cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Zero-point energy in flux-tube confinement

We discuss the zero-point energy associated with a heavy-quark--antiquark system confined to a cylindrical cavity through the dielectric vacuum picture of confinement. The correction to the string tension and the universal Coulomb-type behavior produced by the Casimir forces are treated.
Effectiveness of heating, ventilation and air conditioning system with HEPA filter unit on indoor air quality and asthmatic children's health

Abstract Poor indoor air quality has been linked to the exacerbation of asthma symptoms in children. Because people spend most of their time indoors, improving indoor air quality may provide some relief to asthma sufferers. A study was conducted to assess whether operating an air cleaning/ventilating unit (HEPAiRx®) in a child's bedroom can improve his/her respiratory health. Thirty children diagnosed with asthma were randomly split into two groups. For the first six weeks, group A had the air cleaning/ventilating unit (HEPAiRx®) running in the bedrooms of the participants and group B did not; for the second six weeks, both groups had the cleaners running in the bedrooms; and, for the final six weeks, group A turned the cleaners off and group B kept theirs running. Indoor air quality parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, particulate matter (PM 0.5–10 μm), carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations, were monitored in each bedroom using an AirAdvice indoor air quality multi-meter. As a measure of pulmonary inflammation, exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was collected every sixth day and analyzed for nitrate and pH. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was also measured. PM and TVOC concentrations decreased with operation of the HEPAiRx an average of 72% and 59%, respectively. The EBC nitrate concentrations decreased significantly and the EBC pH and PEF values increased significantly with operation of the unit (p
Making molehills out of mountains: landscape genetics of the Mojave desert tortoise

Heterogeneity in habitat often influences how organisms traverse the landscape matrix that connects populations. Understanding landscape connectivity is important to determine the ecological processes that influence those movements, which lead to evolutionary change due to gene flow. Here, we used landscape genetics and statistical models to evaluate hypotheses that could explain isolation among locations of the threatened Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). Within a causal modeling framework, we investigated three factors that can influence landscape connectivity: geographic distance, barriers to dispersal, and landscape friction. A statistical model of habitat suitability for the Mojave desert tortoise, based on topography, vegetation, and climate variables, was used as a proxy for landscape friction and barriers to dispersal. We quantified landscape friction with least-cost distances and with resistance distances among sampling locations. A set of diagnostic partial Mantel tests statistically separated the hypotheses of potential causes of genetic isolation. The best-supported model varied depending upon how landscape friction was quantified. Patterns of genetic structure were related to a combination of geographic distance and barriers as defined by least-cost distances, suggesting that mountain ranges and extremely low-elevation valleys influence connectivity at the regional scale beyond the tortoises’ ability to disperse. However, geographic distance was the only influence detected using resistance distances, which we attributed to fundamental differences between the two ways of quantifying friction. Landscape friction, as we measured it, did not influence the observed patterns of genetic distances using either quantification. Barriers and distance may be more valuable predictors of observed population structure for species like the desert tortoise, which has high dispersal capability and a long generation time.
Electrochemistry as a Tool for the Study of Reactive Intermediates

There are now available a wide range of electrochemical techniques which can provide fundamental information about both energetics and kinetics of thioether redox chemistry. Before discussing the various techniques, it is first appropriate to consider the kinds of reactions which thioethers are known to undergo and the information one desires about them. Equations 1–10 outline the type of reactions which can be studied by electrochemical methods. The discussion will be limited to oxidations and will not include multi-step reaction sequences leading to transitions from S-centered to C-centered radicals. These reactions have been extensively documented particularly in the pulse radiolysis literature.
A single model for process improvement

The FAA has spent many years evaluating and combining models and methods to establish and monitor IT process improvement. In 1997, it released the integrated Capability Maturity Model (iCMM), which blended three of the Capability Maturity Models - software, systems engineering, and software acquisition - developed by Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute. iCMM version 2, released in 2001, updated and expanded version 1's set of engineering disciplines to better accommodate the IT processes associated with the agency's air-traffic-control business, as well as IT system deployment, transition, operation, maintenance, and retirement. It also included some processes that govern IT, such as leadership, strategic planning, and investment decision-making. With this breadth of coverage, we believe the iCMM is the most comprehensive model available for improving the performance of an organization that relies on complex IT systems to provide services. The iCMM also has a flexible structure that lets organizations use it to benchmark processes from other process improvement models in terms of either maturity or capability level. Finally, the model offers various appraisal methods so that organizations can understand current practice in relation to iCMM's best practices or measure process performance characteristics. Lessons have come from many years of iCMM application at FAA, and many have broad application to the IT community. Overall, using one model to cover processes that span many disciplines has clear advantages.
Understanding the Process of Grieving and Loss: A Critical Social Thinking Perspective

