cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Reexamination of the Value of Tax Options

This article reexamines the value of tax trading when the tax rate on long-term realizations is less than that on short-term realizations. In particular, the value of the option to realize long-term capital gains and repurchase stock in order to increase one's tax basis and restart the option to realizefuture losses short term is examined empirically. Our estimate of the incremental value of restarting, which is based on the results of simulations of several alternative tax trading policies over a large number of independent return sequences, is generally much smaller than that reported by Constantinides (1984). The incremental value of restarting is shown to depend critically on the particular pattern of realized returns and the assumed tax treatment of unrealized capital gains at the end of the simulation period. The effects of stockprice volatility, transaction costs, portfolio offset rules, and realization cutoff levels on the value of tax trading are also investigated.
Research Ethics and Private Harms

This commentary addresses the emotionally powerful account of Nicole Taus Kluemper from the perspective of a psychologist familiar with the administrative operation of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the ethics of the profession. The application of the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct to the case is discussed, and alternative methods of response that researchers who have concerns about case studies might use are offered. The author concludes that existing ethical principles—the aspirational standards in particular—do bear upon the matter in question. However, the enforceable code of conduct is not sufficiently clear about obligations to those whom psychologists publicly discuss when the psychologist does not have a specific duty of care to an individual.
Synthesis and characterization of compounds with a group 12-arsenic bond. The crystal structure of [tBuZnAs(tBu)2]2

Abstract The series of compounds [RMAs( t Bu) 2 ] n (R  Me, t Bu; M  Zn, Cd, Hg), with an arsenic-Group 12 bond was investigated.
Image clustering using content-based techniques

A growing number of applications now involve the storage and retrieval of digital images, but it is accepted that there is limited value in storing those images if one cannot easily retrieve them. The limitations of methods based on text-labelling are by now well known and have led to a burgeoning of research projects to develop content-based search methods. We have shown that content-based techniques, and texture in particular, can be used to cluster images, giving a reasonable correlation with assignments made by visual inspection. Options for improving the accuracy of the clustering include: synthesis of purer examples; outlining regions within the image; appropriate weighting of the components of the texture feature vector; and experimenting with alternative classifiers, particularly where texture is important.
Data Needs to Address Economic Issues in Food Safety

Invisible hazards and imperfect information held by producers, consumers, and regulators continue to make food safety a volatile issue that can disrupt markets and cause substantial losses to suppliers of agricultural inputs, farmers, marketers, and consumers. New and improved data are needed to assess risks, consumer demand, and costs of alternative private and public control strategies. Food safety data were identified as a high priority by several groups. The 1989 Survey of Agricultural and Rural Social Scientists ranked "very important" data collection and dissemination efforts and gave "develop measures of food safety" a rank of seventh and "inventory of pesticide and herbicide applications" a rank of ninth (Hushak, Chern, and Tweeten). A report of the planning and budget subcommittee of the Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP), Research Agenda for the 1990s: A Strategic Plan for the State Agricultural Experiment Stations, rated "ensuring the safety and stability of consumer foods" as its first priority. The National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) added food safety to its list of program areas for funding in 1990, largely because of ESCOP's rating. President Bush proposed a major food safety initiative in 1989 with a large data collection component, and Congress appropriated funds in 1990. Better data are needed on the incidence, severity, and economic dimensions of foodborne disease from microbial (bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses), chemical (insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, animal drugs, environmental contaminants, food additives), and natural constituents (including biotechnology) in food.' No data source exists with definitive estimates of the number of illnesses caused by foodborne sources or the distribution of disease severities (OMB). The estimates in the literature suggest that microbial sources are causing from 6.5 to 33 million cases of foodborne disease annually and 9,000 deaths (Bennett et al., Garthright, Archer, and Kvenberg). Chemical sources of foodborne disease risk are less well characterized. A worst case EPA estimate suggests 6,000 cases of cancer annually (EPA 1987), while others have reckoned the risk to be much smaller (EPA 1990, Ames and Gold, Archibald and Winter). Economists can contribute to the food safety discussion by identifying data needed for economic analysis, estimating the social welfare costs of foodborne illness, and estimating benefits and costs of alternative control programs.
Ocular manifestations of multiple myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and benign monoclonal gammopathy

Multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia and benign monoclonal gammopathy are examples of diseases in which there is an uncontrolled proliferation of cells involved in antibody synthesis. Myeloma and macroglobulinemia are considered malignant diseases, whereas monoclonal gammopathy is benign or possibly a pre-myelomatous condition. Following a brief review of the immunoglobulins the various clinical manifestations of these disorders are described. The ophthalmic signs of these disorders can be seen in every ocular structure.
Experimental investigation of the impact of EDFAs on coherent AM analog optical links

