cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Risk Factors for Severe Thrombocytopenia in Lymphoma Patients Receiving Chemotherapy.

Background: Severe thrombocytopenia (TCP) can be a serious complication of chemotherapy (CT) in lymphoma patients (pts), however the exact incidence with the current regimens and risk factors for TCP are not well known. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine the incidence of TCP, and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the clinical and laboratory features correlated with severe TCP in lymphoma. Medical records of 538 consecutive pts out of the 1050 lymphoma pts, who were newly referred to MDACC in 2003, were reviewed. Results: 202 pts who received > 1 cycle of treatment were included in the analysis. The total number of CT cycles (with PLT counts) for the 202 pts was 985 (median 6, range, 1–20). Grade (gr) 4 TCP (PLT nadir 150x103/μL: OR=4.610, 95% CI, 1.366 to 15.560, p=0.0138), prior therapy (yes vs. no: OR=2.575, 95% CI, 1.337 to 4.961, p=0.0047), Beta2 Microglobulin (B2M) (≥2 vs 60 vs. ≤60 yrs: OR=0.479, 95% CI, 0.241 to 0.952, p=0.0356) were the most important risk factors for grade 3 or 4 TCP. Conclusions: The incidence of severe TCP in this population is high. Baseline pt characteristics including histological gr, PLT counts, prior therapy, age and serum B2M were found to be significant risk factors predictive for chemotherapy-induced TCP (CIT). These findings could be useful to identify high risk pts for consideration of treatment approaches for prevention and treatment of CIT.
Abstract 2169: Genomic analysis of 207 rectal cancer samples

As the 3rd most commonly diagnosed cancer, colorectal cancer makes up of about 10% of all cancer cases and afflicts 1.3million patient each year. It is also the 3rd leading cause of cancer death. Every year more than 50,000 patients die of this disease. To analyze the molecular mechanism of rectal cancer, we explore the gene expression of cancer samples of 207 patients; most of them have paired control. We also study SNPs as well as prognosis data of these patients. Rectal cancer samples show a significant downregulation of genes in metabolic pathways. The general expression pattern separates cancer samples into “control like” subgroup and “cancer like” subgroup. There is no significant prognosis difference between these two groups. We observe a strong correlation between the average gene expression and the copy number change of each chromosome of cancer samples. Several SNPs show differential survival among patients with different alleles. Clinical data shows that these SNPs affect prognosis independent of lymph node status. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Yue Hu. Genomic analysis of 207 rectal cancer samples. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2169. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2169
The non-drug treatment of asthma

Anti-asthma medication alone cannot be considered a complete treatment for asthma. Drugs have not made an impact on asthma mortality, yet may cause significant side-effects. Minimising exposure to environmental allergens decreases the severity of asthma attacks and therefore decreases the amount of medication required and the likelihood of side-effects. The identification, avoidance and elimination of allergens should therefore play a central role in the management of any child with asthma. Studies in Asia and Europe have shown a positive correlation between affluence, indoor pollution, and the prevalence of asthma. There is evidence to suggest a relationship between exposure to allergens before the age of 1 year and later allergen sensitivity, through the promotion of TH2 cell dominance. Of particular importance are maternal smoking, house dust mites and cockroach allergens. The methods for reducing house dust mite exposure are many and varied and include acaricides, encasement of bedding material, vacuuming, exposure to sunlight, dehumidification, hot washing and air filtration.
Biochemical markers of cartilage metabolism are associated with walking biomechanics 6‐months following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The purpose of our study was to determine the association between biomechanical outcomes of walking gait (peak vertical ground reaction force [vGRF], vGRF loading rate [vGRF-LR], and knee adduction moment [KAM]) 6 months following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and biochemical markers of serum type-II collagen turnover (collagen type-II cleavage product to collagen type-II C-propeptide [C2C:CPII]), plasma degenerative enzymes (matrix metalloproteinase-3 [MMP-3]), and a pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-6 [IL-6]). Biochemical markers were evaluated within the first 2 weeks (6.5 ± 3.8 days) following ACL injury and again 6 months following ACLR in eighteen participants. All peak biomechanical outcomes were extracted from the first 50% of the stance phase of walking gait during a 6-month follow-up exam. Limb symmetry indices (LSI) were used to normalize the biomechanical outcomes in the ACLR limb to that of the contralateral limb (ACLR/contralateral). Bivariate correlations were used to assess associations between biomechanical and biochemical outcomes. Greater plasma MMP-3 concentrations after ACL injury and at the 6-month follow-up exam were associated with lesser KAM LSI. Lesser KAM was associated with greater plasma IL-6 at the 6-month follow-up exam. Similarly, lesser vGRF-LR LSI was associated with greater plasma MMP-3 concentrations at the 6-month follow-up exam. Lesser peak vGRF LSI was associated with higher C2C:CPII after ACL injury, yet this association was not significant after accounting for walking speed. Therefore, lesser biomechanical loading in the ACLR limb, compared to the contralateral limb, 6 months following ACLR may be related to deleterious joint tissue metabolism that could influence future cartilage breakdown. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2288-2297, 2017.
Outpatient use of a portable international normalized ratio/prothrombin time monitor.

