cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BRAIN WRITING FOR NEW PRODUCT IDEAS: AN ALTERNATIVE TO BRAINSTORMING

Among the many different methods used to generate new product ideas, group brainstorming has been one of the most popular. However, brainstorming has fallen into disfavor with many practitioners and researchers on the basis of such factors as the necessity for a skilled group leader, the potential for conflicts among members which can disrupt the process, and the possibility of one or more members dominating the discussion. Brainwriting, which is the silent, written generation of ideas by a group, is proposed as an alternative to brainstorming. Six different group brainiwriting techniques are described and suggestions given for the most appropriate use of each. It is concluded that both brainwriting and brainstorming will be useful in different situations and should be viewed as supplemental rather than primary sources of new product ideas. Furthermore, it is noted that idea generation is only part of the process. The best ideas in the world will be of little value if they are not implemented successfully.
Classification of Fricative Consonants for Speech Enhancement in Hearing Devices

This work was supported by NIH/NIDCD R01-DC-012300 to Y-YK. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Antibiotic-impregnated ventriculo-peritoneal shunts in patients at high risk of infection

To determine the efficacy of antibiotic impregnated shunts (AIS) in reducing shunt infections in a population at high risk of shunt infection. From October 2005 to October 2007, patients at high risk of infection (severely disabled, not able to take care of themselves, frequent nosocomial infections) were selected from the 198 adults who underwent shunt placement. Eighteen adults were identified (mean age 61.8 years). Six patients had AISs, and 12 patients had non-AISs. Groups did not differ in age, sex, type of hydrocephalus or hospital stay before shunting. Shunt infection occurred in 7/12 cases of the non-AIS group (58.3%) versus no infections in the AIS group. In six of seven cases, infection occurred within the first 6 months after surgery. A prevalence of S. epidermidis was detected. We believe that in these patients AIS could be effective. Larger, prospective studies are needed in order to definitely address this issue.
A cohomological characterization of parabolic subgroups of reductive algebraic groups

Let G be an algebraic group defined over an algebraically closed field k, and RAT(G) the category of rational G-modules. For any closed subgroup H of G and any rational H-module V, let V Ig denote the rational G-module induced from I’. The induction functor ( ) Ig: RAT(H) + RAT(G) is left exact and we denote its derived functors by L;,J ) for n=o, 1, 2, . . . . Of course these derived functors are 0 for n 2 1 whenever ( ) 1 g is exact, and by a result of Cline, Parshall, and Scott [3] this happens precisely when G/H is an afftne variety. So the case of an afftne quotient is characterized by the vanishing of the higher derived functors. In a like vein, in this paper we will attempt to find a property of these functors which characterizes the case of a projective quotient. Since by definition G/H is projective iff H = P is a parabolic subgroup of G, we are in effect looking for a cohomological characterization of parabolic subgroups of G. The property of the functors L;,J ) we consider is a certain finiteness condition explained below. The author was originally led to consider this question in [14], where induction from certain nonparabolic subgroups is studied and is shown to have this finiteness property. It is well known that for every rational H-module V there is an induced bundle L, on G/H with rank equal to dim I’, such that L;,J V) identifies naturally with the sheaf cohomology group H”((G/H, L.). See [4] for details. Thus we may apply standard results from algebraic geometry to obtain some basic facts. For example, Lg,G( ) = 0 for n > dim(G/H), and Serre’s theorem gives the easy half of the result of Cline, Parshall, and Scott men-
Reconstructing Aldolase Antibodies to Alter Their Substrate Specificity and Turnover

Fujie Tanaka, Richard A. Lerner,* and Carlos F. Barbas, III*The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology and theDepartment of Molecular Biology,The Scripps Research Institute10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037ReceiVed February 15, 2000Many enzymes use common catalytic mechanisms in thecatalysis of analogous chemical transformations, for example inthe hydrolysis of esters and amides. Conservation of catalyticmechanism is observed not only among evolutionarily related andhighly homologous enzymes but also between structurally dif-ferent and evolutionarily unrelated enzymes.
Adaptive estimation of a function of a mean vector

Abstract A sample is taken from some r -dimensional distribution with mean vector μ and the value of θ = P( μ ) is to be estimated. Here P is a polynomial. An initial sample of size n 1 is taken and all components are observed. Assume that, after the initial sample, the remaining sampling budget is C and the cost of each new vector taken is c 0 with an additional cost c j if component j is observed. A subset D ≠ O of {1, h ., r } is selected and a second sample of size n 2 is taken in which only those components with index j ∈ D are observed. It is desired to select D to minimize the MSE of the estimator θ = P( X ) where the components of X are the sample means of observed components. Consider the case P( μ ) = ∏ j−1 r μ j . Assume that E (∏ j =1 r X j 2 ) n 1 ) the MSE of θ depends only on the means, variances, and covariances. Without loss of generality, the MSE is computed for the case D = {1,…, m }. In the case r = 2 the inequalities are given determining when D = {1} yields smaller MSE than D = {1,2} and when D = {1} yields smaller MSE than D = {2}. In determining D the means, variances and covariances will be estimated from the initial sample. The cases of estimating ∑ j =1 r μ j , more general polynomials in μ , and more general functions of μ are discussed briefly.
Development of a cone‐geometry positron moderator