Analog optical links are of great interest in applications such as cable television, antenna remoting, and phased-array radars. Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) could provide significant improvement in the link performance because of their large gain, high output power, broad gain bandwidth, and polarization insensitivity. Although EDFAs degrade the system performance by generating amplified-spontaneous-emission (ASE) noise, they lengthen the transmission distance of point- to-point links and increase the number of subscribers in a distribution system.
The endomembrane system and mechanism of membrane flow in the green alga,Gloeomonas kupfferi (Volvocales, Chlorophyta) I. An ultrastructural analysis

The endomembrane system of the chlamydomonad flagellate,Gloeomonas kupfferi (Chlorophyta), is complex. It consists of a proliferating ER network, a perinuclear complex of 14–18 dictyosomes and 8–12 vacuoles and an anterior contractile vacuole complex. The ER network extends from the nuclear envelope outwards, ensheafhs a dictyosome, extends out through a lobe of the chloroplast and terminates in the thin zone of peripheral cytoplasm between the chloroplast and plasmamembrane. The individual dictyosome is polar with distinct cis- and trans-faces. The cis-face is closely associated with transition vesicles emerging from the adjacent ER. Large vesicles emerge from peripheral swellings of terminal cisternae. The dictyosome-associated ER is connected to the peripheral vacuolar system. During cell division and cytokinesis, changes in the endomembrane system occur. Dictyosomes divide and quickly separate to form perinuclear complexes around the daughter nuclei. Each dictyosome undergoes morphological changes during this wall precursor-producing stage. ER lines the furrow zone and is closely associated with phycoplast microtubules. A discussion of the endomembrane system in membrane flow mechanics is provided.
Electron microscope autoradiography on serial sections of preselected single living cells

A method is described that permits electron microscope autoradiography of single cells that have been documented in the living state. The preselected single cell is carefully marked and followed through embedment, serial thin sectioning, and staining. Serial sections are mounted on single-hole grids, treated with autoradiography emulsion, developed, and relocated under the electron microscope.
Comparison of two recent approaches towards a unified theory of the electrical double layer

Abstract A theory of the electrical double layer recently proposed by Cooper and Harrison is compared to earlier, mainly lattice gas results. Detailed comparison of the Cooper-Harrison and lattice gas approaches reveals striking similarities as well as important differences. In both cases the charge density in the inner layer is derived from an effective potential. This potential is determined self-consistently as a function of the applied potential and the charge density itself. Close examination shows that the self-consistency equations are nearly identical. The main differences between the two approaches are the somewhat doubtful expression employed by Cooper and Harrison for the “cut-off” radius for ion—ion interactions, and the much greater generality of the earlier theory.
Sorption of aromatic organic contaminants by biopolymers: effects of pH, copper (II) complexation, and cellulose coating.

Sorption of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) (i.e., pyrene, phenanthrene, naphthalene, and 1-naphthol) by original and coated biopolymers was examined. Lignin yielded nonlinear isotherms due to its glassy character. Except for pyrene, cellulose showed linear isotherms for other compounds, indicating a partitioning dominant mechanism. Sorption of 1-naphthol by lignin decreased with increasing pH, attributed to both the increased πeϑ−πeϑ repulsion and weakened hydrogen bonds, while the affinity reduction of cellulose for 1-naphthol with increasing pH resulted from only the decrease in H-bonding due to its absence of benzene ring. Complexation of lignin with Cu2+ increased the sorption affinity for phenanthrene (2.6 times) and slightly enhanced its isotherm nonlinearity. For 1-naphthol, lignin−Cu2+ complex had a much higher sorption capacity (7 times) than the original lignin, accompanied by the increased isotherm nonlinearity. Cellulose-coated lignin showed increased sorption affinity and more pronounce...
Enzymatic Method for Measuring Starch Gelatinization in Dry Products in Situ

An enzymatic method based on hydrolysis of starch by amyloglucosidase and measurement of d-glucose released by glucose oxidase-peroxidase was developed to measure both gelatinized starch and hydrolyzable starch in situ of dried starchy products. Efforts focused on the development of sample handling steps (particle size reduction of dry samples followed by a unique mechanical resolubilization step) prior to the enzymatic hydrolysis using native and fully gelatinized flours of corn and rice. The new steps, when optimized, were able to maximize resolubilization of gelatinized/retrograded starch while minimizing solubilization of native starch in dried samples, thus effectively addressing issues of insusceptibility of retrograded starch and susceptibility of native starch to enzymatic attacks and eliminating the need to isolate starch from dry samples before using an enzymatic method. Various factors affecting these and other steps were also investigated, with the objectives to simplify the procedures and reduce errors. Results are expressed as the percentage of the total starch content. The proposed method, verified by measuring mixed samples of native and fully gelatinized flours of five grain species (corn, rice, barley, oat, and wheat) at different ratios, is simple, accurate, and reliable, with a relative standard deviation of less than 5%.
Advances in pediatric body MRI

MRI offers an alternative to CT, and thus is central to an ALARA strategy. However, long exam times, limited magnet availability, and motion artifacts are barriers to expanded use of MRI. This article reviews developments in pediatric body MRI that might reduce these barriers: high field systems, acceleration, navigation and newer contrast agents.
Oxide composites of Al2O3 and LaPO4

