cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relaxin Production and Release after Hysterectomy in the Pig

Relaxin secretion by luteal tissue and into peripheral blood was examined in relation to changes in the fine structure of aging porcine corpora lutea. Sequential bleedings every sixth day reveal a similar increase in serum relaxin concentrations from days 6-114 in hysterectomized and pregnant gifts. The span of the estrous cycle is about 21 days, and the length of pregnancy is about 115 days in pigs. Estrone (E1) and 17 beta-estradiol (17 beta-E2) serum levels increase with placental development; after hysterectomy, they are low from days 12-168. In luteal tissue, peak quantities of relaxin and electron-dense granules occur on day 100 in hysterectomized and pregnant gilts. By day 112, luteal tissue relaxin levels and granule populations decrease by about half, while relaxin secretion into peripheral blood approaches peak concentrations about day 114 in hysterectomized as well as pregnant gilts. Between days 114 and 120, serum relaxin decreases by half even though the corpora lutea persist to day 150 in hysterectomized animals. Thereafter, cytoplasmic granules and blood and luteal tissue levels of relaxin decrease gradually to day 150 in hysterectomized gilts; in contrast, they disappear abruptly after parturition. In hysterectomized gilts, relaxin release coincides with diminished populations of granules in corpora lutea, and the initiation of these events seems to be precisely timed. E1 and 17 beta-E2 secretion is unrelated to relaxin secretion in pregnant and hysterectomized gilts. High peripheral blood levels of E1 and 17 beta-E2, primarily of placental origin, or even the presence of the uterus are not required in the release of relaxin at day 114. By using steroidogenic and protein synthetic capabilities of luteal cells as criteria essential to the evolution of reproduction in this species, the results presented here suggest that 114 days rather than 21 days characterize the reproductive cycle, even in the absence of the uterus. These results indicate that the production and, particularly, the release of relaxin into peripheral blood on about day 114 in hysterectomized gilts as well as pregnant animals may be genetically controlled.
Time-Compressed Components for Air-Intercept Control Skills

The study tested guidelines for the use of microprocessors in training spatial skills for air traffic control. The central issue was the use of time-compressed simulation to aid the development of skill in identifying turn points and rollout headings for aircraft. Two groups of subjects were used. One group trained with a real-time simulation of the task, while the second group trained with a time-compressed version of the task running about 20 times as fast as real-time trials. Both groups were then tested in real-time trials. The results indicate that time compresssion can be a useful technique for increasing the efficiency of training. Language: en
Characterization of PDLCs composed of the single liquid crystal component, K21, in a thiol-ene-based polymer

This paper investigates the effects of cure temperature and composition on the morphology of polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) composed of the liquid crystal, K21 (4-heptyl-4'-cyanobiphenyl), in a thiol-ene based pre-polymer. PDLCs are composites composed of micron-size liquid crystal droplets dispersed in a solid polymer matrix. The PDLCs were fabricated by photo-initiated, polymerization induced phase separation using a differential photo-calorimeter (DPC). The cure temperatures were chosen based on the temperature-composition phase diagrams of the liquid crystal/pre-polymer mixtures. The characterization of the PDLCs included differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) to determine the nematic-to-isotropic transition temperature (TNI) of the liquid crystal and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was used to examine phase separated morphology.
Surgeon specialization and use of sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer.

Importance Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the standard of care for axillary staging in patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer. It is not known whether SLNB rates differ by surgeon expertise. If surgeons with less breast cancer expertise are less likely to offer SLNB to these patients, this practice pattern could lead to unnecessary axillary lymph node dissections and lymphedema. Objective To explore potential measures of surgical expertise (including a novel objective specialization measure: percentage of a surgeon’s operations performed for breast cancer determined from Medicare claims) on the use of SLNB for invasive breast cancer. Design, Setting, and Population A population-based prospective cohort study was conducted in California, Florida, and Illinois. Participants included elderly (65-89 years) women identified from Medicare claims as having had incident invasive breast cancer surgery in 2003. Patient, tumor, treatment, and surgeon characteristics were examined. Main Outcome and Measure Type of axillary surgery performed. Results Of 1703 women who received treatment by 863 surgeons, 56.4% underwent an initial SLNB, 37.2% initial axillary lymph node dissection, and 6.3% no axillary surgery. The median annual surgeon Medicare volume of breast cancer cases was 6.0 (range, 1.5-57.0); the median surgeon percentage of breast cancer cases was 4.5% (range, 0.4%-100.0%). After multivariable adjustment of patient and surgeon factors, women operated on by surgeons with higher volumes and percentages of breast cancer cases had a higher likelihood of undergoing SLNB. Specifically, women were most likely to undergo SLNB if the operation was performed by high-volume surgeons (regardless of percentage) or by lower-volume surgeons with a high percentage of breast cancer cases. In addition, membership in the American Society of Breast Surgeons (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.51-2.60) and Society of Surgical Oncology (1.59; 1.09-2.30) were independent predictors of women undergoing an initial SLNB. Conclusions and Relevance Patients who receive treatment from surgeons with more experience with and focus on breast cancer are significantly more likely to undergo SLNB, highlighting the importance of receiving initial treatment by specialized providers. Factors relating to specialization in a particular area, including our novel surgeon percentage measure, require further investigation as potential indicators of quality of care.
Approximation results for the two-layer constrained-via-minimization problem

