cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expressive markets for donating to charities

When donating money to a (say, charitable) cause, it is possible to use the contemplated donation as a bargaining chip to induce other parties interested in the charity to donate more. Such negotiation is usually done in terms of matching offers, where one party promises to pay a certain amount if others pay a certain amount. However, in their current form, matching offers allow for only limited negotiation. For one, it is not immediately clear how multiple parties can make matching offers at the same time without creating circular dependencies. Also, it is not immediately clear how to make a donation conditional on other donations to multiple charities when the donor has different levels of appreciation for the different charities. In both these cases, the limited expressiveness of matching offers causes economic loss: it may happen that an arrangement that all parties (donors as well as charities) would have preferred cannot be expressed in terms of matching offers and will therefore not occur. In this paper, we introduce a bidding language for expressing very general types of matching offers over multiple charities. We formulate the corresponding clearing problem (deciding how much each bidder pays, and how much each charity receives), and show that it cannot be approximated to any ratio in polynomial time unless P=NP, even in very restricted settings. We give a mixed integer program formulation of the clearing problem, and show that for concave bids, the program reduces to a linear program. We then show that the clearing problem for a subclass of concave bids is at least as hard as the decision variant of linear programming. We also consider the case where each charity has a target amount, and [email protected]? willingness-to-pay functions are concave. Here, we show that the optimal surplus can be approximated to a ratio m, the number of charities, in polynomial time (and no significantly better approximation is possible in polynomial time unless P=NP); no polynomial-time approximation ratio is possible for maximizing the total donated, unless P=NP. Subsequently, we show that the clearing problem is much easier when bids are quasilinear-for maximizing surplus, the problem decomposes across charities, and for maximizing the total donated, a greedy approach is optimal if the bids are concave (although this latter problem is weakly NP-hard when the bids are not concave). For the quasilinear setting, we study the mechanism design question. We show that an ex-post efficient mechanism is impossible even with only one charity and a very restricted class of bids. We also show that there can be benefits to linking the charities from a mechanism design standpoint. Finally, we discuss an experiment in which we used this methodology to collect money for victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Stress and tobacco addiction.

Primary care providers are confronted on a daily basis with persons who are addicted to tobacco. Research studies have demonstrated an association between substance use and stress and coping. This paper discusses macro- and micro-level perspectives of stress that need to be considered in the management of tobacco addiction. Lazarus's stress and coping paradigm is emphasized as a useful framework for managing addicted clients.
The Activity and Variability of the Sun and Sun-like Stars. I. Synoptic Ca II H and K Observations

Synoptic measurements of activity in Sun-like stars have been performed continuously since 1966, and the largest set comes from the Mount Wilson HK project, in the form of the well-known S index. We have been monitoring the activity and variability of the Sun and a large sample of Sun-like stars, in terms of S and absolute flux, since 1994 with the Solar-Stellar Spectrograph (SSS) at Lowell Observatory. Directly inspired by the similar long-term program at Mount Wilson Observatory, the SSS incorporates both an HK spectrograph and an echelle for visible and far-red observations. This is the first of three papers presenting the results of some 20,000 observations of the Sun and Sun-like stars with the SSS. In this paper we describe our program, review the calibration of solar and stellar fluxes to S and the chromospheric emission fraction R'HK, compare our derived stellar activity measures to those from other programs, and discuss the broad characteristics of the activity and variability in our target set, with particular attention to good solar analogs and noncycling stars. In subsequent papers we will discuss the echelle data and present detailed examinations of stars of particular interest.
Lighting regimen dominates interacting meal schedules and synchronizes mitotic rhythm in mouse corneal epithelium

Three groups of mice were standardized to a light-dark cycle with light from 0600 to 1800. One group was fed ad lib; but the other two had access to food for only four hours a day, one during the first part of the light phase and the other beginning at its middle. Two other groups were subjected to a reversed light-dark cycle (light from 1800 to 0600); one of these had access to food for four hours during the first part of the dark phase and the other for four hours beginning at its middle. All the mice previously had been adjusted gradually over a three-week period to these feeding schedules, and then they were maintained on the precise routine described for an additional two weeks. After standardization was completed, subgroups of mice were killed at three-hour intervals over a single 24-hour period. Corneas were removed and prepared, and the mitotic index in the epithelium was evaluated. In all five groups a high-amplitude circadian rhythm was found for the mitotic index, but in all cases this rhythm remained synchronized to the light-dark cycle; only small changes in the phasing of the rhythm resulted from the restricted feeding. These results are contrary to what has been found for a number of other rhythmic variables which do synchronize to such feeding schedules. The findings dispel the misconception that all body functions react in the same fashion to different synchronizors and emphasize that one must not generalize about the effects of feeding or lighting.
Alefacept - A Drug Review

Alefacept is an immunobiologic agent that has been recently introduced in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. The author presents a brief review of the drug, its efficacy and safety profile. Recent case reports of the use of alefacept in conjunction with other conditions as well as the drug's possible use for treatment of other conditions are reviewed as well.
First human surgery with a novel single-port robotic system: cholecystectomy using the da Vinci Single-Site platform.

