cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Drives Sell-Side Analyst Compensation at High-Status Banks?

Prior research has investigated sell-side analysts' incentives by examining the relation between analyst performance measures and either star analyst ratings or analyst turnover. Using propriety data from a large financial institution, we complement these studies by investigating factors that are associated with analysts' direct compensation. We find that total compensation is positively related to ranking among the top analysts in an industry by Institutional Investor, covering a stock that generates investment banking business for the firm, and covering stocks with large trading volume. We find no evidence that earnings forecast accuracy and stock recommendation performance are directly related to analysts' compensation. To assess the generality of our findings, we test the same relations using compensation data from a second large financial institution and find similar evidence.
A Novel Detection Method to Identify Individuals with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Linking Prescription of COPD Medications with the Patient-Facing Electronic Medical Record.

Background Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is under-recognized, prompting the need for enhanced detection strategies. The primary aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of using the electronic medical record (EMR) and linked electronic patient messages (EPM) to encourage AATD testing by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Eligible untested adult patients who were prescribed an inhaled medication which is exclusively FDA-approved for treating COPD. Eligible patients received a message with basic information about AATD and availability of free, home-based AATD testing. Through a collaboration with the Alpha-1 Foundation's Alpha-1 Coded Testing (ACT) study, patients referred to home-based testing through EPM were flagged. The effectiveness of the electronic message was evaluated by the proportion of patients who underwent testing, and the rate of detecting individuals with severe deficiency of AAT among those tested. Results 12,369 patients on eligible inhalers were screened; 5,430 patients met all criteria and received an EPM. During the study, 396 patients (7.3%) fully requested an ACT kit. Of these, 209 patients (52.8%) returned the test sample and received genotyping results; 65.5%, had a normal AAT genotype (PI*MM), 31.6% were heterozygotes for a deficient allele (PI*MS, PI*MZ and PI*M/Null rare), and 2.9% had severe deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin (PI*SZ, PI*ZZ, PI*S/Null rare). Conclusions While the response rate and test return rate were low, the rate of detecting individuals with AATD using this detection strategy exceeds that with many prior strategies. As such, while requiring independent validation in other populations, this detection strategy holds promise.
The challenges and uncertainties when hand measuring F1/F2 values in child speech: Towards an automated approach

Vowels serve a critical role in understanding the acoustic properties of speech. Since they appear early in speech development, they can be used to assess important speech milestones. Prior literature provides the empirical foundation for understanding expected F1/F2 values for typically developing children. Although the traditional measurement of the first and second formant frequencies is a widely accepted practice, its clinical use is limited because of the challenges and uncertainties that are encountered during the process. Automated tools have been developed to address these limitations, however many of these tools have been reported to have inconsistencies when identifying F1/F2 values for child speech. This study explores the use of three semi-automated measurement methods: Wavesurfer Linear Predictive Coding, Praat formant tracking, and a lab-developed approach. The speech of six, native English-speaking, four-year-old children with no history of hearing or speech disorders was analyzed. 48 words, including eight American English vowels, were measured using the three approaches by two researchers, an undergraduate researcher, and an experienced research mentor. The challenges, procedural observations, and accuracy of the methods are discussed. This project was supported by the SURIEA summer research internship program.
Developing a Theoretical Framework to Measure Cross-Cultural Discourse and Cultural Adaptation

This paper proposes a theoretical concept of cross cultural discursive competence (CCDC). As an initial step, it reviews and critiques a series of in the relevant areas of intercultural communication, genre analysis and contrastive rhetoric and points out that it is imperative to explore what CCDC is composed of. In addition, we also need to strengthen cross-cultural genre study in the light of the sociocognitive perspective (Berger & Luckmann, 1966; 1995; Berkenkotter & Huckins, 1995; Paltridge, 1997; Swales, 1990). Based on the relevant theoretical dimensions reviewed, this paper develops a model to measure CCDC embracing a range of concepts including genre prototype and cultural semantics followed by specific research methodologies for the implementation of the research model.
Hypermedia and Representation

Hypermedia is, de facto, a kind of representation medium. Its use has profoundly affected the way we think about the nature of representation with respect to interpretation and representation use.
Book Review: Minds online: teaching effectively with technology

In Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology , Michele Miller seeks to show how technology can improve learning. Drawing on the latest research in cognitive psychology, Miller breaks down the cognitive processes of attention, memory, thinking, and motivation and argues for careful and selective pairing of technologies with how the brain works and learns. The reviewer recommends this book for both new and experienced online instructors. DOI: 10.2458/azu_itet_v3i1_silvestri
Relative impact of oxidative stress on male reproductive function