Results are presented on a new cone‐shaped positron moderator which shows a high moderator efficiency (i.e., conversion of beta decay to emitted slow positrons). The moderator efficiencies for the cone moderators studied were found to be up to 0.14% compared to thin‐foil measurements of 0.06% in the same experimental system including identical source and holder. These moderators are rugged and easily fabricated, however, they have a lower brightness than single‐crystal foil moderators. Comparison of various geometries is presented as well as suggestions for further improvements to increase the total efficiencies.
Computed Tomography Angiography and Computed Tomography Perfusion in Ischemic Stroke: A Step-by-Step Approach to Image Acquisition and Three-Dimensional Postprocessing

Recent technical advances in both image acquisition and postprocessing have enabled computed tomography angiography (CTA) with computed tomography perfusion to become front-line tools for acute stroke evaluation in many institutions. This article provides a step-by-step approach to utilizing these technologies, particularly in the rapid triage of appropriate stroke patients to reperfusion therapies. The specific contrast injection, image acquisition, and 3D postprocessing protocols for high-quality CTA, currently in use at our institution, are delineated. An important point of emphasis is how preliminary angiographic and cerebral perfusion observations can be made immediately at the scanner to expedite emergent therapy. Also explored is the manner in which a dedicated 3D lab can support a high clinical volume, including a large percentage of emergent studies. An accurate yet time-efficient approach for the neuroradiologist to integrate 3D interpretation with CTA source data review is offered. Several important imaging and interpretive pitfalls in stroke CTA are illustrated.
Linear Systems of Cubics Singular at General Points of Projective Space

We present an elementary proof that given a general collection of d points in Pn the linear system of cubics singular on each point has the expected codimension except when n=4 and d=7. In that case the cubic is unique. This, together with previous work of the author, gives a proof of the Alexander–Hirschowitz interpolation theorem.
Spatial frequency integration during active perception: perceptual hysteresis when an object recedes.

As we move through the world, information about objects moves to different spatial frequencies. How the visual system successfully integrates information across these changes to form a coherent percept is thus an important open question. Here we investigate such integration using hybrid faces, which contain different images in low and high spatial frequencies. Observers judged how similar a hybrid was to each of its component images while walking towards or away from it or having the stimulus moved towards or away from them. We find that when the stimulus is approaching, observers act as if they are integrating across spatial frequency separately at each moment. However, when the stimulus is receding, observers show a perceptual hysteresis effect, holding on to details that are imperceptible in a static stimulus condition. Thus, observers appear to make optimal inferences by sticking with their previous interpretation when losing information but constantly reinterpreting their input when gaining new information.
Quantitative optical coherence tomography imaging of intermediate flow defect phenotypes in ciliary physiology and pathophysiology

Cilia-driven fluid flow is a critical yet poorly understood aspect of pulmonary physiology. Here, we demonstrate that optical coherence tomography-based particle tracking velocimetry can be used to quantify subtle variability in cilia-driven flow performance in Xenopus, an important animal model of ciliary biology. Changes in flow performance were quantified in the setting of normal development, as well as in response to three types of perturbations: mechanical (increased fluid viscosity), pharmacological (disrupted serotonin signaling), and genetic (diminished ciliary motor protein expression). Of note, we demonstrate decreased flow secondary to gene knockdown of kif3a, a protein involved in ciliogenesis, as well as a dose-response decrease in flow secondary to knockdown of dnah9, an important ciliary motor protein.
EVALUATION AND SEISMIC RETROFIT OF HIGHWAY BRIDGE SUBSTRUCTURES WITH TAPERED COLUMNS

Abstract The purpose of this study has been: (1) to evaluate the highway bridges on the I-80 in the Reno–Sparks area for their damage potential during strong earthquakes; and (2) to determine effective means of retrofitting the substructure components in these bridges. The first part of the study was completed in the Fall of 1993, the results of which are presented in this paper. A data base consisting of 26 bridges was formed. The focus of the study was on bridges with relatively thin, tapered columns. Three representative bridges were analyzed to determine their displacement histories, abutment force histories and column forces and displacement ductility demands in response to a suite of representative earthquake acceleration. Results of the non-linear analyses indicated that in bridges with one or two columns per pier, abutment soil yielding may occur and that the column shear forces and moments may exceed permissible values. This paper also presents a summary of the experimental program and a description of the test specimens. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Null Hypothesis Models in Legislative Studies