The two-layer constrained-via-minimization problem is studied, and sequential and parallel approximation algorithms are described for solving it where the absolute approximation error p is traded off against the running time.
The smarter supply chain of the future

Purpose – The aims of this paper is to show how supply chains can become a lot smarter to deal effectively with risk and meet business objectives.Design/methodology/approach – For this Global Chief Supply Chain Officer Study, IBM group leaders interviewed 400 senior executives from North America, Western Europe, and the Asia Pacific region who are responsible for their organizations' supply‐chain strategies and operations.Findings – Findings in five key areas summarize the state of supply‐chain management today: cost containment; visibility, risk; customer intimacy; and globalization.Practical implications – IBM sees a different kind of supply chain emerging – a smarter supply chain with three core characteristics: Instrumented – supply‐chain data previously created by people will increasingly be generated by sensors, RFID tags, meters, actuators, GPSs, and other devices and systems; Interconnected – smarter supply chains would take advantage of unprecedented levels of interaction that will facilitate col...
Identifying agricultural sites for biomass energy production in Minnesota

Abstract This research examines the potential of producing hybrid poplar on location specific marginal agricultural lands in Minnesota. It is assumed that all poplar production would be used to meet biomass energy requirements for two potential 100 MW power plants located in Alexandria and Granite Falls, Minnesota. The delivered fuelwood costs for each power plant are calculated using a cost minimization model. In addition to traditional production and harvesting costs, the model also incorporates landowners opportunity cost of fuelwood production as well as the actual transportation costs associated with supply from each individual analysis area to each power plant. The inclusion of any analysis area as a potential fuelwood supplier is greatly dependent on the interaction and combination of variables such as the opportunity cost, yield rates, and the distance from the power plants. The results show that approximately 40×10 3 hectares of land capable of producing about 3.2×10 [6] dry Mg of wood would be required to fuel each power plant for a 10 year planning period. The average present value costs of delivered (to the plant gate) fuelwood is about $32 dry Mg −1 for Alexandria and $37 dry Mg −1 for Granite Falls.
Appendiceal Mucinous Cystadenoma is a Neoplastic Complication of IBD : Case-Control Study of Primary Appendiceal Neoplasms

Background: IBD is a risk factor for development of colorectal neoplasia. Although IBD frequently involves the appendix microscopically, it is uncertain whether it also predisposes to appendiceal neoplasia. Methods: We performed a retrospective case-control study of incidental appendiceal neoplasms in colectomy specimens of adults with and without IBD (cases and controls, respectively) based on surgical pathology records spanning 54 months. To minimize referral bias, patients were excluded if they had preoperative clinical evidence or a principal pathologic diagnosis of appendiceal disease. The pathologic diagnoses were confirmed retrospectively. Results: Eleven appendiceal cystadenomas and 6 appendiceal carcinoid tumors were identified among 705 IBD cases (377 ulcerative colitis, 317 Crohn's disease, 11 indeterminate colitis) and 498 non-IBD controls meeting our inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in prevalence of cyst adenomas between the cases and controls (9/705 [1.3%] versus 2/498 [0.4%], respectively, OR 3.2 [95% CI 0.7–14.9]). However, cyst adenomas were 15-fold more prevalent among cases with synchronous colorectal neoplasia compared with controls (4/69 [5.8%] versus 2/498 [0.4%], OR 15.3 [95% CI 2.7–85]) and 8-fold higher compared with cases without synchronous neoplasia (4/69 [5.8%] versus 5/636 [0.8%], OR 7.8 [95% CI 2.0–29.6]). Appendiceal carcinoids were equally prevalent in cases and controls (4/705 [0.6%] versus 2/498 [0.4%], OR 1.4 [95% CI 0.3–7.8]), cases with synchronous neoplasia and controls (1/69 [1.4%] versus 2/498 [0.4%], OR 3.6 [95% CI 0.3–40.8]), and cases with and without synchronous colorectal neoplasia (1/69 [1.4%] versus 3/636 [0.5%], OR 3.1 [95% CI 0.3–30.2]). Conclusions: IBD with synchronous colorectal dysplasia or cancer is a risk factor for development of appendiceal cystadenomas, implicating this tumor as a neoplastic complication of IBD. IBD does not predispose to the development of appendiceal carcinoids. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008)
Comparison of rules for aggregating subjective likelihood ratios