Abstract Critical social thinking is an effective approach to exploring the process of grieving and loss from an individual's lived experience and challenges the nurse to look beyond the obvious to potential oppressive forces, such as the social, political, or economic circumstances affecting the individual. The critical thinking perspective includes four basic concepts: identifying assumptions; checking the accuracy and validity of these assumptions; considering alternative perspectives; and taking informed actions. The process of grieving and loss is influenced by factors beyond the obvious issues identified by the nursing process. This article explores some of the dimensions of grieving and loss as they relate to the conceptual framework of critical social thinking and the nursing process.
Neonatal Hepatic Malignant Tumor A Correlative Imaging Approach

We report the hepatobiliary study of a neonate with hepatomegaly. Biliary atresia was ruled out. Fortuitous demonstration of massive parenchymal lesions redirected the clinical management of the child. Other imaging modalities were employed to define further the nature of the lesions. Pediatric reports of non-biliary lesions demonstrated by hepatobiliary scintigraphy are uncommon. To our knowledge, the present case of multiple hepatoblastomas discovered by hepatobiliary imaging is the first report in the literature.
Development of a web-centric virtual prototyping environment for shallow-water mine countermeasures using the Internet paradigm

In shallow-water mine countermeasure, the objective is to find underwater mines with consistently high P D and low P FA in diverse environmental conditions. In order to achieve this goal in a cost-effective manner, we are developing a Web-centric virtual prototyping environment that consists of various tools to make algorithm development and performance analysis as seamless as possible. Furthermore, by making algorihrtm toolboxes available for download at the project Web site, we are involving end users in the development cycle in an attempt to improve the utility and functionality of the toolboxes. This approach focuses on community collaboration and uses the Internet as a communications medium, i.e., open-source software development paradigm. We envision the virtual prototyping environment to eventually address the entire operating spectrum form algorithm development to real-time implementation by concatenating complementary toolboxes and hosting various services at a Web data center. The advantages of this approach are more cost-effective algorithm development, facilitation of accurate performance comparison between existing and new algorithms, and minimization of performance ambiguity through the use of tap points and visual information presentation. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that the environment allows researchers to spend more time on creative aspects of algorithm development and less time on mundane parts.
Using Movie Scenes as Conceptual Framing Exemplars to Guide School Leaders in Thinking Reflectively about Organizational Change

This article describes the use of conceptual framing exemplars as an instructional tool to enhance the university graduate-level teaching and mentoring of education leaders (teachers, principals, instructional coaches, curriculum/special program directors, superintendents) interested in further developing their professional knowledge and skills in designing and implementing effective school improvement initiatives in elementary and secondary school settings. The article includes a discussion of selected organizational change leadership concepts that often pose learning challenges to school leadership graduate students, along with some specific examples of classic and popular movie scene conceptual framing exemplars that the author has employed in university graduate teaching seminars to assist leadership students in reflecting on the challenges and opportunities associated with enacting meaningful change leadership in schools. Some current, real-world school case situations are highlighted to illustrate how graduate students can apply reflective insights gleaned from their study of organizational change leadership conceptual framing exemplars to directly inform their own practical efforts in developing and implementing creative action strategies to improve teaching and learning effectiveness in their school communities.
Thermo-mechanical fatigue behavior of a cross-ply SCS-6/Ti-15-3 metal-matrix composite

Abstract The thermo-mechanical fatigue behavior of a cross-ply laminate of a silicon-carbide-fiber-reinforced titanium-matrix composite, SCS-6/Ti-15-3, has been investigated. Two sets of tests involving in-phase and out-of-phase thermal-mechanical fatigue from 149 to 427°C at different stress levels, which were below and above the static first ply failure strength of the laminate, were conducted. Fatigue damage originated at the fiber/matrix interface of 90° fibers, and progressed as transverse cracking in the matrix. However, final damage modes were dependent on stress level and test conditions. Furthermore, fatigue lives were also found to be dependent on test conditions at a given stress level.
Challenging the maximum rooting depth paradigm in grasslands and savannas

Summary For many grassland and savanna ecosystems, water limitation is a key regulator of individual plant, community and ecosystem processes. Maximum rooting depth is commonly used to characterize the susceptibility of plant species to drought. This rests on the assumption that deep-rooted plant species would have a greater total volume of soil water to exploit and should be less susceptible to episodic changes in water availability. Independent of maximum rooting depth, rooting strategies based on differences in biomass allocation with depth, uptake plasticity in relation to water availability and variation in water transport capability may all influence growth responses and susceptibility to drought. Many examples from grasslands and savannas reflect these rooting strategies among coexisting grass, forb and woody species. Here, we use a dynamic model of plant water uptake and growth to show how changes in root distribution, functional plasticity and root hydraulic conductivity have the potential to influence aboveground biomass and competitive outcomes, even when maximum rooting depth remains constant. We also show theoretically that shifts in root distribution to surface soils without changes in maximum depth can potentially outweigh the benefits of increased maximum rooting depth. Combining our current reliance on biogeographic descriptions of maximum rooting depth with insights about other, more subtle aspects of root structure and function are likely to improve our understanding of ecosystem responses to dynamic water limitation.
Emerging protein kinase inhibitors for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Introduction: non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) accounts for 4.3% of all new cancers in the United States. Even in its most curable subtypes, approximately 30% of patients succumb to their disease. For these patients there is clear need for more effective therapy. In indolent NHL where survival is prolonged, the aim of therapy is improving quality of life and limiting the burden of therapy.Areas covered: The key signaling mechanisms of normal B-cells, the changes that are seen in signaling in NHL, and the targets of novel protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) are discussed. The efficacy of these agents in both aggressive and indolent histologies is reviewed. Logical combinations of novel and traditional agents are explored. Ongoing studies of the new agents are discussed.Expert opinion: PKIs will likely modify standard therapeutic paradigms in NHL. As use of these agents increases and combination studies continue, optimal use will depend on individual disease characteristics, goals of therapy as well as patient and...
Thrombostasin: purification, molecular cloning and expression of a novel anti-thrombin protein from horn fly saliva.