P olitical scientists often refer to the existence of "coalitions" in Congress, but remarkably little effort has been made to discover the reasons why the votes of various congressmen might be similar. It may be that coalition formation-the explicit coordination of voting decisions-has indeed occurred. But the congressmen may have voted alike simply because they had similar beliefs or similar constituencies. In fact, the reasons for any congressman's vote may be unique to the individual and unrelated to the reasons for any other individual's vote: one congressman may be heeding the president's call out of party loyalty, a second may be fulfilling a campaign promise, a third may have strong personal beliefs about the wisdom of the bill under consideration, and so forth. Several congressmen may thus vote alike without any explicit coordination among them at all. Determining the relative explanatory power of these hypotheses for why some congressmen vote alike would be a major undertaking. It is possible, though, to develop a standard for evaluating how good any one explanation is. One can determine whether the "coalitions" observed in the roll call data occur at rates different from what would be expected by chance and then whether the substantive hypothesis explains the deviations of actual rates from the rates expected by chance. The problem is to decide what the phrase "by chance" means. We interpret it (Hammond and Fraser, 1983) as what would happen if congressmen vote by flipping unbiased (p = 0.5) coins. We chose this value of p because any theory of "coalition" formation should be required, at the very least, to outperform a model with no substantive content whatever.
The matrix sign function

A survey of the matrix sign function is presented including some historical background, definitions and properties, approximation theory and computational methods, and condition theory and estimation procedures, Applications to areas such as control theory, eigendecompositions, and roots of matrices are outlined, and some new theoretical results are also given. >
Neurotization of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap by the hypoglossal nerve in tongue reconstruction: Clinical and experimental observations

Recently, neurotization has been proposed for providing mobility to the pectoralis major, or other myocutaneous flap in lingual reconstruction following total glossectomy. The development of an active tongue-like structure may offer the patient higher potential for rehabilitation of speech and deglutition. The purpose of this thesis is to report experimental and clinical observations on neurotization of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. The pectoralis major myoflap of 16 rats was reinnervated by either a hypoglossal nerve pedicle of hypoglossal-genioglossus muscle neuromuscular pedicle. Functional flap reinnervation was confirmed in eight of the 16 animals. The author's clinical experience with reconstruction of the tongue utilizing neurotized pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is presented.
Strategies for Controlling Item Exposure in Computerized Adaptive Testing With the Generalized Partial Credit Model

Choosing a strategy for controlling item exposure has become an integral part of test development for computerized adaptive testing (CAT). This study investigated the performance of six procedures for controlling item exposure in a series of simulated CATs under the generalized partial credit model. In addition to a no-exposure control baseline condition, the randomesque, modified-within-.10-logits, Sympson-Hetter, conditional Sympson-Hetter, a-stratified with multiple-stratification, and enhanced a-stratified with multiple-stratification procedures were implemented to control exposure rates. Two variations of the randomesque and modified-within-.10-logits procedures were examined, which varied the size of the item group from which the next item to be administered was randomly selected. The results indicate that although the conditional Sympson-Hetter provides somewhat lower maximum exposure rates, the randomesque and modified-within-.10-logits procedures with the six-item group variation have great utili...
Accurate wafer-level measurement of ESD protection device turn-on using a modified very fast transmission-line pulse system

Quantifying the turn-on behavior of electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection devices under subnanosecond transients is critical to achieving robust protection against the Charged Device Model stress. A wafer-level very fast transmission-line pulse system (VFTLP) has been developed and is shown to successfully measure the turn-on time of a common ESD protection device. Both formal analysis and practical details regarding VFTLP system construction and operation are documented.
Spatial balancing of autonomous vehicle resources

This paper addresses the problem of achieving a balanced distribution of autonomous vehicles across a locally connected topology of areas. Motivated by a cooperative autonomous air vehicle mission scenario that requires the performance of extended surveillance over distances large enough to impede vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the proposed algorithm allows the group to achieve the desired distribution of vehicles through the use of a special set of coordination vehicles.
Nonlinear Analysis of Microbeam under Electrostatic Loading

In this study we investigated the behavior of a microbeam subjected to electrostatic loading. Two devices, namely, a tungsten microtweezer and a clamped-clamped beam which is part of a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), are used. The deflection of beams is studied for various cases of loading, i.e., constant loading, linear loading and nonlinear loading. Both linear and non-linear behavior of the microbeams are studied. The Euler-Bernoulli beam theory as well as the Timoshenko beam theory is used to study deflection of the beams. Governing equations are solved for each case by two different approaches. Simple cases of the governing equations are solved analytically. The nonlinear differential equation is solved by the finite element method. Results for different cases are compared and discussed.
Studying Bio-Inspired Coalition Formation of Robots for Detecting Intrusions Using Game Theory