Impairment of normal spermatogenesis and sperm function are the most common causes of male factor infertility. Abnormal sperm function is difficult to evaluate and treat. There is a lack of understanding of the factors contributing to normal and abnormal sperm function leading to infertility. Many recent studies indicate that oxygen-derived free radicals induce damage to spermatozoa. The excessive generation of these reactive oxygen species (superoxide, hydroxyl, nitric oxide, peroxide, peroxynitrile) by immature and abnormal spermatozoa and by contaminating leukocytes associated with genitourinary tract inflammation have been identified with idiopathic male infertility. Mammalian spermatozoa membranes are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. This makes them very susceptible to oxygen-induced damage, which is mediated by lipid peroxidation. In a normal situation, the antioxidant mechanisms present in the reproductive tissues and their secretions are likely to quench these reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect against oxidative damage to gonadal cells and mature spermatozoa. During chronic disease states, aging, toxin exposure, or genitourinary infection/inflammation, these cellular antioxidant mechanisms downplay and create a situation called oxidative stress. Thus, a balance between ROS generation and antioxidant capacity plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of disease state. Recent efforts towards the development of new reliable assays to evaluate this oxidative stress status have resulted in the establishment of ROS-TAC score. Such assessment of oxidative stress status (OSS) may help in designing newer modes of male factor infertility treatment by suitable antioxidants.
Cloning, expression and purification of full length Rep78 of adeno-associated virus as a fusion protein with maltose binding protein in Escherichia coli.

Abstract The adeno-associated virus (AAV) Rep78 protein is required for many aspects of AAV′s life cycle including its DNA replication and the regulation of its gene expression. Because of increasing utilization of AAV as a gene therapy vector and its possible use as an anti-cancer/anti-viral agent, the complete characterization of its Rep78 regulatory protein is important. In order to study various functional aspects of Rep78, we have cloned and expressed the Rep78 gene in Escherichia coli using an inducible expression plasmid. The entire Rep78 open reading frame (nt 321 to 2185) was cloned into the LacZ inducible expression vector pMALc2. Upon induction of the P tac promotor with isopropyl thio-β-D-galactopyranoside (IPTG), Rep78 is produced as a fusion protein with maltose binding protein (MBP). This recombinant MBP-Rep78 protein displayed all the biochemical activities which are described for the wild type protein including binding to the AAV terminal repeats (TR), endonuclease activity, and helicase activity. Furthermore, for the first time, ATP binding by Rep78 is demonstrated.
The vibrational assignment and crystal structure of fumaryl chloride

Abstract The i.r. spectra of the liquid and crystalline phases of fumaryl chloride were recorded from 4000 to 100 cm −1 . The Raman spectrum of liquid fumaryl chloride was recorded from 2500 to 150 cm −1 . Comparison of the liquid and solid phase i.r. spectra indicates the presence of two planar conformers in an equilibrium mixture in the liquid phase: trans-trans with a C 2h structure, and cis-trans with a C s structure. The spectrum of the crystal consists solely of the trans-trans conformer. A vibrational assignment of the trans-trans conformer has been made. A partial assignment of the cis-trans conformer has been proposed. Oriented polycrystalline films of fumaryl chloride were grown on alkali halide and polyethylene windows at sub-ambient temperatures. The polarized spectra of these films were studied at about 30 K for the films grown on alkali halide windows and at liquid N 2 temperatures for those films grown on polyethylene windows. The results indicate that the trans-trans conformer occupies a C i site in the unit cell. The factor group splitting and polarization evidenced are consistent with a factor group of D 2 h for an orthorhombic crystal with four molecules/Bravais cell.
Situating precarity between the body and the commons

It is a mark of the acceleration with which ideas now circulate that the two years since this special issue of Women and Performance was first floated, “precarity” has crossed over from the Europea...
Techniques for Shot-Noise-Limited Inertial Rotation Measurement Using a Multiturn Fiber Sagnac Interferometer

AbstractTwo methods are presented for sensitive measurement of nonreciprocal phase shift (NRPS) in a multi -turn fiber Sagnac interferometer for application in inertial rotation sensing. Both techniques are capableof producing an NRPS modulation of amplitude ± r radians at a rate sufficiently high for shot -noise - limitedperformance. The first method produces an NRPS by generating a nonreciprocal refractive index using theelectro -optic effect, and requires orthogonal polarization in the cw and ccw beams. The second method produces an NRPS by generating a nonreciprocal propagation frequency using two acousto -optic shifters;there is no requirement on light polarization. When either method is used in conjunction with phase- sensi-tive detection, feedback compensation, and adequate laser intensity, shot -noise -limited measurement be- comes possible. Preliminary performance data is included. Introduction Currently there is considerable interest in using a multiturn fiber Sagnac interferometer for the mea-surement of inertial rotation.l Such a measurement is difficult to perform because the nonreciprocal phaseshift (NRPS) induced in the fiber by inertial rotation is very small. For a rotation rate SZ, the NRPS 04) is
Quantitative characterization of the composition, thickness and orientation of thin films in the analytical electron microscope

