cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Instructional Modality and Prior Knowledge on Learning Point Group Symmetry

Many topics in chemistry are difficult for learners to understand, including symmetry. Reasons for this difficulty include its multi-level content, instructional methodologies utilized, and learner variables. This study examined the effect of initial instructional modality and prior knowledge on learning of point group symmetry. Forty-four students in a sophomore-level inorganic chemistry class at a small private university were divided by pre-selected lab groups into two groups, lecture and computer, for introductory information about point group symmetry. Both groups had low prior knowledge of symmetry elements although the lecture group had significantly higher knowledge than the computer group. After initial instruction, the lecture group scored significantly higher than the computer group on a point group assessment, even when prior knowledge was controlled. A second assessment, given after both groups had follow-up information from computer courseware, showed no significant difference between the groups. The computer group significantly improved between the two assessments, the lecture group did not. At the end-of-the semester post-test showed no significant difference between the two groups, although only 50% of the students in each group achieved mastery. Factors affecting the significant improvement of the low prior knowledge, computer group were examined and recommendations for future research provided.
Globally optimal quadratic Lyapunov functions for robust stability of systems with structured uncertainty

The robust stability problem for a nominally linear system with nonlinear, time-varying structured perturbations is considered. The system is of the form $$\dot x = A_N x + \sum\limits_{j = 1}^q { p_j A_j x} $$ The Lyapunov direct method has been often utilized to determine the bounds for nonlinear, time-dependent functions pj which can be tolerated by a stable nominal system. In most cases quadratic forms are used either as components of vector Lyapunov function or as a function itself. The resulting estimates are usually conservative. Optimizing the Lyapunov function reduces the conservatism of the bounds. The main result of this article is a theorem formulating the necessary and sufficient conditions for a quadratic Lyapunov function to be globally optimal. The theorem is constructive and makes it possible to propose a recursive procedure of a design of optimal Lyapunov function. Examples demonstrate application of the proposed method.
Packrat middens and the Holocene palaeohistory of Colorado piñon (Pinus edulis) in western Colorado

AIM: Our aim was to determine the age and dispersal history of Colorado pinon (Pinus edulis) in western Colorado during the early to late Holocene using radiocarbon‐dated needles and nutshells from packrat (Neotoma spp.) middens. LOCATION: The Uncompahgre Plateau (UP) comprises more than 600,000 ha of public and private lands in west‐central Colorado, USA. Elevations within UP range from 1400 to 3140 m and it is characterized by numerous deep canyons and flat‐topped mesas. The Upper Gunnison Basin (UGB) encompasses a 243,000‐ha area enclosed within the southern Rocky Mountains in south‐western Colorado, USA. It spans 2200–4300 m in elevation, with no outlet apart from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison lower than 2650 m. METHODS: Middens were sampled by breaking off small sections of solidified deposits located in caves and crevices that were then disaggregated in water with repeated rinsing to separate all the plant remains. Single conifer needles and nutshells from 28 middens were radiocarbon dated to determine the age and timing of dispersal into western Colorado. RESULTS: Thirty‐two midden samples were collected, of which 28 produced identifiable plant remains that were radiocarbon dated. Pinon needles and/or nutshells were identified and radiocarbon dated from 20 of these middens from seven localities in UP. The results indicated that pinon did not become established in UP until c. 6000 yr bp, which contrasts with the nearby UGB, where pinon charcoal has been identified from seven archaeological sites with dates ranging from 8000 to 3000 yr bp. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Our data are consistent with a model of late Pleistocene/early Holocene pinon migration into the Colorado Plateau from Arizona and New Mexico before becoming established in western Colorado. The timing of the pinon migration into south‐central Colorado along the Rio Grande corridor from New Mexico remains uncertain. While pinon–juniper woodlands currently dominate the lower elevations of UP, pinon had disappeared from UGB by c. 3000 yr bp and remains absent there today except for a few isolated trees.
Absolute phase retrieval for 3D shape measurement by Fourier transform method

Accurate 3D shape measurement via fringe analysis methods requires the determination of the absolute phase map of the object. In this paper, we present a novel method for absolute phase retrieval developed for use with the Fourier transform method for fringe analysis. A cross-shaped marker is embedded in the fringe pattern that is projected to the object. The position of the marker in the captured fringe image is detected and later used in calculating the absolute phase map. For phase analysis of the fringe image, the marker is removed and the sinusoidal intensity distribution of the fringe pattern is restored before the Fourier transform method is applied. This paper focuses on the concept of absolute phase retrieval from a single fringe pattern as well as techniques on marker detection and removal. Experimental results on absolute phase retrieval and 3D reconstruction are also presented to show the feasibility of the proposed method.
NIA funding for Alzheimer's research

www.thelancet.com/neurology Vol 10 August 2011 683 against the Biomedical Research and Development Price Index. The NIA, with a concomitant 50% rise in research grant applications and a notable increase in requested costs, was particularly aff ected. Today, despite a reduced budget for FY 2011, active management strategies have already resulted in an increase in the NIA’s funding line in FY 2011. These strategies involve diffi cult choices that need to be made for the NIA to continue to fund meritorious and timely research on ageing. The NIA will continue to do everything it can to stretch and leverage the available dollars. I can assure the research community that the NIA is focused on basic research, while at the same time seeking to translate what we have learned into clinical practice. The NIA is deeply committed to maintaining a vibrant research eff ort and balanced research portfolio for continued health and wellbeing with age.
Applying an electron counting rule to screen prospective thermoelectric alloys: The thermoelectric properties of YCrB4 and Er3CrB7-type phases

