cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attitudes toward Stillbirth and Death Threat Level in a Sample of Obstetricians

The exact attitudes that physicians hold toward stillbirth have never been empirically explored. Seventy obstetricians and obstetrical residents were polled on their attitudes regarding stillbirth. Physicians simultaneously were assessed for their level of death threat as measured by the Threat Index. No effect of death threat level on attitudes toward stillbirth was observed, even when extreme scores were isolated and compared. Possible reasons for the lack of findings is discussed. Patterns of physicians's responses about perinatal grief are presented. Further dissemination of information on the grief following perinatal loss is encouraged.
Evaluation of DEFINDER: a system to mine definitions from consumer-oriented medical text

In this paper we present DEFINDER, a rule-based system that mines cons umer-oriented full text articles in order to extract definitions and the terms they define. This research is part of Digital Library Project at Columbia University, entitled PERSIVAL (PErsonalized Retrieval and Summarization of Image, Video and Language resources) [5]. One goal of the project is to present information to patients in language they can understand. A key component of this stage is to provide accurate and readable lay definitions for technical terms, which may be present in articles of intermediate complexity. The focus of this short paper is on quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the DEFINDER system [3]. Our basis for comparison was definitions from Unified Medical Language System (UMLS), On-line Medical Dictionary (OMD) and Glossary of Popular and Technical Medical Terms (GPTMT). Quantitative evaluations show that DEFINDER obtained 87% precision and 75% recall and reveal the incompleteness of existing resources and the ability of DEFINDER to address gaps. Qualitative evaluation shows that the definitions extracted by our system are ranked higher in terms of user-based criteria of usability and readability than definitions from on-line specialized dictionaries. Thus the output of DEFINDER can be used to enhance existing specialized dictionaries, and also as a key feature in summarizing technical articles for non-specialist users.
The application of linear programming by the General Electric Company to efficiently allocate routes to trucking companies

The appliance and lighting group of the General Electric (GE) Company allocates its shipping truckload to 17 different trucking companies over 701 different routes from one of its nine terminals. A sequence of several linear programming models was developed to help the management of the appliance and lighting division develop an optimal allocation. Two user-friendly interfaces were also developed to aid GE management in the use of one of the models. The tool is being used at GE and significant savings (approximately 15.5% of shipping costs) are possible with the optimal truckload allocation solution provided by the model. (Received 8 May 2010; Revised 2 June 2011; Accepted 15 June 2011)
A Numerical Study of the Interaction between a Deep Cold Jet and the Bottom Boundary Layer of the Ocean

Abstract A two-dimensional (x-z) primitive equation model is used to study the interaction between a deep cold jet on a sloping bottom and the bottom boundary layer (BBL) of the deep ocean. Two closure schemes are used: a standard second order turbulence closure (SOTC) scheme (the level 2 1/2 model of Mellor and Yamada), and a new eddy viscosity closure scheme (K-model). The latter is a computationally simple model that produces very similar eddy viscosity and velocity fields as the more complicated SOTC-model while saving about 20% of the computational time. The results of the numerical simulations compare favorably to observations from the base of the North Atlantic continental rise where the cold jet known as the Cold Filament (CF) is found. The interaction between the CF and the BBL is found to be dominated by cross-isotherm Ekman flow, resulting in an asymmetry effect with different dynamics at each one of the fronts associated with the CF. Some of the unusual characteristics of this region are expla...
First Measurement of the Muon Anti-Neutrino Charged Current Quasielastic Double-Differential Cross Section

A high-statistics sample of charged-current muon neutrino scattering events collected with the MiniBooNE experiment is analyzed to extract the first measurement of the double differential cross section (d2σ/dTμdcos⁡θμ) for charged-current quasielastic (CCQE) scattering on carbon. This result features minimal model dependence and provides the most complete information on this process to date. With the assumption of CCQE scattering, the absolute cross section as a function of neutrino energy (σ[Eν]) and the single differential cross section (dσ/dQ2) are extracted to facilitate comparison with previous measurements. These quantities may be used to characterize an effective axial-vector form factor of the nucleon and to improve the modeling of low-energy neutrino interactions on nuclear targets. The results are relevant for experiments searching for neutrino oscillations.
Scientific status of the concept of continuing emotional propensity for sexually aberrant acts

Continuing emotional propensity for sexually aberrant acts and similar concepts have a central role in the prosecution of sex offenders. This article examines the theoretical and scientific viability of such concepts, focusing on child molestation. It is shown that neither theoretical nor scientific underpinnings exist, although there is broad clinical agreement on the existence in some offenders of "something more" than just a pattern of continuing behavior. Both the DSM-IV and addiction models of sex offending capture this viewpoint, and it is suggested that clinical/forensic assessment for the presence of a continuing emotional propensity rely on these sources until a scientific foundation can be laid.
Osmoregulation in Methanogens (and Other Interesting Organisms)