Abstract This study investigated the goodness of one behavioral and five mathematical aggregation rules for combining likelihood ratio estimates given by a group of experts. Behavioral aggregation required only that all four members of the group agree to use a single estimate. All mathematical aggregation rules used the geometric mean of the estimates. However, five methods were used to weight the estimates of each “expert.” The methods used were equal weights, peer-assigned weights, self-assigned weights, group (combined peer and self) assigned weights and an average between self- and group-assigned weights. Statistical differences were found in favor of mathematical consensus for likelihood ratios from size 2 to 15. No differences were found for smaller or larger likelihood ratios, or between the various weighting methods. Equal weighting of experts was the simplest method to use. Estimates were obtained at a rate of 3.25 min per group per estimate.
Behavioral effects of lesions to the caudate nucleus or mediodorsal thalamus in neonatal, juvenile, and adult rats

The prefrontal cortex, caudate nucleus, and mediodorsal thalamus are anatomically and behaviorally related. In the present study, the age-dependent lesion effects of caudate nucleus or mediodorsal thalamus damage were assessed using a spatial delayed alternation task known to be sensitive to prefrontal cortex damage. Bilateral electrolytic lesions were placed in the caudate nucleus or mediodorsal thalamus in rats making up three different age-at-surgery groups: neonatal (8-10 days), juvenile (25-27 days), and adult (150-160 days). All animals were allowed a 110-120-day postoperative recovery interval prior to behavioral testing. The subjects given either caudate nucleus or mediodorsal thalamus lesions as neonates were unimpaired in comparison to the juvenile or adult operates sustaining comparable brain damage. Both caudate nucleus and mediodorsal thalamus lesions produced in both juvenile and adult subjects severely retarded acquisition of the alternation task. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the subcortical components of the prefrontothalamic system mature earlier than do the cortical components.
Approaches To Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Imaging Of Blood Flow

Anatomical and functional aspects of the circulation that affect approaches to imaging blood flow are discussed. Previous approaches to NMR measurement of blood flow and NMR. imaging techniques that show blood flow dependence are reviewed. A new imaging technique that uses alternately selective and nonselective preliwinary inverting pulses is proposed in order to separate blood flow effects from relaxation time effects.
‘Les cytokinès responsables’ in osteosclerosis and myelofibrosis

Myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) is a clonal stem cell disease that is associated with distinct bone marrow histologic changes that include myelofibrosis, osteosclerosis, and angiogenesis. Chagraoui and colleagues have recently demonstrated, using a combination of blood cell
Alternate frequency tripling schemes

A standard third harmonic frequency converter consists of a single doubler crystal and a subsequent mixer crystal. This converter configuration has optimum performance for monochromatic temporally flat pulses. Significant degradation of conversion efficiency occurs when the input pulses have large intensity variations or applied bandwidth. Calculations have shown that dynamic range can be increased and bandwidth sensitivity reduced by adding a second doubler crystal and second mixer crystal, respectively.
Democracy Is in the Streets: From Port Huron to the Siege of Chicago

Preface: The 1960s in the 1990s Introduction: Port Huron and the Lost History of the New Left PART ONE: REDISCOVERING POLITICS 1: Out of Apathy On a Different Track
Performance study of new segmented overlay marks for advanced wafer processing

We explore the implementation of improved overlay mark designs increasing mark fidelity and device correlation for advanced wafer processing. The effect of design rule segmentation on overlay mark performance is studied. Short loop wafers with 193 nm lithography for front-end (poly to STI active) as well as back-end (via to metal) were processed and evaluated. A comparison of 6 different box-in-box (BiB) overlay marks, including non-segmented, multi bar, and design-rule segmented were compared to several types of AIM (Advanced Imaging Metrology) grating targets which were non-segmented and design rule segmented in various ways. The key outcomes of the performance study include the following: the total measurement uncertainty (TMU) was estimated by the RMS of the precision, TIS 3-sigma and overlay mark fidelity (OMF). The TMU calculated in this way show a 40% reduction for the grating marks compared to BiB. The major contributors to this performance improvement were OMF and precision, which were both improved by nearly a factor of 2 on the front-end layer. TIS-3-sigma was observed to improve when design rule segmentation was implemented, while OMF was marginally degraded. Similar results were found for the back end wafers. Several different pitches and segmentation schemes were reviewed and this has allowed the development of a methodology for target design optimization. Resulting improvements in modeled residuals were also achieved.
Stability of thin liquid films containing polydisperse particles

We present experimental results and theoretical calculations for the effect of polydispersity in particle size on the step-wise thinning (i.e. stratification) of thin liquid films and thereby on the film stability. This study is aimed at understanding the basic mechanisms of foam lamella stability in three-phase foam systems containing liquid, gas and colloidal particles without any surfactants or polymers. The film thinning phenomenon was experimentally observed using a reflected light microinterferometric technique. Polydispersity in particle size leads to a weakening of particle layering (i.e. structural barrier) and thereby to a reduction in foaminess. Our experiments using a monodispersed (8% v/v) 8 nm sized hydrophilic silica particles showed that with addition of just 2% v/v of 100 nm particles, the foaminess was reduced drastically. Light scattering experiments were conducted to determine the effects of polydispersity on inter-particle interactions. The second virial coefficient was found to be lower for polydisperse systems thereby corroborating our results on decrease in film stability.
Design of observers for non-linear time-varying systems

