cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SPECTROSCOPY OF BLUE STELLAR OBJECTS.

Spectra have been obtained for the brightest objects from a list of blue stellar objects found in a Palomar Schmidt field centered on Kapteyn Selected Area 28. Four of the objects presented here comprise a complete sample of objects with UV excess and magnitudes brighter than or equal to B = 16.3 mag. The object with the largest UV excess is a previously undiscovered quasar of redshift 0.25 and cataloged B magnitude of 15.6 mag. The object shows some evidence of variability. Spectroscopy for one bright object in a companion field centered on Selected Area 29 is also presented.
Makers in the library: case studies of 3D printers and maker spaces in library settings

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of 3D printing and maker spaces in various library settings. Insights, challenges, successes, projects as well as recommendations will be shared. Commonalities across libraries 3D printing technologies and maker space learning areas will also explored. Design/methodology/approach – This paper delves into six case studies of librarians that have implemented 3D printers and/or maker spaces in their libraries. The case studies focus on libraries at three different levels: school, public, and higher education with two case studies from each type. The author of this paper will describe the cases, projects, challenges, successes, along with other aspects of 3D printer, and maker space integration. Findings – 3D printing and maker spaces, while very popular in the field of librarianship can be incredibly exciting to implement but they come with challenges and successes just like any type of new technology. Librarians have to be fearless in imp...
Effects of chelator modifications on (68)Ga-labeled [Tyr (3)]octreotide conjugates.

Purpose Somatostatin receptors (SSTR) have been reported as promising targets for imaging agents for cancer. Recently, 68Ga-DOTATOC-based PET imaging has been used successfully for diagnosis and management of SSTR-expressing tumors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of chelator modifications and charge on 68Ga-labeled peptide conjugates.
Fast-electron energy losses in thin films of vitreous Se-As alloys

The dielectric constants of amorphous thin films of Se-As alloys with 36-, 40-, and 50-at.% As have been determined over the spectral range 3-100 eV by measurement of the fast-electron energy-loss function, $\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Im}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}(\ensuremath{\omega})$. The optical parameters were determined by a Kramers-Kronig analysis of the loss profile corrected for energy resolution and higher-order plasmons. The energy-loss functions for these alloys all exhibited similar characteristics, which included a small peak from 2 to 7 eV due to valence-band structure, a large plasma-loss peak with a maximum at 18.5-19.3 eV, and several small peaks at high energies associated with core-state transitions. The decay time for the collective plasma oscillations was approximately 0.65 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}$ sec. The number of effective valence electrons contributing to the optical resonances exceeded the average number of valence electrons per atom, primarily due to the oscillator strength coupling of the valence and $3d$ bands. The dielectric and optical constants were found to compare favorably with parameters determined by recent direct optical measurements. The dielectric constants implied that the valence band in these glasses is split into two sections with a gap of approximately 1 eV.
A creative method for determining the immunization status of a community hospital medical staff.

During 1985 and 1986, 191 of the 212 (90%) medical staff members in active private practice, who were surveyed responded to a one-page report regarding the status of their immunity and immunization to important infectious illnesses. Response rates were improved by including the survey form with the hospital privilege-renewal form that was required to be returned to the medical staff office. Of the respondents 96% reported prior history of chickenpox and 95% reported prior immunization to tetanus; of the 42 who reported prior bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination, only 17 reported a positive tuberculin skin test. An additional 32 medical staff members had a history of a positive tuberculin skin test with no prior BCG vaccination. Only 2 (1%) reported prior history of hepatitis B, and only 15 (8%) reported hepatitis B vaccination begun or completed at the time of the survey. This survey allows targeting of infection control activities, such as implementation of the hepatitis B vaccine promotion program and serologic testing of those with a negative history of chickenpox, to be developed for the medical staff. It allows the hospital infection control team instant access to data that can be simply obtained and updated regularly when information is needed about the immunization status of selected medical staff members during an outbreak situation.
Tensions in a Certain Conception of Just War as Law Enforcement

Many just war theorists (call them traditionalists) claim that just as people have a right to personal self-defense, so nations have a right to national-defense against an aggressive military invasion. David Rodin claims that the traditionalist is unable to justify most defensive wars against aggression. For most aggressive states only commit conditional aggression in that they threaten to kill or maim the citizens of the nation they are invading only if those citizens resist the occupation. Most wars, then, claimed to be justified by the traditionalist fail to meet the proportionality criterion. Thus, a just war, for Rodin, is best conceived of as a punitive war of law enforcement, not as a war of national-defense. I argue that Rodin does not have a case against the traditionalist. If national-defense is a disproportionate response to conditional aggression, then punitive war is a disproportionate response as well. Furthermore, the belief that punitive war is a proportionate response to conditional aggression underscores the traditionalist’s view that self-determination, cultural identity and the like are of sufficient value to defend by means of lethal force. I end the paper by very briefly sketching an account, different from that of Rodin’s, of how individual nations can be justified in waging wars of law enforcement.
Design of robust static output feedback for large-scale systems