Abstract An electron counting rule, which was recently expanded to study molecular organometallics, boranes, and metallocenes, is utilized herein to predict the formation of a semiconducting gap or pseudo-gap in the density of states of deltahedral crystalline solids at or near the Fermi energy. It is suggested that this rule may be exploited to screen intermetallic compounds for prospective thermoelectric materials. The rule was applied to several structure types of known deltahedral boride and borocarbide compounds, and its predictions were compared to those of first principles electronic structure calculations when such were available in the literature or to published reports of transport properties. In addition, the rule has been used to predict the properties of several materials for which the electronic structure and properties have not hitherto been reported. In accordance with these predictions, layered ternary boride intermetallic compounds with structure types YCrB 4 and Er 3 CrB 7 were synthesized, and the electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficients of these alloys were measured from room temperature to 1100 K. Alloys of composition RMB 4 (R = Y, Gd, Ho; M = Cr, Mo, W) were found to be n-type semiconductors and to exhibit thermopower up to ∼70–115 μV/K; the band gap was estimated to range from 0.17 to 0.28 eV, depending on composition. Undoped YCrB 4 was measured to have a maximum power factor of 6.0 μW/cm K 2 at 500 K and Fe-doped YMoB 4 of 2.4 μW/cm K 2 near 1000 K.
Are K+-nucleon scattering and K+-photoproduction understood in an effective lagrangian approach?

Abstract We study K+N low-energy scattering using the effective-lagrangian approach (the model we use is borrowed from πN scattering calculations). Canonical values of the required coupling constants give rise to scattering parameters which disagree with experiment. Kaon-photoproduction (γ+p→K+ + Λ) studies using a similar model also yield values of coupling constants which differ from standard compilations. Using these values in the K+N-scattering calculations, we find a much better agreement with experiment (the level of agreement is now similar to that obtained for the πN case). Possible reasons for the results and discrepancies found here, as well as possible implications, are discussed.
Special Feature: Microprogrammable Virtual Machines

The introduction of computers which have user alterable microprograms presents users with both an opportunity and a problem. To take full advantage of the opportunity to tailor the architecture of the computer to the application domain, the problem of microprogram development and testing must be solved. The technique outlined here provides a tool which furnishes the microprogrammer with a virtual machine which is microprogrammable. The function provided is similar to that provided by a simulator, but the technique is more efficient and allows multiple microprograms to be executed concurrently with regular programs on a single real machine.
Investigation of the light dynamics and their impact on algal growth rate in a hydraulically integrated serial turbidostat algal reactor (HISTAR)

Abstract There is a need for greater understanding of the light dynamics in photoautotrophic microalgal reactors as commercialization efforts move forward. This paper presents results of experiments performed to determine (1) surface irradiance ( I os (PAR)) as a function of lamp elevation; (2) depth ( z ) and biomass ( X ) dependent scalar irradiance ( I z (PAR)) and attenuation k 0 (PAR); (3) average scalar irradiance ( I a (PAR)) in the reactor as a function of biomass; and (4) specific growth rate as a function of I a (PAR) and impacted by photoinhibition for the hydraulically integrated serial turbidostat algal reactor (HISTAR) illuminated by metal halide lamps. Selenastrum capricornutum was used as the test organism. Lamp elevation studies resulted in a light energy dissipation coefficient ( k a ) of 7.46 μmol s −1 m −2 cm −1 . Light attenuation studies yielded a linear partition of the attenuation coefficient between the water and biomass; k 0 (PAR) = 1.97 + 0.0575 X and an exponential relationship between I a (PAR) and X ; I a456 = 277 e −0.0118 X . Finally, net the specific growth rate was found to follow Steele's model for determination, resulting in a μ max = 1.73 d −1 and I opt (PAR) = 391 μmol s −1 m −2 .
Effects of a measurement floor on Mueller matrix measurements in a DRR BSDF system

