cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ALTRUISM: TOWARD A PSYCHOBIOSPIRITUAL CONCEPTUALIZATION

. Altruism, defined here as a regard for or devotion to the interest of others with whom we are interrelated, is pitted against two other dispositions in human beings: nepotism and egoism. We propose that to become fully human is to become more altruistic. We describe how altruism is mediated by our physiology, is expressed in our psychological development, is evolving in our social institutions, and becomes the moral communities that enforce our sense of right and wrong. A change in any one of these influences changes our disposition—changes who we are and what we do—potentially making altruism more possible in the world.
Lag-sensitive repetition suppression effects in the anterior parahippocampal gyrus.

Single-unit recording studies of monkeys have shown that neurons in perirhinal and entorhinal cortex exhibit activity reductions following stimulus repetition, and some have suggested that these “repetition suppression” effects may represent neural signals that support recognition memory. Critically, repetition suppression effects are most pronounced at short intervals between stimulus repetitions. Here, we used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify repetition suppression effects in the human medial temporal lobe and determine whether these effects are sensitive to the length of the interval between repetitions. Twenty-one participants were scanned while performing a continuous recognition memory task in which the interval between item repetitions was parametrically varied from 2 to 32 intervening items. We found evidence of repetition suppression in the anterior parahippocampal gyrus, but only when the repetition interval was relatively short. Moreover, bilateral hippocampal regions showed lag-sensitive repetition effects. Our results demonstrate that activity in the human medial temporal cortex, like that of monkeys, exhibits repetition suppression effects that are sensitive to the length of the interval between repetitions. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the Adsorption of Poly(Acrylamide), Poly(4-methoxystyrene), and Poly(Acrylic Acid) on Aluminum Oxide by Inelastic Electron Tunneling Spectroscopy

The adsorptions of polystyrene, poly(methoxystyrene), poly(acrylamide), and poly(acrylic acid) on aluminum oxide are investigated with inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy. Comparison with infrared data for thin polymer films of the polymer samples gives insight into the adsorbed polymer configuration. Data indicate that poly(styrene) is weakly physisorbed to aluminum oxide, while poly(methoxystyrene), poly(acrylamide), and poly(acrylic acid) react to form strong bonds with the oxide surface. On the basis of this data, adsorption mechanisms are suggested for each of the polymers. Poly(acrylamide) adsorbs via a protonation of the amine group by the surface hydroxyl groups. Poly(4-methoxystyrene) forms a phenolate ion and can react further with the aluminum surface centers. Poly(acrylic acid) adsorbs to the oxide surface in a manner analogous to that of small organic acids such as the carboxylate ion.
P3.440 HIV Rapid Testing in the Framework of a STI Prevention Project For Vulnerable Populations

Background Despite ongoing prevention and educational efforts, the incidence of new HIV infections in 2011 in Italy is estimated at 3.9 per 100,000 and 21.0 per 100,000 among foreigners. Many new infections, more than half in AIDS stage (sex risk 78.8%), are caused by persons unaware of their HIV infection. Methods On February 2012, the NIHMP (National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty, Rome) started a project aimed at promoting access of vulnerable people to HIV testing and at disseminating knowledge about STIs. A Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Test (MedMira, Halifax, Nova Scotia) is offered to patients of the infectious diseases unit together with STI counselling involving doctor, nurse, transcultural mediator and psychologist. The test is also proposed to people who had never performed it before. If the test is positive, a confirmatory venous test is required. Multilingual written consent and pre-counselling questionnaire about HIV/STI-related knowledge and stigma and sexual behaviours are provided. After 3–6 months, post-counselling questionnaire is administered. Results At November 2012, 121 people were enrolled: 72 males (59.5%), 1 transgender, 103 migrants (85.1%), 9 homeless people (7.4%), 4 Roma (3.3%). 118 people accepted to undergo the test. 61 migrants (59.8%) performed it for the first time. The test was offered for screening (54), past STI (22), including two cases of HIV positivity, new STI (21) and STI risk (13). Two AIDS cases were reported (1.6%). Two tests (1.69%) were false positive. 8 tests (6.7%) were not defined because of previous positive laboratory HIV test/negative WB, co-occurrence of hepatitis, syphilis and scabies or aspirin treatment. 85 questionnaires (70.2%) were filled in. Couple counselling was conducted in 4 cases. Conclusions Preliminary data show that rapid testing is accepted and effective as well as laboratory test. The experimental counselling approach for mobile populations involving transcultural mediators will be evaluated.
Optic axis determination accuracy for fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography.

