cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modification of some goodness-of-fit statistics to yield asymptotically normal null distributions

SUMMARY The Cramer-von Mises class of test statistics for the one-sample goodness-of-fit problem is based on the weighted L2-distance of the distribution from its empirical counterpart. It is well known that the root n standardized norm has a degenerate limiting distribution under the null hypothesis, and the n standardized norm has a nondegenerate limiting distribution that is not normal and depends on identifying the principal components for every weight function. Usually this limiting distribution is an infinite weighted sum of Chi-squared distributions. In the current investigation, we offer an alternative estimate of the L2-norm that is asymptotically normal under both the null and the alternative distributions. Similar modification is indicated for the Watson (1961) statistic used for testing a distribution defined on a circle.
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride: the history and future of IMF special drawing rights as an international reserve currency

Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), the synthetic reserve asset issued by the IMF since the 1970s, have been touted as an alternative to the dollar as the world’s primary reserve asset since 1971 and still receive vocal support today. It is striking, then, that the SDR accounts for a mere 0.5% of world reserves today and are mostly considered an irrelevant oddity. In this essay, I seek to explain the SDR’s failure to catch on using archival evidence from the US National Archives and IMF. I argue that the political compromises necessary to reach agreement on the SDR’s creation left it incapable of playing a major reserve role by design and incapable of adapting to the rapidly changing international monetary system of the 1970s. Further, the national interest of the United States in supporting the dollar’s reserve role and lack of consistent support for the SDR in Europe left it without the political support it needed during 1970s’ reform discussions; even short periods of support were conditioned on alignment w...
On the onset of entrainment instability over the ocean

The marine atmospheric boundary layer is characterized by cool temperatures and high humidity. Clouds are observed over most of the oceans. It is generally accepted that these overcast cloud decks break up into scattered fragments due to cloud-top entrainment instability. That is, if the air above the boundary layer is sufficiently cool and dry relative to cloud top, the buoyancy flux will be directed upwards and entrainment can occur freely.
Approved Agents for Metastatic Breast Cancer

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved three agents for treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer refractory to anthracyclines and taxanes: capecitabine, ixabepilone, and eribulin mesylate. There is no fixed algorithm of therapeutic choices. Median survival remains measured in months, not years. Individual patient performance status, toxicity (to past regimens and any residual toxicity), preferences, and quality of life are factors in determining optimal treatment options for metastatic breast cancer. Ongoing research is seeking to improve outcomes in this patient population.
Middle ear catalase distribution in an animal model of otitis media.

Increasing evidence implicates free radicals in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease, including otitis media. The anti-oxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase protect tissues from the destructive effects of free radicals. Our previous work has shown depressed levels of superoxide dismutase in the infected middle ears of a guinea pig model of otitis media in comparison with normal control ears. We studied the distribution and relative abundance of catalase in the middle ear of this animal model in an effort to elucidate the role free radicals play in the pathogenesis of otitis media. Catalase distribution was mapped immunohistochemically in the middle ears of guinea pigs with induced streptococcus otitis media, and compared with normal control ears. In the control ears, catalase was localized to the epithelium of the middle ear mucosa, with scant distribution in the submucosa. The infected ears demonstrated inflammatory cell invasion with hyperemia and submucosal edema. Catalase was localized to the epithelium and had scant distribution in the submucosa. This distribution was similar to that found previously with superoxide dismutase. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of catalase demonstrated a mean value of 1.00 ± 0.06 μg/mg protein in the control ears, and 1.06 ± 0.12 μg/mg in the infected ears, but these two values were not statistically different.
Ion solvation in water clusters

We describe here molecular dynamics computer simulations performed to study the solvation of ions (Cl− and Na+) in water clusters. Our simulations show that the calculated structure and dynamics of the clusters is very sensitive to the potential model which is used to describe the interactions. From the comparison with thermodynamic data and data from the photoelectron spectra we conclude that in Cl−(H2O)n (n≤20) clusters the ion is located on the surface of the cluster.
Customer orientation, relationship quality, and relational benefits to the firm

Purpose – This research seeks to test a model examining the potential links between customer orientation, expertise, and relationship quality at the interpersonal level and the link between relationship quality and positive service outcomes at the firm level, such as loyalty and positive word of mouth.Design/methodology/approach – The study employs a survey methodology to obtain the opinions of 220 business travelers regarding their relationships with their travel agents. The hypothesized relationships were testing using structural equation modeling (SEM).Findings – The research found significant positive relationships between customer orientation and expertise and respondents' perception of relationship quality. It also found significant links between relationship quality at the interpersonal level and positive outcomes at the organizational level. Interpersonal relationship quality enhanced customer satisfaction with the service firm but was also directly linked to loyalty to the firm and positive word‐...
Pitman receives Ewing Medal