In this paper, inspired by the society of animals, we study the coalition formation of robots for detecting intrusions using game theory. We consider coalition formation in a group of three robots that detect and capture intrusions in a closed curve loop. In our analytical model, individuals seek alliances if they think that their detect regions are too short to gain an intrusion capturing probability larger than their own. We assume that coalition seeking has an investment cost and that the formation of a coalition determines the outcomes of parities, with the detect length of a coalition simply being the sum of those of separate coalition members. We derive that, for any cost, always detecting alone is an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS), and that, if the cost is below a threshold, always trying to form a coalition is an ESS (thus a three-way coalition arises).
The sound of operation and the acoustic attenuation of the Ohmeda Medical Giraffe OmniBed

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is an environment that provides premature and fragile infants with health provisions needed to make a complete recovery. Premature infants are often born before their auditory systems have had an opportunity to fully mature. Research has shown that the ambient acoustic environment in the NICU exceeds the maximum noise level recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, even after measures have been taken to decrease noise levels. The purpose of this study is to evaluate noise levels inside an Ohmeda Medical Giraffe™ OmniBed™, the natural attenuation of the incubator, and the effects of modifications on attenuation and reverberation within the Giraffe TM OmniBed™. The normal operation of the Giraffe™ OmniBed™ is 41.7 dBA which indicates a lower noise of operation than previous studies. The Giraffe™ OmniBed™ naturally attenuates 12 dBA. Leaving an access latch or portal door open causes a statistically significant (P=.001) increase in sound within the bassinet. All modifications in the no-noise and the noise conditions showed a statistically significant (P=.001) drop in L(eq) when compared to baseline.
Evaluating Camouflage Effectiveness Using Virtual Reality

Military camouflage evaluation is a critical domain that can benefit tremendously from recent methodological advancements in Human Factors. Specifically, the evolution of virtual reality (VR) technologies and their application to user testing and product development affords new opportunities for improving the range of conditions under which novel camouflage patterns may be evaluated and the degree of control and quantitative precision associated with such evaluations. The present paper reports an effort underway to apply VR techniques to the evaluation of camouflage uniforms for infantry forces. An experiment is described that compared target detection data from a standard photosimulation procedure with data gathered from a virtual analog of the same task. While differences were noted between the real and virtual stimuli the findings were encouraging and yielded insights into how VR might complement more traditional measures of camouflage effectiveness. These lessons are discussed and avenues for addition...
Sex differences in lipreading

Some writers suggest that there are gender differences in gazing, with females being more avid gazers than males (Berndl, Dewitz, Grusser, & Kiefer, 1986; Exline , 1963; LaFrance & Mayo, 1976). These data led researchers to pose the question as to why females would look longer than males at a speaker in the dyadic interaction. Kleinke's (1986) review suggests that the gains may be numerous: gazing provides information, regulates interaction , ex­ presses intimacy , exercises social control, facilitates ser­ vice and task goals , and so forth . There is yet another function not covered by Kleinke' s review , that of speech­ reading (Campbell, 1986). We reasoned that if females' gazing is directed at monitoring another person 's speech , females may well evince a better capacity for lipreading .
A unified approach to the design of resonant power factor correction circuits

It is shown that current-driven DC-to-DC resonant power converters can be utilized in designing resonant power factor correction circuits (RPFCCs). Depending on whether the energy stored in the tank circuit is programmable or not, the RPFCCs can be classified into two sets. The RPFCCs falling into the first set possess the potential to have both high power factor and fast output regulation, while the RPFCCs in the second set can only provide high power factor. Five control schemes for the RPFCCs based on the classification are presented. Design examples and computer simulations are also presented. >
Preliminary report of a prospective, randomized trial of underwater seal for spontaneous and iatrogenic pneumothorax.

Background Management of pneumothorax has traditionally been tube thoracostomy and −20 cm H 2 O suction. The purpose of our study was to determine if underwater seal in iatrogenic and spontaneous pneumothoraces is safe and efficacious and if small-caliber chest tubes are appropriate for routine use in pneumothorax. Study design From April 2001 through October 2003 patients with iatrogenic or spontaneous pneumothorax were enrolled in this prospective, randomized trial. Small-bore catheters were inserted. Initial management was 1 hour −20 cm H 2 O suction, chest radiography, and randomization into −20 cm H 2 O suction, −10 cm H 2 O suction, or underwater seal. Tubes were discontinued at 48 hours if there were no pneumothoraces and no air leaks. Those with air leaks and recurrent pneumothoraces persisting 5 days underwent pleurodesis. The primary end point was successful chest tube removal at 48 hours. The secondary end point was need for pleurodesis. Results Twenty-nine patients were analyzed. Seven were randomized to −20 cm H 2 O suction, 11 to −10 cm H 2 O suction, and 11 to underwater seal. Most (59%, 17 of 29) chest tubes were successfully removed 48 hours after placement: 57% (4 of 7) after −20 cm H 2 O suction, 73% (8 of 11) after −10 cm H 2 O suction, and 45% (5 of 11) after underwater seal (p = 0.48). Seven (24%) required pleurodesis: 29% (2 of 7) after −20 cm H 2 O suction, 27% (3 of 11) after −10 cm H 2 O suction, and 18% (2 of 11) after underwater seal (p = 0.70). Conclusions Early underwater seal appears to be safe for treating iatrogenic and spontaneous pneumothoraces. It can achieve comparable frequencies of early chest tube removal and avoidance of operation compared with traditional management. A larger, multi-institutional study should be performed to demonstrate that pneumothorax treatment can effectively incorporate small-caliber tubes and underwater seal.
The Legacy Of Dennis Gabor