We present a generalized analysis of fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography with an emphasis on determination of sample optic axis orientation. The polarization properties of a fiber-based system can cause an overall rotation in a Poincare sphere representation such that the plane of possible measured sample optic axes for linear birefringence and diattenuation no longer lies in the QU-plane. The optic axis orientation can be recovered as an angle on this rotated plane, subject to an offset and overall indeterminacy in sign such that only the magnitude, but not the direction, of a change in orientation can be determined. We discuss the accuracy of optic axis determination due to a fundamental limit on the accuracy with which a polarization state can be determined as a function of signal-to-noise ratio.
Immortal SET–LRP mediated by Cu(0) wire

Cu(0)-wire/Me6-TREN is a well established catalyst for living radical polymerization via SET–LRP. Here, it is demonstrated that this polymerization is not just living, but it is in fact the first example of immortal living radical polymerization. The immortality of SET–LRP mediated with Cu(0) wire was demonstrated by attempting, in an unsuccessful way, to irreversible interrupt multiple times the polymerization via exposure to O2 from air. SET–LRP indeed stopped each time when the reaction mixture was exposed to air. However, the SET–LRP reaction, was restarted each time after resealing the reaction vessel and reestablishing the catalytic cycle with the same Cu(0) wire, to produce the same conversion as in the conventional uninterrupted SET–LRP process. Despite the interruption by O2, the reactivated SET–LRP had a good control of molecular weight, molecular weight evolution, and molecular weight distribution, with perfect retention of chain-end fidelity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2716–2721, 2010
Is Competition with the Invasive Crayfish Orconectes neglectus chaenodactylus Responsible for the Displacement of the Native Crayfish Orconectes eupunctus

The crayfish Orconectes eupunctus, a species of special concern, appears to have been displaced from part of its former range in the Spring River drainage of Arkansas and Missouri by the invasive crayfish O. neglectus chaenodactylus. We conducted preliminary field experiments to determine whether Orconectes eupunctus were displaced from their former range and whether interspecific competition with O. neglectus chaenodactylus was responsible for the displacement. To determine whether Orconectes eupunctus were displaced from their former range by negative biotic interactions with other species we placed single adult male O. eupunctus in cages at two sites: an upstream site where O. eupunctus was formerly abundant and a downstream site where it is currently abundant. Orconectes neglectus chaenodactylus were additionally paired alongside O. eupunctus at the upstream site. We also conducted a field competition experiment with treatments consisting of (1) 3 O. eupunctus, (2) 6 O. eupunctus, and (3) 3 O. eupunctus and 3 O. neglectus chaenodactylus at a site where both species occur. In the first experiment, O. eupunctus gained significantly more weight at the downstream site than the upstream site during 2003, but not during 2002. At the upstream site, O. eupunctus showed significantly greater growth rates than O. neglectus chaenodactylus during 2002, but not during 2003. In the competition experiment, O. neglectus chaenodactylus did not significantly reduce the growth or survival of O. eupunctus. These results suggest that O. eupunctus have been displaced from their former range by biotic interactions, but interspecific competition between adult male O. eupunctus and O. neglectus chaenodactylus does not appear to be the mechanism responsible for this displacement. Further study is needed to investigate the disappearance of O. eupunctus.
Characteristic Phenotypes Associated with ptsN-Null Mutants in Escherichia coli K-12 Are Absent in Strains with Functional ilvG

The phosphotransferase system (PTS), encompassing EI, HPr, and assorted EII proteins, uses phosphoenolpyruvate to import and phosphorylate sugars. A paralog of EIIA of the sugar PTS system known as ptsN has been purported to regulate organic nitrogen source utilization in Escherichia coli K-12. Its known biochemical function, however, relates to potassium homeostasis. The evidence for regulation of organic nitrogen source utilization by ptsN is based primarily on the defective growth of ΔptsN mutants on amino acid nitrogen sources and other nutrient combinations. These observations were made with E. coli strains MG1655 and W3110, which carry a nonfunctional version of ilvG. There are three isozymes that effectively catalyze the first committed step of branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis, but ilvG is unique for doing so effectively across a range of potassium concentrations. Here we show that all of the nutrient utilization phenotypes attributed to ptsN are manifested selectively in strains lacking functional ilvG. We conclude that the ptsN gene product does not regulate organic nitrogen source utilization as previously proposed.
Involvement of ERK in BMP-2 induced osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cell line C3H10T1/2.

The signaling mechanisms responsible for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) induced osteoblast differentiation remains poorly understood. Previous research demonstrated that Smad proteins are the substrates and the mediators of BMP bound serine/threonine receptor kinase. In the present study, we examined the possible involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) in the BMP induced osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cell C3H10T1/2. Our results indicate that BMP-2 inducement increased MAP kinase activity in mesenchymal progenitor cell line C3H10T1/2. Contrary to previous reports, this increased MAP kinase activity showed a latent but sustained pattern. Elevation of Erk1 and Erk2 protein levels was observed simultaneously. RT-PCR results demonstrated that the elevation of Erk protein level in BMP-2 induced cells was from the upregulation of mRNA expression. Furthermore, upregulated Erk proteins present enhanced phosphorylation. By using a dominant-negative Erk2 cell line, we demonstrated that nonfunctional Erk2 partially eliminated BMP-2 induced cell proliferation and ALP activity in the C3H10T1/2 cell. These results indicate that Erk is involved in BMP-2 induced osteoblast differentiation. The results also demonstrate that a latent and sustained signaling pattern exists in BMP induced signaling cascade.
Mott's formula for the thermopower and the Wiedemann-Franz law

