cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning Parameterized Prescription Policies and Disease Progression Dynamics using Markov Decision Processes

We develop an algorithm for learning physicians' prescription policies and the disease progression dynamics from Electronic Health Record (EHR) data. The prescription protocol used by physicians is viewed as a control policy which is a function of an underlying disease state in a Markov Decision Process (MDP) framework. We assume that the transition probabilities and the policy of the MDP are parameterized using some known features, such that only a small portion of them are informative. Two $l$ 1 -regularized maximum likelihood estimation problems are formulated to learn the transition probabilities and the policy, respectively. A bound is established on the difference between the average reward of the estimated policy under the estimated transition dynamics and the original (unknown) policy under the true transition dynamics. Our result suggests that by using only a relatively small number of training samples, the estimate can achieve a low regret. We validate our theoretical results on a test MDP motivated by a disease treatment identification application.
Can Post-Merger Integration Costs and Synergy Delays Explain Leverage Dynamics of Mergers?

The integration of two merging firms takes time to complete, and synergy gains from a merger can be captured only after the firms go through a costly and often lengthy post-merger integration perio...
Oceanic General Circulation: Wave and Advection Dynamics

This is a discussion of the oceanic general circulation, both wind-driven and buoyancy driven. We start with basic ideas about fluids ‘stiffened’ by planetary rotation and Sverdrup-Rossby dynamics, describe the ‘non-Doppler’ effect that allows one to solve a large class of wind-driven circulations, and ‘arrested wave’ theory that leads to many linear models of water-mass development and circulation. This borders on Rossby hydraulics’ in which advection and wave propagation effects are fully competitive. Modern debate over potential vorticity dynamics and ‘warm’ and ‘cold’ subduction layers into the thermocline are discussed. The production of vertical stratification that is the essence of subduction can occur from warming-induced restratification in spring or from cooling and dynamical restratification (conversion of horizontal-density gradient into vertical-density gradient). Wind-driven circulation involves active potential vorticity advection and stirring, and the ratio of advection to mesoscale-eddy diffusion in the gyres (the Peclet number) is of order 3 to 5, which is not large. In addition to the global overturning modes seen in global circulation models, the deep circulation involves smaller, faster, and more quickly responding branches of circulation which occur with topographic basins and ridges, and with fast boundary-current physics. These may be eddy forced, and shaped by topography. The capacity of basin topography to reverse the Stommel-Arons circulation (by its ‘hypsometry’) is described. Some of the ‘missing physics’ that challenges numerical ocean models is discussed, and some promotion of the value of laboratory experiments given.
From Analysis to Evaluation

We address some questions concerning argument structure motivated by evaluative considerations. First, what is the relation between the warrants licencing moves from the individual reasons of a convergent argument to the warrant licencing the move from all the stated reasons to the conclusion? How are the strengths of the individual reasons related to the strength of the argument as a whole? The convergent argument has one warrant licencing the move from the conjunction of the premises to the conclusion. The weight of the argument is not a function of the weights of the individual reasons but of the backing of the overall warrant. By contrast, should we have multiple arguments for the same conclusion, the strength of support is the maximum of the strengths of these arguments. Second, should an argument present one or more reasons for a conclusion and acknowledge one or more rebutting defeaters leaving them uncountered–typical of pro versus con arguments–the strength of the argument from the positive reasons is determined by the reliability of the warrant from the conjunction of these reasons and the uncountered defeaters. Finally, we conclude by discussing problems with using Pollock’s inference graphs to determine whether we are justified in accepting a conclusion or whether that justification is defeated. Our reflections indicate that although Pollock wanted to be able to read off the defeat status of conclusions from argument diagrams, evaluating whether believing a conclusion is justified goes beyond graphs or diagrams.
Characterizing Anxiety Disorders with Online Social and Interactional Networks

Anxiety disorders are closely associated with an individual’s interactions, manifested in the way an individual expresses themselves and interacts with others in their social environment. However, little is explored empirically about the association of social network structure and the interactions of an individual with aspects of mental health functioning, such as anxiety. In recent years, individuals have begun to appropriate social media to self-disclose about their mental illnesses, seek support, and derive therapeutic benefits. The study examines the online social network and interaction characteristics of Twitter users who self-disclose about their anxiety disorders. We analyze a sample of 200 Twitter users and their over 200,000 posts shared on the platform, who were expert-validated to have self-disclosed about suffering from an anxiety disorder. On their data, a variety of attributes of the users’ online social networks, interactions, and social behaviors using natural language and network analysis approaches were modeled using state-of-the-art network science measures. A number of state-of-the-art supervised learning classification frameworks are built using these attributes, to identify whether an individual’s anxiety disorder status could be automatically inferred. Results show that these social network, behavior, and interaction attributes, when incorporated in a support vector machine classifier, signal an individual’s self-reported anxiety disorder status, in contrast to a demographically and activity matched control group, with 79% accuracy and 84% area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve. The work provides the first insights into the role that the social interactions and social network structure on online platforms play in characterizing an individual’s mental health experience, such as anxiety. We discuss the implications of our work in instrumenting online social platforms in ways that yield positive affordances and outcomes for individuals vulnerable to mental illnesses.
Update on Susceptibility Testing: Genotypic and Phenotypic Methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is now, more than ever, a critical role of the microbiology laboratory. Several factors limit its application for patient care and antimicrobial resistance epidemiology, including time to results, requirements for pure cultures, and high starting concentration of bacteria. This review discusses the global status of AST and new phenotypic and genotypic methods in late-stage development or that are new to market.
M ultidrug resistance reversal activity of total alkaloid from Fritillaria thunbergii on cisplatin-resistant human lung adenocarcinom a A549/DDP cells