The development of holography, Dennis Gabor's most famous invention, is discussed.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Pediatric Population: A Population Based Clinical Outcomes Study Involving 257 Patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) Database (1973-2011).

Introduction. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare pediatric cancer accounting for 0.5% of all pediatric malignancies. This study examines a large cohort of HCC patients in an effort to define the factors impacting clinical outcomes in pediatric HCC patients compared to adults. Methods. Demographic and clinical data on 63,771 HCC patients (257 pediatric patients ≤ 19 and 63,514 adult patients age ≥ 20) were abstracted from the SEER database (1973-2011). Results. HCC was more common among males (59.5% pediatric and 75.1% adults) and Caucasians (50.4% and 50.5%), p 4 cm in size (79.6% versus 62.0%, p = 0.02). Pediatric HCC patients undergoing surgery (13.107 versus 8.324 years, p 4 cm in Caucasian males. Children with HCC achieve significantly longer mean overall survival compared to adults with HCC, primarily attributable to the more favorable fibrolamellar histologic variant, and more aggressive surgical intervention, which significantly improves survival.
The campaigns and elections of congresswomen Edith Green and Julia Butler Hansen

Abstract The Third Congressional Districts of Oregon and Washington face each other across the Columbia River. It is not surprising that for more than a decade each district had been represented in Congress by the same representative or that they were both Democrats. Though Oregon's Third District is much more urban and compact than Washington's, they share some of the demographic and economic characteristics which are usually associated with Democratic constituencies outside of the South, namely, a relatively high proportion of persons employed in manufacturing or other heavily unionized occupations, who are relatively mobile, or of fairly recent ethnic stock. What is not so expected is that both incumbent Congressmen were Congresswomen — Edith Green of Oregon and Julia Butler Hansen of Washington. Mrs Green and Mrs Hansen were chosen as the specific subjects of this study because they had both demonstrated political longevity in retaining Congressional office throughout see‐sawing political changes in p...
On Passing From Ignorance to Knowledge

Probably every speaker designated to provide this lecture has approached the podium with the same trepidation as when we each treated our first patient. But your experiences accumulate quickly after you treat that first patient, and time goes oh so fast. Now it seems like we have little time to cogitate about the past, or even the present—we should be more concerned about the future. However, to think about the future is challenging, and even frightening, because the future will require change and, at the least, adaptation in our behaviors, attitudes, and level of preparation to deal effectively with society and the health care system of the future. During your interview for admission to your professional education program, were you asked where you might be 5 years from that moment? Where will each of us be 5 years from now? An eldest daughter taught me much about the future.…
A Consistent Model of Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Hypertension

Hypertension is frequently seen in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), but the mechanism of the hypertension is unknown. An animal model of IDDM hypertension could be helpful in determining the mechanism, but experimental IDDM has been infrequently and irregularly associated with hypertension. In an attempt to develop a consistent model of IDDM hypertension, we superimposed streptozotocin (STZ)-induced IDDM on surgical reduction of renal mass (RRM) in Wistar rats. Seven groups of rats were studied: 1) 60% RRM receiving 65 mg/kg body weight (BW) STZ; 2) 60% RRM receiving 40 mg/kg BW STZ; 3) 25% RRM receiving 65 mg/kg BW STZ; 4) two kidney normal rats receiving 65 mg/kg BW STZ; 5) 60% RRM receiving vehicle (control for group 1); 6) 60% RRM receiving vehicle (control for group 2); and 7) 25% RRM receiving vehicle. STZ produced diabetes and hypertension within 1 to 2 weeks in all three groups of RRM rats but blood pressure was unaffected by 60% or 25% RRM alone. STZ alone had no effect on blood pressure until the 5th week when the blood pressure increased slightly. Progressive weight loss resulted from 65 mg/kg BW STZ combined with 60% RRM; the animals had to be terminated after 5 weeks. In only 60% of animals with 40 mg/kg BW STZ plus 60% RRM was IDDM produced. On the other hand, 65 mg/kg BW STZ in rats with 25% RRM regularly produced IDDM and hypertension without excessive loss of body weight. In these rats, albuminuria developed in 2 weeks. Extracellular fluid volume was elevated and plasma renin activity was depressed. The animals were healthy and hypertensive when killed at the 13th week. We suggest that the 25% RRM rat receiving 65 mg/kg BW STZ is a consistent model of IDDM hypertension, which may be useful in probing the mechanism of this type of hypertension.
Rapid embedding methods into epoxy and LR White resins for morphological and immunological analysis of cryofixed biological specimens.