The 1996 Maurice Ewing Medal was presented to Walter C. Pitman, III, at the Fall Meeting Honor Ceremony December 17, 1996, in San Francisco. The medal recognizes significant contributions to understanding physical, geophysical, and geological processes in the ocean and outstanding service to the marine sciences.
ACR intersociety conference 2003: radiologist assistants and other radiologist extenders

Improvements in imaging technologies are contributing to increases in the demand for radiology services. Efforts to match this rising demand are limited by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services cap on resident positions and the challenges in obtaining appropriate visas and medical licenses for international medical graduates. This rising gap in the demand for and capacity to deliver radiology services has created a need for radiologist extenders. A variety of roles have been developed for these radiologist extenders, depending on the skills of the individuals and the subspecialty areas in which they work. Prominent among these are radiologist assistants, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dosimetrists, and advanced-practice nuclear medicine technologists. Quality patient care is best accomplished when radiologist extenders function under the guidance of qualified radiologists, nuclear physicians, or radiation oncologists.
Mobile ad hoc backbones: Formation and maintenance

This paper presents a new protocol for the formation and maintenance of a backbone from the nodes of an ad hoc network where all the nodes are mobile. The new protocol is defined and its performance evaluated with respect to metrics such as its size, that favors scalability, its connectivity in time, which allows protocols to run efficiently, robustness and route length. Via ns2-based simulation experiments we demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed protocol for mobile ad hoc backbones in achieving a manageable size of the produced backbone, a connectivity in time which is maintained for the greatest majority of the simulation time, considerable robustness even at lower densities and route lengths that are negligibly bigger that the length of the routes in the flat network topology.
Antimutagenic effect of selenium on acridine orange and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in the Ames Salmonella/ microsomal system

Abstract The antimutagenic effects of selenium as sodium selenite were investigated using the Ames Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity test. The compounds examined were acridine orange and 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a ]anthracene. Selenium (22 ppm) reduced the number of histidine revertants caused by 20 μg acridine orange and 20 μg 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a ]anthracene by 52 and 74%, respectively. Increasing the quantity of selenium added to the plates further suppressed the mutagenicity of the test compounds. The antimutagenic effects of selenium cannot be explained by lethality of Salmonella typhimurium .
Characteristics of Serum Antibody in Enteric Septicemia of Catfish

Abstract The Falcon Assay Screen Test enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the characteristics of antibody directed against Edwardsiella ictaluri exoantigen and the antibody's relationship to E. ictaluri in channel catfish suffering from enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC). This antibody was detected in the serum of channel catfish 5 d after fish were exposed to live E. ictaluri by bath immersion. A significant (P < 0.05) specific antibody response was stimulated between 14 and 21 d postexposure (DPE) which then declined at 28 DPE. Mortality resulting from E. ictaluri first occurred at 5 DPE and peaked at 21 DPE. Following reexposure, the specific memory antibody response peaked at 21 DPE, but at a level lower than that of the primary infection, and declined at 84 DPE. The reexposed catfish were protected against mortality resulting from E. ictaluri infection. Serum and antibody harvested from channel catfish protected against ESC-related mortality failed to passively immunize channel c...
International Geophysical Year: ABSTRACT

The United States program for the International Geophysical Year is part of a world-wide scientific undertaking by more than 50 nations in an internationally planned and coordinated effort to study geophysics on a truly global scale during the period of high solar activity, 1957-1958. The second general assembly of the CSAGI, the international committee for the IGY, in Rome in the fall of 1954, developed criteria for the selection and planning of observational programs in the individual geophysical disciplines. Each participating nation followed these criteria in planning its own program. The major emphasis is given to problems requiring concurrent synoptic global observations involving coordinated efforts by many nations. Also of great importance are the activities undertaken in remote regions of the earth, such as the Antarctic, the Arctic, and the vast oceanic areas. In the United States, the National Academy of Sciences, as the adhering body of the U. S. scientists to the International Council of Scientific Unions, established the United States National Committee for the International Geophysical Year. This committee, with its technical panels and regional committees, is responsible for the planning, direction, and execution of the U. S. program. The membership of the technical panels and committees is made up of scientists drawn from private, governmental, educational, and research institutions from all over the country. Department of Defense research and logistics efforts are being utilized in certain areas to supplement and expand the IGY activities. Closely following the criteria established by the CSAGI, the USNC-Technical Panels developed programs in Meteorology, Geomagnetism, Aurora and Airglow, Ionosphere, Solar Activity, Cosmic Rays, Longitude and Latitude, Glaciology, Oceanography, Rocketry, Seismology, and Gravity, and, as announced by the President of the United States on July 29, 1955, scientific studies using earth-circling satellites. Activities in these programs range geographically from the Arctic to the Antarctic, throughout all of the continental United States, its territories and possessions, and parts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, penetrating deep into the earth, oceans, and ice, and high into the atmosphere. End_Page 356------------------------------ The planning of this vast program is now nearing completion: the execution of the program and the analysis of the ensuing data will involve scientists from institutions throughout the country. The IGY will afford unprecedented opportunities for participation and achievement by scientists and their institutions and should constitute the greatest peace-time stimulus yet to geophysics. As comprehensive and far-flung as the U. S. program is, it is only part of the international effort. It may well be that the "large view," so typical in astronomy and global geophysics, attendant on the mutual and fruitful cooperation of most of the world in the IGY, will eventually give the IGY a value far transcending the gathering of data and the observation of physical processes. End_of_Article - Last_Page 357------------
Childhood sexual abuse and adult loneliness and network orientation

