cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some uninvestigated antecedents of retailer exit intention

Abstract The article reports a study of the effects on exit intention of retailer revenue and productivity, in a wholesaler-retailer context. The study involved hardware retailers and their primary wholesalers, and some associations were hypothesized to be nonrecursive (bidirectional). The analysis involved structural equations, and the results included that the retailer's intention to exit the relationship with their primary wholesaler was negatively affected by retailer revenue, revenue-per-employee, and the number of competitive stores in the retailer's service area. In addition, the retailer's exit intention was positively affected by return on investment. Finally, the number of competitive stores was positively associated with retailer revenue, and negatively associated with their return on investment. These results and their implications are discussed.
Temporal Trends of Young-of-Year Fishes in Lake Erie and Comparison of Diel Sampling Periods

We explored temporal trends of young-of-year (YOY) fishes caught in bottom trawl hauls at an established offshore monitoring site in Lake Erie in fall during 1961–2001. Sampling was conducted during morning, afternoon, and night in each year. Catches per hour (CPH) of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) YOY were relatively low and exhibited no temporal trend. This result was consistent with the species’ intolerance to Lake Erie’s adverse winter water temperatures. Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) YOY decreased sharply after 1991, which was consistent with recent oligotrophication of the lake. Following the establishment in 1979 and rapid increase of white perch (Morone americana) YOY, white bass (Morone chrysops) and freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) YOY decreased. Trout-perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus) YOY decreased during 1986–1991, but recovered to previous levels during 1991–2001. The recovery coincided with the resurgence of mayflies (Ephemoptera) in the lake. CPH of spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius) and emerald shiner (N. atherinoides) YOY exhibited no temporal trend between 1961 and the late 1970s to early 1980s. CPH of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) YOY decreased during 1961–1988, and walleye (Sander vitreum) YOY increased overall during the time series. These observations were consistent with published studies of adults in the region. CPH of 4 of the 10 species of YOY considered were greatest during night. CPH for walleye YOY was higher in the morning than in the afternoon, but there was no significant difference between night and morning abundances. The results suggest that (1) CPH of YOY fishes may be a useful monitoring tool for Lake Erie, and (2) offshore monitoring programs that do not include night sampling periods may underestimate recruitment for several common species.
Platelet ITAM signaling.

Purpose of review G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) like PAR1/4 and P2Y12 have long been known for their critical role in hemostasis. In contrast, deficiency in the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-coupled receptors glycoprotein (GP)VI or C-type lectin-like receptor (CLEC)-2 is associated with only a mild bleeding diathesis in humans and mice. This review summarizes recent developments on the physiological importance of platelet ITAM signaling as well as the molecular mechanisms facilitating this signaling pathway. Recent findings Genetic experiments identified a critical role for platelet CLEC-2 signaling in the formation of lymphatic vessels during development. Similarly, signaling by both GPVI and CLEC-2, but not GPCRs, is required for the maintenance of vascular integrity at sites of inflammation in the adult. The molecular mechanisms underlying ITAM signaling in platelets continue to be refined. Summary Platelet ITAM signaling plays a key role for the maintenance of vascular integrity in development and the adult. This novel form of hemostasis differs from hemostasis at sites of vascular injury in that it does not depend on major platelet adhesion receptors or GPCR signaling.
Multivariate autoregressive techniques for constructing confidence regions on the mean vector

We develop a method for constructing confidence regions on the mean vectors of multivariate processes that is based on a vector autoregressive VAR representation of the data-generating process. A confidence-region-construction algorithm for a general autoregressive model is given. We establish the asymptotic validity of the confidence-region estimator that is, the exact achievement of nominal coverage probability as the sample size tends to infinity when the output process is a stationary vector autoregressive process of known, finite order. With respect to confidence-region volume, coverage probability, and execution time, we carry out an experimental performance comparison of VAR versus the methods of Bonferroni Batch Means BBM, Multivariate Batch Means MBM, and Multivariate Spectral Analysis SPA. The experimental results indicate that i VAR delivered confidence regions with the smallest volume; ii BBM delivered confidence regions with the largest volume, the highest coverage and the smallest execution time; iii in small samples, all of the methods might yield confidence-region estimators whose coverage differs significantly from the nominal level; and iv in large samples for which the sample autocorrelation function indicates a vector autoregressive dependence structure, VAR is a viable technique for simulation output analysis.
Thermal Analysis of a Modular, Microfluidic Device for the Rapid Detection of Stroke

A modular, microfluidic device was designed to aid in the rapid detection and treatment of stroke. The device modules process whole blood for the detection of genes expressed in response to a stroke event using a series of assay steps including: cell capture using antibodies, thermal lysis, solid-phase reversible immobilization (SPRI) of nucleic acids, reverse transcription (RT), ligase detection reaction (LDR), and single pair fluorescence resonance energy transfer (spFRET) readout. Cell lysis, RT, and LDR require temperatures of 90°C, 37°C, 65°C and 95°C respectively, therefore strict thermal isolation constraints between thermal zones in the device modules were necessary. Thermal isolation was accomplished using 2 mm and 1 mm air gaps between the fluidic modules and heating elements in the polymer device. Finite element mathematical models (ANSYS v. 12.1, Houston, PA) were used to characterize the thermal zones in two 2D simulations. Section 1 simulation results showed ±1.5°C in cell lysis, ±1.6°C in RT, and ±1.6°C in the denaturation section of LDR. Section 2 simulation showed ±2.6°C in denaturation and ±0.4°C in the annealing/extension zone of LDR.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Perceived functions of worry among generalized anxiety disorder subjects: Distraction from more emotionally distressing topics?