Abstract Some properties of oxide composites based on Al 2 O 3 and LaPO 4 (La-monazite) are examined. A composite consisting of woven Al 2 O 3 fibers with a porous matrix of Al 2 O 3 and LaPO 4 is shown to be damage tolerant and notch insensitive. The feasibility of achieving fiber sliding and pullout in a composite with a fully dense matrix is investigated using a small hot-pressed composite of sapphire fibers and LaPO 4 matrix.
Diffusion of Information throughout the Host Interactome Reveals Gene Expression Variations in Network Proximity to Target Proteins of Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C virus infection is one of the most common and chronic in the world, and hepatitis associated with HCV infection is a major risk factor for the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The rapidly growing number of viral-host and host protein-protein interactions is enabling more and more reliable network-based analyses of viral infection supported by omics data. The study of molecular interaction networks helps to elucidate the mechanistic pathways linking HCV molecular activities and the host response that modulates the stepwise hepatocarcinogenic process from preneoplastic lesions (cirrhosis and dysplasia) to HCC. Simulating the impact of HCV-host molecular interactions throughout the host protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, we ranked the host proteins in relation to their network proximity to viral targets. We observed that the set of proteins in the neighborhood of HCV targets in the host interactome is enriched in key players of the host response to HCV infection. In opposition to HCV targets, subnetworks of proteins in network proximity to HCV targets are significantly enriched in proteins reported as differentially expressed in preneoplastic and neoplastic liver samples by two independent studies. Using multi-objective optimization, we extracted subnetworks that are simultaneously “guilt-by-association” with HCV proteins and enriched in proteins differentially expressed. These subnetworks contain established, recently proposed and novel candidate proteins for the regulation of the mechanisms of liver cells response to chronic HCV infection.
Instant Messaging or Instant Headache?: IM has found a home within the enterprise, but it’s far from secure.

It’s a reality. You have IM (instant messaging) clients in your environment. You have already recognized that it is eating up more and more of your network bandwidth and with Microsoft building IM capability into its XP operating system and applications, you know this will only get worse. Management is also voicing concerns over the lost user productivity caused by personal conversations over this medium. You have tried blocking these conduits for conversation, but it is a constant battle. Tools are now available to make this blocking job easier, such as those from Akonix, FaceTime Communications, and NetIQ, but IM is maturing, and your users are starting to depend on it as an essential business tool.
Modification of enterosorption induced by a heat labile Escherichia coli enterotoxin in rabbit intestinal loops.

SummaryEnterosorption was induced in rabbit jejunal loops with a heat-labile enterotoxin produced by an enteropathogenic E. coli. Enterosorption was decreased by treatment with Diamox or intraluminal glucose. Furthermore, the effects of these treatments were additive.
An adolescent with fever, headache, and myalgias

A 17-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department n February 2011 with a five day history of fever (maximum temerature of 104 ◦F [40 ◦C]) and malaise, diffuse myalgias, frontal eadache, and progressive fatigue that had started two weeks earier. He reported no weight loss, rhinorrhea, sore throat, cough, ysuria, or rash, but complained of photophobia, nausea, daily pisodes of vomiting and right lower quadrant abdominal pain, and onbloody diarrhea that began on the day of presentation. The patient’s past medical history was unremarkable and his nly medication was acetaminophen as needed. He had not travled and had no known ill contacts. Animal exposures included two et turtles. The patient denied a history of alcohol or illicit drug use. e reported a remote history of unprotected vaginal and oral sex ith three female partners. On physical examination, the patient ppeared nontoxic but uncomfortable. He had a temperature of 00.8 ◦F (38.2 ◦C), heart rate of 93 beats per minute, blood presure of 108/65 mm Hg, respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute, nd oxygen saturation of 96% while breathing ambient air. He had ild photophobia, pain with full flexion of his neck, right lower uadrant abdominal tenderness, and tattoos on his abdomen and ight arm. The remainder of his physical examination was normal. The patient was admitted to the hospital for treatment with ntravenous fluids, antiemetics, and pain medications. Initial labratory studies included a peripheral white blood cell count of .4 × 103/ L with a differential of 54% segmented neutrophils, 0% bands, 27% lymphocytes, 3% atypical lymphocytes, and 6%
American Indian Women Report on the Community Impact of a Tribal Casino

This qualitative study of the community impact of a Midwest American Indian casino examined semi-structured interview data (N = 20) from American Indian women. Results indicate that the opening of the tribal casino has provided opportunities for intergroup contact to occur resulting in improved relations between Indians on the reservation and those who are not Indian from surrounding communities. These improved relations are positively affecting the relationships that develop between the members of the communities. The findings highlight the need for social workers to examine the impact of intergroup contact that is naturally occurring in tribal casino communities and develop interventions that can assist in reducing stereotypes and prejudices.
Drivers of Future Northern Latitude Runoff Change