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of total alkaloid from Fritillaria thunbergii(TAF) on reversing multidrug resistance(MDR) of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 /DDP cells.METHODS ① In vitro Cytoxicity and proliferation inhibitory rate of TAF(12.5-200 mg·L-1) was assessed by MTT method.TAF 9 mg·L-1 was used in subsequent reversal experiments.Cyclosporine A(Cys A) 1 mg·L-1 and tetrandrine(Tet) 1 mg·L-1 acted as positive control group.The amount of MDR1 mRNA and P-glycoprotein(P-gp) of A549 /DDP cells was measured by real time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting,respectively.② In vivo BALB /c nude mice were used to establish an A549 /DDP tumor model.The mice were randomly divided into vehicle,DDP 5 mg·kg-1,TAF 2 mg·kg-1,DDP 5 mg·kg-1 plus TAF 0.5,1 and 2 mg·kg-1 groups.DDP was ip given every two days and TAF was ig given once a day.Tumor volume was measured every four days and tumor mass was detected after 13 d.RESULTS After incubation with TAF for 72 h,IC50 of TAF to A549 and A549 /DDP cells was 141 ± 5 and(298 ± 22) mg·L-1,respectively,and IC10 of TAF to A549 and A549 /DDP cells was 15.3 ± 1.9 and(9.0 ± 1.2) mg·L-1.IC50 of DDP without or with TAF 9 mg·L-1 on A549 /DDP cells was 14.06 ± 3.72 and(0.79 ± 0.14) mg·L-1,respectively,while there was no significant change in IC50 of A549 cells.TAF reversed DDP resistance of A549 /DDP cells with fold-reversal 17.80,which was higher than that of Cys A(10.16) and Tet(14.05).Compared with A549 /DDP cell vehicle group,MDR1 mRNA and P-gp expression in A549 /DDP cells was decreased by TAF(P 0.01).The tumor inhibitory rate of DDP 5 mg·kg-1 in vivo was 49.9%.The combination of DDP 5 mg·kg-1 and TAF 2 mg·kg-1 increased the tumor inhibition rate to 67.4%.CONCLUSION TAF enhances MDR reversal effect of DDP on A549 /DDP cells in vitro and in vivo,and down-regulates MDR1 mRNA and P-gp expression in A549 / DDP cells.
Can we teach a tired cell new tricks

PD-1+ viral specific CD8 T cells with proliferative capacity are identified in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Use of indocyanine green fluorescence guidance in redo ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease.

Aim Redo ileocolic resection in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with significant technical challenges that may be associated with high complication rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of near-infrared fluorescence angiography with indocyanine green (ICG), often used to evaluate blood supply to the anastomosis in CD patients undergoing repeat ileocolic resection. Method This study was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent redo ileocolic resection using ICG bowel perfusion assessment between 2015 and 2021. Patients were matched and compared on a 1:2 basis with a control group undergoing the same procedure without perfusion assessment. Results Twelve patients underwent redo ileocolic resection with ICG perfusion assessment (ICG group). These were compared with 24 patients who underwent the procedure without ICG (control group). Both groups were similar in demographics and operative characteristics including median operating time (255 vs. 255.5 min, p = 0.39) and conversion rate (22% vs. 36.8%, p = 0.68). Median estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the ICG group [150 (50-400) vs. 100 ml (20-125)]. Successful ICG perfusion assessment was seen in all patients in the ICG group and did not change management in any case. Overall postoperative complication rates were comparable between the groups (58.3% vs. 54.1%, p = 0.72). No anastomotic leaks occurred in the ICG group compared with one (1/24, 4.2%) in the control group (p = 0.99). Conclusion Fluorescence ICG perfusion assessment is feasible and safe in redo ileocolic resection in patients with CD. Larger studies are needed to evaluate whether this technique should be routinely used in these complex surgical interventions.
Companies That Promote a Culture of Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Outperform in the Marketplace.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this research is to test the hypothesis that companies distinguished by their commitment to their workforce's health, safety, and well-being outperform in the marketplace. METHODS To test this, we analyzed the real-world stock market performance of an investment fund of publicly traded companies selected on evidence demonstrating their pursuit of a culture of health, safety, and well-being. RESULTS This fund outperformed the market by 2% per year, with a weighted return on equity of 264% compared with the S&P 500 return of 243% over a 10-year period. CONCLUSIONS Employers, fund managers, and fund investors would be well served by including strategies that assess a company's commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of their workforce when evaluating investments in their enterprise and portfolios.
Logic programming and nonmonotonic reasoning

