large (power 80%) to detect a reduction in the incidence of umbilical artery (UA) catheter complications, including aortic thrombus formation, from 45% to 20% was conducted in 125 infants. The infants were monitored for complications possibly related to the use of a UA catheter, such as systemic hypertension and abnormalities of lower extremity perfusion. The presence of aortic thrombi was assessed by ultrasound study 3.5±1.2 (SD) days and 11.1±2.3 days after insertion of the catheter. The use of HB-PU umbilical catheters did not lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of complications and aortic thrombi compared with the use of PVC catheters. The lack of reduction may have been related to the prolonged duration of catheter use in both groups. A much larger study would have been required to detect a smaller, but perhaps clinically significant, reduction in catheter-associated complications.
Sequencing and analysis of bacterial genomes

The complete sequences of two small bacterial genomes have recently become available, and those of several more species should follow within the next two years. Sequence comparisons show that the most bacterial proteins are highly conserved in evolution, allowing predictions to be made about the functions of most products of an uncharacterized genome. Bacterial genomes differ vastly in their gene repertoires. Although genes for components of the translation and transcription machinery, and for molecular chaperones, are typically maintained, many regulatory and metabolic systems are absent in bacteria with small genomes. Mycoplasma genitalium, with the smallest known genome of any cellular life form, lacks virtually all known regulatory genes, and its gene expression may be regulated differently than in other bacteria. Genome organization is evolutionarily labile: extensive gene shuffling leaves only very few conserved gene arrays in distantly related bacteria.
Active learning in intermediate optics through class tutorials and concept building laboratories

We have been modifying our intermediate optics class and laboratory with a focus on improving student learning through the use of active engagement. To facilitate this process we developed a two pronged solution. For the classroom we created a series of tutorials to help the students use the mathematics and techniques of derivations, apply these solutions to other problems, and develop a stronger conceptual foundation in intermediate optics class. In the optics laboratories we developed an approach that relies upon direct confrontation of misconceptions, predictions, collection of data to support or refute the predictions, reconciliation, discussion, and leading questions rather than a series of detailed, cookbook-like instructions as might be found in a traditional laboratory. Through the class and laboratory we build conceptual understanding in subjects like image formation by lenses and mirrors, ray optics, and ultimately elliptical polarization while fostering laboratory independence and helping students erect a new paradigm for learning.
‘Immediate redress’: USS Potomac and the pirates of Quallah Batoo

Maritime interests in the twenty-first century are not immune to the growing number of irregular challenges and hybrid threats that have come to dominate land warfare. In order to better understand these challenges a study of naval history can help provide a vital foundation. In the early 1830s the United States Navy dispatched the frigate USS Potomac to Sumatra to investigate a pirate attack on the spice trader Friendship. Potomac's crew of sailors and Marines conducted a landing at the village Quallah Batoo and fought a pitched battle. As the navies of the world approach naval irregular warfare in the new century, studying past examples like Potomac's mission can help illuminate the principles of successful naval irregular warfare.
A 10-year longitudinal fMRI study of narrative comprehension in children and adolescents.

Abstract Comprehension of spoken narratives requires coordination of multiple language skills. As such, for normal children narrative skills develop well into the school years and, during this period, are particularly vulnerable in the face of brain injury or developmental disorder. For these reasons, we sought to determine the developmental trajectory of narrative processing using longitudinal fMRI scanning. 30 healthy children between the ages of 5 and 18 enrolled at ages 5, 6, or 7, were examined annually for up to 10 years. At each fMRI session, children were presented with a set of five, 30 s‐long, stories containing 9, 10, or 11 sentences designed to be understood by a 5 year old child. fMRI data analysis was conducted based on a hierarchical linear model (HLM) that was modified to investigate developmental changes while accounting for missing data and controlling for factors such as age, linguistic performance and IQ. Performance testing conducted after each scan indicated well above the chance (p
Managing Undocumented Students: Do Undocumented Students Hinder Student Performance?