Identifying the drivers of changing continental runoff is key to understanding current and predicting future hydrological responses to climate change. Potential drivers of runoff change include changes in precipitation and evaporation caused by climate warming, physiological responses of vegetation to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations, increases in lower-atmosphere aerosols and anthropogenic land-cover change. In this study, we present a series of simulations using an intermediate-complexity climate and carbon cycle model to assess the contribution of each of these drivers to historical and future continental runoff changes. We present results for global runoff, in addition to northern latitude runoff that discharges into the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, to identify any potential contribution of increased continental freshwater discharge to changes in North Atlantic deep-water formation. Between 1800 and 2100, the model simulated a 26% increase in global runoff and a 32% runoff increase in the ...
Three-dimensional tracking of humans using very low-complexity radar

A low-complexity radar for human tracking in three-dimensional space is reported. The system consists of a three-element receiving array and two continuous-wave (CW) frequencies configured to provide azimuth bearing, elevation bearing and range measurements. Doppler processing is used for clutter removal as well as to separate multiple moving targets. A radar prototype is constructed and tested. Three-dimensional tracking of multiple humans is performed in both unobstructed and through-wall scenarios.
Self-polarized quantum dots ?

Abstract It has been repeatedly proposed that the electrostatic interaction between electrons in a periodic planar array of polarizable quantum dots can lead to spontaneous polarization as in ferroelectricity or anti-ferroelectricity. This conclusion is not questioned, but some cautionary comments are made. Densely populated metallic dots cannot produce a spontaneous polarization; suitably shaped dots, each with a single mobile electron, can. A spontaneous polarization in an array of limited extent generates a depolarization field arising from the divergence of polarization at the ends of the array. Existing theories ignore this. Ferroelectric polarization cannot arise from identical electronic displacements in an array of dots with a quadratic confinement potential.
Multi-Physics, Multi-Scale Modeling in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

In recent years, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) has emerged as a promising clean energy conversion device for various applications. One key research direction requiring significant breakthrough in order to alleviate performance limitations in PEFCs involves enhanced understanding of the coupled multi-physics transport phenomena and interfacial processes catering over multiple length scales in the constituent porous components. Multi-physics, multi-scale modeling is envisioned to hold the key toward enhanced understanding of the underlying structure-transport-performance interactions. In this article, a brief overview of several major aspects pertaining to the multi-physicochemical modeling of electrochemical reaction kinetics, species transport, two-phase heat and water transport, and phase change in the PEFC is presented.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
CMR of LV non-compaction cardiomyopathy: association of clinical presentation and prognosis with cardiac phenotype

Methods Fourteen patients (mean age 33.1 ± 17.6 years, 9 male) were retrospectively identified from CMR database between December 2007 and May 2010. CMR imaging included SSFP cine in standard views and late gadolinium enhancement. Quantitative analysis included left and right ventricular function, volumes, mass, LV wall motion score and non-compacted to compacted myocardium (NC/C) ratios in different segments. Number of involved LV segments and regions of maximum NC/C ratio were also recorded. Patient’s medical records were reviewed for clinical history including NYHA functional class, ECG, telemetry, Holter/event monitoring and electrophysiology studies. Non-parametric U test, logistic regression analysis and parametric T-test were used to determine statistical significance as appropriate. Results Seven patients presented with acute heart failure including one in cardiogenic shock. Three patients presented with syncope, one with documented ventricular tachycardia (VT). Mean LVEF was 36.2 ± 22.8% and mean RVEF 31.5 ± 16.7%. LVEF <50% was present in 8 patients (57.1%), RVEF <40% in 7 (50%) and both in 6 (42.8%) patients. Mean NC/C myocardium ratio was 3.7±0.8 with mean of 5.5±3.1 LV segments involved. Patients with LV dysfunction were older, more symptomatic with higher NYHA class, had more myocardial segments involvement with non-compaction, and higher NC/C ratios (Table 1). No myocardial infarction or mid-wall fibrosis was seen on late gadolinium enhancement. One patient had thrombus in the right ventricle associated with severe RV dysfunction. Four patients had non-sustained monomorphic VT. Two patients had premature ventricular complexes on
Comparison of Various ??N Partial Wave Analyses in the Region 0-1400 MeV/c

A comprehensive comparative study of the available KN partial wave analyses is made with a view to bring out their similarities and disagreements and to point towards those momentum regions that require particular attention in all future analyses. The multichannel nature of the KN scattering is discussed along with the presently available scattering cross-section data for various channels. The parametrization of the various partial wave analyses is discussed and their amplitudes calculated and compared under the set of conventions proposed by Levi Setti.
Application of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions to pediatric populations

Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) occur after presentation of brief acoustic stimuli such as clicks and tone pips. They represent physiological activity from within the cochlea, specifically from normal functioning outer hair cells. TEOAEs are frequency specific in that their spectra are determined by the spectra of the evoking stimulus and the audiometric configuration. TEOAEs are sensitive to mild to moderate degrees of cochlear hearing loss up to about 40 to 50 dB HL. They can be measured rapidly and noninvasively in infants and children. Among the potential applications in pediatric audiology are screening for hearing impairment in neonates, separating peripheral hearing loss and central auditory dysfunction, and monitoring cochlear status in children receiving ototoxic drugs.
The effects of angiotensin-II on lipolysis in humans