Theories regarding worry have discussed both adaptive and maladaptive functions. The present study used rating scales of the six reasons for worry commonly reported by generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) clients to explore subjective perceptions of the functions of worry held by college student worriers meeting self-reported criteria for GAD and by control subjects. Subjects rated motivation, preparation for the worst, and avoidance/prevention of negative outcomes as the most typical reasons for their worry. However, the GAD group was discriminated from other comparison groups particularly by high ratings of "distraction from more emotional topics" as a reason for their worry.
Susceptibility to estrogen-induced mammary cancer segregates as an incompletely dominant phenotype in reciprocal crosses between the ACI and Copenhagen rat strains.

Estrogens have been inextricably linked to the etiology of breast cancer. We have demonstrated that the female ACI rat exhibits a unique propensity to develop mammary cancers when treated continuously with physiological levels of 17β-estradiol (E2). The E2-induced mammary cancers are estrogen dependent and exhibit genomic instability. In contrast, the genetically related Copenhagen (COP) rat strain is relatively resistant to E2-induced mammary cancers. In this study we evaluated susceptibility to E2-induced mammary cancers in first filial (F1), second filial (F2), and backcross (BC) progeny generated from reciprocal intercrosses between the ACI and COP strains. F1 progeny resembled the parental ACI strain with respect to incidence of E2-induced mammary cancers. However, latency was significantly prolonged in the F1 populations. These data indicate that susceptibility behaves as an incompletely dominant phenotype in these crosses. Analysis of phenotypes exhibited by the F1, F2, and BC populations suggests ...
Procedures for infrared spectroscopy.

Three procedures are described: a modified Pfund triple-pass absorption cell; an improved image slicer; and new achromatic, doublet lenses. Design parameters for prism dispersion for various prism angles—both simple and composite prisms—are displayed by graphs. The relationships of dispersion and transmission are useful in designing prism spectrometers, predispersion systems for grating spectrometers, and LN-2 cooled predispersion systems for use with helium-cooled detectors. In combination with a suitable chopper they provide instrumentation suited to a study of the validity of the Lorentz line shape.
Effect of rheological parameters on phase morphology of poly blends: A route to computer aided design and development of industrial polyblends

Set of procedures employing melt viscoelasticity functions for selecting components and composition of the binary polyblends and estimating minor phase domain size is introduced and illustrated with examples. The procedures intended for Computer Aided Manufacture of the polyblends (CAMOBLE) are based on shear stress dependent viscoelasticity ratios, and the selection of the composition exploits stress dependent synergism of the viscoelasticity functions. Also used is auxilary procedure for composition selection is based on verified blending laws accounting for interaction and shear effects. Evaluation of the performance characteristics (“mechanical properties”) is illustrated with a modified Kerner model.
7.1.3 Fault Propagation and Sensitivity Analysis to Support Counterterrorism Activities

This paper discusses research on fault propagation analysis and two associated fault sensitivity measurement approaches for the investigation of faults in human-centric processes. The techniques presented grew out of a joint project between the U.S. Air Force Academy and Missouri University of Science and Technology to investigate terrorist activities involving improvised explosive devices. Two potential counterterrorism activities related to improvised explosive devices are developed through the paper to demonstrate the application and usefulness of the methodologies. Provided with the examples is a discussion of fault propagation, the sensitivity analysis performed, an interpretation of the results, and an overview of anticipated future applications in system design.
Diffuse blastoid B-cell lymphoma: a histologically aggressive variant of t(14;18)-negative follicular lymphoma

