cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Verification of Proficiency in Basic Skills for PGY-1 Surgical Residents: 10-Year Update.

Objective The American College of Surgeons and the Association of Program Directors in Surgery developed a curriculum in 2001 that involved instructional modules for 11 basic surgical skills and a standardized Verification of Proficiency (VOP) evaluation instrument. Our institution continues to employ a modified version of this curriculum and the purpose of this study was to provide a 10-year update on our VOP evaluation instrument used to assess postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) residents on surgical skills. Design All PGY-1 surgical residents over the past 10 years at our institution have completed the American College of Surgeons/the Association of Program Directors in Surgery-adapted basic surgical skills curriculum and VOP assessment. Retrospective analysis of VOP data for all residents was subjected to statistical analysis for internal validity and level of correlation. Setting Department of Surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine located in Springfield, Illinois. Participants All PGY-1 surgical residents (per year: 4 general surgery, 3 orthopedic surgery, 2 plastic surgery, 2 urology, 2 ENT, 1 vascular surgery, and 1 neurosurgery) over the past 10 years. Results One hundred and thirty five residents underwent VOP evaluation over 10 years; 92 (68%) failed at least 1 module and 40 (30%) failed at least 2 modules. Residents who failed to demonstrate proficiency were mandated to complete remediation and retested until their scores were considered proficient. Performance on checklist items showed moderate internal consistency (⍺ ≥ 0.50) on 9 of 11 modules. Poor internal consistency (⍺ Conclusions The VOP instrument offers an internally valid means of assessing distinct basic skills of PGY-1 residents at basic surgical skills. The instrument provides critical formative and summative feedback on surgical skill performance to trainees.
Removal of Bezoars and Other Ingested Foreign Bodies (Open and MIS Approaches)

This chapter describes the surgical procedure for the removal of gastric bezoar as performed by the following approaches: laparoscopic and open. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, needed equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description of the critical concepts and different techniques for this procedure is provided.
Potential impact of outpatient stewardship interventions on antibiotic exposures of bacterial pathogens

Abstract The relationship between antibiotic stewardship and population levels of antibiotic resistance remains unclear. In order to better understand shifts in selective pressure due to stewardship, we use publicly available data to estimate the effect of changes in prescribing on exposures to frequently used antibiotics experienced by potentially pathogenic bacteria that are asymptomatically colonizing the microbiome. We quantify this impact under four hypothetical stewardship strategies. In one scenario, we estimate that elimination of all unnecessary outpatient antibiotic use could avert 6 to 48% (IQR: 17 to 31%) of exposures across pairwise combinations of sixteen common antibiotics and nine bacterial pathogens. All scenarios demonstrate that stewardship interventions, facilitated by changes in clinician behavior and improved diagnostics, have the opportunity to broadly reduce antibiotic exposures across a range of potential pathogens. Concurrent approaches, such as vaccines aiming to reduce infection incidence, are needed to further decrease exposures occurring in “necessary” contexts.
Management of chronic rhinosinusitis with steroid nasal irrigations: A viable nonsurgical alternative in the COVID-19 era.

Background High‐dose, high‐volume steroid nasal irrigations (NSI) have been incorporated into the medical management of recalcitrant CRS, primarily following surgical intervention. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of NSI as a preoperative management and to identify the percentage of patients who ultimately underwent ESS for recalcitrant CRS despite being on NSI. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients presenting with CRS who underwent a trial of NSI for at least six weeks. Pre‐irrigation and post‐irrigation outcomes measured included Lund‐Mackay scores (LMS), SNOT‐22 scores, and whether or not the patient underwent ESS. Results Of the 90 patients who underwent NSI, 32 patients underwent ESS, while 58 patients had a significant enough improvement in symptoms to avoid ESS. The likelihood of decision for surgery did not differ between the mometasone and budesonide groups (p=0.3094), comorbid asthma status (p=0.3585), smoking status (p=0.2256), polyp status (p=0.7288), or history of prior ESS (p=0.5803). SNOT scores significantly improvement following NSI in the group of patients that did not go on to ESS (p Conclusions After a trial of NSI, 64.4% of patients with CRS no longer met candidacy for ESS and had a significant improvement in SNOT‐22 scores. This supports the use of nasal steroid irrigations in the medical management of CRS with and without surgical intervention and with and without nasal polyposis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Selection of Cultured Tobacco Cell Strains Producing High Levels of Ubiquinone 10 by a Cell Cloning Technique

Strains producing high levels of ubiquinone 10 were isolated from tobacco cell suspension cultures by a cell cloning technique, and the UQ content of these cell strains was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Three strains with high UQ yields in suspension culture were selected and used for investigations on the necessary cultural conditions for UQ production. Sucrose concentration, 2,4-D concentration and culture temperature did not have marked effects on UQ formation. These results differed from those of the original cell lines. Furthermore, the addition of yeast extract to the medium promoted cell growth in these strains remarkably but did not enhance UQ production in the cell strains. According to these investigations, UQ production was increased to 15mg/liter and the UQ level to 1890 μg/g dry wt. of cells after 11 days of incubation.
Stoichiometric approach to quantitative analysis of biomolecules: the case of nucleic acids.