ABSTRACT:We review our collective experience over the past 4 years using a portable instrument that measures the International Normalized Ratio (INR) and the prothrombin time (PT). The device can be used readily in ambulatory clinic settings and by patients in their homes. The major advantage of the
The brain strategy for online learning

Complexity is a double-edged sword for learning algorithms when the number of available samples for training in relation to the dimension of the feature space is small. This is because simple models do not sufficiently capture the nuances of the data set, while complex models overfit. While remedies such as regularization and dimensionality reduction exist, they themselves can suffer from overfitting or introduce bias. To address the issue of overfitting, the incorporation of prior structural knowledge is generally of paramount importance. In this work, we propose a BRAIN strategy for learning, which enhances the performance of traditional algorithms, such as logistic regression and SVM learners, by incorporating a graphical layer that tracks and learns in real-time the underlying correlation structure among feature subspaces. In this way, the algorithm is able to identify salient subspaces and their correlations, while simultaneously dampening the effect of irrelevant features. This effect is particularly useful for high-dimensional feature spaces.
On Some Numerical Properties of ARMA Parameter Estimation Procedures.

This paper reviews the algorithms used by statisticians for obtaining efficient estimators of the parameters of a univariate autoregressive moving average (ARMA) time series. The connection of the estimation problem with the problem of prediction is investigated with particular emphasis on the Kalman filter and modified Cholesky decomposition algorithms. A result from prediction theory is given which provides a significant reduction in the computations needed in Ansley’s (1979) estimation procedure. Finally it is pointed out that there are many useful facts in the literature of control theory that need to be investigated by statisticians interested in estimation and prediction problems in linear time series models.
Examining Temporality in Document Classification

Many corpora span broad periods of time. Language processing models trained during one time period may not work well in future time periods, and the best model may depend on specific times of year (e.g., people might describe hotels differently in reviews during the winter versus the summer). This study investigates how document classifiers trained on documents from certain time intervals perform on documents from other time intervals, considering both seasonal intervals (intervals that repeat across years, e.g., winter) and non-seasonal intervals (e.g., specific years). We show experimentally that classification performance varies over time, and that performance can be improved by using a standard domain adaptation approach to adjust for changes in time.
Conditions of isokinetic knee flexion that enhance isokinetic knee extension

The results of two experiments are reported. The purpose of the initial investigation was to determine the effect of isokinetic knee flexion contraction intensity on subsequent knee extension contraction. Seven subjects performed ten isokinetic knee flexion-extension cycles at six isokinetic velocities under two antagonist contraction conditions. In the first condition, isokinetic knee flexion and extension were speed-matched, and, in the second condition, the high-speed condition, knee flexion was 7.85 rad.s-1 irrespective of knee extension velocity, which ranged from 0.52 to 7.85 rad.s-1. Significantly greater isokinetic knee extension measures were observed at low isokinetic velocities and were associated with the high-speed contraction condition. Enhancement of the knee extension contraction was in the initial work phase of the isokinetic contraction. The second experiment was conducted to determine whether the enhancement of the initial work phase could be associated, in part, with passive elastic qualities of the involved musculature. In this study the range of motion for the knee involved musculature. In this study the range of motion for the knee extension-flexion cycles was reduced from the previous 2.01 rad to 1.57 rad. Two isokinetic knee extension velocities were studied (1.57 and 7.85 rad.s-1) under five conditions: initiated from rest, initiated from isometric knee flexion MVC, and with preceding isokinetic knee flexion at 0.52, 4.19, and 7.85 rad.s-1. The hypothesis that knee extension contraction measures would not increase was supported. Based upon the results of the two experiments, it is suggested that the increases in knee extension contraction measures observed in the first experiment are at least partially mediated by the contribution to net torque by passive elastic musculotendinous elements. Further study of this phenomenon with the inclusion of electromyographic measures will allow determination of the presence and contribution of increased neural drive.
Modeling of Material Uncertainties Using the Nonlinear Stochastic Finite Element Method

Safety evaluation of structural systems with realistic consideration of their behavior is becoming increasingly important to the engineering profession. Most of the planning and design of engineering systems is accomplished under conditions of uncertainty. Three major sources of uncertainty are (1) environmental uncertainty, (2) structural uncertainty and (3) modeling uncertainty. Structural uncertainty can be attributed to structure-related parameters such as the structural geometry, material properties, and boundary conditions. They are difficult to predict because of the influence of numerous factors during manufacturing, fabrication and construction. Structural uncertainty, specifically material uncertainty, is emphasized in this paper.
Patient Expectations for Surgery: Are They Being Met?