For several years default logic and logic programming have been developed by disjoint groups of researchers and there have been few interactions between these two fields. Only quite recently, in the late 1980s, it was realized that the way in which logic programming interprets negation leads to nonmonotonic systems. Subsequently, connections between “negation as failure to prove” principle of logic programming and default and autoepistemic logics were established.
Should Government Be Allowed to Recover the Costs of Public Services from Tortfeasors?: Tort Subsidies, the Limits of Cost Spreading, and the Free Public Services Doctrine

The free public services doctrine (also known as the municipal cost recovery rule) states that a government entity may not recover from a tortfeasor the costs of public services occasioned by the tortfeasor's wrongdoing. This article traces the history of the doctrine and argues for its elimination. The article criticizes case law supporting the doctrine and raises objections based on fairness, efficiency, and institutional concerns about the proper limits of judicial policy making. The article discusses the implications of eliminating the doctrine for tobacco litigation, gun litigation, and tort reform.
The Detection and Dynamics of Financial Distress

Using samples of US firms, we examine the efficacy of six risk-proxy variables to forecast 5-year failure: year-end t-values of stock return volatility, firm size, recent profitability, market leverage (LEV), book-to-market equity ratio (BM), and recent stock return. Logistic regression results indicate that firm size is most powerful, while LEV and BM are weakest. We then identify distressed firms and analyze the effect of year t+1 operating and financing cash flows on 5-year failure rates for these firms using a new methodology, failure risk surprise. Results explain why LEV and BM are weak forecasters of 5-year failure rates: Low-LEV and low-BM (high-LEV and high-BM) distressed firms are less (more) likely to have a profit in year t+1, and are also more likely to issue equity (retire debt) in year t+1, interactions which tend to moderate failure risk. We also find that failure risk sensitivity to year t+1 operating result increases with both LEV and BM, while failure risk sensitivity to future macroeconomic conditions is significant only for high-LEV firms. Many results are consistent with the tradeoff theory of capital structure, while other results indicate that managers make financing decisions to take advantage of mispricing.
Littelmann Patterns and Weyl Group Multiple Dirichlet Series of Type D

We formulate a conjecture for the local parts of Weyl group multiple Dirichlet series attached to root systems of type D. Our conjecture is analogous to the description of the local parts of type A series given by Brubaker et al. (Ann. of Math. 166(1):293–316, 2007) in terms of Gelfand–Tsetlin patterns. Our conjecture is given in terms of patterns for irreducible representations of even orthogonal Lie algebras developed by Littelmann (Transform. Groups 3(2):145–179, 1998).
A study of long-distance rates: Diverstiture revisited☆

Abstract Long-term trends in long-distance rates in the USA are examined through graphical representation. The rates are ever decreasing and do not show any apparent long-term effects from either competition or the divestiture of the local Bell companies from AT&T. The forward progress of technological innovation coupled with increases in productivity and market demand seems to be the cause of the rate decreases.
Excision dynamics of Vibrio pathogenicity island-2 from Vibrio cholerae: role of a recombination directionality factor VefA

Background Vibrio Pathogenicity Island-2 (VPI-2) is a 57 kb region present in choleragenic V. cholerae isolates that is required for growth on sialic acid as a sole carbon source. V. cholerae non-O1/O139 pathogenic strains also contain VPI-2, which in addition to sialic acid catabolism genes also encodes a type 3 secretion system in these strains. VPI-2 integrates into chromosome 1 at a tRNA-serine site and encodes an integrase intV2 (VC1758) that belongs to the tyrosine recombinase family. IntV2 is required for VPI-2 excision from chromosome 1, which occurs at very low levels, and formation of a non-replicative circular intermediate.
Independence of circadian entrainment state and responses to melatonin in male Siberian hamsters.

Background Seasonal fluctuations in physiology and behavior depend on the duration of nocturnal melatonin secretion programmed by the circadian system. A melatonin signal of a given duration, however, can elicit different responses depending on whether an animal was previously exposed to longer or shorter photoperiod signals (i.e., its photoperiodic history). This report examined in male Siberian hamsters which of two aspects of photoperiod history – prior melatonin exposure or entrainment state of the circadian system – is critical for generating contingent responses to a common photoperiodic signal.
The clinical utility of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in the neonatal ICU

Purpose of reviewUrinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) has been identified as an early marker of acute kidney injury (AKI) in pediatric and adult populations. The aim of this review is to provide the most recent and relevant knowledge about the use of uNGAL as an early marker of
Glycolate and 2-phosphoglycolate content of tissues measured by ion chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

