cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Globalization and the Digital Divide: The Roles of Structural Conduciveness and Global Connection in Internet Diffusion*

Objectives. The goal of this research is to examine the role of modernization (i.e., structural conduciveness) in the form of income, telephone price and structure, education, and political structures, and global contact in the form of world cities, trade, investment, activities of international nongovernmental organizations, and short-term exchanges of population in driving the worldwide diffusion of the Internet. Methods. We use longitudinal regression analyses (1995–2000) of change in Internet hosts for approximately 80 developing countries. Results. The analyses suggest that foreign investment, major urban agglomerations, manufacturing exports, nongovernmental organization presence, and tourism as well as democratic openness, property rights, and income predict Internet diffusion during the time period under investigation. Conclusions. We conclude that indeed both conduciveness to Internet technology as well as globalization (contact) are important factors in the diffusion of the Internet. The 1990s witnessed the emergence of new information technologies that have had a substantial impact on both commerce and society in general. Given that approximately 50 percent of economic production in OECD countries is now generated by knowledge-based industries, it is no surprise that advanced telecommunications are increasingly viewed as requisites for economic and human development (UNDP, 2001). These facts explain why the ‘‘digital divide’’ has received so much attention. Of great concern is the ‘‘digital divide’’ between rich and poor nations. As of the summer of 2004, the Computer Industry Almanac (2004) estimates that approximately 934 million people use the Internet worldwide and that Internet usage will top 1 billion sometime in 2005. Although the industrialized world’s ‘‘share’’ of Internet users fell from 76 percent in 2001 to 62
Evaluating the Evaluator: A Case Study Illustrating Three Critical Mistakes No Evaluator Should Make.

Most employees do not like to be evaluated because they fear the process and people involved. Although optimal performance evaluators can minimize people's anxieties about being assessed, actual performance evaluators can perpetuate employees' fears and, worse, lower their job performances and morale. A case study illustrates the actions of an actual performance evaluator and highlights the process he carries out and the report he writes. A debrief follows to show how to correct the mistakes he makes.
Does neck stage influence local control in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck

Recently, reports have suggested that the probability of local control of head and neck cancers treated with radiotherapy alone is inversely related to the extent of neck node disease at presentation. This has led some to conclude that primary lesions in patients with neck node metastases should be treated more aggressively than lesions of the same T stage in patients presenting with a clinically negative neck. We reviewed the records of 607 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck to determine the relationship between the extent of neck node disease at diagnosis and the probability of tumor control at the primary site. All patients were treated with continuous-course irradiation alone to the primary site and have a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Mucosal sites analyzed included the oropharynx (soft palate, tonsillar region, base of tongue), hypopharynx (pharyngeal wall, pyriform sinus), and supraglottic larynx. Patients with simultaneous primary lesions were excluded from the analysis. Parameters tested included T stage, N stage, and fractionation (once daily or twice daily). For statistical analyses, N stage was grouped as N0, N1, N2A-N3A, and N2B-N3B. Local control was analyzed using a multivariate analysis, the forward stepwise long-rank test of association of covariates. Multivariate analyses revealed that the following parameters significantly influenced local control: oropharynx, T stage only (p = .0010); hypopharynx, T stage (p = .001) and twice-daily fractionation (p = .0031); and supraglottic larynx, T stage only (p = .0002). No significant correlation was found between neck stage and primary tumor control on univariate or multivariate analyses. Our data do not support the conclusion that primary lesions are controlled less often in patients with clinically positive neck nodes.
An equation of state at subnuclear densities

An equation of state for cold matter above white dwarf densities is evaluated. The gas is considered to be a mixture of degenerate neutrons, protons and electrons combined with nuclei of one type (that is only oneA andZ value). We derive the equilibrium equations for the mixture and calculate the number densities as well as theA andZ of the nucleus. Finally we calculate an equation of state, which smoothly goes over to that of a neutron, proton electron gas mixture at a density of ∼5×1013 g/cm3.
Structural health monitoring system design using finite element analysis

The project described in this report was performed to couple experimental and analytical techniques in the field of structural health monitoring and damage identification. To do this, a finite element model was constructed of a simulated three-story building used for damage identification experiments. The model was used in conjunction with data from the physical structure to research damage identification algorithms. Of particular interest was modeling slip in joints as a function of bolt torque and predicting the smallest change of torque that could be detected experimentally. After being validated with results from the physical structure, the model was used to produce data to test the capabilities of damage identification algorithms. This report describes the finite element model constructed, the results obtained, and proposed future use of the model.
Modulation of the antigenic reactivity of the citrus tristeza virus coat protein.

