cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modifications to Axially Symmetric Simulations Using New DSMC (2007) Algorithms

Several modifications aimed at improving physical accuracy are proposed for solving axially symmetric problems building on the DSMC (2007) algorithms introduced by Bird. Originally developed to solve nonequilibrium, rarefied flows, the DSMC method is now regularly used to solve complex problems over a wide range of Knudsen numbers. These new algorithms include features such as nearest neighbor collisions excluding the previous collision partners, separate collision and sampling cells, automatically adaptive variable time steps, a modified no-time counter procedure for collisions, and discontinuous and event-driven physical processes. Axially symmetric solutions require radial weighting for the simulated molecules since the molecules near the axis represent fewer real molecules than those farther away from the axis due to the difference in volume of the cells. In the present methodology, these radial weighting factors are continuous, linear functions that vary with the radial position of each simulated molecule. It is shown that how one defines the number of tentative collisions greatly influences the mean collision time near the axis. The method by which the grid is treated for axially symmetric problems also plays an important role near the axis, especially for scalar pressure. A new method to treat how the molecules are traced through the grid is proposed to alleviate the decrease in scalar pressure at the axis near the surface. Also, a modification to the duplication buffer is proposed to vary the duplicated molecular velocities while retaining the molecular kinetic energy and axially symmetric nature of the problem.
Novel real-time feedback and integrated simulation model for teaching and evaluating ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia skills in pediatric anesthesia trainees.

Summary Objectives: To assess, teach, and improve core competencies and skills sets associated with ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) of pediatric anesthesia trainees. Aim: To effectively assess and improve UGRA-associated cognitive and technical skills and proficiency of pediatric anesthesia trainees using simulators and real-time feedback. Background: Ultrasound usage has been increasingly adopted by anesthesiologists to perform regional anesthesia. Pediatric UGRA performance significantly lags behind adult UGRA practice. Lack of effective UGRA training is the major reason for this unfortunate lag. Integration of ultrasound imaging, target location, and needling skills are crucial in safely performing UGRA. However, there are no standards to ensure proficiency in practice, nor in training. Methods: We implemented an UGRA instructional program for all trainees, in two parts. First, we used a unique training model for initial assessment and training of technical skills. Second, we used an instructional program that encompasses UGRA and equipment-associated cognitive skills. After baseline assessment at 0 months, we retested these trainees at 6 and 12 months to identify progression of proficiency over time. Results: Cognitive and technical UGRA skills of trainees improved significantly over the course of time. UGRA performance average accuracy improved to 79% at 12 months from the baseline accuracy of 57%. Cognitive UGRA-related skills of trainees improved from baseline results of 52.5–79.2% at 12 months. Conclusions: Implementing a multifaceted assessment and real-time feedback-based training has significantly improved UGRA-related cognitive and technical skills and proficiency of pediatric anesthesia trainees.
SBS suppression in nanosecond fiber amplifier with controlled frequency chirp

We observe a nearly 9-fold increase in the SBS threshold for a pulsed Yb fiber amplifier by applying a linear frequency-chirp to the input seed pulse. The chirp is achieved by pulse driving a phase modulator. SBS threshold data and transient SBS gain for various degrees of chirp are reported.
System concept definition of the Grumman superconducting Electromagnetic Suspension (EMS) Maglev design

Grumman, under contract to the Army Corps of Engineers, completed a System Concept Definition (SCD) study to design a high-speed 134 m/s (300 m.p.h.) magnetically levitated (Maglev) transportation system. The primary development goals were to design a Maglev that is safe, reliable, environmentally acceptable, and low-cost. The cost issue was a predominant one, since previous studies have shown that an economically viable Maglev system (one that is attractive to investors for future models of passenger and/or freight transportation) requires a cost that is about $12.4 M/km ($20 Million per mile). The design is based on the electromagnetic suspension (EMS) system using superconducting iron-core magnets mounted along both sides of the vehicle. The EMS system has several advantages compared to the electrodynamic suspension (EDS) Maglev systems such as low stray magnetic fields in the passenger cabin and the surrounding areas, uniform load distribution along the full length of the vehicle, and small pole pitch for smoother propulsion and ride comfort. It is also levitated at all speeds and incorporates a wrap-around design of safer operation. The Grumman design has all the advantages of an EMS system identified above, while eliminating (or significantly improving) drawbacks associated with normal magnet powered EMS systems. Improvements include larger gap clearance, lighter weight, lower number of control servos, and higher off line switching speeds. The design also incorporates vehicle tilt (plus or minus 9 deg) for higher coordinated turn and turn out speed capability.
The Science Program of the Hubble Space Telescope