Abstract Compositional variations in thin films can introduce lattice-parameter changes and thus create stresses, in addition to the more usual stresses introduced by substrate-film mismatch, differential thermal expansion, etc. Analytical electron microscopy comprising X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometry within a probe-forming field-emission gun scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) is one of the most powerful methods of composition measurement on the nanometer scale, essential for thin-film analysis. Recently, with the development of improved X-ray collection efficiencies and quantitative computation methods it has proved possible to map out composition variations in thin films with a spatial resolution approaching 1–2 nm. Because the absorption of X-rays is dependent on the film thickness, concurrent composition and film thickness determination is another advantage of X-ray microanalysis, thus correlating thickness and composition variations, either of which may contribute to stresses in the film. Specific phenomena such as segregation to interfaces and boundaries in the film are ideally suited to analysis by X-ray mapping. This approach also permits multiple boundaries to be examined, giving some statistical certainty to the analysis particularly in nano-crystalline materials with grain sizes greater than the film thickness. Boundary segregation is strongly affected by crystallographic misorientation and it is now possible to map out the orientation between many different grains in the (S)TEM.
The roles of target and eye motion in the production of the visual shift in prism adaptation.

Summary Two experiments, with a total of 48 Ss, were performed to evaluate the possible determinants of the visual shift (VS) in prism adaptation. In Experiment 1 the effects of target movement and pursuit eye movements on resultant visual adaptation were investigated. Maximal VS was produced when both of these conditions were present. Experiment 2 was conducted to determine whether hypnotic anesthesia in and around the eyes and eye muscles reduces feedback from eye-position sensations and, consequently, the magnitude of the VS. This manipulation proved to be successful and virtually eliminated the production of VS. The results of the two experiments helped to identify two factors that contribute to the production of the VS: the presence of visual target movement during prism exposure and the accompanying eye movement which produces a change in the felt position of the eyes during target tracking.
Innovative approaches to increase deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis rate resulting in a decrease in hospital‐acquired deep vein thrombosis at a tertiary‐care teaching hospital

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hospital-acquired venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) in medically ill patients account for a significant percentage of in-hospital mortality. Unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin have been shown to be effective in the prevention of VTEs. However, use of these medications for thromboprophylaxis remains suboptimal. The objective of this article is to report the impact of a continuous quality improvement project on adherence with DVT prophylaxis guidelines and on the subsequent incidence of hospital-acquired DVT in medical patients at a teaching hospital between 2002 and 2005. METHODS: In November 2002, Kings County Hospital Center Department of Medicine embarked on a project to increase the rate of thromboprophylaxis use. Quality improvement strategies included an active, multifaceted, layered combination of provider education, provider reminders with decision support, and audit with feedback. RESULTS: The DVT prophylaxis rate on the general medicine house-staff service increased from a baseline of 63% in 2002 to 96% in 2005. The number of hospital-acquired DVTs decreased from a baseline of 14 in 2002 to 1 in 2005. The hospital-acquired DVT rate fell significantly, from 2.6 per 1000 discharges in 2002 (95% CI 1.5–4.4) to 0.2 per 1000 discharges in 2005 (95% CI 0.0–1.1), P = .007. CONCLUSIONS: A layered combination of provider education, provider reminders with decision support, and audit with feedback increased the DVT prophylaxis rate and decreased the rate of hospital-acquired DVTs in the medicine department at a tertiary-care hospital center. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:148–155. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Acoustic radiation force in tissue-like solids due to modulated sound field

Abstract The focus of this study is the sustained body force (the so-called acoustic radiation force) in homogeneous tissue-like solids generated by an elevated-intensity, focused ultrasound field ( Mach number = O ( 10 − 3 )) in situations when the latter is modulated by a low-frequency signal. This intermediate-asymptotics problem, which bears relevance to a number of emerging biomedical applications, is characterized by a number of small (but non-vanishing) parameters including the Mach number, the ratio between the modulation and ultrasound frequency, the ratio of the shear to bulk modulus, and the dimensionless attenuation coefficient. On approximating the response of soft tissues as that of a nonlinear viscoelastic solid with heat conduction, the featured second-order problem is tackled via a scaling paradigm wherein the transverse coordinates are scaled by the width of the focal region, while the axial and temporal coordinate are each split into a “fast” and “slow” component with the twin aim of: (i) canceling the linear terms from the field equations governing the propagation of elevated-intensity ultrasound, and (ii) accounting for the effect of ultrasound modulation. In the context of the focused ultrasound analyses, the key feature of the proposed study revolves around the dual-time-scale treatment of the temporal variable, which allows one to parse out the contribution of ultrasound and its modulation in the nonlinear solution. In this way the acoustic radiation force (ARF), giving rise to the mean tissue motion, is exacted by computing the “fast” time average of the germane field equations. A comparison with the existing theory reveals a number of key features that are brought to light by the new formulation, including the contributions to the ARF of ultrasound modulation and thermal expansion, as well as the precise role of constitutive nonlinearities in generating the sustained body force in tissue-like solids by a focused ultrasound beam.
Nonreflecting boundary conditions for the complete unsteady transonic small-disturbance equation