The Mott formula for the thermopower, $S=\frac{(\frac{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}}{3})(\frac{{k}_{B}^{2}T}{e}){\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{\ensuremath{'}}}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}$, and the Wiedemann-Franz law, $\frac{K}{\ensuremath{\sigma}T}={(\frac{{k}_{B}}{e})}^{2}(\frac{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}}{3})$, are shown to be exact for independent electrons interacting with static impurities and phonons treated in the adiabatic approximation. This is true irrespective of the interaction strength. These results are derived using a Green's-function technique that emphasizes the importance of corrections to the free-electron heat current operator. These corrections have frequently been neglected in the past. The Green's-function technique is well suited for going beyond the adiabatic phonon approximation, and the implications of doing so are briefly discussed.
Analysis of Hamming count compaction scheme

Advances in VLSI technology require changes in circuit test application methods or apparatus. The use of on-chip testing, called Built-in Testing or Built-in Self-Testing (BIST), has become popular. BIST techniques compact the output response of the circuit under test (CUT). Here we discuss a time compaction method called Hamming count (H-count). H-count encompasses all syndrome detectable faults. Simulation results and theoretical analysis illustrate the overall fault-detection potential of Hamming count. The proposed method presents simple and effective compaction technique. Since BIST methods use productive chip area, a prime concern is providing the test results using the minimal amount of space. Hardware overhead reduction through counter elimination is considered for the Hamming Count compaction test. Intelligent counter selection is necessary to minimize the impact this hardware reduction has on fault detection. A method for selecting the most advantageous syndrome and input variable counter combination to utilize as a reduced H-count test is introduced. Analysis shows that the proposed method produces an optimal pairing. The paired counters have an aliasing probability which is half an order less than that of an unmodified syndrome test with exhaustive inputs. Adaptations in the counter selection method are made using a greedy strategy for choosing multiple counters to combine with the syndrome counter.
Dynamic rupture on a material interface with spontaneous generation of plastic strain in the bulk

Abstract We discuss 2D simulations of in-plane ruptures on a fault between different solids in a model that includes dynamic generation of plastic strain off the fault. The fault is governed by a regularized friction with a gradual response to abrupt changes of normal stress, while plastic strain in the bulk is governed by a Coulomb yielding criterion. The occurrence of off-fault damage stabilizes the slip velocity on the fault. Stable self-sustaining ruptures propagate on the material interface as narrow unidirectional pulses in the direction of slip on the more compliant side of the fault. Plastic strain is generated only on the stiffer side of the fault (the tensional quadrant in the direction of rupture propagation) in a strip of approximately constant width that is correlated with the slip velocity on the fault. Simulations for various values of confining normal stress, material contrast and cohesion in the bulk suggest that significant generation of off-fault damage is limited to conditions that correspond to the top few kilometers of the crust. The results are compatible with field observations of shallow asymmetric damage patterns in the structure of several large faults.
Alterations in GABAergic Biomarkers in the Autism Brain: Research Findings and Clinical Implications

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by repetitive stereotyped behavior, social-emotional deficits, and delayed or absent language abilities. There are known neuropathologies in the autism brain affecting limbic, cerebellar, and cortical structures but the neurochemical profile of affected individuals, revealed in postmortem tissue studies, is only recently emerging. One major component that appears highly impacted in autism is the GABAergic system. It is now apparent that there are widespread significant effects in many distributed regions in the autism brain revealed by histochemical, autoradiographic, and biochemical studies. The key synthesizing enzymes for GABA, glutamic acid decarboxylase type 65 and 67 (GAD65 and GAD67), are decreased in the cerebellum and closer examination of mRNA levels revealed that it is largely due to decreases in Purkinje cells and a subpopulation of larger dentate neurons as measured by in situ hybridization studies. Other cell types had either normal GAD levels (Golgi cells, smaller dentate interneurons, and stellate cells) or increased levels (basket cells). GABA receptor density, number, and protein expression are all decreased in the cerebellum and in select cortical areas. GABA(A) and GABA(B) subunit protein expression was significantly reduced in cerebellum, BA 9 and BA 40. Benzodiazepine binding sites were significantly reduced in the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex (BA 24). Taken together, data from these studies suggest that there is a marked dysregulation of the inhibitory GABA system in the autism brain affecting particular biomarkers localized to specific cell types and lamina likely influencing circuitry and behavior.
Mott-Hubbard transition in infinite dimensions. II.

