cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The interest rate exposure of lodging firms.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate the interest rate exposure of lodging firms and to determine whether the use of interest rate derivatives reduces this exposure. Using a sample of 47 lodging firms from the period from 2000 to2004, the first stage regression results show that most lodging firms face exposure to interest rates. The key finding of this study is a significant decline in exposure even after controlling for interest and foreign exchange risk. Additional findings show firm size, floating rate debt, interest coverage ratio, and foreign sales ratio to be important determinants of interest rate exposure.
Specimen Thickness and Impactor Mass Effects on Drop-Weight Impact Studies of GLARE 5 Fiber-Metal Laminates

Impact responses and damage induced by a drop-weight instrument on GLARE 5 fiber-metal laminates (FMLs) with different thicknesses were studied. The effect of impactor mass was also considered. The damage characteristics were evaluated using both nondestructive ultrasonic and mechanical sectioning techniques. The ultrasonic C-scan technique could only assess the contour of entire damage area whereas more details of damage were obtained using the mechanical cross-sectioning technique. As expected, thicker GLARE 5 FMLs offered higher impact resistance. When subjected to the same impact energy, the entire damage contour enlarged as the specimen became thicker. Under the same impact condition, by reducing the impactor mass, the contact force escalated while the contact stiffness increased. Experimental results showed that the threshold cracking energy varied parabolically with respect to the impact velocity, metal volume fraction (MVF) and the specimen thickness. By increasing the metal volume fraction of the panels, the threshold cracking energy decreased parabolically. On the other hand, for the same MVF value, the cracking energy increased as the impactor mass increased. By increasing the panel thickness, the threshold cracking energy condition increased parabolically; whereas under the same impact velocity, the threshold cracking energy increased by increasing the impactor mass.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
CGRP Sensory neuropeptide with multiple neurologic implications

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a vasodilator neuropeptide that is expressed in a subgroup of small neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), trigeminal, and vagal ganglia, which respond to noxious, thermal, or visceral input. These peptidergic neurons use l-glutamate as their primary neurotransmitter and project to the dorsal horn, trigeminal nucleus caudalis, or nucleus of the solitary tract. CGRP, acting via a unique receptor complex, increases neurotransmitter release and neuronal responsiveness to noxious stimulation at all these levels, which leads to central sensitization underlying chronic pain states. CGRP can also be released antidromically in the periphery, eliciting vasodilation as a component of neurogenic inflammation. CGRP-containing pathways from the parabrachial nuclear complex (PBN) and posterior thalamus convey nociceptive and visceral sensation to the amygdala and the insular cortex. CGRP may be involved in the pathophysiology of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Involvement of CGRP in migraine headache has led to the development of CGRP antagonists for treatment of this disorder. There are several reviews on these topics.1,–,11 CGRP is a 37–amino acid peptide that is a member of the calcitonin family, which also includes calcitonin, amylin, and adrenomedullin. CGRP exists in 2 distinct isoforms: CGRPα (CGRP1), which is the product of alternative splicing of the calcitonin gene in neurons, and CGRPβ (CGRP2), which is encoded by a separate gene.1 These 2 CGRP peptides differ from each other by 3 amino acids and have so far proved to be indistinguishable in their biological activities. CGRP is widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems1,12,–,15 and frequently coexists and interacts with other neurotransmitters.1 This review focuses on the distribution and functions of CGRP as a sensory neurotransmitter. ### CGRP as neurotransmitter in primary afferents. CGRP is expressed in a subset of small neurons in …
Multi-Parameter Exploration of HIV-1 Virus-Like Particles as Neutralizing Antibody Immunogens in Guinea Pigs, Rabbits and Macaques.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) offer a platform to test the hypothesis that, since antibody binding to native envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimers results in HIV-1 neutralization, that native Env trimers presented in membranes may be useful for inducing neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) in a vaccine setting. So far, VLPs have not fulfilled this potential. Here, using a “shotgun” approach, we evaluated a wide cross-section of variables in a series of VLP immunizations. We identified 3 tentative leads. First, that VLP doses may not have been sufficient for optimal nAb induction. Second, that dampening the antigenicity of non-functional Env (for example uncleaved gp160) using either protease digests or IgG masking may be useful. Third, that guinea pig sera preferentially target non-conserved epitopes and exhibit relatively high background activity, suggesting that rabbits may be preferable as small animal vaccine models. Recent immunogenicity studies in rabbits appear to bear out all 3 of these leads.
Interglacial and postglacial climates: The pollen record