Novel stable observers are proposed for discrete, time-varying systems having time-varying, sector-bounded non-linearities. First, the form of the non-linearity is assumed to be known for all time and a stable non-linear filter is presented. Then assuming that the form of the non-linearity is not known but only a sector bound is given, we propose a linear filter and an upper bound on the sector constant to obtain a stable observer. The convergence conditions for the proposed observers are given directly in terms of the design parameters and are, therefore, very easy to check.
Terminal differentiation in vitro of patient-derived post-TMD megakaryoblastic AML cells

Differentiation induction is a therapeutic principle in acute promyelocytic leukemia (AML) using all-trans retinoic acid. In cell lines with properties of AML M6/M7 (K562 and CMK), differentiation towards megakaryopoietic and erythropoietic phenotypes can be induced in vitro. Transitory myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) is a self-limited disorder of newborn infants with Down syndrome, phenotypically resembling acute myeloid leukemia of megakaryoblastic lineage. Despite spontaneous disappearance of blasts from blood and bone marrow, in about 10% of the patients, overt acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AML M7) develops up to 4 years later. Recently, mutations of the GATA1 transcription factor have been identified in the megakaryoblastic leukemia of Down syndrome. Here, we studied cells from a patient suffering from megakaryoblastic AML at the age of 2.5 years after spontaneous remission of neonatal TMD. In vitro, terminal differentiation towards a megakaryocyte-like phenotype could be induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), with typical morphological features, upregulation of platelet-specific and downregulation of erythroid antigens, going along with downregulation of c-myc. Whether spontaneous resolution of TMD is a process due to terminal differentiation is still open; however, here we give evidence that in vitro differentiation can be induced even in blasts deriving from an overt AML French-American-British (FAB) M7 after TMD.
Effect of intrauterine treatment with prostaglandin E2 prior to insemination of mares in the uterine horn or body.

Two trials were conducted to investigate the effects of intrauterine infusion of PGE2 and uterine horn insemination on pregnancy rates in mares achieved by breeding with a suboptimal number of normal spermatozoa. Estrus was synchronized and mares were teased daily with a stallion to detect estrus. Mares in estrus were examined by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography to monitor follicular status. On the first day a 35-mm diameter follicle was present, hCG (1500 IU, iv) was administered and the mares were bred the next day. Mares (Trial 1, n = 34; Trial 2, n = 28) were inseminated with 25 million total spermatozoa from either a stallion with good semen quality (Trial 1) or poor semen quality (Trial 2). In each trial, mares were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups as follows: Group PGE-HI - infusion of 0.25 mg PGE2 into the proximal end of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the dominant follicle 2 h prior to insemination in the proximal end of the same uterine horn; Group PGE-BI - infusion of 0.25 mg PGE2 into the proximal end of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the dominant follicle 2 h prior to insemination in the uterine body; Group SAL-HI - infusion of 1 mL sterile saline into the proximal end of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the dominant follicle 2 h prior to insemination in the proximal end of the same uterine horn; or Group SAL-BI - infusion of 1 mL sterile saline into the proximal end of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the dominant follicle 2 h prior to insemination in the uterine body. After breeding, mares were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography to confirm ovulation, and were re-examined 14 to 16 d after ovulation for pregnancy status. Data were analyzed by Chi-square. Overall pregnancy rates were 59% for stallion 1 and 29% for stallion 2. Group pregnancy rates did not differ for mares bred by either stallion (P > 0.10). Pregnancy rates were not altered by horn insemination for either stallion (P > 0.10). Intrauterine infusion of PGE2 improved pregnancy rate in mares bred by the stallion with good quality semen (P 0.10). Further research is warranted to determine if intrauterine infusion of PGE2 will enhance spermatozoal colonization of the oviduct and pregnancy rates in mares, and if PGE-treatment will improve pregnancy rates achieved by subfertile stallions.
Slow Crack Growth during Static and Dynamic Loading in Silicate Glasses

Analytical solutions for stable crack growth in silicate glasses are provided in this paper for two important cases of loading, namely (i) constant stress and (ii) constant stress rate. The former simulates real life glass components subjected to uniform tensile stress while the latter represents strength measurement test for glass specimens. In both cases it is desirable to envision the onset and progression of slow crack growth over time. In this manner the state of initial crack and associated strength can be monitored as a function of applied stress and stress duration. In addition, the progressive crack history provided by analytical solutions helps estimate both the threshold and residual strengths of glass articles which, in turn, are needed to quantify their long term mechanical reliability.The analytical solutions obtained by integration of the power law model involve two system constants which are readily evaluated by imposing certain conditions on crack length at threshold stress. These solutio...
Exploiting a Natural Auxotrophy for Genetic Selection

We exploited the natural histidine auxotrophy of Francisella species to develop hisD (encodes histidinol dehydrogenase) as a positive selection marker. A shuttle plasmid (pBR103) carrying Escherichia coli hisD and designed for cloning of PCR fragments replicated in both attenuated and highly virulent Francisella strains. During this work, we formulated a simplified defined growth medium for Francisella novicida.
“It's the End of Work as We Know It...But Maybe Not”