Nonreflecting far-field boundary conditions that are consistent with the complete transonic small-disturbance (TSD) equations are derived. They are implemented in a new code for solving the complete TSD equation and are tested for a harmonically oscillating NACA 64A010 airfoil in transonic flow and for a flat-plate airfoil with a pulse in the angle of attack. Using the new boundary conditions on a relatively small grid, solutions for the airfoil that are obtained that agree with large-grid calculations, resulting in a 44 percent savings in computer time. Frequency responses for the flat plate show that most of the disturbances incident on the computational boundaries are absorbed by the boundary conditions.
Histopathology and Cell Replication Responses in the Respiratory Tract of Rats and Mice Exposed by Inhalation to Glutaraldehyde for up to 13 Weeks

Histopathology and Cell Replication Responses in the Respiratory Tract of Rats and Mice Exposed by Inhalation to Glutaraldehyde for up to 13 Weeks. Gross, E. A., Mellick, P. W., Kari, F. W., Miller, F. J., and Morgan, K. T. (1994). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 23, 348-362. In addition to being a respiratory tract irritant and cross-linking agent, glutaraldehyde has a number of properties in common with the rodent nasal carcinogen, formaldehyde. The acute and subchronic responses to glutaraldehyde in the respiratory tract of rats and mice were characterized using histopathology and epithelial cell labeling index as end points. Male and female F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice were whole-body exposed for 1 day, 4 days, 6 weeks, or 13 weeks to 0, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or 1000 ppb glutaraldehyde using a recycling inhalation chamber. The respiratory tract, with special reference to the nose, was examined by light microscopy and histoautoradiography. Unit length labeling index (ULLI) was determined by nuclear thymidine labeling for selected sites, chosen on the basis of histopathology. A small number of animals exposed to 1000 ppb (rats and mice) or 500 ppb (mice) died before the 6 week time point; these deaths were attributed to glutaraldehyde exposure-associated occlusion of the external nares. Treatment-induced lesions, including epithelial erosions, inflammation, and squamous metaplasia, were confined to the anterior third of the nose and were present in both sexes and species. No histopathological evidence of glutaraldehyde induced responses was observed in the trachea, central airways, or lungs, while the larynx showed minimal changes. There were clear increases in ULLI in association with acute and subacute cytotoxic responses, with similar concentration-response relationships. Neutrophilic infiltration of the Squamous epithelium of the nasal vestibule, present in both rats and mice, became progressively more severe with increasing exposure time and was associated with increased ULLI. The latter responses were generally most severe at the higher glutaraldehyde exposure concentrations, while in female mice they were present at all concentrations of glutaraldehyde studied. Lesions induced by glutaraldehyde were more anterior in the nose than those reported for formaldehyde, they differed in character, and no evidence of "pre-neoplastic" lesions or karyomegaly, reported for formaldehyde, was observed with glutaraldehyde.
Prognostic value of P53, MDM-2, and MUC-1 for patients with inflammatory breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy. Therapy for patients with IBC is multidisciplinary, and response to preoperative chemotherapy is considered an important predictor of outcome. Although only a limited number of molecular markers have been investigated in this setting, none has exhibited prognostic value for patients with IBC. METHODS Immunohistochemical assays for P53, MDM-2, and MUC-1 were performed retrospectively to evaluate potential correlations between these markers and pathologic response, time to progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS) in 19 patients with IBC. RESULTS After a median follow-up period of 46 months, patients with tumors that overexpressed P53 and did not express MUC-1 had a significantly shorter median TTP and median OS compared with other patients. CONCLUSIONS Expression of P53 and MUC-1 may be predictive of treatment efficacy and outcome for patients with IBC. Furthermore, these two markers may represent novel therapeutic targets in such patients. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Etiologic studies of trachoma on Taiwan.

SummaryEye specimens from first grade school children on Taiwan were cultured in yolk sac of embryonated chicken eggs and in HeLa cell tissue cultures. Four viruses, morphologically and serologically related to psittacosis-lymphogranuloma venereum group, were isolated in yolk sac from 32 children with stage II trachoma, while negative results were obtained with similar cultures of 68 specimens from other stages of trachoma, conjunctivitis and uninfected eyes. These viruses are thought to be etiologic agents of trachoma. One adenovirus was isolated from 468 children with trachoma and 4 adenoviruses were isolated from 375 children with chronic conjunctivitis. Within limitation of age group studied, it is concluded that adenoviruses do not play an important role in trachoma syndrome on Taiwan.
Effects of manganese on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and TH-phosphorylation in a dopaminergic neural cell line