Article-at-a-Glance Background The purpose of the study was to determine patient expectations for the outcomes of three elective surgical procedures, the extent to which patient expectations for surgery were met, the reasons for unmet expectations, and the factors that might predict unmet expectations. Better understanding of these questions might help identify targeted interventions to better prepare patients for specific health care experiences. Methods In a longitudinal, prospective design, a convenience sample of 445 patients (age range, 18 to 86 years) at a general surgery clinic at a major academic medical center was included–177 patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair, 146 undergoing parathyroidectomy, and 122 undergoing cholecystectomy. Patients completed both standardized and newly developed condition-specific health survey instruments. Preoperative interviews were administered, followed by mailed surveys 2 months after surgery. Results Between 9% and 27% of the respondents reported unmet expectations, with significant variation by condition; reasons included perceived lack of symptom relief, surgical complications, and process of care issues. Patients undergoing parathyroidectomy had a greater probability of unmet expectations. Both feeling prepared for surgery and improved postoperative symptom relief and role functioning reduced the probability of unmet expectations. Discussion To reduce the level of unmet expectations, patients need to be prepared both for the surgical experience and for what to expect in the recovery phase. This is especially true for complex illnesses such as primary hyperparathyroidism. Innovative educational strategies to ensure adequate preparation for surgery will be needed, and attention will need to be paid to latent, unstated process measures, if unmet expectations are to be reduced.
Strategies for Clustering, Classifying, Integrating, Standardizing and Visualizing Microarray Gene Expression Data

Over the last century, investigation of the anatomical and morphological characteristics of a small number of organisms has played an important role in the understanding of numerous biological processes. The rediscovery of Mendel’s laws of heredity in the opening of the 20th century initiated a scientific quest to understand the mechanisms of how genetic information is transmitted and the biological consequences of genetic variation. With the emergence of molecular biology in the last thirty years, classical genetic research has shifted from understanding how visible traits are transmitted to the study of the genome structure at the molecular level. Innovations such as PCR and advances in robotics such as miniaturization and parallelization have lead to a rapid development of more accurate, sensitive and powerful devices used for the analysis of the molecular structure, function and interaction of gene products. With the development of ultrahigh throughput screening tools and the drive from 96-microwell plates to 384- and 1536-microwell plates, it is expected that the generation of whole sequences of different organisms will increase at a rate ~100 times higher than previously anticipated (HeadGordon and Wooley, 2001; Helfrich, 2002; Beson et al. 2002). As powerful, automated biological sampling and analytical tools are becoming available to more laboratories, an exponential and sometimes overwhelming accumulation of multi-format post-genomic datasets is produced. Consequently, modern biology is becoming a data driven multidisciplinary science in which biologists, mathematicians, statisticians, physicists and computer scientists are developing tools to identify ‘in silico’ the coding regions of genes, predict and model protein structural characteristics, define protein-protein interactions, construct biochemical networks and identify potential drug targets.
Development of an environmental risk characterization methodology for the Philadelphia Energy Risk Study

Variations in the emission of arsenic compounds from large power plants in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are determined for the period 1950 through 1990. Estimation of the annual average concentration of the airborne arsenic component of particulate matter is presented. A unit risk assessment is used to estimate the historical variation in public health risk. The results of the risk assessment are presented graphically in a contour map format using a “risk power” parameter.
Private Optimization on Networks

This paper considers a distributed multi-agent optimization problem, with the global objective consisting of the sum of local objective functions of the agents. The agents solve the optimization problem using local computation and communication between adjacent agents in the network. We present two randomized iterative algorithms for distributed optimization. To improve privacy, our algorithms add “structured” randomization to the information exchanged between the agents. We prove deterministic correctness (in every execution) of the proposed algorithms despite the information being perturbed by noise with non-zero mean. We prove that a special case of a proposed algorithm (called function sharing) preserves privacy of individual polynomial objective functions under a suitable connectivity condition on the network topology.
Race, Partisanship, and Attitudes Toward Public Policy Commonality and Legislative Districts

This paper utilizes original survey data to examine whether individuals believe they share views on public policy with members of their own racial or ethnic group and whether they place an importance on living in legislative districts with people from their own racial or ethnic group. We find strong evidence that Latino and African-American respondents have a sense of shared policy preferences within their own group. Our results also indicate white Republicans are very likely to view themselves as having shared policy preferences within their group. Respondents who have a strong sense of shared policy preferences with their racial group are also the most likely to think it is important to live in legislative districts with others from their own racial or ethnic group. This paper affords a deeper understanding of the extent to which voters express commonality with their racial and ethnic minority group on matters related to public policy.
A novel intronic homozygous mutation in the AMT gene of a patient with nonketotic hyperglycinemia and hyperammonemia.

Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by defects in the mitochondrial glycine cleavage system. Most patients present soon after birth with seizures and hypotonia, and infants that survive the newborn period often have profound intellectual disability and intractable seizures. Here we present a case report of a 4-year-old girl with NKH as well as hyperammonemia, an uncommon finding in NKH. Genetic analysis found a previously unreported homozygous mutation (c.878–1 G > A) in the AMT gene. Maximum Entropy Principle modeling predicted that this mutation most likely breaks the splice site at the border of intron 7 and exon 8 of the AMT gene. Treatment with L-Arginine significantly reduced both the proband’s glycine and ammonia levels, in turn aiding in control of seizures and mental status. This is the first time the use of L-Arginine is reported to successfully treat elevated glycine levels.
Allocation of Internal Cash Flow when Firms Pay Less Tax

We provide evidence about allocations of cash flow freed-up by not paying taxes ("tax-related cash"). Uncertainty about future repayments suggests firms may use tax-related cash more cautiously tha...
Spinal cord syndromes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: differentiating lupus myelitis, neuromyelitis optica, and multiple sclerosis.

ObjectiveNon-infectious myelitis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be due to SLE myelitis, comorbid multiple sclerosis (MS), or neuromyelitis optica (NMO). We compared characteristics of th...
Resistivity minimum in diluted metallic magnets

Resistivity minima are commonly seen in itinerant magnets and they are often attributed to the Kondo effect. However, recent experiments are revealing an increasing number of materials showing resistivity minima in the absence of indications of Kondo singlet formation. In a previous work [Z. Wang, K. Barros, G.-W. Chern, D. L. Maslov, and C. D. Batista, Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 206601 (2016)], we demonstrated that the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction can produce a classical spin liquid state at finite temperature, whose resistivity increases with decreasing temperature. The classical spin liquid exists over a relatively large temperature window because of the frustrated nature of the RKKY interaction produced by a 2D electron gas. In this work, we investigate the robustness of the RKKY-induced resistivity upturn against site dilution, which provides an alternative, and more robust, way of stabilizing the classical spin liquid state down to $T=0$. By using series expansions and stochastic Landau-Lifshitz dynamics simulation, we show that site dilution competes with thermal fluctuations and further stabilizes the resistivity upturn, which is accompanied by a negative magnetoresistivity due to suppression of the electron-spin scattering.
A Phytochrome B-Independent Pathway Restricts Growth at High Levels of Jasmonate Defense.

The plant hormone jasmonate (JA) promotes resistance to biotic stress by stimulating the degradation of JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN (JAZ) proteins, which relieves repression on MYC transcription factors that execute defense programs. JA-triggered depletion of JAZ proteins in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is also associated with reduced growth and seed production, but the mechanisms underlying these pleiotropic growth effects remain unclear. Here, we investigated this question using an Arabidopsis JAZ-deficient mutant (jazD; jaz1–jaz7,jaz9, jaz10, andjaz13) that exhibits high levels of defense and strong growth inhibition. Genetic suppressor screens for mutations that uncouple growth-defense tradeoffs in the jazD mutant identified nine independent causal mutations in the red-light receptor phytochrome B (phyB). Unlike the ability of the phyB mutations to completely uncouple the mild growth-defense phenotypes in a jaz mutant (jazQ) defective in JAZ1, JAZ3, JAZ4, JAZ9, and JAZ10, phyB null alleles only weakly alleviated the growth and reproductive defects in the jazD mutant. phyB-independent growth restriction of the jazD mutant was tightly correlated with upregulation of the Trp biosynthetic pathway but not with changes in central carbon metabolism. Interestingly, jazD and jazD phyB plants were insensitive to a chemical inhibitor of Trp biosynthesis, which is a phenotype previously observed in plants expressing hyperactive MYC transcription factors that cannot bind JAZ repressors. These data provide evidence that the mechanisms underlying JA-mediated growth-defense balance depend on the level of defense, and they further establish an association between growth inhibition at high levels of defense and dysregulation of Trp biosynthesis.
The Effects of a Pedal-less Bicycle Intervention on Stability Scores among Preschool Aged Children

The purpose of this preliminary investigation was to determine if an intervention program using pedal-less bicycles could improve stability scores among preschool aged children. Currently, there ha...
Downwind: A People’s History of the Nuclear West: By Sarah Alisabeth Fox. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 2014. 304 pp. ISBN 978-1-4962-07661, Softcover, $19.95; ISBN 978-0-8032-55371, Hardcover, $29.95; ISBN 978-0-8032-69507, e-Book, $19.95

Sarah Alisabeth Fox begins her book, Downwind: A People’s History of the Nuclear West, with a brief but eerie anecdote from a woman who grew up downwind of the Nevada Test Site (NTS). The woman, Cl...
A Systematic Review of International Higher Education Scholarships for Students from the Global South.