Jeremy Rifkin's 1995 book, The End of Work, has recently been reissued, “updated for the 21st century.” Rifkin's prediction of how changing technologies will displace workers and lead to massive gl...
Ultrastructural and biochemical changes in the liver of monocrotaline intoxicated chickens

Abstract Ten weeks after a single, 20-mg oral dose of monocrotaline to chickens, their livers were small and irregular in outline and exhibited disruption of the hepatic lobules. There was also a reduction in liver nitrogen, RNA, and DNA content. Over 75% of the surviving hepatocytes were large clear cells that contained a sparse population of cytoplasmic organelles in an abundant free matrix and appeared to be functionally quiescent. A small population of metabolically active hepatocytes formed an irregular network throughout the liver parenchyma. Hepatic failure in these animals resulted from a decrease in parenchymal cell population and an alteration in functional capacity of a large percentage of the surviving hepatocytes.
Kin recognition and inbreeding avoidance in zebrafish, Danio rerio, is based on phenotype matching

Differentiating kin from nonkin enables organisms of many species to allocate resources or altruistic behaviour towards related conspecifics and to avoid mating with close relatives. Kin recognition mechanisms can vary among species and may reflect the social environment. Learned familiarity with nest or shoalmates may serve as a good indication that individuals are related, as long as the social system is sufficiently stable to avoid intermingling of unrelated individuals with siblings. Phenotype matching allows for recognition of even unfamiliar kin because individuals establish an olfactory, visual or acoustic template for their kin during early development and compare this template to cues from unfamiliar individuals later in life. We tested which kin recognition mechanism is used by zebrafish and we found that the preference for kin changes with sexual maturity. The olfactory preference of laboratory-bred juveniles and reproductively active adults were tested in an odour choice flume. Juveniles of mixed-sex groups spent more time on the side of unfamiliar kin than unfamiliar nonkin, indicating that kin recognition and preference are based on a phenotype matching mechanism. They also preferred familiar kin to unfamiliar kin, showing that familiarity with individuals enhances kin preference. Preference changed with sexual maturity. Adult females preferred the odour of unfamiliar, unrelated males to unfamiliar brothers, indicating inbreeding avoidance. Adult male zebrafish showed no preference for the odour of related or unrelated females. To our knowledge, this is the first study testing different kin recognition mechanisms and switching of kin preference in the same species of fish.
Design considerations for efficient prostate cancer chemoprevention trials

Prostate cancer, even with its substantial public health impact of 180,400 new cases and 31,900 deaths estimated for 2000, still has a very low annual incidence (0.27% for men 34.4 years and older), which makes designing and conducting efficient prostate cancer prevention trials a challenge. Definitive prevention trials with cancer endpoints, such as the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT), Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT), and Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT), require long trial duration (up to 12 years) and large sample size (up to 32,400 subjects) to accomplish their objectives. This article discusses design concepts for potential prostate cancer prevention trials that require fewer years, subjects, and resources to complete. Design elements, such as high-risk populations, randomization, surrogate endpoints, including quality-of-life endpoints, masking/blinding, and various clinical/statistical designs (including 1-way layout, all-versus-none, factorial, and adaptive designs), are discussed, along with the ultimate goal of gaining US Food and Drug Administration approval for prostate-cancer preventive agents that can improve public health by reducing prostate cancer incidence and mortality.
Modular answer set solving

Modularity is essential for modeling large-scale practical applications. We propose modular logic programs as a modular version of answer set programming and study the relationship of our formalism to an earlier concept of lp-modules.
Comparisons of measured sulfate production due to ozone oxidation in clouds with a kinetic rate equation

A comparison is made between sulfate production rates predicted by the kinetic rate expression of Hoffman [1986] and measurements of O3-induced sulfate production in real and simulated clouds. Reasonable agreement is found and the Hoffman rate expression is recommended for interim use in numerical models to predict sulfate production due to O3 oxidation in clouds.
Competitive Dealing Strategy and Deal Value Escalation

This note is an extension of "A Mathematical Model for Price Promotions" Kinberg, Rao and Shakun [Kinberg, Yoram, Ambar G. Rao, Melvin F. Shakun. 1974. A mathematical model for price promotions. Management Sci.20 948-959.]. That paper derived the revenue maximizing deal value for a firm in a monopolistically competitive, price quality partitioned market having two premium brands and consumers whose responses to deals are heterogeneous. This "optimal" deal value was derived under the assumed condition of no competitive dealing. When competitive dealing was considered, both dealing brands were assumed to offer the same "optimal" deal value. By extending the work of KRS to include a number of competitors sufficiently large that at least one is dealing in each period, this paper shows that a reactive dealing strategy based on a single "optimal" deal value produces negative profits and will not produce a stable equilibrium.
After the fall: educational contracting in the USA and the global financial crisis

Key legislative objectives for the US Federal educational policy over the past several decades relied heavily on quasi‐market strategies (such as school rating, school closure, the contracting out of schools) as central levers in ‘reforming’ public schools. Using financial data on 11 national for‐profit firms contracting with schools and districts, I argue that for‐profit firms continue to benefit from significant public revenues made available through policies that seek to align public education with market place values. This trend precedes and continues in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2007. Even as public school districts across the USA struggle to pay for core instructional services (reasonable pupil–teacher ratios), for‐profit firms display increased sales in the absence of any evidence of cost savings or improved student achievement – the main objective of the current Federal education policy. These developments press for closer scrutiny of activities of these firms and a more assertive...
Phage T3 DNA contains an exact copy of the 23 base-pair phage T7 RNA polymerase promoter sequence.