Since the bidirectional scatter distribution function (BSDF) is proportional to the intensity of the scattered light, a BSDF system with the addition of a dual rotating retarder system can be used to calculate the Mueller matrix of a scatterer. An advantage of a BSDF system is the large dynamic range which allows the measurement of scattered light both near to and far from the specular region. In some cases as measurements move away from the specular and into the scatter region, the measured signal decreases and the system reaches a measurement floor. Therefore, any BSDF and Mueller matrix measurements are dependent on the scatter from the sample and on the noise floor of the system. Since the noise floor of an electro-optical system is near constant, the Mueller matrix measurement of the noise floor will be that of a perfect depolarizer. As the measurement space moves away from the high-signal region, the scattered signal decreases and the floor of the system is approached so the Mueller matrix measurements can shift towards a perfect depolarizer. The rate and location of this shift will be dependent on how Lambertian the sample is and the ratio of signal to noise in the system. Because of this tendency, caution must be taken when drawing conclusions about the Mueller matrix of scattered light, particularly in the scatter measurement region where the measured signal approaches the system floor.
Flowering plant effects on adults of the stink bug parasitoid Aridelus rufotestaceus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Many parasitoids require food resources, such as nectar and pollen, besides hosts in order to optimize their life histories. This requirement has led to an interest in using these food resources in pest management. Here we assess the potential effects of two flowering plants, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella Foug.), a 5% honey solution, and water (control) on the longevity and fecundity of Aridelus rufotestaceus (Tobias), an important parasitoid of stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.). G. pulchella and 5% honey solution significantly increased A. rufotestaceus fecundity compared to water (P = 0.017), with G. pulchella exhibiting the highest fecundity (138 ± 3 eggs), followed by 5% honey solution (134 ± 6 eggs), F. esculentum (123 ± 5 eggs), and water (109 ± 3 eggs). G. pulchella, F. esculentum, and 5% honey solution significantly increased longevity of A. rufotestaceus relative to water (P < 0.0001), with G. pulchella yielding the highest longevity (11 ± 1 d), followed by 5% honey solution (10 ± 1 d), F. esculentum (9 ± 1 d), and water (4 ± 0 d). Body sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose and maltose) of A. rufotestaceus did not vary significantly among treatments after 24 h of parasitoid exposure to the treatments immediately after adult emergence. These results imply that F. esculentum and G. pulchella can benefit A. rufotestaceus for managing N. viridula.
Monosomy for the X chromosome

Dosage compensation serves to equalize X chromosome gene expression in mammalian males and females and involves extensive silencing of the 2nd X chromosome in females. If dosage compensation mechanisms completely suppressed the 2nd X chromosome, then actual physical loss of this “eXtra” chromosome should have few consequences. However, X monosomy has major effects upon normal development, fertility and longevity in humans and some other species. This article reviews observations and arguments attempting to explain the phenotypic effects of X monosomy in humans and other mammals in terms of X chromosome gene dosage.
Solar Photoelectrochemical Cells Based on Photoinduced Hydrogen Atom Abstraction Reactions in Solution

Solar irradiation of a two-component photoelectrochemical cell containing aqueous alcohol (2-propanol, ethanol or methanol) solutions of a “mediator,” such as methyl viologen or diquat, and benzophenone in the photoanode compartment and aqueous acid in the cathode leads to the generation of moderately stable photocurrents in the 400–1500 μA range. Similar results are obtained, but with generally lower currents, when benzophenone-free solutions are irradiated. The reactions in the photoanode compartment all originate with an excited state hydrogen atom abstraction from the alcohol to generate two reducing free radicals; the ketyl radicals formed are rapidly oxidized by the mediator to give an electrochemically active but relatively stable semi-reduced mediator species which is oxidized at the electrode surface. The basic photochemical and subsequent dark reactions are reasonably efficient and well-understood; the overall peak efficiencies of the present cell system are relatively low (1–2%) reflecting the low fraction of the solar spectrum absorbed by the photochemically reactive reagents. The net chemical change occurring is endothermic and the products are in principle readily recyclable. The solutions are photochromic due to transient generation of the semi-reduced mediator. A primary advantage of this system is that the use of a mediator to avert radical combination or other energy-wasting processes provides the system with a directionality analogous to that obtained via band bending in semiconductors.
A Note on the Transaction Backout Problem

The transaction backout problem arises in the area of distributed databases. Suppose failures partition a data-redundant distributed database, and each partition continues to function as if it were the entire database. When the database is reconnected, the transactions executed by different partitions may not be serializable, and hence it may be necessary to back out some of the transactions. The transaction backout problem is to remove the smallest set of transactions that will leave the remaining ones serializable. The general problem is NP-complete, and in this paper we show that the special case of a fixed-size database can be solved in polynomial time by dynamic programming.
Inherited Metabolic Disorders and Stroke Part 1 Fabry Disease and Mitochondrial Myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Strokelike Episodes

Inherited metabolic disorders are single-gene genetic diseases associated with multiorgan damage. Some of these conditions increase the risk of stroke through a variety of mechanisms, and there is evidence that early recognition and initiation of appropriate treatment may improve prognosis. In this 2-part review we provide an update of the genetics, stroke pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of metabolic disorders associated with stroke. In part 1, we concentrate on Fabry disease and mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes. In part 2 we will review homocystinuria, organic acidurias, and urea cycle disorders.
A Door to State-of-the-Art High-Performance Computing

A review of "High-Performance Computing: Paradigm and Infrastructure," Laurence T. Yang and Minyi Guo, eds.
Usefulness of natural regions for lake management: Analysis of variation among lakes in northwestern Wisconsin, USA