Adipocytes express many of the proteins of the renin-angiotensin system including angiotensinogen and AT(1)-receptors. A principal function of adipocyte tissue is the provision of energy substrate through lipolysis. This study was undertaken to determine if angiotensin-II (Ang-II) infusion or blockade of the renin-angiotensin system by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy with enalapril altered lipolytic activity and substrate oxidation. Eleven healthy male subjects were enrolled in the first study and postabsorptive whole-body lipolysis activity was measured using a stable isotope of glycerol ((2)H(5)-glycerol). Substrate oxidation was determined using indirect calorimetry in the Clinical Research Center. Subjects were then sequentially treated with low-dose Ang-II infusion (0.3 and then 1.0 ng/kg/min) on separate days, and the lipolysis and oxidation studies were repeated. Lastly, each subject was treated with 2 weeks of ACE inhibitor with enalapril (20 mg daily) and underwent lipolysis and oxidation studies for a fourth time. In a second study, 14 healthy male subjects were enrolled and underwent an identical baseline lipolysis and substrate oxidation assessment. These subjects then received an Ang-II infusion at pressor doses (10 ng/kg/min), and changes in lipolytic activity and substrate oxidation were measured again. In the first study, there was no effect on lipolysis activity from low-dose Ang-II infusion (baseline lipolysis activity (mean +/- SD) 2.06 +/- 0.55 micromol/kg/min, 2.10 +/- 0.69 micromol/kg/min after 0.3 ng/kg/min, and 2.32 +/- 0.56 micromol/kg/min after 1.0 ng/kg/min) or enalapril therapy (2.35 +/- 1.00 micromol/kg/min). In the second study, the larger dose of Ang-II increased blood pressure by 14/17 mm Hg, but there was no effect on lipolysis activity (1.36 +/- 0.49 micromol/kg/min v 1.63 +/- 0.82 micromol/kg/min). Substrate oxidation rates were largely unaffected by Ang-II infusions or enalapril therapy. There was no evidence that treatment with subpressor or pressor dosages of Ang-II produced a significant alteration in lipolytic activity. Moreover, blockade of the renin-angiotensin system with enalapril was equally unremarkable in its effects on whole-body lipolysis. These data support the general concept that the renin-angiotensin system in adipocytes serves more to regulate the regional blood flow to adipose tissue and the size and number of fat cells rather than participating directly in the regulation of energy substrate.
A Scaffold Protein, AHNAK1, Is Required for Calcium Signaling during T Cell Activation

Summary Engagement of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) during antigen presentation initiates a coordinated action of a large number of signaling proteins and ion channels. AHNAK1 is a scaffold protein, highly expressed by CD4 + T cells, and is a critical component for calcium signaling. We showed that AHNAK1-deficient mice were highly susceptible to Leishmania major infection. AHNAK1-deficient CD4 + T cells responded poorly to TCR stimulation in vitro with low proliferation and low Interleukin-2 production. Furthermore, AHNAK1 deficiency resulted in a reduced calcium influx upon TCR crosslinking and subsequent poor activation of the transcription factor NFAT. AHNAK1 was required for plasma membrane expression of L-type calcium channels α1S (Ca v 1.1), probably through its interaction with the β regulatory subunit. Thus, AHNAK1 plays an essential role in T cell Ca 2+ signaling through Ca v 1 channels, triggered via TCR activation; therefore, AHNAK1 is a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Numerical investigation of chemical reaction-turbulence interaction in compressible shear layers

Abstract Calculations of mixing of hydrogen and vitiated supersonic airstream with and without chemical reactions are presented. The Favre-averaged compressible flow equations and convection-diffusion equations for the chemical species are solved by a finite volume method that incorporates an incremental pressure equation for the conservation of mass. The chemical reactions are described by 9 chemical species and 24 pairs of reaction-steps. The turbulence field is described by multiple-time-scale turbulence equations. The calculated ignition delay and species concentrations obtained using the multiple-time-scale turbulence equations are in closer agreement with the measured data than those obtained using a probability density function method and k − e turbulence models. It is shown that the multiple-time-scale turbulence equations successfully predict the increased shear layer thickness caused by the chemical reaction-turbulence interaction.
Impact of Radiofrequency Ablation on Malignant Biliary Strictures: Results of a Collaborative Registry