Illegal immigration is a salient topic for policy makers and for local units of government who are responsible for implementing policies. One particularly relevant policy topic is to what extent undocumented students affect performance in public schools, and if undocumented students do have an impact on performance, what can be done about it? Using Texas as a case study, this analysis finds that, surprisingly, undocumented students have only a marginal effect on the overall performance on standardized exams. Among Latinos, however, there is a statistically negative effect. Furthermore, evidence suggests that managerial skills can mitigate those negative effects.
Interpretation of stress damage on fracture conductivity

Abstract This paper focuses on the investigation of pressure responses in a well producing through a composite system of a stress-sensitive vertical symmetric or asymmetric fracture interacting with a stress-sensitive permeable-porous medium. Results of this investigation demonstrate that when the fracture conductivity is stress dependent, the use of conventional techniques to evaluate fractured wells may lead to incorrect estimates of the fracture-formation properties. For finite conductivity fractures, the stress effects in the formation have a negligible influence on the absolute value of the slope that defines the pseudo-bilinear flow regime. During this flow regime only the pressure sensitivity in the fracture and the fracture conductivity govern this flow period. For cases that involve highly conductive fractures, it was found that the slope of 0.5 which defines the linear flow regime is not influenced by the stress effect of the fracture and formation. However, stress in highly conductive fractures has a measureable influence in the change of conductivity. The occurrence of the stress damage in finite and infinite conductivity fractures is due to the partial closure fracture or partial choke fracture effect and can be anticipated in terms of pressure or time level by using the equations provided in this work. The results derived from this research have a major impact in improving the analysis of fractured wells pressure responses, as well as in forecasting of fracture closure occurrence and in programming stimualtion operations in fractured wells. An example with synthetic data is presented to illustrate these new findings.
The Inevitability of Teleology: From le Dispositif to Apparatus Theory to Dispositifs Plural

The article asks how problems of historical method are implied in the question “What Is Left of Apparatus Theory [...] ?”, the topic of the round table for which this paper was first delivered at the IMPACT conference. It goes on to recap the problems with traditional historical approaches : the “from…to” overview, the linear narrative, and the teleological expectation, to name a few. Then, it suggests, following Reinhard Koselleck, that teleologies (like the teleology to end all teleologies – the death of cinema) are unavoidable if one is functioning as a historian-positioned-in-time. Finally, it asks how we are to lay out Baudry and Foucault and trace the “adventures” of the apparatus and apparatus theory when the discourse theory that underwrote their projects critiques the project of “discovering” past events since in the end we are constituting the technology we discover, the same technology that we have said constitutes us.
Teachers' Pedagogical Content Beliefs in Mathematics

This study examined relationships among first-grade teachers' pedagogical content beliefs, teachers' pedagogical content knowledge, and students' achievement in mathematics. Teachers (N = 39) completed structured questionnaires and interviews on their beliefs and knowledge about instruction, children's learning, and the mathematics content in addition and subtraction. Results indicated significant positive relationships among teachers' beliefs, teachers' knowledge, and students' problem-solving achievement. Compared to teachers with a less cognitively based perspective (LCB teachers), teachers with a more cognitively based perspective (CB teachers) made extensive use of word problems in introducing and teaching addition and subtraction. They also spent time developing children's counting strategies before teaching number facts. CB teachers had greater knowledge of word problem types and greater knowledge of their children's problem-solving strategies than did LCB teachers. Furthermore, CB teachers obtaine...
Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein gene expression in recurrent aborters: a potential correlation to interleukin-10 expression.

PROBLEM: The expression of the pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) genes in the uterine endometrium of women experiencing recurrent first-trimester abortions, and potential correlations to cytokine expression were examined. METHOD OF STUDY: Endometrial RNA, isolated from women with a history of either repetitive first-trimester pregnancy losses or uncomplicated pregnancies, was isolated and analyzed for PSG transcripts by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method. PSG genes showing different patterns of expression were expressed in baculovirus, and the purified proteins examined for their effects on cytokine expression. RESULTS: The expression of PSG11 in the endometria of recurrent aborters was significantly lower than in that of controls (P < 0.01). When tested on monocytes, PSG11 stimulated secretion of interleukin (IL)-10. CONCLUSIONS: The level of expression of the PSG11 gene in the uterine endometrium, during the peri-implantation period, correlates with the risk of pregnancy loss in some women experiencing recurrent spontaneous abortions. The ability of PSG 11 to influence the secretion of IL-10 suggests that PSG11 may contribute to the local modulation of the inflammatory T helper-1 response seen in the endometrium of these women.
Congressional Science Fellow