Abstract Glycolate and 2-phosphoglycolate (PG) are 2-carbon monocarboxylic acids with ill-defined metabolic roles. Their concentrations have not yet been described in tissues apart from body fluids and erythrocytes. We describe the use of ion chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (IC-MS) to quantify levels of glycolate and PG in tissue. Sample preparation and analysis can be performed within an hour. Low concentrations of glycolate (12–48 nmol/g) and PG (4–17 nmol/g) were detected in all tissues. The availability of this IC-MS assay will facilitate investigations of the origin, function, and metabolism of glycolate and PG in tissues.
‘You say rich, I say job creator’: how Fox News framed the Great Recession through the moral discourse of producerism

In this article, I conduct a textual analysis of Fox News’s leading opinion programs during the Great Recession. I deconstruct the rhetorical strategies these programs deployed to advance the network’s free market interpretation of the economic crisis. Key to Fox’s interpretive strategy was a claim to represent ‘the Forgotten man’ of the downturn. However, in my analysis I show how this claim was established less by advocating policies that directly support working-class material interests and more by presenting Fox News pundits as the protectors and advocates of traditional moral-economic principles. Fox News pundits drew these principles from a long-standing strain of the American populist tradition called ‘producerism.’ My analysis illustrates how – in framing the wealthy and the business class as ‘job creators’ – Fox News programs reworked this tradition in order to include corporate managers in the moral community of producers, alongside members of the working class. This strategy was successful, I a...
Applications of an algorithm for the distribution of the number of successes in fourth-order Markovian sequences

This paper deals with applications of an algorithm that may be used to compute the distribution of the number of successes in a sequence of binary trials that displays dependency. The case of independent trials is treated even in elementary texts, and these results are frequently extended in the literature to the case of first-order Markovian dependence. However, results are scarce for Markovian dependence of higher orders. In a previous paper by the author, an algorithm was developed for computing the distribution of the number of successes in binary sequences, under the assumption that the dependence structure is fourth-order Markovian. In the present paper, we show how the algorithm may be used to assist in determining an appropriate model order for a data set, and to compute the distribution of the waiting time to the kth success. We also discuss some issues involved in applying the algorithm, in particular, parameter estimation, bounds on the parameters, and using the algorithm when the dependence is Markovian of lower orders. The algorithm is then applied to two practical problems: the distribution of the number of zero-crossings, and the occurrence of rain in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Locus of control and cardiac response to reaction time, mental arithmetic, and time-estimation tasks.

Stinmary.-In Exp. 1 subjects, classified on the basis of locus of control scores, performed both reaction time and mental arithmetic tasks. In Exp. 2, similarly classified subjects were required to estimate the duration of a signal with feedback following each trial. Berween-groups comparisons in Exp. 1 showed no differences on heart rate or performance measures. This does not support an explanation of differential heart rates during cardiac conditioning ked upon cognitive styles of "rejecting" or "accepting" stimuli. Similar cornparisons in Exp. 2 indicated significant differences for heart rate and proficiency in time estimation. These differences suggest greater task involvement for internally controlled subjects on feedback tasks, with cardiac acceleration a function of that involvement. While a general acceptance of the relationship between brain and behavior exists, attempts to establish correlations between particular cognitive styles and specific biological propensities have often proven discouraging (Malmo, 1975; Nisbett & Te~noshok, 1976). This lack of firmly established relationships is keenly felt among investigators of biofeedback training where conditioning effects are often so small and individual differences so large. It would be desirable to determine the basis of these individual differences along some cognitive dimension with the object of increasing the magnitude of conditioning effects through some independent criterion for selecting subjects. Of great promise was a recent report by Ray (1975) relating ability to increase or decrease heart rate (HR) to personality variables identified by the Locus of Control Scale (Rotter, 1966). The locus of control construct attempts to explain individual differences in the perception of responsibility for rewards and punishments in terms of that individual's reinforcement history. The expectancies based upon past reinforcement contingencies generalize to related events. The locus of control construct is defined as being internal or external depending upon whether the individual perceives events as under his control or not under his control. In the Ray (1974) experiment greater cardiac deceleration was observed for external subjects but superior cardiac acceleration for internal subjects during a cardiac conditioning task. In explaining the unidirectional superiority for subjects classified on the basis of the locus of control scale, Ray suggests that de
Applying Synchrophasor Computations to a Specific Area

Synchrophasor measurements at all the border buses of an area of a power system can be used to effectively decouple the area from the rest of the power system. Calculations combining models and synchrophasor measurements can then be applied using only models of the area and area measurements. We illustrate the decoupling for a line outage detection algorithm.
Modeling the structure of the StART domains of MLN64 and StAR proteins in complex with cholesterol.