Among the diffuse lymphomas of B-cell origin, we have encountered one variant displaying blastoid features that morphologically mimic lymphoblastic lymphoma, the blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma, and the so-called blastoid transformation of follicular lymphoma. To better characterize this entity, we studied eight cases morphologically, immunohistochemically, and by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for cytogenetic abnormalities commonly associated with follicular lymphoma and B-cell lymphomas exhibiting high-grade histological features. All eight cases were presented as de novo neoplasms, and displayed an entirely diffuse (five cases) or only minimal follicular (three cases) growth pattern. The neoplastic lymphoid cells were of medium size with round nuclei, fine chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, and high mitotic rate; they expressed CD10, BCL6, and BCL2-a phenotype consistent with follicle center cell origin. A proportion of cases expressed MUM1. Their lack of TdT and CYCLIN D1 distinguished them from lymphoblastic lymphoma and the blastoid mantle cell lymphoma, respectively. The neoplastic lymphoid cells consistently expressed CD43 (seven of eight cases) and occasionally other T-cell-associated antigens, including CD5, CD7, CD8, and CD57. Although all cases overexpressed BCL2, t(14;18) was not detected in any of the five cases examined by FISH; instead, extra copies of chromosome 18 were found in four of five cases. Finally, other cytogenetic abnormalities, including structural abnormalities of BCL6 (allelic loss/gain, rearrangement), monosomy 7, del(13)(q14), and MYC allelic loss, were frequently detected. The combination of a B-cell CD10+ BCL6+ BCL2+ phenotype in the presence of structural abnormalities of BCL6 is consistent with a follicular center cell derivation for our cases. The lack of t(14;18) seen in our cases, although rare in most cases of follicular lymphoma, has been nevertheless reported in cases of follicular lymphoma with a predominantly diffuse growth pattern. The molecular pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and prognostic significance of these lesions remain to be elucidated.
Adaptive methods in coordinate metrology

The prudent selection of the sampling points ensures that representative points to typify a feature surface are obtained. The rationale is that the larger the number of sample points, the better the estimate of the surface. Large samples however lead to large measurement times and consequently time-induced errors. It is believed that a priori knowledge of process-induced errors can help in minimizing the total number of sampling points. Modeling the initial points for search, or approximate locations of errors is the key to minimizing the sampling effort. Suitable search methodology can then be used to determine the actual location of errors. If the regression surface describing the actually measured points can be identified, an adaptive search can be conducted. To do this we are using a kind of function learning machines that has been extensively developed the last decade, the Support Vector Regression (SVR). This paper describes in general terms our methodology.
Plasma Instabilities in the Terrestrial Magnetosphere: A Review of Recent Theoretical Research

This paper reviews recent theoretical research on plasma instabilities in the terrestrial magnetosphere. This paper is organized with respect to particle free energies: electron-ion currents, electron beams, ion beams, electron anisotropies and ion anisotropies are successively considered. For each free energy, the associated instability properties are summarized, and their applications to magnetospheric physics are briefly described. Theory and simulations which have established close correlations with observations are emphasized.
Continuing Decline of Memory Skills with Significant Recovery of Intellectual Function Following Severe Carbon Monoxide Exposure: Clinical, Psychometric, and Neuroimaging Findings

Extensive clinical, psychometric, and neuroimaging data are presented and interpreted with regard to a 35-year-old, White male college graduate who was exposed to severe carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The patient was comatose for 21 days following the exposure. Several other people, who were in the same room as the patient, died due to the toxic effects of the CO. The patient was employed premorbidly as a systems level lead computer programmer. The patient received medical and neuropsychological follow-up for 3 years post-CO exposure. Neuropsychological evaluations revealed a gradual, but incomplete recovery of general intellectual function. The patient continued to exhibit severe memory deficits with some evidence for small additional memory decline over time. Characteristic and permanent vestibular and gait disturbances were also noted, along with a variety of neuropsychological deficits that improved over time with the exception of memory function. The patient also experienced significant affective and personality changes. Neuroimaging studies reveal a generalized cortical atrophy as shown by significantly enlarged ventricles and a ventricle-to-brain ratio that exceeded 4 standard deviations above the norm. The observed atrophic changes are consistent with CO-induced anoxic type injury, which was also accompanied by bilateral lesions of the globus pallidus, caudate, and hippocampus. Despite obtaining average levels of general intellectual functioning over time, significant memory impairments, depression, and personality disturbances severely impaired the patients' vocational recovery and ability to return to work.
Thermal Dehydration and Vibrational Spectra of Hydrated Sodium Metaborates

Sodium metaborate hydrates are a class of compounds represented by the stoichiometry NaBO2·xH2O. Recently, sodium metaborate has received attention as the byproduct of sodium borohydride hydrolysis...
Fibroblast growth factor-10 upregulates Na,K-ATPase via the MAPK pathway

We studied the effects of fibroblast growth factor (FGF-10) on alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) Na,K-ATPase regulation. Within 30 min FGF-10 increased Na,K-ATPase activity and α1 protein abundance by 2.5-fold at the AEC plasma membrane. Pretreatment of AEC with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor U0126, a Grb2-SOS inhibitor (SH3-b-p peptide), or a Ras inhibitor (farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI 277)), as well as N17-AEC that express a Ras dominant negative protein each prevented FGF-10-mediated Na,K-ATPase recruitment to the AEC plasma membrane. Accordingly, we provide first evidence that FGF-10 upregulates (short-term) the Na,K-ATPase activity in AEC via the Grb2-SOS/Ras/MAPK pathway.
Integrated Population Modeling of Black Bears in Minnesota: Implications for Monitoring and Management