Abstract The RNA polymerase encoded by bacteriophage T7 recognizes and transcribes from a single promoter in the late region of bacteriophage T3 DNA. This promoter is not utilized by T3 RNA polymerase. The DNA nucleotide sequence of this T7 RNA polymerase promoter, which is located at 85.4% on the T3 genome, has been determined; it contains the 23 base-pair sequence 5′ pT-A-A-T-A-C-G-A-C-T-C-A-C-T-A-T-A-G-G-G-A-G-A OH previously found to be conserved among five late promoters on T7 DNA. The RNA initiation site was identified by 5′-terminal RNA sequence analysis of the transcript made in vitro . Restriction endonuclease mapping and additional DNA sequence analysis indicate that this promoter is part of an extensive region in T3 DNA that is nearly identical to the corresponding 87% promoter region in T7. The probable protein synthesis termination codon for gene 16 of both phages has been located at the left-hand end of the promoter sequence. The likely phage gene 17 protein synthesis initiator region has been located within the 5′-terminal 60 nucleotides of the transcript synthesized from this promoter.
Cerebrospinal fluid monoamine markers are decreased in dementia of the Alzheimer type with extrapyramidal features

We measured monoamine metabolites and biopterin in the CSF of 37 patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT), with or without extrapyramidal signs, and in 14 age-matched healthy controls. Compared with concentrations in DAT and controls, the concentrations of homovanillic acid (HVA) and biopterin were significantly decreased in DAT with extrapyramidal signs (EDAT). CSF 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenethyleneglycol and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid did not differ significantly among these groups. Age at onset of dementia was positively correlated with CSF HVA (r = 0.49, p
Atomic data from the Iron Project - XXVI. Photoionization cross sections and oscillator strengths for Fe IV

Photoionization cross sections and dipole transition probabilities for the astrophysically important iron ion Fe IV are presented. The computations were car- ried out in the close coupling approximation using the R-matrix method including 31 LS terms with multiplicity (2S + 1) = 3 and 5 of the target ion Fe V. All quartets and sextet bound states of Fe IV with n 10 and L 8 are considered. The results include 746 LS bound states, dipole oscillator strengths for 34 635 LS transitions, and, for all bound states, detailed photoionization cross sec- tions with extensive resonance structures. These data dif- fer signicantly in many cases from the earlier data cal- culated under the Opacity Project and other theoretical calculations. In particular, the new cross section for the 6 S ground state of Fe IV exhibits a large resonance near the threshold that is not present in previous calculations and is likely to aect the eective photoionization rate signif- icantly. The autoionizing state that corresponds to that resonance as well as the Rydberg series to which it be- longs are identied through supplementary close coupling calculations.
Comparison of cobalt and titanium silicides for SALICIDE process and shallow junction formation

A comparison of TiSi/sub 2/ and CoSi/sub 2/ for the SALICIDE (self-aligned silicide) process is presented. Both TiSi/sub 2/ and CoSi/sub 2/ are formed by RTA in nitrogen. The comparison is based on the formation kinetics, film properties, process compatibilities, and electrical properties. The results are summarized in table form. Co silicide is found to be a better candidate for use in SALICIDE process for submicron devices because it has a less severe lateral gate-S/D encroachment problem, less sensitivity to oxygen, higher resistivity to dry/wet etch, less film stress, better sheet resistance control, less junction leakage, the capability to form low-resistance polycide, and shallow junctions. However, substrate cleaning must ensure no SiO/sub 2/ on Si surfaces that are to be converted to CoSi/sub 2/. >
Quantification and Statistical Modeling—Part I: Breathing-Zone Concentrations of Monomeric and Polymeric 1,6-Hexamethylene Diisocyanate