Majority of protocols for quantitative analysis of biomarkers (including nucleic acids) require calibrations and target standards. In this work, we developed a principle for quantitative analysis that eliminates the need for a standard of a target molecule. The approach is based on stoichiometric reporting. While stoichiometry is a simple and robust analytical platform, its utility toward the analysis of biomolecules is very limited due to the lack of general methodologies for detecting the equivalence point. In this work, we engineer a new target/probe-binding model that enables detecting the equivalence point while maintaining an appropriate level of specificity. We establish the probe design principles through theoretical simulations and experimental confirmation. Further, we demonstrate the utility of the stoichiometric analysis via a proof-of-concept system based on oligonucleotide hybridization. Overall, the approach that requires neither standard nor calibration yields quantitative results with an adequate accuracy (> 90–110%) and a high specificity. The principles established in our work are very general and can extend beyond oligonucleotide targets toward quantitative analysis of many other biomolecules such as antibodies and proteins.
CHOLESTEROL PERICARDITIS. AN UNUSUAL CASE OF PROBABLE TUBERCULAR ORIGIN IN A PATIENT WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.

Abstract One case of “cholesterol pericarditis” in a 53 year old man who had rheumatoid arthritis and a high cholesterol content of the pericardial fluid is presented. Ten similar cases are reviewed. The various causes of this unusual type of pericarditis are discussed. In spite of negative bacterial findings, and partly on account of the good results of antitubercular therapy, a tubercular etiology is likely in the present case. The treatment of choice for cholesterol pericarditis seems to be pericardiectomy.
Design and Reliability of Ceramics: Do Modelers, Designers, and Fractographers See the Same World?

Techniques for design and reliability analyses of structural ceramic components are now well established. Laboratory test coupon data are used in design codes to predict the fast fracture and time dependent reliability of monolithic or dispersed-phase ceramic composite components. Fractographic analysis of fractured components shows that there can be surprises, however. A few case studies are reviewed to show that components often fail from an unanticipated cause. The reliability models make a number of assumptions that, if violated, put the predictions at risk.
Greater sustained throughput and contention elimination in IEEE 802.11 with DS-CDMA

In today’s networks, IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi is commonplace. While providing great ease of use and mobility, IEEE 802.11 also has many flaws. One of these is contention. Contention is the means that wireless stations compete to determine who gets to transmit. During the contention times, the medium is sitting idle. Idle time equates to wasted bandwidth. This research presents a novel technique to eliminate contention in a wireless network while actually increasing sustained throughput by the use of Direct Sequence Spread-Spectrum Code Division Multiple Access (DS-CDMA).
A Study of Educational Simulations Part 1 - Engagement and Learning

Interactive computer simulations with complex representa tions and sophisticated graphics are a relatively new addition to the classroom, and research in this area is limited. We have conducted over 275 individual student interviews during which the students described what they were thinking as they interacted with simulations. These interviews were conducted as part of the research and design of simulations for the Physics Education Technology (PhET) project. PhET is an ongoing project that has developed over 75 simulations for use in teaching physics, chemistry, and physical science. These interviews are a rich source of information about how students interact with computer simulations and what makes an educa tionally effective simulation. We have observed that simula tions can be highly engaging and educationally effective, but only if the student’s interaction with the simulation is directed by the student’s own questioning. Here we describe our design process, what features are effective for engaging students in educationally productive interactions and the underlying prin ciples which support our empirically developed guidelines. In a companion article we describe in detail the design features used to create an intuitive simulation for students to use.
Transparency & Legislative Behavior

How does transparency affects the behavior of legislators? Specifically, are representatives' proposals and decisions more public-serving when the policy making process is more visible to the public than when it is less so? How does transparency affect constituents' ability and inclination to punish self-serving behavior and reward public-serving behavior by representatives?Good-government reformers and many (but not all) theorists of representation share an intuition that by facilitating monitoring, transparency mitigates politicians' pursuit of self-interest at the expense of some broader conception of the public good, and so improves the quality of representation. Testing this proposition empirically is difficult, however, because non-transparent legislative procedures are, by definition, unobservable. This project uses experimental methods to compare legislative proposals and decisions, as well as legislators' accountability to the public, in bargaining environments where levels of transparency systematically vary. The experiment is a repeated game in which Legislators propose and vote on a budget that can be divided among themselves as well as the Public; and the Public, in turn, rewards or punishes the Legislators. Preliminary runs of the experiment in a laboratory setting suggested important effects of varying transparency on how public-serving budgets are, as well as on the mechanics of legislative accountability. However, subsequent runs of a very similar experiment, using a web-based platform, do not replicate many the initial laboratory results, leaving conclusions about the impact of transparency ambiguous. The basic experiment offers a range of opportunities for extensions that would vary the legislator-constituent relationship as well as participants’ control over the transparency conditions.
Video on ATM Networks