Abstract Trapping properties of a panel of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) raised against citrus tristeza virus (CTV) were analyzed in an indirect double-antibody sandwich ELISA (I-DAS-ELISA). These antibodies had been previously assigned by serological specificity into five groups (I to V). Mabs from group V, which are directed to conformational epitopes, trapped significant amounts of virus antigen from CTV-infected plant tissue at IgG concentration above 10 ng/ml. Mabs from groups I to IV, which are directed to linear, continuous epitopes, performed poorly as coating antibodies, even at a 1 μg/ml concentration of the IgG's, indicating that the respective linear epitopes were inaccessible. However, when Mabs from groups I to IV were combined with a small amount of Mabs from group V, a substantial increase in trapping of the CTV antigen was recorded. In this `two antibody-binding assay' previously cryptic, linear epitopes of the CTV CP apparently became accessible to the Mabs from groups I to IV. Modulation of the antigenic reactivity of the CTV CP was also recorded upon binding of the Mabs directed to the conformational epitopes in solution. Induced exposure of the linear epitopes of the CTV CP was revealed in `two antibody-binding assays' with pairwise combinations of different mouse Mabs and several rabbit and chicken polyclonal antisera with different serological specificities, including antisera to bacterially expressed CP fragments. This mixed coating in I-DAS-ELISA resulted in substantially increased efficiency of the virus antigen trapping by antisera produced against bacterially expressed protein fragments and an increased sensitivity of the CTV detection after optimization of the ratio between conformational and linear antibodies.
Using Cognitive Scripts to Assess the Process of Professional Service Delivery

ABSTRACT Cognitive scripts have been hypothesized as expectations concerning the process or delivering a service. While it has not been empirically tested, it is posited that service delivery in agreement with consumers' cognitive scripts should result in a more satisfying service encounter than delivery that does not match consumers' scripts. Using an experimental setting, the current study attempts to test the efficacy of using cognitive scripts to examine the process of professional service delivery and the effect of cognitive script congruence on consumers' summary judgments of the service encounter. The findings indicate that experienced consumers do have scripts for a dental service encounter and it would be reasonable to conclude that this would be the case for other professional services consumers have experienced. Also, deviation from consumers' expected cognitive script docs influence affect toward the professional service provider, satisfaction with the professional service encounter, and consu...
The four worlds of carbon.

Simon H. Friedman explores the various ways in which carbon is inherently tied to our lives — beyond its elegant, treasured role in organic chemistry.
A study of defects produced in tungsten by 800-MeV protons using field ion microscopy☆

Abstract Defects produced in tungsten by 800 MeV proton bombardment have been studied on the atomic scale with a Field Ion Microscope. From a fluence measured by radiochemistry of 10 22 pm −2 (∼0.1 displacements per atom) at a temperature of 300K, a vacancy concentration of 10 −3 was observed. No vacancies were observed in the unirradiated samples. Since vacancies are essentially immobile (D v ∼ 10 −57 cm 2 /sec) at the irradiation temperature used in this study, it is believed that the observed concentrations are those of the radiation produced vacancies that did not spontaneously recombine. Additionally, a depleted zone was observed consisting of approximately 300 vacancies. This “void” volume lies along a [121] pole and has an elongated shape. It is postulated that this damaged region was caused by a recoiling W atom after it had undergone an “internuclear cascade” after collision with an incident proton. This type of defect may be the nucleus for subsequent void growth when the irradiation is carried out in the void-growth temperature regime.
Interaction between the unphosphorylated receptor with high affinity for IgE and lyn kinase

Chinese hamster ovary fibroblasts previously transfected with the high affinity receptor for IgE (FceRI) were further transfected with the α subunit of the receptor for interleukin 2 (Tac) or with chimeric constructs in which the cytoplasmic domain of Tac was replaced with the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of either the β subunit or the γ subunit of FceRI. Whereas native Tac failed to affect the aggregation-induced phosphorylation of FceRI, both chimeric constructs substantially inhibited this reaction. Alternatively, the FceRI-bearing fibroblasts were transfected with two chimeric constructs in which the cytoplasmic domain of Tac was replaced with a modified short form of Lyn kinase. The Lyn in both of the chimeric constructs had been mutated to remove the sites that are normally myristoylated and palmitoylated, respectively; one of the constructs had in addition been altered to be catalytically inactive. The catalytically active construct enhanced, and the inactive construct inhibited, aggregation-induced phosphorylation of the receptors. All of the chimeric constructs were largely distributed outside the detergent resistant microdomains, and whereas aggregation caused them to move to the domains in part, their aggregation was neither necessary nor enhanced their effects. These results and others indicate that the receptor and Lyn interact through protein-protein interactions that neither are dependent upon either the post-translational modification of the kinase with lipid moieties nor result exclusively from their co-localization in specialized membrane domains.
SENSATION SEEKING AND FINANCIAL RISK TAKING IN EVERYDAY MONEY MATTERS