Josh Trapani has been selected to serve as AGU's 2005–2006 Congressional Science Fellow. Trapani is a paleontologist who most recently studied the genetic basis of tooth development in fish as a postdoctoral fellow in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department at the University of Colorado, in Boulder. “By studying the complexity of genetic differences between species of fish with different dentition patterns, we are able to begin to determine the evolutionary processes—chiefly selection and constraint—responsible for the evolution and maintenance of these differences over geologic time,” he noted.
Cultivation of the life stages of Aurelia aurita under controlled conditions

The life stages of Aurelia were raised under controlled conditions in a chemically defined salt solution. Scyphistomae have thrived for three years in this medium, budding and strobilating normally. Ephyrae developed into mature medusae within a four month period. A description of all the life stages of a known species of jellyfish was obtained for the first time. Laboratory cultured medusae underwent developmental changes very similar to medusae in nature. The development of new structures occurred in a chronological sequence which consistently appeared in this order: marginal veil and oral arms, circular canal, margin tentacles, marginal lappets and special sensory lappets, subgenital pits, eight-partition scalloping of the bell, ruffling of the oral arms, and sexual products. Gastric filaments, nematocysts and mesogloea continually increased in number and amount throughout development. Laboratory cultured medusae differed from those developing in nature in that they (1) reached a maximum growth of 55 mm at the time of sexual maturation, (2) did not develop as many tentacles at the bell margin, and (3) did not yield as many planulae. It was not possible to correlate closely either the age or size of the medusae with the development of any specific morphological structure. All medusae underwent spontaneous deterioration. The extrusion of gastric filaments along with the release of sexual products indicated that medusae may starve to death since gastric filaments are believed necessary for digestion of food. The flexibility and variety of growth systems occurring in Aurelia under controlled conditions provide new opportunities for the study of basic mechanisms involved in normal and abnormal growth.
Natural Derivations for Priest, An Introduction to Non-Classical Logic

This document collects natural derivation systems for logics described in Priest, An Introduction to Non-Classical Logic [4]. It provides an alternative or supplement to the semantic tableaux of his text. Except that some chapters are collapsed, there are sections for each chapter in Priest, with an additional, final section on quantified modal logic. In each case, (i) the language is briefly described and key semantic definitions stated, (ii) the derivation system is presented with a few examples given, and (iii) soundness and completeness are proved. There should be enough detail to make the parts accessible to students would work through parallel sections of Priest.
A Theory of Limits on Corruption and Some Applications

Starting from a simple premise, this paper has proposed a framework that is at once capable of explaining variations in levels of corruption across governments, their subunits, and over time.The simple premise is that corruption nearly always creates winners and losers who may take countervailing actions (CA) to reduce or eliminate their losses. The incentives to engage in CA depend on two sets of factors: global and specific. Global factors, such as human rights, property rights, political rights, capital, property rights, education, income levels and income distribution have across-the-board effects on the ability to engage in CA; variations in levels of corruption across countries and over time can be explained in terms of these factors. Specific factors, such as the type of corruption, number of losers, the size of their losses, and visibility of losses to losers, may vary across government agencies within the same country and, therefore, can explain different levels of corruption across these agencies.
Renal Parenchymal Area and Risk of ESRD in Boys with Posterior Urethral Valves

Background and objectives Approximately 20% of boys with posterior urethral valves develop ESRD; however, few factors associated with the risk of ESRD have been identified. The objective of this study was to determine if renal parenchymal area, defined as the area of the kidney minus the area of the pelvicaliceal system on first postnatal ultrasound, is associated with the risk of ESRD in infants with posterior urethral valves. Design, setting, participants, & measurements A retrospective cohort of boys who were diagnosed with posterior urethral valves at less than 6 months of age between 1988 and 2011 and followed for at least 1 year at a freestanding children’s hospital was assembled. Cox proportional hazard regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis were used to estimate the association between renal parenchymal area and time to ESRD. Cox models were adjusted for age at presentation, minimum creatinine 1 month after bladder decompression, and vesicoureteral reflux. Results Sixty patients were followed for 393 person-years. Eight patients developed ESRD. Median renal parenchymal area was 15.9 cm2 (interquartile range=13.0–21.6 cm2). Each 1-cm2 increase in renal parenchymal area was associated with a lower risk of ESRD (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.42 to 0.98). The rate of time to ESRD was 10 times higher in boys with renal parenchymal area,12.4 cm2 than boys with renal parenchymal area$12.4 cm2 (P,0.001). Renal parenchymal area could best discriminate children at risk for ESRD when the minimum creatinine in the first 1 month after bladder decompression was between 0.8 and 1.1 mg/dl. Conclusion In boys with posterior urethral valves presenting during the first 6 months of life, lower renal parenchymal area is associated with an increased risk of ESRD during childhood. The predictive ability of renal parenchymal area, which is available at time of diagnosis, should be validated in a larger, prospectively-enrolled cohort.
A practical procedure for estimation of instantaneous frequency