The HST science program is comprised of two principal components: the General Observer (GO) and the Guaranteed Time Observer (GTO) programs. A third component, the Archival Research (AR) program, will become increasingly important as time goes by. The GOs are selected by peer review of competitive proposals from the worldwide astronomical community, in a process managed by the STScI. The initial GO proposal deadline was October 1, 1988 and the corresponding review meetings took place during April 1989. The GTOs are members of the Investigation Definition and Observatory Scientist Teams who were competitively selected by NASA following an Announcement of Opportunity in 1977, to design and build the HST Science Instruments and participate in the project development, and who were awarded a decreasing fraction of the observing time during the initial two to three years of operations to conduct scientific observations with their instruments. The detailed GTO observing programs were received by the STScI on April 1, 1985, and had been revised a number of times since then.
Bed size and system influence on financial structure: a time-series and cross-sectional analysis of California hospitals

Using California hospitals, this study examines both on a cross-sectional and time-series basis the influence bed size and system affiliation have on financial structure. Specifically, the study classifies these hospitals into eight bed size and system categories ranging from less than 100 bed, free-standing hospitals to over 400 bed, system-affiliated hospitals. Somewhat unexpectedly, the results did show that the total debt ratio for smaller, free-standing hospitals did not differ statistically from larger free-standing and system hospitals. However, smaller system-affiliated hospitals did have higher total and long-term debt ratios than larger, system-affiliated and free-standing hospitals.
Mathematical Programming Based on Sufficient Optimality Conditions and Higher Order Exponential Type Generalized Invexities

First, a class of comprehensive higher order exponential type generalized $B$-($b,$ $\rho,$ $\eta,$ $\omega,$ $\theta,$ $\tilde{p},$ $\tilde{r},$ $\tilde{s}$)-invexities is introduced, which encompasses most of the existing generalized invexity concepts in the literature, including the Antczak type first order $B$-($b,$ $\eta,$ $\tilde{p},$ $\tilde{r}$)-invexities as well as the Zalmai type $(\alpha,$ $\beta,$ $\gamma,$ $\eta,$ $\rho,$ $\theta$)-invexities, and then a wide range of parametrically sufficient optimality conditions leading to the solvability for discrete minimax fractional programming problems are established with some other related results. To the best of our knowledge, the obtained results are new and general in nature relating the investigations on generalized higher order exponential type invexities.
Mutual Fund Proxy Votes

We examine how large mutual funds voted their proxies. Data concerning fund voting has recently become available in two new datasets. In the first, mutual funds are required to disclose their policies for making voting decisions. In the second, they are required to disclose how they actually vote on all issues. We find that the large mutual fund families have decided to vote the shares in all their funds as a block, thus increasing their voting power. They claim they do not wish to interfere in the operational management of their investments. This includes social or ethical issues. However, they feel strongly about antitakeover policies and executive compensation. Analysis of the voting data shows that the largest funds voted with management on most issues. However, they voted against management often on antitakeover and executive compensation issues. There is evidence that the funds voted against boards that were not sufficiently independent from management. We also find that voting patterns vary between funds with different investment styles. Stock pickers tended to vote with management more often. Funds with a passive investment approach, such as index funds, tend to vote against management slightly more often. Finally, we investigate the question of conflicts of interest. We compare the voting records of fund companies that are primarily mutual funds to the voting records of fund companies that are a small part of larger financial services companies. We do not find a difference in how often they vote against management.
Optimal forecast biasing in theoretical inventory models

SUMMARY Recent findings in production research have demonstrated that bias in forecasts may improve system performance in a simulated multiple-product MRP system, and optimal planned bias can be identified for simulated single product MRP settings. This paper provides an analytical approach and theoretical evidence that optimal planned bias exists to minimize the expected loss for the traditional EOQ model, as well as for the Newsboy model, when relaxing the assumption of known demand rate in the EOQ model and the assumption of known boundary of demand distribution in the Newsboy problem. Findings of this paper also provide a rationale for impact of forecast errors on cost behaviour, and facilitate a benchmark for comparing different findings of previous research work.
Pretrial bargaining behavior within the shadow of the law: Theory and experimental evidence

When dispute arises from a consensual relationship, two possible outcomes can occur. Pretrial bargaining may result in an out of court settlement, or if the bargaining process breaks down, the dispute will go to trial. Because the trial solution to the dispute always looms in the background, pretrial bargaining has been described and modeled as a game played in the “shadow of the law” (Mnookin and Kornhauser, 1979; Cooter. Marks, and Mnookin, 1982). Each litigant in this game is assumed to balance a bargained share of the stakes against the expected stakes forthcoming from a trial solution. This characterization of pretrial bargaining suggests that what happens or might happen inside the courtroom impacts the out-of-court bargaining process. The expected court outcome is, in turn, influenced by the legal rules and procedures used in trial by the litigants. If a party’s assessment of his expected gain or loss in trial differs according to the legal procedures used in trial, so. too, will his pretrial negotiating behavior differ over these institutional procedures. The legal institution used in trial becomes, in effect, a third party to the negotiation process and to a great extent determines whether and at what level pretrial settlement will occur. A pretrial bargaining theory should allow an investigator to predict how various legal institutions used in trial affect both the negotiation process and the bargain struck by the litigants when negotiations are successful. In Section 1 of this paper, we develop a mode1 of the pretrial bargaining process for different institutional settings that rely on different sets of rules to allocate the costs of trials.’ We consider three legal cost allocation methods: the American system in which both parties bear their own legal costs; the British system in which the loser pays the legal costs; and California law 998 and federal rule 68 in which a party who rejected a pretrial offer must pay the legal costs of the opponent if the judge’s award is less favorable than the pretrial offer. The theory is developed in the spirit of economic models of labor dispute
Where do AIS researchers publish