Manganese (Mn) exposure causes manganism, a neurological disorder similar to Parkinson's disease. However, the cellular mechanism by which Mn impairs the dopaminergic neurotransmitter system remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that caspase-3-dependent proteolytic activation of protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) plays a key role in Mn-induced apoptotic cell death in dopaminergic neurons. Recently, we showed that PKCδ negatively regulates tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis, by enhancing protein phosphatase-2A activity in dopaminergic neurons. Here, we report that Mn exposure can affect the enzymatic activity of TH, the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis, by activating PKCδ-PP2A signaling pathway in a dopaminergic cell model. Low dose Mn (3-10μM) exposure to differentiated mesencephalic dopaminergic neuronal cells for 3h induced a significant increase in TH activity and phosphorylation of TH-Ser40. The PKCδ specific inhibitor rottlerin did not prevent Mn-induced TH activity or TH-Ser40 phosphorylation. On the contrary, chronic exposure to 0.1-1 μM Mn for 24h induced a dose-dependent decrease in TH activity. Interestingly, chronic Mn treatment significantly increased PKCδ kinase activity and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) enzyme activity. Treatment with the PKCδ inhibitor rottlerin almost completely prevented chronic Mn-induced reduction in TH activity, as well as increased PP2A activity. Neither acute nor chronic Mn exposures induced any cytotoxic cell death or altered TH protein levels. Collectively, these results demonstrate that low dose Mn exposure impairs TH activity in dopaminergic cells through activation of PKCδ and PP2A activity.
Numerical Simulation of Furnace Combustion Characteristic in HTAC

In this thesis, in the double preheating system of air and gas, the high temperature air combustion process of low calorific value gas, in which the FLUENT software is used as the calculating tool and furnace model as the object, is numerically simulated by use of the k-e turbulent two-way model, the PDF combustion model, discrete-ordinates-method radiative heat transfer model and the modified NOX -generation thermal model. Get the flow field, temperature field and concentration field inside the furnace in different times.
Multi-component bi-Hamiltonian Dirac integrable equations

Abstract A specific matrix iso-spectral problem of arbitrary order is introduced and an associated hierarchy of multi-component Dirac integrable equations is constructed within the framework of zero curvature equations. The bi-Hamiltonian structure of the obtained Dirac hierarchy is presented be means of the variational trace identity. Two examples in the cases of lower order are computed.
Thermochemistry of uranium compounds VIII. Standard enthalpies of formation at 298.15 K of the uranates of calcium (CaUO4) and barium (BaUO4). Thermodynamics of the behavior of barium in nuclear fuels

Abstract Solution-calorimetric measurements on CaUO4 and BaUO4 are reported. The enthalpies of reaction of CaUO4 and γ-UO3 with approximately 3 mol dm−3 HNO3 are −(130.7±1.1) and −(75.5 ± 0.7) kJ mol−1, respectively. Combination of these values with the enthalpy of solution of Ca(NO3)2 in HNO3 gave ΔHfo(CaUO4, c, 298.15 K) = −(2001.7 ± 2.1) kJ mol−1. A similar determination gave −(131.2 ± 0.2) kJ mol−1 for the enthalpy of reaction of BaUO4 with approximately 1 mol dm−3 HCl. This result, combined with the enthalpies of solution of UO2Cl2 and BaCl2 in HCl, yielded ΔHfo(BaUO4, c, 298.15 K) = −(1988.2 ± 2.0) kJ mol−1. The significance of the results for BaUO4, vis-a-vis the probable reactions of Ba(g) in an irradiated nuclear fuel pin, is discussed.
Mathematical Model to Predict Individual Survival for Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE: To develop a multivariate model and mathematical formula capable of calculating personalized survival for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with clinically available variables. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 477 patients out of 661 undergoing nephrectomy at the University of California Los Angeles between 1989 and 1999 were eligible for evaluation and formed the analyzed cohort for this retrospective study. Time to death was the primary end point assessed. Univariate analysis for 14 to 20 variables was conducted, followed by a multivariate Cox analysis. The variables that provided independent information as to the time of death for metastatic and nonmetastatic patients were coded and incorporated into a function based on the Nadas equation principle. RESULTS: For nonmetastatic patients, the significant variables in the multivariate analysis were Fuhrman’s grade and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status. For the metastatic patients, Fuhrman’s grade, 1997 classification T stage,...
Long-term progression of lipomatosis of nerve.

Objective Lipomatosis of nerve (LN) is a condition of massive peripheral nerve enlargement due to proliferation of fibrous and adipose tissue within the nerve, the natural history of which is currently unknown. We measured the pattern of growth in individuals with long-term radiologic follow-up. Methods Review of the searchable records for LN at our institution found 52 patients, confirmed by pathology or pathognomic appearance on MRI. Ten patients had serial MRI of the same anatomic region for more than 2 years of clinical follow-up. Volumetric analysis was performed using regions of interest on serially imaged segments of affected nerves. Adjustment for skeletal growth was performed for pediatric patients. Results LN enlarged in 7 of 10 individuals, often both longitudinally along the nerve and in cross-sectional volume. Regarding cross-sectional volume, 2 of the 10 patients demonstrated volume growth more than doubling and 5 additional patients had a >20% increase in nerve volume; the remaining 3 patients were quiescent, where change in the nerve volume was within the error range of volumetric analysis. All cases with growth remained >20% after adjustment for skeletal growth. Five of 10 individuals had longitudinal extension, even with correction for skeletal growth. More significant growth was noted in younger patients ( P = 0.02). Growth rates more than 5% per year correlated with surgery, without statistical significance in this small population ( P = 0.14). Conclusions Serial MRI reveals progressive enlargement of LN. The rate of growth was more profound in youth, but also occurred in early adulthood.
A hybrid estimator for the cumulative probability of detection of surveillance radars