A map of summer total phosphorus in lakes was compiled recently for a three-state area of the upper Midwest for purposes of identifying regional patterns of total phosphorus in lakes and attainable lake trophic state. Spatial patterns in total phosphorus from approximately 3000 lakes were studied in conjunction with maps of geographic characteristics that tend to affect phosphorus balance in lakes to identify regions of similarity in phosphorus concentrations in lakes or similarity in the mosaic of values as compared to adjacent areas. While degrees of relative homogeneity are apparent at many scales, the map was designed at a scale that would yield regions with sufficient homogeneity to be useful for lake management throughout the area. In this study, data from 210 lakes in a 1560-mi2 area in northwestern Wisconsin, sampled by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in the spring of 1988 (subsequent to the compilation of the phosphorus map), were examined to: (1) substantiate the existence of the regions depicted on the map in northwest Wisconsin, (2) determine the nature and relative precision of the regional boundaries, (3) determine the relative importance of natural and anthropogenic watershed characteristics, lake types, lake area, and lake depth in explaining within-region differences in lake phosphorus, and (4) demonstrate how the regions might be used by local lake managers.
Value, Structure, and the Range of Possibilities: A Response to Zigon

Shortly after completing the article that Zigon critically engages in this issue of Ethnos, I read an earlier piece of Zigon's in which he first laid out his approach to studying morality anthropol...
Electron affinities and hyperfine structure for U- and U I obtained from relativistic configuration-interaction calculations.

Valence-shell relativistic configuration-interaction calculations predict one ${\mathrm{U}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ bound state, viz., 5${\mathit{f}}^{3}$6d7${\mathit{s}}^{2}$7p J=13/2, with an electron affinity of 0.175 eV. We found no other J's for this configuration to be bound, nor are any 5${\mathit{f}}^{3}$6${\mathit{d}}^{2}$7${\mathit{s}}^{2}$ levels expected to be bound. Attachment of a 5f electron is even more unlikely. The hyperfine structure (hfs) constants for the $^{235}\mathrm{U}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ state, in MHz, are, respectively, A,B=-72.4,2644. Although core polarization effects are absent, the valence hfs results for $^{235}\mathrm{i}$ are in generally good agreement with experiment and represent a modest improvement compared to existing semiempirical values. An LS analysis is provided for the bound state.
Suppression of cytochrome P450IA1 by interleukin-6 in human HepG2 hepatoma cells

Abstract The effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6), the major inducer of the acute-phase reaction, on the expression of cytochrome P450IA1 (CYPIA1) were examined using human HepG2 hepatoma cells. Treatment of cells with IL-6 decreased the level of 3-methylhcholanthrene-induced CYPIA1 protein and its mRNA. Nuclear runoff analysis revealed that the effect of IL-6 was largely transcriptional. IL-6 treatment of HepG2 cells increased mRNA for microsomal heme oxygenase, the rate-limiting enzyme in heme.catabolism, suggesting that the suppressive effect of IL-6 on CYPIA1 mRNA may be due to a loss of heme. Consistent with this hypothesis, simultaneous treatment of cells with Sn-mesoporphyrin, an inhibitor of heme oxygenase, prevented the IL-6-mediated suppression of CYPIA1. These findings suggest that the suppression of P450IA1 mRNA by IL-6 appears to occur, at least in part, from the decline in free heme content as a result of the induction of heme oxygenase. Our results raise the possibility that other physiological as well as environmental stimuli which affect cellular heme concentrations may also modulate the expression of P450s.
Why Computer Architecture Matters

Over the course of a three-part series, the authors will walk through the implementation of a simple but computationally intensive algorithm and show how a series of incremental refinements to the code yields significant performance gains. In this first installment, they concentrate on instruction selection and scheduling.
Intersubband transitions in GaN-based quantum wells: a new materials platform for infrared device applications

Due to their large conduction-band offsets, GaN/AlGaN quantum wells can accommodate intersubband transitions at record short wavelengths throughout the mid-infrared and into the near-infrared spectral regions. As a result, they are currently the subject of extensive research efforts aimed at extending the spectral reach and functionality of intersubband optoelectronic devices. Here we review our recent work in this area, based on GaN/AlGaN quantum-well samples grown by molecular beam epitaxy on sapphire substrates. In particular, we have investigated the intersubband absorption properties of a wide range of structures, including isolated and coupled quantum wells. Furthermore, we have developed a new class of ultrafast all-optical switching devices, based on intersubband cross-absorption saturation in GaN/AlGaN quantum-well waveguides operating at fiber-optic communication wavelengths. Strong self-phase modulation of ultrafast optical pulses has also been measured in these waveguides, revealing a large refractive-index nonlinearity which is related to the same intersubband carrier dynamics. Finally, we have demonstrated optically pumped intersubband light emission from GaN/AlN quantum wells resonantly excited with a pulsed OPO. The measured room-temperature output spectra are peaked near 2 μm, which represents a new record for the shortest intersubband emission wavelength from any quantum-well materials system.
Biochemistry of filamentous fungi. III. Alternative routes for the breakdown of glucose by Fusarium lini.