Abstract Pollen studies of the four European interglacial intervals indicate a strong similarity in vegetational sequence: a pretemperate phase (I) marks the late glacial, early temperate (II) and late temperate (III) phases mark the interglacial proper, and a posttemperate phase (IV) represents the beginning of the next cold period. A grossly similar record is now known for the last interglacial (Sangamon) of central and southeastern United States. The Holocene sequence in both Europe and America are completely typical of the interglacial sequence, although much more is known of the geographic variations. Estimates for the duration of the interglacials range from 10,000 to more than 30,000 yr, according to counts of the annually laminated sediments (organic varves). The Holocene has already run a course of at least 10,000 yr. If it is like earlier interglacials, it will end soon, giving way to gradually developing cold conditions, which may not lead to glacial maxima for tens of thousands of years.
Photoactivation of dichloro(ethylenediamine)platinum(II)

Abstract Photolysis of dimethylsulfoxide (dmso) solutions of the compound Pt(en)Cl2, where en=ethylene-1,2-diamine, leads to solvolysis of the complex and formation of Pt(en)(dmso)Cl+. The reaction follows clean pseudo-first-order kinetics with parallel photolytically activated and thermally activated paths. Both paths are first-order in both Pt(en)Cl2 and solvent. Eyring analysis of the rate constants for 25 °C≤T≤55 °C yielded a Gibbs energy of activation of 96 kJ mol−1 for the thermal pathway and no measurable activation barrier for the photochemical pathway. The quantum yield for the photochemical path is 0.22, as determined using ferrioxalate actinometry.
Comparison of four bedside indicators used to predict duodenal feeding tube placement with radiography

The validity of four indicators to predict successful duodenal feeding tube placement was evaluated in a prospective trial. Data were collected on each indicator at prepyloric ( or = 75 cm) feeding tube lengths. Feeding tubes were placed in 106 patients. Eighteen feeding tubes were located in the stomach, and 88 were in the duodenum. Auscultation (progression of loudest sound locations from the left to the right abdomen) had a positive predictive value of 85% (negative predictive value, 31%). The vacuum effect (a change from 40 mL of aspirated air to or = 6.0 (positive predictive value, 100%; negative predictive value, 28%). The positive predictive value of color (a change to yellow) was also 100% (n = 11); the negative predictive value was 29%. The low negative predictive values of the indicators suggest that the absence of defined changes is of no assistance in discriminating between stomach and duodenal placement. A positive auscultation or vacuum effect test is not conclusive for duodenal placement. A positive pH or color change test may obviate the need for a confirmatory radiograph.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Kidney Function and Systolic Blood Pressure New Insights From Cystatin C: Data from the Heart and Soul Study*

Background Control of hypertension is paramount in treating chronic kidney disease. The relationship between kidney function and blood pressure (BP) components has been studied in persons with diagnosed CKD, diabetes, or hypertension. Whether kidney function in the normal range is associated with systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and pulse pressure is unclear. Methods We evaluated the association between kidney function and each BP component using cystatin C and 24-h creatinine clearance (CrCl) among 906 participants in the Heart and Soul Study. Results We observed that SBP was linearly associated with cystatin C concentrations (1.19 ± 0.55 mm Hg increase per 0.4 mg/L cystatin C, P = .03) across the range of kidney functions. In contrast, using CrCl, SBP was significantly associated with kidney function only in subjects with CrCl P = .003) but not >60 mL/min (0.36 ± 0.77 mm Hg per 28 mL/min, P = .64). Slopes differed significantly (for spline term P = .001). We found that DBP was not associated with cystatin C (0.34 ± 0.40 mm Hg per 0.4 mg/L cystatin, P = .39) or CrCl (0.62 ± 0.44 mm Hg per 28 mL/min clearance, P = .16). Pulse pressure was linearly associated with cystatin C (1.28 ± 0.55 mm Hg per 0.4 mg/L cystatin, P = .02) and with CrCl P = .001). Conclusions Both SBP and pulse pressure were significantly associated with kidney function across a wide range of cystatin C concentrations, even in subjects with presumably normal kidney function, by creatinine-based measures. Cystatin C may provide new insights into the association of CKD and hypertension, a relationship that may be an underappreciated barrier to hypertension control.
6: Effective College Teaching:

Teaching effectiveness has become one of the most controversial issues in higher education, as pressures of student riots in the 1960's were followed by financial pressures from legislatures and donors. Thus a review of substantive knowledge about effective college teaching is timely. This review updates earlier efforts (McKeachie, 1963, 1970), and emphasizes insights gained since. When we think of teacher effectiveness, we almost inevitably think of the classroom and the teaching methods used by the teacher. Even though only a minority of the college teacher's working hours are spent in the classroom, it is classroom teaching that is the focus of efforts to evaluate and improve teaching effectiveness. Such a focus misses the importance of the instructor's hours spent in planning, counseling, tutoring, and encouraging students, and in meetings devoted to determining educational issues. Nevertheless, the classroom is the chief arena of instructor-student interaction. What goes on in classrooms is important in determining the learning experiences of students. Students can learn without teachers, but the teacher and his methods are rightfully perceived by students as crucial elements in determining their learning. In this chapter we deal with major instructional methods, with student characteristics affecting instructional effectiveness, and with microinstructional variables affecting the learning of a single lesson.
On theories of gravitation with higher-order field equations.