A variety of specimens including bacteria, ciliates, choanoflagellates ~Salpingoeca rosetta!, zebrafish ~Danio rerio! embryos, nematode worms ~Caenorhabditis elegans), and leaves of white clover ~Trifolium repens! plants were high pressure frozen, freeze-substituted, infiltrated with either Epon, Epon-Araldite, or LR White resins, and polymerized. Total processing time from freezing to blocks ready to section was about 6 h. For epoxy embedding the specimens were freeze-substituted in 1% osmium tetroxide plus 0.1% uranyl acetate in acetone. For embedding in LR White the freeze-substitution medium was 0.2% uranyl acetate in acetone. Rapid infiltration was achieved by centrifugation through increasing concentrations of resin followed by polymeriza- tion at 1008C for 1.5-2 h. The preservation of ultrastructure was comparable to standard freeze substitution and resin embedding methods that take days to complete. On-section immunolabeling results for actin and tubulin molecules were positive with very low background labeling. The LR White methods offer a safer, quicker, and less-expensive alternative to Lowicryl embedding of specimens processed for on-section immunolabeling without traditional aldehyde fixatives.
The question of public trust in business. Comments on Jared D. Harris, Brian T. Moriarty, and Andrew C. Wicks (eds.), Public Trust in Business. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2014

ABSTRACTJared D. Harris, Brian T. Moriarty, and Andrew C. Wicks’ recent book collects 11 chapters by well-known scholars on the question of public trust in business, published along with an introduction and conclusion by the editors. But the collection does not make progress on what this reviewer takes to be the two essential questions. This review outlines those questions and then addresses a further, more technical difficulty with the conceptualisations of trust at work across the chapters. The central theme here is that business as an institution has obligations to society; we – the public – trust business to act on those obligations; and when business violates those obligations our trust is betrayed. The essays collected in this volume do not directly address the question of what those obligations are, but this should be the starting point for an investigation of public trust in business.
Help Inmates Cope with Family Separation and Role Strain

This paper describes the Family and Interpersonal Relationship Group (FIRG), an educational/support group designed to help inmates cope with being separated from family members and significant friends. The benefits inmates derived from participating in the FIRG are presented along with recommendations for developing similar groups for inmates in State correctional institutions across the nation, and for their families outside of the prisons.
SUBJECTIVE STRESS AND PRODUCTIVITY IN REAL ESTATE SALES PEOPLE

Summary.-A study of real estate sales people showed that their productivity in selling housing was related negatively to their subjective level of suess. Previous research on stress has explored whether workers in various occupations experience different levels of subjective stress. For example, Lester, et al. (1986) found few differences in subjective stress among policemen, nurses, and employees in the public sector. The present research addressed a different issue, that is, whether subjective stress of a worker was related to productivity. The subjective level of stress was measured with a self-report inventory designed by Langner ( 1962) which has 22 items concerned with the symptoms of stress, such as feelings of isolation, cold sweats, trembling hands, etc. The research focussed on people in real estate sales, and productivity was measured by the number of housing units sold in the previous year. Since housing units vary in value, the net value of housing sold was chosen as a supplementary measure of productivity. At a New Jersey sta:e convention in Atlantic City, December 1985, a questionnaire was administered anonymously to 34 men and 28 women in real estate sales. Their mean age was 40.7 yr. (SD = 10.0 yr.). Their mean stress score was 40.3 (SD = 9.1 ) with a range of 22 to 110. This mean was low compared, for example, with that of police officers (Violanti, 1983) who had a mean score of 49.1. The mean number of housing units sold was 32.7 (SD = 15.1), and the mean net value sold was $1.33 million (SD = $0.63 million), values which seem high in the experience of one of us (DLT) . The empirical data indicated that the higher the subjective stress the less productive the people in red estate sales were. This was apparent in the simple correlations berween stress scores and productivity; Pearson 7s were -0.31 for units sold and -0.30 for net value sold (one-tailed p < 0.01). The data also showed that men and women did not differ in subjective stress or productivity: whereas the older the sales person the higher the subjective ~tress.~ Controls for age but not for sex were then introduced by using partial correlAddress reprint requests to Dr. Bijou Y. Yeh, Economics Program, Richard Stocktoo State College, Pomona, NJ 08240. The point-biserial correlations between sex and units sold, net value sold and stress scores were 0.06, 0.02, and -3.09, respectively. The Pearson correlations between age and units sold, net value sold and suess scores were 0.01, -0.14, and 0.52, respectively.
Study of the insecticide sensitivity of Anopheles sinensis in areas of Henan Provincee