Abstract Fusarium lini in the absence of oxygen is capable of fermenting glucose probably as represented by the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas scheme; in the presence of oxygen this organism apparently utilizes an oxidative pathway. These assertions are supported by the following observations: Under anaerobic conditions “resting” cells metabolizing glucose release CO 2 most readily from the 3rd and 4th carbon atoms; the ethanol formed from glucose-1-C 14 is methyl-labeled, while that formed from glucose-3, 4-C 14 is unlabeled. Under aerobic conditions both growing and “resting” cells oxidize the first carbon atom of glucose to CO 2 more readily than any of the other atoms.
Balancing the Interests of State and Citizens

I have been asked to address this vital topic from a comparative perspective. I will do so by describing the use and abuse of popular schooling under the Soviet Union and comparing that with the re...
Go with the (micro) flow

The integration of electronics and optics with miniature fluidic systems has produced remarkable capabilities that have spawned a new industry, primarily in the past decade. Devices made by several companies, most of them start-ups, enable point-of-care analyses for clinical samples and on-site field studies, as well as providing instruments for research and development. The companies, the materials and processes they use to make devices, and the markets that are served, are the subjects of this overview of the microfluidics industry. Microfluidic chips are part of the field of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). This is the case since they are made by the micromachining processes developed in the field of MEMS, whether or not they have moving parts. Instruments based on microfluidic chips are likely to become smaller and more widely used in the coming years. The chips themselves are candidates for even greater technical integration.
The geochemistry and mixing of leakage in a semi-confined aquifer at a municipal well field, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Abstract The Memphis aquifer in southwestern Tennessee is confined to a semi-confined unconsolidated sand aquifer and is the primary municipal water source in the Memphis metropolitan area. Past studies have identified regions in the metropolitan area in which the overlying upper Claiborne confining unit lacks significant clay and provides a hydraulic connection between the shallow aquifer and the Memphis aquifer. In this study, major solute chemistry, 3H, and 3H/3He groundwater dating are used to investigate the extent and chemical effects of leakage through the confining unit to the Memphis aquifer in the vicinity of a municipal well field. The 3H/3He dates and geochemical modeling of the chemical data are used to constrain mixing fractions and the timing of modern recharge. Tritium activities of as much as 2.8 TU are observed in shallow production wells, but deeper production wells have 3H activities that approach the detection limit. Trends in water chemistry indicate vertical mixing in the aquifer of shallow Na–SO4–Cl-rich water and deeper Ca–Mg–HCO3-rich water. Water chemistry does not vary consistently with seasonal pumping, but 3H activity generally decreases during low use periods. Stable O and H isotopes show little variation and are not useful groundwater tracers for this study. The 3H-bearing, Na–SO4–Cl-rich water is interpreted to reflect recharge of modern water through the upper Claiborne confining unit. The 3H/3He dates from 5 production wells indicate modern recharge, that infiltrated 15–20 a ago, is present in the shallow production wells. Geologic data and hydrologic boundary conditions suggest that the most likely source for continued leakage is a nearby stream, Nonconnah Creek. Geochemical reaction modeling using the NETPATH computer code suggests that proportions of shallow aquifer water leaking into the Memphis aquifer range from 6 to 32%. The 3H/3He dating and NETPATH modeling results correlate well, suggesting that these complementary analytical tools provide an effective means to evaluate proportions of modern water leaking into semi-confined aquifers. These results also indicate a need to carefully consider connections between surface water and semi-confined groundwater resources in wellhead protection programs.
The Impact of Intergovernmental Incentives on Student Disability Rates

Measured disability rates among school-age children and the associated spending on special education programs have risen steeply over the past thirty years. Currently, about 15 percent of U.S. school children are classified as "disabled." Many observers note that the special education funding programs established by state and federal governments create an incentive for local school districts to drive up disability rates, potentially accounting for some of the rise in measured disability rates. I use the experiences following a major reform of the special education funding system in California to examine this issue. Between 1996 and 1998, the state converted from a system that awarded funds based on the number of students classified as disabled in a district (with funding rates that varied across districts) to one based on total enrollment. This reform induced changes in the total funding awarded to different districts and also reduced the marginal revenue from classifying an additional student as disabled...
Some new partition theorems

Abstract In this paper the following theorem is proved and generalized. The partitions of any positive integer, n , into parts of the forms 6 m +2, 6 m +3, 6 m +4 are equinumerous with those partitions of n into parts ≧2 which neither involve sequences nor allow any part to appear more than twice.
Modeling growth rate dispersion in a batch sucrose crystallizer

Analyse des donnees experimentales sur la vitesse de croissance de cristaux de sucrose pour etudier leur dispersion, au moyen de deux modeles concurrents. Les resultats experimentaux montrent que des experiences soigneusement concues doivent etre effectuees pour que l'on puisse etablir une distinction entre les deux
Cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer: Patterns and outcomes of care in the medicare population