Our research has been aimed at (i) identifying, (ii) determining mode of regulation, and (iii) understanding how different classes of compatible solutes (also termed osmolytes) affect macromolecular stability in response to osmotic and thermal stress. For solutes we have identified (e.g., di-inositol-1,1’-phosphate (DIP)), we used NMR to elucidate biosynthetic pathways and then cloned suspected enzymes in the pathway to explore how they are regulated. Compatible solutes are thought to protect proteins from thermal and osmotic stresses by being excluded from the surface, allowing critical water molecules to interact with the protein. This implies there are no specific binding interactions between osmolytes and proteins. However, we and others have often observed very specific solute effects for proteins that suggest a more direct interaction between solute and protein is likely can occur. Measuring such a weak interaction is extremely difficult. We have developed a solution NMR method, high-resolution field cycling relaxometry, that can measure spin-lattice relaxation rates as a function of magnetic field from 11.7 (the field of a 500 MHz spectrometer) to 0.003 T. The methodology is ideal for nuclei in small molecules with moderately long relaxation times at high fields – phosphate groups (31P), enriched carbonyls (13C), or methyl groupsmore » (1H). The protein of interest is spin-labeled to introduce a large dipole on it that will dominate the relaxation of nuclei on any small molecules that bind transiently. The key is to measure relaxation below 1-2 T (and extract nuclei-spin label distances in the bound complex) where the small molecule relaxation will be dominated by dipolar mechanisms with a correlation time indicative of the large protein complex. Our explorations of an inositol monophosphatase (the last step in DIP generation) localized four discrete binding sides for the thermoprotectant α-glutamate. This is a novel approach, and while the work did not fully explain how this solute protected the IMPase from thermal denaturation, it did showcase a new and exciting method to monitor weak binding in biological systems.« less
Otosclerosis: vestibular symptoms and sensorineural hearing loss.

Of 546 patients with otosclerosis, 500 who had not had ear surgery were divided into four groups according to the relative and absolute amounts of sensorineural hearing loss in the hearing-impaired...
New technology for the division of short gastric vessels during laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. A prospective randomized trial.

Division of the short gastric vessels (SGV) is a standard component of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications (LNF) at our institution. This study compares our original method of vessel control, multifire clip applier (MCA) and sharp division, to the Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel LCS (LCS). Twenty consecutive patients were evaluated in a randomized prospective fashion. Times for SGV division and estimated blood loss (EBL) were recorded. Cost data represent patient charges for use of either the MCA or LCS and the charge for operative time. Use of the LCS produced a significant reduction in the time required for SGV division and in the charges to the patient.
Cancer risks from exposure to vehicular air pollution: a household level analysis of intra-ethnic heterogeneity in Miami, Florida

ABSTRACTQuantitative environmental justice (EJ) research has relied on aggregated data from census units to determine disproportionate hazard exposure. Additionally, variables typically used to analyze ethnic inequities in exposure (e.g., percent Hispanic) are too broad and assume a degree of homogeneity that may not exist, given the diversity of ethnic minority populations. We address these limitations through a study that utilizes primary household level survey data and cancer risk estimates from the National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) to analyze intra-ethnic inequities in exposure to vehicular air pollutants in the Miami metropolitan area, Florida. Our analysis disaggregates the Hispanic category based on five characteristics (language proficiency, U.S. citizenship, nativity, unemployment status, and national origin) and finds that risk burdens are significantly higher for Hispanic respondents who are foreign-born, unemployed, and of Cuban origin. Findings highlight the advantages of downscalin...
Study on a New Business Model of Electric Vehicle Charging and Battery-Swapping Infrastructure

To address difficulties in recovering the capitals invested in the electric vehicle charging and battery-swapping infrastructure,this paper proposes a new business model,which consists of the derivative product for clients and the related value-added services such as the battery testing and fast swap and V2G(vehicle to grid) contract management.In this model,fees are calculated based on the length of charging time or times of services.Through data analyses,the paper concludes that the new business model offers more services with more adaptability and flexibility when compared with the conventional eletricity sales model.It is capable of scientific and acurate fee calculations for normal or fast charging services,meeting the requirement for settling of fast battery swapping,and may satisfy the needs of the value-added services such as V2G contract management that may arise in the future.
Frontiers and their control

This article deals with the defense and extension of national frontiers in geopolitical and economic terms. It focuses on the ancient states of China and Rome, the medieval frontiers between Scotland and England as well as between Castile and the Muslim enclave of Granada, and the modern heavily defended borderlands that separated East and West Berlin as well as the long frontier along the Rio Grande between Mexico and the American states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Keywords: 2000–present; American West; ancient history; Asia; geography; southern Europe
Development of the medical appointment planner.