Objectives To investigate the sensitivity of Anopheles sinensis to the insecticides DDT and deltamethrin and to provide a basis for the control of An.sinensis in the future.Methods In Tongbai,Huaibin,and Yongcheng counties(cities),the filter paper contact method recommended by the WHO was used to test doses capable of killing adult Anopheles.The KT50 and mortality rate 24 h-postexposure were then determined using 4% DDT(1.428 g/m2) and 0.05% deltamethrin(0.0178 g/m2),and the resistance level was assessed based on mortality rates.Results Two hundred and six mosquitoes were captured from fields in Tongbai,214 were captured from fields in Huaibin,and 216 were captured from fields in Yongcheng.The KT50 of An.sinensis to DDT was 2 067.04 min in Tongbai,728.45 min in Huaibin,and 14 380.97 min in Yongcheng.The KT50 of An.sinensis to deltamethrin was 342.87 min in Tongbai,55 809.53 in Huaibin,and 2 481.04 min in Yongcheng.The mortality rate of An.sinensis after 24 hours of exposure to 4% DDT was 17.82% in Tongbai,16.35% in Huaibin,and 21.15% in Yongcheng.Resistance to DDT was assessed as "R".The mortality rate of An.sinensis after 24 hours of exposure to 0.05% deltamethrin was 43.81% in Tongbai,42.73% in Huaibin,46.43% in Yongcheng.Resistance to 0.05% deltamethrin was assessed as "R".Conclusion An.sinensis in Henan Province has developed severe resistance to DDT and deltamethrin.
A PMOS-driven H-bridge without dead time for industry applications

H-bridge is an important driver device for consumer electronics and industry controls; however, the existed dead-time problem will reduce its performance. In this paper, A PMOS-driven H-bridge using a gate-bias technology is proposed to avoid the dead-time generation. In addition to no dead-time requirement, the proposed PMOS-driven H-bridge also achieves the better driving efficiency and low hardware cost.
Mao’s Theory of Dialectic

In the light of Mao’s methodology and point of departure, we shall now reconstruct (through our own method of reflective synthesis) and present Mao’s theory of dialectic per se. Since it is a philosophical inquiry, we shall try to make it as objective as possible by basing it almost exclusively on Mao’s own texts,1 while reserving our own critical evaluation for later. Mao’s theory of dialectic comprises three main ‘moments’: ‘universality’, ‘particularity’ and ‘dialectic’. But before presenting these three moments, we must discuss Mao’s key concept, ‘contradiction’ as a philosophical term, which is both the foundation and center of his entire theory of dialectic. Thus, our discussion is divided into four sections: (1) the concept of contradiction, (2) the universality of contradiction, (3) the particularity of contradiction, and (4) the dialectic of contradiction.
Dynamic Memory Cells Using MoS2 Field-Effect Transistors Demonstrating Femtoampere Leakage Currents

Two-dimensional semiconductors such as transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are of tremendous interest for scaled logic and memory applications. One of the most promising TMDs for scaled transistors is molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and several recent reports have shown excellent performance and scalability for MoS2 MOSFETs. An often overlooked feature of MoS2 is that its wide band gap (1.8 eV in monolayer) and high effective masses should lead to extremely low off-state leakage currents. These features could be extremely important for dynamic memory applications where the refresh rate is the primary factor affecting the power consumption. Theoretical predictions suggest that leakage currents in the 10–18 to 10–15 A/μm range could be possible, even in scaled transistor geometries. Here, we demonstrate the operation of one- and two-transistor dynamic memory circuits using MoS2 MOSFETs. We characterize the retention times in these circuits and show that the two-transistor memory cell reveals MoS2 MOSFETs l...
WISDM Primary and Secondary Dependence Motives: Associations With Smoking Rate, Craving, and Cigarette Effects in the Natural Environment.

Introduction The Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (WISDM) is a multidimensional measure of smoking motives that was developed to facilitate research aiming to refine the nomological network surrounding tobacco dependence. Recent evidence suggests that a composite of four subscales, termed the Primary Dependence Motives (PDM), may represent core features of advanced addiction, while the remaining nine subscales (Secondary Dependence Motives; SDM) represent instrumental motives for cigarette use that may be relevant at any stage of smoking. Methods A sample of 255 smokers (all regular alcohol users) participated in an ecological momentary assessment study in which they monitored smoking behavior and related experiences for 21 days. Multilevel regression analyses tested how PDM and SDM predicted daily smoking rate, cigarette craving, and appraisals of pleasure and relief of unpleasant feelings from smoking. Results When PDM and SDM were entered simultaneously, only PDM was related to daily cigarette count, and only SDM predicted reports of craving and relief from unpleasant feelings from smoking. SDM was associated with reports of greater pleasure from smoking and PDM was associated with lower pleasure ratings. The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was related to daily smoking rate and craving, but WISDM composites contributed incremental prediction. Conclusions The findings confirm that PDM indexes heavier use that is relatively unrelated to immediate consequences of smoking. SDM is not uniquely related to smoking heaviness, but is associated with craving and reports of pleasure and relief of unpleasant feelings derived from smoking during ad lib use. Implications This study extends the evidence for the distinction between the WISDM PDM and SDM. PDM scores are associated with heavier smoking and are relatively unrelated to immediate consequences of smoking. SDM is more strongly related to craving and reports of smoking-derived pleasure and relief of unpleasant feelings during ongoing use in daily life.
Reconsidering Usury in a World with Negative Interest Rates