Background Interest in single-incision laparoscopic techniques continues to grow. A learning curve certainly exists, and although the techniques have improved, technical considerations including external clashes, poor visualization of critical structures, and surgeon fatigue remain. Applications of robotics to these newer techniques are evolving. The da Vinci Single-Site robotic surgery platform is a new semi-rigid robotic operative system designed to work with the Intuitive Surgical da Vinci Si operative system. The authors present the first human experience with this new device used to perform single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study aimed to present the first human experience performing cholecystectomy with a novel robotic single-port platform.
Structure, chemistry and bonding at grain boundaries in Ni3Al—I. The role of boron in ductilizing grain boundaries

Abstract Boron segregation is known to change the fracture mode from intergranular to transgranular in Ni-rich Ni3Al. This paper addresses the question of why boron segregation at grain boundaries improves their resistance to fracture. Grain boundaries in B-free and B-doped Ni-rich Ni3Al (76 at. % Ni) were examined using spatially resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and annular dark field (ADF) imaging in an UHV scanning transmission electron microscope, as well as conventional electron microscopy techniques. Ni-enrichment was seen in a 0.5 – 1.0 nm wide region at large angle boundaries, both in the absence and presence of B. Using EELS, B segregation to the boundary was observed to vary along the interface. EELS of the Ni L2,3 edge showed that the B-rich regions have a bonding similar to that in bulk Ni3Al, while the B-free regions have a bonding similar to the more Ni-like character of undoped boundaries. These results demonstrate that boron segregation increases the cohesive strength of grain boundaries in Ni3Al by making the bonding at the boundary similar to that in the bulk and, in this manner, increases their fracture resistance.
Synthesis and characterization of a monocyanide-bridged bimetallic iron(II) and copper(I) complex.

An equilibrium is established between CpFe(CO)2CN and Cu(CH3CN)4+ in acetonitrile and adduct formation between the cyanide ligand and copper(I), whereas, complete complexation is observed in methylene chloride. Derivatization of the adduct in methylene chloride with PCy3 led to the isolation of the [CpFe(CO)2(μ-CN)Cu(PCy3)2][BF4] salt, which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography.
Avulsions around the knee portend instability

Bony avulsions about the knee are common injuries seen in the emergency room. Unawareness of characteristic radiographic patterns of injury that herald potential instability and require further workup can result in significant morbidity. We present a radiographic pictoral discussion on bony avulsions and associated soft tissue complex injuries on MRI. Emphasis is on injuries leading to instability, and often surgical management. MRI is a useful imaging tool for screening and surgical planning in this setting of patients.
Social inequalities in neighborhood conditions: spatial relationships between sociodemographic and food environments in Alameda County, California

Previous research suggests that neighborhoods in the United States with high concentrations of poverty or of racial/ethnic minorities have lower access to healthy foods and greater access to unhealthy foods, compared with higher income or predominantly White, non-Hispanic neighborhoods. Lower access is thought to influence dietary habits and resulting health consequences, such as obesity. While most studies have focused on either neighborhood SES or features of the built environment, few have explicitly examined both. Using data from the Geographic Research on Wellbeing study, we map the spatial relationships between sociodemographic characteristics (poverty trajectories, racial/ethnic/nativity composition) and food environments in Alameda County, California. Our map presents poverty trajectories and racial/ethnic/nativity composition at the tract level, as well as maps depicting accessibility to healthy, unhealthy, and a composite of both, based on rasterized maps and a network analysis of food types wit...
Motivating Factors in Health Promotion in the Oldest-Old: Pilot Testing of 4 Instruments

greatest risk for falling. Nurses can focus their time and hospital resources on patients who are most likely to fall. Data from this research indicate that there is a significant sex difference between those who fell and those who did not. Fall prevention strategies can be initiated on any patient; however, having a tool that is sensitive and specific to the patients served will assist in prompt interventions to prevent falls and promote positive patient outcomes. Implementation of the MFS and descriptive statistics and data from this research are described. Gerontological nurses play a vital role in identifying those at greatest risk for falls and to intervene with evidence-based practice tools. doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2005.10.009
Anterograde Spread of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Requires Glycoprotein E and Glycoprotein I but Not Us9