Weyl and Eddington suggested three alternative general relativistic theories of gravitation with fourth-order field equations which in empty space admit the Schwarzschild metric as a solution. These theories, Like Einstein's, follow from a variational principle and thus imply differential identities. If, as in Einstein's theory, the sources are taken to be proportional to the energy-momentum tensorT μν, these identities imply the vanishing of the covariant divergence ofT μv. It is shown here that in the presence of extended sources, Weyl's and Eddington's theories (as well as all other higher-order metric theories derivable from an action principle) contradict Newton's law of gravitation in the nonrelativistic limit. To entail this law would require a modification of the source term of the field equations which in general is not compatible withT μv ;v alternatively, one could require only asymptotic agreement with Newton's law, which is compatible with supplementary higher-order terms in Einstein's equations, but which requires the introduction of universal constants of the dimensions of length. None of the generalizations of Einstein's equations considered here admits Birkhoff's theorem.
‘Beggars can’t be Choosers’: The European Crisis and Chinese Direct Investment in the European Union

Virtually non-existent five years ago, Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) into Europe has surged spectacularly in recent years in an international context of declining FDI globally. While the stock of Chinese FDI in Europe is still minuscule, the flows show the rapidly growing interest of Chinese companies in being present in Europe, both through greenfield investment and through mergers and acquisitions. This surge of Chinese FDI occurred concomitantly to the explosion of the sovereign debt crisis in Europe and the general economic downturn in many countries of the European Union (EU). This paper asks whether the European crisis contributed to the surge of Chinese FDI in Europe. In particular, did this surge occur as a result of an explicit strategy formulated by governments in EU Member States in order to dig their countries out of the crisis? The main argument is that the crisis has provided Chinese investors with two types of bargains: economic bargains due to depressed prices and a greater number of assets for sale, and political bargains due to the lessened political resistance to deals that may have been objectionable in flusher times.
Teasing Apart Secondary Students' Conceptualizations of Peer Teasing, Bullying and Sexual Harassment

Examples of teasing, bullying and sexual harassment were collected from 147 secondary school students to determine how students distinguish among these forms of peer victimization. The inclusion of physical and sexual behaviours, references to fun/play, repetition of victimization, the number and gender of the actors, the gender of the targets, gender difference between the actors and targets and reasons for victimization were dependent upon victimization category. Few example elements were related to participants' gender or school. The results are discussed in relation to researchers' definitions of teasing, bullying and sexual harassment.
Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis in a patient with postdural puncture headache.

Background and Objective The occurrence of concomitant intracranial pathology in a patient with postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is rare. We present a patient who had a superior sagittal sinus thrombosis in addition to his PDPH. The signs and symptoms of intracranial pathology in patients with dural puncture headache, in addition to their postural headache, are discussed. Case Report A 32-year-old man with lymphoblastic lymphoma received treatment with daunorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone. He developed postural headache and severe nausea and vomiting after a diagnostic lumbar puncture. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed superior sagittal sinus (SSS) thrombosis and meningeal enhancement. An epidural blood patch was performed and enoxaparin was prescribed for 6 months. He has remained asymptomatic. Conclusions Patients with PDPH have classic postural headache. The occurrence of additional signs and symptoms should alert the clinician to the presence of intracranial pathology. Patients with lymphoblastic lymphoma who had treatment with L-asparaginase and steroid are predisposed to the development of cortical venous thrombosis and may have this syndrome in addition to a dural puncture headache. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2003;28:64-67.
No glial death with NO.

Nitric oxide (NO) is one of biology's most multi-faceted molecules. In some cases, NO seems to have contradictory outcomes; for example, it has been reported to be both neurotoxic and neuroprotective. Recent work now address this conundrum, at least in neurons and glia, and describes an elegant molecular cascade whereby NO provides cytoprotection in astrocytes, but not in neurons.
TU-A-342-01: Quality Assurance Testing of Gamma Camera and SPECT Systems