Women who are sexually abused may be at greater risk for loneliness and less likely to utilize their social support system. Data regarding a history of sexual abuse, and network orientation were gathered from 231 female university students, 24 of whom indicated a history of abuse, and from 26 female clients at two treatment centers. Victims of sexual abuse were found to be more lonely and less likely to utilize their social support system than the controls. Contrary to expectations, those who were in treatment were more lonely and less likely to use social support than those not in treatment. Those in treatment were also victims for a longer period of time involving more incidents than those not in treatment. One-way ANOVA's found the treatment group more lonely than the nontreatment and control groups who did not differ from each other; however, on network orientation all groups differed from each other in the expected direction. These findings support reports that victims of sexual abuse tend to isolate themselves from others.
Information transmission across currency futures markets: Evidence from frequency domain tests

Abstract We investigate return and volatility spillovers across the currency futures markets utilizing recently developed frequency domain tests. Our analysis permits to differentiate between permanent and transitory linkages between the markets by examining high and low frequency dynamics. We identify significant informational dependencies between the euro, yen, Swiss franc and pound futures markets, which should be important for market participants and policy makers.
Analysis of Severity of Young Driver Crashes: Sequential Binary Logistic Regression Modeling

Young drivers have the highest fatality involvement rates of any driver age group within the United States driving population. They also experience a higher percentage of single-vehicle crashes compared with others. When looking at the methods of improving this alarming death rate of young drivers, it is important to identify the determinants of higher crash and injury severity. With that intention, the study developed, using the Florida Traffic Crash Database, a set of sequential binary logistic regression models to predict the crash severity outcome of single-vehicle fixed-object crashes involving young drivers. Models were organized from the lowest severity level to the highest and vice versa to examine the reliability of the selection process, but it was found that there was no considerable impact based on this selection. The developed models were validated and the accuracy was tested by using crash data that were not utilized in the model development, and the results were found to be satisfactory. Fa...
Deposition patterns of cigarette smoke in human airways.

Experimental deposition patterns of cigarette smoke in surrogate human airway systems are very heterogeneous. Particle deposits are enhanced at predictable, well-defined morphological regions; most specifically, carinal ridges within bifurcation zones and along posterior sections of tubular airways. The efficiency of the mucociliary transport mechanism in vivo is also reduced at airway branchings. The geometrical sites of preferential particle deposition and impaired clearance can be correlated with clinically observed anatomical sites exhibiting increased incidences of bronchogenic carcinomas. These locations are not compatible with current theoretical models simulating only the usual particle deposition processes of inertial impaction, sedimentation, and diffusion, while intending to account for particle hygroscopicity. Moreover, data from human subject exposures indicate that heretofore unknown factors affect the distribution of inhaled cigarette smoke. Herein, a new mathematical model is presented tha...
Aminozuckersynthesen, VII. 3.4‐Anhydrozucker der Galaktosamin‐ und Allosamin‐Reihe

Im Benzyl-N-cbo-3-acetyl-4.6-dimesyl-α-D-glucosamin kann die 6-Mesyl-Gruppe mit Eisessig/Acetanhydrid + Kaliumacetat durch Acetyl ersetzt werden, wobei die 4-Mesyl-Gruppe erhalten bleibt. Die 4-Mesyl-Gruppe kann unter Bildung eines 3.4-Anhydrozuckers in Dioxan/Isopropylalkohol mit Natriumisopropylat abgespalten werden, wobei die 6-Mesyl-Gruppe erhalten bleibt. Ausgehend von Benzyl-N-cbo-3-mesyl-4.6-diacetyl-β-D-glucosamin gelangt man zum Benzyl-N-cbo-3.4-anhydro-6-mesyl-β-D-allosamin. Selektiv mesylierte Aminozucker sind fur Synthesen von Polyaminozuckern und Desoxyaminozuckern von Interesse.
CHRONIC ISCHEMIA ALTERS PROSTATE STRUCTURE AND REACTIVITY IN RABBITS