The present study investigated the degree to which the previously established relationship between sensation seeking and risk taking associated with gambling could be extended to everyday financial matters (e.g., personal banking activities). The subjects, classified into high and low sensation seekers, were asked to make a series of everyday financial decisions that varied in their degrees of risk. Overall, the results indicate high sensation seekers displayed greater risk-taking tendencies in everyday financial matters than low sensation seekers. This difference in everyday financial risk taking between high and low sensation seekers was also found within each gender group. Implications and suggestions for future research involving sensation seeking in other personal and professional financial decision-making areas are also presented.
Synergistic anti-Newcastle disease virus activity of pokeweed antiviral protein, ribavirin, and guanidine

Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), in combination with either guanidine or ribavirin, exhibited both synergy and antagonism toward the replication of Newcastle disease virus. Low, medium, and high effective concentrations of both PAP and guanidine were synergistic when used in combination. High effective concentrations of ribavirin in combination with PAP were antagonistic, whereas low and medium effective concentrations were synergistic.
Patient perspectives on the integration of an intensive online behavioral weight loss intervention into primary care

Abstract Objective To examine patients’ perception of how a referral-based online lifestyle intervention contributed to primary care medicine. Methods We invited 50 adults to complete a semi-structured interview after a 1-year online behavioral weight loss intervention (average weight change: −4.79 kg). We developed an iterative codebook using content analysis. Two coders independently coded all transcripts (kappa = 0.895). We analyzed responses regarding the integration of the program with primary care. Results Among the 35 participants who completed the interview, 46% described a positive experience between the program and their routine medical care; 14% noted it was fine/OK; 9% reported no effect, 3% were negative, 11% said that the program was unrelated to their medical care, and 14% that the only connection was the referral. Factors such as physician feedback and support, coordination with routine health care, and improved cardiovascular risk factors were cited in support of a positive experience. Physician feedback was reported by 89%, and 80% stated that the program helped them to follow their physician's advice. Conclusion Physician referral to online education and counseling may facilitate the integration of evidence-based behavioral counseling with primary care. Practice implications Internet technology may enable improved access to evidence-based counseling for chronic health problems.
Functional polymers and sequential copolymers by phase transfer catalysis. 9. Synthesis and characterization of α,ω‐di[2‐(p‐phenoxy)‐2‐oxazoline] oligomers

Preparation par deux methodes: 1) etherification par transfert de phase d'un polymere α,ω dielectrophile avec la p-hydroxyphenyl-2 oxazoline-2(I) 2) extension de chaine par transfert de phase d'un polymere α,ω diphenol avec le chlorure de methylene (II) ou polyetherification d'un bisphenol avec (II) en presence de (I)
Dietary fish oil decreases C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and triacylglycerol to HDL-cholesterol ratio in postmenopausal women on HRT.

Abstract Background: Atherogenesis is a complex process involving both a low-grade inflammation and a disturbed lipid profile. Although dietary fish and fish oil improve the latter of these two risk factors, their impact on the former is less clear. Objective: This study addressed the effect of supplementation with fish oil in doses achievable with diet on serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the lipid profile. Methods and results: Thirty healthy subjects taking HRT were randomly divided into three groups and supplemented for five weeks with 14g/day safflower oil (SO), 7g/day of both safflower oil and fish oil (LFO), or 14g/day fish oil (HFO). Measurements included serum high-sensitivity CRP, IL-6 in plasma and in cell culture supernatant collected from 24-hr lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated whole blood, and lipid profile markers. CRP and IL-6 were adjusted for body mass index (BMI). Fish oil supplementation significantly decreased CRP and IL-6 compared to SO, with a greater effect in the LFO than HFO groups. Plasma triacylglycerol (TG) and the TG/HDL-C ratio were significantly lower in the HFO compared to the SO group. Conclusions: These results suggest that dietary fish oil may decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease through the modulation of both plasma lipids and inflammatory markers in healthy postmenopausal women.
Modulation of Neuronal Excitability by Serotonin-NMDA Interactions in Prefrontal Cortex

Both serotonin and NMDA signaling in prefrontal cortex (PFC) are implicated in mental disorders, including depression and anxiety. To understand their potential contributions to PFC neuronal excitability, we examined the effect of co-activation of 5-HT and NMDA receptors on action potential firing elicited by depolarizing current injection in PFC pyramidal neurons. In the presence of NMDA, a low concentration of the 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-OH-DPAT substantially reduced the number of spikes, and a low concentration of the 5-HT(2A/C) agonist alpha-Me-5HT significantly enhanced it, while both agonists were ineffective when applied alone. The 8-OH-DPAT effect on firing was mediated by inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA), whereas the alpha-Me-5HT effect was mediated by activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Moreover, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a signaling molecule downstream of PKA and PKC, was involved in both 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A/C) modulation of neuronal excitability. Biochemical evidence showed that 5-HT(1A) decreased, whereas 5-HT(2A/C) increased the activation of ERK in an NMDA-dependent manner. In animals exposed to acute stress, the enhancing effect of 5-HT(2A/C) on firing was lost, while the decreasing effect of 5-HT(1A) on firing was intact. Concomitantly, the effect of 5-HT(2A/C), but not 5-HT(1A), on ERK activation was abolished in stressed animals. Taken together, our results demonstrate that distinct 5-HT receptor subtypes, by interacting with NMDA receptors, differentially regulate PFC neuronal firing, and the complex effects of 5-HT receptors on excitability are selectively altered under stressful conditions, which are often associated with mental disorders.
Music intervention in the intensive care unit: a complementary therapy to improve patient outcomes.