This systematic literature review maps an emerging subfield in educational research : international scholarships for students from the Global South. To untangle the multiple and sometimes competing...
Lessons learned from exploring the potential of California's mini-corps tutors as future bilingual teachers

Currently, there are 1.3 million English Learners (EL) in California public schools (CDE 2018). The passage of Proposition 58, which presented multilingual education as key to students’ future econ...
Clinical, Imaging, and Pathologic Characteristics of Patients With Right Versus Left Hemisphere-Predominant Logopenic Progressive Aphasia.

Objective To assess and compare demographic, clinical, neuroimaging, and pathologic characteristics of a cohort of patients with right hemisphere–predominant vs left hemisphere–predominant logopenic progressive aphasia (LPA). Methods This is a case-control study of patients with LPA who were prospectively followed at Mayo Clinic and underwent [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scan. Patients were classified as rLPA if right temporal lobe metabolism was ≥1 SD lower than left temporal lobe metabolism. Patients with rLPA were frequency-matched 3:1 to typical left-predominant LPA based on degree of asymmetry and severity of temporal lobe metabolism. Patients were compared on clinical, imaging (MRI, FDG-PET, β-amyloid, and tau-PET), and pathologic characteristics. Results Of 103 prospectively recruited patients with LPA, 8 (4 female) were classified as rLPA (7.8%); all patients with rLPA were right-handed. Patients with rLPA had milder aphasia based on the Western Aphasia Battery–Aphasia Quotient (p = 0.04) and less frequent phonologic errors (p = 0.015). Patients with rLPA had shorter survival compared to typical LPA: hazard ratio 4.0 (1.2–12.9), p = 0.02. There were no other differences in demographics, handedness, genetics, or neurologic or neuropsychological tests. Compared to the 24 frequency-matched patients with typical LPA, patients with rLPA showed greater frontotemporal hypometabolism of the nondominant hemisphere on FDG-PET and less atrophy in amygdala and hippocampus of the dominant hemisphere. Autopsy evaluation revealed a similar distribution of pathologic findings in both groups, with Alzheimer disease pathologic changes being the most frequent pathology. Conclusions rLPA is associated with less severe aphasia but has shorter survival from reported symptom onset than typical LPA, possibly related to greater involvement of the nondominant hemisphere.
Multiphysics System Co-Design of a High-Precision, High-Voltage (±600V) Isolated Hall-Effect Current Sensor

Hall-Effect current sensor is a transducer type, which senses the strength of a magnetic field caused by the detected current and changes its voltage output accordingly. Linear Hall-Effect integrated circuits (ICs) provide non-invasive, safe sensing, and detection of high DC, AC, and pulse current levels without dissipating additional power associated with resistive current-sensing methods. Typical applications of current sensing include overcurrent protection, monitoring and diagnostics, and closed-loop control in high-voltage, high-current systems. The current sensor options available for high-voltage applications are typically isolated shunt-based, closed-loop Hall-effect, or an in-package based Hall-Effect. The in-package Hall-Effect current sensor technology is preferred as market needs drive highly-integrated, high-performance, and cost-effective solutions. While beneficial, integration leads to multiple design complexities due to increasing system multiphysics interactions. This paper presents a multiphysics system (silicon + package + PCB) co-design of an in-package Hall-Effect current sensor IC that can be adopted early in the design process. The development and implementation of the coupled electrothermal and system modeling methodology are fully detailed. Silicon validation measurements on a high-precision, high-voltage (±600V) Hall-Effect current sensor device are presented that validate the integrity of the multiphysics system co-design modeling and analysis methodology.
Informed Investors and Underpricing in Municipal Bond Offerings

This paper reveals a non-monotonic impact of local mutual funds on municipal bond issuance. Offering yields are higher with municipal bond funds nearby, and with larger total fund size in the same state. However, conditional on the same aggregate local fund size, bond yields are decreasing in the number of local funds. Such relations hold when local funds' primary market participation is instrumented with distances between characteristics of new issues and those of existing bonds in their portfolios. An extension of Rock (1986)'s IPO underpricing model that incorporates imperfect signals available to informed investors further confirms my empirical findings. Despite higher borrowing cost, issuers benefit from local funds' certification resulting in both institutional and retail investors' higher demand.
An experimental analysis of risk and entrepreneurial attitudes of university students in the USA and Brazil