The sections in this article are 1 Video Fundamentals 2 ATM Network 3 Video Over ATM Networks
Physical Separation Processes

Food technology has evolved from the practice of preserving products in much the same form as they occur in nature to one where desirable components are separated and converted to other forms. Separation processes have been in use in the food industry for years, but sophistication in their use is a fairly recent occurrence. Current technology makes it possible to remove haze from wine and fruit juices or nectars, separate the proteins of cheese whey into fractions having different functional properties, separate foreign matter from whole or milled grains, and concentrate fruit juices without having to employ heat. Efficient separation processes have been instrumental in making economically viable the recovery of useful components from food processing wastes.
Image classification using chirp encoded joint transform correlators

Analytical expressions and computer simulations are presented to investigate the performance of the chirp encoded joint transform correlator (JTC) for pattern classification. An experimental result is demonstrated to verify the theoretical analysis. >
Reference intervals and age-related changes for venous biochemical, hematological, electrolytic, and blood gas variables using a point of care analyzer in 68 puppies.

Objective To determine the reference interval for various venous analyte concentrations using a point-of-care (POC) analyzer in healthy, 4–84-day-old puppies and identify any age-specific variations in the values as compared with adults. Design A prospective cohort study. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals Clinically healthy dogs; 68 puppies and 30 adults. Measurements and Main Results Samples were collected by jugular venipuncture from 68 clinically healthy puppies at 4, 10, 12, 16, 28, 70, 77, and 84 days of age and once each from 30 clinically healthy adult dogs. Blood samples (n = 287) were analyzed within 5 minutes of collection using an automated POC analyzer.1 Reference intervals for puppies at various ages were estimated using a bootstrap sampling approach. The analytes that were closest to the adult values were pH and bicarbonate. On days 4 and 10 the pH for puppies was higher than the adults while the HCO3 was higher than the adults only on day 4. HCT on day 4 approximated adult values but fell to a nadir on day 28 before rising toward adult levels. At all time points, sodium, chloride, and ionized magnesium concentrations were lower than adult values, and potassium and ionized calcium were higher than adult values. Glucose was similar to adult values on day 4 but was above adult values at all other time points. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was higher in puppies until day 28 when it became lower than in adults. BUN levels remained lower than adults through day 84. Conclusions Variations exist between puppies and adults for venous POC analyzer results. Adult reference intervals should not be used for puppies as this might cause misinterpretation of the results.
Using a Cyclical Diagram to Visualize the Events of the Ovulatory Menstrual Cycle

Over the past 10 years, college textbooks in human anatomy and physiology have typically presented the events of the ovulatory menstrual cycle in a linear format, with time in days shown on the x-axis, and hormone levels, follicular development, and uterine lining on the y-axis. In addition, the various events are often shown over a 28-day cycle, when they can take place over 21–35 days and may not be regular at all. Here, we propose a circular diagram that is independent of a set cycle time and readily shows the cyclic nature of the events. This diagram can be presented sequentially in organized layers, and additional complexity can be added. In addition, we present questions here that can promote self-learning before and critical thinking after the discussion of the cycle to enhance understanding of the physiological events.
Ocular integrity following manganese labeling of the visual system for MRI

Injection of manganese into the eye will enhance the contrast of visual system neuronal pathways imaged by MRI (MEMRI). The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of a range of MnCl2 doses upon the integrity of various ocular structures. Anesthetized mice received ocular anterior chamber injections of 50-500 nmol of MnCl2. One week later, the eyes were fixed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Additional animals received 50 nmol of MnCl2 injected into the anterior chamber and were later imaged using T1-weighted 7T MRI. Following 500 and 300nmol MnCl2, the corneal stroma and endothelium were degenerated, the anterior chamber contained a dense fibrin matrix with extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, a plaque often formed on the anterior lens, and significant retinal degeneration was observed. Following 100nmol MnCl2, retinal preservation of ocular structures was significantly better than at higher doses. In addition, there was no difference from vehicle control retina in cell counts within the ganglion cell layer, or in the width of the inner nuclear layer or outer nuclear layer. Also, there was no difference in the thickness of the inner plexiform layer. However, there was thinning of the peripheral outer plexiform layer, as well as in the outer segment layer. Visual system elements labeled in MRI of mice that received 100nmol MnCl2 included the retina, optic nerve, lateral geniculate nucleus, and superior colliculus. The preservation of ganglion cell layer cell counts and inner plexiform layer thickness following 100nmol MnCl2 suggests there was negligible injury to RGCs following this dose. These results support using 100nmol MnCl2 in mouse eyes for in vivo assessment of the integrity of RGC projections to target neurons in the brain.
Identifying the Most Effective Factors in Attracting Female Undergraduate Students to Construction Management