A hybrid estimator is formulated by combining the estimates from an empirical Bayes estimator and a jackknifed Bayes estimator. This hybrid estimator performs better than the maximum likelihood estimator, when used to estimate the cumulative probability of detection of surveillance radars.
A direct simplex algorithm for network flow problems with convex piecewise linear costs

Minimum cost network flow problems with a piecewise linear convex cost function are used to model various optimization problems. They are also used extensively to approximate nonlinear cost functions which may otherwise be difficult to handle. Solving the piecewise linear problems using a reformulation approach is possible but may be inefficient. In thispaper we discuss a specialized direct approach and its implementation for solving such problems. The direct approach handles the piecewise linear structure of the cost function by allowing each arc to have varying costs on different segments. Computational results havel been reported, from which we conclude that using such an approach has adistinct advantage over using a reformulation approach.
Thermal‐energy reactions of O++2 ions with O2, N2, CO2, NO, and Ne

The paper presents results of drift-tube mass-spectrometer studies of the reactivity of doubly charged molecular oxygen ions with several molecules and neon atoms. Thermal-energ rate coefficients for the reactions with the molecular reactants were found to be large, close to the limiting Langevin rates. Charge transfer with neon atoms was observed, but the measured rate coefficient was only a small fraction of the Langevin rate. It is concluded that the measured rate constants for the reactions considereed refer to vibrationally excited ions.
A Response to Emily Brady's ‘Aesthetic Regard for Nature in Environmental and Land Art’

Emily Brady asks us to reconsider what kinds of environmental artworks constitute ‘aesthetic affronts to nature’, and concludes that many of these works may in fact show aesthetic regard for nature...
Firm Ownership Preferences and Host Government Restrictions: An Integrated Approach

Two approaches may explain how multinational enterprises (MNEs) select ownership structures for subsidiaries. The first argues that MNEs prefer structures that minimize that transaction costs of doing business abroad. The second argues that ownership structures are determined by negotiations with host governments, whose outcomes depend on the bargaining power of the firm. This paper presents a framework integrating these two approaches and uses statistical methods to separate their effects empirically.
Baryonic distributions in the dark matter halo of NGC 5005

We present results from multiwavelength observations of the galaxy NGC5005. We use new neutral hydrogen (HI) observations from the Very Large Array to examine the neutral gas morphology and kinematics. We find an HI disk with a well-behaved flat rotation curve in the radial range 20\arcsec-140\arcsec. Ionized gas observations from the SparsePak integral field unit on the WIYN 3.5m telescope provide kinematics for the central 70\arcsec. We use both the SparsePak and HI velocity fields to derive a rotation curve for NGC5005. Deep 3.6{\mu}m observations from the Spitzer Space Telescope probe the faint extended stellar population of NGC5005. The images reveal a large stellar disk with a high surface brightness component that transitions to a low surface brightness component at a radius nearly 1.6 times farther than the extent of the gas disk detected in HI. The 3.6{\mu}m image is also decomposed into bulge and disk components to account for the stellar light distribution. Optical broadband B and R and narrowband H{\alpha} from the WIYN 0.9m telescope complement the 3.6{\mu}m data by providing information about the dominant stellar population and current star formation activity. The neutral and ionized gas rotation curve is used along with the stellar bulge and disk light profiles to decompose the mass distributions in NGC5005 and determine a dark matter halo model. The maximum stellar disk contribution to the total rotation curve is only about 70\%, suggesting that dark matter makes a significant contribution to the dynamics at all radii.
Sex and Handedness in Simple and Integrated Task Performance.

Spatial and sequential tasks which were performed both independently and jointly were compared for 40 college undergraduates grouped by sex and dominant hand. The two tasks were selected based on prior research suggesting that each is controlled in a different brain hemisphere. When the two tasks were performed independently there was no handedness effect nor was there any sex-hand interaction. There was an expected slight spatial superiority of males. However, when both tasks were performed simultaneously, there was a significant advantage for right-handers and again a slight advantage for males. Results were attributed to the hemispheric interference left-handers experienced on the joint task due to their less distinct hemispheric specialization.
Intracellular targets for a phosphotyrosine peptidomimetic include the mitotic kinesin, MCAK