Abstract Objectives To describe the population-based patterns of care among patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Methods A retrospective cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database identified 4664 patients aged 65 years or older with muscle-invasive bladder cancer diagnosed between 1991 and 1999. The use of particular treatment modalities was evaluated according to the clinical and demographic characteristics available in the SEER-Medicare database. Results Considerable variation was found in the treatments delivered to the cohort members. Overall, 39% had undergone cystectomy; 30% of Stage II, 57% of Stage III, and 38% of Stage IV patients underwent this operation within 6 months of diagnosis. The frequency of resection declined with age, such that 55% of patients aged 65 to 69 years and 27% of those aged 80 to 84 years underwent cystectomy. For 36% of Stage II, 18% of Stage III, and 27% of Stage IV patients, no evidence was found of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy within 6 months of diagnosis. Other management strategies included chemotherapy alone (14% Stage II, 6% Stage III, and 12% Stage IV), radiotherapy alone (11% for each stage), or combined modality chemoradiotherapy (10% Stage II, 8% Stage III, and 12% Stage IV). Multivariate analyses suggested that cystectomy conferred a survival advantage. Conclusions A marked heterogeneity exists in the strategies used to treat muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The extent to which this variation can be attributed to the lack of informative clinical trials, the presence of comorbid illness, patient or physician preferences, or access to care warrants further evaluation.
Evaluating the impact of IT investments: use of a multi-period profit-linked productivity measurement model

Measuring the impact of investments in IT is still elusive. The perplexing productivity paradox phenomenon generated huge interest among IT researchers and produced numerous methods for impact measurement. But there is no robust model which can clarify clearly the business productivity and IT investment issues. In general, the measurement models have failed to show clear linkage between IT investment, employee productivity, operational costs and revenues. This paper explores further the productivity paradox, and then describes a multi-period profit-linked productivity measurement model that can demonstrate to managers the link between IT investments, productivity and profitability. For practical utility, the model is implemented in a spreadsheet application so that managers can test various policy options. The paper presents the benefits of this model and discusses possible future extensions.
Immigrant Contributions to American Politics and Immigration Policy

The influence of immigrants on American politics dates back to the colonial era. As discussed in detail in this chapter colonists and Americans in the early stages of the republic expressed doubts about “foreigners.” A typical concern expressed was how those brought up under autocratic systems of governance could adopt to democratic systems of rule. Many early Americans doubted the patriotism of “foreigners.” Doubts about the radicalism of French migrants and fear about the excesses of the 1789 French Revolution led to highly restrictive Alien and Sedition legislation.
siRNA-Mediated β-Catenin Knockdown in Human Hepatoma Cells Results in Decreased Growth and Survival*

beta-Catenin, the chief oncogenic component of the canonical Wnt pathway, is known to be involved in a variety of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the mechanism of beta-catenin activation in HCC is multifactorial, it is indisputably implicated at various stages of hepatocarcinogenesis, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Here we investigate the effect of small interfering RNA-mediated beta-catenin knockdown on the growth and survival of human hepatoma cell lines with (HepG2) and without (Hep3B) beta-catenin mutations. Transfection of HepG2 and Hep3B cells with human beta-catenin (CTNNB1) small interfering RNA resulted in a significant beta-catenin decrease, as confirmed by Western blot analyses and immunofluorescence, also leading to decreased expression of known target genes such as cyclin D1 and glutamine synthetase. The decrease in beta-catenin activity was confirmed by TOPflash reporter luciferase assay. The functional impact of diminished beta-catenin was exhibited as temporal decrease in tumor cell viability by the MTT assay. A concomitant decrease in tumor cell proliferation was also evident with [(3)H]thymidine incorporation and verified with soft agar assays. Thus, beta-catenin is essential for the survival and growth of hepatoma cells independent of mutations in the beta-catenin gene and provide a proof of principle for the significance of the therapeutic inhibition of beta-catenin in HCC.
On the stability of the robot compliant motion control (input output approach)

The work presented here is a practical, nonlinear controller design methodology for robot manipulators. This methodology guarantees: 1) the robot end-point follows an input command vector "closely" when the robot is not constrained by the environment, and 2) the contact force is a function of the same input command vector (used in the unconstrained environment) when the robot is constrained by the environment. The controller is capable of "handling" both constrained and unconstrained maneuverings, and is robust to bounded uncertainties in the robot dgnamics. The controller does not need any hardware or software switch for the transition between unconstrained and constrained maneuvering. Stability of the environment and the manipulator as a whole has been investigated, and a bound for stable manipulation has been derived.
Atypical Squamous Cells