Abstract Thrombostasin (TS), a novel protein found in the saliva of Haematobia irritans (horn fly), was purified by high-performance liquid chromatography from the saliva of field-collected insects. This protein, which inhibits thrombin, accounts for anti-clotting activity in horn fly saliva [J. Med. Entomol. 37 (2000) 416] and is the first purified anti-hemostatic factor described from the Stomoxyinae, a large group of blood-feeding insects that are major pests of livestock world-wide. The purified TS had an apparent molecular weight of 16.7 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and revealed two isoelectric groups with isoelectric points (pIs) of approximately 4.6 and 4.8. Mass spectroscopy analysis, however, resulted in at least three major isoforms that range in mass from 9213 to 9274 Da. A 243-bp coding sequence was obtained from cDNA by using a degenerate primer deduced from the N-terminal sequence of the purified TS. The conceptual translation of the 243-bp sequence showed that the 81-amino-acid peptide, whose first 30 amino acids match those of the N-terminal sequence, had a predicted mass of 9213 Da with pI 4.14. A full-length TS cDNA was generated by rapid amplification of cDNA ends of the 5′ and sequential polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. It contained a 5′-end 12-bp segment preceding the putative ATG start codon, followed by a 54-bp sequence corresponding to a secretory signal and an additional 228-bp coding sequence preceding residues revealed by N-terminal sequencing of purified TS. The fidelity of the PCR-generated TS sequence was confirmed in genomic DNA and by biological activity of recombinant TS produced in a baculovirus expression system. Database comparisons revealed no homology between TS and other known molecules. Because of the paucity of other anti-hemostatic factors in horn fly saliva, TS may play a critical role in maintenance of the ectoparasitic lifestyle of horn flies.
Projected Financial Impact of Noncoverage of Elective Circumcision by Louisiana Medicaid in Boys 0 to 5 Years Old

Purpose: Several states, including Louisiana since 2005, no longer cover elective circumcision under Medicaid programs. The recent AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) policy statement recognizes the medical benefits of circumcision and recommends the removal of financial barriers to this procedure. Cost savings are a factor in the limitation of circumcision coverage, although to our knowledge the actual cost savings to Medicaid programs have not been reported. We analyzed the number of circumcisions performed before and after the policy change to determine an accurate cost of such procedures and whether the increased procedure expense mitigates the initial savings.Materials and Methods: We analyzed the number of neonatal and nonneonatal circumcisions in boys 0 to 5 years old to determine trends during the selected period. A cost model for each procedure was created. Neonatal procedure cost was based on professional fees. Nonneonatal procedure cost was based on professional (surgeon and anesthesia) plus f...
Number of generators of a Cohen–Macaulay ideal

Abstract For a Noetherian local ring R , if R/ a is Cohen–Macaulay, then the ideal a can be generated by at most ( e −2)( ν − d −1)+2 elements, where ν is the embedding dimension of R and where d and e ⩾3 are the dimension and the multiplicity of R/ a , respectively. This bound is in general much sharper than the bounds given by Sally or Boratynski–Eisenbud–Rees in case a has height bigger than 2. Moreover, no Cohen–Macaulay assumption on R is required.
Naming practice for people with aphasia as a mobile web application

Bangagears is a new version of Banga, a smart phone application that supports word finding practice, a form of therapy for people with aphasia [1]. While Banga was implemented as a native application, a program specific to a particular kind of phone, Bangagears uses the emerging HTML5 technology to operate, in principle, on many different kinds of phones and other Web platforms, and to offer simpler development and deployment. Lessons from Bangagears will be useful to other developers of applications for people with disabilities
Identification of genes in the genome of the archaeon Methanosarcina mazeii that code for homologs of nuclear eukaryotic molecules involved in RNA processing.