Interest rates have been around since the times of the Bible. In fact, the Bible says quite a bit about interest. Interest rates have been the focus of serious academic study since the Great Depression. Embedded in both the Bible and the academic study of interest has been the implied assumption that interest rates are positive. This paper considers biblical and academic interpretations of interest and reflects on the current interest rate environment where negative interest rates are becoming more prevalent.
An articulated predictive model for fluid-free artificial basilar membrane as broadband frequency sensor

Abstract In this article, an extremely versatile predictive model for a newly developed Basilar meta-Membrane (BM 2 ) sensors is reported with variable engineering parameters that contribute to it’s frequency selection capabilities. The predictive model reported herein is for advancement over existing method by incorporating versatile and nonhomogeneous (e.g. functionally graded) model parameters that could not only exploit the possibilities of creating complex combinations of broadband frequency sensors but also explain the unique unexplained physical phenomenon that prevails in BM 2 , e.g. tailgating waves. In recent years, few notable attempts were made to fabricate the artificial basilar membrane, mimicking the mechanics of the human cochlea within a very short range of frequencies. To explain the operation of these sensors a few models were proposed. But, we fundamentally argue the “fabrication to explanation” approach and proposed the model driven predictive design process for the design any (BM 2 ) as broadband sensors. Inspired by the physics of basilar membrane, frequency domain predictive model is proposed where both the material and geometrical parameters can be arbitrarily varied. Broadband frequency is applicable in many fields of science, engineering and technology, such as, sensors for chemical, biological and acoustic applications. With the proposed model, which is three times faster than its FEM counterpart, it is possible to alter the attributes of the selected length of the designed sensor using complex combinations of model parameters, based on target frequency applications. Finally, the tailgating wave peaks in the artificial basilar membranes that prevails in the previously reported experimental studies are also explained using the proposed model.
Women School Leaders: Entrepreneurs in Low-Fee Private Schools in Three West African Nations

This study explores the opportunities and challenges of women who own low-fee private schools in three West African nations. With the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000 and the Sustainable Development Goals in 2016, it has become obvious to policymakers that school leadership needs to be a policy priority around the world. Increased school autonomy and a greater focus on schooling and school results have made it essential to understand and support the role of school leaders. Few countries however have strong and systematic initiatives to professionalize school leadership and to nurture and support current school leaders. This becomes even more complex for governments given the rise of private schooling in low and middle-income countries worldwide; thus, it is crucial for governments to understand the importance of leadership at the school level and how to nurture and professionalize it. In this study, the authors examine the roles of women school leaders in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Liberia within the context of MDG 3: promote gender equality and empower women, and explore the implications of the SDGs. Because of the many challenges in the public sector in education in low and middle-income countries, the private sector has responded by creating thousands of small businesses. Since a large and growing number of women are leading these private schools, this study presents the findings on the nature of the leadership of these women entrepreneurs. Fourteen school proprietors participated in face-to face interviews about their reasons for founding a school as well as the supports and challenges they face. Findings discuss the limited professional learning opportunities for school leaders in these nations. The study describes the school leaders’ desires to help build their nations, and the unique cultural and contextual factors in each country.
18F-FDG PET-CT pattern in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Abstract Background Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is an important and treatable cause of neurologic impairment. Diagnosis is complicated due to symptoms overlapping with other age related disorders. The pathophysiology underlying iNPH is not well understood. We explored FDG-PET abnormalities in iNPH patients in order to determine if FDG-PET may serve as a biomarker to differentiate iNPH from common neurodegenerative disorders. Methods We retrospectively compared 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging patterns from seven iNPH patients (mean age 74 ± 6 years) to age and sex matched controls, as well as patients diagnosed with clinical Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD), and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Partial volume corrected and uncorrected images were reviewed separately. Results Patients with iNPH, when compared to controls, AD, DLB/PDD, and bvFTD, had significant regional hypometabolism in the dorsal striatum, involving the caudate and putamen bilaterally. These results remained highly significant after partial volume correction. Conclusions In this study, we report a FDG-PET pattern of hypometabolism in iNPH involving the caudate and putamen with preserved cortical metabolism. This pattern may differentiate iNPH from degenerative diseases and has the potential to serve as a biomarker for iNPH in future studies. These findings also further our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying the iNPH clinical presentation.