Inherent in illness and hospitalisation are many stressors, which manifest themselves in patient responses including physiological signs of sympathetic nervous system activation and psychological distress that necessitates treatment with pharmacological agents. A wide range of medical conditions combined with exposure to the unique environmental circumstances of the intensive care unit elicit problematic patient behaviour patterns requiring the application of physical and/or use of chemical restraints. Patient responses to stress experienced as a result of illness and hospitalisation may have deleterious effects, potentially exacerbating pathological conditions and increasing the complexity and decreasing the cost effectiveness of nursing care. Evidence of the beneficial effects of music on the physiological, psychological, and social reaction of the patient was derived from an extensive literature review. Historical sources provided observations relating to the calming and healing effects of music from such diverse sources as Pythagoras, biblical commentary, and treatises from students of the 19th century Philadelphia physician Benjamin Rush. …
Anticonvulsant Activity of Some Uracils and Related Compounds

Abstract Seventeen uracils and five related compounds were tested for their ability to protect mice from electroshock and Metrazol® convulsions. It was possible to demonstrate a limited structure‐activity relationship for the electroshock testing. Such a relationship was not apparent from the chemoshock results.
Assessment of vision and visual attention in minimally responsive brain injured patients

Sensory, motor, and cognitive assessment is a critical priority in the care of minimally responsive brain-injured patients. However, their inconsistent pattern of responding may interfere with the use of traditional forms of assessment such as the mental status or neurological examinations. In this article we describe a quantitative method, based on single-subject experimental design, for evaluating vision and visual attention in this patient population. In a series of randomized trials, combinations of a blank card, a colorful photograph, and no stimulus are presented to either or both visual fields while horizontal eye movements are observed. The relationship between the side and nature of the visual stimulus and the frequency of eye movements is analyzed to determine visual function in one or both eyes. We report six cases of minimally responsive patients assessed with this method. In case A, we show evidence of functional vision in both visual fields. Case B also shows functional fields, but with a monocular visual deficit. Cases C and D show a homonymous hemianopsia which, in case D, is further complicated by a monocular visual deficit. Finally, cases E and F show patterns of left and right visual extinction. Thus, this objective and quantitative method leads to conclusions about patients' visual function that are not readily apparent by clinical observation and that allow appropriate modifications in further assessment or treatment.
Identification and emission rates of molecular tracers in coal smoke particulate matter

Abstract The abundances and distributions of organic constituents in coal smoke particulate matter are dependent on thermal combustion temperature, ventilation, burn time, and coal rank (geologic maturity). Important coal rank indicators from smoke include (1) the decreases in CPIs of n -alkanoic acids, UCM and phenolic compounds with increasing rank, and (2) the increase in the homohopane index [ S /( S + R )] with increasing rank. Coal smoke emissions may be identified in atmospheric samples by (1) the unresolved to resolved component ratios ( U / R ), (2) the distributions and abundances of aromatic molecular markers, specifically picene, alkylated picenes and alkylhydropicenes, (3) the 17α(H),21β(H)-hopane to 22 R -17α(H),21β(H)-homohopane ratio (range 0.05–0.35), and (4) the presence of other source-specific molecular markers.
Synthesis and structural studies of 5,12-dioxocyclams capped by 4-substituted pyridines across the amine nitrogens.

A series of 4-substituted pyridine-capped 5,12-dioxocyclams was synthesized and fully characterized. The 4-substituent varied from electron-withdrawing groups (NO2, NO, CN) to electron-donating groups (NHCbz, NH2). The most versatile substituent was the 4-bromo group, which could be replaced by a variety of groups using Stille, Sonogashira, or Buchwald−Hartig palladium-catalyzed chemistry. Copper complexes of a majority of these capped dioxocyclams were synthesized and characterized as well.
Protein synthesis in embryonic chick lens cells.