Abstract A 2.6 kb fragment of chromosomal DNA from the archaeon Methanosarcina mazeii was sequenced and analyzed, and it was found to contain coding regions for three proteins that were 321, 234, and 193 amino acids (aa) in length. Homologs of the 321-aa protein were found in all archaeal genomes examined, but not in eukaryotic or bacterial genomes, with one exception in the latter. The protein with 234 aa (named PrpM) was most similar to the putative protein Prp31p from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum , while the 193-aa protein (named FibM) was identified as an archaeal fibrillarin homolog. Prp and fibrillarin proteins are involved in RNA processing in eukaryotes, but their functions in archaea are not yet understood. The M. mazeii PrpM was also similar to three proteins from Saccharomyces cerevisiae : Prp31p, Nop56p, and Nop58p. Prp31p is a pre-mRNA processing protein, while Nop56p and Nop58p are involved in rRNA processing and interact with fibrillarin. No homologs of either protein were found in bacteria. The archaeal fibrillarin was shorter than its eukaryotic counterpart because it lacked the N-terminal glycine-arginine-rich (GAR) domain, present in most eukaryal homologs. The archaeal prp and fibrillarin gene homologs were found adjacent to each other, whereas in eukarya these genes are on separate chromosomes. Sequence signatures typical of the eukaryal molecules were identified in the M. mazeii and the other archaeal molecules studied. The close proximity of the prp and fib genes raises the possibility of a Prp–fibrillarin interaction in archaea.
An Introduction to Text Processing

"An Introduction to Text Processing" bridges the gap between "how-to" word processing books and graduate level texts on the various components of text processing such as data compression, parsing, and natural language translation. It is the first broad, complete, and balanced survey of this burgeoning applications area and the theories that underlie it.The organization of the book follows a logical progression of levels at which a text file can be processed from characters, through symbols and words, to full text techniques. More comprehensive than existing texts, the book's approach also includes compression, encryption, and macroprocessing."An Introduction to Text Processing" assumes a background in algorithms and data structures, some programming experience in a structured high-level language, and familiarity with the Unix operating system.Peter D. Smith is Professor of Computer Science at California State University, Northridge, and coauthor of "Files and "Databases: An Introduction.Contents: Part I, Document Manipulation. Document Input and Assembly. Document Storage and Retrieval. Part II, Character-by-Character Processing. Editors. Compression. Encryption. Part III, Symbol-by-Symbol Processing. Macroprocessors. Text Formatting. Concordances and Collocations. Part IV, Word-by-Word Processing. Formatting Revisited - Hyphenation. Spelling Checking and Correction. Part V. Natural Language Processing. Tools for Writers. Authorship Studies. Abstraction. Translation.
What is the role of androgen deprivation therapy in the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer

This Practice Point commentary discusses the paper by Horwitz and colleagues, which reported the long-term results of the RTOG 92-02 trial in which patients with locally advanced, node-negative prostate cancer who were treated with neoadjuvant–concurrent hormone ablation therapy and external beam radiation therapy (70 Gy) were subsequently randomized to receive either no further androgen deprivation or long-term (2-year) goserelin therapy. The results at 10 years confirm biochemical and clinical outcome benefits with the use of long-term androgen deprivation therapy for patients treated with conventional-dose radiotherapy. How these results should best be incorporated into dose-escalated radiotherapeutic approaches remains unclear, however, and this issue requires further investigation.
Acidic residues in the DRβ chain third hypervariable region are required for stimulation of a DR(α,β1*0402)-restricted T-cell clone

We investigated the minimal requirements for stimulation of an antigen-specific HLA-DR(alpha, beta 1*0402)-restricted T-cell clone (Een217) by using transfectants expressing mutant DR beta chains as APCs. Antigen-specific stimulation of Een217 was induced with transfectants expressing DR(alpha, beta 1*0402) and DR(alpha, beta 1*0403) but not other DR4 subtypes that also bind the peptide recognized by this clone. Analysis of the effects of single amino acid substitutions in the beta chains of each of the DR4 subtypes revealed a requirement for acidic residues in the third HVR, particularly amino acid 71, in stimulation of clone Een217. Functional class II mutants were generated from nonstimulatory DR4 subtype beta chains by acidic residue substitutions within the third HVR. These data define the requirement for negatively charged residues in this region for peptide-induced stimulation of this T-cell clone. The required acidic residues can be located at either position 70, 71, or 74 in the DR beta chain. The negative charge in this segment of the DR beta chain alpha-helix may be required for direct interactions with the T-cell receptor of Een217 or may affect peptide conformation.
Observation of atomic carbon during photodissociation of nitrotoluenes in the vapor phase