There is a long-standing debate about whether entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs differ in risk aversion levels. The paper addresses international differences in risk and entrepreneurial attitudes of university students, specifically in the USA and Brazil. This paper also aims to add to the ongoing debate surrounding the risk attitudes of entrepreneurial persons when compared to non-entrepreneurial persons. The data from the paper was generated from an economic experiment. The economic experiment included a sample of students from both the USA and Brazil. Subjects completed a shortened version of the Entrepreneurial Attitude Orientation (EAO) and then participated in an investment game. Subjects in the USA were found to be more entrepreneurial than the sample in Brazil. This held true for two separate definitions of entrepreneurial. There was no difference in the investment decisions between subjects from the two countries. Also, entrepreneurial subjects invested a higher percentage of their money in a risky asset. This is one of the first papers to present results from an internationally conducted economic experiment testing for differences in risk aversion levels between entrepreneurial and non-entrepreneurial individuals.
Custom test chip for system-level ESD investigations

A test-chip for monitoring soft failures is presented. Diagnostics include logic circuit upset detection, substrate potential latchup monitors, input glitch detectors, system IDDQ monitors, and USB transmitters. Powered TLP testing and IEC61000-4-2 ESD produce different failures. Also, different failures are reported for mobile systems and those powered through grounded supplies.
The science and technology of coal and coal utilization

Coal is a complex yet abundantly available energy source. This complexity largely determines coal acceptability and convenience in use, and creates a need for high-quality applied research. The primary problem in using coal is the necessity to minimize pollution. This requirement leads to the use of indirect or elaborate means for extracting the energy content of coal. For example, the high sulfur content of much coal in the eastern United States points to the need for advanced combustion processes, gasification or liquefaction processes, or reasonably expensive cleanup systems on conventional combustion processes, to overcome this environmental liability.
Acetate-dependent methylation of two corrinoid proteins in extracts of Methanosarcina barkeri.

Abstract Corrinoid proteins have been implicated as methyl carriers in methane formation from acetate, yet specific corrinoid proteins methylated by acetate-derived intermediates have not been identified. In the presence of ATP, H2, and bromoethanesulfonic acid, label from 3H- or 2-14C-labeled acetate was incorporated into the protein fraction of cell extracts of Methanosarcina barkeri. Incorporated label was susceptible to photolysis, yielding labeled methane as the anaerobic photolysis product. Size exclusion high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) demonstrated the presence of at least three labeled proteins with native molecular sizes of 480, 200, and 29 kDa, while electrophoresis indicated that four major labeled proteins were present. Dual-label experiments demonstrated that these four proteins were methylated rather than acetylated. Two of the proteins (480 and 29 kDa) contained the majority of radiolabel and were stably methylated. After labeling with [2-14C]acetate, the stable 14CH3-proteins were partially purified, and 14CH3-cofactors were isolated from each protein. UV-visible spectroscopy and HPLC demonstrated these to be methylated corrinoids. When the 480-kDa corrinoid protein was purified to 70% homogeneity, the preparation was found to have subunits of 40 and 30 kDa. The 480-kDa protein but not the 29-kDa protein was methylated during in vitro methanogenesis from acetate and demethylated as methanogenesis ceased, consistent with the involvement of this protein in methane formation.
Metabolic remodeling of bacterial surfaces via tetrazine ligations

Bioorthogonal click ligations are extensively used for the introduction of functional groups in biological systems. Tetrazine ligations are attractive in that they are catalyst-free and display favorable kinetics. We describe the efficient remodeling of bacterial cell surfaces using unnatural d-amino acids derivatized with tetrazine ligation handles. The metabolic incorporation of these unnatural d-amino acids onto bacterial cell surfaces resulted in a site-selective installation of fluorophores.
Adhesion of Chromium, Nickel, and Copper to Polymers Containing Basic Functional Groups

Surface acidity of chromium, nickel, and copper and their oxides was investigated by performing extended Huckel type band calculations on these materials. Interactions with basic functional groups encountered in polymers were investigated by studying the adsorption chemistry of ammonia on these metal (metal oxide) surfaces. Results of the calculations were analyzed in terms of the density of states, the total energy, and overlap populations.
Exact evaluation of gross photosynthetic production from the oxygen triple-isotope composition of O2: Implications for the net-to-gross primary production ratios

[1] The oxygen triple-isotope composition of dissolved O2 provides an integrative method to estimate the rates of Gross Photosynthetic Production (GPP) in the upper ocean, and combined with estimates of Net Community Production (NCP) yields an estimate of the net-to-gross (NCP/GPP) production ratios. However, derivations of GPP from oxygen triple-isotope measurements have involved some mathematical approximations. We derive an exact expression for calculating GPP, and show that small errors associated with approximations result in a relative error of up to ∼38% in GPP, and up to ∼50% in N/G. In open ocean regimes with low primary production, the observed magnitude of the error is comparable to the combined methodological uncertainties. In highly productive ecosystems, the error arising from approximations becomes significant. Using data collected on the Bering Sea shelf, we illustrate the differences in GPP estimates in both high and low productivity regimes that arise from exact and approximated formulations.
Metastatic tumors of the heart detected by two-dimensional echocardiography.