Despite initiatives to recruit and retain females in construction management (CM), women are underrepresented in both CM education and the construction industry as a whole. This study explored the factors that are most influential in attracting female students to CM degree programs. The study sample comprised female students (n = 90) enrolled in CM education programs at five universities. Data were used to investigate the factors, identified through a review of previous research, that were most influential in female student decision making to pursue a CM degree program. Sixteen factors were identified. The research supported these factors as positively influential, however, as expected, some factors clearly had greater positive influence than others. The two most influential factors in female selection of a CM degree program were identified as: internships and awareness of career opportunities. Having a father in the industry and non-internship work experiences were also seen as two highly positively infl...
Synoptic Variability of Low-Cloud Properties and Meteorological Parameters in the Subtropical Trade Wind Boundary Layer

Abstract Synoptic variability of low-cloud properties, temperature advection, and thermodynamic soundings of the trade wind boundary layer are analyzed, using the long data record from ocean weather station November (30°N, 140°W). The variations in low-cloud amount at this subtropical site are most strongly correlated with variations in temperature advection, the stability of the lower troposphere, and the relative humidity of the cloud layer. No single predictor is capable of explaining more than 13% of the variance in low-cloud amount. However, the amount of variance explained increases considerably when the data are averaged over several days. Four parameterizations for the amount of stratiform cloud under a subsidence inversion are tested against the observed amount of low clouds. The four parameterizations are based upon relative humidity, the inversion strength, a mixing line slope, and the amount of condensed water. All parameterizations are positively correlated with the observed cloud amounts, al...
Nonconvergence in the Theory of Random Orders

There are sentences in the first order theory of partial orders for whom the limit probability of the sentence holding for the random partial order of dimension two does not exist. Furthermore there is no decision procedure that distinguishes those sentences which hold almost surely from those which hold almost never.
AHP IS INTENDED FOR MORE THAN EXPECTED VALUE CALCULATIONS

In a previous paper, Schoner and Wedley [9] presented a way to automatically compute the importance of criteria from the values of alternatives. The following discussion illustrates that the approach of [9] can only be applied if the alternatives under the criteria are measured with a single absolute scale. However, when this does occur, in part or in all of a decision problem, the approach is extraneous. The measurements can (and should) first be combined with the appropriate arithmetic of that scale which reduces that part of the problem to a single dimension and the result can be taken up with the remaining dimensions for consideration with AHP.
Acute Pulmonary Failure During Remission Induction Chemotherapy in Adults With Acute Myeloid Leukemia or High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary failure during remission induction therapy is a serious complication in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To the authors' knowledge, the course and prognosis of such patients is not well known. METHODS: A total of 1541 patients referred for remission induction chemotherapy of AML or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 120 (8%) patients developed acute pulmonary failure within 2 weeks of the initiation of chemotherapy; 87 of these patients (73%) died during remission induction, whereas 17 (14%) achieved a complete response. The median survival among the 120 patients with early acute pulmonary failure was 3 weeks. Predictive factors for the development of early acute pulmonary failure by multivariate analysis were: male sex (P = .00038), acute promyelocytic leukemia (P = .00003), poor performance status (P = .001), lung infiltrates at diagnosis (P = .000001), and increased creatinine (P = .000005). Patients who had 0 to 1, 2, 3, or 4 to 5 adverse factors were found to have estimated predictive incidences of acute pulmonary failure of 3%, 13%, 23%, and 34%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive approaches at the start of induction therapy in patients at high risk of pulmonary failure may improve the outcome of these patients. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Microwave Balloon Angioplasty

Preliminary experiments on the induction of 1ocalized myocardial tissuie modification by microwave energy, without causing any cardiac arrhythmias, were the first step in the development of both microwave ablation and an innovative procedure called microwave balloon angioplasty (MBA). MBA combines the traditional angioplasty technique with microwave energy to open narrowed arteries and reduce the occurence of restenosis. Microwave balloon angioplasty was used in anesthetized rabbits to induce tissue modification in the intima, media and adventitia. Resu1ts of initial in-vitro and in-vivo experiments are presented, and the potential advantages of adding microwave heating to balloon angioplasty are discussed.
MODELING INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE, AIR POLLUTION, AND FIRE ON A CALIFORNIA SHRUBLAND