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-related lipid transfer (StART) domains are ubiquitously involved in intracellular lipid transport and metabolism and other cell-signaling events. In this work, we use a flexible docking algorithm, comparative modeling, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to generate plausible three-dimensional atomic models of the StART domains of human metastatic lymph node 64 (MLN64) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) proteins in complex with cholesterol. Our results show that cholesterol can adopt a similar conformation in the binding cavity in both cases and that the main contribution to the protein-ligand interaction energy derives from hydrophobic contacts. However, hydrogen-bonding and water-mediated interactions appear to be important in the fine-tuning of the binding affinity and the position of the ligand. To gain insights into the mechanism of binding, we carried out steered MD simulations in which cholesterol was gradually extracted from within the StAR model. These simulations indicate that a transient opening of loop Ω1 may be sufficient for uptake and release, and they also reveal a pathway of intermediate states involving residues known to be crucial for StAR activity. Based on these observations, we suggest specific mutagenesis targets for binding studies of cholesterol and its derivatives that could improve our understanding of the structural determinants for ligand binding by sterol carrier proteins.
Theca-lutein cysts complicating recovery after termination of a triploid pregnancy

The article reports on a case of a patient whose conception was terminated due to confirmed triploidy and bilateral theca-lutein cyst development after her delivery. Clinical examination found that both patients ovaries have slightly enlarged with multifollicular activity similar with polycystic ovarian syndrome. The patient was advised for surgical intervention in the right ovarian cyst which was not predicted during the dating scan.
Minimizing the bias and variance of the gradient estimate in RSM simulation studies

Abstract To minimize the variance of the response estimator in response surface methodology (RSM)-based simulations, most users extend the design points to the limits of the subregion under investigation. Our analysis, however, shows that when common pseudorandom numbers are used, this practice likely increases the variance of the estimated gradient. Under the criterion of the variance of the gradient and the Mahalanobis distance function, we show that smaller subregions reduce both the bias and the variance of the estimated gradient. Furthermore, we discuss how users may take advantage of the magnitude of the induced correlations to draw inferences about the search process and to manipulate the subregion size. Our analysis offers a new direction for future research.
Solid-state Spectroscopic and Structural Investigation of cis-(CH3)2Au(O,O′-acac)

The structure of cis-(CH3)2Au(O,O′-acac) was investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmca with unit cell dimensions a = 6.7831(13) A, b = 15.080(3) A, c = 18.073(3) A and α = β = γ = 90°. The molecule is planar but lacks a C2 axis in the solid-state, with two Au–C bond lengths that differ by 0.078(21) A due to crystal packing effects. The inequivalence of the crystallographic carbon positions is evident in the solid-state 13C CP-MAS NMR spectrum, which was recorded at low temperature due to the thermal sensitivity of the compound during magic-angle spinning. Head-to-tail stacking, which creates short intermolecular paths, was reproduced computationally in a dimer model. Solid-state Spectroscopic and Structural Investigation of cis -(CH 3 ) Au 2 ( O , O ′-acac) Miyako Hisamoto • Swarup Chattopadhyay • Juergen Eckert • Guang Wu • Susannah L. Scott In the solid state, cis-(CH3)2Au(O,O′-acac) has no C2 axis, two different Au–C bond lengths (1.960, 2.038 A; Δd = 0.078(21) A) and a close Au–C…C–Au contact; these features give rise to additional features in the 13C CP-MAS NMR spectrum.
ORGAN AND SPECIES SPECIFICITY OF EPITHELIAL GROWTH

SUMMARY Previous work in this laboratory demonstrated that rat respiratory airway epithelial cells grown from tissue explants undergo concurrent division and differentiation in culture. In the present studies, this model system has been used to optimize conditions for epithelial growth, with the goal of facilitating the culture of epithelium from other organs and species. Fibroblasts appeared to limit the expansion of epithelial outgrowths; their growth was controlled by using delipidated serum, rather than serum, in the culture media, with addition of adrenergic antagonists. In nonsupplemented media, rat tracheal fibroblasts doubled in number in about 3 d. The doubling time was slowed to more than 9 d by the serum substitution in conjunction with the a-antagonist phenoxybenzamine. Rat tracheal epithelial cultures maintained under identical conditions doubled in less than 4 d, so that a growth advantage of threefold was achieved. The combination of conditions also seemed to inhibit growth of fibroblasts from other species. However, even when the problem of fibroblast overgrowth was obviated, the respiratory airway epithelia of the mouse, hamster, and marmoset failed to show self-sustaining growth in culture. The rat epithelium continued to grow for over 6 wk. A number of other organs from the rat, notably esophagus, skin, and salivary gland, showed self-sustaining growth after removal of explants. Although epithelial outgrowths were formed by explants from certain organs of the hamster, only those from the kidney and thyroid continued to grow after removal of the tissue explants. Therefore, growth failure in cultured epithelia, quantitatively defined, is common and frequently unrelated to the problem of fibroblast overgrowth. The rat seems to be the species of choice for studies on the isolated epithelia from most organ sites.
Factors Associated with Arrival Densities of Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) and Baird's Sparrow (A. Bairdii) in the Upper Great Plains