The design of static output feedback is of fundamental importance in control theory. In this note, we propose a new approach to this problem, based on linear matrix inequalities. A distinguishing feature of the method is its ability to handle large-scale problems with additive nonlinearities. The resulting control is robust with respect to uncertainties, and can incorporate several types of information structure constraints. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is demonstrated by application to a practical large-scale system.
Jones polynomial of knots formed by repeated tangle replacement operations

Abstract In this paper, we prove that the Jones polynomial of a link diagram obtained through repeated tangle replacement operations can be computed by a sequence of suitable variable substitutions in simpler polynomials. For the case that all the tangles involved in the construction of the link diagram have at most k crossings (where k is a constant independent of the total number n of crossings in the link diagram), we show that the computation time needed to calculate the Jones polynomial of the link diagram is bounded above by O ( n k ) . In particular, we show that the Jones polynomial of any Conway algebraic link diagram with n crossings can be computed in O ( n 2 ) time. A consequence of this result is that the Jones polynomial of any Montesinos link and two bridge knot or link of n crossings can be computed in O ( n 2 ) time.
Confined Compressive Strength of Multi-Year Pressure Ridge Sea Ice Samples

Fifty-five constant-strain-rate triaxial tests were performed on verticaly oriented multi-year pressure ridge samples from the Beaufort Sea. The tests were performed on a closed-loop electrohydraulic testing machine at two nominal strain rates (10−5 and 10−3 s−1 ) and two temperatures (−20° and −5°C). In all of the tests the confining pressure was ramped in constant proportion to the applied axial stress (σ1 > σ2 = σ3 , σ3 /σ1 = constant). Two σ3 /σ1 ratios were investigated: 0.25 and 0.50. This paper summarizes the sample preparation and testing techniques used in this investigation and presents data on the confined compressive strength and failure strain of the ice. Uniaxial data are also included for comparison.
An Electron-Microscope Study of Dyskeratosis and Acantholysis in Darier's Disease

(parier's disease is an uncommon hereditary disease which primarily involves the epidermis. Grossly, it is characterized by the formation of keratotic papules which are frequently located in the so-called seborrheic areas. The histological picture of this disorder has several typical features: in the dermis there is a mild, non-specific, perivascular infiltrate; dermal villi protrude into the epidermis; supra-basal detachment of the spinal layer leads to the formation of lacunae which contain acantholytic cells; higher up in the epidermis there are dyskeratotic, round, epidermal cells (corps ronds) which constitute the most distinctive histological feature of Darier's disease; and “grains, which resemble parakeratotic cells, are embedded in a hyper-keratotic, horny layer (1).> The hereditary background of Darier's disease seems to be widely accepted (2). Because of the close resemblance between the morphologic criteria of Hailey-Hailey's disease and of Darier's disease, some authors feel that these two disorders are related, the former being a bullous variant of the latter (3, 4). Genetic studies by other investigators indicate, however, that Hailey-Hailey's disease and Darier's disease occur independently in the involved families and are not known to be associated genealogically or to overlap (2, 5).
Electrostatic considerations in nuclear envelope breakdown and reassembly

Abstract I have previously proposed a possible role for electrostatic interactions in the dynamics of chromosome motions during prometaphase, metaphase, and anaphase in primitive eukaryotic cells. The present work focuses on a biophysical mechanism for breakdown and reassembly of the nuclear envelope based on electrostatics. Intracellular pH rises to a peak at mitosis, and decreases through cytokinesis. This result, in conjunction with an observed 50% elevation in the whole cell content of sialic acid preceding mitosis, could set the stage for a precisely timed increase in net negative nuclear envelope charge resulting from an observed release of Ca 2 + from nuclear envelope stores just prior to nuclear envelope breakdown. The resulting increased electrostatic stress in these membranes could provide sufficient electrostatic energy for their breakdown. At late anaphase and early telophase, a decrease in the whole cell content of sialic acid is accompanied by a decline in intracellular pH. These changes would decrease the mutual electrostatic repulsion of membrane fragments, allowing membrane reassembly to occur for the nuclear envelopes of nascent daughter cells.
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: time for therapeutic optimism

SUMMARY Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive tumor that is universally fatal, and to-date we are at a virtual standstill in improving its grim prognosis. Dearth of tissue due to rarity of biopsy has precluded understanding the elusive biology and frustration continues in reproducing faithful animal models for translational research. Furthermore the intricate anatomy of the pons has forestalled locoregional therapy and drug penetration. Over the last few years, biopsy-driven targeted therapy, development of vitro and xenograft animal models for therapeutic testing, profiling immunotherapeutic strategies and locoregional infusion of drugs in brain stem tumors, now provide a sense of hope in the years ahead. This review aims to discuss current status and advances in the management of these tumors.
Cytological Events Associated with the Secretory Process in the Rabbit Oviduct