Abstract Recently, the Information Systems (IS) section of the AAA has been going through a period of introspection, asking such questions as: What is Accounting Information Systems (AIS) research? How productive are AIS researchers? What are the trends in AIS research? This paper continues this self-reflection by providing some preliminary information about who the IS section members are as a research community. Specifically, we look at where AIS researchers are publishing.
Contrasting Models of Appraisal Judgments for Positive and Negative Purposes Using Policy Modeling

Abstract This article incorporates the areas of measurement and performance appraisal in an attempt to better represent the performance evaluation process. The technique called Policy Modeling was used to examine the effects of positive versus negative perceived purpose on the performance appraisals of work study students. Both group and individual analyses were performed to determine the subjective values of the attributes used to describe workers, the relative importance of each attribute in the evaluation and the interpretation of different rating scales. Most raters′ appraisals were generally best represented by a configural averaging strategy, although the nature of the configural adjustment differed under conditions of reward and punishment. The applicability of policy modeling as a vehicle for performance appraisals are discussed.
EMBEDDED MOLECULAR CLUSTER APPROACH TO THE ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE OF AMORPHOUS AND LIQUID METALS

In this approach to the electronic structure of amorphous and liquid metals, we represent the system by molecular clusters which are embedded in an external potential chosen as a suitable representation of the rest of the system. We have determined the electronic structure of a number of Cu, Zr and Cu-Zr clusters using the self-consistent discrete variational-LCAO approach within local density functional theory. Effects due to deviations from perfect crystalline symmetry are analyzed. Total densities of states used to interpret observed photo-electron spectra are found to show good agreement. Core level shifts and the concentration of conduction electrons are determined. Results are compared with predictions of the Nagel and Tauc theory and with the pseudopotential theory of stability.
Tidal forcing of enterococci at marine recreational beaches at fortnightly and semidiurnal frequencies

Marine beach water quality is typically monitored in early morning once a week without respect to tidal condition. To assess the effect of tide on this public health warning system, we analyzed enterococci (ENT) data from 60 southern California marine beaches with differing geomorphology, orientation, and proximity to runoff sources. ENT concentrations during spring tides were significantly higher (p < 0.1) than those during neap tides at 50 of the beaches, and at the majority of these, water samples were also more than twice as likely to be out of compliance with the ENT single-sample standard during spring tides compared to neap tides. When tide range (spring/neap) and tide stage (ebb/flood) conditions were considered together, spring-ebb tides yielded the highest ENT concentrations and the greatest chance of exceeding the single-sample standard at the majority of beaches. The proximity to a terrestrial runoff source, the slope of the runoff source, the slope of the beach, and the orientation of the beach had minimal influence on the tidal modulation of ENT concentrations. The presence of spring and spring-ebb tide signals at such a great percentage of beaches suggests that tide should be considered in the design and interpretation of beach monitoring program data. It also suggests that ENT delivered by tidally forced sources other than terrestrial surficial runoff are widespread. Possibilities include ENT-laden groundwater (saline and fresh) from the beach aquifer as well as ENT-enriched sands, decaying wrack, and bird feces near the high water line.
Memory for orientation of forms as a function of their meaningfulness and complexity.

Abstract Accuracy of memory for left-right orientation of single figures varying in meaningfulness and complexity was studied in subjects from kindergarten to adulthood. Complexity was an unimportant variable. Orientation of meaningful figures was remembered better than orientation of nonmeaningful figures at all ages. There were no developmental differences in memory for meaningful figures beyond kindergarten, but pronounced developmental differences were found in memory for nonmeaningful figures. It was proposed that a decision to store orientation information is dependent upon a judgment about the meaningfulness of a presented figure, and that young children have more difficulty than adults in finding meaningfulness in unfamiliar forms. The decision to store appears to occur automatically, since there was only a small difference between conditions in which subjects were informed or not informed to remember orientation. It was also suggested that part of the often reported difficulty in remembering diagonal orientation may be due to the symmetry of the diagonal forms typically investigated.
Strategies for Introducing Computer Technologies into a Biology Laboratory Program.