Purpose: Autopsy studies performed in men older than 80 years old have demonstrated that 90% have histological evidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Despite this fact pressure flow studies in men of this age who are referred for the evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms have shown that only 40% have evidence of bladder outlet obstruction. To our knowledge the specific features of benign prostatic hyperplasia responsible for bladder outlet obstruction are not known. To investigate the possible etiological factors responsible for bladder outlet obstruction we determined whether chronic ischemia alters the structural and functional properties of the prostate.Materials and Methods: Male New Zealand White rabbits weighing 3.5 to 4 kg. were divided into a chronic prostate ischemia (12), hypercholesterolemia (8) and age matched control (8) group. The chronic prostate ischemia group underwent balloon endothelial injury of the iliac arteries and received a 0.5% cholesterol diet, the hypercholesterolemia g...
Fault tolerant drive module via electromechanical alteration of circuit topology

The current technology applied in power electronic converter designs is based on stationary placement of power switches. Most fault tolerant realizations require additional switches (redundancy approach). The motivation behind this paper is to engineer a solution which can allow for a dynamic circuit topology, thereby elevate the size, cost, and complexity issues associated with current technology. The dynamic relocation is attained through piezoelectric actuation. Along with introduction to such dynamic circuit topology, this paper also discusses the process of modeling, and practical aspects and limitations under different load conditions. The presented concept will generate new opportunities in effective thermal management and reduced part converter topologies which can in turn introduce substantial saving in developmental cost and the required footprint.
MHC class II-mediated antigen presentation by melanoma cells

Constitutive expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules is normally restricted to professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) of the immune system, although it also occurs frequently in melanoma. Clinical evidence suggesting that MHC class II expression by melanoma is associated with tumor progression led us to postulate a role for MHC class II-mediated antigen presentation in this disease. First, we investigated whether melanoma cells derived from metastases can process antigen and/or present peptide vi MHC class II molecules to a peptide-specific CD4+ T-cell clone. In all cell lines tested, melanoma cells were able to process antigen and present peptide efficiently to CD4+ T cells, resulting in T-cell proliferation increased 5-26-fold over controls. Next, we found that CD28-mediated costimulation was not required, because blocking with CTLA-4Ig had no effect on the T-cell response to either melanoma or B cells as APCs. In contrast, blocking CD54 (ICAM-1) resulted in a decrease in proliferation in response to peptide presentation by melanoma but not B cells. These data demonstrate that MHC class II molecules on melanoma cells are functional and that antigen-processing pathways are intact. In addition, CD54 seems to play a significant role in peptide presentation by melanoma.
Diagnostic accuracy of an ultrasonic multiple transducer cardiac imaging system

An ultrasonic multiple-transducer imaging system for intracardiac structure visualization is developed in order to simplify visualization of the human heart in vivo without radiation hazard or invasion of the body. Results of the evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the devised system in a clinical setting for adult patients are presented and discussed. Criteria are presented for recognition of mitral valva prolapse, mitral stenosis, pericardial effusion, atrial septal defect, and left ventricular dyssynergy. The probable cause for false-positive and false-negative diagnoses is discussed. However, hypertrophic myopathy and congestive myopathy were unable to be detected. Since only qualitative criteria were used, it was not possible to differentiate patients with left ventricular volume overload from patients without cardiac pathology.
A fast Euclidean algorithm for Gaussian integers

A new version of the Euclidean algorithm is developed for computing the greatest common divisor of two Gaussian integers. It uses approximation to obtain a sequence of remainders of decreasing absolute values. The algorithm is compared with the new (1+i)-ary algorithm of Weilert and found to be somewhat faster if properly implemented.
Cell Groups Reveal Structure of Stimulus Space

An important task of the brain is to represent the outside world. It is unclear how the brain may do this, however, as it can only rely on neural responses and has no independent access to external stimuli in order to "decode" what those responses mean. We investigate what can be learned about a space of stimuli using only the action potentials (spikes) of cells with stereotyped -- but unknown -- receptive fields. Using hippocampal place cells as a model system, we show that one can (1) extract global features of the environment and (2) construct an accurate representation of space, up to an overall scale factor, that can be used to track the animal's position. Unlike previous approaches to reconstructing position from place cell activity, this information is derived without knowing place fields or any other functions relating neural responses to position. We find that simply knowing which groups of cells fire together reveals a surprising amount of structure in the underlying stimulus space; this may enable the brain to construct its own internal representations.
Direct miniemulsification of Kraton rubber/styrene solution. I. Effect of Manton–Gaulin homogenizer, sonifier, and membrane filtration