Anterograde neuronal spread (i.e., spread from the neuron cell body toward the axon terminus) is a critical component of the alphaherpesvirus life cycle. Three viral proteins, gE, gI, and Us9, have been implicated in alphaherpesvirus anterograde spread in several animal models and neuron culture systems. We sought to better define the roles of gE, gI, and Us9 in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) anterograde spread using a compartmentalized primary neuron culture system. We found that no anterograde spread occurred in the absence of gE or gI, indicating that these proteins are essential for HSV-1 anterograde spread. However, we did detect anterograde spread in the absence of Us9 using two independent Us9-deleted viruses. We confirmed the Us9 finding in different murine models of neuronal spread. We examined viral transport into the optic nerve and spread to the brain after retinal infection; the production of zosteriform disease after flank inoculation; and viral spread to the spinal cord after flank inoculation. In all models, anterograde spread occurred in the absence of Us9, although in some cases at reduced levels. This finding contrasts with gE- and gI-deleted viruses, which displayed no anterograde spread in any animal model. Thus, gE and gI are essential for HSV-1 anterograde spread, while Us9 is dispensable.
Changes in the characteristics of Puerto Rican migrants from 1955 to 1980.

"This article tests the assumption that recent cohorts of migrants from Puerto Rico to the United States are a more select portion of the population, i.e., more educated and professional, than earlier cohorts. In this analysis, the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of three cohorts of Puerto Rican migrants over the last 30 years are compared utilizing data from the 1960, 1970, and 1980 censuses."
Upgrading curricula through change‐oriented teachers

taught.' Aside from being a tantalizing quotation to begin an article in Theory Into Practice, Rupert Evans, Garth Mangum, and Otto Pragan have stated a troublesome truism in vocational education.2 First, it is troublesome because theories, if they are any good, are supposed to help us explain, predict, and guide our efforts. I believe in the old axiom that nothing is more practical than a good theory, but clearly here is a gap between theory and practice. Second, this truism is troublesome because it tends to blur a clear distinction which contemporary curriculum theorists and researchers frequently draw between curriculum-or what is learned-and instruction-or how it is taught.3
The value of heparin in the hyperalimentation of infants and children with a fat emulsion.

Abstract Four infants and one child receiving total parenteral alimentation with a solution of l-amino acids and a soybean fat emulsion were studied for approximately 20 days. Heparin (150 IU/kg body weight/day) was administered intravenously on alternate weeks to four infants. The fifth patient received no heparin during the study. Venous blood samples were drawn two or three times per week and and were analyzed for serum triglycerides, free fatty acids, glycerol, and cholesterol. Control values were established by analyzing blood from five normal infants. The control values were as follows (mean ± S.D. in mg/100 ml): triglycerides: 50.7 ± 17.2; free fatty acids: 21.38 ± 2.37; glycerol: 1.39 ± 1.01; and cholesterol: 135.2 ± 35.9. In the experimental group, the values with and without heparin, respectively, were as follows: triglycerides: 361.6 ± 87.4 and 333.9 ± 181.2; free fatty acids: 24.43 ± 3.08 and 26.07 ± 2.30; glycerol: 3.31 ± 1.86 and 2.56 ± 0.53; and cholesterol: 261.9 ± 51.1 and 239.5 ± 62.7, (Fig. 2A,B,C,D). These results indicate a significant increase of the four measured parameters ( p These findings suggest that heparin administered chronically at 150 IU/kg body weight/day does not significantly influence the clearance of fat from the bloodstream of infants receiving a lipid-based hyperalimentation formula. Moreover, the data show that serum triglycerides, free fatty acids, glycerol, and cholesterol are significantly elevated during such a parenteral feeding program.
Preparation of Curcumin Sub-micrometer Dispersions by High-Pressure Homogenization

High-pressure homogenization (HPH) processing has been used to increase the water dispersity of curcumin, a popular spice and coloring and antioxidant agent, which shows anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties but poor water solubility and oral bioavailability. The optimized HPH treatment was achieved at the combined conditions of temperature at 2 degrees C, pressure at 150 MPa, and 10 HPH cycles. The mechanism behind the improved water dispersity of curcumin by HPH treatment was interpreted as a result of the reduced curcumin particle sizes and crystallinity caused by mechanical stresses, which were verified by particle size measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. Spray drying of maltodextrin (MD)-entrapped curcumin can also increase the water dispersity of curcumin. A combination of HPH treatment and spray drying using MD exhibits a faster curcumin dissolution while retaining a higher water dispersity of curcumin than curcumin prepared by either spray drying using MD alone or the combination of HPH and freeze-drying using MD, suggesting that the combination of HPH processing with spray drying would be an excellent processing method for curcumin-based functional food products.
Waste paper used for the cleanup of oil spills.