The structure of and the cytological changes which take place in the epithelium of the rabbit oviduct during the reproductive cycle have been studied by techniques of light and electron microscopy. The pseudostratified columnar epithelium consists of 2 cell types: ciliated and secretory. Ciliated cells predominate in the infundibulum, and make up approximately half of the highly folded epithelium of the ampulla and isthmus. The more electron-dense secretory cells in the precoitus oviduct contain an abundance of free ribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum, a well developed Golgi complex, and many dark secretory granules in the apical portions. The apices of these cells commonly extend beyond the level of adjacent ciliated cells, and occasionally discharge their secretion granules. Oviducts of one rabbit at each of 13, 24, 48, 72, 108 hr and 10 and 14 days postcoitum were utilized in this study. After coitus, when the ova and early cleavage stages are passing down the oviduct, the secretory cells assume a goblet shape, with many electronlucent granules massed in the apical portion of the cell. These granules are discharged, usually with their encompassing membranes, between 24 and 72 hr postcoitum. Histochemical tests indicate that the secretory material is a muco- or glycoprotein or an acid mucopolysaccharide. Subsequent to the discharge of the electron-lucent granules, the secretory cells become elongated, but persist and take part in the ensuing secretory cycle. The sequestration of the secretory material takes place continuously during the reproductive cycle in the saccules of the Golgi complex. The contribution of the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex to the secretion granules and the role of the secretion in the reproductive process is discussed. From the time of the discovery of the oviduct by Fallopio in 1561 until the early 1900’s, the fallopian tube was considered merely as a conduit for the passage of sperm and ova, with no physiologic or metabolic functions. Although several early histological investigations were made on oviducts of various mammals (Guerriero, 1929; Moreaux, 1913; Novak and Everett, 1928), little correlation was made between anatomy and function. Only recently have detailed studies been made of the epithelium and of its secretions in an effort to elucidate oviductal functions.
CHARACTER FORMULAE AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE N=1, N=2 SUPERCONFORMAL ALGEBRAS

The unitary representations of the N=1 and N=2 superconformal algebras are analyzed. The embedding structure of all the degenerate representations is studied. Character formulae are derived for the degenerate representations including those which . The relation between characters and the exact partition functions of 2-d critical statistical systems is explored. The , N=2 superconformal system is analyzed from the group theoretic point of view and it is shown to be a subsector of the N=1, ĉ=2/3 theory.
Security Scholars for a Sensible Foreign Policy: A Study in Weberian Activism

It has always been true that foreign policy debates tend to proceed on a weak evidentiary base, with clever quips or stirring oratory regularly trumping sound analysis. According to Thucydides, for example, the Athenian assembly that endorsed the Sicilian expedition during the second Peloponnesian War had only the haziest conception of the adversaries’ capabilities. 1 Contemporary politics is distinctive not in the sloganeering quality of political discourse, but in the divergence between the quality of information available to society as a whole and the quality of information used in making decisions. For example, it was clear to any open-minded observer by the time of the Congressional vote in 2002 that implications of collaboration between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda lacked any basis in reliable evidence. By the time the Bush Administration initiated war in 2003, claims about Iraq’s nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons capabilities were also partially debunked and increasingly dubious. Still, the war went forward, and many Americans continued to believe the Bush Administration’s false claims even after the Administration itself had abandoned them. Many political scientists—like many Americans—were deeply dismayed by this situation, and in the fall of 2004 a group of us determined to try to do something about it. We saw two obvious options. One was to address the substantive issue directly, participating in the election campaign as citizens according to the logic that a new presidential administration would at least not repeat the policies of the Bush team. But anybody could do that, and our marginal contribution could only be modest. We decided
Cold Pool and Precipitation Responses to Aerosol Loading: Modulation by Dry Layers

AbstractThe relative sensitivity of midlatitude deep convective precipitation to aerosols and midlevel dry layers has been investigated in this study using high-resolution cloud-resolving model simulations. Nine simulations, including combinations of three moisture profiles and three aerosol number concentration profiles, were performed. Because of the veering wind profile of the initial sounding, the convection splits into a left-moving storm that is multicellular in nature and a right-moving storm, a supercell, which are analyzed separately.The results demonstrate that while changes to the moisture profile always induce larger changes in precipitation than do variations in aerosol concentrations, multicells are sensitive to aerosol perturbations whereas supercells are less so. The multicellular precipitation sensitivity arises through aerosol impacts on the cold pool forcing. It is shown that the altitude of the dry layer influences whether cold pools are stronger or weaker and hence whether precipitati...
Committee on Personal Computers Meets

The first meeting of AGU's Committee on Personal Computers was held on December 8, 1986, in San Francisco's Civic Auditorium. Present were Rock Bush (Solar-Planetary Relationships Section; Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.), Holly Hartman for Tom Croley (Hydrology Section; Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Ann Arbor, Mich.), Tien-Chang Lee (Tectonophysics Section; University of California, Riverside), Willie Lee (committee chairman; U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, Calif.), Bill Menke (Seismology Section; Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory, Palisades, N.Y.), John Merrill (Atmospheric Sciences Section; University of Rhode Island, Narragansett), and John Philpotts (Volcanology, Geology, and Petrology (VGP) Section; U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Va.). In addition, about a dozen interested AGU members attended and participated in the discussions.
The Equity Impacts of Municipal Tax Incentives: Leveling or Tilting the Playing Field?