A direct miniemulsification process was utilized to prepare an artificial latex from a Kraton® D1102 thermoplastic elastomer. The Kraton rubber was dissolved in a styrene monomer and emulsified in an aqueous surfactant solution in the presence of a costabilizer using a sonifier, a Manton–Gaulin homogenizer, and membrane filtration. Each miniemulsion droplet contained 20 wt % Kraton rubber in styrene, and, thus, the Kraton rubber particle size and size distribution can be used to estimate the droplet size and size distribution of the miniemulsion. It was found that Kraton rubber particles obtained using the Manton–Gaulin homogenizer had an extremely broad size distribution ranging from 20 nm to 2 μm. The use of a cetyl alcohol costabilizer produced Kraton rubber particles with a narrower size distribution by lowering the interfacial tension between the oil and aqueous phases, compared to the use of hexadecane as a costabilizer. The broad size distribution of the Kraton rubber particles could be narrowed by employing a membrane-filtration technique. However, small miniemulsion droplets remained undisturbed in the miniemulsion since they easily passed through the pores of the filter. These small droplets resulted from the sonification process conducted prior to the use of the membrane-filtration process. The Kraton rubber particle-size distribution became narrow with an increase in the sonifier duty cycle due to the viscoelastic behavior of the oil phase. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 451–464, 2003
Theory for Source-Responsive and Free-Surface Film Modeling of Unsaturated Flow

A new model explicitly incorporates the possibility of rapid response, across signifi cant distance, to substanƟ al water input. It is useful for unsaturated fl ow processes that are not inherently diff usive, or that do not progress through a series of equilibrium states. The term source-responsive is used to mean that fl ow responds sensiƟ vely to changing condiƟ ons at the source of water input (e.g., rainfall, irrigaƟ on, or ponded infi ltraƟ on). The domain of preferenƟ al fl ow can be conceptualized as laminar fl ow in free-surface fi lms along the walls of pores. These fi lms may be considered to have uniform thickness, as suggested by fi eld evidence that preferenƟ al fl ow moves at an approximately uniform rate when generated by a conƟ nuous and ample water supply. An eff ecƟ ve facial area per unit volume quanƟ taƟ vely characterizes the medium with respect to sourceresponsive fl ow. A fl ow-intensity factor dependent on condiƟ ons within the medium represents the amount of source-responsive fl ow at a given Ɵ me and posiƟ on. Laminar fl ow theory provides relaƟ ons for the velocity and thickness of fl owing source-responsive fi lms. CombinaƟ on with the Darcy–Buckingham law and the conƟ nuity equaƟ on leads to expressions for both fl uxes and dynamic water contents. Where preferenƟ al fl ow is someƟ mes or always signifi cant, the interacƟ ve combinaƟ on of source-responsive and diff use fl ow has the potenƟ al to improve predicƟ on of unsaturated-zone fl uxes in response to hydraulic inputs and the evolving distribuƟ on of soil moisture. Examples for which this approach is effi cient and physically plausible include (i) rainstorm-generated rapid fl uctuaƟ ons of a deep water table and (ii) space- and Ɵ me-dependent soil water content response to infi ltraƟ on in a macroporous soil.
Levels of Clinical Significance

The determination of clinical significance is a process of comparing therapeutic results to a subjectively derived set of criteria. Different persons often reach different decisions when presented with the same evidence regarding the benefits and harms associated with a treatment. Traditionally, clinical significance has been a yes-or-no decision. The purpose of this article is to add more structure to the process, by transforming a yes-or-no decision to a categorical decision. We propose to define 4 levels of clinical significance on the basis of the nature of the anticipated benefits (tangible versus intangible) and the likelihood for obtaining the benefit (large versus small). Rating the clinical significance of a treatment on a categorical basis may provide a useful tool to efficiently communicate the degree of belief in the benefit of a therapy.
Does counseling by clinicians improve physical activity? A summary of the evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

This systematic review supports the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's position on behavioral counseling to promote physical activity.
Local Vote Decision Fusion for Target Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper examines the problem of target detection by a wireless sensor network. Sensors acquire measurements emitted from the target that are corrupted by noise, and initially make individual decisions about the presence/absence of the target. We propose the local vote decision fusion algorithm, in which sensors first correct their decisions using decisions of neighboring sensors, and then make a collective decision as a network. An explicit formula that approximates the system's decision threshold for a given false alarm rate is derived using limit theorems for random fields, which provides a theoretical performance guarantee for the algorithm. We examine both distance- and nearest-neighbor-based versions of the local vote algorithm for grid and random sensor deployments and show that, in many situations, for a fixed-system false alarm, the local vote correction achieves significantly higher target detection rate than decision fusion based on uncorrected decisions. The algorithm does not depend on the signal model and is shown to be robust to different types of signal decay. We also extend this framework to temporal fusion, where information becomes available over time.
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