The instantaneous frequency of a frequency-modulated signal may be estimated using the zero crossings of the signal. Furthermore, the procedure is simple and gives good results when only samples of the signals are available and when the signal-to-noise ratio is above about 12 dB. An example is given.
Human lymphocyte blastogenesis induced by living and dead Histoplasma capsulatum yeasts and soluble yeast autolysate

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured with either replicating yeast phase Histoplasma capsulatum, intact dead yeasts or soluble yeast phase autolysate antigen for induction of lymphocyte blastogenesis. H. capsulatum replicated to the same extent in cultures of lymphocytes from histoplasmin skin test-positive and negative cell donors, but stimulated far greater blastogenesis in the former. Dead H. capsulatum yeasts, which were more easily quantified, caused nearly as much specific blastogenesis as live yeasts. Blastogenesis was induced by as few as 1 dead yeast per 10,000 lymphocytes, indicating the antigenic potency of Histoplasma yeasts. Specific blastogenesis was also caused by soluble yeast autolysate. Thus, replicating H. capsulatum yeasts, dead yeasts and autolytically released soluble yeast phase antigen each stimulated specific blastogenesis of lymphocytes from persons sensitized to H. capsulatum in vivo.
Reframing the debate: Screening athletes to prevent sudden cardiac death.

In a recent issue of HeartRhythm, Maron and Sharma shared their opinions regarding a mandatory, national cardiovascular screening program for athletes in the United States. The point/counterpoint centered on the inclusion (or not) of a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) in addition to a history and physical examination during preparticipation screening of athletes. In response to these articles, we were invited to write a position paper on cardiovascular screening in athletes and to “agree with one position or the other, or with neither, or conclude that more information is needed before an opinion can be offered.” Rather than restate the arguments for and against ECG screening and the many points on which these experts disagree, we hope to reframe this debate in an attempt to help the medical community refocus on ways to improve cardiovascular screening in young athletes. Over the past decade, the debate on ECG screening has become highly polarized. While there is much known about sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes and screening intended to prevent such tragedies, there is just as much unknown. Continuing efforts are seriously needed to fill these knowledge gaps. This article outlines areas in which physicians on either side of the debate will likely agree; presents current acceptable screening practices and their requirements and limitations; and puts forth research directions that may help answer some of the remaining questions.
Novel method for measuring effects of gas compression on expiratory flow.

During forced vital capacity maneuvers in subjects with expiratory flow limitation, lung volume decreases during expiration both by air flowing out of the lung (i.e., exhaled volume) and by compres...
Some proposed improvements in the scanning ion microprobe.

SUMMARY Three improvements, which we have investigated, promise to lead to a scanning ion microprobe with a space resolution of about 15 nm. The improvements are: (1) use of a field-evaporation (EHD) ion source with liquid gallium to give a brightness exceeding 1010 A m−2 sr1 at 21 keV, (2) a high efficiency (10%) collecting system for secondary ions, and (3) enhancement of the secondary-ion yield by cesium deposition. With this instrument, tracing with stable isotopes would offer a number of advantages over autoradiography.
Expression Profile of MicroRNAs in Epstein-Barr Virus-Infected AGS Gastric Carcinoma Cells

Latent infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is responsible for multiple types of malignancies, including 10% of all gastric carcinomas. The microRNA (miRNA) expression in several EBV-infected AGS gastric carcinoma cell lines was determined. Infected cells expressed the viral BamHI A rightward transcript (BART) miRNAs at high levels and had consistently decreased expression of a small fraction of cellular miRNAs with specific downregulation of tumor suppressor miRNAs. These changes likely reflect expression of the viral noncoding RNAs and not latent protein expression.
Simultaneous aortic replacement and renal artery revascularization: the influence of preoperative renal function on early risk and late outcome.