We perform laser-induced photodissociation fluorescence spectroscopy on mononitrotoluenes (MNTs) and dinitrotoluenes (DNTs) in the vapor phase and observe the spectrally overlapping fluorescence from nitric oxide (NO) and carbon (C). Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy of deposits found in the sample chamber confirm the presence of carbon. By comparing the observed fluorescence intensities with the Franck-Condon factors for NO, we are able to identify the presence or absence of fluorescence from carbon. 2-nitrotoluene and 4- nitrotoluene show carbon fluorescence for gate delays of up to 500 ns, while 2,4-dinitrotolune, 3,4-dinitrotolune, and 2,6-dinitrotolune show carbon fluorescence for gate delays of at least up to 1500 ns. The spectroscopic signal from atomic carbon in the vapor phase is observed at concentrations as low as 10 ppt. Based upon the observed S/N, detection at even lower concentrations appears feasible. Several non-nitrotoluene molecules including nitrobenzene, benzene, toluene, and CO 2 , are tested under identical conditions, but do not show any carbon emission. The presence of extra NO (simulation of NO pollutants) in the samples improves the S/N ratio for the detection of carbon. Energy transfer from laser-excited molecular nitrogen to NO, multiple decomposition channels in the electronic excited state of the nitrotoluene molecules, and interaction of NO with the excited-state decomposition process of the nitrotoluene molecules may all play a role.
Changes in soluble carbohydrates in developing seeds from Florunner peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract Changes in soluble carbohydrates during development of seeds from Florunner peanut plants (Arachis hypogaea L.) were determined. Quantitative measurements were made on stachyose, raffinose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and inositol. The carbohydrates were measured in seeds at 79, 93, 107, 121, and 135 days after planting. There was an increase in the concentration of stachyose as the peanut developed. The other sugars decreased, with the greatest decline occurring between 79 and 93 days after planting.
Breaking Bad Habits: Teaching Effective PowerPoint Use to Working Graduate Students.

introduction to the presentation. And it was early in the semester when they had more time to devote to teamwork instead of late in the semester when both students and faculty have frayed nerves and time challenges. By conducting research early in the semester for the oral presentation, students were ready to use their research techniques in more depth when preparing for a written report on a different topic. Perhaps you might wish to revisit the structure of your oral presentation and decide if it is the best opportunity for your students or if changes would enhance your results.
Work-in-progress: Exploring the essential nature of engineering education through philosophical inquiry

In regard to the ongoing efforts to reform engineering education, this working paper proposes the methods of philosophical reasoning and argumentation for constructing and analyzing educational beliefs about the ontology and epistemology of engineering and engineering education. Modern views of philosophy tend toward an instrumental perspective — one that believes that philosophy provides a rigorous method for describing and evaluating our understandings of knowledge and truth. Philosophical reasoning can help reconcile diverse beliefs resulting in more coherent and comprehensive statements about the nature of engineering and education. Employing philosophical reasoning in the articulation of one's philosophy of engineering education can lead to a more coherent and consistent statement about what it is that engineering educators aim to achieve. This paper briefly describes the methods of philosophical reasoning and argumentation introduced in workshops on the philosophy of engineering education conducted at previous FIE conferences. A follow-up workshop focused on these methods is planned for this year's FIE conference. The outcomes of the upcoming workshop will be included in a final version of this paper on the topic of developing a philosophy of engineering education.
Analysis of the contraction of series and parallel muscles working against elastic loads.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to analyze the manner in which series and parallel arrangements of respiratory muscles, contracting together, augment the forces and displacements applied to external elastic loads over those produced by a single muscle contracting alone. We first developed a series of mathematical expressions to describe the behavior of various arrangements of muscles contracting against elastic loads. We then compared the predictions of these equations with the results from experiments in which the forces and displacements produced by simple arrangements of muscles were measured. Both theoretical and experimental results indicate that, against high elastic loads, parallel arrangements of muscle strips produce greater forces and greater displacements than do single muscles; parallel arrangements do not, however, significantly increase the displacement or forced applied to low elastic loads. Conversely, series arrangements result in greater forces and greater displacement of low loads, but are no better than single muscles when contracting against high loads. Against moderate loads parallel and series arrangements of muscles appear to be equivalent in generating forces and displacements during contraction. This analysis suggests that a major determinant of the effects of contraction of various networks of inspiratory muscles is the magnitude and character of the respiratory impedance against which these muscles must work. The primary difference between series and parallel arrangemens of muscles is that muscles arranged in series are most effective against low elastic loads and muscles in parallel act most effectively against high loads.
Leprosy — The Presence of Acid-Fast Bacilli in the Circulating Blood and Excretions

In the literature and text books on leprosy, there is much divergence of opinion regarding the presence of the acid-fast bacillus of leprosy in the blood and excretions of patients. The present paper is the result of systematic search in an attempt to analyze the cases occurring at the Penikese Leper Colony and to determine whether the acid-fast bacillus can or cannot be found in the blood, urine, feces, sputum, nasal mucus, and other excretions and discharges, so as to eliminate possible errors in research along other lines now being carried out.
Gauge fixing the SU(N) lattice-gauge-field Hamiltonian.