The widespread use over the past two decades of Michigan’s PA 198 Industrial Tax Abatement program provides an opportunity to assess the inter-urban equity impacts of this economic development tool. Not only has PA 198 been used relatively more often by suburban municipalities, local governments at the metropolitan periphery are more likely to use abatements to attract new plants and new jobs. The older central cities primarily use the program to retain existing jobs, albeit at high cost of lost tax revenues. On balance, it appears that PA 198 has done little to alter the location decisions of participating firms. One of the perennial questions about the use of municipal tax incentives to foster economic development is that of inter-local equity. Some research has suggested that abatements can produce a more even distribution of development across jurisdictions within a state or metropolitan area, but only if targeting is part of the incentive legislation (Goss & Phillips, 1999). Absent state imposed restrictions limiting the use of incentives to distressed areas or those with cost structures that inhibit business investment, what types of municipalities are most likely to use abatements? There has always been the suspicion, supported by some research, that widely available incentives will be primarily used by wealthy communities that can afford the luxury of tax expenditures to become even richer (Brierly, 1986; Reese, 1991). Yet, other research has indicated that poor cities use abatements to a greater extent (thus leveling the playing field), even though extensive use of abatements by poor communities may weaken already shaky local economies (Rubin & Rubin, 1987). And, it is very possible that the forgone taxes provide little benefit to local economies, either rich or poor (Wassmer & Anderson, 2001). Public Act 198 of 1974 permits municipalities in Michigan wide discretion to abate industrial property taxes, which they do at one of the highest levels in the nation (Reese & Fasenfest, 1997). More than 14,000 Industrial Facilities Tax Abatements were granted between 1980 and 2001. Because of its widespread availability and use, PA 198 might best be considered an effort to increase the state’s competitiveness rather than a program designed primarily to assist specific distressed communities. Most of Michigan’s local governments are eligible to participate and about one-third have granted at least one industrial tax abatement (Sands & Zalmezak, 2001). This widespread use and lack of targeting allows for a comprehensive assessment of inter-city equity over time. A database containing information on all PA 198 abatements granted between 1980 and 2001, as well as census and property value data, is used here to address the following key questions:
Quinupristin/Dalfopristin Therapy for Infections Due to Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium

The efficacy and safety of quinupristin/dalfopristin for treatment of infections due to vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium were evaluated in 24 hospitalized patients with documented infections (19 bacteremias, 5 localized infections) caused by vancomycin-resistant E. faecium that was susceptible to quinupristin/dalfopristin in vitro. Patients received iv quinupristin/dalfopristin at a dosage of either 7.5 mg/kg every 8 h or 5 mg/kg every 8 h. A favorable clinical response (cure or improvement) occurred in 19 (83%) of 23 evaluable patients; bacteriologic eradication occurred in 17 (74%) of 23 evaluable patients. A favorable clinical response was observed in 12 (80%) of 15 patients who were treated with 7.5 mg/kg of quinupristin/dalfopristin every 8 h and in 7 (88%) of 8 patients treated with 5 mg/kg of quinupristin/dalfopristin every 8 h. Two of four treatment failures were associated with a decrease in the in vitro susceptibility of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium to quinupristin/dalfopristin. Superinfections developed in 6 patients (26%), but only one was caused by Enterococcus faecalis that was resistant to quinupristin/dalfopristin. Myalgias and arthralgias were the only adverse events related to quinupristin/dalfopristin. These conditions occurred in 8 (33%) of 24 patients and were dose-related (8 cases in 16 patients treated with 7.5 mg/kg of quinupristin/dalfopristin every 8 h, no cases in 8 patients treated with 5 mg/kg every 8 h). Mortality associated with vancomycin-resistant E. faecium infection was 17% (4 of 23 patients), whereas mortality from other causes was 52% (12 of 23 patients). These results suggest that quinupristin/dalfopristin is effective as treatment for vancomycin-resistant E. faecium infections in critically ill patients with serious underlying conditions. Except for myalgias and arthralgias at higher dosages, the drug is well-tolerated.
Nicotine and the kidney: Mr. Hyde, and perhaps some Dr. Jekyll.