86Background: Breast cancer survivors experience multiple physical and emotional symptoms. Difficulties occur when women cannot effectively present questions and concerns during surveillance visits resulting in unmet needs and unanswered questions. Methods: The Medical Appointment Planner (MAP) is a structured visit preparation approach providing communication skills to facilitate presentation of a woman’s symptoms/concerns to medical providers. MAP was developed sequentially in 4 phases: Phase 1) Focus groups explored women’s issues during surveillance visits. Phase 2) Feasibility pilot, using paper-pencil delivery. Phase 3) IPad feasibility, usability / satisfaction pilot. Phase 4) National trial pilot with Susan Love’s Army of Women comparing electronic MAP delivery to a usual care group developing question lists. Results: Focus Groups. A major theme was “difficult interactions with medical providers” especially presenting concerns. Paper-Pencil Feasibility. Eight women (age 30-79) used MAP for medical...
Pharmacological activation of AMPK inhibits incision-evoked mechanical hypersensitivity and the development of hyperalgesic priming in mice.

Abstract New therapeutics to manage post-surgical pain are needed to mitigate the liabilities of opioid and other analgesics. Our previous work shows that key modulators of excitability in peripheral nociceptors, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) are inhibited by activation of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK). We hypothesized that AMPK activation would attenuate acute incision-evoked mechanical hypersensitivity and the development of hyperalgesic priming caused by surgery in mice. Here we have used a variety of administration routes and combinations of AMPK activators to test this hypothesis. Topical administration of a resveratrol-based cream inhibited acute mechanical hypersensitivity evoked by incision and blocked the development of hyperalgesic priming. We also observed that systemic administration of metformin dose-dependently inhibited incision-evoked mechanical hypersensitivity and hyperalgesic priming. Interestingly, low doses of systemic metformin and local resveratrol that had no acute effect were able to mitigate development of hyperalgesic priming. Combined treatment with doses of systemic metformin and local resveratrol that were not effective on their own enhanced the acute efficacy of the individual AMPK activators for post-surgical mechanical pain alleviation and blocked the development of hyperalgesic priming. Finally, we used dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in culture to show that resveratrol and metformin given in combination shift the concentration–response curve for AMPK activation to the left and increase the magnitude of AMPK activation. Therefore, we find that topical administration is an effective treatment route of administration and combining systemic and local treatments led to anti-nociceptive efficacy in acute mechanical hypersensitivity at doses that were not effective alone. Collectively our work demonstrates a specific effect of AMPK activators on post-surgical pain and points to novel therapeutic opportunities with potential immediate impact in the clinical setting.
Aldehyde Inhibitors of Aldehyde Dehydrogenases

Aldehyde dehydrogenases catalyze aldehyde dehydrogenation as well as ester hydrolysis. Nitrate esters e.g. isosorbide nitrates and nitroglycerin inhibit the enzyme. Mechanism of inhibition which involves aldehyde dehydrogenase catalyzed formation of a reactive species (Mukerjee and Pietruszko, 1994), which inactivates the enzyme via covalent bond formation, was previously discussed (Pietruszko et al., 1995) in this series. In addition, aldehyde dehydrogenases share a common property of being inhibited by aldehyde inhibitors such as chloral, citral, methylglyoxal and 4-dia1ky1amino benzaldehyde, whose structure resembles that of aldehyde substrates (Figure I). It was interesting, therefore, to investigate how these compounds inhibit the enzyme. Methylglyoxal is a natural metabolite which is formed enzymatically and non-enzymatically from triose phosphates and from acetone by cytochrome P-450; it also arises from metabolism of threonine. Because of its chemical reactivity toward proteins and nucleic acids, methylglyoxal is considered to be a toxic compound (Kalapos, 1994; Chaplen et al., 1998); modification of proteins and nucleic acids by methylglyoxal has been postulated to be a possible cause of development of diabetic complications (Vander Jagt et al., 1992). Methylglyoxal is metabolized by glyoxalase which catalyzes the conversion of methyl glyoxal to D-Iactate in the presence of reduced glutathione. Aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase catalyze reduction of methylglyoxal to acetol and D-Iactaldehyde. Another metabolic route for methylglyoxal is its oxidation to pyruvate by α-ketoaldehyde dehydrogenase (Monder, 1967). The structure of methylglyoxal is shown in Figure 1.
“Dick in a Box”: Hypermasculine Heroism in Geek TV and Film

Hero-worship and aspirational hypermasculine role models abound in geek-friendly popular culture. We will examine the construction of the figures of male heroism that dominate modern media tagged as geek-oriented, with particular attention to science fiction. We will expose the silence of women in these same franchises, as characters such as Amy Pond, River Song, and Clara Oswald are defined by their relationships with the Doctor and exist only to serve his story. Doctor Who, Indiana Jones, Tony Stark, Sherlock, and other intellectual yet action-ready figures build on familiar archetypes while epitomizing the dominance of a masculine space to such an extent that fan blogger RoachPatrol labeled the Doctor as “a predatory dick in a box.” From these heroes, we will draw a working definition of geek masculinity, with special attention to the outsider status they frequently display.
Female Influence in Top Management Team and Firm Competitive Behavior