The differential of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is broad and includes multiple conditions that can cause and mimic myelopathy. In adults older than 55 years of age, CSM is the most common cause of myelopathy. This article summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic evaluation, and natural history of CSM. Available treatment options and their complications are reviewed.
Controlling the transmitted field into a cylindrical cloak’s hidden region

Constitutive parameters for simplified cylindrical cloaks have been developed such that ezµθ and ezµr match those of the ideal cylindrical cloak. Although they are not perfect, simplified cylindrical cloaks have been shown to inherit many of the power-bending properties of the ideal cloak. However, energy is transmitted into simplified cloaks’ hidden regions. Here, we develop a constraint equation that can be used to determine how closely field behavior within the simplified cylindrical cloak matches that of the ideal cloak. The deviation from this controlling equation can be reduced by controlling the cloak’s parameter value, µθ. As the deviation from our constraint equation is decreased, the field transmitted into the cloak’s hidden region is reduced, resulting in less energy impinging on the cloaked object. This results in a smaller scattered field due to the presence of the cloaked object. However, the resulting impedance mismatch at r=b results in a significant scattered field by the cloak itself. Thus, we have found when using cylindrical cloaks that satisfy the ideal values of ezµθ and ezµr for scattering width reduction, it is more important to have a matched impedance at r=b than to have a smaller field transmitted into the cloak’s hidden region. However, such cloaks’ scattering widths can vary significantly as a function of the object in the hidden region. A cloak with a matched impedance at r=b and that satisfies specific values for ezµθ and µ′θ performs reasonably well in terms of scattering width reduction in certain angular regions while being independent of the object in the hidden region.
Making sense by making sentient: Effectance motivation increases anthropomorphism.

People commonly anthropomorphize nonhuman agents, imbuing everything from computers to pets to gods with humanlike capacities and mental experiences. Although widely observed, the determinants of anthropomorphism are poorly understood and rarely investigated. We propose that people anthropomorphize, in part, to satisfy effectance motivation—the basic and chronic motivation to attain mastery of one’s environment. Five studies demonstrated that increasing effectance motivation by manipulating the perceived unpredictability of a nonhuman agent or by increasing the incentives for mastery increases anthropomorphism. Neuroimaging data demonstrated that the neural correlates of this process are similar to those engaged when mentalizing other humans. A final study demonstrated that anthropomorphizing a stimulus makes it appear more predictable and understandable, suggesting that anthropomorphism satisfies effectance motivation. Anthropomorphizing nonhuman agents seems to satisfy the basic motivation to make sense of an otherwise uncertain environment.
Leveraging a Critical Care Database: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Use Prior to ICU Admission Is Associated With Increased Hospital Mortality

Background Observational studies have found an increased risk of adverse effects such as hemorrhage, stroke, and increased mortality in patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The impact of prior use of these medications on outcomes in critically ill patients has not been previously examined. We performed a retrospective study to determine if preadmission use of SSRIs or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) is associated with mortality differences in patients admitted to the ICU. Methods The retrospective study used a modifiable data mining technique applied to the publicly available Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care (MIMIC) 2.6 database. A total of 14,709 patient records, consisting of 2,471 in the SSRI/SNRI group and 12,238 control subjects, were analyzed. The study outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results After adjustment for age, Simplified Acute Physiology Score, vasopressor use, ventilator use, and combined Elixhauser score, SSRI/SNRI use was associated with significantly increased in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.40; P = .026). Among patient subgroups, risk was highest in patients with acute coronary syndrome (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.21-3.13; P = .006) and patients admitted to the cardiac surgery recovery unit (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.11-2.04; P = .008). Mortality appeared to vary by specific SSRI, with higher mortalities associated with higher levels of serotonin inhibition. Conclusions We found significant increases in hospital stay mortality among those patients in the ICU taking SSRI/SNRIs prior to admission as compared with control subjects. Mortality was higher in patients receiving SSRI/SNRI agents that produce greater degrees of serotonin reuptake inhibition. The study serves to demonstrate the potential for the future application of advanced data examination techniques upon detailed (and growing) clinical databases being made available by the digitization of medicine.
Functional Copy-Number Alterations in Cancer

Understanding the molecular basis of cancer requires characterization of its genetic defects. DNA microarray technologies can provide detailed raw data about chromosomal aberrations in tumor samples. Computational analysis is needed (1) to deduce from raw array data actual amplification or deletion events for chromosomal fragments and (2) to distinguish causal chromosomal alterations from functionally neutral ones. We present a comprehensive computational approach, RAE, designed to robustly map chromosomal alterations in tumor samples and assess their functional importance in cancer. To demonstrate the methodology, we experimentally profile copy number changes in a clinically aggressive subtype of softtissue sarcoma, pleomorphic liposarcoma, and computationally derive a portrait of candidate oncogenic alterations and their target genes. Many affected genes are known to be involved in sarcomagenesis; others are novel, including mediators of adipocyte differentiation, and may include valuable therapeutic targets. Taken together, we present a statistically robust methodology applicable to high-resolution genomic data to assess the extent and function of copy-number alterations in cancer.
Dispersion engineering of crystalline resonators via microstructuring