ABSTRACT. Although critical to habitat and population management, the proximate cues that birds use to establish territories are largely unknown. Understanding these cues is important for birds, such as many grassland birds, that exhibit high annual variability in population density and make new habitat-selection decisions annually. Identifying the actual cues used is difficult in the field, but the factors associated with the arrival densities of birds can help uncover variables that are involved in or correlated with cues used for selection. During the summers of 2002–2004, we investigated how weather and local vegetation factors were related to arrival densities of Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) and Baird's Sparrows (A. bairdii) at three locations across North Dakota and Saskatchewan. Spring densities of Grasshopper Sparrows were positively correlated with concurrent May precipitation, whereas densities of Baird's Sparrows were negatively correlated with the previous winter's snowfall. We...
Beliefs of professional and family caregivers about the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disabilities: examining beliefs using a Q‐methodology approach

This investigation described the perceptions of involved adults concerning the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants completed a Q‐sort with a concourse of 36 items. Analysis produced four different belief systems: advocates, supporters, regulators, and humanists. These belief systems describe the respondents' views on sex education, birth control methods, and sexual participation concerning individuals with intellectual disabilities. The representative respondents of the advocates can be described as strong supporters of human rights for the individual with intellectual disabilities. The typical respondent for the supporters can be described as an ardent supporter of sex education for the individual with intellectual disabilities. The regulators were similar to the supporters by showing strong favoritism toward educating individuals with intellectual disabilities concerning sex. However, in contrast the regulators also supported extensive birth control measures. Finally, t...
Foreign trade potential, small enterprise development and job creation in developing countries

Increasing American competitiveness in the international economy requires expanding trade with emerging markets, especially in developing countries of Asia, Latin America and Africa. Historically, as developing countries' economies have grown, the capacity for exporting and importing have both expanded. In the future, the capacity for trade in developing countries will depend increasingly on their ability to create sufficient numbers of jobs to absorb their rapidly growing labor forces.
Perfluorinated compounds in whole fish homogenates from the Ohio, Missouri, and Upper Mississippi Rivers, USA

A method for the analysis of 10 perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in whole fish homogenate is presented and applied to 60 fish samples collected from the Ohio, Missouri, and upper Mississippi Rivers in 2005. Method accuracy ranged between 86 and 125% with limits of quantitation between 0.2 and 10 ng/g wet weight. Intra- and inter-batch precision was generally ±20%. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the predominant compound identified in these samples, contributing over 80% of total PFC composition in the fish from these rivers, with median PFOS concentrations of 24.4, 31.8, and 53.9 ng/g wet wt in the Missouri, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers, respectively. Median PFOS levels were significantly (p = 0.01) elevated in piscivorous fish (88.0 ng/g) when compared with non-piscivorous fish (15.9 ng/g). The 10 samples with PFOS concentrations above 200 ng/g were broadly scattered across all three rivers, providing evidence of the widespread presence of this compound in these US waterways.
Modeling gate emissions: a review—part I

Abstract This is the first paper in a two-part series discussing the modeling techniques used to describe gate emission current. Simple empirical models, useful in the initial design phase of MOS devices, to more complex Monte Carlo methods required in understanding the details of the emission process, are reviewed. In particular, the models reviewed were chosen since they either illustrate different injection mechanisms or are based upon fundamentally different approaches. These models are quite useful for optimizing device structure and design with respect to lifetime and in accessing the natural trade-offs which arise between device performance and reliability. In this paper (Part I) the basic models and injection considerations reviewed are tunneling, Schottky emission, substrate current models, lucky electron and multiphonon models. Also provided is a discussion of various empirical modeling techniques. In part II the main emphasis will be placed on effective temperature techniques, momentum and energy balance equations, Monte Carlo and Auger modeling. The fundamental principles, attributes and limitations of each model are provided.
Erratum to ''Crystal structure and zinc location in the BaZnFe6O11 Y-type hexagonal ferrite'' by Collomb et al. (J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 78(1) (1989) 77-84)

In the paper ‘‘Crystal structure and zinc location in the BaZnFe6O11 Y-type hexagonal ferrite’’ by Collomb et al. [1], the detailed list of atomic positions gives the fractional coordinate location of the Me5 atom at the 18h symmetry site as x: 0.50317, y: –0.50317, and z: 0.19073 in a hexagonal cell. We believe this to be a typographical error, and that the fractional coordinate for the z-position should be approximately z: 0.109. The Y-type hexagonal ferrite has the space group symmetry R-3m. When this symmetry is applied to the positions given in the paper, using CrystalMaker software, the center to center distance between the Me5 atoms and the O5 atoms is only 0.27 A, an unrealistic number. In the paper, the closest-approach distance between Me5 and O5 atoms is listed as 2.048 A. Since the R-3m symmetry of the system is well-documented, the issue must lie with either the oxygen or metal atom fractional coordinate. Since the oxygen positions are consistent with the placement of the other oxygen layers in the unit cell, the misalignment appears to be in the Me5 position. Another paper on Y-type
Renal krypton-85 washout in hemorrhage in sinoaortic-denervated dogs☆