SH2 domains are attractive targets for chemotherapeutic agents due to their involvement in the formation of protein-protein interactions critical to many signal transduction cascades. Little is known, however, about how synthetic SH2 domain ligands would influence the growth properties of tumor cells or with which intracellular proteins they would interact due to their highly charged nature and enzymatic lability. In this study, a prodrug delivery strategy was used to introduce an enzymatically stable, phosphotyrosine peptidomimetic into tumor cells. When tested in a human tumor cell panel, the prodrug exhibited a preference for inhibiting the growth of leukemia and lymphoma cells. In these cells, it was largely cytostatic and induced endoreduplication and the appearance of midbodies. Proteomic analyses identified multiple targets that included mitotic centromere-associated kinesin (MCAK). Molecular modeling studies suggested the ATP-binding site on MCAK as the likely site of drug interaction. Consistent with this, ATP inhibited the drug-MCAK interaction and the drug inhibited MCAK ATPase activity. Accordingly, the effects of the prodrug on the assembly of the mitotic spindle and alignment of chromosomes were consistent with the identification of MCAK as an important intracellular target.
Homoeolog expression bias and expression level dominance in allopolyploid cotton

Allopolyploidy is an evolutionary and mechanistically intriguing process, in that it entails the reconciliation of two or more sets of diverged genomes and regulatory interactions. In this study, we explored gene expression patterns in interspecific hybrid F(1), and synthetic and natural allopolyploid cotton using RNA-Seq reads from leaf transcriptomes. We determined how the extent and direction of expression level dominance (total level of expression for both homoeologs) and homoeolog expression bias (relative contribution of homoeologs to the transcriptome) changed from hybridization through evolution at the polyploid level and following cotton domestication. Genome-wide expression level dominance was biased toward the A-genome in the diploid hybrid and natural allopolyploids, whereas the direction was reversed in the synthetic allopolyploid. This biased expression level dominance was mainly caused by up- or downregulation of the homoeolog from the 'non-dominant' parent. Extensive alterations in homoeolog expression bias and expression level dominance accompany the initial merger of two diverged diploid genomes, suggesting a combination of regulatory (cis or trans) and epigenetic interactions that may arise and propagate through the transcriptome network. The extent of homoeolog expression bias and expression level dominance increases over time, from genome merger through evolution at the polyploid level. Higher rates of transgressive and novel gene expression patterns as well as homoeolog silencing were observed in natural allopolyploids than in F(1) hybrid and synthetic allopolyploid cottons. These observations suggest that natural selection reconciles the regulatory mismatches caused by initial genomic merger, while new gene expression conditions are generated for evaluation by selection.
Aromatic side chain-porphyrin interactions in designed hemoproteins

Aromatic amino acid side chains are commonly observed to interact with the heme cofactors of natural hemoproteins. These interactions are of the types previously identified for pairs or groups of aromatic amino acid side chains in proteins: offset π-stacking and T-stacking (an edge-to-face arrangement). To evaluate how such interactions may influence structural stability of hemoproteins, we synthesized peptide-sandwiched mesohemes (PSMs) 2 and 3 in which the alanine-4 (Ala-4) residues in 1 have been replaced by phenylalanine (Phe) and tryptophan (Trp), respectively. The Co(III) analogues of 1, 2, and 3 (1-Co, 2-Co, and 3-Co, respectively) were also prepared. Histidine (His)-to-iron coordination in 1 had previously been shown to induce helical conformations in the peptides (helix content ∼50% at 8 °C). Molecular modeling studies suggested that Trp, but not Phe, could engage in edge-to-face interactions with the porphyrin if the peptides are fully helical. Replacing Ala-4 with Trp, but not with Phe, was th...
Novel Roles of Fibroblast Growth Factor Homologous Factors in Heart

Genetic studies of inherited arrhythmias have highlighted essential physiologic roles of modulator proteins that affect ion channel pore-forming subunits. One such class of modulators is the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) homologous factors (FHFs; FGF11-14), that, despite their homology with FGFs, are incapable of functioning as growth factors, are intracellular modulators of Na+ channels and are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Unexpectedly, recent work in the Pitt lab has shown that mutations in FHFs affect voltage-gated calcium channels also, indicating that the FHFs can modulate multiple ion channels. The Pitt lab has recently characterized the role of the prominent heart FHF, FGF13, in modulating cardiac Na+ channel function and trafficking, and further, FGF13X/- mice show a widened QRS and aberrant atrial conduction, therefore we hypothesized that FHFs regulate other ion channels in heart as well, particularly the L-type calcium channel (LTCC, Cav1.2).In these studies, we use whole-cell patch clamp to show that in both a heterologous expression system and mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes, FGF13 affects Cav1.2 current density and kinetics. Immunostaining for the LTCC when FGF13 is knocked down results in aberrant localization of the pore-forming α-subunit, α1C, and changes in T-tubule ultrastructure. Immunocytochemical analysis of adult mouse cardiomyocytes shows that FGF13 has a broad cellular distribution. Interestingly, a portion of the population colocalizes with Ankyrin B, a protein responsible for trafficking multiple ion channels in the heart.These data of FHF’s novel function in heart begin to define FHF’s role in excitation-contraction coupling and cardiac arrhythmogenesis. These cellular mechanisms will lay the groundwork for in vivo electrophysiology studies on FGF13X/- mice.
Spacecraft Electric Propulsion—An Overview