We exactly gauge fix the Hamiltonian for the SU(N) lattice gauge field and eliminate the redundant gauge degrees of freedom. The gauge-fixed lattice Hamiltonian, in particular for the Coulomb gauge, has many new terms in addition to the ones obtained in the continuum formulation.
Evidence of a Harvard and Chicago Matthew Effect

The Matthew Effect refers to the hypothesis that a scientific contribution will receive disproportionate peer recognition whenever there are sharp and distinct differences in prestige within the academic stratification system. This paper empirically examines whether there is an institutional Matthew Effect in economics: does the prestige of an author's economics department influence the visibility or allocation of peer recognition of a scientific contribution? After controlling for author quality, journal quality and article‐specific characteristics, the empirical results showed nineteen universities classified as elite have a statistically and numerically positive impact on the level of peer recognition of a scientific contribution. However, further analysis found that the positive institutional Matthew Effect of these elite universities was due solely to the differential peer recognition of scientific contributions by economists affiliated with the economics departments of Harvard University and the Uni...
Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy for chronic pancreatitis pain.

Background. The study was undertaken to quantitate the effects of thoracoscopic splanchnic nerve resection (SPL) on pain from chronic pancreatitis. Methods. Patients with chronic pancreatitis pain completed an analog pain scale before operation and at postoperative visits. Midepigastric and left-sided pain was treated with left SPL; right-sided pain was treated with right-sided SPL. If pain recurred on the contralateral side, the patient underwent contralateral SPL. Results. Fifteen patients underwent SPL. Eleven patients required daily narcotics for relief of pain before operation. Eight patients had unilateral SPL, whereas seven ultimately had a bilateral operation (median follow-up, 18 months). Fourteen patients had constant pain before operation, which decreased to a mean of 2.8 attacks per month (p Conclusions. Thoracoscopic SPL offers substantial promise in the therapy of pain from chronic pancreatitis.
Calcium diffusion coefficient in Myxicola axoplasm

Abstract Calcium diffusion coefficients were measured in Myxicola axoplasm and in agar controls by two independent techniques: one utilizing 45Ca, and one utilizing Ca-specific mini-electrodes. The lowest value, ∼0.1 × 10−6 cm2 .s−1 was measured, using the mini-electrode technique, in axoplasm with intact Ca-sequestering organelles. With ATP-depleted axoplasm, diffusion coefficients of 0.5−2 × 10−6 cm2 .s−1 were obtained by both isotope and mini-electrode techniques. In organelle-free axoplasm with a protein concentration roughly half that in the intact axoplasm, diffusion coefficients of 1.4−3 × 10−6 cm2 .s−1 were measured at 0.7 μM Ca and 7 × l0−6 cm2 .s−1 at 3–5 μM Ca. When compared with measurements of the calcium buffering capacity [ Al-Baldawi NF. Abercrombie RF. (1995) Cytoplasmic Ca buffer capacity determined with Nitr-5 and DM-nitrophen. Cell Calcium, 17, 409–422], these diffusion coefficients require that part of the buffer capacity be located on mobile Ca-binding sites.
Treatment of experimental group b streptococcal infection with hybridoma antibody

Monoclonal antibody(AB) may eventually have a role in the treatment of life-threatening infection. In our previous study, mortality fell from 90% to 0% when neonatal rats, inoculated with Group B Streptococci (GBS), were injected with AB. However, AB was administered simultaneously with GBS and at the same site, unlike the situation which would exist clinically. In the present study, we gave AB intraperitoneally 2 hrs after transthoracic GBS, & 76 of 76 lived. When AB was delayed for 4, 5 or 6 hrs, survival was 92% (11/12), 60% (15/25) and 29% (5/17). When delayed for 7, 8, or 9 hrs, none of 39 lived. Failure of AB to protect after 6 hrs coincided temporally with depletion of the animals' neutrophil storage pool (NSP=PMN+bands+metamylocytes in the marrow+liver+spleen, 12.0 1.2×106/gm control vs 1.5±2×106/gm infected, X±SD, p <0.001). Other studies were performed to determine if NSP depletion, produced by a separate mechanism (subcutaneous polyvinyl disc implant) would similarly impair the ability of AB to protect from GBS. Six hrs after disc implantation, the NSP was reduced to 2.5±0.4×106/gm. AB given with GBS or 4 or 6 hrs after GBS, did not protect 40 animals. Increasing AB by 10 fold did not improve survival. AB has potential therapeutic use because it can prevent death even when administered hours after bacterial inoculation. The neutrophil is a critical factor in the mechanisms by which AB produces protection, but AB is less likely to benefit infected neonates with profound NSP depletion.
The Role of Phosphoinositol Lipids in Amot Membrane Association

The Angiomotin (Amot) family of adaptor proteins binds core polarity proteins involved in polarization of the apical membrane and transcriptional co-activators as a regulator of cell growth and migration. The Amot coiled-coil homology (ACCH) domain has the unique property to selectively bind monophosphorylated phosphatidylinositols (PI) in a similar manner as FYVE, PX and PH domains. We endeavored to understand the physical properties of these PI containing membranes as an interface between the ACCH domain and the lipidic environment for membrane association. As a result, we suggest that the presence of the PI lipid induces a phase separation thereby creating an enriched nano- to micro- scaled ordered lipid domain. It is under this context that we then are able to discuss ACCH domain activity as a function of lipid content, as well as further design assays to ascertain the contributions of selected lysines and arginines toward lipid head-group binding.This work was supported by NIH K01CA169078-01, NSF DSRP-IUPUI, NSF Bridges to the Baccalaureate IUPUI, NSF UROP-IUPUI, IUPUI Project Seed, IUSM LHSI and NSF LSAMP-IUPUI.
Adolescents with and without gestational cocaine exposure: Longitudinal analysis of inhibitory control, memory and receptive language