Oil may be removed from a body of water by dispersing over the oil layer fiberized paper of a specific fragment size. The fiberized paper sorbs or collects greater than 27 times its weight and is capable of holding the oil on the water surface as an oil-fibrous paper matrix or agglomerate for extensive periods so that it can be easily skimmed and recovered. Oil can be expressed from the oilpaper mass, and the paper mass can be refiberized and reused repeatedly to sorb or collect additional oil. Fiberized paper is more oleophilic than hydrophilic.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology and organizational change: Evidence for the bureaucratic and e-Government paradigms

Abstract This paper examines the impact of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology on organizational change in local governments in the United States. The bureaucratic and e-Government paradigms are examined with regards to this technology impacting organizational change. Survey evidence on the adoption of CRM is examined from the perceptions of Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) in cities and counties that have adopted this technology. Survey results indicate that both the e-Government and bureaucratic paradigms impacted organizational change from CRM adoption. Factor analysis shows that management change, efficiency change, and leadership and organizational change are the three most common factors in the models. Regression results indicate that local governments that score high on these factors are more likely to take an enterprise approach in the adoption of CRM for their local government. The results of this study imply that organizational change is not just influenced by the more recent e-Government paradigm, but traditional attributes of the bureaucratic model are present as well.
Stages of Change for HIV Risk Behavior: Injecting Drug Users in Five Cities

SUMMARY Objectives: To examine risk behavior and stages of behavior change for condom and needle behavior measured in surveys of drug using populations; To determine factors associated with stages of change. Data: Two rounds of baseline surveys of injecting drug users in 5 cities conducted as part of the AIDS Evaluation of Street Outreach Projects. Methods: Representative samples of injecting drug users were conducted in 5 cities. Questionnaires obtained information on risk behaviors, exposure to street outreach and stages of change for risk behaviors. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with stage of change variables. Results: Respondents interviewed in the street-based samples in the 5 AESOP IDU sites had a very high level of risk for HIV, in terms of sexual and drug risk behavior. Stages of change for condom use was higher for non-steady partners compared to steady or main partners. Having a condom at interview was the most consistent predictor of responde...
OP1 Adherence to 6-month oral alpha lipoic acid for prevention of platinum-induced polyneuropathy

Background: Peripheral neuropathy induced by platinum-containing chemotherapy causes pain, and frequently becomes a dose-limiting factor for cancer treatment. The neurotoxicity appears to be irreversible; therefore prevention of neuropathy is necessary. Our aim was to determine whether a-lipoic acid (ALA, thioctic acid) can prevent peripheral neuropathy for patients receiving platinum. Methods: Adult patients were randomised to receive either 600 mg ALA or placebo three times a day for 24 weeks. Neuropathy was measured by the FACT/GOG-NTX score, and pain was measured by the brief pain inventory (BPI). Findings: Of the 243 patients randomised, 96 completed treatment for 24 weeks. At baseline, the ALA (n = 122) and placebo (n = 121) groups were comparable for age (58 ± 11 and 60 ± 11 years; p = 0.26), gender (51% and 49% male; p = 0.85), prior platinum exposure (p > 0.99), FACT/GOG-NTX score, and BPI score. At 24 weeks, only 43 evaluable patients remained in the ALA group, and 53 evaluable patients in the placebo group. The drop-out rate was 65% for the ALA group and 56% for placebo (p = 0.17). Reasons for drop-out were: withdrew consent (57 of 147, 39%), refused to take medication or non-compliant (35 of 147, 24%), lost to follow-up (2 of 147, 3%), death (2 of 147, 1%), change of chemotherapy regimen (8 of 147, 5%), physician decision (8 of 147, 5%), adverse effects (4 of 147, 3%), or other (31 of 147, 21%). Interpretation: Intensive schedules of oral agents may be particularly challenging in the symptom-prevention setting. Strategies to gauge the pre-enrolment risk of nonadherence, and to monitor adherence, are worthy of further exploration. Funding: YG and MF are supported in part by the National Institutes of Health. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Development of master CMOS test vehicle chip for space radiation effect studies using CAMD X-ray synchrotron radiation

Abstract A master CMOS test vehicle chip using currently available CMOS technologies from MOSIS Foundry has been designed for use in monitoring electrical performance of CMOS based systems on board in space flights against the total dose effect. The master test chip includes designs of selected CMOS devices and logic circuits to monitor in an integrated manner the behavior of several radiation sensitive parameters namely, I – V characteristics, speed-power product, propagation delay time and fan-out capability, CMOS latchup, hot-carrier-induced charge effects in VLSI switching circuits and critical logic path through the functional logic device by a dynamic shift register. A methodology to evaluate test vehicle chip is proposed incorporating experimental studies, analytical modeling and their correlation with the experimental data. CMOS test chip fabricated from MOSIS Foundry wil be probed for static and dynamic data acquisition under preirradiated and postirradiated conditions and simulated operating environment. Space radiation exposure to the test devices will be simulated using Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD) X-ray synchrotron as a radiation source #1 .
Lithium iodide-catalyzed alkylation of carboranes