The TBS category of “atypical squamous cells (ASC)” derives from the concept that a significant number of cases show changes that, while abnormal, are morphologically insufficient for a definitive interpretation of either LSIL or HSIL. ASC is the most common abnormality reported on cervical cytology specimens. These equivocal specimens have a higher risk for follow-up findings of SIL than do negative cases and therefore it is important to include the ASC category in the Bethesda reporting system to maintain the sensitivity of the Pap test. In Bethesda 2014, ASC continues to be further subdivided into “Atypical squamous cells – undetermined significance (ASC-US)” and “Atypical squamous cells – a high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cannot be excluded (ASC-H).” ASC-US comprises the predominance of ASC cases, and is broadly defined as those cases showing features suggestive of LSIL. ASC-H represents only a small minority of cases and includes cases suggestive of HSIL. This conceptual scheme is consistent with the dichotomous categorization of the more definitive categories of LSIL and HSIL, and relates to our current understanding of HPV biology and cervical carcinogenesis. This chapter includes numerous examples of each ASC entity and many of the reactive changes from which it should be distinguished.
Decoupling technique and crosstalk analysis for coupled RLC interconnects

With lower wire resistance and faster signal rise times, the on-chip inductance plays an important role in determining the circuit performance and signal integrity characteristics. The self and mutual inductance must be considered in the analysis of crosstalk noise between coupled RLC interconnects. Based on the ABCD parameter matrix, a decoupling technique for two coupled identical RLC interconnects is developed. The inductances (capacitances) of two decoupled interconnects are the effective inductances (capacitances) when both inputs switch in the same and inverse direction, respectively. A model of the peak crosstalk noise is developed based on this decoupling technique, with the peak noise occurring at the time of flight t/sub fmax/ or 3t/sub fmax/. The model exhibits an average error of 6.8% as compared to SPICE. The peak crosstalk noise does not necessarily increase with greater coupling inductance or capacitance. The decoupling technique is further extended to two non-identical coupled interconnects, providing an upper limit on the peak crosstalk noise.
ABSENCE OF ANTISPERM SURFACE ANTIBODIES IN PREPUBERTAL BOYS WITH CRYPTORCHIDISM AND OTHER ANOMALIES OF THE INGUINOSCROTAL REGION BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY

AbstractPurpose: Although the prepubertal immune system cannot recognize postmeiotic germ cell antigens, an overall 21 to 28% incidence of antisperm antibodies directed at these antigens has been reported preoperatively in prepubertal children with cryptorchidism and other inguinoscrotal anomalies. We investigated the prevalence of antisperm antibodies in these prepubertal patients before and after surgery.Materials and Methods: We examined 82 prepubertal boys 0.6 to 13.2 years old, including 33 with unilateral cryptorchidism, 21 with inguinoscrotal anomalies and 28 who were normal. IgG, IgM and IgA antisperm antibodies were determined by the indirect Immunobead* test. Serum testing was repeated 1 and 2 years postoperatively and annually for 2 more years in the normal children. Also sera from 183 infertile men 21 to 47 years old with a history of cryptorchidism and/or inguinal hernia operated on in childhood were similarly studied.Results: Of the adults 70 (39%) tested IgG positive, including 12 (7%) who ...
Context Mediation Demonstration of Counter-Terrorism Intelligence (CTI) Integration

In this report, we demonstrate the applicability and value of the context mediation approach in facilitating the effective and correct use of counter-terrorism intelligence information coming from diverse heterogeneous sources.
Aerodynamic Loading on High-Speed Ground Vehicles

Wings and Bodies," Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 9, No. 10, Oct. 1972, pp.693-702. Margason, R. J. and Lamar, J. E., "Vortex-Lattice Fortran Program for Estimating Subsonic Aerodynamic Characteristics of Complex Planforms," TN D-6142, 1971, NASA. Garner, H. C., Hewitt, B. L., and Labrujere, T. E., ''Comparison of Three Methods for the Evaluation of Subsonic Lifting-Surface Theory," ARC R & M 3597, June 1968, National Physical Lab., Teddington, England. James, R. M., "On the Remarkable Accuracy of the Vortex Lattice Discretization in Thin Wing Theory," DAC 67211, Feb. 1969, McDonnell Douglas Co., Long Beach, Calif.
Concentric Aragonitic Ooids from the Dead Sea

ABSTRACT This note reports on the discovery of modern aragonitic ooids in the Dead Sea. Unlike ooids from other hypersaline environments which have a radial fabric, the ooids of the Dead Sea consist of nuclei on which coatings of aragonite are concentrically oriented. The individual crystals within the laminae are equigranular aragonite with local thin laminae of randomly oriented aragonite needles.
Pinpoint: problem determination in large, dynamic Internet services

Traditional problem determination techniques rely on static dependency models that are difficult to generate accurately in today's large, distributed, and dynamic application environments such as e-commerce systems. We present a dynamic analysis methodology that automates problem determination in these environments by 1) coarse-grained tagging of numerous real client requests as they travel through the system and 2) using data mining techniques to correlate the believed failures and successes of these requests to determine which components are most likely to be at fault. To validate our methodology, we have implemented Pinpoint, a framework for root cause analysis on the J2EE platform that requires no knowledge of the application components. Pinpoint consists of three parts: a communications layer that traces client requests, a failure detector that uses traffic-sniffing and middleware instrumentation, and a data analysis engine. We evaluate Pinpoint by injecting faults into various application components and show that Pinpoint identifies the faulty components with high accuracy and produces few false-positives.
Social Desirability Attitudes, Sex, and Affective and Cognitive Empathy as Predictors of Self-Reported Multicultural Counseling Competence