A computer simulation model (FINICS) was used to project the interactive effects of CO2-induced climate change on a drought-deciduous shrubland. FINICS simulates the competitive relations of five dominant shrub species of Californian coastal sage scrub, based on their aboveground growth and reproductive behavior. The model was used to simulate the separate and combined effects of altered precipitation, temperature, ambient ozone levels, and fuel loads and fire intensity, on species composition. Both growth chamber and field data were used to parameterize the model. Projections show that changes attributed to climate variation alone were markedly accentuated when the indirect effects of climate change on fire intensity and ozone pollution were considered. Model results emphasized that change in community composition will result from shifting competitive abilities of individual species under the changed environmental conditions. While neither all of the secondary effects of climate change nor all possible species were included in the model, the projections suggest that inclusion of secondary interactions and species competition will be important in predicting vegetation change realistically.
Performance of a Randomly-Excited Nonlinear Energy Harvester in Mono- and Bi-Stable Potentials: An Experimental Investigation

This paper aims to experimentally investigate the influence of stiffness-type nonlinearities on the transduction of vibratory energy harvesters (VEHs) under random white and colored excitations. For the purpose of the study, an energy harvester consisting of a clamped-clamped piezoelectric beam bi-morph is considered. The shape of the harvester’s potential function is altered by applying a static compressive axial load at one end of the beam. The axial load permits the harvester to operate with different potential energy characteristics; namely, the mono-stable (pre-buckling) and bi-stable (post-buckling) configurations. The performance of the harvester in both configurations is investigated and compared by tuning the harvester’s oscillation frequencies around the static equilibria such that they have equal values in both scenarios. The harvester is then subjected to random base excitations of different levels, bandwidths, and center frequencies. The variance of the output voltage is measured across an arbitrary, purely resistive load and used for the purpose of performance comparison. Critical conclusions pertinent to the influence of the nonlinearity and relative performance in both configurations are presented and discussed.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Thrombopoietin: a pan-hematopoietic cytokine

The recent discovery of thrombopoietin has enhanced our understanding of both hematopoiesis and platelet production. Thrombopoietin supports hematopoietic stem cell survival and expansion as well as promoting all aspects of megakaryocyte development. The hormone displays many structural similarities to other members of the hematopoietic cytokine family and some notable differences, and regulation of its expression requires both receptor-mediated removal and other mechanisms. Thrombopoietin induces receptor dimerization and tyrosine phosphorylation, and a series of signaling events including activation of JAK/STAT, Shc/Ras/MAPK and PI3K/Akt; these pathways overlap with those induced by other cytokines, but the differences that lead to the unique biological effects of the hormone are gradually being uncovered. Our growing appreciation of how cytokine signaling pathways are translated into megakaryocyte development is discussed.
Convection in a rotating annulus uniformly heated from below. Part 2. Nonlinear results

Davies-Jones & Gilman (1971) reported in this Journal on a linear stability analysis and second-order initial-tendency calculation for thermal convection in a thin rotating annulus heated uniformly from below. The present work gives extensive numerical calculations for an annulus model with realistic laboratory boundary conditions which extends the previous work into the finite amplitude range. The model allows the mode with the longitudinal wavenumber predicted to occur at the onset of instability to grow to a finite amplitude and induce secondary axisymmetric differential rotation and meridional circulation through its Reynolds and thermal stresses, these circulations in turn modifying the forcing cells. No higher harmonics are allowed. The Boussinesq equations for the fundamental mode and secondary circulations are solved on a staggered finite-difference grid in the annulus cross-section, mostly following the scheme laid out by Williams (1969).Stationary convection is studied for Taylor numbers T < 3 × 103. The profile predicted for the mean circulations in the earlier analysis, that of fast rotation in the outer half, slow rotation in the inner half of the annulus (except at very high Prandtl number), together with a four-celled meridional circulation, is confirmed. For a given Taylor number T, the differential-rotation energy peaks relative to the cell energy at a modest Prandtl number P somewhat less than unity, and its production is driven mostly by the Reynolds stresses in the cells. Meridional circulation is driven by potential-energy conversion at high P and by Reynolds stresses at low P, but retains the same form for all P with increased amplitude relative to the cells at low P. For Rayleigh numbers R a given percentage above the critical value Rc the differential-rotation energy increases like T, while the meridional circulation remains nearly constant. For given P and T differential-rotation relative energy peaks at modest R/R, while the meridional circulation continues to increase. The induced differential rotation tends to distort the cell boundaries from tilted straight lines produced by Coriolis forces into S shapes qualitatively like the profile of differential rotation itself.One example of nonlinear overstable convection is given. The induced differential rotation has time-independent and oscillatory parts. The redistribution of momentum is carried out by periodically reversing horizontal and vertical Reynolds stresses.
MicroRNAs and their implications in toxicological research

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding regulatory RNA molecules that bind target messenger RNAs (mRNA) and suppress their translation into proteins. When an organism is exposed to a toxic compound, cells respond by altering the pattern of gene expression, including miRNAs. Altered miRNA expression affects protein translation, which in turn alters cellular physiology causing adverse biological effects. Moreover, different types of cellular stress have been shown to affect miRNA expression as a mechanism of adaptation or tolerance to stress factors in order to survive. Besides an updated theoretical background concerning miRNAs biology, biogenesis, function, and roles in disease; this mini review provides an overview of miRNAs response to exogenous agents such as environmental stressors and toxic compounds. The implications of miRNAs in toxicogenomics as well as the new avenues of research of miRNAs in toxicology are discussed.
A theoretical study of the effects of RF fields in the vicinity of membranes.