3 cas: un lymphome lymphoblastique, en sarcome des tissus mous et un melanome malin dont les metastases cardiaques et pericardiques ont ete detectees par l'echocardiographie bidimensionnelle
The Role of New Hire Orientation Programs.

A vital component of a firm's human resource management is its new hire orientation (NHO) program. The authors' review of extant literature suggests that NHO programs can be organized based on a reconceptualization of human capital. Using their typology, a firm can organize the role and scope of its NHO program, assign responsibility for the program's execution, and determine the appropriate level of resources to commit to this process. Results of an application in a large technology organization suggest firm performance suffers when NHO components are not aligned strategically. Implications of the study for managers and academics in career counseling are presented.
The Validation of a Morale Measuring Instrument

A morale questionnaire developed in Australia was subjected in the U.S.A. to a test of its validity by using a small sample of schools judged by experts to be of either high or low morale. Following item analysis, a shorter questionnaire was developed which discriminated significantly between a sample of schools of high and low staff morale both in Australia and in the U.S.A.
Electronic Coherence and Nonlinear Susceptibilities of Conjugated Polyenes

A dynamic theory that connects electronic motions and the nonlinear optical response of conjugated polyenes is developed by introducing the concept of electronic normal modes. A useful picture for the mechanism of optical nonlinearities is obtained by identifying the few dominant modes. This quasi-particle electron-hole representation establishes a close analogy with small semiconductor particles (quantum dots) and is very different from the traditional approach based on electronic eigenstates. The effective conjugation length (coherence size), which controls the scaling and saturation of the static third-order susceptibility X (3) with the number of double bonds, is related to the coherence of the relative motion of electron-hole pairs created upon optical excitation.
Excommunication in the information society

Despite calls for a national information infrastructure based on a model of telecommunications claiming universal service, and longstanding expectations of a global village based in ubiquitous communication technologies, this goal will remain elusive. Universal service, even with massive financial subsidies from advertising, has never been achieved by any medium of communication. The national information infrastructure will not alter this consistent history as people will be excommunicated by excess, economics, and choice. Such deprivation of the poorest members of society has profound implications for their sense of self‐worth, the practice of democracy, and people's expectations of society itself.
Stochastic Sensitivity Analysis

ABSTRACT Stochastic sensitivity analysis explicitly considers the uncertainty common in engineering economy. Like simulation, the variables probability distributions are the input. The output, like deterministic sensitivity analyses, relates changing variables to changes in the model's outcome (present worth). However, the x —axis is now probabilistic so that break-even probabilities are r-axis distances. Areas represent conditional expected values and expected values of perfect information. This solid intuitive basis contrasts with a uniform pdf assumption that underlies typical sensitivity graphs. The probability metric permits relative sensitivity analysis of variables that are measured in different units. Spreadsheets easily support this method.
Issue of prostate gland size, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and continence revisited.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the influence of prostate gland size on the perioperative, pathologic, and continence outcomes after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). METHODS 144 LRPs for which 18-month continence data were available were performed by a single surgeon, and were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided initially into two groups based on final prostate gland size: group 1 (weight less than 50 g) and group 2 (weight 50 g or more). Group 2 patients were stratified into group IIa (weight 50 to 70 g) and Group IIb (weight 70 g or more) to further examine the effect of gland size on continence. RESULTS Larger glands had higher mean prostate-specific antigen (P <0.05) but among groups there were no significant differences in patient age, Gleason sum, pathological stage, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, or positive margin rate. We noted a significant difference in mean time to recovery of continence for patients with small glands versus large glands: group 1 (8.2 months), group 2 (9.9 months), group IIa (8.5 months), and group IIb (13.8 months) (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Prostate gland size had no effect on perioperative outcomes. However, recovery of postoperative continence can be delayed in patients with large prostates.
Hydrogenic model for stark angular momentum transfer in rydberg atoms

Abstract A model for Δ n = 0 angular momentum transfer due to electric fields is developed using rotation operators for the SO(4) invariance group of hydrogen. Time-averaged angular momentum transfer probabilities suggest increased radiative lifetimes (τ ∞ n 4 ) for initial low- l atoms, due to field-induced transition to high- l states.
Binding of Substrate in Two Conformations to Human Prothrombinase Drives Consecutive Cleavage at Two Sites in Prothrombin