Computers have been installed in the General Biology laboratory at Purchase College and incorporated into the laboratory curriculum for all biology majors at the introductory level. The goal is to ensure that all students become familiar with general computer applications in the biological sciences and are comfortable enough to use them regularly. Thus, students will be prepared for later courses involving use of computer applications in bioinformatics or other technologically advanced subjects.
The use of high-performance liquid chromatography for quantitation of plasma amino acids in man.

Abstract Precolumn derivatization of primary amino acids with o-phthaldialdehyde forms fluorescent derivatives that can be separated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Human plasma deproteinized and then derivatized by this method produced individual amino acid peaks in less than 35 min. Quantitative analysis of micro amounts of plasma-free amino acids gave highly reproducible results (mean coefficient of variation 2.9 ± 0.5%; r = 0.988 ± 0.005; p
Simulating Univariate and Multivariate Nonnormal Distributions through the Method of Percentiles

This article derives a standard normal-based power method polynomial transformation for Monte Carlo simulation studies, approximating distributions, and fitting distributions to data based on the method of percentiles. The proposed method is used primarily when (1) conventional (or L) moment-based estimators such as skew (or L-skew) and kurtosis (or L -kurtosis) are unknown or (2) data are unavailable but percentiles are known (e.g., standardized test score reports). The proposed transformation also has the advantage that solutions to polynomial coefficients are available in simple closed form and thus obviates numerical equation solving. A procedure is also described for simulating power method distributions with specified medians, inter-decile ranges, left-right tail-weight ratios (skew function), tail-weight factors (kurtosis function), and Spearman correlations. The Monte Carlo results presented in this study indicate that the estimators based on the method of percentiles are substantially superior to their corresponding conventional product-moment estimators in terms of relative bias. It is also shown that the percentile power method can be modified for generating nonnormal distributions with specified Pearson correlations. An illustration shows the applicability of the percentile power method technique to publicly available statistics from the Idaho state educational assessment.
Quantitative assessment and training of isometric cervical extension strength

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and variability of repeated measurements of isometric cervical extension strength and determine the effect of 10 weeks of dynamic variable resistance cervical ex tension training on isometric cervical extension strength. Seventy-three subjects (age, 29 ± 12 years [mean ± SD]) completed isometric cervical extension strength tests on 4 separate days (D1, D2, D3, and D4). For each test, isometric cervical strength was measured at 126°, 108°, 90°, 72°, 54°, 36°, 18°, and 0° of cervical flexion. Between-day correlation coeffi cients over the eight angles of cervical flexion were high for D2 versus D3 (r = 0.90 to 0.96). Test variability (standard error of estimate) between D2 versus D3 was low (7.4% to 10.2% of mean) through the entire range of motion. Regression analysis showed that the iso metric cervical extension strength curve is linear and descending from flexion to extension. In a second study, 14 subjects (age, 25 ± 3 years) trained the cervical...
Celia, A Slave

Avon has compiled a varied list of books that focus on issues and concerns for women everywhere -- from notable fiction to detailed healthcare guides.
Large-scale computation for electrically small structures using surface-integral equation method

A new implementation of the basis-rearrangement procedure is presented to remove numerical errors in the previous implementation. As a result, previously unsolvable large-scale problems with more than one million unknowns for electrically small structures can now be solved accurately. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 47: 525–530, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21219
Modification of Spontaneous Emission of a Single Quantum Dot

Modification of spontaneous emission of a single InAs quantum dot is demonstrated using an epitaxial distributed Bragg reflector microcavity that has been post-growth processed into microposts. The micropost structure isolates single quantum dots within the microcavity resonance, and creates a three-dimensionally (3D) confined photonic cavity. Discrete mode structure from the 3D cavity is observed, as well as the coupling of a single quantum dot to one of these modes in the weak coupling cavity QED regime.
Distinct transcriptional profiles of ozone stress in soybean (Glycine max) flowers and pods

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a secondary air pollutant and anthropogenic greenhouse gas. Concentrations of tropospheric O3 ([O3] have more than doubled since the Industrial Revolution, and are high enough to damage plant productivity. Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is the world’s most important legume crop and is sensitive to O3. Current ground-level [O3] are estimated to reduce global soybean yields by 6% to 16%. In order to understand transcriptional mechanisms of yield loss in soybean, we examined the transcriptome of soybean flower and pod tissues exposed to elevated [O3] using RNA-Sequencing. Elevated [O3] elicited a strong transcriptional response in flower and pod tissues, with increased expression of genes involved in signaling in both tissues. Flower tissues also responded to elevated [O3] by increasing expression of genes encoding matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are zinc- and calcium-dependent endopeptidases that have roles in programmed cell death, senescence and stress response in plants. Pod tissues responded to elevated [O3] by increasing expression of xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase genes, which may be involved with increased pod dehiscence in elevated [O3]. This study established that gene expression in reproductive tissues of soybean are impacted by elevated [O3], and flowers and pods have distinct transcriptomic responses to elevated [O3].
Temporal patterns of drug use - a pilot study.