In this article the forces associated with the gradients of a radio frequency (RF) field at the boundary between fluids and cell membranes are calculated, and it is shown that they can be large enough to affect the particle motion by amounts that are on the same order of magnitude as the random diffusion motion when the energy imparted to the particles is a reasonable fraction of the thermal energy. The induced dipole moment is assumed to track the alternating RF so that the force exerted by the gradient is in a constant direction; and this in turn leads to a modification of the particle distribution, even when the energy added to the particle is very small. For RF fields of 45 V/m the energy acquired by an induced dipole moment is expected to be on the order of a micro electron volt and small compared to the average thermal energy. Bioelectromagnetics 26:118–124, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pulling on the Heartstrings: Examining the Effects of Emotions and Gender in Persuasive Appeals

Charities and nonprofits often solicit donations from private individuals. These organizations may use persuasive appeals that contain emotional content to encourage individuals to render their support. Research in consumer behavior has established a link between emotional persuasive appeals and prosocial behavior. In three experiments, this research examines the efficacy of two common emotions—pride and sympathy—in charitable appeals. Biological sex and gender roles are examined as potential moderators of emotion. In addition, a classification for donors based on the motives they may have for engaging in prosocial behaviors is suggested. Strategies for segmentation and targeting individuals with specific emotional appeals are illuminated.
Juggling atomic clocks

We demonstrate a prototype of a laser-cooled 87Rb fountain clock and measure the frequency shift due to cold collisions. The shift is 30 times smaller than that in a laser-cooled Cs clock. We observe a density dependent pulling by the microwave cavity and use it to cancel the collision shift. We have also demonstrated a juggling atomic fountain to study cold collisions and we discuss the importance ofjuggling for future fountain clocks.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Interference with AI-2-mediated bacterial cell–cell communication

Bacteria communicate by means of chemical signal molecules called autoinducers. This process, called quorum sensing, allows bacteria to count the members in the community and to alter gene expression synchronously across the population. Quorum-sensing-controlled processes are often crucial for successful bacterial--host relationships--both symbiotic and pathogenic. Most quorum-sensing autoinducers promote intraspecies communication, but one autoinducer, called AI-2, is produced and detected by a wide variety of bacteria and is proposed to allow interspecies communication. Here we show that some species of bacteria can manipulate AI-2 signalling and interfere with other species' ability to assess and respond correctly to changes in cell population density. AI-2 signalling, and the interference with it, could have important ramifications for eukaryotes in the maintenance of normal microflora and in protection from pathogenic bacteria.
On properties of special magic square matrices

Abstract By treating regular (or associative), pandiagonal, and most-perfect (MP) magic squares as matrices, we find a number of interesting properties and relationships. In addition, we introduce a new class of quasi-regular (QR) magic squares which includes regular and MP magic squares. These four classes of magic squares are called “special”. We prove that QR magic squares have signed pairs of eigenvalues just as do regular magic squares according to a well-known theorem of Mattingly. This leads to the fact that odd powers of QR magic squares are magic squares which also can be established directly from the QR condition. Since all pandiagonal magic squares of order 4 are MP, they are QR. Also, we show that all pandiagonal magic squares of order 5 are QR but higher-order ones may or may not be. In addition, we prove that odd powers of MP magic squares are MP. A simple proof is given of the known result that natural (or classic) pandiagonal and regular magic squares of singly-even order do not exist. We consider the reflection of a regular magic square about its horizontal or vertical centerline and prove that signed pairs of eigenvalues of the reflected square differ from those of the original square by the factor i. A similar result is found for MP magic squares and a subclass of QR magic squares. The paper begins with mathematical definitions of the special magic squares. Then, a number of useful matrix transformations between them are presented. Next, following a brief summary of the spectral analysis of matrices, the spectra of these special magic squares are considered and the results mentioned above are established. A few numerical examples are presented to illustrate our results.
Cyclic M2(RL)2 coordination complexes of 5-(3-[N-tert-Butyl-N-aminoxyl]phenyl)pyrimidine with paramagnetic transition metal dications.