Background Wildlife populations are difficult to monitor directly because of costs and logistical challenges associated with collecting informative abundance data from live animals. By contrast, data on harvested individuals (e.g., age and sex) are often readily available. Increasingly, integrated population models are used for natural resource management because they synthesize various relevant data into a single analysis.
Conditioned suppression in the rat as a function of shock reinforcement schedule

The effects of shock-rein for cement schedules in conditioned suppression were studied in three male albino rats. S2 (electric shock) was paired randomly with the S1 either 10%, 50%, or 90% of the time. Each presentation was correlated with a different S1 (tone, clicker, light). Each S received all three shock reinforcement schedules. Then the S2s were presented randomly by days, each with its appropriate S1 until each S1 had been presented fifty times in this way. Suppression ratios varied monotonically with shock-reinforcement schedule, with the greatest suppression at 90%. When the S2s were presented randomly by days, the greatest variability occurred with the 50% schedule. The results are interpreted in terms of superstitious avoidance behavior.
Grape Mealybug (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on Pear in North-Central Washington

The grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn), is an occasional serious pest of pears in north-central Washington state (NCW). A tree-banding study indicates the occurrence of a single generation of P. maritimus on pear in NCW. An encyrtid parasite, Acerophagus notativentris (Girault), is common in infested orchards and completes two to three generations per year. A. notativentris is solitary in 1st-instar P. maritimus and gregarious in later host instars. The parasite was observed ovipositing in P. maritimus eggs. Crawlers hatching from these eggs were parasitized.
Development and Reproduction of Euschistus conspersus at Different Temperatures

The development and reproduction of Euschistus conspersus Uhler were studied in a laboratory under 3 different temperatures (21, 27 and 32°C). There was no difference in nymphal development time between 27 and 32°C. At 21°C nymphal development and the preoviposition period were significantly increased and the mean number of eggs markedly reduced as compared to 27°C.
Preliminary thoughts on problem-oriented shared memory: a decentralized approach to distributed systems

Much of the work to date on distributed systems has focused on the correct choice of communication paradigm, stressing (for example) message primitives, remote procedure call, problem- oriented protocols and so on. A distributed system service is then implemented as a module executing on particular server machine that is accessed using these communication facilities. In contrast, the shared memory paradigm has been used on multiprocessor and uniprocessor systems. In the shared memory paradigm, the state of a service is stored in shared memory and implemented in a decentralization fashion across multiple processors using this shared memory.This paper describes some preliminary thoughts on applying the shared memory paradigm to distributed systems. For efficiency reasons, shared memory is not provided in its full generality, but only with the semantics required for the applications of interest. This type of application-specific memory is called a problem-oriented shared memory. The use of problem- oriented shared memory is illustrated by describing several applications we are exploring in the V distributed system. We also discuss basic requirements on a communication system to support this approach.
Commentary: A Stroll in the Piazza and a Night at the Opera

Giacomo Leopardi was convinced that the willingness of Italians to wallow passively in operatic spectacle was an important reason for Italy's lack of a civil society based on debate and the exchange of opinions. Despite recent proposals that opera and opera going constituted signiacant means of social engagement and contributed to regional and/or national identity, the preoccupations of early nineteenth-century music journalism suggest that opera existed outside the mainstream of both political and aesthetic debate, and was not yet the subject of a truly vibrant national discourse.
Prostaglandin E1 as treatment for erectile failure in elderly men.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of intracavernosal injection of prostaglandin E1(alprostadil) in elderly men with erectile failure. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Outpatients at a university-affiliated VA Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: Ten subjects aged 65 years and older with duration of erectile failure of 6 months or longer. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects received intracavernosal injections of prostaglandin E1in the office and self-administered intracavernosal prostaglandin E1at home. MEASUREMENTS: Penile rigidity was measured by palpation and by the Rigiscan rigidity monitor. RESULTS: Intracavernosal injection of prostaglandin E1produced erections adequate for intercourse in 9 of the 10 subjects. Attempts at intercourse were rated satisfactory by two-thirds of the subjects and their spouses. CONCLUSIONS: Intracavernosal injection of prostaglandin E1is safe and effective for erectile failure in elderly men.
Suicidio en ancianos

Resumen En este articulo se argumenta que el suicidio a una edad avanzada de la vida debe ser motivo de gran preocupacion y justifica que se centre en ello la atencion de investigadores, profesionales de la asistencia sanitaria, responsables de la toma de decisiones politicas y sociedad en general. Se revisa la evidencia existente respecto a los factores que situan a los ancianos en un riesgo de suicidio o que les protegen de ello. Los autores introducen el concepto de que las intervenciones de prevencion del suicidio van dirigidas a individuos o grupos de diferentes niveles de riesgo en diferentes puntos de la trayectoria de desarrollo que lleva a la muerte por suicidio, y ofrecen ejemplos y recomendaciones para su aplicacion combinada estrategica con objeto de crear una respuesta efectiva, en el ambito de la sociedad, frente al problema creciente del suicidio en las personas de edad avanzada.
Conduit choice for above-knee femoropopliteal bypass grafting in patients with limb-threatening ischemia.