Routine maintenance, calibration, and quality control of gamma camera and SPECTimaging systems is crucial for providing the nuclear physician or radiologistimages of high quality without artifact. This lecture will provide an overview of the gamma camera and SPECTcalibrations, performance measurements, and quality assurance tests, whether they are for routine quality control or annual physics surveys as defined by the ACR accreditation program. A discussion of common artifacts and how to avoid and correct them will be included. Gamma camera and SPECT performance measurements are well defined in documents published by MITA/NEMA and in AAPM Task Group reports. Unfortunately, many of the specified tests cannot be easily done on installed systems in the field. Modifications become necessary, and as a result performance measurements and quality assurancetesting of gamma camera and SPECT systems have been quite variable. Not included in the published documents are calibration procedures that are vendor specific. Improper calibrations, particularly uniformity calibration, also lead to unwanted artifacts. It is the burden of the physicist to know which performance tests are critical in the field and to also become familiar with specific calibration procedures of our gamma camera and SPECT systems. Educational Objectives: 1. Learn the basic gamma camera and SPECT performance measurements and quality assurance test procedures. 2. Become familiar with calibration procedures of current systems. 3. Become familiar with the test procedures and the frequency of testing prescribed by the ACR accreditation programs. 4. Be able to identify common gamma camera and SPECTimage artifacts and how to correct them.
Marriage (still) matters: the contribution of demographic change to trends in childlessness in the United States.

Childlessness in the United States nearly doubled between 1980 and 2000. Other dramatic changes in the U.S. population also took place over this period—notably, women’s average educational attainment increased, and the proportion marrying declined—but the impact of these changes on childlessness has not been formally examined. In this article, I use data from the Current Population Survey Fertility Supplements (1995, 1998, 2004, 2008) and logistic regression and regression-based decomposition techniques to assess the contribution of changes in educational attainment, marriage behavior, and racial/ethnic composition on population levels of childlessness in the United States. Results show that increases in the proportion of women unmarried by age 40 contributed most to the increase in childlessness in the late twentieth century, although these increases were offset somewhat by increased childbearing among unmarried women. The rising proportion of women with a college degree also explained a substantial amount of the increase in childless women.
Blood flow in red and white muscle in early development.

The fractional distribution of muscle blood flow was measured in the adult and during postnatal development in chronically prepared unanesthetized rabbits by the isotope dilution method. In the adult rabbit blood flow ranged from 5.86 to 56.12 ml/min/100 gm of muscle. Flow was approximately four times greater in grouped red than white limb muscles. Myoglobin concentration ranged from 0.44 to 3.55 mg/gm muscle. The myoglobin concentration of grouped red exceeded that of white muscle and varied in each muscle directly and linearly with blood flow with a high correlation (P<. 001). At birth there was no significant difference in fractional blood between pairs of red and white muscles. However, by the third to fourth week of life significant flow differences appeared which were sustained until adult values were attained. The development of blood flow differences between red and white muscles occurred in a cranio-caudal direction. The changes underlying the postnatal differentiation of blood flow between red a...
Living literacy: Rethinking development in adulthood

Abstract This article argues that understanding literacy development in adulthood requires rethinking current assumptions about the needs and capabilities of so-called low-literate adults, evaluating conflicting conceptions of literacy, and exploring participatory approaches to learning and teaching through which adults may empower their own literacy development in daily life. To frame and be informed by such an agenda for inquiry, researchers and practitioners need to construct richer conceptual frameworks that take into account adults' beliefs, practices, language processes, and plans. This process of theory building calls for new relationships between adult learners and their own knowledge and literacy, between teachers and learners, and between researchers and the researched.
Order from chaos? 1/f noise predicts performance on reaction time measures

Abstract In repetitive tasks, latencies typically display non-random variation called 1/ f noise, but the magnitude of 1/ f noise can depend on effort. Between-participant variation in 1/ f noise might therefore predict differences in performance for tasks that are sensitive to effort. Feedback was manipulated to suggest that participants had (or had not) shown bias on a preliminary task. Participants then completed a computer-based measure of prejudice. Consistent with an ironic process account, participants who were falsely informed that they had shown bias ultimately did show increased prejudice. But ironic processes should depend on control-related effort. Taking 1/ f noise as a proxy for effort, results show that the effect of the feedback was moderated by 1/ f noise. Participants demonstrating a low-effort 1/ f pattern were unaffected by the manipulation (η p 2 f pattern showed larger effects (η p 2 = .19). Results thus suggest that 1/ f noise can provide novel explanatory power regarding behavior.
Effect of myristoylation on p27nef subcellular distribution and suppression of HIV-LTR transcription