We discuss the Mott-Hubbard transition in light of the Hubbard model in infinite dimensions with special emphasis on the finite-temperature aspects of the problem. We demonstrate that the Mott transition at finite temperatures has a first-order character. We determine the region where metallic and insulating solutions coexist using second-order perturbation theory and we draw the phase diagram of the Hubbard model at half filling with a semicircular density of states. We discuss the lessons learned from the present treatment of the Hubbard model and the connection to other approximation schemes and to experiments on transition-metal oxides.
137 EXTENDED USE OF PROSTAGLANDIN E1 (PgE1) IN NEONATES

Thirty infants with suspected ductus-dependent cardiac defects (DCD) were treated with PgE1. A positive response was: improvement in oxygenation, acid-base balance and/or peripheral perfusion. Responsders/number of patients per defect were: severe Tetralogy 4/5, pulmonary atresia 9/9, coarctation 4/4, transposition 3/5, severe aortic stenosis 1/1, hypoplastic aortic or mitral valve 5/5, and myocarditis 1/1. Age at initiation of therapy ranged from 1-22 days (4 ± 6, mean ± S.D.); the oldest patients responded at ages 16, 17, and 22 days. Minimal effective intravenous dose was 2-100 ng/kg/min (35 ± 31) and 9 patients required ⩽10 ng/kg/min. After PgE1 was started, improvement was prompt and readily maintained. The end-point of administration was cardiac surgery in 21 patients, 1-120 days (24 ± 37) after initiation of PgE1; in 2 of these, because of inadequate shunts PgE1 was restarted until the shunts were revised. Two responders and one non-responder were weaned without surgery, and 7 died of causes unrelated to PgE1. Minor side effects were seen in 3/30 infants: apnea (1), fever of 102°F (1), and mild hypotension (1). In summary, PgE1 is very useful in infants with a variety of DCD. Babies older than 2 weeks at initial therapy may respond, and continue to respond, up to 4 months of age, PgE1 is effective in low doses, and prolonged intravenous administration is associated with few apparent side effects.
Identification of a long stretch of homopurine.homopyrimidine sequence in a cluster of retroposons in the human genome.

Abstract A cluster of nine retroposons of four different types in a 6221 base Eco RI DNA fragment was isolated from a human fetal liver genomic library using a human nucleophosmin (B23) cDNA as a probe. These retroposons are: (1) a solitary HERV-K long terminal repeat upstream from; (2) a nucleophosmin processed pseudogene; (3) six Alu repeated sequences interspersed in both directions; and (4) a truncated Kpn repeated sequence integrated by an Alu monomer and the HERV-K long terminal repeat. Sequence analysis shows that the nucleophosmin pseudogene contains a long stretch (135 base-pairs) of homopurine · homopyrimidine (Pur · Pyr) sequence. S 1 and P 1 nuclease digestion indicated that this sequence was able to adopt a non- B -DNA triplex structure under either acidic or neutral conditions. This finding is the first example of the association of a potential DNA triplex structure with a cluster of retroposons.
Statistics-infused Introduction to Computer Science

The ability to use computational tools to collect, organize, visualize, and analyze data is a valuable skill both inside and outside of computer science. In this paper we describe the design and implementation of a statistics-infused introduction to computer science, developed in collaboration with statistics faculty, at St. Olaf College. We propose that there exists a growing demographic of 'data-centric' students who expect to write small amounts of code in the context of work in other fields, and who are eager to take a CS course adapted to their needs. This particular data-centric CS1 course has been a catalyst for collaboration between faculty in multiple fields and multiple institutions.
Communication and Cultural Competence: The Acquisition of Cultural Knowledge and Behavior

This essay expounds on individuals’ acquisition and development of cultural competence via the process of communication. It highlights both the importance of culture and communication in our lives and the close associations between culture, communication, cultural literacy, and cultural competence. The author explicates the commonly experienced difficulty in “knowing the true face” of one’s culture, and illuminates the communication process by which individuals acquire their cultural knowledge and behavior. Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License. This article is available in Online Readings in Psychology and Culture: http://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/orpc/vol7/iss1/3
Generalized pulse-spectrum technique

The generalized pulse‐spectrum technique (GPST) is a versatile and efficient iterative numerical algorithm for solving multiparameter inverse problems of a system of nonlinear partial differential equations. Here it is used to determine bulk modulus, shear modulus, and density variation from seismic data. Numerical simulations of simple but nontrivial examples are carried out on coarse uniform grids and adaptive grids to test and to study the general characteristics of GPST without the real measurements (seismograms). GPST does give reasonably good results. It can be made more efficient by implementing parallelism, automatic adaptive‐grids, and methods of domain decomposition into the numerical algorithm.
Phase-Shift Representation for Nucleon-Nucleon Scattering Above Pion-Production Threshold

We discuss a number of questions relating to phase-shift representations of nucleon-nucleon scattering in an energy range where inelastic channels are open and may contribute significantly to such representations. While attention will be directed specifically toward nucleon-nucleon scattering above 400 MeV, we see the relevance of such questions being applied to similar strongly interacting systems.
Bistability in multiphoton ionization with recombination.