Abstract Two groups of dogs, prepared as (a) sham controls and (b) bilaterally carotidsinusectomized and bilaterally-vagotomized experimental animals, were subjected to hemorrhage to study the reflex control of kidney washout compartments. Krypton-85 disappearance curves after renal artery injections of 85 Kr in saline were obtained and analyzed before bleeding (control), after bleeding to 50 mm Hg blood pressure, and 2.5 hr after hemorrhage. Before hemorrhage, the experimental group exhibited a significantly greater mean blood pressure, component II flow, and total renal blood flow (RBF) than the control group. Although the component I flow rates were not significantly different, the percentage of radioactivity was smaller in the experimental dogs. Immediately after hemorrhage, both groups exhibited a marked tendency toward a single component in place of components I and II. Of primary interest is the fact that both groups of dogs exhibited similar flow components after hemorrhage. Both groups reverted back to three component curves by 2.5 hr after hemorrhage, but the control group had a much greater flow in component I. In addition, the control group took back a significantly larger volume of blood from the hemorrhage bottle. It appears that carotid sinus removal and vagal sectioning resulted in a significant degree of prehemorrhage and renal blood flow redistribution, but not complete redistribution as found in hemorrhagic hypotension. Factors other than the sympathetic nervous system may have been involved.
The Effects of Angiotensin II Infusion on the Mechanical Response and Microstructural Organization of Mouse Aorta

Vascular diseases such as aneurysm and aortic dissection account for almost 16,000 deaths in the United States annually. In both of these diseases vascular inflammation is a common pathogenic factor. Another common pathologic feature of vascular disease includes structural matrix remodeling. It is also increasingly believed that inflammation may play a key role in the formation and progression of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Angiotensin II (AngII), a potent vasopressor, is also a strong inducer of vascular inflammation and aortic remodeling in atherosclerosis-prone mice. Based on this knowledge studies have been conducted using subcutaneous AngII infusion in order to produce aortic remodeling and aneurysm formation, with acute thoracic and abdominal aortic dissections [1].Copyright © 2010 by ASME
In vitro biosynthesis of mouse hair keratins under the direction of follicular RNA.

A hair follicle-enriched fraction from neonatalC57BL/6J mouse skin has been obtained by a newly-developed preparative procedure. RNA isolated from this source directs protein synthesis in a cell-free translation system derived from rabbit reticulocytes. Translation products in the molecular weight range of keratins (45,000–70,000 M r) are encoded by RNA species which sediment at 18S on sucrose density gradients. Proteins of 63K, 59K, 58K, 47K and 46K M r were identified as keratins on the basis of electrophoretic mobilities identical with authentic hair keratins and by immunoprecipitation with keratin antiserum.
Effects of antioxidants on the blood-brain barrier and postischemic hyperemia

The role of free oxygen radicals in blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and postischemic hyperemia was evaluated in the rabbit model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Six groups of rabbits underwent clipping of the anterior cerebral, middle cerebral, and intracranial internal carotid arteries. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured by using radiolabeled microspheres, before, during, and 15 minutes after 1-hour occlusion of these arteries. After 50 minutes of ischemia, Group 1 animals (control) received a placebo. Animals in Groups 2–4 received one of three drugs: catalase at 10 mg/kg, methimazole at 5 mg/kg, or indomethacin at 10 mg/kg. A fifth group received a tungsten-supplemented diet for 14 days before ischemia was induced, and a sixth group was sham operated. Microvascular integrity within the brain was determined by the presence or absence of Evan's Blue (EB)-albumin dye leakage across the BBB and was measured by microspectrofluorometry. In the control group during ischemia, CBF dropped to 14%, 7%, and 11% of preischemic levels in rostral, middle, and caudal sections of the brain, respectively, as characterized by extensive EB-albumin dye leakage through the BBB into the ischemic hemisphere. During early reperfusion, postischemic hyperemia was associated with an increase in CBF of 128%, 123%, and 129% of control in the rostral, middle, and caudal sections of the brain, respectively. In all treated groups and in the group receiving a tungsten-supplemented diet, BBB integrity was protected during reperfusion without inhibition of postischemic hyperemia. This study suggests that early disruption of the BBB to large molecules is mediated by free oxygen radicals, which inhibit rather than cause postischemic hyperemia.
JLAPACK - compiling LAPACK Fortran to Java

The JLAPACK project provides the LAPACK numerical subroutines translated from their subset Fortran 77 source into class files, executable by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and suitable for use by Java programmers. This makes it possible for Java applications or applets, distributed on the World Wide Web (WWW) to use established legacy numerical code that was originally written in Fortran. The translation is accomplished using a special purpose Fortran-to-Java (source-to-source) compiler. The LAPACK API will be considerably simplified to take advantage of Java’s object-oriented design. This report describes the research issues involved in the JLAPACK project, and its current implementation and status.
Old Ideals Crumble: War, Pragmatist Intellectuals, and the Limits of Philosophy