Drawing insights from competitive dynamics research, the upper-echelons perspective and social identity theory, we examine the impact of female influence in top management teams on firm competitive...
Recurrent and Transient Solutions

This chapter discusses the recurrent and transient solutions. An n-dimensional Brownian motion is recurrent if n ≤ 2 and transient if n ≥ 3. The chapter focuses on homogeneous processes, that is, solutions of systems of n stochastic differential equations with time-independent coefficients. The chapter presents a derivation the rate of wandering out to infinity. The transient and recurrent solutions for degenerate diffusion are presented.
Surgical treatment of undescended testes

Surgical therapy of undescended testes is indicated when the testis is located in any site other than the scrotum, especially after unsuccessful hormonal treatment. If the testis can be palpated pre-operatively, a classical orchiolysis should always be carried out first, followed by orchiopexy. In the Sophia Children's Hospital orchiolysis and orchiopexy are always carried out following the techniques developed by Schoemaker. If the testis is not palpable, laparoscopy should be carried out to determine whether a testicle can be located intra-abdominally. If orchiolysis and orchiopexy would prove inadequate to achieve scrotal fixation due to shortness of the vasa spermatica, autotransplantation with microsurgical techniques can be carried out.
Comparison of deep convolutional neural networks and edge detectors for image-based crack detection in concrete

Abstract This paper compares the performance of common edge detectors and deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) for image-based crack detection in concrete structures. A dataset of 19 high definition images (3420 sub-images, 319 with cracks and 3101 without) of concrete is analyzed using six common edge detection schemes (Roberts, Prewitt, Sobel, Laplacian of Gaussian, Butterworth, and Gaussian) and using the AlexNet DCNN architecture in fully trained, transfer learning, and classifier modes. The relative performance of each crack detection method is compared here for the first time on a single dataset. Edge detection methods accurately detected 53–79% of cracked pixels, but they produced residual noise in the final binary images. The best of these methods was useful in detecting cracks wider than 0.1 mm. DCNNs were used to label images, and accurately labeled them with 99% accuracy. In transfer learning mode, the network accurately detected about 86% of cracked images. DCNNs also detected much finer cracks than edge detection methods. In fully trained and classifier modes, the network detected cracks wider than 0.08 mm; in transfer learning mode, the network was able to detect cracks wider than 0.04 mm. Computational times for DCNN are shorter than the most efficient edge detection algorithms, not considering the training process. These results show significant promise for future adoption of DCNN methods for image-based damage detection in concrete. To reduce the residual noise, a hybrid method was proposed by combining the DCNN and edge detectors which reduced the noise by a factor of 24.
Establishing a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Program: Essential Tools for the Clinical Nurse Case Manager

Topic Significance & Study Purpose/Background/Rationale CAR T-cell therapy is a complex medical intervention requiring extensive planning and development. A detailed process is required to ensure communication and collaboration between team members and identify role responsibilities. Tools are needed to assist the clinical nurse case manager to facilitate the coordination and provide the continuity required for the overall process. There is limited literature available regarding tools and processes for CAR T-cell therapy implementation. Methods, Intervention, & Analysis We developed several tools including a CAR T-cell flow sheet checklist, a product specific process with step-by-step instructions, and a patient tracking spreadsheet. These tools provide the case manager detailed guidelines for completion of each step including evaluation, enrollment, ordering, purchase order procedure, apheresis, chemotherapy, admission, infusion, and post infusion follow-up. The patient tracking spreadsheet allows multiple departments to quickly check each patient's stage in the therapy, healthcare status, and insurance coverage. We created documents for each product specific process and added details as we worked with the initial patients. Each case manager has a binder and access to online resources. The documents helped create the flow sheet checklist to ensure optimal patient safety and that all steps in the process are accomplished. The internal CAR T-cell policy and the product prescribing information provided guidance in creation of these tools. Findings & Interpretation After piloting use of the tools, several components were improved until the process was efficient and safety was optimized. Application of the tools has provided concrete guidelines for each case manager. This has increased confidence and consistency among case managers. Discussion & Implications CAR T-cell therapy is a novel treatment. Our tools are designed to educate and assist each nurse case manager, whether they are a novice or expert, in CAR T-cell therapy. Successful implementation of CAR T-cell therapy in our institution relies heavily on these processes and tools, allowing us to provide extraordinary care for this complex patient population. In the future, the resources will be updated as new products and indications are developed. These essential tools are useful to guide other institutions in the development of their CAR T-cell therapy programs.
Besicovitch, Bisection, and the Normality of 0.(1)(4)(9)(16)(25) …

We revisit Besicovitch's 1935 paper in which he introduced several techniques that have become essential elements of modern combinatorial methods of normality proofs. Despite his paper's influence,...
A machine learning model to predict hepatocellular carcinoma response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

Prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using quantitative imaging and clinical measurements of pretreatment lesions is a potentially usef...
A DYNAMICAL APPROACH TO THE SELECTION RULE /$delta$I/ = 1/2

By giving up the unrenormalizable Lagrangian theory, the problem of weak interactions was studied by means of the unsubtracted dispersion relations. In this formalism the selection rule $|\ensuremath{\Delta}I|=\frac{1}{2}$ in the nonleptonic decays of strange particles is shown to be a consequence of the charge independence of strong interactions. The unsubtracted dispersion relations further serve to determine the coupling constants in strong interactions as eigenvalues. Reasonable agreement with experiment was found for the nonleptonic hyperon decays for the even $\ensuremath{\Sigma}\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ parity.
‘We’re All Professionals Now’: Frank Shorter, Deregulation, and the Battle to End ‘Shamateurism,’ in the 1970s

AbstractIn the 1970s, Olympic Gold medallist marathoner Frank Shorter and other Olympic athletes advocated for reforms to the American amateur athletic system. Their efforts culminated in the passa...
Job Turf or Variety: Task Structure as a Source of Organizational Inequality:

What explains pay inequality among coworkers? Theories of organizational influence on inequality emphasize the effects of formal hierarchy. But restructuring, firm flattening, and individualized pa...
Is the Vectra 3D Imaging System a Reliable Tool for Predicting Breast Mass

BACKGROUND In selecting breast implants for breast reconstruction, current preoperative planning largely relies on 2-dimensional measurements, which are often limited in suboptimal accuracy and objectivity. Although the introduction of 3-dimensional imaging modalities has further improved preoperative planning, they require in-depth analysis of accuracy if they are to be considered as a standardized part of preoperative planning. Thus, the present study analyzes the reliability of the Vectra 3D Imaging System in predicting breast mass and explores potential confounding variables that may limit its accuracy. METHODS A retrospective review of 202 breasts that received direct-to-implant reconstruction by a single surgeon between February 2015 and February 2019 was conducted. Variables recorded included Vectra predicted mass (VPM; in grams), mastectomy mass (MM; in grams), ptosis grade, and body mass index (BMI). Body mass index was classified as follows: underweight (BMI < 20 kg/m), normal (20 kg/m ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m), overweight (25 kg/m ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m), and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m). Cup size was approximated as follows: A and smaller (MM ≤250 g), B (250 g < MM ≤ 450 g), C (450 g < MM ≤ 600 g), and D and larger (MM ≥ 600 g). Correlation between MM and VPM was evaluated using 2-tailed Pearson correlation coefficients (r), and associated formula was derived from a linear model. Equality of variances was assessed with the Bartlett test. Correlation coefficients calculated for ptosis and BMI categories were then compared with the overall correlation coefficient. Significance was set at α = 0.05, and analyses were conducted in R 3.6.0, version 1.70. RESULTS There was a strong correlation between MM and VPM (R = 0.90, P < 0.0001). The following equation was derived to predict MM: [MM] = 0.8 × [VPM] + 32 (adjusted r = 0.81). The Bartlett test indicated that VPM varies significantly across cup sizes (P < 0.0001). Comparison of correlation coefficients for ptosis and BMI categories revealed a significantly reduced correlation coefficient for pseudoptosis (0.90 vs 0.75, P = 0.0425). CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that the reliability of Vectra in predicting breast mass varies across cup sizes and that there exists a significantly decreased association between VPM and MM among pseudoptotic breasts. These are important considerations when using this technology in surgical planning.
Advances in juvenile adjudicative competence: A 10-year update

This article provides a comprehensive review of juvenile adjudicative competence (AC) literature published between 2010 and 2019. Publications included in this article are peer-reviewed and disseminate original research or provide new commentary on forensic evaluation, policy, or theory. The review is organized in the following sequence: (i) factors associated with juvenile AC, (ii) evaluating juvenile AC (assessment tools and techniques, quality of evaluations, evaluation recommendations), (iii) remediation (remediation recommendations), (iv) systemic issues (inconsistency in statutes and court processes, defense attorneys' concerns about AC, age-related issues, developmental immaturity), and (v) special topics (special populations, international research). Systemic processes and variability in statutes have contributed to current concerns regarding reliability of juvenile AC evaluation and remediation. Clear and consistent standards must be developed to address these problems. Continued research is necessary to clarify how to accurately assess juvenile AC and appropriately remediate those adjudicated incompetent. Practice and policy implications as well as future directions for research are discussed.
Misusing the "No Duty" Doctrine in Tort Decisions: Following the Restatement (Third) of Torts Would Yield Better Decisions

Focusing on a recent California Supreme Court decision, Verdugo v. Target Corp. , the author analyzes the “no duty” doctrine and its improper use in recent tort decisions. He argues that too many US appellate courts are misapplying the “no duty” doctrine by using it in situations in which they are actually deciding whether there has been a breach of the duty of care. The author places recent applications of the “no duty” doctrine in the context of recommendations made by the American Law Institute, and suggests that the case law would benefit if the courts reflected upon the relative roles of judges and juries and followed the guidance of the Restatement (Third) of Torts .
Multinational Production, Risk Sharing, and Home Equity Bias