The steady-state degree of ionization produced by multiphoton processes under bistable conditions is investigated. We show that the presence of recombination leads to a bistable steady state, with the degree of ionization abruptly increasing as the incident laser intensity Ii is increased beyond a certain critical value Ii1 and abruptly decreasing as the intensity is decreased below a second critical value Ii2 < Ii1. Effects of dispersion on the bistability characteristics of the steady state are considered.
Initial prediction of dust production in pebble bed reactors

Abstract. This paper describes the computational simulation of contact zones between pebbles in a pebble bed reactor. In this type of reactor, the potential for graphite dust generation from frictional contact of graphite pebbles and the subsequent transport of dust and fission products can cause significant safety issues at very high temperatures around 900 °C in HTRs. The present simulation is an initial attempt to quantify the amount of nuclear grade graphite dust produced within a very high temperature reactor.
A Ternary Catalyst for Dimethyl Ether Electrooxidation

As a promising alternative fuel for portable fuel cell power sources, dimethyl ether (DME) has been studied for a decade. Although the mechanism of DME oxidation has not been fully elucidated, primary intermediates in the DME oxidation, such as (CH3OC–)ads, COL (linearly bonded CO), and COB (bridge bonded CO) have been identified using in situ infrared (IR) spectroscopy experiments The possible mechanism of DME electrooxidation on Pt has been proposed as follows:
Effects of aging on NMDA and MK801 binding sites in mice

[3H]MK801 binding was significantly reduced in three cortical and two subcortical regions in 30-month-old C57Bl mice, as compared to 3-month-olds. NMDA binding sites showed significant reductions with aging in sixteen of nineteen brain regions. These results suggest that, in a majority of cortical and hippocampal regions, decreases in binding to NMDA sites with aging may be due to factors other than cell loss.
Wild fruit trees and shrubs of Southern Africa: Geographic distribution of species richness

Fruit trees and shrubs dominate the edible flora of Africa. Does their geographic distribution differ significantly from that of the woody flora in general? Based on analyses of macro-scale geographic variations in the species richness (hereinafter SR) of southern Africa’s trees and shrubs, there is a west-to-east trend of increasing edible-fruit-providing SR that is similar to that of woody plants as a whole and in accord with changes in climate and vegetation. Distinct from this pattern, the percentage of edible fruit-providing species increases northwards and towards the interior of Africa, with an unexpected broad subcontinental zone of relatively high percentages of edible fruit species separating rich nutritional resource areas (high edible SR) from nutritional deserts (low edible SR). This is consistent with humans and other wide-ranging vertebrates (e.g., elephants) dispersing edible fruit species into normally less than ideal (nutritional) environments during cyclical and/or episodic periods of wetter climate.
A quiet revolution: the birth of the genetic counselor at Sarah Lawrence College, 1969.

In 1969 Melissa Richter founded the first master’s degree genetic counseling program in the country at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. This article examines the myriad factors that contributed to the birth of the genetic counselor and situates this historical watershed in its social, cultural, academic, and medical context. This article highlights Richter’s prescience and path-breaking vision, evaluates the Sarah Lawrence program during the years of her directorship (1969–1972), and explores how this early foundation subsequently shaped the field of genetic counseling. Close attention is paid to the ethical issues that concerned Richter and their ongoing relevance to genetic health professionals today. This article is based on historical research in archives, consultation of primary sources, and oral history interviews with genetic counselors, geneticists, and allied professionals.
Texts in Abnormal Psychology: An Update:

14 recent textbooks in abnormal psychology were reviewed, and an update on an earlier report was made. The earlier work dealt with “classics” in abnormal psychology, those articles written prior to...
Health risk comparison between groundwater transport models and field data

The potential of ground water contamination is one of the major concerns over land disposal of hazardous waste. Risk assessment requires information on groundwater concentrations of contaminants at the exposure location. Results are presented of case studies comparing health risk assessment and plume delineation based on state-of-the-modeling and monitoring data.
Alzheimer's Disease Beyond Abeta.

Many of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) clinical trials have made it far enough down the pipeline to allow conclusions about targeting the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) as a therapeutic approach. Based on these results, it is becoming clear that a multifocal approach to AD treatment is probably necessary. However, critical discussion beyond Aβ is necessary to enable the next wave of AD therapeutic targets. For this reason, the 2010 Keystone Symposium, ‘Alzheimer’s Disease Beyond Aβ’, was organized by JoAnne McLaurin and Tony Wyss-Coray to spark topical discussion and debate. While researchers struggled to get beyond that ever-present pathognomonic feature of AD, new and exciting evidence was presented that raised our awareness of what is around the corner for next-generation AD therapeutics beyond Aβ. This report will describe some of the highlights from Copper Mountain Resort throughout the meeting period of 10–15 January 2010 in Colorado (USA). Despite illuminating scientific presentations and intense discussions...
Residency training in the United States

No Abstract. Keywords: international medical graduates, graduate medical education, educational commission for foreign medical graduates (ECFMG), residency, USA Archives of Ibadan Medicine 2005, Vol. 6(1): 46-49
A roadmap for future neural networks research in auditing and risk assessment