literature regarding the effects of smoking on the kidney is rather abundant. However, data assessing the singular effects of nicotine on the kidney are sparse. There are more than 100 substances in tobacco, and nicotine is not a direct cause of most of the tobacco-related diseases ([2][1]).
Efficient computation of the hidden Markov model entropy for a given observation sequence

Hidden Markov models (HMMs) are currently employed in a wide variety of applications, including speech recognition, target tracking, and protein sequence analysis. The Viterbi algorithm is perhaps the best known method for tracking the hidden states of a process from a sequence of observations. An important problem when tracking a process with an HMM is estimating the uncertainty present in the solution. In this correspondence, an algorithm for computing at runtime the entropy of the possible hidden state sequences that may have produced a certain sequence of observations is introduced. The brute-force computation of this quantity requires a number of calculations exponential in the length of the observation sequence. This algorithm, however, is based on a trellis structure resembling that of the Viterbi algorithm, and permits the efficient computation of the entropy with a complexity linear in the number of observations.
Use of the Null Zone in Voice Communications

This paper presents a discussion of four QPPM (quantized pulse position modulation) voice communication systems that make use of the ideas of Wald's sequential decision theory. The "double-threshold, speech statistics" system and the "doublethreshold, largest of S" system are applicable to the situation of interference consisting of narrow-band Gaussian noise. The "fourthreshold, speech statistics" system and the "four-threshold, nearest to reference" system are for interference by narrow-band Gaussian noise and an impulse-like noise. The systems receive their titles from the way information in the null zone is used. They are not represented as being optimum in any sense. The interest in them lies in the fact that they represent a novel application of the ideas of sequential decision theory.
Online AMS frontend reconfiguration for sensor network applications

Sensor networks are increasingly important for many applications in environmental monitoring, manufacturing, defense and infrastructure monitoring. Many applications introduce variable performance requirements which demand online architecture reconfiguration, including the analog-digital fron-tends to sensors. This paper presents design automation methods for deciding the design points used for dynamic reconfiguration of analog-to-digital converters and DSP circuits. Experiments illustrate the methods for a sound-based tracking application.
Post-enabled precision flip-chip assembly for variable MEMS capacitor

A variable capacitor array with a high Q-factor and a high tuning ratio is demonstrated. A novel "post-enabled" flip-chip assembly allows precise multiple digital capacitance levels within one device. This capacitor array is realized by a hybrid integration of a MEMS device with RF circuits on an alumina substrate. The MEMS is prefabricated using a commercially available foundry process and is initially suspended using mechanical tethers on a silicon substrate, which is removed during the flip-chip assembly. The precise gap between the MEMS and the RF circuit is controlled using posts. Each post is designed by a stack of structural layers available in the commercial foundry process. We measured a Q-factor above 200 at 1 GHz, a capacitance ratio of 4.7:1, and tuning range of 171 MHz in a resonator circuit. More importantly, we achieved a digital capacitance level and negligible warpage due to the excellent gap control following the flip-chip assembly.
Systemic pharmacokinetics of rifaximin (RFX) in subjects with shigellosis

Background Rifaximin (RFX) is a non-systemic (F <0.4%), gut-selective rifamycin SV antimicrobial agent recently approved for the treatment of travelers' diarrhea. This study was done to evaluate the systemic PK of RFX given to subjects with Shigella flexneri diarrhea. Methods The study was a single-site, open-label PK and safety study of RFX 200 mg given every 8 hours for 9 doses. Subjects were challenged with S. flexneri and subsequently treated with RFX if a standard definition of diarrhea was met. Blood samples were taken for RFX PK with the 3rd and 9th doses of RFX administered under fasting conditions. Results Fifteen subjects were enrolled; 13 developed diarrhea, received RFX and were evaluable for PK and safety. RFX was well tolerated; no significant adverse events were reported. The table below shows the mean (±SD) RFX PK parameters. Mean, dose-normalized parameters from a separate single-dose study in fasted healthy subjects are also shown for the sake of comparison: Conclusions Systemic RFX exposure was low and variable in the subjects with shigellosis. The PK and safety of RFX in patients with diarrhea caused by S. flexneri were comparable to those in healthy volunteers. These results are consistent with previously reported RFX PK (F <0.4%) and safety data. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P60–P60; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.118 Table 1. 3rd dose RFX 200 mg 9th dose RFX 200 mg Single dose RFX 200 mg Cmax (ng/mL) 1.63 ± 0.86 1.23 ± 0.52 1.9 AUC0-last (ng*hr/mL) 6.95 ± 5.15 7.83 ± 4.94 9.2 Tmax (hr) 2.77 ± 2.24 2.11 ± 1.58 1.21
Process Monitoring and Fault Detection Method Based On Independent Component Analysis

Multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) are based upon the assumption that the observed data must be subject to normal probability distribution, which sometimes can not be satisfied in many industrial applications. Independent component analysis (ICA) is a recently developed method, which can overcome the need of the data distribution. In this paper, a new method is introduced for process monitoring and fault detection based on ICA method. Use ICA to extract the independent components, use I2, Ie2 and SPE charts for fault detection. At last, the simulation results of fractional distillation process monitoring reveal this method is very effective
Reevaluation of Chalcophora angulicollis (LeConte) and Chalcophora virginiensis (Drury) with a review and key to the North American species of Chalcophora DeJean (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Abstract Chalcophora angulicollis (LeConte) and Chalcophora virginiensis (Drury) are shown to be valid allopatric species in the western and eastern forests of North America, respectively. The historic uncertainty regarding their status is reviewed, and new characters of the aedeagus, penultimate maxillary palpomere, and elytral serrations are utilized for their identification. This information is combined with redescriptions, diagnoses, illustrations, and a key for all species of Chalcophora Dejean in North America north of Mexico.
A new algorithm in the differential diagnosis of wide complex tachycardia.

A correct electrocardiographic diagnosis of the mechanism of a wide complex tachycardia (WCT) is important when instituting emergent therapy and for long-term prognostic and therapeutic considerations. While any algorithm has the risk of oversimplifying a complex problem, it is absolutely essential to have an initial strategy for the acute evaluation of an arrhythmia. Causes of wide QRS tachycardia include (1) supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with pre-existing or functional bundle branch block, including sinus tachycardia, atrial tachycardia, atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation (AF) and AV nodal re-entry tachycardia, (2) orthodromic circus movement tachycardia with pre-existing or functional bundle branch block, (3) SVT with conduction over an accessory pathway, (4) Antidromic circus movement tachycardia using an accessory pathway in the anterograde direction and AV node in the retrograde direction, (5) ventricular tachycardia, and (6) ventricular paced rhythm. Ventricular tachycardia is by far the commonest underlying mechanism of WCT.1 The overall goal of any algorithm is to make things simpler yet effective. Most criteria are based on QRS complex duration, QRS axis, concordant pattern, presence of Q-waves, AV dissociation, fusion beats, absence of precordial RS complex, QRS alternans, and presence of multiple wide complex morphologies. Starting in 1978, several criteria have been developed to aid in the diagnosis of WCT. For evaluation of RBBB morphology tachycardias,Wellens et al .2 proposed (1) duration of QRS > 140 ms, (2) left-axis deviation, (3) certain configurational characteristics of QRS, and (4) atrioventricular (A-V) dissociation as the criteria for … *Corresponding author. Tel: +1 617 632 7393; fax: +1 617 632 7620. E-mail address : mjoseph2{at}caregroup.harvard.edu
A Statistical Assessment of an Experiment To Compare Traditional vs. Laboratory Approach in Teaching Introductory Computer Programming.

During the Spring of 1995 a statistical experiment to assess the effects of two methods of teaching introduction to Computer programming concepts, was developed. The experiment implemented two teaching approaches: traditional lecture vs. laboratory (technology). Several performance measures were defined and then collected throughout the course, to assess student learning. Among them are: results from common tests, quizzes, and homework/projects. In this article we assess, the effects of these two teaching approaches on students' learning, retention, and success rates. We analyze statistically the data collected, testing several hypotheses based on our teaching experience. Finally, we give several conclusions drawn on the analyses results.
Stimulation of WI‐38 cell cycle transit: Effect of serum concentration and cell density

Flow microfluorometry has been used to characterize the effects of serum concentration and cell density on the initiation of cell cycle transit of stationary phase (G0) human diploid fibroblasts (strain WI-38). The concentration of serum used to stimulate these cultures had no effect on the time cells began appearing in S (the DNA synthetic period), nor on the synchrony with which they moved around the cell cycle. However, as the serum concentration increased, the fraction of the stationary phase population released from G0 increased. Cell density modulated the ability of serum to stimulate cell cycle traverse. For example, at a cell density of 1.81 X 10(4) cells/cm2, 78% of the population was sensitive to serum stimulation; whereas, when the density was increased to 7.25 X 10(4) cells/cm2, only 27% of the population could be stimulated. This effect of cell density on the serum response is not simply the result of changing the ratio of serum concentration to cell density, but appears to reflect a true modulation of the population's sensitivity to serum stimulation. These results are consistent with the interpretation that the primary action of serum is to determine the transition of cells from a non-cycling G0 state to a cycling state and that cell density determines the proportion of the population capable of undergoing this transition.
An interactive hybrid expert system for polar cloud and surface classification