This study explored the relative contributions of social desirability attitudes, sex, and affective and cognitive empathy to self-reported multicultural counseling competence. Using the Knowledge and Awareness subscales of the Multicultural Counseling Knowledge and Awareness Scale as criterion variables, two 3-step forced entry multiple regression analyses revealed that both sex and affective and cognitive empathy were significant predictors of self-reported multicultural counseling competence. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Pharmacology and distribution of norepinephrine transporters in the human locus coeruleus and raphe nuclei.

The norepinephrine transporter (NET) is a site of action for tricyclic antidepressant drugs and for drugs of abuse such as amphetamine and cocaine. In this study, the binding of [3H]nisoxetine to NETs in the noradrenergic cell group, the locus coeruleus, and the serotonergic cell groups, the dorsal raphe nuclei, was measured autoradiographically in postmortem human brain. [3H]nisoxetine binding was unevenly distributed along the rostral–caudal axis of the locus coeruleus and correlated positively with numbers of neuromelanin-containing (noradrenergic) cells along the axis of the locus coeruleus within individuals. Binding densities of [3H]nisoxetine in dorsal raphe nuclei were similar to that in the locus coeruleus. [3H]nisoxetine binding was unevenly distributed along the entire rostral–caudal extent of the dorsal raphe, with the highest binding occurring in the interfascicular and ventral nuclei. A moderate amount of [3H]nisoxetine binding was also observed in the median raphe nucleus. The specificity of [3H]nisoxetine binding to NETs in monoaminergic nuclei was assessed by measuring the inhibition of its binding by desipramine, imipramine, or citalopram. The order of affinities of these drugs was identical in the locus coeruleus and dorsal and median raphe and was characteristic of binding to NETs (desipramine > imipramine > citalopram). Thus, high levels of NETs and an uneven distribution of NETs occur in the locus coeruleus as well as in the dorsal raphe nuclei of the human.
Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae invasion and persistence in the human respiratory tract.

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen of the human respiratory tract and is a leading cause of respiratory infections in children and adults. NTHI is considered to be an extracellular pathogen, but has consistently been observed within and between human respiratory epithelial cells and macrophages, in vitro and ex vivo. Until recently, few studies have examined the internalization, trafficking, and fate of NTHI in host cells. It is important to clarify this interaction because of a possible correlation between intracellular NTHI and symptomatic infection, and because NTHI infections frequently persist and recur despite antibiotic therapy and the development of bactericidal antibodies, suggesting a possible intracellular state or reservoir for NTHI. How do NTHI enter host cells? Can NTHI survive intracellularly and, if so, for how long? Strides have been made in the identification of host receptors, signaling, endocytosis, and trafficking pathways involved in the entry and persistence of NTHI in the respiratory tract.
Selective enhancement of radiation response of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase transduced 9L gliosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo by antiviral agents.

Purpose: To demonstrate in a wel-characterized tumor model that the radiosensitivity of tumor cells transduced with a herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene (HS-tk) would be selectively enhanced by antiviral agents. Methods and Materials: Rat 9L gliosarcoma cells transduced with a retrovirai vector containing an HS-tk gene, 9L-tk cells were exposed to various doses of irradiation under either in vitro or in vivo conditions. The radiation sensitizing potential of two antiviral drugs, bromovlnyl deoxyuridine (BVdU) and dihydroxymethyl ethyl methyl guanine (acyclovir), was evaluated in vitro. The radiosensitizing ability of BVdU was also evaluated with a BL-tk tumor growing in the rat brain. Tumors growing in the right hemisphere of rat brains were irradiated stereotacticaily with single-dose irradiation. Results: The radiation response of 9L-tk ceils was selectively enhanced by antiviral agents relative to nontransduced cells. In the cell culture, when a 24-h drug exposure (20 pg/ml) preceded radiation, the sensitizer enhancement ratio (SER) for BVdU and acyclovir was 1.4 + 0.1 and 1.3 ? 0.1, respectively. Exposure of cells to 10 pg/ml acyclovir for two 24-h periods both pre- and postirradiation resulted in a SER of 1.6 + 0.1. In vivo, a sign&ant increase in median survival time of rats with 9L-tk tumors was found when BVdU was administered prior to single-dose irradiation relative to the survival time of similar rats receiving radiation alone. Conclusion: An antiviral agent can enhance cell killing by radiation with selective action in cells transduced with the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene. The resuhs suggest that the three-pronged therapy of HS-tk gene transduction, systemically administered antiviral drug, and stereotactically targeted radiation therapy will improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy for the treatment of radioresistant tumors. Radiation sensitizer, Gene therapy, 9L glioma cells, Herpes simplex virus, Thymidine kinase, Antiviral agents.