In the chick lens at 12 days of incubation, there are cells in all stages of differentiation from the cuboidal, stem cells of the germinal zone of the anterior epithelium to the differentiated, non-dividing fiber cells of the lens body to which they give rise. The electrophoretic pattern of 14 C pulse-labeled protein from different parts of the lens and the stability of the messenger RNA utilized has been examined. Cells throughout the lens epithelium synthesize a number of proteins, at least one of which may be made on relatively short-lived messenger RNA. As epithelial cells enter the body region and begin to elongate, they suppress the synthesis of all proteins except two. In the body these two proteins are made on long-lived messenger RNA.
Water-based biphasic media for exothermic reactions: green chemistry strategy for the large scale preparation of clofibric acid and analogues

Abstract A water-based biphasic reaction process has been developed for conducting exothermic reactions without organic solvents. This procedure is rapid, simple, and suitable for small scale synthesis as well as larger (multi-molar) scale reactions. The preparation of several hundred grams of clofibric acid and analogues by this eco-friendly and energy-efficient procedure is described. Smaller amounts of these compounds were prepared by the friction-activated ‘Grindstone Chemistry’ method described previously.
How Does RNA Editing Affect dsRNA-mediated Gene Silencing?

In general, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding proteins (dsRBPs) are not sequence-specific. A dsRNA molecule in a cell will interact with any dsRBP it comes in contact with, suggesting that different dsRNA-mediated pathways intersect and affect each other. This paper analyzes evidence that the ADAR RNA editing enzymes, which act on dsRNA, affect dsRNA-mediated gene silencing pathways. Examples of how ADARs alter gene silencing pathways such as RNA interference, as well as mechanisms that allow the pathways to coexist and maintain their unique functions, are discussed.
Scale detection based on statistical characteristics of edges in the scale space

A study of the behavior of edges in the scale space is presented in this paper. Three statistical parameters, intensity average, root-mean-square, and variance of pixel intensity in edge images are used as the basis for evaluating visual quality of edge images. A parametric family of edge images containing edge information at several scales is used to create the edge statistic curves. It is found that the number of local minima in edge statistic curves is related to the number of scales in an image. This leads to an automated method for detecting scales in an image and a criteria for selecting optimal parameters for a multiscale edge operator.
Impact of Medicare's prospective payment system and the farm crisis on the health care of the elderly: a case study.

: The spectrum of health care for the rural elderly has been negatively affected by recent changes in Medicare reimbursement policies and by the farm crisis. This case study examined the effects of these changes on the ability of rural hospitals, the aging network, and caregivers to provide adequate and continuous care to the elderly. In this case study, three gaps in services were found: a lack of programs designed to meet the needs of terminally ill patients and their families; a lack of education during the crucial transitional period between hospital discharge and home; and a lack of services and programs for the chronically-ill older adult. More studies are needed to determine if similar service gaps will be found in other rural communities. If so, public attention should be focused on possible solutions.
The Practice and Theory of U.S. Statebuilding: Loyalty, Legitimacy, and Regime Change

The United States has employed three models of statebuilding over the last century, each animated by a different political theory. Statebuilding 1.0 was developed and used from the late-1890s. Dominant through the end of the Cold War, this model emphasized building loyal and politically stable subordinate states. Privileging American geopolitical and economic interests over those of local populations, this model was premised on the theory of realpolitik. Statebuilding 2.0 arose under and, in many ways, came to characterize attempts by the United States to construct a New World Order after 1990. The key shift was from seeking loyalty to building legitimate states. Under this model, the United States attempted to build broad-based popular support for nascent states by creating democratic institutions and spearheading economic reforms. In this “end of history” moment, liberalism reigned triumphant in statebuilding practice and theory. Statebuilding 3.0 is now being “field-tested” through the surge in Iraq. This new model seeks to build legitimacy for new states by providing security and essential public services to their populations. It rests on social contract theory, and its core tenet that legitimacy follows from providing effectively for the basic needs of citizens. Successive sections summarize the practice of statebuilding under each model and discuss its implicit political theory. A critique of each model then flows naturally into the practice and logic of the next. The conclusion outlines why a statebuilding 3.1 is necessary, and what such a strategy might entail.
Membrane biology: Membrane-regulated transcription

The activation of membrane-bound transcription factors involves release from the membrane by proteolysis. Recent studies show that, for some proteins, cleavage is performed by the proteasome, whereas others require specific proteases.
Understanding the correlation of structure and selectivity in the chiral-phosphoramide-catalyzed enantioselective allylation reactions: Solution and solid-state structural studies of Bisphosphoramide.SnCl4 complexes