Examination of pilot data for classes of drugs showed significant coefficients of concordance for ranked times of most common to least common use. Marijuana, psychedelics, and amphetamines were used most commonly from 6 to 10 p.m., coincidental with temporal patterns for viewing television suggests recreational use. Use times for caffeine were completely different.
Coupled Completion and Reservoir Simulation Technology for Well Performance Optimization

Ensuring long-term optimum completion performance is important for the economic development of any field. As fields are now developed with fewer wells and in more technically challenging environments, new technologies are required to provide guidance and quantify the impact of completion design. This paper presents a new methodology and workflow to optimize long-term well performance by coupling ExxonMobil's reservoir simulator and a detailed completions hydraulics simulator which models reservoir, wellbore tubing and wellbore annulus flow simultaneously. A case study indicates that unique completions opportunities are captured by using the modeling capabilities. Completion strategies frequently include provisions to 1) maintain a uniform production profile along the wellbore, 2) manage future risks (early water or gas breakthrough) and mitigate the potential for sand production, and 3) improve reservoir recovery. In order to achieve these strategies, a proposed coupled well and reservoir simulation provides not only detailed information on the tubing and annulus flow and associated pressure drops in and throughout all completion types, but also the impact of completions on short and long term reservoir flow and recovery. The significance of this new coupled approach is its ability to capture both flow dynamics through various completion options and reservoir performance.
The e-business enterprise and the ‘Web-first’ principle of e-marketing

This paper looks at how an e-business ‘virtual’ enterprise, one primarily reliant on the Internet for all interaction and communication with its audiences, can develop and deploy sophisticated marketing campaigns using the Internet as the principal medium. As such, it outlines the principle of ‘Web-first’ marketing, and draws on practice and experience at Oracle to illustrate the guidelines for ‘Web-first’ engagement and the benefits that such a strategy can deliver. Finally, it looks at the challenges that await e-marketers as the Internet continues to evolve.
Attenuation of ischemic renal injury with fructose 1,6-diphosphate

Fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP) has been shown to attenuate tissue injury associated with ischemia and shock by enhancing the anaerobic carbohydrate utilization and by inhibiting oxygen-free-radical generation by the neutrophils. Previously, we have reported that FDP prevents ischemic renal failure if administered prior to the ischemic insult. The present study was designed to determine whether this agent could prevent renal damage when administered during the postischemic reperfusion period. Rats were subjected to 30 min of bilateral renal artery occlusion and infused with FDP (350 mg/kg body wt) beginning 10 min after release of the renal artery clamps. Control rats received an equal volume of glucose/saline solution. A third group of rats were sham operated. Twenty-four hours after injury, BUN, creatinine, and fractional sodium excretion values were less in FDP-treated rats than in control rats (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.005, and P less than 0.001, respectively) and not different from values observed in sham-operated rats. Inulin clearance was greater (P less than 0.001) in FDP-treated rats than in control rats (665 +/- 38 microliters/min/g kidney wt). Renal histology was also better preserved in the FDP-treated group. These data suggest that FDP infused after the initiation of an acute ischemic insult provides significant, but not complete, functional and histologic protection from renal damage.
Removal of H2S via an iron catalytic cycle and iron sulfide precipitation in the water column of dead end tributaries

Abstract The oxidation and precipitation of H 2 S were investigated in Torquay Canal and Bald Eagle Creek, two tributaries of northern Rehoboth Bay, one of the Delaware Inland Bays. These man-made dead end canals develop seasonal anoxia and have been the site of past fish kills and harmful algal blooms. The canals have multiple holes over 5.5 m deep compared to an average low tide depth of 2 m. In situ determination for dissolved O 2 , H 2 S and other Fe and S redox species were conducted with a solid-state Au/Hg microelectrode in 2003 and 2004. Laboratory analyses of discrete samples were also performed to measure dissolved and particulate Fe, Mn, and S 8 to follow the seasonal dynamics of O, S, Fe and Mn redox species. Our results indicate that the water in the holes becomes stratified with O 2 decreasing with depth and H 2 S increasing with depth. Dissolved Fe was as high as 30 μM whereas dissolved Mn was only 0.2 μM in the water column, indicating that Fe is the dominant metal involved in S redox cycling and precipitation. In surface oxic waters, the dominant form of Fe was particulate Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxides. When seasonal anoxia developed, Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxides were reduced by H 2 S to Fe(II) at the oxic–anoxic interface. The Fe(II) reduced from particulate Fe can be re-oxidized to Fe(III) by O 2 above and at the interface to form a catalytic cycle to oxidize H 2 S. Elemental S is the predominant oxidation product and was as high as 30 μM level (as S 0 ) at the interface. When the system was stable, the Fe catalytic cycle prevented H 2 S from being released into surface waters during seasonal anoxia. However, when storms came, the water column was overturned and H 2 S was released to the surface water. The reaction rates for the Fe catalytic cycle are not fast enough and the concentration of Fe was not high enough to regulate the high concentration of H 2 S in surface waters during storm and mixing events.
Alteration in gastrointestinal and neurological function after electrical injury: a review of four cases.