The effect of myristoylation on p27nef subcellular distribution and suppression of HIV-1 transcription was examined by transfecting COS-7 cells with plasmids expressing either myristoylated (pSVnef) or nonmyristolyated p27nef (pSVnefala2). Similar levels of myristoylated and nonmyristoylated p27nef were expressed with only the product of the pSVnef plasmid being myristoylated. Immuno-histochemical microscopy and radioimmunoprecipitation revealed myristolyated p27nef only in the membrane fraction while nonmyristolyated p27nef was found distributed between the nucleus and the cytosol fractions. The effect of myristoylation on p27nef suppression of HIV LTR controlled transcription was examined in transient transfected COS cells and in CEM human T-cell clones consituitively expressing either myristolyated or nonmyristolyated p27nef by cotransfecting with a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) plasmid under control of the HIV-1 LTR. In both systems, myristoylated p27nef exhibited a 13- to 18-fold inhibition of basal CAT activity while the nonmyristolyated mutant and the same plasmid carrying the nef gene in a reverse orientation inhibited CAT activity one- to two-fold. These results confirm the cytoplasmic membrane localization of p27nef and establish that its subcellular targeting is dependent on covalently attached myristate. The data also provide further evidence that p27nef acts as a transcriptional suppressor and establishes for the first time that myristolyation is required for the full manifestation of this effect.
Parental education and children's online health information seeking: Beyond the digital divide debate

Research has shown that increasing numbers of teenagers are going online to find health information, but it is unclear whether there are disparities in the prevalence of online health seeking among young Internet users associated with social and economic conditions. Existing literature on Internet uses by adults indicates that low income, less educated, and minority individuals are less likely to be online health seekers. Based on the analysis of data from the Pew Internet and American Life Project for the US, this study finds that teens of low education parents are either as likely as or even more likely than teens of high education parents to seek online health information. Multiple regression analysis shows that the higher engagement in health seeking by teens of low education parents is related to a lower prevalence of parental Internet use, suggesting that some of these teens may be seeking online health information on behalf of their low education parents. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the issues of the digital divide and digital empowerment.
Stochastic decision modeling for sustainable pavement designs

Purpose In the USA, several studies have been conducted to analyze the energy consumption and atmospheric emissions of Warm-mix Asphalt (WMA) pavements. However, the direct and indirect environmental, economic, and social impacts, termed as Triple-Bottom-Line (TBL), were not addressed sufficiently. Hence, the aim of this study is to develop TBLoriented sustainability assessment model to evaluate the environmental and socio-economic impacts of pavements constructed with different types of WMA mixtures and compare them to a conventional Hot-mix Asphalt (HMA). The types of WMA technologies investigated in this research include Asphamin® WMA, Evotherm™ WMA, and Sasobit® WMA. Methods Toachievethisgoal,supplyandusetablespublished by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis were merged with 16 macro-level sustainability metrics. A hybrid TBL-LCA model was built to evaluate the life-cycle sustainability performance of using WMA technologies in construction of asphalt pavements. The impacts on the sustainability were calculated in terms of socio-economic (import, income, gross operating surplus, government tax, work-related injuries, and employment) and environmental (water withdrawal, energy use, carbon footprint, hazardous waste generation, toxic releases into air, and land use). A stochastic compromise programming model was then developed for finding the optimal allocation of different pavement types for the U.S. highways. Results and discussion WMAsdid not perform betterinterms of environmental impacts compared to HMA. Asphamin® WMA was found to have the highest environmental and socio-economic impacts compared to other pavement types. Material extractions and processing phase had the highest contribution to all environmental impact indicators that shows the importance of cleaner production strategies for pavement materials. Based on stochastic compromised programming results, in a balanced weighting situation, Sasobit® WMA had the highest percentage of allocation (61 %); while only socio-economic aspects matter, Asphamin® WMA had the largest share (57 %) among the asphalt pavements. The optimization results also supported the significance of an increased WMA use in the U.S. highways. Conclusions This research complemented previous LCA studies by evaluating pavements not only from environmental emissions and energy consumption standpoint, but also from socio-economicperspectives.Multi-objectiveoptimizationresults also provided important insights for decision makers whenfinding the optimum allocationof pavement alternatives based on different environmental and socio-economic priorities. Consequently, this study aimed to increase awareness of the inherent benefits of economic input–output analysis and multi-criteria decision making through application to emerging sustainable pavement practices.
EventSummarizer: a tool for summarizing large event sequences

We present EventSummarizer - a tool for extracting comprehensive summaries from large event sequences. EventSummarizer takes as input a sequence with events of different types that occur during an observation period, and creates a partitioning of this time period into contiguous non-overlapping intervals such that each interval can be described by a simple model. Within each interval local associations between events of different types are reported. EventSummarizer runs on top of any Relational DataBase Management System (RDBMS), on tables with a timestamp attribute. Our system is parameter free and has a visual interface that provides the user with a global view of the input sequence via the segmentation of the timeline. The easy-to-use interface provides the user with the option to further examine the activity and associations of event types within each segment.
A reevaluation of the effect of occlusion on the trichloroacetic acid peel.