Preclinical studies of gestational cocaine exposure (GCE) show evidence of changes in brain function at the anatomical, physiological, and behavioral levels, to include effects on developing dopaminergic systems. In contrast, human studies have produced less consistent results, with most showing small effects or no effects on developmental outcomes. Important changes in brain structure and function occur through adolescence, therefore it is possible that prenatal cocaine exposure has latent effects on neurocognitive (NC) outcome that do not manifest until adolescence or young adulthood. We examined NC function using a set of 5 tasks designed to tap 4 different systems: inhibitory control, working memory, receptive language, and incidental memory. For each NC task, data were collected longitudinally at ages 12, 14.5 and 17 years and examined using generalized estimating equations. One hundred and nine children completed at least two of the three evaluations. Covariates included in the final model were assessment number, gender, participant age at first assessment, caregiver depression, and two composites from the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME), Environmental Stimulation and Parental Nurturance. We found no cocaine effects on inhibitory control, working memory, or receptive language (p=0.18). GCE effects were observed on incidental face memory task (p=0.055), and GCE by assessment number interaction effects were seen on the incidental word memory task (p=0.031). Participant performance on inhibitory control, working memory, and receptive language tasks improved over time. HOME Environmental Stimulation composite was associated with better receptive language functioning. With a larger sample size smaller differences between groups may have been detected. This report shows no evidence of latent effects of GCE on inhibitory control, working memory, or receptive language. GCE effects were observed on the incidental face memory task, and GCE by assessment number interaction effects was seen on the incidental word memory task.
Influence of thoracotomy and intrathoracic dissection on regional pulmonary blood flow.

Abstract Serial lung scintiscans were made in 43 dogs to determine the influence of the operative incision, pulmonary hilar dissection, lung manipulation, and atelectasis on the regional distribution of pulmonary blood flow following thoracic operations. Control thoracotomy without hilar dissection was performed in 6 animals, 15 dogs had segmental or lobar resections, and segmental or lobar bronchial ligation was performed in 18. After control thoracotomy a maximal decrease in regional distribution of pulmonary blood flow to the operative side occurred 2 to 4 days after operation. Mechanical ventilation before performance of the lung scans restored regional blood flow to a near-normal state, and the effects of the operative incision had disappeared by the fourteenth day. Characteristics defects in regional blood flow occurred after segmental and lobar resections, but abnormal distribution was greatest from 2 to 7 days after operation. Redistribution of blood flow occurred earlier and was more complete after lower lobe than after upper lobe resections. The changes in arteriolar-capillary perfusion following induced atelectasis were nearly identical to those resulting from pulmonary resection.
The economics of behavioral health carve-outs.

Behavioral health care carve-outs provide efficiencies of specialization; direct payer carve-outs also eliminate risk selection.
Combustion and flame propagation in coal systems: A review

Coal particles in combustion can pyrolyse, swell, graphitise, and react internally or externally or both. Mechanisms determining or controlling the reaction rate can include: boundary layer diffusion (generally controlling for particles greater than 100 microns), pore diffusion, or surface reaction with alternatives of adsorption control or desorption control, or some intermediate. Present evidence on particles in flames is that swelling in oxidizing conditions is likely to be relatively mild, about 10% in diameter. Particles are sufficiently porous for reaction to be in either Zone II (parital penetration) or Zone I (full penetration) with reaction in the latter case at effectively constant diameter. Reaction orders, which provide information on the relative dominance of the adsorption and desorption processes, are uncertain. Numerical values favor 1/2 to unity; very low temperature chemisorption of oxygen on carbon, however, (at−70°C) implying a very low adsorption activation energy, indicates otherwise. There is limited evidence that the reaction order is zero to 1/2, with activation energies of 20 to 40 kcal identified with desorption. Coal flames propagate by several mechanisms. Rates of heating in all cases (including the fixed bed) are in the range 10 to 106 or 107 deg C/sec. In explosion flames, propagation is by turbulent exchange, probably with heterogeneous ignition; in full flame furnaces, propagation is by radiation if there is no backmix flow, with either heterogeneous ignition or prior pyrolysis; in small flame systems, propagation is by downstream pyrolysis and upstream diffusion. Effective research is still in the data-gathering and mechanism-determining stage. Qualitative mechanisms are being elucidated by quantitative investigations. Accurate predictive quantitative theories, however, do not yet exist; neither is it yet possible to predict with any confidence the combustion behavior of one coal from another. Work is moving steadily in that direction, however.
Median nerve entrapment at the elbow in athletes