Complexation of bisphosphoramides, linked by various length methylene tethers, with tin tetrachloride was studied by both solution NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The formation of cis-configured, octahedral 1/1 bisphosphoramide·SnCl4 complexes was supported by both crystallographic and solution NMR studies. In addition, the formation of such complexes was shown to be highly dependent on the tether length and solution concentration. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of bisphosphoramide·SnCl4 complexes also provided detailed information on the stereochemical environment relevant to the enantioselectivity of asymmetric allylation reactions.
Plasma adipokines and endometriosis risk: a prospective nested case–control investigation from the Nurses' Health Study II

main results and the role of chance: After adjusting for BMI, there were no statistically significant associations between endometriosis and leptin [RR ¼ 1.2; 95% CI ¼ 0.7 –2.0; P-value, test for linear trend (Ptrend) ¼ 0.72], adiponectin (RR ¼ 0.8; 95% CI ¼ 0.5– 1.2; Ptrend ¼ 0.48) or the leptin to adiponectin ratio (RR ¼ 0.8; 95% CI ¼ 0.4 –1.4; Ptrend ¼ 0.14) when comparing the upper with the lower quartile. Results were unaltered when analyses were stratified by BMI or restricted to cases diagnosed ≥4 years after blood draw. To evaluate statistical significance and limit the role of chance to the gold standard of 5%, we present 95% CIs about the RRs, and for P-values calculated for linear tests of trend and tests of heterogeneity, we have set the a-level to be 0.05 (i.e. ,0.05 is considered to be statistically significant). limitations and reasons for caution: A limitation of this study is the inability to differentiate the time of endometriosis ‘diagnosis’ from the time of disease ‘onset’ due to the impossibility in identifying a precise time point at which the disease process was first initiated at a molecular or cellular level. Additional limitations include lack of information regarding stage of endometriosis and the possibility of asymptomatic disease in the control population. wider implications of the findings: The mean age at diagnosis of endometriosis in the study population is 41.7, � 10 years older than the mean age of diagnosis in the general population. While this may limit the generalizability of the results, there is no reason to suspect that the association between adipokines and endometriosis risk should differ at a younger age of diagnosis in an adult population.
FINE STRUCTURAL OBSERVATIONS RELATING TO THE PRODUCTION OF COLOR BY THE IRIDOPHORES OF A LIZARD, ANOLIS CAROLINENSIS

This paper presents the results of light and electron microscopy done on iridophores in the dorsal skin of the lizard Anolis carolinensis. New fine-structural details are revealed, and their importance is discussed. Of some interest is the complex of filaments between crystalline sheets in the cell. It is proposed that this complex is involved in the arrangement of crystals into crystalline sheets, and that the crystal arrangement and spacing are critical for the production of the cells' blue-green color. Tyndall scattering and thin-film interference are discussed as possible explanations for iridophore color production in relation to the fine-structural data obtained.
Clustering Words by Syntactic Similarity improves Dependency Parsing of Predicate-argument Structures

We present an approach for deriving syntactic word clusters from parsed text, grouping words according to their unlexicalized syntactic contexts. We then explore the use of these syntactic clusters in leveraging a large corpus of trees generated by a high-accuracy parser to improve the accuracy of another parser based on a different formalism for representing a different level of sentence structure. In our experiments, we use phrase-structure trees to produce syntactic word clusters that are used by a predicate-argument dependency parser, significantly improving its accuracy.
Incremental checkpointing with application to distributed discrete event simulation

Checkpointing is widely used in robust fault-tolerant applications. We present an efficient incremental checkpointing mechanism. It requires to record only the state changes and not the complete state. After the creation of a checkpoint, state changes are logged incrementally as records in memory, with which an application can spontaneously roll back later. This incrementalism allows us to implement checkpointing with high performance. Only small constant time is required for checkpoint creation and state recording. Rollback requires linear time in the number of recorded state changes, which is bounded by the number of state variables times the number of checkpoints. We implement a Java source transformer that automatically converts an existing application into a behavior-preserving one with checkpointing functionality. This transformation is application-independent and application-transparent. A wide range of applications can benefit from this technique. Currently, it has been used for distributed discrete event simulation using the Time Warp technique.
Socially relevant computing

In this paper, we introduce socially relevant computing as a new way to reinvigorate interest in computer science. Socially relevant computing centers on the use of computation to solve problems that students are most passionate about. It draws on both the solipsistic and altruistic side of the current generation of students. It presents computer science as a cutting-edge technological discipline that empowers them to solve problems of personal interest (socially relevant with a little s), as well as problems that are important to society at large (socially relevant with a capital s). We believe that socially relevant computing offers a vision of computer science that has the potential to improve the quantity, quality and diversity of students in our discipline. We describe preliminary results from two on-going curricular experiments at SUNY Buffalo and at Rice University that implement our vision of socially relevant computing.
Motivational Interviewing with Problem Drinkers: II. The Drinker's Check-up as a Preventive Intervention

Miller's (1983) system of ‘motivational interviewing’ is elaborated by providing a theoretical context for understanding its impact, with a summary of research on motivational interventions. An extension of this approach, the Drinker's Check-up (DCU), is described as a potential intervention for health screening, treatment selection and matching, cleint self-assessment, and research. Initial data from a sample of 42 problem drinkers receiving the DCU suggest that this intervention may increase help-seeking and modestly suppress alcohol consumption. This approach is interpreted within the broader context of research on minimal interventions for problem drinkers.
Effects of fog on the bit-error rate of a free-space laser communication system.