Alteration in gastrointestinal and neurological function after electrical injury: a review of four cases
Invited Article: Is it time for neurohospitalists?

Background: Explosive growth of hospital-based medicine specialists, termed hospitalists, has occurred in the past decade. This was fueled by pressures within the American health care system for timely, cost-effective, and high-quality care and by the growing chasm between inpatient and outpatient care. In this article, we sought to answer five questions: 1) What is a neurohospitalist? 2) How many neurohospitalists practice in the United States? 3) What are potential advantages of neurohospitalists? 4) What are the challenges of implementing a neurohospitalist practice? 5) What effect does a neurohospitalist have on clinical outcomes? Methods: We queried biomedical databases (e.g., PubMed) by using the search terms “hospitalist,” “neurohospitalist,” and “neurology hospitalist.” We also searched the Society of Hospital Medicine and the American Academy of Neurology Dendrite classified advertisement Web sites for hospitalist and neurology hospitalist growth by using the same search terms. Results: We defined neurology hospitalists (neurohospitalists) as neurologists who devote at least one-quarter of their time managing inpatients with neurologic disease. Although the number of hospitalists has grown considerably over the past decade, limited data on neurohospitalists exist. Advertisements for neurohospitalist positions have increased from 2003 through 2007, but accurate assessment of growth is limited by the lack of a central organizational affiliation and unifying terminology. Conclusion: Health care pressures spawned the growth of medicine and pediatric hospitalists, who provide efficient, cost-effective care by reducing the length of hospitalization. Because neurologists experience the same pressures, we expect neurohospitalists to increase in number, especially within areas that have sufficient inpatient volume and resources.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is not decreased if an aromatizable androgen is administered.

Abstract We examined the influence of aromatization of testosterone on serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and postheparin plasma hepatic triglyceride lipase activity (HTLA) in men. Eighteen healthy lean nonsmokers (ages, 20 to 33) were administered androgens in a weekly total dose of 280 mg for 12 weeks in one of three groups: testosterone enanthate (TE) (280 mg/wk intramuscularly [IM]); TE (280 mg/wk IM) + testolactone (TL) (250 mg orally [PO] four times daily); or methyltestosterone (MeT) (20 mg PO twice daily). Serum testosterone achieved steady state levels by 4 weeks with >40 nmol/L (TE and TE + TL) and 250 pmol/L (TE) or remained below 70 pmol/L (TE + TL and MeT). LH fell to less than 5 U/L (TE and TE + TL) but remained unchanged with MeT. By 4 weeks, HDL-C had decreased significantly from 1.20 ± 0.13 to 0.77 ± 0.13 mmol/L (MeT), from 1.18 ± 0.15 to 0.89 ± 0.13 mmol/L (TE + TL), and demonstrated no decrease in the TE group across the time course of the study. These changes were preceded by mean increases in HTLA of 102% (MeT) and 55% (TE + TL) over baseline, and no significant change with TE. The changes in HDL-C and HTLA returned to baseline within 2 weeks of steroid cessation. There were no changes in total cholesterol, triglycerides, or insulin in any group but, in the MeT group, apo AI levels decreased and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) increased. After 12 weeks of treatment, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were decreased to 37% (MeT), 54% (TE + TL), and 73% (TE) of baseline levels; these changes were evident by the second week of treatment and returned to baseline by the second week following treatment cessation. These results suggest that TE has little effect on HTLA but when a corresponding increase in E2 levels is prevented, HTLA increases. MeT, which is not metabolized to E2, produced the most dramatic HTLA increases, even at a dose that did not reduce serum LH; thus, hepatic specific properties of 17-alkylated androgens may further increase the atherogenic potential of this class of androgens.
Experimental Study of Liquid Slosh Dynamics in a Partially-Filled Tank