Abstract The lithium iodide-catalyzed reaction of o-carboranyllithium with alkyl bromides yields alkylated o-carboranes in excellent yields under very mild conditions.
Invited Review Anatomical loops and their electrical dynamics in relation to whisking by rat

An accumulation of anatomical, behavioral, and electrophysiological evidence allows us to identify the neuronal circuitry that is involved with vibrissa-mediated sensation and the control of rhythmic vibrissa movement. Anatomical evidence points to a multiplicity of closed sensorimotor loops, while electrophysiological data delineate the flow of electrical signals in these pathways. These loops process sensory input from the vibrissae and send projections to direct vibrissa movement, starting at the level of the hindbrain and proceeding toward loops that involve multiple structures in the forebrain. The nature of the vibrissa-related electrical signals in behaving animals has been studied extensively at the level of neocortical loops.Two types of spike signal are observed that serve as a reference of vibrissa motion: a fast signal that correlates with the relative phase of the vibrissae within a whisk cycle and a slow signal that correlates with the amplitude, and possibly the set-point, of the vibrissae ...
Effect of foliage spatial heterogeneity in the MODIS LAI and FPAR algorithm over broadleaf forests

This paper presents the analysis of radiative transfer assumptions underlying moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) leaf area index (LAI) and fraction of photosynthetically active radiation (FPAR) algorithm for the case of spatially heterogeneous broadleaf forests. Data collected by a Boston University research group during the July 2000 field campaign at the Earth Observing System (EOS) core validation site, Harvard Forest, MA, were used for this purpose. The analysis covers three themes. First, the assumption of wavelength independence of spectral invariants of transport equation, central to the parameterization of the MODIS LAI and FPAR algorithm, is evaluated. The physical interpretation of those parameters is given and an approach to minimize the uncertainties in its retrievals is proposed. Second, the theoretical basis of the algorithm was refined by introducing stochastic concepts which account for the effect of foliage clumping and discontinuities on LAI retrievals. Third, the effect of spatial heterogeneity in FPAR was analyzed and compared to FPAR variation due to diurnal changes in solar zenith angle (SZA) to asses the validity of its static approximation.
What Evidence Do You Have

Your evidence constrains your rational degrees of confidence both locally and globally. On the one hand, particular bits of evidence can boost or diminish your rational degree of confidence in various hypotheses, relative to your background information. On the other hand, epistemic rationality requires that, for any hypothesis h, your confidence in h is proportional to the support that h receives from your total evidence. Why is it that your evidence has these two epistemic powers? I argue that various proposed accounts of what it is for something to be an element of your evidence set cannot answer this question. I then propose an alternative account of what it is for something to be an element of your evidence set.
SPECIES AND DENSITY OF IMPLANT SURFACE CHEMISTRY AFFECT THE EXTENT OF FOREIGN BODY REACTIONS

Implant-associated fibrotic capsule formation presents a major challenge for the development of long-term drug release microspheres and implantable sensors. Since material properties have been shown to affect in vitro cellular responses and also to influence short-term in vivo tissue responses, we have thus assumed that the type and density of surface chemical groups would affect the degree of tissue responses to microsphere implants. To test this hypothesis, polypropylene particles with different surface densities of −OH and −COOH groups, along with the polypropylene control (−CH2 groups) were utilized. The influence of functional groups and their surface densities on fibrotic reactions were analyzed using a mice subcutaneous implantation model. Our comparative studies included determination and correlation of the extents of fibrotic capsule formation, cell infiltration into the particles, and recruitment of CD11b+ inflammatory cells for all of the substrates employed. We have observed major differences ...
Fraunhofer Diffraction of Light by Human Enamel

Fraunhofer diffraction patterns of human enamel samples were photographed with a helium-neon laser beam (λ = 633 nm). The first-order diffraction angle was in reasonable agreement with a prediction based upon enamel prisms acting as a two-dimensional grating. These results support the hypothesis that enamel diffracts light because of the periodic structure of enamel prisms with interprismatic spaces, which act as slits.
A One-Dimensional Model Capturing Selective Ion Transport Effects in Nanofluidic Devices