Abstract This paper focuses on the use of neural networks (NNs) as an enabler of the new business risk auditing framework and provides insight into future research opportunities. In general, NNs, which are classifiers by nature, offer the capacity to simultaneously consider multiple types of evidence and can assist auditors in assessing risks and making judgments [Int. J. Intell. Syst. Account. Finance Manag. 2 (1993) 19; Decis. Sci. 26 (1995) 209; Eur. J. Oper. Res. 103 (1997) 350; Audit. J. Pract. Theory (1997) 14; Int. J. Intell. Syst. Account. Finance Manag. 7 (1998) 21; The use of neural networks as an audit tool in fraud risk assessment. Proceedings of American Accounting Association Northeast Regional Meeting, Rochester (NY), 1999; Int. J. Intell. Syst. Account. Finance Manag. 8 (1999) 159]. Furthermore, NNs may be superior to other approaches in circumstances where data are available in relatively large samples, the range of values to be analyzed for each case is large, and the underlying associations among the data are fuzzy and ill-defined [Decis. Support Syst. 11 (1994) 497.]. The paper reviews several published studies, which are grouped into six categories—preliminary information risk assessment (1 study), control risk assessment (2 studies), errors and fraud (6 studies), going-concern audit opinion (3 studies), financial distress (3 studies), and bankruptcy (12 studies). The paper includes a brief introduction to NNs, followed by a description and analysis of the methods employed by and findings of researchers who used NNs as a tool for research in the auditing and risk assessment domain. The literature review leads to discussion of several broad foci areas that need further exploration in order to gain a better understanding of the efficacy of NNs as an enabler of business risk-based auditing. A discussion of the general limitations of NNs as an auditing and risk assessment tool and an outline of implications for future research opportunities conclude the paper.
The Houston Ship Channel security: a case study

The Houston Ship Channel (HSC) is a 50-mile long shipping channel that contains many private ports including the Port of Houston Authority. It has a uniquely critical role with respect to the US petroleum energy supply. The HSC security is currently planned for significant enhancement under the auspices of the Harris County and the Houston-based Port Strategic Security Council. The ultimate objective is to comprehensively address the HSC threat matrix. This paper describes the technical effort in support of this program. The HSC security is a complex system of systems that includes the physical control access system, the command, control, communication, and information (C4I) system, and the telecom infrastructure. The strategy is to coordinate the improvements of different components to achieve a high-impact net effectiveness. A key element is a planned high-capacity backbone optical network for integrating the C4I of many different HSC administrative-jurisdictional authorities, which will allow unified situational awareness for a more effective cooperation and coordination. Enhancement of surveillance and intrusion protection is crucial. A feasibility study was conducted for the HSC assuming common surveillance technologies including visible/IR camera, radar, and sonar. The method includes survey and theoretical modeling to detect threats of concern in the HSC natural environment. The result indicates that the HSC unique river-like geography offers both advantages and challenges. The narrow channel allows ease of waterside surveillance, but likely incurs high cost for its great length. In addition, landside security is also important owing to its location amidst urban-industrial zone. Lastly, limitation of the various technologies is discussed by considering the broader challenges of the intrusion problem.
Controlled storage of light in silicon cavities

We experimentally demonstrate a tunable delay element that is inherently insensitive to free-carrier loss and achieves up to 300ps of delay. It is capable of arbitrarily storing and releasing a pulse of light through dynamic tuning of a system of microcavities. The inherent storage time is more than 32 times the duration of the stored pulse.
Separation and characterization of phenolic compounds from U.S. pecans by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

The phenolic acids and proanthocyanidins (PACs) of pecans possess bioactive properties, which might be useful in retarding the onset of and ameliorating the status of certain chronic disease states. There is a general lack of information in the literature regarding such compounds, especially the PACs. Crude phenolic extracts pooled from eight commercially significant cultivars were selected based on their relatively high antioxidant capacities. The pooled extracts were separated via Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography into five ethanolic low-molecular-weight (LMW) fractions and one acetonic high-molecular-weight (HMW) fraction. The preparations were then characterized using RP-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and diol-phase HPLC-ESI-MS/MS in order to determine the key constituents present in the LMW and HMW fractions, respectively. As previously observed in pecan nutmeat, ellagic acid and (+)-catechin were found to be the major phenolics in the LMW fractions. The last eluting LMW fraction did not contain phenolic acids; r...
Unusual film‐forming properties of aromatic heterocyclic ladder polymers

A new method of obtaining films of aromatic heterocyclic ladder polymers has been found which circumvents casting from high-boiling acidic solvents. The BBL ladder polymer has been formed into tough, durable films by collecting suspensions of the polymer obtained from acid reprecipitations upon a fritted glass funnel. After drying, the polymer can be removed as film, with thickness dependent upon the amount of material used. Such a film has a tensile strength of 9,600 lb/in.2 as compared to a tensile strength of 16,000 lb/in.2 obtained from the same polymer when cast from methanesulfonic acid solution.
PCDF formation from PCBs under fire conditions