Radiofrequency ablation of malignant biliary strictures has been offered for the last 3 years, but only limited data have been published. To assess the safety, efficacy, and survival outcomes of patients receiving endoscopic radiofrequency ablation. Between April 2010 and December 2013, 69 patients with unresectable neoplastic lesions and malignant biliary obstruction underwent 98 radiofrequency ablation sessions with stenting. A total of 69 patients (22 male, aged 66.1 ± 13.3) were included in the registry. The etiology of malignant biliary stricture included unresectable cholangiocarcinoma (n = 45), pancreatic cancer (n = 19), gallbladder cancer (n = 2), gastric cancer (n = 1), and liver metastasis from colon cancer (n = 3). Seventy-eight percentage of patients had prior chemotherapy. All strictures were stented post-radiofrequency ablation with either plastic stents or metal stents. The mean stricture length treated was 14.3 mm. There was a statistically significant improvement in stricture diameter post-ablation (p < 0.0001). The likelihood of stricture improvement was significantly greater in pancreatic cancer-associated strictures [RR 1.8 (95 % 1.03–5.38)]. Seven patients (10 %) had adverse events, not linked directly to radiofrequency ablation. Median survival was 11.46 months (6.2–25 months). Radiofrequency ablation is effective and safe in malignant biliary obstruction and seems to be associated with improved survival.
Eine Näherung zu dem Lennard-Jones-Devonshire-Potential eines Moleküls innerhalb einer Zelle des Zellmodells

Bisher wurden zwei Naherungen zu demLennard-Jones-Devonshire-Potential1 in der Literatur ausfuhrlich diskutiert und verschiedentlich verwendet2: Der harmonische Oszillator und das Kastenpotential. Beide Naherungen dienten einerseits der mathematischen Vereinfachung, andererseits lies sich in diesen Naherungen die Molekulbewegung innerhalb einer Zelle entweder als harmonische Schwingung oder als Translation auffassen. Doch waren beide Naherungen nur in einem sehr beschrankten Temperaturintervall verwendbar; der harmonische Oszillator nur bei extrem tiefen Temperaturen, das Kastenpotential bei verhaltnismasig hohen Temperaturen. Darum wird hier eine Kombination dieser beiden Naherungen versucht, wonach der Potentialverlauf durch einen flachen Boden und parabolische Wande wiedergegeben wird. Das Ausmas des flachen Bodens kann nicht ganz willkurfrei festgesetzt werden. Doch last sich die Willkur betrachtlich vermindern, wenn man die Bedingung beachtet, das die Schwingungsfrequenz fur die Molekulbewegung, die durch den Anstieg der parabolischen Wande gegeben ist, fur Zellen unendlicher Grose gegen Null gehen mus. Das so erhaltene Modell liefert eine Zustandsgleichung, die mit der des ausfuhrlichenLennard-Jones-Devonshire-Modells zumindest bis zum Siedepunkt vollkommen ubereinstimmt, und ermoglicht eine Diskussion der Molekulbewegung in den gelaufigen Termen der Translation und Oszillation3.
Afrocentricity and the Western paradigm

This article explores the similarities between Afrocentricity and postmodernism with an eye toward defining their responses to hegemony. The author argues that these ideas share similar platforms, ...
Quantitative computed tomography evaluation of benign solitary pulmonary nodules

A retrospective evaluation of stable solitary pulmonary nodules was completed in 14 patients using a GE 8800 CT scanner and the Computerized Imaging Reference Systems, Inc., computed tomography chest phantom. Patients with a stable nodule for at least 24 months and no evidence of calcification within the nodule by plain radiography were selected for the study. Using the phantom, a quantitative assessment of nodule density was done in each patient. Of 14 nodules, five were categorized as benign. Linear conventional tomography was performed on these five patients, and only one had evidence of benign calcifications. All patients lived in an area endemic for Coccidioides immitis and six of 14 had culture, serologic, or skin test evidence of previous infection with C. immitis. Two of these six patients had nodules that were characterized as benign using the computed tomography chest phantom. This study indicates that the computed tomography chest phantom is useful in identifying benign nodules in patients living in an area endemic for C. immitis pulmonary infections.
Thermal Conductivity of Silicon and Germanium from 3°K to the Melting Point

The thermal conductivity $K$ of single crystals of silicon has been measured from 3 to 1580\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and of single crystals of germanium from 3 to 1190\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. These measurements have been made using a steady-state, radial heat flow apparatus for $Tg300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K and a steady-state, longitudinal flow apparatus for $Tl300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K to give absolute $K$ values. This radial flow technique eliminates thermal radiation losses at high temperatures. The accuracy of both the low-temperature apparatus and the high-temperature apparatus is approximately \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5%. Some special experimental techniques in using the high-temperature apparatus are briefly considered. At all temperatures the major contribution to $K$ in Si and Ge is produced by phonons. The phonon thermal conductivity has been calculated from a combination of the relaxation times for boundary, isotope, three-phonon, and four-phonon scattering, and was found to agree with the experimental measurements. Above 700\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for Ge and 1000\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for Si an electronic contribution to $K$ occurs, which agrees quite well with the theoretical estimates. At the respective melting points of Si and Ge, electrons and holes are responsible for 40% of the total $K$ and phonons are responsible for 60%. The measured electronic $K$ yields values for the thermal band gap at the melting point of 0.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 eV for Si and 0.26\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.08 eV for Ge.
Exploring Factors Affecting Consumer Intention to Use Mobile Advertising in Taiwan