This article reports on an experimental study conducted to investigate slosh forces and moments caused by fluid slosh within a partly-filled tank subjected to lateral and longitudinal excitations applied independently. The experiments were performed on a scale model cleanbore and a baffled tank with laterally placed single- and multiple-orifice baffles. The experiments were corcducted for three different fill volumes and different types of excitations: continuous harmonic and single-cycle sinusoidal excitations of different amplitudes and discrete frequencies. The dynamic forces and moments caused by fluid slosh with the baffled and cleanbore tank configurations were measured for different fill volumes and excitations using three-axis dynamometers. It is shown that the resulting forces and moments comprise many spectral components that can be associated with the excitation, resonance, and vibration and beat frequencies. Modulation of excitation frequency with the resonant frequency was also evident for all fill conditions and tank configurations when the two were in close proximity. The results also showed that the peak amplifications of forces and moments occur in the vicinity of the resonant frequency. At higher frequencies, the peak magnitudes of the forces, however, reduced significantly to values lower than the inertial forces developed by an equivalent rigid mass. At a given excitation condition, the slosh force amplitude increased with a decrease in the fill volume. It was also observed that the presence of baffles has negligible effect on the lateral slosh force and the corresponding resonant frequency. However, it caused a significant increase in the longitudinal mode resonant frequency. The baffles greatly reduced the amplifications in longitudinal force and pitch moment under longitudinal acceleration excitations.
Trajectories of Kidney Function Decline in Young Black and White Adults With Preserved GFR: Results From the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Background Strong racial discrepancies in end-stage renal disease exist. Whether there are race differences in kidney function loss in younger healthy persons is not well established. Study Design Longitudinal. Setting & Participants 3,348 black and white adults with at least 2 measurements of cystatin C–based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR cys ) at scheduled Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) examinations (years 10, 15, and 20). Predictor Race. Outcomes & Measurements We used linear mixed models to examine race differences in annualized rates of eGFR cys decline, adjusting for age, sex, lifetime exposure to systolic blood pressure >120 mm Hg, diabetes, and albumin-creatinine ratio. We used Poisson regression to compare racial differences in rapid decline (eGFR cys decline >3% per year) by study period (10-15 years after baseline examination [defining period 1] and >15-20 years after baseline examination [defining period 2]). Results Mean age was 35 ± 3.6 (SD) years, and mean eGFR cys was 110 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m 2 for blacks and 104 ± 17 mL/min/1.73 m 2 for whites at baseline. For both blacks and whites, eGFR cys decline was minimal at younger ages ( cys loss accelerated at older ages. However, acceleration of eGFR cys decline occurred at earlier ages for blacks than whites. Blacks had somewhat faster annualized rates of decline compared with whites, but differences were attenuated after adjustment in period 1 (0.13 mL/min/1.73 m 2 per year faster; P = 0.2). In contrast, during period 2, blacks had significantly faster annualized rates of decline, even after adjustment (0.32 mL/min/1.73 m 2 per year faster; P = 0.003). The prevalence of rapid decline was significantly higher for blacks versus whites, with prevalence rate ratios of 1.31 (95% CI, 1.04-1.63) for period 1 and 1.24 (95% CI, 1.09-1.41) for period 2. Differences were attenuated after full adjustment: adjusted prevalence rate ratios were 1.20 (95% CI, 0.95-1.49) for period 1 and 1.10 (95% CI, 0.96-1.26) for period 2. Limitations No measured GFR. Conclusions eGFR cys decline differs by race at early ages, with faster annualized rates of decline for blacks. Future studies are required to explain the observed differences.
Vibrational spectra, normal modes, force field and barrier to inversion of phosphiran, phosphiran-1-d1 and phosphiran-2,3-d4

Abstract The infrared spectra over the range of intramolecular fundamentals of polycrystalline phosphiran and phosphiran-1-d 1 at 77 °K have been obtained and the observed frequencies assigned. Correlation field effects have been observed and analyzed in terms of the intermolecular forces operative in the unit cell. The intramolecular vibrations of phosphiran, phosphiran- 1-d 1 , and phosphiran-2,3-d 4 have been subjected to simultaneous analysis in the approximation of harmonic forces and the resulting eigenvectors and potential energy distributions are presented. An estimate from the force field of the periodic barrier with inversion at phosphorus of 33 kcal mole −1 has been obtained and compared to results for similar molecules. Thermodynamic functions for phosphiran have been calculated in the rigid rotor harmonic oscillator approximation.
Evolution of the reduced density matrix: a generalized projection-operator approach

A convolutionless equation of motion for the reduced density matrix of a system coupled to its environment, where the system + environment is closed, may be obtained using a projection-operator technique. We show that, when both the system and the environment Hilbert spaces are finite-dimensional, it is possible to eliminate the need for the partial trace over the environment states by constructing a simple and transparent basis-induced isomorphism between the system Liouville space and the unit-eigenspace of a special projection operator. Consequently, an equation of motion for the reduced density matrix is derived by a mere basis transformation within the system + environment Hilbert space and the explicit dependence of the reduced density matrix on the matrix elements of the Hamiltonian is uncovered, in a form well suited for numerical calculation.
New and future therapies for lupus nephritis