background. Prior studies have demonstrated reduced wounding with trichloracetic acid (TCA) peels after tape occlusion. It is therefore reasonable to question whether or not other types of occlusion may have similar effects, particularly those used in routine postoperative care. objective. To reevaluate the effect of occlusion after TCA peels in multiple human models using various forms of dressings, at various times postoperatively, and to make recommendations regarding wound care that will not adversely affect the efficacy of the peel. methods. Equal-sized sections of anterior alopecic scalps of four patients were peeled with 50% TCA, occluded with bacitracin, Vigilon, or Tegaderm at various times postoperatively, and biopsied 1 day later. Depths of necrosis were measured and compared with nonoccluded controls. results. Bacitracin ointment and Vigilon did not lessen TCA wounding, and sometimes actually enhanced it. Conversely, Tegaderm lessened the degree of the TCA wound. Timing of application played a role in the case of occlusion with Vigilon. conclusion. Occlusives used in conjunction with TCA peels do not have a uniform effect on depth of necrosis. Ointments and Vigilon can be used without reducing the efficacy of the TCA peel. Multiple subjects and rigid control of variables are necessary in studies of TCA-induced necrosis.
Alternative ansätze in coupled‐cluster theory. IV. Comparison for the two electron problem and the role of exclusion principle violating (EPV) terms

The two-electron problem is investigated using exponentially parametrized wave functions for various different coupled-cluster (CC) methods, including regular, expectation value, symmetrized expectation value (i.e., unitary), extended, and quadratic configuration interaction (CI) variants. All are viewed as arising from alternative energy functionals. This pedagogical evaluation demonstrates the differences in these methods, including the role of EPV terms. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Newer technologies for study of the action of nitrates in coronary circulation and myocardial function

Minimally invasive evaluation of the behavior of the right and the left ventricle can be obtained in a dynamic way by using technetium-99 (99Tc) scintographic ventriculography. The "first pass" technique is particularly appropriate to the investigation of short-acting agents, such as nitroglycerin and other nitrates, but information on a 1-minute to 2-minutes steady state response can be obtained by using the "gated blood pool" method. Studies in patients with and without coronary heart disease have identified apparent improvement in regional and global left ventricular ejection fractions associated with afterload reduction caused by such interventions. However, part of the normalization of regions of previously abnormal myocardial contraction may be due to more uniform transmural distribution of coronary blood flow. Such techniques, including nitrate administration, have been used to define regional ischemia suitable for revascularization procedures. Sequential thallium studies also suggest that nitroglycerin reduces or prevents stress induced ischemia, although the mechanism (afterload versus coronary vasodilation) has not been completely elucidated. In the future subtraction angiographic techniques may lead to a more accurate estimate of regional distribution of blood flow and its pharmacologic manipulation. Digital techniques will also facilitate accurate measurement of coronary vascular narrowing in a manner that will serve to elucidate the direct actions of nitrates and similar substances on the coronary circulation.
Structural and electronic properties of graphite via an all-electron total-energy local-density approach.

The electronic and structural properties of graphite have been determined in the local-density approximation with our precise total-energy full-potential linearized augmented-plane-wave method. We confirm the presence of a low-lying unoccupied ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{1}^{+}$ interlayer state, which is of importance for intercalation compounds. A careful study of the convergence of the numerical results was needed in order to obtain reliable data for the total energy. Our values of the lattice parameters and their pressure dependence are in good agreement with experiment. The values of the elastic constants ${C}_{11}$+${C}_{12}$ and ${C}_{33}$ agree with their experimental counterparts. The experimental value of ${C}_{13}$ differs from our result, and is also inconsistent with the experimental results for the lattice parameters under pressure; new experiments are suggested to resolve this inconsistency.
Fiber optic sensors for Navy applications

The development of a family of sensors to detect a wide range of energy fields by exploiting their effects on the optical signal in a fiber-optic waveguide is examined. Interferometric, acoustic, magnetic, fiber gyro, and intensity-based sensors are considered, and multiplexing arrays of sensors is discussed. The main thrust of the program has been sensors for antisubmarine warfare. Applications include the all-optical towed array (AOTA), fiber-optic planar arrays, bottom-mounted acoustic sensors, magnetometers for fiber-optic magnetic arrays, and rate-of-rotation sensors for attitude, heading, and navigation systems. These require the high sensitivity and performance of phase-based or interferometric sensors. Other applications that can be satisfied with the simpler, less sensitive intensity-based sensors include damage control sensors being developed for shipboard applications and fly-by-light systems for military aircraft. >
State-of-the-art lab chip sensors for environmental water monitoring