Electrical transformer fires can cause extensive smoke damage, especially when PCBs are involved. At high temperatures, such as those in transformer fires, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can react to form polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and other toxic by-products. The US EPA is considering additional regulations to minimize the risk of these PCB transformer fires. To provide background information to EPA, MRI has studied the thermal decomposition of PCBs. This study was undertaken to optimize conditions for PCDF formation and to study the potential for formation for PCDFs and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) from combustion of selected PCB-containing dielectric fluids.
Global Adjustment in Korean Textiles

A combination of chronological compression and coordination of serial production has distinguished global adjustment in Korean textiles. Compression denotes the rapid progression from origins to maturity and then decline in what has become one of the world’s leading textile manufacturing and exporting nations. One consequence of rapid development has been inconsistencies in the formation of independent industry institutions necessary for adjustment, such as industry associations. Coordination denotes matching supply and demand along a long domestic line of production for export. This line stretches from upstream synthetics and spinners, all the way down to fashion and garments. Three distinct patterns of coordination have dominated the Korean production line. 1) Intra-firm coordination within textile chaebol such as Kabool, Kolon, or Tongkook demand extensive investments upstream and downstream, but permit economies of scale and scope, and facilitate planning and quality control. 2) Inter-firm coordination by the Korean Federation of Textile Industries [KOFOTI] mobilizes state and industry support for extending and refocusing the production line, but remains hampered by excessive competition within the industry, and by conflicting demands between smaller and larger producers. 3) Industry-level supervision of the production line through state control of quotas, trade relations, prices, labor, and on raw material imports, as well as through macrolevel state controls in finance and trade. This paper focuses on the role of associations in global adjustment. Three levels of co-ordination were critical in addressing the market imperfections of a fast-growing industry, particularly in finance and in balancing production for domestic and foreign markets until recently. I conclude that without a greater role for industry associations in the face of state withdrawal from industry-level coordination, contention rather than productive competition will hamper adjustment along South Korea’s long production line.
THE NUCLEATION OF MICROCELLULAR THERMOPLASTIC FOAM: PROCESS MODEL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

Abstract Microcellular polymer foams exhibit greatly improved mechanical properties compared to standard foams due to the formers' small bubble size. Typical microcellular foams have bubbles with diameters on the order of 10 microns and volume reductions of 30 to 40%. The presence of these bubbles acts to increase the impact strength of a microfoamed structure to six or seven times that of solid parts of the same linear dimensions due to crack blunting and increased craze initiation in the cell walls. The first step in designing techniques to manufacture parts of microcellular foam is a complete understanding of the bubble nucleation process. To this end, a theoretical model for the nucleation of microcellular foams in thermoplastic polymers has been developed and experimentally confirmed. This model explains the effect of various additives and processing conditions on the number of bubble nucleated. At levels of secondary constituents below their solubility limits, an increase in the concentration of the...
Rebalancing a two-asset Markowitz portfolio: A fundamental analysis

We determine an opportune time to rebalance a two-asset portfolio set up using the single period Markowitz framework. This is achieved by studying and comparing the nature of portfolio evolution when two extreme rebalancing strategies are used, viz. passive or buy-and-hold and active or continuous rebalancing. We compute the rebalance time as the period during which the passive strategy generates higher expected investor utility, the Sharpe ratio. We show that the rebalance time exists only for a certain class of assets driven by their correlation coefficient.
Syntheses and structures of selenido dimanganese and iron-manganese carbonyl cluster complexes

Abstract The bis-selenido tetramanganese complex, Mn4(CO)15(PPh3)2(μ3-Se)2 (1), was obtained from the reaction of Mn2(CO)9(NCMe) with SePPh3. Three new bis-selenido bimetallic iron–manganese complexes, CpFeMn3(CO)13(PPh3)(μ3-Se)2 (2), Cp2Fe2Mn2(CO)10(PPh3)(μ3-Se)2 (3) and Cp2Fe2Mn2(CO)11(μ3-Se)2 (4) were obtained from the reaction of CpFeMn(CO)7 with SePPh3 in the presence of trimethylamine N-oxide. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. All three complexes contain an M4(μ3-Se)2 cluster core with a carbonyl bridged MnMn single bond.
Class A basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors in early stages of chick neural tube development : evidence for functional redundancy

Basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) transcription factors play essential role in differentiation of several cell types including neurons. We isolated chick bHLH transcription factor E12 cDNA and demonstrated its expression in developing neural tube interneurons. To examine the function of class A bHLH transcription factors we blocked their expression using antisense oligonucleotides. Simultaneous blocking of class A bHLH transcription factors in cultured neural tube cells results in the reduction of differentiating neurons. Blocking the expression of individual class A bHLH transcription factors has no detectable effect. These results demonstrate that class A bHLH transcription factors have a functional redundancy during neuronal development.
A high-resolution fluorescence analyzer with large solid-angle coverage and wide tunability