Free-space laser communication (lasercom) systems are subject to performance degradation when heavy fog or smoke obscures the line of sight. The bit-error rate (BER) of a high-bandwidth (570 Mbits/s) lasercom system was correlated with the atmospheric transmission over a folded path of 2.4 km. BER’s of 10-7 were observed when the atmospheric transmission was as low as 0.25%, whereas BER’s of less than 10-10 were observed when the transmission was above 2.5%. System performance was approximately 10 dB less than calculated, with the discrepancy attributed to scintillation, multiple scattering, and absorption. Peak power of the 810-nm communications laser was 186 mW, and the beam divergence was purposely degraded to 830 µrad. These results were achieved without the use of error correction schemes or active tracking. An optimized system with narrower beam divergence and active tracking could be expected to yield significantly better performance.
Large-dynamic-range Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor for highly aberrated eyes

A conventional Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor has a limitation that increasing the dynamic range usually requires sacrificing measurement sensitivity. The prototype large-dynamic-range Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor presented resolves this problem by using a translatable plate with subapertures placed in conjugate with the lenslet array. Each subaperture is the same size as a lenslet and they are arranged so that they overlap every other lenslet position. Three translations of the plate are required to acquire four images to complete one measurement. This method increases the dynamic range by a factor of two with no subsequent change in measurement sensitivity and sampling resolution of the aberration. The feasibility of the sensor was demonstrated by measuring the higher order aberrations of a custom-made phase plate and human eyes with and without the plate.
Identification and prediction of ionospheric dynamics using a Hammerstein-Wiener model with radial basis functions

To construct a model for ionospheric dynamics, a two step identification technique based on subspace algorithms is used. In the first step a Hammerstein model is identified using subspace algorithms and a basis function expansion for the input nonlinearities. In the second step the Wiener nonlinearity is identified as a standard least squares procedure. The inputs to the model are measurements made by the ACE satellite, which is located at the first Lagrangian point between the sun and the earth, while the outputs of the model are ground-based magnetometer readings. To avoid overfitting, the inputs are ranked in order of their effectiveness using an error search algorithm. Results for the ground-based magnetometer located at Thule in Greenland are presented.
Cigarette Smoking and Lung Cancer: Pediatric Roots

A vast array of data suggests that early age of smoking onset enhances the risk for development of lung cancer in adulthood. Initiation of smoking at a young age may influence the development of lung cancer because of its effect on duration of smoking. Early onset of smoking also may serve as an independent risk factor. It may increase the likelihood that smoking occurs during a critical period of development that enhances susceptibility to the adverse effects of cancer causing agents in cigarette smoke, thereby facilitating the initiation of the carcinogenic process. While evidence for the latter hypothesis derives from a variety of sources, definitive proof has proven elusive. Whether or not early age of smoking serves as an independent risk factor for lung carcinogenesis, the consensus of the public health community is that prevention of smoking onset at a young age and early cessation are keys to stemming the current lung cancer pandemic. Population approaches to tobacco prevention and control, such as measures contained in the World Health Organization Framework Convention Tobacco Control Treaty, offer the best opportunity, on the scale needed, to create a smoke-free world and bring an end to the pandemic of tobacco-related disease.
Intraspecific variation in laryngeal and ear morphology in male cricket frogs (Acris crepitans)

In a previous report, the authors found significant population variation in the calls of cricket frogs (Acris crepitans) that could not be explained by geographic variation in body size alone. Here we extend that work by investigating intraspecific population variation in the morphological characteristics underlying acoustic communication in male cricket frogs from several sites in Texas. We measured the volumes of laryngeal and auditory components responsible for the generation or reception of species-specific vocalizations in male frogs from eight populations. We found significant differences among populations in body size, as well as all the laryngeal and ear components we measured. With the exception of vocal cord and extracolumella volumes, the volumes of these anatomical structures differ among populations independently of body size as determined by a covariate analysis with snout-vent length as the covariate. Call dominant frequency differs among populations in a clinal pattern and head width, arytenoid cartilage, vocal cord and dilator muscle volume show a similar pattern when the residuals of the regression of morphological component on SVL are assessed for this trend. The results show that both larynx and ear structures can change in size independently of body size, yielding significant geographic variation in the behavioral and physiological expressions of the acoustic communication system underlying mate choice.
COMPUTING ON RECONFIGURABLE BUSES—A NEW COMPUTATIONAL PARADIGM