As a result of increased water demand and water pollution, both surface water and groundwater quantity and quality are of major concern worldwide. In particular, the presence of nutrients and heavy metals in water is a serious threat to human health. The initial step for the effective management of surface waters and groundwater requires regular, continuous monitoring of water quality in terms of contaminant distribution and source identification. Because of this, there is a need for screening and monitoring measurements of these compounds at contaminated areas. However, traditional monitoring techniques are typically still based on laboratory analyses of representative field-collected samples; this necessitates considerable effort and expense, and the sample may change before analysis. Furthermore, currently available equipment is so large that it cannot usually be made portable. Alternatively, lab chip and electrochemical sensing-based portable monitoring systems appear well suited to complement standard analytical methods for a number of environmental monitoring applications. In addition, this type of portable system could save tremendous amounts of time, reagent, and sample if it is installed at contaminated sites such as Superfund sites (the USA's worst toxic waste sites) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) facilities or in rivers and lakes. Accordingly, state-of-the-art monitoring equipment is necessary for accurate assessments of water quality. This article reviews details on our development of these lab-on-a-chip (LOC) sensors.
PRESENT AND FUTURE WALLS FOR USE AGAINST MOLTEN GLASS1

The early glass pot was made of German clay, which, because of its lack of refractoriness, was later mixed with Missouri fire clay. The war made it necessary to substitute American bond clay for the German which was still used. The batch drifted from one of high silica, such as that obtained with all German clay, to one of comparatively low silica without its being realized. While German clay is now available, it is recognized to be unnecessary. Aside from going back to a high silica pot and the use of porcelain pots for special glasses, little progress has been made in pot composition. The pot of the future will probably be of clay, but of white firing clays, carefully selected. The structure will be uniform, rather fine grained with greater refractoriness, depending upon greater freedom from impurities. Its chemical composition will be suited to the composition of the glass melted and the temperature of the furnace. The density will be under control and will depend upon the fluidity of the glass at the temperature of melting.
Decision problems of electric power systems: a call for research

Load forecasting is the prediction of the amount of electricity that will be needed to supply a specific service area of customers. These forecasts have been considered an important aspect in operating and planning electric power systems. The load forecast may be viewed, however, as just one input to many decisions under uncertainty being made in a utility company. A description is given of the major decision junctions, treating load as one of the stochastic inputs. The objective is to formulate a series of problem statements that describe the needs of the utility community in the terminology of the decision scientists, thus promoting interest in solving these important large-scale decision-making problems. >
Influence of a dielectric interface on fluorescence decay time

Abstract When a mirror is placed near a fluorescing molecule, not only the angular distribution of the fluorescence is affected, but also the decay time. This effect is considered for the case of the reflecting interface between two dielectrics of different refractive indices. The fluorescence decay time varies markedly due to the presence of such an interface. In case of fluorescing molecules placed directly at the interface between a medium of refractive index 1.54 and air, the decay time is lengthened by a factor of 1.08 if their transition moment is oriented parallel to the interface, and by a factor of 3.61 if the transition moment is oriented perpendicular to the interface. These considerations are compared with measurements on monomolecular layers of an europium dibenzoylmethane complex which were held at a variable, but well defined distance from the interface.
A Mass on the Nasal Dorsum

An elderly manwith a history of multiple skin cancers of the face presented with a 4-month history of a mass on the nasal dorsum. Findings from a biopsy of the lesion performed at an outside facilitywereconsistentwithsquamouscell carcinoma(SCC).Threeyears prior, the patient underwent 2 excisional biopsies of a mass at the same location showing infiltratingmoderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with acantholytic and pseudoglandular features. The lesion extended into the papillary dermis at the base of the excision. Therewas no endolymphatic or perineural invasion. A third excision performed later failed to demonstrate any disease. The patient’s other medical problems included diabetesmellitus, coronaryarterydisease,andemphysema.Findings fromaphysical examination were significant for a 3 × 2-cm ulcerative, nodular massof thenasal dorsum(Figure, A). Therewasnopalpable lymphadenopathy in theneck.Computed tomographic imagesof thehead andneck revealeda2.6 × 1.7-cmenhancingmass infiltrating thenasal dorsumwith possible involvement of the anterior nasal septum (Figure, B). The patient underwent an en bloc excision with negativemargins. Multiple areas of necrosis and cutaneous ulcerationwere evident. The tumor consistedof nests, trabeculae, and infiltrating rays of mitotically active cells. Some cells showed foamy, clear cytoplasm,while otherswere basophilic to amphophilic (Figure, C). Extensiveangiolymphatic andperineural invasionwaspresent (Figure, D). Immunohistochemical staining was positive for P63 (nuclear) and EMA and focally positive for CAM 5.2 and CK-7. Staining for HMB-45,CD10, chromogranin-A, S100, andVimentinwasnegative. What is your diagnosis? A B
MODELING TEMPORAL CHANGE IN FLOW MATRICES