Abstract Mobile advertising refers to advertisements delivered through a mobile device. The present research employs variables adapted from the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2) and examines how social influence and past adoption behavior influence consumer intention to use mobile advertising among college students in Taiwan. The paper also examines the relationship between consumer attitudes toward and intention to use mobile advertising. The research used a survey method to investigate consumer attitudes toward mobile advertising among 468 college students in Taiwan. Empirical data from several regression analyses demonstrated consistent relationships between attitudes toward using mobile commerce, and attitudes toward and intention to use mobile advertising. As predicted in TAM2, social influence processes significantly influenced consumer attitudes toward using mobile commerce. Furthermore, their attitudes toward using mobile commerce also affect consumer attitudes toward and intention to us...
Highly sensitive absorption measurements in organic thin films and optical media

An important signature of material properties is the absorption spectrum. However, for weak absorption in thin films or for subtle spectral features, standard measurement techniques are inadequate. Ideally suited for this regime is photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS) which can give several orders of magnitude greater sensitivity than transmission techniques. With the sensitivity of PDS, it is possible to detect features that cannot be observed by other means, such as singlet-triplet transitions, weak charge-transfer bands, and weak photo-chemical changes at the surface. The films studied were those commonly used as charge transport materials in organic photoconductors, and are comprised of a small organic molecule and a polymer binder. The PDS spectra indicate the formation of charge transfer complexes between the two components, in the solid state. The strength depends on the various combinations and can be correlated to relative energy level offsets between the HOMO of the small molecule and the LUMO of the polymer binder. Reversible photochemistry resulting from UV exposure can also be detected at the surface. In addition, using PDS, it has been possible to obtain, for the first time, the vibrational overtone spectra in the range from the near IR to the visible (0.4 - 2 eV) for polymeric thin films. The absorption spectra of polycarbonate, for instance, exhibits C-H stretch modes for (Delta) n > 1 where n is the vibrational quantum level. Previous measurements were constrained to either long fibers, which pose the problem of scattering, or to a restricted wavelength region in the visible accessible by dye laser sources. The unparalleled sensitivity of PDS allows precise determination of frequency, lineshape, and intensity of the various modes, even for films just a few microns thick over a very broad energy range. The overtone spectra can be used as a probe of various basic molecular properties such as bond energy, anharmonicity, and vibrational energy localization. In a manner similar to NMR spectroscopy, it is possible to study specific atomic bonds.
Development of a model for point source electrical fibre bundle stimulation.

A model is presented for determining the excitation (transmembrane) potentials on nerve and muscle fibres in a cylindrical bundle from an external point source electrode at the surface and within the preparation. The fibre bundle is considered to be immersed in an infinite isotropic conductive medium and is idealised as an infinitely extending cylinder. This cylinder is initially represented as an isotropic monodomain. A subsequent degree of complexity introduces anisotropy in the monodomain, and finally the bundle is represented as an anisotropic bidomain comprised of the interstitial radial and longitudinal conductivities, the intracellular longitudinal conductivity and the fibre membrane between the two domains. In this latter model, electrical coupling from extracellular to intracellular space is included by means of the bidomain formulation. Computational aspects are discussed, and preliminary results for prescribed conditions are presented.
Hippocampal theta rhythm. II. Depth profiles in the freely moving rabbit.

Summary Depth profiles of hippocampal theta rhythm were investigated in the freely moving rabbit during three behavioral conditions: REM sleep, voluntary movement, and during sensory stimulation applied to the motionless animal. Profiles were found to be the same in all three conditions. Dorsoventral microelectrode penetration of the dorsal hippocampus revealed an approximately uniform amplitude of theta rhythm in strata oriens and pyramidale of CA 1 . Further microelectrode advancement revealed a sharp reversal of phase and a coincident null in amplitude in the proximal stratum radiatum. There was also a peak of theta rhythm amplitude which occurred in the molecular layer of the dorsal blade of the dentate gyrus. These data imply that in the rabbit, as in the freely moving rat, there are two generators of theta rhythm in the dorsal hippocampus, one in the dentate gyrus and the other in the overlying CA 1 layer. The data also indicate the existence of a species difference in generating systems between the rabbit and the rat.
Findings from the Condition Surveys Conducted by the University of Kansas Libraries

As part of establishing a strategic plan for preservation at the University of Kansas (KU) Libraries, a task force was organized to conduct two collection condition surveys. One survey focused on materials returning from circulation, and the other looked at the general collections. Materials returning from circulation were surveyed to determine their condition because most preservation efforts at KU are “use” driven. The survey of the entire collection shed light on the physical condition of KU’s overall holdings. This information aided in long-term preservation planning. Survey data from the more than 4,000 volumes were entered directly into a computer database using laptop computers. This facilitated quick data entry, improved the accuracy of the information, and made data analysis easier. The results of the survey have had far-reaching effects in determining library policy, from influencing a decision to switch to a paperback-preferred purchasing policy, to increasing awareness of space and facility concerns throughout the libraries, to heightening user awareness of preservation issues.
I Knew it All Along! Evaluating Time-of-Decision Measures in the 2008 U.S. Presidential Campaign