Abstract Purpose: We documented the postoperative complication rate and the late results of simultaneous infrarenal aortic replacement and renal artery (RA) revascularization at the Cleveland Clinic and correlated these findings with the preoperative serum creatinine level (S Cr ) and other baseline risk factors. Methods: A retrospective review of hospital charts and outpatient records was supplemented with a telephone canvass and the invitation to return for a complimentary RA duplex scan, when a scan had not been done within the previous year. Data were collected for 73 consecutive patients (mean age, 69 years) who underwent aortic procedures that were combined with the repair of RA stenosis from 1989 to 1997 (mean follow-up, 44 months). The preoperative S Cr was 2 mg/dL or lower in 45 patients (group R1; median, 1.5 mg/dL) and was higher than 2 mg/dL in the remaining 28 patients (group R2; median, 2.6 mg/dL). Results: Forty-seven of the patients in this series had aortic aneurysms, 15 patients had aortoiliac occlusive disease, and 11 patients had both types of lesions. Bilateral RA revascularization was necessary for seven patients in group R1 (15%) and for eight patients in group R2 (29%). Group R2 contained more patients with medically resistant hypertension (57%) than group R1 (29%, P =.019). Although there was no statistically significant difference between the 30-day mortality rates (group R1, 2.2%; group R2, 11%), the related in-hospital mortality rate for 15 bilateral RA revascularizations (13%) was nearly twice that of 58 unilateral revascularizations (6.9%). Patients in group R2 were at a higher risk for postoperative dialysis than those in group R1 (36% vs 6.7%, P =.008), and patients in group R2 had longer lengths of stay in the hospital (median, 14 days vs 9 days; P =.004). By means of Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 5-year survival rate was lower for patients in group R2 (53%; 95% CI, 33%-73%) than for patients in group R1 (85%; 95% CI, 74%-96%; log rank P =.005). Despite all other liabilities in group R2 patients, however, their resistant hypertension was cured or improved in 88% of cases and their S Cr appeared to decline with time. Conclusion: The early postoperative risk of simultaneous aortic/RA procedures appears to be highest in patients who have an elevated S Cr , bilateral RA stenosis or occlusion, and a comparatively low long-term survival rate. In this particular group, the adjunctive use of endovascular techniques might conceivably reduce the magnitude of the planned surgical procedure and thus enhance the overall outcome. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:1041-9.)
Changes in Delta-Plutonium Due to Aging as Observed by Continuous in-situ X-Ray Scattering

The aging in plutonium is predominantly caused by its internal self irradiation. The self-irradiation in Pu-239 is by the decay process of transmuting the Pu atom into uranium atom and emitting an {alpha}-particle. Most of the lattice damage comes from the uranium recoil resulting in Frenkel type defects consisting of vacancies and self-interstitial atoms, helium in growth and defect clusters and possibly even though it is not yet observed, the generation of voids. As part of the stockpile stewardship, it is important to understand the changes in the structure and microstructures and their correlations to the physical properties. Changes in the physical properties has direct relationship to the quality of the structure, in terms of formation of defects and defect clustering, accumulation of voids, grain boundaries, phase changes and etc. which can adversely affects the stability of the material. These changes are very difficult to monitor because of the high activity of the sample, high atomic number making x-ray and synchrotron probe into the bulk very difficult (neutron probe is not feasible) and the long life time which normally requires decades to measure. In this paper we describe the development of an in-situ in-house transmission X-ray diffraction (XRD) experimental techniquemore » used to monitor the structural changes in these materials. This technique calls for a very thin sample of less that 2 {mu}m and to accelerate the aging process due to self-irradiation, spiked alloy of 7.5 weight percent of Pu-238 is used. This is equivalent to roughly 17 times the normal rate of aging. Current results suggest that over a period of 2.8 equivalent years, an increase of 0.5% in unit cell parameter is observed. The increase appears to be an abrupt jump at about 1.1 equivalent years, brought about by the collapsing of the atoms from the interstitials to the lattice sites. Further data analysis is on the way. (authors)« less