A short review of the status of electric propulsion (EP) is presented to serve as an introduction to the more specialized technical papers also appearing in this Special Issue (Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 14, No. 5, Sept. –Oct. 1998). The principles of operation and the several types of thrusters that are either operational or in advanced development are discussed  rst, followed by some considerations on the necessary power sources. A few prototypical missions are then described to highlight the operational peculiarities of EP, including spacecraft interactions. We conclude with a historical summary of the accumulated  ight experience using this technology.
The first step in Data Analysis: Transcribing and managing qualitative research data

Researchers need to take data from the spoken text (structured, unstructured, or narrative interviews) to written form for analysis. Typically this is handled through deidentifying the participants and transcribing the data, and is considered the first step in analysis. The accuracy of the transcription plays a role in determining the accuracy of the data that are analyzed and with what degree of dependability. Analysis begins after reviewing the first interview to examine whether participants are responding to the research question related to your area of interest in diabetes, or whether your interview guide needs refining. As each interview is completed, the researcher examines its content to determine what has been learned and what still needs to be discovered or needs elaboration. Moving from raw interviews to evidence-based interpretations requires preparing transcripts so they will be ready to code. Before moving directing to analysis (or coding), it is important to recognize the task of handling the qualitative research data during and after the interview. This paper describes the process of transcription and handling the qualitative data related to diabetes research.
Early generation of glia in the intermediate zone of the developing cerebral cortex.

Radial glia are present at the earliest stage of cerebral cortical development, and later they transform into astrocytes. Other glial cells including astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are thought to appear only after neuron generation is complete and the cortical layers are formed. Little is known of when and where microglia enter the central nervous system and proliferate. We addressed the question of the origin of these three glial cell types in the developing ferret cerebral cortex. We assessed the temporal pattern of glial cell division by administering [3H]thymidine to label cells in S phase, and by using survival periods of 1–2 h to label dividing cells in situ. Labeled cells were identified in the developing intermediate zone of the ferret cerebral wall. These cells were present at E28, and reached a maximum number at P1. Double labeling experiments identified these cells as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes or microglia. None of the dividing cells expressed neuronal markers. These data show that all three types of glia are generated in the developing subcortical white matter, and that glial progenitors are present in the intermediate zone as soon as it becomes a recognizable structure. These data also show that the period of glial generation overlaps extensively with the period of neuron generation, since neuron generation is not complete until the end of the second postnatal week in the ferret.
Aero-optical effects in free-space laser communications

When a laser beam is transmitted from an airborne platform, it must first pass through a relatively thin region of the turbulent flow in the immediate vicinity of the airplane. Unsteady density variations present in the turbulent flow will imprint spatial/temporal variations on the otherwise planar outgoing wavefronts. These variations in wavefronts will force the beam to move, change its shape and even break into several spots on a distant target. These aero-optical effects [1,2], even in the absence of any atmospheric optical distortions, might significantly degrade a performance of any free-space, laser-based airborne systems at subsonic, transonic or supersonic speeds.
Primary Meningococcal Pericarditis Presenting with Tamponade

An unusual case of a patient with primary meningococcal pericarditis presenting with tamponade is reported. Despite repeated aspiration and appropriate antibiotic therapy with eradication of group C Neisseria meningitidis, pericardial effusion continued to reaccumulate. Institution of high-dosage corticosteroid therapy resulted in rapid resolution of the effusion. Only six other cases of primary meningococcal pericarditis have been reported in the English literature. Early manifestations of this disease are due to bacterial invasion of the pericardium. The later phase of intensive reaccumulation of sterile pericardial fluid may conceivably be related to meningococcal endotoxin and appears to be responsive to corticosteroid or salicylate therapy. Recognition of this phenomenon may obviate the necessity for a pericardiectomy.
Lake Michigan: Nearshore variability and a nearshore–offshore distinction in water quality

Abstract We conducted a survey of the Lake Michigan nearshore using towed electronic instrumentation to collect data that were spatially highly resolved. The tow was 1049 km in length along the 20-m depth contour and was supplemented with grab samples at 15 sites (on average every 75 km). There was low frequency variability in the alongshore reach represented by macroscopic trends across large distance scales (over 100 s km) with local variability or high frequency changes at much smaller distances (5–10 km). We found that large scale spatial patterns in some water quality parameters were strongly correlated with adjacent landscape characterization. Landscape attributes most frequently retained in step-wise regression models for each water quality parameter were agricultural chemical factors, followed by shoreline modifications and point source attributes. Specific conductivity had the greatest amount of variability explained by landscape character (78%) with beam attenuation next (51%), and followed by chlorophyll and zooplankton (each ~ 30%). We combined our chemistry samples with data from the recent National Coastal Condition Assessment (2010 NCCA) and compared nearshore chemistry data with the Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) offshore fixed monitoring sites. There was a significant distinction in both mean values and variability between the nearshore (