We study the consequences of offshoring for international equity portfolios, risk sharing, and the international transmission of technology and government spending shocks. We show analytically that serving foreign markets by producing locally can substitute for international asset trade and terms of trade adjustment in delivering perfect risk sharing across countries: Offshore production implies that the consumption differential is tied to the real exchange rate even if the optimal equity portfolio is fully home-biased and the elasticity of substitution between domestic and foreign goods in consumption is different from one. Net foreign assets do not move in response to shocks. We investigate how the extent to which firms use source- versus host-country technology when producing abroad matters for the international transmission of shocks. A numerical illustration allows us to compare transparently the properties of our model to those of the alternative environment in which firms serve foreign markets by exporting.
Highly Sensitive Capacitive Pressure Sensors over a Wide Pressure Range Enabled by the Hybrid Responses of a Highly Porous Nanocomposite

Past research aimed at increasing the sensitivity of capacitive pressure sensors has mostly focused on developing dielectric layers with surface/porous structures or higher dielectric constants. However, such strategies have only been effective in improving sensitivities at low pressure ranges (e.g., up to 3 kPa). To overcome this well-known obstacle, herein, a flexible hybrid-response pressure sensor (HRPS) composed of an electrically conductive porous nanocomposite (PNC) laminated with an ultrathin dielectric layer is devised. Using a nickel foam template, the PNC is fabricated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-doped Ecoflex to be 86% porous and electrically conductive. The PNC exhibits hybrid piezoresistive and piezocapacitive responses, resulting in significantly enhanced sensitivities (i.e., more than 400%) over wide pressure ranges, from 3.13 kPa-1 within 0-1 kPa to 0.43 kPa-1 within 30-50 kPa. The effect of the hybrid responses is differentiated from the effect of porosity or high dielectric constants by comparing the HRPS with its purely piezocapacitive counterparts. Fundamental understanding of the HRPS and the prediction of optimal CNT doping are achieved through simplified analytical models. The HRPS is able to measure pressures from as subtle as the temporal arterial pulse to as large as footsteps.
Interpreting and integrating multiple endemism metrics to identify hotspots for conservation priorities

Abstract Endemic species represent an important component of biodiversity. They are functionally and evolutionarily distinct from cosmopolitan species, and are under greater threat of extinction. As a result, endemism hotspots are often used to examine the ecology of range size and to identify the most critical conservation priorities. However, many different definitions and scales have been used to quantify endemism for ecological and conservation research. Here, we review eight distinct, commonly-used metrics of endemism, examining their implications for ecological and conservation studies worldwide. We compare and contrast the spatial distribution and interpretations of the different endemism metrics by applying each of them to a case study of Mesoamerican mammals. We then evaluate the effect of different areal units on the trends in these metrics and their conservation efficacy Hotspots of each metric are identified and overlapped. These overlaps determine consensus endemism hotspots that integrate both the evolutionary history and richness of local endemics. In our case study, both the subdivision of the study region and the endemism metric used influenced the spatial distribution of endemism. Although different biologically-defined subdivisions resulted in similar trends in endemism, endemism hotspots using arbitrary-defined units differed substantially. All eight endemism metrics were positively correlated (r ≥ 0.27), but highlight different hotspots across Mesoamerica. Only one subdivision was a hotspot for all four endemism categories. Despite their small area, these endemism hotspots protect a disproportionate number of species. These results underscore the importance of considering spatial effects and multiple aspects of endemism.
Conservative and approximately conservative algorithms on manifolds

Algorithms for the numerical integration of initial value problems have traditionally been either very general or very specialized. That is, the algorithms have either been intended to perform well for most vector fields or optimized to perform very well for a specific differential equation. While some classes of general purpose algorithms, e.g. implicit methods, possess combinations of advantages and disadvantages that make them particularly appropriate for some applications and inappropriate for others, the methods are still applicable to a very broad range of initial value problems. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in algorithms for specific families of dynamical systems with some common features; algorithms have been developed to accurately capture these features even when the overall accuracy of the method is relatively low.
Damage in neutron-irradiated molybdenum: (I). Characterization of as-irradiated microstructure

Abstract The as-irradiated microstructure of molybdenum, irradiated in the EBR-II reactor at six different temperatures in the range 430–1000°C (0.24–0.44 T m ) to a fast neutron fluence of ≈ 1 × 10 22 n · cm −2 ( E > 1 MeV ), has been characterized as black spot clusters, loops, rafts, voids (random and ordered) and dislocations. Present results show that both the void density, N v and the void size, d v , are independent of irradiation temperature in the range 430–700° C. Above the 700° C irradiation temperature the void density decreases and the void size increases exponentially with increasing irradiation temperature and they have been expressed empirically as N v = 3.6 × 10 20 exp (−26.9 T/T m ) , d v = 1.5 exp (9.44 T/T m ) , where T/T m is the irradiation temperature presented as a fraction of the melting point. The void density of all available published data has been used to show that the void density is (a) a strong function of irradiation temperature for a constant number of displacements per atom (dpa) and (b) a function of reactor power and spectrum when normalized to dpa.
Intrinsic Polarization for Objects with Extended Atmospheres