5-(3-(N-tert-Butyl-N-aminoxyl)phenyl)pyrimidine (RL = 3NITPhPyrim) forms isostructural cyclic M2(RL)2 cyclic dimers with M(hfac)2 (M = Mn, Co, Cu; hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate). Mn2(hfac)4(RL)2 exhibits strong antiferromagnetic Mn−RL exchange, with weak ferromagnetic exchange (0.7 cm-1) between Mn−RL units that is consistent with a spin polarization exchange mechanism. The magnetic moment of Co2(hfac)4(RL)2 at higher temperatures is consistent with strongly antiferromagnetic exchange within the Co−NIT units and tends toward zero below 50 K at lower magnetic fields. Cu2(hfac)4(RL)2 shows more complex behavior, with no high-temperature plateau in χT(T) up to 300 K but a monotonic decrease down to about 100 K. The Cu(II)−nitroxide bonds decrease by 0.2−0.3 A over the same temperature range, corresponding to a change of nitroxide coordination from axial to equatorial. This thermally reversible Jahn−Teller distortion leads to a thermally induced spin state conversion from a high-spin, paramagnetic state at...
Investigating Dimensionality of Multichannel Retailer's Cross-Channel Integration Practices and Effectiveness: Shopping Orientation and Loyalty Intention

This study assesses the dimensionality of a multichannel retailer's cross-channel integration practices and effectiveness. The study subsequently tests its relationships with shopping orientation and loyalty intention toward the multichannel retailers. Five dimensions of multichannel retailer's practices and effectives are identified. The findings suggest that all but one dimension of the cross-channel integration practices and effectives were positively related with the consumers' utilitarian and hedonic shopping orientation. The results also indicate that three factors—freedom in channel selection, e-mail marketing effectiveness, and appreciation of store-based customer services—were significant predictors of consumers' loyalty intention toward the multichannel retailer.
TSG-00515-2011.R3 application of dynamic state and parameter estimation techniques on real-world data

Summary form only given. The objective of this paper is to apply two dynamic state and parameter estimation techniques to real-world data. Dynamic state and parameter estimation can estimate equivalent generator internal voltages and rotor angles (dynamic states) during electromechanical dynamics. In addition, parameters such as the transient reactances and inertia can be estimated. A set of real world data recorded by Eastern Interconnection Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) regarding a generator trip event is analyzed in this paper. An estimation algorithm developed by Chow et al was applied to estimate the states and parameters of a transfer path. An alternative estimation method based on the classic generator model and swing equation is presented in this paper and applied to the real world PMU data with the aid of digital filtering technology. Challenges in real-world data applications are identified in this paper.
Compression of the B 2 high-pressure phase of NaCl

Results from room-temperature static-compression experiments are presented for the $B2$ phase of NaCl between 25 and 70 GPa (250---700 kbar) pressure. The volume and bulk modulus of the $B2$ phase, extrapolated to zero pressure, are $\frac{{V}_{02}}{{V}_{01}}=0.929(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.071)$ and ${K}_{02}=36.2(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.2)$ GPa based on a finite-strain analysis of the new data (${V}_{01}$) is the zero-pressure volume of the $B1$ phase). Our results are in good agreement with ab initio calculations of the NaCl ($B2$) equation of state. Also, we find that the bulk modulus probably decreases across the $B1\ensuremath{-}B2$ transition, in accord with previous predictions. We illustrate the use of high-pressure compression studies on different polymorphs for empirically determining interatomic potentials of ionic crystals.
The Impact of Outsourcing to China on Hong Kong's Labor Market

We measure the impact of China's decision to open its economy in 1980 on outsourcing from Hong Kong and the relative demand for less-skilled workers. We show that the relative demand for skilled workers in Hong Kong increased at the same time outsourcing to China began to increase. The reallocation of workers from manufacturing to "outsourcing services" can account for 15 percent, and increased utilization of skilled workers within manufacturing industries for 30 percent, of the aggregate relative demand shift. In addition, the rate of skill upgrading has been greater in manufacturing industries that have seen a greater degree of outsourcing to China.
ESR dating of Chione cancellata and Chama sinuosa

Abstract The use of electron spin resonance as a method of dating shell has been hampered by a number of factors, primarily uncertainties about post-depositional changes. These include changes both in the external environment of the shell and in the internal concentration of radioisotopes. The present work studies shells found on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. Included are some found imbedded in life position in coral reefs, which mitigates these uncertainties to a large extent. The reef itself has been dated by U-series disequilibrium, providing a basis for comparison of the derived ESR ages, which are generally in good agreement. One of the species in question, Chione cancellata , is also found in an inland quarry. The significantly greater difference between anticipated and calculated ages for this site demonstrates the importance of the shell environment.
Obstetric and neonatal outcomes associated with maternal hypothyroid disease.