This paper evaluates the two most common methods of measuring voter time-of-decision—the recall method and the panel method—and asks whether the two methods are consistent with each other. Using data from the National Annenberg Election Survey collected during the 2008 U.S. presidential election, the findings suggest that these two methods measure different concepts, and thus cannot be used interchangeably. Furthermore, discrepancies between the two methods suggest that the accepted model of early, campaign, and late decision-making should be adjusted to account for a fourth group of voters that never changes their vote intention, but does not truly commit to that intention until later in the campaign. The concept of uncommitted early deciders is offered to describe this group, created by combining the two methods.
Surface Plasmon Coupled Whispering Gallery Mode for Guided and Free-Space Electromagnetic Waves

We demonstrate theoretically that plane wave propagating in free space can be used to excite the whispering gallery mode in dielectric microresonators grown on the top of nanoplasmonic structures, with the assistance of surface plasmon wave. We have demonstrated the coupling modes using both localized and propagating surface plasmon-supporting nanostructure surfaces.
Proposed animal model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Dopamine (DA) neurons are implicated in the hyperlocomotion of neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats, an animal model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because serotonin (5-HT) neurons mediate some DA agonist effects, we investigated the possible role of 5-HT neurons on locomotor activity. Rats were treated at 3 days after birth with vehicle or 6-OHDA (134 μg ICV; desipramine pretreatment, 20 mg/kg IP, 1 h), and at 10 weeks with vehicle or 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT; 75 μg ICV; pretreatment with desipramine and pargyline, 75 mg/kg IP, 30 min), to destroy DA and/or 5-HT fibers. Intense spontaneous hyperlocomotor activity was produced in rats lesioned with both 6-OHDA and 5,7-DHT. Locomotor time in this group was 550 ± 17 s in a 600 s session, vs. 127 ± 13 s in the 6-OHDA group and <75 s in 5,7-DHT and intact control groups (p < 0.001). Oral activity dose-effect curves established that 5,7-DHT attenuated DA D1 receptor supersensitivity and further sensitized 5-HT2c receptors. Acute treatment with dextroamphetamine (0.25 mg/kg SC) reduced locomotor time in 6-OHDA+5,7-DHT-lesioned rats to 76 ± 37 s (p < 0.001). Striatal DA was reduced by 99% and 5-HT was reduced by 30% (vs. 6-OHDA group). Because combined 6-OHDA (to neonates) and 5,7-DHT (to adults) lesions produce intense hyperlocomotion that is attenuated by amphetamine, we propose this as a new animal model of ADHD. The findings suggest that hyperactivity in ADHD may be due to injury or impairment of both DA and 5-HT neurons.
A calculation of migration energies and binding energies for tungsten adatoms on tungsten surfaces

Abstract Migration energies and binding energies have been calculated for adatoms on tungsten surfaces by means of a pairwise interaction model. The inclusion of significant relaxation effects in these calculations has eliminated previous qualitative discrepancies between the calculated and the measured orientation dependence of the migration energies. The remaining discrepancies are rationalized by invoking both bond strengthening and bond weakening hypotheses for atomic interactions at the surface.
Common arterial trunk with pulmonary atresia

We describe a congenitally malformed heart with usual atrial arrangement and concordant atrioventricular connexions in which a solitary arterial trunk left the base of the heart and supplied the coronary and systemic arteries. Pulmonary blood supply was derived from systemic to pulmonary collateral arteries but, in addition, hypoplastic intrapericardial pulmonary arteries were found in each lung hilum. The two sets of hilar arteries were discontinuous, but it seemed likely that this discontinuity had been artefactually produced by prior dissection. Irrespective of this matter, the left pulmonary arteries were connected by a thread-like atretic cord to the left-sided sinus of the solitary arterial trunk. This indicates that, initially, there had been a common trunk which now demonstrates pulmonary atresia. The significance of this lesion is discussed in the light of the nomenclature and description of hearts with common arterial trunk.
The external glial limiting membrane in Macaca: Ultrastructure of a laminated glioepithelium

The external glial limiting membrane in Macaca is a multilaminar epithelium-like mantle formed by the perikarya and interdigitating cell processes of astrocytes. It is separated from the overlying subarachnoid space by a typical basement membrane. Tonofilaments, about 100 A in diameter, course through the cytoplasm of the processes in sheaths which run in different planes in successive layers of the mantle, forming a course brushwork. Beneath the surface plasma membrane of the superficial astrocytes is a filamentous layer, 500–700 A thick, which is composed of microfilaments, about 50 A in diameter. These microfilaments were continuous with the inner aspect of the plasma membrane. The tonofilaments appeared to terminate in the microfilamentous network. The similarity of these microfilaments to the cytocholasin B-sensitive microfilaments of epithelial cells suggested contractile properties and their participation in the motility of glial cells at the border of the brain and subarachnoid space.