This paper presents a numerical model of one-dimensional, steady-state, multi-species, ion transport along a channel of variable width and depth. It is intended for computationally efficient simulation of devices with large variations in characteristic length scale—for example those incorporating both micro- and nanochannels. The model represents both volume charge in the fluid and surface charge on the channel walls as equivalent linear charge densities. The relative importance of the surface terms is captured by a so-called “overlap parameter” that accounts for electric double-layer effects, such as selective ion transport. Scale transitions are implemented using position-dependent area and perimeter functions. The model is validated against experimental results previously reported in the literature. In particular, model predictions are compared to measurements of fluorescent tracer species in nanochannels, of nanochannel conductivity, and of the relative enhancement and depletion of negatively and positively charged tracer species in a device combining microand nanochannels. Surface charge density is a critical model parameter, but in practice it is often poorly known. Therefore it is also shown how the model may be used to estimate surface charge density based on measurements. In two of the three experiments studied the externally applied voltage is low, and excellent results are achieved with electroosmotic terms neglected. In the remaining case a large external potential (~ 1 kV) is applied, necessitating an additional adjustable parameter to capture convective transport. With this addition, model performance is excellent.
What Political Science Can Learn from the New Political History

This essay explores how three components of the new political history—research on the motivations behind the rise of conservatism, the discovery of the nineteenth-century state, and arguments about the particularities of public policy—can offer useful analytical tools for political scientists.
Reader fatigue interpreting mammograms

A number of studies have demonstrated that radiologists can become fatigued after reading cases for a number of hours Some of these studies have demonstrated that there are associated decreases in observer performance (i.e., reduced accuracy), but mammographic reading has not been a focus of any of these studies Based on these recent findings regarding decreases in performance as a function of time of day and/or number of hours reading, this retrospective study examined data from a variety of mammography studies in which readers participated in two sessions – once in the morning and once in the afternoon The ROC Az data from these studies were compared for statistical differences between morning and afternoon reading Overall there was a small yet significant (t = 2.365, p = 0.0277) between morning and afternoon diagnostic performance, with performance being degraded in the afternoon These data suggest that reader fatigue may impact mammography interpretation performance, although more formal studies are required to verify these findings with a prospective study since this retrospective analysis did have limitations.
A survey on sensor networks

The advancement in wireless communications and electronics has enabled the development of low-cost sensor networks. The sensor networks can be used for various application areas (e.g., health, military, home). For different application areas, there are different technical issues that researchers are currently resolving. The current state of the art of sensor networks is captured in this article, where solutions are discussed under their related protocol stack layer sections. This article also points out the open research issues and intends to spark new interests and developments in this field.
Applying case-based reasoning to aid fault management in supervisory control

This research explores the use of case-based reasoning as a technique for storing fault management experience and making it available to operators confronting similar anomalous situations. Specifically, this project investigates the use of case-based reasoning technology to construct a knowledge base of actual fault management experience. This knowledge base is organized so as to enable the retrieval of this fault management information in response to system inputs. The Fault Information Extraction and Investigation Tool (FIXIT), a case-based architecture for computationally encoding fault management experience, is proposed, and a proof-of-concept implementation is described. This project represents one of the first applications reasoning to real-time decision making control.
Diamond and Polycrystalline Diamond for MEMS Applications: Simulations and Experiments

To date most of the MEMS devices are been based on Silicon. This is due to the technological know-how accumulated on manipulating, machining, manufacturing of Silicon. However, only very few devices involve moving parts. This is because of the rapid wear arising from high friction in these Silicon based systems. Recent tribometric experiments carried out by Gardos on Silicon and polycrystalline diamond show that this rapid wear is caused by a variety of factors, related both to surface chemistry and cohesive energy density of these likely MEMS bearing materials. Therefore, theoretical and tribological characterization of Si and PCD surfaces is essential prior to device fabrication to assure reliable MEMS operation unded various atmospheric environments, especially at elevated temperatures. In this paper, we summarize tribological experiments and theoretical studies of friction and wear processes on diamond surfaces. We studied the atomic friction of diamond (100)-surface employing an extended bond-order-dependent potential for hydrocarbon systems in MD simulations.
VIOLENT AND VINDICTIVE WOMEN: A RE-ANALYSIS OF THE SOUTHERN SUBCULTURE OF VIOLENCE

In order to further develop an understanding of the Southern subculture of violence and its association with female-perpetrated homicide, new techniques must be developed that sufficiently operationalize Southern cultural influence. For this study, we created the Southern Subculture Index, a factor combining a county's population born in the South, Evangelical Christian, and of Scots-Irish ancestry. Specifically, we hypothesize that by using this index, the relationship between female-perpetrated homicide and Southern culture will be visible. Results from a negative binomial regression model confirm the veracity of a positive and significant effect of the Southern Subculture Index on female-perpetrated homicide.
Speech enhancement using blind source separation and two-channel energy based speaker detection