Many surgeons consider PTFE to be the conduit of choice for above-knee femoropopliteal bypass grafting, since PTFE is relatively easy to implant and spares autogenous saphenous vein (ASV) for subsequent peripheral or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This practice has recently been challenged, as some studies have suggested that ASV may exhibit superior patency in certain patient subgroups. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the contemporary outcome of above-knee femoropopliteal bypass grafting in patients with limb-threatening ischemia. Between January 1995 and December 2000, 159 above-knee femoropopliteal bypass grafts were created for limb-threatening ischemia (rest pain or tissue loss). There was a high incidence of comorbid illness, including open foot wounds at the time of operation (62%), hypertension (58%), coronary artery disease (53%), diabetes mellitus (36%), cerebrovascular disease (23%), prior contralateral bypass or amputation (21%), disadvantaged or “blind” outflow (19%), prior ipsilateral bypass (14%), prior CABG (11%) end-stage renal failure (7%). The use of PTFE predominated ( n = 11), with a minority of grafts comprising single-segment ipsilateral or contralateral ASV ( n = 18). Although the small number of patients undergoing ASV grafting limited the statistical power of comparison, our results suggest that above-knee ASV performs better than PTFE in patients with limb-threatening ischemia.
The Babesia bovis Merozoite Surface Antigen 1 Hypervariable Region Induces Surface-Reactive Antibodies That Block Merozoite Invasion

A hypervariable region (HVR) previously identified in the carboxy-terminal one-third of the Babesia bovis variable merozoite surface antigen family was more extensively analyzed in merozoite surface antigen 1 (MSA-1) from 16 strains and isolates. The MSA-1 HVR is proline rich and contains three semiconserved motifs nearly identical to those described for the related family member MSA-2. Two MSA-1-specific monoclonal antibodies previously shown to be reactive with the merozoite surface bound to a recombinant construct encoding the HVR, indicating that the HVR is surface exposed and accessible to antibody binding. Importantly, these surface-reactive, HVR-specific monoclonal antibodies were capable of inhibiting merozoite infectivity of the host erythrocyte in vivo. The results indicate that the MSA-1 HVR is involved in erythrocyte invasion and suggest that selection of MSA-1 variants may be driven by invasion-blocking antibodies.
Child poverty and family policies across eighteen wealthy Western democracies

While a good deal has been written about the potential value of family policies in reducing child poverty in Western countries, few cross-national quantitative studies have been carried out on this topic. This article uses ordinary least squares regression analysis on panel data from 18 Western democracies from 1987 to 2007 to test the significance of family policies and other welfare policies on child poverty rates. It extends existing research on the relationship between family policies and child poverty by utilizing a broader data-set in terms of time, countries, and child poverty measures. The main finding is that all three of the main family policies studied – child cash and tax benefits, paid parenting leaves, and public support for childcare – correlate significantly with lower child poverty rates. Somewhat surprisingly, disability and sickness insurance also correlates significantly with lower child poverty in nearly every model and test. These findings provide valuable insight for future research...
Number and distribution of the apical dendritic spines of the layer V pyramidal cells in man.

The number and the distribution of the apical dendritic spines was investigated in the layer V pyramidal cells of the human cerebral cortex. This study was carried out in the motor cortices of an 8-month fetus, a premature infant, and a newborn, 15-, 19- and 45-day-old infants; in the somesthetic cortex of a newborn infant; and in the auditory cortex of a newborn infant. This study has shown: (a) that the number of spines increases with the age, (b) that the spines are distributed along the apical dendrites in a characteristic manner which, graphically represented, consists of a curve with three distinct deflexions, (c) that the spine-distribution along the apical dendrites of the layer V pyramidal cells is similar in all cases studied regardless of their age or their cortical location (motor, somesthetic and auditory cortices), (d) that the distribution of the spines along the apical dendrites appears to depend on the nature of the dendrite, (e) that the sequence of the mean number of spines maintains an exponential relationship with the distance from the cell body for the first and second deflexions of the spine-distribution curves. The significance of the distribution of the spines along the apical dendrites of the layer V pyramidal cells is discussed. A new method is presented and its possible application to the study of the normal development and pathoIogical conditions of the cerebra1 cortex is suggested.
Epidemiologic investigation of respiratory morbidity at a nylon flock plant.