Intrinsic polarization in B emission-line stars and in red variables is discussed. The peculiar wavelength-dependence of the polarization in Be stars, particularly the decrease in polarization in the ultraviolet, is explained by scattering from electrons in an asymmetrical envelope together with self-absorption in a hydrogen plasma.
SU-E-T-366: Estimation of Whole Body Dose From Cranial Irradiation From C and Perfexion Series Gamma Knife Units

Purpose: The Leksell Gamma Knife (GK) B & C series contains 201 Cobalt-60 sources with a helmet. The new model, Perfexion uses 192 Cobalt-60 sources without a helmet; using IRIS system for collimation and stereotactic guidance to deliver SRS to brain tumors. Relative dose to extracranial organs at risk (OARs) is measured in phantom in this study for Perfexion and C-series GK. Materials & Methods: Measurements were performed in a Rando anthropomorphic phantom on both systems using a large ion chamber (Keithley-175) for each collimator. The Keithley-175 cc ion chamber was sandwiched between phantom slices at various locations in the phantom to correspond to different extracranial OARs (thyroid, heart, kidney, ovary and testis, etc.) The dose measurement was repeated with OSL detectors for each position and collimator. Results: A large variation is observed in the normalized dose between these two systems. The dose beyond the housing falls off exponentially for Perfexion. Dose beyond the C-series GK housing falls off exponentially from 0–20cm then remains relatively constant from 20–40cm and again falls off with distance but less rapidly. The variation of extracranial dose with distance for each collimator is found to be parallel to each other for both systems. Conclusion: Whole body dose is found to vary significantly between these systems. It is important to measure the extracranial dose, especially for young patients. It is estimated that dose falls off exponentially from the GK housing and is about 1% for large collimators at 75 cm. The dose is two-orders of magnitude smaller for the 4mm collimator. However, this small dose for patient may be significant radiologically.
Stability of the Lactobacillus Population in Feces and Stomach Contents of Rats Prevented from Coprophagy

Lev, Meir (Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, N.Y.), Raymond H. Alexander, and Stanley M. Levenson. Stability of the Lactobacillus population in feces and stomach contents of rats prevented from coprophagy. J. Bacteriol. 92: 13–16. 1966.—Lactobacilli were enumerated in the feces of rats prevented from coprophagy by tail-cupping. No differences were found when numbers of these organisms were compared with lactobacilli in feces of control rats, without tail-cups. High and similar numbers of lactobacilli were found in the stomachs of rats with and without tail-cups. The effect of coprophagy on fecal lactobacilli was therefore negligible.
PET scanning in sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder that most commonly presents with pulmonary involvement. The diagnosis is suggested on the basis of clinical and radiologic manifestations and is supported by the histological demonstration of noncaseating granulomas in affected tissues. Different imaging modalities, including chest radiography, X-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and (67) Ga scintigraphy are currently employed to help diagnose and help plan treatment strategy in sarcoidosis patients. Here, we discuss the potential role of positron emission tomography in the diagnosis, assessment of disease activity, and management of patients with sarcoidosis. We also point out some of the limitations of this technique.
Phosphorylase Activity in Acutely Exercised Muscle

MUSCLE glycogen serves as an important source of energy for muscular contraction. The initial glycogen degradation reaction is catalysed by the enzyme, phosphorylase.
Improved methodology to induce hyperoxaluria without treatment using hydroxyproline

The use of hydroxyproline (HP) to generate hyperoxaluria in the rat is a problem because it is impossible to separate the effect of oxalate on renal injury from the effects of HP and the large array of metabolic intermediates formed when HP is converted to oxalate. Previously, the Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) and Brown Norway (BN) rat strains were studied to determine genetic control of resistance or susceptibility to HP-induced renal injury and crystal deposition. To develop a better model to induce hyperoxaluria without causing injury from HP metabolites, animals were fed a diet containing various levels of added oxalate (0, 1, 2, 3, or 5%). After 5 weeks rats were killed and the kidneys were removed for microscopic evaluation of tubule changes and crystal deposition. The 3 and 5% oxalate-fed groups had a substantial increase in urine oxalate, about 50 and 140 μmol/g body weight over controls, respectively. Both the SS and BN 3% oxalate-fed animals showed only slightly elevated tubule area and no crystal deposition. However, BN animals fed 5% oxalate had a dramatic increase in their percent tubule areas compared to control BN rats and treated SS rats. Crystal deposition in the kidneys was only observed in the 5% oxalate-fed groups. The BN kidneys demonstrated a threefold higher crystal deposition compared to oxalate-fed SS rats. We conclude that oxalate-supplemented food is a better method of producing hyperoxaluria in the rat than using HP which may introduce metabolic intermediates injurious to the kidney.
Pathways to false allegations of sexual harassment