Record quality factors and large selection of materials make optical crystalline resonators attractive for emerging areas of research. While basic parameters of a resonator are important, fine-tuning of its mode frequencies can dramatically improve efficiency of nonlinear optical interactions. However, dispersion engineering of high-quality crystalline resonators has not been reported due to limitations of existing methods. Moreover, spectral and dispersion engineering often cannot be effectively combined in demonstrated approaches. Here, we show by numerical modeling that dispersion can be engineered by microstructuring the light-guiding boundary of a resonator that is built around an axially symmetric substrate. We experimentally demonstrate ultrahigh-quality-factor (1×108) crystalline resonators capable of generating Kerr combs with expanded bandwidth. The new approach enables spectral and dispersion engineering flexibility in any resonator with axial symmetry that can support a photonic belt structure.
Congenital absence of the noncoronary aortic cusp

Fig. 1. Continuous monitoring lead of ambulatory ECG. Top strip, Escape junctional beat followed by a 3-second pause till the next sinus beat. Second strip, Two escape junctional beats bracket a long period (8 seconds) of cardiac standstill without manifest junctional or ventricular escape beats. Third strip, After a short period of recovery of sinus function, sinus arrest returns with a slow escape rhythm. CAD = coronary artery disease.
The Application of Optimization Technology for Electricity Market Operation

Mathematical optimization provides a formal framework that enables systematic and transparent decision making. Significant progress has been made in recent years in applications of formal optimization techniques for competitive market based resource commitment, scheduling, pricing and dispatch. This paper describes experiences with the application of optimization technology for electricity market operation. Experiences with and the status of the latest development in the security-constrained unit commitment and economic dispatch algorithms are described with references to actual market practices
Host status of Vaccinium reticulatum (Ericaceae) to invasive tephritid fruit flies in Hawaii.

ABSTRACT Ohelo (Vaccicinium reticulatum Small) (Ericaceae) is a native Hawaiian plant that has commercial potential in Hawaii as a nursery crop to be transplanted for berry production or for sale as a potted ornamental. No-choice infestation studies were conducted to determine whether ohelo fruit are hosts for four invasive tephritid fruit fly species. Ohelo berries were exposed to gravid female flies of Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (oriental fruit fly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Mediterranean fruit fly), Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillet (melon fly), or Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) in screen cages outdoors for 24 h and then held on sand in the laboratory for 2 wk for pupal development and adult emergence. Only B. dorsalis successfully attacked and developed in ohelo berries. In total, 1,570 berries produced 10 puparia, all of which emerged as adults, for a fruit infestation rate of 0.0064% and an average of 0.0053 puparia per gram of fruit. By comparison, papaya fruit used as controls produced an aver...
Human Microtubule-Associated Protein-2c Localizes to Dendrites and Axons in Fetal Spinal Motor Neurons

: Microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) functions to maintain neuronal morphology by promoting the assembly of microtubules. MAP-2c is an alternately spliced form of MAP-2, containing the first 151 amino acids of high-molecular-weight (HMW) MAP-2 joined to the last 321 amino acids, eliminating 1,352 amino acids specific to HMW MAP-2. A polyclonal antibody generated to the splice site of human MAP-2c was used to determine its cellular localization. The MAP-2c antiserum was depleted of any HMW MAP-2 reactivity by absorption with HMW MAP-2 fusion protein. Western blot analysis of human fetal spinal cord homogenates demonstrated that the antibody is specific for human MAP-2c. MAP-2c immunoreactivity was found in the perinuclear cytoplasm and processes of anterior motor neurons and large processes of the posterior column in sections from 22–24-week human fetal spinal cord. Double-label confocal microscopy was performed using the MAP-2c polyclonal antibody and either a HMW MAP-2 or a neurofilament protein (highly phosphorylated 160- and 200-kDa protein) monoclonal antibody to identify these processes as dendrites or axons, respectively. HMW MAP-2 and MAP-2c colocalized in cell bodies and dendrites of anterior motor neurons, demonstrating for the first time the presence of native MAP-2c within dendrites. In addition, immunoelectron microscopy showed MAP-2c associated with microtubules in dendrites of motor neurons. MAP-2c and the neurofilament proteins were found in axons of the dorsal and ventral roots. The presence of MAP-2c within axons and dendrites suggests that MAP-2c contributes to neuronal plasticity during human fetal development.
Acoustic Startle Reactivity During Acute Alcohol Withdrawal in Rats That Differ in Genetic Predisposition Toward Alcohol Drinking: Effect of Stimulus Characteristics