An interactive hybrid expert system is developed to classify polar scenes using AVHRR LAC imagery. A total of 183 spectral and textural signatures are generated from which the 20 “best” are chosen using the Sequential Forward Selection procedure. These 20 features are used to populate the working memory of the expert system. A probabilistic neural network is used as the inference engine to make probabilistic estimates of class membership. As part of the inference engine, a sophisticated outlier test is performed to provide a measure of classification confidence. During a session, the user is provided with an extensive set of on-screen aids to assist in labelling. The user may modify the knowledge base by adding new samples to existing classes or by including new classes. The expert system provides confidence measures and a distance measure from the proposed class cluster centre. The interactive environment allows the user to test the impact of class labelling upon the knowledge base before new data is entered. For users working with very large datasets and very complex scenes, the integrity of the knowledge base is the primary concern. A bootstrap method is used to validate classification accuracy. On the basis of 100 bootstrap samples, an overall classification accuracy of 87% is achieved, with a standard deviation of 1%. The result is that much more accurate cloud classification in polar regions now can be made, which will aid us in our monitoring of global climate changes.
Heterobimetallic Ti/Co Complexes That Promote Catalytic N–N Bond Cleavage

Treatment of the tris(phosphinoamide) titanium precursor ClTi(XylNP(i)Pr2)3 (1) with CoI2 leads to the heterobimetallic complex (η(2)-(i)Pr2PNXyl)Ti(XylNP(i)Pr2)2(μ-Cl)CoI (2). One-electron reduction of 2 affords (η(2)-(i)Pr2PNXyl)Ti(XylNP(i)Pr2)2CoI (3), which can be reduced by another electron under dinitrogen to generate the reduced diamagnetic complex (THF)Ti(XylNP(i)Pr2)3CoN2 (4). The removal of the dinitrogen ligand from 4 under vacuum affords (THF)Ti(XylNP(i)Pr2)3Co (5), which features a Ti-Co triple bond. Treatment of 4 with hydrazine or methyl hydrazine results in N-N bond cleavage and affords the new diamagnetic complexes (L)Ti(XylNP(i)Pr2)3CoN2 (L = NH3 (6), MeNH2 (7)). Complexes 4, 5, and 6 have been shown to catalyze the disproportionation of hydrazine into ammonia and dinitrogen gas through a mechanism involving a diazene intermediate.
Psychological considerations in orthognathic surgery and orthodontics

The perceived needs and self-image of patients often differ from those of the orthodontists and oral surgeons who are treating them. Unfortunately, some patients may have unreasonable expectations of the treatment outcomes, so a thorough assessment of patient perception is an important initial step during the treatment planning stage in order to ensure patient satisfaction. Clinicians should also be aware that patients experience various psychological and emotional challenges during the course of the pre-surgical, surgical, and postsurgical stages of treatment. Many factors can influence the patient's level of anxiety, emotional instability, and postoperative satisfaction, so understanding the patient's state of mind during each stage of treatment is essential. Numerous studies have suggested ways to minimize negative feelings and the relationship between surgeon and orthodontist plays an important role in building patient confidence and trust in the entire process. The mutual respect and close collaboration between them can prevent undesirable psychological distress.
Abstract WMP95: U.S. Trends in the Cost and Charges for a Hospital Admission for Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS): Do the Trends Track with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Medical Care Services?

Introduction Care for AIS patients have improved over the last decade, with increased use of high technology interventions. The use of effective but high cost interventions, as well as the resulting improvement in survival, may affect the costs for a hospital admission. Thus, hospital costs for AIS may be expected to increase more than the average cost of medical care, as measured by the CPI. Furthermore, increases in bad debt for AIS patients may force hospitals to increase charges for AIS admissions to cover the cost of providing care to non-paying cases. Hypothesis Trends in costs for hospital admissions for AIS will increase the same as the CPI, while costs for patients treated with tPA will rise faster. Increased use of tPA and/or mechanical thrombectomy (MT), and improved survival will explain increases in costs, while insurance status will explain changes in charges. Methods A total of 499,661 hospital admissions for AIS were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) data for 2005 through 2010. Cost per admission was estimated from total charges using each hospital’s cost-to-charge ratio and were compared with CPI trends in changes in healthcare costs provided by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Use of tPA and/or MT was examined using multiple regression analyses. Number and percent of patients, per year, with tPA therapy and MT were calculated. Results Cost of an acute care admission for AIS increased at a greater rate than the CPI from 2005 through 2008, but appeared to level of in 2009, with tPA admission most closely following the CPI. Utilization of tPA increased in 2005 from 1.84% to 5.47% in 2010. The number of admissions with MT increased from 0.87% to 8.09% over the same time period. Charges for AIS admissions have increased much more rapidly that the CPI observed from 2005 to 2010, with admission receiving tPA having the greatest gain in charges. Conclusions Cost of care for AIS patients who receive tPA follows the CPI trend, while costs for non-tPA patients increase at a greater rate. This disparity could indicate a widening gap between cost and reimbursement for non-tPA admissions, and/or a failure of many hospitals to accurately record the use of tPA for billing purposes.
Classification of Paraspinal Muscle Impairments by Surface Electromyography