Background A cluster of biopsy-confirmed interstitial lung disease among workers at a nylon flock plant led to a request for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health investigators to conduct a health hazard evaluation. Methods Part of the overall evaluation, reported here, involved a cross-sectional medical survey of current employees. The survey consisted of a questionnaire, spirometry and diffusing capacity testing, and chest radiograph. Results Workers assigned to production and maintenance jobs reported frequent eye and throat irritation, respiratory symptoms, and systemic symptoms (i.e., generalized aches and fevers). Most reported improvement when away from work. Frequent respiratory/ systemic symptom prevalence was significantly associated with departmental category, with days and hours worked per week, and with working on a flocking range. Compared to asymptomatic workers, symptomatic workers had similar mean ratios of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity, but lower mean percent of predicted values for both forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity. All acceptable chest radiographs were classified as category 0 for small opacities. Conclusions Findings of this study, along with those from studies reported elsewhere, implicate occupational exposure to flock-associated dust as a significant respiratory health hazard at this plant. Am. J. Ind. Med. 38:628‐638, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc. y
Progression to total occlusion is an underrecognized complication of the medical management of carotid disease

Abstract One potential complication of carotid disease is progression to total occlusion while under medical management. To investigate this important issue, 44 patients (31 men; 13 women) ranging in age from 44 to 83 (mean, 65.9) years with internal carotid artery occlusions as a result of arteriosclerosis were identified among 993 patients undergoing carotid angiography from Jan. 1, 1985 to Dec. 31, 1989, and their prior medical records were reviewed. Clinical presentations included stroke in 9 (20.5%), retinal infarct in 8 (18.2%), transient ischemic attacks in 10 (22.7%), amaurosis fugax in 4 (9.1%), nonhemispheric symptoms in 3 (6.8%), and 10 (22.7%) were asymptomatic. A review of these patients' medical records documented that prior hemispheric symptoms referrable to the now occluded internal carotid artery had occurred in five (55%) of the nine patients who were admitted with stroke, five (62%) of the eight patients with a retinal infarct, six (60%) of the 10 patients who were admitted with a transient ischemic attack, all four (100%) patients who were admitted with amaurosis fugax, one (33%) of three patients with nonhemispheric symptoms, and in seven (70%) of the 10 patients who were asymptomatic when the internal carotid artery occlusion was identified angiographically. In summary, 28 (64%) of the 44 patients had experienced ipsilateral symptoms from 2 to 120 (mean, 30) months before the diagnosis of internal carotid artery occlusion; only eight (28%) had undergone noninvasive or angiographic evaluation, and all were placed on antiplatelet therapy when prior hemispheric symptoms developed. These findings suggest that total internal carotid artery occlusion is a serious complication of the expectant management of symptomatic carotid disease that should be preventable with more aggressive evaluation and surgical treatment of the patient with symptomatic carotid disease. (J VASC SURG 1991;14:821-8.)
Types, regions, and effects for safe programming with object-oriented parallel frameworks

Object-oriented frameworks can make parallel programming easier by providing generic parallel algorithms such as map, reduce, or pipeline and letting the user fill in the details with sequential code. However, such frameworks can produce incorrect behavior if they are not carefully used, e.g., if a user-supplied function performs an unsynchronized access to a global variable. We develop novel techniques that can prevent such errors. Building on a language (Deterministic Parallel Java, or DPJ) with an expressive region-based type and effect system, we show how to write a framework API that enables sound reasoning about the effects of unknown user-supplied methods. We also describe novel extensions to DPJ that enable generic types and effects while retaining soundness. We present a formal semantics and soundness properties for the language. Finally, we describe an evaluation showing that our technique can express three parallel frameworks and three realistic parallel algorithms using those frameworks.
Circuit-level modeling of MOS controlled thyristors

Progress in developing appropriate circuit-level simulation models of the MOS controlled thyristor (MCT) for use as a tool in system design and analysis is described. Extensive experimental measurements of MCTs have been made, and series and parallel arrays for high voltage/current applications are in development. A simple two-transistor circuit-level model for a MCT is described here. The results of this model are compared to experimentally measured results for 15P90 and 30P100 MCTs (the first number refers to the rated RMS current, the second number to the DC blocking voltage divided by ten). While the results agree moderately well, there are a number of fundamental issues yet to be resolved. While there are good experimental characterization of MCTs under a wide range of conditions, the limitations of the standard simulation programs may prevent one from translating this into the model. >
THE ROLE OF THE ANTERIOR CINGULATE IN AUTOMATIC AND CONTROLLED PROCESSES :A DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROANATOMICAL STUDY

This study examines the role of the anterior cingulate in the development of attention. Task performance relying predominantly on either automatic or controlled processes was correlated with magnetic resonance imaging based measures of the anterior cingulate in 26 normal children ages 5 to 16 years. Attentional measures were assessed with a visual discrimination paradigm. Parasagittal slices from a 3-D, T1-weighted volume data set were used to obtain area measurements of the anterior cingulate. Response latencies decreased with age for both tasks. There were significant correlations between attentional performance and right, but not left, anterior cingulate measures. Performance was faster and more accurate during trials requiring predominantly controlled processes for those children with larger right anterior cingulate measures. The results are consistent with adult neuroimaging findings of activation in the right anterior cingulate during attention tasks and with lesion studies implicating greater right hemisphere involvement in attentional processes.
Effects of the neonatal intensive care unit environment on preterm infant oral feeding

OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of neonatal intensive care unit environmental characteristics (perceived levels of light and sound, and time of day) in open unit wards and single-family rooms (SFRs) on oral feeding outcomes in preterm infants. DESIGN Data were collected at each scheduled oral feeding for 87 preterm infants from the first oral feeding until discharge. Data included the prescribed volume of feeding and the volume consumed, the infant's level of wakefulness before feeding, and the nurse's perception of light and sound. RESULTS Data were collected on 5111 feedings in the ward unit and 5802 in the SFR unit from feedings involving 87 preterm infants. Light and sound were rated significantly lower in the SFR (χ2 = 139 and 1654.8, respectively). Feeding times of 9 am, 12 noon, and 3 pm were associated with the highest perceived levels of light and sound, regardless of unit design (P < 0.0001). Moderate light levels and feeding times of 12, 3, and 6 am were associated with improved feeding outcomes. Infants consumed a greater proportion of their prescribed feeding volume when fed in the open ward and when awake before feeding. CONCLUSION Further study on the clinical effects of unit design is needed, as is study on the effects of environmental stimuli, so that interventions can be appropriately developed and tailored for infants needing the most support for optimal development.
Vision-based Vehicle Control For AVCS

This paper describes work focusing on the application of vision-based technology to autonomous driving. The testbed vehicle, a US Army HMMWV, equipped with a real-time vehicle mobility control system, has demonstrated autonomous road following on a test course at speeds of up to 90 km/hour under various weather and outdoor light conditions and on an interstate type highway. The paper also discusses the latest highway tests and the development of algorithms for autonomous vision-based car following.
Drivers and outcomes of team psychological empowerment: A meta-analytic review and model test

Using meta-analysis and structural equation modeling, we examine the unique and combined relationships between team psychological empowerment, its antecedents, and outcomes. First, we seek to extend the team psychological empowerment nomological network by including team members’ affective reactions as an outcome. In addition, we consider the moderating influence of team type, how empowerment was measured, and team size on the relationships between team psychological empowerment, its antecedents, and outcomes. Second, we use our analytical results to clarify a number of theoretical perspectives, but more importantly to offer suggestions regarding where research in the area of team psychological empowerment should proceed. Finally, in keeping with the broader team effectiveness framework, we present our recommendations for future research using the following categories: (a) antecedents, (b) outcomes, (c) moderators, (d) mediators, and (e) additional directions for future research.
Holistic Grading of Written Work in Introductory Psychology: Reliability, Validity, and Efficiency

Written assignments in large classes can be made practical by the use of holistic scoring. Data are presented to show the reliability, validity, and efficiency of adapting holistic scoring to written work in an introductory psychology course in which the grading was done entirely by a teaching assistant (TA). Separate criteria were used to score the content and writing skill of paragraph-length essay-test answers and short-paper assignments. Judgments of writing skill made by psychology TAs using holistic criteria were reliable and compared favorably with writing-skill judgments made by experienced English composition instructors. W e conclude that holistic scoring is a high-quality, low-cost approach to scoring written work in large classes.
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: essentials for the primary care nurse practitioner.

Purpose To provide nurse practitioners with a basic understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and management of Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. Data Sources Selected research and clinical articles. Conclusions WPW syndrome is the most common form of ventricular preexcitation. The ventricular myocardium is activated earlier than expected by an accessory conduction pathway that allows a direct electrical connection between the atria and ventricles. Although many patients remain asymptomatic throughout their lives, approximately half of the patients with WPW syndrome experience symptoms secondary to tachyarrhythmias, such as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and, rarely, ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. Symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, syncope, and dyspnea. Diagnosis is usually made by electrocardiogram findings, but further testing may be warranted to confirm the diagnosis. Implications for Practice A thorough patient history and physical examination can aid the practitioner in identifying patients who may have WPW syndrome. With appropriate referral, treatment, and patient education, patients with WPW syndrome can expect to have a normal life expectancy and good quality of life.
Radiation Pneumonitis: Correlation of Toxicity With Pulmonary Metabolic Radiation Response