Objective: We sought to determine whether women with treated hypothyroid disease were more likely than women without thyroid disease to suffer adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes or to deliver a child with a congenital anomaly.Methods: Using an institutional database, we identified women with treated hypothyroid disease (n = 482) who delivered a baby at our institution during a 33-month period. We compared the occurrence of adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes among these women to the occurrence among women without thyroid disease (n = 19,487).Results: Women with treated hypothyroid disease were not at increased risk for delivering a baby with low birth- weight, fetal demise, or congenital anomaly compared to the control group. Women with treated hypothyroid disease were more likely to have chronic hypertension (2.3% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.03) and had an increased risk of pre-eclampsia (4.3% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.03) compared to women without thyroid disease.Conclusion: Women with treated hypothyroid disease are ...
Ligand Additions to Cp*(CO)2ReRe(CO)2Cp* and Fragmentation and Rearrangement Reactions of Cp*(CO)2Re(μ-CO)Re(CO)(L)Cp*

Cp{sup *}(CO){sub 2}Re=Re(CO){sub 2}Cp{sup *} (1) is a rare example of a dimer of a d{sup 6} 16 electron metal fragment. Here we report that the addition of 2-electron donor ligands to 1 produces a series of tetracarbonyl complexes Cp{sup *}(CO){sub 2}Re({mu}-CO)Re(CO)(L)Cp{sup *} [L=CO (2), PMe{sub 3} (5), CH{sub 3}CN (6), CH{sub 2}=CH{sub 2} (7), CH{sub 3}C=V@CCH{sub 3} (8)] which have interesting stereochemistries and display fascinating fluxional behavior. The observation of a 2-butyne complex is particularly important since such alkyne complexes are likely intermediates in the formation of both dimetallacyclopentenones and dimetallacyclobutenes. The conversion of the 2-butyne adduct 8 to the dimetallacyclopentenone Cp{sup *}(CO){sub 2}Re[{mu}-{eta}{sup 1},{eta}{sup 3}-(CH{sub 3})-C=C(CH{sub 3})CO]Re(CO)Cp{sup *} (9) and the fluxional behavior of 9 that requires a symmetric dimetallacyclobutene or dimetallabicyclobutane intermediate is also presented. 36 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.
A new echocardiographic classification of left atrial myxoma.

Abstract The common echocardiographic features of left atrial (LA) myxoma are well described, 1,3,4 and echocardiography is the diagnostic modality of choice. These echocardiographic features depend on the size, mobility and echogenicity of the LA myxoma. We propose a new classification system which may improve the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography for LA myxoma.
Divergence Cancellations in Spontaneously Broken Gauge Theories

An extremely simple method is presented to calculate unambiguously higher-order corrections in the unitary ($U$) gauge of theories with spontaneously broken gauge symmetries. Manipulating Feynman integrals in coordinate space, the spurious nonrenormalizable infinities of this gauge are isolated in the form of (contracted) Feynman graphs. Without making reference to any specific global regularization scheme, the complete cancellation of these graphs is demonstrated in the cases of fermion-fermion scattering to fourth order in the Abelian model considered by Appelquist and Quinn and for the similar neutrino scattering in Weinberg's ${\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}Y$ model. The reason for such complete cancellation is seen to be a consequence of the algebraic structure of the equal-time commutators among currents, their divergences, and various fields. This structure, of course, is dictated by the original gauge symmetry. As a check on our methods, the weak muon anomaly in Weinberg's model is calculated, and agreement is found with the (gauge-invariant) results of other authors.
Intermediate-term seismic precursors for some coupled subduction zones

The paper discusses model results and then reviews observational data concerning some aspects of the mechanics of mature seismic gaps in coupled subduction zones. The concern is with space-and time-varying stresses, as signalled by the presence and mechanisms of earthquakes in the outer-rise zones adjacent to main thrust areas of large subduction events, and down-dip from such areas, in the downgoing slab. Observations are shown to be consistent with the expectation that in mature seismic gaps, as a result of interplate boundary locking in presence of sustained gravitational driving forces, at least the deeper portions of the ocean plate in the outer-rise zones are under increased compression, and the downgoing slab is under increased tension. The observational data cover two cases of closed seismic gaps, namely the region of the Chilean Valparaiso earthquake of March 3, 1985, and the earthquake of October 4, 1983. Four other cases concern still to-be-closed gaps in northern Chile and along the coast of Guatemala, and also the Kurile Islands Trench gap and the northern New Hebrides gap. It is concluded that the intermediate-term precursor, consisting of a combination of compressional outer-rise earthquake(s) and tensional intermediate-depth, intra-plate events in the downgoing slab, which mechanically signals the latter part of the earthquake cycle, could be useful in evaluating the maturity, and hence great earthquake potential of a seismic gap.
People with Disabilities in the United States.

A recent compilation of published disability statistics available for the United States showcases the pervasive and persistent disparities that exist between people with and without disabilities across multiple fronts, including employment, earnings, poverty, and participation in safety net programs. Understanding the relevance of these statistics within the current policy environment can help guide further innovations to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in the United States.
ULTRASONIC PROPAGATION VELOCITY IN KTaO3.

Ultrasonic velocity measurements in KTaO3 between 2° and 300°K are reported. No evidence for a phase transition was observed.