We have developed and tested a crystal-optic X-ray fluorescence analyzer, which combines the features of electron-volt energy resolution, large solid angle coverage, and a demonstrated tunability over a photon-energy range from ca. 6.5 to 12 keV. It is based upon the principle of active optics to precisely adjust the shape of a strip of silicon. Although the primary use of the device is in high resolution X-ray spectroscopy, it can also be used for imaging. We present the basic design and two illustrative applications in atomic physics and trace-element analysis.
FIFTEEN YEARS OF GEOPHYSICS: A CHAPTER IN THE EXPLORATION OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, 1924–1939

Knowledge of geophysical methods of prospecting was not widely spread in America previous to 1924 and it was only late in that year that startling success in the discovery of oil-bearing structures began to be achieved by them. Hence we may say without exaggeration that a new era of geophysics began with the year 1924.
Area-Wide Ramp Metering for Targeted Incidents: The Additive Increase, Multiplicative Decrease Method

AbstractRamp metering has been broadly accepted and deployed as an effective countermeasure against both recurrent and nonrecurrent congestion on freeways. However, several current ramp metering algorithms tend to optimize only freeway travels using local detectors’ inputs and overlook the negative impacts on local streets. This may generate two problems: (1) the optimal local settings may not result in a system-wide optimum in terms of traffic operations; and (2) the increased congestion on local streets due to on-ramp overflow may counteract the gains in freeway operations. To solve these problems for nonrecurrent cases, we propose an area-wide ramp metering (AIMD) system to coordinate the previously isolated ramp meters for system-wide optimization. This novel strategy for active ramp metering is inspired by the principles of a computer network congestion control algorithm. In this strategy, certain types of congestion at a targeted freeway location can be significantly reduced by limiting vehicle flow...
Pharmacist-driven antimicrobial stewardship program in an institution without infectious diseases physician support.

Purpose Improved drug-utilization and cost outcomes achieved by a pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) are described. Summary Pharmacists may be tasked to lead ASP development and implementation with little or no support from an infectious diseases (ID) physician and other hospital personnel whose involvement on ASP teams is recommended (e.g., clinical microbiologists, infection control specialists, hospital epidemiologists). Several years ago, Intermountain Healthcare’s 325-bed McKay-Dee Hospital in Utah implemented an ASP led by an antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist. In addition to reviewing patient profiles and meeting with physicians to discuss cases daily (Monday–Friday), the pharmacist was available to provide afterhours phone consultations; support was provided by an infection prevention nurse, two physician ASP champions, the pharmacy leadership, pharmacy informatics and hospital laboratory personnel, and the chief medical officer. In the program’s first 33 months, the pharmacist made a total of 2,457 interventions or recommendations, with an acceptance rate of 91.8%. Comparison of selected outcomes during one-year periods before and after ASP implementation indicated substantial decreases in the utilization of four commonly used antimicrobial agents and classes (carbapenems, daptomycin, echinocandins, and levofloxacin) in the postimplementation period, with a significant decline in the average length of stay for community-acquired pneumonia (mean ± S.D., 2.69 ± 0.10 days versus 3.40 ± 0.23 days; p = 0.03). Two years after ASP implementation, annual cost savings attributed to the program were estimated at $355,000. Conclusion In the absence of ID physician support and oversight, the pharmacist-led ASP achieved substantial reductions in antimicrobial utilization and associated expenditures.
Teaching NeuroImages: Acute neurologic deficits due to Baló concentric sclerosis

A previously healthy 40-year-old man developed acute left-sided weakness and numbness that progressed over 2 weeks. Physical examination revealed decreased sensation to pinprick in the left arm and leg and left leg weakness. MRI supported a diagnosis of Balo concentric sclerosis (BCS), a rare demyelinating disease (figure). The concentric bands of differing intensities on MRI are due to alternating layers of normal and demyelinated tissue that is classically observed with BCS.1,2 Patients with BCS commonly present with acute neurologic symptoms, which can be due to a solitary lesion. The clinical course can be fulminant and progressive or benign. In the case presented, the patient's symptoms improved within 1 week of starting high-dose glucocorticoids.
Helping Protists to Find Their Place in a Big Data World

The 'big new biology' is a vision of a discipline transformed by a commitment to sharing data and with investigative practices that call on very large open pools of freely accessible data. As this datacentric world matures, biologists will be better able to manage the deluge of data arising from digitization programs, governmental mandates for data sharing, and increasing instrumentation of science. The big new biology will create new opportunities for research and will enable scientists to answer questions that require access to data on a scale not previously possible. Informatics will become the new genomics, and those not participating will become marginalized. If a traditional discipline like protistology is to benefit from this big data world, it must define, build, and populate an appropriate infrastructure. The infra- structure is likely to be modular, with modules focusing on needs within defined subject and makes it available in standard formats by an array of pathways. It is the responsibility of protistologists to build such nodes for their own discipline.