Abstract Median nerve compression at the elbow in athletes presents a challenge to the practicing orthopaedic surgeon/sports medicine clinician. The surgeon should first carefully evaluate the athlete to determine where the source of compression is localized. If surgery is indicated, complete decompression must include release of the median nerve at (1) the ligament of Struthers, (2) lacertus fibrous, (3) between the two heads of the pronator teres, and (4) arcade of the flexor digitorum superficialis, which are all implicated in pronator syndrome. The anterior interosseous nerve may require additional decompression into the deep volar compartment of the forearm for relief of anterior interosseous syndrome symptoms.
On the level crossing of multi-dimensional delayed renewal processes

The paper studies the behavior of an ( l + 3 ) th-dimensional, delayed renewal process with dependent components, the first three (called active) of which are to cross one of their respective thresholds. More specifically, the crossing takes place when at least one of the active components reaches or exceeds its assigned level. The values of the other two active components, as well as the rest of the components (passive), are to be registered. The analysis yields the joint functional of the crossing level and other characteristics (some of which can be interpreted as the first passage time) in a closed form, refining earlier results of the author. A brief, informal discussion of various applications to stochastic models is presented.
Studies on iodoproteins and thyroid hormones in ascidians.

Abstract Iodoproteins in the ascidian Molgula manhattensis were labeled in vivo with 125 I. The proteins were extracted with water and surfactants and analyzed by gel filtration and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. They were found to be composed largely of small subunits with molecular weights of approximately 22,000 in the tunic and 14,000–15,000 in the endostyle and pharynx. Radioimmunological evidence was found for small amounts of thyroid hormones in the tunics of Molgula, Ciona intestinalis , and Styela clava . Values of 88–220 ng thyroxine (T 4 )/g of tissue and 8–16 ng 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T 3 ) were obtained. Seventy five percent of the T 4 in the tunic was in protein-bound form. Trace amounts of T 4 (3 ng/g) and possibly T 3 were found in the endostyle of Molgula , primarily in free form. Evidence for T 4 was found in the blood of Ciona where it may be noncovalently linked to serum proteins. On the basis of molecular size, the endostylar proteins are distinct from proteins in the surfactant-solubilized fraction of the tunic, and protein subunits at both sites are smaller than those of vertebrate thyroglobulin. Whether the iodothyronines found in the tunic, endostyle, and blood are formed within proteins at each of these sites or are synthesized at one site and then transported to another remains to be determined.
Wetland Losses Due to Row Crop Expansion in the Dakota Prairie Pothole Region

Agriculture is the greatest source of wetland loss in the Prairie Pothole Region of North and South Dakota (Dakota PPR). Demand for corn ethanol, expiration of agricultural conservation contracts, and increasing commodity prices may have stimulated alteration of wetlands for row crop production. The purpose of this study was to determine recent wetland-to-row-crop transition rates within the Dakota PPR, using GIS analysis to intersect the 2011 National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Cropland Data Layer (CDL) with wetlands mapped by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) and the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Land Cover Database (NLCD). The NWI depicts wetlands as they existed in the 1980s, whereas the NLCD depicts wetlands as of 2001. On an annualized basis, the NWI wetland loss rate was 0.28 % (−5,203 ha/yr) and the NLCD wetland loss rate was 0.35 % (−6,223 ha/yr). Fewer losses occurred along the western and northern edges of the Dakota PPR, which are less conducive to row crops due to climate and topographic limitations. The map of apparent wetland losses generated by this study provides a means for monitoring and enforcement agencies to quickly identify potential violations of compliance with Swampbuster or other wetland regulations.
School Participant Empowerment Scale: Assessment of Level of Empowerment within the School Environment

Two hundred eleven teachers in public schools rated 68 beliefs about what makes them feel empowered in schools. The items were factor analyzed revealing six dimensions or subscales: (a) Decision Making, (b) Professional Growth, (c) Status, (d) Self-Efficacy, (e) Autonomy, and (f) Impact. A 38-item School Participant Empowerment Scale (SPES) was constructed by selecting marker items for each of the six dimensions. Obtained internal consistency estimates of reliability for the total scale was .94, and ranged from .81 to .89 for the six factor scales. Evidence of discriminant validity also was discussed.
Analysis of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser-based bidirectional free-space optical interconnect

The design of a bidirectional free-space optical interconnect system is presented. Vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays as a coherent light source and VCSEL beam collimation are described. Hologram array design and a way to improve the diffraction efficiency by use of a copying technique utilizing Dupont photopolymers are presented. Scattering from the hologram as a noise source is measured. An optical model for the design of system parameters such as the VCSEL beam diameter, size and apodization of the hologram, and size of the detector is given on the basis of cross-talk analysis of the system. The effect of VCSEL wavelength variation on system design is considered. Aberrations caused by the Fourier lens in the system are calculated, and ways for correction of the aberrations are discussed.