Regional analysts are often faced with the task of forecasting future flows. The ability to carry out such a task is often limited to a reliance on either a Markovian assumption or other techniques that use only one or two observed flow matrices. This paper explores alternative methods that may be used to combine the information contained in an observed temporal sequence of flow matrices. Information theoretic principles, lag structures, and constant causative matrix operators are among the techniques discussed. These methods are applied and evaluated using inter-regional migration flow data for the United States.
Implementation of a Web- and simulation-based curriculum to ease the transition from medical school to surgical internship.

Abstract Background Starting a surgical internship is a stressful experience. We developed a web and simulation-based curriculum to ease this transition. Methods We created an educational website containing a curriculum of commonly encountered on call situations. After match day in 2003, we contacted all of our new surgical interns. We performed a confidence assessment using a Likert-scale questionnaire, and the trainees were given access to the curriculum. In June 2003, we performed human patient simulator sessions. The participants were asked to provide feedback regarding the simulator experience. During the first week of residency, they were again asked to answer the confidence questionnaire. Results Sixteen residents (94%) used the web curriculum, and 17 (100%) participated in the simulations. Eleven (65%) filled out both questionnaires. The confidence score improved from 5.4 to 6.7 (P Conclusions A web and simulation-based curriculum for incoming house staff is feasible. Studies are underway to validate this novel method and to expand its use for surgical education.
Obama's Ethics Agenda: The Challenge of Coordinated Change

Obama’s “ethics agenda” is the most ambitious ever set out by a new administration. It promises a tougher approach not only to the usual problems such as conflict of interest and the revolving door, but also to broader challenges such as political influence on career officials and lack of transparency in government. The goals of the agenda are a step forward insofar as they focus more on improving the democratic process than disciplining political miscreants. But the means relied on to carry out the goals are less impressive. They perpetuate a major deficiency of the current ethics regime—its disjointedness, which undermines the transparency and accountability necessary for a robust democracy. What is needed is a coordinated approach, led from the White House itself, that takes a more comprehensive view of ethics regulation throughout the
Causes and symptoms in preschoolers' conceptions of illness

The nature of children's concept of illness is of interest both to researchers in health psychology and to those studying naive theories of biology. Recent perspectives on conceptual development suggest that children's concepts are not always simpler versions of adults' concepts. Rather, children's concepts may have a variety of different structures. Two studies investigate whether preschoolers' (and adults') concept of illness has a nominal, cluster, or natural kind representation. Evidence for conceptual structure came from ascriptions of illness and from inferences about properties of illnesses. The roles of symptoms and underlying causes were investigated with respect to these judgments. Results suggest that adults' concept of illness has a property cluster (e.g., prototype) structure. Both causes and symptoms affected adults' categorization of illnesses, with neither type of feature being definitive. Adults did not see any features as universally or uniquely characteristic of illness. Children's ascriptions of illness generally matched adults'. However, children's inferences for some properties were highly correlated with judgments of illness. Thus, children may view illness as a richer source of inferences (and hence more like a natural kind) than do adults. Among the inferences explored were judgments of contagion. Children seemed to associate contagion with a particular type of causal process (infection) rather than with illness per se. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for accounts of children's biological knowledge.
Food and drug administration regulation of drugs that raise blood pressure

Although it is recognized that a systolic blood pressure (SBP) increase ≥ 2 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increase ≥ 1 mm Hg increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes in middle-aged adults, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lacks an adequate policy for regulating medications that increase blood pressure (BP). Some FDA reviewers consider a clinically significant increase in BP to occur only if a drug raises SBP ≥ 20 mm Hg or if a drug raises DBP ≥ 10 to 15 mm Hg. In recent years, numerous drugs have been regulated or taken off the market due to cardiovascular safety concerns. The list includes rofecoxib (Vioxx), valdecoxib (Bextra), nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sibutramine (Meridia), and phenylpropanolamine. It is probable that the hypertensive effect of these drugs explains why they increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Other drugs, notably serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, were approved without cardiovascular safety data despite the fact that they raise BP comparable to valdecoxib and sibutramine. It is the responsibility of the FDA to ensure that drugs are properly labeled regarding risk. Even if a drug raises BP only modestly, FDA guidelines for new drug approvals should include a requirement for cardiovascular safety data. However, such guidelines will not address the problem of how to obtain cardiovascular safety data for the many already approved drugs that increase BP. The FDA should play a role in obtaining cardiovascular safety data for such drugs.