: Background: We have previously reported an association between greater alcohol withdrawal magnitude after a single alcohol exposure and a genetic predisposition toward low alcohol drinking in rats selectively bred for differences in alcohol intake when acoustic startle reactivity to a tone stimulus was used to index acute alcohol withdrawal. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the quality of the acoustic startle stimulus (noise versus tone) is important for detecting a genetic relationship between alcohol withdrawal magnitude and alcohol drinking behavior. Methods: Alcohol-naive male rats selectively bred for high alcohol intake [alcohol-preferring (P), high-alcohol-drinking (HAD)1, and HAD2] or low alcohol intake [alcohol-nonpreferring (NP), low-alcohol-drinking (LAD)1, and LAD2] received a single intragastric infusion of water or alcohol (4.0 g/20.3 ml/kg; 25% v/v), and acoustic startle test sessions were given at 14, 16, 18, 20, and 24 hr after infusion. Each test session consisted of a 5-min acclimation period followed by random presentation of various white noise stimuli (90, 100, 110, and 120 dB.) Results: Line differences in acoustic startle magnitude under control conditions were present in all three pairs of selectively bred lines; P rats showed a greater startle magnitude relative to NP rats, whereas both LAD lines showed a greater startle magnitude relative to both HAD lines. During alcohol withdrawal, the P, HAD1, and HAD2 lines showed enhanced startle magnitude compared with their water-treated controls. No change in startle magnitude during alcohol withdrawal was found in the NP, LAD1, or LAD2 lines. Conclusions: In contrast to our prior findings, these results showed a genetic association between high alcohol drinking and a greater startle response magnitude to a noise stimulus during alcohol withdrawal. It seems that the genetic association between alcohol drinking and alcohol withdrawal, as assessed by the acoustic startle response, depends on the quality of the acoustic startle stimulus.
Denaturing Protein Immunoprecipitation from Yeast

INTRODUCTIONWhere possible, it is preferable to use denaturing IPs to recover labeled proteins from pulse-chase experiments. The use of denaturing IPs reduces background and simplifies protein harvest. Yeast are boiled in an SDS-containing solution to liberate total proteins. This is also much safer than bead-beating radioactive yeast samples.
Plasticity in thermal tolerance has limited potential to buffer ectotherms from global warming.

Global warming is increasing the overheating risk for many organisms, though the potential for plasticity in thermal tolerance to mitigate this risk is largely unknown. In part, this shortcoming stems from a lack of knowledge about global and taxonomic patterns of variation in tolerance plasticity. To address this critical issue, we test leading hypotheses for broad-scale variation in ectotherm tolerance plasticity using a dataset that includes vertebrate and invertebrate taxa from terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats. Contrary to expectation, plasticity in heat tolerance was unrelated to latitude or thermal seasonality. However, plasticity in cold tolerance is associated with thermal seasonality in some habitat types. In addition, aquatic taxa have approximately twice the plasticity of terrestrial taxa. Based on the observed patterns of variation in tolerance plasticity, we propose that limited potential for behavioural plasticity (i.e. behavioural thermoregulation) favours the evolution of greater plasticity in physiological traits, consistent with the ‘Bogert effect’. Finally, we find that all ectotherms have relatively low acclimation in thermal tolerance and demonstrate that overheating risk will be minimally reduced by acclimation in even the most plastic groups. Our analysis indicates that behavioural and evolutionary mechanisms will be critical in allowing ectotherms to buffer themselves from extreme temperatures.
Identification of Intermittent Electrical and Mechanical Faults in Permanent-Magnet AC Drives Based on Time–Frequency Analysis

The detection of noncatastrophic faults in conjunction with other factors can be used to determine the remaining life of an electric drive. As the frequency and severity of these faults increase, the working life of the drive decreases, leading to eventual failure. In this paper, methods are presented to identify developing electrical and mechanical faults based on both the short-time Fourier transform and wavelet analysis of the field-oriented currents in permanent-magnet ac drives. The different fault types are classified by developing a linear discriminant classifier based on the transform coefficients.
Why) should we require consent to participation in research

It is widely accepted that informed consent is a requirement of ethical biomedical research. It is less clear why this is so. As an argumentative strategy the article asks whether it would be legitimate for the state to require people to participate in research. This article argues that the consent requirement cannot be defended by appeal to any simple principle, such as not treating people merely as a means, bodily integrity, and autonomy. As an argumentative strategy the article asks whether it would be legitimate for the state to require people to participate in research. I argue that while it would be legitimate and potentially justifiable to coerce people to participate in research as a matter of first-order moral principles, there are good reasons to adopt a general prohibition on coercive participation as a matter of second-order morality.