Thrombin formation results from cleavage of prothrombin following Arg(271) and Arg(320). Both bonds are accessible for cleavage, yet the sequential action of prothrombinase on Arg(320) followed by Arg(271) is implied by the intermediate observed during prothrombin activation. We have studied the individual cleavage reactions catalyzed by prothrombinase by using a series of recombinant derivatives: wild type prothrombin (II(WT)) contained both cleavage sites; II(Q271) contained a single cleavable site at Arg(320); II(Q320) and II(A320) contained a single cleavable site at Arg(271); and II(QQ) was resistant to cleavage. Cleavage at Arg(320) in II(Q271) could account for the initial cleavage reaction leading to the consumption of either plasma prothrombin or II(WT), whereas cleavage at Arg(271) in either II(Q320) or II(A320) was found to be approximately 30-fold slower. Equivalent kinetic constants were obtained for three of the four possible half-reactions. Slow cleavage at Arg(271) in intact prothrombin resulted from an approximately 30-fold reduction in V(max). Thus, the observed pathway of bond cleavage by prothrombinase can be explained by the kinetic constants for the four possible individual cleavage reactions. II(Q320) was a competitive inhibitor of II(Q271) cleavage, and II(QQ) was a competitive inhibitor for each reaction with K(i) approximately K(m). The data are inconsistent with previous proposals and suggest a model in which substrates for each of the four possible half-reactions bind in a mutually exclusive manner and with equal affinity to prothrombinase in a cleavage site-independent way. Despite equivalent exosite binding interactions between all four possible substrates and the enzyme, we propose that ordered bond cleavage results from the constraints associated with the binding of substrates in one of two conformations to a single form of prothrombinase.
Computer aided design in the food processing industry I. overview of process flowsheeting

Summary. A review of process flowsheeting as applied to the food processing industry is pre-sented. Included is a history of process flowsheeting, an introduction to how this tool is ued by the process engineer, limitations of the tool in the food processing industry, a discussion of ongoing research relating to process flowsheeting, and a discussion of research needs in order to make this tool applicable to the food processing industry.
Point of View: Should There be a Clinical Typology of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?

Objective: The current classification of posttraumatic stress disorder in acute, chronic and delayed-onset types is incomplete and of limited usefulness. The present paper explores the possibilities of a clinically-based typology that would reflect both the patients' syndromic presentation and modern research findings.Method: Review of current clinical and research literature, with a critical examination of proposed typologies, parameters utilised, applicability and relevance; elaboration of theoretical and practical bases of a clinical typology of posttraumatic stress disorder.Results: None of the existing posttraumatic stress disorder typologies presents a clinically comprehensive scope. A typology supported by literature findings and clinical observations is proposed. The six clinical types are depressive, dissociative, somatomorphic, psychotomorphic, organomorphic and ‘neurotic-like’. Substance abuse and personality disorder-like variants remain as areas of investigation.Conclusions: The proposed typo...
Student Diary Keeping: Tool for Instructional Improvement

There is little evidence that end-of-course evaluations of instructors by students result in any improvement in subsequent teaching. This may be because the feedback received is, on the whole, of poor quality. This article suggests that the process of diary keeping may help students deliver more useful performance feedback to instructors. Results of an experimental study in which some students used performance diaries and others did not are reported. Theoretical benefits of diary keeping are explored and practical problems are discussed.
Adjusting Self-Reported Attitudinal Data for Mischievous Respondents:

For various reasons, survey participants may submit phoney attitudinal self-reports meant to bypass researcher scepticism. After suggesting reasons for this new category of problematic survey parti...
Ecological constraints on rain forest management at Bajo Calima, western Colombia

Abstract A forest harvesting system using skyline cables was evaluated for its effect on secondary forest structure and tree species richness of lowland rain forests in the Bajo Calima Concession, western Colombia. Forests were sampled using six 0.1 ha plots in mature primary forest and sites 0.4, 4, 8 and 12 years since logging. Clear-cutting reduced overstory (trees greater than or equal to 10 cm dbh) basal area, biomass and richness to 7%, 4%, and 17%, respectively, of primary forest levels. By the twelfth year 46% of basal area, 37% of biomass, and 38% of richness had returned. However, 63% of biomass and 50% of richness were composed of ‘core pioneer’ species. The replacement of primary (climax) species dominants by pioneer species indicates that the early process of regeneration is more appropriately described as secondary succession. Age since clear-cutting during the first 12 years of growth was a significant linear predictor of both pioneer and climax species biomass and basal area, but not climax richness. Extrapolation of these trends beyond 12 years suggest that overstory basal area and biomass would equal that of mature rain forests by 30 years (the proposed rotation time). However, the decline in pioneer growth rates over time, the slow climax growth rates, and the failure to predict observations in an 18-year old stand indicate that such a model is unrealistic. Climax species need longer than 30 years to recover, and biomass may decline between 15 and 30 years if many short-lived pioneer trees die before climax trees are well established. More consideration needs to be given to understanding the regeneration of climax species if conservation and harvesting are to be combined. Putting part of the concession under a longer rotation time may permit climax trees to regenerate successfully.