Based on data from randomized controlled trials over the past decade, oral mycophenolate (CellCept) now rivals intravenous cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) as a first-line therapy for lupus nephritis, offering similar efficacy but less toxicity. The roles of rituximab (Rituxan) and new immunomodulatory agents are being explored. Creativity in treating lupus nephritis is needed; one regimen does not fit all.
Resistance anomaly and excess voltage in inhomogeneous superconducting aluminum thin films

We report measurements of the resistance and the current-voltage characteristics of aluminum thin films which have two regions of different superconducting transition temperatures. Local suppression of the transition temperature is achieved by the use of a ${\mathrm{CF}}_{4}$ reactive ion-etching technique. A small gradient in the transition temperature is induced around the lithographically defined etched-unetched interface. As the temperature is increased from the superconducting state, we observe voltage (and hence resistance) increases above the normal-state value when measured with superconducting voltage probes located within \ensuremath{\sim}20n\ensuremath{\mu}m on either side of the interface. The excess voltage persists over a range of bias currents above ${\mathrm{I}}_{\mathrm{C}}$ and eventually disappears, approaching the normal-state value at high bias currents. In an experiment where there are multiple voltage probes arranged along the film, the excess voltage is eliminated in steps with increasing bias current, resulting in a series of negative differential resistance peaks. These unusual phenomena are explained by a nonequilibrium charge imbalance model which requires the spatial dependences of the quasiparticle and pair electrochemical potentials to be different near normal-superconducting interfaces and phase-slip centers. We also report the observation of an asymmetry in the current-voltage characteristics which cannot be understood in terms of the nonequilibrium model.
Quantitative Bone Histomorphometry in Humoral Hypercalcemia of Malignancy: Uncoupling of Bone Cell Activity

Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM) results from elaboration by tumors of a circulating bone-resorbing factor (s). The specific mechanism responsible for this bone resorption is poorly understood, and no comprehensive study employing quantitative histomorphometric analyses of bone biopsies obtained from living patients with HHM has been reported. We describe bone histology and quantitative bone histomorphometry in bone biopsies obtained from seven patients defined biochemically (elevated nephrogenous cAMP excretion) and histologically (no tumor in biopsy sample) as having HHM. These biopsies are compared to biopsies from nine patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). Compared to patients with HPT, those with HHM displayed (mean ± SD) greater osteoclastic activity (osteoclast surface, 8.6 ± 6.1% vs. 2.7 ± 1.5% P < 0.001) and more frequent empty lacunae (9.2 ± 4.0% vs. 5.8 ± 3.0% P < 0.01), but markedly reduced osteoblastic surface (2.5 ± 3.1% vs. 13.8 ± 7.0% P < 0.001), osteoid surface (12.9 ±...
Replication and the Experimental Ethnography of Science

The present paper attempts to define an experimental ethnography as an approach to the understanding of scientific thinking. Such an ethnography relies upon the replication of contemporary and historical scientific practices as a means of capturing the cultural and cognitive meanings of the practices in question. The approach is contrasted to the typical kind of laboratory experiment in psychology, and it is argued that replications of scientific practices can reveal dimensions of the microstructure of science and of its context that otherwise may remain invisible. An extended example is presented, based upon replications of the experimental procedures used by Michael Faraday (1791-1867) in 1856 during his examination of the optical properties of gold.
Separating ITCZ- and ENSO-related rainfall changes in the Galápagos over the last 3 kyr using D/H ratios of multiple lipid biomarkers

Abstract We present a 3000-yr rainfall reconstruction from the Galapagos Islands that is based on paired biomarker records from the sediment of El Junco Lake. Located in the eastern equatorial Pacific, the climate of the Galapagos Islands is governed by movements of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). We use a novel method for reconstructing past ENSO- and ITCZ-related rainfall changes through analysis of molecular and isotopic biomarker records representing several types of plants and algae that grow under differing climatic conditions. We propose that δD values of dinosterol, a sterol produced by dinoflagellates, record changes in mean rainfall in El Junco Lake, while δD values of C34 botryococcene, a hydrocarbon unique to the green alga Botryococcus braunii, record changes in rainfall associated with moderate-to-strong El Nino events. We use these proxies to infer changes in mean rainfall and El Nino-related rainfall over the past 3000 yr. During periods in which the inferred change in El Nino-related rainfall opposed the change in mean rainfall, we infer changes in the amount of ITCZ-related rainfall. Simulations with an idealized isotope hydrology model of El Junco Lake help illustrate the interpretation of these proxy reconstructions. Opposing changes in El Nino- and ITCZ-related rainfall appear to account for several of the largest inferred hydrologic changes in El Junco Lake. We propose that these reconstructions can be used to infer changes in frequency and/or intensity of El Nino events and changes in the position of the ITCZ in the eastern equatorial Pacific over the past 3000 yr. Comparison with El Junco Lake sediment grain size records indicates general agreement of inferred rainfall changes over the late Holocene.