We conducted a repeated exposure-assessment survey for task-based breathing-zone concentrations (BZCs) of monomeric and polymeric 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) during spray painting on 47 automotive spray painters from North Carolina and Washington State. We report here the use of linear mixed modeling to identify the primary determinants of the measured BZCs. Both one-stage (N = 98 paint tasks) and two-stage (N = 198 paint tasks) filter sampling was used to measure concentrations of HDI, uretidone, biuret, and isocyanurate. The geometric mean (GM) level of isocyanurate (1410 microg m(-3)) was higher than all other analytes (i.e. GM < 7.85 microg m(-3)). The mixed models were unique to each analyte and included factors such as analyte-specific paint concentration, airflow in the paint booth, and sampler type. The effect of sampler type was corroborated by side-by-side one- and two-stage personal air sampling (N = 16 paint tasks). According to paired t-tests, significantly higher concentrations of HDI (P = 0.0363) and isocyanurate (P = 0.0035) were measured using one-stage samplers. Marginal R(2) statistics were calculated for each model; significant fixed effects were able to describe 25, 52, 54, and 20% of the variability in BZCs of HDI, uretidone, biuret, and isocyanurate, respectively. Mixed models developed in this study characterize the processes governing individual polyisocyanate BZCs. In addition, the mixed models identify ways to reduce polyisocyanate BZCs and, hence, protect painters from potential adverse health effects.
Non-isothermal inter-intraphase effectiveness factors for negative order kinetics—CO oxidation over Pt

Abstract Non-isothermal catalytic effectiveness for negative order kinetics is studied numerically for various ratios of Bi m / Bi h equal to and greater than unity. The specific case of carbon monoxide oxidation over supported Pt in a spherical catalyst is investigated for conditions of temperature and concentration of interest in automobile pollution abatement. Due to the phenomenon of increasing reaction rate with decreasing concentration associated with negative order kinetics, it is found that such catalytic systems tend to be self-amplifying with respect to reaction rate rather than self-limiting (as with positive order kinetics) thus rendering them sensitive to temperature increases across the gas boundary layer and within the catalyst itself. In particular, the use of realistic values of the flow parameters suggests that the temperature rise across the gas film is usually large. This, together with the increased thermal sensitivity, leads one to conclude that systems described by negative order kinetics should rarely be treated without regard to thermal influences.
Operational Fault Tolerance of CMAC Networks

The performance sensitivity of Albus' CMAC network was studied for the scenario in which faults are introduced into the adjustable weights after training has been accomplished. It was found that fault sensitivity was reduced with increased generalization when "loss of weight" faults were considered, but sensitivity was increased for "saturated weight" faults.
Comparison of retrospective and prospective assessment of premenstrual symptoms.

The comparability of ratings of premenstrual symptoms obtained by different methods of data collection was studied. Ongoing ratings were compared with retrospective reports. A consecutive series (n = 17) of women attending a premenstrual syndrome (PMS) evaluation and treatment center completed daily diary cards over the course of one menstrual cycle as well as a retrospective evaluation of their premenstrual symptomatology. Comparisons were made between postmenstrual and premenstrual ratings on the diary cards to confirm the presence of premenstrual symptomatology Retrospective ratings of premenstrual symptomatology showed higher mean scores reflecting greater symptomatology than was recorded in daily diary cards. Analysis of predictors of retrospective reports, using multiple regression analysis, with postmenstrual and premenstrual ratings as predictors, indicated significant associations between the retrospective and prospective ratings of premenstrual symptoms. There were no significant assocations bet...
Potential for detection of explosive and biological hazards with electronic terahertz systems

The terahertz (THz) regime (0.1-10 THz) is rich with emerging possibilities in sensing, imaging and communications, with unique applications to screening for weapons, explosives and biohazards, imaging of concealed objects, water content and skin. Here we present initial surveys to evaluate the possibility of sensing plastic explosives and bacterial spores using field-deployable electronic THz techniques based on short-pulse generation and coherent detection using nonlinear transmission lines and diode sampling bridges. We also review the barriers and approaches to achieving greater sensing-at-a-distance (stand-off) capabilities for THz sensing systems. We have made several reflection measurements of metallic and non-metallic targets in our laboratory, and have observed high contrast relative to reflection from skin. In particular, we have taken small quantities of energetic materials such as plastic explosives and a variety of Bacillus spores, and measured them in transmission and in reflection using a broadband pulsed electronic THz reflectometer. The pattern of reflection versus frequency gives rise to signatures that are remarkably specific to the composition of the target, even though the target's morphology and position is varied. Although more work needs to be done to reduce the effects of standing waves through time-gating or attenuators, the possibility of mapping out this contrast for imaging and detection is very attractive.
Effects of β-alanine supplementation and high-intensity interval training on endurance performance and body composition in men; a double-blind trial