A sexual harassment allegation is either true or false. Whether specific allegations are true or false is important to questions of epidemiology, clinical diagnosis and treatment, administrative and legal proceedings, as well as the welfare of actual victims and innocent alleged perpetrators. It is naive and harmful to operate with the heuristic: ‘All claims are true’. However, the truth of many allegations is very difficult to determine, particularly as is often the case when there are no witnesses, no conclusive hard evidence, and the presence of a situation where both parties have divergent accounts of the alleged occurrence. There has been little theoretical or empirical work on what would cause a person to make a false allegation of sexual harassment. This paper gives an overview of the intricacies associated with sexual harassment investigations and enumerates 14 possible pathways to false allegations: lying; borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, psychosis, gender prejudice, substance abuse, dementia, false memories, false interpretations, biased interviews, sociopathy, personality disorders not otherwise specified, investigative mistakes, and mistakes in determination of the degree of harassment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Friends Don’t Let Friends Vote for Free Trade: The Dynamics of the Labor PAC Punishment Strategy over PNTR

Studies of PAC contribution strategies tend to focus on the ways in which PACs seek to buy access to legislators or elect candidates friendly to their interests. What do PACs do when those to whom ...
High deposition rate parylene films

The deposition rate of polymeric parylene films is shown to be a sensitive function of temperature and pressure. By keeping the substrate temperature below room temperature, we obtain more than one order of magnitude higher deposition rates than those obtained at room temperature. It is suggested that the higher deposition rates are due to the increased condensation of the monomer on the surface during growth. These results are consistent with a physical-chemical model of the kinetics of polymer-film formation.
Free-energy landscape of glycerol permeation through aquaglyceroporin GlpF determined from steered molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract The free-energy landscape of glycerol permeation through the aquaglyceroporin GlpF has been estimated in the literature by the nonequilibrium method of steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations and by the equilibrium method of adaptive biasing force (ABF) simulations. However, the ABF results qualitatively disagree with the SMD results that were based on the Jarzynski equality (JE) relating the equilibrium free-energy difference to the nonequilibrium work of the irreversible pulling experiments. In this paper, I present a new SMD study of the glycerol permeation through GlpF to explore the free-energy profile of glycerol along the permeation channel. Instead of the JE in terms of thermodynamic work, I use the fluctuation–dissipation theorem (FDT) of Brownian dynamics (BD), in terms of mechanical work, for extracting the free-energy difference from the nonequilibrium work of irreversible pulling experiments. The results of this new SMD–BD–FDT study are in agreement with the experimental data and with the ABF results.
Computerized Model Demonstrating Magnetic Submarine Localization

A modet is described which consists of an aircraft with flux gate magnetometers mounted on the wing tips and a submarine containing a magnet to simulate the induced and permanent fields of an actual submarine. Equations are developed which enable a minicomputer sampling the magnetometers to calculate the location, depth, and heading of the submarine as the aircraft travels towards it. The real time plotted results are presented.
Obstructive sleep apnea: not just a sleep disorder

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has long been recognized as a disorder characterized by snoring and frequent cessations of breathing resulting in fragmentation of sleep, which eventually leads to cumulative sleep debt in affected patients. Until two decades ago, snoring and apneas drew attention mainly as a social curiosity and sleep apnea was not thought of as a serious disorder with multisystem involvement. Impairment of quality of work and high incidence of motor vehicle accidents associated with OSA were recognized toward the end of the last century. Since the turn of this millennium physicians have become increasingly aware of the various cardiovascular complications, metabolic disturbances, and neuropsychologic deficits. It has become very clear in the last decade that patients with OSA have a high recurrence of atrial fibrillation after elective cardioversion if their sleep apnea is not treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Poor control of diabetes mellitus and resistant hypertension in the setting of OSA has also been recognized and significant progress in our understanding in this area has been accomplished. Unless physicians include sleep in their system review, many cases will go undiagnosed, which will eventually result in cardiovascular complications. Patients are also not readily forthcoming with the symptoms of sleep apnea, as they often assume that symptoms, such as snoring and daytime sleepiness, are not something serious to be discussed with their physician. In this review, the characteristics, the pathophysiology, and epidemiology of OSA are discussed. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which OSA affects the cardiovascular, endocrine, and metabolic functions have been explored.
Operations research books are reviewed

Operations research and management science handbook, edited by A. Ravi Ravindran, Boca Raton, CRC Press, 2008, -33 pp., $161.94, ISBN 978-0-8493-9721-9 Operations research: a practical introduction...