: This essay explores the resources and limits of pragmatism in a world marked by violence, war, and terrorism. After explicating major strengths of pragmatic social philosophy as developed in the work of John Dewey, I consider two important criticisms of this view as formulated by Randolph Bourne in the face of Dewey's support for American entry into World War I. Bourne first charged that pragmatism is a fair-weather philosophy ineffective in deliberations among persons who do not already share its principal values of freedom, individuality, education, community, and democracy. I argue that Bourne is correct, but that this does not mark a theoretical weakness or failure of pragmatism: Pragmatism has a real but limited practical value or sphere of effectiveness; it cannot do certain kinds of work in times of war (which it should oppose) and it cannot do certain kinds of work in the face of a certain kind of pluralism (which it should more fully embrace). Bourne's second charge against pragmatists is that too often they miss opportunities and waste time. Here I claim that Bourne is correct, and that his point directs pragmatists to turn away from efforts to make pragmatism better in theory and instead to engage in efforts to make practice more intelligent—something Bourne characterized as a “new Americanism” of “federated ethnic groups and traditions,” a genuine alternative to military coalition, “war in the service of democracy.” I close by outlining four such projects.
Total Quality Management Implementation and Competitive Advantage: The Role of Structural Control and Exploration

The authors explored the relationship between the degree to which total quality management (TQM) practices were adopted within organizations and the corresponding competitive advantages achieved. T...
Pupping rate optimization in a storm drainage system through the combined use of numerical simulation and linear programming

Abstract A problem consisting of the determination of the optimal discharge hydrograph of a pumping station located at the downstream end of a storm drainage channel subject to time-varying inflow, is described. The goal of the pumping station operational strategy is to always maintain the minimum amount of water stored in the channel by maximizing the instantaneous pumped flow rate. The equations of water motion in the channel and the design and operational constraints are approximated by employing a quasilinear time integration scheme and a staggered spatial discretization. The resulting discrete equations are linear in the unknown values of the flow variables. Accordingly, the computation of the optimal pumped flow rate is formulated as a linear programming problem for each time step. An efficient solution algorithm is developed on the basis of the particular structure of the dynamic and operational constraints associated with the problem of interest. A numerical example that illustrates the application of the proposed procedure is presented.
The Dalai Lamas and State Power1

This article explores the evolving political standing of members of the Dalai Lama incarnation lineage. I survey the history of Tibet since the time of Tsong kha pa, the original inspiration for the dGe lugs School, showing how each Dalai Lama established his own position with an ever evolving set of external circumstances framed by rival schools, patrons, Mongolian khans, Chinese emperors, the nobility, the powerful monasteries, and their own regents. I conclude that there is no single model that captures the nature of the relationship between the Dalai Lamas and state power.
Augustine on the Couch: Psychohistorical (mis)readings of the Confessions

Abstract Are we so certain the autobiography depends on reference, as a photograph depends on its subject or a (realistic) picture on its model? We assume that life produces the autobiography as an act produces its consequences, but can we not suggest with equal justice, that the autobiographical project may itself produce and determine the life, and that whatever the writer does is in fact governed in all its aspects by the resources of his medium? Paul DeMan In the end psychohistory may turn out to be nothing more than a minor intellectual curiosity. Or, as I confess to be my belief, it could develop into a significant body of thought whose evolving ideas will be as compelling as they are difficult to establish. However things turn out, psychohistory will benefit from the disciplined free spirits who, whatever their origin, bring their critical imaginations to bear upon it. Robert Jay Lifton
Virion stability and aphid vector transmissibility of Cucumber mosaic virus mutants

The physical stability of virions of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) mutants was investigated to determine if relative stability correlated with efficiency of aphid transmission. Virion stability was evaluated by a urea disruption assay and by testing the infectivity of virus following purifications. All viruses were infectious when purified using a low salt buffer without organic solvent, whereas two of seven viruses were less stable and inactivated following purification with a high salt buffer and chloroform. These two viruses were both reassortants derived from the spontaneous transmission-defective mutant CMV-M (F1F2M3 and F1F2M3-L129P). F1F2M3 was relatively unstable, being disrupted between 0 and 1 M urea versus the wild-type CMV-Fny (F1F2M3) that was destabilized at 3-4 M urea. Modifications of F1F2M3 at three amino acid positions (129, 162, 168), singly or in combination, increased the relative stability of virions. A second class of transmission-defective CMVs with engineered mutations in the betaH-betaI surface loop of the CMV-Fny capsid protein (CP) exhibited near wild-type levels of stability. Lastly, a single Pro to Leu substitution at CP position 129 of CMV-Fny (F1F2M3-P129L) conferred the induction of necrosis in tobacco plants and reduced aphid transmissibility, but did not markedly alter the physical stability of virions. Thus, only among CMV-M derivatives harboring the CP mutation of Thr to Ala at position 162 were increases in stability correlated with restoration of transmissibility by the aphid Aphis gossypii.