Purpose To characterize the relationship between radiation pneumonitis (RP) clinical symptoms and pulmonary metabolic activity on post-treatment [ 18 F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Patients and Methods We retrospectively studied 101 esophageal cancer patients who underwent restaging FDG-PET/computed tomography imaging 3–12 weeks after completing thoracic radiotherapy. The National Institutes of Health Common Toxicity Criteria, version 3, was used to score the RP clinical symptoms. Linear regression was applied to the FDG-PET/computed tomography images to determine the normalized FDG uptake vs. radiation dose. The pulmonary metabolic radiation response (PMRR) was quantified as this slope. Modeling was performed to determine the interaction of PMRR, mean lung dose (MLD), and the percentage of lung receiving >20 Gy with RP outcomes. Results Of the 101 patients, 25 had Grade 0, 10 had Grade 1, 60 had Grade 2, 5 had Grade 3, and 1 had Grade 5 RP symptoms. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that increased values of both MLD and PMRR were associated with a greater probability of RP clinical symptoms ( p = 0.032 and p = 0.033, respectively). Spearman's rank correlation found no association between the PMRR and the dosimetric parameters (planning target volume, MLD, percentage of lung receiving >5–30 Gy). Twofold cross-validation demonstrated that the combination of MLD and PMRR was superior to either alone for assessing the development of clinical RP symptoms. The combined MLD (or percentage of lung receiving >20 Gy) and PMRR had a greater sensitivity and accuracy (53.3% and 62.5%, respectively) than either alone. Conclusion The results of this study have demonstrated a significant correlation between RP clinical symptoms and the PMRR measured by FDG-PET/computed tomography after thoracic radiotherapy.
A 25W 97%-efficiency 3.5MHz integrated dimmable LED driver with lossless synchronous current control and floating NMOS-sensing scheme

This paper presents an integrated buck-type dimmable LED driver for high-brightness lighting applications. A lossless synchronous current control is developed to enable the driver to operate at high operation frequencies and achieve high current accuracy over a wide range of input voltages and output LED loads. The driver power efficiency is also benefited from realizing the synchronous rectification via a high-voltage (HV) dynamic-shifter-based gate driver and a HV floating NMOS sensing scheme. Implemented in a 0.5μm HV CMOS process, the proposed 45V LED driver can operate at 3.5MHz and achieve a peak power efficiency of 97.2% when driving 12 series-connected output LEDs (25W output power). The worst-case current error is within 2.8% of 700mA average LED current under different conditions. The proposed LED driver outperforms other state-of-the-art counterparts.
Scaling laws for rotating Rayleigh-Bénard convection.

Numerical simulations of large aspect ratio, three-dimensional rotating Rayleigh-Benard convection for no-slip boundary conditions have been performed in both cylinders and periodic boxes. We have focused near the threshold for the supercritical bifurcation from the conducting state to a convecting state exhibiting domain chaos. A detailed analysis of these simulations has been carried out and is compared with experimental results, as well as predictions from multiple scale perturbation theory. We find that the time scaling law agrees with the theoretical prediction, which is in contradiction to experimental results. We also have looked at the scaling of defect lengths and defect glide velocities. We find a separation of scales in defect diameters perpendicular and parallel to the rolls as expected, but the scaling laws for the two different lengths are in contradiction to theory. The defect velocity scaling law agrees with our theoretical prediction from multiple scale perturbation theory.
The formation of copper aluminate by solid-state reaction

Solid-state reactions between bulk samples of copper oxide and alumina have been studied using scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe analysis. Both CuAl2O4 and CuAlO2 were found to form during reactions in air at 1100 °C between CuO powder and single-crystal alumina substrates. The relative position of the CuAl2O4 and CuAlO2 layers was observed to depend on the crystallographic orientation of the surface of the alumina substrate: CuAl2O4 formed in contact with (0001) alumina substrates while CuAlO2 formed when the alumina substrate surface was (11 0). Faceted Cu–aluminate/alumina phase boundaries were observed to develop when single-crystal alumina rods were reacted with CuO, although the interfaces invariably tended to be wavy.
The Total Synthesis of Coleophomones B and C

Members of the coleophomone family of natural products all possess several intriguing and challenging architectural features, as well as exhibit unusual biological activity. They, therefore, constitute attractive targets for synthesis. In this Article, we describe the total synthesis of coleophomones B (2), C (3), and D (4). The highly strained and congested 11-membered macrocycle of coleophomones B (2) and C (3) was constructed using an impressive olefin metathesis reaction. Furthermore, both of the requisite geometric isomers of the Δ16,17 within the macrocycle could be accessed from a common precursor, facilitating a divergence that lent the coleophomone B (2)/C (3) synthesis an unusually high degree of efficiency. The synthesis of coleophomone D (4) confirmed that it exists as a dynamic mixture of isomeric forms with a different aromatic substitution pattern from the other family members.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ACCEPTED VERSUS REJECTED MANUSCRIPTS

The purpose of this research was to determine characteristics that differentiated potentially publishable from nonpublishable manuscripts submitted for publication. We examined 128 manuscripts sent as initial submissions to Psychology of Women Quarterly and forwarded to one of its Associate Editors between April 1981 and September 1985. Each manuscript was independently evaluated by two raters and characterized on a number of dimensions. In addition, each reviewer criticism was categorized. Simple manuscript characteristics (type of research, length of manuscript, number of tables and figures, characteristics of the research sample) did not differentiate potentially publishable from rejected manuscripts. However, external reviewers judged rejected manuscripts to have more total problems, especially problems with regard to the significance of the research, suitability of the research for the Journal, and research conception, design, and analysis.