A speech enhancement scheme is presented integrating spatial and temporal signal processing methods for blind denoising in non stationary noise environments. In a first stage, spatially localized point sources are separated from noisy speech signals recorded by two microphones using a Blind Source Separation (BSS) algorithm assuming no a priori knowledge about the sources involved. Spatially distributed background noise is removed in a second processing step. Here, the BSS output channel containing the desired speaker is filtered with a time-varying Wiener filter. Noise power estimates for the filter coefficients are computed from desired speaker absent time-intervals identified by comparing only signal energy of separated source signals from the BSS stage. The scheme's performance is illustrated by speech recognition experiments on real recordings corrupted by babble noise and compared to conventional beamforming and single channel denoising techniques.
The Immunohistochemistry Laboratory: Looking at Molecules and Preparing for Tomorrow

Abstract Context.—Surgical and subspecialty pathologists rely heavily on the patient's clinical context, imaging studies, morphology, and on ancillary studies such as immunohistochemistry (IHC), cytogenetics, and molecular diagnostics in arriving at accurate, contemporary diagnoses. Lymphoma/leukemia classification has led the way in the number of antibodies used in IHC algorithmic diagnostic approaches to distinguish more than 40 diseases. As the era of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and targeted pathway therapeutics unfolds—and as infusion of federal funds to programs such as Accelerating Clinical Trials of Novel Oncologic PathWays (ACTNOW) requires that correlative biomarker assays be performed in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA)–certified IHC laboratories—we face changes and challenges for the future. Objective.—To discuss the laboratory, pertinent daily diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic uses of IHC, and future directions and challenges. Data Sources.—Recent lite...
Using Pooled Model, Random Model And Fixed Model Multiple Regression To Measure Foreign Direct Investment In Taiwan

Through out the paper, two questions will be answered. The first question is, which are the countries that contribute largely to Taiwan FDI? The second question the paper is going to explore is what are the factors that draw FDI into Taiwan. According to the current literature on FDI in other countries, the determinants of FDI are relative market size, relative labor cost, distance and literacy rate. Three versions of the empirical model were estimated. They are Pooled regression model, Fixed Effect (FE) model, and Random Effect (RE) model. Throughout the three models, the relative market size hypothesis was consistently proved to be a key determinant of FDI in Taiwan.
Up-regulation of Tie gene expression by leukemia inhibitory factor and steel factor in CD34+ cells from human umbilical cord blood.

Tie, a new receptor tyrosine kinase, is ex- pressed in vascular endothelial and hematopoietic cells. To determine whether Tie might be involved in early hematopoiesis, we asked whether the Tie gene is ex- pressed in normal human hematopoietic stem/progen- itor cells and if the expression of this gene could be regulated. Using a single-cell reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT.PCR) assay to study expression ofthe Tie gene in the subset ofhuman um- bilical cord blood (UCB) CD34' + + primitive stem! progenitor cells with extensive replating capacity, we demonstrated at the single isolated cell level that Tie was expressed in these cells. The expression ofTie gene in CD34+ cells was at a low level but was enhanced up to two- to fourfold by steel factor (SLF) or leukemia inhibitory factor (UF), two cytokines that regulate pro- duction of stem/progenitor cells, as assessed using com- petitive PCR and semi-quantitative RIIPCR assays. The fold increases were observed as early as 2 h for SLF and 4 h for LIF and remained elevated for 24 h. These results demonstrate modulation of gene regulation in the rare populations of CD34� cells and suggest the possibility that Tie may play a role in the proliferation and differentiation of immature hematopoietic cells. J. Leukoc. Biol. 62: 510-516; 1997.
Six-Node Linear Strain Element

Purpose of Lesson To formulate the stiffness matrix and evaluate the modeling characteristics of a six-node linear strain finite element.
A database of lumbar spinal mechanical behavior for validation of spinal analytical models

Data from two experimental studies with eight specimens each of spinal motion segments and/or intervertebral discs are presented in a form that can be used for comparison with finite element model predictions. The data include the effect of compressive preload (0, 250 and 500N) with quasistatic cyclic loading (0.0115Hz) and the effect of loading frequency (1, 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001Hz) with a physiological compressive preload (mean 642N). Specimens were tested with displacements in each of six degrees of freedom (three translations and three rotations) about defined anatomical axes. The three forces and three moments in the corresponding axis system were recorded during each test. Linearized stiffness matrices were calculated that could be used in multi-segmental biomechanical models of the spine and these matrices were analyzed to determine whether off-diagonal terms and symmetry assumptions should be included. These databases of lumbar spinal mechanical behavior under physiological conditions quantify behaviors that should be present in finite element model simulations. The addition of more specimens to identify sources of variability associated with physical dimensions, degeneration, and other variables would be beneficial. Supplementary data provide the recorded data and Matlab® codes for reading files. Linearized stiffness matrices derived from the tests at different preloads revealed few significant unexpected off-diagonal terms and little evidence of significant matrix asymmetry.
A proposed national research and development agenda for population health informatics: summary recommendations from a national expert workshop