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of research to develop surface electromyographic (EMG) measurements for classification of paraspinal muscle impairments in persons with low back pain (LBP). The process of developing laboratory and clinically based protocols is described. Results of studies to evaluate the reliability of these measurements and their relationships with impairments and function are discussed. Research efforts to incorporate EMG spectral measurements, such as the median frequency, into a classification system to identify different types of muscle impairments are documented. Discriminant functions have been calculated based on case-control studies to identify 2 kinds of LBP impairments from constant-force isometric tasks: (1) excessive fatigue due to muscle deconditioning and (2) inhibition of muscle activation secondary to pain or pain-related behaviors. New areas of investigation designed to improve the classification accuracy of such functions using procedures other than discriminant analysis are described. Work in progress to extend the application of the technique to tasks other than those involving just isometric contraction, including those involving repetitive trunk movement, is also described.
Mechanisms of memory storage in a model perirhinal network

The perirhinal cortex supports recognition and associative memory. Prior unit recording studies revealed that recognition memory involves a reduced responsiveness of perirhinal cells to familiar stimuli whereas associative memory formation is linked to increasing perirhinal responses to paired stimuli. Both effects are thought to depend on perirhinal plasticity but it is unclear how the same network could support these opposite forms of plasticity. However, a recent study showed that when neocortical inputs are repeatedly activated, depression or potentiation could develop, depending on the extent to which the stimulated neocortical activity recruited intrinsic longitudinal connections. We developed a biophysically realistic perirhinal model that reproduced these phenomena and used it to investigate perirhinal mechanisms of associative memory. These analyzes revealed that associative plasticity is critically dependent on a specific subset of neurons, termed conjunctive cells (CCs). When the model network was trained with spatially distributed but coincident neocortical inputs, CCs acquired excitatory responses to the paired inputs and conveyed them to distributed perirhinal sites via longitudinal projections. CC ablation during recall abolished expression of the associative memory. However, CC ablation during training did not prevent memory formation because new CCs emerged, revealing that competitive synaptic interactions governs the formation of CC assemblies.
The Role of Conference Externalities and Other Factors in Determining the Annual Recruiting Rankings of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Teams

ABSTRACTIn this article, we analyse the impact of school, head coach and conference characteristics on a college football team’s annual recruiting ranking. Utilizing panel data collected from various sources covering 2002–2014, we find that measures of recent school success such as having winning seasons and finishing seasons ranked in the Associated Press (AP) top 25 poll have a positive impact on a team’s recruiting ranking. Similarly, schools with more successful head coaches tend to earn better recruiting classes, while schools facing bowl bans, scholarship restrictions and probation tend to earn worse recruiting classes. Various measures of conference achievement indicate that conference externalities in recruiting may indeed be positive as is often suggested; however, there is much potential for a negative externality as well.
Regions in the Complex Plane Containing the Eigenvalues of a Matrix

The Gersgorin circle theorem gives a region in the complex plane which contains all the eigenvalues of a square complex matrix. It is one of those rare instances of a theorem which is elegant and useful and which has a short, elementary proof. It is surprising that it hasn't made its way into many introductory texts on linear algebra. One reason for this neglect may be the fact that many (even most) mathematicians still regard linear algebra as being only about algebra. But modern linear algebra is more than algebra. It's linear systems, matrix theory and analysis, geometry, applications, numerics and, of course, algebra. The first course in linear algebra at most colleges and universities is to a great extent a service course for future scientists. Gersgorin's theorem is not an algebraic theorem. It is a simple analytic theorem involving elementary inequalities derived from the basic algebraic eigenvalue/ eigenvector equation. If A = [aij] is a complex matrix of order n and A is an eigenvalue of A, then there exists a nonzero vector x = (x1, x2,. . ., xn)T in Cn such that
A Size Illusion from Simultaneous Changes in Length and Direction of a Line Pattern

A circle was attached to one of three lines which were changing in length and direction simultaneously. This configuration of moving lines had been found previously to induce the perception of depth. Of 26 observers 20 reported that the moving circle appeared smaller in size than a physically equal stationary circle which was located outside the changing, depth-inducing configuration.
RAI-Refractory, Advanced Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Receiving Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment: Checking for Drug-Drug Interactions

With the introduction of multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of individuals with radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma, new patient safety risks have appeared that require extreme caution on the part of all physicians involved in these patients. These adverse events range from common toxicities, such as diarrhea and skin rashes, to uncommon events that can occasionally be life threatening, such as prolongation of QT intervals that can trigger arrhythmias. Those adverse events that are directly related to the concentration of the drug in circulation can be potentiated by concomitant use of other drugs that alter the metabolic clearance or pharmacokinetics of the TKI itself. Thus, knowledge of the potential for drug-drug interactions is critical whenever medications are prescribed for a thyroid cancer patient being treated for metastatic disease with a TKI. Patient education is also critical, so that the patient is able to alert whoever is prescribing a medication for them to check for possible drug-drug interactions that either increase risk or decrease the effectiveness of the TKI.