Background: Intermittent bouts of high-intensity exercise result in diminished stores of energy substrates, followed by an accumulation of metabolites, promoting chronic physiological adaptations. In addition, β-alanine has been accepted has an effective physiological hydrogen ion (H + ) buffer. Concurrent high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and β-alanine supplementation may result in greater adaptations than HIIT alone. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of combining β-alanine supplementation with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on endurance performance and aerobic metabolism in recreationally active college-aged men. Methods: Forty-six men (Age: 22.2 ± 2.7 yrs; Ht: 178.1 ± 7.4 cm; Wt: 78.7 ± 11.9; VO2peak: 3.3 ± 0.59 l·min-1) were assessed for peak O 2 utilization (VO 2 peak), time to fatigue (VO 2TTE ), ventilatory threshold (VT), and total work done at 110% of pre-training VO2peak (TWD). In a double-blind fashion, all subjects were randomly assigned into one either a placebo (PL – 16.5 g dextrose powder per packet; n = 18) or β-alanine (BA – 1.5 g β-alanine plus 15 g dextrose powder per packet; n = 18) group. All subjects supplemented four times per day (total of 6 g/day) for the first 21-days, followed by two times per day (3 g/day) for the subsequent 21 days, and engaged in a total of six weeks of HIIT training consisting of 5–6 bouts of a 2:1 minute cycling work to rest ratio. Results: Significant improvements in VO 2 peak, VO 2TTE , and TWD after three weeks of training were displayed (p < 0.05). Increases in VO 2 peak, VO 2TTE , TWD and lean body mass were only significant for the BA group after the second three weeks of training.
Self-consistent modeling of resonant interband tunneling in bipolar tunneling field-effect transistors

We present a model for the calculation of the tunneling current in resonant interband tunneling devices based on a transfer-Hamiltonian formalism. The model is fully self-consistent and includes electrons and both light and heavy holes. In particular, we show the viability of the bipolar tunneling field-effect transistor as a three-terminal multiple-NDR device with predicted currents reaching over 1000 A/cm/sup 2/ and theoretical peak-to-valley ratios up to 300. >
Cost-sensitive risk stratification in the diagnosis of heart disease

We investigate machine learning methods for diagnostic screening of heart disease. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, causing more deaths than all types of cancers combined. Early diagnosis of heart disease in women is harder than it is in men and typically requires the administration of several clinical tests on the patient. Most risk stratification methods aggregate the results of such tests, including the risky, invasive procedures that cannot be administered on all patients. In this paper, our goal is to identify patients who are under high-risk of having heart disease and related adverse events, using a minimal number of diagnostic tests, especially less invasive ones. The low frequency of patients with severe heart disease in the dataset is challenging for most conventional machine learning methods. To overcome this problem, we develop and apply a cost-sensitive k nearest neighbor algorithm. Our contributions are two fold: First, we compare the predictive value of several diagnostic procedures for heart disease, including electrocardiography, angiography, radionuclide perfusion and conclude that in womens heart disease, certain combinations of noninvasive techniques are more predictive than some of the widely used invasive procedures. Then, we evaluate held out data and achieve an AUROC over 0.70, signifying valuable clinical utility, using only the least costly and least invasive tests.
Research on strategic groups: progress and prognosis

The progress made in strategic groups research is evaluated by identifying its relevance and importance to the field of strategic management. A classificatory scheme is developed using two dimensions: the operationalization of strategy; and the approach to group development. A review framework incorporating key analytical dimensions is drawn up to (a) develop a taxonomy for classifying the available empirical research on strategic groups; (b) assess the research and identify important summary patterns and (c) develop specific research directions from a stategic management perspective.
Two-Stroke Oscillators

A four-stroke oscillator, whether symmetrical or moderately dissymmetrical, is one in which the linear, conservative elements receive energy from the source two times per period; such are typically a Class A vacuum tube oscillator, a Class C push-pull oscillator, or a clock with anchor escapement. This paper presents a number of nonlinear, second-order differential equations which correspond to two-stroke oscillators in which the source is active or strongly active only once per period; such as a Class C oscillator. It is hoped that this second type will lead to a better understanding of a number of oscillations which it has not been possible to interpret so far by means of the four-stroke model.
Asymptotically accurate 3-D recovery from Reissner-like composite plate finite elements

Abstract An accurate stress/strain recovery procedure for laminated, composite plates that can be implemented in standard finite element programs is developed. The formulation is based on an asymptotic analysis and starts from a three-dimensional, anisotropic elasticity problem that takes all possible deformation into account. After a change of variable, which introduces intrinsic two-dimensional description for the deformation of the reference plane, the variational asymptotic method is then used to rigorously split this three-dimensional problem into two reduced-dimensional problems: a nonlinear, two-dimensional analysis of the reference surface of the deformed plate (an equivalent single-layer plate model), and a linear, one-dimensional analysis of the normal-line element through the thickness. The latter is solved by a one-dimensional finite element method and provides a constitutive law between the generalized, two-dimensional strains and stress resultants for the plate analysis, and a set of recovering relations to approximately express the three-dimensional displacement, strain and stress fields in terms of two-dimensional variables determined from solving the equations of the plate analysis. The strain energy functional that is asymptotically correct through the second-order in the small parameters is then cast into the form of Reissner’s theory. Although it is not in general possible to construct an asymptotically correct Reissner-like composite plate theory, an optimization procedure is used to drive the present theory as close as possible to being asymptotically correct, while maintaining the simplicity and beauty of the Reissner-like formulation. A computer program based on the present procedure, called variational asymptotic plate and shell analysis, has been developed. Its utility is demonstrated by inserting the recovery procedure into the plate element of a general-purpose finite element code. Numerical results obtained for a variety of laminated, composite plates show that three-dimensional field variables recovered from the present theory agree very well with those from exact solutions.