Up to now, buses have been used exclusively to ferry data around. The contribution of this work is to show that buses can be used both as topological descriptors and as powerful computational devices. We illustrate the power of this paradigm by designing two fast algorithms for image segmentation and parallel visibility. Our algorithm for image segmentation uses a novel technique invol ving building a bus around every region of interest in the image. With a binary image pretiled in the natural way on a reconfigurable mesh of size N×N our segmentation algorithm runs in O(log N) time, improving by a factor of O(log N) over the state of the art. Next, we exhibit a very simple algorithm to solve the parallel visibility problem on an image of size N×N. Our algorithm runs in O(log N) time. The only previously-known algorithm for this problem runs in O(log N) time on a hypercube with N processors. To support these algorithms, a set of basic building blocks are developed which are of independent interest. These include solutions to the following problems on a bus on length N: (1) computing the prefix maxima of items stored by the processors on the bus, even if none of the processors knows its rank on the bus; (2) computing the rank of every processor on the bus; (3) electing a leader on a closed bus.
Shared Decision-Making in Diabetes Care

Shared decision-making (SDM) is a collaborative process by which patients and clinicians work together in a deliberative dialogue. The purpose of this dialogue is to identify reasonable management options that best fit and addresses the unique situation of the patient. SDM supports the patient-centered translation of research into practice. SDM also helps implement a core principle of evidence-based medicine: evidence is necessary but never sufficient to make a clinical decision, as consideration of patient values and context is also required. SDM conversations build on a partnership between the patient and the clinician, draw on the body of evidence with regard to the different treatment options, and consider options in light of the values, preferences, and context of the patient. SDM is appropriate for diabetes care because diabetes care often requires consideration of management options that differ in ways that matter to patients, such as the way in which they place significant demands on patient's life and living. In the last decade, SDM has proven feasible and useful for sharing evidence with patients and for involving patients in making decisions with their clinicians. Health care and clinical policies advocate SDM, but these policies have yet to impact diabetes care. In this paper, we describe what SDM is, its known impact on diabetes care, and needed work to implement this patient-centered approach in the care of the millions of patients with diabetes.
Assessment of core knowledge during ambulatory care advanced pharmacy practice experiences using online modules and pre- and post-testing

Abstract Objectives To evaluate whether knowledge on core ambulatory care topics, as measured by pre- and post-testing, improved during ambulatory care advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) after completing online modules and topic discussions individualized to specific student needs. Methods Preceptors for eight ambulatory care APPE sites developed a 54 question pre-post-test and online modules for 10 knowledge areas, which include guidelines, algorithms, literature, clinical pearls, special populations, lecture handouts, patient education resources, and a self-assessment quiz. Online modules and individualized learning experiences were required for content areas with a score of Results Overall, 70 students were evaluated. The mean overall pre- and post-test scores were 65.1% and 86.3%, respectively [mean change 21.2% ( p Conclusion The use of individualized online modules and topic discussions based on pre-test scores significantly improved student knowledge in core ambulatory care content areas during APPEs.
Root Multiplicities of the Indefinite Kac–Moody Algebra HDn(1)

In this article, we study the root multiplicities of the indefinite type Kac–Moody algebra . We obtain the multiplicities of infinite family of roots and conjecture that they are polynomials in n of certain degree. Our approach is to view the roots of as weights of certain integrable -modules and then use the path realization of crystal bases for these modules and Kang's multiplicity formula to find their multiplicities. In particular, we prove that mult(−2α−1 − kδ) is a polynomial in n of degree k. We observe that Frenkel's conjectured root multiplicity bound holds in this case.
Arteriovenous malformation and associated phleboliths: Report of a case

Les malformations arterio-veineuses sont une cause rare de douleur faciale. Elles doivent etre suspectees dans les cas de tumefaction intermittente de la face non associee a la prise de nourriture et exacerbee par les changements de position. La sialographie devrait faire partie integrante du bilan lorsque des calcifications des parties molles sont notees sur les radiographies ordinaires. Les xeroradiographies sont utiles pour mieux definir les lesions radio-opaques qui sont deformees ou obscurcies par les examens radiographiques ordinaires
How Organizations Communicate Expertise Without Experts Practices and Performances of Knowledge-Intensive Firms

This work examines how knowledge-intensive firms that lack strong ties to professional groups, or exclusive jurisdiction in a technical domain, communicate organizational expertise. A practice-based view of organizational expertise is used to examine how workers accomplish expertise through recurrent practices, and the processes through which that expertise becomes performed to clients as organizational expertise. Drawing on fieldwork conducted at two public relations firms, analysis indicates the organizations performed expertise by using representations that demonstrated they provided valuable services that would be difficult for clients to otherwise obtain. Furthermore, the findings reveal how local practices used by workers to produce the representations inside the organizations were obscured to clients to facilitate performances of expertise at the organizational level.