Objective The Johns Hopkins Center for Population Health IT hosted a 1-day symposium sponsored by the National Library of Medicine to help develop a national research and development (R&D) agenda for the emerging field of population health informatics (PopHI). Material and Methods The symposium provided a venue for national experts to brainstorm, identify, discuss, and prioritize the top challenges and opportunities in the PopHI field, as well as R&D areas to address these. Results This manuscript summarizes the findings of the PopHI symposium. The symposium participants’ recommendations have been categorized into 13 overarching themes, including policy alignment, data governance, sustainability and incentives, and standards/interoperability. Discussion The proposed consensus-based national agenda for PopHI consisted of 18 priority recommendations grouped into 4 broad goals: (1) Developing a standardized collaborative framework and infrastructure, (2) Advancing technical tools and methods, (3) Developing a scientific evidence and knowledge base, and (4) Developing an appropriate framework for policy, privacy, and sustainability. There was a substantial amount of agreement between all the participants on the challenges and opportunities for PopHI as well as on the actions that needed to be taken to address these. Conclusion PopHI is a rapidly growing field that has emerged to address the population dimension of the Triple Aim. The proposed PopHI R&D agenda is comprehensive and timely, but should be considered only a starting-point, given that ongoing developments in health policy, population health management, and informatics are very dynamic, suggesting that the agenda will require constant monitoring and updating.
A conflict resolution algorithm for reduced controller taskload

This paper considers the con ict resolution problem arising from a large number of aircraft traversing a shared airspace. Aircraft are issued lateral and longitudinal shifts commands over their trajectory to resolve potential con icts. Lateral and longitudinal shifts given to each aircraft can be abstracted to represent the heading and speed changes over the trajectories. Through this formulation, the resulting con ict resolution algorithm can be formulated as a mixed-integer linear program solvable in real-time. In this model, the procedure aims to assign to each aircraft a sequence of maneuvers instead of a single one. This new method is based on a centralized algorithm with the goal of minimizing the total number of maneuvers issued by the controller while regularizing the trajectories.
Influence of Continuous Light on Oöcyte Maturation in Bracon hebetor

Oocyte maturation in the parasitic wasp Bracon hebetor Say was compared among females reared in continuous light (LL), continuous dark (DD), and alternating light-dark periods (LD). The mean number of mature oocytes in females from LL cultures was twice that of females from LD cultures and almost 3 times that of females from DD cultures. When reared under LD or DD, 84–87% of the females contained 1–9 mature oocytes at emergence, but under LL, 78% of the females had 10–22 mature oocytes. The effect of continuous light on oocyte maturation was independent of the rearing conditions of the larvae as the effect of light or dark on oocyte production and maturation was found to occur in the pupal stage. Because continuous light stimulated oocyte maturation in B. hebetor and decreased the reproductive potential of the host insect, the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), the use of light provides a potential means for developing more effective biological control methods against P. interpunctella.
“Moneybags Must Be So Lucky”: Inside the Hidden Abode of Prediction

In the nineteenth century, Karl Marx wondered how it was possible for the exchange of commodities to generate so much wealth for some and so much misery for the others. A similar question now haunts our discussions of financial markets: how can the expanding trade in financial securities create such extraordinary wealth for the financiers while creating increasing vulnerability for the rest of us? Taking a leaf out of Marx’s playbook, I propose in this essay to follow Moneybags to the market and consider what he finds there. In the nineteenth century, Moneybags was able to purchase labor-power at its value while somehow generating more value merely from using it; by the late twentieth century, it appears that Moneybags is similarly able, in all good conscience, to acquire other people’s probability—their ability, that is, to make promises and to be believed—while somehow becoming more credible in the process.
Increased expression of nitric oxide synthase in the myometrium of the pregnant rat uterus

Nitric oxide (NO) relaxes uterine smooth muscle and is produced by the pregnant uterus. Our previous studies revealed an increase in rat uterine NO synthase (NOS) activity in pregnancy and a decline at term. In the present study, we have examined the distribution of NOS isoform expression to determine whether their regulation is consistent with a role in the inhibition of uterine contractions before term. At day 17-18 of pregnancy, NOS immunohistochemistry revealed expression of two isoforms: endothelial constitutive form of NOS (ecNOS) in vascular endothelium and inducible form of NOS (iNOS) in myometrial and vascular smooth muscle and in decidual epithelium. Immunoblotting revealed that expression of iNOS declined nearly fivefold, whereas ecNOS declined twofold in laboring rats at term. We conclude that iNOS is expressed in myometrium of pregnant rat uterus but not the virgin rat and that iNOS expression declines at term when labor is present. The pattern of changes in myometrial iNOS expression with advancing gestation suggests that NO could act in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner to inhibit uterine contractions before term.